Rise and Fall - IC

[Victorian Style]

Ridgegate Fort

The Amerzonians were escorted through the keep, moving through several archways, halls and gatehouses before they finally emerged on the other side of the fortress, trees stretched off in both directions, going for as far as the eye can see. Twenty five. horses had been assembled in the time it had taken for them to move through the keep, at the convoy's head sat a young man however, wearing the uniform of a single soldier. "Ho there!" he cried, waving a lantern in the air to disperse the mist. "Jeremiah Wickham!" He called out again, "I'm to be your guide to Albion!" The light of his lantern cut through the hazy fog, creating a waving light in the palpable darkness.

Averham Castle

The Prime Minister re-read the letter that had arrived at his desk only a few minutes ago, apparently Shindra's plot had been attacked. 'Curses!' he thought to himself as he read through the report. No survivors, no bodies. The guards had seen nothing and it could have happened days ago and nobody would have noticed! It's the worse possible situation. He tapped his fingers against the wooden desk before leaning over to the tube next to his desk. "Dispatch Fifty men to Shindra's plot, search the area for the villagers" He said, the tube rumbled slightly as a response was thrown back, "Yes, now!" he ordered, on the verge of shouting... before calmly adding with a sly smirk, "And send the commander and his troops..."

The Prime Minister then calmly leaned back in his chair and chuckled, happy with his decision.

[DEMoGorgon47]

Uthum: Eastern Harbor

Leta's white feathers ruffled and here eyes glistened with anger, but then she composed herself. "Why must we leave? We havent even begun speaking. We wish only to enter a trade relationship with your people. It could be of mutual benefit to all who are involved. My people have many resources; silver, copper, fruits, merchant ships, to name a few. By dismissing us you are losing out on valuable trading opportunities." Leta said, her eloquent voice disguising her inner fury. She hated these racist bastards with all her heart.

[Palamon]

"Sir. Commander, wake up." The Captain was speaking in a serious tone of voice to his superior. Thesius knew from the Captain's demeanor that this was an important matter. "What?" Thesius replied as he sprang out of bed, immediately beginning to get geared up. "An Arvalian village has been attacked sir, the Minister has order us to deploy. Thesius nodded as he heard the words, 'It'll be good to back in the field' he thought. "Alright Captain, I'll take a hundred men, eight clerics. You be with me though Captain. I need you to stay here, keep an eye on things. I'll bring lieutenants Falr and Rolik instead.", the commander continued to dress himself, yet he kept his eyes on the Captain. "Yes Commander". The Captain waited for Thesius to finish dressing, and bid him farewell as he left with a battalion of troops at his back.

Ten miles south of Shindra's Plot...

Thesius and his men had marched through the whole day and part of the night, looking back at his men he decided it was time to make camp. He spoke with the lieutenants as they broke formation, "All right, we're approximately ten miles south of village. When we get their Falr you are going to take fifteen men and a cleric to scout the village. Rolik will stay with me, and when signaled we'll begin the approach with rest of the men." he drew a small drawing in the forest's dirt floor, "Alright, dismissed". Without word the two lieutenants bowed and went about their business preparing the camp.

Thesius pulled out a carved wooden pipe he'd purchased in a village outside Arverham, and decided to see what it would like to smoke the dif root from Edyr. He nearly coughed up a lung as he took a drag on it, and leaning back on a log. He gazed into the fire before him, and went over the events of the day.

Eastern Harbour, Uthum

Cleric Pook took steps backwards, hiding behind the Captain. Artilus shooed the Cleric back behind the lines of guardsmen, and trying to remember his Amerzonian he spoke to the Avaran, "Trade is not our responsibility. It is my duty to keep the peace in this harbor. Now I will ask you one more time to return to your ship and leave this land." As he spoke, the sound rattling chainmail was hear. To the left of the group on the dock, a figure with a white hood began to emerge. "STOP!" The figure yelled. As the figure's face became clear the Captain lifted a palm to his face and sighed. "Never fear Carimus is here!" A trim gangly looking man wearing a leather jerkin, chainmail and a white hood stood before the group. He spoke in Avaran to the female Captain, "I really must apologize for these two, they care not for the business that were are in. Oh and excuse me." he removed his head to reveal a young unshaved face with unkempt silver hair. "My name is Carimus no surname." he continued, "While these two would not do business with you simply because of your avian qualities, I believe we can do business" he finished with a wink. The Captain turned around as Carimus finished, shaking his head as he and his men walked off the docks.

[Victorian Style]

Pinegere Forest

Darkness closed in around the party as the day came to an end, the fire in the center being the only sole source of light in the entire camp. Occasionally the odd hoot and growl could be heard from the forest around them, but mostly it was quiet. Far in the distance the sound of hounds and men could be heard as the Arvalian's proceeded to search the area, yet finding nothing.

