Post by Soleil on Nov 6, 2008 0:13:52 GMT -5
Alexandria's heart beat wildly in her chest as she stood in the main hall of the castle. Aramis was dead. Saelis was without a leader now, and that meant this war was over. She could hardly believe it. She felt a small ounce of excitement rise within her and she anxiously waited for whatever guards would come after being informed by the two to meet the queen and prepare to guard her towards the port. The dead body of Aramis had already been hefted into a cart and was already on its way to the port, ready to be delivered back to the enemy. Her horse was most likely already prepared for her and waiting just outside the castle gates. But for now, she wasn't going anywhere until her guards would get there. She really needed to start designating worthy men and women into the Protectorate Knights positions...That way she would not have to deal with scrounging around for guards all the time, like this. She sighed and quietly paced around, a bit antsy to get this over with and done with so Avalendor could go back to settling down once again.
He'd gotten the call that the queen needed men for her honor guard down to the port. Word spread like wild fire that Aramis was dead. Asyllar had seen the man enter the castle, he had been standing with some other men who were of no use to the infantry. Mostly dock workers, or minor smiths. Asyllar would move hurriedly, that white cotton shirt and brown leather vest covering an old, if not muscular frame. He moved along with slow, perfectly measured strides. As he neared where the queen was waiting, his hand would rise off of the longsword that he wore, a fist clapping solidly to his heart in salute to his queen. He'd stand there before her, his head bowing forwards. Four or five of the men he had been standing with had come with him, all of them armed with spears and light maces. Asyllar would quietly lift his head, those deep set blue eyes blazing beneath that head of gray hair. "Your highness ... we're here to be your honor guard ..." He'd speak in that quiet, rough voice of his. Nodding towards the men, who fell in around the queen all of them watching around themselves even now. Asyllar would just stand there before her, waiting for her directions.[x]
Sapphire colored eyes shifted as she heard the footsteps of the group of guards. Her lips formed a small smile and she watched, first, the older man and then the others behind him. A nod was given to them before she spoke. "Thank you. Your services will be most appreciated." The doors of the castle were opened. She nervously cleared her throat. "To the port, then..." She walked quietly out of the castle, for the first time, she did not feel annoyed by the fact that she'd have guards surrounding her. As they left the castle, she spotted her black stallion horse that had been prepared for her. Her brows furrowed slightly and she turned to glance back at the guards around her. "I think it would be wise all of us travel by horse. It is quite a walk to the other side of the isle where the port is. But almost as if they had already been on top of things, the stable boys had already dragged out other horses, enough for each guard to ride. Her smile grew a bit and she moved over towards Obsidion, her horse and easily climbed onto his back. "Right then. Are we ready?" She turned her horse several times as she waited for them to fall into formation around her.
He didn't respond, he just turned and started walking along towards the gates of the castle. He'd stroll slowly, with those measured steps out through the gates, those heavy boots striking against the stone of the road as he moved along towards the port. He'd stop as they neared that black stallion of hers, the men breaking rank to move around her and the horse. The four of them forming a square around her with those spears pointed outwards. Asyllar stood beside the horse, offering her one of those large hands to help her up into the saddle. He'd nodded about the horses, it had already been arranged and taken care of. Those men quickly climbed onto their own horses, Asyllar falling in beside her. Two men in the front, two men to the back, and with a Knight to her immediate side ... she should feel relatively protected. He'd grin and start towards that port, his face stone solid and showing nothing. [x]
She did feel quite protected, but she hoped it would remain that way once they were down at the port. She shifted on the saddle before she spoke out again. "Let's ride quickly." Her heels gently nudged into Obsidion's sides and the horse sped up to a quickened pace, though she kept behind the guards that rode in front of her, and did not ride up ahead of the ones beside or behind her. As they rode on, she could see the puzzled expressions of those waiting for the next attack. Those that did not know just yet what had happened. But she was sure the true rumors of it would spread before she could even make to the port. Her eyes shifted to the knight beside her and she spoke out loud enough for him to hear her. "What is your name, sir? And your ranking in Avalendor?" She had seen him around before, perhaps. But she wasn't certain where or when.
