Private Tales Another One?

A private roleplay only for those invited by the first writer

Sung Chei

The Mist
Member
Messages
253
Character Biography
Link
Sung Chei was tired of being chased. He’d escaped from the same hunters eighteen times in the past couple of months, and he was getting really sick and tired of their persistence. He wore his armor as usual, hidden under a cloak now. The only thing that could outwardly draw attention to him was his odd appearance and his Ji weapon, an Eastern halberd with two crescent blades on either side of a spearhead. Other than that he appeared normal.

He had walked into the walled town with the entrance fee paid. He was an honest man, so any legitimate taxers on the road would be paid, any false ones would likely be butchered. But he wasn’t concerned about that for the moment. So he walked through the streets to an inn and ordered a meal and a room for the night. He was halfway done with his meal when the mercenary Captain that had been hunting him sat directly across from him.

“Well well, we’ve caught up to you again. How you gonna run this time? Or are you finally gonna come quietly?” The captain asked.

“Neither.” He said simply. “The choice is yourself, leave me alone or die. I’ve gotten tired of sparing you and your goons only to be chased again.”

The captain drew his sword, and the sound of numerous swords being drawn could be heard throughout the room, silence ensued. “You are a lot dumber than I thought you were.”

“Am I?”

The man thrusted his sword, which was easily redirected with his hand, then he was punched harshly, his two first knuckles hitting him right where the mustache would be, and his skull jumped back off of his spine, an instant death. He stood up, and didn’t even mess with his weapons. The horde of fifteen attackers came at him at once, and he blurred between them, his legs flying along with his hands, snapping necks and breaking bones. Within a few minutes, all fifteen assailants lay dead on the floor. Looking up he saw a crowd of people pressed against the back wall, since he stood between them and the exit. A few people had gotten out, and soon armed guards came in to make the arrest, he didn’t fight them, they weren’t his enemy.

He was brought to a cell to await a hearing. Where his fate would be decided.
 
  • Yay
Reactions: Esmeralda
In the past week Esmereldas schedule had been fully booked, she was constantly answering letters, building alliances and all whilst trying to find out more information about a possible threat across the sea. Besides that her dragon egg would hatch soon and she knew of those visiting her kingdom whom did not approve of her peoples customs and beliefs.

Eventually the princess was granted a day of peace, which she had spent quietly reading poetry in her private library. That was until a member of her wolf guard entered, telling her of a traveler whom had for a while been terrorizing the region.

Thus she was to have an audience with the man, hear his side of the story before deciding the prisoners fate.

Esmerlade dressed into the appropriate clothing's, they spoke of this man being some kind of soldier? Something of the sort....

Esmerelda donned a formal dress, her hair had been done into a low bun, she donned her jewels and crown and took her place on her throne.

The throne room was massive, it was not only built this way for events but also when a ruler was to deal with such situations. The marble floors and white stone walls made the space even bigger. The rooms size was meant to intimidate prisoners, allow them the realization that in her kingdom, they were small, replaceable.

The prisoner was brought forward in shekels and placed on his knees, the guard who brought him in pulled on his hair, forcing him to look at the queen. "Speak." the guard scoffed.
 
The prisoner was brought forward in shekels and placed on his knees, the guard who brought him in pulled on his hair, forcing him to look at the queen. "Speak." the guard scoffed.

"For what purpose?" He asked simply. "Is silence insufficient?"

He wasn't going to cause any trouble, not anymore than he had already. Or rather, cause more trouble than what had followed him. Now he wasn't going to put up with everything, but he wasn't going to be an inconsiderate prick either.

The man on his knees clearly wasn't intimidated. He wasn't resisting but he wasn't intimidated either. And he let them know it.
 
Esmerelda eyed the man in front of her.

He had a fighting spirit, she would give him that much but that would play no roll in her judgment.

Something about this man did intrigue her though, she just could not put her pretty finger on why.

"You have been arrested and brought to trail on the account of murder, how do you plead sir?"
 
  • Devil
Reactions: Sung Chei
Esmerelda eyed the man in front of her.

He had a fighting spirit, she would give him that much but that would play no roll in her judgment.

Something about this man did intrigue her though, she just could not put her pretty finger on why.

"You have been arrested and brought to trail on the account of murder, how do you plead sir?"

"Well, I was in the tavern, and I killed fifteen men, in front of several witnesses. I doubt how I plead matters." He said simply. Not in a taunting or disrespectful way, it was just a statement.

"If you want to know exactly what happened and why I can tell you."
 
