Exalted: Age of Sorrows (IC)

[Antimersia]

Goldenseal

In Goldenseal, one should always be weary of their surroundings. Pirates, smugglers, and bandits alike roam the city. With the bountiful trade that runs through Goldenseal, it is a spot ripe for the picking by those who make their living through such illicit activities. And yet, there is enough legal money to be made here that merchants of all types litter the streets. One such merchant has a stand set up just by the docks. His stand, filled with fruits to sell to the near scurvy ridden sailors, is wooden, old, and barely still standing. The merchant himself is borderline ancient as well. His tanned, leathery skin is wrinkled to the point that he would be unrecognizable to anyone who hadn't seen him since his youth. His hair is frizzled and stark white. The merchant's age affects more than just his looks though. As in his age, falling asleep at his stand in the warm sun of midday was a common occurrence for him. An occurrence so common, that he is sleeping at this very moment as the hundreds of people walk around and past him through the docks.

Almost blending into the crowd at the docks is a man walking barefoot over the gravel road. His clothes are plain and worn, with several stitched up tears. Strapped to his back is a bo staff. And the only thing on his feet are callouses that seem to have been built up over the course of many years. He walks along with a spring in his step and an oddly wide smile on his face. His pale grey eyes denote his blindness to any who care to look. And yet, he has no trouble at all navigating the crowd without bumping into anyone. Something that even most of those who can see, cannot say. He stops dead in his tracks when he hears a sudden snore coming from the man at the fruit stand. He walks up, weaving through the crowd until he stood on the opposite side of the stand as the sleeping merchant. The man pursed his lips, finding it odd that the merchant would sleep with his wares out in the open like this. But, he simply shrugged and reached down to grab an orange from the pile of them. He stood still for a moment in deep contemplation. As if he were taking in information. Then, suddenly, he smiled again and began to walk away. Before he could even take two steps away, he felt the tight grip of the old wrinkled hand of the merchant wrap around his wrist.

"I hope yer were planning on paying for that!" the merchant says angrily.

"Oh, the orange? No, not really. You were asleep, so I was just going to take it." The man replied, in a shockingly plain tone. His voice, soft yet deep.

"That's theft ya miscreant!" The merchant replied. "I outta report you to the city guard!"

"There are no guards nearby. So to do that you'll have to let go of my hand. And if you do that no guard is going to be able to catch me." The man said in a pleasant tone, as if he were speaking to a dear friend.

"Well, then i guess I'll just hold on until I see a guard!" The merchant replied.

"Why would you do that?" The man replied, as if naive to the situation he is currently in.

"Because yer trying to rob me you ingrate!" the merchant yelled.

"Oh..." the man paused, "Why don't I just pay for it then?"

"wha-?" the merchant tried to say, nothing short of perplexed. He stood there, dumbfounded for several seconds, completely unsure of how to respond. "I-I guess that would be alright. Save me the the trouble of dealing with the guards. An orange is four yen." He added, giving the blind man an outrageously step price.

The man quickly reaches with his free hand towards someone as they pass by. He deftly slides his hands into their pocket and snatches the contents out. He feels the material briefly with his hands to make sure that it is Imperial scrip. There is also a plain piece of paper with it that he tosses aside before handing the scrip over to the merchant. The merchant takes the four scrips into his hands and his eyes go wide to see that it is not four yen, but four koku that the blind man has stolen to pay for his orange.

"I hope that is enough to cover the orange. Obviously, I can't really tell how much it is." The man says with a hearty chuckle.

"yes-" the merchant says, his voice cracking in surprise. He coughs heavily for a moment before speaking again. "Yes, this will cover it." He lets go of the blind man's are and shoves the koku scrips into his pocket. He looks around, worried, knowing he did wrong and books it, abandoning his stand and moving remarkably fast for a man of his advanced age. The blind man continues along his way, peeling the orange, and pulling out a section to eat it. He passes by as there is a small commotion in the crowd caused by a man yelling for guards, screaming about how he has been pick pocketed. The blind man pays no mind as he moves forward towards his original destination.

The blind man walks along the docs until he reaches a guard house. Just as he begins to pass in front of the guard house, he stops, noticing the two guards manning the entrance and extrapolating that he has reached his destination. He turns towards the building and heads in. The two guards out front give one another a strange look as they watch the blind men enter. Inside there is a member of the city guard writing on a parchment at a desk in the center of the room. He pays no mind to the blind man as he enters. The man walks over to the walk and picks out a bounty poster at random. He brings to poster over to the table and places in front of the guard who is writing there.

"Can you tell me more information about this bounty?" the blind man asks, his tone friendly and almost giddy.

"All of the information is written there on the poster. Nothing more I can tell you." The guard answers dismissively.

"I see." The blind man replies. "Well, pretend I'm illiterate, can you read it for me then?"

"Fine," the guard says with a sigh. "Wanted: Alive, Percy Loomer. Piracy, Murder, Theft, Vagrancy. Bounty of twenty kopecks. Happy now?"

"I usually am! And thank you, but as I am blind I have to ask you one more favor. Can you describe him for me?" the blind man asks as politely as possible.

"Blind? Why the fuck would a blind man be looking to hunt bounties?" the guard asks shocked, finally looking up from his desk to see the blind man before him.

"Its fun and it helps me buy food. Why else does anyone do anything?" the blind man replied.

"that's... That's fair. What's your name?" the guard asked, his interest peaked.

"Maediacles Munkii. But, you can call me Medi! My friends call me Medi." Medi replied gleefully.

"Well, Medi, Percy is about six feet tall, with a large gut, and dark black hair. Not sure how that will help you though." the guard explains.

"That is plenty to help me. Thanks a bunch! Have a good day!" Medi says taking the bounty poster with him as he heads out. Medi leaves the guard house, the sunlight funneling in around him for the moment he holds the door open. The guard sitting at the desk scratches his chin, deep in thought. He chuckles briefly.

"That is one weird fucking guy." the guard says to himself, getting back to his writing.

[Luminesa]

Gregor - Pictures In The Snow

The chilling cold was a brutal tyrant, as it wore down the minds of soldiers and generals simply by its presence. It breathed and jeered at their misery, as they carried forward in the tundra and prepared for battle. Even Gregor, who with his fellow Exalteds did his best to keep the army warm, felt his mind wander every now and again. He grumbled at the wait he now kept, as Eugeni and Grugni met somewhere far ahead of them. His plan was ready, and he needed to be firm and alert.

And yet he longed still for some sort of peace, some sort of quiet. A quiet that did not bite at his vitality and tear at the life within him. He gulped, and stared ahead into nothing.

“Professor?”

Gregor had been asleep at his desk, in the secret alcove he kept beneath the university. His body and mind were exhausted from grading papers, writing papers, and writing letters to nobles and academics. Too many people wanted some piece of his time, and some piece of his knowledge. At times he felt his age, though he tried to hide this mortal sensation from anyone who knew him. Being caught asleep at his desk was a rare sight, even for Eugeni.

“...Um...Ggh...?” The professor blinked his eyes awake, checked his pipe for any lit fires, and then pulled his creaking body into a sitting position. “Eugeni...do you have any idea what time it is?...”

“I-I know, I am sorry to bother you...” His shy student, then only twenty-three, stepped further into the room, allowing his face to be lit by the flickering fires in the fireplace and on the walls.

“You are the least bothersome person I have met today...” He yawned before he could continue, and he shook the dreams out of his eyes. “...What do you need?...”

“I...stayed in the library too late, and...I think I got lost on campus...”

“So you wandered down here?” Gregor smirked at his student’s clumsiness. “Don’t you know someone could have followed you, and then this space would have been discovered?”

Eugeni nodded apologetically. “...Do you...mind if I stay down here for some time, to finish my studies?...The library closed...and my room is too far...” he muttered.

“Eugeni Ledaal, you live in a massive palace with every book you could possibly want, with a hot cup of tea waiting for you, and two parents who worry sick about you every day and night, and you want to stay down HERE with your grumpy, tired, world-worn professor who only has a little black tea and two bottles of wine?”

A pause. The two men, one greying and cynical, one green and bright, stood in stark contrast. Yet there was no judgment between them. Gregor only chided from sense of concern, while Eugeni gave him a sympathetic gaze as he saw the tired lines etched into his face.

“...Yes?”

Another pause. Gregor gave a sigh, and he rose from his chair. “Wine or tea?”

“...Wine?”

“You do not drink much wine, young man. Did your classmates give you a hard time today?” Gregor chuckled, as he pulled a bottle of red wine out from a secret space behind the bookshelf.

The noble student shook his head. “...I...wanted to see if it would help me to relax anyhow...I am too stressed...This paper is fifty pages...due tomorrow...” he murmured.

“I expect nothing less...” Gregor poured him a glass, and set it on the table closest to the chair by the fireplace. He chuckled at his student’s nervousness, and nodded to the glass. “...It’s strong, I hope you like it. Now...do not mind me, I need at least three hours of sleep.” With this, he sauntered back to his desk like a weary ghost dragging chains, and he dropped his head down where it lay a moment ago.

This little hideaway was oddly comforting, in a way, for both men. The faint sounds of pen-scribbles marked the only background noise he heard, as he struggled to fall back to sleep. The space was locked away by Magic, and the student did not make any other noise or ask for any other comforts. Eugeni was busy at his work, with a stack of papers and books beside him. Only occasionally did he stop to sip some wine. He acted so little like a noble, he knew that his parents worried for his future. On one occasion, however, his eye flickered open to check when the room became too quiet. He could have sworn that just for a moment, the Ledaal scion had been peering over his books at him, before he swiftly ducked his head behind his leathery shield and acted as if nothing had happened.

What sort of mischief...Ah...He is only checking on me, he thought. He turned his head away, letting his cloak slump over his shoulders, and he fell back to sleep.

“Gregor?”

“Um? What?”

“You uhhh...kinda spaced-out!” Faraz, an Exalted and one of his cousins, stared at him from atop his horse. He gave a nervous chuckle. “You know we have a battle that’s seconds away, right?”

The Mahajan Noble shook his head, once again shaking away the dreams, and he stared ahead into the bleak distance once again. “Yes, yes. Focus. Remember, split down the middle if they charge...” he ordered, his voice low and almost a growl. He wished he had more time for pleasant reminiscing, but only once this battle was won would have such comforts again.

[Imperialisium]

Zara Azairya Vai
Lethlinberg Ducal Throne Room

King Alexandros apologized for his intrusion, as he should thought Zara, but she remained silent for a moment. Letting the Southron King finish his apology-turned-explanation for being in her presence. But at least he is productive. I'll give him that. Then he spoke to the Knight, who was indeed of the Ducal forces and a lord enfeoffed to the Duke of Lethlinheim. The Knight looked to Zara whom nodded. Still remaining silent. The Knight, whose helmet was removed as per etiquette, was fiery haired with a short beard and moustache. Unkept due to being out on campaign. His face still pinched red by the frigid air.

"I am Sir Jahque of House Leithrel, Vassal to the Lord of Lethlinheim, and previously stationed at Pforz." The Knight bored to Alexandros out of respect of his station.

That was when Zara spoke up abruptly, "You were at Pforz, I believe you were beginning to explain why you're here and not there."

The Knight returned his attention to Zara and began to speak with utmost respect in his voice, "Yes, My Lady, I was there as part of the garrison mustered from the Northern reaches of the Duchy. The Enemy came upon us suddenly after a brief battering of a storm. It came upon us suddenly and with little warning. But when it parted we were soon faced by the freshly arrived forces of The Bull."

"How many and when?"

"Not more than a few days back. Many thousands, at least twenty thousand strong, and they began to try and force the crossing. We resisted as we could, the garrison was a three thousand strong, half villagers. For two days they could not breach the walls and our scouts harried their foraging parties all the way to the Forests South-West of the town. But..." The Knight trailed off into a thousand yard stare.

"But?" Zara's voice ever so more intense. Gripping the table as she quickly walked around it. Eyes locked upon the Knight as if she could miss his speech should she but glance away. Even for a moment. The Knight struggled to form words. Tongue rolling in his mouth for a tense minute until audible sound sprung forth again, "Not all of The Enemy is Human."

Zara was about to speak when the Knight continued, "Trolls, Mammoth, feral beasts but worse of all we believe, we saw, creatures from the Far North. Beings that walk like Men but...aren't. Beings who could wield the very frost itself. That is how they shattered the gates and stormed the town. I and a party of about one hundred escaped to head West. Their encirclement not yet complete."

"What of the Duke? Any word?"

"None. Last communication from Lord Angrimar was that the enemy was nowhere to be seen around Redensburg."

"We must expect the worst," responded Zara as she turned to a servant in House Vai colors, "Recall Lord Breton."

Sir Jeroime, standing nearby, straightened and spoke respectfully, "My Lady. What about Duke Angrimar? We surely must ascertain if he alive or not."

"The suddenness of the enemy's assault on Pforz likely heralds a similar fate for Redensburg. Inform the Ledaal and Mahajan forces in the field as well. They are to expect enemy forces on their Southern flank."

"Yes, Mi'Lady," quickly spoke the servant before dashing off to arrange the communiques.

Pforz Environs
Amidst virgin fields, Red

Grugni listened to Eugeni with ever so raised chin. Mulling over his words in an obvious fashion, possibly intentional. The wind suddenly picked up, blowing from the South-East briefly, gusting snow and sprinkling them with misty white powder. Grugni looked Southwards briefly, pursing his lips, then brought his eyes back onto Eugeni and Shi. "Polite of you. But duty demands I claim the field one way or another." Grugni declined his head a bit and raised an open, gloved, hand in a respectful gesture that the parlay was for all intents and purposes over. Followed by nudging the flanks of his steed Grugni turned, bannerman in tow, and galloped back to his own lines with a freshly drawn axe. The warriors in his army letting out a bellowing yell accompanied by the roaring cacophony of clattering weapons on shields.

