The Month of Ioannes, in the Season of Summer
Era II of the Celestine Mandate, Era XIV Post Fractum
The Second Era of the Regency of Milo L'Evienne.
Secrets :
Acumin was a small town in the middle of the Dolwoods set directly on a large trade route. It had once been a large trade town, but those brightenings were now over. While the occasional trader was still quite welcome, most people didn't find Acumin to be worth their time. However, it's location meant that the town was in the middle of a large and well-used passageway, and Acumin's most interesting aspect meant that traders had long ago worn great tracks around the town. They formed a nearly perfect circle around the town, their tracks deflected by the very thing they were trying to avoid.
For when Acumin had been saved by it's patron Goddess Carmelya, the servant of the goddess had placed a great spell about the town. A practically impenetrable shield that so slowed down all who tried to enter that it would take several hours to pass through the shield. It was clear for the most part, the only visible signs of the great bubble-like spell the occasional glimmer as light hit the spell in just the correct fashion. Then the spell would scatter the light into a small rainbow like a prism, the light display easily visible from beneath the spell.
This clear filmy spell was attached to 5 rocks placed around the town at equal intervals. Each boulder was a large hunk of granite, and on each of them was a large black rune that had been burnt into the rock in such a fashion that there were grooves with each blackened mark.
Crossing through the spell, though possible, was exceptionally difficult. It felt like stepping in thick mud, only the mud was everywhere, and clear. Many people felt as though they were suffocating and it wasn't infrequent that one of the town's military would have to pull out a hyperventilating victim of sudden claustrophobia. For while most visitors couldn't make it through the shield without a great deal of trouble, those labeled as Carmelya's "chosen" could do so without problem. Druids, Rangers, animals, and those who'd devoted their life to the goddess could pass through the shield as though it was thin air. But those who did not hold the goddess at the core of their heart were delayed greatly. It was the perfect defense mechanism - it didn't require maintenance from the citizens, and stopped anyone who could possibly be a threat for long enough for the guards to get to them.
The guards did frequent the shield, taking turns to make the rounds and walk around the city, looking for those who were stuck. Anyone who was able to pass through freely generally made it through without being stopped by the guards; the rangers trusted their goddess's jurisdiction in such matters. Those who did get stuck in the shield were politely asked to hold up their visas while walking through and the rangers would come up to them and check them. Provided everything was in order with the visa and there was no reason for further questioning, travelers were allowed to make their way through.
It had been some time since Serion's last visit to Acumin. Perhaps the last time was when he had brought his goblins over to Avanthar to serve as guards over his tower, Dar Havark. Either way, Serion could never stand the accursed enchantment that Carmelya had placed over the city and he was inwardly cursing the fact that he had decided not to add a couple weeks to his trip by visiting Father Saridar in Trysvale. One of the few Carmelyan Vysstichi Serion had ever met, Father Saridar was the leader of the Orthae Sargtlinen, vysstichi holy warriors consisting of Dianites and Carmelyans. Between Faust and Serion, the faction had been given a great place to train and worship in Trysvale Cathedral to Carmelya.
Turning back to Faust Serion is obviously slightly annoyed. "I really hope our traveling here is worth all of this slow movement."
Serion had spoken with Faust about his plans when he had heard of Acumin's plight. The city was apparantly being accosted by vysstichi raiders, more than likely from Herozzal. Of course, very few human's were able to find the Arc that led to the city, or at least survive long enough top tell others, and the caverns were even worse. They sought champions, and in Serion's mind, who better to stop vysstichi than other vysstichi. Of course, there were alterior motives.
Faust had continued Serion's plans with taking hold of Har'oloth, beautifully he might add, and House Kitrye-veresi was strong and under their control to some extent. The city of Herozzal was a different beast, however. Serion's sister, Zynoir had taken to creating her own House after the D'Rinishads of Hon'Elgg were destroyed and scattered and it had been eras since the two had really talked--especially with Serion going missing for nearly two eras. If possible, the aging matron could accept a surface D'Rinishad as an heir, and possibly give Serion and his family the chance to move up the ranks.
