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the shape of justice [Rickter, Kala, Iselya]
Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2022 1:33 am
by Paragon
Ash 10, 122 Steel
“And why exactly shouldn’t we finish the job?” The words were spoken by an angry looking Avialae with the wings of a sparrow. He was dressed in the armor of a Sky Guard. Various scars on the left side of his face told Aoren enough to know that this was not a new recruit but rather a seasoned veteran. Assembled before him were the various officers of the Sky Guard, the Silent Wings, and the Silver Hand, the guards of House Novalys. Among them were also representatives from the Order of the Dawnmartyr.
“Because we are not like them.” Aoren spoke clearly and without hesitation. This argument had been made more than once ever since his return to Kalzasi. “Zaichaer is broken. The regime that ruled over it has fallen. The threat it posed to us is non-existent.”
He had not personally seen the devastation that had fallen upon the City of Brass but he had heard the stories and he believed them. Hell, he believed most anything was possible after what he had been put through.
“Besides, our anger is better served being put toward more pressing threats.” He looked over the map that was sprawled across the table in front of them all. Reaching out he tapped several places. “These townships are beset with creatures that have taken advantage of the strife between the cities of the Northlands. Our people need to be protected. The coming winter is going to put a strain on the city’s reserve of supplies. Which means that we will have to embark upon expeditions into the Otherwilds in order to bolster our resources. The creatures there can be outlets for your frustrations.”
“We all want vengeance--” Another officer began speaking but Aoren was quick to cut him off.
“Vengeance? No. I want Justice.” He fixed the man with a gaze that burned softly. “Vengeance has its time and place. Unleashing slaughter on a people who have already paid for their leader’s involvement in the murder of our king and the torture--”
His words faltered. He steeled himself against the searing rage that wanted to build up inside of him at the memories that were surfacing.
“...the torture of my Talon, is not Justice.” The words hurt to say. It hurt to know that he was free while his husband suffered. But they had to press forward. He had to trust that Talon would remain strong until they found a way to free him. He looked at those assembled. Several cast their eyes downward. Others gave him sympathetic nods.
“Zaichaer has paid for its treachery. Others will see their day in judgement.” There were some murmurs from the gathered.
“We must set plans in motion to free Prince Talon.” Aoren immediately interjected.
“No. Kalzasi’s Sky Guard must protect Kalzasi. The Silent Wings are needed to protect against the Inquisitors agents who will undoubtedly be more active now that the Dawnmartyrs walk among us openly. And do not forget the gift that has come to us through House Leukos.” News had spread about Kala’s revelation before the Council of Elders. Many were in disbelief. Others were hopeful and whispered for it to be true following such bleak times. “Kalzasi needs its warriors now more than ever. This coming winter will be harsh. Protect your homes. Protect our people. Rebuild. Let there be a Kalzasi to come back to so that our Prince has a place to rest after his ordeal. We will free him but we would be fools to forget who it is that holds him prisoner.”
He knew better than any of them what they were up against. Shaking his head, he let some silence hang there.
“I know we are angry. I know we all want to move, to act, to do something. We must be patient, even if that patience tears at us inside. Justice will be done.” Aoren looked up at all of them. “I swear it.”
The meeting pressed on as the assignments of forces across Kalzasi’s territories continued. Planning out where to bolster garrisons where they would be needed most in order to secure adequate supplies for the coming winter and helping to rebuild drained reserves. When it was finally over, Aoren dismissed the bulk of those assembled. With the exception of the Dawnmartyrs and the only other man in his life he could realistically say he loved. As a member of the Silver Hand, Rickter’s presence had been integral through the planning in helping to assign troops. He had been proud of how Rickter had lately been stepping out of his shell to be more of a leader. He walked up to the Rathari man and cupped his face, bringing their brows together as he simply let the warmth of the Bond flow over them both. He was utterly grateful for its return but there was still a piece of it that was missing, the absence of their other half being a glaring reminder of work that was unfinished. After that brief moment of reprieve, he dropped his hands to the knight’s shoulders and squeezed them. Turning to the Dawnmartyrs in the room, he regarded them with steady eyes.
“What is it you wished to speak about?” Moving over to a seat, Aoren took his own seat and invited others to do the same. One of the Dawnmartyrs stepped forward, he wore a mixture of robes and leather armor.
