An Gathering of Heroes

[Viola Conda]

((Closed to Zerith and possibly one more. Members of the Nine can PM me if they wish to join.))

There was a clamor in the upper castle area of Emprea. The spring time breeze ruffled the newly laid down flags and banners that whipped and snapped in the wind as several orderlies tended to the castle flora and fauna. The serfs moved in an artful dance between the Advisors and officers of the main army, carrying bundled laundry forwards to their masters quarters. Soldiers formed ranks and lines, practicing precision and grace the likes of which other armies could never gather. They moved as one, marched in perfect lines, and they fought and practiced with strict discipline.

It was a rare event in the land of Heroes to have such a far away nation send forth ambassadors. Rumors were they hailed from across the seas, upon the continental island of Corone. A splinter faction of mighty warriors who called themselves the Ixian Knights. It was not a huge secret that currently the affairs of Corone were in a state of civil war, but this third unknown faction had sent a letter to every nation in the surrounding area.

Other, smaller, nations had openly accepted the peaceful trade pacts and non aggression treaties. There was simply to harm to be found in keeping lines of trade with another nation. Every nation had their reasons for accepting or declining, but the biggest power players was the Kingdom of Carthage, the Dukedom of Florence, and the nation of Emprea. An alliance with these nations could solidify a powerful allies in the coming war they had spoken of.

The Dukedom of Florence had the most trade routes available, second only to the City of Guilds, Benzer. They could assure that the Ixian Knight’s trade could get further out and spread like a spider web throughout the world. Sei Orlouge, master of the Nine and leader of the army had saw fit to go himself with his daughters to speak of a peaceful arrangement.

Of course the Blood Stained Kingdom of Carthage openly refused the invitation to join. They spoke that to join with them was a waste of time, and only inviting weakness into your nation. With the largest territory in the land, including the largest army outnumbering most other nation’s three to one, Carthage was the mightiest military bar none. Still, Carthage seemed to appreciate raw power, power drawn from within oneself. Sei had sent a diplomatic ambassador in the form of Ta’gaz and Adolph to see if some alliance could be formed.

This left Emprea, the land of Heroes. It was the common saying that anyone can aspire to be a hero in this land, and it was founded upon the principles as such. They were smaller than the Dukedom of Florence, but their military was of the highest caliber. Their chief strategist was laurelled as a great mind, and the men underneath her had seen victory in situation they would normally have been defeated. But what made Emprea great was not the army itself, but the resources. Located in the mountainous areas, the forges of Emprea had the best material in the land. Rare metals, precious gems, it was all easily accessible and never seemed to run out. This made Emprea wealthy, but instead they kept their resources to themselves. Resources many countries and nations wanted.

Sei had sent a letter that one of the Nine Generals would arrive, and attempt to create a peaceful arrangement with Emprea. So it was Viola Conda stood in her full fledged Ceremonial outfit. It was a suit combination, one that had a long teal coat that ran to her knees in the back. Medals of her achievements were slowly being placed upon her chest carefully as she lifted her head up and made sure her hair was tidy. She had it freshly cut, only a few strands left long as she tied the rest into a neat ponytail.

“You have five more and I’m done,” The woman before her muttered as she reached into an ornately crafted box that held all of the Chief Counselor’s medals. She was a red head, and she wore a black uniform with medals of her own. She wore a long skirt that matched, and moved with her heeled boots gently forwards as she carefully placed the medal in the next logical place. “I’m surprised you can stand with all this weight.”

“The weight of command is much more of a burden I assure you, Captain Boros,” Viola tutted as she moved a strand of hair out of her face. “The King decreed we all be at our best. Did you see to it to make sure every officer’s uniforms are prepared and all medals are assigned and issued up to date.”

“Took me all month, Mam, but yes I did, now hold still before I accidentally-”

There was a loud screech of pain as Viola jolted back.

“Prick you…” Natalie said clasping the pin shut. Viola gave her a dark look, but instead turned it into a grin as she looked upon her friend. Natalie grinned back as she grabbed the last of the medals and looked to it before polishing it quickly and placing it. “Done!” Natalie cried happily as she stepped back.

“Well?” Viola said moving her arms around to check her range of motion. Her boots clicked as she turned around in a curtsy, and the medals all jingled. “Do I seem presentable?”

“You look like a walking metal factory!” Natalie giggled as she stepped forwards and fixed her commanders collar. “But otherwise, you look fine. I’ve never really seen you so stressed about a diplomatic engagement.” Viola let out a long sigh as she reached for her Halberd. She had spent all night polishing it to every part of the smooth metal would shine brilliantly.

