"I too am doubtful that you will find many prostitutes amiable to such an arrangement; at least not for a more considerable amount... after all, they would be giving up their livelihood for a not insignificant amount of time. If however you were to find women willing to enter into such agreements, or those willing to bear your children without monetary rewards, I see no reason we would stand in your way; though I must insist that you make clear from the start your intention to take the child; I think we are all in agreement that such a child belongs with your people, they would no doubt have a much happier life amongst others of their own kind, but I would much prefer to avoid the unnecessary anguish that an abduction would cause."
** spoiler omitted **
Akiros is silent for a long time, then finally replies-
I'm in something of a dark mood, so alcohol would be a bad idea. Perhaps fetch us a pitcher of water and tell me about yourself, Kip. we have not had much chance to converse in the whirlwind manner in which you became a Statkari.
The Satyr chieftain listens carefully to your words, sometimes nodding along and sometimes frowning; although never for long. When he eventually speaks, he sounds a little concerned.
I fear that though such an arrangement works in principle, few women would be willing to do this without more reassurance. Perhaps if my tribe was to make a suitable donation, such arrangements could be managed and endorsed by the government of Kardas itself? I would be happy to send a Satyr representative to live in Kardas that could answer any questions and reassure anyone about the procedure too.
After thinking for a time, the Satyr offers 2BP's worth of luxury wines and goods in return for such support.
2. It seems like Ilya may miss out on a lot of RP due to his crafting. I know we chatted about this, but I was really wanting to develop his character more, both his elven heritage and the possible romantic relationship.
Same- one of the reasons this next few weeks is particularily RP heavy is for people to get a chance to develop their characters further, particularily Ilya.
Right now it looks like he might miss a lot of opportunities in the future. Were you going to introduce the new crafting rule fairly soon?
Yes. I will make a post in the OOC thread shortly.
Malthir and Vaysh lead the dancing, with the common folk giggling and laughing as Red Eyes stands up on two legs to dance with Vaysh; who looks so fragile in comparison to the massive beast. Near to Ilya and Fenna's negotiation, Lily Teskerton stands with pursed lips, watching the Elf with a stern expression on her face. Karina and Kressle are dancing together and the men are giving them a wide berth; Karina seems to have forgotten her recent troubles and laughs in joy; although many of the Statkari still see her cast lornful looks towards Malthir from time to time. Kesten and his young wife dance together happily, the nobleman winking at Malthir and laughing. While Vaysh is dancing with Red Eyes, Karina approaches Malthir and smiles, a little sadness in her eyes but still smiling nonetheless.
May I request the next dance, my lord Al'Dagon?
Seeing Karina, a wide smile comes across his face, Of course Karina!
He grabs the young women and proceed to spin them around for a moment, forgetting about their recent troubles. Malthir laughs with joy, as they dance more slowly, Karina, it warms my heart that you escaped that horrible plot of Grigori's. Without you, much of what you see around us would not be possible. You supported us, you helped us build what Kardas has become. He looks into her eyes and becomes serious for a moment, I don't think I ever just said thank you for what you have done. Never underestimate your worth Karina. Never think that your role in this wasn't a crucial part of our success.
He pauses for a moment to let her speak.
Seeing Karina, a wide smile comes across his face, Of course Karina!
He grabs the young women and proceed to spin them around for a moment, forgetting about their recent troubles. Malthir laughs with joy, as they dance more slowly, Karina, it warms my heart that you escaped that horrible plot of Grigori's. Without you, much of what you see around us would not be possible. You supported us, you helped us build what Kardas has become. He looks into her eyes and becomes serious for a moment, I don't think I ever just said thank you for what you have done. Never underestimate your worth Karina. Never think that your role in this wasn't a crucial part of our success.He pauses for a moment to let her speak.
Oh Malthir... Thank you for the kind words. I'll not soon forget them.
You are our friend Karina and without you, we would have never been able to pull Kressle from the darkness. Now I better be off or the other ladies will blame you for trying to monopolize me! he says jokingly.
He thens go to find another lady to dance with and continue to enjoy the night until he and Vaysh can be re-united later that night...
I thank you for your words and advice, Lord, and I hope I will not fail, though already I feel time taking its toll. I may be stronger than my companions, but that is due to my orcish blood, and that blood burns faster than human blood. I fear I will be an old grey-bearded man before Kardas becomes a strong and stable kingdom here in the Stolen Lands. But with your guidance, I shall do my best to serve you, Lord.
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
My thoughts, Ilya? I think that when a lady makes an invitation to her estate clear and hears nothing back for months, she has the right to wear a stern look at the very least! And you'll need to do better than a copper coin to hear any thought of mine that does not involve both your name and several quite unladylike curses... Lily replies, her small hands balled into fists and her words spoken through gritted teeth. She blushes red a little with anger and a little embaressment as her outburst has attracted some attention from those around her.
