The First Sparks of War - Sunrise

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[130] Jinquil: The First Sparks of War - Sunrise
Thu Aug  4 23:45:51 2011
To: Shalonesti Shalonesti_kingdom Thaxanos Wargar All Kyri IMM RP Zandreya
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Shalonesti and the elves within it lived for their continuity.  Everyday,
the first rays of morning light would splinter the horizon to bathe the
forest in a radiant and golden light.  On this particular morning, nothing
in Shalonesti was within the norm.  Soldiers and Kyorl lined the gates,
having been at their stations for the entirety of the previous night that
had passed slowly for every soul within the city.  The sting of the events
from the evening before was reinforced by the soft red glow that blended
with the vivid orange of the sun to paint the sky over the forest and the
city with fire.  The heavy gray plumes of smoke that lingered in the trees
replaced the veil of silver mist usually provided by Shalinastra's falls, a
constant reminder that war was upon them. 

Having chosen the most capable elves for the task at hand, Jinquil repeated
the order the Speaker had given the night before when the elves had gathered
together within the Circle of Heavens.  "Our Speaker was clear, lose one and
we are to return.  This is a mission for scouting only.  Do NOT engage the
enemy for to do so at the moment is suicide.  " She glanced over each elf
that stood before her, nodding more to herself than them before clasping her
hands behind her back and continuing, "I am going to insist on better from
you.  We do not lose ONE.  Not one.  If you sense danger, even a shiver of
it, you return to the city with as much speed as Zandreya can gift you.  "

Talik arrived, glancing over the number of men she had gathered with hesitation
before he chose three and made his way off into the forest to begin his
scouting.  Chosing three of her own to accompany her, she continues her
orders, "You three will join me in scouting.  The rest of you are to cover
the ground immediately surrounding the city.  I want you fireproofing ever
vallen you can reach without endangering yourself.  Do what you can and
return to the city before nightfall.  " With that, she gave the men and
women gathered a crisp salute and once the gesture is returned by all fades
into the labyrinth of the vallenwoods. 

The day of scouting was long and arduous.  Jinquil and the other three elves
crept to the south through the forest, studying the dwarven army from the
shelter of the mother's trees.  It was indeed an entire battalion and no
light raiding party.  Cutting and burning their way through the forest, the
dwarves headed towards Shalonesti with no remorse for the destruction they
left behind them.  Circling around the dwarven forces to avoid detection,
Jinquil and her small group of scouts picked their way back along the
ancient vallens that lined the coast.  It was this route that drew Jinquil's
thoughts elsewhere. 

The sky in the area of the forest that sheltered the Dalar family home was
thick with angry black smoke.  Jinquil returned to the city with haste,
striding through the gates with her team as the sun's departure once again
faded the sky to colors of cobalt and crimson.  Her feet carried her quickly
to the palace ballroom that housed the refugees and she passed quietly and
mostly unnoticed amongst them.  Several wept still, each face holding a
shock and desolation that made Jinquil's heart swell. 

After several trips around the large room, it was more than obvious.  Her
parents were not among the refugees.  They had not yet made it to the safety
of the city.  Turning from the room, Jinquil went to find her older sister,
Llorana, her mind already forming a plan. 

The First Sparks of War - Nightfall

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[129] Jinquil: The First Sparks of War - Nightfall
Thu Aug  4 23:34:01 2011
To: Shalonesti Shalonesti_kingdom Thaxanos Wargar All Kyri IMM RP Zandreya
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Though dusk was coming to lay claim to the last remnants of light from
the sun, the darkening sky was tinged a bright red more reminiscent of dawn
than the nightfall.  In the distance, the sky lit up with fire, the source
of the red glow that now illuminated the clouds. 


After spending the day training with her men, she had been weary and sought
the shelter of the grove to rest but a word from the Songmaster had drawn
her back out to the southern gates with news from the guardian Lanac.  The
dwarves were coming and cutting a path through Zandreya's vallens.  Elven
scouts had spotted a group of their own people, fleeing from the enemy that
invaded their homes for no reason other than their own selfish need for
blood. 


