Myareths Dawn (IC/Closed)

[Man in A Box]

(It's okay)

CCC City, Capital of The House of the Rising Sun

She waved to the Seraph as he removed himself from the carriage "buh bye, Good luck with what you wish to get done, hope to see you again" With that the carriage left to the border to help support there. This town was extremely large compared to all the others and used as a base of operations for all things that happen at the House. The town was filled with markets and houses that were well built with sturdy roofs. The outside of the city was mainly filled with farms and ranches and a few gypsy markets. The inner part of the city was artisan shops, markets, entrepreneur forges, and many other but the Warriors owned and ran a giant forge area that was mainly a large wooden warehouse where they built there new inventions. They've had to rebuild a few times do to casualties. Not far from it was the Magi tower, A large part stone part wooden tower where they study magic, That's the only place since magic isn't wide spread throughout the House. In the middle of the city was large castle made of stone and wood. The first two floors were made of stone and well kept. The third floor was made of wood and kept together with care as well there were some cloaks that were putting an over layer of stone. The fourth floor was a new addition that they were building in the attempt to make towers on the castle but was still under construction.

As people passed by the Seraph they treated as they treated everyone else, kindly. Cloaks were everywhere. each armed with some type of weapon going about there business in whatever type of job they served. Many salesman offered items to the Seraph, hair products for his wings or some asking where he got them thinking they were fake some knew of his race being a Seraph but mainly people just went about there day. To them, he was literally an equal just like everyone else.

[Tuthina]

Silvershy woke from another nightmare to the sound of Bronzeshield saying, "Wake up, sleepyhead. We've got something fer ye to lookit." She opened her eyes and saw the copper-red Earth Pony mare standing over her and shaking her.
"I'm awake, I'm awake!" she said, and rolled off her bed, then walked over to the polished silver plate that served as a mirror. Using her telekinesis she braided her long blonde hair and tied the piece of cloth that served as an eyepatch around her head. She then grabbed her spear with telekinesis and walked out of her home to the farmyard where a blue pegasus with white hair, Moonstrike Merkava, had already hitched herself to the chariot.
Silvershy got on the chariot together with Bronzeshield, who had by now gotten on her shield mask, and Moonstrike began trotting, then galloping out of the yard.
Moonstrikes pegasi magic began affecting the chariot, and they took off, flying through the fertile valleys of Equion toward the western borders.

Port of Kreojs Tujq
As the caravan crossed through the sands towards the northwest, the prosperity and life that marks Qeor Qeop slowly merged with the blinding sands, finally disappearing as the convey moved further away. Among the road - figuratively, as there are nothing but ever-moving sand dunes for common people, occasion oases and settlements can be spotted hiding under the disguise of sand by their red and yellow building of enchanted sand and sandstone. Feeding from smoked mutton, mushroom, and drinking from their waterskin, the merchant made their way towards the border, with speed and casualness that would surprise everyone who do not know the way of survival in desert, and see the great desert as a world of death.

After days and nights of travel, the caravan finally reached the coast. Unlike the desert that defines its people, the coast is covered with a thin layer of green grass and occasion trees. Clean water flows from the nearby mountain ridge through the land, making farming possible, as seen by the golden farmlands that litter the region - surprisingly similar to their desert-dwelling brothers and sisters. Settlementss of yellow and red can still be seen, but they are notably smaller and not defensive, as they aggregate into something bigger on the banks of the river - a town.

The port of Kreojs Tujq, or "the river that flows at the northern land where people farm together", is the largest port of the Mak people, as well as its welcoming, if not misleading, window towards the world. Other than the dark-skinned human that dominates the region, small people with green and grey skin, and an ever-plotting grin can also be found here. These goblins are said to be one of the snidest races in the world - and rightfully so, as they seem to have the innate ability to rip off everyone who trade with them. However, their quick minds can be put to good use, as a few incentives can make them create machinery of marvels - from wheeled carts for roads, to boats that can sail across the vast blues not too far from the town.

As the merchants depart to unload their goods for even more goods and wealth, the priestesses went to a different way - the shrine. Not only is it respectful to pay a tribute to local shrine as a token of accepting the sacred hospitality, the ones they are on their way to meet are also going to arrive there for similar reasons - probably.

Just like the one at the capital, the shrine is completely sealed from outside - presumably not for defense against sandstorm, but for defense against unwanted visitors, should they force their way in. Torches and oil lamps lightened the shrine building in an even way, amplifying the shadows of the priestesses as they moved towards the statue of the blessed maiden upon her pool. Noted by their arrival before, the local priestesses welcomed them with another bowl of enchanted water. After performing the same ceremony, they moved to a sandstone table in front of the statue, where the meeting will commerce as soon as they arrive.

It has been said that despite their alien look, those races of Equion are peaceful and willing to help each other, as long as people can put over the initial awkwardness of the meeting. Maybe they would carry the same view towards the Mak people. If so, then maybe the desert people can come out from their marks of sandstorm and reach out for the green and blue world. Maybe.

[United Districts of 1]

CCC City
Great-spear walked quickly through the city streets avoiding the squalor ridden markets and their shoppers he pushed the peasants out of the way. He kept a hand on the hilt of his sword as the crowds grew thicker as he neared the center of the city. When a shop owner would grow to close he would bat them with his wings and carry on towards the center of the city. The smells of the forges and livestock mixed under his nostrils to create a grotesque stench that flooded his senses. The rampant half-breeds that filled the streets overwhelmed him with disgust as the crowded market gave way to artisan shops. The scents started to thin out as he sensed the billowing heat of a forge nearby. He spotted a large wooden building and moved towards it. The building was a great place of bright red light and scrambling workers. He looked at the smelting process and let out a tsk tsk tsk. He spoke to himself but loud enough for a passerby to hear.

"The process is refined enough if just a little wasteful fuel-wise"

PeakHold, The Vanguards Hold
The small courtyard was dull and void of activity on the blissful sunny morning. The days start was in sharp contradiction to that of the buildings purpose. It was the home of the elite assassins of the Seraphs hold, the Black Vigil as it was called by the Darcani who had founded it. It was responsible for ending any unwanted activity in and outside of the Hold. The Black Vigil was exclusive and only open to Black winged seraphs. The standard uniform was a deep black robe with red gilded sleeves. The assassins were little known and they preferred it that way, at least until intimidation was useful.

Near the back a duo of the assassins conversed in hushed tones. Not even the other agents could be trusted with the secrets that passed through their lips. One took out a map and pointed to the south and the city states of Numer. The other nodded his head and extended his jet-black wings and took flight.He headed south at break-neck speed soaring over the House of the Rising sun and towards the city state of Sepris. He stopped on top of a high sitting house and looked at the palace in the distance. He drew a long wicked dagger that seemed to suck the light from the air around it. He started towards the palace and waited until the sun was in the eyes of those below to land quietly on the roof above the diplomats meeting. He waited patiently until the group of diplomats stood up.

