~Story~

There is a saying: behind every great man there is a woman.

In the world of Illyria there is a constant pattern. Over sporadic periods of time, a great man will rise and unite the land and the people will experience a period of great prosperity. However, this period is always destined to end in chaos and destruction, never lasting past that man's reign. The people may rebuilt themselves and find peace but eventually, the cycle begins once more.

AG. 1004. A man arose in the conflicted kingdom of Lybree. Though born the third son of the royal family, a series of internal feuding led him to take the throne. His name was Caelum.

AG. 1008. Caelum begins warring with the rival kingdom of Mysemine over the borderlands.

AG. 1010. The war ends when an unnatural plague hits Mysemine. Mysemine surrenders. Lybree, with the backing of Mysemine, begins pushing past Mysemine and begins warring across the continant.

AG. 1020. Most of the the continant now belongs under Lybree rule. THe republic of Cray mobilizes for the inevitable invasion.

The royal family is holding a festival to celebrate the birthday of King Gaelardia of Lybree, the first ruler of the Lybree throne, the first man to truly unite the land. People are flocking to the capital of Shiel but not all have noble intentions.

According to legend, King Gaelardia once credited his victory to one book, the supposed 'Book of Sh'thiev'. The contents? A mystery. It's existance? Unknown. But rumors speak of it under the possession of King Caelum. The number that would kill to lay their hands on it? Many.

And that is where this story starts.

~Technology~

Pre-industrial revolution. Guns exist but are not very advanced or efficient.

There are the occasional remnants from forgotten eras of chaos but they're wrecked beyond repair or unfathomable by modern day Illyria.

~Magic~

Formulaic or 'classical' magic, is deemed the standard. Classical magic is based on specific formulas or 'recipes' of words and actions to invoke the potential of the mind. Theoretically, this type of magic is capable of being used by anyone but the problems stem from faith and mental capacity: faith to be able to fully trust and believe in the spell, mental capacity in how well you can understand and process the spell work. The spells are typically are based around the use of elements, such as sparking fire or controlling the wind.

Second hand magic. Spelled items with the work inlaid into an object, usually as an orb or something easy to carry. The spell is placed into a dormant state and set to awaken with a key word. Unlike formulaic or abstract magic, faith and mental capacity are not necessary to make use of these objects because the work has already been done. However, these are still experimental and only minor spells like fire or lighting and are expensive, making their acquisition difficult.

Abstract magic. The name given to any magic that falls outside the conventional field, these are usually the magics that cannot be easily classified. The fields vary from those who can commune with nature to mind magic to fortunetelling to those that use blood sacrifices as the medium for power. These magics tend not to be taken as seriously or with outright suspicion.

~The world (will be updated over the story)~

Illyria and the Lost Isles: Illyrian civilization is said to only exist on the main continent. The outer seas are surrounded by thick fog and hazardous rocks and shallows. It is said that there are isles beyond the mist but under the supposed report of a captain's log the lands were barren saves for disease and strange structures...

Lybree: Before the rule of King Caelum, the nation was in an unstable state. Between the royal feuds, heavy taxation, and increasing border skirmishes with Mysemine, the country was functioning but was worn. When Caelum took the throne, taxes laxed and he began focusing on military and agriculture. The land itself is the southernmost country and faces the sea.

Mysemine: After the plague and loss in the war, in exchange for their aid in Lybree's conquest they were granted supplies and crops to help them recover. Though they have steadily recovered and received Lybree citizenship for their aid it has started splitting the populace. Many have grown used to Lybreen rule and celebrate the benefits of being considered equal citizens to those of Lybree while others call these ones traitors to their nation.

Ä'rulock states: Originally three small individual territories, after being conquered by Lybree they were forced into unity. It is said the three groups came from one group called the A'rulock when the ruler split the territories to settle succession rights and with the hope the three would work congruently. The Makaiya controlled the area around the inland river, the Myrlock the forests and the game in them, and the Kamura the mountain deposits of minerals. Unfortunately, this instead led to constant strife and raids between the three. Peace treaties usually ended bloodily and strong feuds that have lasting over years have made unity a problem but it also keeps the states too busy with each other to make a unified rebellion against Lybree. These states act as buffer states between Mysemine and Cray.