The fires of war were not a new experience.  She had long ago become
accustomed to the sting of it during the first battle with the dwarves.
This time however, the battlefield had changed and the song in her allowed
her to hear the mourning of the wood that stretched all around their fair
city.  Blinking against the smoke that watered her eyes, the Sha'qelas
Senator stood between the gates, her eyes trained on the dark and hazy
forest that spread before her, waiting alone as Drondon and the others were
forced to deal with the interfering members of enemy clans. 


The first form to fade from the mist wasn't at all what she had expected to
see.  A small boy, covered in soot appeared from the trees, limping towards
the gate in a way that dragged his small foot through the dirt and grass.
The pain in his face, coupled with fear was heart breaking.  Behind him,
scores of others, equally covered in ash appeared as well.  She stepped
clear of their path, allowing them to pass into the safety the gates
offered.  She mentally made note of the ones who were wounded and shielded
each with her magics as they drew near. 


Jinquil held herself off to the side, letting the others that were more
capable of healing and soothing the wounds of the soul than she to take the
refugees into the shelter that the city and her temple offered. 
Once the refugees had been escorted into the city, she returned to her
hiding in the deeper shadows the gates provided, her eyes scanning the dark
shapes of the forest once more.  She did not see Drondon come up behind her
but she felt his presence just the same, recognizing immediately the soft
tones of the song that hummed in the air around him. 


Something in the forest changed and a soft sound caught her ear and Jinquil
darted into action, quietly slipping out and through the trees to locate the
source. 


The scout rushed her as she ran towards it, her eyes taking note of it only
just in time to deflect the first blow from his?  Axe, taking a gash to the
thigh instead of losing an arm to the short, stout fellow.  Filled with a
seething fury she circled the dwarf as Drondon appeared through the trees.
She saw the axe bury into Drondon's skin before she could see no more,
blinded by a spell from a dwarf.  She had no time to balk over it, her
concentration held by the soft tone of Drondon's song and the sour smell
that surrounded the stump.  She disappeared through the trees, rounding in
an attempt to clear her vision and attack anew but the scout fled into the
woods upon her return.  Tired, bone sore and no longer able to breathe with
comfort in the smoke that clung to the trees, Jinquil and Drondon returned
to the groves.

Jinquil Sha'qelas Dalar

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Eyes: crystal blue Hair: multihued auburn
Skin: fair peachy gold Hair Length: to her waist
Build: willow lithe Hair Texture: wind blown waves
Face: angular features Tattoo: an elven rune
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Profession: Defender of Sha'falas Age: 112 Sex: Female
Husband: Azaros
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The object of your attention is a woman, relatively young.

The attire that covers her tall and willow curved frame is simple but well
made and clean. A fur trimmed and hooded cloak, forest green in color,
floats about her slender body from an emerald brooch at her throat. Her
black tunic conforms to her torso in a clinging but comfortable fit. The
sleeveless cut exposes the leanly muscled length of her arms. Upon her left
forearm, a leather studded arm guard of thick cloth molds itself
protectively to her skin. Flowing, mesh-like pants of brown cloth flutter
loosely about her long legs before tucking into a pair of battered,
chocolate hued leather boots. Upon the fore finger of her left hand,
Jinquil wears a signet ring of vallenwood carved about an emerald gemstone.
A wide strap crosses her chest diagonally, supporting the leather,
arrow-filled quiver that rests upon her back.

A wealthy mane of multihued auburn strands cascade in feathered waves to her
waist. The strands on either side are swept back from her face and braided
in an intricate pattern, the style further accentuating the sharply angular,
sculpted features of her face. The style also reveals the elongated points
to otherwise dainty ears. The copper touched auburn shade accentuates the
warmed golden hue of her skin, the combination giving evidence of some time
spent beneath the sun. Her defined features radiate youth, the faint blush
of her cheeks near to hiding the delicate brush of copper flecks that spill
across the bridge and the softly lilting tip of her nose. Brows are thin,
dark slashes above the tilted ovals of her eyes. Thick lashes curl to shade
the deep crystal blue orbs that hold her emotions expressively, varying both
in intensity and hue with each change of her mood. Supple lips seem
naturally inclined to curve up at the ends in a small smirk.

