The Chronicles of Mystria: Times of Sorrow I

[Servoth]

"So you're an unbidden? You don't look like the ones I've had to kill back in Suld..." She said while looking at Dariken, "You don't look savage or insane or mindless at all. The ones I encountered didn't seem interested in anything but killing people. And they did, they killed a lot of people in Suld. I didn't imagine that there were some that didn't want to kill others." She said while examining him. "Maven took a huge risk for you, and I can only think he did it out of love, but you're right about the information causing an uproar. In Corbal there was a great anger about the unbidden being declared a candidate for being recognized as reasoned beings. The Church however did take it upon themselves to try and do a campaign of truth. We are not sure, but there may be more unbidden like you." Amalia said as she looked at Dariken's sickened expression. She knew what he was thinking.

If killing Maven will keep it a secret, the Uncorruptibles might just do it...

"Well, probably the ones you saw were only half-unbidden, or if you will pseudo-unbidden. Really unbidden like myself just want a home and to be left alone. Those, the ones you most likely saw are almost always practically mindless beings, and usually have a higher power controlling them. But I know, I'm sure there are other unbidden like myself out there. But I can't go back and save Maven I'll be killed, all I can do is search for the flower of Zaiden and get a homeland for my kind. Uh, speaking of finding that flower, that tower is my only way to find the flower without all the artifacts. Unless you have a way to?" Dariken implied to Amalia.

[Crystal Spires]

Yalij read the letters from the Chosen from Sylandral and was unsurprised to hear that Lady Mercine was distraught about the verdict. King Marcitian also had demanded that there be a renewed open trial, but Yalij did not even know if there was even a way to do that. He was stuck on what to do. The trial has been kept under wraps and even Maddy had been completely kept in the dark. She had not been allowed to see the trial, and so she had no idea about the truth that Maven was innocent. The Rod of Judgment itself had cleared him, but it was disregarded by the courts. Yalij wanted to see Maven, but didn't know if he could do so. He wrote a message to his highness the King of the Elves.

To the City of Nilmarith

From:The Beastling States of Crystal Spires

To King Marcitian

The Uncorruptible tribunal has kept this trial quiet and intend to keep his execution secret. I do not know if there can be an open trial about this matter as it is incredibly sensitive. Surely you have heard about the riots in Corbal with the changelings. Such ruckus was Maven's doing because he discovered something incredibly dangerous and unthinkable to us all. This secret may change the very foundation of our society, and because of it they do not intend to ever make the trial or reasons go public. Much less the execution. Eames has pushed the date back until the night of the full moon. Maven will be killed then, but we must stop it! I do not know what I can do your majesty.

Your humble friend,

[Metanih]

To The Beastling States of Caltris,
Yalij, i appreciate your efforts, but you say the trial has been kept quiet. Perhaps the solution to stalling this is to make it public. A whisper in the right ear, and you can avoid blame, and assuredly make the trial less popular, and perhaps call it into review. I fear, that with such distance between us, I can do nothing more, but give advice. I hope you heed it, and if you deem it sound, act on it.
King Marcitian,

[Crystal Spires]

"Unless you have a way to?" Dariken implied to Amalia.

"I don't really know, all I know is that unless you have the relics, those who try and seek the flower die. Also those who seek the relics also usually die. It's why the flower has never been found to this point. It's not mere coincidence that the flower has yet to be found." Amalia said as she looked at Dariken trying to think of something. "What will you do to try and get the flower?"

[Servoth]

"Unless you have a way to?" Dariken implied to Amalia.

"I don't really know, all I know is that unless you have the relics, those who try and seek the flower die. Also those who seek the relics also usually die. It's why the flower has never been found to this point. It's not mere coincidence that the flower has yet to be found." Amalia said as she looked at Dariken trying to think of something. "What will you do to try and get the flower?"

"Well, um you kind of let my hope down there. My only way of trying to atleast find the flower is out, and I now think I'm about to die every five seconds. I don't know what I'm going to do, I guess I could try and steal one of the the artifacts and get back into the game that way." Dariken suggest to Amalia.

You like her, don't you? How do you know?!?! I didn't... Great, your now going to pester me about that, aren't you? Probably.

[Crystal Spires]

"I believe the High Council has one of them. One of the relics is in their possession. It is called the Rod of Judgement, and it is used to discern truth from lies by the judges in Caltris." Amalia said with a knowing glance, " You could see Maven as well, if we play our cards right. As for worrying about death,I wouldn't worry if I were you. I'm going with you. I've fought in Suld, and I've been fighting my way the whole way here. I can help protect you. " Amalia picked up her giant broadsword, her gentle small frame not at all weighed down by the huge sword.