Apparently forgetting he was about to return you to your body, Erastil is silent for a time.
Hrmph. I forget how fast you men age sometimes. Let us continue the hunt and i'll think on what you have said my lad. Just as Erastil finishes speaking, the Grim White Stag emerges from hiding, having apparently heard your conversation and rushes off into the distance again, too fast for either of you to catch.
You continue to stalk the Grim White Stag for what seems like several hours, although your blood is still up and you don't seem to be tiring. Erastil has his Ulfen head back and he addresses you once more in the icy forest.
Well- this old hunter's tricks are well known to this beast, Kalev.
If you have any ideas on how to get close enough to lay a hand on the beast, i'm all ears. Its been... at least a century since I last managed it.
Malthir is in the centre of the dances for quite some time, surrounded by well wishers and those congratulating him. Somewhat exhausted from the festivities, Oleg calls him over.
You look like you could use a drink lad... he says with a grin.
Kip hustles off and fetches a large pitcher of ice cold water, 2 glasses and two bowls. He pours each of Akiros and himself a glass and offers one to Akiros. He then places the two bowls on the floor in front of the wolves and fills each from the pitcher. Taking up his own glass and taking a sip, he retakes his spot alongside Akiros.
While it is true that I am all too quick to accept an invitation to speak at length about myself... and considering my recent exploits along with my invitation to become Magister indeed been meteoric in its swiftness, I am going to refrain for the moment. I am more inclined to hear what troubles you Akiros. While I cannot guarantee that I will be able to sooth your troubles or provide adequate council, what I can guarantee is that it is usually cathartic to share what troubles oneself with another. I can also guarantee that whatever you choose to share with me shall remain between us.
Kip looks to Akiros for his response...
Hey, favor to ask you! As I noted in the CC game, my operating system became corrupted and I had to reformat my hard drive. Lost a lot of stuff, but luckily not very important things. One thing I DID lose, however, is a security driver necessary to run MSN messenger. I had to open an account with Yahoo messenger.
If you could add me and send me info on other players, that would be great. I'm at <dr(dot)tannernielsen(at)yahoo(dot)com>
And no, I'm not a doctor yet, but I figure I might have this for a few years. ;)
** spoiler omitted **
Do all elves have such a way with words, Lord Ilya? I had never understood the huge numbers of half-elves in the land... Until now at least. I will re-extend the invitation; but I DO expect to be dancing with you for much of the evening, understood?
The wolves lick your hand as you provide them with a fresh drink, nuzzling you to show their appreciation. Akiros takes his drink and takes a deep gulp, sighing in satisfaction.
We have made much of this land, of Kardas. Jhod says that I have more than redeemed myself for past sins, and that Erastil and Iomedae have forgiven me. He urges me to continue on a spiritual path and redeem myself, as he himself did. But I cannot yet forgive myself. I killed the only woman I have loved in a fit of anguish and rage. I broke her neck like a twig and used the training I received as a paladin of Iomedae to cut her fat husband's head off in a single blow. I see their face on strangers when I walk through the streets of our city, and she stands at the base of my bed with accusing eyes when I sleep.
Malthir is in the centre of the dances for quite some time, surrounded by well wishers and those congratulating him. Somewhat exhausted from the festivities, Oleg calls him over.
You look like you could use a drink lad... he says with a grin.
Oleg my good friend, you are right. All this dancing and socializing has given me a thirst. Where is Svetalana?
She isn't feeling particularily well my lord, so she asked me to make her excuses and apologies for her. Oleg states as he slides a tankard across the bar in a practiced manner.
Casimir is momentarily dumbstruck by the presence of not one, but two embodied deities. He then regains his composure, raising his enhanced drink in salute.
"I am glad both this party and our fledgling nation pleases you. I am certain that if Kardas is to prosper, we will need both the favor of The Father of Creation and the luck of the Accidental God. I promise you this, when the time comes for me to become Statkari of a new city, you will both have temples to your honor. Now, I ask you to honor Kardas by drinking to the health and prosperity of all her citizens - and we have quite a few by now, so we will probably need to do a lot of drinking."
Casimir drains his glass and motions for Oleg to pour a new one and leave the bottle. He spends the rest of the evening trading tales with the two gods.
She isn't feeling particularily well my lord, so she asked me to make her excuses and apologies for her. Oleg states as he slides a tankard across the bar in a practiced manner.
