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Post by Sorrum on Nov 15, 2020 21:08:18 GMT -5
Vile once again found himself at Tyven's place. The man sat in silence, but not for long, as soon enough Tyven would return. The beastman came through the door, boots and pants covered in mud, before a quick wave of his hand brushed the mud off his clothes and outside to the dirt beaten road outside. He looked over at Vile with interest, then shut the door behind him.
"You're still here, huh?" Tyven said. "You know I know we're old comrades and all but if we're talking a long term stay let's talk rental fees.."
"You've got a dark mage in your town." Vile said. Tyven's gaze focused.
"..So, they're here too, huh?" The beastman said, walking across the room to take a seat across Vile.
Vile leaned forward, hands clasped beneath his chin. "Did you know?"
"No. We hear about the kidnappings, the amnesia, the growing tension between the races, but nothing ever about the dark. But I had my suspicions." Tyven reached into his pocket, drawing a cigar case and lighting one.
"My mission aside, those guys are pretty nasty, and cunning. He had some kind of weapon with him two, like a wand or a piece of metal. He was able to take down a light mage and a lightning dragon, and then he fended off their reinforcements, who were definitely some strong players. They were able to escape-"
"Wooh, that's pretty good. Those guys don't take hostages." Tyven said, blowing smoke.
"..Yeah. They flew west, I think to that manor in the west."
"Nyharllothor Manor?"
"Yeah, probably."
Vile put his finger to his lip and sat back, thinking about the events and the lines that drew them together.
"Sentinels were on the scene not too long after. A big beast man with a sword with a gun handle, a silver skinned elf and a Tokun were with him. I recognize the elf as someone a part of the group that sunk Calico's galley. I'm not sure who they are or why they're here.. doesn't seem like they're following me." Vile shrugged.
"Hm. Who else was in this 'party'?"
"An elf in blue armor wielding a magitek harpoon, uses ice. A human girl with red hair like a fire, uses earth and fire. A tall blonde with a pet flying dragon-"
"A what?" Tyven asked, confused.
"Not sure about that really. There was also-"
"Wait wait wait. Who was this elf?"
"Uh. I think she told me her name once. Frida?"
"You met an elf in blue armor that used ice magic, carried a magitek harpoon, and her name was Frida." Tyven asked, deadtone.
"..Y-yeah? Should I know who that is?" Vile asked, now confused. Tyven reached into his pocket, shaking his head, and withdrew one of the princess bucks he used at the bar the night before, and handed it to Vile. Vile looked at it for a moment, then back at Tyven, confused.
"Look at it!"
Vile looked at the bill, unsure what-
"..." Vile stared down at the mug of Frida "Aqua" Nyharllothor, the woman he danced with at the harvest festival, whom he'd seen strip on The Shepherd, fought against while disguised as a pirate, and now were both in the capital of the country he found himself in. Albeit she was a child, the resemblance was enough.
"Well, if it isn't the princess." Vile repeated Calico's words from that day at Icarus's Landing, while Tyven stared wide-eyed at him.
"Yeah, kinda." Tyven grunted. "She's probably here on account of Lord Nyharllothor's incarceration. You know, the current episode of politics in this wonderfully united nation?"
Vile pocketed the bill, and stood up. "They think I'm in league with the mage." Tyven, noticing, held his open hand out. Vile quietly pulled the bill out and returned it to the beastia.
"So, let them think that. That's not your mission, right?" Tyven said, ashing his cigar. "You wanted to go to that mountain right? Look for an old, hidden Vanian prison where they might have put him?"
"Yes, exactly." Vile asked.
"I've been around it before. There's nothing going on in there. I can't feel anything but critters scampering around in there. Moles, like. And a river deep down. A prison to hold him would have to be a strong one, and you know he wouldn't sit quietly." Tyven said dryly.
"I'm going anyway." Vile said. "I don't have anything to do with those people, their mage problem, or their people problem." He stood up, and headed for the door, before Tyven grabbed his shoulder and stopped him.
"Vile.. look. We all know what happened that day. He's gone, kid. You got to let it go." Tyven said. Vile brushed his hand off his shoulder. "You gotta stop chasing after him and thinking everythings gonna be alright. You need to find a new place to live out your dreams. Vane's gone, but the few of us here found a new life. You'd fit in great. Hell, they'd put you in a top spot at the navy with your arch magic ability."
Vile once again felt the talk pulling at him. He did this before, she did it the other night, and he asked himself where he was going to go next all the time. Maybe.. maybe it was time to think about giving up. But here? They'd need to do something about that mage before that happened.
"I'm not going to stop my search. But. Just until I've put this mage down, I'll stick around." Vile said. He turned and headed for the door.
"Hey, where you going? You said they saw you, right? You're gonna have the sentinels on ya, if not the princess herself." Tyven asked.
"Well, if they find me and when, maybe I'd better have something to tell them?" Vile smirked, before pulling the cloak over his face and walking down the path to the city. Tyven put his cigar out on the doorway, watching the man disappear with the turns on the road.
"You know.. you're not the only one who misses that 'sunspot' either.." Tyven's said, his hands forming tight fists as he threw the cigar into the road, the embers spilling out of the tubing, but burning on despite it's fall.
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Post by Bloodbane on Nov 15, 2020 22:02:36 GMT -5
Rion had remained quiet as he stirred, simply listening to the explanation his saviors had given. The Alpha Dragons... Logan had mentioned them when describing the chamber he had made in Eulene; he said that the way the crystals were grown by channeling light magic was reminiscent of their lairs. What a strange thing to know... but perhaps stranger was the depiction of Luke's encounter with Ember that led to their traveling as partners. He remembered seeing the crystallized energy around him as he lost consciousness, but when he awoke he was no longer in Diamond Town, having been brought to a nearby town to recover. However, knowing that it was there that he had met Shin for the first time caused Rion to wonder... 'He acted like he knew the Swordsmen... is he really just some intermediary for the kingdoms?'