“Many are the stories of our Order. Throughout our history, we faced many evils. We triumphed over many great threats. Across our history, we collected many things. Things that were sealed away in the vaults of Ailos.” The mage looked to his compatriots. “Many of those things were carefully taken away from those vaults when the citadel fell to the empire.”
Aoren arched an eyebrow. He leaned forward to listen. The mage swallowed.
“We believe we may know of something that can help set our patron free and cripple the empire in a way that they will never forget.”
Re: the shape of justice [Rickter, Kala, Iselya]
Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2022 3:27 pm
by Rickter
The Shape of Justice Ash 10, 122nd Year, A.o.S.
Times remained turbulent no matter where the wolf went, and it made Rickter feel pulled every which way no matter how he looked at it. Plans were underway to return to the Imperium but those were kept to a minimum, where only the select few who knew about it were in the know about it. In that time and preparation, Rickter had put aside all his feelings and simply dedicated himself to the causes that were at play.
Which was probably why he harbored mixed feelings about being in the palace still. The meetings that he had attended late were exhausting, a good number of them filled with the same rhetoric as always. People were hurt. People were angry. They wanted action or at least something to help them feel like something was being done, feelings that Rickter himself had been hard-pressed to keep reigned in. The meeting at the palace today hardly felt so different, although, the guests in attendance today were ones he didn't expect to find.
It was as Aoren refuted the claims for Kalzasi to retaliate in general, first over the remaining armies of Zaichaer and then over the act of saving Talon, that the wolf's shoulders tensed with a rise in his breath. As frustrated as he felt over the matter, especially regarding the Bondmate still missing, Rickter knew it was a moot point to linger on what had already been done. What the other half of his Shinzo said had to be true, true enough for everyone else to believe in, especially if it were backed by the one who desperately held onto such hope.
"Gentlemen, I assure you," Rickter finally weighed in after Aoren's promise, "contingencies are being made even as we speak. Until then we must treat time as our ally, and prepare for the next opportunity to arise." Because rest assured he would guarantee the freedom of his beloved Bondmate, as well as the justice due to his enemies waiting to be unleashed. Whether his words helped the cause or not, the wolf stood calmly with his eyes averted from the groups present.
It was bad enough he loathed attention on himself, but, Rickter wanted to do more than just make the solemn effort for his peers. Thus, when the groups were given their next arrangement of priorities, the wolf rested his hands at the small of his back together while wearing the Skyforged Raiment once more. It had been months since he felt even worthy of donning the gear, yet as a member of the Argent Hand, Rickter didn't feel any other gear he might've worn appropriate for the role. Wrapped around the base of his neck over the black attire though, the scarf the colors of House Novalys gently dangled over the chestplate.
Even now the smell of Talon still clung to the scarf, and with the approach of Aoren to share in their reassurance together, Rickter felt both the warmth and the nagging reminder of their missing third. Somehow... the wolf intended to set things right, when the time did finally come between them. For the time being though, Rickter merely focused on the pressing matters before him instead. And with the initial meeting out of the way, those left gathered were the ones to draw his attention. The Dawnmartyrs were still here but there was also another, Kala Leukos, who represented her own house with some interesting discoveries.
Word had reached the wolf but Rickter, personally, had struggled to grasp the full of extent of what had spread. Whatever she had discovered and returned with, it was something that warranted the highest degree of protection for the wolf. Thus, when acknowledging her presence among those left in the meeting room, Rickter gave the lady a smile tinged with apprehension at the corners. Politics clearly had never been his strongsuit, nevertheless, Rickter intended to apply himself to the fullest of his abilities. Thus when he took his seat near Aoren, the wolf listened to the Dawnmartyrs with increasing curiosity.
His eyes narrowed. The Order left with secrets and artifacts before their citadel fell, and according to them, one such artifact in their possession could help set Talon free. Already emotions spiked in the well of Rickter's gut, but he quelled them, a hand plainly balled into a fist when he shifted forward just a little. Save Talon and perhaps cripple the Empire? Two things the wolf couldn't have ever dreamed of hearing in one sentence. Thus, he patiently listened to discover what was to be learned from their guests.
"Common" "Synskrit" "Norvaegan"
"Rickter"
"Every side attacks you when you don't pick sides."
Re: the shape of justice [Rickter, Kala, Iselya]
Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2022 4:52 pm
by Kala Leukos
.
