Corrupting Cuteness

[Knight Errant]

"Yes. Directions...would be appreciated." Ryan replied with a blank expression.

Paul shoots the guard a smarmy smile and nods, following him into the castle.

The blonde young man whistled a cheerful tune as he strolled along the red carpet, briefly taking in the statues and paintings, but not pausing to truly admire any of them. He ignored the smaller doors, and made his way up the staircase, pausing at the double doors to sweep his hair back over his shoulders before throwing the doors open and walking through, flicking his hands up and flashing his best smile.

"Naberius Sunstrike. Saviour", he announced.

"No, sir, but thank you for the offer. Even if it's hard to believe, I've been to the grand hall a good number of times before." He smirks. "And I'm sure his majesty will be more than happy to accept my help."

With that, Marshall gives a small bow and heads past the gate and in to the castle proper. He begins his walk to the grand hall, carefully observing his surroundings at every turn.

All of the above find themselves escorted in a large-ish group down the lush hallway, up the stairs... through the double doors and into the grand hall! The table is laid out in a feast... the King sitting on a throne at the head of the table. He looks up... nodding. "Welcome... please be seated..."

"Ah you poor thing.. well I believe there was a request for aid in freeing you all from your imperialed lives.."

The guard... nods. "Thats true... sir. What of it?" He says... looking over him warily.

Horace Durgoth stumbles out of the Dragon's Teat, one of the less reputable inns in the residential ward. "Ugh, methinks I've had a little too much." He leans against the wall outside and pulls out a piece of parchment with the whole reason he's in this oversized hamlet. It has a summons from the King's Guard, requesting him to consult them on a few matters. He puts the parchment back and wobbles down the street, hoping that by the time he gets to the castle, he'll have sobered up a bit.

Horace finds his way easily enough... it is all downhill, afterall. Though his sobriety depended on his constitution and how much alcohol he assaulted it with. He catches a few glances from the guards... they were always ready to deal with a disorderly drunk...

For a night and a day, one of the local mead halls just seems to hum with a life of it's own. The windows vibrate, the doors hum, and the entire wooden structure just seems to pulse with life. Not false life that might be found in an abomination, but it isn't true life either. It is the life that brings truth to the ears, and what brings the sublime to the mind. It is the life of rhyme and rhythm; music as it is want to be. Not as a thing to be dissected, but an art for the heart.

One man in particular seems to be the cause of all this ruckus! Despite being mid morning, and the sun high in the sky, the tavern appears darkened. A single column of light, from no real source, shines down on a lone figure on the stage. He's of average height, but from there nothing seems 'average' about him. But we'll leave such rantings of his appearance to Keen himself, for this is the name of the man. The light doesn't seem to be about focusing on his face or body, but rather to stop the distractions from other things -- from his voice. The spot light moves along the stage as his feet moves in a reverse walking motion, the odd circular object in his hand held close to his mouth -- some sort of instrument! His words seem to rebound off from each other, as a spectral band and backup singers buzz in the back ground. And it goes on for a few more minutes...

Until he stops! The lights return to normal -- the fireplace roars with it's natural warm glow, and the sunlight pours through the windows. It seems to have darkened for the performance somehow. Regardless! The audience seems moved to excitement -- but a separate figure soon approaches him. Keen's frowns, "...I know you. My aunt must have sent you, didn't she?" The man doesn't move his hood, and merely replies "Indeed. Young Keens. You know why you are in this country. You know when your appointment is. ...and you know it's my duty to make sure you go to it." Keens hand waves the man off, "Oh don't worry. I was only going to be a few hours late! ...it's not like this is a life or death situation, you know? And I was having fun!" The hooded figure sighs, "...your stuff is packed. And your mule is ready." Keens gives a nod, "Very well. ...til later Ruber!" And with that? Keens heads out the inn. A few moments later he is on his way to the keep -- where he is needed!

Assuming he arrives... he sees it sitting where it always was... the main gates open and flanked with guards.

The man nods twice, the second being slower, more solemn. He shuts his eyes and takes a seat beside the king.

