[Empire 4!] Avakonia's Revival

[Zayuz]

In the first few months of the year 193 a missive from Varjik reaches the hands of rulers and nobility from near and far; a grand gathering of those near and far for the purposes of trade, peace talks, magical inquiries, and, as the letter puts it, a 'grand' time. The letter goes into depth by welcoming any suggested solutions to the magical wasteland between the core imperial lands and Palmor, and suggesting that there will be an important announcement held on a specified date in the Court of Thorns. Friend and foe alike are kept in the dark as to what this announcement could allude to... A warning is given in the notice that the Spellfather does inhabit the nearby area, and none who are invited are to engage in hostilities with her. Any who wish to speak with her may come to the Jaine so that a meeting can be arranged, for it would be detrimental for the health of many if any were allowed to simply walk over to her roost. No gifts are expected.

The Court of Thorns resides in the Aspen Heights, between the border of the imperial core land and the grand desert that the Empire of the Serena Marasa Pride inhabit. Named for it's mountains and tall aspen trees, the usually warm winds coming from the west render the fields in the valleys surprisingly productive... Forts dot the hills on both sides, keeping the city of Delgon and many others like it safe. A majority of humans could be found in the nearby cities, ripe with thriving markets as the primary passage from east to west. Much could be found here, for those looking to buy. Notable among the goods in the cities are the wonderful clothes, made of high quality textiles and given for cheap. (The style of which would usually be comparable to old Greek.)

The court itself lies in the center of Delgon, a castle designed in equal part for luxury and defense, but has yet to be put to the test. Made of stone and replicating the great citadels in Avakonia, stain glass windows depicting Dejan and tales of his four generals surround the main halls... With everything from his rise to power in his homeland to his death by lightning while his generals looked to the sky in wonder. Not so flatteringly, it shows pican sharpening a spear and a human with stunning looks and robes behind them, a shady man with pale skin, a rakshasa slave breaking free of his chains, and several other seemingly regular people. Other halls and areas would show the associated tale of each, and how in Dejan's death the world became fractured and desperate. It shows the rise of corruption, and a single general pacing through a hall while the world burns around him. His blade is passed down to his descendants in turn, eventually winding up in what those attending would recognize as Anivine's hands, current leader of the Kingdom of Varjik after generations of strife.

The hall is laid out for enjoyment during the event, with feasting tables and access to a large terrace out back or the freely given rooms in the court for more secluded conversations or overnight stay. Some of the more obscure areas host dozens of Dejanic monks in meditation or training, and many seemingly mute orcish guards watch over the gathering, communicating only with one another in a sort of obscure sign language not found anywhere else in Emjata. Any who are well involved with magic in any way might feel very uncomfortable getting too close to these guards, as a latent hunger for the arcane lingers just beneath their skin...

The Burning Throne at the back of the main meeting hall is large and made of wood, lined with Gold, and finally surrounded by red mrazite that creeps from the edges into the floors and the walls, rising off the top like flames that flicker in the light - candle or natural. Their Jaine sat in the middle, seeming much too small for such a large seat. The Bloodstone Diadem is as always attached to her head. Occasionally she would relay orders through the silent language that her guards shared, awaiting her guests on the evening of her announcement. A beast the size of a small horse kept itself nestled beside her throne; a strange mix of a hawk and a cougar that looked... Dangerous, even a bit unnatural. Thankfully, it seemed to be sleeping at the moment.


Most notable of the lone woman in Sedellan armor was the 'crown' fused to her head; the Bloodstone Diadem that shimmered with red crystal and granted her the ability to drain magic from her surroundings... Rumors said that it could even tear the souls out of men who crossed her, which had indeed happened in the recent past. For those caught up in Dejanist politics, it was worth noting that many had recently sworn to her in particular as a dejanic saint - the first to directly carry his blessing since his passing. Anivine appeared only to be in her high twenties, despite taking the throne at sixteen and governing for thirty years since. Those who had not seen her since might be surprised to find that she appeared no different from many, many years prior...

And strangely, for anyone who had met Iskander, seemed to remind them of the sort of resolute look in his eyes that he used to have when commanding his empire. The resemblance would only last a short moment, but it was uncanny, and potentially emotional for those who were better acquainted.

On her back she carried a single curved blade; her left hand covered by an elaborate golden gauntlet that seemed to have been made just for her.

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/189086223887892480/362677766740508733/tumblr_oajgs7M5pB1qlfjv8o1_500.jpg

[Moriko]

Jintha receives the invitation to the event within Varjik lands and as always Bete is selected to be the voice of the council. Travelling through the vast lands of the Marasa pride Bete had travelled these lands before when in search for an alliance and the same sights greet him, slaves and anti human violence. He never understood why species could not live together but then he had not been under the same threat as the Rakshasa and the humans in Jintha were always nice and respectful to the Volzen. The journey was over before all of Bete's curiosities could be satisfied, however those would have to wait for another time, arriving in the Aspen heights the fortifications built in defence were impressive and Bete took notes to share with the council later on how they could benefit from similar measures.

Arriving in Delegon Bete is surrounded by markets and goods from all over Emjata he can't help but to purchase some of the goods on offer. In particular he manages to convince a merchant to custom make some clothes for the council, the price was high but the touch and feel of the textiles made it worth every coin. With this "small" detour out of the way Bete and his travelling companions continue on to the castle mentioned in the invitation. Arriving Bete makes note of the history depicted in the glass, he was not alive when Dejan started his conquest but some of the more elder Volzen told him about the fear that lead to the deal with Rieba and their separation from the world. However here Dejan is depicted as a glorious man worthy of worship more study is certainly needed.

After walking for a bit more and passing several stained glass windows with rather depressing and sinister images, along with images of the bloodline of the current ruler of Varjik, Bete makes his way to the main hall. Looking around he sees a feast laid out, he realises that he is indeed quite hungry however greetings come before food. Walking to the back of the meeting hall towards the magnificent throne that stands tall and could rightly be called the centre piece of the hall he notices humans and orcs standing guard. With the knowledge that Varjik does not believe in slavery and seemingly the first visitor to arrive he notes that these are ideals that could strengthen the place of the Volzen within the world and confidently walks to the throne.

"Your majesty." he says as he gives a bow to Jaine sitting on the throne. "I am Bete diplomat of the isles of Jintha and am most honoured to represent us in this gathering. The invitation could not have come at a better time as we were about to reach out to yourselves about a matter that could perhaps be discussed in private later. We have also been faithful to the spellfather and you can exspect no hostilities from us towards her, if a meeting is to happen we would like to have a conversation to see if our tributes have been well received."

After the introduction and conversation Bete walks towards the feast and decides to try some of the more exotic looking dishes available.

[Potato_Priest]

The "delegation" if it could be called that from Whern was not actually composed of diplomatic representatives. Instead, it was a small band of very wealthy plains walkers, in Estenule ostensibly to pick out the best and strongest Bysthian horses for their caravan, but in reality as more of an extended Vacation from the long winter. There were five of them: Vald and Rolf Struffhuffen, younger sons of the wealthy harbor master, these two appeared to be the leaders of the group. Though the two came from money, their skills were still widely respected by other plains walkers. Then there was Olga Struffhuffen, an Overvann immigrant married to Rolf and the group's coordinator of supplies. There was Invar Ivorstal, the a man from a lower class Whernian background selected for his excellent cooking, and 'Di'gvaxo'dh or "Digrvaldi", a ridx from Ridir, whose duties seemed to include carrying everyone's stuff in a massive backpack. The group seems to have attended the Reival ceremony on a Whim, but Vald claimed that as a son of a member of the Chief's council of Whern they were an official delegation. Once they came inside, the group split up, most of them heading to the food and drink while Digrvaldi approached Anivine and Vald moseyed over to the Ambassadors from Jintha.

Varjik

Before approaching the Jaine, 'Di'gvaxo'dh took off his backpack and set it leaning up against a pillar before turning around and around to admire the artwork depicting the history of Dejan. Given the apparent class of the guests, he figured that probably had little need to fear thieves, so he left it there as he approached the Burning Throne.
Kneeling before the Jaine, the Ridx introduced himself, his accent a somewhat amusing mixture of Ridx and Whernian. Judging by the way he talked, he had rehearsed this statement many times to himself.
"Honor to you, Anivine, you bear Dejan's blessing well. I am glad I was able to convince my friends to come here, since I can now witness his glory flowing through you. I am 'Di'gvaxo'dh from Ridir, but the humans in Whern find it easier to call me Digrvaldi, so you may as well. If it would not trouble you too much, I have a favor to ask of your grace."

Jintha
Vald danerdhuf confidently sidled up to Bete at the food table, munching on a piece of bread.
"I'd wager a guess that you are the representative from Jintha, eh?" he chortled, attempting to pat the Volzen on the shell. "I heard that you fellows were in the process of learning the rites and contracts of Jalyeong-bo. How's that going?"

[kaio999]

The sound of that terrible rasping was heard long before he ever arrived in the heart of Varjiks palace. The noise was frightening and the sight was enough to bring lessors to their knees. To watch bubbling Putrid flesh hold on to skin and bone and muscle was enough to make some men grab at their guts to keep their meals down, but the true horror sat atop its head.

The voice had arrived, and it was not the man who mattered but his hat of flesh, a being who suckled on the mind and had a million eyes and tentacles of insidious grotesque colors not much seen in this world. This thing was too alien and grotesque, whatever had birthed it, it seemed it was just a means of communique. If anyone listened closely they would hear many horrible voices coming from it. The magical connection to the distant council back in Khirus.

https://i.pinimg.com/564x/51/38/af/5138afbe7c17e963ca6eb074c4e8f001.jpg

The voice had arrived atop a Bhreshi dog that seemed large and had a subsuming ferocity to its eyes. With anyone in the know they would realize they were staring at a beast possessed turned into a ghoul by its master, strengthened with powerful vitae.

Making his way before the leader of Varjik the voice spoke. The being atop its head gibbering whispers from a dozen different voices... The council from far away.

The voice himself sounded like a corpse reanimated to speak, his breathing labored and broken as he gasped out words not his own. “We the denizens of Khirus greet you the beginnings of a new line of kindred. You who feeds on energy rather than on the blood of man. Know all words you share with this hapless being before you will reach us and we in turn will voice our consent through it. We come to parley, to reach our agreement to end this worthless war.”

The eyes stared dead, it appeared this thing craved no food, no drink, no pleasures it simply was and if it suffered it was alone where no one could hear its agony.

[Potato_Priest]

Khirus's Entrance-also relevant to scene with Moriko and Zayuz

Jintha (getting interrupted by Khirus's entrance)

As the "emisarry" from Khirus-if it could be called that walked into the room, all the plains walkers turned to look at it, with mixtures of shock, horror, and revulsion. Vald, who had previously been amiably opening a conversation with diplomat Bete, took scarcely a look at the creature before doubling over on the floor, spewing the contents of his stomach onto the stone tiles.

Rolf, Olga, and Invar, who were still clumped close together, quickly ran to the edge of the chamber, pressing their backs against the wall as they stared fixated with horror at the monstrosity. Under Olga's quiet but commanding directions the three began inching their way around the chamber towards the door. Invar whispers to his companions "are the guards not going to do anything?"

Varjik (let's assume we conclude our discussion before the Khirese monster came in)

As he was walking away from the burning throne, 'Di'gvaxo'dh saw the horror approaching. Well, it was at least fortuitous that he was between the Jaine and the monster, and could hope to intercept it. Using the scales in his throat to force back down his own breakfast, he drew a small bronze hunting knife from his belt, and in his typically thick accent shouted at the monster "Do not come any closer to the Jaine, or I will earn the title 'Ridx today!"

[Zayuz]

Jintha receives the invitation to the event within Varjik lands and as always Bete is selected to be the voice of the council. Travelling through the vast lands of the Marasa pride Bete had travelled these lands before when in search for an alliance and the same sights greet him, slaves and anti human violence. He never understood why species could not live together but then he had not been under the same threat as the Rakshasa and the humans in Jintha were always nice and respectful to the Volzen. The journey was over before all of Bete's curiosities could be satisfied, however those would have to wait for another time, arriving in the Aspen heights the fortifications built in defence were impressive and Bete took notes to share with the council later on how they could benefit from similar measures.

Arriving in Delegon Bete is surrounded by markets and goods from all over Emjata he can't help but to purchase some of the goods on offer. In particular he manages to convince a merchant to custom make some clothes for the council, the price was high but the touch and feel of the textiles made it worth every coin. With this "small" detour out of the way Bete and his travelling companions continue on to the castle mentioned in the invitation. Arriving Bete makes note of the history depicted in the glass, he was not alive when Dejan started his conquest but some of the more elder Volzen told him about the fear that lead to the deal with Rieba and their separation from the world. However here Dejan is depicted as a glorious man worthy of worship more study is certainly needed.

After walking for a bit more and passing several stained glass windows with rather depressing and sinister images, along with images of the bloodline of the current ruler of Varjik, Bete makes his way to the main hall. Looking around he sees a feast laid out, he realises that he is indeed quite hungry however greetings come before food. Walking to the back of the meeting hall towards the magnificent throne that stands tall and could rightly be called the centre piece of the hall he notices humans and orcs standing guard. With the knowledge that Varjik does not believe in slavery and seemingly the first visitor to arrive he notes that these are ideals that could strengthen the place of the Volzen within the world and confidently walks to the throne.

"Your majesty." he says as he gives a bow to Jaine sitting on the throne. "I am Bete diplomat of the isles of Jintha and am most honoured to represent us in this gathering. The invitation could not have come at a better time as we were about to reach out to yourselves about a matter that could perhaps be discussed in private later. We have also been faithful to the spellfather and you can expect no hostilities from us towards her, if a meeting is to happen we would like to have a conversation to see if our tributes have been well received."

After the introduction and conversation Bete walks towards the feast and decides to try some of the more exotic looking dishes available.

The Jaine returned his bow with a nod of her head, assuming of course that she required no introduction in turn. "A matter in private? Very well, Bete of Jintha. I will see that we have an audience on the terrace before the evening ends. My thanks for gracing us with your attendance, I do hope that I we can come to an agreement." With a polite smile she would allow the diplomat to head away to mingle and enjoy the food, signaling one of her guards to let her know when he was alone....



Some hours passed before the two would meet upon the terrace that Anivine had mentioned, the Jaine sauntering out with a drink in hand that she would offer to Bete from the side; something expensive and well renowned - aged verdant wine from New Lijas. The terrace itself gave a lovely view of the city below in ripe autumn, the tall, thin trees a vibrant shade of orange... "I've sent a delegate to the Spellfather to tell her to expect a visitor she shouldn't eat soon, bearing your colors. We'll not know if she's taking visitors until you are brought, but until then I would assume she will hear you. You had a deal to discuss?"



The "delegation" if it could be called that from Whern was not actually composed of diplomatic representatives. Instead, it was a small band of very wealthy plains walkers, in Estenule ostensibly to pick out the best and strongest Bysthian horses for their caravan, but in reality as more of an extended Vacation from the long winter. There were five of them: Vald and Rolf Struffhuffen, younger sons of the wealthy harbor master, these two appeared to be the leaders of the group. Though the two came from money, their skills were still widely respected by other plains walkers. Then there was Olga Struffhuffen, an Overvann immigrant married to Rolf and the group's coordinator of supplies. There was Invar Ivorstal, the a man from a lower class Whernian background selected for his excellent cooking, and 'Di'gvaxo'dh or "Digrvaldi", a ridx from Ridir, whose duties seemed to include carrying everyone's stuff in a massive backpack. The group seems to have attended the Reival ceremony on a Whim, but Vald claimed that as a son of a member of the Chief's council of Whern they were an official delegation. Once they came inside, the group split up, most of them heading to the food and drink while Digrvaldi approached Anivine and Vald moseyed over to the Ambassadors from Jintha.

Varjik

Before approaching the Jaine, 'Di'gvaxo'dh took off his backpack and set it leaning up against a pillar before turning around and around to admire the artwork depicting the history of Dejan. Given the apparent class of the guests, he figured that probably had little need to fear thieves, so he left it there as he approached the Burning Throne.
Kneeling before the Jaine, the Ridx introduced himself, his accent a somewhat amusing mixture of Ridx and Whernian. Judging by the way he talked, he had rehearsed this statement many times to himself.
"Honor to you, Anivine, you bear Dejan's blessing well. I am glad I was able to convince my friends to come here, since I can now witness his glory flowing through you. I am 'Di'gvaxo'dh from Ridir, but the humans in Whern find it easier to call me Digrvaldi, so you may as well. If it would not trouble you too much, I have a favor to ask of your grace."


As the man bowed to deliver his reverence unto Anivine, she felt a flush of color reach her cheeks. A color that she suppressed well, given the moment before she would tell him to rise and look upon her. It was rare that any in her court delivered unto her such flattery with their respect, but it was far from unwelcome. Beside her the 'gryphon' shook its feathers awake, its fearsome beak tilted in the direction of the newcomer. He had stirred at the detection of something afoul... But after determining that the northerner was not the prey it sought, its eyes turned to scan the room. A creature forged of magic itself, it was quite sensitive to the detection of malicious spirits... "Rise, Digrvaldi. Your own wisdom and sacrifices have brought you here from quite afar. Your faith in the Conqueror is as evident as it is just, and the righteous are always welcome in Varjik. Tell me what it is that I may help you with, and I will see to it that your journey is worth more than merely a few more days of warmth."


The sound of that terrible rasping was heard long before he ever arrived in the heart of Varjiks palace. The noise was frightening and the sight was enough to bring lessors to their knees. To watch bubbling Putrid flesh hold on to skin and bone and muscle was enough to make some men grab at their guts to keep their meals down, but the true horror sat atop its head.

The voice had arrived, and it was not the man who mattered but his hat of flesh, a being who suckled on the mind and had a million eyes and tentacles of insidious grotesque colors not much seen in this world. This thing was too alien and grotesque, whatever had birthed it, it seemed it was just a means of communique. If anyone listened closely they would hear many horrible voices coming from it. The magical connection to the distant council back in Khirus.

https://i.pinimg.com/564x/51/38/af/5138afbe7c17e963ca6eb074c4e8f001.jpg

The voice had arrived atop a Bhreshi dog that seemed large and had a subsuming ferocity to its eyes. With anyone in the know they would realize they were staring at a beast possessed turned into a ghoul by its master, strengthened with powerful vitae.

Making his way before the leader of Varjik the voice spoke. The being atop its head gibbering whispers from a dozen different voices... The council from far away.

The voice himself sounded like a corpse reanimated to speak, his breathing labored and broken as he gasped out words not his own. “We the denizens of Khirus greet you the beginnings of a new line of kindred. You who feeds on energy rather than on the blood of man. Know all words you share with this hapless being before you will reach us and we in turn will voice our consent through it. We come to parley, to reach our agreement to end this worthless war.”

The eyes stared dead, it appeared this thing craved no food, no drink, no pleasures it simply was and if it suffered it was alone where no one could hear its agony.


Khirus's Entrance-also relevant to scene with Moriko and Zayuz

Jintha (getting interrupted by Khirus's entrance)

As the "emisarry" from Khirus-if it could be called that walked into the room, all the plains walkers turned to look at it, with mixtures of shock, horror, and revulsion. Vald, who had previously been amiably opening a conversation with diplomat Bete, took scarcely a look at the creature before doubling over on the floor, spewing the contents of his stomach onto the stone tiles.

Rolf, Olga, and Invar, who were still clumped close together, quickly ran to the edge of the chamber, pressing their backs against the wall as they stared fixated with horror at the monstrosity. Under Olga's quiet but commanding directions the three began inching their way around the chamber towards the door. Invar whispers to his companions "are the guards not going to do anything?"

Varjik (let's assume we conclude our discussion before the Khirese monster came in)

As he was walking away from the burning throne, 'Di'gvaxo'dh saw the horror approaching. Well, it was at least fortuitous that he was between the Jaine and the monster, and could hope to intercept it. Using the scales in his throat to force back down his own breakfast, he drew a small bronze hunting knife from his belt, and in his typically thick accent shouted at the monster "Do not come any closer to the Jaine, or I will earn the title 'Ridx today!"

Anivine had seen ghouls before, but this was not like the others. It was blood magic, that much was sure, but it was... Damn. And she thought her father's reports on the Bloodied Hand's bases were exaggerated... Seems the Council in the east had taken a page from their book. She tensed upon seeing it, the creature flanked by roughly five guards that followed it closely. Outside the hound was unsuccessfully being shepherded into a cage coated in Sedellan Glass... If only the stable-boy weren't too afraid to actually approach it. None of the knights seemed to want to help him, but it wasn't hurting anyone anyways... So it got to skip the lock-up.

With a discerning eye upon it, she allowed the thing to approach - attempting to ignore the gasps and disgusted reactions of the guests in her presence. It did not get all too close before the brave guest before her turned to leap between them, earning a slight smile from the Jaine despite it still being close enough to properly experience. The Jaine stands. A new line of Kindred though... Would they really tell her that she is like them? A monster that feeds on the blood of her people... If ever 'Di'gvaxo'dh would turn to look back at the Jaine, she would give him a confident nod of approval.

"...Yes, I do believe that there is close enough. But let us not forget that all delegates are welcome here, particularly those that come to speak of peace. You know I wish for nothing more than to safeguard the mortals from your tyranny. Are you willing to relinquish the feathered people or the final lands of old Pellocia to my care?"

Jasper, the Gryphon beside her lets out a deafening shriek before launching off from his place beside Anivine. He soars straight out the main door on his brown wings once across the feasting table, determined to hunt down the Dog outside. He was an adolescent Gryphon, crafted by the Spellfather... Trained in obedience and combat, but not at all enhanced like the creature Khirus brought. If it were possible for any to know just what it was aiming to do, they would expect Jasper to get hurt if it got too cocky to back off.

[bc56]

The Overvann Assembly

The delegation from the Overvann Assembly arrives, rather unceremoniously. A small flight of Pegasi arrived just a few nights prior, bearing the representatives of the Järlin, namely her son Sigurd, her daughters, Mara and Kelya, and Kelya's husband Gunter, as well as a few bodyguards. All of them bear some signs of the dragon's curse. Mara has the least, the only visible signs being the circle of bone on the back of her left hand, and an uncanny wrongness about her face, something which can't quite be placed. The other members sport much more visible transformations, including webbed hands, claws, elongated, muzzled jaws, angular eyes, and vestigal tails (which are only visible as lumps in their clothing). Sigurd even has blue scales running up his arms from his hands as far as halfway to the elbows. Each member of the party is equipped differently as well. The men wear simple tunics, Sigurd carries an axe whose blade is made from metal the same color as his scales, and Gunter has no weapon but a reed flute dangling from his belt. Kelya wears a long dress the color of Gxe'dhok's scales, and Mara the simple white gown of a Gamle Mater priestess.

The delegation seeks out Whern in particular, but is open to discussing the Long Winter, Gxe'dhok's curse, and the Dragons with anyone.

[HalfTangible]

[Ninjas]

The man who came representing the Kunai Clans rode a horse, something that would've shocked anyone who had seen the Kunai before. He had the dusky skin that marked him as descended from Gwitna. He was clad all in black, and he carried a cutlass. Such a weapon was meant for sea combat, rather than land or stealth. Dark green eyes surveyed every delegate, every citizen, everyone that could be seen, always flitting from one target to another.

Only one person here would recognize this man. To the rest, he would be a stranger, albeit a Kunai. And so despite the danger, Tensar had come this last stretch of the journey without guard. Others of his Clan were waiting for him elsewhere in the heights, but here, he would be alone.

Getting to the Aspen Heights had been an exercise in paranoia. He could have snuck past the Pride's borders and gotten into the Heights that way, but it was safer to go around, and safety was the name of the game here. Unfortunately that had also meant he had to ride quickly to arrive in time, and would only have a short window to leave so he could arrive in time to help.

Though the Kunai were at war with the Serene Marasa Pride, there was a brief lull in the fighting. The Pride was gathering its forces with the god-king Sinja for a potentially final assault upon Kuniumi. This was, in all likelihood, the Kunai's final chance to turn the Pride back and turn the war from a guaranteed loss to a potential win. The Sultanate was under too heavy a strain to help, most likely, and that left Varjik as the Kunai's best chance for aid.

The Kunai had rejected the kingdom's previous offer to vassalize, but had made it clear that they were not entirely opposed to the idea. The fact that the Pride was apparently so furious as to drop everything to attack the moment they learned of the offer (not even whether or not the Kunai had accepted, just the offer) had softened up many of their stances on it.

