Vanimedle Family/Haruka/The rape Of Virtue, Virtue to vice
OOC note: Haruka's character is that of a girl who has a deep fear of emotional intimacy and especially physical intimacy. Though her attempts to run away from this and to protect herself is to deal with it directly, which is to say having her armies rape all those that they can. Another way she tries to escape herself and her deep seated emotional problems is to create a wall between herself and everyone else, part of how she did this was having her men believe that she herself took part in the rape of dozens and so they spread that rumour, the other parts of her defence mechanism is never letting anyone in, being a recluse and always cold. The only friendships she keeps are those of the battlefield.
IC: Role plays that took place between Rodiriz Azul and lady Haruka.
Act One
Rodiriz and his men trudged on toward Niel. This was the umpteenth time they had taken this route, the men were fed up of marching, being seasick, repairing roads and then seasick, marching, Niel again and again. Apasur was becoming a chore in Captain Edmund’s eyes, but Rodiriz was persisting, and he had come to learn that when Rodiriz set his mind on something he stuck to it.
‘That Isle will yield, if I have to walk this road a thousand times and kill everyone on the island, it shall bow to Arcachon authority!’ those had been his words, and Edmund didn’t doubt he’d see it through. He was determined like that.
Coming up toward a slight rise in the landscape as they followed the winding road through Tuphos the Manor house rose from over the hill. Rodiriz studied it intently, the imposing structure, with its numerous guards, seemed far too commanding for that of the residence of a lady, albeit it was of a Marshal also.
Haruka Vanimedle’
Having only met her twice, and both were merely occasions wherein she had shouted orders at the Knights of the Lyliltih’s Call during battle, he had found her rather elusive in all other aspects, not being seen on her estate the countless times he had passed nor ever anywhere else it seemed. ‘A recluse who enjoys slaughter …’ he mused
Edmund followed his master’s gaze. “Marchioness Haruka” he said casually “apparently one of the most beautiful Lady’s on, not only this continent, but maybe even all of them. The kind of woman that makes men forget their uh .. dignity.”
Rodiriz tilted his head toward his captain. “Slightly out of your way to be thinking of a noble-women in such lustful manner isn’t it?”
Edmund coughed and said no more.
Haruka's role play in reply-------------
Haruka dismounted, her hair still wild from the ride across her fields, the regular riding and the training with her men saw to keep her fit during peacetime. She called for a servant to attend to the horse and she strode over to the gate of her manor.
"Admund! about face if you will and follow me, I have a new plan for our training regime" Haruka said coolly to her captain who had just been facing away from her, talking with some of the lazier servants in Haruka's manor.
"Lady Haruka... back from your ride I see, perhaps before we make tracks you would like to seek refreshment?" Adamund responded cordially.
"I hope you are not implying anything by that Adamund, but should it be in the earnest of thoughts then I shall decline. Walk with me" Adamund quickly move to Haruka's side as she continued to talk. "I plan on using the steep hill in the eastern part of Tuhpos as the article of our next training. We shall have half of our cavalry waiting at the foot of it, loose formation, the other half at the top, the half at the top shall charge full speed down the hill, aiming to ride through the segments between troops. Each half shall do it 'til I am satisfied. Surely this shall teach our troops some gall? We are truly fearsome at full speed I dare say" Haruka said, sparing only a glance at Adamund.
"I concur, It is important that our troops now fear of the highest sort and none is so awe inspiring as our Havoc Horsemen at full speed about to break a line of infantry" Adamund responded meagrely.
A dark vein cut through the usual beautiful and bright countryside, though Haruka and Adamund where close enough to ascertain the individual movement of it. A small unit of Infantry, walking in a column, about five rows deep.
"I do not recall any Troop Leader to pass through my lands. Let us go to this collection of brigands and see to their commander. He is obviously far from acquainted to my lands or my person, perhaps we shall change that through gentle persuasion of sorts" Haruka commanded coldly.
Tokeru's role play in reply-------------
Tokeru appeared as if from nowhere at Haruka's side.
"Lady, there is one small problem with that tactic. Horses galloping at full speed down a hill will trip, break legs and kill the riders. The safest speed to have them run down will be at a canter. They will be moving quickly enough at a canter down the hill that it will keep them from breaking anything."
Tokeru looked at her captain. "Besides, standing still in front of a charge is one of the worst things you can do. The troops must be taught to kill the horse and deal with the rider after. A horse without a rider is still a weapon, but kill the horse, the rider will die very quickly after."
Tokeru chuckled at the expression on the captain's face, not from what he was saying, but from what he was wearing.
