Follow the Stars (IC/See OOC for Signups)

[The National Dominion of Hungary]

The Kingdom of Lechya
Visegrad
HM King Jarosz III of House Zaslawski

Steps echoed throughout the room as the King's boots struck the finely polished stone floor, only the chandelier above spread a yellowish light across the finely wrought columns and the vaulted ceiling. The latter of which was covered in depictions of Lechyan history, this particular one of the War of Three Kings, a large civil war that occured 300 years ago between Queen Mila II, Grand Duke Grzegosz of Lukomorze and the self-styled King Andór Feszeg of Ungolith, which ended with the ascension of King Grzegosz I Zaslawski after the Grand Duke ousted his cousin the Queen from the throne and crushed the rabble rouser Feszeg. King Jarosz passed one of the two massive tables that graced the room, upon one of which was a detailed map of Lechya and upon the other a large map of all Arana. He glanced upon the map of Lechya, pins studded into the places where the seats of the most important Houses in the Kingdom were located, the Kazanowskis of Klomnica, the Stareks of Pavlograd, the Tarnowskis of Horodno, the Wisniowieckis of Kamieniec Gorny and many more. Some were his allies, others were enemies and others still neither, while indeed one of the cornerstones of Lechyan society and culture was the Code of Chivalry but most of the noble families in the Kingdom still took part in 'the Grand Game' in some measure. The Grand Game was the term for the perpetual competition for influence and esteem between the Lechyan aristocratic families and the goals of the Game are personal prestige, reputation, patronage and power and the great Castle Rhamanda that rose up above the city of Visegrad was the very heart of the Game.

The King had managed well, although he had a fine teacher, the Dowager Lady Kamarov. There was a saying in Lechya that went, if you wish to play the Game, you must ask a dance with the Dowager. There were countless rumors about her, she had been father's mistress, she had set up the hunting accident that claimed his life, she once killed a rival with only harsh words, and, a rumor Jarosz knew was true, she aided him into power. Why she had chosen to help him remained a mystery, even to the young King himself, but she had helped him plan the assassination of Lord Skladkowski and engineer a scandal with Lord Warszyc, and so, with the two major figures in the Regency Council removed, Jarosz took care of the rest and the rest, as they say, is history... The King stopped and took a deep breath of cool, refreshing evening air as he studied the map of his Kingdom in detail, he was in a rather safe spot for now, his family and allies alongside the short two years of stabilization with him on the throne, thus removing the power-vaccum that birthed the Regency Council and the period of internal unrest that had lasted for six years and provieded a quite stable foundation for his future rule. His rule over one of the pre-eminent realms of Arana, a rich and powerful state, one that he could make even greater if he picked his alliances, actions and possible wars carefully.

The King raised his gaze toward the door as it opened and a pretty young woman in a gaudy dress and covered in equally opulent amounts of jewellry entered. The King nodded, "Klaudora." He said, greeting his sister. "How good to see you." He was indeed glad to see this sister.

The girl raised an eyebrow as she looked at the King, she laughed. "Missed me brother?." Jarosz nodded. "Indeed I have, as I have this small thing I need you to do for me." The Princess raised her eyebrow once again. "Oh, and what might that be?" She asked as the walked across the room and stopped over by the other door, head turned toward her brother.

"You have a flair for organizing festivities, and I would like you to arrange a Grand Masquerade Ball." The King said with a smile upon his face. He did not particularly like such festivities, but they helped greatly when it came to keeping the aristocracy happy and were very good opportunities for manouvers in the Game. At the mention of a masquerade ball Klaudora's lips formed into a smile, she positively thrived in such situations.

"I shall see to it immediately!" The said with a smiling nod. "At Palace Gospodarin I suppose?" The King laughed. "Where else?" Klaudora gave a small laugh in response. "Indeed, I shall send the invitations out to those we will want to have there out tomorrow, I suppose the Wisniowiecki's and Warszyc's are invited?"

"The are indeed." Jarosz replied, his sister nodded once more and proceeded to open the door and heading further toward her quarters for the evening. "Sister, wait!" The King called out after her. "Send a letter to our dear sister Bea while you are at it, I want her to come to Court and to be present for the Masquerade." A "Don't worry, I'll see to it." Was the reply he recieved. The King smile, it would be good to see his big sister again.

---

The next day, messenger owls from the rookery of Castle Rhamanda flew out across the Kingdom of Lechya, carrying the invitations to the Kingdom's great and good to come to the Ball at Palace Gospodarin 40 days from now. And another one headed toward the Academy of Sorcery in Bolasgrad to the eldest of the former King Wieceslaw's children.

[Vergenskia]

As the pair entered town, alfried was hugged by a young woman, golden blonde hair and quite the composure. He said "It's good to see you Deariora"

She noticed the Orc and said "who's that?"
Alfried said jokingly "he's a friend, don't worry, he's nicer than he looks"

Alfried a attention seemed to be completely stolen by her, as if she captivated him, made him a different person with her presence

"You must be the woman he's given so much up for." He says with a smirk on his face, he proceeds to bow lightly. "I am Tel'lat Rauinvantol. It is a pleasure to meet you."

Tel'lat places his hand on Dreyfus' shoulder. "Despite my size and look, I mean no harm. I'm merely a traveling mercenary who has decided to tag along with this oh-so-smitten man." The Orc continues, giving the man a bit of a shake. "I'm not going to devour him, like you humans like to think us Orcs do."

[Kingdom of genoa]

She said "it is a pleasure to meet you"

Alfried seemed to glow being near here, as if she put new life into him. However he was listening carefully to his surroundings, he had a feeling of being followed, and it wasn't something good.

He had a hand on the palm of his sword, however Dearoria had the other hand tightly, she enjoyed his company, not just because he scared away the other guys, who dared not challenge Alfrieds claim, but she genuinely enjoyed being around him.

[Mesrane]

The Kingdom of Lechya
Pavlograd
Lord Martyn Starek

Growling with annoyance, Martyn glared at the door to Castle Pavlograd's vast library as the knock hammered home again. "What is it?" he seethed.

"Your lady wife," came a muffled, equally annoyed voice from behind the door.

"Well come in then, woman."

Lady Kassia Starek flung open the door and laughed when she beheld her husband sitting in his favorite chair by the fire, a copy of Vincenc's On the Red Age balanced in his worn hands. Kassia laughed. "Oh, of course. I'm a fool for hoping you would be doing anything else." A rolled-up piece of parchment was clutched in her left hand.

Martyn shut the book and rolled his eyes heavenward. "Is there something of import you wish to discuss, Kassia? This is my reading hour, just before supper. You know I'm supposed to be unreachable during my reading hour. And thank the Lady of the Lake that I only make it an hour too, and not half the day. I'm tempted to do that, sometimes."

Waving away his complaints, Kassia strode across the room and waved a sheet of parchment in front of his face. "This is an invitation to a masquerade ball at the Palace Gospodarin in Visegrad, from the king. It came a few minutes ago via rookery. I came as fast as I could."

With a sigh, Martyn immediately reopened his tome and began searching for his lost page. "I'm not going, Kassia. I've succeeded in keeping the poisonous politics of the capital at an arm's length for as long as I have ruled in Pavlograd. This is a perfect opportunity to do exactly that once more."

