Part 20: Eftalya was delighted to hear from this Queen that she would be glad to help her and her husband reclaim the County that was lost, but confused thinking of what the queen could have possibly wanted. In her lands, there wasn't much in the way of mining resources, but the soil was fertile and a wide abundance of crops and animals thrived there, as long as those who inhabited the land respected the order that had been established thousands of years ago that allowed the balance of life continue to thrive. Whatever the case, Eftalya wouldn't let this oportunity to slip away, surely the neighboring lands ruled by hostile lords would be... visited by the Queen and her army, another problem would be rid of, and the Queen gets what she wants, whatever resources they mined in their lands.
But this kind of thinking was too far ahead, she trained her mind back to where she currently was, in a moving palace. She saw grand ancient sights, an entire army for only a brief moment, glorious statues made of... plants? They were interesting, but impressive to say the least. But what was most impressive was the palace. An architectural masterpiece seemingly stretching beyond the Horizon. It wasn't taller than her old fortress, which wrapped around a small mountain, but it was certainly larger in size, immense in its presence alone, with little and large glints shining off its brilliant windows. Its sight alone was delicious enough to take in, certainly, behind those awesome giant doors it was even more impressive. She forgot that she and her husband were not appropriately dressed nor washed for the occassion, her hair was still a mess, and that stench was still as horrible as ever. But surely, she'd soon be allowed a washing bowl and a towel to rid herself of her fifty days of unwashed filth.
The Queen led her and her husband out of the long carriage before the giant doors of her magnificent city of a palace. The Queen spoke elegantly, “Darling, I absolutely love to discuss this further inside by the way, and may I say, the palace has a lot of lovely additions I am sure you will lo-” She froze in place as did everyone else. Eftalya's heart sank, she reached for her husband's hand, who found hers similarly. But their little embrace would do little to quell the dread that built up in them when they watched the Deity open the massive doors of the palace. It stood taller than anyone present, massive in his stature, adorned by an exquisite set of armor shining brilliantly in the sun, three massive sets of wings sprouted from behind him, and his eyes shined brightly like silver, staring directly at her and her husband in a menacing manner not even Loh-A'lud, the fierce dune dragons could mimic.
Ironic it was, that after being ashamed in her state to present herself before a Queen, she now stood before what she assumed to be a living Deity. Was he R'ho-Ahai, The Deity of War? Rahai'sator, The Deity of Stars? She knew not, for the Deities have never had a need to appear to her. She was scarred and shakingly confused, so she forced herself to her knees along with her husband. In her mind, she begged for mercy, but who knew if such actions were futile or not. Only time would tell.
And time... told. For Eftalya it seemed like an eternity, a blur of sweat and fear for herself, her child, and her husband. But soon the dread would resign itself as the being disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.
“Anyway’s...uhm, I believe after that and of course all previous events, you two deserve some relaxation...so follow me.” The Queen spoke as she started toward the doors. Eftalya could only think of one thing as her husband helped her off the ground. These people do not rule themselves. That... thing, I trust not.
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Suis sighed to herself, she knew he was coming. Hell he even warned her about it...still she did not expect him to be so blunt, and directly introduced himself to them, just like that. Though she was glad that she was able to persuade him, that these two were worthy to be in the presence of the Children, as she knew that was not always the case. And there are legends passed down her family tree about what might happen to outsiders who don’t meet his standards, it often ended...gruesomely to say the least. So she just slumped in her shoulders, in relief that this instance wouldn’t add onto those legends and myths of old.
So she continued to walk down the elegant halls. The walls were of dark oak, with vibrant swirls of delightful and light white and blue mixed in with the hard brown of the oak. The floor was adorned with a beautiful carpet, of blessed red, which continued on seemingly infinitely down the various halls of this grandiose palace. High above them sat golden chandeliers, which let a dim white light shine out, as various sparkling blue gems covered the mighty fixtures of architecture, which hung from the roof.
They passed by, paintings of beautiful women. Each a magnificent specimen of the Cypherian species, they stood tall and mighty, sharing both beauty and strength. Under these paintings read little names, on a gold plate underneath the painting. As they walked down the line of paintings, they stopped in front of one. A one of the Queen herself, it looked very recent, only a couple years old, the others looked centuries or even millennia old, but this one smelt of fresh and vibrant paint. The Queen sat smiling, in a puffy dress of pure silky gold. She sat on a throne of purple linen, and blue gems, and had crossed her legs and had her hands placed in her lap. She seemed quite, for a better word to put it adorable in the painting.
Suis looked at it, and looked to be contemplating something. Maybe a look back to a simpler time in her life, admiring her younger self, or just maybe admiring the simple art. Whatever it was, she stared hard and long at the painting and let out a deep breath and looked towards the duo. “I again greatly apologize for what occurred earlier. The Lord Regent just has interesting ways of reminding us of our…”noble birth.” I guess.” she said as she took another deep breath and took a turn, towards down a hallway, to the left sat a massive door, its carvings odd and unique, carved like the stars themselves. Straight across from them, was two sets of marble doors, separated by at least five feet of wall.
The Queen stepped forward, went to the doors on the left and swung them open. Inside was an entire room of...clothes, hundreds of feet of just clothes. She grabbed hangers and examined them, before tossing them to the side. It took her several minutes before, she exited, with two hangers in her hand. One was an odd set of garments, a long red coat, sat upon it with a white undershirt and a similar set of red pants. They looked elegant, and extremely expensive woven from what looked to be the finest wool. He handed it to Harai. “Man and woman must be separate from bathing, the bathroom on the right is for men.” she said as she then looked at Eftayla, and handed her a long and puffy dress made of silver silk. “This is for you Darling.” The Queen said as she stepped forward and opened the door for Eftayla.
Eftayla could see a marvel of a bath, the bath itself was five hundred feet long, on each end were marvelous statues of angels, which water spilled from their open palms. The wall of the bath was made entirely of fine marble, and various scents filled her nostrils. All delightful, as exotic smells filled them, the room itself was lit like a candle light, setting a very atmospheric mood. “Darling, let you know there is a bar of soap by each statue's foot.” The Queen said as she stepped in.
Sakiris
Sakiris
Cast by Fire
Part 21: The Queen just walked in through the massive doors into the palace, which left the two Sakirians no choice but to follow her in. The Beauty within was nothing short of mythical, with the use of strange materials unknown to them, a bright, powerful red rug dominated the floor surfaces all throughout. Giant chandeliers of gold, adorned with an assortment of brilliate azure gems hung from the roof imposing their light unto the three standing down below. For the two of them, this was something else. They had a few beautifully built rooms within their own fortress, but their fortress was built for practicality. This place was built for luxury, and well, they both thought it was a bit much. But that never discounted the immense beauty which bedazzled them.
Walking deeper into the palace, they encountered a neat assortment of portrait, well made and well supplied with a variety of colors that would have been very expensive to obtain back home. Their allure to Eftalya filled her mind with a fascination of the cultural elements placed within the portraits themselves. One could tell a lot about a culture by looking at their art. Harai found it strange, adjusting to the fact that there seemed a great emphasis on the dominance of Women instead of men. Every soldier here was a woman, all these paintings, of leaders of great stature were women. It was a far cry from Sakiri culture, perhaps these beings were built differently than him. Eftalya stopped with the Queen to look at one last painting, one that bore a striking resemblance to the Queen herself, a simple, but beautiful piece that to Eftalya emphasized her innocence.
“I again greatly apologize for what occurred earlier. The Lord Regent just has interesting ways of reminding us of our…'noble birth.' I guess.” The Queen blurted out unexpectedly. Eftalya agreed, "I would have appreciated not feeling as if our lives were not in peril." The Queen continued, leading them through massive stone doors and walls just almost as thick as those she had back at her fortress home.
Within, a massive assortment of coats, silks, dressed, hats, hosen, and countless robes and other fine assortments. More clothing than anyone would ever have a need for, even a Queen. But this palace was massive, and Eftalya wondered just how many other rooms like this existed within its massive expanse.
The Queen walked to the long line of hangers carefully inspected the hangers draped with cloth upon cloth. Eftalya looked to Harai with a look of amazement and almost disgust, Harai was completely confused, "Why does one need so many clothes? Does she wear six turbans at once?" He whispered in Sakiri, to which Eftalya replied, "With her lack of modesty I doubt it-" She giggled. They then stood closely, silently, waiting until the Queen had finally arrived outside with two hangers. One a fine crimson assortment of a coat and hosen, she gave it to Harai “Man and woman must be separate from bathing, the bathroom on the right is for men.” Eftalya looked at him and translated, then waving for him to go. "This is for you Darling." The Queen handed her a massive looking dress. Its bottom quarters as puffy as the clouds in the Cypherian sky, finely woven and a crafted, but strange in her eyes. Still, she gracefully accepted the gift with a smile, a bow of her head, and the Sakiri word for thank you, "Ynshalla"
The Queen pushed open a door that revealed a ridiculous manner of washing. A massive basin of half a thousand feet, guarded by winged beings pouring water from their palms; darkly illuminated by the burning of candles, complimented with various scents of incense and perfume expensive but well worth it in her world where washing was deemed sacred for its use of water. Sakiri people would wash themselves with a bowl or basin of water and a cloth. Here, water was not a luxury, and so much was its availability that it could fill an entire massive basin which could probably fit an army within.
