Adam Masou

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

adam_masou: *What may have been considered a smile crossed his face then, coutenance still dark and forboding, but yet a small ray of light as the corners of his mouth upturned just enough to show she had amused him. "I hail from no kingdom." Was the simple reply. He had already made clear to Tony that his lands were his lands, and obviously there was a distinct difference between his lands and these lands. He lifted his chin to look at her more appropriately, perhaps in study of her. Nobility, well spoken, still, common fluent... A true diplomat. Alliances be damned, he had no time for them. Tony of course being called away to the queen by a page had left him and the lady of nobility at a stnadoff in the middle of a market square. His eyes were on her, however<c>*

adam_masou: *<c>not in the same way Tony's had been. He had so very little interest in human companionship... or was that a lie too? His eyes were cold, calculating, though every now and then they would become more hauntingly lonely than anything else, and other times there would be a flash of some beastial nature floating just below the surface of his mood. His annoyance faded enough to manage as his order which really was a mix of a request and a warning, was given to the captain, he was sure it would be taken to the queen with speed along with the request of the woman standing before him. Now he was free to soak her in, not as a woman, but as a combatant. She had a strong spirit, a well fed aura, and a small woman... surely there was something there to back up her<c>*

adam_masou: *<c>attitude towards him. Must tread carefully, she was probably a magic user. No more need for the Tiger to continue its activities, though Masou had not asked him to do it in the first place. He let the animals do as they pleased most often times until he truly needed their aid, and then he called for them. Though it was not to be said he fought his battles soley with them, no. There were other reasons that he carried no weapons with him. He spoke, his eyes still fixed upon Ashina's eyes as he did so. "Ban." The tiger stopped as and looked up at him, ears raising slightly. "That's enough." Though the words were spoken in common human language the tiger did indeed lower its head slightly and slink towards him, moving bhind him and curling<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> its tail around the beast master's waist. Ban and he had a very strange yet beautifully working relationship. As the tiger slunk back in retreat the hawk ruffled its feathers and cooed, worried. What was he doing retreating the forces and who was this woman? More over, when was lunch? The song of the woodwind would not reach him unnoticed. Though it was faint, heightened hearing could pick up its tune. His hearing was not that much better than most, simply a learned skill, a trained ear for things. Smell and hearing, not eyesight. And only for certain tones, but the higher registers were much easier for him to pick up on than the lower ones from a distance. Music. It was his one true passion of the human world, the biped's one saving grace that<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> Soothed him immeasurably. A very faint smile crossed his lips then as a breeze picked up and swept more unruly hair across his dark face. A hand reached down to lay on the head of the tiger which also watched the woman for long, quiet moments. Perhaps it was the music that changed his disposition from threatening to tolerent, but no matter the cause, he looked... relaxed. "Good luck with your alliance." Was all he said, looking as though he may turn to leave, that was, unless she had some reason for him to stay.<fin>*

ashina_kansior ...Ashina eyed him warily, uncertain of his sudden attentions now that his playmate had left. Her arrogance, like his coldness, was nothing more than a common ploy used when it was needed. Her scrutiny of him was no less intense than his of her, and yet, the reason behind each was the same. She had no place in her life for a man at this time, no driving need to find one. She dealt with lonliness in much the same way others did. Then again, perhaps not. She was no common trollop meant to lay on the grass and allow a man or woman to ease the suffering of a solitary existance. She buried herself within the depths of her work, more intent upon healing the minor aches and pains of the village folk and their animals in Ulster. She also understood his need to be with the animals..<broken>

ashina_kansior ..humans were, for the most part, unworthy and ungrateful beings driven by greed, lust and power. They would slay their fellow man, not for food, but rather, for political gain. She watched as the tiger slowly came to heel, and her thoughts drifted to a time with Shalmar, her great teacher. She communincated with nature, it's very origins being her own, and her worship went to the Mother Gaia, creator of the world and all things within it. She followed only where Gaia led, and perhaps this man had a purpose in her life. Dulcet tones rang free then, and she didn't meet his eyes as soft words were whispered in apology, "I meant no ill will. When playing the game, one must follow it's rules." Now that Tony had been called by the Queen to dance to her tune, there was no need...<broken>

christinedyson_meow hears the breaking of a branch and looks in the direction of the sound, though wasn't quick enough for a large bear jumped ontop of her and, from another's viewpoint, seemed to knaw on her. She laughed lightly and wrapped her arms about the bear's body as it nuzzled her neck. 'Kuro!! Where have you been?' her expression went from joy to seriousness as she pushed the bear back some and snapped him on his snout. 'I have been looking for you! You never even answered my calls.' her voice was accented by the slight celtic in them, but it was so soft that only a trained ear would've picked it up. The bear nuzzled her and growled playfully, standing up on its hind legs to overtower her. She seized the invitation and tackled her old friend. (working)

ashina_kansior ..to continue with the facade of arrogance that had been played out before. The mask slipped away to be replaced by one of uncomfortable position, and then she followed her natural instincts of before, and knelt in the dirt. The finery of her gown was forgotten in those moments, as she sat and looked at the tiger. She didn't will him to come to her, but rather hoped that he would understand an offering of friendship. She didn't care to command those who didn't wish to follow given orders, and a tiger was one of those creatures. It was a rarity when a human understood the natural workings of an animal. They were, of course, they're own people. While different from the social structures of humans, their own still existed, and perhaps they were more humane than even the humans..<broken>

ashina_kansior ..considering the broken and tainted world in which humans resided. <fixed>

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

tasho_kwazo The air kept steady, as the animals in the southern woods continued on with their own tasks. Under a shadow of a tree fragments gathered together slowly. A rip through time? Possibily, since the rush of the particles moved faster hurdling around eachother. A small wind started to blow among the leaves of the tree that the particles were forming at. More and more seem to appear, as though if every time they crossed eachother more would add on. The solidfication of a salt crystal would take days to happen, but this was turning into a prism. A dark prism, that seemed to have fallen from a greater piece than it. Slowly the tip made it's formation as the particals started to pull themselves together. Slowly they made their way downwards giving a narrow tip to the top, but giving itself <c>

tasho_kwazo: width while moving down.The edges were still round, and would be made to perfection later. The prism radiated a soft dark glow , as though absorbing power from the tree. The prism continued to thicken, it's hiegth now four inches, as it proceeded into a new move. It twisted slightly, like a key would, only to go back to it's original posistion and twist once more. Yes it was a key, an uncompleted one anxious to be finished. It's movement was slow at first, as the particles around it grew a little more, moving a little faster, giving off a dark glow that couldn't be restrained.The prism continued it's growth, the spinning motion grew faster, but a wave seemed to bounce itself off from the moving prism.The wind blew harder making the leaves on the branches <c>

tasho_kwazo: Of the tree shake a little more. As the completion of the prism was near done, since the bottom tip of it was now forming. A light tapping was coming from inside the prism. The task of the particles was complete, and the small thuds soon became booms. Then, the prism stopped as it gave it's last turn. The waves seemed to spread a little further, the wind still giving it's same strength but the leaves were more slower. Almost as the wind was stopping. A louder thud came from inside the prism, as it started to crack. A light illuminated out of it, and a hush. The light slowly performed a perfect circle. A black hole was now appeared in it's spot. It seemed almost like a portal to space itself, but it was truly that to the shadow dimension. <c>

tasho_kwazo A hand made it's way through, and then a foot. Tasho made his way completely out now. His figure stood about 5'8, and was kind of scrawny so it seemed. He wore a heavy trench coat that consisted of a hood. The coat's color was a dark grayish, that mostly was fashioned with gold metallic braces, and pockets to the side. A hood covered his face, and not much could be seen since it tilted downwards toward the ground. A few strands of hair hung out from the cage of the hood, only to sparkle some in the light that was around. Lifting his hands to the heigth a little below his chest, he gave a clap and then the portal shrunk , and vanished. He remained standing, there for a moment. A soft sigh found it's way out of the hood, leaving a <c>

tasho_kwazo A small mist of cold air. He stepped away, from where the portal had made it's transformation. His fists became clinched shielding themselves within the sleeves of the coat. There was no longer a shadow to the tree. The portal had sucked up the shadow leaving only sunlight behind. A soft mutter came from under the hood as the figure continued his way towards the eastern part of the forest. "I hate long journeys.."

