[b][u]Politics in Action[/b][/u]

The bustling streets of Nagshinze were quiet compared to the distant port city of Hizeram. The majority of the citizens were politicans or merchants and anybody who was something were at Azakir's manor outside of Hizeram. The Council building of Nagshinze had a bustling centre where people were waiting to be heard by the Council. Two Harnians sat in waiting behind five other politicans. They had been waiting for a few days now to see the Council but with the recent events, the Council had closed their doors early leaving the Harnians waiting until the next day in hopes of seeing them. It would be a few hours before the Harnians would see the Council.

"Sirs and Madams of the Council," called a grizzled old man,"my small town, which has had no acts of violence in years, was recently raided by a group of Cultists. Those who fought back died and even some of those who didn't died. The majority of our women were taken and quite a few of the children were taken with them. I am not sure of their status as of this moment but we ask of you to send a contingent of soldiers to deal with these Cultists and rescue our dear friends and families." The Council members briefly conversed among each other before they came to the decison. The acting High Chair of Council rose from his seat and called down to the old man. "A small contingent of soldiers will be sent from the Templars to deal with these Cultists and help your people. The soldiers will be dispatched at the end of the week."

The old man bowed to the others as the guards escorted him out. The time had come for the Harnians to finally be seen by the Council. "I present to you, esteemed members of the Council, Darmckin and Hernk of the Horns of Harnia." called the attendent of the Council. The two Harnians walked into the center chamber of the Council. "We come before you today with a weighty decision for you. We ask that you, the esteemed and mighty men and women of the council, would consider making the refugees of Harnia citizens of your great realm. You have been gracious to us in allowing our presence and some of these Harnians have lived in Ma' Hurcazak since a young age and it is as if this is their home. We only wish for those who barely remember Harnia to feel as this wonderful place is truly a home to thome. We wish for our people to be citizens of Ma' Hurcazak so that they could have the same rights as the men in their villages do." with the end of the Hernk's speech, the Council erupted into conversation.

It took a few straight minutes before the High Chair could quiet the men and women of the Council. "What we have before us is a plead for citizenship from people who we have so hosted for years now. Even before that we had allowed their refugees to live on our lands. But, we can not answer their plea currently. It is unfortunate but, we must call this meeting to a stand still so that this matter may be answered by the full power of the Council. Return to this place in two weeks and we shall be more than capable to hear you. May the next case be brought in?" said the High Chair. The two Harnians were escorted out of the Council building with a look of disappointment on their face. They had come to the city in hope of having been capable of convincing the Council to allow the citizenship but having been turned away because the Council was not complete was better then being turned away because of an unwillingness to hear their plea. 

[b][u]Unrest on the Silver Sea[/b][/u]

Pirates, feared killers who care only for money. It is a word which few people associate with being positive. All they hear about are the exploits of pirates who are going across the Silver Sea and killing innocent merchants so that they could get some coin. Sad truth is that not all pirates are bade. Some of them are only killing so that they can feed their families. But, in recent years, pirates have been becoming more violent then ever. More deaths had been caused on the Silver sea by pirates than have been caused by weather. Some say that the pirates are cultists who are looking to strike fear in the hearts of the citizens while another theory is that these pirates are simply doing it so as to cripple Ma' Hurcazak.

Admiral Braka walked across the deck of her ship, the [i]White Swan[/i], as the sun rose over the Silver sea. The beautiful waves of the sea were almost contrasting the dark clouds that loomed on the horizon. The storm would hit the city Venos in two days at the most. It wouldn't be long before Braka's detachment of thirty ships, fifteen galleass and fifteen galleys, would set off to deal with a band of pirates known as the Iron Fist. The Iron Fist had been not only assaulting merchants but also small villages along the Silver shores. Their campaign goal had not been to rob but instead was the sole purpose of killing.

