[RP] (LOOOOOONG) The Don enjoyed these pre-dawn moments atop the manor. Alone with the stars, a pipe, and his thoughts in the open air, he could focus. Without the distractions of the home beneath him, with its bustling servants, the frequent guests, the steady pace of the garment shoppe, and the ever-present dread of some awful missive or other arriving from parts throughout the Kingdom, Sebastian could easily lose himself in his own mental musings. After their glorious coup to depose Termus at Woodsy Hollow, the Bastards of the Wetlands had all returned to their respective homes confident and eager to embrace the new reign of the Fire Giant and all that he would be capable of. The fires that he has ignited in every part of the realm were being seen by the whole of Amtgardia as a beacon of hope and prosperity. In what has become a literal ascension from the flames, the new King is bringing a unique but very apparent personification of the symbol of Amtgardia, rising from the depths of despair, criminality, and immorality to be reborn as a brilliant totem symbolizing the rebirth of the Kingdom and its sheer will to not only survive, but to flourish. Sebastian couldnt be more proud of his newest squire. He made a mental note to tell him one day... However, there was a looming threat that had to be dealt with soon. A cult of followers of Neptune were making waves in small ponds around the Kingdom. Their numbers were minuscule, for the moment, but then again, so were the Fire Nation once. There had to be a way to either appease them or to subjugate them without bringing disdain upon the new King... And of subjugation, Sir Taven is now, very publicly, endorsing the acquisition of slaves for the Kingdoms nobles to purchase. Slavery was abolished by the Tiki King Oz long ago, and this new upheaval of sentiment for the practice of slavery was something that did not sit right with him... In the distance, a horse whinnied. Sebastian looked out over the parapet to try to see what was going on. The sun was rising, and at any moment it would peer over the horizon and chase the amber twilight of the night away. For a few moments further, however, the man near the stable needed a small lantern, and thus his confidence in his stealth was sorely misplaced. Sebastian watched for a moment. The man seemed to be simply waiting for something. He was not, by casual observance, a horse thief, nor did he seem to be attempting some ambush or other. From this distance, the Don could make out a tan tunic, a small hat, and a sword hanging from his belt. This was not uncommonly dressed, and could easily be seen as a peasant warrior or travelling swordsman. Such characters were certainly not uncommon in the Eastern reaches of the Kingdom. There was something wrong, here, though. The stranger did not move from his seat near the end of the stable, but simply sat comfortably, with no regard for his discovery or for anything other than a pouch which he kept fumbling in his hands. Sebastian decided to investigate further and even ask the stranger what he was doing there. Down the stairs, and through the hallways, Sebastian stopped at the armory to retrieve his sword. He thought momentarily about his shield, but decided against it. IF the stranger did not have ill intentions, the sight of his sword AND shield might put him on the defensive and become overly suspicious of Sebastians intentions... Malcolm, his newest servant boy, was awake, sitting near a small fire hed built in the main parlors fireplace. The boy was startled to see his liege so armed at such an early hour. He stood with a look of surprise. Sit back down. Its nothing. Malcolm slowly returned to his seat, but naturally stood again and watched Sebastian exit outside. Sebastian made his way, quietly, to the fence surrounding the stable. From a vantage point just beyond the gate, he looked for the lantern light that had exposed the strangers presence. Nothing. Sebastian watched. Perhaps the stranger had been alerted to his coming, and extinguished his light in hopes of concealing himself in the shadows. Nothing. Sebastian watched. Nothing. The sun was nearly fully arisen when Sebastian finally gave up his watch. He walked back to the manor, puzzled by the presence of such a character. Malcolm, of course, was watching from a window. Sebastian smirked at the boy, who smiled in turn. The Don entered his home and was immediately welcomed by the intoxicating aromas of salted pork being fried, bread baking, and fresh milk. MLord! Wont you come eat. Im making your favorite this morning! his cook exclaimed. Marion was always chipper in the morning...
Posted on: Fri, 27 Jun 2014 08:54:25 +0000