Evermore

[sampson x]

About a half hour of walking later and the small trio arrived at the large Forum. Zhash could not help but stealing a few glances up toward the monstrous columns that surrounded the enclosed area. The Forum was a ruin, however. No roof shaded the politicians from the hot afternoon sun. Along most of the crumbling walls canvas had been draped out to provide a small area of shelter. These areas were mostly occupied by the elderly, the weak, the women, and the truly rich. Zhash and Sierra fit none of these criteria, and so were told by Alecia to not even bother trying to make their way under the shade. She also pointed out that the politician's ability to stand the heat and humidity was a sign of the future success of his career. Why, Alecia did not know, but it was thought that way.

"Now that I have brought you here and taught you a few of the basics, I must leave you to attend other business. Ever since my father died I have had to live on my toes. Eager mongrelling thieves of politicians try to undo me at every turn. Do not fear, this is a relatively safe place. Just, walk about and join a conversation when you find one that suits you. If you're good enough, you'll be asked to speak before a small assembly. From there...well, it doesn't matter right now."

With these words, Alecia strode off again to whatever business she needed to attend to. Zhash leaned over to Sierra, "First I thought the political system of Yitai was messed up, then I went to Avon and realized Yitai was nothing. Now I am here and once again all my previous opinions have been overturned."

 

[WhiteLily]

*Sierra leaned her head in also* I know, this is horrible. I thought my country was bad!

 

[Shadowseldil]

(((Allright, I just finished Chapter 5 yesterday, and after taking a day to relax my mind, I think I'm ready.)))

Hours have passed since the ship had landed, and Daethalion had not found a single contact. He was growing ever impatient, as it should not have taken so long to find someone with information, especially with his Dis connections. He sat in a shady bar, drinking something to suit his pallet.
A man covering his face with a hood took a seat next to him and ordered a stiff ale. After taking a sip, and while the barkeep was at the other end of the bar, a raspy voice said, "Daethalion, is it?"
"I make no attempt to hide my name," he said softly, not looking at the man, "and I do not see why brother's should hide from one another."
"Depends on whether you are still a brother or not. A turmoil has arisen over you, and is on the verge of a civil war between all civil Diseans."
"Over me?" Daethalion said, startled, still not looking at the man. "I have only been about my task of preserving our people. What has arisen?"
"Vlasdimir, another on your same mission, has decried you, marking you with the wolf's head. Many of the league has sided with his demand, and those who have not were swayed by the bounty of four hundred thousand pieces. A few of the league who know you are trying to defend you, but the arguements are becoming heated, and several fights have ensued. Fortunately, the league is attempting to deal with it civily, but it is no more than a farce, and you and I know it."
"Vlasdimir," Daethalion growled, "He is angry because I corrected him of a folly. When we meet again, he better hope his steel is not rusty."
"You shan't have the pleasure; he was beheaded. The league does not know it, last I knew, but news travels quickly, and even now is on its way there. Blame has fallen on you, naturally. When the league learns of it, they will certainly side with Vlasdimir."
"Beheaded?" Daethalion said, again startled, "How? He was a master of his fields, no one could have defeated him."
"Except you, Daethalion. Your skill with the sword is renown, and you already have the motive."
Daethalion mused for a moment before saying, "Styx water. He used it to poison Atlas, and his allegience to this Exeter was causing him to grow careless. He must have been poisoned."
"Regardless, blame will fall on you for all of it."
"Fool," Daethalion said, adding a curse, "his own carelessness undid him."
"What will you do? Those who hold your innocence will not be able to convince anyone when Vlasdimir's murder is revealed."
"I assume you are one who hold this opinion."
"Have you not guessed it then," the figure said in a female voice, "or are you growing careless?"
"Sister? is it true?"
The hood nodded.
As much as Daethalion wanted to hug her, he could not. However, his voice expressed his feelings, "I was told you had died."
"It was the only way to keep my identity hidden. After much effort, I claimed the right of the jackel to your head. It will only buy you a little time, and not all know of my claim. Now, I know your cunning is already devising a plan. I will do whatever I can."
"I need two things. First, I need to know of a barbarian lord in these areas who placed a bounty on the King of Avalon's head."
"I know the man. He went north two weeks prior. It is not likely that you will find him."
"Then I need another thing. You yourself know the power of a rumor. Spread the word through your networks that Atlas has killed this same lord.
"Second, take this message back to the league ministers that I have announced the right of the avenger's blood for Vlasdimir. It will not sway the minds of the league, but it may bring the peace needed to accomplish the goal of preserving our people."
"Peace, Daethalion? we both knew from the beginning this league between the tribes would not last. If it was not this, it will be something else, and the tribes will return to war again. This was never more than a farce."
"All the same, we must try, or will will be the end of ourselves. Furthermore, send a message to the captain of my troops. Tell them to withdraw to the league ministers and repleadge allegience."
"I am but one, and no one will help me. Which should I do first?"
"Spread the word to all in your business. Gossip travels faster than orders. Spread gossip first on your way to deliver my avenger's right to the league. Once you have, go to my troops."
"To hear is to obey, brother."
Daethalion took a soiled napkin, and withdrawing his epee, ran it slowly clean through his hand. He winced at the pain, but in truth, it was exhilarating. He slid it out of his hand and into its ringlets, and quickly held the napkin to his hand. When he removed it a second later, a dark crimson blot covered most of it.
Handing it to his sister, he said, "Here is my token to the avenger's blood. Take it speedily, and spread the gossip as you do."
The figure nodded and left, having never looked at Daethalion, nor he at her.
After tearing a strip of fabric from his clothing and bandaging his hand, he took ordered another drink from the barkeeper.