Minneave: Holding most of the eastern coast they control the biggest port and the mouth of the main inland river. Though they specialize in trade they possess limited military so rather than fight a losing battle with Lybree, the two nations reached an agreement. Minneave would cede sovereignty to Lybree in exchange for a degree of independence in their expenditures and trade. This agreement passed with little incident.

Republic of Cray: Most northern country on the continent, it's been relatively safe for years. It is naturally bordered by high mountains, making invasion from sea impossible and with the less powerful Ä'rulock states acting as a buffer, it made preparation for outside attacks easier. The land mostly plains and valleys but very arable and have a fair share of available minerals, enough to hold out against a siege if necessary. Though the country would usually be run by the elected senate, the impending war has placed the military in charge. They've been preparing for the inevitable invasion for about a year but despite conscripting and training as many capable men and women as possible, they are still outnumbered by Lybree's army.


~Rules~
-No Godmodding.
-Spellcheck encouraged.
-Maximum control characters is three.
-No controlling other people's control characters UNLESS permission given.

~Characters~

Name: Rhea Marley
Age: 17
Gender: Female
Class/Job: Alchemist/Librarian
Weapon of Choice (if applicable): A long dagger and home made powders/potions
Appearance: Straight, mouse brown hair that goes half way down her back and tied in a loose ponytail. Eyes are light grey hidden behind a pair of glasses. Normally wears a white sweater under a loose green vest, fingerless brown gloves, and a long grey skirt. The vest also has an inside poaches carrying things like vials of her work. Hanging loosely at her side from a leather loop is her recipe book.
Personality: Because of her sheltered upbringing, Rhea’s a bit on the shy side and usually doesn’t speak up even when she really should, making her easy to be taken advantage of. Is usually polite and doesn't like to think the worst of people. In general she’s a pacifist who loves books.
History: Rhea comes from a family famous for their alchemy skills, the Marleys. The Marleys have been known to create amazing things from the simplest of ingredients and the heir to the family is the one that learns all those secrets. Rhea, unfortunately, is not the heir, that would be her twin brother, Emries. While she was taught the basics in alchemy the bulk of the lessons and care was given to Emries. Her and Emries were close but as they grew older it became clearer that they had different routes ahead of themselves: Emries with the family and Rhea...somewhere. Her father arranged for a family friend in Shiel to give her a job partially for a learning experience and partially for her to find something to do with her life. She's worked as one of the librarians at one of the biggest libraries in Shiel for a about a year now. Now though, she's been contacted by her family about a task they wish of her involving a certain book...

*Insho, Shane Llusardi
*winged cloud, Rein
*Ulala, Yune Michail
*Skeledude12, Nero Flestone
*squints1318, Rawne

---

Last edited by Robin Goodfellow on Sat Mar 14, 2009 5:41 am, edited 2 times in total.

((Oooh, ooh! Perfect chance to play!))
Name: Shane Llusardi
Age: 20
Gender: Male
Class/Job: Bard
Weapon of Choice (if applicable): Mandolin (seriously, have you been hit by a guitar before?)

Appearance: He isn't the tallest man, but his 5' 5" lean figure is perfect for him and his lifestyle. Brown, near shoulder length hair thrown over his front and back casually as it barely covers his Hazel eyes. He usually wears a gray robe and a wide-rimmed straw hat, and is never without his Mandolin strapped across his back. His lazy smile is almost always plastered across his face.

Personality: "One with the music, one with nature." That is his personal saying. Shane is so laid back that those around him seem to feel relaxed by his presence. He would prefer to just lie under a tree and sleep the day away rather than work-- the nights being already dedicated to the song. Although he dislikes to talk about his early childhood or his family, he never speaks poorly of either, rather taking it into stride that the past is the past.

