Life and Times of Marelda von Katzing

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INTRODUCTION

Below are most, if sadly, not all, the Roleplays posted by me for Marelda since her creation in early 2006. Apologies for the profusion of "Marelda did..." and "She did..." starts of these roleplays. Future Edits will seek to link all these roleplays together more cohesively, and eliminate annoying repetitions and give more description of her surroundings and appearance.


Marelda in Lasanar

Marelda stepped down on to the docks of Sasrhas. She marvelled at this new world, so like and yet unlike her homeland, far across the sea to the west. She had been a difficult child, and like her troubled elder cousin Eris before her, Marelda did not want to conform to the family's traditional views on women's role in a feudal society. After the bloody battle of Sudfern, when her eldest cousin Ulric became head of the family when she was 13, she knew that things were going to get serious. She had never liked Ulric- he had always been big and broody. He had once called her a niave, innocent child, more concerned with songs and stories than the harsh realities of life- which was true, for the most part, she had to confess to herself. But she was no shy flower. She grew rebellious, and when Ulric informed her on her 14th birthday that she was to be married to some elder noble to strengthen ties, she knew what she had to do. She began stealing little bits of gold, no more than a few peices at a time, and hiding them away. She also began practicing with a bow and dagger, aided by a sympathetic captain, Ehrlich. He regarded her as the daughter he never had, and with Marelda's father dead, and her mother forever away at court, he became something like it to her. But she did not want to be a soldier. Killing and fighting sickened her, and she much preffered to be a trader. Between arguements and fights with her guardians- though never with Ehrlich or her nurse- she would sneak out, and meet with the local peasent children. She learned many things over the months, and had her family known, she would have recieved a lot worse than a beating. As she drew nearer the fateful age of 16, she knew time was running out. She had tried often over the years to avoid this fate, but it seemed inevitable. Noone really knew her, or how determined she could be. Using the gold she had saved up, she bribed the guards and put on her finest robe, and a light leather baldric under it, just in case. Wishing her luck, Ehrlich gave her some more gold and helped her escape the province, and referred an old sea captain to her. Using all her grace and her cousin's authority, she hired 22 Mercenaries, and boarded the ship, to find her destiny. Now here she was. Nervous, eyeing her remaining dwindling gold supplies, she remembered the songs and stories she had loved as a child, in particular the plays about the girl who dressed as a boy and had adventures. Steeling herself, Marelda led her surly mercenaries into the city. She would join this realm's nobility, and perhaps they would allow her to follow her dreams of becoming a Great Merchant. If not...well, she would have to put her meagre skills of combat to the test. She eyed the brutal mercenaries surrounding her, and decided that they were a much scarier bunch than any invisible enemy of a country she was not yet an accepted member of. She hurried through the streets, trying to project arrogant noble poise and confidence, the mercenaries keeping swift pace behind her.


As Marelda swore fealty to the bored savant before her, she felt an upsurge of relief, followed by anxiety. She was free from command of her Family, and she would now have a regular income of gold from this realm's treasury. But the thought of leading men into battle worried her. She knew how to use a dagger, and had managed to learn how to shoot a bow, but strategy and tactics were beyond her. Nonetheless, She was free, and a Knight to boot. If she did well in this realm, she could form her own house, and choose her own husband. Deciding on the whole to be happy, Marelda left the Ducal Palace, collected the mercenaries and healer, and headed for the Capital. She was In. Now to make the most of it.

