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 Posted: Sat Feb 13, 2010 1:24 pm
Land of Igmellif
Igmellif has long been a land of many races and many nations. Yet despite the differences between them, despite the countless wars, disasters and tradigidies there has always been balance between them. 4895 years after the Sages created this land and the peoples in it, this balance has been unsettled. The Archmage Volden, driven mad by dreams of the nether world, has awoken the dark magics of the Velrosh, an ancient artifact hidden away by the sages. Using this power, Volden has opened the gate way to the nether world which has long lay dorment inside the massive volcano of Mt. Krishnal in the south east. In a matter of days five kingdoms fell to the demonic hordes that spewed forth from Krishnal. Now, for the first time in ages, the kingdoms of Igmellif are uniting to face this threat. Representitives have been sent to the forested lands of Lieglaium to decide where their fate lies.
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Posted: Sat Feb 13, 2010 1:26 pm
The Kingdoms of Igmellif and Their Peoples Lieglaium and the Liegla
Discription of Land: Lieglaium is a small forest country nestled in the bosom of the Karak mountain range, a ring of peaks that gives the grove natural protection due to the narrow and winding paths that must be taken to get inside. The grove itself is made up of massive trees as taller than some of the greatest castles of Igmellif, their trunks being many arm spans wide. It is in the bows of these massive Aggermoth trees that the Liegla make their homes, their thin spire like shapes winding up the side of the tree trunks. The buildings are semi-open concept, giving their occupants more freedom and connection with the trees during the warm months, but also some protection against the elements. The other animals that dwell in the forest are no terrors, mostly made up of various insects, birds and small mammals that have adapted to life in thick forest.
Lieglaium has been blessed with a long history without war, in part due to the protection nature has provided and partially because of the neutral posture of the Lieglaium. However, the nation still practices the ways of the warrior to ensure that their way of life and more importantly their great forest, never comes to harm.
Finally, Lieglaium is ruled by a monarchy, though its inner workings are a little more complex than usual. Each child of the king is given different responsibilities according to the order of their birth and gender. The first born acts as a traditional prince, shadowing their father in order to learn how to rule, and when they come to power they have final say over any decision, while their siblings act more like ministers until the children of the next generation come of age.
Peoples: Liegla
Discription: The Liegla are a humanoid race standing roughly 4-5 feet tall and live an average of 160 years. They are covered with a thin layer of fur of various colours, though green and brown predominate, that grows slightly thicker along the top of the forearms, lower leg, head and chest. They have a prehensile tail and slightly elongated toes that help them grasp the branches of the Aggermoth trees that they make their home in. They have large, sharp canine teeth, and a slightly flattened nose that is none the less powerful.
The typical clothing of the Liegla is a simple tunic with short sleeves, pants that reach half past their knees and a sash that runs from shoulder to hip and around their waist, displaying the colours of their family clan and symbols of personal or ancestral achievements. They wear no shoes as the souls of their feet are already thick from the constant rubbing against tree bark while climbing. Finally, their diet consists of mostly fruits found in the trees and meat.
Racial ability: Teleportation. The Liegla have the unique ability to teleport a short distance along their line of sight. If used in rapid succession, it will tax the user’s endurance just as sprinting would.Evenstaer
Description of Land: Evenstaer is a small country compared to some of the others in the land of Igmellif only home to a couple hundred thousand people. It lies in the middle of a plain, and is a curiosity to most who travel by. The entire landscape is forest, and at first glance one would not be able to tell where the people actually lived, for their homes are made from the trees themselves. The people who reside in Evenstaer have the ability to sing to nature and alter the growth of the plants. Through this skill they grew their homes from the ancient Cinnewood trees, and created beautiful gardens from the flowers. The forest of Evenstaer is home to many unique plants and animals that can be found no where else, some say that this is due to the influence of the native peoples.
The country is run by monarchy that is held by the matriarch of the royal family, and passing to the eldest daughter upon the death of the Queen. The sons of the royal family usually become commanders of the army, but only if they prove themselves in battle.
Peoples: Faerel
Description: The Faerel are tall slender beings that are covered in a soft light blue fur. They have pointed ears, slanted almond shaped eyes with slitted pupils, and long graceful tails. They can see extremely well at night, and have heightened senses of smell and hearing. It is unknown, even by the Faerel how long they live for, the oldest known Faerel was 1045 when he died on the sword of an enemy. Not a single one has died of old age as of yet, so they say that they are immortal. They are adept climbers, and hunters, and are known for their skill with bows. They are very intune with nature, and thus don't feel the need for some of the advancements made by the other races. They worship Fael, the Goddess of nature, and feel that anyone who doesn't worship her isn't worth their time, and thus live secluded from the rest of the world. The only contact they have with the other races is when a merchant will wander into their forest in hopes of buying or selling. Sometimes the merchant is lucky, and allowed to live, but that doesn't happen often.
The traditional garb of the Faerel is a loin cloth for both genders, and that is only worn to protect the delicate genitalia, not to protect the wearing from embarassment. They often walk around their towns completely bare. However when the royal family leaves the forest they don long colourful cloaks that cover their whole body, this is for the other races.
