We Have An Offer (Talon)

[Pahoran]

Pahoran
Inume
Grikua
Falrisona
Calistra
Sarino
Taselia

We Have An Offer

32 Glade 121 AS

The group made their way towards the the Palace of the First Winds. They were all dressed in their nicest plain clothing. They were clearly dressed as best they could for visiting the palace but also just as clearly they were nothing more then peasants taking a chance to ogle at the grandeur of the palace. That at least was the thoughts of others as they passed by. Even the guards thought of them as quaint and then forgot about them.

Closer inspection might have revealed something more to the group. At the head of the group was an older Avialae. His white wings folded nearly so at to avoid drawing attention. His face while handsome showed contentment with life even with the scares. Beside him walked a elderly matronly human lady who despite her grey hair walked with the same fighting grace as her husband.

Behind them walked a couple who upon close inspection also seemed odd. A beautiful Hytori couple their regal faces almost a contrast to the clothing they wore. Both walked with the same confidence as the more elderly couple in front of them.

Behind them came the young people. A proud golden haired Avialae youth who held the arm of a young golden haired woman who held herself with the same pride. The facial structure left no doubt they had to be siblings. If anyone looked closer at the young woman they could swear she had hazy wings. She didn’t but it didn’t stop people from feeling she should. With then came a brown haired Avialae who had similar features to the other Avialae in the group.

They made their at a good pace and soon had found their way into palace. When asked they would simple say they were simple wagoners with a trade proposal for the Shokaze. They had sent a note and were expected. They didn’t other to mention that the note had given a truer reason for their visit. So it was they were taken to one of the waiting rooms.

Pah took a seat and found his sister sitting next to him Inume sat next to him and put a hand on his arm. Neither said anything but just enjoyed being next to each other. She was older then him by two years so it was that they had often played together. Pah was close to his family but in different ways. Inume and him had a close siblings relationship.

Pah looked at both set of his grandparents. They had been chosen to come both because of there ages but also because they represented the three subgroups with in the order. He because he had a connection to Talon. His sister was one of the family blacksmiths had had expressed an interest in meeting one of the best magical smiths in the city. Their cousin Grikua had come because while a Knight he was also a healer who bore the healers emblem for such purposes and so represented a unique part of the Dawnmatryr’s.

The family was silent as they waited. No one really felt the need to talk. Their was comradeship in just being their together. The two old couple did each find a window and stood together just enjoying the grounds. Pah looked at them and hoped that some day he would find someone to share that kind of companionship with. He smiled and continued to look around just taking in his surrounding. The warrior in him not able to just enjoy but needing to make sure it was safe.

[Talon]

32nd of Glade, 121 Steel

“They cannot be serious?” Talon blinked at his father incredulously. The sovereign of Kalzasi shook his head as he stared down at a sprawling map of the Kalzasern territory. There were several points on the map that had been marked with red tokens bearing crossed swords. Not far from those locations were other tokens displaying winged men in the traditional armor of the Sky Guard. Talon came to stand at the table, surveying the map with a critical eye. On the edges of his aethereal awareness he could just make out the presence of some of the detachments that each marker represented.

“I am afraid that they are.” His father righted himself. They had just finished a meeting with the Sohane of the Sky Guard, the Generals who led each division of the Kalzasern military. This was a matter that required less of the attention of the Shokaze and more the Daizoku of House Novalys, which his father was both. As the patrons of Kalzasi’s militant forces, part of their responsibilities were to ensure that the borders of the territory were adequately defended against some of their more aggressive neighbors. Coupled with the regular responsibilities of the Sky Guard in defending against the threats of the Warrens, it was a wonder to Talon how they managed to accomplish it all. He was no stranger to military tactics but his personal experience was that of a small unit leader. Talon knew how to lead in the thick of combat. He could come up with a plan and strategize when presented with the immediate threat in front of him.