[Man in A Box]

CCC City, Capital of the House

The people began to look at him oddly when he ran away, but they left him be for what he decided to do there was his own business. Gyro happened to be passing by with some supplies in a wooden box was passing by the Seraph and couldn't help but overhear what the large Seraph said "and what would you have us do?"

He asked smiling at the Seraph content on hearing him out. He set down the box and crossed his arms waiting for this Seraph's answer. The House priced themselves in there advancements in war mechanics and were open to improvements but a majority of the time they doubted that they were in need of them. Gyro being the lead Warrior of the mechanics division and one of the most technically advanced with his outrageous wants for something that can ignite quickly instead of these dam coal rocks or using magic.

"Seraph right? don't see many like you around..."

City State of Sepris

As Lite moved along the to the palace this time in a much more peaceful manner he noticed an angelic figure sitting atop a roof. It looked so lifelike, angelic and marvelously designed. A winged man sitting still on the roof over looking the palace with a blade in it's hand, but he realized something. That statue wasn't there when Lite was escaping!

"Arrow!" he called to his men and pointed to the angelic figure. As quick as they could the only archer of the group pulled out a bow, knocked his arrow, aimed, and took fire. Mainly it was a distraction so Lite could rush over to the building and quickly run up it and grab hold and being to climb as fast as he Hylionion could... That is pretty fast. He threw himself onto the roof and rushed the Seraph with a blade drawn.

[Numer]

Palace of Sepris, City-State of Sepris

After their meeting was concluded, Ensi Resgaal walked from his personal quarters to the court and his throne. He thought for a moment about how guilty he would feel if he one day had to betray the House of the Rising Sun. It was different from double-crossing a political ally or having an enemy assassinated, it was a whole nation of men, women and children like his own people of Sepris.

But in the end, he realized why he committed acts like those, for the greater good. No matter what traitorous deeds he did to become Ensi, now that he was, he would be a benevolent ruler to his people, their channel to the god Semphis, taking care of the orphan and widow and bringing justice to those that would harm them. If he had to go to battle one day to do this, kill innocents identical to the ones he wished to protect, he would. Already the people of Sepris were wealthier than ever, no disease spreading slum district in existence. Sepris' bazaars were ever growing, and with the newly implemented currency, they would grow ever still. Sepris was finally one of the more powerful of the city-states, despite Kadd's trading superiority, thanks to his leadership.

He sat on his throne, decorated in precious, detailed silk and satin cloths and a fine carpet under his sandals, and heard proposals as two servants waved palm branches at him to keep him cool in the blazing southern sun. The throne itself was located against the wall of the Palace and under a small black marble platform supported by four heavily decorated pillars. Two flawless statues of female angels made of obsidian and gold sat on either side of the Ensi, appearing to worship him. The Ensi's court was literally in the central courtyard and garden, and the Ensi presented himself in full regalia including the simple yet elegant golden headband which signified his status as a descendant of Semphis. The courtiers would bring their requests to him personally while musicians played and an alchemist experimented in the far corners of the court, displaying their skills and knowledge for the Ensi. Two lugals played a new game called chess, in which two could test their strategies through simple playing pieces similar to the courtiers themselves. Resgaal loved the new game, and played it with his servants and guests whenever there was time.

The first proposal greatly interested him. His head guardsman, citing the incident that occurred that very morning, proposed a full establishment of an elite guard unit devoted solely to protecting the Ensi. He also asked to expand the main guard so that archers could patrol the rooftops of the city, silently watching the populace for threats and reporting any suspicious behavior. Resgaal immediately approved the plans, and complimented the guardsman for his adaptive mind. It felt good to compliment rather than threat. But just as the next petitioner stepped forward, a strange sound of wings flapping came from afar. The Ensi peered his eyes toward the roof of the palace, but it was so bright he could not get a good view. He soon was convinced that he was just being paranoid and that it was one of the many exotic birds or cranes that inhabited the city. He returned to the next petition.

Discoveries:
-Chess (hey, its not a real tech, but anything for the Numerians to earn fame amirite? )

[Subject X7]

Sovan, Capital of the Sovani People

Juke is Zeke's only son, and always looking for adventure. He had always wondered what lied beyond the mountains to the south, and the continent to the north, but his greatest interest was always the sea. Ever since a strange creature (which he later found out to be a human from some) had washed up on shore over a hundred years ago, he has always tried to convince his father of letting him go on a voyage to find others of it's kind, but he would always come up with some excuse to not allow him to go. Juke had grown tired of his father not allowing him to go. But from now on, his father couldn't tell him where he could or could not go, for today was the day he turned 1000 years old. It was tribal tradition that once a Sovani child turns 1000, they must make a long voyage, normally from the northernmost island to the southernmost island in the Sovani kingdom, but tribal tradition never spoke of a voyage other than the one normally taken.

He climbs up the ladder into his father's room, and walks over to his hammock. Zeke opens his eyes, sits up in the hammock, and steps out of the hammock. Zeke knew this day was coming the moment the stranger washed up on shore so long ago, and knew that his son would not be persuaded to stay. He faces his son, and thinks, "Are you sure that you wish to leave? You will be the only Sovani to have ever left these islands since Uk-tuh the great, my father's father. Are you sure that you wish to leave?"

"I am sure father, I have awaited this day for over a hundred years, and can leave now if I wish to. But it would not be right to go without your blessing." Juke thinks back, looking away to avoid his father's gaze. He knew what his father's answer would be, and was already feeling wrong in asking. His father looks down at his son, and smiles in a defeated way. Zeke places his upper hands on Juke's shoulders, and his lower ones over his own heart, and thinks, "Juke Tun-stah, Son of mine, I give you my blessing, and declare you a free Sovani. You may go."

Juke looks his father in the eyes, and thinks, "Thank you father." He runs out to the ledge, and jumps off, dropping about 20 feet. He lands with a thud, and goes down onto all sixes, and begins to dash to the western beach, where he had a boat with supplies to last him up to a month waiting. Little did his father know, Juke had grabbed one of the Rock-Throwers sitting on his shelf. He had read his fathers memories, and thought to bring along sharpened stones for hunting, and a fish hook (long pole with a strong bone hook on the end) for fish. He reaches the beach, and gathers as many stones as he can find (around 200), before tossing them into the boat, and pushing it out to sea. He climbs into the boat once it is floating in deep enough water, and begins to row the four paddles at once, desperate to get away from the island as quickly as possible...