Malthir puts the tankard to his lips, but doesn't really drink, then puts it back down, So much to do my friend, I wish I had the time to sit with you and really enjoy this... he looks down into his beer for a moment in reflection, then looks up at his now long term friend,
Things are so different then when we used to sit beside the fire and enjoy Svetlana's cooking. I hope to one day have peace here you know Oleg. To let you walk away from your...duty to the kingdom and enjoy what is left of your life. he reaches over and puts his hand on the mans shoulder, If I should not return from the trolls, promise me you will look after Vaysh...if not for her I don't think I could do what must be done.He then wipes the self-pity from his thoughts and gets back to enjoying a rare night of fun.
Kip looks concernedly at Akiros as he contemplates what to say to the former paladin. After a moment Kip speaks. While I do not profess to have much knowledge or experience in such matters of devotion or the life path upon which you have trodden, I am confident that you have made great strides at redemption, whether you can let yourself believe that or not. We ourselves are sometimes the last to grant ourselves forgiveness for our mistakes. Only we know what lies within our hearts, and as such, we have the singularly unique and most honest view of our transgressions and what steps we have made away from the dark places all men are bound to tread at some point.
I have only known you a short time Master Akiros, and I did not know the man that you were when you who did these things that haunt you still. I do not have any answers for you, I'm afraid, nor will anyone of this world likely. This is ulitmately something that you need to make peace with. What I can offer is whatever assistance and support that you might ask of me, which I would give freely. Who knows, there may come a time in the future when I will require your assisatnce and support...
Kip's voice trails off before adding, Have you any thoughts about how you might begin to forgive yourself? Is there something that you could do to bring about the redemption you seek in your own eyes? Anything at all?
** spoiler omitted **
I... In my arrogance, I have been waiting for a sign from Iomedae, that I have done enough good to redeem myself. I do not see how I can be the judge of my own redemption, without bias. Yet at the same time, I cannot help but question the inherent structure and laws of Iomedae's faith. Law, is not necessary for Good to prevail. We rule Kardas here with a mixture of laws and good judgement; and we appear to be building a fine frontier kingdom and community. I wish to die defending the people who have entrusted their lives to us here, with my sword in my hand.
But I do have one, selfish desire... I wish to return to Restov for a month or two. I want to see my family again. I want to go the grave of my beloved and beg for forgiveness. I want to make my peace with old friends, have a chance to explain my actions and seek the forgiveness of my former sword brothers. But- I am a murderer and a wanted man in Brevoy; notorious for my deed of anger. I do not see my request being fulfilled anytime soon.
All that I know about the will of the gods... is that I know nothing. Perhaps the sign you seek will never come. Perhaps it will. Perhaps the sign you are waiting for will only come after you have reconciled your own conscience.
You will not hear me defending the right of law. I much prefer to follow the path of good alone, however which way I see to do so.
Kip nods in approval and agreement at Akiros' statement of being willing to die for Kardas.
If what you say is true, then a trip to Restov would be folly. That of course does not remove your desire to partake in such a journey. Perhaps if you spoke with Baron Malthir or Ilya, arrangements could be made, diplomatically to achieve such a trip? As I said, I am not intimately familiar with Iomedaen paladin orders, but being lawful in nature should allow for the possibility of a trial should it not? Would you be willing to submit to such a thing in order to attempt further your redemption? Could your punishment not be one of atonement, rather than death?
Kalev keeps running, while he ponders Erastil's words. To catch this animal, we must become the animal, move and think as it does, Lord,, he says. Then, in his dream, he start changing, growing more elongated and sinewy, the Stag Lord's helmet merging with his features, as if the antlers were his own, and he suddenly moves faster through the undergrowth, gaining on the fine beast.
** spoiler omitted **
Akiros shakes his head slowly.
Come, i'm going to do a patrol around the festivities and I could use the company.
** spoiler omitted **
Indeed, you learn quickly Kalev! Erastil says in delight at your quick grasp of the power of the dream world, mimicing your move and powering along beside you. You soon catch sight of the stag once more, and Erastil puts on an extra burst of speed to cut off the massive beast in front, leaving you with the task of taking advantage of this to lay a hand on it.
Success
Pushing yourself to almost inhuman efforts, you are frothing at the mouth as you make one massive leap- just barely managing to lay a hand on the Grim White Stag despite its speed and agility. From somewhere nearby, Erastil howls in approval, but the Stag looks into your eyes and the two of you disappear from the forest in a flash of white light.
When your vision clears, you find yourself lying in a still pool of water in an underground cavern. The water is clear and cool and beautifully refreshing after the many hours spent in chase. The Stag is sat on its haunches nearby, watching you. Still in the Aspect of the Stag, you fnd you are able to understand its speech.
Few have ever managed to lay a hand on me Kalev, even with the help of deities. This pool of water is your reward, with my blessing and the blessing of Erastil.
You find yourself incredibly parched, and take a sip of the water. You feel instantly revitalised, but your vision begins to go dark... Then you wake from your dream, still sat among the other hunters with the warm fire heating you. Something does feel tangibly different though- some aches and pains that have been developing over the past few years seem to have vanished, and you feel strangely... youthful.
