Difference between revisions of "Tol Goldora/Kettle Visits Tol Goldora"

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|Width=80%
 
|Width=80%
 
|Type=Roleplay
 
|Type=Roleplay
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|Sender=
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|Sender=Aerin Daubney
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|Recipients=
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|Recipients=Everyone in Tol Goldora
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|Content=
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|Content=Aerin took a step towards Calypso but was halted as the handlers stepped between the two nobles, Aerin gave the woman a nod and shouted to her as she was taken away "I'll find you, I promise, they won't get away with this."
 +
 
 +
Softer the Dame mumbled "It's been an honor...Thunderborn."
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 +
Aerin stood there, her bow at her side for a while, slowly she turned and glared at Lucius, she stormed over to him grabbing him by the front of his shirt, pulling him close to her.
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 +
She growled, hate blazing in her purple eyes, "You're an idiot Vestarch, we had the soldiers, we could have fought, we could have killed Kettle here and now, CALYPSO WOULD STILL BE HERE!" She pushed him back still holding onto his shirt, a single tear rolling down her cheek "I said I would protect you all, I promised I wouldn't let that Daimon win...you let it win and now Calypso is gone, Tidemother knows if she'll ever come back."
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 +
Aerin looked ready to punch him, going as far to raise her fist before sighing, looking away in shame as she released her hold on the man "I'm...sorry, Vestarch." She took a step back and turned away from him, with a glance over her shoulder "I understand why, I just wish it could have been different...I'll go see to our wounded."
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|Title=Dame of Farrowfield
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}}</center>
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<center>{{Message2
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|Width=80%
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|Type=Roleplay
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|Sender=Lucius Navaar
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|Recipients=Everyone in Tol Goldora
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|Content=Lucius shook his head as Aerin trudged away. He couldn't blame her. Deep down he had fought every urge to tap into his childhood training and start climbing Kettle with his blades drawn. Instead, he stood strong, treated the creature as an equal, and opted for a safer route. A spark of anger tempted him to shout after her, but he couldn't bring himself to it.
 +
 
 +
The old man that had come with him, his uncle, was picking his sword up from the ground. "You know your friend is unconscious, right?"
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 +
Lucius blinked and looked back at Darren. He hadn't heard a word he'd said. The Vestarch sighed and buried his face in his palm. "Perfect. Gods damned perfect." He left a message with one of Darren's caretakers that he needed to see the man when he had recovered.
 +
 
 +
His foul mood began to overtake him as he left, contemplating the existence of the Zuma. Were they daimons? Or maybe a different breed? He thought of the ones he'd seen in the past and from there his thoughts spiraled...
  
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|Title=
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|Title=Vestarch of Tol Goldora
 
}}</center>
 
}}</center>
  
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|Width=80%
 
|Width=80%
 
|Type=Roleplay
 
|Type=Roleplay
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|Sender=
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|Sender=Solomon Greybrook
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|Recipients=
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|Recipients=Everyone in Tol Goldora
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|Content=Solomon didn't remember much as he woke up in an unfamiliar bed. There was a ringing in his head and an incredibly uncomfortable cast on his arm. He remembered many voices, some he knew, some he did not. Yet, he knew he flew through the air for a time.
 +
 
 +
A pile of letters had amassed on a table nearby. Over the days of recovering, he tired to write as many back as he could but still was unable to truly concentrate.
 +
 
 +
The morning where he could stand and walk once more, he was informed that the referendum was not passed and that the Lord Commander of Westgard wished to see him.
 +
 
 +
Asking the local scribe to get him something more appropriate to wear, he invited the General to the Palace to his study quarters, although he suspected she was to be disappointed with what he had to say.
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|Title=Navarch of Tol Goldora
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}}</center>
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<center>{{Message2
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|Width=80%
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|Type=Roleplay
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|Sender=Darren Rea
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|Recipients=Everyone in Tol Goldora
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|Content=''Palace Courtyard/Garden''
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 +
With the exit of the Deamon, guards pushed forward, moving the crowd back, and healers bearing the Autarch mark rushed in, across all the remaining nobles. The man crouching over Darren pulled back, stowing his remaining supplies, and carefully re-strapping his sword back across his back while he let the healers to their work. A litter was brought forward, the small infiltrator secured and lifted by several hands. The man followed the healers, and despite several attempts to head him off, refused to leave Darren's side.
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 +
|Title=Noble
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}}</center>
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 +
<center>{{Message2
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|Width=80%
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|Type=Roleplay
 +
|Sender=Darren Rea
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|Recipients=Everyone in Tol Goldora
 
|Content=
 
|Content=
 +
 +
Darren
 +
Consciousness had returned in darkness, and pain. Flame licked his breast with every inhale, and he found his eyes refused to open. Time passed in waves of fire; breath in, fire, breath out, cool, breath in, fire. He was sure there was voices, somewhere far away, echoing between the fiery waves. Days, or minutes, he didn't know, but after some time, the pain began to lessen, and he found himself thinking clearer. The pain was familiar, somehow. Another breath in, more fire. Memory surfaced. Madina. They'd cracked two of his ribs that day, but this....this felt much worse. He wondered how many freshly broken ribs he had from the blow the Demon had landed, even as voices came to him, clearer this time.
 +
 +
"Sir, the Vestarch Lucius would like to speak to him, as soon as he wakes." A soft, woman's voice. Well, at least he seemed to still be alive, and in Tol.
 +
 +
A much deeper voice responded, "The Vestarch will wait until he is rested enough for such a visit, miss. One can not face such matters so soon after such an ordeal."
 +
 +
Darren's breath caught, just for a moment. It couldn't be?
 +
 +
"Sir, I can not bar the Vestarch from this room." The woman again. Darren waited, as still as he could, for the response.
 +
 +
"You will not have to, miss. I will handle that young man, should he come to call."
 +
 +
Darren's eyes flew open, pain momentarily put to the back of his mind. A small healer's room greeted him, afternoon light softly streaming through a nearby window. The large blocks that made up the wall betrayed his location: one of the private rooms in the Palace's hospital suite. Darren absorbed absolutely none of this, however, as he stared in amazement at a man covered in furs, politely arguing with a tall woman in a healer's smock. A weak whisper escaped Darren's lips.
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"Dominic??"
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 +
|Title=Noble
 +
}}</center>
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<center>{{Message2
 +
|Width=80%
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|Type=Roleplay
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|Sender=Lucius Navaar
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|Recipients=Everyone in Tol Goldora
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|Content=A messenger had come rushing to the Vestarch's office during the days after Kettle's departure, coming from a healing house. The message was short, but effective. Darren has awoken. It didn't take long for Lucius to prepare his belongings and hurry out the door, following the messenger back. He had been hoping to have a few words with Darren since Kettle had made his first threats, and given his skill set, he wouldn't put it past the man to vanish quietly out a window as he approached.
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This healing house in particular happened to have connections with the Autarch, and was capable of keeping their patients' names secret. Lucius looked grim as he crossed the threshold into a foyer full of busy healers moving about their business, checking on patients as they passed. He tried not focusing on the healers or the injured for a moment, but that only gave him a more serious expression as one of the healers approached him.
 +
 +
"Sir! Please, do not lose your temper on the patient. He is still injured," a man said as he came around a corner and found Lucius waiting.
 +
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Lose my temper? Lucius decided not to say anything and just shook his head. "Lead on. I'll keep my visit brief if I can." Green eyes kept focused on the floor ahead of him. Lucius had seen plenty of death, but the healer's tent was where death took a second chance, and it decided whether or not it wanted to take its time. He'd seen too many die in a place like this and it never seemed to get easier when he felt at fault for not doing a better job with Kettle.
 +
 +
|Title=Vestarch of Tol Goldora
 +
}}</center>
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<center>{{Message2
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|Width=80%
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|Type=Roleplay
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|Sender=Darren Rea
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|Recipients=Everyone in Tol Goldora
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|Content="Dominic?"
 +
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The intake of air after his exclamation burned like fire, and he gasped in both pain and lack of air. Dominic moved to his side, and grabbed his hand, holding it tightly as the younger man gasped.
 +
 +
"Yes, Darren. Breath in shorter breaths, brother. You have several broken ribs."
 +
 +
After several minutes, Darren's breath quieted, and came in much thinner, shorter breaths. He couldn't stop staring at Dominic, alive, if a little older and a few more scars.
 +
 +
"Ha....ow?"
 +
 +
Dominic smiled softly.
 +
 +
"Did you really think a few hired thugs could hold a Rea man forever? We were taught better knot tying by Mr. Huddered!"
 +
 +
Darren couldn't help himself, and he managed a short bark of laughter, with it's equal blade of flame through his chest. Mr. Huddered had been a sailing and maps tutor, and one of the few tutors their father had not replaced when he'd had the family home moved.  However, growing up in the inland, even on two different islands, meant they only ever learned about how to tie a square knot when it came to sailing. A smile crossed Darren's face. He.....he hadn't killed his brother. Dominic was safe, here, with him, in one of the best protected cities on the island. They were safe-
 +
 +
Darren's moment of pure happiness and relief was interrupted by a knock on the door. Dominic rose, carefully setting his brother's hand by his side, and crossed the room in two large strides. He lifted the latch, and only opened the door a small crack to the assembled people outside. While he wasn't quite sure exactly who was who just yet, he did recognize the heraldry featured on the young, tall man with shining green eyes. Dominic spoke first.
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"He just awoke, Vestarch, and I will not have you riling him up anytime soon. Do come back later, Sir."
 +
 +
The Vestarch? Darren coughed, a little bit of lightly pink slobber catching in the corner of his mouth.
 +
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"Dom.....lett.....um.....in." Short, pained breaths were the order of the day, it seemed.
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Dom's storm blue eyes flicked back to his brother, and the heavy bandages that surrounded him. Slowly, he opened the door fully, and stepped back.
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"If he starts to convulse, Vestarch, I will hold you personally responsible."
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 +
|Title=Noble
 +
}}</center>
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<center>{{Message2
 +
|Width=80%
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|Type=Roleplay
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|Sender=Lucius Navaar
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|Recipients=Everyone in Tol Goldora
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|Content=Lucius nodded in understanding, he turned to the healer and gestured to Darren. "If the Autarch isn't already covering his medical costs, send them to my office. I'll see them taken care of."
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Turning to the storm-eyed man, he gave him an expectant look. "I trust that is acceptable?"
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 +
As Lucius entered the room properly, he found a space opposite from Darren where he wouldn't have to crane his neck to see him. In the lead up to Kettle's visit he had thousands of words to yell at this man. After Kettle and the Autarch's shady defense of the man, much of that anger had burned out, and as he stood here, one would be hard pressed to tell he was ever angry, and not merely inconvenienced. Looking over the injured man, it was hard to believe so much happened so quickly. "My apologies for the intrusion. You don't have to talk," he told Darren at last. "And you aren't in trouble either, for the record."
 +
 +
Lucius glanced to the window and the short steps to freedom that it allowed. Even now, he felt some more of the blame for Kettle fell on himself. "I wish the circumstances were better, but I came here wanting to tell you I was sick of meeting you when you were in trouble, but I guess that's no longer the case now," he said with a short laugh at his own poor humor. "It's good to see you on the mend, Darren."
 +
 +
He wondered if Darren remembered that first meeting as vividly as he was hauled off to a cell after falling into the Autarch's feast. Then Kettle. He supposed this might qualify as trouble, but the healers seemed to think he would be fine.
 +
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"Part of my visit is selfish in nature," he admitted, telling Darren about Calypso's kidnapping, the unusually tolerated disappearance of Lady Daubney, and of Solomon's fate as well since Darren collapsed. Seeing another of their group healing set his heart at ease.
 +
 +
|Title=Vestarch of Tol Goldora
 +
}}</center>
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<center>{{Message2
 +
|Width=80%
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|Type=Roleplay
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|Sender=Darren Rea
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|Recipients=Everyone in Tol Goldora
 +
|Content=Calypso and Solomon, kidnapped and hurt. All over his mistakes.
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 +
Darren hung his head, as best as he could around the thick bandages across his chest, anyway. His moment of elation at the return of his brother vanished in a puff of smoke as he listened to Lucius explain what he'd missed. He had to go help her...
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 +
Even as he started to move to get out of the bed, a hand came forward, and grabbed him by the shoulder; following the arm up found Dominic glaring at him. Well, he wasn't getting up with Dom in the room, it seemed. Darren looked back to Lucius. The man was relatively newly minted to the Judge position, yet had still strode up to that beast, and attempted to parley. While he couldn't have known what Darren did for a living, and why the cards had fell how they did, he had still nearly fed him to the Demon. Darren took another, short, shaky breath. Clearly, the Autarch had already spoken to the young fellow, or there would be a lot less friendly visiting, and a lot more arresting, wounded or not. He must know the details now, at least. Darren took a short breath, mentally preparing for the pain each word was about to bring him.
 +
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"What....can...I do....to....hel...p?"
 +
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He finished in a coughing fit, pink spit flying from his mouth. The fire burned up and down his chest, and it took nearly a minute for the hacking to subside.
 +
 +
|Title=Noble
 +
}}</center>
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 +
<center>{{Message2
 +
|Width=80%
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|Type=Roleplay
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|Sender=Lucius Navaar
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|Recipients=Everyone in Tol Goldora
 +
|Content=Lucius frowned and glanced to Darren's associate, knowing he wasn't winning any favors here. He often joked that he had to channel Svari in order to maintain his appearance of authority in person, but with the scene in front of him, there wasn't even an ounce of energy to put into it. The Vestarch looked worn out, recent events draining him of what should have been youthful energy. Laying his eyes back on Darren he shook his head. "Nothing. No trouble, nor favors, no lofty quests. If you must do something, take care of yourself. Lady Aerin and I were the only ones unscathed in that encounter, and I am selfishly making sure you are intact, and since they were willing to get hurt for you, the least I can do is make sure you survive this."
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 +
Lucius paused as a shadow moved from under the door, waiting until it passed and was long gone. "Darren, you seem concerned about my presence, so let me say that yours is a path I almost walked myself. I will protect my home with whatever means necessary and I will see it safe and prosper. With that in mind, I don't particularly care what you do, so long as I don't have to choose between you and Tol Goldora." He'd already made it clear which he would choose. "If you feel you must act, recover, and try not to set foot in the Zuma lands again if you can help it."
 +
 +
|Title=Vestarch of Tol Goldora
 +
}}</center>
 +
 +
==Calypso's Quest==
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<center>{{Message2
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|Width=80%
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|Type=Roleplay
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|Sender=Calypso Hwitt
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|Recipients=Everyone in Tol Goldora
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|Content=
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 +
    ''Whilst the marching slowly continue on its way, another couple of the Groomers approach you. As they come close they seem shy as one offers you some brightly colored clothing options and the other shows you a bright palette of make up and demonstrates painting her own arms and face.
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    ”Would you like? You seem without cheer.”''
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 +
 +
The past few days of walking had been exhausting to Calypso.  Whatever force that seemed to allow the Zuma Queen to rock the ground and make buildings crumble seemed to sustain it, and its attendants, with an unholy endurance.  Calypso was no stranger to physical exertion, but 16 straight hours of quick marching for nearly a week straight had left her physically exhausted.  Her hair, once well kept in a tight bun, was now thoroughly disheveled and beginning to curl from the increasing heat and humidity as the contingent made its way south, into the Zuma lands.
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 +
For as phsyically exhausting as the trip was, Calypso had settled down mentally somewhat.  She figured that if Kettle truly meant her direct harm, they would have done so by now, and so the days had settled into a certain routine during the travel.  She spent most of her time now praying as she walked, keeping pace with her feet to wile away the miles.  Every so often, one of Kettle's groomers would approach her with their overly polite courtesy and try to make small talk.  For days she had rebuffed them, but after being provided with pen and paper with which to write her realm mates, she had calmed somewhat. 
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 +
Most simply wanted to know about her, what it was that she did.  Small pleasantries.  Calypso was careful to guard what she said.  She was under no illusion that these people were not evil.  But there was a part of her that relished the contact, any contact, with a human being.  She had even smiled.  Once.  So it wasn't a surprise when another of the groomers came forward as they awoke on the fifth morning as camp was being broken down, this time bearing a number of articles of clothing, in a style they themselves wore, and some of the brightly colored make ups they painted themselves in, and offered them to Calypso.
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She would have immediately dismissed the notion, but Calypos was painfully aware that her clothing was in increasingly poor condition.  She had been wearing an arming doublet and gambeson with leather pants under her armor, and even with her plate removed, these made poor travelling clothes and the increasing heat and humidity of the southern climate had only increased her discomfort.  Calypso thought for a moment as the groomer looked at her expectantly, almost shyly.  It was a surprisingly human gesture from the otherwise unnaturally cheerful humans that attended Kettle. 
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Calypso sighed, and looked at the clothing options.  They did look comfortable, she had to admit.  She reached for one, a light blue dress with yellowed fabric around it's edges.  The clothing was of very high quality, she noted, as she looked at the groomer, "Thank you, I'd like to...change in private though.  I will not be seen bare before your contingent.  Please wait here."  Calypso ducked behind some thick foliage and changed into the dress.  The material was light and airy, much more well suited to the climate than her arming clothes, and soon she went back to the groomer.  The groomer smiled as she approached, and now Calypso could see that a small posse had gathered around her, and as they saw her that spoke excitedly in their strange language to each other. 
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They seemed to have taken her acceptance of the clothing as some greater form of consent to their further attention, as one of the groomers quickly took her old clothing and told her it would kept with her armor, as the small gaggle of groomers began to surround her, working quickly with hands and instruments to begin to paint her up like one of them.  She began to protest, even jerking away from the first few, but though better of it.  She was surrounded, after all, and who knew if they took her resistance as defiance?  Within a few minutes the laughing and smiling groomers had finished, and a small metallic mirror was brought forth.
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By the standards of Tol Goldora, the look was garish, bright blues and yellows chosen to match her wardrobe covered her arms, and her eyes were shadowed in pale turquoise.  Symbols and words she didnt understand were written in the markings, and though it worried her that some magic might be in them, she chose to hold her tongue and simply force a smile.
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"Thank you all....it is magnificent.  Very...colorful!"
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 +
|Title=Dame of Golden Farrow
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}}</center>
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<center>{{Message2
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|Width=80%
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|Type=Roleplay
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|Sender=Calypso Hwitt
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|Recipients=Everyone in Tol Goldora
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|Content=So this was the capital of the Zuma.  She had asked one of the groomers the name of the city and they had called it Xkalachetzimin in their strange tongue.  But they had told her it translated into the common human tongue - Nightmarch.  Judging from what Calypso could see, the name was apt. 
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 +
It was a great walled city, the walls looked as if they were 30 meters tall and were carved from dark basalt.  The walls were inlayed with great figures carved from Obsidian that seemed to swallow any light that hit them.  There were human figures, seeming to kneel in fealty or prayer to even larger daimonic figures.  Some were horned, others were winged, some stretched out their arms toward the supplicant human figures, while others wielded weapons, facing away from their human charges, keeping realistically depicted monstrous figures at bay.  The scale of the city was...breathtaking.  Not even Golden Farrow could match the titanic size of the architecture she was seeing, it was as if the city had been made for beings...larger than a man.  The thought made her shudder.
 +
 +
There was a great opening cut into the middle of that black wall, almost three stories tall, flanked by by two gigantic statues, carved from a dark green stone, like jade or azurite.  the figures were daimonic, each holding a spear in their hands, pointed outward from the city wall, as if wielding their spears to stop an incoming charge.  These statues were...magnificent, of a level of artistry and skill Calypso had never seen.  There was no gate in this great archway, as if the Zuma did not feel they needed one.  Another thought that made Calypso shudder.
 +
 +
As Kettle approached the city wall, a great gathering seemed to pour forth from the city, a great cavalcade of humanity.  Men, women, and children, each as garishly painted as the last.  Well, as Calypso was herself.  She had noted in the last few days of travel that whatever it was the Zuma humans used to paint themselves, it did not come off with water or sweat as the colors that covered her arms, neck, and face.  They all cheered the return of their master, clapping, dancing, and singing in apparent jubilance.  Even dressed as she was, it was obvious she was a stranger among Kettle and it's groomers, staring as she was around her.  She noted that many of the humans gathered, and a few of the daimonic eyes in the crowd, followed her with great interest as they made their way under the stone archway. 
 +
 +
Now that Calypso could see past the great wall, she could see the multitude of stepped stone ziggurats and pyramids that seemed to make up the majority of the architecture of the city.  All of these structures seemed to follow the same rule as the wall - as if they had been built for being of much greater size than men.  Despite the alien environment and architecture, it was obivous that this was...a city.  There were stalls with wares, food, and cloth that lined this main street.  A market was visible to one side, with all manner of goods available from what little Calypso could see. 
 +
 +
Kettle seemed to stop for a moment, and the groomers with her.  As Calypso stopped amongst them, she could feel the eyes around her staring.  There were two human men, around 20 feet away, each wielding a wicker shield and obsidian tipped spear.  One pointed her spear at Calypso and spoke to her companion, loudly enough that Calypso could make out what she said, "What is it?  It is a warrior, but does it have a name?  Why has the Radiant One brought it here?"
 +
 +
Calypso's brow furrowed and she looked one of the nearby groomers, who, noticing her attention, gave their customary smile.  "How did she know I was a Knight?  And what's this about a name?"  Calypso asked, as the groomer looked at the two armed humans, who quickly looked away.  The groomer nodded and pointed to the painted symbol on his forehead, and to Calypso's own forehead.
 +
 +
"We are delighted you ask of these things! It will please the Radiant One that you wish to know the way of Zuma!  This symbol is who you are.  I am groomer, I care for the Radiant One, whose coat outshines the sun!  You are warrior, in your strange way.  That is what your symbol say.  "Warrior in Iron Skinned"  but now dressed so nice!  And for name..."  The groomer seemed to pause, seeming to be thinking of what to say, "Name is personal thing, painted onto heart.  It is for the Radiant One and the Great Masters alone, and is not ours to give.  But your ways not the Zuma way.  Will you get a name I wonder?  What would it be!?"
 +
 +
|Title=Dame of Golden Farrow
 +
}}</center>
 +
 +
<center>{{Message2
 +
|Width=80%
 +
|Type=Roleplay
 +
|Sender=Calypso Hwitt
 +
|Recipients=Everyone in Tol Goldora
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|Content= Pt. 2
 +
 +
The groomer gave his unnatural smile once again as Calypso's mind raced.  They had branded her!  Why hadn't she noticed that all the groomers had the same symbols on their head?  And now she was marked too...who knew if there was some dark magic that played in such things.  What if they changed her...made her become like them, smiling that unnatural smile.  Calypso gave a silent, desperate prayer, but in this place of dark stone, far from the sea, the Mother of Tides seemed so far away...
 +
 +
In the distance, there was a great rumble, and Calypso looked quickly to see if Kettle was moving again, but saw the daimon was still.  It was only then that Calypso saw it, from beyond the tallest pyramid at the hard of the city rose the towering silhouette of a tall mountain, with fire and ash beginning to shoot out of its peak, as great plumes of smoke were shot up into the sky.  Amazingly, this seemed to be of little interest to the Zuma around her, who paid the event no heed. 
 +
 +
'What devilry could these people stand if such power held no fear in their hearts!'  she thought, thoroughly cowed by the awesome display of natures might, and the total indifference of the humans here.  She looked around, and for the thousandth time since she had left Golden Farrow, wondered what fate awaited her in this most alien of cities.
 +
 +
|Title=Dame of Golden Farrow
 +
}}</center>
 +
 +
<center>{{Message2
 +
|Width=80%
 +
|Type=Roleplaying Event
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|Sender=Kettle
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|Recipients=
 +
|Content=The stream of Groomers and others, welcoming Kettle back home was vast and made movement slow, but they approached the capital and the awe in their guest was clear to them all. Arriving as she did though, wearing Groomer colors and markings, Calypso was welcomed with a cautious friendliness.
 +
As some of the humans gathered round Calypso, there was noticeable questions being raised as some of them pointed to certain symbols, small, that had been repeated in a few places. The one who had painted Calypso stepped forwards with a smile and spoke, first to Calypso, then to those around, "They ask what this symbol means, it is not one from our language," She points to some very small marks scattered in various places, then lifts her hand to Calypso's neck, "I copied from your necklace. The shape means something to you, so I made it part of you for us all to see."
 +
Those gathered around nodded their understanding though still seemed to want to know more.
 +
A great space cleared as Kettle herself came across, the ground shaking as she moved. Interesting to note that none of the buildings here seemed to be affected by her. Calypso spoke quickly, the Rabbit seemed to listen, before her beautiful voice echoed with laughter. "We have no gods to sacrifice you to. Any such thing would be simply for us, but I do not believe you would make a good sacrifice for me. There is something about you, that is why you were not harmed unlike that fool that pretends it is a leader of you people. No, you are here as a guest until your realm delivers the food as agreed. There will always be people with you, to answer any questions you may have, and ensure you stay safe here. It is your choice if you wish to take an estate whilst here, or if you would just choose to stay in one of the buildings as a guest. Your letters may have given you an idea of how long your stay will be perhaps?"
 +
 +
|Title=
 +
}}</center>
 +
 +
<center>{{Message2
 +
|Width=80%
 +
|Type=Roleplay
 +
|Sender=Calypso Hwitt
 +
|Recipients=Everyone in Tol Goldora
 +
|Content=The crowd very quickly surrounded Calypso when she went to speak to Kettle. They ogled at her and pointed at the symbols painted on her as they spoke to each other excitedly.
 +
 +
Calypso listened to the explanation from the Groomer with some surprise. She looked again at the symbols on her arm and indeed noticed that it was a heavily stylized anchors. Many of them asked her about them, and she felt no problem of explaining the symbol of Tidemother to these heathens, maybe she could save some of them from the control of the daimons.
 +
 +
So Calypso touched the anchor pendant and showed it to those around, “This is the symbol of the Tidemother, the Goddess of the Sea. She gave me peace and purpose when I was in pain and beset by doubt. She controls the storms and the waves and the wind. It was because of her that I am alive...”
 +
 +
Calypso thought back to the early days of the war with Astrum as she spoke, remembering her humiliating capture at the first siege, slaughtering thousands of people in Mimirivair, and losing all the men under command, twice. Dark times, but she had been saved by Edelyn and the Tidemother.
 +
 +
Before long, Calypso felt the ground shake as Kettle approached and listened the daimon spoke. There was much Calypso wanted to say as It spoke. To hell at It for insulting her liege, to reproach It for It’s arrogance in accepting sacrifices...but what It said about her being “special” well, he knew how It thought.
 +
 +
Calypso looked genuinely shocked when Kettle told her she could take an estate in the city. Just the thought left her stammering, “Me? Swear allegiance to you? I couldn’t...I would never...” she shook her head to clear it.
 +
 +
“Yes. I know they have gathered some amount already, worry not for Tol Goldora keeps its obligations. Though...” Calypso couldn’t hide her crestfallen demeanor  here, “They might have to wait until summer to send it, to ensure our people are fed. But our people come first! That is duty and honor! I will simply take whatever accommodations are given. I have spent my time in war and do not need material comfort.”
 +
 +
She did her best to look intimidating, despite know she likely looked ridiculous compared to Kettle, but she would not relinquish her pride in this place.
 +
 +
|Title=Dame of Golden Farrow
 +
}}</center>
 +
 +
<center>{{Message2
 +
|Width=80%
 +
|Type=Roleplaying Event
 +
|Sender=Kettle
 +
|Recipients=
 +
|Content=The beautiful voice carries across the lands as usual, “There was no demand, I gave you options, you are so quick to suspicion and distrust. Show her options.” The Rabbit cast the last comment at one of the Groomers, who hastily spoke with a few other Groomers who then ran off into the city.
 +
The Groomer then turned to Calypso, and beckoned her to follow. The woman smiled as she spoke, “We can provide what you would choose.” As they walked through the streets, the woman pointed to various things, “These are statues of ones we haven’t seen for some time now, Haktoo, a great ruler, Screamer, Silence, Fang Fang.” The list of names and numbers of statues just seemed to continue. Some were huge, others small. Eventually an area of housing appeared, with a statue of a two headed Daimon in the square.
 +
”You can have a dwelling to yourself if you wish? We will provide all food and comfort that you request. Or you could stay as a guest with one of our families? Most of us eat together in the morning and evening, but we understand you may want to eat alone. And you may want to prepare your own food? We will work with you for your best comfort. Only ask.”
 +
She then waited to hear what choices would be made.
 +
 +
|Title=
 +
}}</center>
 +
 +
<center>{{Message2
 +
|Width=80%
 +
|Type=Roleplay
 +
|Sender=Aerin Daubney
 +
|Recipients=Everyone in Tol Goldora
 +
|Content=Aerin hid as best she could, her men had long since fallen, the few left alive withdrew towards the sea, taking her trail away from their lady.
 +
 +
She was dressed in her leathers with thin light green pants and shirt, she behind a tree and in bushes, she had taken a nasty gags across her side which she had stitched up as well as bandaged.
 +
 +
She waited for a short while for any Zuma to clear the area she was in before moving slowly onwards, she couldn’t make out Calypso amongst any group, she looked to her map a DM nodded with a gulp, already seeing it in the distance.
 +
 +
She knew her only choice was to continue and to make for Nightmarch, she prayed that she would find Calypso there.
 +
 +
Aerin swore she would find the Thunderborn, Tol Goldora might have given up but by the Tidemother and the fallen Daubeny’s watchung from the stars above she would not give up.
 +
 +
Aerin would wait until the sunset then she would move out.
 +
-----
 +
 
