"it is......time." Seto opened the doors to Castle Dormont, vanishing from the path he had walked up before climbing the castle's large stone steps only to appear in the lobby that lead into the throne room and to other corridors leading to other locations in the castle. This time however, he led himself down the corridoer that gave birth to the war room, on his way he informed the guards to allow players access to the castle's corridors leading to the war room If they were here to meet with him. Shutting the ancient metal doors behind him, Seto took a seat in a chair near one of the windows in the back. Bringing his attention to the huge round table made out of presumed stone, he grabbed a few documents from the pile of book, documents and blueprints he had made earlier since he was using the war room as his temprory study since at the moment, there wasn't any need for it to offically used, Astorea wasn't at war.

His plans for his dukedom were far underway as they have been for weeks now, almost a month now that he thought of it since he started. The countless plans were quite simple at the moment althought he couldn't choose on the first establishment he would build first, the most important that came to his mind was the establishment of a town similar to Dawngrave for him to live in. Once this town was constructed, he would set his eyes on building a few large scale farms to start producing food for his people which would make them independent to some extent, he didn't like relying on others, wether it was the king or somebody else. The location of his lands would excellent to him, the valley in his lands would prove an excellent spot for a future city at the base of the mountains in the valley with or a fortress high in the mountains which he would make siege proof. Knowing all this though, he would need large amounts of wealth to produce such structures, perhaps a few ore mines in the valley would provide valuable material for the structures he wishes to build and could sell what he didn't need? Either way it could only do good for the most part.

Those were his initial plans yes but those wern't immediate and he would need loyal and faithful people to serve him, unfortunately such players were a rare and valuable Commodity, most cared little for building anything in this world or wanted to gain power without work, instead people played this game like any other like many other role playing games, taking quests, killing than gathering loot and whatnot. He really wished players were a tad more mature than that but atlas he would have to wait and see If any had the brain power to approach him. Since his return to Dormont, he had sent out messengers, town criers and other methods of talk to the area of Astorea in hopes of finding those who would serve him, The Black Duke for the future of Southern Astorea. The possibilities were nearly limitless for who's who wanted to move up n the world and actually do something important for this world instead of playing treasure hunter or adventurer like the many he knew.
​

 

Aalam was resting the a tavern somewhere in the general Dormont area Terrap might have been a game but the NPCs in the tavern made good ale and with was somewhere in his five tankard that he heard the message enter. It wasn’t difficult when the man entered the place feel silent a condition that came with a person or agent of sufficient power and seeing as though this particular tavern was near one of the seeder areas of the country. This messenger had be from the king or at least someone of close standing well the man had just finish granting out land and title to a bunch of his fellow player so he could be from one of them. Polishing off his drink as the messenger began “Hear ye all in attendance His Excellency the black duke….” Order a second drink as the man rambled on tell the room at large about the man who he severed, how great he was until finally he got down the nitty gritty. “The Black duke is looking for people to serve in his employment in his dukedom all will be given a fair chance to prove that they have what it takes to make it under his rule.”

Knocking back the rest the ale that was swirling around at the bottom of his glass in one large gulp feeling it burn as it ran down his throat. Resting down a bit of coin to pay for his beverage it seemed that there was something that could be worth doing for it could be a challenge. That alone would have been enough to get him to make a showing but the possibility of what could gain was too great a chance to pass up. Making his way towards the castle Dormont washing his mouth out as he walked, it wouldn’t do to be meeting with a duke with his breath smelling like a bar. As he approached the castle gate he could feel the stares on him he was an unknown walking up to a location of great importance with a weapon on his back. The guards did their job well demanding that he stop and announce what was his business at the castle, once he declared that he was there to see the duke. They relax it seemed as though that messenger was not lying good to know, how they did provide him with an escort to the room he was supposed to be waiting in, hitting attention as soon as they reach a set of metal doors. “A warning before you enters sir if any harm befalls the duke you will be in irons before the days end.”