Racial ability: Manipulate nature through song.DiharyaDescription of Land: Diharya is a remnant of a once-great culture. It occupies the plains of Igmellif- or to be more accurate, it's under the plains. Aboveground, tall grass covers expansive flat land, but the soil is poor; the grass is the only thing hardy enough to grow well there and it reclaims any attempt at agriculture within a season. So long ago, when people came to the plains, they didn't stay up there long. Instead, they dug deep into the earth below, and from it carved out an incredible complex of tunnels and caverns. Some were natural, and the Ancestors merely augmented or modified them as needed, but many of the greatest works- the Hall of Rulers being the foremost- were entirely created. Magic may have been involved in the construction, since this massive hollowing-out didn't cause any sinkholes on the surface, but no one knows the truth. The Ancestors vanished long ago, and with them their secrets. What they left behind was a warren deep underground, and descendants who didn't understand half of their buildings. It didn't take long for most of the tunnels to be sealed off behind heavy doors as the people left retreated to the area directly surrounding the Hall of Rulers. Dangerous creatures took over the areas sealed off, and now hardly anyone ventures back there. Diharya is a martial culture, ruled by five strong warriors. Gender is no object; nor is blood- all that matters is how well you fight. When one of the five grows old, twenty new applicants are chosen. All are sent out into the unclaimed tunnels with two short knives for five days. There are two requirements to advance to the next stage of what amounts to a competition: come back alive, and be carrying the head of one of the tunnel beasts when you do. The stronger the beast, the better. This prevents someone from advancing who merely huddles against the door. To become a ruler, one must pursue battle. After that comes a months' instruction in the basics of statecraft and economics, followed by an interrogation by the Five. They then convene to choose a replacement for the one who ages; this replacement then lives as companion to the aging member of the Five and learns from them until their death. It's a bizarre combination of tournament and apprenticeship, but it serves the country well. Peoples: Dihari Description: Dihari may have started out as full humans, but centuries of living underground has changed them. They are extremely pale and sunburn in as little as five minutes aboveground, and their eyes have a difficult time tolerating full sunlight. They tend to be dark-haired and fine-featured. All Dihari are well-muscled and strong, since all are aware of the possibility of danger in their underground world. Everyone can use a weapon of some kind, usually knives, swords, or maces. Their lifespan is nearly two hundred years, on average, barring disease or violent death. This can be credited to a peculiar kind of bioluminescent mushroom, some of which every Dihari consumes each day. It prolongs their natural lives but is also semi-addictive, and if they go without it Dihari experience severe withdrawl. Apart from that weakness, though, they can consume pretty much anything, including many substances that would be poison to other races. This makes it extraordinarily easy for them to survive on their own, and makes the trials of the Five possible. It also means that no other race will eat something a Dihari has cooked; you never know if it'll kill you by accident. Aboveground, all Dihari wear clothing that covers their entire body, from long pants to gloves to a cloak to shade their faces. Belowground and indoors clothing varies depending on the person, but tends towards the strongest colors the dyers can make, as their world is naturally rather bland of hue. They treat genders entirely equally, so it wouldn't be unusual to see a Dihari woman in trousers- or even the occasional man in a skirt. Racial ability: They see in darkness- even the absolute black of caves- as well as other races see in broad daylight. Nation: Timbaria
Description of Land: Timbaria is a land dominated by tundra and small pockets of evergreen trees, nestled in the foothills of the Grimfir Mountains in the north of Igmellif. Timbaria's inhabitants, the Wulver live in large burrows dug deep in the hills and forests of the nation. The wealthiest families live within the mountains themselves. The house of Greyfang, the ruling monarchs of the Wulver lives in an elaborate fortress carved into the rocks of Greyfang mountain. In addition to the Wulver, the land plays home to moose, caribou, wild dogs and great white bears. It is a harsh climate, often wracked by snowstorms, but through evolution, ingenuity and sheer hardiness it's inhabitants have survived for centuries.
Peoples: Wulver
Description: The Wulver are a humanoid race, standing 6' tall on average. Their wolflike bodiess are covered in thick fur, usually black, white, grey or some combination thereof. Large pointed ears are sat high on their heads, long snouts with sensitive noses and powerful jaws full of feral teeth protrude from their faces. Their eyes are deep amber, observent and intelligent. They are built strong, with powerful arms and legs. Razor sharp claws adorn their hands and feet. They have medium sized tails. The Wulver are a carnivorous people and hunters by nature. They can run at great speed over great distances, on two legs or using their hands.
They are renowned warriors, whose heightened senses of hearing, sight, smell and taste make them feared opponents and trackers. In battle they excell at guerrilla warfare, chosing their terrain carefully, striking with blinding speed and then retreating back to their bases before the enemy can organize a counterattack. They wear only light armour and their preferred weapons are the bow, short swords, daggers and axes.
Wulver society is based around packs, with each having an alpha male whose duty it is to keep his people ready for battle. Each pack is named for it's alpha and is obligated to provide warriors to the Greyfang Monarchy for the defense of Timbaria.
The lifespan of Wulvers is somewhat less than other races, living an average of about 120 years.
Racial ability: In addition to their ability to withstand even the worst cold (as a result of evolution) the Wulvers' keen senses allow them to perfectly invision the composition and location of an enemy force without even setting eyes on them. This ability is referred to as tactical foresight.
Nation: Andelve
Description of Land: The barren plains that act as the roof of Diharya are also a passage to the Great Desert to the east. There were once forty nomadic tribes that all lived in the Great Desert, until what was called the nomad war broke out. The forty tribes fought for their perceived right to the land that they inhabited, until after 80 years of war between the tribes, only three tribes remained. These tribes briefly tried to communicate peace before continuing the war. After another 6 years, the war was over as only one tribe remained. The tribe still doesn't have much of a notion of country which is why their capital city is where the Nation gets their name, but they fight for the ability to live freely in their way.
Peoples: Omewne
Description:Large humanoid beings that resemble lizards in that they have long tails, scaly skin, and similar biology. Some have made the mistake of offhandedly calling an Omewne a "Lizard-man", but they usually find pain following the remark, though they do indeed look like "lizard-men". Usually the Omewne are about 6' 6" tall with a tail that trails behind them another 4'. They are almost always muscular, and a well defined and strong upper body is indicative of the male Omewne, not to say that the females aren't strong. They are a very intimidating people, and often use this to their advantage when dealing with other, more docile, races. The Omewne live to be about 150 years old before dying in an attack or raid of some sort, but there are records of elders who lived to be 500 years old.
Racial ability: Due to their biology all Omewne have the ability to breathe fire, as well as legs muscular enough to propel them some 30' in the air, or 75' over a distance.
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Posted: Sat Feb 13, 2010 1:33 pm
Rules 1. I am god, and I dont like posers. 2. Please follow the Gaia ToS and Guild Rules 3. To join, you must create your own Kingdom and Race. Discriptions for these should be placed above your profile when you submit it. These cannot be one of the stereotypical races (men, dwarves, elves, etc) 4. Your first character must be of the land you make, any additional characters may be from one of the other established nations or another new one. 5. Each race has one unique magical ability besides the common magics. (So for instance the ability to read minds, or survive extreme temperatures.) 6. There is no rule 6, yet...
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Posted: Sat Feb 13, 2010 1:39 pm
Profile Skeleton
[u][b]Nation:[/b][/u]
[b]Description of Land:[/b]
[u][b]Peoples:[/b][/u]
[b]Description:[/b]
[b]Racial ability:[/b]
Profile
[b]Username:[/b]
[b]Name:[/b]
[b]Race[/b]
[b]Age:[/b]
[b]Gender:[/b]
[b]Appearance[/b] (picture or description)
[b]History:[/b]
[b]Weapons:[/b]
[b]Equipment:[/b] (anything besides the weapon you carry)
[b]Abilities:[/b] (Includes racial abilites and other abilities like magic)
[b]Other:[/b]
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Posted: Sat Feb 13, 2010 2:27 pm
Profiles Liegla
Username: Si_Valael
Name: Ouway Na’Sayem, Third Prince of Lieglaium
Race Liegla
Age: 43
Gender: Male
Appearance Ouway is of average height among the Liegla and is covered in fur of a forest green, with black highlights descending from his shoulders, along his arms and legs. The long fur of his body is kept relatively short and neat, save for the long main of fur that arch across his head and down to the base of his neck. His large eyes are of a light green colour that reflects light as emeralds would when placed in the sun. Ouway’s tail, when not in use, is most often wrapped around his waist where his reddish grey sash lies. When not in battle he wears a simple green tunic and brown paints along with his tunic. When driven to fight, Ouway wears light armour chest piece with pauldrons, forearms bracers, and greaves over his clothing, all made of a dark green steel found only in the Karak mountains.
