Kingdom of Nalaris - Call to arms

[Ekaterina]

The green cloth of his cloak, the brown of his trousers, and the black bow allowed the ranger the camouflaged freedom to maneuver the forest. Time and time again, he would avoid riders… riders that took the time to trek unseen from points A to B… Standing by a tree, he appeared a bit confused. The best he could figure from his findings, was two groups, each half-a-century each. What did a force, or two, so large want in Nalaris, if not up to no good?

As he stood contemplating... The thunder of hooves resounded in the forest, dirt and leaves tossed and caught by the wind, as the steed galloped toward him, a sword-drawn threat atop the beast. Raven, quickly unleashed the bow from his back and shifted an arrow from the quiva, notching it to the string. With a single action, he draws the bow, canting his head to aim, and releases the shaft with a slow flick of fingers. The arrow cuts the air, spinning slightly as it makes it way to its target.

Then with a thud and a gurgled rumble, the man atop the steed falls backward from his speeding horse, the arrow's shaft stuck firmly in his throat. As the horse passes Raven, he sidesteps from its path, his eyes never leaving his target. Satisfied that the threat was nullified, Raven walked to the man, hoping to find something that would identify the group, or groups. If he made it to the Queen, he would have to have something to prove his accusations of invaders.

“d**n these people… must they think of everything…” as he rummaged the man’s body and found nothing. Again, Raven would drag the man’s body to the edge of the forest, stringing it up on a tree’s limb, and leave it to be found… but by whom, he was uncertain… By the Gods, he would pray that it be the Queen’s men first. Then he made his way back into the forest and onward toward Cygnum.

Hours later... Passing thru a small village not far from his destination, it was the local herald announcing recent events and information passed from the capital that caused him consternation. Word was out that anyone going by the name, RavenHawk, was under an arrest warrant, charges unknown. This made Raven tug on the hood of his cloak, praying not to be recognized by anyone. Thinking… “d**n… time to recede back to the forest…” He was of high interest for his actions. It seems that the things his Father had taught him, were of the old school. There was definitely a new regime… and the old ways had changed…

Back to the edge of the forest, and safety, he sits and scrolls a note onto a piece of paper… He was no coward, but he feared being caged more than death. Shoving the paper on the arrow tip, moving to the cliff’s edge overlooking the village, he notches the arrow, and with a pull on the bow, and a cant of his head, he releases the string…


With a whistle, the paper and arrow fly thru the air. With a ‘thwang’, the arrow embeds itself into the board where the village received Royal Decrees. Raven shakes his head and makes his way back into forest deep.

Upon the paper, posted by the arrow, were the words…

I am nay a murderer… nor a poacher… nor a vigilante…
I am loyal to the Queens and fear for their land…
There upon our land are invaders true, half-a-century in 2 groups…
In the forest I am free, and I have killed only to protect what I can…
RavenHawk

[Ekaterina]

ByDarkOfNight: Meanwhile... back at the batca... er, castle, Melaina deemed it best to retreat indoors for the evening. The chill in the air was proving slightly inhospitable for her liking, making the presence of a fire welcome. Word was left at the gates for when the Norsewoman returned that she was welcomed into the Dark Queen's study to have that discussion on the matter of employment. Melaina left the door open to any and all who passed by, an invitation to those who sought her presence or dared brave her company tonight... [d]

ObscurusAter: Tomas braved her company any night and tonight was no different but there was a foulness to his face and his eyes held an unresolved anger as fingers curled into fists as he took his place just to the side of his Queen.-d

IDarkestXDesireI: Funny how something as simple as instructions can hit the rumor-mill. For it was by idle gossip the Nordic woman learned an open invitation was left for her to join the Dark Queen. It would be due to this that in time the deer pelt covered figure happened to be standing at the study doors. A moments pause to take in her surroundings before attention turned now to rest upon the room to which she now stepped into, icy shards to befall upon the Royal. A pause of movement, to give time for her appearance to be recognized and noted before continuing further; didn't want or need a dagger in the gutt ya know. -d

