Welcome to Gaia! ::

(Yay, it is great to have a new player! Welcome 42Q!)

(Oh yes, and I have a question: what exactly is Sita's relationship with Liam? Is it business, friendship...or something more? How old do you want to make her? And how old is Liam? What do you guys think?)

The kingdom of Athgarnia was crumbling; its king was old and ailing and its heir apparent was a mere child. For miles in every direction, the greedy and ruthless could sense the opportunity. It wouldn't be a difficult thing to take the throne - become regent to the young prince and you would rule without opposition. However, there was the trifling matter of that meddling, strong willed, yet mysterious peasant man that seemed to have taken a silent vow to protect the boy. The man watched, the young prince cradled in his arms, as the possible regents bickered and squabbled over whom should be the regent. Sita Talon-Claw, the Prince's aunt, sat silent and watchful as a hawk over the proceedings.

"These 'men' are worse then spoiled children," she muttered under her breath just loud enough so the tiny prince's keeper could hear, for which she was rewarded with a grin. She kept her own face straight however, since if she gave any outward hint of her relationship with the Prince's guardian, she would be executed. Her sharp grey eyes darted from face to face of the hopeful regents, internally analyzing and ultimately rejecting each one.

Just then, the doors burst open, and a girl soaked with rain walked in. She shakes the droplets of water from her brown, wavy mane and boldly strides into the middle of the group, giving a quick bow instead of curtsy.

"You are late," Sita spoke imperiously to the new arrival.

"I know, I know, forgive me, I was...delayed," the girl replies with a grin and a wink at Liam.

"Well, you are here now, please proceed." Sita says. The new arrival flashed a cheeky grin at Sita before making her way to the centre of the crowd.

(She sounds a bit on the older side to me. Liam is probably in his early to mid thirties...around. I think that he and Sita are probably close, but mostly business.)

The kingdom of Athgarnia was crumbling; its king was old and ailing and its heir apparent was a mere child. For miles in every direction, the greedy and ruthless could sense the opportunity. It wouldn't be a difficult thing to take the throne - become regent to the young prince and you would rule without opposition. However, there was the trifling matter of that meddling, strong willed, yet mysterious peasant man that seemed to have taken a silent vow to protect the boy. The man watched, the young prince cradled in his arms, as the possible regents bickered and squabbled over whom should be the regent. Sita Talon-Claw, the Prince's aunt, sat silent and watchful as a hawk over the proceedings.

"These 'men' are worse then spoiled children," she muttered under her breath just loud enough so the tiny prince's keeper could hear, for which she was rewarded with a grin. She kept her own face straight however, since if she gave any outward hint of her relationship with the Prince's guardian, she would be executed. Her sharp grey eyes darted from face to face of the hopeful regents, internally analyzing and ultimately rejecting each one.

Just then, the doors burst open, and a girl soaked with rain walked in. She shakes the droplets of water from her brown, wavy mane and boldly strides into the middle of the group, giving a quick bow instead of curtsy.

"You are late," Sita spoke imperiously to the new arrival.

"I know, I know, forgive me, I was...delayed," the girl replies with a grin and a wink at Liam.

"Well, you are here now, please proceed." Sita says. The new arrival flashed a cheeky grin at Sita before making her way to the center of the crowd.

"Hello everyone, I would just like to say that-" she starts, but one of the men cuts her off.

"Lady Sita," Barron Ockham interjects, "I must protest, the presence of this ..girl is inappropriate in this court."

(I agree with 42Q's idea. Let's just let things play out!)

The kingdom of Athgarnia was crumbling; its king was old and ailing and its heir apparent was a mere child. For miles in every direction, the greedy and ruthless could sense the opportunity. It wouldn't be a difficult thing to take the throne - become regent to the young prince and you would rule without opposition. However, there was the trifling matter of that meddling, strong willed, yet mysterious peasant man that seemed to have taken a silent vow to protect the boy. The man watched, the young prince cradled in his arms, as the possible regents bickered and squabbled over whom should be the regent. Sita Talon-Claw, the Prince's aunt, sat silent and watchful as a hawk over the proceedings.