The Varjik were friends to the Kunai, more loyal and true than the Pride had ever been. And though it was unlikely to help, the Kingdom's warriors had proven themselves faultlessly in the previous battle for Kuniumi. Some minor clans had even formed around their techniques, and Dejan had always been the Greated Named One (which admittedly sounded a lot cooler in the Kunai tongue). They needed that kind of skill and equipment. Their anti-magic stance was certainly iffy, but not as iffy as "we will burn the Clans who don't submit down and mount a puppet on a throne of your ashes".

There was, however, one issue that kept Tensar from focusing entirely on his task at hand.

Tensar had told Mure that he had come to Varjik to find help. And he had. But he had another motive, as well. One that was far more... personal. And to him, more important.

Amerah had invited him.

And as she rentered his thoughts, his features softened. Gods, he missed her.

She still haunted his thoughts, even so long after they had parted. Those years they had spent in the forests of Kuniumi, planning and preparing for the assault of the god-king (one that would later turn out to be much smaller) had taught him joys far beyond what he could accurately put into words. She was beautiful, well-mannered, charismatic... She had enjoyed their time together too, he knew. He'd made as sure of it as he could be. But the heart was a fickle thing. She could easily be in another man's arms right that moment, and the thought made his teeth grit. But more than that, there was the thought that if he didn't take this chance now he may never get the chance to see her aga-

He shook himself. No point in thinking about that. He needed to get help for his people. Mingle a bit, perhaps. Dance with Amerah He couldn't stay more than a few days, tops.

The Rakshasa were coming. They might even be there by the time he got home.

He dismounted, and moved with purpose. He knew where he was going.

[Potato_Priest]

The Overvann Assembly

The delegation from the Overvann Assembly arrives, rather unceremoniously. A small flight of Pegasi arrived just a few nights prior, bearing the representatives of the Järlin, namely her son Sigurd, her daughters, Mara and Kelya, and Kelya's husband Gunter, as well as a few bodyguards. All of them bear some signs of the dragon's curse. Mara has the least, the only visible signs being the circle of bone on the back of her left hand, and an uncanny wrongness about her face, something which can't quite be placed. The other members sport much more visible transformations, including webbed hands, claws, elongated, muzzled jaws, angular eyes, and vestigal tails (which are only visible as lumps in their clothing). Sigurd even has blue scales running up his arms from his hands as far as halfway to the elbows. Each member of the party is equipped differently as well. The men wear simple tunics, Sigurd carries an axe whose blade is made from metal the same color as his scales, and Gunter has no weapon but a reed flute dangling from his belt. Kelya wears a long dress the color of Gxe'dhok's scales, and Mara the simple white gown of a Gamle Mater priestess.

The delegation seeks out Whern in particular, but is open to discussing the Long Winter, Gxe'dhok's curse, and the Dragons with anyone.

Having recovered from the initial shock of the Khirese delegate, the Overvann delegation finds themselves in discussion with Rolf and Olga Strufhuffen. "I gather you want to talk about the Long Winter? Well, I can tell you right off the bat that it's cutting into our profit margins terribly."



As the man bowed to deliver his reverence unto Anivine, she felt a flush of color reach her cheeks. A color that she suppressed well, given the moment before she would tell him to rise and look upon her. It was rare that any in her court delivered unto her such flattery with their respect, but it was far from unwelcome. Beside her the 'gryphon' shook its feathers awake, its fearsome beak tilted in the direction of the newcomer. He had stirred at the detection of something afoul... But after determining that the northerner was not the prey it sought, its eyes turned to scan the room. A creature forged of magic itself, it was quite sensitive to the detection of malicious spirits... "Rise, Digrvaldi. Your own wisdom and sacrifices have brought you here from quite afar. Your faith in the Conqueror is as evident as it is just, and the righteous are always welcome in Varjik. Tell me what it is that I may help you with, and I will see to it that your journey is worth more than merely a few more days of warmth."

"To the south and West of Fherharbor, there is an old perijanist monastery called the Frozen Temple. It farms enough to support itself with food, and is a frequent rest stop for the migrant plains walkers on their way up to the plains of Yotun. Right now the place is inhabited by seers following Gamle Mater, but they probably don't want to hang around with the winters getting longer and their religion faltering in their homeland. I want to convince them to leave and set the place up as a Dejanist monastary, and preach to the nomadic plains walkers. All I need for this is a small group of priests and a little bit of money to buy the place from the seers." Here he lapsed back into prerehearsed statements "with your gracious help we can lay a foundation for the resurgence of Dejanism in the far north, esteemed Jaine. The glory of the conquerer can once again bring light into the land where he slew the mortal champion of the great Norbar."



Anivine had seen ghouls before, but this was not like the others. It was blood magic, that much was sure, but it was... Damn. And she thought her father's reports on the Bloodied Hand's bases were exaggerated... Seems the Council in the east had taken a page from their book. She tensed upon seeing it, the creature flanked by roughly five guards that followed it closely. Outside the hound was unsuccessfully being shepherded into a cage coated in Sedellan Glass... If only the stable-boy weren't too afraid to actually approach it. None of the knights seemed to want to help him, but it wasn't hurting anyone anyways... So it got to skip the lock-up.

With a discerning eye upon it, she allowed the thing to approach - attempting to ignore the gasps and disgusted reactions of the guests in her presence. It did not get all too close before the brave guest before her turned to leap between them, earning a slight smile from the Jaine despite it still being close enough to properly experience. The Jaine stands. A new line of Kindred though... Would they really tell her that she is like them? A monster that feeds on the blood of her people... If ever 'Di'gvaxo'dh would turn to look back at the Jaine, she would give him a confident nod of approval.

"...Yes, I do believe that there is close enough. But let us not forget that all delegates are welcome here, particularly those that come to speak of peace. You know I wish for nothing more than to safeguard the mortals from your tyranny. Are you willing to relinquish the feathered people or the final lands of old Pellocia to my care?"

Jasper, the Gryphon beside her lets out a deafening shriek before launching off from his place beside Anivine. He soars straight out the main door on his brown wings once across the feasting table, determined to hunt down the Dog outside. He was an adolescent Gryphon, crafted by the Spellfather... Trained in obedience and combat, but not at all enhanced like the creature Khirus brought. If it were possible for any to know just what it was aiming to do, they would expect Jasper to get hurt if it got too cocky to back off.


Once Anivine starts talking to the monster, 'Di'gvaxo'dh turns back and see her giving him a nod to indicate that things are fine. Somewhat embarrassed at his outburst, the Ridx simply sits down on the floor in front of the the throne, watching the "delegate" for any suspicious behavior and waiting for any orders from the Jaine.

[asmodeussnake]

ASSEMBLED LEADERS

The Serene Marasa Pride had arrived in this place for one reason, and one reason only. The status of Varjik, their eternal enemies. No matter how long they did not fight the constant threat of the remnants of Avakon was a terrifying force that could pierce the veil of their people and drive them into genocide. Sinjas obsession had affected many, and humans were being treated worse almost everywhere because of it.

At the moment though a new emperor did not step into the Aspen Heights, instead a single Riebarri did. She had a scarf wrapped around her features but the Rakshasa was obvious when she stopped hiding and simply moved forward. She was dressed in silks and all of the finery the Riebarri had raided from the world and brought to their capital. Silver bracelets and a necklace adorned her. She had no weapon as her body was lethal. Except for the extended claws of iron forged to increase the range of her talons.

She would eventually present herself to the Jaine and bow her head. They had received an invitation as well, and if enemies could be present why not the SMP? What was this big announcement? “I am Kimara Hhasa, I am the official representative of our nation. The new Baedshah wants to inform Varjik peace remains possible, there is no need for violence between our people. We want no war.”

She looked up at him, “My god-king reminds you that the spellfather himself declared us at peace, we have ended all hostility since that time and you insult him if you fight us.”


KHIRUS

The sight of the undead of Khirus nauseated the Riebarri female, but when it had presented itself and had been given whatever birth most beings would provide that thing, she went into her pockets and presented a scroll. “Our final proposal, if you vile creatures can hear me know the god king will offer nothing else.”

[Lleban]

Arrival
Coszcatl arrived at the western heights after a long pilgrimage to the west. Originally her plan was to meet the wise turtles of Jinatha, but perhaps this journey could be cut short. The birth of new Avakon meant their had to be at least a few emissaries here. Coszcatl was eager to go back home, weeks of difficult travel to the north and through the cursed lands had diminished her retinue to merely one servant. Her treasured minimalist Linnadi garb had been cloaked in a fine layer of viscera after a series of wyvern attacks. A fool would take that as a poor omen but she knew its why she had to be here. Xincoatl would not let the weak make it this far considering the even greater challenges ahead.

As she entered the city she saw the horrors of the khirese emissaries. She was disgusted by their flagrant disregard of common sense, of course the Emperor knew their true nature but openly parading abominations across the street felt....embarrassing to say the least. Of course she'd have to speak out against the vampire menace to appease the magi.

Khirus

She had half a mind to condemn the Khirese on the spot and make overtures to new Avakon, alas as her adopted father proclaimed to her, Khirus is the key.

She hesitantly approached the ghoul, perhaps in the vain hope their corruption wouldn't stick to her. Voice...to whom am I speaking to, I have a proposition on behalf of the Holy Coatl Empire.

[kjelfalconer]

In truth, ‘Xa’kagx wasn’t expecting much from this gathering. He could follow a pattern after all, and the ‘Ridx simply never did well when dealing with the rulers of other races. Honestly the most successful gathering had been the one where he’d been completely ignored - at least he hadn’t made them any new enemies from that one. But he had to stay in the loop. It wasn’t like anyone else was likely to keep the Flamefather informed on the proceedings after all.

And so he’d come, via the cursed lands, with a mere two in tow. Armed with the cloak as always, he’d also taken to carrying a hexagonal wax staff, with a shoot of mongrelvine growing from the head, the tendrils trailing down and faintly iridescant. It held no meaning - he’d simply been bored one day and decided to see if he could grow it in something portable. And then he’d hidden a stash of emergency spellcasting supplies in it, because its uselessness was annoying him.

Almost as much as being in the Dejanic heartland did. If he made it through this without smashing at least one statue he’d be very impressed with himself. Though arriving somewhat later, he quickly removed it from the top of the list of things he wanted destroyed. Whatever that… thing was, he’d be much happier with it destroyed. Until then, however, he’d have to settle for studying the mark. Perhaps it’s nature would reveal a flaw besides its very existence.

“Anivine,” he began simply, with no overtures given to bending or scraping. “Let’s get the obvious out of the way now. Much as I detest Dejan I… understand your fascination with him. Everything he destroyed of ours he built for you. Any other discussion of him can be saved for another day. No, I’m here for two reasons. First of all, I’d like to take this chance to finally meet with the Spellfather. Despite my frequent dealings with the Flamefather, I’d like to make it clear I favour none of our gods over the others. The second… can wait until we’re ready to begin the business proper.”


Coatl

The Coatlan ambassador had proven trickier than he’d expected to find, if only because he’d mostly been looking for the Exarch. In the end, he only found her by her accent.
“Huh. I’ll be honest, I have no idea who you are, but I’m assuming you’re representing the Exarch?” Once he was sure, he continued. She’d have to do. “With the recent unpleasantness I wanted to set the record straight. Honestly, we’ve no real quarrel with you - sure, there were definitely some hotheads claiming we should have gone to war with you, but what would be the point? We don’t need any more land, and it’s not like we’d get anything out of your people. It’d just be a waste all round.”

“But the Flamefather demanded action, so we had to do something - giving her your things as tribute seemed like the least damaging result that she’d be happy with. I’m sure you understand - if your Xincoatl appeared and told you he didn’t like someone, you’d do something too I’m sure.”


Whern

‘Xa’kagx hadn’t planned to speak to the group from Whern. He wasn’t even completely sure where Whern was. He vaguely remembered it being part of the damn Overvanni territory, but that was about it. So he wasn’t sure why they’d sent their own people, and he would have glossed over them, were it not for the Ridx with them. And Ridx, not ‘Ridx - though the bag was an obvious giveaway, the possibility remained that he was simply showing off his strength, but the lack of battle damage to him for his age ruined any chance of that lie. Had they always been that pale?

<<An unexpected surprise, to see one of kind here. How fares things in ‘Ridi’r->> he began, until he stopped dead as his eyes picked up on the little token half tucked away. Oh no. He was a Dejanist.

[kaio999]

With a discerning eye upon it, she allowed the thing to approach - attempting to ignore the gasps and disgusted reactions of the guests in her presence. It did not get all too close before the brave guest before her turned to leap between them, earning a slight smile from the Jaine despite it still being close enough to properly experience. The Jaine stands. A new line of Kindred though... Would they really tell her that she is like them? A monster that feeds on the blood of her people... If ever 'Di'gvaxo'dh would turn to look back at the Jaine, she would give him a confident nod of approval.

"...Yes, I do believe that there is close enough. But let us not forget that all delegates are welcome here, particularly those that come to speak of peace. You know I wish for nothing more than to safeguard the mortals from your tyranny. Are you willing to relinquish the feathered people or the final lands of old Pellocia to my care?"

Jasper, the Gryphon beside her lets out a deafening shriek before launching off from his place beside Anivine. He soars straight out the main door on his brown wings once across the feasting table, determined to hunt down the Dog outside. He was an adolescent Gryphon, crafted by the Spellfather... Trained in obedience and combat, but not at all enhanced like the creature Khirus brought. If it were possible for any to know just what it was aiming to do, they would expect Jasper to get hurt if it got too cocky to back off.

The being stopped moving, when it got threatened by some foreignor it did not recognize. It lurched back ignoring the ridix and twisted as it did, as if controlled on puppet strings and it looked at the Jaine. When "the voice" spoke the resonance of many vocalizations became a singular setence raspy and broken like it was before. "Your love of humanity is admirable, after all you were once a part of it, just as we were. No longer, you will realize in time that they can never hold the same weight, they will wither into nothing and you will become stronger as you drain energy from them and feed to make yourself last longer."

It points, "even if it takes years, that is but a blink of the eye for us and you will watch someone die... You will feel less than you should and realize you are detached and alone. One day you will speak through the corpse of one of your enemies, with powers mortals can't imagine."

The creature began to laugh, it lurched and bent twisted broken thing that it was and when it stopped it was sudden and unnerving. "Down to the workings of kings, you have much to announce and we have much to do. The world does not stop moving and so much changes in an instant." It groaned out, "we offer you (67) for Hosra (68) Our cursed territories surely don't hold much interest when you can free the proud people of Avakon from our will yes? Its in the best interests of the great paladins, the holders of Dejans will to free those wretches from our tyranny without them being massacred."

He coughed than and some of its flesh fell away revealing more muscle underneath but the talk continued unabated. "You wish to free the Inyoni, and so we will allow a great migration you may send soldiers and troops to help their number through the cursed lands and those that make it will belong to you to do with as they please. Those already imprisoned and those who remain of their own volition well they will be forever lost to you."

The being looked on, "war will end for 20 years (6 turns). However that will be its end, commerce will flow as is natural, and should our armies meet in combat for the sake of our allies its to be total violence between us... We will just not invade one another directly. That is all this peace will provide."

A scroll is presented providing the terms and it waits for a servent to take it.




KHIRUS

The sight of the undead of Khirus nauseated the Riebarri female, but when it had presented itself and had been given whatever birth most beings would provide that thing, she went into her pockets and presented a scroll. “Our final proposal, if you vile creatures can hear me know the god king will offer nothing else.”

The being takes it, and looks it over briefly when it does it puts his hand to the scroll and eyes flash, from the creatures voice emenates a simple. "Consider it done. Tell Sinja we agree. They best come to terms with the Regno quickly." With that they hand it back a bloody mark indicating a signature forging the two together.



Khirus

She had half a mind to condemn the Khirese on the spot and make overtures to new Avakon, alas as her adopted father proclaimed to her, Khirus is the key.

She hesitantly approached the ghoul, perhaps in the vain hope their corruption wouldn't stick to her. Voice...to whom am I speaking to, I have a proposition on behalf of the Holy Coatl Empire.

The being turned to face the coatl empire representative and as it does those dead eyes stare and suddenly a dozen whispers erupt from the creature suckling on the human vessals brain the squelching noise as it sucks away the energy needed to continue speaking for a foreign master so far away.

"You speak to all members of the shattered emperor's masters of Khirus. We have been hoping you would reach out, your alliance with the Republic is old, and while new leadership reigns we hope to also agree to a new treaty... In fact we have interesting offer in mind for your mighty new imperium." The raspy voice declared.

[Moriko]

Vald danerdhuf confidently sidled up to Bete at the food table, munching on a piece of bread.
"I'd wager a guess that you are the representative from Jintha, eh?" he chortled, attempting to pat the Volzen on the shell. "I heard that you fellows were in the process of learning the rites and contracts of Jalyeong-bo. How's that going?"

As Bete carefully filled his plate with meat and fruits he could not identify he noticed a new group enter the room, humans accompanied by a a Ridx not a sight one sees every day. The Ridx approaches the Jaine while one of the humans makes his way towards the food grabbing a piece of bread while walking he sits next to Bete and speaks to him in between bites. "A yes Jalyeong-bo has become quite popular among the Volzen these days, I myself have not had much exposure to it as i am travel quite abit for my profession and tend to read about Initia more than other faiths. But please tell me more I would love to hear what you make of it."

The sentence had just finished when the representative of Khirus entered and the conversation with Vald (who was now on the floor "enjoying" his bread a second time) came to a stop.


The sound of that terrible rasping was heard long before he ever arrived in the heart of Varjiks palace. The noise was frightening and the sight was enough to bring lessors to their knees. To watch bubbling Putrid flesh hold on to skin and bone and muscle was enough to make some men grab at their guts to keep their meals down, but the true horror sat atop its head.

The voice had arrived, and it was not the man who mattered but his hat of flesh, a being who suckled on the mind and had a million eyes and tentacles of insidious grotesque colors not much seen in this world. This thing was too alien and grotesque, whatever had birthed it, it seemed it was just a means of communique. If anyone listened closely they would hear many horrible voices coming from it. The magical connection to the distant council back in Khirus.

https://i.pinimg.com/564x/51/38/af/5138afbe7c17e963ca6eb074c4e8f001.jpg

The voice had arrived atop a Bhreshi dog that seemed large and had a subsuming ferocity to its eyes. With anyone in the know they would realize they were staring at a beast possessed turned into a ghoul by its master, strengthened with powerful vitae.

Making his way before the leader of Varjik the voice spoke. The being atop its head gibbering whispers from a dozen different voices... The council from far away.

The voice himself sounded like a corpse reanimated to speak, his breathing labored and broken as he gasped out words not his own. “We the denizens of Khirus greet you the beginnings of a new line of kindred. You who feeds on energy rather than on the blood of man. Know all words you share with this hapless being before you will reach us and we in turn will voice our consent through it. We come to parley, to reach our agreement to end this worthless war.”

The eyes stared dead, it appeared this thing craved no food, no drink, no pleasures it simply was and if it suffered it was alone where no one could hear its agony.


Bete stared at the happenings in the court he had heard about the lands on the south east border of the pride but never ventured there, these being were not pleasant to look at this was for sure and while it spoke he could not help himself but quietly say "How fascinating." raising his voice enough so that Vald could hear him. "Please tell me dear representative of Whern i believe the Ridx said what do you know of the beings that inhabit khirus."


The Jaine returned his bow with a nod of her head, assuming of course that she required no introduction in turn. "A matter in private? Very well, Bete of Jintha. I will see that we have an audience on the terrace before the evening ends. My thanks for gracing us with your attendance, I do hope that I we can come to an agreement." With a polite smile she would allow the diplomat to head away to mingle and enjoy the food, signaling one of her guards to let her know when he was alone....



Some hours passed before the two would meet upon the terrace that Anivine had mentioned, the Jaine sauntering out with a drink in hand that she would offer to Bete from the side; something expensive and well renowned - aged verdant wine from New Lijas. The terrace itself gave a lovely view of the city below in ripe autumn, the tall, thin trees a vibrant shade of orange... "I've sent a delegate to the Spellfather to tell her to expect a visitor she shouldn't eat soon, bearing your colors. We'll not know if she's taking visitors until you are brought, but until then I would assume she will hear you. You had a deal to discuss?"



"Thank you for contacting the Spellfather for us we do appreciate it. The deal we would like to discuss is the following..." Bete and the Jaine discussed a deal that could in time benefit both Jintha and Varjik.



ASSEMBLED LEADERS

The Serene Marasa Pride had arrived in this place for one reason, and one reason only. The status of Varjik, their eternal enemies. No matter how long they did not fight the constant threat of the remnants of Avakon was a terrifying force that could pierce the veil of their people and drive them into genocide. Sinjas obsession had affected many, and humans were being treated worse almost everywhere because of it.

At the moment though a new emperor did not step into the Aspen Heights, instead a single Riebarri did. She had a scarf wrapped around her features but the Rakshasa was obvious when she stopped hiding and simply moved forward. She was dressed in silks and all of the finery the Riebarri had raided from the world and brought to their capital. Silver bracelets and a necklace adorned her. She had no weapon as her body was lethal. Except for the extended claws of iron forged to increase the range of her talons.

She would eventually present herself to the Jaine and bow her head. They had received an invitation as well, and if enemies could be present why not the SMP? What was this big announcement? “I am Kimara Hhasa, I am the official representative of our nation. The new Baedshah wants to inform Varjik peace remains possible, there is no need for violence between our people. We want no war.”

She looked up at him, “My god-king reminds you that the spellfather himself declared us at peace, we have ended all hostility since that time and you insult him if you fight us.”


KHIRUS

The sight of the undead of Khirus nauseated the Riebarri female, but when it had presented itself and had been given whatever birth most beings would provide that thing, she went into her pockets and presented a scroll. “Our final proposal, if you vile creatures can hear me know the god king will offer nothing else.”

Bete walked over to the Rakshasa and greeted her as friendly as he could"Hello dear representative of the Serene Marasa Pride, I am Bete the diplomat from Jintha pleased to meet you." Bete extended his three fingered hand out for a handshake. "Our two nations have had much interaction with each other over the last few years and i would love to talk about how the leadership see the future between our races and trade we could have to both of our benefit." he awaited the reaction to his gesture.


[Ninjas]

The man who came representing the Kunai Clans rode a horse, something that would've shocked anyone who had seen the Kunai before. He had the dusky skin that marked him as descended from Gwitna. He was clad all in black, and he carried a cutlass. Such a weapon was meant for sea combat, rather than land or stealth. Dark green eyes surveyed every delegate, every citizen, everyone that could be seen, always flitting from one target to another.

Only one person here would recognize this man. To the rest, he would be a stranger, albeit a Kunai. And so despite the danger, Tensar had come this last stretch of the journey without guard. Others of his Clan were waiting for him elsewhere in the heights, but here, he would be alone.

Getting to the Aspen Heights had been an exercise in paranoia. He could have snuck past the Pride's borders and gotten into the Heights that way, but it was safer to go around, and safety was the name of the game here. Unfortunately that had also meant he had to ride quickly to arrive in time, and would only have a short window to leave so he could arrive in time to help.

Though the Kunai were at war with the Serene Marasa Pride, there was a brief lull in the fighting. The Pride was gathering its forces with the god-king Sinja for a potentially final assault upon Kuniumi. This was, in all likelihood, the Kunai's final chance to turn the Pride back and turn the war from a guaranteed loss to a potential win. The Sultanate was under too heavy a strain to help, most likely, and that left Varjik as the Kunai's best chance for aid.

The Kunai had rejected the kingdom's previous offer to vassalize, but had made it clear that they were not entirely opposed to the idea. The fact that the Pride was apparently so furious as to drop everything to attack the moment they learned of the offer (not even whether or not the Kunai had accepted, just the offer) had softened up many of their stances on it.

The Varjik were friends to the Kunai, more loyal and true than the Pride had ever been. And though it was unlikely to help, the Kingdom's warriors had proven themselves faultlessly in the previous battle for Kuniumi. Some minor clans had even formed around their techniques, and Dejan had always been the Greated Named One (which admittedly sounded a lot cooler in the Kunai tongue). They needed that kind of skill and equipment. Their anti-magic stance was certainly iffy, but not as iffy as "we will burn the Clans who don't submit down and mount a puppet on a throne of your ashes".

There was, however, one issue that kept Tensar from focusing entirely on his task at hand.