Wyverns Honor: Elsa simply stood to the side, after the conversation with Sir Drake she made herself the Queen's shadow, well as long as the Queen permitted. Unlike the noble pair, Elsa had been in a fairly good mood as of late. However other then the blank expression she typically wore, no one was really the wiser. <d

ByDarkOfNight: It wasn't so much that Melaina was in a bad mood, per se. But she was resolved on a number of points regarding recent issues, and one of those issues was about to be escalated. Lifting her gaze to rest on the pelt-attired form, she gestured for Ekaterina to come closer in a curious kind of welcome. "Thank you for coming. We were to speak of a hunt... if you were interested." Getting right to the point, blue eyes rested on Ekaterina's face intently. [d]

ObscurusAter: Tomas looked from his Queen to her new shadow and his eyes directed her to take the other side and remain silent. They were but armed statues in these matters unless an opinion was asked for. Tomas watched his Squire a moment then turned his gaze to the Norse woman as she was spoken to. He shifted his stance ever so slightly but kept his eyes upon the other woman with a predatory gaze. He couldn't help it blame the wolf in him.-d

Wyverns Honor: Elsa returned with only a faint nod as she moved as directed. The pale eyes watched the north woman with some interest. She had been privy to the original conversation.. or well parts of it. She was having a "conversation" of her own at the time. She didn't return the study of the Knight, but kept her attention upon the guest. <d

IDarkestXDesireI: Stoic was the mask worn, icy shards of crystalline blue resembled their coloration in that emotionless state. When invited, it was then she entered further to stand within a few feet of the Royal. Her book ends to be studied for a moment, sized up would be more like it, then attention was back upon Melaina. Slight nod of her head. "Ja, that was indeed the conversation previously held....." Tone was soft, almost considered gentle, a stark contrast to the image that stood before them. "...I am indeed interested in the task. I believe it was agreed a more private setting to be where we discussed it further." Hint of a smirk to form upon left side of mouth. "I have no doubt this is the privacy in which it will be spoke of." The accent of her lands tainted enunciations of words. -d

ByDarkOfNight: "Indeed," was the equally calm, quiet response from the dark-haired queen. "And you assured me you have no qualms in hunting a man for the purposes of delivering him to my justice?" Melaina did not waver in tone or determination; the news of the man's Robin Hood-like note delivery only flouted her authority more. She refused to play these foolish games. "Sir Tomas will be able to inform you better as to your quarry, but I will pay your price. A bounty, if you will." [d]

IDarkestXDesireI: "Man is nothing more than a two legged animal. More of a challenge really, because they can reason and fight." Smirk to grow more in response to the mark being a man. "You say to face your justice, so I take it he's to be delivered alive!" -d

ObscurusAter: Tomas looked to his Queen and then towards the hunter. His eyes looked her over and he pulled free a dagger with that d**ned hilt. Stepped forward and presented it to her. "The man who owns this is found in the woods, just south of the mountains. I presume he lives near there and only one or two have seen a man unknown to them prowling about. Brownish straggly hair, shadow of hair to his face but not a beard. From what we know he goes by Dagger Ravenhawk. And I will pay you part of the bounty if you bring him to me alive." Because him being alive was far more important to Tomas than the money he would find and shell out for the service.-d

Wyverns Honor: Elsa didn't smile , though there was a want to when describing man as being an animal upon two legs instead of four. She simply listened and watched the Hunter's expressions while Tomas spoke. <d

IDarkestXDesireI: The dagger would be taken in gloved hands and she'd slowly inspect it, more so the emblem that was embedded upon it. "Does this man own land, and does it rest within the Queens domain?" To be the inquire as the weapon was inspected,then handed back to Thomas, looking between them for a response. -d

ByDarkOfNight: "I want him alive, yes. And once upon a time, the Ravenhawk family held lands within the region of Naltorum. However," Melaina added dryly, "the family was declared a dead House and the lands reverted back to the Crowns with the creation of Nalaris. So he would not find shelter or succor there." [d]