Meanwhile, coming up from the South by so far out of view, the reason for the brief, abrupt, gust of wind was approaching. Sorcerers had sent a wind based signal that Grugni had recognized. Subtly telling the chieftain that forces which had breached the river more Easterly and swinging South-West had made their way Northwards. That they were close, only a few leagues distant at most, and ironically had probably passed behind Lord Breton's own forces heading North-East to Redensburg.

Lord Breton
Redensburg and Environs

What Lord Breton would see upon closing towards Redensburg were the tell tale signs of warfare. The first of which they came upon swinging in the breeze. A teenage boy, body listless in the winter cold, the temperatures having long frozen his body stiff. A page boy by the looks of things. Hanged and left there with a pouch hanging limply at his belt. He had been a messenger. He was not the first as they drew closer towards their objective. A pair of horses with arrows stuck into their corpses. The riders bodies nowhere to be seen. Then a torched hovel, then a second, and finally a burned hamlet with a ruined noble manor burnt out. The signs of ransacking evident while crows picked at half a dozen villager corpses. It continued as another pair of hovels appeared ransacked and then torched. Until finally, cresting a bald hill of snow covered fields their were met by silence. Unnatural, silence.

Before them sat Redensburg's westward gate. But it was busted inwards and ruined. Parts of the ramparts looked damaged and the detritus of abandoned farm ploughs, wagons, and the corpses of slaughtered and stripped livestock littered the immediate vicinity. No persons, no bells, no nothing. No sign of the enemy either. No sudden horn or whistling of arrows to signal an ambush. Nothing, as the rest of the Breton's crested the hill to look at the somber scene.

[Parcia]

Arthur Breton
And his Warhost

The situation looked grim from were Arthur and his Knight Captain Orenstein could see it. "You think there is any one left inside?" The Gruff older man said to Arthur. The Lion gave a belated sigh. "Gods I hope not, I shudder to think as to what happened to the inhabitants of that retched place. Sally forth a platoon of men, the rest stay here. We shall investigate this." Markus nodded and hefted his claymore. Arthur elected to stay on his horse, mostly to have a quick escape rout on hand.

With his escort of men and his Knight Captain, they crossed the open field and cautiously made their way through the ruined gate of the city of Redensburg. It was silent, eerily silent and it seemed as if the air it self was still. The place showed the obvious sign of a battle. Ruined armor, weapons, and bodies lay strewn across the streets and the soldering ruins of several buildings lined the main street.

They made their way down the Ghost town before finally reaching its square. It was a sight out of an old horror tale. Bodies lined the square, the defenders and their families in a pile of burnt and charred remains. "Well, this place look...fucked." "Yea, yea it does. Lets push in to the keep, perhaps there is some one hiding in that smoldering ruin."

With that, they began to move towards the City's keep.


Yang, Ghost in the Fog.

It was now or never. As the enemy commander turned to return to his force Yang drew a bead on him, emptied his lungs and gave a silent prayer to whom ever was listening. Yang squeezed the rear trigger, the hammer flicked forward and the Firelance fired with a click-chonk FWOOOOOM and a great gought of orange flame and a distinctive Crack as the jade bullet left the weapon and lanced out at it's target. With out missing a beat, Yang rose to his feet and begin to reload the firelance as fast as he could. "Cover me!"

His assistant rose and drew back her bow, a bodkin arrow notched and ready to find it's way in to a rider.

Speaking of riders, with the distinctive sound of Yang's firelance, a war horn sounded and the riders of Arimul Kahn let forth a war cry before storming out from their hiding place among the tree line, thundering across the snow.

[Luminesa]

Eugeni - First Wave

Grugni did not waste time with many niceties, as Eugeni answered in the negative to his question about the Bull. He spoke quietly and firmly to Eugeni, general-to-general, and then rode his horse back toward his own army. Eugeni's army prepared for battle, sorcerers moving closer to the frontlines and awaiting the moment to attack. Their own general drew his fan, and narrowed his eyes from under his helmet. Deep breaths. Silence enveloped the few seconds left between the two armies...

Only to be split open like an overripe pomegranate in the moments that followed.

Shi knew what had happened, and the hair rose on his neck. The forces from the foggy shadows nearby had sent a blast of some sort...a fire-stick. The flare had burst through the still, frigid air, in the direction of Grugni as he went back to meet his armed forces, and he turned to Eugeni as confusion consumed the men behind them. Shouts of shock and confusion, yells and angry horses all sounded from behind the front-line, but quick communication would save the day. "Shan, army from the South has attacked Grugni, the time to charge is now!" he called.

Eugeni focused on the line in front of him, allowing Shi to take his position for a few moments. Robins began to chirp loudly around him, and he straightened his back. He drew his fan, unfolding it for the first time. The beautiful iron glistened in the bleak sky, as the sun shuddered behind the clouds in anticipation of what the Exalted general would do next. Eugeni himself knew that he was capable of devastation, and now was the time to show it. Now, or never. Timing his attack so he did not hit the forces aiding from the South, he allowed the gap between them to be his sword and shield. With one masterful, graceful, practiced stroke, the snow and wind in front of him screamed to life before him. The wave of power he summoned sent a shockwave through the confused and horrified enemy, and soldiers both wielding spears and swords, both infantry and cavalry, would find themselves blinded and buried in the snow. Anyone who tried to stand against such an opening wave would fall onto their backs, at the mercy of the angry pounding of hooves now approaching.

"CHAAAAAAAAAAARGE!!!" Eugeni screamed. With this call, Ledaal's forces shot forward, spears and swords ready, horses racing to trample through blood and bones.

Shi prepped his own attack, aiming for the soldiers directly behind the attacked frontline. If Grugni was still on his feet from the first attack, the second one would surely throw him down. As soldiers with spears and swords began to meet the enemy, and arrows rained from the back of the formation, Shi's hair floated from under his helmet like a haunted bridal veil. Snow and ice whipped from under the soldiers' feet, and horses reared back and shrieked, throwing their soldiers down. Anyone left on the ground behind the front-line would feel themselves being stomped into powder before they could blink.

Sorcerers fired bolts of ice and fire in different directions, making sure to aim for the forces marked by Grugni's ensigna. Many were wounded and blinded by light as well, as Magic joined the battle and a flurry of sounds and colors filled the blood-soaked air. Eugeni himself used smaller bursts of Magic to put distance between himself and his enemies, while also slashing those who came too close with his iron fans. Men fell around him, and he held the sickness his stomach wanted to expel. He had to be strong, he had to resist the scent of blood, the horror of death piling around him. Yet the battle had only just begin, and the irony perfume would more than lace the air as the battle continued.

Gregor - In The Lion's Jaws

"GO, GO, GO, NOW! NOW!" Gregor's deep, bellowing roar filled the air, and streaks of crimson and gold joined the sea of cerulean and green as Mahajan pushed into the fray. Their concern was not the force that had shot Grugni from the side. They had made their plan, and would see it through to the end. Gregor could only hope and pray now that he would come through the charge in one piece. He did not look behind him at his men, though he had given a single look to Faraz next to him milliseconds before he had sent the order to charge. He could not waste anymore time on sentimental notions such as family or memories. Now he turned all of his emotions off, drew his sword, prepared his Aspect to strike, and became a killing machine.

He would not use his Aspect in a massive wave to open the battle, however. He was skilled enough with his main weapon, a gleaming broadsword, and he had several daggers and shortsword on his person. If he lost one, he always had more. Bracing himself as he entered the lion's jaw, he led part of his army up the middle, allowing the flanks to continue to firing arrows and slashing soldiers closer to the front of the charge. Gregor's hawk eyes were sharp, and he cut down enemies around him while firing fireballs around him at multiple of Grugni's soldiers. The scent of searing flesh, horrible and unnatural, filled the skies, as some attacks were kills that caused for screaming soldiers to fall writhing into the snow. He paid them no mind. Casualties were a blur, a number to be counted once the battle had been won.

Gregor had a smaller army than Eugeni's but he brought plenty enough soldiers and sorcerers. They stabbed and cut behind him, while the magical forces also shot fire through the crowd. They were careful to allow Yang's army a chance to join the forces riding up the middle, if he so chose to follow, though friendly fire always was a risk. In the meantime, the Mahajan general was caught with three or so soldiers around him, and he held his sword with taut, agile hands. Three slashes and two mens' heads fell, while one flopped off his horse into the snow. He turned to attack more men from behind, with his armored horse stomping whatever lie in the snow around him.

"GREGOR!" Faraz rode a few paces behind him, calling for his cousin and general to listen. When the man looked toward him out the corner of his eye, the other man shouted. "THE MOVEMENT IS GOING WELL! ABDUL IS WATCHING THE RE-"

Faraz's head shot off his shoulders before he could finish. He had not watched his back, and a soldier had sliced his head clean off his neck without a second thought. Gregor would have felt the bile rise in his throat if he was far less experienced, but he had no time to mourn now. Not even a chill passed. His fellow Mahajan noble had given his final message. Abdul, another general, watched the rear. And the soldier who killed his cousin would die. Gregor gave this younger man a cold, cruel glance, the look of a man who did not recognize the humanity of his enemies. He shot a fireball into his face, and continued to pull forward.

[Antimersia]

Medi Munkii
Goldenseal

Having stepped out of the guard tower, Medi set himself on his way towards finding this bounty. "Percy the pirate. Should be easy enough to find with a name like that." Medi said out loud, speaking to no one but himself as he walks. There is a spring in his step, making his way along the docks in search of the closest tavern. He has some experience with pirates. Having spent a third of a decade at sea, hitching rides with merchants and smugglers, he has had his fair share of run ins. So he knows, the best place to find a pirate, is to find the closest spot to get alcohol. Even for Medi, it isn't hard to find a tavern in a place like Goldenseal. You can hear, and unfortunately smell, the taverns as you get closer to them. The stench of men who haven't showered in months, combined with strong alcohol and greasy foods are dead giveaways. The raucous behavior of the patrons is a clear indicator as well. The sound of a man leaping over a table to punch another is rather distinct. And you'd rarely hear such a sound anywhere other than a tavern. Yes, Medi likely could find a tavern even if his sight wasn't supplemented with his exalted abilities. But, having trained his ability to 'see' through sensing disturbances in the air, certainly helps.

After only about fifteen minutes of walking, That familiar stench wafted into Medi's nose, and those familiar sounds resonated through his ears. He turned towards his right, looking inland and sensing the tavern before him. It is an open seating tavern, being nothing much more than a bar, with several tables in front of it, shaded by a large reed canopy. As he walks through the open area towards the bar Medi tries to sense Percy among the crowd. But no one seems to match his height and build. He wasn't discouraged in the slightest though. He had not expected someone with such a high bounty to be in the first place he looked. He stepped up to the bar, sitting at an empty stool and smiles brightly to the woman tending the bar.

"Whatcha smiling at me fer?" She asked indignantly. She is a slightly older woman, clearly past her prime. Although there is enough beauty left that one could tell that in her youth she likely had her pick of suitors. Her once golden blonde hair had begun to lost its luster. Her soothing and sultry voice has groan coarse from years of drinking and smoking. And a few scars on her body show that she has been in her fair share of scraps. But Medi sees none of that. Medi sees, through his sense, the definition of his muscles and how they show her to be strong. He sees the way she stands tall, proud and confident. He also sees her wide hips and bountiful bosom. Something that takes his focus away just a moment too long as he stares forward with his pale grey eyes, rather than answering her. "Ya gonna order or what?" She asks again, getting annoyed.

"Apologies. I was just admiring your beauty. You had me a bit awestruck." Medi replied, honest to a fault.

"That's a first. Never had a blind fella lie to before." She replied with a chuckle that causes her to let out a heavy smokers cough.

"Lie?" Medi asked confused. "Why in creation would I lie about that?" He continued.

"Free drinks, don't wanna tip, I dunno. I just know ya can't really be mirin' my beauty if ya can't see." She answered.

"A strong and confident woman is beautiful. You don't need eyes to see that. Although for the first time in a while, I wish I had them. Your large bosom would be a joy to see first hand." Medi replied boldly. The bartender's eyes widened. She looked down at her chest and back at him, curious how he could tell.

"What's yer game?" She asked skeptically.

"No game. I'm Medi. I'm just hear to find a pirate. But, I found you instead so I'm pivoting in the moment." He answered in a playful tone.

"Medi huh? I'm Ranya. Now order before I throw you out." She says, starting to feel flattered by Medi's words.

"I'll order, something strong too. But, only if you drink with me." Medi says, leaning in towards the bar, placing his elbows on the bar and folding his hands together under his chin. Ranya blushes and shakes her head. She grabs two glasses and pours some strong rum in each. Medi picks up his glass as Ranya picks up hers.

"To finding that pirate yer lookin' fer." Ranya says in a toast, holding her glass forward.

"To having already found something better." Medi replies with a coy smile as he clinks his glass with Ranya's. The both shoot back their drinks, slamming the glasses down and staring at one another for a charged moment. "Another." Medi says, his smile growing ever wider.

[Imperialisium]

Redensburg

The scene in the town was a direct contrast to outside. Bodies littering the streets and in doorways. Furniture overturned and windows shattered. Many buildings had fire damage or were burnt out. Indeed, Redensburg had been sacked by the enemy of valuables. But there weren't enough bodies. Redensburg had several thousand people living in and around it, with the rural farmers no doubt fleeing to the city at the first sight of trouble. So were where the other bodies? Marched off as slaves was a good guess as any and a lifetime of thralldom was a safe bet. Yet, there was uneasy silence as Lord Breton led his platoon forth. Not that it would be long for them to stand before the gatehouse of the keep.

Redensburg had a small holdfast. Not anything truly to balk about and more a fortified square building of stone than a true castle like that of Lord Breton's own lost home. Curiously enough, the gatehouse was more or less intact, indeed the bottom half of the gatehouse's wooden doors were entirely intact. Something had battered its way through the middle of the planks and possibly crawled over the doors inside? Indeed, on his horse Lord Breton could see over the lip of the splintered planks to more carnage therein.

