It was a sunny morning, as light spilled just over the Embassy walls, reflecting of the morning dew on the grass and flowers and a large square block of wood placed in the middle of the central plaza. Ambassador Marvik stood right next to it, his expression solemn and maybe a bit sad, but unmoving as if etched in stone. Black was his choice of colors that morning and every so often he looked towards the barracks building to the side, and then towards the Embassy itself.
Next to him stood Sir Hagen, the white of his tabard shining in the morning light, his hair looking like liquid gold in the sunshine. A great two-handed sword hung upon his back, and the paladin looked almost as solemn as the Ambassador himself, leaning forward to check two strings of rope attached to the side of the wooden block, two small loops made at their ends. The gates of the Embassy itself were closed, a quartet of guards keeping a close look on the events outside the gate, and receiving a glare from the blond paladin each time the allowed their eyes to stray to the pair in the yard.
Price of Treason (Early MT Samheen 30th) - Open
Moderator: Mods
Price of Treason (Early MT Samheen 30th) - Open
Last edited by Grey Wolf on Mon Dec 25, 2006 2:08 pm, edited 1 time in total.
The diplomacy is the art of saying "Good dog", while you are searching for a big rock.
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Rosalie Marcada
- Baroness Marcada, Ambassador World's Mouth
- Posts: 1118
- Joined: Sun Aug 14, 2005 1:44 pm
It was a grisly ceremony, but how could Rosalie not be there. She wore a dark sapphire dress marking the seriousness of the situation, knowing she'd never get away with ivory for innocence. A veil covered her face so that nobody could see her hard eyes or the smirk around her lips. Oh, she would have loved to kill herself. However as it was, that honor went to Sir Hagen and she would relinquish her kill. Be it on his head when the King found out. What could be better? Her eyes slided over to the other people attending, wondering what thoughts they pondered.
Last edited by Rosalie Marcada on Tue Jan 02, 2007 12:19 am, edited 1 time in total.
[size=84][color=darkred]This character has resigned and is now a NPC.[/color]
Avatar by Liz Green[/size]
Avatar by Liz Green[/size]
It was as if the dawning light knew there would be death, the morning was silent as the grave. No birds chirped nor any sounds of gulls on the shore, just the quiet of stillness. The air was heavy and the barren courtyard was nothing like the last execution Yin witnessed. The elf that burned that day for betrayal of the Kingdom, he stood not far from the King that day.
Yin stood at the edge of the courtyard, watching. He had to watch, he had to see this through. It was not his place to offer her forgiveness, but part of him wanted her pardoned. Even though the morning light hit him, he felt cold inside. Perhaps part of him loved her, and this was the part that made him loath this duty. It was necessary, and had to be done, he could not let his own desires and wants part him from the true way.
He waited to see her come from her prison cell. She had used him, and treated him like a fool. She lied to cover up the truth and put her own agenda before the kingdom. She deserved to die. They had been close however, and he hoped it was not all a sham. It was like most the women he had met, all were never quite there, never quite complete in the mind. They lacked a purpose, they lacked faith most of all.
In the back of his mind he wondered if Jayla made it out. He would have to look into that, pray about it. For now he only prayed to make it through this without letting his heart break.
Was she his friend or was she just using him to get out? What of the shard? Where does he start looking for that?
Yin stood at the edge of the courtyard, watching. He had to watch, he had to see this through. It was not his place to offer her forgiveness, but part of him wanted her pardoned. Even though the morning light hit him, he felt cold inside. Perhaps part of him loved her, and this was the part that made him loath this duty. It was necessary, and had to be done, he could not let his own desires and wants part him from the true way.
He waited to see her come from her prison cell. She had used him, and treated him like a fool. She lied to cover up the truth and put her own agenda before the kingdom. She deserved to die. They had been close however, and he hoped it was not all a sham. It was like most the women he had met, all were never quite there, never quite complete in the mind. They lacked a purpose, they lacked faith most of all.
In the back of his mind he wondered if Jayla made it out. He would have to look into that, pray about it. For now he only prayed to make it through this without letting his heart break.
Was she his friend or was she just using him to get out? What of the shard? Where does he start looking for that?
Cuius testiculos habes, habeas cardia et cerebellum.
-- (Terry Pratchett, Small Gods)
-- (Terry Pratchett, Small Gods)
It was a matter of burns before a line of soldiers emerged from the barracks, every single one of them dressed in the Kingstone Guard uniforms, the Condotierre absent completely from the Embassy grounds that morning. They formed a line about half a dozen paces from the executioner’s block, for that was the purpose of the wooden slab and turned away from it, facing the gate and forming an impromptu wall of bodies between it and the curious eyes that might be watching from the street.
It was obvious that the soldiers were nervous, as they shifted every so often, seemingly unable to stand still. To their credit none of them tried to sneak a peek at the paladin and Ambassador, but they did whisper, offering hushed comments of the situation.
