A Forced Migration...

[Vagrant MK: Juntu]

...Starthra in itself seemed to be falling to shreds. All Juntu ever saw of the other knights...well, the only other one was Boma. Knowing that there were threats coming, they could not hold up against such a battle. While he may be able to take two or three of them out, he would eventually perish...and the people would simply be massacred. The only wise decision was to migrate the people out of Starthra and head to another country where they might hide long enough for Juntu to form a plan...if anything, he wanted to get a small portion of land and call it, "Starthra Minor" and try to rebuild what he could.

The long ~long~ line of civilians from the lands of the MK now came flooding towards the capital of Ulster. Juntu was walking at the head of it and began to order the few guards he could bring with him to set up camp and rest for now while he went inside to speak with the queen. Neither of them had met eachother...and he wasn't sure just wha tkind of a person she was, atleast aside from the rumors, but he had to try something. There weren't many other places he could truly run off to and hide these people at.

Standing down..infront of the gates...with dust covering his armor and face from walking so far, he called to the guards, "I am Juntu, a Mystic Knight of Starthra...I need to have a conference with your queen, if at all possible."

[Kahlan Lothair]

One of the wall guards leans over the battlements and quirks a brow. He had heard that the Queen attracted interesting attention, but he had not been on the job long enough (obviously) to see the extent of that attraction. Resting the butt of his spear in a crack between stones the tanned man, obviously the captain of the guard, calls down to the man blanketed in dust.

"We'll send up a message and her majesty will decide whether or not to see you." Turning his head aside the man whispers something to another guard nearby and like wildfire the chain grows in the most unusual fashion: it sounded as if an entire orchard of doves had nested nearby. "Excuse me a moment Sir." The dirty blonde haired man murmurs before turning away and disappearing from view of the weary man and his village following.

After the dove call dies down there is an interlude of near to perfect quiet before the call is answered with the cry of a hawk. Another moment passes before the captain of the guard passes through the open gates with his spear point piercing the earth. "Her majesty will see you personally, come." Motioning with his large work worn hand the man turns to lead him up to the castle at the back of the city. "By the by, Lord, my name is Captain Aidan. We should hurry as the Queen is a busy woman."

With the efficiency of a seasoned warrior Aidan turned on his heels and passed under the open archway. As he slipped through a few guards joined him in a fashion that was obviously practiced religiously, or used regularly, however it was an entourage fit for royalty and it stood waiting for Juntu on the other side of the portal into Emain Macha.

[Vagrant MK: Juntu]

All through Starthra, calls were being sent out...whether or not the civilians actually leave their homes and ride off towards Ulster is their own decision, Juntu took care of the Mystic Knights, which is all he was commisioned to do...even though he still told some guards to stay behind and warn others of the impending threat. The line of people leading back towards the lands of STarthra was rather staggering...it was almost impossible for Juntu to even fathom protecting them all. If some raiders went through and randomly attacked them, well, many would die before he even would have the chance to get there...or for that matter, even be told of what was going on.

All of the commotion up above him struck him as rather odd...all of the bird noises left this small town man at a loss. But after the answer was 'yes' to letting him in, he started along the path with Captain Aidan, "Thank you...and I will certainly try and keep this as short as I can...but there is still quite a bit I have to tell." The two of them continued to walk towards the castle itself while his mind was filled with hundreds of worries. The smallest idea was whether or not to tell this captain his name, and it rarely even crossed hsi mind except until they reached the gate of the castle itself, "Oh! My name is Juntu of Starthra, if you needed that information when we get to her..." while it felt rather unformal, it was all he could think of to say. Leading away a long line of civilians and thinking about who would actually give them food began to wear on his mind.

