You have walked in a giant maze of shrubbery and circular gardens filled with roses, violets, tulips, and daises with confusion, or, perhaps, analyzing where you might be- the last thing any of you remember before being in this land was that you had received a letter from one of the Dominorum's couriers inviting you to the Capital where the Council was to speak a word-
To some of you this opportunity seemed like a consequence of something you'd done in the past; to others it would seem that maybe someone was finally recognizing the little guy; to the rest perhaps it was of no shock at all, or the most shocking letter of your lifetime.
Regardless, you can tell by the cold, the gardens, and the giant apes escorting you to some random location while you were in chains like a prisoner was most likely not Dominorum.
The apes escorted you to what appeared to be the edge of the city; it was definitely colder and in the rags you were currently wearing there was hardly any protection from it-
Finally as you shiver your way into an odd formation around a runic symbol on the ground the Apes begin to engage in one another with nods and slamming of fists on their own chests.
Your world fades around you for a brief moment as an intense flash of hot blue light spans your entire vision. The gorillas are gone, as are the winds, the cold, but there are still shivers down your spine from the fear of the powerful voice that came forth- or was it voices?
All you saw before you was one man, a man who's blue face and elf pricked ears you know well; but unlike the letters this Speaker of the Council sends to his knights his voice sounded like that of a thousand.
Behind him, all within the blue coloring of the scenery, where ethereal blue members of the council. They were faceless and as far as it could be told, voiceless. While the Speaker of the Council paced back and forth staring directly into each one of you with his deep black eyes the ethereal members stood in a circle mimicking your own that the gorillas had placed you in.
A thousand faceless faces staring at you with the Speaker of the Council grinning in observance in his simple, humble robes. You realized at this point that there were other group members around you as well- how had you not noticed them, yet walked with them before?
The Speaker of the Council gave a pointy tooth and wide grin revealing that the inhuman appearing humanoid did indeed have dimples, and, perhaps, mercy
So.... He took a few steps back, arms wide as he continued grinning THIS is the Council's new Development Project Team! Oh I am SO pleased with you all! And YOU all! On the second sentence he made a point that he was talking to the faceless blue beings behind him.
As he spun in a circle in excitement his hands passed through the faceless men, making them wisp away as if they were clouds of blue smoke before they assembled themselves all over again.
I apologize, then, to my new team for the... Uncomfortable... conditions. But The Council decided that before you do your original design- before we let you fail at the objective that EVERY OTHER TEAM has failed at- Perhaps maybe we should test you. Unlike the others, after all, you aren't veterans, you're young, new at what we hired you on this project for. Yes. So then, what should you call yourselves?
The man's shout, if it even is a man, had transitioned from yelling to a calm method of invitation to naming yourselves that you nearly fumble talking of a name among yourselves until the black set eyes gives you another look Go on! Go on. You can talk to one another, talk to me- you are becoming the actual living breathing body and will of this Council. Do not fear us- respect us. I promise, you will be rewarded.
A few of you felt a particularly long stare given directly at you, sinking in your hearts that this Speaker of the Council knew exactly what had brought each and every one of you here.
They had put him in a box, silly really, carrying him to this meeting as if he could not get out. He had cut a small view hole as soon as he was able to see what was going on. Are the Blue Counsel, so that was who had drugged him. Well he still had his thing and what ever they wanted must be impotent or they would not have gone to all this trouble to get a real life Hero.
At the meeting place is box was opened, and he got to see the voice of the Blues.
Bit full of himself that one, an golly its cold, O hes stopped shouting at us, O is he reading my mind, HELLO, CAN YOU HEAR ME
Perpireen projected memory's of the Fey lands, which tended to upset most none fay minds, so illogically crazy where they.
Like that I can show you some more
"So voice of the blue faces, tell us more of the tests your want heros for?
looks at the others around the ring.
The messenger had come in as she changed the cloth of her companion’s forehead. The healer known as Megumi, had caught the flu and was just on the path to recovery so Sealith was tending to her. With her advanced age, Megumi had been hit pretty hard. Sealith was sitting by her side speaking with her calmly when the messenger arrived.
The messenger at first seemed startled by Sealith’s presensce. Not surprising considering she wasn’t human.