Today, Kala had flown through the Kalzasern airways by light of day. She hadn't anticipated her entire wardrobe needing to be altered for Garel's gift, and thankfully, it had been relatively easy to pick up a few things in her size and shape while still on Atoria. The quest had been like a dream, but the dream had followed her back to Kalzasi. She wasn't certain yet how to cope with the changes; she had changed, and now everyone looked at her. For a quiet member of the obscure House Leukos, this was disconcerting, but it was the will of Mother Naori and she did not complain for the stares, nor did she begrudge the people their reactions, emotional or otherwise. For all the power that had been granted her, she was still a piece being played on the chessboard of creation. But she had accepted that as she had accepted the nudge from Saedene to find the Boundless Gate and what lay beyond.
Kaus accompanied her, as did the Silver Wings. They all knew what had passed on Atoria, even what had been kept from the powers that be here in their homeland. All things in due time, but despite it all, the boys seemed more protective of her. Perhaps the loss of their Shinsei had proven to them that even the divine were vulnerable.
As they arrived, others were leaving: Sky Guard; Silent Wings; Silver Hand. They didn't all notice her at once, but once each one did, their responses varied from interested to rapt. Only nine days had passed since she revealed her wings to the Queen-Regent and the Council; most people had only heard the story, and the Cintamani Pavilion's glamour had been turned on to prevent scrying eyes from looking down upon their courtyard and spoiling her peace. But there was no peace, not yet. All these specialized soldiers gathering in one place was proof of that.
"Have we missed the meeting?" she asked mildly, but was assured that Lord Aoren awaited within, speaking to the Dawnmartyrs. She thanked them and walked inside with Kaus; the boys remained behind to speak to the rest, the better to give them a sense of what had occurred before they arrived, sharing details from their journey to Atoria in exchange.
They were led to a door and announced. When they bade them enter, the Leukos twins did so.
"Lord Aoren," they said in near unison, bowing. Kala's dance training had apparently helped her get used to her wings and the change to her center of gravity. Her bow seemed steady enough.
"You asked to see us?" Kala prompted.
.
Re: the shape of justice [Rickter, Kala, Iselya]
Posted: Tue Oct 18, 2022 10:24 am
by Laveriel
Yet, it seemed like the Grim Lady had gazed upon her. Thoughts of retribution had never left her since she set eyes upon Gel’Grandal. Every night she was transported back to Ailos. It was like her mind wanted to remind her of everything she had lost. And how the Imperium thrived after the suffering they had caused.
And so, Iselya hovered outside the door of the meeting room, even when she knew the gathering had probably started. She turned to look at Valron, who was already clad in his best armor and his eyes bright. “You shouldn’t be here. I hear Kalzasi is dying to have one of their bounty hunters back in the city. I’m sure you’ll amass quite the fortune in no time.” The last time she had made him join a mission relating to Arcas, things have gone terribly, and ended up risking his life. “I don’t want to drag you into this again.”
He raised an eyebrow at her. “You’ve dragged me into this ever since you saved me at Ailos. So, I’d say it’s too late to back out now. I’m with you, you know that.”
She gave him a nervous laugh. “And you also know that I had to at least try to convince you otherwise.” As much as it worried her, Iselya couldn’t deny the fresh relief that washed over knowing that he would be by her side.
The door suddenly opened and the warriors of Kalzasi began trickling out, the siltori knew she had to make the decision. Valron’s touch on her back made her turn towards him and he nodded in encouragement. Once they entered, their last chance to return to their peaceful lives would be gone.
Iselya knew that retrieving Novuril would be no simple task, but she had thought that she would be able to do it quietly. After all, she knew where it was and the people that were tasked to protect it. Unfortunately, she hadn’t taken into account that the destruction of Zaichaer might affect the sword’s safekeeping. To find out that the sword had been stolen and most likely taken into the Warrens… There was no way for them to brave the Warrens alone. It would take resources and preparations that would take much time - something they could not afford.
One of the Dawnmartyrs noticed their presence and beckoned them in. Iselya took a deep breath and finally walked in, hoping that her late entrance wasn’t quite noticed. Her eyes scanned the room and it was impossible not to immediately Rickter and who must be Prince Aoren due to the mark that they shared - which unfortunately meant they would also notice her presence just as swiftly. Nonetheless, their presence was expected - what surprised her was the sight of Kala - and the wings extending from her back.
