Hidden 9 yrs ago Post by freedomliveson
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"No, Jiago, I'm telling you, I can't give you any more than I already have!"
"Listen to me, you brutish thug, you will give me my required share of the yield this year or I will drive you and the rest of your family off of my property...oh wait, let me emphasize a certain word...what is it...oh yes, MY!"
With that, the elvish dignitary turned on his heel to the horse drawn carriage that he usually presented himself in, the white chocolate colored horses snorting as their passenger situated himself in the carriage, his chin tilted upward, eyes seemingly gazing defiantly at the sky. Volgorl couldn't help but chuckle, the carriage trotting away on the command of the driver, wheels and horse hooves whipping up some of the loose earth that was naturally a result from the consistent rains they had been having the past two weeks. It was wonderful for the crops now, but if it had just been a month earlier, their wheat yield would've been double. For an Elf, Jiago didn't seem that in tune with nature; of course, he was one of the Elven gentry, which meant he attended fancy dinner parties with other rich royalty members, including men, dwarves, Dasvrochian and any other species that could stick out their finger while sipping on tea and comment on the slow manual labor they had hired. Volgorl honestly found Jiago amusing for the most part(along with most royalty), his hubris so over the top that it almost seemed like he was faking it.

Unfortunately for the world and Volgorl himself, Jiago was not "faking it".

Blowing out a sigh, Vol turned his broad shouldered frame from the road and trudged back to his home, a modest looking cabin that he had built himself with some help from local men who were looking for work(they were in the fields at the moment). It was decent enough for his living, but it was rather awkward due to there only being two rooms, Vol not having the luxury of his own private room, unlike his sixteen year old sister who insisted on having SOME space(kids). His ice blue irises noted the darkening sky, the large muscles in his arms and legs moving him quicker now in order to avoid the impending storm. As he reached their front door, a clap of thunder pierced the air, lightning shooting through the heavens. A marvelous sight.

________________________________

"So, tell me brother dear, what are you going to do about him?"
The duo had just finished dinner and were seated across from each other at a wooden table, a stack of playing cards in the middle along with three cards in their hands and five face down in front of both of them. Vol had recounted the interaction with Jiago and after Nadia swore profusely about their overlord's ugly face, she had asked him the question.
"I don't know. We won't have enough to meet the export yield he wants." He placed a card down on the table, a grinning goblin with axes and two numbers in the upper right hand corner visible. Nadia snorted, placing a card on the table herself, this one with a dragon breathing fire. Volgorl groaned, placing the goblin on top of the deck.
"Then we just steal from another field, right?"
"Nadia..."
"No, I'm serious, Vol, the Summerset farm has more than en.."
"No! We've been through this already. I can't steal from another man's field...it's just not right."
"Then what do you propose we do, then, eh? Get thrown into prison? I get sold into slavery or probably prostituted..."
"Nadia, that's enough."
"Hey, at least I'm not moping! Do something about this! We're already behind on our lease payment for the land."
"Get married...at least that way we can get some money. Dowry prices have gone up last time I checked." They both laughed slightly, Nadia leaning back in her chair, her lithe frame barely filling the seat. She brushed a lock of black hair from her eye, looking at her brother's own short hair that mirror her color.
"You need a haircut."
"No."
"Yeah, you do."
"Shut up."
"Whatever." She rose from her seat, placing her cards on the table before walking past Vol, patting his head as she told him: "We'll figure this out, brother. We always have."

