[OOC: Only time I will ever do this. This is a stock post from the first time this rp happened, and it was a good set up for the characters and what happened. May the story progress after this, thank you]


The outer rim of Purplexia: Phoenix and the soldiers

Nighttime came like some foul beast, looming hideously over the horizon until the sun was adequately dispelled from sight. Lurking cautiously forward, it rose as one massive blanket of cloud coverage that was destined to fully envelop and devour the world beneath it. Obscuring the stars above, it dropped an impregnable and discomforting veil of shadows over anything that lay below. Looking out, one would generally expect rain, but none came. A near deathly silence accompanied this grim twilight, a plague which seemed to have spread to almost every living being.

A full moon served as the only source of comfort this night. Peering through the single break in the perpetuating overhang, the large luminescent orb sat high atop her throne overhead, pregnant with powers beyond human comprehension; powers waiting to be distributed to its children on earth. With the beautiful Lunar Goddess casting down a brilliant spotlight of heavenly rays, the Purplexia took center stage in a play overseen by the immortals themselves. Saturated by the divine light from above, and positioned as the epicenter in a large field, its stone walls seemed to radiate their own personal glow. Reaching an intimidating forty feet, and with a girth of ten, this mighty structure serves to represent the enduring strength of the people of Purplexia, employing a plethora of armor-clad guardians. The bane of any cynical crusader, this fortification stands strong and proud, ready to thwart any nefarious endeavors of those who would oppose the monarchy housed within. Tonight, however, the battlements were devoid of life; the towers and defense platforms sat empty. It would be here that a select few dared disrupt the ominous calm which had befallen the lands, and they moved with deadly intentions, ghosting through the darkness like phantoms, ready for the kill.

...

The halls of the castle were decorated lavishly, and possibly even overwhelmingly. Made to accommodate the whimsey of the occupants from generations ago, the ceilings were created with high arches that very much resembled a cathedral of sorts, and from which hung large chandeliers. Most were plain with only a ring of candles, while others, like the one in the foyer, utilized a collection of expensive crystals to capture and refract the light out in beautiful patterns across the marble floor. Several hand-carved oak beams served as columns along the walls, the tops of which arched out overhead in the forms of many different creatures, from dragons and lions, to hawks and bears. From these, a series of intricately designed purple banners, decorated exquisitely with golden designs of vines and leaves, as well as with hanging laces, were strung. Other expensive furnishings, such as pictures and coats of arms, adorned the walls between these wooden supports, just over the many small pedestals and stands which were set at short intervals to support beautifully tended potted plants, or busts of past nobility. The inside corners of each hall housed a single armor set, the shining steel polished to the point that one could clearly see their reflection. On either side of these silent warriors, short pillar stood guard at shoulder-height, the tops of which were concaved to form a bowl from which purple flames would continuously burn. Guards monitored these halls with a vigilance unmatched, but even they missed the smaller details every now and again, having grown far too accustomed to a tediously boring routine of pacing back and forth.


Phoenix was one of few on duty this night. In fact, he alone, along with only a platoon of the Lord's finest men, were charged with the task of receiving the guests that were expected to arrive at any moment. All others were given a single twelve hour leave; a great risk, but indeed a necessary one. Not an hour ago, Phoenix had verified the arrival of several combatants over the northern wall, seen by means of an astronomy tower at the top of the castle itself. Two guards had been placed there to stand watch, easily identifiable and traceable by the glint of their steel in the moonlight. The man had watched as both collapsed, disappearing beneath the parapets to be replaced by a series of silhouettes which rose only to strike, before diving back into the cover of the night. So far the anonymous tip had proven correct, but to what extent would it hold true? Looking into the sky, Phoenix felt as if the atmosphere was far too fitting of the situation.


The main hall was the single stretch left leading to a large set of decorative double doors. Beyond that point, only a short distance remained to be navigated before reaching the royal chambers. A small, dead-end hallway on both sides intersected the main hall at its midpoint of fifty feet, harboring a collection of rooms that were either empty, or housing an army of brooms and other less than important objects. Phoenix stood along this intersection, at the corner to ones right as they would be approaching the guarded gates. Hidden within the shadow of a support beam, the man's dark clothing allowed him to simply melt into the small alcove and disappear.

A master of concealment, Phoenix knew that movement was the key to detection. With the eyes having only a small focal point, things could easily remain hidden in plain sight, even without entirely matching their backdrop. Thusly, the peripheral vision was utilized to capture movement, and would draw attention towards anything that broke the stillness. Standing with his feet shoulder-width apart, and with his hands folded neatly behind his back, gripping a loaded crossbow, the man waited in silence for the arrival of the intruders.


Five minutes passed like five hours, and to anyone, even a master like Phoenix, it was enough to set one on edge, with tension running high. Nevertheless, the man forced himself into a sort of self-induced state of rest, one that he'd perfected that would allow his body to relax, without losing his keen senses as a hunter; he heard it a moment later.

Only the barely audible whistling foreshadowed the imminent death of the guards just down the hall. There was a pop as steel was punctured, followed by a loud crashing of armor plates against the hard floor. Without so much as a cry or plea for help, the two men fell, relieved of duty. Phoenix remained unmoving in his place, simply waiting as the footsteps advanced. The situation was a delicate one, as the infiltrators were no doubt wary of a trap in place for them due to the absence of more guards. On top of that, because this was the last boundary to be passed, their adrenaline would be running overtime, as well as their nerves. Having begun with a more subtle approach over an hour ago, the men were running out of time and had apparently dismissed their original game plan, believing that they were in now the clear. Racing against the clock, and with no knowledge as to whether or not their presence was known, now, if ever, would be the time for mistakes.


The first three passed quickly, not even bothering to glance down the hall which bisected the one they were traveling. Why? Because no doubt they had gathered enough intelligence to inform them about the frivolous adjoining path. It held nothing of importance, and lead nowhere, and thus the guards would not traverse it. Secondly, if one had a map of the plotted areas designated to each guard, they would know that this crossroads was maintained by only the two eliminated just seconds ago. Phoenix, however, wasn't a guard; mistake number one.

The last two of the group lagged behind, made up of a ranged combatant and a sweeper. If sources proved worth the money it cost to gain the information, then Phoenix was already acquainted with several of these men, and in fact knew both of the two he was about to engage. Fellow mercenaries who held no sense of morality with the missions they accepted, the man had no quarrel with dispatching them from this world. On multiple occasions he'd considered it before, but he wouldn't waste his time or effort on them unless it were necessary. The fourth passed.

Seconds turned to tedious hours in Phoenix's head as he worked through the situation. He heard the last man's approach, a mere meter behind the other, prepared himself to move, adjusted for any calculation flaws, and finally stepped around the corner. Throwing out a steel-plated left arm, Phoenix caught the fifth infiltrator hard in the bridge of his nose. A sickening crunch emanated from the cartilage and bone behind it as both splintered, followed by another gruesome crack as the man's head jerked violently back, leaving his body to continue forward. The man landed, sprawled on his back with a thud, his bow skidding onward to the feet of his subordinates.

Simultaneously, Phoenix's right arm came up, crossbow in hand. Hardly having to apply any pressure to the trigger, the man released the catch on the string and sent the deadly bolt whizzing towards its target. The fourth intruder, who had just turned to investigate what had happened behind him, collapsed next, the deadly projectile embedding itself and penetrating easily through the soft flesh of his neck. The man simply spun and rolled awkwardly onto one side, his scream turning into an incoherent, frothy gurgling as blood poured into and down his throat. A pool accumulated quickly beneath the fountain of crimson, and the man simply lay idle in it, his mouth gaping silent curses from beneath the now red-stained clothe mask, while his eyes stared ahead, a look of uncomprehending shock locked in them.

Phoenix dropped the crossbow and turned now to fully face the three remaining assassins. All of them wore the same black uniforms with thin masks and hoods; all of them returned his calm gaze with a combination of newly-found hatred, bewilderment, fear, and the intent to kill.


The Throne Room of Purplexia - The following morning: Alterez

A single purple carpet outlined in gold lacing cut a swath through the center of the room, from the grand mahogany doors to the raised section of flooring where the thrones sit. On either side of this carpet, the same decorative wooden support beams found in the halls would stand, reaching up into the high-arched ceiling and rafters, nearly thirty feet above. Banners and flags hung delicately from these heights, along with a grand chandelier in the center of the room. With a diameter of six feet and a total height of ten, the ornate piece of decor was one of the many prized artifacts of the monarchy. Struck from a single vein of precious gems found at the construction site of the castle generations ago, it has adorned the throne room ever since.

The room itself expanded beyond the boundaries of the carved wooden beams. In the vacancy between these and the far walls which were governed by thick, stone columns, a series of long tables were set, covered in similar purple cloths to those that hung from the ceiling, as well as an infinite amount of silverware that would go unused. As with the rest of the castle, the throne room spared no expense in finding the rarest of luxuries. Shields and crests hung off the wooden supports, while pictures were placed in their respective positions on the walls. Guards were set in front of every stone column, next to dozens of potted plants, busts, other statues, and even various weapons racks. Often though, the guards would go unnoticed, overlooked as merely another piece of interior design.

The most stunning part of the throne room, however, was the far back wall which loomed over the heads of those in power. Inset with a beautifully decorated stain-glass window that rose to a grand twenty feet, it faced the East, allowing the sunrise to cast into the castle a harmonious collection of colors which melded and blended together in order to form a detailed image of the first great war, from which Purplexia was forged. The image would be sprawled across the floor in front of the thrones in a sort of sparkling, shining wonder, projected by a heavenly might as a reminder to those enemies vanquished ages ago, and to those who would threaten the kingdom today.

Alterez always found himself enticed by this mystifying wonder. Whoever had designed it definitely had an eye for detail and knew exactly how to harness every aspect of it. As it was now, the self-proclaimed Lord had allowed himself to fall into a daze, his mind wandering to great reaches far beyond the extent of the problems at hand. Problems which unfortunately refused to wait.

