A LACK OF HARMONY [Q]

[Hollow]

QUEST: Disperse the Riot in the Public Courtyard
HEROES: San Han Kama & Nam fo Enab.

It wasn’t everyday she was privy to the bitching of a Gado, but to say it was a totally rare occasion would be a lie. Her hunting party, one that had been outside the Kingdom on a three-day excursion for checking the prey bundles outside the fair Realm, had returned. And returned to what, one might ask? She could smile as she recalled the story.

Though her convoy had only been out to survey, they brought home small morsels and catches for the young and the old. In her own mouth she had between those ever-so-deadly jaws a relatively fresh hare. It was large and it was wholesome, a fit meal, and one caught on Kingdom soil just outside the Castle gates. Though it had never been her plan to carry home a catch (It was only because of the teasing her troupes gave her, “Donna, you aren’t going to bring something home yourself? What of the dear Yakuin?”) when they mocked her, it was in her to shut them up. Be it by a sudden rearing of a temper that would result in her whipping around and smacking the smirks off their faces, or by a sudden startling display as she lurched forward and caught in her teeth a plump creature, fit for a handsome meal. She was Ridohanta for a reason, and though they teased her womanhood and mocked her lack of age, and tested the fact she had not been in the Grace of the Kingdom for very long, she was worthy of her role as their leader… And hesitated not to remind them of that, the sassy pricks they were.

Yet, as the seven wolves came home, spring in their step and laughter and jokes parading… it seemed, almost, as if there was a taint in the air. Little children didn’t rush to the gates and welcome home the Hunters as they often did. Nosir. Instead she and her fellows were met by a burly looking Gado complaining of his duties while he relayed the current... 'situation' of the Public Courtyards. She listened to his rumbling, gravelly voice, narrowing her eyes in some places as she sensed an innate lack of duty in the individual. If he couldn‘t be bothered with his task, why should she? The way he spoke he seemed to think she cared for doing the work that was designated for him. And yet it was true. Good work did not go unseen. And if she desired Yakuin herself, to be an officer overworking all Hunters and their duties? Hmm… Good work was a requirement. Very much a requirement.

“Go home,” was the order she gave her convoy as she set the meal down for another of the hunters to carry on and away. As excited and content to be home as they were, they were weary and tired from the days of travel, scouting and the few moments of hunting. They were eager to get home, though anxious of the situation at hand. A situation she was sure she and these guards could disperse. Riots were funny little things. Hardly worth notice if they were snipped in the butt before they could blossom into true chaos and discourse. Intimidation was all that was necessary. Just a little… intimidation.

[CREATOR ( SH )UDDER]

[th] He only took the time to trivially think about the flaws everyone had passing him by, rather than the duties he was assigned for the day. Ogama had gotten lazy, only centering himself around unproductive activities such as random lingering in the private courtyard or harassing the young females. As a powerful entity, he wouldn't bother with petty problems from ones so much lower than himself but the little voice in his head, which taunted him with excruciating boredom told him to. There was nothing better to do, right? The voice of a distraught Gado caught his attention. The nerve he had, to complain of such easy duties but who was Ogama to talk? Wasn't he doing the exact same thing? He had assigned himself with a small duty and with an unlikely partner of all things. All though it would make things more interesting, the Ridohanta he was working with seemed slightly domineering. She gave off a tough air to herself, just his type! Guaranteeing himself he would disperse the riot and win the lady was all too reassuring. His made up mind would dare not change, in fear he would second guess himself. Nothing like giving yourself a fake ego boost before entering a potential battle field right? Those were only sweet words though, it was the action that needed to be done. "What a serious drag... seriously" he announced, setting a subtle frown on his face as he gazed at the Ridohanta. He didn't know what kind of reaction he would get from this female, but he felt like testing her patience. Something he usually did, whether or not he knew he was consciously doing it was his problem. The public courtyard was too far away, well not really, he was just being unrealistically lazy. It was getting unusually warm for fall, the breeze had died and the sun glared down harshly. Making him want to leave all the sooner. He slipped the black blades in and out of his mouth, salivating grossly as he did so and all the meanwhile giving a creepy smile to his temporary partner. His pink orbs gazed over the area, watching the very tip of the courtyard wall from afar. His listened contently, hoping the rioting wouldn't escalate to anything too disruptive for his own taste. It was too much of a hassle to get back up for something so passive such as this, he reassured himself that his own skills were enough to stop it completely and this random partnership was just for extra safe measures. He grunted lowly and turned around, facing the direction of the Courtyard smiling faintly at his partner. "Okay sweetcheeks, let's get this show on the road" He winked. x. muse: meh xx. word count: 451 xxx. ( no comment ) [atrb=border,0,true] [atrb=width,393,true] [bg=ab5b5b]

