Regicide: An Assassin's Dream

In a far, far away kingdom, a King lies dying…

He leaves behind him a daughter, the only legitimate child he fathered, and countless illegitimate offspring, who, upon the death of the monarch will struggle for the claim to the throne…

The laws of the kingdom state that a female may not claim the throne, only by marrying will she become Queen. The man – be he of any status in society – who marries her will become King…

With each belabored breath the King takes, a new plot to seize the throne develops…

Illegitimate heirs scheme to seize the throne… Nobles conspire to win the hand of the Princess and thence achieve royalty… Guards at the castle work relentlessly to ensure the safety of the Princess or her demise…

Amidst all the plots and intrigue, the Guild of Assassins has never seen a larger amount of requests for ‘jobs’…

Those in power will tread on anyone in their rise to the top… In this regicidal game of life and death, power and corruption – you must be always on your guard…

There are no rules… The winner takes all… The losers will die…

What will you do? Who will you be? (Your character options range from assassin to illegitimate heir to foreign noble seeking the throne to palace guard)

Forge alliances or strike out on your own… The choice is yours…

In your first post, briefly introduce your character and their intentions…




The normally quiet and peaceful kingdom of Telep was in strife. The ruler, the great King Johann, in his prime, known for being just and fair, proud and straight-backed; was now bed-ridden - a mumbling fool on his death-bed. His only daughter, A'Marina, was of age, but the laws of the kingdom claimed that no woman could claim the power of the throne. Only by marriage would she become Queen.

King Johan's late wife, Queen Roseanne had been the daughter of the late King Earlan, and A'Marina’s grandfather, and by Roseanne’s marriage to Johan she had become Queen, and Johan King. After she died, King Johan, having only A'Marina, and no male heir through the Queen, tried to produce an heir through his many consorts. What resulted was a long and tangled line of illegitimates who were now clamouring for the throne, with the King only days away from death. Only by marriage to the Princess, or by her death could any of the illegitimate heirs hope to gain power and control over the kingdom.

All those with any noteworthy claim to the throne grew paranoid with fear that their lives were threatened by others – which indeed they were. Many began plotting their rise to power, and the downfall of their enemies. The kingdom was rife with plots and intrigue, making it a very dangerous city to live in if one had any claim on the throne.

There were few that enjoyed this fuss and commotion, due to the numbers of deaths and upsets in the city: the Guild of Assassins. With the machinations of the plotting heirs, the Guild was making good business.

So much business was there, that every assassin was needed for ‘jobs’...

Tarren was a guard on high alert. Ever since the King had gone ill he'd already had to kill two wannabe assassins and countless others in their attempt to get to the Princess. Despite being a low rank he was considered by many of the palace guards to be one of their greatest fighters.

He had another reason to want to fight hard, and that was he was in love with the Princess himself. They had met on a few occasions, such as a few times when he escorted her around the city, and had become somewhat friends. Tarren knew his place and would never try anything with her, being barely higher than your average peasant, but it made him fight for her even harder.

Tarren was considered handsome, standing at a little higher than six feet with tan skin and short black hair. His eyes were a deep shade of hazel that from far away looked black. For being a guard he was in very good shape and very strong, one of the requirements of being a palace guard. There were no out of shape palace guards, only the best of the best could protect royalty.

As he stood in front of the door he looked up and saw somebody climbing the tower on his way to the Princess's room, "Check it Mart," he said to the other guard with him, "Another wannabe. I'll go take him out." Mart nodded and Tarren broke off into a fast run for the Princess's room to kill the assassin.

Maldric stood in the shadows of the church, loathing for the clergy glittering in his electric blue eyes..there he was, Maldric' newest victim..a minor priest, but with considerable power outside of the church due to his family, "Royalty" they called themselves..Maldric had to stiffle a harsh laugh as he thought of that..royalty indeed, thought Maldric as he stalked the young man, who seemed to be totally oblivious to his soon to be killers presence.
As the marked man left the guarded grounds the shadow of an assasin detached itself from the deep shadow of the church and moved after him, fliting from spot to spot, getting closer & closer to the arrogant young man. Then it struck
Maldric leapt from the darkness, his envenomed longsword runing the young priest thought from back to front, as he lay dying in a pool of his own blood, he saw the shadow as a man with pitch black hair & electric blue eyes, who leaned down to him.."Take heart young man, your death will be the catalyst for this kingdoms death, and your churches damnation."
Then as the dark man pulled away his form shimmered, and where once stood a darkhaired killer now was a photo copy of the dead priest.
Smiling, Maldric said quitely, to get used to saying his newest victims name "Hello, my names Leopold Brightshield, pleased to meet you."