"Indeed, majesty. Blackstone may be a better soldier, and a better leader, than I ever was. However..." He pauses. "... this evil is also considerably more... persistent than any others we've encountered. It's a parasite that corrupts even the best soldiers in the land." The man looks over to his king once more. "Blackstone and the rest will have to outdo themselves... we all will."

The king glances up at the man. "And I'm sure they will... I'm sure they will..." He says, before looking back to his guests.

The cloaked figure hurried through the Shades, hands always on at least one of his many daggers hidden about his person, just waiting for some poor fool to try and jump him, Tod Vorbote, one of the best assassins in the kingdom if not the world, and certainly the best in his chosen style. Nothing showed how helpless people were like a poisoned dagger stabbed, not thrown, that could have been intercepted by some simple spells, in some lord’s vulnerable throat.

Oh sure the knife appearing out of nowhere was an intimidating and praise worthy method, but few could throw a knife for any real distance and get it to stab blade first. Hilts can be just as lethal with the proper force, but they didn't have the same psychological effect on those around the victim, but the cloaked figure flying up to the target, ending their pitiful life and being gone before anyone knew what the Bob just happened sowed much more chaos and actually made it easier to escape in some cases. Not to mention it made the guards, about the only people in Tod’s line of work you had any chance of meeting again, feel useless. Which they were, at least against a proper killer, but damaging their pride and confidence just made the next job that much easier.

After a disappointingly uneventful walk to the Castle’s entrance, Tod decided to stroke his ego and prove his competence. From the shadows, he examined the lone guard. Really, a single guard, what sort of moron is the guard captain? His eyes dart about the scene, noting the approaching man. To distant to interfere, no ranged weaponry visible, good, Tod didn't want this to result in anything of consequence.

The guard wasn't looking at him, now was the time to strike. He launched himself from the shadows of an outcropping and all but flue at the guard, cloak billowing out behind him, adding to the purposely intimidating site of a man shooting towards you with glinting daggers. Normally the distance he needed to travel would make his attempt disastrous, it ending with him stabbed by the guard’s weapon. For him, it was more the close enough.
The guard will find a nearly 6 inch dagger against his throat, while another was ready to pierce the vulnerable armpit of his right arm, ready to disable his weapon arm if the initial strike wasn't immediately lethal. Which of course it wasn't, he was too skilled to let such a thing happen when he didn't want it to. “An incompetent guard is less the worthless, you better step up your game, next time I may need to actually end your life.”

The guard by the gate dosent flinch... or even go for his weapon... instead he stares into the man's eyes... and suddenly yells. "ASSASSIN!" From the battlements of the keep, the rooftops of surrounding buildings... and the inner wall surrounding the keep... crossbowmen suddenly bristle. As from the keep, armored men with swords and an intent expression begin fanning out... making a wall covering the entrance.

After a moment of silence... Tod hears a volley of twangs... as a hail of crossbow bolts descend towards his position. The only cover nearby is a parked wagon near the outer wall... that he could duck under. Or be perforated.

[Ryan5011]

Ryan takes the closest seat to the king that was available. "Smells good." Ryan said in monotone, though he decided not to eat yet, he'd rather wait until everyone was seated. ~If he's preparing us a feast, this is probably going to be a long job...~ Ryan thought to himself as he looked over the food.

[Restless Lucidity]

Marshall enters the room quickly and quietly; one might garner that he was trying to show as much respect as possible. Indeed, he follows these acts up by crossing his chest with his arm and bowing deeply. Immediately after, he takes a seat near the middle of the table. Not close to the king, but not too far away. He gives the food a glance... maybe more than that. He could be a little hungry, or it could just be that he liked the available confections. Either way, he did not touch the food for now, instead turning to face his majesty. His eyes are serious, focused... that look may help to bolster the king's confidence in not only Marshall himself, but all of the warriors seated and still entering.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The aged man stands silently beside the king, scanning the room's new occupants. His gaze is somewhat brooding and severe... but not malevolent. His interest in finding someone capable among them was plain for all to see. It was very evident, almost excessively so, that he was not interested in any pleasantry.

He continues to stand quietly and firmly, sparing none who enter a careful inspection...