Marelda found, to her suprise, she was no longer afraid. months of training, reading, and setting herself up in this realm had had banished her fears and concerns of pursuit. Clearly her family didn't care enough to drag her back to Atamara. But that was okay. Lasanar was a wonderful realm, and very hot and exotic. Fashions were different, customs were different- even the dialect was different! Now, having honed her mercenary force to perfection, she was ready to go to war for this realm. She found herself oddly calm at this. She had practiced with the sword, although not much, and she had bought herself some armour, which had been specially tailored for a woman. Marelda had even trimmed back her hair...something she would never have dared under her family's rule. She understood that, as a Noble, responsibilties came with her priveleges. and one of those was defending the realm that clothed, fed and gave her gold. Afterwards, perhaps, she might be able to serve the realm differently, as a trader or beaureaucrat, if there were any spaces available. But for now, she was a Lieutenant in the Army of Sasrhas, and she had a duty to prepare for war. She decided to recruit more Mercenaries from her homeland. She felt safest around the professional warriors, clad in half plate armour, and wielding large double-handed swords. Though on reflection, it was probably wisest to perhaps recruit locally- Mercenaries were rather expensive, and those from her homeland might be agents sent by her family to take her back. You could never be too careful... Resolving to not let paranoia consume her, she went out, to prepare for her upcoming first battle, in the name of Lasanar....

After the meeting, Marelda left the room, sobbing with rage. Her Captain of Arms, alarmed, went to speak to her. "My Lady, what happened? Are we to move out?" "Yes, Captain. We move out. these fools do not appreciate a woman's voice, nor her loyalty. These scum have abused us! I will wait the morrow, and see if cooler heads prevail, but I see now that this realm wishes to return me to my family and its realm, and cares not for a wilful woman. I will not allow them to treat me like a slave! Come, we must prepare. If this realm has no wish for us...well, we shall cross that bridge when we come to it." The Captain was bemused. what had brought on this sudden change? Clearly, the Dukes of Lasanar were not as just or wise as made out. Corrupt, greedy and uncouth, perhaps? He could think of little that would drive his mistress to such rage, so the words spoken must have been terrible indeed. It was a pity, perhaps, to leave this realm so soon. But the shifty looks, the mistrust, the xenophobic fear- it was all adding up. if even the Dukes despised them- then the Mercenaries of Marelda would find work elsewhere.

Much to Marelda's pleasent suprise, it quickly became apparent to her that the majority of the Highland Empire's leaders were female. This cheered her up no end. the stuffy male dukes of Lasanar had not been particularly friendly, especially after her family's patriarchial treatment of her as chattel. This Empire could well be what she was looking for- a strong, vibrant, and most importantly non-patriarchical realm in which a woman of her talents- few as they were- could perhaps find a niche for herself. she looked forward toseeing what this Obtol conference would be about, and see what her role in this developing realm might be- assuming of course, they wanted someone like her. She battled her old insecurities, ruthlessly reminding herself that she was surrounded by discplined, tough mercenaries loyal to her and her alone, and that she would go to every damn realm on this continent if need be. But somehow she doubted that would be neccessary- something told her this realm would be different.

{much between her arival in the Highland Empire, her betrayal of it, and her early months in Lunaria has been sadly lost by poor record keeping my part.}

Marelda in Lunaria

Marelda watched with a grim pride as the 30 men- and boys- of her recently formed regiment paraded before her, demonstrating their drill skills. It was a poor showing. These men were sloppy, lacking proper bow discpline, march order, or co-ordination. Nonetheless, with time and money, she would hammer them into a halfway decent regiment. She had been reading Millitary treaties voraciously, and practicing with her sword for this moment. She was terrified of combat, and the probability of death. But she did not show it. She maintained a steely composure, and tried to maintain the public image of herself as a cool collected individual. Inside, she felt like one of those flighty, sighing women often depicted in those courtly romance stories she had read as a child. Disgusting, infantile rubbish, mostof it, but it seemed to have had an impact on her inner self. As the men shuffled into line formation with woeful lack of speed, she sighed, and remembered those days of youth when she had watched her cousin practice with sword and shield, and how Ulric had always been so serious, determined to be the best, to fulfill the expectations his father had for him. Then there had been Alaric- father's bastard, who had often hung around the estate, sullenly staring defiance at the man who had sired him and then abandoned him. Eventually, Old Ulli had run the bastard off the estate, and he had never been seen or heard from again. As for Ulric- he had filled his father's expectations, and had watched as his sister had dissappeared, going north to become a trader and never heard from or seen again. Dead. Now Ulric was cold inside himself, and had been preparing for Marelda's marriage off to some lord when she had fled. Since then, it seemed like a lifetime had passed, though in truth it was only little more than a year. It seemed now that she had sparked a devestating war, and that the fallout from that war was still affecting everyone in the North. Now it was reaching its tendrils south, and the deeply unstable Lodge was in no shape to take part in this war. Nobdy had achieved his dark goal- Chaos was indeed rising, and Marelda briefly wondered if she should abandon her neutrality and side with the Traitor. But she shook her head. That way lay madness and despair. Chaos was an unholy and inbalanced religion, and seemed to revel in its own evil. Marelda had no strong religious convictions of her own, but she was certain that this Requiem could be no good thing. Perhaps Maltheo- who had, it seemed to her, always shown her kindness- would not object to her support. She was far from a strong player in any respect of the word, but her wealth and men- even if they were having trouble stringing their bows- could tip the balance slightly in his favor, should this conflict proceed to its next logical step. As the Ravens left the parade ground, having failed to demonstrate more than a passing competence, she called the Sargeant over. "Tell them they have full training at first light. Tell them they will always have full training from first light untill i run out of money or they get things right." The sargeant nodded. "Aye, marm." Perhaps she could get something right. If she was to go to war, she would go to war with all the skill and heart she could muster.