The Princess sat next to her father’s bed, twisting her hands in despair. The old man who lay unmoving in the stately chamber of the king was not the strong and proud monarch she knew. As she tenderly wiped the spittle that had run down his chin, she knew she would have to make a decision soon. Tucking the coverlet gently under his chin, she sighed at the preparations that would soon need to be completed – the state funeral and her impending wedding.

“I don’t want to have to think about what type of wood the coffin is!”she cried, almost in tears after the chamberlain chased her through the connecting suite. Drawing herself up regally, she took a deep breath, to try and regain her composure, before the tears spilled down her cheeks and said, “You have my permission to see to the funeral. Make the decisions as you see fit, I trust you.” And with that, she swept from the room, heading in the direction of her chambers.

Once back in her large and stately rooms, she threw herself onto a low couch and collapsed in tears. Life could be so unfair! In weeks, her father had turned into a doddering fool and she had to take the reins of a collapsing kingdom. She knew little about the alliance with the neighbouring kingdom, nor about the economic trade. She wanted to curl up into a small ball and let it all pass her by, but she was too old to do that now. She fondly remembered her nurse, who urged her to grow up and take responsibility – and all too late did she heed that advice.

Standing up and taking a drink from the pitcher on the table, she moved over to the growing pile of marriage proposals and sighed as she began to sort through them. All on gilt paper with fancy scrollwork, she eyed them distastefully, loathing having to make a choice. If she had her way, she’d throw away her royal connection and leave, but she would have to make a choice sooner, rather than later.

With a long sigh she began to write answers to some of the more interesting proposals, inviting them to come and visit her at the palace. She was almost finished, signing and then sealing the letters when she heard a strange sound from near the window. It sounded like metal clanging rock, but her rooms were in a tower, and nobody scaled the tower, unless...

A hand grasped the window sill, followed by a heavy grunt and then a head appeared. It stared menacingly at her, and then the man began to pull himself up over the ledge and into her room. She was too shocked to scream and could only stare silently as the menacing apparition pulled out a sharp knife and advanced upon, grinning wickedly.

Adrian Phillips was a local priest he had no interest in the political situation, he had no reason to. With all the death, disease, and famine going around the city he had enough to worry about. With no help from the royal family, and donations dwindling every week.

It was a smaller church, so more people went to the citadel usually. But as of late, people were doubting the citadel, saying all of this is god's wrath, which increased the people coming to his small church. He enjoyed more people coming to seek answers, but with the masses switching, he did not have the supplies necessary to heal these people, he realized praying was not enough, but it was the only thing he could do. He had even run out of holy water.

He found himself doing services many times a day, he was just drained. Today he said he was not feeling well to get a break from all the people. "Too many people needing help, not enough people to help." Adrian says under his breath. Adrian closes his eyes and looks up at skyroof. "Lord give me a sign, what do i have to do to help these people."

After dumping the dead priests body in a nearby alley & taking his robes, Maldric, still in his disguise, went back to Leopold's home, having followed the young man home several other times.
It was a nice, though not an overly furnished place, a large, single story apartment..earlier that day he'd disabled any security measures the dead man may have had, and so spent most of the night going through various personal files..family holdings, plots & counter plots, and key locations of magic, minions, and wealth..not a terribly great amont of any, but enough of each to be able to cause some nasty issues.
Feeling that he'd gained important information, he stowed the papers away in a large cloth bag he found, he then went to sleep.
getting up early in the morning, Maldric took the bag, and left the home..soon finding a low rent hotel room in an area that was at least partly friendly to the assasins guild.

Leaving the Dunk soaked bar Zenatsu who's pitch black cloak had the smell of blood in it... it seemed however... that the cloak lusted the blood splattered on it, as it absorbed the fresh blood from the previous fight Zen came from... he walked slowly down the streets eyeing corners and ally's for any bum or thief who dares to challenge him in any way form or fashion... The Adeline inside him was still flowing, like venom that rushes in your veins as it kills you. Zen was entering the park land. This is where he stayed... too poor to rent a hotel, or even an apartment... his life... was in total dismay.

As he came up to the lake, he took his cloak off. Reviling his red hair in the luminous Moon light. His barely built arms and triceps and his well-defined calves. he looked young... his skin still soft, not yet toughened like a working man or scarred as of a warrior. his soft red hair flowed off from his shoulders as a cold breeze blew past his soft face... he kneeled down to wash the blood out of his cloak as he looked at his reflection, his one scar that crossed his eye, small and barely noticeable, it was a plain as day to him.. And as vivid as his memory can hold... he shook the memory out of his conscious and lays hit cloak to dry as he lay down to sleep, unknowing if he would wake up in the morning as he began to become chilled...

