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"Jewlery? Interesting. You and me Sealith might have more in common than I imagined. We're both well versed in the art of war. Anyone here a fan of music? I've been known to pluck a few strings at the table once everyone is tipsy enough. Additionally, I'm a good cook, I'd like to test out these kitchens one day."
He looks to Vasu and speaks.
Sealith would move over and gently puts a clawed hand at her back as she swayed. "Alright Telula. We will see you in the morning. Or at least I will. Sleep well and dream peaceful."
Turning to Suzume she nodded. "There is not a Samuraian alive that can not fight. It is in our culture, in our blood." Shifts and looks at Vasu as she smells the things.
Sealith did not judge her for her reaction. That is clear.
"To be honest, I am more a gardener and a horticulturist. I don't accidentally break plants as often as I do other things. They are flexible and bend easier. But, I will suggest everyone learn Auran. In battle I tend to blank out any other language."
Vasu stared blankly at Suzume, inwardly translating his speech. His words didn't seem to be clicking together properly in her mind. She opened her beak tentatively after an awkwardly long period of concentration and answered to the best of her ability.
"Thank you Sealith, I think I can stand now." Telula said as she attempted to do so. Her legs wobbled again and the Majar held onto the Samuraian, "Okay, maybe not. Would you be so kind as to get me to one of the guest rooms Gogrin mentioned?"
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"Sounds like a race after my own heart. Remind me to visit the homeland one day." He says to Sealith. "And gardening is a respectable path, certainly in the eyes of a chef as me. You wouldn't happen to be skilled with vegetables, would you?"
He laughs at Vasu's comment.
"Crow spawn?" He shook his head with a low laugh. "That's a good one."
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Vasu nodded awkwardly.
She narrowed her eyes.
With that, Vasu roused her feathers and hissed.
To Vasu and the others. "If you will excuse me I will see Telula to a room."
Nodding to Telula she holds out her arm for her. "Let's get you tucked in. Make sure when you wake in the morning to drink plenty of water. I'll bring a tea for any lingering effects."
Telula couldn't help but giggle slightly. As she took hold of Sealith's arm she said, "Thank you, and I will."
"I do apologize for coming on strongly during dinner. I just believe this city needs someone who needs to be in power. Not wants. All of this feels. Well to much of playing into what our employer wants. Call it a hunch."
Standing and walking with her catching her when needed. Always a strong but gentle presence.
Day 1/7
As Vasu awakes, she sees an envelope and note left neatly by her bedside written in common.
Good Morning Vasu,
It has come to our attention that you will be scouting for dangers along the Eastern Wall where Sealith will be directing the laborers for reconstruction. It is a half day's journey from where you are now.
We believe this will be perfect for you, since we are under the impression based on your nature that you most likely prefer nightly activities instead of the day.
Sincerely,
The Communal
Sealith awoke to a wonderful morning sun and birds chirping in the area. The bed and room were extremely comfortable- lined with warm furs and a fireplace all to her own. It suited her well, and protected her from the cold of the night should she need it.
Instructions for room care were on the nightstand next to a put-out candle instructing her to please remake the mattress, and pay the innkeep downstairs for her stay, as well as to put out the fireplace with the poker when she was done.
A note written in common, rolled up with simple twine, sat next to it as well. It had Gogrin's signature on the top of it in a cheaply done wax seal.
Suzume awoke to find a piece of parchment unrolled on the floor- the twine next to it suggested the note was most likely delivered by an avian, and their claw most likely tore the twine as it dropped it off next to his bedside.
After a great yawn, Suzume read that the note was a simple list of names and instructions for recruiting;
Dear Suzume,
We appreciate you volunteering to recruit for our new, human, army. It will be needed now that the Mother (Elyse Oak) has been temporarily banned from operating the Angel-Oak Tree.
At the bottom of this note is a list of four blacksmiths that have an excess of laborers that, we believe, have the novice potential to be elite soldiers for 42.
Sincerely,
The Communal
Black Smith Aaron of the North-West Quadrant: Aaron's Smithy
Black Smith Rita of the South-West Quadrant: Rita and Hammers
Black Smith Zeeth of the Mid-East Quadrant: Tongs and Flame
Black Smith Peter of the South-East Quadrant: The Foundational Forge
P.S. Please feel free to stay at nearly any inn just near these smiths' shops, as they are run and controlled by one of our most senior members, Mr. Aram.