christinedyson_meow This was her favorite past time when she was younger, but barely had time to do it anymore. She traveled more often now, since her home was in danger of being discovered and, possibly, destroyed by the greedy humans that love to ravage through the beautiful creations of the world. She hated them for that, and more so because they destroyed her childhood. Without design, she began to cry into the bears soft fur and cuddled against him. 'Oh Kuro! Why must the goddes of fate be so cruel?!' the bear, sensing the sudden change, nuzzled her neck and growled softly in response. She missed her friend, and missed the feeling of his fur against her skin. The little creatures were the ones who gave her comfort instead of pain, and she was grateful to them. (fin)

christinedyson_meow grace made her remember that she was no longer the child that would play with the cub, and had her remember that the cub was now a full grown male bear. She sat up over the bear that she had tackled and laughed lightly, more to herself then to anything. 'I'm silly, memories do not help me when I need to stay strong. So, have you settled down, Kuro, or are you still the rambunctious cub you've been known to be?' The bear responded by bunching it's muscles and tackling her back. She laughed lightly again and easily slipped from his arms. She stood up and pointed in the direction she was heading. 'I'm going to the nearby town. You can come, but you should remember how cruel us human beings can be.' she dropped her arm and waited for his response.(working)

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

christinedyson_meow the bear walked up to her on its four paws and nudged her on her hip with his head, then walked around her and in the direction she had pointed. She laughed lightly and ran to catch up with her companion. When she did, she took her ocarina back out and played the melody once more, the two walking just about in the same timing. She wasn't far from the town, now, and her melody played on the wind that blew towards it.

adam_masou: *He turned a head back to her. Ah, so she was more than she seemed. How delightfully interesting. Most humans were dull to him, wretched and annoying, greedy, single minded and unwilling to shut their mouths and open their ears. Her facade had dropped, and interestingly enough, an apology given. It was the side of humans that most intriuged him. The ability to recant on their emotions. Perhaps he had been too harsh on her at first? A small sigh. As she stooped to the ground, the tiger's tail lashed back and forth warily at her presence. She would not harm him or the beast master, then? The tiger was very unfamiliar with human relations and was unsure of why she and Adam had interacted the way that they had. <c>*

adam_masou: *<c> Dipping its head slightly its huge pink nose took in the scents on the air. Adam watched with a slight frown on his face. Ban and he had fought before, a circus stray and a social reject. Twice, actually they had it out. Adam had one both time with only his hands. It was why he and Ban held such a great mutual respect for each other. After conversation he had found out exactly why Ban had such an aversion to human beings and why he had attached Masou when they had first met. Speaking up, he made almost no acknowledgement of the apology save for the few facial expressions he had made. Truly it was the music that had put him in such a calm state. "He doesn't like people." He said bluntly as Ban looked up at him, as if for approval<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> To go near the young woman. "He was in the circus most of his life." It was enough of an explaination, Masou thought. If she was as intellegent as she appeared she would know how much bitter hatred that a foul life within a small cage could bring to an animal like Ban. He look of confidence had faded, his cold exterior no longer spiked for protection. The stand off had ended. Fuyuki, the hawk, leaned in and pecked at his hair as if to get attention from him. The bird cooed at him and Adam nodded to it, extending an arm on which the bird walked out on, and then sprung from. Taking flight it called from the sky as it disappeared into the fading afternoon sun. The man said nothing, letting the bird go on its way. It would be back when it was finished<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> trying to find a meal. His gray eyes fell back upon the woman who was still precariously knelt on the ground. The yellow eyes of the big cat watched her, one lip curled up in wary hesitance. "Ban..." He said softly. The tiger's ears twitched enough to let Adam know he was listening to him at the very least. Masou did nothing more than to nudge at the creature's hindquarters with a leg, pushing it forwards slightly. The tiger moved them, contented with the permission it didn't need from a master who so rarely ever assumed command. Sniffing at her it came just within reach of her fingers and would go no further. Masou folded his arms over his chest and eyed the crowd who had at this point begun to disperse, tiring of the man and his animals<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> It was getting late and he had hoped to make a swift retreat back into the forests before nightfall, but his seemed like it would not happen yet. He should restock while he was here. He had long since switched to a diet of cheese and eggs over meat, for hunting in the forest left him in the not so happy position to have to think he might be eating someone he knew. Thusly, when inside the borders of the western wood, hunting by the bengal and the hawk were strictly forbidden, and Adam also adhered to the rule. He would look for a tavern at a later time. For now, it was pulling Ban away from this woman who he was not entirely sure he trusted yet. She spoke of playing the game. "I don't play those games." He said quietly. Perhaps he did mask his emotions sometimes, <c>*

adam_masou: *<c> But he did not seek to manipulate anyone, he only sought solace and quiet and a world where humans would not interfere with his comings and goings and the safety of his friends. <fin>*

ashina_kansior ...Ashina tilted her head slightly to the right, eyeing the tiger and man for what seemed and eternity but was in reality only a few moments. The dirt didn't bother her, nor did the tiger's hesitation. And then the words that rang in her ears next gave her a greater respect for both man and tiger, "No. I can imagine he doesn't like them. But, I'm not human, so perhaps he will come to understand that I can be a friend." Of course, she had the appearance of such. Didn't most creatures, despite their backgrounds and origins? She wasn't sure that was such an intelligent thought that entered her head, but, at the same time, she found that there was nothing beautiful about another being unless it was animal. Nature was the only thing that held appeal for her. Kahlan...<broken>

ashina_kansior ..understood Ashina's need to be free of the castle walls occassionally, and therefore, made it a point not to place restrictions and orders upon the shoulders of her Priestess. For the most part, any race emerging from the walls of Ulster returned with a new respect for Nature. Ashina didn't abide by senseless slaying of animals. If you killed it, you ate it and used it for clothing, or you faced the wrath of the powers that the Mother had bestowed upon her. A soft chuckle rent the air as the tiger's nose colllided with her fingers, and she sat there momentarily scratching that special spot just above his nose and between his eyes. She understood that in at any give time, the beast could take off her hand, and yet, it was enough that she was allowed to touch him if only...<broken>

