RuneScape Forum Archive | Fall From Grace

Jul

2020

Serene End

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

A week's march passed by, perhaps their most disconcerting time spent. They had to sleep beside bandits and highwaymen who make a living pillaging and killing, more than enough reason to sleep with both eyes open. But across verdant meadows, the army managed to tread and carry on. The odyssey went on and on, but eventually its nature began to divulge.

They returned to that desolate fishing village swallowed up by the filthy, contaminated sea. Stooped in its unfathomably horrendous nature, its rancid scent overwhelming the strong sense of smell of every single Solasúian that accompanied them. A gravely offensive barrage, the only way they could counter it was by unleashing a bombardment of profanity just as equally offensive.

The Alverrian savages omitted any sense of decency to be found, clearly displaying a lack of decorum. No, if anything, it served as the perfect display of the stark contrast between Governanti and Alverra. They were two different countries with two different societies, a distinct gradient.

The waters shifted in the distance, revealing this fetid hamlet's dwellers. They acknowledged the air being polluted further by the dumping of foul language, yet they merely continued on with their day as though nothing were happening. They mindlessly launched their makeshift wooden harpoons into the waters below, their expressions unchanging even if their eyes witnessed the miracle of a fish somehow ending up through their harpoon.

Without any further regard to those emaciated dwellers, they pushed onward. Through a white veil did they pierce, bracing through the cold and the snow. A wild blizzard swirling madly around them, making many question their choice in clothing. They ascended the mountain of wolves with fur as white as the winter, crossing through these familiar piles of white, constantly under assault by the bitter wind chill.
The end

is only

the beginning...

18-May-2017 19:23:47

Jul

2020

Serene End

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

From the blinding distance, they caught a glimpse of creatures at play. Adorable little wolf pups barely a month old, accompanied by their mothers and fathers. It was a startling sight to behold, but it left some with a question: did those wolves only attack them so aggressively because they felt them a threat to their children? A disturbing thought, having killed creatures fighting only to protect what's precious.

This moral epiphany mattered very little in this instance, trudging through the thick white. Some thought turned to just what was underneath them. Did the results of their battle lay beneath their heel, the frozen, rotting, gorged carcasses of the lifeless? They deflected any further thought of that subject, focusing their efforts on solely keeping themselves alive in this frigid hell. Their shivering bodies carried them forward, the sound of their shaking breath the only thing to be heard.

Yet they made it out alive, frostnipped, but alive. They came barreling down from the mountains, this massive army unleashed upon the old ruins of Taverley. If the presence of the outsiders before wasn't intimidating enough, the imposing forces they were backed by now made people flee at an alarming speed. They hectically scurried inside of their destroyed, overgrown homes like the apocalypse had walked in.

The hooded old man Neeson stepped away from Raphael and his army, sitting himself down upon that very same makeshift log seat. His departure halted everyone in their step, forcing their heads back. "I brought you to and from Alverra," Neeson said in his cold, gravelly voice, aiming for Raphael. "My duty is done."

As this conversation went ahead, the pause in the march prompted this massive gathering of Alverrian Solasúians to take a load off. Or better yet, some investigated their surroundings, finding something or someone worth their while...
The end

is only

the beginning...

18-May-2017 19:25:09

Jul

2020

Serene End

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

"Are you certain?" questioned then the assassin queen Libitina, her purple eyes falling down upon the old man. "Your immense strength and vast combat experience are irreplaceable. We could really use them in the next battle."

"No. I've no intention of returning to Governanti."

"That's fine," Raphael responded without bitterness."We asked you to take us to Alverra and you did. It would be unfair to ask any further of you."

As Raphael spoke, his master Malik stepped forth. "Whether by death or by life, this will be the last time we will see each other," the old master stated, standing afore Neeson. "When I first arrived here, I was ambushed by trolls and expected to die... until you showed up. I realize now that I've never properly expressed my esteem for saving my life that day."