While his own barriers were diminishing, he was rather sure...that Joshua would probably label him a traitor...but...he had to do this. The two would continue on until of course, they would reach wherever she is...and...since I don't know where that is, you can respond to it and have Aidan introduce Juntu >.>

[Willow]

The flocking citizens of Starthra reached Ulster on a chilly spring day. Willow was wide-eyed with the sight of these handful of immigrants. What was their reason? The first thought was that they were coming to pay homage to her mother, queen Kahlan. However, from the sight of worn faces and bodies, there was something beside them than the casual trip to a neighboring country. With a barking tone, she had her nursemaid on a hastened pace to have her dressed and prepared for the arrival of these individuals. “Amelia, what are all of these people doing in my mama’s city?” Willow murmured with a chuckle, amused at the sight of her nanny attempting to place a blue brocade gown over her. It was a nasty business. Amelia helped lace the obnoxious bodice. The young princess felt weighted under such silken garments. To their surprise, the fit was a perfect one. Willow watched the newcomers from the window, with a deep and disturbing interest. Her eyes were alit with a heated curiosity and the tone she shared was not exactly filled with welcome for the exhausted travelers. “They don’t look much different from any other. Are we really going to let the filthy ones in? Do they really need our shelter?” With her fitting complete, the garment had soft linen pleating about its low square neckline, a tightly fitted bodice, low tight sleeves with an embroidered cuff, and a matching embroidered hanging girdle. Amelia fondled and ruffled the skirts into place and replied softly, her own exhaustion obvious in her speech. “My love, you know that your mother opens her doors to any being in need. That has always been her way. Should they not pose a threat and they do not, please try to be gracious. You do not want to cause a spat in front of your mother. Do you Aria?” Willow’s eyes spoiled into hardened looks and what looked like a tempter tantrum brewing, forced only a glacial tone. “You know I do not let my servingwoman call me by my pet name.” She stuck a gloved hand towards Amelia and with mocked grace, demanded assistance. “Take me to my mother. I want to see the travelers. Maybe they have performers.”

[Kahlan Lothair]

Where Willow was elegantly attired suited to her station, Kahlan had been interrupted during fighter practice with a group of soldiers. Clad in a black sleeveless corset and a pair of tight black breeches, the lithe young woman looks more lupine than ever with her strong body partnered with delicate features and an uncanny elegance. There could be no doubt in anyone's mind as to who the fiery blonde could be.

The call that roused her from her practice was one that intrigued her immensely. The code told her of a great number of people, obvious refugees, camping outside her captial. Resting a shoulder against the stone of the fireplace, Kahlan watched as red hot embers rolled lethargically over the hearth. Having not expected to have any visitation at this time of day Kahlan ponders changing before the entourage arrives, but she knew she couldnt possibly make it in time. So, standing like a blackend wraith by the fireplace, the Queen studies the flames of the fire licking the stone work like an lover sharing intimate secrets.

Reaching up to finger the Ulsterian medallion about her neck, Kahlan glances to the door periodically at the sound of footfalls echoing down the corridor. As it was she was standing at the far end of the Great Hall where her Throne sat but a few yards away. Tangling her fingers in the fine hair at the end of her braid, now falling apart from the rigourous fighting, Kahlan continues to eye the flames with an almost aloof demenor. The sound of numerous footfalls was the only event that dragged her from long distant reveries.

With her body propped against the stonework, Kahlan's face was turned in just such a way that she was not looking directly at the door as Aidan passed through with Juntu flanked by a few other guards. All of the guards salute Kahlan with a fist over their hearts before exiting in routine fashion, leaving only Aidan behind.

Marching resolutely toward Kahlan, Aidan stops a respective distance away and bows from the waist before Kahlan glances to him. The questioning look in the woman's eyes causes the man to begin his dialogue. "I bring to you Lord Juntu of Starthra, My Lady Queen." Bowing his head in deference, Kahlan nods and glances from Aidan to Juntu and gives the man a nod as well before reaching out and clasping forearms with Aidan.

"Thank you Aidan." Giving another soldier's salute to Kahlan, Aidan is then dismissed leaving Juntu and Kahlan alone for the time being. "So, Lord Juntu, you are from Starthra? Why do you bring so many people into Ulster?" Raising a slender brow Kahlan's beautiful blue green eyes are piercing at best and devistatingly surreal at the worst. Wandering over to her Throne, Kahlan takes a seat in the high backed, richly carved wooden chair. A few spare whisps of fiery blonde hair trickle down out of their bindings and brush against the delicate face of the High Queen as she gazes questioningly toward Juntu.

