Author Topic: The Tales of Nemean JeVondair Renodin  (Read 50580 times)

Renodin

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Re: The Tales of Nemean JeVondair Renodin
« Reply #45: June 14, 2019, 07:40:39 PM »


-PHOENIX COURT 3-


Roleplay from Ryndhal Nabarl


...and then, in the entrance lobby of the temple, two of the nobles decide that is the honourably place to hold a duel to the death. Ryndhal shakes his head sadly and looks to the Crone once more “are you trying to tell me something?”

Although he had been asked whether the nobles would need to hand across their weapons before entering the temple, Ryndhal had said no. The goddesses choose what fates become of men and, it seems, this spectacle was something they had chosen.

What purpose it served, who could say. Superficially it just seemed like hot headed over reaction that could have been sorted out with conversation over a tankard of mead or two, deeper down, there may have been more to it.

Ryndhal clapped quickly to get the attendants to clear away the mess and continue proceedings with no more mention of the matter now.

Renodin

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Re: The Tales of Nemean JeVondair Renodin
« Reply #46: June 14, 2019, 07:41:10 PM »


-PHOENIX COURT 3-


Roleplay from Andross Blint

(OOC: I hope this RP doesn't go against, or hijack Godric's character. If it does my sincere apologies.)


Godric launched himself at Andross with equal parts ferocity, and strength. His spear was akin to a deadly stinger on a giant hornet and he wielded it with brutal efficiency and strength. He was a master of the weapon, and of combat. He outclassed Andross. Andross knew any attempts at an aggressive strategy would likely be met with a quick and swift death.

Godric swung his spear at Andross and it took every ounce of training and strength Andross had to fend him off. He countered and parried the strikes he had the strength to block and dodged and evaded those that would surely have broken his guard, punched through his obsidian black armor, and killed him. Andross fell into a battle rhythm, not by choice, it was instinct. He was reacting to the duel instead of controlling it. But Leatho's teachings were saving his life right now and he let them.

Steel clashed against steel, the sound of armored boots scraping the stone floor echoed throughout the chamber. Godric had entered and readied himself so quickly that nobody really had the time to react or say much of anything to prevent the duel. Andross and Godric danced death around the temple, Andross far more nimble and agile than the large Torrarin but Godric exceeded him in strength and skill. Andross was sweating, his arms starting to tingle and threatening to go numb if he sustained much more of the vicious onslaught of Godric. This duel needed to end. Soon. Andross gritted his teeth and fought on, counter, parry, riposte, strike. One after the other, flowing and weaving among each other. If the shock of two sons of Xavax fighting hadn't been the mood in the temple, if the near sureness of death wasn't as pervasive as it was, this duel might've been an example the tutors would go to for years to come.

Andross shook his head and returned to the moment. He could afford no distractions, not when death was clawing it's way towards him, ripping down every attempt at a barrier he could muster. He needed to end this duel, or death would surely trap him in it's permanent clutches. He saw an opening. It was a small chance, but it was all he had. He feinted with his body, telegraphing the strike as subtly as he could. Godric moved his spear to block, and as he realized it was a feint threw two lighting fast strikes towards Andross. Counter, riposte, strike. Andross stepped into Godric, a dangerous place to be, and one he didn't intend to remain in for long. He smashed the pommel of his blade into Godric's cheek with all his might, causing the Arbiter to spit blood. Andross side stepped and spun his sword and slashed down with all the strength his faitgued muscles could summon. He chewed threw Godric's gambeson and felt steel bite into flesh. Pulling his sword out, ready to fend off the strike he was sure was coming. Godric grunted, and Andross feared that he wouldn't stop, that he'd made a fatal error. But Godric slumped to one knee, blood pooling . He looked up at Andross with hate in his eyes and with the half-strength he could muster and struck at Andross in an attempt to catch him in a moment of carelessness. Andross batted away the spear and raised his sword, preparing to sever the head and herald the end of this legend of Xavax. His eyes flashed over Selenia, who either hid her emotions behind a mask of stone or hadn't decided what she felt yet. Selenia. The thought was profound, it infested his mind with rapid abandon.