The Bay of Tales

After rowing for well over 5 hours, Juke is exhausted, and decides to stop to fish then rest. He picks a few chunks of bait, and rubs them between the palms of his lower hands. After the scent of the fish flesh is all over his hands, he lowers his hands into the water and makes slow circles, spreading out the scent of the bait. He threads the bait onto thin vines, and tosses them over the side, anchoring them just in the water. He waits for a fish, and figures that it would be at least half an hour until he caught something, but to his surprise, a large, brightly colored fish comes into view. It had a large, flat face, which startled Juke a bit.

The fish slowly drifts towards the bait, then rushes the last few inches to the bait, mouth open. Lighting fast, Juke jams the hook into the fish's mouth, and yanks back, setting the hook. The fish struggles, and nearly pulls Juke overboard, but he manages to haul it into the boat. It was a beautiful fish, covered in brightly colored yellow, green, and blue scales. The fish begins t thrash about the boat, but is quickly stopped with a swift knife to the head. It twitches a few times, and is still. Juke pulls the knife out of the fish, and flips it over. He jams the knife into the fish's belly, and quickly guts the fish. It was a good catch, and by the fish's weight, had to be at least 90 pounds, even without the organs. He cuts up the fish, and places the pieces into two buckets. There would be enough for him to eat today, and two days from now if he had a sugar fruit each day with it.

He quickly picks out the best looking flesh, and digs in, drinking a bit of sea water every now and then. The Sovani people are able to drink salt water without any bad side effects because they adapted to salt water (They can drink both regular, and salt water). Juke stretches out in the boat, and lies down, the warmth of the sun and the lapping of the waves soon putting him into a pleasant slumber.


Here's the fish:


((OOC: LONG POST IS LONG! FEAR ITS POWER!))

[United Districts of 1]

Atop the palace of Sepris
The Black-Vigil agent winced as an arrow barely missed his knee. He turned at the direction of where it had come from and spotted the feeble human rushing at him with a blade in hand. He assessed the situation quickly and considered his options. Yes that one would do nicely, he turned at the human and flared his wings out revealing long wicked spikes at the tip of each wing. His dark black helmet revealing only the blood red pupils that he saw from. He tore of his robe and revealed a suit of intricate bronze scales coming together to form a thick shimmering carapace over his body. He took his dagger in one hand and slipped a clay container from his belt. He let the clay vessel slip from his hand and fall to the ground. It shattered sending a pool of red slime across the roof. He stared into the charging humans eyes and took his blade and scratched a long line into his shoulder plate along a tally of fifteen other similar scratches. Each one meant a kill to his name and a soul to his master. The sparks from the encounter rained down into the puddle of red slime and sent it into a fireball. The roof began to burn as the fire spread exponentially. The Black-vigil agent smiled at the human with a devilish grin and took off into the sky. He left no trace of his existence.

In the Forge
Great-spear looked at the friendly yet still unassuming human and talked to a fellow artisan of the blade with only a tinge of respect. He pointed towards the large bellows next to the forge and said in a neutral tone.

"You see the bellows you have is pushing all the heat to the opposite side leaving this side rather dull, if you put a smaller bellows on each side the melting process is much more even rendering more pure bronze."

He just noticed that he too had sat on a crate and was drawing a small diagram in the dusty floor with two of his fingers. He quickly stood up and brushed himself off and looked sternly again at the human. "Those hidden plates are interesting indeed, your people may be more worthy then some of my race like to believe. If we could share are secrets this over-shadowing hostility may not go anywhere as I fear it will." It was the first time he had ever spoken in a friendly manner to a human and he found it didn't make his stomach green. He was dumbfounded as to why race mattered in the field of science. Yet the feeling of superiority that had been bred into him had not vanished and the average human was still worth its weight in dirt to him. But he could respect discovery and innovation in any man or seraph, but preferably seraph.

[Numer]

Palace of Sepris, City-State of Sepris

The sound of an arrow whizzing by and the smash of a pot rang through the court, and everyone looked toward the origin of the noise, the roof of the Palace. Resgaal and others spotted a black-winged creature soar from its position. "Shoot it, now!" Ensi shouted to his guardman, "Tell the archers at the city wall not to let him escape! The wings make for a massive target!"

The fire burned continually, but defensive charms placed on the palace at its building stopped it from spreading, and the court alchemist, Darys, brewed an ice potion within seconds and threw it on the roof, effective reducing the fire to a smoldering, black mess. Meanwhile as the failed assassin tried to escape through the skies, any guard with a bow in the city and on the walls began firing when it grew near.
They were not very good shots, but so many fired at the large black mass in the sky they thought they hit their mark. They continued to fire nonetheless.

Construction crews, fine artists, and masons were called to the palace to make repairs, cleaning the roof and redecorating it so that it appeared that nothing had happened. Given such a brief time the fire was blazing, few additional repairs were needed to restore the Palace to its old condition.

Ensi Resgaal retired to his quarters, planning his next move after the failed assassination attempt. The guardsman's proposal had assured that something like this wouldn't happen again, but it was pure bad luck that an attempt on his life occurred before the program was implemented.

Resgaal came to a cunning solution to the Seraph's hostility. Obviously they were more advanced than the House, but he did not wish to betray the Hylions so quickly. He realized slave trade would be the key to gaining the Seraph's favor, as they would have no success with the House in that field, and it was not actually waging war with the House. Plus, by ignoring the assassination attempt as if it were nothing would show them that he did not hold grudges against other powerful peoples such as his own.

A caravan, guarded well and carrying the finest Numerian silk, satin, jewels, ivory, and pelts, along with a large slave transport, was organized and sent on horseback toward the Seraph's Hold that very evening. The House's border's were very open, so the Ensi did not expect any resistance from their forces, especially with their recent negotiations so successful.

The lead merchant was entrusted with a message to the Hold from the Ensi himself, written on papyrus, "The Numerian City-State of Sepris and its Ensi Resgaal sends his regards and a request for a diplomatic meeting specifically on the slave trade. He offers these goods and servants as merely a token of what they can benefit from his friendship and a trade relationship with Sepris. Despite on what you believe about humans, the Ensi believes he can convince you to take into account what we have accomplished along with what you have. Please take this proposal into consideration."

Resgaal wondered if the Hylions would be offended by the Numerians acting friendly to their rival power, but he decided that it was best for Sepris to remain neutral and trade with both sides. As the powerful Seraphs believed that humans were savage and lesser, he hoped to show them that at least Numerian humans showed a dignity not expressed by their fellow men. And after all, to Numer it was all about wealth, represented by currency now, and the Seraphs had an untapped resource that the House didn't-slaves.