Standing, she would take her clawed hand and reach out to the messenger. Standing a little over eight feet tall the man gulped as he looked up at her head. Her draconic shaped head looked down at him, her sharp stern grey eye held his. The other, a massive scar that went down the side of her face. Two horns swept back from the top of her head with a thick bone structure between the two going a little more than half way up. Along the side and to the back of her face were three ridges that connected to a fin shaped structure that looked solid but as she moved flexed and altered itself. Her nostrils settled to the side of her nose. Below that was a long neck that connected to shoulder’s that were attached to something and seemed to be rolled back behind her underneath the great sweeping cape she wore.
As a reptilian, she didn’t have mammary glands, so she looked like a muscled human male, minus the grey and black swirling skin. Her legs ended in talons that clacked against the floor as she moved. One of the talons was missing and scars peppered her lower legs.
Turning towards Megumi she would open the letter and read it to her. Her voice was rough and had a bite to it as she spoke.
The messenger stared at the cape. It took a second to realize that was no cape along her back, but two massive wings folded around her. On top of that he saw horrific scarring along them, even folded up.
He decided, no matter what, he didn’t want to tangle with this creature.
“Messenger!” A voice snapped him out of his staring.
“Yes Ma’am!”
“Megumi is in no condition to go. So I will as her apprentice. It is time I paid my Debt to her.”
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The cold bit into her and she shrugged it off as she looked down at the chain on her. Her curse was already hard at work and she knew it wouldn’t take much to break them completely.
Looking to her left and right she would stare at the great apes and then at the other prisoners. Seeing them trembling from the cold she would speak softly to the spirits laughing in her ears at her capture.
’You can’t ever succeed. See dishonored again.’ Laughter followed as more and more chimed up.
She interrupted the conversation only she could hear, and spoke to the two small helpful spirits. Unfurling one wing painfully she used it to block the cold wind from entering the box and striking the fey creature momentarily. The helpful spirit giggled even as her wing brushed the box and she held it there seeing if her curse would affect the box and start breaking it. Her wing shifting to let him see again as she did so.
’Fate’s Touch will see if you survive.’ It said as it touched him.
On her other side she saw a woman with hair the color of blood. Her other wing stretched out blocking the wind for her also as the second spirit grumbled.
’We are supposed to bring misfortune to your enemies but you are to soft, you try to help allies. Why do I even bother?’
’Because you like me.’ Sealith returned. Her half of the conversation was done in Samuraian, under her breath.
Those looking at her wings could see scarring all along them and the twisted bones along the top. It didn’t look like she could use them to fly at all from the damage.
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Blue white light filled her eyes and then they were in with the voice of the council, and the faceless smokey bodies of the council, or some other entities.
After he spoke she looked at him directly into his black eyes. ”Voice of the Council, If you meant to test us, why throw us to the apes? As it is, where exactly are we? Not this place but the place with those white apes. In addition, why throw us unprepared at an obstacle?” She reached up rubbing the side of her head, the one that had the scarred eye, as her ears still rang from the shouting. ”If you keep shouting your precious test will be compromised. Keep your voice down before you do permanent damage to those here.” Her voice was rough and that last command was done in the chiding tone of a healer.
Under her breath she directed the spirits to assist those around her.
Turning to the others. ”Well it seems we are to be a team. I am Sealith Dealesk. I am a battle healer. It is an honor to meet you all.” The spirits swirled around her as she looked at each.
”He wishes us to name this group. First, I believe it would be best to actually know each other’s names at the least.”
As the great dragon like wing passes the wind stops and McGibel looked pass the bars at the large Dragons eye looking back at him.
As the great wing passes the wind stopped giving him a chance to fold his cloths around himself, doing so now block out the cold for good.
Now getting worm again he stands, and with a flourish takes off his fine hat and bows low to her in a sign of respect.
That done he looked at the bird cage they had him in.
Really they could have got a gold cage, now that would have shown some style, this is so irksome, and old wooded thing I think not, no, time to get out, me thinks.
He took out his needle like sword and with two flourishing slashes cuts two of the wooded strut bars, then in one move slips it back into its scabbed. The Bars do nothing for a moment then together they fall away and to the ground. bending his knees he jumped out the gap and with his wings beating like a humming birds flow over and landed on the Shoulder of the large Female Dragon Kind. Then to her alone he says,
"I thank you my Lady Sealith Dealesk, I am Lord Perpireen McGibel of the Court of the King Under the Hill. If ever you need my aid you need only ask and I will offer it."
Then looking at the others from his new vantage point he says, Bowing to them all.
"I am Lord Perpireen McGibel from the Court of the King Under the Hill, well meet and a fine but cold day to meet you all."