Malik then extended his hand out to Neeson, wanting to shake hands with the one who saved his life. Neeson averted his callous, icy-blue eyes up onto the old master ahead of him. "...I don't want it," he dismissed, lowering his head.

The old master then lowered his hand, nodding his head. "Very well, I can respect that," Malik returned, knowing the kindness far beneath that abrasive exterior. "Farewell, my friend."

Neeson remained silent even in the shadow of Malik's goodbyes, bringing the end to the conversation. The group acknowledged this, returning their focus onto the path ahead of them. The Alverrians rallied each other up, noting the army had begun pushing forward. With a gluttonous smile and a lust for their wildest fantasies, they enthusiastically carry on behind Raphael.

They abandoned Taverley in that moment, abandoned Alverra and all of its cruel, inhumane practices. They step foot upon a familiar landscape, their eyes fixating upon a familiar skyline. They took one deep breath of that cold, chilling air, drawing in this place once more. Yes, their presence had vacated this place for a long time. But they had arrived, at long last, they had returned to Governanti.
The end

is only

the beginning...

18-May-2017 19:25:43 - Last edited on 18-May-2017 19:29:22 by Serene End

Jul

2020

Serene End

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

They traversed through the Governanti countryside, quite an imposing force which cascaded down these hills. Their hulking size was alarming, an image which spurred the many under the Imperial Kingdom's banner. Messengers from every village, town, and city from all across Governanti congregated to the capital. They transmitted the same kind of dreadful message, however their exact numbers were unreliable. A teeter-totter between workable to insurmountable, but one thing remained absolutely certain: there was a huge army coming from the west.

These reports reached the ear of he who ruled over the Imperial Kingdom of Governanti, the second eldest son of the former king Divus Nomos Barn. King Balor made the necessary preparations to properly greet the invaders, bolstering the ranks of his forces. The city itself was on quiet alert, but the increased presence of Loyal Knights all throughout the city certainly made people rather uneasy. This army was little less than few more days away from those massive adamas gates of the capital. But for now, their army rolled ahead, unsure and somewhat anxious of the future ahead.

Before a great fire did they rest, regaining themselves before continuing their trek upon blistered foot. The many rebels and worshipers stuck closely beside one another, afraid to go anywhere on their own. But Raphael was not, preferring to seek solitude than amity. He hid under the shadow of a tall pine tree, blinding himself from the sight of the flame.

Elsewhere, a sort of brainstorming session was well underway. Fingers pointing across a map of Governanti, marked by small stones to symbolize their forces and the enemy's. At the helm of this was Telvern Thaddeus, a man who truly knew the cogs of the machine known as the Imperial Kingdom. He explained the tactics of the juggernaut, and the stratagems they'd need to employ in order to be successful.
The end

is only

the beginning...

18-May-2017 19:28:51

Jul

2020

Serene End

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

"The main strategy of the Imperial Kingdom of Governanti is to stand united and conquer by number," he strongly emphasized, then pointing his right index finger upon the western gate on the map. "I'm inclined to believe that the Imperial Kingdom has already been made aware of our presence and has begun making preparations for our arrival. This likely means that the western gate will be blockaded by heavy numbers, a massive garrison force. If we were to meet them directly, we'd stand little chance and we would be massacred."

"Well, guess that means the front door's out," Shinon put in his two cents, casually laying back in a chair.

"This is why I propose a severance of our numbers, a sub force and a main force. The sub force will launch an attack upon the western gate, attracting the eyes of the Imperial Kingdom. Word will spread of our attack, breeding a sense of ease among the city's Loyal Knights. They will grow arrogant and overconfident, convincing themselves that our plan lays open to them. This is but a deception, a feint, for our main forces will proceed where they do not anticipate us."

"You yourself stated that attacking from the western gate would be a short-lived effort," Kereske mentioned, crossing his arms. "You'd essentially be sending people to their deaths."

"Indeed, that's their role," the genius returned, a response so frigid that it froze Kereske. "They are expendable. If their deaths can solidify our entry, it serves us better."

