*Snow-white, Ferin wings his way to you. He perches, his head cocked, and looks at Kineada with a question in his eyes. He seems to understand something, and once the missive has been read, takes the scroll in his beak and arrives at Orn's side. He drops the beak-creased scroll into his lap and gives a screech. He vanishes just as fast to deliver his remaining missive to Vorcet.*
Kineada and Vorcet,
I write this because I have been quite involved in my newest family and growing settled in here has been... new and a slight bit difficult. Change ever is.
At any rate - I met with Ror some time ago and he showed interest in bringing culture and education to Westbridge. As I have a past with him, I was hoping that one of you might arrange to speak with him and consider what he has to say. I'm not opposed to seeing a library and school in Westbridge for the newly liberated.
We can offer at least something - be it teachers or scribes perhaps to aid in getting the endeavor on its feet - if we choose to involve ourselves.
Should you have need of me, I can be found in the cottage in the eastern section of the Druid's Grove. I will likely be here for a bit longer, attempting to settle Matinus into some semblance of a family life that he's been missing for so long. He reminds me so much of Orn - a strong boy with a good heart and capable mind.
Wishing you well,
Sanria
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query label:RPnote label:Kineada. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query label:RPnote label:Kineada. Sort by date Show all posts
Plans and Revelations
Sanria sat at her desk surrounded by a mound of parchment and books. In the passing of days, she had found herself looking deeper into the one thing the Rilmani wouldn't share with her, the thing that took Colin so far away that he couldn't be found. Planar travel. She shared this with no one, and as Vorcet knocked and entered her office, she took care to hide the parchments and close the books. The obsession was slowly growing, and she had considered, briefly, finding the necklaces that were hidden away - even if they were dangerous.
They were quick to reach the matter at hand: the occupation of Westbridge and the idea that perhaps the time was now to end it. The keepers would not bring about that battle. "The Rilmani have made it clear they will not aid us in this endeavor," said Sanria.
"I can certainly understand their point of view in this. The way things are headed this ends with the city in the control of the TriPower or one of the other forces involved. Which is just as imbalanced as it is now."
"That would be something we would have to discuss with the other sides, a neutral ground. No one wants to see Westbridge back in the hands of an occupying force."
"A Council of the various groups that use Westbridge as a hub would not be a bad idea."
"Indeed. If it were a place for all governments, then it would be unlikely that it would fall again. The people could live in some sort of peace for a change."
But how likely the other forces at work would be willing to see it was beyond Sanria. She had never done anything remotely like involving herself in politics. Not in a fashion where she would reach out to make an offer without having anything to bring in return. The Keepers did not have an army, they did not even have the backing of the Rilmani. They were more of a citizen group, and to top it off, she was moving ahead without waiting for a reply from Kineada.
When Vorcet pulled the Vectorian armors from his pack, they knew then the angle they would have. "Perhaps it is time I put this garment to use," Vorcet said. "I leave my phylactery secured in a place nobody but me can access."
"We might be able to use it if you are willing to gather intelligence. If we can promise Hoard and Radiant that we will aid them without their incurring damage, they may be willing to play by our rules."
"If I am able to successfully infiltrate those guarding the town I may be able to find a weakness in the defenses."
"I don't want you to put yourself in a situation if you aren't absolutely certain," Sanria said, realizing how motherly it sounded. "Danger is the least of the worries. Vector... well... they're..."
"I know well the evils that lie within Vector's borders and what they are capable of."
"Alright. I'll work up a proposal. With luck, they'll accept. If we could get Westbridge balanced... just think of it."
After Vorcet left the office, Sanria glanced over at the stack of planar parchments. With a steeling inhale, she left them at the side and pulled a blank piece from her desk. She then drew up an entreaty to the heads of Hoard and Radiant Heart. She felt a warmth thinking that perhaps Throm would have been proud.
They were quick to reach the matter at hand: the occupation of Westbridge and the idea that perhaps the time was now to end it. The keepers would not bring about that battle. "The Rilmani have made it clear they will not aid us in this endeavor," said Sanria.
"I can certainly understand their point of view in this. The way things are headed this ends with the city in the control of the TriPower or one of the other forces involved. Which is just as imbalanced as it is now."
"That would be something we would have to discuss with the other sides, a neutral ground. No one wants to see Westbridge back in the hands of an occupying force."
"A Council of the various groups that use Westbridge as a hub would not be a bad idea."
"Indeed. If it were a place for all governments, then it would be unlikely that it would fall again. The people could live in some sort of peace for a change."
But how likely the other forces at work would be willing to see it was beyond Sanria. She had never done anything remotely like involving herself in politics. Not in a fashion where she would reach out to make an offer without having anything to bring in return. The Keepers did not have an army, they did not even have the backing of the Rilmani. They were more of a citizen group, and to top it off, she was moving ahead without waiting for a reply from Kineada.
When Vorcet pulled the Vectorian armors from his pack, they knew then the angle they would have. "Perhaps it is time I put this garment to use," Vorcet said. "I leave my phylactery secured in a place nobody but me can access."
"We might be able to use it if you are willing to gather intelligence. If we can promise Hoard and Radiant that we will aid them without their incurring damage, they may be willing to play by our rules."
"If I am able to successfully infiltrate those guarding the town I may be able to find a weakness in the defenses."
"I don't want you to put yourself in a situation if you aren't absolutely certain," Sanria said, realizing how motherly it sounded. "Danger is the least of the worries. Vector... well... they're..."
"I know well the evils that lie within Vector's borders and what they are capable of."
"Alright. I'll work up a proposal. With luck, they'll accept. If we could get Westbridge balanced... just think of it."
After Vorcet left the office, Sanria glanced over at the stack of planar parchments. With a steeling inhale, she left them at the side and pulled a blank piece from her desk. She then drew up an entreaty to the heads of Hoard and Radiant Heart. She felt a warmth thinking that perhaps Throm would have been proud.
A Farewell
With a final stroke of his pen, Kineada signed his missive to the Joybringers, and quickly glanced over what he had written. For one so glib of tongue, it was a decidedly short message, thanking the organization for its hospitality, and stating that if they ever had need of his services in the future, merely contact the wu jen and he would be happy to lend his assistance. Kineada rolled up the parchment and pressed one of his magical rings against it, sealing it with his dragon symbol. Calling for a page to collect the letter, he instructed the boy to pass it along to whoever passed for leader of the Joybringers these days.
After casually strapping his blade sheathes behind his back, for Kineada didn't anticipate any sort of martial activity this fine day, he set about gathering his meager belongings from about the room. Once the items were stashed away into his Bag of Holding, Kineada once again turned to regard the three items still remaining on his desk.
A pendant of a moon, surrounded by twelve bluish-white stars, an ornate wooden staff colored a deep shade of royal purple, and a red, silken sash, all recently delivered to him via mysterious circumstances, and all that remained unpacked. Kineada rubbed his chin, and regarded each item intently. He was fairly certain the items had been delivered by divine providence, all showing up on his desk overnight as he was asleep. Of their source, he was certain. None other than the Goddess Sune. Yet as for their meaning, he had no clue. Indeed, it was odd for Sune to be so indirect in her approach.
Shrugging his shoulders, and heaving one more heavy sigh, Kineada gathered up the three items, and placed them into his magical bag as well. With one more glance around the now empty room, Kineada proceeded with the incantation that would whisk him away from the hall, and set him on his latest journey.
New Directions (1-2)
Sanria sent the missive to Kineada and Vorcet, then sat back in her chair. Nioma cooed contentedly on the floor, a rather quiet child by all measures. She closed her eyes. She had to talk to someone, and Enmach was far from helpful in matters where emotions were at stake. The silvery woman was so stoic as to be nearly useless when discussing matters close to the heart. Sanria did the best she could on her own, but nothing was working. Things at her home were falling apart, and if things fell apart there, they'd soon follow her to the castle. A situation she couldn't afford. "Fenlauch," she called in her mind, "Might I see you?"
The tall Rilmani entered her office with a friendly smile, his bright eyes shining from within as he looked at her. "I was very close, in case you were wondering."
Sanria managed a smile. She talked to Fenlauch at length about Colin and the black makou within him. "We've not found a way to clear it from his blood without killing him, and the one hope I thought we might have had has..." Sanria glanced at Nioma and back to Fenlauch. "Well, he's been absent for a long time now. I'm suffocating beneath Colin's fears and his insecurities to the point I'm lying to him to get away. I can't deal with it anymore."
"It makes sense, but the lies?"
"I really don't want to go into detail, but they're horrible."
"I see."
"Please tell me there's something you or your people can do. Anything."
She held her breath as Fenlauch put a hand to his chin. He looked at Sanria for a long time, as though sizing her up from the inside. She couldn't help but feel that he was measuring her worth, making some type of calculation as to how much he could truly trust her. At long last he spoke. "I can escort him to our home plane. We have brilliant minds that could look at him and perhaps determine a solution."
"Your... home plane? You mean he'd have to leave here?"
"It would appear that given your story, it's the only hope he has."
"Yes, but I don't know that he'll do it. He's..." Sanria sighed deeply.
"I believe if he is told what is at stake, he will go willingly. It sounds as though he cares deeply for his family."
