Kingdom of Falconrose

Veta_Norr

Veta_Norr

Owner of the Blackbird Tavern
The Kingdom of Falconrose is a breath taking , magical and enchanting land ...Rolling hills of emerald green surrounded by lush jade forests.
A land that was built by the sea, stone by stone , by the blood, sweat, tears and dreams of 5 generations past. But, behind such magnificent beauty , there lies shadows of tragedies, betrayal's and forbidden love that looms and haunts through every corner and corridor. Grounds soaked with the blood of many brave men from battles fought under the crest of a rose clutched in the talons of a falcon. Battles born of greed, jealousies and hate. As of this time, King Torrin Falconrose is away aiding the allied Kingdom of Drotha, leaving his daughter to rule till his return.
With Falconrose being built by the windy expanse of the Stonedeen Sea, is a cause of several changes in weather...some days these changes can be swift...some days bright and beautiful with a light breeze, while other days can be foggy, rain or raging storms.
Down a long narrow road, that splits through the dense forest of Falconrose..trees that line along the roadside with branches of emerald and jade leaves that stretches over the road forming a shady canopy. On certain summer evenings, fireflies gather, lighting up the trees as the flit about the branches giving the appearance of stars amongst the leaves.
There are sapphire blue lakes, and sparkling crystal streams which seems muscical as the water flows over the stones...Near one creek is a gypsy camp site, Rivarshi's as they like to be known. A clan that sticks to their own, bothering no one but welcomes all...At night their music flows through the forest, sounds of mandolin, fiddle and Lyre..sometimes accompanied with singing.
The castle itself is not only magnificent, but strategically built. Walls that surrounds are thirty-six feet high and fifteen feet thick, making it virtually difficult to manage enemy ladders and withstand most beatings. The only things that may weaken the structures would be the possibilities of catapult's, battering rams, cannons, and yes...dragons.
Battlement rows for archers and cannonmen, and catapult's along with hot pots. Then there are the towers that towers above all. Fourteen broad round towers linked with small bridges and are connected by lower narrow walls. Elegant windows around the walls in seemingly perfect symmentry along with small holes for archer's and other artillery. Atop the tower turrets supports the banners with the Falconrose crest. Then there is the entrance, double sided guard towers with a moderate gate and massive iron doors. It's not the only way in but it will be your best shot if you wish to conquer this castle.
Beyond the castle walls is a stretch of fields on all sides of the castle which allows to see people coming far before they pose a possible threat.
This castle has clearly stood the test of time...The rocks of the walls are aged with conquering vines, but this castle will last for more ages to come.
A road sprawls a distance of a mile before reaching the interior courtyard gardens filled with flowers and shrubbery, pathways of mosaic stones that winds around a rather large fountain. Statues of King Jarek Falconrose, the First, and past kings who reined over the land, Serving reminders of the past litters throughout a shrubbed labyrinth.
There is also lush fields and crops surrounding the exterior of the castle's outside back walls that provides food all year.
A handful of waterfalls flows into variouis rivers, then into streams and creeks to provide precious farm fields outside with needed water, and underground springs for wells.
Inside the castle, swords and shields and battle armor litters the walls..painful reminders of past wars. Then there are the tapestries and paintings of ancestors and battle histories.
There is a bustling city of the Kingdom consisting of taverns and Inns, Apothecary offices, blacksmiths and their stables..stone masons with master builders. Also a bazaar where peddlers sets up tents or wagons to sell their wares of food items, clothing and pottery.
The form of a young woman stands to the seaside cliffs, staring across the water's horizon as the deafening sound of the waves crashes viciously against the jagged rocks below , sending cool gusts of a breeze lightly laced with sea mists to swoop up the treacherous sides of the cliff, gusts so strong she had to hold fast to her cloak that flapped wildly about her small form. She stares the distance in hopes to see the King's ships returning..It has been five months he has been away along with fifteen hundred Falconrose soldiers within three ships, three ships more carried their horses, all bearing the Falconrose crests.
Not one message has reached out to her. She could still hear the battle cries from the soldiers after the King gave his speech to them, a way of pumping them up for the battle ahead .
" We fight as one ! "
They all repeated after the King.
" Let's teach them how it's done ! " said one.
" Let them taste our blades ! " shouted another.
Sadly she turns away to head back to her horse which was grazing on some of the tall grass just twenty feet from her.
Just as she reached for the reins she heard the sound of horse hooves. As the rider dismounts and approaches quickly, a boy of eighteen breathlessly gave a small bow to her..
" Your highness, ." exhales -inhales deeply...." I have been searching everywhere for you.."
He takes another deep breath. " The morning's assembly has gathered, according to his lordship Cyricus, ..you are late your highness.."
The princess gasped. " The assembly ! I've totally forgot..is the throne room full ? " Something she hoped not..she thinks sh could handle a small gathering over a large today. With the King away..the session's of hearing the townfolk is now placed upon her shoulders. The messenger assisted the princess to her horse then mounted to his own to escort her back to the castle. Upon entering, Cyricus, dressed in his dark red chancellor robes appeared at the double door entrance to the anti-chamber to the throne room waving a frantic hand to her.
" Your first request will be from a sheep hearder, it seems a dozen counted from his flocks has been found slaughtered..he claims it had to be something huge to slaughter so many the poor beasts in such a way..they werent just eaten, they were ripped apart..he insists that this is not the usual type of killing one would see from wolves.."
Princess Tarah looked at him with a raised brow, " I think it best to hear his request for audience to be held privately..we dont want a panic when it could be just a clan of wolves. What else could it possibly be ? "
 
