Ser Roland Whitestark
White Kingdom | Location - Meeting Grounds | Mentions - All
Roland kept glancing back from where he came, hoping his companion would hurry up. He really had no clue who was joining him, having never met the person. He was slightly uncomfortable with this group, he knew no one here. From the sounds of it a few of these people where baseborn or close to it. Though they all won tourney's so there might be something in common. "I just entered, my father never really had an issue with it. Though I am his second son, so I can be expendable at times." He spoke gruffly and glanced back to his beasts. Seeing how very few had even brought mounts, he felt a little silly with two horses, a dog, a cat, and a hawk. Though in some aspects it made sense seeing as he had only one minor power to do with combat. Still he was raised as a squire and now was a knight. A knight was nothing without a horse.
He squatted down a little bit away from the group, unsure what to talk to about with the females. Roland had always been teased by his sisters for his lack of courtesy and flattery. Specter shove her nose into his chest, the white dog had rarely been on long journeys and seemed a little nervous. Roland himself had never left the four kingdoms and this quest might finally make him. All he had was within these borders, Roland was know within the kingdoms and had a reputation. Outside though he was no more than a rich man with a richer father who could pay a ransom.

Luce Dumont |Pink Kingdom | Meeting Grounds | Mentions: All

Luce laughed at Naeome’s comment. “I must confess, I had not considered whether you might be a fan of pain. But don’t worry,” she added, “my speciality is barriers - so if you aren’t seriously injured when you’re hit, I’m doing my job.”

The firebird’s amused snort drew a small smile, and her fingers fidgeted at her side. While her family had never been one for keeping a menagerie, she held a great appreciation for the natural beauty animals possessed - and the phoenix was a fine specimen, its shiny feathers a reflection of the care it received. In her mind, it was equally a sound way of judging Naeome, and she was pleased to see that the other woman appeared to be a friendly sort, if a touch sardonic.

And, unlike her companion, Naeome was willing to go along with her words - though Luce was not so thoughtless as to ignore the way Ryia stepped closer to her. Shadowing - that was the word, wasn’t it? The way a companion was expected to behave, but Luce hoped they would speak more, and her wish was granted when the Yellow Champion led them into discussing why they had been chosen.

Both Naeome and Ryia had simple enough stories of how they had been chosen, but it was Dakota’s tale which finally drew a frown, albeit a small one, to Luce’s lips. ”I’m sorry to hear that, though my story follows a similar vein. I was allowed to compete, unlike you, but no one was expecting me to win.” And then her face smoothed out, returning to its earlier friendly countenance as she tipped her head to the side with a cheeky grin, ”I guess they thought because my head is always up in the clouds I’d be utterly useless in a fight.”

Proved them wrong, didn’t I?

Of course, she was quick to divert off the subject when she noticed Roland unwilling to join in. Instead, as he moved away, she chased after him, her expression intent as she drew in the horde of animals he’d brought with him. ”So many! Are they all trained?”

She showed particular interest toward the feline - while she could understand its application as an exterminator of vermin, she was unsure of what use it could provide during their excursion. The horses made enough sense, and it was common enough for nobles to bond closely to their hunting hounds and hawks - but a cat? Surely there was a story behind it.

Naeome Kanore

17 ;; @ Meeting Grounds ;; Mentions ~ All

----

Naeome listened to the stories, nodding occasionally as she cataloged them in her head. "Don't judge your enemy by their armor." She laughed when Luce told her story. The moon-haired girl was only half listening to the conversation, scanning the area for any sign of others. It was unlike the Yellow Kingdom companion to show up later than the others. Bad military form. Perhaps something had happened?

Locking her eyes on Imogen's she delved into the firebird's mind. It was a roiling cloud of feathers and heat, as always. The natural shields animals seemed to have rose up, black tinged fire biting at the edges of Naeome's probing. She walked right through it, into the familiar feeling of settling her own consciousness over another's.