The atmosphere was thick, like they were wreathed in a viscous fog, despite it being clear as day and only partly cloudy. One of the men peering at a body knelt down before stumbling back with wide eyes. "Look! Look!"

"What?" and other murmurs from the men as they methodically scanned the buildings and windows, alleyways and streets for sign of ambush. Nothing.

The first man spoke again, "The body, something sucked out its insides! Demons!"

"Get a hold of yourself!" said another man in the platoon.

But truth, indeed, there was a circular shaped hole the side of a woman's fist that had punctured through. Lifting up the cadavers shirt would reveal a collapsed and shrunken torso. Something had possibly liquified and drank, like a spider, the innards of this individual. Lord Breton and his Knight Captain could sense the unease which gripped the men now.

Shnick shnick shnick

The rattle of something, something hard over another surface, came from one of the side alleys. Shnick shnick shnick THWACK. A barrel on the opposite street corner, originally out of view, fell into the mouth of the pathway. Unease thickened in the atmosphere until it was intoxicating. Shnick shnick ratatatat, there on the rooftops a pair of forms materialized. Six legged, three body segments long, with bulbous eyes and armored chitin forms. Their legs ending in barbed mandible like digits from which they grasped the partially collapsed rooftops. Shnick shnick shnick, three more materialized on the ground level. Entering view to cover the three avenues on their side of the gatehouse. Hemming in the men and most terrifying of all was the long, hard, spear like proboscis sticking out from their chitin covered heads. No doubt the source of the drained corpse and possibly many others. Like a South-Eastern mosquito enlarged to the size of a pony. Hollow Ones. Rare insectoids from the Far Northern Forests. Capable of domestication and even being ridden upon like horses by the feral tribes of those forsaken woods. No doubt left behind to ambush any incoming Imperial force seeking to swiftly re-occupy Redensburg.

Some of the men, through Lord Breton's drilling, instinctively raised shields and pointed spears. But they had to act...

Pforz Environs
Amidst virgin fields, Red

The plume of fire and smoke followed by the echo of something whizzing past Grugni's scalp caused him to turn. Looking out to the source of the smoke and frowning. Striking the flanks of his steed he re-entered the ranks of his army and bellowed the order to advance. To meet the Imperials head on. An order met with enthusiasm by his troops as they moved forward. Meeting the Ledaal and then Mahajan forces in a mighty thunderclap of steel and bronze against wooden shields and flesh. The roars of warriors filled with thirst for battle joined by fresh cries of the wounded and dying. Mists of red rained crimson droplets onto the now trampled snow. Turning it red and brown, soupy, and dampening the hide and leather boots of both sides.

The first few ranks devolving into a chaotic melee. A gust of snow and ice kicking up to douse two dozen men while his own sorcerers worked wards of protection to prevent spells from being unleashed onto his army with wanton abandon. "Come on lads! Form up in shield wall and advance!" Grugni's shouts were echoed by many warriors as the fourth, fifth, and subsequent ranks closed up into shield wall. Spears and axes at the ready as they advanced like a veritable plow of man and metal.

"Archers!" As the Imperial missiles fell, some finding their mark, the Northern men answered in return with their own volley into the forces of Ledaal and Mahajan. Earning retaliatory screams as some arrowheads found flesh. Fafnir rode up, "We still have men crossing the ice!"

"Feed them onto the Northern flank and center." replied Grugni with a point of a gloved hand. Fafnir blew several melodic notes from his warhorn slung at his hip. With formations of warriors and archers making it to the Western shore across the Ice following the orders in the notes to begin mounting pressure onto the Ledaal flank.

"What of the Iceborne?" commented Fafnir.

Grugni peered at the banners of House Mahajan and the Dragon-Blooded he could make out cutting through several warriors. "Send them around the enemies left flank. Panic will break them." Fafnir nodded and blew three, deep notes, followed by the same melody as before.

Yang and Company

To the East of Yang's position over three dozen plumes of snow erupted and began to race along in a large curve. Skirting the edge of the battlefield like some god was tracing lines in a field. Moving rapidly, faster than a Human could run, these pluming trails vanished a dozen yards away from the Ledaal army's Northern flank. Erupting as icy-white humanoid figures leapt from the snow and into the ranks of soldiers. Arms were like blades of ice as they cleaved limb and skull from shoulders. More plumes erupting into ghastly figures like the embodiment of the cold itself. What was worse? A pair of them abruptly branched off to head towards Yang and his men sheltering behind a low hill.

[Luminesa]

Mahajan - Inside The Fire

Gregor's army was a sea of red and gold, obfuscating some of the blood flying off the bodies in and around them as swords, spears, and arrows fell. They were not a large group, but they were a proud, raging army, eager to show their prowess and to stack the bodies high for the sake of their name. Gregor was never too far from his men, his face as stony as a grave as he slashed through bodies, only giving the occasional grimace if his sword was caught in muscle or tendons. The armor on the opposing men did not make getting kills easy, but he did not volunteer for an easy fight. Rather, he relished in the challenge. Here was his opportunity to show his power. He would not waste a moment or a drop of blood on anything else.

Yet he also thought with his head, even as the bloodlust ran free around him. He had to defend his men as much as he had to face the troops before him. Through some miracle he had managed to charge into the opposing army, and was hacking away at its front-facing forces. Faraz, before he had fallen, had given the final message that Mahajan's flank was being watched. Yet he had the flanks to his sides to defend, and as he whirled and stabbed with a strong arm, he saw Iceborne heading to the left. They were a mass of pale, grim-looking soldiers, both humanoid and inhuman-looking, and they moved swiftly toward the other side. If the left flank was closed, a tactical retreat would be impossible, and the mission would become far more difficult, if not a loss. The sound of the horn was not only a signal for the enemy, but a signal for his own men.

Despite the fact that such a sound would be more challenging to hear in the back of the mighty thrall of warriors, Gregor maneuvered his horse toward the left of the frontline, watching around him at all times. One of his men came to his side, another general, and his general blasted a nearby man with a fireball as he tried to slash him. As the body hit the snow, he turned to the general. "Head to the left flank, prepare to defend that area with your life. Be sure Ledaal knows as well," he ordered, raising his voice among the screams and shouts of agony and adrenaline. The general nodded and moved ahead, bringing with him a crowd of Mahajan troops as he gave the command.

In the meantime, with his sniper's eye, Gregor gave aim through the crowd. Several soldiers came around him, and he halted one. His servant, who had retrieved his wine glass in the war room. "Stay, just for a moment." He then glared toward the Iceborne, as his servant kept away soldiers. A glow began to emanate from around Gregor, and a wave of heat began to melt some of the snow around his horse's knees. Heat turned to gold, which split into several tones of blazing vermillion as his Aspect came to life. He would not use all of it, but he would make a statement. Just one, a definitive strike into the enemy.

He could have summoned a much larger dragon, but he would have been exhausted in doing so. Nevertheless, what he did create was fearsome enough for anyone who did not have such horrible power. Gregor's own eyes glowed like a furnace of hatred, feeding into the blaze-covered dragon which pierced the air with a roar. It was thin, lean, and ferocious, and with the flick of a wrist it powered across the sky and toward the Iceborne. Those who met its attack would be reduced to cinders, giving Mahajan and Ledaal time to move into the left flank. Yet those who saw the attack could not help but look from the sea of sickly-sweet-smelling blood to watch a rare sight. A dragon's wrath exploding across the field, the power of a missile in the hands of a single man.

Yet Gregor could not waste time to watch. He knew his attack had landed, and so the Mahajan general continued to slash and cut through enemies, making sure to keep alert and aware at all times. If he had to make another shot, he had to be able to see it. "...Yes, Xerxes, just a little more...just a little more..." he murmured to his horse as he continued to cut through enemies.

Ledaal - Fanning Flames

"WHAT IN THE SCARLET EMPRESS'S NAME IS THAT?!"

Eugeni looked up from slashing at enemies with his fans as he heard Shan scream from not too far away. An had exploded from somewhere in front of him. The Iceborne had made a movement, and both Shi and Shan had reported to Eugeni from somewhere down the line, letting him know that he needed to send Ledaal soldiers down that way. He had given a nod and had sent a portion down the line, only to see that as the waves of blue and green began to move in front of him, some of Grugni's men had been swept in an attack by what appeared to be a dragon. No cavern or mountain had been standing around in this bone-chilling tundra. Only Gregor, high on his horse, continuing to cut through enemies with all the grit and earnestness of one of his own infantrymen.

"...Gregor..."

"GENERAL LEDAAL! THE LEFT FLANK!"

"Yes! I am aware! Have the archers aim in that direction, continue until we have an opening, we need to stall them as much as we can!" he yelled to Shan. He knew that Grugni was trying to keep them from returning to Lethlinberg, as then Ledaal and Mahajan would be able to gather more forces, including House Vai. Yet for now, his responsibility was keeping his men alive and well, and making sure they could leave Pforz in mostly one piece.

In the meantime, he used his Magic, firing gusts of wind at enemies who tried to get close and letting the soldiers chop them to pieces. Stunning them with Magic and making them lose their balance was a good strategy, if a cruel one. Once they were on the ground, getting-up was almost harder than actually fighting. Several dozen men fell that way from both sides, and Eugeni felt his heart curl and tighten as he saw his own men falling. The only comfort was that Grugni's men were doing the same, and Gregor's strike had left a significant dent.

Archers began to make their moves at any Iceborne still standing who were rushing in the direction of the left flank. More arrows fell in a murderous salvo, and Eugeni watched in-between moments of slashing and killing men. He could not believe what he was seeing and doing. Humans were so fragile. Humans who did not have such powers as his own, or even horses, were even more unlucky. "How brutal...how cruel...Oh Mela...give us a victory, if possible...or if not...let us get away with our lives...and let us have some comfort in our survival..." he prayed, as he cut down yet another soldier. They fell in the snow, and he knew that this spot was their grave. If only he could have seen their face. He only saw eyes. A beautiful hazel, horrified as they were slashed in the neck and sprayed the snow around them with red. Eugeni could not waste time to watch him die, or to even give him a merciful death. He rode away, shaking under his armor, but holding onto his grit with white knuckles.

Ledaal soldiers began to turn and flood into the left flank, being closer than Mahajan's soldiers, and now they met the enemy with a newfound fierceness. Now was the battle to survive, to get out with their lives. Shan rode near the front, making sure to keep an eye on Eugeni at the same time as he began to cut down men. Shi slipped through men like water, fitting as his hair floated around with the power of his Aspect. He put fog between himself and some of his enemies, making him hard to see as his daggers met the back of mens' necks. He knew now that Eugeni was also capable of such vicious kills, but whether or not he would persist in them was only for time to tell. "Just a little more, Eugeni...Just a little more...and you can go home...Fight, fight as if you are performing for the gods themselves..." he willed.

[Imperialisium]

Battle before Pforz
Amidst Virgin Snow, Red

"Loose!" Another volley of arrows from the Northmen's bows sang as they whistled into Imperial ranks. Even as the Imperials shifted fire to coincide with their troop movements in propping up their pressured left flank. The assault on the centre and right wing continued. Many of the Northmen's reinforcements from the across the river, those not sent to the Imperial left wing, was rushed to the centre where they added weight to the shield wall. A shield wall which began to slowly, methodically, advance as the weakened Imperial centre began to falter. The dead and dying littering the ground at their feet. Imperial wounded, as the Northmen advanced, were grimly put out of their misery by sword and spear.

The Iceborne did their bloody work. Despite Gregor's efforts which led to the demise of two of them. There was also the Dragon which swept forth and decimated an entire platoon. Warriors having to protect themselves from the licking flames with shield and cloak. But it was not enough. The Imperials were out numbered and having to compensate for a stream of enemy reinforcements. There was also the enemy sorcerers. A half dozen Individuals daubed in shamanistic regalia of bone and skull, staffs and clubs of bone. Bearing the mark of The Bull upon their foreheads the sorcerers ever chanted. Stirring up the snow and ice much as the Imperial Air Aspected did.

Behind the fighting line, swiftly dismounting, Grugni urged his warriors onwards. Blade and axe with shield strapped to his back the gilded hair chieftain with shout and urging pushed his men forth.

Then a horn blasted to the South. Then another, and another, though Grugni nor his warriors could see. For the hornblowers were too far away still. They recognized it as friendlies. Those sent against Redensburg to the South-East further down the River. It was at that moment Fafnir rode up once more. "Chieftain! Hetman Zaedeyev's Warhost approaches!"

"Signal the halt. Let the Imperial's disengage."

"What?" frowned Fafnir.

Grugni looked about the battlefield and back towards Pforz, "We've done enough killing of late. The Imperials have been bloodied. More will be coming. We must conserve strength."

Fafnir furrowed his brow in momentary disagreement before the reasoning took hold. Fafnir nodded, "Of course Chieftain." Pulling upon his horn once more Fafnir blew a long slow dirge. The shield wall stopped advancing and the Iceborne sprang away into the snow as trails of puffing white powder spiking a trail away from the fight. The Northmen were halting and disengaging the Imperials. Some formations no more than a few meters away from their enemy.

I am in no rush, Imperials, Zaedeyev commands fifteen thousand horse and many more placed under his command by The Bull. Fly back to Lethlinberg if you wish! We will be there soon! Mused Grugni silently.

[Luminesa]

Eugeni and Gregor - Return To Lethlinberg

In everything, says Ecclesiastes, there is a season. Included in the wisdom of such is a time for war and a time for peace. Perhaps the Wind Dragon answered Eugeni's prayer, or perhaps some other Divine Providence intervened to save the Imperial Forces. Something, however, allowed for Grugni to show mercy, even as his army was beginning to assail hard into Mahajan and Ledaal. Grugni had paused for a moment to speak to someone nearby, and another horn sounded in the air. The echo was a signal, but of a new sort. The opposing army halted, and allowed for the Imperial Forces to disengage. Both sides knew that disengagement would give both sides time to take action, whether for or against a siege, but Grugni wanted to gamble on this opportunity.