“This is a bit different. I can tell this is going to define the future of Emprea. We must be ready to act in a manner that is respectful, but not supplicant. We must show these Ixian Knight’s we are a force to be reckoned with but not mindless barbarians like those of Carthage.”

“I suppose, but you really should relax. If you’re worried about the meetings King Horus is in conference with Lord Advisors Renald and Fulgrim, who assured me that everything was ready. You’re only order was to make sure the Heroes of Emprea were presentable.”

The Heroes of Emprea were six individuals. Viola was one of them as the leader of all of Emprea’s mighty military arms. She was seen as cold and heartless, but she alone had the keen mind to see every tactical advantage in any situation.

Beneath her was Jonothan Andrews, Captain of the House Knights of Emprea. He was well known for his ability to rout an enemy in their own surprise attack, to take an advantage and turn any situation around with the blink of an eye. David King, the Captain of the Guard, was in charge of Emprea’s defense and also a bit of an egotist, but his orders had never seen his defended obstacles overrun and he was a vicious opponent in swordplay. They both had a rivalry that was unmatched as they playfully did the best to outdue the other. Something that has transferred to their soldiers.

Rachel Leona was the Captain of the Archers, and capable of training her archers to shoot an enemy commander with a bolt from a ballista at three hundred yards. Brian McCorvan was the head of the Nighthawk Assassin’s, and his cunning was unrivaled in the entire nation. The last hero was Paul Donovan, who was Captain of the Line and the ruler of Emprea’s soldiers. He was also a hotheaded individual who led the infamous Wolves of Emprea, an berserker unit controlled by no other.

Each hero made up an integral part of the army, and they were well known and respected for their prowess in battle. They also were all very close friends and because of that Viola had a command group she could trust. Each one brought a unique aspect to her that she could use to turn the tide of battle, and because of their courage she had received many victories. Some, like Rachel and Paul, were crass and crude, and others were a bit off, like Brian, but each one was so valuable to her.

“Day dreaming again, commander?” Natalie teased. “The carriage of the Ixian Knight’s has arrived to the castle limits. They should be here shortly. I’ll go and tell the Officer’s to begin lining up. Any other orders mam?” Viola shook her head and Natalie bowed low to her before leaving.

“Natalie?” Viola quickly called out. She stopped and turned. “Thank you for everything again. As a treat I assigned you to stand next to David King in the line of Honor.” Natalie’s cheeks flushed red as it was no secret that she had fallen for the Captain of the Guard. Natalie shook on the spot before running over and slamming herself into Viola’s body hugging her tightly squealing.

“Oh thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!” She repeated over and over.

“Behave, Captain, that’s an order!” Viola laughed. Natalie thanked her again before turning to run off. When she opened the door she took a surprised step back. She lifted a hand to her mouth before she giggled, standing tall and fixing her wrinkles.

“Captain Boros, every time I see you I think the day get’s a little less bright, but because the sun must hide itself in shame of your beautiful radiance,” a suave voice spoke out. Natalie swooned as she heard those words, and Viola entertained the thought of puking.

“Captain King, such an honor to see you on this magnificent day. Perhaps you could escort me around the castle until we are called to honor roll?” Natalie asked sheepishly. With an offered elbow Natalie giggled taking it and off she went leaving the door open.

“My door!” Viola chastised after her. But she received naught but silence. Irritated she made way to close her door when she saw another hulking shadow eclipse her. She opened the door a bit and smiled, stupidly as her face flushed a bit. Standing before her was Paul Donovan, and he looked rather well groomed. He wore his uniform with pride, each part of his military suit pressed and clean. His outfit was complete with his medals of achievement, but the only thing that stuck out was the wolf pelt upon his left shoulder. He smiled, awkwardly before he lifted one hand to her and waved it weakly.

“I uh, thought that maybe I could, perhaps…um…” The Wolf Lord of Emprea had never seemed to find his voice around Viola. And she too felt a difficult proposition build around her. Her heart raced just to be near him and she never could understand why. “Permission to speak freely commander?” Paul at last managed to stammer out. Viola stood to attention, letting a strand of hair cup her face. She nodded with a smirk.

“You look gorgeous, Mam,” Paul at last let out. Viola had to turn to stop herself from showing him her red cheeks as she thanked him. Thinking he said something out of line he turned to look at the gardens below. Viola stepped outside, attempting to touch his shoulder, but she hesitated. Maybe for the best Paul should think he was out of line. She already thought it over and it was just not acceptable for Viola to see this man as anything other than her subordinate.

