Psycho Had been busy busy busy. More to do than time to do it in. He was lucky and grateful to have the help of his young and lively brothers. The times that was to come would require resilience and a great deal of effort. To prepare for the fight Psycho knew he must control as much of the battle as he could. For this reason he called his trusted Wizard Galactus. Galactus was always cold and calculated and his programming would allow him to process many languages that were far beyond the normal mortal capacity for language. When the wizard's face materialized only its head hanging on the wall like some mechanical beast beheaded from a great hunt. He spoke like he always did by projected his voice into Psycho's head. 'Yes, Master you have a task for me?'
Psycho instructed the robot by speaking aloud instructions about where in The Great Library Galactus could find information about the city of Westbridge. Information and study of Westbridge architecture could prove very fruitful in the coming task. Psycho instructed the machine to focus on information that would predate Kefkaburg and the ubiquitus history of the great city. Keep his eyes open for the a specific scroll and Report any information that may be of use to the Order directly to Psycho himself. Psycho had a great deal more that still needed to be done and now he had just a bit less time to do it all in. But the wheels that had been spinning silently for the past few months began to hum and whirl loudly as the future quickly approached. He would raise the troups early for training and a healthy taste of hard work
Future Operations
It is good to see a break in the silence about these actions. It has been a long time since anything has been done. However, I would have you know that the Hoard has not ceased operating within the walls of Westbridge, as per our contract.
Since you appear to be attempting to replace Throm and the TriPower in regards to these operations, I will inform you of the role of myself and my brothers. We have a contract with the TriPower that we will honor, despite their disappearance, as they have already paid.
Our role is to provide information gathering and supply lines for the invading force. My understanding is that the invading force provided would be the Radiant Heart.
Thus, it is our purpose to provide supplies, and secure supply lines, along with lending assistance via intelligence gathering and assistance in gaining entrance to the city. Our network of operatives are already in place throughout Westbridge, merely awaiting orders. And we have been providing provisions to the citizens, bypassing the blockade and Vectorian patrols. Additionally, we have a cache of arms and equipment, along with provisions, for the invading force to help prevent them from being cut off by potential Vectorian reenforcements.
We are more than willing to utilize Vorcet and his skills to benefit the operation. We are ready and waiting for word that the operation has begun. So once the Radiant Heart are prepared to mobilize, we will fulfill our contract.
Dryden Rainweaver
Vox of the Hoard
Since you appear to be attempting to replace Throm and the TriPower in regards to these operations, I will inform you of the role of myself and my brothers. We have a contract with the TriPower that we will honor, despite their disappearance, as they have already paid.
Our role is to provide information gathering and supply lines for the invading force. My understanding is that the invading force provided would be the Radiant Heart.
Thus, it is our purpose to provide supplies, and secure supply lines, along with lending assistance via intelligence gathering and assistance in gaining entrance to the city. Our network of operatives are already in place throughout Westbridge, merely awaiting orders. And we have been providing provisions to the citizens, bypassing the blockade and Vectorian patrols. Additionally, we have a cache of arms and equipment, along with provisions, for the invading force to help prevent them from being cut off by potential Vectorian reenforcements.
We are more than willing to utilize Vorcet and his skills to benefit the operation. We are ready and waiting for word that the operation has begun. So once the Radiant Heart are prepared to mobilize, we will fulfill our contract.
Dryden Rainweaver
Vox of the Hoard
A Balanced Proposal
** A snow white falcon wings its way through the sky, seeming to find its way through all barriers to gain purchase on your arm. It is winded, carrying with it a rather large parchment case in which is a rolled piece, sealed with deep green wax.**
Greetings to the grand assemblages of the Hoard and Radiant Heart. My name is Sanria Stone and I am but one of three leaders of the clan, Keepers of Balance. Our presence is not well known, being relatively new as a whole to the world of Cruoris, though as a individuals, we have been within the realms for a very long time now.
I write this missive as a proposal of sorts. Long before, a man of great importance to me, Throm, was aiding you in a coup to overthrow Vector. While I do not claim to know the particulars, I have, I believe, reasonably assumed that Throm's untimely death was a playing factor in the stalling and ultimate freeze for the action needed in Westbridge. I understood that your two groups, in combination with TriPower, were poised to deliver a crushing defeat. This is why I write today.