"Obsessively so."
"Then he will have no other option but to see his last resort."
Sanria appeared in the large cavern opening to her home with Fenlauch at her side. The Rilmani took a moment to look around, nodding to himself.
"Pretty."
"I think so," she replied, opening the front door to bring them both inside. She gave a small smile as Fenlauch attempted to duck and squeeze through the doorways. While he could stand perfectly well within the home, doorways were far from nine-foot tall entrances. "If you don't mind waiting until I call for you, I think it would go over better," Sanria said, leading Fenlauch to the library. "Of course."
Sanria walked into the bedroom where Colin lay on the bed, sweating and turning in his sleep. He jerked awake as Sanria shook him lightly. He seemed utterly exhausted - she knew he would be. He always was when the darkness used him. She felt horrible. This particular episode was her fault entirely, but she couldn't carry the guilt. She had reached her breaking point as well. She could no longer live with Colin as he was. Something had to give, and it did.
At her call, Fenlauch walked in and Sanria watched the light scowl form on Colin's face. The black makou was already driving him once more to anger -Colin blamed Fenlauch for her desire to heal Westbridge. And once more, tiringly so, she had to beg him to stop. Miraculously, Colin did quiet his anger.
Fenlauch hadn't been told anything about her plans for Westbridge, but he refrained from saying anything more. He told Colin that they might be able to help him, and at Sanria's urgings, Colin finally chose to go. It took only moments for Fenlauch to cast an unintelligible spell and vanish through the fabric of reality with Colin behind him.
Sanria sat for a long moment on the bed where Colin had just lain. She knew she might never see him again. Though she had tired completely of the smothering black makou, all the anger, the outbursts, the distrust of everyone, she still loved Colin. If he could come back to her, without the other piece that she had grown to loathe, there would be hope for them. Still, if he never came back, she would be alone. She looked to her lap and finally let herself cry.
The tall Rilmani entered her office with a friendly smile, his bright eyes shining from within as he looked at her. "I was very close, in case you were wondering."
Sanria managed a smile. She talked to Fenlauch at length about Colin and the black makou within him. "We've not found a way to clear it from his blood without killing him, and the one hope I thought we might have had has..." Sanria glanced at Nioma and back to Fenlauch. "Well, he's been absent for a long time now. I'm suffocating beneath Colin's fears and his insecurities to the point I'm lying to him to get away. I can't deal with it anymore."
"It makes sense, but the lies?"
"I really don't want to go into detail, but they're horrible."
"I see."
"Please tell me there's something you or your people can do. Anything."
She held her breath as Fenlauch put a hand to his chin. He looked at Sanria for a long time, as though sizing her up from the inside. She couldn't help but feel that he was measuring her worth, making some type of calculation as to how much he could truly trust her. At long last he spoke. "I can escort him to our home plane. We have brilliant minds that could look at him and perhaps determine a solution."
"Your... home plane? You mean he'd have to leave here?"
"It would appear that given your story, it's the only hope he has."
"Yes, but I don't know that he'll do it. He's..." Sanria sighed deeply.
"I believe if he is told what is at stake, he will go willingly. It sounds as though he cares deeply for his family."
"Obsessively so."
"Then he will have no other option but to see his last resort."
Sanria appeared in the large cavern opening to her home with Fenlauch at her side. The Rilmani took a moment to look around, nodding to himself.
"Pretty."
"I think so," she replied, opening the front door to bring them both inside. She gave a small smile as Fenlauch attempted to duck and squeeze through the doorways. While he could stand perfectly well within the home, doorways were far from nine-foot tall entrances. "If you don't mind waiting until I call for you, I think it would go over better," Sanria said, leading Fenlauch to the library. "Of course."
Sanria walked into the bedroom where Colin lay on the bed, sweating and turning in his sleep. He jerked awake as Sanria shook him lightly. He seemed utterly exhausted - she knew he would be. He always was when the darkness used him. She felt horrible. This particular episode was her fault entirely, but she couldn't carry the guilt. She had reached her breaking point as well. She could no longer live with Colin as he was. Something had to give, and it did.
At her call, Fenlauch walked in and Sanria watched the light scowl form on Colin's face. The black makou was already driving him once more to anger -Colin blamed Fenlauch for her desire to heal Westbridge. And once more, tiringly so, she had to beg him to stop. Miraculously, Colin did quiet his anger.
Fenlauch hadn't been told anything about her plans for Westbridge, but he refrained from saying anything more. He told Colin that they might be able to help him, and at Sanria's urgings, Colin finally chose to go. It took only moments for Fenlauch to cast an unintelligible spell and vanish through the fabric of reality with Colin behind him.
Sanria sat for a long moment on the bed where Colin had just lain. She knew she might never see him again. Though she had tired completely of the smothering black makou, all the anger, the outbursts, the distrust of everyone, she still loved Colin. If he could come back to her, without the other piece that she had grown to loathe, there would be hope for them. Still, if he never came back, she would be alone. She looked to her lap and finally let herself cry.
Delivered Parchments
*A rolled parchment appears in the air before you and settles into your hand. It unseals itself and opens to the words within.*
Kineada and Vorcet,
There are a few issues I need to discuss with both of you and given our schedules, I feel a missive will be best for preliminaries. As you are both aware, Westbridge has been under Vectorian occupation for some time. Though TriPower had once geared up for an assault on the backward government, with Throm's demise and the seeming retreat of their armies, it has once again been left to the citizenry to fight for themselves. It is no surprise that the oppressed have grown accustomed to their treatment, too afraid to make a bid for their freedom, as Vector's punishments are brutal and swift.
I feel it is left to those of us who aid in keeping balance to restore Westbridge back to what it should be - an open hub for all, a diverse city where many races can freely travel, and many governments and clans as well.
It falls to us, then, to begin a crusade to squash the occupation, but I must have the agreement of both of you before we begin seeking out others who will readily aid us. This in itself will be difficult, as where I see numbers, other clans see affiliations and may not readily work side by side to garner support and free Westbridge. However, this is a secondary issue to the primary. Do we feel the obligation strongly enough to embroil our clan with the political mixings of Vector?
My vote, of course, is an unequivocal yes. It is important, people need help... I feel it is time to bring about balance for Westbridge once more.
Sanria
Kineada and Vorcet,
There are a few issues I need to discuss with both of you and given our schedules, I feel a missive will be best for preliminaries. As you are both aware, Westbridge has been under Vectorian occupation for some time. Though TriPower had once geared up for an assault on the backward government, with Throm's demise and the seeming retreat of their armies, it has once again been left to the citizenry to fight for themselves. It is no surprise that the oppressed have grown accustomed to their treatment, too afraid to make a bid for their freedom, as Vector's punishments are brutal and swift.
I feel it is left to those of us who aid in keeping balance to restore Westbridge back to what it should be - an open hub for all, a diverse city where many races can freely travel, and many governments and clans as well.
It falls to us, then, to begin a crusade to squash the occupation, but I must have the agreement of both of you before we begin seeking out others who will readily aid us. This in itself will be difficult, as where I see numbers, other clans see affiliations and may not readily work side by side to garner support and free Westbridge. However, this is a secondary issue to the primary. Do we feel the obligation strongly enough to embroil our clan with the political mixings of Vector?
My vote, of course, is an unequivocal yes. It is important, people need help... I feel it is time to bring about balance for Westbridge once more.
Sanria
After Discussions...
As Kineada watched Sanria walking away, and thought to himself that it wasn't the worst view he'd seen this fine day, he sighed and stretched his weary muscles once again.
He had agreed to meet with this..Femoch? Fenlock?..character, but then Kineada was never in the habit of turning down any sort of invitation from a member of the fairer sex.
It was these same members of the opposite gender that more often than not seemed to get him mixed up in what he used to call "adventures", but now viewed more as "slight annoyances".
"But why should it be?" Kin muttered to himself. "When did I become so complacent and....lazy?"
Drawing a bit of his katana from its sheathe, Kin thumbed the edge of the blade, and was completely unsurprised to find it a bit on the dull side. "As my wits surely are following as well..."
The sound of pleadings drew his attention a bit down Main Street from Festival Square. Two Vectorian Cityguards appeared to be bullying an old woman. With a frown and a self-admonition for allowing himself to be cut off from the trials and tribulations of those around him for far too long a time now, Kineada chanted a dweomer that polymorphed the guards into newts, allowing the startled old woman to scurry away.
"Perhaps some adventure is exactly what I need..." Kineada mused as he prepared the spell to transport him back to his sanctum.
He had agreed to meet with this..Femoch? Fenlock?..character, but then Kineada was never in the habit of turning down any sort of invitation from a member of the fairer sex.
It was these same members of the opposite gender that more often than not seemed to get him mixed up in what he used to call "adventures", but now viewed more as "slight annoyances".
"But why should it be?" Kin muttered to himself. "When did I become so complacent and....lazy?"
Drawing a bit of his katana from its sheathe, Kin thumbed the edge of the blade, and was completely unsurprised to find it a bit on the dull side. "As my wits surely are following as well..."
