The Grimm Wars: Winter is Coming

[York]

"Psst. Lorie."

It was Severus.

Still hooded, he glanced back and forth and swept back his covering before flashing the magus a charming smile as he raised a finger.

"I know what you might say and just so we can forestall any....Unnecessary remarks, let it be known that I have no intention of returning and to remain, I need help. Yours."

He beamed.

"Any questions? Oh, and I brought her with me."

He pulled back the cloak and pulled out the lantern in hand with a flourish.

@york @Gummi Bunnies​

Lorie Fisher

@Ringmaster @Gummi Bunnies

Lorie looked at the lantern curiously... She could already gather who Severus was referring to; the ghost girl from the court yard, she had quite a few questions about all of this actually, but, she started with a more straight forward one.

"I just... Don't understand why..." She said.

Though she knew he must have a good reason for this, Lorie couldn't understand why he didn't want to return to such a bustling city as Arandelle, even if there were some risks posed by staying there... Being out here couldn't possibly be any safer from those dangers, could it? Even though she had a few theories here and there, she could never be completely sure until she asked... After all.


​

 

[Gummi Bunnies]

"Psst. Lorie."

It was Severus.

Still hooded, he glanced back and forth and swept back his covering before flashing the magus a charming smile as he raised a finger.

"I know what you might say and just so we can forestall any....Unnecessary remarks, let it be known that I have no intention of returning and to remain, I need help. Yours."

He beamed.

"Any questions? Oh, and I brought her with me."

He pulled back the cloak and pulled out the lantern in hand with a flourish.

@york @Gummi Bunnies​

Lorie Fisher

@Ringmaster @Gummi Bunnies

Lorie looked at the lantern curiously... She could already gather who Severus was referring to; the ghost girl from the court yard, she had quite a few questions about all of this actually, but, she started with a more straight forward one.

"I just... Don't understand why..." She said.

Though she knew he must have a good reason for this, Lorie couldn't understand why he didn't want to return to such a bustling city as Arandelle, even if there were some risks posed by staying there... Being out here couldn't possibly be any safer from those dangers, could it? Even though she had a few theories here and there, she could never be completely sure until she asked... After all.


​

With her lantern kept in the hands of Severus, Haraise had no other choice but to follow, for her lantern was her closest thing to a physical form for the living to see. She cared little about the concerns spreading around Arendelle, for the safety of others or for peace in general. All that the spirit truly cared about was to find her killer and finally be granted eternal rest. If remaining with these people meant finding her killer, then Haraise would go and tolerate their own troubles until she can conclude her own.

In the matter of Severus planning to depart from Arendelle, Haraise didn't have a strong opinion on his decision and for Lorie's say in this, because she only wanted one thing out of this... and if it led to her ultimate desire, then yes, she'll be fine with it. The spirit only remained in silence, the lantern's flame keeping a steady light to signify her presence.

@york @Ringmaster​

 

[Schnee Corp Lawyer]

Bishop was currently away, traveling back even at that very moment after having escorted the party to the edge of the city outskirts. But Corrin would find someone else, in the form of an official(the selfsame one who had been taking down the names for the tournament). Having not met her, but judging from the quality of her funeral finery to be nobility, he was polite.

"Hello there. How may I be of service my lady?"​

She smiled slightly and nodded back. "Hi there. I don't think we've met but I'm Lady Corrin, of Hoshido. I was just curious; the first prize for the tournament is an old heirloom right? This is my first time in Arendelle, and I was just curious if you knew anything about it."

@Ringmaster​

 

[Ringmaster]

"Rile me up? If terrorize the citizens of proud Arendelle on the most tragic night they have certainly seen in many years is how riling is done, then yes, he very much did so," Keladry assured with a righteous conviction in her heart, "Chief Grishnu, my duties as a paladin are to protect those many who are unable to protect themselves and to vanquish the evil that attempts to seed the world with discord. In this case, I will take absolute pleasure in fulfilling the oaths that I swore."

Grishnu stroked his beard for a moment before stepping forward, removing from his belt the following. It was a notched tooth, carved in scrimshaw style now of a serpent coiled all around. Grishnu smiled.

