She spent her day heading around he prison, but kept time to make her meeting that night. She gets there early.
”If they accept my lessons I will teach. I am not an easy taskmaster” Sealith said to Suzume.
Sealith would stare at them as they got to work and spoke quietly with Vasu. Translating what the humans were saying with their multitudes of thanking her.
When one started to laugh she scowled and spoke up. ”She carried the deer carcass in last night and has most likely been hauling it here all day. Her back hurts so she is letting the cold of the snow ease the burning in it.”
Looking to Vasu as someone offered her food.
As Lady Lynyna sat in Logan's Flood several of the men offered to buy her drinks, but kept their hands to themselves- they knew better than to chase after one of the Warden's girls.
After an hour or so of playing coy with the men as they gambled, the Warden walked into Logan's Flood with a large welcome, including from the man who was just beaten last night.
The Warden sat next to Lilly as he wrapped an arm around her side while whispering to her I hope you still have that same dark, distant disposition you did yesterday, Lilly.
Gogrin gave a passionate kiss as he pressed into her slowly, watching as her eyes widened at the move while he grinned I suppose... there isn't a point in ruling... if I don't rule over your body first, Telula.
As they began to continue, a loud knocking at the front door came about, bringing Myrrdin and Archimedes to begin to screech and fly rampantly in circles before heading outside the door-
Whoever was there would for sure know that at least Gogrin, and most likely, Telula, were inside.
Gogrin continued anyways, protesting against the knocking at the door as he pressed into Telula once more.
After Gogrin's ministrations were finished, and the euphoric haze began to lift, the Majar commented, "Well, I suppose we better see who that is."
Gogrin nuzzled his beard into Telula's neck with a protest and mumble I'm busy looking at something ELSE right now, haha!
As Telula gave Gogrin a look and put a hand to his muscular and dark dwarven chest, Gogrin sighed, standing up and getting dressed as he made his way to the door, closing the bedroom door behind him as he did so so Telula was not caught to be indecent.
As he opened the door Gogrin gave a loud welcome High Priest! Aram! Alexis! Come come! What are you doing here??? The feast is not until a few days from now!
Aram could be heard responding through mumbling on the other side of the door.
With a stinging twinge of humiliation, Vasu nodded gratefully at the cook who still worked busily taking bits of venison off of the cooking fire. The similarity between meal times in her homeland and meals eaten in 42 was striking. While she wasn't surrounded by other Syrinx, the other citizens of the area chatted away jovially about daily rumors or work or made small talk, all seeming to enjoy themselves.
Vasu was somehow pleased.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Vasu, shall we join them near the fire? I can massage your back as we rest and listen. I can teach you some words of common. That way you understand when they thank you."
As Telula desperately looks around the room, she sees Gogrin's magnificent wardrobe closet. Opening it up she saw a series of Gogrin's usual clothes- the rich, silk shirts, bottom studded sandals for walking, the silk pants to match the silk shirts, but there, of course, was a single silk dress wrapped delicately in linen wraps.
Telula held it up to herself- it was just about perfect for her.
If I put this on.... maybe I can tell them Gogrin was letting me try on this dress for the Feast in a few days... She realized, still holding the beautiful material in her hands.
Myrrdin flew back into the room through the open window on the side of Gogrin's bed, gently tapping Telula and then tapping back at the dress.
It would appear Myrrdin thought the dress was a beautiful idea as well.
Calling Myrddin to her shoulder, she said, "Shall we?"
Opening the door, the Majar walked out of the bedroom.
Vasu carefully picked her way through the snow toward the campfire. The heat felt marvelous on her damp down and feathers, and she heaved an internal sigh of contentment as she began to dry off. She looked toward Sealith.
Vasu, though looking very slightly uncomfortable, moved closer to Sealith to express her appreciation of the offer. She sat, catlike, covering her frigid fore and hind talons with her feathers. She further warmed herself by wrapping her wings around her torso. Vasu then turned her head toward Sealith.
As Vasu began to speak with Sealith, Trish approached Suzume offering something he most likely had a greater desire for- a bottle of wine.
