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If Justice is blind, I will guide her. |
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Post by Mathew Amtrum on Nov 18, 2013 21:17:15 GMT -8
Victory had been secured. Barker's body has been delivered to Hades for preparation of the next step. One way or the other Mathew would be getting what he wanted from Barker. Once more he stood in the center of the Colosseum. The map and figures were still on the table next to him, but the stands were full of solders, both Dragon and God's. Possibly even Crows if they decided to show up. The pendant he had taken off of Barker hanging around his neck and his right arm had been replaced with one of stone. Digging into his shoulder and hanging dead at his side. Manipulating it was clumsy still. He had to concentrate to make it natural seeming. It was a new challenge to overcome. And one that he couldn't focus on with his full attention while Bastille was captured.
He waited as people stopped filing in and taking seats. Dressed in both the armor of Ares and the Earth Dragon Coat draped over his shoulders he was here representing both factions. He hoped to represent them all. He cleared his throat, the sound echoing in the chambers drawing a hush over the crowd.
"My friends. We have achieved a great victory, one that will go down in history. One that will be passed down to our children's, children's, children! We have destroyed a looming threat to our families, our homes, and our way of life.
We have banded together to show what we can achieve as one. And we proved that we can not only do anything, but we can do it nearly flawlessly. We mourn those that were lost in the battle, but we shall not weep. For their sacrifices have paved the way for a better tomorrow. It is for this that we move to the future in their honor. We can not bring back that which is lost, but we can give tribute to their memories by rebuilding and being better than we were. We can celebrate them by being stronger warriors. Being educators. We honor them by living!
For the next three days we shall be honoring the fallen with a celebration of victory! Food and wine flowing, music, games! We shall remember the sacrifices these brave warriors made by having the courage to celebrate their lives rather than be stricken by their deaths. And to those of you who have made it through the ordeal intact I salute you. Each and every one of you. For without you this victory would not be possible.
Without everyone Barker's shadow would still be looming overhead. His Generals free to abduct our people, twisting and corrupting them. That chapter of our lives is finally over. However, this is not the end of war. War has just begun. A new threat has emerged, one who's capabilities are not fully known. We must stay vigilant. We must be prepared to fight for our homes and defend what is ours. And when they come for us they will find that we will not go quietly into the night. They will not find use hiding in the shadows and corners cowering in fear. They will meet us with blades drawn as we fight to the last breath.
We do not fear death for death is certain. We do not fear pain for pain makes us stronger. We do not fear defeat for victory is assured! Now go my Brothers and Sisters. Celebrate this victory for you have earned it and nothing can ever take that away!"
Cheers and excitement erupting from the crowd. Dragon's and God's alike excited for a warriors feast in honor of the fallen. Excited by the prospect of games of skill and power, of flowing wine and mead. Of the nymphs and fertility goddesses. There was a reason this was being held on God Territory. No one gave a send off to whatever afterlife there may be like that Gods of old.
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Cross my heart, hope to make it out alive...cuz if I burn out once I'll burn out BRIGHT. |
PLAYED BY OOC NAME
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Post by Your Mom~ on Nov 19, 2013 5:05:03 GMT -8
Olesya leaned against one of the pillars holding up the roof, watching the crowd and the man in the middle who captivated them all. He spoke with eloquence, power, and confidence. He reached into the heart of every man and woman standing here today and played their heartstrings like a violin. He was a leader, and in his splendent armor, he showed it.
Would the crowd have been as receptive were it Olesya down there?
The answer was something Les had been avoiding for the better part of a year, since she'd take on David's duties. Sure, she performed them with stunning accuracy, but did she have the charisma to lead a nation? Maybe this was what David and Mathew had been talking about when she was gunning for an Elder position. Sure, she could do it, but would the people recognize her for it, beyond any shadow of a doubt?
The answer was most likely no.
She could command an army. She had a presence as the Voice of the Storm Dragon, but she was still too socially awkward and war-minded to speak to the hearts of the nation. She couldn't control power at that scale...and that was alright. Because as long as people like Mathew existed (and didn't disappear for months on end), she wouldn't have to.
And besides, nearly staring death in the face made her re-evaluate her priorities. Seeing the way Mathew raised his children and made them a priority struck a chord with Olesya. Hadn't she been putting Maddie aside to chase a stupid dream? Well, it wasn't stupid, but ill-fitting for her position in life. She was a mother, and it was about time she acted like it.
