Igama

"... If you go in my place to speak then you will be granted an audience with the Dynast of the Meiya and should you give us definite word, you shall have the gratitude of all the Chilai. A very lucretive gratitude, whether you be mercenary, merchant or even humble tradesman."

The merchant raised an eyebrow, looking up from his drink. Chilai? Where's Chilai? He wracked his memory, trying to place the name. South, right? No, west from here... Far away, across borders. He slowly began to smile.

He slowly began to make his way towards the group, listening in to what they had to say and waiting for an opportunity to offer his services.

Artum

The merchant gave Conímoc a thoughtful look. "Well, you're correct, Daelia is a retainer of mine." He said, inclining his head across the bar at the armored woman. "However, I may have need of more. I'm a merchant by trade, and I am planning on selling a shipment of western liquors and some other things in Chilai. They pay through the nose down there, if you can survive the roads there in one piece." He scratched his stubble pensively as the bartender clinked a mug of Neipao on the bar without waiting for his order, and took his coins. Artum shrugged and took a long swig from it.

"So yes, another weapon would be welcome. The countryside down there is thick with outlaws, and its lethal for most unprepared outsiders. And besides," He rolled his eyes. "Daelia isn't exactly the best source of conversation around. Woman's tough as iron, but just as cold. So I would be willing to hire another pair of hands, or two perhaps if you both are looking...?" He raised his eyebrows and sipped his neipao.

Daelia

Daelia gave up on any pretense of subtlety at the Chilai woman's offer. Her head snapped towards the group in earnest attention, her braid swinging behind her. Her assessment was quick and decisive. Lucrative offer, moderate risk. Artum would want in too, serious trade rights could be earned here. Byis tylas dy Pyris this was a hell of an opportunity.

She quickly butted in to their conversation, regardless of not originally being a part, uncaring of politeness. "I, for one, am willing." She brazenly cut in before any others could answer. "I am at your service, and I can imagine my employer will be as well, given the reward." She tossed her head towards Artum at the other end of the bar, talking heatedly with a pair of men and drinking.

She realized this might have been a mistake. She could obviously look after herself, but Artum didn't look as dangerous as he was, drinking heavily in his still-dripping clothes. At least hers were no longer splashing all over the floor.

Your legacy shall drift away, blown into eternity, like the sands of the desert.

"I will swear my ax to you," Zedeeru said to the merchant quickly, "if you require my services."

With luck, he might be able to eat something hot tonight.

Conímoc laughed, "I am a scholar by trade, versed enough in Meiyan law to make my arguments when I must, or poetry where I find ears hospitable to foreign song. I have my own companion who lives by the blade but depending where you are going, it might be to our mutual benefit to follow by eachother's sides."

edited 2nd Dec '12 4:39:51 PM by Fauxlosophe

Mé féin ag daṁsa faoin ngealaċ seanrince gan ċeol leis ach ceol cuisle. DS FC: 4141-3472-4041, feel free to add me.

Artum

Artum eyed Corímoc, nodding slowly. "Well we were planning on traveling with a caravan, but they are somewhat expensive to join, and they while normally they're safer, in Chilai country they just attract more bandits." He mulled thoughtfully. "Might be best to just travel with a small group, less than ten, maybe two wagons at most." He nodded to himself, then smiled broadly. "In any case, you are welcome to travel with us no matter the situation. We could always use another weapon and more conversation."

At least your conversation will likely be more engaging than Daelia's, he thought.

He then turned to the Kergen, looking him over studiously, still smiling. "Hmmm, strapped for employment are we?" He winked. "You've got some shoulders on you, I'll admit that. Axe you say? Hmmmmm?" He ran a hand through his hair, brushing his curls. "What's your experience then? You're Kergen right? Militia?" He cocked his head curiously. "I know the Fén raid those areas pretty regularly." he tipped his head at Conímoc with a small smile.

Your legacy shall drift away, blown into eternity, like the sands of the desert.

"I am Zedeeru the Woodcutter, son of Belkatar the Woodcutter of the Kergen," Zedeeru told the merchant. He would have to do his best to sell himself and get hired - this man looked well-off, and was willing to give him work. He was also offering work to the other man at the counter, and he seemed like someone that would be a good traveling companion - or at least the source of another round of drinks.

"I am no Gedur, but I have defended my village many times with the Gedakur. I know not who we have fought, only that they were Tzergen and wished to take what was ours. When I am in your employ, those who stand in your path like a tree shall be felled."