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

ashina_kansior ...briefly, and perhaps the cost of that hand would be worth it. She tilted her head back slightly, speaking to the animal in elvish, knowing that he might not understand what she was saying, but the emotion behind the words and the beauty of them would offer him comfort, "Folt natha ssin'urn l'thi. Ji suliss'urn lu' pure. Usstan tlun zhaunus dosst abbil orn'la qua'l." A slight smile accompanied the words, and she looked to Adam, offering him the same smile she would the ferocious tiger, addressing him in common, "I am Ashina Kansior. I'm afraid the formalities of introduction were forgotten in our power play." His next comment revolved around the idea of games, and the hurt in her eyes was enough that she turned from him, looking to the tiger now as she addressed..<broken>

ashina_kansior ...Adam, "No, perhaps you don't play those games. But then, one must do what is necessary to survive in the world of humans. Ask your tiger." Perhaps her words were a bit biting, but they lacked none of the emotion that she was feeling at his callousness. She had offered an olive branch and it was refused. Or so it appeared. A soft sigh, and then more words were offered to the tiger, her interest in him unhindered by the attitude of his master, "Dos, ussta abbil, Usstan kampi'un. Ukta, Usstan xun naut." She shrugged and smiled, as if she had shared some private joke. And she stretched slightly, her hands rising above her head and her back curving forward to ease the pain of her position. Her long raven hair fell back enough now that the tips rested in the dirt, but...<broken>

ashina_kansior ..none of that was important. Ashina was far from a vain woman, despite the wealth and compliments that were lavished upon her by various men such as Tony. <fixed>

adam_masou: *Not human. What did that really mean? Not human by genetic code or not human by nature? He supposed she meant the former. Perhaps by some twist of the DNA, like most creatures in the realm, she was not human at all. But by manner, by profession, by her clothing, her smell, and mannerism, to both man and tiger she was human enough. Hands in his pockets his eyes were no longer on the two, but towards the sky. The sun was setting and the brilliant oranges and reds that seemed to light the sky on fire were permeating down onto the city in streaks of gold that seemed to warm everything beneath it. Soon enough those reds and golds would fade to the pinks and grays of twilight and he would fade like any illusion would into the shadows<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> of the night, retreating to the forests to run freely with his companions back to the falls nestled deep within the heart of the Western Wood where he made his home. He could remember as a boy watching the same colors of reds and golds as the danced among the trees and the huts of his village. But they were colors of a different kind. His expression was emotionless, but he was travelling back someplace else, to a time when a small, dirty boy with large eyes and a mop of unruly dark hair held the hand of his grandfather as he watched a villiage burn to cinders. The look on the boy's face was sorrowful, and yet he did not understand what had happened. He looked up at the old man who only sighed and began walking down the forest trail, pulling the boy along with him.<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> "But.. grandfather... where will we go?" The boy wiped a tear from his eye. "Into the forests." Was the only reply. Ban had much the similar experience, hadn't he? From all he had told the beast master, his den had been collapsed by miners, the cave destroyed and the cubs taken to a travelling circus without consent. Her words were harsh and biting. He did not know why, after all, was it not her that had just lamented having to play the game? It was obvious he did not play them because he was not part of that world, nor would he ever be by choice. "You talk as if I have not done so already." Was it a challenge? No, judging by the look on his face which was still distant, his eyes still on the setting sun, they were more of an admission of fact<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> then they were a witty retort. An admission of understanding. That somethings had to be done. The tiger finished with her and turned lazily, no longer wary, but tired. He was a tired beast. Life weary, getting older, getting hungry and thank god, no longer lonesome. Rubbing against Masou like a housecat he settled next to him on the dirt path. Adam looked down and for the first time since he had arrived a smile, small, but visible, played over his lips. Reaching down, he stooped to sit on his haunches and ran fingers through the thick fur on the beast's neck, scratching here and there with still, a distant, but contented look. It was then that it dawned on him that who this woman might actually be. Looking over at her, sitting there<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> she struck him somehow as particularly lonesome. Particularly... vulnerable in some strange way he couldn't describe. As though perhaps there were times where she despised her position and lot in life and wished it had all never happened. He could very well have been way off his mark, but for some reason it played a note on some long frozen over heart strings to see her sitting there like that. "You wouldn't happen to be from the opposing army... would you?" He asked cautiously, ready to try for another plea, this time in perhaps a more gentle tone. <fin>*

ashina_kansior ...Ashina finished stretching but made no move to arise. Her own thoughts were focused on another night similar to this one, another time when three, carefree children had danced around the firelight beneathe the moon's radiance. The villagers had feared them, cast them forth from the world of humanity in which companionship had been an everyday obligation. Three little girls who were thrown away because they were different. Shalmar had found them, struggling to live in the forest, refusing to kill even a small rabbit for food because the Mother had forbidden that her children be slaughtered. They had lived off of berries, offering thanks to the Mother for her offering, even if it was so small, and they had laughed and danced and found joy in the presence of one another...<broken>

ashina_kansior ...the three of them different from the world, but the same in the eyes of the Mother. She knew that Shalmar had been guided by Gaia to find those three little girls, and she remembered the foster parents who had taken them in and the destruction Sojiana had brought with the storm out of anger. She remembered the revolt that had been raised, the attempt on their lives. Shoria, she was sure, still carried the scar from the knife that had attempted to enter her heart. But that was the past and this was now. Rarely did Ashina dwell on such things. She no longer sought the other two. She assumed they had long since been taken by a random arrow or knife or other weapon of humanity because they were different. She loved her Queen with all of her being, and served her loyally...<broken>

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

ashina_kansior ...now as ambassador and advisor. Kahlan was one of the few who understood her and accepted her for what she was. Kahlan didn't see a beautiful face and form, but rather the woman beneathe it who wanted only to help. His words penetrated her thoughts, and she regarded him with eyes that held no repugnance or malice, merely questions that she knew he would not be able to answer, "Yes. Perhaps we have all had our fair share of heartache." She didn't understand why she remained in this place, conversing with him. The tiger hadn't been that important. Maybe it was because, in both of them, she saw the girl she had once been and still was when she let her guard down. Perhaps she longed for the companionship that they shared, and hoped only to make friends with those who would..<broken>

ashina_kansior ..understand what her pain meant and from that which it stemmed. Regardless, she had walked down this path and been rejected before. She played no games, but she couldn't bring herself to speak clearly and presently of what it was she sought. Instead she looked to the sunset, a soft sigh of contentment springing forth from the depths of her soul, and then answered his question, "No. I am not of the enemy army. As I mentioned before, I am here to make an alliance. The Queen was unavailable so I sought out your friend." The answer was enough to satisfy even the most curious, and so she remained silent, contemplative of all that had occurred betwixt them, and then she formed a question of her own, "And you? You are obviously not of this kingdom. Why do you force yourself..."<broken>

ashina_kansior ..."to commune with those who are unworthy? Should they have decided to slay your tiger, you would have been unable to stop it." She pointedly looked at him, wondering why he would take such a risk when it was unnecessary. Obviously, if nothing else, the tiger could have been left behind. Her words, however, lacked the bitterness of before, and instead offered a sincere warmth and interest. She was attempting to prove that she meant no harm, something rare for Ashina. For the most part, she didn't worry with the opinions of others. <fixed>

