:Well, they seem to know who we are and what we can do atleast. Time to dive.:
Descending quickly, Sky's landing kicks up large amounts of dust and small debris. He returns to his humanoid form.
"What news do you bring that is so important?"
:Well, they seem to know who we are and what we can do atleast. Time to dive.:
Descending quickly, Sky's landing kicks up large amounts of dust and small debris. He returns to his humanoid form.
"What news do you bring that is so important?"
"We are Servants of the Board. Were. Servants are no more. Foul undead overran us. Kobold Cleaver and Joek are gone, along with centuries knowledge and magics known only to us.
"We barely escaped. Pentacles, they were destroyed. We was either gone at the time, or had alternative escape routes. We is no threat to you. We was enemies, but if you does not let us into you haven, the outside world, which is no longer our friends, will see us abolished. Find mercy in your hearts. And let not the dragon eat us."
Blodwen also shifted back to her human form.
:If we let you in, I am not sure that we can guarantee your safety inside. You made many enemies here. It is a difficult problem.:
Privately to Sky, :I don't like them. But I wonder if they might be redirected now that their leaders are gone. We might let them camp in the valley for a while. Until we can decide what to do with them.:
Blodwen also shifted back to her human form.
:If we let you in, I am not sure that we can guarantee your safety inside. You made many enemies here. It is a difficult problem.:
The goblin shakes his head, seeming surprised and irritated at the voice. "Yes, quite--" He slaps his forehead, like a fly has landed on it. "--understood. We doesn't--" He hits his head again. "--need protection, fact that we's nearby Eyrie will--" He starts swinging his head around and around, looking rather ridiculous. "--be enough." He stops shaking his head, the 'buzz' apparently gone, and looks up curiously. "Out of curiosity, how is barriers remaining after false goddess is dead?"
The goblin shakes his head, seeming surprised and irritated at the voice. "Yes, quite--" He slaps his forehead, like a fly has landed on it. "--understood. We doesn't--" He hits his head again. "--need protection, fact that we's nearby Eyrie will--" He starts swinging his head around and around, looking rather ridiculous. "--be enough." He stops shaking his head, the 'buzz' apparently gone, and looks up curiously. "Out of curiosity, how is barriers remaining after false goddess is dead?"Blodwen also shifted back to her human form.
:If we let you in, I am not sure that we can guarantee your safety inside. You made many enemies here. It is a difficult problem.:
:She wasn't a false goddess. And she isn't dead. She just gave up her powers to someone a little more suited to running the cosmos, someone with a few less mortal distractions. This is Djuhah's temple now.:
Her lips twitch with amusement at his reaction to her telepathy.
The goblin shakes his head, seeming surprised and irritated at the voice. "Yes, quite--" He slaps his forehead, like a fly has landed on it. "--understood. We doesn't--" He hits his head again. "--need protection, fact that we's nearby Eyrie will--" He starts swinging his head around and around, looking rather ridiculous. "--be enough." He stops shaking his head, the 'buzz' apparently gone, and looks up curiously. "Out of curiosity, how is barriers remaining after false goddess is dead?"Blodwen also shifted back to her human form.
:If we let you in, I am not sure that we can guarantee your safety inside. You made many enemies here. It is a difficult problem.:
:She wasn't a false goddess. And she isn't dead. She just gave up her powers to someone a little more suited to running the cosmos, someone with a few less mortal distractions. This is Djuhah's temple now.:
Her lips twitch with amusement at his reaction to her telepathy.
"Stop--" *Smack* "--doing--" *Smack* "That!" He smacks his head with such force he nearly trips. He smiles wanly, seeming a bit dazed from repeatedly hitting himself, and straightens. "The genie? Why would he get the power?"
She shrugged. :Perhaps because he was Lynora's high priest. Anyhow, he seems to be quite suited to it.:
"So you want us to give you sanctuary so your Order may survive a little longer? This is something we need to discuss with Djuhah, if not the entire Eyrie, first."
She nodded in agreement.
:Yes. You should wait here. We will go back to the Eyrie and discuss this. You are considered under flag of truce until a decision is made,: she added grudgingly.
