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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: 2027652" data-attributes="member: 17067"><p><strong>Chapter Six: “Homecomings”</strong></p><p></p><p>Day Fourty-four- Hywrl</p><p>I went to see Father Dorn as I had before normally for no more then for a few moments, but for days like today I made more time. He deserved more then the meager life we were giving him. Each time I left I realized that I was coming to see the dry old face as a guarded friend. Today I caught him again practicing swords with Justice. It was strange to watch, but as a cool blade handle lay in his palm it seemed his body could not forget the duties of war and battle. Though his eyes normally stayed clouded and he often calling her Katie, he seemed more alive at those moments. </p><p> </p><p>I hear Justice’s grunting voice over the clap of wooden swords, "Why were you and Preston exiled?" </p><p> </p><p>Surprised by Dorn’s strong clear voice I pause outside the door, "Disagreements with the bishops. Thought we had found evidence of a cult, growing within the ranks of the church...worshipping some sort of serpent. We assumed it had something to do with the Bluestar, as the wall had been quiet for some time...but whatever it was was older than that, I think. Patient. And penetrated deep into the church. We were stationed elsewhere for our... curiosity."</p><p> </p><p>The shadows dance on the floor as the sword dance continues, "Were you granted forgiveness, then?" I move to watch the two combantants, watching Dorn's back and Justice's face.</p><p> </p><p>He seems more in control then Justice, oddly not winded and tense as if holding back. He makes a noise, "Not hardly. We learned that those that had exiled the three of us had died, or disappeared. We took a chance, and escaped that hellish place...but not before we had learned dangerous secrets, and some of the powers of the strange guardians, there. We made our way to Oceanus, and Joseph chose to act in secrecy. I...I was little good to anyone, and stayed here. Andara went back to her family, I think...all of us damaged by our secrets. But that was thirty years ago, now."</p><p> </p><p>Justice is driven back by the easy flow of his blows, "I know that your time on the island must have been awful... tell me, Father Dorn-- you spoke of powers received on the island...</p><p>what kind of powers?" She must be thinking of their first meeting. Still something she will not discuss, though we know he taught her much of her new powers.</p><p> </p><p>His dry reply comes quickly, "It was not so much powers received, as powers learned...we did what we had to to survive, and to make sure that the prophecies we learned of would continue. They sent us there as a death sentence, but the secrets we found there demanded that we live, whatever the cost...we each did our part...lines that had to continue. The price I paid for the strange magic of the guardians was high...but Joshua and Andara paid a high price, as well. I have some mastery over life and death, now...but it is fleeting, and undependable. A terrible power to be burdened with."</p><p> </p><p>"Who are these guardians?" Justice questions on faint breath.</p><p> </p><p>He pauses either in strategy or for words, "I suspect that they were much like us, once. Priests. Warriors. Magickers. They have been there so long that they have forgotten that there is a world outside of the accursed island. But they are guardians, no matter how they have been perverted. They are the barrier between the older evils and the last attempt to reclaim that place from darkness. They dominate the old mountain passes. They slay those creatures that have not been brought to their own purposes. They guard what they no longer understand, they watch from the shadows of great tombs, protecting them as best they can in the presence of the twisted creations of the island's last master."</p><p> </p><p>Suddenly as he speaks I hear one of the swords drop to the floor, "Katie! It's so good to see you..." The second piece of wood drops as well. I move down the hallway wondering what other conversations they have had and what else justice may have gotten from the old priest.</p><p> </p><p>I walk back to the open practice room for Dorn and pick up the two wooden swords. Justice leaving Dorn’s room passes by. We say a greeting, but leaves saying Father Dorn is as hard to talk to as he always was. I can only smile and nod for it is true in every word. She walks briskly away I can only guess back to Link’s… back to the Duke’s palace such as it is. </p><p> </p><p>Entering Dorn’s room, I still couldn’t help but be cautious. There were spies and gossips and I didn’t want to explain or have anyone hear something third hand. If they asked or if they wished to know they would know I would keep no truths from someone especially the circle. Always alert to the noises in the hallway, or out the window. Ohtar had even begun to be my eyes from outside. I sat by him now and talked to him mostly of nothing, but occasionally get strange glimpses about Andara my mother and even some of who he says is my father, Joshua. From the small portions I hear and the even small portions I remember of Joshua Preston, it seems less and less real to me that he could be my father. Blood and spirit would say something wouldn’t they? Justice who is a granddaughter has a way about her that is like his. Andara I can look in the mirror and divide out what she gave me body and soul, yet the pieces left do not seem of Joshua. But it still could be true, and so far no matter how outlandish Father Dorn has never lied to us even when his vision is clouded over.