Once the conversation moved to dealing with whatever was in Mt. Remorse, Rion finally spoke up when Aqua spoke about how he'd slow them down. "She's right..." he said finally, having pulled himself to a seated position. "I'm still not entirely sure what you did for me, but thanks... it kept that magic from leaving me in a worse state, but while I'll probably heal up pretty quickly, I won't be--"
"All outta gas now, huh? Yeah... I know the feeling." Luke chimed in with a nod of understanding, before taking out the small crystal orb he had placed in Rion's palm before. "It's why I try to keep tabs on these; making more takes a lot out of me, so it's usually easier to use them and pick them out of the ashes afterward. That being said..." he looked over the orb closely, before chuckling. "Not sure if I can use this one anymore, so unless you can undo it for me you may as well keep it." he added before lightly tossing the small orb to Rion, allowing him to better examine the layer of crystal that now encased the orb.
"Hm... so you think these Alpha Dragons, or whatever power beyond those, has something to do with all this? With us being... well, this way?" Rion asked, looking to Ember, who simply shook her head.
"I could not say for certain, but I know this; it seems that as unusual as our power is in terms of fire, yours does seem to similarly be unusual in terms of light, and that is why we think you may be the one who can pass through the barrier. I imagine we would not have been asked to be on the lookout for such an ability otherwise." Ember then looked to Luke. "I think we may not have as much to worry about as far as what is inside, though if that dark mage comes across it that may pose a problem if he gets in the way, especially if this special force ends up caught in everything." It seemed that while Ember was no longer concerned with the artifact being involved in the dark mage's plans, there was still the matter of him potentially hiding in the mountain. If there really was no going up there until the others recovered, however...
"Perhaps we could take some time to investigate, see if any mention of such a ruin can be found in written form, at least to get an idea of if anything was known about what's inside. Even if such a thing had not been encountered when this place was in its beginnings, maybe we can find some details about what was here when the settlers arrived from Vane?" Strangely enough, whether by sheer coincidence or by inadvertently striking a nerve of some kind, the silver-haired elf was quick to make an exit afterward, causing Ember to raise an eyebrow. "U-um... did I say something wrong?"
"He'll be all right... I think. He's got a lot going on." Rion replied, before slowly moving to pull himself out of the bed and to a standing position before looking to Aqua. "You'd probably know better than anyone here if we can find a place with written material like that. I know we'd ended up poking around in a library here once...?" It was as good a place to start as any, right? After that, he looked over to Terra, who seemed to be checking on Silver. "How is she...?"
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Post by Sorrum on Nov 17, 2020 7:33:57 GMT -5
Aqua nodded. "There is, in fact. The Elven Athenaeum is a library and study used by scholars for academic research. There are tomes there that reach back to the time before The Frontier became independent. I'm sure at least two hundred years of information would be helpful in finding more about these Alpha Dragons.." she said. Aqua herself liked to read, but found little time to do so. "We'll go there tomorrow, after the trial.." She said unhappily. But, perhaps this recent development would be to her advantage. Signs of blight in the city walls while her father was imprisoned would surely convince the House members that the action did nothing but waste time. Barr would have a hard time explaining himself tomorrow.
Aqua then looked around at those that had gathered. It was getting late. She would dismiss Sam, though the town guard insisted on leaving a team of sentinels on the grounds just in case, though she insisted they remain outside the manor after she saw what they'd done to her father's study. Reminded of her father's study, she thought about Nicholas and if he'd completed his task. She opened the door to the study, found the broken pieces of decor in a line near the door and everything else in stable reform. The footman was asleep at her father's desk, with documents in piles in front of him. Aqua softly smiled at the man before walking in to wake him. She gently shook the man's shoulder, rousing him from his slumber.
"Huhsowas- oh.. Young Master." Nicholas said, wiping his eyes and getting up slowly. "I tired myself out moving those decorations and then when I tried to sort these papers.. *yawn..*" Aqua patted the man on his shoulder, and walked him to one of the guest rooms.
"Stay here tonight, Nicholas. We've got quite a crowd to feed in the morning, and a limit on any other staff returning." She closed the door behind him, and headed back to the study. Aqua sat at her father's desk and began reading through the documents, looking for mention of Mt. Remorse, Alpha Dragons, Blight Mages, Kidnappings, Amnesia cases, Tokunese Foreigners, but found many papers regarding strife between the classes and how the town seemed split between the sectors. True, she thought, the elves had better homes and gathered in the west, while humans generally did poorer and lived on the east end. But what could be done to resolve that? Elves naturally live longer than humans and have time and experience to establish themselves a whole century before a human is born and can compete in the same market. These markets were free, or at least they were before the isolation measures.. perhaps that needed to change to alleviate these conditions.
Regardless, class dispute was not her concern, but her father's. She'd close the study for the night, having found little she did not know already, and fall asleep, exhausted from the day's activities.
~
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Post by Swim on Nov 23, 2020 23:09:03 GMT -5
When the group had finished comparing notes and plotting the next day's agenda Terra excused herself and retired to her bedroom. No more wandering around the manor all night and exploring. Tomorrow was a big day she knew, and she wanted to be fully rested and ready to handle whatever was going to come their way. And with half of the Dawnbringers out of commission she might be required to shoulder more than her usual share of combat, she'd need to be fighting fit tomorrow. After peeling off all of her armor she'd change into a clean white shirt and fall into her enormous bed. It still amazed Terra how soft it was, and after a hard day getting beaten up by that strange plant boy Terra spent several minutes stretching her body before falling into a deep and restful sleep.
