The Speaker gave a cocked look at Lord McGibel She is far more used to us.... alive? No, no no no, allow me to explain- she is of zero use to us, and, more importantly, the Empress. But that doesn't matter!
The Speaker seemed to take a moment to reset his brain I am here to ensure that you all remember that there is more to this deal than taking care of these vagabonds from Morte de Manu. This is also about trade. 42 has an unnatural amount of resources here in Terra Nix, and the Dominorum Empire requires them on its Eastern border. Help rebuild the city, and then build us a road from Dominorum to Novoterra. Gogrin, I'm sure, can help. He seems to be a smart fellow. Though he is a filth ridden great grandchild of a group of no-good earth diggers.
The Speaker then gave a curious grin to Telula You... You are not on your knees this time? I find that most agreeable- you seem to have found your footing.
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Suzume tries to take a step in between Sealith and Perpireen. "Please, no arguments. My tribe has a saying, 'when two yaks butt heads, it leaves the rest of the heard for the wolves.' We are not incapable of working two jobs at the same time, and Vasu is not incapable of arguing for herself. You may work with me, if it so pleases you, milord." He snickers. "Just so long as you do not taint these poor young recruits' minds with teachings of dainty little stabbing swords."
Suzume raises a finger at the Speaker. "True, she is of zero use to you, but out there she's a symbol, and should she be executed, a martyr. Killing her would be more trouble than it's worth. A cell is nice and quiet."
He ruffles at the Speakers statements on Gogrin and Telula. "Yours is not an elected position, I am assuming?"
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Despite the fact she was absolutely terrified of this being, Telula's stance had a hint of defiance as she responded to the Speaker, "Yes, I have."
The Speaker stared over Suzume for a moment or so with a grin before
A martyr... Yes, that is, if she had a cause. But rolling heads don't speak words, and enforcers keep the rumors quiet. THAT, however, is for another day. I did not come to usurp the government of 42- we are here to make it flourish, yes? So then I guess the "Mother" of lies, lives.
Now... let's see... No. I believe that's it- as long as you all understand the reason you are here, that is. Now, if there are no more reasons for children to squabble pettiness in my presence The Speaker gave a false-sympathetic frown at Sealith and Lord McGibel's argument then I believe we have a liar's sentencing to hear.
You have absolutely NO idea what the true reason you are in 42 is, and it is painfully and arrogantly obvious that The Speaker is playing some sort of game.
Sealith would turn to Vasu and translates what has been said word for word to let her make her own decisions about the conversation.
"McGibel, you are the idiot that stated orders. Not I. It is you who speaks with a forked tongue and mocks those around you. You are the one insulting Vasu by implying she is of no use in the mission she chose. Not I. You are the one mocking me for protecting her. Not I. Also you go on this sycophantic rant in a way as to paint me as the bad one of the bunch. I speak truths. My actions speak for themselves. As do yours."
Turning to Suzume. "I am no Yak. I understand the analogy you are trying to get at but refrain from such vulgar analogies please. I am fighting my own culture to not attack those who demean. I know it was not intentional on your part."
This she translates for Vasu
Listening to the speaker her eyes narrow and her lips start to curl.
Turns to the speaker.
"You are a liar. You have probably pulled strings to have The Mother killed in imprisonment or during the hearing. You don't want trade established but to control 42. You have no respect for Gogrin and I wouldn't be surprise you plan on having him assassinated. You are just pissed the Mother hasn't given any information on this revolution so you can't squash any resistance there may be and the possibility the people rallying around Matthias. You do want to overthrow the government here. I have more respect for McGible than you. I would chose to work with him over anything you want. He at least has the little shred of honor to be honest about being a liar."
The Speaker stood calmly against Sealith, his shoulders squared with hers, his eyes becoming cold as he stood, once more, only inches from her I was unaware we had someone so honorable amongst us. Of course, it is why you were recruited. Speaking of which, tell me, do you know where your tribe is now?
