Wild Horses Wouldn't Drag Me Away

Jaki Vampyler · February 27, 2006, 04:20 PM

Timestamp: Late in the Second Month of the Season of Winter of Era I of the Pax Imperialis Era III of the Celestine Mandate Era XII Post Fractum in the Age of the Darkening.

She came once more into the Crown Inn and Tavern, this time for quite a different reason. The young woman moved in and looked around. She doubted that he would be here yet, she was over a candlemark early, but she was so excited about seeing him.

The woman that walked in was tall, nearing six foot in height, with long blonde hair which was, for once, loose down her shoulders, because she knew that the man she was meeting liked her with her hair like that. Her porcelain features, so sharp they were almost chiselled bore red blushes of excitement at seeing him again. And her grey eyes darted around the room quickly, looking for him. Looking for the man that she was here to meet. She felt a rush of excitement at seeing him, and hoped that he would approve of what she was, what she had learnt and who she had become. She wanted his approval so badly, wanted him to be proud of her, as she was proud of him.

So she stepped in, her usually composed frame showing the telltale signs of nervousness. Her grey eyes were not focusing straight ahead, her hands were clasped a little too tightly together. But then she saw him, sitting and waiting for her and her face, usually so very severe, broke into a beaming smile. He was here, and early! She moved over to him, looking at him, at the grey of his hair and the eyes that were the same as hers, and she moved to him. He was watching the front door, and she saw him stand up to greet her. It was all she could do not to run to him, and then she did simply that, running over to him and flinging her arms around him Oh, Epic! It is so good to see you! she said, kissing him on the cheek and then stepping back to look at him, a grin on her face that was a rare sight indeed.

Epicurus D. Vampyler · February 28, 2006, 02:57 PM

Timestamp: Late in the Second Month of the Season of Winter of Era I of the Pax Imperialis Era III of the Celestine Mandate Era XII Post Fractum in the Age of the Darkening.

Giving a gentle tug pull back and an “easy girl” Epicurus Vampyler stopped in front of the Crown Inn and Tavern, it was just as he had remembered it. Dismounting and pulling his cloak tighter around his body to protect from the cold he led his horse, Pristine, to the side with the rest of the mounts and tied her up. He walked around to the entrance and looked up at the old sign, so many memories held here, some bad but most good. This is where he had first learned of the Stone Guard, where he had met his first love, Aurora, where he had many so many countless friends. It was the most recent memory, the last time he was in the tavern that was the worst of all, the time that he was taken by Sander the Sinister and turned to Jorel’s favor. That was the past though, Epicurus returned to the Crown Inn a new man, and this time would again create wonderful memories for he was to see his sister, Jaki whom he had not seen in many patterns.

Handing his sword over as per request by the doorman Epicurus looked for a table, one that he could easily watch the front door from. He had wondered how much his sister had changed, she was still young when he last saw her, and the patterns that passed were huge in the development of ones character. How much had she changed, he wondered if he would even recognize her if she came in, of course he would. The waitress stopped by and asked if he needed anything, he ordered a cup of hot medonian spice tea and when it arrived he sat in silence sipping, watching for his little sister. He new he was early, but he wanted to be here when she arrived, and after a candlemark and two cups of tea there she was. The beautiful blonde haired woman came gracefully through the door of the tavern, catching eyes with Epic immediately, he stood but had not a second to respond before her arms wrapped around him kissing his cheek in greeting.

”Any length in time that I have to wait to see you is too long, it is wonderful to see you Jaki.” Epicurus returned the embrace to his sister as well as a kiss on her cheek, and with his hands on her shoulders pushed her back a bit and took in her full figure. ”Look at that, where in Telath did you manage to steal another foot in height? You were only up to my shoulder last time I saw you, I swear.” Epic let out a light laugh as he motioned for her to join him at the table, pulling a seat out for her and guiding her in before making himself comfortable. ”So tell me, what is Jaki Vampyler up too these days?” As he asked he motioned for the waitress to come over to take an order, assuming that they had met here to eat and talk.

Jaki Vampyler · February 28, 2006, 04:14 PM

She looked at him and smiled, wondering what it was that he saw when he watched her. She still felt very much the young child in front of him, but that meant that he was, as he always had been, her big brother. She grinned ruefully at him as he suggested that she had grown a foot, although she knew it to be true, and she moved lithely around as he guided her to her seat. She sat, and carefully clasped her hands in her lap, sitting upright and watching him.

