Through Storm and Fire (Game Thread)

[Redryhno]

The young dockworker the Ambassador had gotten the attention of nodded, the stack of boxes he had been lugging lost one more as he walked into one of the nearby warehouses with it held between his arms. He returned in the wake of a large woman, dressed in what few would consider formal wear, but this was a port, in a humid climate, so the standards were understandably lowered. Jumping into a small rowboat tied up that must be for these kinds of meetings, two more Satanzans followed her into the boat, the dockworker returning to his work.

As they rowed over, it became apparent that the representative brought with her two guards, obviously Nameless of some form, and pulled a writing box out from beneath her seat and carefully handed it off to one of the guards before climbing to the deck of the Kathin ship. Once all three and the box were there, she introduced herself.

"Nameless Sitri, at your service,"She bowed her head and set the lacquered box on the deck,"Now, what can we perhaps do for you? Our services are quite wide-spread as you know, as are the Nameless, do you require a-" She stopped as a letter with the seal of the Republic was given to her. Within it detailed the needs of the Kathins and the service they wished to have done on their behalf.

Sitri smiled and replied,"Yes I do believe we can do this for you. Payment however, as I have been instructed by my superiors,"She pulled a piece of parchment, quill and a dark green ink from the box and began drafting a contract,"This is to be the...price, for the time being, as well as a small stipend for our Nameless and the continued training of our Firsts."

After writing out the details twice, signing both and sealing it with the mark of the Nameless which the guard closest to the railing and the sea held in a concealed pouch on his outer thigh, She handed one to the Kathin ambassador, and nodded.

"Are the terms of the agreement acceptable to you Ambassador Clepton? Just as your price is negotiable, so too are the terms you are to abide by, to a small extent."

 

[EmperorZuma]

"I recall there being an event bringing an age of darkness. Writings of it are somewhat sparse but well known orally. Darkness descended upon the old kingdom. Demons and all sorts of evil battled the old kings. Plagues and nights lasted longer than the day. A horrible era but somehow they survived."

"Ru'nacht" Torak grumbled aloud as he listened to the Anzi Councilor list her distress. "A time the Lorebinders sing of when they wish to scare children. When a long darkness fell and there was terrible conflict." The Ursa closed his eyes for a moment as he tried to remember the tale, but could only remember specific verses.

Outside the caves, there was great strife, but in the darkness we were held close to the knife.

"It is troubling..." Torak continued, sighing that he could not remember anything of use. "However, what more can the Council do but promote vigilance? Perhaps after more research we can actual do something proactive, but now? I think matters that we can actually solve should be put forward."

 

[Not G. Ivingname]

The Kathin Ambassador eyes twitched slightly. Magical matters were far from the Kathin's strong suit. How much can they do? Still...

"Why don't you send one of the workers who have seen these, "shadows", to some magical experts such at Puig or some other place," Clow suggested, "Maybe they can discern what is causing the visions? If they are not simply visions, but actual creatures, send soldiers with your workers or order the workers to attack what they been seeing. Torin will be willing to dissect or test what ever remains if your people manage to kill one. Assuming these shadows can be killed, of course."

Clow turned to the rest of the council.

"The rest of us should seek any records or oral traditions that may pertain to... Ru'nacht," Clow said, having heard time pronouncing the Ursan language, "Come back with what ever information your peoples have kept, find what we might be facing, and how we all survived the last time."

 

[Arcanist]

"However, what more can the Council do but promote vigilance? Perhaps after more research we can actual do something proactive, but now? I think matters that we can actually solve should be put forward."

Noela couldn't help but cock an eyebrow in amusement. Was she really agreeing with an Ursa on... well... anything? "I agree. While this sounds troubling, it's not something the council is currently at liberty to handle." She took a sip of the tankard of water in front of her before continuing. "With that in mind, I propose we open the floor to all discussion. Any objections?"

 

[Mr.Ivebeenframed]

"With that in mind, I propose we open the floor to all discussion. Any objections?"