"For that you should speak to my friend rather than I," Conímoc replied after another draught, "I am a son of Génibhír. We are learnt in your philosophies and I assure you, we have perfected them in our own. Good Donil though, knows well the waves and temper of old Génibh herself and marks well the shore from Tháthobhís to Génilórélán."

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"So basically, you desire us to go to the Capital, inquire as to his situation and ensure his return to you in case we find something to be amiss, Madam?" Enumerates Masuyo as she looks up at the noblewoman.

"That seems like a current I can certainly follow"

If I'm sure of something it's that I'm not sure of anything.

Horatelemos listened to the Chilai woman's plight with some interest, for if not for the fact hse offered an oppurtunity for him. As far as he knew, Chilai was west of here, and he could leave this forsaken cess pool for good.

He quandried though, was it wise to accept this offer? If the Chilaian's son had really been disposed by his rivals, was it wise to go after them? Horatelemos scratched at his short cut beard and downed the rest of his beverage quickly, he needed to make a decision before the oppurtunity passed him by.

Several other foreigners that he hadn't noticed had already volunteered in his absence. Some sell-swords, others traders - all willing to help. Horatelemos frowned, it had been a while since he had travelled outside of the city, surely this was better than wasting away in some bar.

"I also pledge myself to your cause. Whatever service I can offer, be it sword or script, it is yours."

Horatelemos turned to the Zetali that he conversed with earlier. He lowered his voice as not to make him the subject of the other's attentions.

"And what of you, my friend, would you care to escape this place?"

"Those who stand for nothing will fall for anything."

The woman, Faiyinir, had Jesa at 'Eight Generals of the Chilai' and he listed with rapt attention. When she finished and Horatelemos put a question to him he answered promptly.

"Nothing would make me happier." Jesa replied. "In fact," he added, turning to the Chilai woman, "I am Jesa from Zewan-Tal. I am a journeying soldier traveling across the continent to earn my rank."

He pointed to a line of beads in his hair, one yellow with green markings and another a dark red with a blue dot on four sides.

"I would be happy to provide a service to a mother seeking the whereabouts of her son."

"What a century this week has been." - Seung Min Kim

"That is good, then," She looked towards the Fayn amongst them, "And you?"

"I shall confere on the matter but it is not my decision," Donil replied, " should I follow, there will be more than you have invited. Should I stay, then I will not speak of it except to those who I must speak with."

"It is as well then," Faiyinr nodded, "How many come is not a matter to me though might make your return safer should matters become extended and you choose to travel between Shenlin and Chilai. A thousand might come, provided that he who is speaking is one who knows well our words and their measure."

Faiyinr turned to the others who had given more definite word,

"I must confess that I have my fears sending foreignners to speak on my behalf with such little introduction but I suspect that is their intent and time is of the essence. Better to find honest men here than to rely upon merchants who are much practiced with broken scales," Faiyinr put down a single bamboo scroll, with Meiyan writing on it, "Written on here is my signed permission to speak for the Chilai in matters of the state, know with these the weight your words will bear."

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Sennal-Tal, Zewan-Tal

While storms raged in the southeast, nature was relatively calm in Sennal-Tal, the capital of the Kingdom of Zewan-Tal. Though some fleeting daylight still kept the sky directly above blue, the sun was nonexistent for the Zetali of Sennal-Tal, having disappeared on the other side of the mountain some time ago. The chill air was countered by the cities semi-protected layout, partly carved out of the mountain and breaking the winds, by the plentiful fires merrily flickering about the streets and in buildings, and the mass of bodies that continued going about the capital.

The lack of daylight had not stopped the hustle and bustle of of the capital. While outdoor work had largely ceased, the few precious hours of relaxation in the evening created an active nightlife in the city. Inns with doors wide open brought in crowds of travelers staying for the night and locals coming for the alcohol. Vendors hawked food and trinkets, foreign merchants displaying wonders from the rest of the continent. The common people gathered about the city center, watching the magnificent song and dance routines being performed before the great bonfire.

Far from the enjoyable evening atmosphere, in the oldest part of the city, a large squat building, which seemed to have been built and rebuilt several times, with successive wings built or carved into it, stood quiet. At least, on the outside it was quiet.