[Man in A Box]

Palace of Sepris

Lite's flame was burning, it grew ever brighter and his Hylion strength began to push itself into sight. Lite's adrenaline pushed to leap right at the Seraph, but only coincidence that he went right over the flames. Lite literally hurled himself through the flames but hit nothing since it seemed the Seraph left without even securing that his kill was dead. Lite went right off the roof and landed with a roll softening the landing on his body just slightly. He rolled onto his feet then called to the sky calling for the Seraph "Where'd you run to?! So much for proud warriors of the sword" He called up "You arrogant bastards! Using some kind slime to combat someone who comes at you with a sword! Your all just weak and afraid to admit it!" Lite kept throwing insults out until Alf stopped him "calm yourself Lite, we need to get back to the House"

Payge tapped her staff on the ground and all the flames on the roof flowed right into her staff extinguishing it's original spot "That's enough Lite, we should leave now! Richter will stay here for safety percussion for our new allies" she called then left the palace. Lite followed and a few other cloaks followed as well. They left Sepris to bring news of a new ally.

Urock, The House's Southern Border/Military Base

Lite and his fellow cloaks arrived at the base and began to let the soldiers know that they could drop defensive and send more troops to the north. Then they continued on to the House's capital. When the Numerian caravan came by they let them pass and even gave them nice little greeting.

In the Forge

Gyro nodded "perhaps you should see the inside before you give us advice like that." Gyro pointed to the door then bent over and picked up his box "You see only half of the forge is a forge the rest is an experimental machinery area where we build and test siege weapons armor and weapons. The entire thing is a giant workshop" Gyro explained. He lead the Seraph to the door and invited him in

"This side here is used for weaponry and metal forges" he said pointing one side then to the other "and this is the workshop, not to smart having fire next to wood but it's something we can deal with it and soon we'll had stone walls for to make everything a bit more safely" Gyro explained

Gyro was okay with explaining these types of thins to visitors, he was a very kind person.

[United Districts of 1]

Above Sepris City
The Black-Vigil assassin whisked hastily over the city dodging the arrows as they flew. He disregarded the humans insults and made for the outskirts. As he reached the edge of the city another seraph shot from the east and rammed into the assassin with massive force. The black-wing quickly recovered and drew his dagger as he suspended himself in the air in front of the new attacker. He drew his arm back and threw his blade at the other seraph. The attacker deflected the jab with the base of his spear and caught the assassin jaw with the edge of his tear-drop shaped shield.
The assassin dodged out of the way of an incoming spear-point and responded with a sharp blow to the throat. The attacker was stunned and reeled back for just a split-second. The assassin flipped the spear from his grasp and thrust it towards him with all his might. The stunned attacker was swift enough to catch the spear point in his shield. With a clean motion he broke the spear in two. The assassin was caught in a storm of splinters that hailed his eyes. He grasped them and writhed in short-lived pain. The attacker tore the spear from the shield and rammed into the assassin heart. The mid-air battle ended and the black-winged seraph plummeted to the ground.
His killer descended after him and picked up his corpse. He left a small leather case with a note in it where the black-vigil agent had died.
“Something grave has happened in the hold, what it is I cannot tell you. But let it be known that one seraph does not act on behalf of all seraphs.”

Mt.Asgramor
The hall of the uplifted was filled with the sounds of metal on metal and war. Bodies lay strewn across the cluttered floor as a line of black-winged seraphs pushed deeper into the hallowed building. One of the Darcani was already slain and crumpled on his throne in the main hall. The light-Seraphs had never seen the attack coming and it was almost unopposed in the other holds. But here on Asgramor black-winged seraphs lay strewn like ragdolls across the face of the mountain. Outside the city of alabaster marble was crumbling as the dark armies marched up the slopes in ever increasing masses. Already the great walls of the forbearers had shattered and know only a small line of elite Sentinels remained guarding the council room. Their sky-stone blades made quick work of the black-wings armor and shields and already the enemies were piling up before them. Hope was bleak even then as the Sentinels were outnumbered four to one.
A messenger stumbled to the border of the house and into a small village he collapsed dead with a message in his hand and arrows in his back.

[Man in A Box]

Small village of Trepor, House of the Rising Sun, Northern Border

Cep Ver Del was wondering about the village checking on things and making sure all things in the village was well. He heard a scream turned to the noise. There was a few people standing over a body. He rushed over there to check things out. As he got closer he saw arrows riddling his back and large wings spanning from it's body "A Seraph!" he kneel down next to it quickly called some cloaks to take it to the main building where they could give him some medical attention in hope that he was still alive. The Seraph was dead but Cep noticed the paper in his hand "You shall not die in vain" He told the dead body then gave the message to a cloak "be sure that Solaire gets this immediately.

Three cloaks on horse back rode to the capital as fast as they possibly could arriving at the same time Lite and his crew came back. Both groups found Solaire in the main chamber of the castle speaking with other Warriors of Sunlight. Lite took the moment to speak first before the bad news was given

"Our attempt to ally with one of the city states of Numerians was successful. The City-State of Sepris has agreed to all our terms, but we left quickly due to a assassination attempt on either one us or the Ensi of Sepris" Lite explained.

Payge took a seat "we failed at defeating the assassin so we've no idea where he had went and why we was there but we do know that he was a black winged Seraph" She explained.

Now it was the bad news. The cloak from Trepor stepped up with his letter "A Seraph arrived at the village bot to long ago with a letter and died delivering it. Cep Ver Del thought i best to let you be the first to read it" He said giving the letter to Solaire and Solaire thus began to read out loud and the Warriors of Sunlight paid attention.

[Subject X7]

One mile Northeast of the Numerian City

Juke's boat finally touches land, the sand grating against the bottom waking him up. He stretches, and yawns profusely, and looks around; The area is strange to him, there are few trees, and the ones that are there are dark, and foreboding. Juke steps out of the boat, and grabs all of his supplies, including the fish hook. He grabs the sack of stones, and straps it to his back with vine. Finally, he grabs the Rock-Thrower, and sets off down the coast. He knew that if there were humans, they would be along the coast. Hopefully.

He walks for about an hour before he spies smoke and some strange buildings in the distance. He begins walking towards the smoke, and soon spies humans. Being so excited for finally finding humans, he sprints towards the town. He sees a human with long hair on its head walking down a dirt path, and walks up behind it. The human is small, but then again all humans were small compared to a Sovani. He taps it on the shoulder with his lower right arm, and says in the only human language he knew, "Greetings!". The word came out a little twisted, and with a hissing undertone. The human turns around, takes one look at Juke, and shrieks, and runs back to the town, shrieking the whole time.