Marelda rode at the head of her men, a proud noblewoman at last, her brigantine coat's overlapping scales gleaming in the late spring evening light. Today her men had finally proven themselves, despite having bows and armour in terrible condition. They had helped slaughter a horde of monsters terrorizing Disnanas, and, even more joyous news, it seemed that it was possible she might be offered command of the Region. But she knew, in her heart, that she had not shown her full merits yet, or earned the right to take that region. It was a sign of the realm's weakness, not of her strength, that she was being offered this position. And to think she had thought Lunaria would be a safe, quiet nation to inhabit! It seemed that its religious and political infighting would cripple the nation, as competent nobles were exiled for treason. Still, she supposed, this nation would be perfect for feeding her growing ambition. Once she had been a shrinking wallflower of a woman, trained to be a dutiful wife. But she had yearned for freedom, and had fled. Now she was a halfway competent noblewoman, and it seemed that the chance for advancing would come earlier than she had hoped. As she rode towards the distant spires of Ortedail, she swore that she would not rest untill she had not only proven her worth to herself, but to everyone in this realm and beyond. And helping stabilize Lunaria would be a step towards that...

Marelda felt her heart beating with excitement as she entered Ortedail, her black leather armoured Ravens guarding her carriage in a tight formation. She had called on the elite Disanas Longbowmen- whom the Ravens were the most elite members of- to guard her in these troubled times. She was currently neutral, and her political intuition told her to remain so, and to return to Dsianas and fortify it against rebel and loyalist forces. But power had changed her, and was still changing her. Politicking and machinations excited her, and she wanted to aid one side or the other, and earn prestige through combat, so that she could qualify for a ruling position herself. Her mind told her that this was reckless ambition, and that shortly the streets of Ortedail would run red with blood. But politics was all about risks. She had advised the Conspirators not to make this move, and yet reckless Brian had done so. Should she follow his bold move, and help seize the Palace rapidly with her elite archers? Or should she help defend the Palace walls, and cut down the rebels swiftly, earning Eirik's gratitude? To delay would decide the issue for her, but she needed more information. "To the Palace, driver. We must speak with Pontifex Eirik II at once." She looked once again at the letters Brian and Ziode had sent her. Perhaps she could learn from the Pontifex his version of the events...and if she didn't like it...well, she was reminded of the old story of the Tower of Riverholm- it was said that when Ravens left the Tower, the Kingdom would fall. Perhaps, then, Ravens would decide the fate of Lunaria... She chuckled to herself evilly as she prepared her conversation with Eirik II in her head. Perhaps it was time to pursue her dreams of wealth and prosperity on a far grander scale... Marelda watched with calm excitement as the rebel forces stormed the palaced gates. She and her soldiers were within the palace, but were not armed, and did not aid either side in their conflict. Eirik II had yet to admit her to his presence, preusmably busy with the Rebellion. She was pleased to see that the Millita of Ortedail repulsed the rebels with some difficulty, proud that both sides were fighting well. But the bloodshed did not please her. It weakened the forces of Lunaria, and left it vulnerable to the forces of Soliferum. She was suprised to see Eirik II striding out to the battlements. He looked worn and old, but his eyes still burned bright. He announced to the besieging rebel forces, still gathering their dead and wounded from the failed assault, that he would step down, if they would put away their weapons and withdraw. Marelda's heart soared. Perhaps then, Lunaria could avoid further bloodshed, and make this an Uprising, rather than a Full blown civil war. But a part of her was disapointed that she would not gain anything from this, or that her Ravens would blood themselves in combat, proving their superiority. "I would speak with you, my lord Eirik II, if you have the time." she said, as the Pontifex began to return within the safety of the inner keep. She needed to know now, more than ever, the truth. It would affect greatly her stance towards the rebel leaders, and help her determine who in this realm was worth following as a ruler. If anyone. For she sensed greater bloodshed awaited them, in days to come. She did not want to lose her newly earned land, or to have to seek a new home when Soliferum came. She would fight, and, if necessary, die for this realm. To do otherwise would disgrace her House and Name.