</p><p> </p><p>As I left Dorn’s chambers, I walked the slow way around the palace looking at the changes these few weeks have brought. I soon enter the small old temple that I had seen that first day, the day Edriss was slain.</p><p> </p><p>The Amastatian Abbess had put together a good work force to rebuild the older temple. With the green that hide the long silent structures, I was not surprised when she had asked to place the new temple there. I walked to the place that one day would be the main sanctuary and sat cross legged by a wall. The abbess walks quietly around a corner and comes to sit on a broken column near me. She had marked on one of my other visits that my visits were becoming longer and times between growing shorter. I felt the heat in my cheeks, but merely told her it was a good place for me to think and collect my thoughts being so close to the palace. In truth I had always been drawn more to this side of the church’s teaching. I could never go for the Apectin ways, perhaps something’s are guided by the spirit. Andara and the Amastatia… no this is not the calling of blood, but their spirits passed something on.</p><p> </p><p>The abbess stays no more then a few moments, seeming to make sure one of her children does not need anything. I remain there for a short while longer thinking more on my ancestry and the teachings of both saints.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>I get a strange pang of hunger and look up to Ohtars screeches. It seems it is dinner time already. As Ohtar wings to an open area, I screech back that he should go hunt. As I stand to leave, I walk past the small statue at the entrance and without thinking drop a few coins within from my personal purse. I know the abbess has taken note of this, but again she seems to have guessed without words why I do it everytime. The yellow coins reflect onto the stone statue giving it the appearance of dancing on golden water. If anyone asked why, that is what, unfortunately, I think would pas my lips.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Xath has started to organize a short celebration for tonight in the main palace of Hywrl. To think of those lost, but also to show what we have accomplished and done since that fateful night. In her speeches and stories she hopes to also drive more daggers through the falling reputation and trust of the king and show him for the evil he is. Walking around through my routine of duties this day I can feel the change on the air.</p><p> </p><p>With a quick thrust of his beak throwing back a few steps he pushes off. I walk toward the palace feeling the contented peace Ohtar is emitting now he is high in the air. I nod as red faced Arfin puffs to jog up beside me, “There be a messenger for ye. He won’ say nor sho’ what he carries cept te ye.” I look over at Michael, my self appointed friend and guard. Looking back to Arfin, “When did he arrive?” I know I will not like the answer as Arfin looks down at the ground, replying, “This morn’ we thought it best to see what he wanted first.” With my hand on the small dwarfs shoulder start walking toward the gate. “Well, thought I would have liked to see him sooner he will have to wait a few more minutes.”</p><p> </p><p>Michael stands by the great oaken door as I make my way down the now empty throne aisle. Only a few of the torches have been lit giving the high ceilings a feeling of never ending shadows. As I reach the large wooden chair on the tier dais, Xath and Justice enter. Nodding and giving a side smile to each they flank the chair in an imitation of courtly ways. Shortly the creak of the wooden door stops any words that would have been given in greeting.</p><p> </p><p>A tall thin man enters the throne room, head held high not noticing the trail of mud and dirt he leaves behind. Who sent you, little man I wonder. I can’t help but feel like a made up doll as his eyes stare ahead. In fact, only his eyes seem to move as he reaches the raised dais. They went to such expense trying to make this room glow for what was to come tonight, yet here is this man walking as if he has entered a hovel. The stripes of cloth and the collection of winter greenery adds a touch of realness to the air and the forgotten ancient carved walls.</p><p> </p><p>The messenger briefly drops to one knee, and lowers his head. Walking a tightrope of playing the correct motions for court. He raises and looking me in the eye, he waits, apparently needing my leave to speak.