His stands Fine Diminutive clothing and leaf armor, his insect like wings make his high all of 12" but his body stands only 10" tall. On his hip is a needle like sword, on his arm a Diminutive Buttler shield. His eyes and skin are Green, his clothing the color of Leaves.
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A note slid into the room of the last inn he stayed the night at, an invitation to the council and a promise of a real challenge. He saddled up Beru, his trusty yak, and rode without stop the the council and it's famous gardens.
Now here he was shivering in the cold, wishing those apes at least had the decency to leave him his pipe, doubly wishingg that they'd stop man-handling Beru.
'Cold, but not dead.' He reminded himself. 'It would hardly be a warrior's death if the weather had been my killer.' Reminding himself that, he wasn't only able to push forward, he was able to shrug off the blistering cold, the burn in his nostrils as breathed in, and the bitter ache in his taloned fingers.
He was led into a circle. He was being watched. No eyes but an army of faces, and one toothy grin, but then he realized that he was not alone here. There was an entire group of rag-clad individuals. The closest to him was a strong saurian, and a small fey on her shoulder.
The Fey announced himself. The levity in his greeting, the grand image he painted, Suzume couldn't help but feel a bit better about his surroundings.
"Well met, my lord." He said, he glanced down at the tiny rapier by his side. "Pleasure to have another swordsman among us."
Then there was shouting, in that instance, his ears began to ring, his vision blurred and shook, but in a moment, there was a faint reassurance in the back of his mind.
And then, the ringing stopped. The pounding pain in the back of his head left with no trace.
Though he was close to deaf as it was happening, he noticed that the saurian woman standing up to the council leader.
It was her. Her words gave him the strength, and when her argument had finished, he gave her a knowing, soft nod.
Compassion towards strangers was a rare thing indeed. He hoped that it would stay with her.
Then he looked back to the council speaker, his eyes thinning in determination.
'Whatever else you throw at me,' He thought, having this odd feeling the speaker could hear him whether it was a spoken word, or one residing in his head. 'It will never be enough.'
He turned to his new companions. "Suzume Sunclaw, warrior of the Cardinal Tribe." He said, swinging his hand in a friendly wave. Then he patted Beru's furry side. "And Beru, my most trusted companion."
Nods back at the Ronnin
"Well meet Suzume Sunclaw of the Cardinal Tribe, it is good to see another true blade"
The blue faced pin pointed tooth man swept up towards Sealith in a swirl of darkened blue and purple as if he had become some sort of storming cloud. His face met hers, yet he was standing on his own two feet within the next instant- His eyes moved over Sealith- across, up and down, left and right- Sealith could not tell if he was angry, or if that simply was how his face was. Though he was clearly talking to the group, he still kept his gaze on her
The people of Terra Nix are not friendly to strangers- you all are strangers. These people are a... particular brand of paranoid, having been attacked by Morte de Manu. We transported you all as slaves as to not arouse this group's suspicion, or Mortiferis', that we have yet another arm of service at the Council of Dominorum's disposal.
Then he laughed, looking back to Lord Perpireen- in response to the images the Lord McGibel attempted to portray, the Speaker of the Council portrayed his own
Images of your future proposed marriage surrounded in a garden of blue and a hue of white flow through your head- you see the King of your Fey peacefully dead, his crown upon his head as he lay dormant. Your new bride at your side, and the kingdom all out before you.
His voice, soft this time, fills your ears in the background only slightly louder than a gentle wind Why do you combat me? A hole in your crate? A challenge to your Master? Do I not yet give you enough freedom, my Lord McGibel of the Fey? If not, then look, watch my hand- See my power.
Finishing with his stand off, The Speaker turned a more gentle and sad filled eye towards Sealith, his hand gently falling down her face across each and every one of her scales, his index finger along her face's scar
Behold, for apparently you all require a testament of who I am, of my true power. Perhaps, though, we will keep this scar, though... It gives you
The Speaker became a cloud of blue and purple again that raged around Sealith- the faceless men surrounding them wailed and contorted as if they were possessed as he did so- but Sealith felt something- she felt stronger, more capable.
The cloud vanished from her to reveal all of her wounds, save the one scar upon her face, fully healed. Her wings capable. The Speaker returned to the center of the circle of the now quiet men surrounding them with another grin
Now... Is another test required of me before you can name yourselves? After all, what is a team of the Dominorum Empire if they cannot even work together to name themselves?