Roy, sitting across from Suzume at the fire, nodded to him as he took it as they both apologized Sorry about earlier- you know, you three are the most we've seen 'round here in forever. Even the Mother never normally came down here, right Trish?
Trish nudged Roy, pointing to the Mother and the fact that she could clearly hear what Roy had just said as she continued to pet her Saber Cats. Trish continued in a whisper Sorry for being so obnoxious earlier- you know, working for her- Trish pointed to Sealith There just seems to be something different about her... unique. Aside from the scales, of course. Didn't want anyone to ruin our first shot at the wall and to impress our new boss- you understand, right?
As they finished speaking, Rita tapped Suzume on the shoulder Oi, Master Suzume- She was a little buzzed based on her lack of manners and slower accent Where-where we sleepin' too-night? Ya' know, don't chya?
Aram was the first to see Telula, and his eyes went wide as he saw her, then looked back to Gogrin, then back at Telula What... Telula! We did not expect to see you here!
The dark haired man quickly rushed forward to shake Telula's hand, followed by an awkward and weak shake from the High Priest of the Angel Oak as he adjusted his Chausable several times before, finally, the skintily armored Tiefling Alexis greeted her as well Telula! Wow wow Gogrin, she looks beautiful!
Gogrin quickly passed the other three as he then sized up Telula with his back to the others as he eyed her over and over again before whispering in her ear That was supposed to be a gift.... what am I going to do with you?
The High Priest, having heard what Gogrin said, gave a light chuckle and sigh as he gave the others a suspicion confirming look Oooh my boy Gogrin... Is this why you have been ignoring your Communal requests so long?!?! We have a city to rule Father!
Aram put a hand to his temples as he sighed Priest Regal perhaps it is better if we move to the dining room and have a seat, yes?
Alexis seconded it with a wink at Telula as she aided High Priest Regal in getting to the dining room.
Gogrin, embarrassed, blushed at Telula behind a smile I am so, so sorry. I do not want you to be embarrassed- I am the Father of 42- do you want them gone? Ask me and it shall be so, my ruling duties be damned in comparison to a woman like you, Telula! He said it loud enough so the other three in the dining room could hear him clearly without a need for eavesdropping. There was a slight power and passion in his voice that made Telula want to take him back into his bedroom again.
Sealith moved with her near the fire. The heat against her hide felt good. Listening to the conversations around her she smiled.
She looks at him with a kind of disapproving frown,
"Dark!, mum says that, says Ill ill be a witch like nan was. I just don't want to marry some dumb-dull-farmer, I'm meant for better things me... you understand."
She says that last bit as a challenge and question
The Warden gave a smile so wide that his forehead creased a little before he leaned into her and said I have a carriage and a few horses waiting outside for me. Now that you're here- The Warden gave a disapproving look around the room I have no need to stay. I own them anyways, you see? The Warden gave Lilly a playful squeeze on the hip as he said "own" while tugging on her to come outside with him But if you think you're meant for better things, you're going to have to prove it. Come with me, Lilly- let's see just how dark your disposition really is.
As Sealith spoke with Vasu, the Mother made her way over and sat down next to the two while shooting a bright, shiny white smile at each of them. Her green hair almost glimmered with the sparks that flew off the fire Sealith... Vasu... I see you both are most likely cold... Would you like me to help?
She moves just a tiny but at the grab, but then acts like she stills herself. She looks into his eyes as if trying to work out what he means then nods. As if making her mind up that no matter what he is planning it can't be as dull as sitting around here.
She just could not work out what he had planned but went with it.
The Warden opened the carriage door for Lilly before tipping the carriage driver a GP and commanding him sternly Come on now, boy, to the Prison of 42!
As the Warden stepped into the all black interior of the carriage, he slunk right next to Lilly with a hand on her knee Tell me, Lilly- have you ever been to see the Prison?
[Sense Motive DC 15, Bluff DC to His Sense Motive]
Returning to her normal voice, but slightly louder, "I could not possibly ask you to do such a thing dear Gogrin. Please attend to your guests, while I look to getting some refreshments." While not having any sort of political background, the Majar was trying to strategically ingratiate herself to some of 42's more prominent members. I don't want them to think him unfit to rule. If I'm to be by his side, it's best not to rock the boat. She thought to herself as she headed towards the kitchen.