History: Born the fifth son of the former King Ouhou Na’Sayem, Ouway began his tutelage under his uncle at the age of six. He was a curious and eager child, learning everything he could from his uncle about the intricacies of handling foreign affairs, a duty he would one day assume. When he was not pouring over historical scrolls or accompanying his uncle on diplomatic missions, Ouway delighted in two hobbies above all, racing his oldest brother through the trees, and sparing with his second oldest brother who would become the leader of the military. While he could never best either of them, he remained a very close competitor, his ambition leading him to never give up trying to best them. Upon his seventeenth birthday, Ouway’s uncle stepped down as part of the ritual right of succession that brought Ouway to the position he now holds.
As Prince in charge of foreign relations, it was he who sent out riders to each of the nations of Igmellif, calling them to Lieglaium for the council. To each nation he sent them a scroll which not only contains pleas to come, but also permission to enter the kingdom, a scroll which each representative must carry.
Weapons: Twin short swords (stored in left forearm bracer and left greave), Aggermoth wood staff, several sleep darts.
Equipment: A small backpack filled with mostly food supplies and tools for hunting and making camp.
Abilities: Teleportation,
Other:
Faerel
Username: IamSTRANGE
Name: Laela Staer
Race: Faerel
Age: Just celebrated her 700th birthday
Gender: Female
Appearance: Laela is of the average height for her race, being 7 feet tall. Her fur is lighter than most, but her eyes are dark purple. When hunting she wears a dark green loin cloth, and a belt that holds her knife and spell components.
History: Born to the royal family she entered the world as the seventh female, and tenth child, thus she wasn't really expected to do much in the way of running the country. Because of this she was allowed to do whatever she wanted as a kid, which ended up being learning how to fight and hunt. When she was young it was noticed by the royal magician that she had magical abilities laying dormant within her. He took her under his wing and taught her all he could, for she wasn't very strong in the magics, but she learned quick, and soon could create minor illusions and other small spells that might help her should she ever leave the protective forest.
Weapons: A bow with poison tipped arrows, and a hunting knife.
Equipment: Various plants and animal parts that are used in her spells.
Abilities: Manipulating nature with song, hunting, and some small spells.
Other: Her control of nature is stronger than most, and thus depending on how feral the being is she can bend their will.Dihari Username: Anila Of Pellinor Name: Rithika Orcelos Race Dihari Age: 32 Gender: Female Appearance: Rithika is fairly average for her race, standing around 5'6" and leanly muscular. Her eyes are a pale silvery grey, and from a distance she may seem to be blind. She favors vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds in her clothing, though they make her look even more pale than she naturally is. Around her left wrist is the knotwork tattoo of one of the Five, and on the back of her right hand is another tattoo, this the crossed-swords sigil of her family. History: Rithika is the daughter of a smith and a weaver, but all her life she aspired to be one of the Five; and finally, when she was twenty four, she had her chance. Emerging from the tunnels with the head of a Cavern Wyrm in one hand, she was already well placed among the contenders, and her enthusiasm for statecraft meant that she did extraordinarily well in the interview. Lorain, the member of the Five she replaced, was a kindly man and a good teacher, and somehow he managed to impart most of his knowledge and understanding to her before he died just under a year later. Rithika assumed her role fairly easily, though she did mourn for some time; it didn't impair her ability to participate in the government. As the youngest of the Five, it only made sense for her to represent Diharya in Lieglaium. She delegated her voting powers to the next-youngest and, albeit reluctantly, set out. Weapons: Rithika wields a rapier with her right hand and a mace with her left. Even without these weapons, though, she's got fairly good defense, having been trained in basic hand-to-hand since childhood. Equipment: Small pack, containing a pouch of mushroom powder (which makes an absolutely noxious drink, but is better than the alternative wasting disease), a flint, a blanket, two changes of clothes, and a canteen. Abilities: Rithika has an innate sense of direction and a talent for learning languages, as well as her race's night vision. She's also a very minor healer- can bring down a fever, close a small wound, or clean a larger- but rarely uses that ability. In her own words, "Just don't be so stupid to get hurt in the first place" Wulver
Username: MacTavishW3
Name: Kornir Swiftclaw
Race Wulver
Age: 43
Gender: Male
Appearance Kornir is tall with a powerful, imposing build. His fur is black as night across his back and white as snow along his front. He has deep scars along his face, earned over three decades of battles. In addition to the usual leather tunic and breeches worn by his people, Kornir also wears a chain mail shirt, leather bracers and a cuirasse of hardened leather armour.
History: Kornir was born into one of the wealthier families of Timbaria. In other cultures this would have meant the Wulver would lead a life of affluence and privilge, but in the frozen tundra, status means responsibility. As alpha of the Swiftclaw pack, it was Kornir's job to keep his people safe, fed and warm. He has made a name for himself over many military campaigns as a ferocious enemy, a cunning tactician and an honourable adversary. He leads his pack personally in battle. He believes in never leaving a comrade, even a dead one behind. He extends this courtesy to his enemies, allowing them to collect and bury their dead at the end of the engagement. His name is spoken of with both fear and admiration.
Weapons: Kornir carries two short swords belted at his sides, two daggers at his back and a shortbow and a quiver of arrows slung across his back. He also has his teeth and claws.
Equipment: A rucksack with numerous pouches for food, supplies, keepsakes. Wulvers live a very spartan life.
Abilities: Wulver tactical foresight, heightened senses, ability to survive in even the worst of cold, stealth, extensive knowledge of guerrilla tactics.
Other: He is the current champion of Princess Feraliar, heir to the Greyfang monarchy. The two met during their childhood and fell in love during their adolescent years. Feraliar's father, however, does not approve of this matching, favouring the wealthier sons of the Bloodfur pack. This emnity has lead many to believe that Kornir's military prowess may not be the only factor in his selection as envoy to Lieglaium.Omewne
Username: Orok
Name: Denveyn son of Halbreth
Race Omewne
Age: 65
Gender: Male
Appearance [x]
History: Denveyn grew up in the capital city of Andelve where his father, Halbreth, was the chief guard under the Warden. While growing up, he always heard the epic tales any child would hear, and wanted to be a part of them. Denveyn wanted to go out and visit distant nations, conquer in the face of evil, and protect the innocent. After finishing a long schooling career where Denveyn studied warfare and political relations he trained with his father and joined the guard, quickly becoming their most promising recruit. His father was very proud of his son, and gave the family sword - known as Niffleheim - to him as a rite of passage. It had last been used by his grandfather in the nomadic war and his father had saved it to pass on to his son. When the Warden had heard that he needed to send a representative to Lieglaium he did not question his first decision of sending Denveyn as he had proven himself physically and politically. Despite his intense school career, Denveyn did manage to get out and have fun with friends. They often hunted the wildlife for food, or played Maza-Ball. Now he's off to Liegaium with his orders and the scroll that would allow him entry to this new place.
Weapons: The family longsword, Niffleheim, that his father gave to him.
