The Crossroads Commemoration (IC, Closed)

[Villeyarde]

After months of bickering and conflict within the region of Fahl it has finally subsided in wake of a new event. A city has risen in the South called The Crossroads, a city that aims to rival that of Balmora in the North. King Frederick of Villeyarde has seen this as an opportunity to bring both sides, North and South, to the table and create peace in Fahl. Every king and noble has been called to The Crossroads for a celebration the likes of which are spoken of only in stories. Feasts and dancing await within these halls, but be wary, for a knife could just as equally await in the shroud.

The general rules are the same as ever. Remember, if there's a planned assassination let me know the details of it so you can remain anonymous!

[Dafka]

The dancing, the laughter, the well dressed nobles with their wretched servents...damn the south, and damn their little ball! I hate the south, but Lyonov says I should like it.I hate Yesahl, but lyonov said I should Bring him, and I hate this robe but Lyonov said I should wear it.

This phantom in my head will give me no respite no matter where I am.He whispers into my mind, and I lose my own free will for a moment.entire conversations will occur in the blink of an eye with an outcome I did not plan on encountering.

I took a sip of premyatian Vodka from the flask I keep in my pocket to calm my nerves.

Lyonov whispered into my ear once more; He expressed the urge to meet with High king Drustan and Archmage Mendor.

I took Another sip of vodka.

This curse will be the end of me, to be soul severed is a fate worse than death.I would rather be a serf with free will than a king bound to the will of another soul.

I took a deep breath and slowly closed my eyes. For I knew that when I opened them again, I would be in a different place and an hour of my Life would be gone.

[Holy Inquisition]

Holy King Innocent, the man who never asked to be king but took the crown for his people, walked into the room alongside High Paladin Leviticus of the Coup de Main Brigade. The King looked extremely happy to be there for this was his first time leaving the Obsidian Peninsula in his entire life and he looked at the foreign architecture, food, and art with marvel. Much like a child in a shop of candy.

King Innocent was of average height and average weight. He was not dressed as a king but of a man. He dressed nicely but nothing spectacular for all he looked was another aristocrat with a gold colored blouse that contrasted nicely with his black trousers, black shoes, black hat, and black gloves. His expression was elated but he rarely showed any emotion other than happiness. One could sense his charm from a kilometer away. He was a people's person.

High Paladin Leviticus, on the other hand, did not look so friendly. Leviticus was debated to be and was often regarded as the most fearsome warrior in the Holy Inquisition. At the age of twenty four he rose to the rank of High Paladin, the youngest to ever do so, and soon after became the chief commander of the elite Coup de Main Brigade. At the time of the feast, he was thirty one years of age and a monstrous being. He reached the height of six foot and the weight of two hundred and nine pounds. An expression of deep seriousness and mild hate almost always struck his face and many people did not want to look at him for he intimidated even the most esteemed of people, including kings and queens. On the High Paladin's body he dressed in opposite of King Innocent with a black blouse that contrasted with his gold trousers, shoes, hat, and gloves. Hidden chain mail could be heard under his loose blouse but what was not hidden was his custom saber, that fit proportionally to his massive body, sheathed on his left hip.

Most would assume that King Innocent brought the High Paladin for protection but the real reason was simple, Leviticus was his best friend.

[Villeyarde]

He had spent months practicing, he knew the protocol like the back of his hand. Even still, King Frederick still found it difficult to keep his calm and collected demeanor when surrounded by so many strangers and merriment. It was a far cry from the normally quiet halls he was use to back in Villia. He persevered however, forcing a smile and a slight wave to those who noticed him.

To those that did notice him, they would see a rather pale man, his face creased in lines of worry and deep concentration at even the happiest of times. Frederick was taller than the average man, perhaps 5' 7", allowing him to see his way through the crowds slightly better than average. His height, combined with his complexion and lack of weight left his appearance being rather sickly, betraying his age as being far older than he actually was. He dressed spectacularly for an event of this caliber, to be expected. A black undershirt, covered by a deep blue breast-coat and accented by a white kerchief, topped by a pair of leather loafers and black trousers left him with the striking appearance once expects of a King. Despite that, he still seemed out of place, unable to find comfort surrounded by strangers.

His only saving grace was the sight of Captain Stern, for once dressed rather respectably. Frederick was dismayed however, to find Stern's sword still strapped to his side. It was impossible to get that man to relax the militarist attitude, a fact made abundantly obvious by his clear befuddlement at the festivities surrounding him. Despite his increasing embarrassment, he was sworn to protect his liege to his death; a vow he was determined to keep here.

[Delvan]

High King Drustan walked through the doors to see groups of nobles and royalty from most of the kingdoms of Fahl talking and laughing.