[Willow]

To Willow, guards are mere ornaments that need to be ‘adjusted’ once in awhile. They salute her as part of their basic routine, while she is led in tow by her watchful nanny. The men regard the princess as their next priority and quickly see to the people of Starthra when they notice the nanny by her side. Amelia bow’s to the queen. Willow watched her mother with careful eyes. In all honesty, she had come for the gossip and goodies that these strangers might bring. Sometimes, traveler’s presented royalty with gifts as a sign of peace and respect. The child’s nature mocks the inquisitive vulture. She curtsied before her own mother, letting the others know that she knew this woman’s rank. The child was not at all ignorant in the ways of the court. Approaching the throne, she sits her rump on a similar chair, although it is far plainer than the queen’s throne. It only has a simple backing with inlaid jewels that give off a deep russet color. Where she would rest her forearms, they only dip with an elegant curve, ending in a tight swirl. The chair is seated on the queen’s right, indicating the status of the child. Her eyes are much colder and less appreciative of this man’s kind nature. She knows not to interrupt her mother and she will not show a sign of respect until she is given details of who this man is before them. It is apparent that he has some status, for he came to speak for the people as his own. The outfit he adorns looks to be ornamental, although it could pass for war armor. Willow smirks some. How it amused her to see others on their knees. She spoke kind words to please her mother’s ears. “I welcome you, Lord Juntu. I hope that your people find solace in our hearth.”

[Vagrant MK: Juntu]

This entire ordeal had taken its own tole on this man...who now stood with his entire body wavering to the left and right...having been pulling guard duty every night since they left as well as leading the entire column towards Ulster...he was near his end. Tonight he would have to get some sleep or he would simply collapse from exhaustion. Shifting his right forearm, he tucks it beneath his chest and bows respectfully to her. Keeping his torso down, he speaks to her, "My Queen...I come and ask a great favor of you. I do not expect it to be fofilled...but, let me first tell you of our situation...m...may I...have a place to sit?" Though while he was expecting her to say yes, he stood up straight, and turned to basically collapse into one beside him.

Panting for a moment, his left palm was pressed firmly against his forehead with his elbow against the arm of the chair, "F-forgive me...I haven't had sleep in some time. And you certainly are a cute one," he says referring to Willow, "I thank you for your hospitality. My full name is Juntu Gonshunxi, a Mysic Knight. I received word...that an army was on the verge of marching on Starthra. Knowing that there weren't many knights left who were actually around, I had no choice. Even knowing that I might be labelled a traitor, I lead all of the civilians out...every last one I could get from the Mysic Knight's lands out and lead them here. Within Starthra, Lord Mooreworld agreed to remain...and fight as long as he could to buy me some time. There are still, more than likely, civilians who are trying to get out of Starthra and escape their deaths. That...is the reason why I'm here."

"Now, to bring forth my request..." slowly raising his head and dropping his arms onto the chair once more, he takes in a deep breath and tries to keep himself steady, "...I request...a small portion of land for these people to live in. I have to rebuild Starthra...all I ask is just a small plot where I can build houses, and let these people start their lives again. They have come all this way...and if you will not give me land, atleast let them rest while I go to other countries to ask the same question. Please...let them have a home again." Trying his best not to place guilt on her, he ended his little speach and allowed her to respond.

[Kahlan Lothair]

Kahlan offered a smile to her daughter as she assumed the position in a chair next to her own. Reaching a hand out momentarily to touch Willow's hand, Kahlan offered the girl a smile for her effort to remain civil toward the exhausted man. The quiet Queen then turned her raptor's gaze back to Juntu listening to what the man has to say, not entirely minding that he has found himself a seat.