The next morning Terra jumped out of bed, filled with energy. She bathed quickly and looked around at her options for daywear. She needed something that would look presentable in a courtroom, yet not so fancy that she couldn't get it dirty when they stopped by Ms. November's shop. Terra brought one likely candidate up to her face and tossed it aside after giving it a sniff. Now that they had stopped roaming the countryside she could stand to launder a few articles of clothing. In the meantime Terra found what she was looking for in the guest wardrobe and borrowed a few items. She studied her reflection in the mirror as she pulled on a red blouse and tightened a dark leather jerkin over it. Form and function, seemed to go well with her new hair too.
Once she was dressed Terra stepped into the hallway and closed the door behind her. All seemed quiet, she must have been the first one awake. Just as she'd hoped. Terra headed downstairs, through the storage cellar and into the larder where she emerged minutes later, her hands filled with various meats and vegetables. Her arms full, Terra extended one foot to push open the door to the kitchen and found an older man with greyish hair already hard at work. "Good morning mistress Terra," he said warmly, coming over to prop the door open for her.
"Nicholas right?" Terra responded, moving over to the counter and setting her pile of food down. "Well this is awkward. I wanted to make breakfast for everyone like I do out in the wild, and it somehow slipped my mind that here in Meribia the Nyharllothor family has people to do that."
"Well if you'd like to help let me show you the menu I've prepared." Nicholas passed her a recipe card with instructions for making homemade pumpkin bread, and there was a little picture showing how it was all twisted up to look fancy with cinnamon spiced apples and pears placed on top. "You could get started by washing the fruit."
"Hm, please don't take offense to this but I had my heart set on making triple meat omelets for everyone. How about we make both and then give everybody a choice?" She hoped the butler wouldn't feel insulted, she was sure his fancy bread would go over well. But now that she had access to an actual range and not just a campfire, and a fully stocked kitchen Terra really wanted to go all out for her friends. After slicing up her ingredients Terra cracked several eggs into a large pan and loaded the omelets up with ham, sausage, venison, green onions, mushrooms, green and red peppers and goat cheese. In a separate pan she began frying up cubed potatoes and slices of bacon. When all was said and done Terra thought Nicholas' fancy pumpkin twist bread looked quite modest compared to her monster omelet, and as far as she was concerned bacon and potatoes always beat out apples and pears for sides. "It's not a competition," Terra reminded herself. But damned if that fresh baked bread didn't smell amazing...
When they were ready Terra climbed back upstairs and began sounding a bell to rouse the others. "Breakfast is ready!" she called as she walked up and down the hall outside the guest bedrooms. "Come on downstairs and ge-" she stopped short in front of the rooms with Silver, Rion and Arne. "On second thought, breakfast in bed, Nicholas and I'll come to you."
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Post by Sorrum on Dec 10, 2020 16:02:57 GMT -5
Waves cracked and broke against the bow of Calico's ship as it departed Serpent Rock, exiting the submerged cave system with the sun setting far behind them. Calico was joined by an elite squadron this time around, though he found himself alone at the helm this moment. His first division commander would remain behind to oversee the operations of the rest of the crew while he was away, however, something felt strange about the seas this day. There was tension in these waters, but why?
Thunder boomed from the north, and lightning sliced the sea, and with it came a forceful gale, blowing Calico's ship with fury. The man braced himself against the winds, glaring at The Forbidden Island northward and it's eternal storm. However, the fog thinned, revealing for the first time, its shore. Calico's eyes widened as the opportunity of a lifetime presented itself. But something caught his eye more than anything else. His eye focused, the red light shining brightly inside. The man pulled from his coat a telescope, eyeing the far away object.
A ship, large in scale, seemed to have made its way past the violent waters and onto the island, but strangely it was pulled further from the beach and into the grounds and jungle proper. It had been torn to shreds by the winds for who knew how long, but hanging loosely around the mass, just barely, was the flag of The Frontier blowing in the wind. The size and make of the ship clearly meant someone important had gone there, as most seasoned seamen know to avoid that island. Only the foolish and youth tried, only to find themselves crushed beneath the torrent. Before long, the fog would drop, covering the island again in it's shroud of dark. Calico lowered his telescope and stared at the storm as it continued endlessly.
"The Titan stirs.." he mumbled.
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Post by Sorrum on Dec 10, 2020 16:40:08 GMT -5
Aqua retired to her chambers after bidding the others a good night's rest, taking off her armor and changing into a night gown. Thoughts of tomorrow's trial bothered her. Barr would have a hard time validating his actions but with today's appearance of a blight mage in the city walls there was a lot to discuss. Her father would be freed, no doubt, but as for how the Houses choose to handle this development would determine their next moves. Aqua knew they would be leaving for the mountain once everyone had recovered, but their time would be spent here undermining the efforts of the dark mage in the city. What's more, Vile Rai would have to be apprehended. At this point, the man was too suspicious to let him roam free. They must rule out that he has any connection to the mage, but if he does they'll have to use it to their advantage for the sake of the city, and by extension the rest of the nation as well.
Aqua pulled from her bag the winged key she found earlier, and dangled it above her as she lay in bed. Something about it stroked a memory, but she just could not remember the more she looked at it. Where did it come from? When did she get it? Something about it-
Aqua clapped her hand over the side of her head as it stung painfully. She hadn't forgotten her battle that day with Arelyn, but she did not recall being struck in the head by the girl's fireballs. Perhaps it was dirt or debris that had made its way into her ears in the sparring match. Aqua put the key back into her bag, before slowly, the day's exhaustion overcame her and she fell into a deep slumber.