"Sire?" a man's voice called.

Alterez suddenly sat up, blinking. It took him a moment to acclimate himself back into the real world, but finally, he found his voice. "[maroon]Ah, oh, yes... Right. Uh, continue,[/color]" the man said, straightening himself in his seat. The throne was made almost entirely of gold, with purple cushions and designs detailing it, as well as with a sort of cape draped over the back. His own and the Queen's were nearly identical, however, his was indeed slightly taller, though neither was set in the center. Her throne sat to his immediate right, with the elusive assassin Phoenix standing to his left.

"Problem, sire?" the man asked, a hint of worry creeping into his voice. It was General Poliferus, a great man with a spectacular battle record. He stood with an intimidating aura and spoke with a confident, commanding tone. His face showed signs of a veteran combatant, and his deep sunken blue eye held in it a strong unwavering stare. A thin scar ran down one side of his face, passing over the other empty socket. Easily able to outsmart and outmaneuver any enemy formation, even with all odds against him, his mind was sharp, and not one to be trifled with. With such an impressive history below his belt, Alterez could overlook the inflated self-reverence the man possessed.

Alterez shook his head, waving a dismissive hand. "No no, please continue, General."

The man gave a brisk nod, folding the papers he was holding behind his back as he fell into a sort of parade-rest. "Apologies, sire, but I had just finished," said Poliferus. Alterez raised a curious eyebrow to the man, but said nothing, as if contemplating his words. "To recap, however, the matter still stands. The rebels, despite all failed attempts, are still getting support. Five of the most notorious assassins means that the support includes a great deal of sponsors. From where, we are unsure as of now, but it can b-"

"General," a man cut in. Poliferus turned to face the lead adviser, a rather plump man dressed with more decorations than the entire palace itself. Poliferus didn't need to say anything, but simply nodded for the other to speak. "It is a simple solution," the adviser continued, almost as if the words he was about to say were far too obvious for the General to realize. "Reinforce all troops in the surrounding Barons castles, and tighten security, as well as law enforcement. We'll then gather a list of anyone suspected of treason, arrest them and have them tried."

"And how do you suggest we go about compiling a list of everyone who has aligned themselves with the rebels?" Poliferus retorted evenly. "They may be numerous, but of the population, they are a small majority spread far too thin throughout the kingdom. You'd have better luck trying to to enlist yourself in basic training."

The man gave the General a rather indignant look at his comment, but then simply brushed it off, rolling his eyes. Sticking out his face and placing his hands on his hips like some toddler with a point to prove, his jowls jiggled as his shook his head. The man sighed then spoke slowly this time, the condescension in his words palpable. "General... If you enforce the laws enacting better curfews and restricting movement from people in and out of these cities, you simply look for those who would disobey... The ones who are with the rebels are the ones sneaking around at night, and moving around this or that... And please, if I wished to partake in the barbaric trade that you call a profession, I would have. That is below me, however."

"Suggesting we turn the people against us by trying to cram more laws down their throats?" Poliferus asked, somewhat astounded by the man's less than reasonable solution to the problem. "Sire?" The General turned to Alterez, looking for some input.

"Sire," another adviser broke in, "I think if we promise it is only long enough to capture these rebels, they would understand. They don't like them any more than we do, and besides, we've already got people throwing around the names of people acting suspiciously. This would only make it easier! It won't do harm if only temporary..."

"Indeed!" responded the first adviser again.

Alterez simply heaved a deep sigh and sunk back into his seat, looking bored and beyond annoyed with his cast of advisers as they then took it upon themselves to begin throwing out new laws and ways to employ and enforce them. Poliferus lost himself in attempting to point out each and every flaw, however it seemed not many were giving him support, though some were. The voices of the supposed esteemed Council were steadily rising, trying to overpower the other in an attempt to get their ideas out, all the while creating an incessant drone of indecipherable words. Alterez leaned over, putting his face in the palm of his hand while his elbow rested on the cushioned arm rest of his throne. The man was becoming extremely aggravated with the lack of intelligence within the group, as well as their inability to compromise on anything. All their ideas seemed to benefit themselves in one way or another, or simply just deteriorate the loyalty within the people to them. The man let out another exasperated sigh, finally standing.

"Meeting adjourned!" he called loudly. And with that, the man turned and strode from the room, exiting through one of the side doors. Phoenix followed several paces behind, with two guards falling into step immediately after him.

The room fell silent for a moment as everyone paused, exchanging uncertain looks or shrugs of indifference. Finally a man spoke. "Very well, we shall compile a list of new laws and regulations for the kingdom and present them to his Lordship come the assembly later today!" announced the lead adviser. There was a mixed response, but no one argued anymore, simply dispersing to go about whatever business they had to attend to.

Poliferus closed his eyes for a moment, then nodded to his men who followed him through the open double doors. In two hours the palace was expecting the arrivals of a new battalion from Ravensgard, as well as a congregation of people expecting an announcement from their Lord or Queen. Poliferus had to accept these troops and ensure the area was secure before then. He also had to send out a letter to his dear friend, Wolfe. If security and laws were tightened, that would make his tasks that much harder to accomplish. Perhaps later he'll also find a way to dispose of those mercenaries the Lord had hired. His own had failed... Wolfe needed to know everything.

Kota



The last thing Kota remembered was walking through the great halls of the castle. Guards on standby, more than usual, and the fact that she had been feeling weird all day long. Her senses were heightened even more than before, scent, strength, speed, touch, and taste were enhanced beyond the mere mortals knowledge. Even her anger and attitude was different, she couldn't control her thoughts, actions, and wants. And all of that was due to a full moon coming that night.

She remembered how she always hated this, even though she would be handcuffed, shackled to the floor, and locked up in a cell, to keep her from escaping. Kota still felt like a monster that couldn't be stopped, and have only carnage, destruction, death, blood, flesh, and violence. And she hated herself for it, even though everyone knew that she wasn't in control it still made her feel like a freak. And if you think her being the Queen's royal body guard made things better and made her untouchable and not hated by the people..well, that wasn't very true.

Yes, she was higher in the social class than most other females in the kingdom, besides those that were servants or maids for the Queen, Kota was still a victim of hate, scorn, laughter, anger, envy and the her power over the people, as well as people hating her for having killed some of the towns people on her first full moon transformation.

Ever since that night that she snuck out of the castle to see one of her old lovers, who was sadly killer when the castle was raided, she'd been locked up in a cell, far away from the town, and castle in a vast system of tunnels that are underground. And each time, before the full moon would rise, she would be blind folded, cuffed, and brought down into the tunnels and led to her cell. If she knew the way out, even if she ever broke out while she was on her full wolf state, she could escape and possibly kill people because she knew how to get out.

Kota had been put into her cell, locked up with cuffs, and shackles, even though when she fully shifts, the only thing that stays on her is her neck shackle that they put on for restriction purposes. And thankfully for her, and everyone else that the myth of when Lycans transform that they're naked afterwards, that little myth is false. She was dressed in her usual uniform but was lacking her robe, she had everything else. Her vest, shirt, pants, and boots.

Kota had been asleep for hours after her transformation had finally ended as the hour hit mid-morning. And the transformation on a full moon is painful beyond belief. Her bones break and snap into place, her canine teeth elongate and only get sharper, her once smooth human skin, becomes a soft, thick, and silver colored fur that goes and encompases all of her body, from head to toe. Her eyes go from a brilliant and vibrant dusky, light purple, to a bright, piercing green, that even glows in the dark. And the beautiful, young, and vulnerable looking teen age girl that was there s gone, and the only thing left in her place is a huge, almost seven foot tall, light silver colored, green eyed, fierce and powerful Lycan.

Kota had been asleep for at least seven hours after the full moon was down and no longer could cast its deadly, and evil spell upon the poor soul who it would capture every month, and make her its own. She was in the corner of her cell, still with the neck shackle around her smooth, thin, and fair skin toned neck. She had been howling, clawing, barking, growling, snapping her fangs at the guards who would mock and jest at her while she was in this state. Even though they were told under strict order from the Queen to never taunt Kota while in this state, the guards wanted to have some fun, and didn't think anything would happen while she was in the cell.

Kota's hair was still in its usual braid trailing down from her locks, to the middle of her back. Her skin was as smooth as ever, but a little cold from sleeping on cold, damp cobble stone. She slowly woke up, yawning as she sat up she stretched, and looked around her surroundings. "Good morning, your grace." she heard come from behind her, with a tone of sarcasm. She growled as she stood up, and turned around, "How many times have you been told to keep your mouth shut, Nicoli?" she said with a growl as she looked at the guard who had been previously mocking her.

"I appologize, your grace. Will not happen again." he said as he unlocked the cell door, and unlocked the handcuffs and neck cuff around Kota, "Speak like that to me again worm, and I swear I will do things to you that you never even knew were possible" she said as she grabbed him by the throat and growled, looking Nicoli in the face, and then dropped him and swiftly walked by, putting up the hood to her robe and let the guards lead her back to the entrance of the catacombs.

As they exited the underground, Kota blinked as the morning light made contact with her eyes which were well adjusted to the dark. The guards swiftly left her, and Kota quickly made her way back to the castle, to go and see Queen Violet, making sure that her queen, but above all her friend was al right from the previous raid.

Kota



As she neared the castle, Kota looked up, towards the balcony and saw Violet above. As she went to give a slight wave, Violet had turned around, Kota used her hearing to manage to pick up, "Interrogation of the assassin" and quickened her pace.

