Vorcet let the body slip to the floor, one more stain in the floor of the now ill kept guard tower would go unnoticed. Vorcet studdied the features of his victim carefully for a while. Then he centered his mind and began to chant, small changes apeared at first in the body on the ground, then more quickly the snap of bone and reforming of flesh could be heard. Finally shoulders slumped at the drain of power required to reform the shape of a human body Vorcet admired his handiwork. Nobody would be able to tell the difference between the two men in the room.
Working from memory Vorcet began chanting again THis time he held off the changes until the spell was complete. Vorcet just hoped he could remain concious through the innevitable pain to follow. Vorcet stopped chanting and steeled himself. He released the magic and felt it slam into himself. Vorcet hunched over in pain fighting to remain concious as wave after wave of intense pain ripped through his core. His legs shortened, as did his arms. his internal organs contracted as his ribcage reformed into its new shape. Snaps and grinding noises came from Vorcet's face as his face lengthened and his skull changed shape.
Panting and lying curled up in a ball on the floor, Vorcet waited for the wracking pains to cease their rounds through his body. As the last of them faded away Vorcet stretched his new body experimentally. Standing up slowly through slight waves of dizziness Vorcet grabbed Is'Kal's weapon belt and strapped it around his waist. He pulled the sword out and studdied his face in the steel of the flat of the blade. A simple beguiling spell would not have held for the time needed. And this left no traceable magic.
Vorcet took the sword and slid it into the dagger hole in the dead guard, opening the wound to match that of a sword thrust. Vorcet added a few dents to the guards armor and stepped back admiring his handiwork. Vorcet walked over to the wall and steeling himself he bashed his face into it to add a fresh bruis and a bloody nose to his new look. Staggering back and grabbing his nose he gathered his wits and looked around. THe room was not in enough dissaray to make it apear as if a fight had happened here. He threw some things about and emptied the table of its contents.
Satisfied with the results, Vorcet walked to the door of the tower and With his new voice Yelled to the tower to the north for help. Within minutes teh guard tower was filled with vectorian guards and a very angry Rhay. Vorcet got several claps on the back as the body that looked so exactly like his own was dragged out of the tower. Talk was tossed about regarding a promotion which got Vorcet's attention.
Now to get word out to his friends so they were not concerned about his body adorning a spike on the outside of the gates of the city.
Old skills New uses
As darkness settled over the city a figure slipped through the shadows of the buildings closest to the wall. The hood of his cloak pulled up around his head to hide his face. The old familiar thrill of the hunt was burning through his veins as he stalked his target. A lone Guardsman in the out of the way south eastern tower near the gang controlled lands of westbridge. If he botched this small part of the overall mission it would be easy to slip away into the violence ripe evening goings on of the ganglands.
With a trickle of magic the figure reduces his weight and begins climbing the wall up toward the guard station. A piece of rock broke free of the wall and clattered away to the street below. Vorcet held his breath as the rock clattered on the cobbles below. No noise came from above for several minutes so he continued his climb.
At the top he peeked over the edge, with one hand he reached down and pulled a dagger from his waist and placed the blade in his teeth. He poked his head around the side of the tower to get a look at the walkway atop the wall and make sure nobody else was about. Guard had changed twenty minutes ago so the top of the wall was clear of people. THe more populated guard tower to the north near the gates of the city could be seen in the flickering torchlight surrounding it. With his magic enhanced vision he was able to pick out two guards there as well.
Vorcet slipped over the wall careful not to make any noise, careful to keep an eye on the tower to the north and slipped through the tower doors which had been stupidly left open. The interior of the tower was lit with a single torch. Long shadows swept accross the room and danced with the torchlight as Vorcet slipped through headed for the narrow stairway leading to the roof where his target would be watching for invasion from outside the walls.
Vorcet pulled off the cloak covering his vectorian uniform and wove a beguiling spell. He felt the magic cling to his skin with a slight tingling sensation. He put the dagger in his belt and wove a second spell. He felt the magic tighten around his vocal cords, effectively changing his voice into one he had heard earlier.
