The Duchess, the Archer, and her Captain (Serrus-es)

[Maka Sumoto]

Maka's cloak whipped around him with the wind, his collar both obscuring his features and keeping his glasses from flying away. He looked up at Castle Serrus, and grinned. Nobody would expect a Dathomiri Archer here. Especially not a male Dathomiri archer. He stepped up the stairs to the main gate, still smiling. A guard stopped him, and ordered, "State your business, lad. Lady Serrus has had another assassination attempt, so we're not just letting people in."

Maka smiled gently at the guard, and nodded, replying, "The White Archer has come to bow to the Red Duchess."

The man's eyes widened in disbelief. He laughed loudly, and crowed, "That's the best one I've heard this week, boy! You, the Archer? A bloody stripling?"

Maka continued to smile, letting the smallest of his energy bows unfold on his arm. With a buzzing noise, it expanded into a bow almost as tall as the guard, with only light for a string or arrow. The guard just gaped, and muttered, "Well, then go right in, my lord archer."

Maka nodded back gratefully, "Thank you, sir," and continued walking up the steps, the bow refolding itself. Stepping into the building itself, he noticed a distinct lack of movement. There was a staircase that looked like it lead to a tower, so he started up the stairs, humorously wondering if there was a princess, or better yet, the beautiful Duchess, at the top...


[member='Benedali Serrus'] [member='Arick Serrus']

 

[Arick Serrus]

Arick, a squad of guards standing by his side, blocked the single door leading to the tower where the Duchess had been told to stay. There had been another assassination attempt on the girl, and the entire castle was in a state of lockdown, guards stationed at every door, with only the elite of the elite standing by Arick. If anyone tried to get inside the tower now, they were either insane, or they had a death wish. "I know I don't need to remind you, do not let anyone past this door." He said, the tower itself had only the Duchess inside, you could never trust anyone, and there were no second chances.

Suddenly one of the huge entrances opened, the great doors allowing a flood of light to breach the grim dark that the castle was ever since the assassination attempt. 'State your business Lad.' Arick heard one of the guardsman say, there was a moment of silence, then, accompanied by two pikemen, a man started up the stairs. "Halt." The elite guards shouted and fell into a defensive stance. Arick stepped forward, "What is the meaning of this? Who is this rat? You have been ordered not to allow anyone in here!"

[member="Maka Sumoto"] [member="Benedali Serrus"]

 

[Benedali Serrus]

[member="Arick Serrus"] [member="Maka Sumoto"]

Benedali had been in her chambers within the tower, bored out of her mind, when the secret mike she had planted by the stairs began to squawk. Sitting up, she picked out the sounds of her brother's voice. The Duchess perked up considerably and set about making herself presentable. Really, though, it didn't take that long -- a puff of perfume here, a stray hair put away there, and she looked good.

Gathering her skirts about her, the Duchess ignored the protests of her guards and rushed down the steps. When she got to the door, Benedali plucked one of the vibroblades hanging on the wall and pushed her way into the main foyer, where Arick and several of the elite guards stood at the ready. Coming up the steps, though, was a stranger she'd never seen before.

Benedali's shoulders slumped. Honestly, she thought, this is a disappointment. Letting out a puff of air, she scrutinized the newcomer. "I was expecting something more...exciting."

 

[Maka Sumoto]

Maka looked around in awe, first at the man with the wings. He was the captain of the guard, the Duchess' half-brother. Younger than Maka, yes, but still a renowned hero. And the duchess herself... She was devastatingly beautiful, a red-headed angel without wings. An then he heard the captain's angry question.

Maka shook his head at the captain, smiling, and interrupting his heated threats, "I have come to swear my weapons, and my honor, to House Serrus... Would you turn away my help, Lord Captain?"

Then, Maka looked back up at the duchess, smiling. He replied, "I am sorry that the appearance of the White Archer so disappoints you, fair lady. I'm simply a lowly guardian, after all."

[member="Arick Serrus"] [member="Benedali Serrus"]

 

[Benedali Serrus]

[member="Maka Sumoto"] [member="Arick Serrus"]

Benedali sidestepped her brother and walked towards the man -- this White Archer -- until he and she were a couple yards apart. Expertly swinging the blade in her hand, she sized him up, her other hand on her hip. "You say you've come to swear yourself to our house?" Despite the recent attempt on her life, the Duchess wasn't very afraid; boredom tended to do that to a person.

She shot a glance at her brother, debating whether or not to carry on with her next move. Ah, well. This Archer could have killed me a dozen times already.

Still swinging her blade, Benedali walked up to the Archer and circled around him slowly. "Please, fill my dear brother and I in on your reasons, along with your exploits. I'm afraid I've never heard of you." Completing her circuit, the Duchess brushed a lock of hair over her shoulder, giving Arick an amused look while she awaited the archer's reply.