"That's cold, Telvern," Daevarro pointed out.
The end

is only

the beginning...

18-May-2017 19:29:57

Jul

2020

Serene End

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

"I never once claimed to concern myself over their sake, just as they care not for ours," then replied Telvern without pause, then sliding his finger from the western gate to the southern. "Our true invasion shall commence here at the southern gate, not the western. It is imperative that we proceed from the south, for our arrival will be unexpected and their numbers will be far more feasible. Once we've taken the southern gate, we'll rally back with the sub forces and launch a surprise pincer attack upon the Loyal Knights."

Telvern's index finger then slid the smooth stone which represented their forces upwards, an act which boggled and confused the minds of those around. "That is all well and good, Telvern, but if they foresee our arrival as you say, the gates will likely be closed," Kereske expressed, speaking for the collective bemusement of his allies. " Yáatiq was to secure our entry, but with his... passing, we can no longer rely upon help from within."

"Yeah, dat's true," Calvin concurred. "Sooo... what's yer thought on dat?"

"I wouldn't waste my breath with such expound if I'd not the plan completely composed," Telvern then sighed, letting his irritation all out. "Needless to say, I've addressed that issue."

"How exactly?" Kereske inquired curiously.

"I've... made an arrangement."

It was a rather alleviating, but anxiety-inducing response. He, the former turncoat, had some kind of plan. But what plan? It was an answer that Telvern wouldn't give, no matter the confusion or question hurled his way. An uneasy easiness, but it was one which everyone had to accept. There was no other alternatives, just like the situation with Silas.
The end

is only

the beginning...

18-May-2017 19:30:24

Jul

2020

Serene End

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

But just as discussed, the several jaws into Governanti were closed shut, their massive adamas teeth clamping down into the ground. Messengers and merchants of all kinds sought passage, but only a hand selected few could enter. These fellows were those who bore the most loyal and trusted of family crests, yet even their content was checked scrupulously by the Loyal Knights.

One such messenger wore an emblem of particular importance upon his sleeve, a symbol arguably as recognizable as the winged lion of the Barns. It was the symbol of a snake eating its own tail, the heraldry mark of the Cayrel family. This messenger laid the delivery upon the hands of one such member of the family, the noble-looking god known as Elliott Cayrel.

"Thank you," the nobleman expressed to the messenger, one which the messenger replied to with a humble, respectful bow. The nobleman then closed shut his door, cutting himself from the eyes and ears of the world. His beautiful, glowing hazel eyes peered with an unbreakable grip upon that unusual message, examining its every detail.

Elliott carefully broke the seal as he stepped further in his home. He popped open the letter, its content revealed before him. A rather friendly message written upon old, crinkled paper, paper surely scavenged from who-knows-where. The nobleman thoroughly scanned the rather happily-written letter, an odd, curious letter to receive.

The letter was written by a man, it seemed. After a kindly "How do you do?" , the writer went on to explain that he and his wife were moving. "After the attack on Ormemel, my wife and I have been contemplating taking a look at ~~Forfeach~~ ." Elliott's reading was interrupted by that irregularity, the city Foirfeach's name crossed out due to a spelling error.
The end

is only

the beginning...

18-May-2017 19:31:29

Jul

2020

Serene End

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

Further on, it was then that it mentioned that they'll "depart Ormemel's gates by the morning of the 5th of Septober." It was rather perplexing, for Elliott did not recognize the name of the writer at the bottom. But faintly, the handwriting seemed familiar somehow...

Not apparent to any knight, but to Elliott, there was something about this letter that immediately drew his suspicion. The city's current situation simulated his thoughts, arousing the memories of that day he spoke with Telvern Thaddeus, once thought to be dead. But that was when Elliott put one and one together, the accelerating threat and this strange familiarity of the handwriting. The nobleman trusted his hypothesis, this theory that had enlightened his mind. However, the question remained... Just what was this letter trying to get across?