As the Speaker finishes speaking, he looks upon you with darting eyes as he did before, a sharp and stern voice echoing inside your head clearly distinguishing itself from your curses
You have suffered great misfortune and, for this, I understand your mistrust, your challenging of me. But do so again, Samuraian, and I will undo all that I have just done for you. I will smite you down so that you learn your place amongst this Council until you have earned it. Let this be a warning- my test exists for a reason, as does my tone.
Telula didn't understand what was going on. Her employer this was going to be a great opportunity, and here she was in chains like a common criminal. Was my father right? Was this just a ruse to subdue me so I could be executed? The Majar's mind raced. Looking from her chains to the apes escorting her, she further thought, If only I had my hands free. I could perhaps stun one and run really fast from the other. She then shook her head. Where would I go? I have no home, my employer would just send me back here. It's hopeless. A melencoly came over her as she shuffled forward towards the runic symbol, shivering all the while.
The Arcanist stood silently as the blue man spoke, hardly listening, and despite the Samuraian's efforts, she was still growing numb to the cold. The thought of just laying and slipping into unconciousness, then death. Better that than any tortures they devise to kill me.
When the others began to introduce themselves, she finally managed to say, "I am Telula. Just Telula." With that, she sat down.
The Majar didn't respond.
A smile crosses Load McGibels face, he was a fay, from a land of fay, a land where tempting others with images of the future where tricks to entrap souls, to unwise or to foolish to know that making s deal with a fay can lead to no good. Was blue face trying to tell him he was a trixter or that he knew all promise's made to and by a fay where swords of two edges. But then he want on to flash his 'power'
Are not one for suitably then, that vision was a simple attempt at bribery, o well
He thought disjointedly
Mortals, its always about power, and never just for the fun of it, they all seem so obsessed with that and their so called gods
then as Telula gave her name.
"Well meet Madam Telula"
And another bow
The Speaker slowly walked, hands folded inside his deep blue robes blending with his pale skin, stopping before Telula with his shoulder facing her, a frowning face turned
Do all heroes, where you are from, surrender so easily, my dear Telula?
His face seemed to close in on her as now his hands hovered and flew around her body without touching, as if the Speaker were an observer of an animal
Have you succumbed to your challenge so easily? Where is your fire, my dear Majar? Where is... A grin crept across The Speaker's cold eyes Your light?
The Speaker put a finger to her head ever so gently, and from his tip she could feel her body begin to warm back up; her shivering had ceased.
The Speaker rose once more, straightening himself in his robes as he rose a hand in the air and snapped- and the chains whisped away as smoke similar to The Speaker's own that trailed behind him as he walked.
You were brought to me, or rather, I brought you here... Yes... We brought you here before me in order to test you. You are in my domain, my plane of existence currently- But when we are done here you will be in a town known as 42, as Terra Nix.
I assume you have questions of me- As I have said before, both as your captor and releaser now, Ask me. You will be my hand, without my voice, as soon as we exit this plane of my domain.
I will not tolerate failure.... Not this time.
The Speaker's voice grew smaller and, for a moment, he appeared a mere monkish human talking to themselves than some sort of foreign being of power. It was, after all, a great honor to be before the Speaker of the Council- the head of state of the Dominorum Empire.
With your chains released you were free to move about as you wished, and noticed that instead of a hue of blue things had turned black and white, the faceless men all gone in its place.
"Well that was interesting, and it seems we will be tested, O the life of a Hero is always challenging."
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Suzume silently wished for his sword as the speaker had begun belittling Telula. There was no honor in words like that.
Then no more faceless faces. Suzume rubbed at his wrists and sighed.
'Creepy.' He thought. 'If anything's going to challenge me to reach my full potential, it will be this.'
He laughed to himself, probably drawing the attention of these other test subjects, but he didn't care. He heard what the Atomie had to say. "That's an understatement, milord." He said.
'This is going to be the greatest adventure of my life.' He assured himself.
Wandering the world had taught him much. Living peacefully when he could and staying out of danger when he could not were skills he'd need to master if he were to fulfill his promise to the Arch-Druid. The day he was given a letter from the outside world was one that he'd never forget, for that was when he was persuaded to represent the Circle on in the matter of the letters contents.
He found the meeting place easy enough in his own time and was met by the large apes. They moved with a humanoid intelligence that must have been magically implanted. He was polite and didn't hinder them as they pushed him through the cold terrain.
The others that walked huddled together as he shivered. "The cold never bothered me this much before." They walked toward the runic circle and stood where shown and was surprised when the scenery changed drastically.