She do's not remove his hand.
"I seen someone in the stocks, Billy Wills got drunk and he was put in the stocks for three days. I throw old fruit at him. But a real like Prison No, do you have all kinds of evil criminal types there, like they bards talk about. Real killers and such'
She looks excited.
After making a small amount of tea for Gogrin, Aram, Alexis, and Regal, she returned to the dining room table to set the table for the new guests. It was at this point that she already started to miss having Maxwell around.
Gogrin patted a hand on the chair to his right, signaling for Telula to come and sit down next to him Gentleman and, ladies, haha, I was not aware my assistance was needed for every little thing- I have been here, researching, after of course I made a few final operations at the 42nd Bank.
High Priest Regal shook his head in a tizzy SIMPLE things??? Simple! The Mother is no longer operating the Angel-Oak! We have no idea what is going to happen next! The Angel-Oak has never been without an heir before.
Aram chimed in after a small thank you to Telula for the tea There is more to it than that. Apparently rumor has it that the Angel-Oak was killing the Mother- that even if she wanted to she could have only operated the tree for a few more years.
Alexis nodded She WAS taking a long time to recover... But this is all besides the point- Gogrin- criminal activity is picking up, and we haven't seen the Warden since we last saw you. Have you heard from him at all?
Gogrin shook his head No, I'm afraid not...I can't believe it. 42 is going to change, then? We've always been at peace! I thought I would be ruling during peace.
Regal shook his head once more You must look around you, boy- The Mother is done, the Father we have isn't an heir, who knows what happens when the tree finally stops powering this vast city.
The Warden laughed You threw fruit at him, 'eh? Atta girl. Perhaps you will like this trip after all. Well, here's the thing- 42, until recently, never had many criminals. Sure I locked away a few of those cultists from that traitor, Matthias Oak, and there's always a pickpocket or two to put away- but we only have a few tens of "evil" types- gangs, assassins looking for power, and the like. A few foreigners, too- the Orog are especially fearsome creatures.
In fact- you're going to see one today.
The Carriage continued with its gentle whipping of the horses pulling the carriage for another hour or so until it came to a quick stop on the soil road.
Lady Lynyna had seen that most of the North-East Quadrant appeared burnt, abandoned, almost left for dead. There were a few plains and hopping areas on the trip, but it all revolved around food- the rest was underdeveloped, old, and made of rotting wood, which was most interesting, considering every personal home she'd seen, aside from places of business, was not wood but of mud and clay and covered in vegetation.
Warden Franklin helped Lady Lynyna out of the carriage so that she could see the massive prison, of course for her, for the second time. It was nearly the size of a good portion of the King-Under-the-Hill's ruling castle, though without the glamour.
Warden Franklin smiled as he took in a breath of fresh air Ah yes- this, Lilly, is my home. I sleep here most nights- I patrol it during the day, along with my men. Come, let me show you.
The four or five guards Lilly had seen on patrol around the prison streets earlier that day were now all lined up in a row before the opening of the locked gate into the Prison. Warden Franklin accepted a nod and salute from each of the men as he continued.
After passing the entrance gate, Warden Franklin ran into the all steel door with only a slot for eyes at the top. He banged on it five times, hard, before a man quickly observed it was the Warden and opened the door.
Entering the Prison was cold, almost shivering so. Lady Lynyna looked forward and saw yet another steel door, bolted from the outside, and with no peering slides. A few bangs were coming from the other side as a man yelled for help before going quiet and, most likely, still.
To their left was a metal spiral staircase- Warden Franklin tapped Lilly gently on the butt before pointing to it Come now- you don't want to be down here. As they continued up the stairs he spoke Yes the main floor is actually my own design- you see it is a maze on the main floor. Instead of putting our lethal prisoners in cages and feeding them, we force them to feed themselves. We take a beast and let it loose on the bottom floor- sometimes it is a few deer so they can eat, sometimes it is one of our saber cats, of course the funnest to watch is the Gorilla going at some poor chap but, regardless- it keeps those killers and assassins in line. They passed a second floor as the Warden continued going up Second floor to the second from the last floor holds petty criminals, in decreasing order of crime as we come closer and closer to the top. Unfortunately those criminals are in cages. Aram and Regal, other Communal Members such as myself, nearly had a fit when I said I wanted a maze on every floor. But, bygones are bygones. Ah, here we are. My floor- all to myself.