In her dreams, Aqua found herself on the deck of a boat as it sailed silently through the night. Around her, night swallowed all but the nearest light around her, that somehow came from her. She walked the ship and found not a soul, save for a woman standing at the bow, staring at the dark ahead as the ship drifted. Aqua approached her, but soon felt an overwhelming sense of despair. All around her, the darkness swelled and pooled on the ship, and lifted her from the deck with an unearthly force. As she looked up to where she was going, she saw a familiar ring of black energy in which she passed through, disappearing from the nightmare landscape all at once.
Aqua lay in bed, staring at the rising sun, unsure when exactly her dream had ended and her eyes had opened. The trial would be soon, and she would have to be prepared. Her armor would be inappropriate at this meeting, so she chose to wear her officer uniform.
This navy blue uniform was form fitted to her specifically, and was of course well maintained and clean. Various pins and emblems were on display over her coat's breast, signifying her accomplishments, and featured the flag of the navy on the other. Her rank, Captain, was displayed on a gold sleeve on her left arm as two black stars. She wore two dress shoes that were white on top, black underneath. She would also tie up her hair in a tight bun, and change her feathered hairband out for a white leather cap on which was displayed the naval coat of arms over a wide black brim. Aqua stared at herself in the mirror for a moment before sighing and exiting her room, walking down the stairs into the kitchen where she would find Nicholas and Terra making breakfast, with Terra currently assembling a platter to take to Silver, Rion, and Arne.
"Good morning.." Aqua said to the two cooks, before sniffing the air. "Feels like forever since I've had an omelettes..
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Post by Bloodbane on Dec 12, 2020 20:25:06 GMT -5
With everyone retiring for the night, Rion decided to return to the bed he was recovering in. There had been no real response from Silver nor Arne, but they were at least being watched over so he felt he had little to fear. However, with the questions that were left after his conversation with the other crystal bearer and his dragon companion, Rion's rest was more like a recollection of sorts, his thoughts lingering to when he had met Shin, as well as what was described to him as a White Dragon who had been behind Luke and Ember's journey to the Frontier. He would sleep relatively soundly, however, until a voice that was unfamiliar seemed to break through the memories and cause him to stir.
Sitting up, Rion looked around groggily. "Wha...?" he mumbled, until once again he heard it, this time somewhat clearer but still indistinct as he put a hand to his head. 'H...el... mm-' He looked around briefly, before climbing out of the bed he was resting in, passing by the beds where his other wounded comrades were recovering before stopping at the window.
'He.. lp... me... Help me...' it was calling for his help, but who... and from where? Rion gazed out of the window, turning his head to see the mountains in the distance. All in all, the view was certainly a striking feature, but why did it seem clearer now that he was looking in this direction? 'Is that... Mount Remorse?' he wondered, though soon a far more familiar voice along with the ringing of a bell caused him to shake his head. 'We'll find out soon enough...' he mused, the bell stopping just outside the room as Terra decided on having the food brought to the room instead. Just how late in the morning was it?
'We'll go there tomorrow, after the trial..' Aqua's words reminded him that the trial was today, which left him feeling a bit unprepared given the current damaged state of his attire. 'I'll have to see if Aqua or the folks here can help me out with that...' he sighed lightly, deciding to make his way out of the room before the pleasant aroma began leading him and his faintly growling stomach in the direction of the kitchen.
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Post by Sorrum on Dec 18, 2020 1:52:23 GMT -5
Aqua and the others were served breakfast by the capable Terra and Nicholas. Aqua picked at her food. Despite the pleasant display and aroma, her appetite was far down the list of concerns today. She felt stiff all over, and unprepared.
~
Meanwhile, Itham looked out the window of his cell, gazing at the Savior Statue. He stood there in his official uniform, a robe of elven design crafted from hawk feathers, bear fur, and lined with a gold and blue trim. Featured on his left breast was the symbol of The Frontier, the gold and blue emblem featured on every flag, uniform, and symbol of the nation. Below it was a gold star backed by three columns of the same length that terminated in one point; his official badge. "Today's the day." No later than he said that, a twisting and shaking sound was heard from his door as Sam opened it and walked within. The on duty sentinel saluted to Sam, and his flanking officers.
"Lord Itham, sir. Your transport awaits." He said. Despite being a prisoner, Sam and many of the men and elves in uniform respected the House Ruler. Itham nodded, and headed out the door immediately, leaving the cell walls behind. Itham would be surrounded by no less than 8 sentinels and Sam at all times throughout his transfer to the court building, where he would see the faces of the many men and elf whom worked with him everyday yet saw fit to put him in a box.
The carriage rolled quietly through the northern sector, otherwise known as the Executive Sector of the city. All matter of government buildings could be found here, from law offices, jails, guard barracks, court houses, etc. The elves and humans here worked toward a future of bliss and success for the humans, elves, and other races that lived on the island continent. Lately, the political hemispheres of the two parties found themselves in opposition more and more, with generations of new humans seeking opportunities yet unable to attain them due to the long lifespans of elves who'd be well and established far before the lifetime of a human could begin. Today, that tension rose to the front of society again, as Itham's carriage was blocked by a crowd of angry protesters.
Jeers and shouts came by the dozens as the many humans shouted at Itham to turn around and put himself back in the cell. The poverty stricken humans, in their dilapidated homes whom struggled to make ends meet cried in frustration at the elf lord whom they saw as the forces keeping them down in the ditches, but now, with the seeming negligence of the elf lord to bring forth answers or a culprit regarding the disappearing, amnesiac children, a violent fervor could be heard as their voices screamed in despair.