Still, Iselya and Valron ducked between the Dawnmartyrs, standing at the back of the group. While Valron chatted quietly, getting updates on what had been discussed, the dark-haired elf stood in silence. Her eyes wander to each of her comrades and she felt guilt blooming in her chest. She hadn’t told anyone about her encounter with Arcas or the task he had given her. Neither had she spoken about the sword. Not even her real name. However, she had an inkling she might have to reveal what she knew soon enough.
But for the moment, Iselya wanted to hear what it was that they had in mind.
Re: the shape of justice [Rickter, Kala, Iselya]
Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2022 11:41 pm
by Paragon
Aoren looked up as Kala and Kaus entered the room. He offered the both of them a smile. Motioning to them he gestured for the twins to join the table. While he did not personally know much about them, the knowledge that the two of them possessed might prove instrumental in the success of this particular endeavor. As the key people entered the room, he motioned for servants and guards to exit the chambers. Once they had all exited he looked to Rickter.
“Shinzo? Will you ward this room against intrusion and eavesdropping to the fullest extent of your powers, please?” He waited for Rickter’s ward to be successfully in place before continuing. A few of the gathered were staring openly at Kala’s wings. He had to admit it had taken him a few days before he could wrap his head around it but there were far stranger things he had to contend with. Kala’s revelation was a joy, no matter how much it put into question some things that the Avialae of Ransera had come to accept as truth. After a moment he nodded for the Dawnmartyr to continue.
“I am Pelagos. This is Isorin and Iselya.” The mage gestured to himself and two others before continuing. The mage himself was human by all accounts, looking to be older in his years as far as humans went. Isorin was a Dwarven man dressed in leathers he would have expected for a scout among the Guard. The woman Iselya appeared to be the warrior of the bunch. He was not surprised by the formation of three. Dawnmartyrs always traveled in groups of three at a minimum, a Spellforged wizard, a Pathfinder assassin and a Warforged paladin. Pelagos continued.
“In the city of Zaichaer there is a splinter faction that has origins based in our Order.” Immediately, Aoren’s mind went to a specific faction of mages that operated there. “The Sunsingers.”
“I suspected as much. The rumors surrounding those particular witches sounds very similar to what I know of the knighthood.” Aoren tapped his fingers on the arm of his chair. Pelgaos nodded.
“The Sunsingers had in their possession a sacred artifact that is intricately linked to Arcas, perhaps the holiest relic our Order managed to safeguard.” Aoren leaned forward, his eyes focusing on the three knights. Pelagos looked around the room and seemed to brace himself.
“The Sword of Dawn.” He could have heard a pin drop from the silence that pervaded the room. Aoren’s mouth hung open slightly as he considered what the mage had just told him. Even he knew about the legendary Sword of Dawn. The blade forged by the god of swords himself and imbued with the divine power of multiple deities and magic to aid Arcas in his quest to bring Justice, Hope and Light.
“Had.” All eyes turned to Aoren as he regained his senses. “You said the Sunsingers had in their possession the Sword of Dawn.”
Pelagos looked to his compatriots, seemingly hesitant.
“Now is not the time to withhold knowledge, Magus Pelagos.” Aoren’s voice was sharper than he would have liked. There was a fiery growl behind his words and he knew some of his impatience and irritation at the hesitation showed in his eyes. He let out a steady breath.
“Prince Talon, my husband,” He gestured to Rickter. “Our Bondmate, is a slave to the Imperium. Already they have dispatched him to the southern regions of the world to do gods only knows. Do you think it will be long before they turn him to other parts of the world?”
He let that sink in.
“Talon is bound against his will. His very mind is being dominated by the will of the empire. They have forged chains that bind him more tightly than you can imagine, forged by his own hand. We all know how skilled of a runesmith our Shinsei is. Now combine that with the resources and black sorcery of the empire.” Aoren shook his head as he pushed back the horrifying memory of seeing Talon broken and subdued after what the Imperium had done to him.
“If this is a key to freeing him, tell us. Tell us everything.” That seemed to reach Pelagos and he nodded.
“The destruction of Zaichaer destroyed the sanctuary where the sword was being kept. The swords guardians were killed and the blade was…it was stolen.” Pelagos looked to Iselya then. “Tell them.”
Re: the shape of justice [Rickter, Kala, Iselya]
Posted: Tue Oct 25, 2022 9:37 am
by Laveriel
Iselya pressed her lips together at the words. She had expected Pelagos to bring up other artifacts, but of course, that wasn’t the case. There was no escaping now. The weight of a dozen eyes turning towards her made her shift uncomfortably. Sensing her unease, her golden-haired companion gave her an encouraging nudge.