Projecting a vague sense of inquisition and seeking into the phoenix's mind, she waited until Imogen took flight (with a ruffle of her feathers and an indignant glare at being used for scouting), before returning to her own head. She noticed that Luce and the vaguely familiar man had moved a ways away, along with his veritable menagerie of animals. Naeome was slightly jealous.

Alsie, her hunting hound, had to be left at the palace, since 'she provides no real use on this journey'- her mother's words, not hers. Nordel was in the stable, the dappled stallion probably bored out of his mind and missing his stablemates. Kiesva was also left with Alsie, due to the falcon not getting along with Imogen. And in a fight, the temperamental firebird was undoubtedly the better choice. Shaking her head to clear it, she chided herself for the weak emotions and searched for a conversation starter.

"So what powers does everyone have?" Naeome asked, genuine curiosity in her tone. This was actually something she was interested in knowing.

Dakota Silver
Female | 19 Years | Location: Meeting Grounds | Mentions: All.

Dakota nodded her thanks to Angel when she stepped closer before listening to the others. "So far I've found that I have a total of 5 Powers. I have Enhanced Senses if I don't dull them like I currently am. I can Shift into any animal provided I've seen it before. I can also speak to animals if I'm shifted into the same species, so if I shifted to a bird I could speak with your Phoenix. I also have a enhanced strength provided I'm feeling a certain way. And I can control any form of water as well as change it's form should I please."Dakota says, quick to answer Naeome.

(On phone, ignore autocorrect's )

Luce Dumont | Pink Kingdom | Meeting Grounds | Mentions: All

Even with her attention focused on Roland, Luce was quick to catch Naeome’s question. Still, she wasn’t the first to answer, too focused on examining the animals that surrounded the White Kingdom’s Champion. It was only when she noticed a lapse in the conversation following Dakota’s explanation of her powers that Luce deigned to glance back toward Naeome with a somewhat sheepish grin.

”Barriers, like I said. We Dumonts are kind of known for our Barrier Maidens…” And then, hurriedly, because what if they thought she couldn’t even heal she added, ”But I can do other stuff too! Natural regeneration and a mass heal that’ll affect everyone - though my barriers are pretty weak after I cast it.”

In truth, she was relieved to have Ryia by her side. The Pink Kingdom was known for its healers, but her family had forsaken the art of healing to learn how best to prevent damage. In a land flooded with healers, it was a useful skill - but now, amongst people of opposing kingdoms, Luce was painfully aware of the expectation aimed at Pink natives. With Ryia and her working in tandem, their group would hopefully suffer no grievous injuries.

Altair Cruz | Yellow Kingdom | Meeting Grounds | Mentions: All

Altair’s arrival was spontaneous. Silent, smoothly, he stepped from the shadow of one of the stone monuments that surrounded the group. He had watched them gather in his ethereal form, had left his packmule stashed along a rarely-used bush trail. Regardless of how Naeome might react to his apparent tardiness, the truth of the matter was that he had used his powers to examine the group they were dealing with and would only now show himself as they grew restless.

Suspicions were quick to spark when one was too late, and he carried a genial smile on his lips as he walked closer, schooling an almost embarrassed expression onto his face. When he spoke, his voice was soft, the comfort of sun-warmed pebbles beneath a shallow stream. “Your Royal Highness, I apologize for my absence. I’m afraid the pack animal I had commandeered has a most terrible personality. I feared it might trample me before we arrived.”

There was no doubt he directed his speech toward Naeome, capping it off with a deep bow, his ponytail slipping down his shoulder, his bangs momentarily hiding his golden, gleaming eyes before he peeked up at her, almost playfully. ”I beg milady’s deepest of mercies for this grievous crime.”