The task at hand, though, was to speak with the person running the city about these vysstichi raids. If possible, Serion wanted to find a way to gain control of Acumin legally. Not only would it help boost the good natured name of the D'Rinishads on the surface, but it would allow easy access to Herozzal. The trading alone would probably boost both cultures, and with a vysstichi as Aedile the raiding would more than likely subside.
This thought in mind, Serion urges his ebon colored horse through the woods, his white cloak floating behind him, embroidered with the sigil of House D'Rinishad. His ardentium chain vest glistened, and his snow-white hair was pulled back into a topknot, the ponytail ending at his lowerback. At his right side Serion wore the twin ardentium shortswords that he had gifted to Faust. His full power had not yet returned, and so Serion wouldn't trust his thaumaturgic powers in a sword fight just yet. Should a ranger approach as they walk, Serion woudl introduce the troupe and their intentions, expecting some minor hostility at first. Between Serion and Faust, however, surely the name D'Rinishad had at least traveled back to Acumin.
Beside Serion, Faust D’Rinishad snickered at his lord’s comment, one that was born from the sarcasm that the Prince of Har’oloth hadn’t heard in eras. The younger dark elf’s grin was soon accompanied by a lighthearted chuckle, and his crimson eyes trained ahead of them as they proceeded to wade through the tangible field of magic that continued to impede their progress. “At the very least it’s a better view than what we’re used too…” Faust offered in consolation, shrugging slightly as his gaze maneuvered skyward to scan the vacant skyline.
Nothing.
A part of the Kitrye’veresi Prince expected a fireball to illuminate the horizon seconds before bearing down upon both him and Serion. News of the Vysstichi raids in Acumin had elicited the ire of many bitter parties in the recent cycles, and it was not implausible to assume that all dark elves would be hostilely targeted upon sight –especially in vicinities this close to Acumin. Subsequently, the young swordsman, having prudently opted to prepare a defensive spell at his lips, rode atop his midnight steed while in clara in the event that something unanticipated dared to challenge them.
And as he dwelled upon his earlier comment, Faust withheld another laugh as he thought of the many pickles that both he and Serion had encountered even before Serion had ‘fallen’. There was their precarious escape from Alaret Kitrye’veresi, the hunt for Lydia Cain, the Zerdargian War, the Cold South, and now this. Was there no end to their perilous endeavors? Stealing a glimpse of his Lord from the corner of his eyes, the dark elf chuckled to himself. Indeed, it was good having the King of House D’Rinishad back; life as Faust had known it was steadily returning to its former self –just as he personally preferred it.
“It shouldn’t be too much longer, milord.” the dark elf predicted. As he spoke he instinctively adjusted in his saddle, more so to blatantly expose the pin that embroidered the front of his streaming mantle; it was the pin of the Medonian Ranger Hall. Despite his diminishing contact with the servants of Carmelya, the Prince of Har’oloth had collaborated with them on several occasions; one being when the Master Ranger of the Hall had tasked him with investigating numerous occurrences in the area and another when he and Rhiannon had sought knowledge of the whereabouts of Medonia’s beloved PonderTree. Both instances had, fortunately, earned him honorary status within the guild hall.
And hopefully it would help gain the two dark elves credibility here in Acumin.
The dark elf’s ardentium gloves tightened around the reins of his black steed, steering it expertly beside his lord’s but far enough that a single spell would be unable to immobilize both of them simultaneously. Soulseeker, the Prince’s fine long sword, was strapped to his hip and casually bounced against the side of the horse as it trotted through the hindering field of magic. “I wonder how the villagers will receive us…” Faust cheerily said, glancing curiously to his leader.
