Once the meeting was concluded, he performed that which politeness required and made his way outside of the great hall. Once outside, he settled on waiting for the emergence of the WolGar representatives.
"The Alidrial ambassador wants to meet us." Malrissia whispered, her voice lost beyond a two steps. Tapper keot an eye on the Troll, it wasn't that the troll scared him, Tapper had been into the wild lands around WolGar and had killed much more dangerous things. However he hoped for an excuse to chanlledge him, it seemed unlikey and Tapper was paying more attention to the meeting has whole.
"Does he? How can you tell?" He asked. He knew Malrissia wouldn't lie to him, but he could never leave anything alone honestly.
"It's in the hands. Will you come with me?"
"Of course I will if you like."
After meeting they walked toward where the Island Elf waited for them outside the the Great Hall. Malrissia wearing a her shamen robes took the lead, Tapper falling back to her right has they approached.
"Greetings, I am Malrissia of the WolGar, I am shamen of the Wolf tribe." She introduce herself.
The eyes of the Alidrial representative and more importantly his ears were as keen as any of those of his kind. He did not hear what the WolGar representatives had to say, but he heard their approach well before he saw them. His head turned, his eyes catching sight of the half-elf shaman and her impressive companion. The man was certainly impressive in bulk, his eyes lingering upon his approaching figure for a moment before sliding towards the shamen.
When the half-elf woman spoke he nodded, bowing for a moment before her. The woman spoke politely and that demanded to be repaid in kind, furthermore she was kin of sorts. The Alidrial elves shared a great deal in common with others. His eyes sliding from Malrissia to her impossible to miss companion and back again.
“It is my pleasure to meet you Malrissia, I am Celadryn of the Alidrial, representative of the Pillars to this meeting of minds.” He nodded, his eyes sliding towards the male for a moment as if expecting him to introduce himself as well. A moment later, introduction or not his lips parted and he continued to speak. “I am thankful that you have allowed me to talk with you at this time. My people have heard of your own, but we do not have any sort of formal ties as of yet. I feel that this time would be as good as any so that your people and my own may establish formal relations and all that such a move would entail.”
I am thankful that you have allowed me to talk with you at this time. My people have heard of your own, but we do not have any sort of formal ties as of yet. I feel that this time would be as good as any so that your people and my own may establish formal relations and all that such a move would entail.
"We would welcome such a move. Tapper and I are seeking ways to bring our people into the current age, we would welcome your aide and friendship. There is much I believe we could learn from one another." Malrissia said, green eyes scanning the elf in front of her.
Sir Gilchrist and Sir Borin walked out of the council chambers after the council, followed by Aratheal.
"Well, what do ye think, me lord," inquired the dwarf of his taller superior as they walked side by side into the night.
"Of, my friend?"
"O' this alliance, a crusade, ye might say."
"A noble cause, given the Jihad's demonstrated methods and goals. But the conflict will come sooner than we could possibly move more troops south to combat it," added Gilchrist, seeing the dwarf's eager look. "We shall have to depend upon Aratheal and his Rangers to put in our blows for us. Aratheal, what do you think... Aratheal?" He half turned to his right upon finding that the chief ranger was no longer right behind and between Borin and himself.
"We will do all we can, milord," responded the half-elf in a low voice, appearing out of the darkness in front of the two knights.
Gilchrist suppressed a sigh. The man would never learn... "I'm sure you will. You do, of course, know your primary mission. Do not engage in main combat."
"I wouldn't take my company up against an enemy armored brigade in line battle even if you ordered me to, my lord."
"I wouldn't expect you to." Gilchrist was beginning to get annoyed, but he was used to the ranger's half-insolent style by now. "You know how to arrange skirmishing forces better than I. Your operations will be up to you."
"Thank you, milord."
"Go and see to the accommodation and arrangement of your company if you wish. You may stay, but I doubt you will hear much to interest you."
"Yes, lord." The ranger's cloak swirled as he went into the darkness, and there vanished as quickly as he had appeared.
"Farin, what course of action do you believe our gryphon riders should take?"
"That depends on what flyin' creatures if any the Jihad can field. Someone here can probably tell us. For now, I think we should stick to scoutin'. We cannae effectively engage the main ground force of th' Jihad with the fifty riders on their way. We migh' be able to suppress their air assets if'n they got any."