His father and the generals were in the middle of approaching how to handle the increasing acts of aggression from their southern rival. Zaichaer was not antagonizing them directly but the increased level of brigand activity in some of the less populous settlements coupled with a few recent reports from their spies, it was not a coincidence.

“We are only weeks away from the Northern Summit. Why would they try to pull a stunt like this?” Talon narrowed his eyes. He folded his arms over his chest as he examined the map of the Free Cities and their territories. He surveyed it carefully. His father did not answer but simply studied him. There was something nagging at the back of his mind. When it struck him, he sighed, rubbing his eyes tiredly.

“They want to increase tension. Escalate domestic unrest across the States.” Savien’s voice interjected his thoughts.

“To accomplish what, my son?” Talon opened his eyes. He examined some of the routes marked as important. Some of them he knew to be trade routes. Others he recognized as main roads that people traveled.

“Zaichaer is growing increasingly dependent upon imports for foreign materials to produce some of their machines. Materials that some of the other cities have in abundance but…” Talon pressed a finger to the map and drew an imaginary line. “...some of those cities are largely aligned with us.”

His father nodded, leaning back to rest his hands at the small of his back loosely. His golden-brown eagle wings fluttered slightly. Talon recognized this as a teaching moment, one he had experienced plenty in his childhood. His father was waiting for him to realize something. Thus far he was stating the obvious. The Brass City’s motives were not unknown to him. The question was, what was driving this particular increase in underhanded tactics? If they were behind it at all.

“They want to create a reason to propose stronger trade relations.” The realization struck Talon with a note of curiosity. “They are going to offer an increased presence of their soldiers along trade routes.”

His father nodded with an approving smile.

“In doing so, they can make the argument that the other State’s forces are stretched thin. They will likely offer up their forces to make the roads across the territories more secure. And in so doing…” Talon finished the sentence for his father.

“Gain permission to more freely travel through the States territories without suspicion.” Talon dropped his arms. “We cannot allow them to do this, father.”

Even before he finished his sentence, his father was shaking his head.

“On the contrary. It gives us an opportunity.” Talon blinked at his father.

“How?”

Savien did not get the chance to finish as a knock sounded at the chamber doors. The both of them turned their heads to see one of the palace guard enter. He bowed low before righting himself.

“Forgive my intrusion, my sovereign. A clan of wagoneers is respectfully requesting an audience with the Shokaze.” His father furrowed his brow. It was not that he felt such an audience was beneath him. His father made a habit of hearing as many of the common man’s pleas as he could make time for. It was simply that he had rather pressing matters to deal with. Talon knew of them. He was beginning to be entrusted with greater responsibilities in overseeing some of the Daizoku’s roles.

“Please extend my apologies but--” Talon felt it then. He felt Pahoran. He felt Falrisona. He felt others who bore his divine mark. He turned his head realizing exactly who this clan of wagoneer’s was.

“Father.” Normally he would not have ever interrupted his father but this was a moment that warranted it. It had the desired effect prompting not just Savien to peer at him quizzically but the guard as well.

“It is them.” It took only a moment before realization dawned on his father’s face. He nodded. Turning his attention to the guard, he spoke.

“We will meet them in the library.” The palace guard bowed again and exited the room. His father stepped up to him, resting his hands upon Talon’s shoulders. There was a proud but sad look upon his face. Talon regretted the sadness that he saw there. He did not want to bring his family pain but the moment he had told them the truth of what he had become and how it had happened, they had all known it would only be a matter of time.

“The King in me wants to shield you from the duty that is now on your shoulders, my son. For fear of the danger it will bring.” The two of them rest their foreheads together. He felt his father squeeze his shoulders. “But the Father in me knows that you are strong. Come. Let us greet these knights. I wish to see these heroes from the stories.”

Talon nodded and walked with his father to the library. As soon as they entered, his father commanded everyone to leave. There they waited for the arrival. Truth be told, Talon was excited to see Pahoran again. The young knight was fast becoming a man whom Talon felt he could trust.

