Noblemans Quest

It was a rare sunny day on an isle only known as Tardaion, as such the farmers and locals of the main inland city of Shinningsgrad were taking advantage of the sun by going out to plant crops, buy goods that the family needed, or even take goods to market.
The city itself was quite wealthy due to the ammount of landlords, nobles and dignitaries, even some fat cats of the merchant scociety resided within the city, again making the city a hotspot for traiding and buying exotic goods from the coast, as well as from forign countries.

Sitting on a balcony of an impressive abode, a golden haired youth was enjoying the sun, a cup of lavender tea clasped within her delicate hands. A dress of red velvet flowed down to her anckles as she sat on an emaculate wooden chair positioned to capture the intencity of the sun. The girl sipped at her tea before setting it back down on a small table beside her.
"Milady," The golden haired girl turned to the voice behind her, a butler stood in the red and gold colors of the Lyon family, the crest of which sitting neatly on his shoulder. "your father, Lord Dynas wishes to see you."
The girl let off a slight smile before answering in as regal a tone as she could muster, "Thank you Endorin. Inform my father i shall be along shortly."
with that the butler bowed slightly before moving out of sight, intent on announcing the lady's words.

"STOP THIEVES!!!" Yelled a local shop keeper as he and hired guards cased four boys down the street. The alleged thieves hadn't taken much, Only a few apples. But the merchant still had them chased as if they had stolen his entire stock. Diving under a bridge the boys managed to loose the guards. They ate the apples with wide grins on their faces. The merchant that they had stolen from was notorious for jacking up his prices when dealing with the lower class. So it was poetic justice then that those from a higher class would steal from him. Dressed in unsuspecting clothing no one would think that the four boys were all sons of a local noble of some sort. A particularly tall one with light blues eyes was the son of a rather famous Knight in the service of the ruler of the town Lord Dynas. Tanis Arsara had a habit of tossing his up in the air every once in awhile and take a bite after he'd catch it. After spending a few hours under the bridge they all went their separate ways with the intention of meeting there tomorrow.

With his Father in the service for Lord Dynas A rather large house had been giving to his family. But with his Father off on duty and his mother dead the large house remained relatively empty these days. So Tanis was in no rush to get home. Not while there was at least one more place where he could cause a little trouble.

climbing up the side of the building Tanis climbed till he reached the edge of a balcony then scrambled over coming face to face with a young woman with golden hair. Before she could say anything he put his finger up against her lips and whispered. "I'm not here." He giggle mischievously then quietly made his way to the door leading inside her room. He looked back at her and whispered. "Don't mind me. I'm just gonna steal a pair of your undergarments and sell them to someone. Gonna raise quite a ruckus should your father find out that a local merchant is in possession of your unmentionables. Wouldn't you agree?"

Ingrith was so startled at Tanis' sudden apperence that she nearly knoked her tea over but quietly recovered as she recognised his face. She watched with a curious look on her face as he made his way into her room before getting up from her chair, the tea now completely forgotten. "Tanis, what in the hells are you doing here?" she whispered as she followed him, onlt to feel her face turn a bright crimson at his reply. "W.. what???" she said before quickly sidestepping him to stand infront of her drawers, "Have you lost your mind? What would posess you to think that i would freely give you leave of my undergarments?" she said in a continued raised whisper. Several muinits had gone by as she listed morals and why such things were unnaceptable behaviour. "...thats why its unnacceptable to even attempt to steal a lady's undergarments, formaly for the reason of..." she stopped in mid whisper as she heard footstepps coming down the hall before someone knocked lightly on her now closed door, "Milady your father grows imaptient, he wishes to see you immediately."
"Shite, its Endorin..." she said quietly before quickly looking around for an alternitive. Not hearing an answer the butler rapped on the door again, "Milady?... " there was a pause "I'm coming in."
Not knowing what else to do Ingrith pushed Tanis into the corner before shoving him in her large cupbord before locking the door.
Not a second after this was done Endorin opned the door to the room to stare upon the blushing Ingrith.
"I.. Ill be there in a moment" she said before elbowing the closet door and following after Endorin towards the great hall were her father was seated waiting for her.