 +
Message sent to everyone in Nightmarch (2 recipients) - 4 days, 4 hours, 44 minutes ago
 +
Aerin had made it, she climbed over the last rock and could see the dread city of Nightmarch, colossal and oppressively in design, even from her vantage point she made out great stone and metal statues showing the monstrous Zuma in almost heroic poses, no doubt in an attempt to make them feel more like the false gods they were treated like.
 +
 +
She snuck towards the walls, making use of the fact it was nighttime, to her surprise and relief the Zuma had no gate to their dread city. She crept close to the walls, using the shadow cast by them to shroud her as she snuck closer until she could peek around the corner and look beyond the Gate.
 +
 +
Aerin saw it strange buildings before her, she paid it no mind, she had no time to admire architecture. She crept into the city proper and then deeper and deeper, trying to find any potential lead where Calypso was being kept. Roleplay from Aerin Daubeny
 +
 
 +
-----
 +
 +
Aerin hid away in the shadows, she had been here for days. In this impossibly large city of strange buildings and stranger people.
 +
 +
Aerin hid down shadowed alleys and on roof tops, she had yet to be truly sighted though she had a few close calls, most namely was the one were she almost ran straight into Kettle whilst rushing out of an alley before the guards could see her.
 +
 +
She couldn't find the plate armored Thunderborn despite all her effort. She looked around from her perch on the rooftop, she saw the same blonde woman, dressed in the strange colorful garb of the Zuma. Constantly people surrounded her, seemingly asking endless questions. No doubt she was some foul leader among these people who were lost from the light.
 +
 +
Aerin's hands tightened around her crossbow as she had done so many time throughout her time in this city, so often she wondered what would happen.
 +
 +
If she put a bolt between that one's eyes.
 +
 +
Aerin noticed one of the Zuma slaves beginning to look up and slide back out of view. She waited for a time before making her way down to the alley below, she waited there when she noticed the blonde Zuma slave walk past and Aerin felt shocked as she saw the familiar that the Thunderborn had across her face, Aerin blinked in shock before she had to back up into the shadows to avoid being seen.
 +
 +
She climbed the roof tops again as the sun was setting, following the trail the scarred blonde Zuma slave left, maybe she was mistaken.
 +
 +
She followed the blonde Zuma to a strange building which appeared to be a house, she waited until all the lights within the building were extinguished. She crept along the roof tops until she found a window in the building she was trying to enter.
 +
 +
She crept inside and slowly snuck through the top floor, gently opening doors and peering inside. After some searching she found the room where the blonde Zuma was sleeping.
 +
 +
Aerin crept in and gently closed the door, she pulled her mouth covering down to her neck and lit a candle she had brought. She walked over to the bed and examined the now quickly stirring Zuma Slave, or at least who she thought was a Zuma slave, though she had been tattooed by the Zuma, the scar, skin tone and the hair color.
 +
 +
Aerin gently nudged the woman's shoulder and quietly and hesitantly asked "Lady Hwitt, is that you?" Aerin's hand went to her dagger. just in case.
 +
 +
|Title=Dame of Farrowfield
 +
}}</center>
 +
 +
<center>{{Message2
 +
|Width=80%
 +
|Type=Roleplay
 +
|Sender=Calypso Hwitt
 +
|Recipients=Everyone in Tol Goldora
 +
|Content='''A Midnight Rescue'''
 +
 +
It had been nearly two weeks sent Calypso had first arrived in Nightmarch and she had mostly settled in to the routine.  She had spent the first few days confining herself to her quarters, but she had spent much of her time thinking and praying.  She had thought long about the relative humanity of the people who lived here.  Their ways were strange but at the end of the day, they were just...people.  Calypso avoided the daimons as much as she could, they...were another matte entirely.
 +
 +
By the third day though, she had come to a decision, whether through prayer and contemplation, or sheer boredom.  Calypso decided that though she had no love of the daimon-kind, she had a responsibility to represent Tol Goldora with honor.  Only a fool would deny the power of the Zuma, and having experienced that power herself, Calypso had no wish to ever be on the receiving end of it again.  So she had begun to go outside, to travel around the city.  She still avoided the daimons where she could, but she spoke to the locals when they approached her.  She looked studied the statues lining the road and walked her way through the market.
 +
 +
She had to admit there were some fine goods, and one of the vendors had even gifted her small token, a small carved figure of a knight in plate.  Or rather, an imaginative expression of a knight in plate armor.  She had been surprised to see that the armor was covered in spikes and skulls, a long sword painted red with blood held at its side.  She could see that the figure had been painted to look like her and the vendor had told her, in broken common, "Great k-nigget, take many skulls for heathen-king!" excitedly.  'I that how they view us?  Monsters dressed in spiked steel, collecting skulls?  What stories have these people been told about us to believe such things?'
 +
 +
This made Calypso think about the time she had aided in the slaughter of the peasants in Mimirivair, and as thought about that sickening act, she hung her head lower.  With that uncomfortable thought filling her mind, she gave a polite thanks to merchant and looked at the figure as she walked back to the housing district.  It was getting late any way.  She ate a small meal, politely prepared by the family she was staying with, and then went off to her room, offset from the others, like a guesthouse. 
 +
 +
She got out of her clothes, laying the delicate fabric on a dark ebony nightstand and stared at herself in the dark metal mirror that took up one entire wall of the small bedroom.  The groomers had been thorough in their work, and her entire body was now covered in stylized symbols and designs.  She had given up trying to stop them, as they always swarmed her like locusts whenever they came by.  The paint, she had discovered was not merely paint, but actually dyed the skin, and only came off after a weeks without reapplication.  She had gotten used to it, so much so that there was a part of her (a small part) that even like the artistic designs, though she'd never admit it. 
 +
 +
She lay down on the bed and laid the single sheer silk sheet over her body.  Given the relative heat and humidity of the area, it was warm enough to not need anything more to sleep soundly.
 +
Calypso awoke some time later with a start Calypso felt a hand on her shoulder and fully expected one of the Zuma groomers to be bothering her with some damn fool question or another, she didn't know what to expect.  Her eyes focused in the dim light to see...Dame Aerin Daubney?  Calypso quickly looked around, half expecting to back in Golden Farrow waking from a bad dream.  It was still the same dark stone room.  Calypso sat up, not thinking to cover herself in her surprise, and quietly reached out to take Aerin's hand in hers,
 +
 +
"Aerin?  What are you doing here?  How have you come!?  Did they take you hostage as well?"  Calypso asked, looks of relief, fear, and worry rapidly showing on her face in waves.  Aerin gave a rogueish smile and replied in a whisper, "Through the front door, how else?  They haven't spotted me yet!  It took me a few days to find you, theres no time to waste, put on some clothes and lets get out of here! I can't stay hidden forever."
 +
 +
Calypso gave felt herself smiling as Aerin spoke, in awe of the selfless bravery she displayed, but soon she began to think of the reality of the situation and that reality slammed hard into her heart and mind. 
 +
 +
"Aerin, I...thank you...to have travelled all this way...I owe you a debt I can never repay."
 +
 +
-----
 +
 +
"But I can't come with you.  I don't know what the Zuma would do if I fled, or if they found you here!  I am a hostage, Aerin!  To flee would put Tol Goldora's agreement with Kettle in jeopardy..."  Calypso slipped quietly out of bed, only half-heartedly thinking about the fact she was standing completely bare in front of Aerin, in all her painted glory.  She grabbed the sheet and wrapped it around her quickly and quietly, walking over to the window and looking out of it as she spoke, praying no one was looking in,
 +
 +
"This isn't just about me!  If I resist them they could kill me, or even worse, attack Tol Goldora in reprisal.  Aerin, I've seen their armies.  We could not win such a war!  But now you've come and I don't know what that will mean. You say they haven't seen you, but these daimons have more than just the physical senses!  I've seen it!  Who knows if Kettle doesn't already know you are here!  Tidemother damns the sands!" Calypso finally exclaimed, almost losing control of the sound of her voice as the various emotions roiled through her. 
 +
 +
She was grateful. So grateful to Aerin for following her here.  Another person she could never repay.  But Calypso feared that Aerin had marched to her doom, and that thought send Calypso's heart into her stomach.  She walked over to Aerin and embraced her, tears beginning to fall softly from her eyes, "Thank you for coming here, but I can't leave, and they will find you!  Oh, Aerin they will find you!" 
 +
 +
Calypso thought hard, looking for any way she could salvage the situation, to make sure that Tol Goldora would be safe, and that Aerin would leave the city alive.  As for Calypso herself...well, she did not fear death.  There was only one way she could see, only one way to preserve the fragile peace that was being maintained...
 +
 +
"Calypso looked hard at Aerin, firmly grasping the smaller woman's shoulders in her firm hands, "I...must take you to Kettle.  If we speak with It...Explain, maybe you'll be let go.  They have treated me with respect so far, and so I think they would at least recognize the bravery of the act. Maybe the Zuma, wicked though their hearts are, could respect that..."
 +
 +
Calypso began to put on the blue dress she had been wearing for weeks now and threw the sheet back on the bed.  "Aerin, please don't fight me on this.  It isn't just about us.  This could put Tol Goldora at risk, and if a war were to start, it would undo all the work Lucius and the Autarch did in securing us peace.  I could never forgive myself if loyal sons and daughters of our realm died trying to save me..."  Calypso went to the door, and stood expectantly, waiting to see what Aerin would do.
 +
 +
|Title=Dame of Golden Farrow
 +
}}</center>
 +
 +
<center>{{Message2
 +
|Width=80%
 +
|Type=Roleplay
 +
|Sender=Aerin Daubney
 +
|Recipients=Everyone in Tol Goldora
 +
|Content=Aerin smiled as Calypso woke up, she had actually found the Thunderborn, now all she had to do was get her out of this city, easier said then done but she wasn't afraid of the challenge, Calypso mentioned a debt and Aerin shook her head, quietly she whispered "There is not debt to repay." The young dame's smile fell from her face as the Thunderborn told Aerin she couldn't leave with her.
 +
 +
"W-what?" Aerin's voice came out a shock whisper the hurt in her voice was clear and the girl seemed to pale, her eyes lightly welling up with tears "No, no I promised I would come and get you, we are so close. We could fight, we could win, but we need to leave now." She felt a light blush come to her cheeks as the Thunderborn stood bare before her, Calypso's body was covered in scars, not to mention now she had been painted by the Zuma in their strange styles. Aerin was surprised they really didn't leave much of her body not painted, though when Aerin realized she was staring she looked away embarrassed "Apologies, Lady Hwitt, I just noticed the paint was all." '
 +
 +
Aerin shook her head "But this is about you, it isn't right that you feel you must offer yourself up to these monsters to be their slave and hostage and I swear on my blood, they don't know I am here." Aerin let Calypso momentarily panic and allowed the Thunderborn to embrace her, though the Thunderborn was a veteran amongst the warriors of Tol Goldora, Aerin was seven years her senior and in that moment all Aerin wanted to do was keep Lady Hwitt safe, safe away from these monsters. Aerin held the Thunderborn tightly as if letting her go would led her to disappear, softly she whispered to Calypso "Sssh, it's ok Lady Hwitt, I knew the risks. But it's ok I can get us out of here."
 +
 +
Calypso let go of Aerin and grasped her by the shoulder, causing Aerin to groan in pain as the Thunderborn's hand dug into her left shoulder and the long scar that ran the length of her shoulder down to her arm, Aerin seemed to flash to a blind panic as for a moment she felt herself back in that horrid place. She pushed Calypso back and stumbled  backwards.
 +
 +
She recovered from her panic and shook her head "If you take me to Kettle then it will kill me, I am here unannounced and uninvited, they're monsters they will kill me." She motioned up and down at Calypso "And you, already they have marked you, painted you like one of their slaves, dress you like their slaves. They make you serve them, they're trying to turn you into another of the fallen souls in this dammed City."
 +
 +
Aerin grabbed and held Calypso in another embrace "Lady Hwitt, Caly...We could fight them, we could win, we don't have to be scared of these Daimons." Calypso begged Aerin to not fight it, she sighed and just held tightly to the Thunderborn "I-I am not afraid to die, not if it meant saving you, not if it meant saving anyone...but I don't want to die here, there is no Tide here, but if I must I would in a heartbeat."
 +
 +
She pressed her head into Calypso's shoulder and quietly let out a light sob "I just wanted to save you...I thought I could..." She slowly let go of the Thunderborn and even slower she nodded her head "But so be it, if this is how it must be, I will face the Daimon Rabbit again." She gave one last pleading look to Calypso "But it is not too late, we could sneak out the way I came in, out the window, onto the roofs, across the block and then down into the alley and then we run and run, shadow to shadow, then we escape out the gate, I have horses nearby...we could leave, we could go home."
 +
 +
|Title=Dame of Farrowfield
 +
}}</center>
 +
 +
<center>{{Message2
 +
|Width=80%
 +
|Type=Roleplay
 +
|Sender=Kettle
 +
|Recipients=
 +
|Content=There is a gentle knock at your door, it is left shut as a voice calls in, “Would you like food and drink brought for your guest?”
 +
 +
|Title=
 +
}}</center>
 +
 +
<center>{{Message2
 +
|Width=80%
 +
|Type=Roleplay
 +
|Sender=Calypso Hwitt
 +
|Recipients=Everyone in Tol Goldora
 +
|Content="Well..." Calypso said.  "Fuc*."
 +
 +
She had almost...almost...decided to listen to Aerin, to hope that maybe she hadn't been spotted and that both could escape without reprisal.  The Zuma had been...more polite than she had thought, surely there was no way they could know...
 +
 +
But that thought had died with the knock on the door.  Calypso wasn't proud that she jumped slightly when it came, but there was the immediate thought the door would be broken down and the brave Dame Aerin would be drug from the room by a cohort of daimons to an unknown fate. Instead the voice of the matron of the family that lived here, wife to three pre-teen children and a stonemason, asked them if she wanted food and drink for her guest...
 +
 +
Calypso closed her eyes and gave Aerin a sad smile and spoke, barely above a whisper, "I am not a slave here, but a pet...it would be nice to go back with you, it was nice to dream of it if only for a while..."  Calypso opened the door the door quietly to find...
 +
 +
The matron of the house giving her a polite smile.  The older woman was dressed in a nightgown and looked from Calypso to Aerin, "A groomer of the Radiant One, whose coat shines brighter than the sun, came by and told us that you had a guest.  Oh I wish you would have told me!  I would have had a late night dinner prepared!"
 +
 +
The small enclosed courtyard that separated her guest quarters from the main house quiet in the dark hours of the night, but just a few yards behind the matron was the unmistably unnaturally wide smile of one of Kettle's groomers, who simply stood with their hands behind their back and looked from Calypso to Aerin with piercing gaze.  'They had always known.'  Calypso thought in that moment, and she opened her mouth to speak before closing it again.  Calypso looked at Aerin and then back to the Matron,
 +
 +
"Some tea...if you would, I am sorry to impose on you at this late hour..."  Calypso said quietly.  The matron just smiled and ran off to see her task.  The groomer stayed where they were, as if expecting to be spoken to.  The three people were quiet for a moment before Calypso spoke, trying to get ahead of the situation.
 +
 +
"Groomer, please tell your master that Dame Aerin means you and your people no harm, but was simply afraid for my safety.  I hope that her coming doesn't jeapordize the agreement made back in Tol Goldora.  Tell your master that if it...She...allows Dame Aerin to leave unharmed I will..."  Calypso stopped speaking and looked to Aerin and saw that she seemed about to protest.  Calypso began speaking again before the other woman could, "Tell Kettle that if Dame Aerin is unharmed and the peace with Tol Goldora kept then I will do anything she asks of me...offer my life in Her service should that be what it takes..." 
 +
 +
Those words were the hardest she ever said, but keeping Aerin safe, to whom she already owed an unpayble debt, and keeping the peace between the Zuma and Tol Goldora, was worth more than a hundred of her lifetimes.
 +
 +
|Title=Dame of Golden Farrow
 +
}}</center>
 +
 +
<center>{{Message2
 +
|Width=80%
 +
|Type=Roleplay
 +
|Sender=Aerin Daubney
 +
|Recipients=Everyone in Tol Goldora
 +
|Content=Midnight Rescue, Interrupted
 +
 +
When the door was knocked Aerin's hand fell to her daggers as she spun around to face the door, daggers whirling into her hands in a flash as the moonlight from the window reflected on the silvered steel blades causing them to almost glow.
 +
 +
Aerin glanced between Calypso, the Zuma slave and the unsettling Groomer. With a growl of fury Aerin asked "A pet? They dare?" She waited for the woman to leave on her task, the young Daubeny pulled Calypso back from the door and stood between the Thunderborn and the Groomer.
 +
 +
Aerin seemed one wrong word away from attacking the Groomer, she was about to protest when Calypso cut her off, Aerin felt a wave of disbelief and despair as she heard Calypso's offer, she was going to give everything up to try and save her.
 +
 +
She whirled back to Calypso, her purple eyes alight with determination and the faintest bit of fear, the only time Dame Aerin ever seemed to be afraid. "NO! YOU WILL NOT GIVE YOURSELF UP, NOT AGAIN!" Aerin glanced back to the Zuma and back to Calypso, tears came unbidden to Aerin's eye and she shook her head, She grabbed Calypso into another embrace, holding tightly to the Thunderborn. "Please, I can't fail you again, I won't, I can't let you do this." She looked into Calypso's eyes "Please, let me fight, let me save you, don't do this, don't give up."
 +
 +
|Title=Dame of Farrow Field
 +
}}</center>
 +
 +
 +
<center>{{Message2
 +
|Width=80%
 +
|Type=Roleplaying Event
 +
|Sender=Kettle
 +
|Recipients=Everyone in the Vicinity of Nightmarch
 +
|Content=The Groomer frowned slightly, "You had already been asked if you wished to take your own estate here with us, you chose to stay as a guest. Your words confuse me in some ways as your behavior speaks differently to your voice. You say you now want an estate here? But at the same time appear not to want that? As the Great Kettle said when she spoke with you, that is your choice to make however you wish. Is it because you now have a guest here that you feel it would be better if you had your own estate to host them properly? We can arrange that. Or they could take an estate? Or have the same options for accommodation as you have been given. You only need ask and we will arrange as best we can."
 +
 +
The Groomer looks as Aerin and he speaks to her directly, "Damairin, do you wish to stay with us also? To return, if you wish, when your realm provides the food they have promised? Or will you be leaving sooner? Malachite can show you around, and you can stay together if you wish, there are other sleeping rooms in this building, or you can share, whatever is your choice?"
 +
 +
He then looks back at Calypso, 'Will you be showing Damairin around? We did not think she intended harm otherwise she would not have been permitted in our city. It is rare that any would be foolish enough to come here and try to cause issue."
 +
 +
The door opens and the elderly lady returns with a large platter of meats, breads and cheeses. A younger boy carries a large pot of steaming water, whilst another boy brings crushed leaves.
 +
 +
|Title=
 +
}}</center>
 +
 +
 +
<center>{{Message2
 +
|Width=80%
 +
|Type=Roleplay
 +
|Sender=Calypso Hwitt
 +
|Recipients=Everyone in Tol Goldora
 +
|Content=Greater Love has no one than This...
 +
 +
Calypso held on to Aerin as the Groomer spoke.  As was typical, the Groomer spoke in riddles, as if not understanding the source of Calypso's and Aerin's distress at all.  A silent tear fell down her face as the Groomer finished speaking, and the family was bringing an entire meal for them.  'Damn these people and their alien minds!' Calypso thought as she looked again at Aerin. 
 +
 +
"You came so far and I if can do anything to keep you safe I will.  You did not fail me Aerin...not at all.  The Zuma...they are many things...but they have not lied to me.  Not once.  Stay...here until the conditions are met.  With me...we can leave together when the food is sent."
 +
 +
Calypso looked back at the Groomer and put on the best facsimile of a smile that she could.  "Groomer, I have decided that I would...like to take an estate here, and Dame Aerin will be my guest.  If permitted I will see to her needs.  Until Tol Goldora sends the food as it has promised.  Please give some time to write some letters.  I will do whatever I need to do in the morning..."
 +
 +
The Groomer bowed and left, to who knows where.  The matron and her children exited the guest room and looked at Calypso and Aerin, "Some dried meat with bread and cheese, and tea from the other side of the volcano...it was all I had at short notice.  If you need anything else..."  They then walked back through the small courtyard, leaving Calypso and Aerin alone.
 +
 +
Calypso closed the door and stood quietly for a moment, cherishing the touch from Aerin.  She honestly didn't know the woman well, but the support meant a lot to here.  "I...know what you will say..." Calypso said weakly, stammering nervously and avoiding Aerin's eyes, "But this way ensures our safety and that of Tol Goldora.  I...will write to the council...try to make them understand..."  Calypso could already see the growing anger in Aerin's eyes and blurted out, "They haven't mistreated me, Aerin!  They have been honest and I think they are honest now...if you want to go you can...but I will stay to honor the deal our realms made...and keep both of us safe."
 +
 +
Calypso closed her eyes, expecting the storm that was about to come at her from Aerin.
 +
 +
|Title=Dame of Golden Farrow
 +
}}</center>
 +
 +
 +
<center>{{Message2
 +
|Width=80%
 +
|Type=Roleplay
 +
|Sender=Aerin Daubney
 +
|Recipients=Everyone in Tol Goldora
 +
|Content=Greater Love has no one than This...
 +
 +
Aerin was silent for a moment before beginning "I will..." She was cut off as Calypso spoke, she was silent and closed her eyes feeling waves of guilt, hate and despair wash over her.
 +
 +
She let the Zuma Servants leave the food and drink, giving them a curt nod. The Groomer left and Calypso closed the door. Aerin waited for her to speak first, she wanted to hear her explanation. As Calypso spoke weakly and nervously Aerin felt all her anger wash away. She waited for Calypso to finish and walked over to her, she looked into her eyes.
 +
 +
She embraced Calypso and softly spoke, "I understand, you did what you thought was right, I will stay and when the food comes I will take you home, but you need not avoid my eyes, I am here and I am going be here with you until this is over. It's ok." Aerin felt a light tear roll down her cheek and she quietly added "But promise me you will not lose yourself, you are Lady Calypso Hwitt of Tol Goldora, you are our Thunderborn, you're not one of them and don't let them trick you otherwise."
 +
 +
|Title=Dame of Farrowfield
 +
}}</center>
 +
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<center>{{Message2
 +
|Width=80%
 +
|Type=Roleplay
 +
|Sender=Calypso Hwitt
 +
|Recipients= Everyone in Tol Goldora
 +
|Content=It was later that same night Calypso received a letter from one of the Zuma couriers in the wee hours of the morning.  She saw who it was from and her heart sank, afraid of what it would say.  Was she to be damned?  Exiled?  Calypso and Aerin had been mostly been quiet that night and once she had calmed her emotions she had even sat down to eat a little bread and cheese, hoping it would also calm her churning stomach. Calypso looked at Aerin quickly moved to be sitting beside her and opened the letter anxiously.
 +
 +
The letter was short and and for the first time first time in days, Calypso smiled as tears quickly began to fall from her eyes and she showed it to Aerin.  "Maybe...I won't have to take an estate here after all!  Oh Aerin, they have it!  They have it!  We can go home soon!"  Calypso could barely contain her excitement as for perhaps the tenth time that night, she embraced Aerin, this time in joy rather than despair.  She didn't know how long it would take, but at least now they knew it would be soon.
 +
 +
|Title=Dame of Golden Farrow
 +
}}</center>
 +
 +
<center>{{Message2
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|Width=80%
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|Type=Roleplaying Event
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|Sender=Kettle
 +
|Recipients=Everyone in the vicinity of Nightmarch
 +
|Content=A Groomer knocks on the door of the house in which Calypso is staying, then enters, "Malachite, Damairin, we greet you once more. The Great one, Kettle, did make sounds of pleasure when told you would be taking an estate. We have been preparing one for you, in your colors and patterns, come, come." She beckons the two nobles outside and along the streets where there is much going on. They soon come to an area where lots of Groomers and other Zuma are working hard, preparing grounds, tidying, painting, decorating. An ornate doorway, with anchors still being carved into it, sits slightly to the side of a very large, white, wall, which is covered in similar patterns and swirls and emblems as Calypso's own body, and veins of bright green in the same color and shape as Calypso's own scars.
 +
"Malachite, this will be your home when you are ready. Anything you wish done, you only need ask. Welcome."
 +
 +
|Title=
 +
}}</center>
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 +
<center>{{Message2
 +
|Width=80%
 +
|Type=Roleplay
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|Sender=Calypso Hwitt
 +
|Recipients=Everyone in Tol Goldora
 +
|Content=Calypso was surprised with how quickly the Groomers returned with news of an estate being made available.  Aerin was close by, as she had been in the days since she had snuck in Calypso's bedroom.  Since Aerin had arrived that night the pair had been inseparable, and the woman's presence was beacon of support in an otherwise dark place.  It wasn't like the Zuma humans we rude or improper, if one got past their strange customs and the fact that coexisted with daimons, they weren't too different than any other group of people.
 +
 +
Aerin, of course, wanted to hear none of it.  She was as mistrustful and antagonistic as Calypso was, though her experience had made that...harder.  Calypso had no love for the daimon-kind but the humans had been kind.  Unless there was some grand-conspiracy in play among every man, woman, and child in Nightmarch.  They went out of their way to be courteous, even when they had nothing to gain from it.  She was still wary...of Kettle, of the daimons, but she no longer felt disgust every time she saw one of the brightly painted people.
 +
 +
She had been caught unaware when the Groomer had referred to her as 'Malachite', though it wasn't a surprise when she thought about it.  The Zuma almost all had nicknames, she suspected and her facial scar was perhaps the most noticeable feature she had, and the Zuma had painted it a deep green.  It clashed completely with the yellow and blue, but the Zuma seemed to be more about visual "impact" than color synthesis.  She shrugged it off, though.  Calypso had a few laughs with Aerin about the Groomers now referring to her as Damearin. 
 +
 +
The estate that the Zuma were preparing was...not what she had expected.  In a city of dark stone ziggurats and imposing, oversized architecture, it was as bright and open as any building in Golden Farrow.  The Zuma were painting it in the bright blue and green she herself was covered in at this point.  It was...well...it was garish.  Almost painful to look at...but compared to the surrounding structures it was downright gay.  As she watched, the humans who were working seemed excited for her to see their work and some tried to get her attention to what they were painting.
 +
 +
Calypso looked at the Groomer and Aerin.  She didn't really know what to feel.  Edelyn's letter had put her mind at ease regarding her choice and she felt...she knew she was doing what was right to protect the realm.
 +
 +
"Please tell your master that I...appreciate what She provides.  I will take residency here whenever it is finished.  I thank you for the efforts of your people here.  Their...skill is readily apparent."  She thought this was the best thing to say.  Diplomacy wasn't her strong suit.  Though part of her meant what she said, though she'd never admit it.
 +
 +
|Title=Dame of Golden Farrow
 +
}}</center>
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<center>{{Message2
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|Width=80%
 +
|Type=Event
 +
|Sender=
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|Recipients=Everyone in Tol Goldora
 +
|Content='''Noble Has Left Your Realm:'''
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 +
Calypso Hwitt has taken an estate in Nightmarch, which is part of Zuma Coalition, and has thus left your realm and joined Zuma Coalition.
  