History: Born into a family rumored to have roots in the arcane and magic, Shane one day left his home with not but the clothes on his back . He was merely ten at that time, and yet he managed to survive for almost eleven more years after that, traveling from town to town. By the age of thirteen, he acquired his mandolin from a renowned composer who he had worked for during his early travels as a gift for his musical talents, discovered while he was supposed to be cleaning his master's instruments. He has never let it leave his side since. Only improving his skills at melodies as time went on, Shane's music became his life, and he dedicated himself to spreading song across the continent. In a sense, Shane Llusardi has become almost a celebrity, the dulcet tones of his mandolin spreading with the merchants and fellow travelers. Even though he had long since abandoned his family and his old life, there is always rumor around him for his last name. Some of the more prominent are that he has been practicing mystic or dark artes, and even some rumors that the very music he plays being enchanting, due to it's sometimes ethereal quality.

---

Name: Rein
Age: 19
Gender: Male
Class/Job: Broad swordsmen/ Orphanage Care taker, Body guard.
Weapon of Choice: Broadsword called "Shattered Wing" It was a sword created in Alchemy.

Appearance: Long brown hair going to his back, Wears blue armor that covers his whole body that matches his Hazel eyes. He doesn't wear a helmet. He has a brown cape that covers his whole back and his left arm. Rein's right arm in the most exposed part of his body, it has armor to his elbow and from there to his hand is bare.

Personality: Rein is a calm, laid back fellow. He is very easy going and mellow. He always likes to wear a smile everywhere he goes. He is usually always in a good mood and never fails to be upbeat even if the situation seems bad. His overall attitude towards things can bring a high moral boost to anyone he is with. Rein also has a very serious side when the situation calls for it, and wont delay on taking the lead on any matters. He is a born leader who deeply cares about anyone and everyone.

History: Rein came from a Orphanage when he was very little until he was adopted by a famous warrior and his wife. A few years later The warriors wife had passed away leaving him to raise Rein all on his own. Teaching Rein good morals and such, Rein grew a high sense of Justice. Rein learned the way of the sword because of his adopted father. Rein was once in the knights but later quit them realizing it was corrupted on his beliefs. He now works for a Child Orphanage and takes care of the kids as if they were his own, teaching his knowledge his father had taught him to them. When he isn't working with the kids he does Body guard jobs, usually just the simple escort a merchant to the next town. On his off time he is always helping out the towns folk for free, or at the Library reading about the past or stories.

---

Name: Yune Michail
Age: 19
Gender: Female
Class/Job: Archer/Mercenary
Weapon of Choice (if applicable): A bow and arrow
Appearance: Blonde hair that falls to her waist. Several strands of it are separated from the rest past her shoulder. Green eyes and leather elbow length gloves and knee high boots. Wears a green tunic and skirt with a red bandanna on her forehead.

Personality: Yune is a strong girl both in body and spirit. She's rather blunt and doesn't like to work with others, preferring to operate alone. She's not really a bad person, but has been shaped by her past experiences, which aren't pretty.

History: Yune used to be of a tribe of nomads that lived on the plains of Lybree. Her mother died giving birth to her, and her father trained her brutally starting at 8, often beating her if she didn't train hard enough with her bow and arrow. Yune would work hard into the night, determined to gain her father's respect. When it was clear that wasn't going to happen, she left the tribe at 17. The last she has heard, her father had disowned her. At that point in life, she didn't really care. She became a mercenary, working alone as she always had and always earning money. She has become famous in the Lybree Kingdom. Her travels have led her to Shiel, on the day the festival has begun...

(OOC: I know this sucks...I did my best. ;_; I'll try and make it better as I go along.)

---

^It doesn't look like it sucks to me ^^

Anyway, all three profiles approved and added to the characters section. I'd say we're about ready to start but there's one thing I want to check first. The first post is now longer because I ended up adding a lot of things about the world because someone was asking me about specific details like geography and technology. It's pretty unfair to drop all this new info after people have already posted profiles so is there anyone that feels like the info isn't necessary or that I should take it out? If so, I'm willing to do so.