He sped his horse along at her side, one hand holding lightly to those reigns, and he practically stood in the saddle as his horse galloped across those rolling hills. He moved along with that galloping horse, his eyes glued to the port as those men behind and before them galloped eagerly after them. "My name is Asyllar ... Asyllar Northam ... I brought my men to this kingdom to serve under your ifantry commander ... whom happens to be my daughter." He'd let a small smile spread over his features. [x]
She thought she saw some sort of familiarity in the man, but she hadn't pinpointed it until he mentioned his name and that he was the father of Avalendor's infantry commander. Her smile slowly grew and she nodded. "Aye, of course she is. You must be very proud of her. She has done a wonderful job with the infantry." She smiled softly before she added, "And thank you for bringing your men here to fight for us." She offered him another warm smile before she finally glanced ahead of her again, watching the surroundings until they came to the port where a gathering of the enemy waited. It did not seem they looked too happy, or maybe they were just confused. But they had seen the body of their dead leader and were now standing around wondering what to do next. The body had been placed in one of the boats to bring back to their ship, and now they were just waiting to see if there were any terms or messages to be brought back. Alexandria took a deep breath and stopped her horse, slowing him down as they got closer. Once they were there, she dismounted her horse and took several steps forward. She held her head high and with force in her voice, she spoke up. "Let whomever is now in charge know... That the leader of Saelis has been killed because he went back on his word and attempted to assassinate me. The war between Avalendor and the Council of Saelis is now over..." The men stood there for a moment longer, confused and uncertain. But they finally nodded, bowed to her and then turned, heading back to the boats. Alexandria stood silently, and she watched then row off towards that larger ship Aramis had sailed over in. Once they were out of sight and into the ship, Alexandria let out another sigh, her fingers brushing through her hair. "Well then..." She knew there would be a lot to do now. And she had no idea where to begin.
He rode along quietly at her side, nodding his head when she spoke of how proud he must be of her. His men got to the pier first, and dismounted, bristling those spears at those men. The four of them forming a half circle for her to stand behind. Asyllar didn't dismount, he sat quietly atop that muscular stallion as he listened to his queen declare the end of the war that they had all feared would consume them entirely. He sat beside her, his hands resting on the hilt of the sword that he wore. He'd nod when she spoke, and would glance over towards her. "Perhaps a visit to the infirmary, visit the injured and tell them their families will be taken care of ... it puts less stress upon them, and they can heal better ... also, a compensation for our allies should be found ... if you don't mind my saying so your majesty, I've had my share of wars and rebuildings ..." He'd bow his head, deferentiating to her of course. [x]
Alexandria glanced around, trying to think and gather her thoughts of all that needed to be done. But when Asyllar spoke up, she turned her gaze to him and then slowly nodded. "Aye, good suggestions, indeed." The infirmary was the first place she thought of going. Not only because Thais was there and she needed to thank him for saving her life, but also to assist the healers with the wounded. She sighed and moved to her horse again. She couldn't believe that the war was over now. It had taken a lot less effort than she ever imagined it would. Her eyes shifted back towards the ocean, where the ships were. The larger ship began to sail away, and she held her breath. They were leaving. This was really over? Part of her felt so uncertain. It couldn't have been this easy. But it was...She smiled again and looked away, back to Asyllar. "Would you like to accompany me on a trip to the infirmary?"
He'd nod ever so slightly, giving a slight whistle for the men to mount up again. He'd glance over and give a slow nod of that head. "I'll accompany you anywhere you wish your majesty ... we are after all your guards ..." He'd shrug those broad shoulders, and with easy movements he'd turn that horse about, the men moving around them now as he sat a bit more upright. "We're not the best soldiers ... but these men are loyal to you, and they'd lay their lives down for you ... I'll work with them to get their weapons and armed skills better ... these men will serve you as well as my daughter has ..." He'd nod ever so slightly, those men forming rank around them as they started out towards the infirmary. [x]
But as the queen turned, she wouldn't notice that the white flags on all the fifty ships that had come, lowered and they began sailing towards Avalendor again. And as soon as they were close enough, a large boulder set on fire was shot from the deck of one of the ships, and it came crashing down on the shore, hitting a dry grassy spot, which instantly was engulfed by flames, letting the fire quickly spread. Alexandria quickly turned her attention, eyes widening a bit. No, it wouldn't be that easy, would it? She figured as much. But who was giving orders now? Thais was in the infirmary, wounded. He wouldn't be in the right condition to fight and give orders. Alexandria actually cursed out loudly, her horse paced a bit and she spoke out loudly. "Oh why would it be that easy, eh? This is Saelis we're talking about..." She glanced to Asyllar and frowned. "The commander is in the infirmary..."
