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L'Aurel's Journal (A Kingdom of Ashes) -updated 3/23
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<blockquote data-quote="Laurel" data-source="post: 1896857" data-attributes="member: 17067"><p><strong>Chapter 4- “A Debt Repaid”</strong></p><p></p><p><em><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Day Seventeen- Hywrl</span></em></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">It was shortly before sunrise, when my eyes peered out from beneath the scratchy cloth blanket. I recall only eating a sparse meal and then huddling in an empty room next to where Archonus threw his pack. The door and window remained wide open to my space, in my hopes of getting a cross breeze coming through and to easily hear any sound of alarm. I do not remember going to sleep with a blanket, but lots of things are fuzzy the later it got. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Justice remained in the room single candle lit. Archonus watched from the shadows somewhere. Arfin and Farathier could be seen in the streets below. I didn’t see Xath, Kareth, or the Duke after the plans had been set. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Edriss… no he is dead, and today we burn him. Today everything changes. I am still stiff from the wounds suffered yesterday, but remain unmoving as Xath passes by. It was her light footfalls that woke me. I know she will now go and check on the others. It has become her morning ritual. I look through the darkened window and see the morning has not yet arrived. She is sleeping less and less. Smiling I almost laugh, “but she is a steady wake-up alarm.” I then go in search of some clean water, and then to find the others. Justice is normally the next to rise with her own morning ritual just before sunrise. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">As I pass the room with Edriss’s body laid out, a still waking Arfin informs me that Justice had reluctantly left the room moments ago. We have seen that even death is not irreversible.</span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> Arfin usually the steady old one of the group seems troubled by these events, and weakly I try to comfort him, “Today we burn him and scatter his ashes. He will not raise again.” </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">His rueful smile tells me I have misjudged his worry. At least he is forgiving, “Tis not that, but Xath. She has been out of sorts since yesterday. I have no way with her, but you and she are close so I would ask will you, could ye possibly speak ta her?” I truthfully assure him I shall try my best, and he assures me that he will not let her stray from sight. She is still technically a servant to the Thunderheart clan. A servant of Arfin’s technically, yet here he is treating her like the daughter he lost many years ago. No matter what form she takes, Arfin will remain true it seems and see her dwarven blood first.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The throne room is much less ornate than the one in Oceanus, but it seems to serve for this simpler palace. As we all gather in the throne room for the processional, I notice Archonus is still nowhere to be found. Xath with Arfin by her side are spied just inside the large carved doorway. Kareth and Farathier should be stand watch on the balcony outside. From there can watch everyone and everything. Only Justice and I will actively participate in this farce today. We will carry torches trying to school faces of somber sadness for Edriss who died of the mass wounds inflicted yesterday. As the sun was rising, the Duke made the announcement adding just the right touch of sadness to his tone. The townsfolk and refugees took his words easily believing them.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">We remained firm on no music, no praise, and no chorus sending Edriss to the light. We would not judge, but neither would we give him what Link had deserved. He would have silence, and have to make the trip below alone. A row of priests from Oceanus walked in two’s lead by Duke Greyclaw and Irellion, the regent of Hywrl.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Justice and I followed at the back of the procession. We only had our fighting attire for such an occasion, and the Duke had thought that was best. The people didn’t know us well enough yet by our faces, but Justice’s red dragon chest plate was hard to forget. The night before it had been argued and finally decided that only Justice and I would link us to this directly. Justice could have been with the others, but she insisted on being up here as well. Their distance had to be maintained in case things didn’t go as planned.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The sun rose to shine it’s light on the pyre; it didn’t hold the soft joyful embrace of yesterday. As the light hit, Edriss’ cold face I relived so many events from our short friendship. Thoughts and feelings swirled. Finally we stood flanking the elaborate pile of stone and wood. Standing straight we waited for the signal. The large crowd tensed pushing forward as a single wave. There were a few mutters and comments, but they were quickly quieted by an elbow or heel. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Yesterday I laid my ancestor out in this same manner, I was the first to set the flame to his pyre and I was the last to leave it. Today, I cannot wait to get away. This is no hero we are burning today, but a liar, one with no honor or heart. He would sell you for some land and coins, yet those around us wanted to cry for him. He came from noble stock, and almost got even more lands through the murdering of innocents. My hatred was a brief storm, even now dissipating. Even now there where so many sides to him and so many possibilities. After today he will be no more.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">After a moment more of silence, one of the priests steps forward, out of the semicircle. An ancient alder with dead white hair and cracking skin, “We are gathered here to guide Edriss Kiva, once Count, Lord of Hywrl, to the everlasting embrace of the Light. Though flesh is ash, the soul is Light. Through flame, we free the Light and return the flesh to ash.” </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">She lifts her hands calling, “Count Kiva has helped us from the shadow that overtook our homes, and through his actions, we have found new strength, and a new place to call home. For these things alone, the Light has guaranteed him a place at the side of His throne, at the right hand of heroes.” If only she knew what he really had planned.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">As her hands came to rest at her side, the Apectin priests said a word and turned their hands to white flame. This was the signal, Justice, </span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Irellion</span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">, Duke Greyclaw, and I solemnly carry our torches forward. I watched the flame from my torch leap toward the dry straw. I saw it link with the other flames from the other torches, slowly moving towards the wrapped body. The silence stretches as the flames catch the thin material. The stench of burning flesh clouds and moved through the crowd. I looked to each of my companions as the black smoke rises higher, watching to see their expressions, and trying to read what they thought.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The elder alder spoke once more, her voice quietly carrying, “As these flames reach toward heaven, so goes the soul of this hero!” As she finished, the tension that had been building seemed to break on the wail of a woman behind me. As a soft voice starts to comfort her, others begin to feel it. A baby towards the rear started to wail, and a child just within peripheral vision clutched his mothers’ hand while digging his red-cheeked face into her skirts. I wonder if Archonus is even around watching, he was the angriest with the decisions made last night. No, that would be too emotional a phrase for him. Looking back on it he never actually agreed to anything just could not voice any opposition. On a sigh I admit except the Duke no one actually said they liked or agreed, but with no other way it was assumed we agreed.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">A large dark Alder hand is thrust into the air and the wails and mutterings taper down. Duke Greyclaw had quick work done on his clothes and cape. He now steps to the front of the stage re-splendid once more in court attire. His dark true alder skin mirrors the gold and red of the fire ablaze behind him, “The loss of Count Kiva will be keenly felt! Yet, before he died, he shared a great secret with me. Count Kiva came here to take the seat, but not to hold it! This region was held in trust for nearly a millennium, awaiting the return of the blood of the Woodshadow. That blood has returned, and stands among us even now! Though two heroes have fallen in as many days, there are many heroes that remain! One of your saviors has carried a secret, her grandfather’s trust, for all of her life… and now, in your time of need, she has returned to take her grandfather’s abandoned throne!” Not a moan or a wail, just whispers now as uncertainty grows. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Looking at the crowd I cannot help as many pairs of eyes are automatically drawn to Xath. Her high alder features and easy way with people seem to echo of the ways of the Amastatia, yet her sword fighting in Oceanus very distantly echo those of Link. Smiles light many faces hopefully, but I know those would be shattered soon. The Duke was the one who not two days ago told me my blood would not be a burden, yet it is about to become one.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“L’Aurel, one of our saviors, is the reason that Count Kiva hurried from Crisoth. L’Aurel Woodshadow, true Countess of Hywrl.” As I stepped to the Duke’s side, I stood seeing all eyes turn towards me and then back again to the duke. I could see some who readily wanted any spark of hope, and those were the ones that cheered, clapped and nodding in approval immediately. I could also see some who doubted. I could not blame them, but in a way I trusted them more. At least they were not ready to just accept anything or anyone. But there were also those that I feared. They were the ones that move like shadows through the crowd. Only an arm movement here and head twitch there would let me know they were still there. They seemed to be content to wait and bid their time for now, but so was I.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The Duke continued his prepared speech, “L’Aurel Woodshadow has come to take the empty seat, L’Aurel Wooshadow has come to lead us to victory, safety, with all the blessings of the true Throne of the Falcon Kingdom!” Well, it was a truth. Jaine who was the rightful Queen of the Falcon Kingdom had told us to do all we could. This day we just got her land and soldiers, so she would give her blessings to this. Jaine should be safely in Sylvanus by now, and soon she would know of this and advise us.