"See to it."
"Aye, melord." The dwarf stumped off towards where he'd left his gryphon, leaving Gilchrist brooding in silence outside the council hall.
The guards look down at the Taladan ambassador. "Wait here, I shall inform the blessed Theocrat of your presence". One guard walks away into the palace, the other continues to look menacing.
The theocrat sits in one of the palaces rooms and considers things. He is interrupted by a guard knocking at the door. "Blessed lord, the ambassador from Taladan wishes to speak to you". The theocrat turns around. For an instant he is worried, do the Taladani know of their intelligence operations in the barbarian lands?. He dismisses the thought, if they wish to talk then the empire probably does not desire conquest of the kingdoms lands, not yet at least. He stands "send him in, I shall be waiting".
The guard returns to where the Taladani stands. "We will escort you to the theocrat, follow". They lead the ambassador into the palace, and into a great hall, at the end of which is a huge wooden throne, framed by a pair of horns and overhung by a great statue of the great god Usar, this is the theocrats throne. Upon it sits the theocrat, Kilkas the third. "Welcome, Mrarrd of Taladan, Pray, ehat purpose brings you to my hall?."
Post Number 1066 achieved Sun Feb 22, 2009 3:19 pm(board time, 8:19GMT)
Batman: What do these guys want anyway?
Superman: Take over the world... Or rob banks, I'm not sure.
speaker-to-trolls wrote:"Welcome, Mrarrd of Taladan, Pray, ehat purpose brings you to my hall?."
Ambassador Mrrard bowed slightly and stood up.
"This matter is somewhat delicate, Theocrat. Our nations do not have had a very trusting relationship in the past. You may have picked up signals of Taladani activity in the barren barbarian steppe to your north. The Emperor has sent me to assure you that this is just a punitive expeditions after recent events on our southern border. The only thing we seek from the Jeutak people is peace and friendship, not ggression, Theocrat."
Great Dolphin Conspiracy - Chatter box
"Implications: we have been intercepted deliberately by a means unknown, for a purpose unknown, and transferred to a place unknown by a form of intelligence unknown. Apart from the unknown, everything is obvious." ZORAC GALE Force Euro Wimp Human dignity shall be inviolable. To respect and protect it shall be the duty of all state authority.
The theocrat considers this. "I see, well, I have recieved reports which indicate somewhat differently", he calls for an elven slave who stands near the throne to hand him the papers he carries. "These are letters from several merchants currently in the barbarian lands. They claim that they have evidence of Taladani forces moving westward across the barbarian kingdoms. Forgive me if I seem hostile, but you must understand, if you were to add these lands to your empire then the lands of Jeutak would in essence be... surrounded. I'm sure it is clear that this is unsettling to many. But I can assure you we also desire only peace and friendship."
(note: The four guys in the bar aren't their only sources, that was just an example of the sort of thing they've been hearing from the barbarian kingdoms)
Post Number 1066 achieved Sun Feb 22, 2009 3:19 pm(board time, 8:19GMT)
Batman: What do these guys want anyway?
Superman: Take over the world... Or rob banks, I'm not sure.
Darth_Zod wrote:The Seneschal's eyes glow briefly. He's clearly using some power or another but exactly what is being done is uncertain.
"Very well. We shall conduct you through the chaos gate to the Capital should you have no objection with this means of travel. We will provide some refreshments there and hear your case upon arrival."
"I have no objection to any means of travel and if you believe that the Chaos Gate is the most appropiate one, I bow to your opinion. I am ready to leave as soon as you deem it suitable."
(OOC: There is nothing false in his words or his documents)
"You can be assured that the Empire does not wish any hostilities between our nations. You are respected at cour, and as a sign of friendship the Emperor would like to consider you signing a trade agreement with the Empire. It would certainly be a boost to your nation's economy." He cleared his throat. "And to be honest with you Theocrat, if the Empire would have wanted to invade you and your territory, we would not be needing to surround you in order to win this. We do have a formidable army. Something you certainly are aware of."