The sound of Godric's shield rattling to the stone floor as he lost his grip on it. Andross's eyes refocused on the Arbiter, Godric Torarrin, lying on the stone floor, his blood pooling beneath him. Andross saw his chest rise and fall, Godric's eye fluttered before they shut. Torrarin. Ayden. Thoughts of Ayden flooded his mind. She would be ashamed. A tear fought its way to his eye and streaked down his cheek. Andross lowered his blade, breathing heavily, and whispered, more to himself, than to Godric. "Rest now, brother. The Maelstrom isn't ready for you yet."

Andross stood over his mortally wounded opponent as the Abjur boy checked the downed' judge's vitals. Andross was already sure the Judge would live. Before anything else could happen though, the Duke of Blades heard the distinct sound of metal leaving leather behind him.


Renodin

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Re: The Tales of Nemean JeVondair Renodin
« Reply #47: June 14, 2019, 07:41:37 PM »

-PHOENIX COURT 3-


Roleplay from Aviendha DarkWing


Trudging through the muddy streets of Bescanon, the rain now pelting down, Aviendha eagerly reached the steps of the Temple of the Triumvirate. With all of the travelling her and her men and done over the last few weeks, some well-deserved rest and warmth was at hand. Aviendha’s newly found but fiercly loyal Captain, Flavilla gave the order for the men to be at ease, as the two women made their way up the steps.

Aviendha felt her chest tighten as she quickly ran up the steps of the mighty Temple and passed through the bustling entrance. Although she was not naturally an imposing figure, as she pulled back the hood of her cloak to reveal a waste length tight braid of fire red hair, it was hard not to catch some attention.  And her golden flecked green eyes flashed at Flavilla with excitement as she stepped towards the Hall of Elysian.

But all of that thrill drained from her slight face before she reached the hall, and her hand reflexively reached for the pommel of her sword. The sounds of steel clashing and boots scraping the stone floor emanated out of the hall. Aviendha pushed through the crowd that had formed, but just as she reached the front, silence echoed…

The Chief Justice and Knight Godric Torrarin could be seen lying on the floor of the hall in a pool of blood, with the Duke of Blades, Andross Blint, breathless and standing above him. Swiftly Godric was being attended to.

Aviendha held her hand on her blade, sheathed presently, but prepared to follow the Lady Selenia’s next move. Her eyes were locked on Selenia who remained standing across the hall, her face unreadable.

Aviendha’s head spun at the sudden conflict that had taken place in what was meant to be an opportunity for peace and unity….

Renodin

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Re: The Tales of Nemean JeVondair Renodin
« Reply #48: June 14, 2019, 07:42:24 PM »


-PHOENIX COURT 3-


Roleplay from Selenia JeVondair


THE PHOENIX COURT: Part II – Gods and Men [Cont'd]

June 1019


Naked steel, those infamous twin kukris, glinted in the hands of the Phoenix Queen as she advanced on the Duke of Blades.

At first, Selenia could not believe what she was seeing. She was so shocked as to be literally stunned, and that lapse had very nearly caused Godric his life. She watched, seeing the fight’s end as though the two combatants were moving through water. By the time the old Torran fell, her wits had returned to her and she was already moving before either of her sons could react.Then Selenia was standing before the Duke of Blades, naked steel in both hands. Her face was a masque of outrage, her cloak and mantle made a puddle of fabric on the floor. Behind her, the statue of the warrior goddess framed her. Since words had clearly failed, Selenia embraced the only thing the Duke was likely to understand.

She attacked before he had even completed turning to face her. Twin kukri’s scythed through the air, cutting across his chest from shoulder to opposite thigh and just barely missing him barely as he reacted. Surprise registered on his face and Selenia put it to her advantage as she stepped in, closing the distance before he could bring his own weapon up to defend himself. Selenia’s reach was shorter than his, as was her stature, but she used her lower center of gravity to her advantage. Lowering her shoulder, she took advantage of the added weight and sturdiness afforded her by her armor, using the momentum from her missed swing, but the full force of it to ram her pauldron right into his midriff. He gasped, caught more off-guard than truly hurt, as she forced the air out of him, causing him to retreat a few steps. Selenia pressed the brief advantage, interposing herself between Andross and the fallen Judge. She raised one blade to Andross, taking her eyes off him briefly to glance down at Godric. The utter rage contorting her expression did not abate in the slightest as it switched from one man to another.