"Is'Kal, get down here for a moment!" Vorcet called up the stairs attempting to mimic The guard captain's gruff speech. "Watch change isnt for another four hours Rhay. What in the Nine Hells do you want?" The guard called back with an obvious level of annoyance in his tone. Regardless of the argument Is'Kal started decending the stairs. Seeing his guard captain in his watch tower the guard sighed and raised his hands in a mock display of innocence. "What could you possibly want at this hour?" He came closer to vorcet and when he was within range Vorcet moved swiftly slipped around behind him and slipped one hand over the guard's mouth and with the other slid his dagger into the exposed hole in the man's armpit. the guard issued a little gasp of pain as his life started to leave him.
"What I want my friend." Whispered vorcet into his ear, "Is your face.
With a trickle of magic the figure reduces his weight and begins climbing the wall up toward the guard station. A piece of rock broke free of the wall and clattered away to the street below. Vorcet held his breath as the rock clattered on the cobbles below. No noise came from above for several minutes so he continued his climb.
At the top he peeked over the edge, with one hand he reached down and pulled a dagger from his waist and placed the blade in his teeth. He poked his head around the side of the tower to get a look at the walkway atop the wall and make sure nobody else was about. Guard had changed twenty minutes ago so the top of the wall was clear of people. THe more populated guard tower to the north near the gates of the city could be seen in the flickering torchlight surrounding it. With his magic enhanced vision he was able to pick out two guards there as well.
Vorcet slipped over the wall careful not to make any noise, careful to keep an eye on the tower to the north and slipped through the tower doors which had been stupidly left open. The interior of the tower was lit with a single torch. Long shadows swept accross the room and danced with the torchlight as Vorcet slipped through headed for the narrow stairway leading to the roof where his target would be watching for invasion from outside the walls.
Vorcet pulled off the cloak covering his vectorian uniform and wove a beguiling spell. He felt the magic cling to his skin with a slight tingling sensation. He put the dagger in his belt and wove a second spell. He felt the magic tighten around his vocal cords, effectively changing his voice into one he had heard earlier.
"Is'Kal, get down here for a moment!" Vorcet called up the stairs attempting to mimic The guard captain's gruff speech. "Watch change isnt for another four hours Rhay. What in the Nine Hells do you want?" The guard called back with an obvious level of annoyance in his tone. Regardless of the argument Is'Kal started decending the stairs. Seeing his guard captain in his watch tower the guard sighed and raised his hands in a mock display of innocence. "What could you possibly want at this hour?" He came closer to vorcet and when he was within range Vorcet moved swiftly slipped around behind him and slipped one hand over the guard's mouth and with the other slid his dagger into the exposed hole in the man's armpit. the guard issued a little gasp of pain as his life started to leave him.
"What I want my friend." Whispered vorcet into his ear, "Is your face.
Contemplation lost in Misery
The merciless assault assailed her senses as it always did when she was summoned. The sounds nearby drowned out into a dull mumble as the sounds from her destination became a roar in her ears. The air before her began to distort and flicker and new surroundings began to form in the place of the old. Then came the sadness, She felt him, he who cared for her, as he cried out in his soul, make a desperate last grab to hold her to him as he always did, then he was gone, only the memory of his melancholy expression as Lyvinnia was left to sit in the darkness of the small wooden cupboard in her mothers chambers.
She didn't pray for her father to come and find her, Her mother had spent every waking hour informing Lyvinnia that he didn't want her. He wanted his other family. The only thing Lyvinnia even had of him was his name, as a bastard she wasnt allowed her mothers. She pondered sometimes why she even had these thoughts, understood what she did, When she could barely put her feet together and walk. The small girl looked down to the already mottled black legs and wondered when she would learn to walk, It certainly would make her mother less angry.
Her mothers voice came to her like nails on a chalkboard as she heard her approach, quickly the small girl curled into a ball in the darkest corner and feigned sleeping, with luck she would just go away.
