.Liars
.Canines
.The Royals
.Traitors
.Silver
.Chocolate
.Stuck-up snobs
.Most other people
.Bounty Hunters

Name:Tiger
Nick-name:Tai (pronounced Tie)
Species:Gruslen
Colour:Orange
Gender:Male

Personality:Tai's happy, upbeat attitude gives a stark contrast to the downright meanness of his master, Davois. Though not the brightest of buttons, Tai would be a loyal companion to anyone, but because of the situations these two have been in together, there is an even stronger bond between the two. The Gruslen is, possibly, the only real companion, or 'friend', that Davois has (though he, of course, won't admit to it).
While a friendly creature most of the time, he can easily get savage in order to protect Davois or another who has been placed under his care - and boy, do you not want to be at the receiving end. Davois, being the intellect that he is, makes the most of this, and is able to send Tai off to escort 'guests' or sometimes even make deliveries - jobs which Tai does eagerly.
However, Tai can also be quite gullible - which often leads him into a mess. Neither does it take much to scare the poor Gruslen; he's not a coward, per-say, but he is easily startled. And, when scared, he tends to resort to violence. Though, through luck and sheer tooth-and-claw, Tai manages to come out unhurt. Though, who knows? That luck could simply be a form of magic...

How They Met:COMING SOON

UPDATE/LENGTHEN THESE! AND DO ANOTHER IMAGE FOR WORAND, 'CAUSE IT'S AWFUL. AND DO SOMETHING FOR NASHAN. KAY?

Katreila
Status: Ally turned enemy
Katreila is currently the princess of Aersa, having become engaged to the Prince in recent months. However, Davois knew Katreila before any change in status.
Previously, Katreila was the leader of a rebel group known at Starfire, who plotted to overthrow the Royal Family (bit of a change there, yes? From kill the Prince to marry to Prince?). Davois and the guild were the ones who provided Katreila's group with the equipment and money that they needed, as well as Katreila's all important December Jewel.
However, she soon got to know Gorasis, and tried to call the imminent raid off. But she was betrayed by her own group, so she warned Gorasis. The group was defeated, and she became Princess. It was at this point that Davois lost all contact with her. Due to her sudden change of opinion, as well as her 'ratting out' on some of his methods, he considers her now to be a traitor. And if it's one thing that Davois hates most, it's traitors.

Gorasis
Status: Enemy
Gorasis is the prince of Aersa. Usually confined to within the castle walls, he does not often make contact with outsiders. As such, he is considered by his people to be just like his father - cold, strict and unjust. However, he is not at all like his father, and though he may seem distant at first, he has the personality and beliefs that often make the best princes.
But since he does not leave the castle albeit for special occasions, the general population doesn't know that. Davois, as one example, considers him to be a traitor to his people - which makes him instantly the Demon King's enemy. If only someone with a sense of justice and the population on his side would take the throne instead...

Worand
Status: Ally/Guardian
When Davois was only 8, Worand found his as a beggar on the streets. Despite being nicely high up in the Thieves Guild hierarchy, this thief has a soft heart; he could not just leave that desperate little Grarrl to starve. So Worand offered him a better life at the Guild; Davois would have been a fool not to take it.
Worand is the only one in the Guild that Davois trusts fully, and vice versa; in a guild full of thieves, complete trust is almost impossible to come by. When Davois surpassed his guardian's rank and became leader, the aging Aisha quickly found himself in the comfortable position of of second-in-command. Perhaps this was as a thank you for all that Worand did for the Grarrl, or perhaps there was a more selfish reason behind this - perhaps Davois just wanted someone at his back that he could trust not to try and overthrow him...
Do note, of course, that Worand is not a pet of mine. He is purely made up to fit Davois' story.

