3 weeks. That's how long it had been since Brissa was allowed outside. 3 long and rather boring weeks, Brissa was kept inside. Told she needed to stay in the safety of the castle. And it was driving her insane. "He's getting paranoid agian.." She offten told the guard that was stationed outside of her bedroom door. On more then one occasion she'd gotten into screaming matches with her Uncle, telling him she needed to be let out and he needed to stop being so protective. She was 20 years old after all, and she had been trained well. She may not be a master fighter, like most in her Uncle Alatar's army, but she knew how to take care of herself, should the need arise. Her uncle and Zain both made sure of that.

Letting out a annoyed sigh, Brissa moved away from the window she was standing near, flopping back onto her bed. Her hand reached out, gripping at a very old, ripped little doll that always remained by her side. She pulled the doll into her arms, hugging it close. "Maybe if I beg enough he'll let me at least go to the gardens...What do you think, dolly?" She looked down at the doll, letting a smile slip over her lips. Now...Lets just see when Uncle will come back.. She thought to herself, a soft yawn leaving her lips.

Lord Alatar

Lord Alatar sat straight in the saddle of his horse and looked around the town that lay outside his castle. He rather enjoyed riding and taking a look at all the buildings, the people.. his people. This was the peace he had worked so hard for and had killed so many for. This land was his, and despite the little rebels that thought otherwise it was true.

Behind him rode a column of 10 Blackgaurd. He found he rarely needed more, and doubted he needed that many of the elite guard. They were truly a ferocious group and all of them would die for him in a heartbeat. He remembered watching them on the battlefield gripping their halberds as only a hundred tore through the rebels center. Unparallelled warriors one and all. Many people visibly shivered at the sight of the black armor for they were his silent fist. He loved it all, this was how to keep peace. Although the peasants may not understand, it was the only way.. the best way.

He had been riding for long enough, and determined it was time to return to his throne and deal with leading the country. Pulling on the reins he spurred the horse back down the main street for the gates of the castle.

Kbarne

The armored man paced back and forth across the floor of the great throne room, his boots clanking with every step. He never liked when the lord went into the town as he was better protected here. 10 men at all times accompanied him with 50 others patrolling the castle. His men were broken in half, one half had the day shift, the other the night shift. Other guards patrolled the castle as well, although the keep itself was guarded by the Blackgaurd and the outside by common soldiers.

Soldiers were easily corrupted and so had to be watched. The sounds of the great hall doors being pushed open, caused him to turn his head and lay his hand on the hilt of his sword. It was his own men, Lord Alatars personal 10 guards. The man himself rushed past him as Kharne bowed his head. He wasted no time sitting himself in the throne and surveying his hall. The guard closed the door and flanked the hall 5 on both sides. Kharne himself slowly lifted his head and took his place standing at the base of Alatars thrones, watching with suspicion as the people came in to kneel and speak to Lord Alatar about taxes, problems, rebels, and other matters of state.

Kenji was perched on a cliff overlooking Alatar's castle. He had been there for quite some time now. There was an official that had been leaking information to Alatar about the rebellion, which ended in the last rebel camp being destroyed by the blackguard. They had lost a lot of decent men, but they'd recover. The Commander, unfortunately, was away on personal business, leaving Kenji in charge of the rebellion until his return. He didn't like making the big decisions, but still, he had a few ideas that could work to the rebellion's advantage. First though, I need to take out..Ah, there he is. Kenji spied his target riding at a decent rate down towards the castle gates. It would still be another few minutes before he would be inside the walls, so Kenji paced himself. He had to make this look like an accident. After some thinking, he jumped onto his horse and darted off down a steep path that connected to the castle's main road. When he was headed straight for the official, Kenji leaped off his horse, as if he fell, and rolled onto the dirt. The nobleman caught sight of this, and decided to help the unfortunate traveler.

