Queendom

Drystan smirked slightly as the crowed was amazed by his simple magic act, he chukled to himself when he thought of what would have happened if he performed to his full potental. he quickly gathered up all the coins that were tossed to him and stuffed them into his pocket, moving forward not knowing nor really caring where he was going to go next.

The sun was beating down on the crowded streets of the Queendom. People hurried along in packs always having somewhere to go, never slowing down to even think of what was going on outside of their little worlds. Drystan thought of the daily disaperences of more and more beggars, street performers, and such.

He walked confidently in his flashy blue performing clothing, until he reach a small generic tavern. He strolled toward an empty table with an air of arrogance. Once seated he waved over a serving girl over flashing a flirtatious smile cousing the girl to giggle. She looked quite average with mousy brown hair and generic brown eyes. His eyes traveled up and down her body checking her out.

Rebel Camp, Hidden In Hills Just Outside The Queen's City

Aryel frowned as she surveyed the camp before her. In the past few weeks since she'd started the rebellion, it's numbers had swollen considerably. Although she was glad she wasn't in this alone, it pained her that this was necessary. She would do her best to make sure there were as few rebel deaths as possible, but she knew that when all was said and done, and the rebellion was over, some of these people would never be returning home.

Sighing she turned away, she didn't know where her adviser had gotten off to but she wasn't going to go search for Aria just to tell her she was going out for a while. Seriously, people worried too much. It wasn't like the queen knew there was a rebellion gathered in her hills, and she certainly didn't know Aryel was leading it, at least not yet. She knew it was only a matter of time before the queen did find out, but she'd heard an interesting rumor and if it proved true.... Well, she had big plans if it proved true.

Aryel headed for the city, she didn't really have a destination in mind. Right now she was looking to take her mind off the current situation, and if she learned something in the meantime, well that was just a bonus.

The Queen's City

Aryel walked through the streets at a somewhat slow, thoughtful, gait. She was listening to the conversations of the people around her. One name kept recurring, Rathbone. From what she could gather, he was a rebel who'd escaped execution earlier that day, but she was positive he wasn't one of her rebels. Was there another rebel group? Or was he on his own?

Looking up and walking faster, Aryel headed for the closest tavern. She was determined to find out more, if there was another group, it would be beneficial for them to join forces. If the rebel Rathbone worked alone, it would especially be beneficial for him to join her rebellion. She settled in front of the barkeep and ordered a drink, "What can you tell me about Rathbone? I keep hearing his name all over the city."

Rathbone stared at the stoned ground and slowly stood up. He looked around and began to walk to a diner. "First thing I am going to do is find some juicy lamb chops." Rathbone's tongue sizzled as he imagined himself eating a bountiful meal. But then another idea came to his head. Money. "Ah, splats! No money." Rathbone growled to himself, wandering how to obtain any. He couldn't just get a job or go steal some. He supposed that he would just have to run away with it, like he did with the robes. Rathbone rolled his shoulders, followed with anticipated breathing.

He walked back by the bar as he heard his name. A small, delightful smile spread across his face as he peaked in. "Fame. Even though im not greatly famous, I still got some charm." He chuckled, walking into the bar. "RATHBONE!" He yelled at Aryel. His eyes quickly glued to her and remained stuck. "Wow." Rathbone whispered under his hood.

He quickly cleared his throat and looked at Aryel and the bartender, walking up to them. "Rathbone. Lord Rathbone. He was a great mercenary until the damned phony queen took the throne. So the goodhearted Rathbone with all his charm stood up to her. He caused a riot against her castle. A riot all by himself. That's right! Just him! No one else wanted to rebel against the merciless queen! So Rathbone stood up to her himself. Of course he only got to the gates when he was held captive and locked up. Aye, not a great performance, but it was just the entrance. Rathbone escaped thanks to some of his friends and went on another crusade to the castle! Instead this time he spoiled all the palace wine. I can not tell you how he did so, but I can tell you the outcome! Hilarious! Laughter! Seeing the royals drinking spoiled wine made them very upset. When they went to the brewer he was tied up and a note was left. A not that said, RATHBONE! So then the people whisper of his name. His good looks! His charm, his heroic acts, his muscular performance!" Rathbone laughed.