The Speaker addressed the room and screamed loudly, hurting the Ogre's ears.
Though he shook it off. The questions and comments of all around him were confusing; Naming ourselves? Tests? Rewards? Oaken-Soul remained silent and still pondering these things.
The introductions began with the Sprite or Faerie creature of some nobility.
Then the Bird-Person and her oxen. The winged wyrm woman(?) gave him pause as he's heard stories of dragons being powerful and wise. This one looked broken...Finally the exotic human woman who sat and said little confused him more. What had he gotten into.
"I am Oaken-Soul, representative of the Circle of the Evergreen. I have been ordered to complete the tasks asked of me so that I may appease the Council on my Circle's behalf. It's is a pleasure to meet you all." The Ogre's bellowing voice rang out with an unnatural eloquence for his kind. He had been taught well in the ways of speech.
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Suzume looked up at the ogre, tilting his head. Similar to the Oni of his homeland, but at the same time, resoundingly different. He nodded, hearing such eloquent words from such a hulking figure was a welcome surprise. Then came wandering how they found large enough manacles to fit his wrists.
"Greetings, honorable Oaken-Soul." He said, Beru sounding off almost in agreement. "Beru says hello."
He snickered, comparing the sizes of Oaken-Soul to Perpireen.
The Speaker perked up, and opened his arms wide in welcome of the Ogre before him
OH! A true servant! And my, what a servant you are! You may indeed be big enough on your own to be the flesh of this council, Oaken-Soul. How fares your people, Oaken-Soul? I hid myself among them, oh so very long ago. Who is the Arch-Druid, now? I never did ask my messenger about that.
When she started to warm up, it occurred to her, "Wait, you're not going to kill me? Like my Aunt?" The fire the Speaker mentioned started kindling. "I'm not a monster?"
After everyone disappeared, she rose to her feet. "My apologies for my earlier actions, I thought my Father was turning out to be right."
Bows to the Orc, "Master Oaken-Soul of the ever green, well met'
Then as the voice talks and other hear, he sings qiulty to himself.
Will you walk into my parlour?" said the Spider to the Fly,
'Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy;
The way into my parlour is up a winding stair,
And I've a many curious things to shew when you are there."
Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "to ask me is in vain,
For who goes up your winding stair can ne'er come down again."
Talathel observed his surroundings, marveling at the transformation in his environment. It was not the first time he had come to in a place he did not remember. Being raised amongst the elves and their delicate wines led to a difficult time of adjustment during his first visit to the Dwarven capital, with the prodigious drinking and strong ale. He felt the cold, but it did not bother him. He had known worse. He followed along as the apes led him, not pleased at his conditions, but not overly surprised. He had heard the current speaker had a taste for the dramatic.
The voices sounded, and pounded through Talathel's whole skull, but his stout fortitude and strong will left him unimpeded. Despite that, he still found himself impressed with the show of power. After the speakers proclamation, Talathel observed his companions in this endeavor.
"Greetings fellow servants of the council. My name is Talathel. I too wield a sword in the service of the council, one crafted by mine own hands. I would be happy to help you with any work your weapons or armor may need, and of course against whatever foes we may face as well."
With that said he strides over to Telula. "I highly doubt you are just anything, have confidence in your position here, and don't be afraid to let your abilities show. We are to be a team after all."
Turning back to address the group at large he asks, "So, what are we to be called?"
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Suzume hears the dwarf's greeting, specifically towards Telula, and tilts his head, intrigued. A new addition, a kind one, and most importantly, one that appreciates the fine craft of swordsmithing.
"Greetings." He said. "It is a true boon to our cause to have a bladesman such as you in our midst."
He hummed, trying to hold back laughter. "As for the name, might I suggest Suzume and the Other Folks?" He said, only mostly joking.
Her one good eye looked at the small fey and she cocked her head as he whispered in draconic.
Sealith stared at the Voice of the Council not backing down from his strong stare. If anything she seemed to relish the challenge and wouldn’t look away as he spoke.
Only when he turned away as something else grabbed his attention did she look back at the others.
When he moved around her she held still as he worked. When he was done she uncurled her wings to their full length. They spanned a good 32 ft from tip to tip.
As she looked herself over rage filled her face as the scars disappeared. Her teeth bared but her tone was....at least amiable.