â€He said that he would not let anybody else stain his hands with traitor’s blood.â€
“Can’t say I pity her, but if she is a traitor she deserves to die. Though I would not want to have her death upon my soul.â€
“That’s what he said too. That it was his duty as paladin to freely accept taint upon his soul so that others would keep theirs clean. That he would do his duty and follow the One doing what was right by him even if he would not wish it upon the others.â€
“Sometimes wonder if you have to be mad to be a paladin.â€
“You know what he said to the Corporal when he asked him, why would anybody want to be a paladin if they had to do even the things they did not want to because it was their duty?â€
“No, what?â€
“He said that he was a paladin so someone else would not have to be.â€
It was obvious that the soldiers were nervous, as they shifted every so often, seemingly unable to stand still. To their credit none of them tried to sneak a peek at the paladin and Ambassador, but they did whisper, offering hushed comments of the situation.
â€He said that he would not let anybody else stain his hands with traitor’s blood.â€
“Can’t say I pity her, but if she is a traitor she deserves to die. Though I would not want to have her death upon my soul.â€
“That’s what he said too. That it was his duty as paladin to freely accept taint upon his soul so that others would keep theirs clean. That he would do his duty and follow the One doing what was right by him even if he would not wish it upon the others.â€
“Sometimes wonder if you have to be mad to be a paladin.â€
“You know what he said to the Corporal when he asked him, why would anybody want to be a paladin if they had to do even the things they did not want to because it was their duty?â€
“No, what?â€
“He said that he was a paladin so someone else would not have to be.â€
The diplomacy is the art of saying "Good dog", while you are searching for a big rock.
The young paladin listened, and his mind absorbed the comments like a sponge. So that is what others thought? There was no wish to do a duty, to be part of something bigger then yourself?
More important was the comments on the task. It was a grim task and one that carried much burden. He looked at Sir Hagan and knew that the man was doing a duty he truly did not wish to do, but had to do. This duty was supposed to fall to another paladin, and he had not said a word. Yin did not wish to do it any more the Hagan and it would be easier to let the man kill her. Was it fair though, to release that burden on Hagan, and not take the responsibility himself. It would not be what his father would expect of him, and it would not be what the One would expect of him.
“Sir Hagan.†Yin finally spoke, looking at the wall of bodies that surrounded him and the chopping block. “I would like to petition for the right as executioner.†He stepped forward a little, feeling slightly on the spot as it was his voice now the broke the silence and echoed off the walls of the courtyard. “It is my right as a Paladin to petition such. It was me she betrayed as well as the King. I suffered to save her, and she lied to me. I bled to keep and preserve her in the midst of demons and the hoards of the neather.†He took a breath hoping he was not saying too much. In truth though, it was his duty, and a grim one at that.
“She lied to me about her mission, she lied to me about her intent. She dishonored me as well as her position and her King.†He felt more bold standing as strait and as tall as he could. “I insist I be allowed to carry out this execution. The responsibility is mine, to repair what she did.†And to see this through, he thought. She had wounded him deeply, more then any of the demons could have.
He took another step forward, walking to the wall of guards, expecting to be allowed through. Sometimes the best thing to do was just to expect what you want to happen, and others will allow it because they cannot think to stop you. He hoped the guards would allow him through before Hagan could tell them no.
More important was the comments on the task. It was a grim task and one that carried much burden. He looked at Sir Hagan and knew that the man was doing a duty he truly did not wish to do, but had to do. This duty was supposed to fall to another paladin, and he had not said a word. Yin did not wish to do it any more the Hagan and it would be easier to let the man kill her. Was it fair though, to release that burden on Hagan, and not take the responsibility himself. It would not be what his father would expect of him, and it would not be what the One would expect of him.
“Sir Hagan.†Yin finally spoke, looking at the wall of bodies that surrounded him and the chopping block. “I would like to petition for the right as executioner.†He stepped forward a little, feeling slightly on the spot as it was his voice now the broke the silence and echoed off the walls of the courtyard. “It is my right as a Paladin to petition such. It was me she betrayed as well as the King. I suffered to save her, and she lied to me. I bled to keep and preserve her in the midst of demons and the hoards of the neather.†He took a breath hoping he was not saying too much. In truth though, it was his duty, and a grim one at that.
“She lied to me about her mission, she lied to me about her intent. She dishonored me as well as her position and her King.†He felt more bold standing as strait and as tall as he could. “I insist I be allowed to carry out this execution. The responsibility is mine, to repair what she did.†And to see this through, he thought. She had wounded him deeply, more then any of the demons could have.
He took another step forward, walking to the wall of guards, expecting to be allowed through. Sometimes the best thing to do was just to expect what you want to happen, and others will allow it because they cannot think to stop you. He hoped the guards would allow him through before Hagan could tell them no.
Cuius testiculos habes, habeas cardia et cerebellum.
-- (Terry Pratchett, Small Gods)
-- (Terry Pratchett, Small Gods)
The guards were not there to stop any of those that were already on the Embassy grounds, but rather to obscure the view of those who were outside. As it were, Yin made it past them quite easily, Sir Hagen and Ambassador turning to face him, both men casting questioning glances at one another and at young paladin. It was the Ambassador that spoke first, while Sir Hagen crossed his arms over his chest and listened. "With all due respect young man, but this has to be done as humanely as possible. And while I do not doubt your skill with the blade, but I know for certain of Sir Hagen's."