The day had been long and the progress was slow. Not many words were spoken between Faust and Serion but there seemed to be no need for it. Areka had not know Serion long but she knew that Faust was happy that he was back. She did not know the whole story, only that about two ears about Serion had disappeared leaving Faust in charge of everything. What was everything she was still learning. It seemed just by chance that she was taken in by the D'Rinishad's and the longer she stayed with them the more she became aware of the power the name held. She too was even moving into the family like she had been there for years. The trip to Acumin was not only for her to travel but also to venture to Herozzal and possibly become the apprentice to the matron of the House Vhilraaen. Areka was pleased that she would be something more with her life than before but she could not but help to have doubts. She often wondered what would have happened to her the day she ran from her home if Faust and Kalenel had not come to her aid. She also wondered why they would do such a thing for a complete stranger. Other than the fact that she was a Vysstichi she could see no reason for Vysstichi to lend a kind helping hand unless it was for some gain. Still she tired not to think to much on it and tired to live with the fact that perhaps her living with two unloving parents so long had warped her view of the world and others.
Holding tight to the reines of the horse she was a bit afraid she would fall off even at this slow rate. She had never ridden a horse before and even though Faust and Serion ensured her she would not fall and taught her how to ride she still felt a little uneasy. The fact that she had never been exposed to such intense magic before was not helping the situation at all. The pressure from the invisible shield around Acumin was pressing hard against her body causing her breaths to be quick, sharp, and slightly painful. She wasn't going to let the magic get the better of her though so she kept her head clear and drove the horse forward. She also had removed her hood to let the sun rays rest upon her face and try to get her eyes more adapted to life on the surface. What better place than a forest to do this, light was allowed through the density of the trees but not so much to harm her sight. Basking in the sun Areka found a smile to start to creep across her face, she had never thought that such a simple pleasure would bring her joy like she had never felt before.
Looking up ahead of her she stared at the side of Serion's face and the back of Faust head. She wished to know more about their reason for coming to Acumin but they had not told her much to begin with. She did have the right to now after all she felt it for her own good to know the plans of Serion and Faust though she did not think that they would bring her into direct danger of purpose. She figured it was the reason for them telling her to stay behind them rather than beside. The question plaguing her mind she just decided to ask "I know the city is being raided by vysstichi Serion but what exactly do you intend to do about it?"
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4:04 PM [Black Waltz] the fork of doom along with the knife of terror
The greeting, as it were, came when they were not much more than a mile from the town, in the form of a dark haired elf and his blond half-elf companion. The looks on their faces indicated that perhaps this meeting was not going to be as easy, or pleasant as one might have hoped.
"Stop where you are!" the male elf hissed, not that intimidating considering the natural tendency of elven voices to be high in pitch.
The loaded bow the female pointed at them is perhaps more meaningful. She rubbed her finger along the notched feathers, a nervous gesture perhaps, but one that did not cause her arrow to drop the slightest. Her tunic and overlying leather armor was just tight and revealing enough to show the hard lines of muscles in her upper arms. She was obviously well trained, and well practiced.
"Drop your weapons immediately," he continued, his hands not going for weapons but lay clenched at his sides. "State your name and purpose here, and if it mean ill for any in Acumin know that we are not alone, and no friend to Vysstichi." The gleam in his eyes made it quite clear that this last part was not conditional upon the first - this elf was very much interested in killing them.
Serion had heard Areka's words, and his intent was to answer the young D'Rinishad's question. Of course, the bad timing and rudeness of light elves struck yet again, and the Paladin barely got his mouth open before being accosted by commands. I really...really...hate being told what to do, he thinks to himself. While inside he was extremely annoyed, outwardly he kept his composure, and smiled charismatically to the duo of would be heroes.
Raising his hands, both as an indication to hold, as well as a sign that no weapons were even drawn, Serion nods respectfully to the guardians of Acumin. "I bear greetings to the people of Acumin. I am Lord Serion, of the surface house, House D'Rinishad. I mean no harm, but come to aid in putting an end to the actions of the less than honorable members of my race." Serion was of course assuming that the raids were common knowledge by now, having been advertised in the herald.