Drustan was an intimidating man. He stood 6 feet tall with a muscular frame that made him look a giant, and he had scars along his arms that proved himself as a seasoned warrior. He was a young handsome man with black hair and eyes so gray, they looked like the storm clouds. He wore a blue and red tunic, the colors of Delvan, with a sapphire necklace along his neck. He looked uncomfortable in the fancy clothing as he was accustomed to heavy armor.

The first thing he did was search for his respected friend, Kartham. Their friendship began when he was young and when Drustan's father High King Alexander still ruled. His father wanted to make allies with the newly independent kingdoms of Fahl, and the first kingdom he made ties too were Dafka. Drustan still remembers training with Kartham and his brother in Dafka to learn their style of fighting. His dad wanted him to become the best warrior that he could be and that included learning magic. Drustan hated not attending Kartham's coronation, but sadly he had duties back in Delvan to fix. Dafka and Delvan have had close ties with eachother for some time now, but Drustan thought it was time they became allies on paper.

"High King Drustan" said a voice behind him

Drustan turned to see Archmage Mendor in his brilliant azure robes and beautiful jewelry that glinted in the light.

"Mendor! I see you have come to represent the Council. A pity that it couldn't be Delvan for you are one of my most trusted advisers, but I guess duty calls."

"Yes, a pity indeed. Sadly none of the other council members besides Raikos could show up, and I simply could not leave the Councils representation to him. He is too...vengeful, but did the High Priestess come with you? How about my daughter, Diana?"

"I see, but yes, Chandra is here. She went to search for Yesahl with her Moonguard. Her and the Pale Hawk Order have some business to discuss I believe. As for Diana, no, she is setting up defenses at our part of the Southern twin, but have you seen King Kartham? I wish to speak to him"

"As do I, let us go search for him."

A few minutes later, the two found the King talking with some of his men.

"King Kartham"

Kartham turned around and faced the two. Oddly, Karthams eyes started to twitch as if to resist some feeling or thought.

"Ah, I see the Storm King has arrived. I was actually just about to come looking for you and Archmage Mendor."

[Dafka]

I spilled some vodka on my silk robe when I saw archmage mendor approach. The soul severed bastard probably wants to pull me away to a quiet place to plot with lyonov while I sit beside him like a dog on a leash.
Lyonov tells me that mendor and his soul bind peacefully coexist together, and that the only reason he takes control of my body is because I lack judgement. I dont believe him for a second, As soon as I let him take the helm, I guarantee he wont give it back.

As High King Drustan and Archmage Mendor aproached me I began to sweat. I tried to resist, then Lyonov forced out the words-

"Ah, I see the Storm King has arrived. I was actually just about to come looking for you and Archmage Mendor."

"were you now? I guess we saved you the time and effort" Drustan replied

"This room is great for fat nobles who wish to mingle with strangers,But I have prepared a room just down the hall where old friends may discuss matters of the realm. Come! The servants are pouring our vodka and setting our plates as we speak." I said.

"Kartham, You've once again proven yourself the proficient host." Drustan stated.

"In another man's party at that." Mendor joked.

After Lyonov forced me to laugh at the joke, the three of us made our way to the room I didn't remember having prepared.I sat at the end of the table while mendor and Drustan sat to my side.

The room was almost as lavish as the ballroom we came from.There was Silk tapestries, silver dinning ware, a gold chandelier, and a fireplace big enough to warm the entire room and cook our meals.
A servant poured Vodka in all the goblets and placed pork on all the plates on the longtable.

"Is this room truly private?" Mendor asked.

"For the most part, if another king wishes to enter I cant stop them. None of us rule over this castle therefore this room is not private." I answered.

"fair enough, now...Down to business." Drustan said with severity

[Delvan]

"Kartham, we have been friends for many years, and our nations have been friends for many years. I think it is now time for us to be allies by treaty." said High King Drustan

Kartham smiled. "I agree! Dafka and Delvan should finally become allies! Our kingdoms will from now on be military allies, and we shall let all the nations of Fahl know of this. I shall get some of my writers to create a treaty for us to sign. Now how is my old friend? I did not see you at my coronation."

"I would like to apologize for that for I was still mopping up the rebellion that arose when my father died, but I still owe you a gift." Drustan pulled out a long box that a guard had given him. It had a beautiful ornate staff inside that radiated power. "This is a powerful artifact blessed by the storm god himself." He said as he gave the staff to Kartham.

"When you are in trouble, the pendant staff sends out a magical distress call to the heavens. In return, the heavens bring down their wrath in the form of a storm. Any magic user in a cities length will be able to get the distress call and understand what to do." explained Drustan

"I am astonished at your gracious gift. I shall always keep this at my side as a sign of faith for our two kingdoms. Let Delvan and Dafka prosper!" replied Kartham

"Aye!" Drustan said as he gulped down the vodka "But sadly I must leave now. I will let you and Mendor talk "

High King Drustan finished the rest of his vodka and walked out of the room.