---

The info is a welcome reminder to things. Besides, it lets my guy give off that "Screw society, I'm here for the fun of it" feel, know what I mean. So he may be a little old-fashioned, but hey, it works. (After all, I guess I could make the instrument and his art more of a "modern" antique... or something. XD)

---

What's the level of technology at in this world?

EDIT: Wait, I read the thing. Okay.

Character Information!

Name: Rawne
Age: ???
Gender: Male
Class: Assassin
Weapon(s): Concealed blade, two flintlock pistols

Personality: Rawne is a man of few words, yet can be very informative when needs arise. Outwardly, he is all smiles, and very polite to others. He is a very mysterious individual, who rarely talks about himself, and does things for his own reasons, which he never explains to anybody. He gives off a feeling of sinisterness and darkness, which unsettles people that come into contact with him to his advantage. His swagger and hardened eyes betray a life of conflict and fighting. Uncannily quick, he can handle himself quite well when a situation turns sour.

History: Rawne doesn't talk much about his past, but knows that he was born in a small village. He was raised happily by his parents until his village was attacked by bandits, and burned to the ground. In one night, he had lost his entire family and all his friends. Left for dead, the first thing he had done was track down the bandits who had done this, and murdered their leader in cold blood. His revenge complete, he began to drift around the world, doing things and seeing sights that people only dream of.

((wait is it too late for me to join?))

Name: Nero Flestone
Age: 120
Gender: Male
Class/Job: Adept / Researcher

Weapon of Choice: Dual Kukri Knives

Appearance: The first aquatic elf to set foot on dry land in nearly a decade. Nero stands at nearly 6'10" and has a thin lanky frame. Nero's skin is deep blue in hue with black stripes that also cover his long pointed ears. His long hair is black and straight. He wears a brown leathery tunic and shorts. He carries with him at all times a leather pack that is slung over his shoulder. Otherwise he walks around barefoot.

Personality: Nero is slightly awkward however steadfast and loyal. He regards all he sees as extremely interesting. He loves to question and loves to try and comprehend the world around him. Thus he is often way to upbeat and happy.

History:Nearly 5000 years ago, the land of Illyaria was a place of harmony between the humans and the elvish settlers from across the ocean. They shared many things with each other in these elder days but one day man would steal the greatest secret of Elvin kind. They had stolen the ability to use magic. It spread through the human populace and became a racial trait. Feeling as if that their heritage had been stained the Elvin king declared magical war on the humans. After years of wars mages clashed in the streets famine and diseases spread between the Human stronghold which was Illyaria and its neighboring islands which was the Elvin strong hold. The humans wrote one final spell to cast on the elves to curse them, it was to make air unfit for them to breath. The spell was successful and the survivors had become forever sea dwellers. The spell and secrets of the war were said to be kept locked away from all in a book.

Nero is the son of a famous scholar, his writing kept the stories of the elf and human war alive. However as time continued, mass skepticism began to mass as those who participated in the war began to die off. There was no conclusive proof that the Aquatic Elves that existed today ever were related to the remains of disease ridden elves of the land. Knowing that humans must have kept logs of the war in their stronghold Nero's father went looking for proof of his history, he however failed to return. Nero bravely agreed to go after him, polymorphing himself of working lungs for his excursion he set off to find his father and the proof to restore his family name.

---

Dead maybe?

^Sorry for not posting about it earlier, just been a bit busy+sorting some last minute things out.

Rawne and Nero approved and added to the character section. I should have the starting post up in a day or two.

---

I don't have a problem with the technology, but now I just feel my character is one of those sidekick girls who's always from another planet or something and is out of tune with our one...like those girls off Tenchi Muyo. XD

---

Which one, there were like three different versions.
(I'm no nerd! Honest! )

---

((Okay, starting now! Timeline of this post is the night before the actual festival starts.))

Rhea: ~Shiel Grand Library~

Rhea Marley loved the library.

She loved the quiet. She loved the feel of paper beneath her fingers. She loved the general atmosphere. But even then, she wouldn't want to spend all day and night in there.

