Billowing clouds of chilled breath spill from the dark recesses of a fur trimmed cloak as a lithe figure rushes through the ice covered streets of Polaris. Bird tracks betray his lineage in the snowy pathways as he hurries onward. His cold-palsied talons shakily pick the locks of a nondescript iron-bound door and throwing it aside, release a hissing stream of heat into the darkness of the alley before hastily retreating inside the back of the establishment.
Stark relishes in the warm steam exuded by the public saunas, allowing it to wash away the lingering remnants of Polaris' unforgiving icy tendrils from his bones. The last vestiges of frosty snowflakes melt away from his crimson feathers as he makes his way down a dark escarpment to a back room.
An audible sigh of relief escapes Stark's beak as he enters the impromptu altar room of Lord Fire. Soothing flames lick at the surrounding walls without consuming them, while the crackling fires whisper with Kossuth's warming promises.
Stark seats himself at a rickety desk, plucks a feather from his arm and sets the quill in a vial of oiled ink. From a flame embossed scroll tube, he withdraws a length of warm parchment made of salamander skin and prepares it to receive his report.
His quill scratches hastily upon the pebbled parchment, the penned runes set in barely recognizable script... likely little more than chicken scratch to the uneducated observer.
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query label:RPnote label:Kossuth. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query label:RPnote label:Kossuth. Sort by date Show all posts
The FLAME
The weather outside hadn't been very good all day, so I decided to head into the local pub near Market Square. When I got there I heard much commotion from the people about the "declaration of war" that Elbryan had made that day. I was obviously very confused as the last time that I had talked with Elbryan and Quaster everything seemed peaceful enough. Quickly I removed my symbol of the Lord Kossuth so that I might gain information without people knowing which side I stood on, as I approahed the bar, feeling naked, I heard the name Fafnir mentioned.
At the bar I tried my best to stay quiet even as it was obvious that the group sided with the obviously wrong Ishtishans, but tis not in me to cause a large scene in a peaceful bar. So I just listened as they told of the Istishan church accepting Fafnir, and of Fafnir's resent threat on the life of Elbryan.
I was outraged at this news, but decided to keep my cool, so slowly moved my cloak away from the large sword and spear that I carry at all times, and put on the Holy Symbol of the Lord Kossuth. At this the onversation went silent, and the men knowin that they were overpowered slowly left the bar peacefully.
When I was alone at the bar at last, or thought I was alone at least I began to think the whole thing through to myself. If Elbryan had declared war on CoI, ar at the least had nullified the peace his life would be in danger as the fanatical Fafnir had already threatened his life.
I had a new mission, to protect Elbryan at all costs as he led the Flames to a glorious victory against the silly puddle people.
At the bar I tried my best to stay quiet even as it was obvious that the group sided with the obviously wrong Ishtishans, but tis not in me to cause a large scene in a peaceful bar. So I just listened as they told of the Istishan church accepting Fafnir, and of Fafnir's resent threat on the life of Elbryan.
I was outraged at this news, but decided to keep my cool, so slowly moved my cloak away from the large sword and spear that I carry at all times, and put on the Holy Symbol of the Lord Kossuth. At this the onversation went silent, and the men knowin that they were overpowered slowly left the bar peacefully.
When I was alone at the bar at last, or thought I was alone at least I began to think the whole thing through to myself. If Elbryan had declared war on CoI, ar at the least had nullified the peace his life would be in danger as the fanatical Fafnir had already threatened his life.
I had a new mission, to protect Elbryan at all costs as he led the Flames to a glorious victory against the silly puddle people.
The End of Innocence
Hellstrom while sitting in the enchanted Laval pools in Kossuth's church thought about everything that had happened in the past few days. It had been nerve wracking and he had not really rested in quite some time, but the end result was wonderful.
Hellstrom’s thoughts were interrupted as a small flame sputtered up from the pool and a familiar voice spoke to him. "Hellstrom, I need you at once." Elbryan's voice commanded.
Hellstrom sighed and muttered to himself, "I guess my break is over." Hellstrom stepped out of the pool and dressed quickly. From the tone in Elbryan's voice he meant now. With one last sigh Elbryan tapped into his limited magical ability and a door appeared in the wall on the east side of the room. Hellstrom walked to it and opened it to find himself in Elbryan's mansion in Torregianno.
Elbryan was sitting in a chair next to a lit candle with a book closed in his lap, waiting for Hellstrom impatiently by the look he had on his bony face. "Have a seat Hellstrom." Elbryan said evenly. "We have some.... issues we need to discuss."