The GuildMaster sat in his chair, facing the wall and the fireplace which was empty. He was protective of his identity and no one could recall having seen his face. Or rather, no one alive. He was a deadly assassin, the best of the lot, as he had overpowered the previous GuildMaster and taken his life, claiming the power. He would reign until the next assassin took his life. But this GuildMaster took precautions. Those who were threatening sometimes ended up dying in mysterious circumstances.

Behind him, a new recruit was shown into the room. He could smell uncertainty and fear emanating from the person. "I understand you seek employment with my Guild. I tolerate no insubordination; you take your target out in private, or if you are skilled enough to do it without being seen in public, so be it. I take 40% of your earnings when you take a job through the Guild. I take your life when you take a job out of the Guild. Be warned, better men than you have lost their lives trying to flout the rules. If you have completed your job, report back to me, not to your employer. The sum of money is paid to the Guild and you will be credited after the job is done. I hope you have knowledge of the events happening at the moment. Your first target is a man named Reynald Chataen. He is the Baron of Tribaen. I expect him to be dead within the week. The file on the edge of the desk is for you - it contains information I expect you will need. You are dismissed."

The GuildMaster waited for the recruit to step forward and take the file. Only when the door was shut did the GuildMaster turn his chair around. He pondered the fate of the kingdom. He would never run out of business. The times ahead would require all the assassins in the Guild.

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The meeting chamber of the castle was dark and dank, the only light coming from the sun that was now disappearing behind the snowcapped mountains and two sputtering lamps. Up on the throne of the castle sat Vaul, and next to him on his, right and left his most trusted men, Jagen and Myverin. They were two of the best soldiers in his company and Vaul handpicked them to become constant companions and bodyguards. Vaul would small talk with them discussing the events that were transpiring throughout the kingdom but rarely receive a reply. Vaul had sent a spy to the King’s castle to gather information and he overdue for his report. And at that thought the herald entered and announced the spy. An old man appeared at the great oak doors and meekly stepped through, visibly shaking.

“Ah, my good friend Herin, what information do you have for me?” Vaul spoke pleasantly, smiling at the spy.

At this the old man named Herin visibly relaxedand began to speak, “well Sir, I have gathered very good news. The King is ill and is due to die any moment now.”

“Well that is good. Thank you for bringing me this.” Vaul turned to Jagen, on his right and said a few words. After a few moments, he turned back to Herin. “Thank for everything. Guards take him to the dungeon and see if he has any other useful information I might need, if he does not then kill him.” Vaul spoke smoothly and calmly.

A look of horror crossed Herin’s face as he heard the orders and saw a group of guards swarm him. “But I did nothing wrong, I did as you ask!”

“Yes I know that, but if you were still alive I would have to pay you, and I really don’t think you are worth it. Plus, you were late.” A malevolence smirk crossed Vaul’s face as the guards took him away to the dungeon.

The gathering chamber grew quiet once more and Vaul sat intently on his throne thinking. “Well Jagen, Myverin, what do you say to a trip to pay our respects to the dead King and to mourn with his pretty daughter? They are at their most naive when they are sad – maybe I can cheer her up and score a marriage while I’m there!” He mused, his fingers tapping together, plotting the future.

“Sounds good to us,” Jagen replied, and Myverin just grunted.

By dawn the next morning, Vaul, Jagen, Myverin set off on their journey to the kingdom of Telep. Vaul rode a fiery bay destrier and dressed in practical travelling clothes, though taking a bit of time to enhance his appearance. He would change into more fitting clothes upon reaching the castle. His two companions, Jagen and Myverin wore chainmail and travelled with weapons, although they did not expect an attack due to their status, the prosperous rule and the well-kept order of the kingdom.

By evening they were on the verge of the city but chose to spend the night in an inn and make a proper entrance the next morning. Looking at the proud city, bathed in the dying sunlight, a smile spread across Vaul’s face, but failed to reach his cold eyes as he said to his guards,. “Tomorrow well will visit the soon-to-be-dead King and his daughter, my soon-to-be-bride and soon after, dead Queen.”