"My companions are Faust , Kalenel, and Areka D'Rinishad. Know that had we wished harm, we would not have traveled so openly and without weapons at the ready." This was of course a simple statement of fact--one that Serion would hope any intelligent warrior could see to be true. What dark elf in their right mind would plan an attack or raid and openly move through the forest.
Still smiling at the elf, Serion continues. "Also, do not be so presumptuous to wave around the numbers you have hidden in the trees. As a paladin, I've fought worse odds than being outnumbered in an area that hinders my movement. If you wish to distrust us, I would be pleased to be given a military escort to speak with the acting Thane personally."
Reining his steed to an abrupt standstill, the Prince of Har’oloth’s gaze shifted to regard the pair of materializing elves, armed elves. Instincts commanded the dark elf to brandish his sword in defense, but practiced restraint bridled his reflexes and enabled him to overcome the inclination. Although there were only two of the light-borns, Faust was confident that the speaker had not been lying in announcing the presence of others which, admittedly, was as foolish a thing that he could have done. Not only did that negate any advantages resulting from an unanticipated ambush, but it also informed the Vysstichi of others nearby. No wonder Acumin had been losing so terribly…
Communicating a quick glance to Areka to assure her that everything would be okay, the Prince of Har’oloth casually redirected his stare back to Serion and then to the pair of elves. Faust listened silently as the Lord of House D’Rinishad spoke, an attempt to convince the sun-kissed surface dwellers that the Vysstichi entourage was nothing more than an altruistic party. This was, perhaps, somewhat of an exaggeration, but it definitely included the truth.
“I am a ranger of the Medonian Hall…” the Prince of Har’oloth apathetically added, shifting in his saddle to reveal the pin that embroidered his cloak. “A friend of Master Ranger Fellan and a student of Ranger Varinon Arbenevan.” Pausing to see if the names elicited any recognition from the two Acuminites, the dark elf remained in concentration, sincerely hoping that clara would be unnecessary. It would be a shame to cross blades over something as menial as a misunderstanding, and gauging from the prowess of the newly arrived dark elves, Faust was quite confident of the outcome of such a prospect.
Like Areka, Kalenel also removed his hood from his head to better adapt to the sunlight. The journey was an awkward to say the least for the son of House Vamai'tai, and he shifted uncomfortably in his horse. The spell around the city only made things worse for the young Kalenel, but he was managing.
Bringing his horse to a rough stop as they group was approach, Kalenel remained silent and let his mentor and Seriod do the talking. No one his group wanted the confrontation to come to a fight, yet after witnessing the prowess of Faust alone, Kalenel was certain who would be the victor.
ooc: Sorry for coming so late, I'm guessing we will assume Serion introduced me to the guard?
__________________ I WILL BE POSTING SOON, SORRY FOR THE ABSENCE
The elf narrowed his eyes, his fingers flexing nervously. ”Wouldn’t be the first time we’ve been attacked in broad daylight,” he snapped. ”And I do not know the name of Fellan or Arbenevan.”
The girl with the bow tensed, then relaxed, lowering her arrow. ”I know those names,” she said, pulling the arrow from the string and putting it in the container on her back. The string released with a pained sigh and twang. ”And any who claim friendship with them are friends to Acumin as well.”
”Ethilde, they are vysstichi!”
”They are not our vysstichi,” she corrected absently, then turned to the D’Rinishads. ” Forgive my companion, the raiders in this part are quite bold, and very thorough. If you’ll follow me, I’ll take you to the town. It can be quite a hassle to get through unguarded,” she said, the corner of her mouth quirking slightly. She began to walk, turning her back to them with an ease that seemed unsettling to her companion. ”I take it you are here because of the advertisement? In the Herald?”
