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The Hourglass Order

Webs of Lies and Deceit

Secrets clad in silk.

Through the streets of the capital roamed an oiran who had caught the eye of some within high society. Her name was Hiraka Sayo. Her talents were prized, her beauty unmatched, but it was her skill in attentively listening while tending to the stressed men that were valued most. Night after night, the woman entertained the court’s men and women, gathering drunken gossip over sake cups.

One man, in particular, seemed to be rather loose-lipped and spilled some words for the woman tending to his needs. ”How has the emperor been?” The man stared in his cup ”I heard that the emperor might no longer be with us.” Sayo filled his cup and looked at the man questioningly. ”The emperor is no longer with us? Who rules over us in his stead?” The man stared at the oiran with drunken confusion. ”I’m not hic. . sure if he is dead. He left hastily and hasn’t seemed to have returned.” Words were shared until it was time to rest, collect payment, and bid each other farewell.

The next night, the oiran had struck gold, a third son of one of the daimyo. Nakamura Takahiro did not seem to drink too much, yet his presence was comforting if not a little tense. ”The other men don’t lie when they speak of your comforting presence, Lady Sayo.” Takahiro leaned back as he sipped out of his cup. Sayo in response to his words used her fan to conceal her smile. ”My, I am honored by your words.”

The oiran could then feel it, Takahiro was drawing. ”Truly a shame that a woman of such talents had to have ulterior motives.” The woman in response would back away. ”Lord Takahiro, I do not understand. Have I done something to offend you?” The man squinted his eyes at the woman. ”A normal lowborn would have fainted by this. It seems you are either a bastard or not what you seem to be.”

Two armed men soon entered the room as the man stood up from his seat. ”Hiraka Sayo, I hereby arrest you on the pretense of espionage on the great emperor.” The woman was cornered. ”But I heard of the emperor’s. .” ”The emperor is alive and well. Such gossip would hurt the stability of our great empire. His orders have called for your prying to cease.”

I did not want to resort to this. But it was already too late, the woman was dragged out of the room and brought to another that would be more suitable for questioning. The further they walked with the woman the more it seemed to. . . fade? The young man took notice and raised his voice. ”Search for that woman, now!”
The woman, or rather the man escaped. He cut his hair with a sigh. ”Guess that means Sayo’s role is over. Oh well.”

Never trust the word of a merchant

Hirokusa Daisuke, a man of opportunities and one of the merchants who had been forced to leave their posts within Rettan, arrived in the lands of the Nakamura. They were not as opulent as some other places within Nikan and even seemed rather poor. How can this be one of the bigger daimyos?

He soon arrived within the city that housed the Kagaku no Shiro, it stood out amongst the unimpressive buildings of the city itself. But once he met up with his fellow merchants, gossip began from his words. ”Hey, did you hear that the emperor was taken by the Rettanese?”

And as if merchants can’t help themselves, the rumor spread far quite quickly. Within a day or two even arriving within the Nakamura court’s lower high society. Who was fast to take the merchant responsible to the advisor. ”To think the dirty Rettanese would go so far as to kidnap our emperor! . . Or is he plotting something?” The man thought attentively. Was he playing with the merchant? Not that he could speak too far out of line as two samurai with antlers on their helmets surrounded his sides. ”Send him to lord Nakamura.”

Nakamura Daisuke sat in front of the merchant. ”So it is you who has spread these rumors?” The merchant bowed his head down onto the flooring. ”I just said what I heard when I was still in Rettan. I apologize for my transgression!” The daimyo raised his hand to sign to the man. ”There is no need. This might be advantageous to gain the support needed to show our neighbors up north to not mess with us.”

A soft breath left the older man. ”But in more good news, for that I know, the emperor is still alive and well.” He stared at the merchant, perhaps even at the man underneath. ”However, if you wish to know more, I would travel to the Ishii clan. If they push for a reason to speak to them, tell them it was me who sent you.”

As the merchant set off to leave in a bow the lord stopped him. ”Travelling all by yourself might be suspicious and most of all dangerous. Take some of my men with you.”

The Illusive against the Elusive

Fusuke, the renowned samurai from the Hirasou clan, who has served under the Nakamura for generations has traveled towards the lands of the Ishii. The countryside was utterly beautiful, a stark difference from his previous visit to the Nakamura. However, after feeling the mood of the residents there was a sense of anxiety in the air.

He wished to visit some of the craftsmen yet his task by the Daimyo of the Nakamura took precedence. Fusuke arrived at the daimyo’s palace and was greeted by one of his men. ”State your purpose.” The man looked right into his soul. ”I am here to find an audience by the order of Nakamura Daisuke to ask about the status of our great emperor.” The Ishii man looked rather unimpressed. ”The emperor is well.”

”Then what of the rumors?” Fusuke questioned. ”Are but rumors. The emperor does not wish to spread panic among the public.” His eye twitched. ”Then there is something going on with the emperor?” The man was about done with this rude samurai. ”You will leave this place and-” It was then that another man approached and whispered into his ear. ”You will stay. . . Lord Hirofumi wishes to speak to you. But your entourage will stay.”

The young samurai entered the Daimyo’s chamber alone and kneeled. ”Hirasou Fusuke, it is a pleasure to meet you. It has been quite a while since I last had someone from Constantia in my presence.” The man sat, stroking his goatee with a soft smile. ”Is it that obvious?” Half of his facial illusion faded to show a face closely aligned with his real face. ”For me? It is, I have lived a lifetime of trickery and deceit, a young man won’t trick this old man’s eyes.”

”Then do you know why I am here?” His head was lifted to look towards the old man. Hirofumi stopped stroking his goatee for just a moment to think. ”Perchance it was curiosity? Words from Ersand’Enise about the death of the Emperor brought a sense of adventure within your young heart?” Fiske’s eyes widened. ”Right you are, Lord.”

”The last time someone so overly unprepared entered my presence was Hugo Hunghorasz himself.” The old lord’s own words got a chuckle out of himself. ”You met Paradigm Hunghorasz?” The chuckle turned into a laugh. ”Indeed I have, we met during the war.” His laugh then faded. ”’It's a shame that he is no longer with us.”