Hellstrom sat in a chair across from Elbryan as he related the information that Vorcet had managed to gather at the Jenovese Camp. Hellstrom jaw dropped as Elbryan got to the description of the girl. He knew immediately who it was. He could never forget that description. He had gone over it too many times in his own mind. As the story was finished Hellstrom's surprise was replaced by rage. Rage at the Jenovese, and rage directed at Grobnak specifically.
"That SNAKE" Hellstrom growled fiercely as he stood up and began to pace. "If I lay hands on that monster I swear...."
"You will do nothing. That is what you will do." Elbryan answered as evenly as before. "Don’t you think you have someone ELSE you should be worrying about?" Hellstrom stopped in his pacing as he caught Elbryan's meaning. Hellstrom tried to stutter something but Elbryan cut him off. "I understand your need to explain, but it is not necessary. You are the closest to her right now. Do what you can."
Hellstrom with a somewhat relived if not confused look on his face nods and says quietly "I will not disappoint."
Back In the Church Hellstrom paces his small room while he considers his options. "I was able to get her to destroy her copy of the Cyrinishad..." Hellstrom thinks aloud to himself. "Maybe I can talk her out of this madness." Hellstrom sighs as he opens yet another door, his third for the evening exhausting his magical energy and walks into the Sanctuary of the Crimson Guardians to track down Emalia and have a MUCH needed chat.
Hellstrom’s thoughts were interrupted as a small flame sputtered up from the pool and a familiar voice spoke to him. "Hellstrom, I need you at once." Elbryan's voice commanded.
Hellstrom sighed and muttered to himself, "I guess my break is over." Hellstrom stepped out of the pool and dressed quickly. From the tone in Elbryan's voice he meant now. With one last sigh Elbryan tapped into his limited magical ability and a door appeared in the wall on the east side of the room. Hellstrom walked to it and opened it to find himself in Elbryan's mansion in Torregianno.
Elbryan was sitting in a chair next to a lit candle with a book closed in his lap, waiting for Hellstrom impatiently by the look he had on his bony face. "Have a seat Hellstrom." Elbryan said evenly. "We have some.... issues we need to discuss."
Hellstrom sat in a chair across from Elbryan as he related the information that Vorcet had managed to gather at the Jenovese Camp. Hellstrom jaw dropped as Elbryan got to the description of the girl. He knew immediately who it was. He could never forget that description. He had gone over it too many times in his own mind. As the story was finished Hellstrom's surprise was replaced by rage. Rage at the Jenovese, and rage directed at Grobnak specifically.
"That SNAKE" Hellstrom growled fiercely as he stood up and began to pace. "If I lay hands on that monster I swear...."
"You will do nothing. That is what you will do." Elbryan answered as evenly as before. "Don’t you think you have someone ELSE you should be worrying about?" Hellstrom stopped in his pacing as he caught Elbryan's meaning. Hellstrom tried to stutter something but Elbryan cut him off. "I understand your need to explain, but it is not necessary. You are the closest to her right now. Do what you can."
Hellstrom with a somewhat relived if not confused look on his face nods and says quietly "I will not disappoint."
Back In the Church Hellstrom paces his small room while he considers his options. "I was able to get her to destroy her copy of the Cyrinishad..." Hellstrom thinks aloud to himself. "Maybe I can talk her out of this madness." Hellstrom sighs as he opens yet another door, his third for the evening exhausting his magical energy and walks into the Sanctuary of the Crimson Guardians to track down Emalia and have a MUCH needed chat.
Accusations and Lies
Stark Explained all that had occured while Elbryan had been away. The attack in Westbridge. The unusual activity of the Rok. The Fact that No immortal was ever seen at any time by anyone But supposedly Quaster. These things seemed a little too convenient for Quaster. Trying to gain a bit of Favor from the public perhaps. The more Elbryan thought about it the More he hated Quaster. He would find any way to Make FLAME look bad. Or discredit Kossuth's name. Elbryan Being one of Kossuths Chosen Surely would have been Privy to any Plans of an Open attack on Quaster. Elbryan Makes a mental Note of these things and Stalks off to find Quaster And have Words with him.
FLAMEs in Polaris (part 4)
Stark levels a piercing gaze about the gathered crowd as he continues to speak the tempo of his words matched by the people's chilled breaths.
"The Istishians claim that they were forced to create their church as a means to counter the spread of Kossuthian influence throughout the lands. Given that there was no devouted worship to Lord Flame until well after the Istishians became actively promoting his downfall in the realms, we must ask what exactly their true motivations are. There have even been accusations made by the Church of Istishia against the Crimson Guardians, claims that the clan is merely a pawn of Lord Fire in enacting his plots about the realms... again unfounded and clearly untrue.