Kassia scowled. "Martyn, I never get to talk with any of my fellow ladies, except when the Glodowskis visit twice a year or on the rare occasions when I can convince you to get your arse out of the county and attend a tourney. Do you understand what a sad, sad state of affairs that is? Do you even care about the Grand Game?" The Glodowskis were the most powerful of Martyn's vassals, and descended from an old cadet branch of the Stareks to boot. Keeping them happy was important, hence the twice annual dinners.

Martyn looked up sharply. "I decline to play the game altogether, as did my father before me, and it's kept the house of Starek intact and undamaged by the politics of Visegrad for decades. It is my very refusal to involve myself that keeps us safe at night, especially at a time like now."

"Martyn, this isn't a matter of sticking your head in the mud until all the trouble goes away, because it won't. We have a new king. Oaths of fealty will be required anyway. Go to Visegrad. I'll come with you. Cibor needs to see the intricacies of the royal court almost as badly as you do; you've only taken him once before. Karol can rule perfectly well in your absence."

"We will discuss this further after dinner." Martyn held up a hand to stay his wife's onslaught. "After dinner, Kassia."

Fuming, Lady Starek stormed from the room, leaving Martyn to finish his chapter.

* * *

Martyn dug into the boar's flank and withdrew a juicy slice, inundated and dripping with gravy. The rest of his family followed suit as the beast was shifted around the high table. Envious glances from the courtiers and men at arms dining below followed the meat wherever it went.

"Karol," Martyn bellowed at his younger brother. "Why'd you have to spear it in the flank? Aim for the head next time!"

Ser Karol Starek took a swig of mead and shook his head. "Only because you feathered it's face so thickly, I thought it was a peacock!" He grinned a drunken grin, and Martyn chuckled.

To the immediate left of Martyn, Kassia leaned across the table to get Cibor's attention. With a fledgling beard and curly deep brown, almost black hair, the heir to Pavlograd was almost a spitting image of his father at the same age. "Cibor, how would you like to see the capital again? In a few weeks, perhaps?"

The Lord of Pavlograd leaned back, furious. I said after dinner woman, not during it, while the entire house looks on.

Cibor visibly brightened. "Why yes, I'd love to go to Visegrad again. What for?"

"A ball, a masquerade ball, at the king's invitation." Kassia turned to Lidia, their eldest daughter. "Would you like to come as well, darling?"

Martyn gaped. "Let's bring the whole damn house of Starek, why don't we? I thought I said-"

"-to discuss this at dinner, yes," finished Kassia, with a wolfish grin. "Karol, you won't mind sitting in for Martyn for a month or so?" Karol was just sober enough to pull himself out of his tankard of mead for a moment. "Eh, sure, sure thing, Kassia."

Lidia and Alicja clapped their hands together. Mikolaj cheered. All my children? thought Martyn. No, I think not. He stood. "No, Kassia, I think not. You and I will attend, along with Cibor. That. Will. Be. All." His tone brought and end to any further objection, and his gaze quelled even the smallest groans of frustration from his children. "Karol, be so good as to go up to the rookery after dinner and send off a message to Visegrad, informing the king of our coming. We shall depart in three days."

[Kingdom of genoa]

Alfried was confused, by title he was indeed a prince, though one in exile, he had stopped recognizing the name Prince as referring to him. He had received an invitation from his personal messenger pidgeon, which he had chosen due to its speed and a higher difficulty of interception. He read it to dearoria, and asked her "should we go, we don't have to literally show our faces."

She said "could be a chance for you to gain some support and show that you are still strong"
He nodded and said "we best start moving, it'll take a while to get there"

Alfried pulled out his map of the kingdoms and pointed to a road which gave a direct path there and said "if we stick to here it'll take less time"

[Augusticinia]

Temple of Godaln
City-State of Alsara

Earl Erond III slowly walked into the great hall of the room. Cool air gave a gentle touch to the room as his steps echoed on the stairs. In front of him laid a great statue and under it was a door. He stood in the center and said,"Oh Malas the Wise and True prophet. Let me into your humble sanctuary as I hope not to disturb Godaln or may he drown me in the lake of liquid silver." An old man slowly walked out and said,"Godaln would not dare give such a noble earl that fate. Now come in I have had a revelation." The Earl crossed the strong chain-held bridge towards Malas. Malas began to speak,"I was looking through the book Havenum by Nethos the Poor. Then as I read a line about the War of Manyr's Moon. As I read it I felt Godaln calling me and I found a prophecy. The prophecy has been stated before though." They entered the room and Malas took Havenum of of a shelf. He layed the book down on a table and began to flip through the pages. He soon found the page and pointed at a passage. Erond began to read it,"When the moment comes that the mountain shrinks, a man in green shall usher forth an age of kinship and an era of favorable crop yeilds. When the moment comes that mountains move and rivers shiver, a defeat shall bring the dawn of evil and a restoration of balance. It shall be then, when stars falls from the sky, a man of gold shall cause a destruction of power and an age of hunger. Once the world becomes shrouded in shadows, a marriage shall bring the most vicious war man has ever seen." The Earl looked at Malas. "Godaln told Nethos this and now he is telling you?" "Yes my lord." "What is to be done Malas?" Malas smiled and said,"We must wait for the mountain to shrink."

[Imperialisium]

The Raven's Take Flight

As high noon approached, Helios pulling the Sun across the sky, and in the port town of Trondjr, which served as the maritime port for Vyraheim a scant 5 miles distant and clearly visible as the city scaled up the mountains. Trondjr held about 30,000 people and facilitated trade from the Western Fjords and the cities of Erikstad, Ragnorrburg, Volkor, and the small coastal towns and villages further North. Sending trade to them and back East to Anvorskar, Carthyr, Kamorr, Talishar, and further afield. While also being a hub for trade coming up from the Western Continent and Val Terar.

Ships of various designs fielding pennants of various polities and regions sat in the natural deep harbor. However, the sleek, shallow drafted, longships of the Norvangr were marshaled. Ready to set out for the first raids of the season. This was by no means all the longships and raiders of the Norvangr, as each Jarl, Earl, and King could withhold and send as many as they wish; nor are they required to marshal in one location.

This aspect of Norvangr society is as old as the ages so to speak, and no doubt highly unpopular for anyone to see their ships approaching at speed towards their shores. The Norvangr had a complex civilization and were excellent merchants, but they also bore a highly warrior-centric society based on personal prowess, honor, and courage.

So as Ragnarr grasped one of the fore ropes of the main sail and looked out at the clear waters. He smiled. Behind him some 43 ships were setting sail behind his own. Slicing the water like seals as they made their way South by South-West. Heading for the Western Continent.

Vyraheim

Altyra sat on the Elderglass Throne, found in a sub-level of this very citadel, and adorned in the shape of twisting dragons. Beside her was Volthang, an Elderglass Longsword with a blade the color of lightning and light as a feather. Yet, able to rend metal like it was nothing but parchment. It's blade was so sharp, razor like glass, that even mortal made steel could not sand against it. It's value bordered on price less, as no one has lived since the time of the Vanir with the knowledge to forge these types of blades. Volthang was a symbol of Valkyr power and authority, and its blade has tasted many a foes blood.