Because I do. In fact I know where all of you come from, where all of your loved ones are.
So I would suggest you stop worrying about my motivations, my desires, or the plans set in motion, because your job is not to think, you don't have the full picture, not yet- no. Your job is
The Speaker got even closer to Sealith now The Speaker's shout echoed across the cold, vegetation filled air. 42 for the second day in a row was unmistakenly quiet.
The Speaker turned back around, a hand in the air as he walked to the Angel-Oak, signaling for them to join him as he laughed, his hand becoming almost ethereal in the wind Oh, and don't forget- there's a cold front coming.
nods his head in returned respect as Sealith say to the Speaker. 'I have more respect for McGible'
Then at the Speaker rant, his play is forgot, this time he Cocks his head and eyebrow at the Speaker.
"O dear Speaker, now what has you so worried humm, there is far more at play here than your letting on, we all know that now, But what could it be, dos mother know I wounder?"
He smiles, his eyes glinting.
The Speaker grinned, his pointed teeth making a hideous yet almost-still-handsome smile as he whispered
The Speaker openly pet Lord Perpireen McGibel on the head, waiting at the Angel-Oak door.
As Sealith translated the Speaker's words, Vasu's eyes widened and she shrank back toward a wall, her gaze rapidly flicking between Sealith and the Speaker. Her expression darkened as the Speaker's yelling began. It was obvious that the gears in her mind were whirring at an incredible speed. Vasu was, once again, confused. This time, however, she intended to do something about it. She didn't care if she had no idea what was going on, this was wrong.
With lightning speed, Vasu tore in front of The Speaker, bearing her talons and hissing fiercely. She turned toward Sealith and thrust her wings out, forming a shield around her superior. Vasu let out an ear-piercing cry; her eyes blazing with fear and the unprecedented loyalty of a soldier toward their commander.
"Me kake YI? BA KA YI MAGANA A MAYAR DA MATRAS!"
Dark clouds rolled over the sky as a gentle rain and lightning storm came over 42. Doors slamming shut and animals taking refuge in their own huts and pens and groupings could be heard surround the center of 42- the Angel-Oak.
Pairing with this was the deep, dark laughter of The Speaker
It is good to see that someone understands. Thank you, Vasu. Perhaps one day you will be promoted and enrolled into Her Majesty's Imperial Guard.
As Lord Perpireen McGibel is flying all the pat dos is push him down a little, he go's with it, bobbing back up again.
He is still looking at the Speaker.
"Temper, temper, Speaker Remember some of us are here just as a Courtesy and not as bonded slaves. You are powerful I will grant you that, but not The most powerful, there are others in this world who know where you are and all that you hold dear. Lets not let hubris get the better of us shall w..."
But he stops as Sealith starts on the Speaker.
You are a liar. You have probably pulled strings to have The Mother killed in imprisonment or during the hearing. You don't want trade established but to control 42. You have no respect for Gogrin and I wouldn't be surprise you plan on having him assassinated. You are just pissed the Mother hasn't given any information on this revolution so you can't squash any resistance there may be and the possibility the people rallying around Matthias. You do want to overthrow the government here. I have more respect for McGible than you. I would chose to work with him over anything you want. He at least has the little shred of honor to be honest about being a liar.
HIS reply was this.
I was unaware we had someone so honorable amongst us. Of course, it is why you were recruited. Speaking of which, tell me, do you know where your tribe is now?
Because I do. In fact I know where all of you come from, where all of your loved ones are.
So I would suggest you stop worrying about my motivations, my desires, or the plans set in motion, because your job is not to think, you don't have the full picture, not yet- no. Your job is to do our f+*+ing jobs.
Are you saying he is yours? Is he holding your family hostage also? To think he would stoop to such dishonorable lows. I guess it is to be expected of someone like him. Note, he did not argue my words. Only that I should behave. Just like I bet he has told you."
Vasu dropped her wings and looked awkwardly at the ground.