Great Dolphin Conspiracy - Chatter box
"Implications: we have been intercepted deliberately by a means unknown, for a purpose unknown, and transferred to a place unknown by a form of intelligence unknown. Apart from the unknown, everything is obvious." ZORAC GALE Force Euro Wimp Human dignity shall be inviolable. To respect and protect it shall be the duty of all state authority.
The theocrat nods. "Yes, I am aware of Taladans might of arms, to be honest I am not sure how well we could defend ourselves were our nations to come to blows..." This is a lie, "but I am grateful that the people of Taladan are sane enough to avoid such an outcome, while the rest of the world seems eager to go to war. A trade agreement would benefit both our nations, I would welcome it".
Post Number 1066 achieved Sun Feb 22, 2009 3:19 pm(board time, 8:19GMT)
Batman: What do these guys want anyway?
Superman: Take over the world... Or rob banks, I'm not sure.
Lord Atatsk stands on the deck of the galley Usar's fist and watches the city of Rive(?) with narrowed eyes. "That Wolgar animal will pay for his insolence. Who is he to insult a lord of Jeutak?". His aide, Kistras, sighs at this "my lord, beggining a fight with him here would be unwise in the extreme, you could spark off a war with the land of the Wolgars, and they have strong ties to Karsinia, would you have Jeutak pay for your mistake by facing both these powers?". Itrask, the ship's marine sergeant, laughs at this "my lord, if the Wolgar's truly a man and a warrior he will see this for what it is, a dispute of honour between two warriors, not a dispute between nations. And if he insists on taking this to national levels, or calls his Karsinian friends to aid him he's not worth your effort". Lord Atatsk turns to face the sergeant, who smiles "I've met Wolgars before, not often, but I have met them. They are an honourable sort, on the whole, not the kind to threaten war in personal matters". Kistras glares at him "be silent, fool!. These are not men we are dealing with, they are politicians". The sergeant is still smiling "I always thought that politicians were men". The aide replies tersly "and that alone displays your naivety"
The ships captain overhears this conversation as he strides on board. "My lord, if this can wait, there are other matters, less glamorous but equally important. We need to purchase supplies for the return journey, and beasts to sacrifice, we may need to invest in new slaves as well". Lord Atatsk nods grudgingly "indeed, indeed". He turns toward the stern. "Chief diviner!, can we send a message to Jeutak?". The chief diviner, a lanky troll woman by the name of Keras, walks towards him. "As I have told you, my lord, magical communication requires a line of sight, and our line of sight to Jeutak runs directly through Karsinia. There is simply too much mystical disturbance in the Dragonlands for any communication to pass through them". Atatsk nods, all he really understood of that is that it is not possible. With barely another word Atatsk, his aides, the captain and a group of escorts, descend on the town to go to market.
Post Number 1066 achieved Sun Feb 22, 2009 3:19 pm(board time, 8:19GMT)
Batman: What do these guys want anyway?
Superman: Take over the world... Or rob banks, I'm not sure.
Ernar grinned has he swept off the saddle of his horse, Mordath. His lodge brothers did the same dismount swiftly, checking the placment of their recurved bows, quivers and lances.
"Cousin Arne, it has been long! Tell me has the sight of the blue water driven you mad yet?" He hollered good naturedly. Ernar was a Hawk tribesmen, it was an article of faith amoung them that the sea would claim the sanity of those fool enough to stray to near for to long.
"Bah, you've been squatting in the mud to long Cousin. Come I have guest from outrealm, they will need to go to the counsil. Will you take them there? We have no windrunners to perform the duty, will you aide me cousin?"
"The blue water has driven you mad. Of course I will aide a kinsmen and fellow Son of Gar in guarding his guest. Uncle Wolf and Lord Elk scorn me for all time if I turn my back like a shiftless goblinfolk." Ernar replied.
"I thank you Cousin. I warn you, they are frail race and can only move by the moons soft light. I have tents ready to shield them from the sun." Arne said drawing near and dropping his voice to a whisper.
"Are they men or goblin then?" Ernar asked his brow knitted in worry. The WolGar lands had once been infested with goblins, orcs and other manner of unnatural spirit cursed beast. The tribes had solved it with a simple straight forward soluation, which was their habit. Come into the lands of the Sons of Gar and die. Come to close to the lands of the Sons of Gar and die. Harm a Son of Gar, or Daughter of Nas and be chased until you die.