It was then that the blond paladin stepped forth and placed a gentle hand upon Anton's shoulder. "No, sir. This is more serious than that." The Ambassador turned and cast a surprised look at the paladin. "It is?" Hagen did not turn his eyes, when he replied, locking his gaze with Yin's. "Look, son. I know you are hurt. You feel betrayed. And it goes beyond her betrayal. You are hurt because of that, but also because despite all you did to protect her, she is still going to die today. So you want to vent a bit of that anger into this."
His tall frame completely obscured the executioner's block, as he fell silent for a flicker or two. "It won't help, boy. It will only make it worse. And I am not talking about guilt alone. She cause you pain. Made you suffer. So you are angry. And you think getting revenge will ease the pain. It might. But, it will also cause more pain. In others. Lady Attaché has friends. Ad they might want revenge too. So the circle starts all over again. Whereas if I kill her, it might stop. I am uninvolved. I am simply doing my duty. Because someone has. It was not me who sentenced her to death. I am merely carrying it out." He sighed. "It is your right to carry out her sentence, if you still wish to do so. It is up to you now."
It was then that the blond paladin stepped forth and placed a gentle hand upon Anton's shoulder. "No, sir. This is more serious than that." The Ambassador turned and cast a surprised look at the paladin. "It is?" Hagen did not turn his eyes, when he replied, locking his gaze with Yin's. "Look, son. I know you are hurt. You feel betrayed. And it goes beyond her betrayal. You are hurt because of that, but also because despite all you did to protect her, she is still going to die today. So you want to vent a bit of that anger into this."
His tall frame completely obscured the executioner's block, as he fell silent for a flicker or two. "It won't help, boy. It will only make it worse. And I am not talking about guilt alone. She cause you pain. Made you suffer. So you are angry. And you think getting revenge will ease the pain. It might. But, it will also cause more pain. In others. Lady Attaché has friends. Ad they might want revenge too. So the circle starts all over again. Whereas if I kill her, it might stop. I am uninvolved. I am simply doing my duty. Because someone has. It was not me who sentenced her to death. I am merely carrying it out." He sighed. "It is your right to carry out her sentence, if you still wish to do so. It is up to you now."
The diplomacy is the art of saying "Good dog", while you are searching for a big rock.
Yin stepped up to the block, and though he was about half the size of the other Paladin, he would not let it diminish him. He reached out his hand to take the weapon from him. “This is not about revenge, Sir Hagen, this is about Justice. This is about my calling. It is at my hand that the blood of the wicked should be let. It is my duty to bring the wrath of the One on his enemies.â€
“She is one of his enemies. Perhaps the she has done the most harm to us and to the cause then any other person.†He looked at the ambassador. “I assure you, my skill with the blade is very good. Her death will be quick.â€
His eyes went back to Sir Hagen. “I do not plan on staying here long, and if her friends want to follow me to the places I am going to have to go, then I welcome them to. I do not fear them because the One is protecting me. He will not take my life before my time.â€
He took the weapon and then Hagen’s spot, waiting to carry out the grim duty.
“She is one of his enemies. Perhaps the she has done the most harm to us and to the cause then any other person.†He looked at the ambassador. “I assure you, my skill with the blade is very good. Her death will be quick.â€
His eyes went back to Sir Hagen. “I do not plan on staying here long, and if her friends want to follow me to the places I am going to have to go, then I welcome them to. I do not fear them because the One is protecting me. He will not take my life before my time.â€
He took the weapon and then Hagen’s spot, waiting to carry out the grim duty.
Cuius testiculos habes, habeas cardia et cerebellum.
-- (Terry Pratchett, Small Gods)
-- (Terry Pratchett, Small Gods)
Sir Hagen’s face could have been carved out of stone for all it mattered, not a single muscle upon it moving, the only sign that the tall man lived, the faint rising of his chest and an occasional blink of his eyes. When the young man reached for the sword, only then did the tall paladin move, drawing the two-handed blade out and handing it over to the blond youth. He stepped aside and did not bar the young man’s way anymore.
The sword was heavy, and the blade shone in the morning son, the light reflecting of the edge. One did not need to test it to see that it was very sharp, and well kept, the fingers of Yin’s hand slipping into a worn grooves upon the handle, grooves where Sir Hagen’s fingers rested when he grasped the blade. The Ambassador merely shook his head and stepped away, rising his eyes and looking past Yin. Tinally was moving down the path from the barracks, accompanied by four guards and Father Bitalli, her head hung low, dressed in simple white dress made out of spun wool, the fabric swaying over the curves of her body, revealing her charms with each whiff of wind, albeit for just a flicker.
