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Post by Claw on Aug 18, 2006 5:35:57 GMT -5
Claw stood in the main hall of the Emperors palace. He was just waiting for the rest of the Tortallan diplomatic party to arrive. He had his Yamini face on, which was a good thing, as otherwise the frustation and anger would be clearly visible. Slipping his glove off, he checked the webs of darkness. All darker than ever before. Well, it was today that it was gonna happen.
His fingers kept twitching for a sword, or some other weaponry. His soldiers intuition was buzzing at the back of his skull, and he kept getting the feeling of being in a set up. He doubted if anyone else would. It could just be paranioa. In fact, that was what it most likely was.
For Claw was not in a great state. He was incredibly close to a mental breakdown, and all to close to slipping back to his old self. His uncontrollable, impulsive self. Nobody had ever seen him like that, except for when he first kissed Jazz. He hadn't been able to stop himself then.
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Wayne
Noble
Wayne of Malorie's Peak - Knight Commander Meredith of Malorie's Peak - Priestess, Healer, Mage Garrett of Eldorne/Flynn Leilani - Noble, Spy, Rogue, Blacksmith
Posts: 81
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Post by Wayne on Aug 18, 2006 22:17:28 GMT -5
Wayne walked into the main hall, completely restless. The whole country creeped him out, with everyone showing no emotion behind their Yamani masks and everyone being able to read his emotions. It was doubly hard to tell friend from foe, even with his keen sense of caution. He didn't bring any weapons, for fear that they will search him, find them, and ruin the whole delegation. That fact also made him restless.
He glanced around to find Claw standing around waiting for the others. He had his Yamani mask on, but he seemed to be agitated with something. Wayne walked over quickly, wanting to be near a Tortallian as soon as possible.
"Claw, are you all right? You seem awfully agitated with something. Your Yamani mask covers only most of it, but your body reveals different," Wayne said quietly, not wishing to let the Yamanis know that the Tortallans were already nervous. "As for me, I feel so restless. Something feels strange, and the lack of weaponry doesn't help."
"And Claw? Did I miss anything? Everyone was awfully tense yesterday. I took a few days off to myself since we landed; I'll bet something happened. What's wrong?" Wayne asked, concerned. "Sorry if I seem nosy," he added apologetically.
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Post by Jazz on Aug 20, 2006 5:09:17 GMT -5
Jasminai noh Carmine Tower and Karegan was also a member of the Tortallan delegation. She walked down one of the main corridors that led to the hall, her soft boots making hardly any sound. It was generally empty, except for her and the occasional servant scurrying to their duties. She walked with her back straight and with a purposeful stride, her face cleared of expression. She was carefully dressed, wanting to make a good impression. She was not, however, wearing a dress or kimono. They were negotiating, not dancing.
Her clothes, well-made and chosen for the event, spoke of her station. Her long black breeches and white shirt were simple, but of good quality. Over that went a dress tunic - longer and more feminine than a normal tunic - in the royal blue of Tortall, embroidered along the edges with siler thread. A black coat, calf-length, unadorned and left unbuttoned, fluttered around her as she walked along the corridor. Jasmin's hair, to the horror of the lady's maids that she'd had to send away from her rooms, was left loose, with only a few pins to keep it out of her face. Under her arm was a leather bag, holding parchment, quills and a bottle of ink, necessities for the day's work.
Jazz's appearance was, all in all, presentable, unoffensive, confident, calm, businesslike. It was also - a lie.
She walked with a calm, confident demeanor that wasn't hers. She was, truly, a mess. Emotionally, mentally, and even slightly physically. Apart from a slight pink around her eyes, you could never tell that she was exhausted. She'd slept fitfully, unable to clear her mind of yesterday's events. Her ribs ached slightly. Only recently healed, they couldn't quite handle a near-shipwreck and a man twice stronger than her with a sword.
She'd ask Rose for something for the pain, when she arrived. Jasmin was, actually, quite early. She'd planned to be. It would be no good to turn up when... certain people were already there. unfortuantely, this was exactly what was happening. She reached the end of the corridor, and caught a glimpse of none other than Claw, speaking to the Knight Commander, around the corner. She retreated immideatly, flattening herself against the wall of the corridor, out of sight. She needed to get herself under control. Emotional breakdowns were not good for what they were here to do.