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In the waning light of day, Rahvin was journeying back home from his daring adventures abroad, his mind still brimming with tales of distant lands. As he rode along the winding road, his steed, Coal, carried him steadily forward. Yet, his path was soon interrupted by an unexpected sight—a post board standing proudly along the roadside.

Curiosity piqued, Rahvin gently tugged at the reins, bringing Coal to a halt. The horse obediently approached the post board, allowing Rahvin to reach out and retrieve a scrap of cloth fastened to it. Upon closer inspection, he found a heartfelt plea for aid—a cry for help from someone whose livelihood had been shattered by the hand of a merciless beast.

With a solemn nod, Rahvin secured the cloth into his gauntlet, a reminder of the urgency and responsibility he bore as a seasoned adventurer. Spurring Coal into motion once more, he faced a pivotal crossroads where he weighed his options carefully.

To his right lay the familiar road leading homeward, where his heart yearned to return after his time away. Yet, to his left beckoned the kingdom of Falconrose, a realm where knowledge and answers might be found to address the call for aid. The decision was not an easy one, but Rahvin's sense of duty compelled him to veer leftward and seek answers in the heart of Falconrose.

As he rode closer to the bustling city, Rahvin chanced upon a chance encounter—a sheep herder conversing with another, engrossed in a discussion of the troubled state of affairs. Their words hinted at the presence of a fearsome beast, possibly a wolf or a savage pack roaming the countryside. The herder and his companion spoke of bringing their concerns to the assembly, seeking aid from the princess herself.

Rahvin acknowledged the passersby with a nod as he rode past them, absorbing their words. A familiar determination stirred within him, urging him to lend his expertise to this plight. Perhaps this very assembly could be a platform for him to offer his services and make a difference in the face of impending danger.

Yet, as he contemplated this quest, memories of a distant past loomed in the recesses of his mind. Images of a malevolent creature, possibly supernatural in nature, surfaced—the very same beast that had taken his beloved mother's life long ago. Though Rahvin had tirelessly scoured the countryside back home, the elusive creature had evaded him, leaving a wound that still throbbed with unresolved pain.

With resolute purpose, Rahvin pushed these haunting memories aside, focusing on the present and the opportunity before him. He knew he must act, not just for the sake of others, but also to confront the shadows of his own past. Thus, he set forth, determined to seek the assembly, offer his assistance, and, if fate allowed, uncover the truth about the creature that had haunted him for so long.
 