"Please, Rhea? You'd be my savior!"

If only she could tell that to Gerrie.

"I don't know, Gerrie," Rhea replied. "I'm kind of tired..."

"I know, I know, and I'm sorry to do this to you but you know I wouldn't if it wasn't important," her fellow librarian assured her. "But there isn't much to do tonight except a little orgaznization and well, you know. I don't get to spend much time with Bill these days."

Rhea and Gerrie were the two assistant librarians at the Grand Library. Master Killian acted as head Librarian but he didn't handle organization, labeling, and repairing of books and files, leaving the more menial tasks to his assistants. Usually, Rhea handled the day shift and Gerrie the night shift. Usually, they would be swapping in half an hour. Not this evening though.

"Bill's getting off early tonight," Gerrie continued, looking pleadingly at Rhea. "Everyone in the city is getting ready for the festival tomorrow. Some vendors and entertainers are already out tonight to drum up business tomorrow and I heard there's even going to be free samples of crafts. It'd be a great way to spend the evening."

Rhea nodded sympathetically, ignoring the pang of discomfort. She knew what Gerrie was talking about. After all, she had actually wanted to spend the evening watching the set up since she'd be too busy with the day shift to watch the festival tomorrow.

"I'll make it up to you, promise," Gerrie said. "I'll start right now too."

"What do you mean?" Rhea asked.

"Master Killian said you have two letters from home at the post office. One of them's from your brother."

"Really?" Rhea asked, barely unable to hold back the excitement in her voice. She hadn't heard from Emries in several months. Gods know how much she missed him...

"Yep! So how about this, if I switch with you now then you can quickly pop over to the post office, get your letters, come back here, we swap again, and I can meet up with Bill. Please, Rhea?"

Rhea anxiously pulled at the edge of her sleeve. She wanted to see those letters-especially Emries'-but she could just wait half hour and pick it up when her shift ended. If she took up Gerrie's offer she probably wouldn't be able to see anything of the festival but Gerrie's hopeful look stopped her from saying otherwise. Gerrie worked the night shift so she'd be able to go to the festival tomorrow but Bill had work. She was probably right in saying this would be the only time they'd be able to enjoy it together. Rhea didn't really have anyone to go with and she could always see if there was anything going on at the end of her shift she supposed...

"I'll do it," Rhea said finally, forcing a smile.

"Oh god, thank you, Rhea, you are my savior!" Gerrie squealed. "Be back in half an hour, okay?"

"Sure," she nodded, stepping out from the counter to allow Gerrie through.

Gerrie cheerfully took Rhea's place, waving after her in ecstasy. Rhea forced herself to focus on her friend's happiness than her own disappointment as she stepped out of the library and hurried down the streets to the post office.

The streets were bustling with brimming anticipation. After all, tomorrow was the big day, some for greater reasons than others.

---

Nero's world shifted when the cart pulling it came to a screeching halt, causing the area to teeter, if just for a second on on edge for just a second. Water sloshed through the air holes around the top and Nero floated sadly back and forth in the water's momentum. The 6 by 5 by 6 tank that he was kept in was barely a place he'd call home but what was a freak to do?

Light then spilled through flung open curtains. Nero squinted and shielded his eyes. Someone stepped forward and tapped on the glass. Then said almost below auditory.
"They'll be coming... don't mess this up... fried and served to every body... to pay more than a shilling..." Then the figure strolled out leaving Nero in the dark again.

The sign on his cart: The Grotesque Aquatic Man. His job, circus freak. However, fate would intervene to save Nero from his predicament and himself.
"Stop that elephant!" Someone yelled and it reverberated through Nero's watery grave making him face the back wall of his display cart. The the next thing Nero knew he was tossed out oh his box and flung across a bright colorful world.
"WOooooooaaaaaaahhhhh!" he yelled as him and about 50 gallons on water landed on the ground a good several feet away from the make shift circus that he was forced to serve. Nearby pedestrians shouted and screamed as they same him get up. Thus was the only issue with being the only aquatic elf on land. He swiftly ran into a nearby alley and found refuge in shadow.