FLAME was created by Lord Fire in order to balance the growing expanse of power and misinformation that was being spread by the Church of Istishia. Alarmingly, the Istishians espoused the extinguishment of all fire from the realms. Not only would this effect magic profoundly, but it would also cause a detrimental and lethal effect upon the very realms, should this ever be permitted to come about. The elemental balance must be maintained. It is FLAME's duty to maintain it, not eradicate or eliminate CoI as they are want to do of us.
We accept the necessity of the Water element in the balance of life and expect the same respect from them in return. For what is life without the SPARK of flame, the BREATH of wind, the BODY of earth and the VITALITY of water.
Lord Kossuth is a beneficient and gracious god. His blessings ensure that our crops grow, that the harshness of winter comes to timely end, that the realms are bathed in light, and that we have the use of almighty fire in all its forms against the wilds and beasts of the realms.
Allow us to aid your suffering city by bathing it in the warming glow of his blessings. The time for Polaris to be recognized by the realms has come... allow us to take you there."
Stark takes a deep breath as he steps down from the fountain. He smiles broadly as he hands out all of the parchments to the waiting people.
"The Istishians claim that they were forced to create their church as a means to counter the spread of Kossuthian influence throughout the lands. Given that there was no devouted worship to Lord Flame until well after the Istishians became actively promoting his downfall in the realms, we must ask what exactly their true motivations are. There have even been accusations made by the Church of Istishia against the Crimson Guardians, claims that the clan is merely a pawn of Lord Fire in enacting his plots about the realms... again unfounded and clearly untrue.
FLAME was created by Lord Fire in order to balance the growing expanse of power and misinformation that was being spread by the Church of Istishia. Alarmingly, the Istishians espoused the extinguishment of all fire from the realms. Not only would this effect magic profoundly, but it would also cause a detrimental and lethal effect upon the very realms, should this ever be permitted to come about. The elemental balance must be maintained. It is FLAME's duty to maintain it, not eradicate or eliminate CoI as they are want to do of us.
We accept the necessity of the Water element in the balance of life and expect the same respect from them in return. For what is life without the SPARK of flame, the BREATH of wind, the BODY of earth and the VITALITY of water.
Lord Kossuth is a beneficient and gracious god. His blessings ensure that our crops grow, that the harshness of winter comes to timely end, that the realms are bathed in light, and that we have the use of almighty fire in all its forms against the wilds and beasts of the realms.
Allow us to aid your suffering city by bathing it in the warming glow of his blessings. The time for Polaris to be recognized by the realms has come... allow us to take you there."
Stark takes a deep breath as he steps down from the fountain. He smiles broadly as he hands out all of the parchments to the waiting people.
The Unwilling Spy
The Lookout was deathly quiet as if the wood sensed Hellstrom's foul mood and chose to leave him alone. His bear stayed hidden in the woods nearby in the off chance Hellstrom needed him. Hellstrom's mood shifted from darkest depression and fits of sobbing, to pure muscle shaking rage.
After a time Hellstrom finally stood up and called for his bear, who shambled out of the trees and sat down where Hellstrom had been sitting. Hellstrom concentrated and opened a door to where Elbryan was and stepped through. Elbryan as sitting in the same chair with the same book he had before open in his lap. Elbryan carefully closed his book and set it on the table next to his chair and studied Hellstrom for a minute. "I was wondering when you would be back." Elbryan stated.
Hellstrom paced for a few minutes trying to decide where to start as Elbryan watched patiently and waited for what he knew was coming. Finally Hellstrom stopped pacing and looked at Elbryan who asked, "I’m guessing it didn’t go so well?" Hellstrom looked at Elbryan for a minute still unsure where to start.
"Grobnak's poison words were too strong... There is nothing I can do..." Hellstrom finally began. "When you meet with her again Hellstrom, do not do so in the same place." Elbryan cautioned, "I am not the only one with spies." "You think I am being watched?" Hellstrom asked in surprise. "I don’t think, I know!" Elbryan said matter-of-factly. "Emalia is new to the order they will have people watching her actions for a bit... You can be sure you have come to the Jenovese's attention."
Hellstrom thought about this for a minute and finally nodded his understanding at Elbryan. "But, what am i supposed to do?" Hellstrom asked Elbryan with a tone of desperation tinging his tongue, "I...I mean we are going to lose her to the Jenovese."