"A threat is still a threat but if you are really so willing to ignore it then so be it." Kalia hissed. "In the meantime I will keep the council updated alongside any attempts to seize these beings. I thank you for your suggestion, Ambassador Clow."

She remained civil despite her urge to emphasize the problems the shadows bring with it. She remembered the bending shadows as a omen of worse things to come but for the moment she made notes in her ledger to put forward in her next meeting with the Verai-Kai. It being to propose the having to post some soldiers to thoroughly guard the worker convoys. Hopefully along the convoys they would see the shadows once again and deal with it effectively. One of the better talents of the Anzi is nipping problems at the bud.

 

[IFS]

"In the meantime I will keep the council updated alongside any attempts to seize these beings. I thank you for your suggestion, Ambassador Clow."

The Anzi's hissing felt like a sign of desperation to Dagrun, though it was difficult to read the body language of the insect-like beings. She considered what others were saying, this could indeed be a difficult problem to handle, or it could simply be that a few of the Anzi had ingested the wrong herbs. There was no evidence other than the words of the councilor, and panic was not going to help. Brann and the kings will guide us through this, as they always have.

"I will send word of this to the Church, perhaps their texts or visions will reveal something to us, and if it is magical in nature then perhaps the våkenatt* will know something," she said calmly, speaking with a degree of authority and wisdom "In the meantime our people will keep watch for such creatures, we are not unaccustomed to handling monsters."

*våkenatt means "Vigil" and refers to a sect of mages within the church who are dedicated in part to lighting and maintaining the eternal flames, as well as to studying the mist, among other things.

 

[Ruedyn]

"I would appreciate that kind gesture. Your kind is incredibly versed in the magical arts. If this being is made from it then I wouldn't doubt that some ancient tomes would mention such beings either here or in your libraries."

Wynne beamed from the compliments for her people. Oh that old Koloman pride, surging through her. Then came another endorsement, from the Kathin.

"Why don't you send one of the workers who have seen these, "shadows", to some magical experts such at Puig or some other place,"

'Oh, you people are too kind...' Wynne's smile shrunk a bit, she didn't want to bring foreigners into Occitan. She hid under the table a bit, ducking out of the conversation for a tiny bit. She raised her hands, making a small rift under the table, that glowed slightly. Her father was on the other end, looking pale and a tad older, and sickly of course.

[sub]"Dad, have you ever heard of..."[/sub] She tried to remember the Ursan word, [sub]"Rooh Knacked. We need to find books, it's urgent!"[/sub] Her father coughed and nodded in response, closing his daughters window with a small flick of the wrist.

She got back up in time to hear the Ghost thing talk about their church. Of course others were getting worried... She wasn't, it was probably able to be subdued through magic, like anything else. The Puig wouldn't have to worry, she thought as she leaned back in her chair.

"Any other issue that calls for magical assistance? The Kolomen are able to help..."

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Archibald's walk was interrupted by... something. What could one even call the thing, it appeared to have the face of a bird, and a wide brimmed hat. It had long black robes, pitch black and baggy so as to not reveal any of the thing's physique. It had two orange dots where it's eyes should have been, following Archibald's every move with it's intense gaze. Human, Koloman? Archibald approached slowly, drawing his blade, the Rapier he had named Raven. Something about it... it put Archibald on edge, made him uncomfortable. That wouldn't do.

"You there, who are you?" The figure cocked his head, and... laughed? It sounded like fingers on a blackboard, and it didn't seem to move, the noise just appeared around the thing. Archibald raised his hand, and made a small flourish, making the a gust of wind that knocked the thing of it's feet. It didn't stop laughing as it dispersed into the wind, the cruel parody of laughter disappearing as he walked further and further away from the scene, burying his hands into his pockets after sheathing his blade.

He made it to the tavern, though. A dingy place that Archibald rather liked, it gave him a break from noblemen and the like. He had managed to ignore his chest pain for awhile now, but it was starting to bother him. He'd ask for something when he got inside, in the meantime, drinks and such. He pushed open the doors, and was greeted by the cheers of a few who recognized him. He pulled up his scarf, to hide most his smiling face.