Well, that was a threat if he had ever heard one it seemed that this duke was both respected and beloved good to know about a person if he was going to enter a contract with them. Pushing open one of the doors to get a look around the room. It was dominated by a giant round table that seemed to be made of a type of stone, excellent craftsmanship, and one section of that table a man was pouring over what looked like official documents. Making his way over the stand opposite the duke his boot clacking against the floor the sound ringing out in the empty room, echoing for a short while even after he stood moving, clearing his throat to get the duke's attention before stating his purpose. “I have heard that you are looking for players to help with the establishment of your dukedom. I am here to offer my willingness to enter into a contract.”

 

He eyed the iron door that led to the war room as he sat in his chair, why was there chatter outside his working space? He did tell the guards to be silent while he worked in here after he had arrived some time ago. Turning his head to have his left ear face the door, he closed his eyes and focuses his energy and mind to his ears, it was hard to make out at first, but he could make a few words, it sounded like one of his guards were telling whoever wanted entry to the war room to to not harm him? He wasn't sure but that's what he assumed. It was amusing for a guard to think a normal man or woman who hurt him, he was far above the avarage person at this point in his life in Terrasphere. That didn't matter at this moment, right now someone wanted an audience with him? He hoped it was someone who was interested in serving him, for a brief moment he thought perhaps Sola had came to visit him again, the urge to kill himself became great once he started thinking that way but those thoughts were quickly dropped when he told himself she was now a noble herself, the guards would have told him already If a noble was here to see him.​

Turning his head back to his studies with the many books, scrolls and other documents on the stone circular table, he sighed in an attempt to relax his mind slightly when the stone doors opened revealing a young man similar to age to himself albeit slightly taller and more muscle mass than compared to himself. Out from the corner of his eyes, he watched the man's movements as this unknown approached him. Seto sat their in silence in his chair watching the man suspiciously as he cleared his throat before speaking to him. It seemed he was correct or for now anyway, this young man was interested in serving but with a contract? Did he wish to be a mercenery under his command? That wasn't exactly what he was looking for, perhaps he wasn't detailed enough in his words. He gestured the young man to take a seat at one of the chairs around the war table before joining his hands together and laying his hands on his stomach. ​

"That I am, perhaps you could explain to me why you want a contract with me? I am not currently looking for mercenaries or those without a lord who simply wish to make quick wealth taking on jobs. I am seeking those who will swear an oath to me to serve House Kurama for the reminder of their time in this world unless the oath is broken by me, making them free to do whatever they please or If they run away from their responsibilities. Those who prove themselves may be adopted into House Kurama as a noble while those who perform the greatest feats may be granted a lord or lady of their own land in the southern Duchy in the future. This is something not to take lightly young man, thing carefully about your choice unless of course you didn't come here for such a thing than I suppose you wasted your time coming here when you could travel and have fun like the many other's who have come before you. I do apologize If I came off as rude, I only speak the truth."​

 

A frown slowly worked its way onto his face he should have expected this if he just a word so differently then why would anyone understand the way he was using it. It had only caused him to make a bit of a fool in front of the man he was trying to swear fealty to, well he had to make sure that his message was clear. “I mean no disrespect, but I believe that I have given you the wrong impression by what I have meant when I say contract. Please allow me to alieve any confusion.” Removing his bow and his quiver resting then onto the ground next to where he was standing if he was going to do this then he should do it right. “When I say that I'm offering a contract I and not meaning to become a mercenary or a simple man for hire, a contract it an agreement between two parties at its basic level. The terms enforce it is agreed upon by both representatives. However in this instance, one might have a bit of trouble enforcing if I broke a contract with you.”