He'd nodded, and then the sound of a catapault twanging sent his eyes towards those boats. He watched that rock fly through the air. He wondered at the fact that they got a rock on fire, perhaps it was greek fire ...that could be very, very bad. He growled as he twisted the reigns and pulled the horse around, shouting towards the people gathered at the port to keep Aramis' guards at bay. "Get to your posts, prepare for an attack ! Move!" He yelled at them, drawing his sword and pointing it towards the castle. "Your majesty ... we need to get you back to the castle. I'll send word to the commander, and have him appoint someone to direct combat until he is well enough to do so ... you however need to get back behind the walls of the castle before they realize how vulnerable you are here ...if they take you, all hope of victory falls ..." He'd use the flat of his blade to slap her horses rump, sending it trotting towards the castle, her guards all following her .. except Asyllar. He had wanted another chance at glory ... here it was. [x]
He'd gotten the call that the queen needed men for her honor guard down to the port. Word spread like wild fire that Aramis was dead. Asyllar had seen the man enter the castle, he had been standing with some other men who were of no use to the infantry. Mostly dock workers, or minor smiths. Asyllar would move hurriedly, that white cotton shirt and brown leather vest covering an old, if not muscular frame. He moved along with slow, perfectly measured strides. As he neared where the queen was waiting, his hand would rise off of the longsword that he wore, a fist clapping solidly to his heart in salute to his queen. He'd stand there before her, his head bowing forwards. Four or five of the men he had been standing with had come with him, all of them armed with spears and light maces. Asyllar would quietly lift his head, those deep set blue eyes blazing beneath that head of gray hair. "Your highness ... we're here to be your honor guard ..." He'd speak in that quiet, rough voice of his. Nodding towards the men, who fell in around the queen all of them watching around themselves even now. Asyllar would just stand there before her, waiting for her directions.[x]
Sapphire colored eyes shifted as she heard the footsteps of the group of guards. Her lips formed a small smile and she watched, first, the older man and then the others behind him. A nod was given to them before she spoke. "Thank you. Your services will be most appreciated." The doors of the castle were opened. She nervously cleared her throat. "To the port, then..." She walked quietly out of the castle, for the first time, she did not feel annoyed by the fact that she'd have guards surrounding her. As they left the castle, she spotted her black stallion horse that had been prepared for her. Her brows furrowed slightly and she turned to glance back at the guards around her. "I think it would be wise all of us travel by horse. It is quite a walk to the other side of the isle where the port is. But almost as if they had already been on top of things, the stable boys had already dragged out other horses, enough for each guard to ride. Her smile grew a bit and she moved over towards Obsidion, her horse and easily climbed onto his back. "Right then. Are we ready?" She turned her horse several times as she waited for them to fall into formation around her.
He didn't respond, he just turned and started walking along towards the gates of the castle. He'd stroll slowly, with those measured steps out through the gates, those heavy boots striking against the stone of the road as he moved along towards the port. He'd stop as they neared that black stallion of hers, the men breaking rank to move around her and the horse. The four of them forming a square around her with those spears pointed outwards. Asyllar stood beside the horse, offering her one of those large hands to help her up into the saddle. He'd nodded about the horses, it had already been arranged and taken care of. Those men quickly climbed onto their own horses, Asyllar falling in beside her. Two men in the front, two men to the back, and with a Knight to her immediate side ... she should feel relatively protected. He'd grin and start towards that port, his face stone solid and showing nothing. [x]
She did feel quite protected, but she hoped it would remain that way once they were down at the port. She shifted on the saddle before she spoke out again. "Let's ride quickly." Her heels gently nudged into Obsidion's sides and the horse sped up to a quickened pace, though she kept behind the guards that rode in front of her, and did not ride up ahead of the ones beside or behind her. As they rode on, she could see the puzzled expressions of those waiting for the next attack. Those that did not know just yet what had happened. But she was sure the true rumors of it would spread before she could even make to the port. Her eyes shifted to the knight beside her and she spoke out loud enough for him to hear her. "What is your name, sir? And your ranking in Avalendor?" She had seen him around before, perhaps. But she wasn't certain where or when.
He sped his horse along at her side, one hand holding lightly to those reigns, and he practically stood in the saddle as his horse galloped across those rolling hills. He moved along with that galloping horse, his eyes glued to the port as those men behind and before them galloped eagerly after them. "My name is Asyllar ... Asyllar Northam ... I brought my men to this kingdom to serve under your ifantry commander ... whom happens to be my daughter." He'd let a small smile spread over his features. [x]
She thought she saw some sort of familiarity in the man, but she hadn't pinpointed it until he mentioned his name and that he was the father of Avalendor's infantry commander. Her smile slowly grew and she nodded. "Aye, of course she is. You must be very proud of her. She has done a wonderful job with the infantry." She smiled softly before she added, "And thank you for bringing your men here to fight for us." She offered him another warm smile before she finally glanced ahead of her again, watching the surroundings until they came to the port where a gathering of the enemy waited. It did not seem they looked too happy, or maybe they were just confused. But they had seen the body of their dead leader and were now standing around wondering what to do next. The body had been placed in one of the boats to bring back to their ship, and now they were just waiting to see if there were any terms or messages to be brought back. Alexandria took a deep breath and stopped her horse, slowing him down as they got closer. Once they were there, she dismounted her horse and took several steps forward. She held her head high and with force in her voice, she spoke up. "Let whomever is now in charge know... That the leader of Saelis has been killed because he went back on his word and attempted to assassinate me. The war between Avalendor and the Council of Saelis is now over..." The men stood there for a moment longer, confused and uncertain. But they finally nodded, bowed to her and then turned, heading back to the boats. Alexandria stood silently, and she watched then row off towards that larger ship Aramis had sailed over in. Once they were out of sight and into the ship, Alexandria let out another sigh, her fingers brushing through her hair. "Well then..." She knew there would be a lot to do now. And she had no idea where to begin.