 

[Green Shoes]

Rostahn heard their discussion. Not having any records of this Dark Age they so envisioned; the Paxian Revolution over the Nashtai' being young history compared to other nations, he simply waited for an opportunity to speak. Being a landlocked nation, perhaps the effects of these Shadows had not yet reached his people; he stroked his chin as he thought, considering the opportunities, and the dangers, that awaited his nation if they were to get involved.

He took a chance, and spoke loudly to the council.

"It seems many of you have oral folk-memories of this age. If you were to co-operate, we could record these and compare them; find the similarities, and then compare these to the recent sightings. That way we can began to establish some knowledge of what indeed we are dealing with."

He nodded towards Kalia.

"Perhaps we could even transport one of your citizens affected with the illness to a safe environment where they can be studied; with all respects of course, to determine the cause and what not."

Speaking broadly now, though specifically changing his vocabulary to address Noela, and support Kalia.

"We cannot simply dismiss this as unable to be solved; who here is willing to risk the lives of their people?"

A powerful question, and a rather large gambit. Nomai simply watched from the shadows.

------------------------------------------------------------

The citizens of Akraidon bid their visitors goodbye, Korian bestowing upon them numerous gifts of books and scrolls. Baroque awaited his pick-up from the Torin-people.

 

[Arcanist]

"We cannot simply dismiss this as unable to be solved; who here is willing to risk the lives of their people?"

Noela glanced at the paxian, keeping her expression neutral. His grandstanding was starting to get annoying, to say the least. "What would you have us do, exactly? March troops from the Valley across the continent uprooting towns? We don't even know if this is an actual threat." She chanced a brief glance over at the Ursan councillor. She couldn't rule out the possibility this was subterfuge orchestrated by the Ursan or one of their allies with the intent of provoking a reaction. Better to play their cards close to the table until more information came to light. "I never claimed that this was a problem that couldn't be solved - simply that, as we stand now, we don't have enough information to formulate a response."

She made a motion to stand, clearing her voice and addressing the council as a whole. "But let me be clear - should this be an act of aggression in any way, the Valley stands ready to resist it. Do not make the mistake of confusing our caution for weakness."

 

[EmperorZuma]

"But let me be clear - should this be an act of aggression in any way, the Valley stands ready to resist it. Do not make the mistake of confusing our caution for weakness."

Torak suppressed an urge to laugh at the sight of the Ronar diplomat suddenly going on the defensive. How sad they would still resort to their bitterness toward the Ursan, even when they agreed. "Noela has a point, we're not dismissing this off hand as a non-issue, we're putting this aside because there is nothing the council can do about it."

Heaving his bulky shoulders up for a shrug, Torak looked back at Rostahn. "If you wish to hear from an Ursan Lorebinder, then I will send for one to sail down from the homeland. However, it will be weeks before one can arrive."

 

[Doc Gnosis]

Belenos

A new day had dawned for young Belenos. Grasping his trusty bow and arrows, he left the treehouse for the wilderness. Branngraven was his destination; he hoped that one of the Branntunges may grant him new knowledge of the land.

The trip was somewhat memorable; he shot a red wolf that saw the kin as its meal and took its skin. Upon getting to the city he saw a lone Mistborn looking like a trauma had taken the man.

"Ho sir! You appear to be distressed."
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Taliesin Teutorix IX, Gwynisson

The Taliesin said nothing but listened to the conversation between the councillors. His wrinkled brow furrowed while the lines of his face drooped to a thoughtful frown. The Ursa's mention of a time of darkness made Teutorix' mind think back on the Age of Kings. Before the First Taliesin became the sun dragon, there was darkness in the land. While tribes and kings fought one another for power, things from the Other realm poured out. Some things were wonderful while others caused much grief, but both prolonged the Age until He entered history. Teutorix wondered if the time may come for another dragon to be born or if - Fomuire forbid it - the First is dying.

