RuneScape Forum Archive | Fall From Grace

Jul

2020

Serene End

Posts: 5,834 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

After recent events, Balor needed desperately to reconnect with the most illustrious figure in his life. They were sitting on opposite ends of a round table at the center of the room, chatting with one another. They were laughing and enjoying the time together, a delight for both given all that occurred.

With all their might did they try to ignore the events of the past, wanting now to just forget they ever happened. It was then in the midst of their chatter that there was a knock at the door, stealing their attention. Balor fixated his eyes upon the door, readying his voice. "Enter," he commanded the one behind the wondrously polished door.

The door slowly pulled open, revealing Balor's newest addition, Ulyssa. In her hand was a tray of beautiful adamas, bearing two empty cups and a kettle full of tea. It was a delicate balancing act, carrying the tray with her right hand. Upon entering the room, Ulyssa quickly closed the door behind her. She looked forward and bowed, showing utmost respect for her king and queen.

"My lord," she humbly named.

She then proceeded forward, avoiding any sort of connection to them with her eyes. Having been taught all her life to be the perfect servant, the idea of deeming herself worthy of gazing upon them was censured. She arrived at their side, placing the cups down upon the exquisitely smooth mahogany wood that was carved with brilliant imagery.

Two cups were lowered, one in front of each member of royalty. She then took the kettle into her hand, taking care to avoid even a droplet escaping. The hot, delicious liquid flowed freely, but it poured perfectly like a rich, golden-brown cascade. It settled down into their cups, a lake which crested just above halfway.
The end

is only

the beginning...

09-Mar-2016 16:41:16

Jul

2020

Serene End

Posts: 5,834 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

Ulyssa then took back the kettle, placing it upon the tray. She stood loyally by their side, keeping herself around in case they required a refill. Having been served by quite the pleasant servant, Lucia looked up upon the young woman and smiled kindly. "Thank you," she expressed her gratitude. "You're Ulyssa, correct?"

"Yes," Ulyssa confirmed with respect, then lowering her torso in a bow which echoed such sentiment. "It is an honor, my lady."

"Likewise," the queen happily returned. "My brother has spoken much of you. He tells me that you were once in service to Medea Ishvara."

"Yes, my lady," the servant responded, not having lifted herself up.

"She was a fair person with a good heart," Lucia went on. "She was one of the few who advocated against the Mundus-Ishvara slave trade. It's quite a shame what became of her."

Balor calmly lifted his cup of tea to his lips, allowing some of that hearty, delicate liquid to pass down his esophagus. Looking to his right, he noticed as Ulyssa held herself down to her masters. Balor looked at her strangely, noticing her succumbed to humility. Stranger yet, this human's appearance bothered him instead of empowered him.

"Come now," Balor spoke. "You may be in service to us, but you needn't hold yourself so low."

Ulyssa jolted up, not wanting to irritate her king. "Please forgive me, my lord," she pleaded, now presenting herself orderly and disciplined, keeping her back as straight as the spine of a book.

Lucia had heard her brother's recent string of words, a pleasant surprise to her ears indeed. She couldn't help but to muster a grin, trying her best to drown it in a pool of delicious tea. "So Ulyssa, tell us about yourself," the queen cast her interest, placing her cup back down.

"Myself?" repeated the servant, seemingly as though she were incapable of understanding.

"Is there anything in particular that you enjoy beyond your services?" Lucia clarified, picking a topic for her.
The end

is only

the beginning...

09-Mar-2016 16:43:50

Jul

2020

Serene End

Posts: 5,834 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

"No," Ulyssa simply replied.

"What about family?" she continued to curiously question. "Do you have any family?"

"No,"

"What about your parents?"

"No," she answered like it were the only word in her vocabulary.

"So you're on your own," the queen somberly concluded.

"Such as the reality of humans bred in the Mundus-Ishvara slave trade," Balor stated, drawing his sister's eye from across the table. "A most unethical operation, if I must confess. But an unfortunately necessary one to sustain our society."

It was then that there was another knock on the door, a deep pair of taps. It drew their attention, pulling their eyes over. Balor's beautiful sapphire blue eyes gazed solemnly upon the door, a sense of crisis surrounding him. "Enter," the king ordered the one behind the door.