adam_masou: *He stood up again, closing his eyes and opening his eyes as if listening to something on the air. The sun had indeed gone down behind the castle and now in the graying twilight, a breeze picked up around them bringing him scents and sounds from all around the city. When he felt content that he had heard and smelled all he had to he turned his eyes upon her, fixing them lucidly on her eyes. He made much eyecontact. So strange, but then, animals usually did. The only obstruction was the wind which blew untamed shocks of brown hair over his eyes. The bandana he used often to keep the hair in line had been given to Tony nights before. With a slight chuckle he said, "The captain is not my friend." He paused, wondering how much <c>*

adam_masou: *<c> information he should divuldge. Surely if it was known he had been handing out favors to passerbys people might expect that kind of generousity to become habit. "He was simply someone who owed me a favor." Looking down again at Ban he chuckled once more, the tiger looking up in mock interest at its companion's amusment. "Ban can hold his own better than one might think..." He remarked with a slight air of mystery. Darkening slightly, smile fading but still gentle in voice he kept his eyes on the tiger. "And they would regret that if they did." It was definitely a threat on this kingdom he was so obviously embittered at. "I'm here on a bit of a diplomatic mission." He began quietly, though it was fairly obvious by this point<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> that his idea of diplomacy were more along the lines of strong arm tactics. "I spared that captain's life when he ran afoul of my friends while on my land. I'm tired of this war dumping soldiers on me. If they want to use my lands as cross points they will have to stop their destructive tendencies and their reckless hunting. I won't tolerate any more dead animals or reckless disruptions of my well maintained peace." He was a benevolent ruler, that enough was true, also a pragmatic one. But he had worked hard to keep those lands to the west safe and free of human influence. He did not want a war he was not a part of dumping its waste on his doorstep. Bitterness was evident in his voice. He had been on the move all his life<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> to get away from the atrocities of the human world, and when he finally reached his destination he looked back only to find that they had followed him. How annoying. With a sigh he nudged the bengal with his foot once more. "And I did not bring the beast, it was his own foolish idea to come along. I don't tell him what to do. It always runs us into trouble." The tiger growled a grumbling remark to which Adam cocked a half smile. He still had not told her his name... he had completely forgotten. He would leave things that way, then, until she asked again. She probably would have never heard of him anyway. People rarely knew his name. He was always simply that which lurked in the shadows, that which brought down bloody vengence<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> upon those which crossed him. He was always left unidentified as some unholy beast spirit of the Western Woods, a seek and destroyer. Hopefully, then, she had not heard of him. He was always so shocked at how much people would assume about something they had never come face to face with. Then, he could not expect much more from them, the whole lot of their wretched species. He almost felt bad for them sometimes. <fin>

ashina_kansior ...She leaned back then, resting her weight on the on her wrists and balancing herself with her palms, fingers splayed in the dirt and the grime manifesting itself under the manicured nails. She regarded him thoughtfully for a moment, drinking in what he said, and the cool air of the night was pleasant against her face and the bare skin of her neck. Perhaps humans were simply animals that, in their own way, needed to be tamed. She didn't voice this opinion aloud. It held to relevance to the conversation. Random thoughts such as those often popped into her mind against her will and at times like these, when she could relax and be herself, it didn't bother her overly. "Have you considered the fact that there is no peace in the world? Not where humans are concerned at least...<broken>

ashina_kansior .."We can create the illusion, but it rarely ever manifests itself as a reality. Even when we are fighting for peace, we're still fighting. And, by being human, we never really have any peace at all, considering we fight our own urges and humanity every single day until we are laid in the grave and the cold earth surrounds us and allows us to return to the Mother." She shrugged indifferently, and almost lost her balance in the process. Carefully, she readjusted to return to her former comfortable state, before she, too regarded the tiger, "He is the only one who would enjoy such a carefree existance. Your gift is still your curse. You are the keeper of these animals, therefore, must worry after their safety on a daily basis. You fight for them, therefore have no peace....<broken>

ashina_kansior ..."I am much the same in my own way. I fight for the peace of Ulster, and therefore, have no solace or sanctuary in which I can hide to offer me comfort. Even when working with my herbs to create balms and poultices and salves to heal, I am still trying to help and in doing so, am not looking after myself. Perhaps there is no true peace in the world. Perhaps we simply exist to possess the ability to help out our fellow man and beast." She was aware that her speech was perhaps nothing more than a ramble and something he wasn't interested in, but, at the same time, she spoke to herself even as she spoke to him. She watched the play between he and the tiger and a soft sigh of regret escaped her lips. Carefully, she kept her longing hidden. Kahlan was the only one she...<broken>

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

ashina_kansior ..trusted enough to accept her. Any other relations must be fostered over time. However, she was grateful to this man who had offered her some of his time rather than sending her away to face the cold comfort of her own company within the solitude of her room or even her herb room. She was constantly surrounded by people, but rarely could she find a like soul who's own connected to hers in such a way that she could offer them a glimpse of her true pain and lonliness. It occurred to her then that he had yet to respond to her question and she turned inquiring gaze in his direction, "Should I call you beast-man then? You have offered no name." <fixed>

adam_masou: *She understood the way of the world well. But as such, there was a major difference between Adam and most nature loving people of the realm. There was a difference between being able to manipulate nature, calling upon it, understanding it, and walking through it than being a true part of it. Adam, like the animals of the forest, lived in it, ate in it, and ruled not over- but in it. The Western Woods was his Kingdom, as Ulster belonged to the High Queen. He came here to form a diplomatic relationship, however, it was not received because his subjects were not human, but animals. All of them. He had in the world not one human friend because in a sense, he was not human. Perhaps his DNA said he was, but his manners, and his life said otherwise.<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> "I am not their keeper." He corrected her. "I am their friend and their leader. There is a difference." Indeed, there was a very large difference. They looked to him for support and for protection as he did for them, and it was a symbiotic relationship that did not put him on any higher level than they... humans, after all, were simply untamed creatures, were they not? He gave out a sigh, looking up towards the rising moon towards the west, towards home. "We have had peace, in a manner of speaking. Our home is vast, most humans never knew just how deep it went, and we were able to stay there in the very heart of it without ever seeing anyone else. The natural cycle continued and we lived happily, or as happy as mortal creatures can be."<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> A pause as his eyes shifted to the castle with a slight frown. "Until their war started and they decided to use my land as a throughway for their troops. As if they had the right to come through a kingdom- a neutral kingdom, without our consent. That's when the trouble started... cutting down trees for catapults and rams, marching their armies and slaying too many creatures for food, leaving unattended fires and trash, as well as bodies from the skirmishes littering the forest." He shook his head and looked down again at the tiger that was now looking at him in silent acknowledgement. "If this was happening in your kingdom, tell me you would not understand... and do the same..." He said as he looked back over to her, a new sense of profound leadership on his face<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> A sense of strength and defiance and the intolerance for those that would stand in the way of his dream to simply sit unbothered in shadow for the rest of his days. He fell silent for a few moments, eyes locked on her, listening. She understood more than she let on. She dropped small hints in her speech that told him more about her than perhaps it should have. She was a child of the earth, for no other creature would call it mother the way she did, no human, anyhow. And he already knew she was not human by genetic standards. "I suppose when you form this alliance your people shall also use my lands as they please..." he was careful not to use the word "you" instead of"they" to her, for he did not believe she would do as those from Lucemedia did<c>*