"Vasu ne nan domin daban-daban dalili daga gare ku, dragon abu. Vasu kasance a cikin ƙasa pathetic mutane a yanzu. Duniya mutane yanzu shan ku, kamar su dauki Vasu."
She dropped her voice to a whisper.
He stops directly in front of the speaker's face, eye to eye with him, the great Oak's door held open, so all inside and out can see them both. They all heard what he said about the Speakers hubris and him some being there as a Courtesy and not as bonded slaves. His words rang around out so all could hear. There was now a rye smile on his.
"You want to kill me now don't you Speaker, now that would be a mistake, but by all means make it."
His eyes are glinting a defiant look on his face as he says this.
Has he a death wish?? It's as if he wants the Speaker to strike him down.
But why?
The Speaker glared at Sealith with a voice becoming a boom over the winds and lightning
You would speak in such a fashion, with me, your employer, right here? With Second in Command and Empress Consult of the Empire of Dominorum? Then perhaps I shall show Vasu exactly why she is correct in defending me. Perhaps I should show all of you.
Outside of the Angel-Oak emerged two extremely tall, fully black armored soldiers with large, black headed great hammers. They clinked and clanked as they walked, one on each side of the Speaker.
He turned to them, snapping Did you get what we needed?
One spoke in a deep, metal disturbed voice and grunts Most of it. They are uncooperative in regards to The Mother violating our agreement.
The Speaker waved a hand No matter. I won't be hear for the sentencing-
The other soldier interrupted But, Lord Speaker, Her Majesty the Empress strictly told us to enforce her presence.
The Speaker laughed Hahahaha oh, it will be. You leave that to me- you have done well Rafael. You as well, Sextus. Leave us.
Next from the Angel-Oak emerged Gogrin, his red beard blowing in the wind as he dabbed sweat from his ashen forehead Lord Speaker! We are just about to end the hearing, but The Communal desires your-
The Speaker shushed Gogrin with a single hand motion and a sternness to his face as his voice soothed Gogrin to chills in his mannerism I have changed my mind on the price of our new agreement. You will use this team behind me to restore 42 to its grandeur, and create a trade route from Novoterra or farther into the East, for the Eastern Border of Her Majesty's Empire-
Gogrin fumblingly interrupted Lord Speaker the Communal cannot bring themselves to meet your demanded price of such a-
The Speaker silenced Gogrin again I would advise you are silent when I am Speaking, Gogrin. And I would advise you watch this very, very closely.
The Speaker then became that of a large, billowing, blue and swirling cloud as his voice boomed once more, shaking each and every one of the Jacarandas trees as winds nearly rooted the flowers of each of the twelve gardens surrounding them Dissidents in the South of the Empire! Raging rebellions and attacks on the Capital! FAILED teams of elites and Black Golems and foreign contracts, and LIES upon our agreements!
It is time for the dissidents to learn a lesson, and perhaps THIS is the price that is required!
The Speaker returned to an almost human form, but he was large- larger than the soldiers who had just walked by, now looking on from behind the group. He took up nearly fifteen feet and stood almost 20 feet high. He grinned as an arm stretched out, wrapping firmly over Lord McGibel You Fay are the least of my problems. You dare to threaten me? Your king is a speck under a hill that is smaller than my soldiers' feet!
The Speaker slammed Lord McGibel to the ground-
I am tired of insolent soldiers, of insolent citizens!
The second slam brought Lord McGibel down hard- blood splattered the giant Speaker as wind swirled around them all.
The Speaker let Lord McGibel rest on the ground- his wings torn by the sheer force of the slams, rain decorating his face as it continued to fall. Even the Black Golems that had just emerged at attention for The Speaker were silent at the sudden onset of violence.
Gogrin, too, remained speechless as the Speaker shrunk back down to his normal, almost human in appearance size, leaving Lord McGibel just enough energy for a final breath and word as he wiped the blood from his hand onto Gogrin's black sack cloth- beaming from ear to ear Do not worry about The Mother. Consider the debt paid in full, Father Gogrin."
