Forum Thread

"Well, if you want to cause chaos with stealth now, there's nothing else we need. We could also go to Mead's beforehand and gather a small army to raid it, but it would risk a quick retaliation from the Cloaks. I'm in favor of stealth, as we need all the militia men for a larger attack." Checking himself, Irin tapped the handle of his father's knife, then kicked the sheath of his larger weapon, the kanabō on his back. "Unless you want a moment to gather yourself and get into a more preferable emotional state."

Star took a breath to gather herself then nodded. "Ready when you are."

---

"Good. Let's move. We've got a bit of ground to make." He started towards the objective, his mind focused only on what might happen. What would happen. What he would make happen.

---

Star followed behind Irin, her eyes watching around incase something was about to go amiss.

---

Irin hesitated at a crossroads, his fists suddenly clenched. Turning to Star, he gestured down one road. "Mead's Tavern is that way." Featuring down another, he spoke again. "Our original objective is that way. I'm not sure which would take longer, but I know which would be more dangerous." He nodded to the second road. "I know I'd need at least twenty minutes to alert the Advanced Militia. I'm not sure how long the raid would take."

"The prison's fairly small, but I think they have a room chock full of weapons." Star said slowly. "If we did the raid now we might get caught with the weapons. But if we don't to our original task we'll be at a disadvantage."

---

*Maddy walked through Telmar cautiously. The sun was now mostly up, but luckily the city wasnt fully awake yet, but she knew it wouldn't be like this for long. She finally reached the barracks building and to her surprise, she saw no guards. She looked around before continuing to move towards the barrack doors and then she finally heard voices. She poked her head in slightly and saw two guards playing cards. Even from there she could smell the stench of alchohol on their breath. Then one stood up and walked back towards a giant barrel with more liquor inside.* Callus, why do you do this? Wh-Why do you always cheat when playing cards? *Maddy moved slightly and grabbed an arrow and the bow from her back. She slowly loaded and aimed the first arrow for 'Callus' head and fired, killing him instantly. The other one continued talking, unaware of what had happened* -Just dont understand why we cant use axes instead of swords. Like, they work so much better *Maddy slowly walked inside the barracks and walked behind the other Cloak, before stabbing him and covering his mouth to muffle his cries.*

---

Emi sat on the ground as Blossom dipped a rag into a bowl of water, rung it out then gingerly draped it across Tani's head. The two women shared a worried glance at each other then looked back at Tani.

---

The sounds of footsteps approaching grabs Sage's attention. She bears her teeth and takes a deep breath. Here we go she thinks to herself, mentally preparing for a fight. The Cloaks must've finally found them. At least this one was stupid enough to race within stabbing range. She wouldn't need to lose her spear just yet.
She steps around the corner, and juts the spear forward, nearly impaling Barry's throat if not for the fact that she tensesd her muscles out of shock, which paused her attack. "Barry!" She cries. "I'm so sorry are you okay!?"

"What's going on?" Gwen asks from behind them. She really had only slept for a few hours, but it was enough to get her back to normal again. She held herself up stronger than before, and her assertive tone has returned. "Oh! Barry you're back. How come the others aren't back-?" She shakes her head, "Nevermind that, I've been out of the game for way too long now. If they are in trouble, then they can't afford for me to sit and await their return. Barry you don't like to fight right? Well you need to find some courage right now. Sage and Barry, you two have to stay behind and protect Tani and Emi. Ensure nothing happens to them." She places a hand on Sage's shoulders and smiles. "Sage, I can trust that you'll keep everyone safe right?"
"Of course" Sage replies, returning the smile. Sage was glad to see Gwen's spirit finally returning.
"Excellent, stay safe" Gwen doesn't wait for an reply from anyone. She grabs a sword and bow from Barry, then races off towards the prison. Please be safe she begs as she runs.

---

Barry yelped and stumbled back when Sage had nearly stabbed him. Why did this happen?! He was breathing heavily from being really scared. “I-I-I’m fine.” he said. Everything was still in his arms. He had almost tripped because of his injured leg though. Barry listened to Gwen. He really didn’t like to fight. And how could he even help. He turned to Sage. “H-how can I help? I-I d-don’t know what to d-d-do.” He was really nervous.