The door then swung open, revealing Gallows and multiple knights, all in black, brilliantly ornate armour and bound by loyalty. One knight stood closely at Gallows' right, while the others were further in the back. The moment of their entry prompted a grave feeling to grow with unrest, sternly did the faces of the two of royal blood grow.

Seeing knights enter, the serious look upon Gallows' face... Ulyssa knew that something horrible had occurred, feeling uneasiness well up inside of her. Balor turned to the servant Ulyssa, and she knew the words he was about to say. "Leave us," he ordered her with a wave of his hand.

With a bow of her head, Ulyssa departed. She went the way she came, passing by Gallows and the Loyal Knight at his side. The Loyal Knight's glowing eyes pierced through the small visor of his great helm, watching that young woman walk out, getting a good look at her face. With her closure of the door serving as confirmation of her departure, business may commence in earnest.
The end

is only

the beginning...

09-Mar-2016 16:44:50

Jul

2020

Serene End

Posts: 5,834 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

With quickness did they boldly set forth, respectfully taking a knee at the feet of their king and queen. Balor and Lucia remained in their seats, taking sips of that fantastic tea. But still, the room became fraught with concern. "What is the meaning of this intrusion, Sergius?" the king Balor then questioned his general.

"Sire, we've received reports of an attack upon Ormemel," Gallows stated, immediately garnering looks of alert. "Details are scarce, but the attack was allegedly carried out by "shadows" who apparently unleashed some sort of "magical catastrophe" upon the city."

The faces of the king and queen so vivid with shock, their eyes so widened as they could just see their fears played out before them. They couldn't believe that which they were hearing... ""M-magical catastrophe"?" Lucia quoted in confusion, but her bemusement gave way to urgency. "Wh-what of the status of the city!?"

"It's been claimed now as an "equal society,"" the Loyal Knight at Gallows' side spoke out, answering his queen's question. "Thousands of displaced citizens have flooded the city, all desiring sanctuary within our walls, but we've not any place for them. We've asked that they seek out other locations for temporary asylum, such as Foirfeach or Rimmington, but most have denied our request. Unfortunately, we had to resort to shutting the city gates to keep from being completely overrun. At this present time, our knights are attempting to defuse the panic and make the refugees, both inside and out, as comfortable as possible."

Hearing of this terrible situation upon them, a heavy, nauseating feeling grabbed at both Balor and Lucia. To think of losing everything, an unbearable thought. The queen was driven to do whatever it took to provide for her people, rising to her feet. She had begun to draw breath to speak, but a reaction from her brother would change her plans.
The end

is only

the beginning...

09-Mar-2016 16:46:04

Jul

2020

Serene End

Posts: 5,834 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

Balor's shock proved just a phase, melting and unveiling a deep, angry mask beneath. His face bitter, thunderously slamming his fist into the table. Such ireful power and ferocity shattered the table, sending a piece of it flying. His joyous cup of tea shaken by the quake, falling down upon the battered wood.

Lucia's head immediately bolted for her brother, hearing his quietly seething rage. "Brother...?" she named out of worry.

"...It would seem they've finally placed their pieces upon the board," the king assessed, sitting up out of his chair.

He then let out a deep, regrettable sigh, letting loose his rancor. His mind consumed by a whole army's worth of thoughts and worries, and his fears of what's to happen with these events relentless. The Desert Assassins were after them now, and Balor wasn't about to underestimate them. Indeed, far too many have fallen to them, their capabilities were far too great to be undermined.

Such apprehension like a cult leader, influencing a fearful Balor into make a painful decision. He knew what must be done, the decision he must make. Yes, he had to protect that which he held dearly. The Desert Assassins proved too great, too dangerous a threat. He stepped before that particular Loyal Knight at Gallows' side, his eyes falling down upon his black-steel back.

"Rise, knight," the king ordered in a mournful tone.

Lucia watched helplessly, horrified as to just what her brother's intentions were. Her mind went absent, but one thought persisted: "What are you doing, my brother?" Upon his lord's command, the Loyal Knight does as asked, rising to his feet without hesitation. He stood tall and gallant upon his feet, his glow, teal blue eyes falling upon Balor as he awaited his next order.

"Reveal yourself to me," Balor's saddened voice continued to command, sounding more like a sorrowful demand of compliance.
The end

is only

the beginning...