She didn't pray for her father to come and find her, Her mother had spent every waking hour informing Lyvinnia that he didn't want her. He wanted his other family. The only thing Lyvinnia even had of him was his name, as a bastard she wasnt allowed her mothers. She pondered sometimes why she even had these thoughts, understood what she did, When she could barely put her feet together and walk. The small girl looked down to the already mottled black legs and wondered when she would learn to walk, It certainly would make her mother less angry.
Her mothers voice came to her like nails on a chalkboard as she heard her approach, quickly the small girl curled into a ball in the darkest corner and feigned sleeping, with luck she would just go away.
Contemplation lost in Misery
The young infant child sat beside the old man who tended the ill in the temple, he was stroking her hair as he often did in attempt to soothe her. She would not shed tears, for in her torment there was no escape. She hurt physically, for since the day of her birth she had been passed back and forth to the sadistic individuals that shared her mothers desires, Her body aged before it grew, at six weeks she resembled a two year old, her mind twisted and mutilated for their sick experiments, it was bad enough the drow blood aged inside her before her human half, She wanted to die, There would be no peace in that for her however.
So she sat with him, the man that had shown her the only kindness she had ever known since she was born, He wanted to take her away, Hide her away, keep her safe, but it would not be lasting, Her mother would come for her, Her mother wanted her to suffer...
She could read his thoughts, some small feeling of communication for her since her words had yet to come together, she didn't know how or why she could, only that she could, it was a swirling haze of irradescent beauty, in that haze she heard the song of his heart. He loved her as his own, He's heart bled in sadness for the little child not understanding why she suffered at her mothers hands so, Lyvinnia knew though, she heard it in her mother..
She was a bastard, a reminder of betrayal. She would suffer more yet.
So she sat with him, the man that had shown her the only kindness she had ever known since she was born, He wanted to take her away, Hide her away, keep her safe, but it would not be lasting, Her mother would come for her, Her mother wanted her to suffer...
She could read his thoughts, some small feeling of communication for her since her words had yet to come together, she didn't know how or why she could, only that she could, it was a swirling haze of irradescent beauty, in that haze she heard the song of his heart. He loved her as his own, He's heart bled in sadness for the little child not understanding why she suffered at her mothers hands so, Lyvinnia knew though, she heard it in her mother..
She was a bastard, a reminder of betrayal. She would suffer more yet.
Offering Assistance
*The small boy appears again, bearing a rolled up piece of parchment in his hand with Sanria's personal seal upon it in wax.*
To Radiant Heart and the Hoard,
I am so very delighted to hear your replies. I will make this a short missive to better expedite what you need to have happen. I know Vorcet is most likely already moving on his part of our bargain, but I would like also to add a couple of names into this proposition.
My son, Orn, has been trained by one of the most competent fighters in the realms - my husband, Colin - and would like to offer his sword and his bear to join Radiant Heart's invasion forces. I can certainly vouch for his presence of mind and his capabilities and encourage you to be in touch with him should you have need for extra muscle. I believe in him fully.
My friend, Thasmudyan, has also offered his services, having been a General long ago in TriPower's army, as well as a member in the Order of Justice. He is well aware of Vector's treachery, and has offered himself to be of aid in the intelligence gathering department. While he is not a member of the Keepers of Balance, he is a very dear friend and one very capable and true to his word.
I, too, will offer up what I can to be of use should only you ask. I am versed in the magics of nature and am willing to use it if it will help free Westbridge.
Please, be in touch with Orn and Thasmudyan as well as myself. We are each eager to see this occupation come to a fitting and overdue end.
At your service,
Sanria
To Radiant Heart and the Hoard,
I am so very delighted to hear your replies. I will make this a short missive to better expedite what you need to have happen. I know Vorcet is most likely already moving on his part of our bargain, but I would like also to add a couple of names into this proposition.
My son, Orn, has been trained by one of the most competent fighters in the realms - my husband, Colin - and would like to offer his sword and his bear to join Radiant Heart's invasion forces. I can certainly vouch for his presence of mind and his capabilities and encourage you to be in touch with him should you have need for extra muscle. I believe in him fully.