Tensar had told Mure that he had come to Varjik to find help. And he had. But he had another motive, as well. One that was far more... personal. And to him, more important.

Amerah had invited him.

And as she rentered his thoughts, his features softened. Gods, he missed her.

She still haunted his thoughts, even so long after they had parted. Those years they had spent in the forests of Kuniumi, planning and preparing for the assault of the god-king (one that would later turn out to be much smaller) had taught him joys far beyond what he could accurately put into words. She was beautiful, well-mannered, charismatic... She had enjoyed their time together too, he knew. He'd made as sure of it as he could be. But the heart was a fickle thing. She could easily be in another man's arms right that moment, and the thought made his teeth grit. But more than that, there was the thought that if he didn't take this chance now he may never get the chance to see her aga-

He shook himself. No point in thinking about that. He needed to get help for his people. Mingle a bit, perhaps. Dance with Amerah He couldn't stay more than a few days, tops.

The Rakshasa were coming. They might even be there by the time he got home.

He dismounted, and moved with purpose. He knew where he was going.


When a man entered the room dressed in a black robe Bete had no doubt this had to be Kunai. This would be his first interaction with one of the Kunai state since the hand over of Les Alpes and even though this was done in the most peaceful way possible with the Kunai retaining access to all the places they wished to visit he was not naive enough to think there was no resentment. He walked over and decided simple was best. "Greetings I am Bete the Diplomat representing Jintha. If i am not mistaken you are from Kunai I would love to have a discussion with you about your culture and traditions they seem highly interesting." well that could have been said better but with the little time to think it over Bete was satisfied with his opening line.


In truth, ‘Xa’kagx wasn’t expecting much from this gathering. He could follow a pattern after all, and the ‘Ridx simply never did well when dealing with the rulers of other races. Honestly the most successful gathering had been the one where he’d been completely ignored - at least he hadn’t made them any new enemies from that one. But he had to stay in the loop. It wasn’t like anyone else was likely to keep the Flamefather informed on the proceedings after all.

And so he’d come, via the cursed lands, with a mere two in tow. Armed with the cloak as always, he’d also taken to carrying a hexagonal wax staff, with a shoot of mongrelvine growing from the head, the tendrils trailing down and faintly iridescant. It held no meaning - he’d simply been bored one day and decided to see if he could grow it in something portable. And then he’d hidden a stash of emergency spellcasting supplies in it, because its uselessness was annoying him.

Almost as much as being in the Dejanic heartland did. If he made it through this without smashing at least one statue he’d be very impressed with himself. Though arriving somewhat later, he quickly removed it from the top of the list of things he wanted destroyed. Whatever that… thing was, he’d be much happier with it destroyed. Until then, however, he’d have to settle for studying the mark. Perhaps it’s nature would reveal a flaw besides its very existence.

The representatives from 'Ridi'dreq stood out and Bete would love to have a word but the last time he saw a Ridx alive was when `Gxe'dhok died. Perhaps he would have time to talk later when he had slightly more to drink how does one even start that conversation "Hello sorry about your god but nice jungle you have now?" nope he had to think more about this one.


Arrival
Coszcatl arrived at the western heights after a long pilgrimage to the west. Originally her plan was to meet the wise turtles of Jinatha, but perhaps this journey could be cut short. The birth of new Avakon meant their had to be at least a few emissaries here. Coszcatl was eager to go back home, weeks of difficult travel to the north and through the cursed lands had diminished her retinue to merely one servant. Her treasured minimalist Linnadi garb had been cloaked in a fine layer of viscera after a series of wyvern attacks. A fool would take that as a poor omen but she knew its why she had to be here. Xincoatl would not let the weak make it this far considering the even greater challenges ahead.

As she entered the city she saw the horrors of the khirese emissaries. She was disgusted by their flagrant disregard of common sense, of course the Emperor knew their true nature but openly parading abominations across the street felt....embarrassing to say the least. Of course she'd have to speak out against the vampire menace to appease the magi.

Khirus

She had half a mind to condemn the Khirese on the spot and make overtures to new Avakon, alas as her adopted father proclaimed to her, Khirus is the key.

She hesitantly approached the ghoul, perhaps in the vain hope their corruption wouldn't stick to her. Voice...to whom am I speaking to, I have a proposition on behalf of the Holy Coatl Empire.


The representative that arrived covered in foul smelling body parts had decided to speak to the Khirus representative how interesting. Bete waited until the conversation had finished and approached. "Greetings i am Bete the representative of Jintha why don't you come and have some food and a drink. You are the representative for the Coatl Theocracy correct? We have had some fine trades with you in the past and i hear that another deal is in the making as we speak we do so look forward to what you will create. So tell me how was your journey it looks like it was challenging. "

[QuintonBeck]

High Inquisitor Alendia Vardel herself as well as Generals Atamina II and Jalse arrived under the banner of Karys. The High Inquisitor was a sharply featured woman of middling age, handsome with dark piercing eyes and a stoic expression many found discomforting to encounter. She was dressed in the grey and blue robes of the Imperial Inquisition with her grey-streaked brown hair held tightly in a bun crossed with hair sticks. The younger Atamina II, a dynastic name she had been afforded for her keen abilities upon the battlefield elevating her within the мајка company, had been considered to become the next Queen of the мајка company but with the Inquisition taking over the Hegemony elections of a Queen had been sidetracked. The young warrior woman was a well toned specimen of humanity, tanned skin covering toned muscle and the confident stride of a conqueror. Lord Commander Jalse gave off a different confidence. Grey just now entering his pointed black beard-mustache the Raesijan horse lord was clearly a cavalryman even without his horse. He cut a dashing figure but for those who valued true insight or wisdom over boisterous talk might find him draining.

Atamina and Jalse had come to seek Anivine's blessing and the High Inquisitor had come to pay her respects to the Illuminant. The cadre approached the Queen of Thorns and kneeled respectfully before the holy font of Dejan's knowledge.

"Your Holiness, we come before you humbled eternally by your grace and guidance this day and all days. You shield us from the Spellfather we ask only how to serve our shieldbrothers who protect our fields as we sow them."

[HalfTangible]

[Serene Marasa Pride]

'Nikushimi no osore' ('fear of hatred') was a concept from some branches of Honmyo philosophy, especially those that had once inhabited Havre.

The idea proposed that the Names of hatred and fear were the same word, just pronounced differently. Potato, patato. Tomato tamato. It was, more to the point, the idea that hatred and fear were the same emotion, viewed from two different angles. Much as a person will look different from behind than they will from the front, the two emotions were not just related, but one and the same.

It wasn't an idea Tensar bought into; one could hate something without being afraid of it. One could be afraid of something and not hate it. But when he first saw the Riebarri, he understood why the idea existed. Revulsion filled his stomach, and rage filled his heart. At the same moment, his limbs began to tremble, and he felt the urge to run. These creatures had threatened his people with genocide, he couldn't let her walk away, she'd come right for his-

No, no, calm down. He was here as a guest. The Riebarri would not harm him here.

... Publicly.

... if she were sane.

... Which... okay maybe he'd just avoid her for as long as he could.

He brought his hood up and stepped away, but stopped short when a turtle approached him and said hello.

That did not happen every day.

[Jintha]

Tensar raised an eyebrow when a turtle walked up to him and began talking. He had heard of the Volzen, of course; they were the beings that had an "ancestral claim" to the island of Havre (feh. Right. That's why they'd never heard of them before.) and he had heard they were turtle-people. He had thought it to be merely descriptive, not quite so... literal.

He almost told the Volzen that he didn't have the time, but in retrospect... He'd have to leave soon, yes, but not 'in 2 minutes' soon. He'd stay long enough to hear the Jaine's great announcement and then be on his way.

"Uh, of course." He nodded, collecting himself. "Aisatsu, Bete. Kunai do not have names in the same way as other people do, but I am of the Tensar Clan, here to represent my people. Representative, or Diplomat, or Kunai will suffice. Use whatever term you feel is appropriate."

"What would you like to know, specifically?"

[Zayuz]

High Inquisitor Alendia Vardel herself as well as Generals Atamina II and Jalse arrived under the banner of Karys. The High Inquisitor was a sharply featured woman of middling age, handsome with dark piercing eyes and a stoic expression many found discomforting to encounter. She was dressed in the grey and blue robes of the Imperial Inquisition with her grey-streaked brown hair held tightly in a bun crossed with hair sticks. The younger Atamina II, a dynastic name she had been afforded for her keen abilities upon the battlefield elevating her within the мајка company, had been considered to become the next Queen of the мајка company but with the Inquisition taking over the Hegemony elections of a Queen had been sidetracked. The young warrior woman was a well toned specimen of humanity, tanned skin covering toned muscle and the confident stride of a conqueror. Lord Commander Jalse gave off a different confidence. Grey just now entering his pointed black beard-mustache the Raesijan horse lord was clearly a cavalryman even without his horse. He cut a dashing figure but for those who valued true insight or wisdom over boisterous talk might find him draining.

Atamina and Jalse had come to seek Anivine's blessing and the High Inquisitor had come to pay her respects to the Illuminant. The cadre approached the Queen of Thorns and kneeled respectfully before the holy font of Dejan's knowledge.

"Your Holiness, we come before you humbled eternally by your grace and guidance this day and all days. You shield us from the Spellfather we ask only how to serve our shieldbrothers who protect our fields as we sow them."

Anivine perks up a bit on her chair at the sight of some of her favourite guests, who usually met in less public scenarios that were still equally extravagant. Just because her parents never had a flair for the expensive did not mean that she lacked in it - since her victories in their latest wars, some of the wealth brought in by her empire was applied to constructing great buildings like the one the event was hosted in, or a newer villa for her and her family to live in that had a lovely view over the mountains. All good things. Of course, her subjects always came first... "Most steadfast of allies and bearer of Dejan's torch, the light of the conqueror shines through you. To strive for better service is as always an admirable goal, but to do so you will need the tools to reach greater heights. I see that you, High Inquisitor, have brought with you two esteemed warriors of the faith. Should they wish to take burden of the Emperor's Oath, they need only express the desire. To grow closer in faith and prepare to welcome more brothers in arms soon would be my advice on how to best serve, we may yet find the northern duchy of Sfaire or the Kunai Clans growing closer than even in these times of strife."


The being stopped moving, when it got threatened by some foreignor it did not recognize. It lurched back ignoring the ridix and twisted as it did, as if controlled on puppet strings and it looked at the Jaine. When "the voice" spoke the resonance of many vocalizations became a singular setence raspy and broken like it was before. "Your love of humanity is admirable, after all you were once a part of it, just as we were. No longer, you will realize in time that they can never hold the same weight, they will wither into nothing and you will become stronger as you drain energy from them and feed to make yourself last longer."

It points, "even if it takes years, that is but a blink of the eye for us and you will watch someone die... You will feel less than you should and realize you are detached and alone. One day you will speak through the corpse of one of your enemies, with powers mortals can't imagine."

The creature began to laugh, it lurched and bent twisted broken thing that it was and when it stopped it was sudden and unnerving. "Down to the workings of kings, you have much to announce and we have much to do. The world does not stop moving and so much changes in an instant." It groaned out, "we offer you (67) for Hosra (68) Our cursed territories surely don't hold much interest when you can free the proud people of Avakon from our will yes? Its in the best interests of the great paladins, the holders of Dejans will to free those wretches from our tyranny without them being massacred."

He coughed than and some of its flesh fell away revealing more muscle underneath but the talk continued unabated. "You wish to free the Inyoni, and so we will allow a great migration you may send soldiers and troops to help their number through the cursed lands and those that make it will belong to you to do with as they please. Those already imprisoned and those who remain of their own volition well they will be forever lost to you."

The being looked on, "war will end for 20 years (6 turns). However that will be its end, commerce will flow as is natural, and should our armies meet in combat for the sake of our allies its to be total violence between us... We will just not invade one another directly. That is all this peace will provide."

A scroll is presented providing the terms and it waits for a servent to take it.

It was unsettling to hear the words of the Spellfather echoed in the undead servant before her. A disregard for mortals, a lust for power and control above all else... She could follow why they thought as they did, but swore to herself even as a child to never succumb to such similar corruption as the original Avakonian Empire had. It caused their ruin, it caused the hatred for the dragons and the depravity of the vampires. A short, tense sigh would leave her lips as she heard the delegate move onto matters of the feathered ones in the east... She could not save them all, but that she knew in advance. But even saving a few additional thousand could make a grand difference when she considered the method of Khirus's drafting. Slaughter and resurrection... Blood magic. Less blood meant that they had less power in the north where they had conquered. Less would suffer, and... The 'voice' that spoke through the thrall would continue to live.

Yet she was immortal now, they claimed, and there would be plenty of time for her crusade to continue in the future. With all the other representatives seeing the horrors they faced, she felt that Khirus may yet be busy during these next few years... And as an aside, amassing the core imperial territory was something that she as a self-proclaimed successor of Avakonia desired greatly. The Jaine read the scroll slowly and carefully, holding it in both her hands before calling for a seal that was not located all too far from her throne; brought to her by one of her orcish guards. Finally, after a lengthy and stressful moment, she spoke.

"I accept on the condition that the number of people sent back to Varjik with my men is enough to at the very least match the population of New Lijas, one of the cities closest to Avakonia currently under my command. I have no way of knowing just how many of these people are 'imprisoned' as you put it, and in doing so we will cease warfare with your nation for the agreed upon time frame." (Est size: 1.3 million based on Lleban's estimates)

Her hand stood prepared to sign the treaty in front of her, hovering just barely off the page...

It was notable that the council of ancient vampires back in Khirus would see in Anivine a faint and uncanny resemblance of some long dead figures of Avakonia. Most notably was the determined stare of Iskander, which seemed to appear after only a moment... Another was Mila, even if only in how she brushed her hair to the side. These resemblances would leave as quickly as they arrived, but it was... Eerie.


In truth, ‘Xa’kagx wasn’t expecting much from this gathering. He could follow a pattern after all, and the ‘Ridx simply never did well when dealing with the rulers of other races. Honestly the most successful gathering had been the one where he’d been completely ignored - at least he hadn’t made them any new enemies from that one. But he had to stay in the loop. It wasn’t like anyone else was likely to keep the Flamefather informed on the proceedings after all.

And so he’d come, via the cursed lands, with a mere two in tow. Armed with the cloak as always, he’d also taken to carrying a hexagonal wax staff, with a shoot of mongrelvine growing from the head, the tendrils trailing down and faintly iridescant. It held no meaning - he’d simply been bored one day and decided to see if he could grow it in something portable. And then he’d hidden a stash of emergency spellcasting supplies in it, because its uselessness was annoying him.

Almost as much as being in the Dejanic heartland did. If he made it through this without smashing at least one statue he’d be very impressed with himself. Though arriving somewhat later, he quickly removed it from the top of the list of things he wanted destroyed. Whatever that… thing was, he’d be much happier with it destroyed. Until then, however, he’d have to settle for studying the mark. Perhaps it’s nature would reveal a flaw besides its very existence.

“Anivine,” he began simply, with no overtures given to bending or scraping. “Let’s get the obvious out of the way now. Much as I detest Dejan I… understand your fascination with him. Everything he destroyed of ours he built for you. Any other discussion of him can be saved for another day. No, I’m here for two reasons. First of all, I’d like to take this chance to finally meet with the Spellfather. Despite my frequent dealings with the Flamefather, I’d like to make it clear I favour none of our gods over the others. The second… can wait until we’re ready to begin the business proper.”

The Jaine nodded at his desire to skip any chatter of deities. It make sense, though she felt it an odd thing to lead with. "You are wise to seek an audience with the Spellfather. She is a cunning figure, I'll give her that, and I believe with some certainty that she will take well to a visit from the east. But she will not see just anyone, traveler. Are you who I believe you may be?, Xa`kagx?" Anivine raised an eyebrow to the dragon worshiper before her. If he was but a pilgrim, then she had no intentions of allowing her capital city to become a regular route for dragon-serving heretics to give tribute to their deity. There was a difference between quiet payment in exchange for safety and the lavish showering of mortal earnings after all..



ASSEMBLED LEADERS

The Serene Marasa Pride had arrived in this place for one reason, and one reason only. The status of Varjik, their eternal enemies. No matter how long they did not fight the constant threat of the remnants of Avakon was a terrifying force that could pierce the veil of their people and drive them into genocide. Sinjas obsession had affected many, and humans were being treated worse almost everywhere because of it.

At the moment though a new emperor did not step into the Aspen Heights, instead a single Riebarri did. She had a scarf wrapped around her features but the Rakshasa was obvious when she stopped hiding and simply moved forward. She was dressed in silks and all of the finery the Riebarri had raided from the world and brought to their capital. Silver bracelets and a necklace adorned her. She had no weapon as her body was lethal. Except for the extended claws of iron forged to increase the range of her talons.

She would eventually present herself to the Jaine and bow her head. They had received an invitation as well, and if enemies could be present why not the SMP? What was this big announcement? “I am Kimara Hhasa, I am the official representative of our nation. The new Baedshah wants to inform Varjik peace remains possible, there is no need for violence between our people. We want no war.”

She looked up at him, “My god-king reminds you that the spellfather himself declared us at peace, we have ended all hostility since that time and you insult him if you fight us.”

Anivine's fingers drummed against the edge of her throne. "Indeed... The Spellfather has blocked our attempts to move any military through the path. This road of tears that he has made brings all sorts of slaves - many of whom are human - right here into the heart of my kingdom. Where before I merely fought to defend the sovereignty of the Kunai, I cannot allow the people who once belonged to the Avakonian empire to be mistreated, especially when they need to be brought through my city to be fed to a dragon. I'm sure your leader would feel similarly offended if I started taking any Rakshasa slaves at all, let alone parading them under guard through the capital. So you see? Use your road, I care not. Flood the dragon's chambers with gold and crops and goats... But bring slaves, and there will be retribution. And I should warn, it will only be a matter of time before the Kunai seek to regain their lost territories. Our people owe theirs and Regno's a greater debt than we do the dragon who demands tribute. If you seek peace, I recommend you at the very least stop assaulting their woodland home in Kuniumi. All nations who have striven to do so in the past have been met with a tragic fate.. Which is as much a warning as it is a threat."



"To the south and West of Fherharbor, there is an old perijanist monastery called the Frozen Temple. It farms enough to support itself with food, and is a frequent rest stop for the migrant plains walkers on their way up to the plains of Yotun. Right now the place is inhabited by seers following Gamle Mater, but they probably don't want to hang around with the winters getting longer and their religion faltering in their homeland. I want to convince them to leave and set the place up as a Dejanist monastary, and preach to the nomadic plains walkers. All I need for this is a small group of priests and a little bit of money to buy the place from the seers." Here he lapsed back into prerehearsed statements "with your gracious help we can lay a foundation for the resurgence of Dejanism in the far north, esteemed Jaine. The glory of the conquerer can once again bring light into the land where he slew the mortal champion of the great Norbar."


Her lips curled into a smile. Honestly, she was expecting a request to join war against the Regnans... Or some kind of resource. This however, was a very pleasant surprise. "It would be my pleasure, Digrvaldi," She replied almost instantly, "upon your return trip I will send with you a detachment of priests to aid in establishing the Conqueror's temple. This 'Long Winter' I have heard of seems likely to have been caused by magic most foul; and I do believe Dejan's protection against such curses will serve the lands well. ..I-"

At the start of her next words, the Khirese diplomat would arrive, springing the whole gathering into a state of alarm, and her guest would rush to defend her...


[Ninjas]

The man who came representing the Kunai Clans rode a horse, something that would've shocked anyone who had seen the Kunai before. He had the dusky skin that marked him as descended from Gwitna. He was clad all in black, and he carried a cutlass. Such a weapon was meant for sea combat, rather than land or stealth. Dark green eyes surveyed every delegate, every citizen, everyone that could be seen, always flitting from one target to another.

Only one person here would recognize this man. To the rest, he would be a stranger, albeit a Kunai. And so despite the danger, Tensar had come this last stretch of the journey without guard. Others of his Clan were waiting for him elsewhere in the heights, but here, he would be alone.

Getting to the Aspen Heights had been an exercise in paranoia. He could have snuck past the Pride's borders and gotten into the Heights that way, but it was safer to go around, and safety was the name of the game here. Unfortunately that had also meant he had to ride quickly to arrive in time, and would only have a short window to leave so he could arrive in time to help.

Though the Kunai were at war with the Serene Marasa Pride, there was a brief lull in the fighting. The Pride was gathering its forces with the god-king Sinja for a potentially final assault upon Kuniumi. This was, in all likelihood, the Kunai's final chance to turn the Pride back and turn the war from a guaranteed loss to a potential win. The Sultanate was under too heavy a strain to help, most likely, and that left Varjik as the Kunai's best chance for aid.

The Kunai had rejected the kingdom's previous offer to vassalize, but had made it clear that they were not entirely opposed to the idea. The fact that the Pride was apparently so furious as to drop everything to attack the moment they learned of the offer (not even whether or not the Kunai had accepted, just the offer) had softened up many of their stances on it.

The Varjik were friends to the Kunai, more loyal and true than the Pride had ever been. And though it was unlikely to help, the Kingdom's warriors had proven themselves faultlessly in the previous battle for Kuniumi. Some minor clans had even formed around their techniques, and Dejan had always been the Greated Named One (which admittedly sounded a lot cooler in the Kunai tongue). They needed that kind of skill and equipment. Their anti-magic stance was certainly iffy, but not as iffy as "we will burn the Clans who don't submit down and mount a puppet on a throne of your ashes".

There was, however, one issue that kept Tensar from focusing entirely on his task at hand.

Tensar had told Mure that he had come to Varjik to find help. And he had. But he had another motive, as well. One that was far more... personal. And to him, more important.

Amerah had invited him.

And as she rentered his thoughts, his features softened. Gods, he missed her.

She still haunted his thoughts, even so long after they had parted. Those years they had spent in the forests of Kuniumi, planning and preparing for the assault of the god-king (one that would later turn out to be much smaller) had taught him joys far beyond what he could accurately put into words. She was beautiful, well-mannered, charismatic... She had enjoyed their time together too, he knew. He'd made as sure of it as he could be. But the heart was a fickle thing. She could easily be in another man's arms right that moment, and the thought made his teeth grit. But more than that, there was the thought that if he didn't take this chance now he may never get the chance to see her aga-

He shook himself. No point in thinking about that. He needed to get help for his people. Mingle a bit, perhaps. Dance with Amerah He couldn't stay more than a few days, tops.

The Rakshasa were coming. They might even be there by the time he got home.

He dismounted, and moved with purpose. He knew where he was going.

But where Tensar was going was not at first where the main event was being held. It was still only a few minutes away, but the villa that Amerah had invited him to before she left tended to be off limits to guests. Only her mother and her guard were too busy hosting their event to stop her from having anyone visit, and she had left him with a key before heading back to her own lands. Sure, her father might suggest that it's inviting the Kunai to walk in and out with all their secrets, but she would say that they didn't have any secrets anyways - and the deed was already done.

The Princess had dark hair and blue eyes, a tenancy to smile and a strong affection for mystery. Though she would consider herself a woman of the city more than the exotic forests that the clans inhabited, her time there was certainly much nicer than she expected. War planning, as brutal as she thought it was, was thankfully mostly taken care of by the more experienced commanders around her. Though she personally argued that the Rakshasa in general couldn't be thought of entirely as monsters because of the habits of their nobility, the idea that this slaughter against the kunai needed to be halted in its tracks was indisputable. Just... Sad. War was terrible.

Much of her time was spent in the company of Tensar, who she had devoted all her spare time to getting close to. It was him that she would marry if they accepted the agreement at any point after all, and it didn't help that she found his exotic demeanor incredibly attractive... Which she was by no means afraid to tell him when they had moments to themselves. The girl exited her home by the side doors after she had prepared all her clothes and makeup for the public event, ready to make an impression on behalf of the royal line she'd been born into. Adorned in gold crimson, she took only a few steps onto the paved garden before spotting a man on a horse riding in up past the gates. With a few of her guards near to her trying to urge her towards her own mount, she raised her hand to tell them that she would need a moment... And started towards him. In the evening darkness she couldn't tell it was Tensar, but she had a feeling, if not any information she had acquired from any letters.