"They are men. Just deaf to spirit and frail by our way of judgement. They seem strong enough to hold lands across the blue water and bring metal to trade. They wish an league I think, a pact of trade of some sorts. I think Tapper would be pleased if you brought them to counsil and back, with their goal meet." Arne replied in the same low voice. Arne believed in Tapper, it was widely accepted that the boy... Well Man really, was on his way to being the WolGar Hero of the age, if not there already. Stories were told in winter of his Chimera hunts before being made chief for example.
"Yes, Tapper would be pleased. Then it be duty to you, WolGar and my lodge brother. Tell your guest we leave tonight, after the horses rest. I brought remounts we can ride quickly."
Darth_Zod wrote:The Seneschal's eyes glow briefly. He's clearly using some power or another but exactly what is being done is uncertain.
"Very well. We shall conduct you through the chaos gate to the Capital should you have no objection with this means of travel. We will provide some refreshments there and hear your case upon arrival."
"I have no objection to any means of travel and if you believe that the Chaos Gate is the most appropiate one, I bow to your opinion. I am ready to leave as soon as you deem it suitable."
(OOC: There is nothing false in his words or his documents)
The seneschal nods, glances to the man in the purple robes, who nods back. "good, good. We will conduct you to the palace gates immediately then. Once inside we may begin talks of whatever it is you happen to wish to speak of."
they walk towards the direction of two incredibly tall pillars. the man in purple then stands in front and begins chanting in an ancient tongue, the pillars starting to swirl and crackle with power, opening a globular portal in between them. the portal swirls with eddies and vortices. The seneschal then promptly steps through, and the man in purple beckons for the ambassadorial party to enter after.
Upon exiting the portal, a dizzying experience for those unaccustomed to it, the palace gates can be seen. the building itself doesn't appear to have been shaped by natural methods, and is almost organic in construction. much like the rest of the buildings within the capital city, a stark contrast from the utilitarian homes in the port city. the party is shown to the palace proper, whereupon drinks and whatever other refreshments asked for are provided.
"It's you Americans. There's something about nipples you hate. If this were Germany, we'd be romping around naked on the stage here."
"My lord, the Ambassdor from Anarchia is here to see you."
"Send him in."
A man in a rather handsome looking kimono walked in.
"I do not believe I introduced myself earlier. I am Lord Snow."
"Please, sit, we have much to discuss."
"Like why you currently have an axe sitting on your desk over there?"
"That is my son's."
"Looks rather like the axe of the barbarian horsemen to our south."
"It is, but let's not speak of it for now. You came here to talk about trade, yes?"
"Yes. Given our long history of trade with each other, the Patrician dispatched me to see about what he called an easy trade agreement. His proposal is that we reduce tariffs towards each other, in the hope of increasing trade between us."
"That certainly sounds reasonable. I shall have to think it over."
With that, Lord Snow left the room.
"preemptive killing of cops might not be such a bad idea from a personal saftey[sic] standpoint..." --Keevan Colton
"There's a word for bias you can't see: Yours." -- William Saletan
StormtrooperOfDeath wrote:"Certainly," Dalleth replied. "One can be procured and you may disclose your thoughts to myself in a more private setting."
Standing over the map the lead ambassador began pointing things out on it and explaining it.
"We have wished to offer this for some time, but as you can imagine we face problems doing this. What we wish to offer is an agreement between us and all other nations setting boundaries for the potential expansion of the Jihad. What we offer is a northeastern boundary of the Euxine sea, with a western boundary being the end of Asia Minor, with the exception of the far side of the dardanelles. As a North-western border we propose nothing past the Iberian peninsula. We would expand no further than we have in the Central sea as well. Would you agree to such a treaty?"
'After 9/11, it was "You're with us or your with the terrorists." Now its "You're with Straha or you support racism."' ' - The Romulan Republic
'You're a bully putting on an air of civility while saying that everything western and/or capitalistic must be bad, and a lot of other posters (loomer, Stas Bush, Gandalf) are also going along with it for their own personal reasons (Stas in particular is looking through rose colored glasses)' - Darth Yan
Straha wrote:Standing over the map the lead ambassador began pointing things out on it and explaining it.