King Izacar recalled the story his mother had told him about how a critical disagreement between his grandfathers that stood in the way of union between the people had been resolved during a quiet dinner between the two men. Looking at his house guests, Isacar wondered if it was possible to recreate that success.

The strictly informal meeting between himself and the two nobles who ruled the two most eastern provinces in the kingdom was not going as he hoped. The perpetually twitchy Lord Vihavu said little and ate less despite the reasonably large for three people display of food before him. On the other hand, Lady Aejang was only not talking when she was eating. Just where the girl, at 22 the youngest of the provincial lords, was putting it all, Izacar had no idea.

"It's the same everywhere!" Lady Aejang said after washing down a burnt steak. "They think they own the damn forest despite repeated agreements to respect out territorial claims. Everyday I have to listen to commoners saying Viha are harassing them or stealing their animals or something or another."

"I had a delegate from the Viha last week saying you have been allowing encroaching on the lands allotted to them." Izacar said.

"Can you really blame people for moving into unused land, my lord? Unused kingdom land!" Aejang exclaimed. "The people who wish to come to the frontier are as numberless as the trees themselves. Why should they have to put up with roaming barbarians?"

Izacar took a sip of wine. "You'll recall, Ryu, that our fathers' fathers were no different. We come from a long line of roaming barbarians." His eyes flicked towards Lord Vihavu. Unlike the other two present at this meal, he did not have any Tal blood as far as Izacar knew.

"And yet we didn't stay barbarians." Aejang retorted. "Our forefathers abandon that endless wandering when their married our grandmothers and together they became a better civilization. So why in the world can't they? There's nowhere near as many Viha in Zewan-Tal as there were Tal in Old Zewan, and we managed the merging just fine."

Izacar was silent. Aejang took this as a sign to continue.

"Your Majesty, the tribute we get is nowhere near what the nation would reap if proper Zetali were able to make something of that land. What good reason is there for not making the nomads stay on the other side of the river?"

"And this is your roundabout way of asking for more soldiers, is it?"

Lady Aejang joined Lord Vihavu in silence.

"Give me some time to think. I'll talk with you both again when Lord Caemivu arrives in the morning."

edited 31st Dec '12 11:32:17 AM by Parable

"What a century this week has been." - Seung Min Kim

Shenlin

"Tomorrow, before sun set, around the 75th Shakue*, shall we meet again here?. They should be willing to discuss things immediately. There is no rush of course, but I am eager to find what I can," Faiyinr said looking over them, "I must be on my way however, as I am expected to provide my own account to my own sponsors. We shall speak again then. Even if something comes up and you cannot not visit the Dynast, return here and give me word of how many will come. If you still have questions, then would be the time to discuss with me."

Afterwards she walked towards the door.

Donil nodded, "I shall leave the decision in your hands, whether you come, but I shall speak with my employer. If you decide to come meet outside of here at dawn. For the pass, I do not care who keeps it. I doubt it has value for sale and little can be done except what was intended for it. Thievery earns no further gratitude."

With that he headed over to Coneam, the Toryl and the Lumberjack...

• 6 PM

Viha Territory

"Zetahazjith vfoizjovifh iigw wruidhsjith," A young Viha warrior hissed at the assembled council.

"Zjurziizjivifh sjiigith," The eldest spake slowly and calmly, looking him up and down, with a regard of measured familiarity.

"Shei'uifu?" The younger spat, "I tell you they come by sword. They have no love for us. They have done all but call us foes to our face and turn the torch to all the Vfiihagzeigith."

Whispers rose amongst the council that spoke of the wisdom of youth which may recall problems and solutions forgotten by age and fear.

"And what shall be gained by war then?" The elder replied once more, her smile almost bemused, at as if hearing of a game once played in youth, "Whose arms shall we borrow?

"The Yuihath," the youth replied, "They know our people and aid us. They speak well and know our value both as speakers and soldiers."

"The Meiyans are known as Ghiihath just as readily by our people," The elder replied, "Righly so for their Golden Emperor was little more than a bandit. Further they sold our lands to the Zetaha in the guise of peace. They are a thieving people who stole Iron from the Maidens and keep it still. Are we to ask of them to march to war when in the past they sold us cheaply?"

"What more can they sell?" The younger looked upon the whole council of women with a distrusting glare, he felt weak, stupid and reckless but he spoke what needed to be spoke, "Have you forgotten the strength of Viha arms? The Five Maidens whisper to us from the Trees, the Earth itself loves the Viha people as her favourite children and we alone keep her memory true. In our lands we cannot be harmed."