(~( i'll go, agian i guess... since i'm not waiting on anyone >.> )~)

Zenatsu woke up, shivering cold he felt his cloak which was not wet but damp and decided to put it on, it froze him quickly but it was better to have it on to block from the wind as heavy as the cloak's martial was, Zen was out of the park and walking slowly down the street still freezing and shivering uncontrollable. He was trying to head for the Tavern... hoping they didn’t douse the fire that roared just a few hours ago… much more if they where even open still… he was half waft before falling to his knees he had stop shivering and his feet and hands where numb… the only thought that went through his mind was ”Will I make it to the heat… heat… all I need it heat” this is all he was thinking bout… he realized he had fallen on the ground but didn’t feel anything.

Trudging on, the thought of heat was all he could muster of motivation… in fact it was the only thing he could get to motivate him… everything else was sheer hate... and that only puts him down.. He had always thought of happy life... with a loving wife and what not... but the hate a dispise had shaped him to be concealed and dark. He was about 1/3 to the bar... Just round the corner and to the end of the street… but he collapsed at the corner and didn’t get back up...

Maldric payed the Innkeeper as he left, he'd managed to score a meeting with a ranking assasin the day before for today. He was somewhat suprised how easy it was..he expected it to be..more intense, the liason was an older, grey haired man who's gut hung over in a tidalwave of flesh, and who's level of self importance was phenominal, he was sure the man was'nt a real assasin, probably just an unscrupulus clerk of somthing or other.

He quicky found the hovel of a place that was the arranged meeting place, he'd brought somebut not all,of the information, leaving the parts about the church for himself. The home, if thats what one would call it, was a small, ugly little place with a leaky roof and a dirt floor.
"Ugh" was his only description as a rat the size of a dog scurried away from his approach, at first he thought the door was smply open..he found that thier was no door.
Sitting down outside of the seemingly abandoned hut, he waited several moments for someone to contact him.."Psst..hey, your..M..M something, right?" he headr from within the hut "Yes" he said quicky standing and turning..a boy..maybe 16 crouched in the doorway "Come on" he said, and retreated further into the hole.
Maldric followed cautiously, knowing the assasins were not a trustworthy group.

Tarren kicked the door in. He knew the assassin would be in there by now and there'd be no point in knocking. As he did it, though, a funny thought passed through his mind. He wondered what would happen if he was wrong, if the person he saw was fixing something in the wall. That'd be awkward. He'd be fired, maybe even imprisoned.

The loud noise of the door bursting into splinters shocked the assassin but didn't stop him. After seeing it was only one guard the assassin figured he'd kill the guard, then the princess. Tarren smiled, he had been wanting another fight and this looked like it was going to be an interesting one. His sword was already drawn, and the assassin pulled out a short sword in his other hand. He still had the dagger in his left hand. Tarren hated small weapons, his sword being a great sword. You had to be extremely strong to use these swords, it was almost as big as him, and was double edged.

Tarren got in his fighting stance after closing what was left of the door. He wanted this fight to himself and didn't want anyone else interrupting. The assassin came at him with great speed, but Tarren was blocking his attacks easily. This assassin was clearly underestimating Tarren. It was at this point that Tarren decided to go on the offensive, and launched a couple attacks himself.

The assassin jumped into the air and came down, slashing Tarren's back wide open. Tarren turned, not showing any pain, and was ready to end this. The assassin expected the slash to have done more than it did, so he left himself open just enough. Tarren swung at the right time taking off the attacker's head. As the headless body fell to the floor Tarren put his sword back onto his back where it went. He then turned to the princess and got on one knee, despite the pain that was just starting to hit him.

"I'm sorry for your inconvenience, your majesty. I'll get someone to clean this mess right away," he said, keeping his head bowed, blood trickling onto the floor. He waited for her to release him.

After sitting there for what seemed like an hour, Adrian got up and went about cleaning the chapel. He heard a knock at the door which at first he did not answer. But the knocking persisted so finally he went over to the door and opened it. "I am not feeling well today, please come back tomorrow." He started to close the door when the women's foot stopped the door. "Please father, i will just be but a minute."

Adrian groaned at this and pulled the girl in, shutting the door hoping no one saw. "Please be quick, i really don't want to have to help people today." The girl looked kinda shocked. "Well.. i needed counseling, my parents seem to resent me and i just don't know if i should stay or run away." the girl looked very distraught. "Honor thy father and thy mother." Adrian said in a monotone voice.

The girl at this broke down crying and screamed "YOU DON'T CARE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU BASTARD" Adrian blinked and looked at this girl. "Day in and day out, sermons, healing people and leading prayers, without getting anything in return. I care for people as much as i can, but one man can only care so much, and with the low donations, i can only heal so many." The girl begins to calm down, Adrian puts his hand on her shoulder. "Look to god for what you should do, tonight, pray for an answer, and when you get one do what it says."