The Speaker turned to the group before then flying into the air and vanishing out of sight Build the road. Restore 42. Bring glory to the Empire of Dominorum and Her Majesty- The Speaker pointed a finger to Lord McGibel Or die.
It is clear that The Empire wants more than trade with the Eastlands of Terra Nix, but, most likely, some sort of military capability, as The Speaker was already somewhat blackmailing 42 to have political influence within their region.
The two black soldiers who emerged are elite soldiers of the highest caliber in all of Dominorum- they are Her Majesty the Empress' elite force of royal guards, and have never lost a fight. Unfortunately due to their cost they are not typically able to leave the capital with the exception of the most dire of missions.
The Speaker was looking at more than the Soldiers, or Gogrin. Every other word he glanced hungrily at the Angel-Oak, and not at the door but it's height.
Clearly the Speaker would know of its power, wouldn't he?
So why be so bewildered with it? Especially at his scale?
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His broken body, twisted and smashed, a sad tiny firm in the dirt. Those that bend down to him hear his last words.
"He has gone, the...[b ]Coughs, blood [b]" tyrant, you see him now for what he is, and so now I die, I do so, to show others how to live. After I am.. cough more blood, [d]"place my body deep, here in the roots of this tree, so...[/b] cough blood "all will know where I lay, but keep my sword safe, it will be taken up..." one shudder and then he is still, his life ended.
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Telula was frozen in horror as the scene unfolded before her. As the Fey was cast to the ground, her paralysis released. Quickly she ran to McGibel's side and cradled his boken body in her hands. Tears began to form in her eyes. Even though she hardly knew him, he didn't deserve to die in such a brutal fashion. Setting the body back down, the Majar's tears soon turned into arcs of lightning. She raised herself to her feet as her hair began dancing from the over-charging of electricity around her. Looking up at the Speaker, she defiantly spoke, "Know this cruel one, the day will come when I no longer need heed your orders, and on that day, I shall end you. I swear it."
Gogrin became stone faced as he walked over to the little fay being cradled by Telula. The blood was stained, almost brown, to his sack cloth as he went to his knees, his hands gently searching over Lord McGibel.
As the group became over protective in their senses, this stranger seemingly pick pocketing a dead man, he removed and showed them all Lord McGibel's pipe.
Placing his own tobacco in it, he lit it and took a single puff, then passing it to Telula.
You all have to know... I had no idea in denying him The Mother's head... I had no idea he would.... Gogrin took a deep gulp as he now forced the sentence through his quivering mouth I had no idea that man would claim one of your lives in place of hers.
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"A martyr to those who love her, of course. She certainly has those loyal to her, doesn't she. They're not willing to stand up now, but they will be if you kill her."
Suzume motions his hand down in a calming gesture. "I'm afraid I do not understand what is insulting about being compared to such a noble creature. And if you want to fight me, I want it to be in good spirits. I'd advise you not to test me. I'll take you both down before you get to each other."
"No respect for Gogrin, no respect for anyone. We'll do our gods damned job for now, but we're growing in power, and you could feel it to. Yesterday we are weak, and compared to you, maybe we still are, but you cannot possibly keep us under your reigns for so long. Your grasp over us is fragile, and cracking still with the lack of respect you show us pretending knights are pawns. You may know their loved ones, but not mine. They were already taken from me. You're not my master, you're my employer." His voice remained chillingly calm this entire speech.
As the guards walked in, a realization came upon Suzume. "You were torturing her." His voice was slightly shaken, anger was rising.
Then he watched Perpireen die.
"NO!" He took a step forward, his hand immediately groping at his Katana. He grit his beak. Not now, not yet. He thought.
He knew not who these guards were, but he knew they were not to be trifled with. Not yet.
He took steps toward Telula as she cried over Perpireen's body. "It shall be done, milord." And as Telula spoke her intimidation to the Speaker, he glared at him daggers. "And I will be by her side. Mark my words, one day, armies shall bow to our strength. You've started something you do not want to deal with."