"Our lands shrink and grow with leaves of the forest, Reckless one," Another spoke up, "As the tides of the water, it shifts. And the lands stolen by the Zetaha are no longer our own."

"And the Meiyans may still do a great deal to harm us," The third spoke, "Were they leave us and take what gains they could in war before it had concluded. Their happiness may be bought cheaply, while they might still mitigate their suffering with our own."

"Yet," A fourth spoke up, "The young one has wisdom. Has there been a more just calling to blade? Perhaps the Maidens themselves fall weeping against wall and armour and the forest lands shall all meet flame but then are the Vfiiha prepared to live in such a world?"

"It would be a foolish end," The eldest spoke again, for a second nearly loosing her stoic composure before returning to the calm monotone, "The forest endures. The trees here heard my mother's mother's words for so many hundred years as clearly as I hear them now. My daughter's daughter shall here these words just as clearly. I shall pass soon. I know this. My dread is that should I pass, the Vfiiha will hear the trees no longer. They will rush forward believing they are alone. That the Maidens are weak and strange thoughts for a time long past. Or worse that they are abandoned, even as the Maiden whisper still, pleading for one amongst us to hear a word the speak. It is then that the Vfiiha will pass."

"All who know the Viha name fear us in our lands and outside of them," Another elder, scarred by battle looked over the room, broke her long silence, "They are organized perhaps. More in number. Armour protects them. But these are causes for laziness. No Vfiiha shall fall to that and that is why we are feared. Let us go. Let us have what is ours."

"It is folly," The eldest spoke one last time, "Spoken by a man too young to know war and a woman with wounds so deep that they blind her to the memories that mark her still. I shall hear no more of this."

"Other tribes shall. The Vfiiha do not heed your word alone," The young warrior spoke, "When that time comes, I shall march with them and the Zetaha shall remember the taste of fear and blood."

edited 8th Dec '12 7:13:19 PM by Fauxlosophe

Mé féin ag daṁsa faoin ngealaċ seanrince gan ċeol leis ach ceol cuisle. DS FC: 4141-3472-4041, feel free to add me.

Jesa reached over and took the scroll after the cranky older man had left. Looking it over, he scanned the deft and neat writing of a woman, the Meiyan symbols only barely more understandable to him then her singing. As no one else was claiming possession of it, Jesa put the scroll into his bag.

"Well, aren't we a regular Five of Derek Troy." he said with some amusement. Looking to his new companions; Horatelemos, Masuyo and the standing Toryl woman, he raised his half empty mug.

"Here's to a successful mission. I only wish we had a better appearance to us. A group of roaming foreigners with swords is probably going to arouse suspicion."

edited 12th Dec '12 12:08:19 PM by Parable

"What a century this week has been." - Seung Min Kim

"Well this way is more entertaining. Will make a better tale on the road than if my companions were merely five completely average Meiyan gentlemen" says Masuyo as she calls over the owner of the establishment to refill her drink.

If I'm sure of something it's that I'm not sure of anything.

Igama

"I only wish we had a better appearance to us. A group of roaming foreigners with swords is probably going to arouse suspicion."

The merchant would speak up from where he waited, stepping over to the small crowd. "Then perhaps a disguise would be more in order, eara*

?" He adjusted his luxurious furs, extending a hand towards the man who had spoken, a thin smile on his face. "We both have things we need here. You need a disguise for your true intentions, and I need help getting there. I am a merchant of the Kuguin clan, Igama." He had no reason to display his clan's crest, for none of these here would know what it meant.

"I happen to possess several wagons for the transport of goods... However, two of them are empty, now, and I have no more guards or crew." He would let them draw their own conclusions on that one - Let them think he was robbed. "I can still turn quite a profit if I make for the west, but there's no way I could travel alone and expect to make it. So I offer you this: I'll give you the cover you need and take the weight off your feet, and in doing so you help me reach Chilai."

"Guess you're right." Jesa laughed softly at the Eralih woman's words. "You know, I don't think I got your name."

Just then an older man made his presence known to the group sitting around. Merrily explaining his idea for them going under the guise of hired swords, Igama ended with a summary of his idea for a deal between them.

"That sounds like plan - Igama, was it?" Jesa said with some excitement. This really was begining to sound like the Five's story. "You'll accompany us to see the dynast as well?"

