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| − | '''Roleplay from Deianarah McDowell'''
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| − | After arriving in Remton and managing to follow the direction to the hall of heroes, which a commoner seemed only too happy to give her, she made her way to the royal palace. She was very unfamiliar with anything in Arcaea having only been here a short while and well it was only natural she took some time to admire some of what she saw. Therefore it took her just a big longer to actually get there.
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| − | When she entered, she glanced across the room looking for the person she had come to meet. He had given her a small description of himself, not much to go on but something so obvious she would be daft to miss it.
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| − | Her light brown eyes searched, but she didn’t see who she was looking for. And then someone turned in her direction and she realized it could only be him, one of his eyes had clouded over and she only slightly paused at seeing it for the first time.
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| − | Had she not been prepared for it, she may have stared like an idiot but she had the presence of mind not to. Forcing her gaze on the rest of his facial features, she gave him her best smile. That morning she had taken some time to bathe and wash her long blond hair, and then having long locks braided throughout her hair leaving the rest hanging loosely down her back. Her parents had always told her she was vain, too delicate and put too much stock in appearances, hence why they figured she would never make it on her own. She had toned it down some on her clothes and just went with something quite simple, leaving her leathers behind. They were dirt stained with traveling and so they were exchanged for a pair of black leggings, and a long red tunic she had tied with a belt so it hugged her small figure.
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| − | Approaching she gave a slight nod of her head. “Sir Thain?” she asked and then looked up. “I am Deinarah McDowell.”
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| − | '''Roleplay from Thain Himoura'''
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| − | Thain stood nearly six feet tall, and was clothed in the purest of whites, and many wondered at his ability to keep them as clean as he did. His father's sword hung at his side, in a beautiful scabbard made of gold and ivory, emblazoned with a ~V~. His features were handsome, but marred by a single scar running over his clouded eye. He smiled at the woman who approached him.
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| − | "Lady Deianarah, a pleasure to meet you. It always pleases me to meet those sympathetic to my cause."
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| − | Thain gestured to the statue he stood next to, a towering old man, with the same ~V~ symbol emblazoned on his chest and shield.
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| − | "These statues are of the late heroes of Arcaea, those who have fallen in battle with her foes. This one is of my father, Senoske. He fell in a battle in Talex, fighting off the Soliferan hordes."
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| − | '''Roleplay from Deianarah McDowell'''
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| − | Now that she stood in front on him, in comparison Deianarah felt quite short. The top of her head reached his chin and she had to look up again to look into his eyes. Apart from the one eye, she could see he was a very good looking man. She looked to the statue he pointed and examined it. “I am sorry for your loss,” she said sympathetically, “to die in battle is to die honorably. Of course I don’t presume to know what occurred, but he is honored as a hero, and that is every knight’s wish. I would wish no other death for myself…” she admitted and then added a small smile, having revealed a bit of herself without meaning to.
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| − | She stood quietly for a while, figuring he was in his element and may prefer to take the lead but the silence stretched on and she felt the need to fill it. “I apologize, like I mentioned in my letter. I am very unfamiliar here and the way things are, and I find I do not have much to speak of but for your cause, I do not know much else of it and you as a matter of fact. How can I…” she hesitated looking for the right word, “contribute?”
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| − | '''Roleplay from Thain Himoura'''
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| − | "I would be happy to explain the situation to you, as well as the story of my father, and of Nighthelm. You can then decide how best to aid me, if you wish."
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| − | Thain motioned for her to follow him and they started walking.
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| − | "Many decades ago, there stood but two realms on this isle. Arcaea, and the Svunnetland Empire. Arcaea today is much different than it was in those days, and they share little history with the empire of old. My father, Senoske, was the High Marshal of the Svunnetland Empire, and Duke of Hatdhes when the two Empires were rocked, and secessions sprung up at all corners of the island. Hatdhes joined in with the secession of Masahakon, the former capital of the Svunnetland Empire, until it was foolishly moved to Ipsosez. My father was violently removed from office. My father joined this new realm that seceded, and Nighthelm was born. Nighthelm was composed mainly of the pro military faction of Svunnetland, and struggled in its beginning years, waging war after pointless war. My father eventually became King, when the former King vanished. Senoske struggled to end the wars the realm was in... But he was still very much a young man, and was foolish. The realm quickly fell back into war, and soon my father was removed from office during a rebellion. Hathdes remained loyal and seceded. Senoske worked with Nighthelm to remove his ban, and bring the duchy back under Nighthelm's control. He journeyed abroad in penance after that and returned. Nighthelm prospered as a realm of honor, and my father was one its greatest champions. But, after many years, the evil empire of Soliferum managed to destroy Nighthelm. Now, I am the sole surviving heir to the throne, a King in exile. King Jenred has agreed to help me refound my realm in Masahakon."