A towering throne made from the rich wood from the Shadow Oaks of the Twilsay forest covered with a labyrinth of emblems and a crest of Falconrose sits upon a dias in front of a wall at the end of a carpeted eisle. Behind the throne is a huge tapesty of Castle Falconrose.
Seated on the throne is her majesty, Queen Tarah of Falconrose. She is listening to the captain of guards from the city who had requested audience with her.
He addressed to her of a message seeing a stranger riding into the city. He told that he would like to proceed to the gentleman and question him.
The Queen shook her head.
" No, that isnt necessary. As of what you have brought to my attention he doesnt seem to pose any threat. There is no law against anyone riding into the city. But as his presence seems to alarm you, then you can watch from a distance."
The captain of guards bowed his head and stepped away. As the guard begain heading to the door, the court advisor stepped passed him, only slowed to cast a glimpse of the captain, then proceeded to the throne. The guard stood for a brief moment and glanced behind him. He saw the court advisor bow to Queen Tarah, then they began speaking. He was too far to know what was being said. The court advisor had noticed the captain of guard still there and gave a raised brow of a questioning look.
" Good Captain, is there something further you wish to bring before her majesty ?"
Tarah too had turned her attention to the captain.
" No sire, I..I'm sorry. I was just leaving."
As the door closed behind the captain, the advisor turned all attention to the Queen.
" Is there something I should know about your highness ?"
" I was just informed of a stranger entering the city, I dont think its anything to be alarmed with...now, we need to discuss this matter of the Twilsay Clan before morning assembly arrives."

The captain soon arrives back to the city, he advised a few of the other city guardsmen to keep a watchful eye on the stranger.
 
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Rahvin had dreamed in a somnolescent trance, a prison of the subconscious for years. He and many others had been trapped within the realm of dreams and nightmares. The dreams were so real that even now he had to question if he were awake or still dreaming.

He had ducked into an alleyway and donned a hooded cloak. The former knight made his way towards the castle proper. The clamor of daily activities swarmed the heart of the city. It was heartwarming, hearing the daily routines of normal lives. He wanted to simply stand and listen, bask in the realness, but he needed to tend to business.

He watched the castle gates; the people being let in and those guarding it. Rahvin waited for the most opportune time to blend into the throng of people entering the castle. Rahvin found a guard inside the castle and explained to him that he was here to lend his aid but had gotten lost in the halls of the castle. He asked if the guard could give him directions or lead him to the throne room. The guard seemed to measure Rahvin and found him honest and compelling enough to point him in the direction.

Rahvin made his way to the throne room doors, showing his sigil to the guards and explaining to them the same; he entered. Rahvin approached and, with a courteous bow, presented himself.

"Your Highness, I come in response to the plea for aid. I've heard troubling tales of a vicious beast wreaking havoc in the countryside. My name is Rahvin Pendragon; I've crossed many miles to come by your kingdom. If it pleases you, I offer my services to help rid Falconrose of this menace." The echoes of his earnest words hung in the air, awaiting the queen's response.
 
The conversation between the Queen and her advisor was broken with the sound of the door opening and entering the throne room a man they had not seen before, nor was he announced firstly to them. This shown a slight irritation to the advisor, Cyricus. who approached the one who addressed himself before them. Before Cyricus could speak, the Queen spoke,
"Cyricus, it's alright, " The Queen approached Rahvin Pendragon. The name seemed slightly familiar.
" You may rise Rahvin Pendragon."
Cyricus eyed this Pendragon studiously. Tarah noticing the way Cyricus was showing high unspoken suspicions.
" Cyricus, things are alright here, why not go and address the guard who allowed someone in the throne room unaccompanied. "
Cyricus bowed to his Queen and turned to leave, but as he came to pass Pendragon his steps had slowed, and stared at him with a slight narrowed gaze. Cyricus soon then made his way out of the throne room, but before the closing of the door, several guardsmen had entered taking posts at the door.
Tarah grasped to the side of her richly emerald gown to lift ever so to allow a much freer movement. She moved so full of grace that it seemed she floated instead of walked over to the seatings that were set up earlier for the morning assembly. Tarah waved a hand towards one of the chairs. After taking a seat to one herself, resting her hands upon her lap.
" Please, sit." After a few short moments she continued. " Your services Rahvin Pendragon will be hightly appreciated."
 