 

[Arick Serrus]

Arick looked at his sister, he swore under his breath at how casual Benedali acted, if this rat wanted to kill her, he could without a seconds notice. He allowed her to talk to the pest, but he and the guards visually tensed, weapons were drawn, and guards pressed closer. "Get back here you foolish girl." Arick snarled, and, with much more force than was really necessary, he grabbed the Duchess and swung her behind the line of troops.

"Alright rat, what is your real intention!" Arick shouted, in a flash his blade was at the man's throat, tip first, "I'm done with your games, Duchess, return to your room while I take care of this lying little..."

The guards took another step forward.

[member="Benedali Serrus"]
[member="Maka Sumoto"]

 

[Maka Sumoto]

Maka looked around, smiling. He was expecting this, really. Nobles couldn't know every rumor their subjects whispered. Apparently, he counted among those. Putting his hands behind his back, he stood in something close to a parade ground stance, glancing at the duchess and her winged brother.

He began by replying, almost jokingly, "The White Archer is said to be the best shot in the mountains. He boldly attacks Thul castles, and kills Sith before they can scream. He raids the Rists and steals their secrets. He even bravely steals gold off the Organa statues, giving them away to poor maids and needy children."

Then he held up a hand, because the duchess' circling was bothering him a little. And then, Maka continued, "Those are the stories you would hear in the mountain villages, and among the children playing heroes in the sandpits. I am the White Archer. But in actuality, I simply raid Thul supply vans. I'm an expert shot, with an excellent weapon, but I don't go around prancing after Sith in the forests. I sell the luxury items to the people who used to live under the control of my mother's holdfast. I only target Thuls because they happened to be the ones who razed the place."

Maka looked over at the winged man, smiling even wider. He relaxed into a more comfortable stance, and replied, "I am actually here to swear myself over to your sister. And, I didn't come here to beat up on your men."

[member="Benedali Serrus"] [member="Arick Serrus"]

 

[Benedali Serrus]

[member="Maka Sumoto"] [member="Arick Serrus"]

Benedali stood behind her guards, dumbstruck by her brother's aggressiveness. Alright, so maybe she had been a tad reckless, but that did not call for such roughness! She was a Duchess!

Gathering herself together, she sent a withering glare at Arick. "Captain! I will not have you treat me like this! I am the Duchess!" She gestured at the Archer. "And believe me, brother, if he wanted me dead he would have done so a thousand times over. Honestly, one failed -- failed, mind you -- attack and you act like it's the end of the world! I am not a child and I am not going to my room!" Benedali emphasised this with a stomp of her foot, blushing when she realized it was a very childish thing to do.

 

[Arick Serrus]

"Stop acting like a spoiled little child." Arick said, only a hint of impatience in his voice. "And, what happens when one day, the attempts at your life are no longer just attempts?" his voice was steely, not harsh, but Benedali would certainly get it - He meant what he said.- "Stay here if you wish, but if you wont leave," he motioned to the guards and two of them folded back, standing next to the duchess. Arick spread his wings, blocking the entire staircase. "I will listen to your story, but don't expect me to be as lenient as my Duchess here. And don't just tell me you're here to offer yourself, Show me."

[member="Benedali Serrus"]
[member="Maka Sumoto"]

 

[Benedali Serrus]

[member="Arick Serrus"] [member="Maka Sumoto"]

Benedali huffed at her brother's words even as a surge of affection tinged with guilt filled her. He was right -- the Duchess might as well be a toddler, with the way she was acting. But she was also pleased that he didn't force her to leave. That battle, at least, had been won.

Unfortunately, Arick's wings also blocked her view of the Archer, causing the Duchess to fold her arms in a cross manner. At least I can hear, she thought ruefully.

 

[Maka Sumoto]

Maka clicked his tongue, mock-impatiently. He nodded, slightly impressed when the captain's wings unfolded. Throwing back his cloak to show the lightsaber at his belt, and the odd gauntlet that would unfold into his largest bow, he spread his arms. Maka raised an eyebrow, and cocked his head, replying, "You say you're listening, but you aren't. I know about the assassination attempts. Why else would I come to help now, when I could have come before?"

He looked over at the Duchess, smiling, and then looked back at her brother. Maka still smiled, and put his arms behind his back again. His explanation continued, "As I was saying, I've been trained as a marksman since I could hold a gun, and this bow I carry is that of a Dathomiri Hunter. A weapon that took me fifteen years to acquit myself as I do. I would tell you to ask my mother, but the Lord Thul himself made sure she was dead and buried. House Serrus is the only one of the remote houses that has not sworn one way or another, and I'd like to help you keep it that way."

He looked into the winged man's face again, smiling even wider. Then he bowed to the duchess, bending down to one knee, and finished, ignoring her brother, "Lady Benedali Serrus, I am your vassal to command. The White Archer bends his knee to the Red Duchess."