She lowered herself against the wall, until she was sitting on the cold stone floor. What was happening? And Claw... was he dangerous? He'd almost killed her yesterday. Was he a danger to the Emperor? Jazz had good eyes, and she hadn't seen any weapons on him. Though, of course, weapons weren't everything.
Jasmin, unlike the two men in the hall, did have weapons on her person. It was her right as a Yamani citizen, although she did not carry them openly out of respect. Several knives and throwing stars were hidden on her person, and a shukusen, acceptable for a young woman, hung from her belt. Under normal circumstances, she wouldn't have carried them, but nothing was going to happen to the Emperor under her watch. And, worst of all, she had the terrible feeling that something was going to. Jasmin had good instincts, and right now they were telling her that something was going to go wrong, although she had no idea what.
Jasminai felt winded, out of breath. Why? Sudden realization, perhaps, that he had to work with Sapphire and Claw. Or, maybe, just the sight of him, of Claw. You still love him, a little voice inside said. Don't be stupid, another one remarked, I hate him. Look at what he's done to me. But... no. It was no good to deny anything. She had to come to terms with what she was dealing with. Yes, she hated him. But she also still loved him. Perhaps that was why everything hurt so much.
She wondered if she could go in there alone. Getting to her feet, she pondered whether of not she should wait for Roseanna to come her way. No - if she lived in cowardice, she could never face anything. Collecting herself, she took a deep breath and walked out into the hall, to face her love, her enemy and above all - her fears.
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Post by Sapphire on Aug 21, 2006 14:45:23 GMT -5
Sapphire of Beliseare walked towards the hall with a growing sense of forboding. She was dreading this meeting, of Claw and Jazz. She still didn't know what she had done. She walked with slow, deliberate steps, so to prolong the enevitable. She winced as she remembered the cold look in Jazz's eyes. That was something she was not able to get over. She glanced around to see if anyone was around. No one yet.
She stopped and gave herself a once over. She looked down at her dark green dress and tugged at a loose curl. The hem of her supposedly tailored dress was coming loose. She sighed. Why was everything falling apart? She bent to fix it and thought about the delegation ahead. She fingered her shukusen and ran over the events that were going to be discussed. Peace talks mainly, a thing or two about trade. Did she have evrything? She checked her notes and sighed. There was nothing left to procratonate over.
She walked slowly closer and closer towards the hall. She saw Jazz and stopped. 'Walk Sapphire, you have a delegation to attend,' the evil, yet reasonable part of her brain instructed. The other part of her brain screamed, 'Run, run now. You don't know what you did, but it was bad. So run!' She frowned and ignored the 'run' area of her mind. She took a deep breath and walked towards Jazz. "Good morning Jasmin," she said biting her lip. They would have to talk to each other sooner or later. She shoved down a wave of nausea and plowed on, "Look, I don't know what I did or how I did it. And I am not acting ignorant to whateverit was. You may hate me right now.You may never ever forgive me no matter how many times I get on my knees and beg for forgiveness for a crime I didn't know I commited. I am sorry, for whatever it is. But you have to be civil to me at least. Not that I expect any less of you." She looked at Jazz and willed her to break into a grin and say that Sapphire was forgiven and that of course she didn't hate her. Sadly, what we will and reality are usually two different things.
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Rose
Noble
Roseanna of Castlemaine - King's Champion, Knight, Mage
Posts: 231
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Post by Rose on Aug 21, 2006 14:55:28 GMT -5
Roseanna of Castlemaine walked down the halls of the Emperor's Palace, quickly but calmly. As Kings Champion, she was also here to represent Tortall. The peace talks were to be re-negotiated, even though with their Yamani Queen the Tortallans were sure to be somewhat safe. Shinkokami was one of the threads that held the alliance between Tortall and the Yamani Islands together.
Rose turned down another hall, only to enter into another longer one. She had a feeling she was getting close though. She just needed to follow all the Yamani nobles who were part of the peace talks, and they were all walking along this particular hallway.
Rose straightened her clothes. She'd spent a little over an hour sifting through her trunk, trying to find the clothes that she'd packed. She finally pulled out the silver-grey breeches and the amethyst tunic that was ebroidered with silver thread. Her personal crest was sewn into the shoulder. Her boots were made of a soft amethyst material, more for show than for comfort. She wore no weapons, having been informed that they would not be permitted. But she wasn't completely alone, for she still had her magic.
Rose finally reached the main hall that led to the Emperors Throne Room. She spotted Claw, who wore a Yamani mask quite well. She checked the cord of magic that connected them and was not exactly shocked when she felt his agitation. The Knight Commander had walked over to him and was speaking quietly to him. Maybe he'd be able to help him somewhat.