</p><p> </p><p>Waving my hand as the Duke had taught, I try in my haughtiest voice to say, "Deliver your message. The Countess has other things to do, this day." </p><p> </p><p>A small, almost mocking grin can be seen on the bowed head. "Of course." His bony hand moves to his side and slowly he draws out a scroll; luckily it at least has been kept safe from his journey. Opening it, he read, "The Lady Jaine Rhynn sends her greetings from Sylvanus."</p><p> </p><p>His practiced voice reads the scroll with detached power, yet there is the slightest underlying wave of laughter. "Her Majesty, the rightful Queen of the Falcon Kingdom politely requests that her beloved generals explain--precisely--what the Hell they are doing bogged down on the island of Prydein?" Coughing into his fist as his mouth curves around and a chuckle is cut off he continues. "The Lady Rhynn also requests an explanation as to why one of her generals has claimed the long-empty region of Hyrwl as an agent of the throne? A throne which, she would like to remind the young Countess, you are known rebels against."</p><p> </p><p>This time, an uneasy coughing fit. "As such, the Lady Rhynn is coming here to take control of the situation. Expect her within the week--and be prepared for the entrance of your Queen. Do make sure that the road is clear of brigands. With all of her Love, Jaine Rhynn."</p><p> </p><p>He bows, just respectfully enough. "That is all. Should you require a message to be taken to Her Majesty, you may send it with me." He turns, replacing the scroll in his satchel. Over his shoulder, I hear the thrown, "Good day, Countess."</p><p> </p><p>As soon as the doors to the receiving room close behind the messenger, Xath moves forward a step and lets out a loud snort followed by a severe case of the giggles. "Well," she says, "We must personally go out and greet her majesty on the road, and personally escort her to the foundations of her kingdom. She does seem to have a knack for getting into trouble after all."</p><p> </p><p>Saved by Xath's easy remarks, I look over at my friend, "Yes, it seems our Queen Jaine needed no help at all. I just hope she remembers that those brigands are currently her only subjects." Jaine, it will do to see how she fares as leader. I whisper, "If Jaine is coming, is he coming too?" Joshua… would he follow her still… will he tell me lies or truth or has he even forgotten.. would he even want the memory?</p><p> </p><p>I look up to see Xath’s intent gaze watching me, a furrow creasing her brow. "He who?" she asks. Who indeed… just a man… I have to remember that… a protector to Jaine, a cleric of the Apecto, and someone who has traveled into unknown parts with our dear old Father Dorn… Seeing no response she waves it away pushing on, “Also, for Jaine's protection, we might want to switch her while escorting her to Hyrule.” Justice nods to Xath, "Indeed, we need to meet up with her as soon as possible. She requires our protection."</p><p> </p><p>Reminded of Justice’s presence and our need to focus on getting Jaine, I try to forget my worries, “Just Apectin Cleric Joshua Preston our friend and ally, and Jaine’s right hand man.” Chastising myself internally there are more important issues here then what may well turn out to be an untruth! Worry about these people and the acceptance of Jaine and the dark evil just miles away instead, L’Aurel Woodshadow. Then laying a hand on Xath’s shoulder, and looking to Justice, “But to our future Queen Jaine… yes, protection would be good. If she comes with a party it may be best to let her come with them in broad daylight with the protection of some of the militia. She can enter with the brigands waving and cheering her entrance, since she seems to not be traveling incognito anymore. What about sending word seeing which way is planning on entering our little city?”</p><p> </p><p>Justice smiles wistfully, "It will be good to see Preston, again.” But quickly replaces the look with her normal stern gaze, “Bringing the queen into the city will take some major preparations... I suggest having Xath speak to the people... bring everyone to a place where they can hear her tell the tale of the Throneless Queen... THEIR Throneless Queen..."</p><p> </p><p>Xath starts to move in place, “I don't know that that's such a good idea. Openly rebelling against the king is a sure way to land us in a deep load of crap. So far, we've got nothing on him. Even the light says he was made the legitimate heir by Maelwys Embries before he died. Openly announcing a new queen is dangerous to both Jaine and us. And besides, nothing about the messenger's manner suggested that Jaine was not being secretive still. He would speak to no one but the Countess. I wouldn't blow her cover right now. Before we go further let us ask the others to be here.” Then looking at me, “they need to know all this also.” I couldn’t agree more, and quickly leaving them standing on the dais, I take long strides to the door.</p><p> </p><p>Directly outside the doors I find two of our phoenix guards in training by the doors along with Michael;s pale form leaning against one of the great columns.