The night was uneventful,nothing had approached the camp and if anything it had been pleasant, for once the skies had cleared revealing a sliver of the moon high above. However, along the path leading to the village foot-tracks could be seen, and not human ones either, clawed and large the rate at which the tracks had been scattered suggested a form of running, loping almost... this bore ill, seeing as if one were to follow the tracks without end, they would come to the village.

[RavenxVoid]

Kuollut Channel: Avarian-Amerzonian Waystation -- Where the East meets the West

"Blasted Wind!" Admiral Drystann Cromm remarked to himself as they finally reached their destination of "The Waystation" where Amerzone and Avara meet up on a trading basis, Amerzone tended to like the exotic things that they could only get from Avara such as bamboo and rice. Rice was one thing that did not spoil easily and so is highly welcome in the desert, on the other thing Amerzone, plenty of horses that they exported to other nations, these horses are not the fastest on the Continent but for sure they were most healthy breed of horses.
Land nearing and was in sight "Sailors we are late again this year! Hooray! For keeping to the schedule!"

RIDGEGATE

Malcator had sent half his knights back with their Griffins, partly because Malcator did not to be responsible for the deaths of an Arvale soldiers if they had their heads bitten off by the Griffins since they did not have proper stations to take care of them. Malcator thanked the commander for giving him and his knights the horses so the journey would be easier for him and his knights. "Hello Jeremiah Wickham, I am please be meet you, I hope this journey is short and uneventful" Malcator said politely as he rode on.

AMERSHRINE

It had not been even 10 minutes since Caldus sat down when Vardan Kai come out to greet him, it had been Kai's family that originally come to talk with peace for with the Edyr. And so it was Kai's responsibility to continue with talking to the Edyr. "So Caldus what can I do for you and the Edyr nation?" Kai asked, as he sat down on the bench next to him

[The Whacko]

Northern Dock, Riverdale, Grand Capital of Rivalia

Atrium Zenoviev had to admit that he found the architecture of this city. Far more complex than those his own home in Geno, though it was far more gawdy in general appearence. Pallians generaly prefered simplicity and practicality. Part of their natural business instinct, avoiding spending money on such displays of wealth. He'd seen a few of the Elves running along the mouth of the river, probably dock workers or citzens curious as to the Northern ship that was closing in on their riverdocks. But he was getting off track. Think business. He was as tall, lanky man with short, dirty blond hair, a thin, pointed moustache, and a delicately featured face, but marked by terrible scars, the result of a plague that had torn across Pallia and Rakand a few decades ago. The ship was flying the burgandy banner of non-agression, as not to startle any of the River Elves, whom he though still had some emnity toward Rasalhague for the raids into their land centuries ago. Maybe they would be friendlier to a Pallian.

Business. That was his purpose here. King Tor Miraborgue himself had sent him on this mission ten weeks ago, and now the Serpent's Wake was pulling steadily into dock. Miraborgue wanted to improve relations with the River Elves, and trade was amoung the best ways to go about that. He heard the first mate shouting up on deck, signaling that the ship was about to dock, but no word was given on their Elven welcoming commity, if there was one to be found. Whatever the case, it was time to get aboard deck, and to prepare for the Elves...

The city was even more crowded than he'd expected. The Pallians and their Rakand bodyguards often had to walk single-file simply to squeeze through, though at certain points the Elves gave them a wide berth, staring at them with mixtures of curiousity, fear, and sometimes outright loathing. They were some of those Northern savages, after all, even if they came in peace. The Rakand replied to these looks glares and hands on their sword hilts, as they neared what they had been told was the Civil District. Now it was only a matter of getting in to speak with the officials.

[DEMoGorgon47]

Kuollut Channel: Avarian-Amerzonian Waystation -- Where the East meets the West

Admiral Gren watched as the fleet of Amerzonian ships sailed into the rickety port. Around many of the Amerzonian inhabitants of the Waystation came out to greet their fellow countrymen. The old Admiral smiled as he looked upon the fleet, as a large portion of the vessels were Avarian-made merchant ships, showing just how good Avarian shipbuilding was.