"So what will we do now? I'm terribly lost, so I wouldn't know... which way to Caltris to begin with."

[Servoth]

"I believe the High Council has one of them. One of the relics is in their possession. It is called the Rod of Judgement, and it is used to discern truth from lies by the judges in Caltris." Amalia said with a knowing glance, " You could see Maven as well, if we play our cards right. As for worrying about death,I wouldn't worry if I were you. I'm going with you. I've fought in Suld, and I've been fighting my way the whole way here. I can help protect you. " Amalia picked up her giant broadsword, her gentle small frame not at all weighed down by the huge sword.

"So what will we do now? I'm terribly lost, so I wouldn't know... which way to Caltris to begin with."

"There are maps on the airship," Dariken said, and pointed up at the airhship above them. "I can pilot it and get us back there. You scared of flying?"

[Crystal Spires]

"I don't think so."

She lied. Amalia was terrified of heights, and so spent much of her time on the flight sticking around Dariken terrified to death. She clung close to him and with every bit of turbulence she held him closely afraid of what would happen. She was slightly glad that this unbidden man was going to seek the relics, because the seeker who was responsible for the death of Deygan was still, to her, not at all the true chosen seeker. This made her anger quelled. A peaceful unbidden seeking the flower. It was strange. Perhaps her travels had quelled much of her rage, but she realized the change in herself and was much more at peace from it.

[Servoth]

"I don't think so."

She lied. Amalia was terrified of heights, and so spent much of her time on the flight sticking around Dariken terrified to death. She clung close to him and with every bit of turbulence she held him closely afraid of what would happen. She was slightly glad that this unbidden man was going to seek the relics, because the seeker who was responsible for the death of Deygan was still, to her, not at all the true chosen seeker. This made her anger quelled. A peaceful unbidden seeking the flower. It was strange. Perhaps her travels had quelled much of her rage, but she realized the change in herself and was much more at peace from it.

"Are you sure you aren't scared, Amalia? You've been hanging onto me for the entire flight, but don't worry it's about over." Dariken said to her, trying to calm her nerves. He laughed and looked ahead, through the window he could see Caltris.
Going to be a fun run. Since when did you like almost getting killed. Since you found love. You annoying basterd.

"So what are you going to do when the flower is found Amalia?" Dariken asked her.

[Crystal Spires]

"It's going to get rid of the curse isn't it? That means there will be the ability to seek real and true peace between all races. I'm not sure if that is what will happen, but the holy texts mention that there will be a time of tumultuous change which is the time I think we are in now, and then there will be a time of lasting peace." Amalia said as she thought about it carefully.

Times like these remind me of the History of the Time of Darkness. I hope we do not have a worldwide war or worse off, a War of Attrition. Amalia wondered what Dariken was thinking and somehow felt more comfortable that he seemed so confident. He made her feel a little more safe, which she noted felt odd because she was supposed to be afraid. This man was unbidden. The stories she heard as a child where those unbidden would kill you in the night and murder your whole family because they desired blood and carnage. This was not at all what she saw in front of her. She saw a man fragile, and afraid for the person he regarded as his family.

[Crystal Spires]

The Valley of the Mountains of Coralin Outside of Terradin

Jabrill looked at the imposing statues that led towards Terradin. He was feeling ill from the feeling of nerves overwhelming him and he hid his form and face beneath the cloak as he saw the many royal guards and city guards patrolling the area. There seemed to be more of them than usual.

There is no guarantee that the Thane will listen to me at all, I could tell them the name of every member in the Hands of Fate, and chances are that the Thane will still say no and I'll be killed by dawn first thing tomorrow anyway. I wish Arvok were here, or Raren or Mari, or Cherry, or Maddy... I feel so cut off, and now I'm going alone to the second place I have wanted to avoid for the rest of my life. he thought as he saw a sign up ahead. He looked at the letters and tried to make it out.

N-o-r-t-h....North... t-o- to.... T-e-r-r-a-d-i-n...Terradin... It's right up ahead? Oh God... I'm not ready.... Panic finally set in, but he knew there was no time where he would be ready. Deep down he knew that there was no time he'd be ready to return to Terradin, and even worse would be Mordovia.

[League of Emberg]

The Valley of the Mountains of Coralin Outside of Terradin

Jabrill looked at the imposing statues that led towards Terradin. He was feeling ill from the feeling of nerves overwhelming him and he hid his form and face beneath the cloak as he saw the many royal guards and city guards patrolling the area. There seemed to be more of them than usual.