She had already had been told by the guards about the raid, and was relieved when they said that Violet was untouched, and safe in her personal chambers. Kota made her way into the castle, and made her way to her room quickly, which was on the fifteen level, up the stone carved, winding stare case that had borders that outreached to each level of the castle, which had about fifteen levels. She unlocked her room door with her metal key and pushed open the creaky old wooden door, and stepped inside. It was a modest room, had enough space but not too over bearing, she originally asked for one of the smaller rooms, as she felt as if she didn't deserve one of the finer rooms, but Violet denied all of her requests for a more humble room, and gave her one of the better rooms in the castle. She quickly walked over to the stand in the corner of her room, that held both of her swords, Kota quickly reattached them to her belt and grabbed her ring and quickly left the room, she swiftly jumped from level to level until she reached the last floor, and made her way into the interrogation room.

Before opening the door she took a deep breath, and shook herself off, trying to calm her nerves. She pressed the door open and walked in, as calmly as she could, and as expected she saw Violet, Phoenix, a few noble men such as Hoke, who Kota wasn't very much fond of, and their new prisoner, who was a a female Orc, with one smell Kota could tell that she was trouble. She got to attention and gave a salute and awaited the Queen's orders to take her post at her side. "Your highness, Hoke, Phoenix, sorry for my late presence."

Artemis

A cloaked figure slowly arrived at the capital, keeping their hood up. They kept their eyes down, but were paying attention to where the guards were and as to not bring attention to theirself. They were given strict orders to hire bounty hunters, no matter the cost of money. They slowly made their way into a small pub that was tucked into the bottom half of a hotel, one of the bigger ones in the city.

But they stopped at the door as there was clearly a fight going on. They stepped through the door and looked on as clearly a fight had broken out, but as for what reason, they were not sure. But watched on as a large group lumbered heavily toward the large man in the corner. Each step echoed annoyingly through the bar. "Hey you're that accursed Beast I keep hearing about." the largest man bellowed, the man took note that this man must be the leader. "You killed a partner of mine a few months back and I've been searching everywhere for you. The gods must favor me this day seeing as you have fallen right into my lap..." The man kept rambling on much to the annoyance of Ranald.

"You must have a shit god then if he blessed you with running into me." The mercenary said with a wry smirk spread across his face. He tossed a small bag of gold onto the counter which the barkeeper quickly swiped before ducking behind the bar. This is obviously not the first time this has happened. "Now five rather large morons have decided to, not only interrupt my drinking but to threaten me. And I swear to all the gods above I have never seen anyone as ugly as you lot being lead around by some toothless, toad looking, excuse for a man."

The man turned red as it looked as if he was about to pop a vein. "You dare insult me! You must be as blind as you are dumb because I still have my te-"

His sentence was cut short as Ranald slammed his clay tankard directly into the face of the man in front of him. "Give me a minute. I'll fix that for ya." he said cockily as he grabbed the stool next to him and smashed it across the second guys head.

It was quick, quicker than most would have expected from a drunk. He let out a flurry of quick jabs, each strike Ranald felt his opponents' bones give way and crack. One man was stun by the sudden onslaught, giving him plenty of time to grab the man by the hair forcing his head down into a rising knee. There was satisfying crunch from the attack. As one tried to attack him from behind Ranald quickly blocked with on hand and struck him in the armpit with enough force to dislocate it.

After all the men laid groaning on the ground in pain, Ranald took the opportunity to dig through there pockets for whatever cash they might have. "You should be thankful I didn't kill the lot of you. I'm only taking your gold, but come after me again. And I won't be so kind." He kicked one of them in the ribs for good measure. The figure watched as he took a set back at the bar he ordered another drink. She smiled, and watched over to the man standing behind him. " We have a job for you to do, Ranald." she said as she dropped a large bag of gold coins on the table beside him, and took a seat next to the man, ordering herself a beer.

Artemis

" A job?" His eyes darted up and down the Artemis as he tried to read her, she noticed it seemed like all the ale was finally getting to his head. He stood wobbly from his stool and gave a slightly mocking bow. "What can I Ranald Artair, otherwise known as "The Beast" do for you miss." Slumping back into his stool with a light thud. "Need me to kill someone, escort you to another country, maybe even track down an ex-lover who ran off with some family heirloom."

The man Ranald and Artemis had noticed in the corner slowly approached the bar, stepping around the men crawling on the floor who had recently just been busted up by the would-be beast. "Good day Artemis. " As the man backed his hood he revealed himself to be none other than Uagra. "I think this man fits the standards we are looking for, and if the stories are true about him he will be invaluable to the cause." he said with a slight smile while ordering a water. Artemis nodded at Uagra, " G'day, Uagra. Glad you finally arrived. Was starting to get worried that you backed out of our deal of arriving here to find our...'guest' here." she said with slight jest as she finished off the mug of beer. They both Looked at the drunken Ranald as Uagra said, "Are they true?"

The mercenary was already downing another drink. "Depends which stories we talken about." his words began to slur together a bit. "People talk a lot of crap, especially about things they don't know."

Uagra got closer as he spoke. "That you slew a hundred men in a single battle, that you wrestled a mighty ogre without your weapon and overcame him and how you fought and killed an unstoppable high dragon."

"See it's crap like that. People exaggerate the truth." he looked at the two people next to him. "There wasn't a hundred, only eighty and I had help a young kid who was talented with a sword. The ogre was half dead and missing an arm and I had still had a knife. And I've never killed any dragon, never even seen a dragon. Really have no idea where that story came from." He shook his head and stood using his lance to keep him balanced. "Besides battles aren't won with stories, they're won with strength and a whole lot of luck. So what can I do for you two?"

Artemis looked at the ever so druken man and shook her head, " Kind of disappointed that this is the man that we were ordered to hire. But orders are orders, eh?" she said as she looked back at Uagra. She took another bag if gold coins from her robe and tossed it onto the counter, " We were given orders to hire you for an important cause. Not for your loyalty or brains, but simply for the man power. We'll pay you triple if need be, but we ask for your sword..." she lowered her voice as she said the last part, " For Lady Dream. With us?" she asked as she stood back up and put her hood back up.



Kota

The interrogation had just ended, even though it had felt like days, while it was only a few hours. Kota was tired and was sitting quietly in the rafters above, as she usually does. Queen Violet stood looming before the assassin; not necessarily in a frightening way, but it was still quite disconcerting how calm and cool she was while speaking to this knave. Hoke stood nearby, wringing his hands, and Phoenix sat in the corner, looking rather... off.
They had taken a break. They were all tired from the interrogation, particularly because of how resistant the assassin was to their prompts. She ranted about how they would all die, how Queen Dream would conquer this land, and how she would piss in the hole she would make in the chest of Violet's heart. She was quite brazen and rude, and had more than once made a lewd comment directed towards Phoenix, causing the usually silent man to sputter and blush. Her name she had given freely; one Gur'ta Ak'rinnon, who called herself the right hand of Queen Rosa Dream, or Violet's sister. Any sort of physical punishment they seemed to inflict on her failed. This confused them.
"You are all dismissed, " Queen Violet Flame said, snapping Kota out of her somewhat trance, "The interrogation is over."

Kota blinked, as she processed the words. She swiftly jumped out from the rafters, landing on the floor with utmost grace, with making next to no sound.
Phoenix shuffled out of the room, purposefully not looking at the leer painted on the assassin's face as she was looking at his backside. The guards grabbed her to toss her in a cell.

As Violet walked back up to her private quarters, Kota kept close to her and followed her, and watched as the queen and immediately flumped into a cushioned chair, letting out a breath. Suddenly, she looked like less of a powerful queen and more of a tired woman who carried the weight of the world on her shoulders. "What am I going to do?" she asked nobody in particular. Kota quietly stepped into the Queen's room, and gave a salute and waited in attention until told other wise by the Queen, " If I could be so bold, your highness?" she asked with a soft and calm voice, as of hoping to not disturb her friend.

Artemis

Artemis looked as Ranald looked between the two of them, eyes wide as she could tell he understood the name Lady Dream. "If it's manpower you looking for I'm your guy. As for my pay, keep my stomach full and my cup overflowing with booze and I'll even storm the front gates." His gaze softened slightly. "On second thought I take my pay at three times but I want half of my fee going to a local orphanage the owner of the establishment is Sister Laria. If those terms are acceptable then you can count my lance yours." Artemis smirked as her persuation worked wonders, but then pondered at his demans for half his pay to go to an orphanage. No one ever turns down full pay, especially for what they offered, but it slightly warmed her somewhat cold heart to know that good will still exists, even in the face of war.

" Excellent!" Uagra exclaimed. "With you on our side, I'm sure things will go smoothly. Well as smoothly as these things can go." Artemis covered her ears at the sudden exclamation of her cohort, "Be less loud, my friend. I swear to all the gods above, you could wake the dead!" she jested. " I'll make the arrangments to see that the orphanage gets the money. I must admit I didn't think such a charitable act would come from one who hangs around here." she nodded in agreement. "Be swift though, we leave at dawn. I will not be afraid to leave you again, Uagra. Remember last time." she playfully patted her friend on the back.

With a long stretch, Ranald yawned before grabbing his lance. "Well, I'm finished here." he entirely ignored Uagra's compliment about charity. "So we got any more people to round up or do we have already have a task." He started to move towards the door before pausing. "You know the perks of being a low life like myself, is that you here all sorts of things. Like a failed assassination attempt last night. If they're one of yours the interrogation might still be going on." Artemis pondered to herself, and groaned, "I figured she would mess it up. This is what happens when we hire a rookie." she sighed and stretched, tossed a few coins at the man behind the bar. " Sorry for the troubles, love." she winked at the human behind the bar, who blushed wildly and nodded. " Th-thank you, M-miss." he said as he quickly retrieved the small, silver coins.

"We'll decide in the morning what we do with her, first we'll gather more intell and decide from then on. Coming, Uagra?" she asked as she started to leave the bar with Ranald and Uagra in tow.

Kota

Kota smiled at the Queen's words, and politely stood next to her, but giving her enough space. As she was in her own room, and had her personal guard, even if something were to happen, the queen would be safe. "No, no. It's nothing of that nature, I assure you, M'lday. I am...well... Well adjusted to that sort of look from others." she said rather sadly, trying to make a brave face for the Queen's sake.