Marelda read with awe the compiled letters sent to her by Ziode. She was suprised that he had trusted her, and she felt shame that she had been tempted to join in the fight. She sighed with sadness, at the pointlessness of it all. A knock came at her door, and a servant entered. "Mistress, You will wish to know that the Rebels have seized this palace. Eirik II is in captivity, and Brian is now Pontifex." "Thank you, servant. I hope noone you know was injured...?" "Most of the Palace Guard have surrendered, my lady. the Rebel Forces outside were so large." Marelda sighed uneasily. Things were going exactly as she had known they would. "Thank you. You may go, if you wish." She looked at the letters once again, and wondered what she was to make of it. Clearly, she had a duty to do. Soliferum would be at their gates before the end of the season, of that she was virtually certain. She decided then, what it was that she must do. Her Destiny was now clear before her. She and her Archers would do as Ziode had asked. Now, perhaps, in the war to come. She despised and dreaded war, which is why she would work all the harder to become as good at it as she could. "Tomorrow brings the Dawn, as the hour cometh, but not the man." she whispered to herself. Ziode was leaving, like Maltheo before him. It seemed that aside from Eirik II, those few nobles who she had come to know in her time here were leaving. Perhaps, soon, she and her Ravens would follow.

Marelda greeted Ziode as she met him at the requested Inn in Ortedail. She was pleasently surpised to be invited to socialize with the man, and was uncertain how to view this invititation. Eventually, she decided that, lacking information about his character, she must find out more if she is to determine in future what his purpose is, and so she might aswell go. Having justified it to herself as a fact-finding mission, she went to meet the man who seemed to have a surprising amount of influence. "Greetings Ziode. I trust that you are well?" she said, taking the seat adjacent to him. "I hope that I am not taking up too much of your time..." she said, then cursed herself inwardly. Of course she wasn't! he had invited her! Still, she hoped he would not notice the slip. "So what do you wish to discuss?" she asked, and then ordered some wine after he replied.

Marelda had been telling Ziode about how she came to be in the Far East when a breathless courier had arrived, and announced that Ziode was now Pontifex Maximus of the Grand Lodge of Lunaria. Marelda smiled warmly, pleased that her chosen candidate had suceeded, and that he was so clearly embarassed by his success. Perhaps Ziode would be an even better ruler than she had hoped. "No need to Apologize, my Lord." she said. "We are all slaves to duty. I wish you luck and good health in your new position. I shall look forward to our next meeting." Marelda then curtsied, and watched as Ziode was carried out of the tavern by a wave of happy commoners. Sighing, she turned, and regarded the meeting as having made promising developments. Perhaps more than even she suspected. She was about to begin planning her return to Disianas when her steward came in, scarlet faced. "My Lady, this came for you..." Marelda gazed at the package with a mixture of curiousity, anxiety, and excitement. Taking the Package, she carefully unwrapped it on her desk, and fought to supress her pleasent suprise at the beautiful item within... "Marvellous.Simply...Marvellous." she whispered in awe to herself. "Thank you for delivering the package, steward." she said more cooly. "Was there any indication from whom it was sent?" "I am afraid not, my lady." Marelda shivered, and then wondered why she did so. Yes, she had some idea of the likely culprit... "This could prove...interesting." she murmured to herself.

