High and Mighty

[Gwendolynne Sparrow]

It made her sick to her stomach. While so many lived impoverished lives, the high and mighty lived lavishly in gated estates far from the common and meak that made up the bulk of the population of Goldcrest. She had never understood such things as a child, and even as an adult she failed to comprehend such feverish greed. While some often campaigned for a spot among the guard of the embassies, Gwendolynne took now pride in standing their in the ceremonial armor of her country. With her house sigil proudly displayed upon her shield, she stood at the ready, her eyes glazed over. She could have been patrolling in the plaza, or the commons, fighting for real change and helping the people of Goldcrest. But instead she was here, standing true and protecting the ego of a once proud nation that like so many others was trying to find a way to claw itself back to its former glory. She leaned against the halberd palmed in right arm, surveying the land without any real interest. That's when a voice piqued her attention.

"Burn down their palaces and let them die in the streets like the rest of us!"

A crowd had gathered around the corner from the Astilon embassy. Proclaimers often took to the area outside of the embassies to protest against the powerful men and women that lived and worked on the grounds. This was not out of the normal.

"We are sick. We are hungry. Yet they grow fatter with each passing day."

She looked to her partner, exchanging a nonverbal conversation before offering a nod and stepping away from her post. The other guard moving from the side of the gate to the center to compensate. She approached the gathering, her weapon hanging loose on her shoulder, her shield at her side.

"We outnumber them, yet we do nothing to take what is rightfully ours. They cannot stop us. They fear our power.  They f ear our righteous might."

As she approached the crowd, many of them took notice of her. She saw their sneers, she heard their whispers, but such things did not affect her. While she agreed with some of the man's statements, his mongering for violence was something that would not be tolerated. Standing on a platform composed of what looked to be reclaimed wood and rusted nails, the man looked to her and smirked.

"Look at their champion! Their whore! Here to silence the truth. Will we -" 

Gwendolynne would listen to no more. Charging through the crowd, she lunged forward. With a quick pirouette, she extended out the polearm of the halberd. Catching the proclaimer below the ankles, she swept the pole forward, taking his feet out from beneath him and knocking him off the platform. The crowd roared in anger, protesting her actions, but she paid them little mind.

"You!"

Her voice cracked like thunder.

"I am nobody's whore, and I will not standby while you incite such unnecessary chaos. There are far better ways to bring about change and I suggest you explore those other avenues."

[Roxanne Crom]

It was no secret Roxanne hated the politics part of her life. Anything that had to do with other nobles and "upholding her family name" was absolutely irritating. But she had to go to it. Her father was already frustrated with her over the marriage. Whatever magic her brother had pulled to talk their father out of it probably wouldn't last if she tried fighting for this instead.

So she grit her teeth and forced some smiles while talking to people she'd rather be far from. Eventually it reached a point where she could excuse herself and it wouldn't be considered rude. All but rushing out of the room, Roxanne sighed with relief.

Only to find the outside as tiresome as the inside.

Roxanne stood next to the extra guard and watched. "Seriously?" She grumbled and punched the bridge of her nose. "All she wanted was to go back to the clinic and start doing what she actually wanted to be doing. Which definitely didn't include listening to any more rants than she'd have to. "Rather than try helping themselves they're screaming. Great."

[Ellen Orland]

Ellen really didn’t like to leave the security of stately Bank Manor, admittedly a part of that was because of the kidnapping that befell her a few weeks ago, the thought of being out in the open was somewhat of an intimidating prospect to young Miss. Banks, if anything Ellen had only gotten worst in the last few weeks, in the act of trusting her common man. It was just a ridiculous prospect before hand….




..but why would she put any trust in people when they just dumped you in a cell in a dingy smelly ship?


So no Ellen kept herself much to herself these days, after all, there seemed to be...upset in the community, among the less...well off citizens of the city...heaven knows why, it felt like they were always complaining about something or other, it was envy Ellen supposed. It was only natural for the lower common people to wish they had the means that Ellen or her family did. It was pathetic really, The Orland family name hasn’t always been the envy of the entire city, her father was in the exact same position as they were, but did he stand outside and complain and yell? No he did something about it and became more than these pieces of scum could ever be..


You’re sick and hungry, so do something about.


Ellen, of course, was attracting some glares because of her reputation and her stylist clothing but when people tried to talk to her she just remained silent and just threw pointed glances at everyone who did….




...She really didn’t have time for this..

[Gwendolynne Sparrow]

The crowd had begun to disperse given the action that had been taken against the man. Sullenly, he rose to his feet. His lanky body hunched over, he staggered away, not wishing to provoke the guard any further. Gwendolynne smiled softly. While she was somewhat dissatisfied that he did not look to press his look, she knew that, ultimately, such violence was unnecessary is such circumstances. Especially with what looked to be a gathering of nobility that had begun to watch the situation.

"They've graced us with their presence."

A guard grumbled in passing. Another chuckled, giving a passing peek in Gwendolynne's direction.

"Much like you have graced us with yours, Alexander? Is that ale on your breath or have you simply forgotten general cleanliness once again?"

She said loudly. Rather than offer a retort he simply continued upon his route. When he was out of view, she let a soft smirk play at her lips. It was a small victory, but a victory nonetheless. She could never be quite sure when such comments were made, given her own status. She had heard enough of the whispers to know that she was thought of as a 'high-born bitch playing dress up.' Typical small mindedness from a lot who, for the most part, took their positions as a way to be above the law rather than observing it.

[Roxanne Crom]

After the guard's little outburst, the crowd started to disperse. Thankfully there wasn't any hloodshed as far as Roxanne could see. As much as she wanted to be on her way, her inner concern would've kept her if something happened. Fortunately it didn't appear that way.

She only spared the Orland girl a glance before heading over to the guard caught in what had been the thick of it. Her political quota had been fulfilled. She did not want to interact with the other noble unless necessary. She'd rather say something to the guard.

"You alright?" Roxanne asked once she'd gotten closer. Damn these dresses. She was changing the second she could. "I'm surprised no one tried throwing something. From what I've seen, that usually happens."