And when he walked out, Suzume passed by Gogrin, patting his hand on his shoulder and passing him by. "Well... now you know."
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Vasu stood, coldly, staring at the mangled corpse of the fairy. This was to be her life now. This was what all of her training had been for. The only twist in her path of destiny was, that instead of fighting for her Order, she was fighting for the very creatures that she had once vowed to conquer, slaughter, and enslave- the land bound.
Vasu was already an unthinking soldier. Her life as a member of the Order would have mirrored her current situation. Why fret? Why question fate?
This is what I was always destined to be.
With one swift, knowing movement, Vasu retrieved her rapier from its place on her backpack. The handle felt like ice in her talons. This sensation woke something within her; it felt simply marvelous. It felt real.
Vasu had finally made up her mind. If she was to be a mindless, unthinking soldier, then she was going to be the best god-d*mned mindless soldier that had ever lived. She had to live for something, and if that something happened to be a tyrannical overload, then let it be a tyrannical overload.
Pah, if the other recruits want to gawk at the slain, let them. Vasu will make the master proud. Vasu will build the master's army brick by brick; be an entire one man army if she has to! Vasu will never lose sight of the truth...
With a powerful pounding of her wings, Vasu took off into the sky. It was time to begin recruiting.
Vasu was going to find herself a bird.
Gogrin called out for Vasu but it appeared it was too late. He sighed in acceptance, taking another puff of the pipe before ashing the tobacco and stuffing the pipe back in Lord McGibel's pocket.
He carefully and delicately lifted up Lord McGibel in his arms, a new and angered, contorted face about him as he barged up to the Angel-Oak door.
As the others followed behind him they saw that the inside was much different from the first time they had been in it only yesterday-
Most likely through magic, a round and open centered table and chairs grew up as part of the Angel-Oak at the center of the room where they had just met The Mother hours ago.
There she stood, her pale face downcast, her emerald green hair covering her most likely shame filled face. Surrounding her, seated at the round table, were Kerjak, Alexis, and assumedly Gogrin, accompanied by three unknown humans to the group who appeared to be of equal status to the others, if not more so.
Gogrin continued to walk forward as one of the humans, dressed in a fashion similar to Matthias' cloak and robes, stuck out an old and wrinkled finger in protest N-now Father Gogrin, what is the meaning of this interruption? W-w-we have been awaiting your return! And where is the Lord Speaker?!?
Another of the humans, a black mustached and lightly tanned man, stood up as Gogrin got closer, observing in full view what he had in his arms. The man let out a despaired gasp as he watched Gogrin approach The Mother's feet Oh no. He gave a friendly hand wave at the older human, who had continued to run his mouth for but a moment until he, too, saw what Gogrin possessed.
Laying Lord McGibel at The Mother's feet, he took one of her hands and kissed them They killed him. The Lord Speaker came into our city... and killed one of his own men. Gogrin stood back to his feet, circling in place with a finger pointed at everyone else at the table to accompany his glare And do you know why? Because I would not give him the please, the SATISFACTION of handing him Elyse's head! The Speaker took this confident Fay and, because he gave a single word of caution, decided in a moment's blink that he would be sacrificed in The Mother's place!
The Mother fell to her knees, sobbing uncontrollably as she whispered just loud enough for all to hear I didn't want any of this... I tried... I tried to resolve with Matthias... In a yelling bawl she cast a glance at the third human- armored yet young You have to believe me!
The man looked at the others, shrugging She breached the terms Dominorum set in place- this is exactly what happens when you do not do as your told. Not to mention that she lied to her own Communal! Because the traitor was her brother, how many of our beloved Saber Cats were killed? And the wall! When was the last time we embraced such an insult with back alley deals, with such dishonorable conduct?