[Pahoran]

Pahoran
Inume
Grikua
Falrisona
Calistra
Sarino
Taselia

We Have An Offer

Glade 121 AS

The group was still sitting quietly when Inume quietly spoke up. “Do you think we will get in?” Her voice was more curious then anything. The young woman was one of the more practical members of the family. Pah patted her arm and as he was about to answer he sensed Talon in the distance. In addition he suspected that Talon could sense their presence.

Pahoran shrugged and said. “We might have to wait a while depending song on what kind of meeting they are in.” His baritone said reassuringly. “I would be surprised if we didn’t eventually meet them.”

Their grandmother Sarino turned an looked at the children. Her expression was amused. “Don’t worry Inume. Even if the Shokaze is to busy today we can come again.” Her expression was relaxed. “Even after this visit were not going to need to start hanging banners everywhere. Affairs of state are demanding and taxing. Not to mention we are being rather cryptic.”

“True.” Inume agreed.

Pah spoke. “Our real presence is known to one in this palace.” He meet his grandfather’s gaze and the older elf nodded his head. “I think we just need to wait on the messengers themselves.” Inume looked at her little brother and then smiled.

“Alright.”

They returned to silence as then. Each filling a bit nervous about what was coming up. The older knights were worried as this was a risky step. They had spent so many years training and preparing for this day. Now it was that time but years of trying to protect the family wasn’t something easily put aside. They family had discussed it and they were in agreement. Pah’s own argument for it still rung true. This was the time to stand as knight or time to just fade into history.

The door open and with an alertness that was disturbing they all turned to look as a guard walked in. They could see that their combined gaze made the palace guard a bit unsettled but he just cleared his throat and said “His Majesty will see you in the library.”

The collective group acknowledged with various nodes of the head. Pah watched the guard and could see there was an inquisitive look on his face as the group walked forward. To the common persons eyes they still looked like peasant. The youth suspected that rue guard mind was struggled with this they looked and how the behaved. The group walked out with a confidence that spoke of skilled warriors.

The waked through the stately palace and Pah had brief memories of his own youth as he walked through the halls of the citadel. A place of beauty and grandeur though with different styles. Though in one way it did seem similar. While there were more people in the citadel both places really appeared to be designed for more people. Their should have been more family members walking these halls just like Pah knew that more should have walked the halls of the citadel.

They came to the library and the family paused out side. Taselia turned and motioned for Pah to come forward. Inume let go of his arm and took their cousin’s arm instead. Pah could feel the question on his face as he came forward. “My boy you helped to bring us here.” He smiled and then looked at the group behind him. The Knight Marshall said, “Ready.” And with that command everyone brought themselves to parade stance. Pah made his back ramrod straight.

They pushed open the door and walked into the library. Pah kept his gaze forward as they walked in and avoided gawking at the library. He looked and could see the Shokaze standing in the library with Talon. Pahoran smiled at them. It was something about the Knights. They were their to bring hope and so a smile was allowed. Pah could see the similarities between the two though Talon’s own elvish heritage must have also one his mother. The young man could see that it was just his family and Shokaze and Talon.

The group walked in and then then gathered together a comfortable distance. Pah smiled at both of them and then bowed first to the Shokaze, “Greetings Shokaze.” He then bowed to Talon. “It is a pleasure to see you again Talon Arcas.” He then straightened his ice blue eyes showing a bit of nervousness. “Your Majesty. I am Pahoran Rayunia. I currently serve as a squire in the Sky guard, but I am a Knight of the Dawnmartyr.” He paused and then introduced the others starting with the highest ranked. “This is my paternal grandfather. Taselia Rayunia, a Knight Marshall. He was actually born in Kalzasi and grew up in the city until he joined the Knights as a teenager.” The patriarch bowed to both of them acknowledging them and their titles. He then indicated to Sarino, “His wife and my grandmother Sarino Rayunia.” And so he continued down the line eventually ending with his sister and cousin.