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Rahvin's eyes, tinged with the weariness of a 200-year slumber, studied Cyricus as the advisor slowed his pace to acknowledge his presence. The courtly decorum, once familiar, had become distant and strange to Rahvin. He had traversed a landscape of dreams and emptiness, and now, in the waking world, he grappled with the nuances of courtly etiquette.

With a casual yet respectful demeanor, Rahvin addressed the queen, acknowledging the potential repercussions of his unorthodox arrival. "I wouldn't be too harsh on the guards. I will take the burden of any punishments. I was told that you would be here, and I knew I had to chance offering my aid directly. There is more to it than simply that though."

As they moved towards the chairs, Rahvin took a seat, finding a certain comfort in the physicality of the moment. The queen's realm, Falconrose, spread its beauty before him, reminiscent of a home that was nothing, but a dream now. The familiarity stirred both nostalgia and a sense of duty in him.

"I must say your kingdom is beautiful. I've been traveling through it for close to a week. It reminds me a lot of home," Rahvin remarked, his gaze momentarily drifting to the room that they were within. The subtle play of emotions crossed his features—a blend of appreciation and a hint of melancholy.

The rumors he had heard along the road, shared by passersby and shepherds, echoed in his thoughts. A beast, elusive and fearsome, was said to be haunting the lands. Rahvin, seasoned by the trials of his own past, knew the unsettling nature of such rumors. Yet, he also knew that the truth could be more complex.

"I've dealt with more strange beasts than I'd like to admit, but I've been hunting one in particular. I'm not sure if this beast plaguing your lands is one in the same. Perhaps you could share with me what you know about the beast?" Rahvin inquired, his tone carrying a mix of genuine concern and a readiness to act.
 
It was as the doors to the throne room had closed as Cyricus had left that Queen Tarah turned a focused attention to this Rahvin Pendragon. It was at this time that she had found a weariness from his said travels. She also had taken notice the manner of glancing around the room. She noticed the manner in which he had done so, it was a look not like most who had entered, being taken back by the richly furnishings and architecture of the castle, his seemed ..rather..she couldn't at that moment find the word till he had mentioned 'home'..that's it, homesick
Upon his compliment on the kingdom, she gave a small smile,
"Thank you, "
She had waved over one of the guards standing by,
" Have some tea brought in to the dining hall, and also that a meal be prepared for Pendragon."
The guard bowed,
" As you wish your highness." followed with leaving out to the grand hall.
" You seem quite weary of your travels would you accept my invitation to the dining hall ? We can discuss further of this creature, and I may have some questions of my own.
 
"You don't have to. I've survived on mostly trail rations most of my life while back home. I am quite weary though, but I believe that has more to do with my previous predicament. I had spent some time in Velusia leading over a thousand troops in defense of our allies the Blackthorne. The land was beset by nightmarish creatures, living nightmares, and the land was being torn apart. Reality was becoming a dream, and a sickness was spreading across the land. I watched as my men fell into deep sleeps. Some died in their sleep, some awoke mad and attacked friends. Others just slept, and nothing could wake them."

Rahvin trembled slightly, rubbing the worn riding glove on his right hand. The bags beneath his eyes seemed to become even more accentuated by the reliving of his traumatic experience. His voice shook for a moment, "I don't know when it happened, but I too fell under this spell. I awoke months later in an infirmary, Lady Kiante, a friend and aid to the lady of the lake, at my side."

Apparently she had found some sort of cure to awaken the sleepers. Which was thankful. I was trapped in a nightmare, this beast, the one I've hunted all my life. I was a child only nine years of age, when it attacked our home. It was just me and my mother, my father had died in the war a few years back. This beast took her. I was forced to relive this moment for what seemed ages while some nightmare entity tried to barter my sanity for service to its Nightmare Lord. I was the only knight of Pendragon to not break." He shook his head with disdain. The memory of all those men and women that had fought beside him. They were friends and family to me. He had hoped to avenge them, but by the time he awoke the war with this Nightmare Lord was coming to an end.