She flicked her other blade and Kanchelsis who, taking the hint, carefully struggled to move the injured Godric from the pulpit until others joined in to lend a hand. When both were clear, Selenia returned her eyes to Andross, moving both blades back to a ready stance. Her cheeks were flushed with anger and her posture promised imminent malice, and then Andross understood: By taking action, rather than using their heads, both men had behaved just as poorly as Eriatarka herself had, giving neither thought nor regard to the consequences of choices made entirely without thought to what others might have counseled had the chance for even that been given. By actually fighting Godric, and at the Phoenix Court no less, both had dishonored their host. In so doing, they had undermined Selenia, made her look weak before the entire realm and in the face of their enemies. In a very real sense, both he and Godric had challenged her, and she’d responded in the only manner they’d left her.

Still, this was a temple. Despite her anger, she, at least, would not dishonor this hallowed place. She rose out of her fighting crouch and after a moment’s thought, sheathed her weapons. Then she was walking towards him, speaking only as she passed him on her way towards the exit.

“Outside. Now.” The Phoenix Queen growled.


Renodin

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Re: The Tales of Nemean JeVondair Renodin
« Reply #49: June 14, 2019, 07:43:03 PM »

-PHOENIX COURT 3-


Roleplay from Andross Blint


The Phoenix Court: Blood and Honor [Pt. 1]

Once the surprise of Selenia's fury and challenge abated, Andross recovered. Adrenaline pumped through his body and he readied himself. Before him stood his mentor and friend. His queen. Should she wish him dead, he would not deny her that. He would accept that fate with open arms.

"Outside. Now." She growled at him. Something in her eyes told him she would fight him, but she wouldn't kill him. Not today. Perhaps only because Godric still yet lived. Andross grabbed a goblet of water from one of the ledges near him as he walked out into the rain. The crowd parted for him as if he himself was made of poison and any contact with him would result in the spreading of an infection that could not be stopped. He walked out and all 70 of his Forged were there, waiting. Skia ran out alongside him and turned to guard his back as he made his way down the steps. Selenia followed him out and at the look in her face plus the faces of the other assembled nobles. Andross's men shifted, gripping their weapons tightly.

"NO!" He bellowed. Looking at them and sweeping his blade through the air slowly, leveled at their chests. "Nobody interferes. No matter what. No. Matter. What."

He ripped his cloak from his shoulders and tossed it aside. The wind and rain caught it and buried it in the mud of the street. He drank a deep gulp from the goblet of water and spat it out to the side, he looked up to the heavens and let the rain wash down on his face. He took another small sip and swallowed it before tossing aside the goblet. He looked at Skia and muttered something to her, inaudible to the rest of the crowd. His direwolf trotted off to the side, and waited. Her fangs bared, but unmoved from her spot.

He looked at Selenia as she walked down the steps, flanked by all those who'd assembled for the Phoenix Court. Her face was twisted in fury and rage. Her kukris drawn. He readied his sword, and drew a dagger of his own and readied himself. His face determined. This was for honor.

Renodin

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Re: The Tales of Nemean JeVondair Renodin
« Reply #50: June 14, 2019, 07:44:33 PM »
Here's Nemean doing as he is asked to do.


Hands to the Task

Bulbous to the point where fat would become a better name for the droplets that fell from the clouds above. Nemean wordlessly served Selenia. His hands moving with practiced ease. He averted his eyes and allowed his mind to be blank. As blank as he could manage it.  Repetition, describing the motions and actions he took in his mind. Loosening straps, pulling cords, tugging at the right angle. The pieces of armor came loose.

Selenia tried to make eye-contact but there he also refrained. A battle was a lonesome endeavor. One that should not be clouded with memories or connections. He would not offer her such a connection. A reason to hesitate, to doubt. In his solemn stance he could not resist but follow her gaze as it went from him to the blood on the floor of the temple right beside them. His eyes moved in their sockets but his head remained unmoved.

With the task complete, the Xerarch stood unadorned of her battle armor. Nemean backed off to stand with the crowd. The crowd didn't let him blend in with them. So he just stood there. Trying to remain as calm as he could. His left hand found his right,as they both sheltered under the fighting half-cloak, resting on the buckle of his belt. Rain had created small currents streaming off of the steep slope that was the half-cloak.