"We have wished to offer this for some time, but as you can imagine we face problems doing this. What we wish to offer is an agreement between us and all other nations setting boundaries for the potential expansion of the Jihad. What we offer is a northeastern boundary of the Euxine sea, with a western boundary being the end of Asia Minor, with the exception of the far side of the dardanelles. As a North-western border we propose nothing past the Iberian peninsula. We would expand no further than we have in the Central sea as well. Would you agree to such a treaty?"
Dalleth responded carefully. "Your words are strange, given the events of the recent years. What assurance can we possibly have that you will keep your word and stay within the boundaries?"
{} Thrawn wins. Any questions? {} Great Dolphin Conspiracy {} Proud member of the defunct SEGNOR {} Enjoy the rythmic hip thrusts {} In my past life I was either Vlad the Impaler or Katsushika Hokusai {}
The Coastal Road was the only direct link between Anarchia and Caliphon, and the Fortress which stood astride it was the sentinel for the strategically important trade route. The Fortress was the edge of Caliphon's defendable borders- The next dozen miles to the East were tilled by Caliphoni peasants, and their taxes wen to Draftsgard, but they were outside of the defensive perimeter the two fortresses and the Border Road provided. A little farther to the East, and the Plain of Seven Hundred Soldiers stretched- Anarchia.
A smaller door within the fortress's vast iron-bound portal opened, and the Anarchian was let in.
Under capitalism, man exploits man. Under communism, it's just the opposite.
John Kenneth Galbraith (1908 - )
StormtrooperOfDeath wrote:Dalleth responded carefully. "Your words are strange, given the events of the recent years. What assurance can we possibly have that you will keep your word and stay within the boundaries?"
"As the words of the prophet say, 'Go out and remove the taint of the Devil and his God-followers from all the known world.' We do not know, nor do we expect to know much about the world outside of those regions in the time to come. This is why we offer to stop now."
'After 9/11, it was "You're with us or your with the terrorists." Now its "You're with Straha or you support racism."' ' - The Romulan Republic
'You're a bully putting on an air of civility while saying that everything western and/or capitalistic must be bad, and a lot of other posters (loomer, Stas Bush, Gandalf) are also going along with it for their own personal reasons (Stas in particular is looking through rose colored glasses)' - Darth Yan
Straha wrote:"As the words of the prophet say, 'Go out and remove the taint of the Devil and his God-followers from all the known world.' We do not know, nor do we expect to know much about the world outside of those regions in the time to come. This is why we offer to stop now."
Dalleth noted that the ambassador didn't answer his question, but none of his private musings were allowed to show. He wasn't about to jump into anything rashly, but he did need to relay this meeting to the gathered council.
"I will consider what you have told me, and hopefully reach a decision that we can all agree upon. If there was nothing else..." It had been a long day, and the next didn't look any more promising.
{} Thrawn wins. Any questions? {} Great Dolphin Conspiracy {} Proud member of the defunct SEGNOR {} Enjoy the rythmic hip thrusts {} In my past life I was either Vlad the Impaler or Katsushika Hokusai {}
"It certainly makes sense, my Lord," Sir Woylcott, his trade advisor, said as they were discussing the offer of Lord Snow. "Anarchia is a useful trading partner, close to us, and offers things quite welcome in our land. Coupled with Caliphon, we are now reasonable conneced, trade-wise. The agreement with Jeutak, while not as fruitful, certainly could, given time, become useful. Especially their access to the southern seas."
"Yes, I would agree. Send a letter to Lord Snow that the Empire gladly agrees with the easy trade agreement."
"It will be done, my Lord," a messenger bowed as he was handed the letter.
"It would al lbe easier if my blasted son wouldn't have done what he did," a vein on his forehead was starting to pulse quite vehemently.
"It is...unfortunate he did it, my Lord," Woylcott said. "But," and he slightly ducked, "but my Lord, it could also be good for us. The wide plains, if under our control, would be more useful to us than now. And it gives your son something to do besides brooding in the palace and plotting with your dearest wife..."
"That is that..." he looked out of the window for a second or two. "Now, back to the mining operations in the Gurula mines..."
Great Dolphin Conspiracy - Chatter box
"Implications: we have been intercepted deliberately by a means unknown, for a purpose unknown, and transferred to a place unknown by a form of intelligence unknown. Apart from the unknown, everything is obvious." ZORAC GALE Force Euro Wimp Human dignity shall be inviolable. To respect and protect it shall be the duty of all state authority.