The sword was heavy, and the blade shone in the morning son, the light reflecting of the edge. One did not need to test it to see that it was very sharp, and well kept, the fingers of Yin’s hand slipping into a worn grooves upon the handle, grooves where Sir Hagen’s fingers rested when he grasped the blade. The Ambassador merely shook his head and stepped away, rising his eyes and looking past Yin. Tinally was moving down the path from the barracks, accompanied by four guards and Father Bitalli, her head hung low, dressed in simple white dress made out of spun wool, the fabric swaying over the curves of her body, revealing her charms with each whiff of wind, albeit for just a flicker.
The diplomacy is the art of saying "Good dog", while you are searching for a big rock.
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Rosalie Marcada
- Baroness Marcada, Ambassador World's Mouth
- Posts: 1118
- Joined: Sun Aug 14, 2005 1:44 pm
Rosalie had been observing the interplay between Yin and Hagen with interest, not adding a word for it was not her place. What delicious irony that now Tinally would be slain by her own protector. If he fails at the last moment I still have a dagger in my boot to finish the job, she thought wryly.
The less-than-a-lady arrived, looking as expected like a martyr, innocent of anything she was accused of. Her revealing wollen dress must tempt some of the gents who were not paladins. Briefly she glanced at the Kingstone guards in attendance to see if Tinally still had supporters. There was still a smirk on her lips as she awaited the execution of her rival, standing up straight at her full petite length, her chin proudly upwards.
The less-than-a-lady arrived, looking as expected like a martyr, innocent of anything she was accused of. Her revealing wollen dress must tempt some of the gents who were not paladins. Briefly she glanced at the Kingstone guards in attendance to see if Tinally still had supporters. There was still a smirk on her lips as she awaited the execution of her rival, standing up straight at her full petite length, her chin proudly upwards.
[size=84][color=darkred]This character has resigned and is now a NPC.[/color]
Avatar by Liz Green[/size]
Avatar by Liz Green[/size]
Yin took his place next to the block. The sword was heavy but the responsibility rested on his shoulders was far heavier by comparison. He looked at the block where she would have to lose her life and he felt pity. He knew it was wrong to hurt women, but the more and more he got to know of them, the more he wondered if they were as virtuous as he thought.
Then he remembered Jayla. She truly was trying to be good, and he did not think she would have used him like Tinally did.
When he looked over and saw her coming his eyes took in the sight of her form. His heart was cold as ice, and he hated her a little more because she was so pretty. It was nothing like last night in the office, but he was a man after all or at least very close to being a man. His hands tightened on the sword and he stood ready to do his task.
Then he remembered Jayla. She truly was trying to be good, and he did not think she would have used him like Tinally did.
When he looked over and saw her coming his eyes took in the sight of her form. His heart was cold as ice, and he hated her a little more because she was so pretty. It was nothing like last night in the office, but he was a man after all or at least very close to being a man. His hands tightened on the sword and he stood ready to do his task.
Cuius testiculos habes, habeas cardia et cerebellum.
-- (Terry Pratchett, Small Gods)
-- (Terry Pratchett, Small Gods)
The small procession came closer and closer, way too fast for Tinally. Her eyes were cast down, as if not looking at the block would make it go away. Father Bitalli was murmuring a prayer as he walked at her side, his eyes passing over those gathered, not a hint of any emotion upon his face. The Ambassador stepped back, and joined Rosalie a bit farther away from the block, Sir Hagen coming to Yin’s side and placing a hand on his shoulder, saying nothing, squeezing it once before it slipped down to his side once more.
The soldier’s escorting the prisoner stopped, and she nearly ran into the front too, coming to a stop with a confused expression on her face, raising her eyes for the first time and seeing the place where she was to die for the first time. Fear washed over her face, as she frantically looked over those gathered, casting a pleading look at Anton, who held her gaze for a flicker and then averted his eyes, finding something incredibly interesting at the tips of his boots. Then her eyes focused on the young paladin and she spoke for the first time. “Yin? What…. You….. Oh no……â€
The soldier’s escorting the prisoner stopped, and she nearly ran into the front too, coming to a stop with a confused expression on her face, raising her eyes for the first time and seeing the place where she was to die for the first time. Fear washed over her face, as she frantically looked over those gathered, casting a pleading look at Anton, who held her gaze for a flicker and then averted his eyes, finding something incredibly interesting at the tips of his boots. Then her eyes focused on the young paladin and she spoke for the first time. “Yin? What…. You….. Oh no……â€
The diplomacy is the art of saying "Good dog", while you are searching for a big rock.
Yin looked at her as she spoke and he wanted to say something of comfort to her, but could not find the words. He motioned to the block. They would read the charges to her, and announce why she was going to be killed. This is what had happened when the elf was killed for treason.
He remained silent, but looked over at her. His heart was filled with a mix of emotions, anger, pity, and even love. He could feel the surge of emotion, but pushed it back, he was not going to cry here. He held onto the thought of how painful it was when he was bleeding to death. How he should have known she would betray him when she left him to die to be with the pagans.
He should not have been a fool then, and he would not be a fool now.
He remained silent, but looked over at her. His heart was filled with a mix of emotions, anger, pity, and even love. He could feel the surge of emotion, but pushed it back, he was not going to cry here. He held onto the thought of how painful it was when he was bleeding to death. How he should have known she would betray him when she left him to die to be with the pagans.