Gregor was also a gambling man, and one who enjoyed frequent bouts of good luck. He took a breath, the first he had given, and glared daggers at the enemies. He looked toward his generals, and spoke with his voice low and cold. "...Find Faraz's body, and we will go. Do not attack. The left flank is open and they have given us a chance. If this is a trap and they continue to attack, launch every attack you have," he murmured. He then sat straight and tall on his horse, and looked around as he waited for Ledaal.

Eugeni was confused by the sudden stop in battle, but his generals informed him that the Bull's forces were allowing them a chance to regroup and re-plan in Lethlinberg. The risk existed that they would just continue to fight, or they would follow the armies back to the city. Either way, they were outnumbered, and needed to gather more forces in order to cause enough damage to cripple the other side. Not only were they outnumbered, but even having several Exalted was not enough if the armies involved could not defend themselves. Taking a few frosty breaths, Eugeni nodded to Shan as he rode to his side and spoke. "General, they are ready to disengage. We await your command now," he whispered.

Looking out toward Grugni, still sitting upright in his armor, the young Ledaal wondered whether or not this retreat was a failure. Yet his men were alive, and the fight was over. He closed his eyes behind his helmet, gave a prayer of thanks to Mela, and he nodded to Shan. "...We will go. Let us hurry, if we can, so that we may assess our losses..." He did his best to hide how much his voice was shaking, but the older man listening knew that this fierce battle had shaken him. He had tried to show courage, and had done well in his first battle. Yet such bravery was hard to hold for someone who had just seen mass bloodshed for only the second time in his entire life. Without a word, the leading generals began to gather then, and they moved in a wave of cerulean and green to head back to Lethlinberg, watching the rear as they left.

Mahajan's forces allowed for Yang's small platoon to join with them, if they so chose, but Gregor rode at the front and did not look back. Some of his fellow generals had managed to find something in the snow, and the other had shoved it into a bag. The very best they could give a fallen general in such cruel circumstances. He did not glance to see his cousin's remains. He would see them once Faraz could be properly embalmed and shipped back home. Yet an obligation had told him to grab the body, even as many others had lost family and loved ones in the snow. If only he could give them all a funeral, but such would be impossible. At the very least, Faraz's tomb would be a symbol for the men, a motivation, that his death would not be in vain.

At the Gates

A treacherous, snowy, miserable ride back to Lethlinberg ended with the merciful appearance of the city's Eastern Gates. The two armies did not return victorious, but had created a dent in the enemy's attack. They had also proven their mettle, and the fact that they were dangerous against such a brutal, marching scourge. Yet nothing had been heard of Breton's forces, and so a cloud of gloom and uncertainty joined the cold and overbearing skies above.

Mahajan and Ledaal had suffered moderate losses, but preserved themselves due to the masterful maneuvering of Ledaal and the quick attacks of Mahajan. Gregor went into town with the body, in order to get it embalmed, and the armies went to their camps to lick their wounds, rest, eat, and plot. Eugeni went along with his armies, and he kept his head high. His first battle, a strategic retreat. The townspeople looked upon the Ledaal Exalteds as they rode together, as Shi was never far from his side. Shan also rode behind the two men, and as the three entered their camps in quiet dignity, the two generals watched Eugeni walk into the darkness of the halls, and watched as the candlelight lit his face. Once he was able, away from the onlookers and the worried eyes of his troops, they could see the tears illuminated on his cheeks.

Gregor had found a decent coffin. Mahogany, which could be lovingly carved with Mahajan's family symbol. The craftsman agreed to make it, and the Mahajan general handed him the necessary money upfront. The embalmer in town agreed to take Faraz's body and to try and make it presentable. Other soldiers looked on, perhaps with grief or resentment, but none dared to say a word to their silvering leader. His face was firm and business-like, but in his eyes was the dullness of grief. Exhaustion had overtaken him, as powerful as he was, and he needed to charge his Essence. Yet he feared he would never be able to charge his heart. Innocence was long ago lost, and he wished, in a way, that he could grieve as he knew Eugeni was doing now. His senses were dulled and his frown was in resignation. His heart was hard and ready for the next round of bodies to fall at his feet.

[Imperialisium]

Lethlinberg
Zara Azairya Vai

Zara had retired to her private quarters to dine, alone. Silently untying the straps of her cuirass she pulled it off her athletic form. Carefully placing it on the panoply beside the full length mirror servants had brought into her newfound chamber. A room she had requisitioned in the main keep near the Main Hall. Pulling on the tough fabric her vambraces loosened and came off. Then her greaves and sabatons. Stripping down till she was bare breast in the mirror. She looking at herself for a long moment. Turning slightly to view herself in profile. Seeing the edges of the tattoo winding upon her back she frowned. A seconds frown. As she cast her eyes down to finish her de-clothing. Moving over to the brass tub that had been filled with warm water she bathed in silence. Washing her hair and body with soap and ointments purchased from local shops. The Northern products were coarser and rougher she felt. But she did not let such flippant trivialities bother. Dunking her self in the tub thrice she climbed out. Feeling the cool stones of the castle floor on the soles of her feet. She shivered. Pulling a towel over her body she doled off the wetness before once again, eyes rising slowly, she gazed at the woman she'd become. All laid bare. There she stared for a long while it felt. Though according to the water clock on the small plain dresser it had been but a minute. She turned around and began to garb. Intermittently, while a slender hand fetched a poem crafted by Yeiji which she read with swift movements of her eyes. Before leaving it in a growing pile of opened paper.

The clothes which now gird Zara's body were not the smooth silks and linens of the Imperial City. No, that would not do in this climate. Instead it was thicker wools and spun cotton woven tight. Stuffed and padded to contain the head of her body, trimmed in fur, and reinforced by tough black leather. She left her hair half up. With long strands running down over her shoulders freely. Moving from the room. Her feet muffled by the comfy warm shoes she now wore. Built to keep snow and water out.

Zara moved to the Main Hall and across to a small gallery. A long rectangular table with many chairs was present. But candles and foot for one was laid out. She had invited no one else. Instead, opting to let the other leaders of the campaign to their own devices, their own Houses, and for a small reassurance...her own sanity. It would not be incorrect to say that she had enjoyed the silence of her dining. Nor the surprisingly blissful sleep she found for herself after.

Early Morning

Zara had been up before dawn. In one of the many courtyards training. Gouts of blue-purple flame and swift movements of sword and spear. Mace and Axe. The whistle of archery and the thud of javelins. Followed by another bath and what would have been breakfast. Ryamis Cathak had invited all of the House leaders and local commanders to breakfast at a supposedly pleasant tavern in the Old City of Lethlinburg. The district closest to the Castle and Keep. This was delayed, by the sudden blaring of horns and trumpets, followed by a runner frantically racing to Zara. Spilling out words to her. House Ledaal and Mahajan had returned.

Eastern Gates

Zara had met them on horseback just within the inner gate of the city as Mahajan and then Ledaal troops marched into the city. They were bloodied. Their numbers less. Many showed signs of damage on their armor, tiredness of their limbs, while more than a few were obviously wounded. Arms in slings. A leg stiff. Backs bowed. But they had supposedly made decent time over the icy fields with no harassment from the enemy. Zara spotted Eugeni and Shi, then Gregor a moment later as the older man came into view.

She moved her steed towards them. "Where is Yang?" she inquired with half-squinted eyes.

[Parcia]

The Day Befor.
Arthur.

The Skittering cry of the damned things gave him as much information as he needed. "FORM RANKS, SPEAR UP!" The Platoon of men held fast and did as ordered, these beasts were unsightly, yet hardly terrifying enough to stagger the veteran Northmen. Shields raised in a closed formation and spears were leveled and often thrust forward to keep the damned things at bay while the entire formation of men, including a mounted Arthur, began to retreat the way they came. His elevated position did make him a target, and a few did lung at the armored Lord as he kept his horse clam. He didn't even draw a blade, rather called forth a decent size street paver from the earth to cut a hole through the wretched thing.

He did this more and more as they made their way to the city gate before finally having enough of an ordeal and calling forth a small wave of earthen spikes, formed out of crushed and compacted masonry and dirt. It speared a great many of the damn things but did little to stem the growing tide.

"Right, make for the gate house!" And so they did, turning and using the scant time bought by their lord to quicken their pace. A few were picked off as the ranks broke, and Arthur cursed the loss of good men as he rode. Turing, he drew his sword and swatted down a few bugs that ran for him as his men escaped past him. His knight captain stopped by, claymore drawn and blooded with the inky green life blood of the damned things and kept the grown clear. "M'lord, the gate house!" Looking up, Arthur gathered what he meant rather quickly. Sheathing Godpiercer, Arthur reached out and called forth the stones and bricks, pavers and support columns that formed the arched gate house and simply willed upon them one command: Down

He felt the movement in the pit of his stomach and along his tailbone, the tingling sensation as the Earth fought his command. This was a big order, even by his standards but with a triumphant roar from his now present anima, the gate house was wrenched from its moorings, wood and metal reinforcements groaning in protest as several tones of stone masonry collapsed inwards with a loud crash, crushing any bugs caught in and under it. The effort winded him greatly, nearly falling off his horse yet catching him self at the last moment.

"Markus, take the lead, I fear that almost killed me." His knight captain took his horses reigns and barked out orders to the remaining man. "Form ranks, stay on guard, and send a runner to call for a apothecary for Lord Breton!"



Yang
The battle in the Fog

How the fuck did he miss that shot?! In honesty, he couldn't figure out how other then the fucker had the Gods' favor. He sped through the reload drill as his assistant covered him. The armies were a ways away yet something sped at him with great speed. Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck! He finished ramming the round home down the barrel before raising it at the blur of a beast before pulling the trigger. He didn't miss, not this time. The combination of the Jade bullet's impact and the near point blank showering of flame caused the thing to jerk back and screech before tumbling in to the snow, becoming still.

A scream behind him cause him to pivot in time to see the second one drop his assistant to the floor, a puddle of blood forming from a deep cut in her abdomen. The thing turned to him and he saw the three northern bodkin arrows berried in its chest. For a moment they stood there, staring at each other. Like two vipers fighting, muscled coiling and tensing.

It lunged, he drew his wand.

He was faster.

He kept it waist level and "fanned" the hammer, emptying all 6 shots in to the pale thing before diving to the side to dodge it's tumbling form as inertia carried past him. It tumbled to the ground and writhed as the Holy jade projectiles, still hot, burned in to its form and gave off the smell of burning...something. He holstered the firewand and drew his saber, it smoldering and sizzling as the flames danced on its edge. He paid it no sympathy as he impaled it through the heart and finally silencing it.

He sheathed his blade, slung his lance and came to his assistance's aid, dropping to his knees and using one hand to keep pressure on the wound while searching for a bandage among his satchel. She was still, only jerking and wincing in pain when he touched the cut. It was bleeding heavily, but looked just shallow enough to not disembowel the poor girl. Yet she was starting to pale and he worked as fast as he could to staunch the bleeding. It wasn't enough though, and he made a snap decision to do something drastic.

He drew the flaming sword and one of his throwing daggers and held the jade blade along the heated steel, heating up the dagger until it was red hot. Hoping she was fully out cold, he laid the heated dagger across the wound, searing flesh and causing a scream to rip from her mouth. It would be ungodly painful, but it worked in closing the wound for now. He wanted to give her more care, but the enemy was fast approaching and it seemed his Brother's riders had started to with draw. He wrapped her in three rolls of healing gauze before tilting his head up and whistling to the sky.

Gypsy, the ever faithful steed, rode up soon after, with what he imagined was the girl's horse fallowing suit. He hoisted her up and lay her forward along Gypsy, cooing to the both of them. "Shhh, calm down girl." He mounted his horse behind the now unconscious form and sped off in to the fog, towards the tree line, the girl's horse in tow.

The next day.

They had managed to out ride the perusing skirmishers, riding deep in to the forest for multiple hours before, strangely enough, coming across an abandoned cabin in the woods. Though, not as abandoned as it may seem as there was a recently snuffed out fire present in the hearth and it seemed some one had used the bed some short time ago. He laid her down in it, wincing at the messy nature of the wound and the bloody bandages. He set out to make a fire, using some spare powder to light some hastily gathered wood, only to tentatively return to her side.

He took a moment to make sure she was still alive, and found her breathing softly. Her robes were torn, soaked in blood and snow and he had to basically cut them off her, leaving her veil and hijab for last. She was pretty, for such a young thing, and definitely far too young for his taste. He caught a glimpse of her face and felt a chill run down his spine. Slowly, cautiously, he reached up and lifted the veil over her face and as soon as her face was fully revealed he shot up in pure panic. So quickly in fact that as he back pedaled his heel caught his own discarded firelance, it rolled, and Yang went down with a crash and a thump, smacking his head on the hard wood floor and momentarily loosing him self.


Elaheh.

She awoke not in the sweet embrace of death, nor in the fierce cold of the snow, yet wrapped in warm blankets and sheet, held aloft in a warm bed of cotton and straw. She ached all over, but her abdomen felt like hell. It hurt so badly in fact that it almost numbed her to the pain entirely. Almost. The crackle of a fire and the soft humming of what she recognized to be an Azimagh lullaby made her slowly turn her head to the side, seeing the object of her quest sat in a rocking chare, a long firewand in his lap.

For a moment the two locked eyes and stared at each other, violet eyes meeting violet eyes before her more rational side finally woke up and she reached for her veil, only to realize it was gone. As were most of her cloths, sans her undergarments.

