Prince Sarlus Stormcaller, though he rarely spoke of his titles or last name to anyone unless asked. He had traveled for a few weeks by boat and many more by land. Sarlus had stayed overnight at a local tavern, not wanting to arrive exhausted. His clothes were freshly washed and his swords sharpened for any situation.
He supposed it was time to attend this meeting, being late would be a possible insult to their hospitality, so he planned to arrive 20 minutes early. Leaving the tavern he began to head towards the great pillar. He enjoyed the breeze, he preferred it over some of the hotter and dryer areas he traveled through. He felt very distant and alone without the influence of his family or the sea though he wouldn't let this slow him down.
Sarlus arrived at the tower and with some aid from guardsmen found his way to the doors of the council chamber, knocking on the door and entering. Seeing a argument he waits for them to quieten down before doing anything, though he will bow if he catches their attention.
"After time adrift among open stars, along tides of light and through shoals of dust, I will return to where I began.""We've made it everypony!"
Dora D. Explora shouted out to no one in particular as she trotted down the great lane going through the city. A few queer glances went her way, but the cheery magenta pony didn't quite register them. Throughout this whole journey, everypony gave her that strange look, especially if they were human.
Trots, trailing behind her, said, "We're going to go on an adventure!"
"But wasn't our trip here enough of an adventure? We've walked for thousands upon thousands of miles! We're exhausted!" said Backpack.
"You're so silly, Backpack!" exclaimed Dora. "You don't even have any hooves. And besides, when you're doing something this exciting, there's no limit to how much we can endure. We're going to see the world! Not everypony gets a chance like this. Just look at how much we've learned on the way here. And look! We're in a city of giants! Come on everypony, say it with me: G-I-A-N-T-S. Now you try it out." There was a pause while Dora waited for a response from a non-existent audience. "Muy bien! Now, you're truly on the way to becoming a master surveyor like me! See, la gente de Wardu son muy grandes! Look, it's the great tower! Let's go everypony! We're going to meet the prince and princesses of this kingdom!"
Behind her, Trots got up on his hind legs and motioned forward, "Come on everypony, let's go!"
The three of them stepped up to the main entrance, where they met with a couple of giant guards who led them to the meeting room.
Using her magic to aid her, Dora opened the door and announced her presence, "Hola everypony! Cómo estás? Yo soy Dora D. Explora! I am here to represent Princess Alice von Goldilocks and the wonderful, Magical Kingdom of Stalli! Let us all share in happiness and friendship together!"
Dora instinctively reached for Backpack to pull out some Happy Happy Happy spice, but then she remembered that the Surveyor's handbook explicitly forbade her from doing that. While looking around the room filled with big, scary giants, she couldn't help but notice the young human man. What a wonderful golden mane! I wonder if he uses spices to get it like that?
Oh right! I almost forgot.
Dora quickly galloped out of the way to let her friend in, "Trots, why don't you introduce yourself?" Trots simply stood right next to the door, his legs shaking and teeth chattering.
"I-I..." Trots tried to mumble out.
"Don't mind him. He's just a little bit shy around strangers."
Of course, Dora didn't realize that no one else in the room could hear or see him.
There was a heavy clanking sound coming through the door behind Dora, as large, scaled feet with steel coverings approached. The large lizardfolk walked into the doorway, pausing to glance sidelong at the pastel pink pony standing near the door. "... Is this really the gathering of heroes?" Kothar asked in a deep voice, turning back forward to the Ashura in the center of the room.
Inkerna was running late, only just now approaching the outer walls of Wardu. It had been a difficult journey getting here when many border guards were understandably wary of letting a Klakon through; and things had been complicated by the fact that she had to take the whole journey alone. It had only been through sheer luck that she, a lowly baroness, had heard of the invitation to all nations to send an adventurer for the prophecy; from the way the other women laughed at the notion while discussing it over dinner, Inkerna did not expect the High Queen to be answering the call any time soon. Or worse, maybe she would, but only as part of a ploy to begin another invasion.
Inkerna was not satisfied with the Klackontyr way of war with all others, but there was little she could do about it as a baroness. Even her own mother had sternly told her to 'cease that nonsense' during the very heated argument they had once had about the subject. However, this call for action that had been sent out seemed to be Inkerna's chance. Even if she could still never change Rikitas' ways, she could at least now escape it, and hopefully do something good in the world. Even if she had to run away from home in the middle of the night.
