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Sovereign's Will: The Edge of War [Looking for new players]

Athena Voltspear

Location: Kindeance

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“Now hold on.” interjected Athena, “Don’t just laugh at him. You might have saved him back then, but that doesn’t make you his equal. What he said is perfectly valid, and you of all people should realize why such protocols exist.” Truth be told, Athena didn’t know anything about these protocols, relying on the explanation the prince provided. She knew security never really returned to its lax positions since the princes rescue. So to have measures to prevent a threat from bypassing the safeguard to the royal family made plenty of sense. At the time of the prince’s absence, Athena was left in the dark, but the demeanor of the king, there was some obvious change. A love was there, and a pain. Unknown at the time, but now made it all make sense. it reaffirmed the necessity of the precautions.

“Miss Rosenving, you should hold onto your gift as well. You can leave them with the appropriate official once we depart.”

Sovereign's Will: The Edge of War [Looking for new players]

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Sovereign's Will: The Edge of War [Looking for new players]

Solomon Sparrow

Location: Kindeance

---

Poor choice of words. For Solomon, the ordeal took only a few days, but for Cedar, it was over a month. How Solomon managed to miss that detail was beyond him. They practically yelled it. And here he made the comparison of it being the same. Well, he got them talking, but the jury was still out if he helped them relax from the tension created by Cedar's situation. He had to consider his next words carefully, but given their age and disposition, that might not be enough.

There were a few things that he caught in the rambling. For one, they were here without their father knowing. For Solomon, that was an issue. It meant that should something happen, anything, their father wouldn’t know. And what a way to find out potentially weeks after the fact. But they also mentioned Pine, Solomon was under the impression the brother’s name was Oak. Large family, large problems. Very dysfunctional, but caring all the same. And then comes food. Well, Solomon suspected he might have been underweight on account of it being winter, but for the girls this was still a large issue.

“The situation is similar, but it won’t take that long to free your brother. As for everything else, we will have to deal with it when the time comes.” said Solomon, “As for your father, we could probably sent him a message. The king may be able to lend a messenger bird to inform Your father of your whereabouts. He will be cross with you regardless, but at least he’ll know you’re in safe hands in the meantime.”

“And We’ll make sure food is available for all.”

Sovereign's Will: The Edge of War [Looking for new players]

Solomon Sparrow

Location: Kindeance

---

Rose and Lily. Given Cedar’s name and his brother mentioned as Oak, Solomon wasn’t too surprised. Though for Solomon, one of the girls name’s came out of Lileh, so that was his first impression of it. When the bear twins started to speak up again, Solomon was better prepared for their nearly uninterruptible back and forth. It actually helped him a little to think of it as one speaker through two different mouths, as strange as that sounded.

“Nice to meet you, Lileh and Rose. So, Cedar being out last time? He had not mentioned anything about his adventure?” asked Solomon. He supposed that given some of the struggles he had to endure, it might not have been the most pleasant thing to discuss. Especially with his younger family. And there was plenty. There was his time in the dungeon upon arrival, the first time he witnessed the dead rise, the battle with Asevor, and the execution of Geralt. it was probably easier for Cedar to suppress the whole ordeal than relive it explaining it, even to his father.

Apparently the sisters had no end of trouble about Cedar’s absence either. Though the family, and its origins were very strange, the dynamic the siblings had between themselves and their father was heart warming. It was how a family should be. Always together in good times and bad, learning to overcome the challenges they present to each other and to grow.

“If Cedar hasn’t said anything, it probably isn’t my place to say anything about it either.” said Solomon, “but I can say one thing. The reason your brother took so long is very reminiscent to what is happening now. He bravely helped rescue someone in trouble, much like how we are going to rescue him.”

Sovereign's Will: The Edge of War [Looking for new players]

Solomon Sparrow

Location: Kindeance

---

Well, the short story about Cedar’s little antic seemed to have done the trick. They started to brighten up. They were even looking at each other, mischievously. But then the mention of gossip.

“It isn’t much like gossip, small talk is…” before Solomon could really finish his sentence, the two female bears started going at him with multiple questions. They continued off each other to the point Solomon was having a hard time getting a word in edgewise. Solomon was able to catch most of what they were saying, but unfortunately, lost some with their accent. He knew they started talking about Cedar and the bakery. But then the questions revolved around him. When they paused, Solomon answered them.