 
|Title=
 
|Title=

Latest revision as of 08:24, 15 March 2021








Danger Approaches

Roleplay from Solomon Greybrook
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
"Help is what you will receive Darren. Ensure that you find a scroll of healing as soon as possible. Enlist the realm's adventures or the various guilds. Yet, if the Zuma come, I expect you to be in Tol Goldora. It is my responsibility now to ensure no harm comes to my nobility from my lack of foresight."

Standing up from his chair, the Autarch finished:

"I hope for all our sakes we have a resolution for this war and the Daimon, we can't do both."
Solomon Greybrook (Autarch of Tol Goldora)
Roleplay from Darren Rea
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
"I understand, Lord Navarch." Darren followed suit, standing just a little too quickly. The sudden movement had put him on edge immediately, but at least he had managed to curb the impluse to draw blades. "I will travel just to the edge of the the northeren border, and the rogue regions there. I need some gold, but then I will stay in my home outside the walls of the city until you require me. I'm... unwelcome in the adventuring guilds since...um...well, maybe Eddie can help."
Darren Rea (Noble)
Roleplay from Darren Rea
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
With a short bow, Darren made his exit from the study ahead of the ruler, careful to keep his distance, and careful to disappear into the shadows of the suite before Solomon could do something unfortunate like try to show him the front door. His rope still was safely tucked behind the window jam, and a matter of moments with the quick connect and a pair of tugs, and he found himself back in the attic space with his troupe. His face must have said enough, since Bernard clapped him on the back, and Alera smiled softly.

"We are staying, arn't we, Sir?"

"Yes, Bernard. we are."
Darren Rea (Noble)
Roleplay from Solomon Greybrook
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Solomon Greybrook (Autarch of Tol Goldora)
Roleplaying Event from Kettle
Message sent to Everyone in the Vicinity of Upper Via
There was much joy as a stream of color worked its way slowly across the lands. Joy from the brightly dressed humans that accompanied the very large, very fluffy colored rabbit. Not so much joy from anything that stood against them.

They joined with some groups of Daimons that had strayed from their homelands, Kettle giving them instructions and commanding them to battle. These other Daimons varied in sizes and shapes and in appearance from beauty to abhorrent.

A cleansing was left on the lands they walked through, there destination wasn’t far, and nothing would be standing in their way.
Kettle
Roleplay from Dartholomew Nifelleisca
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Dartholomew's servants and retainers were in a great consternation as Dartholomew became almost giddy with excitement at Kettle's rumoured return. They had always served loyally. And had heard of the past incident when an arm's skin was chewed and regurgitated. They didn't want their lord to pet the daimonic bunny, but they knew not what to do. Some wished for another liege.
Dartholomew Nifelleisca (Knight of Lavendrow)
Roleplay from Gwyn
Message sent to Everyone in the Vicinity of Upper Via
Gwyn watched the parade pass with some interest. He had never seen a Daimon up close, but stayed far enough away that the throng of humans following the infamous Kettle would not chase him down for a meal. Strange times. Strange times. As he traveled Tol Goldora, rumors reached him. Rumors of a man claiming to be from Asylon was roaming the realm. Now, the Daimons, the Asylonians' former friends, are marching through the realm as well. The young adventurer felt eyes upon him. Many eyes locking him in place. Was this it? Had he gotten too close? The branch beneath his feet cracked under his weight, and the feeling startled him back into action, and sent him bolting away before he could figure out what was looking at him.
Gwyn (Commoner)
Roleplay from Solomon Greybrook
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Golden Farrow

Strolling the cities, Solomon took some time to talk to Captain Gunther. While he certainly didn't like the man, he had immense respect for his abilities, thus used his insight for advice upon occasion. As they approached the armouries and recruitment centres, Solomon broke the silence:

"This army needs to be able to break walls Gunther. I want to see maybe 1500 men and women in the docks."

Gunther looked at his ruler in a stirred glare:

"Navar... Autarch, 1500 is asking alot of the realm, are you sure negotiations will fail?"

Passing through the various shops and buildings, the two men continued the conversation:

"No... But I don't trust the D'Harans. If they have the audacity to even merge with Astrum, they have the audacity to contest Libidizedd. Therefore, we have to expect the Dragon Army behind those walls of it comes to it."

"Hmm..."

They stopped by a armour shop whom were quickly made aware by the Captain of the Gylden Kraken Elite whom they were being inspected by:

"I think it is doable. We have the siege engines, it is whether we have the engaged contingent. I will make sure if the time comes to swell the special forces of your unit sire."

Solomon nodded as he picked a helmet up. It was nothing fascinating for a soldier, sturdy but light enough to not be a bother:

"I don't think we will have an issue with the Zuma, I may however."

"My Autarch, what do you think they want?"

Solomon huffed as he put down the helmet as the Captain continued on:

"Retribution, a pound of gold or flesh. They took a noble's arm last time."

"This time Gunther, there won't be any misshaps. If they want another arm, they can have mine. That would be enough I hope - they respect the fuedal hierarchy."

"My Autarch!"

"No Gunther, this is not for discussion. In fact, I have a job for you, inspect the centres, ensure the recruits are up to scratch and report of any need additional drafting."

With that, the Captain departed, leaving him as alone as he could be in the City of Golden Farrow.
Solomon Greybrook (Autarch of Tol Goldora)
Roleplay from Kophyn D'Espana
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Kophyn had been overviewing the repairs and purchases for his unit for the last few hours, preparing them for the potential onslaught that was to come. Busy around the armories and blacksmiths of Golden Farrow, the former lord and current knight paced around the area, keeping tabs here and there where the workers struggled to keep up with the refit of the entire Tol Goldoran army. He was used to the chaos and many noises that fill the air, of course, for he was not new to the business and art of preparing for war. Quite the contrary, it was arguably one of two things he had been doing over and over again for his more than fifty winters.

Occupied as he was, he couldn't help but notice the figure of Captain Gunther, currently inspecting the realm's progress in recruiting and refitting for the upcoming campaign. Aware of the likelihood that his liege was around at the time and that Gunther might decide to come and check on the Golden Raiders, Kophyn motioned for Captain Wulfgytha to come near, his own current captain in charge of his 134 soldiers.

- "The Nav- Autarch must be around, I can see Gunther doing the rounds. Take care that everything is ready when he comes, and make sure to give a good impression. I shall be going now."

She acknowledged the orders with a quick "yes, m'lord", and went on to organize the prospective inspection in his absence while he left his unit and started looking for Solomon. It had been a long time since he had seen his liege in person, and it was probably as good a time as any other to do so. Having left his armor behind to be repaired and simply dressed in everyday garments and his usual fur cloak, he checked himself one last time before looking for the Autarch, something not hard to do given the commotion that usually surrounded him when he visited the streets. Long chestnut hair properly tied behind his back? Check. Full beard relatively clean and tidy? Check. Custom forged longsword from Madina tucked properly in its leather scabbard, yet forward enough to be visible as both warning and display? Check.

He was ready, then. He could see now the circle of curious folks and flatterers surrounding Solomon at a prudent distance. Clearing his throat, the robust yet small man, barely clearing the 5'3 feet barrier, opened a way through the circle, making a slight nod of deference to his liege before going straight to business.

- "Autarch, it is a pleasure to see you here. I will not be taking too much time from you, worry not. Do we know by now whether we will be fighting men or Daimons?"
Kophyn D'Espana (Knight of Golden Farrow)
Roleplay from Solomon Greybrook
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
"Sir Kophyn, what a welcome suprise. I am pleased to see you. To the point, no, it is not certain. Yet, this build up of arms will serve either purpose. I think I will give negotiations a couple more days, if there is no indication by then, we will be ready for war once more. In comparison, I would rather see to it that the Zuma are dealt with sooner than later. How are your forces?"
Solomon Greybrook (Autarch of Tol Goldora)
Roleplay from Kophyn D'Espana
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
"The pleasure is all mine, my liege. My forces are refitting and repairing, both as provisions and equipment go. We should be completely ready to move out on a full day, perhaps half a day more than that. I may also be able to add some more soldiers to my army, though only if they volunteer to do so. One hundred and thirty-four of them is more than enough to be spending gold on recruitment, for all of it is to go to their repairs or their payment."

A half-side grin appeared on the man's face.

"And worry not, Autarch. They will be ready to kill, be it mortals from this world or Daimons from the other one. They will keep up the pace, that I guarantee you."
Kophyn D'Espana (Knight of Golden Farrow)
Roleplay from Solomon Greybrook
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Solomon grinned as he looked to the Knight of much experience: "Excellent news - the war shall be over soon, one way or the other. Let's hope the Daimonfolk not want for much! Can I help you with anything else Sir Kophyn?"
Solomon Greybrook (Autarch of Tol Goldora)
Roleplay from Kophyn D'Espana
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Kophyn returned the grin to his lord, content that he was pleased by the progress. "There is not much else I need help with, my liege, though I could certainly appreciate the company, if your schedule allows. I was thinking that, since my captain is already taking care of the repairs here, I would pay a visit to the temple of the Tidemother while I am back home. It has been a long while since I spoke to the Tidespeaker, and I would wish to do so while I have the chance. Not that you need my permission to move around in your city, of course, but I would not mind your presence there as well"
Kophyn D'Espana (Knight of Golden Farrow)
Roleplay from Solomon Greybrook
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
"A good idea, let us travel to the church, I assume the Tidespeaker would be happy to see us."
Solomon Greybrook (Autarch of Tol Goldora)
Roleplay from Darren Rea
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Gold coins clinked on wood, the only paltry four he still had to his name. Biting his lip, he used his thumb to push two coins across the table to Bernard, and then the other two to Alera. They had gotten halfway across Farrowfield when the news of the demon had come, and had had to turn around before they had even made it past the realm's border. It had been a long shot anyway, as Darren was in no state to make any money. Word had come down that he wasn't to even leave the city walls, so they had been staying in a single room in one of the smaller inns. He looked at the wood of the table, refusing to meet either of his retainer's eyes.

"That's your pay for the week.... and all I have left. You best both go find some work, that won't pay for much in the city of gold. I'm sure you both'll find good work quickly, you have both always been great."

What could he do for them anymore, anyways? Couldn't pay them, couldn't even pay for himself, and completely unable to even pick up an odd job to live on. The Zuma would be coming for his head; he should have sent them looking for work the moment he'd returned, instead of holding on. Darren held his eyes to the wood grain on the table, trying to hold back tears.

"Sir." Alera's voice was soft. Her hands entered his vision, both reaching out to rest on top of his remaining hand.

"You don't need to pay us, Sir." Bernard's gruff voice made Darren look up. Alera was smiling slightly, and Bernard sat cross armed.

"But-"

"No buts, Sir." The healing woman leaned back, and picked up one of the coins in front of her. "It's two coins a night here, so we have two nights to come up with more money. Both of us will pick up some work in the morning." Bernard nodded in agreement. Blinking away tears, Darren looked to the little window, trying to compose himself. He didn't deserve them.

"Thank you."
Darren Rea (Noble)
Roleplay from Darren Rea
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
That night, he ghosted from the Inn, his last two coins left inside, he, just another beggar on the streets. Dominic wouldn't bring others down with him. The cool Autumn evening kissed Darren's cheeks, as he made his way to the other side of the city. The Tidemother temple had a fire they always kept going, and the wall outside of it stayed warm most of the winter. Plus, he was sure even if he was caught drifting, Eddie would let him stay by the wall anyway.
Darren Rea (Noble)
Roleplay from Darren Rea
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
"Oy, git up"

Darren cracked his eyes open, and was greeted by a pair of shoes peaking out from the crack between his hood and the ground. Warmth flowed through his back, the stones of the temple's fireplace acting like a heater. He'd bunched his cloak around him, leaving the back open to the stones, and had been sleeping in extremely comfortable warmth all night long. Now, a voice had found it's way to his little paradise.

"Oy, yur not supposed'ta be here, git!"

The cloak was his shaded one, alternating broken dark patches weaved chaotically across the entire thing would break his shape up during the night.....too bad it was apparently sometime during the day. He pulled the hood out of the way of his face to grimace up to a small, pot bellied man in a monk's smock. Ah, he'd been caught drifting already. That had been fast. The area behind the fireplace was gated with a small gate, and rarely did anyone come back here. With a grunt, he pulled at the thin chain at his neck, and was quickly rewarded with the tinkle of a broken clasp. With another, only slightly more awake grunt, he chucked the chain, and the ring that normally swung from it, at the man's face.

"I can be here. Gib that to Eddie, and go away. She can even keep the damn thing, ss not like I need it."

The man blinked, taking a moment to recover from being beaned in the face with a ring, before leaning down to pick up both ring and chain. He would have chastised the stranger further, but one look at the ring stopped him. While he didn't recognize the heraldry, he knew a noble's signet ring when he saw one. He licked his lips, before hurrying inside the temple to ask the Tidemother what to do.
Darren Rea (Noble)
Roleplay from Gwyn
Message sent to Everyone in the vicinity of Upper Via
The adventurer once again moves to the tree line, peeking out at the daimon army now just sitting in Upper Via. The bunny, while beautiful from afar is somehow the most intimidating thing Gwyn the silent had seen. The parade of humans worshiping it seem to dance in a myriad of colors sure to distract anyone from the horrors he had seen when the Zuma were hungry.

From the southeast, out of the mountains an older man approaches bearing a strange flag and wearing a military uniform that he didn't seem to be comfortable in. Pausing just out of reach of the Zuma, he planted the flag and gave a friendly wave and a bow. Gwyn did not know his history, or he might have recognized the Asylonian flag that once flew over these lands. He might have also recognized that the old man was actually a noble from the lost kingdom. Curious was that the man waited several minutes and then continued on his way, as if it were nothing but a casual hello to an old friend.

Eyes. Once again, Gwyn tensed and darted back into the depths of the hills.
Gwyn (Commoner)

A Parade of Colors

Roleplaying Event from Kettle
Message sent to Everyone in the vicinity of Upper Via
The rabbit had paused for some time, noting those who came and went. Listening. Watching. Eating. Lounging. Scratching. Defecating.

One human had approached and spoke of a time past, the human realms come and go in a blink. It had a vague memory, but was of little concern. The rabbit merely smiled politely and waved its claws a little. It did however let out a small chuckle at the mention of fireballs being thrown for miles. The time for pausing was over. The human had mentioned that someone waited in another region to discuss things.

A loud screech echoed across the miles, and the brightly colored expedition upped it's encampment, and continued on their way.
Kettle
Report from Leander Keswick
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Kettle is nearing Golden Farrow. She will be in the capital before the army can return.
Leander Keswick (Viscount of Lavendrow)
Request from Solomon Greybrook
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Nobles Auron, Kenneth and Lovette,

In light of Kettle's advance, I ask that you garrison the city of Golden Farrow encase the worse situation, rather than come on campaign. This requires your military units to be present. While the Viscount may suggest that all is lost, I do disagree. Although it is not optimal, seeing noble commanders standing behind the walls will make the Daimon think twice.

Regards
Solomon Greybrook (Autarch of Tol Goldora)
Report from Solomon Greybrook
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Tol Goldora,

The Zuma ruler Kettle has arrived in Farrowfield. I have been granted special dispensation to travel through Eidulb to return to the capital. While it pains me that I have to leave the siege, it is for our cause.

If the Zuma leader wishes to meet, I shall on behalf of Tol Goldora.

Regards
Solomon Greybrook (Autarch of Tol Goldora)
Roleplaying Event from Kettle
Message sent to Everyone in the vicinity of Tol Goldora
A large procession of brightly colored humans and a few smaller Daimons enter the city. In the centre, standing tall above all the others, was the large, brightly colored fluffy rabbit known as Kettle. She glanced around as they all marched forwards, runners returning with details of the city as they make their way to the largest square they can find.