The door burst open in a crash, startling the Princess A’Marina to move, throwing herself out of the way of the assassin, who spun to meet the intruder. She got a glimpse of a shock of black hair and dark eyes, a mixture between black and brown, before the assassin lunged at him. ‘Tarren,’ she thought in a mixture of fear and some unknown emotion that made her heart jump. Regaining her feet, yet feeling wobbly, she turned to face the two, knowing she stood no chance if the assassin turned on her. All of a sudden, a head went sailing past her and hit the wall, leaving a bloody streak along the fine carpet and a large smear down the wall.

Tarren turned to face her, but not before she saw the wicked slash in his back, that he must have sustained from the assassin, and he knelt on one knee before her. Wincing visibly, he spoke, “I'm sorry for your inconvenience, your majesty. I'll get someone to clean this mess right away.” She gave small cry and rushed forward, falling to her knees in front of him and throwing her arms about him. She was trembling all over, as the reality of what had just happened hit her. Then, regaining her composure, she helped him to stand and led him over to a seat near the table, and quickly rang for the bell. A maid appeared quickly and was sent away with orders to find one of the palace healers and a stiff drink.

“When you are finished with the palace healer and have reported to your head, I would ask that you meet me in the throne room where I will meet with you again and discuss your actions and their merits.”
With that, she swept from the room and left in the direction of her private gardens. Here she could think peacefully with the immaculately-kept plants and the trickling of the fountains. A silver chime rang from somewhere, signalling the entrance of the royal chamberlain. With his head bowed, and hands clasped together, he bowed before speaking, “Your Highness, I regret to inform you of the sudden and unexpected death of our Priest, Brother Julian. I’m sure you will realise the implications this will have on our arrangements for the funeral.” A’Marina’s head was spinning with the events of the day and, trying to keep her head level, she gave the chamberlain orders to investigate the new candidate to fill the position. The chamberlain bowed his head and spoke again, “Your Highness, I have already taken the liberty of looking and there is a certain Priest who might be able to fulfil our expectations. His name is Brother Adrian, and his chapel is in the middle of the city. Should you feel up to it, I can arrange a meeting for tomorrow morning with him.” A’Marina nodded distractedly, and, when the chamberlain left quietly, she broke into quiet sobs.
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Once the young boy was sure the strange man with electric blue eyes was following him, he lead him towards the trap set up to take the man unawares. Moving into the pitch black darkness, the man would be entirely unaware of the four burly assassins, well trained to subdue captives who waited silently in anticipation. He nimbly jumped the place where the trip line lay and several feet past it, he heard the man behind him, blundering in the dark. When the man hit the trip line, several things happened. There was a loud scuffle and the sound of the visiting assassin cursing. The four assassins lying in wait leaped upon the man and within a few moments had wrestled him into captivity. The man continued to struggle, to no avail. The young boy spoke in a low voice, just loud enough to be heard, “Maldric, you have been summoned to the Guild of Assassins. This captivity is only destined to be short, unless you prove to be trouble. The Guild Master wishes to speak with you, as you sought out a fictional member and so you shall have your audience. We shall ensure that you will not be harmed, so long as you do not try to harm us. You will be blindfolded, and if you resist we shall not be so gentle as we were now.” The man named Maldric submitted to being blindfolded, though he might not have appreciated it, and so the party of six set off through the sewers to the fabled Guild of Assassins.

The man named Maldric was seated, not ungently in a straight-backed wooden chair and his blindfold taken off. In a dark room except for a series of mirrors and bright lanterns on a table in front of him, blinding him and preventing him from seeing the occupant of the large chair behind the table; he could see nobody, but he did feel the near presence of the burly men behind him.

A deep voice spoke from behind the table, “Maldric, you sought an audience with one of the members of my Guild of Assassins. I gave you this interview after your interesting actions at the church earlier yesterday and now I will give you five minutes to speak your intentions and be judged.”

After the girl had left Adrian closed the door and sighs "I will pray for her too, poor girl." Adrian was used to this, many confused kids would come and seek guidance from him. He was also used to parents trying to bribe him to tell their kids to stay home, or to do the right thing. Adrian never felt that God had believed everyone was supposed to do everything correctly. Adrian had lived his life by following his heart, and thats what he taught others.

Adrian finished cleaning and sat down to eat his lunch of bread and wine. Adrian said his prayers and was about to start eating when he heard another knock at the door. Adrian side and got up to get the door. "I am not doing services today please ---" as he opened the door he saw the colors of the royal family and stammered "p-p-please come in, i am sorry i didn't know" the chamberlain came in. "Thank you, brother Adrian correct?". "Y-yes, i am brother Adrian, please take a seat, what can i do for you" Adrian leads the chamberlain to a pew and sits with him.