</p><p> </p><p>“Michael.” “Yes, my lady.” His ever quick reply. “Can you find the others from… the circle and tell them to hurry here. I have great news for them.” He seems relieved that I am in happy spirits, so nodding mutters “I shall go right away.” As he turns to leave I feel the false smile falter from my lips. And enter the throne room again to voices heatedly discussing what should happen next. I stand watching them for a few moments unnoticed.</p><p> </p><p>The top of Xath’s dark hair barely reaches the end of Justice’s now almost shoulder length hair. Yet Xath easily seems to work her smaller frame into the illusion of something more equal. Justice’s dress is more ornate and shows more flashes of color and lace then Xath’s simply cut and unadorned dress, but both fit the lean frames elegantly. Each could have worn a sack bag with grace and elegance though. Even their voices both strong and compelling are opposite. Xath’s being lighter and generally filled with mirth and hope, while Justice’s is more studied and controlled. Each wakes to greet the morning, yet both utter different words handed down to her. One for the power to kill and the mercy for justice and the other… what does Xath actual say or do.</p><p> </p><p>Suddenly Xath’s heated hazel gaze finds me and forces me to move forward. I know I will not have long to wait, but still I choose to remain to the side as Justice and Xath’s exchange continues.</p><p> </p><p>After the others have been filled in on the situation, Archonus speaks up with a sense of worry tracing his unmasked face, "That escort is not enough. I will find her and escort her to Hywrl. And once she gets here what are we telling the people? I vote for an all out rebellion. We focus on how a dark tide is coming and the current king is doing nothing to stop it. Focus on how WE intend to stop under our, legitimacy by blood, queen. Let us not worry about making this a nice and neat succession and let them decision on who you think can help you more."</p><p> </p><p>The Duke nods in agreement with Archonus’ second statement. “There is no way to make this a neat succession, as Tain's was, for all appearances, legitimate. He's just a dirty rotten bastard. As for the first statement, somebody might want to go with him....”</p><p> </p><p>My voice getting slightly more used to speaking up in such cases adds, “Would you take someone with you? Just in case."</p><p> </p><p>Justice looks to Archonus, “Thane can carry us much quicker then we could travel by land, and this must be done as fast as possible. There is a chance something could happen from here to there. Archon?”</p><p> </p><p>As with each of us, he thinks it through weighting that and the other possibilities, "Having Justice fly us in would call a lot of attention to the Queen and her escort. No. I know the terrain and it's a small enough group. I can track them down and escort them secretly to Hywrl.....unless you all want to go?" He looks around the room indifferently.</p><p> </p><p>Xath by his side looks up, “I could go with you and double for Jaine, drawing attacks away from her if she's a target. We could disguise and cloak her for her protection.”</p><p> </p><p>Archonus, “Hmmm...yes, and we could have Justice fly in and take the real Jaine back to Hyrwl. Sounds like it could work. Are you sure though? It's going to be a long walk over rough terrain and it's possible they could be being pursued...”</p><p> </p><p>The high elf draws herself up glaring at Archonus, “Just because I'm not the most combat savvy, doesn't mean I can't walk over rough terrain.”</p><p> </p><p>I look across from my place beside the Duke, “I will not let you go alone, Arhconus. I can help you track, but if not me then take someone at least, please. Also, if Justice is getting Jaine and flying her straight back to Hwyrl, while Xath does the switch, then it would be great for a guard to be set up here for her- preferably one of us specifically. We should also consider wearing the masks.“</p><p> </p><p>The duke normally more vocal, only looks at me surprised and states simply, “Good idea. I approve.”</p><p> </p><p>Justice on the Duke’s other side speaks up, “I am more than willing to go get her... Thane can fly really fast. But, dragons can fly much faster. If, indeed, this is our plan, I would suggest maybe some invisibility... I can cast quite a few protective spells... but, if something or someone does spot us, we could be in BIG trouble…any ideas?”</p><p> </p><p>Xath, “I can cast invisibility on you, but my magic is still growing so it may only last for a short while.”</p><p> </p><p>Justice, “That's helpful... depending on how far out of the city I'm going to get her, that is.”</p><p> </p><p>Thus we continue for a few more hours, as always slowly getting closer to a final decision. </p><p> </p><p>Midway through our talks Arfin is summoned to the gates. There he is met with a small band of dwarves. They tell Arfin of the draconid army invasion of Arutha’s Forge. They had fled possibly the last and only survivors. We had to get word, find out how many other cities had been hit. They were moving too fast, but we had to stop them. The dwarves were to weak and injured to deny our help. Justice laying her hand on one used her magic to ease his way into our small city.