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| − | '''Roleplay from Bowie Ironsides'''
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| − | The Dark Count sat back and said to Sorsha,
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| − | "Now he wants to eat...half the evenings feast will be devoured hours before schedule. What will we eat later?" and she replied in jest,
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| − | "You are in a predicament. What will you do?"
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| − | "I was hoping you would be able to tell me." He said smiling, then stood up to answer the Marquis.
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| − | "Marquis, I only have enough food prepared for the feast after the show. Eating now will not do. Take a seat in the stands, I may have an idea to entertain the crowd."
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| − | He turned to Dame Sorsha,
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| − | "Please excuse me for just a moment my friend, I have to gather a troupe for the ring."
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| − | As he left she heard him muttering, "I never thought we would use a duelling ring to put on a show. I will have to pay this disrespect of the customs to the ancestors harshly."
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| − | He exited the viewing box.
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| − | The Dark Count returned to the arena leading a troupe of young girls in costume. They wore silver gowns with reeds in their hair and green make up over their eyes. They enter the ring behind the Count in line.
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| − | The Dark Count gets the crowds attention.
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| − | “Sallowsian and D’Haran nobles, since there will be a delay in the main event, I have arranged for a performance by the choir of the Temple of Sallow here in Qubel. We originally arranged to perform this play during the Qubel Festival, but we will have a dress rehearsal of sorts for your pleasure. It has not been perfected yet, so sit still and adore the show anyway. This is a play about Sallowtown's founding father, the first unifying arexi dynast, the Great Dragon, and whom I am the incarnate of, Prince Sallow.”
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| − | He exits the ring and the girls face the crowd in line shoulder to shoulder. They stretch out their left arm toward the sky. They begin with a song.
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| − | In our hearts we worship you
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| − | O Great Sallow!
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| − | Let us live in peaceful days.
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| − | When the sun raises us, give thanks
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| − | When the sun sets us, we pay respect
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| − | You are all above and below
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| − | O Great Sallow!
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| − | Ancestors look here, we say
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| − | Your people are correct in
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| − | Their worship,
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| − | See us now,
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| − | How we give our offerings
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| − | All done by your right standards!
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| − | In our hearts we worship you
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| − | O Great Sallow!
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| − | Let us live in peaceful days.
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| − | When the sun raises us, give thanks
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| − | When the sun sets us, we pay respect
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| − | You are all above and below
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| − | O Great Sallow!
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| − | We wish to live in your court
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| − | Celestial and divine,
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| − | Grant us,
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| − | Your children,
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| − | A chance to be one with you!
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| − | O – Great – Sallow!
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| − | In our hearts we worship you
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| − | O Great Sallow!
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| − | Let us live in peaceful days.
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| − | When the sun raises us, give thanks
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| − | When the sun sets us, we pay respect
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| − | You are all above and below
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| − | O Great Sallow!
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| − | O – Great – Sallow!
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| − | O – Great – Sallow!
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| − | The little girl playing Prince Sallow steps forward in front of the choir to speak to the crowd.
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| − | “I am Prince Sallow of the Mondorii clan. I was the first unifying dynast of the arexi! Revere me!”
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| − | The choir goes: OOOoooooo! Prince Sallow continues,
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| − | “Today, you will witness my dealings with the foreign tribes crossing the channel. In this meeting, the foundation of Sallowtown will be laid!”
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| − | Two other choir girls step forward, they are dressed slightly different, to demark their foreignness.
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| − | The first one speaks.
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| − | “O Prince Sallow of the mighty unbeatable arexi we plea to you to let us inhabit your lands. Our people have been fleeing a great calamity, uh, from the west, we cannot settle in the islands, so we must come to you.”
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| − | The Prince replies,
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| − | “Your people overflow the coast. We arexi cannot permit such disorder.”
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| − | “What would you have us do wise and strong Prince?
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| − | The Prince slaps the foreign tribal chief out of punishment.
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| − | “Do not antagonize me! I will be a Great Dragon after my death, reigning in the Celestial Court and accepting the finest worshippers to live with me in immortality!”