[Potato_Priest]

Whern

‘Xa’kagx hadn’t planned to speak to the group from Whern. He wasn’t even completely sure where Whern was. He vaguely remembered it being part of the damn Overvanni territory, but that was about it. So he wasn’t sure why they’d sent their own people, and he would have glossed over them, were it not for the Ridx with them. And Ridx, not ‘Ridx - though the bag was an obvious giveaway, the possibility remained that he was simply showing off his strength, but the lack of battle damage to him for his age ruined any chance of that lie. Had they always been that pale?

<<An unexpected surprise, to see one of kind here. How fares things in ‘Ridi’r->> he began, until he stopped dead as his eyes picked up on the little token half tucked away. Oh no. He was a Dejanist.

The approach of the three 'Ridx provided 'Di'gvaxo'dh with a dilemma. In Whern he was respected as an experienced plains walker, who had made more trips into the icy and dangerous plains of Yotun than anyone he'd met. But somehow, with the 'Ridx in Whern, that didn't matter. He was still a mere Ridx to them, even outside the old country. Normally he would simply accept this treatment, but here, in front of Anivine Kren, the head of the Dejanist faith, to show weakness would be a sin. Fortunately, the first words out of the leader's mouth were friendly (if a bit stuttered), so he might be able to get out of this without a brawl. Still made nervous by the presence of three 'Ridx, he began babbling in answer to their question.
<< Rather poorly, from what I hear. The hunting has gotten too easy for most's tastes now that the long winter is starving the strongest monsters, and the Overvann that conquered the region insist on helping the people stay warm and dry. On the plus side, I have heard that the Overvann are improving as fellows, beginning to understand the value of personal strength closer to the way we do, since they now have the courage to fight the strongest->>
In his worry about the approach of a group of 'Ridix (and perhaps the increasing prevalence of similar garments worn by the Overvann), he had failed to recognize the significance of the cape worn by their leader. As soon as 'Di'gvaxo'dh realized who he was speaking to, he stole a glance down at his chest and saw the dejanist token peeking out. The look on 'Xa'kagx's face confirmed it.
<<****.>>




As Bete carefully filled his plate with meat and fruits he could not identify he noticed a new group enter the room, humans accompanied by a a Ridx not a sight one sees every day. The Ridx approaches the Jaine while one of the humans makes his way towards the food grabbing a piece of bread while walking he sits next to Bete and speaks to him in between bites. "A yes Jalyeong-bo has become quite popular among the Volzen these days, I myself have not had much exposure to it as i am travel quite abit for my profession and tend to read about Initia more than other faiths. But please tell me more I would love to hear what you make of it."

The sentence had just finished when the representative of Khirus entered and the conversation with Vald (who was now on the floor "enjoying" his bread a second time) came to a stop.




Bete stared at the happenings in the court he had heard about the lands on the south east border of the pride but never ventured there, these being were not pleasant to look at this was for sure and while it spoke he could not help himself but quietly say "How fascinating." raising his voice enough so that Vald could hear him. "Please tell me dear representative of Whern i believe the Ridx said what do you know of the beings that inhabit khirus."


"So far..." Vald wheezed, "that contact with them should occur before meals. Why? Do you wish to educate me?"

[SquirrelWizard]

The doors to the Court of Thrones are thrown open as Tanya Chalun and her party strode in carrying a leather scroll case in her hand. Her group much smaller than the League's prior appearances, there was no diplomats, no leaders from the constituent states, no advisors, just the Queen, her consort Vaylan, Queensguard, and a retinue of mistwalker rangers; to judge by the dour look on their faces, they came bearing ill tidings.

She cut a path through the main hall on her way to the throne, those who would not step out of her way were moved, forcibly in the case of he stupid or stubborn. Tanya looked up, momentarily, at Anivine upon her throne and then to the room at large, announcing loudly above the din of the hall. "I am Tanya Chalun, Queen of the Yondari League! I will be heard."

She held up the case for all to see. "Krace has returned! And in lust for power he has already bound Veknar a volcano spirit to himself and now seeks to head west to claim the North Wind as his own. It is my belief his ultimate goal is to claim the Sun!"

Tanya let her words sink in before adding, "This is no longer just an Inyakan problem."

[Corona]

The Sfaïri Free Alliance

About a fifty foot soldiers arrive from the far north, most of them lightly armed, to allow for long marches and easier survival in dry climates. Some of them are recognizable as Crescent Company mercenaries. They move in a distinctly Avakonian-style formation, until they stop at the entrance to the court, and the three nobles in their midst dismount and continue alone.

They pass by the Khirese envoy, disgusted, but not showing any signs of fear, stop in front of the Burning Throne, and kneel. On Anivine's left side is an energetical youth, puffing out his chest with pride as he is in the presence of a royal for the first time in his life. On the other side, a battle-hardened knight covered in leather armor and scars, a massive battleaxe strapped to her back. The woman in the middle has long hair, so intensely red that one might not at first believe that it is not dyed. She wears loose brown clothing, her status indicated mostly by the inscribed silvery band she is wearing on her head. Judging by her complexion, she seems to be closely related to the boy. She speaks in a fairly plain manner for a noble, cutting to the chase as quickly as possible without being rude.

"Hail, Great Jaine! I am Rosagund Luitbertien of the Barren Steppes of Rúgari, the southern Land of Sfaïr. I have come to hear the announcement and to see for myself how the southern lands fare, if they are still fighting under the Avakonian Banner of the Sun.

Our so-called Leader says she unfortunately has too much work now, although she would have liked to visit you in person. I am to ask you for permission to build a temple honoring Dejan as an aspect of Abhidi, taking and repairing the ruined statue of Dejan from 'Ridi'r to serve as its centerpiece.

Also, I have heard rumors, I do not know whether true or not, that you have been caught in the midst of the Battle of the Temple in Bhule, and yet you seem to have escaped ...mostly... unscathed. If this is true, I would be most interested in learning the technique that allowed you to do this. Our Luitbertien family has survived for centuries only through gathering as many survival tricks and secrets as they could gather."

[HalfTangible]

But where Tensar was going was not at first where the main event was being held. It was still only a few minutes away, but the villa that Amerah had invited him to before she left tended to be off limits to guests. Only her mother and her guard were too busy hosting their event to stop her from having anyone visit, and she had left him with a key before heading back to her own lands. Sure, her father might suggest that it's inviting the Kunai to walk in and out with all their secrets, but she would say that they didn't have any secrets anyways - and the deed was already done.

The Princess had dark hair and blue eyes, a tenancy to smile and a strong affection for mystery. Though she would consider herself a woman of the city more than the exotic forests that the clans inhabited, her time there was certainly much nicer than she expected. War planning, as brutal as she thought it was, was thankfully mostly taken care of by the more experienced commanders around her. Though she personally argued that the Rakshasa in general couldn't be thought of entirely as monsters because of the habits of their nobility, the idea that this slaughter against the kunai needed to be halted in its tracks was indisputable. Just... Sad. War was terrible.

Much of her time was spent in the company of Tensar, who she had devoted all her spare time to getting close to. It was him that she would marry if they accepted the agreement at any point after all, and it didn't help that she found his exotic demeanor incredibly attractive... Which she was by no means afraid to tell him when they had moments to themselves. The girl exited her home by the side doors after she had prepared all her clothes and makeup for the public event, ready to make an impression on behalf of the royal line she'd been born into. Adorned in gold crimson, she took only a few steps onto the paved garden before spotting a man on a horse riding in up past the gates. With a few of her guards near to her trying to urge her towards her own mount, she raised her hand to tell them that she would need a moment... And started towards him. In the evening darkness she couldn't tell it was Tensar, but she had a feeling, if not any information she had acquired from any letters.

When she made her way out of the side door, the figure was tying the horse up. His movements were precise, but swift and frantic.

The moment she began to walk towards him, the figure stiffened and stood up just a little bit straighter; It lasted only a moment before the tension left, and he relaxed, gaining just the slightest bit of swagger.

Amerah wouldn't have noticed such a small tell before her time in Kuniumi, but yeah, that was Tensar.

His head turned towards her after a few moments, and with a sly grin on his face, he lowered his hood. Tensar's grin was bright and cocky. It stood out against the dusky skin that marked his Gwitna heritage. The man's dark hair was messy and down to the middle of his neck, short but far longer than many of his countrymen.

"Well, this is a pleasant surprise. Are you hoping to impress someone special today, milady?" He mused, quickly checking for guards or family before openly eyeing her up. Doki-doki.

His tone was teasing, but very warm. It had been far too long since they'd spoken. (they wrote, of course, but it wasn't the same). The concept of a marriage - even a political one - remained relatively foreign in Kuniumi, but it was no longer something unheard of. Many now took pair-bonds, and in fact seemed to prefer it. The thought that he would have been this woman's husband had they vassalized properly had left him somewhat disappointed (albeit not surprised) that Mure refused.

He hoped they might be wed despite that. Or, perhaps, that Tensar would be the Clan making the calls s-

No.

No no no no.

Sinja had called for the genocide of his people. No room for ambition like that, not here, not now.

[bc56]

Whern

"Aye, the cold is bad for business indeed." Sigurd answers the representatives of Whern. "We've had to gather more and more whale oil, by any means necessary, and most of it goes to the wastes of 'Ridi'r." He mutters something under his breath about lazy ingrates. "As much as I like to see the dragon's servants get what's coming to them, we need to be focusing on the encroaching winter. Even in summer, there's a chill in the air as far south as the Black Marsh."

Varjik

One lesser member of the Overvann party approaches the Jaine, an elderly kobold, his red-brown scales tinted grey with age. Although to many present, he is unfamiliar, the Anivine may recognize him from the fateful Dance for Gxe'dhok. Oppkomling, the Kobold King is no longer dressed in regal armor, but in a simple brown tunic, and where his right hand was is now a bronze prosthetic, sculpted into the shape of a clenched fist. He bows before the throne, "Greetings, your highness."

[asmodeussnake]

Khirus

There was nothing the riebarri wanted more than to retreat and with these words. She took the signed version provided the other with Sinjas scrawls and disappeared leaving the dead thing alone with the others that still negotiated with this creature and the massive empire behind it.


Jintha

For the first time since the Rakshasa woman had arrived, she showed some form of warmth to another being here. Surrounded by humans that would try to exterminate them formed a ball of revulsion but she did not feel such vile things toward this creature who like her was a being of a unique race. Their beliefs had conspired to be very consuming and the absolute fear that came with it made this all more bearable. "We are happy to discuss a more permenant alliance with the nation."

She grins, "my Baedshah, the god-king has mentioned a desire to do everything he can for you, I know he seeks to claim Deaux primarily for your people. He has sent Gigastrax and the goblins to claim the region from Regno and give it to you so you have control of the islands as is your right. We wish to make sure we can forge a mutual alliance that is valuable for both sides. We also want to make sure we can put an end to the Kunai quickly so this conflict can finally come to a close... Of course your help arbitrating peace with Regno might also contain value if they can just recognize the cost of having the Kunai as part of their number has cost them."


Varjik

“I am a humble servant and do not wish to offend the leader of Varjik but we must remind you noble Jaine Dejan enslaved many. We also remind you this demand of lives, which much to our dismay includes Rakshasa, Naga, and goliaths is sent to the spellfather on her command. She asked this of us and we simply obeyed. She is an avatar of Rieba and both our nations would do well to honor their demands.”

The mention of the Kunai did cool her however and she lifted her chin to face the Varjik leader. "Your desire to use this oppurtunity to forge some connection to the Kunai will do you no favors, Regno suffers in the north the Kunai are all but extinguished in the forests, clinging desperately after Regno and you lost endless lives for their cause is an errand that will only lead to more death, even if you do manage to beat us in this coming battle... the pride will have more soldiers than ever in the coming year, we have allies you will not expect."

[Aventine]

The journey south was a strange one for Prince Zäklis, and his arrival in the Aspen Heights surreal. It had been more than fifteen years since he left, leaving his step mother's kingdom for his own family's. There was something uncomfortable in seeing his childhood home, familiar but changed, and the thought of the dragon so near. It was certainly a little worrying traveling so deep into the territory claimed by the beast; the D̨vatlans did not trust the beasts, and could not say for sure that it would not decide to take the opportunity to eliminate some of its enemies. But despite it all, he was happy to be back.

The prince entered the meeting hall dressed in elaborate court robes, D̨vatlan but with an unmistakable touch of Varjik and the Heights, and accompanied by two others: his nephew Fëkälis, looking entirely at ease in simpler, less elaborate dress and a disarming smile, and another man. Stooped like an old man, and relying slightly on a cane, he was dressed in simple priest's robes and a hood that hid his face. Approaching Anivine, the two princes bow deeply, though the old man merely shifts more weight to his cane while Zäklis makes the introductions with a smile.

"Your Highness, may I introduce my nephew: Fëkälis, son of S̨anedbzıtl of Avakonia and Zeměvčel, and my trusted teacher and councilor: Ët̨hëvs̨laı of Bëkkŋi."


Karys

The D̨vatlans circulate, spending some time seeing who else has arrived. The sight of the thing from Khirus fills the princes with obvious disgust, and the three carefully avoid it. Eventually, Zäklis finds his way to the envoy from Karys and introduces himself to the High Inquisitor.

"Your Excellency, I am Prince Zäklis. I am glad to meet you here, I have some matters I wish to discuss. There has been some consideration given to inviting the Inquisition to reestablish an official, formal presence in Avakon. No doubt it never truly left, but the argument has been made that if we wish to continue to build closer ties between our new, more D̨vatlan Avakonia and the remnants of the old Avakon, then it would make sense to allow the Inquisition to begin to resume its original mandate, and to help ensure our new Avakon do not fall prey to the same corruption that brought down the old empire. We are unlikely to be willing to restore the Inquisition in our land to the full powers it once had in Avakonia, but it is felt that allowing some sort of formal presence would be a step, even if a small one, towards closer cooperation."

[Lleban]

The representative that arrived covered in foul smelling body parts had decided to speak to the Khirus representative how interesting. Bete waited until the conversation had finished and approached. "Greetings i am Bete the representative of Jintha why don't you come and have some food and a drink. You are the representative for the Coatl Theocracy correct? We have had some fine trades with you in the past and i hear that another deal is in the making as we speak we do so look forward to what you will create. So tell me how was your journey it looks like it was challenging. "

Coszcatl responded by shaking her sleeve as the finger bones of strange creatures began to fall out before Bete. The curse of Brinefather has necessitated traveling through the cursed lands to arrive in a timely manner. Our group was assaulted by animals, monsters and draconian abominations.Those of my retinue too weak to continue has been reabsorbed by the great cycle, now only my cup bearer remains. Perhaps its for the best though, the trip to the isles will be fraught with peril.





"You speak to all members of the shattered emperor's masters of Khirus. We have been hoping you would reach out, your alliance with the Republic is old, and while new leadership reigns we hope to also agree to a new treaty... In fact we have interesting offer in mind for your mighty new imperium." The raspy voice declared.


The public revelation of your true nature makes an alliance like the one we once shared difficult, not impossible, simply difficult. Perhaps it would be easier if you helped the Holy empire achieve something that'd benefit us both in the long run. But what's your offer?

[kjelfalconer]

Varjik

"You wound me Anivine. It hasn't been that long since we met in the isles of Lazar. We might not have spoken much, but still. But if you two both demand a grand declaration, so be it. The cloak about my shoulders was given by the Brinefather herself. I bear the shard of the Bloodfather's heart which he bequeathed. I watched, as the Father of Silence made his pact with the mortal Venusa. By all their power I carried my people to the jungles of 'Ridi'dreq, where we serve the Flamefather even now. My people have believed for centuries before they stepped foot upon the world, and have continued to do so despite the world's scorn. If she would refuse me, then who would she deign to see?" The words were arrogant, but his posture showed no hint of doubt in them. "Unless you claim to know her will so well as to make the choice for her?" Still relaxed, but now with a ripple of underlying goading.

Whern

<<You've found some new humans to bend and scrape to then, I see. For all you disgust me, I shan't punish you. I think the Brinefather has that well in hand. I gave you all so many chance, but you made your choices. How you live with them isn't my problem. 'Ridi'dreq is lovely, by the way. The jungles fight just as fiercly as beasts, but we've claimed victory. Something even your vaunted Dejan couldn't do. Good luck with the curse.>>

Overvann

The change in the Overvanni was morbidly fascinating, and immensely satisfying. No amount of divine punishment would ever douse his rage over what happened to the Brinefather, but she seemed to have things well in hand. He bit back the temptation to gloat, though the smugness still bled into his stance.
"Sigurd, I take it?" 'Gva'dhi'qagri had his uses, not least his ability to ferret out information. His ire was at least slightly soothed by the fact that the boy in front of him wasn't old enough to have been complicit in the attack on the Brinefather - perhaps this one would be more reasonable.

"I'll keep this quick - I'd like to offer a trade, much as I hate to say it. The Flamefather recently made some gifts of knowledge to us, but we've no use for them. I'd rather give them to someone who can, for something we can. For all my issue with your people, some of them used to be mine. And for every one too stupid to see sense, there's one that just wouldn't face that much change. Like my mentor. So I'll offer this. For their sakes, not yours. If it makes a curse they don't deserve just a little more bearable, then I've done my job as their leader."

[QuintonBeck]

Varjik

"We shall be fast friends to those Your Holiness deems our allies. A demonstration of generosity and will. I shall seek out the Kunai and Sfair to ask how the Inquisition may aid them."

"As to our warriors with me, I shall let them speak for themselves."

At this the two generals stepped forward. The younger Atamina spoke first.

"Your Holiness, I come seeking to take the Emperor's Oath administered by your hand swearing to uphold Dejan's legacy upon the battlefield. If you will have me, I shall serve."

Now came the older Raesijan Lord Commander pompous attitude enjoyed among the other guests dropped as he spoke with Anivine.

"Your Holiness, I was raised on the fantastic feats of Dejan in Raesija. Dejan was a Raesijan son before he was Our Emperor and I have long admired the myth and the man. It would honor me to take the Emperor's Oath and further, should you allow it, to join your Court of Thorns. Tales of your Siphoning inspires those same boyhood admirations I held for Dejan's power to break the haughty mages. If you shall have me I would serve as your representative within the Hegemony."

Dvatla

Alendia was glad to meet with the Dvatlan prince. There was an undeniably unpleasant history regarding Dvatla and the original Avakonian Empire but in the times since the fall of the Zhekurus Dynasty Dvatla had developed into a dependable neighbor and ally. Their stewardship of Avakon had been marked twice in the recent decade by assaults from the ghastly undead rulers of Palmor evolving their role from occupier to proper steward and perhaps even legitimate claimant. That would depend on how Anivine went about proclaiming a new imperial dynasty in the name of Dejan.

"You are correct that the Inquisition never fully abandoned Avakonia but I am pleased to hear their generous and kind reports regarding Dvatlan officials are so reciprocated. My Inquisitors spoke for months regarding the inalienable dignity of key Dvatlan military officers who held their positions during the vampire attacks. I would welcome the restoration of open communication with my people and the wisely measured endorsement by Dvatla for their operations to continue unimpeded. You may rest assured Prince Zäklis no one is more in favor of cooperation between the old pillars of the empire and the mighty kingdom that is Dvatla than myself."

Kunai

The two generals soon split off from their Inquisitorial escort but not before receiving instructions to be generous and offer what could be offered to those of the Kunai Clans or the northern kingdom of Sfair. It was pure happenstance that Atamina spotted Tensar as she scanned the room for other delegate reactions to the arrival of the Pride. His was the only that seemed to match hers in intensity. The lions would be the death of Estensule and the dragon would shield them until it was too late.

She approached once the lioness had moved on to other sections of the palace.

"You are Kunai, correct? I am Atamina of Karys but you may call me Mina. Our lord bids that we aid your Clans. Perhaps we shall come to aid you in your struggle against the Rakshasa? There are many, myself included, who believe we owe the Kunai our continued protection as it was our offer of protection that brought such fury down upon your heads and Regno cannot uphold their obligation so beset by trouble are they."

Sfair

The High Inquisitor sought out the Sfairi delegation approaching the woman with bright red hair a respectful smile looking up from under her slightly bowed brow.

"Greetings honorable representative of Sfair, I am High Inquisitor Alendia Vardel of Karys. My Jaine asks we offer friendship and aid to those who she has spoke to regarding union with the reemerging empire. Tell us what we may offer you."

[HalfTangible]

Varjik

"We shall be fast friends to those Your Holiness deems our allies. A demonstration of generosity and will. I shall seek out the Kunai and Sfair to ask how the Inquisition may aid them."

"As to our warriors with me, I shall let them speak for themselves."

At this the two generals stepped forward. The younger Atamina spoke first.

"Your Holiness, I come seeking to take the Emperor's Oath administered by your hand swearing to uphold Dejan's legacy upon the battlefield. If you will have me, I shall serve."

Now came the older Raesijan Lord Commander pompous attitude enjoyed among the other guests dropped as he spoke with Anivine.

"Your Holiness, I was raised on the fantastic feats of Dejan in Raesija. Dejan was a Raesijan son before he was Our Emperor and I have long admired the myth and the man. It would honor me to take the Emperor's Oath and further, should you allow it, to join your Court of Thorns. Tales of your Siphoning inspires those same boyhood admirations I held for Dejan's power to break the haughty mages. If you shall have me I would serve as your representative within the Hegemony."

Dvatla

Alendia was glad to meet with the Dvatlan prince. There was an undeniably unpleasant history regarding Dvatla and the original Avakonian Empire but in the times since the fall of the Zhekurus Dynasty Dvatla had developed into a dependable neighbor and ally. Their stewardship of Avakon had been marked twice in the recent decade by assaults from the ghastly undead rulers of Palmor evolving their role from occupier to proper steward and perhaps even legitimate claimant. That would depend on how Anivine went about proclaiming a new imperial dynasty in the name of Dejan.

"You are correct that the Inquisition never fully abandoned Avakonia but I am pleased to hear their generous and kind reports regarding Dvatlan officials are so reciprocated. My Inquisitors spoke for months regarding the inalienable dignity of key Dvatlan military officers who held their positions during the vampire attacks. I would welcome the restoration of open communication with my people and the wisely measured endorsement by Dvatla for their operations to continue unimpeded. You may rest assured Prince Zäklis no one is more in favor of cooperation between the old pillars of the empire and the mighty kingdom that is Dvatla than myself."

Kunai

The two generals soon split off from their Inquisitorial escort but not before receiving instructions to be generous and offer what could be offered to those of the Kunai Clans or the northern kingdom of Sfair. It was pure happenstance that Atamina spotted Tensar as she scanned the room for other delegate reactions to the arrival of the Pride. His was the only that seemed to match hers in intensity. The lions would be the death of Estensule and the dragon would shield them until it was too late.

She approached once the lioness had moved on to other sections of the palace.

"You are Kunai, correct? I am Atamina of Karys but you may call me Mina. Our lord bids that we aid your Clans. Perhaps we shall come to aid you in your struggle against the Rakshasa? There are many, myself included, who believe we owe the Kunai our continued protection as it was our offer of protection that brought such fury down upon your heads and Regno cannot uphold their obligation so beset by trouble are they."He glanced towards the lioness to make sure she was literally anywhere else before turning back to Mina.

"I am a Representative, of the Tensar Clan." Tensar Representative bowed his head slightly. "It is appreciated, the Rakshasa are quite formidable."

At the mention of Regno, he bristled slightly.

Regno's current position was indeed vexing. Tensar believed that siding with Varjik and this 'New Avakonia' (for lack of a better term) was the way forward.

The Sultanate had tried to help, of course, and Tensar recognized that; but the fact was that Regno's help had not saved them, only delayed the Rakshasa's march. Technology that the Kunai could not use without the presence of the legionaries (which, unfortunately, was most of it) was as good as no technology at all. The desert kingdom had sent over 12,000 troops to help fight off the Rakshasa. Most of them had died, and that was after the god-king ran with most of his army, tail between his legs. The Rakshasa's latest assault would include him, and the Kunai knew that they were unlikely to win alone.

Voices in Kuniumi that had thought the Sultanate outright malicious had been silenced when the Regnans died in droves to protect Kuniumi. But their partnership had only hurt both the Sultanate and the Kunai; that much was obvious to Tensar.

The fact that Mure did not see that for whatever reason (nothing to do with his little dragon girlfriend, surely) only frustrated him further.

"Yes, they are... indisposed. Worse, Regno will likely be cut off from Deaux soon - and thus, from us." He said slowly. "Varjik's offer for a more permanent alliance has... tempted us, greatly. But Mure insists on the Sultanate, and many still see him as an unkillable hero."