 

[dramaking]

While Daethalion had waited for a contact Atlas went to his own connections.
In the beginning it was simple enough, he found several of the informants who owed him enormous favors and questioned them. As he predicted the barbarian was gone, where he was confident would not be known. But he was certain that if he headed to the north soon news would say that he has traveled to the south, or the east.
He could spend years chasing the barbarian, the intelligent thing to do would be to return to Camador and force Exeter to make an unplanned assault on the king.
That would be the intelligent thing, but it hinged on several flaws.
One, that Exeter ever did any thing unplanned,
Two that he did not already have a trap set in Camador,
Three that the King of Avalon would not march on Camador when he heard of his treachery, which “Count Villefort” would so lamentably relay.
These three things may not cost Atlas his life but it would certainly cost him some thing else; namely, his ambition.

While walking through one of the marketplaces he purchased another pouch of powder from an apocathary.
After taking several pinches of it he was soon calm enough to continue thinking.

His ambition! That was it, which was what he was trying to do.
Everything he was trying to do was based on trying to stay in a position of power, the last thing he could ever be expected to do was leave that position of power.


That was the only was for him to escape Exeter.
To do the last thing he would ever do.
Vanish.
Leave all trace of him behind and wait.

Each of Exeter’s plots had been designed to trap Atlas; he could not function without him there. When he finally returned Exeter would be unprepared, and in the exact position that Atlas himself had been in for so long.
Where would he go?

He thought back to the island, replayed everything that had occurred while he had been there. It took him a while before he could think over the only thing he could find. When he finally found it he almost didn’t notice.
When he did it felt like a thunderclap striking him down.

Iraseil, they needed help with raiders. Once there he could stay in the capital how long it took. First however he had to understand what to do with Daethalion.
He heard rumors of the death of Vlasdimir.

About time. He has been incompetent for years.

And of a brewing civil war against the People of Dis.

There he smiled.

“Daethalion.”

He went out to the tavern that Dae had been waiting in and entered.

 

[dramaking]

About a half hour of walking later and the small trio arrived at the large Forum. Zhash could not help but stealing a few glances up toward the monstrous columns that surrounded the enclosed area. The Forum was a ruin, however. No roof shaded the politicians from the hot afternoon sun. Along most of the crumbling walls canvas had been draped out to provide a small area of shelter. These areas were mostly occupied by the elderly, the weak, the women, and the truly rich. Zhash and Sierra fit none of these criteria, and so were told by Alecia to not even bother trying to make their way under the shade. She also pointed out that the politician's ability to stand the heat and humidity was a sign of the future success of his career. Why, Alecia did not know, but it was thought that way.