”But if you are a curious student from Ersand’Enise.” He leaned forward. ”I can tell you about the emperor, if you do me a little favor.” The boy began to shine from excitement. For just a small favor? ”I will do as you ask of me.”

”Good, good. I’ll remember that.” He smiled contently before he began. ”Have you heard of the Sanguine Council?” Fiske stared blankly. ”The myth about sanguinaires and their spooky leadership?” He said jokingly. ”Yes, but it is not a myth, young one.” His pose then straightened.

Fiske looked upon the old man with confusion. ”But what do those stories of those sanguinaires have to do with them?” Hirofumi shook his head. ”Now, why would I tell you such a thing?”

”Are you telling me, the emperor was-?”

”He is, yes.”

”Is? Does that mean that he isn’t” Fiske stared at the man. ”The emperor is alive, as is his brother.” He chuckled at the boy’s surprise. ”Though among the sanguine council he is not known as the emperor, but as the Progenitor. His disappearance is the cause of the anxiety you must have felt before..”

”But is it not dangerous to tell me such things?” The boy looked worried as if he just gained the world’s glare upon him. ”Nonsense, boy. You promised to help me with a little favor, so it is only right I give you something in return.” His smile did not fade yet his presence became more domineering ”But you may only tell the right people. Such news must not reach the wrong ears.”

He then moved his hand, only for one of his men to appear out of nowhere. ”Now, for that little favor. I have this one from a lesser clan of us. He has been quite rowdy.” The summoned man then offered the boy a knife. ”Do you know what I am asking of you?” Fiske nodded, taking the knife. The man disappeared soon after. ”A member of a branch family messed with the main family to gain influence and potentially even rule over the main family. . . and you can’t have that.” He stared at the knife. ”And someone not from Nikan leaves no traces to you.”

The man nodded. ”See to it that it is done.”

Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap

The moon hung low on the horizon, its light cast over the Castle of the Kobayashi. Fiske donned attire that made him blend in further with the darkness of the night, a mask with no discernible features hiding his face. He had but one goal, to take the life of someone for the sake of another.

Slipping by the men on guard was not as he had expected it would have gone, but he is no longer the child at An Zenui who could not conceal his presence well enough that even a blind man could sense him. No, he had grown in his craft. It could be said that he moved like a shadow but even a shadow would be better perceivable.

It took some searching for the assassin to find his target, Kobayashi Noboru sat cross-legged in a dimly lit chamber. Was he praying? Not that it mattered, it only made it easier to get this dirty hit done. The blade closed in on the back of the man’s neck, but Fiske hesitated.

”You reek of hesitation, stranger.” A voice from a corner of the room spoke out, it was Noboru, holding out a knife. An illusion? He clicked his tongue. ”They don’t make killers like they used to.” The masked figure stayed silent on the matter. ”No exchange of words? It is a fight for life and death, the least you could do is make it more fun for me.”

Fiske froze up, only to charge at him with his blade. Or that was what he wanted the other to think. The real Fiske wasn’t visible to the naked eye. The man’s body collapsed but when the invisible hitman tried to take advantage of the collapse the man returned to his senses. ”So there is a little skill in you.” He dodged any attempt to slice at him. ”But to think they would send a child to deal with me.” The man then began to look more disappointed. ”I was hoping they sent someone of more renown.”

”I will do. .” The boy kept on swinging wildly. ”Hahaha, can you now? From what I’m seeing you’re struggling quite a bit.” No matter how much Fiske slashed at him, it did not connect for the man seemed to be incredibly slippery. ”Let's make it more fun, shall we?” He held his daggers tensely as two more Noboru showed up. Three different assailants to deal with? It was slightly too much for him to deal with and through the false slashes, some connected.

”Having a hard time? Guess it is time to end it.” The man laughed, followed swiftly by a long exhale. Masked lips crept up from behind the man. ”I tend to agree.” Was it another illusion? No, the stab wound was real. It disoriented the man to the point his clones dissipated followed by Fiske’s image soon disappearing alongside them.

Noboru’s legs did not move, instead they caved in. Nerves severed in one swift stab. ”Guards! . . Guards! Help!” He tried to crawl towards the door. ”They won’t hear you, I can assure you that.” Unheard screams followed until it became eerily silent. A sense of triumph combined with disgust filled the boy’s mind. His first big win against someone strong, but his first murder as well.

The Serpent’s Offer

The deed has been done, this little favor fulfilled and the boy returned to the Ishii estate. In his presence was Ishii Hirofumi and a man bearing two cups and a gourd of sake. He knelt and bore the daggers to the daimyo.

”May I assume that the deed was done without too much hassle?” The boy only nodded, his face grim from guilt. Sake was being poured into the cups and one was sent Fiske’s way. Hirofumi kinetically took his own cup and the gourd from the retainer. ”Leave us be, I will pour the drinks.” The retainer lowered his head and complied.

”You protect and ruin lives. Such is the path of men that devote themselves to the good that is balance.” He raised his cup before taking a sip. ”Do not beat yourself over it. Think instead of the lives you protected from the deed you have done.” Fiske stared into the reflection within the sake. ”But I only killed.”

”And with that one kill, you have helped uphold the balance” He poured himself another. ”Now, come. Drink with me, bearer of the Snakes..” Fiske stared at the daggers before staring back. ”These?” The man nodded. ”To the victor belong the spoils. You may be its bearer until someone worthy within our clan shows themselves.”

As the night passed Fiske began to doze off. A young lady would enter the room. ”Tsuyu, please escort our guest to his bed, he has earned it.” Tsuyu bowed her head with a warm smile. ”As you wish, lord Hirofumi.” The drunken Fiske was guided to his sleeping quarters.

The night passed and the morning dawned upon the castle. Fiske woke up feeling no hangover, instead he felt energized. The woman opened the door, concealing a smile with her hand. ”Young lord, I have placed the Snakes in a case for safe travels. I hope you will find your way home well.” Her smile then widened past her hand. ”I do hope to see you once more when you have to return the Snakes, or when you are around.”

Fiske stared at the woman who seemed rather happy to see him. ”Yeah, I hope so too.” He took the case and smiled back. ”I shall take care of these.” And thus he left his quarters to return to the school he set off from.