He hopped off his horse and helped Kenji to his feet, asking if he was alright. "I'm fine. Thank you kind sir for helping me, but I'm afraid you're life has come to an end." The nobleman was beginning to speak, but was stopped as Kenji wrapped his arm around the man's neck, strangling him to death. Once he made sure the official was dead, he placed him back on his horse and positioned him so he wouldn't fall. He jumped onto the horse, and rode the dead nobleman to the front of the gate where he was greeted by a guard. "Halt! State your business travelers." Without speaking, Kenji leaped off the horse and onto the soldier, digging one of his knives into the guard's chest. He then stabbed the already dead official in the chest as well, and laid him down next to the guard. He wiped the soldier's weapon with the official's blood, making it appear that the two got into a fight and ended up killing each other. "It's not the est idea. But it'll work." Kenji whistled for his horse and jumped into the saddle, riding off back up the path he had come down, and was soon out of sight.

Brissa relaxed through most of the day, knowing her Uncle was tending to whatever duties he had too. By the time the sun began to set, she grew rather bored though. Well...Now's as good a time as any I suppose. She thought to herself, while grabbing her thin black cloak. She drapped it across her shoulders pulling the black hood up to cover her head, before throwing open the door to her room. "I'm going to see my Uncle, don't try to stop me." She stated to the guard standing watch, just as he was about to argue with her. He however, fell silent when she just walked past him. "Stay there, I'll be back later." She called over her shoulder, a slight smirk on her lips.

Quickly rushing down the stair case, she walked down a few of the hallways before reaching the throne room she knew her Uncle resided in. She pushed the hood of her cloak off her head, raising her hand to knock once on the large wooden door. "Uncle Alatar? Are you busy?" Brissa questioned allowed, hoping her Uncle could hear her.

Lord Alatar

"I see." He said leaning forward on his throne. Yet another noble wanting something or another, this one in particular wished for more money to build some sort of brothel, most likely to tax the revenues and get some more money from it, and while he understood the reason behind it, he failed to see how it was his duty to loan this man money for this endeavor "I will not be lending you money, begone." The man grew infuriated and stepped forward, but at the sight of Kharne laying his hand on the hilt of his sword the noble stopped.

He gave a stomp before walking away, two of the Blackguards pushed open the large wooden doors to allow the noble out, but also it was surprising to find Brissa waiting on the other end. The Blackguards showed no emotion as they held the door open for the girl to enter. Lord Alatar stood happy to have company that wasnt people merely wishing to ask him for things "Brissa!" He exclaimed "What brings you here to see me?"

Brissa waited patiently for the doors to be opened, her gaze shifting to look out the window. The sun was just setting beow the mountains that surrounded her uncle's kingdom, making the sky look like it was on fire almost. Brissa, so lost in her thoughts was starteled when the doors to the throne room were thrown open, a man walking out looking rather angry. 'Hm...Uncle must not have given him what he wished for..' Brissa mused to herself, her gaze following the man as he left. "Brissa!" She was brought back from her thoughts, by the sound of her Uncle's happy voice. "What brings you here to see me?" She smiled quickly walking towards him, ignoring the Blackguards that were around the room. She'd gotten quite used to the quiet soilders. "Just bored and wanted to see what you were doing, Uncle." Brissa replied as she stopped infront of him.

Lord Alatar

He nodded to her explanation, although not really believing it. She probably had some reason to be here, but that was fine it was nice to see her none the less. He was still standing at the base of his throne, and the great hall was almost void except for him, her, and the guards. He was expecting a few more minor nobles to come, but it was strange perhaps one was late.

A Blackguard came jogging into the throne room, his armor making a soft clanking sound every step as the guard moved over to Kharne leaning forward and whispering in his ear. Kharne nodded at the information passed, and the guard ran back out of the room. Alatar glanced over "What was that about?" Before giving Kharne time to respond he looked back at Brissa "Well girl, are you going to give me a hug, or are we just going to stand here forever?" He said spreading his arms out.

Kenji had ridden to the city of Algar, but never went in through the main gate. He knew the rebels weren't welcomed here, but that didn't stop them from building their base here. At least, one of their bases. After the last mishap, the rebellion couldn't take any chances of a repeat, and have since built several more headquarters that are scattered across the lands. Kenji handed his horse over to the stableman and walked to the back of the city's outer wall, where no one really ever went. He lifted a rock positioned against the bottom of the wall, which triggered a hatch to open up in the ground. Kenji climbed down a ladder and once he had reached the end of it, he pulled a lever that caused the hatch above him to slide back closed. After some walking and going through another two safety precautions, he walked into a domed room. Several people were scurrying around, either going out, or trying to gather the latest news on Alatar's kingdom. He walked over to one specific person though.