The goblin is shaking his head again. "Yes!" he says quickly. He seems glad to see Blodwen go.
:We'll be back.: Sky thinks to the goblin as he flies off behind Blodwen.
:So my dear, do we talk to the Eyrie as a whole or see what Djuhah thinks first?: He asks Blodwen as he enjoys the feeling of wind again.
:We'll be back.: Sky thinks to the goblin as he flies off behind Blodwen.
:So my dear, do we talk to the Eyrie as a whole or see what Djuhah thinks first?: He asks Blodwen as he enjoys the feeling of wind again.
:I think that it's probably going to be easier just to go over this once. Basically round up a representative for all the different groups and go from there.:
:It was fun watching him hit his head like that every time I spoke,: she added mischievously.
:We'll be back.: Sky thinks to the goblin as he flies off behind Blodwen.
"BLOODY SHIFTERS!" the goblin shrieks.
:I think that it's probably going to be easier just to go over this once. Basically round up a representative for all the different groups and go from there.:
:It was fun watching him hit his head like that every time I spoke,: she added mischievously.
:So an Eagle, a Starhawk, possibly Frost, you, me, and Djuhah? Do you want to sweep the upper or lower parts of Eyrie for the representatives?:
:And yes it was.:
:I think that it's probably going to be easier just to go over this once. Basically round up a representative for all the different groups and go from there.:
:It was fun watching him hit his head like that every time I spoke,: she added mischievously.
:So an Eagle, a Starhawk, possibly Frost, you, me, and Djuhah? Do you want to sweep the upper or lower parts of Eyrie for the representatives?:
:And yes it was.:
:Hlawith will probably be the one to represent the Starhawks. So, I'll talk to her and Frost while you figure out which of the Eagles they wish to appoint. Meet in the central temple in an hour?:
:Okay, I'll find an Eagle I think is up for this kind of debate. See you in an hour.:
He veers off as he sweeps across the Eyrie, casting his mind out for a good enough Eagle for the job. He's hard pressed to pick one though, because they are all good candidates. He finally chooses one of the older, veteran Eagles and meets with Blodwen and the Temple.
"Hello Djuhah. It seems we rarely have to meet unless something important is happening."
:Okay, I'll find an Eagle I think is up for this kind of debate. See you in an hour.:
He veers off as he sweeps across the Eyrie, casting his mind out for a good enough Eagle for the job. He's hard pressed to pick one though, because they are all good candidates. He finally chooses one of the older, veteran Eagles and meets with Blodwen and the Temple.
"Hello Djuhah. It seems we rarely have to meet unless something important is happening."
Okay, you were right.
Frost nods as Sky arrives. "Hello, Cloudgather. I'm told that these mites wish to seek refuge here? I am as of yet neutral, but I am curious.
"The Servants are enemies. The only difference now is that the Servants are substantially weaker, and have reformatted their system to a less strict one. As far as I'm concerned, as long as one Servant remains the Servants as a whole will as well. Why do we not obliterate them?"
:Okay, I'll find an Eagle I think is up for this kind of debate. See you in an hour.:
He veers off as he sweeps across the Eyrie, casting his mind out for a good enough Eagle for the job. He's hard pressed to pick one though, because they are all good candidates. He finally chooses one of the older, veteran Eagles and meets with Blodwen and the Temple.
"Hello Djuhah. It seems we rarely have to meet unless something important is happening."
"Yes," he sighed. "It is too bad. I often miss making pancakes in the mornings, especially with the younglings. But this deity business takes a lot of my time."
Frost nods as Sky arrives. "Hello, Cloudgather. I'm told that these mites wish to seek refuge here? I am as of yet neutral, but I am curious.
"The Servants are enemies. The only difference now is that the Servants are substantially weaker, and have reformatted their system to a less strict one. As far as I'm concerned, as long as one Servant remains the Servants as a whole will as well. Why do we not obliterate them?"
