Forums » Fantasy Roleplay » Across the Sea [closed]

"One half of his... one half of yours" repeated Taff getting knocked out of the way against the wall causing him to become bleary eyed

"No, we shan't have the dragons lowered to mingle with humans no more. We shall be dragons, powerful mighty dragons, commanding you humans to our will, bending you to submission as slaves...." growled the emperor Cyprian Glycias Bet'Luna angrily

"We shan't fall for you trickery... Emris..." frowned the dragon gazing at Ryiah Sendara

"Step away from him.... It is not for the races to mingle with one another" declared the royal, "Just say your farewells and let the dead human be, he is but a mortal slave, just a human after all... many live, many die, one less makes no difference" repeated Cyprian

"He is my rider. He is no slave. He has fully redeemed himself of any previous crimes by his actions today, and during our quest." she growled in return to her father, her gaze going to him, a mightier dragon even than she. The sight of him made her want to lower herself in submission, yet the bond she still felt, the aching sorrow caused her anger to stir at her father's words. She would not follow, nor would she obey.

Turning Ryiah Sendara lifted her claw and slit the scales upon her breast, her own magic easily rending them and revealing the glowing, pumping heart beneath. One talon split the heart in two, pain shearing through her and causing a rumble of pain to emit from her throat. Half of her heart bow held in her paw, she pressed it down onto Calico's bloody chest, where Morgan had rent it, hers taking the place of his own heart. Then, quickly, pain still fierce within her, she lowered her snout to gently touch Calico's chest, a bright light shooting between them as both her heart, and her healing magic began to work.

Rising up she stepped over the body, turning her gaze to her father, eyes narrowing. "I completed your quest, father. But I learned much on the journey. These mortals you rule are worthy of being treated better, and without the distain you show. They may not be mighty, but many are good, many are courageous."

Taff stood back still looking and silently listening

"I will not have you united to these lesser mortal creatures" insisted in a deep growl of disapproval

"Dare you challenge my authority?" frowned the emperor at her blatant defiance a claw quickly snatching Calico's limp body like a hawk or bird of prey snatches a little sparrow, ready to squash the claws shut and crush him in between his grip

Sendara snarled as Calico was jerked from her protective stance and she impulsively leapt forward to face her father, eyes glittering. "You cannot stop it. I am already connected to him. He gave his life for me and this empire. There is no higher commendation." Her voice softened slightly, trying to speak to him as a father rather than a foe.

"Please, father. I... I love him. The bond has already been made. Let him be. If you cared for me truly you would understand." Her orange amber hues glittered as she watched her father carefully, her muscles held taught, bunched. She lifted up to her full height, which didn't quite match that of the other dragon, but her gaze was no less fierce than his own. "If it weren't for that mortal you would not be a dragon now."

"Very well... Ryiah Sendara BetLuna... the empire is yours to command henceforth, since you are certain to know better, as are yours all of its people of every kind and race... just be sure he does not betray the gift of life you've made him.. for his hurt shall bring you harm too..." muttered Cyprian returning to his human form and walking away from the throne room altogether, to return to his usual quarters, Calico left where he had been taken from, looking blurry eyed at Ryiah

"Sendara? is that you?" asked Calico narrow eyed with a splitting headache

Taff let out a sigh of relief, leaving the pair to talk as he went to get bucket and scrub to get the hallway cleaned from the blood stains to start with, as if just another uneventful day at the palace.

Ryiah almost didn't believe the ease with which her father allowed her request, and she watched him change form and move toward his quarters, not seeming to mind or notice the absence of his clothing. He was obviously very comfortable with both forms, something which Ryiah hoped to accomplish soon. Her memories from dragon form had returned and she knew the flights she and Calico had taken as her own rightful memories.

Suddenly Calico's voice jerked Sendara's head around and she was near him in an instant, head lowering to murr in happiness, the ache in her chest lessening as she saw him mending. Death wounds would take some time, even with dragon magic an half a dragon's heart. Rider... her voice was affectionate. You live. the joy in her words was evident and she nosed him again to help him up should he be able. With a look to find Taff or any other servant nearby she lifted her head, "Make sure Calico is given the finest of quarters available,
And the best of care she said, I will be to see him soon..

Had her father trult just stepped down and given her the rule? She wasn't sure it was that easy.

Taff sighed scrubbing away the stains, dried blood sticking like a sore thumb against the impeccable marble flooring.

Still he made no fuss about it, calmly scrubbing it away slowly and humming to himself the song of the sea, at first sight, just another of the many servants that laboured at the palace.

Morgan returned, a small sigh of relief to hear Calico talking and counting his blessings that Taff had spoken the truth.

He focused back on his military duties, positioning soldiers and guards to protect the royal palace and remove Pentre out of the throne room.