Verhx
Status: Ally/Friend
Although originally from Ghout, Verhx often travels up to the ports in Aersa to sell his goods. Of course, as he is a pirate, it is important that he keeps such things quiet and kept under a blanket. However, when the previous leader of the Thieves Guild got word of pirates docking in September, he quickly made this into a ransom and threatened that if the Guild did not get free goods, Verhx piracy would be exposed. Reluctantly, Verhx had agreed.
However, when Davois became leader, he made some changes to this agreement. Why? Because he knew that if the blackmail continued, and the pirate even got a whiff of where the Guild was, there would be trouble. So Davois made sure that the agreement was discontinued. Instead, he proposed a trade agreement. Verhx seemed much happier to accept, and the two of them found that even though, by all accounts, their personalities should clash, they actually found that they got on quite well. Davois may even consider the Lutari a 'friend'...

Aersa is the smallest kingdom in the lands of Rafiela. It's western and southern areas border the country of Derago, while the kingdom of Serta lies to the east. Aersa is not completely landlocked, however, as to the north of the kingdom lies the Northern Sea, in which dwells both merchant ships and pirates. The capital, July, is a somewhat Northern city, though it is September and April that are the coastal destinations, and are responsible for much of Aersa's trade.

Aersa has exactly 12 cities, each named after the month that they were built in. Many of these cities lie on, or very close to, the borders. Due to this, and the size of Aersa, there have been many attacks on the kingdom, though they have lessened in recent years. Part of this could be because of the unknown magical barrier that protects the kingdom, though throughout the years people have put it solely down to the tactical brilliance of the kingdoms royal family and its army.

Derago is the largest of the other countries and kingdoms in Aersa, and Serta is the second smallest. Past those, there are also the countries of Jiane and Fetiq, and the kingdom of Goul. Out of these, Aersa is currently friendly towards Serta, Goul and Jiane, neutral towards Fetiq and mutually hostile towards Derago. While travel is legally banned to Derago, many people of the cities bordering it claim that the residents are dark, demonic creatures with eyes as red as blood – though this is, of course, just a rumour...

December Jewels are imported across the continent from Aersa, and even beyond. As their name suggests, these jewels are found only in the city of December, and even then are a very rare find. Incredibly expensive, these jewels are only found within noble families or amongst the very gifted thieves. Due to their price, they are guarded with about as much protection as you would put on one's life, and many nobles illegally employ magic-users to place spells over their jewels in order to prevent them from breaking or being stolen – though more often than not, the 'spells' that are placed on them are fake, and just a way of gaining money from the rich and gullible. You often see these jewels passed down as heirlooms, or sometimes even as a dowry.

Unlike most jewels, December Jewels are not just for show. Instead, they have magical properties. Without the jewel, citizens of Aersa are just normal, animalistic creatures. However, if the jewel makes contact with the user's flesh, scales or fur, the user will instantly be transformed into a more anthropomorphic creature. As such, any person you see in an anthropomorphic state is – usually – a very wealthy person of high social status.
(NOTE: These jewels were excluded from King Envier's banishment of all magical items for two reasons: 1) Many a person depends on their powers, and they are almost a necessity to those of high status. 2) Their magic never needs to be refilled, cannot be tapped into, and does one job and one job only. Therefore, they do not endanger the kingdom or its population. )

King Enviers, is of course, of the royal family. The royal family, or more specifically, the King and/or Queen, are the ones who rule over the kingdom of Aersa. They are directly descended from the settlers who first created the country, and are known (even beyond their borders) for ruling over their kingdom with an iron fist. The current King, King Enviers, does not break that tradition. Not only is he known for being a strict and fierce ruler, but he is the one who was responsible for the banning of magic almost as soon as his reign began. The reasons for this are unknown to all except those closest to him, though many rumours have sprouted up.