Gogrin then drew out Alexis' own blade from behind her and stabbed it into the wood of the table, his fist shaking from anger That is enough. I am already named, by this Communal, the Father of 42. I am declaring Elyse freed from her bonds, Kerjak rose from his seat in excitement as he then began to slowly unlock The Mother's shackles and I am naming her my consort of 42. She will have a seat at this table, and she will remain outside of a cell.
You do this on the beckoning of outsiders?
The third, younger human gave a dirty look at Sealith, Suzume, and Telula.
Vasu soared through the air in her new freedom, looking for a place where she could purchase a bird. Most likely a predator- it fit her, after all. And she didn't have to know the language of those beneath her to know that with this many animals, they were bound to have a-
There was a place, near the North-Eastern Quadrant where it would seem all the birds flew to through out the day at one point or another. As they got closer, they got quieter.
As Vasu got closer herself she could see that it was an almost abandoned looking tower, maybe thirty feet tall, and no apparent door at the base to get in-
But there was a windosil for her to just gracefully land in through at the site of a human woman gently hushing a large barn owl in her arms. The owl hooted in alarm at the sight of Vasu, and the woman nearly dropped the owl in excitement as she cried out You? Who are you? How did you get in here??? This is... She caught the words in her tongue as she continued on in a different way My my you are quite the magnificent creature!
If Vasu were a strong little birdie, where might she be hiding?
As Vasu glided over the sprawling town of 42, she was finally able to see the settlement in its entirety. A vast market district, homes of different shapes and sizes, guard towers near the walls, protecting the citizens of 42 from external danger... As Vasu eyed the towers on the horizon, her ear tuft twitched slightly. A gust of wind coursed under her wings, carrying upon it the echoes of faint bird calls. That was all Vasu needed to change course. She headed east, flying headfirst into the wind, flapping with all of her might- as she did so, a crow drifted lazily past her, riding the wind stream in the opposite direction. Another minute of exertion later, Vasu noticed a tower rising out of a block of run down buildings. There was something odd about it; it bore a strange contraption on its side.
The machine consisted of a circle with twelve metal symbols on its outside. Three metal arms sat, unmoving, all pointing to a different symbol. Through the glass behind the contraption, Vasu could see hundreds of still gears. Obviously, whatever the tower was, it no longer served its purpose, and was sitting abandoned in its lonely corner of 42.
That was when Vasu saw a flock of birds rise out of a hole in the towers roof. There must have been hundreds of them, all identical: tiny, brown, and sharp with their trilling calls. If Vasu wanted birds, this was her place. She searched for a larger way in to find a huge open window near the bottom of the tower.
Vasu barely even noticed the human female as she alighted on the massive window sill. She was too busy staring up into the upper levels of the tower. There were birds, birds everywhere. Black and white and blue and brown and yellow, some sleeping, some calling, some chasing each other through the winding staircase that led to the top of the tower.
Vasu then realized that the human had said something, and gazed upon the woman. Realizing that the human most likely only spoke the common jibberish, Vasu concluded that she should speak to the creature, an owl, sitting on the human's shoulder.
This is his place. Our place. Her place. They feed us here. Raise us here. He loves us. She loves us. No harm- safe place.
The Owl cocks its head for a moment with a quick hoot What are you?
Familiar with the simpler minds of common birds, Vasu phrased her answer in a way that she thought the owl might understand.
The Owl hooted in excitement Yes! Lots! I know who you want- I'll be back
The Owl nuzzled its beak and head gently into the human woman holding it to her chest before soaring arc-angled out of the window Vasu had just come in from.
The woman put a hand to her head I see. You don't speak common, do you? S!!!. What a gigantic specimen, though. I wonder...
You understand?
Vasu raised an eyebrow.
The woman gave a rough and weezy laugh with a grin Master Aram... teaches me little... For trade. She made a gesture showing the language was for some reason necessary for the outpost they were in.
Ernie goes to get him- he is... Ummm... She struggled for the words a moment Master stealth. Selling. Buying. Eggs. Rare eggs. You understand? I serve him to... purchase rare eggs.