[Sigvardia]

Southwest of Astghmenistan-Equion

As she flew west, Moonstrike Merkava heard a strange note on the wind. Not like an animals cry or speech, a more harmonic sound. She grew curious and took a course slightly farther south than intended.

She soon came upon the sight of a group of Astghmen, probably of the temple of either Air or Beasts judging from the way they were perched on a cloud.
In the middle of the group, Merkava could recognise the Pterarch of Beasts, Gazan, playing some kind of light blue instrument.
Merkava hailed the Astghmen and landed on the cloud. The Pterarch reacted with a large, and rather too toothy for comfort, smile, "Neheheh, I was hoping to meet you ponies on the way. You're going to talk with two-legs, yes?"
Merkava furrowed her eyebrows, and said, "Yes, you're right, but how-"
"Let's just say a little bird told me, neheheh," Gazan said while sidling over and bumping Moonstrike with the knuckles of his talons, "and I just so happen to desire to have a closer look at the two-legs. Are you excited to see the two-legs? Neheheh, I'm excited to see the two-legs. They're supposed to be rather big. Well, middleday is over, shake your wings, men."

The Astghman leader walked over to a small hemp sack and dropped the instrument into it, then grabbed the sack with his rear talons and catapulted off the cloud using his powerful forelimbs and the rest of the Astghmen did likewise.
Moonstrike Merkava stood still, staring at the Astghmen as they flew westward for a little while until Bronzeshield tapped her on the croup and said, "Shouldn't ye be goin' aft'r Laird Gazan?"
Merkava gathered herself, nodded and began moving.

They now entered the drier regions to the southwest of the Tsiatsan-mountains and after some days journey north-west they reached the lands of the Mak people and landed near a city by the coast, then approached.

[United Districts of 1]

Mt.Asgramor
Sky-Runner was dripping a mix of sweat and blood. Her once shining sky-stone armor was now dull and scratched with a long gash across her left leg. She held a red caked sword in one hand and a broken spear in the other. Around her loyal sentinel guards stood their ground against the over-whelming numbers of Black-winged rebels. She twirled around and rammed her blade into the attackers chest and withdrew the blade just as swiftly. The circle of sentinels around her began to contract inward as a shear wall of attackers pushed them back. As any form of defensive ability was lost to the circumstances the sentinels did their best to hold against the horde of rebels. Sky-runner felled two more attackers before a wild swing came down on her fingers and cut them off at the knuckle. The sword clanged to the stone floor and was kicked away, she rammed her spear into an attackers helmet and into his fore-head. He fell onto his back and took the spear with him. She was now unarmed and alone, with strength draining she fell to her knees as her vision faded. Out of the crowd of now silent black-winged seraph rebels a tall figure with red streaked wings and black ash caked armor stepped forward. He came from behind her and drew his sword high above his head. With a brutal whack he severed her head and kicked her body forward.

Outside the once beautiful of Asgramor was blackened by smoke and lit only by flame. The plumes of smoke could be seen all the way to the southern border. The same thing rose from all other cities in the hold to form a cloud of death so dense and evil the sun shied away from the blood-soaked earth below. From what one with any vision could see the rebels and usurpers now dominated the high mountains of the Seraphs. Their intentions and demands were as black as their wings.

The note
"The Black-Vigil has turned on the forces of light, corrupted by some dark force in their hearts. Already PeakHold has been sacked by the Black-hordes and all the men of age their slaughtered. We will fall in time, that is no question. You must find it in your hearts to take those who survive and flee as people of your kingdom. I hear the walls crumbling know, Do not bother sending help. I am already slain or tortured. I ask one thing of you, inscribe are history where it will survive. Those who make it to your borders will know them by heart, I can smell smoke and must be going

[Yesopalitha]

The Army under Tengrath

The Vampire Tengrath sighed as soon as they were out of earshot of The Necromancer. It was so nice to not have to worry about that... creep. Under his command was about one third of the army. He started to assign different groups to different coastal towns. If the Peoples of the Abyss wanted the Southern continent, they would have to make sure that the coast was well defended.

An Orc came up to him, elated with something. Tengrath motioned for him to speak.

"Sir," The Orc stated, "One of our miners have found a metal that is stronger than bronze! It shreds bronze like it doesn't even exist!"

Tengrath was startled by this news. The Orc produced a blade.

Tengrath grabbed it and struck a blade of bronze with it. The blade of bronze shattered into a million pieces.

They decided to call this new metal "Necro-iron." And so the new metal started to be distributed to the different armies.

Discovery: Iron. (Not steel yet)

The Army under Bisil's Command

After the Necro-iron had been dispersed throughout his army (which was approximately ten days later), Bisil the Orc decided that it was nigh time that he followed the order he was given and attacked a neighboring nation. He went to the border town of Glorath, next to the border with another sovereign nation. They had no idea who was in this other nation, what kind of creatures, weapons, etc., and this kind of scared him a bit. However, the Peoples of the Abyss wouldn't stop because of a little fear - they would go until they met their opponent head on.

A few thousand soldiers were with Bisil, all ready to follow his command. He asked a shaman what the weather would be like the next day.

The shaman replied, "A hot day it will be, for this is the desert. I predict that there won't be much water to find, Sir. We should take as much as we need."

The Peoples of the Abyss didn't need that much water to survive, but Bisil made sure to pack a lot of it anyway. They were leaving, and they weren't coming back without good results. Tyrus the Necromancer had stated that reinforcements would be given once they established a beachhead in the other nation.

So, Glorath was populated densely, for the army was about to leave.

Valhalla the Werewolf

Valhalla the Werewolf had packed his belongings and left a few days before the main army. His job was to spy out the land and to report back with what the opponents looked like. So, he passed the town of Glorath and moved into the territory.

He was startled to see that the land held sapient ponies - horses that actually talked, walked, had societies, and had armies. The notion was almost comical, except they were very well trained and lived in cohesive communities. He remembered as much as he possibly could in his short stay in the enemy lands, and caught the name of the nation... "Astghmenistan-Equion". They would be a worthy adversary of the Peoples of the Abyss.

Having done some recon, Valhalla was on his way back when he spent the night in the woods. He found a rabbit that had been killed by some mysterious kind of poison - it was left, dead, and no creature of the forest had bothered to eat it. Valhalla deduced that this was because the poison was so potent that nobody dared touch it. He put the rabbit in a cloth bag that he had and decided to take it to Bisil with the hopes that someone would see what the poison was, and perhaps how to reproduce it.

So, Valhalla the Werewolf went back to camp.

Discovery: Unknown poison, description to follow

Ishil the Goblin and his Band of Misfits

Ishil the Goblin had a band of soldiers that he called "Misfits". They were Orc, Vampire, Goblins, and such that didn't really fit in the normal army because of their weird appearances. He had given them a place that they belonged in, and melded them into a group that relied on each other to get the job done. Their job in this war was simple - sabotage.