Soon after the commotion had settled and people were out looking for him Nero emerged from the darkness. He had fashioned himself a hooded cloak to wear out of burlap. Not exactly comfy, but the world wasn't a perfect place. He looked at the building he was standing near.
"L-Brary....Li-Berry...." he read. Curiosity overwhelmed him, his greatest weakness. A girl exited the building. Nero hid his face swiftly as she walked past him. Maybe it was the aura of fate she had around her, or the smell of her perfume, but Nero followed her. He stayed a good several paces behind her but you never know, maybe he could ask her about the Li-berry...

---

(OOC: First one...the one with the purple haired princess -like girl with those two giant pieces of wood as guardians, the crazy grey haired flying woman and the young green haired girl with the black cat that could transform into a spaceship. Wow, I remember more then I thought...ANYWAY, RP TIEM!)

Brown knee high boots clumped along the motionless grass. There had been a faint breeze, and early, this large meadow had caught quite the front of it. It had looked quite peaceful, in a way.

Yune utterly adored the plains. She never showed it, but she had been raised here...even if it was on the plains that she had left her father's tribe and he had apparently disowned his only child, bad memories couldn't take that away from her.

Gripping her bow, she plucked a bronze arrow straight at a target she had carved into the tree with a small hunting knife. She was quite excelled at surviving by herself. As the arrow struck directly in the middle of the target, she walked up to the target and pulled the arrow free. Placing it back with the rest of her arrows, she turned to face the large city to the north. The capital of Lybree...

She turned away. She didn't like visiting cities, but she had hidden in the trees as travellers...merchants, had walked past. They had been discussing a sort of festival...

Yune had actually never been to a festival for. She couldn't help but be curious at such an event...what exactly was it?

She had decided, just this once, she would venture into the strange new world that the walls of
Shiel seemed to hide. Normally, someone of her sort would be nervous...but she was quite strong. Curiosity might kill the cat, but this kitten had claws.

Settling against the same tree she had been practicing, she allowed herself to settle against the bark, and slide onto the grass...

She spent hours examining the stars in the sky before sleep reached her eyes.

---

He walked down the street to the market for a quick bite, plucking strings on his Mandolin absently in a tuneless melody. Even without trying, he managed to make something that was easy on the ears.

"Just a day left of practice, and then, showtime." Shane muttered to himself, passing people who gave him not more than a quick glance or a nod of the head and went on their day. Be it any other time of the year, people may have had other reservations against him so carelessly playing in the streets, but so close to the festival, he assumed that he would get the same reproachful attitudes if he DIDN'T play.

Shane chuckled a little at the silliness of the idea, and kept on walking along the walk, past houses, the vendors setting up for their wares to be sold, and even a stuffy old library. Everything was bustling and booming--

The grips of an epiphany shook him, and he exclaimed "I should write a song about this city's lifestyle. Something upbeat, peppy, yeah..."
He instantly began to focus on his instrument, thinking of chords and notes to represent this up-and-busy city of Shiel in music, his hunger pushed to the side by inspiration.

Shane Llusardi simply walked right past the food vendors, playing upon his mandolin.

---

"Rein.....REIN!!!"

Rein the brown haired man in heavy blue armor was oblivious to the cries for his attention, as sweat dropped from his young face, he spun his sword across his open palm and delivered the fatal final slash to his target, well...in this case the target being a attack dummy made from Alchemy. The doll would get stronger depending on the user using it, making it ideal for training without worring about hurting others. Rein sheathing his sword and hearing faint cries that sounded like his name being heard from behind him. Rein turns to the voice.

"Oh Ms. Sanaka I didn't hear you"

Rein jogs towards the voice, a middle aged woman standing by the door way. She was the main care taker to the Orphange where Rein onced lived and now works at as a helper. This was his main job however, every now and then he would be hired by the local knights for body guard jobs.

"Rein...what am I going to do with you, training for the arena challenege in the Tournament during the festivle I reckon?"