He should not have been a fool then, and he would not be a fool now.
Cuius testiculos habes, habeas cardia et cerebellum.
-- (Terry Pratchett, Small Gods)
-- (Terry Pratchett, Small Gods)
-
Rosalie Marcada
- Baroness Marcada, Ambassador World's Mouth
- Posts: 1118
- Joined: Sun Aug 14, 2005 1:44 pm
Rosalie was fully enjoying her revenge even though she remained composed. Nobody could ever fault her etiquette. The veil was an inspired touch for it allowed for her eyes to twinkle as she observed the drama. Yes, this would get rid of an important rival and put the paladin further from the Kings Court side.
[size=84][color=darkred]This character has resigned and is now a NPC.[/color]
Avatar by Liz Green[/size]
Avatar by Liz Green[/size]
Met with a wall of silence as she was, all Tinally could do was bury her face in her hands and sob. Sir Hagen stepped forward, taking a parchment from his belt and unrolling it. He cast a gaze over all those gathered, his eyes almost daring them to say something and promising retaliation if they did. Slowly he looked each of them in the eyes, his eyes locking with Rosalie's for a fraction of a flicker longer than with the others, a slight twinge of facial muscles deepening the crow's feet around his eyes.
When his eyes passed all of them, he brought the parchment up and his voice was clear as he read it. "Tinally Av'Dalor, you have been charged with the act of treason against your liege King Balthasar the First, ruler of the Western Kingdom and the Avatar of Dominicus. By betraying him you have also betrayed your faith and committed the act of heresy. Both those acts are punishable by death. You yourself have admitted to have committed the acts before a number of witnesses and thus you have been fond guilty of those crimes."
The girl gasped, her hands dropping to her sides, warm tears freely rolling down her cheek, pausing for a moment at her jaw, before dropping to the ground, a few staining her woolen dress. She tried to utter something, but no words came out of her lips, Sir Hagen pausing for a flicker, frowning and proceeding as the lines around his eyes deepened. "For your heresy you were to be burned at the stake, but due to the present circumstances that will not be possible. Death by hanging, drawing and quartering for the treason is also beyond our current powers."
For a flicker a flash of hope lit up on Tinally's eyes, but Sir Hagen's next words extinguished it. "Thus you are sentenced to the death by beheading. Sir Yin Lorin will carry out the punishment." Tinally fell to her knees, sharp crushed stones of the walkway digging into her legs, her hands brought up in an imploring gesture. "No, please..... Don't......" She was obviously terrified, but Sir Hagen merely motioned with his finger and two men out of the four who accompanied her stepped forth and picked her up, and placed her on the white sheet before the block. She fought very little, struggling to get away feebly, but they held her firmly and secured her wrists to the small loops near the base of the block. A line was tied to hold her bent over the block and the soldiers stepped back. Sir Hagen looked at Yin and simply nodded, his blue eyes holding Yin's.
When his eyes passed all of them, he brought the parchment up and his voice was clear as he read it. "Tinally Av'Dalor, you have been charged with the act of treason against your liege King Balthasar the First, ruler of the Western Kingdom and the Avatar of Dominicus. By betraying him you have also betrayed your faith and committed the act of heresy. Both those acts are punishable by death. You yourself have admitted to have committed the acts before a number of witnesses and thus you have been fond guilty of those crimes."
The girl gasped, her hands dropping to her sides, warm tears freely rolling down her cheek, pausing for a moment at her jaw, before dropping to the ground, a few staining her woolen dress. She tried to utter something, but no words came out of her lips, Sir Hagen pausing for a flicker, frowning and proceeding as the lines around his eyes deepened. "For your heresy you were to be burned at the stake, but due to the present circumstances that will not be possible. Death by hanging, drawing and quartering for the treason is also beyond our current powers."
For a flicker a flash of hope lit up on Tinally's eyes, but Sir Hagen's next words extinguished it. "Thus you are sentenced to the death by beheading. Sir Yin Lorin will carry out the punishment." Tinally fell to her knees, sharp crushed stones of the walkway digging into her legs, her hands brought up in an imploring gesture. "No, please..... Don't......" She was obviously terrified, but Sir Hagen merely motioned with his finger and two men out of the four who accompanied her stepped forth and picked her up, and placed her on the white sheet before the block. She fought very little, struggling to get away feebly, but they held her firmly and secured her wrists to the small loops near the base of the block. A line was tied to hold her bent over the block and the soldiers stepped back. Sir Hagen looked at Yin and simply nodded, his blue eyes holding Yin's.
Last edited by Grey Wolf on Mon Jan 15, 2007 9:53 pm, edited 2 times in total.
The diplomacy is the art of saying "Good dog", while you are searching for a big rock.
The young boy tried to look ahead, not look as she fell begging. It made him feel sad for her, so proud, and now begging for her life. The law was the law and she had to pay for her actions. He did feel sorry for her; she would have to die after all of that.