« Last Edit: June 14, 2019, 07:46:10 PM by Renodin »

Renodin

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Re: The Tales of Nemean JeVondair Renodin
« Reply #51: June 14, 2019, 07:45:57 PM »

-PHOENIX COURT 3-


Roleplay from Selenia JeVondair



THE PHOENIX COURT: Part III – Blood and Honor

June 1019

Outside the Hall of Elysia, the sky had darkened with the weight of stormclouds. Rain now fell in earnest as many of those that had just entered the temple retraced their steps in exodus. The Duke of Blades, was the first to step out into the rain, but the Phoenix Queen remained in the pulpit a while longer. The first peals of thunder rippled over the temple with such force it could be felt as much as heard. “Hogini, Nemean.” She summoned her sons, both of whom had long served as her squires. When they approach, she gestured with a hand to indicate the plates of her armor. “Help me with these, would you?” With their help, what would have taken her a while on her own was accomplished in short order. As they worked, Hogni spoke.

"Mother,” he said, his voice uncharacteristically hesitant. “Is this really necessary? I mean, this is Andross we are talking about here.

Another plate fell away. Selenia looked over her shoulder, not at him but at Nemean, then down at the floor where Godric’s blood had yet to be cleaned away. Rather than answer, she simply shrugged. If she’d learned anything in her years, it was that civility was not always the right way to address a problem. Sometimes, it took a certain measure of brutality. Especially with the shortsighted. “Come,” she commanded simply when the work was done and began to proceed up and out of the temple. Without her armor, she was more vulnerable, but also far faster. Trading battlefield protection for dueling speed was a tactical choice, and more than a little risky, given her opponent. But this was not a battlefield. And, angry as she was, it would barely constitute a duel of nobility. This was going to be a streetfight, and Selenia was not at all interested in loosing.

Resolute, she stepped form the temple and into the downpour where the Duke of Blades awaited her.


Renodin

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Re: The Tales of Nemean JeVondair Renodin
« Reply #52: June 14, 2019, 07:46:27 PM »


Quote
Duel

Andross Blint, Duke of Blades, Baron of Tabost meets his challenger Lady Selenia JeVondair, Chief of Commerce of Eponllyn, Royal of Eponllyn, Duchess of Redhaven, Margravine of Oligarch for the agreed duel till surrender.

Selenia has decided to use the 'trick moves' strategy while Andross has chosen the 'defensive' strategy, giving Selenia the advantage.

The duel rages for quite some time and superficial wounds are suffered on both sides. Finally, a deep blow strikes Andross down and his second declares it a surrender.



Renodin

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Re: The Tales of Nemean JeVondair Renodin
« Reply #53: June 15, 2019, 04:13:26 PM »


-PHOENIX COURT 3-


Roleplay from Selenia JeVondair


THE PHOENIX COURT: Blood and Honor [pt II by Blint]

June 1019

The tension was palpable.

Andross waited in the rain as Selenia descended the steps to the temple. There was a calm fury in her eyes. It sent a shiver down Andross's spine. She'd removed her armor plates, leaving only the elven chainmail beneath. He was aware of the onlookers, he was aware of Nemean and Hogni watching. He paid them all no mind. He knew what was at stake, he knew that this was a matter of honor. Andross understood how Selenia felt, he understand why she'd drawn her blades in the way she had. But she didn't understand, she didn't feel what he felt. His pain, his anger, his regret, his guilt, his furious, venomous rage. She didn't know. Couldn't know. He wouldn't kill her, he wouldn't even try. He doubted he could. The truth was he was exhausted. His muscles burned with furious rebellion at each movement he made, but he knew there would be no talking, not after what he'd done to Godric.

He loved Selenia, she was his oldest friend, his mentor.  Andross had no desire for the throne, he didn't want to be king. But he wouldn't back down, he wouldn't apologize. His actions were justified. Godric had challenged him. Godric had called him traitor. Godric had gone as far as to compare Andross to Asher. That thought alone was like tasting bile. It made Andross furious all over again. It made him wish he had killed Godric. He was nothing like Asher.

Selenia reached the street, and faced him. There were no words between either of them. Nothing would have mattered, nothing would have made a difference. Andross breathed. He remembered Leatho's teachings. He knew Selenia was faster, moreso now she'd shed the heavy, restrictive armored plates. He knew she was more experienced and better with a blade. He knew aggressive tactics were stupid against her. He resolved himself to defend. Tire her out as much as he could. Andross readied himself, raised his weapons and rolled his shoulders, loosening the muscles that threatened to stiffen in the rain. He knew her first attack would come, stopping it would be like trying to catch smoke with his bare hands, but he would try as much as he could.. Now all he could do was wait. 