"This young Paladin came from the jaw of a Jörmungandr-kin. A dragon of the seas that dwell far off, in the deep places. Where icebergs drift and other strange creatures live. I was a young man then and as it is now, our rite of passage depended on bringing some story of a monster we had slain in single combat and to bring back proof. Usually, we hunt the great bears or the dire wolves...I was not satisfied. I wanted to be the best in my generation and so I set off...Alone to hunt one of these great beasts."

He returned the tooth to his belt and chuckled.

"Sometimes, we are that boy out at sea. We defy the elements and dare to slay our monsters that we may prove our worth. Others are the monsters and in facing them, we become stronger for it. He is a formidable foe, but you will face this with courage. One way or another."

His eyes flicked to a ways past her as his brows furrowed in mild puzzlement.

"What do you suppose?"

He nodded in the direction behind her.

It was Corrin.

@The Tactician​

She smiled slightly and nodded back. "Hi there. I don't think we've met but I'm Lady Corrin, of Hoshido. I was just curious; the first prize for the tournament is an old heirloom right? This is my first time in Arendelle, and I was just curious if you knew anything about it."

And she was talking to the official, who brightened up at the opportunity to share.

"Oh, yes of course! The Ivory Crown of Arendelle has a long history, as it was discovered locked in a storeroom about....Six to seven months ago. It was actually this that prompted his lordship to use it as a prize, as it had no value beyond its antique status. No magic either, according to the wizard who examined it. Since then, we've kept it under lock and key."

Six or seven months ago...That in the notes left behind by their group who examined, would have been the moment the poison build-up had began. It fit in the time frame certainly.

@Schnee Corp Lawyer

​

Lorie looked at the lantern curiously... She could already gather who Severus was referring to; the ghost girl from the court yard, she had quite a few questions about all of this actually, but, she started with a more straight forward one.

"I just... Don't understand why..." She said.

Though she knew he must have a good reason for this, Lorie couldn't understand why he didn't want to return to such a bustling city as Arandelle, even if there were some risks posed by staying there... Being out here couldn't possibly be any safer from those dangers, could it? Even though she had a few theories here and there, she could never be completely sure until she asked... After all.

With her lantern kept in the hands of Severus, Haraise had no other choice but to follow, for her lantern was her closest thing to a physical form for the living to see. She cared little about the concerns spreading around Arendelle, for the safety of others or for peace in general. All that the spirit truly cared about was to find her killer and finally be granted eternal rest. If remaining with these people meant finding her killer, then Haraise would go and tolerate their own troubles until she can conclude her own.

In the matter of Severus planning to depart from Arendelle, Haraise didn't have a strong opinion on his decision and for Lorie's say in this, because she only wanted one thing out of this... and if it led to her ultimate desire, then yes, she'll be fine with it. The spirit only remained in silence, the lantern's flame keeping a steady light to signify her presence.

"Because I'm not planning on making myself a sitting duck, not when I can do much more good here."

Severus said swiftly as he added.

"I've been checking the charts. I think I might be able to lead us via a shortcut, it'll shave off our time considerably though it'll be more dangerous. An underground route, through an old mine shaft. If we go the way we intended, then it'll take us through Fae-lands. And I need not share stories about them to tell you how wary we'd have to be then! And besides that, like I said...I'm fluent in many languages and studies."

He flashed a grin beneath his hood and patted the lantern.

"Consider this my graduation?"

Beat.

His shoulders slumped slightly as he added more honestly.

"And I couldn't stand being there, when I feel I could do more here with what I know."

@york @Gummi Bunnies
​

 

[York]

"Because I'm not planning on making myself a sitting duck, not when I can do much more good here."

Severus said swiftly as he added.

"I've been checking the charts. I think I might be able to lead us via a shortcut, it'll shave off our time considerably though it'll be more dangerous. An underground route, through an old mine shaft. If we go the way we intended, then it'll take us through Fae-lands. And I need not share stories about them to tell you how wary we'd have to be then! And besides that, like I said...I'm fluent in many languages and studies."

He flashed a grin beneath his hood and patted the lantern.

"Consider this my graduation?"

Beat.

His shoulders slumped slightly as he added more honestly.

"And I couldn't stand being there, when I feel I could do more here with what I know."