My friend, Thasmudyan, has also offered his services, having been a General long ago in TriPower's army, as well as a member in the Order of Justice. He is well aware of Vector's treachery, and has offered himself to be of aid in the intelligence gathering department. While he is not a member of the Keepers of Balance, he is a very dear friend and one very capable and true to his word.
I, too, will offer up what I can to be of use should only you ask. I am versed in the magics of nature and am willing to use it if it will help free Westbridge.
Please, be in touch with Orn and Thasmudyan as well as myself. We are each eager to see this occupation come to a fitting and overdue end.
At your service,
Sanria
Boy Messengers
Sanria passed a few more hours in Thasmudyan's company, listening to him discuss his captivity. She couldn't fathom why TriPower would have taken him, but he was right... government rarely discussed its secrets with its people. The point she cared about most was that he had gotten away. How she'd keep him hidden, she did not know, but for now, he was safe... save the bracelet-shackles he wore on his wrists that prevented his using magic. "We need to get those off."
"Don't break them."
"What happens if you break them?"
"Breaking them will make the containment field permanent. It's a failsafe they wove into the pattern. Or so they told me."
"So it may or may not be true..."
"Right. Maybe they don't have the capability to do that. Still, I'd rather not risk it without further knowledge."
"The only one I can think of that may even know what these can or can't do is Vorcet, but this couldn't have come at a worse time."
"Life often doesn't go according to plan, but, what makes this a bad time?"
Her hesitation was only momentary in telling Thasmudyan of the impending battle in Westbridge and the Keepers of Balance's offer of aid. She had known him for many years. She simply didn't expect his next words: "...Maybe I can help." Not again...
"Without using magic and in a war that involves the very people you ran from?" Sanria asked incredulously. "Two things... First off, I used to belong to the Legion, remember? And the Order of Judgment before that. Defense of Westbridge was a pretty big part of those duties. Second, Vectorians aren't very imaginative. I could probably list off, from memory, exactly where they'll have all of their troops positioned. They won't mess with what already works."
After a few more words, Sanria rose, promising to pass on not only her son, but her ex-lover, to Radiant Heart. She stopped briefly to admonish Leandra and ensure she would help Thasmudyan if he needed it, then took Nioma back to the castle. She passed off the infant to Enmach's waiting arms - the silvery woman having taken quite an interest in the baby, and returned to her office. She had barely begun her reply when a small boy appeared, his green eyes matching his green vest. He held out his hand, a pristine white letter within it, and smiled. "For you, Lady Sanria."
Sanria's eyes scanned the letter rapidly and she looked back to the small boy. Radiant Heart had finally answered. And they accepted. "Hold on a moment," she said to the boy, who stood looking at her with eyes that were obviously years beyond their age. "Can you take a letter back."
"That's easy stuff," he said.
"Please, give me a moment to finish it."
"As you wish," he said with a smile that both unnerved and amused Sanria. She bent over her parchment and wrote her reply and at last gave it to the boy. The deal with Orn and Thasmudyan was complete.
"Don't break them."
"What happens if you break them?"
"Breaking them will make the containment field permanent. It's a failsafe they wove into the pattern. Or so they told me."
"So it may or may not be true..."
"Right. Maybe they don't have the capability to do that. Still, I'd rather not risk it without further knowledge."
"The only one I can think of that may even know what these can or can't do is Vorcet, but this couldn't have come at a worse time."
"Life often doesn't go according to plan, but, what makes this a bad time?"
Her hesitation was only momentary in telling Thasmudyan of the impending battle in Westbridge and the Keepers of Balance's offer of aid. She had known him for many years. She simply didn't expect his next words: "...Maybe I can help." Not again...
"Without using magic and in a war that involves the very people you ran from?" Sanria asked incredulously. "Two things... First off, I used to belong to the Legion, remember? And the Order of Judgment before that. Defense of Westbridge was a pretty big part of those duties. Second, Vectorians aren't very imaginative. I could probably list off, from memory, exactly where they'll have all of their troops positioned. They won't mess with what already works."
