Cold. Icy winds blow over the waters of this great ocean, stirring waves into white froth, blasting the shore with winds and torrents. Waves crashed upon the shore, and rain started to come down; slowly at first, but soon increasing in velocity and fervor. The droplets smashed into the foamy crests, disappearing into the deep. A wildcat and two weasel guards stood on a rock overlooking the ocean, and a floating city just offshore. The wildcat wearily brushed his headfur back from his face, and wiped the rainwater out of his eyes. He was regal in bearing, though somewhat battered by the elements. His two guards had long, flowing black cloaks, and stood with their spearpoints in perfect alignment, testement to their strict military postures. Mikalae DarkKnight stood, paw resting on his longsword, watching the small boat being rowed out to meet him. He nodded to his guards, and they followed him down to the beach.
Within minutes all three were aboard, rowed back to the city by a silent crew of two, who spoke not a word during the somewhat rough travel. They lightly bumped against the nearest raft, and Mikalae disembarked, nodding his thanks to the boatsmen. He removed the hood from his face, and revealed to all his noble countenance. He now waited for some delegation or party to meet him on the raft.
OOC: CLOSED RP!
*A young fox bounced down the pier, he spies Mikalae and stops short* Uh.. wait.. are you Mr. Darkknight? I was supposed to meet a Mister Darknight... but you don't look like the picture. *He pulls out a small tablet, on it is engraved a picture of a much younger Mikalae* Well, if you are I bring you greeting and salutations from the General.
As the boat touches the raft, a short rat scuttles out of a nearby hut. "So... You're Mr. DarkKnight, yesno? You're here to see Ashyra?"
The rat turns to the fox. "And you're here to see Mr. DarkKnight? Pleased to meet you both!"
He grabs each creature's hand and shakes it vigorously. "Please step this way, avoid the puddles, and don't worry about getting wet, it happens here a lot... You see the huge raft over there? The one with lots of houses on? That's where we're going."
The rat runs off, past houses and shops, every so often turning around to check that the others are still behind him. Finally he stops outside a huge wooden house.
"Enter."
Mikalae scratched his chin in mock puzzlement as he looked at the engraving of himself. That must have been ages ago... ( :D ) He nodded to the fox.
"Yes, I am Mikalae DarkKnight. And I send my greetings and salutations in return."
A rat exited a hut and walked up to him.
"Yes, I am Mikalae DarkKnight, here to see Ashyra Nightwing, thank you."
He shook the beast's hand, smiling slightly at his antics. He followed past many scores of houses, remarking at the durable construction and general ingeniousness of design. Finally they arrived at a large house. He bowed respectfully to the rat once again, and straightened his headfur before entering.
As he entered the somewhat dark room, he was immediately warmed from the slightly cold environment by a collect of lamps and other heat-making devices; light was provided in abundance by them as well. He stood, unsure of himself in the presence of such an experienced and strong warlord as Ashyra. He bowed low.
"M'lady Nightwing."
The wildcat smiles. "There's no need to bow."
She pushes a plate across the table in front of her. "Want some cheese? I would like to request an alliance. You are the leader of a strong clan, Kasier. I am a leader of another strong clan, KOI, and I think that we would both benefit to be allied.. So, what brings you to my floating city?
Ashyra picks up a piece of cheese and nibbles on it, waiting for Mikalae's answer.
He took a piece of the proferred cheese and remained standing.
"My mistake to correct you, m'lady, but I am merely the representative for Kaiser. My commander was unavailable to meet you personally. Though, I am high ranked within the clan."
He finished off the small piece of cheese and nodded to her.
"Yes, an alliance would be most beneficial to both parties."
He looked around for a moment, and then replied.
"This city is beautiful, m'lady; extremely ingenious in design and well built. A very large improvement over Valaria, I assure you."