</p><p> </p><p>When we meet again in the room we add this new piece of information to our growing and shifting pile. Later that night before bed I think of Jaine… Long ago I said I would follow her, but never would I have thought to change that wish from acting as a simple guard on the road for one of her caravans to acting as a Countess and General with her as my Queen.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Laurel, post: 2027652, member: 17067"] [b]Chapter Six: “Homecomings”[/b] Day Fourty-four- Hywrl I went to see Father Dorn as I had before normally for no more then for a few moments, but for days like today I made more time. He deserved more then the meager life we were giving him. Each time I left I realized that I was coming to see the dry old face as a guarded friend. Today I caught him again practicing swords with Justice. It was strange to watch, but as a cool blade handle lay in his palm it seemed his body could not forget the duties of war and battle. Though his eyes normally stayed clouded and he often calling her Katie, he seemed more alive at those moments. I hear Justice’s grunting voice over the clap of wooden swords, "Why were you and Preston exiled?" Surprised by Dorn’s strong clear voice I pause outside the door, "Disagreements with the bishops. Thought we had found evidence of a cult, growing within the ranks of the church...worshipping some sort of serpent. We assumed it had something to do with the Bluestar, as the wall had been quiet for some time...but whatever it was was older than that, I think. Patient. And penetrated deep into the church. We were stationed elsewhere for our... curiosity." The shadows dance on the floor as the sword dance continues, "Were you granted forgiveness, then?" I move to watch the two combantants, watching Dorn's back and Justice's face. He seems more in control then Justice, oddly not winded and tense as if holding back. He makes a noise, "Not hardly. We learned that those that had exiled the three of us had died, or disappeared. We took a chance, and escaped that hellish place...but not before we had learned dangerous secrets, and some of the powers of the strange guardians, there. We made our way to Oceanus, and Joseph chose to act in secrecy. I...I was little good to anyone, and stayed here. Andara went back to her family, I think...all of us damaged by our secrets. But that was thirty years ago, now." Justice is driven back by the easy flow of his blows, "I know that your time on the island must have been awful... tell me, Father Dorn-- you spoke of powers received on the island... what kind of powers?" She must be thinking of their first meeting. Still something she will not discuss, though we know he taught her much of her new powers. His dry reply comes quickly, "It was not so much powers received, as powers learned...we did what we had to to survive, and to make sure that the prophecies we learned of would continue. They sent us there as a death sentence, but the secrets we found there demanded that we live, whatever the cost...we each did our part...lines that had to continue. The price I paid for the strange magic of the guardians was high...but Joshua and Andara paid a high price, as well. I have some mastery over life and death, now...but it is fleeting, and undependable. A terrible power to be burdened with." "Who are these guardians?" Justice questions on faint breath. He pauses either in strategy or for words, "I suspect that they were much like us, once. Priests. Warriors. Magickers. They have been there so long that they have forgotten that there is a world outside of the accursed island. But they are guardians, no matter how they have been perverted. They are the barrier between the older evils and the last attempt to reclaim that place from darkness. They dominate the old mountain passes. They slay those creatures that have not been brought to their own purposes. They guard what they no longer understand, they watch from the shadows of great tombs, protecting them as best they can in the presence of the twisted creations of the island's last master." Suddenly as he speaks I hear one of the swords drop to the floor, "Katie! It's so good to see you..." The second piece of wood drops as well. I move down the hallway wondering what other conversations they have had and what else justice may have gotten from the old priest. I walk back to the open practice room for Dorn and pick up the two wooden swords. Justice leaving Dorn’s room passes by. We say a greeting, but leaves saying Father Dorn is as hard to talk to as he always was. I can only smile and nod for it is true in every word. She walks briskly away I can only guess back to Link’s… back to the Duke’s palace such as it is. Entering Dorn’s room, I still couldn’t help but be cautious. There were spies and gossips and I didn’t want to explain or have anyone hear something third hand. If they asked or if they wished to know they would know I would keep no truths from someone especially the circle. Always alert to the noises in the hallway, or out the window. Ohtar had even begun to be my eyes from outside. I sat by him now and talked to him mostly of nothing, but