Sealith would move up beside Telula and puts her hand on her shoulder. "I will stand by you on the day that happens. I had already resolved to kill him when my honor debt is paid but had not wished to drag you all into that. McGible is right, the speaker is a tyrant and the Empress, well my view of her is not good. I didn't expect him to continue to antagonize the speaker after I did. Telula, you should carry his blade. I can not, and you have a soft heart that holds great strength. He would be honored if you carried it."
Sealith would watch Vasu take off and the look on her face. With a soft sigh she sent a small prayer to her own gods that Vasu find her own strength to stand on her own. For now she would let her fly alone.
Walking inside she would look at all of them and listen as the accusations came.
"He does not do this at our beckoning. It is his own choice. I had surmised that the Speaker had wanted her dead. He planned on making sure her head rolled and then, he planned on taking out Gogrin. He wanted ultimately control over 42. I pointed this out to the group and to the speaker himself that I saw through his plans. The Speaker then threatened our friends and family. Insisting we do our job. McGible warned him that he would find someone more powerful than him and that would he is not the most powerful like he claimed. There are others in this world who know where he is and all that he holds dear. The Speaker then killed him to show us all that he has power to hurt and kill."
She let that sink in for a while.
"Elyse, you were going to reveal to me the truth of what happened last night. I saw it in your eyes. You had tried your best to protect ALL of your family. To bring them all together. Your communal are quick to judge on one action, but they are right. You did betray those that trusted in you and you have lost honor for it. You will have to earn that honor back to stand again as a member of this city."
Turning she looked at the communal, her eyes studying each.
"She is not a mindless automaton to follow orders blindly and neither are you. You will need her strength in the fighting to come. Fighting is coming. In many different forms. I have resolved to do my job here, BUT in support of 42 NOT, The Speaker. You will need forces to fight what ever is out there, and the Dominion. You are an independent state. I would like you to keep your proud heritage but trade is not a bad thing as long as it is equal. I would let the trade agreement sit in your hands. I know what my decision on it would be. Also, your wall will need to be made anew, and made better. All of it. We have already agreed to help you. It is your choice to willingly obey what the speaker wants or to stand for what you believe in."
Vasu eyed the woman, unsure if she was telling the truth or not. Her stumbling upon the clock tower seemed almost too good to be true.
That is... The Master's job... But I can show you.
The woman motioned for Vasu to follow her as she pointed to a ladder that would take them down the abandoned tower.
You can't quite tell what her deal is-
Should you wait for the Spy Master, or go down the ladder with her?
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"Then it is settled. We'll kill our contractor, and in Milord's name." He took a step out. "If none of you have any objections, I would visit Beru in the stables. She will not take today's events well."
Stepping outside, he looks over the city, the populace.
Time to get a good feel of this place, and whatever it might know.
As the Warden scoffed, the tall tan man with black hair stroked his musketeer mustache and beard ... I am in agreement with Gogrin. While on one hand, Mother, you did betray our trust in you, you also attempted to protect the truth from a psychopath who clearly rules by fear.
Warden Franklin- I believe based on what The Speaker wanted with The Mother would play into his hands, be it we jail her or execute her. Assuming Alexis and Kerjak's opinions as well- we are in agreement.
The man gave a solid nod to Gogrin, who seemed to lose just a tad of his steam as The Mother was released Father Gogrin, The Communal has decided; The Mother will be brought down to Consort. She will have a seat at this table, though at a later date fines and a public apology and appearance should be discussed.
Still on the docket are negotiations of trade and what exactly to do with this road, now, but I believe that will have to wait.
An Owl fluttered excitedly through the Angel-Oak door still open from Gogrin's barge and landed with numerous hoots on the black facial haired man's shoulder
We have a customer! North-Eastern Tower! With her! She's a big owl!
The man laughed as he moved towards the Angel-Oak exit Excuse me, a business matter to attend to.