He pushed all his feelings away, pressed them back and away. He despised his heart at this moment. He wanted to feel nothing, know nothing. He had to remain in his faith, and let no other idea or thought stray from that calling. No matter how much they wanted to.
He did feel a bit of upset at how rough she was treated, tied down to the block. When Hagan looked at him, Yin nodded in return and reached down, moving the woman’s hair to expose her neck. He wanted to make a clean cut, and he wanted to see the target. He tried to forget it was a neck, and think of it as a slab of meat.
He reminded himself of what had happened in the nether, what she had done. He wanted to grant her mercy, but that was not his call. He looked at his wrist and knew his calling was this, it was to act as the sword of the One.
He said a prayer in his mind. “If this not your will, Dominicus, please stop this blade.†With this said the sword was lifted to the air, cutting up and over to complete the arc with the blade snug to the block to remove her head in one sweep. Yin had killed before, he killed those who could not be saved when he was in the aether. He killed when his skin was black as jet, it was Miri then, just as pretty, but far more innocent. This was nothing like any killing he had done before.
He held the sword true, he was not going to waver in this task. It was his duty to protect her, and it was his duty to kill her. He would not fail his duty to the One and to the Church, and mostly to his King. Death was just the first judgment; he pitied her for what lay after.
He pushed all his feelings away, pressed them back and away. He despised his heart at this moment. He wanted to feel nothing, know nothing. He had to remain in his faith, and let no other idea or thought stray from that calling. No matter how much they wanted to.
He did feel a bit of upset at how rough she was treated, tied down to the block. When Hagan looked at him, Yin nodded in return and reached down, moving the woman’s hair to expose her neck. He wanted to make a clean cut, and he wanted to see the target. He tried to forget it was a neck, and think of it as a slab of meat.
He reminded himself of what had happened in the nether, what she had done. He wanted to grant her mercy, but that was not his call. He looked at his wrist and knew his calling was this, it was to act as the sword of the One.
He said a prayer in his mind. “If this not your will, Dominicus, please stop this blade.†With this said the sword was lifted to the air, cutting up and over to complete the arc with the blade snug to the block to remove her head in one sweep. Yin had killed before, he killed those who could not be saved when he was in the aether. He killed when his skin was black as jet, it was Miri then, just as pretty, but far more innocent. This was nothing like any killing he had done before.
He held the sword true, he was not going to waver in this task. It was his duty to protect her, and it was his duty to kill her. He would not fail his duty to the One and to the Church, and mostly to his King. Death was just the first judgment; he pitied her for what lay after.
Cuius testiculos habes, habeas cardia et cerebellum.
-- (Terry Pratchett, Small Gods)
-- (Terry Pratchett, Small Gods)
Not a sound came out of Tinally's mouth, despite the movement of her lips, large round tears rolling down her cheeks, sparkling in the morning light like jewels. Her gaze followed Yin as he stepped closer, begging silently for him to stop, to reconsider, to delay his blow just a little. She wanted to live and she wanted to say something. Anything. Her throat was constricted and despite her best efforts all she managed was a pitiful mewl and a whimper.
She grew still when he reached for her hair, watching him with dread and recoiling away from him the best she could. Her skin was cold to the touch, almost too cold for someone alive. She sighed, and the leather holding her hands in place creaked as she relaxed, closing her eyes for a flicker.
The last thing she saw as she opened them was the beam of light streaking fast downward, the sun reflecting from the sword shining directly into her eyes, making her unaware of the death it brought with it. It was not before it almost touched her neck that she realized what was happening, opening her mouth one last time, but it was too late.
The sword struck true, burying itself deep in her flesh, severing the spine and ending her life instantly, as blood sprayed upwards and towards the young paladin, splattering across his clothes as well as across Sir Hagen's white tabard. The blond giant did not even flinch, slowly reaching with his hand to wipe a splatter of blood from his eye. She was dead, her eyes staring lifelessly at Yin, their surface glassy and unmoving. "Again", came Sir Hagen's voice. "Sever her head completely." One last tear formed at the edge of Tinally's eyes rolling down her cheek, this one red as a ruby and leaving a thin trail of blood across her skin.
She grew still when he reached for her hair, watching him with dread and recoiling away from him the best she could. Her skin was cold to the touch, almost too cold for someone alive. She sighed, and the leather holding her hands in place creaked as she relaxed, closing her eyes for a flicker.
The last thing she saw as she opened them was the beam of light streaking fast downward, the sun reflecting from the sword shining directly into her eyes, making her unaware of the death it brought with it. It was not before it almost touched her neck that she realized what was happening, opening her mouth one last time, but it was too late.
The sword struck true, burying itself deep in her flesh, severing the spine and ending her life instantly, as blood sprayed upwards and towards the young paladin, splattering across his clothes as well as across Sir Hagen's white tabard. The blond giant did not even flinch, slowly reaching with his hand to wipe a splatter of blood from his eye. She was dead, her eyes staring lifelessly at Yin, their surface glassy and unmoving. "Again", came Sir Hagen's voice. "Sever her head completely." One last tear formed at the edge of Tinally's eyes rolling down her cheek, this one red as a ruby and leaving a thin trail of blood across her skin.