"What a century this week has been." - Seung Min Kim

Donil turned and it was not long before he caught a glimpse of Conímoc. He spoke again in his tongue,

"Coním, bhé bhé moca del ra alon na di me Chilí elin."

"On ít...?"

"Med ét gír me dé bhe médha chúdín me lo."

"...us?" Coneam looked at the Kergan and Toryl near him, "Ech bhé ghír é' lé dhír me'dhí de'lo me're?" His Genibhír accent struck him suddenly from excitement.

"Té lú cíder néthula cu ít," Donil shrugged, "Don't be so quick with words."

"You are slow with them," Coneam smirked, "Much more stands to be gained than lost."

"Dí ba déla," Donil replied sternly

"You'd be lucky to get three copper farthings at market here," Coneam shrugged, "What do you say then, Sedíruh and my brother from the west? We are called to the dynast by a mysterious stranger shall we follow?"

"There is much time still," Donil said, "We are to meet in the morning. We are asked to speak on behalf of a Chilai woman and her son who departed suddenly for Shenlin. This is more likely to see us banished from Shenlin than rewarded if followed through upon."

Dúsamos, Eralih

Sahri sat, upon his shoulders he bore great weight. The Erakali's silence weighed heavily upon him but he had negociated a small homestead amongst the plateaus. Many Dussarit followed and came there, so it was known as Dúsamos or River Mountain in a strange blend of the two tongues. Their service was bound to the Erakali and he looked over their lands. What he amounted to now was a Ahrahlih Ahkghatsahn. He now spoke the tongue well, though with some affectations of an accent. There was no true Ahkgh'ahln to temper his rule which made him feel uneasy, some rose to the occaision and found themselves serving the position but internal tension and conflict prevented anyone from truly filling the role. In truth, none wished to be mothered by this town. They sought, from the old and dying to the young and fragile, to head the call of Eralih trumpets call them south.

Would it be what they wanted? Or would it be replacing one master with another? They were tired, angry and dispossessed. Sahri knew the alternatives were few but he feared now the hope was no longer for Dussarit freedom but for a favourable nation to take them as a province. Worse, still he feared his choice was not the correct one.

Igarbre, Kergen

Little more than half a moon had passed when over the horizon, the white sails of Pélúdín's ships rose over the horizon. They rose high flags to signal their arrival early and came with early morning light that they might cast their shadow upon the town. Still this granted little time.

Caemivu, Zewan-Tal

Shiidheegyi looked upon the border village and their wooden fort,

"Xhuiya!" She shouted in her native Viha, not knowing a clearer translation in Zetali of a term intended to grab attention.

She paused outside. This time speaking with Zetali to show she was no threat,

"Hello? I come in peace. I bring word from the forest peoples."

Wunizma Lands

A raindeer rider came forward. The snow was still light but the winds made it blinding.

Though it was only early yet in the dark season, the cold still cut like a dagger; through the finest furs, through skin, through bone. It cut to the heart. One would bleed perhaps from such a cut in fairer climes but the ice froze it first.

The man thought for a moment.

There was a word for this weather in his native tongue.

It would translate as something akin to "Fucking miserable".

Still, he though he was young, he was chosen for this mission.

He spoke as slowly and properly as he could. Blindly towards the dark shadow who had heard his summons.

"I speak to the Wunizma clan. We are your brothers from the North and West. Closer to you than the children of Mount Sarem who forget our past and live as children of the south which knows not true light or darkness and denies both. You are closer to us than they and know still our ways. For this we call you."

"Many riders look southwards with envy filled eyes to claim what our brothers betray us to claim. Join us and win freedom. Tell your chieftan that he will be the hunter once more. A great wolf of the north, known and feared. No longer a lapdog of the southern traitors. Hold my words close, brother, that they might be taken in full and not loose themselves to time."

Near Idiron, Huon Territory

A sharp ear might have heard a branch snap, here and there but it held semblance to the sound of rodents foraging for their winter food and nothing more to all but the most paranoid mind. However, it was seconds later, that the cries and shouts of the Ietsahru. Sharpened spears struck out against the unexpecting workers in the field. The raiders moved quickly, signalling to eachother as they divided up what could be taken. Captives, personal food supplies and small goods, were taken when possible.