As the arrive, Kettle stands on her rear legs, nose to the air, claws reaching high, and lets out a piercing shriek.

"We shall be waiting a short while for someone to come and address us regarding the situation that a messenger brought news of quite some time ago." The beautiful, high born noble female voice proclaims, "Someone inform us of our accommodations while we are here. I trust they are well prepared and stocked as you have had such notice of our coming."
Kettle
Letter from Mandolyn Aurelle
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Greetings

Oh my... We are so screwed.

Maybe the storehouses at the harbor can handle those daimons' size. Everything swept clean, soft drapes hung to cover roofs and walls, rugs and pillows aplenty for the floors, marmites to cook them meals... Now that I think about it, it should have been obvious, yet it didn't cross my mind that they would decide to stay!

Best regards
Mandolyn Aurelle (Viscount of Kybcyell)
Report from Solomon Greybrook
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Tol Goldora,

The Daimon Kettle has arrived in Golden Farrow. They shall be sheltered and taken care of in the grounds of the Royal Palace estate. I have instructed Priest Lionel to guide them there. I shall arrive by latest sunrise Sunday I hope. I am travelling by ferry so many things occur.

Regards
Solomon Greybrook (Autarch of Tol Goldora)
Report from Solomon Greybrook
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Viscount Mandolyn,

We are not in trouble. The Zuma shall have appropriate accommodation while they are here and will have access to the Royal Palace estate, which should emphasise the seriousness and appropriate nature of these talks.

I hope they can understand they pardon my delay.

Regards
Solomon Greybrook (Autarch of Tol Goldora)
Roleplay from Lionel Itausson
Message sent to Everyone in Golden Farrow
Message sent to everyone in Golden Farrow (7 recipients) - just in

Upon hearing the piercing screech Lionel rushed out from the temple and down to the square. He had heard tales of the creature, but seeing it in person struck fear deep into his heart. Lionel had never been one for confrontation, at times like this he sorely missed his older brother.

Plucking up the little courage he had, he bowed deeply before the rabbit and addressed it:

'Our esteemed guest, though I am but a humble priest of the realm and scarcely fit to debate with you, I assure you our Navarch is riding back to the capital as we speak and will no doubt be here soon. In the meantime I can offer you any room of your choosing in the palace for you and your followers. Perhaps you might like the royal suite?'

He remained knelt on the floor, hoping his words would appease the daemon for now.
Lionel Itausson (Knight of Itaufield)
Letter from Calypso Hwitt
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Brethren,

Though I am loathe to give any aid to the daemon filth, in the interest of the safety of the people of Golden Farrow I of course offer the use of my estate should no other suitable accommodations be found. It is not extravagant, but is well stocked and equipped.

Sincerely,
Calypso Hwitt (Dame of Golden Farrow)
Roleplay from Darren Rea
Message sent to Everyone in Golden Farrow
The man had never returned, so Darren had gratefully been sleeping on the wall of the Tidemother temple for days. The cool winter winds had started to blow over the harbor, and the night time temperatures had proven to be almost cold enough to get past his cloak, even supplemented by the warm wall that it was. He lounged on the wall, letting the warmth emanate deep into his bones. The stones also had the excellent trait of being able to scratch his shoulder blade, which had been itching like mad for the last two days. The wall could only do so much, however. Where would he find shelter for the winter? It wasn't far -

The screech cut through him, colder than then even the harbor chill.

Kettle.

He found himself upright, and halfway down the small alleyway nearly instantly. Fear shot through him, and he ran, and ran, and ran. Past shops, houses, taverns and guardhouses, he ran from the screech. His wits didn't catch up with him until he reached the Northern gate to the city. A breath, and he stopped, still shadowed in an alleyway near the gate. It was open, and people were moving in and out of it on daily business. He could run, right now. All he had to do was walk through the gate. Sweat dripped down his nose. No one would stop him, no one would even recognize him, dirty and haggered as he was after days on the street.

All he had to do was walk through it.....
Darren Rea (Noble)
Report from Solomon Greybrook
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Dame Celena of Westgard has chosen to observe the encounters with the Zuma here in Golden Farrow. While this is certainly spy worthy, if anything goes wrong, we have a clear foreign observer to explain. Regards
Solomon Greybrook (Autarch of Tol Goldora)
Roleplay from Lionel Itausson
Message sent to Everyone in Church of the Tidemother
Lionel watched as a crowd gathered in the wake of the rabbits passing, a sea of frightened faces who had surely heard legends of the demon, but never quite believed them. Perhaps now was the perfect time to deliver his first sermon? Stepping up onto the lip of the squares fountain, he raised his voice to the crowd.

'Good people of Golden Farrow, do not be alarmed! These demons may have reduced countless cities to ash and bone, but those cities were not blessed by the Tidemother! She will not let any of her children suffer at the hands of these void-abominations!'

This seemed to do more harm than good, and many of the townsfolk ran away in tears - most likely off to pack their bags.

Well, it had been worth a shot. Lionel began the walk back to the palace, surely someone there would be in need of guidance...

'You lose 1380 followers who reject your words and have lost their faith because of them'
Lionel Itausson (Knight of Itaufield)
Roleplay from Darren Rea
Message sent to Everyone in Golden Farrow
It was right there, all he had to do was walk though it.....

The gate loomed in front of him, the road to the north stretching as far as the eye could see. Still, he sat in the shadows of a nearby ally. Why shouldn't he just...leave? He closed his eyes. He knew why, and he knew he couldn't run from this. He hung his head, for a moment, taking a deep breath. With renewed purpose, he straightened, opened his eyes, and began to make his way down the main road, toward the center of the city. Maybe it wouldn't hurt anyone else, if he just talked to it. Maybe-

Rainbow fur arched up on a house, some ways into the city in front of him. Darren stared at the monster's back in horror, joining most of the peasants on the road in stopping to stare. It moved, back below the roof line, and Darren found himself breathing out, hard. Elements, how was he supposed to stop that? Slowly he made his way back to the Tidemother temple, the peasantry chattering excitedly around him as he walked. Again, he entertained the idea of just running....until he saw a small boy run into his mother's arms, laughing. That beast would kill everyone in the city indiscriminately, if he left. He had to do...something, anything.

As the Tidemother temple came into view, a short, thin man pushed his way past Darren, a short mumble of "King's messenger" the only excuse. Darren stopped, and blinked. Ah, Eddie must be here, he supposed. Trailing the messenger into the temple, he slunk behind the man, looking for any traces of the Tidespeaker.
Darren Rea (Noble)
Roleplay from Dartholomey Nifelleisca
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Somewhere alone in a pub's private booth in Libidizedd, Dartholomew was sobbing quietly into his hard cider. His thoughts wandered across many a depressing subject...

The recent battles had been rather much for the young knight. He was still feeling the aftermath of those battles, and his wound. The scary sounds. The frightening sights. Soldiers he had sailed back and forth with were...not here anymore, he told himself reflexively to the intrusive memory.

A memory of the charge against the fortifications only brought a floodrush of memories from the second big battle of him sallying forth to get closer shots and exposing himself to archer fire in front of his realmmates. The terror of the arrows landing as they attempted to retreat. He angrily kicked the table and slammed his fist at the same time, shouting in angry-pain. He barely recalled his realmmates likewise slaughtering the enemy by archer fire. No, he grabbed his blanket and held it close while thinking sweet thoughts about the giant, cuddly bunny to distract him from the terrors of combat.

His stomach growled. But apparently not distract from his hunger.
Dartholomey Nifelleisca (Knight of Lavendrow)
Roleplay from Edelyn Luitolf
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
The Ignoble and the Hare

A ragged, dirty, disgusting man was brought into the church right as the renovations had completed. Ragged clothes covered this man who was well known to the priests even if they never knew his name. The only distinctive article of clothing was the old ranger cloak, a mottled green, brown, and grey affair that fused together in ways that once might have made good camouflage but now was so dirty and dingy that it was useless. His face was so caked in grime that one might not even notice how red and puffy his original skin was, and he stunk to a level the priests naturally assume some of it might actually be his own waste. This man, who claimed to be from the Rea family, was always demanding to see the Tidespeaker, and most priests had forbidden it based on his appearance alone. The last almost had him arrested, thinking he had stolen some lord's ring based on his looks, but this was enough. Finally, they would see her once and for all and she would finally make the call of what to do.

As the pair walked through the doors to Edelyn's office, the stench flew into her nose immediately. The priest did not even take the time to introduce this mand properly, only mentioning that he was the one with the ring and turned to leave.

"Wait," The Tidespeaker called through a clenched nose trying not to hurl, "I know it is hard to believe but I know this man. This is Master Darren, and the ring is real. Have him bathed, nay scrubbed, and I will talk with him after."

The priest gazed about the room, unsure about how to answer, hoping to find something, anything to help him counter his Tidespeaker. Slowly his eyes settled back on the woman behind the desk, staring at him with a darkened leer from behind both hands over mouth and eyes tearing.

"Did I stutter, have him scrubbed!" She exclaimed through a muffled screech.

What seemed like hours passed for them to return, Darren now visibly clean, dressed in little more than a spare acolyte rob. Edelyn had spent this time having Zoisme going around and gathering presentable clothes that appeared to be more for a preteen than a man in size, but they would have to do. The priest presented Master Darren once more, having little to say other than a couple of simple sentences. "Tidespeaker, we had to throw out the bathwater three times before we could truly start to make him presentable. Thankfully on the fourth tub, he was finally clean, even if that water was black as well."

Edelyn rose, and glided across the floor, the overwhelming stench was gone, he even smelled a little like pink posies. "You may go, waveweaver."

"As for you Darren..." Edelyn waited patiently for the priest to leave the room before finishing,"... lose the robe. That is not what you will wear to the hare."

"Uh, aren't you going to leave, Eddie? It's not proper for a lady to see..uh.." Darren spoke, cheeks blushing to the put that his entire face beat red rather than just in red splotches.

"Oh Darren, you don't have anything I haven't seen before. Besides, I must help you put on the clothes. I could turn around until you have undergarments on if seeing offends your delicate sensibilities."

"Uh.." She was right of course...he probably couldn't even get the undergarments on without help, so sheepishly he agreed.

Reluctantly, Darren started to remove the robe, using his hands to cover the private parts. Edelyn grinned slightly but was respectful enough to not overly stare, instead, she grabbed the undergarments and helping him put them on, snapping and pinning them in place. Once his nakedness was covered, and he was more comfortable, she went over and took up the rest of the clothes. They put him in high waisted trousers, black, crisp, clean, and crisp. This was paired with a pure white undershirt, with a maroon overcoat, velvety smooth in texture. Methodically she started to brush all the tangles from his hair, while the flat iron vice was heating over the wood stove in the corner. Finally, when it was warm enough, she took it to his hair and made his hair nice and presentably curly.

"I must say, you clean up good, Darren. You look like a real dignitary. Just one last thing," She said as she pulled out her own powder puff. She dabbed him in the face a few times, trying to get the few red splotches away, before finally hitting a third more forcefully. "There, perfect. To the hare then." as the two left the temple for the palace.
Edelyn Luitolf (Tidespeaker of the Church of the Tidemother)
Letter from Dartholomey Nifelleisca
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
When are we going to go see the bunny?
Dartholomey Nifelleisca (Knight of Lavendrow)
Letter from Solomon Greybrook
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
The Daimon hasn't said a word for days.
Solomon Greybrook (Autarch of Tol Goldora)
Letter from Calypso Hwitt
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Brethren,

Every second that filthy creature remains in the capital is a further affront to humanity and to our nation. I have only recently seen it after returning to Golden Farrow and it is as horrid as the accounts have told me. An insult to the natural order.

If not for the order to leave their disgusting kind be, I would do everything in my power to kill the being known as Kettle and everyone of its Deamon ilk in the Tidemother’s name.
Calypso Hwitt (Dame of Golden Farrow)
Letter from Impi Wolfvern
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Oh you wish to doom all of us with your ignorance to the danger kettle is. Have you not heard of their kind and the damage they can afflict before we even reach them. They can hit farther than the best arrow can be shot. They stronger than any force equalled their strength. If you choose to rouse Kettle I hope your are its only victim.
Impi Wolfvern (Earl of Itaufield)
Letter from Calypso Hwitt
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Earl Impi, I am no fool. I will follow our command and do nothing to rouse their ire. That doesn’t mean I have to like it.
Calypso Hwitt (Dame of Golden Farrow)
Roleplay from Edelyn Luitolf
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
The long-awaited ship flying the flags of their Tol Goldoran adversities had finally arrived. It was smaller than the official meant to meet them had assumed, barely a sloop, maybe a frigate, but nothing like a ship-of-the-line. I only carried the Ambassador meant to negotiate, Edelyn, her escort, Svari with a small contingent of troops, and the galecallers that Edelyn had refused to sail without. Edelyn tensed, memories of the events of her last visit filled her mind, she grabbed Svari's hand and squeezed tightly for reassurance. After a few moments, she closed her eyes and through gritted teeth disembarked the ship after releasing her escort's hand.

Dressed in a chain shirt over an aketon, brown leather leggings, with her curved blade known as a paramerion at her hip, and her dark blonde hair tied up messily with a ribbon, Edelyn looked more like a warrior than a diplomat. Her stoic protector stood next to her, hair tied haphazardly in a bun, drowning in dark, black leather armor with a large sword slung across her back. Svari is almost a full half a foot taller than Edelyn as the greeter from Astrum approached, and both of their green eyes gazed into him, none of them speaking for a long pause.

"You must be new to diplomatic negotiations. I am Ambassador Edelyn, here to speak with your Archon to officially end the war. If you would take us to where we would be staying, I would be grateful. I clearly need to make myself more presentable." Edelyn spoke in a very dry and direct tone, clearly wanting to get this meeting over with.

The greeter nodded and bade them follow. "We have a place for you to stay in the sea district. It is a place for newer nobility, and normally we would put a dignitary such as yourself in the North ward, but we know of your faith from before and thought you might feel more comfortable near the sea given the goddess you worship."

Swiftly the two ladies were led away from the docks toward the Sea ward and the building in which they would be staying. Along the way, Edelyn spots it, and a sly smile spreads across her face as she looks up at Svari and points. A certain place that they had discussed in letters, with men and women performing questionable activities, smiling faces peered out at them as they passed by looking on curiously. Finally, the building they were being led to was before them, and the greeter led them to their rooms. Edelyn's room was bigger, and more inviting than Svari's who was down the hall. Slowly, the wagon train brought in the suitcases that Edelyn had brought into the room that looked freshly cleaned and decorated top to bottom.

After the Greeter left, Edelyn turned to Svari, "You know what happened the last time. Would you consider staying here with me rather than in your own room? It would make me feel more comfortable. I know it's not much, but there is that couch over there one of us could rest on if you are not comfortable in the same bed."

The woman beside her smiles for the first time since they had arrived in Astrum territory, assuring her kindly “Why ever wouldn’t I want to share a bed with you?”

Edelyn smiled at the remark but did not speak, instead going behind the privacy screen to change. She wanted to get this meeting over with quickly, and as such, she started to slowly slip out of her traveling armor. After, she started to pull on the white dress embroidered with gold, and rather form-fitting but not tight. She then pulled a thicker belt around her waist that was held together with a golden buckle and finished off the ensemble with a deep purple shawl worn around the neck and draping off her right shoulder. Finally, she topped it off by letting her long, blonde hair hang free, a small golden circlet pinned on the crown of her head.

Coming from behind the privacy screen, she looked at Svari. "Come, my amazon, let us head out into the square and have a look around. Maybe get the lay of the land for later, then head to the palace to get this over with."

“Lead on, Ambassador. Wherever you wish to go, you will be safe with me”

With that, Edelyn put her arm through Svari's, and the two left the quaint room to explore the city of Mimer on the way to their meeting.
Edelyn Luitolf (Ambassador of Tol Goldora)
Roleplaying Event from Kettle
Message sent to Everyone in the vicinity of Golden Farrow
The colorful Rabbit screeched once more. “Solomon, you knew exactly why I came here. This is the second time the same human under your command has intentionally provoked us. This time stolen from us. You now give me the same words that you gave me last time. What is their worth? They clearly meant nothing the first time. That human returned and again took actions against us, again found themselves in our dungeons. Your word would seem to hold little value. As seems a trait amongst a few of you here. The one that laid down his fancy sword, claiming loudly for all to hear that they were presenting it to me as a gift, but never actually giving me the opportunity to take it, instead whisking it away when they thought people wouldn’t notice. But I’m sure it will be a great tale they can tell, that they offered the beast their weapon. Just another lie. ”It was a long journey here, and I am in an irritable manner at this time, do not just give me words that attempt to appease that we have already seen cannot be taken for any substance.”
Kettle
Request from Solomon Greybrook
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Tol Goldora,

I wish to quickly identify the noble whom falsely gave the Zuma ruler their family sword before taking it away. You have proven to give a great deal of offense by doing so and put me in a great predicament.

Identification will be appreciated.

Regards
Solomon Greybrook (Autarch of Tol Goldora)
Letter from Lionel Itausson
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Navarch, I'm unsure what the daemon means, as I witnessed with my own eyes Lord Obelix leave his sword as a gift at the feet of the daemon. I'm not sure why it thinks he took it away.
Lionel Itausson (Knight of Itaufield)
Request from Solomon Greybrook
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Lord Obelix,

Do you still intend to give your family heirloom to the Ruler Kettle? If so, ensure that the item is in Golden Farrow.

Regards
Solomon Greybrook (Autarch of Tol Goldora)
Report from Obelix Pilesar
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
I have given the gift lord. And it was left at the feet of the Great Rabbit. I am not so foolish as to take it back.
Obelix Pilesar (Margrave of Dizeddo)
Letter from Brigitte Tempest
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
I don't see why we don't just make some rabbit stew, as grotesque as it would be.

Why are we entertaining a daimon ruler anyway? Regardless of what one man did he is still a man. If we would trade one man to a daimon for security where does it end??? Before long we will be feeding them children weekly giving up our humanity.

Giving into the demands of the Zuma would only prove that Tol Goldora is a realm of slaves to daimon kind.

I say NO to whatever it wants, drive it out.
Brigitte Tempest (Dame of Golden Farrow)
Roleplay from Edelyn Luitolf
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Dame Bridget, I knew I liked you. While true military actions might be ill-advised, better to take the fight to their turf, we should definitely not trade a human life to appease them. Even if that particular one was in the wrong. There are other ways to deal with it. Autarch, I implore you, do not allow the rabbit to eat one of your citizens, including yourself, unpunished.
Edelyn Luitolf (Ambassador of Tol Goldora)
Letter from Calypso Hwitt
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Brethren, Dame Bridgette has the right of things. The daemons of the Zuma are the enemy of all mankind and to submit ourselves to them is to damn us body and soul. I raise my voice along with Dame Tempest in that we drive out this daemon on it ilk from our capital. There are those who no doubt will claim we cannot overcome even this small number, but I say those individuals lack faith in their brethren. Let us set upon this daemon filth and kill it while it is in the capital! Let it be an example to the rest of its misbegotten kind that Tol Goldora, indeed, all mankind will not submit to them.
Calypso Hwitt (Dame of Golden Farrow)
Report from Solomon Greybrook
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Tol Goldora,

While I agree with many of the opposed views with the Daimon in the capital, we are not in a position right now to do something about it. I am handling it.

This doesn't mean that we won't. Trust your ruler and keep this in mind.

Regards
Solomon Greybrook (Autarch of Tol Goldora)
Roleplay from Solomon Greybrook
Message sent to Everyone in Golden Farrow
"Ruler Kettle, you seem to misunderstand. The heirloom of Family Pilesar was not unique in any form, it did not have magical properties attached to it. Scribe!"

In that moment, a scribe hurried over with a cloth wrapped weapon:

"I was told that this was left at your feet. Please take it now, the Lord would of wanted you to possess it."

The scribe took the invitation to place the weapon down between the two rulers:

"Regarding the matter of the noble, I shall say this plainly. If you wish to take vengeance or justification for this slight, inflict it upon me. As his ruler, I am the one who is responsible for him."

Clipping off his cloak and armour, Solomon unshackled himself from his protection, standing a few paces from the rabbit with only his cloth uniform, his longsword sheathed as well as his other accessories.

"Do what you must do, for it is for the better of my people."

Solomon gritted his teeth and looked into the Daimons eyes. There was defiance in his own yet, it was only the second time he was truly afraid of the Zuma. The first was in the Barrow Peaks where he confronted the Zuma General after they fought against the rogue hordes together. Yet, this time he had no soldiers, no captain, no protection. Completely at the mercy of the Daimon, his cross to bear.
Solomon Greybrook (Autarch of Tol Goldora)
Roleplay from Darren Rea
Message sent to Everyone in Golden Farrow
Silently, he'd followed Eddie through the streets of Golden Farrow, fidgeting with his ring. Eddie had had him scrubbed from top to bottom, and he hadn't worn such nice clothes in several decades. His ring had been returned to him, the chain repaired, and the grime of thousands of miles cleaned from it. Thankfully, at least, his trousers still had pockets, and Nibblers rested in the right side, a small, cool ball of undead mouse that pressed into his side. As they got closer and closer to the Zuma, Darren found himself itching his shoulder blade more and more. It had been itchy ever since the beast had made it's way into the city; the small, unremarkable rabbit's paw scar had opened up from his thumbnail some days past. Before he knew it, the Palace rose in front of them, and a few words from Eddie, and the guards let him inside. Eddie had stopped, citing a need to go to Astrum, and left him at the doors. Alone now, and with directions from a guard, he inched through the castle, making his way to the gardens. Just before he made it to the exit of the building, he heard a low voice, and he paused, flattening himself just inside a decorative archway.

".....better of my people."

Solomon. Darren paused, and waited in his hidey-hole, carefully waiting to hear from the beast that was surely nearby.
Darren Rea (Noble)

The Confrontation

Roleplaying Event from Kettle
Message sent to Everyone in the vicinity of Golden Farrow
The Rabbit’s ears twitched before she looked down upon Solomon and regarded the cloth wrapped weapon placed before her. She laughed briefly at the small squeal given by the scribe as they ran quickly back after placing it down.

”I had thought, with the grand gestures that human made when presenting this, that it was something with special properties, that is probably why I did not notice it and thought it taken. I do not recall a time I have been gifted a human family trinket before.” She says something indistinct and one of her Groomers walks forward to take the item and move back amongst the others. Her beautiful voice continues as her colors slowly ripple through pastel shades, “We have been here before Solomon. You made promises, you have assurances. I let you take the blame for the actions last time. I was very clear that your realm would be held to account if any such thing happened again. Did you intentionally invite me into your city, thinking to impress me or distract me?” Her claws clatter together as if in frustration or contemplation. ”A proper talk needs to happen, a proper action taken. Perhaps that one should come and stand here with you.” She stands on her back legs, towering over everything as she turns her head sharply and stares directly at Darren.

”You are marked, I know where you are, come and join us.”
Kettle
Roleplay from Solomon Greybrook
Message sent to Everyone in Golden Farrow
Solomon was pleased that the Zuma took the family heirloom, yet the words of soothing notes did not ease his anxiousness nor the fear, especially at the mention of Darren:

"Ruler Kettle, the previous action I let my subject take responsibility. His arm got stripped of which he has to live with. The difference here, with my respect, is that I am the one taking responsibility now, for my own lack of oversight. There are no distractions or favourable impressions. After the confusion, I want us to be able to articulate clearly. Which is why I should take this punishment, not my subjects. What proper action would you request?"

Tensing, Solomon made a few strides forward, taking into consideration the size of the Daimon in front of him. Solomon cursed in his mind for Darren's loyalty but for his own foolishness to let this happen once more. The cavalier looked in the direction of which the Zuma insinuated, hoping to catch a glimpse of his vassal.
Solomon Greybrook (Autarch of Tol Goldora)
Roleplay from Lucius Navaar
Message sent to Everyone in Golden Farrow
For most, a rabbit towering over the city streets would be terrifying. Yet the two men making their way through he palace grounds seemed unfazed by the multicolored extravagance of fur filling the air. Lucius, the Vestarch, kept a straight and stoic face as he walked alongside his uncle, the old noble that once made his home in these lands. Each step brought back years of memories. How to fight Daimons, how to survive a Daimon, how to expect the unexpected. Even if the Zuma were different, he had no thoughts that they were just as deadly. Velden, humming away as they walked was full of bright eyes and a grin. As he would say it, he had already stopped to visit Kettle several days ago in Upper Via, and thought to wear his old Asylonian gear once more for the second visit.