Taking a deep breath stealing his nerves for what he had to say next could have no mistakes or errors it had to say with both a clear heart and pure intentions. It was like his father, bless his soul had taught him how to do these things. “Sir Duke when I am offering a contract I am offering a binding agreement on my honor. To be a man in your service for as long as you will have me, your will shall be my intentions, my bow will be the instrument of your anger, and my life is yours to do with as you see fit. I might not be the best man in your land, but I shall never break my word to dishonor myself even to the point of death. For a man’s words is his bond. I am not offering to be another common soldier if I wanted that I wouldn’t have bothered to come and just founded a place that severed a stiff drink. I am offering my alliance or my life if you would prefer to your service. If you need me to till the land or mine deep into the earth, I shall learn to do so that your dukedom may flourish”.

Finish his statement moving back into a pose of attention he had to take a moment before sticking out his hand removing the glove. If there was to be a contract of the proper nature, then it must be done like the knights of old. So Aalam took his glove off and removed the wrappings from around his knuckles and stuck out his hand and waited. “Do we have a contract?”

 

This man seemed genuine with his words, he did cause some confusion at first, explaining he wanted a contract but he remedied that problem, choosing to explain himself again that his meaning of "Contract" was Seto's meaning of taking an Oath, this man made it clear as day. He told what he wanted to hear but what did he wish to do within the House? That was the next question on Seto's mind.

"I appreciate your honesty and clearing any confusion between us. I have only a few questions for you young man, What role do you seek to play in House Kurama and the future Duchy of Astorea? Do you seek to be a noble knight on the battlefield or something darker in nature, Do tell the truth, there is no point in lying to me. I cling to few morals for the sake of this nation so it doesn't matter to me what role you wish to play. I would also expect to know by now I am no Hero or white knight who seeks to destroy the evil and bring justice......no Instead I am the necessary evil that must stand vigilant over this Country. Serving a Fiend Knight, The Black Duke of Astorea might prove difficult for you, socially and on the battlefield, Are you ready to accept such a destiny similar to the one I've chosen?"

The Duke closed his eyes, sighing in relief as If it helped himself burn off something he wanted to get off his chest, It did tire on himself that most people declared him an evil outright person when he was not, it was the same in the real world as well, just in a different way. Pulling himself out from the table with his chair, he stood up and slowly walked to the back stainless window with his hands folded behind his back similar to a parade rest position. There was a moment of silence in the room, looking out to see the commoners he had sworn to protect doing their daily routines, sometimes he wished on Terrasphere and in the real world he was a nobody but it seemed fate had other plans for him. Breaking the silence Seto finally spoke again, this time somewhat in a softer tone than his regular.

"I sometimes forget I am human like those who have a simple life.......Anyway young man, what is your name? I would be honor bound to remember If you served me. My last question is simple, what is that you hope to achieve in this world? Do you seek to own land in the Duchy and have a family? be a noble such as myself or are you unique, wishing to do something different? I would appreciate the honesty, I've even shown you some of my humanity which many think I have none, being a Monster or an NPC."

 

He stood there as the duke look at his hand and took in consideration to his offer of a contract. Well, it at least the now the duke understood what all of what he was offering when he said that he was willing to enter into a Contract. Aalam had expected him to realize once the real offer was received now it was just a matter of waiting to see if his offer would be accepted. However, it was only then that the Duke began to speak. He spoke of what he and by extension what his kingdom would stand for but of more importance he wants to know which part he would be willing to play for the sake of the nation. The man already to the burden of being the one everyone distrust, the man that stood not at the king’s right or left but he now stood behind the crown and watched those who dwelled in the shadows. I was a proper path even if it was not a glorious one but it meant taking on the sins of an entire kingdom.

“My lord I offer no offense when I say this, but I know what you do and what you are there might not be much but rumors travel even if one through one man. I can see that you are no white knight or shining champion like the King, no you are as you have called yourself a Fiend Knight. I must disagree with that opinion of yourself I have to meet Fiends you’re not such a thing for your second word makes that clear. You are a Knight that means there is a code a personal set of rule that guides your action and even if those rules are whatever you do It will always be for the good of the kingdom. Then you are a nobleman.”