__________________

It was the next morning when, instead of the early morning sunlight waking him, a clear trumpet blast resounded, causing the large man to almost fall out of his bed. "VOLGORL MALATESTA! PRESENT YOURSELF!" Vol grabbed a shirt that was draped over the only chair he ever sat in, donned it and walked outside to see a man garbed in blue and gold, a beret with a feather in the cap complimenting the lavish outfit. A royal messenger? Out here?
"Yes? what is it?"
"You have been summoned by your royal highness to a tournament of arms in the capital city. Please ensure you bring your finest..." The messenger looked Volgorl over more closely, then continued with a sneer: "Your best, I suppose, attire and any weaponry or armor you desire to use."
"Wait, wait, I wasn't...this doesn't make sense, I'm not a warrior, a knight or a..."
"Just take this decree and be in the city within the week." The messenger, in a similar fashion to Jiago, turned on his heel and walked down the path to the road, a carriage visible in the distance. Vol looked down at the unfurled piece of paper and read it aloud:

"The King and Queen of Metaschi would like to formally request your presence at the Capital city for a rousing tournament of arms. Those who prove themselves worthy will receive a prize far beyond their comprehension. Please be at the Royal Citadel by the end of the week or you will be marked ineligible for this grand opportunity." A blue and gold seal was printed on the bottom of the letter, proving the authenticity of the document.

"Well then..."
Hidden 9 yrs ago Post by Heaven
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Elizabeth stood on the balcony outside her bedroom. Her lavender colored dress moved with the wind, her long brunette locks following. The King and Queen treated her rather well here, much better then where she was living at previously. That was Hell compared to here. Queen Mereia was much more like a close friend then Elizabeth's mentor, boss, whatever you wanted to call her. The bedroom Elizabeth had was adjoining to the King and Queen's, convenient if the Queen needed her quickly. Right now, they were tending to private royal business in the throne room, something to do with the royal of arms thing, Elizabeth just briefly overheard the discussion.

As much as Elizabeth enjoyed being here, being in the presence of Queen Mereia, she just felt like there was more to her lief than that. Which is why she entered herself in the competition. But now as Elizabeth Cunningham, but as Alberto Edwing, a completely made up name. Elizabeth had her bag packed, hiding under her bed. Biting her lip, she turned back hearing her name called. It was such a beautiful day outside, she decided she'd take a nice little walk through the village square, if given permission by her Queen.

She joined Mereia and her husband, King Nicholas, at the long table for dinner. A roasted chicken sat in the middle of the table, a bowl of sweet peas, mashed potatoes, glazed yams, and rolls surrounded it. She wondered vaguely who'd be joining them. A few more people entered, no one Elizabeth recognized. They ate, she in silence, the King and Queen chatting with the few people who joined them. Elizabeth knew this Thursday night would be it. She'd be off, preparing for the competition that weekend.

A few days later, she had made sure she had everything she needed. It was late at night, the King and Queen in bed. Elizabeth wrote a brief not for Mereia to read the following morning when she'd wake up. Elizabeth re-read through it a couple times until she was sure she was satisfied.

My Queen,
I am afraid I had to leave. I just feel like there's more to my life than this.
I went to see what else I have, I haven't lived yet. I want a good husband, a family, things I'm afraid I can't acquire here.
Being your Lady in Waiting as been a true honor, I greatly enjoyed it and being in your presence, but I can't do it anymore.
I wish you and the King luck in life. Thank you for all you've done.
- Elizabeth


She laid the note on her pillow, her bed still made up. Elizabeth dressed down, wearing a pair of light brown trousers and a loose white blouse, her brown hair tied back with a brown ribbon. She grabbed her bag and left through the window, being careful not to be seen by the guards. Soon, she was climbed over the fence and heading towards the village square. She had some money on her, so she'd get an inn for the night and train tomorrow. The competition was Saturday, so she'd have all day tomorrow to prepare. She had skills when it came to a sword, her father was a swordsman, teaching her as a little girl how to properly use it, now she'd be putting those skills to good use come Saturday,
Hidden 9 yrs ago Post by freedomliveson
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"Well?"

Vol had placed the invitation on the wooden table and explained the situation to Nadia, who had also been awoken by the sudden trumpet blast. After his exposition, there had been nothing but silence between the two of them, Vol occupying his gaze with the note. It was only upon Nadia's question that he looked up.