He said nothing but readied some notes before waving one of his escorts over to him. She was draped in hard leather and adorned an orange tartan on her neck, not ignoring the bronze sword and shield that stood idle. The Taliesin handed his message to her. "Make sure Brennen Fiona Aifricsstotter recieves this in the capital." He whispered in tradespeak to her, and with a mutter of parting words the escort left.

"If you wish to hear from an Ursan Lorebinder, then I will send for one to sail down from the homeland. However, it will be weeks before one can arrive."

"I would like to hear this lore as well." The old Taliesin spoke.

 

[Not G. Ivingname]

"I will have to agree with Noela," said Councilor Clow, trying to be a calming voice before it got violent, "While this may be a grave threat to all of us, it seems we have shared all the information we currently have on this situation. Any further discussion at this time, unless somebody does have more information to share, will only be speculation. It is very easy to start to think of our speculations as facts, making us prepare for completely different threats than reality has in store for us. Even if the world is ending, it does not mean we can just forget about the other problems facing the world."

"Does anyone else have either more information not yet shared or another matter needing to be discussed?"

 

[IFS]

"Ho sir! You appear to be distressed."

Enid turned to see an approaching Jennyskin, and nodded in recognition. The oathwraith had seen many of their kind over the years, though there seemed to be something different about this one. He ignored the statement about being distressed though, he had taken some damage in his most recent venture into the mist, and bore a few marks on his form, blurred patches where he seemed to bleed off a faintly colored light into the air, barely noticeable in the mist. He would need to find fire to restore himself though thankfully that was plentiful in the city.

He seemed to forget himself for a moment, and the kin, as though lost in thought before shaking his head and marching forward towards the open gates of the city, the only remark among his murmuring that seemed audible was "Forgetting, too much lost. I am sworn..."

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

A messenger soon arrived in the hall of the three king's, he bowed first to the statue of Arild and then to the statue of Hywell before addressing the steward "Sir, Enid has been sighted approaching the walls, as well as a Jennyskin," he said.

Arwel smiled at the man's apparent nervousness "Thank you for letting me know. I'm sure Enid will find his way here, as for the Jennyskin let Olav know, I'm sure the two can find something to discuss."

The messenger nodded and left, Arwel turned to Tora "And now I am left to think of a task for the man, there haven't been any reports of dyret lately have there?"

She thought for a moment "Not that I know of, but it wouldn't be a bad idea to keep him around for the feast, we may end up entertaining some diplomats and added security would be welcome."

Arwel nodded, "Yes we'll find something for him I'm sure."

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Olav greeted the Jennyskin warmly as he arrived in the city "Ah its always good to see one of the kin," he said grinning broadly "Praise Brann the mists have been a bit thin lately, or I might have missed your arrival, what brings you to our fine city?"
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Dagrun sat back and listened with particular interest to the Ursan and Ronar councilors even in this meeting the races dislike of each other was apparent. Fortunately it seemed that the two were able to agree that while this matter should be looked into it did not demand action yet. The council could not do much with what they knew, so the proper course seemed to be that of gathering wisdom.

"If you wish to hear from an Ursan Lorebinder, then I will send for one to sail down from the homeland. However, it will be weeks before one can arrive."

"I would like to hear this lore as well."

"Does anyone else have either more information not yet shared or another matter needing to be discussed?"

"If this predates the war of the kings then our lore will likely be held by the Jennyskin," Dagrun answered, "But I will send word to look for what we can find regardless, as I have already promised." She could not think of any other matters to raise, but decided against suggesting the adjourn for the moment, as someone else might have something to add and the councilor for Al-Andalus had yet to speak it felt rude to consider adjourning when they had not weighed in.

 

[Arcanist]

"I'm Bran the Giant, and I've come ta' take yer proving."

The men manning the gate looked at each other, nodding and moving aside. One dressed in heavier armor than the rest strode over to the giant Jennyskin, his face obscured by a large helmet. "Is that so? Then I issue the same warning I do to all foreigners." He removed his sword from its sheathe, planting it in the ground at his feet. Keeping his gaze leveled on the horizon, he continued. "I am Arvanskr Shand, captain of Sundrr's Proven Legion and overseer of our Proving. I warn you now - we do not use the blunted weapons of other contests. One of five men die in our tests, and of those that survive, only five in one hundred pass."