As the crowd went wild, Olesya put her hands together to clap for the God-Dragon. He was right, take the time to celebrate the lives of those who gave everything to the cause, but the war wasn't over yet.
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My need for proper protocol is shocking. |
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Post by Lucien DeChain on Nov 19, 2013 21:20:16 GMT -8
Lucien's mind reeled.
There was nothing he felt like celebrating today, not one thing he thought to give good will to. He absently listened to Mathew's speech, and though it was one of captivation and virtue, it was one that Lucien could sadly not join in at this time. He thought back to his days of further ignorance, wishing, for a second, he could go back to those times, that the weight of what had happened, what was going to happen, and what was about to be done, didn't have to weigh on his mind like it did. A rock being crushed into the soft earth, piercing through and encompassing like a tumor on his soul. A sickness.
Lucien took the social cue to clap, and to stand in ovation, but he didn't feel it. He couldn't feel anything, just empty, searching internally for something to keep him anchored.
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Do not test me. You will lose. |
PLAYED BY OOC NAME
PLAYED BY Chunky Munky
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Post by David B. on Nov 19, 2013 21:33:33 GMT -8
David stood, off the dias, grinning and clapping as Mathew finished his speech. He laughed and shook hands as people approached, accepting congratulations and listening to the feasting as the merriment began in earnest. He had no speech to give- let Mathew make the people proud. He didn't care. His duties lie elsewhere. He would notice, among the people, a very blank and...almost defeated looking Lucien clapping like a robot. He could nearly feel the chill from here.
Thinking to himself a moment, he would set his cup down on the table after downing it and make his way through the sea of people, toward the Lightning Dragon. He'd take his elbow and speak in low tones.
"I'd like to speak with you, alone.
He'd lead Lucien off, and around some stone pillars, to a silent, empty Ally. Then, when they were good and out of sight but could still hear the sound of the party, he turned back and threw a hard right punch for Luciens face, aiming to plant the man on his ass.
"Who are you!?"
Short question, and direct.
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My need for proper protocol is shocking. |
PLAYED BY OOC NAME
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Post by Lucien DeChain on Nov 19, 2013 22:00:07 GMT -8
Lucien noticed David walking towards him, feeling the intention behind his approach, and immediately became aware of the situation. When David pulled him, he would go without complaint, slightly confused as to why he wanted the privacy, but willing nonetheless.
It was only when they got into the dark back alley that Lucien became more wary of his circumstances. As he turned to ask David why he had called him here, he was knocked on his ass by a fierce right hook.
"What do you mean...? You know me, I'm Lucien DeChain. David, are you alright...?"
He rubbed his face, momentarily pondering the fight he witnessed earlier, between David and his evil clone.
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Do not test me. You will lose. |
PLAYED BY OOC NAME
PLAYED BY Chunky Munky
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Post by David B. on Nov 19, 2013 22:04:35 GMT -8
David would snort.
"Like hell you are. The Lucien I knew wouldn't stand around, offering pitiable smiles and have a dead look in his eyes while his men celebrate around him. While the world celebrates a great victory. Why are you here?"
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My need for proper protocol is shocking. |
PLAYED BY OOC NAME
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Post by Lucien DeChain on Nov 19, 2013 22:17:34 GMT -8
"I...." Lucien started, but he turned his eyes down, unable to find the words. He was, indeed, defeated.
"David, I'm sorry. Maybe I'm not as strong as I want to be... I can't celebrate like them, I can't look past the new threat to our lives..."
He was never one to revel in victories. Not even the big ones. There was always more to do.
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Do not test me. You will lose. |
PLAYED BY OOC NAME
PLAYED BY Chunky Munky
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Post by David B. on Nov 19, 2013 22:26:58 GMT -8
David walked forward and grabbed the man by the front of his clothes, lifting him to his feet...and further, holding him up a little to look him in the face.
"You sure as hell can, Lucien. You can, and your fucking going to."
David set the man down on his feet, slowly releasing his clothes and straightening out the crinkles.
"And I'm gonna tell you why. Because you didn't sign up to kill Barker. You didn't take on the duties, the titles and the authority to kill Barker. Barker is one man. He was never the goal. Freedom was. He was just a man, who was in our way. With him dead, it just takes one more sick bastard that was in command out of the picture."