The chamberlain clears his voice "The princess has required an audience with you brother Adrian, our priest, brother Julian was killed today and i suggested you." Adrian looked at the boy and examined him thoroughly "Ah yes, you must be Alicia's grandson, she speaks much of you on Sundays, she is very proud of you." The chamberlain smiles "Thank you, i never knew how she thought of what i did, she has always been quiet about it.". "I would be honored to have an audience the princess, just tell me where to be and when." Adrian says smiling. The chamberlain shakes Adrian's"I will be here in the morning to walk you to the castle, knowing priests you will be up before i am, see you then." Adrian leads the chamberlain out the door waving good bye.

Adrian heads back to his plate and starts to eat. After a few minutes he drops his fork, it just donned on him what happened. "I... am going to have an audience with the princess..?"

Maldric smiled to himself..he could see quite easily in the dark, making much of this more cerimonial..though he went along out of respect for the current guildmaster.
"Indeed, I have brought you some information of value..key locations of magic, non-allied operatives, gold, and several detailed plans of power-brokering of the noble house of Exikos, I belive you've heard of them?..If not, they are a moderately powerful house, with strong connections to the church, one of your only real enemies I belive?..due to the "immoral" nature of your work..usingthis information, you could in theory infiltrate, and possibly control an entire house, with the power to secure certain..rights, such as prisioner relocation, tax gathering, and immunity from basic laws if your a listed noble.."

He let this hang in the air for several moments, "Well..is it worth your time?"

If it weren't for the bit of blood on Tarren's face then the princess would have seen him blush when she hugged him. His back stung like a beast, but for the few seconds they were touching he didn't really even notice. Damn, he thought, I've really got it bad for her.

The princess sent for a made and told her to get a healer and a stiff drink, and then told him to meet her later in the throne room. Shortly thereafter she left, probably to go to her gardens. Tarren was anticipating the meeting before she had left the room. After she had left Tarren got to his feet with a groan and walked out, almost running into the maid carrying his drink. He grabbed the cup and downed it, then handed it back to her with a smile. She refilled it pretty quick and gave Tarren a wink. He downed that one too then gave her back the cup, which she took and headed for the kitchen.

Tarren walked to the healer's room where he was expected. The healer cleaned him up then stitched up his back. "Well, I'll see you next week," the healer started chuckling. Tarren was in to see him for something or another all the time. As he was leaving his commander burst through the door, obviously pissed off. "Tarren, dammit, I thought I told you not to go solo anymore!" Tarren had heard this before, more than once. "You grab back up!"

"There wasn't anytime, Chief. I saw the problem and had I not acted right then and there we'd be short a princess." Tarren said as he was putting his gear back on. The healer had done all he could and Tarren knew he'd be fine, but he still hurt pretty bad, especially when his light armor was on.

"Enough, you're never going to learn, son. If you don't start playing things right they're just going to put you into the military. You'll be shipped out hundreds of miles away and you will never see this palace again." The commander said with a sigh. He liked Tarren, but he had no choice if that's what it came too.

"So what? Killing's killing sir, one way or the other." Tarren said, hiding how much that would really effect him.

"Don't give me that, son. It's obvious how much you love it here. Now I can cover you ass this time and report it making it seem like you did follow most of the rules. But I can't do that forever. And son, good work today. I saw your mess. Haven't seen such a clean decap in a while," The commander smiled, giving Tarren a pat on the back. Tarren nodded and smiled with the chief.

After that he headed for the throne room, wondering if he was too early. A servant told him his was aware of his meeting with the princess, and that he would be alerted when that time was ready. Until then, Tarren was told to just take a seat on a bench near the entrance to the throne room.

After sitting there pondering the idea of meeting the princess, Adrian finally shook himself back to reality. Adrian finished his dinner, than he cleaned his plate and put things to the side. Adrian decided he would do his night sermon, so he went around happily and lit all of the candles. He opened up the doors and lit the candles on the outside, and waved to people in the street.

As people started to file in, Adrian stood beside the door and greeted everyone as they came in. This was very unusual, as Adrian usually stood behind the podium. He noticed the girl he spoke to earlier with her parents, she gave him a smile. Adrian closed the door and walks up behind the podium. He looks down and then at all of the people. "I would like to thank everyone for coming in on this great night. Before we start the sermon i would like to briefly divert to let you know that i will not be in the chapel tomorrow. At the recommendation of Alicia's grandson, i will be meeting the princess of this land. I do not know what will come of this, but i will let you all know by the end of the week." There was a commotion at this, the chapel was the only church in the area besides the main church which is still under fire. After things settled down Adrian starts the sermon.