After a few more words, Sanria rose, promising to pass on not only her son, but her ex-lover, to Radiant Heart. She stopped briefly to admonish Leandra and ensure she would help Thasmudyan if he needed it, then took Nioma back to the castle. She passed off the infant to Enmach's waiting arms - the silvery woman having taken quite an interest in the baby, and returned to her office. She had barely begun her reply when a small boy appeared, his green eyes matching his green vest. He held out his hand, a pristine white letter within it, and smiled. "For you, Lady Sanria."
Sanria's eyes scanned the letter rapidly and she looked back to the small boy. Radiant Heart had finally answered. And they accepted. "Hold on a moment," she said to the boy, who stood looking at her with eyes that were obviously years beyond their age. "Can you take a letter back."
"That's easy stuff," he said.
"Please, give me a moment to finish it."
"As you wish," he said with a smile that both unnerved and amused Sanria. She bent over her parchment and wrote her reply and at last gave it to the boy. The deal with Orn and Thasmudyan was complete.
Thasmudyan (1-2)
Sanria walked instead of using magic, trying desperately to calm herself down. She ran her hands over the trunks of trees, catching only slivers of their whispers as she made her way back to the cavern. She would have to write the letter soon, but she couldn't. Not at that moment. She would not let herself cry, that was the old Sanria. She couldn't afford to let emotions get in her way. There was no room in war, battle, leadership, for sobbing emotional messes. The new Sanria knew this. Slowly, she had evolved. She saw things with a calculating glance, a precision, like a puzzle to be solved. This was what she had agreed to do. There was no room for error when dealing with lives.
She was wrapped in her own mind when she noticed Thasmudyan standing at her door. Here was yet another puzzle to be solved, but one that required her to remove her feelings. He had been missing for nearly a year. She had let him go. This was not anticipated - Colin was on another plane, getting fixed, and, it seemed, no sooner than, Thasmudyan had showed up at her door... literally... and he looked terrible.
"Oh thank the Light.. Sanria."
"What... happened?"
"Tricked... held against my will. In Torregiano."
"Wh... what do you mean, held against your will?"
"It.. well, it's a long story."
Long story. This is where it began. Always. "I'm... not sure why you're here."
"I'm sorry... to come here like this. I didn't know where else to go, though. I'm sure they're after me. I'm too ...valuable, if you can believe that."
"Well, perhaps Maya would be willing to hide you. I'm sure she knows of places you could go." It was cruel, but he had to go.
"If I knew where to find her, maybe." He replied, raising his eyebrow.
"I'm sorry. I'm sure you two have some means of communicating."
"If I had ....means...of communicating with anyone... don't you think I'd have done it?"
"You do know where she lives, don't you?" Sanria had to stand firm.
"I don't ... Maybe coming here was a mistake."
It was only moments after this statement, Sanria feeling secure in the resolve that Thasmudyan would be leaving, when the front door was thrown open to reveal Leandra with Nioma, squalling in her arms. 'No,' Sanria thought. 'Anything but this. Not now, Gods, not now.' "Leandra, go back inside. Now."
"I... sorry... I didn't... she's fussy and..."
"NOW!"
A change came over Leandra's face, and Sanria knew the demand was to be met with a challenge. The girl stormed forward and shoved Nioma into Sanria's arms. "I have to take care of my own, you deal with her."
"Yes. A mistake." Sanria echoed to Thasmudyan after Leandra left.
"...I thought perhaps I could count on you in a time of need, as you used to count on me... but I see I was wrong. I'll just ...find somewhere else to hide, I guess. Enjoy your life with Colin, then."
"How dare you. Do you even know how long you've been gone? Do you? Or that Maya is pregnant with, and has probably already had your baby?"
"Ten months, thirteen days, and twelve hours. That's how long I was imprisoned," Thasmudyan said, his eyes alight with anger.