Archmage Mendors look changed from joy to seriousness in less then a second.

"Lyonov, I fear that this might be one of the last times we speak for a long while. I sense a great darkness coming for Dafka."

[The Voidlands]

For being a King that purposefully usurped the crown, Steve was not usual. One would think that he would always wear that hard earned crown, the great Black Iron circle adorned with bits of Gold and Dark Gems, but in reality he rarely wears it at all. Had this been anything but a Diplomatic Meeting, Steve would have left it at home. Steve himself wasn't an old man, still in his early thirties, but he has fought through too many wars in his life time, and he looks older than he should. Even with that, Steve rarely has on his face anything but a smile.
But walking into the Great Hall, dressed in his finest Black and Burgundy clothes, Steve felt young again. "It's good not having to fight everyone here, for once." He told Aliar, who then flew off towards the nearest fireplace, shoving the logs out of the way and making a nest in the hot ashes, chirping gleefully all the while. Steve ignored it and continued (with his entourage of servants, one of which carried Steve's twin blades on a great Black Iron plate. Although Steve trusted the abilities of his three Voidwalkers who were now slowly breaking off and disappearing into the crowd, he did not want to rely upon them for his life.) towards the center of the room where King Frederick was speaking with some minor nobles.
Passing the crowds of people, he saw High King Drustan and Kartham and gave them polite nods, but did not stop to speak. Steve also saw Holy King Innocent and his High Paladin, surrounded mostly by their own people as other nobles still thought them, due to their period of isolation and different religion, as strange and weird, eyeing Aliar suspiciously as it continued to roll around in the ashes of the fire. He gave them a polite nod as well, but again did not stop to speak.
When Steve reached Frederick, who quickly dismissed the nobles, Steve said "It is good to see you again, old friend. Although I do dislike Balls, I would rather meet here than on opposite sides of the battlefield, like last. In apology from the bridge incident, I brought several hundred casks of rum." As he said this, the great doors opened once more and many servants dressed in Burgundy started bringing in large wooden barrels, heading in the direction of the kitchen.

[Dafka]

"Mendor, you must listen to me. Kartham's body is starting to reject me. Dafka is in turmoil. The serfs and snow elves are rioting so that they may be treated more fair. The Xal elves are openly attacking snow elves on the street. The lesser houses talk openly about rebellion, and Yesahl, who had been a loyal to the Dafkan throne during the reign of kartham's father is now going behind my back. The slaves have already formed a new faction, calling themselves "Freedom's Legion" who harass and raid military convoys and trade caravans alike. We must"-

I Fought Lyonov hard and finally got a foothold in my own mind.

"MY NAME IS KARTHAM STALIK!!! SON TO VADIM STALIK!!!I AM TWENTY TWO YEARS OLD AND AM HIGH KING OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL MONARCHY OF DAFKA!!! I...I..."

Mendor checked to see if anyone was looking and then zapped me with a bolt of lightning. Lyonov used this moment to re-take control of my mind.

"thanks...There isn't much time. Yesahl needs to die no later than tomorrow."Lyonov said.

"What of the pale hawk order, Yesahl is very popular among the paladins and knights of the order. I know his daughter will take his place, but in the Delvanic chapter, I overheard the the grand master talk about his chapter going rouge if Natalya ever became the grand master of the order." Mendor questioned.

"One thing at a time friend...one thing at a time"Lyonov said, clenching his gut.

[Delvan]

"Then the visions are coming true...I have been having visions that tell of war and a darkness to come. I see a giant black tower being erected with darkness pouring out of it that covers all of the north. I see Dafka, the Paragon of the North, in ruins! War will cover your kingdom from head to toe, and you will not be able to fight the coming darkness." stated Mendor

"The tower you speak of is called the Black Tower, and it is being raised by Rykinsvik. My scouts have been gathering information on the construction of the tower. It will become the center of dark magic, and I fear that it will ruin what the Pale Hawk Order has been founded on. Yesahl has not been cooperative, nor has he tried to stop this. I know his daughter will, and no matter the consequences, he must die. I cannot face the darkness until my kingdom is united." replied Lyonov

"I will contact the Shadowblades then, and they will take care of Yesahl. I am sure that High King Drustan will agree with this, and in the event of a rebellion, you will have Delvans support Lyonov, though I worry what the High Priestess will think. She has always had a fondness for Yesahl, and it is hard to think that he would do such a thing. I will talk to her. As for the matter of Kartham, I think I know what to do."

Mendor reached over and touched Karthams hand. A rune appeared on Kartham's hand.