@york @Gummi Bunnies​

Lorie Fisher
@Ringmaster @Gummi Bunnies

Lorie nodded... She understood that while Arandelle seemed like the safest place to be, in light of what was happening... Perhaps she herself, could make herself more usefull to Arandelle, by following Severus on this little venture, even if she might be hesitant to call this sort of thing "little". The journey he described does indeed seem like a bit of trouble, but, if he was right about that shortcut... Maybe it was for the best that she had agreed to join him; even if it poses more risk than she was used to... The sooner they could finish their business out here, the sooner they might be able to save Arendelle from whatever might be coming, as right now... She had not much of a clue what evils might be lurking in the shadows, waiting for the right opportunity to pounce, and topple the kingdom of Arendelle, as well as many more like it in the future.

What Severus said last made Lorie smile, even if it was a very subtle one, from a distance, it may even be a bit difficult to tell she was even smiling in the first place.

"I feel the same way." She said.

It was true... Though she would have liked to stay in Arendelle and help defend against anything that might be coming for the Kingdom, she knew she wouldn't be able to be as usefull as she would have liked there, she couldn't stand staying put when she knew there were more complicated matters at hand. She had to find out more about this whole situation, somehow... And she was beginning to wonder if Soothsayers alone, will be able to give her the information she so desperately needed.
​

 

[Khan of the Mardu]

Grishnu stroked his beard for a moment before stepping forward, removing from his belt the following. It was a notched tooth, carved in scrimshaw style now of a serpent coiled all around. Grishnu smiled.

"This young Paladin came from the jaw of a Jörmungandr-kin. A dragon of the seas that dwell far off, in the deep places. Where icebergs drift and other strange creatures live. I was a young man then and as it is now, our rite of passage depended on bringing some story of a monster we had slain in single combat and to bring back proof. Usually, we hunt the great bears or the dire wolves...I was not satisfied. I wanted to be the best in my generation and so I set off...Alone to hunt one of these great beasts."

He returned the tooth to his belt and chuckled.

"Sometimes, we are that boy out at sea. We defy the elements and dare to slay our monsters that we may prove our worth. Others are the monsters and in facing them, we become stronger for it. He is a formidable foe, but you will face this with courage. One way or another."

His eyes flicked to a ways past her as his brows furrowed in mild puzzlement.

"What do you suppose?"

He nodded in the direction behind her.

It was Corrin.

@The Tactician​

And she was talking to the official, who brightened up at the opportunity to share.

"Oh, yes of course! The Ivory Crown of Arendelle has a long history, as it was discovered locked in a storeroom about....Six to seven months ago. It was actually this that prompted his lordship to use it as a prize, as it had no value beyond its antique status. No magic either, according to the wizard who examined it. Since then, we've kept it under lock and key."

Six or seven months ago...That in the notes left behind by their group who examined, would have been the moment the poison build-up had began. It fit in the time frame certainly.

@Schnee Corp Lawyer

​

"Because I'm not planning on making myself a sitting duck, not when I can do much more good here."

Severus said swiftly as he added.

"I've been checking the charts. I think I might be able to lead us via a shortcut, it'll shave off our time considerably though it'll be more dangerous. An underground route, through an old mine shaft. If we go the way we intended, then it'll take us through Fae-lands. And I need not share stories about them to tell you how wary we'd have to be then! And besides that, like I said...I'm fluent in many languages and studies."

He flashed a grin beneath his hood and patted the lantern.

"Consider this my graduation?"

Beat.

His shoulders slumped slightly as he added more honestly.

"And I couldn't stand being there, when I feel I could do more here with what I know."

@york @Gummi Bunnies
​

"Impressive, Chief."

The reserved smile and slight widening of her pupil in amazement only barely touched upon the sheer awe she found herself immersed in. She had studied the old texts and legends, recalling the tales that the old Viking legends recounted of the beast known as the World Serpent and the real world beasts named after the terrifying figures. Rumored to be the unleasher of Ragnarok and the god of thunder's arch-nemesis, the mythical terror's actual manifestations were just as vicious if less wondrous in their power.

And standing before her, leading an entire clan of proud warriors, was one of the few men who could claim to have struck down such a beast. It was quite an amazing feat, one that she could only hope to meet.