Before her knelt a man in fine clothing, a thick Talishar accent inflicted his speech, "Your Grace, The Vorino & Marcio's Merchant House is ready to pay the cost for the damages to their ships and the fees for the sloops harboring and tugging by your Household ships. The incident this morning was a terrible accident when our sloop full of wines collided with a Val Terrar trade galleon."

"I have heard that the Val Terar galleon captain agrees that it was an accident?" inquired Altyra and several paces to the left a wiry man with dark hair and raven colored eyes spoke in a soft voice, Erik Vanjur, the Steward and official bean counter for the Valkyr household, "Yes, I have the documents with me. The total cost owed to us is 37 Tyrins, 2 Gulden, and 21 Farthings. Not to mention the 8 pennies owed per crewman that is now housed temporarily in a harbor warehouse as courtesy and paid for by the Val Terar merchant. The taxes for the appropriation of that Royal warehouse amount to an additional 8 Gulden."

"In addition for blatant disregard for appropriate safety measures and disruption of the peace a levy of 14 Tyrins will be set against both enterprises." Altyra's tone was final and the Talishari backed away with a bow, escorted by a pair of White Cloaks. The Talishari and the Val Terar merchants had got off lucky. Ragnarr would have fined them no less than 30 Tyrins a piece for that catastrophe in the harbor. While collisions did happen, a ship practically ramming another and nearly colliding with several smaller vessels was punishable by fines. Harbors in urbanized areas needed regulations and rules to keep trade flowing and the peace maintained.

Next a woman was brought in with a veil across her face. She was hobbling with a cane and a White Cloak helped her forward with a gentle arm. The woman tried to bow but stiffened in agony. Altyra looked intently as the White Cloak opened a small scroll and spoke, "This woman, Helga Utlepdottir, was found by a patrol severely beaten and abandoned in an alley near the second level main gate. Eye witnesses and her own account states that she was beaten unjustly by her husband and thrown into a dung pile to fester. Her wounds amount to four broken ribs, two broken fingers, three broken toes, a cracked shin, bruise and battery over her back and stomach, cuts to the face and arms, and finally battery to her face."

The woman lifted her veil and showed Altyra her damaged visage. Her left eye was swollen shut and scabbed over. Cuts on her cheeks and fore head indicated a knife or nails. Her lips were also broken and bloodied and no doubt several parts of her jaw had been bruised beyond belief. She tried to bow but lost her footing, the White Cloak quickly propping her up as another came over from the side and offered her his hand to hold.

"The husband?" inquired Altyra. As if on cue a man was dragged with shackled hands and feet was dragged into the throne room. Two White Cloaks hauled him in with his down cast face drooping and repulsive. One of the White Cloaks spoke with a bow, "We located him on the first level once we began our inquiries. We apprehended him three hours ago and held him in the fourth level barracks till now your grace."

"Why did you strike your woman Man?" There was venom in Altyra's voice.

He muttered a swear at Altyra. Earning a swift punch too the jaw from the White Cloak on the left. Breaking the man's lip and cutting his chin due to the soldiers armored fist.

"Very well. If he will not speak I must find him guilty on all charges. Give him the branch." He looked up with wide eyes as a guard to the side stepped forward with a knotted olive branch. Iron studs were nailed into this device of punishment. The accused would be struck as long as the sentence demanded.

"100 Strikes. No death." Altyra's sentencing was cold and menacing. The guard readied to strike, but froze as Altyra lifted up a single hand. Pointing at the woman the guard nodded in agreement and acknowledgement. Handing the woman the branch she hobbled over. Tears of anger and loathing in her eyes as with all her might she whipped the branch up and down. Striking her husband square in the face. Breaking his nose in a gush of blood. A second strike and a tooth fell to the ground with a rattle. A third strike to the left shoulder buckled his arm. Another to the ribs. So one it went one hundred times even as the woman's strength began to give way. Yet, this was her recompense. She would be the arbiter of the man who brought her so much agony.

Finally as the one hundredth strike landed, and Altyra had quietly dictated a letter to Erik that he scribes down in flowing letters. The woman would be approached and handed the very same letter. It was a Royal Order that proclaimed all the Man's personal effects, home, and financial assets would now belong to her and her alone. Followed by permission for annulment of the marriage that the clergy of Vaerina would no doubt accept given the context. Her eyes were teared with exhaustion and joy as the letter was quietly read to her, for she could not read herself, and the White Cloaks helped her out with all due care.

Women held an interesting position in Norvangr society. While Men held the pre-eminent position in society a Woman had certain unalienable rights. One of which was that she could own her own property, and the other was that while able to be punished by a man she could not be beaten for no reason. Along with abuse that was above and beyond necessary.

[Padellian]

Benjaminas rolled restlessly in his sleep. Images appeared in his mind, images of war, of destruction, and of a man cutting off his right hand. He saw his father, only not with the look of a wise, gentle, fair soul, but rather one of a man with death standing before him. A man who was to die any day.

He stood in a field with dead laying all about him. Men in armor, some bore the crest of Paellion, others bore a crest he did not know. He looked at his sword and hand and saw blood dripping from the blade pooling on the ground by his foot. The scene around him showed a battle that was over, but yet every nerve within him remained at the ready to commit to more fighting. He turned in circles to see what caused him to be in such a manner. Then a *crack* of a branch to his side and he brought his sword up just in time to block a black blade from cutting into his shoulder.

He looked at his new opponent, it was a shade. A black silhouette with a black shining blade that clanged against his as they fought. Benjaminas was put on the defensive as the shade pushed him hard, slash, slash, stab, parry, slash! Each time the swords creating a sound like thunder. Benjaminas's ears rang as he finally saw his chance to down his opponent. The shade had brought his sword high for a slash from above, Benjaminas though parried it high then brought his own sword down in a slash, breaking through the shade's guard. The shade dropped the black sword and screeched curses at Benjaminas as it fell back and fumbled to the ground. Benjaminas took his own sword and made are the shade was dead by stabbing it through the shade laying on the ground.

As he did so though, the black shroud around the shade vanished leaving a body with armor he recognized. Benjaminas looked at the shades face then stepped back in shock. Gedimina lay there eyes open, staring at Benjaminas. Blood frothed from the man's mouth. Benjaminas fell to his knees next to Gedimina in grief. He stared at his brother's body, but then the body stiffened and before Benjaminas could react a dagger from Gedimina's hand was stuck into Benjaminas's throat.

Benjaminas gasped as he bolted up from his bed in the night. Sweat collected on his face, he was breathing heavily, his hands feeling his neck. He stared around the room he was in, it was his own bedroom. Not the field with the dead laying around, just his room. The only bodies laying in the room, were that of his own, and of a servant. His sister's servant, but she made an enjoyable night before, for Benjaminas. She stirred slightly as she looked up at Benjaminas.

"M'lord?" She called quietly as she stirred from her sleep. "Is everything okay?"

Benjaminas laid back down next to the bare woman, "Yes Sonja, it was merely a dream." He stared at the ceiling of the room as the house maid moved closer to him and laid a hand on his chest.

"Was it a bad dream sir?"

"Yes. I have not had a dream like this in many years." Benjaminas sighed.

"Hmm... I'd see Joseph the Court Mage then sir." She looked at his eyes. "He could help you with this, or provide guidance about the dream sir."