adam_masou: *<c>His brow furrowed slightly. He would have to make a trip to Ulster now, as well, it seemed. Slowly the expanse of his woods was dwindling, being eaten alive by the humans down to nothing. It would take only a matter of a few years and all would be gone. Perhaps he could convince her to take him to the queen, let him speak with her. Raising eyes once more as she asked his name, and almost smiled as she called him beast man. "That is what most people call me." He said evenly, which was quite true. And it was what he was, wasn't it? Half man, half beast, stronger than both. It was what the Maryuudo people were born of. Hesitantly he made his decision. "Masou." He said plainly. "My name is Masou."<fin>*

ashina_kansior ...Ashina merely nodded to his words, seeing the horror before her eyes that he described, but not really seeing it the way that those around her would. The world was an angry place that held no love for nature. She had understood this since she was a child. Humans merely took what they needed without asking the blessing of the Mother or giving thanks to the forest and creatures from which they took. She had watched, helpless, as animals were thrust from their homes to make way for the cancer that humanity was. She had seen families destroyed. In her mind, humans and nature were the same with but one small difference. Animals respected that which they took. They took only what they needed. Humans took everything and then more. A soft sigh of distress and then she could..<broken>

ashina_kansior ..not bring herself to look at him. While her kingdom had more respect for the things of nature than most, hadn't a castle been erected within a forest? Weren't there wood furnishings and playthings? Weren't there animal pelts lining the floors? And the meat from those animals had not been eaten. She was utterly defeated. While she attempted to change things, it would never be enough. Perhaps she had already given up the hope of a better world. So much conspired against one small woman, that sometimes the pain was too great. Cancer. That was what humans were. To the forest, to the animals. They spread like so many cells of disease and infested everything good until the world died because of their callousness and cruelty. "I cannot promise you that they will not ...<broken>

ashina_kansior ..."come. That would make me a hypocrite and a liar. But, I can do something to help you. I can take you to Kahlan if that is your wish. Perhaps, together, we can persuade her to remain off of those lands which you claim as your own. She is not cruel or unkind and would wish no harm to befall you or your companions." She rose to her feet, brushing the dirt from her hands and running them over her skirt in an attempt to free it of the dirt. She was suprised to suddenly hear his name offered. She really hadn't expected it to be forthcoming, although she wasn't sure why he would have reason to withhold it. She offered him a bright smile and simple words, "Now that wasn't so hard was it?" She laughed aloud, momentarily pushing the urgency of matters to the back of her..<broken>

ashina_kansior ..mind and then turned with a more serious mien, "When would you like to meet my Queen? When can go now if you wish or arrange another time for said meeting to take place." <fixed>

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

adam_masou: *His words had hurt her, and he was not entirely sure if it was a bad thing or a good thing. Being misanthropic to say the least, Adam rarely cared if he hurt people. Animals was what he loved. He much preferred their company over that of humans anyhow. Never once had a human being appealed to him enough for him to actively spend time with them, seek them out for reasons other than diplomacy since he had left the lands of the Maryuudo. Never once but Naavah. The poor beast like child, no more than eight and a little savage who spoke barely any common and worshipped him like a god, who lived with him in the forest along side the wolves as only a Luminarri knew how to. He would not want to leave her behind if they did go<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> But he knew that Applan would take care of her as one of the pack. As the woman laughed and made her offer the bengal looked up at him with a keen eye. Perhaps he should take advantage of this, perhaps there could be a stop put to it after all. Looking over to her, eyes narrowed but a strange sort of smile forming on his lips, he said "I hold no claim over the lands... you see, it is they who think I am the leader, not I. I have only accepted the offer." He was partly joking, but in all reality, it had been his fight with Ban that had won him that title. Ban had roamed the western woods ruling it as he saw fit until word that a human, a beast master of the Maryuudo had come to the forest. Angry, the tiger had sought Masou out and<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> And they had battled. Masou was ruler in the Western Wood because he had proven himself to be so, with nothing but his wits and his bare hands to fight, as it should have been in the animal world. Ban had tried once more to usurp rule on a cold, rainy november night, and upon sustaining a horrible injury was mended and revived by Masou himself. That was when things were decided. For one so strong and yet so gentle to be among them, he would have to be the leader of them all. And so he acted as one, making the overarching decisions and keeping out the trouble in return for loyalty and comraderie from his four legged friends. <c>*

adam_masou: *<c> A smile as he nudged Ban to his feet. "Alright, we'll go with you, Ashina. Let's hope it will be worth the trip." He lifted his fingers to his lips and let out an ear splitting whistle- his beast whistle, his command and conquer of all animals great and small. There was a screech from the sky and from nowhere descended Fuyuki, the beautiful red tail that had been with him eariler. Alighting on his outstretched arm he looked up to Ashina. He was ready when she was.<fin>*

ashina_kansior ...a gentle smile was offered to both man and beasts and then she turned, whispering to the winds. They picked up in frenzy, pacing themselves and slowly, she reached forth, her hands seeming to part them as if they were a solid thing. There was nothing that to display that a portal had been opened, no eerie lights or glowing winds to describe what happened through this entire process. There was simple a parting of the winds that was unexplained, and then she motioned that they should follow her. She stepped within the hole and stood on the threshold momentarily before being carried forth into nothing. It would be a pleasant journey guided by the Mother Gaia. Such was Ashina's way.

ashina_kansior ...the division between the planes was one that was short. Ashina had traveled it many times and there was nothing that hindered her quick arrival. A gentle smile played about her lips as thoughts of Kahlan drifted forth into her mind. She had determined upon observation that Adam was a good man, if not a sociable one, and knew without doubt that the queen would like him and possibly offer him his heart's desire. She glanced around, taking note of the foliage. Her aim toward where she was going wasn't always the best, and so, she wanted to get her bearings before proceeding. Once, she had managed to get herself lost in the Shadow Moors. Not a pleasant experience that she intended to repeat any time in the future. Taking note of the oaks that littered the forest where...<broken>

ashina_kansior ...they had come through, she realized immediately that the castle was right in front of her. She was within the contained sanctuary of the part of the forest that was fenced off so that intruders could not hide within it to get to the castle. This was a precaution that had been taken when the castle was built. In an attempt to destroy less than was necessary, the forest led practically up to the front doorstep, and yet, there was still evil in the world that would use that to their advantage. That thought in mind, a high wall had been built around the forest and there were guards who were posted there each night and day to make sure that none breached the sanctuary of the Ulsterians. Gently, she sought Kahlan with her mind, hoping not to intrude into matters of state or...<broken>

ashina_kansior ...the Queen's slumber. Quickly she picked up on the place where Kahlan was currently residing, and she sent her a message to warn her to not be startled at their arrival, "Milady, we have guests. A man by the name of Masou and his animal friends, a tiger named Ban and a bird, who's name I have not yet learned. He comes to offer diplomatic tidings. Shall I bring them to you now?" A slight smile was revealed on her moonlight bathed features, making it clear that she was glad to be home. She would not proceed further until a response was given from the Queen in a negative or affirmative format. <fixed>

high_queen_of_ulster She was in her study until she felt the whispering of Ashina into her mind. Unlike Nim's intrusive manner, Ashina was very polite and did not probe. She nods faintly and sends a message back..."Come forth. I have nothing pressing to attend so I will gladly accept the Guests." She soon exits her study and has the entire Castle in a bustle to prepare for the arrival of the guests. She is wearing something most out of character, having obviously trained with Commandant Nur only hours before and as she is wont to do..something else caught her attention...leaving her in her sparring garb. A pair of baggy black pants tucked into tall black boots and a billowing white shirt which has been untucked from the confines of her breeches. Her hair is tied up in a knot off of her neck but a <C>