"Well, what?"
"Are you going?"
"I...I don't know. This must be some mistake, right?"
"It's got your name on it, right?"
"Nadia, I'm not a warrior! I can barely use a sickle in the fields and that's on a good day."
"This..." Nadia pointed at the invitation before reaching up and planting her hands on her brother's shoulders.
"This is our way out, brother. If you can even finish with a bronze medal or in third place or whatever isn't first, there's probably money involved. Money that can get us away from Jiago and this way of life. We can actually start living the lives WE want to live." Vol looked down at his sister, his hazel irises filled with the swirling emotions that occupied his mind.
"Brother, haven't you always wanted to live in Nuvansa? Haven't you always wanted to have that cottage that has the carpenter's workshop in the back and a place for you to have a room?"
"Well, you stole mine."
"That's besides the point." Nadia patted her brother's shoulders.
"This tournament...they won't have you fighting to the death and BESIDES, you're HUGE. Remember when you took on that group of bandits a few weeks ago that were trying to raid Jiago's wheat field?"
"Yeah, yeah..."
"Remember how you BROKE ONE OF THEIR ARMS LIKE A TWIG?!" Vol blew out a sigh.
"Just because I can thrash a few bandits doesn't mean that I can go against trained, fully armored knights."
"You can train somehow, can't you? You've got a few days and Nuvansa is only a day's journey by wagon. Get there and try your best."
"And if I don't succeed?" She shrugged.
"That's not an option."

__________________

A day and a carriage ride later, Vol found himself at the gates of Nuvansa, an expansive walled city that covered at least two miles. The interior of the city held massive stone and metal structures that seemed to scrape the sky, inhabitants bustling about between market stalls and buildings. The streets were wide enough for two horses to pass, the cobbled roads holding themselves together just barely underneath the foot traffic. While the city was walled in a loose square, the interior was built somewhat like a divided circle, the innermost circle playing host to the glistening walls of the palace. He figured if someone knew anything about the tournament, they would be there.
"Right then..."
Hidden 9 yrs ago Post by Heaven
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Elizabeth stood in the forest, a practice dummy she made herself standing in front of her. She had cut her hair to just her shoulders, hair pulled back. She had on black trouser's and white shirt, un-tucked, with black loafers. She drew her sword out. It was the middle of the day, beads of sweat formed on her forehead. She raised the sword up and did a complete circle, swinging the sword down, hitting the shoulder of the dummy. She continued to do different angles, hitting different spots until she needed a break. She put her sword down and walked to the nearby rive.

Elizabeth cupped her hands and filled them with water, taking a sip. It was cool and rand own her throat easily. She sat and leaned against a rock, taking a brief break. The tournament was tomorrow. She decided to practice the rest of the day, then head to the pub and get a good drink and meal in her stomach, before going back to her inn and getting a good night's sleep.

After a few minutes had passed, she took another long sip of river water and continued onto her practice. She let her hair down so it fell freely over her shoulders. It was amazing how much one haircut changed someone's appearance. She missed her longer hair, she actually enjoyed it that length, but this was her dream. She was tired of being brushed off as a 'damsel', when she could protect herself just fine by herself. And she'd prove it at the tournament tomorrow.
Hidden 9 yrs ago Post by freedomliveson
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After being directed and misdirected by almost a dozen citizens on how to navigate the circular, yet square city of Nuvansa, Vol found himself on very northern side of the city...or at least that's where he believed he was. A guard clad in rather official looking silver and blue armor had instructed him to take a right past the taxation offices and then keep walking north until he found the palace. Or did he say a left? Shaking his head, he strode to the gate, where a guard in similar looking armor stood watching the road leading into the forest.
"Excuse me, but could you help me get to the palace?" The guard turned to face Vol, his brow furrowing.
"And why would YOU want to visit the palace?"
"Well, it's about the tournament. I received an invitation and I need to talk to whoever sent this." The guard chuckled.
"You are quite the weaver, aren't you? Participating in the tourney this weekend, clothes like that..." Another chuckle. Vol's hands curled into fists, knuckles whitening.
"Just...tell me where I need to go." Shaking his head, the guard pointed forward.
"Out there. You'll find everything you need out in the open world, away from all the fantasies that you've made up in that poor brain of yours." Vol moved his arms up just slightly, but then lowered them back to his sides.