Areka had slowed her horse to a stop. She looked on the two elves before her and listened as Serion and Faust spoke. She had to admit she was a little surprised the way Serion was handling the situation but now understood what Faust had been trying to tell her all along about Serion.
Listening the to the guards' replies she was pleased that no exchange of arms would be dealt here and now. As it looked they would be entering the city once and for all she reached her hands back to replace her hood over head. She would not be able to enjoy the pleasure of the sun upon her face in the wide open city. In making the movement to cover her eyes so they were protected from the harshness of sun she remembered the ring the Matron of House Vhileraen had sent to her with the messenger. It had been on her finger for a couple of months and she usually forgot it was there. Thinking it might not be such a good idea to have the ring upon her finger in the town she made sure the guards were not watching and quickly slipped of and placed it into a side pocket insider her clock.
All seemed well and she waited for Serion to make his move before following the female guard inside the city.
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4:04 PM [Black Waltz] the fork of doom along with the knife of terror
Serion lets his hands fall back down to the reins of his horse once the female acknowledged the ties. It's good to see you've been active in my absence, Faust Serion thinks to himself. Giving a simple nod to his long time friend and Baron, Serion turns his attention back to the elf that offered to lead them to the city. "Indeed. The herald spoke of vysstichi raids in the area. Our House is known for not being your standard breed of dark elf. Perhaps our actions at Acumin can spread that fact." Serion's piercing silver eyes seemed to mimic the fact that he was of no common vysstichi stock. His eyes had caused much uproar at his birth and the House Mage's prophesy seemed all too true to Serion now that he had brought House D'Rinishad back from the dust that it had become on the Hon'Elgg cavern floors.
Pulling on the reins, Serion motions for the troupe to follow the guards. Giving as charismatic smile to the male elf that had original stopped them, Serion keeps a few smart comments to himself. It would perhaps have been fun to test his newly reacquired skills amidst overzealous lightborns, but the forest did indeed slow his actions. His protections magics were probably decent enough to handle most attacks he'd have faced in this instance, but what effect would the shield have on them? In the end, it wasn't worth testing, and the mission was more important.
Looking back to the one named Ethilde, Serion tries to see if he can get any more information about the raids. "Out of curiosity, what knowledge do you have of the raids? None of us are Carmelyan worshippers, so the trek to the city will probably still be somewhat time consuming. A guards perspective on the attackers may be useful. Any captured prisoners perhaps?" The likelihood of a vysstichi prisoner would probably be slim. Serion knew all to well the hatred that surface elves held for the darker breed, and to let one live seemed almost a sin to them. Nevertheless, Acumin was not an elfin city. Maybe someone with sense would wish to interrogate the perpetrators.
“Thank you.” the swordsman said, imparting an appreciative nod to the militant elf’s partner as she admitted her recognition of the names. As the light-born’s weapon lowered, the Prince of Har’oloth similarly adjusted his hands back to the reins of his horse and further away from the hilts of the two blades on each of his respective sides. Of course he could have brandished either or both within a heartbeat, but the elves didn’t know that. The subtle shift was innocuous, nothing more.
Catching Serion’s gaze with his own, the Prince of Har’oloth’s head inclined humbly before he looked over to Areka whose timidity elicited a smile across the older dark elf’s features. Despite their limited familiarity with one another as Areka had joined House D’Rinishad only cycles before, Faust was already quite fond of her. She was innocent in an idiosyncratic way, and although quiet at times, the Prince of Har’oloth was grateful for her presence in the group. It was true that she had much to learn still, but who better to teach her than the King of House D’Rinishad himself?
Breathing a little easier now that the elves’ hostility was supplanted, the Prince of Har’oloth rode alongside the others, intermittently scanning the treetops and the encompassing forest for those reinforcements that the elves had alluded to –that is, if they existed at all. He did not doubt their claims, but as a skeptic whose life had been saved because of excessive vigilance at times, the dark elf was always conscious of his surroundings.