Being shoved and locked in a cupboard may not seem like a good thing to many. But it led Tanis to his goal. In her panic Ingrith had pushed him into the very place where she kept her clothes. Silk panties, bras and other articles of clothing fell onto Tanis as he hit the back of the cupboard. He couldn't help but grin as he inspected them. "Well well well.. Guess this answers the question of what you got underneath those dresses of yours. Now i just gotta get outta here." Kneeling down he pulled out his lockpicking kit and went to work on the door handle.

After a short while he finally managed to get the door open and walk out carrying some of Ingriths unmentionables. Unfortunately one of her hand maidens was in the room as Tanis stepped out. Seeing as the poor woman was nearly scared to death and was about to call the guards, Tanis said the only thing that he really could say. "Umm.... This is... EXACTLY... what it looks like."

Not even 5 seconds later guards stormed into the room and had Tanis surrounded. "With his hands up in the air and a bra still in his hands Tanis couldn't help but make one last remark. "I don't suppose i could interest you gentlemen in one of the lady's bras now could i?"

Not long after reaching the hall did Ingrith hear the clanking of armor and protests from the guards as they rushed in what seemed to be in the direction of her room, Ingrith couldn't help but bury her face in her one hand before mumbling quietly to herself "Idiot..." Ingrith felt herself tence up as Her father, Lord Dynas Lyon, lifted himself from his throne, the intimidating red clad man had a worn expression on his face which was framed by thick black locks that came down to his chin. His eyes reflected the same color that was shown in Ingrith's.
Ingrith's mother sat in the throne seated nexto that of Dynas. Her long gold locks flowed effortlessly to her waist , her eyes more of a emerald green.

Mehnwhile in Ingrith's room the guards had siesed Tanis and after a short while of consulting, the head of the guard blurted out, "If this is a matter involving Dynus' daughter it would be best for him to decide what the best cource of action would be." After the guards bold statement they began to haul Tanis with them down to the great hall, where the Lord of the land stood. As for Ingrith she was starting to feel that this was a case of being at the wrong place at the wrong time.

As the guards pulled Tanis through the doors Dynus' eyes snapped onto the youth, the air around him seeming to heat up to a boil as his temper did. "Explain." he said promptly in his gruff voice.

Tanis met Dynas's gaze and shrugged. "What can i say? They caught me coming out of the closet i guess." Not wanting Ingrith get into any trouble he never once looked over at her. That and with his Father's position he was in no real danger of punishment. Chances are he would get a tongue lashing. maybe a night in the dungeon. Nothing he hadn't already gone though.

Dynus forced his hand onto his forehead, allowing his fingers to run into his hair before slamming his other hand onto a nearby table in a frustrated manner. His back now turned towards Tanis Dynus paused a moment before saying, "let the boy go.."
Confused the guardsman asked, "Pardon your lordship but,.."
"You heard me!" he said, his frustration clearly rising. "And get him out of my sight." With that some guards escorted Tanis to the front door of the house, leaving the great hall far behind.

Ingrith felt herself let off a silent sigh as she watched Tanis' reflection on the polished marble floor bafore turning her attention back towards her father
"This is exactly why Ive picked you out a suitor, things like this will Never happen in the future." Dynus said, hand still clenched slightly on the table, his other now hanging at his side.
Ingrith shook her head for a moment, not too sure on if she heard what she thought she heard. Attempting to keep her stature she calmly spoke, "Father?"
"Daldendarin, the Erl of Eidenborugh's son. Weve made an aggreement that upon your marrage the two cities will form an alliance and share our wealth and resources."
Ingrith felt her eyes tear up before quickly wiping away at them with the sleave of her dress, "What??" the distress clearly showing in her voice, "I'm not some currency you can use just to get more land and gold for your coffers!"
"Ingrith thats enough!"
"No!" her voice becoming slightly more choked my the munite, "I will not hold still and marry a man i barely know! JUST so you can plot your wealth!"
"MY DECISION IS FINAL!" he roared, making a strey glass on the table shudder with the intencity of his voice.