My Lord Pontifex Ziode, I must confess i am quite astonished at the treasure sent. I was a little alarmed, however, to learn that the Letter enclosed had been overlooked by my steward. You can imagine my relief that the benefactor for this gift was not overlooked! I wish to thank you sincerely for the jewelry, though I confess to never having worn the stuff before. I shall display it with pride, however, when I return to Disianas. I shall endeavour to repay your generosity, when the opportunity presents itself. I look forward to another pleasent meeting with you, for it is my hope that we may finally finish our conversations! Once again, i wish you luck and good health, and swear my undying fealty to you as Pontifex of this realm. Yours sincerely, Marelda von Katzing


She watched with barely concealed distaste as the two opposing forces clashed bloodily before the gates of the city of Palnasos. War sickened her, and though she had born arms for Lunaria and Lasanar, her experiences, especially when she had been so young, had badly shaken her, and she had no desire to participate in the butchery. Marelda had been leaving Zonasa to try and escape this war, and instead had ended up right in the middle of it. Now she had her bodyguards, trained soldiers of Lunaria, were stuck amidst a sprawling camp of refugees, camp followers and other travelling merchants outside the defiant city. Having sent several letters back to Lunaria with the last of her messagener pidgeons, and prayed they would return safely. Excited, however, by the prospect of being an official observer of events, and she knew she was witnessing history being made here, even if it was unnecessarily bloody and savage. She wandered the camp, looking for the leader of the Invading forces, hoping to perhaps secure a dialogue with them, and learn their side of the story. She regretted that it would be more difficult to learn the Palnasians, but she would attempt that later, when the course of the siege was established, and she could more easily sneak herself or a servant into the besieged city, or perhaps approach under a flag of parley. She approached the command tents confidently, followed by two of her footmen, hoping perhaps she would gain access to the besieging forces commander. She sensed a great opportunity before her, and a good merchant never misses an opportunity, even if they weren't quite sure what it was yet.

Marelda returned to Ortedail atop her dappled mare, whom she had recently purchased from a Todtpitz horsetrader. There had clearly been many changes whilst she had been away, and working hard to clear the mountain of paperwork that had built up in Dsinanas. Soon, no doubt, she would have to resume trading once more. But she had a promise to keep, and so she had come to Ortedail, to kill two birds with one stone, as it were. She was alarmed and intrigued by this "Guardian of Twilight" Faith. She had no idea what it was about, and it seemed to her as if it had sprung out of nowhere. That it seemed like a good many nobles had known about it before hand and had been secretly developing it was even more alarming, and reminded her of how little she knew about this realm that she had made her own home. Perhaps it was time to invest in some eyes-and-ears. It was a common practice in realms elsewhere to have a private network of informants to help you gauge the mood of preists, the commoners, and so forth, but it seemed to her to be an even better idea if you could somehow be kept informed of the goings on of your social equals and superiors. Still, she reflected, there was more, perhaps, to life than the furtherance of one's own desires. Whatever else she was now, she had been born and raised a Von Katzing, and her family were renowned for their staunch sense of honor, duty and commitment. She went towards the all-too familliar Inn. She probably should have sent a runner or informed Ziode first, but this time she wanted to wait for him to arrive. Though, given his status as Pontifex, it would probably be better to arrange in advance any social encounters- a common Inn, no matter how upmarket, was no place to meet and talk with a the Pontifex, no matter how close a friend. She wondered if Lunaria had any such places, and wether someone should seek to establish such a place. She rode on, past the new temple, idly lost in dreams of the future.