“Darling, let you know there is a bar of soap by each statue's foot.” The Queen said as she discarded her clothing and stepped in. Soap... Ef thought, picking it up. It felt familiar and waxy, certainly perfumed. Perfumed animal fats, she thought as she realized its purpose. Eftalya, ashamed to strip before anyone other than her husband, did so slowly and timidly before dropping her putrid old rags to the floor. She was nauseated by her own smell, even amazed to think that a person could smell as such. Her child's swell was certainly larger now, just slightly more noticeable now than when they were taken as slaves. To think that her child still grew gave her a sort of comfort that let her no that not all was lost when they left their home. Eftalya did as the Queen did, startled by the warm sensation which sent an ironic shiver down her spine. She'd never been completely submerged in water, it was all just so new to her, everything about it. But it was warm and inviting, so she stepped in with her other foot and before long, she was completely submerged and overcome with relief as her filth trailed off of her and the heat loosened her strained body. Ef brought up handfulls of water to her hair, ridding it of its filth and loosening its tight knots.
Meanwhile
"What in Sakir's name do I do with this?" Harai said aloud as he stood in awe of the 500 foot basin.
L empire
Suis laid back, letting the warm water course around her, as she saw Eftayla dip herself in. It was definitely an interesting and unique experience to watch an alien bathe, especially one which on the outside shared so many similarities to her, at least externally. She took one of the bars of soap, at the feet of the angelic figure and began scrubbing it against her, closing her eyes as she took in the relaxing feeling as she let the lavender bar course against her body, its smooth touch, relaxing her, as she rubbed it against her shoulders, her arms, and much lower places. She sighed once she was finished, and put the bar of soap back before diving full into the water and beginning to swim underwater towards Eftayla.
Eftayla could see her, submerge under the water and begin swimming rapidly towards her, her body moving through the water in perfect insync motions, as her body seemed to almost swim like one of the odd beasts she’d seen in the water on the boat. Moving with the water perfectly, before Eftayla knew it, the Queen resubmerged from the water, right next to her. Water dripped down her body, as she took a deep breath and let out a smile. “It’s been awhile since I took a nice swim.” she said towards Eftayla as she once again laid against the marble of the pool.
She again let out a sigh, and let her arms rest, as the warm waters of the pool coursed around them. She noticed, Eftayla was using her hands manually, and was slightly confused. “Here let me help.” she said as she began dumping water of Eftaylas head, and taking a bar of soap and gently scrubbing it as she began trying to get her hair all clean. “Anyway’s Eftayla Darling, I apologize once again for the Lord Regent, you should not feel like your life is in danger in my home.” she said as she let another scoop of warm water, dash against eftaylas head, as she rubbed the soap through it, breaking off small chunks and making it basically paste in her hands, that she scrub into Eftaylas scalp and hair, before letting another dumb of warm water go on her head.
“Darling, may I add your locks are very beautiful, but they do require some work.” she said as she began almost playing with eftaylas hair, trying to make it all neat and stylized as she let her delicate hands go to work, with her gentle locks. “By the way, I saw you and your husband looked very interested in those paintings, probably because the very clear feminine bias.” she said with a little laugh. “Well, what I can say is that Gabriel blessed us with both beautiful looks, but also cunning minds, and strong wills.” she said, as her hands threading themselves through Eftaylas hair, undoing little knots. “With our very lovely singing voices, general attitude, and our looks I guess our culture in general formed to be generally matriarchal in nature.” she said, as she examined Eftaylas hair some more, taking a bit more of the soap paste, and rubbing it in, and dropping another hand full of water on it, to clear out any remaining dirt. She smiled at her work, and she continued to speak “Anyway Darling, can you tell me more about what home’s like?, I love to hear about your customs and such.” she said curiously as she backed up and handed Eftayla another bar of soap to let her clean herself.
Sakiris
Sakiris
Cast by Fire:
Part 22:
The Queen's touch was pleasant, reminding her of her subjects that would help her do her hair for special occasions and the likes. The water did wonders for her mood, and though she'd been driven to the brink she now found herself inside the largest palace she'd ever seen, inside a massive basin which was deep enough to step into. It was all confusing at first, but Suis's help gave her comfort in it all. She was becoming sleepy submerged in the steamy water, listening to Suis talk about the paintings in the hall. The idea of a Matriarchy was strange in her eyes, for Women on her world were born to nurture, and manage family assets and their household. Men usually led from the front, but there were always exceptions, such as the great Sakai Nalyana Ish'tar the Fearless, a conqueror who united all the banners of Sakiris under her rule by sheer force. Eftalya never wanted to live too much an extraordinary life such as the great Ish'tar, for an exciting life on Sakiris usually meant plenty of warring and pillaging.
“Anyway Darling, can you tell me more about what home’s like?, I love to hear about your customs and such.” Eftalya took the Queen's offer of soap graciously and began softly dragging it across her skin as she looked back at her home and began to speak.
"Our culture centers around servitude, and above all loyalty. These two important values were instilled upon us since the first days my species arrived on Sakiris, or so it is told. We were first enslaved by the Prawnic Queens. They are the leaders of their Queendoms, laying thousands, perhaps millions of eggs within a single nest that can stretch donwards and outwards underground for miles. Prawns are interesting creatures, with a hard outer shell. They are like... beetles? I do not know a word to compare them to, but they are sweet if you raise them from a young age. When they hatch, the first thing they see is their Queen mother, and for the rest of his life, a prawn will serve the Queen in any way until the day of his death. Should the Queen ask a prawn to run himself through with a sword, he will do it gladly. Such is their loyalty and devoutness in service, my people took from their example."
"... I miss Oghuk, he was a good boy."
Eftalya dropped the bar of soap as it slipped out from her hand underwater, but she cared not, the water was comfort enough for her now.
"There are many slaves, they are the largest class in our society. Outsiders commonly misunderstand the word slave... I think a better word would be... hmmm. Serfs, yes, that's a good word. They are bought and sold and sworn to a lord or lady to serve them when it is most needed. Most slaves are treated well, for why would one expect fruit from the cactus if it is not watered? There are those who treat them like cattle, and will work them to death, these lords do not last long, for they want nothing but fruit, but they do not water their cacti. I hope you understand these... analogies? This is the correct word yes?"
"Above the slaves, there are the Free men and women. These people are free to go where they please, but they will serve some lord at one point or another, for one to live alone is harsh and often a path to slavery. The Free men are artisans of many crafts, engineers, and most of all, warriors. Sakirai means, 'Warrior of Sakir.' The Sakirai dominate our world, either selling their services or swearing themselves to one lord or another in the hopes that war will be waged, and that the plunder will be great. My Husband commanded two thousand Sakirai, he also trained 3,000 of our slave men to fight in the pike phalanx... They're all dead now, I think..."
Eftalya froze in place for a few seconds, memories flashing through her head of the siege, and the battles she watched from up high on the upper towers of the fortress Ostan'hallah. She shook herself awake, trying to shift her mind elsewhere.
"Customs... Hospitality is sacrosanct. Many of our people will take in a traveling stranger and provide for him or her, even to the greatest expense. This hospitable culture ensures that travelers need not to carry too many supplies with them that would weigh them down on their journey across our vast lands. We... hmmm... Eat with our hands, earlier you were using tools to eat, this is strange to me. Eating is sacred, for growing, raising, and hunting food takes a great deal of effort. Families will gather around their low stone tables and say a prayer to Ibn Sakir, the Deity of our star, thanking him for giving us the light we need to grow what we eat. After which, there is much rejoicing, laughter, and kinship as food brings us together."
"We uh... follow the faith of Azer-Alor. Azer-Alor was the first Sakai, the first leader of Sakiri peoples, leading Sakiri slaves in an uprising against the Prawnic Queendoms, eventually establishing his own feudal state, which still persists to this day. Alor was granted visions by Ibn Sakir and R'ho-Ahai. the Deities of Sakir and War respectively. In these visions, he was given his strength, and it was with this strength that our people broke free from the Prawns, so we now worship the Deities which appeared to him."
"Honor is held above everything else, sometimes even family. Harai wanted to die defending our home, it was only by the strike of an old knight of renown that he was carried onto our windsail unconscious so that we might escape. That knight is named Otun, and he swore to me that he would await my return, and that we'd retake what is rightfully ours. He gave me his Dynast, Hataaratai. It is a fine sword made of Dynastar, the greatest metal, handed down through 300 years of Otun's ancestral history. He gave it to me, so that I must return and give it back to him, and I shall Sakir willing..."
Her eyes drooped.
"Otun is a good man, an honorable man, a perfect knight... Men should envy his example... I miss him... He became a father to me when I left my Uncle to marry Harai..."
Eftalya's eyes were becoming heavy as she drifted into sleep in the hot water, it had been a while since she'd gotten any proper rest.