He looked to Kalenel. “Quite different from what you’re used to, is it not?” Faust asked, chuckling grimly as he nodded reassuringly to the younger swordsman. Shrugging simply, the Prince of Har’oloth then spurred his horse along to rejoin Serion as he conversed with the two elves. At the mentioning of Carmelya, the dark elf did wince slightly as it was a name that he had willingly forgotten, not because of any self-harbored animosity towards the Goddess of Fertility, but more so because of her lack of involvement in his life when he had needed her most.
Forcing the thought from his mind, the dark elf turned back to the light-born, awaiting further information on the mysterious Vysstichi party that continued to plague Acumin. Things were going to get interesting and soon, no doubt.
"Indeed," Kalenel responded to his mentor. It was indeed different, here around the City of Acumin, than it was under the surface in Har'oloth or the dark streets of Vortex. He wanted to thank Faust, then and there, for all he had done for him. He didn't though, deciding it not the best time as he looked long at Faust. Looking away to the trees, Kalenel quickly shielded his eyes at the sunlight as he trudged along with his family.
__________________ I WILL BE POSTING SOON, SORRY FOR THE ABSENCE
Ethilde merely nodded at Serion’s statement of his House. Word of House D’Rinishad’s mere existence had not yet reached Acumin, so it was quite obvious that he had some work to do. When he mentioned the raids, however, the professional tint to her face fell towards stern. ”The raids are… thorough. They attack approximately a quarter of the trade caravans in the area, and very few survive. Most are obliterated, leaving only wood silvers and bloodstains behind. They take every body they can, living or dead, and if you’ve been taken, you never come back. The news we have of the attacks comes from heavily guarded caravans, who manage to survive and keep going. But if they take you, you’re never seen again.”
The trees did not part to reveal the town, but rather, the shield just suddenly appeared in front of them, shimmering in the light like a gigantic soap bubble, strange colors and patterns playing across its surface. The forest and pathway continued through the shield, and Ethilde held up a hand. ”If you would dismount, sirs and ma’am. While it is true that Carmelyan worshippers cannot make it through the shield in any great time, if I am escorting you physically that time will be a great deal quicker. Your horses, of course, will pass through unmolested.”
She held out a hand to them, obviously meaning that physical contact was necessary. Apparently in the land of Acumin, personal bubbles were nothing in comparison to the greater one overhead.
Alighting from his steed and onto the earthen floor, the Prince of Har’oloth soon felt the fresh soil beneath his feet. One of his hands gripped the reins of his midnight-colored steed, and the other steadily raised, inclining towards the elven woman’s in acceptance of her gracious offer to guide them through the magical shield. Given her recent amiability, the dark elf was far more trusting of her hand than her male counterpart whom the Vysstichi Prince regarded with a wary eye. That fellow had made no effort to veil his misgivings about the dark elven race, and while that was acceptable, it nevertheless marked him as one not to be trusted.
“We should probably interview those who have survived.” Faust suggested, glancing to Serion to assess his opinion on the matter. The Prince of Har’oloth was not astonished by the professionalism exhibited by the raiders. They were Vysstichi, after all, a race more than accustomed to multiple forms of warfare and savagery rivaling the Cyraxians themselves. And although the elfin woman made it clear that those who were captured were never seen again, Faust suspected that the prisoners were not killed, but rather, relegated to slave statuses. The dark elves were economical by nature, and even though they abhorred anything with light-skin, they were not above making profit whenever they could.
“Have you any idea where the raiders are holed up? Or coming from?” He asked. Obviously Herozzal was the prime candidate, but the Arc was not an entranceway conducive for raiding which, Faust believed, meant that it was possible that the dark elven attackers were housed somewhere upon the surface. Of course they probably only made their appearances at night, but considering the masterful coordination of their assaults, it was not far-fetched to presume that they organized their ambushes way in advance. And if such was the case, the key to defeating them was to find their headquarters.
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