"Now that I have brought you here and taught you a few of the basics, I must leave you to attend other business. Ever since my father died I have had to live on my toes. Eager mongrelling thieves of politicians try to undo me at every turn. Do not fear, this is a relatively safe place. Just, walk about and join a conversation when you find one that suits you. If you're good enough, you'll be asked to speak before a small assembly. From there...well, it doesn't matter right now."

With these words, Alecia strode off again to whatever business she needed to attend to. Zhash leaned over to Sierra, "First I thought the political system of Yitai was messed up, then I went to Avon and realized Yitai was nothing. Now I am here and once again all my previous opinions have been overturned."

As Zhash had noticed the Forum was remarkably hot and humid. What Alecia had not warned them was the fact that the politicians in the Forum were each there for the reason of hunting the minor politicians.
One of the major sharks in this death cove was a tall thin man, he was tall and rather thin,
Some would call him handsome, however he had a steel gleam in his eye that, if used for smithing it could have forged a sword that would have set the dwarves to shame.
His name was unimportant, he was called Sir Martin Quicksilver but it was unlikely that was his name.
He was a shark by trade and at his profession few exceeded him, at the sigt of the young two he smiled.
This was what he lived for.
He leaned to two people near him, one was a beautiful woman and the other a handsome man.
Usually appearances didn't help much but then these were young and possibly inexperienced in the ways of Camador.

The two approach Sierra and Zhashban and spoke

"My Lord and Lady! How shocking to see you this far away! What has brought you to Camador? I remember your great orations in the capital, shall you join us in our current speaches? You would be so very appreciated."

 

[WhiteLily]

*Sierra looked quickly at Zhash, then looked to the others, keeping her eyes constantly moving like Alicia had said* Thank you my lord and lady, we would be delighted to accompany you to the speeches we have heard so greatly about in you fine city. *Sierra dipped in a shallow curtsy.*

 

[sampson x]

((Sorry, I'll post tomorrow. Need to get off the internet now...))

 

[dramaking]

Zhash simply stood there for a second, shocked into silence by the staggering beauty of the newly dressed Sierra. Alecia countered his silence by speaking her thoughts, "You like fine enough, my dear. I must say I am rather disappointed in the clothier's job, but it will do."

Zhash couldn't understand how Alecia could dismiss Sierra's striking appearance so easily. Stammering, Zhash finally was able to compliment Sierra, "And..And...And I will be very happy to have you as my consort ((is that the right word?)), Sierra."

Alecia rolled her eyes as the raw but still developing Zhash gaped at what she considered a second class work, "We must be moving along if you wish to make a name of yourselves, though. Come along." Turning sharply, Alecia began striding out of the building. There is still hope for these two. I will need to dress her myself, and he...he will simply need to grow out of his naivity. But, it can be done.

((Okay, Drama, I don't know where to go from here. Or should I just make it easy and start posting that Zhash began to win favor in the court and made his way up, though he also made enemies on the way?))
---------------------------------------------------

Retta at first cringed at Nicholai's outburst, but soon his confidence had been reassured, "And that I will, good sir, that I will. You see, you not only possess a very intimidating air, but you bear an uncanny resembalance," With this Retta began to look over Nicholai's impressive build, "to the depictions of Kra-Akken, the moon god revered by all of Kra-Akken's monks. Now, the monks of Kra-Akken believe it is time for Kra-Akken to descend to earth, and they eagerly await his arrival. They do not know where he will come from however. But here is what I propose. If you announce yourself as the Kra-Akken, I can back you up and soon you will have the allegiance of all the monks. Their only desire is to serve their god, even ready to die for him. With their allegaince, not only would your tribe be safe, but you would soon gain the support of many other tribes and nations who are under the monks' influence. You could be the ruler of an empire within years." Retta met Nicholai's terrible glare with utmost sincerity. Greed and desperation, yes, but utmost sincerity.

ooc: A quite minor and polite saying for DAVE TO POST

 

[sampson x]

Zhash paused for a second. How do they know me? And where I come from? Very strange... But recovered himself quickly to hold up appearances. He decided that these men of Camador did a great deal of studying.