"You dishonor me by removing the scars. If you can heal the damage and keep the scars I would be grateful. Either that or put stylized tattoos to mark where the scars were if you wish my face to have the only scar. Each scar is a badge I must wear. I am well aware of your power. Your healing has more than proven it. I will endeavor to seem more sweet when I speak my mind. But I will always speak truths and protect those around me. Even if it is a test. You would not accept me any other way. Nor would I dishonor you by being any different. If you would give us time to decide on a name it would be appreciative. To work together we must have time to speak to one another."
Nodding to Oaken Soul, her eyes meeting his, she put a fist to her chest in a warriors greeting. She appreciated the eloquence.
Turning to Telula she frowned. ”You are not a monster. Why would you think of yourself like that? If your father told you that, he is not an honorable man. Well met Telula.”
Turning to Talathel. "If I could wield such blades I would be honored by such a offer. Alas, I can not."
Turning back to the group. "We must not tarry too long. He wishes us to chose a name and seems to want the answer yesterday. I would suggest Shadow Storm. Only because it seems we are to be a bit of a secret, and our council speaker looks like a storm about to break. Plus, we don’t seem like the type to cause anything less than a huge impression." Smiles at everyone showing her teeth.
It was time the Speaker of the Council had turned his eyes upon Suzume, quickly from the Ogre though he still wanted to pour over him-
You appeared honorable, Suzume... But I see you have an arrogant humor behind you- The Speaker shot a cunning glance at Lord McGibel mid-sentence before turning back I... I think I will enjoy watching you all. And of course your yak, ha ha! The Speaker pet the side of the yak firm, but with an unexpected amount of love and compassion for the beast. Oh yes you and Beru were the perfect choice. Simply perfect!
Sealith- you wish your scars returned to you? Hmmm... Yes... You seek a mark of your revival. Perhaps....
The Speaker circled around her, admiring her repaired wings- he had told them that they were to be the body of the Council. She was the first to put forth an honorable name of the group.
I will enjoy watching you, as well. So be it, Sealith- You shall have all your scars you desire to be marked with, and more. He left his gaze into her own once more- but it was blank, as if it were a promise though not a threat.
Next he turned to Telula, a rumbling in his voice though it did not pierce the group, nor threaten them with violence Your father has no power amongst this Council. A monster? Look around you, Telula- you are home now.
His voice wisped gently through your mind as he moved on to the dwarf
You and those thugs were not the only ones there, the day you threw your first spear. Did you think you were employed by the Council through chance? No, dear Telula. I have watched you for some time.
And so we come to Talathel! Yes, your crafts are beyond your years, my dwarf. If you would draw your sword for me?
Looks at the Dragons wings,
"Impressive Lady Dealesk"
Then as the dwarf gives his name, another bow.
"Well met master Talathel Morgrym, thow I see elf design in your work, fine to, but odd that a dwarf has such skills, you must be well schooled"
Telula looked at the dwarf, "It's not that I doubt my abilities, it's what I fear the Weave could turn me into. My Aunt could wield magic, and she lost her mind to the Dark Weave, nearly destroying the city."
The Majar then turned to Sealith, "My Father is too an honorable man. He never once called me that, he only feared what my powers might turn me into." The Arcanist defended, though her mind could still see his stern gaze as she left home.
Jumping at the Speaker's voice in her head, she couldn't help but wonder, Did the Council send those thugs?
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'Appeared honorable?' Suzume repeated in his mind. His feathers ruffled under the insult. "Honor and humour are not mutually exclusive." He said, keeping his tone even and friendly.
He turned to Sealith. "Your scars tell a story, you are right to be proud of them."
He sighed, petting his hand along Beru's hide. "So... assuming that's a no on my suggested name?"
"I second the name Shadow Storm." Telula says.
"Doesn't really flow in common. What say ye to translating the name. Dae arrna means the same, but is much more fluid. Otherwise I suppose the name is as good as any other.
"So, we've spoken in vague terms, but I would like a better understanding of exactly what your capabilities are. I imagine, Lord Perpireen, that you are no champion weightlifter, but I would desire a better understanding of what your abilities. I myself have learned to channel the rage of my ancestors to amplify my own prowess in battle. And I am trained in a variety of weapons, due to my dual heritage, that should keep our foes guessing.
"I see several of you with blades, and I can make some guesses about the abilities of the rest of you, but I would like to hear from your own mouths what you can do. Why you were recruited to the team."
Starting to learn about one another already? Psh. There is no longer a need for this.