Prince Gorasis is the only child of King Envier and the late Queen Eeva. Arrogant, ambitious and even a bit narcissist, he is however a very tactical person. While he does not 'enjoy' wars and other fights, he is able to make the most of the challenge and ensure that his side is the one that wins at the end of the day. Though even while he insists his actions are self-beneficial, there is a softer and more compassionate side to the Prince that not many people ever really get the chance to experience. Although he is eager to become king, and almost ruthless in doing what he needs to get to that position, he wants it because he knows he can do a better job of ruling than his father could. He knows the mistakes his father, and his father's predecessors, have made and is ready and willing to act upon them in such a manner that would benefit not only himself, but the rest of the kingdom as well.

Princess Katreila is not actually of royal, or even noble, blood. Previously, she was the leader of the Assassin's Guild which was set to overthrow the Royal family, a group that was frequently helped by the guild of thieves. However, after the events that occurred, she changed sides and became the fiancée of the Prince. Therefore, while her opinions and requests are heard due to her status, they are hardly ever noted or acted upon due to the severity of mistrust the general population of noblemen has of her (even though they do not know her past as an assassin, they still view her as a peasant). Unknown to all but the Prince, Katreila is a magic user, though it was a gift she was born with, not one she learnt.

The royal family currently resides in the city of July, which is the capital of Aersa. True to its name, it was built in the month of July. The city layout is that of a maze, one with no real structure or pattern to the placement of buildings. This was intentionally done in order to confuse intruders, and is purely a defence system in order to prevent those intruders from reaching the castle, which is situated in the middle of the city. Surrounded as well by a high wall and deep moat with only one bridge over which to cross, the castle has only ever been infiltrated by three people throughout the whole of its 1000 years standing. For added defence, the city is surrounded by another high wall, with only one (known) entrance or exit. And, unbeknownst by the whole of the population, July was surrounded by a magical barrier when it was first created, and that is the real reason that the city has never been successfully invaded.

Directly surrounding the main castle are the residents of many of the city noblemen and ladies, each of whom are entrusted with their own December Jewels (see above). They are all, quite frankly, filthy rich – which gives a stark contrast to the rest of the population who have no money at all. Although, as previously mentioned, there is no set layout to July, if you were to walk outward from the castle you would notice that the further away you get, the poorer the people are that you will encounter.

Twice in recent years, people have flocked to July in their thousands due to the many instances of conflict in the other cities of Aersa. The increase in population was so large in both circumstances that additional 'accommodation' was required outside of the main city. The first time, the influx in population was beginning to be a hazard: the city had to get rid of them. They did this by what was known as 'The Great Purge'. The Royals ordered the Royal Guard to drive those outside the city away without resorting to the use of violence. However, many of the young noblemen sons, who had joined the guard specifically for this event, saw it as a 'game'. As a result, many died. Others fought back at the Guard; they did not wish to be forced out, they had nowhere else to turn to. However, the violence they used on the Guard got to a point where the Guard had no choice but to retaliate. All those who fought, died, while the rest of the citizens reluctantly moved away. However, within the last two years, frequent border conflicts with Derago have brought more citizens to the capital, each taking residency outside of the city. King Enviers has stated that because the numbers of these new citizens are far more than the increase before the Great Purge, there will not be a 2nd Great Purge.