Looking to Elyse, she would nod. Speaking in "Indeed, help would be welcomed."
Looking out over the fire she feels the fur drop again and sighs. Stretching out her wings after making sure no one was in the way. Their massive length, was peppered with massive scars and tattoos that were also along her body. She looked like a warrior that had seen many battles and somehow survived. The scar along her eye looking like her eye should be missing.
The Mother gave a small nod with a smile and pressed a hand to Sealith with a hum Angel-Oak, bless her with your protection for the night. Do me this favor, won't you?
The Mother then moved on to Vasu For you, as well.
There, you both should be plenty comfortable! Sealith...
The Mother turned back to face Sealith, her bright smile lowering down a bit, fitting the shadows of the flames that her wings and scarred body brought about I.... am sorry for snapping at you earlier in the market. The Angel-Oak always made me so tired. To think that that wasn't enough for these people- I was insulted... But now I know, after seeing you orchestrate all this- this should have been me, shouldn't it have?
I was wondering... since now Suzume is here, and most operations are underway... perhaps it was time for me to speak to the people of 42, independently, and.... She grinned at Chelya and Binsk, who were curled up dangerously close to the fire With a little less inclination of violence from my darlings. Would you... help me?
As the Mother spoke with Sealith, the Clerics made their way over to observe Sealith's scars with whistles and looks all about her The tattoos look like they are gnawing at the scars- who did this handiwork?
The girls could not help but gently trace a finger over Sealith's body as they giggled Oh my! No wonder you slayed a Son of Terrak! Your skin- it's like your flesh is... Armor!
"Thank you very much. This will make my time more pleasurable."
Turning to look at the mother."It should have. As a leader and a mother. I will assist you. I will not give you the words to speak. Those must be your own. But I can assist you."
Pulling in her wings a bit Sealith looked up to see the clerics coming to look at the scars.
"Indeed, the tattoos are from the Speaker of the Empire. He marked me when he healed my wings to be able to fly. Originally he dishonored me by removing the scars all together. I protested so he returned them and marked me with these tattoos." Looking at them as she felt fingers along her skin.
"My skin is armor, that scar, is a fresh one, that is from the Son of Terrak."
The Mother nodded, whispering so that she wasn't rude and over-cutting the clerics as they continued to gaze at Sealith I would appreciate it- I will send a letter to Alexis and inform her of my intent. I'm sure she'll want to guard me herself. We will approach the Communal together at the Feast and discuss bringing you with me- they all should be in attendance along with many more. The Mother ducked back and away, still observing Vasu in Auran and with a smile How have you found your days to be here so far, Vasu? I have heard a rumor that you take to finding a tree and resting there? Is this true?
The cleric scratched his head as they slowly backed away, grabbing a few more pieces of venison from near the fire- Chelya and Binsk whined, and they were give a few pieces to chew as well You... chose to keep the scars? And, from the Speaker.... is that.... Is that the man that wanted to behead The Mother? High Priest Regal was complaining and festering over a "Speaker" only a few days ago!
"Of course I chose to keep the scars. Each one is a lesson that I have learned. A badge of honor. A tale of my life."
Looking at each of them. "Indeed, the same man. He is also the one who killed one of your own for provoking his anger past the boiling point. So McGible was slain and the Speaker left. Elyse's life was spared. He marked me for his own amusement."
Turning to the others, the Arcanist calmly and evenly said, "There may be another, more sustainable way to keep the Angel-Oak thriving. After much research, the two of us have learned quite a lot about the Llieldasine. And better yet, a way to find them. We believe that if we could procure a seed from their Matron and plant it at the base of the Oak, it will be in perfect harmony with the tree, allowing the natural magic to flourish and 42 to thrive."
She had to stop herself from quivering with anticipation and fear as to how these individuals would react to an outsider's opinion.