The diplomacy is the art of saying "Good dog", while you are searching for a big rock.
The sword was drawn back across the neck, cutting a bit more as he did. He was glad she was dead on the first slice. The bloody blade was pulled back and to his side, ready for another swing. The blood on his face was hot, and wet, and he remembered the smell. Remembered it from when he was in the Pit, the blood and death there, all around him. From the monastery blowing up, to the crashing of the castle, he was surrounded by the dead. This was nothing different.
He tried to tell himself this.
But it was different.
She was pretty, and funny, and human. They had relied on each other, he had saved her. He had almost loved her.
He could feel the hate inside him twist, like a dead man on a noose, twisting in the wind. He trusted her, saved her from the Dragon Knight, was bloodied and beaten for her. She never once told him the truth, even when she saw him suffering, pain and blood. Never once shared what was really going on.
He gripped the sword, looked at the neck. The sword swung again, his muscles moved the same, trying to bring the blade in for almost exactly the same cut. He was going to finish this, once and for all.
He tried to tell himself this.
But it was different.
She was pretty, and funny, and human. They had relied on each other, he had saved her. He had almost loved her.
He could feel the hate inside him twist, like a dead man on a noose, twisting in the wind. He trusted her, saved her from the Dragon Knight, was bloodied and beaten for her. She never once told him the truth, even when she saw him suffering, pain and blood. Never once shared what was really going on.
He gripped the sword, looked at the neck. The sword swung again, his muscles moved the same, trying to bring the blade in for almost exactly the same cut. He was going to finish this, once and for all.
Cuius testiculos habes, habeas cardia et cerebellum.
-- (Terry Pratchett, Small Gods)
-- (Terry Pratchett, Small Gods)
Ambassador Marvik turned his head away, as Father Bitalli's voice rose to a murmur, the priest uttering a prayer for the well-being of Tinally's soul. "Accept this poor creature's soul, Dominicus and explain to her the errors that led us all to this. Give her the wisdom and grace to forgive us for what we were forced to do to make things right as you shall forgive her for all the sins she committed......" The words disappeared once more into a soft murmur as Yin's sword scraped along the dead girl's spine, a faint screech forcing even Sir Hagen to flinch in unease.
As the sword rose, the four soldiers that escorted the girl to the block drew their breaths in simultaneously. The sword rushed down once more, the hiss of the blade cutting the air followed swiftly by another sickening crunch as Yin misses the wound he inflicted just barely, the spine slowing down his blade so that the head still remained attached to the body. Tinally's body slid lower, the muscles relaxing, as her head fell down at last, the gap in the neck expanding. One more blow was all that was needed to finish the job, and unless Yin did something terribly wrong the grim task would be over soon.
As the sword rose, the four soldiers that escorted the girl to the block drew their breaths in simultaneously. The sword rushed down once more, the hiss of the blade cutting the air followed swiftly by another sickening crunch as Yin misses the wound he inflicted just barely, the spine slowing down his blade so that the head still remained attached to the body. Tinally's body slid lower, the muscles relaxing, as her head fell down at last, the gap in the neck expanding. One more blow was all that was needed to finish the job, and unless Yin did something terribly wrong the grim task would be over soon.
The diplomacy is the art of saying "Good dog", while you are searching for a big rock.
Yin sighed looking at the second cut. He wondered if it was going to be like chopping wood at home. It was not a pleasant thought. It was made equally unpleasant when she made the sound. She was dead, he reminded himself. The hard emotions were draining away, and he was focusing more on the finishing of this task.
The blade was pulled back again and his eyes fixed on the place to cut. His arms heaved the sword again, slipping it around and over his head to come down and chop her head the rest of the way off.
He regretted having to kill her, but it was better him then anyone else.
The blade was pulled back again and his eyes fixed on the place to cut. His arms heaved the sword again, slipping it around and over his head to come down and chop her head the rest of the way off.
He regretted having to kill her, but it was better him then anyone else.
Cuius testiculos habes, habeas cardia et cerebellum.
-- (Terry Pratchett, Small Gods)
-- (Terry Pratchett, Small Gods)
With the wide gap separating Tinally’s head and body, it was not hard for [y]Yin[/b] to finish the job, his sword slicing through what little of her flesh still held her body together and burying itself into the wood bellow. The head bounced down, rolling on the ground, landing with her face upward, the smile still etched on her features. She looked almost serene lying as she was, and for a flicker nobody moved.
It was Hagen’s voice that broke the silence, issuing orders. “Private Smith. Private Hope. Wrap lady Attaché’s body in the cloth and carry it to the cellar. A carpenter will come later to measure her for a casket.†He turned to Bitalli. “Father, I will make arrangements for the funeral. Ambassador suggested that we make it very private. We shall bury her tomorrow morning.â€
It was Hagen’s voice that broke the silence, issuing orders. “Private Smith. Private Hope. Wrap lady Attaché’s body in the cloth and carry it to the cellar. A carpenter will come later to measure her for a casket.†He turned to Bitalli. “Father, I will make arrangements for the funeral. Ambassador suggested that we make it very private. We shall bury her tomorrow morning.â€
The diplomacy is the art of saying "Good dog", while you are searching for a big rock.