So, Ishil and his Band snuck into the newly discovered county of Astghmenistan-Equion, bent on destruction.

Tyranus the Necromancer

Tyranus kept track of all these movements with his dark arts, and he approved of them all. He kept in touch with his Horde using the telepathic abilities of the Wraiths in each Army. A nation of horses with no one to ride them? That country would be a push-over, and the plans of the Peoples of the Abyss would carry on.

Or so was the plan of Tyranus the Necromancer, the leader of the Peoples of the Abyss.

[Numer]

Suppir Delta Trading Post, City-State of Sepris

The mud-brick outpost at the verge of Sepris territory was miles from the great city itself, but it provided a good source of income for Sepris due to its prime location on the trade route through the city-states. Still being in the delta, lush farms and orchards, as well as a small cedar forest near the beach, provided food and fire for the inhabitants when they weren't haggling over imports and exports.

But another active day in the bazaar was interrupted when a farmer's slave ran screaming to the Ensi's royal officer's headquarters, yelling that a beast had spoken to him.

"Where is this 'beast'?" The officer asked nonchalantly, rolling his eyes at the servant. "It had six arms as well as legs!! And it was so very tall!!!" The slave continued, ignoring the officer's question. The officer's own servants began to listen in and stare at the man telling the strange tale. "You should probably just check, just to get him to shut up," Kalisi, the officer's servant-secretary said. She didn't include that she actually believed the man's story and wanted the officer to investigate, as he would just tell her she was being foolish.

"Fine, fine, I'll go take a look." The officer put on his bronze scale armor and took a bow, as he was a skilled war chariot archer. All of Numer's most accurate archers were in chariots, which was why the archers guarding the cities were not good shooters.The city-states traded long distance kills for a strong, elite cavalry, waging war on each other for centuries. He also wore a bronze sword and mounted his decorated two horse chariot, painted purple, the traditional color of Sepris, with a designed gold trim made to resemble a series of snakes. Riding out on the road toward the cedars, he saw the creature, shocked that it existed.

He slowed down to approach it, until he was at a complete stop in front of it. The creature seemed to be smiling, and despite being mounted the creature was still level with the man. The officer did not know what to say, so he gestured his hand onto the war chariot and said, "Come with me," in a calm tone.

He would bring this "guest" to the Ensi at once. And the creature would see the massive, beautiful city of Sepris.

Palace of Sepris, City-State of Sepris

People were talking all over the city of the duel between seraphs taking place in the sky, the white-winged overtaking the black. The small leather package was taken to the Ensi at once, and as Resgaal read, he felt a wave of relief come over him. He was beginning the think the Seraphs wanted an all out war with humanity, Hylion and Numerian. But this letter changed everything, and now his caravan would have an even better impact on their relations. That is, if the conflict in the Hold was already resolved in the White-wings' favor...

A messenger was sent to the House to tell of the newfound discovery about the Seraph's internal troubles. Ensi Resgaal advised the House aid the White-Wings against the rogue opposition. He was relieved that Sepris and as a whole Numer was beginning to become more aware of the outside world, and he could finally relax. Preparations were made for the festival at the end of the harvest season, which celebrated the god Semphis' gifts and all Numerians as the children of the goddess of beauty, Numera.

Border of the House of the Rising Sun and the Seraphs Hold

The armed caravan approached the border, but instead of the massive military checkpoint they were expecting, they found the site of a former battle, blood drenching the snow and the bodies of black and white winged seraphs everywhere. Some small fires smoldered where buildings once stood, and the eerie silence of the dead rang throughout the scene. The merchants waited where they were, expecting the victors to appear and state what happened.

[Man in A Box]

CCC city, Capital of the House

As Solaire read the letter the other Warriors of Sunlight listened contently. When Solaire finished the letter he set it down on the table next to him and took a breath "well... seams our old friends have some problems" He said with a sigh. This was bad news indeed. The Seraphs haven't been the kindest nation around, but the House was always kind nation and have always tried there hardest to establish a friendship between the nations and now that they were asking to escape the war to there nation what were they to do.

Payge looked at the table blankly, Solaire stared at the ceiling trying to think, and Lite glanced back and forth between the two "We'll let them into our nation and we'll be sure to show them as much as care as we can" Solaire said looking over the letter again. Lite slammed a fist on the table "We can't just them get slaughtered!" Payge looked at Lite disappointment at his outburst "what are you suggesting... we get our people involved in a dangerous war" she questioned. Lite shook his head trying to think of a solution "I'll take three teams, Some of our best men and women" he said looking to Solaire "We'll ensure the evacuations of the innocents and deal as much as casualties there ranks as we can before he come back" Lite said standing up "I'm going to gather my soldiers... wish me luck good friends" Lite said as he left the room. No one stopped him for they thought that was a best thing they could do for the Seraphs.

Lite gathered cloaks some of his best they had. He lead them to the town of Trepor where they rested a day before they ascended up the mountain.

The groups traveled only so far up the mountain until they began to find the signs of battles from here they split into three groups. A group, consisted of Lite and his most skilled in climbing and long range men. B group, consisted of heavy soldiers and stronger units. C group, consisted of a most silent of discrete units.

B group walked the regular path, in plain sight and open to be attacked. A followed above them on much more dangerous path where they could see B group. They were sure to watch for any winged creatures so they could warn B group or shoot them down herself. C group climbed straight up the mountain, there cloaks gave them a camouflaged look within the snow and were not easily noticed.

[Subject X7]

Juke doesn't understand the strange guttural language that the human speaks, but understands by his gestures that he wishes for him to follow. He keeps a pace with the horse, merely a brisk walk, as the human leads him into the large village. He marvels at the tall buildings, seemingly part of the earth raised, and the startling amount of humans. He expands his mental field of view, and finds many many humans, which startled him. There were more humans in this village than there were Sovani, and that fact unsettled him. The overall feeling of the village of humans was fairly peaceful, but on guard. He takes time to look at the buildings, most of them higher than trees were back home. He likes the many earthen colors all about the buildings.

They passed through a market of sorts, filled with many strange plants, fruits, meats and assorted items. Juke could not help but notice the many looks on the people's faces. He walks over to a stall with strange orange fruits, and kneels down to the stall owner's level. He picks up a fruit, and deposits a sugar-fruit in its place. He takes a bite out of the orange fruit and experiences first bitterness, and then a sweet citrus flavor, the juice running down his chin. He eats the rest of the fruit, and says in a raspy hiss, "Thhhhank you,", and grabs 4 of the fruit, depositing another four sugar-fruit. He walks over to another stall, and spies a barrel of harpoons. These harpoons were strange, they were much smaller than the ones he had used, and had no barbs. Little did he know, he was holding a tool of death, a fine spear with a gleaming bronze tip. He sets down 7 sugar-fruit, and pulls out one of the strange harpoons.