I, along with many others both in Keepers and without, have noticed the growing apathy of the people of Westbridge. They have grown accustomed to the fetters that hold them captive. Given Westbridge's strategic location, high volume of trade, and ability to hold a presence in the realms, we wish to offer a proposal:
One of our leaders, Vorcet Thophen, has gained access to Vectorian armors. In exchange for creating a balanced city, one in which all governments and groups have a representative in place, we would like to offer Vorcet's services in gathering intelligence.
What this would allow for is to have your forces take less damage and perhaps save lives. If we could deliver to you the weaknesses of the opposing force, as well as their plans regarding their occupation, we feel it could be of immense benefit to you in many regards. Once the Vectorians are removed, we could collectively install a group leadership to strengthen Westbridge against ever being overthrown and taken again. Representatives to oversee trade, protection, mediation, and general operations of the city.
Our aim in this is merely to instill a sense of balance in a place that is prominent within these realms, while offering the opportunity to prevent unneccesary loss of life. A chance to be the mediating presence in a city sorely in need of fairness and truth. Please, take into consideration the offer of Vorcet's abilities. It is but a small token of what we can provide in getting the fires started once more and ending the abominable situation that the Westbridgian's have lived under for far too long.
I look forward with hope to your reply,
Sanria Stone, Keepers of Balance
Greetings to the grand assemblages of the Hoard and Radiant Heart. My name is Sanria Stone and I am but one of three leaders of the clan, Keepers of Balance. Our presence is not well known, being relatively new as a whole to the world of Cruoris, though as a individuals, we have been within the realms for a very long time now.
I write this missive as a proposal of sorts. Long before, a man of great importance to me, Throm, was aiding you in a coup to overthrow Vector. While I do not claim to know the particulars, I have, I believe, reasonably assumed that Throm's untimely death was a playing factor in the stalling and ultimate freeze for the action needed in Westbridge. I understood that your two groups, in combination with TriPower, were poised to deliver a crushing defeat. This is why I write today.
I, along with many others both in Keepers and without, have noticed the growing apathy of the people of Westbridge. They have grown accustomed to the fetters that hold them captive. Given Westbridge's strategic location, high volume of trade, and ability to hold a presence in the realms, we wish to offer a proposal:
One of our leaders, Vorcet Thophen, has gained access to Vectorian armors. In exchange for creating a balanced city, one in which all governments and groups have a representative in place, we would like to offer Vorcet's services in gathering intelligence.
What this would allow for is to have your forces take less damage and perhaps save lives. If we could deliver to you the weaknesses of the opposing force, as well as their plans regarding their occupation, we feel it could be of immense benefit to you in many regards. Once the Vectorians are removed, we could collectively install a group leadership to strengthen Westbridge against ever being overthrown and taken again. Representatives to oversee trade, protection, mediation, and general operations of the city.
Our aim in this is merely to instill a sense of balance in a place that is prominent within these realms, while offering the opportunity to prevent unneccesary loss of life. A chance to be the mediating presence in a city sorely in need of fairness and truth. Please, take into consideration the offer of Vorcet's abilities. It is but a small token of what we can provide in getting the fires started once more and ending the abominable situation that the Westbridgian's have lived under for far too long.
I look forward with hope to your reply,
Sanria Stone, Keepers of Balance
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.
Contract: Complete
Standing in the shadows of Market Square, the thaumaturge watched quietly as the zealots of the Black Church attempted to beat the life out of the Radiant Heart turned Outlaw. Patiently, he waited as second after second, the fanatics crushed the life from the gladiator. Briefly looking down at the parchment in his hand, he glanced between the image on the parchment and the man being attacked before him.
Confirming the identity of his target, he rolled the parchment up and slide it into one of the many concealed pockets within his robes. Stepping forward, he raised his hands and quietly began chanting, his voice drown out by the sounds of battle around him.