Ingrith stood there at a loss for words before running off towards her room, slamming the door shut behind her. Ingrith threw herself onto her bed and buiried her face in her pillow before letting the tears run down her face into the fabric.
it felt like an hour or two had gone by until she plucked up the corage to wonder back out onto her balcony and sit herself back down into her chair, the tea on the table now had long since lost its warmth. And so it seemed had the sky. The sun had been chased bahind the mountains and the stars had started to show their faces. With her sences numbed Ingrith stared out towards the city, her thoughts running amock in her head.

Once again Tanis managed to climb back up to Ingrith's balcony undetected. He chuckled as he climbed over the railing. "They really don't know the meaning of throwing someone out do they?" Once he got a good look at Ingrith his cheerful expression diminished. "Old man Dynus give you hell over me? There's gotta be a way to get on his good side. So far it seems like he only tolerates me cause of my Father." He scratched his head for a while then finally came up with an idea. "I got it! I'll enter the tournament that's taking place here soon. Kick everyone elses ass. Then he'll have no choice but to respect me! Then he'll stop giving you all kinds of trouble." Tanis let out a loud sigh. "I yearn for the days back when i could lift up your dress and no one thought anything about it."

Ingrith jumped slightly at Tanis' sudden apperence, although not as much as before. seing his face made Ingrith's emotions well up inside her. Without warning or hesitation Ingrith rose from her chair and wrapped her arms around Tanis before resting her head on his shoulder. she let out a slight chuckle at his last remark, finding a bit of comfort in his usual antics.
Ingrith waited for a short while to go by before trusting herself enough to speak, "Father has.... informed me that i am to marry Daldendarin, the Erls son.... I... " she let out a slight sigh before tightening her grip on the back of his shirt, creasing the fabric in her hands, "have no choice in the matter apparently."
As they stood the night air began to chill as a mist rolled in and covered the city. it was evident that the next day would be a cold one.

Surprised by her sudden hug he stood there dumbfounded for a moment until Ingrith told him about her Fathers decision. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly in an attempt to comfort her. "I'm sorry Inny." He whispered. Using his old nick name he gave her back when they were younger. "Guess there's only one thing i can do to help ya." He took a deep breath and sighed. "Challenge the bastard to a duel and lay everything out on the line. Land, titles, all of it. And hope the little shit's not scared to match my offer. So that way when i do win. I earn everything he owns, land, money, servant.... His betrothed." He cleared his throat nervously after the last part as if he did indeed win the duel then Lord Dynus would have no other choice than to allow Tanis to have Ingrith if she was promised to Daldendarin. "You know.. Like aa.. political marriage. Those aren't even really marriages ya know? The couple can go decades without seeing each other and no one would care." He could feel his face turn red and his heart going almost a hundred miles an hour at just the idea of the notion. He quickly shook the idea from his head and offerend another solution. "That or i could just kill the guy... Which ever works for you heheh..."

Ingrith felt her cheeks grow warm into an unmistakable blush, not expecting Tanis' praposal, nor the use of her nickname. "Tanis.." she said before pulling back slightly, a light smile on her face, "senseless bloodshead won't be needed, nor would it be ethical." she said before loosing her grip on him. "In any case won't you have to offer Daldendarin something in return for the duel? In such matters either party must benefit if he is to be the victor."
Ingrith thought a moment before adding voice to her thoughts, "Perhaps you could coerce him into dueling you. The boy is as selfish as he is proud. Simply calling him a coward to fight you might enrage him. Or so goes the local hearsay." Ingrith smiled, tilting her head slightly to the side as she did so "Wait here, I have something for you. Try not to get caught while im gone." she added with a slight chuckle.