Rein swallows nervously, as much as he perfered not to fight without reason, her words were in fact very true.

"You know the prize money if I won would be for the kids..."

Rein spoke truth with those words, he entered so he could win the money, not for himself, but for the orphange, to put more clothes on their backs, and more better food for them to eat.

"Rein I need you to pick up some things for me in town, once you do so you are free to as you please."

Rein nods to her and notes the items she requires him to get, after saying goodbye to the children he sets off towards the towns center moving past a lot of busy looking people, some wanting to get home, some trying to get a sneak peak of the next days event. Rein quickily aquired what he needed to get, which mainly consisted of food and items for the children, he hurried on back to the orphange and delivered the goods. He was now off to do as he wished, perhaps he would get some good training in? Maybe just head home or read at the local library.

"Oh crap....I forgot to send that letter!!!!"

Rein darts towards the post office and delivers the letter and talking with the local attendent of the post office as he is handed several letters and a box.

---

Rhea: ~Shiel streets~

Once onto the main streets, Rhea was forced to slow her run into a quick walk. If it hadn't been for Gerrie's request she come back to the library within the half hour, she might've slowed even further to drink in the sights and smells and sounds surrounding her.

The streets really were lovely. It wasn't as much the sights as much as the energy that drew her. Shiel was always busy, being the royal capital, but this was different. It was a sort of unified warm, peppy energy that wasn't common in this city, especially with the constant war. Lybree had been in constant strife for most of her life in one way or another.

She was only a few meters away from the post office when she caught sight of one of the byproducts of Lybree's constant strife.

There were knights patrolling in full armor.

Somehow, it dampened the mood Rhea was feeling.

There were two of them. One was talking with a man in bright clothing (entertainer? player? someone with the circus?) speaking heatedly about something. While his partner was trying to placate the man, the other looked in her direction and she instantly felt a stab of self-consciousness. Letters. Right. This would be a good time to finish and go back to Gerrie.

She quickly walked up the steps and into the small building. She took another self-conscious look at the knights and it cost her when she walked straight into the person that had been in line ahead of her.

"Oh gods, f-forgive me!" Rhea said quickly, face burning with embarrassment.

---

As the mail attendant was saying good day to Rein he nodded back and turned around to leaves when he felt a sudden bump on his chest as someone walked right into him, the sudden bump caused Rein to drop his letters and package onto the floor. Shaking his head from the bump he looks up and spots a embarrassed looking Teen.

"It's alright, Don't worry about it! It was an accident!"

Rein gave her a small kind smile as he crouched down to pick up his dropped items and stands back up fixing his armor a bit.

"Are you alright Miss?"

Rein Studies the girls posture.

---

Rhea: ~Post Office~

"Y-yes, I'm fine," Rhea stuttered, not sure whether she was feeling anxious because he hadn't blown up or because she was still half-expecting him to. "I'm so sorry, this usually doesn't happen."

"Rhea Marley?" The mail attendant craned his head over the desk. When he recognized her, he murmured, "I think I saw a bundle for you. Do you have ID, girl?"

"Yes, sir." She nodded another apologetic nod to the man before reaching into her pocket and flashed the attendant the library pass Killian had given her with the job. The attendant grunted and began rooting behind the counter.

---

Rawne walked slowly and calmly through the streets of Shiel, his body and head covered in a dark green cloak. The streets were abuzz with activity, as expected of the capital city, but somehow, this was different. The festival was coming up, and people were abuzz with preparations and the like. The populace were uncannily warm and cheery at about this time, but that was to be expected as well. All in all, things seemed quite normal. Looking around, he saw what was pretty much the usual. Citizens walking, merchants swindling, soldiers patrolling (and arresting, in some cases,) and people generally going about their daily lives.

He wondered how many of them had stepped outside the city walls before.

He turned a street corner, bringing him to a smaller, more narrow street. There wasn't many people around, but he was sure he could hear some shouting voices. Interested, Rawne drifted toward the crowd. As he approached, he was able to make out the voices.