Looking to Vasu she switches to Auran as she speaks."He marked my skin of his own volition. Not by my request. He did it to satisfy himself and for no other purpose. There was no honor in the choice. IF I had done some great deed and he asked to give me a mark for it. Then there would have been honor in it. But this was for his amusement. Samuraian rarely carry marks that are not those of honor to themselves or their clans and friends. Decoration, is in paints and weapons. Not permanent markings. My tribe would see these markings as hubris."
All the members at the table went wide eyed as Telula spoke what could only be assumed to be Dwarven, as Gogrin responded in kind to her, wide eyed as well, but flawlessly It seems I have more to learn of you- look at how shocked they are! Ha ha!
Each of the Communal Members looked about from one to the other before, finally, Alexis spoke Umm... Llieldasine? What are those?
High Priest Regal shook his head with a disappointed sigh Have you been filling her head with nonsense, boy? He said, pointing an old and crooked finger at Gogrin.
Aram sighed as well High Priest Regal, perhaps it is better if we hear the newcomer out before calling anything nonsense- after all, we have not discovered a solution yet, have we?
Turning to Alexis, she then proceeded to explain who/what the Llieldasine are.
Alexis nodded as her tiefling tail flicked back and forth- the combination of hot pink hair and metal armor did not clash as well as perhaps Alexis thought it would.
Then again, being Commander of the Royal Guard, she probably didn't have to care. Such a long journey... and the Frozen Giant King... Gogrin- are you sure he would be... Welcoming?
High Priest Regal shook his head once more as he reclined with a hand to the bottom of his jaw in thought You all would have to be escorted- the Frozen Giant King is a tempermental being and not to be taken lightly. I believe he would take a showing of four strangers and a "New King" as an insult instead of a welcoming presence.
When were you planning on leaving, Gogrin? Aram asked across the table with a casual tone.
Gogrin scruffed himself up as he flexed his massive shoulders and forearms to show that he had more than magic when it was needed The day after the feast, maybe just a few days more.
While Alexis and High Priest Regal gave one another a wide-eyed look of disapproval, Aram reached his arms across the table in demonstration as he spoke, calmly Gogrin- You have been Father for essentially three days. In that time you have not given your people a peep- you have been to one communal meeting that you were not needed at, and you have stopped funding other expenditures through the 42nd Vault.
I understand you are new to ruling, but take it from a commoner, old friend- the people are getting... anxious.
Alexis continued Aram's train of thought We have already seen crime rates start to go up. On top of this, Kerjak has started to revert back to a more... primal... state. The other animals as well- without the Mother on the Angel-Oak we need something to replace it, but within the next week the animals will have lost all the intelligence they once held, and what little confidence the North East and South West Quadrants have in your rule will be completely obliterated if you leave now.
We have only two people, in a city of nearly a million, who can train warriors- one of which is an outsider, and the other is me. We need more help, Gogrin- we need a ruler.
The High Priest nodded with his old and wavering voice in affirmation of Alexis and Aram H-h-heed your councilors on this, Gogrin. We need you to be a better ruler than the Mother ever was. We need a proper King, Gogrin. The p-p-people need a King.
Gogrin pushed up from his chair with at first a look of anger as he rushed to the other side of the table before turning on his heel and counting the heads in the room I see Warden Franklin is not here.
Aram sighed Yes, it would appear the crime rates have forced Warden Franklin to finally have a job outside of criticizing the other Communal Members who actually do something for 42.
Gogrin nodded Very well... if the people want a King, they will have one. And a Queen, when the day comes. I will not have the same planned Heirs of 42 that the Mothers and Fathers had for the last 400 years before me.
Alexis, please have your most proficient Royal Guards assemble with me and Telula tomorrow morning. Aram- you are more experienced with gold than everyone in 42 aside from me- I am leaving you to run the 42nd Vault.
Telula, my love , anything you have to add, please, do. It was you that started us on the search for the Llieldasine, after all.
The Mother smiled Suzume! First, of course, thank you for training what appears to be these fine soldiers! Second... The Mother became shy with her smile as she brushed back her green hair Umm... well... I'm not entirely sure. I was hoping Councilor Aram would have some sort of input. Thanks to his inns he always knows what the people want- at least I think so. I was hoping you all would probably be able to help as well, but I'm unsure....