Esemereldas wolf guard growled and in a love voice he spoke, "you will address our queen with respect you -"

Esmerelda lifted her hand softly and her guard backed down.

She stood from her throne, "leave us." She commanded.
"But my queen, he is a dangerous criminal you could-"
Esmerelda stopped her wolf guard mid sentance, "The man is in shakels." She took a step closer to Sung Chei and slowly circled him. "Leave us," she said once again and this time the guards did not question. Esmerelda was trained in hand to hand combat... viking blood was something that could never be bred out.

"Please stand," she said to Sung Chei. Now she turned to one of her ladies maids standing in a corner behind her throne, "bring the man a glass of water." The maid scurried off.

Esmerelda once again took her seat on her throne, "now elberate as to why you felt necessary to murder 15 men."

During the entire scene that had unfolded Esmerelda remaind gracefull, none would say she had pure viking blood running through her vains if they were only to judge her based on her composure and the way in which she carried herself.
 
  • Devil
Reactions: Sung Chei
Esmerelda once again took her seat on her throne, "now elberate as to why you felt necessary to murder 15 men."

"Of course." He said simply, following her bid to stand up. "They were hunting me you see. Me and a warlord from my homeland don't exactly get along, he hired these fifteen men to kill me or bring me back. I had simply gotten tired of slipping away only to be found again, figured I might as well get rid of them for good."

He remained just as composed as she, about her hight but significantly more dense. He clearly wasn't worried about what she might do. If he absolutely had to, he'd just beat his way past her guards and out of the city.

But, if it went well, maybe she could help him with his problem.
 
  • Sip
Reactions: Esmeralda
Esemerelda nodded, "Understandable but not acceptable."
Her head now tilted slightly and a devious smirk quickly crossed her face. "I know have to final questions for you which will decide your fate."

A sullen expression now reasted on her tan face, "Firstly, why do you feel it is acceptable to spill the blood of possible allies of mine? Secondly," she leaned forward, her warrior nature came through now and all composure was lost, an elbow rested on her throne as she leant forward and stared Sung Chei directly in his eyes with her pearcing blue ones. "What exactly are you doing in my Kingdom besides running from warlords and slaughtering your enemies?"
 
  • Bless
Reactions: Sung Chei
A sullen expression now reasted on her tan face, "Firstly, why do you feel it is acceptable to spill the blood of possible allies of mine? Secondly," she leaned forward, her warrior nature came through now and all composure was lost, an elbow rested on her throne as she leant forward and stared Sung Chei directly in his eyes with her pearcing blue ones. "What exactly are you doing in my Kingdom besides running from warlords and slaughtering your enemies?"

He met her gaze evenly and unafraid. "I sincerely doubt that they are allies of yours, the warlord I am trying to escape is based across the eastern sea, a map you westerners wouldn't recognise. It's highly improbable that you know of such people, I would be surprised if you did." He started calmly. "And to be fair, I had attempted to simply escape them several times before I decided escaping was pointless, and before you ask how many times, I lost count at around forty. Really, killing them was the only remaining option."

"That answers your first question, and to answer your second, I'm a monk, I wander, to nowhere specific, really, I don't have any specific business in your lands, this is just where the road has taken me, nothing more. And believe me when I say I only kill if I must."
 
  • Devil
Reactions: Esmeralda
Esmerelda nodded, she already had threat across the see but judging from Sung Chai told her they would not be a problem , not in the near future alteast.

"Normally I would have you executed at this very moment for crimes of your degree," Esmerleda stood up , "Sir Robert."
A guard walked through the doors and entered. "Unchain him." The guard with a concerned look on his face did as his queen comanded and stepped back.

"You are free to go." Esmerelda then stood , nodded towards her servents and turned to leave.
 
  • Popcorn
Reactions: Sung Chei
"You are free to go." Esmerelda then stood , nodded towards her servents and turned to leave.

He cocked an eyebrow, as if he didn't believe her, and appeared as though he were trying to think, why would she let him go. If she'd sentenced him to a few years in prison he'd have complied, but being set free? What was her game?

He decided to ask outright. "What's the catch? You said so yourself normally you'd have me exacuted, in extenuating circumstances maybe only a few years in prison but being outright released? That doesn't seem to make much sense. So what is it you want out of me in exchange?"
 
He was smart. Exactly what Esmerelda needed. She stopped in her tracks, turning to face him. "A servant will escort you to my private study, there we will discuss matters further."