He rode along quietly at her side, nodding his head when she spoke of how proud he must be of her. His men got to the pier first, and dismounted, bristling those spears at those men. The four of them forming a half circle for her to stand behind. Asyllar didn't dismount, he sat quietly atop that muscular stallion as he listened to his queen declare the end of the war that they had all feared would consume them entirely. He sat beside her, his hands resting on the hilt of the sword that he wore. He'd nod when she spoke, and would glance over towards her. "Perhaps a visit to the infirmary, visit the injured and tell them their families will be taken care of ... it puts less stress upon them, and they can heal better ... also, a compensation for our allies should be found ... if you don't mind my saying so your majesty, I've had my share of wars and rebuildings ..." He'd bow his head, deferentiating to her of course. [x]
Alexandria glanced around, trying to think and gather her thoughts of all that needed to be done. But when Asyllar spoke up, she turned her gaze to him and then slowly nodded. "Aye, good suggestions, indeed." The infirmary was the first place she thought of going. Not only because Thais was there and she needed to thank him for saving her life, but also to assist the healers with the wounded. She sighed and moved to her horse again. She couldn't believe that the war was over now. It had taken a lot less effort than she ever imagined it would. Her eyes shifted back towards the ocean, where the ships were. The larger ship began to sail away, and she held her breath. They were leaving. This was really over? Part of her felt so uncertain. It couldn't have been this easy. But it was...She smiled again and looked away, back to Asyllar. "Would you like to accompany me on a trip to the infirmary?"
He'd nod ever so slightly, giving a slight whistle for the men to mount up again. He'd glance over and give a slow nod of that head. "I'll accompany you anywhere you wish your majesty ... we are after all your guards ..." He'd shrug those broad shoulders, and with easy movements he'd turn that horse about, the men moving around them now as he sat a bit more upright. "We're not the best soldiers ... but these men are loyal to you, and they'd lay their lives down for you ... I'll work with them to get their weapons and armed skills better ... these men will serve you as well as my daughter has ..." He'd nod ever so slightly, those men forming rank around them as they started out towards the infirmary. [x]
But as the queen turned, she wouldn't notice that the white flags on all the fifty ships that had come, lowered and they began sailing towards Avalendor again. And as soon as they were close enough, a large boulder set on fire was shot from the deck of one of the ships, and it came crashing down on the shore, hitting a dry grassy spot, which instantly was engulfed by flames, letting the fire quickly spread. Alexandria quickly turned her attention, eyes widening a bit. No, it wouldn't be that easy, would it? She figured as much. But who was giving orders now? Thais was in the infirmary, wounded. He wouldn't be in the right condition to fight and give orders. Alexandria actually cursed out loudly, her horse paced a bit and she spoke out loudly. "Oh why would it be that easy, eh? This is Saelis we're talking about..." She glanced to Asyllar and frowned. "The commander is in the infirmary..."
He'd nodded, and then the sound of a catapault twanging sent his eyes towards those boats. He watched that rock fly through the air. He wondered at the fact that they got a rock on fire, perhaps it was greek fire ...that could be very, very bad. He growled as he twisted the reigns and pulled the horse around, shouting towards the people gathered at the port to keep Aramis' guards at bay. "Get to your posts, prepare for an attack ! Move!" He yelled at them, drawing his sword and pointing it towards the castle. "Your majesty ... we need to get you back to the castle. I'll send word to the commander, and have him appoint someone to direct combat until he is well enough to do so ... you however need to get back behind the walls of the castle before they realize how vulnerable you are here ...if they take you, all hope of victory falls ..." He'd use the flat of his blade to slap her horses rump, sending it trotting towards the castle, her guards all following her .. except Asyllar. He had wanted another chance at glory ... here it was. [x]