09-Mar-2016 16:47:11

Jul

2020

Serene End

Posts: 5,834 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

Without question, the knight's hands reached beneath his helmet, right where the underneath of his chin would be. His fingers knew where to find it, a small strap which kept his helmet firmly upon his head. He unlocked the buckle, allowing his helmet to be freely removed. His hands then reached up for their respective sides of his masterfully crafted great helm, beginning its removal.

His helmet ascending above his head, unveiling his face like a steel curtain. His strong, powerful eyes which shone as bright as the distant sea, his noble face which looked like a fusion of many kings of old. Upon the complete removal of his helmet, he then proceeded to pull down a coif of mail still remaining. The mail coif pulled back, locks of blonde hair had begun to tumble down, gently falling alongside the contours of the knight's face.

The knight revealed his identity to his lord, keeping his great helm under his right arm. A man loyally stood tall, hanging for his king's next order. He was roughly around his late twenties, his hair blonde and kept in a small, braided ponytail. His face light with facial hair, well-maintained and trimmed. He looked like the perfect professional, but there were parts of his face that were almost like distant reflections of Balor and his own forefathers.

Staring directly face-to-face with this knight, Balor thoroughly scanned his face. An intimidating, nerve-wrecking moment, just feeling an aura of comments and judgments emitting off of the king. But the knight restrained himself from the temptation of wonder and curiosity, orderly and patiently did he await this verdict. Statuesque, peering blankly over yonder, not making any sort of eye contact until permitted.

Meeting the end of a methodical examination, Balor stared solely into the the knight's eyes. "What is your name, knight?" the king questioned, having a single theory on his identity.

"Achernar," the knight answered without pause. "Achernar Caius Németh."
The end

is only

the beginning...

09-Mar-2016 16:48:15

Jul

2020

Serene End

Posts: 5,834 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

"Ah, so you're Denrox's chosen successor, are you?" the king realized, bearing interest.

"That is correct, sire," the knight named Achernar confirmed.

"Can I confide in you, knight?" Balor then asked, speaking in a matter of life and death.

"Yes, my lord," he replied, unyielding. "As a Loyal Knight, it is my sworn duty to protect His and Her Majesty, discarding blood and my life if need be."

"Would you truly?" the king continued to press for answers, sticking the young knight upon a fire.

But even surrounded by these flames, being bit by this scolding heat, Achernar seemed unfazed. He did not oppose the scorch of the king's incinerating words, of his questioning his loyalty. But he needed to assure the king, needed to prove his faith. His eyes took to motion, venturing boldly and heroically into this burning castle.

He looked Balor straight in the eye, bringing this strong, stalwart soul to the king's attention. "I've pledged an oath in blood, my lord," he stated sincerely, not offended by his king's doubt. "I would never dare show it my back."

Balor looked into the windows of the soul of the brave knight of loyalty, finding truth in his words. The air stood still for a moment, the two meeting eye-to-eye. But not long after that did Balor concede, exhausting a deep breath through his nose. Before Balor now laid six feet of thorns, the next step being so painful that he couldn't tolerate it. He rejected this idea with all his heart... but he knew that there was no other way.

"Very well," he softly acknowledged, his faith having been won. "...I require you to remove my sister from Governanti."

Lucia was instantly stricken with grief, hearing her brother's order to Achernar. "What...?" she muttered, appalled. "Brother, what are you saying...?"
The end

is only

the beginning...

09-Mar-2016 16:49:11

Jul

2020

Serene End

Posts: 5,834 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

Balor turned to his sister, his face etched with regret and ache. "Sister, I need you to be safe..." he told her. "The Lamians have taken the field, and you staying at my side only guarantees your life being under constant threat."

"Our lives are always under constant threat," Lucia responded. "From our enemies, to everyday people, to our allies... even our very own loved ones."

"...Exactly," he agreed. "Any single one of them could be Lamian, just like Momus was... I refuse to repeat the errors of crowns in the past, but instead ascend from them."

Balor then turned back to that Loyal Knight Achernar, sorrowfully righteous. "Can you ensure her safety?" he asked him.

"There's an old human stronghold to the east," the knight mentioned. "It's well-fortified and remote, with only just a handful of our knights acknowledging its existence. With your command, my lord, I would escort her there."

A moment of thought would cloud the king's mind, contemplating this harsh decision. He then nodded his head to the knight, a confirmation to Achernar. "Very good," he affirmed quietly, then looking upon his sister's face. "Go with them, Lucia."