The Mother sat down between all three of them next to the fire with a sad sigh and grin at Chelya and Binsks' snoring I suppose... aside from feeding them for the past decade... I don't know anywhere near enough about my people.
Walks with him looking on in owe at his amazing power and holdings.
"I did not realize you where such an powerful man"
She says with a giggle.
As Lady Lynyna attempted to discern what kind of maze may be inside, and how to open/ lock it, she could not tell.
She did notice, however, that as they continued going up the floors there was only a stair case on one end, and a narrow tunnel from each open entry way-
This most likely meant that the main floor maze was actually a multi-level creation that extended quite high- and possibly stopped in Warden Franklin's very room.
As Warden Franklin opened the door Lady saw a structure that would confirm her suspicions- it was a narrow hallway and well decorated foyer before turning right into an open and lower level living room.
What was surprising to see, however, was two of Warden Franklin's guards standing and facing them in the room, along with what Lady could only assume a shackled and beaten Orog.
The Warden nodded to the two men, and they left- but not before looking over Lady as they did so.
Once Warden Franklin could hear them close the door behind themselves, he drew out his long sword and handed it to Lady Lynyna with a wicked smile and whisper Now, let's see just how dark your disposition for fun is, Lady Lynyna.
The Warden walked with a strong jaunt to the Orog before landing a solid blow to it's face, cracking its nose as it snarled in response This Orog has been sentenced to death- it was found that he was plotting to kill The Mother and the new Father of 42, Gogrin. How a slave broke into 42 is simply beyond me- and I'm willing to bet Matthias had something to do with it.
However- his sentence cast is death. The Warden walked back over to Lady Lynyna and kissed her on her forehead- she could feel his own "dark disposition" as he did so Go on, Lilly- do it. Show me how interesting you are. Execute this monster.
Telula stroked Myrddin's breast as she contemplated for a minute, her next words had to be chosen carefully. "They have a fair point Gogrin. These being the turbulent times that they are, it would not do well for you to leave 42 right now. After the feast, the others and I can handle the journey to the Frozen King. But first, for now, we need to focus on stabilizing the new order of things here in the city. Perhaps it would be best for you to make some sort of public appearance to help alleviate some of the anxiety Aram mentioned."
Turning to the other three, "What would you three advise in that regard?"
High Priest Regal gave a "bah" as he leaned forward once more I am sorry- but if we are going to be treading on traditions, in addition to outsiders, I will be leavin-
Gogrin cut the High Priest off You have let an outsider tend to your bank, High Priest Regal- He got closer as he spoke, step by step, with a finger jutted out at him You let another outsider just recently, take your clerics and do your job of healing the wall as well. THREE clerics, to the one who helped save the Mother before Alexis arrived? And now a Dwarf, not a human is a Ruler of 42!
Gogrin squatted down only slightly to the High Priest as he spoke in a quite ferocity I may have played bookkeeper for many years, my dear Councilor, Friend, and Advisor- but as one outsider in defense of a few others, you will silence yourself, and you will hear what Telula has to say, along with the other members of this council.
The High Priest reclined once more, quiet and silently shaking his head with a look to Aram V-v-very well. continue, then, Aram.
Aram sighed Well, with me as the runner of the 42nd Vault we can get more gold flowing again- people will link the next few months of increased spending directly to your leadership, which I can only see as a positive influence.
Alexis chimed in as well with a particular smirk at High Priest Regal I should be able to follow Sealith's direction from a few days ago and start working with Suzume- together we should be able to draw a crowd and train a lot more at once. There won't be much difference between those guarding the wall and those guarding the Father and Council Members.
They both looked, comically, at High Priest Regal, who still had Gogrin's face less than a foot away from his own. He answered hesitantly in a way that almost made even Gogrin laugh I-I-I suppose I could pass on the blessings of the Angel-Oak to the people, m-m-maybe recite the old story of the Angel-Oak, and how, perhaps... it is... time for... a change?