Benjaminas considered it. Joseph was a madman, and hardly a Mage. Nothing compared to the mages of the Southern Continents or of the Mages of the high kingdoms. All that Joseph did was essentially make nice fireworks and be an auspicious "oracle". Benjaminas never believed what the man had to say, but in this instance anything would help. "I will do that. Thank you for the advice Sonja."

The young house maid smiled and slipped a hand under the covers. "Always a pleasure m'lord. It is after all my job to satisfy his lordship in anyway I can."

The next morning Benjaminas followed Sonja's advice and met Joseph as he strolled around the fortress gardens. "Hello Joseph. I was wonder-" Benjaminas was interrupted as a finger was shot in his direction to silence him.

"HUSH BOY. Do you not see it?!" Joseph whispered to him.

Benjaminas looked around, there was nothing but the stone walls of the fortress and the plants of the garden. "See what?"

"THE HENDELHOFF?!"

Benjaminas was about to respond with an answer but then went silent remembering the Mage was insane. "Yes! The Hendelhoff? How could I forget what that was called!" Benjaminas played along to satisfy the insane man.

"It's been many years since I've seen one. Usually I see Rewdimoids on my walks in these gardens. It's quite an extraordinary creature." Joseph quietly told Benjaminas. Benjaminas rolled his eyes as the mage was staring at the air in the gardens.

"Yes, I see it. Now I must ask you a question Joseph. "

The old bearded man with one eyed stuck looking at the sky, and the other looked at him. "Shh...the Hendelhoff!" He turned back to where it was supposed to be and then turned back to Benjaminas with a disappointed look on his face. "It's gone."

"I'm sorry Joseph. Now back to my question..."

"Ah yes, what does the good sire need? What causes you grief?" Joseph spoke as though the idea of his Hendelhoff had disappeared from his mind completely.

Benjaminas looked at him and explained his dream to the court Mage who listened intensively while continuing to walk along the gardens. Occasionally the crazy old man would stop and stare at something with wonder, only to have the look replaced with sadness when it "left". As Benjaminas finished explaining the dream, Joseph turned to him and flicked him across the nose face and studied Benjaminas's shocked expression for a moment before grabbing one of his hands and smelling it. Benjaminas was of course, slightly discomforted by the Mage's actions. Even more so when the Mage began to undulate and hum loudly. An iron guard stopped as he walked by and stared at the two, who Benjaminas dismissed with a shrug.

Joseph continued this maddening display until finally he stopped and looked Benjaminas in the eye. "YOU! Benjaminas Paellion are about walk onto a path that will lead you to death, destruction, and sorrow. But it will also lead to glory, honor, and love for you. Be careful young lord, and do please be wary of those closest to you." The Mage sternly stared at Benjaminas, causing the lord to feel scared especially with the auspicious fortune. This lasted for an all to uncomfortable of a moment when the Mage split off and began walking around the garden pointing at the air and babbling excitedly, leaving Benjaminas alone in the garden. Benjaminas turned slowly and wandered off to his room to ponder the Mage's words.

"WI'll I bring death to Fyora?"

[Augusticinia]

The Forge of Agenos Svard

"Once one hears the hammer strike the red iron a man truly knows where the sword received its power from." - Wilhelm V

---

Agenos Svard was one of the greatest blacksmiths Alsara had ever seen. He had started his training when he was 5 with his father. Agenos was half-dwarf and half-man. His father was a dwarf from the Swyrjada Mts. His mother was a servant in Alsara. Agenos's mother had died when he was 15 but his father still lives helping Agenos even though Agenos's abilities surpassed his father's. Agenos often found himself reading about mythological weapons, and creating weapons and prototypes in his spare time.

Agenos walked over to a heavy lever and pulled. Molten metal began to come out of a chamber and into a small, specially made barrel. The molten metal gave a soft glow to the dark, underground shop. While the barrel was filling Agenos began to place some weapons on a cart to sell at the market. His stand was by the docks and he traded with travelers, sailors, and adventurers. A light chime came through the Forge. The barrel was finished. Agenos walked to the barrel and poured the metal into armor castings. His father had taught him to make Dwarven Travel Armor since he was 12. Agenos waited the sight of cooling metal brought a sense of joy and love for blacksmithing. When the metal was cool but still in liquid form he began to shape the metal, using a delicate rod. Then he grabbed a set of tongs, sweat dripping down his face, and pulled out the set of armor.

When he was finished he heard his shop door open. He ran towards the metal staircase and ascended it. A stranger stood at the door. The stranger spoke,"I would like to make a request for a sword. I would like a medium length. I want it to be a sword of Fire & Strength. I have searched many times for a blacksmith that can do this and they have failed. I have heard of your great skill and I ask you to create the Sword of Helios."
"It will be done though it may take me a month and 8 Suknar." "You have a heavy price." "Asking me to do this brings me a great burden." The man reached into the bag and pulled out 8 Suknar and placed it on the counter and left.

Agenos went into his library. He took books on Helios, Dwarven Magic, and Swordmaking. He grabbed a planning scroll and began to set the Sword of Helios. He drew the sharp sword that would be made out of Orc's Copper. Though he would have to travel to Porograad to purchase it. Then for the grip he would need the skin of a Red Wolf. He could purchase that at the market. He drew the cross-guard delicately and proceeded to add his signature to the grip. He looked through his books and found nothing on the Magic of Fire. He picked up his scroll and pen and walked to the Imperial Library.

[Kingdom of genoa]

Alfried and Deariora had left on a pair of her parents horses, the first time he had met her parents. The encounter had gone very well considering the status of their relationship.

They were moving along the road towards the city, where Slfried had the slight feeling that there would be his greatest challenge, and deadliest for yet. He made small talk with Desriora trying to keep his mind off of it.

"I hear that your parents are talking about giving you their farm"
She nodded and said "they think that I've got enough responsibility to do it on my own and to own my own lifestyle"

Alfried said "I can certainly agree, you are quite independent"

[The Armed Republic of Dutch Coolness]

Audry Tanners
City of Woodthorn

---

It had been a long, one might even say a bit boring, day so far. Audry remembered waking up in the morning, laying on a patch of grass underneath a tree, the sun shining on her features as she rose, giving off a pleasant warmth. The pleasant warmth of the sun had become, in her opinion, slightly less pleasant during the day, as she had traveled together with the insect-man Akaro to her destination for the day, the small city of Woodthorn. Woodthorn was, in many ways, more of a town than a city, but it had walls made out of wood, several inns and taverns, as well as several other things that just about justified it being called a city. Audry had figured that, if she were to earn herself some coin, that'd be the local place to be.

Now, at last, the two of them stood in front of the city's gates, a bright smile on the human's face, the adventurer looking forward to resting in a bed for the night. The wooden walls gave off a warm hue as the evening sun shined on them, giving the town a pleasant appearance as she walked closer towards the gates. Before she could enter, however, Audry was stopped by one of the guards. "Oi, you there," the man, wearing rather poor-looking equipment, spoke as she came closer, "who are you - yer not from here. And who's that?" The guard motioned with the tip of his spear towards Akaro. "We," Audry replied, putting on her sweetest smile, "are both adventurers. We have come here to take a rest, and possibly find some sort of job. All legal, of course! We're not criminals." The guard replied. "I don't think I'll risk having you lot -" Before he could finish, Audry grabbed the man's hand and pressed several coins in it, still smiling as she looked straight at him. "I'm sure we can!" He shrugged in reply. "Fine, move along."

