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| − | '''Roleplay from Bowie Ironsides'''
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| − | Before the Dark Count departed Port Nebel, he took up the invitation to visit Dame Sorsha.
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| − | He arrived in the evening, in the usual formal wear, this time no mask, and knocked using the large door-hammer.
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| − | A servant opened up and glared at the nobleman, not recognizing who he was.
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| − | "May I help you?"
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| − | The Dark Count was not amused.
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| − | "Do you know who I am, you insignificant worm? Get your Mistress."
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| − | The servant would not budge, and instead stood firm.
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| − | "Please state your business."
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| − | This irritated the Dark Count all the more, and since the discomfort of having an open wound on his chest constantly made itself felt, he had no patience for games. So the Dark Count struck down the servant with the back of his right hand, knocking him unconscious. This aroused the alarm of the estate guards who rushed out and unsheathed their weapons.
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| − | The Dark Count simply smiled and raised his arms.
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| − | "Is the Mistress available, now?"
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| − | '''Roleplay from Sorsha McDowell'''
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| − | Lorlan walked into Sorsha’s study and she looked up from the book in her hands. He gazed at her with round eyes and a pale complexion. “Milady, your guest has arrived and he’s terrifying the help and pestering the guards.
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| − | Sorsha’s eyes lit up with amusement and she chuckled. “Is he now? I guess we’ll have to save them before he tears them to pieces." She didn’t think it possible, but Lorlan’s face became whiter. “I was only jesting,” she laughed this time and he nodded, “of course you were.”
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| − | She pressed her hands down the skirt of her yellow gown, a subconscious habit. Her hair was arranged in an elaborate bun, her brown hair fanning in wisps creating an exotic allure. Small thin straps sat on her tanned shoulders, the partial bodice was of her own design, it was only snug around the cleavage area. What looked to be a white ribbon wrapped around her upper torso joining at her waist and flowed directly towards the ground in a fan, joining the rest of the gown. The material was very light, and appeared to billow with her every step. It wasn’t extravagant but it was very comfortable now that the summer air was getting warmer.
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| − | She made her way down the hall to greet her guest, and smiled with amusement to see several guards standing on one end, watching with extreme wariness Count Bowie on the other end.
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| − | “Count Bowie,” she greeted with a light smile and waved her guards away. “I assume I won’t need to have you searched for weapons,” she said unable to hide her grin of amusement. Then she turned to her servant, “he is my guest you will treat him accordingly.”
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| − | “Right away my lady,” he bowed and shooed the guards away.
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| − | Sorsha then took the moment to gaze into his green eyes with a satisfied smile making sure he saw her do it. “I am glad you are well,” this time when she smiled it was with her eyes. “Please won’t you join me,” she extended her hand indicating the hall.
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| − | '''Roleplay from Bowie Ironsides'''
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| − | The guards were relieved by the assurances of the Lady and they allowed the Count to join her.
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| − | "It is the greatest pleasure to make your acquaintance once again Lady Sorsha. Particularly after recovering from my most recent duel. I am glad to see there is still balance in my life - after such pain, there would be such beauty." he said as he followed her.
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| − | They entered the hall. He examined the estate and approved of its layout. He made little remarks on the furniture and tapestries hanging about. He then thought to speak of what was on his mind the most and said,
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| − | "My dear Dame, there is no doubt that you are aware of my recent campaign to initiate the Crusade to Sallowtown, even resulting in a personal record of duelling. Since this is the highest business of my agenda, I will take this opportunity to ask what your opinion is on the matter in general. Do you approve of the Crusade? The recent commotion over my actions? And more importantly, the will of Sallow to save the poor people across the Channel? If you are uncomfortable with political queries please inform me so we may change the subject. Yet know that I am interested on what you have to say."
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| − | '''Roleplay from Sorsha McDowell'''
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| − | Her eyes were immediately downcast at his compliment but she smiled gracefully, trying her best not to make her shyness so obvious. “Thank you milord.” She gave him a tour of the estate, and was very pleased by his continued appreciation.