Signal came soon for the militia but the Ietsahru had already fled. To pursue them through the badlands which they dwelled was impossible. The fortunate captives, usually the younger might be sold in the places that would take them, others kept to serve in the harsh wastes which the Iestahru called home. The less forunate, usually those peasants who had put up the noblest fight and now followed wounded, would be sacrifices.

Being led away, the clatter and cheers of their triumphant foes made deeper the wounds of their great loss. What remained for them was fear and perhaps death, in the harsh vallies of the Iestahru lands.

edited 1st Feb '13 2:03:00 PM by Fauxlosophe

Mé féin ag daṁsa faoin ngealaċ seanrince gan ċeol leis ach ceol cuisle. DS FC: 4141-3472-4041, feel free to add me.

Igarbre, Kergen As had been agreed upon, the patrol in the north lit a signal fire the moment Payloudin the Red's ship came into view. What hadn't been agreed upon was the fortifications that had been made to the village, or the Gedakur, Gedur, and anyone else who could hold a shield and an ax or hammer being ready to fight. Shenlin, Meiya "I know that this man here requires my services," said the woodcutter. "Does your mysterious stranger pay as well as he? Or do they only offer tales? What business would your Dynast have with a random assortment of strangers in a tavern? I may not be familiar with all of your customs, but I am no fool."

edited 16th Dec '12 7:57:20 PM by nman

Outside Denipal, Caemivu Province, Zewan-Tal

"Xhuiya!"

The call from outside the fort grabbed the attention of one of the sentries on the parapets, Gonar of Daijavu.

"Sadat!" he shouted. "Halt!"

"Hello? I come in peace. I bring word from the forest peoples."

While others brought up their bows and readied arrows, Gonar peered into the darkness. He could make out the woman in the forest of the night but little more than her figure. She stood alone as far as the soldier could tell. That didn't mean there was not a Viha warrior lurking somewhere in the shadows.

"Ema la?" asked another sentry who came up beside Gonar.

"Damonon. Sanra sha tanra gel parsen."

"Sha treaech?"

"Rala jesa, raz ital. Da wenvusir yuon." Gonar snapped. Back to the woman he shouted, "Are you alone?" then back to his comrade he murmured, "Get the captain."

edited 16th Dec '12 5:21:46 PM by Parable

"What a century this week has been." - Seung Min Kim

"It is a Chilai woman of some importance who they are barring from the Dynast's house. She does not trust Meiyan or Chilai to speak for her," Donil shrugged, "There is no payment but if you do not see the potential gains from a such a meeting, I will not both explain it Bhóghan. You should understrand it well enough, if you do not have a head as fractured as your people. To those who are interested, we are to meet here tomorrow at sun rise. Allow half a Shakue* if the others are late."

With that he shrugged and made his way to the door. Coním followed but threw a few coins on the table, "It is only a few a hours taken and much might be gained. Keep it in mind anyway."

The coins together were enough to buy a night at an inn of relatively decent quality.

{{*}} An hour and twenty minutes approximately.

Igarbre, Kergen

The sails on all but one ship raised.

It was not long after, it was docked.

Twenty men came to shore, most murmuring in Fayn tongue.

Pélúdín stood at the fore and looked upon the crowd, "Who do I address?"

Outside Denipal, Caemivu Province, Zewan-Tal

"I do," She looked up, "Dhirziivezjivifh Vfihiith?"

She said eagerly trying to seek the eyes of the one who replied.

Mé féin ag daṁsa faoin ngealaċ seanrince gan ċeol leis ach ceol cuisle. DS FC: 4141-3472-4041, feel free to add me.

Igarbre, Kergen "You shall address your deaths," shouted one of the Kergens as they attacked the group. The artistic use of words was quite rare in smaller villages, and as such that was the most clever thing the Fen would hear mixed in with the curses and orders.

---

Shenlin, Meiya "Very well," the woodcutter said after the commotion was over. He had been quick to grab the coins, as it meant he could possibly buy a few meals with them. With that, he turned again to the merchant as he hoped to hear more about his job offer - it would be good to have a backup plan in case this matter with the Dynast turned out to be a farce, which he suspected it would. Still, he was thankful for the coins, and would at least humor the man by meeting him and this Chilai woman tomorrow.

Igama

"You'll accompany us to see the dynast as well?"

"I suppose I shall," he says, modestly, "though I don't know if they would accept a man such as I." Truth be told, he had half a mind to ditch them all as soon as possible - Something seemed off about all of this. But at the same time, he couldn't help but smell money on the horizon in all of this... Money and glory, the only things a Tongi-in son could need*

. "How many are we bringing in total? And will any of you have supplies to contribute? The road is no place for the hungry, after all."