There is no guarantee that the Thane will listen to me at all, I could tell them the name of every member in the Hands of Fate, and chances are that the Thane will still say no and I'll be killed by dawn first thing tomorrow anyway. I wish Arvok were here, or Raren or Mari, or Cherry, or Maddy... I feel so cut off, and now I'm going alone to the second place I have wanted to avoid for the rest of my life. he thought as he saw a sign up ahead. He looked at the letters and tried to make it out.

N-o-r-t-h....North... t-o- to.... T-e-r-r-a-d-i-n...Terradin... It's right up ahead? Oh God... I'm not ready.... Panic finally set in, but he knew there was no time where he would be ready. Deep down he knew that there was no time he'd be ready to return to Terradin, and even worse would be Mordovia.

Gundral noticed Jabrill admiring the statues leading up to the gate of Terradin "They are impressive aren't they? They are all the past kings of Terradin and one day I hope I will take my place among them." Gundral sighed and continued to look at the statues.

Ahead the guards had seen the approaching column and were in a frenzy. They knew that among them was General StoutHammer, but at the head of the column with him, were people they did not recognize from a distance. Soon word got to the gates that Prince Gundral was among them. They rushed to prepare to accept him back into the hall and announce his proper arrival to the High Thane.

StoutHammer looked ahead to the guards who were scurrying about preparing to meet their Prince. "My Lord I believe they know you are coming, Are you ready to meet with your father? Master Jabrill, keep your hood up and head down, we will make sure they leave you alone."

[Crystal Spires]

" I will do as you say." he said while looking away from the guards. "But where do I go in the meantime while His Majesty Prince Gundral goes to see the Thane? I know you will stay with me which is a small comfort, but where can we go that is safe?" Jabrill asked while once again remembering that he was completely unarmed.

I don't even have a hunter's blade... I need to get something. He looked at the statues and smiled nervously. Under different circumstances he would have found them as beautiful as they were when he first saw them. They reminded him of what he imagined the entryway into the sacred realm would be like, but his emotions colored his experience and now he saw them only as avatars warning him of impending death. Ancient pillars of a society that desires his blood. He didn't feel comfort, and had a feeling of sickness as he waited for a response from Stouthammer on where they could wait safely. Somehow Jabrill didn't know if such a place even existed in his case. The Guard are supposed to keep people safe, and it is painfully ironic that the Guard is what Jabrill really and truly feared.

[Servoth]

"It's going to get rid of the curse isn't it? That means there will be the ability to seek real and true peace between all races. I'm not sure if that is what will happen, but the holy texts mention that there will be a time of tumultuous change which is the time I think we are in now, and then there will be a time of lasting peace." Amalia said as she thought about it carefully.

Times like these remind me of the History of the Time of Darkness. I hope we do not have a worldwide war or worse off, a War of Attrition. Amalia wondered what Dariken was thinking and somehow felt more comfortable that he seemed so confident. He made her feel a little more safe, which she noted felt odd because she was supposed to be afraid. This man was unbidden. The stories she heard as a child where those unbidden would kill you in the night and murder your whole family because they desired blood and carnage. This was not at all what she saw in front of her. She saw a man fragile, and afraid for the person he regarded as his family.

"That would be nice, having noone try to kill me because of race," Dariken said to himself, but that wasn't what he wasn't only thinking about.

I wonder if she would like to get married. Dariken? You married? Ha! Funny, I just can't see you becoming a familly man. You basterd.

"Prepare for the landing and get ready to run like mad, Amalia. Because once one of the city guard spot me, they'll be trying to kill me. And you know that only two people can't taken on entire squads of Caltris city guards." he tolded her, as he began the landing process.

[Crystal Spires]

"Wear this." She threw a cloak on him and covered his likeness. "We need to sneak in as carefully as possible, if not there's no way we'll make it to Maven at all."

Amalia was glad to be landing so that she could be on solid ground again. She was still incredibly afraid of how rough the landing would be, but she would do her best to protect Dariken.

"Alright, let's go quickly." She said as the airship landed in Caltris Airpad.