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| − | The girl who plays the tribal chief rubs her cheek, and then stomps on the foot of the girl who plays the Prince in retribution. The crowd can hear her say, “You didn’t have to slap me so hard!” The Prince says, “Ow! Don’t stomp on me!” and she pushes her.
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| − | The tribal chief falls into her assistant and then swings a punch at the Prince but misses. The choir breaks into a melee as the Prince and the tribal chief wrestle on stage.
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| − | The Dark Count enters the ring and addresses the crowd, clearly disappointed and put on the spot.
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| − | “Well, that is not how we planned it.”
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| − | The crowd laughs. He looks at his servant,
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| − | “How long did that take?”
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| − | “Forty minutes.” She said.
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| − | He addresses the crowd again,
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| − | “At least the ring is being used properly.” He shrugs, his servant runs in and starts to separate the girls who are pulling each other’s hair and ripping the gowns.
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| − | The Dark Count bows and the group is lead off stage. From behind the stands the crowd hears the Count’s servant yelling at the girls.
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| − | “What do you think you were doing! You ruined the whole performance! Do you know how important this was to our Count? Jellma why couldn’t you just let it go?"
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| − | The young girl is heard saying, “She pushed me too hard!”
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| − | “And? Now your costumes are wrecked and the show has been ruined.”
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| − | The crowd laughs.
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| − | The Dark Count returns,
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| − | "Instead of another misshap, how about we all stay seated and hope the duel begins early? That is the best I can think of unless anyone has any other talents they would like to present?"
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| − | He returns to his viewing box and sits beside the Dame, who had an obvious amusement on her face.
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| − | He looked at her and nodded.
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| − | "Did you like the gowns at least?"
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| − | "Oh yes very much," She said holding in her laughter.
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| − | "Good." He sat back and stared out toward the ring.
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| − | '''Roleplay from Rathan Himoura'''
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| − | Rathan eyed his opponent, unused to single combat with a wary opponent, but confident none the less. The look of surprise on Mathias's face when Rathan's blade burst into flame was one he would savor for a long time. He charged his foe recklessly, and his foe assumed a defensive stance. They went back and forth, and as Rathan's arm grew tired, he realized that he would not be able to break his foe's defense, stepped back and gave a slight bow.
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| − | "You win Duke Ridder, I cannot land a blow on you."
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| − | Roleplay from Lycan Moreira'''
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| − | Lycan was talking to Duke Mathias when he saw another man approaching them slapping the Duke. His eyebrows rose in surprise and immediately realized he was the other contestant. After they exchanged words of defiance and SIr Rathan walked away, he decided to leave Duke Mathias alone so he could prepare himself for the duel.
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| − | Lycan sat watching Sir Rathan and Count Bowie exchanging some words he couldn’t hear and saw Count Bowie leaving a few minutes later. He wondered what was going on and waited curiously. When the Count returned a troupe followed and a little play started for everyone to enjoy. Soon enough it ended with laughter and amusement as little girls turned into well little girls. Lycan watched the outcome amused. He surely wasn’t expecting this from an event like a duel.
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| − | Afterwards, Sir Rathan entered the ring taking his place. Duke Mathias entered in his turn. He seemed confidant and concentrated. The nervousness had somewhat dissipated after that ale Lycan guessed.
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| − | The duel started with Sir Rathan attacking. The Duke defended well and met every blow with expertise. It went on for a long time and neither would subside. They matched each other qualities and weaknesses and the duel didn’t seem to have an end in sight. It was apparent that neither would win by greater skill but by tiredness of the opponent. Lycan watched drawn in by the spectacle before his eyes.
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| − | Sir Rathan showed a bit of weariness after a while and everyone seemed to stop when he stepped back and exclaimed. "You win Duke Ridder, I cannot land a blow on you."
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| − | They all looked at Duke Mathias expecting his reaction.
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| − | '''Roleplay from Mathias Ridder'''
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| − | When the duel began Mathias took his usual defensive stance. The same one that had worked against Valdrix years ago and the same one he recently beat Count Bowie with. When the two drew their weapons Marquis Rathan's sword burst into flames. "What kind of sorcery is this?"Mathias thought to himself, but then he realized from the face that the Marquis made that he was over confident and would most likely use an offensive style of some sort. Victory was already Mathias' his opponent just didn't know it yet.