Bowing slightly, Zhash responded in the manner Alecia had taught him, "As the lady says, it would be an honor. I know not why you place so high a value on my self, but I shall take it as a compliment."

 

[dramaking]

Zhash paused for a second. How do they know me? And where I come from? Very strange... But recovered himself quickly to hold up appearances. He decided that these men of Camador did a great deal of studying.

Bowing slightly, Zhash responded in the manner Alecia had taught him, "As the lady says, it would be an honor. I know not why you place so high a value on my self, but I shall take it as a compliment."

The two people led him to the stage,

"My Lord, I have a heard a great deal about you. Perhaps you may grace us with one of the great speaches that you shared in the capital.
I am sure that the leader of our own humble circle would be quite happy for you to speak. He has heard great things of your orations."

 

[sampson x]

The two people led him to the stage,

"My Lord, I have a heard a great deal about you. Perhaps you may grace us with one of the great speaches that you shared in the capital.
I am sure that the leader of our own humble circle would be quite happy for you to speak. He has heard great things of your orations."

Hesitantly, Zhash took the stage. The situation was growing stranger and stranger. The orations he had given in the capital were not great, simply new to those who listened. The effect of the speeches were done, and a second telling would never compare. Were these grateful politicians simply waiting for him to slip? Did they think he was so incompetent to give the same speech twice? Atlas had warned him there would be sharks, but here? Here in the lowest levels of Camador? Even here? Zhash mentally lowered his head a bit, shocked that he was already being judged and ridiculed for his beliefs. However, if they wanted something "great," why, Zhash would give it to them.

After taking the stage, Zhash looked over the small gathering with special care in the way Alecia had taught him, then began, "The age of quarreling politicians is over. No longer will the men of great name be able to sit and argue amongst themselves over foreign affairs or payment of royal attendants. For, they will all see the truth, which lies in the one I represent today, Atlas."

Satisfied with the shock factor, Zhash continued until he had spoken every word he could think of to describe the impending fall of current world politics and to enlighten the men standing around him on the promise of a strong, uniting man who could lead all the people to a better and brighter future.

((Okay, sorry, but I have no idea how to give speeches and orrate, so this was the best I could come up with)).

 

[WhiteLily]

ooc: Okay, I would post, but I'm too tired to think. I must be off. Pajamas, here I come!

 

[dramaking]

The two liars approached their master,
who whispered to them.

"How do they seem?"

"Sheep for the slaughter milord. They didn't even question where we knew them from."

"Where are they from?"

"I do not know milord, they took our story about meeting them in "the capital" their ignorence must stem from the provinces."

"Ideal."

"The age of quarreling politicians is over. No longer will the men of great name be able to sit and argue amongst themselves over foreign affairs or payment of royal attendants. For, they will all see the truth, which lies in the one I represent today, Atlas." Zhashban had said.

Here once again the man called Quicksilver smiled.
True he had shock value, but this being Camador he was in a dire position.

As was tradition he stood to cross examine Zhash,

"Atlas?! The same man who led to the death of so many of the elves? The man who rose to power on the coattails of the former emperor and then turning to betray him.
He thought he would rule through the young emperor but when he found the ruler more wise and witty than he could ever hope to be he fled.
Now he threatens us with war with our ancient allies in Avalon!
Atlas a great man? Obviously this man has spent far to much time with the propoganda of the toothless old lion.

((Don't worry I'm not a spectacular orator either, but I think we can work ourselves up. By the way, see any thing familiar?))

 

[WhiteLily]

ooc: Pssht, I do!