Elbryan sat back in his chair and steeped his fingers in thought for a moment. "Do not cut ties with her." Elbryan said slowly and thoughtfully, "If you do she is lost to them forever. Do not accept her faith, that’s not what I am saying. But all the same try to stay a positive influence in her life. Maybe, just maybe, she will have a change of heart."
Hellstrom thought about this for a while. He wouldn’t be losing Emalia, he could still see her. It made sense to Hellstrom's confused mind. "Ensure that she understands where your loyalty lies though. For when the time comes, the Guardians will be standing with the rest to destroy the RoK, as will the followers of Kossuth." Hellstrom nodded his understanding again and turned to leave. His bear was warning him that someone was approaching the lookout.
"I have to go Elbryan...." Hellstrom says quietly. "She has returned.", and with that opens a new door and steps through back to his bear to wait for Emalia's appearance on the lookout.
After Hellstrom's departure from his residence, Elbryan looked at the spot where the door had been. "I’m sorry for using you Hellstrom..." Elbryan whispers to himself. "But it must be done for the sake of the world."
After a time Hellstrom finally stood up and called for his bear, who shambled out of the trees and sat down where Hellstrom had been sitting. Hellstrom concentrated and opened a door to where Elbryan was and stepped through. Elbryan as sitting in the same chair with the same book he had before open in his lap. Elbryan carefully closed his book and set it on the table next to his chair and studied Hellstrom for a minute. "I was wondering when you would be back." Elbryan stated.
Hellstrom paced for a few minutes trying to decide where to start as Elbryan watched patiently and waited for what he knew was coming. Finally Hellstrom stopped pacing and looked at Elbryan who asked, "I’m guessing it didn’t go so well?" Hellstrom looked at Elbryan for a minute still unsure where to start.
"Grobnak's poison words were too strong... There is nothing I can do..." Hellstrom finally began. "When you meet with her again Hellstrom, do not do so in the same place." Elbryan cautioned, "I am not the only one with spies." "You think I am being watched?" Hellstrom asked in surprise. "I don’t think, I know!" Elbryan said matter-of-factly. "Emalia is new to the order they will have people watching her actions for a bit... You can be sure you have come to the Jenovese's attention."
Hellstrom thought about this for a minute and finally nodded his understanding at Elbryan. "But, what am i supposed to do?" Hellstrom asked Elbryan with a tone of desperation tinging his tongue, "I...I mean we are going to lose her to the Jenovese."
Elbryan sat back in his chair and steeped his fingers in thought for a moment. "Do not cut ties with her." Elbryan said slowly and thoughtfully, "If you do she is lost to them forever. Do not accept her faith, that’s not what I am saying. But all the same try to stay a positive influence in her life. Maybe, just maybe, she will have a change of heart."
Hellstrom thought about this for a while. He wouldn’t be losing Emalia, he could still see her. It made sense to Hellstrom's confused mind. "Ensure that she understands where your loyalty lies though. For when the time comes, the Guardians will be standing with the rest to destroy the RoK, as will the followers of Kossuth." Hellstrom nodded his understanding again and turned to leave. His bear was warning him that someone was approaching the lookout.
"I have to go Elbryan...." Hellstrom says quietly. "She has returned.", and with that opens a new door and steps through back to his bear to wait for Emalia's appearance on the lookout.
After Hellstrom's departure from his residence, Elbryan looked at the spot where the door had been. "I’m sorry for using you Hellstrom..." Elbryan whispers to himself. "But it must be done for the sake of the world."
Life?
With the Days ending and things Winding down with in the clan hall, Elbryan finally gets a chance to meditate about the last few days. As he slipps into his usual trancelike state of deep thought he feels another presence in the back of his mind. By the Spiritual Warmth the presence brought with it Elbryan Knew instantly Who it was. Lord Kossuth had come to him.
"You are doing well I trust Elbryan?" Asks Kossuth.
"I am doing Very well indeed M'Lord" Elbryan replies still not quite sure what to say.
"Do you Feel as you have found your purpose for being here?" Kossuth Asks casually.
"Aye I believe I have found what I was brought back from the dead to do." replies Elbryan.
"That is well because I have decided to Give you a GiftE elbryan." Kossuth states Plainly
"What Gift do you speak of Lord? I want for nothing." says Elbryan with a touch of confusion laced in his voice. "I will give back to you the one thing you have been missing for a long time Elbryan....." says Kossuth
"Your Life" And with that Elbryan awakes to his decaying body realizing just how much he really did miss being alive. He really did miss the ability to feel and taste and smell. But was what he had seen real? It couldnt be could it. Questions raced through his mind as he attempted to meditate further for more answers.