"I believe I've slept enough, so pardon my weariness your majesty. Sleeping is not so easy these days. Though I have no dreams, maybe a byproduct of Lady Kiante's cure, but a blessing none the less." He stood to accompany the queen to the dinning room. The idea of a nice warm tea did pique his interest."
 
Her brow raised slightly as he stated 'predicament' , she most definately wanted to learn more of his creature, as to compare what was reported to her during one of many assemblies.
Accompanied with two guardsmen, the young Queen shown the way through the grand hall, down a torch lightened corridor. Arriving to the double doored entrance, one of the guardsmen quickly stepped forward to open the door then stepped aside with his head bowed. Upon entering, Tarah paused and whispered something to the guard along the lines of seeing that they are not disturbed. The guards head remained bowed till his Queen had passed. Once the guest left through the doorway, the guard stepped back and closed the door and stood post before it as ordered.
The dining hall is quite large..one may think it could hold a villagers cottage with ease..with its raised ceiling, two large chandelelier's, a long wooden and polished smooth table that seemed near to the hall's length..along center are large candleabra's..to one wall , an overly large stone fireplace with a fire , hanging over the large mantle is the Falconrose Crest..a rose clutched in talons.
Spaced on the wall is swords and shields, sunlight filtered through stained glass windows filling the room with color. The Queen's movements echoed softly off the stone walls as she strolled the distance to the table, an awaiting male servant pulled out a chair for her to sit. Then poured and served the tea , serving the Queen first and set a cup down for Rahvin, then moved behind the chair to pull away from the table for him. A tray was already on the table with slices of roasted meat, vegetables and fruit. As well as a goblet and decanter of mead. Before starting, Tarah waved the servant away, but as the servant was taking his usual stand to the far wall,
" No, we wont be needing anything more, you may leave."
The Queen raised her cup taking the first welcoming sip as she watched silently of Pendragon. She listened closely to each word spoken of the creature, and of the 'spells', The mention of 'spells' was new to her, she wasnt imformed of such, would this creature be the same as the creature Pendragon is hunting for ? Tarah waited till the servant had left and only she and Pendragon could speak without extra ears to their conversation.
Lowering her cup to the table, she broke the rooms silence with, " Do you know what this creature is ? Can you describe this Creature to me ?"
 
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Rahvin stood in awe of the dining room; it was nothing short of splendid. The intricately designed Falconrose crest adorned the walls, catching his eye and transporting his thoughts to a bygone era. Memories of a time long ago flooded in — the Winter Solstice celebration in Camelot. The warmth of the fireplace, a table groaning under the weight of delectable dishes, and the camaraderie of the Pendragons filled his mind. Laughter and merriment, the delightful aroma of spices, the crackling of the fireplace, and the subtle fragrance of Terra's perfume all intertwined in his recollection. Yet, like everything else, Terra had vanished, leaving Rahvin alone in the corridors of time.

Shaking off the wistful reverie, he gracefully accepted the seat offered by a diligent servant. A warm smile played on his lips as he expressed gratitude, and, following the custom, he removed his gloves in preparation for the meal. "Your castle is truly magnificent," he remarked, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "It reminds me of home, where the Pendragons would gather at the mere mention of a feast. The walls of that dining room listened to countless conversations." As the queen lifted her teacup for the first sip, Rahvin, mirroring her actions, partook in the initiation of the meal.

"Mm, it's very good," he remarked, and a hush fell over the room, broken only by the crackling of the fireplace. Rahvin listened to its soothing sound as he enjoyed his tea, eyeing the mead and deciding to pour himself a goblet. Finishing it, he broke the silence in response to the queen's question, "Identifying such creatures is no easy task. The one that attacked my mother and me resembled the living night sky, its mouth filled with endless rows of teeth. Although I doubt it's the same beast, reports of strange creatures in the countryside often prompt me to investigate. Most times, it's a cursed individual or a creature displaced from its natural territory. Occasionally, it's the creation of a mad wizard. In Velusia, the Dream Realm itself spilled forth nightmares under the command of a single entity."
 