He jogs to catch up with the horseman, fiddling with the spear the whole time. He thinks to the horseman, "I am Juke, son of tribal leader Zeke-il Tun-stah of the Sovani people. This is a beautiful village.", while poking the tip the spear into his own hand. It pierce the flesh easily and quickly heals, but not before a few drops of golden blood fall to the ground. He places the spear into his back-sack, and continues to walk along side the human.

[Numer]

City-State of Sepris

Officer Assyr continued to lead the animal toward Sepris, but something astounding occurred. A thought, a message, appeared in his mind, but it was from another's. He looked back, and realized that it was the creature, -no the "Sovani" that is communicating with him. He tried to "think" a message back to him, realizing that he is in the presence of a foreign prince.

His thoughts to the Sovani read: "Hello? I am trying...to...communicate with you. Can you understand? Welcome to the land of Numer, as you are a tribal leader I doubt you will understand if I tried to explain human society, no offense. I am leading you to the leader of a "city"- he'll explain much more. His name is Resgaal, his title "Ensi", like your "Chief". Trust me...Sovani, was it? You will see things you have never before, great riches and luxuries, but do not be tempted. Stay with me and you may have found your people a trading partner. The city is moderately far from here, so I am going to speed up. I trust with you eight limbs you will be able to keep up. Come quick now-and you can keep that spear, for you do not know of currency."

When the Assyr thought he had finished "thinking" his message, he whipped the reins and flew ahead, suddenly laughing in the shock of what he had just done- telepathically communicate.

[United Districts of 1]

The seraphs hold border
As the trade caravan came to a halt in the remains of Fort SouthernWatch the few surviving loyal seraphs stumbled out into view. They were caked with mud and blood and looked half-slain themselves. There were only fifteen of them still walking which was excellent compared to other forts. One of them took notice of the caravan and stared blankly at it. His face was twisted into a expression of pity as he saw the feeble humans enter the now snow-covered hell. He turned from the lost souls and continued to pace over bodies and scars in the earth. His mind was gone from his eyes and he was little more than an empty vessel. His comrades were little better than him as they wandered around the cold battle-field with little thought left in their minds. Their was no victor in this battle, for one can not win when fighting themselves.

Mt.Tradgormor
As the line of cloak clad humans trudged up the slope a dark shadow watched intently. He let out a tiny chuckle as he saw the unprepared low-borns trying to climb one of the great peaks of the north. He motioned to a soldier next to him with a flick of his wrists. The young seraph quickly began pounding on a large drum with two cloth tipped mallets. Directly next to the drum was a large hollowed animal horn propped up on a pile of stones. The booming sound rang out over the mountains side for all to hear. The imminent attack hung still as seconds slipped by without movement. Then near the peak of the great mountain the snows stirred. Small chunks of ice turned to boulders of snow and stone until a wave of white and grey was screaming down the mountain towards the invading humans. A massive avalanche was set upon the unfortunate men. The shadow turned away and signaled for his team to follow. The group took flight as the earth crashed behind them.

[Numer]

Fort SouthernWatch, The Seraphs Hold

Shadows of their proud former selves, scarred white-winged survivors of the Seraphs Hold wondered aimlessly through the smoldering battlefield, recognizing former friends, siblings, even lovers, amongst the dead. The bodies themselves are horrific and beautiful, some in grotesque positions of pain, others peaceful and graceful even in death. The merchants did not know how to react, but the only priest stepped forward from the group of men, carrying a wool blanket.

He walked to the first survivor, speaking the silent language of compassion, and placed the blanket over his shoulders and wings. He began casting a healing spell on the battle worn warrior, and softly he asked, "What happened, child of the sky?" Although the cleric was very young himself, at this moment he was wise beyond his years.

In that moment, that single gesture, it was revealed that the humans have one thing the Seraphs do not. Compassion.

[Man in A Box]

Mt. Tradgormor

Lite could hear the falling snow... this was perfect. Thanks to the Seraph's cockiness they would mostly likely assume that the cloaks would get taken away in the snow. C group was clenched to the wall so when the snow went off the cliff it went right over them. A group had special equipment, like canes with scythes at the ends to hook onto a cliff and keep them in place as well as cover to hide under. B group would get the full blast though. The grouped together and braced themselves. The snow swept them up and took them away taking them further down the mountain.

After the worst of the avalanche passed they began to travel again. Only few were injured seriously and that doubled the lose since each person that was hurt was carried back by another cloak. A group stayed were they were hiding under there cloaks. There white cloaks blended into the snow. They were almost invisible. Just lumps in the snow. C group continued up. They were the farthest thus far.

C group was getting closer to the top where from there they would find the next city to got to or perhaps there was a city on top of this mountain. They kept climbing, nonstop, they were taught to always keep going.

B group finally made it back to the spot where they were before the avalanche. A group pointed to the next mountain over "I believe that is Mt. Asgramor" he told the man next to him "A and B we'll got his way" he began moving in that direction. A group signaled to B group and they bother started towards that mountain.

Mt. Asgramor

The two groups trudged along the mountain side. The snow kept going on and on. Endless snow... never ending snow. Not very uplifting. A group was in the lead now. they were more scouting the area a head before B group arrived in case there was something bad in the way. They were now on a plateau at the half way point up the mountain. It was large enough fit both groups and more so they decided to set up camp there and relax some.

Lite and a few others kept guard peering out at the distance looking for another fort or the main city or stronghold. They had a scout group moving up the mountain to check thing out a head of time of course and there was constant watch for guards. They were sure to make sure no one sneaked up on them.

Another cloak stood beside Lite. A large Halberd strapped her back "why exactly are we helping these damned Seraphs" she questioned Lite. Lite took a moment to think "Common courtesy..." he shrugged "being a kind person doesn't hurt to much" He looked to her with a smile. She paused and walked away "yeah whatever..."

The scouts returned in a hurry to Lite "theirs a large battle on the mountain" he quickly told Lite breathlessly. Lite patted the scouts back "breath... friend" The scout looked up "Seraphs fighting Seraphs" he said quickly. Lite took the news in and calculated a possible solution "My group will head up first. B group move up slowly and protect wounded and innocent" Lite set out orders then gestured for his group to follow. They continued up the hill and towards the battle. Still discretely so they wouldn't get to attracted into the battle. B group did as commanded, they walked up the mountain path looking for anyone who was in need slowly closing on the battle.