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| − | Thain stopped walking, and looked at her.
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| − | "Any questions?"
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| − | '''Roleplay from Deianarah McDowell'''
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| − | Deianarah stopped walking with him and looked up, slightly surprised by the information. “Then you will need more nobles to join you,” she stated rather than asked and seemed to be momentarily lost in thought. She had left home and her parents, angrily, with the promise that she would do something and make them all regret ever doubting her ability to survive and to be her own person in this world. What better opportunity?
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| − | She looked back at him and gave a small grin. “You do not know much of me… and have no reason to trust me, but if you would have me, then I shall try and help you. You have given me some of the facts as I’m sure there is much more involved but I cannot refuse such a cause.” Well… she was known for being free spirited, a trait she shared with her brother. But she also gave with her heart, and would help anyone with a cause, and in that she resembled her older sister. Not to mention the fact she was slightly rebellious and naive. She waited for his next words, wondering where her fate would take her from here on out.
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| − | '''Roleplay from Thain Himoura'''
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| − | He listened to her, silent and stoic. He nodded and then took a moment to ponder her words. His hand slowly went to his blade, and he drew it in a flash, taking her by surprise.
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| − | "Kneel before me then."
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| − | '''Roleplay from Deianarah McDowell'''
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| − | Deianarah regained her composure quickly and nodded. Kneeling before him, she lowered her head, and waited.
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| − | '''Roleplay from Thain Himoura'''
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| − | "As a Knight of Nighthelm in exile, you will first serve Arcaea, and your current liege. Secondly you serve myself, and the people of Nighthelm. You will conduct yourself at all times with honor, and defend the innocent, and the righteous with every last ounce of strength you possess, and you will not rest until I or death releases you from your charges. Do you pledge yourself to me, and to the ways of honor? Do not take this oath lightly, for should you fall from the path you will be cast out and hunted like a dog. I do not tolerate deeds of evil."
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| − | Thain said sternly, looking down at her.
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| − | '''Roleplay from Deianarah McDowell'''
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| − | Deianarah looked to the ground and her eyes widened slightly with surprise at his words, but she would not cower from this, this was what she was looking for, the sign she had been looking for.
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| − | Swallowing, she looked up, her brown eyes twinkling with anticipation. She spoke softly, and confidently. “I swear to uphold and follow the ways of honor, to defend the innocents of Nighthelm, and to protect and honor thee first and foremost until my dying breath or until you release me from my vow whether through death, madness or betrayal. This I swear not only as your knight, but as a McDowell.” He did not know much of her and her family yet, but he would soon find out the weight behind her words.
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| − | '''Roleplay from Thain Himoura'''
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| − | Thain tapped her thrice, once on each shoulder, and once on the head with his blade.
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| − | "Then rise, Dame McDowell."
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| − | He sheathed his blade, and as she did, he backhanded her across the face, the blow sending her reeling.
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| − | "And that is so you do not forget what you have swore to today. It is an honor."
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| − | Thain said, his solemn expression melting into one of joy.
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| − | "Let us get something to eat then, shall we?"
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| − | '''Roleplay from Deianarah McDowell'''
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| − | Deianarah reached up to touch her lip and cup her cheek and her eyes smoldered with rage, but just as quickly upon hearing his words and the expression on his face, she then calmed.
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| − | “You will have to lead the way,” she motioned ahead. “I have yet to know where the best food in Remton is to be found.” She smiled, the motion stinging and from then on remained silent until he spoke again. One thing she did know, was that with every sidelong look she gave him, more and more she stopped noticing the scar on his face.
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| − | '''Roleplay from Thain Himoura'''
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| − | Thain led her to a place that he had the fortune of stumbling across by mistake. It served exclusively to nobility, and the proprietor was an old widow of some lesser noble family, who spent her days directing the kitchen and entertaining guests. They were seated, and the old woman fussed over Thain.