[Hollow]

It was amusing in a way, this Kingdom that thought itself best and superior. There were never any riots in her tribe were there? She could nearly laugh at the very notion and could imagine, in utter detail, what would happen if there ever was even the slightest idea of a coupe being planned. All those involved would have been killed. Their families, most likely, killed as well. It was a somewhat... oppressive environment but it worked. Superiors were respected, the hierarchy was unquestionably established and there was no upheaval of the 'peace'. The closest thing to a riot that she had ever witnessed in her homeland was a bit of an upset over the outcome of a bout. But even then they were wary around the King and bowed in respect of him and the decision of the duel. Maybe her family was one of tyrants and killers, but there was law and order beyond reprieve… and Na’en couldn’t help but think if the Kingdom practiced a more strict and cruel policy there would be less mischief and less… disturbances. Too bad the Dominus seemed to enthralled with getting their paws wet with the commoners instead of advising the Lords in more structured proclamation. But, alas, hmm? Alas.

She was surprised to learn that the Dominus would accompany her, and was... truly a bit... curious of it. It seemed strange a high officer would take up the task. Not that he won't make it easier, she admitted. San Ha Kama was an influential and famous man. Everyone knew his face, even she, a foreigner who had entered the Kingdom and had been placed within the serving officers for her skill and proficiency. Nam was confident that when the rioters saw the presence of such an important character they would realize the gravity and danger of their actions and disperse. Or they wouldn’t and she and the guards would help knock some sense into them. After all, the Dominus couldn’t be bothered with getting his paws too dirty, could he?

"Seriously." She cooed, letting her eyes roll just a bit, before the predatory pupils rested on the superior wolf yet again. She didn't hide curiosity - she very much was curious. She heard of him, knew of him by what others said. She never had met him personally. Would he live up to his reputation? Or was he yet another one of those politicians who were all word and conniving politics? Nam raised a brow as the young male as he played with his utensils. Perhaps appearances were deceiving. Maybe he was more a child than a politician.

"Just don't break a nail, cupcake." She replied, offering a unquestionably fake yet unquestionably big smile. Just as fast as she showed it, though, was just as fast as it faded away. She wasn't nervous about the riot or even anxious. But, he was right. The sooner it was done with, the better all would be. And from the sounds of things, now was the perfect time to make their ‘grand’ entrance. "Ladies first." She said after a moment more of listening, tilting her head at him and letting her eyes flick from him, to the main entrance to the courtyard. If anyone was going to enter the fray first and risk possible injury, she voted him. Maybe his cute grins and charming words would keep the mutineers at bay.

[CREATOR ( SH )UDDER]

[th] The gates of the public courtyard were large, made from wood and opened wide for all to see. It was blanly colorized, unlike the private courtyard there were many contrasts from the two. For starters, peasants could set their paws within these gates and god knows what has happened here. The Private courtyard was much more elegantly produced, the quality was by far a cleaner atmosphere. Not to say the public were dirty or anything. The grass was fairly green but the smell wasn't all that ravishing either. It pretty much screamed public gathering area which in all honesty made Ogama want to turn around and leave. The area was littered with shouting and scurrying bodies of the rioters. A few guards were struggling, well actually failing. The group was growing and it was getting louder every second they stood at the entrance. The rebels were annoying and they were a hassle, whatever they were rebelling against wasn't his problem. It was so terribly not important that even the Lords wouldn't get up and dust off their robes to appeal to such a nuisance. Eventually, they'd forget about it anyways, it's not like the public got what they wanted. Wasn't that how it worked around here? It wasn't terribly violent, mostly vandalism, maybe a few scratches or bruises but that's nothing a little healing couldn't fix. He scanned the area, searching for an opening, or perhaps his very presence would stop it completely. He was downsizing himself, shouldn't they stop as soon as he walked in? He was their superior, like a God! Ogama extracted his blades, they were long and upwardly shaped. Perfect for beheading the unexpected but he wouldn't be needing them here, say they were just for... intimidating the group. 'don't break a nail, cupcake' Ogama listened to the Ridohanta and smiled, "whatever you say sweetcheeks". He stepped into the courtyard, watching the very heart of the riot, if he wanted their attention he'd have to be verbal. Ogama glanced behind him, making sure he hadn't been deserted by his other. "OKAY ALL YOU LOSERS, BREAK IT UP... SERIOUSLY" his dominate voice bouncing off of the courtyard walls and echoing up into the sky. "don't make me carry all of your lazy asses out of here, move it!" couldn't have been said any better... seriously. x. muse: meh xx. word count: 457 xxx. ( no comment ) [atrb=border,0,true] [atrb=width,393,true] [bg=ab5b5b]