Turning back to Akaro, she smiled, waving with her hand. "Well, come on, lets go find an inn or something!"

[Illan]

Akaro Aer'Visthel

As Audrey had indicated, it was indeed a long and boring day thus far.

He recalled his routine of awaking from his "bed" on the branch of a tall tree, looming overhead of Audrey, the young (although technically older than him) and spritely human, like a protector. Although, it was sort of instinct - skulking away in the shadows was just how he lived, even in this new life of his. Then again, his assassin style of living had saved them before.

Fast forwarding a bit later into the day, Akaro found himself standing alongside the human girl in front of the gates to a city - if one could call it that. He laughed a bit under his breath when he first saw it. If this is what passes for a "city" in human terms, it makes the hives looks pristine and....well....amazing. And before he knew it, the Arynii found himself with a rather backwoods guard sticking a spear in front of his face. His jaw made a sort of quiver in annoyance, and his eyes rolled beneath the shadow of his hood. He was about to make a more....threatening move on the guard to let them through, likely involving one involving scaring him with use of his, well, jaws. Most humans around here hadn't even seen an Arynii aside from the superstitious tales they hear of them dragging away children to feast on (which is entirely untrue), thus, Akaro has quite the numerous oppurtunities to make use of that.

Of course, he could just spit acid into the guard's face, but Audrey was never too enjoying of that.

Upon seeing her press coin into his hand, Akaro frowned a bit. As they entered through the gate, he spoke up a bit. "Why didn't you let me do my usual intimidation? That nearly always works - and I could size that man up. He was weak, superstitious, nervous. He would have been frightened."

The Arynii walked forward a bit with the girl at his cloaked side, and felt a chill go down his back. It was cold around here, maybe not to Audrey or the other humans, but it was to him. Arynii - or most of them - were better suited to the warmth. "I need a coat."

[The United Eastern States of Europe]

Coast of Tannhäuser

"Do it, hurry!" Svet giggled as the selkie crawled onto the shore. "Bring some here so I can see!" Hally shook her head and smiled at her best friend. A cracking sound escaped her legs at the seal contorted them. The selkie grunted in pain as she flexed a leg out of her torn seal skin bottom. "Quick, someone might see you!" The siren was impatient and fearful of humans, after all she had never seen one where they naturally were. the thought both excited and scared her.

"It's not as easy as you might think," Hally groaned. "It hurts a serious amount!" The selkie pulled a second leg out, tugging her skin as if it had a zip. The skin fell off and lay beside the water. "Hold this, I'll be back soon." Hally shoved her seal remains into Svet's hands as she got used to walking again. Walking a mere 5 times in her total life made it difficult to get used to. She wobbled like a child learning as she put one foot in front of the other. Hally stumbled her way inland.

Svet waited for her, trying to work out how far they had swam. They had left the pack in the deep water between the East and west land masses. They swam faster than the great ships above them. They had headed west, but for all she knew this was nothing more than an island. Without her friend with her, Svet began to fret. She muttered prayers to herself, leaving the selkie mark for Hally. "Skjerme guide her..."

[The Armed Republic of Dutch Coolness]

Audry Tanners
City of Woodthorn

---

Audry nodded towards Akaro. "Yes, he would've been frightened. He'd have run off and told all of his mates about you, and within moments, all of town would know there's a man with more than one jaw within their walls. And as you may know, people don't always... appreciate that as much as others do. Bribing him was easier, less dangerous, and a lot less suspicious. Although you might not know these kind of things as I do... I mean, well, it's not as if I reacted all kinds of happy when I first saw you lying there." Smiling, she continued walking, looking around the streets. Several stores, a blacksmith, a shady-looking inn she decided to skip, a whorehouse, another shady inn...

"I need a coat." Audry stopped in her tracks, turning towards the Arynii with a frown. "A coat? Why? It's not cold, is it?" She shrugged. "Well, at least as far as I know... You should probably check in one of the stores, they'll have one for you, I'm sure! Have you got money with you yourself, or..?" The human girl took her pouch from where it had been hanging from her belt, offering it to Akaro. "You get that coat, I'll go to that inn over there," she pointed towards a more classy looking establishment, "and see if they have any rooms available. You'll want your own room, yes?"

[Illan]

Audry Tanners
City of Woodthorn

---

Audry nodded towards Akaro. "Yes, he would've been frightened. He'd have run off and told all of his mates about you, and within moments, all of town would know there's a man with more than one jaw within their walls. And as you may know, people don't always... appreciate that as much as others do. Bribing him was easier, less dangerous, and a lot less suspicious. Although you might not know these kind of things as I do... I mean, well, it's not as if I reacted all kinds of happy when I first saw you lying there." Smiling, she continued walking, looking around the streets. Several stores, a blacksmith, a shady-looking inn she decided to skip, a whorehouse, another shady inn...

"I need a coat." Audry stopped in her tracks, turning towards the Arynii with a frown. "A coat? Why? It's not cold, is it?" She shrugged. "Well, at least as far as I know... You should probably check in one of the stores, they'll have one for you, I'm sure! Have you got money with you yourself, or..?" The human girl took her pouch from where it had been hanging from her belt, offering it to Akaro. "You get that coat, I'll go to that inn over there," she pointed towards a more classy looking establishment, "and see if they have any rooms available. You'll want your own room, yes?"

Akaro frowned at her proposition of buying a coat with her own money. No, he thought, he didn't want to owe this woman more than he already did. She had done enough for him, he wasn't about to take her money. "That isn't neccesary, Audry. I'm fine, just a bit chilly. I can make do with what I have." He smiled with his strange jaw, walking with her. "It's just a bit of a cold wind, yes? I'll be fine once we get indoors.

He walked with her into the inn. Much nicer and hospitable than the outside of the city would infer it to be. And warmer, he felt the flames of the nearby fireplace burning. "And another room isn't neccesary - I can make do with sleeping on the floor or what ever you want. We need nod pay more money than is neccesary. We art here to make money, not spend it."

[The Armed Republic of Dutch Coolness]

Audry Tanners
City of Woodthorn

---

Audry shrugged, smiling as she put the pouch away again. "Fine by me! Although... you haven't been freezing whenever we stayed for the night outside, have you? We should get you a coat otherwise."

As the two made it towards the inn, Audry stopped, taking a quick look at the sign hanging outside. The Shimmering Shrub, what a strange name. Stepping inside, she looked around, once more smiling. Nice, warm, decent people by the looks of it, and seemingly clean. "Well, as long as you won't get too cold on that floor, that's fine by me! Hope you don't mind if I do some reading before falling asleep, though... Anyway, you're right. Make money, rather than spending money." With that, the human went towards the bar, hiring a room for the two, before ordering a meal as she sat down at a small table. "So... Tomorrow we'll be looking for a job, then? Should probably check out the main square."

[Illan]

Audry Tanners
City of Woodthorn

---

Audry shrugged, smiling as she put the pouch away again. "Fine by me! Although... you haven't been freezing whenever we stayed for the night outside, have you? We should get you a coat otherwise."

