TwinCast
11-17-10, 05:37 PM
Closed.
Aislinn moved through the halls of Ixian Castle, her boots clicking over the flagstones of the floor in quick order. At her side a small black cat moved with grace and certainty keeping up with her erstwhile owner. Looking over at the cat she spoke with a calmness that belied the normality of the action, "You are certain he called me into this meeting?"
The cat looked up briefly at the woman before she replied, Yes, he said he needed and expert on spirits and magic for this mission. We couldn't think of anyone more suited other than Sei of Seth, and with what happened recently with Seth, I doubt he'll sending that madman out anytime soon.
She frowned hearing those words as they stopped outside the door to the war room. She looked down at the cat before she spoke, "Sister, this is not the time for jokes. We both know Seth Dahlios will not do anything around here. He is too caught up in his petty plans to actually fulfill his end of the deal with our Uncle."
A lot happened while you were gone for two weeks sister. How is Pierce doing of course? The cat replied looking up at her sister.
"Pierce is doing as well as always, being an alchemist helps with that. He does send his regards but regrets to inform you he does not have a fish for you this time," Aislinn replied. The cat nodded before with a paw it scratched at the door. It soon opened showing the face of Adolph Gretzel the leader of the Ixian Knights Chaplains. Aislinn nodded with familiarity, bringing about another nod from the man who moved from the door and gestured Aislinn through. Adolph was a grizzled warrior of the Knights of Apocalypse, and further was one of her Uncles myriad of bodyguards. Being an Orlouge had its benefits, and at times Aislinn had met with the man, but never more than the formal occasion. Of course this meant she didn't have to introduce herself when she showed up, and stepping into the room she looked slowly about it, taking in the view of the war room, as well as who was in it.
The Ronin Taka was the first fixture she noticed, being drawn to him as a moth to the flame. The caress Ulgu made his presence stand out more to the witch who was intimate with its workings. He was sitting resolutely and looking at the sprawl of maps before him with a keen eye. Those eyes flashed over to Aislinn before he narrowed them briefly and nodded, "Aislinn-Sama."
She returned the nod before she muttered, "Taka." She then moved to the next sitting about the table, her cousin Kylana. After the incident a few weeks ago, she had made sure to visit her friend and the closest thing she had to a father nowadays. The next in the group was Kylana Marie Orlouge, her cousin and the source of the problems the Mystic's even now faced. She nodded courteously before she said simply, "Cousin."
Her eyes then came upon the last figure at the table, Sei Orlouge. She could almost sense a small bit of tension in his body, though from what, it could not be said. So, rather than guess she carefully pulled back her chair, before sitting in it lightly, crossing her legs for modesty as she said simply, "Dear Uncle, why did you see fit to summon me today?"
I'm glad you could come so quickly. I understand you only recently got back and would prefer to be with your students, however an opportunity has presented itself, and I will not let it pass by idly. Have you ever heard of the Titans of Dheathain? He said gesturing to the maps. Aislinn frowned firmly in thought before she shook her head;
"I cannot say I am familiar with that tale."
Kyla seemed to perk up a bit, perhaps excited before she began to talk, "The Titans of Dheathain are the holy protectors of the land. They are spirits that animate statues to fight in war, and their fury is said to be a terrible thing. Most people think they are just ghost stories and legends, but we recently found some maps, and notes that seemed to suggest that they exist and are real."
Aislinn looked over at Sei before she spoke, "You mean to send me into the field, do you not?"
I need someone who can serve as a emissary to the spirits. I know that the winds of magic can be a rather temperamental lot, what with their recent attempt on your life, so I ask that you not overextend yourself. Further, I will not be sending you alone, Taka and the Mercenary Company will be joining you on this endeavor, Sei replied.
"All four of them?" The question was asked so quickly that all eyes in the room shifted to Taka, who remained passive as usual. If he was furious at the words, he hid it well. Even more he seemed to ignore it, even as he shifted only subtly, the most outward sign he was in fact still alive.
While they have been nearly destroyed, the mercenaries that are left, are more than a match for the forces you will be encountering, Sei replied firmly, seeming to underline to Aislinn just how rude her last statement was. She merely shook her head softly before she spoke once more;
"I want a bodyguard if I am to be going to Dheathain. I wish to be sure that when I end up in a fight, that at least one person is concerned with me, rather than worrying about the few men he has left. It will allow General Taka freedom to maneuver through the area without regards to my safety."