Well, I have decided that it is time to leave home and to consider the importance of acting rather than philosophising. she looked at him, all seriousness and intensity To that end, I have come to Prime in the hope of learning some of the skills of the warrior and helping people. I have a small house and a few coins, which I think will suffice me well enough to advance enough to be useful. I met a man from an organisation called the Legion for Justice, who fight for justice, honour and truth, and I am joining them, but I wish to see their reality before I commit long term, so I will be travelling to Carmelya province for a one month trial period with them in two cycles or so. I was hoping you would be able to help me find a sword teacher, as I feel that would be the best skill to learn first, then move from there in the art of being a warrior she nodded, happy to have made that clear. What about you, Epic? Tell me of your life, and the happenings within it? I have missed your wisdom, I know that much. she looked at him and smiled. He saw that smile often, but she had always been a very serious child, thoughtful and inward. That could sometimes lead to brooding, and she was, without a doubt, enormously hard on herself.

In the time that they had been apart, she had indeed grown in height, but her fundamentally serious nature appeared to have not altered a bit. She carefully lifted up his cup of tea, however, and sipped it, with a mischievous look on her face. As she was bound to do, she then replaced it in the exact centre of the saucer and dabbed her mouth with a napkin which she then folded and put back in her pocket.

Epicurus D. Vampyler · March 8, 2006, 02:08 PM

Epicurus could not help but to stare at his younger sister, it brought back memories of his mother as she shared so many of her traits. He missed his mother dearly, Jaki may have been too young to remember much of their mother but every time Epic saw her he just wanted to tell her how much Jaki reminded him of mother. Sitting up straight in his seat he lifted his cup of tea and took a silent sip not realizing how “noble” he was acting, his time as the Lord Protector in Medonia had taken a toll on his behavior. As the cycles moved on he developed more and more of those horrible noble like traits known as manners. He listened on as Jaki spoke of becoming a warrior of honor and truth, the words brought much joy to Epic’s heart, he had always known that Jaki would follow a good path and to see it taking shape was wonderful.

If it was training that she was seeking Epicurus could help her with that, but it would not be until he got back from Prime, and there again only if she wished it to be with a sword. He had trained his daughter Liselle in the same weapon as he, and would love to train his sister the same. ”It is good to hear that you are doing something so important with your life, the following of truth and honor is a valiant choice in life, I wish all our family thought the same as you and I. Anyway, that’s a story for another time.” Epic adjusted himself in his seat a bit, relaxing a little more now that casual conversation was underway. ”It is a shame that you will be leaving so soon, I am only here in Prime for a few more brightenings before heading back to Medonia. You have not heard, but I have decided to resign as the Lord Protector before Moranor appoints me Thane. Life behind a desk is just not for me as I am sure you could have guessed, I need to get out, see the world a bit more.” His words trailed off as he took a moment and started off to the side, seemingly lost in thought. He remembered why he was here in Prime in the first place, at least for this visit.

”The Empress has summoned me from Medonia, and I am not sure why. I have known her for a little while now, and we are good friends, but to have me travel all the way from my city while I am still the Lord Protector is unusual. It must be important, I have to admit I am rather nervous.”

Jaki Vampyler · March 9, 2006, 05:57 PM

There was so much that she wanted to hear from him, and she listened to him with rapt attention as he talked. She always tried to listen to someone who was talking to her, but with Epicurus it was more than that. It was the words of wisdom from an older brother, and she cherished those most.

The Empress has summoned you? she said looking at him with a slightly raised eyebrow. I think that I would be nervous at that, also. If you are good friends with her, then perhaps she merely wishes to speak with you, or has a personal matter that she wishes to discuss with you. Whilst some would consider you lucky to be friends with the Empress, I would rather think that she is lucky to have someone that she can call friend. I suspect that is rather rare considering her position in this empire. Friendship is a hard thing to gain when you are a relative nobody, let alone when you weild that kind of power

She looked at him with her usual calm expression and continued Are you able to direct me to a good sword teacher, then? I rather think that I should learn the blade, but I will need to find a job first. I was offered a 250 crown stipend from Roland Moonstar, the Marshall of the Legion, but I did not wish to feel beholden. I will earn the money and then the training will be more satisfying for that. But I would not wish to waste my money on training that is not of an acceptable standard. I will also have to purchase a sword, of course

And then finally, she asked the question that she wished to ask the most So what news of the rest of the family? How fare things?

That would likely be an interesting answer, she considered.