Equipment: Shield, Couters, and Vambraces, as well as his occasionally used rucksack, which is worn on his back and holds a myriad of supplies.
Abilities: Denveyn can breathe fire to a distance of about 25' in front of himself and is a very capable jumper like most of his race.
Other: None.
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Posted: Sat Feb 13, 2010 6:51 pm
Ouway Na'Sayem woke earlier than usual, though it was not the morning sun creeping through leaves nor the cheerie sounds of song birds that roused him from his sleep, but a terrible feeling of dread that worked its way though his stomach. He sighed after a few minutes of tossing and turning before he rolled out of his cot and dropped the half dozen feet too the floor below. He landed in a half crouch before walking over to the edge of the terrace of the upper level of his house. Leaning foreward, Ouway looked out at the village around him, gazing over the scores of houses around him. Being one of the royal family, he had been given one of the highest houses in the center of the village, a four story column that wrapped half way around the trunk of a thick Aggermoth tree. He stood there for several long moments, allowing the sight of the village as it slowly roused from its slumber to calm both him and the feeling in his stomach.
Ouway then suddenly turned his back to the view in order and moved to the inner portion of the upper floor, this part actually walled off for some privacy. Having retreaved his usual attire he dawned the garbs and sets his sash in place before he decended the spiral staircase running through the core of the structure. Reaching the last step, Ouway emerged from the stairwell into the wide circular room of the bottom level. The whole level remained walless to allow for messangers to come and go easily from all sides. The room itself was filled with a collection of tables, maps, and above all else scrolls detailing the histories of relations between over a dozen countries. Hundreds more scrolls could be found two levels up, in the walled off archives of the structure. As Ouway's bare feet thumped along the wooden floor as he made his way over to one of the south facing tables he stooped over to examine the map there. He was unphased by the soft thud on the floor above him as his servents arrived, no doubt already going about preparing a morning meal for him and making plans for the meals through out the day.
As time wore on, several more Liegla in various outfits climbed or swung onto the first level balcony and without direction set about examing the charts layed about. These were Ouway's advisors, and the prince was pleased that they were so committed to show up so early. They had been working hard ever since the first reports of the demon army had come to Liegaium. As Ouway slowly ate his breakfast of fruit and a particularily tender foul, he looked over the newest letters and scout reports from the south. "Something must be done, something drastic..." He pondered out loud. "Nathal, bring me scrolls and send for ridders to ready themselves. We shall call the nations to council."
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Posted: Sat Feb 13, 2010 7:49 pm
Laela's ears twitched at the sound of a bird ruffling it's feathers and she turned her head slightly to watch the small bird tend to it's babies that cried silently for food. A familiar smell brought her eyes away from the bird and she tensed up as the under growth below her moved slightly telling of the animal beyond. She pulled an arrow out of the quiver that laid almost flat against her back and knocked it to her short bow. As she pulled back the string silently she saw the small deerlike creature emerge from the underbrush to nibble on the short grasses beside the tree Laela was in. She took careful aim and prayed to Feal in thanks of the food that would soon be hers. The arrow flew whistling through the air and landed with a small fleshy thud sound in the neck of the Lahel. The animal collapsed to the ground making gurgling noises as it choked on it's own blood. Laela dropped out of the tree and made her way over to the dying creature. She took her knife out and swiftly slit the animals neck to kill it faster, once again giving thanks to Feal for the meal.
Laela strode into the main floor of the largest tree in the forest. She walked up to the staircase that was in the middle of the large circular room that led up to the personal rooms of the royal family. But as her foot hit the first step a familiar voice resounded in the room and she turned around, bowing her head respectively. "Welcome back daughter." Fae Staer said, Laela's mother, and the Queen of Evenstaer. "How was your hunt?"
Laela waited as her mother approached her and the two of them moved up the stairs together. "It was successful mother." Laela responded, "I managed to kill three Lahel." She said slightly proud. The Lahel were quick creatures and had keen senses, and usually were able to avoid most traps that hunters laid for them.
"Nice Laela. The servants will appreciate that." Anything Laela caught was never served to the royal family, they had hunters that spent all of their time searching for the best meat for the Staer's dinner table. Laela's catches were always given to the servants, and thus they liked her better than the other royals. She didn't feel she was so far above them that they didn't exist in her world. When they passed in the halls of the royal home she would talk to them. This isn't to say that she was friends with the servants, that is unheard of, but she did know most of their names, and bits and pieces of what was going on in their lives.
The two females finished their ascension in silence not having anything to say to each other. Upon reaching the fifth floor they parted ways with polite words. Laela headed to her rooms to wash up after her hunt.
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Posted: Mon Feb 15, 2010 2:20 pm
The rider was fast. But he didn't know the forest and the uneven ground slowed his run.
Kornir had been traking him since he'd entered the woods and it had taken the rider a good 20 minutes to realize he was being followed. Kornir only revealed himself when he'd gathered all of the information he needed and decided to turn his reconaissance into a hunt. He now pursued the rider on all fours, keeping pace with the horse over the frozen ground of his homeland.
Just a few feet more... the Wulver Captain thought. Then the rider suddenly had to slow his horse to prevent himself from falling over a sheer hill in the woods. Kornir struck just as the horse turned. Leaping into the air, he knocked the rider off of his horse and left the beast to flee in fear. Kornir wrestled the man to the ground and pinned him.
The rider wore black robes covered in strange and arcane symbols. He was a human and obviously his heavy cloak wasn't doing much to brace him against the cold.
"What are you doing here?" Kornir growled, "Who sent you?"
"I'll not talk," the human spat in defiance.
"Maybe not yet," Kornir chuckled, "But there's Wulvers more frightening and a great deal less friendly than I in Greyfang Keep. It would be in your best interests to answer my questions now, rather than face them."
The man remained unmovably silent.
"Listen," Kornir was starting to get frusterated, "My scouts and I already know that you are a lone scout who entered our land from the Southeast. What we don't know is who sent you. Tell me now, and spare yourself pain later. I doubt a Southerner like you would last long in this cold if we tied you to a tree. In fact, I doubt that even the cold would have time to end you before a bear came along. NOW WHO SENT YOU?!"
The man started praying under his breath, but Kornir's hearing was accute enough to pick it up as clear as if he'd shouted it. It was a demonic tongue, a call to dark spirits.
"You know," the Wulver almost sighed, "Your superiors should show better judgment when selecting their scouts. You've already answered my questions. Revhan!"
"Aye," Revhan Swiftclaw, Kornir's brother and second in command stepped forward from his hiding place. The rest of Kornir's seven strong scouting party similarly revealed themselves.
"Take this one back to the keep, take him to the dungeons. Tell the guards to be cautious. The main army is still to far off to be any direct threat to us for a long time, and I doubt they care much about this one, but magics are at work here that are beyond our comprehension."
"Yes, brother." Revhan answered, taking the human in his arms, "Come with us, Southerner and see the hospitality the Wulvers show those who enter our lands with the intent of spilling blood."
The scouting party quickly made their way back towards Greyfang Keep.