RE-DO THE CHAPTER PICTURES, OR AT LEAST MAKE THEM LOOK BETTER :K

I jumped from the open window, extending my wings so as to gracefully land on the castle wall many metres below. Behind me, I heard shouts from the castle inhabitants, though all words were lost to the sound of the wind gushing past. As the tips of my claws touched the cold, grey stone of the guard walls, I heard a familiar sound. The alarm bell. It almost made me smile. No matter how many times they were to ring that bell, I would never be caught. No-one could catch me. But that doesn't mean that I should let my guard down.
My powerful jaws tightened around the nicely sized bag, which was crammed full of golden treasures, as I carefully dodged and manoeuvred around the guards that had ran from their stations to meet me. Pathetic. They were clumsy, never getting close to touching my leathery skin; I couldn't help but wonder how creatures like these could ever be able to 'guard' anything. I quickly made my way to the edge of the wall, and once again, I jumped. And, once again, I extended my wings to their full-length. With ease, I glided over and past the moat that surrounded the castle, landing with a small thud on the cobbled pavement of the upper class streets. When I first came here many, many years ago, I had been shocked – almost repulsed – by the size and craftsmanship of the houses. They were huge, beautiful and brimming with gold, whereas the outer ring of the city was the direct opposite. But I quickly shook these thoughts and memories from my head, and resumed my escape. I did, however, find it hard to ignore the smells that wafted out from these surrounding houses, especially since my stomach was complaining. But with the gold that was clenched tightly between my razor-sharp teeth, I knew that I would eat well later.
I was almost on the edge of the upper rings now; the houses were getting smaller. With no sign of any guards behind me, plus the fact that I was confident enough that I could outrun and outsmart any of those dimwits anyway, I decided that I could take it easy for a bit. But the pitter-patter of tiny feet behind me made me halt and turn my head. Behind me stood a Tiger, his orange and black-striped fur ruffled from running. I turned fully towards him, brushing minds with him as I did; something that only a magic-user could do. I was just about able to make sense of his disorderly thoughts, and a wry smile crept onto my face. The guards were trying to surround me. Perhaps they weren't as idiotic as they'd like me to think they are. But, at least this meant that they were learning from previous years of mistakes.
Come on," I told Tiger, in a rough but somewhat 'affectionate' tone. With the small pet running at my heels, I sprinted down the maze of alleys and streets. Buildings blurred past me, though I knew where I was at all times. I knew these streets like the back of my claw. That knowledge was something every thief needed to survive in this world. But, as we ran down one particular street, something at the end of the street made me stop dead in my tracks. A group of guard Lupes stood, growling and fur bristling, at the end of the street. I looked behind me, scowling, and saw that there was another group there as well. I grinned, baring my teeth. This was always the most fun part of a chase – when the chasers thought they had me surrounded. However, I knew this street had no back alleys or side paths to disappear down, and I definitely could not use my magic in their presence, either. I sighed dramatically. There really was only one thing to do. I briefly touched minds with my companion, just long enough to say hold on, and we were off. Tiger had managed to jump onto my back just in time, and now had his teeth sunk into my leathery skin to prevent him from falling. It didn't bother me, as I could only feel it enough to know he was there. I ran directly towards the group of Lupes, who seemed puzzled at my actions. They really were inexperienced, but even so they took a fighting stance. And, as soon as their 'target' was in range, they pounced.
But I was faster, as per usual. I leapt into the air, leaving the guards to pounce onto the cold ground, stunned. On the other side of the blockade, I landed with a clatter, several gold coins falling from a rip in the bag. There was no point in stopping to pick them up.
We had left the guards behind, there was no question about it. They were probably still lying on the ground. But even if they weren't there was no chance they'd catch us now – I was clearly one of the fastest thieves. And in any case, I was nearly at the Guild entrance anyway.
I turned a couple streets, ran down a few alleys, and soon found myself upon a tunnel that had once been used for sewage, but now was in a state of disuse. Tiger jumped off my back, whining slightly, and then followed me as I squeezed through the relatively small opening; though I able to stand up fully as the tunnel expanded in a way that suggested it had not been built this way, but changed. And, if you were to think that, you would be right. This tunnel was the beginning of the entrance of the Thieves' Guild.
We continued to walk through the tunnel, my sense of smell accustomed to the revolting stench that arose from years of decaying sewage due to long years of walking this way. Soon, we found what we were looking for: a depression in the wall which, if dug into, would collapse and reveal another tunnel. You just had to make sure to close it up again, which we did before continuing on. After a short while, we encountered the first fork in the path, and went left. Soon after, we faced the second, and the third, and the fourth and, finally, the fifth. After which, we came across the familiar door. I tapped.
Once. Twice. Thrice.
And then we waited.
It didn't take long for the door to swing open, with a rough-looking Kougra standing on the other side. I scowled, having the delight of watching the Kougra look visibly nervous as he stepped to the side to let us pass. "Welcome back, your Highness.
I ignored the Kougra – after all, it was just a formality that I was used to - and continued until me and Tiger appeared into the main 'streets' of the guild.
I was home.