"Thieves! Return my money at once!" The first man, probably a shopkeeper, yelled.

Before the old man stood a group of people, shady looking characters all. There were four of them, and one held a small bag that jangled with every move. It didn't take a man of Rawne's intelligence to determine what was inside.

The tallest of the thieves, probably the leader, strode forward, a nasty smirk held across his face.

"Thieves?" He asked in a mocking tone "Oh, we're not thieves. We're just collecting our rightful..." he paused "...taxes." The smirk widened "After all, I'm the one who owns this neighborhood." Reaching back, the thief pulled out a long, pointy dagger, holding it straight at the old man, "Don't you agree?"

"I-I..." The old man stammered, clearly frightened.

"Good." The head thief said, nodding slowly.

Now, Rawne wasn't exactly what you'd call a good person. He had killed more than one person in his lifetime, didn't exactly follow the words of the Gods, and had done thing that would be considered less than noble. However, there were some things that he couldn't just turn a blind eye to. Sighing, Rawne stepped forward.

"Taxes, you say?" He said, stepping out of the shadows, his arms crossed, smiling. "I'm not so sure what I think about that..."

Five heads whirled around in his direction, all surprised. None of them had even noticed Rawne silently observing.

The head criminal's smirk turned into a scowl. "Stay out of this." He threatened, pointing the knife in Rawne's direction. "Or I'll cut you up myself." He waved the knife mockingly in Rawne's direction.

"Cut me up, you say?" Rawne replied, unfazed. "Such threatening words for such a small man..."

"What'd you call me?" The bad guy replied, anger beginning to show.

"Oh, nothing." Rawne said, his smile widening. "I'm just observing the daily life of common scum."

"You regret saying that!" The thief yelled. Raising the blade, he lunged toward Rawne, murder written on his face.

Rawne, his features remaining upbeat and serene, spun to the left, the knife missing his head by only a few centimeters. Grabbing the thief's outstretched arm, Rawne delivered a single, powerful blow to the man's elbow.

The effect was serious. A hard, resonating crack, followed by a cry of pain filled the area as the man collapsed, his elbow utterly shattered. Howling in pain, he clutched his arm with his free hand, his knife clanging to the ground.

Before anyone else could react, the sound of several armored feet could be heard approaching.

"What's going on here?"

It seemed the old man had been busy since Rawne's arrival. Three knights, their armor shining in the light, approached him. Longswords and lances were held firmly in their hands

It seemed it was time to go.

Pushing through the three other thieves, Rawne took off down the street. An entanglement with the Knights was something Rawne wanted to avoid. He knew what they were like, and even spent some time in one of their prisons several years back. That was something he didn't want to repeat.

"Hey!" One of the knights shouted. "Get back here!" Clad in heavy armor, the speed of the knights were less than comparable. Rounding a street corner, Rawne dashed toward a local building, seemingly a post office. Their armored feet not too far behind, Rawne needed a place he could lose them.

Opening the door to the post office, Rawne stepped inside.

Smiling at the girl, Rein nods at her.

"Really Miss.. It's alright."

Rein smiles again accepting her apology again and heads for the door hearing the attendent say her name, Rein turned to her.

"I'll be seeing you Ms. Marley"

Rein about to leave and he suddenly remebered where he saw this woman before, he turns to ask her.

" Do you work at the Library by any chance? I could have sworn I have seen you there many times."

Rein turns to the sound of a door opening and see's a man come in.

---

Rhea: ~Post Office~

Rhea shyly nodded at the man. "Yes, I'm one of the assistant librarians of the Grand branch. I'm on the day time shift. Mostly."

The attendant tapped her shoulder, reminding her to take the bundle, when the door burst open and the man with a dark green cloak entered. The attendant rolled his eyes and drawled, "Three customers in less than five minutes. I'm never going to be able to close up tonight..."

---

Seeing several heads turn in his direction, Rawne nodded to the observers.

"Forgive the manner of my entrance." He said, smiling. "I'm in..." he paused "...quite a hurry."