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Suis, listened to Eft talk about her home, it was intriguing to say the least. She started physically cringing a bit as she started to describe her people put under slavery, and that they expand that system past that made her extremely uncomfortable especially with the legends of what Ka’tuhlu, did to her people millenia ago. It definitely made her uncomfortable and a bit on edge, she wrote a mental note to herself basically remembering that one of the first things she does, while civilizing these people is to abolish that wretched institution. She tried to calm herself down letting her hands slowly stroke through Etfs hair. She was definitely impressed by how soft it is, and could definitely understand why any man would want her.
She continued to listen though, and as she recounted her customs, it intrigued her the similarity and differences of them. Oftentimes families would say a prayer to Gabriel before a meal, but that meal wouldn’t really be hard to get, as usually the supermarkets were packed full of recently catched fish, or fresh and ripe beef. She found the prayers to a star God to be interested, as really the Cypherians only had one singular God, and that would be Adohai and the ascended sailor known as Gabriel, who had created her race and saved them from the great beast of the deep Ka’Tulu. She then started talking about a great figure in there past...and she felt a connection, he sounded so similar to blessed Gabriel, were these fellow children...the possibility made her mind begin to race.
She continued to listen, noting the respect to honor and extremely interested in what Dynast meant. Everything intrigued her, as Eft finished speaking. “Your home, sounds truly fascinating I guess I should go in more depth about mine well-” she stopped as she saw Eft started to fall asleep. She sighed to herself, as she began to slip into the water, so she slowly guided her head down onto her lap so she wouldn’t sink or submerge herself in.
Sakiris
Sakiris
Cast by Fire
Part 23: Otun led the scouts and his people, seventy of them that were left, from his old ravaged lands and into Nocte Khur where they'd reach the fortress Kataan'hallah, the fortress hold of Natun, Ef's Uncle. But there was a problem. The road would be long, his people would need food and water, and they had little of either to spare for them. Not to mention, they were heavily exposed to ambush by bandits, feral tribes, prawns, and even worse, slavers. He did not physically find a way to enter into the County of Ostanakar with an army, but he already knew a feasible path through a canyon that would provide protection from Sakir's harsh radiation for those who would march on foot and upon their Ho'ahn. Within the canyon, there was a five-hundred year old pump that struck an ancient water reservoir nearly twenty miles underground. The pump provided water for an old settlement that carved its homes into the walls of the Canyon. Not much was known about the settlement's disappearance, what was known was that the water and the infrastructure already in place would serve as an important to hold which would provide them with the rest and the water which the army needed without exposing themselves to the elements or raiding nearby settlements.
He already had it planned out. Natun had a fleet of fifteen wind sails he could use to ferry an advance force of fast moving cavalry forces and scouts to harass the enemy whilst using the heavy weapons on the fast vessels themselves to inhibit their ability to respond to attacks, worsen their morale, and destroy those massive sand treaders which were probably armed to the teeth with artillery and automatic slug throwers. Natun's vassals had wind sails of their own, which when combined would amass a fleet of thirty sails. A fine force to be feared, he was sure of it.
In other words... his mission was already complete from the moment he saddled his Ho'ahn, but he could not leave what remained of his people to die. They sat under a hanging cliff, some of the Sakirai chatting up the younger girls that had survived whatever that upstart lord had put them through. Things may have seemed well enough now, but within two days, with all the people they had, they'd run out of food and water. So, with no answer in sight, he settled himself on his knees, closed his eyes, and sunk into a state of trance.
Part 24: Eftalya awoke in Suis's lap, she had no idea how long she was asleep, but she felt well rested enough. Soon, she was overcome with embarrassment for having put the queen through such an ordeal.
"Your grace... forgive me for putting you in this position. It is not my place to lose myself before a Queen"
She lifted herself off from Suis and tried rising from the water only to realize that it was freezing outside the water, she sunk back into the bath for refuge from the cold. She turned to Suis, "Thank you for what you've done for us, you are blessing from watered sands." She looked to the dress Suis had picked out for her, "Should we dress ourselves?"
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Suis, herself had fallen into slumber. Her dreams were of magnificent waves, vibrant and magical in there color crashing against the golden sands of the beach she treaded as a child. Which she had treaded as a child, she saw herself, draped around her was a beautiful sun dress. It was of a light blue fabric with little yellow flowers dotted all over it, and clung to her tightly, like a snuggly blanket. She was bending over and collecting shells that had washed up on shore, a pass time she always did as a kid, and was able to do now and then as Queen, but never could get the time for. Waves crashed against her feet and she let out a little giggle as she dashed about collecting the various shells.
And then a massive wave crashed onto her and she woke up, and looked about, a bit startled not knowing where she was. She then remembered where Eftayla was and blushed heavily, as Eftayla woke and began to stir. “It’s uh..fine, its a bath its meant for relaxation.” she said as she laid back again, she then noticed Eftayla was starting to get up and winced. “Don’t do that you need a towel f-” she was cut off as Eftayla quickly realized her mistake and dashed right back into the water. Suis let out a silent chuckle as she slinked back into the water. “Your absolutely welcome darling.” she with a smile, as she herself rose out of the water and quickly dashed out, shivering as she grabbed two towels which had been heating up on some warm coals. She quickly wrapped herself in one, and put the other on the floor for eftayla to step on and get dry. “And yes we should.” she said as she quickly began cleaning herself and wiping herself down. Once she was done she reached into a little closer at the side, pulled out a set of purple underwear and slipped it on, and handed eftayla a white pair. Over that she put on a puffy pink dress which clung to her form perfectly, and she slipped back on her heels. She pulled out a mirror to look at herself, and whistled at her reflection, before turning back to Eftayla.
“I am letting you know...your husband will think you will look absolutely stunning.” she said with a smile, as she walked toward the door and began to open it, allowing Eftayla to get dressed. She stepped out and approached Harais door and knocked. “We’re done!” she shouted through the door. She then walked several feet, picked up a small white phone and pressed the kitchen button, where it dialed up, and called the Kitchen. “I would like a royal meal for three.” she then thought about Lord Knight 1;1 and how he was probably roaming around the halls...or hiding in the roof. “Make that a regent dinner, for the Lord Knight if he would like to join us,” she said, as she hung up and approached the female bathroom again, where Eftayla was finishing dressing. “Come Darling, the kitchen staff is preparing us dinner and I will tell you it is to die for.” she said with a little and wink as she twirled herself around, and beckoned her forward slightly.
Sakiris
Sakiris
Cast by Fire:
Part: 25
Otun's trance did not take long to take effect as he searched the deepest recesses of his minds for an answer. But it wasn't an answer he found, rather a face. His lord's face, Harai, uncomfortable, confused, and well dressed. He was safe in the hands of some foreign Queen. He Saw Eftalya, dressed rather strangely, with her arms showing through an unnecessarily puffed dress. She was also safe, close by this alien Queen. Lastly, he felt only dread and gazed upon a face of what must have been a God, some deity, or something else. It turned its gaze to him and Otun's vision ended abruptly.
"My lord! My lord! He's awake!" Otun woke to the glad face of one of his men at arms, "What did you see?"
Otun, slightly annoyed, rose from his knees, feeling the blood rush back into his legs, wobbling slightly. "Nothing that would help us now, but perhaps later. How long have I been gone for?" The man at arms responded with a laugh, "Three hours! Can you believe it? You didn't move or even breath for three hours!"
Otun realized that three hours meant life or death stranded with up to 90 souls traveling with him now, they needed a way back to Kataan'hallah. He elected to get them moving immediately, hoping to find a moisture farm or something else along the way. It wouldn't be long before they were out of food and water. Soon, they'd probably have to start eating the Ho'ahn, who now carried only the weakest among them.
Part 26:
Eftalya was unfamiliar with such a dress, tinkering with it and eventually learning how to slip it on. Even when clothed with it, she felt incredibly exposed, with her arms bare and her head uncovered. But here, the star in the sky did not burn its people, so perhaps it wasn't necessary to be fully clothed. Still, she wasn't completely comfortable with what she was wearing, awkwardly holding one arm with the other as Suis turned to look at her. “I am letting you know...your husband will think you will look absolutely stunning.” That gave Ef some confidence, cracking a smile.
Harai had been sitting on the floor for some time now, not knowing what to do or where to go. He had wished he'd taken the oportunity to learn from Otun how he'd descend into trance, opening another eye capable of seeing all if he could focus enough time and energy on it, but Harai would never have been patient enough for it, and that impatience was certainly not helping him now. To alleviate his boredom, he took hold of some tool that looked like some kind of tool file, but it was tiny. Still, he made great use of it, taking a large bar of soap and carving out flakes and chunks onto the floor, slowly making out the details of one of the most feared and sought after beasts on Sakiris. The Loh-A'lud, the Dune Dragon. A four legged beast with two more appendages that made up its arms. It's teeth are as sharp as razors, its claws like daggers, and the spikes on its tail like the tips of spears, slung at its foes in a combative time. It's most feared weapon though, was the little amount of acid it could spit, eating through flesh and bone within seconds, always targeted at its prey's legs. They were sought after by lords as pets and mounts, by hunters for kills of prestige, their hides, ivory teeth, horns and claws, and savory meats.