Tokeru was wearing a blood red tunic, skulls emblazoned on the shoulders, with his coat of arms on the front. Tokeru had changed his family's heraldic symbol from the blazing eagle it once was, to a skeletal bird. He had been outcast from the family many years ago, and with his vanishing had gone all of his ties to his family, but for the curse and the history.
His eyes were blood red, just like his tunic and cloak. His bastard sword Heartrender was strapped across his back as usual. He wore chain mail underneath his tunic at all times, and he even had two daggers strapped to his forearms, hidden beneath his vambraces.
Haruka's role play in reply-------------
Haruka turned sharply to her side, Tokeru stood there, the shadow of a grin on his, framed by the blood red eyes that suggested more to the smile.
"...to kill the horse, the rider will die very quickly after" Tokeru finished.
Haruka frowned, "An accurate surmise of my plan but I have assessed this hill, the chances of a horse tripping over is slim. Also my men are bored of the usual rhetoric they are taught, this is something fresh, more fun than actual training though."
Tokeru inclined his head towards Haruka In response.
"Oh and that tunic really does compliment your eyes, Tokeru" Haruka said, the hint of inner humour spilt over into her voice at the look of discomfort on Adamund's eyes.
Rodiriz role play in reply-------------
Rodirz and Edmund watched the two horses in the distance moving to intercept them from the manor, galloping across the field at what they both thought was reckless speed.
“Perhaps Lady Haruka heard you ..” Rodiriz mused, evoking an expression of horror from his captain.
The men of = Crusaderz’ d’ Chivaral = drew their swords instinctively, although they doubted any real danger this far in Arcachon lands.
“Arms down” Edmund commanded “and halt.” His men complying with their usual professionalism, sheathing their weapons and evening-out their ranks. The point 3 of the unit unfurled the Arcachon banner, raising it along with their own White and green standard tied to a pike.
As the two horses slowed to a trot only a few yards away Rodiriz and Edmund stepped forward, the Captain unsure as to whether to wear his helmet or hold it.
“Smile, but don’t gawp” Rodiriz muttered to his men.
Haruka and her own captain drew level with them and stopped, their horses sweating from the mile-long run.
“Marshal Haru…”
And that’s all Rodiriz managed to say.
Haruka's role play in reply-------------
Whatever Rodiriz had been saying, or planned to say, it didn't matter as Haruka dismounted from her sweating steed, instantly cutting him of in a commanding voice.
"Name, rank and station" She said, loudly and coldly.
"Wha... Oh" Rodiriz composed himself. "Rodiriz Azul, current Troop Leader Of The Crusaderz’ d’ Chivaral, former lord of Apasur" He said with straightened posture and a crisp voice.
"I was not informed of you marching through my lands, especially so close to my estate. Though you are under my charge, as your Marshal why did not you not inform me of your progress of intentions?" Haruka asked waspishly, but continued. "Also have that man take his hand of of his sword hilt before I mistake his intentions" Haruka finished, ice literally dripping from her voice.
"Marshal..." Tokeru began, pausing slightly as he glanced over at her. "I believe this ... Rodiriz is the one responsible for the repeated looting's of Apasur and also charged with reclaiming the region"
Rodiriz stood their, trying to remain seemingly impassive, his men not quite in proper standing formation, almost as if they where standing there unsure of how to present themselves.
"I am that man" Rodiriz responded in a loud voice.
Haruka returned her gaze to Rodiriz, though only after pausing to look over the rag tag bunch of armoured troops at the heel of Rodiriz. Deliberately painting a slight look of mocking indifference to them, with the intention of embarrassing Rodiriz for his poor presentation and lack of foresight.
"Hmm, so you are the reason why I had to defend myself to the War Council" She said coldly. "I do not take lightly to being embarrassed by those beneath me, nor do I like being interrupted in my work" Haruka said her voice some what neutral but hinting a lot at what she was thinking. Roodiriz flushed slightly at the repeated barrage against his person, whether out of anger or embarrassment Haruka didn't care.
Rodiriz role play in reply-------------
Rodiriz could feel the unease of his men. True they hadn’t reported-in recently, but there wasn’t a war on as such, and their goal of conquering Apasur had been the main objective for several weeks now. He knew the manner in which they were being addressed wouldn’t impress The Crusaderz’, they were the finest trained and equipped available, they might look a bit sullied, but 5 days of marching, 2 more of civil work and a long boat journey and Rodiriz doubted even her Ruka’ness could appear immaculate.