Background:

Born of a not-so-humble merchant family, Jinquil and her two older
sisters, were raised among the higher echelons of Shalonesti's society.
They were largely a traveling family and often visited the great cities of
Althainia and New Thalos, even daring a few rare trips to the kingdom of
Arkane, all in the name of business. Thus, she grew with a worldly
experience that most of her peers did not share and took on adventurous
qualities somewhat unbecoming of a Shalonesti elf. This, in part, lead her
to take up life within the kingdom proper as a part of the most prestigious
House:

* Sha'falas
* Recruit
* Guardsman
* Defender
* Commanded - 3rd Elvish Archers

Upon her return to Shalonesti some time after the war with Thaxanos, Jinquil took up with the house Sha'qelas.

A Last Resort

Jinquil: A Last Resort
Sat Jun 2 23:25:23 2007
To: Shalonesti_kingdom Shalonesti Imm RP ( Nianica Llorana Azaros Evandim )
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Emerald light reflects through the clear crystal of the wine glass she holds tightly between her fingers. The light dances across her face, to catch with an occasional glint in the emeralds that accent the gathered strands of her dark hair. Jinquil tilts her head, for all intents and purposes appearing oblivious to the sheer stress that flows through the room. Her eyes scan the silver twine of the fork near her plate with some interest. The fingers of her free hand toy with the golden lace that accents the waist of the silk pants that loosely cover her long legs, drifting to straighten the equally golden sleeve of her blouse. She perches stiffly on the edge of her chair, directly next to her mother. The closeness fills her with a wary apprehension, though her mother seems currently occupied in a battle of wills with her sister.

She casts a soft frown at Nianica, mentally making note that she owes her sister for choosing the seating arrangements that left her so close to her mother's possible assault. Though not afraid of the largest axe wielding dwarf, she had no wish to face her mother's wrath or her knitting needle anytime in the recent future. A soft smirk plays upon her lips, her fingers itch to draw Llorana, sitting there so uncomfortable in that contraption everyone calls a gown. The forest green thing is low cut, form-fitting and someone even had the gall to embroider it with golden flowers. Her eyes meet Llorana's and she smiles sympathetically before letting her gaze drift away.

Jinquil snorts, the rigid set of her spine the only outward sign that she's aware of the conversation between her sister and her mother. She casts occasional glances across the table to Azaros, to it's head at her father who studies her in return, his brow arching as he flicks a gaze to Azaros and back to her curiously. He remains silent, letting the conversation between mother and daughter play out without interference. Obviously knowing when to keep his silence.

"No. " The crisp word draws Jinquil's eyes sharply to her mother's face. "I raised daughters who wish to throw their futures away to bloodshed and death. "

The stem of glass snaps between her fingers, spilling wine that spreads in a crimson stain as it seeps into the fine linen covering the long table. A sliver of glass pierces the tip of her finger and she drops the shattered remnants onto a nearby plate, bringing her offended digit to her lips with alight hiss of air.

Jinquil sinks back in her chair as Llorana leans forward on the table, her eyes intent on their mother's face. "This is our last chance mother. There may not ever be time for another. Is this truly how you want us to leave this home? With your bitterness ringing in our ears as we battle for Shalonesti and everything it stands for? "

"No.. " The subdued whisper draws Jinquil's gaze from Llorana's face to her mother's. Her mother's eyes meet hers and Jinquil blinks in surprise at the tears.. Real and actual.. Tears that fill their dark depths. She opens her mouth to speak, though no words form.