With introductions out of the way Pah relaxed a bit, and he turned to face the ruler of the city. “With recent events.” He grinned at the two of them, “Which I suspect you are aware of. With those events, we feel that the time has come to change tactics.” He paused and glanced at the older members. Taselia nodded his head. “When the Citadel of Light fell all of those years ago, we escaped, but the bulk of our families were still children. Myself included. We have used this time to teach my generation, but also to offer help where we could. And yes we have hide from the Imperium.” He looked them in the eyes with confidence. “With the Imperium’s discovery of us, we realizes that our grace period is over. It is now time to remind people there is hope, and justice still in this world.”

Taselia stepped forward and clasped Pah on the shoulder. “Yes, we have been nomads for many years now. We have watched, and trained, and even grown.” He looked seriously at the Shokaze. “We have been impressed by your rule and how you strive to uphold many of our same values. We now present ourselves in the hopes of establishing an alliance, and would allow us to gather the scattered members of our order. So that we can stand with the world again as the sword against the darkness.”


There was silence among the Knights. The dice had been rolled.

[Talon]

“Did you know them before the fall, father?” Talon could feel Pahoran’s presence among those who were waiting for them. He knew the exact moment when they stood up and began making their way toward the library. If he concentrated, Talon knew he could have done something similar with any and all who bore his mark. He hesitated in doing so. He was still getting accustomed to the expanded awareness that came with his new life.

“I had the privilege of meeting a few Dawnmartyr Knights in my youth. They came here to Kalzasi from time to time, searching for something important to their order. Though what, I do not know. Those conversations we had with my uncle.” A dark look passed over his father’s face as he reminisced on those days. His father shook off the mood, his wings shifting slightly. Talon eyed his father as he worried his bottom lip. Something in his expression must have called to his father as the man stepped up to gently bump his shoulder.

“You are nervous.” Talon gave his dad a wry look.

“I do not know what they expect of me.” His father nodded, folding his arms over his chest. He stared down at the floor, seemingly mulling something over in his thoughts.

“What do you know of them?” Talon shrugged a shoulder. He ran a hand through his hair, a nervous habit that he had been told on numerous occassions was a dead giveaway as to his inner thoughts. He could not seem to bring himself to stop.

“I know little of them. I know Pahoran. He is the Sky Guard I told you about from Ash. The one who helped Aoren and I in the Warrens.” Talon recalled the expedition to find some dragonshard stones that he later used in the forging of one of his master work creations. Talon had been grateful for the man’s assistance then. He had felt a kinship to Pahoran even then, having admired his bravery and readiness to help.

“You went to a gathering of this Rayunia Clan, yes? A dance?” Talon nodded. He recalled attending the Clan Rayunia wagon gathering. The family had seemed close-knit. There was a humble joy to them. They had watched the northern lights dance in the skies while enjoying the stories of interesting events told around campfires with good food.

“Everything tells me that they are good people. But what if I am not what they hoped for? What they expected? I barely know what I am doing. It is not as though I awoke to divinity and suddenly there was all this knowledge in my head.” Talon sighed. He leaned his hip against the table behind them, closing his eyes as he tried to sort through his thoughts. He felt his father’s hand on his face, prompting him to open his eyes. Savien was staring at him with a fond smile.

“Ah, my Talon. Here I had been afraid that godhood would change you into someone I did not recognize. You are still just as you always have been.” His father dropped his hand to his shoulder and squeezed it. “Be true to who you are, my son. Who else have you been your whole life but yourself? Do not start trying to be someone else now.”

“But--” His father held up a hand.