She was a little older than Kenji, and was leafing through a book. "I'm back Jenn." The girl looked up from her book, a smile on her face. You took your sweet time Kenji. I'm guessing you found the official I told you about? He nodded and flopped down into a chair, kicking his feet up onto a nearby table. "He's dead, along with one of Alatar's guards. It looks like the two killed each other, but it won't take them long to figure out it was us." Well then, let's hope we can at least buy a little time to start up our next plan. "I'm hoping, don't worry about that.."

Brissa smiled up at her uncle, she knew he didn't believe her explanation but also knew it wouldn't matter much. She normally got what she wanted. Just as she was about to speak however, she stopped hearing the soft clanking of a gaurd rushing in. She watched as one of the Blackguards quickly rushed towards who she assumed was his supperior. Shrugging it off she turned her attention back to her Uncle, seeing his arms open for a hug. "Oh, right sorry Uncle. Almost forgot."

She stepped into her Uncle's arms, giving him a tight hug a smile still on her lips. 'Well...Now would probably be the best time..' She reasoned with herself, before she tilted her head back to look up at her Uncle. "Hey Uncle Alatar...You've kept on lock down in the room for close to 3 weeks now..And well...I was wondeirng..Now don't freak out or antyhing.." She trailed off a bit, chewing on her lower lip as she tried to ask her question. 'Ah might as well just ask.' "And now I was wondering if I could go out of the castle?" Before he could object, she imediatly began to explain her reasoning. "I mean I do know how to fight, you and Zain did teach me well, and if it would make you better you could always send one of your guards with me. Please, please please Uncle Alatar?" She finished in one breath, before looking up at him.

Lord Alatar

He was silent for a long time thinking. The rebels had been attacking more higher officials, of course it wasnt a bother because they were still worms, but losing Brissa would be a blow. He hadnt allowed her out because of this, and he found her guard that he issued to not be able to handle her.. He rubbed his head with his fingers massaging his head as he sat down on his throne thinking. He needed a diversion. "Kharne." The black armored soldier looked up and knelled at the base of the throne "My Lord?" His voice deep and resonating because of bouncing off his helm.

"What has happened?" He demanded. Kharne contiuned to knell with his head down "It appears the rebels have attacked and killed a minor noble, one of the ones coming in from Tuscany I believe, as well as one of the outside guards." He continued "It was rather foolish attempt. They positioned the bodies to make it look as if they were fighting, but I doubt even a fool would believe such a thing. The wounds were created by a small blade such as a knife or dagger, while the soldier was armed with a halberd." He said. The wounds would obviously be different due to the different weapons.

Lord Alatar waved it off "The worms managed to kill a slightly bigger insect. Nothing of importance." They killed a guard, he had thousands of soldiers just like that, and nobles craw out of holes like maggots, so that man would be replaced soon. This was probably their weak attempt at retaliation. Their entire main camp destroyed by 10 Blackguard and a battalion of soldiers. The soldiers received light loses, and the Blackguard suffered none, but the amount of rebels reaped was a hearty number.

He sat back thinking once more on Brissas wish.. he could send guards? "Very well Brissa, but you are to be accompanied by my guard at all times. The guard you have no is to be fired and disposed of. He could not accomplish his job." He waved his hand. "Kharne." The knelling blackguard looked up from his position "You are henceforth to be the guard of Brissa. Ensure she stays safe."

While Kharne had no desire to guard the child, it was a mission. "Very well My Lord. It shall be done." He stood at last and stepped back behind Brissa. He would follow her wherever she wished.

Brissa listened to her Uncle and a guard she didn't know talk about more deaths. It saddened her, that her Uncle didn't seem to care that 2 of his men were killed. Though once she heard her guard was to be disposed of she grew angry. "Uncle Alatar, there's no need to kill him! He didn't do anything wrong and besides this.."She motioned to the Blackguard, a frown on her lips. "Dosen't even know me! I don't want to have another guard, especially someone as cold hearted as one of the Blackguard!" She shouted out, before casting an angry glare off to her side. She crossed her arms over her chest, chewing on her lower lip. 'I probably shouldn't have done that..' She thought after she had already calmed down from her rant.