With that Esmerelda slipped away.
A young, fair skinned girl with curly aubern hair approached Sung Chei, "this way sir."

She led him down a hallway, they passed many rooms. Some doors shut and others with mearly an archway entry. The walls of the hallway wear decorated with paintings of the ocean , not one similar to the next, and strange artifacts were mounted in betwen.

As they passed each room you could see a consistent pattern, grey or white marble floors with soft pastel tones painting the walls and furs decorating the floors.

Eventually they stopped infront of a closed door, "The Queen will meet you shortly. Tea is being prepared."

The servant girl opened the door and shut it again once Sung Chei was inside.

The queens study was beautiful. A warm fire was on the go in a half circle shaped fireplace made entirely of stone. A large white fur took up majority of the floor. The walls were alighned with bookshelfs that were full to the brim and to chairs were seated infront of the queens desk. The view behind her seat was magnificent. Large windows exposed a beautiful, perfectly maintained rose garden with flowers in each color nature provided.


There Sung Chei would wait until Esmerelda made her appearance
 
He followed the girl through the halls, and into the Queen's Study. He politely thanked the girl and patiently waited for her to arrive. While she was gone he'd spend some time looking around and taking in the details of his surroundings. And of course, keeping an ear out for when she came around.

When she did, she'd find him calmly and relaxedly moving about the room in inspection. Curious but far from malicious.
 
"I see you have taken interest in my collections," Esme takes her seat behind her desk and gestures to an open chair. "Please sit."

Esmerelda was much more at ease in her private study, nobody, not even her maids were allowed to enter without permission first, when it came to cleaning, the queen only allowed the castles matron to do so. She had grown up with Mrs Trusky, the women knew her ways and the ways of the family in which she served. Esmes private study was exactly that, private.


Now was time to get down to some questions. Esmerelda needed to find out if this man was the guy for the job. She needed to know his talents, skill sets, political stance ( though she doubted he had any ) , etiquette and then would she know if she made the correct decision , if he wasnt the right fit then as a good ruler would do, make an alley out of him.
"Introductions are in order, do tell me your name and a bit about yourself."

Esmerelda knew these were out-of-ordenary unproper questions to ask but she had a deadline.
 
  • Popcorn
Reactions: Sung Chei
"I see you have taken interest in my collections," Esme takes her seat behind her desk and gestures to an open chair. "Please sit."

He wordlessly obliged her. Sitting down in the free chair across from her, and waiting for her to tell him what she wanted, but it seems she had a few more questions first.


Now was time to get down to some questions. Esmerelda needed to find out if this man was the guy for the job. She needed to know his talents, skill sets, political stance ( though she doubted he had any ) , etiquette and then would she know if she made the correct decision , if he wasnt the right fit then as a good ruler would do, make an alley out of him.
"Introductions are in order, do tell me your name and a bit about yourself."

Esmerelda knew these were out-of-ordenary unproper questions to ask but she had a deadline.

He answered, "my name is Sung Chei of Xian Kin province in the east. I, as I told you before, am a wandering monk. I've practiced the art of combat from the moment I could stand in pursuit of physical perfection, as is the goal of all monks where I come from."

He didn't really know what else to tell her. He had no intention of sharing his history with her, that was his business.
 
Esmerelda took this information in and followed with more questions.

"Firstly, as a monk, you may not take a wife or persue a women if I am correct?"
She surely hoped not. "Secondly, I wish to ask a favor of you, if you accept what would you want in return."

There was a knock on the door, a voice spoke from the other side, "your tea your majesty."

"Come in."

A servent set down the tea infront of them and scurried off.

"Plesse do help yourself," Esmerelda took a sip of her own cup, set it town and looked back to Sung Chei , "My final question for you is what are your plans forward when you leave my kingdom?"
 
  • Thoughtful
Reactions: Sung Chei
"Firstly, as a monk, you may not take a wife or persue a women if I am correct?"
She surely hoped not. "Secondly, I wish to ask a favor of you, if you accept what would you want in return."

He cocked an eyebrow. "Well, it depends on what doctrine you follow. Since I left the monastery, I am no longer bound by monastic rules, technically speaking I am not a monk in the sense that they are, but rather, for my people, it's more of a trade than anything, so technically I could pursue a woman and not encroach on my monastic ways, but I have yet to really try. Why do you ask?"

"Well seeing as you're letting me off the hook I think I owe you a little don't I? What is this favour."


"Plesse do help yourself," Esmerelda took a sip of her own cup, set it town and looked back to Sung Chei , "My final question for you is what are your plans forward when you leave my kingdom?"