Training grounds can also be provided for you at any old sites ran for the Sons of Terrak Training, also conveniently located along the same roads as the smithies.
Telula woke up in her warm, fur lined bed to the sound of china clinking on a silver platter and the "familiar" chirp of Gogrin's Raven, Archimedes.
A knock sounded on the door as sunlight began to creep beneath Telula's eyelids Telula? Are you awake? I have some fresh tea for the both of us. I believe we should start our research soon!
The Bard took the gp with a wide, bright white grin as he then took up his fiddle and standed straight up, much to the excitement of the others in the inn Everyone! Everyone! Your attention, please! He strummed the fiddle with his wand gently to cheesily complete his attention grabbing antic.
For a moment, Lady Lynyna was worried the Bard would blow her cover, until This here is me Great-Aunt Rose! Aye she's been away from us for a long, long time, so let's give her a warm welcome!
The members of the inn looked slightly confused, but clapped regardless as the Bard continued his tromp Now, she's been gone a bit, so if you all don't mind.... I think I'll sing 'er a song, what do we think???
This time the applause was followed with ale mugs and wine glasses raised high with a drunken Yes! Woooh!
The Bard winked at the Lady Lynyna as he then played his fiddle, blues style, to match his song
Oh the Sons of Terrak, our mighty new heroes!
They fell, yes indeed, to our Mother's bad fellow!
Yes Matthias old-Oak, that rotten tree sapling,
He came through our wall, breaking and crashing!
But five others stood firm, one dragon, one crow,
And killed two of them! An owl, and behold!
For a Faerie and Woman held fast to the men,
and in killing them, they fled, never to see 42 again!
But our Mother, she lied, to her family! Boo!
At this the crowd continued to play along, slightly gasping and booing as he continued still with a wide grin
And now she faces trial, jury, execution!
For her lies we must see retribution!
For a tale has been spun, that though victory won,
An outsider murdered that Faerie, cold blood.
More than one life sits on our Mother's hands,
and so here we sit, waiting for the Communal's reprimand!
With that the Bard answered to his verse with one final squealing on the fiddle, and, after some light applause, he sat back down, tilting his hat at his "Great Aunt Rose" as he spoke in a whisper to her
No worries, Aunt Rose- you'll fit just in now. Now, I answered YOUR question- you answer me mine. What are you doing here? We don't get visitors very often!
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He laughed harder than he ever had.
He pat Vasu on the back before he retreated to his room with a bottle of wine.
He looks over his list a few times, then nods to himself. He walked out the inn, to Beru's stables, and rode to the closest smithy. Rita and the Hammers.
Sealith would come back after tucking in Telelu and looks to Vasu.
Sealith studied the bed seeing the tell tell cracks of it being broken. She had chosen to sleep outside of the vault.
A claw slid under the twine and she cut the string. Another claw breaking the wax seal as she read the note carefully.
Once done she would go downstairs and pay. Also, she paid for the broken bed but told them don't replace it. She was fine with it being broken.
His words hurt her, but she did not show it.
then when asked her, She smiled at him and held out her hand.
"I hear the price for a good song around here is one cold coin"
she smiles and puts her hand down once more, Then not lying she says
"I am here looking for a criminal"
Dear Sealith,
You have been requested to appear before the Communal, minus Elyse Oak the Mother, in regards to rebuilding the Eastern Wall of 42.
Please arrive first thing in your day, so that we may decide the best way to go about repairs and preparation should there be another attack.
We will also have a few labor leaders at the ready for you by the time our meeting is done, so that by the time you arrive to the Eastern Wall tonight all things shall be prepared for you first thing tomorrow morning.
Sincerely,
Gogrin, Father of 42
Outside the door stood the black skinned, red bearded dwarf, who was in quite a hurry.
Setting the tray down and quickly gulping his tea Gogrin smiled at Telula Well, you have the study to yourself for most of the day- I must attend to Sealith's request from last night at the Angel-Oak. What do you think you will study first?