Guards and servants alike were scrambling away, peeking out where they could, waiting to see if they would all die, and hoping that what they may see could give them that extra moment to escape. A number tried to straighten and salute as their Vestarch passed by, but just as many were too focused on their current problems. As they approached the gardens, the old warrior glanced in the general direction of Darren, not looking at his hiding spot, but in the direction the air seemed to suggest another person was hiding. His grin widened, and he continued on with Lucius.

Lucius was not stopped by the guards as he stepped into the gardens and found himself face to face with Kettle. A strange creature to be sure, but having heard the descriptions, only the size was out of the ordinary. Glancing to the Autarch, he caught the man's eyes and gave his ruler a nod, hopefully communicating that someone on his council would stand here beside him. He quietly took a place, not far from Solomon and waited quietly to see if he would be addressed.

Velden however was not so silent. His uncle, standing beside Lucius waved to the massive rabbit. "Greetings again, Great Existence, Kettle!" Before they had spoken of days past, and now he was here to see the great Zuma once more. "I came with my nephew this time," he said, pointing to Lucius.

Lucius rolled his eyes at his uncle and gave Kettle a deep bow. "A pleasure to meet you, Kettle, Leader of the Zuma." He kept his bow for a long moment, knowing full well their capabilities should Kettle turn angry. "My apologies for intruding. I am the Vestarch of Tol Goldora, a Judge if you will. If we are to have judgment passed upon our people, I feel it is only right that I come here."

Relaxing his posture, he knew no amount of tension would free him. "None deny your anger, mighty one, or your right to it, but perhaps, when you have finished, we may speak of the future today? Not just under threat or destruction, but as a better coexistence. I am new to the role, but I would like to see us get along in the future."

His uncle, stretching beside Lucius, chuckled. Much as they deny it, the Navaar children are much like the Calanars before them. They show as little fear as possible, and like to be in the middle of problems.
Lucius Navaar (Vestarch of Tol Goldora)
Letter from Roose Bolton
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Esteemed Members of the Realm,

Many of you were not there when the Great Western Blight made nothing more of us than fleeing refugees seeking a safe place; you don't comprehend the level of destruction the Zuma can bring. They are not to be trifled with, they are infinitely more powerful than all the realms of Dwilight combined. Antagonizing them will assuredly result the annihilation of our realm.

So when some of us tell you to stop messing around with the Zuma, it's because we have our continued existence at heart.

Leave them be, and don't go sneaking around their land without express permission. Sir Darren what you did was brash and unmeasured, it almost looks as if you're intentionally trying to harm us. You're lucky the Zuma aren't already feeding your corpse to their pets as an appetizer; and our realm the main dish.

Appease them and let them be on their way back to their land. Their presence can only harm us at this time.
Roose Bolton (Sakellion of Tol Goldora)
Roleplay from Darren Rea
Message sent to Everyone in Golden Farrow
By the Elements his shoulder itched. Darren was slowly rubbing the back of his shoulder blade on the nearby rough stones, listening to the Demon speak. 
   ”You are marked, I know where you are, come and join us.”


Fear, like a winter's wind off the bay, crossed his torso and he paused his itching to take several, measured breaths. Solomon was saying something, but Darren missed it, trying to calm down.

It knew he was here.

Dominic wouldn't show fear.

A few more breaths, and he poked his head out from behind the archway, to see the monster staring him down with all of its glittering, beetle-like eyes. It's grotesque head-claws seemed to have minds of their own, slowly moving about while he watched. Solomon was strangely un-armored, and also staring at him. Darren tried really hard not to flinch as he came around the archway, and painfully slowly made his way forward. They had a few exits, at least. The gardens had several maze-like paths, and the archway led back to plenty of man with very sharp swords. That is, if they could survive long enough to get there. Several escape plans raced through his head, even as he tried for a nervous smile. He rose his remaining arm in a half wave as he made his way across the space.

"Greetings, um," Damn, what had the little rainbow men called it? Flame-something? "Flamescreecher Kettle." Darren tried to bow a little, but the effect was muted since he was trying to walk to Solomon at the same time. Diplomacy with massive, people eating monsters really wasn't his strong suit. Thankfully, he made it to Solomon, and he had a few heartbeats to figure out what to do. The two man didn't get to see each other in the flesh often, but the concern etched across Solomon's face was plain. It must not be going well. Eyeballing the pile of armour off to the side of his King, Darren turned to once again face the beast.

"I heard you talk about, er, 'proper action,' um, Kettle." Darren swallowed the urge to call it 'beast.' He'd seen the sheer number of rainbow people around the city as they had made their way to the Palace. The bloodshed would kill both soldier and peasant alike. He had to stop it from hurting anyone else. The armor pile came to mind, and he amended his thought. Anyone else, especially Solomon. Silently, he wished for his leathers, and a good sword, but Eddie had dressed him up like a doll, and proper noble clothes didn't have space for his weapons...even if he could keep a grip on one. Again, he cursed Cotys for smashing his hand, and the beast in front of him for his missing arm. Talking was his only remaining weapon anymore. He swallowed down the fear, and spoke loudly and clearly to the rabbit.

"Kettle, I was not in your lands to steal from you. Just because I can, doesn't mean I did." By the elements, its eyes were unsettling. "I was training some of the men that are not your...." He glanced at the nearby Groomers, "uh, your people. They asked for help from me to protect themselves from rogues, and they were willing to pay me a lot of gold to do so. I have been travelling the entire island doing that for years now, to help make gold for Solomon." He took just a moment to breath again. "I do not know why your people attacked their camp, but I do know I was only spared the spears because of our talk the last time." Darren reached up, squeezing the shoulder where his arm used to be. The few strips of oily, rainbow skin that remained had been all that had saved him from death that day.
Darren Rea (Noble)
Roleplaying Event from Kettle
Message sent to Everyone in the vicinity of Golden Farrow
A noise that sounded like pleasure came from the beast as more people came to stand before her and gave their introductions. Then Darren appeared, and was watched every step he took, and he spoke and the sound changed.

The sweet voice spoke, “What have you done with the gift I gave you?” The claws clattered and a rumbling came from deep with the Rabbit. “Then you stand before those who rule your realm, you stand before me, and you lie!” She turns her gaze on the judge, “You show promise for a human, not degrading yourself in an attempt to appease me. It is right you should be here. A question for you all: do you think the people in my lands have any fear of rogues? Would any of you care to give any word to support this wretched creature that wears your emblem?” Her claws motion towards Darren as her coloring darkens with her mood. ”Do all the people here support this Darren creature? Or do you condemn it and what it did?”

She turns again to stare at Darren, claws close to his head.
Kettle
Roleplay from Darren Rea
Message sent to Everyone in Golden Farrow
The screech from the beast startled him, even though he had been prepared for a poor reaction. As the beast spoke of his arm, he found himself whispering to himself. "It made me sick." It continued to condemned his words, and Darren found his lip curling, ever so slightly. How dare this creature call him a liar? Here he stood, trying to reason with a Demon, to save countless innocent lives, and it in it's ego, refused to even entertain the idea that the information that it had might be wrong? He found himself stepping out from Solomon, heedless of Lucius, Vestarch or not.

"Kettle, your gift nearly killed me. A friend of mine's healers only just saved my life, and as you can see," He shook his missing arm's shoulder, "I was still wounded." A note of acid entered his voice, "I can't rob a blind old woman anymore, Kettle. I can't even hold a sword for more than a few blows. I can walk, and I can teach. You have people in your lands that are not your," He gestured at the Groomers again, "natives. They needed my help, and I gave it. Ask your people where they found me, Kettle. Why ask a bunch of nobles that were not there?" Foolishness, or bravery perhaps, found himself less then a step out of reach from the rabbit. He leaned slightly closer, and whispered to it. Disdain colored his words then, his voice dropping to a nearly accusatory note.

"I have a question for you, Flamespeaker. Why are your people slaughtering good-natured humans? Because they happen to live, peacefully, in forests you plant your flags? Do you even know what's happening in your lands? Or are your rainbow friends not sharing that bit of information?"
Darren Rea (Noble)


Roleplay from Calypso Hwitt
Message sent to Everyone in Golden Farrow
Calypso had returned to Golden Farrow a few weeks ago. As a Thunderborn of the Tidemother, the presence of the Voidborne creatures in the city had disturbed her, and though she knew well the fearsome strength of the of Zuma, she had wanted to be...present. Just in case this "Kettle" and or any other of its disgusting ilk attempt to hurt of the people of the city.

So she had spent most of her time drilling her soldiers, or training hard in the academy, or praying for the deliverance of the city. She had worn her armor at all times, kept her soldiers at constant readiness for sign of attack or treachery, for that was all the could be at the heart of such creatures. Calypso had beheld Kettle only once, surrounded by its sycophantic slaves mewling around it like flies buzzed around a cow. The creature was...disgusting, in every sense of the word. A mockery of elegant form, profane in its garish colors. Calypso had felt physically ill after seeing it, refusing to eat that night.

She was working in the academy when one of her soldiers informed her that the Tidespeaker Edelyn had escorted a certain noble, Darren Rea, to the palace to meet with Kettle. She had grabbed the man by his tabard and yelled in his face, "Why wasn't I informed, damn you!" At this she ran from the academy to the nearby palace, just in time to the Autarch, Darren and others arrayed before It.

"Do all the people here support this Darren creature? Or do you condemn it and what it did?”

Calypso did not know Darren Rea, in fact, she had never met or interacted with the man at all in her life. But she could read between the lines of what the creature was saying. Fury made her cheeks flush as she began to walk quickly into the courtyard, yelling as she did so,

"I, Calypso Hwitt, Knight of Golden Farrow, Thunderborn of the One True Deity the Tidemother, speak in his defense! For no true Knight would never abandon a fellow Tol Goldoran, even in the face of annhiliation!" She stomped over to the creature and stood a few feet beside Darren, her armor clanging loudly against the cobblestones, "I say assuredly that no true child of Mankind would ever abandon a brother before monster, undead, or even a creature such as You! Any action of which he stands accused is irrelevant! For it is written that the Tidemother gave the lands and the seas for Mankind and each of us carries inside us the spark of Her divinity! So no, Kettle-creature, I will not condemn him for he is my Brother. In Humanity, in Arms, and in divine Soul, he is my Brother!"

Calypso stood at the ready, breathing heavy. She dare not reach for her weapon, but kept her arm tense, ready to move in Sir Darren defense as quickly as she could. She knew she feared the creature but could not let the fear control her, for the Tidemother was with them, in that she had faith.
Calypso Hwitt (Dame of Golden Farrow)
Roleplay from Celina Stormreaver
Message sent to Everyone in Golden Farrow
Watching with bated breath from the safety of the gathered crowd, Celina runs the full gauntlet of emotions watching the display. From awe of the creature, to fear, to being impressed by Soloman's grace under pressure, to fear again as the Autarch sheds his armour and offers himself to the 'bunny', to something resembling relief, to concern and then all the way back to fear as Darren spoke.

Gripping her hand-fan reflexively, another hand feeling for an absent blade at her hip that has her muttering about being in a dress, she watches the proceedings with growing concern. This was a volatile situation at best and somehow she didn't think Darren knew what or whom he was speaking to judging from his tone and accusations. While not making her way further from the interaction, wanting to be just close enough to hear but still safely from distinction in the crowd, she does mark the exits and plans her withdrawal should this turn sour.

At the very least she felt she was unlikely to have her lovely white dress splattered in blood from this distance...
Celina Stormreaver (Dame of Gelene Outskirts)
Roleplay from Lucius Navaar
Message sent to Everyone in Golden Farrow
Lucius looked from Kettle, the Zuma that had paid him what he assumed was a great compliment from their kind, to Darren, Calypso, and finally to Solomon who had been silent so far. Still stifling his exasperation at Calypso's sudden outburst, Lucius shook his head. If that's the qualification for humanity, then maybe I am no longer human, he wondered, standing calmly in the face of death, and chose his next words carefully. "Great Kettle, you want honest answers from someone. No maybes clouded by a thousand words. Let me start by saying that I do not think your people fear much of anything, be they rogues, humans, or even deities, and I know little enough about Darren's spare time activities to say I know whether he is truthful or full of it."

The old man beside him seemed to be nodding along with his words. Velden grinning in silence.

"For Darren's actions, I condemn him for going about them in the worst possible way. For not reaching out to you before acting within your borders, and for not being honest with the council as to where he was going and what he was doing there, causing a international incident with our neighbors. However, I will support his reasoning. He did this to demonstrate his convictions to his his people, the same reason you are here now, Exalted Kettle. And, I might add that while your people certainly have no fear, they certainly do need the training, evidenced by the fact that you are here, seeking the one-armed man that gave your guards the slip."
Lucius Navaar (Vestarch of Tol Goldora)
Roleplay from Aerin Daubney
Message sent to Everyone in Golden Farrow
Aerin piped up from her short distance away "I, AERIN DAUBENY SUPPORT SIR REA AND I SUPPORT ANY MAN OR WOMAN IN THIS REALM, SO AS LONG AS I AM BREATHING I WILL NOT LET YOU HURT HIM OR ANY OTHER HERE, YOU DETESTABLE HELLSPAWN!" The young Dame Daubeny kept her longbow close at hand, she was fifty meters away from this creature, she wasn't scared of it and she didn't see a single reason anyone else should be. She stood tall and proud, the Daubeny banner stabbed into the ground beside her, she had notched an arrow in her bow and waited.
Aerin Daubney (Dame of Farrowfield)
Roleplay from Solomon Greybrook
Message sent to Everyone in Golden Farrow
"Ruler Kettle, if that is what Sir Darren did, we believe him so. Yet, the matter withstands that in your lands, if this is not his right, it is your word that must be taken into matters. So, I think it makes little consequence what we think, but great consequence of what you want. Therefore, once again, what do you want in compensation? I have already offered myself, the highest authority in this realm. So, please answer this. Only then we can actually discuss a consequence of action." Solomon was concerned with the claw so close to Darren's head, yet, the situation could not go on, it needed to be ended before it escalated.
Solomon Greybrook (Autarch of Tol Goldora)
Roleplaying Event from Kettle
Message sent to Everyone in the vicinity of Golden Farrow
The giant Rabbit looked from person to person as they spoke, her colors shifting as each spoke, she could be heard snarling at some of the comments, her claws catering at a faster pace.

"Lucius, as you called yourself, I shall discuss with you as the others seem somewhat lacking in sense and understanding. It seems some of your fellows think that going into the lands of another realm, taking gold and making up any flimsy excuse is a perfectly acceptable action. More than one of them has proclaimed this loudly and clearly in their support for the thing called Darren's behaviour. "Is it perfectly acceptable for this to happen?" She glances around at her contingent of Groomers, scattered around the area, "That is a very important question to be answered. By you, and those that have claimed it is acceptable behaviour." She looks directly at Calypso, Aerin and Solomon in turn, "You, you and you. Do you say that it is acceptable behaviour? For someone to be in a realm that is not their own, to not communicate with the owners of that land, and to take it into their own hands to 'earn' themselves gold from that region? A simple yes or no is all that's required here."

She then shares her look between Solomon and Lucius, gesturing occasionally at Darren with her claws, "Whatever happens next, be very clear that this one, the thing you call Darren, is never to enter lands of ours again. If he is captured in them, his life is forfeit. If he is seen but not captured, or if he escapes capture, then we will raze some of your lands. Control it, ensure it follows its instructions this time."
Kettle
Roleplay from Solomon Greybrook
Message sent to Everyone in Golden Farrow
"We agree to those terms Ruler Kettle."

Solomon nodded and gestured to the gate of the gardens:

"Let me escort you to the gate of the city or the harbour. I appreciate the opportunity you have given us."

As Solomon began to walk, he sent the scribes away to disperse the gathering and to obtain any other meetings he was requested for later that evening over dinner, for it was invited to all nobles whom asked.
Solomon Greybrook (Autarch of Tol Goldora)
Roleplay from Lucius Navaar
Message sent to Everyone in Golden Farrow
Solomon just tried to wrap everything up and start preparing to leave? Lucius began cursing in his mind. It's no wonder the Zuma treat us like children and refuse our efforts to expand. He took a deep breath and looked at Aerin and Calypso again, still suppressing yelling at them for being fools. Neither of them would ever be allowed to negotiate for his life. I'd have better luck with a noose and a joist. Maintaining his calm, he turned back to Kettle.

"Great Kettle," Lucius began again. "It's an honor that you deem me worthy of further conversation. As we continue, I ask that you not take great offense to their beliefs," he said with a gesture to Calypso and Aerin. "This is their first time being confronted by someone of your stature, and I'm sure they are torn on how to behave." He stepped closer to Darren this time, building some momentum for his words and a moment to think. "We all want to see this ended. Our Autarch agreed to the terms of what would happen should you ever find Darren in your lands again. With that in mind, I'd like to confirm that his life is to be spared, first and foremost," he stated. He grabbed Darren by the collar and pulled him back from Kettle, and found himself standing between the claws and their target.

"This time, Darren has made a mistake that threatens more than himself. His actions threatened all of our people, yours included," he addressed the Zuma with its many eyes watching him. "Recently, I have taken up the mantle of Judge to make this realm better. I would like you to rest assured that if you catch Darren in your lands again, it will not be Tol Goldora that you need to show he needs controlling to, because I will help hunt the man myself after I strip his right to our banner." He glanced back to Calypso and Aerin with a faint smile. "My fellow Goldorans are good people, and they have good intentions, the right intentions, but as a leader of the realm I cannot weigh one man's life above thousands."
Lucius Navaar (Vestarch of Tol Goldora)
Roleplay from Aerin Daubney
Message sent to Everyone in Golden Farrow
Aerin strode forth, fearless in the face of this strange Daimon. She stopped a short distance now only ten feet away, her hand hovered next to the glaive sling over her back.

”For any man to rob, thieve and hurt another man is a crime unforgivable, I would happily punish any who cross that line.”

Aerin sneered “But you aren’t human, your people are monsters, creatures of shadow and malice unworthy of the same respect demanded by a mortal man. You creatures who throw their hellish weight around to bend the wills of mortal men, there may be some mortal men in your domain, mad men I suspect who worship you and your Zuma and if not they I doubt they are better then slaves.”

Aerin glared deeply at the creature, her disdain for the Zuma was almost tangible “House Daubeny swore to protect the mortal realms of men from such monsters, it’s why we left out Isle home. But it is as the Autarch wills it, I’ll abide these terms as I sure any other loyal Goldoran would, but if you ever come knocking on our door with violent intentions, then I will happily answer the door, sword in hand.”
Aerin Daubney (Dame of Farrowfield)
Roleplay from Calypso Hwitt
Message sent to Everyone in Golden Farrow
Calypso gave a dark look to Lucius when he responded to Kettle's question. The man had always seemed a stalwart one in her limited interactions with him, but she would not soon forget how quick he was to sell out his own to the Zuma creature. When the Dame on side of the courtyard, Dame Daubney and the Autarch both spoke in Ser Darren's defense she felt more confident, but she never tore her eyes away from Kettle. Calypso knew well those claws could likely cut her armor like butter, and so to underestimate the creature could spell death.

"You, you and you. Do you say that it is acceptable behaviour? For someone to be in a realm that is not their own, to not communicate with the owners of that land, and to take it into their own hands to 'earn' themselves gold from that region? A simple yes or no is all that's required here."

Calypso considered her next words carefully. She raise her eyes to meet Kettle's own, and suddenly thought back to the first Siege of Libidizedd, when the plank of the siege tower had dropped onto to the wall...how she had stared into the eyes of hundreds of men that wanted to kill her. It had been like staring into the void of death itself. This was like that, she thought in that moment. But she had faced death before.

It was only a second though, and she replied defiantly, "Sir Darren's actions need no justification. He is Man, given the water of life by the Tidemother, and that is enough."
Calypso Hwitt (Dame of Golden Farrow)
Roleplay from Solomon Greybrook
Message sent to Everyone in Golden Farrow
Solomon glared at Lucius and internally sighed, needing to make a note to talk to the Vestarch later. Not wishing to make a divisive showing, he waited by the gate and did not interrupt the flow of the conversation.
Solomon Greybrook (Autarch of Golden Farrow)
Roleplaying Event from Kettle
Message sent to Everyone in the vicinity of Golden Farrow
The Rabbit reared once more to its hind legs, its claws swinging so close as to cause Solomon's hair to blow. She lets out another high pitched shriek before thumping to the ground, her colors dark and swirling as her beautiful voice once more carries for all to hear, "Lucius. Are you the judge in a realm of weak minded imbeciles? Of those here speaking, you are the only one who has not either lied to me or shown themselves as a fool, or both. I had thought perhaps the reason humans had their separate castes was so that only the brightest amongst them could find themselves responsible for anything."

She turns her head sharply to Solomon, her claws snatching him back as he starts to walk away, "Those were not terms for the issue I came here about. Those were facts stating what would happen if the events I spoke of were to happen in the future. No, you do not get off with just a nod and turning away from me. No, there must be proper reparations for the insult caused by your realm, by your noble, and now by those fools who speak as if they are better than me. None of you could even answer the simple question I posed, so I raise it again:" She pauses until there is silence and all are paying attention, "Is it acceptable behaviour for one to enter another's lands, unannounced, and take gold from those lands? A simple 'Yes' or 'No'. Not wittering on about your simple minded racial prejudice or such. Just that answer."

She looks once more at Calypso, Aerin and Solomon, and waits.
Kettle
Roleplay from Aerin Daubney
Message sent to Everyone in Golden Farrow
Aerin stood her ground as the Daimon thumped the ground, she notched and arrow and drew back her bowstring, aimed and level with one of the creatures many eyes. “You do not touch the Autarch again, lest you be blind in an eye.” She hadn’t expected such anger nor wroth from this beast but she shouldn’t have been surprised. Aerin glances to Calypso and back to Kettle before sighing and with great contempt in her voice announced “No, it’s not acceptable.”
Aerin Daubney (Dame of Farrowfield)
Roleplay from Calypso Hwitt
Message sent to Everyone in Golden Farrow
From Kettle’s reaction it was evident the situation was far from over. Infuriatingly the creature kept going in circles, either not understand or refusing to understand what she was saying.

Calypso was trying to keep her emotions in check, the tension in the courtyard was seeming to reach a crescendo quickly.

Her anger flashed again as Kettle reached out her claw to the Autarch and she reflexively grabbed the hilt of her sword, starting to draw the weapon before Kettle released her liege, and she let go.

Again the rabbit demanded an answer and Calypso spoke more forcefully, “Yes! And I warn you creature, do not touch the Autarch again without permission!”
Calypso Hwitt (Dame of Golden Farrow)
Roleplay from Masalu Auru'in
Message sent to Everyone in Golden Farrow
Kettle paused until there was silence and all were paying attention, "Is it acceptable behaviour for one to enter another's lands, unannounced, and take gold from those lands? A simple 'Yes' or 'No'. Not wittering on about your simple minded racial prejudice or such. Just that answer."

She looked once more at Calypso, Aerin and Solomon, and waited.

Calypso's anger flashed again and she reflexively grabbed the hilt of her sword, starting to draw the weapon before Kettle released her liege, and she let go.

Again the rabbit demanded an answer and Calypso spoke more forcefully, “Yes! And I warn you creature, do not touch the Autarch again without permission!”

Masalu simply chuckled, addressing not the giant mutant doom-rabbit, no, but the Lady who answered with a warning.

"So is acceptable for Masalu take gold from you? No repercussions? Okay, prove this. Give Masalu coinpurse. Now."