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| − | "Oh young master Thain, what have you gone and done now? You poor thing. Those Soliferan dogs have gone and done it now. If I were but a few years younger I would go and tell that Conan a thing or two myself. You sit down and relax, and eat heartily, and don't you dare pay a single coin. I insist."
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| − | Thain attempted to brush aside the concern, but conceded to her kindness.
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| − | "No, really Madam, you're too kind. I don't deserve such good treatment, you really outdo yourself you know."
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| − | '''Roleplay from Deianarah McDowell'''
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| − | Deianarah watched quietly as the older woman doted on Thain, and sat across the table from him. At the mention of Conan’s name she frowned, she remembered it vividly. The old woman then left, stating she would get them something to drink and Deianarah looked at Thain curiously. “So I take it Conan is responsible?” she inquired pointing to the scar over his eye.
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| − | '''Roleplay from Thain Himoura'''
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| − | "More or less. He's far too cowardly to show his hide on the battlefield. I was ambushed by Soliferan forces when moving to join in the sacking of Azros."
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| − | He traced a finger down the scar.
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| − | "They say those who lose an eye in combat are blessed by Odin himself, who willing put out his own eye for knowledge."
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| − | '''Roleplay from Deianarah McDowell'''
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| − | “That’s interesting,” she watched him trace the scar. “Although I don’t know what you looked like without it, it suits you.” She gave him a lopsided grin and then looked down to the table uncomfortably, maybe he didn’t think so and she could have inadvertently insulted him. “So, what would you recommend?” she lamely tried to change the subject.
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| − | '''Roleplay from Thain Himoura'''
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| − | "The Lady doesn't take orders, you eat what is put in front of you... And mind you eat it all." he said with a grin.
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| − | "She runs a fine establishment though, and the food is among the best I've ever had. So tell me about yourself, where is home for you?"
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| − | '''Roleplay from Deianarah McDowell'''
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| − | At his question she hesitated. “Home…” she gave a sour expression. “Well up until a short while ago it was Enweil, in Beluaterra…I left abruptly. But my family originates from the East Continent.” She looked over towards the kitchen, not really elaborating. “And now… I think I will not know home again, until you take me there,” she looked back to him with a smile.
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| − | '''Roleplay from Thain Himoura'''
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| − | Thain grinned.
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| − | "The gleaming walls of Masahakon are a sight to behold... Well they were, I do not know how the city has fared since it has fallen into Conan's clutches. I haven't seen it for many a year myself."
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| − | Thain paused as a basket of warm bread and a pitcher of cold ice water was brought to the table.
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| − | "I was mostly raised in the mountains of Razrpot, trained strictly in the teachings of the Order of the Elders from my earliest days, and trained in the way of the warrior."
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| − | '''Roleplay from Deianarah McDowell'''
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| − | Deianarah waited for him to take some bread and then reached in herself. She pulled a small piece and began to take the warm filling out to eat it first. It was good, and she smiled appreciatively. “The way of the warrior,” she repeated, “well I have known a similar type of upbringing.” She had never heard of the Order of the Elders though. “Although I have to admit, the upbringing never quite stopped, it was a way of life.”
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| − | '''Roleplay from Thain Himoura'''
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| − | "Indeed it is. You'll fit into Nighthelm perfectly." Thain slowly ate his piece of bread, reflecting on his youth.
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| − | "One of my martial instructors actually was an agent of the Chaos Requiem, the foul Daimon Cult that once plagued these lands. My uncle attacked my father and his friend while they were at the temple I grew up in. It is a beautiful place, a forgotten ruin high up in the mountains. A stream runs through it, and the cold water is the cleanest water anywhere. Its full of ancient weapons and books... Most of them unusable and all but destroyed though."
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| − | '''Roleplay from Deianarah McDowell'''
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| − | “It sounds like a beautiful place, one I would like to see one day. I’m particularly interested in weapons. The Chaos Requiem? I’ve never heard of it…” His family seemed full of diversity as was hers. She had recently just lost her brother Alec to the Netherworld, she could understand it though. “So what happened to your uncle? I can assume your father got away since it was later he fell.”
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| − | '''Roleplay from Thain Himoura'''
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| − | "Well... My uncle is a bit of a mystery really. Some say he's dead... Others aren't so sure. He's been killed before... So we thought. Last time we saw him, he died in a duel. But you can never be too sure with Daimon cultists. Although we haven't heard from the Chaos Requiem for some time."