Shand removed the sword from its rest in the ground, flourishing it with dizzying speed before putting it back in its sheathe. He then raised the visor on his helmet and stared straight at the giant Jennyskin before him, his eyes black and harsh - the gaze of a true veteran. "Do you find those odds acceptable, foreigner?"

 

[Rogue Trooper]

Councillor Khalid of the Kingdom of Andalus flanked be his bodyguards made is way towards the council chambers as quick as he could. He was late and for a Hariq of his background and reputation this was an uncommon occurrence. On any normal day he would usually be one of the first councillors to arrive at the weekly council meetings and he took pride in this fact. However due to an influx of paper work and reports from home, he had been kept busy and it was only due to the reminder of his Rashidun bodyguards that he remembered about this morning?s council meeting. So after a rather hastily collection of his council papers and changing into his usual robes, he had quickly left his room.

After a rather quick walk he arrived at the entrance to the council chambers. Taking this brief moment he fixed himself; making sure that his robes were neat, presentable and that his dagger was well hiding. The city of Ember had gained quiet a reputation for assassinations and Khalid always made sure that he was armed at any time; not that he needed it.

His Cohort of Rashidun bodyguards were well trained and armed, which made them more than capable of dealing with any would-be assassin. Also taking in the fact that two of them followed him at any time, he was well protected from any threats.

Finished with his thought Khalid nodded to the guards and they opened the doors. He quickly stepped through and made his way towards his usual seat his bodyguards several paces behind him.

?I apologise for my lateness my fellow council members, work has been quite?busy as of late and it has taking up most of my time. Once again I apologise and I would like an update of what the council has discussed so far, if that would not be any trouble??

He then sat down placing his papers in front of him, ready for the response of the council.

 

[Redryhno]

Sitri nodded, packed up the writing utensils, and snatched what would have been a contract from the Kathin ambassador. Shaking her head as she made for the boat that would take them back to shore, she turned back around,"Your nation would be well advised to not trust those that look with disdain upon those not of their race, Ambassador. We have no ire for your kind, but continue to trust them and we may have no choice but to bar entrance to our part of the ocean to you, though we much wish to not have it come to that."

As they rowed back to the docks, the three Nameless sat in silence, contemplating this turn of events.

After consulting with her superiors within the volcano, Sitri returned to work and began writing out a new contract, one that would have no foreign client, this was for the good of Sanz and only for the good of Sanz. It began with a simple name and no description of his assignment, as none was needed. Boruta...
[hr]

The Nameless Boruta sat in a tavern within the city of Arndern in the Ronar Confederacy, watching as a, very young, man continued to boast over his raids against the Rexians, none of which the Satanzan believed to be true, the child wasn't even wearing that dagger he wore so proudly at his hip in the right position for easy drawing and a possible neck slice if the target wasn't paying attention. The damn thing was strapped to his back of all places. Were he actually working, he would not hesitate to quickly find a place to dump his body and take care of him after he was deep into his cups in the night.

But he was not working, not anymore at least. A merchant near the Kathin quarter had apparently charged too much to the wrong Kathin, one that apparently also had enough to contract his services. No, Boruta had killed enough people in this city, the man probably wouldn't even be found for months, sealed as he was in a barrel of his own oil and loaded into a ship destined for Keris. His shop would surely be cleared out by sundown tomorrow too, seeing as he'd spread the word that the man's wares were very badly guarded to some of the poorer districts. They'd either blame him, a Satanzan that looked like every other one they'd ever seen, or say nothing. Either way suited his purposes. No, for now, he'd simply watch this young fool until he drank himself stupid, and then he'd decide what to do with him.
[hr]

"But let me be clear - should this be an act of aggression in any way, the Valley stands ready to resist it. Do not make the mistake of confusing our caution for weakness."

