Current Character Description - Khyron Scruffs

Before you stands a kenku of medium stature, garbed in a red flowing robe. A talisman engraved with Sune's symbol is hung around his neck with flamelike bands. He carries a plain a wooden staff, and wears a firey sword at his side. His hair is brown and flows down to his waist in a cascade of tangles. It is a look of natural beauty augmented by his incredibly scruffy beard. He shuffles about, seeking out those who need help or have knowledge. His eyes appear lightning blue, but seem to be continually changing color. He absent-mindedly plays with a ring he keeps in his pocket, marked with the symbol of the AoS, and remembers days past before events required him to leave the AoS to return to his home in Halruaa.

A Study in the Way of The World

The Uktar air was crisp as Emalia walked toward Market Square. She had gotten herself out of the house, again with a white lie about needing to visit clan hall. "I'm going to have to do better than that," she thought. "Really." She took in a deep breath, thinking over her recent life changes, when the sign hanging up on Main Street, well, what was Main Street, caught her attention. "Main Street, Kefkaburg" it read. "What in the world..." Emalia continued on until reaching Market Square.
"Without others to rally to our cause, this may all be for naught..." The man who spoke the words had a golden hue to his skin and a pair of wings that caught Emalia off guard for a moment.
"I am a bit disturbed by this, profound number they seem to yield." This man Emalia knew as Sir Epson, a member of her own clan. Seeing the sign in the center of the square asking for taxes, as well as the renamed streets, Emalia ventured to ask what had been going on. "This is the work of the Vectorians," Epson stated.

Emalia knew very little of the Vectorians, and nothing at all of Kefka, but when Epson spoke of the collection of unborn children in exchange for taxes unpaid - it was all she could bear.
"Has no one begun a resistance?" Emalia asked.
"We have repulsed the attempts to obtain tax money thus far," spoke an Elven man.
"We have been doing what we can," Epson spoke, "Sammian, Khyron, Fflar, and I to stop their little waves here and there."
"I assume you two are Sammian and Khyron?" Emalia asked, looking from the winged man to the elven one. With this correct affirmation, introductions were made shortly before Jayden walked into the square.

A small surge of happiness overcame Emalia as she rushed to the man she called Grandfather, but the conversation that resumed sent Emalia into a bit of a depression. Jayden wanted for prayer and faith to resolve the problems. Epson, Khyron, and Sammian wanted some sort of action - though the more Emalia listened, the less convinced she became that they had a clear idea of exactly what to do. In fact, the more she listened to the conversation and the immortal power held by Kefka and the ruthlessness of both he and his followers, the less Emalia felt there was anything to be done.
"Perhaps... we should just pay them... perhaps if we just pool together money, they'll leave," Emalia suggested.
"That is not an option! They will return for more and more," Epson retorted.
"Hmm," Sammian began, "Faith, might provide the resolution we need to calm the masses."

Again with faith, thought Emalia. Faith obviously would not be enough for this wild man. "Sir Epson... what other option do we have? If we don't, have they not threatened to kill? Platinum is nothing compared to life."
"Give an inch and they will take a foot, Emalia. It's what they desire. You cannot honestly think they will stop once they are paid? Because I know differently."
"I would prefer death to life under the rule of that tyrant," Khyron said.

Emalia sat quietly, her mind ticking as the others spoke. She would not allow anyone to take her unborn child, nor would she allow anyone to harm those she cared for. She had heard Jayden's words on faith, prayer, and meditation - but she also knew from her own travels that faith, prayer, and meditation wouldn't stop an orc from slaying you if given the chance, nor stop the RoK in the sky. It was this thought that made her think of Grobnak, and the spies that once had followed her. She thought of the murders that had been committed by necessity, and it dawned on her that this was necessity. "I suppose, then, there will have to be death to prevent death. Perhaps... done in a subversive manner."

To speak of such a thing was unnerving to Emalia, but the knowledge of her child being in danger from a mad man, the knowledge of her family - both Jihad and Guardian - being subject to such torments had driven her to consider darker measures. "I could speak to Grobnak, he has many that engage in such... actions." Emalia lowered her head, detesting the fact she could even speak such words. "If they are assassinated... they can't lead... right?"
"We have no need to turn to Jihad," Khyron objected.
"I am of Jihad," Emalia answered softly. "Besides, something must be done. I am not one to wish death for any, but if we have nothing else but to wait on these vultures to pick off everyone around us, what other choice is there? The God's won't fight our petty battles for us. History is evidence of that."
"Why bother fighting Vector when the city would be destroyed by the RoK anyway?" said Khyron.
"Because, Sir Khyron," Emalia spoke calmly, "that will not bring about the rebirth of the Apprentice."
"Though we may not see eye to eye in terms of faith, we are all threatened by this tyranny," Sammian said.
"At any rate, if the Jihad become involved to stop Kefka... would you refuse the aid?" Emalia asked.
"Nay," said Sammian, "we need all the assistance we can muster."