ObscurusAter: Tomas let his Queen answer and taking the dagger back it was slipped into the sword belt so the hilt rest against his back and his eyes studied the woman and then turned to his Squire before they slipped forward again and he listened-d

IDarkestXDesireI: Slowly nods as she takes in the information, own it still or not, it was a place familiar. Plus she had the information of his possibly being in the southern woodlands. "What if he is with an accomplice or sympathetic companion. You wish them captured as well, or simply disposed of?" Inquired in a way that sounded more like discussing the weather. -d

ByDarkOfNight: A dark chuckle escaped her then. "I leave that to your discretion, Ekaterina. If they are useful, bring them along. If they are a detriment, dispose of them. If they're neither... they can be delivered to the local magistrate so you aren't burdened with them. Really, it's your choice." [d]

Wyverns Honor: Elsa caught the glance, however her attention was best served at the moment upon the Hunter. Her hands rested simply at her sides as she had to agree it was a good question. <d

ObscurusAter: Tomas smirked and looked to Melaina holding back his own answer.-d

IDarkestXDesireI: "I guess all that leaves is compensation. It can be done in one of two ways ... the first and my preference, is a small home, nothing elaborate, however I would perfer one with underground rooms or attached to a cavern. Sitting upon a small plot of land that can be farmed. Or .... an open tab at the Black Dove, free room with a bath and meals until the snow melts in the spring." Head tilted slightly to the right as she watched reactions. -d

ObscurusAter: Tomas kept a neutral gaze as it was out of his hands. This is why he stood there and looked pretty with his beautiful flowing hair and his grrr smexy muscles....err rather Tomas stood there being is wonderful self.-d

Wyverns Honor: Elsa quirked a brow for only a moment at the request but the terms of compensation were laid out. The brow smoothed again. <d

ByDarkOfNight: Of course he was, but unfortunately the women in the room weren't quite at the melting stage but he was welcome to continue raising the temperature! Her brows rose at the proposed compensation, a finger tapping thoughtfully at the arm of her chair. None of the knights succeeded thus far, and if Ekaterina could do so, the price was reasonable. "I can see my way clear to either of those." [d]

ObscurusAter: Oh and continue he would, statue of Michael wrapped up in a stonewall expression of grr I be a sexy mofo! He would have even done a sexy flexy but he was being a statue.-d

IDarkestXDesireI: If he wanted to look really sexy, he needed to dress like a Viking Warrior, that was tongue wagging material. ... anyhoo.... The Norse would nod in agreement. "Then the pact has been made." Right hand to reach out, the leather encased appendage being offered in a shake to seal the deal. This would be done on word and a handshake alone, no written contract. "I will leave before the dawn." -d

Wyverns Honor: Elsa's hand slipped up to rest on the handax, just a silent gesture if one will. Otherwise her expression didn't change. <d

ByDarkOfNight: A cool hand reached to meet Ekaterina's for a firm, brief clasp. "If maps are needed, the quartermaster in the guards' barracks can provide them. Otherwise, I will expect to see your results." She nodded to confirm the deal. [d]

ObscurusAter: Tomas looked from his Queen to the woman and he shifted his stance slightly and looked to see if others were wishing an audience with his Queen. Lifting his hand to unfasten the wolf's head broach that kept his cloak about him he eased it off and hung it over the back of a nearby chair slipping the pin into the fabric before retaking his spot-d

IDarkestXDesireI: Icy blues would shift between the two on either side of the Queen, then return to the Queen. "I'll need those maps tonight. Wouldn't wish my departure to be delayed. I will provide all provisions I'll need." That way she knew she'd have what she needed for surviving in the forests this time of year. -d

ByDarkOfNight: "Elsa," she retrieved her hand and glanced over her shoulder at the attentive Squire, "will you go to the quartermaster and request a set of army maps for our huntress, please? The southern mountain quadrant is the one she will need." A glance at Tomas as he removed his cloak, before she thanked the squire with a slight smile. "Thank you." [d]

ObscurusAter: Yes the taking off the cloak let some of the mystery go but the gloves remained and his black leather pants tucked into his black boots with a light black tunic beneath the lightest mail they had and a tunic over that with the Black Swan's crest was revealed.-d