(OOC: I myself have never been to a church sermon, so I'm not even gonna try and BS one at the risk of offending people.)

The Guild Master mused on this fool’s words. Here he was, selling information like a common spy. He did not appear to have much wit, but he did have talent, and was it not for the previous day’s murder, the Guild Master would not have thought twice about murdering him.
The man was dangerous, yes, but he could be useful to the Guild of Assassins. It would not be wise to give him the option of leaving, free of harm. His pride would have been hurt by his rough capture, and he would have feelings of vengeance. He could be bought though, if he was a man for money. The man was not easily read, and that was dangerous, however the Guild Master was willing to chance it. An assassin with a shape-shifting ability was one to keep – as long as they could be controlled.
“You treat us like common criminals and spies. You forget your calling – that of an assassin, or so you have announced yourself as. We are a Guild of Assassins – what use have we of information? All we need is a name and we do the deed. The members of this Guild joined, with the knowledge that there was no turning back – and the only way out was death. I will offer you this proposal – join the Guild of Assassins, we could use a talent like yours. There is a profit to be made – create a false identity and live out your rich and pampered life, but swear fealty to the Guild. If you refuse this generous offer, which is not lightly given, then you will never be seen again. It is a tough decision to make – but that is my final choice. Remember, it would not be wise to try anything, shall we say, funny, because, behind you stand men who would kill you at a moment’s notice. Make your choice now.”
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The young man walked through the poor section of the city with distaste evident in every step he took. Holding a scented handkerchief to his nose, he tried to avoid the large piles of stinking refuse that lay everywhere on the street. Leering faces stared at him from alleyways and he moved quickly to avoid their haunted eyes.
The man had been sent from the castle to do an inspection on the Poor Quarter. He passed a dingy bar with a foul smell wafting out of it and continued down the street. He rounded the corner, staring at a woman eating what looked to be suspiciously a rat when he stumbled over a still object at his feet. He almost fell completely over, but he managed to stop his fall by grabbing onto a nearby can of rotting vegetables. His face wrinkled in disgust and he bent to apologise to the person had kicked accidentally. They didn’t move. He peered closer and saw head of red hair and a blanched face. The fingers were curled tightly into fists. He felt gingerly for a heartbeat, scared that at any moment they would bite, but he found a pulse and stood up, trying to make a decision. He could quite easily leave the man, but his conscience compelled him to do something.
Standing up, he gestured to a burly man nearby. The man sauntered over, eyeing off the money pouch on the man’s belt. After a small exchange of words, the man agreed to carry the man for a fee. The hired man hefted the one on the ground over his shoulder as if he were no more than a sack of potatoes. They walked a few streets, heading in a slightly better part of town and found a decent inn. The man ensured that the unconscious one would be looked after – and, upon his waking, he would be sent to the palace, and upon reaching it, ask for a man named Temeraine.
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The Princess sat on the dais, next to her father’s throne and mulled over what she should do with Tarren. She had no clue as to why she asked him to return and now she had to think of something. She dispatched a servant to fetch the head guard, and upon his return, bringing the head guard, she was informed that Tarren was waiting for her, outside the hall. The servant, then, instead of leaving, bowed low and said, “Your Highness, I wish to inform you that the chamberlain has spoken with the priest they call Adrian, from the city, and he has agreed to meet with you tomorrow morning.” He bowed low again and left the room.
She twisted her fingers anxiously, and waited for the head guard to speak. It did not take him long, and he jumped to the subject quickly. “Milady, I perceive you have asked me here to discuss the actions of Tarren. Admirable as they were, he has flouted the rules for the third time. He is a good man and I don’t wish to punish him, you see, but I need to maintain order in my garrison. If I may suggest, a slight promotion – maybe away from the palace guards, if you get my drift...” He left his sentence hanging, hoping the princess would pick up on what he was suggesting.
A’Marina mulled on the thought. She liked Tarren, he was a good friend, and he was slightly charming. Just thinking of him now, her heart jumped and she blushed slightly. She would make him her bodyguard. Not stopping to think of the consequences of her decision, she spoke to the head guard, “Thank you for your concern. I can see why you have remained the head guard of the palace for such a long time. I shall remove Tarren from your concerns.” Then, speaking to a servant waiting at the door to the antechamber of the throne room, she nodded for him to allow Tarren to enter.
Tarren walked in, looking worse for wear after his fight with the assassin, and he had a strange look in his eyes. She shook her head and regained her composure and said, “Tarren, for your heroic actions today, you have proved yourself above and beyond the call of duty. The head of your garrison has informed me of his concerns at your flouting of the rules. I am promoting you for your skill with a sword and your level head to being my personal bodyguard. I expect you accompany me throughout the castle and on my excursions into the city. I shall inform you when your presence is not required. Your duty begins tomorrow at two hours after sunrise outside my chambers.”
She was about to continue, when the doors opened again and the servant announced the intruder. “Your Highness, I would like to present Lord Vaul from Ch’tailgn.” A tall, handsome and well dressed man entered, flanked by two men, obviously his guards. A’Marina was swept away by his handsome and chiselled face and his air of confidence. She was stunned to silence at this new arrival.
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Prince Vaul knew how to make an entry. From entering the throne room and catching the Princess’ eye, he knew he had her hooked. She had that fatuous look on her face that he had seen many times before. Reeking of charm, he didn’t look sideways at the two other men, obviously common guards, and continued right up to the dais. Kneeling, he pulled a rose, craftily hidden inside his doublet and presented it to her, as if by magic, saying, “Princess A’Marina, your beauty is far greater than the tales that have spread far and wide throughout the kingdom.” She took the rose, her eyes still wide, and he took her other hand, and delicately kissed it, making sure she saw his blue eyes, filled with false sincerity. ‘She’ll be a pushover,’ he thought. ‘I can be married to this naive chit in two weeks.’
Standing up, but not releasing her hand, he said, “Your Highness, if I may presume to say, your chamberlain said your afternoon was free and so I propose a ride into the city, so that you may show me the prosperity achieved by your renowned father.”
The princess seemed to regain her thoughts, and, blushing furiously, and clutching the rose to her chest, she stood and curtseyed to Prince Vaul. “I would be delighted, my lord.”
Prince Vaul tucked her hand smoothly into his arm and led her from the throne room.