Rose glanced around for Jazz. She should've been here by now. She probably was to. She checked the cord of magic that connected her to Jazz and found her not to far away. She followed it and in turn found Jazz.
Poor Jazz. She looked calm, but Rose knew better. Jazz had been through so much since yesterday. After her fight with Claw, Jazz had sought out Rose to tell her. And a fight with her best friend, Sapphire, was not going to help either.
Something was wrong. The peace talks weren't supposed to be happening like this. Warning bells were going off in Rose's mind, warning her that something was going to happen. She didn't know what, but she just had a bad feeling.
"Jasminai, look at me." she commanded softly. Besides knowing how Jazz had been yesterday, she'd probably be feeling the same way today. "Snap out of it. I know that Claw is here and that you and he have just had a fight, but don't let that get to you right now. Put it in the back of your mind."
What was she saying? That was a total un-Rose-like thing to say, but it seemed to be the only thing to say at the moment. Within minutes they would be entering the Throne Room to speak with the Yamani Emperor, and they couldn't afford to have part of their delegation falling apart.
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Post by sirriwolfe on Aug 21, 2006 18:55:30 GMT -5
Sirri walked into the hall, and looked around. Even though she didn't have the Gift, she could feel, or rather sense the tension in the air. She had her normal Yamani face in place, and was a bit worried about how the delegation would do. She didn't know the cause, but she had heard the rumours, and she really hoped that things went well.
She had dressed in her family colours, which were the same both in the Yamani Islansd, and in Tortall, which made things easier. Her tunic was a bit longer than a normal everyday one, and made out of a fine material, it was a dark forest green. The sleeves had brown lines crisscrossing, that went from the shoulder down to the bottom in the sleeve with two strings at the end, which were tied. Her breeches were a nice warm brown. On her belt hung her shukusen, something, that she hadn't worn in her belt for years, but had always carried had it in her luggage when she went somewhere.
She had stopped between where Jazz was standing, and where Claw was. She looked at both of them. She had no clue what to do. She decided that for the moment she couldn't do anything, so she stayed where she was and kept on looking around.
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Post by Claw on Aug 22, 2006 14:25:47 GMT -5
As Claw was about to reply to Wayne, Jazz rounded the corner and he visibly stiffened. He muttered an apology to the Knight Commander, and checked the time. He could visit the emperor now, but he would wait for a few more people to arrive. He ignored Jazz as he looked around the gathering crowd of people, and decided that it was time for him to take his leave and enter the emperors throne room. For the first time he felt the only people he could trust were Wayne and Sapphire, and this left him feeling very strange indeed. He would have trusted Sirri, except he hadn't got to know her very well. Clearing his throat, he announced loudly his intentions.
"I am going to now talk to the Emperor. I will be back shortly."
His voice was clipped, and not his usual tone. But Claw hadn't spoken in his usual tone much. In fact, he hadn't spoken much at all since the incident. Carefully checking his clothes were in order, he inclined his head to Sapphire, Wayne, and Sirri, and walked into the emperors throne room, past the guards who had been set on the door. His first impression was of the size. The room was massive, with the Emperor at the far end. Swallowing, he began to stride his way towards the ruler of the Yamani Islands.
The great man was sitting silently as Claw walked towards him, which caused a note of uneasy to flow through his mind. Something was wrong. The Emperor had not moved, even an inch since Claw had entered. The buzz at the base of his skull grew to a roar as he realised what must have happened. And he ran. Booted feet pounding on the marble floor, he reached the dead man.
And swore. There was a sword lodged through the Emperors chest, but it was a sword Claw recognised. It was his own. He swore again, more loudly, and span to face the room as he heard the echoing of many mens footsteps. The emperors guard. The whole mission had meant to set him up. Someone who knew all the details of the trip, and hated him. For a millisecond, his mind was unsure of who that person must be. And then he realised.
"Damn you. Damn you to hell."
The door opened and the guard flooded in. Already locked in his own mind, Claw left without a fight. He was silent as the guards checked the evidence and draggehim to a cell past the Tortallan diplomatic party. And as he passed them, his eyes locked with Jazz's, a terrible fire burning in his eyes. But he said not a word. And before he knew it he was being thrown into a cell. And now there was a burning desire in his heart. And lets put it this way; it had nothng to do with love.