As Suzume travelled he noticed that quite a few people were giving him dirty looks, and yet another few were giving him joyous smiles.
Rita was one of the frowning people, unfortunately.
As the sun began to set on Suzume's horizon he came upon the out in the open smithy that had four people working it- he assumed that the blonde hair, blue eyed human yelling at the other three men was Rita. Approaching her with Beru she turned to him, ash covered and sweating What is it ya' want? Hm? Not enough woman for ye', is that it?
She pointed her hammer to the brothel only a few buildings away after spitting at the ground and swatting a piece of metal that, clearly, she had no intention of forming into anything of use I don't have time for you there looky loos, so go on, get lost!
The bard grinned at the Lady's joke You're asking me for a coin, and I don't even know your real name there Aunt-Rose. Sorry, GREAT Aunt Rose. It was clear the bard was better at thinking up the words he wants to say than paying close attention to what Lady's attitude currently was.
Straightening up, the bard leaned in a little closer and with a hushed voice asked What kind of criminal?
The current bustle about of the rest in the inn, between their drinking and loving and flirting with the bar men and women, showed that it was clear no one was listening to the two talk.
Vasu looked toward Sealith and shook her head slowly. She frowned, before making eye contact with the dragon.
A hint of unease crept into her eyes.
She turned and headed toward the room's arched door. With one quick glance shot back at Sealith, Vasu twisted the brass doorknob and exited the chamber.
Looking at Vasu she nods.
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Sealith studied the note and would head out after gathering a few of the trade bars she had.
With that she would head to the communal wondering what they would want specifically. Mentally ticking off a list of things they would need just from basic knowledge. She wasn't an engineer, or a builder. So this would be interesting.
She leans back, and takes a drink, and looks heard at him, then leans back in.
"A bad one, now your song, the outsider who murdered that Faerie, name them and how they did the killing and another cold coin will be yours. No song this time, just whispered words"
As Sealith re-entered the Angel-Oak, she saw before her the full Communal seated at the half-round table and chairs as they were yesterday.
Gogrin, standing in the center of the open space of the table, turned at the sound of the door opening and welcomed Sealith with wide arms Sealith! I am glad to see you made it. You most likely know most of them, but allow me to introduce you to our Communal before our proceedings this morning-
You already knew Kerjak, introduced as the interim-General of the Army, or what was left of the organized beasts of 42.
Alexis sat in her gleaming armor with a grin as her tiefling tail whipped back and forth while Gogrin described her as the Leader of the Royal Guard, an odd position for someone so fierce and unsecretive as a tiefling with hot pink hair and a love for the Consort, the Mother.
Then Gogrin introduced those you had seen but not gotten to know the day before. First was Mr. Aram, an olive skinned and black haired man that appeared to be middle aged. Gogrin informed you that it was one of his taverns that you had stayed at just last night, and was a local and popular philanthropist to 42.
Next was the Warden, Warden Franklin. His skin was pale, eyes blue, and hair black. It seemed he still had a temperment problem from The Mother being Consort based on the nasty look about his long nosed face.
Finally came the High Priest of the Oak, Oak Priest Regal. He was old with tanned and sagging skin and a face cracked with years of smoking from a pipe. He had a lazy way of speaking, and seemed to be a fretting type.
After introductions, Gogrin sat down at the center of the circle Now, we will begin the discussion on having The Mother aid you on rebuilding the Eastern Wall, as well as other workers you will need for this project. Did you have anything in particular in mind, Sealith?
Gogrin made his way for the door with a smile and wink at Telula No worries- take as much time and knowledge as you need!
Telula made her way to the study as Archimedes and Gogrin made their exit, her tea in hand. As she entered it she could see that Gogrin had left books regarding mythology and lore of various areas of Terra Nix out for her from his multitudes of bookshelfs and scroll racks.
Rita squinted her eyes for a minute before tossing the heated metal into the trough of water near the anvil and furnace and shaking her head with a sigh Damn it. a'right. You're that new foreigner here to make us into soldiers then, right? Alright. One second.