Game at Dinner, Marelda's second meeting with Ziode

Ziode was in his study going over letters again, and making sure he hadn't misread anything. Everything seemed to once again be on a thin ledge. At least he'd managed to plan much farther ahead in case something did go wrong, and if Sol did break the alliance, they'd hopefully have a nice surprise waiting for them. He heard a knock on the door and looked up.

"Who is it?"

"Sir. You have a message."

Ziode opened the door and took the letter. So. Marelda was waiting for him. He held in a laugh and turned around and started cleaning up a few things. That was something he didn't expect to see.

"Thank you. I'll get on this immediately."

Ziode closed the door and went over to a small chest in the corner where he kept his shortswords, and cloak and put them on. He moved behind the book case and slid open a hidden door in the wall. He then snuck out of the palace through the escape route, and walked towards the inn without his guards. It's not like he was worried he'd be attacked right now anyway. On his way he absently wondered how long it would be before he had to find another exit out of the palace.

The same place as usual. The inn never changed. That's what made it great. He walked in and found Marelda waiting for him. After a quick bow with a grin on his face he sat down next to her.


"My friend. I hope I haven't kept you waiting for too long. I was a bit surprised to get your message, but I promised I'd make time for you, and so I did. It's been a while. I hope you are doing well these days."


She was pleased that she did not have to wait long for Ziodes arrival. However, the business of the wedding- which had taken her, and evidently, Ziode- by suprise, had forced her to quickly dart out of the Inn and purchase some nice baubles in a nearby shop, along with ordering a courier to take her message of congratulations and the expensive gifts to Anya and Tiernan. She did not know them very well, or indeed, at all, but she understood that she was in serious risk of breaching social etiquette. Returning to the Inn all in a fluster, she was relieved to see Ziode still there, and that he had ordered drinks. Her purse was considerably lighter, having bought the jewellry and ornaments she had for the married couple. "My most sincere apologies, Ziode. Its been a very hectic week, it seems." Smoothing her dress down, she took the seat opposite him. "I must say though, I am suprised- and pleased- that you were able to find time to be here. It seems that I must be a very tardy accquaintance if i can scarcely make a meeting i wished to set up." She smiled, and listened to his response. "So, Ziode. What do you think of Lunaria, if i may ask? Or are you native-born? I have hardly seen very much of this land, yet it seems quite enchanting, don't you agree?" She found herself once again cursing her bluntness of speaking. Had she completely forgotten her noble- upbtinging? Had she failed to read the books on her desk throughoughly enough? Or was her poor planning and mad rushing about flustering her more easily than she thought? It seemed that once again she was being far more...plainspoken with her Pontifex than she really should be. But it seemed..right somehow. She forced herself to concerntrate on the conversation at hand, and began preparing a list of appropriate, elegant, witty responses to make to his replies, as advised by the book "The Game at Dinner". In the meantime, she ordered the lightest meal on the menu, and sipped delicately at her wine. Perhaps she could remember some of her etiquette training afterall.

Marelda had rushed off to get gifts for the wedding and Ziode just waited. He didn't mind. She came back quickly though, and drinks were already at the table.


"It has been hectic. I did promise to meet you though, and no one confirmed the wedding day until after I'd already made plans, so I can't do much about it. Don't worry though. You should see what I have to do sometimes to get away from the guards."

He waited as Marelda had asked about what he thought of Lunaria.

"I was born in Todtpiz, but I don't get out there much anymore. There is something enchanting about this realm though. Something that's always kept me here."

He couldn't really think of what to say. He was just happy to be in the company of someone who didn't start questioning the state of things in the Lodge, and someone who seemed to know what to say when he needed it.

"I've always liked this inn. Everything is simple, the atmosphere is comfortable, and you don't feel like you're putting yourself above anyone. You can get to know what the people are really like in this city if you have time."

Ziode ordered a regular meal. It was nothing fancy, and it wasn't heavy or light. Ziode thought about every other time he'd met with Marelda for a moment and could only laugh.


"We always seem to meet right when something big happens. Did you ever notice that? I think it's kind of funny at this point."