The Hourglass Order

Ripples from the far west

---

The shadows cast through the windows of the study spread through the room and soon enough the only light within the room came from artificial lighting, the eve had arrived yet the young grandmaster slumped over his desk. Frustration plastered over his normally radiant expression. ”It does not make sense. Why would they all care so much for a worthless bunch of islands?”

Fingers ran across his cheek, he could feel it but not see it. Yvain could only sigh as there was only one person who could be the one in the room with him. ”How long have you been with me, Élisée?” A chuckle followed the woman’s breath, her fingers moved into a pinching motion. ”Ever since you entered.” And pinch she did, his cheek was not safe. ”I have to make sure my young lord is safe and sound. . . Olivier would put it all on me if something were to happen to you.” Her hand let go of the nobleman’s cheek, moved to his neck and softly prodded it with two fingers, nails digging into his radiant skin. ”What if a blood mouth were to come by and take that precious blood?”

Yvain’s hand grabbed the woman’s and removed it from his neck. ”We’re in Perrence, I doubt there would be any snooping around here.” He leaned into his seat. ”And if there was, they’d have to get past more than forty trained men all knowledgeable in their gift. The woman shook her head whilst clicking her tongue. ”Have my words not stuck with you?” Her face loomed in front of him, revealing a sad… albeit fake expression. ”You hurt me so! I taught you so much to be a dashing spy master and you did nothing with them?” Her saddened expression soon gave way to a more jovial one.

”Lesson one! Everyone co-” ”Could be out to get you, I know. But could realistically be a blood mouth within our inner circle?” Élisée’s shocked reaction turned to a mischievous one. ”What if I was one? What would the great flame of Perrence do then?” The boy chuckled before he even answered. ”Then I guess it means I would have one less burden to deal with.” Yet would he be able to actually deal the killing blow to a person so close to his heart? ”A burden? What a nasty way to describe the person protecting you!” The grown woman pouted childishly. ”A burden I am quite fond of.”

It was then that he realized the looming issues and leaned over his desk once more, to the surprise of the illusionist. ”That island nation, Palpeer? Palpara?” ”Palapar, young lord.” The boy snapped his fingers. ”Yes! That’s the name. Do you know why everyone’s so involved with their struggles?” The woman shrugged. ”Perhaps they want the coffee from the source?” Yvain’s eyes met with the woman’s. ”I know you know the reason, would you tell me?” Élisée’s lips contorted to a smirk. ”If you guess it, I’ll tell you aaaaalll the details.” The boy closed his eyes and let out a deep breath. ”Resources?”

”Kind of?”

”Population?”

”Nope!”

”Coffee?”

As the woman opened her mouth to reply the door opened with a signature creak. An older man would reveal himself. ”Some have said it to be the bank of Osman. A brown gold mine if you will.” He bowed his head. ”Mind if I come in?” Yvain’s expression began to shine once more. ”Olivier! Of course I do not mind. Come, sit.”

The woman however, rolled her eyes and was hastily no longer visible. ”Call for me when the old people talk is over.” The nobleman smirked. ”You know I won’t.” She chuckled. ”I know, that’s why I’m always closer than you think.”

The greying man sat down. ”You are beating yourself up for things so far away, boy.” Those words, it caused something to snap within the young lord and with force he’d hit the desk. ”No! it has to be important! It needs to be. . . Why would so many different actors collide into nothing but a big coffee plantation? Freedom fighters, slavers, political allies and political enemies. All of them are on those islands. Is it just to weaken Virang? There has to be more to it, right?” He was nearly pulling his hair out just speculating on his theories.

Olivier shook his head. ”The King has said nothing of the brewing conflict there, so focus on the things that are more important to Perrence.” Yvain stared down the man. ”And that is what worries me, old friend.”

The Hourglass Order

Cautions and Ambitions

”You need to rethink! Father, he will drag us all so far through the mud that we will soon have to grovel to counts! The eldest begged the head of the house, yet the older man’s expression showed to be rather unimpressed. ”That may be so, but you are not showing enough worth to take his place, Armand. The pot truly is calling the kettle black.” Jacques’ eyes stared daggers into his own blood. ”Once you reveal yourself to be worth my blessings, I might think it over.” ”Father, what do you?-” ”What I mean is that once you stop being such an eyesore, I might give you a chance. If only you and your brother could be a bit more like your dear sister. Alas, perhaps there is still hope for Lucien.”

The lord of the estate sighed as he waved towards his servant. ”Let the other annoyance in.” The servant responded with a bow before she left the building. Arriving with the second son by her side. ”You wish to speak to me, father?” The boy greeted his own father with barely even a nod of his head. ”Do know that my time has become more valuable now that I am working in the direct interest of our King.” Armand’s built up resentment was all too visible the way his eyes looked at his own brother with nothing but disdain. He approached Yvain and laid a hand on his shoulder. ”Father wishes to discuss the recent development with you, ‘o great, royal pole-smoker.” and just like that he left the room.

”I assume you have heard of the developments in Palapar.” His words accompanied with an expression that could only be described as ‘uneasy’. ”You mean the inevitable? Anyone with a brain could have anticipated that in a world with the Traveller’s goons and their masked fools running amok, something of the sort would happen.” Yvain’s face showed nothing short of pure disgust. ”The fact that they’re our ally is revolting. Being so with the ol-” He was cut off by a sharp snap of the father’s fingers before he could finish his sentence. ”Yvain, we cannot risk mingling ourselves with such matters. It could become disastrous for us.”

Yvain squinted his eyes and lowered his head.”As you wish, father. But you are aware that the hypocritical Revidians will get involved. They’re like necrophagous beasts with how opportunistic they are to profit whilst not dirtying their hands. It's disgusting.” Even if he knew one decent Revidian did not revise his outlook on Prospero’s dystopia. ”That might be true, but we are not Revidian rats. Do your best not to compare yourself to them. We are inheritors of Avince’s vigor, the people that have surpassed them. They are but the bickering remains of a long splintered empire thinking themselves the descendants of it.” Jacques’ voice rang stern. ”I know that, father. I would never lower myself to compare myself to them.”
The older man slumped slightly into his seat. ”However we might have to come face to face with them. A war is truly looking inevitable, regrettable as it is. Yvain grinned upon seeing his own father’s onlook upon the upcoming conflict. ”This is not going to be just a war, father. It is a war of ideals. A war of philosophies. Not just about territory, but the ruler of the new world that arises.”