Her eyes wandered to Rickter for the briefest moment before focusing on the avialae. “A few days after Valron and I figured out that we were alone in the Imperium, Arcas- Talon found me and spoke of the sword. He said that it might be the one thing that could free him.” Or defeat him if it ever came down to it. But after seeing the prince’s reaction to Pelagos’s brief hesitation, she figured it would be best to leave that part out. She doubted it would ever go that far. “And he asked me to find it.”
Realizing that it would be a long story, the siltori made her way to the table and sat down, her fellow Dawnmartyrs following soon enough. She didn’t immediately continue. The woman took a deep breath and let out the secret she hadn’t told anyone besides Valron for more than a decade. “Perhaps by the gods’ design, I knew exactly where it was supposed to be. I was one of the few knights assigned to guard the sword when we smuggled it out of Ailos before the Imperium’s attack on the city.”
This would be the first time her fellow Dawnmartyrs learn that she had been one of the survivors of Ailos. She slipped a strand of black hair behind her ear - a self-soothing gesture she have had for at least a century. “It was supposed to be under the protection of Therron and Gregoire Norickson - who I later find out built the coven known as the Sunsingers. Unfortunately, by the time I contacted Gregoire, the sword had already been stolen from them. During their efforts to bring the sword to Kalzasi, it seemed they were betrayed. The guardians of the sword were murdered and whoever attacked them seemed to dabble in the undead.
“The last traces of the sword led to the Warrens, the third deep they said. Perhaps in the hands of a lich who lived there.” She wasn’t in any way familiar with the Warrens so the elf simply let the knowledge sink in between them.
Iselya straightened her back, slowly meeting the eyes of everyone in the room. As daunting as it felt, she knew that she was where she was supposed to be. “With this in mind, we fully realize finding this sword in the Warrens will be a daunting task and one we can’t do alone. So, we’re here to ask for help, for the resources of this city to be directed to help us retrieve Novuril.”
Re: the shape of justice [Rickter, Kala, Iselya]
Posted: Tue Oct 25, 2022 6:51 pm
by Rickter
The Shape of Justice Ash 10, 122nd Year, A.o.S.
Rickter noticeably needed a moment to take stock of what he witnessed when Kala ad Kaus entered the room, probably because he hadn't officially recognized the plumage of feathers rested from her very shoulders. Surprise dawned on him then. A lady with wings. So that had been what the Council was stirred up over, something that not even the wolf contemplated entirely possible before now. All his life he'd known about the Avialae's Synnekar, and how they influenced the city proper when their families belonged to one of the Great Noble Houses.
When his Bondmate verbally reached out to him Rickter's attention immediately drifted, the bafflement in his eyes lessening when he looked to Aoren curiously. Once the rest of the servants and guards present were bid to exit the room, he was requested to instill a ward that'd keep all prying ears and eyes from them. A sealed room as it were. The utmost importance of secrecy was not lost on Rickter with this request; therefore, he nodded firmly before bringing his hands out from his lower back.
It did not take long for the swirl of aether to emanate within his own aura, and with the clasped of his fingers over one another, the wolf focused on the task that was at hand. Throughout the room, the walls, windows, and even the shut doors began to shimmer. He thought of all the possible methods one could try and pry for information from them, or from the room itself if anyone were clever enough to approach that idea as well. Warding against things such as Mesmer and Traversion was simplistic in nature, but it was the specifications Rickter had to worry about to ensure the deed was done correctly.
Not a single sound or aetheric signature would be traceable in this room, once Rickter added the final touches to the ward by integrating each imprint within the room. Semblance helped with identifying each and everyone, but it was also the smells every individual had on them as well. Truly Rickter did as his other soulmate asked, and made sure that nothing could scry into the room, while those in it were practically invisible to the world in every aspect. Once the shimmers faded he rested his hands once more, a dutiful look given to his Bondmate as he stood firmly once more. Now that they were all safe and secure, he too could soon learn what could help save Talon from the Empire.
When the mention of Zaichaer came up and the faction in question that remained there, the wolf quickly remembered the brief occasions he had met a few of their members. The Sunsingers were an interesting lot he never fully associated with, but nonetheless, Rickter knew he had at least one good friend among their ranks. It did not surprise him that they were in fact once part of the original Order, since the Dawnmartyrs themselves had only recently resurfaced some time ago. Yet at the mention of the Sword of Dawn the room became visibly tense, and at that moment Rickter felt a resonance echoing through him.