"And, well... to break off from them after over 10,000 of their men died to protect us seems poor form to many of us." The Kunai man shrugged. "Tensar included. But I personally feel that the Kunai's vassalage to the Sultanate has only hurt both of us. Venusa's forces are spread too thin, we can't make use of most of the technology we've acquired, and the Rakshasa took it as an excuse to attack us."

"And, well..." He hesitated. "The god-king's stated goal is to slaughter all Clans that will not submit to him and then mount the Tora on a throne of our ashes. And while he cannot destroy the Kunai entirely, he can certainly commit such a genocide. We're not in a position to be polite and proper anymore."

[QuintonBeck]

Kunai
"The Inquisitors say the Rakshasa's God-King fears humans. This is why he puts us to death in droves for he fears another Dejan coming to put his Pride back into place," Mina's eyes narrowed, "We shall make that fear well placed once this dragon lifts its tyranny rest assured Representative of Tensar. If we had good and lawful reason to join you in Kuniume to defend against the Pride's fury not even the Spellfather could fault us."

The young woman leaned back realizing in her intensity she'd brought herself closer to the foreign man. There was a strange sense about him, something that reminded her of earlier looking upon Anivine.

"Of course, we cannot fault the Clans for loyalty to the Regnans who have spilled blood for you. In a perfect world we of the old empire could join together with those like the Regnans who have ruled in the interregnum brothers with the Clans under a pan-Emjatan banner. The Inquisition loves Dejan and Avakonia but in Karys there are many who practice the Names. I do not consider myself formally schooled but Honmyo has caused a change in my thoughts. I see the power in these names of Dejan and Avakonian Empire for they once represented this continent under one rule."

"Without this empire what has sprung up? A wicked Palmor subservient to vampires and dragons? A corrupt bloated church puppeteering a hollow empire in the east? Now a horde of inhuman animals seizes the southwest under their bloody banner? The only empires with an inkling of the Avakonian power of the Name, Whitefeather and Regno, are betrayed and collapsed by these wicked evils. I wish to see this dark age ended and an age of order restored to this world."

[HalfTangible]

Kunai
"The Inquisitors say the Rakshasa's God-King fears humans. This is why he puts us to death in droves for he fears another Dejan coming to put his Pride back into place," Mina's eyes narrowed, "We shall make that fear well placed once this dragon lifts its tyranny rest assured Representative of Tensar. If we had good and lawful reason to join you in Kuniume to defend against the Pride's fury not even the Spellfather could fault us."

The young woman leaned back realizing in her intensity she'd brought herself closer to the foreign man. There was a strange sense about him, something that reminded her of earlier looking upon Anivine.

"Of course, we cannot fault the Clans for loyalty to the Regnans who have spilled blood for you. In a perfect world we of the old empire could join together with those like the Regnans who have ruled in the interregnum brothers with the Clans under a pan-Emjatan banner. The Inquisition loves Dejan and Avakonia but in Karys there are many who practice the Names. I do not consider myself formally schooled but Honmyo has caused a change in my thoughts. I see the power in these names of Dejan and Avakonian Empire for they once represented this continent under one rule."

"Without this empire what has sprung up? A wicked Palmor subservient to vampires and dragons? A corrupt bloated church puppeteering a hollow empire in the east? Now a horde of inhuman animals seizes the southwest under their bloody banner? The only empires with an inkling of the Avakonian power of the Name, Whitefeather and Regno, are betrayed and collapsed by these wicked evils. I wish to see this dark age ended and an age of order restored to this world."

Tensar's Representative's face split into a wide grin. "You say you have no schooling but you may understand Honmyo better than you think, Lady Mina. A wordsmith I am not, but know this: conflict and contrast only strengthen our Names. See that which disgusts you - the corruption of Coatl, the abominations of Khirus, the brutal tyranny of the Rakshasa - and make Karys be what they are not: righteous, pure, free. Shine bright against the darkness and it will recoil from you."

"I believe it was Dejan who said 'hard times create strong men' (and women)? This evil shall pass... and we want it to pass faster. Order and peace, restored."

"Soon, we will strike back against the Rakshasa. But for now..." His smile faded. "All we can do is hold back the tide and buy time."

[Potato_Priest]

Yondar
Vald, as the most overconfident of the Whernian delegation, was the one to react to the Yondari Queen's anouncement.

"Well, I can't say I can do anything about it, not being a godlike warcaster, but I can certainly relay the message back to the Chief and the Council in Whern. From my basic understanding of all that spirit mumbo jumbo, there's no way in this realm or the next that Krace could actually take on the north wind, but him blowing up those wards isn't exactly a good thing either.

Now, since you're the de facto experts on this problem, assuming I manage to get the council's ear, what sort of help should I ask our wonderful Chieftess to send? We're rather far away and extraordinarily bankrupt from the war with Regno, so keep that in mind."

Overvann
"Oh, you certainly don't need to tell me twice. The longer winter is forcing us to spend more time in town, rather than on the plains. My brother certainly enjoys that since it means he gets to spend more time on the council, but I haven't much to do save help out on the docks. Say, why don't we try some of that Verdant wine here? I've heard that it's pretty special stuff. We can take some out onto the balcony and discuss the long winter more in private."

Ridir
Mightily relieved, 'Di'gvaxo'dh stood there for a minute before asking <<So... are we done, or do you want to know more about what's happening in the north?>>

[Zayuz]

War Tales (Sfaire)

As the delegates of Sfaire arrive, Anivine patiently waits for them to make their greeting. Something in Rosagund's first words cause a bright yet almost smug smile to appear on her lips, which only persists as she continues. She considers her reply a moment before putting a hand to her chin and speaking, her words seeming to be carefully chosen.

"Greetings Rosagund of Rúgari, and welcome to Varjik. I promise you that today above all others the Avakonian sun burns brightly upon us all. It shall not be long before our announcement is made. It would be my pleasure to aid your peoples in recovering and repairing the great statue of Dejan for such a righteous purpose. Indeed, we we together craft a temple that will serve as the envy of many in the north; the first of many projects I'm sure." There's a pause as she lets her reply stand on its own, then moving into the topic of her survival.

"As for my time in Bhule, I can confirm truly that I was there, and my court magi Oluard bore witness to all that I speak of... I was in the center of it all, having been uninformed of the event's true intentions and only too late to avoid the fighting. Though I struggle to describe accurately what happened to me that evening, I can say for certain that more than anything it was my strict keeping of Dejan's tenants that saved my life. Self sacrifice, honor, and power... Three virtues that both earned me protection from the dragon's direct fury by way of my friendship forged with Regno by their virtuousness, and also the intervention of Dejan; who struck me with lightning upon my departure as he once was to claim divinity. He fused this artifact to me and has granted thereafter the first blessing of the Siphoner, emulating talents said to have been possessed by the great Conqueror himself. Though he is more enigmatic than most Gods in other pantheons, when he acts it is decisive and powerful, as we all strive to be. ...For less vague teachings though, it always helps to keep an anti-magic shield on your person. No dragonbreath, magi spells, nor blood magic may raise that which is coated in Sedellan Glass."

The Emperor's Oath (Karys)

Anivine nods in agreement with the High Inquisitor, turning her attention to the two warriors before her and hearing their requests. She is silent as they speak, and then looks over them both coolly. The process of blessing new members was too new to be formalized yet, but she was starting to get a kick for it.

"You would both take the oath then; which I would first warn you is no small undertaking. It guarantees a life of service to the ideals of Dejan and his church, through which your sacrifice and discipline enhances your capabilities as a Conqueror of the Conqueror. This self mastery grants power that has potential to aid both of you in claiming great glory, yet also to cause great suffering. It will be taken in the violet, and once spoken it cannot be unsaid. If you are sure in your choice and prepared for the responsibility it entails, please remain kneeling."

In the purple tended to mean under Violet Oath; the process in which violet ash from Derokar was spread across the forehead of those who swore it. It compelled them to tell only the truth, a process that they were doubtless familiar with for ascending the military ranks to such prestigious positions.

"...Commander Jalse. Your ambition to join the Court of Thorns intrigues me. I remember working with you and Sofrid closely during your time in Varjik, and though he is no longer with us today, I believe that he would endorse your claim to such an honor. After the oath is spoken and you both are blessed, please rise. There will be more than words and gentle blessings to your ceremony."

Anivine was handed a bowl of purple ash by a servant near to her, quite aware that she was about to transform one of Karys's commanders into a Siphoner before all the nations in Emjata.

Well, I suppose there will be more than one great reveals today.

Most Esteemed of Southern Migrants (`Ridi`r)

"Then my hunch was correct!" She announces, sounding pleased with herself after she hears the words of the `Ridi`r leader. She gives him a respectful nod from on her throne, a poorly concealed smile on her lips as he recounts to her his great deeds. "...Now that is the kind of entrance you deserve, no? The Spellfather will see you, of that I can guarantee, and I thank you for making the long and doubtless perilous journey west to meet with us today." She pauses, gesturing to one of her guardsmen beside her. "At your leisure, my guardsman Holnash Camel-Eater of Ka-Ruun will take you to her. He regularly serves as messenger between myself and the great dragon, and has received an arm of crystal for his good service. I would beseech you to stay for some drinks and the announcement, but you are welcome to come and go as you please. I promise I will not be offended if your pilgrimage takes precedence over distant announcements."

Sure enough, the orcish guard beside Anivine seemed large enough to tackle a camel. Maybe eating it wasn't all too out of the question... Though healthy and strong, his heavy armor kept him from moving too quickly; and he seemed to wear a greatsword on his back. There was a mark on his neck from where he received his 'blessing' from a Lord in the Court of Thorns, imbued with antimagic powers further enhanced by one of his arms that was almost entirely coated in Mrazite crystal, known for its properties in absorbing mana. He huffs, and would accompany the leader from afar if he were allowed.

Reunion (Dvatla)

Seeing her step-son at his second home again after so many years instantly had Anivine out from her seat and visibly brimming to come down and get close. Always having known to be people-motivated, she gives a respectful nod of her head in turn to the three of them and gestures for them to rise... Taking a few steps off the elevated part where her throne was to hug her son. Typically she radiated authority, but it was a bit harder to imagine her as a saint when she was so friendly, provided they had heard the tenants of the emperor's oath at any point. The words proclaimed her 'chosen of Dejan,' but before she was a saint she was and still is a mother; albeit a strict one.

"Zäklis my boy...! You're back, and you've brought good company too. It feels like an eternity despite having seen you two at the last big event... We still have your room if you wish to use it, though Amerah started using it to store some of her books. She's not arrived yet, but will she ever be pleased to see you both... I swear, this separation kills me. I promise all of you that it will not last much longer. I cannot stand it." Turning to the youngest of the three as she promises to somehow remove their travel restraints, she flashes him a little wave and a smile along with it. Showing her recognition of him just as her eye catches the mentor. "And Ët̨hëvs̨laı, it is as ever a pleasure to meet the teachers of my kin. I trust that Khäsglis picked only the finest, no?" Extending a hand to shake, she still could not see his face... Nor many of his features concealed by the robes.

'Negotiations' (Serene Marasa Pride)

"You need not remind me of the actions of the conqueror.." She starts angrily, though her voice quickly calms.. And cools as she listens. It was not just humans being taken up the road of tears? The Spellfather demanded them? What? And an Avatar of Rieba? That... Anivine would appear almost flustered at this, though her composure at this point took much to break it from her experience as Jaine. This seemed to cut it. She almost seemed to space out for a second before fading back in just for the end, blinking and glancing away in contemplation.

"Then these are not the actions of the Pride." She concludes solemnly. "What allies you speak of I can only imagine, though I hope for your sake that they don't die as ea--" She huffs, stopping herself. Then she shakes her head, and looks to the Lioness very seriously.

"Forgive me, my lady... I would typically take to the idea to threaten you eagerly, as I am sure you know I lived all my life with your kind as my enemy. But this demand for living slaves; it was truly the Spellfather who requested it? I have a mind to tell you to stop the road outside our borders and make her pick them up herself - she has wings to fly and claws to carry, does she not? I cannot... I cannot let this happen."

Anivine appeared to have more to say, but paused to let the Rakshasa speak.

Different Dance, Different Dragons (Overvann)

There were many memories that Anivine kept, but the Dance for Gxe'dhok was one that she could remember vividly. Each word she spoke and each roar she heard during her frantic attempt to escape; it lingered, and she was still astonished that the mortals won. Impressed. For a while she was inspired. Each time the Spellfather mentioned the flocks of humans as if they were sheep or worse, she grimaced and considered just how grand an effort it took to take the first one down. It wouldn't be worth it. At least the Spellfather wasn't as destructive as the leader of all dragons... Or at least, Anivine liked to pretend she wasn't. Thinking about it tended to get her properly sour.

Strangely, while the Kobold King seemed to have aged since their last encounter, Anivine looked... Near to identical, with the crown and a new scar being the exceptions. There was a glint of recognition in her eyes that grew into a fair smile.

"Dragonslayer...!" She started pleasantly, returning his bow with a dignified nod of respect - signaling for him to rise. "'Tis an honor to have you among our halls, your courage has inspired many even in my ranks since we last met. I hope that we can make your stay worth the sail, no?"

Amerah and Tensar

The girl giggled at his words, checking back at her guards as well as he stole a glance at her, earning a smirk on her face... Adjusting the straps near to the top, she would start to speak and stop. Once. Twice. ...And then embrace him, nestling her head into his neck. "Only all of Emjata; I would have worn something nicer if I knew I'd get to see you though. By the blades I missed you." Her hug would last another moment or two before she let go a bit, her guards calling her name back around the side of the house. "J-Just a minute!" She stammered, still holding onto his cloak as her eyes flitted over the familiar horse from before... Tensar, like most Kunai, were easily much more capable when it came to navigating the woods of Kuniumi, which she found left her in the dust a bit until she convinced Tensar to ride with her. Learning wasn't all that challenging, but it gave her a nice excuse to put her arms around him anyways... "Ride with us...?"

Which she found that she craved even more now that she was home and distant. She had left home with a mission to make her nation look good, but despite the treaty's refusal she found that she was really striving to make herself look good whenever Tensar was around. After her older brother had left home for some years she felt lonelier than ever, but she couldn't help imagine that a marriage would solve much of that. She was definitely eligible, yet hadn't brought it up to her mother since she got home. ...Or Tensar. But she was pretty sure by sheer volume of hearts in her letters that he knew she was interested.

The Eternal Sun (Yondar)

Anivine's look of annoyance at the demanding arrival passed quickly upon seeing the looks on their face... She silenced a merchant she spoke to and listened with a suspicious look, glancing around to gauge the reaction to this news. Unsettled was one, while a few of the more foreign dignitaries seemed to pale at hearing this. Slowly she leaned forward in the chair that was still all too small for her, crown catching a glint in the light above her, and tilted her head in interest. "Krace.. Slayer of the first dragon, yes? That does sound like an issue, I'll grant you that. Welcome to the Court of Thorns, Tanya Chalun. Dealing with magical threats happens to be a specialty among my men, but I beseech you - what would possibly compel you to think that he could claim the sun, and what risk do you fear this could pose to the rest of Emjata? An eternal day sounds like it would bring naught but fair endless summer. Speak, for many listen..."

[HalfTangible]

Amerah and Tensar

The girl giggled at his words, checking back at her guards as well as he stole a glance at her, earning a smirk on her face... Adjusting the straps near to the top, she would start to speak and stop. Once. Twice. ...And then embrace him, nestling her head into his neck. "Only all of Emjata; I would have worn something nicer if I knew I'd get to see you though. By the blades I missed you." Her hug would last another moment or two before she let go a bit, her guards calling her name back around the side of the house. "J-Just a minute!" She stammered, still holding onto his cloak as her eyes flitted over the familiar horse from before... Tensar, like most Kunai, were easily much more capable when it came to navigating the woods of Kuniumi, which she found left her in the dust a bit until she convinced Tensar to ride with her. Learning wasn't all that challenging, but it gave her a nice excuse to put her arms around him anyways... "Ride with us...?"

Which she found that she craved even more now that she was home and distant. She had left home with a mission to make her nation look good, but despite the treaty's refusal she found that she was really striving to make herself look good whenever Tensar was around. After her older brother had left home for some years she felt lonelier than ever, but she couldn't help imagine that a marriage would solve much of that. She was definitely eligible, yet hadn't brought it up to her mother since she got home. ...Or Tensar. But she was pretty sure by sheer volume of hearts in her letters that he knew she was interested.

Oh my gods that laugh she is so adorable.

"Your Name would be Beautiful regardless of how you dressed." He returned her hug, perhaps a bit tighter than it needed to be. "I missed you too..." She pulled away just as he was tempted to steal a kiss.

Amerah's interest in him was... exciting. The Varjik's proposal to vassalize the Kunai had been turned down, but Amerah had been offered the chance to marry a Kunai if she so desired. And her choice to stay had endeared her to many among the Clans. It was not something she'd had to do, but she had chosen to fight, and to bring in reinforcements.

But it was more than that. Tensar didn't just think about what she'd done for the Kunai, even though he was head of a major clan. More than anything, he remembered their chats and planning before the war had truly begun, when they and their commanders had coordinated the defense of the land. Her sweet smile, her infectious laugh... He found that, more than anything else, he wanted to impress her. Do something that would make her swoon, and show her he was worthy of not just her love, but companionship. That he wanted to keep her safe.

Seemed such a foolish thing, now. Before she'd left - when she'd given him her key - he'd promised that if she ever needed him or his Clan, she had only to send word and he'd come. And yet here he was, about to beg for help from people he'd said he'd protect.

As she invited him to ride with her, he grinned and winked at her. "Of course, kanojo. Who doesn't love a good ride?" He glanced back at the voice of her guards, before bringing his head close to whisper into her ear. "How fast should we go?"

[TheDarkDM]

The Stormcrown Dominion

Thew festivities were well underway when the ring of steel upon stone echoed out from the Jaine's throne room. A man clad in unfamiliar armor stood in the entryway, hands clutching the staff of a banner unknown to all assembled. Once more the steel cap of the staff struck at Delgon's ancient stone, sparks rising in bright protest. The soldier's eyes caught the light of those small fires, his proud gaze sweeping across the assembled multitude before his voice rose in grand declaration.

"Sigyn Hestradet the First, Dragonslayer, Padishah of the Stormcrown Dominion!"

The figure that emerged from the bright sunlight in answer was known to many who had attended the Second Dragon Council, but she was utterly alien to their eyes. To be sure, the proud posture remained, as did the flowing gown of indigo silk so ill-suited for hard travel. Yet in place of a simple braid of silver, her brow was adorned with a lavish gold diadem, a single star ruby the center of a sunburst of black opal upon her brow. Behind her ears, the band flared out, curving to a pair of low horns that flanked her shaven head. She stood a head taller than before, the impossible growth accompanied by a subtle shift in the proportions of her body, which combined to give her an inhuman, almost serpentine, grace. Her forearms were bare below dagged sleeves, stained a blue so dark it seemed black in all but the fiercest light. Dark fingers ended in nails so long and sharp they seemed almost talons, spread wide at her side and moving to currents none could see. The final and most inescapable change was her eyes, the whites stained the same blue-black that covered her hands, while the emerald irises that had blazed before now seemed almost living flame. She strode the halls of Dejan's people unafraid, and as she passed Anivine's silent guards there was a ripple in the air like oil fighting water.

Sigyn stopped at the threshold of the Burning Throne, her hands spread wide in a shallow bow. It was a greeting shared between equals, or perhaps friends, and the Jaine could see now that Sigyn's smiling lips were painted a similar blue to the mark of dragon's blood. In the northern queen's wake followed a pair of girls, their resemblance faded but not destroyed by wild magic. The eldest, scant years from early adulthood, wore a facsimile of Sigyn's old circlet upon her brow, proclaiming her to all the world as heir to Izbefe. Now heir, it seemed, to the new Stormcrown Dominion. The younger was not yet ten, her wide eyes and barely-remembered manners betraying the fact that this was her first expedition beyond the borders of Izbefe proper. As Sigyn bowed, her daughters bowed alongside her, and clawed hands met their heads with surprising tenderness.

"Greetings from the north, most illustrious Jaine. You have our thanks for your invitation, and for the fine hospitality of your hall. We offer you the approbations of our realm, and the affections of our daughters."

The voice, at least, was familiar. But there was something beneath it, an echo of power. Or perhaps the seed of a power not yet come to bloom.

"Allow us to present our daughter and heir, Herja, and our daughter Lofn. As we are destined to be mother to your son Cattius, so too are you destined to be mother to her. It is our hope that the bonds between our two realms mirror the firm affection between our two families."

[kaio999]

The public revelation of your true nature makes an alliance like the one we once shared difficult, not impossible, simply difficult. Perhaps it would be easier if you helped the Holy empire achieve something that'd benefit us both in the long run. But what's your offer?

The being turned its head and for just a moment one could see the striking countenance of dozens of minds voicing a singular body but eventually, it responded. "Yes, the cinder queen forced our nature to be revealed. We were happy hiding beneath the grand republic we were building, but alas she demanded the monsters not sleep and so we have done what we must to survive."


The being turned its head looking to the distance where the leader of Varjik say and for a moment it let its gaze linger. Gums receding to show rows of teeth before turning back around to face the Coatl emissary. "As for this opportunity it is simple, we need to abandon the old ways. Our nations are too different, in fact we probably represent everything your theocracy hates, your grand purging years back proves that." The voice smirks, and its a disgusting veneer. "But right now history is being made, and if we fight what this league will forge alone we will be swept up in its grand design... Or we can forge an unbreakable alliance and grind it into dust forevermore before they get their wish and Dejans children bare those anti magic fangs at us again."

The ancient one looks on. "how many empires can this damnable continent really support long term? Do you see a need to be buried in the ashes of Dejans ambitions? We do not. Your nation and I... We can fight when we finally bring our foot down onto Dejans skull once and for all."

[bc56]

Different Dance and Dragons
Varjik

"I am honored to be here. It has been more than worth it already. It cut months off my ultimate journey. I intend to see the Emperor's homeland before I die." Oppkomling seemsore reserved, less excitable then before. Maybe that's age catching up to him, maybe it's because he's not anticipating slaying a dragon right now.

Winter is Coming
Whern

"Yes, that would be preferable. Some of what my siblings and I have to discuss would be better beyond the reach of curious ears."

Trade Turns Old Rivals into New Friends
'Ridi'dreq

"Aye. That would be..." Sigurd starts to reply, but is suddenly interrupted by Mara, "Sigurd! What would Mother say if she heard you were dealing with our enemies?"
"What would Father say if he saw you stopped me from disposing of old hostilities because of a grudge a century old?" He snaps back at her, then sighs. "My apologies. A trade would be acceptable. What sort of knowledge is it?"

[Potato_Priest]

Overvann

As Rolf steps out onto a balcony with some of the Overvann delegation in tow, he can't help but wonder what the Overvann have to discuss in private. Ah well, hopefully he would find out soon enough. It was better to receive than to give, as his father always said.
"So, you had something you wanted to discuss in private?" he prodded.

[SquirrelWizard]

Eternal Sun

Tanya's tail flicked at the use of her name without the proper title, but she bit back the retort. Instead, she slid the lid off the case and pulled out a roll of vellum unfurling it to reveal writings drawing from many of Emjata's religion, and approached the throne with them held out. "Even an eternal day would burn scour life away under the blazing gaze of the sun. But no, I speak of a withering bleakness of eternal night. . . or worse."

"As you know, Krace of Lindeen was a warcaster who, acting as a vessel for Byon, a Perijanist sun god, to defeat the Frostfather. And obviously he succeeded and disappeared from the public eye. Well, we found him, his rants and ravings carved in ice in Usan, just before he attacked Veknar, the spirit of our volcano. Apparently, he feels he was denied his proper place in the heavens, and now seeks out the 'Four Undercorners of the Sky' by killing Byon's steed, which is the sun. In his attack on Veknar, the mountain erupted in fire and ash, as he destroys the northern wards he invites the bitter winds and storms of the north to ravage Inyaka again. Just what do you think will happen when he attempts to claim the sun?"

The Yondari queen motioned to the rest of the group assembled, "No, given the power he has amassed so far, I think we would be fools to dismiss him as the growing threat Krace is becoming."

Glen Gw... Whern

Vaylan approached the Whernian delegates, "We need people to look deeper into the Four Undercorners of the sky. The only thing we know of them are that they are based on the four base elements fire, water, earth, and wind. I believe he thinks that Veknar represented fire and, based on his efforts to tame it, the North Wind as Wind. We need to try and locate the other respective elements in the north that he might assail. Also, work on magics, or antimagics, to combat him would also be useful."