”I am Verusand’s chosen, born for the same greatness as their mortal flesh.” He spread his arms with a triumphant smile. ”If the Revidians want to spread their broken and flawed ideals. It is only natural that it lays upon the Perrench to correct them and punish them for their childish tantrums.” He shook his head. ”Nay, we should look upon this more broadly. We should prove their ideals wrong by spreading our own! To paint the world green!. . . . To bring forth a-”

PAX PARRENCII

The Hourglass Order

Meet the Berbignons

The Perrench siblings met within the noble dorm of the oldest Berbignon. ”That damned brat didn’t think meeting with his family was worth his time?” Armand looked as if a blood vessel might pop any second. The only thing keeping his anger from spilling over was the gentle hand of his sister keeping him calm. ”You know how he is, Armie. He has become busier lately.” The eldest sibling huffed as the others tried to keep him calm. ”Perhaps you are right, but Lucien will reach the age to attend. Him not being here. . .”

”It is quite alright, Brother. . . I did not expect him to appear anyway.” The youngest pensively lowered his head. But as the three sat around the table, all with different emotions on the matter, the doors opened and from it the silhouette of the third child would be seen.

”I’m truly sorry that I’m late. I had some business to attend to.” He used his own capacity to pull back the seat and placed himself onto it. ”Keeping someone as important as Doge Vermidra waiting could set the wrong impression of Perrence itself into their thoughts.

Armand’s anger was visible to everyone in the room. It was supposed to be HIS right, HIS inheritance as the oldest, but instead the third child gained it all for Oraphe liked him slightly more. It’s unfair, his whole branch of the family being cast aside into mediocrity if his younger brother has any child. He smirked rather smugly Yvain's way. ”So, how is it looking? Found any suitable partners for one as grandiose as yourself?” Yvain raised his eyebrow. ”Not any in particular, some ladies kept me company in Mezegol, and there was that one other woman.”

The oldest sibling’s smirk only grew more wide upon hearing his younger brother’s words. ”No, no, I meant as in a marriage partner. Me and Josephine are already expecting our first child, you see? It would be a shame for the heir of our great father to have no children except a couple bastards.” He took a sip from his glass, him being the only one who had emptied his glass several times over already. ”If my greatness is as people say it is, I must have a suitably great partner, no?” He twirled his finger on the table. ”Would you tell me if Josephine still resents me for not picking her sister as my betrothed?”

Armand’s expression turned sour once more. ”She did not like it in the slightest. She was groomed to be your perfect partner, yet you declined her effort, her determination to climb this social ladder our forefathers have created..” Yvain’s sigh was heavy, he did not wish to explain himself once more. ”She was only acting to be my ‘perfect partner’. I just wish for someone that is real with me. If she would’ve just been true with me instead of saying and doing as she was groomed to do, I would have accepted her.”

”You waltz over someone’s effort as just not being ‘real’ enough for you? How heartless can you be, little brother?” Armand looked around, to see his other two siblings looking rather uncomfortable with the situation. He could stop, but he had to say one last thing. . . ”Is that Revidian boy’s trueness good enough for you? I heard rumors that the two of you have gotten rather intimate. . . Father’s heart would break if he heard his favorite son turned out to have a taste for Revidian men.”

The third child’s eyes went wide, not with any anger but surprise. ”You’d dirty your own brother’s name for your own good?” Lucien backed away slightly from the table. ”Awww, is my baby bwotha angwy with his big bwotha?” The oldest rubbed his eyes as if he cried. ”No, I’m not angry with you, Armand. I am just disappointed. You say that I like Revidian men so much, yet the way you speak right now. . . It makes it sound like you truly enjoy having the Doge’s sausage in your mouth.” It was not the younger sibling’s turn to be snarky back.

”How dare you say that about your older brother, you brat?!” The leadvein began to draw, so much for the peaceful family gathering. It was then that the sole woman in the room stood up and with a hefty sigh roared out. ”Enough! Both of you are acting like insolent children.” She let out a sigh before taking her seat once more. ”You two will behave or I will make sure Lucien will be the one to inherit it all, securing your futures as either a one-way trip to the monasteries or if you’re lucky, ending up a titleless Zeno.”

The two’s eyes then both traveled to the youngest who reluctantly hid behind his chair. Yvain was the first to speak up after clearing his throat. ”I am sorry, Sister. I spoke out of line.” He lowered his head, but when the oldest of the four decided to be silent on the matter, Cecile spoke up. ”Very well, your apology is accepted.” Lucien was once more seated in his chair, it was a bit more troublesome since he was not as strong as the two brothers he looked up to, nor could he ever be. He looked Yvain’s way and he could feel something in the back of his neck, once the sensation stopped the boy seemed to smile and in return Yvain smiled back.

The rest of the festivities went rather smoothly all things considered, the two troublemakers kept in check by the one sister in the group.

The Hourglass Order

Monodrama

The preparations with the disappointment

”Good afternoon, Herr Gluck. What a wonderful day, is it not?” Adolf Gluck von Ower-Lientz looked at the unexpected guest with disdain. ”The least you could do was thank me for making time for your sudden visit, Herrin Hohnstein.” The audacity of the woman to not even show the slightest bit of consideration was maddening. ”I did not expect you to be busy.” She passed the nobleman and walked inside. ”Shall we talk further inside? I’m getting chills from standing in the open.” The older man balled up his fists but as the other wished.

As they sat in the smoking room of the estate the man crossed his legs and let out a heavy sigh. ”What is it you wished to talk about, Herrin Hohnstein?” The woman just smiled at his annoyance. ”Oh, nothing too much, Herr Gluck.” Her frame leaned forward as her gaze pierced right into his soul. ”I will overthrow the Rednitz. . . And I will need your help.” The man’s surprised expression quickly transformed into a mocking grin. ”What kind of substance have you been taking, for I would like some as well.” He chuckled at his own assessments. ”Oh, I am quite serious about this, Adolf.”