After a few moments of having left the room Ingrith returned with an object that had been wrapped carefully in red silk. As she placed it on the table she unfolded the silk to reveal an emaculate silver long sword, the hilt itself was embroided with gold and rubys decorated the edges. Ingrith picked up the sword and placed it in Tanis' hands. "Sell it or use it with honor. Its just something i wanted you to have."

Tanis thought for a moment then sighed. "True. Guess i'll just put my life up for take then. He'll probably take me in as a slave or something. Nothing too serious." After Ingrith left and came back and handed the sword to Tanis he began to inspect it. "Hmm.. A bit flashy...Lighter than my old one too. Hmm... Well i suppose if nothing else i could throw this into the pot. Even things out a little for the duel." He said the last sentence with a look that told Ingrith that he was joking.

Ingrith chuckled before playfully pushing Tanis lightly. "Im sure you would be able to beat him even if he managed to lop off your arm." she said playfully, her mood obviously lightned. "You should probably go, the hour is late and i need my rest." she said before letting off a slight chuckle, "lest my father suspect something if i be puffy eyed and falling asleep on my feet in the morning." she said before wandering over to her bed before sitting herself down, "Besides, i think youve had enpugh of a helping from my drawers for one day."

Tanis chuckled. "Aye, And besides. Would be but a flesh wound after all." He snickered when Ingrith described herself being puffy eyes and on the verge of falling asleep in the morning. "But isn't that how you always are in the morning?" He said with a grin, for it was common knowledge that she was not a morning person. "So putting that into consideration." He said while strolling over to where she was seated on her bed. "There isn't much of a reason for me to leave now is there?" He leaned forward till his face was barely a foot away from hers. "That is unless the young lady truly wishes me away, Then i shall have no choice but to throw myself from the balcony onto the ground below possibly shattering countless bones during impact permanently scaring and disabling me for the rest of my life. And you wouldn't want that now would you?" He added with a whisper.

Ingrith felt her cheeks go red as a grin appered on her face, her hand inconspicuously slided behind her. Ingrith leaned forward, a slightly sinister look in her eye before answering in the same whisper with a sarcastic tone to her voice, "Then i suggest you sprout wings and fly before your body gets dashed upon the ground." before Tanis could react Ingrith had pulled out a scarf that was lying on the bed behind her with her outstreatched hand and flung it over his neack before pulling him onto the bed beside her before chuckling at the thought of catching him off guard. Clearly a game to her.

The two messed around for quite some time after Ingrith pulled Tanis onto the bed. Eventually wearing themselves out they fell asleep right next to each other. Considering that they had fallen asleep in each others arms there were more than a few moments which could be considered embarrassing to some, (Particular in Tanis's case.) but they still slept more peacefully than either had in some time.

Tanis was the first to wake up. Seeing Ingrith sleeping peacefully first thing in the morning brought a small smile to Tanis's face. He had worried that the first thing he would see was her mouth hanging wide open with drool coming out mid-snore. He slowly slid out of the bed trying not to disturb her. He began putting his clothes that he had taken off last night back on as fast as he could, hoping that he would make it out before Ingriths handmaiden barged in.

A while after Tanis had left one of ingrith's handmades pushed the door open cautiously before stammering, "Milady..... i.. its time to get up..." She managed to duck behind the door as a pillow hurtled towards her.
Ingrith moaned as she grabbed another pillow before placing it under her head and rolling over, pulling her thick sheets over her head. After waiting a moment the handmaiden gathered up her corage and entered the room before pulling the sheets off the bed in attempt to wake Ingrith from her persistant slumber. as the cold air reached her Ingrith instinctavely curled up into a tight ball. As suspected from the night before the day was cold and crisp. As ingrith lay there half asleep a thought crossed her mind, wondering if there was snow on the ground outside. In an attempt top prevent the handmade taking more drastic measures in waking her up Ingrith merely grumbled, "I'm awake... leave me."
With a slight sigh of relief the hand made removed herself from the room none the wiser.