The grizzled old foreigner extended the palm of his hand with the impatient expression of an elder with a point to make.
Masalu Auru'in (Knight of Gelene)
Roleplay from Lucius Navaar
Message sent to Everyone in Golden Farrow
Lucius sighed. There was something about the chaos that was exhausting. Another newcomer. He clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white. Oh, I really hate people right now. Fines for everyone. Maybe a night in a cell! "Great Kettle, would you be horribly offended if I said I did not want to comment on the people here? I worked hard to get this far, and I'd like to keep my position so that maybe we can continue to coexist after today. Rest assured, that these two," he gestured to Calypso and Aerin, "hold about as much authority as the weapons in their hands right now, and hopefully remember their orders not to try to engage with you, and this one," he said with a gesture to the Westgardian that had ventured into the palace grounds, "has nothing to do with our lands." Best leave the man to Calypso for opening her own mouth. A number of guards had moved in towards the Autarch in a desperate gamble to protect the man. Lucius gave them each a look that said, 'protect, but do not interfere with this conversation if you value your lives.' "They," he said, meaning the two Goldoran nobles, and the guards, "merely wish to look after their leader. Now, once the Autarch shakes off his sudden adventure back over here and gives you your answer, why don't we talk about what you are looking for in reparations. You came here with some things in mind, I presume." He glanced back to make sure Darren was still behind him. "I really cannot offer Darren's life, but I'm open to hearing your demands that we may truly negotiate."
Lucius Navaar (Vestarch of Tol Goldora)
Roleplay from Solomon Greybrook
Message sent to Everyone in Golden Farrow
As Solomon headed for the exit, the piercing screem followed by wind and then a cold claw seemlessly venturing down the back of his tunic. As the Daimon talked, Solomon was forced to face the rabbit once more.

Shocked by the audacity of the Daimon to even do such a think, he noticed that one of his tunic's threads and been cut. Thorough this, an idea in his own head was finally severed. Once an itch, it has begun to fester for a while. Yet, with the sweeping of claws, it came to finally break, Solomon chuckled at the realisation, at the humanity of it:

"No, it is not acceptable, yet, we are in different times now. The scrolls indicate as such."

He scanned the crowd that had formed, nobles of the realm, both courageous and foolhardy - it is the way of his people perhaps.

"I am now formally asking you to leave my city and lands, Ruler Kettle. It is time we move on from this matter. I do not take kindly to threats, or using humans as your tools through your claws. Any resemblance of compensation you wished to gain was lost the moment you laid your hands on me."

Solomon appreciated the Vestarch's approach, yet, the Autarch hoped they possessed a mutual understanding.
Solomon Greybrook (Autarch of Golden Farrow)
Roleplay from Calypso Hwitt
Message sent to Everyone in Golden Farrow
In the middle of the tense meeting, another noble had walked up into the courtyard, the man’s livery and dress easily signified him as a foreigner.

Calypso gave her reply and the man had the nerve to ask for her coin purse, like this was all some kind of joke. She dare not draw her eyes away from Kettle, especially now that it had manhandled the Autarch once and so she simply gave her hissed reply to this interrupting foreigner,

“Silence yourself, you...you...whoever you f**king are!”

It was the first time Calypso had ever, in her memory, cursed aloud to another person, and she was internally grateful that her face was already flush.

“You know nothing of what has been spoken of here and the specifics of what has been discussed, so either prepare to help defend Autarch Solomon or get the..Hells out!”
Calypso Hwitt (Dame of Golden Farrow)
Roleplay from Masalu Auru'in
Message sent to Everyone in Golden Farrow
Masalu, scholar of Zuma lore and seeker of the Hidden God, simply glares.

"Spawn of a three-legged goat... You stare at weed and ignore entire harvest! Zuma doing you favor, and always Human behave like insect."

With that, he turns about-face and walks away. Halfway through his stride, he smiles.

"If Zuma here and city not in ruins, see the gift you are offered. Buzz less, think more. Good day, little insect."

With that, the old man retreats to the outskirts to watch the band of buffoons pretend they hold sway over a living demigod who could obliterate their entire kingdom if that were its actual purpose here.
Masalu Auru'in (Knight of Gelene)
Roleplay from Bartimus Chamberlain
Message sent to Everyone in Golden Farrow
He had been in D'hara months but was yet to truly come to know many if his compatriots. Arriving at the tournament grounds he found himself filled with a sense of wonder, unfortunately not at the architectural qualities of Golden Farrow, but at the army of Daimons he had had to pass on the way to the Inn. Not a man for wine, he bought a large flagon of ale in the first house he reached. "Hope not to meet any of those big buggers come the competition or I think I shall find myself royaly shafted." He remarked not to anyone in particular.
Bartimus Chamberlain (Margrave of Nebel)
Roleplay from Darren Rea
Message sent to Everyone in Golden Farrow
Words from all sorts had been flying back and forth, but the moment Lucius had moved his shirt, Darren had been itching the back of his shoulder like mad. By the Elements, what was it about this damn scar- 


   "You have been marked -"


He took a lengthy pause, closing his eyes, still ignoring the mess in front of him. Right. Marked. That....that would make sense. He opened his eyes again, watching the beast from just behind the Judge's shoulder. Why he'd never even considered the stupid scar that looked like a stupid rabbit's foot -

The only thing that stopped him from ducking was Lucius's firm grip on the front of his shirt. A claw swiped past both of their heads, and nearly clipped the Autarch.When had they gotten so close to the beast? Damn it..... He held his breath for a moment, trying to think of a way out of this. Clearly the monster didn't believe him, even if the truth could be easily verified. Both the nobles in front of him were armed, and so was the Autarch, but he'd seen the speed that thing moved. Personally, even three on one, he would still put his bets on the monster. While his years as an infiltrator had made him very fast, he wasn't even sure if even he could stab the damn thing, even if he wasn't as disabled as he was, missing an arm and the other hand twisted.

Damn it.

More words, the Judge making it clear that he would be a problem in the future. If they made it out of this without burning down the city, Lucius would clearly need to be handled somehow. The arrogant man had even called off the guards that had attempted to protect Solomon. Darren pursed his lips, and bent back Lucius's thumb, not too hard, but hard enough to make him let go of his shirt, at least. He may not be able to fight, but damn it, he wasn't entirely useless. Solomon was speaking now, but Darren found himself completely engrossed in plans. When that thing lunged, he would have to trust that the Vestarch and the young Thunderborn would be able to slow it down. While Darren was a small man, he had more than enough strength to drag his damn King out of here. The question was whether to go through the rest of the gardens, into the crowd, or back through the archway.....

As he mulled over escape routes, Darren backed up, watching the monster for any sign of attack, and carefully nudging Solomon to retreat from the rabbit in the direction of the most guards.
Darren Rea (Noble)
Roleplay from Celina Stormreaver
Message sent to Everyone in Golden Farrow
Huddled in her furs as she steps back onto the dock in Golden Farrow, Celina had hoped winter was going to be over before her return despite only being gone for a few days. This time, with only a scribe, maid and squire in tow rather than her unit, she was a little more concerned when she heard the demonic rabbit hadn't departed yet.

"I thought rabbits were supposed to be fast, this one seems more like a tortoise at the speed it gets anything done", she snickers bitterly to her maid as her things are unloaded from the ship.

The cool wind coming off the water had her pushing wayward strands of blonde hair from her face as she hurries her retainers along, asking for directions to the tournament grounds and searching for an inn nearby; hoping she'd arrived early enough to get one of the finer rooms close by.

A few hours later she was warming herself by a large hearth with a cup of wine in hand at an inn she'd not really noted the name of as she escaped the cold winter air. It was evident that this was going to be a very large event given the number of people milling about and she was more than a little excited as this was only her second tournament. Watching the nobles and their various retainers hurry about, she does her best to catch up on the gossip of why Kettle was still there.
Celina Stormreaver (Dame of Gelene Outskirts)

You Wouldn't Like Her When She's Angry...

Roleplaying Event from Kettle
Message sent to Everyone in the vicinity of Tol Goldora
The Rabbit gave a laugh, with an obvious anger included. She stamped her back feet and, along with a thud as you’d hear from a standard rabbit, albeit so loud it hurts the ears, the ground tremors violently, sending those watching trying to catch their balance, whilst those closer by fall to the floor. A nearby building has its back wall crumble and a number of other buildings lose parts of their roofs or walls.

”You really don’t understand your place in things do you,” though the anger is clear, her voice is still melodic and beautiful to the ear. She lunges forwards, simultaneously grabbing and tossing Solomon into one of the trees at the edge of the clearing and turning swiftly to grab the scarred woman in plate armor as she was drawing her sword. Kettle holds Calypso high whilst staring after Solomon’s body, crack echoing shortly after the thud of the hit. He grabs at his arm, which is bent at a strange angle. Calypso struggles but can do nothing in the air as Darren rushes in, plunging his sword hard into the fur of the Rabbit over and over. Kettle tosses Calypso to the ground by her Groomers, “This one stays with us.” Then looks down at Darren and laughs, “You are a pathetic thing, of little worth or interest to any, yet even though you cause such trouble, some of these other simple beings seem to love you. I will devour you from your toes if you ever enter my lands again” she then kicks him away dismissively.

She then turns to regard Lucius once more, “You could teach these people much in correct ways to behave. Your realm will send 1000 bushels of food to my realm. That will end our issues this time. I have been very clear what will happen should it occur again.”
Kettle
Roleplay from Calypso Hwitt
Message sent to Everyone in Golden Farrow
It had all happened so quickly. Kettle had stomped its feet and caused the ground to shake with terrible strength. The sound forced Calypso to close her eyes and it took all of her discipline not to clamp her hands to her ears in an attempt to deafen the cacophony. A nearby side-building of the palace saw its wall collapse, only adding to the growing chaos in the courtyard. Screams and cries rang out from those assembled as most were either dumbstruck by the shaking or gripping their hands to their ears tightly.

She had been able open her eyes and saw the creature rush forward in an instant. She had no time to act before Kettle was on top of Solomon and threw the Autarch into a tree. How can it be so fast!? Calypso just had time to think before she called out, "Autarch Solo--!"

Calypso had gotten her sword half-way out of it's sheath before Kettle had moved yet again. The creature's claw shot out and grabbed Calypso by the neck as she was forcibly lifted high off the ground. The claw gripped her tightly as Calypso tried vainly to pull the chitinous claw from her neck before she felt herself get thrown forcibly across the courtyard. As she flew, she felt her sword fly from its scabbard and go flying in a different direction as it clattered onto to the ground with a clang near to where Ser Darren stood.

She heard Kettle speak as Calypso was thrown, “This one stays with us.” As she flew she had just the shortest moment to register this. 'Oh no' was all she could think

The moment went by quickly as Calypso crashed to ground. Her had swam and she blacked out for a short moment. As Calypso came to, she saw Ser Darren try to stab Kettle, but the creature just kicked him in the chest with a sickening crunch as Darren went flying in the opposite direction before sliding for a short time until coming to a stop as his body was still. Calypso tried to stand, to get to the Autarch Solomon, but felt a foot slam her back down into the ground as one of Kettle's accompaniment forced her back to the ground.

The figure was strong enough that she couldn't rise up, even when she gave it all her strength. She looked out desperately to see that Solomon was still standing as the scene was rapidly descending into chaos. Kettle spoke again to Lucius and made its demand. "Stop! Everyone stop! If it ends this with no one else being hurt, I will go with them! I will go with the Zuma! Lucius, protect the Autarch, we....we can't beat it!"

As Calypso shouted, she felt a shudder go down her spine as she looked at Kettle tower over Lucius. It had acted faster than she could react, and Calypso was no slouch with a sword. 'This will be a slaughter! she thought, as she shouted, "I will go! I will go! Let it end here, don't hurt the Autarch, please!"
Calypso Hwitt (Dame of Golden Farrow)
Roleplay from Aerin Daubney
Message sent to Everyone in Golden Farrow
Aerin was shocked by the speed of the Daimon as it picked up and threw Solomon into the nearby tree that Aerin had previously watched this affair from, the monster then picked up and tossed Calypso to it's hellish groomers and kicked Sir Darren, launching him backwards as he tried to rush to fight the monster.

She gritted her teeth and drew her bowstring back and let fly a silver tipped arrow that stuck into its disgusting flesh, Aerin threw her bow down to the ground and drew her silvered longsword from it's hilt as she ran forward screaming "YOU WILL NOT HURT MY REALM-MATES!"

She tried to sidestep the Rabbit to run forward to save Calypso, sword raised ready to slash down any who tried to stop her, but then Calypso shouted for all to stop and Aerin slide to a halt, her eyes dancing between the Thunderborn, the Rabbit and the Groomers. She gave Calypso a stern glare "I can't let them take you, these monsters will not leave alive, I promised, I swore they wouldn't hurt any of you." Her gaze flickered almost nervously to Solomon whose arm appeared broken and Darren who had been kicked.

The Dame Daubeny stood her ground "Lady Hwitt, your concern is touching but I will not allow this monster to take you." She idly rubbed the symbol of House Blue that had been embedded into the sword's hilt, she thought of her uncle, Hervis, he stood defiantly before the Zuma. So would she.

"I am Aerin Daubeny, Daughter of Marcus Daubeny, on my oath to this realm, I cannot allow you to seize and leave with Lady Thunderborn Calypso Hwitt."
Aerin Daubney (Dame of Farrowfield)
Roleplay from Lucius Navaar
Message sent to Everyone in Golden Farrow
Despite the ringing in Lucius' ears, he still heard the words of Kettle as clear as day. His head pounding, he took in the sights. The palace guards all swarmed the Autarch and were trying to protect him. Calypso was shouting to leave her alone, Aerin was trying to shoot Kettle with a bow to no avail. Kettle demanded a thousand bushels of food. It's still winter. Food stores are short. Calypso could be gone for weeks. His mind raced as he squeezed his eyes shut.

Calypso was shouting. "I will go! I will go! Let it end here, don't hurt the Autarch, please!"

Aerin was trying to be strong. "I am Aerin Daubeny, Daughter of Marcus Daubeny, on my oath to this realm, I cannot allow you to seize and leave with Lady Thunderborn Calypso Hwitt."

Darren had tried stabbing.

Solomon was off to the side, beaten and wounded.

Lucius took a deep breath, and shifted his stance. "Lady Daubney, please be silent or I will silence you before Kettle does."

He hadn't wanted to barter, but there was no choice. As difficult as it was to obtain, he would offer it up. He reached back and slid his hand into a pouch. Slowly he extracted the only item he managed to fit in there, a heavy blanket of ruby cloth. With a what appeared to be a practiced motion, he shook it out into a cloak that he pulled on. The Ruby Blanket was a unique artifact, and the group of nobles and guards quickly began to feel their spirits restoring in its presence, undoing some of the effects of Kettle's fear inducing screech. Lucius met the large bunny's many eyes with burning determination in his own. "I'm sure you understand what I am wearing, Great Kettle. We shall deliver the food as quickly as we are able, however, it is still winter. Food is short, and I do not wish to abandon one of my own, foolish as she can be, as collateral."

Still looking Kettle in the eyes, he took a step forward. "We will deliver the food. In exchange for her," he gestured toward Calypso without breaking eye contact, "I will give you the Ruby Blanket. I trust that you will make good on your promise if we don't deliver the food as much as if Darren is caught in your lands again anyway. Is this acceptable to you?"
Lucius Navaar (Vestarch of Tol Goldora)
Roleplay from Aerin Daubney
Message sent to Everyone in Golden Farrow
Aerin's eyes flicked back to Lucius behind her, she growled "But Vestarch...we can't yield." Her eyes flicked back to the Rabbit and the Dame Daubeny felt herself tense up, she heard footsteps and knew Lucius had moved closer and Aerin could feel her will strengthen.

She sighed but kept her prepared stance with a voice filled with disdain she spoke "Very well, Vestarch, I hope you know what you're doing." The last of the sentence was more mumbled then spoken and Aerin took a step back, sword still leveled and held ready.

Aerin let Lucius make his offer, his eyes burning with determination that Aerin found admirable and in a few ways attractive. Whilst she didn't want to stand down and let the Zuma win but she would if it meant Calypso and Solomon's safety.
Aerin Daubney (Dame of Farrowfield)
Roleplay from Antigone Polytus
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
"My Lord! Are you allright?!"

Antigone exclaimed. Coming back from the tournament grounds, the commotion caught her attention and the first thing she notices is Solomon laying wounded under a tree. Seeing the argument with the Daimon Rabbit continue with the other nobles, Antigone decides to convince the Autarch to come with her to safety and starts to pick him up from the ground, helping him back up on his two feet.

"Let me get you up and out of here, there is no point in facing this creature again, and i think you only half realize how important you have always been for this realm. We cannot afford to loose you. Its imensley brave of you to face this daimon and attempt to negotiate with it, but it is simply not worth your life. We got to know when to stop. Let the others handle it from here."
Antigone Polytus (Dame of Golden Farrow)
Roleplay from Bartimus Chamberlain
Message sent to Everyone in Golden Farrow
Bart, cast an appraising eye. The rabbit was excessively large. He imagined this must be some sort of theatrical display as Dames and Lords ran at the beast with sword and fist, each sent flying hitting trees and what not... that none of them seemed injured by such falls gave a strong impression of the theatrics of the situation.

He wasn't sure at what point he should clap as the rabbit seemed by and large to be winning. Perhaps this was the point.

He regarded the rabbit again with a poachers eye. Give him an eight foot peg and a length of cable and he'd snare the big bugger regardless of its size... roast rabbit at the tournament feast would be an impressive dish.

Their King was sent flying hitting a tree, he raised his flaggon to them in appreciation of the display... surely now was the point where he would get up and slay the beast.

He cupped his hands. "Spear the fuc-" remembering he was a Lord now he quickly adjusted: "arse hat!"
Bartimus Chamberlain (Margrave of Nebel)
Roleplay from Darren Rea
Message sent to Everyone in Golden Farrow
A man shouldered his way into the courtyard, dirty furs covering him from head to foot. A small pack hung at his waist, also clearly made from some unfortunate small animal. He was tall, with intense blue eyes that blazed out from under a furred hood. His rather bush man like appearance was tempered somewhat by the large, ornate scabbard strapped to his back, a simple, leather bound handle poking above his shoulder. The scene before him made his breath catch, and he moved to the front of the crowd, watching the titanic Daemon treat with the surrounding humans. Slowly, he unbuckled his scabbard, moving the sheathed weapon to his left hand. Trouble was brewing, and Darren stood right in the center of it. As he always had.

Darren This time, he did duck, as a chitinous claw flashed above him, nipping Solomon into the air. Vainly, he'd tried to grab for the man, but he'd been distracted, trying to get the other man to back up, to prevent exactly this. Like a snake, Darren rushed for the beast, pulling a sword from the old man near Lucius's scabbard on the way. The Autarch flew, and a sick crack echoed across the small courtyard, and guards rushed for the ruler. The monster went for the woman who had been protecting Darren not a moment before, it's claws seemingly blurring through the air. Others were going for weapons now, but for Calypso, it was too late, as she rose into the air and was tossed towards some of the native Zuma humans. Darren dodged her sword, flying in the opposite direction of her body.

Damn it, this was all his fault. He had to stop it. Dominic would stop it.

While his hand had been mangled, decades ago now by the torturer in Madina, he was still able to grab things by pinching his thumb into his palm. The sword was heavy in his hand, even as he attempted to plunge it deeply into the beast's body, about where a normal rabbit's heart would be. The blow was weak, and Darren pulled back, trying twice more, before the sword clattered from his weak grip. It laughed at him then, a sweet melodic voice ringing about his ears. 


   “You are a pathetic thing, of little worth or interest to any, yet even though you cause such trouble, some of these other simple beings seem to love you. I will devour you from your toes if you ever enter my lands again”


Darren stared in horror, knowing full well he couldn't get away fast enough, as a massive furred foot shot out, and kicked him square in the chest. He had just enough time to think about how much hitting the ground would hurt, before his head, followed by the rest of him met the dirt. He slid several more yards, but the darkness had took him on impact.

When the fighting started, the man had rushed forward. The crowd was standing far back from the proceedings, and before the man could get even halfway across the space, Darren was flying through the air. The man changed course, following the body of the infiltrator unerringly. His hood fell back, short, iron grey hair only broken by a small section of light black hair near the crown of his head. Moments after Darren stopped moving, the man reached him, dropping to his knees, scrabbling at the small pack at his side. Medical supplies flew between the man's fingers, even as he kept tabs on the unfolding events nearby. While they were several dozen yards from the Demon now, he'd seen how fast it moved, and he wanted to be sure to at least see it if it came for them.
Darren Rea (Noble)
Roleplay from Masalu Auru'in
Message sent to Everyone in Golden Farrow
Masalu dodges jagged debris that quite nearly takes his head while sighing under his breath. "No one ever listens to Masalu..."
Masalu Auru'in (Knight of Gelene)
Roleplaying Event from Kettle
Message sent to Everyone in the vicinity of Golden Farrow
The Rabbit once more looks at Lucius, her beautiful voice alluring to all, "Of course you are correct, if the food does not appear, we will return. Once the food is delivered, this one," She motions at Calypso, "Will be free to return to you. A pleasure to deal with one who understands the correct way to be." She turns away, heading back inland, her Groomers following, with Calypso walking in their midst.
Kettle
Roleplay from Calypso Hwitt
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
The moment came and went as the Daimon seemed not to acknowledge Lucius’ offer for the item. Calypso’s breathing was heavy. Things could have gone a lot worse.

The arrow that Aerin had fired seemed to have had no effect on Kettle, seemingly buried somewhere in It’s thick fur. The whole world seemed to wait for a moment as one of the Daimon’s handlers helped Calypso up. She reflexively recoiled from the touch but knew she was surrounded.

The Rabbit seemed to give her a look. Calypso couldn’t tell what it was or how Kettle did it, but she knew she would have to follow them. As Kettle gave her last ultimatum to Lucius she resigned herself to follow. To fight would be death and that could make things so much worse for everyone else.

As the Zuma contingent made to leave, Calypso looked at Lucius, who she knew was a friend of Edelyn, and said “Vestarch, please tell Lady Edelyn I’m sorry I won’t be able to join her as I said in our letters, but that I shall keep the faith.”

As they passed Aerin, still holding her bow, Calypso said, “You are the bravest of the nobles assembled here. I’m sorry we haven’t met before, but know I would fight beside gladly, should the Tidemother allow me. I hope to see you again...”

Surrounded by Kettle’s handlers, Calypso began to walk out of the city, not knowing what fate awaited her...
Calypso Hwitt (Dame of Golden Farrow)

The Aftermath

Roleplay from Lucius Navaar
Message sent to Everyone in Golden Farrow
As Kettle left with its retainers in tow, Calypso giving farewells that may as well have been a last will, Lucius felt weak in the knees. He didn't move, unwilling to show how much that took out of him.

After managing to stay standing for a few moments, he decided he was stable enough to move and looked around him. Solomon was being pulled away to see a healer. First, he spotted Darren. "Darren, when you have caught your breath, we need to have a talk. It'll be short. I promise."

He looked over at Aerin next and shook his head. "Lady Aerin, my apologies for my rude behavior. You deserve better. You and Lady Calypso... were not wrong," he said, there was still determination in his eyes, but also exhaustion. "Unfortunately one of us had to play the villain to make sure we are all safe, and I will take that road a thousand times if it means sparing Tol Goldora from a horrible fate."
Lucius Navaar (Vestarch of Tol Goldora)
Roleplay from Aerin Daubney
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Aerin took a step towards Calypso but was halted as the handlers stepped between the two nobles, Aerin gave the woman a nod and shouted to her as she was taken away "I'll find you, I promise, they won't get away with this."

Softer the Dame mumbled "It's been an honor...Thunderborn."

Aerin stood there, her bow at her side for a while, slowly she turned and glared at Lucius, she stormed over to him grabbing him by the front of his shirt, pulling him close to her.

She growled, hate blazing in her purple eyes, "You're an idiot Vestarch, we had the soldiers, we could have fought, we could have killed Kettle here and now, CALYPSO WOULD STILL BE HERE!" She pushed him back still holding onto his shirt, a single tear rolling down her cheek "I said I would protect you all, I promised I wouldn't let that Daimon win...you let it win and now Calypso is gone, Tidemother knows if she'll ever come back."