There was a certain desperation and need of assistance in the way High Priest Regal looked at Telula for help on getting Gogrin away from him.
Having Myrddin hop off of her shoulder, and perch on the chair back, the Arcanist stood up and calmly moved to Gogrin's side. Placing a calming hand on his shoulder, she said, "I believe you have made your point Gogrin."
Turning to the High Priest, the Majar then suggested, "Perhaps you could spin this transition like that of the changing seasons? Maybe you could say something along the lines of 'this is the winter before the spring' or some such thing. Transitions can be difficult and scary, but if you endure them, the rewards often outweigh the hardships." Her tone indicated she was speaking from personal experience.
Giving her attention to Aram, "In regards to the spending increase. The positive or negative reaction is entirely predicated upon what the spending is on. For instance, if the increase was to go to let's say, extra funding to the Town Watch to allow for more Watchmen to be hired, it would not only increase moral but drop the crime rate at the same time. But if you were to take that same funding and put it towards, I don't know, building a statue of Gogrin in the town square, it could be interpreted as his ego promoting his own self-importance, which could sow dissidence. Do you see what I'm saying?"
Aram grinned Yes, Telula, I know exactly what you are saying. I'll ensure the correct gold goes to the correct purposes, but... No watch. I don't think we need to give Warden Franklin anymore funding-
Alexis, I will send you the gold, along with Suzume and Sealith, so that repairs and fortifications can be sped along.
Gogrin nodded Very well then. If there is nothing else, give Warden Franklin my best. I believe that will do until the feast?
The others nodded in agreement as they rose slowly and made their way for the door. As soon as Gogrin heard his front door close he laughed in Dwarven I had no idea you spoke Dwarven, my dear. I would have fed them... but.... Gogrin spun Telula around so she was sitting on the table If I heard you say any more smart ideas, I would have had to take you in front of them. I decided no dinner was less rude, ha ha!
Placing a hand on either side of his face, she simply asked, "I'm not the only one full of surprise now am I?" Telula glanced down at the dress, then continued, "Just for my own edification, when did you get this dress and why does it fit me so perfectly?"
"How about you try talking to those around. You have soldiers and smiths, clerics, and workers here. I am sure they would love to talk to you about anything and everything you wish." Sealith tells Elyse softly. "Sit with them. Enjoy a meal. Listen and speak. Ask them about themselves."
She settled her wings around her again and they soon looked like a cloak hanging off her shoulders.
Gogrin kissed the Majar as she asked her questions before answering with a sigh The dress was not made for you... I was told that... it was my mother's. My actual mother's, at least. She passed while I was out and about, venturing through Terra Nix.
I should not be surprised it fits you- she was human after all. My father, a Dwarf from the Empire, left back for the Empire many years ago before all this madness started...
I don't normally talk about it, ha ha. Gogrin ended his sentence with a downcast look, as if he was trying to peer through the very stone walls of his home with a nervous laugh as he held Telula tighter than before, before continuing with another nervous laugh I suppose you are one of those curious women who must know everything, then, hm? Gogrin gave her a nose kiss before taking her by the hand and having her hop off the table.
The Mother nodded as if she was ok with the idea, but turned to the others and became instantaneously nervous as she began to talk at a heightened tone and volume that came off to be extremely awkward- Chelya and Binsk woke up at first as if she was in some kind of danger.
Ummm! I... don't know how to normally do these sorts of things... I have only made a few public declarations... and those were back when I had plenty of energy... before the Angel-Oak began to drain me of my life, and not just my power....
Erm... Sealith! Sealith and I will eventually be going from Quadrant to Quadrant, town to town, within the walls, to see what I and Gogrin can do for the people during this rough time! So... I... We figured that I should start now! So...
Tell me! Tell me what you need, as my people.
Roy was the first to stand up- Trish beggingly pulled him down by his sleeve, but he resisted and stood anyways Yeah... He said, quietly, all eyes shifting between him and the Mother When will we be safe again?
The Mother froze I...I cannot say for sure... But I can say that we have not seen the last of Matthias- that he wants that Angel-Oak tree and he wants full power of it, that he's willing to murder every last one of us for it.