high_queen_of_ulster A few stray whisps fall free to graze her neck and cheeks showing the tides of the day...besides looking out of the ordinary there is nothing less appealing about her. Her eyes are a brilliant shade of blue green and her face is set in its usual emotionless almost priestess-like state. She takes a seat on her throne and drapes her hands over the ends of the arms...awaiting the arrival of her dearest friend Ashina and the guest she brings. She considers Ashina a sister more often than most than even her own sisters. (Heres where I incorporate Avalon..yay hehe). They had grown up together on the Isle of Avalon. Kahlan was sent away at the age of Seven to the Isle for her own protection. It was her destiny she had heard that she become the High Queen of Ulster, and while in <C>

high_queen_of_ulster Avalon she had befriended a priestess born girl much the same age as she...for both were of the ageless breed...and as Kahlan had learned many things from the Priestesses and Druids on Avalon so had she kept in touch with Ashina who was now just like she, a woman. She smiles distantly as the memory fades like a breeze in spring...awaiting the sounds of trumpets making the announcement of guests.<E>

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

adam_masou: *Through the forest... had she taken him this way on purpose? A small smile, ever so faint, graced him as he smelled the air with that uncanny nose. The sounds and smells were real alright, this was no trick. He walked just behind Ashina, senses picking up on all that he could to make sure he would not be taken by surprise by anything. Perception was a skill few ever really mastered. The bengal tiger loped lazily beside him swishing its tail in regret that it has specifically asked him to come on this mission. The hawk sat ever vigilant on his shoulder looking about with its careful eyes, so sharp and impressive looking. He himself was a mess to beheld by royalty, as it were. A plain man, tall, wide shouldered, a mess of dark hair hanging down over a stern face.<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> Covered in dirt, grass stains and held the faint smell of animals on him, he was quite a sight for the royalty within the castle confines. Down the halls, those long halls of oak and stone, careful not to step on the pelts covering the floor, for he was afraid he might have known them in life. A conference with a queen... what had he been thinking? He was rather shy at times around women, and even moreso infront of those who had money feeling strangely out of place when he was not in his forest. Here in a place he was so unused to and without the support of his fellow animals he was caught in a strange emotional crux between acting the driven leader and submitting as the poor man often does. His blood was pure as well as theirs, however, pure of a different line,<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> a line of those who never left the forests and who were masters of beastary as he was. He had coveted such skills that others could only dream of making him a formidable foe and a dangerous man when pushed to the limits of his anger. Beside him, Ban looked out of place as well, as though somehow reliving that which he had grown up in. A hand went to the tiger's head as they walked on through the castle, reassuring the large cat of its place by his side. Into the hall of the queen they went, trumpets blaring their sick song which made him wince. The more he used his abilities the more they began to stick to him, such as overly sensitive hearing. The high notes bothered him more than they would know. Into the throne room with them,<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> and there he was met by a sight he did not expect. The queen... in sparring gear. He was expecting to see a stuck up woman in a dress that if sold could feed the poor of the nation for a week, but she seemed rather... simple. Still, she was a queen, and as such, a politician. He was not a king, he was not a patriarch, either. He was a lord and a ruler in a completely different world from this one. Standing before her he gave a side glance to Ashina wondering if this was the best idea after all, not doing this on neutral ground. The hawk shifted nervously as he stopped, cold, steel colored eyes fixing upon the monarch to size her up, not as a ruler or as a woman, but as an opponent. The tiger also stopped behind him, letting out a quiet growl, <c>*

adam_masou: *<c>the meaning of which only he would probably know. He held a hand down to quiet the animal before shifting his weight and putting his hands casually in his pockets. Through the pomp and circumstance of the entire ordeal he would only say one thing, now, before the Queen of a great nation, with all of the courtesy and respect should be shown someone of her status... "Hi." So much for protration to the wealthy.<fin>*

ashina_kansior ...Ashina breathed in the familiar scents of home, the simplistic pleasure of a woman who knew her place coming to the fore. It wasn't arrogance exactly, but rather, a sense of well-being that only home could provide. There were only three such places in her circle of existance. Avalon, Stonehenge and Ulster. Two of the three had a direct affect on her origins, the third being nothing more than a special place in her heart. As far as she knew, there was no direct relation to the world of druidism with Stonehenge, but, when she was there, that feeling of rightness managed to overtake her just as it did here at Ulster and in Avalon. She turned her head slightly, that warm smile still in place as her voice broke free to offer comfort as if she sensed his unease, "Kahlan is...<broken>

ashina_kansior ..."unlike any queen you have ever met. I have known her since we were children." Nothing more need be said. He would come to his own conclusions no matter what she said to him. As they entered the throne room, a slight chuckle exerted itself into the surrounding atmosphere. She had seen Kahlan in such a state more often than not, but, she was glad for the lack of time before their arrival now. Kahlan obviously hadn't had time to change to her more ceremonial clothes, and rather looked like a random peasant pretending to be queen, despite her quality of clothes. This, she knew, would make things much easier for Adam. She offered her Queen a grateful smile, and as they paused before the dais, she heard Adam's hastily issued, "Hi." Ashina, however, dipped into a curtsey..<broken>

ashina_kansior ..and when she arose, she gestured toward Adam and his animal friends, "Milady Kahlan...may I present to you Masou of the West Wood Forest, Ban, the bengal and their companion?" She couldn't recall Adam ever having said the bird's name, and so, it was omitted from the introductions. Then again, knowing Kahlan, she would inquire soon enough as to the name of the creature. Her favorite pasttime was to observe the birds that landed upon the ramparts of the castle and she had her own companion in a white dove. Such was the way of the world. <fixed>

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

amadeus_elistarr looked around a bit, it was the first time he had even come close to the royal house. His dark blue orbs searched the large area in fascination however, still he had not spoken to any of the other royalties. His two orbs are what had gotten him here, however, that didn't mean that he could find the High Queen so that he might speak to her, he wished to give her congradulations upon her successful wedding, which, upon his part was not all that successful, but that didn't mean he had to be rude about it. His right hand dipped into his right pocket, his black leather pants flexing to each movement as he made his way down the hall, the guards however took a more defensive role, each one giving dirty looks, but Amadeus who was so fascinated hardly cared for them in the first place. <C>

amadeus_elistarr couldn't help but look upon the beauty of the halls, his house in Menzoberranzan was nothing short of fabulous but this perhaps quintupled the amount of worth. Currency lead high within Ulster obviously, still, something that Amadeus knew nothing about. To his figuring and to his liking, he wished audience with the one who commanded above others, that fact being true, Amadeus would find his way around eventually, regardless if he must sneak into the throne room or garner a legalized audience. He was a dark-elf, what could he say? Not a whole lot compared to what his bretheren, the Bregan D'earthe had to offer, the misfit mercenary band would more then likely storm this amazing building and sieze it for their own, however, Amadeus believed that Jarlaxle and his band could achieve that.<E>