Her father reaches out, his hand covers his's wife's own on the table, stilling her with a touch and speaks consolingly, "Dear... Do not forget we've also raised three beautiful, brave daughters who are paragons of what is elven. " He smiles reassuringly, "Remember, their love for us and Shalonesti is reason enough for them to take up and defend those whom they love. If we've to choose which elves represent the best of Shalonesti, I can think of no better choices than our daughters. "

He turns to his daughters, eyes touching each of their faces in turn, remembering the children each had once presented in a way only a father could. He casts a disarming smile. "Is it true you all lead a batallion or unit? "
All three daughters nod, relaxing only a small degree with the question. Jinquil's father sighs faintly, turning his assessing gaze to Azaros. "And which battalion do you lead? "

Jinquil Sha'falas Dalar

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Eyes: expressive, crystal blue Hair: russet brown and blazing copper
Skin: unblemished, warmed gold Hair Length: barely brushing her shoulders
Build: impossibly slender, supple Hair Texture: smooth, slight waves
Face: sweet and youthful angles Tattoo: an elven rune (lower back)
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Profession: Scholar Age: 82 Sex: Female
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The object of your attention is a woman, relatively young.

The attire that covers her tall and wraith-like frame is deliberately simple and unassuming. A hooded cloak, forest green in color, floats about herslender body from a smoothed wooden tog at her throat. The simple circle bears the insignia of the kingdom she serves. Her white tunic is perhaps abit small in size as it conforms to her torso in a clinging but comfortable fit. The sleeveless cut exposes the leanly muscled length of her arms. Upon her left forearm, a leather studded arm guard of thick cloth molds itself protectively to her skin. Around her narrow hips, a weapons belt houses a well used sword, while a sheath that tightens about her right thigh houses an equally used dagger. Flowing, mesh-like pants of brown cloth flutter loosely about her long legs before tucking into a pair of battered, chocolate hued leather boots that appear to have seen a great deal of use. Upon the fore finger of her left hand, Jinquil wears a signet ring of vallenwood carved about an emerald gemstone. A wide strap crosses her chest diagonally, supporting a leather, arrow-filled quiver stamped with vine motifs that rests upon her back.

A wealthy mane of russet hued strands cascade in feathered waves to brush slender shoulders. Weathered strands skirt nervously about gracefully pointed ears, teasing a face of oval sculpt. The copper touched auburn shade accentuates the warmed golden hue of her skin, the combination giving evidence of some time spent beneath the sun. Her defined features radiate youth, the faint blush of her cheeks near to hiding the delicate brush of copper flecks that spill across the bridge and the softly lilting tip of her nose. Brows are thin, dark slashes above the tilted ovals of her eyes. Thick lashes curl to shade the deep crystal blue orbs that hold her emotions expressively, varying both in intensity and hue with each change of hermood. Supple lips seem naturally inclined to curve up at the ends in a small smirk.


Background:

Born of a not-so-humble merchant family, Jinquil and her two older sisters, were raised among the higher echelons of Shalonesti's society. They were largely a traveling family and often visited the great cities of Althainia and New Thalos, even daring a few rare trips to the kingdom of Arkane, all in the name of business. Thus, she grew with a worldly experience that most of her peers did not share and took on adventurous qualities somewhat unbecoming of a Shalonesti elf. This, in part, lead her to take up life within the kingdom proper as a part of the most prestigious House:

Sha'falas.

*Recruit

*Guardsman

*Commander of the 3rd Elvish Archers.

Training

Posted by Jinquil
Tue Apr 17 12:05:02 2007

The edge of the wood was burning. Thick smoke loomed, blocking out the better part of the sunlight above. The scent burned the nostrils even as the smoke filled each mouth with a sooty taste and caused eyes to sting and water. Her archers stood, each hidden in one section of the wood. Beside her, a young archer named Eertae stood at her side. With a slight wave of her hand, Jinquil shifted one illusion into the other.

A snarl filled the air and a dwarf, fully armored and swinging a rather large axe appeared into the forest. It rushed Eertae suddenly, appearing out of no where. Though the elf had his bow at ready, he swirled, lashing out with his foot to catch the dwarf directly in the face. He whirled once more, using his bow to sweep the dwarf off of his feet. The dwarf hit the ground and vanished.