“Arcas. Andrus. It does not matter. Be who you are, Talon. Learn from who you were but if you spend the rest of your life trying to be someone else, you will never be who you are supposed to be, yourself.” Talon felt tension in his chest, a tension he had not even realized was there, dissipating ever so slightly. Those were words he had needed to hear. It was true. Talon had been spending a considerable amount of time trying to figure out who he was, who he had been. The realization that he was the reincarnation of an ancient demigod had been something that had completely thrown his perspective on who he was supposed to be. There were memories that resurfaced. There were feelings that presented themselves to him. Talon had been trying desperately to focus on those things. The more he tried to search for them however, the more it seemed that the warmth presence in his soul that had seemed so close at first, grew more distant. Perhaps that was because it was Arcas telling him not to be him but rather, to learn from him.

Talon did not know but hearing his father say those words brought him comfort. He smiled at his dad and nodded. Savien grinned.

“I see this old man has managed to get through that thick head of yours.” Talon scoffed at his father.

“Why is everyone going around saying I am so thick skulled?” The Shokaze of Kalzasi arched an eyebrow at him. Talon hunched his shoulders and rubbed at his neck.

“Perhaps, I am a little stubborn.” His father just hummed in acknowledgement. “Father!”

Savien laughed before the sound of footsteps prompted the both of them to turn their attention to the doors. His father stood up straight. Talon gave his father one last look before both of them watched as the doors opened and in stepped the Rayunia family. At their helm was Pahoran, who smiled at him in a disarming manner. Talon was grateful for that. Despite his readiness to welcome them, he knew his father would have serious concerns when it came to welcoming Dawnmartyr Knights openly in the territory. When he was greeted, Talon nodded his head just as his father inclined his head as he was greeted. The both of them listened without interruption as Pahoran and the others were introduced. When it was finished, Talon looked from the Rayunia family to his father.

His dad had a blank expression on his face as he regarded Pahoran. The Shokaze’s grey eyes took in each and every one of those gathered in front of him.

“You would bring war to Kalzasi.” His voice rang throughout the silence of the library. Talon went wide eyed. Before he could speak, his father continued. “Tell me why Kalzasi should enter this alliance? The Imperium knows that you are here, you say? It is one thing to dismiss the aggression of Zaichaer. The Imperium, however, is another matter entirely.”

Talon did not know what to say to that. His father’s concerns were valid. It was one thing to assert their sovereignty and offer asylum to what could be considered refugees, it was quite another to openly sanction the rebuilding of a militant order famed for their prowess as warriors, hunters, and organized soldiers. Talon was again reminded of the difficult balance that needed to be walked. He was a reborn demigod but he was also the firstborn son of the sovereign of an independent nation. Talon felt obligated to help but there was also the fact that not only were they Avialae, a people considered renegade by the Imperium already, they would be openly defying every ideal both Zaichaer, its allies and the Imperium saw as their very way of life.

[Pahoran]

Pahoran
Inume
Grikua
Falrisona
Calistra
Sarino
Taselia

We Have An Offer

32 Glade 121 AS

The group watched the sovereign and his son. For many in the group they had seen Talon so each watched his curiously getting the first look at the current avatar of the values they embodied and had sworn their lives to uphold. All of them felt a comfort being in his presences, it was like standing in the sunshine after a time a cloudy day. Though some of there reactions carried. Some watch him like they would watch the clouds that still threatened the sun light.

They didn’t have long to really contemplate that before Shokaze responded rather dramatically. Pah did slightly jump at the snap in the voice but he stayed composed otherwise. The older members of the order had used similar tones to get attention. They watched the leader of the city with a respectful twinkle in his eyes but kept a straight face.

There was a pause mostly to see if he would say anything else. Then Pah titled his head and said simply. “Our first offer is to help teach Talon Arcs about who he is becoming.”

The Hytori knight, Falrisona stepped forward and spoke. “I was young but I was there during Arcas last life.” He smiled at Talon, “I have heard from his own lips his own teachings and I know for sure that with the awakening doesn’t come all of that knowledge. He must grow and learn, we can make that easier and while Talon Arcas will make mistakes.” His gaze focused on the Sovereign “And while there are mysterious that only he can face we will be a support network that he can’t find else where, unless he builds a new order dedicated to fighting evil and injustice.” The older man said.