The sound of pleadings drew his attention a bit down Main Street from Festival Square. Two Vectorian Cityguards appeared to be bullying an old woman. With a frown and a self-admonition for allowing himself to be cut off from the trials and tribulations of those around him for far too long a time now, Kineada chanted a dweomer that polymorphed the guards into newts, allowing the startled old woman to scurry away.
"Perhaps some adventure is exactly what I need..." Kineada mused as he prepared the spell to transport him back to his sanctum.
Journey to The Island
*feeling vibration on the floor*
*feeling vibration on the floor*
Demosthenes realized that something is not right, he started to get up from his evening nap to check what he felt something since he has his disadvantage of not being able to hear. He has raised his awareness what was surround him.
He noticed something moving outside of window by mantle. Begans to walk over to investigate something that he had a glimpse what he saw through the window. Indeed, it was Vorcet, I invited him in and wondering why he showed up unexpected but brushed it off as Demosthenes was glad to see him since it has been a while and, also in hoping that Vorcet would explain what he is doing here.
"Sorry for showing up unannounced", said Vorcet. "No, no need to apologize, it is always good to see you, my old friend...what brings you in the town?"
"I have a news to tell you about our discovery, this woman, name Sanria who discovered something and we happened saw each other and she shared this to me and this person name Kineada" said Vorcet.
Demosthenes seems a bit dazed, "What is it? What are you talking about?"
"It is about balance that we both have looked for so long time", Vorcet took his time to breath, "I know its such a short notice, but if you please come with me to Hoan Dor forest and I will explain more on the way." Vorcet smiled, "You will be in for surprised. this is what we both have always hoped for."
Demosthenes paused, "Now, this is very short notice but I am willing to go with you." Demosthenes got everything packed up while wondering what he is in for. Both were ready to leave out the door and start the journey to our hope begins.
After a long journey, both has arrived at Hoan Dor Forest but Demosthenes noticed something that the light is a little off. Vorcet nudged Demosthenes and pointed upward, and Demosthenes looked up and his eyes widen and was in astonishment. Demosthenes said, "Is that a land mass floating up in the sky?"
"Indeed", nodded Vorcet, "We are here now, we have to go up there". Vorcet utters the words, 'yrl' as he casted on Demosthenes and his feet has begin to rise.
"Now, lets fly toward the 'floating island' as they called it for now", Vorcet grinned, "you'll meet two people that we were in this together"
Both flew off the ground toward to the island and landed on the island, and it opened Demosthenes's eyes and realized how beautiful the view was at the edge of the island. They begin to walk through the island.
Their journey has come to the end soon. Demosthenes cant help but wonder what he is in for as Vorcet mentioned that there are hopes for us.
"Look Demosthenes, they need you, and I think you would be a great fit for Keepers of Balance that I have been telling you about" said Vorcet. "You need to meet Sanria and Kineada and when you see them, tell them that I sent for you, and remember what I said all the details about the Keepers of Balance. It is a perfect opportunity for you that we both had hoped for" as Vorcet tried to encourage Demosthenes. Vorcet pointed at the path toward to the Castle, "this is where you will find your opportunity to be one of us."
Demosthenes nodded in agreement, "I will meet them and I hope this will be a good future for us" Demosthenes walked toward the path that points to the Castle.....
*feeling vibration on the floor*
Demosthenes realized that something is not right, he started to get up from his evening nap to check what he felt something since he has his disadvantage of not being able to hear. He has raised his awareness what was surround him.
He noticed something moving outside of window by mantle. Begans to walk over to investigate something that he had a glimpse what he saw through the window. Indeed, it was Vorcet, I invited him in and wondering why he showed up unexpected but brushed it off as Demosthenes was glad to see him since it has been a while and, also in hoping that Vorcet would explain what he is doing here.
"Sorry for showing up unannounced", said Vorcet. "No, no need to apologize, it is always good to see you, my old friend...what brings you in the town?"
"I have a news to tell you about our discovery, this woman, name Sanria who discovered something and we happened saw each other and she shared this to me and this person name Kineada" said Vorcet.
Demosthenes seems a bit dazed, "What is it? What are you talking about?"
"It is about balance that we both have looked for so long time", Vorcet took his time to breath, "I know its such a short notice, but if you please come with me to Hoan Dor forest and I will explain more on the way." Vorcet smiled, "You will be in for surprised. this is what we both have always hoped for."
Demosthenes paused, "Now, this is very short notice but I am willing to go with you." Demosthenes got everything packed up while wondering what he is in for. Both were ready to leave out the door and start the journey to our hope begins.
After a long journey, both has arrived at Hoan Dor Forest but Demosthenes noticed something that the light is a little off. Vorcet nudged Demosthenes and pointed upward, and Demosthenes looked up and his eyes widen and was in astonishment. Demosthenes said, "Is that a land mass floating up in the sky?"
"Indeed", nodded Vorcet, "We are here now, we have to go up there". Vorcet utters the words, 'yrl' as he casted on Demosthenes and his feet has begin to rise.
"Now, lets fly toward the 'floating island' as they called it for now", Vorcet grinned, "you'll meet two people that we were in this together"
Both flew off the ground toward to the island and landed on the island, and it opened Demosthenes's eyes and realized how beautiful the view was at the edge of the island. They begin to walk through the island.
Their journey has come to the end soon. Demosthenes cant help but wonder what he is in for as Vorcet mentioned that there are hopes for us.
"Look Demosthenes, they need you, and I think you would be a great fit for Keepers of Balance that I have been telling you about" said Vorcet. "You need to meet Sanria and Kineada and when you see them, tell them that I sent for you, and remember what I said all the details about the Keepers of Balance. It is a perfect opportunity for you that we both had hoped for" as Vorcet tried to encourage Demosthenes. Vorcet pointed at the path toward to the Castle, "this is where you will find your opportunity to be one of us."
Demosthenes nodded in agreement, "I will meet them and I hope this will be a good future for us" Demosthenes walked toward the path that points to the Castle.....
Thunder Crash
Sanria tried to focus on the letter on her desk. She clenched the pen in her hand and pressed hard, her hair continually needing to be pushed back as she wrote. She had gone home and talked to Colin about what her plans were only to be met with a desperate plea for her to stay out of political affairs. "Send someone else! There has to be someone else!" Colin had growled. He was angry at the Keepers, as though they somehow had put her up to the plot. He was just angry. Sanria knew that the black makou in him was at fault, but it had gotten increasingly difficult to do the job she had signed up to do while Colin wanted her closer and closer to him. It was stifling. When she told Colin she had terminated her most recent... mistake... she watched him do everything short of tear down the cavern. Nioma now sat in Sanria's office, laying on her back, playing in quiet contentment with her magical toys. Safe from the rampage back home.
The truth was, Sanria hadn't done anything yet. She hadn't done anything but try to push Colin away, push him to the brink, make him want to leave her side. She'd acted on nothing. She shook her head. It was no one's business what was going on with her body. No one needed to know, not yet. There were reasons, she knew, for Colin's desperation. A singular one, more than the others, that lay cooing to herself on the floor. A child that he didn't make yet was raising. Sanria shook her head again and pulled in her focus.
"Kineada and Vorcet, There are a few issues I need to discuss with both of you and given our schedules, I feel a missive will be best for the preliminaries."
Sanria paused again. Her throat closed up, her eyes burned. The last thing she needed was anyone doubting her capacity to lead and make decisions. She clenched her teeth, forcing every emotion that roiled within her to the back of her mind.There was business to take care of now that would get her every attention.
The truth was, Sanria hadn't done anything yet. She hadn't done anything but try to push Colin away, push him to the brink, make him want to leave her side. She'd acted on nothing. She shook her head. It was no one's business what was going on with her body. No one needed to know, not yet. There were reasons, she knew, for Colin's desperation. A singular one, more than the others, that lay cooing to herself on the floor. A child that he didn't make yet was raising. Sanria shook her head again and pulled in her focus.
"Kineada and Vorcet, There are a few issues I need to discuss with both of you and given our schedules, I feel a missive will be best for the preliminaries."
Sanria paused again. Her throat closed up, her eyes burned. The last thing she needed was anyone doubting her capacity to lead and make decisions. She clenched her teeth, forcing every emotion that roiled within her to the back of her mind.There was business to take care of now that would get her every attention.
Coming Clean
*A missive appears in your hands by magic, the handwriting is that of Sanria, and is an open letter to all of the Keepers.*
Keepers,
Greetings. This missive is will be short, but its purpose is to keep you all abreast of developments that I and Vorcet have acted upon and will offer to you to discuss.
We have recently reached out to the Hoard and Radiant Heart in an effort to aid in the overturning of Vector's forces in Westbridge. This was not done in an attempt to bring our clan into war, in fact, we have done this merely as a helping hand as our current place is not on the field of battle... our family is much too small to truly be effective in that regard.
Dryden, a leader of the Hoard, has made it clear that they are waiting on Radiant Heart to make their invasion, but have accepted Vorcet's offer to aid in recognizance. Vorcet has taken on this responsibility of his own choosing and with his own methods, for which I am grateful and respect his choice.
We still wait to hear from Radiant Heart, which seems to be where the Hoard also stands, as there has been inaction for quite some time. I ask that if you wish to be involved or offer your assistance, that you speak with myself, Vorcet, or Kineada that we may reach out to Radiant Heart or the Hoard and make the offer.