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The crowd cheered loudly at this finale. As the flame dies to smoldering coals, he seemed already forgotten in the minds of the people who went on to rebuild thier future.</span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Laurel, post: 1896857, member: 17067"] [b]Chapter 4- “A Debt Repaid”[/b] [i][font=Verdana]Day Seventeen- Hywrl[/font][/i] [font=Verdana]It was shortly before sunrise, when my eyes peered out from beneath the scratchy cloth blanket. I recall only eating a sparse meal and then huddling in an empty room next to where Archonus threw his pack. The door and window remained wide open to my space, in my hopes of getting a cross breeze coming through and to easily hear any sound of alarm. I do not remember going to sleep with a blanket, but lots of things are fuzzy the later it got. [/font] [font=Verdana]Justice remained in the room single candle lit. Archonus watched from the shadows somewhere. Arfin and Farathier could be seen in the streets below. I didn’t see Xath, Kareth, or the Duke after the plans had been set. [/font] [font=Verdana]Edriss… no he is dead, and today we burn him. Today everything changes. I am still stiff from the wounds suffered yesterday, but remain unmoving as Xath passes by. It was her light footfalls that woke me. I know she will now go and check on the others. It has become her morning ritual. I look through the darkened window and see the morning has not yet arrived. She is sleeping less and less. Smiling I almost laugh, “but she is a steady wake-up alarm.” I then go in search of some clean water, and then to find the others. Justice is normally the next to rise with her own morning ritual just before sunrise. [/font] [font=Verdana]As I pass the room with Edriss’s body laid out, a still waking Arfin informs me that Justice had reluctantly left the room moments ago. We have seen that even death is not irreversible.[/font][font=Verdana] Arfin usually the steady old one of the group seems troubled by these events, and weakly I try to comfort him, “Today we burn him and scatter his ashes. He will not raise again.” [/font] [font=Verdana]His rueful smile tells me I have misjudged his worry. At least he is forgiving, “Tis not that, but Xath. She has been out of sorts since yesterday. I have no way with her, but you and she are close so I would ask will you, could ye possibly speak ta her?” I truthfully assure him I shall try my best, and he assures me that he will not let her stray from sight. She is still technically a servant to the Thunderheart clan. A servant of Arfin’s technically, yet here he is treating her like the daughter he lost many years ago. No matter what form she takes, Arfin will remain true it seems and see her dwarven blood first.[/font] [font=Verdana]The throne room is much less ornate than the one in Oceanus, but it seems to serve for this simpler palace. As we all gather in the throne room for the processional, I notice Archonus is still nowhere to be found. Xath with Arfin by her side are spied just inside the large carved doorway. Kareth and Farathier should be stand watch on the balcony outside. From there can watch everyone and everything. Only Justice and I will actively participate in this farce today. We will carry torches trying to school faces of somber sadness for Edriss who died of the mass wounds inflicted yesterday. As the sun was rising, the Duke made the announcement adding just the right touch of sadness to his tone. The townsfolk and refugees took his words easily believing them.[/font] [font=Verdana]We remained firm on no music, no praise, and no chorus sending Edriss to the light. We would not judge, but neither would we give him what Link had deserved. He would have silence, and have to make the trip below alone. A row of priests from Oceanus walked in two’s lead by Duke Greyclaw and Irellion, the regent of Hywrl.[/font] [font=Verdana]Justice and I followed at the back of the procession. We only had our fighting attire for such an occasion, and the Duke had thought that was best. The people didn’t know us well enough yet by our faces, but Justice’s red dragon chest plate was hard to forget. The night before it had been argued and finally decided that only Justice and I would link us to this directly. Justice could have been with the others, but she insisted on being up here as well. Their distance had to be maintained in case things didn’t go as planned.[/font] [font=Verdana]The sun rose to shine it’s light on the pyre; it didn’t hold the soft joyful embrace of yesterday. As the light hit, Edriss’ cold face I relived so many events from our short friendship. Thoughts and feelings swirled. Finally we stood flanking the elaborate pile of stone and wood. Standing straight we waited for the signal. The large crowd tensed pushing forward as a single wave. There were a few mutters and comments, but they were quickly quieted by an elbow or heel. [/font] [font=Verdana]Yesterday I laid my ancestor out in this same manner, I was the first to set the flame to his pyre and I was the last to leave it. Today, I cannot wait to get away. This is no hero we are burning today, but a liar, one with no honor or heart. He would sell you for some land and coins, yet those around us wanted to cry for him. He came from noble stock, and almost got even more lands through the murdering of innocents. My hatred was a brief storm, even now dissipating. Even now there where so many sides to him and so many possibilities. After today he will be no more.