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Post by Sapphire on Aug 23, 2006 13:21:52 GMT -5
Sapphire stopped in mid sentence as she heard the commotion, "What the......" She looked as the guards dragged Claw from the back of the room. Her mind raced as she saw them pulling him away. His eyes locked with Jazz and the look that passed between them was something she would never forget. What was happening. Something terrible. Something that had been brewing ever since they had stepped foot on the Yamani Islands. The thought sent a shiver down her spine.
She hurried to the other end of the room and gasped. The Emperor, with a sword in his chest. Not just any sword but Claw's sword. She could feel a blind panic, a white hot fear build up inside her. It couldn't be, Claw would never. She walked lathargically towards the area where the Emperor, now surrounded with guards, was situated. This was terrible. The Emperor was her Emperor. She had debated under his counry all of her life. She shook her head. How had this happened. Not Claw. She looked around at the growing commotion. It all looked a little blurred. She looked towards Jasmin and Roseanna and slowly started towards them. She knew that Jazz hated her, and that Rose probably hated her too, but she needed them. She knew they were probably feeling some simalar sort of shock. But they were the rationally ones. She needed Jazz's logical thinking.
"Jazz? Rose? You don't really think...." she trailed off. This was all so strange. And it had happened extremely fast.
((Hi!!!! First of all, so sorry about the TERRIBLE post. I am tired and I have tons of homework, but I didn't want to miss anything. Secondly Jazz says to tell you not to progress much further since she is a major part in said thread and her computer is dead once again. Ok!))
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Rose
Noble
Roseanna of Castlemaine - King's Champion, Knight, Mage
Posts: 231
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Post by Rose on Aug 23, 2006 13:30:33 GMT -5
"I am going to now talk to the Emperor. I will be back shortly."
Claws voice rang out among the Tortallan Diplomats, who were all assembled before the Throne Room. Rose felt the uneasiness in the back of her mind grow. Claws voice was clipped, not as warm and cheery as it had been. Well, since yesterday, Claw had been rather surly. But who could blame him? He and Jazz had just had a huge fight.
Rose watched as Claw strode into the Throne Room, his stride confident. Rose waited, shifting her weight from one side to the other. She was nervous. Something didn't feel right!
"Damn you. d**n you to hell."
Rose's head snapped up. That was Claws voice! And he was swearing, which meant...
Booted feet pounded on the floor and guards ran down the hallway. Rose's eyes flashed. What was going on? She gave some orders.
"Against the wall. Quickly." she said.
She let the guards pass them then walked into the room with them. The room was massive. She saw Fhire come in through the throne room door also. She glanced around for Claw and saw him at the foot of the Emperors Throne being taken away past her and past the rest of the diplomatic party. She turned her attention back to the Emperor. The man had not moved, one inch at all. Rose's eyes widened with horror as she finally saw the sword that was stuck through the mans chest. She paled as she noticed that it was Claws sword. She took a step back. This wasn't good. She turned around and stepped back outside the throne room to report the news to ther rest of the Tortallians.
"Something horrible has happened. The Emperor has been assisnated. I want all of us to return to our rooms and await there for further instructions." she said softly.
"Jazz? Rose? You don't really think...."
"No Fhire, I don't think it was Claw. Sure, Claw has been known to act irrationally at times. But he wouldn't do something as irrational as this. It isn't him." she said, trying her best to console Fhire.
She turned to Sapphire, Jasmin, and Wayne.
"Come on. We have some damage control to work out."
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Post by Jazz on Aug 24, 2006 6:46:25 GMT -5
"Good morning Jasmin. Look, I don't know what I did or how I did it. And I am not acting ignorant to whateverit was. You may hate me right now.You may never ever forgive me no matter how many times I get on my knees and beg for forgiveness for a crime I didn't know I commited. I am sorry, for whatever it is. But you have to be civil to me at least. Not that I expect any less of you."
When Jazz had seen Sapphire approaching, she had readied herself for whatever it was that was coming her way. But... she hadn't expected this. When had anything she'd expected happened, in any case? She heard Fhire out, and the only thing she heard was the thudding of her own heart. It beat loudly as she fought back tears, which she did surprisingly well. She wanted to believe Sapphire, she really did, and oh, how she wanted it to be the truth. But it was magically impossible to borrow another person's magical likeness, so it couldn't have ben anyone else...