"These 'men' are worse then spoiled children," she muttered under her breath just loud enough so the tiny prince's keeper could hear, for which she was rewarded with a grin. She kept her own face straight however, since if she gave any outward hint of her relationship with the Prince's guardian, she would be executed. Her sharp grey eyes darted from face to face of the hopeful regents, internally analyzing and ultimately rejecting each one.

Just then, the doors burst open, and a girl soaked with rain walked in. She shakes the droplets of water from her brown, wavy mane and boldly strides into the middle of the group, giving a quick bow instead of curtsy.

"You are late," Sita spoke imperiously to the new arrival.

"I know, I know, forgive me, I was...delayed," the girl replies with a grin and a wink at Liam.

"Well, you are here now, please proceed." Sita says. The new arrival flashed a cheeky grin at Sita before making her way to the center of the crowd.

"Hello everyone, I would just like to say that-" she starts, but one of the men cuts her off.

"Lady Sita," Barron Ockham interjects, "I must protest, the presence of this... girl is inappropriate in this court."

Sita bristled with anger and stood, making the men step back in awe of her power. "You will hold your tongue, Ockham! You forget who this girl is!" she snarled at the vain lord. "It would serve you well gentlemen, to remember that this girl is here on my personal invitation, and is -- if your narrow minds will allow you to recall -- leader of the City Shields!" Sita hid a triumphant grin as Ockham let slip a small snarl of indignation; it was unheard of for a woman to be made leader of the City Shields.

The kingdom of Athgarnia was crumbling; its king was old and ailing and its heir apparent was a mere child. For miles in every direction, the greedy and ruthless could sense the opportunity. It wouldn't be a difficult thing to take the throne - become regent to the young prince and you would rule without opposition. However, there was the trifling matter of that meddling, strong willed, yet mysterious peasant man that seemed to have taken a silent vow to protect the boy. The man watched, the young prince cradled in his arms, as the possible regents bickered and squabbled over whom should be the regent. Sita Talon-Claw, the Prince's aunt, sat silent and watchful as a hawk over the proceedings.

"These 'men' are worse then spoiled children," she muttered under her breath just loud enough so the tiny prince's keeper could hear, for which she was rewarded with a grin. She kept her own face straight however, since if she gave any outward hint of her relationship with the Prince's guardian, she would be executed. Her sharp grey eyes darted from face to face of the hopeful regents, internally analyzing and ultimately rejecting each one.

Just then, the doors burst open, and a girl soaked with rain walked in. She shakes the droplets of water from her brown, wavy mane and boldly strides into the middle of the group, giving a quick bow instead of curtsy.

"You are late," Sita spoke imperiously to the new arrival.

"I know, I know, forgive me, I was...delayed," the girl replies with a grin and a wink at Liam.

"Well, you are here now, please proceed." Sita says. The new arrival flashed a cheeky grin at Sita before making her way to the center of the crowd.

"Hello everyone, I would just like to say that-" she starts, but one of the men cuts her off.

"Lady Sita," Barron Ockham interjects, "I must protest, the presence of this... girl is inappropriate in this court."

Sita bristled with anger and stood, making the men step back in awe of her power. "You will hold your tongue, Ockham! You forget who this girl is!" she snarled at the vain lord. "It would serve you well gentlemen, to remember that this girl is here on my personal invitation, and is -- if your narrow minds will allow you to recall -- leader of the City Shields!" Sita hid a triumphant grin as Ockham let slip a small snarl of indignation; it was unheard of for a woman to be made leader of the City Shields.

The girl flips her hair and clears her throat, beginning again, "Now as I was saying before being so rudely interrupted, " she throws a look at Ockham, "I have secured the city walls and hopefully the edges of the forest, but as I have said before, we are sorely lacking in trained Sheildsmen."

Sita carefully analyzed this new information; there had been an uprising of riots lately and increasing hostility against the capitol -- the threat of civil war was a dark, weighted cloud hovering ominously over the room.

The kingdom of Athgarnia was crumbling; its king was old and ailing and its heir apparent was a mere child. For miles in every direction, the greedy and ruthless could sense the opportunity. It wouldn't be a difficult thing to take the throne - become regent to the young prince and you would rule without opposition. However, there was the trifling matter of that meddling, strong willed, yet mysterious peasant man that seemed to have taken a silent vow to protect the boy. The man watched, the young prince cradled in his arms, as the possible regents bickered and squabbled over whom should be the regent. Sita Talon-Claw, the Prince's aunt, sat silent and watchful as a hawk over the proceedings.