“Ehem, my name is Doc, er. You may call me Solomon.” Solomon did a little make shift bow that was obviously not meant to be serious, but rather to add a little fun to his introduction, “As for smelling like a graveyard, I don’t know what you are talking about. I think I smell delightful.” Solomon let out a playful smile, not that anyone could really see it under the mask.

“So then, sister’s of Cedar, what would your names be?”

Sovereign's Will: The Edge of War [Looking for new players]

Solomon Sparrow & Athena Voltspear

Location: Kindeance

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“Fuddy duddy?” Solomon chuckled. In some ways, that sounded like Cedar. When it came to food or interactions with others, he seemed to often trip over himself with manners. “I ask to make small talk. This meeting isn't the most entertaining of venues, so I thought talking about him might help you feel more relaxed while the others finish with the details. Since you cared so deeply for Cedar, I thought he would make a good topic for conversation. For instance, the last time I was with him, got flustered about stealing a sale of stale bread. Despite the owner assuring him it that wasn’t necessary.”

Solomon could tell that his attempt to relax the girls wasn’t working as effectively as he would have liked. His raspy voice and his dark appearance probably wasn’t helping in that regard. However, he decided to persist, at least until it was time to depart. He knew that the others were discussing many of the details with the king behind him. Though he wasn’t paying attention to the words they were saying, he knew that even then he would not be left in the dark. For this endeavor, he didn’t mind following. At least for the time being.

Athena hummed to her self softly as the king answered her question. It wasn’t another squad, but it was something. Also Athena didn’t know about potential external support, so if they could be hindered if not entirely blocked that would also keep their edge. Having even a couple more people would help. And if one of those from the recon squad was Antigone’s all the better.

“Thank you your majesty. I think given the circumstances, that would work just well.” Athena bowed before she left the king’s desk, leaving Jazdia with him. Though as she walked away, she kept her eye on the elf. She didn’t suspect Jazdia was going to do anything vile, but her attitude towards the king still left a sour taste in Athena’s mouth.

Sovereign's Will: The Edge of War [Looking for new players]

Solomon Sparrow & Athena Voltspear

Location: Kindeance

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Athena looked at the elf as she continued her conservation with the king. She wasn’t entirely comfortable with her nonchalant behavior. Even if they were familiar with each other, it just rubbed her the wrong way. However, the king was receptive, and Athena didn’t find it her place to intervene. Her question was answered. Yet, time still seemed to be a major deciding factor. If they were to deal with Lady Stritzel, and rescue the elf’s bear friend, then whatever plan they come up with had better go flawlessly. However, that didn’t mean Athena wouldn’t keep an eye on Jazdia. There is being friends with the king, and then there was taking an undue amount of liberties because of it.

“Alright” said Athena, “If you feel that we have the capability to succeed in this endeavor, then we will do so.” Athena still had reservations, but not only was it the king, but his advisor that had come up with this plan. Being an envoy was the easy part. At least the team that had assembled would be enough as an envoy. The issue was the raid on Stritzel’s estate. Even with Constable Delving, a raid of a small building had twice as many men. Granted, those men were usually of less skill than the current group, but numbers are always something to consider.

“If I am being entirely honest, your majesty, I do have some reservations about our numbers. I understand that you wish to keep news of our movement at a minimum, and having more men would make that difficult. It sounds like secrecy matters here if we wish to stop a war before it begins. I also understand that we who you’ve chosen are of some repute. Are there any concessions that can be afforded to us?”

Across the room, Solomon finally moved from his position. He stepped around a few of the others as they continued discussing, careful as to not disturb them until he reached the presence of Cedar’s siblings. Alec had just left, and the girls were left alone.

“I am sure condolences are the last thing that you need to hear.” said Solomon, “Let me just say, I’ve only known him a short time, but I’ve seen the kind of strength Cedar possesses. And if you two are anything like him, then I have no doubt that we will succeed in his rescue.” While Solomon appeared to struggle to do so, he ended up sitting on the floor next to the bears. The bears seemed timid, and perhaps some more friendly conversation might help them relax and be open with these strangers set to rescue their brother, among other things.

“So tell my my ursine friends, what is Cedar like at home?”

