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[Rufus Oryan]

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The wind would howl as it tossed the small grains of sand about the quite city. Nujel'm was so peaceful. It was unmoved by the things that happened in the lands abroad. For its simple ruling family, had attempted to maintain and persevere through trails of illness and inactivity. But its Sultan had become tired. His wife, a beautiful Elven woman, whom he dedicated much of his life to, was so untrusting of him. To be honest, the Sultan's eyes and mind had wandered, but his loyalty remained in Nujel'm and with his queen. With his wife's illness forcing her away from him, as well as the removal of his only Son from the isle, depression had set.

Timing was so grand...it seemed that Rufus had once sat upon the ladder of success. Or some called his successes pain. He went from Regent, to Loyalist, back to Regent..and then began to fade away as the leader of a motionless Isle. His religion kept him grounded, as well as his quest for knowledge...but again the wind howled about the quite city, and all was still.

In a small room, with an open window, Rufus sat with his eyes lowered to the ground. As he looked up, a tear ran down his face, he stared out to the moon, raising his right hand and brushing the marking under his eye...

His lip quivered a bit, and he pondered on the things he had done, and the things he hadn't. The people he made happy, and all that he had met in his travels, sharing grand conversation. The moon lit the small room as its light reflected off a kryss upon the table before Rufus. He took in a deep breath, as depression settled, pondering if what he was choosing was right. He stood before the window, gripping the Kryss in had. Silhouetted by the beautiful white light, the large swarthy figure, thrust it into his belly...slumping over the table.

And as he lay there, in pain, he stares toward the moon, awaiting his fate.. Blood ran down the chairs legs, and Rufus pondered as he often did. And again, in the ultimate truth, he was amidst two worlds...
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"Balance - the harmony between the Principles of Order and Chaos...Harmony, Dedication and Rationality, the three Principles of Balance, are our highest ideals."

[Queen Sarah]

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Upon returning to her palatial home Sarah wonders from room to room familiarizing herself with its smells, sights and sounds. The blowing wind outside gave some relief from the previous heat of the day. Coolness was something to be thankful for on her sandy island. Her gait had slowed with her illness but she was gaining energy day by day and a renewed sense of purpose filled her so much she found herself agitated by her slow recovery.

The dim, stain-glass filtered light was making it hard to see all the rich tapestries and beautiful family heirlooms that were housed within the main corridor. Feeling tired she enters the door to the small office Rufus often used. Closing the door softly she stops startled by a noise, one so soft it was a painful strain for her to attempt to hear it again. Pressing against the door while her eyes adjust to the dimness, she runs her gaze over the entire room, scanning over everything to find the source of the sound. Someone was in here with her and she pressed harder against the heavy door. Finally a cloud moved from the moon’s face allowing more light to enter the large windows. She could make out in the shadows that it was Rufus that must had made the noise for he sat in one of the chairs making him silhouetted by the moonlight.

Moving towards him she kneels before his left leg and smiles up at him. Realizing that he cant see her clearly she lightly places her hand upon his thigh. Rather quickly she feels cool wetness pool around her knees and make her gown heavy with saturation. Sliding her hand down Rufus’ leg to the floor she blindly feels around the floor. Wet..sticky goo..Lifting her finger up she licks it tentatively and tastes the coppery flavor of hu-man blood.

Jerking back up she looks up and screams out “RUFUS!” Balling up her fists around his shirt collar she shakes him hard and fast, still screaming out his name over and over. Sensing life but not much of it left, she stumbles to get up only to fall back down hard on her knees. The heavy bloodied skirt of her gown weighing down her efforts. Frantically tugging up the hem to get it out of her way, she flings her body upwards once more to rush out to the main hall.

Screaming as if she herself had been attacked to draw attention of anyone nearby, she sees the guards respond in a rush towards her. They crowd around her when they see the blood on her gown and on her face and hands. Falling back into the little office Sarah screams out commands to get the Sultan to safety and find aid for his wound. Watching the strong guards move the almost lifeless body of her mate, Sarah collapses in the doorway. Her heavy skirt circles around her exhausted, slumped over body as if to show off the blood stain evidence of Rufus’ near death. Looking away and into the room she is now able to see the pool of blood by the chair. Its fullness and spread pattern glimmering in the moonlight. Choking back the tears she stills her fears and leans forward to cling onto the doorway. Pulling herself halfway up she collapses, spilling out into the hallway where her unconscious mind finds temporary relief.