Rita walked over to a customer and was seen handing back a few GP to them with a shrug and wave before returning with her other three workers. Aye. We'd do anything for the Motha', right boys? That's right. I'm assuming you're pretty good with that fancy sword of yours, then? Well, come on. We're ready whenever you are! OH, of course, this is Nick, Alex, and Jack. They aren't really a personable bunch, but are at least 3/4 the smith I am- and that's pretty darn good if I say so me self.
The Bard moved in once more [smaller] I'm... sorry, but I don't have that kind of connection, Rose. If you gave me a day or so, I could probably find out for you and get you blend in work in the meantime? I'm in a group, give or take- we'll find out for ya' if you're patient and blend.
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Suzume looks over the lot of these supposed soldiers for a moment.
He nods to himself a few times, unbuckling his sheath and grabbing at his hilt, flourishing the still covered blade in a fluid motion.
"I'm going to start this out very simply. The strongest among you is going to attack me, and then I'm going to knock him down, got it? From there I'm going to carefully study your motions and tell you exactly what you did wrong. Then we may begin the actual lesson."
"Just cry 'uncle' when you've taken too much." He said with a chuckle.
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The next morning...
Vasu woke to the light of the early morning sun and the bustle of workers setting up shop below her. Despite the odd environment, Vasu felt better rested than she had in quite some time. Two months, to be specific.
Today, Vasu had woken up in a tree.
For the last two months, barring the three nights prior, Vasu had slept either on a stone floor or small cot. The previous two nights, she'd slept in odd contraptions that the earth creatures called "beds." While they seemed somewhat more comfortable than what would be provided in a dank cell, Vasu still couldn't shake the oddity of laying down while she slept. Finally, the night previous, Vasu was able to sleep in the optimal position: legs folded beneath her, head under a wing, and both sets of talons clutching firmly onto an old, mossy tree branch. It was perfect.
Vasu's mood complemented her incredible sleep. For once, she was joyful, energized, and rearing to perform her given duty.
Following the gusts and arcs and rises of the wind, Vasu picked her way across the sky all the way to the outskirts of 42, and began to systematically investigate the landscape for promising hunting grounds. Vasu was ready to kill.
While they had talked she had studded the room, picking out one human female to study.
She smiles "O you are a one to your dear GREAT Aunt Rose, I be making my way to see a local gatherers guild, you know I likes to trade dried mushrooms. Ill be away for three days, But non you worry Nephew ill come back to see how you singings getting along. You keep working on that new song for me. Hear innkeep gets me kin-lad a drinks wills ya"
All said in a rustic voice like the old maid she looks like.
"Rit, its bed-o's for me, Ill see thee when I gets back."
With that she gets up and makes her way to her room.
That night she waits and before drawn slips out with Nex on the look out. She now looks like a working girl from the bar.
::Is it clear Nex?"::
::We are mam"::
She looks to see if she is being followed
With that she slipped away in the drawn, being a little paranoid she dos her best to give the unseen follower the slip, by jinking down a number of streets in the dark. All the while Nix following her over head some ways back.
Her looks in place.
After a few streets she slips into a spot where she can't be seen, reverts her clothing's looks and her faces to that of her ladyship.
And go's to make her way to the great oak. Once there said waits to see who takes notice of her presence.
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Finishing off her tea, the Majar set the cup off to one side and pulled out the book she was studying the previous night. Having already deciphered the spell, she attempted to understand it once more.
Fully rested, the Arcanist had little trouble understanding the spell. However, it did take her a little longer than expected to get it transcribed to her own spellbook. Not to mention the fact she had used up some of Gogrins special inks she discovered in one of the desk drawers. I'll have to make a trip to the market to replace that. She thought to herself feeling a bit guilty.
After that was done, Telula began studying one of the other books on Terra Nix.
Sealith would calmly look at those gathered calmly taking in their looks and the way they sat. There was no bow or acknowledgement of their position. Just a flick of her thick tail.
"I have a couple of suggestions. One, being the force that will be trained by Suzume, help with the wall for two reasons. Strength training, but secondly they will need to know the wall intimately and understand it is as much a shield for them, as it is for this city. Secondly, those gathered here should also work on the wall. In one form or fashion. Lead the people by being leaders that do what they would ask of their people. Whether it be by hard labor, research, planning. While you wish to delegate this task I will tell you this right now. This city will come under attack. War is coming to these lands and you will be in the center of it. If the people don't trust in you all to be there by their side, then I am sure you can imagine the consequences."