As of this time, however, we wait patiently and hope that soon the pain being felt by Westbridgians is not too great. With luck, we will be able to bring about balance and hopefully garner some support for our clan as well as new faces by having our name on a grand plan. With this, we hope to push for the truth in balance so that Westbridge never has to face such an occupation again.
Please be in touch if you wish,
Sanria
Keepers,
Greetings. This missive is will be short, but its purpose is to keep you all abreast of developments that I and Vorcet have acted upon and will offer to you to discuss.
We have recently reached out to the Hoard and Radiant Heart in an effort to aid in the overturning of Vector's forces in Westbridge. This was not done in an attempt to bring our clan into war, in fact, we have done this merely as a helping hand as our current place is not on the field of battle... our family is much too small to truly be effective in that regard.
Dryden, a leader of the Hoard, has made it clear that they are waiting on Radiant Heart to make their invasion, but have accepted Vorcet's offer to aid in recognizance. Vorcet has taken on this responsibility of his own choosing and with his own methods, for which I am grateful and respect his choice.
We still wait to hear from Radiant Heart, which seems to be where the Hoard also stands, as there has been inaction for quite some time. I ask that if you wish to be involved or offer your assistance, that you speak with myself, Vorcet, or Kineada that we may reach out to Radiant Heart or the Hoard and make the offer.
As of this time, however, we wait patiently and hope that soon the pain being felt by Westbridgians is not too great. With luck, we will be able to bring about balance and hopefully garner some support for our clan as well as new faces by having our name on a grand plan. With this, we hope to push for the truth in balance so that Westbridge never has to face such an occupation again.
Please be in touch if you wish,
Sanria
Discussions with New Friends (1-2)
The trickle of the fountain in Market Square was just as constant as Sanria's chatter with Kineada. The Shadow Bushi seemed pleased to be speaking, yet Sanria could sense he was careful with the information he would give out - as if he had not truly spoken of himself in a very long time. "So where exactly do you come from? I mean, you look unusual. I have an acquaintance with similar features, perhaps you've heard of her, Myn Kaze?"
Kineada chuckled. "Not everyone who looks alike comes from the same place."
"Oh, I know, I just... it's simply unusual."
"Well, Kara-Tur is my homeland, though it has been many years since I've gone back."
"I understand. Kara-Tur is in Faerun, is it not?" Sanria asked.
"Indeed."
"I was born near Unther, but was brought here in infancy. I've never visited Kara-Tur."
The green eyed man gave another chuckle and shifted, his blades at his sides moving along with him. It was curious, Sanria thought, that this older man would carry weapons. Could he use them or were they ornamental... "You carry very thin swords."
"Katanas, child. The sword of my homeland."
"Can... you use them?"
At this, Kineada let out a laugh and looked at her, his eyes sparkling as if given a new challenge. "Do you wish to spar?"
"No, not in my condition," she smiled, patting her stomach lightly.
"Yes, I suppose it would be a bad idea, wouldn't it? So, tell me. Why are you interested in balance?"
"Ah, my writing... yes. I've just had so little of it in my life. I'm either off on some half-planned adventure, barely hanging on by the skin of my teeth, or as dull as a dirt clod in my home - doing nothing but reading."
"There is nothing wrong with reading," Kineada replied.
"What good is reading if it leads to nothing but more reading? I do not use what I learn, not like I did in the Illuminati."
"Mmm. I understand."
"I was given a proposition not one day ago to seek balance to learn truth, to learn truth to seek balance, and when I had both, I would find harmony."
"An interesting proposition. Do you find it worth pursuing?"
"If it's true," Sanria said.
"Well, there is your first problem," Kineada said with a chuckle.
"What?"
"Doubt. While its healthy to have doubt in many other things, in balance, you can't have doubt. You have to believe there is balance before you'll ever see it. If you don't know if it's there to begin with - what good is it chasing it?"
Sanria sat back on the bench, staring at the fountain. "I would love to see this whole place the way it used to be."
"Bah," Kineada said dismissively, waving a hand, "time passes, people and even the Gods come and go. You simply learn what you must to deal with the present and if you believe in planning for the future, adjust to what becomes your future's present. For - the present is always here."
Sanria looked over at Kineada, who also stared at the fountain with a touch of a smile on his mouth. "You are wise," she said. "Do you seek balance?"
"I believe it an essential component to life."
"So... do you seek it?"
Kineada looked over, his eyes suddenly filled with mirth. Sanria had the sud- den feeling that this man saw her as a child with questions that were foolish, but none-the-less, deserving of answer for nothing more than her earnest in asking. "I would suppose that one must always practice balance to keep it, in that regard, I seek it."
"Would you be willing to meet my friend, Fenlauch? To learn what he has to say on the subject?"
"As long as he is not seeking a religious convert, I have no problems meeting a new face."
"No - he's not religious. He's... well, I don't really know what he is. He's very tall, gold skin, bright eyes, and very much about balance."
A small smile came onto Kineada's face and Sanria returned it. "He sounds like a very interesting character," he said.
"He is. He seems very intelligent, too. He said his kind had been watching the realms since the fall of Myth Drannor."
Kineada lifted his eyebrow slightly. "That is a long time."
"I've never known Myth Drannor without demons in it."
"Yes... well, I'll meet with him if for nothing other than figuring out what type of creature is residing in our deeper midsts."
Sanria chuckled and stood up from the bench. "Let me return home to prepare. I think I should make sure I'm a little more ready than the last time I met him."
"Oh?"
Sanria pointed to her forehead where a red scab was still forming. "He startled me quite a bit and I had an encounter with a tree."
Kineada chuckled. "I see."
"Will you be here tomorrow?"
"I suppose I can make an exception," he said with a mirth-filled smile.
With a quick bow, Sanria headed back into the west and the Haon'Dor toward her cavern, her heart lightening with each step.
Kineada chuckled. "Not everyone who looks alike comes from the same place."
"Oh, I know, I just... it's simply unusual."
"Well, Kara-Tur is my homeland, though it has been many years since I've gone back."
"I understand. Kara-Tur is in Faerun, is it not?" Sanria asked.
"Indeed."
"I was born near Unther, but was brought here in infancy. I've never visited Kara-Tur."
The green eyed man gave another chuckle and shifted, his blades at his sides moving along with him. It was curious, Sanria thought, that this older man would carry weapons. Could he use them or were they ornamental... "You carry very thin swords."
"Katanas, child. The sword of my homeland."
"Can... you use them?"
At this, Kineada let out a laugh and looked at her, his eyes sparkling as if given a new challenge. "Do you wish to spar?"
"No, not in my condition," she smiled, patting her stomach lightly.
"Yes, I suppose it would be a bad idea, wouldn't it? So, tell me. Why are you interested in balance?"
"Ah, my writing... yes. I've just had so little of it in my life. I'm either off on some half-planned adventure, barely hanging on by the skin of my teeth, or as dull as a dirt clod in my home - doing nothing but reading."
"There is nothing wrong with reading," Kineada replied.
"What good is reading if it leads to nothing but more reading? I do not use what I learn, not like I did in the Illuminati."
"Mmm. I understand."
"I was given a proposition not one day ago to seek balance to learn truth, to learn truth to seek balance, and when I had both, I would find harmony."
"An interesting proposition. Do you find it worth pursuing?"
"If it's true," Sanria said.
"Well, there is your first problem," Kineada said with a chuckle.
"What?"
"Doubt. While its healthy to have doubt in many other things, in balance, you can't have doubt. You have to believe there is balance before you'll ever see it. If you don't know if it's there to begin with - what good is it chasing it?"
Sanria sat back on the bench, staring at the fountain. "I would love to see this whole place the way it used to be."
"Bah," Kineada said dismissively, waving a hand, "time passes, people and even the Gods come and go. You simply learn what you must to deal with the present and if you believe in planning for the future, adjust to what becomes your future's present. For - the present is always here."
Sanria looked over at Kineada, who also stared at the fountain with a touch of a smile on his mouth. "You are wise," she said. "Do you seek balance?"
"I believe it an essential component to life."
"So... do you seek it?"
Kineada looked over, his eyes suddenly filled with mirth. Sanria had the sud- den feeling that this man saw her as a child with questions that were foolish, but none-the-less, deserving of answer for nothing more than her earnest in asking. "I would suppose that one must always practice balance to keep it, in that regard, I seek it."
"Would you be willing to meet my friend, Fenlauch? To learn what he has to say on the subject?"
"As long as he is not seeking a religious convert, I have no problems meeting a new face."
"No - he's not religious. He's... well, I don't really know what he is. He's very tall, gold skin, bright eyes, and very much about balance."
A small smile came onto Kineada's face and Sanria returned it. "He sounds like a very interesting character," he said.
"He is. He seems very intelligent, too. He said his kind had been watching the realms since the fall of Myth Drannor."
Kineada lifted his eyebrow slightly. "That is a long time."
"I've never known Myth Drannor without demons in it."
"Yes... well, I'll meet with him if for nothing other than figuring out what type of creature is residing in our deeper midsts."
Sanria chuckled and stood up from the bench. "Let me return home to prepare. I think I should make sure I'm a little more ready than the last time I met him."