"This rune will keep Kartham at bay for awhile. The rune is linked to the staff, so always keep that beside you, and in the event of a death, the staff will help me find your new body. Now with the construction of something so foul and dark, I must convene the council. This must be stopped." explained Mendor

[The Voidlands]

Aliar felt rejuvenated after its bath in the ashes, but it had heard whispers from afar which raised questions that needed answering. It took off from the fireplace, which went out because Aliar had moved all the logs from the flame, and flew over to Steve's entourage, where the translator carried Aliar's stand. Steve nodded to Aliar, but otherwise kept his attention on the conversation he and Frederick were having.
With spoken directions (as always in the form of birdly noises) and an occasional wing gesture, Aliar lead his carrier over to the conversation. They arrived before Mendor and Kartham, who turned to look at the bird, somewhat confused with why it was here. Alair squawked and the translator said "Explain this darkness pouring out of the Black Tower. Aliar wonders what exactly you mean by it." Aliar squawked once more, but the translator looked a little confused, as if he was unsure of how to translate the statement. "He worries about a coming... Winter? I'm not sure what he is saying."

[Delvan]

When the man with the bird walked in, Mendor couldn't help but be shocked. Not the fact that it was a bird, but the fact that it was an elemental in the mortal plane. At first Mendor thought it was one of Raikos' pets but then he realized it was Aliar, the Voidlands beloved phoenix. When Aliar asked about his visions that he had just told Kartham, Mendor was not surprised.

"I see...My apologies Kartham, but it seems that an elemental of rebirth has joined us. These beings although they are from the land of fire, are actually kind and caring elementals. Now Aliar I must say I have heard alot about you, but I do have a friend who has been wanting to see you." Mendor snapped his fingers and a fiery mage appeared in a flash of flames. "Aliar meet High Pyromancer Raikos, Raikos meet Aliar."

"What is the meaning of this Mendor! I just saw the infernal bastards from the Obsidian Peninsula, and I was about to incinerate them! You know how they tried to kill me!" said Raikos as fire started to burn on his red beard.

"Now, Now, Raikos, you know you cannot do that at such a diplomatic event, nor would the Council allow it. Calm your rage, and look at who I've found or rather who found me. It is Aliar, the phoenix of the Voidlands. The bird has taken an interest in my visions of the future. I need you to translate as you are better at translating the magical tongue of the elements, even if it has a bird accent." said Mendor

Raikos started grumbling, but the beauty of the bird surely quenched the flames that boiled inside and outside of the great mage. "Alright, as long as I get to see the bird up close, you know how I love phoenixes."

"Indeed I do... Well Aliar, my visions have told me that the Black Tower in Rykinsvik will be a beacon of darkness, and soon bring forth legions upon legions of death on the land. With the only light in the North, the Pale Hawk Order in turmoil, they will not be able to combat it. The North will be consumed by its darkness, and if we do not stop it, then so will the south. You ask of the Great Winter, so their you have it. The darkness will bring your so dreaded winter. Take this information and tell this to your king. The Council will convene soon on this matter, and decide what to do."

Raikos started to appoach the bird, but Aliar seemed not to like Raikos so much. Maybe it was because of how powerful Raikos was in the art of fire magic or maybe it was for some other reason, but Aliar squawked at the fiery mage.

"A nasty bird that they have" Raikos stated as he backed away.

[The Voidlands]

Aliar felt no hatred to Raikos as he was another disciple, but more important things took precedence. Aliar began sqwuaking quickly, and it's translator rushed to relay the information. "Stay Back." Which was directed by Aliar towards Raikos, but the translator directed it towards Mendor. "Umm... He's going really fast now... How could this happen so soon?... We are not prepared for the End... Do not worry. I will not pass on your secrets. Do you know what he means by tha-" Aliar gave another sudden sqwuak as Raikos moved closer. "Stay Back! I must pass on the word. The Firelord-What do you mean stop trans- oh." Aliar suddenly took wing and flew out of not only the room but the whole Diplo-Ball, and headed West faster than an arrow.
The translator cleared his throat and said "Sorry for the interruption. Good Day M'lords." And left the room, heading to Steve to relay the fact that Aliar had left.
Aliar has left the Feast for now.

[Delvan]

"Oh no...this is not good, NOT GOOD!" said Raikos

"What is it?" Asked Kartham who stood back with his eyebrows raised.