"It's...It's more about the raid itself." she said as she walked over to the window and looked down below at the kingdom, admiring the sight. "Well, more like what if Lady Dream does send another raid upon us? I'm afraid that if they do go for a full assault, they'll time it for when I cannot protect you. And if something were to happen to you when I'm not by your side.. I will not only have failed the kingdom, and the realm, but you.." she said softly as she continued to look out the window, at this point it was due to shame as she was not one to openly share emotions, especially one of weakness.

Kota

Kota smiled at her friend's firm but gentle touch and nodded, "I know, m'lady..." her voice was soft and somewhat filled with obvious anger and sadness as memories returned to her of her time in Omega, when she was Lady Dream's slave.

She remained silent as Violet returned to her seat and remained still and silent. She sighed as many thoughts ran through her head, but her thoughts were cut short by Violet, "Kota," she said in a firm and commanding voice, "In my hand I hold a powerful weapon. Not a sword or staff; a document, crafted by my sister's own hand, sent to one of her spies here in Purplexia. We caught the spy and got this message. Before I give this to you, I need to know; can I trust you?" she remained silent as she pondered and molled over the words that were said to her. Did Violet doubt her? Was it a test? Did she lack faith in her loyalty?

Kota shook her head and silently laughed at herself for having such foolish thoughts. She and the Queen had fought side by side ever since she was taken in, she saved the Queen's life countless times, and Violet even saved Kota on a handful of accounts. Kota was dedicated to Violet and Violet alone, her word was what she lived by. She quickly unsheathed her swords and knelt down to her Queen, offering both of her swords, "My swords are yours, my Queen. I do as you order, and would die for you without a single hesitation. I am loyal to you until death, even then, you have my undying loyalty. I would take a million knives to the back and would walk to the ends of the earth for you. My loyalty is not to the throne and whoever sits on it, but to you. And you alone." she kept her head down, eyes looking at the floor until ordered otherwise.

Kota

Kota arose at her friend's command, sheathing her swords, and listened intently.
"Sorry. Anyways, I also need to send a caravan out there to collect wheat and grain, so this has a good coverup. And I checked the star charts, so we shouldn't have to worry about any transformations." She frowned. "Speaking of, I am going to reprimand those guards, no matter what you say. I can't have them act rudely or disobedient with my orders, or treat those who match or exceed their rank with scorn. Honestly, I don't know why I let people like Nicoli into our garrison in the first place." She placed a hand to her temple, and then looked up at Kota. " Are you able to do this, Kota?"

She thought to herself for a moment, no need to worry about being locked away? Being only a half day's ride...hmm..

Kota looked back at Violet, "Will make it a day, and will be perfectly swift. I'll make it my best to make things go as smoothly as planned, M'lady, I know the route to Thistledown like the back of my hand. When do we ride?" she said as she gave a bow and a salute, awaiting her orders.

Artemis


"Artemis. How are we looking on manpower currently? How many mercenaries have managed to join up with the cause? I've sent a few in the direction of the base a few days ago but they weren't really anything of note." Uagra asked as he walked behind the other two. Artemis couldn't help but repeatedly blink as the bright sunlight made contact with her eyes. "Uhm, uhm... " she thought to herself for a moment, trying to remember.

"From what I can remember, we have five new recruits, not counting Ranald, just as of today. The Captain said that he would be trying to get more later himself, but I have my suspicions that he'll either be too drunk, or...busy with other sistuations at hand.." she said, as the Captain was very well known to not only be the biggest drunk in all of Omega, but also has a few notches under his belt.

"Should we look around for more recruits first, or get something to replenish our hunger? I myself am rather famished" she said as her stomach managed to rumble

"We ride on the morrow," Violet replied smoothly. "Until then, you can prepare." She then sighed. Kota swiftly nodded, "Rest well, my Queen. I will see to it that Pheonix is by your side while I am away." she said, and made her way out of the Queen's outer main room and walked across the hall into her room, closing the door.

She removed her robe, removing her belt and swords, putting them onto the stand, and tossed off her boots after untying them, having her clothing that remained being her black leather outer tunic, and dark brown cloth under tunic. She sat by the ledge of the window in her room and looked out, down below watching the people with their daily lives. She gave herself a little bit of respite before she would need to pack up her things, which wasn't much, and round up the men for the morning.

Kota



As the sun began to set, Kota got up from her spot and stretched, lacing back up her boots, putting on her armor and arm and leg guards, she put her belt and swords back on their place around her waist, and put her cloak back on, and before she could forget, she took the secret document that the Queen had previously given her and put it in the pocket of her robe. She looked around the room before she left, and swiftly made her way out of her room, and the hallway, swiftly walking past guards, and out of the main door.

She looked for one person in particular, and spotted him on the wall, playing his famous lute. "Lanslet, get your belongings and meet up in the Knight's courters in thirty minuts. Important bussiness." she said as she walked away from thetrecll, knowing full well that he heard her orders.

She walked further up the wall, and opened a wooden door that waa tucked into the side of the castle wall. Inside was thw Knight'a courters, at least thirty men lived in the rather spacous room. "Orders from Violet herself. We leave in the cover of the night, and arrive at Thistledown by dawn. We use the cover up of our weekly supply of grain, while we are actually delivering important orders for someone there" she said as she pulled out the map and laid it on the table for all the knights to see, she pointed at a path on the map, "We'll take this route to Thistledown, it's known to be under constant Goblin patrols, but it's the quickest way there. Prepare your men, armor and all, and we leave in no less than two hours."

"But what about the Goblins?" one of the commanders said, "Make sure the cargo is well protected, as well as yourselves, and you'll be fine. You do have one of the finest swordsmen in all of the Kingdom going with you, and Lanslet." as she said the latter, some of the knights chuckled, but with a single look from their commander, they immediateoy silenced their mockery and got to their preperations.

Kota rolled the map back up and gave it to the commander, giving him an understanding look and nod, and exited the room. She made her way to the barnstead, and opened the heavy wooden door with ease after she unlocked it. She stepped inside and walked over to a silver mare in the corner and untied her lead, "Ready to go on a ride, Bree?" she smiled happily as she gave her horse an apple and pet her head, preparing her own steed for the long trek ahead.

Kota

As Kota was petting Bree, she heard someone else follow her into the barn, and smiled as she knew who it was. She turmed around and saw that it was indeed Lanslet, and that he bowed to her, "Lady Kota, if I could have a minute of your time. I've been through Thistledown a long time ago, of course, I was with a powerful mercenary at the time. But the goblins in that area are fierce." she nodded at his words, but remained silent, even though she was a rank higher, she did hold respect for the humble and noble knight, she slightly blushed as he slowly rose his head to look up at her, "I wonder if it would be overstepping if we made a decoy cart that road ahead of us. Maybe fill it with black powder that we could ignite from afar with a lit arrow. It might scare them away. and allow us to go the rest of the way without incident or at least cut their numbers down."

She thought again about what he had just suggested, and maulled it over in her mind. Many cases of how it could go wrong, or right in their favor weighed in her mind. "First, arise dear friend. I'm not the Queen, a simple salute would have been enough for me." she said with a slight chuckle, "And second, I think that would indeed be a wise decision, Lanslet. One that I wouldn't even have thought of. I'll let the men know of the plan, we'll have one of our archers know and we'll let him know when to signal the shot, if need be."

She turned back around and pulled herself onto the now armored horse, as the rest of the knights were now entering the barn, preparing their own steeds and the wagon. She rode up to the commander and informed him of the plan that would be done with the decoy wagon, and they prepared a second wagon and filled it with the black powder that Lanslet had suggested.

The convoy was ready barely fifteen minutes later, about fifteen of the finest knights were now armored and ready, with torches and their weapons. They rode up to the front gate of the castle, as the drawbridge was lowered, and they rode out into the night, with four guards with torches in front, and four in the back to light the way for both of the convoys, Kota in the lead with Lanslet somewhere close by on his own steed, making their way to Thistletown thanks to the cover of the night.

As Kota rode along the pathway silently, Lanslet's voice broke the silence, "It's a lovely night. Isn't it Lady Kota? Little to no clouds making it easy to see anything moving." she smiled at his attempt of making small talk, "It is indeed, my friend." she said, with a small smile across her face. As far as people went, Kota was rather fond of Lanslet. He wasn't the judgemental type, and while he was rather boastful about his swordsmanship, he was still humble.

"The sky was very much like this when I left my home." Kota sighed softly and nodded at his words. She remembered what she was told of him, and what he had to go through. She too had a few assassination attempts on her life, as if people wanted to get to the queen, they would have to go through her, and she was a large target of many skilled hunters.

"I am sorry, my friend... I would imagine that was very hard on you, but-" before she could finish her thought, her reflexes kicked in, something didn't feel right, and as if everything went by slowly, she quickly unsheathed her sword, and with utmost grace, she sliced an arrow in two that was aimed towards Lanslet. They had been spotted by the goblins, as she hadn't realized that they were already in their territory. She quickly dismounted from her stead, allbiet as she had jumped off, "Bree, get out of here!" she demanded at her horse, and quickly turned to her men. "Look alive! There's more...many more. I can smell them." she said as she backed away from the fake convoy, but before she could do anything, a barrage of arrows came from behind one of the upper ledges behind a wall of rocks, she unsheathed her other sword, and with grace and speed, she sliced most of the projectiles that were aimed at her. But one of the arrows managed to miss her blades, and impaled her shoulder, right in the spot between where her armor joined together at the base of her shoulder and neck, causing the Lycan to growl in pain and fall backwards against the convoy. She growled again as she painstakingly removed the arrow, and groaned with pain as she could feel the arrow come out, blood slowly flowing from the new wound.