 

[Shadowseldil]

(((*cough, cough* *sputter* *cough* So...*cough* dusty back here...*cough, cough* Let me catch *cough* my breath *spit, sputter* and I'll post tomorrow.)))
(((posting now)))

Daethalion left the tavern unconcerned. As long as his sister held the right of the jackel, other would-be price-hunter would not bother with him. However, that only extended to that city; in other places, he must rely on his bladecraft. All the same, no need to be careless, and thus he kept to the darker alleys and unseen passes until he arrived at the tavern agreed upon by Atlas.
He entered privily, keeping his head covered and speaking to no one. At the bar, he ordered a drink, something with flavor, and a spot of privacy, a costly brew in such places, but well worth the pay for the service. He was ushered up to a curtained room, leaving orders to the keep to send up any asking for Maxim. There, he patiently waited until Atlas came through the curtain unanounced.
Daethalion had his epee in a flash, but after his mind comprehended his companion, it was sheethed again. "Dangerous times, my foe. We are both hunted men, and we must exercize the utmost of caution.
"But why do I tell you; you know that better than I? Come, sit, and tell me what you have learned."

 

[sampson x]

((Uh...sorry, I don't see it... I feel so alone!! ))

Zhash almost broke the traditional rules by eyeing his examiner, but drew back his gaze just in time. How does he know so much about Atlas? And...yes...I can actually believe some of that, the way Atlas has acted; so mysteriously like. However, I think he's taking it too far...

"Perhaps, good sir, you know more of Atlas than I, but you have gotten a good deal about him wrong. Atlas did not flee the young emperor. In fact, it was I who brought him away from the emperor. This evil Atlas, as you portray him, defended my city from invading barbarians, and what's more, he saved the city from the rule of the greedy, treacherous Retta Yoto!"

Zhash took a breath, before beginning the ceremonious counter attack, "Perhaps Atlas is not the best for this land. Then who? Would you have Exeter, the conniving, manipulating, self-serving lord who would take all for himself and leave none for others except to serve his purpose? Or, would you have the monks of Kra Akken rule your land; with anarchy and bloodshed? Or, perhaps you want the Barbarians of the West to invade your now weakly defended lands? Do not look to your ally, the Sun King, for he has as much military prowess as the deer. If not Atlas, then who?"

 

[Paladin Dave]

Retta at first cringed at Nicholai's outburst, but soon his confidence had been reassured, "And that I will, good sir, that I will. You see, you not only possess a very intimidating air, but you bear an uncanny resembalance," With this Retta began to look over Nicholai's impressive build, "to the depictions of Kra-Akken, the moon god revered by all of Kra-Akken's monks. Now, the monks of Kra-Akken believe it is time for Kra-Akken to descend to earth, and they eagerly await his arrival. They do not know where he will come from however. But here is what I propose. If you announce yourself as the Kra-Akken, I can back you up and soon you will have the allegiance of all the monks. Their only desire is to serve their god, even ready to die for him. With their allegaince, not only would your tribe be safe, but you would soon gain the support of many other tribes and nations who are under the monks' influence. You could be the ruler of an empire within years." Retta met Nicholai's terrible glare with utmost sincerity. Greed and desperation, yes, but utmost sincerity.

Nicholai's glare diminished slightly...slightly.... and his eyebrow rose in intrigue as he listened to and pondered what Retta said. Really, it was quite flattering to be compared to a god of any sort. Nicholai much preferred a War God, or something more masculine than something so unimpressive as a moon deity... but that was beside the point. Retta was proposing something rash, and potentially more dangerous than helpful.

"How do I know, oh fair snivelling coward," Nicholai began arrogantly. "That you speak the truth? If this... Kra Akken... truly does resemble me, how am I to know that these fools will believe any claim that I am he? If one of them were to ask me anything that this being should know, I would not be able to answer. I win my allegiances by conquest, not by lying, thank you. I know not how prestige is gained in YOUR tribe, but my grand clan believes in valor and might as the only means of garnering fame."

Things did not look favorable to Retta. Not only did Nicholai now think less of him, but the idea of posing as someone else did not appeal to the warlord either. Nicholai Prideslayer loved few things more than basking in the glory of seeing people cower at the mention of his name, and taking on the name of Kra Akken would completely ruin that for him. It would be far more glorious in Nicholai's eyes to be remembered as a man who did what most could never do, rather than be a god who did what would be expected of a god. The warrior knew he was far from immortal, and so his legacy, and the name and grand acts of skill and valor, were his top priorities in deciding how he operated; second only to keeping his tribe alive, of course.