Agent Fisher wrote:"My apologies. We have been riding with very little rest since leaving Gondor, and I have forgotten my manners."
" I am Damrod, Son of Angbor, Brother of Haleth, Son of Turgon, Son of Hallas. I am a Nephew of King Haleth. As proof of my nobility I offer the High Seal of Gondor" Damrod showed the ring on his left index finger and removed a peice of parchment and presented to the guards.
The bearer of this peice of parchment and wearer of the ring of the High Seal of Gondor, speaks in my name and is my blood relative.
Haleth, Son of Turgon. High King of Gondor.
Damrod sat upon his horse looking down at the guard.
"Very well, if you'll leave your horses here we will arrange for your lodgings." The guard motioned for them to bring around a simple open carraige. "If you'll go with my men."
Word had already been sent to the palace to expect the visitors. The Gondorian embassy was an odd one, but they would be treated respectfully for now.
Damrod dismounted his steed and passed the reins to one of the guards.
Theodorus Carsinias sat in his sadle, atop his Bronze Dragon, Corinas. The island of crete and the elven nation of Alidrial loomed in the distance and was increasing in size rapidly.
GALE Force Biological Agent/
BOTM/Great Dolphin Conspiracy/ Entomology and Evolutionary Biology Subdirector:SD.net Dept. of Biological Sciences
There is Grandeur in the View of Life; it fills me with a Deep Wonder, and Intense Cynicism.
The Alidrial representative paused for a moment and offered a smile at the words of Malrissia. Her emerald eyes contrasting sharply with the sky blue orbs of the Alidrial. “Excellent, then we shall make every effort to lay the foundations for our widening relationship as soon as possible.” There was only a slight pause before he continued. “I agree that shared knowledge between our people can only have a positive end result. It has been my pleasure to share words with you both, now if you will excuse me, I really should prepare to go back home. I am certain we shall meet again.” With those words said the Alidrial bowed before his WolGar counter parts and walked away. He did not need to return directly to the homeland before talking with the pillars about what had transpired today. If all went well, a representative would be on its way to the WolGar within a day or so. The thought pleased him, for the WolGar were an interesting people. The Alidrial could not afford to overlook them, and their friendship bore with it a great promise.
Alidrial Territory
Crete, Eyzaathe Region
Eyzaathe
The Alidrial were competent with the use of magic and had for decades anticipated the need for defenses both physical and magical through out their domain. The Mediterranean above and below the sea was watched both by the small but competent Alidrial Navy and Edja`liz himself. It was not well known or understood how exactly Edja`liz managed to be so well informed about such matters, but he was a sea elf and that conveyed certain advantages. The skies around the islands was a different matter entirely, some claimed that Yvela himself had cast an invisible but ever present net of wards, which were triggered when anything larger than a swallow moved through the strands. Others believed it was Amel, who anticipated such intrusions well before they actually happened. The actual truth was probably somewhere in between.
As the Bronze Dragon penetrated what was understood as the Alidrial borders, the Pillars were aware. The representative had been expected, and his intrusion was not met with any sort of undue panic or concern. The Karsinian had been granted the honor of penetrating the outer perimeter of the island proper and fly towards the capital of Eyzaathe. Depending upon the Dragon’s altitude and the visual capabilities of its rider, it could be easily discerned that a great deal of work was taking place around various points in the perimeter of the islands. The already present fortifications seemed to be in the process of being expanded and refined.
Eyzaathe was the crown jewel of the Alidrial, its capital and the oldest city it was an impressive construct both in terms of scale, architecture and raw physical appeal. Alidrial architecture had always been commented upon as existing for function as much as aesthetic quality. It was true that Eyzaathe could not compare to one of the great cities of the Masotan or the Andalus in terms of raw size and scale. Furthermore, its obvious gardens and impressive array of water works, seemed to possess no useful defensive function. Nonetheless, in terms of raw physical appeal and exotic nature, few cities in the world could match it.