occasionally get strange glimpses about Andara my mother and even some of who he says is my father, Joshua. From the small portions I hear and the even small portions I remember of Joshua Preston, it seems less and less real to me that he could be my father. Blood and spirit would say something wouldn’t they? Justice who is a granddaughter has a way about her that is like his. Andara I can look in the mirror and divide out what she gave me body and soul, yet the pieces left do not seem of Joshua. But it still could be true, and so far no matter how outlandish Father Dorn has never lied to us even when his vision is clouded over. As I left Dorn’s chambers, I walked the slow way around the palace looking at the changes these few weeks have brought. I soon enter the small old temple that I had seen that first day, the day Edriss was slain. The Amastatian Abbess had put together a good work force to rebuild the older temple. With the green that hide the long silent structures, I was not surprised when she had asked to place the new temple there. I walked to the place that one day would be the main sanctuary and sat cross legged by a wall. The abbess walks quietly around a corner and comes to sit on a broken column near me. She had marked on one of my other visits that my visits were becoming longer and times between growing shorter. I felt the heat in my cheeks, but merely told her it was a good place for me to think and collect my thoughts being so close to the palace. In truth I had always been drawn more to this side of the church’s teaching. I could never go for the Apectin ways, perhaps something’s are guided by the spirit. Andara and the Amastatia… no this is not the calling of blood, but their spirits passed something on. The abbess stays no more then a few moments, seeming to make sure one of her children does not need anything. I remain there for a short while longer thinking more on my ancestry and the teachings of both saints. I get a strange pang of hunger and look up to Ohtars screeches. It seems it is dinner time already. As Ohtar wings to an open area, I screech back that he should go hunt. As I stand to leave, I walk past the small statue at the entrance and without thinking drop a few coins within from my personal purse. I know the abbess has taken note of this, but again she seems to have guessed without words why I do it everytime. The yellow coins reflect onto the stone statue giving it the appearance of dancing on golden water. If anyone asked why, that is what, unfortunately, I think would pas my lips. Xath has started to organize a short celebration for tonight in the main palace of Hywrl. To think of those lost, but also to show what we have accomplished and done since that fateful night. In her speeches and stories she hopes to also drive more daggers through the falling reputation and trust of the king and show him for the evil he is. Walking around through my routine of duties this day I can feel the change on the air. With a quick thrust of his beak throwing back a few steps he pushes off. I walk toward the palace feeling the contented peace Ohtar is emitting now he is high in the air. I nod as red faced Arfin puffs to jog up beside me, “There be a messenger for ye. He won’ say nor sho’ what he carries cept te ye.” I look over at Michael, my self appointed friend and guard. Looking back to Arfin, “When did he arrive?” I know I will not like the answer as Arfin looks down at the ground, replying, “This morn’ we thought it best to see what he wanted first.” With my hand on the small dwarfs shoulder start walking toward the gate. “Well, thought I would have liked to see him sooner he will have to wait a few more minutes.” Michael stands by the great oaken door as I make my way down the now empty throne aisle. Only a few of the torches have been lit giving the high ceilings a feeling of never ending shadows. As I reach the large wooden chair on the tier dais, Xath and Justice enter. Nodding and giving a side smile to each they flank the chair in an imitation of courtly ways. Shortly the creak of the wooden door stops any words that would have been given in greeting. A tall thin man enters the throne room, head held high not noticing the trail of mud and dirt he leaves behind. Who sent you, little man I wonder. I can’t help but feel like a made up doll as his eyes stare ahead. In fact, only his eyes seem to move as he reaches the raised dais. They went to such expense trying to make this room glow for what was to come tonight, yet here is this man walking as if he has entered a hovel. The stripes of cloth and the collection of winter greenery adds a touch of realness to the air and the forgotten ancient carved walls. The messenger briefly drops to one knee, and lowers his head. Walking a tightrope of playing the correct motions for court. He raises and looking me in the eye, he waits, apparently needing my leave to speak. Waving my hand as the Duke had taught, I try in my haughtiest voice to say, "Deliver your message. The Countess has other things to do, this day." A small, almost mocking grin can be seen on the bowed head. "Of course." His bony hand