"Lady Kota, are you okay!" Kota heard the young boy yell. All she could do was nod, as her reply. As more goblins started surrounding them, she reached into her robe and threw her throwing knives, killing four of them easily. She could feel her wound start to heal, and smiled, and started to get back into the action. She pivoted as one goblin came rushing at her, and easily struck him down with a single slice to the chest. As one more ran towards her, she smirked as she grabbed him by the throat, impaling him on her sword and tossed the body aside, with no emotion. Whenever she was in battle, she was a killing machine, until the deed was finished.

As the rest of the goblins started to realize that their battle was a lost cause, they turned tail and ran. Kota growled, but decided not to pursue. "Stand down, no need to pursue. That's not our mission. Heal the injured, and we shall start our treck again.." she said, as she whistled for her horse as the wounded were being attended to.

"I'm sorry Lady Kota." Kota heard Lanslet say to her as she was mindlessly wrapping up her wound. She looked up at the young man, and smiled slightly, as he was still holding his bow.

"I wasn't focused enough on my surroundings and failed to notice the ambush. Even worse I distract you with my senseless small talk. I even gave orders without your permission. I'll gladly accept any punishment you see fit upon our return." Kota sighed as she pushed herself back up from against the wagon. She remained silent for a moment, and then eventually spoke up, "It is no worry. I was the one who wasn't paying attention. I knew this area like the back of my hand... My mind was elsewhere..." she said as she slipped her robe back on, and stretched her arm, feeling that it had finally fully healed.

She looked back at the man and said, "And as far as punishment goes, after we get back from our mission. You will have to report to the Queen herself, and I will go with you. I will make sure that her punishment isn't too....strict. And after that, I have a test for you. As you will have to train ten times harder than ever before for the following month. As in, you will have to try to best me at my own skills, is that clear?" she said as she picked up his head, and was only mere inches from Lanslet's face, looking deeply into his eyes, looking for any sign of possible fear, which her test for him had only just started.

"I promise I won't let you down again Lady Kota." Kota nodded at his words, as she mounted Bree who had returned, without a single scratch or maim on her. "Let's see to it that you do." she said as she gently pressed her heels into Bree's side, as she guided her horse over.

"Well we uh should probably get moving. The men seem to be ready. How is your wound fairing?" Kota smiled at Lanslet's words. And spoke as the convoy slowly started to move again, "My wound is fine. Will scar over, but is to be expected. It was a careless calculation on my end. Do not blame yourself for my carelessness. I will speak with the Queen when we arrive back at the kingdom, and will receive full responsibility. How is yours? " she gestured at the cut above his eye, as she looked at the human, giving him a knowing and kind nod. And looked back at the trail infront of them.

Kota smiled at his ever positive outlook, even if it was a little too positive sometimes. But she smiled nonetheless. Having someone like him with them, kept morale high whenever he was around. Allbiet sometimes the men would get fet up with him, Kota found his outlook to be refreshing, especially now since they were in a middle of a war.

As their treck towards Thistletown continued, Kota was lost in her own thoughts. What if she let the kingdom down? Or her men? Or even the Queen herself? Kota couldn't live with herself if any of those outcomes were to come to pass. Her life was now Purplexia's and she was dedicated to the people. Not many, if anyone else aside from Alteraz and Violet knew of her past and where she came from, especially her being their now enemies personal slave.

If anyone were to find out, it was almost certain that the last amount of respect she had left from the people would be gone. They would think she was a traitor, even though the only one she betrayed was Rosa Dream herself. But could anyone blame her? Aside from Rosa herself? And maybe some of her men? Probably.

But her thoughts were soon interupted as she heard singing. Her mind snapped back into reality, and out of the realm that is her mind, and she recognized the voices. It was Lanslet, and...the men? She smiled as she recognized the song, and before she knew it, she started softly singing along. Hoping noone could hear.

As they all continued singing, as the hours slowly went by, the sun ever so slowly started to rise. Bringing some morning light with its presence.


"You must be hungry. I know last night was a...taxing trail for you and that you rushed straight to your duties. I wasn't sure if you ever stopped and had a chance to eat. It's not much but it is good." she heard Lanslet say as she noticed that he moved his horse closer to her's, extending his arm out with something in his hand. She graciously accepted what it was, and when she realized it was some dried meat, she smiled and happily ate it. Until now she didn't realize how hungry she had been, her stomach starting to growl now. "Thank you, Lanslet. That was very generous of you. And I didn't realize how long it had been since I last ate.. Usually I can go for hours, even a few days without eating. Always being on duty, and watching the Queen has kept me being able to live off of smaller portions of food." she said as she finished off the last bite of what remained that he gave her. And she smiled greatfully at him, and turned her head back to the trail, seeing a small village come into view over the horizon. "Thistletown is in bound. Let's get this treck finished, shall we men?" Kota said as she sat up straight, and put her hood down, her wolf ears and purple hair now visible again.

"You might be one of the strongest people I have ever meet. But you should attend to yourself better. If anything were to happen to you, it would be a crushing blow on morale to the queen, and to the men." Kota smiled at his words a little, accepting the compliment. As far as humans went, Lanslet was one of the few decent ones. Kota could never tell if his kindness and respect towards her was simply cuz she was his superior, was the Queens right hand, and personal body guard, or if it was something else entirely. But she brushed the latter one off, as it was foolish for her to think something like that.

She noticed that Lanslet had sped up his treck infront of them, and she grinned. She smiled even more as a plan formed in her mind, and she sped up to Lanslet's pace, "Also, that test I was talking about?" she grinned as she looked at him, "That starts..." she nealt her head down to Bree's ear, Get ready to run, girl" she said softly.

"Now!" and with that, Kota quickly poked Bree in the sides, and she sped off. Her long, purple braided hair and robe trailing behind her as she raced Lanslet to the small village up ahead. It was obvious to the men for what she was doing, and they kept their slower pace. As a means of not damaging the convoy more than it was, and so that they wouldn't draw any more attention to themselves.

As Kota kept up her pace, she grinned. As it was well known in Purplexia that she was one of, if not the best horserider in all of the realm. Not only was she a gifted rider, but she was one of the best knights in Purplexia who could fight off a brigade of enemies while gracefully remaining on her horse.

As she grew closer to the village, she slowed her pace as she made it into the border. The town was slowly starting to wake up. She patted Bree on the side, "Good girl. Double the apples and water for you." she said to her horse, who she gently caressed her face and gently kissed her head after dismounting. She looked around for anyone of the villagers that she could talk to, and she managed to see a younger, blonde haired male, that seemed to be being picked on by some older boys.

She growled, as for her, one thing she hated was bullies. She walked up to the crowd of men, tapping one on the shoulder, "Excuse me? Mind telling me what you're doing?" she asked the taller one, who had dark jet black hair, and raggid clothing.

He sneared at her as he turned around, "Who's askin', freak?" he asked, as he gestured to her ears. Kota let out a soft growl, and unsheathed one of her swords, gently putting it up to his gut, "Kota, high knight of Purplexia. And personal body guard to the Queen. Either stand down and leave, or we'll see if you truly do have...The guts that it takes to be a man." she said as she gestured to her sword, that she was gently pressing closer and closer into his skin.

He quickly backed away, "K-Kota?? You mean, you're THAT freak? Always heard tales of you, would weigh in a hefty sum for your head!" he went in for a punch, and with ease, she stepped out of the way, tripping him in the process. "Tsk, tsk. First step in fighting, never go fora hit when your enemies back is turned. Tis a coward's move. Go on before I do something that I will regret." she said as she lifted the boy's chin with the edge of her blade. He looked up in fear, and quickly scattered, as well as his group.

She huffed to herself, and sheathed her sword. Turning to the blonde boy that was trying to get to his feet. She out stretched her hand, "Are you alright? Those men are cowards.." she said as she helped him to his feet.

"Uh-uhm, thank you, Miss, er, Kota," Kalan said awkwardly, Kota looked at the human, and smiled. Not being one to be rude to one she had just helped, nevermind a defensless person that had done nothing wrong, at least in her eyes.

"Thank you for your help. I'm Kalan Dervas. What brings you to our village?" She turned back to the boy as he thanked her for her help for the second. She looked around making sure that noone of suspicion was watching, "We're here to receive our monthly grain and wheat supply." she said rather casually, as that was the truth, not entirely why they were there, but nonethe less a reason. She turned back to Lanslet, after hearing what he said, "Make sure their wounds are tended to, and that they get some nurishment, as well as their steads. We'll be leaving rather shortly." she said to the other blonde.

As her eyes scanned her surroundings, she managed to pick up a scent. 'Enochian?' she thought to herself. 'Here..? This far out..? But why..?' her thoughts wondered, but kept her composure as to not bring the fact that she was alerted to their presence, at least not yet.

She turned back to the boy, "Kalan, was it? You don't happen to know of someone by the name of Quarion, would you?" she asked as she picked up the book that he had dropped, noticing that it was a book that the man in question had written.

Kota

As Kota waited his answer, her ears perked up, as she managed to catch that familiar scent again. She thought to herself for a moment, and then said, "Know what? Hold onto your answer for a moment longer. If you will." she gave the boy a bow before putting her hood back up, and swiftly followed the suspicious individual into a local inn, staying to the shadows.

She watched the man sit down amongst a group of people, "Smart..." she said to herself, and she slowly walked over to the table, taking the seat beside the stranger. She awaited silently, as the waitress came back over with his food, she looked at Kota, "May I get you anything, miss?" Kota looked up, seeing the young girl who could be no more than eighteen, she smiled. "Just a pint of ale, if you wish. And perhaps some beef and bread, please? Thank you." she said kindly, and nodded at the girl who nodded and went to get her food. Kota sat silently, awaiting the stranger to make the first move. But after a moment of silence she softly spoke, "No need for violence, just simply want to talk...If that is okay with you?" she said as she looked at the man, her purple eyes giving no sign of violence or ill will, unless prevoked.