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| − | The duel began and as usual his enemy was too aggressive and quickly wore himself out just like every other opponent he has faced. however unlike the duel with the Count weeks before Marquis Rathan realized he had lost before Mathias blow could be made. The Marquis quickly backed down and surrender to Mathias.
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| − | "You win Duke Ridder, I cannot land a blow on you." said Rathan. To which Mathias sheathed his sword, and simply stated "My honor is still intact. Now then why don't we go and meet our host, what do you say?"
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| − | '''Roleplay from Kratos Wolff'''
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| − | As Kratos approached the dueling ring a bunch of little girls dressed up as who knows what were heading out of the stage. He looked up to his right and noticed Sir Bowie and Lady Sorsha siting together looking down at the ring as they chatted. Setting the little dog on the floor Kratos headed towards the Count, but something caught his eye back in the ring. It was a flaming sword, being carried by none other than the royal Fiduciary, Marquis Rathan. He looked at the sword for a while wondering why it burned, it occured to him it was some kind of trick the Marquis used to cheat on the upcoming duel, but the flame looked so strong and constant, it was almost like magic. Then he notices Sir Mathias, who was staring at his opponent, and seemed not to notice the burning blade.
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| − | After a short look at eachother, the duel started. And Marquis Rathan starting swinging his blade wildly at the Mathias, only to be parried every time. It was a marvelous show of sparkles as the blades connected.
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| − | His blade was hot, fiery, and had a spark, but none of it's qualities burned off on the Marquis, for he did not land a single blow, and ended up giving up, displaying pure weakness as he bowed to Sir Mathias.
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| − | Looking down at the dog Kratos said, "haha, its funny how not even you would do that."... "as long as your with me, theres no giving up." As he said this he continued walking towards the Count, and the dog followed.
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| − | '''Roleplay from Bowie Ironsides'''
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| − | The duel occurred with great interest for the Dark Count. The Duke of Port Nebel taking another victory.
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| − | The Dark Count sat back and thought, What sort of technique is that?.
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| − | Dame Sorsha did not seem to be as happy as he was to see the event, so the Dark Count reminded her of the feast he had prepared for the evening. Maybe the social event would cheer her up instead of reminding her of the binds she felt she was in. He could only hope.
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| − | He stood up and addressed the combatants.
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| − | "Duke Mathias, Marquis Rathan, you have both performed wonderfully. This duel delivered the spectacle everyone expected. I congratulate the both of you. Duke Mathias, the victor, as a reward I have arranged for a wall of triumph to be set up in the Temple of Sallow to celebrate those who take victory in this ring. Your name will be placed on a plaque and secured to that wall. Bravo."
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| − | Then to the crowd,
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| − | "Nobles, there will be a feast at my estate. When you are ready, please arrive there and take your seats. My servants will serve when all chairs have been filled. Duke and Marquis, the two of you shall have the central chairs, right beside each other. I trust you can agree to that arrangement?"
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| − | The crowd clapped and cheered for the duel and the feast!
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| − | The Dark Count noticed his knight Sir Kratos approaching and he waved him over.
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| − | "My good knight, I did not know you were attending, I would have arranged for another viewing box just for you. This is your region as well after all. I am glad that you have come, are you hungry by any chance?"
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| − | He looked down to see Kratos' companion.
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| − | "How about the dog? Eaten anything lately?"
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| − | '''Roleplay from Kratos Wolff'''
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| − | When Kratos got closer to the Count he noticed him and waved him over. And then asked if he was hungry, and if the dog was too.
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| − | "I havent eaten anything in a while, since I had to race towards Nebel, and back here. This lil' dog here has a big apetite too, I think he'd be hungry by now, and thats why it follows me around."
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| − | Kratos turned to Lady Sorsha with a quick bow.
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| − | "It is a pleasure seeing you again Dame Sorsha, you look beautiful today." Kratos looked down and noticed the dog sniffing Sorsha's gown, and before he bit it Kratos pulled him up and held it in his arm.
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| − | "Since I couldn’t make it to Port Raviel, could any of you tell me what kind of dog this is?"