You are reading this.Sarlus turns his head to the pony who just abruptly entered the room. In his mind both fascinated and curious, having not traveled long and never actually seeing one before. He let his long golden blond hair hang behind him turning as the large lizard folk approached.
"Well it seems so, though our group doesn't feel that heroic." Sarlus before giving everyone a bow. "I am here to represent the island principality of Rana on the behalf of the High Queen, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintances."
Meanwhile at the gate of the cities outer walls, the guards were giving a rather hard time to Scarlette after her long ride to the city. It seems the guardsmen were a little concerned by a mage riding on the back of a giant tiger trying to enter the city. Scarlette completely not realizing why they were making such a big deal about it but not wanting to banish Tendrin. Scarlette being slightly intoxicated was not helping her argument at all, even when she explains her purpose here. "After time adrift among open stars, along tides of light and through shoals of dust, I will return to where I began."
"Greetings to you, delegates." Genkahn intoned as they trickled in, cutting short the argument. "We welcome you." The four council members and Sunny rose and bowed deeply before returning to their seats. "Come, sit and introduce yourselves."
After the pony and the human did just that Genkahn nodded.
"We thank you for your assistance, representatives of Rana and Stalli. And you as well. From Saudor, I presume?" Genkahn said, looking down at the lizardman.
"Don't sound so displeased. Heroes come in many shapes and sizes." Said Asoka.
"Like 'huge'." Added Mithra, tilting her head towards Budai, who merely laughed.
Genkahn, meanwhile, had been quietly conversing with a messenger.
"Well, tell them to let her in. I don't care what they're worried about. I will personally slaughter them if they refuse to take this seriously." He said, softly but fiercely. The messenger nodded and ran out the back.
"Look, you can leave... it here and it'll be safe. But that thing'll cause too much of a stir to-" The guard began, only for a messenger to jump from the wall and land next to him.
"Orders from Genkahn of the Twelve, sir. You are to let the representative and her mount through."
The wall guard grumbled. He looked prepared to argue, but then he caught sight of Inkerna walking up to the gate.
"A bug? Too damn early for this..." He mumbled to himself. He sighed. "Fine. All of you can head on in." He waved her and the approaching insectoid visitor through the open gate.
edited 2nd Jun '15 9:22:01 AM by kagescorpionakki
What is so amusing about this? Why do you take lives? How can you forget?Scarlette gave a amused look to the guard and messenger. "Thank you and don't worry, he is very well behaved." She says petting the side of Tendrin body. Her attention is then caught by Inkerna who gets a brief but over the top wave from Scarlette before she rides quickly towards the council, still riding her giant tiger Tendrin.
"Yes I suppose heroes can take many forms, I just hope that we can fill such mantles." Sarlus says with a humble tone. Sarlus was clearly about to comment about Genkahn's comments but stops looking around as he hears a odd rumbling noise.
This noise was the sound of Scarlette's tiger Tendrin running into the tower at full speed.
"Does anyone else hear th..."
As Tendrin emerges from the doorway with Scarlette sitting on top. She smiles seeing everyone here and quickly dismounts herself, letting Tendrin sit in the corner and relax. "It is great to see you all, I am Scarlette the Wandering Tome and current representative of Arvana. Oh and this is my spirit companion Tendrin!" She says the whole thing in a bubbly and enthusiastic though still slightly intoxicated tone.
She quickly looks around, "Ahh a Lizardman and a pony, I have read about your fair lands many times during my studies and I am glad to work with you!" she says equally enthusiastically.
Sarlus seemingly taken back by this, not expecting someone to be this bold and bubbly at the meeting.
edited 2nd Jun '15 9:45:56 AM by darkdestinysoul
"After time adrift among open stars, along tides of light and through shoals of dust, I will return to where I began."It happened a few weeks ago when he was selected. He was holed up in an inn, weathering a vicious storm, sharing a few goblets of warm spiced wine with a really pleasant couple of rat-people. He thought he was hallucinating from the liqueur but there she was, a courier of the merchant class carrying a letter, sealed in soft amber, the sigil of her Holiness on front. He could not believe it. He was selected to represent his people by her Holiness herself! He resolved then, to set out immediately, what was a mere storm against the blessing and confidence of her Holiness. In a trance he walked tirelessly, he couldn't be late after all. Days before arriving however he stopped to rest and perform a cleansing ritual on himself as courtesy on his hosts.