”Then you must have gone mad! To go against the Rednitz is suicide.” He slammed his fist on the table that kept the distance between the two. ”Have you never heard what happened to the Furths?” His mocking joy swiftly became anger for the woman’s insolence. ”You truly do not fit your given name. Your family is at it’s eleventh Adolf yet none have truly been a brave noble.” A small tear opened up above the woman’s hand as she grabbed something from it? . . A letter? ”Do you know what this is, Adolf?” His shocked expression gave the woman the answer already. ”That is my forefather Otto’s. .” ”Cowardly letter of surrender to the Rednitz. . . And letting their friend suffer the full brunt, alone.” Dory shook her head.

”He did not have a choice! His family was at stake!” The Glucker man stood up from his chair. ”I’ve had enough of this! You will now leave.” Dorothea sighed. ”And what would happen if you were in a similar situation?” ”What?” The man was too stunned by the question to further his rage. ”Sit down and think about what I have to offer Adolf. We both don’t want anything to happen to your family, right?” She signalled the man to sit down once more.

Once he sat down and recollected himself through the new revelation. ”Even if I would help, it is impossible to go against them.” The man’s voice had become shaken. ”Impossible? No, you see. The truth about the world is that anything is possible. You, no, your family has never sought those possibilities.” Adolf looked at the woman with utter fear. He did not know why, but he could feel something. . . otherworldly evil. ”Well nobody has ever uncovered the secrets to go against them successfully.” The woman smiled. ”The one who believes that the secrets of the world are forever hidden lives in mystery and fear. Superstition will drag him down. The rain will erode the deeds of his life.”

♫

Soon enough Dory would point to herself ”But by singling out the thread of order will by the decision alone have taken charge of the world and it is only through it that they dictate the terms of their own fate.” The woman’s widened eyes gave off a crazed aura. ”You. . . Have made your point. What do you want of me?” With a snap of her fingers a knife would fall onto the table. ”I want you to kill yourself, Adolf.” Her tone was monotone and uncaring, sending a shiver down the man’s spine. ”But not now, I only want that when the time is right.”

”Then when is the right time?” He sunk further into the seat. As long as his family was safe, he could do it. ”Your family will be safe once you have done what I asked of you, so you don’t have to look so sad.” A soft nod was all the man could give. ”Wonderful! I’m sure little Adolf appreciates your sacrifice for him.” She then hit her forehead. ”Oh, silly me! I almost forgot your task.” She stood up, grabbed the knife and played with it as she approached the man. ”I want you to murder the good Herr Rheinsburg and make it seem like you were tasked by the Rednitz and if you are almost caught. . . Well, you know what to do.” The knife was caressed across his rough cheek, shaving off a couple hairs and laid into his hand after. ”Can you do that for me, Adolfy?” The man clenched the handle of the knife tightly, the woman’s midriff was open. He could make her regret toying with him, yet if he did. . . what would happen to his family? ”I will. . .” Dory shined from the response and soon stepped back, petting the man. ”There might be hope for your disgusting, cowardly family yet!” She bowed. ”I shall pick you up when the time comes, be ready tonight. I do not think an assassin is very intimidating in their sleepwear after all.” And then, she was gone.

The preparations with an old friend

The smoking room of Heinrich Rheinsburg von Foltz-Bletzen was filled to the brim with military regalia. opulent armors of counts past, swords adorned with golden intricacies and gemstones. In the center of this war-worshipping room was the massive table of the man himself, with him smoking a cigar whilst sitting by it on his Revidian made opulence. His eyes twitched as he spoke up. ”Herrin Hohnstein, could you not sneak up on an old man like me?” The recently appeared woman laughed from behind him. ”Sorry, sorry. I wanted to see if your senses are still as good as they were when I was but a small girl.” Seeing as there weren’t any guest seats present, Dorothea decided to sit on the table.

”Say, I heard you had a disagreement with Annalie. They could come for you, you know?” The response the man gave was not something she’d expect. It was laughter. ”Then let her come, I have more than enough men at my disposal to challenge her on that.” Dory shook her head. ”No, no, Uncle Heinrich. It won’t be a battle, that is not their style. You will probably have an assassin sent your way and make it look like you died in your sleep.”
”Cowardly filth! The whole pack of em. I should just go to them and show em what this old man can do,” The woman laid her hand on the enraged man’s. ”Going in with the full force of the Rheinsburgers would be a bad idea, the people might get the wrong idea.” She smiled softly. ”Would you give me your blessing to send them your message in your stead?” His voice was raspy but spoke true. ”I will give you my blessing as long as you won’t die, you hear me?”

”What are you, my dad?” She groaned jokingly. ”As your father’s close friend. . . I want to see you live a happy life, for that is what he would have wanted.” Dory did not say a word. She stood up and walked away. ”Remember that someone might come after you and I won’t be able to help you.” The man sighed. ”Do not worry about me, worry about yourself.”

”Dory!” The man shouted before the woman closed the door. ”Oretz keep you.” She smiled. ”Yeah. . . May they keep you as well.” And her disdained expression showed itself as the door was closed. ”Oretz doesn’t keep anything while Escheran only takes.”

Der Stille Staatsstreich

It was a wonderfully peaceful night in every corner of Feska. Even Wismar, the capital that always bloomed with activity the whole day round, was silent. Yet in one corner a woman set her plan in motion. A secret meeting with the militaristic Rheinsburgers and pressure upon the Glucks was all she truly needed. For the final preparation Schlachters were taken without a trace.

The first visit

The first house that was visited was the estate of her ‘lovely’ acquaintance Alfred Benrath von Lingermann-Kohler. It was not hard for the woman to invade the man’s private bedchambers. ”Wakey, wakey, Alfred. Your time has come.” The rather rotund young man opened his eyes and saw streaks of brown hair in his sight. This woman managed to get past the guards. ”You! I’ll scream and alert the guards, you hear me?” The woman couldn’t hold her laugh as he tried to threaten her. ”I hear you perfectly fine, but they won’t hear you.” A finger went across his cheek. ”Say, Alfred. I have a proposal for you.” She awaited his reaction and further confusion set in for the boy. It filled her with such satisfaction. ”Speechless? I’m only talking to you because I like your attitude enough to keep you around, Alfy. . . .” A sigh escaped the woman.