Renodin

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Re: The Tales of Nemean JeVondair Renodin
« Reply #54: June 15, 2019, 04:14:08 PM »

-PHOENIX COURT 3-


Roleplay from Gilth II Gildre


Gilth had left his Knights of the Rose at a base camp on the outskirts of town, and made his way towards the Temple of the Triumvirate unceremoniously. Guards had set up an outer cordon from the Temple, verifying identities. Gilth presented his Xavax sigil, given to him by Selenia herself. It was no Epponlyn token, but the guards had seen it before and granted him passage up the street.

Rain poured straight down. Gilth looked to the dark grey skies and wondered.

"Windless rain..." he murmured to himself, holding his hand out, "A bad omen."

He pulled back the light grey hood of his cloak and allowed rain to run through his slicked back hair, and he smoothed down his horseshoe mustache. Under his cloak he wore his usual brilliant white tunic with the emblazoned red rose, a gift from Gia Dragonfyre, gods rest her. Brown trousers ran into knee high dark brown leather boots. He wore only his hand-and-a-half at his hip. Surely an arsenal of weaponry was not required for a secure event such as the Phoenix Court.

As he imagined, a crowd was formed at the Temple as he approached. Selenia always had a flare for drawing people to her. However, the crowd was not centered on the entrance of the temple. Instead, it was focused on something outside the temple...

Curiously, Gilth reached the crowd and forced himself through to the front. In the center of the crowd Selenia JeVondair was faced off against a man he did not know. There was a bustle of guards inside the temple, and there were soldiers everywhere outside.

"What in the name of the gods is going on?" Gilth asked a man standing next to him.

"You just get here?" the man asked, and Gilth nodded, "It is madness! The Lord Arbiter Godric accused the Duke of Blades of treason, and Duke Andross felled him, right inside the temple!"

"Godric Tórrarin was felled? Surely you jest," Gilth raised his eyebrows.

"Nay, saw it with me own eyes," the man argued, "Now the Phoenix Queen stands against the Duke of Blades."

Gilth turned from the man and folded his hands across his chest. He gazed at the two combatants, ready to fight. If Selenia was still the Phoenix Queen he had known in days of old, he just hoped she wouldn't kill the man before her before truth was ascertained.


Renodin

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Re: The Tales of Nemean JeVondair Renodin
« Reply #55: June 15, 2019, 04:33:43 PM »


-PHOENIX COURT 3-


Roleplay from Guldor D'Espana


The rain poured down heavily when Guldor finally rode in his approach to Bescanon, his Black Whistlers jogging at a brisk pace after him. Following the indications he had been given, he saw in the distance the temple of the Triumvirate, where the Phoenix Court was going to be taking place. Looking forward to the warm embrace of a roof over his head and the meal he would no doubt be able to find inside, he rapidly closed the distance until he was able to see a crowd gathering at the entrance of the temple. Curious at first, then confused and worried as he saw two people fighting, he began galloping to get there as soon as possible, signalling his captain to catch up at once.

He finally arrived as Selenia struck Andross to the ground, then immediately dismounted and began searching for familiar faces to ask what the hell was happening and why was the Xerarch dueling the Duke of Blades at a Phoenix Court. He soon learnt what had happened inside, and heavily cursed as he started to think on the possible ramifications of it all.

One thing was certain for sure: this did not bode well for the unity and harmony of the freshly merged realm of Greater Eponllyn.


Renodin

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Re: The Tales of Nemean JeVondair Renodin
« Reply #56: June 17, 2019, 09:35:16 AM »


-PHOENIX COURT 3-


Roleplay from Godric Tórrarin ka Habb





The duel, from Godric's perspective


Godric launched himself towards Andross. His heart true, he would resort to no trickery this day. Instead he vowed to pummel the traitor into dust. They did not trade blows, instead Andross weathered the strikes like a willow in a storm.

"Home."

Godric shakes the thought. He sees the clustered, frantic energy of the room. Selenia is unmoved. The elder priest has restricted his vita. The crowd is boiling like the straits at Valkyrja.