The Queen studied Pendragons actions but mainly his facial expressions..how he looked reminiscent speaking of his home. As he ed on her home she smiled as she gave a nod as she once more lifts her cup to her lips taking a slow quiet sip.
" I thank you." Then added , as she remembers him speaking of his home. " Home is everything, home is worth fighting for."
It was then she had fallen to memories of her own, of her father..his booming voice, the smell of his pipe tobacco..when as a child sitting at his feet would watch with wild eyed fascination as he made smoke rings. As Rahvin spoke, the memories she still holds dear dissipated in the way the tendrils of the pipe smoke.
" Pendragon..is there relation to a Dareth Pendragon? I ask because I had heard the name pop up from time to time"
Then listening to his description of the creature, she shuddered when he also mentioned of there are more.
" I..I am sorry for what this monster has taken from you...there is a woman here who had an experience with a creature. Her name is Celtia."
 
"Dareth?" The name lingered in his thoughts, an elusive memory that danced on the edge of recall. He furrowed his brow, attempting to summon the details, but the connection remained shrouded. "It's possible we were a large family. I was married to Terra, but I had friends like Moonfire and Athwyn. I believe they're all gone now, though. Kamelot itself has faded from the pages of the maps and history."

The taste of the food, a fleeting pleasure, momentarily diverted his mind. Each morsel carried the echoes of a time long past, a memory of shared meals with friends and kin. Yet, the bittersweet nostalgia couldn't conceal the weight of loss that permeated his words.

When she expressed sympathy for the creature's actions, he sighed, the heaviness of his past settling upon his shoulders. "My father was a knight. Then he went back to his family's ranch, started a family. The war came, he left, he died. That was life. But what happened to my mother, that wasn't natural. There's no way to wrap the brain around something like that happening."

The mead, a temporary solace, disappeared with a final sip. Determination flickered in his gaze as he addressed the matter at hand. "If Celtia has information on the beast, then we should speak with her. She holds the key to this puzzle."
 
The young Queen nearly hated herself for mentioning that name for the expression shown to his face. She would like to learn more of this Kamelot. A place that she had not heard of before. Though there are many kingdoms she has not heard of, but even those she has she has yet to visit . She sat down her cup on the table and rose to her feet, smoothing her hands over the front of her gown.
" I will send for her, meantime we could go to the parlor. "
As she approached the door to the entrance of the dining hall, she opened and stepped outside but turned her attention to one of guards,
" Find Celtia, and have her brought to the parlor."
Tarah gave not a reason, though she knew Celtia would most likely question as to why she would be summoned.
Tarah then led the way down the large dimly lit hall, but kept her distance just a few steps ahead. Upon reaching the parlor once again the door was held open for the two to pass , The guards not only bowed to their queen but to Pendragon as well.
Tarah found her seating near the large fireplace, but not half so large as the one in the dining hall. Settling down comfortably, spreading the length of the gown's skirting about her feet, she waved a hand to the chair across from her as an invitation for him to sit.
 