Now he was near the city of violent giants, Wardu. It was astounding, Sovelkin decided. He walked through the gates and took a leisurely stroll down to the great tower. He looked around at the Ashura, how they dressed, how they looked. He felt overdressed almost immediately. So he left his straw hat with a child and his robe with a lady ashura, leaving himself with his beads, a pair of loose cloth pants, his sandals, Egen's stone on his hand, and a strap cross his body from which it hanged his canteen. He would eventually enter the tower and join the ones gathered there. He grinned and announced himself "Greetings and blessings to you all. This humble missioner is the delegate from the lands illuminated, selected by her Holiness herself." He bowed before them "One is honored to be with you" then stood up and sat down with the rest.
The graceless warrior, wielder of the edgeless blade, prophet of the old religions, writer of fluent nonsense, saviour of soul and song.Dora turned to face the orange lizard-man as he walked into the room. You better be careful, Dora. While others appeared accepting towards him, Dora knew deep down in her heart that Lizards were all a bunch of grumpy meanie-weenies, like ogres. Not only did they not understand the wonderfulness that was magic, they made fun of those who practiced it. A bunch of big, stinky bullies! And they were so thoroughly corrupted by the slander of Grumpy Grump Grumps that they wouldn't accept Happy Happy Spice. How can anyone live without knowing of its wonderfulness?
Of course, Dora couldn't say any of that out loud. The manual explicitly forbade it. So she simply took a seat and put on her best smile. That'll show those uncivilized meanies!
Dora listened on as the giants spoke amongst themselves. Wait, did they say heroes? But I'm just a surveyor. Adventure sounds like fun, but fighting bad guys and mean ogres? That involves fighting, right? But I don't know how to fight. I mean I can defend myself but actually fighting? Aren't there better people for that? All these people look like they know how to fight, but all I'm good for is taking notes. I'm not ready for something as big as this. Princess Goldilocks, help me!
She looked over to her side at Trots, who put his left hoof on her shoulder. Don't worry Dora, you can do this! You went through all those years of training. You've made it this far, so you can't let the Princess down now.
Just about then, Dora saw Scarlette walk through the entrance on her huge mount. She stood up on her four hooves and pointed at the large beast. "Wow! What is that?"
Dora pulled Backpack around her, opened him up, and started shuffling around everything inside. Backpack was stuffed to the brim with small, ball-shaped sacks with happy faces printed on the fabric. Each one was tied tight with a small but durable piece of string.
I could just take one now.
No, she had already taken her dose for the day. No need to take another one.
Using her magic, Dora shifted the pile of mini-sacks to the side and pulled out her surveyor's manual. Some of the powder had sifted onto it, leaving white smudges embedded into the cover. Even as she pulled the book up to her face, she could smell the Spice's sweet, sweet scent. She flipped through the pages until she found an entry with a picture matching the creature standing at the entrance.
"A tiger! T-I-G-E-R! Hola señorita Scarlette the Wandering Tome! I am Dora D. Explora! Pleased to meet you!"
When Sovelkin had entered the room, Dora greeted him as well. Once the elf seated himself, Dora turned and addressed the giants, "I don't mean to ask, but how many more people are we expecting? If there aren't that many people left, shouldn't we start discussing whatever it is we're all here for?"
edited 2nd Jun '15 12:58:21 PM by CathariSarad
As the last of the party entered the room, Genkahn nodded.
"It seems all who answered the call are here." He clapped all six of his hands to get the room's attention. "Greetings! You who were chosen or volunteered to go on this journey, know that it is one of great importance. You may or may not be aware of the prophecy - countless seers foresaw the return of an evil god, long thought dead. Your purpose these coming days is to prevent this god from happening. What we know is this - it is a god of madness that threatens us."
He rose, towering over even the seated Sunny.
"So you must create order. Help those in need, unite them, broker peace between nations if need be. Like all prophecies it is annoyingly vague. But it is clear on one thing: you must be swift. One year from today... no vision of the future extends beyond that. That in mind, we have prepared suitable transport for those of you who lack the speed of the Ashura, though some of you may of course bring your own mounts as well. Finally..."
He gestured towards Budai. The big Ashuran stood, while Mithra pulled from behind her back an ornate case. She passed it to Budai, who walked over to Sunvadhara, He opened the case, revealing a large necklace.