After ahwile Ingrith hopped over to the closet, the cold air threttening to freeze her to the spot. Quickly she hauled on a thick fur cloak over her usual garb before buttoning on some boots. After she was properly dressed she moved over to the balcony only to see the city and the lands beyond covered with a thick blanket of snow. Knowing that she'd have to leave the room to allow the maids to do their job Ingrith made her way downstairs and out through the front door and out into the stone gardens. Assuming that Tanis had left before she had awoken as not to cause any trouble.

Tanis had made his way back to his own house through the snow and warmed himself up once he was inside. Deciding that he should prepare for the upcoming tournament he made his way down to the basement that he used primarily as a training room during the winter. He locked himself inside and began his training.

"is that nemis, as in nemesis?" a guard stationed at the city gates questioned the young odd eyed lady in front of him. Clearly frustrated the woman put her hands on her hips and exhaled sharply. "Weve been at this since dawn you blumbering fool! for the last time its pronounced Nee mis, now let me pass, im here on pass from the port city Kera."
Obviously enjoying tormenting the noble the guard let off a smirk, "Sorry lass, i can't allow a potential Nemesis into the city, Lord Lyon would be most displeased.
Nemis chuckled before turning her back on the guard before slowly striding away, "Fine, then you tell him that Kera broke an all out war on him because the embasador from the Azure family was turned away at the gates. I'm sure hell be veeeeery happy with that."
Despite the cold beads of sweat appered on the man's face before he stammered and haulted the noble. "uh, now lets not get to brash about things? p.. please enter the city... heh hehe eheh." he chuckled nervously before Nemis turned on her heel and entered the city, stopping briefly to mockingly pat the guard on the head, "Now thats a good boy. Run along and get yourself a treat now hmmmn?"

Ingrith had seated herself atop a stone bench where she could see the city as well as the road into the mansion. She had heard a fortnight ago about a dignitarry that was to arrive in the city and discuss trade and pece relations between kerra and her home city. In the past Kera had had a very strained relationship with Shinningsgrad, minor revolts caused both cities to completely avoid each other, however Shinningsgrad had recently been in need of the supplies and strength of the port city, which was notoriously known for its fighters and epic street brawls. The city of Kera was built on muscle, not on trade. If there was one place on the isles to find mercinarrys Kera would be the place. As for why Kera needed the agreement, well the more gold the better. Even the nobles in the port city seemed different to those inland. it was roumored that the nobles there got respect and power from military strength rather than gold or land.

After some time Tanis came out of the basement and decided to track down Ingrith. It didn't take him too long to find her as her Father never did like her walking out in the city. He managed to sneak up behind her and quickly wrap his arms around her neck. "What's up?" He asked before she panicked from his sudden attack.


His mission was simple. Assassinate the ambassador of the county Kera. Once news of her death reached the ears of the lords of Kera they would surely declare war on the weaker county. And then once the dust settled, Rodaniea would move in and finish them both. And so the assassin known only as Lief stalked his prey, Nemis of the Azure family. All Lief had to do was sneak up behind her and place a knife in her back, Then he would be set for life. But it was important that the people knew that she had arrived before he struck. And so he waited.

Ingrith panicked for a split second as she felt someone wrapping their arms around her neck but quickly eased up when she recognised Tanis's voice, jokingly she pushed back on him for a moment before muttering a playful "Don't do that." Ingrith let out a slight yawn, it wasn't yet midday so she hadn't even remotely began waking up yet. "Nothing much really. Just a treaty between us and Kera supposed to be going on later today." she said, her eyes half closed. "an embassador is supposed to show up, offer terms and the like and supposed to come up with an agreement that theyre both happy with. But knowing that each is as stubborn and bull headded than the next i dont think theyl be over shortly. Whats worce is i have to sit and look pretty throught the whole thing.... that man's paranoid i swear. Negotiations have also been known to get violent, so this time theres to be no guards or weapons inside the chambers.... a stupid choice if you ask me."