These were the thing that needed to be said for he knows what it was to take the hate of other without reason or rhyme. People and by extension life had a way of being practically cruel at times. But was in those moments that person found them in the fire iron was forged into steel and before him was a man that had weather the fires of the forge for a long time. It as in this moment he could see that wear on him at the same time however he could see how much he had deflected in service. His sword was scared and scratched his amour worn, but he still stood.

“My name is Aalam Abungu, and you ask where do I wish to achieve and you offer me the possibility to own land or become noble. That is not something that I wish I have no want to be such a person if in time I have come to earn those rewards then I shall at that time take them. However, that is not why I offer my Contract I am looking for a person with I would be willing to serve. A person that I respect and would follow, I believe that I have found him. Whoever I am no knight my skill do not lead to that field of expertise. I am more of a ranger so I will follow you into the mud if that is what we must do.”

 

It was good to know this man knew he wasn't some hero or shining beacon for the masses to cling to like the King, he really hated being put in the same spot as the king or anyone with a similar reputation. He wasn't some evil pychopath or a person who wanted to destroy the world, he was simply a noble who was willing to do what the King would not to do for the sake of Astorea, he held little humanity or value's to his heart besides that of a knight to an extent, Even he had some honor. Thankfully this young man that came to visit him to offer his service called himself by the name of Aalam Abungu, a rather strange name he pondered in his mind but than again most people seemed to consider his own name to be strange as well so he supposed he didn't have any name to judge himself. He was more surprised the man wanted nothing for his services, he wasn't expecting that but that wasn't exactly a bad thing, If he didn't want anything, there wasn't anything he could say to change his mind. If he had just wanted to serve him, he could have said that from the beginning but it didn't matter now.

"Very well, I understand your words Aalam Abungu and I have no reason to reject you your offering. If you wish to become a Ranger of House Kurama and the future Southern Duchy of Astorea than step forward and kneel before, I shall give you the Oath to swear opon to serve me and my Duchess.

Seto exhaled slowly, releasing the air trapped in his body before he turned around away from the window and drew his eyes on Aalam Abungu. If he approached him and kneeled before him he was supposed to, Seto would draw his Odachi out of it's saya and hold it with both of his hands

"Alam Abungu of Astorea, upon this day, will you pledge your fealty to House Kurama, and stand as a Ranger?"


"Aalam Abungu, will you abandon your ambition and give up the normal pleasures of a man, and be the eyes of House Kurama, to watch all of House Kurama's enemies for the sake of the House Kurama?"

Staring down at Aalam Abungu, Seto gripped his Odachi and lowered the blade to touch both the shoulders of Aalam Abungu gently

"Let it be known by the heavens itself that I, Seto Kurama, the Black Duke of Southern Astorea, do hereby declaire this man as a Ranger of House Kurama with all it's rights and privilages, from this day forth, you shall answer to no one but myself, the King, King Astor the First and the few other nobles of Astorea, may you serve House Kurama and Astorea faithfully as both require your strength for the future that await us, now rise Ranger of House Kurama."

Seto than sheathed his Odachi back into it's saya on his back and crossed his arms as he waited for Aalam to rise once more.


​

 

He wonders as he waited with baited breath whether or not he would be accepted into the Duke’s court, this was something he was looking for his entire life a place and a person that he could serve with no regret. He needed a place where he could be well him there were others he had met throughout the game so far, but they were different not different bad mind you but just different from him. So where to bight and he could only stand their company for a few seconds while others seemed to have no purpose but to cause death and chaos neither of those was people that he would serve. He needed to find a purpose but if he wasn’t able to find it here then it would be nowhere else, no of the other nobles he couldn’t see himself severing under. A man with his moralities would be a risk to the stability of their court not to mention the public opinion of them could drop but with Seto there would be no risk of that he could act as he believed that he should. Without wondering how his action might affect that shining champion reputation that the other dukes seemed to have to maintain.