"He mentioned the Firelord... THIS IS NOT GOOD! The lords of the elements never bring good upon our plane. I must go after the bird, if he is in contact with the Firelord then I must find out all that I can." replied Raikos as he tried leave

"WAIT! The bird is long gone, and we need to convene the council on other matters. That means you too Raikos." yelled Mendor

Raikos looked at Mendor with eyes of desperation. "You do not understand what is to come. I have been to the Firelands and back, and that is how I have this power. In the mortal plane, I am the master of fire, not the Firelord. My job has always been to banish evil fire elementals from our plane, and if Aliar is truly evil, then I must find out. I can detect where he is, let me go Mendor." stated Raikos

"No...I suspect their are other plans at motion, but right now we have more pressing matters. I will send watchers for the bird later, and you will not go after him. In exchange, I will allow you to "speak" to the Holy Inquisition representatives." said Mendor as he looked at Raikos with a striking glare

"Fine! It will be your undoing..." Raikos started to burn again with emotion, but he walked out the door.

"Looks like I have to go old friend." Mendor said to Kartham "We need to watch what happens at the feast. I fear it all starts here."

[Egfritis]

Queen Coca and King Alex had finally arrived. Queen Coca avoided alcohol because she has a tendency to go on rampages and turn into a dragon and kill people. The King, however, was really enjoying himself, secretly taking unimportant people to the carriage in which he'd arrived; he'd chop them up and eat their lungs. The King strode about, looking for his next victim; however, he'd noticed that Queen Coca had been drinking. He saw it in her eyes, that look which usually didn't end well. He kept his throwing knives at hand, prepared to incapacitate her be it necessary. The day simply carried on... for now...

[Holy Inquisition]

"Oh, I condemn thee! Leviticus, the bird flew away! I very much wanted to meet that bird. I heard rumors that it speaks English just as well as you and I!" exclaimed King Innocent.

The High Paladin's eyes widened, "Did you just condemn me, my King?"

"No! I didn't say 'I condemn thee, Leviticus" I said 'I condemn thee' out of disappointment and then I said your name to address 'the bird flew away' to you! I would never condemn you."

"Aye, I understand now. Haha, that was but my fault. My apologies, my liege."

"Stop addressing me as your king! Gosh, just call me Innocent."

"'Gosh?' What in Fahl does that mean?"

"It substitutes our Lord's name in a sentence while also sounding similar so that it's easier to remember to say. You know, so many kids these days are using the Lord's name in vain so I invented that to help them break that habit. I was hoping that I'd start a trend."

(Behold! For that was the first ever use of the word, "Gosh")

"I doubt that will ever catch on, my Ki- I mean, Innocent... I know that you usually want me to call you by your name but we are at a formal event! I should address you as what you are- my leader! Also, why are we dressed in such a casual manner. You should dress the part of a king just like the other kings here."

"Did Christ ride a large and beautiful horse into Jerusalem?"

"Of course not, He rode a donkey. Everyone knows that."

"Exactly, we are humbling ourselves just as Christ did when He met the people of Jerusalem."

"Okay, my King- I mean Innocent... Won't that make us appear, what's the word, stuck up?"

"What?"

"I mean no disrespect but while we're humbling ourselves, everyone else is dressed at their very best. It makes us appear arrogant."

"No, we're acting like Christ."

"Exactly!"

"Oh, quiet yourself! Few Christians are here anyway. We are just being humble."

"Alright."

...Awkward silence...

"Innocent."

"Yes, my friend?"

Pointing at High Pyromancer Raikos, "Doesn't that Mage over there, by the Delvan, look like an Obsidian? I mean his features... He looks like one of us."

Holy King Innocent squinted his eyes to focus on the mage but widened them when he realized who it was.
"That's, what's his name, ah... I think it started with an 'M' or something similar to that."

"What's similar to an 'M'? How can a letter be 'similar' to another?"

"Oh, never mind that! He was one of the few convicted magic users that, luckily, got away from us before he was executed. I hear that he's incredibly adept at the magical arts now."

"Lucky? He's a traitor!" Leviticus gripped his saber's handle.

"Yes, lucky. I wish all the magic users would just run away for if I change the laws on the use of magic, I fear that the people will revolt and take matters into their own hands... Horribly."

"But it's against our religion to use magic. Mages are heretics!"

"What's worse than mages, according to the Holy Bible, is murder."

"It's not murder if they deserve it and you're behind the killing of all heretics in our kingdom."

"You sound just like Corinthian, my minister of war and justice. What was it that he said last week? 'Murder is unjust killing and a sin whereas killing is just like in war.'... Psychotic if you ask me and no! I am not behind any of that! The people want that so local law enforcement does it! At least I make them do it humanely!"

"So we're not going to arrest the Obsidian Mage?"

"Arrest? Heavens no! I am very curious as to exactly how he has lived his life outside of the Obsidian Peninsula. He doesn't even appear to be triple layering as we are so he must have grown used to the lack of heat here. Come forth, Leviticus. Let's meet our fellow Obsidian. I'm sure he'll be glad to meet another one of his kind."