She looked at Epicurus and gave him a half-smile I am sorry to assume that you have all the answers, whilst my head tells me that it is not true, my heart refuses to believe it. So you must be pestered yet more

Epicurus D. Vampyler · March 15, 2006, 03:50 PM

He just wanted to blurt out that he probably knew why the empress wanted to see him; he wanted to tell her his relationship and how it actually went beyond being friends. His friendship with the empress had blossomed; a bond between the two had grown into so much more. Then again if he did not tell his sister, and she found out some other way Epicurus would be in a heap of trouble, to keep such a thing from his sister would mean certain doom. He had never in all his years been able to keep anything from her, it was is if she could see right through him then would back him into a corner to submit.

”Well, I met Arabella before she was the empress, back in Daltina. It was a chance happening, she had snuck out of the confines of her escort and gone for a walk. Daltina is not the best place to go out alone in, and she was taken into a back alley to be mugged. I was able to just catch site of it and sort of rescued her I guess, from there we have grown to be, well, a lot more than friends I guess.” Epic took another sip of his tea, he was sure that she had summoned him so that he had a good reason to get away from Medonia. It just seemed odd that she would not ask him first, then again it may have something to do with her being empress and not being able to pursue what they had. He hoped this was not the case, Arabella was a rare person and he was not ready to let go of her so easily.

”I guess I’ll find out.” Epic let out a long drawn sigh and scratched the side of his scruffy face as he tried to push the thoughts of Arabella out of his mind for the moment. Right now it was his sister he had to focus on and make sure everything was well with. ”As for a sword trainer, I have spent a lot of my time, of course, in Medonia so all of the sword trainers I know reside there. If you were to choose though I would say a Mr. Marik Bane, he has been my most recent teacher in the art of the long sword.” Then came the question that Epic was waiting for, the question of family. He had not told her of Liselle yet, for Epic was not so sure if it had all been true or just a dream.

”I guess, the big news would be that you are now an aunt. I have a daughter…eighteen patterns young.” He let the comment linger, soak into Jaki’s mind a bit, he knew this was going to raise an entirely new series of questions.

Jaki Vampyler · March 15, 2006, 05:19 PM

Jaki believed that it was very important to let people finish what they were saying so she bit her lip at his first piece of news and allowed him to continue. Which was hard, for certainly she wanted to exclaim her surprise and ask a hundred questions. But then the second piece of news? She raised her eyebrow and looked at him with an expression that she usually reserved only for him in moments of extreme teasing. But it was tinged with an edge of some other thing this time, some other emotion that was in her mind.

Choosing her words rather carefully at first, she looked at him with a considered expression Well, I believe I may answer these two points separately she said, with an expression of controlled amazement on her face

As for the situation with the Empress, I rather suppose I have but one question for you, Epicurus. Are you falling in love with her, or are you already there? Jaki had never been known for beating around the bush with him, and it would appear that now was likely to be no different because no matter who else she is, I know what that look on your face means. Does she feel the same for you? Her brother? Her brother!? she looked at him and wondered briefly if he was simply teasing her, but she knew by the expression on his face and by the way that the muscle in his left cheek flexed involuntarily that this was something that he had considered greatly.

When he had answered the first, she moved on to the second. A daughter? she asked, quietly. For a moment she simply considered this, the reality of it and the possible explanations filtered through her brain. Well, I rather suppose that my only question to that is would you please explain it all to me? You have a hurt in your eyes when you speak of her. What is it?

She looked at him, watching him carefully and listening intently to him. Whatever it was, she would accept it utterly because he was Epicurus. For the moment she let the topic of the sword and the sword teacher drop, for although it was of great significance to her personally, surely they had more important things to talk about than her need for both a sword and a teacher but before you do that, my brother she said, speaking so softly it was almost a whisper and she leant across and briefly squeezed his hand I feel I must tell you that I have missed you every day. My heart is lightened to see you. Pray, tell me all

Not one for overly extreme displays of affection, that was quite a significant move for Jaki, who then sat back and listened, her hands clasped loosely in her lap and her eyes focused entirely on him.

Roland Moonstar · March 20, 2006, 10:01 PM

Roland came by at that point, a somber expression on his face. Instead of his usual traveling leathers, he was dressed formally in his tailored suit of charcoal Jaedaxian wool. He had the pale skin and brown hair of a Kemite, and even as he spoke he had an air of slight distraction to him, as if important matters were pressing on him; not an odd vibration for one in Prime Province. "Ah, greetings, Jaki. I hope all is well with you. I can't stay long, but it would be rude to have walked by and not at least said hello for a moment." He looked over at Epicurus, but did not recognize him. He glanced at both, however, and noticed the similarity of their features and the common grey of their eyes, features that he remembered well from his former employee Louis, the one nick-named Lucifer for his devilish antics.