"Hold your tongue!" Alatar angry that she would yell at him. She yell at him.. He gave her everything, and she would dare to yell at him? He let out a deep breath, trying to calm himself but his voice was still shaking trying to control his rage "I said disposed of, I want him sent to the front lines where he will serve a purpose. If he dies during that time, oh well." He said. He wouldnt kill a perfectly good soldier for no reason, he would simply send him to where he would die but still do some good.

"This?" He almost hissed "This is still a human being girl. You would do well to understand that. They are not monsters, so your disrespect is unneeded." He spoke for them, although he doubted they themselves cared. They were seen by the entire kingdom as death incarnate, so they were used to being viewed as such, but still he would not have his little girl talking about his favored warriors as such.

"If you wish to leave these walls, than Kharne will accompany you, even if you didnt he will accompany you. I will not see you fall victim to these ruffians. One Blackguard is worth an entire company of soldiers, or would you prefer me have that follow you instead of this man." he said motioning to the statue like black armored Kharne.

Brissa continued to glare at the wall to the side of her. She knew she shouldn't have snapped like she did, but the way her Uncle so easily welcomed death to anyone was really begining to get to her. Hearing his anger at the way she talked about the Blackguard however, caused Brissa to snap her gaze back to him. Her eyes were narrowed just a bit as she clutched her hands into fists at her sides. "Human beings?! Can you even call them that?! They are cruel and vile and kill for stupid reasons! Everything about this is pure evil and you defend them?! Ugh!" She paused in her rant, taking several deep breaths as she tried to calm herself. She hated fighting with her Uncle, but sometimes he just made her so upset.

After gaining control on her emotions, she turned her gaze back to her Uncle. "I shouldn't have snapped but...The way you...I just...Sometimes I can't control my anger at your decisons.." Her gaze then dropped to the floor, her arms wrapping around herself. She could already feel the sting of tears threatening to fall from her eyes. Brissa sniffled softly, hoping he wouldn't notice before she spoke once more. "I..I'm sorry I asked. I'll just go back to my room.."
Without giving her Uncle a chance to stop her, Brissa turned quickly making her way out of the throne room. Once clear of the doors, she wasted no time running straight to her room.

Lord Alatar

Lord Alatar was almost in fury over her attitude. She was overstepping her bounds of late, but he would have none of that. He would not accept a half-baked apology. "Kharne, you are her guard now." The Blackguard in questioned bowed his head before turning on his heel, his cape flying behind him as he exited the throne room.

"Bah, Children and their tantrums" He muttered to himself, it didnt matter how old she got, she would always be that seven year old girl sitting in his lap to him. He let out a heavy sigh as he picked up parchments filled with reports from the kingdoms from treasury reports, military, and reports on the rebels.

Kharne

Kharne did not want to protect this.. spoiled brat. Why could not a common soldier defend her? She was unimportant to the kingdom, and above that she insulted him and his soldiers. They were beneath humans in her eyes, and perhaps she was right about that, but it was not evil to know your duty. Evil is the people who do not understand duty and their place, when they work against the kingdom and its savior that was evil.

He arrived at her door and pushed it open. He was prepared for her most likely prepared insults, but he had a job to do. Unlike the other guard he would stand on the inside of the room. He did not trust her, nor did he like her. Once inside, he did not speak to the girl merely side stepped and stood by the door. He stood straight, hand on hilt of sword, and his eyes glanced around the room for any points of escape or entree.

Once Brissa reached her room, she slammed her door behind her. She as beyond upset, and knew her Uncle Alatar was furious with her. "What should I care.." She muttered to herself, while she stood in the middle of the room. She was tired of his ways, and wanted nothing more then to just have his rule end. Tears began slipping down the corners of her eyes, while she tried desperatly to stop them. she hated cring, it made her feel weak. And she didn't want to feel weak.