With a sigh, Jinquil canceled the illusion. She narrowed her eyes, studying Eertae silently for a long heavy moment. "We're supposed to be doing archery training here, Eertae. " The mild rebuke in her tone was belied by the smile on her face.

"Sorry, Commander. I could not resist. " He said with a chuckle.

Jinquil laughed, unable to keep herself from doing so and stood, dropping the illusion she had held for the better part of the day. The flames vanished. The heavy smoke cleared instantly. She turned away from Eertae to face the places where her archers hid. "Alright, we're done for now. Tomorrow we do more rugged terrain. Return to your tents. " Moving from tree and brush, the archers filed back to their assigned sleeping quarters.

Though they were tired from the day's training, the excitement that each felt filled the air with crackling tension. Jinquil returned to her tent, Eertae following behind to tie back the flaps before she entered. Standing at the wooden table, a middle-aged elven man waited for her.

Jinquil approached him, bowing her head respectfully. "Nietual.. " She murmured her greeting, patting his shoulder firmly before glancing at the small bundle he carried. "What have you for me? "

Nietual laid the bundle upon the table and unrolled it. Firelight reflected off the metallic surfaces of the etched arrowheads within. Jinquil picked one up, testing the weight of it in her palm.

The arrowhead was not like any other she had seen before. Holding it up to the light, she studied the razor sharp point that gave way to equally sharped ridges. "They look like leaves... " Jinquil mused silently before turning to cast a pleased smile at the elven man beside her. "Excellent
work, Nietual. " She pressed her finger to the tip as she spoke, nodding once more in satisfaction as she lifted her finger to her mouth and sucked the blood from the tip. "Excellent work, Indeed. "

The golden haired elf chuckled deeply, turning his gray eyes to study her as she addressed him. "I did tell you I was the best Arrowsmith in the Vallen, Commander. " He paused a moment, studying the object in her hand. "I designed them as you requested. They should pierce just about any type of armor those dwarves could think up. "

Jinquil nodded silently, walking from the tent to study the other nine elves that moved to and fro outside. She studied them for a long moment, watching them laugh with the soldiers they would be traveling with. "Do we have enough, Nietual? " The elf moved to stand just behind her, letting his eyes roam over his fellow archers. "Aye, Commander. We have enough to last us
through two wars. We'll not fail, Commander. "

Relations.

Posted by Jinquil
Sun Apr 15 03:44:38 2007

The sunlight that flickered through the leaves above sent the darkness scattering in the lengthy shade of trees and shrubbery. Jinquil moved soundlessly, each step carefully chosen and executed to be undetectable. Jinquil moved through the trees, thinking of the many times she had done exactly this before. She followed her sisters, praying neither of the two noticed her presence and was suprised to find that Llorana paused to allow Nianica to take the lead. Usually the middle sister would have been first, trailed only slightly by Nianica. Today, however, the eldest Dalar was first to enter the gardens of the home they had all shared as children. After a moment of indecision, or perhaps uncertainty Nianica passed through the gates and into the garden's beyond. Shortly thereafter, Llorana herself followed suit.

Jinquil waited still, disguising herself as one of the scouts of the vallen that lingered nearby until Nianica appeared once again. Her sister's face was stoic and unreadable. The mask she wore constantly to shield her emotions having already slipped back into place. Once more the defender and no longer the daughter, her sister made her way back towards the city. Once again, Llorana was close behind, though for the first time in her remembrance there were tears in her eldest sister's eyes. Unshed, but they glisten there all the same.

Jinquil waited until both of her sister's had passed and then removed the spell that disguised her. With a heavy breath she made her way into the garden's herself, pausing for a long moment to study the elven woman that sat so elegantly on an ornately carved but simple wooden bench. It may very well have been a thrown for all the regalness of the woman that perched upon it. Jinquil watched her mother absently stab the needle into her cross stitch and knew her mood before she approached.