So, the rumors are true, Kornir mused as his pack sped along, Still, I didn't think they would find us with such speed. Of course this one won't be reporting to his superiors anytime soon. Still, this threat is becoming much more real.
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Posted: Mon Feb 15, 2010 10:23 pm
The monsters were battering at the doors.
Rithika was the only one of her people who stood close to the barrier, watching as it shook under the force of their blows. They smelled food- her, and the ten young warriors behind her. And they were hungry, so hungry. But then again...so were her people. To them, those monsters were meat; it just happened to be moving meat that wanted to kill them. Still, as she glanced over her shoulder, she could see their feral grins. The young always thought they were immortal, but if any were close to it it was these, trained in the battle arts since they could walk. It would be an honor to lead them into the fight.
Readying her rapier and her mace, Rithika settled into a crouch. The iron door shook again and again, ever more violently. Then, as she'd known it would, it burst open. (The hinges and latch had been carefully weakened by Dihari blacksmiths the night before, when the monsters weren't pounding on them.) First through the gap was a Cavern Wyrm, black, sightless and vicious, with fangs that averaged the length of her hand. Rithika lept to one side and brought her mace smashing down into the base of the creature's head, hoping to sever or at least damage the spine. She failed in the first, but the sudden limpness of part of the tail told her she'd succeeded in the second. The wyrm kept wriggling, though, right past her and into the thicket of eager youngsters. The rest of the body fell still soon after. She leapt up ontop of it, peering into the tunnel. There were more, there had to be...there. Three sinuous Darkats were trying to sneak up on them. A bloodthirsty smile on her lips, she waved her band forward, hand-signaling them the number and nature of the opponents. The 'kats, who had thought themselves unnoticed, were dispatched with ruthless efficiency. That cleared those who had made it through the door. All eleven Dihari now crept forward into the unmaintained tunnel beyond, alert for further threats. They didn't find much... until they found the Wyrm's nest and eight unhatched eggs. These were summarily smashed. The one food that they wouldn't eat, simply by compunction, was the young of their enemies.
As they returned to civilization, Rithika paused in front of the door. It would need to be strengthened again, and the latch replaced entire; it had broken clean off when the Wyrm broke through. In the meantime, she made a mental note to have a guard placed on this door. It was a possible flash point in the future, especially if they didn't reinforce it soon. She pushed it closed, tapping a c***k of clay into the space between door and jamb to hold it temporarily, then joined the young people as they dragged back their prizes. They were exhilerated, laughing and joking. She couldn't keep herself from glancing, every now and then, back over her shoulder, just to make sure the door was holding. They were getting bolder, the monsters, and hungrier. In her heart, though she'd never voiced it, Rithika feared that something was encroaching on their territory, and that the simple beasts were merely returning the favor. Such a thing could mean disaster for Diharya, disaster untold.
She split from the young hunters as the tunnel opened onto a more used thoroughfare. They took the Wyrm and the 'kats towards the kitchens; she trotted towards the Hall of Rulers. On the way, she flagged down a man in the uniform of the Diharyan Gate Guards and alerted him to the weak door, but she didn't pause long. The others of the Five needed to hear her observations, and she wanted their reassurances of safety.
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Posted: Tue Feb 16, 2010 11:25 am
Ouway raised back and forth along the soft wood floor of the work level as he tries to lay out all the information he would need. The diplomats and servants in the room with him stayed at their assigned tables for the most part, ironing out details for each region as Ouway assigned them. As he crossed the room one more, he glanced down at the papers he held in each hand and suddenly realized that something was off. Ouway couldn’t help but grimace as he calls out for his chief diplomat. “Mihala!”
“Yes sir?” Came the reply of a brown furred Liegla, his mane kept in a tight braid running down the center of his neck. Without waiting for the princes’s response, Mihala stood up from one of the north region tables and jogged quickly over to where Ouway stood.
“These must have been pulled down from the archives by mistake, they say that Nal’Seltas and Ventrus have both fallen.” Mihala reached over Ouway’s arm and tilted the papers towards him in order to read the first few lines before his face turns to a grimace.
“There’s no mistake my prince, these came in just before the noon meal. You may have missed the messengers coming in while you were sorting out the instructions for entrance ethics for Dihari.” Ouway’s emerald eyes flick from the papers to Mihala’s face a few times before the realization sets in. His shoulders slump heavily as he moves over to a chair. His legs give out as exhaustion starts to batter down his determination, he flops into the chair. His head slowly rose as he looks around as his subordinates stop what they’re doing and look over at him. Ouway heaves a get sigh. Nal’Seltas and Ventrus, two of the three great nations of the south east and the gate keepers to the rest of the south. Only the Angor empire stands between this plague and the center of Igmellif. And here I am sitting on my a**! Ouway surges to his feet, having recovered from his moment of despair.
“Alright everyone, listen up. We have to have these letters ready to be sent within the hour. I don’t care how hard you have to work, cut any unnecessary corners you have to. Let’s get it done.”
As the room burst back into activity Ouway heard the rhythmic thumping of five Liegla as they land on the floor behind him. He spun around to face the new comers, his face lit up as he spots the King standing in the center of four of the black clad royal guards.
“I heard what was happening from our brother, I came to make sure you were ok.” As he spoke, the king gave Ouway a reassuring smile. “And to officially sign off on this endeavor, as you seem to have left me rather out of the loop this time.”
Ouway couldn’t help but smile a bit sheepishly at the King’s words. “Thanks brother, you know how I can get especially when things are pressing. Now, let’s get this thing done.”
In a little under an hour Ouway watched from the trees as two dozen riders made their way out of the forest and up the trails leading towards the kingdoms beyond.
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Posted: Tue Feb 16, 2010 3:56 pm
Laela stepped out of the small outcropping in her room that acted as a bathing room. Her ancesters worked out a way to control the water flow around the tree to allow for running water in certain areas. She dried herself off quickly and headed towards her sitting room. Along the short walk she was intercepted by a servant who bowed low before speaking. "The scouts have spotted a rider approaching our forest." The small woman said, still bent in half.
"Thank you." Laela said nicely. "You may go now." Although it wasn't her place to intercept intruders she still enjoyed knowing what was going on in her home, espcially because her parents didn't feel it necessary to tell her anything. Laela altered her course as the maid headed back down the stairs. She headed back to the bathing room and collected her loin cloth, normally she would have left it there for a maid to collect and wash.
Laela took a few long strides to the stairs, and instead of walking down them normally she lept over the steps and grabbed onto the pole that ran down the center of the spiral staircase. She swung around the pole a couple times before descending swiftly to the ground floor. It was speculated that this was created during a time that wasn't so peaceful to allow for the royal family to evacuate quickly, but no one knew exactly. The princess sprinted out of the royal tree and out of the city. Upon reaching city limits she was greeted by her personal scouts that took her to where they had spotted the rider.