"You are doing well I trust Elbryan?" Asks Kossuth.
"I am doing Very well indeed M'Lord" Elbryan replies still not quite sure what to say.
"Do you Feel as you have found your purpose for being here?" Kossuth Asks casually.
"Aye I believe I have found what I was brought back from the dead to do." replies Elbryan.
"That is well because I have decided to Give you a GiftE elbryan." Kossuth states Plainly
"What Gift do you speak of Lord? I want for nothing." says Elbryan with a touch of confusion laced in his voice. "I will give back to you the one thing you have been missing for a long time Elbryan....." says Kossuth
"Your Life" And with that Elbryan awakes to his decaying body realizing just how much he really did miss being alive. He really did miss the ability to feel and taste and smell. But was what he had seen real? It couldnt be could it. Questions raced through his mind as he attempted to meditate further for more answers.
FLAMEs in Polaris (part 2)
Finally completing the missive, Stark reviews what he has written one last time, the crimson quill grit in his razor sharp beak:
******************************************************
High Flame Atandella and Lord Elbryan:
Per your request, I am reporting some of the things which the righteous forces of Lord Fire may strive to bring to the cold and troubled peoples of Polaris.
- aquaduct waters from the Dark Lake through the proposed Temple of Kossuth, thereby heating the liquid to steam and piping it into the businesses and homes as an ambiant heat source.
- import various endangered species from the realms into the Polaris Forest to create a wildlife sanctuary for the beasts.
- prepare tax incentives for the merchants of the city to import and sell more exotic and desired goods.
- encourage the guilds to better prepare their pupils for the wilds of the realms through practice and training
- balance the patrols of the uncaring Shimmering Guardsmen of Polaris with more populace friendly guard to police the wandering bands of thugs and street tuffs.
- temper the clergy to put the wandering spirits of the Polaris graveyard to final rest, fire the current gravekeeper for hitting the spice wine too often and not doing his job.
- increase the housing for the poor and downtrodden
Istishian activity has been limited in this area at this time.
Signed by my hand, your loyal Servant... STARK
******************************************************
Nodding in affirmation, Stark invokes a prayer to Lord Flame and watches in rapture as the message is consumed in a blazing ball of fire... magically transported to his lady and liege.
******************************************************
High Flame Atandella and Lord Elbryan:
Per your request, I am reporting some of the things which the righteous forces of Lord Fire may strive to bring to the cold and troubled peoples of Polaris.
- aquaduct waters from the Dark Lake through the proposed Temple of Kossuth, thereby heating the liquid to steam and piping it into the businesses and homes as an ambiant heat source.
- import various endangered species from the realms into the Polaris Forest to create a wildlife sanctuary for the beasts.
- prepare tax incentives for the merchants of the city to import and sell more exotic and desired goods.
- encourage the guilds to better prepare their pupils for the wilds of the realms through practice and training
- balance the patrols of the uncaring Shimmering Guardsmen of Polaris with more populace friendly guard to police the wandering bands of thugs and street tuffs.
- temper the clergy to put the wandering spirits of the Polaris graveyard to final rest, fire the current gravekeeper for hitting the spice wine too often and not doing his job.
- increase the housing for the poor and downtrodden
Istishian activity has been limited in this area at this time.
Signed by my hand, your loyal Servant... STARK
******************************************************
Nodding in affirmation, Stark invokes a prayer to Lord Flame and watches in rapture as the message is consumed in a blazing ball of fire... magically transported to his lady and liege.
PreTrial: Aberrant Behaviour (end)
"By the flames of Kossuth, why would Quaster seek to aid me in any way... especially after going out of his way to attack me, some time ago, in Hilp. Not to mention, his attacks upon my brethren." ponders Stark. "Something is horribly amiss. He's surely up tosome deviant scheme." His eyes slowly close, as the soothing warmth of the fire lures him into slumber.
Later, as he quickly makes his way to meet with Atandella and Elbryan to report on his mission, Stark is halted by a small mob of people crowded about a publicly posted proclamation.
Noting that the notice bears the scales of Tyr, Stark scans the document halfheartedly, eager to be on his way. His eyes widen in shock as the meaning of the words spider their way into his brain; he rereads the message yet again.
Unrestrained, raucous laughter echoes about the Square, causing people to turn from their gossiping and level confused looks at the mirthful bird-man.
"No wonder." gasps Stark between bouts of fits. "This trial is indeed going to be interesting." He continues laughing as he leaves, ready to share the joke with the others.