No. Not worth it.

"Thanks." Instead of circling back into the city, Vol complied with the guards advice, walking past the guard detail and watchtowers that fortified this part of the wall. He kept walking until the laughter of the guards died out.
"This was stupid. This was so stupid." He spotted a path that diverged from the road, to his right, that led into the forested area surrounding the main path. Shrugging, he diverted, strolling into the thicket of trees.
"Just dumb. To think that this was even legitimate or to think that I could-" He heard a solid thumping, then it ceased. Again, this time harder. It was coming from straight ahead. Sounded like...wood cutting? Vol paused mid-stride, feet staggered. Another thump.
"No, just don't..." Before he could talk himself out of it, he was walking toward the source of the noise. It didn't take very long until Vol found himself in a small clearing, watching a woman with about shoulder length hair drink from a nearby stream. When she rose, he took in her full appearance.

Beautiful.

Standing rather limply was a doll of some kind, about as tall as she was. There was a weapon nearby and...
"Sorry, but...did I stumble onto something I should't have?"
Hidden 9 yrs ago Post by Heaven
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Elizabeth eyed the dummy, thinking what to do to it next. She could chop of it's head? No, too brutal. This wasn't a 'to the death' match, just friendly keep going until you can no longer continue. She picked the sword back up and was about to continue her training when an unfamiliar voice seemed to sneak up on her. Elizabeth quickly turned, aiming the tip of the sharp sword to the direction of the voice. She was taken a little off guard as she stared at a man- a very handsome man at that, but still, what did he want? Was he a thief? She didn't have anything if that was it. Elizabeth kept her eyes trained on the man, making sure to watch his every move in case he tried to advance on her.

"Who are you, and what do you want?" She asked, a thick English accent could be detected in her soft almost musical voice. The sword was starting to cause her arm to get sore, so slowly she lowered it. He couldn't have been to much of a threat, right? If so, Elizabeth had fast instincts, she could act quickly, but mentally she told him it wouldn't be a good idea. She may have been a woman, but she could fight and wasn't one to be messed with.

The sword she held was completely lowered now as she eyed the man from top to bottom, then bottom to top. "Don't worry about what you stumbled upon, it's nothing. Just.. self defense I'm teaching myself." She said. Good one, Lizzie!! Her inside voice said, jumping up and down with glee at her flawless fib.
Hidden 9 yrs ago Post by freedomliveson
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"Hey, look, I'm not here to cause trouble, I was trying to find my way to the castle and I got harassed by a few guards and now I've found myself here..." He stopped himself, chuckling slightly.
"I also ramble. That happens." A hand ran through his ebony colored hair as he told her:
"Name is Volgorl Malatesta. I'm from...well, you probably wouldn't know where it is, but it's a small area just inside the province of Nuvansa. Don't really want to live past that border, you know? Tales from the southern part of the continent scare me half to death." He added:
"The province, not the city. But you probably knew that already." Rubbing the back of his neck, he observed the weapon once more, brow furrowing. Was she...no. No, probably not. But she had a weapon. That counted for something in his mind. Maybe she could at least find his way back through the city to the castle and he can finally get to find out who sent him the blasted invitation in the first place.
"You do seem like the warrior-type. Much prettier than a warrior, mind you." A slight flush in his cheeks as he averted her gaze.
"I meant, well...you've got your weapon out and it looks like that dummy has seen better days, so you probably know about the tournament being held here. I got invited to it and I have no earthly idea how to find the castle. Do you think you could help me get there? You don't ACTUALLY have to come with me, but just guide me there so I don't look like a gigantic idiot roaming the streets." He wondered how long it would take for her to figure out that he wasn't a warrior...or maybe she had already deduced it. Either way, he hoped she would be kind enough to get him on his way.
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