"Oh?"
Sanria pointed to her forehead where a red scab was still forming. "He startled me quite a bit and I had an encounter with a tree."
Kineada chuckled. "I see."
"Will you be here tomorrow?"
"I suppose I can make an exception," he said with a mirth-filled smile.
With a quick bow, Sanria headed back into the west and the Haon'Dor toward her cavern, her heart lightening with each step.
Discussions and Decisions
Fenlauch seated himself at the head of the table, Garlech at his side. "You have done well, Sanria," he began in a rich baritone. "Now, I suppose for the sake of your assembled company, I should begin by telling you who we are?"
Sanria looked across the table at Kineada, who seeming busy contemplating Fenlauch. Vorcet, by contrast, seemed to patiently wait for the introductory speech. She looked back and nodded. "Please."
"We are Rilmani, from the outer planes. We've been in this place, your material plane, for a very long time. Ever since the fall of Myth Drannor and the rapid appearance of demonic forces there."
"You mentioned that before," Sanria said. "Why?"
Fenlauch looked at her with a patient smile. "Balance. With an influx of evil, we had to come in order to keep watch and ensure that their forces could not gain a foothold and tip things out of order. We've noticed, however, other troubles since the Gods have gone missing, and it is this new threat that causes us to counsel with you."
"You've been here a long while," Kineada said. "You've never sought anyone out in all that time?"
"No," Garlech said. His voice matched Fenlauch's, but his demeanor was much more businesslike. "We had no reason to interfere as there was not enough of an imbalance to reveal ourselves."
"I've been concerned with the void left by the Gods as well," Vorcet said.
"Indeed," Fenlauch continued, "there are troubles that concern us. Extremes, if you will, that aren't exact opposites, but are not in balance and harmony. We prefer not to make appearances if we can help it, but I'm afraid our time for anonymity is at an end. Unless you are willing to help our cause?"
Kineada sat back and Sanria frowned. It was a pitch. "What cause?" Vorcet asked.
"You are all here because you seek balance, correct?"
"Yes," Sanria answered.
"We will teach you how to gain that balance, provided you take that knowledge to others in the realms in the hopes of evening out the growing polarities. We will aid you by lending you our castle, our advisors, and even our libraries." Both Sanria and Vorcet seemed to perk at the mention of books. "We do not wish to be the driving force to the point we reveal ourselves fully. But if lead by their own kind, I cannot fail to see how the material plane and its citizenry would respond."
Sanria looked across the table. To learn to balance her own life, to spread that ideal to everyone, what an incredible world it could be. Something she'd chased, being right here, offered to her, it was too much to pass up. "It would require each of you to make a commitment," Fenlauch replied.
"Certainly," Sanria chimed without hesitation. Her heard fluttering with excitement.
"I'd like to ask my own questions, if you don't mind," Kineada said.
"Yes... I also have a few of my own," Vorcet said.
Fenlauch smiled and nodded. "I assumed you might. Why not ask as you take in the castle. Garlech, could you take our guest, Vorcet and walk with him? You," Fenlauch said, looking at Kineada apprasingly, "Seem to respond best to those of the fairer persuasion. Do you not?"
Kineada's face relaxed a bit as he gave a chuckle. "You see through me."
"Enmach," Fenlauch called, and in an instant, the beautiful silver-skinned woman was at the side of the golden man. "Take Sir..."
"Kineada," the WuJen replied, a smile on his features.
"Kineada on a tour of the castle. Answer any questions he might have."
"As you wish," she said with a bow of her head.
"And Lady Sanria, you will come with me and tell me of your meditations."
Sanria looked across the table at Kineada, who seeming busy contemplating Fenlauch. Vorcet, by contrast, seemed to patiently wait for the introductory speech. She looked back and nodded. "Please."
"We are Rilmani, from the outer planes. We've been in this place, your material plane, for a very long time. Ever since the fall of Myth Drannor and the rapid appearance of demonic forces there."
"You mentioned that before," Sanria said. "Why?"
Fenlauch looked at her with a patient smile. "Balance. With an influx of evil, we had to come in order to keep watch and ensure that their forces could not gain a foothold and tip things out of order. We've noticed, however, other troubles since the Gods have gone missing, and it is this new threat that causes us to counsel with you."
"You've been here a long while," Kineada said. "You've never sought anyone out in all that time?"
"No," Garlech said. His voice matched Fenlauch's, but his demeanor was much more businesslike. "We had no reason to interfere as there was not enough of an imbalance to reveal ourselves."
"I've been concerned with the void left by the Gods as well," Vorcet said.
"Indeed," Fenlauch continued, "there are troubles that concern us. Extremes, if you will, that aren't exact opposites, but are not in balance and harmony. We prefer not to make appearances if we can help it, but I'm afraid our time for anonymity is at an end. Unless you are willing to help our cause?"
Kineada sat back and Sanria frowned. It was a pitch. "What cause?" Vorcet asked.
"You are all here because you seek balance, correct?"
"Yes," Sanria answered.
"We will teach you how to gain that balance, provided you take that knowledge to others in the realms in the hopes of evening out the growing polarities. We will aid you by lending you our castle, our advisors, and even our libraries." Both Sanria and Vorcet seemed to perk at the mention of books. "We do not wish to be the driving force to the point we reveal ourselves fully. But if lead by their own kind, I cannot fail to see how the material plane and its citizenry would respond."
Sanria looked across the table. To learn to balance her own life, to spread that ideal to everyone, what an incredible world it could be. Something she'd chased, being right here, offered to her, it was too much to pass up. "It would require each of you to make a commitment," Fenlauch replied.
"Certainly," Sanria chimed without hesitation. Her heard fluttering with excitement.
"I'd like to ask my own questions, if you don't mind," Kineada said.
"Yes... I also have a few of my own," Vorcet said.
Fenlauch smiled and nodded. "I assumed you might. Why not ask as you take in the castle. Garlech, could you take our guest, Vorcet and walk with him? You," Fenlauch said, looking at Kineada apprasingly, "Seem to respond best to those of the fairer persuasion. Do you not?"
Kineada's face relaxed a bit as he gave a chuckle. "You see through me."
"Enmach," Fenlauch called, and in an instant, the beautiful silver-skinned woman was at the side of the golden man. "Take Sir..."
"Kineada," the WuJen replied, a smile on his features.
"Kineada on a tour of the castle. Answer any questions he might have."
"As you wish," she said with a bow of her head.
"And Lady Sanria, you will come with me and tell me of your meditations."
Family Life
Sanria had a moment to herself. Gilean was still at the temple, as he had been for many late nights. He would come back to the cottage worn out, the people of Westbridge still needing healing and help long after the battle with Kefka had passed. She had put Nioma to bed, tucked Matinus in after reading to him (a pasttime the boy seemed unable to get enough of), and settled herself in the library with her pack.
She found her unfinished note to the Keepers and cursed herself. In all her time with Gilean and settling in to a new life she had completely forgotten Ror's request. It was simple enough to finish the missive to her fellow leaders and send it off. After the last time in the cafe with Ror, she felt it best she remain as much out of his life as possible. Being strictly business with a past flame was never one of Sanria's strong suits.
Finished with the missive, Sanria opened her window and called to Ferin. Though it was dark, the falcon appeared on wings nearly as silent as an owl. "Take this to Vorcet and Kineada my friend." She sent a mental image to the bird and watched as he vanished into the trees.
As Sanria stared out into the star-studded night sky, a movement caught her gaze. She looked down into the trees and caught the small motion of a tiny red light move in a small arc. In the darkness it brightened, then dimmed as it went back down again. The motion repeated once again before it vanished. It was unsettling, not knowing what it was before her, and Sanria closed the window and drew the drapes. Something wasn't right.
She found her unfinished note to the Keepers and cursed herself. In all her time with Gilean and settling in to a new life she had completely forgotten Ror's request. It was simple enough to finish the missive to her fellow leaders and send it off. After the last time in the cafe with Ror, she felt it best she remain as much out of his life as possible. Being strictly business with a past flame was never one of Sanria's strong suits.
Finished with the missive, Sanria opened her window and called to Ferin. Though it was dark, the falcon appeared on wings nearly as silent as an owl. "Take this to Vorcet and Kineada my friend." She sent a mental image to the bird and watched as he vanished into the trees.
As Sanria stared out into the star-studded night sky, a movement caught her gaze. She looked down into the trees and caught the small motion of a tiny red light move in a small arc. In the darkness it brightened, then dimmed as it went back down again. The motion repeated once again before it vanished. It was unsettling, not knowing what it was before her, and Sanria closed the window and drew the drapes. Something wasn't right.
Redirected Attention
Sanria settled herself in Sandrine's Tea Shop in the castle amongst the cushions and looked over at a man who appeared average and non-descript. Tenchi was his name, and it was a name that had crossed her desk several times, though she had not had the mental capacity to even begin to deal with the application. Now, however, she was desperate to give herself a little distance with which to think. She needed to raise her head above the woes of her family circumstances and really do some work.
They spoke for a time, teacups in hand, about his discovery of the island and the Keepers. His voice was gentle as he spoke, as though humble and a little unsure. He also seemed to start when a member of the Keepers would arrive, each new face catching him unawares, as though he had been somewhere for a long while where no people had been.