The kindly Sarino stepped forward at that point and with a firm matronly voice spoke up. “I think we need less dancing around the subject here.” She gave Talon a look and then looked back at his father. “Let’s put all the cards on the table.” She looked around seeing some chairs and gave the Shokaze a look but continued. “We admire what you have done with your city. You have played the game beautifully.” Her expression showed her honest approval. “I am sure you are more then aware though that recent events have changed up the rules of that game.” She actually grinned at Talon. “By the way congratulations. I always applaud such efforts.” She turned back to Shokaze and tilted her head thoughtfully “Actually you might not be aware of this. On the day Talon Arcas awoke to his divinity ever member of our clan who is a knight had a vision about him and the event. I am fairly sure that extended beyond just us. I am more then comfortable saying that his return was announced to every Dawnmatryr still alive.” She tilted her head. “I hate to say it but not all of us have stayed true to the oaths.”

Falrisona looked sad and nodded at Talon. “He can tell you the Inquisitor was once a Dawnmatryr.” He tilted his head “I would be willing to wager that vision is what drew him here. Him and I had dealings before when the Order stood. That is why went he saw me he went for me.

The older woman looked at the Talon’s father her expression suddenly sad. “That vision is what has drawn the Imperium’s attention here.”

Pah spoke up then. “The Inquisitor only wanted to know who was the Arcas and where to find him.” He looked proudly at Sovereign. “Our loyalty was firm.”

“Back to the point.” The matriarch said. “This is our proposal. We aren’t about to announce our return to world. Nor would we expect any of our friends to announce it as well. In all honesty we would rather keep it quiet.” She paused giving them all a serious look. “We recently found the ruins in the Wildking’s Forge that once was a Dawnmatryr’s stronghold. While it is within your city’s claimed territory it is also far enough away and being deep with in those woods it can fall under that the term....” she glanced at the other grandmother.

“Plausible deniability.” Calista said in response. She had been quietly watching but not saying much. “We don’t want war any more then you. We would rebuild that fortress while staying hidden within the forest.” She paused before continuing. “But if it is discovered then if you wish you can claim ignorance or some other such reasoning if you wish.”

“As far as the Imperium, the vision did more damage to this city then anything else. They know that Arcas has returned and did it here. Even if we hadn’t been here or they hadn’t happened to sent an ex Dawnmatryr turned inquisitor. They would be drawn here.” Sarino said with a sigh. “I am sure you can see how that affects thing with the Imperium. Arcas returned and is reborn as an Avialae.” She left it hanging there.

“The minimum we’re are hoping for is that you will turn a blind eye as we rebuild. And with the visions and the reactivated emblems” Pah spoke up and showed his even as his grandfather did as well. “It will begin to draw our scatter brethren. And I don’t think any of us want a bunch of lost knights looking for their god wandering around town.” He gave a smile at the joke. “We will work to bring these knights away before they make to much noise.”

“As mentioned before we offer to teach Talon Acras, and help him awaken to his full potential.” Sarino continued. “We keep our rebuilding efforts out of the city. We also will help to bring order to the countryside around our keep, but again quietly.” She titled her head. “We will also offer our support against the Imperium.”

Pah stood pulled something out of purse next to him person. “I was able to retrieve one of the Imperium’s greatest weapons when the Inquisitor attacked.” He held out the medallion. “We would like to work with you to find a way to fight these.” He said the last part with a hiss. “The enslavement of the Avialae is an afront to both our Knighthood and this beautiful city. With this we can begin to understand and craft tools to fight this tool.” He shuddered, “Keeping us all free.” He voice caught.