Ah... The name, then, shall wait. I am releasing you all into the town of 42. You will be outside its gates- though this time you will be escorted as honorable guests to meet The Mother, who... I think you will enjoy.
The Speaker had a twisted grin and a forlonging in his eyes as the blue plane started to fade, the cold returning to each of you. The last of the blue smoke whisked around and peeled off of Sealith's skin, leaving a torso across her entire body in it's place as the last of the Speaker of the Council's voice left with the remaining wisps of blue smoke
Ah, yes- a final mark! Bear upon you a testament of your group's strength- an archaic branding not seen in Dominorum or Mundus for a thousand years.
As you took a closer look across Sealith's body you see hundreds of dragons sprawling and tearing over her skin- their jaws open and gnawing at some of her scars as dragons with battered wings seemed to circle around the healed tears of her wings.
A final, echoing laugh left the air as the group was left just outside a large gate, still surrounded by large, grumbling apes and a cold, shuddering snow.
Sealith would nod to the voice of the council at his comments.
"Thank you Perpireen. I had once been an excellent flyer. I am probably to rusty to take off at the moment."
Sealith's steel grey eyes stared at Telula as she spoke. Nodding her lips curled into a smile. It seemed she was pleased. "I am glad to see he did not. Do not ever think as yourself as a monster. You are among equals here."
Turning to Suzume. "I agree, Honor and Humour are not exclussive. I would have to turn down your name. It doesn't have my name in the lead." Winks at Suzume.
"Talathel, I had chosen common because it was the most ambiguous. I was trying not to favor one language over another. Other wise I would have put forth Senka Oluja From my native tongue. Since it is as ancient as the first dragons and has the double connotation of Divine Storm."
Sealith shifted her wings settling down her back, properly splitting to let her saurian tail free. "I heal the wounds of those around me and bolster their abilities. I also can wade into combat with claw, fangs and talon."
As they transfer back she sighs.
"So much for asking him questions. It seems he is impatient with waiting. Does anyone here know of this town? Besides the fact we won't be welcomed with open arms."
As the Speaker pulled his head from the water of his scrying bowl he dressed himself back in deep black robes bearing the symbol of the summoning rune his new team of heroes had gathered around- the symbol of The Dominorum Empire.
In perfect silence he made his way across the dark, clammy, cold stone chamber he scryed all the subjects of the empire in and adorned himself back in proper dressings as he opened up the great oak doors that kept the room silent as a crypt no matter the noise outside.
Vasu, his final pick, stood before him. Vasu had not met him personally, yet, but he, like all the others, had been watching her for quite some time.
You know- The Speaker slowly walked around the silent, seemingly blue Syrinx
There was once upon a time I imagined eradicating your order that raised you, did you know that? No, of course, we don't share much of our thoughts, my thoughts, with the Syrinx. Of course that isn't all our fault-
The Speaker waved and guided the still silent and observant Vasu to the bowl he had only moments ago pulled his face from The Syrinx are, after all, a private, violent people. But you- ah, Vasu, the day you were born, like the others, I knew you were different. A talent for flight, for violence, and, most importantly-
Candles hidden in the shadows of the chamber suddenly burst to light, the great oak doors closing as they illuminated the room like stars beneath them You are a soldier, Vasu. An intelligent soldier. And so this is your task, from me, to you-
The Speaker took Vasu's face gently in his hands- an embrace she was unfamiliar with from the culture of the Syrinx- especially from a commander.
He looked deep into her eyes with his own, a look of almost concern crossing his pale blue face You are my eyes, now, Vasu. You will watch over this.... "group". You are my guardian of all costs, Vasu. You have one sole job-
The moment you see something that rivals the power of Dominorum's Empire, you are to crush it mercilessly. No margins- no error. You round out their skills, you complete the puzzle, my Vasu.
The Speaker turned and sat down indian-style as his voice quieted and the candles seemed to dim You have seen them all, I have shown you what I learned as I brought them into my own plane of existence. Are you prepared, Vasu? This very mission will keep your people alive.
Vasu nodded, stoic on the outside, yet trembling on the inside. It was a wonder that her chestnut feathers were perfectly still, and that her tawny eyes were somehow able to continue looking into The Speaker's own.
This entire encounter brought with it many surprises, surprises that Vasu made sure not to contemplate until she was dismissed. There was a time for thought and a time to serve; this was the latter. Knowing this, Vasu simply took the pressure, fear, and downright terror of learning that her entire civilization could come crashing down by the hands of this Speaker at the drop of a hat, and archieved the emotions away in an overflowing filing cabinet that she kept in the dark, dank reaches of her subconscious. She tapped the leftmost talon on her right foot upon the bare stone floor in a rhythm, the noise further bringing her into the present.