"This shall be our gift to you." Said Budai. "A symbol that you have done something for us. In this case, your agreement to come here at all knowing our... violent tendencies will suffice as a task. Be brave, protect one another, and above all, be safe. You hold fate in your hands. Bend it into something worthwhile."
He lowered the necklace, an ornate chain with twelve small rubies in various shades of red, around Sunny's neck. Then he hugged her close, and she blushed.
"My love is with you, Little Sun." He said. Soft, but loud enough for all in the chamber to hear.
"Uncle..." Sunny whined, though she hugged him back. They broke apart, and three of Genkahn's hands pointed to the door while Asoka and Mithra rose to their feet.
"Your chariot is waiting by the gate. Good luck, brave adventurers."
What is so amusing about this? Why do you take lives? How can you forget?Sarlus bowed towards the four councilmen. Trying to be polite though in his mind this did not feel like a challenge, though he knew it would not be this easy for all of them. His own mother he knew would try and test the outsiders.
"Thank you for the aid you are giving us, I hope we can work well and succeed at our goals." Sarlus says to the councilmen before turning and carefully looking each of the group up and down. There were six of us it seemed; Rana, The Lands of Light, Stalli, Saudor, Arvana and of course Wardu. He knew of most of these lands by name only, his homeland was isolated. He could feel the air tingled with magic from some individuals and some were very clearly physically though.
Scarlette looks around at the group assembled, her eyes locked upon to Dora. With a flourishing spin allowing her silver ringed staff encrusted in gemstones to follow her movement. "Yes Tendrin's physical form is a Tiger, and a larger one than most." She says enthusiastically, examining Dora. "Being from Stalli would you also a user of magic?" she asks quizzically.
Her attention is instead caught by Sovelkin. "Hello to you as well, the ash elves regularly send delegates to Arvana's High Summoners. What name would you like to be refereed to as?" Still enthusiastic and lightly intoxicated.
She begins to stroke Tendrin while enthusiastically firing questions.
edited 3rd Jun '15 3:56:13 AM by darkdestinysoul
"After time adrift among open stars, along tides of light and through shoals of dust, I will return to where I began.""Don't sound so displeased. Heroes come in many shapes and sizes."
"It is not the shape nor the size that concerns me..." Kothar muttered, stepping forward and standing taller for a moment. "I am Kothar of Saudor, chosen by its people for this task" he introduced himself, then quieted down as the others continued talking. Finally there was mention of a transport, a 'chariot' waiting outside for them. Kothar wasn't sure what to expect, but after giving a respectful nod to the Ashuran council members, he turned and moved back towards the doorway, glancing at Scarlette briefly as she mentioned being a magic user.
"Where are we going first?" Kothar asked aloud, to nobody in particular.
After reaching the open gate, Inkerna stopped and almost curtsied to the wall guard, but remembered to bow instead. "Thanks-ks" Inkerna said, her mandibles clicking as she spoke the word. Moving into the main city street, Inkerna started to hurry along, well aware from the position of the sun that she was plenty late for the assigned time of meeting. I hope they have not left without me Inkerna thought, skittering down the road at a hastened pace.
edited 3rd Jun '15 6:31:44 AM by FirockFinion
You are reading this.Dora responded to Scarlette, "That is correct! All ponies know how to use magic; we wouldn't be ponies without it. I might not know as much as a sailor or a captain, but I still learned a few things back in school."
Dora then turned to address everyone, "Alright everyone, let's go on an adventure!"
Trots shouted, "Adventure!"
"You said it Trots! Oh, I almost forgot to ask, do you guys happen to know where we can get some maps of the surrounding area? I haven't had much time to explore this city, so I still need to pick one up."
"One humbly thanks the honor of your trust" Giving the Ashuran elders a bow on one knee. The gesture was reserved for reverence on high priests and priestesses but he wasn't well versed in any court manners, so he made do with what he did know. That done he stood up and walked along with his new friends. It was then when the Arvanan mage spoke to him. "Oh well, one can be referred as Sovelkin if you desire, friend, one must say its pleasant to have a known ally in this group" he said friendly.
The graceless warrior, wielder of the edgeless blade, prophet of the old religions, writer of fluent nonsense, saviour of soul and song.Sarlus rose to look outside the window, briefly considering how far they would need to travel. It is quite some distance and not everyone here looks used to traveling; though he himself had only done so for a short time as well.