Wyverns Honor: She lifted a brow and dipped her head. " Yes , Your Majesty. "She spoke softly as she stepped back then made her way toward the door. The easy stride put into place as she set off to do as she was told. <d

IDarkestXDesireI: Once the squire departed, attention was back upon the Queen. "Is there anything else I should know about this area I'm about to enter into? Things the maps won't be useful for?" Stance to become somewhat more relaxed, as arms rose to cross over chest. Even a glance to the Queens handiman in case he had something to add. -d

ByDarkOfNight: That question was far better answered by Tomas, so to her Executioner she deferred.

ObscurusAter: Tomas looked to the woman and didn't look to the Queen as he would assume she would defer. He cleared his throat and spoke up. "There are... troops hiding out there, they are not your concern but be on the look out for them. As to the man in particular his family served beneath the old Kings banners as a Knight, he I assume would be taught all the same as his father had. So do not approach him lightly. He has killed two so far, I am sure other bodies will pop up.-d

Wyverns Honor: Elsa spoke with the Quartermaster with the request from the Queen. She stood to the side while the man sought out the maps in question. The pale eyes flickered around but returned to the man once he offered her the required maps. She ducked her head and a soft word of thanks before she set her path back toward the Royal company. <d

ByDarkOfNight: "He flatters himself that he is working in my name, when he is little more than a killer himself," she added grimly. [d]

ObscurusAter: Tomas let out a growl at the man and not the present company he wanted him alive and the details of his execution in his head were well, not good for those present-d

IDarkestXDesireI: "Are these troops yours'?" It would make a difference in how she delt with them. "In case I happen upon any that is." Brow to rise. "Or is this intel you'd also wish upon my return?" Of course she wouldn't return until her task was completed. -d

Wyverns Honor: She stepped back into the room with the map within her hands as she moved to retake her spot beside the queen and offered her the maps to deliver if she wished.. or waited for the gesture to hand them over to the Hunter. <d

ByDarkOfNight: "There are knights and Protectors in the area," Melaina accepted the maps to hand them over to Ekaterina, "but each wears my seal, or my sister's. If a man is out there and wears none, he is fair game." [d]

ObscurusAter: Tomas looked towards melaina and then turned his gaze back to the hunter. "They are not, we have thus been unable to locate them. Do not deviate from your task but should you spot them remember the location and let us know." Tomas added after his Queen. "Do you need a Raven to send messages?"-d

IDarkestXDesireI: Acknowledging nod to the Queen and Knight. Accepting the maps as they were handed to her, and a cursory glance given to them before they'd end up inside the deer pelt cloak, a deep pocket within. Giving hint to the leather armor adorned beneath before it was covered again. "If you have one, it would prove useful as an open line of communications. It's not like I'll have a messenger that will travel to and fro." -d

ObscurusAter: Did he have one. Tomas smirked and looked to Melaina. "Send for me when you are ready to depart. I will send Nevermore with you." His gaze looked her over a moment. "No matter the time send for me I will leave a note with my Knights on where I can be found for the evening.-d

ByDarkOfNight: "Have you any other questions for me?" Melaina's gaze rested easily on her. [d]

IDarkestXDesireI: She'd nod again and look to Tomas. "Presently I have a room at the White Raven. I'll be collecting my possessions and leaving from there." It was then to Melaina attention returned and a slow shake of her head. "None presently. I believe all is arranged and at the ready. Come the first light of day I'll be searching the trail." -d

Wyverns Honor: The squire simply remained standing to the side as the deal was made. The only tell currently that the woman was alive was the occasional blink. She simply observed it all with the stonewall silence. As it was her place to remain so. <d

IDarkestXDesireI: Not another word from the Norse, none were necessary in her opinion. A bow of her head to each, lacking proper courtly decorum, the Norse would turn upon heel and make her way out of the study. She had some drinking to do and maps to study. Silent were her steps as she moved with that pantheric grace of ease. The Raven to be her destination. -d