Sanria closed her eyes, gritting her teeth and flexing her jaw. Why everything seemed to be converging at once she didn't know, nor did she understand, but here it was, and it wasn't going away. Thasmudyan was right. He had come to her for help, something she'd always asked of him. She owed him her life, Orn's life... She lowered her head. "So you need to hide from TriPower."
"... Yes."
Sanria handed Nioma to Thasmudyan, rummaging for her keys upon the discovery that Leandra had locked them out. She rushed, the less he saw of the little girl the better. "Colin doesn't have blue eyes, and neither do you.." Sanria pulled Nioma from Thasmudyan's arms and opened the front door, escaping inside.
"We don't know where the blue came from. Must have been in there from genes... somewhere."
"Where'd the blue come... oh hell."
"She's Colin's daughter," Sanria said, staring at Thasmudyan, straining to keep the lie from showing completely.
"She's Colin's ...and yours, is that right?"
"Yes."
"...I see. Well, congratulations on the new addition to your family."
Sanria turned, gesturing to the kitchen, offering up the home that he had already known for many, many years. "You, can feel free to make yourself at home. You're not... a burden or anything like that."
"So you say," Thasmudyan said with a sardonic chuckle. "But we both know I'm the last person you wanted to see turn up like this."
Better to just get things out of the way. "Thasmudyan, I worked very hard to accept what I found out from Maya. I worked hard to let you go. And you being... away... just served to sever what I thought I could get rid of. I was ready to leave Colin for you... But I found out things weren't as they appeared."
"And do you think things are as they appear to be now?" he asked.
Sanria could tell he was holding himself in check. She also knew she had never quite been so blunt. Part of her new self. Part of her new life. "The only thing I can say is that I am sorry that you endured an ordeal that took you away for so long. That is why you are standing here now. You cannot help what you were forced into. And I owe you more than one."
"Please understand that I am not trying to ... dismiss what you are saying about Maya. It's just... well, right now I have more pressing matters at hand to deal with." Sanria felt the relief wash over her. "I'm sure. Which is a relief that you are only looking for a place to hide. It makes things... easier for everyone."
"So when is he leaving?" Leandra's voice sounded from behind her.
"Leandra, this is still my house. Watch your tone, please."
"I've never liked you, you know? You ruin families. You're lucky my dad isn't on this plane or he'd kick your ass."
"You're right, of course," Thasmudyan replied with a touch of ire.
"That's exactly what I do. You might not want to stay here and talk to me any more or I'll end up ruining yours, too."
"You're far too late for that. Did you see your kid?" Leandra said, flinging her hand in Nioma's direction.
"LEANDRA!"
"Yes, I did. Why do you think I'm here?" Sanria ignored this and stood toe to toe with her daughter. "You take Nioma upstairs and stay out of this room. Damn you. Damn it Leandra."
This day was not at all panning out as anticipated.
She was wrapped in her own mind when she noticed Thasmudyan standing at her door. Here was yet another puzzle to be solved, but one that required her to remove her feelings. He had been missing for nearly a year. She had let him go. This was not anticipated - Colin was on another plane, getting fixed, and, it seemed, no sooner than, Thasmudyan had showed up at her door... literally... and he looked terrible.
"Oh thank the Light.. Sanria."
"What... happened?"
"Tricked... held against my will. In Torregiano."
"Wh... what do you mean, held against your will?"
"It.. well, it's a long story."
Long story. This is where it began. Always. "I'm... not sure why you're here."
"I'm sorry... to come here like this. I didn't know where else to go, though. I'm sure they're after me. I'm too ...valuable, if you can believe that."
"Well, perhaps Maya would be willing to hide you. I'm sure she knows of places you could go." It was cruel, but he had to go.
"If I knew where to find her, maybe." He replied, raising his eyebrow.
"I'm sorry. I'm sure you two have some means of communicating."
"If I had ....means...of communicating with anyone... don't you think I'd have done it?"
"You do know where she lives, don't you?" Sanria had to stand firm.
"I don't ... Maybe coming here was a mistake."