The Dragon and its rider were shown their place to land, a small delegation of Alidrial representatives waiting their arrival. The Pillars already understood that the reason for the meeting would revolve around the Jihaddi to their south, as well as the possibilities of establishing stronger trading ties between both nations. A defensive pact against the Jihaddi was a distinct possibility, but the first two seemed to be the most likely possibilities. As the Dragon placed its claws upon Alidrial soil, the Pillars gathered and discussed current affairs and what path the Alidrial should take; The first seeds had already been planted. All that was left now was to left and see what exactly blossomed.
A rough dirt road that stretches from the Barbarian kingdom of Alachia to the city of Liutec in the province of Nortlak. To call it a road would be far too generous. Along this road a pair of oxen pull a large carriage, inside two spies discuss business.
Trekat Erukas is a tall troll, the flaming red hair covering his body is a sure indicator that he is from pure Jolokt ancestry. He sits opposite Kilkas Iretka, black haired, stocky and implacably calm. "What was the message from Thros, then?" asks Kilkas.
Trekat closes his eyes for a few seconds, remembering. "There is a new trade agreement with Taladan. For this reason we are withdrawing from the barbarian lands". Kilkas nods thoughtfully.
"Are we to pause in our missions in the north then?. I have always wanted to see Gondor, you know, it would be a welcome reprieve to be assighned there instead".
Trekat of Reusakt shakes his head. "We are being sent directly to Taladan, we will hear of their schemes 'from the horses mouth' as it were. We will be briefed in full when we return to Lord Ersaktas".
Kilkas nods again. "I see, I cannot say I am not dissapointed, I expected this. Oh well. Any news on the conference on Cyprus".
Trekat shakes his head. "But we know the theocrat does not wish us to be involved in the coming war, so we will not be". The theocrat is a damned fool Kilkas thinks to himself, then quickly chastises himself for such a thought. He does not show it but he considers Trekat warily. How much do your magics truly hear? he questions within his mind how much do you truly know?, old friend. "You had better scry the road ahead for bandits, Trekat, we would not wish to run into any unawares". Trekat shakes his head. "Give me some time to rest first, communication takes a lot out of one, you know".
Kilkas shrugs, he moves away and steps out onto the front of the carriage, watching the scenery roll by. The world is changed, that is what all the magicians say. But how is it changed?, and will we change with it fast enough?
Post Number 1066 achieved Sun Feb 22, 2009 3:19 pm(board time, 8:19GMT)
Batman: What do these guys want anyway?
Superman: Take over the world... Or rob banks, I'm not sure.
Bloody Lances, Bloody Work.
Regiment Captain Barrhus smiled humorlessly as his regiment's self-appointed phrase sounded out in his head. It was a good feeling to be commanding one of the most elite groups of soldiers in the service of the Tsar. He had fought his way up through the ranks, inch by inch, battle by battle. Unlike most monarchies, royalty never got express promotions in the Tsar's army. Which is why, Barrhus remarked silently, the army had yet to be defeated in open battle. Truth be told, the last time Vladiov had faced a foreign enemy besides barbarians and rebels was generations ago. And here he was again, facing a horde of unwashed, disorderly, and screaming men and women. The Bloody Lances sat atop a small rise in the center of a vast, empty, muddy plain, horse archers raining wood and metal down upon the encroaching mass. His regiment had been tracking the mob for almost a month, nipping at it's heels, toying with it, letting it tire itself out running. It was good practice, and good fun for his subordinates. But the Tsar wanted practice ended, and for the regiment to return to the capital. So, Barrhus had herded the mob towards this little rise, and waited until they reached bow range. Already hundreds of barbarians lay dead, and more dying every second as arrows sprouted from their bodies with chilling preciseness. But yet they still came. At least for another few moments, then he noticed a tiny trickle of them turning and running away at top speed. That trickle quickly transformed into a flood. Soon, all of them were tearing away at top speed, just as he had anticipated. Barrhus pulled out his bronze-banded warhorn, and blew.
With frightening speed, riders appeared on the flanks of the fleeing mob, and charged. The slaughter was over within moments. "Pathetic", said the rider to Barrhus's side. Barrhus laughed. "Too right about that. I can't wait to see who the Tsar will have us going after next. Maybe we'll chase some geese and wildfowl next. It'd be a tad bit harder than this."
Captain Tycho! The worst fucker ever!
The Best reciever ever!