However, it seemed that it was unnecessary for him to worry for Seto called him to keel before what was looking to be his new duke. So he walked forward each step was taken with purpose and pride he was fulfilling an objective that he had long since wanted. He knelt his eyes finding the ground his head bowed, he had promised the duke his life if he saw fit. So if this was a challenge or a test of loyalty he would not move if a sword came to end his life.

He pledged his fealty to house Kutama as a ranger; he pledged his life again to house giving him personal ambition. That he belonged to the house alone and that its enemies were his enemies. He pledged to stand in the dark of night and protect the house from the shadows. It didn’t come to end his life, however, no it came to pledge him into the service of Seto Kutama the black duke of Astorea and it was right then that he gain a purpose that was beyond just playing the game to get good at it. He had found his calling and wouldn’t bring shame to it.

He took a second before he rose to his feet he had to get used to the feeling of being a Kingsman, he was no longer a wonder he had a purpose. Rising to his feet strapping his quiver back along his side and replacing his bow onto his back feeling the familiar weight settle on his shoulders but this time with new purpose. "I am now a Duke’s so I must ask what do you ask of me, my lord?"

 

After a few moments, Aalam Abungu, his new Ranger of House Kurama stood before him and asked for his first set of orders which was a rather good question. He wasn't sure what to do with Aalam at the very moment, If he was a Knight or a Housecarl than it would be simple but he was a Ranger. There were no enemies of him or Astorea at the moment and he had no intention of using him like a page. Rubbbing his chinn, he knew his ranger would need something to make sure the nobles believed him as well as the guards, stepping away from his Ranger, he walked over to the war table and spent the next few minutes going through his many assortments of books and documents until he came across it! House Kurama's protoype Crest, it was simple for right now since he had no current need for an offical one but he figured his Ranger could make use out of it than him. Swiping from the table, he offered his Ranger the metal colored crest that he held in his right hand.

​

The crest was almost the perfect size to fit in the palms of someone's hand, on it's Iron finish showed a shield with the outerwalls being red with the interior being ebony. Within the blackness was crystal blue lioness and a wolf with mutliple tints of grey with a red circle around it.

"Aalam take this Crest of House Kurama, It is of an early design yes but it should prove useful to you nonetheless. When you are on House Kurama business, simply flash that to the guards and they should grant you access without question usually and for Astorea Nobles, they should grant you an audience If it is required. As for it's meaning, the red represents the blood that will be spilled by or in House Kurama's name, the black represents the darkness House Kurama has willingly taken in, willing to use it for our own needs, the Wolve represent me, I am neither good or i'll hence why it's grey but the crimson red circle shows the blood I had personally spilled before and after, it is something........I cannot escape from. As for the lioness....Lets just say the Duchess is an Ice Queen of sorts with the tenacities of a lioness."

Seto chuckled a little before walking back to the war room's large table and taking a seat once again and began grabbing a few important documents for his work.

"I do apologize my Ranger, at the moment unforuntely I do not have any orders for you, for now you may leave and do as you wish, when I am in dire need of your strength, I shall call opon you, worry not. If you are restless as I was at one point before I became a noble, you could journey across the lands near the borders and gather information on Felderen or Brisshal or you could always look for those who you might think would do well in my service. These are not orders, they are simply suggestions by your lord, you may do whatever you wish. As for me, I must return to these dull yet important documents and blueprints that show the future of the Southern Duchy, I wish you good luck on your journey's my Ranger until I call forth for you."​

 

So he stood as a Ranger a new man in service to his Lord the black duke of the House of Kurama. However, it seemed that he had when he joined his lord's court he had caused a slight problem he was a ranger, not a knight not a Politician. He wasn’t someone who made nice with other or who could lead an army. That was not where his skills lay he was best suited for the forest and wild areas of the world or even if he could put his rouge skills into play. Also if the application of his skills would have lain with the act of the disposal of a target, however, it seemed as though his lord had other plans for him. For he had soon started looking for something that was buried in the piles of documents that were covering the table and nearby desks. Until he came across what looked like a small metal paper holder in his hand until he was able to see it correctly, it wasn’t a paperweight but a crest. It was the crest of the house that he now belonged to and more importantly it was a sign to show where and to whom he belonged.