Vorcet came, then Kineada, then Orn (accompanied by two crying babies which gave Sanria pause to collect her grandchildren that she had not seen in many days). The questions were from all angles, the interview, which it had become, was a success. The few hours spent in conversation with Tenchi helped to refresh Sanria in ways nothing else had. In a unanimous agreement, they welcomed Tenchi into the Keepers of Balance.
Though she wondered about his past, Sanria could tell that he was a good soul. Moreover since Kineada knew him from a previous time. She excused herself, swapping infants to give a pacified Regina to Orn in exchange for a squalling Reggie, and went to her office. She calmed the baby boy with a warm smile and gentle squeezes, then held him in her arm as she looked through the other accumulated papers on her desk. Others wished to join, others needed to be reached.
Sanria gave a deep sigh as Orn walked in and pushed the work to the back of her mind. She could sense Tenchi roaming the castle and she smiled. The family on the island had grown and for the better, she felt. "We have more who wish to join us, Orn," she said, nodding to the papers. "Oh, really?" he replied, looking quite flustered, Regina having started crying anew. He patted the baby's back with a new parent exasperation. "Soon," Sanria chuckled, taking both babies into her arms to give Orn a moment's peace. "We'll get to them soon."
They spoke for a time, teacups in hand, about his discovery of the island and the Keepers. His voice was gentle as he spoke, as though humble and a little unsure. He also seemed to start when a member of the Keepers would arrive, each new face catching him unawares, as though he had been somewhere for a long while where no people had been.
Vorcet came, then Kineada, then Orn (accompanied by two crying babies which gave Sanria pause to collect her grandchildren that she had not seen in many days). The questions were from all angles, the interview, which it had become, was a success. The few hours spent in conversation with Tenchi helped to refresh Sanria in ways nothing else had. In a unanimous agreement, they welcomed Tenchi into the Keepers of Balance.
Though she wondered about his past, Sanria could tell that he was a good soul. Moreover since Kineada knew him from a previous time. She excused herself, swapping infants to give a pacified Regina to Orn in exchange for a squalling Reggie, and went to her office. She calmed the baby boy with a warm smile and gentle squeezes, then held him in her arm as she looked through the other accumulated papers on her desk. Others wished to join, others needed to be reached.
Sanria gave a deep sigh as Orn walked in and pushed the work to the back of her mind. She could sense Tenchi roaming the castle and she smiled. The family on the island had grown and for the better, she felt. "We have more who wish to join us, Orn," she said, nodding to the papers. "Oh, really?" he replied, looking quite flustered, Regina having started crying anew. He patted the baby's back with a new parent exasperation. "Soon," Sanria chuckled, taking both babies into her arms to give Orn a moment's peace. "We'll get to them soon."
An Announcement, Of Sorts
With a grunt, Kineada wrenched his katana free of the corpse it had just laid to rest. Wrinkling his nose, he looked about for something to wipe the bloody remains of the foul creature just slain from the blade.
Powerful magicks had been consumed in order to accomplish killing the beast Tchazzar and her guardians, not to mention the foul Tielmon before that, but by his estimation it was an expenditure of energies well worth it. Besides, if...no...WHEN the Gods returned, he was fairly certain he could sweet-talk Sune into replacing some of the trinkets whose magic he had used up in order to defeat these creatures on his own. It was also the last time he intended to use magic as a crutch...it was time to re-develop his swordsman skills, hence, his desire to form the Order of the Sword within the larger scope of the Keepers of Balance.
After casting a dweomer on the giant corpses to preserve them, Kineada started rummaging through his bag for the various spell components he would need to teleport them all to his destination.
"We need to announce our presence," Sanria had said to him, or some wording to that affect. Of course, with all the work she and Vorcet were doing to prepare the Keeper's Hall, it fell upon Kineada to figure out some sort of suitable 'announcement' for the denizens of the Realms that the Keepers of Balance were now accepting into their fold beings of a like mind.
"Well, if this doesn't get their attention," Kineada muttered to himself, "I have no idea what will..."
Market Square was soon to have a few more inhabitants, albiet lifeless ones, courtesy of the Keepers of Balance.
Powerful magicks had been consumed in order to accomplish killing the beast Tchazzar and her guardians, not to mention the foul Tielmon before that, but by his estimation it was an expenditure of energies well worth it. Besides, if...no...WHEN the Gods returned, he was fairly certain he could sweet-talk Sune into replacing some of the trinkets whose magic he had used up in order to defeat these creatures on his own. It was also the last time he intended to use magic as a crutch...it was time to re-develop his swordsman skills, hence, his desire to form the Order of the Sword within the larger scope of the Keepers of Balance.
After casting a dweomer on the giant corpses to preserve them, Kineada started rummaging through his bag for the various spell components he would need to teleport them all to his destination.
"We need to announce our presence," Sanria had said to him, or some wording to that affect. Of course, with all the work she and Vorcet were doing to prepare the Keeper's Hall, it fell upon Kineada to figure out some sort of suitable 'announcement' for the denizens of the Realms that the Keepers of Balance were now accepting into their fold beings of a like mind.
"Well, if this doesn't get their attention," Kineada muttered to himself, "I have no idea what will..."
Market Square was soon to have a few more inhabitants, albiet lifeless ones, courtesy of the Keepers of Balance.
An Epiphany
A single beam of sunlight crept its way through the small, high window of Kineada's bedchambers, rousing the ancient wu jen from his light slumber. What was once an easy task for the mage, simply getting out of bed to face the day, increasingly was becoming a chore, and one he did not look forward to.
Swinging his legs off the side of his bed, Kineada slowly lifted his tired arms over his head, brushing his trusty katana and wakizashi hanging from the near bedpost, always at the ready, even in the warm confines of the Joybringer hall. The irony of this caused Kineada to chuckle inwardly, but then take on a more serious demeanor, as he realized perhaps this was the very cause of his current malaise.
Being a member of the Joybringers, despite them being a pleasant enough group of people, was leaving a feeling of disenchantment within the mage, a persistent, gnawing feeling that perhaps he hadn't found the right new "home" since the capricious Apostles of Sune dispersed to spread the word of their Goddess to a wider and more far-reaching number of civilizations unfamiliar with the fiery haired diety.
How fortunate, Kineada mused to himself, that as he was coming to terms with these feelings within his inner being, that several missives to him had recently arrived. Glancing across the room to his desk, Kineada again chuckled, knowing full well this was no coincidence. His Goddess was anything but subtle, and Kineada could see the hand of Sune in the three objects now resting on his otherwise empty desk. Donning his kimono, Kineada crossed the room to sit at his desk, pulling a blank scroll and writing pen from the desk drawer, and brushing the objects to the side. With a sigh, he took the pen to the parchment and began a letter to the Joybringers that had been a long time coming...
Unfamiliar Familiarity
Sanria wrote a note, something so familiar now. She was on her way out again, this time to meet up with Kineada to visit Fenlauch. Part of her felt bad for not just telling Colin to his face where she was going. The other part just wanted to avoid the questions, the concerned looks, the inevitable face that Colin would give her. She did love him - but there wasn't a way she could reconcile what he had done. Her options were to forget it and return to a sickeningly sweet version of her old life, or stick with her beliefs and move into the world as her own person. Sanria chose the latter.
She left the note and headed outside, her pack shouldered, and turned her feet toward Westbridge. The day was crisp, the sunlight through the leaves of the wood dazzling. Even once she had cleared the treeline to walk the road, her heart was unexpectedly light. She was off to adventure, to something new. It had been so long. She hadn't taken her airship out for ages and as she walked Sanria began to formulate plans to go somewhere, anywhere, in her ship. Certainly, she was pregnant, but that never stopped her before.
What stopped Sanria now was the very strange looking wizard at the gates who seemed very interested in the beauty of the day - and accompanying her into the city.
She left the note and headed outside, her pack shouldered, and turned her feet toward Westbridge. The day was crisp, the sunlight through the leaves of the wood dazzling. Even once she had cleared the treeline to walk the road, her heart was unexpectedly light. She was off to adventure, to something new. It had been so long. She hadn't taken her airship out for ages and as she walked Sanria began to formulate plans to go somewhere, anywhere, in her ship. Certainly, she was pregnant, but that never stopped her before.
What stopped Sanria now was the very strange looking wizard at the gates who seemed very interested in the beauty of the day - and accompanying her into the city.
Discussions
The clanning of Kronk and Orn was complete as Sanria sank behind her desk. She was happy to have her son among the ranks, happy to have Kronk finally given a home, but her concerns had nearly immediately turned to Ror again.
It had been some time since she'd spoken to the elf, a fact which didn't bother Sanria by any stretch. The less she had to speak to him, the better. It meant she wouldn't have to dredge up Throm again. But when they had spoken about Westbridge, her mind turned. She had been content to remain out of the fight, but lately her comfortability had begun to wane. Her answer was not sufficient. Knowing people were suffering still under the oppression of Vector, that she was content to sit back and do nothing, it sat heavily on her mind.