That we need to keep up repairs on the wall, and we need to keep training soldiers! We can't know when he will be back, but I think we can stop him... If we're ready when it happens.
The Mother gave a glance back to Sealith, Vasu, and Suzume, to see how she was doing, as others continued to observe her.
With shaking hands she takes the sword from him, but all the time she was looking into his eyes. She look all the part like a girl how had just found her soul mate, here was someone who understood her, her dark desires of power over others.
Inside was another matter, she looked and could see him for what he was. A being who loved power over others, controlling them, corrupting them, twisting them to his will. The feeling of power, the thrill of control. Money was just a means to an end for a man like this. It was in this culture's view evil. He got gratification from hurting others. Wicked evil man they would say.
But Lady Lynyna was a foundling and not human, she had lived with the fay from birth, to the fay good and evil where just perspectives that changed depending where the viewer was. A noble Knight killing a nest of Goblin family's Killing the young Goblins with glee for he thought his acts Righteous and good.
She did not for a moment worry about killing, she had killed many all ready in her line of work, and would kill meany more. She had been trained not to think of nothing more than the roll she was playing that as all she had, and in this case, a farm girl with an evil streak.
But she needed more, she needed to control this warden, to have power over him as he sort power over her. Here was his weakness and here his how she would attack, as he tried to control her now in his fantasy so she would use that to ensnare him. The corruption the farm girl would give him the feeling of power he would need to make love to her later. It was all ready playing in his mind, her taken by him body and soul.
That fantasy would be his down fall and how she would gain power over him.
All this played throw her mind as she looked into his eyes.
Then she smiled and with former hinds griped the sword and skipped away with a giggle, skipping around the Orog.
"You know I grow up on a farm, I have killed many a beast, death dos not upset me Master Warden."
She holds the sword out and walks now slowly around the chained Orog. Being careful not to let it get to her she prods it with the sword but do's not draw blood. she Giggles again.
Thats right warden drink in the image, look on, see the little farm girl all excited by the gift you have given her. Feed that fantasy let it grow.
Now she stopped behind the Orog and reaching out her hand touched its massive mussels while holding the tip of the sword to the back of its neck. She looks at it in wounder lust on her voice.
"Just look at its magnificent flesh, how hard it is, How powerful it must be, and her chained."
She removed her hand and placed it onto herself, just for a moment then she spun around again giggle.
"I can kill it, once but like we do with pigs across its throt and it would bleed out that green blood and be dead."
She stopped, as if a thought had just entered her mind.
This is the moment, yes look, your thinking will she wont she, yes I can hear you breathing deeper warden. Now is the time to push that fantasy passed this moment into a dream that will control you.
Look at the wall she says, as if to herself, this sweat looking, home girl, farm girl, this country rose.
"I have a better idea, much better, and far less dull."
She turned and walked back behind the Orog, with two cuts and a pull she had removed its prison rags. It was now nude, its Oroghood fully seen.
Now to insear the warden
Now she talked to the Orog,
"Your fine your are, so strong and full of anger."
She walked away from him, over to some wardents Clock rack, pulling a thick fur one she walked back to 10 feet in front of the Orog. She placed the sword on the floor and laid out the fur cloak. Then slowly started to take her clothes off, letting both the Orog and the Warden see her.
"I have an idea for a wager Orog, it's a simple one. I wish the warden her to take me, I want him in me, to make love to me here and now on this fur cloak. And he will you know, I have had many a farm boy but tonight I want a man. He will take me as he see for and you will see it all. It will be lust full for he is a strong and powerful man."
Now nude herself she walks up to the warden and gives him a long kills.
She looked deep into the wardens eyes as he holds his face.
"But her this the wager Orog, should you get aroused by his lust, just for one moment, and we will see, nude as your are. Then when we are down, he will cut off Oroghood and give it to me on a plate, while you bleed out your life."
She kissed the warden once more, then holding his hand brought him over to the Fur cloak and started to undress him. Now to the warden she says.
"Do you think you can make love to me so that he will doom himself"
Now she had him nude she got down and lay on the cloak. She did nothing more than look up into his eyes. A farm girl wish a dark side getting off on this soooo much.
That's right, come into the fantasy and be mine