When he had finished the final details when he heard a knock on his door, and the Queen uttering words he didn't understand. Eftalya followed with a translation. "You can come out now, I'm sorry we took a while." Harai snickered, that took long enough. He put down the carving, and walked to open the door, stunned by Ef's appearance. He immediately embraced her, pressed his forehead with hers, and took her hand to follow the Queen. Her heard nothing but gibberish along the way, hoping that the long wait meant something good, that perhaps Ef had secured a way back home. Maybe he was being too naïve, whatever the case he was glad to be back at his wife's side.
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Suis found the display of affection to be quite cute. She felt a bit sad though, as often was tradition with Queens, is that rather than find someone they love to marry, they marry a member of the court, to produce offspring, and the affection really ended there. Of course, Queens and dukes could of course get close and build a bond, like her mother and father. But oftentimes they didn’t, like in the case of her Great Great GrandMother, who rarely ever spent time with her “husband.”, it was a tragedy really. But she couldn’t concern her self with this, she had to show her guest a wonderful time, especially after the earlier ordeals they had to go through.
They strode deeper into the palace, the walls slowly shifting in colors from their previous light blue, to an esquiette and utterly unique vibrant dark red. They could see high above them, little slates which sat upon the wall stretched down the hallway. Each slate, depicting a different scene, in a magnificent tapestry of art and color. It showed a man, adorned in an armor of pure gold, with an bizarre headpiece, which covered his entire head. The headpiece was a colorful mix of gold and silver, and was tall, with little black slits for eyes and mouth. This golden figure was adorned in robes of pure red and was gripping upon a wheel, on a small little wooden raft. The next slates, showed this figure, then being visited by a silver entity, which once touching him, the black slits would become silver. The next would show him, pulling two fish out of the water. The next was him shaping these blue fishes into the shape of a Cypherian man and woman. The next series of slates showed the man, helping the pair slowly grow into a community, and then a nation as he delivered them islands and land. It showed the rise of nations. The man then departed, raising two fingers, as he sailed away on a ship made of silver.
The slates then took a darker turn. A being, looking like a half squid, half human with the wings of bats, and the teeth of a shark came forth from the oceans of the world, he was draped in a robe of black. It showed him, destroying legions of archers and warriors. Burning capitals of nations and empires, and his great powers turning innocent Cypherians, into horrid multi angled beast. The next two slates showed this beas holding Cypherians in chains, and the next whipping them fiercely with a whip of a million knives. The next slate though showed a bright silver light, and the return of the mysterious man. He came down and struck a sword of blue into the beings heart.
The next slate showed both, he and the beast were slain. The Cypherians wept, as their creator and liberator had died. The second to last slate though, in this odd saga showed a bright silver light, and the mysterious man's presence stretched across the sky, he looked to be speaking. Though there were no words to be spoken of. The final showed him sitting upon a throne of silver next to a much larger throne of gold, in a place the color of ruby.
There were other slates as they walked, one showing the rise of a family, the next bloody wars and massacres. Another line of the being who they had seen earlier that today, introducing a finely dressed Cypherian woman to two...bizarre creatures. One looked almost insectoid like in his appearance, with a small mouth, and chitin like skin. The other was a hunched back, rat looking being, with what looked cybernetics arms and limbs draped in a robe of bloody crimson. The Queen took a turn left, approaching another set of massive doors, these being golden and embolden with red gems. She approaches them, takes a deep breath and slowly opens them. There...was the most magnificent set of food they had ever seen. They saw platter after platter of well cooked food, they saw odd and bizarre fish laid out, bowls full of odd vegetables of various green and red hues. They saw slices of ham and turkey draped on one platter, and the one next to it had the legs of some bizarre bird. The dining room itself was magnificent, it had a rug which was soft, dark purple and walls made of the most fine dark oak wood. The table was made of beautiful and vibrant light blue, with carvings of epic battles made in its legs. Finally there sat at the head of the table, a large throne. It’s arms were made of pure gold, two gems of purple in each one. It was draped in a purple cloth, which was woven to its wooden frame.
On both sides of the wonderful throne were two wooden chairs, they were lush, covered in padding and delicate pillows meant to heighten its comfortability and at the far end of the table, was another throne. This one was odd though...it was far, far, far larger then even the Queens, and rather then being elegant in design, it was completely made of silver, with no complexity, no comfort built in, nothing it was truly odd.
The Queen stepped in, and went to sit on her throne, and watched Eftalya and Harai before beckoning them in. “Come on dears, dig in, your our guest.” she said, as she took a silver plate, which had been laid out at all the chairs, and began dishing herself out some food. Waiting for Harai and Eftayla to come.
Sakiris
Sakiris
Cast by Fire
Part 27: Eftalya was happy to be holding her husband's hand once more, walking through great halls that were nothing short of magnificent in her eyes. All the colors, molding, carvings, and jewels were all so vibrant in color and meticulously shaped in their appearance. There were slates of art that portrayed what Eftalya knew to be a story, it was not uncommon for history to be recorded in this form, but calligraphy was preferred for its practicality. Still, in Ef's eyes there was nothing wrong with sprucing up the odd sandstone fortress with a splash of paint with a story here or there.
They depicted a golden deity who wore great diadems upon his head and had nothing but slits to see, visited by a silver being who touched him and seemingly gave him sight or power, Eftalya wasn't sure. What she was sure of was that this was a creation story, one that showed two fish from the sea being made into what Ef now knew as Cypherians. From the beginning, they were a great and beautiful people, who built settlements upon land given to them by the golden deity, who after giving them these gifts sailed away on a ship of silver. There on their gifts of land, they built nations, kingdoms, and empires.
As all creation stories have their trials, the Cypherians had theres. A demon it seemed, descended unto the Cypherian people and made war upon them, destroying their armies, their cities and castles. Their Kingdoms and Empires were swept away at its will. The demon with its sadistic nature turned many of the Cypherians into abominations and made thousands if not millions into slaves, unto which he would strike with a great whip sat upon with many blades. Soon after, it would be from the heavens that the deity of the Cypherians plunged a sword of azure into the heart of this demon, slaying him and freeing the Cypherians from their bonds. Their freedom though, came with a price. With the death of their deity, who sacrificed himself to free the Cypherians from the Demon. Eftalya pondered to herself, was the Demon from without? Was he the reason for which the silver Deity which roams these halls looks down upon strangers with disgust and contempt? She could only wonder for now as she gasped in amazement at their visual histories portraying many battles, great monarchs, and beings of other species. One looked very similar to the Prawns back home, the other, of some sort of rodent pest adorned with tech all over its body.
When the Queen arrived at and pushed open a massive set of golden doors beset with great crimson rubies, there came a view unto the feast for which the Queen had prepared for herself, her guests, and the 'regent.' That thing Eftalya did not care to trust.
It was like those magnificent feasts the Sakai would hold for a week every ten years, inviting thousands of lords from all around the planet to the ancient hallowed fortress, Sakir'hallah. The capital of Sakiris. There, the Sakai would treat with his lords, settle disputes, grant gifts of gold, dynastar, silks, beasts, machines, technology, and other fineries, as well as taking formal oaths of allegiance to serve under his house. The Sakai was the ruler of all, and beset upon a thousand long tables, he could sit one hundred thousand lords in all, and grant unto them the greatest feast they had ever eaten, requiring the slaughter of thousands of beasts, and the harvests of the vastest of crop fields. Eftalya had been to this feast only once when she was seventeen, and she'd never been so stuffed.
This feast was of course, smaller, but impressive with its display and diversity of foodstuffs placed upon the beautifully made blue table, beset on all sides by an imposing set of carved and decorated walls made from a material unknown to her. The thrones on either end of the tables were both impressive in their own rights, with the largest one, made of silver, being the most impressive. That was probably where that thing would be sitting. Thing or no thing, Eftalya's famished mind and body was ready to eat whatever strange new foods were set before them today.
By Suis's invitation, Ef and Harai took two seats right next to each other by the Queen, wherein Harai went to grasp some food with his hands, Eftalya stopped him and beckoned him to look at suis, who was using tools to grasp and eat food. "Let's do what they do here, nomatter how strange it seems. I think they think its rude when we eat the way we do." She said in Sakiri to her husband. So they picked up the small utensils right by their plates and hilariously fumbled around with them until they got the hang of them, serving meats and vegetables to themselves, and using the tools to eat rather than to grasp them with their hands.
"Oknieme Ek'ralgh, un sirai altunayaj'kesh allao'taas! For good health, and to fellowship among us all!" Eftalya told to Suis, she looked to Harai, realizing that they both had begun eating without prayer, "Let us thank Sakir" she said in Sakiri, joining her hands with Harai's before saying a short prayer in their alien tongue.
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Suis sat upon her throne, and watched the couple themselves sit down and began to...fumble around with utensils, another note, teach them how to properly use utensils. She said to herself, as she saw them finally get food on their plates. While they were doing that, she began eying up on the rafters, seeing if she could see the Lord Knight there...he always had the most interesting ways of dropping in, and really hoped he wasn’t planning one by dropping in from the rafters. It would most certainly make things extremely awkward, and probably scare Harai and Eftayla to death.