Mehnwhile, while Ingrith prattled on Nemis made her way through the city, taking note of each street and making an almost virtual map in her head. She'd been here before of cource but it was always good to refresh your memory. After ahwile of walking she decided to ger herself something to eat, that and escape the odd looks that she was getting from the pesants. Despite the cold she had been wearing clothes fit for a hot day, the city of Kera being noturiously cold it was no mystery to those that had been there that the Kerans were mostly immune to the cold.
After sitting herself down and ordering herself something to drink she couldnt help but feel she was being watched, Paranoid as she may be she chose a table in teh corner and sat with her back against the wall, making sure she had a good vantage point of the bar. Not knowing if it was real or not, Nemis attempted to make herself seem none the wiser in attempt to call out the phantom onlooker.

Tanis drew her in closer so she was leaning up against him. "Sounds fun. But you know.. I could always kidnap you for a bit. Make your father sweat a little."



Lief followed Nemis into the tavern. Making certain that he never looked directly at her he too a seat near the middle of the room facing the front door and bar so that he could keep an eye on all the exits. He had learned that the best way to appear not to be following someone, is to act like you are the one being followed.

Ingrith chuckled, "where did you have in mind, ye knight of good faith." the last ment to be a joke, as it was Tanis was always getting into trouble. "You know me i have a free spitit, i hate to get enclosed by walls and doors. let my father wonder a bit. depending on how long were gone my father may not even notice my absence."

Nemis watched the reflection of the people through any surface that would allow her to see them without looking directly at them. A polished bronze pot on the wall gave her the most visual, but she diddnt want to seem as if she was staring at it for too long. After her drink arrived she mantained an air of being completely oblivious to her situation. better to be weary than dead. she thought to herself. As a strey onlooker looked upon her she decided to make use of her innocent face before smiling sweetly to the man before he turned back round and went back to his buisness. To the naked and untrained eye it would seem that Nemis was completely unarmed, however she did infact have a blade, the pitch black sword was positioned that it lay black on black with one of the partitions of her dress, not only was the scabbard and the hilt black but so was the blade, the signiture weapon of the few elite in the Azure household. Known to few but the dead the Azure name did not rise to nobility by coin or acts of kindness. In fact the entire family consisted of well trained assassin's who were well versed in polotics and diplomacy. Only difference between this day's negotiations and prior ones, the Azure family had come to collect.

"Tanis shrugged. "I dunno. A bit cold for a ride. Most of the street peddlers are all inside. Though i suppose we could hop inside the local tavern And uhh. Drink to the success of the new treaty." He said in a mischievous tone of voice. They both knew that Lord Dynus would quite literally kill Tanis if he ever found out that he was responsible for Ingrith getting her hands on alcohol. "Orr we could always head back top the Arsara house and continue your lessons where we left off." The lessons he spoke of where sword practicing. Mostly the fencing sort as true combat was no place for a women such as Ingrith.


Lief merely sat back, ordered himself a drink, and waited.

Ingrith chuckled lightly, "Its hardly appropriate for a lady in this day and age not to know a way to defend herself...." she paused for a moment before looking up at Tanis's face, "However, who needs to know how to defend herself when theres a perfectly good fighter there to defeat any evil men and send transgressors to the floor." Ingrith waited a bit before voicing her actual answer, "Wherever you wish to go, ill go with you."

After ahwile Nemis finished her drink, after paying for the drink she decided to truly test her suspisions. keeping her arms casually hanging at her sides she walked from the bar, keeping her back half inclined to the wall, pretending to smile back at the barman as she left.