Turning to face everyone first, "So where exactly should we start, we have a long path ahead of us after all." He said with a light smile, directly the question openly around the room.
Scarlette gets a large smile on her face looking at Dora, "Then I look forward to seeing your talents action! Back home few of us knew actual magic beyond spirit summoning which our priesthood is adept at." Gesturing a hand at Tendrin.
Quickly her attention turns back to Sovelkin with a smile, "It is nice to meet you Sovelkin. I am sure our travels will be great and exciting together, an adventure like in the storybooks." She says with what is properly a overly chirpy voice.
Sarlus will sigh at that, after all he knew that any adventure wont be a simple walk in the park and this might actually be quite dangerous. Though at least Scarlette and Dora are enthusiastic.
"After time adrift among open stars, along tides of light and through shoals of dust, I will return to where I began.""Spirit summoning? Hmm... I haven't heard of any pony who could do something like that. I mean, why would anyone need to do something like that? There's no reason to come down from the afterlife if your body isn't there anymore. Though, maybe humans are different. Hmm... Maybe you can try and teach me some day. There's so much I haven't learned yet, right Backpack?"
"My head hurts," said Backpack.
"Let our journey begin, friends." Said Sunny, striding over to the oaken doors of the Great Pillar and pushing them open. Morning sun streamed in, brightening the room. Two guards held the doors open as the party walked out.
"My name is Sunvadhara, but you all may call me Sunny. Most do. To answer your questions, then" Said Sunny, "We shall head North. We do not have to visit other nations in any specific order, but the Southern Lands are harsh, and the bug-people aren't very pleasant, so they will be last on our venture." She turned to look at Dora a moment. "As for a map, Makopo may have one somewhere amongst his books and scrolls. The market should be awake by now... ah, there he is."
She pointed to an Ashuran standing behind a market stall. He was short and pale, almost enough to pass for human were it not for his six arms, and surrounded by leather-bound tomes and neatly-tied scrolls, laid out and organized on wooden tables.
All up and down the street were similar Ashura and Human merchants with many varied wares, displayed in the same fashion.
"If you desire, feel free to peruse the market. We don't actually have to leave right away. Genny is just a tad... impatient." Sunny giggled.
What is so amusing about this? Why do you take lives? How can you forget?The party seemed a bit... Disjointed to Kothar. On the one hand, they had all just barely met; on the other hand, this prophecy business was supposed to be a big deal, wasn't it? He expected better from the representatives of the other countries. Kothar gave a sort of sigh through his nose.
Finally though, Sunvadhara, or 'Sunny', spoke up with some answers, which satisfied at least one of kothar's concerns. It also however, brought up a new question. "We're still going to bother with the klackontyr? I wouldn't expect them to welcome us to their territory; they didn't even answer this very summons" Kothar said. Saudor was familiar with the klackontyr and had in two separate wars had to repel the bug race from the Red Desert; thankfully, driders seemed to have a particular inclination in killing klackontyr, which proved essentially helpful during both wars.
Bringing himself back to reality, Kothar was thus surprised when he saw none other than a klackon scurrying into the market and pausing before making a beeline for the party.
Inkerna, after entering the market and stopping for a moment, quickly took notice of the peculiar group. In what sort of group would one ever see two humans, an elf, an ashuran, a desert lizardfolk, and one of those strange, magic horses? She approached the group quickly, but stopped a bit short as she did not want to seem too hostile; that did not stop Kothar from baring his teeth and starting a very low growl. "I am Inkerna of the Dominion. You are adventurers gathered by summons to end the madness of a dead god?" Inkerna asked, purposely trying to keep herself from sounding very intelligent.
You are reading this."Gracias, Señorita Sunny."
Dora galloped over to the giant named Makopo. She pulled Backpack around her and shuffled around inside to see if she could find her coin sack. Nope. Nope, just another bag of Happy Spice.
Eventually, she found the right bag, marked with a bar of gold. She opened it up and pulled out an ample amount for a few of the maps. After having traveled through the lands to get to this place, Dora had a relative idea of how much Stalli currency was worth in these parts, though she couldn't say for sure whether the giants valued it differently. She pulled out a few coins and set it down on the counter before Makopo.
"I'd like to purchase some maps please." As she waited for a response, Dora quickly glanced to see if the local harvest looked like it was any good.
