Invader Len

The Changeling

Thanks. i'm doing my best, it's a little tough sometimes, especially when you find out you scratched part of your skin off in your sleep. I mean, really, brain? What made you think doing this was a good idea?

The Changeling

Posted! Finally! Ugh, its been hard to write, I've really come down with something awful.

The Changeling

As Matthew hurried on ahead, Jules had to run at a light jog to catch up with him, slowing as he kept pace by his brother's side.
"Matthew! What the hell? This is my engagement, not yours! Why are insisting on being the center of attention, especially now?! It is incredibly rude, and don't even try to wriggle out of it by claiming ignorance to Brynmor customs, because even an insect would interpret your actions as childish!" Jules hissed under his breath once they were out of earshot of the princess.

Matthew did not reply, instead stopping and smiling as the princess, who had now fallen fairly far behind, called out, asking for them to walk slower. As she took her time catching up, Matthew turned back to Jules, his stupid and happy face melting away to reveal a deadly serious one beneath it.
"Something has just come to my attention. Jules, be careful, I believe there may be more than politics at work here." he murmured cryptically, retuning to his previous demeanor as the princess caught up.

"So sorry, Jules wanted to have a moment of privacy with me. Apparently I was being a little overbearing. But, I have just remembered, that there is some work that desperately requires my attention, father will have my head if I mess it up, so I will be leaving you two love birds alone for now. Sorry to miss lunch, but I'll see you again at dinner, and we can talk all we want then. Adieu, brother, sister, um, you." he said, saying goodbye to each of them, fumbling over what to call Evan, before hurrying off.

"H-Hey, wait, Matt!" Jules called, thoroughly confused by what had just happened. What was going on with Matthew? He glanced over at the remaining pair, giving a nervous laugh, rubbing he back of his head.
"U-Um, m-my apologies. He usually isn't like this at all..." he tried not to mumble, but trailed off, shaking his head.
"U-Um... Anyways, I-I'm not exactly the best at giving tours. I got lost on the way to the garden just two weeks ago, actually. In fact, I'm a little lost right now..." he looked around, feeling deeply embarrassed as he gathered his surroundings.

"J-Just a joke! I know exactly where we are. Um, th-this way to the bacon- I-I mean, the balcony! Heh, a-another joke, I guess..." he stammered, falling into a slower pace beside the princess and her mysterious bodyguard, looking down in his shame. What a joke indeed... He was making a complete fool of himself, and Matthew switching between acting like he was four and forty certainly didn't help a good first impression. She had to think he was an idiot, or worse, that he was impaired somehow, in his speech or in his mind.

The Changeling

No problem, we all get writers block. Take all the time you need.

The Changeling

Matthew beamed, though with his attitude, the princess probably would have gone with them even if she had said no. He beckoned one of the palace butlers, issuing his orders to help with the luggage, before beckoning both his brother and soon-to-be sister-in-law to follow him.
"Wonderful! Come on then, this way! I'll give you a brief tour about the palace, Jules can give you a more detailed one later." he babbled, ignoring Jules' sigh of having his brother plan out his actions for him.

Jules couldn't help but fidget with the cravat around his neck; he wanted nothing more than to rip the damn thing off so he could have a decent chestful of air. But he could not, for one, it would look distasteful, and it might offend Matthew, who routinely wore them. So, all he could do was sit and suffer in the stuffy atmosphere and hope he didn't look as blue in the face as he felt.

As the pair of them trailed behind Matthew, the older prince moving farther and farther off, talking incessantly to nobody who was listening. Jules glanced over in surprise at the princess's questions, quickly looking away and taking up an interest in the floor tiles as he struggled to speak.
"A-Ah! I-It wasn't really, I've made the trip several times before. A-Actually, I returned home several days ago. Trust me, i-its not your fault." he stammered over his words, trying to reassure her. Was she concerned about him? If so, then he didn't have the heart to tell her he wasn't actually sick, and it was just one of Matthew's lies.
He tried to think of a way to continue the conversation, damn it, talking to girls was so hard! Did he talk about Brynmor? But then he might seem ignorant. What about her dress or hair? No, then it would look like he was just superficial! Dammit, he hardly knew the girl well enough to ask her anything!
"Um, s-so... D-Do you know much about Circassia? I enjoy it very much. It's very far south of here, near the desert lands on the Sapphire Sea. It's a trading nation, and because of that, it's extremely wealthy. They also have alchemy there, though their style is very different. Their alchemists are called Djinni, after the mythical spirits, and their practice is called Rukh. A lot of they alchemy involves glass, they are quite skilled in crafting it." he explained, finding the fluidity in his voice once he began talking about something he was passionate about.