He was trying to help his soldiers as much as he could- his brothers. And Lucien needed to understand that he, as a Dragon and a Crow, was there to protect and to assist. He was given a place of authority- and if he wasn't able to handle the pressure, David would throw his ass out of the territory without a second thought. Still...he had to give the man a chance.
"You are gonna come to your senses. Your gonna realize that, whether it's John Strike, Sean Barker or fucking Mary Poppins leading our enemies- we're gonna take them out, and we're gonna do it with strength, dignity, and a goal in mind. Freedom. Now- are you gonna get ahold of yourself, or do I have to hit you again?"
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My need for proper protocol is shocking. |
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Post by Lucien DeChain on Nov 19, 2013 22:38:49 GMT -8
Lucien was hoisted off the ground, to look David in the eye. It was something he was not entirely used to, so it made him rather uncomfortable. But David's words stung, and as they sunk in Lucien was reminded of what he was fighting for. It wasn't for him. It wasn't for the defeat of Barker. It wasn't for vengeance. It was for freedom, for the absolute right. He fought for life.
He let out a shaky sigh, shifting his weight between his feet. "Thanks David. I.. I needed that." He looked up at the man's blue eyes.
"You can save that punch for the bleed-in." He smiled.
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Do not test me. You will lose. |
PLAYED BY OOC NAME
PLAYED BY Chunky Munky
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Post by David B. on Nov 19, 2013 22:41:22 GMT -8
David smirked.
"Yeah, I'd rather save your blood for it too."
He walked by Lucien, slapping his hand lightly on the mans chest once as he did so.
"There ya go. Think about what I said, and grasp the future, Dragon. Now, enjoy the celebration."
And he'd move back into the crowd.
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My need for proper protocol is shocking. |
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Post by Lucien DeChain on Nov 19, 2013 22:43:39 GMT -8
Lucien stayed there for a few seconds, sighing heavily every now and then. He still felt a bit depressed, but he had something better now.
"I think I'll have a drink or two tonight." He mumbled to himself as he made to join back into the crowd of people.
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If Justice is blind, I will guide her. |
PLAYED BY OOC NAME
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Post by Mathew Amtrum on Nov 19, 2013 23:47:42 GMT -8
With the speech done he lingered where he was, peering over the table with the pieces and Barker's forces laid out. Reaching into his pocket and placing his own piece back on the table before turning away from the table. Not letting his gaze linger on it as he lifted his stone arm. The movement rigid and unnatural.
He never thought he would lose a limb like that. So suddenly. To think that all of his preparation and planning to have an unknown variable like that take him by so much surprise. He was too reckless. That was the issue. He shouldn't have taken the fight outside where Barker could fly.
But a mistake was only something to regret if you didn't learn anything from it. Clenching the stone fist he slowly lowered it, nodding to himself. He learned his lesson. He would not be so weak again. He would not be so merciful. He needed to be harsher, stronger, and unbreakable. He needed to be a symbol to inspire people to help him make a new world. A world where people like him would be no longer needed.
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Sív pide köd. And I Shall Choose Love. |
PLAYED BY OOC NAME
PLAYED BY Arararashi
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Post by Kyrie Blaze on Nov 30, 2013 17:15:22 GMT -8
With a smile upon her lips, the little blonde watched from her position, leaning against one of the pillars of the Colosseum. She was not hiding, but simply did not care to sit. Her gaze swept the Warriors filed in and took seats, the din of murmuring a comforting thing.
It was all Life.
Her gaze shifted to Mathew as he began to speak, and took in his words. He was certainly the most charismatic out of the Elders--in terms of grand speeches and getting those around him to loyally follow. This celebratory speech was just another example. But...she agreed with what he said.
And with the sheer amount of noise that erupted after he concluded, she wasn't the only one. She smiled, slowly, and nodded.
Despite the losses, today was a good day. As Mathew said, they would celebrate the victory, celebrate the lives they had known that were lost. They would celebrate Life.
Kyrie, herself, had much to celebrate over that. She joined in with the cheers and clapping by putting her hands together, herself. Her friends and family...her sister. Her grandfather at least. The Dragons...and still, so much more.
Yes...it was time to celebrate, indeed.
. o O ( /catching up on posts. )
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