(*rewinds a bit, then roleplays the walk to the house*)*The young fox seems nervous in the presence of such august company, he nods to Mikalae* Yessir, I will sir. *Looks down at the rat, tehn folows, shaking the water from his paws when he steps in a puddle, his lip curls everry time this happens, he bows to Ashyra and watches the negotiations* I'm not permitted to speak on the General's behalf, I'm here to report what happens in this meeting, then bring his message to you once he finds out what has happened in this meeting, so pay no attention to me. *With that he sidles to a corner and settles in to watch them, he still seems quite nervous*
The wildcat smiles again. "Thank you... Sometimes I think that a city on land would be a better idea.. This wooden thing costs a huge amount to maintain, and if anyone sets fire to it, it'll burn down before we can stop it.. The first floating city we built sank as soon as it got into the water. Too much stone, y'see.. I had a castle on land before. It's still there, but half of it is in ruins, and I think another warlord's taken to using it now.."
She walks over to the fox and offers him a piece of cheese.
A small boat bumped into the city. A fox grabbed his rapiers and jumped up onto the wooden platform. He wore a black robe, and was barely visable. He threw his hood over his head to hide from rain, then moved silently through the city. He saw Ashyra chatting with two other beasts.
Dead Eye had no need to rule skiffs any longer, and had long since given up on being better then Ashyra. Now he was traveler, a bounty hunter, a mercenary. He jumped up onto a pair of boxes and looked around. On a few of the houses were guards with crossbows. Obviously Ashyra had need of protection in case something went wrong. He jumped back down and with great stealth got behind Ashyra. His tounge hissed as he said "Greetings to my love. It has been long."
"Except that cities on land are constantly attacked by others; others that seek glory, honor...and power."
He stopped talking to ponder that statement, realizing the truth that it told. He was about to inquire again as to the alliance, when a fox jumped down behind Ashyra; she did not notice. He instantly drew his sword and held it in front of him, looking behind Ashyra. With the tip, he pointed at the fox.
"You, get away from her. Slowly step out in the open and keep those blades back."
Behind Mikalae, his two soldiers had produced from the voluminous folds of their cloaks crossbows, which they loaded and pointed at the fox.
"Any sudden moves and you die. Now move."
{ooc- Ashyra is paranoid. Very paranoid}
Ashyra spins around, knocking the plate of cheese flying. She grabs a large claymore from the wall and points it at the fox.
"What do you think you're doing? Oh, I know! You were trying to kill me, weren't you? Weren't you?? Now, do what Mikalae says!"
Dead Eye snorted. He walked up to Mikalae. "Why aren't we a brave one. You no doubt have courage. But there is no need for swords here." he turned to Ashyra "I thought that you would be a good host and show a poor lost traveler food and comfort. If I had wanted to kill you I would have just stabbed you in the back and be done with it. Now my lads. Touch any weapons and I will be forced to kill you. As of now your at my mercy, trust me"
"If there are not any swords needed, fox, then sheath your own first. You are the one who drew first, and you are the one who incited us to draw. Sheath your swords."
His soldiers continued pointing their crossbows at the fox, ready for any sudden moves. Whether the fox lived or died depended on his speed at removing his swords from their threatening position.
*The young fox is cowering in the corner, even though he didn't really want the cheese, to be given it by such a famous person, what an honor, now that very person is in danger, and he can do nothing.. oh what will the General say?* My my, what's all this? *A large fox steps into the room, surveying the occupants, he is well muscled, but not over-muscled, he has the bearing of a lifetime soldier, he also wears a grey fur hat with a strange red symbol on it.* Gen..General? *The young fox looks up amazed* What are you doing here? *The general looks down* Its not that I don't trust you.. but the minute you left I had a vague suspicion, and now that I'm here it seems to be born out. *With that his gaze levels on the rapier wielding fox* And what are you doing here good sir? Surely that long knife can't just be for cutting your meat?
Ashyra stopped and stared at the newcomer. "Dead Eye..? Is that you? You look so... different.. Put down your sword, it's implying that you want to attack me.."
She picked up one half of the broken cheese plate and gave it to the fox. "Eat. It's tasty. This cheese is rare, it's only made here..."