[Cal Hurst]

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Vaen peered around the entrance to the Palace, knowing very well Rufus was in there. The guards paid little attention to him, even though he was dressed in a full green shroud. Something had happened, and he had to find out.

"So much for a simple scouting mission..." Vaen thought to himself.

Vaen recalled back to the stronghold and as quickly as he could, dressed himself in chainmail armor with a closed helmet. Grabbing for a halberd, he quickly recalled back to the Palace.

"Hopefully they just pass me for another guard."

Walking slowly up the walkway to the palace, he nodded to the other guards who were on duty.

"Where is he?" Vaen asked

"Sir Oryan? He's in one of the chambers resting," the guard lowered his head, "They aren't sure if he's going to make it, but we were told to guard this area."

Giving a nod in return, Vaen made his way into the palace. He walked down the halls of the palace and made his way to one of the rooms that was being guarded by two men. This, obviously, was where Rufus was. Vaen walked up to the two guards and nodded to them. They nodded in return.

"Sirs," Vaen said, "Your presence is requested out front. There's been a strange man walking around, they think he may have something to do with this assassination attempt." The two guards nodded and quickly moved towards the front. Making sure no one was around, Vaen entered the room.

"Rufus..." Vaen thought, as he peered over his friend who was laying on a bed, almost lifeless. Rufus turned his head very slowly to the guard, and seemed to try to talk. Vaen closed the doors behind him and removed his closed helmet, revealing his identity. Rufus's eyed widened very slightly, but he still couldn't speak very well.

"Don't move, Rufus. I'm getting you out of here, like it or not."

Vaen reached into his pouch and tapped the communication crystal. "All set, Sergat."

He tapped it again and put it back in his bag. A few moments later, an elderly man appeared next to Vaen. The man looked at his wrist and chuckled. "Who would have thought that these bracelets would actually come in handy."

Vaen nodded to his uncle. "Let's get going." The two of them reached down and picked up Rufus, steadying him in the strength of the two of them.

"Vas Rel Por," Sergat muttered, as the three of them entered the gate to Legion Stronghold. They slowly carried Rufus up to the master bedroom, and laid him there.

"Why are we doing this again, Vaen?" Sergat asked.

"I know a very good healer who will be able to help him."

"I see. Isn't he your enemy?"

"Not yet. Right now, he's a friend. That could change. But, as I said. As of now, he's a friend."

Sergat nodded to Vaen. "I'll see if I can't cast some kind of spell to help ease any pain he may be feeling, and perhaps to allow him to rest peacefully for some time until your healer friend comes."

"That would be a good idea, uncle." Vaen nodded to Sergat as he glanced over to Rufus for a minute. "I have much to do now. I must get in touch with Mallory."
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[Sadira Reflov]

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It had been a couple of days since Naissia saw Rufus. The question he asked her..played about in her mind. She was his advisor..how should she advise him on such a decision. She tried to think which would help his island the most. Finally believing that she thinks is the best advice, she went to Nujelm to go looking for him. Once she arrived, she saw the look in everyone eyes. Something was not right. She made her way to the a nearby guard and had asked him what was going on.

"Our Sultan has disappeared."

He says to her. She raises a brow.

"What do you mean disappeared?"

The guard goes into detail about a possible assissination and everything there after. Naissia's eyes widen as she heard the news. Assissination? Who would want to hurt Rufus?

"I will help with the search. I shall ask around and check some other areas."

She was wanting to do more like post posters about, but figured that perhaps they wished to keep this more low keyed. It would be up to queen on if she wished to place posters up or not. Naissia would do what she could to track down Rufus...his would be killer or both.
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"Nature gave man two ears but only one tongue. A gentle reminder that he should listen more than he speaks."