Veta_Norr said:
The young Queen nearly hated herself for mentioning that name for the expression shown to his face. She would like to learn more of this Kamelot. A place that she had not heard of before. Though there are many kingdoms she has not heard of, but even those she has she has yet to visit . She sat down her cup on the table and rose to her feet, smoothing her hands over the front of her gown.
" I will send for her, meantime we could go to the parlor. "
As she approached the door to the entrance of the dining hall, she opened and stepped outside but turned her attention to one of guards,
" Find Celtia, and have her brought to the parlor."
Tarah gave not a reason, though she knew Celtia would most likely question as to why she would be summoned.
Tarah then led the way down the large dimly lit hall, but kept her distance just a few steps ahead. Upon reaching the parlor once again the door was held open for the two to pass , The guards not only bowed to their queen but to Pendragon as well.
Tarah found her seating near the large fireplace, but not half so large as the one in the dining hall. Settling down comfortably, spreading the length of the gown's skirting about her feet, she waved a hand to the chair across from her as an invitation for him to sit.
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It wasn't long when the door had opened and Celtia had stepped inside and appoached Queen Tarah and bowed.
"You wanted to see me your highness ?"
Celtia then glanced over to Pendragon after a curioud look she gave a nod of her head to him.
" Yes Celtia, Sir Pendragon would like to hear of your experience with the beast that terrorized the Twilsay Camp. Any thing , especially with it's description."
Celtia gave a slight nod of her head. She honestly didnt want to remember of that day. Let alone talk about it. But The Queen requests of it so she must. Before speaking, the Queen indicated to a chair she could sit upon and with another nod she made it over to it and sat down though only sat to the edge of the cushion. Taking a deep breath she then began.
" It had started like any other evening, we had just finished our evening meal when it all happened. It happened so quickly, the men folk had no time in gathering their weapons..it was complete chaos. Everyone was gathering who they could , some of us made it into the forest. Some were not so lucky. I was pushed underneath a vardo, and no sooner that I was, the man was snatched by the creature and was torn apart right in front of me. Then the creature realized that I was there in hiding...it knelt down and what I saw was this huge man like creature staring back at me with its yellow eyes, it's claws dug into the ground...I just knew it was going to grab me too...its mouth opened, the snarl was ...Its fangs were dripping with blood..it's fur..was brown, with streaks of black and tan. As it drew closer, its yellow eyes narrowing at me, but...something must have startled it..for it quickly leapt away. Gone as quickly as it had arrived it did. I waited a moment making sure it was safe to come out from under the vardo, the scene before me was horrifying..unlike anything I have ever seen..the ground..pools of blood everwhere..the tents ripped to near shreads..bodies of men, women lying about in their own pools, ripped up so badly you could scarcely tell anything of them.."
Celtia stopped speaking and lowered her head. She could be seen shaking.
 
With rapt attention, Rahvin listened, a silent observer immersed in Celtia's narrative. The knight, not one to let valuable information slip through the cracks of oblivion, retrieved a small, torn piece of parchment from a pouch dangling at his belt. The charcoal he wielded, sharp and poised, danced across the parchment's surface, etching notes that mirrored the contours of Celtia's tale.

As Celtia detailed her experience, her words like brushstrokes painting a vivid canvas of fear and fascination, Rahvin, sensing her disquiet, offered a worrisome grin—an expression that straddled the line between understanding and the weight of impending revelation. Moving closer, Rahvin knelt with a fluid grace, bringing himself to eye level with Celtia, a silent gesture of solidarity in the face of the unknown.

"You were under its gaze, lying on the ground," Rahvin mused, seeking clarity in the nuances of Celtia's encounter. His questions, measured and purposeful, sought to extract specific details. "Could you approximate the width of its paw or hand, and its head? And the eyes, Celtia, the windows to its soul—if it indeed possesses one. Were they a mere reflection of primal instinct, or did they harbor a depth that hinted at something more profound?"

Rahvin, though harboring an inkling of the creature's identity, understood the value of meticulous inquiry.
 
When the man before her lowered , fixing a stare to her she took a few steps back. She thought all she said was enough. At least she wanted it to. She hated and feared speaking of the encounter with the beast.
The Queen sat there in silence, she noticed the quiver in Celtia's voice as well as her shaking form. She nearly rose from the chair , a need she felt to console. But yet she remained. It was best to let Pendragon finish with his interrogation of facts from Celtia.
" Yes, I was in his gaze, it had been awhile since and I still remember it vividly."
She held out her hand, and then joined her other next to it. then moved her hand slightly as if a making a space large enough for another hand" It's paw's were near three to my own. His head..it was large. Large as a rock in the meadow that one could sit upon. " she paused a moment. She didnt like being dragged back into that moment. She shivered as the vision of the creatures eyes came back to her.
" It's eyes...orbs huge with a deep orangish yellow that near glows like a harvest moon they were. Soul ? I saw nothing of such. But then, at the moment of startlement that caused it to turn..there was a glimmer what might have been ...I..I cant explain it."
 