“I got the wolves cleaned and ready, as per your orders. The Spero’s have ensured me the lines are prepared. Commander’s El’Johnson, Magnus, Alpharius and Omagon are in position to call orders. Everything on my end is ready.” One of his medals popped off his jacket and fell to the floor. “Except my suit…” he added with a chuckle.

Viola knelt down and picked up the medal, looking it over. It was the medal for bravery he had earned when he leapt off a castle wall and onto a dragon to try and stop it from terrorizing their ranks. He was so proud of himself until David chuckled and mentioned most medals of bravery are awarded for acts of stupidity. Paul looked to his medal, then with a wolfish grin he smiled again. He never once again referred to the medal as an act of bravery, but stupidity. She lifted it up and he made a motion to grab it but she shook her head, lifting on hand into his jacket and finding the best spot to pin it again.

She was doing her best not to think of how close she was. She could feel their hearts start to beat in time, but with a quick snap the pin was in place. He whispered his thanks to her and she nodded, patting his chest and leaving her hand on it for a moment as she looked into his eyes. She could feel that connection she violently opposed and she knew he felt it too. Still, she turned away at the last moment where she nearly convinced herself to do something stupid and nodded.

“That is good the army is ready. Today is an important day. You are to stand next to myself as my personal retainer.”

“Would not David be your personal guard?” Paul blurted. “I understand Jonothan is in charge of the King, but-”

“I want you at my side, Donovan.” Viola said, a bit softer than she intended to. Paul looked to her, stupidly, before he nodded.

“As my commander wishes,” Paul bowed to her. Viola entered her house again and moved swiftly to gather her Halberd. She looked to Duty’s Pride, the symbol of her office and smiled as she grabbed the haft and twirled it gracefully. She turned back to Donovan, who was taking up most of her doorframe. She surprised the laugh of the thought of him being so crowded. Though the second glance she got of him made her appreciate just the lengths he went to fulfilling her wish he look presentable.

“You know, you don’t really look that bad yourself,” She whispered.

“Pardon?” Spoke across the distance. Viola shook her head smiling. She walked forwards and stood before Paul and nodded to him.

“Come, Captain,” Viola said leading him out of her house towards the royal chambers. “Protect me from all danger and uphold the honor of being a Hero of Emprea.”

[Zerith]

“Do you really need to dress like a queer for this thing?” Jensen Ambrose asked, “I feel like I’ll probably get my own ass kicked just for standing next to you.”

One could always count on the immortal Jensen to offer a compliment. This one in particular was offered to his friend, Zerith, as they sat across from one another in a large carriage. Outside the window beside them displayed the scenery of Emprea, Land of Heroes and overall hidden nation to the rest of Althanas. Even the halberdier, who called the tiny island kingdom of Moriah his home, never heard the name of Emprea until Sei told him the place existed. He even needed the mute to point the country out on a map of the world as Sei explained that he was going to send the prince there to try and negotiate an agreement with them.

As the mountains of Emprea towered in the distance, Zerith and his entourage had just passed the castle limits of their destination. Knowing that Sei Orlouge was expecting him to be the professional and charismatic general of his army, the foreigner opted to look the part as best he could. It was for that reason he decided to wear his uniform that marked him the Captain-Commander of the Morian kingdom. Personally, he thought the title sounded ridiculous, and instead usually just used the title of High General.

“I happen to think he looks quite handsome in uniform,” Jasmine replied, supporting her husband’s decision to wear the uniform of her native home. The princess was busy putting the final touches on Zerith’s attire, which just so happened to be pinning on his medals just as Viola was. It proved to be more difficult though, as every small bump posed the risk of causing her to prick her husband with them. It had already happened a few times, but each incident was only met with a small wince and followed by a shrug on Zerith’s part. With a line of them already displayed across his chest, Jasmine was just about to finish putting on the last one of the lot.

“I agree, there’s nothing quite like a man in uniform,” Stephanie, Jensen’s fiancée added with a smile. The red haired woman came along to serve as Jasmine’s bodyguard, but her real job was to help keep her lover out of trouble. She quickly elbowed her immortal in the side, “and you need to keep it down, you idiot. The baby’s sleeping.”

Stephanie was of course referring to little Siela, Zerith’s tiny daughter. At just over a year old, the small girl was currently curled up in her daddy’s lap with a thin blanket draped over her. With both eyes shut tight and a pink pacifier in her mouth, the little princess clutched onto a small, pink stuffed monkey with one arm and the other wrapped around the halberdier’s arm. Siela simply adored her dad, and whenever he was around she refused to cooperate for anyone other than him or her mother. It pained Zerith’s heart to see her cry every time he left for an assignment and he knew it was probably just as had on Jasmine too, seeing as how it seemed the two rarely got to spend a large amount of time together. So when Sei offered to send one of his Nine on this task, the halberdier insisted that he be permitted to bring his family along provided that they also had some bodyguards assigned to them. The simple fact that he was sitting next to his wife was evidence that Sei agreed, something that the prince was extremely grateful for.