"So Rathbone went to spoil the bread this time but was caught and made to be an example of. But when the guards came to get him he was gone! Rathbone yet made another spectacle of himself!" Rathbone walked around Aryel with a nod. "His final act was to seize the cargo that carriages were bringing into the castle. He too the gold and goods for himself and hid it, while replacing the crates with rats. I can not tell you how he got all those rats! But I can tell you the outcome! Hilarious! Laughter! Priceless! Whenever the cargo entered the castle they opened the crates, and rats started flooding the palace floors. All you could hear were high pitch screams and very unmanly yells." Another burst of laughter came from Rathbone.

"So then Rathbone was caught again from watching the disaster he caused. This time he was placed in the dungeon. Whenever they seized him, to bring him to the gallows, one of his friends loosely tied the bounds on his hands. So then he once again escaped. And as of right now, he is traveling around in this town, planning his next heroic act for freedom of his people!" Rathbone concluded slamming his hands together, his smile still on his face. "And that's that!"

The Queen's City

Aryel took in the strangers words with interest, "You don't say...and would you, informed stranger that you are, happen to know where I could find Lord Rathbone? It so happens that i know someone looking to recruit such a courageous character as him." She stood up so she could step closer to whisper near the stranger's ear, "That is, she's looking to recruit him into a rebellion that's been gathering for the last couple of weeks."

She sat back down and lifted her mug, "Of course, if he isn't interested, I can quite understand. Large scale rebellions can be frightening things. Wouldn't you agree?" she sipped her ale, an eye on the hooded stranger, hoping she wasn't making a mistake. The last thing she could afford was for someone to report the rebellion's existence to the Queen, or even Sigmund. A single sweep of the hills and they would find her camp in no time, "Maybe it's time I considered moving it, I'll talk to Aria about it when I return" she thought.

The Queen's City

Aryel watched him go with some amusement, he was so obvious it was funny. She decided to let him have his way though, she had a feeling it was going to be excellent fun. Her fun was cut short when she found herself suddenly confronted by her adviser, "So how was running away again?" the younger woman asked as she sat beside her.

Aryel jumped a little, but then she smiled. "How many times must I tell you, I'm not running away. If you'd been around I would have told you I was leaving." she stood up, "That Rathbone is quite the character, want to help me catch him?" she looked like a little kid in a candy store at the prospect.

The Queen's City

Aria smirked, "Oh, you have feelings for him," she chuckled, "Your eyes tell of adventure with him and quite frankly disturbing," Aria mentioned before standing up. She held her staff in a hand and her daggers were hidden in her clothes and two in her hair.

"Yes, if what he said was true then find him," Aria placed he hood over her head, "He would be a very good addition as long as he does not cause trouble like the last one,"

The Queen's City

Aryel looked taken aback, "I haven't a clue what your talking about Aira, the last what, exactly?" then something occurred to her and she reddened, "Oh Gods, nevermind, don't answer that..... And this isn't like that at all."

Turning her back on Aria, Aryel headed for the door, calling over her shoulder, "Well, I will see you at camp later, with new recruit in tow.....and Aria, don't worry your pretty little face okay? I promise I won't do anything reckless."


The sun was setting as she finally found the place she was looking for. Climbing onto the roof of a house a short ways down the street, she approached the chimney, on which she could see the silhouette of a man sitting. When she stood on the roof to which the chimney belonged she called to the figure.

"Would you be Lord Rathbone, Rebellion of one, and master of palace upsets? If you are, I wish to have a word."

Rathbone's eyes flashed open as he heard Aryel speak to him. With a small yawn, he stood up and stretched, followed by continuous popping in his bones. "Ah, much better!" Rathbone said to himself, bending his knees. "The Rathbone you speak of is I." He spoke, walking to her. "If you wish to recruit me for a rebellion. Then I can agree to terms. As long as I can come back here every once and awhile. Plus, I would like to know if you have some bows I could use?" Rathbone turned himself around and shrugged his shoulders. "Another thin-" Rathbone paused and fell to the ground, sliding off the roof. A loud thump was hear as his body collapsed to the Earth's crust. Rathbone's eyes opened again and he looked straight above him at Aryel. "Ouch." Standing up, he brushed the dirt off of him and cleared his throat. "I would also be willing to be the cook too, if you don't have any good ones. One of my favorite hobbies!" He called out to her with a smile.

The Queen's City

A look of startlement crossed Aryel's face, "Elven? I don't know. My origins are a mystery even to me. I do not even know who my parents are. But enough of that! You asked if I would keep you informed on our strategic plans? I'm afraid it is too soon to make that call, since we only just met, I hope you understand. As of yet our existence is still unknown, we cannot afford to be found out yet, I share my plans with a very select few."

Glancing around, she realized it was starting to get very dark, "I think it's time I returned to the camp before my adviser sends someone to track me down. Will you be coming with me?"