She thought it over carefully, before giving a measured answer. It shocked her how level her voice was as she spoke. "Sapphire, I had never intended to be anything but civil towards you. But this is neither the time nor the place to discuss it. If you so wish, I will speak with you again at a more appropriate time. However, we shall need to start soon. If you will excuse me.” She bowed politely, hands on her thighs, and turned from her, walking away. She walked in no particular direction – she just needed to get away, lest she lose her professional demeanor.
"Jasminai, look at me."
Surprised, Jasmin looked up at Rose. She hadn’t even seen her friend there. She smiled slightly, gratefully. She listened to her friend’s words, and nodded slowly. However, she her words were to a different tune – ”That won’t work, Roseanna. I can’t shun it away. I have to think about it. But don’t worry, I won’t let my emotions get the better of me.” She smiled a ironic little smile, more for her own comfort than Rose’s. “I am Yamani, after all.”
"I am going to now talk to the Emperor. I will be back shortly."
Jasminai clenched her fists at Claw’s voice, but relaxed soon enough. There were to enter one at a time, and there was no reason he shouldn’t have gone first. Still, she couldn’t shake the feeling of dread when she looked up just in time to see him disappear into the throne room. Jasmin shook her head, and without a word, made her decision. Jazz was halfway to the door when Claw’s voice rang out, cursing. She paused, stepping aside for the guards. She wouldn’t have, except she had almost no jurisdiction here.
The guards soon reappeared dragging done other than Claw. He walked willingly, which was more than Jazz would’ve expected. But then he looked up, and their eyes locked for a split second that seemed much, much longer. There was something there that brought on a wave of fear. And that, more than anything, caused her to stumble and break the contact. Jasmin had never, ever been scared of anyone. Magic, yes, events, definitely. But not a sole individual… and that, perhaps, scared her more than anything.
And then she was in the throne room, before Roseanna and Sapphire. She didn’t need to approach the Emperor, for her eyes were sharp and unnaturally observant. She was pale, drawn, her face ashen. Such a thing… everything was ruined. But… as much as she should’ve Jasminai didn’t suspect Claw. She should have. He had attacked her yesterday, he had been acting strangely… but, no. She’d seen something in his eyes, and besides, this was much too… neat. Besides, Claw what much smarter than this. He’d have escaped, had it been him.
"Jazz? Rose? You don't really think...."
Jasmin, for the first time that day, met Sapphires eyes. The sounds of people dispersing, whispering amongst themselves at Rose’s announcement were blocked out. For one second, it was just Jazz and Fhire. She spoke softly, waiting for Rose to finish her reply. “I don’t, either,” she said thoughtfully. But she offered nothing else. She had no wish to disclose her thoughts, even to them.
"Come on. We have some damage control to work out."
Jazz was by no means the eldest, or the most experienced. But she was a natural leader, and taking control came naturally to her. However, she didn’t want to head this “damage control”. She was in far too deep, emotionally, personally. "I think,” she said quietly, but firmly. “That we ought to split up. Some to the dungeons, and the others to stay here and asses what’s happened.” Perfectly rational, of course. But Jasmin… she wanted to go down to the cells. She didn’t know why. Perhaps she just wanted her hopes to be confirmed, although she expected disappointment.
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Post by Claw on Aug 24, 2006 9:09:03 GMT -5
Kale grinned as Claw was dragged away. Everything was moving along perfectly. Claw had been framed... and he was incredibly glad he had thought to raid Claws fief. It made the whole effect seem much more promising. And since the Emperor was dead, he moved onto the next stage of his plan. Disappearing into the bowels of the castle, he changed his clothes with those of a guard who he had disposed over earlier. Soon the Tortallians would fall...
***
The cell was dark and dank, and Claw was only just growing aware of this fact. He was no planning his argument for when the hearing came, as he was sure there would be one. Admittedly if he lost he would be charged with the death sentence, but that didn't bother him unduly. What did bother him was Jazz. She'd done everything against him... and mithros did it make him angry.
In the depths of his heart he still loved Jazz, more than anything else. But he could not feel it over the swamping anger which bubbled through his veins. He had turned into his calculating self, judged only by his brain and not his heart. Whilst he sat thinking, the turning of a key in the lock drew him from his thoughts. Looking up, he saw a guard in the doorway.
"I'm to take you to the captain."
Strange... Claw was sure he had heard the voice before. Ignoring that, he nodded, and rose to his feet. Clearly they had sorted out what they were going to do already. He followed the guard up from the dungeons and he indiciated the guards office. As Claw stepped inside all the guards froze for a second. And then they grabbed their weapons.