moves to his side and slowly he draws out a scroll; luckily it at least has been kept safe from his journey. Opening it, he read, "The Lady Jaine Rhynn sends her greetings from Sylvanus." His practiced voice reads the scroll with detached power, yet there is the slightest underlying wave of laughter. "Her Majesty, the rightful Queen of the Falcon Kingdom politely requests that her beloved generals explain--precisely--what the Hell they are doing bogged down on the island of Prydein?" Coughing into his fist as his mouth curves around and a chuckle is cut off he continues. "The Lady Rhynn also requests an explanation as to why one of her generals has claimed the long-empty region of Hyrwl as an agent of the throne? A throne which, she would like to remind the young Countess, you are known rebels against." This time, an uneasy coughing fit. "As such, the Lady Rhynn is coming here to take control of the situation. Expect her within the week--and be prepared for the entrance of your Queen. Do make sure that the road is clear of brigands. With all of her Love, Jaine Rhynn." He bows, just respectfully enough. "That is all. Should you require a message to be taken to Her Majesty, you may send it with me." He turns, replacing the scroll in his satchel. Over his shoulder, I hear the thrown, "Good day, Countess." As soon as the doors to the receiving room close behind the messenger, Xath moves forward a step and lets out a loud snort followed by a severe case of the giggles. "Well," she says, "We must personally go out and greet her majesty on the road, and personally escort her to the foundations of her kingdom. She does seem to have a knack for getting into trouble after all." Saved by Xath's easy remarks, I look over at my friend, "Yes, it seems our Queen Jaine needed no help at all. I just hope she remembers that those brigands are currently her only subjects." Jaine, it will do to see how she fares as leader. I whisper, "If Jaine is coming, is he coming too?" Joshua… would he follow her still… will he tell me lies or truth or has he even forgotten.. would he even want the memory? I look up to see Xath’s intent gaze watching me, a furrow creasing her brow. "He who?" she asks. Who indeed… just a man… I have to remember that… a protector to Jaine, a cleric of the Apecto, and someone who has traveled into unknown parts with our dear old Father Dorn… Seeing no response she waves it away pushing on, “Also, for Jaine's protection, we might want to switch her while escorting her to Hyrule.” Justice nods to Xath, "Indeed, we need to meet up with her as soon as possible. She requires our protection." Reminded of Justice’s presence and our need to focus on getting Jaine, I try to forget my worries, “Just Apectin Cleric Joshua Preston our friend and ally, and Jaine’s right hand man.” Chastising myself internally there are more important issues here then what may well turn out to be an untruth! Worry about these people and the acceptance of Jaine and the dark evil just miles away instead, L’Aurel Woodshadow. Then laying a hand on Xath’s shoulder, and looking to Justice, “But to our future Queen Jaine… yes, protection would be good. If she comes with a party it may be best to let her come with them in broad daylight with the protection of some of the militia. She can enter with the brigands waving and cheering her entrance, since she seems to not be traveling incognito anymore. What about sending word seeing which way is planning on entering our little city?” Justice smiles wistfully, "It will be good to see Preston, again.” But quickly replaces the look with her normal stern gaze, “Bringing the queen into the city will take some major preparations... I suggest having Xath speak to the people... bring everyone to a place where they can hear her tell the tale of the Throneless Queen... THEIR Throneless Queen..." Xath starts to move in place, “I don't know that that's such a good idea. Openly rebelling against the king is a sure way to land us in a deep load of crap. So far, we've got nothing on him. Even the light says he was made the legitimate heir by Maelwys Embries before he died. Openly announcing a new queen is dangerous to both Jaine and us. And besides, nothing about the messenger's manner suggested that Jaine was not being secretive still. He would speak to no one but the Countess. I wouldn't blow her cover right now. Before we go further let us ask the others to be here.” Then looking at me, “they need to know all this also.” I couldn’t agree more, and quickly leaving them standing on the dais, I take long strides to the door. Directly outside the doors I find two of our phoenix guards in training by the doors along with Michael;s pale form leaning against one of the great columns. “Michael.” “Yes, my lady.” His ever quick reply. “Can you find the others from… the circle and tell them to hurry here. I have great news for them.” He seems relieved that I am in happy spirits, so nodding mutters “I shall go right away.” As he turns to leave I feel the false smile falter from my lips. And enter the throne room again to voices heatedly discussing what should happen next. I stand watching them for