He felt the back of his neck prickle slightly, ‘C’mon, you can push it a bit more than this’ he told himself. ’Show some spine’
“With the highest respect, Marshal Haruka, Apasur was shown the futility of resisting. Firmness is always the way to bring the insubordinate into line. The Island had no respect for Arcachon, what we did enforced our authority in the region. I’ll not have rebels undermine us.”
Surprised that he had managed that much, and still keeping his gaze forward as Haruka began to stride along his line of men, Rodiriz continued.
“As for interrupting you, for that I offer my most unreserved apologies. I should have contacted you, but not being a man to allow someone else to do his work, I have never taken a scribe, and furthermore; do not intend to. What with the recent marching from Apasur to Niel and the continued focus of success on the island I have been rather distracted. The orders ..." (Yes, he dared himself to) do stand to 'Rally in your regions' ... ”
Sensing he had said enough, Rodiriz closed his mouth and waited, praying only his men would do the same, as Haruka studied each of them individually.
Returning to the head of the column she stared into Rodiriz’s eyes.
Damn she was beautiful. He just hoped that his face did not betray his thoughts.
He hoped Edmund’s didn’t either.
Haruka's role play in reply-------------
The young commanders attitude deeply riled Haruka, if she was right she could even detect a hint of mocking sarcasm! And to further deepen her anger she had noticed how distant his eyes had become and the way they watched her as she assessed his troops. She'd seen that look on men before, it was an objectising look, one that said he had other things on his mind than there verbal exchange. Haruka had the very strong urge to cut down this cocky young cockerel in more ways than just verbal.
"Rodiriz do you understand the military hierarchy? Do you understand the set of stringent protocols we have in place? Regardless of what my orders state at the time it goes without saying that you must report your progress and your intentions! Without that I, and the War Council are blind to the work of our underlings" Haruka spat, now pausing only to compose herself rather than suffer the shame of an open display of anger. "Regardless of your scribe state that is no excuse to fail in your duty. You could have dictated and wrote the letter yourself and ordered some one to deliver it. You have shown a clear lack of foresight. Also your raids on Apasur where not coordinated nor where they ordered. Once again your ... Individuality and ambition has blinded you. If there is looting to be done then only I shall order it, when you ordered your men to loot you undermined MY authority. We had troublemakers like you back when I was charged with conquering Sartania, should you not buck up your ideas and fall in line then there will be no place for you" Haruka continued, speaking each word with a deliberate speed, pausing slightly after each for the effect she had seen Xaphan wield so efficiently with it.
Haruka blinked, she needed to think more clearly, she should not let herself be consumed by her personal anger and let it block what she needed to say and do.
"Rodiriz, You may leave me, I am not interested in debating your actions. But always make sure to visit the Temple Of Adaghar before you travel out of Tuhpos, and perhaps you will benefit from a visit to the Guild "Conditions For Survival" there is a lot to learn there" Haruka said, trying to keep her voice light and neutral.
Tokeru's's role play in reply-------------
Tokeru smiled as Haruka berated the man. His mouth widening into what seemed to be a snarl, but what was truly his smile.
His eyes did not leave Rodiriz' own, his blood red eyes boring a hole deep into the man's soul, or so it would seem.
"Haruka, just give me the word, I will have this knave punished for his disobedience. I will visit upon him horrors the like of which this world have never seen, and will never see again. His flesh will be ripped from his body and his eyes thrown to the crows who will wait for his imminent death."
He reached over his shoulder and placed a hand on the hilt of his blade, ready at any moment to draw the massive 5 foot blade.
It seemed odd that such a body could so easily wield a blade such as that, but Tokeru possessed an almost inhuman strength. The curse that bound his family had certain effects, and that was one of them. The bloodrage was another, and just the thought of killing was enough to make it rise.
He was in control of himself for now, and he could keep the rage under control as long as he did not kill, but once he did, he did not stop until his enemy was dead.
Haruka's role play in reply-------------
Haruka burst into a wide grin after Tokeru had finished.
"Oh dear Tokeru you do now how to cheer me up at times like this" She ignored the shocked look on Rodiriz' mens faces. "I'll think we will leave this young cockerel to leave, tempting though" Haruka finished, she widely smiled at Tokeru, seeing the want in his eyes and she was sure he could see the want in hers. Haruka also tried to ignore the warmth she felt between her thighs, pushing it to the back of her mind.
Tokeru's role play in reply-------------
Tokeru nodded and released the hilt of his blade.
As soon as he released the blade, an arrow came from a nearby forest and buried itself in his shoulder, a letter wrapped around the shaft.
He pulled the arrow out of his shoulder, seemingly indifferent to the fact that someone had shot him with one.
on the letter he read Here you go sir, an arrow buried in your shoulder just like you asked. I don't know why you'd want to go to such lengths just to impress someone, but oh well. Tisn't my place to question you lord.