Once she made sure the rafters weren't hiding the fourteen foot arch angel of death. She herself began dishing her food out, plucking ripe looking fruits from a basket, and one of the legs of the mystery bird. She began dishing them out on her plate, took her fork and knife and almost began to dig in. “Indeed, let us hope for good fellowship.” she said with a smile as she took a fork of fruit and lifted it to her lips. She then saw the couple hold hands and say “lets thank Sakiri.” her mind went blank for a few seconds, it then clicked in her mind they were probably doing a prayer, and she mentally slapped herself on the forehead forgetting her own prayer before dinner.
She pushed her plate to the side, and put her palms together and laid her face on it. She spoke her own prayer. “Oh Gracious Gabriel, Lord of the surfs, be it the of the celestial or the terrestrial, Master and Creator of us, the Dynas, The Kryss and your most dutiful servants the Seraphs, Adohais word, and the grand judge of all Cypherians, I ask of you to bless this food with your gracious beauty, and to bring good fortune to our new companions, Harai and Eftayla. I pray that they may return home safely, and reclaim their lands. Oh Divine and masterful Gabriel, I also graciously ask of you to bless not only me, but the Musie Kakesane leoloko of the Dynas, the Velikiy D'yakon of the Svyashchennik Vysshego Soveta Nauk, Myagkiy Gryzun, and of course your most dutiful Regent and Pontifex, Lord Knight 1;1 of the blessed Seraphs. I ask of these things in the name of your Greatness, Gabriex Invictiona.” she said as she parted her palms and looked up.
“Anyway’s dig in.” she said as she took her fork full of various fruits, caramelized and wrapped in luxurious sugars, she put them in her mouth slowly and bit down, the juices slightly squirting from her lips, causing her to blush slightly, as she slowly chewed the delicious fruit in her mouth and swallowed. She let out a sigh of enjoyment and took another fork full and shoved it in, begin to chew and swallow, as she looked at Eftayla. “Anyway’s Darling, we should probably resume our earlier conversation, before it got interrupted,” she said referring to the Lord Knight, as she suspiciously looked toward the set of massive doors, giving it a long good look, before she returned to gaze at Eftayla.
Sakiris
Sakiris
Cast by Fire
Part 28: Cypherius Having finished their prayer to Sakir, Ef and Harai began fumbling around with their utensils again, trying to eat as the queen ate, awfully confused as to why the Cypherian people wouldn't just take the food in their hands like civilized folk. Utensils or no utensils, the food was still delicious, the meats most savory and finely spiced, reminiscent of some of the roasts they'd have back home. Them came the question.
“Anyway’s Darling, we should probably resume our earlier conversation, before it got interrupted,” Eftalya was dumbfounded, trying to remember. Only hours ago she was dressed in vomit stained rags, reeking of the most horrid odors. And now, she had just retired from her first ever 'bath,' reinvigorated, having forgotten about the time in the limo- limoo? limo-what? the very long carriage, which she was just beginning to recall in her mind.
"Home." Eftalya said first, taking a moment to ponder what she should say, turning to Harai and uttering in Sakiri, "You know best about military matters. You talk, I'll translate." Harai straightened his back before speaking to Suis, who looked incredibly relaxed in her throne, eating her sugared fruits. He, then realizing he had no context as to what they were talking about, asked Eftalya, who blushed and explained to him briefly about their conversation in the long carriage. Harai then felt confident enough to speak.
"I once had an army. Now it's gone. I know not how we will take back our lands, but I know I will die trying if I must." He listened to Eftalya translate his words into that strange sounding language. "Otun'hataar, a knight in my service has pledge that he'd wait for our return. There was only chance enough for him to escape with 50-100 men from that massacre... 50-100 men won't be enough to take back what it ours... But I know someone who had an army, and vassals that will reinforce his numbers. Trouble is, convincing him to help us take back our fortress. We, as his vassals, were sword his protection, and he failed to act... I will never forgive him for this-"
He looked briefly to Eftalya, who understood who he was talking about.
"His name is Natun'Kataan, my wife's Uncle and guardian. He is the lord of many lands and many vassals, and the army he commands numbers 20,000. But, like I said before. The only problem would be convincing him to join us..."
Harai sighed, he knew not what this strange queen could do for them. He knew not if she would even afford them a path home.
"Eftalya says that you mentioned something about 14 regiments? How large are these regiments? Are you sure you would spare your forces to help us? If so we both would be most grateful, we both would be in your debt forever more."
Part 29: Kataan'hallah, Sakiris Natun grew weary over Otun's prolonged absence. Had he been captured? Was he killed? Was he taken prisoner by the enemy, now being tortured for answers as to why he was scouting his masters' lands? These questions weighed the old lord down, who stroked his greying beard as the cold winds of the eternal night brushed against his reddened face. He could hardly see in the distance, a dust storm had kicked up in the distance and had begun spreading loose clouds of sand all around its presence. A bad omen. The storms never brought anything good. They covered everything in heavy layers of loose sand, destroyed entire settlements not securely rooted in the ground, and forced all Sakirians underground or into fortresses, where they would never see the star light of the dark skies for days, weeks, or even months at a time.
Otun better get his @$$ here soon, or I'll march this army without his intel.
He had no choice. If Otun really was captured, the enemy would have time to prepare to defend themselves, and this, Natun would not have. He wanted them caught by suprise, and Otun being captured wouldn't help his cause.
Part 30: The middle of nowhere, Sakiris
Otun looked up at the sky as it slowly, slowly, slowly faded into eternal night from the eternal twilight of Guktar Khur as they crossed into the realm of Nocte Khur. She should have been back at Kataan'hallah by now, but he wasn't even halfway back, having been slowed by the weight of seventy extra souls, weighing his scouting group down. He had no other recourse than to send two Cataphracts forward, to send word to Natun about his marching plan for the army when the campaign was to begin, and to prepare accommodations for seventy more people within his fortress. Natun was a stingy f*cker, but he would do this for Otun. Otun hoped that when Natun recieved the word, he'd send a wind sail to pick them up... Or knowing Natun, he'd probably test Otun's mettle, forcing him to march through the cold, barren deserts of the nightlands again. Whatever the case, Otun was guarranteed a thrashing when he entered those fortress gates again.
But those concerns could wait, for in the distance he barely made out the silhouette of a dust storm... To be caught in one of those out in the open would spell death for him and every one of his followers. They would need to find shelter, and quick.
Still, the major hurdles of the journey were not far behind them as
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Suis sat back in her throne, holding her hands together as she listened to Eftayla translate, Harais bizarre language. Another mental note, implement common education. She thought to herself as she listened in, recounting this story. It confirmed several things of hers, first that there armies were definitely not as large as theirs, which definitely could suggest just based on numerical and technological superiority, their lands could be easily reclaimed. It also suggested they know what vassal ship was, and specifically lord ship which would definitely be a boon in negotiation, as they already have then concept of vassal hood. They then described their vassal and his apparent betrayal, she kept a stern face as she listened, but on the inside she was smiling to herself, this would be truly easy.
Once they were finished, she sat up slightly and looked at Eftayla. “Darling, that is tragic...that you got robbed, from your land by a mad warlord, and that your lord would not even come to save you. Now I discussed fourteen regiments earlier, and I will clarify that each regiment numbers twenty thousand women, that is of course not including armor and artillery regiments,” she said calmly. “Now of course, unfortunately, war is war, and Cypherian blood would most likely be drawn in this combat, so here is what I am proposing for assistance in reclamation,” she said as she put her hands on the table and firmly looked at them.
“The Cypherian Empire would like permanent access to your lands government, for this, we will assist in any infrastructure repairs, and help develop your infrastructure. Second, we like access to forty percent of your lands natural resources, be it cattle, raw minerals, or other resources, we like to be given access to it, so that Cypherian companies may establish operations there, in exchange we will set up a permanent military presence of five regiments in your lands to fend off any invader, and even assist in expanding your lands, by assisting in the subjugation and annexation of hostile lands. The last condition and I can definitely understand if this one would be difficult, is that you swear loyalty to the Cypherian Empire and me, in exchange for this, we will establish permanent trade with your lands.” Suis said as she laid back again. “All of these are negotiable of course, and I am a flexible woman,” she said with a slight wink to no one in particular.
Jazmin smiled and joked, “She helped Harlock, and maybe she can help us bring the AI under control. Regardless, even if she can’t help, still the right thing to do is help her. But let’s get Harlock standing so we can plan our next move. I say we should go back to that settlement, get some resources, get the doctor set up and devise a plan to knock out that AI and end this penancing pandemic!”