Sealith let her words sink in. "There is something here that the Speaker wanted. I suggest you figure out what and prevent him from getting it. I don't know what exactly it is. But I do know there is more going on than any of us can see. Right now this city is vulnerable. Anyone can sneak in and out as they please."
Her wings stretch and resettle on her back. "I would like to hear how you wish the mother to help in building the wall. Also, which workers you think will be needed. Construction is not something I am familiar with."
Looks on as a scaled two legged dragon walks past her to the door.
She then walks up to the door and looks at it.
Rita stepped forward with a grin and wielding a mace she had most likely made herself I ain't scared no outsider crow!
Vasu saw much outside the frozen not-so-wastelands of 42, beyond the wall. Some were extremely large herd animals; buffalo, elk, and a much easier prey, deer. Stragglers could be seen from each one, and each had a good amount of meat on their bones, furs to trade, etc.
A few predators could be seen, one a trio of wolves that were stalking the deer. These, too, could most likely be killed and skinned.
No sign of actual enemies was present on the eastern borders of 42- Vasu could most likely even survive sleeping outside the walls in the southern tree line if she so desired.
Telula sat in the feinting chair with a sigh of relief over learning the spell contained in Gogrin's study. Next she saw a text with an odd being snaking around it's green leather bound book- something that appeared to be a snake on the bottom, and female on top. Her features were mischevious but pretty like that of, perhaps, a mermaid- a flower atop her head and an unusual complexion across her skin. The title read Llieldasine: An Inquiry of a Hidden Legend.
Warden Franklin nodded in agreement with Sealith She is correct, Communal, Father Gogrin...
Our people see this change as a weakness. They fear being put in the jails, but out of that fear they spit where ever I and the Royal Guard walk in most regions, especially in the North West. They call for The Mother.
While it is against my better judgement for me to eat Crow... For the sake of this great city, I fear she has much insight into the answer.
Mr. Aram sat patiently until the end of Warden Franklin's comment before he stopped covering his mouth with a hand in deep thought and stared gently into Sealith's eyes You speak as if you are certain war is coming to us- why would an potential ally make themselves our enemy? The Empire of Dominorum has sought our resources for quite some time... Why blow it all away?
The Mother now spoke, her voice soft, her eyes still downcast and filled with shame at the troubles her one lie had cost the City of 42 Because The Speaker interrogated me in regards to how the Angel-Oak operates. His soldiers did it somehow, I'm not entirely sure why. They had some sort of... telepathy about them. It was a power strong, but foreign to me. I told them what I could- I told them that my heritage is all that can control the tree in this world, as far as I know.
The Communal fell silent, with eyes still on Sealith before Gogrin continued Very well. Sealith, we have plenty of experienced laborers and craftsmen that are ready to meet you on site, and will introduce themselves to you accordingly, primarily Roy McAllistar, who has a group hosted at one of Mr. Aram's inns just past the Eastern wall on site as well.
Finally, in concurrence with Warden Franklin and in regards to our ending conversations last night, The Communal will allow The Mother to leave with Sealith to aid in repairs of both the wall and morale, effective immediately.
As Lady Lynyna makes her way towards the Angel-Oak, a man's voice calls out softly behind her You know, most outsiders here don't bee line for our most obvious of possessions.
As Lady Lynyna turned, she saw an olive skinned and dark haired man curiously smiling at her as he bit into an apple with a wide smile No worries- I'm not here to expose you. I am Aram- I serve for various needs on the governing bodies here.
It is clear to me you most likely do not intend violence towards us- you were very kind to my Bard at one of my inns near the Eastern Wall. So, then, what is it you want?
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Hmm, now that's a cover to get one's attention. She thought to herself as she picked it up.
Telula laid upon the chair and opened the book, curious as to the secrets within.
Telula combed throughout the book for the majority of the last half of the day as a few of Gogrin's new servants- shy, downcast eye humans-, brought and offered her food and drink of her choosing.