"Now what makes you think I would be prone to violence. Especially to a lovely lady such as yourself?” said the stranger, Kota couldn't help but chuckle at his comment. "I'm no fool...I know who you are. she said as she looked back him, eyeing him. "And by that, I mean what you are, to be precise. Your scent is...overwhelming, to be polite." she finished, just as the girl came back, bringing Kota her food, "Thank you, hun. This is for your troubles." she said as she placed five extra gold coins in the girl's hands, and nodded to her as the girl swiftly left after many thanks and an awkward bow, which only caused the Wolf to laugh softly.

Kota nodded to the man's plate, letting him know if was okay to eat, “If you wish to talk I have no qualms. Though it does make one wonder what the famed Kota, the Queen’s bodyguard and Captain of her majesty's Knights wishes to discuss with a commoner such as myself." his voice with rather smooth and casual, but Kota was no fool. As she took a bit from the bread, she gave herself a moment to swallow the remainder of her food, and taking a sip from the pint, "Again, I am no fool. And I didn't come here to start a brawl, or get others injured or killed. Simply to talk." Kota looked at the other patrons, seeing as they had their weapons on their hips, ready for any possible confrontation.

"As for you, sir. You're a...rare 'breed' to find in passed years..Why are you all the way out here..? Bussiness? Luxaries? Or something I'm not to know about?" she asked, her voice soft and calm, only audible to the one beside her. She took some more bites and sips from her food and drink as she held the conversation with the man.

"As for what I’m doing here you could say I was ‘persuaded’ by my family to take a holiday after concluding some recent business.” Kota listened as the man spoke, never taking her eyes off of him. She slightly reclined in her seat, thinking of what to say next, she placed her hand on her chin, thinking to herself for a moment.

"I would ask, but it is no right of mine to know. But, as long as we are here, and as far as I have seen, you pose no threat." she said as she finished the last of her food and drink. She looked to the man one last time, "We could use more man power, but only if you pledge your undying loyalty to the queen. If you decide to accept my offer, I will personally pay you well. If you decide on your choice, come find me. I'll be speaking with someone, but we'll be leaving here no later than an hour." she said with a nod, putting up her hood back on, covering her hair and wolf ears that protruded from utop her head.

She stepped away from the table, and placed a sack of gold coins on the table, "Food and drinks are on me" she said to the other patrons, who cheered with glee, downing their current drinks and asking for more.

She paced by Lanslet, and motioned him to follow her. "Now...to find him.." she said, her voice more of a whisper than aloud. She made her way out of the inn, and looked for the young man she was previously talking to. She found him under the tree, where they had last seen him. "Hello again, Kalan." she said as she approached the boy.

She nodded at his words, "Yes, terribly sorry about before...Something...important came up." she said rather casually, and coughed slightly, as a means of clearing her throat and to make the slowly growing awkward situation, less awkward, of that were at all possible anymore.

She gestured to Kalan, "Please, lead the way, Sir Kalan." she said with a slight bow, as she got out of his way, letting him lead the two recent travelers. As Kalan led them, Kota looked at Lanslet who was in tow, "As for the man in the inn, he could prove to be a useful aly. But do keep your guard, mind you." she said to Lanslet, softly not not to be taken under suspicion by any passerby. "As the days draw closer, Lanslet, the more allies we must try to scrouge. It won't be easy, but it must be done.." she said to him, with a small smile, and an assuring nod.

Kota remained silent as Lanlset gave a barrage of both questions, requests, and statements, her mind being able to process thoughts and replies to all of which he spoke of. Being around many people, who usually all talk at once, gave her the skills tp be able to process many thoughts at once, allbiet it would give her an unruley headache later, the pain was worth the result some would say.

She looked at him and said with a serious tone to her voice, and look on her face, "It has been kept tightly, mainly as a way to not cause panic and a possible uprising among the people, but also as a way of keeping the truths from the lies...But alas, it is indeed true, Lanslet.." She said with a sigh, as she looked down and back up at the human that stood opposite of her. "A darkness is coming...One that I am well...associated with. The Queen sent us here to gather important intell from an old friend of her's. We need all the allies we can get, Lanslet...The future is looking dark, and the results could be dastardly..." she looked around her, but casually to make sure no one was watching them, or overhearing their conversation. Which, in restrospect, it wasn't a smart idea to be talking of such importance out in the open like they were.

"I would suggest asking your family...But that is no right for me to make a say in the matter. But I can not say the same for Violet. You should speak with her about that matter when we return home...But again, that is if you want to. And if so, I could attend with you." she said, as she gently placed her hand on Lanslet's shoulder, knowing his past, and his relationship with his family all too well.

Kota was about to thank him for his guidance in bringing them to Quarion's house, but he bid them ado before she could get the words out, watching as the young, but ever so squirrel brained boy dissapear into the woods. Kota sighed, and looked at Lanslet who was by her side, as he usually could be found. She rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly as the pair stood outside of the stranger's house. She though of what she should do. knock?, randomly go inside? Knock and call for him? the thoughts went through her mind. But she sighed again, and knocked on the door, "Quarion? Are you home? It's important business. We mean you no harm, we're friends of Violet's." she remained standing outside, waiting for a reply.

But after a few moments, she decided to go inside anyway, and slowly opened the door, stepping inside. She looked around, the smell of food and incense as well as parchment filled her senses, causing her to cover her nose for a moment as she adjusted herself to multitude of different smells. She walked inside more, and looked around, seeing all the different books on the shelves, some she had never seen before, and most she had read. Seeing one she hadn't seen since she was a child got her attention, and she walked over to the shelf, gently picking up the small, leather covered book, smiling as she opened it and began skimming the pages.

Kota quickly closed the book as she heard shuffled footsteps coming towards her, and she looked up to see who she pieced together to be the man she came for. An Elf? Well, the name fits then, I suppose she thought to herself. She looked back at him, placing the book back down on the shelf where she found it originally. She turned to face him properly, and bowed, "It is good to meet you, Sir Quarion. My name is Kota, and this is Lanslet." she motioned to her companion. She removed her hood, exposing her wolf ears to the old Elf, seeing as how she was in safe company. "We're friends of Queen Violet, Quarion. Perhaps maybe you heard of me? I recently became Violet's personal guard a few years ago. In fact, to prove who I am..." she said, as she reached into her robe, pulling out the letter that was given to her by the Queen herself, having the royal crest on it as proof, she handed it to Quarion. "We're here on important business from the Queen's command herself." she added the latter as she placed her hands in the robe's pockets.

The last part of Quarion's words resinated within her, she knew that the assassin was still alive, but she was in the most secure part of the castle, presumably she had no way of getting out, but as she thought more, some of the guards were of the more...easily swayed side. She nodded at his words and gave him another bow, "It will be done. Thank you, Sir Quarion. We will make haste back to the capital as fast as we can." she looked at Lanslet, who she could visibly tell was shaken up by what Quarion had to say, she nodded at him and said, "Assemble the men and make sure they are ready, we leave immedately. No hesitations. Go, now." she demanded.

She looked back at Quarion, "Anything else that we can aquire before our departure?" she asked the old Elf as she made her way to the door of his small, but humble abode.

As they raced towards the castle, Bree, Kota's mare began to tire. Kota nodded, gently patting her horse's side, "It's okay, girl. I've got this. You ready, Bree?" she asked the horse, allbeit she knew the beast couldn't reply, as she wasn't a talking horse, even though few and far did actually exist. Kota took a deep breath, slowly bringing her legs up as she kept balance, slowly begining to get into a kneeling position upon the saddle, she gave Bree one more signal, and Kota using her Lycan abilities, she flung herself off of the back of her horse, while midair, she closed her eyes and focused, feeling her bones shift.

As she opened her eyes again, as her once purple eyes were now a green, her skin was now fur, and her appearence was now that of her Lycan side. She landed on the ground, with utter grace and kept running, her being half Lycan gave her greater endurance and speed than any man, with her now being in her wolf form, her speed increased far faster than any man or horse and she took off running, leaving the others quite literally in her dust. She soon, no later than five minutes saw the castle begin to come into view, she knew she was close, just hoping she would be in time. She picked up her pace, knowing she was in bound. The guards along the wall looked towards her direction as her form came into place, one picking up his crossbow, aiming it at her. The other forcibly knocked it out of his hand, "You fool! That's High Knight Kota! She's back!" he yelled, the others looking at her down below. As Kota grew closer to the castle wall, she leapt into the air, digging her nails into the wall, quickly scaling up the wall with inhuman speed, the blessed plate from Qaurion giving her special properties of immense speed and stamina. She quickly climbed the wall, as she climbed to the top, she looked for the queen's chamber, and howled. Alerting her presence.

She leapt again, launching herself towards the queen's chamber's window, as she grew closer she closed her eyes, and concentrated again, as it almost seemed like the following events went in slow motion, she felt her body crash through the window, opening her now purple again eyes, she crash landed into the room, landing against the wall, using her reflexes to push against it, stopping her from repercussions. She slowly stood up, turning around she looked at the assassin, "You! You will pay! For any and all crimes that you have comminted, Orc!" she growled, baring her fangs at the Orc that stood opposit of her now. She unsheathed her swords, stepping infront of the Queen and Alteraz, "Are you two alright?? Has any harm come to Violet? To either of you?" she asked, not taking her eyes off of her opponent, she never let her eyes move away from her target, a low growl emitting from within her throat, as her grip around her weapons tightened, panting slightly, but not letting her slowly ongrowing fatigue set in yet.

She nodded at Violet, keeping her guard up she spoke to Lanslet, "Me and Violet have this, you get Alteraz out of here, and to a safe place. That's an order, knight!" she barked at Lanslet, a slight growl to her tone. She looked back at the Orc, "And it's High Knight and personal guard of the Queen, to you, Orc. You can give up peacefully and let you live...possibly. Or you can continue to fight and be cut down, your choice..." she said to her adversary, as she kept her weapons at the ready.