She smiled. "Mikalae, this is Dead Eye. I think I've forgiven him for what he did to my skiffs about a month ago.."
The wildcat turned to Dead Eye. "Yes, I knew it was you who started the fire."
Dead Eye threw his sword down. "MY lady, I would give you all the jewls in the world to make up for that. I was foolish. And look where attacking the fairewst queen of Seas has gotten me. Humbling at her feet to be allowed some food." at this Dead Eye went away at the cheese, devouring it quickly. Then he looked at Mikalae. "Who are these fools?"
Mikalae slowly, agonizingly slowly sheathed his sword. With what seemed a peeved gesture he gestured with his paw, and the two crossbows fell as well, their owners putting them back under their cloaks. Mikalae was seething inwardly with rage, and he couldn't help some sarcasm to leak into his voice.
"Tread carefully, fox. Very carefully."
He stood for a moment, simply glaring at the fox. Then he spoke again.
"I am Mikalae DarkKnight, ruler of the Dark Knights and currently brokering an alliance between myself and the Lady Ashyra...that is, until it was so rudely interrupted by your crude and somewhat violent arrival."
He turned back to Ashyra, ignoring the fox.
"Do we have an agreement, or, alliance, I should say?"
At this remark Dead Eye growled low and fingered his swords. "I am a friend to Ashyra, I am the Spokesperson to Winter, Old Leader of the Juskawong and SilverJuska, Founder of Dark, Assitant to the clan Blades, and Admiral of the Seas under reign of the Northern Emperor Kilk. Do not dry my patience. Your forces are pitiful. Do not mock me fool."
RazorClaw was coming! He was underwater, inside of a dead, gutted out shark, which he had stuck reeds through the top of, and paddles out hte side, making it a submarine. He crept along, his crew at the ready. He was approaching Ashyra's fortress, and nothing less than the best assault could capture it, and, RazorClaw thought hungrily, all those skiffs!!!! He knew Ashyra had hardly any guard towers, so infiltration of the perimeter should be simple. Also, he had mastered the art of creating arrows that were shaped so they sailed through water as easily as if through air. He used it to fire at land from underwater. His archers readied themselves, they were nearly there...
A large flitcheye moved through the city. He held two axes in both hands. His vest indicated him as a captain of Ashyras ships. Captain Slayer Trueflight. He was coming back from one of the taverns when he saw his master talking with a few beasts. All the sudden he cried out "Dead Eye" he ran and picked the fox right up out of the air and hugged him.
As a child Dead Eye had been lost and sick. A snake had ripped out one of his eyes, and he was found by a family of flitcheye. Slayers family. They had adopted Dead Eye.
"Brother! Its so good to see you!" Then he put his brother down and bowed to Ashyra. "My lady, I am sorry for my beahvior(spl) Myself and Dead Eye are adopted brothers." He felt a little foolish.
Mikalae's grip whitened around his swordhilt as he spoke, almost spat, at Deadeye.
"My forces, pitiful? You shouldn't speak, Deadeye. Have you ever heard of the saying 'the pot calling the kettle black'?"
With a disgusted turn of his head, he turned to the flitcheye.
"You should teach your brother both manners, civility, and respect of his betters, flitcheye."
Ashyra's amber eyes narrowed.
"Now, Dead Eye, put away your swords.. You don't need them here. Unless you're intending to attack someone?"
She turned to Mikalae.
"Yes, we do have an alliance. And ignore Dead Eye, he's just being foolish. He's like this sometimes, like the time he insisted that I should serve Kilk.."
RazorClaw was ever so close! He was within shooting distance of the fortress... so close... RazorClaw yelled the order, "Fire!". Fifty flaming arrows flew directly into the tallest tower, and around twenty hit the base. "Second round! Fire!" More arrows shot into the fortress. Skiffs ran all over, not panicking, rushing to their battle stations... How those skiffs could benefit his army... "Fire!"