Wunizma Lands

For a moment, the shapes in the snow were silent. There were more than one of them, scattered in a semicircle. Finally, a muffled voice spoke, its accent heavy... And not at all that of the Wunizan. "You presume much about your own strength, barbarian. Perhaps you also presumed us fools."

The shape approaches, resolving into another reindeer-riding man, but this one armored in red-black lamellar scales lined with fur, with a helmet formed in the shape of a bird's skull. Such modern, advanced gear meant he was in quite a position of importance. A spear was held loosely in his hand, point down. "I am Mulati of the Ixhain clan, son of the mountain, and keeper of the peace in this land. I speak for the Wunizan."

The other shapes gradually resolved themselves - Wunizan tribesmen, dressed in thick leather and furs, their hoods pulled low and faces covered. Each one held a spear, but seemed fairly calm, not looking for a fight. After all, this man was their brother. A few cast nervous glances at the officer, however.

Oddly enough, there was a second reindeer rider, closely following the Saremitasian officer - However, its rider was clearly no soldier, but instead a woman who looked as old as the hills, her wrinkled face scarred and darkened by ancient injuries and cold, so that she looked a far cry from the usually pale Wunizan. She carried no arms or armor, simply keeping her arms inside of her thick coat.

edited 18th Dec '12 10:38:40 AM by Hydrall

Igarbre, Kergen

"Blood beneath a treaty pyre? No Wordsmith dreamt a darker satire on your people," Pélúdín signaled back those he could to the ship and drew his sword. Only a handful remained with him, but they were well armed. They held though, bracing themselves as to force their enemy to strike first and against their shields.

"Óghan Ghéla! fractured in many, fractured in tongues, fractured in soul but you see with one hateful eye. You shall be split by word then body next. No blacker curse may there be on a people but that of an ill host. The world shall know you and the winds shall carry the words that mock you"

He slew a few peasants but was badly injured himself. Only one of his guards remained.

"Cédil keeps."

He looked to the setting moon and made his last charge.

Wunizma Lands

"You would do better to speak for Dogs," The young messenger replied, "Let a Wunizma speak. They would not forget us so or if you come with traitors and traitors alone, then strike me down or send me away. Word of war shall reach my people in either case."

Shenlin

It seemed the Toryl merchant had already left.

The night was late and so the crowd had already begun to retire to their respective guest houses. Coním won some employment as a poet from a kind old mother of a bureaucrat from the Northern Plains.

He sung for her in Fayn and made arguments in Meiyan. She was no student but if he was to guess, he reminded her of her son and so she doted on him. Donil was kind to her but kept more at a distance. Still, it was a fair place and amongst his kinder patrons.

They had already intended on leaving, so their word of departure came as little surprise and the evening went on as usual.

Shenlin, Meiya. Sunrise.

The Inn was relatively empty but Donil had a cup of water. Coním stayed behind to pack and say goodbyes, but Donil was assured he would come by shortly. Another game of Fourties seemed better than waiting in silence and doing nothing but he tired of the game and were Coním to collect his debts, Donil would owe him his whole wages and be forced to travel on this mad adventure without charge.

edited 18th Dec '12 11:47:28 AM by Fauxlosophe

Mé féin ag daṁsa faoin ngealaċ seanrince gan ċeol leis ach ceol cuisle. DS FC: 4141-3472-4041, feel free to add me.

Igarbre, Kergen "There is no respect to be expected by nor given to for those who try to take what is not the product of their own people," one of the more-lettered peasants called as the mass of bodies slashed, stabbed, chopped and shot at the Fen invaders.

Several of the older men in the group strung together whatever curses they could remember or create as they prepared for the charge, while one woman simply yelled "GRGRGRRGGRGRG" as she swung wildly with a hammer in a frenzied rage, her shield dropped in the conflict, darting towards the leader of the raiders.

---

Shenlin, Meiya Waking up underneath a stairway, Zedeeru checked himself to make sure his ax and coins had not been taken in the night, though considering how little he slept, and how light his slumber was, it was unlikely. Briefly stretching as he gazed into the sunrise, he went back to the tavern from the night before, though this time he waited outside on the street as he gnawed at the crusty remains of a piece of bread.