Kota looker at the Queen ever so slightly, then back at the orc, "I'm relieved that you are alright, m'lady...I came as quickly as I could...After this I will report properly, now...We have some fun." she said as she quickly spun around with inhuman speed, thanks to the blessed armor, as well as her natural abilities, and made a quick gab at the Orc's leg, cleanly slicing the calf of her left leg.

She grinned at her opponant, and as she lunger at Kota, she twirled her sword in her left hand with ease, knocking the weapon out of Gurta's hand, and with her right sword, she swiftly disarmed the orc by severing her left hand at the wrist. She kicked the orc down by kicking her in the calf where she had just previosuly made a fresh wound. She put her two swords close to the orc's neck, "We don't want to have to kill you, but we will if we must. Surrender now, and we will let you live and give you proper care. But move a single muscle and I will not hesitate to give you a merciful death. Your choice." she growled down at the opponant that she so very easily disarmed, no pun intended. She wasn't known as the greatest swordsman in the kingdom for nothing, well, second to the Queen that is.

Her eyebrows quirked at the notion of her not knowing something. She kept herself as knowledgible about whatever she could, when she could. "Of course...The one that has never truly ended...Why? What does it have to do with the armor I was gifted..?" she asked, as she sat up more, thankfully she had healed her minor wounds easily, but the large wound in the center of her chest, she had no idea where that one had come from. She hadn't been in any battle, unless you count that small scuffle with the goblins, which was dispatched of easily.

She winced at the pain caused by the wound on her chest, never did a wound take this long to heal, or hurt her this much. Scars of all kinds were visible on her, all ranging in different sizes and shapes. Mainly they were from arrows and some sword wounds, but the ones that covered her back were from her past. They reached from the center of her back to reaching out from the top of her shoulders and her sides, which were caused by the whippings rattails she would receive from Lady Dream if she was displeased with Kota. Rattail whippings is when they would bring special whips with shards of broken glass, bone, or anything else, and whip the victim until they would passout, depending on the endurance of the victim, it could be a few to even an hour until the individual would either pass out from exhaustion, or die from bloodloss.

Kota couldn't help but grit her teeth at what she was told, 'The old bastard lied' she thought to herself, swearing if she ever saw him again...she'd do nothing..Wasn't her right to harm someone who didn't mean to have her killed. She sighed, shaking her head, "It would make sense..For orcs pain causes them to become more powerful, therefore explaining the need of the needles...Such an idiotic mistake on my part..." she mentally kicked herself for being so careless. Elves wouldn't resort to such a brutal way of granting power to someone, at least not needing pain to grant special powers.

She took the armor, looking down at it, eyebrows forrowing as she growled, tossing it aside onto the floor. She took a deep breath and composed herself, "I appologize m'lady...You shouldn't see such foolish behaviour..." she mentally kicked herself again one last time for acting so childish, especially infront of the queen. She thought to herself for a moment, then spoke up, "If...If we must...I can return home..The Lycans...They have a blessing of their own...but..its requirements are...uhm...of the less favorible way, dare I say it. I haven't seen another Lycan...ever actually..Don't think I would be welcomed back home anyway.." she said as she looked down and away from the queen. From the memories of her childhood that she does have are cloudy, and she doubted that she even knew where her Lycan clan was, as they always remained hidden from the outside world.

She sighed and looked down, as she didn't have her people's blessing yet, she couldn't show what it entailed, but she tried her best to explain, "It..It is a mix of tattoos..and other means..." she sighed again, as her people were amongst the more brutal side of giving their kin blessings. "The one to receive the blessings must...First under go a certain task, after, their blood is then smeared into their skin, covering their bodies head to toe in blood made markings, which then in the ritual engraves itself into the flesh, making itself become a rune tattood onto the skin by the means of blood. That is only if the one manages to return." she tried her best to explain it in a rather vague, but also giving enough information to leave her satisfied. As she didn't want Violet to be concerned for what could possibly happen.

She smiled at the gesture for help that Violet offered, and accepted her offer. She was careful to not put too much of her weight on her, as it wasn't anyone else's responsibility, especially not the queen's to help her. Allbiet she felt a bit emberessed and bad for making her help, but somewhat humbled that Violet would even offer such a gesture. "It would make sense...Just wish I wasn't as foolish to just believe what I was told...Hard lession learned I assume..." she said as a reply to where the wound must have came from. Before they left, she fastened her belt to her waist, just in case, even though she wasn't in the best state for any confrontation, especially not a dual.

As she was led down a hall, she was suddenly stopped. Kota looked to Violet, and quirked an eyebrow of confusion, "If I may ask, m'lady...What is in that room? I sense..something." she said as she nodded, and turned on her heel to walk in another direction, not being one to disobey orders, especially from the queen herself.

She nodded and let her friend guide her back to the royal sleeping chambers. Kota hobbled along as she was helped into the chair, smiling at her friend, "Th-thank you, Violet.." she said kindly to her friend. Violet had always been there for Kota, and had been a loyal friend to her, even though Kota didn't feel that she was worthy of being considered a friend. When she was asked what else Quarion had to say, she thought for a moment, trying to remember.

"Oh...Right." she said as the memories came back to her. She cleared her throat, and got onto a better sitting position that didn't put so much pressure on her back, and began to speak again, "He had confirmed what we were thinking...Dream is planning an invasion...On a full scale. He advised to set all men on guard, and to keep you safe. And to keep that Orc locked up at all costs...I almost failed my duty once, and I won't let that happen again, I swear to you, Violet." she said, with almost a tone of sadness and desperation as she pledged Violet her loyalty. "I will die if I must..." she said softly, looking down at the wound that had finally start to begin healing, it now looked like a very fresh scar, instead of the bloody wound that it had previously been.

She got out of her seat, and bowed, "Unlike you, your highness, some of us can afford to die." she gave Violet a friendly wink, and added the notion that since she was part Lycan, she could take the possibility, allbeit the chances of her return being swift would be unlikely.

"Besides, I needed to speak with you first...And since you were the first I saw when I awoke..I needed to discuss it with you. We can talk later, m'lady, when all is said and done. Pheonix should be somehwere around, he should watch over you until I have the men in position." she gave her one more bow, and as she could feel her strength returning, she rushed out of the room, down the halls, down the stairs, and into the knights courters

"Alright men!! Battle stations, now!! Dream could be here any moment!! She is coming with plans of a full on scale assault, most likely one of which we have never seen! If you are a man, arm yourself, and may the gods shine down on you. Take the women and children and hide them behind locked doors, keep them safe. If a woman wants to fight, armor and a weapon are her ally, if she is able. As few citizin casualties as we can. The assassin from last night can NOT. I repeat CAN NOT escape or be found by Dream or her men. If it comes to it, kill her. We can accept the loss of her life, if it means it. We fight for Queen Violet, Purplexia, and ourselves. We fight and defend for our home, as well as our pride. Get to it, men!" she barked her orders, hoping to increase morale among the men. She quickly ran out of the room and back into the main part of the castle, horns rang out as a sign of them getting to battle stations, and full lockdown of Purplexia. She managed to run by Lanslet, "Lanslet, hop to it! Full scale assault is imminant. Get what you need and meet me in the throne room in five. I must prepare for battle." with that she ran up the stairs, and up the the higher levels to her room.

Kota had swiftly made her way back to her room, but before she had went to her room, she had stopped by the infirmary, and sure enough, the armor she had tossed was still there. She sighed, and begrudgingly picked it up. She rushed back to her courters, quickly stripping out of the remainder of what clothing she had, she hadn't any need of the bandages anymore and tossed them aside. She looked at the blessed plate that she held in her hands, she sighed and this time directly placing it on her chest, she let out a soft pained howl as the needles pierced her flesh, inserting them and anchoring them deeply. She took a minute to breathe, growing adjusted to the pain, much like her kin, she also too grew strength from pain. She quickly clothed herself with her battle gear, blessed iron leg and arm plates, and her brown robe, and looked herself in the mirror, "You have been training for this very moment, Kota. You are not only a guard, soldier of Purplexia, and commander, but you. You are a Lycan, a fearsome beast in battle. Do not let them down." she tried prepping herself. She looked herself one more time over, placing her belt on her waist, her two dwarven crafted swords on stand by, and nodded. She swiftly left the room and rejoined with the others, boots thudding aloud through the halls, until she came to a jog by the Queen's side, she stood. "This is it, m'lady. I will fight by your side, to the very end." Kota gently placed her hand on Violet's shoulder, giving a reassuring smile the best she could. She looked around her, all the men and women on stand by to her orders, "Archers and balistas, keep your eyes to the skies. They have company. Stand by my signal." she barked, her voice easily heard by everyone. She looked down below, where Lanslet and the rest of the knights would be, "Knights, also by standby. Shields at the ready, guard up and cover each other, shields above and in front, don't let your guard down. Also on my signal." she looked over at Lanslet, making brief eye contact, and gave him too an affirming nod.

She smiled down at Lanslet and gave a bow as well to the knight. With boosted morale she withdrew her blades, twirling them as she limbered up, being ready for the onslaught that was to come, purple and black melded together in an almost hypnotic state, coming to a stall as the roar of dragons came closer. She looked up, seeing two come flying towards them, as she dodged out of the way of the corpse of the one that Violet had just freshly slain, she grunted. "Rats with wings is all they are." she said to herself as she swept her hair out from infront of her. She never fought a dragon, but she had seen plenty. As she was bought by Dream all those years ago, she saw some up for trade. Foolish really.

As the rider of the dragon fell, Kota commanded her men, "Attack!! All defenses and offenses. Now! We fight today, less we rise another day!" she exclaimed as she swiftly disarmed an enemy troop, tossing him off the wall to the ground below, to his untimly death. As she heard an all too familiar voice, something in her froze. She looked to see, Lady Rosa Dream herself, she growled as she stepped infront of Violet protectively, "Commander and personal guard Kota, actually, Dream." she growled, almost spatting out her name like poison. "I have been waiting for this day, Rosa." she said with a growl as she twirled her swords, still staying infront of Violet.