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| − | When they were done, they returned to her study and she indicated for him to sit on one of the large chairs facing hers. She listened to his words as she lay back into her lounging chair, facing him. She picked up the large book she had been engrossed in and set it aside, she would definitely get back to it later but for the moment she was interested in him.
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| − | At his questions she sighed and he stopped waiting for an answer. “Count Bowie, I will be honest with you. It is unfortunate it had to come to this, and I am saddened at this turn of events. I hope now that you and Duke Mathias have come to an impasse and that you will no longer push one another. I mean it is not my place to deny the both of you what your pride needed, but I will not agree with it either. I was terribly worried.” She looked up at him, her sadness obvious, “I’m just glad it is over now.”
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| − | Her fingernails began to play into the material of the lounging chair and she continued, “as for this crusade to Sallowtown, I have given it much thought. I am neither in favour or disfavour, each attempt from opposing parties has merit. I applaud you for willing to help the people in her region. They do need someone to shelter and sheppard them, but we must not let our eagerness overpower our senses. Yes, it is a plausible endeavour, had we the means to do so, I would offer to lead them myself but the reality is thus, we do not. The realm has been put in a sad state. If we cannot maintain the whole of our lands at this moment how will we manage to protect what is beyond them?” We have all seen the problem and are aware of it, now it is the solution that matters. I have some ideas and have yet to mention them to anyone but the King. What I have proposed is this…” she paused and noticed as Lorlan returned with a tray with two glasses of wine, he set one beside each and left the room.
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| − | “What if we were to put aside a small donation to the Sallowtown effort? I would gladly be the first to begin filling the coffer for the project. It would not be a large sum, but it would surely help with the effort. And any noble who believes in this effort, than they as well would be welcomed to assist. We would at least guarantee that once we are able to take over the region that we have the funds in place to start protecting it. It may be slower in coming, but we would be that much closer to assuring that it will eventually happen in the future. I am not speaking of asking each duke and lord under pressure or orders,” she said the last meaningfully, “but if anyone is willing to spare some, then it would be appreciated nonetheless. Maybe not everyone wins with this situation, but everyone is working towards the same goal, albeit differently. Pressure and insolence only awards you with defensiveness and hostility… This harassment, it has to stop, from everyone involved. It obviously gets you nowhere, maybe a more delicate touch?”
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| − | She picked up the glass of wine and took a small sip, enjoying its sweetness. “All I am saying is that all goods things come in due time,” and then she added with a lopsided grin. “I have said it before but everything happens for a reason… you may not know them now, but you will, eventually…” she trailed off and studied his expression. “It may not be the solution, but it is an idea.”
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| − | '''Roleplay from Bowie Ironsides'''
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| − | The Dark Count replied,
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| − | “Oh, you misunderstand, I did not take the scuffle with Duke Mathias, nor Duke Hexic for that matter, personal. Contrariwise, I am eager for the challenge. I hope that these were not the last duels I engage in, and especially against such outstanding men as the two Dukes. The wounds I bear are marks deserving of praise and adulation. It is rare to find capable opponents, worthy challengers. If only more would put the sword to the test, we would have a much tougher body of nobles. Not like the soft weak-willed lot we have now. Most of them are subdued by the fright of any obstacle, pitiful worms. Not us, the two Dukes and myself, we are men who face what prevents us and who stand firm to watch any resistance crumble before our unsinkable might. This is one of my principles; I am Master of myself, subject to no one. Duelling is one way of expressing this notion.
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| − | You have given a satisfactory answer to my question on the Crusade. I realized it would be a bit pointed, a bit politically incorrect in this visit, and you have done well to remain neutral. Let me tell you a story that may help define my motivation for Sallowtown. It is one that my uncle told me when I was a child on the apiary back in Dulbin.”
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| − | “There once was a prince of a vast wealthy land. The young man was son of the Queen and a divine sage. This was so because the King was unable to procreate and so requested the assistance of the court sage. Now since this son was half ordinary and half divine, he had certain abilities to which none other possessed. For one, among many, he was able to visualize the most precious things in the world. At night before he went to sleep, instead of questioning the world and its many mysteries he would focus his mind and witness the most precious desires of the human soul. Do you think you know what these are?