[Almonde Tise]

Maddy had been unable to do much in a positive light to help maven her uncle like Yalij because she lacked the political tact required to send letters to high officials of Mystria. However, she was continuously involved with the situation but always reclusive in the dark corner doing nothing much other than beating up herself about being the one to expose Maven's corruption, if he truly had any. Yalij did seem to need a secretary to gather him more and more papers to write on since the piles of crumpled paper were finally piling so high in his office he needed help. When fetching more paper for Yalij to create a letter she tripped and fell into a mud puddle. Raining and all covered in mud or at least what she hoped was mud, Maddy began to have a nervous breakdown as she looked at the stack of papers she had been carrying in a tin box to keep it dry was now buried in the mud. "I...I...must get these papers to Yalij he can help save Maven. He can keep him from dying. But, Maven might not be released. I sent him to prison. I killed Maven. I killed Maven. I killed Maven. I...I...did." Maddy drew her sword from her hilt and stuck it in the ground before her. "Why? Why? Has the god's forsaken me with such trial. My family, dead! My, childhood friends, dead! That stupid Jabrill, the last available foxkin possibly in all of Mystria, dead! Or soon will be. Fine, if you want me dead, do it now. Smite me down with all your power! KILL, ME! Maddy stood there looking up at the dark sky. No! That's too good for you isn't it! You would have much more delight in making me suffer! I won't let you have the satisfaction! Maddy then started to pull her blades up out of the mud and placed her head between them while she held them like an X as if they were large scissors.

[League of Emberg]

" I will do as you say." he said while looking away from the guards. "But where do I go in the meantime while His Majesty Prince Gundral goes to see the Thane? I know you will stay with me which is a small comfort, but where can we go that is safe?" Jabrill asked while once again remembering that he was completely unarmed.

I don't even have a hunter's blade... I need to get something. He looked at the statues and smiled nervously. Under different circumstances he would have found them as beautiful as they were when he first saw them. They reminded him of what he imagined the entryway into the sacred realm would be like, but his emotions colored his experience and now he saw them only as avatars warning him of impending death. Ancient pillars of a society that desires his blood. He didn't feel comfort, and had a feeling of sickness as he waited for a response from Stouthammer on where they could wait safely. Somehow Jabrill didn't know if such a place even existed in his case. The Guard are supposed to keep people safe, and it is painfully ironic that the Guard is what Jabrill really and truly feared.

StoutHammer looked at Jabrill "We will go with the prince of Course, Your the reason he is meeting with the High Thane so you must be present."

[Crystal Spires]

Maddy then started to pull her blades up out of the mud and placed her head between them while she held them like an X as if they were large scissors.

Yalij looked around the corner looking for Maddy. He was out of paper and his fever was starting to make his head swarm with pain. He then saw Maddy up ahead it was almost like she was trying to slice her own throat and cut her own head off. He rushed to Maddy with a look of panic. "Maddy... Maddy! What are you doing?!" Yalij grabbed Maddy and pulled her throat away from the blade's edge and knocked her to the ground.

"Maddy... are you okay?" Yalij asked her with a similarly devastated look in his eyes."W-wait that's a stupid question. Of course you're not. It's not okay. Maddy I need your help. Maven needs your help." Yalij said as he had a scared sound in his voice. "Maddy I swear, Maven's innocent! I saw the Rod of Judgment, it didn't change color. He was speaking the truth. Fornt himself spoke on behalf of Maven and the Council is so full of hate for the unbidden that they don't care. They're willing to kill Maven just so they can justify killing more of the unbidden. You need to believe me. There's only one way I can prove it Maddy. We need to steal the Rod, and you can ask Maven yourself. Please Maddy we must not let this happen! The Just God himself is begging us to rectify this injustice."

[Crystal Spires]

StoutHammer looked at Jabrill "We will go with the prince of Course, Your the reason he is meeting with the High Thane so you must be present."

"I have to BE there?" Jabrill's face was horrified...

I-I can't do that. I have to look the man in the eye who is going to judge whether I live or die. I'll say something wrong, get him mad, I'm not a statesman, I can barely read! I'm going to screw this up. This is why Arvok was around to help me. I can't be my own advocate...

"What do I have to do?" Jabrill asked with a sinking feeling.

[League of Emberg]

StoutHammer looked at Jabrill "We will go with the prince of Course, Your the reason he is meeting with the High Thane so you must be present."

"I have to BE there?" Jabrill's face was horrified...

I-I can't do that. I have to look the man in the eye who is going to judge whether I live or die. I'll say something wrong, get him mad, I'm not a statesman, I can barely read! I'm going to screw this up. This is why Arvok was around to help me. I can't be my own advocate...

"What do I have to do?" Jabrill asked with a sinking feeling.

StoutHammer laughed at Jabrills rather obvious discomfort "You just have to stand there it will be the Prince who does all the talking. So you have nothing to worry about, You have already told him all that is needed the only thing that you must say is the names."

[Almonde Tise]

Maddy then started to pull her blades up out of the mud and placed her head between them while she held them like an X as if they were large scissors.