She was pulled from her thoughts though once her door was pushed open and in stepped a Blackguard. She quickly turned away wiping at her eyes as she spoke quietly, though her words showed her anger. "Why are you in here? All the guards wait outside of the door." Brissa finally turned to face the man, her arms crossing over her chest.

"I am not those guards." He said simply not moving. He didnt care for tears, tears solved nothing. Crying did not get you feed, did not stop beatings, crying was useless and even worse some men enjoyed to see tears, it encouraged them bringing them to new heights of sadism. Tears were for the weak. He knew well that uselessness of tears, all he saw before him was a pampered child throwing a tantrum. She knew nothing of the world, nothing of starvation, pain, or loss.

"I am your guard for as long as the Lord sees fit." He said. He would obey her as long as her orders did not conflict with the Lords orders. Since he ordered her to protect her, he was not going to let her leave his sight. He was not a fool, not like her last guard who he dismissed on the way in here telling him to go get reassigned. Although her room was rather... overbearing. His room was a bare stone room with one cot. Hers rather rather.. different. Luxury was his only thought as his gaze passed over the room.

The sun was setting by now, and Kenji had since left the base once more. He never stayed inside for too long, it put a dull attitude on him. He was wandering the streets of Algar, trying to find any weak points in the city's structure. Sooner or later, the rebellion would capture Algar, it was just a matter of time. But, because of the staggering losses they took, that plan had to be put on hold. At the moment, all the rebels could do was rebuild and recruit. Luckily, there were a decent number of people willing to fight against Alatar. Getting them to do so, that was the hard part. The people were in fear of their king and didn't want anything to do with the rebellion. They knew if they were captured it meant death. Still, there was always a few eager souls willing to risk life and limb for the cause. "And there's one now."

Standing in the center of the market, yelling at the top of his lungs, was a man in his mid thirties. He was shouting about some law Alatar had passed, Kenji didn't take it upon himself to actually listen. He walked over to the man, who had made a make shift stage out of hay barrels. Friends! That tyrant living in his plush home looks down on us as we starve and beg for scraps! Will we let this treachery go unanswered? Or will we stand and fight! "Well if you want to fight, then I'm the guy you're looking for." A number of people, including the man Kenji was interested in, turned to look at him. And who might you be? Kenji walked over to the poorly constructed stage and leaped up onto it. "My name isn't important, but I am a member of the rebellion, looking for people willing to fight against Alatar. If any of you feel the king has gone too far, then join me, and we'll put a stop to this once and for all!"

Brissa scowled a bit as she glared at the man. He was really going to get on her nerves. She couldn't stand having anyone in her room, and the Blackguard was just too...motionless. Too cold hearted. Her tears dried finally as she let out a sigh. "Fine, whatever." Figuring she could do nothing but simply ignore the guard, she decided to do just that. Brissa turned away from the Blackguard, walking to the window. She then scooted onto the windowsill, pressing her back agianst the ledge as she stared down at the kingdom below.

She could see several guards running around and doing whatever it was her Uncle had them do. Brissa sighed some letting her head slump back agianst the wall then. "I guess I'll always be a little girl in his eyes.." She mumbled to herself, her thoughts turning to her Uncle.

The silence filled the room, oh it was so nice. To have silence, no more of her rude comments, no more tears.. just blessed silence. She was leaning over the ledge, but he doubted she could jump and survive as the castle was pretty high off the ground. He would not tell her too step back however as that would only make her angrier with his presence, and he did not like putting himself into bad situations if he didn't have to.

He gently reached in the the small bag that hung at his waist, and flipped it open with his gauntlets. He supposed for wearing such heavy gauntlets his dexterity was good enough, although he was not as dexterous as some of his fellows. Tiara was especially flexible and nimble even with her armor. He pulled out a small book and lifted held it before him opening to the page he left off on. He had to protect her, but that did not mean he had to stare at her for all eternity.

With a final glance to make sure she was fine, he started to read although still standing as straight as he was before by the door.