As the two made it towards the inn, Audry stopped, taking a quick look at the sign hanging outside. The Shimmering Shrub, what a strange name. Stepping inside, she looked around, once more smiling. Nice, warm, decent people by the looks of it, and seemingly clean. "Well, as long as you won't get too cold on that floor, that's fine by me! Hope you don't mind if I do some reading before falling asleep, though... Anyway, you're right. Make money, rather than spending money." With that, the human went towards the bar, hiring a room for the two, before ordering a meal as she sat down at a small table. "So... Tomorrow we'll be looking for a job, then? Should probably check out the main square."

Akaro sat along with her, smiling but not letting his hood down. Too dangerous - people would be frightened or either threatened by him. "We may be able to look tonight, even - it is merely evening, after all." Akaro said, sitting his his fingers folded over each other on the table...thinking a bit.

"Come to think of it, I have seen you reading a book the last few nights we've stopped to sleep. What ever is it, anyway? A history book? Mythology? An Arynii and human love story?" Akaro teased, grinning at her as he lifted his hood a bit so as she could see his eyes.

[The Armed Republic of Dutch Coolness]

Audry Tanners
City of Woodthorn

---

"We could, but... Well, like I said, I'd like to do a bit of reading tonight... Maybe you can check on it, see if there's anything? If you'd like, of course." Audry noticed that her companion still covered his face with a hood, but didn't pay it much attention, fully understanding why he did so.

She blushed a bit when he mentioned her book. "Oh, it's nothing... Just some stories, nothing special... I try to read one every night, but it's really hard. I was never really taught how to read, and only learned how to do so several months ago..." The human frowned at the mention of a love story, shaking her head, completely oblivious to Akaro's implication. "I don't think anyone's ever written that... Do you know of such a book? I might have to read that if it's a bit more simple than the one I'm currently reading." Audry smiled as a woman approached with two dishes, signaling that dinner had arrived - now that she thought of it, she was starving!

[Krugmar]

---

᛫ ᛈᛁᛈᚣᛚ ᛫ ᚣᚡ ᛫ ᚧᚣ ᛫ ᛘᛂᚮᚿ᛫
People of the Meon

---

᛫ ᚱᛁᛏᚳᚣᚱᛞ ᛫ ᛘᛂᚮᚿᛋᛆᛂᛐᛂ᛫
Richard Meonsaete
᛫ ᚸᚫᛚ ᛫ ᚡᛁᛚᚼᚮᛋ᛫
Gal Vilhos

The Dome of the Stars was a vast building, dedicated to the worship of Helios, the patron of the Meon. Yet long had he forsaken his valley. Monsters roamed in the dark mists, while strange voices whispered evil thoughts into the hearts of good men. The Protector was powerless. Doomed to simply sit and watch as the work of his ancestors crumbled around him. Before him was a Seeing-Stone, a relic of the Vanir who had once inhabited the lands and formed great cities that had long since withered away, or been lost to the ravages of time. It was transparent and clear, made out of the strange glass that was so favoured by the ancient ones. Yet despite its elegance it was incredibly heavy, taking several men to lift and carry, though its durability was unknown. Perhaps it was as fragile as it looked, perhaps not.

The pedestal was located near the top of the dome, atop a spiraling staircase that seemed endless. Richard wished that it was. The pain that came from these sessions was often intolerable, but the knowledge gained was worth the price paid. The stone glowed a light blue as he grew near, it sensed that its master was near. He grasped it firmly and lifted it into the air. To those with the blood of the Meonsaete, it was weightless. This had led to many believing that his family had the blood of the ancient's within them, giving them a solid right to rule the valley. Richard was not sure what to believe, nor did he have the time to ponder. The age of reckoning was upon them.

To an outsider the stone would have remained blank, clear and transparent. Yet the scion of the Meonsaete could witness events that had happened, were happening, and were about to happen. Sadly, it was often too cryptic to understand and took years to decipher, by which time the events had already happened. Perhaps the Vanir could solve them in minutes, or seconds. It grew darker and shook violently, a strange mist clouding any visions that may have been granted.

A dark, guttural voice uttered words that pushed fear into the heart of Richard, "Gu kibum kelkum-ishi, burzum-ishi. Akha-gum-ishi ashi gurum.". It felt as though a knife had pierced his heart while an icy fist wrapped around his throat and snuffed the warmth and life from his soul. He recovered slowly. It was a message he had heard many times, and one that the Seeing-Stone had unfortunately translated for him, No life in coldness, in darkness. Here in void, only death.

"You have my attention, creature, why do you plague my realm so?" he inquired, his breath steady and his heart full of flaming fury. His grip upon the stone tightened, though it held, perhaps not so fragile after all.

He received only a slow, methodical laugh from the other side, which worried him endlessly. It had never replied before, usually merely giving visions of what it had done to Galas Morhlaus, his people, and the decaying lands around. "Gimilzôr." it boomed, shaking him to the core. Every member of the Meonaete family had a true name derived from the ancient and almost extinct Karûnin language, one that was never shared and only used between members of the family.

"You know my name, so what shall I call you?" he asked, defiant in tone and spirit. In truth he was slowly breaking, the pressure of leading his people through this dark time, while coping with the deaths of his wife and heir weighing heavily upon his soul and conscience.

"Burzum." came the response.

"You are darkness incarnate? Enemy of Helios, defiler of the world?" Richard inquired, his skepticism of the claim filling him with false confidence.

"Gûlburzum." it replied.

"A Wraith, servant of darkness? Why do you tell me this?" he asked, but was met with only silence. He had learned more in one day than he had in three years, though he was left with an empty feeling. Fear ran through his body, and dread corrupted his mind. What was this creature planning?

"Mazauk." came the final reply, before the darkness dissipated and the cold grip upon his mind yielded. He was broken. The ground rushed up as his knees buckled, and shouts came from all around him. His breathing grew faster and faster, yet he did not depart from the world. Helios protected him. Helios needed him. War was coming.

᛫ ᛋᛁᚵᛂᛒᛂᚼᚱᛐ ᛫ ᚣᚡ ᛫ ᛒᛖᚴ᛫
Sigebehrt of Beck
᛫ ᛏᚩᚱ ᛫ ᚠᛂᛚᚠᛆᛚᛆᛋ᛫
Tor Felfalas

Decay. That was all that Sige could see before him. The stench of death, and the tragedy of ruin. Tor Felfalas, or Jewel of the South in the common tongue, was now abandoned. Those who had not fled west, to the relative safety of Gal Vilhos, had joined the legions of the Dolguzagar. It was the name given to both the creature that inhabited Galas Morhlaus, and his army of the dead, for there was no difference as of yet. It had never been seen by those who still lived. He doubted the dead would inform them, and so it would have to be left to mystery. Resistance so far had been almost futile, with the Lord Meonsaete hiding away within his fortress, and his nobles scurrying to protect their own lands first.

The People had no faltered like their masters. Sige had been raised it the woods of Limru, and had gathered a large band of fellow countrymen to journey with him into the Mistlands. They had expected to find hordes of monstrosities, yet they had been fortunately dissapointed. It was empty, with an eery silence gathering around them. Evil was afoot. Several of his men had gone crazy, heeding orders from voices in the air, murdering their brothers-in-arms before taking their blades to themselves. Every breath was like a punch to the chest, toxic fumes gagging and choking even the hardiest of men. Yet they had endured, and they had survived, and they had adapted.