[Rykinsvik]

After a long journey from the cold harsh north to the warm south, Prince Otherion finally arrives at the Crossroads. He is eager to meet the great kings from all over Fahl, for this was the opportunity to gain and strengthen alliances for his kingdom. But as Otherion begins to make his way towards the feast, he wondered why his brother the King of Rykinsvik did not come to this feast. What urgent matter came up that he had to take care of, and why did he not send anyone to take his place, but this was good for Otherion for this made his hidden agenda easier to complete.

Otherion had willing wanted to come this feast not only to better alliances, but to gain support from kings to help him overthrow his brothers rule over Rykinsvik. He had for a long time wanted to overthrow his brother, for Morohtar had stumble upon black books originally own by their great grandfather and ever sense then he had been conducting dark experiments as well as ideals of Rykinsvik being the symbol of the power of black magic. With that Otherion in secrecy had been raising a small army ready to overthrow Morohtar and bring a new brighter chapter for Rykinsvik, before a dark force is cast over it.

Before Otherion walked into the feast, he lifted his amulet and rubbed the strange embedded gem. Than Otherion walked in the room where the feast was being held and surveyed the room for a empty seat. As he was making his way to the empty seat, he grapped a glass of wine and study the kings in the room observing who was who.

[The Voidlands]

David was a warrior at heart, being 6'3" and wielding a massive two-hander in battle he was an enemy to be feared, but diplomacy wasn't his fight. "My duty is to administer the city." The High Minister said. "Yours is to deal with other people." And so David was sent alone to represent Balmora. He very much wanted to shout to everyone "This is a waste of time and I'm going home!" but it would disgrace both himself and Balmora, so David had to stay. It was even worse that his traitor brother was here.
At least Steve had the bright idea to bring some Rum.
Somewhere along the third cup David thought I should probably stop drinking before I get completely smashed. It wasn't until he emptied the fifth cup that David finally turned it upside down and left it there, a symbol not to refill it. Atleast that's what they do in Balmora. Here, the servant came back, flipped the cup over, and filled it back up. David sighed, muttered to himself "What a strange place this is", and walked off. He must have had too much to drink, because he can't remember wondering over to the Holy King Innocent.

"Just a little cold in here, ehh?" David asked the Holy King, dressed in his several layers. David himself was sweating in the Southern Heat. "In Balmora, it could be in the 70s, but the wind chill would bring it down to the 40s."

[Villeyarde]

A long, lone ringing sound traveled throughout the hall, loud enough to drown out any possible conversation. It's presence, ominous and powerful left absolute silence in its wake as it traveled to the ears of everyone present, cutting conversations and questions down as it struck, garnering absolute focus. With silence obtained, the powerful, unknown tone subsided as if on command. A lone figure, that of the formerly missing King Frederick, took its place. Taking the attention of all those present with a practiced ease, he delivered a brief announcement.

"To all present, I apologize for my absence. There were...personal matters that required my presence. Worry not though, for it has been dealt with and will no longer be of a concern to anyone. However, in lighter news, the dinner is now fully prepared!I hope you all shall join me at the table. If you would, all either follow me or look for the nearest attendant to assist you to the dining room." Ending with a turn on his heel, Frederick made his way perfunctorily down a seemingly random hall, a group of hungry men and women forming closely behind him.

The dining hall was, in Fredrick's opinion, the grandest, most ostentatious room he has ever had the liberty of standing in. The vaulted ceiling stood high enough to give most dragons at the least a slight inferiority complex. The walls themselves were all of a pleasing cream coloration turned to a golden sheen by the immense light provided by the many candles and lit fireplaces reflecting off the precious metals found accented into nearly every feature of the room's decor in some fashion or the other. Tables, not nearly of enough magnificence to be described in the same paragraph, were to be found scattered around the room in varying sizes, able to hold between 5 and 50 people depending on the size.

The food, however, remains indescribable at a broad glance. The amount of conflicting colors, textures, and scents all fighting for equal recognition to the brain had an interesting effect. A wave of near-drunken euphoria was present in the room, certainly not helped by the abundance of wine and spirits.

[Rykinsvik]

As the feast for all the great kings from all over Fahl is being held down south at the Crossroads. A shroud of death and darkness begins to cover the kingdom in the north Rykinsvik. As the Black Tower is near its completion, King Mørohtár has accused and arrest the jarls and countess for treason against the king, within two days they will be publicly executed in Joldusteinn. With that there has been large numbers of snow elves disappearing within Rykinsvik, King Mørohtár has not yet acknowledge the issue. Now the Kingdom of Rykinsvik has gone dark from the rest of Fahl and a strange force begins to grow in the kingdom, orcs begin migrate from dark crevasses to Rykinsvik as if a horn was blown calling them home.