Crouching high in a tree Laela and her scouts looked out across the plains. There were two large dust clouds moving across the plains, one was headed straight for them, the other heading to the small grouping of rocks that marked the surface entrance of the closest kingdom Dihari. "I wonder what they want?" Laela mused outloud as the rider closed the distance swiftly. When he came under the shadows of the giant Cinnewood trees he slowed his horse to a canter, and then eventually a trot. Laela and her scouts could see that this rider was from the kingdom of Lieglaium to the north, a country somewhat similar to theirs. The Liegla knew that no one was to enter the forests of Evenstaer, so why would they send a rider to his doom? The princess moved along the trees, futher away from the edge of the forest before dropping to the ground a few feet inside the trees. She sensed her scouts arraying themselves around her protectively, but out of sight. The sound of the horses hooves came to a halt and a deep voice called out from the edge of the forest. "I come with a missive from the King of Lieglaium and mean you no harm."
Laela signalled to her scouts to remain hidden until she signalled them to come out. "Leave your horse where she stands and enter the forest." Laela called out, knowing that her parents probably wouldn't be too happy about what she was doing, but she didn't care she was curious. She heard the messenger dismount and walk slowly towards her, his feet making very little sound on the ground beneath them. Soon he entered the small clearing that she was standing in and stopped just inside, knowing that his life depended on how he acted from this point on.
Bowing deeply he spoke again. "As I said before, I have a missive from the King of Lieglaium, for the royal family of Evenstaer."
Laela nodded her head slightly, giving the man the respect he deserves for taking on such a dangerous task. "It must be a very important missive for you to enter our forest." She said coldly, not revealing her status just yet.
"It is of the utmost importance My Lady." He said bowing once more. "It is about the danger from the South." He said cryptically, knowing that if she was important enough to know about the danger in the South than she was important enough to know not to kill him.
Laela's heart quickened slightly as he spoke, but she remained outwardly calm. "We need not worry about that danger." Laela said quietly. "We are safe in our forest, no one has ever invaded in 6000 years, no one shall ever invade again." Her hand fell to the knife at her belt threateningly.
"I know of your history." The messenger said, obviously frustrated with how this meeting was going. "But perhaps you should deliever this missive to the Queen and let her decide." He said pulling a small wooden scroll case from his cloak and holding it out to her. "I will wait outside your forest with my horse. You can send men to guard me, but I will not leave without a response from your Queen." He swallowed forcifully, terrified of the choice he just gave this giant. He could leave with an answer, or never leave again.
Laela stepped forward and took the scroll case from the messenger, then with a wave of her hand her seven scouts dropped out of the trees around the clearing. "Leat kath ni." She said in their native language as the messenger stared at her, trying to remain calm. "These warriors will accompany you to your horse and keep you there until we recieve word from the Queen." With that Laela stuffed the scroll case in her belt and leaped into the trees moving swiftly back to the city.
For the second time that day Laela strode into the royal home, only this time she headed to the throne room where she knew her father would be dealing with civilian issues. The large bronze doors banged loundly against the polished wood walls as she entered violently. All of the civlians turned, then noting who it was bowed deeply. She strode up to her father and greeted him bykneeling down and kissing his hand. "Where is mother?" She asked rising to her feet once more.
"Last I saw her she was in the war room pouring over some maps with the generals." He said in his deep voice. Laela thanked him and took off at a sprint. The King knew it wasn't his place to ask why the princess was looking for her mother, it was an issue for the females to deal with, not him, so he quietly went back to dealing with the civilians.
Laela ran up the stairs to the second level of the tree and headed down a long hall way to the war room. Pushing the door open she bowed immediately before heading to the woman standing at the head of the table. Bowing once more when she reached her mothers side she pulled the scroll case out of her belt. "It is from Lieglaium, about the South." She whispered, eyeing her brothers warily. She never really got along with any of her siblings, especially not her brothers, for they felt that their positions as generals of the Queens army raised them above her.
The Queen nodded and took the scroll from Laela opening and scanning it quickly. Finishing it soon she placed it on the table and looked down at the maps. Taking out a piece of charcoal she drew a line across the southern part of the continent. "According to the Liegla, the forces of the Sorceror have taken Nal'Seltas and Ventrus." The faces of the generals fell as they realized the gravity of such information.
"What does it matter?" Makeil said, his fists clenched on the table. "We shouldn't care about such weak countries. They obviously weren't as strong as we are. We need not worry about such a trivial threat as the Sorceror poses." His younger brother Evenst nodded in agreement, and Laela turned to her mother to see her reaction. Laela agreed with her brothers, but would never let them know that.
"I would agree with you son." Maliean said, her voice calm. "But with every country that the Sorceror and his forces take, the more people join up and the more powerful is army becomes." Laela noticed that her mothers face was going slightly pale, and she became worried. This was the same woman that lead her own forces into battle against their neighbours to the North, the Traitons, without fear, but this human and some followers was giving her pause. I suppose this is worse than I thought. "The Liegla have requested we send a representative to their kingdom to help decide what to do about this threat."
"Do you actually plan on listening to such a race as the Liegla?" Makeil said angriliy. "What have they ever done for us?"
It was Laela's turn to get angry. "If you ever paid attention in class you would know that during the fire wars of 9203 we allied with Lieglaium to defeat the forces of Kaylief." She spat at her brother, who merely glared back. If their mother hadn't been there he would have had some choice words for her, but the presence of the Queen reminded him of his place in the royal family.
"What she says is true." Maliean said placing a hand on her daughters shoulder. "And although I would rather not have to ally with anyone, I believe we should keep all options open. If we send a representative we are not saying that we will ally with them, just that we are thinking of the possibility. This way if the Sorceror does prove to be too powerful for us we can call upon them for help."
The two males could do nothing but agree with their mother. "But who do we send?" Evenst asked. "Both of us need to be here to help plan in case of war." He said motioning to himself and his older brother. "Linea and Elean are in the southern villages trying to round up warriors, and Elesia, Taylia, Mayla, and Mainek are still studying at the academy." His eyes then fell on his youngest sister with disdain.
Maliean followed her sons gaze and she too looked at Laela curiously. She stood in thought for a while, leaving her children to shift anxiously wondering what her decision would be. "Although you are not trained diplomatically," she said to her daughter. "You are the only one who is readily available, and I believe you are skilled enough to not make a mess of everything."
Laela gasped slightly at her mothers words. Why me? She groaned slightly, but knew that there was nothing she could say to change her mothers mind. "Alright mother." She said reluctantly. "What do you think I will require on this mission?"
The two of them spoke quickly about what she would need to bring, and how she should act, and then Laela went back to her rooms as her brothers and mother continued their war plannning.
Leaving her rooms garbed in a long green cloak, and a dark blue wrap that covered her body sufficiantly for the more modest among the races Laela headed to the stables. The stable hands had already readied her horse, which was several feet taller than the average horse. Mounting the stallion swiftly Laela rode out to meet the Liegla messenger with her mothers response, herself.