"Oh yawn." interrupted Matthew, who had somehow managed to get behind them, resting his arm on Jules' shoulder. "Come on, Jules, you're boring the poor girl. Nobody want to talk about the dull lives of foreigners when there is so much to talk about Lutetia! You know, we are among the finest textile producers in the world! Even the mysterious Kou who hid the secret of silk from the world for nearly a thousand years buy our cloth, in great demand too. On top of that, our large territory gives us a variety of climates, and the rich soil allows for several types of crops to be grown at once! Not to mention our taste in music, dancing, art, wine, and women." he added, winking at Alicia. Jules smiled weakly at his brother, laughing nervously.
"U-Um, brother, I-I think that you're being a little too... biased?" he offered, Matthew turning to him and puffing out his cheeks in a childish pout.
"Why's that? Jules, are you telling me you don't think our beloved country is as wonderful as I do? That's treason, you know! I'll make it treason." he grumbled, his mood darkening.

Swiftly intervening, Jules swiftly grabbed his brothers shoulder, smiling as sweetly as he could.
"Not at all, brother dearest. I was just trying to say that, perhaps merely talking would paint an inadequate picture for the princess? What we see with our eyes is in describable even with all the words in the world, you know. Maybe we should let princess Alicia observe and decide for herself? You don't want to spoil all the treasure of our land for her before she even knows her way to her room, now, do you?" he asked, his demeanor changing to pleasant and yet frighteningly sly and clever. At his suggestion, Matthew gasped suddenly, as if he had an epiphany.
"By Jove, you're right! How silly of me! You have to see for yourself! In fact, lets skip the rooms, that can happen later. I want to show you the balcony, from which you can see almost the whole of the city! Well, all of it that isn't behind the castle, that is..." Matthew babbled, Jules toning his voice out as he rubbed the bridge of his nose, returning to his usual quiet self. He now felt very embarrassed at having used that skill in front of someone else; the skill of Silvertongue.

Not wanting to make a bad impression, he looked at Alicia nervously, brushing a stray hair out of his face.
"S-Sorry. Matthew is very passionate, don't mind much what he says." he apologized, hurrying after his brother.

The Changeling

It is really fun. I especially love texture packs. I have the loaf craft pack, which is nice, because it doesn't make the villagers look like squid wards.

The Changeling

Hey, Brynmor sounds like northern europe, lots of blondes there. Working on a post in between mine craft, I've fallen in love with the server I'm on.

The Changeling

Jules fidgeted uncomfortably with his cravat, which was tight and itchy around his neck. He had never worn one before, it was like a small, angry dwarf was trying to strangle him. He had dressed in a number of exotic clothes before, in his job as the official ambassador, but not those from Lutetia, not since he was fourteen. Now his job had ended, and he was to focus solely on Brynmor and their princess, his future wife. Just the thought of marriage made him pale and sweaty, this was too soon! He had hardly held hands with a girl, much less was prepared to marry one. And the rumors of her elegance and beauty did little to comfort his fears, instead elevating them. What if the reason they had stalled so long on the proposal was that the princess didn't like him? What if she hated him? His whole youth would be over like that.

Matthew came up behind his younger brother, grinning smugly and startling him with a pat on the back.
"Why, dearest Jules, you look like you've seen a ghost! What's the matter, wedding jitters?" he teased him, laughing and tossing his long, golden hair behind his ear. Jules smiled weakly in response.
"J-Just a little nervous, I suppose. Where's father?" he asked. Jules sighed, and shook his head.
"His cold got worse, he can't make it out. The doctor said he's too weak to walk. Silly old man, he's been working himself sick arranging the preparations for her arrival. The princess's, that is." he responded, tutting under his breath.

He then turned to his younger brother, brightening suddenly.
"Anyways, what are you nervous about? This is your chance to sweep her off her feet! I mean, look at you, all dressed up, you almost look like a miniature me!" he cooed adoringly, fixing Jules's cravat. Jules made a face of disgust, sticking out his tongue.
"Yuck. Kill me if I ever act like you as well." he retorted, causing Matthew to feign horror and shock.
"How could you be so cruel?! My own little brother, how could you have become so crass! Years with foreigners have warped your mind, I do deem you insane!" he gasped theatrically. Jules grinned and gave him a small shove, grateful to his brother for cheering him so.

The trumpets rang, and the announcer called out the name of the princess. Jules felt another plunge in his stomach as he and Jules walked out of the palace doors out to the steps where they would greet her.
"Just, please don't do anything that would embarrass her." he whispered to his brother, worried. Matthew smirked and only winked at him in response. Jules heaved and exasperated sigh, waiting as the door to the carriage was opened, and the princess stepped out.

Jules felt his eyes widen as he stared down at her, the woman walking out of the carriage. She was very pretty, she dressed beautifully, and her poise was polite and cool. Jules felt his back stiffen, straightening his posture as the girl approached, no, if he remembered, she was older than he was, she was Matthew's age. She certainly didn't look it though, she had a much younger face which was disguised by older makeup. It clashed her appearance, but he supposed he wasn't there to complain. He tried to smile at her, but in his anxiety, it came out more like a grimace. He tried to speak, but his throat suddenly tightened, preventing him. Luckily, Matthew stepped in, smiling warmly.
"Welcome, Princess Alicia, to Luisitania. We are all very pleased you have agreed to grace our kingdom with your presence. I am crown prince Matthew zi Lutetia, I am here representing my father. I am afraid his illness has taken a turn for the worse, so he cannot come out to greet you, but rest assured, he will recover." he introduced himself, before turning to Jules.
"And this is my younger brother, Jules vi Lutetia. You'll have to pardon him, he also caught a bit of a cold coming here from Circassia so swiftly. But I know that I speak for him when I compliment you on how lovely you do look." he said slyly, kissing her hand. Jules glared and looked away, damn Matthew...