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| − | The two examined the dog's beautiful white fur, deep black eyes, and its moist, healthy-looking nose. Its snout was pretty long and its paws soft. Its tail wasn't too long.
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| − | "... I don't know why it has such big fangs." Kratos said this as he pulled up the dog's upper lip, showing them its long fangs. Of course, it was just a pup, and that's why he hard such a tough time telling what it was.
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| − | '''Roleplay from Lycan Moreira'''
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| − | Lycan was pleased the duel ended with dignity. He got up from his seat when he heard Count Bowie announce the feast. He took the opportunity to approach The Count, Lady Sorsha and greet them.
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| − | When he was getting near them he noticed a new Knight he hadn't met accompanied by a little dog.
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| − | The pup jumped off his owner's arms and ran to Lycan putting his little paws on his legs coaxing him to pick it up. Lycan smiled and pick it up patting him and returned him to its owner. "I apologize, but they all react like that to me, dogs too." he glanced at Lady Sorsha who appeared amused by it since she new Lycan's history with wolves.
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| − | At the frown on this new Knight's face Lycan explained. "It's a wolf you have there." he smiled knowingly. "I'm Lycan Moreira. It's a pleasure Sir..."
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| − | '''Roleplay from Sorsha McDowell'''
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| − | Sorsha gave a dazzling smile to Sir Kratos’ compliment, “Thank you,” she blushed lightly. The pup then clumsily jumped out of his owner’s arms towards Lycan who in turn picked it up returning him.
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| − | She grinned as Lycan informed Kratos that his dog was actually a wolf. More so the amusement due to the fact that both shared names with the animal, how fitting. “I guess that would explain it Sir Kratos, you only have to ask Sir Lycan here other than the fact that he’s been named after them, he shares their appetite as well.”
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| − | Lycan looked in her direction and she winked at him slyly. She then looked at Bowie unable to hold back her laughter, “I hope this feast will be able to sustain us all.”
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| − | She was trying extremely hard not to be affected by this turn of events and tried her best to appear in a light mood despite what had taken place. She was glad Mathias had come out victorious, but she wasn’t happy for Rathan’s loss either. She just wished it hadn’t come to this at all.
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| − | Through the crowd, she did catch a glimpse of both Mathias and Rathan, but tried her best to appear preoccupied.
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| − | Surely there would be many more opportunities at this feast. With this thought in mind, she slipped her hand around Bowie’s arm, as if reassuring herself that with him there the evening would run smoothly.
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| − | '''Roleplay from Bowie Ironsides'''
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| − | The Dark Count greeted Sir Lycan, a new acquaintance to him, and appreciated the gathering.
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| − | "Sir Lycan, I am pleased to meet you. Have you been in D'Hara long? I do hope that you have an appetite, and that my feast may satisfy it."
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| − | He felt Dame Sorsha's arm warm his and for a moment it seemed all too natural, comfortable. As if it was meant to rest there. But he rethought that feeling, knowing his place with her he realized it would be an avoidable rue to think anything more.
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| − | "Sir Kratos, what have you thought to name your new wolf companion? Such an animal will likely grow to be strong and loyal. Give it a suitable name and the ancestors will bless it with the fortunes associated."
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| − | Then, to make sure the night begun, he ordered the nobles to begin to leave the arena.
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| − | "Come, shall we all take march to the estate?"
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| − | He signalled for the crowd to follow him to his estate where the festivities would begin.
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| − | '''Roleplay from Rathan Himoura'''
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| − | Rathan strode up to the crowd and smirked to Count Bowie.
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| − | "Lets, and don't think you'll get off so easy with me when the time comes for our match Count Bowie."
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| − | '''Roleplay from Sorsha McDowell'''
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| − | Sorsha followed Bowie walking alongside him holding on to his arm, her other hand resting on his forearm as she slightly leaned closer to him. Listening to the rest of the nobles speak amongst themselves she looked from one to the other, and then lowered her gaze to the ground.
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| − | For the moment, she was simply content being there surrounded by friends. Now and again she could feel someone’s intense gaze on her. She was almost afraid to look and see whose it was.
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| − | Bowie being the host, she continued to follow his lead. Besides she preferred it that way, it was easier.
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