"Novuril..." The ancestral Dawnmartyr manifested next to Rickter at the table, the wolf subtly eyeing the space he stood at as if he noticed a ghost perhaps. Alistor wore the plated armor of the Order he represented, bearing impossibly close resemblances to a much younger Rickter than the wolf physically present. "How long it's been since I've heard that name."
Though the wolf wanted to pry he waited, rather, looked to Aoren to see if his Bondmate noticed the addition to the meeting. Echoing his ancestors didn't happen as frequently as it used to, now that the wolf had returned back to Kalzasi to prepare for their next move. Even so, Alistor had been an asset to Rickter in the past, and anything he might've known in regard to the subject would be beneficial to the cause. What he did not anticipate is if Alistor could be seen or heard by others, as none had been able to do so in the past other than Rickter's Bondmates. Times were always changing of course, and while he could've pondered, Rickter instead focused on the conversation unfolding in front of him.
Aoren had urged those present to be forthcoming with the details, seeing as how this weapon was more than just a key to Talon's salvation. The wolf couldn't help but pull the key that Briathos gave him out of his pocket, the quest to find the door in between moments considered lost when Zaichaer had been heavily decimated a couple of months back. Had he been given the chance to reveal this weapon's location by chance? Did Briathor IV know something about the sword and its location this entire time? Too many pieces were on the board for Rickter to keep track of, but he still sought out connections at where they lie nonetheless.
Key or not it did not matter... What they had to learn, Rickter in particular, was that the sword was no longer where it once rested. The wolf admittedly glanced at the next to speak with modest surprise, as it was none other than Iselya who had stepped forward to share what she knew. She had made it out of the Imperium then, something he hoped to help with when he made his return there later in the month. There were still others that had to be rescued from there, after all, other pieces of the board that the enemy had snatched themselves.
Though he wanted to find time to profusely apologize to the Siltori, Rickter knew it pointless to fuss over what had already been. Mistakes had been made, and he would do well to show his companions how much he learned from them. For the time being though he listened intently, fixated on every detail he could mull over when Iselya shared her story. So Novuril was not only stolen but whisked away into the Deep, so far down below that they'd have to reach the third level of the Warrens in fact. And a Lich had claimed this weapon?
Already this set a clench in his jaw the more he listened, but a glance at Alistor once more revealed something to Rickter, something else that the spectral knight was keenly aware of. "It's her..." The look in his ancestor's eyes was unmistakable, Alistor had seen the face of a ghost he probably thought long dead. "She and I were Warforged within the ranks, after all this time I never..." Though the knight trailed off, Rickter's eyes moved from Alistor to Iselya with curious speculation. The Sword of Dawn and now the recognition of a much older veteran of the Order. Clearly, there was more to the Siltori than what he initially caught on.
Regardless, knowing what he did, Rickter sighed heavily now. They had the means of setting their beloved prince free, and yet, they also had to retrieve it from one of the most dangerous places in the Warrens. "It has been some time since we've ventured down that deep." He remarked with a steady gaze on Aoren, having not forgotten their venture into the Warrens for Lyra over a year ago.
"Its retrieval is of the utmost priority." The Dawnmartyr urged with a steady gaze not unlike Rickter's, his eyes passing the wolf toward Aoren as he expressed his thoughts. "Without it, there will be no hope for saving Talon. The sooner Novuril and Oathkeeper are found the better."
One thing at a time. He assured his ancestor in the quiet of his thoughts, as the wolf looked from his ancestor toward the rest in the room.
► Show Spoiler
OOC Note:
Alistor is the soul of a Dawnmartyr from the War on Souls period in the Age of Sundering. While mortals can't typically see the soul when it Echoes through to Rickter, those heavily connected to him (Bondmates), as well as higher beings (Demigods/goddesses), can visibly see and speak with a soul whenever they come through.
"Common" "Synskrit" "Norvaegan"
"Rickter" "Alistor"
"Every side attacks you when you don't pick sides."
Re: the shape of justice [Rickter, Kala, Iselya]
Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2022 3:26 pm
by Kala Leukos
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The twins sat as Aoren bade them, answering his smile with their own. Since returning from Atoria, Kaus' boisterous personality had calmed some, weighted down by responsibility greater than he had known before; Kala smoldered with an inner fire, a purpose, and, for the time being, secrets. She kept them wrapped tightly under guard. The time was not yet nigh. Her wings had been revelation enough for one season.