When the report was over Kahlan leaned to the side closest to her daughter and crossed her legs, her thought entirely consumed by contemplation. "Starthra you say Lord Juntu? If I do remember correctly, my lord, Starthra denied Ulster an alliance and wished to absorb us several years ago." Breaking her observation of a high window, Kahlan seemed to look straight through Juntu with her piercing (now) blue grey eyes. "You have brought many citizens with you to trample the hills before my Capitol. You ask me for a favor that not even the most dedicated of Allies would ask in your same position. Above all else you wish to claim it Starthran Territory, within mine own territory." Slowly Kahlan slid out of her chair and like the sleek, dangerous, unpredictable warrioress she was fabled to be, she moved to stand near to Juntu. "Tell me, Lord Juntu, what evidence do I have that Starthra would have done the same for me? Including the deal of land?"

The faint aroma of roses hung in the air between the two nobles before Kahlan turned her back on Juntu. "I will conceed to this on several conditions." Flicking her hand around in a myriad of gestures, Kahlan begins to tell him her ultimatums. "The land that you will be given is Ulsterian worked and has had Ulsterian blood spilled upon it. You will not have to rebuild for the city is already built. There are adequate farming lands and a viable water source. This land, however, is near a sacred and ancient site dear to the Ulsterians. My first ultimatum is that you and yours do not cross these boundaries unless given express permission. You are not to build there even should you be given permission to enter." Kahlan then turned to glance back at Juntu in his infinate weariness before continuing. "No leader, in their right state of mind, would ever ceed a plot of land to another nation. No matter how small, how trivial, or how desperate the plight. The land and city that you will share alongside Ulsterians is rightfully our own. Even should you have been given a clean plot of land I would ask this of you. Whatever civilization you may procure from your time here it will be in the name of Ulster while you are on our soil. It will be our armies that protect you, our lives that console you, and our food that feeds you. It is only fair is it not?"

Before Juntu would be able to argue his point Kahlan lifted a hand to halt whatever speech may ensue. "You may keep your loyalty to Starthra, I only ask that while you remain on my soil you abide by my rules. I will not have Starthra reborn within my own Kingdom. You will be viewed as Starthran citizens within Ulsterian territory and likewise treated as one of our own while you are here." Grazing a few fingers across her cheek to push aside a few stray whisps of hair, Kahlan watched Juntu's demenor. "It is only fair as far as the rules of engagement are concerned. Indeed, were we allies I would be obliged to do no more than I have done. I have given you the benefit of doubt as Starthrans, where the Starthran nation denied Ulster." Walking back up the dais to her throne, Kahlan seated herself next to her daughter and glanced in her direction to see if she was making note.

"And this, Lord Juntu, is my daughter Willow." Reclining to sit in half shadow half firelight, Kahlan's movement is one that would leave Juntu a window of opprotunity to speak his mind on the matter. Yet before giving away the floor Kahlan speaks once again, her face almost intangible in the curious shadow and light display. "You, Lord Juntu, will be granted permission with any of your officials to stay in this Castle until the land can be prepped for your arrival. Until that time we can discuss the land in which you will be relocated. The civilians will be given leave to camp outside the city walls in the field just east of here. A detachment of Ulsterian soldiers will be given leave to watch over them during the duration of their stay so close to Emain Macha. Also, the Market will be open tomorrow morning for any other needs your people may find."

Emain Macha was a port town and richly affluent with trade coming from all corners of the known world mingled with trade merchants from such allies as Xexoria, Zalion, and Dozkeye. Tomorrow would be one of the larger Market days in the Ulsterian calendar month with enough business to suit the sudden influx of hungry mouths and fearful hands.

[Vagrant MK: Juntu]

Hearing the terms...and the rather saddening reference to the alliance, he himself did oppose the decision of which was made by Drythar. Though, he kept his composure and did not interrupt her words. Especially since she was right on all accounts. However...one small thing could not go, "My Lady...I do not wish to be protected..." sliding his left hand down from his head, he placed it onto the arm of the chair and stood up with a shaky posture, "...your troops need not defend us. If...if at all possible I want to pay you a tribute until I have paid for the land that you have worked hard for. Please, I...I may not be very good at negotiations...but I simply handed over every last drop of my land without a fight and now I have to swallow what pride I have left again I...I'm not so sure I can do this."