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Posted: Wed Feb 17, 2010 2:42 pm
The winter wind bit at Kornir's face as he sped across the tundra. He'd be exiting Timbaria soon and the weather would soon become warmer, but the coldness of the wind was the least of Kornir's worries.
"You are our finest Captain, King Greyfang had said, "Who better to represent us?"
Surely there were councillors and professional diplomats who could have done the job. Granted, there would be a need for warriors and Kornir couldn't deny that he ranked among the finest in the land. Still, the open lie in the King's words rankled him.
I know full well he doesn't believe I'm their finest warrior, he thought, The old fool just wants to get me out of the way so that damn dog Yarel of the Bloodfurs can have a chance at Feraliar. The thought of that mangey, cowardly hound drooling over the Princess was almost physically nausiating.
"Don't think about it," she had said "I can take care of myself. Worry about your mission. It is important, and there is none other we can trust."
She's right, as usual. Depending on what course of action the Prince of Lieglaium intends to take we may be able to counter this threat before it reaches our lands.
"Mi'lord?" the Liegla messenger inquired, "Are you sure you do not wish to ride?"
"Your hose getting tired?" Kornir asked without breaking stride.
"Rest would do it good my lord."
"Not in this cold it won't." the Wulver's gruff accent made the words sound more harsh than they were meant to, "Keep youself moving, you keep your blood flowing and you keep yourself alive. Personally, I'd wouldn't want to tell your Prince that his messenger froze from the inside out on the way back home. In about thirty minutes we'll be in warmer climbs, we can rest then."
Had it been up to Kornir they wouldn't have rested at all. Demons don't wait for tired horses.
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Posted: Wed Feb 17, 2010 6:30 pm
"Good Gods, I'm dead. I must be dead. Forgive me, for I have si-"
These were the first words spoken by a creature which Rithika immediately classified as 'unfortunately green'. It was being dragged in by three Surface Guards, all of them young and looking rather excited. The creature might have struggled, but now seemed to have gone limp, and was babbling complete nonsense. Thankfully, it was cut off. Anor, the eldest of the Council of Five, snapped her fingers.
"Will someone please light a lamp for the surface-dweller?" One crack of flint against steel later, golden light bloomed in the Hall of Rulers. The three Surface Guards let go of their captive, and the creature struggled to its feet, blinking.
"I'm not dead?" it said in wonderment. And then, straightening its posture and assuming an officious tone, it declared, "In that case- I have a missive from the King of Lieglaium for the Council of Five of Diharya. If you would be so kind as to direct me- oh." His (for Rithika was now sure it was male) voice lost its pomposity as he realized that he was in fact in the presence of the aformentioned Council. "Well. Erm. Here's the...scroll." And he handed it to Sine, the Council's primary tactician. The Dihari man read it aloud.
"My friends of other nations,
It is my sad responsibility to inform you that Nal'Seltas and Ventrus have fallen to the forces of the Sorceror. He now menaces our own lands, and I fear none of us can stand against him alone. I invite you to a conference, in Lieglaium, a meeting of many lands to decide how best to meet this threat. Should you accept, do not lose this scroll; it is your safepassage into our lands. Should you decline, I wish you the best of fortunes." Sine passed it to Anor. "It's signed by His Majesty."
"Well..." Guti, a woman in her early fifties who was legendary both for her sharp tongue and her dab hand at conflict resolution, looked pensive. "In light of the information Rithika brought us, there's no question of not going. I suspect that the encroachment of the Sorceror is what's driving the creatures closer to our lands, and if we drive him back they'll return to their old habits. The only puzzle is who goes."
"Ri." That was Teiran, a man known as much for his economic savvy as for his good looks. "She's...pardon me, Rithika, but you're the most expendable. We can't send Sine, because we need him here and the Liegla hopefully have their own commander, so he'd be superflous anyway. I'm no good; I'm a businessman, not a diplomat. Guti would have us at war with Lieglaium within the week. Anor we need here; she's got the most experience. And Ri's good with languages, and sometimes with people. She goes. No question."
"No question," Anor echoed, re-rolling the scroll and tossing it to her startled youngest peer. "Get packing."
***
To Rithika's mind, it had all been rather abrupt. Not that she really minded, or that she needed much time; Dihari lived and travelled light. It was only that she had hardly had the opportunity to grasp the situation before she was being sent out to deal with it. Still...it was an adventure.
She met the Liegla messenger under the light of the surface entrance. He gestured for her to precede him, and she scaled the ladder swiftly. Her cloak was already in place, her hands gloved, and most of her face veiled. Only her eyes were visible, and these squinted in the brilliant sunlight. The Liegla followed her up, looking relieved to be back aboveground again. He started at the grinding sound of the concealing rocks being pulled back into place, but soon turned away, towards a most pecular four-legged animal.
"Does the lady ride?" he asked, gesturing to something on its back. Rithika shook her head; she didn't want to admit that she'd never even seen such a creature. But the messenger looked exasperated anyways.
"In that case, you'll have to ride pillion in front of me." He seemed, to Rithika's eyes, to leap up onto the beast, then leaned down and offered her his hand. She eyed it warily- but what could she do. So, my legs go on either side of it, I guess...looks simple enough. She accepted the messenger's hand and he helped her to get up to what would be her position for the duration of the trip. Then- the four-legged animal took off, first at a jolting but reasonable pace, and then at a dead run. Rithika clutched at its hair for dear life. Oh gods I'm going to die die die die die!
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Posted: Thu Feb 18, 2010 2:38 pm
Denveyn walked in a relaxed manner as he left the Maza-Ball court behind him, he let his thoughts cloud his mind as he made his way back to check on his dad. Really good game, this time! ... What time is it? ... I wonder what mom made for dinner? Time passed quickly and just as Denveyn walked into the Warden's Den, his father was racing out with the Warden and they narrowly missed slamming the door into Denveyn.
"Son, I'm sorry, Good thing I saw you, haha." The Warden chuckled along, while a distinctly Lieglan man who was quite short came dashing out of the Den. "Ah yes, son, the message, we were looking for you!"
The warden chimed in; "Indeed."
"Why me? What is in this message?"
At this point, the Warden took over. "The two nations very close to ours, Nal’Seltas and Ventrus, and the Liegla I've heard of that second one... wait what was that? ..to their kingdom to help decide what to do about this sorcerer."
"And why were you looking for me again?"
"Son, you have been chosen to be our representative!" No longer able to hold it in, Halbreth shouted and embraced his son, Denveyn. Denveyn shouted in excitement and then he and his father both realized that the Warden was right there...
"Oh, it's alright, it's alright. You two say your farewells and goodbyes, I'll have everything prepared for you and our missive friend."
And with that, Halbreth almost dragged his son to their home. "Son," he said as he opened a large cabinet and it's bottom drawer, "I have something for you, I knew that at some point you would leave this desert, it's in our blood to move around after all. But, do you remember the stories I told you of your grandfather and his sword?"
"Of course, dad. Go on!"