Aerin looked ready to punch him, going as far to raise her fist before sighing, looking away in shame as she released her hold on the man "I'm...sorry, Vestarch." She took a step back and turned away from him, with a glance over her shoulder "I understand why, I just wish it could have been different...I'll go see to our wounded."
Aerin Daubney (Dame of Farrowfield)
Roleplay from Lucius Navaar
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Lucius shook his head as Aerin trudged away. He couldn't blame her. Deep down he had fought every urge to tap into his childhood training and start climbing Kettle with his blades drawn. Instead, he stood strong, treated the creature as an equal, and opted for a safer route. A spark of anger tempted him to shout after her, but he couldn't bring himself to it.

The old man that had come with him, his uncle, was picking his sword up from the ground. "You know your friend is unconscious, right?"

Lucius blinked and looked back at Darren. He hadn't heard a word he'd said. The Vestarch sighed and buried his face in his palm. "Perfect. Gods damned perfect." He left a message with one of Darren's caretakers that he needed to see the man when he had recovered.

His foul mood began to overtake him as he left, contemplating the existence of the Zuma. Were they daimons? Or maybe a different breed? He thought of the ones he'd seen in the past and from there his thoughts spiraled...
Lucius Navaar (Vestarch of Tol Goldora)
Roleplay from Solomon Greybrook
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Solomon didn't remember much as he woke up in an unfamiliar bed. There was a ringing in his head and an incredibly uncomfortable cast on his arm. He remembered many voices, some he knew, some he did not. Yet, he knew he flew through the air for a time.

A pile of letters had amassed on a table nearby. Over the days of recovering, he tired to write as many back as he could but still was unable to truly concentrate.

The morning where he could stand and walk once more, he was informed that the referendum was not passed and that the Lord Commander of Westgard wished to see him.

Asking the local scribe to get him something more appropriate to wear, he invited the General to the Palace to his study quarters, although he suspected she was to be disappointed with what he had to say.
Solomon Greybrook (Navarch of Tol Goldora)
Roleplay from Darren Rea
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Palace Courtyard/Garden With the exit of the Deamon, guards pushed forward, moving the crowd back, and healers bearing the Autarch mark rushed in, across all the remaining nobles. The man crouching over Darren pulled back, stowing his remaining supplies, and carefully re-strapping his sword back across his back while he let the healers to their work. A litter was brought forward, the small infiltrator secured and lifted by several hands. The man followed the healers, and despite several attempts to head him off, refused to leave Darren's side.
Darren Rea (Noble)
Roleplay from Darren Rea
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Darren

Consciousness had returned in darkness, and pain. Flame licked his breast with every inhale, and he found his eyes refused to open. Time passed in waves of fire; breath in, fire, breath out, cool, breath in, fire. He was sure there was voices, somewhere far away, echoing between the fiery waves. Days, or minutes, he didn't know, but after some time, the pain began to lessen, and he found himself thinking clearer. The pain was familiar, somehow. Another breath in, more fire. Memory surfaced. Madina. They'd cracked two of his ribs that day, but this....this felt much worse. He wondered how many freshly broken ribs he had from the blow the Demon had landed, even as voices came to him, clearer this time.

"Sir, the Vestarch Lucius would like to speak to him, as soon as he wakes." A soft, woman's voice. Well, at least he seemed to still be alive, and in Tol.

A much deeper voice responded, "The Vestarch will wait until he is rested enough for such a visit, miss. One can not face such matters so soon after such an ordeal."

Darren's breath caught, just for a moment. It couldn't be?

"Sir, I can not bar the Vestarch from this room." The woman again. Darren waited, as still as he could, for the response.

"You will not have to, miss. I will handle that young man, should he come to call."

Darren's eyes flew open, pain momentarily put to the back of his mind. A small healer's room greeted him, afternoon light softly streaming through a nearby window. The large blocks that made up the wall betrayed his location: one of the private rooms in the Palace's hospital suite. Darren absorbed absolutely none of this, however, as he stared in amazement at a man covered in furs, politely arguing with a tall woman in a healer's smock. A weak whisper escaped Darren's lips.

"Dominic??"
Darren Rea (Noble)
Roleplay from Lucius Navaar
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
A messenger had come rushing to the Vestarch's office during the days after Kettle's departure, coming from a healing house. The message was short, but effective. Darren has awoken. It didn't take long for Lucius to prepare his belongings and hurry out the door, following the messenger back. He had been hoping to have a few words with Darren since Kettle had made his first threats, and given his skill set, he wouldn't put it past the man to vanish quietly out a window as he approached.

This healing house in particular happened to have connections with the Autarch, and was capable of keeping their patients' names secret. Lucius looked grim as he crossed the threshold into a foyer full of busy healers moving about their business, checking on patients as they passed. He tried not focusing on the healers or the injured for a moment, but that only gave him a more serious expression as one of the healers approached him.

"Sir! Please, do not lose your temper on the patient. He is still injured," a man said as he came around a corner and found Lucius waiting.

Lose my temper? Lucius decided not to say anything and just shook his head. "Lead on. I'll keep my visit brief if I can." Green eyes kept focused on the floor ahead of him. Lucius had seen plenty of death, but the healer's tent was where death took a second chance, and it decided whether or not it wanted to take its time. He'd seen too many die in a place like this and it never seemed to get easier when he felt at fault for not doing a better job with Kettle.
Lucius Navaar (Vestarch of Tol Goldora)
Roleplay from Darren Rea
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
"Dominic?"

The intake of air after his exclamation burned like fire, and he gasped in both pain and lack of air. Dominic moved to his side, and grabbed his hand, holding it tightly as the younger man gasped.

"Yes, Darren. Breath in shorter breaths, brother. You have several broken ribs."

After several minutes, Darren's breath quieted, and came in much thinner, shorter breaths. He couldn't stop staring at Dominic, alive, if a little older and a few more scars.

"Ha....ow?"

Dominic smiled softly.

"Did you really think a few hired thugs could hold a Rea man forever? We were taught better knot tying by Mr. Huddered!"

Darren couldn't help himself, and he managed a short bark of laughter, with it's equal blade of flame through his chest. Mr. Huddered had been a sailing and maps tutor, and one of the few tutors their father had not replaced when he'd had the family home moved. However, growing up in the inland, even on two different islands, meant they only ever learned about how to tie a square knot when it came to sailing. A smile crossed Darren's face. He.....he hadn't killed his brother. Dominic was safe, here, with him, in one of the best protected cities on the island. They were safe-

Darren's moment of pure happiness and relief was interrupted by a knock on the door. Dominic rose, carefully setting his brother's hand by his side, and crossed the room in two large strides. He lifted the latch, and only opened the door a small crack to the assembled people outside. While he wasn't quite sure exactly who was who just yet, he did recognize the heraldry featured on the young, tall man with shining green eyes. Dominic spoke first.

"He just awoke, Vestarch, and I will not have you riling him up anytime soon. Do come back later, Sir."

The Vestarch? Darren coughed, a little bit of lightly pink slobber catching in the corner of his mouth.

"Dom.....lett.....um.....in." Short, pained breaths were the order of the day, it seemed.

Dom's storm blue eyes flicked back to his brother, and the heavy bandages that surrounded him. Slowly, he opened the door fully, and stepped back.

"If he starts to convulse, Vestarch, I will hold you personally responsible."
Darren Rea (Noble)
Roleplay from Lucius Navaar
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Lucius nodded in understanding, he turned to the healer and gestured to Darren. "If the Autarch isn't already covering his medical costs, send them to my office. I'll see them taken care of."

Turning to the storm-eyed man, he gave him an expectant look. "I trust that is acceptable?"

As Lucius entered the room properly, he found a space opposite from Darren where he wouldn't have to crane his neck to see him. In the lead up to Kettle's visit he had thousands of words to yell at this man. After Kettle and the Autarch's shady defense of the man, much of that anger had burned out, and as he stood here, one would be hard pressed to tell he was ever angry, and not merely inconvenienced. Looking over the injured man, it was hard to believe so much happened so quickly. "My apologies for the intrusion. You don't have to talk," he told Darren at last. "And you aren't in trouble either, for the record."

Lucius glanced to the window and the short steps to freedom that it allowed. Even now, he felt some more of the blame for Kettle fell on himself. "I wish the circumstances were better, but I came here wanting to tell you I was sick of meeting you when you were in trouble, but I guess that's no longer the case now," he said with a short laugh at his own poor humor. "It's good to see you on the mend, Darren."

He wondered if Darren remembered that first meeting as vividly as he was hauled off to a cell after falling into the Autarch's feast. Then Kettle. He supposed this might qualify as trouble, but the healers seemed to think he would be fine.

"Part of my visit is selfish in nature," he admitted, telling Darren about Calypso's kidnapping, the unusually tolerated disappearance of Lady Daubney, and of Solomon's fate as well since Darren collapsed. Seeing another of their group healing set his heart at ease.
Lucius Navaar (Vestarch of Tol Goldora)
Roleplay from Darren Rea
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Calypso and Solomon, kidnapped and hurt. All over his mistakes.

Darren hung his head, as best as he could around the thick bandages across his chest, anyway. His moment of elation at the return of his brother vanished in a puff of smoke as he listened to Lucius explain what he'd missed. He had to go help her...

Even as he started to move to get out of the bed, a hand came forward, and grabbed him by the shoulder; following the arm up found Dominic glaring at him. Well, he wasn't getting up with Dom in the room, it seemed. Darren looked back to Lucius. The man was relatively newly minted to the Judge position, yet had still strode up to that beast, and attempted to parley. While he couldn't have known what Darren did for a living, and why the cards had fell how they did, he had still nearly fed him to the Demon. Darren took another, short, shaky breath. Clearly, the Autarch had already spoken to the young fellow, or there would be a lot less friendly visiting, and a lot more arresting, wounded or not. He must know the details now, at least. Darren took a short breath, mentally preparing for the pain each word was about to bring him.

"What....can...I do....to....hel...p?"

He finished in a coughing fit, pink spit flying from his mouth. The fire burned up and down his chest, and it took nearly a minute for the hacking to subside.
Darren Rea (Noble)
Roleplay from Lucius Navaar
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Lucius frowned and glanced to Darren's associate, knowing he wasn't winning any favors here. He often joked that he had to channel Svari in order to maintain his appearance of authority in person, but with the scene in front of him, there wasn't even an ounce of energy to put into it. The Vestarch looked worn out, recent events draining him of what should have been youthful energy. Laying his eyes back on Darren he shook his head. "Nothing. No trouble, nor favors, no lofty quests. If you must do something, take care of yourself. Lady Aerin and I were the only ones unscathed in that encounter, and I am selfishly making sure you are intact, and since they were willing to get hurt for you, the least I can do is make sure you survive this." Lucius paused as a shadow moved from under the door, waiting until it passed and was long gone. "Darren, you seem concerned about my presence, so let me say that yours is a path I almost walked myself. I will protect my home with whatever means necessary and I will see it safe and prosper. With that in mind, I don't particularly care what you do, so long as I don't have to choose between you and Tol Goldora." He'd already made it clear which he would choose. "If you feel you must act, recover, and try not to set foot in the Zuma lands again if you can help it."
Lucius Navaar (Vestarch of Tol Goldora)

Calypso's Quest

Roleplay from Calypso Hwitt
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Whilst the marching slowly continue on its way, another couple of the Groomers approach you. As they come close they seem shy as one offers you some brightly colored clothing options and the other shows you a bright palette of make up and demonstrates painting her own arms and face. 
   ”Would you like? You seem without cheer.”


The past few days of walking had been exhausting to Calypso. Whatever force that seemed to allow the Zuma Queen to rock the ground and make buildings crumble seemed to sustain it, and its attendants, with an unholy endurance. Calypso was no stranger to physical exertion, but 16 straight hours of quick marching for nearly a week straight had left her physically exhausted. Her hair, once well kept in a tight bun, was now thoroughly disheveled and beginning to curl from the increasing heat and humidity as the contingent made its way south, into the Zuma lands.

For as phsyically exhausting as the trip was, Calypso had settled down mentally somewhat. She figured that if Kettle truly meant her direct harm, they would have done so by now, and so the days had settled into a certain routine during the travel. She spent most of her time now praying as she walked, keeping pace with her feet to wile away the miles. Every so often, one of Kettle's groomers would approach her with their overly polite courtesy and try to make small talk. For days she had rebuffed them, but after being provided with pen and paper with which to write her realm mates, she had calmed somewhat.

Most simply wanted to know about her, what it was that she did. Small pleasantries. Calypso was careful to guard what she said. She was under no illusion that these people were not evil. But there was a part of her that relished the contact, any contact, with a human being. She had even smiled. Once. So it wasn't a surprise when another of the groomers came forward as they awoke on the fifth morning as camp was being broken down, this time bearing a number of articles of clothing, in a style they themselves wore, and some of the brightly colored make ups they painted themselves in, and offered them to Calypso.

She would have immediately dismissed the notion, but Calypos was painfully aware that her clothing was in increasingly poor condition. She had been wearing an arming doublet and gambeson with leather pants under her armor, and even with her plate removed, these made poor travelling clothes and the increasing heat and humidity of the southern climate had only increased her discomfort. Calypso thought for a moment as the groomer looked at her expectantly, almost shyly. It was a surprisingly human gesture from the otherwise unnaturally cheerful humans that attended Kettle.

Calypso sighed, and looked at the clothing options. They did look comfortable, she had to admit. She reached for one, a light blue dress with yellowed fabric around it's edges. The clothing was of very high quality, she noted, as she looked at the groomer, "Thank you, I'd like to...change in private though. I will not be seen bare before your contingent. Please wait here." Calypso ducked behind some thick foliage and changed into the dress. The material was light and airy, much more well suited to the climate than her arming clothes, and soon she went back to the groomer. The groomer smiled as she approached, and now Calypso could see that a small posse had gathered around her, and as they saw her that spoke excitedly in their strange language to each other.

They seemed to have taken her acceptance of the clothing as some greater form of consent to their further attention, as one of the groomers quickly took her old clothing and told her it would kept with her armor, as the small gaggle of groomers began to surround her, working quickly with hands and instruments to begin to paint her up like one of them. She began to protest, even jerking away from the first few, but though better of it. She was surrounded, after all, and who knew if they took her resistance as defiance? Within a few minutes the laughing and smiling groomers had finished, and a small metallic mirror was brought forth.

By the standards of Tol Goldora, the look was garish, bright blues and yellows chosen to match her wardrobe covered her arms, and her eyes were shadowed in pale turquoise. Symbols and words she didnt understand were written in the markings, and though it worried her that some magic might be in them, she chose to hold her tongue and simply force a smile.

"Thank you all....it is magnificent. Very...colorful!"
Calypso Hwitt (Dame of Golden Farrow)
Roleplay from Calypso Hwitt
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
So this was the capital of the Zuma. She had asked one of the groomers the name of the city and they had called it Xkalachetzimin in their strange tongue. But they had told her it translated into the common human tongue - Nightmarch. Judging from what Calypso could see, the name was apt.

It was a great walled city, the walls looked as if they were 30 meters tall and were carved from dark basalt. The walls were inlayed with great figures carved from Obsidian that seemed to swallow any light that hit them. There were human figures, seeming to kneel in fealty or prayer to even larger daimonic figures. Some were horned, others were winged, some stretched out their arms toward the supplicant human figures, while others wielded weapons, facing away from their human charges, keeping realistically depicted monstrous figures at bay. The scale of the city was...breathtaking. Not even Golden Farrow could match the titanic size of the architecture she was seeing, it was as if the city had been made for beings...larger than a man. The thought made her shudder.

There was a great opening cut into the middle of that black wall, almost three stories tall, flanked by by two gigantic statues, carved from a dark green stone, like jade or azurite. the figures were daimonic, each holding a spear in their hands, pointed outward from the city wall, as if wielding their spears to stop an incoming charge. These statues were...magnificent, of a level of artistry and skill Calypso had never seen. There was no gate in this great archway, as if the Zuma did not feel they needed one. Another thought that made Calypso shudder.

As Kettle approached the city wall, a great gathering seemed to pour forth from the city, a great cavalcade of humanity. Men, women, and children, each as garishly painted as the last. Well, as Calypso was herself. She had noted in the last few days of travel that whatever it was the Zuma humans used to paint themselves, it did not come off with water or sweat as the colors that covered her arms, neck, and face. They all cheered the return of their master, clapping, dancing, and singing in apparent jubilance. Even dressed as she was, it was obvious she was a stranger among Kettle and it's groomers, staring as she was around her. She noted that many of the humans gathered, and a few of the daimonic eyes in the crowd, followed her with great interest as they made their way under the stone archway.

Now that Calypso could see past the great wall, she could see the multitude of stepped stone ziggurats and pyramids that seemed to make up the majority of the architecture of the city. All of these structures seemed to follow the same rule as the wall - as if they had been built for being of much greater size than men. Despite the alien environment and architecture, it was obivous that this was...a city. There were stalls with wares, food, and cloth that lined this main street. A market was visible to one side, with all manner of goods available from what little Calypso could see.

Kettle seemed to stop for a moment, and the groomers with her. As Calypso stopped amongst them, she could feel the eyes around her staring. There were two human men, around 20 feet away, each wielding a wicker shield and obsidian tipped spear. One pointed her spear at Calypso and spoke to her companion, loudly enough that Calypso could make out what she said, "What is it? It is a warrior, but does it have a name? Why has the Radiant One brought it here?"

Calypso's brow furrowed and she looked one of the nearby groomers, who, noticing her attention, gave their customary smile. "How did she know I was a Knight? And what's this about a name?" Calypso asked, as the groomer looked at the two armed humans, who quickly looked away. The groomer nodded and pointed to the painted symbol on his forehead, and to Calypso's own forehead.

"We are delighted you ask of these things! It will please the Radiant One that you wish to know the way of Zuma! This symbol is who you are. I am groomer, I care for the Radiant One, whose coat outshines the sun! You are warrior, in your strange way. That is what your symbol say. "Warrior in Iron Skinned" but now dressed so nice! And for name..." The groomer seemed to pause, seeming to be thinking of what to say, "Name is personal thing, painted onto heart. It is for the Radiant One and the Great Masters alone, and is not ours to give. But your ways not the Zuma way. Will you get a name I wonder? What would it be!?"
Calypso Hwitt (Dame of Golden Farrow)
Roleplay from Calypso Hwitt
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Pt. 2

The groomer gave his unnatural smile once again as Calypso's mind raced. They had branded her! Why hadn't she noticed that all the groomers had the same symbols on their head? And now she was marked too...who knew if there was some dark magic that played in such things. What if they changed her...made her become like them, smiling that unnatural smile. Calypso gave a silent, desperate prayer, but in this place of dark stone, far from the sea, the Mother of Tides seemed so far away...

In the distance, there was a great rumble, and Calypso looked quickly to see if Kettle was moving again, but saw the daimon was still. It was only then that Calypso saw it, from beyond the tallest pyramid at the hard of the city rose the towering silhouette of a tall mountain, with fire and ash beginning to shoot out of its peak, as great plumes of smoke were shot up into the sky. Amazingly, this seemed to be of little interest to the Zuma around her, who paid the event no heed.

'What devilry could these people stand if such power held no fear in their hearts!' she thought, thoroughly cowed by the awesome display of natures might, and the total indifference of the humans here. She looked around, and for the thousandth time since she had left Golden Farrow, wondered what fate awaited her in this most alien of cities.
Calypso Hwitt (Dame of Golden Farrow)
Roleplaying Event from Kettle
The stream of Groomers and others, welcoming Kettle back home was vast and made movement slow, but they approached the capital and the awe in their guest was clear to them all. Arriving as she did though, wearing Groomer colors and markings, Calypso was welcomed with a cautious friendliness.

As some of the humans gathered round Calypso, there was noticeable questions being raised as some of them pointed to certain symbols, small, that had been repeated in a few places. The one who had painted Calypso stepped forwards with a smile and spoke, first to Calypso, then to those around, "They ask what this symbol means, it is not one from our language," She points to some very small marks scattered in various places, then lifts her hand to Calypso's neck, "I copied from your necklace. The shape means something to you, so I made it part of you for us all to see." Those gathered around nodded their understanding though still seemed to want to know more.

A great space cleared as Kettle herself came across, the ground shaking as she moved. Interesting to note that none of the buildings here seemed to be affected by her. Calypso spoke quickly, the Rabbit seemed to listen, before her beautiful voice echoed with laughter. "We have no gods to sacrifice you to. Any such thing would be simply for us, but I do not believe you would make a good sacrifice for me. There is something about you, that is why you were not harmed unlike that fool that pretends it is a leader of you people. No, you are here as a guest until your realm delivers the food as agreed. There will always be people with you, to answer any questions you may have, and ensure you stay safe here. It is your choice if you wish to take an estate whilst here, or if you would just choose to stay in one of the buildings as a guest. Your letters may have given you an idea of how long your stay will be perhaps?"
Kettle
Roleplay from Calypso Hwitt
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
The crowd very quickly surrounded Calypso when she went to speak to Kettle. They ogled at her and pointed at the symbols painted on her as they spoke to each other excitedly.

Calypso listened to the explanation from the Groomer with some surprise. She looked again at the symbols on her arm and indeed noticed that it was a heavily stylized anchors. Many of them asked her about them, and she felt no problem of explaining the symbol of Tidemother to these heathens, maybe she could save some of them from the control of the daimons.

So Calypso touched the anchor pendant and showed it to those around, “This is the symbol of the Tidemother, the Goddess of the Sea. She gave me peace and purpose when I was in pain and beset by doubt. She controls the storms and the waves and the wind. It was because of her that I am alive...”

Calypso thought back to the early days of the war with Astrum as she spoke, remembering her humiliating capture at the first siege, slaughtering thousands of people in Mimirivair, and losing all the men under command, twice. Dark times, but she had been saved by Edelyn and the Tidemother.

Before long, Calypso felt the ground shake as Kettle approached and listened the daimon spoke. There was much Calypso wanted to say as It spoke. To hell at It for insulting her liege, to reproach It for It’s arrogance in accepting sacrifices...but what It said about her being “special” well, he knew how It thought.

Calypso looked genuinely shocked when Kettle told her she could take an estate in the city. Just the thought left her stammering, “Me? Swear allegiance to you? I couldn’t...I would never...” she shook her head to clear it.

“Yes. I know they have gathered some amount already, worry not for Tol Goldora keeps its obligations. Though...” Calypso couldn’t hide her crestfallen demeanor here, “They might have to wait until summer to send it, to ensure our people are fed. But our people come first! That is duty and honor! I will simply take whatever accommodations are given. I have spent my time in war and do not need material comfort.”

She did her best to look intimidating, despite know she likely looked ridiculous compared to Kettle, but she would not relinquish her pride in this place.
Calypso Hwitt (Dame of Golden Farrow)
Roleplaying Event from Kettle
The beautiful voice carries across the lands as usual, “There was no demand, I gave you options, you are so quick to suspicion and distrust. Show her options.” The Rabbit cast the last comment at one of the Groomers, who hastily spoke with a few other Groomers who then ran off into the city.

The Groomer then turned to Calypso, and beckoned her to follow. The woman smiled as she spoke, “We can provide what you would choose.” As they walked through the streets, the woman pointed to various things, “These are statues of ones we haven’t seen for some time now, Haktoo, a great ruler, Screamer, Silence, Fang Fang.” The list of names and numbers of statues just seemed to continue. Some were huge, others small. Eventually an area of housing appeared, with a statue of a two headed Daimon in the square. ”You can have a dwelling to yourself if you wish? We will provide all food and comfort that you request. Or you could stay as a guest with one of our families? Most of us eat together in the morning and evening, but we understand you may want to eat alone. And you may want to prepare your own food? We will work with you for your best comfort. Only ask.”

She then waited to hear what choices would be made.
Kettle
Roleplay from Aerin Daubney
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Aerin hid as best she could, her men had long since fallen, the few left alive withdrew towards the sea, taking her trail away from their lady.

She was dressed in her leathers with thin light green pants and shirt, she behind a tree and in bushes, she had taken a nasty gags across her side which she had stitched up as well as bandaged.

She waited for a short while for any Zuma to clear the area she was in before moving slowly onwards, she couldn’t make out Calypso amongst any group, she looked to her map a DM nodded with a gulp, already seeing it in the distance.