"I have none, just, travel, find various bounties or odd jobs, I've delved into a few dungeons and such. But no real plans."
 
  • Smug
Reactions: Esmeralda
His answer pleased esmerelda.

"My favour is this," Esmerelda stood from her chair and turned to look out her window at the view it gave birth to.

"You Sung Chei, will become my chosen suitor." She turned and walked towards her collection of novels, running her fingers slowly across each spine.

"In the public eye we come forth as if we are madly inlove. We will get engaged and once certain matters are settled our engament shall end due to you whoring around."

She made her way back to her desk and sat with her tea cup , simply taking in the arouma. "When we are in private, such as now you will be my allie and spy."

"When the kingdom asks questions as to why I allowed you to walk free of no charges is because we were already aquintaced, the men you killed were rumored to have an assassination order on me in order to get to you after you lost your love. You were simply defending your queens honour and life."

She placed her tea cup down , and a smirk grew on her lips, " that is my favour Sung Chei."
 
  • Wonder
Reactions: Sung Chei
His answer pleased esmerelda.

"My favour is this," Esmerelda stood from her chair and turned to look out her window at the view it gave birth to.

"You Sung Chei, will become my chosen suitor." She turned and walked towards her collection of novels, running her fingers slowly across each spine.

"In the public eye we come forth as if we are madly inlove. We will get engaged and once certain matters are settled our engament shall end due to you whoring around."

She made her way back to her desk and sat with her tea cup , simply taking in the arouma. "When we are in private, such as now you will be my allie and spy."

"When the kingdom asks questions as to why I allowed you to walk free of no charges is because we were already aquintaced, the men you killed were rumored to have an assassination order on me in order to get to you after you lost your love. You were simply defending your queens honour and life."

She placed her tea cup down , and a smirk grew on her lips, " that is my favour Sung Chei."

"How political." He said simply.

The odd thing was, he was actually a suitable suitor for her. Since he was a warlord's son he had the lineage to be a proper suitor. But that might raise questions.

"Though I need to ask why? And I sincerely doubt anyone would believe that I would 'whore around' as you say. I'm not exactly famous but it's not like someone like me goes completely unnoticed. And secondly, what reason would you provide them to convince them that I am actually eligible?"

"As for being a spy, that I can do most easily. I can even be an assassin if you'd like one."
 
Time for a little history lesson...
"In our culture, a women is to atleast be engaged or wed before she is able complete power, its few of the old ways we follow. It helps secure our rule, shows to other nations that we have powerfull alliances and is a promise to the kingdom that they shall recieve an heir to the throne."


Esme looked him up and down, "as for breaking off the engagement, a monk holds no title or power.
I assure you I have enough power of my own,"
She informed, "but the people will not be happy with you being their king. The breaking off of the engagement cannot be placed on me, it will be a sign that I am not willing to commit for the sake of my Kingdom. You on the other hand, committing adultry so to speak, would work out well enough for me as I would not be the reason the engagement broke off."

Esmerelda was silent for a moment, "assin you say? Well thats quite something to tell a ruler who is in private courters with you. Nonetheless, a private assasin could be rather usefull in the future."

Esmerelda placed her elbows onto, "I know what I ask of you is seemingly absurd, thats why i an allowing you 2 offers, either what we have spoken about you being my suitor and so on, or simply you can be my assasin. Either way you will become my closest confidant,"

A soulless look was now in the queens eyes," Know this, if you cross me....I shall kill you myself."

With that Esmerelda stood up, "Mull things over, once you have made your decision find the ladies maid that showed you here and tell her you wish to speak, then meet me back here."

With that she left. As always, her walk, stance, deminor was gracefull, but power and strength were hand in hand with that gracefull appearanc3
 
  • Popcorn
Reactions: Sung Chei
Esmerelda was silent for a moment, "assin you say? Well thats quite something to tell a ruler who is in private courters with you. Nonetheless, a private assasin could be rather usefull in the future."

"It's not like I would announce this before killing you, so either I become useful in that sense, or I have to get away, neither of which would be terribly difficult, not to discredit your guards but I highly doubt they can reach rooftops as easily as I can."

Esmerelda placed her elbows onto, "I know what I ask of you is seemingly absurd, thats why i an allowing you 2 offers, either what we have spoken about you being my suitor and so on, or simply you can be my assasin. Either way you will become my closest confidant,"

He nodded in thought. He could see how such a ruse could help her, she'd remain in control and look as though she'd tried, the people would have someone else to hate and she'd get off right where she wanted to be.