"My son is still missing!" "Why won't my daughter tell me what happened!?" "Who do you think you are to ignore this!?" "You only care about the elves!!"
The sentinels would group up and begin pushing a way through the crowd, as trash and debris was thrown at the carriage. Itham and Sam would sit quietly within, as the crowd's screams echoed around them, and followed them to the courthouse, where the transport force would be reinforced by another squadron to safely remove Itham from the carriage and deliver him to the trial. The shouting voices and screaming only began to die down as Itham walked through the archway into the tall, cement building, as the Savior looked upon the city, ever present.
~
Aqua had moved from the kitchen to the foyer, gazing up at the painting of her family. Her heart ached for answers about her mother, but her eyes fought back the tide of tears as she looked at her father. Aqua smacked her face and took several deep breaths, before turning out the door, the last one to leave the mansion. Those able to walk would accompany her to the trial. Her role, should she be called, would be to relate the story told to her by Rion and Silver as they had battled the blight mage the day before. This, and the guard chief Sam would be able to explain her father's actions to find the mage's whereabouts in the abandoned mines, clearing him of these baseless accusations.
A small squad of sentinels appeared from the forest path to Nyharllothor manor, but ahead of them was a slim figure. Dressed in a uniform similar to Aqua's, yet noticeably only bearing one star on their arm band, was a young man in a white cap with fair skin, short brown hair, and dark eyes, nearly black. On his waist was a dagger in a sheath, bearing the symbol of The Frontier on it's leather body. The man saw Aqua and gave her a genuine smile, at which, Aqua's eyes widened as her voice escaped her. "Dirk?"
The young man known as Dirk nodded. "First Mate of The Mirage, Dirk Hawkins, reporting for duty, ma'am." The man, Dirk, stood just nearly an inch taller than Aqua, yet was stocky and wide. He looked to be in his mid twenties and featured a faint scar on his lower lip running down his chin he'd gotten from a bar scrap in his early years in the navy. This man had been Aqua's first mate for several years, looking out for the young captain as she sailed the seas, providing his water magic to her to maneuver the boat as a seasoned helmsman. His knife served him well, though he rarely had to use it as his captain was a proficient mage herself.
"When I'd heard you were in town I called a meeting with the stand-in Captain Riptide to delay voyage until we'd gotten word on your actions. I understand why you'd come back though. It's about your father, right Captain?"
"Yes, Dirk." Aqua started. She was relieved to see a reliable old face. "My father was wrongfully imprisoned. We, that is to say, myself and the others before you, have found who we believe to be responsible behind the disappearances and amnesia crisis. We're leaving now for the courthouse. Come with us, I could always use a reliable pair of hands."
"That's what I'm here for, Captain." Dirk said. "Lead the way. Oh, and if it wasn't obvious enough, the name's Dirk." He said, greeting the other Dawnbringers with a friendly wave. "If you're allies of the Captain, you're allies with me. Let's head out, the trial will begin soon."
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Post by Arashi on Jan 5, 2021 23:25:18 GMT -5
Silver's fake sleeping quickly turned in to real sleeping. She did her best to attempt to listen to Ember speak, but began to slowly doze off.
The Alpha Dragons... she had done quite extensive research on these beasts. Each color of dragon was said to have descended from their element's Alpha Dragon; it was their original "parent" of sorts. Every hatchling was told this story; how the Alphas were great, powerful beasts that held the very fate of the world in their claws. Many dragons would boast that these beasts were the origin of magic itself, but there was never any substantial proof of this claim. Silver was one to always question these types of things, and wanted to learn more, but the time of these Alpha Dragons was long gone and all that was left was stories. Researching proved to be difficult, and she had placed it on the backburner of sorts for many years as blight became her primary focus.
Thinking about the stories of the Alpha Dragons led to her thinking of the time her mother told the stories of their ancestors to her...which she would soon be reliving in a dream as her eyes closed right in front of Terra. She couldn't keep herself awake any longer.
~
As morning came and the scent of breakfast filled the air... Silver stayed there, in bed, still asleep. It seemed that she was tired enough that not even the smell of delicious food could wake her up. A more direct approach may be needed here.
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Post by Swim on Jan 8, 2021 2:46:56 GMT -5
Terra beamed with pride hearing Frida comment on her omelets as she carried a serving platter up the stairs for the other Dawnbringers. It made her feel good to pitch in and help out, and by this point she'd come to realize her cooking skills were a much appreciated contribution to the team. She couldn't help the injured heal their wounds, but at least she could bring them comfort and good food during their time of-
"Hey, whoa-" she started, seeing Rion emerge from his room. "I said I was going to bring breakfast to you, are you really sure you're ready to be up and moving around? You should rest and take it easy after the beatdown the Blight mage gave you guys." She didn't want Rion to push himself too hard too soon, but if he truly was up to it Terra knew that he would be an important witness at Itham's trial today, being able to give first hand account to the enemy that dwelt among them.
After talking with Rion, Terra carried her tray into Silver's room and set the food down on the side table. It looked like the half dragon was still asleep. That was a positive sign Terra thought, restful sleep often accelerated the natural healing process. But the girl would need fluid and some solid food in her as well, and so Terra reached out to softly wake her. "Good morning," Terra greeted Silver cheerfully once her eyes had opened. "How are you feeling? I've brought you some breakfast if you feel like sitting up and eating something."