Later, as he quickly makes his way to meet with Atandella and Elbryan to report on his mission, Stark is halted by a small mob of people crowded about a publicly posted proclamation.
Noting that the notice bears the scales of Tyr, Stark scans the document halfheartedly, eager to be on his way. His eyes widen in shock as the meaning of the words spider their way into his brain; he rereads the message yet again.
Unrestrained, raucous laughter echoes about the Square, causing people to turn from their gossiping and level confused looks at the mirthful bird-man.
"No wonder." gasps Stark between bouts of fits. "This trial is indeed going to be interesting." He continues laughing as he leaves, ready to share the joke with the others.
The Past Pt. I ("Kossuth's Blessing, Chauntea's Curse") Repost
It had begun centuries ago, he supposed. After
one has been dead for so long, it is difficult to guess when one last drew
breath. As many half-orcs are, he was the product of rape. Nestled between
two mountain peaks at the spine of the world, his barbarian village had
always been subject to infrequent raids by the orcish hordes. It was during
one of these raids that his mother had been so brutally molested. Nine
months later, he was born. Many of his tribesman blamed him for his mother's
death. So strongly did his mother's sister believe this that on the very
night of his birth, she threw him out into the cold to die, even as his
mother's life-blood seeped out between her legs. Death did not claim him
that night, however, as some other tribesmen spotted the bundle of cloth
that so poorly sheltered him. He was taken to the tribal shaman, a man
well-versed in the healing arts, as well as compassion. The shaman took
him in and raised him as his own. He grew up differently than other children
of the village- not just because of his orcish heritage- but also because
of his hair. Tales surrounded him of his mother- the woman blessed by Kossuth
with hair of fire, yet cursed by Chauntea. He had inherited his mother's
fiery hair, revered among his tribe as a divine blessing. And he had also
inherited the visage of his father, reviled by his people as the face of
the enemy. Baleful glares followed his every step, yet none dared strike
at him for fear of divine retribution. All of this changed when he came
of age to be a warrior.
A Dragon Lament (cont)
Ryel's voice quieted, along with the others
as a small statue rose out of a large goblet on the altar and moved to
one of the shelves. Eleni quietly wiped her face as she watched. Ryel kissed
Eleni's forehead as the ghosts began their lament again. Eleni whispered,
the words barely audible, "I'm sorry... I'm
so very sorry..." Ryel whispered in Eleni's
ear, "Shhhh... he knows you loved him."
Eleni shook her head softly and rested against Ryel, closing her eyes as
she listened to the song, lost in thought and memory. Ryel rocked back
and forth, Cyel's body crumbling as he watched. Eleni wiped her face with
her hands and wrapped her arms around her legs, curling into a ball on
Ryel's lap, her soft voice whispering with the ghosts. Ryel lifted his
voice with the ghosts again as he closed his eyes. The two sat there for
a week, no food, no drink as the lament was lifted in their son's name.
Ryel smiled to himself, knowing that Cyel would get to meet the woman who
had given him life. Their souls meeting again in the cross over, he had
many years yet before he got to see his many sons, daughters, friends,
and family again. He was still needed here, his desire to follow them across
stopped by a promise once made to the greatest friend he had ever known.
But he wondered... would they be there waiting.. would they welcome him
when it was his time.. The lack of sleep kept him thinking, the past, his
son, watching him grow.. hearing his first word.. the word echoed in his
mind. He saw the clearing then, and his best friend. As Cyel climbed on
Tenchi and hugged him he spoke, his voice small and with the sweet sound
of innocence, "Tentree."
The memory walked away as the lament entered his mind again. He watched
his boy grow again and he looked down at the little halfing in his lap.
Ryel thought, trying to figure it out, he should be dead by now. The curse
that went with seeing the ghosts should have shattered his heart by now,
sending him to be a ghost until it healed and he could return to his body.
He should have felt that pain by now. It should have happened.. and during
the week he waited, waited for it to come, but it escaped him. He realized
with his brother's ghost crossing over that the shattered hearts would
come no more.. and so now he had to deal with his son's death in a way
that he had not had much recent experience in. He must live through it.
Ryel tightened his arms around Eleni. He lifted a silent prayer to Kossuth,
in the final moments of the lament. The ghosts stopped singing, the voices
trailing off as the end of the lament echoed in the shrine, around the
realm, and in the ears of all those that had ever held the three of them
in their hearts. Another child was gone.
Peace rejected
Elbryan sits down at his Desk and takes out his Quil and paper and begins to write a note.