[Corona]

As the delegates of Sfaire arrive, Anivine patiently waits for them to make their greeting. Something in Rosagund's first words cause a bright yet almost smug smile to appear on her lips, which only persists as she continues. She considers her reply a moment before putting a hand to her chin and speaking, her words seeming to be carefully chosen.

"Greetings Rosagund of Rúgari, and welcome to Varjik. I promise you that today above all others the Avakonian sun burns brightly upon us all. It shall not be long before our announcement is made. It would be my pleasure to aid your peoples in recovering and repairing the great statue of Dejan for such a righteous purpose. Indeed, we we together craft a temple that will serve as the envy of many in the north; the first of many projects I'm sure." There's a pause as she lets her reply stand on its own, then moving into the topic of her survival.

"As for my time in Bhule, I can confirm truly that I was there, and my court magi Oluard bore witness to all that I speak of... I was in the center of it all, having been uninformed of the event's true intentions and only too late to avoid the fighting. Though I struggle to describe accurately what happened to me that evening, I can say for certain that more than anything it was my strict keeping of Dejan's tenants that saved my life. Self sacrifice, honor, and power... Three virtues that both earned me protection from the dragon's direct fury by way of my friendship forged with Regno by their virtuousness, and also the intervention of Dejan; who struck me with lightning upon my departure as he once was to claim divinity. He fused this artifact to me and has granted thereafter the first blessing of the Siphoner, emulating talents said to have been possessed by the great Conqueror himself. Though he is more enigmatic than most Gods in other pantheons, when he acts it is decisive and powerful, as we all strive to be. ...For less vague teachings though, it always helps to keep an anti-magic shield on your person. No dragonbreath, magi spells, nor blood magic may raise that which is coated in Sedellan Glass."


The Sfaïri rise to their feet, and Rosagund rubs her chin, contemplating the cult of Dejan. It was certainly peculiar, as Dejan himself was presumably Perijanist, and if he was a ruler worth his salt, he would have certainly refused to accept such worship, otherwise it would lead to such degeneracy as the Pride's obsession with the God-King. But now, Dejan was long dead, and Rosagund could see how he could easily become a unifying symbol, as each person believed in their own version of Dejan, the truth about his personality, beliefs and such being mostly lost to the ages. "Thank you, truly. Though I have my doubts that Dejan became a god when the lightning struck him, he is certainly an inspiring figure to all. As for the Sedellan Glass, I will keep your advice in mind.

The Blessing of the Siphoner? I am not sure what it is that you are speaking of, though it sounds intriguing."



The High Inquisitor sought out the Sfairi delegation approaching the woman with bright red hair a respectful smile looking up from under her slightly bowed brow.

"Greetings honorable representative of Sfair, I am High Inquisitor Alendia Vardel of Karys. My Jaine asks we offer friendship and aid to those who she has spoke to regarding union with the reemerging empire. Tell us what we may offer you."

Rosagund takes a long, scrutinizing look at the High Inquisitor before answering. "Greetings, and thank you for the offer. Sfaïr currently faces no imminent threats, but help us out you can. Although both of our countries employ many technologies, these are more often than not different. We could thus both benefit from a exchange of scientific advancements, ideally a comprehensive one. I don't know the customs in your lands, but in Rúgari we have a philosophy of doing everything as thoroughly as possible, otherwise there's hardly any point in trying, no?."

She pauses, letting the Inquisitor take in what she just said. She brushes her hair back, letting more of her tall forehead show, and continues: "You are invited to help us with the planned construction of the temple of Dejan the Mirror-Wise, and to spread your philosophies in Sfaïr, though I'll advise you to be cautious if you do so, there is already much religious tension in the country."

[Potato_Priest]

Glen Gw... Whern

Vaylan approached the Whernian delegates, "We need people to look deeper into the Four Undercorners of the sky. The only thing we know of them are that they are based on the four base elements fire, water, earth, and wind. I believe he thinks that Veknar represented fire and, based on his efforts to tame it, the North Wind as Wind. We need to try and locate the other respective elements in the north that he might assail. Also, work on magics, or antimagics, to combat him would also be useful."

"I've never even heard of these four corners, though they sound so far suspiciously like the four elements of Initia. What people or legend are they from?"

[Zayuz]

Amerah and Tensar

"A good ride?" She repeated teasingly, pausing just a moment as he whispered to her and taking it as an excuse to steal a quick kiss before he could fully pull away. It left her with a light blush and a smug smile that she showed off happily. "Assuming we're still talking about horses, I'm sure that we could just as easily leave all them in the dust. Guards are on extra tight tonight for the event, but they know my horse's head armor from the others.. We can go anywhere... ...Once we attend the event. My mother would be livid if I skipped." The princess snickers at the thought, one of the guards starting over and bringing her horse, which she had supposedly named 'Rainstone.'

The guards would not wait forever it seemed. Did they have no appreciation for romantic evening meetings in the yard? She swore, sometimes they were as blunt as the maces they bashed.


Something More then Human (Izbefe)

As Anivine heard the declaration of Izbefe's arrival, her eyes would rise from several reports she held in her hands to the emerging Queen on the other side of her hall. Passing the papers to an advisor beside her, she prepared to come and meet the northern woman for the first time in a long while. Through written word they had organized a betrothal some years ago, but seeing the youthful girl before her now was a pleasant and promising surprise. Of course, the sight of Sigyn was something to behold in itself. Truth be told, Anivine couldn't recall the height that the other woman once had, but seeing her here made her wonder just what kinds of effects that this northern magic could have in other regards - if it was a curse, or if it signified something far greater. Judging by the glint in her eyes and the tone of voice so full of confidence that it impressed even her, she was sure that this was the correct dynasty to marry into.

After all, she was well acquainted with the sinister side of inhumanity. This was a mere alteration, which somehow reminded her of her own transformation. Dangerous, otherworldly, and impressive all at the same time. Anivine did lack the claw-nails though, Sign had a leg up on her when it came to those. To her bow among equals she returned a sincere nod of her head, indicating her recognition and similar feelings concerning the matters of status. Izbefe had grown from a kingdom that the Firethorn Regiment viewed as quarrelsome and uninteresting since the time of Dafe and his predecessor to an area of Emjata with much to be wanted for very quickly. In fact, it was impressive just how quickly the cities of sailors and stolen Firethorn settlements established a prestigious dynasty despite the looming dragon threats over their heads. Very impressive indeed...

Perhaps they might one day be united again.

The Jaine gave her guest a polite smile, her expression not bothering to conceal how impressed she was at the degree of professionalism in their entrance.

"Padishah of the North and slayer of the most wicked dragon Emjata has ever faced, I welcome you to the south in open arms. You honor us with the presence of both yourself and your kin, and to that end I proclaim that they are fine heirs to our legacy indeed. My own children should be arriving before long on horseback, and as such it would be my greatest pleasure to invite you to at least stay at the very least a second night so that we may spend some time together more personally. I know Cattius is eager to meet his future wife, among seeing the many talents her sister and mother share."

She leans forwards just a bit and softens her expression as she briefly addresses the children with a smile; the promise of future gifts from Varjik on her tongue, but not formed into words before she glances up again. "Seems both you and I have changed much since our last encounter." She muses. "And both for the better. May we drink to our mutual success tonight!"


Different Dance and Dragons (Overvann)

Her heart went out to the Kobold, who she never realized back then was so much older than he seemed. She wasn't totally aware that kobolds had shorter lifespans, and because of it her brow furrowed in worry. "The Emperor's homeland is yours to experience; but this talk of final days has me concerned. You were every bit as worthy to be a Siphoner as I was; Varjik will mourn your passing, unless there is some way that we might prevent it first. Tell me, what ails you? My physicians may yet have a cure not seen in the north."


The Eternal Sun (Yondar)

"Nothing good at all..." She concluded dryly, looking rather convinced with the evidence. It was more than she expected, and this meant nothing good. Eternal night would allow the Khirese to reign supreme. No regular amount of anti-magic could stop their onslaught then. The Jaine took a moment to consider, not realizing that she hadn't used the foreign queen's titles properly... Though she meant no disrespect. "My lady, it is true that Krace was denied by the divinity he sought to please then? I believe that if you used a meeting with such a character as bait for a meeting and either came to an agreement or 'dealt with him' once and for all somehow, that the matter could be quickly resolved. He is but one man after all... I would halt him before he can gather an army. I am reluctant as ever to recommend deception, but there is no honor to be gained from conspiring with madmen and heretics that wish to see naught but the world pay for its unbiased nature. If he is still mortal, then a fair dagger to the neck should suffice... And last I checked, there was no fire that could survive drowning."

Her recommendations came in a way that the Yondari Queen could tell that she felt confident but reluctant in suggesting. As if she knew they would work, but knew not the cost. Regardless, they were too far away for direct Varjik intervention. Yet she also thought the sun beyond the reach of all as well...


War Tales (Sfaire)

Anivine seemed to appreciate the open mind of the Sfairi delegates, and she nodded in agreement. "Aye. Many have their doubts... Yet weather the abilities gathered in the faith have been received from Dejan himself or unlocked from within makes little difference when it comes down to it. The Conqueror is the finest example of dominance, honor, and courage, and deserves recognition as a great leader if not the epitome all men should strive for in their personal lives. Dejanism tends towards prioritizing those aspects than actual worship, but I get into details. I just mean to say that I sympathize. As for the blessing..."

The Jaine gestures to the majority of her guards around her. "The Siphoner's blessing can come in many different forms, all derived from the power imbued to me in this crown. It allows me to absorb magical energy in both living things and inanimate objects: granting strength, speed, and extra lifespan. Those I pass my blessing onto have a weaker version of my own powers, and those who my 'lord' pass their powers onto become dependent on their creator for magical energy, as they usually lack the proper ability to siphon it themselves. The enhanced abilities tend to stick around though; the whole process has been taken as a great responsibility since its creation some years ago."

[Aventine]

Karys


Alendia was glad to meet with the Dvatlan prince. There was an undeniably unpleasant history regarding Dvatla and the original Avakonian Empire but in the times since the fall of the Zhekurus Dynasty Dvatla had developed into a dependable neighbor and ally. Their stewardship of Avakon had been marked twice in the recent decade by assaults from the ghastly undead rulers of Palmor evolving their role from occupier to proper steward and perhaps even legitimate claimant. That would depend on how Anivine went about proclaiming a new imperial dynasty in the name of Dejan.

"You are correct that the Inquisition never fully abandoned Avakonia but I am pleased to hear their generous and kind reports regarding Dvatlan officials are so reciprocated. My Inquisitors spoke for months regarding the inalienable dignity of key Dvatlan military officers who held their positions during the vampire attacks. I would welcome the restoration of open communication with my people and the wisely measured endorsement by Dvatla for their operations to continue unimpeded. You may rest assured Prince Zäklis no one is more in favor of cooperation between the old pillars of the empire and the mighty kingdom that is Dvatla than myself."

"I am glad to hear you agree that cooperation is in all of our interests. Many in the north still hold on to old grudges, sadly, but I think the past is best left in the past. There are too many threats to all of us: dragons, vampires, now some new madness in the northeast..."

The prince trails off. He was understating the sentiment in the core D̨vatlan kingdom more than he wanted to admit, there was too much of a history of conflict with Dejan and his successors for things to change that suddenly. And despite his own views on the divinity of the Conqueror, Tëlir Geza still rejects his becoming divine. Closer cooperation with blasphemers was always going to be a hard sell. But it worked, to an extent, in Avakon. High minded idealists might talk about uniting the civilized mortals against the onslaught of unnatural abominations in the world, and there was something to be said for that certainly, but there was also the purely practical reality that D̨vatla was stronger with the old empire. Zarikos would eventually inherit Varjik and the Aspen Heights; the D̨vatlan dynasty would soon stretch across the center of Emjata. Surely that was worth a little openmindedness.

"Hopefully, we will see our efforts bring about a new age in Emjata."


Varjik & the Aspen Heights


Seeing her step-son at his second home again after so many years instantly had Anivine out from her seat and visibly brimming to come down and get close. Always having known to be people-motivated, she gives a respectful nod of her head in turn to the three of them and gestures for them to rise... Taking a few steps off the elevated part where her throne was to hug her son. Typically she radiated authority, but it was a bit harder to imagine her as a saint when she was so friendly, provided they had heard the tenants of the emperor's oath at any point. The words proclaimed her 'chosen of Dejan,' but before she was a saint she was and still is a mother; albeit a strict one.

"Zäklis my boy...! You're back, and you've brought good company too. It feels like an eternity despite having seen you two at the last big event... We still have your room if you wish to use it, though Amerah started using it to store some of her books. She's not arrived yet, but will she ever be pleased to see you both... I swear, this separation kills me. I promise all of you that it will not last much longer. I cannot stand it." Turning to the youngest of the three as she promises to somehow remove their travel restraints, she flashes him a little wave and a smile along with it. Showing her recognition of him just as her eye catches the mentor. "And Ët̨hëvs̨laı, it is as ever a pleasure to meet the teachers of my kin. I trust that Khäsglis picked only the finest, no?" Extending a hand to shake, she still could not see his face... Nor many of his features concealed by the robes.

The old man reaches out to take the offered hand gently, while chuckling. "It is not my place to judge the prince Khäsglis's choices, I will leave that to others. Though I do hope I have taught his sons and daughters to make wise ones themselves." Pulling his hand back, and rubbing absentmindedly at a spot near his elbow, he continues, "I apologize for the hood and such. These are robes of a priest of Gë'täkid̨, Queen of the Hereafter and Knower of Secrets. As we say, sometimes, in the north: the Queen knows my face."

"Ët̨hëvs̨laı is trustworthy and has spent enough time with our family to know us well enough. We had thought to leave him here, if you desired him, to act as our ambassador. It is unfortunate that father had to leave, and so many of our trusted people with him. But the dragon made it clear it is no friend of ours. I cannot stay long, either. Even if it weren't for the looming threat of the dragon deciding it objected to a D̨vatlan prince living so near, there is far too much work for me in Avakon. And I really must return North, the old traditionalist faction's thinking was fine back when we were at war with the empire, but now there needs to be a voice for cooperation and unity in Khlıghat."

The younger Fëkälis cuts in, "And of course, Däfikä is preparing to sail west to war with no sons of his own. Even if nobody wants to say it, there are risks."


Sfaïri Free Alliance

Zäklis eventually finds his way to Rosagund and introduces himself with a bow.

"My lady, I am Prince Zäklis. Am I correct that you are here representing Sfaïr? Though I have seen some merchants from the Free Alliance passing through Avakon, I have not yet had the chance to cross the mountains myself."


The Stormcrown Dominion

Fëkälis, meanwhile, is more interested in another group. When Sigyn and her daughters arrive, he whispers something to his uncle then quickly leaves the hall, leaving the older prince to watch the Izbefeans with a hint of concern in his expression. The obvious changes and inhuman appearance of Sigyn worried him. There was altogether too much strangeness in Regner these days. What the old man thought was hard to tell with his face hidden.

Returning later, Fëkälis makes his way to the Izbefeans. "Great Padishah, it is a great pleasure to meet Your Highness. I am Prince Fëkälis Qëssäs̥hëv S̨anedbzıtl. And these must be your beautiful daughters?"

He bows dramatically to Herja, producing a small bunch of flowers with a sleight-of-hand trick, "My lady, please accept this small gift. Unless..."

With another quick movement he reveals a knife in his other hand. Beautifully decorated and made from the finest hard iron, he offers it hilt first. "...unless you would prefer something with a little more bite?"

[HalfTangible]

Amerah and Tensar

"A good ride?" She repeated teasingly, pausing just a moment as he whispered to her and taking it as an excuse to steal a quick kiss before he could fully pull away. It left her with a light blush and a smug smile that she showed off happily. "Assuming we're still talking about horses, I'm sure that we could just as easily leave all them in the dust. Guards are on extra tight tonight for the event, but they know my horse's head armor from the others.. We can go anywhere... ...Once we attend the event. My mother would be livid if I skipped." The princess snickers at the thought, one of the guards starting over and bringing her horse, which she had supposedly named 'Rainstone.'

The guards would not wait forever it seemed. Did they have no appreciation for romantic evening meetings in the yard? She swore, sometimes they were as blunt as the maces they bashed.

He winked. "Why what else could I be talking about?" He said with faux innocence.

A thrill ran through him at her kiss, and the slightest blush entered his cheeks. He returned the peck. "Of course, kanojo. Responsibilities first. Then we break every rule into a million letters." He stepped back (reluctantly) to his own horse. The mare neighed and snorted at the Kunai, half-glaring at him.

"Hey don't look at me like that, I thought you'd be here for a while too." There were days Tensar wished he was born Mure. They never seemed to have trouble with their animals. The guards all knowing the armor for her horse was... concerning. That was the problem with clear identifiers; it helped the guards tell where Amerah was, but it helped everyone else tell where she was, too.

Well. He'd be there, regardless. Eyes wide open. Cutlass and knives ready.

She had asked him to ride with them, after all.

((To Jaine and the main event? Or did you have something else in mind?))

[Moriko]

"So far..." Vald wheezed, "that contact with them should occur before meals. Why? Do you wish to educate me?"

Without taking his eye's of the representative of Khirus Bete spoke to Vald.

"Quite the opposite I was hoping you could inform me about them. What they just displayed is instant communication over vast distances, yes they use a horrible way to achieve this however there must be a way to reproduce this without the mind slave part. So what do you know about this?"


Coszcatl responded by shaking her sleeve as the finger bones of strange creatures began to fall out before Bete. The curse of Brinefather has necessitated traveling through the cursed lands to arrive in a timely manner. Our group was assaulted by animals, monsters and draconian abominations.Those of my retinue too weak to continue has been reabsorbed by the great cycle, now only my cup bearer remains. Perhaps its for the best though, the trip to the isles will be fraught with peril.

Bete nods as he listen to the hardships endured.

"The journey back does not need to be perilous, why don't you journey back to Jintha with me and my group and when there you could take a ship to your next destination, it will be much more comfortable and i have no doubt there will be a merchant ship setting sail to where you need to go. You could see Jintha in its final moments before it turns away from Coatl Perijanism."


For the first time since the Rakshasa woman had arrived, she showed some form of warmth to another being here. Surrounded by humans that would try to exterminate them formed a ball of revulsion but she did not feel such vile things toward this creature who like her was a being of a unique race. Their beliefs had conspired to be very consuming and the absolute fear that came with it made this all more bearable. "We are happy to discuss a more permanent alliance with the nation."

She grins, "my Baedshah, the god-king has mentioned a desire to do everything he can for you, I know he seeks to claim Deaux primarily for your people. He has sent Gigastrax and the goblins to claim the region from Regno and give it to you so you have control of the islands as is your right. We wish to make sure we can forge a mutual alliance that is valuable for both sides. We also want to make sure we can put an end to the Kunai quickly so this conflict can finally come to a close... Of course your help arbitrating peace with Regno might also contain value if they can just recognise the cost of having the Kunai as part of their number has cost them."

Bete takes a moment to take in the words before replying.

"Jintha is always happy to discuss a more permanent alliance as we have found that war leads to losses on both sides. Of course the main thing that we have to offer is economical as we would prefer not to send our citizens into combat unless absolutely needed but this is something we can discuss. We would not turn away a gift especially not one that would result in our empire growing beyond its current borders, however how long this would remain under Jintha control if the end goal is peace between Regno and the Pride is another question. "

Bete takes a deep breath and realises that peace between the sultanate of Regno and the Marasa Pride will be a hard if not an impossible feat.

"I believe there are fundamental differences in the thought process between the two sides. Regno will not see the Kunai as a burden or a cost even after the losses suffered and The Pride will not stop before the Kunai submit. If there is to be an end to the end to the war common ground must be found which can only be done by talking and not by murdering each other on battlefield. If you would wish for us to mediate these talks as a neutral ground we would be happy to facilitate and be certain that if either side starts combat on Jintha soil we would retaliate."



Tensar raised an eyebrow when a turtle walked up to him and began talking. He had heard of the Volzen, of course; they were the beings that had an "ancestral claim" to the island of Havre (feh. Right. That's why they'd never heard of them before.) and he had heard they were turtle-people. He had thought it to be merely descriptive, not quite so... literal.

He almost told the Volzen that he didn't have the time, but in retrospect... He'd have to leave soon, yes, but not 'in 2 minutes' soon. He'd stay long enough to hear the Jaine's great announcement and then be on his way.

"Uh, of course." He nodded, collecting himself. "Aisatsu, Bete. Kunai do not have names in the same way as other people do, but I am of the Tensar Clan, here to represent my people. Representative, or Diplomat, or Kunai will suffice. Use whatever term you feel is appropriate."

"What would you like to know, specifically?"


Bete's mind races as he thinks of all the question he could ask a rare insight into the ways of Kunai what an honor!.

"So as i gather it Kunai is divided into clans each with their own traditions and history and are currently united under Mure because of his accomplishments. Could you describe the clans to me and if any of them would be open for Volzen to join them to learn their ways? We would be very interested to learn you unique language and traditions, combat training would of course be preferred also but we understand if this is not possible. I understand from the elders that the Kunai existed even before we got cut off just how old is your civilisation and how did you manage to survive Dejan with you culture intact? Also why does ... Actually nevermind i probably already asked to much there are so many things to learn here today."

Bete scratches his head as he laughs at his own enthusiasm.

[HalfTangible]

Bete's mind races as he thinks of all the question he could ask a rare insight into the ways of Kunai what an honor!.

"So as i gather it Kunai is divided into clans each with their own traditions and history and are currently united under Mure because of his accomplishments. Could you describe the clans to me and if any of them would be open for Volzen to join them to learn their ways? We would be very interested to learn you unique language and traditions, combat training would of course be preferred also but we understand if this is not possible. I understand from the elders that the Kunai existed even before we got cut off just how old is your civilisation and how did you manage to survive Dejan with you culture intact? Also why does ... Actually nevermind i probably already asked to much there are so many things to learn here today."

Bete scratches his head as he laughs at his own enthusiasm.

Tensar grinned bright at the Volzen's excitement. "Oh Clans form and dissolute all the time, my friend. There are many Clans, too many for any one person to count. But there are several Great Clans that have kept strong names for years by being integral parts of how the Kunai society functions. And fortunately, I can answer one of your questions while explaining the various Great Clans."

"The Shushan Clan were those Kunai dedicated to court intrigue and hostile diplomacy. When Dejan came to Kuniumi, he was able to cut down our armies with ease. But he knew that only a Kunai Clan could rule us, and so he called a Gathering to ask who we would allow to rule ourselves. The Shushan were ultimately those put in place, and Dejan left the forests of Kuniumi untouched. They were, for a time, exiled when they refused to give power up to another Clan, the Satsujin, but they have since been brought back into the fold."

"And from that exile came my Clan, the Tensar." He grinned wide. "We took on the ways of Glen Gwitna's merchantry, learning more... economic ways of getting what is needed. We are relatively new, but we have also been responsible for waging the economic half of our war with the Rakshasa. We've done fairly well, I think."

"The other half has been fought by the Mure, warriors and ambush specialists. They are who the Kunai call when a war needs to be fought, and are the most group-oriented of the Clans. They are the backbone of our people when a direct hand is called for."

"For a softer touch, there is the Chojo, an all-female clan that relies on friendly diplomacy. They are also responsible for... ahem... ensuring Kunai blood does not become too insular, let's say." He paused, then added. "Though, the Chojo have grown weak in recent years, as the need for their existence is becoming more and more questionable as more clans deal in diplomatic matters, and their bid for a Bomei in the Rakshasa has worked out... poorly."

"The Amidasu, on the other hand, have done well in that regard. They are innovators, researchers, scientists, and have the greatest Wordsmiths in all the Clanlands. Wordsmiths use the holy Enku to imbue items with properties that they would not otherwise have, and the Amidasu are dedicated to learning new Kanji (runes) to safely make use of the Enku."

"But the oldest and greatest of these Clans is the Satsujin. They take in those from every Clan, and learn as many of ours ways as possible. Jack-of-all-trades sort of deal, and their abilities in stealth are unmatched. Each is a Wordsmith, and until the Shushan's exile were believed to be a myth, even among our own kind."

He paused, then tersely added, "And the Shijima Clan, I guess. They are also a fairly recent addition that worship the dragons as Names made manifest. They have a strong support base from those who learned from the Father of Silence. We... tolerate them."