[Subject X7]

City-State of Sepris

Juke understood the thoughts well, and proceeded to get down on all sixes, (2 legs, 4 arms) and trot beside the galloping horse. He keeps pace, and begins to think about home. As he trots along, he takes in the strange, alien beauty of the landscape. He notes the many rolling hills, covered in grass and dotted with a few trees here and there, and the bright flowers that appear in clusters throughout the land. He notices a patch of sky-blue flowers at least a mile ahead, and dashes ahead of the horseman to grab them. He grabs them while dashing, and slows his pace to allow the horseman to catch up, while putting the flowers into his sack.

He notices a small creature, it smalls of Sovani, and had a few of the same facial features as one, but was small, had four legs and black fur just like his, and a tail. Juke stops and stares at the animal, stricken by its smallness. It walks over to him, and begins rubbing against his leg, so he picks it up. The thing rumbles, like a Sovani does when happy, and rubs against his clawed hands. He moves the creature to his lower arms, and dashes to catch up to the horseman, keeping his lower arms stable, and cradling the small furred creature. He would keep it as a companion, as it would be lonely to not see his people for a long time.

"I have so many questions! What is it like only having two arms, what do you eat, what do you humans do for fun, what fruits do you grow, what-" Juke stops himself, embarrassed for asking so many questions. He felt it was rude, and thinks, "I am sorry, it is just that you are the first human my people have communicated with for over a hundred years, as the last one to have met our people is dead. He must have been at least ten thousand years old! I have one final question if it does not displease you: Are there more humans, or creatures like you humans?"

[United Districts of 1]

The siege of GoldHold, Mt.Asgramor

The line of blacked winged seraphs tore over the earth letting out a roar as they charged the low stone wall. A rancid slush of blood and oil sprayed into the the air as the boots kicked at the earth. They lowered spears and raised shields in a long uniform rank. Little did the black-winged commander know he was throwing soldiers at the Sentinel headquarters. The one-sided battle had just begun. The line stayed the pace and neared the wall without resistance or threat. The commander stood in front of his troops and let out a vicious howl and waved his sword towards the walls. The black-wings new what he meant and responded instantly. He turned towards the fort and raised his sword he held high in the air, all his hatred pointing towards the walls of the enemy. His tirade was cut short as a sky-stone tipped arrow shredded his chain eye covering and tore through his pupil. His soldiers sat stunned for a fraction of a second, but that was too long to stand still. From behind the wall a wave of sentinel guards ripped through the sky in full sky-stone armor the air glowed around them as they descended on the ranks of the black-wings. A sentinel in red gilded armor with a long cape swooped down over the densely packed horde of black-wings. He let his sword hanging firmly by his side as he cut through the heads of the enemy.

The second in command of the black-wings stood on a rock and let out a scream and through his spear towards the sentinel commander. His eyes lit up as he saw his enemy oblivious of his coming doom. The commander turned mere heart-beats before the spear ended him. He rolled over it and caught it with his sword. The spear shattered and the enemy sat shocked. The sentinel commander let out a triumphant "For all those who have been betrayed!" He screamed at the enemy second in command faster than any horse could gallop. The target didn't have time to react as the force of avalanche rammed into his chest. He bounced limply off the sentinels shield and went tumbling down the cliff face. The black-wings around the slaying stopped fighting and stared. They in turn got a boot to the back and a sword through the throat. The line of seventy sentinels crushed against the horde of black wings with incredible force. The leaderless conscripts turned tail and shot into the air in an attempt to flee. The majority were caught in the back with swords. The sentinel leader stepped up on the rock where the slain enemy leader lay.

"We have won this battle and crushed the dark-born but more blood will be spilled before the day is out. For we protect the only thing left of are heritage. The scribes must never fall lest all deaths be in vein. KEIND DRA" He raised his shield to the sky and his soldiers did the same.

[Tuthina]

Southwest of Astghmenistan-Equion

As she flew west, Moonstrike Merkava heard a strange note on the wind. Not like an animals cry or speech, a more harmonic sound. She grew curious and took a course slightly farther south than intended.

She soon came upon the sight of a group of Astghmen, probably of the temple of either Air or Beasts judging from the way they were perched on a cloud.
In the middle of the group, Merkava could recognise the Pterarch of Beasts, Gazan, playing some kind of light blue instrument.
Merkava hailed the Astghmen and landed on the cloud. The Pterarch reacted with a large, and rather too toothy for comfort, smile, "Neheheh, I was hoping to meet you ponies on the way. You're going to talk with two-legs, yes?"
Merkava furrowed her eyebrows, and said, "Yes, you're right, but how-"
"Let's just say a little bird told me, neheheh," Gazan said while sidling over and bumping Moonstrike with the knuckles of his talons, "and I just so happen to desire to have a closer look at the two-legs. Are you excited to see the two-legs? Neheheh, I'm excited to see the two-legs. They're supposed to be rather big. Well, middleday is over, shake your wings, men."

The Astghman leader walked over to a small hemp sack and dropped the instrument into it, then grabbed the sack with his rear talons and catapulted off the cloud using his powerful forelimbs and the rest of the Astghmen did likewise.
Moonstrike Merkava stood still, staring at the Astghmen as they flew westward for a little while until Bronzeshield tapped her on the croup and said, "Shouldn't ye be goin' aft'r Laird Gazan?"
Merkava gathered herself, nodded and began moving.

They now entered the drier regions to the southwest of the Tsiatsan-mountains and after some days journey north-west they reached the lands of the Mak people and landed near a city by the coast, then approached.

Port of Kreojs Tujq

As the convoys from the foreign land arrived at the plaza in front of the shrine, several local priestesses had already prepared for their arrival. Other than translators between the languages of the two - or maybe three - people, salt and water as tokens of the offering of hospitality were also prepared, ready to be given in clay bowls once they landed. However, no amount of readings from documentations can prepare them for the actual meeting. Most of them were not even sure about how to greet the visitors. However, it is something that must be done. Perhaps the fate for every state who wish not for bloodshed.

As the chariot arrived with - and on - the delegates, the maidens walked forward. Not knowing how to greet these foreign races, they resorted to bowing and smiling towards them. After all, it is supposedly the universal gesture of good wills - probably. Afterwards, they started greeting them with their mouth, as the translators struggled to translate while retaining all meanings in the foreign language.

"Greetings, our friends from the foreign lands." The translators spoke, as the priestesses handed the bowls of water and salt towards the delegates. "We are delighted for your visiting. Please accept our gifts as tokens of our friendship and hospitality. As our guests, you are welcomed to stay here as much as at your homeland, and we shall treat you with utmost respect."