”I want you to become a part of a new Feska, a Feska without the pesky Rednitz. A Feska where we will both thrive.” Alfred shivered, this woman was mad. ”And what do you wish for me to do? Fight against them?” A surprised look was plastered on the one that laid on top of the young man. ”Fight? No, no, no, no, no, no. I would never ask a delicate flower such as yourself to fight those rough monsters.” She grinned, whispering to him. ”I just want you to tell a little lie, make this seem like a counter from the houses as the Rednitz tried to assassinate you and some others.” Her eyes glimmered as soon one of the Schlachters was placed in the room, knocked out. The woman left a knife by his side and went off the bed and held the unconscious man in place.. ”Be a strong man, Alfy. Kill him. Make people sing your praises as the one who fought off a would-be assassin!” He stepped out of his bed, hesitant to move further. ”But, is this truly necessary?” Knife loosely in his hand. This was not the reaction she had hoped for. ”You either take his life and thrive. . . Or you die here and now, ending the ‘thriving house’ because you were too scared to take one life..”

He should agree to this. No, he had to. The knife soon closed into the man’s throat, yet the unconscious man seemed to wake up. It caused a struggle on both parties, however the one that recently showed signs of life soon gave his final gasp. The woman let the body go and clapped. ”I’m so proud of you, Alfy! I knew you’d make the correct choice.” She then moved the young man to his door. ”Go, alert your guards. Show them that their incompetence nearly cost you your life.” And once he was near enough to the door she was gone.

The second visit

It was now the house that started this mess. The filthy Benthelmer, dirty traitors that they were. They deserved not an ounce of mercy. But word has spread of their potential coup and the Schlachters were at the doorstep. Wilhelm Benthelm von Lohling-Kaufman, rushed through his estate in a panicked state. Everywhere he went he could hear muffled screams and blades clashing.

Then from the corner appeared a woman wearing a carnival mask that showed a distorted gleeful expression. ”Hehehe, I found myself the lord of the castle! A shit-eating noble.” Wilhelm tried to back off yet the screams were louder from whence he came. ”Back off, I tell you! Or I have to use force.” The masked figure’s legs shivered. ”Oh good heavens, I’m so sorry, my lord. I’ll move out of the way.” And with a graceful twirl did the figure move out of the way. The man knew something was amiss yet had no chance but to take the risk, he ran but before he could pass the figure something stopped him. A fist? He stumbled back to the amusement of the masked figure, ”I can’t believe you actually fell for that! Hahaha! I’m here for you, stupid!”

It was then that something shiny was pulled away from her belt. ”But don’t worry your empty head, this’ll only hurt a lot.” Once the Rednitz’s Schlachters reached the Benthelm count, he had already passed. By the wounds on his body it could be assumed it was not a quick end.

In the background

”Do not disappoint me, Adolf. Or else it will cost more than just you.” That was all that was on the man’s mind as he climbed up to Heinrich Rheinburg’s bedchambers. Carnival mask obscuring his face.. It was adorned very much like his smoking room, yet not as filled out. You just have to stab an old man and your family will be safe

His frame loomed over the older man, the glint of the knife’s blade glinted onto his cheek. I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry sorry sorry. He readied his hand and when he was about to sink it into his throat, he heard a voice. ”I may be old, but I am no deaf.” A kinetic blast followed his words, blowing the man into the wall. Heinrich got out of the bed and cracked his neck. ”Seems what I heard was true.” After his neck followed his knuckles. ”Assassins aren’t what they used to be, huh?”

The man panicked, he did not expect the man to wake up. He had to put this man to sleep. Yet when he was sure the spell was cast. All he could see from the man was a visible yawn. ”You’ll have to fight me like a man if you wish to kill me, son.” This was the one thing he feared, his forte being made utterly useless. Did she know? Was this all a set up?

Knife clenched tightly once more, the assassin rushed towards the older man. Yet when he knew it he was ass first on the ground, stinging pain on his cheek. Heinrich swung his hand loosely. ”For such a skinny fellow you’re quite sturdy.” It was hopeless, but perhaps he can be reasoned with. ”P-please let me kill you! The Rednitz want you dead. . .”

The man could only raise his eyebrow before bursting out in a robust, roar-like laughter. ”BWAHAHAHA, I may be old but I have never heard of an assassin that begs their target to die for them.” The man triumphantly walked towards the would-be murderer. ”Time to unmask the fool that so stupidly tried to murder me.” His prideful smile sending terror in the man.

His arms grew weak. Adolf knew what he had to do, this brute of a man was too much.

”Adolphus, Judith. . . . I’m so, so sorry.”

His mumbles were barely audible yet his action was clear as day. The knife was held to his throat and with one final roar the deed was done, The roar turning into a gurgled mess before it all went quiet with the final sound of the knife hitting the flooring.

The attempt was a failure. All according to plan

The Last visit

♫

Within the capital of Wismar rested the Rednitz whore who deemed it suitable that the palace shared by all the houses would be her personal palace. But today shall be the end of this hubris and tyranny. The pentagonal table was mostly empty, yet Annalie Rednitz was still lounging in her own seat at this late hour. The doors opened and a masked figure entered the room. A chuckle left the redhead as she took in the sight. ”Visiting me at such an hour? Are you finally going to confess your love to me?” Her finger lazily pointed to the figure. ”But obscuring your good features with a mask does you no favors, Little Dory.”

The mask would be taken off and revealed the face that lies beneath. ”As astute as ever I see.” The girl performed a small bow before continuing. ”I have come with an ultimatum.” The smile from the Rednitz head soon faded. ”Oh, Dory. . . You know how much I hate to be made to do things. Your father thought he could make little deals with the other houses without my consent, so I made sure he could never do things around my back ever again.”

”Oh don’t worry, Anna.” Her eyes pierced into the other’s gaze. ”This won’t be behind your back.” Dorothea smirked with a mocking demeanor. ”I want you to become my subordinate in this new Feska.”