Out of the-
"Aislinn-sama, if you wish it, then get yourself a yojimbo. I do not begrudge you that, but you will return to Radasanth safely," Taka replied, cutting off Sei. All eyes darted to the Ronin, who's eyes were locked with the Witch's ice blue. It seemed Taka had found his voice, and was trying very hard not to insult the others, while calling her out.
Aislinn let it drop, having won the freedom she requested. Looking at Sei, she spoke curtly, "Jensen Ambrose."
Kyla inhaled sharply, Adolph even visibly tensed at those words. Sei merely looked deeply into Aislinn's eyes before he looked to Taka and back to Aislinn. Finally a heavy sigh filtered through the room before Sei spoke sternly, Jensen Ambrose has been evicted from the Ixian Knights, pending an apology to Anita for his crass behavior. You will get Adolph as your bodyguard on this mission. That is the final word on this matter.
Aislinn's cool facade broke when she heard those words, her hands slamming down on the table causing Kyla to jump slightly. She lifted herself quickly from the chair with such force that it shifted back a good foot. Never before had anyone seen the witch lose her cool, even during Jensen's constant jabs, "You what? Uncle, tell me you did not throw my friend out for making fun of Anita, again. I thought you had thicker skin than that-"
Jensen Ambrose is a detriment to the Ixian Knights, he serves no purpose nor does he help the troops. He is a drain of resources and the delicate situations I have been put into due to his loud mouth and dare I say barbaric actions have finally come to a head. I have endured enough torture at his hands, or need I remind you of the noodle incident?
Aislinn saw a visible shudder cross Sei before he narrowed his eyes, almost begging Aislinn to contradict him. She was tempted to argue this out, but with the others in the room, and the fact Taka seemed to be growing more intent on her as she spoke, made Aislinn dreadfully uncomfortable. Her eyes lingered on Kyla before she shook her head, finding no allies in her crusade to protect her friend. Being alone amidst so much hostility had a rather intimidating effect, and Aislinn vowed to pursue this later with Sei, alone.
"Very well, I shall make do with what I have. Mr. Gretzel shall accompany me? And when he dies who shall protect me then?" Aislinn returned to sitting pulling the chair closer to the table.
"That is simple Ms. Orlouge, I shall not die," The words oozed with wounded pride, though Aislinn did look over her shoulder to look upon him.
"While I can keep you alive, one solid blow will incapacitate you for the rest of a mission. I certainly hope Taka's men are strong enough to carry you should you fall in battle," Aislinn retorted. She then looked to Sei, "At least one more should do."
Aislinn Orlouge, I know your father raised you to be far more of a lady than that! Being defiant over the loss of your friend is one thing, but to malign and slander your fellow Knights for the loss of that friend will not be tolerated! Sei stood up from his chair and leaned across the table to look upon Aislinn. She crossed her arms curtly before she spoke, looking at him firmly.
"Had I not shown up at Valdta, Adolph Gretzel would not be here. I am the sole reason he continues to serve you. Further, I helped tend the wounded of Valdta. While he did his best to minimize the casualties, they were still enough to decimate that village. One in every ten people of that village faced the cold reality of war Sei Orlouge. While you may be my uncle you are a year my younger, perhaps you should start acting like it rather than act like a hopeless optimist and pray everything will come out perfectly. When will you give up your foolish dreams and realize you need to accept the bad with the good!?"
You are crossing many lines today, and I am blaming the fact that you have lost your friend, have you any tact left I would suggest you use it to let the situation drop. I will never give my dreams for the Ixian Knights. This world needs dreamers to give it a soul, to allow it to grow and flourish, rather than wither and die to harsh realities, Sei replied firmly.
"And it needs brutal realists like me to keep it alive. While you go gallivanting about and sending men on recruitment missions, I am constantly dealing with people who dreamed and lost sight of the true goals. Who failed to understand what was going on around them and were hurt because of this. I will not back down simply because you feel I am lashing out irrationally for the loss of one of my only vents!"
Both continued to stare across the table, the room deadly silent before Sei said firmly, You may have Guardsman Pell. You have your two, I suggest you prepare. One last suggestion my niece.
"And that would be?"
I would suggest you never, ever question me in front of my men again.
"If you wished for that, perhaps you should not threaten everyone who disagrees with you," Aislinn retorted.