"I doubt that my actions will match your deeds. My foe is a man, one who spreads discontent and disharmony among the good people of our lands, certainly, but a man none the less, while yours, sir, was not only a beast, but a force of nature. Your deed was truly one of great ability and prowess, to be celebrated with many years during and after your life. Mine shall only be correcting one heathen's outrageous behavior."

That truly was all it was. The Black Knight was just another man, no more and no less. While his reputation may have been fierce, he was still as fragile as any other soldier on the field of battle.

As Grishnu addressed his question not to Kel but to someone standing behind the lady knight, she turned her head and noticed that Corrin had been waiting. With a bow of her head, Kel stepped aside, believing that the royal lady wished to speak to the chief, "I am honored, Lady Corrin."

Listening as Corrin did indeed have a question for the Viking, Kel remained silent as the two discussed the prize of the tournament. She noted the coincidental date of the crown's discovery, though the connection to the poison was not made in her mind. If the mages had stated it was not magical nor valuable in any way, then it seemed just that, a coincidental thing.

@Schnee Corp Lawyer @Ringmaster
​

 

[Schnee Corp Lawyer]

And she was talking to the official, who brightened up at the opportunity to share.​

"Oh, yes of course! The Ivory Crown of Arendelle has a long history, as it was discovered locked in a storeroom about....Six to seven months ago. It was actually this that prompted his lordship to use it as a prize, as it had no value beyond its antique status. No magic either, according to the wizard who examined it. Since then, we've kept it under lock and key."​

Six or seven months ago...That in the notes left behind by their group who examined, would have been the moment the poison build-up had began. It fit in the time frame certainly.​

Corrin scratched her chin as she listened. Well there was no way that was a coincidence. Well... ok, no it could definitely be a coincidence, but if she was looking for suspicious timings that had to count, right?

"...Are signups for the tournament already set in stone?" she asked, before-​

As Grishnu addressed his question not to Kel but to someone standing behind the lady knight, she turned her head and noticed that Corrin had been waiting. With a bow of her head, Kel stepped aside, believing that the royal lady wished to speak to the chief, "I am honored, Lady Corrin."​

"huh?" She hadn't even realized that the chief had been talking to her and turned at the greeting towards Kel and the viking. "Oh, uhm, me too. I mean I am also honored. Did you two need something?"

@The Tactician @Ringmaster​

 

[Ringmaster]

In the lonely courtyard, a bard is paid for her voice by off-duty guards. Breathing deeply, something stirs in the wind and like all Arendelle folk, she listens to its whispers. The song....Yes. For some reason, it seems fitting above all. When she sings, her voice rings clear and all stop to listen, as it carries over tower. Over thatched roof and over sea, where smoke rises yet from the burning ship pyre of the King and Queen.

To Elsa, upon the tower as she stares out at the kingdom in which she must rule.

In the distance, as the Black Knight kneels in meditation, the music prompting him to turn his gaze to the kingdom as he sees the smoke rise and thinks of times of old.

To those who seek to heal these new wounds.

And those who seek to tear it down.

"Home is behind....The world ahead."

The story thus far....

It has been barely a day since the bodies of the Rulers of Arendelle had been given a proper burial. Death walks the frostbitten lands now and there is an air of suspicion now. Assassination, one that could have only been done by one of their own or instigated perhaps by those who they welcomed as guests. A fact emphasized by the fact that the poison took months to prepare for.

Coincidentally, around the time in which the tournament was decided to be held.

At the kingdom itself, Princess Corrin seeks to uncover the truth alongside her allies. Dame Kel prepares herself for the arrival of the Scourge of Knighthood, the Black Knight as Princess Keladry watches on in worry.

"And there are many paths to tread."

Far away, Prince Severus sends a prayer to any god who watches that they may accomplish their goal.

Night is coming and the stars are gone.

"Through shadow. To the edge of night! Until the stars are all alight."

Dark things creep.

Kaze, riding near the front holds up a fist for silence and pause.

"Mist and shadow. Cloud and shade."

The horses are spooked. Their nostrils flare and their hooves paw the ground. More cagey and experienced veterans place their hands on their swords.

"All shall fade."

There's a smell of carrion and then one of their number falls over, screaming as his hands shoot to his face, his eyes clawed out as roars emerge from the underbrush and the ground shakes.

"All shall....."

Ambush! To arms!

"Fade."