Though a majority of the language was ambiguous and vague, Telula learned quite a lot about their appearance, and, most specifically, that it appeared that they could adapt to a majority, if not all, of environments somehow. The rest would most likely have to wait, as she had started to develop a headache somewhere along the lines of the author recapping and looping back to their original points in the beginning of the chapter about how the Llieldasine are to be remembered as a myth, and possibly nothing more.
A book that most likely fit the way Gogrin seemed to work through things quite nicely. As she set the book down (no doubt to begin more interesting work, such as a gaze of more delicious spells in Gogrin's library and study) a familiar flapping of wings and nuzzle of a beak into her neck came flying into the room- it was Archimedes.
Suzume's blade easily countered and knocked the wind out of Rita, who cursed as she fell butt first into the mud. Damn! Well don't look at me blokes! Learn ye'r lesson as well then! Go!
The others had basic, dull swords, and it was clear they didn't know how to use them despite the fact they knew how to make them.
A chubbier and taller human attacked from the left, the other from the right, each with a smug look about them as if they had gotten the better of their teacher.
Sealith looked at them each even as she listened to the mother speak. This would have to be shared with the group. They would need mental protections it seemed.
Nodding at Gogrin. "Then I should head there soon. It will take a while to reach there. I will go seek these individual out and speak with them. Mother, if you will come with me."
Sealith is trying to determine a bit more about them based on what she has seen this morning and throughout the conversation.
While it didn't show in her voice, the thought of the dwarf returning gave her a warm fuzzy feeling inside. Stroking the bird's beak and head, a thought occurred to her, I wonder what it's like to have a familiar. I'll have to ask Gogrin about that.
The human noble, Lady Lynyna, She smiles at him in the early afternoon light.
"I was wondering when someone would notice me, and it seems more than one "
She turned 360 then back to face him.
"I count possibly 2 no 3 hidden bows amid at me, more I have no doubt."
She reached into her belt pocket and pulled out a Letter of refinance.
She takes a step and offers it to him. It's from the Secretary of the King under the Hill.
It outlines her Nobility Lady Lynyna Br-oul and his request to the council of 42, that she be allowed a stay in 42 while she assesses the circumstances by which his representative Lord Perpireen McGibel meet his end. Full diplomatic rites are requested, In return he offers her services to 42 to help in securing 42 from any perceived dangers to his Majesty's allies The fine city of 42.
She will wait while it reads it.
"Well now we both know who we are, yes, I have a fair idea who you are Master Green, well after your bard was so accommodating, a little to accommodating in fact."
She smiles at him.
"Lets get started shall we, would you be so kind as to tell me what happened to the late representative of the King under the hill Lord Perpireen McGibel, O and there is no need for the bows, I have no intention of courses any trouble at the moment."
Alexis- Alexis is more than rejoiced to see The Mother able to move around and about in 42 only a few days post her near execution.
Kerjak- Kerjak is of the same mind as Alexis, but it is clear that the current state of the old army is not doing well, and he is disappointed to see The Mother no longer in full control.
Warden Franklin- Warden Franklin is very grieved to be found agreeing with the tactics and intuition of an outsider, but has the appearance that his hand was forced- most likely he knew that if put to a vote, Gogrin would strong arm the council against him no matter the truth. This has caused quite a bit of bitterness, but it does not appear to be quite hostile.
High Priest Oak- It is clear that the High Priest is that of a simple and predictable holy man to the legends of the Angel-Oak Tree. It appears that though he has worry with everything the new Communal Father, Gogrin, does, that is most likely his very role in the Communal, and will vote in favor of the ruler for as long as it does not risk certain traditions.
Mr. Aram- It is clear that Aram has a huge amount of disdain for Warden Franklin, and Father Gogrin, but for some reason a moderate amount of respect and interest in Sealith and, most likely, the other outsiders.
Aram was not questioning Sealith because he was clueless of the oncoming danger of the Empire of Dominorum, but because he wanted to ensure Sealith was on the side of the Communal, not the Empire.
Aram, despite his silence on issues, appears to possibly be the best politician of the entire group.
Gogrin popped his head around the study room's door frame, a goofy and slightly awkward smile across the dwarf's face Ha, wherever Archimedes is, I am always sure to follow.