"Greetings, your majesty" saluted Morgan telling the men the chores, the routine and their watch posts before coming to guard the emperor's door.[/justify]

"General Morgan... Ryiah's voice addressed the man as he returned, her large glittering frame seeming weary, yet purposeful. "Please see that Taff has the posting of his choosing. Whether as a servant, or as a higher member of my advisors, as well as a comfortable room. Then, make sure each man of Calico's crew is offered full pardon, and positions befitting their expertise, with monetary compensation for their help in the quest."

That complete, Sendara tried to think on the many other things vying for her attention, yet, she felt as if weights settled on her, her eyelids heavy with fatigue. It had been long since she'd slept well. "I will retire to my own quarters to bathe and perhaps rest some, should there be nothing of utmost importance I need attend to..." she finally muttered, feeling lost in the new position. She wasn't ready to rule.

"I informed Calico's crew of their captain's passing... I tried to compensate them with adequate positions within the army but they refused outright, they will not take orders from anyone for the matter.

Following to that, they set sail with the vessel after raiding the port..." muttered Morgan in a cough of discomfort.

"I very much doubt the merchants will appreciate pardons for those who just raided their vessels" muttered Morgan rubbing his forehead.

Sendara sighed, wishing the crew had waited just a bit longer before leaving. She couldn't blame them though, as she had wanted to run as well when faced with Calico's death.

"There will be no new bounties put on their heads at the very least. And should they return they are to be brought before me rather than imprisoned." She said before taking her leave to her quarters. There, she found she knew instictively how to regain her human form, and did so with a near sigh of relief. A few servant girls came forward, a bit of awe on their faces, to help her dress. They curled her fiery hair into soft ringlets, leaving it down at her request. She already had a headache.

Finally, unable to wait longer, she made her way to Calico's quarters, just down the hall from her own. Knocking quietly, she waited to be annouced and let in.

"Your grace..." saluted Calico dropping a knee to the ground and ducking the head in the utmost respect, waiting to be permitted to rise up.

He was dressed in royal manservant attire and ready to take her orders, Taff having brought him the formal uniform that those who served the imperial family were expected to wear, white globes included.

Morgan smiled at the encounter.

"Ahhh here we have it... your majesty may I introduce to you, lord Calico Jacksworth Pont-de-Ter your newly appointed master at arms... your swords await in the training grounds" informed Morgan with a bow

"The Nonesuch is well repaired and stocked and shall always be waiting and ready, should you wish to sail the waters or fight pirates from the sea from time to time" smiled Morgan with a low bow

"Thank you... general Morgan... her majesty and I shall resume duties at once" nodded Calico

"Empress... or not... I won't go easy on you this time... your grace" assured Calico unsheathing his sword

"Of course if your majesty has grown too delicate to yeild steel... I can accept a forfeit of course, focus on dull poetry instead" smirked Calico

Ryiah's mouth dropped a bit as she glanced between Morgan and Calico, her gaze settling on her new master at arms. Then, her lips curled upward and a glimmer leapt into them at his goading. "Oh?" She said with a sarcastic tone. "Is that how it is going to be..." she tilted her chin up, posing a bit playfully. "I am not dressed for a duel such a skilled opponent as you were, but perhaps dying and being brought back to life has set you back a notch?"

Inwardly, Ryiah thought of her heart, now shared with the man before her in way more real than affection. Where would this take them? She felt a flutter within of happiness at just seeing the once pirate alive.

"I shall head back to my quarters to change then, and meet you at the training yard." Sleepy though she was, she wouldn't miss an opportunity such as this.

"Don't be late... your grace. The tides never wait for no man and neither does your master-at-arms" assured Calico in a flourish and graceful bow patting Morgan and coming downstairs to the training grounds slowly, to give her opportunity to catch up

With the help of the servant girls it didn't take long for Ryiah to change, slipping out of the pretty blue dress in exchange for something much more usefule in combat.

Joining Calico in the training grounds, her emerald green hilted blade already in her hand, she faced him, eyes sparkling. Before they began however. Her hues took on a serious tone and she moved closer, unable to help herself. "I am glad the sharing of hearts worked." She whispered, her gaze softening. "I would have would have killed many more in your name, and may not have been sane afterwards had it not. Take care not to die again, captain. I only have one heart to share." Her lips curved upward again and she took a step back, readying herself.

"Your grace, death and love waits for no one except Taff who is cursed to enjoy neither" grinned Calico with a brief nod coming outside the training grounds.

"I wonder what you shall wager this time round when you forfeit, I already cost you half a heart, perhaps, with your consent, I shall claim the whole of it as my own..." mused Calico making his proposal in the cheeky usual style

"Lady Luck seems to be smiling upon me today for sure" grinned Calico saluting with the sword and lunging forward to remove her sword before she could protest his proposal

Before Ryiah could answer Calico's wager she was set upon by the captain. Trying to get her sword up in time to block his quick attack, also turned to whirl away just out of reach eyes dancing in merriment.

"I should have remembered you don't fight fair." She murmered, her eyes on Calico.

(Woops dice roll for the defense against Calico)