[The Voidlands]

Steve felt slightly insulted. Frederick could offer nothing but small talk, seemed rather nervous overall, and dismissed himself rather early to go handle 'Problems in the Kitchen'. The Nerve! He even brought Rum! Steve was about to go barging around and investigate this 'Kitchen' when he remembered his fathers words. "Remember the Past. Learn from it. Honor it. But put it behind you." So Steve sighed, got some Rum from the nearest servant, and started wondering around the great Mansion.
Somewhere around the Eastern Gardens, Aliar's Translator found Steve admiring the local flora. "Aliar just zipped off, heading West." He said. Another reason to hate this damned Diplo-Ball. It even chased Aliar away.
"He'll be back." Steve said. "Probably not for awhile though, so go find food and drink."
"Also, King Frederick has called for dinner, sir." The Translator responded.
Steve got up off of the bench he was sitting on. "Lead on." He said, and the Translator lead.

When Steve and his entourage entered the Great Dining Hall (Everything in this place had the adjective 'Great' before it), Steve was completely awestruck. The sheer magnitude of the food. There was even a water fountain full of Rum in the corner, where many of the more Military minded lords were gathered. Who knew that Steve was bringing Rum?
Steve quickly found King Frederick and took the unoccupied seat to his Right, dismissing his own entourage and claiming his Twin Blades, strapping them around the waist. In the corner of his eye, Steve could see the Voidwalker Commander sit down at a nearby table, close enough that he could intercept any possible threats. To Frederick, Steve said "A great haul this year, or are you richer than I thought?" jokingly, with the usual smile on his face.

[Revaz]

King Arlo of Revaz looks angry and waited in his royal carriage to Crossroads. He was bored with his musicians playing "the Oregon Trail" all over again. At last, he was finally here at Crossroads. He got up and walked out of his royal carriage like a limp dog would do after a long ride. He entered the ball room all alone and waited patiently for his ally (Grande Potenza) to come. He briefly took out a special note for Grande Pontenza and read thoroughly until he got tired. He sat there, unaware of his surroundings. He looked over a window and saw a magnificent bird flew out of his master's hand and zoomed out of sight. He removed his eyes from the window and asked the waiter for a drink. While the waiter was fetching his drink, he had thoughts on his mind about his master plan to defeat his deadliest enemies in the room. He motioned his guard for better privacy from the rest of the group.

"Sir, are you feeling fine?" asked his guard.
"Yep, I need you to give a special note from me to Grande Potenza's king, please."
"Anything else, sire?"
-nods his head- "The High King of Holy Inquistion is in deep trouble. Send a couple of men to aid Holy Inquistion."
"But sir, he is a southern kingdom. All southern kingdoms have different desires for power. What if he betrayed us sir?"
"Enough talk. We will discuss our differences later. I'll talk to him as soon as i can. Now, go alert my troops."
-bows his head- "It will be done." -exits the room without a glance-

[Dafka]

They were starring at me...all of them...

I was sweating like a pig, and my hands were shaking as I grasped my fork. Kartham was trying to drive me to madness.I looked at my food and felt sick.

My head was throbbing with pain. I dizzily rose from my chair and hastily stumbled out of the room. Saul followed me and escorted me to an empty room.


"You must fight him lyonov. here take this." Saul said as he gave me a goblet of water.

"What are you doing here? your supposed to be at premyat." I asked him

Before he could say anything, shandra and yesahl entered the room. It was obvious that the two were enjoying themselves over a drink when they walked in unaware of of what was happening with Kartham.

[The Stokes Regalia]

Stokes sauntered into the building where the feast was being held. The 6' 5" Alligator like man was a hard sight to miss, he was decorated in a deep purple tunic with a golden undershirt under it. Taught never to go to a gathering without his weapons his Tonfa Blades glistened as the flame bounced off them. Conversation stopped and eyes were locked on him as he walked through the hall towards "King" Arlo releasing his low,guttural growls as he neared him. The mere existence of the Kingdom of Revaz annoyed Stokes greatly, he gently pushed his Tonfa blade into Arlo's forehead enough to make blood trickle down his forehead.
"Whatever is the meaning of this?" asked Arlo.
"A warning shot." Stokes growled as he quickly swept his arm into the neck of the Revazian guard to his right, the Bone-white blade turning a shade of deep red. Gasps were heard around the room and the music came to a complete stop as the head rolled to Stokes' feet. He bent over and picked up the head tossing it into the air and catching it in his mouth swallowing it whole, helm and all.

Stokes then turned his back to Arlo who was quivering in fear and exclaimed, "Why all the sullen faces? This is a party!" he grabbed the nearest rum filled cup and gulped it down, laughing as the party returned to its more cheerful mood.