Fully aware of his brother's discontent, Matthew clapped his hands together, grinning.
"Well then, let us show you to your room, our servants will help with your luggage, and afterwards, we can all talk over lunch!" he proposed excitedly, ignoring Jules' dark stares. Teasing his brother was simply far too much fun.

Eiaspiade- a New Earth

Posted!

Eiaspiade- a New Earth

It had been over three moons since the Star People had first come to their land.
Their giant monster had appeared over the skies of the plains, always hovering, never moving. The people of the plains were amazed, and confused. They had never seen anything like it. At first, they were cautious, in case it turned out to be a hostile creature. Then they tried to send their hunting birds up to it, calling on them to fly higher and higher. But the birds could not reach the Star People's monster. And they returned to the earth, empty handed.

Then the monster came down, landing atop a flat plateau. That particular plateau had some significance to the people of the plains, for it was there that they got their medicinal herbs. They were wary, and avoided the place for many days, as fiery lights raged across the top of the plateau, and the noises of shrieking and clanging echoed throughout the plains. Then, at last, the Star People came down from their high land, which they had claimed as their own. And the troubles began.
They were initially welcomed by the plains people, who were used to trading and negotiations. But things spiraled out of control. The Star People did not want to trade. They wanted to take, and if anyone tried to stop them, they were taken too, in body, and in life.

Things became very hard for the people of the plains, they were massacred with such ferocity, like an unspeakable one had stumbled upon them. The few who survived enslavement or death, came to the jungle, and some settled among the tribes there. That was how the jungle people came to learn of the Star People, of whom they were previously ignorant. It was debated what it is they should do, for such a thing like this could not go unpunished. But these Star People did not understand nor abide by their laws. They were cruel, and alien, like savage animals. It was unlikely they would abide by the rules of combat, and so, for the first time in thousands of years, it was decided that the Star People, who had brought such destruction to the once peaceful land, must be destroyed. And so, they began their forgotten war of Old War.

It was predicted that since the Star people wanted jewels, they would want the mines, which they had plenty of in the plains. But the survivors said the Star People were lazy, and never worked. They used slavery, forcing the proud people of the plains into submission, on the threat of death, with sticks that burst out steel and fire, and birds of death. And what was more, they were greedy. Even though there was no practical use for jewels if your weren't going to trade, they wanted more. And they were impatient. So, the village elders predicted that if the Star People, who were so greedy, impatient, and cruel, could not obtain satisfaction with their number of slaves fast enough, they would look for more slaves. And they would either come to the jungle or stay in the plains to get their slaves, and it was only a matter of time before the refugees led them to their forested settlements.

And so, it was decided that the Star People should never be allowed into the jungle. Barriers and traps were set in anticipation of their invasion, and the people readied themselves. And that was when the scouts spotted a second Star Monster, high in the sky.

---

Urara dashed across the fallen log, over the raging river, his feet pounding hard with each step. He jumped up onto a boulder, catching his balance with his long, black tail. Scanning the horizon, he kept very still, searching for signs of movement with his eyes, ears, and nose. The jungle was constantly alive with sound and motion, but he was filtering those sounds out, searching for larger prey. He was not the best hunter in the village, but with the older men on patrols, he had to find food to feed his people. He also wanted to prove one of his friends wrong, one who had claimed the only thing he could catch was illness. He was right, Urara was very poor at tracking, he couldn't pay attention long enough. He much preferred fishing, where he could laze about as his line did all the work for him.

But it was the end of the rainy season, and prey in the jungle was becoming plentiful, as plains animals sought refuge from the droughts. Urara could not help but notice that there were fewer this year, many suffering from small circular wounds, caused by the Star People's sticks. He had seen injuries like those on people who had survived. But why did the animals suffer this abuse? Were they being enslaved? Or were they being hunted? From him many of them he had seen, he concluded that the Star People were very poor hunters, even worse than he was. He hoped they would starve and die, so that the plains people could go back home. It was something of a strain providing for them when they did not know how to survive in the jungle.

He made it to a clearing, staring up at the second monster that had appeared only a day ago. What did this mean? Were there more Star People? Had these ones also come to enslave them? He narrowed his eyes, stepping back into the trees. Star People... He had never seen one, but from the reports of others, they were strange and terrible, looking like their own people, but with different colors of skin, some were black, some were pink, some in between. He also heard they had terrible fangs and claws dripping with venom, four eyes, and blaring voices, like a Caxeri in heat. The thought of them made him shiver, then get angry. Definitely... They would definitely drive these Star People away, and back up into the sky where they belonged!