Once she'd seen to Silver, Terra moved on to Arne before returning downstairs. Her breakfast had been a hit, and after everyone had finished those who were well enough to travel to the courthouse gathered outside where they were met by a small escort of sentinels and Frida's first mate. Terra liked him immediately. Dirk had an easygoing way about him, but beyond his demeanor she could tell that it gave Frida genuine relief to see the man. That was good enough for Terra, she knew she'd be able to trust this man. "Pleasure to meet you," Terra said shaking Dirk's hand and introducing herself. "Thank you for making the journey here to attend her father's trial, your Captain needs every friend she can get to support her today." She looked to the nearest sentinel. "Lead on."
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Post by Sorrum on Jan 12, 2021 15:33:54 GMT -5
Dirk in turn shook Terra's hand. "My pleasure!" Then he caught whiff of the smell of fresh food coming from the manor. "Oho, seems like the staff are back. Must have made a grand breakfast for you, huh Cap?"
Aqua chuckled. "No, the staff have not returned. The one who's hand your holding was today's stand in."
"Ah, a woman that knows how to cook, every sailors dream." He laughed. "Hopefully you'll stick around, if not for my terrible jokes but for the upcoming eclipse."
"Eclipse?" Aqua asked.
"That's right Cap. Part of the reason Riptide allowed me leave was the lunar eclipse is happening soon. Referencing the night sky will be hard without the moon to use as guidance, so most ships will be retuning to the docks. It's also a beautiful night sky, the stars will shine even brighter with the moon covered in shadow."
"I see." Aqua remarked. "Well, that will be interesting. Hopefully this will all be behind us before then."
The sentinel grunted Terra's command, and with the sentinels at the head they led the party to the court building.
~
The street outside the courthouse was filled with elf and man as the morning of the trial was soon to start. Protests and rallying cries from either sides divided the people, much like the sectors did the citizens. Journalists and photographers interviewed and took photos alike, capturing the people and their energy on what would be a historic day as the people of The Frontier divided themselves for the first time since the country's founding.
Vile, with his head and body covered by a cloak, hid among the crowd gathered outside the courthouse. He was curious what would happen this day, like many others. Also among the crowd was another figure, Greta Burch, similarly disguised. The events here would be reported back to her master, whom had yet to return from the mountain. The sentinels bisected the crowd to form a path as government officials continued to arrive. There was a shift in energy however as Aqua's entourage arrived. Led by the two sentinels and flanked by The Dawnbringers, Aqua walked stone-faced to the concrete steps. There was a flash of light, then several more, then dozens, as paparazzi flashed cameras at the elf woman. "Only after leaving the country for a few months, The Princess has returned!" One reporter said.
"Princess Aqua! Princess Aqua! How do you feel about what's happened to your father? What are your thoughts on today's trial?" One man interviewed her. Aqua stopped and faced the man, but did not break from her path.
"My father's actions have always been focused on the safety and well being of The Frontier and it's people, and always will be until his last breath. Men, elf, beastman, and all others may put their fears to rest. We must continue to remain brothers and sisters in the face of our enemies, and not let them divide us." Aqua spoke. The reporter seemed delighted, as did some people in the crowd. There was a brief applause and cheer as Aqua's words touched those more passionate individuals in the crowd, but it would not drown out the shouts of protest that filled the street. The reporter asked for more questions, but Aqua continued her walk toward the courthouse.
Aqua now led The Dawnbringers up the steps and to the entrance. Sentinels posted at each side saluted them as they entered, this time Aqua merely walking past them instead of returning a salute. There was a long hallway ahead of them. In it there was a blue carpet with a gold trim, several doors leading to other areas within the building, and at the end there was another pair of doors; the court room. The hallway was filled with men and elves in suits and chatter regarding today's event. Hushed voices encircled the group as Aqua cut through the crowd and threw the court room doors wide open.
The room was enormous, taking up most of the buildings area. The entrance formed an opening that exited through the bottom center of the seating area for the House members, with rows of wooden chairs and desks filled in like an auditorium. Directly ahead of them were more chairs in rows dedicated to reporters and other individuals. These areas were called The Gallery and The Lobby respectively. Ahead of them and at the far side of the room was a large semicircular area with steps rising from The Lobby to it's outer ring of desks, then another rise where the top most desks sat, one belonging to Itham and the other to Barr. Behind them was a large glass portal, from which one could see the Statue of The Savior in it's entirety. This last area of the room was named The Head, as whomever resided here led the humans and elves of the country as it's leaders.
The room was full of people, overflowing The Lobby and edging closer to the desks of The Gallery, though they stayed back from The Head. Chatter inside the room was not nearly as hushed as preparations were being made. Aqua scanned the crowd for her father, but he was not here. No longer guided by the sentinels, Aqua huddled with The Dawnbringers, including Dirk. "My father is likely going over his defense with his lawyer and won't appear until the trial begins, similar with Barr and the prosecution. I believe Sam has already informed the legal team about yesterday's conflict with the Blight mage, so I know that this trial will be mostly a farce but we can't relax until it's all over."
Aqua led them to the front of The Lobby. The first row was reserved for any family of the belligerent parties, and despite the crowd were still quite open. Aqua glanced over, noticing an older woman and a young man whom sat quietly on the other side of the row. "Barr's family," she thought. "that's all there is?" Similarly, she would be sitting alone if not for The Dawnbringers, who sat by her in the row. They had come so far now to save her father, she considered them family. But to think, if she had never left, it would only be her here now.
~
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Post by Vic Alriikerson on Jan 13, 2021 20:31:19 GMT -5
As the water ran from the sink and splashed on the floor, Alriik finally regained enough self of awareness to turn to the water off. He'd groan and clean it up, before stepping to the door. It had only been five minutes, he could easily slip back out in there and no one would have had noticed he was gone to begin with. As he gripped the handle, her face flashed back in his mind. His stomach clenched and twirled. He dashed to the toilet.