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Liline smiled and set her mug down and pushed it away from her. “I believe that between us we could sneak out of a castle full of armed guards. Breaking back in could be tricky. Well,” she removed a small pouch from her jacket and put a couple of purple bills on the table. She stood, “shall we off? Oh, I did not know you brought your formal suit with you. Though if you wear a suit, I shall also wear my old army uniform. Will have to pop into the eye-eh-oh to request my uniform be brushed and arranged for delivery. So we shall do that before we find accommodations.” Liline walked down the main boulevard towards the central areas of the city, past the brilliant tall buildings and posh shoppes. They came to a two story office building built near the government area, it was an imposing white building with two pillars on either side of a triple door entrance. A main massive wooden door in the centre of the entrance, meant for Fatimazda, and two humanoid sized smaller doors. Below the upper window of the forward facade were three flags, a large imperial flag, a flag of creachdair, and a flag that featured two crossed swords and a crowned tiger. The inside of the building continued the white stone facade, but with brown wooden desks. A large half circle receptionist’s desk sat under a massive chandelier. Off to the left and right of the large central desk were two wooden walls with glass windows to separate secretary areas, full of aides and other military officials typing away on Bezannian clockwork computers. Liline approached the central desk where she was met by a Fatimazda in an undress uniform, he set down a large telephone handle and smiled, “greetings, how can I help you?” “I’d like to request my dinner jacket be delivered to this address. I’ve a formal dinner and have need for it.” “Very well, may I see your identification?” Liline handed a her pocketbook over. The Fatimazda read it over and started typing. His eyes remained focused on a small screen but raised an eyebrow after a moment. “Lieutenant-Colonel, ma’am. We’ll have that uniform delivered shortly. I’ll have an aide to notify you when it is delivered. I suspect you need it urgently?” “Yes.” “Very good, ma’am.” Liline smiled and took her pocketbook back and left the office. Heading to the street she looked to Sephus, “where to next?”
Honour guard
Sakiris
Cast by Fire
Part 31: Cypherius Eftalya carefully considered each proposal which the queen put forth. 280,000 troops... way too many than were needed. She knew from hearing that number, that the Queen would have quite the price to have fulfilled. And quite a price it was. Fourty percent, of everything she and her husband produced on their lands. With such a deal they'd be hard pressed to even pay an army, no less their laborers. She and Harai would have to find another way to gather enough funds to pay their workforce other than just their farms and herds of cattle, of which she had no idea whether or not they were even around anymore. Five regiments, 100,000 troops would defend her lands alone, this alone would no doubt be supremely expensive for the Cypherian Empire, and thus it made sense that upon shedding their own blood for her and Harai's sake they'd want something in return. The last demand made her heart drop. To pledge her loyalty to the Cypherian Empire, and to a Queen she'd just met.
To drop her loyalty and her oath to her uncle, essentially her father, and to swear to a Queen of a foreign species... the thought disgusted her. Shame would be hers for the rest of her days. Her uncle would no doubt see nothing but disdain for her, and her and her husband's name, the old name Ostanakar would become a laughing stock for the entire Sakiri world to see. On the flip side of that coin, her and her husband would have no honor if they just ran from their lands, never to return. Forever they'd be destined to a fate of shame, perhaps never to serve the Deities in the afterlife. She wanted nothing more than to return to her home, nothing more than to see the sands she loved. She knew her husband felt the same, he most definitely felt worse than she. She remembered when she snapped at him, telling him that they were doing his bidding, probably throwing Harai into a spiral of guilt. But it was true. They'd never be here were it not for the slaver from the city of Tipir, however, neither would they probably be alive, found out and killed by assassins, or thugs at worst.
Eftalya whispered to Harai, conferring the details of the offer to Harai, whose face was just as grave as her own. They didn't like the deal as much as they'd hope to, but they had no other way home. Eftalya rose and looked at the Queen directly, "You are most generous in every manner... We will renounce our oaths to my Uncle Natun Kataan, and to the Great Sakai Ko'Tari of Nih'Ten, and we shall swear oaths of fealty to you and to your Empire thereafter. We will grant you access to two fifths of the resources in our lands and in the lands we hope to take, no expense will be spared. For this, we will owe you our lives, we shall die for you need be."
Harai rose with his wife, pushing out his chair and leading his wife to the side of Suis's throne. There, they brought their right arms to their chests and bent the knee before the Cypherian Queen, uttering strange words in Sakiri. They were the old words, the ones most sacred, the words that swore their undying loyalty to their liege lord, or in this case, lady. To Sakirians, loyalty and service mean everything, and renouncing their old oaths was not to be taken lightly.
When the old words were spoken, Eftalya's head slightly rose to speak. "We are yours to command, Queen Suis Boanne."
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Suis sat in her throne, as she saw the couple reach her decision and she could barely hold her smile in, as they announced there loyalty to her, and proceeded to bow before her throne. She leapt in joy in her mind, she finally be able to secure a colony outside of the system edenus, hopefully without the others prying eyes, it was perfect and she could feel ecstasy course through her body in joy. She was ecstatic, unfortunately she had forgotten that this would require the approval of a certain someone, and that certain someone has been passively observing the conversation from above, and though it would be the best time to drop in, as he had some very important things to say.
The Lord Knight had been listening in on the conversation. Entirely hidden he had been in deep prayer and consultation, as the conversation went on. He prayed and prayed and prayed some more, his mind roaming the vast cosmos, he walked upon red giants and brown dwarfs, his mind bathed in the liquid salts of worlds far past, and he viewed upon the many sinful races of the great sinful void, he felt disgust at the various races who dotted it. They were imperfect, warlike, brutish. They were bathed in sin, they weren’t worthy. But...this couple, passionate had been brought to cypherius, by Gabriel. He should have struck them down, but he saw something in them. A passion, a passion of love and care, something his creator, teacher...father taught him. So it caused a schism in his mind, as he warred within himself.
He thought back to his father Gabriel, he thought back through all his teachings. He saw through them all, and arrived to one. The last letter he had ever written to him, he remembered the words “To help the Children spread Adohais teachings to the stars, and to sanctify and purify this sinful galaxy.” he gasped silently. How could he be so wrong for all these years, he looked down again and he saw the couple pledging allegiance to the Queen Suis Boanne. His eyes fell upon them, and he realized these xenos would be the first, in many many eons, to be purified of their sin. But it did not specify that only one of the children could lead this purification, it must be all, thus he dropped down.
“This is wonderful darling, I will contact the admirals and generals immediately and we’ll begin planning the op-” she froze, as they could feel the room grow with the presence again from earlier. They could feel it worm from the rafters, as the thing dropped from the rafters landing gracefully upon the floor.
It wore around it instead of elegant battle armor, a simple white robe, with small little golden trims, it stood behind the Queen, its eyes observing Eftayla and Harai, far less judgemental this time. But still observed them with suspicion and also curiosity as, the Queen seemed to tense up as he spoke. “I see, Gabriels dearest daughters have treated you well.” he said as he put one of his massive hands on the Queen's shoulders, causing her to tense up more. They couldn’t tell if the being was purposefully causing the Queen tense up, as a sort of punishment, or it didn’t realize the kind of effect it had on people.
“I also see you have made an arrangement to return home, something I find very admirable, and agree with most of its tenants.” he said as he then strode forward and looked down upon them. His silver eyes, giving off the glow of an era, which had passed eons ago. “But...for any sanctification to occur it can not just only be one of Gabriel's children to lead this voyage of reclamation, it must be all his children.” He said stepping forward again. “I believe your agreement with the Cypherius Queen is amiable, but as the Lord Regent of the Confederation, I would humbly request that you also meet with those who lead the other Children of Gabriel,” he said as he walked forward, and took a seat at the silver throne.
He raised his hand, and slid up the white robe sleeve, revealing a massive silver gauntlet. He took his other hand and seemed to open it, pressing a couple of things which they couldn’t see, he stared at it for a brief second and then closed it. “They will be on their way shortly...now let us continue to feast,” he said, almost casually as he took large swathes of food, and easily swallowed it, with the grace of an angel and ferocity of a bear. Teeth of silver and steel ripping through flesh faster then they could bink, as he ate. All the while Queen Suis sat, both in shock, fear, confusion, worry, and embarrassment.
Princess Chione calmed herself from her little moment of excitement and turned to look up at Solomon, giving a nod, "I do believe I remember you, yes, on Tomboiorn. We briefly met on your way to see Sethus. The other sister by the way was Aleri, my elder sister. Only one I believe you didn't meet was the youngest sister, Kamilah. Too busy playing around the guards in the armory, I would bet. It is a pleasure to see you again however, Prince Solomon. And Richard, I think I remember hearing about that. But I am not one who dabbles too often in the Zantine court. They tend to be a bit too pompous for my liking. More so than you would expect with how much their Empire has shrunk. But I suppose pride has endurance beyond the standard." She then looked back out to the sea, seeming to enjoy it quite a bit, enjoying the ride.
With the ship arriving, Tamour got off at about the same time as the other Iammelonians, with his guards quickly taking up their own positions. They did however move back to let the Bezannian soldiers present themselves, content to remain in the background. Tamour was the primary one who did the inspection, with Chione just acting formally and Ventol not caring too much. Tamour however, as Minister of War, inspected them more closely, before giving a little salute. After the gesture of respect he would move on, as would Ventol and Chione.
Chione smiled to Solomon and nodded, "Goodbye to you as well, Prince Solomon. Safe trop." Chione then looked to the Measctha, with Chione giving her a smile, "Very well then, Miss Saunders. We'll follow your lead. Come along Ventol! And goodbye for now, Minister Tamour!" She gave the Dragon a wave before heading towards the limousine, her Mystic Guardian silently following. Ventol for his part simply gave a curt nod and commenting, "Well, a fancy ride. Should be nice." He too then went along to get in the limo.