Maldric blinked with suprise "Well, as for reasons why you might be interested in this information..with it, killing would be much...easier, and you could force the royal families to let certain special opperatives go. As for your offer..hmm, I accept..I have no family, and my friends are always those of my prey.."
Maldric smiled, this would be an interesting time for the kingdom indeed.

Call is jealouy, but Tarren just didn't like this new guy. Lord something of somewhere, it pissed him off. Who decided who was and wasn't royalty? He stood up and watched them leave, and it was a few moments after that he realised what just happened.

Tarren was overjoyed! Twenty minutes ago he was being told that he'd get sent away never to return and now he was to be at the princess' side at all times! And to start as soon as tomorrow?

We can never be together, he thought as he walked out of the throne room and out of the castle. He has heading to the royal guard barracks, but now I can ensure that nothing ever happens to you! Princess, I swear on the graves of my family that no evil will touch you. I swear it, I will be your knight! He yelled inside his mind. Right now he needed to rest up, for tomorrow he started his new job.

Up until this point the princess never had a full time bodyguard, she would simply have an escort go with her when she went out places. But now, as her full time guard, he responsible for her at all times. In some kingdoms, Tarren knew, if a royal person were to be slain then the guard who failed would be killed also. Tarren took a moment to try and remember whether or not that policy was used here as well. It didn't matter, he rationalized, nothing's ever going to happen to her. Not on my watch.

One of the best things about this new promotion, besides an almost double in pay, was the new room. Tarren would be moved out of the barracks and given a room in the castle close enough to the princess's so that he can act of a moments notice. Of course, the rooms really weren't that close at all. His was a floor below, only royalty could live up that floor. But it was right by the stares so he can ascend them and get to her quickly.

When Tarren returned to the barracks a servent was already gathering his things and moving them to his new room. A few of the off-duty guards congradulated him on his promotion. A few guards gave him a nudge and a wink, "Perfect job, mate," they would say, "you get to follow around one of the most beautifull creatures there is and get payed to do it!" They shared a laugh, though Tarren had to fight the blush that wanted to erupt on his face.

Afterwards, Tarren left and decided to take a walk through the city. Do a little window shopping for some of the things he always wanted buy but could never afford. Now that he was being payed more he could afford some of the more expensive things he used to just window shop for. He wasn't rich, not in the least, his clothing would still be that of the middle-man. But he would have to have nice clothing for when the princess attended feasts and balls and the like. As of now he was just looking, he figured maybe that weekend after he got his first new payment he could do a little shopping.

Right now, he just wanted to cool his mind by taking a peaceful walk through the city that he loved while trying to get his mind off the princess and the man she was with.