:Oh, I am all for obliterating. Those bastards attacked our home, threatened our young. They do not deserve to live after that. But I think that you hit the nail on the head there,Frost. As long as one remains they all do. Are we sure that's all of them? As the saying goes keep your friends close, and your enemies closer. At least if they are here there schemes are not likely to escape our notice. And they are not likely to try to obliterate the place where they live, giving us another added measure of safety.:
:Oh, I am all for obliterating. Those bastards attacked our home, threatened our young. They do not deserve to live after that. But I think that you hit the nail on the head there,Frost. As long as one remains they all do. Are we sure that's all of them? As the saying goes keep your friends close, and your enemies closer. At least if they are here there schemes are not likely to escape our notice. And they are not likely to try to obliterate the place where they live, giving us another added measure of safety.:
Frost nods as Sky arrives. "Hello, Cloudgather. I'm told that these mites wish to seek refuge here? I am as of yet neutral, but I am curious.
"The Servants are enemies. The only difference now is that the Servants are substantially weaker, and have reformatted their system to a less strict one. As far as I'm concerned, as long as one Servant remains the Servants as a whole will as well. Why do we not obliterate them?"
"The Servants aren't prone to wanton destruction. The deluded things are usually convinced they're doing the right thing. In case you haven't noticed, there is nothing they love more than moral superiority. Perhaps if they lived amongst you, they'll begin to actually feel your 'guilt'. I'm told it's quite effective.
"Or they might make a stab towards vengeance and destroy us all. But when it comes down to it, they're usually cowards. They're used to holding all the power, and when they finally realise they don't they're quick to beg."
:Keep your friends close and your enemies in an undisclosed location, my love. Start saying that and a bit of intimidation is yours.: Sky mentally whispers to Blodwen.
"Perhaps a trail period, like probation is in order? This gives them a chance to prove themselves truthful while we keep -pardon the pun- an eagle-eye on them."
:I might be able to convince the others to go along with that, but not if they are allowed to wander the Eyrie as they will. There's too much fresh grief for that to be borne.:
"Yes, that is an understandable sentiment. Perhaps we should open up some caves for them near ground level? That don't connect to the upper Eyrie. Keeps them close, but out of sight for the most part. At least during this trial period. Over time wounds do heal."
"Yes, that is an understandable sentiment. Perhaps we should open up some caves for them near ground level? That don't connect to the upper Eyrie. Keeps them close, but out of sight for the most part. At least during this trial period. Over time wounds do heal."
"That should do. Should a guard be posted on the entrances?"
The old Eagle spreads his wings slightly.
"I have little to do these days. I'll watch them." All in the language of the birds comes this answer, and Sky translates for Frost.
The old Eagle spreads his wings slightly.
"I have little to do these days. I'll watch them." All in the language of the birds comes this answer, and Sky translates for Frost.
The dragon nods. "Very well, then. We have decided?"
"Yes, we have decided."
He looked a bit distant for a moment.
"The caves are opened and suitable for occupancy now. They are not as nicely furnished as these ones, but not entirely primitive either."
"Now, I'm afraid my time here is short. There is much I need to get back to," he added apologetically, before vanishing again.
Keehar notes his old companions. It has been a long time since he had had company. He leaps from his perch and shimmers into Starhawk form. He catches a thermal, spiraling up to them. He lands and transforms back into a young human.
"Greetings all. It has been far too long since I have seen you all."
"Hello Keehar, it has been awhile. How have you been?" Sky says as the old Eagle flies off in search of a comfortable perch from which to watch the Servants.
Watching the Eagle reminds Sky that someone needs to tell the Servants about the caves. He searchs for the goblin's thoughts.
:There are some caves at the base of the Eyrie where you may stay. You're probation has begun.:
"Hello Keehar, it has been awhile. How have you been?" Sky says as the old Eagle flies off in search of a comfortable perch from which to watch the Servants.
Keehar shimmers into hawk form and follows Sky
"After the dissouloution of the old boards I traveled the Interthereal Sea. I have returned when I felt the old worlds returning. How have you been old master?"
Keehar speaks to Sky
"After the dissouloution of the old boards I traveled the Interthereal Sea. I have returned when I felt the old worlds returning. How have you been Sky?"