She breached the topic with Kineada, who was eager to hear the outcome of her conversation with Enmach - when she had it. But his question as to how they would manage such a feat strummed in Sanria's ears as she waited for her Argenach counsellor. In a flash of silver, Enmach appeared and bowed deeply. "You called, Lady Sanria?"
"Enmach, thank you so much for coming."
"Of course. What is it you wished to speak about with me?"
"Westbridge."
"The settlement to our east?"
"The same. It is overrun by Vector. TriPower had once deigned to clean up the city - had mounted forces to free the people of the tyranny there, but-"
"It has not come to pass. I am aware. And what would you determine to do?"
"I'm not certain, but... I do not believe it is a balancing force to have a government bent on oppression in power over such a diverse city."
"I would incline to agree, but are you speaking war?"
"No... not war. Just, an end to the tribulations."
Sanria watched as Enmach bowed her head, her fingers steepled at her lips. "This will require far more hands than what you have amassed, and this particular fight would be yours alone - the Rilmani could not step in to give aid."
"Why?"
"For the same reason we brought you here in the first place, Lady Sanria. Your Keepers are to help us maintain the mortal side. The... ah..."
"The fights too small for you to concern yourselves with," Sanria said pointedly, watching as Enmach merely bowed her head. "I see. But I don't even know where to begin."
"I suggest you call a meeting of your fellow leaders. Determine their mindset on the issue. Beyond that, you will need help, and lots of it. The potential for bringing disaster on yourselves is great."
"Nice to know you're honest. By the way... Sir Kineada sends his regards." Sanria chuckled inwardly as Enmach's face scrunched slightly.
"No. My answer still stands. I have no interest in his bedchambers."
"Suit yourself," Sanria shrugged. "Just know that he is quite tenacious."
Enmach scoffed and shook her head. In a flash she was gone, leaving Sanria to stare at her desk with a deep sigh. The time for doing nothing was gone, a comfort she could no longer afford. She would gather Kineada and Vorcet and determine their next course of action. It could no longer wait.
It had been some time since she'd spoken to the elf, a fact which didn't bother Sanria by any stretch. The less she had to speak to him, the better. It meant she wouldn't have to dredge up Throm again. But when they had spoken about Westbridge, her mind turned. She had been content to remain out of the fight, but lately her comfortability had begun to wane. Her answer was not sufficient. Knowing people were suffering still under the oppression of Vector, that she was content to sit back and do nothing, it sat heavily on her mind.
She breached the topic with Kineada, who was eager to hear the outcome of her conversation with Enmach - when she had it. But his question as to how they would manage such a feat strummed in Sanria's ears as she waited for her Argenach counsellor. In a flash of silver, Enmach appeared and bowed deeply. "You called, Lady Sanria?"
"Enmach, thank you so much for coming."
"Of course. What is it you wished to speak about with me?"
"Westbridge."
"The settlement to our east?"
"The same. It is overrun by Vector. TriPower had once deigned to clean up the city - had mounted forces to free the people of the tyranny there, but-"
"It has not come to pass. I am aware. And what would you determine to do?"
"I'm not certain, but... I do not believe it is a balancing force to have a government bent on oppression in power over such a diverse city."
"I would incline to agree, but are you speaking war?"
"No... not war. Just, an end to the tribulations."
Sanria watched as Enmach bowed her head, her fingers steepled at her lips. "This will require far more hands than what you have amassed, and this particular fight would be yours alone - the Rilmani could not step in to give aid."
"Why?"
"For the same reason we brought you here in the first place, Lady Sanria. Your Keepers are to help us maintain the mortal side. The... ah..."
"The fights too small for you to concern yourselves with," Sanria said pointedly, watching as Enmach merely bowed her head. "I see. But I don't even know where to begin."
"I suggest you call a meeting of your fellow leaders. Determine their mindset on the issue. Beyond that, you will need help, and lots of it. The potential for bringing disaster on yourselves is great."
"Nice to know you're honest. By the way... Sir Kineada sends his regards." Sanria chuckled inwardly as Enmach's face scrunched slightly.
"No. My answer still stands. I have no interest in his bedchambers."
"Suit yourself," Sanria shrugged. "Just know that he is quite tenacious."
Enmach scoffed and shook her head. In a flash she was gone, leaving Sanria to stare at her desk with a deep sigh. The time for doing nothing was gone, a comfort she could no longer afford. She would gather Kineada and Vorcet and determine their next course of action. It could no longer wait.
Meetings in the Mists
Sanria walked with her two companions westward and back into the deeper Haon' Dor. The travel was rather quiet, punctuated more with bird calls and squirrel chatter than amiable conversation. It suited Sanria well enough, her preference was silence in the wood, allowing nature to create its own symphony without her input. There was always enough talking when one visited the city or had company.
They had walked in silence until the large, marked trees greeted them. "It's just up ahead," she offered and rounded a few large oaks. There, the tails of mists slithered along the ground and she stopped to point it out. "We'll go in there and I'm certain he'll be along."
"Interesting," Kineada offered, his face otherwise unreadable.
"He lives in the mists?" Vorcet questioned.
"No, not exactly. He finds you in the mists... he lives... somewhere else."
Sanria walked ahead, going deeper into the mists, breathing them in. They had the distinct scent of lake water, but there wasn't such a place to be found, nor a source for their rise. She could feel the two men behind her, walking closer so as not to lose her in the deepening blanket of fog. "Hello?" she called out and no sooner than she called, the mists parted, revealing a man who was not Fenlauch, but looked nearly identical, save the blinding white light that shot from his eyes.
"You must be lost, traveler. I will send you on your way once more -"
"Wait," called the familiar voice of Fenlauch. "Garlech, these are my guests."
Sanria smiled and turned to see the faces of both Kineada and Vorcet rather frozen with what she could only assume to be awe and confusion. She turned back to Fenlauch and gave a bow. "I did as you asked. I brought others to learn."
"Now, wait," Kineada said in a low voice, "I never said I would go to learn, just to meet this man."
"Just... trust me, please," Sanria said.
"Vorcet Thopen, at your service," Vorcet said, approaching Fenlauch with a bow.
"Fenlauch, and my colleague, Garlech," both the huge golden men bowed, their impressive golden armor clinking. "Shall we?"
"Shall we..." Sanria began uncertainly.
Fenlauch chuckled and waved a hand. In an instant, they were in a beautiful meeting room, a fireplace burning at the end of the table. Globes of fire drifted on the air, not unlike Sanria's home, and tall windows gave a stunning view to beautiful gardens beyond. Fenlauch held a hand out to the chairs.
"Please. Be seated."
They had walked in silence until the large, marked trees greeted them. "It's just up ahead," she offered and rounded a few large oaks. There, the tails of mists slithered along the ground and she stopped to point it out. "We'll go in there and I'm certain he'll be along."
"Interesting," Kineada offered, his face otherwise unreadable.
"He lives in the mists?" Vorcet questioned.
"No, not exactly. He finds you in the mists... he lives... somewhere else."
Sanria walked ahead, going deeper into the mists, breathing them in. They had the distinct scent of lake water, but there wasn't such a place to be found, nor a source for their rise. She could feel the two men behind her, walking closer so as not to lose her in the deepening blanket of fog. "Hello?" she called out and no sooner than she called, the mists parted, revealing a man who was not Fenlauch, but looked nearly identical, save the blinding white light that shot from his eyes.
"You must be lost, traveler. I will send you on your way once more -"
"Wait," called the familiar voice of Fenlauch. "Garlech, these are my guests."
Sanria smiled and turned to see the faces of both Kineada and Vorcet rather frozen with what she could only assume to be awe and confusion. She turned back to Fenlauch and gave a bow. "I did as you asked. I brought others to learn."
"Now, wait," Kineada said in a low voice, "I never said I would go to learn, just to meet this man."
"Just... trust me, please," Sanria said.
"Vorcet Thopen, at your service," Vorcet said, approaching Fenlauch with a bow.
"Fenlauch, and my colleague, Garlech," both the huge golden men bowed, their impressive golden armor clinking. "Shall we?"
"Shall we..." Sanria began uncertainly.
Fenlauch chuckled and waved a hand. In an instant, they were in a beautiful meeting room, a fireplace burning at the end of the table. Globes of fire drifted on the air, not unlike Sanria's home, and tall windows gave a stunning view to beautiful gardens beyond. Fenlauch held a hand out to the chairs.
"Please. Be seated."
Among the Gardens
Sanria walked alongside Fenlauch in awe of the castle he showed her, finally, when he took her outside, he escorted her to a small hill and offered a view of the realms that took her breath away. "We're - on a floating piece of land?"
"A floating island," Fenlauch said, striding to her side. "Yes."
"Incredible," Sanria whispered. "How did it, I mean, how does it-"
"A mix of technology and magic. A balance." He smiled. "So, tell me of your meditations. Have they revealed new insights?"
Sanria leaned against the railing that hung out over the realms below. She furrowed her brow and let out a long sigh. "Well, I realize I haven't ever had balance in my life. I thought I did, but never had it. I've hoped for it, but never actually tried for it."
"Never?"
"No. What I thought would bring peace in my life was the opposite of what I should have been doing to bring it," Sanria said. She looked over at Fenlauch, who now stared at her with bright eyes. "Much of what you said makes sense."