Yalij looked around the corner looking for Maddy. He was out of paper and his fever was starting to make his head swarm with pain. He then saw Maddy up ahead it was almost like she was trying to slice her own throat and cut her own head off. He rushed to Maddy with a look of panic. "Maddy... Maddy! What are you doing?!" Yalij grabbed Maddy and pulled her throat away from the blade's edge and knocked her to the ground.

"Maddy... are you okay?" Yalij asked her with a similarly devastated look in his eyes."W-wait that's a stupid question. Of course you're not. It's not okay. Maddy I need your help. Maven needs your help." Yalij said as he had a scared sound in his voice. "Maddy I swear, Maven's innocent! I saw the Rod of Judgment, it didn't change color. He was speaking the truth. Fornt himself spoke on behalf of Maven and the Council is so full of hate for the unbidden that they don't care. They're willing to kill Maven just so they can justify killing more of the unbidden. You need to believe me. There's only one way I can prove it Maddy. We need to steal the Rod, and you can ask Maven yourself. Please Maddy we must not let this happen! The Just God himself is begging us to rectify this injustice."

"MY HELP!??Have you not seen what MY HELP has done for Maven. LOOK! See what has happened. I have brought this upon Maven only because I wished to save him from the unbidden not send him to them. Regardless, of the truth he has told he has still consorted with them. The council does have it out for him but they are not wrong for administering the punishment of purification. And it is ALL MY FAULT, that he was exposed to them. I THREW Maven to them. I KILLED MAVEN! I KILLED HIM! I DID! I AM THE BRINGER OF ALL DEATH! Everywhere I go I bring bad fortune to those around me. The gods continue to make the world before me a hellish place. I cannot stand to see it anymore. I must end there fanciful parade. Therefore, I must end the charade. Surely, Fornt himself calls for my death but plagues me with unending sorrow. I have no one in this world. I am responsible. I KILLED MAVEN! I KILLED THE FOXKINS!! I KILLED EYLIS!!!"

[Crystal Spires]

StoutHammer laughed at Jabrills rather obvious discomfort "You just have to stand there it will be the Prince who does all the talking. So you have nothing to worry about, You have already told him all that is needed the only thing that you must say is the names."

"Alright, I can do that..." Jabrill said as they prepared to enter Terradin. He looked down the beautiful halls and even if he had seen them before, he was still feeling drained from the overload of discomfort.

"Let's go then." Jabrill said as he walked into the main hall wary of the slightest movement.

[Crystal Spires]

"I KILLED MAVEN! I KILLED THE FOXKINS!! I KILLED EYLIS!!!"

"Maddy...what are you doing Maddy? Maven's still here. Maven's not dead, and he loves you. He doesn't want to see you like this. We need to help him before it is too late... Maven's always been a hero to me. He's always helping people, and going to people's rescue not thinking about how it would affect him. I've always known him to be like that. This time is no different, only Maddy... he can't just pick himself up from this one. He needs our help or he really will be killed and we won't have anyone else but each other. Maven's all I really have. The only family I can say...Is that strange? "

Yalij took the blades and set them aside and hugged Maddy.

[League of Emberg]

StoutHammer laughed at Jabrills rather obvious discomfort "You just have to stand there it will be the Prince who does all the talking. So you have nothing to worry about, You have already told him all that is needed the only thing that you must say is the names."

"Alright, I can do that..." Jabrill said as they prepared to enter Terradin. He looked down the beautiful halls and even if he had seen them before, he was still feeling drained from the overload of discomfort.

"Let's go then." Jabrill said as he walked into the main hall wary of the slightest movement.

"Aye we should not keep the High Thane waiting for long, he has a short temper." replied Gundral. StoutHammer lead the way to the Great Hall in which sat the High Thane. Gundral walked in first and beckoned for Jabrill to follow him last in was StoutHammer.

"My Lord might I request that you send the others from the room, we come bearing sensitive information." said Gundral

"Very well. Everyone out bar the doors so none may enter General StoutHammer." said the High Thane

[Crystal Spires]

Jabrill waited to be beckoned and crossed his arms and his ears twitched as he tried carefully to listen. He could feel his heart racing as he tried to keep calm. He couldn't afford to lose even a second of his composure. He tried to control his breathing to make sure he didn't show any fear.

So I am going to be called to talk afterward? What is going on?

Jabrill was slightly glad he didn't have to enter and say anything as well. Giving the distance between the Thane and him was more comforting. He preferred to hear it afterward, it would give him some time to at least mentally prepare, or escape if need be. He didn't think that would be possible though at this rate it would be suicidal, but if he was going to die anyway he'd rather it be on his own terms. He listened carefully to what Gundral was going to say.