"So...why'd you come looking for me, to kill me? Ask for cash? or just give me an earful?" She groaned, sighed, and shook her head weakly. "Why. I wanted to ask why you left." He tilted his head, the fire casting long shadows over his face that seemed to only accentuate his features. "Your mother was not the first women I loved, nor the first one who's exit from my life broke my heart. But it did break it in such a manner that I...fuck."

A moment to compose him self, to form some form of emotional barricade to this. "Why are you here? Why are you of all people in the middle of this bitch fight between the Realm and that cow fucker!?" His tone rose, yet his eyes betrayed a man battling his emotions...and loosing.

She rose, ignoring the pain that blossomed and rose her voice in return. "Because you were here, because you had left Uncle Kahn's group before I could catch up...tell me, why?!" "Kahn?! Did Arimuhl put you up to this? I swear to Elohim I will-" She cut him off, actually screaming at him, tears forming in her eyes. "Stop dodging the fucking question, Tell. Me. Why!".

They gazed deep in to each other eyes, and for a moment, Yang's stern expression held before breaking in to one of shame. He had shot to his feet, prepared to duke it out in a bout of verbal combat...yet found no will to actually do so. He gave a belated sigh and slumped back in to the seat.

"Because every time I looked at you, this perfect...crystallization of what we felt, of the love we had...I only saw her, and it hurt me in a way I can't quantify in to words. It hurt me in a way that destroyed most of my will to keep going on. I sat with her in those final hours, s-she had started bleeding and it wouldn't stop, and the mid wives couldn't do anything and I begged and pleaded with the gods, with Elohim to save her and...and they didn't. And when she finally passed it was just you and me and I just...I just couldn't."

Yang's tone changed as he spoke, less and less was he the Desert Viper, the Man with No name, the more he spoke the more he sounded like a little boy recounting something horrible he had kept berried for a long, long time.. "In the end, I figured it wasn't fair to take you to the Blessed Isle, to try to raise you as those pompous fucking aristocrats would want. Your Grandfather Jethro understood that, told me to go out and try to find my self. He told me to come back when I felt it was time and I just...I figured in the end it would be best if you never had to deal with the failure that I was."

"And now your here, in the middle of this fucking war, you almost fucking died and I almost lost my own Daughter to my cowardice." He was shaking and tears had started to trail down his face. He reached for his flask and found it empty, likely due to some fit of cosmic justice by Elohim.

She studied his face for a long time, finding it free of any of the signs of deception and felt...tired. She lay back down on the bed and winced as the pain of exerting her self finally hit. "I miss her, a lot and the pain...the pain never really goes away, it just gets numb with age. I've seen things you wouldn't believe, Elaheh, I've been to the edge of known creation and beyond and I've gazed in to the abyss of chaos only to have some Eldritch being gaze back...but none of that ever changed me like loosing her did."

"I wont ask you to forgive me, I think I'm well beyond that. I guess all I can ask is please, don't leave me, not like she did. It might actually kill me to loose my last piece of her."


The City of Lethlinberg

Kahn and his men rode at the rear, having just arrived of the friendly forces. When the good Lady Vai spoke her question, he answered in accented Low Realm. "He...was separated from us. The last I saw of him he and his...assistant were on his horse, riding off in to the forest to escape enemy skirmishers. I know he put down two Iceborne, but not much after." He paused, meeting her gaze and finding it like staring down a coiled pit viper. "I know him, he is my brother, I do not suspect he is dead...rather, I hope not."

[Antimersia]

Medi Munkii
Goldenseal

The sun crests over the horizon. Rays peer through the cloth curtains that are pulled down to show that the tavern is now closed. The light wakes Medi up peacefully. Although his arm remains asleep, tingling and almost numb as Ranya's weight on it as he slept cut off the circulation. He moves as gently as he can, getting up from the floor behind the tavern counter, trying not to wake Ranya in the process. Medi concentrates, activating the aura around him which gives him his ability to sense the world around him. The world comes into focus for him, and he 'sees' it all around him. The plethora of used glasses on the counter and floor hint at the fun night they had. The pile of their cloths offer more than just a hint. Medi grabs his tunic and staff, and carries them in his hands as he quietly slips out from behind the counter to greet the morning as he almost always does, with a swim. This early the docks aren't empty by any means. But there are few if any who are not hardened sailors. So Medi pays no mind to them, just as they pay no mind to him. He walks out to the end of the doc and breaths in the sea breeze. He ties his tunic to a beam of the doc, tying his staff to it as well before standing straight up again and staring into the see. He steps back a bit to get a running start.

"Medi shall, in body only, become that of a dolphin, for two hours forty." Medi says spending a mote and essence while he sprints towards the end of the doc. He leaps for the water, shifting his bodily form into one of a dolphin as he splashes into the water. He wiggles his newly shaped body a bit, getting used to how the new structure feels. He often changes into a dolphin while in water for their echolocation abilities. He swims forward, going out into the deeper waters. Descending towards the depths. If he could see, Medi would see the limits of light's reach into the ocean. But the darkness at the bottom is no different to Medi's natural view. Though what few others perceive in these depths, is a sound familiar to Medi. A sound that he follows to the depths almost every morning. The sound of a spirit, calling for him. A spirit that he has known most his life, who has guided him and shown him much throughout his life away from his birthplace.

A solitary light began to shine from the pitch of the depths. A pale blue, bright as the sky above, grew as Medi approached its source. Medi has never seen the spirit himself, but he knows when he is in its presence. There is a warmth within him whenever he is near. The warmth felt from being with a loved one. This spirit has been the sole source of that warmth in Medi's life since he was a child. It is one that he welcomes into his life, even knowing the dangers some spirits can present. If Medi could see, he would be presented with the shape of the spirit as he now approaches it. It, or rather she, is massive. A pale blue being, half woman, half squid, bisected at the waist. She speaks softly, with a hypnotically musical tone.

"Sweet Medi," the spirit says gently brushing Medi's dolphin cheek affectionately. "I sense something troubles you. How may I help you?"

"Hey Madania!" Medi replies, speaking through the clicks of a dolphin. Something that Madania herself taught him. "I have been feeling a bit worried recently. I took a bounty yesterday for a pirate! You I know how dangerous you have always told me they are. I'm just a bit nervous for facing him to bring him in."

"Sweet Medi," Madania replies, worry and scorn hidden in her voice. "You don't need to worry yourself with such things. Come to the deep with me. Leave all that silliness behind. Especially... pirates." Madania's words hold such passion and manipulation in them.

"Not yet Madania. But one day I will. I want to see the world, before I leave it all behind. And don't worry. This pirate will get what is coming to him!" Medi replies eagerly.

"Don't tease me too long, sweet Medi. I will always be here for you. But you will not always be here for me. Allow me to teach you something new, if you insist on facing pirates." Madania says, as spirit tentacles gently wrap around Medi's dolphin form.

"Okay! I always love learning new things from you Madania." Medi replies ecstatically. The warmth of the tentacles putting him at ease.

"You know my terms, sweet Medi. Say the words." Madania says, demanding payment for this knowledge.

"Oh! of course. I, Medi Munkii, reaffirm my pledge, of body and soul, to Madania of the sea, once I, Medi Munkii, complete my journey." Medi says haphazardly willingly as he has done dozens of times before. Madania glows brighter for a moment, the warmth of her embrace growing on and within Medi.

"Thank you, sweet Medi. Now I shall teaching you fixing magic. So those nasty pirates will stop in their tracks in front of you." Madania says as she begins her lesson.

[Luminesa]

Eugeni - Healing Hands

Slowly, Eugeni removed his armor and his outer cloak. He smelled horrible, like blood, sweat, and dirt. He carried the rot of some of his fallen comrades, both on his armor and in his soul. The weight of the bodies had just fallen over him, and he realized what had been lost. Whole people, husbands, fathers, lovers, some wives and daughters even. All under his watch, all before his eyes, either in a blaze of fire, ice, or iron. He removed his cloaks underneath, and he examined his own body. To his relief, and then to his displeasure, he had only received some surface wounds. No arrows, no swords, he had done an excellent job in battle. He had kept away most enemies that had tried to reach him. Gregor would be pleased with him.

Yet he was not pleased with himself. He had seen the bodies, and began to count them in his head. He counted at least seven people dead by his own hand, maybe dozens more that he had pushed with his Aspect into the swells of Ledaal soldiers. He did not even bother to consider how many deaths Mahajan had caused. Gregor by himself had caused anywhere between a dozen to a hundred deaths by his own hand. Even worse, he had not flinched, not even blinked. He had looked into the fire with the blase eyes of someone who had seen the Devil, and who was not impressed. A chill went down Eugeni's spine. His eyes...that soldier's eyes...his neck...I slit his neck and watched him die...I slit his neck and watched him die...

"Lord Eugeni?"

A deep, quiet voice had respectfully raised itself to poke at his self-loathing. Turning to see the source, Eugeni noted Shan, now in civilian's clothing. He was dressed loosely, as if he was headed for a bath, but wanted to make a stop to check him.

"...Oh...General Shan. Hello..." Eugeni wiped his eyes, and tried to manage a dignified smile. "...I...I suppose I left my door open?..."

"Yes, and an assassin could have entered at any moment to slit your throat, seeing you in a position like this..." The general did not wish to make him feel awful for crying, but he knew that for all that he thought of others, the Ledaal heir did not always think of himself. He closed the door behind him, and he stared down at Eugeni, who was several inches shorter. "...And look at yourself. You have wounds and bruises, and I am going to guess you have not even looked at them?"

"I...No, I have not. I..." He swallowed another sob, and tried to give Shan his full attention.

The general nodded, and then put a gentle, calloused hand on Eugeni's shoulder. "...Do not fault yourself for their deaths. Such is the way of battle, my Lord. You saved the lives of many of your men, and that in itself is a victory, is it not?" He tried to console his general, Giving him an earnest and knowing look. While he had seen many battles and many deaths, the young medic and Exalted had only seen two in his entire life. Hearing the harrowing stories from books and from the news was nothing like seeing the horrific maw of death opening right before one's eyes and swallowing all the flesh it can consume. "...I am about to go take a bath and perhaps get treated by a medic...I do have a couple of injuries-"

"Ah! Let me see them!...P-Please...I am so sorry...I must gather myself..." Eugeni wiped his eyes once again, and then turned back to the general. "Let me see your wounds! I am a medic, am I not? Let me see!" He spoke with the fervor of someone trying to forget, for a few moments, the many faces of the dead. If he could heal someone, just one person, he would have a slightly smaller ache in his stomach. When Shan reluctantly lifted his tunic to let him take a look, he ran to the other side of the room before returning with some ointment. The young general had a massive scar, almost a gash, from his shoulder down to his third rib on the left. "...Oh dear...Oh dear...Shan, you could have died!...No normal medicine will do...it is possibly infected...You could be septic in hours, maybe even less than that! Let me see..." He muttered to himself as he started to put rub ointment into the wound. It smelled faintly of coconut and hibiscus, a pleasant, southern scent that contrasted with the thick, woody scents of pine, firewood, and hard liquor that filled Lethlinberg.

"...Ggh..." Shan winced a little, but let his superior act as his healer regardless. He had no place to tell the heir of Ledaal what he could and could not do, and he was secretly glad for this free treatment. The young Ledaal heir had soft, caring hands that were meticulous, and he did his best to avoid touching too much and causing more irritation than necessary. "...Septic...you really do read too many books...but I am glad for it...We would be at a loss without your knowledge, Lord Eugeni..."

"...I suppose I can go to the baths with you...um...If you still do not mind...Perhaps that will take my mind off some things..." Eugeni mumbled as he worked. He did not mean to ignore Shan's praise, but he was so focused on his work that he forgot about it. The wounds were serious, and he almost wished he had not wasted time talking before looking. Yet he was specialized enough in medicine to heal them, and he was glad to see them change color in response to his medicine. "...The ointment turning pink meaning it has caught some of the infection. Now to wash it clean...and then we can go to the baths. You will be clean enough. But you cannot put this wound in that water for at least two hours...So...do not go all the way underwater..." He giggled, missing the fact that the general's face turned tomato-red as he spoke.

"...V-Very well...Doctor's orders, yes?" The general was a little flustered that Eugeni was actually agreeing to come with him, as he had never been much for socialization and always avoided anything that did not involve books or studies. Yet some social time with others would be good for him. Tonight, when he was alone, then he would have time to grieve. Unless someone decided to keep him from being alone, whether that be a person or a bottle of alcohol. Eugeni...perhaps this war will bring out the better in you...I hope that what you have seen so far...and what you shall see...will not sour your heart and your soul to the world...We need you...or we are lost... he thought.

[Parcia]

Arthur Breton
Current Day

The Ride back from whence they came was quiet. They hadn't been able to properly bury the dead men lost in the bug infested city and thus a dour mood took hold upon them. This combined with the still recovering nature of Lord Breton, who physically looked a bit under the weather, led to the march being a mercifully quiet one.

They had found the messenger's bag and the information it gave was disheartening. None the less, the men kept proper spirits and order as they rapidly approached their former camp sight...only to find it in use. A pair of horses stood outside in the small pair of stable pens and the chimney bellowed a soft stream of smoke. Arthur mustered a platoon of men and his knight-Captain and the 2 dozen men approached the cabin slowly, weapon's drawn. As they neared the front door, Arthur looked up to see a Raven perched on the roof peer at him, its black eyes gazing in to his as it tilted its head.

The hairs on his neck stood up and the door flew open, the long barrel of a firelance jutting out and leveled directly on Arthur. On the opposite end was a familiar head and a familiar pair of Violate eyes. Markus stood ready in front of his Lord, Claymore held in a half handed grip and ready to take the shot. Arthur lowered Godpiercer and gently moved his Knight-Captain to the side. "Xao-long? Xao-long Yang?" The Northern Lord asked inquisitively. The head poked upped above the Firelance's long optical tube and Yang stared back him.