A few hours ticked by slowly, and still Brissa had not moved from her spot. She'd debated several times on just jumping out the window, but doubted she would survive the fall. Breathing out a soft sigh, she tapped her fingertips agianst the edge of the window sill for a few minutes. While staring down at the ground, Brissa's gaze caught sight of a small ledge, just below her window. It was wide enough for her to stand on, and she was almost positive it lead around the castle. 'Hm...Should I..' She thought to herself, before casting a glance to the silent figure standing near her doorway.

Brissa noticed then that he seemed to be occupied with a book of some sort. 'Eh...Well guess I better just take my chances.' She reasoned with herself, while she swung both her legs over the edge. She kept a tight grip on the window's ledge while lowering herself down slowly, till her feet touched the small ledge. Letting out a soft breath, a slight smile came to her lips as she released the window's ledge, looking to first her left, then her right. "Now..which way.." She muttered quietly to herself, before moving off to her right, hoping the Blackguard hadn't noticed she was missing yet.

He glanced over his book, he was going to stop her when she was going to jump, but he had a feeling he should let her try. When she went over the edge, he moved to the window and looked down spotting the girl on the ledge, and he hated to admit it, but it caused him to smile. He wondered what she would do when she realized that ledge went all the way around the castle and there was no way down? "You know.. Would it not have been easier to simply ask me to accompany you outside? This ledge doesn't go anywhere." He called down his voice still professional and cold as it should be, but he was glad his helm his soft smile, but he hoped that his amusement didnt show in his eyes.

He extended his hand down to her to take. "If you so desire, we can go outside the castle. I will do my best to keep out of sight and out of mind although have no fear, I will always be watching over you much like I am doing now." It was a light and soft joke about their current position with him literally watching over her.

Brissa coulnd't stop the faint blush that spread across her cheeks as she heard his voice call down to her. 'Damn...He pays a lot more attention to things then I thought..' She thought, while tilting her head back to look up at him. She could clearly see the amusment his eyes, though she wouldn't let him know that. She knew the Blackguard prided on being seen as just a..well cruel and emotionless group. She watched as he extended his hand down to her. "I could have...but where's the fun in that?" She questioned, letting a slight smile come to her lips. She figured she might as well get used to him being around, considering she knew her Uncle well enough to know he wouldn't simply remove the guard because she threw a temper tantrum.

Turning slowly on the ledge, she reached her hand up, grasping his as she tipped her head back to look at him. "But I guess I'll ask now...Please take me outside? I'm gonna lose my mind if I have to stay in that room.."

A very soft chuckle left his mouth before he could stop it, she had spunk which was more than he expected from her. "As you command, M'Lady." He said before hauling her up from the ledge back over the window and into the room. She was fairly light, so it was not difficult for him to pull her up with one arm. He had far harder things in his past. With her in the room, he reached down and picked up the book he dropped in order to check on her on the ledge and closed the book placing back in his pack.

"Is there any requirements you have for this trip?" He asked. Some requirements would be where she really wished to go, what she wanted, if she wanted as much distance from him as possible to at least attempt to make it look like he wasn't near her, or whatever wish she desired.

Brissa let out a quiet yelp of suprise when he easily lifted her up and over the ledge, back into the room. She smoothed out the pale grey dress she was wearing before turning her gaze back to the guard. "No, not really. Just..No treating me like a child. I may have temporary tantrums, but I am 20." She stated with a small frown as she thought about her earlier actions. She knew she shouldn't have acted so childishly, but what was done, was done. And she couldn't change it. She shrugged slightly once more before turning her attention back to the Blackguard. "By the way...I know my uncle said your name earlier..but well I was just..too caught up in my own head to catch it. So, mind telling me what it is?" She questioned with a tilt of her head.

"I will remember that" He said for her request to treat her of her age. He did not particularly mind as he was planning on treating her as he treated her father. With upmost respect, however that thought was crashed by what she said after that... what was his name? That was a sting. Even if one was trained not to be effected, she was bringing a new low to his life. Not only did she refer to him and the only people he has ever had as non-human, but she failed to even catch his name. Well, what did he expect, he is just a This. "You can call me by This, I will know who, no, I mean what you are referring to." He said before opening the door and standing, door ajar for her to exit before him.

"Please after you M'lady" He said his eyes returning to their cold state, where they should have been all this time. The light of humor long gone in his eyes. This was merely a mission, he would see done.