Or he could essentially become her spymaster. He had to be honest, the latter option looked a little better.

A soulless look was now in the queens eyes," Know this, if you cross me....I shall kill you myself."

His expression remained relaxed and unbothered. He clearly didn't see her as a threat, and most likely for good reason, he just killed fifteen armed men with his bare hands after all.

With that Esmerelda stood up, "Mull things over, once you have made your decision find the ladies maid that showed you here and tell her you wish to speak, then meet me back here."

With that she left. As always, her walk, stance, deminor was gracefull, but power and strength were hand in hand with that gracefull appearanc3

He nodded as she left, and watched her leave. Then he got up and left himself. It was at dusk that he went to the ladies maid and gave the message. He'd made his decision.
 
  • Popcorn
Reactions: Esmeralda
Esmereldas lady-in-waiting aurora was stoking the fire in the queens room and just about to run her bath when red headed maid entered. She curtsied to Esmerelda and made her aware that Sung Chei was ready to speak with her.

"Well," she shut the book she had been reading and placed it om her window sette next to her, "let me go hear what the gentleman has to say, ladies."

Esmerelda and the women nodded in unison and then she made her way down to her private study, by now she had a put on a fur coat, winter was creeping apon the region and snow was expected. Esmerelda had last seen snow when she was mearly 5 years old, the thought of seeing snow again excited her immensely.

If Sung Chei was to accept her offer they would go on a week long travel throughout the kingdom, visiting different towns and seeing beautiful scenery, they would even make a stop at a seaside village, Esmerelda could already hear the waves whispering her name.

Esmerelda arrived shortly after Sung Chei, they each took their seats.

"Evening Sung Chei, please, tell me your decision."
 
  • Devil
Reactions: Sung Chei
Esmerelda arrived shortly after Sung Chei, they each took their seats.

"Evening Sung Chei, please, tell me your decision."

"Good evening." He replied. "I've decided to take the second option you presented. Mayhaps later I may be inclined to assist you in the way you first requested, but for now I'd rather remain out of public view, for reasons you may well know."

By now he had been given his armor and weapons back, since officially speaking he had been released. But he still only wore his loose pants and tigerskin vest. It was a simple but clearly very dignified piece of clothing. He'd even explain it if asked since it had symbolic and traditional value in his family.

He did however have his swords and ji with him. Though his ji was held relaxedly, clearly he didn't intend to threaten her.
 
Its was safe to say Esmeralda was disappointed, now she was forced to choose one of the suitors that presented themselves to her - not like many had.

"Very well, I shall respect your decision. A shallet will be organized for you to stay in whilst you are within my service, It is in the center of the city, you will be surrounded by neighbours, a market and a pub as welll as other," her face twisted slightly,"entertainment." Esmerelda lifted her chin, "your first task will be to find me resonable suitors, find out their nature, title, everything I would want to know.

Esmerelda turned to leave, "my guards will be made aware that you are now part of my council, more political way of saying assasin or spy. This grants you full access to the castle and resources."

On her way out esmerlda spoke over her shoulder, "a servent will inform you as to where you shall live. You are dismissed."
 
  • Bless
Reactions: Sung Chei
"Very well, I shall respect your decision. A shallet will be organized for you to stay in whilst you are within my service, It is in the center of the city, you will be surrounded by neighbours, a market and a pub as welll as other," her face twisted slightly,"entertainment." Esmerelda lifted her chin, "your first task will be to find me resonable suitors, find out their nature, title, everything I would want to know.

Esmerelda turned to leave, "my guards will be made aware that you are now part of my council, more political way of saying assasin or spy. This grants you full access to the castle and resources."

On her way out esmerlda spoke over her shoulder, "a servent will inform you as to where you shall live. You are dismissed."

"Yes ma'am" He said to her as she left.

After being shown to his home while in her employ he got straight to work. First things first, get settled. Good thing he didn't actually own much. So he simply stashed his armor and his large eastern-halberd weapon called a ji. Now only armed with his twin jian swords (Narrow-bladed straight swords) and clad only in his white tigerskin vest and his loose pants, his boots of course. He set to work.

First, he would need to get the list of her allies. And while he had been granted access to this information, actually putting this into effect would take about a day. So, he decided to take a risk, to impress her right off the bat by getting her results before she was able to even put his permissions into effect.

So, it was time to learn everything about her allies, and he made for the castle.