"As for... joining Kunai Clans... erm... how to put this..."

Tensar hesitated a moment, trying to think of how best to answer. He opened his mouth.

Then closed it.

He kept it closed for a time, then said, "... Our people have ever been insular, only allowing those of Kunai blood to learn our ways. This only changed very recently; The Shushan brought in blood from Gwitna-" He tapped his cheek, referring to the tanned skin Gwitna was known for, "-as you can see. Mure was so bold as to declare the Clans of Umibe Kunai (technically Bomei Clans, but just barely)."

"Generally what is done is that we send Kunai who wish to remain of the Clans but no longer wish to live in Kuniumi (we call them Bomei) to friendly lands to live in. They form their own clan there, and begin to learn of the ways of the land they have moved to. They also teach those there some of what they know. Traditionally, such Clans would be temporary, but more recently they have become permanent additions to their new lands."

"The Regnans have a Bomei clan of their own - the Sunajin - that has begun bringing Oamenii into their ranks. The Rakshasa also have a Bomei Clan calling themselves the Tora," His eyes grew dark at that, "though their status as Bomei is questioned by many, and no new Kunai have been able to go to it since the war began."

The darkness remained for a moment before the man blinked and shook himself, disspelling it. "Ah but here I am rambling about a war when you want to know of my people. If you'd like, we can send a Bomei Clan to Jintha to help you learn of our language and our ways. It has become acceptable to many to bring in outsiders, and if the Volzen wished to join such a Clan, I imagine it would be fine."

Now that he thought about it, ninja turtles such tiny creatures would be very, VERY good at hiding and sneaking around.

[Zayuz]

Avakonia's Revival (Everyone)

A murmur rose through the crowd as a girl approached the throne. She was scarcely full grown, adorned in a deep crimson and violet robe that bore the sigil of Varjik's rose upon it on the left and ancient Avakonian sun upon the right - both woven in gold. Her skin was more pale than most in her kingdom, but as she took a deep breath, one could tell that she was well prepared for this. Anivine was absent from the area at the moment, and in her absence her daughter held an aura of nervousness mixed with pride. She tilted her chin upwards slightly to look upon the assembled people from near and far, quite aware that her mother was out delivering a similar speech in the city to the people who lived in their kingdom. There was to be a dance at some point later with food and drink provided, all having been put off until 'after the announcement' that this younger girl was to give to them after their due waiting. And the waiting was certainly due. A pair of trumpets blared across the room to catch the attention of her audience, at which point the veritable rise and fall of her chest was visible from across the room.

"People of Emjata...!" She starts, "I am Princess Amerah the Second, eldest daughter of Jaine Anivine of Varjik and Prince Khasglis of Dvatla! For since the day that Dejan fell to the lightning of the gods, the southern realms have been locked in a perpetual state of struggle. The Avakonian Empire whose collapse many of our forefathers bore witness to seemed to settle as ashes where her once world-spanning empire once stood; the legacy of Dejan and his empire put to rest once even the New Pellocian Federation who took its mantle was crushed beneath dragon's claws - her territory thereafter swept up by practitioners of dark and terrible magic, ravaged by barbaric fish-men of the Frescia, and plundered by slavers." She takes a breath after that, a slight pause. ...But my kingdom and her loyal brothers in arms have seen these people now returned to the glorious imperial rulership that they once trusted. The old borders of Avakonia including New Lijas, Karys, Marvalo, Balhaz, Bysthia, Raesija, Palanam, Waterglen, and as of a treaty signed here today for [R67!], have been restored by the men of Varjik and Karys united! The empire thrives under one banner again, but it lacks only one city; the heart of her once great empire."

"Avakonia proper has been under the dominion of Dvatla for many years now, and though many feared that this once rival of Avakonia would see its glory diminished, nothing could be further from the truth. An onslaught of the greatest and unholiest of armies seen by mortals crashed against her walls for six years, and the Dvatlans did not so much as flinch. They are worthy successors to the Legacy of the Conqueror, and it is with great joy that I announce our realms will no longer be at odds over who owns the great city - For it is theirs, and we renounce our claim to it on the grounds of their worthiness. The conflict that so severed our relationship for years is then at an end, and so I welcome for the first time in over fifteen years full open borders between us alongside the union of our people. Not only under my bloodline as a product of both royal families, but as an ancient legacy rekindled known henceforth and forevermore as the Avakonian Empire!"

There's a pause as a pair of banners unfold behind her on both sides of the throne from above; lit by candle against the clear night sky visible in the windows behind them. With the rose, the flower of Dejan's legacy, printed in black and gold before a regal banner of her empire's classic color scheme... Then many more like it fall across the halls, covering where the symbols of Varjik once stood. The princess takes another breath as she continues, apparently having forgotten her nervousness as she speaks again.

"We of Avakonia formally recognize Dvatla as our senior partner in governing the lands of our heritage, as their steadfastness, prowess, and loyalty to the principles of righteousness remains only the finest across all realms. No dragons nor borders shall keep us separate anymore, and we ask the blessing of Avakon's protectors in moving forward as a single nation greater than the sum of our parts."

"Finally... We invite Prince Zarikos to return home after his 'betrayal' to defend the Kingdom we now unite with, and take his place not as heir to Varjik, but heir to the Avakonian Empire. Thank you all for hearing my announcement, and I pray that we all find ourselves closer to an age of prosperity, honor, and happiness across all our world."



https://i.ibb.co/NKFF6R9/klyw53dsrpb21-1.png

[asmodeussnake]

Varjik

The Riebarri cant help but hide the shock as the Jaine acts surprised? Their spies had told them the Jaine had more meetings with the spellfather than any other. "Yes... Beings of different races is what the spell father craves more than anything else. We were told it was the best possible tribute."

When the Jaine makes her request to leave them at the border she shrugs lightly. "I will admit I can bring it to the god kings attention, but with the road complete into the lair you will have to act against the dragon yourself. If your will is so strong perhaps you can DEMAND the spellfather pick up his prize at the border and bring it into your realm but the idea is for their numbers to be endless. Half of all prisoners of war are shipped off to the dragon, Kunai have already arrived to the dragons maws in chains, as are all life long domestic prisoners from our peoples, and a 10th of all our owned slaves go to the spellfather as well. Its a river of cursed souls to feed the needs of the avatar of Rieba." She explains, "our king might be a god and champion of Khompur but the dragon is Riebas raw fury, guile and cunning made manifest before us, we dare not cross the spellfathers whim."


Jintha

"An agreed peace would be presentable, and I know Sinja and our people will do all they can to defend your nation so long as you do the same for us. As for economic interests, our people were using the Regno for such information and now they are gone so your support there would be very helpful." The Riebarri explains. "Some sort of formal agreement should be done in private. The events of this evening might force us all to pick sides sooner than we would like, and make allies with those we would other wise despise but we want you to know we will do all we can to protect you from the coming storms."


Avakonia's Revival (Everyone)

This happens after the talks with Jintha and Varjik.

The Riebarri had been told something world-shattering would happen at this event... The priests of orthodox Perijianism had declared portents of something changing all before them but they had never expected this. In fact when it all became crystal clear the Rakshasa would have paled had she not been covered in fur. Hearing it all announced calcified all past choices it made all come to a single crystalized point, the race known as the Rakshasa really could be extinguished from this world because of this alliance, they could be made to disappear under the waves of this empire.

While they spoke of prosperity, honor, and happiness she saw her people dead all of them lying shattered, hunted in their own jungles and for the first time an alliance with vampires was not something to fear, in fact it appeared for the first time to be an appetizing alliance.

This was all she could take and with all of the primal power she ran, she would return to her home, to Mareen and warn them all of the coming apocalypses this represented.

[HalfTangible]

[Avakonia's revival]

...

Oh.

Well...

F#@$, that was huge. The sheer scope of it... oh gods.

Tensar was stunned into silence. Varjik and Karys had a massive target on them now. There would be no coming back from this. The name 'Avakonia' meant too much to too many people. Some fondly remembered the nation. Others feared it. All would reel when they learned of it.

Tensar thought through some half-remembered diplomacy. Dvalta was already allied to the Regno Sultanate, and neither of them were small powers. The alliance between New Avakonia, Dvalta, and the Sultanate would cross three continents. They would stretch from the western oceans to Ortassa to Uhraiya, from Altessa to the region of Dvalta to Avegan... Such unstoppable might could not be ignored, not by anyone.

... Maybe the Clans should take up their offer.

... But that wasn't Tensar's decision, was it? Urgh.

No, no, Mure would surely reconsider on learning of this. Even if Regno remained a friend, the war with the Pride had demonstrated that the Sultanate did not have the reach or power to help the Clans out when they really needed them. But with the news that Dvalta would be allying with Varjik, moving their vassalization to them would surely be alright.

[bc56]

Different Dance and Dragons
Varjik

"It is nothing, Empress. I am merely old. My people do not live as long as yours." Oppkomling certainly looks old. He seems very pleased to here Anivine say that he is as worthy as she is. "That is great praise, your majesty. With your blessing, I would take such an honor."

Winter is Coming
Whern

"Indeed. My sister has been having visions. She talks in her sleep, muttering about a shattered land wracked by storms, about gates, and about godless people. She refused to speak of what she's Seen, and I fear there are only I'll omens in our future. Once the fighting is over, we need to find a way to fight back against the encroaching cold. You have far more experience with it than I, how might we be able to stop this curse?"

[Potato_Priest]

Winter is Coming
Whern

"Indeed. My sister has been having visions. She talks in her sleep, muttering about a shattered land wracked by storms, about gates, and about godless people. She refused to speak of what she's Seen, and I fear there are only I'll omens in our future. Once the fighting is over, we need to find a way to fight back against the encroaching cold. You have far more experience with it than I, how might we be able to stop this curse?"

"Well, I'm sorry to say that I'm no shaman. Though with the way things are going in Whern, I would likely be even less useful if I was. Based on what I know, the plan that Amham is working on is a good one, not that the Frigid Digits have endorsed it. My father and I suspect that they know something about this winter that we don't. For all their acumen with the spirits of the ice wastes, they don't seem to be trying very hard to alleviate the long winter, and the highest ranking ones seem downright happy about it. Whether they're just happy because people need their services more now or there's something else in play, it smells fishy to the Struffhuffens (and as the family in charge of keeping the docks, we know the smell of fish). Watch your back, friend."

Rolf downed his goblet of Wine before opening his mouth again to ask a question. "What kind of gates did your sister dream about?"

[Moriko]

Tensar grinned bright at the Volzen's excitement. "Oh Clans form and dissolute all the time, my friend. There are many Clans, too many for any one person to count. But there are several Great Clans that have kept strong names for years by being integral parts of how the Kunai society functions. And fortunately, I can answer one of your questions while explaining the various Great Clans."

"The Shushan Clan were those Kunai dedicated to court intrigue and hostile diplomacy. When Dejan came to Kuniumi, he was able to cut down our armies with ease. But he knew that only a Kunai Clan could rule us, and so he called a Gathering to ask who we would allow to rule ourselves. The Shushan were ultimately those put in place, and Dejan left the forests of Kuniumi untouched. They were, for a time, exiled when they refused to give power up to another Clan, the Satsujin, but they have since been brought back into the fold."

"And from that exile came my Clan, the Tensar." He grinned wide. "We took on the ways of Glen Gwitna's merchantry, learning more... economic ways of getting what is needed. We are relatively new, but we have also been responsible for waging the economic half of our war with the Rakshasa. We've done fairly well, I think."

"The other half has been fought by the Mure, warriors and ambush specialists. They are who the Kunai call when a war needs to be fought, and are the most group-oriented of the Clans. They are the backbone of our people when a direct hand is called for."

"For a softer touch, there is the Chojo, an all-female clan that relies on friendly diplomacy. They are also responsible for... ahem... ensuring Kunai blood does not become too insular, let's say." He paused, then added. "Though, the Chojo have grown weak in recent years, as the need for their existence is becoming more and more questionable as more clans deal in diplomatic matters, and their bid for a Bomei in the Rakshasa has worked out... poorly."

"The Amidasu, on the other hand, have done well in that regard. They are innovators, researchers, scientists, and have the greatest Wordsmiths in all the Clanlands. Wordsmiths use the holy Enku to imbue items with properties that they would not otherwise have, and the Amidasu are dedicated to learning new Kanji (runes) to safely make use of the Enku."

"But the oldest and greatest of these Clans is the Satsujin. They take in those from every Clan, and learn as many of ours ways as possible. Jack-of-all-trades sort of deal, and their abilities in stealth are unmatched. Each is a Wordsmith, and until the Shushan's exile were believed to be a myth, even among our own kind."

He paused, then tersely added, "And the Shijima Clan, I guess. They are also a fairly recent addition that worship the dragons as Names made manifest. They have a strong support base from those who learned from the Father of Silence. We... tolerate them."

"As for... joining Kunai Clans... erm... how to put this..."

Tensar hesitated a moment, trying to think of how best to answer. He opened his mouth.

Then closed it.

He kept it closed for a time, then said, "... Our people have ever been insular, only allowing those of Kunai blood to learn our ways. This only changed very recently; The Shushan brought in blood from Gwitna-" He tapped his cheek, referring to the tanned skin Gwitna was known for, "-as you can see. Mure was so bold as to declare the Clans of Umibe Kunai (technically Bomei Clans, but just barely)."

"Generally what is done is that we send Kunai who wish to remain of the Clans but no longer wish to live in Kuniumi (we call them Bomei) to friendly lands to live in. They form their own clan there, and begin to learn of the ways of the land they have moved to. They also teach those there some of what they know. Traditionally, such Clans would be temporary, but more recently they have become permanent additions to their new lands."

"The Regnans have a Bomei clan of their own - the Sunajin - that has begun bringing Oamenii into their ranks. The Rakshasa also have a Bomei Clan calling themselves the Tora," His eyes grew dark at that, "though their status as Bomei is questioned by many, and no new Kunai have been able to go to it since the war began."

The darkness remained for a moment before the man blinked and shook himself, disspelling it. "Ah but here I am rambling about a war when you want to know of my people. If you'd like, we can send a Bomei Clan to Jintha to help you learn of our language and our ways. It has become acceptable to many to bring in outsiders, and if the Volzen wished to join such a Clan, I imagine it would be fine."

Now that he thought about it, ninja turtles such tiny creatures would be very, VERY good at hiding and sneaking around.

Bete listened very carefully and when Tensar finished his story he was quick to reply.

"We would love a Bomei clan! I mean i would have to put it past the council but i am sure they are all up for it there is no reason why not we could learn so much and it would help us understand you better and it is so cool."

As Bete finishes that sentence without taking time to breathe he takes a deep breath and recomposes himself.

"When i arrive back home i shall make sure that the council is notified and we shall contact the Mure to sort out the finer details. All i have done is ask questions is there anything you would like to know we could continue this conversation over a beer?"


"An agreed peace would be presentable, and I know Sinja and our people will do all they can to defend your nation so long as you do the same for us. As for economic interests, our people were using the Regno for such information and now they are gone so your support there would be very helpful." The Riebarri explains. "Some sort of formal agreement should be done in private. The events of this evening might force us all to pick sides sooner than we would like, and make allies with those we would other wise despise but we want you to know we will do all we can to protect you from the coming storms."

"Your kind words mean alot and i shall make sure the council hears them. We can discuss a more formal agreement aslong as the terms are mutually beneficial. The time for picking a side might well be near however the Volzen do not despise anyone as such and hope that noone sees us in that light."


Avakonia's Revival (Everyone)

A murmur rose through the crowd as a girl approached the throne. She was scarcely full grown, adorned in a deep crimson and violet robe that bore the sigil of Varjik's rose upon it on the left and ancient Avakonian sun upon the right - both woven in gold. Her skin was more pale than most in her kingdom, but as she took a deep breath, one could tell that she was well prepared for this. Anivine was absent from the area at the moment, and in her absence her daughter held an aura of nervousness mixed with pride. She tilted her chin upwards slightly to look upon the assembled people from near and far, quite aware that her mother was out delivering a similar speech in the city to the people who lived in their kingdom. There was to be a dance at some point later with food and drink provided, all having been put off until 'after the announcement' that this younger girl was to give to them after their due waiting. And the waiting was certainly due. A pair of trumpets blared across the room to catch the attention of her audience, at which point the veritable rise and fall of her chest was visible from across the room.

"People of Emjata...!" She starts, "I am Princess Amerah the Second, eldest daughter of Jaine Anivine of Varjik and Prince Khasglis of Dvatla! For since the day that Dejan fell to the lightning of the gods, the southern realms have been locked in a perpetual state of struggle. The Avakonian Empire whose collapse many of our forefathers bore witness to seemed to settle as ashes where her once world-spanning empire once stood; the legacy of Dejan and his empire put to rest once even the New Pellocian Federation who took its mantle was crushed beneath dragon's claws - her territory thereafter swept up by practitioners of dark and terrible magic, ravaged by barbaric fish-men of the Frescia, and plundered by slavers." She takes a breath after that, a slight pause. ...But my kingdom and her loyal brothers in arms have seen these people now returned to the glorious imperial rulership that they once trusted. The old borders of Avakonia including New Lijas, Karys, Marvalo, Balhaz, Bysthia, Raesija, Palanam, Waterglen, and as of a treaty signed here today for [R67!], have been restored by the men of Varjik and Karys united! The empire thrives under one banner again, but it lacks only one city; the heart of her once great empire."

"Avakonia proper has been under the dominion of Dvatla for many years now, and though many feared that this once rival of Avakonia would see its glory diminished, nothing could be further from the truth. An onslaught of the greatest and unholiest of armies seen by mortals crashed against her walls for six years, and the Dvatlans did not so much as flinch. They are worthy successors to the Legacy of the Conqueror, and it is with great joy that I announce our realms will no longer be at odds over who owns the great city - For it is theirs, and we renounce our claim to it on the grounds of their worthiness. The conflict that so severed our relationship for years is then at an end, and so I welcome for the first time in over fifteen years full open borders between us alongside the union of our people. Not only under my bloodline as a product of both royal families, but as an ancient legacy rekindled known henceforth and forevermore as the Avakonian Empire!"

There's a pause as a pair of banners unfold behind her on both sides of the throne from above; lit by candle against the clear night sky visible in the windows behind them. With the rose, the flower of Dejan's legacy, printed in black and gold before a regal banner of her empire's classic color scheme... Then many more like it fall across the halls, covering where the symbols of Varjik once stood. The princess takes another breath as she continues, apparently having forgotten her nervousness as she speaks again.

"We of Avakonia formally recognize Dvatla as our senior partner in governing the lands of our heritage, as their steadfastness, prowess, and loyalty to the principles of righteousness remains only the finest across all realms. No dragons nor borders shall keep us separate anymore, and we ask the blessing of Avakon's protectors in moving forward as a single nation greater than the sum of our parts."

"Finally... We invite Prince Zarikos to return home after his 'betrayal' to defend the Kingdom we now unite with, and take his place not as heir to Varjik, but heir to the Avakonian Empire. Thank you all for hearing my announcement, and I pray that we all find ourselves closer to an age of prosperity, honor, and happiness across all our world."



https://i.ibb.co/NKFF6R9/klyw53dsrpb21-1.png


Bete listened to the announcement and the only thing he could think was how horrible it was, who would put black and gold on a red background the designers of that flag should be ashamed.

As for the alliance the Volzen never had any problems with either of these countries so while the news was worth sharing he did not share the same dread as he could see on the faces of others gathered here. As he looked around he could see The Riebarri running out of the room.

[HalfTangible]

Bete listened very carefully and when Tensar finished his story he was quick to reply.

"We would love a Bomei clan! I mean i would have to put it past the council but i am sure they are all up for it there is no reason why not we could learn so much and it would help us understand you better and it is so cool."

As Bete finishes that sentence without taking time to breathe he takes a deep breath and recomposes himself.

"When i arrive back home i shall make sure that the council is notified and we shall contact the Mure to sort out the finer details. All i have done is ask questions is there anything you would like to know we could continue this conversation over a beer?"

"Alright. We'll put the word out in the Clans. It may take some time, with the war, but I'm glad to hear you're open to it."

"Well, I..." Tensar hesitated. Gods above, this creature spoke quickly. "I don't really know much about the Volzen... not the first thing, really. Sure, beer would be alright, yeah." He felt unbalanced.

[SquirrelWizard]

Whern

Vaylan shook his head, "There is no one specific legend or people through which we discovered this. Kraces writings were in many languages, and referencing many religious practices. So we had expanded our search broadly to cover Perijanism, Abhidi, and Animist faiths. I wouldn't be surprised if Initia had something similar. Point is, we need to find out where Krace will be going, and then formulate a method of stopping him."

Its always Sunny in Avakon

Anivine's suggestion did little to improve Tanya's mood. "Need I remind you that Krace fought the Frostfather and Veknar, our Volcano spirit. He is completely unhinged and consumed with his desire to get back at Byon. Even if we could get him to listen and meet with us, I would not trust a mundane blade to the task of ending him. And on the other hand, if we managed to get a weapon with which to dispatch Krace, we would then need to locate him, which means we would need to identify the 'four undercorners of the sky' and possibly how or where he is going to attempt to take them for himself."

New Avakonia's Reveal

Tanya and Vaylan had moved to the side of the room as the event unfolded, as Queen Tanya quietly seethed as she watched on.

"We'll that's nice," Vayland had leaned in and was softly speaking to her.

"Its a funerary shroud." The Queen huffed angrily whispering back to him, "Nobody is going to lift a finger till this Krace business is breathing down their necks. Two. Two leaders took notice.. maybe not even two given how the Whernian delegation works; you could have been talking to some dignitary without any pull. And what do we have for it? Token gestures! We could have gotten ahead of this!"

Vaylan reached across her shoulders and pulled in her into a hug, "Its alright dear, just think of all the 'I told you so' you get to do when Krace attacks something else?"

[Lleban]

Bete nods as he listen to the hardships endured.

"The journey back does not need to be perilous, why don't you journey back to Jintha with me and my group and when there you could take a ship to your next destination, it will be much more comfortable and i have no doubt there will be a merchant ship setting sail to where you need to go. You could see Jintha in its final moments before it turns away from Coatl Perijanism."



Coszcatl had to resist rolling her eyes at Bete. People all over Emjata die to preserve their faith but these Jinatha lie on their shells the moment the current gets harsh.

Sure, as long as we can sail through the Alabar.




The being turned its head and for just a moment one could see the striking countenance of dozens of minds voicing a singular body but eventually, it responded. "Yes, the cinder queen forced our nature to be revealed. We were happy hiding beneath the grand republic we were building, but alas she demanded the monsters not sleep and so we have done what we must to survive."


The being turned its head looking to the distance where the leader of Varjik say and for a moment it let its gaze linger. Gums receding to show rows of teeth before turning back around to face the Coatl emissary. "As for this opportunity it is simple, we need to abandon the old ways. Our nations are too different, in fact we probably represent everything your theocracy hates, your grand purging years back proves that." The voice smirks, and its a disgusting veneer. "But right now history is being made, and if we fight what this league will forge alone we will be swept up in its grand design... Or we can forge an unbreakable alliance and grind it into dust forevermore before they get their wish and Dejans children bare those anti magic fangs at us again."

The ancient one looks on. "how many empires can this damnable continent really support long term? Do you see a need to be buried in the ashes of Dejans ambitions? We do not. Your nation and I... We can fight when we finally bring our foot down onto Dejans skull once and for all."

So the magi were correct the warm forests of Palmor DID produce the largest rats in Emjata. But whomever she was talking to was correct, there so many emperors soon they'd start tripping over themselves.

I'd consider an alliance, though there is precious little we could gain from extinguishing Dejan's legacy. Any alliance against Neo Avakon would require an act of good faith from your end.

You see there ARE too many emperors on this continent and we could both stand to gain from getting rid of one. As we speak the largest army our empire can muster lead by the Emperor himself will attack Azenhal to counter the Dragonforged assault. If the we fall on the field of battle, odds are there won't an Empire to protect you from Dejans embers.

So will you join us and help in striking down this tyrant who's wronged us both once and for all



Yondar

After she finished speaking to the other delegates Coszcatl approached Queen Tanya, "We're well aware of the threat Krace represents, unfortunately I'm not in a position to commit resources to combating this man who would be a god."