They listened attentively, not sure what they could bring to the table, but eager to be of use.
Kala remembered Iselya's face, though she seemed quite different from the necromantic healer from the Tranquil Gardens who had helped her prepare for their Warren March. How long ago it seemed.
The Sword of Dawn.
A mental nudge from Kaus made her drop her eyes in thought; apparently he couldn't see the spirit emanating from the Shinsei's bondmate. Her senses were heightened when it came to the numinous and she was going to have to learn to play blind until she was ready for people to know what she could see. But she looked up at the mention of the Warrens. She knew a thing or two about the Haunted Reaches.
"Her Highness the Queen-Regent will not let me leave Kalzasi for the time being," she interjected softly, "but perhaps Kaus could join you. We passed through the Third Deep in our search for the Monument."
Her twin didn't like the idea of being separated, no matter how much he wanted to prove his mettle once more in the Warrens.
The necromancer in Kala wanted to study the ancestral spirit in the room, but she tried to rein her mind in and keep it on task.
"But... will the Sword of Dawn free the Shinsei, or merely make him a more powerful weapon of the Imperium?"
She didn't like to play mistlord's advocate, but the question had to be asked. Sahfri herself had asked similar questions of her and of Aoren in private after she showed her wings to the council.
Re: the shape of justice [Rickter, Kala, Iselya]
Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2022 1:20 pm
by Paragon
“Damn.” Aoren’s hand tightened over the arm of his chair as he considered everything that Iselya was saying. “There is only one lich that I know of in the Warrens. We’ve crossed paths with him before, Rickter and I.”
His memory went back to the year prior where the journey down into the Deeps had led them to a Keep in the First Deep. Between the dragon enthralled by the Lich, his undead legions, and the demon in service to him, Aoren already knew that they had a hard fight ahead of them. He pinched the bridge of his nose in agitation but was already resolved to embark upon the journey ahead. His gaze was drawn briefly to the manifestation of the apparition that followed Rickter around. He narrowed his eyes slightly. He still was not certain what he thought about these spirits who lingered close to the wolf Rathari but he trusted his bondmate to have them under control.
“We never personally fought him but his servants were many and the obstacles he placed in our path were defeated only with great difficulty.” He remembered quite well how much they had fought as they had made their trek into the Deeps for Lyra. Aoren shook his head. He looked at Kala as she posed her question. It was the Dawnmartyr mage who responded.
“Novuril has a will of its own. It protects its wielder from corruption, ensuring that they remain true to themselves and their truest purpose. Legends say that it was with Novuril that Arcas gifted warriors of old the first Rune of Reaving. Whether he created it himself or simply passed it on, we do not know. I say this to give you an idea of the blade’s power. If one of us is worthy enough to wield it, it may yet allow us to break the chains that bind our patron by purifying them.” It was conjecture but that was all they had in these circumstances. It was a small hope, but it was hope nevertheless.
“In this, I believe the Queen could be persuaded. Your skills as a necromancer would be invaluable on this endeavor, Lady Kala. The Haunted Reaches are a ghostly place, as I’m sure you know. However, I will not turn away the aid of your brother.” Aoren gave Kaus a nod. He would not press Kala to join the expedition. He understood the young woman’s position. She was quickly becoming a person of fascination in the high circles of Kalzasi by virtue of the revelation she had brought before the high nobles. That they would not want her lost to the Warrens was obvious.
“I will have supplies and equipment drawn together. I will confer with the Sky Guard on what may be known about this lich and its domain in the Haunted Reaches. We must move swiftly. Our journey will begin at first light tomorrow, to delay is to lose precious time we already do not have. Speak of this only to those whom you trust with your lives. The fewer who know of our goal, the better. Those who arrive at the Yawning Chasm tomorrow morning will be those who embark upon this journey. Do not be late or you will be left behind.” With that, Aoren rose from his seat. He bade them all the best of luck before departing the room to immediately begin preparations.
The day, what remained of it, was theirs. What preparations they needed to make, what family they needed to speak with, they had the remainder of the day and night to contemplate their choices. But eventually, the day would come to a close.
----
Ash 11, 122 Steel
Aoren stood at the mouth of the Yawning Chasm dressed in the Skyforged Raiment that had been made for him what felt like a lifetime ago. Idly he wondered, had he been wearing it on that fateful day, would things be different than they were now? He cast the thought aside. Whatever awaited them in the days ahead, he would face it with the knowledge of who and what he was firmly in mind. He would never again fall prisoner to the Imperium. He would free the man he loved.