*Continues dancing sensuously with Lily.*
I knew before I made the comment... the likelihood was unlikely. Much like an offer to help you travel to Restov under magical disguise would be acceptable to you...
Kip jumps up from his seat and gladly accepts Akiros' request to accompany him on his patrol.
*Continues dancing sensuously with Lily.*
The party continues well past dawn the next day- when even the most hardened partygoers begin to collapse in hastily created tents made for such a purpose. Among the last to bid their farewells are Cayden Cailean and Torag, who have been drinking with Casimir for much of the evening and have shared with him some of the grandest tales of their exploits and deeds, although they kept their identities hidden from everyone else. Lily Teskerton dances merrily with Ilya throughout the evening, but goes no further than to embrace him and dance holding him tightly in the slow dances. She excuses herself a few hours before dawn, saying that she needs her sleep for an upcoming town council meeting.
The Satyr's seem particularily happy and they embrace many of their new friends from Kardas before returning into the Narlmarches to rest from the excess. Malthir's father has the cathedral and surrounding area cleaned in an efficient and somewhat military fashion by hungover citizens he drafted into service, and by midday things are beginning to look presentable once more. By the evening, a tired but good-spirited party of two hundred or so souls has made its way back to Kardas, guarded the whole way by wolves under orders of Red Eyes and an ever wary Akiros. You make your way back into Castle Swordhaven, where you are told a fine, plump, delicious hand-reared goose will be served for dinner; an imported gift from Brevoy from Maegar Varn...
The tales Cayden and Torag resounded strongly with you, and you find many of them easy to recall, tell and adapt yourself.
Malthir at that evenings dinner brings the rest of the Statkari up to speed regarding the letter from and to Maegar Varn.
My plan is to take the guardians and some of the militia men to meet with Lord Varn.
Ilya, can you find out if he is to be addressed as Lord or Baron?
We will set up a pavilion at the meeting place and make introductions there. We will then escort Lord Varn to SwordHaven where we should a proper greeting from the good people of our fair city.
I have also been working on a gift for Maegar Varn. A shield of darkwood embossed with the crest of Kardas, crafted by my own hand to present to him as a gift. It will be a fitting gift for a warrior.
Any other thoughts or suggestions on the meeting?
Kip is in good spirits the morning after the wedding festivities, and cheerily helps to clean up alongside the rest of the revelers.
On the ride back to Swordhaven, Kip discretely mentions to the various Guardians that he had an interesting conversation with Akiros, but declines to share specifics when so many ears are about. Perhaps another time when we are in a more private setting...
Kip made sure to stuff his saddle bags with all sorts of leftover edibles and takes great pleasure in sharing them with Red Eyes and the rest of the wolves on the ride back.
Kip also takes pleasure in ribbing Ilya about his new lady friend. Even going so far as to starting a pool as to when people think that the two of them might consummate their new "friendship".
Kip is absolutely crestfallen to find out that Cayden Cailean, and to a lessor extent Torag, were actually present at the party and he was completely unaware. I am not usually overly religious, but I would have thought the extensive number of times I have hoisted a mug and given thanks to Cayden Cailean, and have been blessed with good times, I would have liked to have had the chance to thank him personally!
This causes Kip to wonder what other remarkable things he missed out on during the party...
Kip listens to Malthir's plans regarding the upcoming visit and shifts uncomfortably in his seat. It is obvious that something is troubling the halfling, but he does not offer any response at this time...
Kalev tears into a slice of goose with abandon, having suddenly refound his appetite.
Well, he says between mouthfuls, a present is a good idea, and I'm hoping we'll be able to forge a lasting friendship with this guy, but after that, we have some serious threats to deal with. A hydra guarding a ford, trolls on the moors, a demagogue hellbent on destroying our little home. While the time has not yet come to raise an army, we, the Guardians, must root out these threats before we are swarmed away in chaos and hordes of monsters.
So, what's the first order of business, my lords and ladies?
Malthir asks for any suggestions for the meeting with Varn during diner...at the end of dinner and the discussion about Varn.
Kip, would you excuse us for the evening. We have some specific Kingdom business to attend to.
Assumes he leaves, will not spoiler since it is not a big deal.
Fellow Statkari, I have been thinking about this for some time. I would like to put Kip's name forth to become a Statkari in the Kingdom of Kardas.
He has proved both his worth and his character so far. He has been willing to risk life and limb for the Kingdom as well as his fellows. I believe he would make a fine addition to the Kingdom's leaders.
His last test should be his ability to lead, as magister, wisely and to a lesser degree prove his courage in facing the troll hoard with us.
What say you, rulers of Kardas???