“My dear Shokaze. We, and the causes we fight for rest upon you and your decisions.” She tilted her head still looking kindly, understand, but ever inch a matriarch.

[Talon]

The knowledge that his awakening had been broadcasted to every living soul that was or once was a Knight of the Dawnmartyr unsettled Talon. However, he knew that what they were saying was true. He confirmed as much with his words.

“It is true, Father.” Savien looked at him. There was concern in his eyes. Within his father, Talon could see a multitude of things. He was the Sovereign of Kalzasi and Leader of the Eastern Free Cities. But he was also a soldier who had lost most of his family to a madman’s slaughter. At that moment? He was a father who wanted nothing more than to keep his firstborn son safe from all that threatened to swallow him.

“I can feel them sometimes.” Talon turned his attention to the east. He let his gaze grow distant as he let himself drift away from the focus of the here and now. “They are scattered across the world but they are moving.”

He saw the black sands of the Zeraphi desert. A family was moving through the dunes at a steady pace. His attention seemed to zoom in one the foremost figure guiding the caravan through the desert. Upon one of his forearms, concealed beneath the cloth of the garments he wore, Talon could see the Emblem of his own divinity shining upon his skin. Hidden as it was from the world, it was not hidden from Talon. The figure looked up and Talon swore he felt as though the traveler could see him. Talon wished the traveler a safe journey and dimly he thought he felt some of the tension in the figure’s body flow away.

Talon’s vision passed to a place much further. Over the rolling black dunes of the Zeraphi desert. Past the trees of the Dalquian woodlands and into the grey skies of a storm battered coast. On the deck of a ship that was being tossed by waves, Talon beheld a Dratori man. He was aiding the other deckhands as they braved the waves of the storm. On the back of the man’s neck, Talon could just make out the form of the Emblem. The man paused in his work for the briefest of moments, his gaze turning skyward as a shaft of light broke through the stormclouds. A look of stunned surprise but also peace filled his features before he threw himself back into the task of overcoming the storm.

Person after person passed over Talon’s sight before he drew himself back to the present moment. Most of them tended to be of the longer lived races and every one of them bore the mark of Eminence. He could see it as clear as daylight, shining like a beacon upon their bodies. The whole ordeal had taken only a breath or two before it was over. Talon shook himself and returned his attention to the here and now.

“They are right, Father. The survivors of the Order are moving. Some will likely arrive within the next season or so. They will be searching for me. I need help.” Talon gestured to the Rayunia Clan. “They can teach me. They can show me the ways of the Dawnmartyrs.”

Stepping forth, Talon spoke with a conviction he did not realize he had. He had only ever heard stories of the knighthood but those stories had always filled him with wonder.

“Have you not told me stories of the Knights? Of their bravery? Have you not said that the world lost something when the Imperium destroyed them? The Imperium already hates us. They have already sent their Inquisitors to attack us, to find me. They will send more. Is it not better to be prepared?” With each word, Savien looked more weary. All of his reign, Talon had known his father to be working as hard as he could to maintain the peace for Kalzasi. At every turn, it seemed that the allies of Zaichaer and the Brass City itself were prepared to start a conflict. It was a testament to Savien’s skill as a diplomat that he had been able to maintain the peace for as long as he had. Talon quieted as his father stepped closer, raising a hand to cup his face gently.

“I look at you and see everything I want to protect in this world, my son.” He looked at the Rayunia family. “I see you all and I am faced with the truth that the world is a place in need of those willing to fight for good causes.”

Talon caught his father’s hand as it came to rest upon his shoulder. He squeezed it then turned to face Pahoran and his family. His father sighed heavily.

“Very well, good knights. As Shokaze of Kalzasi, of course, I cannot supply you with resources or assistance without convening the Council of the Daizoku. However…” Talon realized immediately what his father was getting at.