The Mother, free from her shackles as Gogrin left the Angel-Oak furiously debating the other members of the Communal, approached Suzume, Telula, and Sealith.
Thank you for that, Sealith. I am... I am ashamed.
In a human gesture she reached out and put her claw under the Mother's chin and would stare her in the eyes. "There is a power in the truth that few understand. Hopefully now you are starting to. It is good to be ashamed. It means that you will strive to be better, stronger. Everyone makes mistakes. Now work on becoming better from them."
Her eyes followed the owl and she kept quiet wondering what it was about.
She removed her claw and would look out. "Suzume, I believe wanted to talk to you before all of this happened. We were assured we would have time to talk to you before this all happened. It seems we did not. But now we have time to talk. Suzume walked out. I will go get him."
Stepping back and outside to flag down Suzume before he ran off to far.
Telula looked up at Sealith, and nodded. Taking their fallen comrades weapon, she slid it inside one of her pouches.
After listening to all that was said, the Majar remained silent, although longer sparking with electricity, she was far from calmed down over what the Speaker had done.
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He caught Sealith. Out the door of the home, signaling him. He walked back, inside, he saw the Mother. Conflicted feelings arose in him.
"We've come a long way from first meetings, haven't we? He asked. "How are they keeping you? Did the Speaker do anything to harm you?
He looked closer. "And what happens now?"
I am unsure... As consort I am now second to Gogrin- he calls the shots. I believe he is planning dinner for just himself and you all tonight. I will most likely not be in attendance- I must tend to Chelya and Binsk, I'm sure they miss me dearly.
She clearly misses them dearly as well, and is still slightly rattled with fear at going out to the commoners from being shackled and so heavily ridiculed by the Black Golems and The Communal.
Suzume- Despite this rattling, the lack of marks shows that she was only shackled and chained, not tortured.
Despite the decision before her, the Owl that had just recently left flew back into the room with excitement
He's coming! He's coming!
The bird keep smiled Oh Ernie. You love Master Aram, don't you? Yes you do! She cooed as she threw a few pieces of feed to Ernie as he dipped and dived through the air for the feed.
Master is coming... We can wait here... Should be a little time before he comes.
"Consorts, advise and speak truths no other would speak. You must be his eyes and ears. Listen to the plants and animals. Pay attention to the people. See and sense things that he can not. Your companions can help you. If you have the power, reincarnate the Saber's that died if you can't bring them back."
Looking around at the tree her eyes scanning over it as a stray thought occurs to her. 'Well, it could be....but I don't know....I have only heard of them...I can bring it up at dinner."
Turning her attention back to Elyse she would nod.
"It is clear you miss them and are afraid. Take a deep breath. The trials and tribulations have just started. Don't buckle now. Stand strong and you will find your place in your family again."
The Mother turned, her hand caressing the now cold face of Lord McGibel, lifeless and pale on the ground as the tables and chairs morphed back into the floor of the Angel-Oak.
We don't reincarnate, here. It isn't forbidden, but... The locals. They don't really like it, despite our magic and scholars.
After a sigh and more gazing blankly at Lord McGibel she thanked Sealith with a sad smile I miss them dearly, thank you.... I will not buckle, not now. Gogrin and I will be working closer together now. Ha ha, I've been trying to get the old dwarf out of that vault for years. I guess all it took was for me to be threatened with execution.
It is not what you seek ;)
The Angel-Oak is old, but has a variety of qualities- it's trunk material is moldable, and is what The Mother's armor worn the day before was made out of.
While the tree is powerful, it is not what Sealith yearns for it to be. The tree does appear, however, to have been made of something non-human. If you had to guess, fitting it's name, this tree was planted for it's remedies that would be needed of faithful people in search of food and refuge, or, in other words, an earthbound Angel.
Vasu complied with the female's suggestion and had a seat on the wooden floor of the clock tower. She said not a word, the thought that the silence might be awkward didn't even cross her mind.
She patiently waited for the mysterious man of whom the little owl spoke.