high_queen_of_ulster She smiles first to Ashina as she bows and then to Adam...having caught the greatful look that Ashina gave her...she nods to Adam as she rises slowly and just as Ashina had thought...she inquires about the bird first.."A hawk...wonderful creatures they are. Very majestic." She says as she looks at the bird from a respectful distance..."Oh..and a Bengal tiger? My my its been an awful long time since Ive seen one of those.." she says quietly before looking to Adam and holding her hand out in a very personable manner..."Kahlan Lothair O'Freiden...High Queen of Ulster. Any man that makes friends of Tigers and Hawks must be a wonderous being indeed. What are the names of the animals...If you will excuse my blatant curiosity?" She asks as she is entirely emersed in the way the animals <C>

cruel_sorceress_necra The cackling of ravens overhead echo amongst the verdant woodlands to the immediate West of the castle hovering above a lone patch of woodland bare of trees. Low cut grass and stone litter the tiny area as a figure clad in robes of purest black made its way. Several ravens perch in the branches overhead eyes glimmering with silent greed as the figure looked ahead to spy the patch. Cold eyes of crimson hue look over the different lengths of grass as if searching for a particular clump amongst them. '........' Upon finding a small blade of a deeper hue of green than the rest the figure stoops low to its knees, a gloved hand plucking it from the warm earth. Slowly it moves the blade amongst its fingers looking over every angle with the eye of an artist in search of a smear of white on a <c>

high_queen_of_ulster Look and move...she herself has eyes like a hawk only a different color. Indeed she did have a dove even though it was a bird of free flight she had nursed from egg to adulthood and let go. It frequently came back to her so that she may feed it. She had once also befriended a Falcon which she sees from time to time...her eyes dance over the animals and she looks simply ecstatic to see them..."You are all very welcome here." <E>

grand_duke_of_ulster a man enters threw the main gates of the city upon a large white warhorse, his horse wore old silver armour, with a red mat on it's back, he wore silver armour himself, his helm shiney and polished(full helm), his long blond hair stuck out from his helm.<C>

grand_duke_of_ulster: the ppl began to croud the streets as he raised his hand smileing slowly to the ppl waveing to all as he slowly passed them, shouts were heard of his name, his silver shield shone brightly as well as his silver sword, upon his back was a long steel bow, he continued to wave to the ppl as he entered the inner court the gaurds standing still as he passed then keeping the peasants at bay<C>

cruel_sorceress_necra canvas of purest black. A sneer of cruelest intent paints itself upon the figures lips as it stands exactly where it had plucked the blade of grass. Slowly a shudder of energy dances along its body confirming its suspicions. 'Yes...this is the spot I desire' hisses a female voice as the figure closes its eyes,the blade of grass held firmly in its left hand. Extending its index and pointer fingers from its right hand it begins to utter an ancient chant that causes the very stones to hiss with a strange aura.'Hexus ixio verdantes Uranos vel Gaea......' the ravens leer down at the figure fascinated by the odd energies emitted as the chant takes a bizarre effect on the ground at her feet. Sparks of red shimmer at the 4 cardinal points etching several circles of varied sizes around her <c>

cruel_sorceress_necra body. 'Velastes..Heracon....Unseelio...Talgara' The air above thunders though nary a cloud appears in the clear skies overhead. Her left hand remains at her chest pulsing wildly like a heart freshly removed from a human body. As the circles form at ther appointed spots the energy continues to scrawl along the forest floor linking them into a larger set of circles that seem to release a low wail that dances along the trees. Ravens ever vigilant remain silent as their comrades join them in the trees above. Each bird watching the flow of power increase with each passing second. At her feet are three large circles at which she stands at the center, four sub circles forming the barrier of the largest outer circle.Below the grass changes hues from green to an ever deepening shade of red <c>

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

amadeus_elistarr moved without his heels clicking along the hall-way the only slight sound made was the brush of his hair through the wind he was gaining while walking. Amadeus was a dextrious one, he hadn't a problem at all with moving in silence and he hadn't a problem at all walking on a high-wire while carrying two swords. He blinked his eyes as he walked, it was amazing, he actually had a smile upon his ebon-black lips, all he could do was remember his family house, how amazing the halls were, carved and etched out of pure stone. Spiders, so intricatly made upon the walls of the hall-ways, the constant rush of heat coming from somewhere in the city of drow, Amadeus was nearly home. Was he actually yearning to see his Matron once more? Was he actually yearning to meet his wicked sisters? <C>

adam_masou: *His eyes never left the woman. He didn't really trust her. Why would he? She was royalty, and queen of a nation that may have very well y the end of the evening end up being his enemy. She was friendly and personable, he was grateful for that... but she was also a huamna nd a politician. He could only hope that things would work out for the best. As she approached the tiger would shrink back slightly and lash its tail, even more untrusting of human outsiders than he was. He would ignore it and take her hand, eyes connecting with her, his face stoic. His eyes were a piercing color of slate gray, very perceptive and very shrewd in their judgement. Perhaps he was a harsh man, but he had his reasons. As she stuck a hand forwards so he would meet it<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> with a firm clasp. He would give her a bloody good handshake, that was for sure. No limp fish. Letting go he looked behind him at the wary tiger. "Please excuse Ban. He is not fond of humans. He was raised in a circus." It was the same short story he had given Ashina. He would not divuldge the story of a close friend to others without consent. The hawk, like the tiger, had not taken its beady eyes off of the woman standing before them. Looking back over to the companion on his shoulder he ran a finger under its beak affectionately. "This is Fuyuki." He said, his voice deep and rough but even and calm. He did not bother explaining how he met the animals, she had not asked, and they did not seem to wish to tell<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> The tiger gave a low growl, almost as though it was muttering something under its breath. He snapped his head back and mimicked the growl perfectly, without even thinking. It was a sound human vocal cords should not have been able to make. He was so used to his conversations with Ban that he did not stop to think maybe here was not the time and place to be exercising his little gifts. He was here to do a job, wasn't he? Eyes shifted again to Ashina. She was quite sympathetic to his cause, but as he had been with Tony, he wondered if perhaps there was an ulterior motive. He merely nodded in acceptance of the Queen's gracious acceptance of him, somewhat relieved that she had not been as formal as expected.<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> Shifting slightly as the tiger began to pace behind him his eyes resettled on the queen, completely fixed on her, as if she were a target or a goal or a claim he was about to stake. Something about him was not quite right. It was not simply that his social skills were lacking, but that it almost seemed a part of him was less than human. The bird reshuffled itself and cooed to him slightly in his ear and he leaned in to listen, then nodded his head. Fuyuki did not want to be here... not one bit. Why had the beast master even come here to the house of humans? Perhaps food was short, perhaps he needed their help... perhaps it was something much much worse. The bird remained quite wary, digging its claws harder into the shoulder of the beast master<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> who oddly enough did not even notice. He decided to get right down to the point. "I suppose you're wondering why someone like me would even grace your doorstep, Kahlan." He said, addressing her (gasp) by her first name. "My name is Adam Masou. I doubt you've ever heard of me, but if things keep going the way they are, regretably, we may soon be, by default, enemies." His tone was quite grave indeed, however his speech maintained its even calm. "You are in the middle of forging an alliance between yourselves and the kingdom of Lucemedia... an endeavor in which I wish you well in. However, Lucemedia has seen fit to ransack and destroy my lands, use them, hunt on them, and generally stake them as their own<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> Without my knowledge or consent. On behalf of my followers I am coming to ask of you your kindness that you do not undertake the same actions as Lucemedia and that you stay off my lands without my proper consent. I also come to warn you that if you do not show my land that respect... that I cannot necessarily control what it is my followers do." Quite odd, he would not say his people nor name the kingdom as it were, also was it odd to openly admit that a leader had no control over his subjects. Surely he was joking, or was he weaving a mystery, a puzzle of some sort?<fin>*