“As a Lord of House Novalys, I am free to offer support where I deem fit. I merely need the blessing of my Daizoku.” Talon gestured to the chairs in the room, inviting the members of the Clan Rayunia to sit down and discuss things further. Talon seated himself as what could be considered the head of the table. His father stepped off to the side, leaning against one of the bookshelves, making it clear that it was Talon who was speaking on behalf of his House and not Savien.

“I only saw a brief glimpse of the settlement you mentioned. You intend to rebuild there? What is the state of it?”

[Pahoran]

Pahoran
Inume
Grikua
Falrisona
Calistra
Sarino
Taselia

We Have An Offer

32 Glade 121 AS

Pah looked over at his paternal grandmother who had effectively taken control of the conversation. His eyes danced in amusement. Many of his family were either Warforged or Spellforged, but she was one of the Pathfinders. He knew that she had served as a scout, spy and woodsman in her prime. Though she never admitted to being an assassin, which Pah believed, but she had a practical side that had kept them alive. She had used it once again. The young man also suspected that the grandma air was less off putting then a young males presences tended to be.

Pah did watch the sovereign, but not blatantly as the man understood the significance of what they revealed. It was part of why they felt the need to move as well. Something of this magnitude would draw attention for various sources. They also felt it was important for these two men to understand that the even had happened. The clan as a whole was impressed with the governing of the city and felt it would have been a form of treachery not to share that last part even if it helped them get what they wanted.

The whole group didn’t obviously turn away for the father and son conversation, but their gaze’s wandered around the room taking in the extensive library. Pah could see his sister Inume was actually reading the titles of the books her pretty face showing her interest in the various subjects. Her hair, which was normally in a pony tail, was allowed to hang loss on this particular day so that it curly golden locks framed her face. Pah continued to look around at the others. Each of them were focused on some other part of the room, his cousin was also looking at the books, but his grandparents were mostly looking at their spouse, their eyes communicating in a way made the young man a bit envious.

All of them instantly focused on the father and son as they brought everyone else into the conversation. The Sovereign declined being able to support them, at least not without the support of the council. Pah’s ice blue eyes blinked and he nodded in understanding, he had personally hoped one meeting and it would resolved, but his more experienced Elders had warned that their could be multiple meetings and other factions that might need to be approached. The young man did catch the compromise that was being made and the subtle difference. A house had a bit more freedom in who it supported then a whole city especially when it was its own nation in a delicate balance.

When the seats were offered Pah and his family each took their own seat. He watched as his Hytori grandmother Calistra moved her chair by her husband. Ever since the events at the settlement with the Inquisitor she had worked hard to always be close to him. It was one of those funny things. His other grandparents were old, but while these two were older, they hadn’t really become old. Then started the discussion about the settlement.

Pah tilted his head and said, “That night really didn’t allow for sight seeming.” He said his ice blue eyes twinkling with humor at his own joke. Then his expression grew thoughtful. “Overall the roots of location are good, so it wouldn’t require building from scratch.” The others nodded their heads and his sister spoke up.

“It also was a complete outpost.” She said getting into the conversation. “Sometimes they were just way stations, but this one has it all.” She smiled her eyes gleaming.

“Inume, please define this one has it all.” Her grandmother said kindly.

“It has a Temple. Which says a lot about its previous use.” Pah spoke up and his sister nodded her head.

“The presence and size of Temple says a lot, that and good old fashion footwork.” She pulled out a small note pad. “It is a walled compound, with a garrison, armory, a couple blacksmith forges, a stables.”

“It also has a meeting hall, what we are guessing is a Inn, and I suspect the building among the biggest cluster of tree was once a Wizard tower. Pah said and smiled at his sister. He then looked back at Talon and his father. “We will need to clear tree’s from the area and then work on rebuilding the buildings. My nature instincts tell me to shore up the walls first, but after some conversations, that might look to aggressive, so we are thinking the buildings to house people first, and we are thinking the temple as a beacon for others.” He looked towards Talon who really had the final say on that particular part since it was to him.