Then she noticed the giant ant-thing. Never heard of anything like that before. Hearing Sunny's words, they didn't sound very friendly, but they couldn't be any worse than those stinky, barbarian lizard folks. She'd have to check the manual to see if it said anything about these "Clack-o-Teers."
Scarlette was a well stuided scholar and knew a bit about the other races, seeing a klackon approach she changes from her normal demenor to a more tense one. Moving round to the side of Tendrin with her ringed summoning staff pointing it towards the klackon.
Though as he introduces himself she immediately calms down and relaxes again. She moves forward to the klackon, staff no longer pointed towards them. Giving a nod before she speaks, her nature being very calm and sarefree again "Yep that is us, it is meet you Inkerna. I am Summoner Scarlette; the Wandering Tome of the United Lands of Arvana. Though don't bother refering to me with such a long title, just Scarlette." Giving a light smile.
——
Sarlus seeing the creature approach doesn't know the most about the klackon other than their reputation as war mongers. On the initial approach he moved his hands towards his duel blades though not actually drawing them. As he seems to introduce himself and Scarlette just diving in with her introduction he seems to calm slightly returning to the market stool he was at, trying to purchance a souveneer for his siblings.
He looks at Kothar, "Well it seems that your question has been awnsered. We're going to need to go south at some point." he says with a neutral tone though a calm smile as he stashes the souveneers into careful pouches of his bag.
edited 11th Jun '15 3:10:02 AM by darkdestinysoul
"After time adrift among open stars, along tides of light and through shoals of dust, I will return to where I began.""Scarlette... Like my shell" Inkerna noted in a friendly tone, referring to her exoskeleton. A small part of her wanted to cringe at the mispronunciation of her name; races without mandibles could rarely seem to get the (extremely) subtle nuance of the k correctly. But the majority of her mind stemmed that desire, noting again the lack of mandibles and doubting that any of them were doing it intentionally; if they could even hear the difference at all.
Meanwhile, Kothar glanced back at Sarlus, his expression not angry or judgmental, but certainly a bit... Questioning. "You really think we can trust the Dominion?" Kothar asked, phrasing it more like a rhetorical question.
"You should not" Inkerna said, to Kothar's surprise. "The royalty do not tak-ke the prophecy... Do not think-k the prophecy real. I chose to come myself; the royalty do not know. If we meet any Klackontyr sent by the royalty for the prophecy, it is most lik-kely a trick-k; a ploy of some k-kind for just another part of the next war" she explained to the party, her mandibles clicking occasionally.
edited 12th Jun '15 1:56:07 AM by FirockFinion
You are reading this. Sarlus looks at Kothar after nodding to Inkerna, "Even if a group have a bad reputation, if you to not even allow them to see the hand of trust you will never find those who break that mold." He says almost like someone would read a script. "That is one of the mantras my mother lived by at least." Sarlus says with a light smile before looking at again at Inkerna.
"I am Sarlus from the isles of Rana, any help in this task is appreciated; it does sound like gaining the dominions trust may be difficult however." He says with a disappointed sigh.
Scarlette smiled at Inkerna's response."Oh and before I forget to introduce you, the giant tiger over there is my personal companion; his name is Tendrin." She says with a lighthearted though tired expression before looking at the others talking.
edited 13th Jun '15 12:25:57 AM by darkdestinysoul
"After time adrift among open stars, along tides of light and through shoals of dust, I will return to where I began."Kothar let out a sound sort of like a scoff. "A good sentiment boy, but trust has to be earned. And a reputation of greed and war is not how to do it" Kothar said, stepping away into the market. "I will trust the Klackon when it proves itself worthy of trust" he added without looking back, now searching around for any arrows or fletching supplies.
Inkerna meanwhile kept her head pointed at Scarlette, the benefit of compound eyes letting her see Tendrin without turning her head. "The Dominion does not trust others. Only look-k down on them. Even I would not suggest we go to them. But if we must..." she trailed off into a muttered series of clicks, the Klackontyr language, "I hope we do not run into mother."
"May Kiszeth favor us" she finished, switching back to the common tongue.
You are reading this.Dora D. Explora flipped through the pages of her manual. Nothing. Guess she'd have to start taking notes on whoever these bug people were.
Still, what was up with this Makopo guy? He was just standing there, looking like he was staring off into space. Dora waved one of her hooves at the giant, "Hola! Yo necesito una mapa por favor!"