He could only sit and listen enjoying the company of his friend who he saw so little, but enjoyed every time they spent together regardless of how things turned out. What did that mean though? He pushed the thought away. It didn't mean anything.


She Laughed. "Indeed. I don't know wether its because we are fated to be forever interrupted, or wether just because we both live extraordinary lives." As she talked, drunk and ate, she found herself relaxing, almost against her will, as her concerntration and focus slipped, and she once again slipped back into her normal mode of speech, blunt and forward. But by this point, she didn't really notice, and if she had, perhaps she would not have cared.

"I prefer the Seas to the City, myself. There's something inherently...calming about simply watching the waves break against the rocks, and feeling the wind around you. Ortedail is a fine city, of course, but I have always found the sounds and smells of cities..oppressive." She took another sip from her wineglass, only to find it empty. Mildly tipsy, she wondered how it had emptied so fast, and she waved a server over to refill her glass. "Do you like Music, Ziode? I am a poor musician, i fear, but when I was young I recieved lessons in Terpischory, aswell as Music and Poetry. My Cousin is a fan of epic sagas and battle poetry, but i prefer more simple and elegant sonnets and tunes."

Ziode was no longer nervous and was talking freely. He didn't know why he was always a bit nervous when talking with Marelda, but it usually went away after a while.

"The seas... Then I guess it's lucky you have Dsinanas. It's right on the water."

Ziode tried to hold in a grin as he realized that it hadn't been just by chance that she got it.


"Music and poetry are always nice. I can't say I ever learned much about music though. My brother could play the guitar, but he gave it up a long time ago... I tried to play it and broke one of the strings."

Ziode laughed a bit remembering the first time he tried to play music.


"Poetry is always nice, but the long poems tend to almost drag out. I suppose I'm a fan of shorter poetry."

By this point his glass was empty and he called the server over for a refill as well.

"What made you take up trading anyway? Was it just your dislike of fighting? Lots of people trade for different reasons."

"No, it was not just my distaste for violence that led me to become a Trader. I am able to lead troops in combat if their is a dire need for it, and I have, since my...escape from my family in Atamara, learnt how to use a sword and armour without injuring myself. But I like Trading because it allows me to travel, and see the beautiful lands of this continent. The Far East is very different from Atamara, but some things are the same- such as the Game of Trading." She paused, wondering if she had said too much, but continued anyway, giggling as if sharing a secret. A dim part of her mind wondered if she had a wee bit too much to drink. "Trading is actually fairly simple. It's all about Supply and Demand, and knowing your market. Of course, Food is the main commodity, but sometimes i make a little extra on the side with exotics. Money may rule the world, but it is Trade that moves it." she quoted.

"Mostly, however, I trade because its what my cousin Eris taught me. She is dead now, alas, but for a time she was the only friend i had." she remembered with bitterness. "Ah, but it's getting Late. I think we should perhaps be getting back. The Palace must be missing its Pontifex." she said, heaving herself unsteadily to her feet. "Perhaps next time you could tell me about your past."


He watched as Marelda tried to steady herself and couldn't help but laugh a little. He looked out the window and noticed it was dark outside. How long had they been there?


"How about I walk you back to where you are staying? That way you don't get hurt or anything, since it looks like you've had a bit too much to drink. The palace will be fine without me for a little bit longer anyway."


Ziode stood up and had to balance himself as well. He grinned as he left money on the table. He walked over and opened the door for her.


"You want to know about my past?"

He thought for a moment. His past was pretty dull though.


"Let me warn you now though; my past is nothing special. I grew up on my family's mansion where I lived in my older brother's shadow for most of my life. Whatever he did, I was expected to be able to do, or I was almost worthless."

He thought back to when Scion disappeared.


"When he disappeared I was pressured into becoming a soldier by my father. I had nothing else to do, and never found out what I wanted in life, so I went along with it. I guess it became a part of me in the end. I worked hard, and I became a full troop leader the same day you moved into the Lodge. The only part you probably don't know is that I worked on the original plans for our current alliances with Brian, and Valius. They got me more active in this realm, so I owe a lot to them."