[member="Benedali Serrus"] [member="Arick Serrus"]

 

[Arick Serrus]

"House Serrus does as the Duchess commands, we will not swear to either side until she says so." Arick said, sliding his sword back into its sheath. He lowered his wings and stepped to the side, the elites followed, completely in line. " Duchess, it is upon you to send him off, or to allow him to stay. I have no authority now that he has offered his service." With that, he spun on his heel and started to march away, with only two of the elites staying with Benedali and the Archer.

[member="Maka Sumoto"]
[member="Benedali Serrus"]

 

[Benedali Serrus]

[member="Arick Serrus"] [member="Maka Sumoto"]

Benedali watched as her brother marched off. He was deeply aggravated, and she would talk to him later, but for now she stayed where she was, looking at the Archer.

The Duchess walked over to him until she was mere inches from his bowed head. The two elites tensed, but she waved them down with a gesture. "If I accept your pledge, you'll have to live here," she warned him. "And House Serrus is a peaceful house; we are neutral for a reason. Because there is no quarrel with House Thul and House Serrus, I won't allow you to start any trouble. Any plans for revenge will need to be forgotten. The last thing we need is the Houses to begin fighting amongst each other." She paused, adding softly, "I am sorry to hear about your mother, though. Arick and I lost ours as well. Do you have a name, by chance? Aside from "White Archer," that is."

 

[Maka Sumoto]

Maka looked up at the duchess, smiling sadly. He took in the fact that he had just sworn himself to the most powerful neutral house on Alderaan. That felt good. So did the fact that he had an actual home now. He replied, "My name is Maka Sumoto. There is no House Sumoto anymore."

He actually grinned now, adopting an almost innocent expression, and continued, "Maka Sumoto never attacked anybody, my lady. That nefarious White Archer and his silver bow, and his host of ravening Organa troopers did it all!"

Then he raised an eyebrow, and laughed, "No, I won't be causing any trouble with the Thuls. Your would-be assassins are far more fascinating quarry."

[member="Benedali Serrus"] [member="Arick Serrus"]

 

[Benedali Serrus]

[member="Maka Sumoto"] [member="Arick Serrus"]

Benedali couldn't help but laugh at Maka's response. "Oh, sure," she teased. "And I bet you'll keep saying that when 'Wanted' posters go up."

Grinning, she offered a hand to help him up. "Now that that's settled, let's go turn around my brother's foul mood, shall we?"

 

[Arick Serrus]

"Bloody rat probably already killed everyone inside the building!" Arick muttered, he was in the courtyard directing a decent garrison of troops around, he would have said more if there wasn't quite as many people around.

After a moment he unfolded his wings and shot into the sky, landing on the roof of one of house Serrus's many towers he layed on his back and watched the sun as it slowly sank through the sky.

[member="Benedali Serrus"]
[member="Maka Sumoto"]

 

[Maka Sumoto]

Maka took the duchess' hand, and smiled back. Standing up, he replied, "When they go up, my lady? Sure, they don't have my face, or even my bow, on them, but it's still me. Cloak and all."

He looked around quickly, and tried not to actually recoil when he realized that he was still holding her hand. He pulled away, and his grin dropped into a smirk as he continued, "Your brother's delightful mood has a lot to do with me, and a little to do with you not listening to him. He's right when he says you need to be very careful, but keeping you in a tower makes you an easier target."

[member="Arick Serrus"] [member="Benedali Serrus"]

 

[Benedali Serrus]

[member="Maka Sumoto"] [member="Arick Serrus"]

Benedali flipped her hair over her shoulder. "He also doesn't realize that if I'm bored I won't listen." Gathering her skirts about her, she jerked her chin in the direction she was going to go. "Well, come on then. Finding Arick won't be hard -- tell me, how's your climbing skills?"

This last bit was tossed out, as Benedali had already started moving towards the most likely tower that her brother was near. And yet, he called me a spoiled child, she thought. Even so, she knew Arick simply wanted the best for her, which was why she was seeking him out immediately. There was nothing she hated more than to sever communications with her brother.

 

[Arick Serrus]

Arick hopped tower to tower, admiring -or sometimes disciplining- the guardsmen's concentration. They knew anything or anyone could attack at any moment, and they were ready for it. Arick hated ordering Benedali around, but she acted like she was invincible!

"Alright, thats enough dwelling." He said, the guards just stood there, paying him no attention. "Remind me to promote those guys...." He jumped to the tower he had started on, and watched the courtyard.

[member="Benedali Serrus"] [member="Maka Sumoto"]

 

[Maka Sumoto]

Maka laughed, and looked out the window, to see the duchess' brother perched on a tower like some kind of bizarre red bird. He shook his head, grinning back at her. He replied, "I can climb like a goat, but I can't fly like a bird. That's clearly the realm of your brother."

He followed her, and grinned up at the winged man. He shouted up, "Is that your nest, Lord Bird?"

[member="Benedali Serrus"] [member="Arick Serrus"]