15 minutes passed and his face, covered in sweat and regurgitated bar food, finally rose from the toilet bowl. He stumbled back to the sink, desperately washing his face and mouth. As he finally breathed a breath of clean air, he finally stood back up, and stared at the door. He took a step, but… His foot would not rise. He was stuck. His head erupted with a stabbing pain that shot down through the rest of his body and he could only step back. His eyes wide in horror, he desperately stared across the room at the door he could not approach.
His body began to warm at the 40 minute mark. His mind was a flurry of disconnected realizations on why he needed to stay in there. His body shaking, his eyes dillated, he knew that if he was to exit this room, he would again manage to ruin everything for everyone. It was his specialty. The sweat on his forehead began to bubble and sputter. He ran the sink again and dunked his head under the water. He kept it there for a while… Until his heart finally calmed down and his body cooled down. He'd sit down on the floor, and breathe. He remembered the words of his master… And cleared his mind.
An hour would pass, with Alriik simply sitting on the floor, slowly allowing himself the chance to think and work through things. She looked a lot like his Angel. But it wasn't her. He'd have to deal with that, like an adult. And if he couldn't… Well, he and the team were screwed.
---
By the time Alriik had left the bathroom, the rest of the team had gone to bed. He'd silently go search for leftovers, eating whatever was left that hadn’t been tossed. He'd sort of just… Sit in the common room and sleep in one of the chairs there. If someone needed him, well… It wasn’t like he was hard to find. As the others stirred and readied themselves, he'd awake himself, keeping to himself mostly. He may have his problems… But today wasn’t about him. An omelette and a Dirk later, and the group was on their way.
On their way, Alriik would purchase a hood to cover his head. Hopefully… He would be non-factor in today and it was a good first step. Only Aqua was rushed as they went up the stairs. He did his best to keep them off of her, but… She did well enough on her own. He kept tightly at her side as she marched in, less people would question the heavily armed man if he were in close proximity to the “princess “. As she brought them in for a huddle, he nodded. He wasn't going to be of any help here… Court was a completely different battleground than the one he was used to. He would sit back with the rest of the group, and await the trial.
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Post by Swim on Jan 14, 2021 2:11:21 GMT -5
Terra couldn't tell whether Dirk was flirting with her or just a naturally charismatic person, but moments into their first meeting he'd heaped flattery and extended an invitation to view the eclipse with him. Frida was right, that was sure to be interesting... hopefully things would be settled enough that they'd actually be able to relax and enjoy it.
The city was quite lively as they made their way from Nyharllothor Manor to the courthouse. Everyone seemed to have turned out for the trial and energy was high. Terra couldn't help but scowl as she heard some of the comments condemning Itham. Couldn't these people see that Frida's father was doing his best? It seemed ridiculous to her that these people could forget the sacrifices made by the Nyharllothor family, even as they stood in the very shadow of the Savior Statue. Fortunately no one impeded their path as their sentinel escort brought them to the courthouse. They slowed only once for Frida to answer a reporter, and Terra took the opportunity to survey the scene. Alriik was doing the same, the spellsword ever watchful of their captain, though he'd been strangely quiet of late. At least he'd decided to wear a hood today, it wouldn't do to draw attention away from the important business of Itham's trial. When they started moving again Terra hung back for a moment, wanting to make sure that Rion wouldn't have any trouble with the courthouse stairs.
Once they'd all made it inside Terra was struck by the layout of the courtroom. It looked like it was built to house most of Meribia, built like a theatre auditorium for all to bear witness. It was just as well Terra thought, in the interest of full transparency it would be good for all of the citizens to hear the claims against Frida's father be debunked one by one. She and the other Dawnbringers followed Frida to the front of the room where a number of seats had been reserved for them. Terra slid into the bench close to Frida and Dirk and looked around. She noticed that theirs was a much larger party than the pair opposite them, though it was possible that more would arrive later on to fill those seats. There was something about the young man that bothered Terra, and it took her a couple of moments for her to realize where she had seen his face before. He looked different today dressed up in an expensive looking suit coat with his dark brown hair neatly combed. Terra reached out and tapped Frida, "Isn't that the nature mage I sparred with yesterday?"
"Vafiel Barr, the very same." answered a voice from behind. Terra twisted around in her seat to find Arelyn standing in the row behind them. "He's a skilled mage and a good student, I try not to hold the sins of his father against him." Arelyn turned to Aqua and continued. "Father and I have seats in the gallery, but I wanted to come down and wish you luck before the trial begins. Not that you'll need it, Father has said from the start that these charges are nonsensical, that after today Barr will be exposed for the fool he is. I'd better get back to the gallery for now, but I look forward to paying my respects to your father in person once this farce is concluded."
"Well that was nice of her to come by and show her support," Terra thought. Competitive as they were they day before, she supposed that Frida and Arelyn must have been close once. Terra watched the young elf return to the gallery and stood beside a tall elf with orange hair clad in a stately emerald robe, deep in conversation with a number of governing officials. "That must be the Archmage Silennai," Terra remarked. By this point she'd heard quite a bit about him, all secondhand, but Arelyn's skills spoke for themselves. Hopefully she'd have the opportunity herself to learn under the instruction of such a master.