Rahvin scribbled down the details that Celtia shared with him about the strange creature. He looked up, his keen eyes catching the subtle tremble in her hand. Without hesitation, he reached out, his touch gentle and reassuring, attempting to provide comfort. As his fingers brushed against hers, his gaze lifted to meet Celtia's eyes, a silent exchange of understanding. "I know this was hard to relive. I can tell you it will get easier each day. I thank you for sharing this with me once more. You have given me something to work with." With a composed grace, he rose from his seat and moved to review his notes.

"The creature may have some sense about it, which would make it harder to deal with than just some normal beast. I'm not saying animals lack souls, but the measurement of a human soul can be seen in the eyes, the calculation and restraint; animals are more instinct. The idea this creature has a glimmer of awareness in this regard could make it harder to track. Animals don't hide their existence in the wilds; a man-beast may, a creature born of magic or some other dark sorcery could if given such thought in its creation. That's why I asked Celtia." Rahvin meticulously considered the assumed measurements of the creature, thoughtful lines etched on his forehead.

"The creature is large, though. Such a sizeable creature would have a harder time concealing its existence completely. It might be possible to track the creature; perhaps it has a lair or something similar to a home nearby." With a deliberate motion, he folded the parchment, securing the details for further investigation.
 
Seeming like the interrogation may be over with, The queen turned her full attention to Celtia.
Upon her hand being touched by his, being a stranger to her , Celtia would have pulled back her hand, but catching this Pendragon's expression and the kind understanding of his voice. She found herself believing him understanding of her feelings of the horrific experience she had endured. Celtia gave a slight timid of a smile as she then pulled back her hand .
Queen Tarah rose slowly ,
" You may go now Celtia."
Celtia bowed to Queen Tarah, then she bowed to Pendragon. Making her way to the door and partially opened it, she paused to glance over her shoulder for a brief moment then returned to leaving closing the door behind her.
Queen Tarah then turned her attention to Pendragon, noticeing how deep in thought he had become. Not moving towards him, only remained standing in place next to the chair. Her hands clasped together in front of her.
" Difficult as it must sound, but can this creature be caught ? Hopefully before it will attack the forest clan again, or ravage other villages."
 
Rahvin's eyes lingered on the queen, his mind wrestling with the complexities of the situation. The question she posed, though seemingly straightforward, carried a weight that demanded careful consideration. As he gathered his thoughts, his gaze wandered around the room.

"Difficult as it must sound, but can this creature be caught?" The queen's words reverberated, hanging in the air like an unspoken challenge. Rahvin felt the responsibility of providing a response that held both practicality and wisdom. "I believe so," he began, his voice steady but contemplative. "If the creature is flesh and blood, it can be captured. Some of the old ways spoke of iron and silver as a means to end creatures born of magical origins or composed of magic themselves. I imagine a trap made of such metals would suffice."

As he shared his insights, Rahvin couldn't shake the burden of concern etched into his features. The queen's next words prompted him to delve even deeper into the matter. "Though..." He paused, his hand finding its way to his chin, a telltale sign of his intensified contemplation. "I can't help but ask, why would you want to capture this creature? What purpose does capturing it provide?"
 
She stepped over to the window pushing aside the curtain just enough to gaze through. A storm was coming up. She could see the dark clouds building, it has yet begun to rain but a few flashes of lightning that seemed to jump from one cloud to the next. As she stared from the window, she continued listen to Pendragon. A relieved sigh then she turned from the window fixing a gaze to him.
" I..I'm not for certain why I said capture instead of kill..I'm certain the village and forest folk wounld like to see this creature killed."
She stepped across the room and took a seat at her chair by the hearth , the fire has grown small but still gave off warmth,
" what about you ? Do you want it killed ? To be honest , I dont know what I would rather have done..I have never found myself in this position."
 
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