Gogrin sees the texts Telula has combed through lying about and whistles My, you truly HAVE done your research, then! Ha! I will have to match it tomorrow- when would you prefer to have dinner, Telula?
Mr. Aram grinned as he looked over the Letter of Refinance You... have an insightful mind, and a beauty to match by being a lady. It is no wonder you belong to this King under the Hill.
After Aram gave a slight signal in the air and Her Ladyship saw the bowmen disperse, Aram gave another grin Please, my Ladyship, a walk with me? Aram offered his arm to be entertwined in Lady Lynyna's as he gave her a slight bow and whisper I will tell you all you want to know and more.
She walks over and intertwines her arm in his.
"What a lovely day for a walk and learning new things"
She says holding her other hand out for him to return her letter of refinance.
"General Kerjak, Alexis, I believe you two would be able to give aid in helping Suzume with the recruits if you have time. I am also sure the recruits would see your presence as a good sign."
She looked at Warden Franklin.
"I sense it bother's you that outsiders are having such a big hand in these changes. Perhaps you can oversee what I am doing to ensure the changes we are making benefit your great city. Your council will be appreciated."
"Mr. Aram, I believe you already know my intentions. I do not hide them."
She would walk out with the Mother beside her and after a bit looks at her as she heads towards the wall.
"Mother, you have an important duty. Not only in helping build the wall. But, apologizing to your people and telling them the truth. They must know what happened and why."
Warden Franklin followed closely behind them with a look of surprise Sealith, is it? I appreciate your realization that perhaps someone who runs a prison would be skilled in directing the construction of a wall.
The Mother, ignoring Franklin, commented I see. Yes, I... I suppose it is time. I believe building the wall will help with all that has gone on... I hope. Chelya and Binsk, as always, were close behind the Mother as the seemly sight walked down the streets.
There were a few silent boos, but under the protection of both her saber cats and The Warden, people seemed to be quite reserved in their judgement and made a large, wide path on any of the black soil trails they followed to the damaged Eastern Wall.
My magic is limited, but I should be able to work in unison with the laborers and under Warden Franklin's guidance no problem. The Mother reassured herself- she seemed a lot more like herself in this statement than the now depression warped version she was a majority of the time.
This was quickly, of course, shot down by Warden Franklin in a snide remark If only you'd offered to be counseled under my guidance before the lasting result was destruction of our walls, Mother Elyse.
Putting the Letter back in her hand, Aram sighed as he shielded his eyes gently from the sun as it illuminated his white smile It is unfortunate, what happened to Lord Perpireen McGibel. I did not see the event with my own eyes, but, rather, eyes I own. Well, own is too harsh a word-
Eyes that allow me to borrow them, hahahaha. I... apologize. This is, with all due respect, not a laughing matter. I just happen to laugh when I feel awkward.
After a pause and continued walking Aram sighed, his smile turning to a frown The Speaker of the Council of the Empire of Dominorum is the one who killed Lord Perpireen in cold blood. It is believed that the Lord may have chided, or insulted, The Speaker, but.... Such a creatures attitude could most likely be aggravated by the wind blowing just one mile to fast before he felt he had to change the entire weather.
Did you know him well, this Lord Perpireen?
Sealith had ignored his comment about a prison wall. She had other ulterior motives for asking him to come with. When he made his comment to the mother she chose to speak.
"You are a fool Warden Franklin. It is clear you have no understanding of how you come off. Being a prison Warden has jaded you to much it seems. You come off as harsh and frankly a bigot. I had brought you along in the hopes you could show the people here that you had a side they could be proud of. I see, right now, that is not to be. I cared not you were the Warden of a Prison. I was judging you based on WHO you ARE, not WHAT you are." Her voice carried to all those around, but she was being honest.
"I do not see this wall as a prison to keep your people in. As for the wall, I see it as a shield the people of this City may use to show their strength and independence. In rebuilding it the people are showing even as mistakes are made, they can recover from them and become stronger for it. They can grow like the city they love. Elyse has realized her mistake and is growing stronger for it as are the people that learn from her. I suggest you do the same. Take a look at the people you are protecting and find in your heart why you do it. A companion of mine died for this city. Are you willing to do the same to protect it?"