Still waiting for a response, Dora listened in on the conversation happening behind her. The ant person seemed to make a lot of clicking noises for some reason. Maybe it was meant to be some kind of mating call? At any rate, Dora only heard of this prophesy business as soon as she got here, but everyone seemed to be treating it like it was a big deal. Nobody told her of any kind of prophesy. Though, she might have read something about it during one of her classes back when she was just a young filly. Most likely, it was just some made up legend that these people had.
Sovelkin had just been overhearing them since the new arrival. He looked around at Inkterna, curious, haven't really seen someone from the dominion before. "well I welcome you sir... er ma'am? I don't really know how to tell. In any case, welcome you are. And It seems to me at least, that those aspects of the Dominion are exactly why we should go there!" said the elf enthusiastically.
The graceless warrior, wielder of the edgeless blade, prophet of the old religions, writer of fluent nonsense, saviour of soul and song.

The world is lush and beautiful. Much like the world before it. But something sinister lurks. Madness... madness in the fields, madness in the forests, madness in the mountains and the seas and the sky.
Brothers turn against brothers. Frugal men are driven to evil by sudden greed. Great storms drown half the land, and the other withers in drought. The fragments of a dead god pulse beneath the landscape. Seers and oracles across Urth have predicted that these fragments will cause a terrible tragedy, stopped only by a group of adventurers. But not just any group - one from each nation, to unite in true kinship. From nation to nation they must journey, setting right what Madness sets wrong and bringing together all people. From each ruling body they shall receive a Memento, seemingly some token or trifle, but the compassion of those they have aided will transform them, into the components of a spell.
A spell to end Madness. None can foresee this spell, only a riddle to it's true nature. What it means remains to be seen.
Wardu is a large circular city, surrounded by walls of tanned stone which themselves are surrounded by farmland. There are no turrets atop the walls, as the guardsman do not need them. Instead the archers balance on the edge, looking down on those who enter to let them know that this city is protected. Only the central tower can be seen from outside the walls, standing thrice as tall as they are.
As one enters through the single massive stone gate, near the wall are the smaller homes, arranged neatly in circular formation. Middle Path, a central market street, carves its way through the buildings, also in a circle around the center of the city. Then come the wealthier citizens, who are the closest Wardu has to nobility. Near the center is the final ring, the Twelve Domiciles, homes to the Council that rule the city. They surround the Great Pillar, the tower from which the Council rules.
It is young Sunvadhara, called Sunny since childhood, who walked through all of this on her way to an important meeting. Having left her home by the gates early, she savored the cool morning air as she walked slowly to the Great Pillar. She waved to merchants setting up shop and smiled at children swinging wooden swords as she walked. Despite the size of Wardu, it is only ten minutes brisk walk for an Ashura to reach the center.
She was the first to arrive, of course - the other representatives were told to arrive half an hour later. She would be representing Wardu and the Council - she would need to be there first to greet her new allies. Four of the Twelve sat on their great cushions on a raised semicircular dais. Only four were needed for ceremonies such as this and the council's public court, thus only four cushions were upon the dais. The Twelve served in turn, but it was the four greatest.
"Welcome, Sunvadhara." Genkahn, his skin the color of blood and his eyes fierce and judgmental, greeted her as she enters. Sunny sat on one of the cushions laid out for the Prophecized Adventurers, crossing her legs. "Today is a day of great honor. I hope you are prepared for this journey."
"I am." She said. "I shall show only strength to my allies, only blood to my enemies, oh Great Ones." She moved to continue, but a deep, hearty chuckle suddenly broke the tense atmosphere of the room.
"Really, Little Sun? You sound like you will die today." Budai laughed, his big belly jiggling. "You needn't be so tense. This is no band of soldiers you're joining. Be yourself, be happy."
"This is no laughing matter you enormous oaf." Genkahn growled. "You have heard the whispers. The fate of Urth may rest upon this."
"Urth's fate rests upon friendship. They must truly bond. There is no need for such formalities." Budai responded calmly.
"Being soft on family again, Budai? Or just perhaps you're just soft in general." Said Asoka, leaning her chin on her hand and raising a brow at him.
"Soft both physically and mentally." Mithra teased, poking Budai's stomach with one hand while flicking his bald head with another. Genkahn glared at her, but she rolled her eyes. "Oh lighten up, Gen. We have time to waste, thanks to you."
And so an argument brewed in the council chamber as they waited for the other representatives.
What is so amusing about this? Why do you take lives? How can you forget?