((If you can start convincing Nicholai that he actually IS Kra Akken, then we might go somewhere. I don't know if its what Drama had in mind, but he's more likely to think himself Kra Akken than to knowingly masquerade as him. Complicated, I'm sorry. ))

 

[boxers]

ooc-Hey guys sorry I havn't posted in a while alot of personal stuffs been goin on could someone give me an update? Hope all of you guys are doin alright.

 

[sampson x]

((Glad to see you back, Boxers. I'll give an update since Drama will be gone for a while. Basically, nothing has happened concering your character since you left, though it's been at least two RP days. Falil is still trying to show him to the horses in Yitai. As for the others, Atlas and Daethalion made an agreement with the King of Amor and went off to hunt a barbarian, but that failed because the barbarian had already fled the area. Furthermore, Zhash and Sierra travelled to Camador where they are tyring to set up an influence. And that's the majority of what's happened, I think.))

 

[sampson x]

Nicholai's glare diminished slightly...slightly.... and his eyebrow rose in intrigue as he listened to and pondered what Retta said. Really, it was quite flattering to be compared to a god of any sort. Nicholai much preferred a War God, or something more masculine than something so unimpressive as a moon deity... but that was beside the point. Retta was proposing something rash, and potentially more dangerous than helpful.

"How do I know, oh fair snivelling coward," Nicholai began arrogantly. "That you speak the truth? If this... Kra Akken... truly does resemble me, how am I to know that these fools will believe any claim that I am he? If one of them were to ask me anything that this being should know, I would not be able to answer. I win my allegiances by conquest, not by lying, thank you. I know not how prestige is gained in YOUR tribe, but my grand clan believes in valor and might as the only means of garnering fame."

Things did not look favorable to Retta. Not only did Nicholai now think less of him, but the idea of posing as someone else did not appeal to the warlord either. Nicholai Prideslayer loved few things more than basking in the glory of seeing people cower at the mention of his name, and taking on the name of Kra Akken would completely ruin that for him. It would be far more glorious in Nicholai's eyes to be remembered as a man who did what most could never do, rather than be a god who did what would be expected of a god. The warrior knew he was far from immortal, and so his legacy, and the name and grand acts of skill and valor, were his top priorities in deciding how he operated; second only to keeping his tribe alive, of course.

((If you can start convincing Nicholai that he actually IS Kra Akken, then we might go somewhere. I don't know if its what Drama had in mind, but he's more likely to think himself Kra Akken than to knowingly masquerade as him. Complicated, I'm sorry. ))

((Sorry, almost forgot to respond to this!))

Retta shrivelled at the Barbarian's cold words. Will I ever get out of this place alive? Retta wondered to himself. It was bad enough knowing he would die on his return if he had not taken care of Nicholai's threat.

Trying to save at least a little face, Retta responded, "Yes, yes. I see your point. But still, you look so much like what he is depicted to be! And to think, you speak exactly as he is supposed to as well!" Retta suddenly noticed that the Barbarian did bear a very heavy similarity to the moon god. Not only in looks, but in other ways as well, "Why, the prophecy even says he would come from the west, unknowing of his identity and concerned with nothing but his people."

Retta's eyes began to grow wide. He tried to rationalize it off. There was no way this man could be Kra-Akken incarnate. It just couldn't be! And yet, he fit so perfectly! Retta could contain his excitement no longer, didn't even allow Nicholai to respond, before he immediately bowed his head, "Oh, I am so sorry. I see it now! You ARE Kra-Akken! I would never believe it if I had not seen it for myself, but here you are! At first I mistaked you for a mere look a like, but now that I study closer, you have no differences. Only one thing is missing...it's also prophesized that before the Kra-Akken will come a witness. The witness is to be of weak physical strength, and even weaker in courage, but a great weaver of words. He is to announce the coming of Kra-Akken, but for the life of me I can't figure out how that fits in with you. Perhaps you are not him after all."

((Sorry, got tired of the convo, so I just put it all into one thing. Also, Retta had to convince himself before he was going to start convincing Nicholai.))