Tamour gave Solomon a nod, "Goodbye for then, Princeling. See you then." With that, he looked down to the Humanoid, before looking off in the direction of the train station, "And there's the train. Suppose I did choose this. Saddle up for a trip, troops. Now lead on, valet. Keep good pace if you will lead from the front, if you stop too suddenly you may get stepped on." With that little warning, the Dragon then moved out towards the train station, with his guard detail following.
Captain Sysglow saw the wisdom in looking into already existing concepts that suited what she had said. After all, no reason to start from nothing if some of the work had already been done, even if it was only in the theory stage. Few resources, little time to workshop new ideas. So she nodded, "A reasonable idea. I am sure there is a concept around there somewhere. My idea is after all hardly a novel one, I wouldn't doubt one of your own researchers having come up with a similar idea and working out a design, at least a theoretical one. I would certainly recommend looking into it if such a theoretical design does exist, I believe it would greatly help the situation of your fleet in the long run."
Walking along, Sysglow did notice that relative scrawniness. The small stature did likely help in some engineering work, and Sysglow had to wonder if that was intentional. These people had quite the variation of size, from the smaller Gallek to the towering Fraph. Perhaps they bred the sizes for purpose, larger warriors and smaller, more flexible engineers. Still, the information was interesting, "Interesting. Your people did seem normally rather decentralized, but it seems this Valkyrie has quite the trust to be in charge of such an important role. And thank you for explaining I was about to ask. And as for my tongue, we would call that a cyborg. My people have... a more mixed relationship with cyborgs. Some of the members of our fleet are cyborgs, maybe you'll even meet one, but they don't really have any special status. Usually they get the machine bits to make up for physical deformities or injuries, like a malformed foot or a crippled arm. We have some mixed relations with cyborgs in general however because back in our homeland of Iammelon, we interacted with a group of people who were quite into implants and cybernetic augmentation, a bit too much so. They were called Cyboar, and they were not pleasant people. But if your splicers retain their humanity so to say, I am sure there will be no problems."
Sysglow then quite happily moved to get into the open cockpit, settling herself in. The Ialao gazed around at the controls, trying to familiarize herself with the layout. She looked down at the sticks, she doubted she would need the weapons for this demonstration flight but it was good to know just in case. She looked back to Gallek and nodded, "Got it. Seems the top two will be the most important for this. So, how do I take off in this? Just start moving forward?"
Maltoi's smile remained strong, as he found the fidgeting four arms to be quite cute in how giddy she got from that. He nodded, "You're quite welcome. And nah, just appreciating good work. But I suppose it is nice to get some appreciation now and then, eh?" The Taurus was sure she wasn't imagining the Dragon in quite an accurate light, although to him that made it more funny. He did give another nod however, "They do indeed have a lot going for them, but being so naturally strong does make them arrogant and at times, fairly stupid. And great! I find it important to get calls from friends from time to time. Shows that folks care, you know? I'll definitely give you a call at a time when we're both off duty." He didn't conceal the giant smile on his face, showing that this was the outcome he of course had wanted.
Ilox meanwhile looked to Mithra, before then looking back to Maltoi and Fraph. She simply gave a nod to the Baroness, "It's fine with me. I can trust Maltoi to act properly on his own. Alright then, Mithra, you have your moment." With that, she nodded to him, indicating that he could lead her off somewhere, leaving the Taurus and Baroness to their own devices.
For his part, Maltoi gave Mithra a grin and a nod. The Taurus was aware of what was happening, and wanted to show Mithra he appreciated it. Of course, he knew, now it was his time to keep up his own end of the bargain and not mess this up. He looked back to Fraph, "So, Baroness, I am curious about something. Seems you and Mithra there are related. Is military service a tradition in your family or house? Got even more relatives working here in the defensive parts of the fleet?"
Honour guard and House of vengeance
Honour guard
Going back to the settlement doesn't sound like a terrible idea... Filia thinks to herself as she starts to walk over to the sleeping prince. "Yeah I'd say he's been asleep for long enough. He can rest on the way back." She says as she kneels down beside the gelatinous form of the Changeling Prince. Like he was, it was hard to tell if he was even alive before she poked him with a finger charged with Psionic lightning, no more than getting a static shock.
That certainly woke the prince up quick as he yelped and flew up to the ceiling, his strange body morphing and trying to hide itself as a ceiling fan before he looked around. Seeing his was amongst friends plus an extra person he hesitantly turned into his Firstborn form and dusts down his suit. "Was that really necessary Filia?"
Filia was grinning ear to ear with a nod "Completely~"
Harlock just seemed to scowl half heartedly, knowing she wasn't doing it to be mean to him, just to get a reaction out of him because she needed to keep herself stable in this loony situation they were in. So, with a sigh he just shakes it off and looks to Jazmin with a smile before he looks to the new addition. "And who might you be miss? And... Where are we for that matter?" Harlock looked around at his surroundings taking it all in.
-----
"Oh sneaking out won't be a problem, between our abilities it would be pretty easy to cause afew distractions worthy of aiding in our slipping away. But yeah, getting back in would be far tougher without simply brute forcing it." Seph smiles back as he pushes his chair out and stood up with her as she seemingly paid for their meal. "Well of course I brought my formals. I have the opportunity to represent my people out here ontop of getting to experience the rich culture with you." He says as he walks beside her, wondering what her suit looks like as he thinks on what kind of image they want to project in going to meet this Duchess.
Military formals would certainly get across a more militaristic message... 'We're here for business and shouldn't be messed around with'. So maybe something more like a suit and dress would have the Duchess relaxing. Sephus thought to himself, though from where she immediately took him, watching as she orders her formals to be sent to a certain address, he can only feel sorry for a certain Creach Duchess right around now for the panic attack they were going to give her at that dinner party.
Sephus follows her back out onto the street as he just smirks down at her "We're going to give that poor woman a nervous breakdown. As for what we should do now, I'm not sure. Before all this we were just going around looking at stuff, now we're waiting on your arm and your formals... Is there anything in the way of entertainment around here?"
Gallek helped Sysglow understand the rather alien controls after she got in, showing her which buttons to what and whatnot as he got to digesting all she told him. Her people and the other aliens with her had a shaky history with these 'cyborg' things that are like their Splicers. Things seemed especially tense with this 'Cyboar' group. It reminded him of the old days, malicious groups of augmented civilians going around causing trouble for good folks just trying to get by... The military clans within the former House's were more... Severe with their punishments back then. Getting rid of whole vessels the insurgents take over to cement the idea that trying to strong arm them is a fools task. But even as it got toned down, augmentation was still a thing... He didn't have any because he was too poor to afford anything legit and knew that getting Black Market augments was basically a death sentence.
"Hoomanety? Gallek not know that that is but Splicers not crazy if that's what the Sysglow means. Though... It is not just the Splicers that have augments. Years ago, once religious barriers loosened, anyone could get cybernetics to improve their lot in life. Gallek never made enough to get any, amongst a small group of civvies that not have any. Military limits implantation usage too, prevents making it seem like its acceptable to have excessive implantations." He says as he leans against the rim of the open cockpit as she got used to the controls. "Still have independent groups with military grade implants around, know a guy like that, decent person who is clanless like me. But they have major clans breathing down their neck to make sure they don't go down Insurgent roads. Keep them on straight and narrow... Still get crazies that get too many Black market implants once in awhile but few and far between."
With his explanation done he wonders briefly what he should do for her now. Mithra told him that she was in his care so he'll have to show around. Sysglow could almost see his thought process at work as he looked into the fighters pilot area, the space behind her seat and then to see if any other fighters were available nearby and then he though about the need for that Fighter if a attack were to happen. The space behind the chair was large enough for someone to squeeze behind, someone of Gallek's size could fit comfortably but he considered that she may not want him talking and shifting around behind her. So he leaned over to point at a sequence of 3 switched and the order to flip them before he nods "Lift controls up and push in to move forward. Same in reverse, pull back to slow down and to reverse. Limited though." He says as he hops down and gets into a nearby Schooner that was currently vacant, waiting to follow her out.
Now with Mithra, he started to lead the good Commander out of the hanger and into a corridor that connected to several maintenance routes and bays and then to a platform with a sort of tram system that connected to multiple places on the ship, it looks like the interior was heavily altered though. "We once had a gravity lift system that let us get from floor to floor. But we stopped using those after some accidents occurred while we moving through the Ether ways. It was a messy issue that we had to hastily fix, ground to ship ones are fine thankfully... But those are more controlled." He says as he steps inside the box tram, with a holographic display showing the different sections of the ship they could go to. He the clicks on a section near the top of the ship, since their written language was still new to Ilox and the Confederacy she can only assume that he picked the bridge. "Thank you for agreeing to come along with me. I'm glad we are of the same mind in this delicate situation... I'm not in the habit of hooking up family with strangers I just met."
He sits down on one of the trams larger cushioned seats, it all set up with seats up against the walls with a line of hand rails to hold on in the middle. "But I'm willing to take that risk since you and your people seem trustworthy. Plus if this works, both of our peoples stand to gain alot in this... Unity and a chance to open doors faster. I'm sure you can see what we stand to gain from my aunt and your subordinate 'hitting it off' as you Nebula folk put it."