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| − | Thain stopped as the main course was brought to the table, roast pork and garlic potatoes.
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| − | "Ah madam, you know me too well. My favorite."
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| − | '''Roleplay from Deianarah McDowell'''
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| − | Deianarah smiled as the food was set on the table, the food looked amazing and smelled even better. “So you think once a person has been lost to Daimons they can return?” she wondered out loud. He began to eat and she drank a bit of water. “Although I have to admit, I've seen some pretty strange things while I was in Enweil,” she commented and then started to eat some potatoes. "They have this religion, the blood cult... nothing like I have ever seen in my life."
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| − | '''Roleplay from Thain Himoura'''
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| − | "For the most part... No. Once one turns to Daimons, the only sure way is to put them to the sword, or the purifying flame. Some come back from Daimon worship... But their souls are marred, and they forever will carry the taint of evil."
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| − | Thain dug in, listening to her with interest.
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| − | "Tell me about this Blood Cult. I have heard a little of it."
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| − | '''Roleplay from Deianarah McDowell'''
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| − | “Well from what I hear tell of it, they make blood sacrifices to their gods. I believe it is to appease them, as one would make an offering for fortune. To tell the truth, I did not stop to listen to what they were preaching long enough, once I heard human sacrifice I walked away as quickly as my legs would take me. It’s rather ghastly,” she blushed lightly at the admittance of her fear of it and then began to eat again.
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| − | '''Roleplay from Thain Himoura'''
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| − | Thain chewed thoughtfully before speaking again.
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| − | "Those sorts of depravities are usually linked with Daimon Cults, which I hear the Blood Cult is. In the Order of the Elders we occasionally offer up small portions of our blood, but it is usually for important occasions, and only ever done willingly."
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| − | '''Roleplay from Deianarah McDowell'''
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| − | “I see,” Deianarah replied thoughtfully. “So long as it is done so willingly.” Then she lowered her fork to the plate and smiled, she was politely trying to finish the entire meal but she had a small appetite. She took the time to drink some water and allow more time so she could eat some more. “Is it quite delicious,” she noted and watched him eat. “So what are your plans now?”
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| − | '''Roleplay from Thain Himoura'''
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| − | "We take the fight to Soliferum, and when we get the chance, we do a colony takeover of either Masahakon or Hatdhes. Once that is done, and the realm reborn, I will destroy Soliferum and give them the justice they deserve."
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| − | Thain turned to the garlic potatoes and ate ravenously. He had barely eaten all week, and was feeling the effects.
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| − | '''Roleplay from Deianarah McDowell'''
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| − | “I hope it is so,” she said and started to eat again. “Thank you for showing me this place, I will make sure to return.” Well she was glad to have gotten to know at least one person, and so far she had already been given a path to take. Hopefully it was all she was looking for. Then again, life had a way of throwing you surprises when you least expected it. “I am grateful for this chance,” she expressed softly.
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| − | '''Roleplay from Thain Himoura'''
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| − | "And I am grateful for you. Most of the sons and daughters of Nighthelm are dead, or have left the Far East altogether."
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| − | Thain said sadly.
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| − | "But there are those who remain. Great heroes of older days. I will introduce you some time."
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| − | “I would like that,” she smiled for the offer and his comment. “And with time there will be new sons and daughters and Nighthelm will prosper once again.”
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| − | She finished the last of her food and set the fork down again, this time glad to have seen the end of it. Hopefully there would not be dessert too soon, she felt like she couldn’t eat another morsel.
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| − | '''Roleplay from Thain Himoura'''
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| − | Thain finished and stood, stretching lazily.
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| − | "That was excellent, if a bit much. I have to get back to my though, so I must take my leave of you for now my lady."
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| − | He walked over to her and kissed her hand.
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| − | "Until next time."
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| − | '''Roleplay from Deianarah McDowell'''
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| − | She watched as he kissed her hand and gave a small smile. “Thank you,” she said softly, “until next time.” She watched his large frame leave and wondered when the next time would be…
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| − | In turn she rose from the chair and followed a few steps behind. She was extremely curious now, and decided she would try to get as much information on Nighthelm as she could, and well of course… about Thain.
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