[Hollow]

She fell into step behind him with about a length of distance between them. She was there as a support, true, but... If he wanted to do all the work she wouldn't be insulted. As a matter of fact she could almost envision herself as his escort, more than anything. There to make sure that he had the proper image of an intimidating foe to behold, there to make sure he didn’t ruffle a hair out of place or, if he did, he wasn’t utterly pummeled by the mob present. Yet, walking with him into the public courtyard she offered somewhat of a frown. Examining the situation she was unimpressed and, to a lesser extent, disappointed. There was a bit of a scuffle going on between the guards and a few more of the willful wolves but all in all the riot was hardly a riot. It seemed a loud disagreement as wolves fussed over some topic even she wasn’t aware of. Then again maybe if she visited the courtyards more often she’d know. Maybe she’d even understand the civilian’s plight.

Yet, she was never interested in coming to the courtyards to mingle and mix and hear the latest news. She might come now and again between the hunts and patrols but… It was never her preference. Surprisingly or not she preferred being outside the Castle walls as often as she was permitted, rather than cooped inside among the common folk and soldiers. But, if she desired the role of Yakuin maybe she’d need to linger more within the palace walls. Maybe she even needed to be more… cordial to the politicians. Perhaps she needed to do more beyond her own role of Ridohanta. It was something to contemplate and she could not decide if she was truly willing to do all that needed to be done to be considered for the promotion. After all, as a Yakuin she would not be in the field as often as she now was. Though she would have more influence and power, she would no longer lead her own missions, no longer control the individual pawns. She would move groups, decide what the hunting parties did… But…

Nam took a seat behind and to the left of the Dominus. Flicking an ear to his ever rousing speech she eyed the mob and their reaction, reading their emotions and their interpretation of the message. He was intimidating, albeit it childlike, surely they would disperse instead of daring to go against the Lord’s Favored One? She assumed so but in an instant she realized that intimidating words simply weren’t going to cut it. Perking her ears up and tensing, the Ridohanta rose from her haunches and made a stand as it became evident the mob’s attention had turned and been captivated by the Noble. Captivated, yet not in a good way.

She heard the volleying call of one of those rioters who were a self-proclaimed ringleader. Snarling and snapping he named the Dominus a liar, a cheat, a scoundrel, a fool, a pompous ass, “Watch your filthy mouth.” She snapped upon hearing the insult thrown at the Noble. Nam’s voice was low and hellish as she narrowed her eyes and glared, her nose wrinkling into a snarl as teeth were shown and she appeared, quite seamlessly, a hellhound more than a wolf. “Before I rip your tongue out.” It wasn’t so much an idle threat as a legitimate one as she eyed this ringleader of theirs. She had no affinity to the Dominus but she respected what he was. He was her superior, as well as theirs. Though San Ha Kama was undoubtedly pompous and probably many of those other things they named him, they hadn’t the right to speak it so freely.

In a sheer moment, however, words changed from words to actions. A number of incensed wolves were lurching at Kama, and consequently the Ridohanta at his side. The guards were quick to tackle the wolves they could who were eager to get at the Dominus, and Nam herself pounced upon one of the hungry peasants, bringing the young male to the ground and biting him in a clear way to cause harm. But, that didn’t mean there weren’t other wolves after Kama’s blood. Out of the corner of her vicious eyes Nam could very well see a wolf snaking dangerously close to the Dominus’ long, sickly black blades.

[CREATOR ( SH )UDDER]