"Home."

Godric maintains focus. Parried, dodged, Godric is relentless in his assault. He must protect Xavax from Andross. He will see their reputation destroyed. The war will be lost. They will be cast to the winds. He wants to go home.

"Home."

How the Shrine must look, warm Sun, cool wind, the labyrinth of passes and alleys leading up to the keep. Godric must fight for his home. How his bones would ache climbing up and down those streets. His bones ache. Godric is old. Andross is very quick. He snarls as he renews the assault. He is trying to overwhelm the room. Trying very, very hard.

The Nourishing Tree, the vital spark, the connection between all. He is spreading his rot. Elysia frowns on him, for such anger to belie such hope. Godric ignores the lesser gods, Tor booms in the distance, growing closer and closer. Great heavy footsteps on the temple floors. Ancient bindings undone by the Dead God. They are all speaking to him now in turn, but his heart pounds louder and louder.

"Home."

The voice of an old lady pushes through the mayhem. "Home? Oh, I can send you home. The fire is warm, mother has put soup on again. Fresh bread from the tall, dark man. Eat up! I will send you home, look!" Godric sees Andross err, exposing his liver. "Go home, boy. Don't you want to?"

It was a feint. Godric tries to recover. Riposte. A pommel in the cheek to reward his fault. He hears the old woman cackle gently as the blade cuts deep into his flesh.

"Home."

Godric grunts, slumping to a knee. He looks up at Andross, who is shocked by his own success. He tries all he can to drive the spear into his gut but it is whipped out of his hand. The blade is lifted high and Godric can feel the bloodlust drooling from Andross.

"Boy."

Tor is here now. Godric trembles. He is unworthy. He always has been and he knows it. He dies today. The horror washes over him. He sees the wolf-friend, who snickers, "done yourself in good this time, haven't you? Toren do not die. We endure. Put the shield down and accept Him." The shield clatters to the ground as Godric collapses. "Rest now. Tor says you are not going home today. He rewards His faithful."

Godric's eyes flutter as he drifts from this world.


Renodin

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Re: The Tales of Nemean JeVondair Renodin
« Reply #57: June 17, 2019, 09:35:51 AM »

-PHOENIX COURT 3-


Roleplay from Ryndhal Nabarl


Standing in the temple, waiting for the Phoenix Court to actually get underway, watching with disappointment at the events that happened before it gets underway and offering a scowl to the Crone, Ryndhal makes his way to the raise platform, his deep voice, with many, many years of use preaching, silences the room as he speaks.

“Greetings one and all. Our queen, who caused our realm to become divided and divisive with secrets and promises with whomever she felt and regarding whatever she liked, has now gone and hidden under a rock somewhere. We can all hope that is where she stays...

“This has made the crown vacant, and I put myself forward for this to try to mend our broken realm and unite us as never before.

“My first action would be the banner. Although I do not agree with what our former queen promised, promise it she did, and we will not be a realm that goes against its word. After it is changed, to the former RedHaven banner, I shall attempt to find a new one that recognised our new realm, though this would need to be approved by the majority of the realm, it would not just be changed at my whim.

“Perdan... that is what brought our realms together in the first place... I have wanted to see the end of that realm for longer than most, if not all, of you have even been alive. I have seen them lie, betray, destroy, beg... twice previously I have been in a realm that showed them mercy and did not finish them off, and each time we were later betrayed as well. They are nothing but a wart that needs removal permanently.

“I will be open about any discussions I have, though am also aware that I may, as I have in the past, make some decisions some in the realm won’t approve of, I will always explain my reasoning and be open to constructive comments.

“When Eponllyn was created, part of the terms that allowed it were that I be made the judge. That was the level of trust and respect that I had with friends and enemies alike to be fair and honest.

“Our realm will unite, Perdan will fall, and I will then return to my preachings...

“If any have any questions, do please ask.

“As the Four Winds blow...”

Ryndhal lowers his arms softly and surveys the vast Hall, glad to have made that speech in front of Elysia, knowing how important truth and honesty are to her.