Taking the crest from Seto letting his thumb rub across the surface of the crest getting familiar with the pattern, allowing its groves become ingrained in his memory. Getting a feel for its weight and size he needed to make sure that he would never forget each induvial curve etched on its surface. It might have only been the first rendition of the crest, but he would have been able to say that he was one of the first. The wolf was wrought out of gray iron with a circle of what appeared to be thin ruby or red paint circling it. It stood out against the black clearly; it seemed that his lord took great pain to remember every death that he had caused. It was easy to see what the ebony was for they work well his especially would be done in the shadows, and they would spill blood to protect the kingdom it was their goals. It made no difference to him if his red was on his ledge or on his crest he knew it was there. However, that lioness was a bit worrying this was a man that seemed to fair nothing but if his partner scared him well. It would the probability be best if he wasn’t seen around the castle too much.

Now it was time for him to take his leave however he had presented himself to his duke and agreed to join his service. There was no point in waiting around the castle if Seto had nothing for him to do. He was a ranger that his kind worked on the edge of the civilized world, so that was where he needed to be heading. Giving his lord a quick bow before heading back out through the metal doors. “I take my leave of you, my Lord, if you have any need of me just call and I shall come running to the defense of the duchy. I will be on the borders of the kingdom. Should I find any that would be an asset to the kingdom, I shall send them your way. For you will forgive my saying so while we might be able to protect from the shadows there would be a need for those to duel in the light. May you remain safe.”

exit thread​

 

With the outcome that had transpired, Aalam seemed happy with his new position and why shouldn't he? He was now serving a Duke who had the potenial to change this country for better or worse. Aalam wasn't a Knight which was a slight dissapointment, still it mattered little, it stilled pleased him enough to have a person serving under him. As Aalam bowed before him, in response he nodded his head as well to show respect and acknowledge him as one of his own before he took his leave from his side. Seto was impressed with Aalam's atheism so far, it was good to see his servant take his new found duties rather seriously since Seto couldn't tolerate people who acted like idiots or fools. Watching his ranger repart the war room and presumly the war room, Seto slid back into his chair at the war table and sighed, that was one person down, he wondered how many would come to him? Considering his reputation, he couldn't see a great many people flocking to his banner, it would be nice if a healer entered under his service, he could surely use one due to his method's of attack and abilities. Smacking the top of his forhead with the palm of his hand, he couldn't believe he had forgotten about @Emmeline Valenick!

Pouting slightly, he felt like a Sola at the moment, how the bloody hell did he forget about Emmeline? She had been serving him since the beginning dammit when that cursed witch he served was still alive. Just thinking of Merkaba again had put him in a foul mood, she was really the only person he wanted to kill for what she had done to him, she made him into what he is now and now beacuse of her handy work in making that beast that has lived in him. shaking his head in an effort to stop thinking of that witch, he had to focus on the matter on hand! Opening his UI, with the tip of his right index finger he swiped the screens until he got his contacts list, he scrolled down the lengthy list of players he knw until he found Emmeline's profile. Clicking on it, he decided to send her a voice mail since she wasn't present with him but he was pretty sure she was still around in the castle somewhere.​

Voice mail

"@Emmeline Valenick, my water maiden, when you have the moment, could you please prepare some tea for me and yourself and join me in the war room in the castle? Of course that is If you are in the castle today, I have not seen you today so I know not your location. There is something of great importance I wish to speak to you about since you were the first person who chose to serve me willingly, something that I have not forgotten or misused since our time together.

Until your arrival, I shall be staying in the war room for quite some time, continuing my plans to build us a more perament home in my Duchy. Hopefully one day, the Southern Duchy will have a castle or at least a city for us to live in. Living in this castle at the moment isn't the greatest."
From: Seto

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