amadeus_elistarr didn't know the truth all he could do was remember. His eyes locked down upon the floor, in truth he didn't honestly care, he was merely remembering his past. It was indeed truthful that still Amadeus didn't know anyone, he hadn't even been introduced he only put two and two together to get four, but yet, for some strange reason he still couldn't figure out, why if he was invited to the kingdom, still, no one had even bothered speaking with him. With that he shrugged his shoulders after he walked, trying to find some type of rythem within his step so that he might sing or perhaps hum to to it, finally, he did. "Da, da, da, daa, da da dada, da da, da, da, da da, da......" Finally his eyes equip upon the door he looked for, large doors, of course guards in his way. "Damn it....." <E>

cruel_sorceress_necra as if the land itself were bleeding as her magics work themselves. She bothers not to cast her eyes skyward as she turns about quickly sending several metallic horns enscribed with runes into the ground at her feet, each one turning black upon contact as the points sink themselves into the tender earth like fangs. Fixing her right hand like a talon she cackles as a sphere of purest black forms within her palm. 'Here me oh ye who wander betwixt the light and shadow..those whom legend hath cruelly cast aside to obscurity' she turns her palm up the sphere hissing blue as the ravens extend their throats in a cacophony of noise that send most of the forest denizens to flight.' Heed mine words and rally about my beacon...your legend awaits you, come and taste of immortality divine!' A <c>

ashina_kansior ...orbs warily watched for the Queen's reaction. While Ashina understood diplomacy and the possible insult that Adam had offered to Kahlan by using her first name, she also understood that he would have possibly missed that error. The entire matter stood upon Kahlan's reaction, however, there were more intricate designs at work here. By rights of rule, Kahlan could not allow such a slight slip to go unchecked in front of peers of the realm, and at the same time, Ashina was more than just a peer and the only one present. Perhaps she should have taken a moment or two to explain diplomacy to Adam before they crossed the threshold into the kingdom, but, alas, such afterthoughts were too late to put into play. She sighed softly, knowing that her opinion on the matter would..<broken>

ashina_kansior ...be appreciated, even if it wasn't needed. However, she held her peace for the moment, wanting to understand the interaction between the two first. She noticed that Adam pointedly did not mention that he was the ruler of a forest full of animals and she wondered why he would intentionally withhold that information. She, in turn, immediately became supsicious of Adam again. Why would he admit something like that to her and not to her Queen. Despite her suspicions however, Ashina moved to stand to Adam's right, displaying her support of him even as she kept a distance from the animals. She knew, in some part of her, that while in the confines of this strange castle, they wouldn't be as nice as they had been when in the village district of Lucemedia. She nodded to Kahlan..<broken>

cruel_sorceress_necra flash of red encompasses the sky turning it from brightest blue to a bloody red that cascades along the horizion. The sphere itself held high as the runes within the barriers of the circles solidify releasing a bizzare magnetism to the lower classes of Fae which populate this realm. The runes of Earth, Fire,Wind and Water shine bright at their respective circles as at her feet two formations manifest. The first a hexagram which draws upon the dormant magical energies beneath the surface of the forest, the point closest to one of the Ley lines themselves, an inverted pentagram at its heart that crackles black with dark magic. From across the hills and rolling valleys come the spirits of the unknown, howling like a frigid wind that wafts towards the very beacon held within her hand. <c>

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

ashina_kansior ...making it a point to show her choice in the matter just in case her stand beside Adam had not been enough. Her lips twitched slightly in agitation, not hinting at a jovial moment, but rather, a nervous twitch that Ashina had developed over the years. While she knew that Kahlan always made wise and fair choices, she was also afraid that a compromise would not be able to be reached. Therefore, she stood waiting on pins and needles for what would come next. <fixed>

high_queen_of_ulster For a darkness to fall upon her features would be a bad thing...however she seems to let the insult of a stranger using her first name outright roll right off her back...she the better person for it..and obviously far more skilled at the art of lacing together an impromtu meeting such as this. "Your animals are absolutely fretting in here...let us take this outside.." she says and promptly turns her back on him...obviously less than afraid of him...absolutely passive in fact as to the threat he could give her on her own turf. She walks to a nearby door that leads outside and walks outside...looking for all the world a simple traveler...reaching up she unties her hair and lets it fall in waves down her back in loose curls and gentle sloping waves...accented now by the moon that <C>

grand_duke_of_ulster he looked to the queen as she passed the door heading to outside, he sat upon his horse still watching the others come out, soon he would follow, once all were passed he had grabbed himself a lance watching letting it rest upon his shoulder

high_queen_of_ulster Shines down upon her...an attendant holds the door open as she takes a seat on a railing...fascinated suddenly by something in the sky...she has a way with people...she can make someone feel as if they were the most important thing on the face of this earth...or likewise humble them into a state to which she may converse naturally to them...At this time she was doing neither. She didnt want this man in awe of her though she did demand respect. He was wanting peace from her for his land and this way wasnt the way to go about it...but her silent retreat and the turning of her back upon him makes the demand evident...balanced on the railing of the outside veranda she again sets her gaze on Adam..."I would never sack a town or village on the whim of an ally. I am my own person and <C>

high_queen_of_ulster Ulster is its own Kingdom. Surely you could think better of me for such things? Do I look like a vicious person to you?" In reality if she had the express need to be...she could indeed be vicious. "I am no more or less than who I am. I welcome peace with your nation and avidly accept your terms. If you accept mine." Ah the catch. Yes the catch. "You will not disrespect me in my own home in front of my people. You look to have less than amiable social skills so I will tell you this. You came to me to for a vow of peace for your land. You are under my terms and my laws as soon as you step foot into my Kingdom, much less Emain Macha. At least give me the respect that is due to me. You and your animals are free to roam where they please as long as the tiger doesnt have it in <C>

high_queen_of_ulster Mind to eat a human subject of mine. Which I am sure is not in its mind." Her gaze once again turns to the skies as if looking for something in particular. "And if you do not accept my terms I will still vow not to harm your land or the creatures within." She kept her little secret of knowing he must be in fact a very important person there, and the way he spoke to the Tiger means that he has a skill most do not and is in fact very rare. He is either the ruler of the said nation or someone very important indeed and the subjects had to be animal in nature or at least in some fashion. He had guts...all good components to make a leader

cruel_sorceress_necra With hand held high the lower spirits of the realm rally into the sphere causing it to pulse with their combined energies her will doing all within its power to contain it.' Heed my will, yield unto my designs....'Slowly she begins to close her hand over the sphere compressing it. Slowly but surely it begins to shrink in size, the last of the lower beings entering within the mystical confines of the spell as she closes it into her fist. Her muscles tremble ever so in the attempt to complete this ritual.'....Exodius...Verasa....Ikrion....' With a grunt she lowers herself slowly forcing the compressed sphere into the very heart of the summoning spell itself the arcane forces trapped within howling like starved wolves setting the assembled ravens into a frenzy overhead. She rises once <c>