"Well shit, I almost took your head off. Your a sight for soar eyes, Arthur Breton." The firelance was fully lowered and Arthur gave the order for his men to sheath theirs's and to fully move in. "It's good to see you, Old man, how goes your guerilla war?" Arthur removed his helmet and fallowed Yang inside, pausing in the door way at the sight of a young women clad in but sheets laying in the bed he had slept on not a day before. His ingrained chivalry took back seat to the drawn bodkin arrow notched in a Southern Bow that Arthur found leveled at his chest.

"Uh..." Yang paused for a moment. "Lord Breton, this is Elaheh...she's my kin." Arthur closed the door behind him and averted his gaze from the immodestly clad girl. "D-daughter?" Yang nodded with a belated sigh. "It's a long story...She was...wounded in our last engagement, quiet badly I fear, do you have any among you who is medically trained?" Arthur nodded, opening his mouth to speak but no words came out. Poking his head out the door, he gave a hearty yell. "Eileen, present your self post haste and bring your apothecary satchel"

"Were you heading, Lord Breton?" Arthur frowned, "Please, Arthur, I'm hardly a lord as of late. We ran in to a mounted messenger some hours ago, telling us to return to Lethlinberg Post haste as the instruction of Lady Vai." For a few good minuets Arthur and Yang swapped stories before the assumed apothecary, Eileen, gave a knock at the door and Arthur called her in. "I came as fast I could M'lord, are you still feeling the effects of yesterday-" He cut her off with a wave of an armored hand. "Not for me, ya bloody nag." This may have sounded course, but the tell tale smile between the two seeming friends cooled any tension that Yang or Elehah may have felt. "Oh I see, Mr. Strong man is too tough for some proper medicine."

She stood around 5 and a half feet tall, with short brunet hair and a dainty, button nose and good cheek bones. A satchel hung at her hip, a quiver on the other, while a longbow slung over her padded gambeson and it was all topped off with a crude steel kettle helmet and a short sword.

"Your here for her." Yang pointed her to the now relaxed Eleheh. "Oh your a pretty one, and you have your father's eyes, so pretty." Both father and daughter blushed, "That easy to tell?" She nodded. "Your eyes, though I imagine she's a spiting image of her mother. Tell me whats wrong child." The Older women knelt by her bed side and with little ceremony the girl lowered the sheet, showing the set of bandages and that the Apothecary gingerly unwrapped, both men in the room averting their eyes to the fire. It was silent for a bit before Eileen gasped.

"Holy fuck, what in the god's did happened?" Arthur looked to Yang who visibly flinched. "I didn't have a sewing kit on hand and the enemy was fast approaching, it was all I could think to staunch the bleeding." The women nodded as she went through her satchel. "I can see that but holy damn, this is going to scar Bad. I'm sorry lass but your going to be dealing with this for a while." Elehah chuckled weakly, "Yea, that figures."

She gingerly examined her for a few more moments, noting things off allowed before stopping and staring at the girl's face. "Are...are you especially hot lass?" Elehah paused for a moment, but the apothecary pressed her hand to the teen's forehead. "Your defiantly feverish." Next she pressed her palms in to the girls neck just below the jawline. "Your nodes are swollen, and your wound is..." another pause as the tension rose in the room. "Red around the edges with streaks starting to form. Damn."

Yang got up and came to her side. "What's wrong?" Eileen glanced to Elehah and then Yang. "She's infected, her wound is infected. It's too early to tell with what but the prognosis is...varied." Yang locked eyes with the doctor. "Well?" She sighed and started to change the girl's now soiled bandages. "Best case scenario? She's going to be out of actions for a long while, few months. Worst case? Assuming she's a Dragon blooded, She'll pull through but due to the location...she might ever be able to bear children if the infection is left to run on its own. Assuming she's Human, it might actually kill her."

Yang sunk back down in to his chair. "You can't heal her here?" Eileen shook her head. "I'm an apothecary, though that bone head has me pressed as a longbowmen, I'm sadly not a magical healer." "Then we get her to Lethlinberg, to some of the posted Imperial mages or even Zara-" Eileen held her hands up. "Hold your horses there, she's in no shape to march several miles, or ride, actually, either could cause her to rip this...utterly barbaric cauterization job and start bleeding again and combined with the infection, it'll speed up...well, her dying."

Arthur, for the first time in several minuets, spoke up. "I have an idea."


A few Hours later...

Arthur had given the order to keep marching, and allowing the men to break for a short rest every few hours. He would have preferred to make camp for the night, but the news of the battle at the river told him there were possible enemy forces in the area. Much to their luck, they had managed to avoid them for now. Yang led his horse, while his daughter lay in a padded deer skin sleeping bag atop 4 of the Bretoni kite shields that were strung together with pair of spears. He kept to her side, as did Eileen who did her best to spoon feed the girl a herbal remedy meant to stay the infection, but her fever had gotten worse, combined with the cold of the rural trail, it was looking good.

The men loathed the forced march, but their path was clear of deeper snow, clear of enemy, and largely flat. They made it back in good order, though they were wiped and Arthur spied a few even loosing their cold rations in to the snow. None the less, they were all relived to see the Imperial banner, as well as the House Vai banner, flying high over the Fortified City.

Entering the city, Yang, Arthur, and Elehah were taken to a private room in the keep were the attending doctor was requested. Kahn would soon join them, being rather cheerful that the two had finally met up until Yang nearly took out the man's jaw with a right hook, eventually being restrained by the much larger Arthur.

Word would reach Zara of their arrival in short order as the Bretoni troops similarly dropped their gear among their assigned barracks and filtered through out the town's taverns and keeps.

[Imperialisium]

Zara Azairya Vai

Zara's eyes winced ever so slightly at the response from Kahn. Leaving his presence just as swiftly as she had arrived. But not before instructing sentries to keep an eye out for Yang. As such, when he and Lord Breton's weary troop marched into Lethlinberg once more it was only a matter of time before Zara began to home in on the way ward adoptive cousin that is Xao-Long. Passing several weary squads of returning Bretons making for their beds spaces, gathering cash for some well deserved tavern drinks and food, or other methods of relaxation. The door to the tucked away room whipping open as Zara moved in like a tempest. Quartet of her white armored bodyguards in tow. Then she stopped as she saw Elehah. She was wounded, grievously so, but it was the woman's face that captivated the head of Great House Vai.

The scene was tense as Zara took her eyes off of Elehah. Kahn was present, again, but nursing a bruised jaw. While Yang's right knuckles were red. No doubt the culprit behind the jaw wound. Returning her gaze to the woman, her eyes alight with an inner fire, as her mouth formed imperceptible words.

"Kahn. Leave us." The mercenary straightened and Zara did not give time for response as she whipped around, fist raised, cackling blue flames springing around her hand. Eyes blazing while Yang could scarcely see flickers of electricity. The quartet of bodyguards slid their blades out of their sheaths a few inches. Kahn, however, had the wisdom to leave post haste. "No one goes in or out." Ordered Zara and the silent guardians left the room. Closing the door behind them.

Zara's momentary wrath subsided as quickly as it had manifested. In time with Elehah, feverish and no doubt having trouble comprehending her surroundings, rolling her head towards her to look up the Lady Vai. "We have much to discuss, Yang, starting with why she looks so like you."

[Luminesa]

Eugeni - A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out

The wound had begun to heal nicely. With fresh bandages over the large slash, Shan Yui was primed for a quick recovery. Eugeni had been careful to tighten the bandages so that they would not float away in the bath. They needed to be tight to keep the slash from getting any further infections. Yet the wound was still tender and inflamed, and as he tightened the bandage he saw Shan’s face crinkle in dismay.

“I...I am acting quite unbecoming, I apologize...”

“No, please...Act however you want. You are not on the battlefield. You are in my private quarters. Say whatever you like or react however you wish. Medicine is not always pleasant, but it is necessary,” Eugeni answered, as he cut the last of the gauze and took a look at his work. As usual, it was pristine and professional. He looked at his strong general, who gave an apologetic look to his superior.

“...Very well...” Shan frowned, and sighed. “I did not wish for your first battle to be a draw. I knew...that such death would be hard for you to witness. I wanted you to feel it less keenly due to a victory. But under our circumstances it was not possible. Our mission, as it came down from Lady Zara, was to distract and return. We fulfilled it. And yet...” He gave a thoughtful pause. “...It is bittersweet for me...and devastating for you. And I, as an experienced general, had the responsibility to guide the fight and to guarantee further success. For this...I...”

He knelt on both knees and bowed his head to the floor. He knew what he had done, what he had lost. His superior’s innocence and his chance at enjoying the highs of war. He feared losing his trust as well. His long, silken, raven hair fell around his neck and back as he prostrated himself. “...Forgive me, my Lord.”

Eugeni was not used to receiving such apologies from men like Shan, and at first he froze. He did not know whether his leading general would cry or just remain in his place. Yet he knelt in front of him regardless, and he tried now to console him. Even as he hands shook, he put one on his cheek. “...Please...do not be upset...” he whispered, his eyes heavy and exhausted, “...You are a splendid general...and you were far more valiant than I on the battlefield...Please...do not hate yourself. Let us go bathe and then rest. I am...proud of you, General Shan Yui.”

Shan looked up with shock, and his eyes met Eugeni’s kind, forgiving gaze. If only his eyes did not look so hollowed by sadness and horror. If only they sparkled with the life of the cloistered academic, he would not feel so guilty about his words. Yet he dutifully accepted them, gulping down any protests and smiling. “...Thank you...my Lord. Your words are sweetness and light to my hardened heart. Let us go then, and clear our minds for some time.”

At the Bath

Gregor sat on one side of the massive communal bath, his arms draped over the side of the bath and his eyes closed. His own wounds were minor, but he had cauterized them. He did not care to stay in his room alone for too long. Thinking was dangerous, it made his conscience sharp and made him question his decisions regarding the many deaths he had caused. The steaming water and chattering, crass voices of other officers made him more comfortable in his skin, in his head.

“There were four of those women at the bar, I saw them as I went in for a drink, I have to tell you, she would have been fun to drink with.”

“Ahhhh we just came back from battle, you should have gone for it! Might be the last good man she sees for a while, ey Abdul?”

“You’re pathetic and you know it. I had two women on my arms that entire night and you didn’t even ask for one.”

The low talk drowned his thoughts and worries. The coarse laughter was like a hard loofah, brushing away all the dirt. He kept his eyes closed and his head back, and his men respected this. They knew he had exhausted himself and had used significant Essence. He was allowed to have his time to himself.

“...There’s so many people here...”

A softer, much quieter voice arose from the pack. Gregor opened one eye to look, and he saw Eugeni in loose robes, gazing around him at the communal bath. His wavy hair hung around his face, and his tired eyes looked confused as he searched for familiar faces. Several Ledaal officers cheered seeing him joining them. Shan Yui stood beside him, smiling as Eugeni nodded and acknowledged his men.

“I hope you...do not mind me joining you.”

“Eyyyy look who it is! Coming out of his shell, isn’t he? Come here, come here! We’ve heard some of the rumors, Lord Eugeni!”

Gregor closed his eyes for some time and smirked. Poor Eugeni was surrounded by much older men, none of whom shared his academic and spiritual interests. He had not even spent time with most of his classmates, never mind gotten into a bath with military men. He just listened, content hearing how he would react.

“R-Rumors?”

“You been needing a nice girl, huh? Come on, you’ve got to make some babies! Start a family! Those Exalted babies are what this kingdom needs!”

“Y-Yes, I am aware...”

“My Lord, if I may. There’s quite a few beautiful women I have met in this town in the last two weeks. Some are of very good quality and would love to have your company. If you would be so kind as to accept my offer-“

“Aaaaahhhh Chang, you’re talking as if you’re at a dinner party! Lord Eugeni, we know some women who will help you get some children. Good, pretty girls. You ought to try your lot.”

Eugeni did not give an immediate answer. Some of the men laughed around him, some chattered amongst themselves, taunting and teasing each other on how many women they knew and on atrocious stories about their “conquests”. Gregor did not even have to look to feel the radiant blush on the Ledaal heir’s face.

“...I...I would not be opposed...”

“Eyyyyyyy we might just find him a wife yet!”

“Doesn’t have to be a wife, just need kids!”

“No, no, he wants a wife, he wants a family. Good young man like him doesn’t want that sort of a life, Nobuki.”

More laughs and teases. More silence from Eugeni. Occasionally, Shan seemed to chuckle at something the others said, but he did not speak much himself. Shi was around somewhere, if he had not decided to rest or to take his pick of some good-looking officer from one of the allied armies. He flicked his eye open again, after some of the conversation had become a lull once more, and he was surprised. Eugeni was looking right toward him.

“...Something the matter, my Lord?” A large fellow captain turned to give Eugeni a puzzled glance.

“Oh! Nothing! I just happened to...space-out,” Eugeni muttered, trying to turn away his gaze.

The man laughed. “Ahhh this is no place for heavy thinking. Come with us to the bar and we’ll buy you a drink or five, you need it more than anyone,” he offered. Several others gave their uproarious approval at this suggestion.

Eugeni gulped, his face still a little pink. “...I will...consider it...” he murmured. More cheers sounded.

Gregor closed his eye once again, before a soldier could ask him why he was looking. Oh Eugeni...You look for me even when they have offered you brotherhood and company...Just like a sad puppy fearing his first time walking along the beach, and running from the waves...Let them give you your fun...I know your heart will be heavy again when you are alone...

[Parcia]

Yang.

He stared at Zara with a tired expression on his face, even managing to keep it up with her nearly electric glare. Sighing, he pulled up a chair, took off his weathered hat and dropped his head in to his hands. "You know, I some times wonder if my life is but a divine comedy, if my misery and strife is naught but something for the Gods to point and laugh at."

Arthur, having not taken the time to fallow Kahn out and now finding him self seemingly trapped in between what he figured to be a family spat. Not really knowing what to do with him self, he kept this helmet on and did his best to find something interesting in his dagger's blade.