It was only moments after this statement, Sanria feeling secure in the resolve that Thasmudyan would be leaving, when the front door was thrown open to reveal Leandra with Nioma, squalling in her arms. 'No,' Sanria thought. 'Anything but this. Not now, Gods, not now.' "Leandra, go back inside. Now."
"I... sorry... I didn't... she's fussy and..."
"NOW!"
A change came over Leandra's face, and Sanria knew the demand was to be met with a challenge. The girl stormed forward and shoved Nioma into Sanria's arms. "I have to take care of my own, you deal with her."
"Yes. A mistake." Sanria echoed to Thasmudyan after Leandra left.
"...I thought perhaps I could count on you in a time of need, as you used to count on me... but I see I was wrong. I'll just ...find somewhere else to hide, I guess. Enjoy your life with Colin, then."
"How dare you. Do you even know how long you've been gone? Do you? Or that Maya is pregnant with, and has probably already had your baby?"
"Ten months, thirteen days, and twelve hours. That's how long I was imprisoned," Thasmudyan said, his eyes alight with anger.
Sanria closed her eyes, gritting her teeth and flexing her jaw. Why everything seemed to be converging at once she didn't know, nor did she understand, but here it was, and it wasn't going away. Thasmudyan was right. He had come to her for help, something she'd always asked of him. She owed him her life, Orn's life... She lowered her head. "So you need to hide from TriPower."
"... Yes."
Sanria handed Nioma to Thasmudyan, rummaging for her keys upon the discovery that Leandra had locked them out. She rushed, the less he saw of the little girl the better. "Colin doesn't have blue eyes, and neither do you.." Sanria pulled Nioma from Thasmudyan's arms and opened the front door, escaping inside.
"We don't know where the blue came from. Must have been in there from genes... somewhere."
"Where'd the blue come... oh hell."
"She's Colin's daughter," Sanria said, staring at Thasmudyan, straining to keep the lie from showing completely.
"She's Colin's ...and yours, is that right?"
"Yes."
"...I see. Well, congratulations on the new addition to your family."
Sanria turned, gesturing to the kitchen, offering up the home that he had already known for many, many years. "You, can feel free to make yourself at home. You're not... a burden or anything like that."
"So you say," Thasmudyan said with a sardonic chuckle. "But we both know I'm the last person you wanted to see turn up like this."
Better to just get things out of the way. "Thasmudyan, I worked very hard to accept what I found out from Maya. I worked hard to let you go. And you being... away... just served to sever what I thought I could get rid of. I was ready to leave Colin for you... But I found out things weren't as they appeared."
"And do you think things are as they appear to be now?" he asked.
Sanria could tell he was holding himself in check. She also knew she had never quite been so blunt. Part of her new self. Part of her new life. "The only thing I can say is that I am sorry that you endured an ordeal that took you away for so long. That is why you are standing here now. You cannot help what you were forced into. And I owe you more than one."
"Please understand that I am not trying to ... dismiss what you are saying about Maya. It's just... well, right now I have more pressing matters at hand to deal with." Sanria felt the relief wash over her. "I'm sure. Which is a relief that you are only looking for a place to hide. It makes things... easier for everyone."
"So when is he leaving?" Leandra's voice sounded from behind her.
"Leandra, this is still my house. Watch your tone, please."
"I've never liked you, you know? You ruin families. You're lucky my dad isn't on this plane or he'd kick your ass."
"You're right, of course," Thasmudyan replied with a touch of ire.
"That's exactly what I do. You might not want to stay here and talk to me any more or I'll end up ruining yours, too."
"You're far too late for that. Did you see your kid?" Leandra said, flinging her hand in Nioma's direction.
"LEANDRA!"
"Yes, I did. Why do you think I'm here?" Sanria ignored this and stood toe to toe with her daughter. "You take Nioma upstairs and stay out of this room. Damn you. Damn it Leandra."
This day was not at all panning out as anticipated.
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.
Radiant Heart Response
Written clearly and precisely on pristine white parchment and sealed in a plain envelope with the seal of the Radiant Heart a letter arrives via a small child dressed smartly in well tailored breeches and a clean green vest over a clean pressed shirt.