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| − | The first night, the young prince lay in his bed and imagined a beautiful woman. She had a sweet smile, a compassionate heart, and a tender voice. She gave more love to her husband and her children than she did to herself. The prince had witnessed the first precious thing of the world, companionship.
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| − | This he was very pleased with and thought it would be the only vision he could ever have. Yet, the second night before he went to bed he imagined the second most precious thing of the world.
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| − | This night, he imagined a great warrior who was determined to defeat his enemies. This warrior trained his skills every night, and applied them in battle every day. With great effort he tirelessly conquered his aims. The prince had witnessed the second most precious thing of the world, purpose.
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| − | The next morning he swelled with courage and pride, believing he too could conquer all he sought. He of course was still young and unlearned of the world’s ways. But he thought he had seen all that was most precious in the world, until he went to bed the third night.
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| − | On this night, the young prince lay in his bed and gazed the stars. He then caught the vision of the third most precious thing in the world. This one he would come to realize was the most precious of them all. He saw his own home that very night. In it, he saw the woman from the first vision, much older, and in fact his mother. Beside her he saw the warrior from the second vision, much older, and in fact his father. He was perplexed at what this could mean and so he wondered if he would be able to see this vision’s essence. Again he witnessed his home.
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| − | The next morning, unable to solve the third vision, he discussed it with the sage, his surrogate father. The sage, who was wise and enlightened, understood immediately what the vision meant and answered the young prince.
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| − | “Young prince you are blessed with magnificent gifts, yet you are still too young to understand what they mean. You are unable to recognize this vision's value because you have not lived without it. The most precious thing in the world is your home. It is what makes your mother beam with radiance it is what makes your father combat all enemies. Your home, its comforts, securities, and foundation, is the most precious thing in the world. Cherish it and all it provides you.”
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| − | That was the end of the story and the Dark Count then spoke with an emotion in his heart that he has been unfamiliar with for so long.
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| − | “You see Dame Sorsha, since my flight from Fissoa, I have always believed Sallowtown to be my home. How distant I am from it! My family, the Sallowsians, are trapped in a Dark Age awaiting me to deliver them. For so long I have been trying to go home to my sanctuary. For so long I have bartered and matched wits with monarchs, none willing to give me any assistance. I cannot do it alone. I need the realm’s help. The Crusade is to bring civilization and peace to the Sallowsians. It is also to bring this poor demon-ridden Prince home. This is exactly how the Great Dragon Sallow wills it.“
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| − | '''Roleplay from Sorsha McDowell'''
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| − | Sorsha smiled at his expressive face as he spoke of the duels he had just experienced. “Please… address me as simply Sorsha,” she asked and continued. “You have chosen well for your opponents,” she smiled fondly, “I know little of Duke Hexic, but from what I do know of him, he is no coward and his bravery will never leave you wanting for a worthy opponent. As for Duke Mathias, he will usually rise to any challenge, it is in his blood, he breathes strength and tenacity, and” she laughed lightly, “truly no weak will there.” She turned her eyes to avoid revealing too much and continued listening as he told his tale.
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| − | He spoke with such passion… such fervor and he told it so well. She could truly see the images in her mind, and felt the yearning spoken through each word. When he was done, his green eyes burned with desire and need, and she stared into them for a long moment. Trying to see beyond the man, into the emotions of his words she grew silent and took another drink. Finally she spoke, “yes, one’s home is very precious, it grounds us so that we may focus on the world around us. This I as well sorely miss... To run through the fields of green of my home in Commonyr,” At her revelation, he seemed a bit surprised and she grinned as he realized they were both from the east continent. “It is a world so close to my heart, yet seeming so untouchable now” she added softly and leaned forward.
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| − | “But what of the first and second visions my lord, surely they speak of his mother and father, but are they not the ideals the Prince also wishes to live by? Finding companionship, unconditional and true love, to have someone worth fighting for, to protect and carry as much as he would his home? For the Prince would strengthen his body, but what of his heart and soul?” She blushed somewhat… only then realizing, what a completely hopeless romantic she was. He spoke of building a home, and she couldn’t help but see her own wishes in his tale, although she didn’t say it outright.