With only two days from the date written on the paper, Elliott quickly digested the message's content. The nobleman smiled in this instance, feeling as though Telvern were trying to test him. It was a challenge that the intelligent nobleman accepted and embraced, sitting himself down.

Time melted away like candle wax, hours trickling down under the heat of a thousand suns. The destined day was here. The sun had barely crested over the horizon, yet Elliott was already well in pursuit. His fine leather boots stomped down upon the adamas streets with authority, coming upon his destination.

Elliott arrived to what he adamantly believed was the place to be: the southern gate. His hazel eyes scanning up and down its structure, these massive, adamas-coated walls. He knew, if he led an army, that this would be the place he'd attack. Even as word of an attack upon the western side spread, the nobleman was firmly convinced that there had to be more to this attack.
The end

is only

the beginning...

18-May-2017 19:31:59

Jul

2020

Serene End

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

Elliott approached, examining the numbers. They were far lighter than what patrolled the western gate, but the atmosphere was even lighter. Despite tension from some solemn knights, most of them spoke to one another, joked, and shared in jolly laughter and drink to properly kill the time.

But these were still Loyal Knights, those sworn by blood to their duty. They were armed at all times, always ready to do battle. But the moment their glowing gazes met Elliott's, their demeanor completely changed. They withdrew their weapons, standing straight and planting their left hands firmly into the right of their chests.

"Lord Cayrel," they respectfully saluted in a simultaneous fashion.

"At ease," he calmly responded, an order which they loyally obeyed. "Tell me, where might I find the captain of your garrison? I'd like to have a word with him."

"Of course, sir," one of the Loyal Knights replied. "He's in the gatehouse."

"You've my thanks," Elliott politely expressed. "Would you mind accompanying me there? I tend to get a little lost."

"As you command, sir," the knights acknowledged without question or concern, escorting the nobleman to his destination. Elliott tailed behind these loyal soldiers of blackened steel, placing his glowing hazel eyes upon their backs. They climbed up a few steps to reach a thick wooden door, the entrance into the gatehouse.

From within its confines sat a soldier in a particular suit of black armour, decorative in nature. Draped along his back was a strange, leather capelet, a braided knot sort of style stamped all throughout its hide. He sat there beside a table, his fingers locked upon an ink-dripped quill. Yet he caught a noise from his left, a sound which removed him from his seat.
The end

is only

the beginning...

18-May-2017 19:32:54

Jul

2020

Serene End

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

That was when the unexpected was revealed, having believed the noise to be just one of his knights. But the captain knight's glowing pale blue eyes found Elliott Cayrel at his door, instantly forcing his body to stiffen and show respect. "Lord Cayrel," the captain named, then saluting. "I am honored, sir."

"The honor is mine, captain," Elliott humbly responded.

"To what do I owe the pleasure, sir?"

"I need a word. May I come in?"

"Of course, sir," the captain quickly, but orderly making way for the nobleman.

"Thank you," Elliott kindly expressed, calmly walking in with the knights coming in and closing the door behind them. Elliott examined the environment around him, finding it filled with several crates and banners of the Imperial Kingdom. But Elliott's eyes relocated the captain, finding him as tall and as still as a palm tree. "Captain, I require the gates to be lifted," the nobleman told the knight, inspiring a reasonable reaction.

Each of the knights' stiff, disciplined stances were broken, giving Elliott the strangest look he had ever received. Truly as though he were some otherworldly alien, the captain conjured up the only words he could think to say. "...For what purpose exactly, sir?" The captain questioned, candidly bewildered.

"A favor," Elliott informed the captain knight. "I have a few relatives, charitable, proud-hearted folk with a sickly son. Unfortunately, the attack upon Ormemel a month ago has displaced them. They've been wandering from city to city ever since, being rejected and turned away each and every time. My heart is heavy with sympathy and grief for the plight of my ill young cousin. So, with haste, I informed them that they can find sanctuary here in Governanti. They're to arrive here today so that they may finally begin rebuilding their lives."
The end

is only

the beginning...

18-May-2017 19:33:34

Forums

Fall From Grace