“As much fun as it is to watch as Jensen tries to keep his voice down. Can we please change the topic?” Tobias asked. The green haired elf was brought along to ensure the baby’s safety. The only problem Zerith had with this was that the woman was a notorious kleptomaniac and he really didn’t want to get into any trouble by bringing her along. However his desire to be with his family proved to get the better of him, and he decided to give her a chance to show that she can keep her nimble fingers out of trouble. “So Jasmine, have you and Z picked out any baby names yet?”

The young mother smiled and rested a hand on her growing stomach. At six months into her second pregnancy, Jasmine couldn’t hide it even if she tried. Although her husband disagreed with the prediction a doctor gave them, everyone (mostly Jensen, so he could continue teasing Zerith with breastfeeding jokes) was exciting to hear that she was carrying twins. Just as she had with Siela, the mage followed her gut and believed she and her warder would have two sons soon. Zerith on the other hand insisted it was a boy and a girl. “Not quite, we did decide on naming one of the boys Zevernus.”

“Zevernus!? What kind of gay ass name is that!?” Jensen laughed. Apparently the immortal was oblivious to the fact that he stuck a nerve with his Citadel comrade, who immediately shifted his attention and began staring out the window, not saying a word.”

“Zevernus is…” Jasmine answered quietly as she gently placed her hand on her prince’s shoulder. “…was…Zerith’s best friend for years and up until Siela was born.”

“You dolt!” Stephanie snapped as she punched Jensen in the shoulder. “Don’t get mad with my fiancée, he doesn’t think most of the time. Did the two have a falling out or something?”

“No, nothing of the sort,” the princess went on. “Zevernus died after jumping in and protecting a big, very pregnant me against a man he and Zerith were fighting.”

“Oh, Zerith, I’m so sorry to hear about that.” Tobias offered sincerely.

“Don’t worry about it. It’s all in the past,” Zerith replied quietly after he took a moment to clear his throat. He took a moment to look down at the hat he held in his hands before he carefully place it on his head. It matched the blue uniform he work perfectly, making the outfit finally complete now that he was wearing both it and his medals. Reaching to his side, the prince picked out his halberd with his left hand. The red weapon wasn’t necessarily a badge of office, but it was quickly becoming as well known as it’s wielder. Since Zerith usually brought Amenzanil to all of the professional appearances he made for the Ixian Knights, he didn’t see why he would bring it with him to Emprea.

“I’d appreciate it if you could please pick up Siela, Jasmine,” Zerith said as the carriage finally came to a stop outside the castle. “It’s time for us to climb out and look professional.”

[Viola Conda]

Viola watched as the last minute details were arranged all around her, each member of the royal court moving in a flawless ballet that made her soldier’s strict marching look like fools stumbling. Advisors, royal dignitaries and all manner of servants had gracefully fallen into perfect perpendicular lines with twenty paces spread between the two sides of the greeting hall. A long teal colored rug had been rolled out the night before and all along the ceilings of the room was each of the thirty house banners of the Lords and Ladies of Emprea’s nation.

Viola checked one last time that was set not only within the hall, but on the steps of the grand dais; a long circular four tiered platform that clearly showed the chain of command to the guests of Emprea. The bottom step was filled with the highest ranking Military personnel. She could see Natalie’s face beaming as David stood next to her; both back’s arched stiffly and with pride as they awaited the Ixian Knights. Rachel Leona, the captain of the archers, also stood next to David, a solitary adjutant from her squad detached as her personal guard.

The Third step was the highest members of the House; those whose bloodlines were tied to the oldest of Emprea’s history and the original families who had fought when the first Berserker King had fought and defeated the demon general. She noted the trio of people who she knew had the deepest connection, the Noble Spero bloodline Herald, Hilde, and their daughter Noel. Viola smirked to see Herald and Noel both looking anxious, but Hilde, the more rational of the three, kept a neutral face as she seemed to bore holes into her husband’s back, willing him to wise up.