He offered his hand to the man. "Serale, I am Roland Moonstar, Lord Protector of Tearsfall, and Marshall of the Legion of Justice. Jaki is the second Vampyler that I have had the good fortune to meet: a pattern or so back, Louis helped me when I needed help in Vortex. I haven't seen him in a season or two; if either of you run into him, please give him my regards and mentioned that I asked about him."

He smiled at the two of them. "Of all the recent Deputies that have joined the Legion this season, Jaki is by far the most dedicated. She burns with a desire for justice, and she also has a kind and generous heart."

Epicurus D. Vampyler · March 22, 2006, 02:01 PM

Epicurus was not one to blush, ever, but if there were a time that he would then perhaps, just maybe now would be one of those times. Of course his sister had to jump right on in skipping all the tidbits and ask the big question. He took another long drink of his tea, long enough to finish the cup off and wiped his mouth with the back of his arm showing that he had not gone all formal in his days as a thane. Still holding his cup and staring down at the table he pun it around in his fingers as he tried to find the words, not that there was any other real way to say it.

”Well sister, it seems as though the falling is over with and I have finally hit the ground, I am indeed in love with her. I am a hundred percent sure that she also returns my same feelings, though we have kept it fairly quiet as of late, she has only just been named empress so we don’t need to bring in any more complications.” Epic let out another long drawn sigh as he continued, ”As for my daughter, it is rather complicated, she is an adult now and having had missed her childhood it is hard for me to remember that she is all grown up and does not need my teaching. I missed out…” It was then they had been approached by a gentleman who appeared to know his sister, wonderful timing. Epic did not really want to get into the subject, now was a time to be happy and enjoy the fact that he finally got to see Jaki.

As the man introduced himself Epic took and took the man’s hand in a firm greeting, any friend of Jaki’s as a friend of his. ”A pleasure to meet you Mr. Moonstar, Epicurus Vampyler, Lord Protector of Medonia and brother to Jaki here.” Epic nodded as Roland spoke of the fire that burned in Jaki’s heart, he knew well of this fire for it ran through the entire family whether that be a good or bad thing. ”Well, you have a good girl on your hands, she will serve you well. It’s good to see her involved with an organization as honorable as yours. Please, would you care to join us for what little time you have?” Epic motioned for the open seat between Jaki and himself.

Jaki Vampyler · March 22, 2006, 03:16 PM

Epicurus in love? That was something that did Jaki's soul good to hear. She worried for her brother more than perhaps she should, considering that she was so much younger than him, but that was how it was. Still, it was typical of Epic that he was in love so completely with the Empress of all people

The Empress. Could you perhaps have made a more awkward choice of person to fall in love with? she asked, the softness of her grey eyes cushioning the words Will you be wed? Is she free to marry, even, and what are the consequences if she does? She looked at him with a million more questions, but decided that those ones would do for the moment.

He moved on to his daughter then, and was about to continue to speak when Roland came over. Jaki stood, as he moved over and she smiled at him in greeting. You are too kind, Roland. In truth, I have committed no action to prove my worth to you, or the truth of my words. Words in and of themselves are easy enough, are they not? she nodded as Epic invited him to sit with them of course, it would be most pleasant if you could join us. Will you?

She sat back down then, and as she did she glanced at Epic and smiled gently. Her eyes no longer looked soft, but rather teasing as she said, sounding completely and utterly serious Girl? .

One eyebrow arched somewhat dangerously.

Roland Moonstar · March 22, 2006, 05:13 PM

Roland nodded, and sat down. He knew nothing of the new Empress, beyond the fact that she was not Julos, which was good enough for him. He had heard rumors that she would be throwing a ball towards the end of winter, but he had not even decided if he was going. He had not even made a final decision as to whether the Legion should have a Congressman or woman in the new Senate. Imperial matters made him skittish: Roland had no problem jumping into a lake of lava or hurtling headlong into the depths of a dungeon, but put him on a ballroom dance floor with people dressed up in fancy clothes and he grew a bit skittish.

"Serale to you then, Epicurus, from one Lord Protector to another." Roland thought of what he knew of Medonia, and that was: nothing. He'd been once to Daltina for a cycle and once to New Coldmoon for a day, and that was all he knew of Enamoria. Perhaps he would visit it someday when he had the time. He'd never been to Taralon either, come to think of it. "If you're ever in Diana-- presumably to visit Jaki-- " Roland paused and chuckled goodnaturedly, then continued: "If you're ever in Diana, feel free to come by and visit. Feel free to bring the girl you're dating, too." Roland grinned at the two of them.