Dear Quaster
In regards to our temporary peace. I have decided to call it off. I have seen Fafnir walking about this very day Thursday the 11th of Hammer, wearing the insignia of your church. I do not wish war, but if you insist on allying with those such as fafnir. I have no choice but to reject you and tell My fellow Followers of Kossuth to do the same. No reply is needed I have seen all that I wish to see of you. I have had enough of your lies, and your deceit. And if it is war that must be had then it is war that you will get. Everything lies in you hands, but know one thing. As long as Fafnir is counted a friend to you. You will never know peace from us.
Elbryan of the FLAME
Elbryan waits a few minutes for the ink to dry and walks out to the Market Square. Elbryan looks around and seeing nothing better to put the note on, he tacks it to the bench. Either Quaster or Menhara are bound to find it there. But he hoped that it would be Quaster.
Dear Quaster
In regards to our temporary peace. I have decided to call it off. I have seen Fafnir walking about this very day Thursday the 11th of Hammer, wearing the insignia of your church. I do not wish war, but if you insist on allying with those such as fafnir. I have no choice but to reject you and tell My fellow Followers of Kossuth to do the same. No reply is needed I have seen all that I wish to see of you. I have had enough of your lies, and your deceit. And if it is war that must be had then it is war that you will get. Everything lies in you hands, but know one thing. As long as Fafnir is counted a friend to you. You will never know peace from us.
Elbryan of the FLAME
Elbryan waits a few minutes for the ink to dry and walks out to the Market Square. Elbryan looks around and seeing nothing better to put the note on, he tacks it to the bench. Either Quaster or Menhara are bound to find it there. But he hoped that it would be Quaster.
Rock and a Hard Place
Emalia woke up to the sound of musical chanting. Maxell walked slowly in the room, chanting as he swung his censer to and fro. The incense was that of sage, a sharp but healing scent, and it brought Emalia to her full waking state. "Kossuth educatoris de incendium. Kossuth patronus de Puniceus Praeses. Kossuth teneo ex consuetudo de noceo, ac perduco omnis de tenebra."
Maxell repeated his chant, unaware that Emalia was awake, listening. Without his knowing, she slid from the table and down the corridor, and with a spell, landed herself in Torregiano.
She had been here before on different errands, but still the city was a large maze for her. Eventually, she found her way to Elbryan's mansion, and let herself inside. She checked in many rooms until one of the butlers moved, as if floating, to her side. "May I help you?" he asked with an air of importance. It was obvious from his stature, he took his job quite seriously. "I need to speak with Sir Elbryan." "Mmmmm, this way."
With a short bow and after many stairs, the butler left her standing before the door to Elbryan's recreation room. She knew she was pushing herself, but she had to see him, and with a deep breath, she opened the door and popped her head inside.
Elbryan welcomed her in, and Emalia sat in the chair opposite him. "What brings you way out here today?" "I believe my time has come to an end with the Guardians. I have come to ask to be let go." Emalia sat with her head down, then looked to Elbryan as he spoke. "If they DO pose a threat are these the type of people you want to be associating with?"
Emalia spoke quietly, "Sir Elbryan, I cannot leave. I gave my vows. As for the danger... they have spies."
Elbryan was dismissive of this as he launched into several remarks on the state of his knowledge. "Is it enough for you to turn your back on us as well?" "My word. I gave my word." "You also gave your word to us, though not at knife point."
Emalia hadn't expected things to be easy, nor had she felt they would be so hard. She was frozen in two places. She had given her word to both the Guardians and to the Jihad and the only way she was beginning to see to get out was to fall forward onto the dagger. That, however, was something she wanted to avoid at all costs. "Grobnak's spies are hunting Hellstrom because you care for him and because he cares about you. I would evaluate which person is more truthful and more understanding in this affair further before making a rash decision."
Emalia could say nothing. Her weakness was at the point of dropping her to the floor, so before it could, she let go of her argument and vanished into her magical doorway.
Maxell repeated his chant, unaware that Emalia was awake, listening. Without his knowing, she slid from the table and down the corridor, and with a spell, landed herself in Torregiano.
She had been here before on different errands, but still the city was a large maze for her. Eventually, she found her way to Elbryan's mansion, and let herself inside. She checked in many rooms until one of the butlers moved, as if floating, to her side. "May I help you?" he asked with an air of importance. It was obvious from his stature, he took his job quite seriously. "I need to speak with Sir Elbryan." "Mmmmm, this way."
With a short bow and after many stairs, the butler left her standing before the door to Elbryan's recreation room. She knew she was pushing herself, but she had to see him, and with a deep breath, she opened the door and popped her head inside.