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| − | She rose from the chair and walked to the large window, looking out into the darkened sky. The stars were so beautiful, and she took a moment to admire the view and turned back in his direction. She neared him and extended her hand which he took and she brought him to see what she was admiring.
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| − | “You see the stars, how distant and untouchable they seem? No matter the distance, some twinkle and shine brightly already, and others are only beginning to or are losing their will…” she lowered her gaze and looked down to him as he watched the night sky. “We see them every night, but do we stop to admire and appreciate them, for without them, and the moon who guides them, we would be in complete darkness.” Then she added meaningfully, “and yet they are manifestations of the night.” She let go of his hand and dropped it to the edge of the window.
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| − | “In my life, I have come across many different people, some shine brightly because they were given the chance, while others are only becoming aware, and some have simply given up and die out. While they only do so rarely, I try to make note of them as they cross my path and you… I see that quality in you. Maybe it is what fascinates me so about you, for all the darkness that you say surrounds you, I cannot help but see a beacon of light.”
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| − | She had said too much and bit her lip, hoping he wouldn’t think her a complete fool. She turned away and focused once more on the stars above. “I understand you Milord, if you wish to find your way home, then I will do what I can do help make it so. I am not a powerful noble, who I once was, and had I willingly gave up, but if I can make a difference I will try.”
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| − | '''Roleplay from Mathias Ridder'''
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| − | Mathias had been doing work in his office when his servant Duad came running up to him.
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| − | "My Lord, you won't beleive what I saw." said Duad. To which Mathias responded," What is it man out with it I haven't all day!"
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| − | "My Lord, I saw the Lady Sorsha welcoming Count Bowie into her estate. I believe they might be up to something." After hearing which Mathias stood up in a rage. Flipping his desk over he grabbed his sword, and rushed out the palace.
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| − | Riding quickly through the city many of his own guard tried to stop the Duke before he made a grievous error. All however were unable to halt the mad duke.
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| − | Upon arriving at Sorsha estate Mathias guards made one last attempt at stopping him. "My lord," one stated "I am sure your servant Duad just mistook the man for Count Bowie, surly it was someone else." After which Mathias scream, "WHAT! So you would claim that my Sorsha is making company with some commoner from the streets! Lieutenant take that man to the gallows for saying such words!" Then finishing his journey up to the door he knocked as loudly as humanly possible.
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| − | '''Roleplay from Sorsha McDowell'''
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| − | Lorlan was about to return to his lady’s study to ask if he should have food brought up for her and her guest when the banging on the door made him jump. It was loud and the sound only grew louder as the banging increased. He was almost afraid to open the door, but seeing several guards approach to see what the noise was about he swallowed finding a bit of courage and finally opened it.
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| − | As he opened it, Duke Mathias’ hand lowered in mid knock and Lorlan frowned when he recognized who it was. “May I assist you Duke Mathias?” Then seeing the glower directed at him, he swallowed again, unsure if he should have spoken at all.
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| − | '''Roleplay from Bowie Ironsides'''
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| − | The Dark Count and Dame Sorsha were having a pleasant conversation when it was suddenly interrupted by an echo from the entrance. They heard the pounding of what to them could have been a battering ram.
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| − | "Oh my. Dearest Sorsha, do you have any enemies imminent on attack? I can hear a siege engaging your estate."
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| − | They both looked a bit startled.
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| − | "After you," He extended his arm, "It would be rude of me to welcome a guest in your home."
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| − | '''Roleplay from Sorsha McDowell'''
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| − | Sorsha and Bowie were then interrupted when Lorlan stumbled through the study door with an alarmed expression. “My Lady, you must come quickly.”
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| − | With a frown, Sorsha approached her head servant. “What is going on?”
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| − | “Duke Mathias is here, and he looks ready to tear down the guards Milady,” he explained and Sorsha took a sharp breath. “What?” Then she thought of how she would most likely need to replace her current guards, or have to reassure them that protecting their lady was usually calmer than this night had been.
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| − | Forgetting her servant, she walked out of the room, to meet Mathias, Bowie was not far behind.