Ser Rolland Whitestark
White Kingdom | Location - Meeting Grounds | Mentions - All
He kept an eye on the gathering group, not really sure what to make of them. Roland figured he should be able to trust them as they were all here to protect their homes and defeat the wizard. He heard Luce's question and thought about it for a moment. They had been trained to let him in with out a fight and they all seemed to know when to follow him. "Of course, both horses are trained for battle, the hawk and hound for hunting. The cat not so much, but she helps kept me warm on cold nights." He let out a loud whistle and Marjorie landed on his forearm. The bird saw Luce and stuck out her chest, preening her feathers. Roland watched her and laughed. "She gets a bit jealous sometimes."
He turned to Ryia and stood up. "Well normally I leave Pounce at home and sometimes Spector and Marjorie as well. Glory and Honor usually both come along as when I travel I tend to participate in tourneys." He towered over both of them and Ryia was rather tall anyway. He always stood taller than everyone, but to be fair he was half clanman and they all stood over six foot. He was also bulkier than them all, but once again the white kingdom were all bigger people. They had to be to survive the harsh climate. "But I wasn't sure where exactly we were going and if it got cold I would want my little heater." The cat in question was sleeping on the stoop of the hedge house, lounging in the sun.

Ser Roland Whitestark
White Kingdom | Location - Road/Meeting Grounds | Mentions - All
Roland though for a second, wondering how skinchangers were viewed in the other kingdoms. In the white kingdom they were rare and so people knew very little about them. Only when you went up to the clans, there was a sense of awe about them. "I'm a skinchanger and greenseer with a hint of telepathy. So I do suppose I am connected to them. I also have increased strength and stamina in battle." He had realized what Ryia had wanted him to share and so he gave it to them. The knight was feeling respect towards the pink companion, she knew not to pry and asked just enough so a simple answer would work.
Tying his hair back he spotted the yellow companion. He was not impressed with how the phoenix reacted. Roland based his opinions heavily on animals opinions, after all they really didn't have loyalties to uphold. Plus Naeome seemed to barely tolerate him. But he should be polite and introduce himself. "Glad to see you have joined us Altair, I'm Ser Roland Whitestark. I fear only my companion has yet to show." He had picked up the man's name in the Yellow Heir's speech.

Luce Dumont | Pink Kingdom | Meeting Grounds | Mentions: All

Luce laughed at Naeome’s comment. ”Glad to know I’m not alone in my struggles,” she answered. ”It seems the more powerful the magic, the more difficult it is to wield.”

She then turned her attention to Roland as he explained his reasoning for having brought the animals, as well as what each was trained to do. It made sense enough that the cat was a companion first and foremost, and she smiled when the hawk suddenly took to his arm. She was appreciative of the wicked talons that capped its toes and nodded to it politely. Perhaps it was strange to acknowledge an animal with respect, but Luce had read enough papers on the discussion of animal intelligence to know that magic could touch and change animals as easily as it changed humans - and surely it was right to treat these creatures as traveling companions, as they would likely provide as valuable as her human comrades.

”Lucky you, having a kitty to snuggle up with at night! I might have to steal her from you before this journey’s end.” She grinned as she said, a light-hearted jab at the fact that he out of all of them was perhaps the least alone - though others might argue that animals hardly counted as company. In truth, Luce found animals to be kinder, more understanding, than humans. They, at least, were not so quick to judge.

Still, she was quickly shaken from her thoughts with the arrival of the Yellow Companion. Her first thought was that surely he must share a complicated relationship with the Yellow Champion - at the very least, they obviously knew each other. ”And I’m Luce Dumont, the Pink Champion.” she added to Roland’s introduction. Then, turning back to Roland, she queried, ”Do you think perhaps something happened to them?”

Altair Cruz | Yellow Kingdom | Meeting Grounds | Mentions: All

Though Altair had schooled his face into that of the faithful servant, his mask cracked as a mirthful smile tugged on his lips at his lady’s words. ”Never would I refer to you as an animal, milady.” His voice dripped with feigned innocence, the unsaid words of, ”But others might.” hanging in the air around him.