And now, back to our story.

----------
​

"...Are signups for the tournament already set in stone?" she asked

"Oh not at all! There's still time, if you've a candidate you wish to forward!"

The little man said cheerfully.

The Viking Chief on the other hand seemed to be in deep thought. The music had stirred something in him and there was something in the wind....Something wrong.

He turned to the people present and bowed his head.

"Forgive this old man. But I must attend to my people. There's something in the wind and the dark approaches far too quickly for my liking."

A storm was coming and dark clouds were gathering as far as the eye could see.

@The Tactician @Dec @Gummi Bunnies @DapperDogman @Chewy Rabbits. @C.T. @OrlandoBloomers @Schnee Corp Lawyer @Indolent​

 

[York]

In the lonely courtyard, a bard is paid for her voice by off-duty guards. Breathing deeply, something stirs in the wind and like all Arendelle folk, she listens to its whispers. The song....Yes. For some reason, it seems fitting above all. When she sings, her voice rings clear and all stop to listen, as it carries over tower. Over thatched roof and over sea, where smoke rises yet from the burning ship pyre of the King and Queen.

To Elsa, upon the tower as she stares out at the kingdom in which she must rule.

In the distance, as the Black Knight kneels in meditation, the music prompting him to turn his gaze to the kingdom as he sees the smoke rise and thinks of times of old.

To those who seek to heal these new wounds.

And those who seek to tear it down.

"Home is behind....The world ahead."

The story thus far....

It has been barely a day since the bodies of the Rulers of Arendelle had been given a proper burial. Death walks the frostbitten lands now and there is an air of suspicion now. Assassination, one that could have only been done by one of their own or instigated perhaps by those who they welcomed as guests. A fact emphasized by the fact that the poison took months to prepare for.

Coincidentally, around the time in which the tournament was decided to be held.

At the kingdom itself, Princess Corrin seeks to uncover the truth alongside her allies. Dame Kel prepares herself for the arrival of the Scourge of Knighthood, the Black Knight as Princess Keladry watches on in worry.

"And there are many paths to tread."

Far away, Prince Severus sends a prayer to any god who watches that they may accomplish their goal.

Night is coming and the stars are gone.

"Through shadow. To the edge of night! Until the stars are all alight."

Dark things creep.

Kaze, riding near the front holds up a fist for silence and pause.

"Mist and shadow. Cloud and shade."

The horses are spooked. Their nostrils flare and their hooves paw the ground. More cagey and experienced veterans place their hands on their swords.

"All shall fade."

There's a smell of carrion and then one of their number falls over, screaming as his hands shoot to his face, his eyes clawed out as roars emerge from the underbrush and the ground shakes.

"All shall....."

Ambush! To arms!

"Fade."

And now, back to our story.

----------
​

"Oh not at all! There's still time, if you've a candidate you wish to forward!"

The little man said cheerfully.

The Viking Chief on the other hand seemed to be in deep thought. The music had stirred something in him and there was something in the wind....Something wrong.

He turned to the people present and bowed his head.

"Forgive this old man. But I must attend to my people. There's something in the wind and the dark approaches far too quickly for my liking."

A storm was coming and dark clouds were gathering as far as the eye could see.

@The Tactician @Dec @Gummi Bunnies @DapperDogman @Chewy Rabbits. @C.T. @OrlandoBloomers @Schnee Corp Lawyer @Indolent​

Lorie Fisher
@The Tactician @Dec @Gummi Bunnies @DapperDogman @Chewy Rabbits. @C.T. @OrlandoBloomers @Schnee Corp Lawyer @Indolent @Ringmaster

Something was off... And Lorie could almost feel it, a strange coldness coursing through her body that made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up, it didn't help that a storm was coming, dark clouds were gathering as far as she could see out the window of the building she was in. Though she had Severus, and that ghost girl with her, she couldn't help but feel a strange unease about the whole situation. It wasn't long before her thoughts wandered towards the possibility of something terrible comeing their way, and began to wonder if staying here, was such a good idea...

"... I don't think we'll be safe here anymore..." She said quietly.

Despite this, Lorie made no motions to get up, not yet anyways, but it was apparant that she was restless none the less, not sure if she should greet whatever threat might be coming for them with searing flames... Or just a hasty retreat.






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