Not waiting for an answer, Aryel set off on a roundabout route out of the city. She was careful to make sure that no one was following her, except Rathbone of course. She even backtracked several times. Even once she was finally out of the city, she continued in her roundabout way till she finally reached the camp, sure she hadn't been followed.

Queen's City

Aria nodded at Aryel's order. She was an adviser after all. She left for camp quickly.

Rebel Camp

As soon as Aryel stepped into the camp she found herself surrounded by several people, but she was still watching Rathbone and a cry of alarm escaped her lips when she saw him collapse. She hurried to his side, only to find he was sleeping. Chuckling a little, she instructed a few people to set up a small tent for him. "He certainly chose an interesting place to sleep."

Having seen no sign of Aria as of yet, and a bit surprised by the fact, Aryel helped settle Rathbone into the newly erected tent and went in search of the cook.

She was intercepted by a messenger just outside the Cook's tent. "Thank goodness you've returned lady,mister Drocel found someone snooping around the camp and he's had me looking all over for you to come see him." Aryel nodded her understanding, "Thank you Punny, I'll head over there immediately."

The person Drocel caught turned out to be a skinny boy of no more than 15 or 16, he looked quite harmless to say the least. His eyes widened as she entered the tent, they were filled with recognition. "You!" he cried out. Drocel had left his mouth free, but tied his hands and feet so he couldn't go anywhere. He was awkwardly seated on the floor.

Aryel paused in the entrance, studying him intently, he looked familiar....
Suddenly it came to her, "Your that pickpocket, the one the city guard picked up by the town hall for picking one of my men's pockets." She started laughing upon this realization, "Well boy, you got your wish. Here's your rebellion, you still wish to join?"

The boy looked bewildered by her words, "Re..Rebellion? But aren't you part of the Queen's guard?"

Aryel shook her head at that, and a look of disgust crossed her face. "Not any longer. I now lead the people you see here, in an effort to dethrone Queen Reiann and put Princess Aimi in her place." drawing a dagger from a hidden sheath on her thigh, Aryel stepped forward and with two swift strokes, cut his bonds. "Do you still wish to join a rebellion?"

After a moment of shock, the boy nodded enthusiastically. "Of course!....uh...I'm Nate by the way, in case you forgot."

Aria remained quiet. Her eyes lingered to a familiar face, a man. her hood allowed her to conceal herself and curiously, she walked to him. She wanted to know where he had seen him but she hesitated. Was her mind playing tricks on her again?

She backed away quickly once she saw the queen's guards surrounding him. Aria turned her heel and went to camp and swiftly as she could. It was almost like magic how she got back so quickly, her staff in a hand. She searched for Aryel, hoping Rathbone had joined.

Rebel Camp

Aria walked past the cook's tent to her own. It was small with a suitcase on the end across a make-shift sleeping bag. A wooden chest with golden embellishment was her prize possession. Who knows what secrets it possessed. She changed into longer pants and a blouse and her hair was tied in tightly wrapped bun with golden flowers in it.

She walked out of the camp, a dagger was hidden beneath her shirt and only god knows how she managed. She asked a few of the rebels if they had seen Aryel. Sure enough, she had found her near the cook's tent.

"Aryel," she called out, "Where is he?" she was asking about Rathbone.

Rebel Camp

Aryel was a little taken aback, "Who? Nate? You needn't worry Aria, he was a thief that was once brought before me when I was with the Queen's guard. Even back then he had the audacity to tell me right to my face that if he ever found a rebellion he would join it. I believe he is trustworthy."

She shivered a little, there was a strange look in Aria's eyes. "More importantly, I think it's time we moved the camp. To the forest perhaps? I fear we will be found out at any moment and it would be all too easy for her to wipe us out in these hills."

Rebel

Nate? Who was he? Aria shook her head, maybe she wasn't very clear, "Where is Rathbone?" she asked, "I need to see what he's really made of," Aria, though loyal, never trusted people properly. She needed to conduct an interview just to be safe.

Then she heard Aryel's suggestion, she nodded in agreement, "That could be arranged but everything will be packed by dusk.

Rebel Camp

Nate? Who was he? Aria shook her head, maybe she wasn't very clear, "Where is Rathbone?" she asked, "I need to see what he's really made of," Aria, though loyal, never trusted people properly. She needed to conduct an interview just to be safe.

Then she heard Aryel's suggestion, she nodded in agreement, "That could be arranged but everything will be packed by dusk.