Gulping hard and trying to stiffen his resolve, his fists clentch tightly, simply to make sure that he himself stays strong, "Grant me a piece of land in the farthest direction that faces Dozkeye...I will pay a regular tribute of 75% of all income I get...and 50% of the surplus food I make from farming will be sent to the capital. With all the footprints left, it will be hard for those invading Starthra to know exactly where we went...since there were atleast twenty paths taken...and I know that it was only attacked for the lands."

" As...as to your statement...about, "Would Starthra do this for Ulster". The answer is yes. During that time when the Prince made his decision about having no alliances with neighboring countries, he did so because we had nearly twenty people who were calling for us to help them in their pointless wars over and over. Because of this, he said no alliances. This does not mean, "We will not help those around us." This entire speach was starting to wear on Juntu as he coughed softly and tried to remain standing without falling over, "My request is massive...and I do have gold from the treasury of the Mystic Knights...of which I can give you a number you request..." this in itself would probably get him lashes but he didn't care. The people simply...were the only thing on his mind, "Please grant me a piece of land I can purchase from you, a loan, perhaps. Anything, great Queen, I know your men have died but so have our's...and it is being handed over to people who have no right nor the purpose to claim it! They simply want it as a wedding dowry for their queen's soon to be husband!!! If I cannot purchase land from you...then I appologize for trampelling your land and I would request two days to rest the people before I move out once more. But...but that is the only thing I can do." When you're out of sleep, flustered, angry at yourself, angry at your attackers, angry that you cannot get your words right, your entire mind floods with a thousand thoughts at once and it is hard to think straight...or think at all for that matter. Juntu was on the verge of getting water to build up in his eyes and tried with everything in his might to not do so, "I have no right to ask this. Though, those who have strength have a responsibility...to those who have little."

[Willow]

“Ulster does not care about your exhaustion. We are all exhausted these days.” She moved from her throne, elegance pronounced in easy steps. She bowed from the waste in front of the queen. “Mother, if I may speak, it is not everyday you see a person of his status begging for sanctuary. He has nothing to lose. Lord Junto’s people will never gain solid footing here.” Willow placed a comforting hand upon his arm as she said these words, “if he attempts, which is doubtful with his small army, we can easily bring them down.” She had been taking notes indeed. Willow had been carefully observing her mother’s tone and use of words. Speech was an art all on its own. The queen had it well crafted and the young princess envied such talent. Willow observed that her mother kept complete composure, but Willow was sure some spurt of anger had risen between words. She put this speech to practice with a hint of arrogance. The child thought to herself: What threat was this man? He can barely speak his mind, let alone control an entire people. It was rare that any being gained the favor of the princess. She was a hard beast all on her own. With a jagged edge, the young princess was unpredictable, except in the eyes of her mother.

[Vagrant MK: Juntu]

The little girl was right on basically all accounts. While for now, all he wanted to do was have something to start with, he did not intend to ever attack ulster for land, nor try and purchase any additional from them. If he ever did make an army, he would attack small regions surrounding himself in other directions to be able to increase his land mass itself...but never had the notion of attacking Ulster.

Slowly, he shifted his feet back and dropped his weight back onto the chair, "Hahah...she certainly is a bright one...you're very lucky to have a daughter like that." Taking in one long, deep breath...he felt like he could faint right then and there, but for now he made sure that he would remain concious until he got some food...then he could pass out on a bed for as long as he wanted. Oh, a bed. The notion of it simply seemed foreign to him righ tnow...but he wanted to sleep on a nice mattress so badly.