As she turned from him in dramatized disappointment, he rose back to his full height, sweeping his bangs from his face with a careless hand. In this simple movement he glanced at the others that encircled him, drawing quick conclusions about each. Poison was as poison did, and so far none had mentioned an absolute resilience to toxins. Disturbing food supplies was a coward’s act, but Altair knew no shame - a coward’s way was far better than a dead man’s honor.

Of course, he was unable to truly formulate something of a plan to off their companions, as it was quickly evident that Naeome had brought her blasted hell bird with her. He jerked back as it flew for him, and only his knowledge that Naeome would likely stop it kept him from melting back into the shadows from whence he had first appeared. Still, he offered her a fatigued smile before casting a dour expression toward the bird. ”She’d best be careful before I use her as the centerpiece for our winter solstice dinner. I’ve never tasted firebird before.”

He took some of the heat from his words by sticking his tongue out at the nasty little creature, crossing his arms in a childish pout. On a grown adult man, it was a ridiculous pose, but that was what he aimed for.

At last, he sighed, turning toward the man who had greeted him and nodded back, much less concerned with showing respect toward a foreign royal. ”And a good day to you, Ser Roland, Lady Luce.” Turning back toward Naeome, he added, ”Do you see, milady? I am not the last - therefore I am not late.” And he grinned.

Naeome Kanore

17 ;; @ Meeting Grounds ;; Mentions ~ All

----

Naeome's laughter abruptly stopped, her eyes narrowing at his unspoken comment. "Mongrel." She scowled, only half joking. And then he made the mistake of provoking the already smoking firebird, murder glinting in Imogen's eyes. Naeome bushed a mental hand against the phoenix's mind and physically recoiled. The leap back had probably saved the group from being crisped into charred heaps of ash.

With an unearthly scream, Imogen opened her beak and blasted golden flames into the heavens, instantaneously turning herself and Naeome into a pillar of fire. Fast reflexes whipped the firebird's beak around, away from the humans. The sound of sizzling grass filled her ears. Desecrating a national monument. Good going, Imogen, she laughed in her head.

After a good minute, the fire was still spewing strong. Naeome squinted against the brightness, heat tickling at her skin. Briefly, she felt jealous of the phoenix's control. She herself would have burned out thirty seconds in. Still holding the enraged Imogen, she backed up another good twenty meters, leaving a charred expanse at her feet. Briefly, she toyed with the idea of throwing the phoenix into the river, but thought better of it.

"Altair don't be an idiot! Apologize!" Naeome yelled over the scream of the flames. "I'm not responsible for turning this place into a barbecue." She winced as the firebird let out another enraged shriek, flailing against the arms locking it in place. She couldn't even see past the column of flame she was trapped in. Gods, the bird had a terrible temper.

Ser Roland Whitestark
White Kingdom | Location - Road/Meeting Grounds | Mentions - All
Roland couldn't help but laugh at Luce's comment about taking Pounce. "I suppose you could try, though its up to Pounce. You don't own her, she owns you." If he learned anything from having pounce around him for the last ten years, it was that she would do what she wanted when she wanted. Pounce was a cat after all. He watched the yellow companion tease the firebird and the hot results.
Feeling a hand on his elbow, he glance down at a strange girl. Her face was vaguely familiar, though he couldn't come up with a name. Though before he could ask, the fire leapt in their direction. He shoved the tiny girl behind him, not wanting her to get injured. Marjorie had flown to the stones, staying away from the fire. Spector and Pounce barely seemed phased, but the horses where panicking. He rushing over to calm them down. Honor calmed down quickly, while Glory continued to freak. So Roland removed the packs on him, Glory held most of their supplies in saddle bags and sacks, he couldn't risk the horse losing them all. Not sure what to do, he went into the mind of the destrier and let his human body fall. He was going to stay in Glory until the firebird got under control.