"I've had a long time to dwell on it," Fenlauch replied with a chuckle.
"I suppose so."
Sanria let out a deep sigh and looked back over the realms. "Do you think it's possible to bring about balance? Truly?"
"It has been done in many other places. It takes courage, resolve, fortitude - but balance can absolutely be attained and maintained."
"I find that such an appealing prospect. It's... almost unreal."
"When balance is maintained, it is a good feeling. The knowledge that comes with it is tremendous, as well as the freedom that springs from it. Some might wish to see evil abolished, just as evil wishes good dismantled - but one without the other-"
"Cannot exist," Sanria finished with a smile.
"So it is," Fenlauch said with a nod.
Sanria looked up at the huge man. "You would really let us use this place to help in bringing about balance? To bring others here?"
"Indeed. Though my advisors were initially against the prospect when I discussed it with them, they came to my point of view when Garlech agreed. They also agreed knowing they would be your advisors as well. Having a hand in the making of a balanced material plane appealed to them."
"I hope Vorcet and Kineada see it that way."
"An interesting group, nearly a perfection in balance. You with an open heart, willing to learn and read to grow, one who fairly brims over with magical ability, and one who keeps his heart deep within and guards it with his blades. You did well in bringing them. I think each of you has something genuine."
"I don't truly know how it happened so fast..."
"I've been around long enough to know that nothing happens by chance. When you think thoughts, as the unseen forces of the magnet, what you desire comes to you. Call it the law of attraction, Gods, ether, but it will be as it is willed."
Sanria stared out over the realms for a long moment, looking at Westbridge far in the distance. Perhaps what she needed to do was stop dwelling on what she didn't want in her life. Perhaps she simply needed to shift her mind and start to dream once and for all. "Happiness," she whispered, and though said so low it was barely audible, Sanria felt the universe shift just a little bit.
"A floating island," Fenlauch said, striding to her side. "Yes."
"Incredible," Sanria whispered. "How did it, I mean, how does it-"
"A mix of technology and magic. A balance." He smiled. "So, tell me of your meditations. Have they revealed new insights?"
Sanria leaned against the railing that hung out over the realms below. She furrowed her brow and let out a long sigh. "Well, I realize I haven't ever had balance in my life. I thought I did, but never had it. I've hoped for it, but never actually tried for it."
"Never?"
"No. What I thought would bring peace in my life was the opposite of what I should have been doing to bring it," Sanria said. She looked over at Fenlauch, who now stared at her with bright eyes. "Much of what you said makes sense."
"I've had a long time to dwell on it," Fenlauch replied with a chuckle.
"I suppose so."
Sanria let out a deep sigh and looked back over the realms. "Do you think it's possible to bring about balance? Truly?"
"It has been done in many other places. It takes courage, resolve, fortitude - but balance can absolutely be attained and maintained."
"I find that such an appealing prospect. It's... almost unreal."
"When balance is maintained, it is a good feeling. The knowledge that comes with it is tremendous, as well as the freedom that springs from it. Some might wish to see evil abolished, just as evil wishes good dismantled - but one without the other-"
"Cannot exist," Sanria finished with a smile.
"So it is," Fenlauch said with a nod.
Sanria looked up at the huge man. "You would really let us use this place to help in bringing about balance? To bring others here?"
"Indeed. Though my advisors were initially against the prospect when I discussed it with them, they came to my point of view when Garlech agreed. They also agreed knowing they would be your advisors as well. Having a hand in the making of a balanced material plane appealed to them."
"I hope Vorcet and Kineada see it that way."
"An interesting group, nearly a perfection in balance. You with an open heart, willing to learn and read to grow, one who fairly brims over with magical ability, and one who keeps his heart deep within and guards it with his blades. You did well in bringing them. I think each of you has something genuine."
"I don't truly know how it happened so fast..."
"I've been around long enough to know that nothing happens by chance. When you think thoughts, as the unseen forces of the magnet, what you desire comes to you. Call it the law of attraction, Gods, ether, but it will be as it is willed."
Sanria stared out over the realms for a long moment, looking at Westbridge far in the distance. Perhaps what she needed to do was stop dwelling on what she didn't want in her life. Perhaps she simply needed to shift her mind and start to dream once and for all. "Happiness," she whispered, and though said so low it was barely audible, Sanria felt the universe shift just a little bit.
Letting Go
Sanria had enough time to check in with Leandra, who had been staying at the cavern alone with her husband, Askari and their baby, when Orn's voice sounded in her mind. "Leandra, can you watch Nioma while I check in with your brother?"
"How long are you going to be?" Leandra asked, hand on her hip.
"I... please? It shouldn't be long."
"Yeah, sure." Leandra took Nioma into her arms with a nod. "You gotta be sure you're back soon, though. I know how Orn is and how he thinks he's like, the most important thing on the planet."
"Leandra-"
"I know, I know. He still gets on my nerves."
Sanria arrived in her office to find Orn already waiting. She had a feeling, that could only be described as a curling cold in her stomach. When Orn pulled the note she had written to the clan from his pocket, her worst thoughts were confirmed. Everything in her wanted to send him out of the office right then, but she would have to listen. She tried to turn off her own motherly instincts, her face going authoritative to hear what she knew was coming: "I got the missive. And I want to help."
"Alright," Sanria said, leaning on her desk. "What was it that you wanted to do?"
"Reggie and I, we can help to free Westbridge."
"And... how are you wanting to do this?"
"These Radiant Heart people... they are supposed to be helping to liberate the city, right?"
"Yes, they will be doing the fighting. Not us." The look on Orn's face gave away the fact he had caught her in her own lie. "But you said they need help."
"We don't know what they need just yet."
"Then why did you ask for people to help if you don't want them to sign up to help?"
She couldn't keep up her facade, and her shoulders slumped ever so slightly. She would have to come clean with her desire. "I... I can't have you putting yourself in that position."
"What? Mom. And if Kineada or Kronk were to come and say he was going to help them fight, would you tell him that you don't want him doing that?"
"No. I wouldn't. But he's experienced in fighting and he's not my s..."
"Mom, I didn't join the clan so I could be treated differently because I'm your son."
"Orn... I can't have you fighting. Please... if there's something else, anything else..."
"Mom. I know how to fight. Dad taught me a lot... before... and it's not exactly like they need someone to gather intelligence from trees."
"You're not my little boy anymore."
"No Mom, I'm not."
"Then what more can I say?"
"That you believe in me?"
The statement left Sanria speechless for a few moments. She did believe in him, but he was also her child, and she couldn't shake the feeling that Colin would be of the same mindset. Still, it was this moment she also realized that the child she and so many others had protected was as much a man as the men of her clan. She watched Orn go, promising to let Radiant know they could count on him, and felt the overwhelming need to get home. There, she could let herself feel in privacy. There, she wasn't a leader, but a mother who had just promised her son in battle.
"How long are you going to be?" Leandra asked, hand on her hip.
"I... please? It shouldn't be long."
"Yeah, sure." Leandra took Nioma into her arms with a nod. "You gotta be sure you're back soon, though. I know how Orn is and how he thinks he's like, the most important thing on the planet."
"Leandra-"
"I know, I know. He still gets on my nerves."
Sanria arrived in her office to find Orn already waiting. She had a feeling, that could only be described as a curling cold in her stomach. When Orn pulled the note she had written to the clan from his pocket, her worst thoughts were confirmed. Everything in her wanted to send him out of the office right then, but she would have to listen. She tried to turn off her own motherly instincts, her face going authoritative to hear what she knew was coming: "I got the missive. And I want to help."
"Alright," Sanria said, leaning on her desk. "What was it that you wanted to do?"
"Reggie and I, we can help to free Westbridge."
"And... how are you wanting to do this?"
"These Radiant Heart people... they are supposed to be helping to liberate the city, right?"
"Yes, they will be doing the fighting. Not us." The look on Orn's face gave away the fact he had caught her in her own lie. "But you said they need help."
"We don't know what they need just yet."
"Then why did you ask for people to help if you don't want them to sign up to help?"
She couldn't keep up her facade, and her shoulders slumped ever so slightly. She would have to come clean with her desire. "I... I can't have you putting yourself in that position."
"What? Mom. And if Kineada or Kronk were to come and say he was going to help them fight, would you tell him that you don't want him doing that?"
"No. I wouldn't. But he's experienced in fighting and he's not my s..."
"Mom, I didn't join the clan so I could be treated differently because I'm your son."
"Orn... I can't have you fighting. Please... if there's something else, anything else..."
"Mom. I know how to fight. Dad taught me a lot... before... and it's not exactly like they need someone to gather intelligence from trees."
"You're not my little boy anymore."
"No Mom, I'm not."
"Then what more can I say?"
"That you believe in me?"
The statement left Sanria speechless for a few moments. She did believe in him, but he was also her child, and she couldn't shake the feeling that Colin would be of the same mindset. Still, it was this moment she also realized that the child she and so many others had protected was as much a man as the men of her clan. She watched Orn go, promising to let Radiant know they could count on him, and felt the overwhelming need to get home. There, she could let herself feel in privacy. There, she wasn't a leader, but a mother who had just promised her son in battle.
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