Annalie’s right eye twitched. ”Enough jokes, Dorothea. What makes you think I would ever accept such a idiotic proposal?” the woman rose from her seat. ”Did you forget something? I am the one that steers the ship! Without me this swampy speck of dirt will be aimless, worthless and eventually eaten up.”

”Maybe a year ago, but times have changed and we must change with it.” Dory summoned forth two blades. ”How about we settle this in a duel. You are the blessed Anna who is looked at favourably by Dami, are you not?” She threw one of the swords the Rednitz’s way before taking her stance. ”Or are you too scared to fight a woman you looked down upon?”

”If you were this desperate to be put down I’d have you killed alongside your dearest father.” Annalie in return picked up the sword and struck a pose. ”Don’t try grovelling once I win, I won’t keep you around this time.” Confidence radiating off her.

Annalie gritted her teeth, her face flushed with fury. With a sharp intake of breath, she lunged at Dory, swinging her sword with all her might. kinetic energy surged through the blade, aiming to overwhelm her opponent with sheer force. The clash of metal echoed through the hall as Dory deftly parried the blow, her movements were fluid and controlled.

"You think you can defeat me?" Annalie sneered and stepped back to reassess her approach. "You're nothing but a child, playing usurper!"

♫

Dory chuckled, her eyes showed with a mix of amusement and disdain. "Oh, Anna, always so full of yourself. Did you really think I did nothing for an entire year?" She twirled her blade, the motion smooth and graceful, as if she was not taking the fight seriously.

Annalie, undeterred, launched another assault, this time with a series of quick, precise strikes. Each move was calculated to exploit any opening in her opponent’s defense. But Dory met each attack with an effortless block or deflection, her expression calm and increasingly more smug. It was clear that she was toying with her opponent, letting Annalie tire herself out.

The Rednitz leader's frustration grew, her movements becoming more erratic and desperate. With a roar, she summoned a surge of kinetic energy, aiming to blast Dory off her feet. But Dory seemed to anticipate the move, sidestepping just in time and countering with a swift kick to Annalie's midsection. The impact sent Annalie flying and the woman would soon hit the table.

"This is getting boring, Anna," Dory said, her voice laced with mocking disappointment. "I expected more from the great Annalie Rednitz." She advanced, her sword poised for the finishing blow. "It's over. Submit now, and I might spare your life."

Annalie’s eyes blazed with crazed defiance. "Never!" she spat and drew in energy, more and more until she was beyond what her body could take and she could feel it, but it did not matter. This brat needed to feel why she was the greatest ruler this puny state had ever seen.

She charged at Dory, her sword aimed directly at her heart. But Dory stopped the noblewoman utterly in her momentum, just far enough to reach her chest . Before Annalie could break free, Dory’s blade was at her throat and in swift consecutive movements did she lose her blade and was thrown to the ground. "Checkmate," Dory leaned down and whispered, her voice triumphant in tone. "You’re beaten, Anna. Accept your pathetic state as reality."

Annalie sat frozen, her chest heaving as she struggled to catch her breath. The realization of her defeat dawned on her. Her eyes met Dory’s, filled with hatred. "What now?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Dory smiled, a predator looming over it’s prey. "Now, I want you to call me the new ruler of Feska.," she said, her tone held it’s mocking tone. "If you do so I might spare your life. Choose wisely."

Annalie glanced around the room, at the empty seats that once held her pawns, now as empty as her influence. She had no choice. With a heavy sigh, she nodded. "Dorothea Hohnstein, You are free to rule this sinking ship." She grimaced.

Dory’s smile widened, the look of a conqueror. She lowered her sword, stepping back to allow Annalie to regain her composure. "A wise decision," she said, her voice silky smooth. "Too bad for you, I know that you’ll stab me in the back when you get the chance.” A soft chuckle left her as some stone-like things popped into the room carrying some of the fallen of the night.

”Don’t worry, you won’t die. Well, your body’s heart won’t stop beating at least.” Annalie’s eyes widened as fear began to set in. ”But you promised! You said that if I called you-” Dorothea intervened. ”I told you that I might.”

The matter of the bodies began to disappear until nothing was left. ”But do not worry, you won’t feel any more pain in just a little while.” Tears fell down the fearful woman as she was held in place by the other parties within the room. ”No, no. I beg of you. Please, I’ll do whatever you say, just don’t kill me!”

The drawing woman shook her head. ”I can no longer stop this anymore, you know?” A massive tear in reality was ripped open in between the two. ”I wished we could’ve been friends, you know? But after last year I could never forgive you.”

”You can’t do this to me, Dory! I am the reason you got this far! I am the reason you are alive! I-” It was then that a great surge of unnatural energy filled the room. ”Goodbye, Anna.” Once the energy settled the woman began to convulse. Shaking, crying out in pain as the limbs began to spasm in ways they were not meant to.

The grotesque sight continued for what seemed to be an eternity until the last breath escaped and the body went limp. After a while the woman’s eyes opened, but this was not the same woman. The look in her eyes was different. Dory looked conflicted by her action, but knew she had to go forward with it now. ”You will hide your face when by my side, Thalraxa. I do not wish to see it for a while”

The possessed woman bowed her head down. ”If that is your wish. .”

With that the night passed and eventually the rest of the world would wake up to hear the news.

The Aftermath

♫

The aftermath was much like any other power grab. The people continued their lives as the governing body was restructured and rebuilt. There is no longer a system of five houses that was usurped by an outsider. No, now there was only one house assisted by two houses.

Alfred’s efforts to calm the neighbouring nations that the new leadership would keep status quo seemed to be rather successful, although the ones that weren’t able to be placated with just words were the pirates, thus starting a campaign of dealing with them. Through talks with the state they base their fleets in and if need be by force.

A necessary evil has been used to free the nation but when no one truly knows what occurred that night who will hold said evil actions accountable?

Tales From the Realm of Laelilon

@Play Misty@Pandolin@Ti@Single Malt@jasbraq@Aqutanama

How is everyone doing? Shall I continue on? I do have a post ready unless others want to post before I do so. :)

@WhiteAngel25

I did not see the notification for this strangely enough

But yes, I'm okay with moving on.