Their pillaging had left five villages burning with its denizens dead or dieing. People on the coast fear to leave their homes alone in fear of the Iron Fist. It had been assigned to Braka to take care of the Iron Fist, whether this meant destroying them or capturing them was still to be determined. Braka was determined to defeat the Iron Fist but she still hoped that it was possible to bring the members back alive. The White Swan and thirty other ships were ready to leave port three hours from noon where they would travel to just a days sailing north of Turikast where the Iron Fist was last seen. It would be a long week before Braka reached her destination but she was more than willing to get the job done no matter what.

[b][u]A Wedding to Remember[/b][/u]
[b][I]A collaboration with Monkeypants and I[/b][/I]
[hider=The Manor of Azakir Jakim][img]http://img11.nnm.ru/4/2/4/1/1/d303dfdc3d92e935c86de6693ad.jpg[/img][/hider]
As the sun rose in the land of Ma' Hurcazak, distant black sails appeared on the horizon. These black ships of the Kadian navy sped towards the quiet city of Hizeram. From the lead black ship, Alma stood on the deck, looking at the green country ahead. She held her hand over her heart.. It was beating very fast as she was nervous but this feeling was deserved for it was a day of high significance, her wedding day. She could feel the gentle breeze from the wind that carried her towards her destination. 

The water became choppy though and the vessel rose up on a wave and then came crashing back down, sending gallons of water on to the deck. Common among all ships but new to her and as she stood there, now soaking wet and standing in a puddle of water, marines ran to her aid. "My lady, perhaps it would be best to stay below deck?" one said. She replied, obviously upset, "Yeah, that'd be best." She turned abruptly and walked towards the middle of the ship where a door to the inside was located. Before she could make it, a puddle at her feet was deeper than she had anticipated and upon walking through it, she fell on her rear.

"My lady!" the marine said as he walked to her. She stood up and tried to brush herself off but all she succeeded in doing was making her dress worse off. The marine just stood there as she started to laugh. "I was never too fond of this garment to begin with." The marine gave out a pity laugh to ease her mind and with that, she opened the hatch and disappeared into the vessel. It wasn't long before the ship had arrived at the dock.

The morning had arrived and with it the detachment of marines guarding the carriage. Inside was Azakir Jakim, the most liked and well respected man in Ma' Hurcazak. What would a politician have to do with the port of Hizeram? The answer was quite simple, he was there to meet his bride. It had been a long time since they had met and it felt even longer for Azakir than just ten years. His heart raced and his hands were clamy. The chill breeze of the North blew gently through the open window and woke Azakir from his daze. The two other council members, Na'hura and Yignaus, were staring at him in wonder. Azakir was young for his race but he was also getting married to a woman he hadn't seen in years. The discussion that had come up when Azakir announced his marriage was a tense one, yet it was Na'hura and Yignaus who supported him the most.

The three had known each other for years, though on Na'hura's side it was through the correspondences that she sent them. They wanted to meet the young lady who had so easily stolen their friend's heart. "It seems you are worried Aza. If it is because you are reconsidering the marriage then it must be reasoned. But, I see no reason that shows you question the validity of your love. Are you worried that perhaps things have changed in her over the years?" Na'hura said calmly to Azakir. Yignaus and Na'hura knew how much this meant to Azakir, if anything changed he might just have questioned the marriage. But, Azakir was always an optimist and believed that Alma hadn't changed at all.

"No, it is not her love that I question. It is the upcoming debates we have in the Council. We must talk on making Harnians citizens and this might open old wounds. Nobody wants to remind the public of the War." Azakir said as he hid his nervousness. Though he was speaking true to his heart, there was a small part of him that was worried about the marriage. He was not willing to give Alma a wedding he believed was not what she was due. She was willing to wait this long; he knew he must make it worth her time. The carriage came to a halt as a cool breeze smelling of salt and fresh bread wafted through the open window. They had arrived at the docks, it was finally time for Azakir to see the woman he fell in love with so long ago once more.