Renodin

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Re: The Tales of Nemean JeVondair Renodin
« Reply #58: June 17, 2019, 06:56:57 PM »

-PHOENIX COURT 3-


Roleplay from Selenia JeVondair


The Phoenix Court: Part IV - Lightning & Thunder

June 1019

Rain pelted down, ringing off of rooftop, canvas, and armor. Horses whined, uncomfortable. Whispers rippled through a growing throng, adding its own din to the natural melody. Alley dogs yipped out of sight, whining in terror as thunder growled across the sky, a bass percussion punctuated by the crackle-snarl of lighting.

Selenia focused on the Duke of Blades, making no effort to hide her emotions as she stopped a couple horselength’s away. Hers was a world of order, and that order had broken down. Her authority had been undermined, her hospitality trespassed upon, and the image of unity among the Xavax cracked. To repair what had been tarnished, Honor demanded that she assert her authority once more. A small part of her wondered if this was the best action to take, but words lacked worth when there was blood on the ground. Though Godric had been wrong in the first place to challenge Andross as he had, all Selenia could see was the image of her friend and vassal bleeding out onto the stones of the pulpit. All she could feel was her heart in her throat as she realized she’d been too slow to react.before a valued member of her court had fallen before her eyes. Blood needed to be answered for.

In truth, had it been Godric that won instead of Andross, Selenia would have been just as prepared to fight him as well. Warriors neither earned nor awarded respect on the merit of experience only or the expectation of tradition alone. Warrior’s respected, first and foremost, one’s ability to fight. She would take this opportunity to remind her court as to why she was never to be disrespected.

“You came here spoiling for a fight, Androsss. Now you have one.” Her alto voice carried with the din of the storm, made notable not by any commanding tone, but by how the whispers and murmurings of the crowd scattered before it as those assembled strained to hear.

“Selenia, I don’t think-” he began, but she cut him off.

“No, you DIDN’T think. Be silent,” she all but hissed, fury lacing every syllable. “Both of you have are at fault, but since Godric cannot answer for his transgression against me, I will focus on you now and deal with him later.” Lightning crackled over the rooftops close enough to shake windows.

“Would YOU, Selenia, have done any less in my position?” The Duke responded, his voice rigid with control as deep thunder rocked the square..

“I SAID BE SILENT” Selenia roared over him, drawing her kukris as she did so. “It seems to me,” she said as she flexed her grip along the hilts. She began to circle him, and he readied his grip on his sword. He noticed that she was projecting her voice, pitching it for the entire square to hear over the storm on purpose.  Here in my own court, you spilled the blood of one of my own, and that must be answered in kind for honor to be satisfied. Had either of you given an ounce of forethought into the consequences your action might provoke, we would not be here, But now that we are, I will answer this myself, with my own steel, for who could do less and call herself a leader of Xavax?” She shook her head before dropping into a fighting crouch.

“Godric will live.” Andross went on, intent on having his say before more blood was spilled. “He lives because I allowed it. Were our positions reversed that's as much forethought as you would have given. But for people like us, words have never meant as much as actions.” Suiting action to word, the Duke of Blades resolutely drew his sword.

“Prepare yourself” she finished, and that was the only warning Andross had before she sprang at him.


Renodin

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Re: The Tales of Nemean JeVondair Renodin
« Reply #59: June 17, 2019, 08:50:13 PM »