Seeing his mark weakened by the battle, he decided to take advantage and strike. Stepping back into the fibers of existence, Zhengyi let fly a swarm of meteors, dealing the death blow and stealing the life of Azriel.
Nodding in satisfaction, Zhengyi returned to the shadows, his job complete. Returning to the Keep of the Hoard, he was knew the Vox would be pleased to know that the contract that they had been given has been completed.
Confirming the identity of his target, he rolled the parchment up and slide it into one of the many concealed pockets within his robes. Stepping forward, he raised his hands and quietly began chanting, his voice drown out by the sounds of battle around him.
Seeing his mark weakened by the battle, he decided to take advantage and strike. Stepping back into the fibers of existence, Zhengyi let fly a swarm of meteors, dealing the death blow and stealing the life of Azriel.
Nodding in satisfaction, Zhengyi returned to the shadows, his job complete. Returning to the Keep of the Hoard, he was knew the Vox would be pleased to know that the contract that they had been given has been completed.
Secret Missives
Vorcet blinked his eyes a few times to clear them up. Even being dead reading through ancient tomes for days on end with no break wore on his vision. He let out a sigh and picked up his notes again. They were not much to go on, but at least he had found a few new places to look for further information regarding the planeswalkers of Netheril.
Vorcet closed the book in front of him and carried it back to its place in Elbryan's library. How Elbryan had managed to collect such a varied pile of books Vorcet would never know, and Elbryan was typically secretive about such things. There was one more library to check before trying out some of the leads he currently had and that was the Keepers Library itself.
Vorcet wandered up to the observatory accross from the office he had claimed as his in the upstairs of the Mansion to rest and gather his thoughts for a bit before heading back to the island. He pulled the lever that activated the machinery that pulled back the ceiling panels that afforded a view of the sky. Vorcet sat in the coushioned chair and put his feet up on the small table and closed his eyes.
Vorcet felt the slight tingling in his skin that warned of magic being used in close proximity and he opened his eyes to find a rolled piece of parchment floating in the air in front of his face. After a quick magical probe of the scroll and the magic holding it there, he grabbed the scroll and inspected the seal holding it closed. At his touch the wax melted and the scroll unfurled in his hand. The name at the bottom marked it as written by Sanria.
Vorcet read through the scroll and a smile spread slowly accross his face. When he was finished a quick incantation burned the scroll to cinders. Vorcet pulled his bag of holding from his belt and pulled a folded piece of cloth and helmet from it. Something he had acquired some time ago for just such an occasion.
Vorcet stuffed the clothing back into the bag and began preparing the incantation that would bring him back to his office on the island. The last attempts had petered out and failed. Perhaps this would be the time that the local balance would actually be restored.
Vorcet closed the book in front of him and carried it back to its place in Elbryan's library. How Elbryan had managed to collect such a varied pile of books Vorcet would never know, and Elbryan was typically secretive about such things. There was one more library to check before trying out some of the leads he currently had and that was the Keepers Library itself.
Vorcet wandered up to the observatory accross from the office he had claimed as his in the upstairs of the Mansion to rest and gather his thoughts for a bit before heading back to the island. He pulled the lever that activated the machinery that pulled back the ceiling panels that afforded a view of the sky. Vorcet sat in the coushioned chair and put his feet up on the small table and closed his eyes.
Vorcet felt the slight tingling in his skin that warned of magic being used in close proximity and he opened his eyes to find a rolled piece of parchment floating in the air in front of his face. After a quick magical probe of the scroll and the magic holding it there, he grabbed the scroll and inspected the seal holding it closed. At his touch the wax melted and the scroll unfurled in his hand. The name at the bottom marked it as written by Sanria.
Vorcet read through the scroll and a smile spread slowly accross his face. When he was finished a quick incantation burned the scroll to cinders. Vorcet pulled his bag of holding from his belt and pulled a folded piece of cloth and helmet from it. Something he had acquired some time ago for just such an occasion.
Vorcet stuffed the clothing back into the bag and began preparing the incantation that would bring him back to his office on the island. The last attempts had petered out and failed. Perhaps this would be the time that the local balance would actually be restored.
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.
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