Elbryan welcomed her in, and Emalia sat in the chair opposite him. "What brings you way out here today?" "I believe my time has come to an end with the Guardians. I have come to ask to be let go." Emalia sat with her head down, then looked to Elbryan as he spoke. "If they DO pose a threat are these the type of people you want to be associating with?"
Emalia spoke quietly, "Sir Elbryan, I cannot leave. I gave my vows. As for the danger... they have spies."
Elbryan was dismissive of this as he launched into several remarks on the state of his knowledge. "Is it enough for you to turn your back on us as well?" "My word. I gave my word." "You also gave your word to us, though not at knife point."
Emalia hadn't expected things to be easy, nor had she felt they would be so hard. She was frozen in two places. She had given her word to both the Guardians and to the Jihad and the only way she was beginning to see to get out was to fall forward onto the dagger. That, however, was something she wanted to avoid at all costs. "Grobnak's spies are hunting Hellstrom because you care for him and because he cares about you. I would evaluate which person is more truthful and more understanding in this affair further before making a rash decision."
Emalia could say nothing. Her weakness was at the point of dropping her to the floor, so before it could, she let go of her argument and vanished into her magical doorway.
FLAMEs in Polaris (part 3)
Donning his ermine trimmed cloak, Stark steps out into the chilled streets of Polaris. His arms heavily laden by billets and flyers, he trudges cautiously through the slickened streets until he finds himself in the central square of the city.
Placing the documents upon an overturned crate, Stark sweeps the billowing folds of his chill-shielding cloak aside as he steps atop the ice glazed marble of a fountain and prepares to address the gathered citizenry. His eyes flare as he twists a ruby encrusted ring upon his taloned hand and activates a crimson aura which emanates a soothing warmth about the entirety of the area, stealing the frosty kisses of the cruel Polaris breezes.
'People of Polaris, I come to you on behalf of Lord Kossuth and his devout followers known as FLAME. It is his divine wish that you choose to allow his followers to aid and assist you in making your long-ignored city into a paradise which rivals the other great cities of the realms in commerce, trade and adventure. We do not, however, wish to force governance upon you by force, moreover we pray that you would choose to accept our aid by voting our faction into power in the impending elections.
We are aware of the lies which have been perpetuated by our rival, the Church of Istishia, in attempts to befoul Lord Flame's honoured name. We merely ask that you judge such accusations in the light of the evidence and not the conjecture which they are often clouded by the Istishians. FLAME realizes that there are some questions which have arisen concerning our... relations... and we would like to come forward with the facts in order to provide you with a clearer picture.
Lord Kossuth has taken no part in harming the realms. He has often been accused of many attacks upon the City of Westbridge through the use of the looming comet, yet this is plainly and obviously not true. Our confused compatriots in the Chapel of Water wrongfully assume that merely because the Rok has some capability of fire damage that it MUST be sent by Lord Flame, and yet they refuse to accept or see that the Rok is an agent, or device rather, of much older and more powerful forces than even Lord Kossuth may call to bear."
Placing the documents upon an overturned crate, Stark sweeps the billowing folds of his chill-shielding cloak aside as he steps atop the ice glazed marble of a fountain and prepares to address the gathered citizenry. His eyes flare as he twists a ruby encrusted ring upon his taloned hand and activates a crimson aura which emanates a soothing warmth about the entirety of the area, stealing the frosty kisses of the cruel Polaris breezes.
'People of Polaris, I come to you on behalf of Lord Kossuth and his devout followers known as FLAME. It is his divine wish that you choose to allow his followers to aid and assist you in making your long-ignored city into a paradise which rivals the other great cities of the realms in commerce, trade and adventure. We do not, however, wish to force governance upon you by force, moreover we pray that you would choose to accept our aid by voting our faction into power in the impending elections.
We are aware of the lies which have been perpetuated by our rival, the Church of Istishia, in attempts to befoul Lord Flame's honoured name. We merely ask that you judge such accusations in the light of the evidence and not the conjecture which they are often clouded by the Istishians. FLAME realizes that there are some questions which have arisen concerning our... relations... and we would like to come forward with the facts in order to provide you with a clearer picture.
Lord Kossuth has taken no part in harming the realms. He has often been accused of many attacks upon the City of Westbridge through the use of the looming comet, yet this is plainly and obviously not true. Our confused compatriots in the Chapel of Water wrongfully assume that merely because the Rok has some capability of fire damage that it MUST be sent by Lord Flame, and yet they refuse to accept or see that the Rok is an agent, or device rather, of much older and more powerful forces than even Lord Kossuth may call to bear."
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