Lucia's presence echoed her devastation, her face sinking. So thoroughly distraught was she at the idea of being separated from her home, from her brother. She took one grieved breath, stepping forth closer to her brother.

She then adamantly refused this proposal, shaking her head. "No, I am not leaving," she outright rejected. "Brother, I'm not some treasure you can just stow away for safe keeping! I am the queen, my place is here."

Balor then slowly laid his eyes upon his one and only sister, filled with nothingness. "And so it shall remain once I've eliminated the threat," he answered, somber-toned.

" We will eliminate the threat," Lucia strongly emphasized, but then her anger faded away. "...Don't you remember, brother? We swore to protect each other! How can we if we are divided?"
The end

is only

the beginning...

09-Mar-2016 16:50:28

Jul

2020

Serene End

Posts: 5,834 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

Her voice beginning to break, the utter agony of it all -- Balor just wanted to take a dagger and put it to his ears. He didn't want to hear it anymore, having heard it far too much. His heart shattered at this sight, but he knew... he knew that it had to be done.

"I do remember," Balor told her. "But regardless, this must occur."

Standing just before her brother, Lucia's eyes reached up to him. "Please, brother..." she desperately begged. "We can stay safe if we protect each other! You mustn't divide us!"

Balor looked upon his sister's grievous expression, massing a great effort to hold back his own emotions from getting the best of him. "I have to," he responded. "The insurmountable losses we've endured are the product of my foolish actions, my terrible choices. You're all I have left, Lucia... I've no desire to repeat these errors, I cannot lose you as well."

"But... what of you?" Lucia softly questioned. "I cannot lose you neither."

Balor smiled meekly at her, placing his left hand upon her right shoulder. "You needn't worry about that," the king assured his precious sister, attempting to dispel her angst. "I will keep myself locked away here until the Lamians have been dealt with."

Lucia just stared up at her brother, her mind completely empty of thought. She knew not what to say, gazing upon Balor with a look which echoed her shock and dismay. The idea of being seperated from him again was incomprehensible, especially after recent events. The fear they've planted inside of people, the numerous enemies they've created... Would he truly be safe in such a toxic environment, all by himself?

"Oh, sister... I am not worthy of your concerns," he then said to her as though able to read her mind, like her thoughts were written all over her face. "So long as Sergius remains, so too shall my life."
The end

is only

the beginning...

09-Mar-2016 16:51:11 - Last edited on 09-Mar-2016 16:51:37 by Serene End

Jul

2020

Serene End

Posts: 5,834 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

Even still, Lucia's heart could not be swayed. Her pale blue eyes then averted from her brother, but they then fell conveniently upon that scarred-face general. Gallows boldly stared upon his queen, keeping his left hand clenched and placed loyally upon his chest.

"My lady, do not fear," he then attempted to encourage his queen. "You can have faith in me. I will protect him from everyone: ally or enemy, friend or foe."

No, Lucia could never be truly convinced that this decision was the correct one. But looking back upon her brother's face, she realized that this was not something she could change. Balor was set to have her sent away, believing this the only choice left. After all, if he were to fall, at least she would still be alive.

Balor's loving, kind smile just a flash, trying to lift away his beloved sister's concerns. That smile then reached for the top of Lucia's head, where for a moment it faltered. He tried his best to withstand all this pain inside, but such fortitude fractured and broke as his lips pressed into her ebony hair.

He gently planted a kiss upon her head, a grand display of brotherly affection. His eyes then rested back upon her face, his cheeks held up by a joyous but wry smile. "...Go," he uttered a single, sorrowful word. "Please."

Balor's voice beseeched, unfortunately Lucia was without option. With a tight grimace, she regretfully pulled away from him. He watched her as she stepped further into Achernar's custody, a knight whom greeted her with a bow of his head. His hand no longer able to feel her, his sword no longer able to protect her. All he could do now... was give trust to this knight.

He looked that knight straight in the eye, a mournful king making a terrible decision. "...Keep her safe," Balor grievously demanded to Achernar.

Achernar stood up straight, clenching his left hand and firmly planting it upon the right side of his chest. "With my life, sire," the knight vowed, saluting to his king.
The end

is only

the beginning...

09-Mar-2016 16:52:55

Forums

Fall From Grace