The Nameless Queen had sat quiet up until this point, pondering the implications that could be made - would be made - were she to reveal anything related to the First. The Satanzan people were the First's protectors just as he was theirs, the Puig had their false god-king, they had their own true creator. Secrets were one of their main commodities, and these counselors let slip many. The Demon of the Snow would eventually be either destroyed or held at bay, but for now He continued sending his agents across the land, and these...shadow demons...did sound like something He might use.

"There is little enough that can be done concerning these demons, perhaps they are simply kin to my people,"She said, twirling her hair around a finger,"There were many of your people that leveled the same accusations at myself and the Nameless when we first began to spread out into the world, but I'm sure some of you know how...warm and eager to please a people we are. We have our own stories about a "time of darkness","She smiled and huffed through her nose,"But that's what they all are, of course, stories to scare and entertain, little else."

She freed her finger from the confines of her hair,"Then again,"She began, leaning over the table and crossing her arms,"You may simply be told they are seeing things, it's not as if this would be the first time any of you has been told of demons and monsters in the night, strong drink or a hard day's work does quite disturbing things to the mind. Not everyone was born to silk and riches as many of us were, so we cannot all empathize with these...fears, some of the lower classes contend with."

"I apologise for my lateness my fellow council members, work has been quite...busy as of late and it has taking up most of my time. Once again I apologise and I would like an update of what the council has discussed so far, if that would not be any trouble?"

"Oh, don't be worried, my primate acquaintance,"She said,"You missed nothing that would concern you I am sure,"She looked at him out of the corner of her eye, her dislike of the man and his people hinted at, but never fully shown except through words,"And even if you did, I am quite sure you have some kind of light-foot in here along with your bodyguards. However, I would call it quite rude that you allow your own in here while I have my own waiting outside, afraid for your life in the free city, where the more aggressive Nameless are forbidden by my decree to improve upon their craft? Or do you hope they will serve as your enforcers should we discuss things that you wish to be kept out of our sight?"

 

[Not G. Ivingname]

Councilor Clow turned to look at the Nameless Queen. This looks like a situation where it would be hard to avoid taking a side that would not annoy on side or the other. Say nothing, the ambassador of Andalus would most likely notice, while correcting the Queen WILL be taken as an insult. However, telling the Khalid would at least get show some trust for the person, while saying nothing will not likely get many favors from the Queen.

Also, the Kathins still seek the riches of the desert, and does not want a trade war.

"We were discussing some omens the representative of the Anzi brought to our attention," Councilor Clow said directly to Khalid, making eye contact, "It seems to be the indication of horrible times to come, meeting the description of some long ago age of darkness, and suggesting it may come again. The rest of us have shared all the information we have on this potential threat we have at the moment. Do you have any information regarding this?"

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

A Kathin merchant ship pulled into the port. However, the crew have been well compensated for one duty and one duty alone.

The Kathin's didn't go to the markets, any normal businesses, or anywhere would expect. They went into the ship yards of the port.

"Good tidings sirs," Merchant Yil said with a smile, "The Republic of Torin has a business proposal for the fine craftsmanship of the Cat Empire...."

 

[Rogue Trooper]

Khalid merely chuckled at the Ajanibs Queens comments and leaned back into his chair scratching his white stubbled chin. The comments were an obvious if not poorly said attempt at provoking him into verbal argument with her. If Khalid was a weaker individual he would have easily falling for this trap and then the reputation of Al-Andalus would suffer quite a heavy blow among the other nations. Khalid wanted to build relations not destroy them and the Ajanib?s childish comments were little more than poor attempts at igniting conflict between them both. Khalid would not fall for such traps as easily as the Nameless Queen may want, however it doesn?t mean that Khalid could not have some fun with her while the opportunity is available.

?You seem so intent on sowing conflict between our people Ajanib? he spoke gazing over at the queen ?Your dishonourable tactics bring shame to what is supposed to be neutral territory, where all nations can meet to discuss matters in peace. But despite knowing this you use these ancient halls as your arena to throw somewhat; childish remarks at me in the attempt that I would feel insulted by them?.