"Freawine and Hethor have returned Captain, they report that Cir Bolon is empty, devoid of all life. Every village in the mist is gone, there is no life here." reported Acwulf, a large man who had formerly been a blacksmith in Galas Dratha before the cataclysm. His hands were huge, and his bald head showed numerous signs of burns and scars, hazards of the job. He did however bear a mighty black beard which complimented both his jovial nature and ferocious conduct in battle.

Sige simply nodded, pulling a hand through his long brown hair and inhaling sharply. "We must scout Galas Morhlaus, perhaps the enemy was defeated, and this mist is simply the remnant of his attack?" he posited. The answer to this argument was quickly answered. A flash of light erupted from the south, shooting high into the air with a tremendous screech, streaks of green lighting shot across the sky, and dark clouds began to gather, floating slowly towards their position, and further onwards.

A wave of air pushed through the mist, whipping and punishing those standing within it, sending weapons and hats flying. Something was wrong. Something was very wrong.

"Do you hear that?" asked Acwulf, and Sige could indeed hear it. Chanting, barbaric gurgling and laughing, noises to fill the nightmares of the living. Songs that should never have been sung, words that should never have been uttered, so dark and terrible that to comprehend them was to understand death, darkness and the void itself.

"The dead are upon us! Captain? Captain! What do we do?" shouted one of the rangers, a short man with his hair cut short. Sige did not know his name.

Sige hesitated for a moment, the words stuck in his throat. Fear buoyed up, and stuck painfully in his chest. "We... we must." he croaked, coughing several times and pressing his palms into his knees. He looked at the ground, the soil black and rotten, killing anything that might have once grown. This was the future of their land. The future of his village.

A strange strength surged through him, as if Helios himself had lit the flame of defiance within his soul. "We must fight here, harass the enemy, stall them so that the armies of the Meon may gather. Man the walls, the ruined buildings, strike from the forests. Hurry, they shall be upon us within the hour." he commanded, his voice resonating authority. His men hurried off to their positions, grabbing their old hunting bows, bent spears and blunted swords. They were a rabble, yes, but they were a rabble with hope.

Hope was in short supply.

᛫ ᛞᛄᚪᚾ ᛫ ᛘᛂᚮᚿᛋᛆᛂᛐᛂ᛫
John Meonsaete
᛫ ᚸᚫᛚ ᛫ ᚡᛁᛚᚼᚮᛋ᛫
Gal Vilhos

The blinding light was both a horrifying, yet satisfying event. The awful peace was finally over, and the battle for Gal Vilhos had now begun. John was a martial man, not prone to politics or fancy dinners like his grandnephew, or of mystical tomes and strange artifacts like his nephew. He was the commander that the Meon needed, and he was the one that they would get. His nephew had created him the Captain-General of the realm, ceding all military authority to him, a move that might create jealousy and intrigue in other nations. They did not possess the binding love that the Meonsaete had for each other, or the sense of longing for joy and happiness that filled the Meonwara.

"My Lord, Captain Alfgar has requested orders." a low voice squeaked to him. John looked at him, and startled the poor man. It was not his fault, he was but a mouse approaching a lion, fear was understandable.

"Do not lock the gates, but have them prepared. Archers upon the walls, ready the trebuchets. Send out word to the Barons and Viscounts, they are to raise the Fyrd and gather them in three places, Dol Valas for the Eastern Lords, Gal Vilhos for the Central Lords and Dol Itir for the Western Lords. The main host must come here, Gal Vilhos will likely take the full assault of the enemy, as it did the last time. Now hurry!" he shouted, sending the mouse scurrying away.

He looked to the east, and merely smiled. Helios help them all.

[Illan]

Audry Tanners
City of Woodthorn

---

"We could, but... Well, like I said, I'd like to do a bit of reading tonight... Maybe you can check on it, see if there's anything? If you'd like, of course." Audry noticed that her companion still covered his face with a hood, but didn't pay it much attention, fully understanding why he did so.

She blushed a bit when he mentioned her book. "Oh, it's nothing... Just some stories, nothing special... I try to read one every night, but it's really hard. I was never really taught how to read, and only learned how to do so several months ago..." The human frowned at the mention of a love story, shaking her head, completely oblivious to Akaro's implication. "I don't think anyone's ever written that... Do you know of such a book? I might have to read that if it's a bit more simple than the one I'm currently reading." Audry smiled as a woman approached with two dishes, signaling that dinner had arrived - now that she thought of it, she was starving!

"Maybe I could help you with reading - I was taught rather well. Albeit, I read Arynii Manuscript better than most, but I have learned your human writing as well." Akaro smiled. waving away a woman who asked if he was having anything to eat. "Reading is a good habit to have - I'm glad you do it." The Arynii said with a smile, looking around the people in the tavern, trying to "read" them, as he learned to do. They seemed merely jovial and enjoying themselves - maybe he needed to let his guard down, realize that not everybody was out to get him. He chuckled at himself a bit at this realization.

"Oh, I was teasing about that whole "love story" book.....I'm sure such things exist, but I have no interest or idea about them."

[The Armed Republic of Dutch Coolness]

Audry Tanners
City of Woodthorn

---

Audry smiled, happily nodding in agreement as Akaro offered to help her with her reading. "That'd be great! I had a teacher, but well..." She shrugged. "Well, like I said, if you could help, that'd be nice. I've always wanted to be able to read about adventures and such!" As the Arynii looked around the tavern, Audry began working on her meal, slightly confused by the fact that her companion didn't seem to want to eat, although she decided not to ask, realizing it was probably to do with his multiple jaws.

"Oh, I see..." Audry laughed a bit awkwardly, figuring that'd be the polite reply seeing as it had been some sort of joke. "Well, who knows, maybe I'll run into something about the whole thing some day."

[The National Dominion of Hungary]

The Kingdom of Lechya
Visegrad, Castle Rhamanda
HM King Jarosz III Zaslawski

"Your Majesty, one last petitoner is begging you for a moment of your time." The castellan said as he stood by the side of the Silver Throne underneath the Dome of the Ancients at the end of the vaulted hall with those support columns that held the great arches high, inscribed with old Lechyan runes and glyphs. Large chandeliers hung on strong chains, casting light across the hall and illuminating the scenes of Lechyan myths and histories painted on the Dome above the where it stood between two somber looking guardian statues and a line of the King's Own, the men of the knightly order were clad in their black plate-and-mail armor, with the iconic lean, masked helmets, making the living guardians look as somber as those made of silent, breathless stone.

Among the Royal duties was recieving petitioners, and the King found this Royal duty among the most boring. Most of them wanted either money, justice or lands. To some he gave, to some he denied. The city guard brought three young sons of knights, arrested for one instance of rape and also beating an old man to death while drunk. Jarosz ordered them flogged around the city, a dozen lashes at each square. They had besmirched their good and noble names by behaving like common brigands and would thus be treated as such. After there were three merchants who came asking for a... contribution to open a distilling buissness in Radzejow, which was granted in exchange for one fifth of the yearly profit. Then came an envoy from Count Kokosinski of Rakowo with a whole cart of fine goods from the first ship to moor at the newly built port on his lands, in gratitude the port would be free from taxes to the Zaslawski's for one year. The day slowly went on as a well dressed man with a lute entered the grand throne room, a bard no-doubt seeking a royal patron, the King sighed to himself as the bard bowed deeply. True happiness stems only from duty. As the old Lechyan saying went.