[kjelfalconer]

The big show

Well. If there was a sure fire way to make him dislike someone instantly, declaring themselves the successor of the man who destroyed their civilization was definitely it. Still, he'd learned from his predecessor's mistakes, and found an out of the way corner before breaking something. By the time he came back, he'd managed to calm down enough that he only looked incredibly pissed off, as opposed to ready to kill everyone within a three mile radius."While I don't mean to distract you from how excited you are-" Utter lies. "-there was more on the agenda than just your... declaration." If it was possible to swear a blue streak with posture alone, 'Xa'kagx was somehow managing it. "The site of the battle between the Flamefather and Spellfather, what you've been calling the cursed land. We passed through it on the way here, and I brought Xokigr here to confirm. You explain it to them."

"Very well. My specialty lies with the Bloodfather, and his aspects of stone, water and life. By my reckoning, the land is wounded, but should recover in time. It should, however, be possible to speed things up. Those of us who focus on the Bloodfather should be able to affect it, but there's simply too few of us to have any noticeable impact over an area that large."

"It's a shame there isn't something powerful, and life aspected, proven to be able to affect a whole country. Oh, wait. We have at least two of them, and I can make a good guess as to at least one more. The Bloodfather's hearts are exactly what we need here, and Xokigr swears blind he can speed up the process. So that leaves getting a heart to where you need it. You're not using ours - this broken land doesn't affect us either way, and this is already more help than we have reason to give. 'Ridi'r still has one for sure, and since he has at least two, there's almost certainly another four out there. If you can't get the Overvann to share, then look in the places where the land itself seems to be alive, where the earth's wild and untamed. I'd put money on Sycorax - that's an expression, isn't it?"

Almost as an afterthought, he added "Oh, and I wouldn't try the Brinefather's. Even if it wasn't so raw, the aspects all wrong on it, you'll probably just make it even worse. This is part of the reason I need to speak to the Spellfather though - the corruption seems to have just been a side effect of their fight, but if it was intentional, then we won't lift a finger against it, and I refuse to start without checking."

[Corona]

Anivine seemed to appreciate the open mind of the Sfairi delegates, and she nodded in agreement. "Aye. Many have their doubts... Yet weather the abilities gathered in the faith have been received from Dejan himself or unlocked from within makes little difference when it comes down to it. The Conqueror is the finest example of dominance, honor, and courage, and deserves recognition as a great leader if not the epitome all men should strive for in their personal lives. Dejanism tends towards prioritizing those aspects than actual worship, but I get into details. I just mean to say that I sympathize. As for the blessing..."

The Jaine gestures to the majority of her guards around her. "The Siphoner's blessing can come in many different forms, all derived from the power imbued to me in this crown. It allows me to absorb magical energy in both living things and inanimate objects: granting strength, speed, and extra lifespan. Those I pass my blessing onto have a weaker version of my own powers, and those who my 'lord' pass their powers onto become dependent on their creator for magical energy, as they usually lack the proper ability to siphon it themselves. The enhanced abilities tend to stick around though; the whole process has been taken as a great responsibility since its creation some years ago."


"I see, that is very interesting, and I would like to learn more of it later, but I will not keep you from making the announcement. If you do not have any other matters to discuss with us, we shall take our leave to talk to the other guests."

Zäklis eventually finds his way to Rosagund and introduces himself with a bow.

"My lady, I am Prince Zäklis. Am I correct that you are here representing Sfaïr? Though I have seen some merchants from the Free Alliance passing through Avakon, I have not yet had the chance to cross the mountains myself."

Though she usually is dead serious when doing politics, Rosagund smiles a little when Zäklis asks about her representing Sfaïr. "Leader" Elena would never have let her do it, but she has been so obsessed with her new spy gang that it was probably too late when she noticed just who the Governors sent to be Sfaïr's delegates in the event. So far, it appears that Elena's political style has been to carefully balance Sfaïr to be as politically neutral and ambiguous as possible so that she might receive favors from all opposing factions, which feared that Sfaïr might otherwise join their enemies. But that is not the Luitbertien way. Rosagund's clan usually focused on one issue fully, making sure it stays solved forever (woe betide the people designated as "issues" by the clan head), before moving on to the next. It is a more methodical, sustainable way of doing things. And the current issue is the political impasse between Dvatla and Sfaïr.

"I am indeed representing Sfaïr, Prince Zäklis. I have come here to see for myself how the 'revived' Avakon will be like, whether it will bear any resemblance to the Avakon, whose culture many of our forebears once accepted as their own, whose money once paid for the construction of platinum mines and sprawling cities, whose ancient history books have recently provided me with tactical insights.

If you would wish to visit Sfaïr, I would be honored to be your host."

Rosagund was usually more curt than polite, but hospitality was one of the most sacred things in the inhospitable steppes of her home.


Avakonia's Revival (Everyone)

Rosagund folds her arms as she listens to the princess. The new flags and all are nice, but by far the most interesting thing is that Varjik, or Avakonia, is now paying homage to Dvatla. Some people she knows would surely be outraged by this news, thinking that the last of pure Avakonian states are now going to be corrupted by bowing to those northern barbarians who failed utterly at conquering our little country half a millennium ago.

She is not so alarmed, however. Even if that "pure Avakonian culture" thing matters, even if the Dvatlans are in fact ruining it completely, there is one more place where Avakonia's legacy will be preserved, as her conversation with Anivine has confirmed: in the hearts of the families, in Sfaïr and elsewhere, whose fates were completely changed by the coming and the leaving of the empire.

Also, eventually, though it might take centuries or millenia, a second such world-spanning empire will surely arise, so there is no need to fear mingling the imperial culture with others. Even if it does get butchered in the process, it is not the end of the world, as it is not unique. Fortune favors the bold.

*claps* "Well spoken, Princess!"

[Zayuz]

Defender of Avakon (Dvatla)

"As a Dvatlan ambassador? Why, that sounds like a splendid idea. Once the announcement is made and the core guests attended to, I'm sure that there will be much to brief you on. ...And the civilians have prepared obsidian fireworks for later. It would make an excellent backdrop." Anivine regards the hooded figure with a thin smile and a look of admiration, her gaze lingering on him even as the others speak. She nods as he finishes and turns to look at the younger two, placing her hand thoughtfully to her chin.

"Risks, aye... But I wager that being seen as a stalwart ally and a leader who is not afraid of bleeding is bound to sharply increase opinions on him. Directly or not, Regno is a rival of our rivals... And Varjik still remembers the favors that they have done for us. I will pray for his safe return, as well as yours. We likely will not need to be so distant after tonight..."


Amerah and Tensar

The two had rode to the event together, taken a short detour to gossip about how she was to be making the announcement, and wound up arriving during the feasting time. When Amerah broke off to prep for her announcement, Tensar had plenty of opportunity to make the rounds and be social with the other factions in the region. Maybe they'd even score some more aid if they were lucky, but once all that was over she would join his side again and take to the dancefloor, nervously whispering to him that both her mother and her now un-exiled father were back for this event, and so if he pleased, she or him or both could go bring up the idea of a wedding tonight. If he was willing... They might not have a better opportunity for a while.


Pride and Varjik (Pre-announcement)

"That... Shouldn't be. Mmh. I spoke to her about this. The slaves were to be delivered off site at the very least, in Xaryx if at all." There's a sigh from the Jaine. As the Riebarri continues to speak on how this dragon is one of her gods made manifest, her expression tilts to be less surprise and more worry. Glancing back and forth, the Jaine beckons her closer, standing from her throne...

"Pray walk with me, my lady... There is something you should know that must be kept between the Pride and Varjik."

Taking a turn and leading her down a hall towards the terrace, she starts.

"While your tribute like mine is doubtlessly to keep the Spellfather from turning your leaders to Mrazite statues, the idea that she is divine in nature is... Alarming. When we took to the south together to face Mila and her armies, I asked her about the nature of the gods. Yours, mine, and all others. I... I can promise you, that she is divinity. Far from it. I will agree in advance that I know the Perijanist gods are alive and active, very real and very holy. They are not where my worship goes, but I respect them. The Feast of Rieba is likewise welcome to make its home in Varjik. But that the Spellfather has at any point claimed to be one of your gods... How do I put this... I urge you to warn the divinity she impersonates of this ploy. Rieba may be in grave danger; for the dragon spoke of her days before her slumber - days in which she and her kind hunted and consumed the flesh of gods. Her brothers and sisters were adept at what they did, but she the immaculate leader of the hunt among them all. The divines are in fact made of magical energy, and you may have heard that her claws are Mrazite. Just being nearby to the dragon drains their very being. This is all well and good, as she has not hunted any yet. But she told me that she grows hungry, and that eventually the sleepiness that has weakened her kind will wear off. If Dejan, Rieba, or even Coatl show their face upon our plane they might find it to be the last time they ever do so... And she will use this false claim to divinity as an excuse to get close."

"If the Pride at any points decides to take action to defend the gods, know that Varjik should be there beside them despite our differences. It is a secret that none but I and my court hold. I beseech you, spread this word cautiously. If the dragon knows that you have been told, it may be tragic for both of us."

Pride and Varjik (After Announcement)

And so begun the alliance that may yet win the safety of the Rakshasa people, at the meager cost of their souls...


Different Dance and Dragons (Overvann)

"Would you now?" She inquires with interest. "It would be my great pleasure to grant you the blessing once shared with me. There is an oath to be taken in accordance with it, to vow to dedicate oneself to Dejan and his principles, but I could grant it to you this evening if you were so inclined. Seeing as you have no Siphoners in the north, however, it may be required that we grant you the more complete blessing to allow you to sustain yourself; joining the Court of Thorns. It creates a hunger for mana; a resource that my subjects generously donate as tribute in the Dejanic temples. Though strange at first, I promise that it is a boon quickly gotten used to. ...And one that allows you to bring balance to the mages who would wield such untamed otherworldly powers."

(OOC: Offering the blessing of the Siphoner, with the requirement of him swearing the Emperor's Oath. You can see the process of it in how I reply to QBs posts! Fair warning that the character will no longer age, so though he is old he should not get any older. Imagine vampirism but for mana, with a very honor/conquest based system. Mana can be gained from items, places, and people who give a portion of their souls/magical potential, potentially rendering even a powerful mage unable to ever cast again if drained repetitively and completely. Most of the time the Oath makes one a knight of a Siphoner, granting them minor anti-magic powers in exchange for depending on their master for continued sustenance. It does not grant immortality. I would happily offer this instead, but there are none in the north for him to depend on, so alas.)


The Not-So-Eternal Sun (Yondar)

"If he may bind to powerful spirits, then do the same. Fight him with a water one, if that is indeed how it works. His obsession with flame may grant him power, but it also should make him predictable. I will consider what these 'Four undercorners of the sky' may be alongside my advisers and prepare accordingly... We will let you know if anything comes up. Best of luck to you in Yondar until such a time."


Cursebreakers (Ridir)

Seeing that after the announcement, the main authority left was Princess Amerah II, their conversation would be routed to her instead of her mother. Though she was trained in speaking the language of their guests, she didn't quite feel confident enough to put it into practice when they seemed perfectly ready and willing to speak in her primary language. A bit of a relief, really. The hostile demeanor did freak her out a bit, but she hid the emotions well. Their advice was surprisingly insightful and entirely new to her, so she clearly listened on with fascination... Literally getting one of her guards to take notes for her.

"So, if I understand right, in order to create a greater possibility to heal the region we can either go about increasing the numbers of those who focus their dedication towards the Bloodfather or to locate one of these hearts of the dragons that are hidden among the land? Likely both would be good. They-- The hearts, sorry, sound incredibly powerful... And if it turns out we can locate one and use it, I would gladly speak on my mother's behalf when I say that we would allow you to keep it afterward for your aid. It is, in fact, most generous. Xokigr, 'Xa'kagx, thank you both for your help... It may improve the lives of many, many people." There's a short pause as she glances between them. "Can I offer you something until such a time for this information? Even if it's just some tea, gold, or extra population? There is to be a great wave of folks arriving in Varjik from Whitefeather, freed from slavery... As you're establishing a foothold all the way out west, they could make eager and capable workers I'm sure."

The girl smiles at them, noting a few life-ridden locations for her guard to write... Eastern Palmor, the Blood Isles, Syncorax, Mareen, Azure Coast... And a few others. She spoke them aloud as she told him what to write. Hopefully her mother could spare the resources...

[HalfTangible]

Amerah and Tensar

The two had rode to the event together, taken a short detour to gossip about how she was to be making the announcement, and wound up arriving during the feasting time. When Amerah broke off to prep for her announcement, Tensar had plenty of opportunity to make the rounds and be social with the other factions in the region. Maybe they'd even score some more aid if they were lucky, but once all that was over she would join his side again and take to the dancefloor, nervously whispering to him that both her mother and her now un-exiled father were back for this event, and so if he pleased, she or him or both could go bring up the idea of a wedding tonight. If he was willing... They might not have a better opportunity for a while.

As the two of them danced together, and Amerah brought up the possibility of marriage... oh gods, he wanted that.

That wasn't what gave him pause. What gave him pause was the fact that Kuniumi would soon be under direct assault from the Pride. His people were going to die in droves even if they emerged victorious. There was a distinct possibility that he would not live to see the next summer. And there was the travel time back to Kuniumi... if he was going to get back in time he would have to leave within a few days, there wouldn't be time for a grand royal wedding...

... But she had to know all of that already. And he... he couldn't say no. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with her... to entwine their names in the gods' tales forever. He loved her.

As the music slowed down, he pulled her close and whispered, "You are right, kanojo. We will not have a better chance for a long time. Let us go talk to them together."

[Aventine]

The Free Alliance


Though she usually is dead serious when doing politics, Rosagund smiles a little when Zäklis asks about her representing Sfaïr. "Leader" Elena would never have let her do it, but she has been so obsessed with her new spy gang that it was probably too late when she noticed just who the Governors sent to be Sfaïr's delegates in the event. So far, it appears that Elena's political style has been to carefully balance Sfaïr to be as politically neutral and ambiguous as possible so that she might receive favors from all opposing factions, which feared that Sfaïr might otherwise join their enemies. But that is not the Luitbertien way. Rosagund's clan usually focused on one issue fully, making sure it stays solved forever (woe betide the people designated as "issues" by the clan head), before moving on to the next. It is a more methodical, sustainable way of doing things. And the current issue is the political impasse between Dvatla and Sfaïr.

"I am indeed representing Sfaïr, Prince Zäklis. I have come here to see for myself how the 'revived' Avakon will be like, whether it will bear any resemblance to the Avakon, whose culture many of our forebears once accepted as their own, whose money once paid for the construction of platinum mines and sprawling cities, whose ancient history books have recently provided me with tactical insights.

If you would wish to visit Sfaïr, I would be honored to be your host."

Rosagund was usually more curt than polite, but hospitality was one of the most sacred things in the inhospitable steppes of her home.

"I intend to return north before long; I may have to take you up on your generous offer. Perhaps I should bring a copy of N̨amodl's book with me. He was not known for his modesty, but there is no shortage of tactical and strategic insights in what he wrote.

"As for Avakon...the old empire died long ago. Varjik and Karys preserve its memory in their own ways, but I would not expect the empire of your old books to rise again. That is all for the best, Dejan didn't cling to some nostalgic memory and neither should we. We will take the best parts of the legacies we have been left and build a new world."


Varjik


Defender of Avakon (Dvatla)

"As a Dvatlan ambassador? Why, that sounds like a splendid idea. Once the announcement is made and the core guests attended to, I'm sure that there will be much to brief you on. ...And the civilians have prepared obsidian fireworks for later. It would make an excellent backdrop." Anivine regards the hooded figure with a thin smile and a look of admiration, her gaze lingering on him even as the others speak. She nods as he finishes and turns to look at the younger two, placing her hand thoughtfully to her chin.

"Risks, aye... But I wager that being seen as a stalwart ally and a leader who is not afraid of bleeding is bound to sharply increase opinions on him. Directly or not, Regno is a rival of our rivals... And Varjik still remembers the favors that they have done for us. I will pray for his safe return, as well as yours. We likely will not need to be so distant after tonight..."

Zäklis smiles, but somewhat tensely. Whatever else might happen, there is still a dragon, and one that is not likely to approve of closer cooperation between Varjik and D̨vatla. "The sooner this unfortunate mess is resolved, the happier I will be."

The old man speaks up, "The happier we will all be. We should let you attend to your other guests now, though I look forward to speaking again later in more depth."

[TheDarkDM]

The Dominion and Varjik

the warmth of Anivine's welcome is met by a beaming smile from the newly-proclaimed Padishah, echoed in her daughters' more bashful smiles. Princesses they might have been, but the attentions of a monarch beyond their blood was a new and thrilling experience. To say nothing of one destined to be mother-by-marriage. Lofn's eyes darted down as they met Anivine's, her cheeks flushing, and with a slight laugh Sigyn came to the rescue.

"You do us too great a kindness, Jaine Anivine. We are both much changed, it is true - we have both assumed greatness in service to our peoples. Though our lessers might mutter maledictions or seek to draw us into impotent legacy, it is our hope - my hope..."

Sigyn slipped from the royal tone that had taken such effort, her eyes softening even as they glowed from within.

"That you will think of me as a sister on this great journey. We each walk a path of mystery and magic, and such roads are safer with a friend to walk alongside."

She coughed, her back straightening as she returned to the regal mien demanded of the occasion.

"It would be our great pleasure to accept your invitation. Your grand city leaves little doubt to the many virtues to be found in Varjik. But, to that end, my daughter has a request."

A taloned hand moved to rest lightly on Lofn's shoulder, and the girl's eyes rose to meet her mother's. Sigyn gave an encouraging nod, and the young princess gathered her courage to meet the Jaine's gaze. She licked her lips, and began to speak in accented Avakonian.

"Honored Mother, it would...much...please me to learn from your example. If it is not too much to ask, I would...stay with you a season, that I might better...aid my husband-to-be."

As Lofn spoke, Sigyn looked down and mouthed along. Clearly they had rehearsed the speech together. But what was clearer still was the trust Sigyn placed in the throne of Varjik, and the lengths she would go to nurture their nascent bond.

The Dominion and Dvatla

Sigyn and her daughters replied to the Prince's introduction with a slight bow, as was only proper. In contrast to Loft's earlier shyness, Herja's shows no hesitation in greeting the Dvatlan's attentions with a smile. Age and the weight of dynasty were potent aids to grace. However, as Fëkälis performed his trick she could not help but giggle in delight. She paused to consider the choice, answering only as Sigyn gave her shoulder a light squeeze.

"If life were this ball, Prince Fëkälis, I would take your bouquet. Every girl dreams of sweet scents and bright colors in the hands of a gentleman. But outside these walls the world is at war, and a Queen must be prepared to bear arms for her people."

A small hand reached out to grip the dagger.

"But your kindness is the true gift I choose."

She smiled, and above her Sigyn beamed.

"The pleasure is ours, good Prince. Tell us, what news from Dvatla? We hope the storm has passed from Avakon's shore."

[Aventine]

The Dominion


Sigyn and her daughters replied to the Prince's introduction with a slight bow, as was only proper. In contrast to Loft's earlier shyness, Herja's shows no hesitation in greeting the Dvatlan's attentions with a smile. Age and the weight of dynasty were potent aids to grace. However, as Fëkälis performed his trick she could not help but giggle in delight. She paused to consider the choice, answering only as Sigyn gave her shoulder a light squeeze.

"If life were this ball, Prince Fëkälis, I would take your bouquet. Every girl dreams of sweet scents and bright colors in the hands of a gentleman. But outside these walls the world is at war, and a Queen must be prepared to bear arms for her people."

A small hand reached out to grip the dagger.

"But your kindness is the true gift I choose."

She smiled, and above her Sigyn beamed.

"The pleasure is ours, good Prince. Tell us, what news from Dvatla? We hope the storm has passed from Avakon's shore."

Fëkälis returns Herja's smile, and pulls his hand away leaving the knife in hers. "A good choice, and I will be truly happy if my gift brings you joy." His people would like her, and her thinking, but if it were him he'd take the flowers too: a nice distraction to hide the knife.

He turns his attention back to Sigyn and sighs dramatically, "Which storm? The literal storms in the Uhraiya show no signs of slowing, but the bloodfest of a war has died out. We don't have enough men to throw into another invasion of the south (even if there were anyone crazy enough to try those cursed lands again) and I don't think the abominations are in much better of a position to attack than we are. Coatl might end up the winner in all this, if they decide to take advantage of the situation. My father intends to focus on strengthening Avakonia and Zeměvčel, and I think the rest of my people are sick of the south altogether.

"As for news from the homeland. Däfikä intends to sail west to fight in Regno. They've become too friendly with dragons and abominations, but the thinking is we must at least offer some help to satisfy our honor. The League is on the verge of another collapse (who could ever have seen that coming). And the Abhidics have made a move against the dragon worshipers. Smart money says sooner or later they move against the Satts (dragon worshipers by another name), who still hold some influence in Dažytija.

"You might consider returning home by the indirect route, and stopping by in Avakon. I am sure you will be very welcome. And that my father would be eager to discuss marriage plans, now that it is not quite so far into the future."

He ends with another smile to Herja.

[kjelfalconer]

Varjik

"We've no use for gold, and I'm not sure your people would want to live in 'Ridi'dreq." He wasn't even sure what tea was. If he was honest with himself (and he was), what he really wanted was the smug sense of satisfaction he'd get when they were done and everyone had to admit how amazing they were. It was weird, really, having someone actually take him seriously at one of these. Novel. A shame she was probably a Dejanite.

He paused, thinking about it. What would they even do with all those people? It didn't sound like they'd cope being left to their own devices. He shrugged. "I mean I guess they cpuld come if they really want to, but we won't be babysitting them."

[Corona]

"I intend to return north before long; I may have to take you up on your generous offer. Perhaps I should bring a copy of N̨amodl's book with me. He was not known for his modesty, but there is no shortage of tactical and strategic insights in what he wrote.

"As for Avakon...the old empire died long ago. Varjik and Karys preserve its memory in their own ways, but I would not expect the empire of your old books to rise again. That is all for the best, Dejan didn't cling to some nostalgic memory and neither should we. We will take the best parts of the legacies we have been left and build a new world."

"Ah, well, I do not mind you Dvatlans forging a new empire as long as it is functional, though this is not a very popular opinion. Or perhaps it is; in Sfaïr there are due to countless foreign influences now so many different opinions on religion, politics and the like that I am no longer certain of any such thing.

Now, If I recall correctly, our Leader sent you a letter earlier, asking you for various favors. It was not a diplomatic trick, if it might have seemed so, but indeed a genuine attempt at reaching out, though awkward and rushed. I am inclined to advise her to accept your counter-proposition, I must say. At the very least it is better than our status quo. However, we would need to discuss the exact details in private."

[Zayuz]

Dragon Hearts (Ridir)

She nodded her head a few times, seemingly quite surprised that they didn't have a use for gold but still held the secrets to ancient and powerful magic the likes of which she had never even heard of... "...So... Nothing at all then? My... Is that ever generous." Amerah bowed her head respectfully, a small smile held on her face. For the next while she'd ask questions about the nature of these hearts and the nature of the dragons; suggesting to them at some point that the Spellfather likely had something to do with the curse in the first place. But the night went on, and the princess was happy to tell them just how impressed she was by their draconic knowledge that she so lacked...

The Storm and the Rose (Izbefe)

The Jaine looked to Sigyn, pleasantly surprised by the offer. "I would be lying if I said that I hadn't felt a bit isolated since I began this journey into the otherworldly... I think a sister and a friend would do me well, especially one not so dissimilar to myself." Their regal auras both drop for a moment as they share a moment, alluding to the very real possibility to a more casual friendship that could be coming outside of the court-room. She inherited the throne at only sixteen, but ever since the loss of her father it had been a long and often lonely road that was not at all helped by the constant warfare, her exaltation as a holy figure, and several years apart from her husband due to the dragon's influence. But of course, the dominion arrived for a reason. Anivine listened well to Lofn, but she hadn't expected the execution of her request to be so adorable.

Trying to hold back her grin as the younger girl spoke, Anivine would nod quickly and glance between the girl and her mother. The smile seemed to persist nonetheless, and Anivine glowed a bit in pride for her guest. "Why, I would love to have you with us princess Lofn, I would even offer to have Cattius show your around our home tonight if you would join us after the ceremony dies down. He's been very curious about you, and I think that maybe once the season is over and you get a while to stay at home that he could learn much by visiting the your realm as well. I expect him to be more fair and kind to you as any potential and deserving queen."