The crowded streets separated as I walked into view, giving me the right to walk unhindered. Some, I knew, moved out of my path because they respected me and my power. Others were just scared of me. I grinned to myself; I quite enjoyed that thought. Tiger trotted at my heels, his head held proudly as he basked in the glow of the crowd's attentive eyes. The crowd's banter had nearly come to a halt, with only whispers and coughs to be heard now. But my sensitive hearing managed to pick up bits of conversation from the crowd, who speculated about the origins on the bag still firmly between my jaws. Of course, I wasn't restricted to just these snippets. I could have easily read the minds of those I walked past, though I knew the risks that that would bring. If I managed to brush the wrong mind, a mind attuned to magic, my secret could be found out. And although the majority of these people respected me, I knew that such a large reward for a magic user would not make them think twice about ratting me out. Such greed disgusts me; I refuse to believe that I would ever stoop that low.
I rounded a corner, and immediately the discussions behind me picked up again. The streets weren't half a busy now, since this direct tunnel lead me to my den and office. Only those who were of 'higher' status in the Guild were generally down here, though I had refused to cut off access to all but them. I refused to become like the city, where those of different status and jobs were segregated. Again, such things disgusted even a thief like me.
Those that passed me were those I knew, or at least acquaintances. They nodded in acknowledgement as we passed, and I offered a brief and short nod in return. If wasn't taken as such an insult to ignore a greeting, I think I wouldn't bother – such frivolities annoyed me. But I needed to keep the traditions, even the pointless ones.
We turned another corner or two – you tend to lose interest when you've walked these steps so many times – and I was confronted with the door for my 'office'. I lifted up my left paw and inserted a jagged claw (that was specially cut) into the lock. I turned my paw, and the great wooden door swung open without as much as a creek. I entered cautiously; something in the small room seemed to be amiss. Of course, being underground, there were no windows. The candles that were usually set alight weren't, and there was an odd silence to the room. Tiger sprinted passed me, unaware of anything that may have resembled danger. His acute eyesight in the dark navigated his way to his bed, where he curled up comfortably and immediately fell asleep. I closed the door behind me, and walked to the centre of the room.
Almost immediately, I felt the sting of a knife at the back of my neck.
I have you now, Demon," I heard a voice behind me whisper.
I doubt you can escape this time.
Are you so sure?" I replied with a grin. My tail quickly wrapped itself around my attacker's arm before he had any chance of reacting. His arm firmly held in place, I was safe to spin around. I head butted him on the chest, sending him flying to the opposite wall. He landed with a satisfying thud. I walked over to where he lay, a grin on my face. "You should know by now that it takes a lot more than that."
The figure on the floor stood up slowly, a laugh escaping his lips as he did. "And there I was, thinking that I had won for once." I watched as his took a match from his pocket and walked over to a candle. He lit it, and moved on to the next one. He was a tall figure, though only in the guise he gets from his December Jewel. The Zafara was quite young, though older than myself, but already had greying hair due to the scars he has obtained in his years. His face, however, was mainly free of scars, though I knew this to be because of the magic he had within his blood – even though he did not know how, or want to know how, to use it. He finished lighting the last of the candles, and turned to look at me. His green flesh contorted into what he always called a 'smile'.
I trotted back to the centre of the room, where my 'desk' (which was really just a plank of wood on the floor) was, and sat down on my pillow. The Zafara took the pillow on the other side. "So Nashan, what brings you here?" I asked.
Nashan sighed dramatically. "You're the leader here. Are you seriously telling me that you haven't heard through your little network?" Of course I had heard quite a few things about his Guild, but I kept silent, urging him to continue. "Well, it seems the Assassin's Guild is having some problems lately. There have been no new recruits that have shown even the slightest potential. But, more importantly, our leader, Guidle, has become corrupt. Not that he wasn't always corrupt - what Assassin leader isn't? - But he's gone way too far. There's even been talk of... ahem... doing what assassins do best. And then if he does die, there's the question of who would replace him."
Let me guess; you're a top candidate?" I ventured. Nashan stayed silent, but the mixture of emotions that danced across his face revealed that indeed he was. "But let's assume that you are not the only candidate. What would make you stand out from the rest? How about magic?"
You idiot, Davois, that's like signing for my own death! I know you're just itching to show off your 'super-awesome-amazing 'powers to some unwitting apprentice, but I'm not going to be the fool that accepts your offer. No... Instead, I'm here to ask a favour of you. Probably the largest favour I've ever asked."
Oh, do get on with it, Nash."
If I go for the position, will you back me?"
Yes."
Oh, really? I was at least expecting for you to think about it."
Look, do you want the Thieves' support or not?"
Well... yes..."
Then stop moaning and just accept it."
Nashan sighed his famous dramatic sigh, scratching his head whilst doing so. "You know, Davois, you are one of the hardest people to work with." I grinned, quite content with that. It seemed my smile was infectious, since Nash smiled also. "I suppose I can't stay here all day, then. Seems like I have a throne to usurp and all, you know, the usual. See you around, Demon." He walked to the entrance and opened to door. He gave me one last thankful look, and disappeared. I didn't even hear his steps beyond the door.