"He broke out! Get him!"
Furious at this betrayal, Claw span to the guard who had led him here. Here was gone. And with that simple act, Claw changed. At the beginning of the visit he had been a friendly warrior, he joked. After the fight with Jazz he had become cool and calculated, with the odd glimpse of impulse. And now it had all gone. All of his layers were gone, his mind laid open by the net of twisted betrayal and treachery. The one thing the normal Claw feared most was losing control. And now his final defence had gone, he lost control.
He roared, and it sounded more like the dragon which he had trained in the Shang for. As the guards advanced he lept, foot hitting one in the throat, killing him instantly. A blow to the face of another shattered his neck with the sheer force. A jet of flame incinerated the others, leaving none alive. That wasn't to say nobody had him roar. Grabbing a sword from the wall, he smashed his way through the closed door, before blowing a hole in the floor and landing in the Emperors Throne room, where he sword was still thrust into the Emperors chest.
A moment later he was in the entrance hall, facing the rest of the Tortallan diplomatic party. His eyes were wild, and his clothes ragged from stone and wood. His hair was still in its ponytail, but barely. And they were in the way of the exit.
"Get out of the way!"
His voice boomed around the hall, and the shouts of guards as they reached the Captains corpse could just be heard.
"MOVE!"
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Post by Jazz on Aug 24, 2006 9:34:42 GMT -5
A sudden rush of magic up the cord that still connected her to Claw made Jazz give a start. She had wondered about that, the night before. But it was much too strong for her to sever without him noticing, and she (for some strange, unknown reason) didn’t actually want to. But now the rush of power made her gasp in surprise. It wasn’t controlled magic, that was for sure. She glanced at Roseanna, the question in her eyes clear: did you feel that? She was unsure. The Emperor’s assassination hadn’t taken away the feeling that something else was going to go wrong. And she trusted her intuition.
Because of the connection, Jazz was warned a second before everyone else. She wasn’t surprised when they all heard a loud blast, and even less surprised to see Claw standing amongst the rubble when the smoke cleared. Compared to the fright she’d felt yesterday, that was nothing at all. Fear raked down her spine, but she drew her weapons all the same. A dagger in each hand, her eyes not leaving the figure in front of her. She wished for a sword, so that she'd have a chance. But, unfortunately, these daggers were as close as she was going to get.
It wasn’t Claw. That she was sure of. And she wouldn’t attack him, but she had to be able to defend herself, if anything went wrong. Hah! Everything was going wrong. But it could still be worse, oh yes. That was one lesson she’d learned the hard way.
"Get out of the way!"
Jasminai flinched as Claw’s voice echoed off the marble walls, but she didn’t move. She could hear the guards yelling, and hesitation was apparent on her face. Hesitation, and fear. Goddess, she was scared. She knew, somehow, that he hadn’t killed the Emperor. But he was dangerous, of that she was sure. He wasn’t Claw, not anymore. She stood her ground, not moving as he shouted again. Gods, she’d been lucky yesterday. He’d have killed her, as sure as he would now. But she wouldn’t move. The people of her country didn’t have a ruler, and she wasn’t going to step aside and let… this loose on them. Not without trying.
She wanted to bring him back. But she didn't know how. She fought back tears. Never there when you needed them, always ready to cloud your vision when you needed it. She doubted he still loved her, and there was no bond. She knew how she'd done it in the past. But now, there was nothing. Nothing.
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Rose
Noble
Roseanna of Castlemaine - King's Champion, Knight, Mage
Posts: 231
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Post by Rose on Aug 24, 2006 12:02:40 GMT -5
”That won’t work, Roseanna. I can’t shun it away. I have to think about it. But don’t worry, I won’t let my emotions get the better of me. I am Yamani, after all.”
Rose smiled at her friend. At least she was smiling again.
"I think that we ought to split up. Some to the dungeons, and the others to stay here and asses what’s happened.”
"Alright, I think thats logical. Sapphire, Wayne. Will you two stay here to talk to the guards and such? I'll go with Jazz down to the dungeons." she said. Something told her that Jazz wanted to be down there more than anything else at the moment. Why she didn't know, but there was a reason behind everything.
Suddenly a rush of magic rolled up the cord that had connected Rose with Claw since he'd been a squire. Rose took a step back. The magic made her feel sick. It was tainted with betrayal and trechery. Rose shuddered.