Keepers of Balance,
I am Sliver, Priest of The Order of the Radiant Heart and have been given direction to respond with great interest to the proposal your group have presented to us. The Order of the Radiant Heart sees only benefit in your proposal to glean inside information in such ways. We bid you be careful, and we will be waiting for a report.
Our units have been fiercely preparing and are almost ready for the great battle that is to come. Any inside information you can give us would be put to great use, this I can personally promise you. Your efforts will not be wasted.
In addition we seek an audience with your representatives as well as that of The Hoard so that we may meet face to face and each know who we are dealing with.
Sliver, Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the Radiant Heart
Keepers of Balance,
I am Sliver, Priest of The Order of the Radiant Heart and have been given direction to respond with great interest to the proposal your group have presented to us. The Order of the Radiant Heart sees only benefit in your proposal to glean inside information in such ways. We bid you be careful, and we will be waiting for a report.
Our units have been fiercely preparing and are almost ready for the great battle that is to come. Any inside information you can give us would be put to great use, this I can personally promise you. Your efforts will not be wasted.
In addition we seek an audience with your representatives as well as that of The Hoard so that we may meet face to face and each know who we are dealing with.
Sliver, Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the Radiant Heart
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
Waiting
Sanria scanned Dryden's reply slowly and laid the missive on her desk with a sigh. They didn't necessarily need any help, which was good, but he made mention that there had been a long silence, broken by her proposal to help. It struck her as odd. Why had things been so quiet? Even as she sat looking over the paper on her desk, her mind was wandering. Why hadn't she heard anything from Radiant Heart? At least the Hoard seemed willing to use Vorcet's help, but the silence from Radiant Heart troubled her. If they were the remaining piece, the piece poised to enter the city and reclaim it... where were they?
Rolling the parchment, Sanria stuck it in her desk and sat back, thinking. She knew at least that Dryden's reply would meet with Vorcet's eyes without her help, one less thing for her to do. Her job then was to let the rest of the Keepers know what was going on and if they wanted to lend their help to either of the forces - Hoard or Radiant Heart (provided they answered) - let them do so. Anything to end the suffering once and for all.
Sanria pulled out her own parchment and quill and set about forming a letter, one to all the Keepers. It was short, and once she finished, she stood up and called to Enmach. The silvery woman appeared with Nioma, and Sanria took the baby from her arms. She hadn't been back to the cavern in a long while, and with Colin gone, she knew Leandra and Askari were left on their own. Though she'd heard nothing, it would be good to look in on them.
Her note sent to the clan, Sanria uttered a few words and brought herself home. It was strange walking into the cavern without anyone there to greet her. She had kept herself from thinking about Colin by staying away, keeping busy in the castle, but now, in the cavern, the big man's absence was palpable.
Sanria straightened her shoulders and took in a deep breath and called out to her daughter.
Rolling the parchment, Sanria stuck it in her desk and sat back, thinking. She knew at least that Dryden's reply would meet with Vorcet's eyes without her help, one less thing for her to do. Her job then was to let the rest of the Keepers know what was going on and if they wanted to lend their help to either of the forces - Hoard or Radiant Heart (provided they answered) - let them do so. Anything to end the suffering once and for all.
Sanria pulled out her own parchment and quill and set about forming a letter, one to all the Keepers. It was short, and once she finished, she stood up and called to Enmach. The silvery woman appeared with Nioma, and Sanria took the baby from her arms. She hadn't been back to the cavern in a long while, and with Colin gone, she knew Leandra and Askari were left on their own. Though she'd heard nothing, it would be good to look in on them.
Her note sent to the clan, Sanria uttered a few words and brought herself home. It was strange walking into the cavern without anyone there to greet her. She had kept herself from thinking about Colin by staying away, keeping busy in the castle, but now, in the cavern, the big man's absence was palpable.
Sanria straightened her shoulders and took in a deep breath and called out to her daughter.
A Task For The Robot
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
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.
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