Aislinn moved through the halls of Ixian Castle, her boots clicking over the flagstones of the floor in quick order. At her side a small black cat moved with grace and certainty keeping up with her erstwhile owner. Looking over at the cat she spoke with a calmness that belied the normality of the action, "You are certain he called me into this meeting?"
The cat looked up briefly at the woman before she replied, Yes, he said he needed and expert on spirits and magic for this mission. We couldn't think of anyone more suited other than Sei of Seth, and with what happened recently with Seth, I doubt he'll sending that madman out anytime soon.
She frowned hearing those words as they stopped outside the door to the war room. She looked down at the cat before she spoke, "Sister, this is not the time for jokes. We both know Seth Dahlios will not do anything around here. He is too caught up in his petty plans to actually fulfill his end of the deal with our Uncle."
A lot happened while you were gone for two weeks sister. How is Pierce doing of course? The cat replied looking up at her sister.
"Pierce is doing as well as always, being an alchemist helps with that. He does send his regards but regrets to inform you he does not have a fish for you this time," Aislinn replied. The cat nodded before with a paw it scratched at the door. It soon opened showing the face of Adolph Gretzel the leader of the Ixian Knights Chaplains. Aislinn nodded with familiarity, bringing about another nod from the man who moved from the door and gestured Aislinn through. Adolph was a grizzled warrior of the Knights of Apocalypse, and further was one of her Uncles myriad of bodyguards. Being an Orlouge had its benefits, and at times Aislinn had met with the man, but never more than the formal occasion. Of course this meant she didn't have to introduce herself when she showed up, and stepping into the room she looked slowly about it, taking in the view of the war room, as well as who was in it.
The Ronin Taka was the first fixture she noticed, being drawn to him as a moth to the flame. The caress Ulgu made his presence stand out more to the witch who was intimate with its workings. He was sitting resolutely and looking at the sprawl of maps before him with a keen eye. Those eyes flashed over to Aislinn before he narrowed them briefly and nodded, "Aislinn-Sama."
She returned the nod before she muttered, "Taka." She then moved to the next sitting about the table, her cousin Kylana. After the incident a few weeks ago, she had made sure to visit her friend and the closest thing she had to a father nowadays. The next in the group was Kylana Marie Orlouge, her cousin and the source of the problems the Mystic's even now faced. She nodded courteously before she said simply, "Cousin."
Her eyes then came upon the last figure at the table, Sei Orlouge. She could almost sense a small bit of tension in his body, though from what, it could not be said. So, rather than guess she carefully pulled back her chair, before sitting in it lightly, crossing her legs for modesty as she said simply, "Dear Uncle, why did you see fit to summon me today?"
I'm glad you could come so quickly. I understand you only recently got back and would prefer to be with your students, however an opportunity has presented itself, and I will not let it pass by idly. Have you ever heard of the Titans of Dheathain? He said gesturing to the maps. Aislinn frowned firmly in thought before she shook her head;
"I cannot say I am familiar with that tale."
Kyla seemed to perk up a bit, perhaps excited before she began to talk, "The Titans of Dheathain are the holy protectors of the land. They are spirits that animate statues to fight in war, and their fury is said to be a terrible thing. Most people think they are just ghost stories and legends, but we recently found some maps, and notes that seemed to suggest that they exist and are real."
Aislinn looked over at Sei before she spoke, "You mean to send me into the field, do you not?"
I need someone who can serve as a emissary to the spirits. I know that the winds of magic can be a rather temperamental lot, what with their recent attempt on your life, so I ask that you not overextend yourself. Further, I will not be sending you alone, Taka and the Mercenary Company will be joining you on this endeavor, Sei replied.
"All four of them?" The question was asked so quickly that all eyes in the room shifted to Taka, who remained passive as usual. If he was furious at the words, he hid it well. Even more he seemed to ignore it, even as he shifted only subtly, the most outward sign he was in fact still alive.
While they have been nearly destroyed, the mercenaries that are left, are more than a match for the forces you will be encountering, Sei replied firmly, seeming to underline to Aislinn just how rude her last statement was. She merely shook her head softly before she spoke once more;
"I want a bodyguard if I am to be going to Dheathain. I wish to be sure that when I end up in a fight, that at least one person is concerned with me, rather than worrying about the few men he has left. It will allow General Taka freedom to maneuver through the area without regards to my safety."