She knew her only choice was to continue and to make for Nightmarch, she prayed that she would find Calypso there.

Aerin swore she would find the Thunderborn, Tol Goldora might have given up but by the Tidemother and the fallen Daubeny’s watchung from the stars above she would not give up.

Aerin would wait until the sunset then she would move out.

Message sent to everyone in Nightmarch (2 recipients) - 4 days, 4 hours, 44 minutes ago Aerin had made it, she climbed over the last rock and could see the dread city of Nightmarch, colossal and oppressively in design, even from her vantage point she made out great stone and metal statues showing the monstrous Zuma in almost heroic poses, no doubt in an attempt to make them feel more like the false gods they were treated like.

She snuck towards the walls, making use of the fact it was nighttime, to her surprise and relief the Zuma had no gate to their dread city. She crept close to the walls, using the shadow cast by them to shroud her as she snuck closer until she could peek around the corner and look beyond the Gate.

Aerin saw it strange buildings before her, she paid it no mind, she had no time to admire architecture. She crept into the city proper and then deeper and deeper, trying to find any potential lead where Calypso was being kept. Roleplay from Aerin Daubeny

Aerin hid away in the shadows, she had been here for days. In this impossibly large city of strange buildings and stranger people.

Aerin hid down shadowed alleys and on roof tops, she had yet to be truly sighted though she had a few close calls, most namely was the one were she almost ran straight into Kettle whilst rushing out of an alley before the guards could see her.

She couldn't find the plate armored Thunderborn despite all her effort. She looked around from her perch on the rooftop, she saw the same blonde woman, dressed in the strange colorful garb of the Zuma. Constantly people surrounded her, seemingly asking endless questions. No doubt she was some foul leader among these people who were lost from the light.

Aerin's hands tightened around her crossbow as she had done so many time throughout her time in this city, so often she wondered what would happen.

If she put a bolt between that one's eyes.

Aerin noticed one of the Zuma slaves beginning to look up and slide back out of view. She waited for a time before making her way down to the alley below, she waited there when she noticed the blonde Zuma slave walk past and Aerin felt shocked as she saw the familiar that the Thunderborn had across her face, Aerin blinked in shock before she had to back up into the shadows to avoid being seen.

She climbed the roof tops again as the sun was setting, following the trail the scarred blonde Zuma slave left, maybe she was mistaken.

She followed the blonde Zuma to a strange building which appeared to be a house, she waited until all the lights within the building were extinguished. She crept along the roof tops until she found a window in the building she was trying to enter.

She crept inside and slowly snuck through the top floor, gently opening doors and peering inside. After some searching she found the room where the blonde Zuma was sleeping.

Aerin crept in and gently closed the door, she pulled her mouth covering down to her neck and lit a candle she had brought. She walked over to the bed and examined the now quickly stirring Zuma Slave, or at least who she thought was a Zuma slave, though she had been tattooed by the Zuma, the scar, skin tone and the hair color.

Aerin gently nudged the woman's shoulder and quietly and hesitantly asked "Lady Hwitt, is that you?" Aerin's hand went to her dagger. just in case.
Aerin Daubney (Dame of Farrowfield)
Roleplay from Calypso Hwitt
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
A Midnight Rescue

It had been nearly two weeks sent Calypso had first arrived in Nightmarch and she had mostly settled in to the routine. She had spent the first few days confining herself to her quarters, but she had spent much of her time thinking and praying. She had thought long about the relative humanity of the people who lived here. Their ways were strange but at the end of the day, they were just...people. Calypso avoided the daimons as much as she could, they...were another matte entirely.

By the third day though, she had come to a decision, whether through prayer and contemplation, or sheer boredom. Calypso decided that though she had no love of the daimon-kind, she had a responsibility to represent Tol Goldora with honor. Only a fool would deny the power of the Zuma, and having experienced that power herself, Calypso had no wish to ever be on the receiving end of it again. So she had begun to go outside, to travel around the city. She still avoided the daimons where she could, but she spoke to the locals when they approached her. She looked studied the statues lining the road and walked her way through the market.

She had to admit there were some fine goods, and one of the vendors had even gifted her small token, a small carved figure of a knight in plate. Or rather, an imaginative expression of a knight in plate armor. She had been surprised to see that the armor was covered in spikes and skulls, a long sword painted red with blood held at its side. She could see that the figure had been painted to look like her and the vendor had told her, in broken common, "Great k-nigget, take many skulls for heathen-king!" excitedly. 'I that how they view us? Monsters dressed in spiked steel, collecting skulls? What stories have these people been told about us to believe such things?'

This made Calypso think about the time she had aided in the slaughter of the peasants in Mimirivair, and as thought about that sickening act, she hung her head lower. With that uncomfortable thought filling her mind, she gave a polite thanks to merchant and looked at the figure as she walked back to the housing district. It was getting late any way. She ate a small meal, politely prepared by the family she was staying with, and then went off to her room, offset from the others, like a guesthouse.

She got out of her clothes, laying the delicate fabric on a dark ebony nightstand and stared at herself in the dark metal mirror that took up one entire wall of the small bedroom. The groomers had been thorough in their work, and her entire body was now covered in stylized symbols and designs. She had given up trying to stop them, as they always swarmed her like locusts whenever they came by. The paint, she had discovered was not merely paint, but actually dyed the skin, and only came off after a weeks without reapplication. She had gotten used to it, so much so that there was a part of her (a small part) that even like the artistic designs, though she'd never admit it.

She lay down on the bed and laid the single sheer silk sheet over her body. Given the relative heat and humidity of the area, it was warm enough to not need anything more to sleep soundly. Calypso awoke some time later with a start Calypso felt a hand on her shoulder and fully expected one of the Zuma groomers to be bothering her with some damn fool question or another, she didn't know what to expect. Her eyes focused in the dim light to see...Dame Aerin Daubney? Calypso quickly looked around, half expecting to back in Golden Farrow waking from a bad dream. It was still the same dark stone room. Calypso sat up, not thinking to cover herself in her surprise, and quietly reached out to take Aerin's hand in hers,

"Aerin? What are you doing here? How have you come!? Did they take you hostage as well?" Calypso asked, looks of relief, fear, and worry rapidly showing on her face in waves. Aerin gave a rogueish smile and replied in a whisper, "Through the front door, how else? They haven't spotted me yet! It took me a few days to find you, theres no time to waste, put on some clothes and lets get out of here! I can't stay hidden forever."

Calypso gave felt herself smiling as Aerin spoke, in awe of the selfless bravery she displayed, but soon she began to think of the reality of the situation and that reality slammed hard into her heart and mind.

"Aerin, I...thank you...to have travelled all this way...I owe you a debt I can never repay."

"But I can't come with you. I don't know what the Zuma would do if I fled, or if they found you here! I am a hostage, Aerin! To flee would put Tol Goldora's agreement with Kettle in jeopardy..." Calypso slipped quietly out of bed, only half-heartedly thinking about the fact she was standing completely bare in front of Aerin, in all her painted glory. She grabbed the sheet and wrapped it around her quickly and quietly, walking over to the window and looking out of it as she spoke, praying no one was looking in,

"This isn't just about me! If I resist them they could kill me, or even worse, attack Tol Goldora in reprisal. Aerin, I've seen their armies. We could not win such a war! But now you've come and I don't know what that will mean. You say they haven't seen you, but these daimons have more than just the physical senses! I've seen it! Who knows if Kettle doesn't already know you are here! Tidemother damns the sands!" Calypso finally exclaimed, almost losing control of the sound of her voice as the various emotions roiled through her.

She was grateful. So grateful to Aerin for following her here. Another person she could never repay. But Calypso feared that Aerin had marched to her doom, and that thought send Calypso's heart into her stomach. She walked over to Aerin and embraced her, tears beginning to fall softly from her eyes, "Thank you for coming here, but I can't leave, and they will find you! Oh, Aerin they will find you!"

Calypso thought hard, looking for any way she could salvage the situation, to make sure that Tol Goldora would be safe, and that Aerin would leave the city alive. As for Calypso herself...well, she did not fear death. There was only one way she could see, only one way to preserve the fragile peace that was being maintained...

"Calypso looked hard at Aerin, firmly grasping the smaller woman's shoulders in her firm hands, "I...must take you to Kettle. If we speak with It...Explain, maybe you'll be let go. They have treated me with respect so far, and so I think they would at least recognize the bravery of the act. Maybe the Zuma, wicked though their hearts are, could respect that..."

Calypso began to put on the blue dress she had been wearing for weeks now and threw the sheet back on the bed. "Aerin, please don't fight me on this. It isn't just about us. This could put Tol Goldora at risk, and if a war were to start, it would undo all the work Lucius and the Autarch did in securing us peace. I could never forgive myself if loyal sons and daughters of our realm died trying to save me..." Calypso went to the door, and stood expectantly, waiting to see what Aerin would do.
Calypso Hwitt (Dame of Golden Farrow)
Roleplay from Aerin Daubney
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Aerin smiled as Calypso woke up, she had actually found the Thunderborn, now all she had to do was get her out of this city, easier said then done but she wasn't afraid of the challenge, Calypso mentioned a debt and Aerin shook her head, quietly she whispered "There is not debt to repay." The young dame's smile fell from her face as the Thunderborn told Aerin she couldn't leave with her.

"W-what?" Aerin's voice came out a shock whisper the hurt in her voice was clear and the girl seemed to pale, her eyes lightly welling up with tears "No, no I promised I would come and get you, we are so close. We could fight, we could win, but we need to leave now." She felt a light blush come to her cheeks as the Thunderborn stood bare before her, Calypso's body was covered in scars, not to mention now she had been painted by the Zuma in their strange styles. Aerin was surprised they really didn't leave much of her body not painted, though when Aerin realized she was staring she looked away embarrassed "Apologies, Lady Hwitt, I just noticed the paint was all." '

Aerin shook her head "But this is about you, it isn't right that you feel you must offer yourself up to these monsters to be their slave and hostage and I swear on my blood, they don't know I am here." Aerin let Calypso momentarily panic and allowed the Thunderborn to embrace her, though the Thunderborn was a veteran amongst the warriors of Tol Goldora, Aerin was seven years her senior and in that moment all Aerin wanted to do was keep Lady Hwitt safe, safe away from these monsters. Aerin held the Thunderborn tightly as if letting her go would led her to disappear, softly she whispered to Calypso "Sssh, it's ok Lady Hwitt, I knew the risks. But it's ok I can get us out of here."

Calypso let go of Aerin and grasped her by the shoulder, causing Aerin to groan in pain as the Thunderborn's hand dug into her left shoulder and the long scar that ran the length of her shoulder down to her arm, Aerin seemed to flash to a blind panic as for a moment she felt herself back in that horrid place. She pushed Calypso back and stumbled backwards.

She recovered from her panic and shook her head "If you take me to Kettle then it will kill me, I am here unannounced and uninvited, they're monsters they will kill me." She motioned up and down at Calypso "And you, already they have marked you, painted you like one of their slaves, dress you like their slaves. They make you serve them, they're trying to turn you into another of the fallen souls in this dammed City."

Aerin grabbed and held Calypso in another embrace "Lady Hwitt, Caly...We could fight them, we could win, we don't have to be scared of these Daimons." Calypso begged Aerin to not fight it, she sighed and just held tightly to the Thunderborn "I-I am not afraid to die, not if it meant saving you, not if it meant saving anyone...but I don't want to die here, there is no Tide here, but if I must I would in a heartbeat."

She pressed her head into Calypso's shoulder and quietly let out a light sob "I just wanted to save you...I thought I could..." She slowly let go of the Thunderborn and even slower she nodded her head "But so be it, if this is how it must be, I will face the Daimon Rabbit again." She gave one last pleading look to Calypso "But it is not too late, we could sneak out the way I came in, out the window, onto the roofs, across the block and then down into the alley and then we run and run, shadow to shadow, then we escape out the gate, I have horses nearby...we could leave, we could go home."
Aerin Daubney (Dame of Farrowfield)
Roleplay from Kettle
There is a gentle knock at your door, it is left shut as a voice calls in, “Would you like food and drink brought for your guest?”
Kettle
Roleplay from Calypso Hwitt
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
"Well..." Calypso said. "Fuc*."

She had almost...almost...decided to listen to Aerin, to hope that maybe she hadn't been spotted and that both could escape without reprisal. The Zuma had been...more polite than she had thought, surely there was no way they could know...

But that thought had died with the knock on the door. Calypso wasn't proud that she jumped slightly when it came, but there was the immediate thought the door would be broken down and the brave Dame Aerin would be drug from the room by a cohort of daimons to an unknown fate. Instead the voice of the matron of the family that lived here, wife to three pre-teen children and a stonemason, asked them if she wanted food and drink for her guest...

Calypso closed her eyes and gave Aerin a sad smile and spoke, barely above a whisper, "I am not a slave here, but a pet...it would be nice to go back with you, it was nice to dream of it if only for a while..." Calypso opened the door the door quietly to find...

The matron of the house giving her a polite smile. The older woman was dressed in a nightgown and looked from Calypso to Aerin, "A groomer of the Radiant One, whose coat shines brighter than the sun, came by and told us that you had a guest. Oh I wish you would have told me! I would have had a late night dinner prepared!"

The small enclosed courtyard that separated her guest quarters from the main house quiet in the dark hours of the night, but just a few yards behind the matron was the unmistably unnaturally wide smile of one of Kettle's groomers, who simply stood with their hands behind their back and looked from Calypso to Aerin with piercing gaze. 'They had always known.' Calypso thought in that moment, and she opened her mouth to speak before closing it again. Calypso looked at Aerin and then back to the Matron,

"Some tea...if you would, I am sorry to impose on you at this late hour..." Calypso said quietly. The matron just smiled and ran off to see her task. The groomer stayed where they were, as if expecting to be spoken to. The three people were quiet for a moment before Calypso spoke, trying to get ahead of the situation.

"Groomer, please tell your master that Dame Aerin means you and your people no harm, but was simply afraid for my safety. I hope that her coming doesn't jeapordize the agreement made back in Tol Goldora. Tell your master that if it...She...allows Dame Aerin to leave unharmed I will..." Calypso stopped speaking and looked to Aerin and saw that she seemed about to protest. Calypso began speaking again before the other woman could, "Tell Kettle that if Dame Aerin is unharmed and the peace with Tol Goldora kept then I will do anything she asks of me...offer my life in Her service should that be what it takes..."

Those words were the hardest she ever said, but keeping Aerin safe, to whom she already owed an unpayble debt, and keeping the peace between the Zuma and Tol Goldora, was worth more than a hundred of her lifetimes.
Calypso Hwitt (Dame of Golden Farrow)
Roleplay from Aerin Daubney
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Midnight Rescue, Interrupted

When the door was knocked Aerin's hand fell to her daggers as she spun around to face the door, daggers whirling into her hands in a flash as the moonlight from the window reflected on the silvered steel blades causing them to almost glow.

Aerin glanced between Calypso, the Zuma slave and the unsettling Groomer. With a growl of fury Aerin asked "A pet? They dare?" She waited for the woman to leave on her task, the young Daubeny pulled Calypso back from the door and stood between the Thunderborn and the Groomer.

Aerin seemed one wrong word away from attacking the Groomer, she was about to protest when Calypso cut her off, Aerin felt a wave of disbelief and despair as she heard Calypso's offer, she was going to give everything up to try and save her.

She whirled back to Calypso, her purple eyes alight with determination and the faintest bit of fear, the only time Dame Aerin ever seemed to be afraid. "NO! YOU WILL NOT GIVE YOURSELF UP, NOT AGAIN!" Aerin glanced back to the Zuma and back to Calypso, tears came unbidden to Aerin's eye and she shook her head, She grabbed Calypso into another embrace, holding tightly to the Thunderborn. "Please, I can't fail you again, I won't, I can't let you do this." She looked into Calypso's eyes "Please, let me fight, let me save you, don't do this, don't give up."
Aerin Daubney (Dame of Farrow Field)


Roleplaying Event from Kettle
Message sent to Everyone in the Vicinity of Nightmarch
The Groomer frowned slightly, "You had already been asked if you wished to take your own estate here with us, you chose to stay as a guest. Your words confuse me in some ways as your behavior speaks differently to your voice. You say you now want an estate here? But at the same time appear not to want that? As the Great Kettle said when she spoke with you, that is your choice to make however you wish. Is it because you now have a guest here that you feel it would be better if you had your own estate to host them properly? We can arrange that. Or they could take an estate? Or have the same options for accommodation as you have been given. You only need ask and we will arrange as best we can."

The Groomer looks as Aerin and he speaks to her directly, "Damairin, do you wish to stay with us also? To return, if you wish, when your realm provides the food they have promised? Or will you be leaving sooner? Malachite can show you around, and you can stay together if you wish, there are other sleeping rooms in this building, or you can share, whatever is your choice?"

He then looks back at Calypso, 'Will you be showing Damairin around? We did not think she intended harm otherwise she would not have been permitted in our city. It is rare that any would be foolish enough to come here and try to cause issue."

The door opens and the elderly lady returns with a large platter of meats, breads and cheeses. A younger boy carries a large pot of steaming water, whilst another boy brings crushed leaves.
Kettle


Roleplay from Calypso Hwitt
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Greater Love has no one than This...

Calypso held on to Aerin as the Groomer spoke. As was typical, the Groomer spoke in riddles, as if not understanding the source of Calypso's and Aerin's distress at all. A silent tear fell down her face as the Groomer finished speaking, and the family was bringing an entire meal for them. 'Damn these people and their alien minds!' Calypso thought as she looked again at Aerin.

"You came so far and I if can do anything to keep you safe I will. You did not fail me Aerin...not at all. The Zuma...they are many things...but they have not lied to me. Not once. Stay...here until the conditions are met. With me...we can leave together when the food is sent."

Calypso looked back at the Groomer and put on the best facsimile of a smile that she could. "Groomer, I have decided that I would...like to take an estate here, and Dame Aerin will be my guest. If permitted I will see to her needs. Until Tol Goldora sends the food as it has promised. Please give some time to write some letters. I will do whatever I need to do in the morning..."

The Groomer bowed and left, to who knows where. The matron and her children exited the guest room and looked at Calypso and Aerin, "Some dried meat with bread and cheese, and tea from the other side of the volcano...it was all I had at short notice. If you need anything else..." They then walked back through the small courtyard, leaving Calypso and Aerin alone.

Calypso closed the door and stood quietly for a moment, cherishing the touch from Aerin. She honestly didn't know the woman well, but the support meant a lot to here. "I...know what you will say..." Calypso said weakly, stammering nervously and avoiding Aerin's eyes, "But this way ensures our safety and that of Tol Goldora. I...will write to the council...try to make them understand..." Calypso could already see the growing anger in Aerin's eyes and blurted out, "They haven't mistreated me, Aerin! They have been honest and I think they are honest now...if you want to go you can...but I will stay to honor the deal our realms made...and keep both of us safe."

Calypso closed her eyes, expecting the storm that was about to come at her from Aerin.
Calypso Hwitt (Dame of Golden Farrow)


Roleplay from Aerin Daubney
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Greater Love has no one than This...

Aerin was silent for a moment before beginning "I will..." She was cut off as Calypso spoke, she was silent and closed her eyes feeling waves of guilt, hate and despair wash over her.

She let the Zuma Servants leave the food and drink, giving them a curt nod. The Groomer left and Calypso closed the door. Aerin waited for her to speak first, she wanted to hear her explanation. As Calypso spoke weakly and nervously Aerin felt all her anger wash away. She waited for Calypso to finish and walked over to her, she looked into her eyes.

She embraced Calypso and softly spoke, "I understand, you did what you thought was right, I will stay and when the food comes I will take you home, but you need not avoid my eyes, I am here and I am going be here with you until this is over. It's ok." Aerin felt a light tear roll down her cheek and she quietly added "But promise me you will not lose yourself, you are Lady Calypso Hwitt of Tol Goldora, you are our Thunderborn, you're not one of them and don't let them trick you otherwise."
Aerin Daubney (Dame of Farrowfield)


Roleplay from Calypso Hwitt
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
It was later that same night Calypso received a letter from one of the Zuma couriers in the wee hours of the morning. She saw who it was from and her heart sank, afraid of what it would say. Was she to be damned? Exiled? Calypso and Aerin had been mostly been quiet that night and once she had calmed her emotions she had even sat down to eat a little bread and cheese, hoping it would also calm her churning stomach. Calypso looked at Aerin quickly moved to be sitting beside her and opened the letter anxiously. The letter was short and and for the first time first time in days, Calypso smiled as tears quickly began to fall from her eyes and she showed it to Aerin. "Maybe...I won't have to take an estate here after all! Oh Aerin, they have it! They have it! We can go home soon!" Calypso could barely contain her excitement as for perhaps the tenth time that night, she embraced Aerin, this time in joy rather than despair. She didn't know how long it would take, but at least now they knew it would be soon.
Calypso Hwitt (Dame of Golden Farrow)
Roleplaying Event from Kettle
Message sent to Everyone in the vicinity of Nightmarch
A Groomer knocks on the door of the house in which Calypso is staying, then enters, "Malachite, Damairin, we greet you once more. The Great one, Kettle, did make sounds of pleasure when told you would be taking an estate. We have been preparing one for you, in your colors and patterns, come, come." She beckons the two nobles outside and along the streets where there is much going on. They soon come to an area where lots of Groomers and other Zuma are working hard, preparing grounds, tidying, painting, decorating. An ornate doorway, with anchors still being carved into it, sits slightly to the side of a very large, white, wall, which is covered in similar patterns and swirls and emblems as Calypso's own body, and veins of bright green in the same color and shape as Calypso's own scars. "Malachite, this will be your home when you are ready. Anything you wish done, you only need ask. Welcome."
Kettle
Roleplay from Calypso Hwitt
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Calypso was surprised with how quickly the Groomers returned with news of an estate being made available. Aerin was close by, as she had been in the days since she had snuck in Calypso's bedroom. Since Aerin had arrived that night the pair had been inseparable, and the woman's presence was beacon of support in an otherwise dark place. It wasn't like the Zuma humans we rude or improper, if one got past their strange customs and the fact that coexisted with daimons, they weren't too different than any other group of people.

Aerin, of course, wanted to hear none of it. She was as mistrustful and antagonistic as Calypso was, though her experience had made that...harder. Calypso had no love for the daimon-kind but the humans had been kind. Unless there was some grand-conspiracy in play among every man, woman, and child in Nightmarch. They went out of their way to be courteous, even when they had nothing to gain from it. She was still wary...of Kettle, of the daimons, but she no longer felt disgust every time she saw one of the brightly painted people.

She had been caught unaware when the Groomer had referred to her as 'Malachite', though it wasn't a surprise when she thought about it. The Zuma almost all had nicknames, she suspected and her facial scar was perhaps the most noticeable feature she had, and the Zuma had painted it a deep green. It clashed completely with the yellow and blue, but the Zuma seemed to be more about visual "impact" than color synthesis. She shrugged it off, though. Calypso had a few laughs with Aerin about the Groomers now referring to her as Damearin.

The estate that the Zuma were preparing was...not what she had expected. In a city of dark stone ziggurats and imposing, oversized architecture, it was as bright and open as any building in Golden Farrow. The Zuma were painting it in the bright blue and green she herself was covered in at this point. It was...well...it was garish. Almost painful to look at...but compared to the surrounding structures it was downright gay. As she watched, the humans who were working seemed excited for her to see their work and some tried to get her attention to what they were painting.

Calypso looked at the Groomer and Aerin. She didn't really know what to feel. Edelyn's letter had put her mind at ease regarding her choice and she felt...she knew she was doing what was right to protect the realm.

"Please tell your master that I...appreciate what She provides. I will take residency here whenever it is finished. I thank you for the efforts of your people here. Their...skill is readily apparent." She thought this was the best thing to say. Diplomacy wasn't her strong suit. Though part of her meant what she said, though she'd never admit it.
Calypso Hwitt (Dame of Golden Farrow)
Event
Message sent to Everyone in Tol Goldora
Noble Has Left Your Realm: Calypso Hwitt has taken an estate in Nightmarch, which is part of Zuma Coalition, and has thus left your realm and joined Zuma Coalition.
Roleplay
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