As the boarding planks lowered, men in leather with interwoven polished steel armor began moving down the ramp. They were covenant holy marines and with perfect and precise movement, they paved a way through the crowd and formed a perfect box for the new arrivals to arrive in to. A younger man with beautiful ornate armor was the first non marine to walk down the ramp. As he made his way down, marines saluted but he never returned one, Upon reaching solid ground, he walked towards the young Azakir and gave a slight bow, "Greetings from the Kadian Covenant, I am Cyrus, a knight from my homeland tasked with bearing a gift of immense value. Welcome her as you would your king, as she should be just as important." He stepped aside, (not giving whom ever he spoke to, a chance to speak.. cause Cyrus is a boss like that) extending his hand towards a robed and hooded figure appearing on the top of the ramp. 

The figures large hood masked the face but as the body moved, it swayed at the hips which was a obvious trait of a female. As she reached the base of the ramp, Cyrus moved to her and stood behind her and with a soft tone she said "please". Her voice may have been recognizable after all this time. Cyrus quickly, yet very carefully removed the hood and long robes she had, revealing the young woman, Alma. Her hair shifted in the breeze and her attire, a sleeveless tunic, rippled from the oceans breeze. She looked up, now completely visible, to see him

Azakir's face lit up at the sight of his beloved's face ]which caused Alma to blush. It had been ten years since they had seen each other, something that had Alma on edge every night. Na'hura and Yignaus stood to the back and looked over the young Knight Cyrus. He had a confident air about him and the two were willing to bet that he was more so here to watch Alma rather than Azakir. Azakir wished that he could rush and grab her in his arms but that would not be gentleman like. Azakir walked up to Alma and took her hand. He lightly raised it to his mouth and kissed it. "My lady, it is nice to see you once more after so long. Sorry for such a heavy welcoming party but I would not be willing to take a chance with your safety. We have a carriage waiting for you to take you to the manor outside the city where you can get prepared. But first, let me introduce you to Councilwoman Na'hura and Councilman Yignaus." Azakir said as he walked her over to the two. She was very nervous at this point, constantly looking back to Cyrus for some sort of emotional comfort. She eventually crept around Azakir to present herself to his friends.

"This woman with golden hair is Na'hura Alessie, former Queen of Ma' Hurcazak. And this stout but trustworthy dwarf is Yignaus Akave, inventor of our very own 'clean coal'. They have known me from the rebellion and are great friends of mine. They are some of the few in the Council who support our marriage." Azakir said. Alma turned from her groom to be as Na'hura curtsied and Yignaus kissed Alma's hand. Azakir was still nervous but, when he looked back at the Silver Sea, he was reminded of the the day they met. Even more strange was that it was almost the same breeze as that day, before the revolution when things were in turmoil, before he would be separated from her. That day.. Alma smiled brightly as the ship arrived at the docks.. the city was a lot different back then, smaller? it was so long ago in her memory. A sailor walked to her and extended his hand. "My lady, we have arrived, lets get this under way."

Hours passed as they offloaded the ship, holy books and cheap clothing was brought fourth. Children and adults alike gathered around and she overheard whispering about the newcomers,. "From another land? how far?", "Are they here to fight?", "Why do they bring clothes?", "I hear they are Justinians." It went on and on. The priest that had accompanied her began to preach to the crowd, some left as he spoke but the ones that stayed were given new and clean clothing. The ones in rags looked the new garments and could only smile and listen to the charity that the Kadians brought. Alma brought out a map and started looking at marks on the map, locations of small settlements around the area. "All right" she said, pointing at the first one. "Lets go--" she paused and looked up to see a young man in the distance. She felt some sort of immediate curiosity towards him, like a spell had been cast over her eyes. Her entourage kept talking but she couldn't hear them anymore, her vision had become a tunnel and he was a light at the end of it.

"Alma!" "ALMA!" rang out in her head and she closed her eyes hard.. with a hard shake of her head, she broke free from the trance. She looked at the one immediately to her left, "Yeah, yes.. sorry" . The man looked at her then towards the young man in the distance, "Do you know him?"There was a brief silence between the man and Alma before she responded. "I.. can't say I know him. But, it feels like I have seen him somewhere before." Alma said to the sailor. Azakir had noticed the distraction but decided to brush it off as just a coincidence. The sailor was bit put off by Alma's response as she came off a bit distant. She felt compelled to question her memory on the man but could not bring anything to mind. 