Warden Franklin stopped with a contorted and angry look SHE he points at The Mother is the cause of ALL of this, and you ask me if I'm prepared to die? You should ask HER! SHE made deals with Matthias behind the Communal's back! SHE gave us a false sense of security as she controlled nearly every single patrol going to and from this city!
That wall should keep us all in here! Between the magic and power of the Angel-Oak Tree, and the strength of its roots in our walls, there is no reason to go outside into the barren wasteland just beyond it. I don't know if you have noticed it, dragon-spawn, but we are warm here in the middle of a tundra-
I do not take that likely.
The Communal agreed to the building of roads under the payment of a high price from your Empire, that is why all this started. I am sorry a comrade of yours died, but perhaps the one who is actually responsible for causing the Speaker to have to show up here, personally, is the one to blame.
Not the one trying to clean up her mess.
With that, Warden Franklin gave a snort of disapproval and began to walk away from the group. A majority of the people surrounding them appeared to massively agree with the Warden's shouted words, some even applauding as he continued to silently storm off and walk away.
"The people of this city have grown Weak and dependent on the Angel Oak and the Mother. Where is RESPONSIBILITY in all this? She isn't the only one responsible for this City. Every person who lives here is! You are all so quick to blame and yet where were you all! Living fat and happy without a care in the world. You made her do everything and in return give her nothing! A City that has grown to comfortable having everything given to it. To comfortable relying on magic instead of surviving in a tundra that would have strengthened you.
What did YOU Do? Hide behind a wall. I heard nothing of civilian patrol or patrols done by your people Warden. You are all free, not caged animals. So stop acting like it. Elyse, has come here today to talk to all of you and tell you the truth of what she did and why she did it. Are you ones to judge her trying to save all of her family in the only way she knew how? Are you saying Warden, that the independence of this city was bought?"
Looking at him she smiled showing teeth. "You honor me by saying I have the strength and knowledge of the dragons."
She looks ahead, hearing him but keeping the same level tone as they walk and talk.
"The Fay have a way about them, that many fined unnerving, I am deeply surprised the tool known as the Speaker to the Council of the Empire of Dominorum did not know that and take it into account when dealing with Fay. My I ask did the Load suffer, did any stand by him when he fell? and and what if any where is last words?"
Tears fell across The Mother's face as the crowd quickly shifted gears, siding with Sealith. She gave a loving touch to Sealith's shoulder with a teary eyed smile as she walked into the street with a quiet, yet carrying voice.
I did manipulate the animals of 42.
I did hide their knowledge so that I could have a meeting with my traitor brother, Matthias Oak.
That decision cost animal lives. But had I not done what I did it would have cost human lives. That is why I did what I did, it is why even my Sons of Terrak were not entirely aware of my back channeled negotiations.
It seems this decision was futile, as it cost the life of a fey, a Lord Perpireen McGibel. It cost the life of several of my Sons of Terrak who turned traitor against me via my brother and his wicked ways.
And it may end up costing the life of all the new guard that another worthy outsider, Suzume, is currently building up. And it almost cost me my life.
The Warden is correct- most of this is my fault. And nearly none of it is his-
But now is the time for us to put aside pettiness, and mistakes of the past. Sealith brings up a good point! We are no longer dealing with just the lives of animals who were trained for death, and the powers of the Angel-Oak are fading. Even if this had not happened....
The Mother paused for a moment of more tears and looking down I'm so sorry.
Even if this had not happened- the Angel-Oak was killing me. The city has grown too large, to widescaped, with too many animals to watch it and too many people to feed alone. This happening was inevitable.
A wide spread of people in the crowds went to one knee before Sealith and The Mother- a few were crying as well as they began to understand the true grasp of what was happening.
The Warden, enfuriated at yet another surprise being exposed and further yet, it causing him to lose his big moment, simply shouted back at The Mother and Sealith You will learn soon enough to not insult an honorable member of the Communal, outsider!
With that the Warden attempted to manuever his way onto a horse, but, failing to see it was attached to a wagon, fell flat on his back with a groan.
Laughter escaped, as did the Warden back in the direction of the Angel-Oak with a furrowed brow.