After a moment of contemplating his words, Yang continued. "I...Do you remember I told you that I feel in love after I left, that I had a wife, Tzippora? We...we had a daughter." Yang kept his head in his hands. "Zara, Elehah. Elehah, Zara Azairya Vai, Lord, er, Lady of House Vai and technically your aunt...though not by blood means." The Girl Groaned in protest as she drug her self up in to a seated position. "Charmed." She looked pale, gaunt, sweating heavily and her eye lids drooping.

"It is to my understanding I am what's called "A lost Egg" in Imperial Political Parlance and what while my father was an outcast while I was conceived, that as a Dragon Blooded I have rightful claimant as a Daughter of House Vai. A claim I plan on capitalizing on, should you permit me Good Lady Vai." Yang looked on in object horror as his young daughter stared down The Viper of House Vai with an almost deliriously wicked Grin, a sparkle in her slightly glassy Violate eyes.

[Imperialisium]

Yang.

He stared at Zara with a tired expression on his face, even managing to keep it up with her nearly electric glare. Sighing, he pulled up a chair, took off his weathered hat and dropped his head in to his hands. "You know, I some times wonder if my life is but a divine comedy, if my misery and strife is naught but something for the Gods to point and laugh at."

Arthur, having not taken the time to fallow Kahn out and now finding him self seemingly trapped in between what he figured to be a family spat. Not really knowing what to do with him self, he kept this helmet on and did his best to find something interesting in his dagger's blade.

After a moment of contemplating his words, Yang continued. "I...Do you remember I told you that I feel in love after I left, that I had a wife, Tzippora? We...we had a daughter." Yang kept his head in his hands. "Zara, Elehah. Elehah, Zara Azairya Vai, Lord, er, Lady of House Vai and technically your aunt...though not by blood means." The Girl Groaned in protest as she drug her self up in to a seated position. "Charmed." She looked pale, gaunt, sweating heavily and her eye lids drooping.

"It is to my understanding I am what's called "A lost Egg" in Imperial Political Parlance and what while my father was an outcast while I was conceived, that as a Dragon Blooded I have rightful claimant as a Daughter of House Vai. A claim I plan on capitalizing on, should you permit me Good Lady Vai." Yang looked on in object horror as his young daughter stared down The Viper of House Vai with an almost deliriously wicked Grin, a sparkle in her slightly glassy Violate eyes.

Zara Azairya Vai

Zara was silent as Yang explained. She could lie to herself, the thought of killing Yang's daughter as weregild for the death of Aanyas did cross the head of Great House Vai's mind, but she did not betray it. Instead, her face remained passive and only slightly tipped her chin upward as Yang finished. As if she was mulling over a response. A response she had in fact decided upon already. Placing her left hand on her hips Zara peered down at Yang. Her gaze holding him in judgement. Then Elehah spoke, drawing Zara's eyes to her delirious own, "You are old to begin proper training. But you belong to House Vai. I will see your mettle, and if you're worthy to call yourself one of my House, soon enough."

Eyes lancing back to Yang, Zara spoke more sternly, "I will take your story, for now. Should she survive I will exert my right as matriarch of House Vai. Her life is forfeit to me until I release it." Zara turned to leave before suddenly stopping, "I will have my surgeon tend to her as well. In the mean time, you, and Lord Breton pretending to be absorbed in his dagger are going to the same place as me. Too lunch in the main hall. I suggest you both clean up." At that she walked out.

Zara had missed Ryamis Cathak's invitation for breakfast. But the older Dragon-Blooded member of Great House Cathak was hosting lunch as well in the main hall. Of course, for the purpose of getting all the commanders of the Imperial forces in Lethlinburg in the same room. Along with influential members of the city. To curry their efforts and raise morale among the populace via influencing the important civilians of the city.

The Main Hall

The Strategy table had been removed and in stead four long rectangular tables had been set out. Several smaller tables laid out decked with food, drink, and desserts. It was a show. Zara knew it. The civilian leadership will leave her elated and tell how their Imperial saviours will beat back the hordes of the enemy and restore the Pax Imperialis to the region once more. It was also to raise morale among local lordlings and officers who had been metaphorically beaten down by the seemingly unstoppable surge of the enemy coming from the Far North.

Zara entered with four Wardens taking up position among their peers interspaced down the hall. Several other squads of guards from a variety of Houses were also present. Mixed with local knights and men-at-arms who took the opportunity to eat and drink alongside Imperial officers from the Great Houses and hold conversation with the heads of the Imperial army that had come to reinforce the region. Zara avoided House Cynis as she moved to the closest wine table and poured herself an ample amount. Grabbing a sweet roll she bit into one corner.

"Quite the bashing you've given him." said a familiar voice. Zara's back straightened as she awkwardly finished her bite, swallowing quickly. Turning to see the visage of Kerada Ragara.

"I beg your pardon, Lord Ragara?"

"Who do you think. The one whose eyes follow you wherever you go."

Kerada Ragara was inferring Zychere. Who no doubt was sneaking looks her way from were most of the House Cynis officers were munching on their lunch.

"If he wishes a rematch all he needs but ask."

"Hmm, wouldn't that be something. Have you found a suitor that takes your fancy?"

Zara almost choked. Kerada held up a handkerchief smoothly. Kerada was an older man, married, with six children and pearly blue eyes under fine blonde hair. Average build but tall at over six feet. Though, the infliction of his words signaled he was not implying any attraction towards her. That much was obvious and Zara found comfort in that. "I have not."

"Shame. My oldest is close to your age. Much like you I find. Would you like to meet him?"

Zara politely smiled, "Of course." I can't even stuff my face nowadays before a man tries to match me with his son. Politeness was more or less mandatory at this point. So she had little choice without possibly upsetting Kerada than to accept such an invitation.

Elaheh

The House Vai head surgeon was a certain Gahlan. An old, wizened man of fifty-five winters, and well versed in both the mundane and arcane medicines. The man calmly walked into the room with a worn brown satchel bag. Plopping it down unceremoniously he didn't even look at Yang. "Patient is awake. If looking delirious. Feverish. Infection has set in." The doctor pulled up a stool and sat down. Slowly peeling back the bedding cover and blanket. Then the bandages and the horrible cauterization job.

"Cauterization slowed the infection but caused more damage to surrounding tissue. You will scar. But if we halt the infection and prevent it infiltrating deeper into your corpus then you should survive." The doctor spoke matter of fact. No embellishment. Pulling on a small contraption of lenses he flicked a couple down. Magnifying his view of the wound. The brass arms holding fine cut glass cut in a manner as to increase the resolution of what he gazed at.

"Hmmm. We will have to drain the wound. I need you to not move." Gahlan reached into his bag and picked up a brass syringe. Sliding in a glass container he filled with a thin purple liquid. "Extract of Moonshade. You will feel a pinch." Elaheh didn't have time to react as Gahlan punctured her arm with the syringe. The thin fluid spreading into her veins and she felt a numbness take hold. She was awake, she could see and hear, but she could not feel as a deep numbness spread throughout her limbs.

Pulling out a roll out bag which revealed several silver instruments the doctor pulled out a scalpel and a deep tray. Putting it near her wound he slid the scalpel along Elehah's flesh. Sickly brown and yellow fluid spilling from the wound into the tray. Draining the wound and puss from the cauterization. With surprising nimbleness for his age the doctor pulled out another vial with a fine pink powder. "Essence of Kalaman Salt. Antiseptic." It was unclear if Gahlan was speaking to Elaheh or himself. Nor did he stop for any reason as he sprinkled the salty looking material onto the cut and other parts of the wound. Normally, this would have stung and burned horribly. But the Extract of Moonshade kept Elaheh from feeling the effects.

Finally, a small bottle with a greenish fluid was pulled out and set on the small nightstand next to the bed. Only then did Gahlan turn to the other doctor. The regular army doctor. "Give her four drops before bed and at every meal. It is a cleansing salve which should clear the infection in her corpus. Now. The wound is mostly drained. I will stitch it up and leave an ointment which should help lessen the severe scarring from the cauterization. It won't disappear completely. But it will at least look better than it does now."

Gahlan worked silently. His stitching perfect and precise. His ointment application measured and even. Checking a small brass pocket watch Gahlan placed a gloved hand on her forehead. "The fever should break soon. Send for me if she worsens."

Gahlan left just as unceremoniously as he had arrived. Elaheh was lucky. If she had not received the treatment given moments before she would surely have died. Infection would have worsened rapidly and once she was blood septic it was more or less in the hands of the Five Dragons. But Zara had sent for her personal surgeon that had traveled with her entourage as expected. The medicines he possessed were the best money could buy. The Extract of Moonshade given to Elaheh was three hundred koku a vial. The life saving medicines given a peasant would have taken years to repay.

[Luminesa]

Eugeni - Eyes In The Shadows

Having a bath was relaxing, as Shan had suggested. Eugeni came from the bath dressed in his robes, smelling more like a rose and feeling refreshed. His men wanted him to go drink with them, and for once, he was excited. These masculine military men wanted him to be a part of their revelries, and as their superior he had a duty to represent them well. He went back to his room, tailed by a servant who made sure he arrived safely, and who then allowed him time to get dressed into some more comfortable clothes.

Yet when he was alone, fiddling with a makeup kit he had slipped in his bags, he began to stare around him at the shadows in his room. He thought he saw something small and round in the corner. Blinking his eyes, Eugeni stood, still dressed in his robes, and he slowly walked to the edge of the room. Then, as he looked down at...nothing...the images flashed in his mind.

The eyes rolled at his feet. First blue, then a pair of hazel eyes. Then violet. Then green. What had appeared as nothing at first now turned into at least a dozen eyes rolling out of the darkness toward his feet. No screaming, no blood, just silent eyes judging him for his deeds. Silent, beautiful, mournful eyes.

Eugeni’s skin began to pour sweat, and he felt himself shivering. He backed away as an eye hit his foot, and he felt his teeth clattering. “He was only in his twenties. He had a wife and children...His mother was waiting for her only son to come home...He died due to bleeding from his carotid artery...His death was quick and horrendous, as he began to suffocate and-“

“NO! NO! NOOOO!” He screamed into nothing, grabbing at his hair and hiding his face behind his hands. The words in his head were not his own, but those he was imagining would be said to the Bull’s army about this man, this body lying frozen in the snows outside Pforz. “OH GODS. NO. NO PLEASE. NO!” Tears poured down his cheeks. He was glad his door was closed. He wondered if anyone could hear him screaming. Oh how horrible, how embarrassing. The world around him spun and his heart sped in place in his chest. “Oh gods...oh gods...oh Mela...oh Mela...”

As he continued to breathe fast and audibly, a heard the charms on his door break, and he felt a pair of warm arms embrace him, like bedsheets falling over him from somewhere. Someone had come to find him. Two hands were over his eyes. He gulped, and thought at first that he was being assaulted. Yet a comforting voice spoke to him. “Shhhhh... We are now far away from the battlefield... There's no blood and sweat here... Only linens and fresh flowers...”

Eugeni tried to take deep breaths, and he heard Shi’s voice. “...Shi...sweet cousin...” His voice was soft and pitiful, like a wounded songbird crying for help. He held Shi’s wrists, glad to feel the presence of his closest family member. “...Shi...”

"...Yes, it's me... It's only you and me here... No more dead men... nor screaming warriors hungry for blood..." His cousin’s whispers were comforting and kind, and wise beyond Shi’s twenty years of life.

“...Shi...their eyes...they rolled on my floor...They stared at me...”

A pause followed, as Eugeni’s screams sunk into small, rhythmic sobs. "...Do you... feel guilt for the men... you killed?" his cousin and servant questioned.

“...I...I do...Oh gods...Shi...I see their faces...”

Another pause. "...Would you rather... have their blades be stained by your blood?"

“...I do not know...I do not know...” Eugeni’s sobs interrupted his speech, and made it harder to understand. “...They suffered before they died...I could not...give them a painless death...Not even the slightest mercy...How horrible am I...”

Shi sighed behind him. "...Once they stepped into battle, they knew what they were going into... There were a couple choices for them... Honor and glory... Glory and death... Be injured and be crippled, only to come back the next day... Many of them has accepted death into their hearts the day they stepped into the battlefield..."

Turning now to face his cousin, Eugeni gulped and wiped his eyes. He looked miserable, as opposed to how cheerful and content he was just ten minutes ago. “...Shi...I...I am afraid...I am afraid...that my power...will not be enough...to protect them...They love me...it is my duty to protect them in return...but I...I am so weak...”

"Our soldiers came here to win our House honor. They came here to exalt our House and your name... They did not come here expecting your aegis... They came here for you. They know that some of them will die... and it is a sacrifice that they are willing to make."

Absorbing his words for a few moments, the gentle Ledaal heir gave a conceding nod, and he wiped his eyes once again. “...You...you are right...And I, as their superior...should not spend so much time alone in this room...Perhaps I should go give them some of my attention...some of my companionship...That is what they expect...” He smiled sadly, thinking of how much his men cheered for him to drink with them. He would try not to drink too much, but he knew that maybe a drink or two would help his aching heart.

Looking to his dear cousin, he now gave him a tight hug, burying his face in his shoulder for a second. Shi was one of a handful of people with whom he could show his weakness and not face judgment. Shan was with the other men, awaiting Eugeni’s presence. The third person was the Mahajan general standing outside the door and listening. Gregor, however, left before he could be spotted or seen. He did not want Shi or Eugeni to believe he was spying, but he had to check to make sure that the Ledaal general was dealing with his pain without breaking. Apparently, he had come close to breaking down, and only Shi’s intervention had stopped him.

Perhaps...we do need to have a talk...If he will not be strong...then we will lose the war. But his cousin and I have the best chance of reaching to him...Perhaps...something can still be done, now while we rest...

This post made in collaboration with Finsternia.