"Hello, momma. " Jinquil spoke the words as she drew near, startling her mother from her thoughts.

"Oh, Jinquil. You startled me. " Her mother set her cross-stitching on the bench beside her and fixed her with a direct stare, her eyes narrowed slightly.

Jinquil saw that look, and recognized it. "Nianica told you? "

Her mother shook her head slowly. "She told me only that she had promised not to tell me anything. Funny, that statement in itself told me all that I needed to know. " Her voice was disapproving, her tone meant to show Jinquil her displeasure.

With a soft sigh, Jinquil straightened to her full height. "Aye, mother. I, too, have joined Sha'falas. "

You knew... You knew how I hated that your sisters had become soldiers, infantry no less. Yet you decided to do so anyways. It is not a fit place for a lady of your breeding. You, of all my children, I had hoped would listen to my guidance, yet you went against me.

Jinquil held up a hand to silence her mother, noting the redness that grew in her mother's face as she did so. "Mother, please listen to me. I know that what you say, you say out of fear for us. But why can you not see that we are doing what you taught us to do. We are as you wished us to be. We defend what we love mother. Surely you can understand that? "

No, Jinquil. I cannot. To love and defend is well and good but there are places a lady may do so that does not require her to draw blood and fight as a man would. Battle is no place for a woman and no place for a daughter like mine. When I was your age..

Interrupting with a harsh laugh, Jinquil uttered the words of the spell and transformed herself into the very likeness of her mother. "Is this what you wish of us, mother? Perhaps if Nianica and Llorana would have presented themselves in this vein, you would be proud. "

Her mother drew back, the hurt on her face causing a pang within Jinquil's heart but she could not help her own anger.

"Enough. Jinquil. Go back to your city and your battles. " Her mother drew herself away from the bench, snatching up her needlework and turned away, moving towards the house.

Jinquil shook off the spell and stepped forward. "Mother... "

Her mother paused, her back rigid and tilted her face to study Jinquil for one long moment. "I did not know that Llorana had come. I assume she did not wish to speak to me. "

Mother, she did not wish to fight with you. Can you not see that they try so hard for your pride in them? Can you not give it, at least now, in this time of war. They may not return from this battle.

"I know it! Do you not think that I know they may not return? " Her mother's eyes flashed with anger and sorrow as she whirled to face Jinquil, her temper, rarely shown, breaking free of it's usual stronghold. "I know that they may die doing what they do, tis why I hate it so very much. If not this battle, then the next may take them. If not that one, then the next. War is not the only thing that could take them. This work the three of you chose takes it toll on not only yourselves but your mother and father as well. Would that you had listened and chosen something else... " With those words, her mother turned and hastened towards the manor house beyond.


Jinquil stood to watch her go, before dropping onto the empty bench and gazing out over the garden, her heart heavier now that it had been before.

"She says what she does out of love, Quil. You know this. " Her father's words drew her gaze up to his face and he slid a hand over her cheek gently. The elderly elven man lowered himself to perch on the edge of the bench beside his youngest daughter and drew her into his arms.

Jinquil buried her face against her father's shoulder, returning the loving gesture before she drew away.

"I know papa. " She sighed and leaned against him. "You will tell her we love her, when her anger cools? "

"Aye. I will tell her, but it is something she knows well. " He laughed softly, the rich sound lifting Jinquil's spirits slightly. "As for her anger, it will cool quickly. Your mother cannot stay angry with her children, though she tries quite hard to do so. "

Jinquil squeezed her father once more and stood. "I love you, papa. I must return to the city now, I have duties. "

"Aye, I heard of your duties, Jinquil. Did I truly raise three daughters to be such valiant soldiers? " At her nod, he let out a faint sigh but smiled at her. "Be safe, Jinquil. Keep watch over your older sisters, you know how they rush headlong into the fray. "

I will watch over them father, but you forget. Where they rush, I usually stumble right behind into the thick of it.

Jinquil made her way out of the gardens and into the forest, leaving her father, laughing, behind.