---

Sage's eyes soften as she glances down at Barry. She remembers the days when she was just like him. Young, innocent, and much more passive. All of that changed when the Rich Kingdom, formally known as the Northern Kingdom pledged war against them.
-She was forced go grow up then. She had hoped her efforts would mean nobody else would be forced to do the same. But she can't save everybody without hurting a few. She turns away and takes a deep breath.
"Sometimes, you have to do ugly and scary things to protect the ones you love-" she glances towards where Gwen just ran off and winces. "She was supposed to take those with her." She takes the weapons from Barry but leaves a sword for him. "Go to Tani and Emi. You have to protect them. They are depending on you, I'll try to be back as soon as I can." She gives him one last hopeful look before racing off towards Gwen.
She finds that she doesn't have to move too far. Gwen was moving fast, but her cation was slowing her down. The two exchange knowing looks as Sage passes the weapons over to Gwen. They both seem to be thinking the same thing: will this be the last time they see eachother? The two bravely part ways, each moving back towards a potential battle.

---

*Maddy ran down into the lower levels and found what remained of the Telmarian Guard. She quickly began opening their cells and delegating them.* I need 5 men to help open the cells, the rest of you forum down to the Armory, understood? *The men nodded and began doing their assigned tasks. As more cells were opened, more soldiers began to help opening cells and distributing armor and weapons. After ten minutes, they followed Maddy to the top level where they waited for Maddy's signal. Maddy observed them all. They weren't like the soldiers she fought alongside with 5 years prior. They were better equipped, but she still wondered if it would be enough.* Today will not be easy. Most of us wont make it to nightfall. But if it takes a hundred days just like this to rid ourselves of these oppressors, we will fight to remind them that we will not go quietly into the night! *The soldiers cheered* We will not vanish without a fight! *The soldiers cheered louder* We're going to live on! We're going to survive! *The soldier cheered once again* Because today! We will remind them that this is our land!! *The men cheered one last time before charging forward out of the barracks, where some were met with a barrage of arrows and others took cover behind the barrack doors. But then, the Cloaks to ceased fire. Maddy heard a voice from the wall, speaking in a condescending and menacing tone.* Well done, my daughter! Well done!

*From behind the barrack doors, Maddy slowly looked out and saw her father standing on the wall, along with Talla and Benton, who was wearing a small amount of battle armor. He stood with his cane in his hands, and he looked 10 years older than he did the previous day. Maddy turned her attention to her father who stood looking down at her* I am so glad you have decided to reveal yourself at last! I was beginning to think that Benton was withholding you from us. *Benton smirked and turned towards him* See my lord, I told the trut- *Maddy's father slapped his face* Silence you little weasel! *The smile had been wiped from Benton's face and he stepped back like a sad puppy. Maddy's father looked down back towards the barracks.* Now, daughter, step forth so you may receive your punishment. *Her father drew his sword and waited. Maddy then heard whooshing sound and the groan of a man. She looked out towards the wall and saw the man next to her father had an arrow right through his chest. She then heard a loud war cry as barbaric men jumped onto the wall and began fighting the Cloaks. One of the men turned towards Maddy* Who are they? *Maddy grabbed her sword tightly* Pur reignforcements! Charge!!! *Tge guard cheered and charged after Maddy into the horse of Cloaks*

---

There was no need for Gwen to be catious. The sounds of shouting was enough to convince Gwen that she wouldn't be ambushed. As she moves towards the fight she hears laughter from behind her. Followed by the sounds of metal brushing against metal. Somebody was behind her! And they had just unsheathed their sword. She dives into the ground, dirt hitting her face and momentarily blinding her. The ground rumbles underneath her as a horse nearly tramples her. To add more pain to misery, her attacker had leaned off the horse a bit in a desperate attempt to stab her. This was a mistake, he was now off balance, and she was pissed. Not a great combination.
She kicks herself back onto her feet, at the same time, her attacker had steered his horse. He was wide open now and she took advantage of this. She races towards her attacker and stabs his chest. The angle was awkward, but her attack did the trick. He falls off his horse and she quickly jumps onto it before it can race off. She pauses only for a few seconds-just long enough to load her bow, then races towards the fight.
She was now in a tricky spot. She had the advantage of both being able to move quickly, and be difficult to stab. But she would also be an archer's first target. She would have to take them out first... Always easier said than done. As she nears the fight she manages to take out one archer who- as prophesized- immediately set her sights on her. But she doesn't have time to celebrate, there were still way too many enemies to take out.