He turned to Jaki. "Do not be so modest. You've already brought into the fold that fine fellow Landrake. . ." Roland paused, and looked from brother to sister, as if thinking that this was a lucky season for the entire family. "And of course there was the other night, when you perked up the spirits of that morose bunch I was with then helped out that sick fellow Ramsa." He related to Epicurus the story of the man who fell ill, perhaps from food poisoning. "One does not just fight for justice by riding into the Xet homeland: there are many little moments to help right the injustices of life, and I can clearly see that you live and breathe the mantra of justice; it is part and parcel of who you are."

He studied Epicurus then for a moment, in the way of Thanes sizing each other up. "If things do not work out for you in Enamoria, do consider coming to Carmelyn Province. I was away from the Allerian Empire for a few seasons last year due to injuries suffered in the Battle of Mileswick, and when I returned I found that peace and prosperity had once again come with the ascenscion of Arabella. But. . ."

He pursed his lips, unsure if this was a good time to continue or not: he did not want to intrude on the sibling's reunion. He decided to make it brief. "But war gives people purpose. The lack of it brings relief, but sometimes it brings malaise. No one knows what to do next. People are afraid to open their mouths. People are afraid to do things. People are afraid that others will make fun of them, or censor them, or take them to task. I can't change all of Alleria, but I have decided to take Carmelyn Province and return it to the days of yore, the days when my Uncle traveled the Allerian Empire." He slapped his palm on the table. "I don't care if people are verbose minstrels or if they are the strong silent type. I don't care if they have been around for decades or came off the boat from Syl or Dolud yesterday. Through either the Legion, or the cities I am in: Tearsfall, Diana, and so forth-- I am getting people jobs, getting them connections, helping them meet each other. Life in Alleria can be daunting and intimidating; I try to assuage that. People need to adventure; people need to have fun. Demios used to be a fun place, and now no one goes there: it would be an excellent place to turn around. Should you seek out the Thaneship there or some other position, I would support your claim to it."

OOC: that's Roland Moonstar, subtle like a rock. GM Wes for the win.

Epicurus D. Vampyler · March 24, 2006, 12:22 AM

”I don’t know Jaki, there is a lot I just don’t know. I haven’t seen her since she was empress and I don’t even know if what we have…is allowed. I guess I will just have to find out.” He really hoped that this Roland has something interesting to bring up; the subject of Epic’s relation to the empress was not one he wanted to openly talk about. He looked over his shoulder to see where about the waitress was for a refill on his tea and looked back to Jaki.

”I’m sorry, I know you are a grown woman now, it’s going to take some getting used too. You are always going to be my –little- sister anyway.” Just knowing the reaction he would get was enough to let a small chuckle escape his breath, it was then that Roland spoke up. If there was anyone Epic had ever met that was not in the least bit shy around new people it was this man for Roland Moonstar went right off. Epicurus was almost taken back a second before locking on to a part of the man’s speech and trying to follow. When it seemed over Epic gave a nod, it was obvious that Roland was a man of action and Epic liked that kind of quality in a person.

”Well, I am but a Lord Protector and not for long. A position behind a desk is not for me, my mind keeps wandering to the times of the Dark Alliance war and what it was like to fight for what I believed in. I am a warrior at heart, a fighter in the name of honor and justice under Aslan not some politician waggling his finger from high in Juliana Palace. For now I think I shall seek my adventure here in Prime, that is, after I leave my city in capable hands.”

Jaki Vampyler · March 25, 2006, 06:05 PM

Jaki glanced at Epicurus as Roland suggested that he bring his "girl who he was dating with him. She wondered what Roland's reaction would be should he realise that in fact the girlfriend in question was the Empress. Jaki wished nothing but happiness for her brother, and she hoped to all the Gods that this would not end badly for him. Still, he was a sensible man, and she had no doubt that he would do what was right. So, she sat and listened to the two men talking.

Jaki Vampyler was not in any way a woman who was comfortable with being in the background because she was a woman. She despised nothing more than being underestimated because of her sex. But she was also quite happy within her own skin. Jaki had no wish to push herself into a conversation, and she knew that she had a lot to say to Epic, but that it would wait. So she dropped the conversation regarding his new love and listened to the two men talking. As Epicurus said that he was going back once more to the fight, Jaki smiled slightly. That had always been what Epic was best at, that was for sure, but frankly, whether he would be able to and pursue his relationship with the Empress was something that she was not sure of.

So, she sat and quietly sipped her drink, listening to the two men talking. At this moment she had nothing to say, so she did not speak. However, she was quite obviously paying attention and following the conversation closely.