Yin stepped back to allow them to take the body. He could not help but look into the eyes of Tinally, lifeless and dead. He swallowed hard and suppressed the urge to retch. He needed to clean up, and then get on with the day. There was still much to do, the world needed saving, the shard needed to be found, and a message needed to be returned to Kings Court.
He handed the blade back to Hagan, looking at the Ambassator. He needed to speak with him. If anyone would know what Tinally knew, he would. So he would have to see if the man would tell him what needed to be done.
The father as well, he would know where the other father was, the group that went to find the shard.
Yin felt like his was chin deep in a pile of cacky, and the more he struggled to get out, the deeper he sank in.
He handed the blade back to Hagan, looking at the Ambassator. He needed to speak with him. If anyone would know what Tinally knew, he would. So he would have to see if the man would tell him what needed to be done.
The father as well, he would know where the other father was, the group that went to find the shard.
Yin felt like his was chin deep in a pile of cacky, and the more he struggled to get out, the deeper he sank in.
Cuius testiculos habes, habeas cardia et cerebellum.
-- (Terry Pratchett, Small Gods)
-- (Terry Pratchett, Small Gods)
-
Rosalie Marcada
- Baroness Marcada, Ambassador World's Mouth
- Posts: 1118
- Joined: Sun Aug 14, 2005 1:44 pm
What went on in the consul's head during this gruesome execution? She had caught the glance of sir Hagen. Oh, for sure Rosalie was the true traitor her, instead of the misguided soul that was now on the block. Did the paladin know? Did it matter? He could not prove a thing. Besides Rosalie was about to become a citadel citizen with her marriage, far out of reach from the Kings paladins. She looked on in innocence pretending the Mouth was not selling out the Kingdom for profit and their own hide.
Rosalie did not flinch for one moment as Yin executed his task. It is a good thing this is a dark blue. The blood will not show so much, she thought reflectively as the blood from her neck spurted around. She did not recoil from the mess, holding her her head up straight. She in this instance was the Mouth and she'd do her hometown proud.
When you are up to the Mouth, you'll lose.. eventually. Rosalie allowed herself to smirk as she looked down upon Tinally's empty face, bringing back her handkerchief to her mouth to hide her smile. Then she saw Yin falter and walked up, speaking in her soft husky voice "You were very brave today Sir Lorin. I am sure you'll find your path to leadership as we discussed. If you gentlemen will excuse me. I think I need to freshen up."
Rosalie did not flinch for one moment as Yin executed his task. It is a good thing this is a dark blue. The blood will not show so much, she thought reflectively as the blood from her neck spurted around. She did not recoil from the mess, holding her her head up straight. She in this instance was the Mouth and she'd do her hometown proud.
When you are up to the Mouth, you'll lose.. eventually. Rosalie allowed herself to smirk as she looked down upon Tinally's empty face, bringing back her handkerchief to her mouth to hide her smile. Then she saw Yin falter and walked up, speaking in her soft husky voice "You were very brave today Sir Lorin. I am sure you'll find your path to leadership as we discussed. If you gentlemen will excuse me. I think I need to freshen up."
Last edited by Rosalie Marcada on Fri Jan 26, 2007 12:10 am, edited 1 time in total.
[size=84][color=darkred]This character has resigned and is now a NPC.[/color]
Avatar by Liz Green[/size]
Avatar by Liz Green[/size]
The boy took a moment to compose himself. Rosalie’s voice brought him to look at the woman. He simply bowed as she excused herself and wondered about what she had meant. He would still have to find his path, he knew the path, but was he walking it.
Yin would need to take some time to pray and sort out his thoughts. He would have to find a bath, and wash up and then he could visit his room alone and pray. What was the path he was to take now? He needed to find what she had lost.
The founding of an Order would have to wait until he could make sure the order would survive to see the next age.
Yin would need to take some time to pray and sort out his thoughts. He would have to find a bath, and wash up and then he could visit his room alone and pray. What was the path he was to take now? He needed to find what she had lost.
The founding of an Order would have to wait until he could make sure the order would survive to see the next age.
Cuius testiculos habes, habeas cardia et cerebellum.
-- (Terry Pratchett, Small Gods)
-- (Terry Pratchett, Small Gods)
The soldiers untied Tinally's wrists and lowered her body carefully onto the cloth, crossing her arms before her chest and then one went to her head, looking down at it for a flicker, and then crouching, heaving a deep sigh and carefully picking it up. It was here that Ambassador turned and left, followed by Father Bitalli. The soldier who took the lady's head placed it next to her severed neck and gently moved the hair out of her face, and then he and the other private went about their business. Sir Hagen watched from the side, as they tightly wrapped the white cloth around her, red stains already showing on the outside. Picking the girl up they moved towards the barracks, the gathered people dispersing rather quickly.
~Fin~
~Fin~
The diplomacy is the art of saying "Good dog", while you are searching for a big rock.