It was still dark out. He had not slept much the night prior. Too much that needed to be prepared and his own nerves had gotten the better of him. Nevertheless, he did not feel tired. He was ready to embark upon this journey and finally find the key they had been searching for. It was beginning to feel as though there was actually hope to be found. He was not alone. Armored Dawnmartyrs stood beside him. The Knight Iselya, a tall and broad Orkhan Avialae, and the Magus Pelagos.
It would be first light soon. They would depart as soon as the sun’s rays touched the horizon. Aoren would wait not a moment longer.
Re: the shape of justice [Rickter, Kala, Iselya]
Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2022 4:11 pm
by Rickter
The Shape of Justice Ash 10, 122nd Year, A.o.S.
Rickter paid close attention to the rest of those within the room. He was still boggled at the mind with Kala but the wolf didn't let that distract him, not when larger things were important to focus on for the time being. What this sword was seemed crucial, critical even, to the mission of saving Talon himself. That was enough of a motivator as any other to drive Rickter forward, therefore, he pondered when the winged lady shared her thoughts on the matter.
So Kaus would be joining their party to the depths below then, while Kala remained safe and secret as needed to. What their enemies knew little of, the better off they were when the time came to finally act. "Rest assured, Lady Kala, I will see to it personally that nothing comes to harm your brother." He promised her as he could sense the discomfort between them, after all, he was all too familiar with the sting of distance between him and his own Bondmates.
To learn not only of the lich that possessed the sword, but that his personal domain had in fact been one the group passed through before... It brought chills down Rickter's spine when he reflected on the events that took place at the time. For whatever their intents and purposes, it felt like their mission just became all the more difficult already. "Though numerous, we've dealt with his undead as well as his traps before. This time though... he'll know we're coming for him." Of that Rickter felt sure about.
Whoever the denizen in that part of the Warrens was, he didn't seem like one to trifle with the first time they came through. Now... Rickter seemed keen to carry this group straight to the source. Receiving the bit of insight on Novuril that the Dawnmartyr's present had to share, the wolf could only glance at his ancestor to see if that were indeed true. Not that Alistor seemed able to confirm it, but the firm gaze in his distant stare that the knight held some memory of the blade. Perhaps he too had been dead for too long, and couldn't grasp at the memories he believed should've been present.
It mattered little anyway. Listening to what his bondmate had to say in response to all this, the wolf nodded along while collectively sorting his thoughts. Preparations would be in order on his end as well no doubt, and while the wolf understood how the rest of his pack felt; there likely going to be lengthy discussions as to what to expect while he was gone. "Understood. I'll see you there first light." He confirmed with a nod before he glanced at the others, hopeful to uphold the promises he had made on this day.
----
Ash 11, 122 Steel
The preparations the wolf had undergone after their meeting yesterday were filled with questioning. But thankfully with the trust of his beloved, the others within his pack needed less convincing than necessary to let him go it alone. Rickter understood the value of their place at his side, and any other time he would've likely considered the idea of bringing one along for backup. But the sanctity of this mission, as well as their own safety, would not let the wolf rest well once the night had came.
Therefore, come the early hours of the morning when the sun had not yet risen, the gentle cool breeze that beckoned toward Aoren and the Dawnmartyrs implied the arrival of their guardian wolf. Rickter's arrival was followed with the quieting of the breeze, as he walked toward the entrance of the Yawning Chasm with his featherlight bag over the shoulder.
Telion had gone out her way to make preparations herself on his behalf, knowing she'd only be able to provide so much for the group on her own. Therefore he reached the group in the same garb he'd worn the day prior, the scarf around his neck gently reminding him of his soulmate's scent when he greeted Aoren and Iselya first. He thought to say good morning, when in reality it wasn't, but opted for a respectful nod of his head toward the group.
"I am ready." He confirmed with a hope to their cause, actually determined to pave the way for them if necessary. Though, Rickter knew such impulses were exactly what he needed to control, so he stood patiently with his arms crossed for once. Waiting to see if it would be Kaus that would accompany them, or if Kala herself had decided to show in his stead.
"Common" "Synskrit" "Norvaegan"
"Rickter" "Alistor"
"Every side attacks you when you don't pick sides."
