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Post by Ryland on Feb 24, 2023 1:32:31 GMT
“A lady of Amber, you say. I’d buy you a drink or two for that story. And the same goes for the one about the demon.” Ryland said as he flags over the serving woman for refreshments.
Ryland will listen to the tails, asking for descriptions, trying to identify the lady of Amber and if she is still around. He will also ask questions about if anyone has been seen who looks like Edmund. He will also ask about local countries, trading partners, etc., and try to find out where he is / how close he is to Amber. |
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Post by Admin on Feb 24, 2023 4:50:41 GMT
The merchants' ears perk up at the promise of free beer. They talk freely, and as they do, the local's faces harden even further. They tell of a flame-haired woman who is no parton of the arts confronting an agent of the Courts at a tavern. Elsewhere a demon appeared in a village and set about disgracing the local women and ignoring the rules of Preacher. The red-haired woman could have been Fiona or Kailessa, although the Shadows do lie. The demon could be anyone or anything.
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Post by Ryland on Feb 25, 2023 1:38:43 GMT
Believing he is close enough to Amber to resume his mission, he will head out the next day. Seeing a storm cloud off in the distance, Ryland uses it as his mark. Picturing arriving to Edmund as the storm rolls over and lightning hits a nearby oak, he sets off. Gently shifting bringing himself closer and closer to Edmund.
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Post by Admin on Feb 27, 2023 3:15:28 GMT
Ryland travels through cold rain and snow. Even in a desert forest of cacti, the snow falls but doesn't moisten the ground. Mesas tower above him as he crosses through the detritus of old western towns, mining camps, decaying jackleg fences, and dilapidated train stations. Mountain lion pawprints cover the ground, but none come within Ryland's sight. The land rises, and stone bridges cross rivers of salty slush. Higher and higher things begin to resemble Arden. Garbage and worn-out items cover the path, a sure sign that an army has recently followed the same way. Voices echo off the mountains, and his trail climbs further into the low-hanging clouds. Soon he is surrounded by mist but can still make out the trail ahead.
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Post by Ryland on Mar 2, 2023 3:58:37 GMT
Ryland slows his pace. He wants to remain unseen, slowly overtake the army so he can see what flags they are flying, etc. He will keep his eyes open for scouts, rear guards, etc.
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Post by Admin on Mar 2, 2023 5:48:05 GMT
#s://i~ibb~co/YhnsSCV/e1870449e691d683e27655ec703fd9e2~png The army is the one from Eshanta. Flags and pennants are of Motius and Xu Liang. He can easily evade the scouts and outsiders, but his cousin Martin who is also observing the army from a sheltered spot takes notice of him. Martin waves to him and gestures for him to come over. |
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Post by Ryland on Mar 3, 2023 5:04:06 GMT
Ryland smiles as he sees Martin wave and stealthily heads over to him.
“Sup. Cous. Can you fill me in on the army? I got separated from them at the castle. Then I have a story that may interest you.” Ryland states. |
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Post by Admin on Mar 3, 2023 5:36:10 GMT
#s://i~ibb~co/vkynWFM/e1870449e691d683e27655ec703fd9e2~png "Hey Ry, good to see you.
What castle was that? I felt a wavering in shadow, so I knew an army was coming to Amber. I'm undecided on whether they plan to attack or defend. How much do you know of our cousin Edward?" |
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Post by Ryland on Mar 3, 2023 22:53:28 GMT
“Well, your questions lead into my story.”
Ryland takes the time to tell Martin about everything from his meeting with Flora until he got back to this spot. He details everything he can remember about the demon’s army, who was with them, what happened, and especially his encounter with Leonil, how he looked, the spell he used, and where it took me.
The only parts he omits are meeting Sand, meeting Sk’bak, and anything about his sister and his father.
“So, I don’t think this army is here to defend or attack. I think they are coming back here to disband. I don’t have anything bad to say about Edward, but I don’t know him.
That demon army we fought appeared to be too strong. I underestimated them, and it cost me. There was a lot of magic at play.”
Ryland gets very serious.
“I wanted to express my condolences about your parents. Amber was in good hands under your father. I respected him. Your mother was so nice she appeared out of place here.”
Ryland continues, "I tried to apprehend Leonil, to bring him back to the crown. I failed. His spell was too fast. I couldn't even disrupt it. It appears he has power with the demons, but not friends."
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Post by Admin on Mar 5, 2023 6:16:03 GMT
#s://i~ibb~co/vkynWFM/e1870449e691d683e27655ec703fd9e2~png "Thanks. Random was mostly an asshole but could be okay at times. I guess that's the way you gotta be to be a good king. They say Oberon was the same."He bites his lip as he talks. "Too bad you didn't nail Leonil. That would have been useful. He'll show up again, and then I'll put him down.
"So you trust Edward? And Motius too? They say Eivor and Harold were once an item. If that's back on and they've allied with Edward, could this be part of a plan for the throne? From what you said, Motius was anxious to avoid the fighting and get back to Amber as soon as he could manage." |
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Post by Ryland on Mar 5, 2023 23:35:41 GMT
“I’d be surprised. No one in that group should know enough about Amber to make a run at the throne unless there is someone bigger pulling the strings.
Do I trust Edward?” Ryland mused before answering.
“Hell, cousin, I don’t know. I haven’t been around enough to play in The Game.
What you propose is possible. I planned on joining up with them again, so I will find out. Quite likely the same way I find most traps, with my face.”
Ryland smiles.
“Would you like to meet them and see for yourself?”
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Post by Admin on Mar 6, 2023 5:10:56 GMT
#s://i~ibb~co/vkynWFM/e1870449e691d683e27655ec703fd9e2~png "Nah, no need for me to meet them just now. Let them know that I'm keeping an eye on thier army.
"Good luck in there," he says with a smile. He turns and begins walking away through the forest. |
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Post by Ryland on Mar 6, 2023 5:45:49 GMT
“Good Travels, Cousin.” Ryland said.
Then Ryland heads back to the army and flags down a sentry.
“Tell one of the leaders that Ryland is back.” |
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Post by Admin on Mar 6, 2023 6:02:28 GMT
Ryland is led to Edward and Xu Liang.
OOC: Will add you to that thread.
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