The second step was the top personnel of Emprea; those who administered to the well being of the nation not only in a military sense, but in a political sense. Viola stood amongst a very thin crowd of peers as the Chief Counselor to the throne. Adept Advisor’s Renald and Fulgrim stood shoulder to shoulder aloft to her left, and Chancellor Freya Celestine, chief diplomat and controller of Emprea’s wealth was to her right. Of course, behind her like a very large shadow was Paul Donovan, who stayed a respectful, but close stance near her. She could feel his eyes bore into every nook and cranny of the room, and she grinned to herself at how serious he was taking his duty to keep her alive and well. He had already with one growl kept Renald and Fulgrim to silence, which she was eternally grateful for.

The last step, and highest, was the leader of Emprea, the Berserker King Horus. The only ones who could stand upon the step with him was the royal family, which the king had none, and the Lord of the House Knights, Jonothan Andrews. As the Lord of the entire House, it was Jonothan’s job to protect the king at all times.

The Entire left side of the greeting hall was filled with diplomats, advisors, dignitaries, and members of the House Knights, and the right was filled with the honor squad of all twenty seven companies of Front line Soldiers, fifteen archer companies, and ten Emprean Guard units. Each one was commanded by the appropriate commander, save those whose commanders were standing upon the grand dais. In their stead was the Company Champion to bring order to their subordinates.

It seemed all was ready, and a trumpet blared a sharp note alerting the room that the carriage had at long last arrived. With a deep cleansing breath she stood a bit straighter, hands behind her back as she cleared her throat. Soon she would be bellowing orders to all of the finest Emprea had to offer. She felt a sudden inkling, and with a smirk she took her elbow and hit her fellow captain in the gut. He let out a deep breath and wheezed, stumbling into her as she giggled, only slightly before whispering in his ear, “Make sure your wolves behave Donovan, they are a reflection of you…” Paul gulped as he pulled back to a standing position, awkward glances cast at the pair as Paul let out a deep rumble of a chuckle.

“They will make you proud,” Paul said, none of his pride hiding in his tone. Viola nodded as she watched the vaulted doors open. Outside the rest of the army was, those not on guard duty or patrol were organized into parade lines, their unit commanders making sure everyone was in proper line. Paul bent low, whispering into her ear asking her if he needed to be doing something. She shook her head and he smiled leaning back and watching as the group of the Ixian Knight’s had arrived forwards.

The man in the front had no doubt carried with him the air of a man who could be no other than Zerith Dracosius, general of Sei Orlouge’s entire army. What her network of information gatherers had dug up was he from a place called Moria originally, and was the general of their armies as well. She was confused by this, as to lead two armies seemed not only impossible, but foolish. To be loyal to both was splitting one’s agenda into pieces, and that could result in sloppy performances. She had reserved her judgment only to that baseless conclusion, however, deciding that Sei would not have asked him to lead his armies without first thinking of that little problem.

“His hair looks like it was from those fantasy tales!” Paul whispered loudly. Viola shushed him politely. “No seriously! Look at it! So wavy, so perfect, for god’s sake it bounces!” Paul whispered loudly, causing Chancellor Freya to giggle as Viola turned to give him a warning look. “I’m just saying, David may have competition for the title of best hair in Emprea.” Paul finished with an innocent look. Despite herself that last comment made Viola chuckle, as well as the other’s on their step. Common knowledge in Emprea was David King was very, very much a fan of his hair.

Recalling her briefings she recalled that Zerith had married a king of Moria’s daughter or something of that nature. The Lady Jasmine, his wife, was also pregnant. She spotted her walking with a regal grace which Viola had to admit she did flawlessly, despite looking visibly into the late stages of birthing cycle. She had a pretty face, a prominent smile on her face that was condescending, but full of genuine warmth and she could discern nothing from her features to show signs of betrayal. Whatever she thought, she was a master at hiding it. In her arms was their child, a young girl, and despite all the noises and sounds she could tell the child was very still and quiet.

That had left the entourage of Ixian representatives who were assigned as the retainers to the General and his family. Off her head she recalled the name Tobias Greenleaf, Stephanie Odara, and Jensen Ambrose. The three walked with different forms, all telling her a bit about them. Tobias seemed to be a plucky one, and though her elven grace was clear, she did have a carefree spirit about her. Stephanie seemed to be the only one who moved with a military grace, staying near her charge and rightly keeping an eye out for danger. The third one, Jensen, looked like he plainly did not care about any of this. Still, Zerith had handpicked all three, and if he did so putting the care of his family in their hands, then he had seen something in them that Viola had yet to.

When they arrived at the base of the fourth step, the congregation upon the Dais shifted so they made a funneled opening that led to the tip, where King Horus stood. With a mighty smile, his arms spreading wide showing his bulky physique that made Donovan look like a child, he stepped forwards and spoke in a commanding, but friendly tone.

“Welcome, Ixian Knight’s, to the City of Heroes!”