The knock on the door woke me from my doze. Despite being tired, I hadn't had a very good night sleep, and was taking the time now to make up for it. "Enter," I shouted, glancing at my companion. It almost annoyed me to see that Tiger was still sound asleep, with not a care in the world.
The door opened, and I was surprised to see Worand enter. Despite the old Aisha being the closest thing to a Father I had, he never really visited my private quarters. Instead, we usually only spoke at meetings and such. The fact that he was here meant something had come up.
Oh, good, you're still alive," Worand remarked, closing the door silently behind him. "Thank you for your concern."
Concern? Not really. Me and Nash had a bet on whether his new 'technique' would finally beat you. Guess I'll have to pay him a visit and get him to own up."
I guess you will. But enough of this, you obviously have something to tell me, Worand. Take a seat." I told him, pointing to the cushion that was opposite to my own.
Worand sighed before answering – he always reminded me of Nash. "I thought I best tell you myself this time. Saves me the trouble of hiring another messenger again." The Aisha met my eyes, as if baiting me to say something in defence. I did not, and he continued. "There have been reports that some access points and tunnels are being closed off."
I cursed under my breath. "Where? And how solid are these reports?" Even before I asked, though, I knew where they would be closing.
The reports come from some whom I trust in this matter. As for where, well, there can only be one place I know you'd be interested in."
That traitor Katreila has blocked off some more of my points, eh? I should have known better than to trust some of my better points to a traitor like her. If only I could get my claws on her, why I'd-
Worand coughed, making me pause. "This is no time for one of your little rants, Davois. Not only has she done that, but she's also blocked off some of the routes many of our higher end thieves use as well. I have sent some out to confirm these reports, and re-open any that are safe, but you are probably the only one who can check your own routes. I know you're too smart to reveal all of your points, Davois." "You're right once again, Worand. A pity, really. I was so looking forward to a day off today. I guess it can't be helped. I shall leave at once."
I stood up with a stretch and a yawn. I spared another glance at Tiger, who was still asleep, and decided against waking him. I was only going to check my points; it's not as though I would need his extra pair of eyes and ears. I walked over to the door, leaving Worand still sitting on the cushion.
His voice made me turn around. "Do be careful."
He almost made me laugh. "When am I not, you old coot? If you really want to be helpful, do the work on my desk." Without waiting for a reply, I swung open the door and exited, shutting it slightly too hard as I left.

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