[th] The silence trickled through the group, they were silenced but they all gazed with harsh eyes and had frowns that really meant it. He had never seen such a distraught group of civilians and he eyed them cautiously as he stood somewhat within the walls of the courtyard. He could hear Nam creep up behind him quietly and he flicked his tail, something was going to happen. Something bad. The guards had backed off but the group still sat congregated together, starring vacantly at the Dominus before them. Were they shocked? Or just irritated? Ogama found himself dodging an attack from the side and quickly glancing over to Nam who had took one down already. It all happened within only a few seconds and his reflexes were the only thing guiding him along. Were they attacking him? Why? A thousand questions pooled into his mind as another array of attacks aimed for his very throat. He could hear their voices shouting in every direction, their physical attacks not quite as bad as the verbal. They were insulting his very position as a Dominus, his right to power was being questioned by the civilians. Damn peasants, they have no right to challenge my authority. Ogama powerfully jumped into the air as one of his attackers pounced furiously at him, dodging the attack he loosely cut the side of the stranger. "You guys think you're better than me?!" he laughed maniacally, stabbing another one. "I could do this all day!" There were no fatal wounds, just serious ones. He was not about to use the full extent of his abilities, maybe just... give them a taste. He had been stuck in that damn castle too long and the smell of battle was refreshing. Whatever they were whining about, they weren't about to get what they wanted. Oh no, he worked too hard to get where he was today and a bunch of rebels weren't about to ruin it for him. His ego was on the line, his reputation, his position... if the Lords ever found out he did a bad job of something so easy as this they'd have his ass for dinner. The thought was distracting, almost enough to accidentally get him gutted in the side if he wasn't careful. Ogama was only subtly surprised at the amount of skill they possessed, some of them had talent, but nothing compared to himself. Even the Ridohanta was skilled, which made him smile none the less. When this was over, he was going to take a nap. Yeah, that sounds about right. x. muse: meh xx. word count: 489 xxx. ( no comment ) [atrb=border,0,true] [atrb=width,393,true] [bg=ab5b5b]

[Hollow]

[th] The Huntress kept an eye on the Dominus’, though whether it was out of curiosity for if he could handle the situation or out of a watchfulness so he might not hurt himself was up for debate. It was very dangerous not to be focused on her own task at hand, she admitted, but she deigned herself more than capable of being a silent observer to the Ogama while she waged her own war on the protesters. Regardless, he needed to be watched. If a Dominus was harmed while she was present, what would that say of them both? Yet if all was victorious and she was at the side of victory with the Lord’s Favored One, what would that say? It would say noble things of her, if the Dominus could spare his pride and haughtiness long enough to mention her. Which she doubted. She never thought him (nor did he ever seem to be) a man interested in the course and ambition of others. He wouldn’t go out of his way to be a stepping stone, to help boost someone up… No sir. Not unless it profited him. That’s how all the nasty little politicians of the Kingdom worked. If she had it her way, this wolf on their back would have their throat slit along with the other rioters. It didn’t take much to do so. It didn’t take much, given the creature was pinned on their side with a pissed Ridohanta atop him. But, alas, it was not the Kingdom’s way. They shied from violence and murder, even if the display would be enough to quell any thought of another riot for months if not years. That didn’t mean, however, that she couldn’t bang the boy up. In fact the Gaurds were doing the same. They were beating those they caught before the mischief makers slipped through their grasp and ran off. Ran off. That was what the group was doing now. The weaker ones dispersed. The somewhat courageous ones fled. Before long it was only the one larger male that danced with the Dominus left, and the boy beneath Nam’s feat that remained. Na’en walked off the boy, eyeing him coldly as he flipped up and hustled away. Taking a seat outside the brawling ring she eyed the Dominus as he continued to dance and swirl, seemingly unaware that… the only threat remaining was the leader of the riot, who, too, didn’t notice that he was the only one remaining. She eyed the two fighters, raising a brow here and there at their fishy tactics and fascinating flourishes… Before she rose from her haunches and entered the fray herself. When the remaining enemy lunged at Ogama, the Ridohanta lunged at the male. Though she was not large, and though she was no where near as heavy as a male, where she hit and how she hit the rioter was enough to put him to the ground beneath her (as so many deer had fallen beneath her). She held the law violator there not with her brute strength, but with cold, vile eyes and a clear presence. ‘The battle is lost, you are hopeless’, was what her aura obviously spoke of as she remained atop the last perpetrator of crime, standing over him tensely with an obvious ability to react if the man decided to test his luck with the situation. “We should do something with him, Dominus.” She said after a moment, her eyes wandering away from the glistening eyes of the once fighting man as he heaved breaths and sweated with adrenalin, to her superior officer. Nam did not think it smart to disperse the riot as it was dispersed. She thought it would have been better to make each and every one examples. But, though that was not done, she did think in the very least some punishment should be made. Or would the Dominus tolerate such insubordination and insolence? The Huntress (for she was The Huntress) examined the white and black male with clear intensity. ‘What kind of leader are you? The one too weak?’ [atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,400,true][bg=#252e3d]

[CREATOR ( SH )UDDER]

[th] WORK IN PROGRESS x. muse: xx. word count: xxx. ( no comment ) [atrb=border,0,true] [atrb=width,393,true] [bg=ab5b5b]