Dead Eye ignored the fool who mocked him, then turned and hugged his brother. "It is so good to see you. Ashyra, why wasnt I informed my brother was one of your famous captains?" but before any answer could be given fire erupted all over. Dead Eye pulled out both rapiers.
"No time for quarrels my lady! It seems you are under attack!" Dead Eye ran to the edge of the dock. He saw the fire coming from under water. He grapped a bow and shot under water, hitting one of Razor claws archers.
"Ashyra! Get all archers to the edges of the fortress and fire down! Slayer, get your crews up and about into ships and fire! And for goodness sakes get your workers to put out that fire!!!!!!" Dead Eye shot 3 more arrows into the water.
Slayer picked up Mikalae "You watch your mouth fool. That is my brother your talking about and I will throw you to the sharks if you ever say anything of disgrace to the Trueflight family!" Slayer put him back down when he heard the hiss of arrows and the flames erupt. He heard his brothers cries.
Slayer ran to the warning bell located in the center of the fortress and hammered it with the handle of one of his axes "Fire! Enemy! Invasion!" he screamed. Then he ordered for the slave masters to come out and get their slaves to pour water on the fire. He ran to the captains quaters, filled with all the Skiff cpatains "Get to your ships! War is here boys! Lets go!"
As he ran he saw his brother sending arrow after arrow down into the water. He knew he better keep an eye on Dead Eye. Then he rushed for his ship and got his crew on deck and firing into the water.
RazorClaw smirked. Return fire. His archers were many. But he had other ways of destroying the fortress. He dove under the building, and had his creatures smash at the bottom with massive axes. RazorClaw himself had been firing at the troops, but Dead Eye had hit him in the claw. He had to replace it. Once he had done this, he set to work with his scimitar. Slicing and chopping away. Finally, a small leak appeared at the top. Unfortunately, it would take over half the fortress cut open to sink it, and snatch up all the skiffs, but it would be worth it. RazorClaw sprung up through the hole he had created, to find himself face-to-face with Ashyra Nightwing.
OOC: This is getting really stupid. I mean, seriously. Of all the autoing...you can't simply pick someone up, Warrior, without their consent in RPing. Especially if you have a flitcheye, which are like sorta mini-vermin, kinda hard to pick up someone like Mikalae, who is a wildcat. Ahem. Also, Razorclaw, the boat thing...ehhh, just doesn't work. This was originally going to be a closed RP, pardon me for not clarifying that in the topic. *Sighs, and goes off to vent his frustrations on terrorists in America's Army: Special Forces*
ooc: How is picking some one up auto. You cant say "and warrior tried picking up the wildcat" that would be stupid. Also, If you are saying it isnt realiistic, neither is a flitcheye anyways. Nor a wildcat with swords. And the boat thing was stupid too.
OOC: I mean, realistic in the sense that it follows the Redwall series. You would say "warrior reached to pick up the wildcat".
ooc: oh then sorry. I didnt think it was a big deal, since you could have like attacked me. Doesnt matter now anyways, we are on the same team.
OOC: From now on, there are to be NO people posting other than myself and Ashyra, unless we specifically request someone to post. This is a CLOSED RP. Thank you.
"To follow Kilk would be madness, m'lady. I follow no one, as of yet."
He sat down in the chair again, ceasing his pacing. He gazed at the other wildcat, so enthralled he was with her water-bound city. He nodded, and then removed a piece of parchment from a pouch at his side and laid it on the table. He took a piece of charcoal from the same pouch and began sketching a map of his domain, in comparison to hers, as well as nearby enemies, friends, and neutral parties. He finished and drew a little city in the water, by the coast. He grinned.
"And there we are. Now, my forces are mostly congregated around this point." He accented his speech with a jab at the paper with his free paw. "If I move my forces back, closer to the coast, and concentrate my fortifications around this area here-" again he pointed, "-We would be able to defend our lands with much more success. Now, the only problem is the matter of troop loyalties. Do you think your soldiers would take orders from me, if the situation were to arise? My soldiers would listen to you...if I instructed them to, of course."