Kota growled at Dream's retort, but nodded as she was commanded to help Lanslet by the Queen. She lept down from the upper wall that Violet and Dream were currently fighting on, landing on a small platform. As an enemy soldier came rushing at her with a battle axe, she simply grabbed him by the throat, and broke his neck, dropping him limply to the ground as his body crumbled. She turned her head to see a soldier of her's having trouble with two tougher enemies, she quickly disarmed one, slicing his hand at the wrist clean off, and slit his throat with ease as he rushed her, the other she kicked down and plunged one of her swords into the space between his armor, near the neck. As she wiped the blood off her weapon, she nodded to the knight she had saved and rushed to Lanslet's aid.

He had been backed into a corner by a much bigger, and stronger oponant, who wielded a lance. She growled, "The fool" she said as she lept forwards, kicked the man's shield out of his other hand. "The Beast, is it? Show me why you are so ronound as a fighter. Lanslet, I have this." she said as she took up the Tokashi stance, which had the user have two weapons, particularly swords, and have one above the head, and the other in front of the wielder, ready to deflect any attack or slice and dice the opponent. As she was familiar with his record, she had slight doubt she could actually win against a fighter like him, possibly disarm and disable him, but not easily kill.

Kota gritted her teeth as he mocked the skill of her men and Lanslet, "You bastard. How can you betray a friend, or even one you considered so close?" her grip on her weapons hilts tightened, anger begining to rush through her entire being. To her, those she held dear, allbeit those were few and far between meant everything to her, and she would do whatever it would take to protect them from harm. Her wolf ears flattened to her head as well as her wolf tail slashed around angrily, as her anger was getting the better of her, she changed stances and put both of her weapons infront of her in a defensive position. "Stay close and do as I ordered earlier, Lans. Hit harder, faster, and stronger. Show me why you are one of the best knights!" she barked at the male who she had not only saw become one of the best knights in the whole kingdom, but who even considered a good friend and aly in battle.

Meanwhile this had been going on, Artemis and her troops are managed to break through the walls with their own ballistas and war ramms along the wall, as she and her men broke through, she ordered them to different positions, archers above to have an over view, and swordsmen to take the lower levels. She listened, sensed, and soon found her target. As she took out many of the Purplexian guards with her own bow, she slowly made her way into the dungeons, slicing and hacking with her sword, and using enemy bodies as shields when she needed. She finally came into the lower levels of the dungeons, finding what she came there for, "Funny...Isn't it? One of Dream's best assassins kept up like a dog." she said mockingly to the orc on the other side of the prison cell, who had been locked down by a neckbrace, as well as handcuffs and legcuffs, keeping her whole body from moving, besides her head letting her look up.

As Kota was getting ready for an attack from the Beast, everything went into slow motion for her, everything became silent, and almost a low high pitched ringing could be heard, something didn't feel right to her. She reached out with her senses, and dropped one of her swords as a single tear slowly rolled down her face and hit the ground, one not of sadness, but of anger and self blame. She growled, and then with one of the most pained sounds one could ever imagine, she let out a howl, one which sounded like a mixure of wolf and human, of pure pain and anger. She looked at Lanslet and sadly nodded, and jumped back up onto the platform above with inhuman spees, she ran to the end of the wall, and looked down, with a simple glimpse she indeed saw it was true.

Queen Violet Flame of Purplexia, rightful eir to the throne was indeed...dead.

She just as quickly turned back around to face Rose Dream. With a snap of her fang she growled, "You bitch!" with a pain in her voice, as tears continued to fall, "Your own sister! Your own blood! You will pay for this! I, Kota Pierce, High Knight and commander of Purplexia, who was once a slave to you. The very person who made my life a living hell, I will be your means to an end. Don't hold back from me!" she barked, her voice cold and emotionless as she engaged the woman that looked just like her most loyal friend in combat, a fight to the death. Her each and every blow being more powerful than the last, hitting harder and faster.

Meanwhile, Artemis ducked out of the way just as the arrow went by her head, missing by a fraction of a hair. She grinned at the assassin, and twirled her sword, Hidey ho, Pheonix, is it? You lost to G'urta, correct? Funny, always thought that you were..bigger...Oh well." with a grin she charged at the assassin, on the offense.

Kota grinned as she could even feel that Rosa began to tire, "What's wrong, Rosa? Surprised that I actually am what is spoken of me? Or are you just upset that you could actually lose this?" she mocked Rosa as they were in a sword lock, using all their strength to try to disarm the other. As Rosa called over more troops to try to out power her, she grinned, So it is seems." she said as she easily disarmed one of the troops, and proceeded to slit his throat with ease. As she continued to dual the other troops, she grinned, as they were easily no match for her, but she simply played along until she grew tired of them, and dispatched three others with ease, one she snapped his neck and tosses his body at the others, another she uppercut his jaw with her arm guard and impaled him in the chest with her sword, and the other she ripped his throat out with her bare hands. One of the troops, with a battle axe came up behind her, going for an over the head swing, with ease she kicked behind her, nailing him in the jaw. He groaned as he grabbed his jaw in pain as he recoiled back, "You bitch!" he yelled as he went for another attack, "Literally or figuratively?" she said with a grin as she was busy parrying the other two, keeping them at bay. As the one with the battle axe grew closer, he was dispatched with a stray arrow to the throat, a soldier of her's was up at an advantage point in one of the towers, to be be over powered himself and pushed off, leading to his demise as he landed on the ground, with a crunch. Kota realized her troops were begining to dwindle, this started to become a losing battle for them. "Men! It has been an honor fighting by your side! But it is time to retreat! Go!" she yelled as more of Rosa's troops had come to her aid.

Artemis dodged Pheonix's attack with ease, her speed and agility outmatched his with ease. She parried some of his attacks with her own. But with more Purplexian troops started arriving, she grimaced, "You Purplexian scum!" she yelled as she dispatched at least five of them, slowly begining to tire.

As Kota was fighting off an ever growing onslaught of enemies, which never seemed to come to an end, her focus and senses were over stimulated, causing everything to become muddled, but she fought on as best as she could. She managed to fend off plenty of Dream's soldiers, as she was parrying two others, she noticed Dream come from the side, she went for a defensive downswing with her other sword as Rosa closed in, but she somehow miscalculated her speed.

All went silent for Kota, as a firey hot burning sensation pierced her side, Dream's sword had managed to pierce right where the blessed plate ended at her abdomen. She gasped as the pain was unlike one she had ever felt, and both of her weapons fell from her hands, making a loud echo of metal reveborate throughout the completely silent castle, as either all of her men had been slain, they were taken prisoner and would await trial or exacution, or they had taken her command and fled, somewhere Dream could not find them(for now). Kota looked at Rosa as a small trickle of blood fell from her lips, a small smile etched across her face, "It...It only makes sense, you know..? Th...that you would be the one to kill me. Kind of poetic, is it not?" she said as she looked up at Rosa, who once was her Queen turned enemy, now turned killer. She smiled as she fell to her knees, blood slowly filling her lungs and other organs as she couldn't fight any more, and accepted her fate. "You wanted Purplexia to yourself so badly, that you were willing to not only slay most of your people, but also your sister? Even though all you would have had to have done was come back home...Violet would have ruled Purplexia with you...She...She never once wanted you dead, or as an enemy...She only wanted her family...We had talked, you didn't know what she would have done. We could have settled things differently..." she looked back up at Rosa once more, feeling her time was coming to an end.

"I always hoped you would have changed..That you would have come home..Foolish of me to ever think you would have changed, Rosa.." her voice was shakey, as not only was she in immense pain physically, but her heart had become broken that this was the way it was to end. How the peaceful history and leadership would end, all by the very own blood that had kept this world at peace for as long as it did. "My only question is...Why..? Why end Purplexia like this..? Jealousy? Anger? Resentment? All of those? I would never serve a Queen like you, which is why I left so long ago...Soon the people will see, they will.. " her voice soon faded to just barely above a whisper, as all of her strength and energy was almost gone.


Meanwhile in the dungeons, "Hah, cousin? You gave up that relation long ago, Phoenix. And why Dream? She was a better fit than your poor Queen, who...if I were to guess is now dead. You should have come with me, it wouldn't have come to this, but alas. Prepare to die." she said as she lunged towards the assassin, being only blinded by fury and rage.

As Rosa retorted and removed her weapon from her enemy, Kota remained motionless on the cold, brick wall of the castle as Rosa walked away to the dungeons with her troops. Her breathing was shallow and raspy as she laid their in an ever so slowly growing pool of her own blood. Thoughts rushed through her head, blaming herself for ever leaving Purplexia, not staying by Violet, and being so damn submissive when her instincts told her otherwise. Memories flooded through her foggy mind as her life was slowly slipping away. She used what remaining strength she had to weakily pull herself from where had previously lay, and propped herself up against one of the cold, cobblestone pillars. She knew her time was growing ever so slowly, as her vision became blurry, as well as her hearing, she managed to see a figure walking towards her. She did not care if it was a friend or foe, comrade or stranger, man or woman, she needed to get her last words out to someone. As she looked at the person through hazy vision, she managed to croak out with her last breath, "Y-you...You need to bring me...m-my...my body...T-to the Nor...Northern m-moun...tains...They'll...they'll know what to do...please...please..." said the commander with her dying breath, just hoping whoever it would listen to her plea and bring her body there for proper funeral processes, as it was Lycan custom to be buried among their kind.


Meanwhile in the dungeons, Artemis smiled at Rosa and gave a bow, "Just in time, M'lady. I was hoping you'd join me soon." she said with a smile, as she kept her guard up as she stood by her queen, awaiting her orders.