Out of the-
"Aislinn-sama, if you wish it, then get yourself a yojimbo. I do not begrudge you that, but you will return to Radasanth safely," Taka replied, cutting off Sei. All eyes darted to the Ronin, who's eyes were locked with the Witch's ice blue. It seemed Taka had found his voice, and was trying very hard not to insult the others, while calling her out.
Aislinn let it drop, having won the freedom she requested. Looking at Sei, she spoke curtly, "Jensen Ambrose."
Kyla inhaled sharply, Adolph even visibly tensed at those words. Sei merely looked deeply into Aislinn's eyes before he looked to Taka and back to Aislinn. Finally a heavy sigh filtered through the room before Sei spoke sternly, Jensen Ambrose has been evicted from the Ixian Knights, pending an apology to Anita for his crass behavior. You will get Adolph as your bodyguard on this mission. That is the final word on this matter.
Aislinn's cool facade broke when she heard those words, her hands slamming down on the table causing Kyla to jump slightly. She lifted herself quickly from the chair with such force that it shifted back a good foot. Never before had anyone seen the witch lose her cool, even during Jensen's constant jabs, "You what? Uncle, tell me you did not throw my friend out for making fun of Anita, again. I thought you had thicker skin than that-"
Jensen Ambrose is a detriment to the Ixian Knights, he serves no purpose nor does he help the troops. He is a drain of resources and the delicate situations I have been put into due to his loud mouth and dare I say barbaric actions have finally come to a head. I have endured enough torture at his hands, or need I remind you of the noodle incident?
Aislinn saw a visible shudder cross Sei before he narrowed his eyes, almost begging Aislinn to contradict him. She was tempted to argue this out, but with the others in the room, and the fact Taka seemed to be growing more intent on her as she spoke, made Aislinn dreadfully uncomfortable. Her eyes lingered on Kyla before she shook her head, finding no allies in her crusade to protect her friend. Being alone amidst so much hostility had a rather intimidating effect, and Aislinn vowed to pursue this later with Sei, alone.
"Very well, I shall make do with what I have. Mr. Gretzel shall accompany me? And when he dies who shall protect me then?" Aislinn returned to sitting pulling the chair closer to the table.
"That is simple Ms. Orlouge, I shall not die," The words oozed with wounded pride, though Aislinn did look over her shoulder to look upon him.
"While I can keep you alive, one solid blow will incapacitate you for the rest of a mission. I certainly hope Taka's men are strong enough to carry you should you fall in battle," Aislinn retorted. She then looked to Sei, "At least one more should do."
Aislinn Orlouge, I know your father raised you to be far more of a lady than that! Being defiant over the loss of your friend is one thing, but to malign and slander your fellow Knights for the loss of that friend will not be tolerated! Sei stood up from his chair and leaned across the table to look upon Aislinn. She crossed her arms curtly before she spoke, looking at him firmly.
"Had I not shown up at Valdta, Adolph Gretzel would not be here. I am the sole reason he continues to serve you. Further, I helped tend the wounded of Valdta. While he did his best to minimize the casualties, they were still enough to decimate that village. One in every ten people of that village faced the cold reality of war Sei Orlouge. While you may be my uncle you are a year my younger, perhaps you should start acting like it rather than act like a hopeless optimist and pray everything will come out perfectly. When will you give up your foolish dreams and realize you need to accept the bad with the good!?"
You are crossing many lines today, and I am blaming the fact that you have lost your friend, have you any tact left I would suggest you use it to let the situation drop. I will never give my dreams for the Ixian Knights. This world needs dreamers to give it a soul, to allow it to grow and flourish, rather than wither and die to harsh realities, Sei replied firmly.
"And it needs brutal realists like me to keep it alive. While you go gallivanting about and sending men on recruitment missions, I am constantly dealing with people who dreamed and lost sight of the true goals. Who failed to understand what was going on around them and were hurt because of this. I will not back down simply because you feel I am lashing out irrationally for the loss of one of my only vents!"
Both continued to stare across the table, the room deadly silent before Sei said firmly, You may have Guardsman Pell. You have your two, I suggest you prepare. One last suggestion my niece.
"And that would be?"
I would suggest you never, ever question me in front of my men again.
"If you wished for that, perhaps you should not threaten everyone who disagrees with you," Aislinn retorted.