Captain Wilfried
Tokeru smiled and crumpled up the letter, throwing it to the ground, which his horse promptly defecated on.
Rodiriz role play in reply-------------
Rodiriz bowed his head, "Thank you Marshal Haruka." Indeed he taking his chance to be off before things got worse, and The Crusaderz' found themselves in the middle of a nasty internal incident. The man staring at him had an uncomfortable glare, but one Rodiriz could manage.
"Haruka, just give me the word, I will have this knave punished for his disobedience. I will visit upon him horrors the like of which this world have never seen, and will never see again. His flesh will be ripped from his body and his eyes thrown to the crows who will wait for his imminent death."
Rodiriz sensed his captain and men tensing, he knew they would be reaching for their swords beneath their white cloaks.
A random stranger starting up against him?
Now he WAS feeling the flare of embarrassment, and lowering his gaze he hoped hid it from Haruka. Raising his head once again he turned sharply and double-nodded to his captain, ignoring the one with the red eyes whom Haruka had began to speak to loudly, her obvious intent for Rodiriz to overhear .
He made it quite plain that he cared not.
"ttthhhTHUP!" Rodiriz turned, seeing an arrow had struck the man, to which he seemed indifferent to. Rodiriz looked away, no matter what this fool was he wasn’t in the mood for a fight today.
Edmund stepped back and barked "Crusaderz', troop ahead, march!". The 15 soldiers snapped to stiff attention and proceeded down the road, one hand on their swords and the other swinging in synchronisation, such was the style they had practised.
Rodiriz waited for them to pass and went to bow again, but Haruka was already looking away from them.
‘Well she’s easy to read’ he thought, turning to follow his men ‘Its all Trebuchets and severed heads with her, infantry charge and cavalry flank, and all at the same time. But she’s not the Cataphract she makes herself out to be.’
He hoped his defiance had come across, he hoped he’d given her just enough twinge in return to show her she hadn’t crushed him.
Edmund fell into line with Rodiriz and they continued along the road.
“Stop marching, captain” Rodiriz spat “You’re not her lap-dog and neither am I. Soldiers march, commanders strole.”
“I wouldn’t mind being her lap-dog …”
“No” said Rodiriz, giving Edmund a sideways glance “I bet you wouldn’t”
And they both laughed as they set-off for Niel again. They’d be back this way soon enough, and Rodiriz hoped the dear marshal would still be too.
Haruka's role play in reply-------------
Haruka watched the exchange between Rodiriz and his captain, she couldn't make out what was said but the result was obvious. She quickly remembered Rodiriz' face and that of his Captain and marked them as enemies. Tokeru remained standing next to her, still smiling. Oh how he likes theatrics Haruka thought with a smile. Not as much as Rodiriz was willing to do in order to try and distinguish himself from the cohorts Haruka commanded; Rodiriz' refusal to bow down to her will still annoyed Haruka. But Haruka would apply pressure to him at the next opportunity, after all it was easier to push down than to push upwards.
"Money collectors after you again Tokeru?" Haruka said grinning "Well I think that stunt just scared of our young troop leader here"
Tokeru's role play in reply-------------
Tokeru turned to Haruka, the smile erased from his face.
"No, not money collectors. The captain of my special forces. It's his daily report. That man is a wonder with a bow. He would most likely be able to cut your hair at this distance without putting a scratch on that head of yours."
He tore his eyes off her, looking towards the man that just left. "I foresee trouble with him in the near future. His soul tells me such. Everyone is lain bare before my eyes, nothing is hidden from them."
He looked back at her. "For instance, I can tell that you are unaware of the beauty you possess. And have no fear, I am but a man getting older every day. I am in my 40th year, and still I have no child, or family, to my name. I am alone on this continent."
Tokeru sighed, looking down at the ground. Once he had a family, but it was his father that turned him into the man he is now, angry, lonely, and above all, lost.
Haruka's role play in reply-------------
Haruka turned her head sharply at the perceived compliment, one not often spoken to her.
"You remind me of my father, his manor once had many mirrors in it, but when he entered his mid life crisis to him they had lost all meaning as all he saw was a balding man loosing his prime. And I disagree with your surmise, you are hardly alone when surrounded by the brotherhood of us warrior Priests. You have served under me during trialling time and I to you, you will always have a friend in me. Though the warriors life satisfies many things it will never provide you with family outside of your unit, or children. I would not judge you badly if you took the life of murder and put it to the side in order for you to explore yourself outside that of the man I see before me holding a mammoth sword and a lot on his conscience."