[Blaze]

James takes a seat in a chair close to the king, grabbing an apple and taking a big bite from it.

"Right Your Majesty, what did you call us for?"

[all_knowing_frog]

Tod groaned, of course the battlements had guards, this was truly an embarrassing situation. It briefly occurred to him that the guards' reaction to the cry of 'assassin' was rather peculiar, in the fact that apparently assassins targeted the guards quite often if their first assumption was that the guard was referring to someone near himself.

Putting his footwork to use in an actually productive manner, he shot like greased lightning to the wagon, sliding under it and clear to the other side. "Over confidence, the biggest mistake an assassin can make, and I made it."

Waiting for a long enough pause between shots in order to do so, Tod raised his hands up into view, blades visible, then dropped them, then slowly and deliberately stood, "I-" he gritted his teeth, "apologize for making such a rash assumption. I have not come to the castle for a hit," today anyways, he thought to himself, "I'm merely responding to the King's summons for help to face the evil that plagues the land." and will eventually cut into my pay and lively hood.

[Kether]

"

"Ah you poor thing.. well I believe there was a request for aid in freeing you all from your imperialed lives.."

The guard... nods. "Thats true... sir. What of it?" He says... looking over him warily.

"I am here to aid you. Now get out of my way before I rend the skin from your flesh"

[Vomica]

Keens is more than happy to announce his presence, his purposes, and his pride to the guards. The exchange goes down a bit awkwardly for the guards, who are more or less professional enough that being addressed directly -- for other then guard duty related things -- is uncommon. After a few jokes, a tip of his hat, and the appropriate swagger -- Keens slides on into the castle gates, and further along in his journey.

[muffinstud]

Horace is indeed incredibly drunk... but isn't all that disorderly. Sure, he stumbles and whenever he stops to greet a passerby, it becomes fairly obvious just how much he reeks. Despite all this, Horace is a veteran not only of war, but of drink. He mostly keeps to himself and slowly and not so surely makes his way to the noble quarter. After all, that's where he needed to go, right? He gives one of the guardsmen a salute as he passes.

[Harri-chan]

Naberius worked his way around the table, piling food high onto a plate before sinking into a chair, and kicking up his feet, resting the armoured boots on the edge of the table itself. Picking up a turkey leg, he bit into it, looking across at the king expectantly.

[Knight Errant]

The king nods as his guests sit, some eating, some not... he looks directly at James as the question is voiced, smiling slightly. "I'm sure you all wish to know... but all of the details will have to wait until we can be reasonably assured no one else is arriving." He pauses... rubbing his chin briefly. "But that said, there is no reason I cannot tell you the basic premise. As you all may or may not know... my kingdom has been assaulted and terrorized as of late. A threat is brewing... one that I fear my guards and armies may not prove useful against."

He pauses at that... his gaze resting on Sir Blackstone, the captain of his palace guard. "No offense meant, of course." The knight takes a long draft from a tankard... then shrugs. The scarred warrior remaining silent.

The king continues. "In the hopes of ending this conflict before it grows any further... I called you all here. You will be going after the source of all this trouble... hopefully ending it before it escalates further."

Tod groaned, of course the battlements had guards, this was truly an embarrassing situation. It briefly occurred to him that the guards' reaction to the cry of 'assassin' was rather peculiar, in the fact that apparently assassins targeted the guards quite often if their first assumption was that the guard was referring to someone near himself.

Putting his footwork to use in an actually productive manner, he shot like greased lightning to the wagon, sliding under it and clear to the other side. "Over confidence, the biggest mistake an assassin can make, and I made it."

Waiting for a long enough pause between shots in order to do so, Tod raised his hands up into view, blades visible, then dropped them, then slowly and deliberately stood, "I-" he gritted his teeth, "apologize for making such a rash assumption. I have not come to the castle for a hit," today anyways, he thought to himself, "I'm merely responding to the King's summons for help to face the evil that plagues the land." and will eventually cut into my pay and lively hood.