-PHOENIX COURT 3-


Roleplay from Andross Blint


The Phoenix Court: Part IV - Lightning & Thunder

June 1019

Andross's muscles screamed in rebellion and he ignored them. Selenia was fast, lightning fast. They'd trained together before, but never like this. His eyes could barely track her, he could barely register what was happening. He was reacting, instinct guided his movements. He fought as defensively as he could. Pain lanced through his left shoulder, one of her Kukris had found it's way between his armor plates. He moved his left arm, there was an opening he was going to take an advantage of, she'd lowered her guard. He swung with all his might and nothing happened. His arm wasn't responding the way it should. His grip on his dagger loosened. He could feel the blood streaming from his shoulder into his hand. He dropped the dagger in the mud. They both were filthy. Their duel had raged on for a while. It was, in a way, rather impressive. Andross was fighting on sheer force of will, he was pretty sure Selenia was doing the same
He clenched his teeth and fought through the pain, grabbed his sword with both hands and fought on. He was the Duke of Blades, and he’d already proven that was more than some weightless title. She would strike, he would block, and before he could act again she’d either feint or kick or roll or whirl or any number of damn trick she seemed to have in that endless bag of hers. He grimaced, rolling his eyes in belabored irritation as she slid in and out of his reach again, her kuckris drumming uselessly on his armored forearms. But then, as he reset his stance to hold his ground, Selenia moved forward in a manner that evoked a memory in him, a practice bout long ago. She’d always preferred to fight aggressively so as to finish a fight as quickly as possible. She’d always fought directly, eschewing tricks. But the way she came at him now made him think that perhaps her bag of tricks had a limit after all. On she came, the same way she had before, Andross reacted. Leatho would have been proud. He dodged her strike and planted a boot firmly in the center of her unarmored torso, driving the air from her lungs and putting distance between them. He slashed down with all his might, the tip of his blade nicked her just above the eye, the cut was mostly superficial, but it bled. Andross knew firsthand that blood streaming into your eye was annoying. Selenia gasped for air and wiped her face on her sleeve, it came away crimson from the blood. She gritted her teeth and surged forward. Andross hated this. He knew that if she got in too close and stayed too long, he could wrap his arms around her and squeeze. He was stronger than she, he figured he could hold on until he either passed out or she yielded. But he had to grab her first. Which was far easier said than done.

The murmurs of the crowd had died down long ago. It was silent in the courtyard save for the clang of steel, the grunts of pain, and the heavy breathing of both fighters. Selenia moved in and sideways, she was always moving, it was like trying to track a lioness on a prairie. Andross swung his blade, and felt the reverberation ripple through his arms as he struck Selenia's steel. He swung again, trying to push her back, to give himself room to breathe. She blocked again and he swept her legs, or tried to. She rolled into it and out of it as if it had been her plan all along. Andross lunged forward and swung, he felt his blade catch air, Selenia was next to him and stabbed him in the thigh, he grunted in pain, but threw an elbow strike at Selenia, catching her in the jaw. She spat blood as she spun out of his reach and finally giving him a bit of space.

Skia started howling. "HOLD." He shouted and several of his Forged grabbed her, and were able to attach a chain to her collar. She rebelled against them. Howling and baring her fangs. Andross wouldn't risk her safety, and this was his fight. He started it, and he would finish it. Andross lunged forward, with a roar, he needed this to end. Selenia danced away, mud flew through the air as the two greats of Xavax clashed against one another. He whipped a strike out as fast as he could, he'd not fall without a fight. At first he thought he'd missed, a moment later he saw a thin line of crimson spread across her tunic. Had she been a step closer, he'd have disemboweled her. He soon found, however, that the Phoenix Queen had one last, particularly nasty surprise to play as whipped around, curved kukris deflecting his guard high and to his weak side as she planted a kick squarely in his thigh. In pain and off balance, Andross dropped to a knee... Andross, weary from two fights, bleeding from a variety of wounds, and covered in mud, had a moment to realize how tired he felt.

His vision was blurred. He heard, more than saw, Selenia call out to him "Yield." Her voice uneven, but dripping with molten iron. Andross just looked at her, blood and mud mixing on his face and clothes. He didn't have the words or the energy for a witty comeback. But she was going to have to kill him before he yielded. He swung his sword, mustering whatever strength he had left. She caught it between her blades and ripped it from his grip, then smashed the mailed gauntlet of her fist down. He saw his blood mix with the rain as she again demanded "Yield." Andross spit blood to the side and grinned at her, blood covered his teeth. Andross could see the fury in her eyes as clearly as Selenia could see the defiance in his. He wasn’t sorry. And it was as well for both of them that she knew better than to seek an apology for this. His hand reached toward where he knew his sword had fallen. She hit him again, harder. "Yield." Louder this time. Andross dropped into the mud. Selenia turned and started to move away from him, back towards where the Phoenix Court was to gather. Skia howled in anger and fear, straining against the men who held her at bay. Selenia's back was to Andross. He grabbed a fistful of mud, allowing the feeling of its texture between his fingers to steady himself and manifest the strength to try and push himself up, to continue his defiance in Krimmels name, in Ayden’s name. He struggled, one arm at a time until he could get his knee under him. Selenia had turned around and Andross could have sworn he heard her swear and say "Damn Blint's." Before she struck him like a coiled viper, cracking him in the temple with the hilt of her infamous kukri. Andross met the grace of unconsciousness with open arms, still smiling.