a few moments unnoticed. The top of Xath’s dark hair barely reaches the end of Justice’s now almost shoulder length hair. Yet Xath easily seems to work her smaller frame into the illusion of something more equal. Justice’s dress is more ornate and shows more flashes of color and lace then Xath’s simply cut and unadorned dress, but both fit the lean frames elegantly. Each could have worn a sack bag with grace and elegance though. Even their voices both strong and compelling are opposite. Xath’s being lighter and generally filled with mirth and hope, while Justice’s is more studied and controlled. Each wakes to greet the morning, yet both utter different words handed down to her. One for the power to kill and the mercy for justice and the other… what does Xath actual say or do. Suddenly Xath’s heated hazel gaze finds me and forces me to move forward. I know I will not have long to wait, but still I choose to remain to the side as Justice and Xath’s exchange continues. After the others have been filled in on the situation, Archonus speaks up with a sense of worry tracing his unmasked face, "That escort is not enough. I will find her and escort her to Hywrl. And once she gets here what are we telling the people? I vote for an all out rebellion. We focus on how a dark tide is coming and the current king is doing nothing to stop it. Focus on how WE intend to stop under our, legitimacy by blood, queen. Let us not worry about making this a nice and neat succession and let them decision on who you think can help you more." The Duke nods in agreement with Archonus’ second statement. “There is no way to make this a neat succession, as Tain's was, for all appearances, legitimate. He's just a dirty rotten bastard. As for the first statement, somebody might want to go with him....” My voice getting slightly more used to speaking up in such cases adds, “Would you take someone with you? Just in case." Justice looks to Archonus, “Thane can carry us much quicker then we could travel by land, and this must be done as fast as possible. There is a chance something could happen from here to there. Archon?” As with each of us, he thinks it through weighting that and the other possibilities, "Having Justice fly us in would call a lot of attention to the Queen and her escort. No. I know the terrain and it's a small enough group. I can track them down and escort them secretly to Hywrl.....unless you all want to go?" He looks around the room indifferently. Xath by his side looks up, “I could go with you and double for Jaine, drawing attacks away from her if she's a target. We could disguise and cloak her for her protection.” Archonus, “Hmmm...yes, and we could have Justice fly in and take the real Jaine back to Hyrwl. Sounds like it could work. Are you sure though? It's going to be a long walk over rough terrain and it's possible they could be being pursued...” The high elf draws herself up glaring at Archonus, “Just because I'm not the most combat savvy, doesn't mean I can't walk over rough terrain.” I look across from my place beside the Duke, “I will not let you go alone, Arhconus. I can help you track, but if not me then take someone at least, please. Also, if Justice is getting Jaine and flying her straight back to Hwyrl, while Xath does the switch, then it would be great for a guard to be set up here for her- preferably one of us specifically. We should also consider wearing the masks.“ The duke normally more vocal, only looks at me surprised and states simply, “Good idea. I approve.” Justice on the Duke’s other side speaks up, “I am more than willing to go get her... Thane can fly really fast. But, dragons can fly much faster. If, indeed, this is our plan, I would suggest maybe some invisibility... I can cast quite a few protective spells... but, if something or someone does spot us, we could be in BIG trouble…any ideas?” Xath, “I can cast invisibility on you, but my magic is still growing so it may only last for a short while.” Justice, “That's helpful... depending on how far out of the city I'm going to get her, that is.” Thus we continue for a few more hours, as always slowly getting closer to a final decision. Midway through our talks Arfin is summoned to the gates. There he is met with a small band of dwarves. They tell Arfin of the draconid army invasion of Arutha’s Forge. They had fled possibly the last and only survivors. We had to get word, find out how many other cities had been hit. They were moving too fast, but we had to stop them. The dwarves were to weak and injured to deny our help. Justice laying her hand on one used her magic to ease his way into our small city. When we meet again in the room we add this new piece of information to our growing and shifting pile. Later that night before bed I think of Jaine… Long ago I said I would follow her, but never would I have thought to change that wish from acting as a simple guard on the road for one of her caravans to acting as a Countess and General with her as my Queen. [/QUOTE]
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L'Aurel's Journal (A Kingdom of Ashes) -updated 3/23
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