Tales From the Realm of Laelilon

@Single Malt It's good to be back

Tales From the Realm of Laelilon

The Great Gus

---

Seems we have to grab something for the high horsed folks. What a drag… Rather not deal with that filth again. The roguish lad was in deep thought as the others discussed the task they were given. Why would that old fart even deal with people like this? In his own words, nobles are nothing more than idiots to bleed dry and backstab afterwards.

Gus leaned against the wall, flicking his signature coin. He stared at the dwarven woman offering him a bowl of soup. ”Let me just. . . voila!” The coin rolled around his hand before it disappeared in thin air. Now his hands were free to accept the free meal. ”Thank you ever so kindly for the meal. He winked at the dwarven woman before starting with his meal.

He soon would finish his bowl and what seemed like a little prayer before heading to the bedding accommodations and claimed one of the top bunks with a graceful jump. ”I hope nobody minds me taking one of these, but I do it out of my care for everyone here. My radiance would keep anyone from sleeping soundly.” And with a small illusion his face became a playful depiction of the sun. He shall worry about the other details around this task once he wakes up.

The Hourglass Order

---

He had been held up, briefly, by the guards outside, but then they had recognized their social better and ushered him through. There were many men of importance gathered, and others of little. There came flowery words from Ayla, as well, that took up quite a bit of space without meaning very much. The Perrenchman certainly nurtured no grudge against her, but it reminded him of the vipers trying to elevate themselves through their social better. His goal was plain and his time spent listening outside had given him more or less the measure of his quarry. His footsteps sounded on the marble floor. A rapier hung at his hip. He came to a stop with a smart clack of his heels.

"Marquis de Zengali." The young man nodded in his host's direction, polite and businesslike, but did not bow. It was not proper for the son of a duke and *prince du sang* to do so before a mere marquis. "Lady Arslan." In any event, the Mezegolan did not seem much preoccupied with formalities.

"I am Yvain de Berbignon, and I so happen to represent those 'others' who my lady anticipates working with." He smiled agreeably, but his bearing remained intense. "We have come here, on behalf of Perrence and her allies Belzagg, Eskand, and..." He more or less smothered his grimace through his smile.. "the other one, to help you slay a beast and to ensure that no others follow in its wake. We are - all of us - capable thaumaturges who come prepared for a fight. We shall not require much but your consent and any resources you may see fit to bestow upon our effort." Left unsaid was the rest: I trust this is agreeable.

The Marquis had grown tiresome of this conversation with Lady Arslan. Double speaking and now he might have Ersand'Ernise solo actors in their port. He even ends up questioning if his own son sent word to a contact in Ersand'Ernise. But none of that mattered, the Marquis decided that he would cast Ersand'Ernise outside his port.

But first was tall gentleman, Sir Yvain de Berbignon. He came with purpose and clarity unlike the Lady standing before him. The Marquis was much more attentive to Yvain. It was like a breath of fresh air that tells you that the eggs had gone rotten.

"Well your service will be much appreciated," the Marquis silently gave a nod to Yvain.

"Your presence is permitted, of course,-" the Marquis gave a subtle glare at Ayla, "And as such, your group will be rewarded a case of mana shots for tomorrows hunt." The Marquis lips curled into a small smile, smiling didn't fit his face.

He turned to Ayla, "Lady Ayla," his voice grew serious, "Anything you have to say?" he looked at her expectantly.

Ayla noted Yvain's presence as he entered the discussion and politely bowed her head in his direction. She had hoped to aspire to something better and greater in their meeting, aiming to create a united front with her fellow students from both factions and beyond. However, it became clear that such an aspect was unexpectedly threatening to the Marquis. As the adage goes, ‘better the enemy you know.’ The idea of a third party, no matter how benevolent or well-meaning, was seen as an unknown.

She sighed softly, especially as Yvain distinctly presented himself as part of the Sovereign Pact. This clearly identified her as being aligned with the Central Alliance, contrary to her intention. "We are all here to assist in this endeavour, regardless of factional lines. We represent students from Ersand’Enise, primarily from the Central Alliance nations, as our colleague next to us has stated. Your consent and any available resources or information you can offer would be greatly appreciated to allow us to operate effectively in dealing with this issue."

The Marquis weighed his judgement. She obscured herself as a neutral when she wasn't. Whether that was a lie, delusion, or genuine hope weighed on his mind. The Marquis was unashamed taking a minute or so of time to conclude his thoughts on Lady Arslan.

"The Central Alliance has done much to help hasten our readiness for tomorrow, and for a group representing a talented addition to their ranks, I thank you for coming. As such, I welcome you to Zengali, Lady Arslan. My aid will share with you the details and sleeping arrangements for tonight." Marquis Dume's kind words were laced with pity for the girl. One of the aids pulled out a scroll for Ayla and escorts her out of the Marquis's home.

Yvain nodded in response to the Marquis’s offer. ”They will be put to good use.” A sense of satisfaction enveloped the Perrenchman at hearing those honeyed words being partially taken back.

Once the Central Alliance representative was escorted out, did the young man’s sight return upon the man he had a meeting with. ”May I assume you wish to discuss more with me?” Yvain’s smile did not fade from his face. ”If so, could I suggest doing so while sharing a wonderful glass of wine?”

Marquis Dume smiled again, "As much as my aids and I wish for some reprieve, we cannot yet," the Marquis said with maybe a sigh and a small laugh among his aids. "But I do have news on your quarters," he stood from his chair to turn and point to a lovely looking villa on the higher part of the mountain, "A noble man like yourself should receive these accommodations, you'll find the amenities quite nice." One of the aids was quickly writing the authorization to use it after the sudden offer.

The Marquis moved on from his small gift, "If you wish to share a drink with me, come find me after the performance tonight, until then Sir Berbignon," the Marquis waved for one of his closer advisors to guide him out to the side gate instead of the main gate to avoid the common traffic.

He handed him the piece of paper for the house and a silver tablet to receive the mana shots. Along with that, the aid gave a similar breakdown of the thresher that he learned earlier. Lastly he was slipped a small bag of coinage to enjoy himself at the festival!

Tales From the Realm of Laelilon

@Play Misty That's okay! I've been really busy lately anyway. Will be back with Gus by the weekend