[/font] [font=Verdana]After a moment more of silence, one of the priests steps forward, out of the semicircle. An ancient alder with dead white hair and cracking skin, “We are gathered here to guide Edriss Kiva, once Count, Lord of Hywrl, to the everlasting embrace of the Light. Though flesh is ash, the soul is Light. Through flame, we free the Light and return the flesh to ash.” [/font] [font=Verdana]She lifts her hands calling, “Count Kiva has helped us from the shadow that overtook our homes, and through his actions, we have found new strength, and a new place to call home. For these things alone, the Light has guaranteed him a place at the side of His throne, at the right hand of heroes.” If only she knew what he really had planned.[/font] [font=Verdana]As her hands came to rest at her side, the Apectin priests said a word and turned their hands to white flame. This was the signal, Justice, [/font][font=Verdana]Irellion[/font][font=Verdana], Duke Greyclaw, and I solemnly carry our torches forward. I watched the flame from my torch leap toward the dry straw. I saw it link with the other flames from the other torches, slowly moving towards the wrapped body. The silence stretches as the flames catch the thin material. The stench of burning flesh clouds and moved through the crowd. I looked to each of my companions as the black smoke rises higher, watching to see their expressions, and trying to read what they thought.[/font] [font=Verdana]The elder alder spoke once more, her voice quietly carrying, “As these flames reach toward heaven, so goes the soul of this hero!” As she finished, the tension that had been building seemed to break on the wail of a woman behind me. As a soft voice starts to comfort her, others begin to feel it. A baby towards the rear started to wail, and a child just within peripheral vision clutched his mothers’ hand while digging his red-cheeked face into her skirts. I wonder if Archonus is even around watching, he was the angriest with the decisions made last night. No, that would be too emotional a phrase for him. Looking back on it he never actually agreed to anything just could not voice any opposition. On a sigh I admit except the Duke no one actually said they liked or agreed, but with no other way it was assumed we agreed.[/font] [font=Verdana]A large dark Alder hand is thrust into the air and the wails and mutterings taper down. Duke Greyclaw had quick work done on his clothes and cape. He now steps to the front of the stage re-splendid once more in court attire. His dark true alder skin mirrors the gold and red of the fire ablaze behind him, “The loss of Count Kiva will be keenly felt! Yet, before he died, he shared a great secret with me. Count Kiva came here to take the seat, but not to hold it! This region was held in trust for nearly a millennium, awaiting the return of the blood of the Woodshadow. That blood has returned, and stands among us even now! Though two heroes have fallen in as many days, there are many heroes that remain! One of your saviors has carried a secret, her grandfather’s trust, for all of her life… and now, in your time of need, she has returned to take her grandfather’s abandoned throne!” Not a moan or a wail, just whispers now as uncertainty grows. [/font] [font=Verdana]Looking at the crowd I cannot help as many pairs of eyes are automatically drawn to Xath. Her high alder features and easy way with people seem to echo of the ways of the Amastatia, yet her sword fighting in Oceanus very distantly echo those of Link. Smiles light many faces hopefully, but I know those would be shattered soon. The Duke was the one who not two days ago told me my blood would not be a burden, yet it is about to become one.[/font] [font=Verdana]“L’Aurel, one of our saviors, is the reason that Count Kiva hurried from Crisoth. L’Aurel Woodshadow, true Countess of Hywrl.” As I stepped to the Duke’s side, I stood seeing all eyes turn towards me and then back again to the duke. I could see some who readily wanted any spark of hope, and those were the ones that cheered, clapped and nodding in approval immediately. I could also see some who doubted. I could not blame them, but in a way I trusted them more. At least they were not ready to just accept anything or anyone. But there were also those that I feared. They were the ones that move like shadows through the crowd. Only an arm movement here and head twitch there would let me know they were still there. They seemed to be content to wait and bid their time for now, but so was I.[/font] [font=Verdana]The Duke continued his prepared speech, “L’Aurel Woodshadow has come to take the empty seat, L’Aurel Wooshadow has come to lead us to victory, safety, with all the blessings of the true Throne of the Falcon Kingdom!” Well, it was a truth. Jaine who was the rightful Queen of the Falcon Kingdom had told us to do all we could. This day we just got her land and soldiers, so she would give her blessings to this. Jaine should be safely in Sylvanus by now, and soon she would know of this and advise us.[/font] [font=Verdana]The crowd cheered loudly at this finale. As the flame dies to smoldering coals, he seemed already forgotten in the minds of the people who went on to rebuild thier future.[/font] [/QUOTE]
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