"Ho! You are late again Admrial Drystann!" Gren said with a hearty yell. The two Admirals went very far back, being some of the first to visit the Waystation and being the Waystation's most frequent visitors. He walked up to the Amerzonian Admrial, whom he towered over by at least a foot. "How goes it? I hope our shippments are in fine condition. We have your bamboo, rice, exotic fruits, and 3 merchant ships all prepared for you." The Admiral then indicated to three moderatly sized ships, built from bamboo and set with Schooner-type riggings.

~~~~~~

Uthum: Eastern Port

Leta looked upon the new man with surprise. She had no expected an Edirian to be so bold and open, much less speak her native tounge. Looking as the soldiers and residents cleared the docks she cursed them under her breath, before approaching the new man, who called himself Carimus.

"My name is Captain Leta Shah, captain of the A.S. Phoenix. And what makes you so different from the others?" Leta asked in Avarian, her tone harsh and accusitory. "We Avarians are a proud and powerful people, and dont take the insults such as the ones we were just given lightly. Do not waste my time if you plan on making a fool of me, my crew, or my country."

[Palamon]

Shindra's Plot

Thesius and his lieutenants stood overlooking the village from a hill in the forest. Thesius was bearing his full battle dress, his helmet narrowed his vision, none of their faces were visible through the visors on their helms. Behind the three men stood a hundred other Ederian troops armored from the hairs on their feet to those on their heads. Thesius turned to lieutenant Falr and motioned for his force to enter the village. He then turnened to lieutenant Rolik and spoke in an stoic voice, "After we get the signal, you and I will lead the men in ranks down to the village, you will take thirty men and surround the village perimeter and all outlying buildings, I will continue in with the rest to search the buildings." He spun around again watching as Falr and his men approached the small hamlet. "Rolik, I don't know what left those tracks that led us here, but by Utherius it isn't human... kill on sight."

Amershrine

"Ahhh Sentator Kai, it is good to speak with you." Caldus moved over to make room for this familiar face. He then turned his head to Kai, speaking swiftly and with enthusiasm, "I have come today to bring news. The military alliance between Edyr and Arvale has been finalized. That being said, I believe it be most important that Edyr and Amerzone continue its trade and even increase its political dealings." He lifted his brow at the end of his statement, indicating that it had a hidden meaning.

Uthum

Carimus waived a hand infront of him, as if shooing away any notion of insult. He grinned wildly as he looked up at the tall Avarians, "I represent certain organization within Edyr that pays not attention to racial differences. In fact we don't care if your giant pieces of pond scum, we still want to trade with ye." He nodded and began to pace back and forth on the dock. As he spoke he continually looked down then back at the Avarian Captain, "Call us the Ederian wine and culture company. We deal in everything from fine ceramics to the vegetation and beverages that fill them. As a matter of back, we have four ships laden with decadent goods, just waiting for a port to open for delivery." Carimus ended with a wink at the tall Avaran.

[Victorian Style]

Shindra's plot

The village consisted of Twenty four buildings arranged in a ring, at the center lie the Town hall for the hamlet, a squat, tidy building with a single steeple rising three stories high. On the other side of the small town lie fields of recently planted corn, flooded and ruined after having been left unattended for several days.
A light breeze picked up and blew through the ghost town, sending papers and random pieces of rubbish bouncing along the cobble roads. The town from where the party was sat did indeed look abandoned.

Ridgegate road

Sadly in contradiction to the Amerzonian's words it was not an uneventful journey, as they rode storms lashed at the coast, flooding several parts of the roads delaying them for at least two days, heavy winds blew in from the sea, blowing harshly at the mounted party, the Arvalian was used to these weather conditions and rode on calmly, nonplussed by the harsh weather. However their companions may well be worse for wear as the storms pressed on. However, soon enough the smoke stacks of Albion rose over the ruined hills of coastal Arvale, the city was a circle in shape, surrounded by walls, except from where it opened to the rough seas.

The spaces of districts could be seen from their vantage point, tradesmen congregated in the northern sections, the Garrison to the east and the residential and industries occupied the west and south. A fortress squatted in the center, various towers stabbed up into the stormy skies and various levels opened up into battlements occupied by soldiers and ballista.

The convoy rode to the gates, where they were admitted with curious glances, as soon as they were just inside the guide gestured the foreigners down a road, the end of which was out of sight. "Follow this, and you shall reach Pinspire, there the Lord Ableen will be happy to meet you, merely announce your intent, I'm sure you'll be welcomed... good luck" And with that the man urged his horse back out of the gate, disappearing amongst the various travelers and citizens which cluttered the space so.

[The Nexerus]

Homestead, the Steadfast City, the crown of Lumenor,

Waisser was unimpressed by Erika's first statement. The date of the Lumen's introduction to Soorden was irrelevant, particularly when it came to an issue such as this. Seniority did not grant one group of people right to annex land in the immediate proximity of a neighbouring people. Even if it did, Waisser mused, the eldest of the Lumen lived much longer than Avarian Elders. Whatever rights the first Avarians might have magically had bestowed upon them due to their natural placement in Soorden was irrelevant; their self-supposed privilege did not extend, by any right, to their ancestors. Neither the punishment nor the privilege of the father passed on to the son in any remotely civilized society.

Waiting first until Erika was finished speaking, Waisser replied. "There is quite simply no possible reason for Avara to have any interest in the Horizon Isles spare for their value as a potential marshalling point for divisions headed onto the mainland. Your word, I am afraid, is not enough when process of elimination removes any other possible motive. If you wish to turn this into a diplomatic incident, Ambassador, be my guest. I am afraid, however, that I cannot in any good conscience accept Avarian occupation of the Horizon Isles. Furthermore, I shall be headed to the Kuunin immediately after you are dismissed from Homestead. The Horizon Isles shall be home to five thousand Lumen soldiers for an indeterminate time in order to discourage Avarian annexation. Are there any other matters up for discussion? If not, I'm going to have to ask you to return to Avara. I apologize for not being able to give you the answer you asked for".