---

The Circle of Mead's Tavern were more than willing to assemble their militia men to assist one of their members in a plot. It took a bit of explaining before they understood that he did indeed have others to back up the plot.

Luke was sitting in another room in the underground bunker. He wondered what was going on. He wished he was able to see.

Barry went to the room, dragging the sword. “I-I guess I’m a-supposed to keep you safe.” he said to the sleeping Tani and Emi.

---

*Talla swiftly drew her blade and cut the heads off several militia men. She dodged their strikes with ease and quickly struck them down before they could even attempt to fight. She then turned to some Cloaks and barked orders at them* Get my father out of here! *The Cloaks nodded and they huddled around her father, as they made their way out of the battle, with Benton trailing behind.*

*From the ground, Maddy saw Talla and knew what she had to do. She struck down several Cloaks and made her way up the wall, dodging any attacks and running after them*

---

"Talla" Gwen practically growls the name when she catches sight of her. She draws her bow back, squinting from the sunlight that pours into her eyes. One shot and this whole war would be over. She could finally get her revenge. She takes a deep breath and steadies her arm. But before she can release the bowstring she feels something heavy hit her. It throws her off the horse and makes her lose her bow. She curses and stands up, retrieving a large shield, which was what hit her. A scrawny cloak had used it to knock her down. A foolish mistake, now she could protect herself. The cloak races off before she could take him out. She lets him run and instead tries to follow Talla. Unfortunately for her, she had already lost track of Talla, and she had to stop multiple times to fight Cloaks.
"She better hope I don't reach her" Gwen mutters to herself.

---

The sounds of battle had long since reached the careful ears of Irin. And as they did, he drew his mighty weapon and started moving. Gripping his kanabō in a battle worthy stance, he saw the evidence of a battle nearby. A Cloak's arrow, misfired into the sky, lay in the ground before him. Gritting his teeth, he ran as fast as he could, the sounds of shouting and swords clashing filling the dead afternoon air.

*Maddy ran after Talla before looking up and deciding to cut them off. She got onto the roofs of the homes near the wall until she jumped off and stood in front of Talla after cutting down 2 Cloaks. Maddy gripped her glowing sword tightly as she looked at Talla, Benton, and the Cloaks protecting her father. Even from there she could see the deep inhumanity in Talla's eyes. Talla turned towards the Cloaks and spoke to them* Get my father back home. *Talla then looked back towards Maddy.* Me and Benton will take care of her. *Benton sighed. He looked as though he wanted nothing to do with this. He drew a rather pathetic looking sword from his cane and held it out towards Maddy before whipping it to his side* You never should have left, pet! *From the distance, Maddy heard the cries of Marchhounds as they began to race through the city, but she never shifted her gaze from Talla and Benton. Suddenly they both charged forward and attacked Maddy. Their swords crashed together and they became intertwined in a duel*

---

Keen ears become even more so when the voice of a fool sounds out. The word pet led Irin directly to Benton and Talla, where they faced Maddy. It seemed he had the element of surprise! Until a Cloak spotted him and called out. His knife was removed from the sheath and thrown in rapid succession, before burying itself in the Cloak's chest. A strangled cry, and the man fell. "Hey, you *******! Why don't you shut your damn mouth!" He had directed that entirely at Benton, his rage building rapidly. His kanabō started to spin in a gentle figure-8, gaining speed and lethality. Already, it could block a sword. As it does up, it could stun through armor, crush a skill through steel... Crush the skeleton of any human through stone.. And it was fast approaching speed. Irin's hands moved with careful grace, never shifting their grip on the massive weapon he held.