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Post by Bloodbane on Jan 18, 2021 0:06:26 GMT -5
Rion smiled when Terra reminded him that she was bringing the breakfast up to him, shaking his head while raising his arm and waving it side to side in front of him. "I appreciate the concern, Terra, but the worst of it's passed, I think. Only real lingering effect seems to be how much of my magic it took to really purge that stuff; it'll be some time before I'm back to my usual strength, but if we're just walking around it'll be fine." he said before taking one of the plates off of the tray so as not to waste Terra's efforts. "This looks amazing, thank you..." he left things at that for the moment, deciding to return to the room he just came out of in order to eat. He was able to get some assistance afterward as far as locating clothing to change into, along with some bandages which were assumed for dealing with any persistent wounds. In actuality, he had used them to wrap his chest and left arm, allowing him to wear the provided clothing without having to wear his armor to the courthouse.
Once he had finished eating and getting dressed back up, Rion made his way down to join the others, now wearing a black fencing jacket that was fastened with gold-plated buckles, as well as a pair of brown leather gloves and navy trousers held up by a brown belt that was also fastened with a buckle matching the colors of the jacket, but for the time being not bearing any of the armor that had been commonplace for him. He reached up, moving his hand along the back of the jacket's collar, chuckling almost nervously.
"Your hospitality continues to amaze me, Aqua... almost looks like I'd fit in with the Sentinels around here, now. Thank you..." he said, soon looking to see that the group was joined by Alriik. "Today's another day... doing better, I hope?" he asked curiously, only vaguely remembering the sudden reaction Alriik had during the conversation with Luke and Ember, though the Altiim's answer seemed to suffice as Rion made no further conversation on the topic as the crew left with Dirk toward the courthouse. He kept his gaze focused ahead as he followed the group through the crowd, frowning slightly when the reporters accosted Aqua with their questions.
When they reached the courthouse, Rion made his way up the steps, quietly thanking Terra as he passed her since it seemed she was checking on him. For the time being, he remained quiet as they were ushered into the Lobby, simply nodding in understanding of what Aqua had to say before taking a seat with the others.
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Post by Sorrum on Jan 18, 2021 7:23:18 GMT -5
Aqua simply nodded in thanks to Arelyn. She had a lot on her mind and couldn't get in emotional. A cursory glance at the boy across the way did remind her he was in fact the boy Terra battled the day before, but she was not sure if his father's quarrel extended to him. She didn't have to like him regardless. She did turn her head to look back at Arelyn, as she knew she'd join the Archmage whom she hadn't seen in some time now. He stood out in some extravagant robes. Not one for subtleness, she reckoned.
With each moment that passed she felt her eyes itch, and her throat swell with grief. Before long she leaned forward, hiding her face beneath clasped hands. "Just.. just get on with it already.." she mumbled. The chatter in the room faded into hushes and whispers before long. Aqua raised her head up and wiped any forming tears from her face, though she couldn't help the moderate flush that had covered her face. "It must be time.." She whispered. She gave a long look to her comrades, and smirked, before her attention was drawn by a ringing of a bell.
Before the desks of The Head stood a grey haired elf in the formal attire worn by other Elf representatives, though he wore a symbol on his left breast of The Frontier with a silver bar below it. He held a small bell in his hand, which he placed on a nearby table, before he cleared his throat and opened the session. "Good morning everyone. Allow me to introduce myself to The Gallery and The Lobby, I am Vice Chancellor of The House of Elves, Keiren Dusmus Oak, second to his lordship Chancellor of The House of Elves Itham Nyharllothor. Today, we will discern and deliberate accusations of abuse and negligence by his lordship Chancellor Nyharllothor, weighed against him by Chancellor of The House of Man, Horace Barr. Presiding over today's case will be a team of judges recruited from The Gallery members of both concerned houses, with 3 members drawn from the Tribal Affairs and Habitation department for this high-profile case. Now, please allow silence in the court as the officials and parties enter." Oak bowed his head and took a seat at his desk, the second highest right side of The Head.
Mumblings and hushed voices again filled the room as the judges and both parties entered from the hall. First a guard sentinel in formal attire not unlike Aqua's uniform, followed by the judges dressed in a navy blue with a gold undershirt. They were an evenly distributed mixture of the races, however the last of the judges to walk in was a large beastman with ox like features, who dwarfed the other judges in size considerably. Behind him strode a team of lawyers, and then a bald man in a navy blue suit with grey hair and a symbol on his breast that mirrored Itham's, which shined in the morning light thanks to fresh polish. "Barr.." Aqua whispered, her contempt evident.
Behind them was yet another wave of lawyers, and finally the defendant of today's trial and the man responsible for The Dawnbringer's arrival in Meribia, Itham Nyharllothor, walked through the courtroom with determination in his eyes. Aqua tensed upon seeing her father again, but was relieved to see him standing tall as the eyes of the nation all focused on him. As he passed The Dawnbringers, he paused, and looked at them all with confidence in today's battle. Though he was not without his humanity; seeing his daughter fight down her distress struck a cord in the man's heart, but he quickly composed himself and focused on what had to be done. The judges filled the uppermost circle, repurposed from the Chancellor's desks to serve as their podium above the two parties, who formed their separate parties, Itham's in front of Aqua and The Dawnbringers, and Barr in front of Vafiel and his mother.
As the judges prepared, Barr turned to look at Itham, and Itham at Barr. They did not exchange words, but the tension between the two could be felt in The Gallery. Barr then looked at Aqua, and she at him. While she glared at him, he only looked back at her before turning back to his lawyers. Something about the exchange was.. odd, to her. "All rise." Oak spoke again, taking the role of bailiff. The room came alive with the sound of bodies moving as Oak introduced the individual judges and swore in the lawyers and parties. Lastly, the ox beastman cleared his throat and took over.
"Please, your opening statements.." said the man gruffly. Barr's first lawyer stood up and addressed the court.
~
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