Sovereign's Will: The Edge of War [Looking for new players]

Solomon Sparrow & Athena Voltspear

Location: Kindeance

---

Solomon had his eyes closed as the words from his majesty and his advisor took over the room. The nobles were not swayed by the set backs formed from him and his party several months ago. They still had a lot of power and they were certainly making the most of it. Fanghorn was already tied to Meche, and the fact that none of the messengers the king sent had returned was also worrying. More and more it began to feel like Meche was really involved and the nobles were only expediting the problem.

As far as Solomon was aware, the whole conflict with Meche was a farce. A means for with displaced noblemen to keep the power they once enjoyed during a time of conquest. Yet, more and more Meche seemed to be involved. It was likely further manipulation across the borders. The first thought that came to his mind were the nobles propagating the war were sending their own men to influence the more radical of Meche citizens. Then again, there was Asevor. It was a difficult situation. One that seemed to be forming under the noses of both kings of both countries.

Then there was the news of Cedar. Solomon didn’t think much of his absence when he was waiting with the others in the previous room. He expected to see Jazdia and Yvonne again, but not Cedar. Solomon expected the good ol’ bear would have returned to him home in Meche, far away from this troublesome conflict. Enjoying his time in hibernation. Solomon knew the king mentioned it as a means of recruiting the bear again. But even so, he was glad to have found out. Even if not a part of the mission, it would only be right to free him from his captors. The other aspect of doing so, Solomon remained silent. He knew the nobles were crossing their king, but to flat out request that this newly formed team to eradicate her estate seemed heavy handed.

Athena, on the other hand, was shocked at the allegations of Lady Stritzel. For the noblewoman to turn her back on her country and collude with extremists from Meche. Her estate was close to the Kindeance Meche border, and perhaps that is what allowed the recent terror attacks to commence unimpeded. The idea was frightening. However, for the kingdom to take action based on hearsay, rumors, felt too much like the policy the king was trying to reform since his inauguration.

“Pardon me. Might I ask what the significance of, was it a bear you said?” Athena spoke up, “I can understand investigating the noblewoman. If founded, her actions are treasonous. But given the nature of the mission, would it not be efficient for us to hurry through Meche, and let another squad investigate Lady Stritzel?”

She didn’t want to challenge the king in so much as wanted some more clarification. It sounded like little time was available, and to not only deal with the noblewoman but also rescue an animal. Granted, the animal in question seemed to be more than your average beast. If his supposed family was anything to go off of. intelligent bears? Were they decidedly not druids? Athena glanced over to the two female bears as well. Her eyes widened slightly, before trying to backpedal a little.

“Ah, I don’t mean that we ignore him. I was, um, I just wanted to be sure that his captivity with Lady Stritzel was vital to the mission of ending the war. He should be rescued one way or another.” She really didn’t mean to dismiss the plight of the bear, but her thoughts escaped her mouth before she realized the bear’s sibling were in the room.

Sovereign's Will: The Edge of War [Looking for new players]

Solomon Sparrow & Athena Voltspear

Location: Kindeance

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Athena stood near the window, gazing out through the soft white curtain. Though the day hours still lingered, something about this meeting made the light appear as though it struggled through storm clouds. She waited in a room with not a small number of others. A few she recognized as persons of notoriety. Such as the King’s advisor’s grandson, and then the squire who had joined not long ago. Then there were those she recognized form the news the king broke four months ago, about the crown prince and his rescuers. The doctor in black and Jazdia. She didn’t know what they looked like in person, but there was something about the elf that made he certain that is who it was. She half expected a bear to also be present. Maybe that would confirm her suspicions. As for the others, she expected to wait and see. The king must have requested them for a reason.

Speaking of the meeting with the King, Athena was surprised when she found a letter lying on the floor, near the front entrance of Voltspear’s house. Never had she thought that she would be good enough to be of personal audience with the king. Despite having seen him multiple times across her duties around the capital city, this was the first she would be addressed by him.

Athena’s ears perked when the door to the meeting room opened. Immediately people began to shuffle in, the elven woman being on of the first. She spoke so casually, it was a little of a shock, and to ask for their dossier’s? Who was she to think she’d be allowed that privileged? She decided to bite her tongue for now. It was too earlier to start a confrontation, especially since it wasn’t her place to say anything. Lord Thernous and his grandson were already here, so that alone outranked her. Instead, she entered the room with the others. She tried to appear as professional as possible, keeping her tails close, and her surcoat straight.