"These 'men' are worse then spoiled children," she muttered under her breath just loud enough so the tiny prince's keeper could hear, for which she was rewarded with a grin. She kept her own face straight however, since if she gave any outward hint of her relationship with the Prince's guardian, she would be executed. Her sharp grey eyes darted from face to face of the hopeful regents, internally analyzing and ultimately rejecting each one.

Just then, the doors burst open, and a girl soaked with rain walked in. She shakes the droplets of water from her brown, wavy mane and boldly strides into the middle of the group, giving a quick bow instead of curtsy.

"You are late," Sita spoke imperiously to the new arrival.

"I know, I know, forgive me, I was...delayed," the girl replies with a grin and a wink at Liam.

"Well, you are here now, please proceed." Sita says. The new arrival flashed a cheeky grin at Sita before making her way to the center of the crowd.

"Hello everyone, I would just like to say that-" she starts, but one of the men cuts her off.

"Lady Sita," Barron Ockham interjects, "I must protest, the presence of this... girl is inappropriate in this court."

Sita bristled with anger and stood, making the men step back in awe of her power. "You will hold your tongue, Ockham! You forget who this girl is!" she snarled at the vain lord. "It would serve you well gentlemen, to remember that this girl is here on my personal invitation, and is -- if your narrow minds will allow you to recall -- leader of the City Shields!" Sita hid a triumphant grin as Ockham let slip a small snarl of indignation; it was unheard of for a woman to be made leader of the City Shields.

The girl flips her hair and clears her throat, beginning again, "Now as I was saying before being so rudely interrupted, " she throws a look at Ockham, "I have secured the city walls and hopefully the edges of the forest, but as I have said before, we are sorely lacking in trained Sheildsmen."

Sita carefully analyzed this new information; there had been an uprising of riots lately and increasing hostility against the capitol -- the threat of civil war was a dark, weighted cloud hovering ominously over the room.

A rider, a person who with magical being in them, one who delivers messages, soon came in with critical information, "August has not come back. We have not heard from her in a long time--someone must now go out and rescue the message, or we are all doomed." A stunned silence filled the room.

The kingdom of Athgarnia was crumbling; its king was old and ailing and its heir apparent was a mere child. For miles in every direction, the greedy and ruthless could sense the opportunity. It wouldn't be a difficult thing to take the throne - become regent to the young prince and you would rule without opposition. However, there was the trifling matter of that meddling, strong willed, yet mysterious peasant man that seemed to have taken a silent vow to protect the boy. The man watched, the young prince cradled in his arms, as the possible regents bickered and squabbled over whom should be the regent. Sita Talon-Claw, the Prince's aunt, sat silent and watchful as a hawk over the proceedings.

"These 'men' are worse then spoiled children," she muttered under her breath just loud enough so the tiny prince's keeper could hear, for which she was rewarded with a grin. She kept her own face straight however, since if she gave any outward hint of her relationship with the Prince's guardian, she would be executed. Her sharp grey eyes darted from face to face of the hopeful regents, internally analyzing and ultimately rejecting each one.

Just then, the doors burst open, and a girl soaked with rain walked in. She shakes the droplets of water from her brown, wavy mane and boldly strides into the middle of the group, giving a quick bow instead of curtsy.

"You are late," Sita spoke imperiously to the new arrival.

"I know, I know, forgive me, I was...delayed," the girl replies with a grin and a wink at Liam.

"Well, you are here now, please proceed." Sita says. The new arrival flashed a cheeky grin at Sita before making her way to the center of the crowd.

"Hello everyone, I would just like to say that-" she starts, but one of the men cuts her off.

"Lady Sita," Barron Ockham interjects, "I must protest, the presence of this... girl is inappropriate in this court."

Sita bristled with anger and stood, making the men step back in awe of her power. "You will hold your tongue, Ockham! You forget who this girl is!" she snarled at the vain lord. "It would serve you well gentlemen, to remember that this girl is here on my personal invitation, and is -- if your narrow minds will allow you to recall -- leader of the City Shields!" Sita hid a triumphant grin as Ockham let slip a small snarl of indignation; it was unheard of for a woman to be made leader of the City Shields.