Khalid then leaned forward putting his hands on the table and looking directly at the queen smiling

?O and please my dear. Do not be freighted by my Rashidun guards. They are honourable men and will not spill blood on neutral ground unlike your Abds (Slaves)?or Nameless as you call them. I am fully aware of the rule against armed guards in the council chambers however, but a Hariq of my age requires some extra help from the young to do his duties. Isn?t that right my boys?

The two Rashidun guards standing behind Khalid nodded in response to his question and Khalid done with ?entertaining? the queen turned his attention to the Torin chancellor.

"We were discussing some omens the representative of the Anzi brought to our attention, It seems to be the indication of horrible times to come, meeting the description of some long ago age of darkness, and suggesting it may come again.

Khalid?s smile quickly turned into a frown and he leaned back into his chair ?So other nations are suffering the same dark signs as us then. The land of Andalus has always felt the after effects of the last Dark Age; the red waste is a good example. There are also the Naga clans which inhabit the lands around the black mountains; they have always been a problem, but recently their attacks have become more frequent, and the monks of Intransigente have reported sightings of beasts and monsters that have apparently been dead for hundreds of years. The king was beginning to become worried about these increase in sightings, however to hear that other nations are dealing with the same dark sightings as us is not encouraging?.

 

[Redryhno]

The Queen smiled in response to the aged primate, her intent had never been to provoke an argument, only to see what his reaction and excuse would be for the guards. Now that she had pried that out of him, and he'd vocally called her out of her "childish" actions, everything was going the way it had played itself out in her mind.

"My dear primate,"She tutted,waving one finger back and forth in a chastising manner,"I simply stated what I see, it was you who took it as insult, how am I to know that one who is so...frail and venerable in the eyes of his people was allowed to keep a position as taxing as the one we all hold?"She leaned back in her chair, folding one leg over the other,"And please do not refer to me as a slave ever again. I picked up a few phrases during my time in your capital, none of which were all that pleasant to hear, so speak the Council Tongue if you feel the need to insult my people and my culture ever again. I may have forbidden the Nameless from practicing some of the more aggressive trades in the City of Ember,but I hear that there are countless people who would, forgive my phrasing - I mean no insult or disrespect - shall we say...kill? For a chance to see the great Island?"

"Tch-tch-tch,"She finished, before turning to the rest of the Council,"But what use is speaking of this cryptic "Dark Age", when we have much more pressing, not to mention Present matters to attend to. Surely this is something that can be discussed at length outside of this meeting, and we can bring our findings and lore to the next meeting we have? Shall we say...one month? That should be plenty of time for us to send our messengers, arrange passage for our most distinguished scholars, and compile what we know, so as to better combat this possible darkness. Are we all in agreement?"

 

[Ruedyn]

Wynne just kept her head down during... whatever the hell this was. Being jerks to each other seemed pretty counterproductive to her. Perhaps she was still too much an idealist... she shrugged and leaned back in her seat further. The flaming woman was tutting with the best of them, something that reminded Wynne of her mom.

"But what use is speaking of this cryptic "Dark Age", when we have much more pressing, not to mention Present matters to attend to. Surely this is something that can be discussed at length outside of this meeting, and we can bring our findings and lore to the next meeting we have? Shall we say...one month? That should be plenty of time for us to send our messengers, arrange passage for our most distinguished scholars, and compile what we know, so as to better combat this possible darkness. Are we all in agreement?"

"I can agree with that. Though, if you people don't mind, it'll only take the Kolomen a week to find all our materials. Probably less though..." she smirked, and sat forward again. "Although, the Kolomen have been experiencing a small... epidemic. A plague is spreading through out Vien, and it's moving towards Catalan. That's why my father, Gorris, couldn't be here. If anyone thinks they could study it, we'd be, well, appreciative I suppose." She flashed her weak smile again, and shrunk back into her chair. She really didn't have much to trade, except knowledge. And she'd already promised their help.