It was settled in Emalia's mind. She would go to the compound and find Grobnak. She'd face him and talk to him and attempt to get the Jihad to help quell the Vectorian forces. The remaining group scattered at the spotting of a Vectorian Bomb, and Emalia cast a spell, landing her at the Compound gates.

She rushed to the chapel and down the stairs, but as she ran, something slowed her down. On her way to Grobnak's office were tapestries and portraits. Jenova's history was here, as well as some of the snarling and smiling faces of Jihad past and present. For reasons unknown they slowed her, but still, she walked on.

Knocking on Grobnak's door met her with no answer. She cracked the door and looked inside. No one. Though she had been in the room other times, she had not really noticed the tapestries that hung here, too. Jenovese and Talosians fighting battles and destroying their opposition. Quickly, Emalia reached into her pack and pulled forth a book given her long ago by Grobnak. She thumbed through a few of the pages until her eyes rested on a passage that read:

"The Vectorian Empire:
Though their bigotry toward espers is despicable, this empire seems the most likely resource to grant us the technology we need to overcome our foes. Convert them when you can. Destroy only those you must. Treat themas you would an ally, but never turn your back on them,or you will discover their treacherous ways."

Emalia slowly closed her book and sat heavily in the chair in Grobnak's office. She leaned her head on the back of the seat and looked upward to the ceiling and closed her eyes. She suddenly had the answer to any Jihad rising up against the Vectorians... and the book held the clearest warning she had regarding this takeover. For the first time, Emalia was afraid. For the first time, she saw just how opposing her loyalties were. For the millionth time, she found herself wondering... "What now?"

A Flashback

After being pulled from Willow Lake by Khyron's spell, Dorian spent many days in disoriented confusion. Nightmares tormented her sporadic sleep, her non-sleeping hours where plagued by illusions.

Out of necessity, Dorian spent most of each of those times in the company of the Apostles' healer, questions constantly running through her confused mind. "What was it?" "How?" Then once the healers spells took more affect, "Why?"

Only one answer to each of the questions made any sense. Keldon. 'They' are once again looking for Keldon.'

"My lakes pollution, it has to be from those who seek what should not be found. Now is not the time," runs constantly through Dorian's mind. "Perhaps the one that bears the Crimson flag. She might be the one. I need to find her."

With that thought playing round and round in her head, Dorian sets out in search, knowing Sune will guide her.

A Timely Rescue

Dorian wakes up in the Hall of Mirrors. An angel chants next to her. Looking around Dorian sees Khyron and smiles weakly at him then says, "Thank you" before fainting back into darkness.

Khyron to the Rescue. Hi-Ho Your Wildest Fantasy Awaaayyy!

There were books everywhere, a few neat stacks but mostly haphazard piles littering the floor. Khyron stood in the center of the room surveying the mess, idly wondering what manner of creature left his study in such a state; fully aware that he himself was to blame. The books were largely historical volumes dating back as far as the time of Nethril, and further. Khyron let out a sigh at the daunting task of organizing the texts before beginning to do just that.

As he began placing the books in new piles, based on time period, he became aware of a sense of worry abruptly disturbing his thoughts. Despite being an experienced wizard, Khyron was not superstitious as a rule and deemed the feeling illogical and continued to organize his study. Suddenly he stopped, something wasn't right. The feeling was unusual; it felt as though he were experiencing someone else's worry. Khyron gasped as realization set in, it was some form of telepathy; Dorian was in danger. He dropped the books he had been holding beginning to chant even before they hit the floor. Gray mists swirled up as he finished the incantation and vanished from the study.

Reappearing on the shore of Willow Lake, Khyron immediately felt Dorian's presence. Khyron looked around; nothing seemed to disturb the tranquility that always seemed to reign here. No, that wasn't true; although it looked tranquil a sense of evil tainted the air. He forced himself to calm down and surveyed the scene again, the grass was wet under the tree Dorian often sat under and was slightly matted down in the direction of the lake. Running quickly to the shore he looked into the lake and spotted Dorian. Again, nothing strange could be seen but yet there was something there, pulling Dorian deeper into the lake. She did not appear to be struggling, and it was impossible to tell whether she was conscious or not. The presence seemed powerful, but it was difficult to be sure. A levitation spell came to mind, although afraid it wouldn't be powerful enough Khyron decided to try it. To his surprise, and relief, the presence did not fight back, simply letting go and vanishing. He pulled Dorian from the lake and laid her gently on the grass a short distance from the bank. She was unconscious and, surprisingly, was breathing fine.

Although Dorian did not appear to be injured, Khyron was no healer and couldn't be sure. Picking her up again he frowned in the direction of lake, watching the serene waters for a moment before returning to the main hall to take Dorian to the healer.