She shook her head and looked toward The Speaker.
As she spoke, she placed her fore-talons on her left knee and bowed to the Speaker, ready to carry out his bidding upon the world.
I have marked a member of their group so that you know who they are- you know the trial. Here-
The Speaker handed two notes to Vasu that she was able to comprehend.
The first was a symbol of the Dominorum Council- Hand this to them in silence, so that they know who you are, my dear Vasu. Proof of your decree, proof that you are from me. We. Us. And this- The Speaker handed you the next paper closed with a seal similar to the symbol on the other.
I have met them. I have no need to contact them again until I know what they are worth. What you are worth. Their initiation is complete. Inside this scroll is detailed briefings of 42, and, primarily, your trial, the Morte de Manu. Take both of these to the Mother after you deliver my final message, Vasu.
Seeing he was understood, the Speaker placed a gently palm upon the kneeling Vasu's head, mumbling words to himself and, as he gave a deep exhale, Vasu vanished in a puff of blue smoke and in what seemed to be in the blink of an eye landed knee deep in snow, still kneeling, before a huddle of apes.
As soon as the come to the town McGibel took to the air
He heads to speed to Talathel then just before he gets to him his disappears, reappearing a moment later behind him.
"I Talathel I am a fay and we Fay have tricks, its way many fear the Fay lands. I like many of my kind can go unseen for moments and get into places other would find hard. Also my sword tho small is very sharp indeed and meany a large being has lost its fingers trying to hold me."
He Lands on the Dwarfs helm, he then makes ape like sounds
"So our esteemed Honor Guard, Thank you for being so kind and letting me keep my things, As I said I would not try to escape whole meeting the voice of the council. No for the others here, they have little or no gear, would you know how they could get some, clothing and weapons. The could you leed us to where we need to be."
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Before leaving, Suzume bowed down with a single palm placed down on the floor, uttering an ancient Tengu blessing.
He stood up and nodded, and when they had reached the town, he snickered. "So we begin." He sees Perpireen speaking to one of the apes, and he decides to walk on over. "Milord, if you may, I would ask of these apes to return to me my Katana, Doshaburi, and my pipe. They are both very sentimental to me."
And he sees a new member of the Shadow Storm. Feathered, but not like Suzume. Taller. Resembling more an owl than a crow. He waves over at her, "Greetings and well met." He calls.
He took a walk, scanning the town.
Among the ten or so gorillas that surrounded you, one stood supreme, adorned with a red cape and barbed armor covering a vast majority of his body. It was this one who, with a small beat of his chest, walked up in response to McGibel's inquiries.
You are to be hosted as an honorary guest to The Mother. We will take you through the gate- He howls at the two sentries standing post on each opposing tower of the gate entrance And you will speak with her. We know nothing of your journey, adventurer.
All around you is snow and a boisterous wind that howls over all of your conversations, thought it is not anywhere near as cold as it was when you were walked in chains, it is still quite a force.
A cloud of black smoke billows far out to the east side of the town, and before you is one of the tallest gates of steel you may have ever seen before, though it was also old and worn.
It had clearly been constructed quite some time ago, and well before your birth.
Cold.
Frigid, skin piercing cold.
Vasu opened her eyes to realize that she was knee deep in fluffy snow. Wait, snow?! She paused for a moment, rousing her feathers to form a thicker barrier against the chill of the wind and of the gently falling white powder. Master Speaker is quite the malevolent bastard, isn't he? How typical of the land-bound... Snuffing out the thought, Vasu looked away from her feet and up at the landscape before her. She seemed to be at the gates of a city, surrounded by god forsaken apes, of all things. She took a few steps toward the gate, avoiding eye contact with the hairy beasts. She needed to find this party that the Master had been referring to-
Oh. Well, then.
A massive group of misfit humanoids congregated right inside of the gate. It wasn't exactly hard to figure out that this was the party she was to join. Before she revealed herself, however, she stuck a taloned hand into her backpack and fished around for the first parchment piece that Master Speaker had given her. Within seconds, she pulled it out of the pack, and held it out in front of her. The emblem of the Council was emblazoned smack dab in the middle of the sheet.
Finally, she was ready to make her entrance.
The Syrinx walked out from behind her place at the gate and approached the group, silent and apathetic.