Tod might reasonably assume that the guards would first look in the direction of the yell... that and he stuck out rather blatantly as a shadowy assassin on the bright cobblestone streets. Meanwhile the guard he was holding dodged in the other direction... landing on the open street and narrowly missing getting shot himself. And as such is the closest to hear Tod's little confession... and grins humorlessly. "Is that so?" He obviously has a mind to call for the assassin's death anyhow... but pauses. "Above my pay grade..." are the muttered words Tod might catch, before the guard holds up a hand, signalling the crossbowmen to stand down.

Walking over by the cart, he nods. "Alright, mister assassin. Come with me... you'll leave your weapons with the gate guards, and I'll take you to the Captain. Who happens to be sittin with the king right now. He can decide if you get hired... or hanged. Course if you don't want that, I can just let the boys here shoot you."

"I am here to aid you. Now get out of my way before I rend the skin from your flesh"

The guard obviously has the same thought as the one with Tod... and nods. Stepping aside. "I'll come with you to stop anymore... interruptions, sir. But I have to insist you leave any weapons at the gate guards before you enter the castle."

Keens is more than happy to announce his presence, his purposes, and his pride to the guards. The exchange goes down a bit awkwardly for the guards, who are more or less professional enough that being addressed directly -- for other then guard duty related things -- is uncommon. After a few jokes, a tip of his hat, and the appropriate swagger -- Keens slides on into the castle gates, and further along in his journey.

Keens soon finds himself in the grand hall! Where a large feast is laid out... various people, guards, and of course the king already seated.

Horace is indeed incredibly drunk... but isn't all that disorderly. Sure, he stumbles and whenever he stops to greet a passerby, it becomes fairly obvious just how much he reeks. Despite all this, Horace is a veteran not only of war, but of drink. He mostly keeps to himself and slowly and not so surely makes his way to the noble quarter. After all, that's where he needed to go, right? He gives one of the guardsmen a salute as he passes.

Horace finds his way to the quarter without much trouble... less than the assassin and lord darkity dark of darkness. Soon enough he is finally stopped by the guards at the entrance to the castle keep. "Morning, sir... what brings you here?" One says tactfully.

[all_knowing_frog]

Tod internally grumbles and complains, thinking of the different ways he could end the guard's life in the future... until hanging is mentioned. His eyes widen, "Ah, I see. Well, I will cooperate with you; it will matter little for me to be alive if that invasion continues." he leaves his weapons in there entirety; 8 large, identical daggers, a variety of poisons, and 4 more regularly sized daggers. He goes out of his way to show the guard that he is not hiding anything more, even leaving the heavy dark cloak he was wearing that had a few places to hide things in, all the while dismissing a variety of thoughts on how to end this miserable worm's life. "You may do what you wish with my affects, I can acquire replacements, but I would prefer to get them back at a later time."

He follows the guard to the Captain, ever so slightly worried about his well being, but still fairly certain he could escape if need be.

[Ryan5011]

Ryan sighed, hoping everyone would arrive soon. He looked over all the food, but still wasn't hungry.

[Vomica]

Keens soon finds himself in the grand hall! Where a large feast is laid out... various people, guards, and of course the king already seated.

Well. This is awkward! A full feast? When Keens was supposed to have a private appointment? Clearly this happened for only one reason! ...he was summoned here to give a performance! He goes, and tries to find what would be analogous to the steward. There is great work to be done! You know, like, arranging a night of entertainment for royalty at a moments notice!

[Kether]

"I am here to aid you. Now get out of my way before I rend the skin from your flesh"

The guard obviously has the same thought as the one with Tod... and nods. Stepping aside. "I'll come with you to stop anymore... interruptions, sir. But I have to insist you leave any weapons at the gate guards before you enter the castle."

"Weapons?"his voice demonstrating his surprises, his face taking on an aspect of bemusement as he continues, "How quaint... I am not however in need of such primative things to exert my will.."

[muffinstud]

Horace fumbles in his pockets for a moment, and produces his summons! No, wait. That's a flyer for a brothel. He drops it and fishes around a little more, finally producing the summons. "Some of the higher ups want me to consult them on something or other. I'm assuming it's military in nature, since the military is in my nature." He chuckles at his own bad joke.