[Holy Inquisition]

Archmage Mendor could literally feel the hatred and rage boil out from his friend as it represented itself in fire. Raikos was a passionate man who always felt the strongest of emotions. When he loved, he loved more then anyone else could, and when he got angry...lets just say it was not wise to be in his presence. Mendor fiqured it was because of Raikos' strong relationship with the element of passion, but at the moment Mendor had to keep Raikos from erupting as the Holy King and the High Paladin walked over. Mendor started to walk over to the Holy King with Raikos slowly following.

Mendor bowed. "Greetings, Holy King. It is an honor to finally meet such an esteemed man."

"The honor is mine, my friend. Now pardon my lack of knowledge but who might you two mages be? You look of great importance." the king said while smiling with his famous, heartwarming, grin to be starkly contrasted by Leviticus' unwelcoming appearance next to him.

"I am Archmage Mendor of Delvan. I am an adviser to the High King of Delvan and leader of the Council of Seven. My friend here is High Pyromancer Raikos of the Obsidian Peninsula, and he too is apart of the council. We have come to the feast as representatives for the council." Mendor replied. Mendor tried his best to keep Raikos' rage at bay. It took a lot of his will just to keep him from erupting without Mendor actually having to cast a spell. "If you will forgive my colleague he is troubled at the moment." Mendor said as he kicked Raikos' shin. Raikos seemed to jump out of his trance for a second to realize what was happening.

"Ah, it is an absolute pleasure to meet you two!", exclaimed the Obsidian King, "Especially you, Raikos. I have always found magic to be an interesting topic but to strange costs for you of all people know that my situation does not permit me to view upon mages very often." The king's great smile faded, "I truly wish my country's laws were less... horrible towards you mages, I really do, although the people want it and all I can hope is that more mages took the hint and made it out like you have." Innocent's welcoming look turned into a look of sorrow and dissapointment. "I try my best to hold them off. Believe me I do."

Mendor looked sideways at Raikos to see him confused at first then angry. "YOU TRY AND HOLD THEM OFF! YOUR MEN SLAUGHTERED MY FAMILY AND TRIED TO KILL ME! If it weren't for my powers, I would be dead right now! I know it was you! Only someone from high up could have sent Paladins that high in rank!" Raikos yelled as he started to catch on fire.

The High Paladin beside the King drew his sword and looked as if he was about to jump.

"Raikos! Control yourself!" Mendor yelled "I apologize Holy King. Raikos has had many troubles in his life, and he is not like this normally."
Raikos tried to reply, but Mendor glared at him with the most devastating of glares.

The Holy King dropped to his knees and bowed his head towards Raikos. "I am but a man trying to slowly qualm the troubles of my people. Magic is hated and outlawed but I have escorted countless mages out of my country under a blind eye. I truly am sorry for your family but I have never nor will I order the execution of anyone. Especially the innocent... My son, please forgive me for I am not perfect nor is our kind." Innocent's volume lowered just enough so that the few around him could hear, "Strike me down if you must but know that you risk the burden of an unhealthy conscience and will surely condemn yourself to Hell. May He bless you for I know that deep down He is still in your heart."

Raikos was shocked at the kings response. He had never met anyone with such sympathy and compassion especially of a King. Raikos had doubts that maybe this was a trick or a lie, but the words the king spoke felt like the truth. Raikos was no priestess of Devana that could detect the slightest lie, but somehow Raikos saw the light. The fire calmed in his chest. "Revenge is all I have known and yet your compassion has shown my life mission to be of fault. I shall dwell on this, and I am honored by your compassion and your strength in front of my rage. But I must tell you that I have been to Hell and back, and that the flames do not scare me. What scares me is when the flames reach for more then their hellish plane." Mendor looked at him with deep concern. Raikos seemed to calm down, but he occasionally glanced at the High Paladin with suspicion.

The Holy King stood back up with a sigh of discomfort while holding his aching back. With a wide grin across his face, he spoke, "It appears that we are all being seated. Mind if I sit near you, friend Raikos? I'd love to hear of your accomplishments when there is an absence of political discussion."

Suddenly, David of Balmora stumbled into the small group and stood very close to the again friendly King Innocent talking about the weather in Balmora. Innocent was prepared to converse with the large man that wreaked of alcohol but Leviticus sheathed his sword and pulled David aside. "Sorry, friend. The men have a feast to attend."

Raikos was still bewildered at the Holy Kings friendliness, but he supposed that is what you get for being called the "Holy" King. After David's sudden outburst Raikos nodded and walked beside the King as they traveled to the feast.

Mendor could not believe at what he had heard. He had feared that Raikos would burst out and burn the castle to the ground, but instead the king had calmed him, something not even Mendor could do. Maybe now Raikos' thirst for vengeance will settle. After a few more moments of thinking Mendor walked to the feast hall.