"Well, son," he lifted and revealed what was in the bottom drawer of the cabinet. "It's yours" The family sword shone in front of Denveyn's eyes in all it's beauty. They embraced, and shorty after one of the high guardsmen came looking for them and lead them to the main gate. His bags were packed lightly, he would likely have to hunt once he got to Lieglaium, but he had more than enough supplies to handle the suspected trouble they would run into (Not much). More goodbyes were said and eventually Denveyn and the Lieglan messenger were off heading quickly towards the plains and their relatively safe passage towards Lieglaium.
"So, uhh... what's your name?" Denveyn tried to politely ask the Lieglan.
"It's Horvak, nice to finally meet, we were really rushed back out of Andelve."
"Yeah, we're a race meant to move. It gets harder the stop the more important it is, haha." They shared a quick laugh.
"I'm glad you guys aren't as mean as you look, if you don't mind me saying. I was terrified the whole time I was in the Warden's Den."
"Ah, well, it comes with the scales I think. The pointy teeth don't help. Now, if you don't mind me asking, are you of average height for your race? I've read a lot about your people, but... Well, you seem very small."
"Hahaha... ha, don't worry about it though, I get it all the time, I'm a lowly 2' 7" whereas the average for my race is 4' 6". Now I have heard more of your people as well."
"Go on...?"
"Well, I've heard that you guys can jump like 100 feet."
"Indeed, but it appears you haven't heard much about us, as we can also breathe fire. I'd show you right now, but it would spook your horse."
"What?! Really? You have to show me some time! And if it wouldn't be too much to ask, what I be able to try... no, nevermind. I'll ask you tomorrow."
"Well, I leave that decision to you, best of luck."
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Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2010 11:09 am
The morning after the letters had been despatched to their various destinations, Ouway could be found walking along the floor of the forest. His early morning walk brought him to the largest 'clearing' in the woods, which actually only amounted to a relatively spaced out area of the forest near the forest's North Eastern border. To Ouway's satisfaction, he found many Lieglaium hard at work erecting various tents and setting up various other living comforts to help accommodate the diplomats that would arrive soon. As the craftsmen worked, Ouway spotted Mihala as he moved from tent to tent as he made sure that each one was best suited to each of the country's representatives. Ouway could not help but smile. It should be me in his place, but the insanity of yesterday was enough to allow him to convince me to take it easy this morning. The real stress won't start until they all arrive... Speak of the devil. No sooner had he thought about the possible days of negotiations to follow, his keen ears picked up the rustle of a hasty Liegla moving through the lower branches towards him.
"Prince Ouway! Prince Ouway!" Cried out the young monkey-kin as he leaps out of the tree closest to Ouway. Though it appeared as though the youth would fall far short in his landing, his body was suddenly consumed by a soft glowing green light that shrinks his form inward into nothingness. A split second later, the same effect but in reverse occurs in front of the prince and he appeared once more. As the boy caught his breath, Ouway quickly surmised that the Liegla in front of him was most likely a scout due to the light armour that he wore and the clumps of dust and debris that clung to his fur.
"Forgive the intrusion my prince, but the Eastern outpost sent me to find you. We've spotted several of our riders returning to our boarders, in the number of four. Three of them travel with companions." The messenger blurted out, obvious that the young scout's excitement was clearly overriding tact. While some of the other Liegla royalty might have taken several minutes to lecture the youth about proper respect and professional behaviour, Ouway's mind was already buzzing. They've arrived so soon? Some of them must have travelled through the night to reach us. Turning to face Mihala as the dark furred Liegla as he leaned over a scroll listing menu choices for the next few days, Ouway calls out.
"Mihala, they arrive already. I will go and great them myself and try to buy you a bit more time to get things cleaned up." Without waiting for a response, Ouway motioned for the scout to follow him as he walked towards the eastern edge of the clearing. "You're job is almost done, I want you to travel to the Tree of Diplomacy and inform my diplomats that they are needed. You are also to find Clistel and tell her to inform the other royalty." The scout smiled before he threw a hasty salute and takes off into the trees towards the center of Lieglaium. Ouway, on the other hand, leapt into the trees and immediately headed south east, towards the mountain pass that the messengers were instructed to bring the Eastern representatives through.
The sun was just reaching its zenith when Ouway and the two diplomats that had joined him spotted the four horses and the diplomats they escorted. Thanks to their perch near the canopy of an Aggermoth, they spotted them well enough in advance to fix any small imperfections in their wardrobe before the small party left the rocky trail descending from the mountains and cross the tall grasses that ringed the forest. Ouway nodded to the others before dropping from the branch he stood on, descending the tree from branch to branch until the souls of his feet once more impacted with the soft soil. Flanked on either side by one of his aids Ouway strode forward towards the party, making sure to measure his strides so he did not appear to be in a rush nor taking undue time.
As the two groups neared each other, both slowed down and came to a stop. Ouway waited patiently as those on horseback dismounted something that he was extremely thankful for in the case of the hooded figure to his right, who was already significantly taller than him without the aid of a horse. Ouway was not greatly fazed by the disparity in heights between the representatives and himself, he was used to dealing with the tall races of Igmellif and he had learned from his uncle that size was far from the most important quality of a person.
Ouway bowed deeply to the three representatives before him in the tradition of his race, arms out to either side, front leg straight, and tail curved up in a semi circle with the tip pointing forward. As he rose from the bow, the messengers began to introduce each representative, at which point Ouway greeted them in the fashion of their home land, as close as he could.
"Let me be the first to officially welcome you to Liegaium, I am Third Prince Ouway Na'Sayem, and I thank you for responding so quickly to my request." Ouway gave a warm smile to them as his head leaned back in order to look them in the face. He had to fight very hard not to turn a curious look towards the messenger sent to the Kingdom of Grug, he was curious why no representative had been sent.
After the pleasantries had been exchanged Ouway dismissed the messengers before he motioned for the delegates them to follow him as he walked back towards the forest's edge. "We have prepared accommodations for you just to the north of here. We hope you find them acceptable. The negotiations shall not start until tomorrow however, as I'm sure you are all tired from your journey, and we would not want to start without all the delegates."
The walk back to the pavilion was much longer than the trip out to the boarder had been, though Ouway was able to conceal his frustration with walking fairly well. Moving along the forest floor is so much slower than in the trees, I don't know how other races can stand it... When they reach the pavilion Ouway is relieved to find the craftsmen gone and the tents in near perfect condition. Before the entrance to each tent stood a Leigla, each with the deep blue sash of the Tree of Diplomacy. Ouway showed each of the delegates to their tents and introduced each the subordinates that were assigned to them. Ouway stressed that they were not there to keep an eye on the delegates but merely to serve them and to inform them of local customs and the sort. He also subtlety urged them to get to know the other representatives in his absence. Ouway had learned in the past that allowing time for representatives to see each other as individuals and possibly even friends instead of just their country could greatly smooth out negotiations. Once that was done, Ouway departed to retreive the fourth messengers story, stopping as briefly as etiquette would allow to greet the large Wulver that had just arrived from the north before he was on his way.
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