"I can't complain, it's been nice. After the trouble Aidan had, things were quiet. I was thinking about taking Blodwen(leaving the nestlings in the expert care of the Eyrie's occupents) on vacation to see the World Ash before the Servants showed up."
Kehaar nods
"I have flown the World Ash several times. I love the ratatosk, they always make me smile"
Kehaar nods
"I have flown the World Ash several times. I love the ratatosk, they always make me smile"
"yes, the bid squirrels do make a few smile. I know one that still throws acorns at me. Something about thinking it was giant prey..." Sky says with a wink. "He was okay though, a little shook up, but not hurt."
Keehaar laughs
"Yes, I usually gift them a large sack of exotic nuts when I travel. Their guts help them overcome their fear of me in hawk form. They even nickednamed me Chitter*kwee*istik, which means 'Nuttyhawk' in their language. At least, that's what they translate it to for me."
Keehaar laughs again, the sharp sound like a hawk cry
"Well I'm not about to give them more ammo!" Sky laughs as he turns to look out at the land and sky around the Eyrie. He spreads his arms as a light breeze passes them, a look of utter peace on his face as his clothes ripple in the wind.
"We'll have some rain in 3 days.. flying is going to be wonderful before and after the storm." He says as the breeze ends.
"I can't complain, it's been nice. After the trouble Aidan had, things were quiet. I was thinking about taking Blodwen(leaving the nestlings in the expert care of the Eyrie's occupents) on vacation to see the World Ash before the Servants showed up."
She smiles as she sees Sky's expression as he speaks with the wind.
She turns to Keehaar, still smiling. :I am glad you have come back. You need to remember to visit more often,: she said, ruffling his hair fondly. :I worry about you when you are gone too long, little brother.:
Keehaar smiles at Blodwen
"Well, I should be here more often from now on. It has come time that I start my adult training. There are storms gathering out upon the Interthereal Sea. The last disjunction has faded, but old foes and new wait to seize control of the Boards."
Keehaar hugs Blodwen, and she notices how tall his human shape has become
"I come to protect the Eyrie."
"The children of the Eyrie are growing so fast, and now one joins the ranks of the Eyrie Guards. I think I'll need to make you a bow before to long, just so you can join the Archer Guard in battle. Given that I'm the only archer in the Eyrie(to my knowledge), I'm saying it would be a point of pride to have you fight alongside me."
He steps behind Blodwen and slips his arms around her with his hands resting on her stomach.
:And you'll be fighting to protect a new sibling, don't tell the others yet though, I believe it's supposed to be a surprise.: he thinks to Blodwen and Keehar.
"So Blodwen, what do you think of spending some time alone at Yggdrasil?" The next part is for Blodwen's mind only. :I can make a nice, private nest for us so we aren't bothered and can enjoy the peace and quiet...:
Keehaar bows at Sky
"It would be an honor to weild a bow from you, master. I have a lesser stave here."
He points to an ashwood bow decorated with various feathers across his back
"I was planning on the Archer Guards if I could get them."
"Don't bow Keehar, I wouldn't have someone fighting alonside me as an equal doing that. None of that 'Master' stuff either."
"The ashwood will do fine. When you decide you're ready, I'll enchant it as you want, or show you how to do it yourself."
:You're family, Keehaar. There's no need to be so formal.: She said, her mental laughter bubbling over.
:And a nice little vacation sounds lovely, dearest. I love our nestlings, but the whole lot of them can be a bit exhausting at times.:
The portal flares as LK runs out as fast as he can, yelling the usual "Arielle's after me!", "Everyone get out of the way", and more as he follows Arielle's instructions on finding the place.
Arielle comes running through the portal after LK, hammer in hand, lightning sparking.
"Hey! Don't think you're gonna get away with that! I am so totally gonna pay you back for that!"
"You don't have to pay me back, all my pranks are free!"
"Aaagh!"
She chased him down the hall and then down the stairs and when they were far enough down to be at ground level she sat down and laughed.
"Oh, that was fun!"
"Yep, it always is. The only difference now is that your in on the fun!"
"So where's this place you were talking about?"