[Luminesa]

Gregor - Stories Around the Pipe-Fire

Gregor had gone to spend some time among his men, drinking a little as he smoked his pipe. With a little of the right drink, he became slightly more animated, and as some of them told stories about their most recent kills or loves, he gave the occasional chuckle at their talk. He enjoyed listening, however, and so he smoked his pipe, and let the wisps of smoke speak for him. However, he was not allowed to sit and listen quietly forever. Eventually, the conversation came back to him.

“Hey! Gregor! Gregor, come on, how old are you? Sixty-five?”

He rolled his eyes. “I’m not even fifty. Don’t make my hair any grayer than it already is, you rapscallion,” he joked.

A few of his men laughed, as Gregor smoothed his hair to demonstrate that it still had its rich auburn sheen. “But you have to have had some girl manage to get you a kid or two! Come on, you know we’ve heard. You’ve been holding out on us! Heard you got a kid running around the Imperial Realm?”

“Listen, listen, Bijan, not all of us are interested in grabbing the first woman we see walking into the bar,” Gregor taunted, to the roars of some of his men.

Bijan looked insulted, but smirked. “Well what kind of woman do you want to grab then, Gregor? Hm? Some classy broad? Oooooh I bet you want Lady Zara and you’re just holding out on us!”

The Mahajan general gave him a disgusted look, and some of the men jockeyed for an answer. “Oh hush, you boys don’t know the first thing about women.” He had to deflect the question, especially since listening ears could turn anything he said about Lady Zara into some sort of treasonous statement. “The only things you know are lonely barmaids who want to relive their younger years through you.”

More arguing ensued, and he looked across the bar into nothing. The crisp smoke continued to whirl into the open air, and he removed his pipe for a second in order to cough. He could not see Ledaal’s men, but he hoped that Eugeni had gone to join them. He then looked back to his own men, now wearing a mischievous grin.

“Fine, fine. If you boys want a story or two, I’ll tell you a couple from when I was younger. I’ve met some fine, sophisticated women in my day, but let me tell you, they are rarer than gems...”

The Next Morning - Social Cues

The morning came, and Gregor felt an ache as the sunlight hit his eyes. He did not remember quite how much he had the previous night. He enjoyed a drink of wine, and a drink of rum, but the two did not mix well in his liver. He blinked, and walked to the sink to wash his face, quick to remove the discomfort in his face and stomach.

“...Ugh...it must have been at least four or five glasses...but how much of what...Oh goodness...” He rubbed his eyelids, and he glared at the mirror. He then turned and looked at his empty bed, and he felt something sour in his stomach. He had gotten drunk and had not even had the humorous experience of ending up with someone next to him. Sure, he had been at least partially responsible in such circumstances, but he knew that after such talk of women and “experience”, the irony was there in how he ended-up sleeping alone.

He did not have too much time to wonder on time lost, however, as he had received an envelope under his door. He walked over to it, and used a little of his sorcerer’s ability to sense it for poison. When he was certain that it was only a letter, he nodded and ripped open the envelope. “...Oh lovely. Another party...”

He groaned at the idea of dressing-up and putting on airs at another social event, but as a general for House Mahajan, and its de-facto head, he was responsible for representing his House at such functions. Quickly, he picked a set of black-and-red robes from his closet, along with a red fox-fur coat and a few rings on his fingers. He checked himself over, cared for his hygiene, and then walked out to go to lunch.

As he walked in the hallway, however, he did notice someone else walking into the party. Eugeni, followed by Shi, had gotten an invitation as well, and was dressed now in a beautiful Prussian Blue kimono with golden embroidery. Peacocks. He gave the first smile he had given that morning, and then recalled that King Alex would probably go as well. Well...I cannot complain too much, with the right company...

His stomach instantly soured upon seeing Zara inside, but her invitation was also inevitable. He did not plan on talking to her, but he would float around the perimeter of the gala and listen to other conversations. Yet even this desire to keep away from others did not keep him from Zara, and as he lit his pipe, he saw Eugeni walking toward her. Bad enough was his slightly effete appearance, but then he had suffered such a breakdown the previous night. He had hoped that the Vai noble had not heard such emotional distress, or the Ledaal heir could be in some danger. Thus he decided to listen from a distance, and to make sure that Eugeni did not get stabbed in the neck in full view of everyone.

“...Good morning, Lady Zara...” Eugeni greeted her, with a kindly and polite bow. He wore a refreshed smile, as if nothing horrible had happened in the previous day or evening. Gregor could see that his left hand was around his fan, ever prepared for both social situations and personal battles. “I hope you had a pleasant evening last night. I am glad that my forces were able to scout the enemy as you requested, and I managed to survive to tell the tale. But I am sure you...do not wish to spend this gentle morning talking all about...fighting...though it is so prominent on our list of things to accomplish...”

He paused, as if he was trying to think of a question that would interest her. “Have you been doing well? How is your family? I was recently at an event in which both of our families had representatives present...but we did not get to speak. And then at the dinner-party for military officers...I suppose the evening was not the most conducive for speaking...” He gave a pretty, sparkling giggle, which the Mahajan Noble watching could only wish was just a little more masculine. Power-projection was everything, and next to Zara, Eugeni indeed looked like a mourning dove cooing to a bored, hungry tiger.

[Revlona]

King Alexandros
The Main Hall

Alexandros sat with a Fake smile plastered across his face, beside him was Cleo with a not so fake look of disdain and exhaustion on her own, it had been a long day of work with the troops and now they were being all but forced to exchange pleasantries with other nobles. Its not that the food or the feast wasn't good, it was honestly a nice feast, the thing that exhausted the pair of southern nobles was the looming knowledge of combat and the fact that the younger noblemen wouldn't leave Cleopatra alone. She was after all a single and attractive young women who, not only that, she was the heir apparent to the powerful satrapy of Elladanos, to say she that she was a rather fine catch would be an understatement.

This combined with the arrogance of youth and a little alcohol had lead to Cleos night being rather harassed, Alex had yet to step in as Cleo had always handled herself, fending off the would be suitors with well spoken words of refusal, she was here to fight a war not to find a husband. Most took that at face value and left her alone, most, there was one who decided that she must be playing hard to get and had continued his unwelcome advances.

Alex didn’t know his name and didn’t rightly care, he was just amused seeing the young man coming back for a third try at his cousin. He had watched as the mans advances had been ripped apart and as he had been sent packing time and again by Cleo. So of course a lazy grin slipped onto his features as he saw the young man slinking back over. He nudged Cleo and featured at the man.

“Oh for heavens sake,” she muttered, obviously annoyed that the man was reappearing and at Alex’s amusement. Apparently the man thought that the way to Cleos heart was to be bold, extremely bold. That must have been why when he reached where the two of them were standing he placed his hand on the shocked Cleos face and leaned in for a kiss.

This of course was when Arnos decided to make his presence known, the head Royal guard was a noble after all and had tagged along with the royals to the feast. This was why he was in position to plant his foot on the mans chest and send him stumbling several paces backwards to land on his rump.

The young nobleman stood angrily and began to approach before a cold voice stopped him in his tracks, “Touch her again and Arnos will kick you again, come near us again and I will have to take offense,” Alex said as he stepped forward, silent fury written across his face.

The youth looked around and noticed that most of the attention was on him and not very many of them were looking at him with happy faces. As youth was want to do he shrugged his shoulders and smirked at Cleo, who had regained her wits and was glaring daggers at him, before sauntering off.

[Luminesa]

King Alexandros
The Main Hall

Alexandros sat with a Fake smile plastered across his face, beside him was Cleo with a not so fake look of disdain and exhaustion on her own, it had been a long day of work with the troops and now they were being all but forced to exchange pleasantries with other nobles. Its not that the food or the feast wasn't good, it was honestly a nice feast, the thing that exhausted the pair of southern nobles was the looming knowledge of combat and the fact that the younger noblemen wouldn't leave Cleopatra alone. She was after all a single and attractive young women who, not only that, she was the heir apparent to the powerful satrapy of Elladanos, to say she that she was a rather fine catch would be an understatement.

This combined with the arrogance of youth and a little alcohol had lead to Cleos night being rather harassed, Alex had yet to step in as Cleo had always handled herself, fending off the would be suitors with well spoken words of refusal, she was here to fight a war not to find a husband. Most took that at face value and left her alone, most, there was one who decided that she must be playing hard to get and had continued his unwelcome advances.

Alex didn’t know his name and didn’t rightly care, he was just amused seeing the young man coming back for a third try at his cousin. He had watched as the mans advances had been ripped apart and as he had been sent packing time and again by Cleo. So of course a lazy grin slipped onto his features as he saw the young man slinking back over. He nudged Cleo and featured at the man.

“Oh for heavens sake,” she muttered, obviously annoyed that the man was reappearing and at Alex’s amusement. Apparently the man thought that the way to Cleos heart was to be bold, extremely bold. That must have been why when he reached where the two of them were standing he placed his hand on the shocked Cleos face and leaned in for a kiss.

This of course was when Arnos decided to make his presence known, the head Royal guard was a noble after all and had tagged along with the royals to the feast. This was why he was in position to plant his foot on the mans chest and send him stumbling several paces backwards to land on his rump.

The young nobleman stood angrily and began to approach before a cold voice stopped him in his tracks, “Touch her again and Arnos will kick you again, come near us again and I will have to take offense,” Alex said as he stepped forward, silent fury written across his face.

The youth looked around and noticed that most of the attention was on him and not very many of them were looking at him with happy faces. As youth was want to do he shrugged his shoulders and smirked at Cleo, who had regained her wits and was glaring daggers at him, before sauntering off.

Gregor - Social Cues

Gregor had managed to find a place at the table, from which he watched the rest of the crowd around him. He sipped some wine he had a servant grab for him, and he smoked his pipe. He was not too hungry at the present moment, but he ate the food that a servant grabbed for him. He took a look around him, waiting for some sort of juicy gossip or some news worthy of his attention, but nothing came. The low chatter was like buzzing to his aching head, but he tolerated it for the time being.

Alex and Cleo were a ways away, but not too far. He could see them commiserating, clearly uncomfortable but hoping to make a decent impression. They were playing the game, which was necessary for any foreign noble in Imperial land. Alex tried to look like a calm, experienced, and handsome noble, whereas Cleo was happy to show the tiredness and dread in her face. She was still a princess, and thus had a little room to be honest around others. Yet not too much. One day, she would be a queen in a foreign land, and she would have to put away her disgust in order to rule. Gregor knew this for a fact, and he rather dreaded it. Seeing someone being honest about hating their fake surroundings was refreshing.

Apparently, however, she had not made a good impression with other Imperial nobles, and so he saw that some of the looking eyes around them were glaring toward Cleo. He hid the smirk on his face and took another smoke. Ohhhhh, some of them look unhappy. I wonder what that spitfire said to make them angry. I missed a chance at laughing at some sorry noble on the receiving end of that fight. Though I do hope that Alex is not receiving some of those stares...The last thing we need on our hands is a murdered foreign king...We have enough mistrust among each other, I believe... he thought, as he blew some smoke and took a sip of wine.

"...S-Sir, aren't you coming off a hangov-"

"Oh hush, Sebas, we are in polite society. Nobody needs to know, and the wine is flowing, so I must partake for now," he hushed his worried servant. He hoped that at the same time, Eugeni would be able to succeed in his dance with the devil not too far away. He was not attempting to cause harm, but he was most definitely playing with fire. An unfriendly fire.

[Imperialisium]

Lethlinberg
The Main Hall

Zara was saved from further subtle prodding by Kerada Ragara by a sudden commotion. Glancing she witnessed the immediate after effects of one of King Alexandros' guards physically removing a nobleman from verbally hounding his sister. Zara smiled inwardly at the notion but she was observant. A quick read of the room and this was deemed as somewhat impolite to physically assault a nobleman over such a thing. Except Ryamis who barely contained a chuckle. Evidently the head of the Cathak contingent found it bemusing as well. Another voice wafted over to her ears.

Eugeni Ledaal. Zara refocused her gaze upon him. Chin tilted down and slightly to the side. As if assessing prey. Not that she was malicious to Eugeni, oh no, quite the contrary. She found his approach somewhat amusing. The nervousness in his voice telling her all she needed to know. Nevertheless Zara gave him a polite smile, with a matching tone, "Good Morning, Master Ledaal." Eugeni's follow up questions came as somewhat sudden for Zara. Not that she betrayed that beyond her continuing polite expression. Manufactured, yet so perfect as to be genuine.

In a way Zara would think she found him cute. In a shy sort of way that is. She did not find him, currently, sexually attractive. But did he find her such? There would be few reasons for a noble scion, spouse less, to speak to approach her without intentions made clear. Zara sipped from her glass before placing it down gracefully. Practiced precision would be an accurate descriptor for her movements. Precision in all things, Kalibron would say.

"Aside from both parents being murdered by assailants unknown...I am well." Zara took a step forward. Not yet making eye contact. "The family is doing well otherwise. Some cousins shall be coming of age soon." She looked up and locked eyes with his. A wry grin forming on one side of her face. A coy smile? "House Cynis party back in the Imperial City. I saw you there. What is so important as to continually seek out conversation with me, however?"

[Revlona]

Lethlinburg
The Main Hall
Alexandros

Alex pinched the top of his nose in frustration as the commotion drew a little more attention than he would have wished, he looked at Argos and Cleo before saying, "Stay here, I've got some business to handle," He then smiled at Cleo before walking towards a friendly face he had spotted earlier. He was a little to annoyed for politeness so he sat down in front of gregor and smiled at him freely.

"Lord Gregor, if I have to sit through another few hours of this with a dry throat I will go mad, mind if I take a drink with you?" He asked, tilting himself so he could both look a gregor and over his shoulder where he left his entourage. He didn't really have any business to discuss with gregor unless gregor had some with him, he just wanted to sit down and have a drink with the man as he was one of the few friendly faces in the room.