The girl flips her hair and clears her throat, beginning again, "Now as I was saying before being so rudely interrupted, " she throws a look at Ockham, "I have secured the city walls and hopefully the edges of the forest, but as I have said before, we are sorely lacking in trained Sheildsmen."

Sita carefully analyzed this new information; there had been an uprising of riots lately and increasing hostility against the capitol -- the threat of civil war was a dark, weighted cloud hovering ominously over the room.

A rider, a person who with magical being in them, one who delivers messages, soon came in with critical information, "August has not come back. We have not heard from her in a long time--someone must now go out and rescue the message, or we are all doomed." A stunned silence filled the room.

Lord Ockham's ringing voice broke the silence, "And this is what happens when you allow a woman-a girl no less-to do a man's job!"

Sita's mind pricked with annoyance as her stomach twisted in a moment of panic -- her face all the while remained a perfect, emotionless mask. "This is in no way our Shield Captain's fault; I take full responsibility," she turned to the rider, "gather your most trusted men and send out a search party -- I want August found!"

The kingdom of Athgarnia was crumbling; its king was old and ailing and its heir apparent was a mere child. For miles in every direction, the greedy and ruthless could sense the opportunity. It wouldn't be a difficult thing to take the throne - become regent to the young prince and you would rule without opposition. However, there was the trifling matter of that meddling, strong willed, yet mysterious peasant man that seemed to have taken a silent vow to protect the boy. The man watched, the young prince cradled in his arms, as the possible regents bickered and squabbled over whom should be the regent. Sita Talon-Claw, the Prince's aunt, sat silent and watchful as a hawk over the proceedings.

"These 'men' are worse then spoiled children," she muttered under her breath just loud enough so the tiny prince's keeper could hear, for which she was rewarded with a grin. She kept her own face straight however, since if she gave any outward hint of her relationship with the Prince's guardian, she would be executed. Her sharp grey eyes darted from face to face of the hopeful regents, internally analyzing and ultimately rejecting each one.

Just then, the doors burst open, and a girl soaked with rain walked in. She shakes the droplets of water from her brown, wavy mane and boldly strides into the middle of the group, giving a quick bow instead of curtsy.

"You are late," Sita spoke imperiously to the new arrival.

"I know, I know, forgive me, I was...delayed," the girl replies with a grin and a wink at Liam.

"Well, you are here now, please proceed." Sita says. The new arrival flashed a cheeky grin at Sita before making her way to the center of the crowd.

"Hello everyone, I would just like to say that-" she starts, but one of the men cuts her off.

"Lady Sita," Barron Ockham interjects, "I must protest, the presence of this... girl is inappropriate in this court."

Sita bristled with anger and stood, making the men step back in awe of her power. "You will hold your tongue, Ockham! You forget who this girl is!" she snarled at the vain lord. "It would serve you well gentlemen, to remember that this girl is here on my personal invitation, and is -- if your narrow minds will allow you to recall -- leader of the City Shields!" Sita hid a triumphant grin as Ockham let slip a small snarl of indignation; it was unheard of for a woman to be made leader of the City Shields.

The girl flips her hair and clears her throat, beginning again, "Now as I was saying before being so rudely interrupted, " she throws a look at Ockham, "I have secured the city walls and hopefully the edges of the forest, but as I have said before, we are sorely lacking in trained Sheildsmen."

Sita carefully analyzed this new information; there had been an uprising of riots lately and increasing hostility against the capitol -- the threat of civil war was a dark, weighted cloud hovering ominously over the room.

A rider, a person who with magical being in them, one who delivers messages, soon came in with critical information, "August has not come back. We have not heard from her in a long time--someone must now go out and rescue the message, or we are all doomed." A stunned silence filled the room.

Lord Ockham's ringing voice broke the silence, "And this is what happens when you allow a woman-a girl no less-to do a man's job!"

Sita's mind pricked with annoyance as her stomach twisted in a moment of panic -- her face all the while remained a perfect, emotionless mask. "This is in no way our Shield Captain's fault; I take full responsibility," she turned to the rider, "gather your most trusted men and send out a search party -- I want August found!"

"Consider it done, my Lady," replies the rider, bowing out with a sweep of his cloak.

Sita turned her attention back to those in the room surrounding her, wondering how they would all react to her next statement.