"I don't think we'll need to go down to the dungeons-" she started to say, but was cut off by the loud boom of the wall blowing out. From the depths of the rubble they say Claw walk out, his eyes wild.
"Get out of the way! MOVE!"
Rose's eyes flashed as Claw yelled at the Tortallians to move. She knew he hadn't killed the Emperor, there were to many things that pointed in the different direction. She placed herself solidly in front of his escape path. Stupid, sure. How many times had Claw hurt her when he was having one of his moments?
Quite a few actually. a little voice answered in the back of her mind.
"Claw of Meron, you knock this off right now. Snap out of it!" she said firmly. She was not about to let this mission come crashing down on their heads.
She glanced over at Jazz, who seemed on the verge of tears.
Jazz. Say something!! Anything! she implored.
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Kirra
Noble
Kirra Okunote - Queen's Rider Nadia Konnors - Rogue, Spy
Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today.
Posts: 116
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Post by Kirra on Aug 25, 2006 1:54:31 GMT -5
Kirra hurried through the halls of the Emperor's Palace. She was late. Quite late in fact. It was never good to be tardy, but it was in her favor that she was not one of the first to see him. Nevertheless, she was very nervous, a fact that she struggled to hide in an ill-practiced Yamani mask.
Kirra had last been here ten years ago, a full decade, before, well… Kirra was not only struggling with the Yamani mask, she was struggling with the memories. Even though this was a totally different part of the Isles, it still looked fairly similar, and certain images would bring back painful memories. Two girls playing in the street, a mother watching her children from the doorway. Yet she knew she had to come back to these memories sometime, and now would be as good a time as ever. Still, though, that did not block the pain, or the memories of Namoi, who Kirra now thought dead.
Losing her way once again in the palace, Kirra had an odd sense of direction and often got lost, she cursed inwardly and backed up. Finally finding the hall where she was supposed to be, Kirra looked at the faces waiting there. It suddenly struck her that she was the only commoner here. Kirra gulped. That only made her more nervous. However, she did know several of the other diplomats quite well, and she was supposed to be here, but still.
Kirra looked down at what she was wearing. Just her riders uniform, clean with no wrinkles. It was the best thing she had here, and so it would have to do.
Striding nervously down the hall, she suddenly heard a commotion in the throne room, just before she saw Claw being dragged out by guards. She gulped before looking around at the others, but she remained silent, before looking into the throne room. The Emperor, who she had never even seen before, looked to be dead. Kirra closed her eyes briefly and leaned against the door frame. This was not good at all. And that would be a major understatement.
While she heard the others commotion Kirra felt detached. Detached from all that had happened. The memories, this assassination, the troubles on the boat. Still though, she gulped once more before looking to the knights and Sapphire.
"Come on. We have some damage control to work out."
Kirra felt herself nod slightly before she heard Jazz speak, “ I think that we ought to split up. Some to the dungeons, and the others to stay here and asses what’s happened.”
Kirra stopped listening to the others as she heard a commotion coming closer. Again, not good. However, she was slightly surprised, despite herself, when she saw Claw burst through the doorway. In his state, Kirra could see he was dangerous. She had never seen anyone like this before.
"Get out of the way!"
Despite shrinking back slightly, Kirra didn't move. Her calm brown eyes danced as she viewed him.
((Arrgghhh... not great. Tired and posting this at one am local time...))
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Post by Claw on Aug 25, 2006 3:55:34 GMT -5
"Claw of Meron, you knock this off right now. Snap out of it!"
Claw laughed. It sounded like a normal laugh, and for a moment, you could pretend it was him, happy and laughing at a joke. And then he spoke. And all pretense of Claw disappeared. His voice was cold, and his eyes shone with blue fire. And his eyes had never been blue before.
"In that case, I will have to make you move."
He sheathed his sword and walked forwards, eyes locked on the group ahead. Using threads of magic he created a pair of crystal gauntlets which wrapped around his hands. It was incredibly touch crystal, and harder than metals. And through one of the gauntlets Claws left hand was visible. It was covered in a network of thick black lines, which pulsated slightly beneath the surface.
As he drew nearer his magical aura grew more powerful and brighter, illuminating him from behind like an angel. Except unlike an angel, he was intent of fighting his way out. As he walked, his eyes fell on each person ahead of him. The rested a moment longer on Jazz, and his expression almost seemed to soften. But then it was gone.
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