Solomon was one of the last to have entered. He bowed when he came to face the king before he secluded himself back to the rear of the party to allow the others forward. He kept himself in an opposite corner to that of Louise and Erwin, who almost appeared to hide. Not to completely conceal themselves, but perhaps get lost in the crowd. There were more here than when Solomon was at a similar meeting four months ago.

“Your highness. Doctor Solomon Sparrow, once again at your service.” he said simply.

“Er, Athena. Athena Voltspear.” piped up Athena as the other started introducing themselves as well. In the end, Jazdia was confirmed, and so was Solomon. Athena knew little of Yvonne, but the name Rosenving sounded familiar. Didn’t they party themselves into destitution? What would that family be able to offer? Even with the Thernous’ grandson, and the likes of someone like Jazdia and Solomon, this group appeared anything but cohesive. What was the king planning?

Sovereign's Will: The Edge of War [Looking for new players]

Solomon Sparrow

Location: Kindeance

---

Solomon sat at a desk, late at night, pouring over a well worn book. He looked eerily still, his body hunched over the book. The hood of his motionless hung over his head towards the earth, and his robes draped over his body made him look almost like a living shadow hovering over the contents of the page. Were it not for the thin gloved hand reaching from underneath his garb to turn the page, it would have been hard to distinguish him as a man from shadow monster. Even so, it might have still been difficult.

The room was large, yet only one candle burned. The flickering light bounced off rows of shelves, some full of books, others empty with dust. Under the hood, still eyes slowly crossed the page before darting back to the beginning of the next line. After a time, the hand reached out again, and the book hushed as the pages softly collapsed over themselves. His figure stood, the chair pushing across the short carpet of the rub below as he did so. Silently, the book clutched in his hand was returned to the shelf.

Solomon retrieved the candle off the table, and left the library into the ornately decorated hall. Moonlight poured in through the windows shining off the golden trim and the brass fixtures. With his other hand, he reached over the flame, clasping his fingers on the wick. A thin trail of warm gray wisps snaked from the once bright fire. Placing the candle upon a long narrow table next to him, he turned to see a man in royal garb standing there.

“Sir Solomon Sparrow? I was told you’d be here at this time. I have a letter for you. I tried to deliver it at your last request place of residence, but, ah, you weren’t there.”

“Yes.” said Solomon. His arm reached slowly towards the young man from beneath his cloak. “I apologize keeping you up this late searching for me. Thank you.”

“Ah, that’s alright.” the young man murmured. He bowed slightly before turning on his heel and walking back down the hall. Solomon watched him for a moment before his eyes glanced down towards the envelope in his hand. He didn’t need to open it to guess what might have been penned inside. Though it only four months, Solomon knew the king would eventually need help again. The border politics were delicate, and so it was unlikely he could move freely with the Kindeance name.

At the time four months ago, he was willing to lend his hand for the king. However, he had to decline to request to join his court. Though, with how close he remained near the palace, it would have been hard to speak of otherwise. He had no ill will towards the royal family, nor disdain towards their troubles, but he felt more purpose in his dealings with the common folk. He remained by the palace mainly to make use of the opportunity to raid its library. He also was duty bound to both the late Von Kruber, and a certain bestial friend to make sure his family would be taken care of. If Solomon was not at the palace, he resided at the current estate Von Kruber’s widow lived. It wasn’t entirely amicable, but resistance to his presence eventually diminished.

Solomon’s arm vanished beneath his cloak once again. The fabrics of his attire barely illuminated in the glow of the moon shifted as he did towards that source of light. The letter was of short notice. Time must be running out. Solomon supposed the details he would have heard four months ago would be revealed again at the upcoming meeting. He saw first hand the devastation a war could bring. He even lived through part of the aftermath. He decided he could lend his hand again. There wasn’t much to lose, and the library wasn’t going anywhere.

Though the hall was moonlit, the shadows still clung to every surface. Solomon then became one of them. Slowly he sunk into lightless void, his form disappearing into the darkness. In that moment, he ceased to be, his whereabouts unknown. Surely he would appear again at the most appropriate time.