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| − | “What is he doing?” she whispered, not realizing she had spoken at all, wondering if she should be concerned. She hoped nothing was wrong with him.
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| − | '''Roleplay from Mathias Ridder'''
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| − | Sorsha's servant had just "let" him though the door, even though if he had been denied Mathias would have gone in anyways. It was not long after the he ran into Sorsha, and with a sigh of relief he noticed there was no Bowie to be seen. However seconds later Count Bowie came in view having turned the corner.
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| − | Mathias' eyes widened, his jaw dropped, he was in awe. "My Lady, So it is true you are now seeing this...man? What happened to all those things you said but a few days ago? Do they mean nothing?" Dropping his head he then turned and headed for the door only to suddenly turn and draw his sword. "Or did this scoundrel force his way in here? Did he force himself upon you my love? Would you desire me to gut him for what ever cruel act he did to you?"
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| − | '''Roleplay from Bowie Ironsides'''
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| − | As the Duke drew his sword, so to did the Dark Count, who stared without waiver toward the armed threat.
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| − | "You draw your sword too soon my all too recent foe. If you came here with a mind of certainty then indulge. You won't be denied another contest."
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| − | The Dark Count threw off his cape to the floor and readied himself, in case the Duke was all too serious.
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| − | '''Roleplay by Kratos Wolff'''
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| − | As Kratos walks around Port Nebel, one of his troops calls him over and points towards a large estate, with lots of people on the entrance.
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| − | "Look ther' sir"
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| − | Kratos walked towards the man and looked in the direction his was pointing. Judging from a distance, he could see Count Bowie Ironsides and Duke Mathias Ridder, who were surrounded by armed soldiers.
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| − | "Looks like a party, lets go take a look"
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| − | Said Kratos as he walked towards the lot, ordering his troops to go with him.
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| − | As he got closer to the group he caught a glimpse of a beautiful young woman. Who he thought to be the reason for the conflict. It was not the first time he saw misguided men fight to the death for a woman, instead of using other methods. He unseathed his sword as he got closer, and so did his troops, all getting ready for whatever was to come.
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| − | Once in place he stayed quiet and in place, observing every movement made by the many soldiers, and the three nobles.
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| − | '''Roleplay from Sorsha McDowell'''
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| − | Sorsha’s mouth dropped with incredulity at Mathias’ words and she walked after him about to call his name when he turned around drawing his sword, she backed up, only to see the count throw his cape to draw his own sword. Her eyes grew larger as she stood between the two. Her mouth dropped open in shock, and as if that wasn’t enough a squadron of men rushed up to her doorstep an unfamiliar noble to her, leading them.
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| − | “ENOUGH!! Put away your swords!” she shouted desperately throwing her hands up in the air and everyone stopped moving. There was a long hush of silence and she dropped her hands. “What is wrong with all of you?!” her eyes looked around and the color drained from her face. “What in the world?” she whispered and looked up, looking for patience and tolerance.
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| − | She spoke to Mathias first, “Count Bowie is my guest, not in the manner in which you think, he is a friend, and has been nothing but a gentleman” she hissed. Then her eyes narrowed, “so soon you question my love? Every word I said to you was true, how could you doubt me?” she asked him, hurt. Then she cocked her head and the saddened expression was all too obvious for Mathias to miss. “Do you not trust me?”
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| − | Then she turned to Bowie, “I apologize for this rather embarrassing turn of events, please withdraw your sword,” she pleaded, “I could not bear to see the two of you fight again. This is not your battle.”
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| − | Then she turned her now violet eyes in Sir Kratos’ direction, not really knowing what to say. “I’m afraid I do not know you sir, but I appreciate the assistance. But I believe we can handle matters from here,” she inclined her head politely and walked back inside.
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| − | “You and You,” she pointed to Mathias and Bowie, with a firm voice, “come with me,” she ordered. When they didn’t move and kept staring at each other’s sword points she raised her voice, “NOW!”
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| − | She walked back down the halls of her estate and returned to her study, not looking back to see if they followed, she was too livid.
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| − | [[/Suspicions2|Continue...]]
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