Azakir was patient as the last few boxes were being off loaded, There was much to worry about but it seemed as if being in Alma's presence made Azakir calm. The Marines had been running from the ships to the carts that were to hold the goods that Alma had brought with her. It took a few hours before all the crates were unloaded and ready to set off. The Sun was near its quarter point by the time the carriages were ready to set off. Cyrus and Alma were put into a second carriage while Azakir and the others were put into the same carriage they had arrived in. 

Na'hura and Yignaus were smiling at Azakir when he stepped into the carriage. "What," Azakir innocently stated as he looked at the two, "is there some secret joke that you two have that you aren't telling me about?" Azakir was surprised that the two had burst out laughing. As the laughing subsided, Na'hura spoke up. "It is nothing but the fact that we are amazed. At first we doubted your love for this woman who you hadn't seen in so long. Yet, the look on your face showed the love you have for her. I honestly believe that you and her are the perfect match." Na'hura said. Azakir blushed slightly, though not noticeable, and looked out the window. I hope she still feels the same about me as I do for her. Azakir's thoughts were distracted as the carriage started moving. It would be about an hour before they reached the manor where the wedding was being held.

That hour passed, and the next, and the next. As the Manor began to fill up, Alma could only stare out of the grand windows of her room. The place was elegant beyond all measure, fitting for the event she was about to attend. Alma was surprisingly calm though, her parents and maids rushing around for the last minute details. Outside, she could see Azakir for a mere second but it was enough to calm her. "This spell he has me under.." she said. Her mother stepped up, "A spell? There is no spell, it is a special connection that is beyond any magic ever known or will ever be known. there is no spell for the heart.". Alma gave a warm smile and closed her eyes only to be interrupted.. "Ow!" she snapped as her mother leaned around to face Alma. "Too tight?". Alma's face was red with pain and her eyes closed hard. "Yes, too tight" her mother said before loosening it.

Outside, Cyrus stood quietly at the door, watching the people move quickly in and out.. "It's not like they knew this day was coming a year in advance". He looked around and then crossed his arms.he then let out a sigh, "Where is he?" Near by, Azakir was talking to the Marine Commander, Vance Tiborn. "I want you and your soldiers to make sure there is no chance of anybody getting injured here today. Every person who enters must be frisked by both a Marine and a Mage before they are allowed in. Should any fights break out, your men are to [i]escort[/i] the fighters out. Do not, under any circumstance, harm a single hair on the bodies of anybody here." Azakir told Vance as he was tying a indigo stained cape to his [url=http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/b2/09/09/b20909656b7f971b7a4c95bf5abf23cf.jpg]armor[/url]. . 

It was the same armor he had worn before the Rebellion began and Alma was forced out of Ma' Hurcazak. It had more scratches than it did back then but it still fit. Vance had left Azakir standing alone by a bush of flowers. The flowers were pink roses, the same roses that Azakir had brought to Alma after he told her he loved her. It was fitting that he had a bush planted at the manor after the Rebellion. That moment made Azakir remember that he had forgotten something very important. He ran into the Manor and up to the top floor where he opened his desk. Inside sat a small pocket prayer book who's pages were stained and cover had dirt on it. He let out a sigh as he opened the page and looked over his vows inside. 

The small prayer book was then placed in his breast pocket as a bell rang. The one ring notified everyone that it was one o'clock, a half hour from when the wedding was to begin. Soon, Azakir would be face to face with his fiance once more and he could barely stop himself from rushing to her room and hugging her.

[hider=Important Info]
-A detachment of Templars will be heading towards a small village to rescue captured villagers and exterminate the Cultists
-The discussion of Harnian citizenship will continue in two weeks when Azakir Jakim and the other Council members are back.
-Admiral Braka will be dealing with a group of pirates known as the Iron Fists in a week or two.
-Azakir Jakim and Alma will be married soon.
[/hider]