As the bard played a rather nice sounding version of 'Lady's Herald' the King thought of his sister Klaudora's latest report on the work with the masquerade. Apparently the various Houses have started sending letters confirming their presence, the Kazanowski's were coming, and so was of course his uncle Grand Duke Felician with his wife, and apparently the Starek's were coming as well, he had not seen Lord Martyn for many years, Jarosz was but a small boy, father was still King. He wondered where to place the Starek's, they were not friends and not enemies, the Starek's were in fact the very definiton of a isolated, but loyal vassal, the kind they had been for all of history mostly, keeping to themselves but sending the required taxes to the crown and contributing their troops when called to war. It would be interesting to meet this Martyn, the King thought as the bard finished the last part of the song. And, more interesting still, was the message from the King of the self-proclaimed Kingdom of Derius...

The Kingdom of Lechya
Bolasgrad
Princess Beata Zaslawska

The spires of the Academy of Sorcery rose up toward the bright blue sky, barely a cloud stood between the sun and the world below that basked in it's warmth. Bolasgrad was a small city built on a large island in the River Ukraz, it counted 30 000 inabitants and was one of the main crossing points on the river, thus much of the overland trade caravans between the Northern and Southern part of the Kingdom passed through here, and the city held many inns, catering to the many travellers and traders that stopped by here on their way toward their destinations. In the western end of the city was the Castle from where House Topor ruled over their land, and in the western end, it spires reaching as high as the towers of the castle and the tower of the cathedral, the Academy of Sorcery, one of the very few offical institutions of magical education and training in Arana. Looking out through the windows in one of these towers was Princess Beata Izabella Zaslawska, daughter of King Wieceslaw, third in line for the Lechyan throne. For fitteen years she has walked the hallways of the Academy, first as an apprentice, but now as a fully fledged sorceress and teacher. She was enjoyed her place here where she could study the magical arts alongside some of the greatest mages in the Kingdom, in the beginning she had loathed the Academy, but it had grown on since she first arrived all those years ago.

She turned her gaze away from the city and looked across her finely furnished room, she was, after all, a princess of the blood. Beata walked up to the large table, piles of scrolls and books covered the finely carved tabletop, but it was only one of those papers that was on that table that her thoughts went to. She picked it up in a fluid motion, an letter from her brother the King to return to Visegrad and to attend a masquerade. She sighed, it was four years since she was last in the capital, she did not miss it much, but if her borther called, who was she to deny? He propably wanted her at court, perhaps as an advisor? Perhaps to send a signal that the Zaslawski's are as a fist ready to crush all who stood in their way and not fingers twitching absent direction. The princess opened her door and left for the office of High Enchanter Dariusz, the old man was as cold and unrelenting as the western mountains but even he would be able to depart with one of his teachers when the King demanded, and, she was a princess, so who was he to stop her anyway?

And so, she made her way through the hallways and rooms, passing the wizards who taught the young apprentices incantations and imparted their magical knowledge to the next generation, most of those children would end up as court wizards or healers, some would no doubt strike out on their own, ending up as village wizards or witches. After a brisk walk through the beautiful halls of the Academy she finally arrived at the High Enchanter's study, the old man could be found there at most times during the day. The Princess knocked and entered. During her time, Beata had seen quite a bit in her time, but he had never met a man that looked more like a mage than High Enchanter, clad in a long, light blue robe with silverthread details and sporting a long, gray, well-combed beard.

"You still have not learned how to wait before being admitted, your Highness?" She spoke, his voice laced with irritation, Princess Beata did not care. "You will have to find someone to take care of my apprentices." She said, handing over the King's letter to the High Enchanter.

[Illan]

Audry Tanners
City of Woodthorn

---

Audry smiled, happily nodding in agreement as Akaro offered to help her with her reading. "That'd be great! I had a teacher, but well..." She shrugged. "Well, like I said, if you could help, that'd be nice. I've always wanted to be able to read about adventures and such!" As the Arynii looked around the tavern, Audry began working on her meal, slightly confused by the fact that her companion didn't seem to want to eat, although she decided not to ask, realizing it was probably to do with his multiple jaws.

"Oh, I see..." Audry laughed a bit awkwardly, figuring that'd be the polite reply seeing as it had been some sort of joke. "Well, who knows, maybe I'll run into something about the whole thing some day."

"Whenever you want me to help you, just tell me. I'll happily oblige." Akaro said kindly, nodding to her with a smile of his his thin lips, his jaw quivering slightly. Helping would be a nice change of pace, mostly he was defending their fair group of two against bandits, criminals, etcetera etcetera. Perhaps imparting something not combat based will be nice.

"And if you really are upset about me not knowing such a book, I could find one for you. If anything, it could teach you more about our anatomy. Maybe help you be....well.....less uncomfortable around me." Akaro smiled again, his jaws making that distinct subtle and instinctive chatter motion once again.

[The Armed Republic of Dutch Coolness]

Audry Tanners
City of Woodthorn

---

"Hmm, that'd be nice. If I ever need help, I'll be sure to ask!" Audry nodded in return, before turning her attention back to her meal. It was a nicely filled dish, still warm and sure to fill her stomach for the rest of the night. Smiling, she continued eating it, highly enjoying it - even if it was a bit simple, she hadn't eaten anything different in all of her life anyways, and this reminded her a bit of home.

Audry indeed felt rather uncomfortable with Akaro's anatomy as he made the chattering motion again. "Uhh... maybe?" She shook her head. "More books are always welcome, though!" Finishing her dinner, and washing it away with a cup of cheap wine, she stood up from the table. "Speaking of books, I'll probably head upstairs and try and read for a bit..."

[Illan]

Audry Tanners
City of Woodthorn

---

"Hmm, that'd be nice. If I ever need help, I'll be sure to ask!" Audry nodded in return, before turning her attention back to her meal. It was a nicely filled dish, still warm and sure to fill her stomach for the rest of the night. Smiling, she continued eating it, highly enjoying it - even if it was a bit simple, she hadn't eaten anything different in all of her life anyways, and this reminded her a bit of home.

Audry indeed felt rather uncomfortable with Akaro's anatomy as he made the chattering motion again. "Uhh... maybe?" She shook her head. "More books are always welcome, though!" Finishing her dinner, and washing it away with a cup of cheap wine, she stood up from the table. "Speaking of books, I'll probably head upstairs and try and read for a bit..."

"Yes, of course." Akaro said with a bit of upset in his tone. "Please do what you wish - I'll be up in a bit, okay? Sitting alone for a bit could be nice. I could think." The Arynii said reassuringly, sighing at himself, however. "I apologize if I seem uncouth or unbefitting with my comments - I simply want you to understand how....we work. The Arynii are - many see us as strange and disgusting, when we are nothing of the sort. I simply want others to understand, you most of all, given how we travel together..."