[Kahlan Lothair]

Resting an elbow on the arm of her chair, Kahlan tangled her fingers in her hair as she watched the goingson between Juntu and Willow. Amused by her daughter's seeming interest in the desperate Juntu, Kahlan lifts her head at the end of both their arguements and niceties. Once her hand is removed from her hair, the mass is irreversably maimed from its already desparately held together state of being. Understanding this to be so, Kahlan reaches about and yanks the leather thong holding her mass of loosely curled brillaintly colored hair back. Shaking the curls free Kahlan leans forward and stands once again oozing grace from every pore, "You have won the good graces of my daughter. You have no clue, Lord Juntu, how hard it usually is to win her over."

Glancing down to her daughter, Kahlan wraps a slender but strength filled arm about the shoulders of her daughter, hugging the girl to her waist and thigh. "Aye, I am very proud of my young girl. She has always been a bright child." Smiling down to her daughter, Kahlan displays just how precious the child is to her by leaning down and kissing the girl on her forehead between the eyes. It was an open act of motherly love in front of a complete stranger in her court. It was obvious that Kahlan feared nothing from Juntu whether presently or in the future. The very feeling was reflected in her demenor, and clothed in fighting garb it was hard to see her other than cold, heartless, the wolf. Yet, wolves ran in packs--and this wolf wouldnt allow another a step above her.

"You will rest here for two weeks. Not two days. Moving those people again will kill the majority of them. You are in no position to offer me homage at this juncture, so the soldiers will stay around the perimeter of your encampment should maurauders think you easy pickings. You and yours will be safe during your stay. Now as fatigued as you are you will do well to eat and stay the night in a room here. Send a messenger to get your most trusted associates and they will also be housed under my roof. You will not make the return journey to your people, unless you mean to lay unconcious in my streets."

Beckoning a guard near to her, Kahlan instructs the young lad to aid Juntu to the Kitchen where he might get some nourishment. In the mean time, while the boy begins his job of walking staff and guide, Kahlan quietly converses with Jorgen. "Have a room ready with the bed warmed and turned down. This gentleman will be lucky if he makes it past the door, so give him aide where he may need it." When Jorgen nods his understanding Kahlan continues, " Also, he may have a list of trusted officials he would like to have near to him when he awakens. Should he utter the list, have the rooms about him filled with those officials." Jorgen again nods his consent to his Queen's wish and Kahlan smiles and hugs the man offering him her thanks. Aglow with pride, the older man hurries off to his task.

"Willow, my heart." Kahlan turns to hold a hand out to her daughter once everyone has left. A smile graces the delicate Queen's lips as she waits for Willow to come to her. "Aria, the one thing we must never do is underestimate the power of an adversary. Should this man be given land or even should he purchase it from me, he would be a potential threat. I do not say this out of spite, my pet." Kahlan runs her hand over her daughter's hair before smiling down to her, "I say it out of memory's unkind reminders. Ulster is a big land, but a human's word cannot always be trusted to remain true through his long years." Leaving that subject alone Kahlan leans down and kisses her daughter's forehead once again. "Let us retire my dear. Mum has not slept well in the last few nights."

[Vagrant MK: Juntu]

Something that slowly began to be a regular thing around Juntu, he sighed once more, "Thank you for your hospitality...however...I cannot stay and be your guest. These people need a home. While they rest here, I have to find somewhere that they can live...maybe something that won't even be owned by a country." The man almost collapsed simply from standing earlier, what made him think he could actually ride somewhere and find some land? So many doubts now riddled his mind.

As he pulled up his right arm and clutched hsi fist, then slammed it against the left side of his chest. Since he was unsure of how they saluted here, he simply saluted the way he saw fit and then bowed slightly at his waist, "Unless you have need of me, I will take my leave, my queen."

Still standing in a saluting position, he tried to hold it up as longas he could, but couldn't deny that he needed a good rest more than anything right now, "Then again...who am I to deny a queen." Stumbling back, he fell again into his chair and nearly passed out at doing so. From there, fo course, they would assist him to a room and he would become the little guest. Oh how he hated having to be taken care of...especially since he still had the burden of finding them a place to permanently live.