Back in the hanger, Fraph was left with Maltoi outside of the craft he came in on. Fraph's timid nature was fighting with her active curiosity of these Dragon people and their arrogance before a light smile crossed her face, just visible behind her rebreather as he told her that he found it important to keep in contact. It made her feel nervous already, they haven't even parted ways and she was already worried about whether he will contact her when he has free time or not.
Though watching his nephew and the Commander leave, with just the two of them their now with everyone else minding their own business, she couldn't shake the feeling of this nervous fluttering in her chest. Her hands continuing to fidget before she perked up with his question. Her mind being brought away from their being alone together as she thought on how best to answer his question. "You aren't far off actually. Our Clan, the Graphis Clan, has a long tradition of military service that date back generations. Not just defence forces but combat pilots, mech pilots and frontline forces. You could say it's in our blood to serve the greater good of our fleet. There are people who go into other professions though. I have afew nieces and an aunt of my own that are medical staff and teacher. W-What... What about you?" She says as she to him, not seeming to get over the fact that he was practically eye to eye with her.
Eftalya saw the smirk arising from Suis's face, the excitement she could barely hold back. It was a shame she could hardly bear within her, but it was once which was necessary. She'd come this far, perhaps farther than any other Sakirian in history, and she wasn't going to give into her despair just yet.
That thought quickly dropped when she tensed up at the sight of that thing coming down from the rafters, “I see, Gabriel's dearest daughters have treated you well.” Indeed they had, providing everything, more than everything she would ever need. From hugely expensive water baths to large poofy dressed, and extravagant dinners. She hoped the freed men and women she'd escaped with would recieve the same treatment.
“But...for any sanctification to occur it can not just only be one of Gabriel's children to lead this voyage of reclamation, it must be all his children.” W-what? Eftalya thought. We've already broke one oath and swore another! “I believe your agreement with the Cypherius Queen is amiable, but as the Lord Regent of the Confederation, I would humbly request that you also meet with those who lead the other Children of Gabriel.” Eftalya was beyond pissed. She promised to herself she'd take no more oaths than the one she had already taken, this one shame was enough. The massive being brought up a silver gaunlet on one of his arms, presumably adorned with some sort of tech, perhaps a communication device given his next statement. “They will be on their way shortly...now let us continue to feast,” he said as he began feasting like giant sand beasts, gorging themselves on the rare food that comes by them.
At this, Eftalya lost her apatite and stopped eating, watching in disgust and in anger at the being that by whose whims determined everything that occurred around him as if he were a God. But she knew better, what she saw was not a God, for it involved itself in the affairs of mortals, defiling its divine status for the pleasure of the food set before it. For herself, that was a relief, for it could pose no threat to her land or her people should it choose to try to defile her home. But the thought of having to negotiate with two other entire races, as if they were to take for each of themselves a piece of her pie without even getting to know her or of her home at all... The thought disgusted her more than the voracious eating of that beastly being. She looked to Suis for some kind of help, showing a desperation in her eyes to her liege lady, hoping that somehow she'd understand, hoping that somehow she'd be able to resist the whims of this great silver being.
L empire
Suis gripped the table slightly in discomfort, what was she gonna do...she had no idea what to do. She was stuck between a rock and a hard place, and she accepted the Lord Knights' demand of including Kryss and Dynas. She could feel Eftaylas sickening feeling from the thought. Accepting the Lord Knights demands would almost definitely sour these fledgling relations. But if she argued on Eftaylas side, her own life could very much be at risk, as the Lord Knight has been rumored to not take descent well. She looked over to Eftayla, and looked into her swirling pools for eyes, and she felt something inside her flair up, some protective urge come to her.
“Lord Knight I must object.” she said, almost not realizing she said those words as she looked over at the Lord Knight who had just stopped eating and was for the first time in millenia, was left...a little shocked. Suis felt her stomach drop, and her meal almost come up, as she saw the Lord Knight slowly stare at her, in shock, confusion and what she might have thought was rage. “If I may explain myself Lord, these two have just sworn their oath to me as their liege.” she said as she again looked at Eftalya and sighed. “Honorable Lord Knight, these people have already broken one major oath, having them possibly break more especially to aliens they have never met...would only bring more shame.” she said, trying to keep her nerves down, as she began to sweat as the Lord Knight had stopped eating and now looked her right in the eyes. His eyes burned like stars, raging and swirling mystical pools of silver. She gulped as he slowly stood up and his eyes flared. "Have they not gone through enough, their lands seized by a mad warlord, taken as slaves for a month and then crashing upon a Alien world?, is this not enough, why should they have to go through more possible humiliation?" she asked flinching a bit as the Lord Knight continued to stare at her, his eyes still blazing with a bright fury.
“I see…” he said his voice low, and his eyes quickly flicked towards Eftayla and Harai. “Xenos, would you truly oppose any other species entering into these negotiations,” he said bluntly, with very little emotion, as his eyes dug into her like a dagger. His mind raking over hers, as he gazed through her thoughts. Suis began breathing deeply, how could the Lord Knight not understand these things were not proper, she thought to herself as she once again began clenching the table, her knuckles began to turn white.
Sakiris
Cast by Fire
Part 33: Cypherius Harai and Ef felt the consternation in Suis and the overall tension build with each passing second. Ef was more relieved to hear defiance, but even the queen's defiance was immediately followed by hesitance. It was obvious, this Lord Knight seemed furious in the face of the Queen's defiance. Neither Harai or Ef had ever seen such fury in one's eyes, but then again, they've never seen a deity up close before now.
Then the question came, “Xenos, would you truly oppose any other species entering into these negotiations.” Eftalya wished Harai could understand common galactic language, but he was never one for linguistic arts. So she bore the brunt of translating literally everything she, he, or their hosts said, and now she bore the brunt of answering his question...
Part 34: Kataan'hallah, Sakiris Natun knelt on a rug within his private meditation chamber, an austere sandstone room, placed 400 meters underground for absolute silence with no disturbances. Here, he would ride out the massive sandstorm above, seeking answers from the deities as he descended into a trance.
At first there was nothing but blackness, as far as he could see. A dark void or chaos, one that probably resembeled what the Universe looked like before its creation. And then, from the distance, stars... no, galaxies, racing by him like dust in a great cloud, finally centering in on the Ether and on an unfamiliar star, not his own, but one with three worlds. He was guided down to a world of sea and sand, thousands of islands dotting its surface with water as far as the eye could see. A world of plenty in Sakiri eyes. But it wasn't of the water filled paradise his mind centered on, it was within a palace that his thoughts raced, until he could make out the blurred image of his niece's face, and that of her husband. Near them, he could feel something else, something more powerfully dreadful than he's ever felt the presence of. It starred him down, even from such distances away, it gazed at him, trying to pick apart his mind, but Natun was resolute, and he concentrated on Eftalya.
But the world went black again until he opened his eyes, mentally drained, kneeling in his austere room with the storm no doubt continuing to rage on. In his heart he was glad to see little Ef, even her bastard husband, but he was more concerned now about Ottun and wondered whether or not he'd have to mobilize his army prematurely to use whatever element of surprise, if any, he had left if it was true Ottun had been captured.
Part 35: Cypherius Eftalya felt a warm presence beside her, but she couldn't make out who or what it could be. Before she had any more time to give the presence any thought, it was gone as quickly as it appeared. But from it, she was given her answer. She stood and looked into the indifferent eyes of Lord Knight 1;1.
"We refuse to break yet another oath, I would rather die now than to soil my honor and that of my forefathers again." She trembled with fear and sweat building up on her neck, "You certainly will have no place in determining my afterlife, vanquish me now if your ego has been tainted, I do not fear false, vain deities." Whether or not what she said was true, it was done, and she was left visibly shaking at her words. Harai stood to calm her and put himself between her and Lord Knight, trying to stare down its silvery eyes.
In Sakiri he muttered, "Sakir save us." In his mind, he only wished for home.
L empire
The Lord Knight now was in more shock and confusion than ever, these xenos stood defiant to him, they not only stood defiant to him, but believed he was a deity, it was all so bizarre. But their bravery, their refusal in being dishonored impressed him, it impressed him greatly. So his fury slowly tempered as he looked at them and then back at the Queen. He raised his hand to the Queen. “Sleep.” he said calmly, as he waved it slightly in her direction, causing her to slouch over in her throne, and passed out. His gaze then returned to Eftayla and Harai. “You impress me xeno, so I shall explain some things not many know.” he said as he gazed toward them.
“I am not a God, nor would I ever claim to be one.” he said as he raised his hands again and a majestic array of colors formed upon the ceiling, they were whittling colors of silver, ruby and gold. These colors soon formed into a solid image, depicting a garden as large as a city...even larger perhaps, streams of dancing pure water, more beautiful and glorious then any water they had ever seen, slid across the ground. In the center of the imagery, laid a figure made of pure clay, and around it were four robed beings, dressed in odd regalia which swirled and twisted around itself into weird shapes and colors. In the center of these four figures stood a tall golden figure, his robes fluttered with scarlets and browns and he stood over the clay body, looking down on it. One figure poured red juices into its mouth, another then poured a whirling pool of water, which bubbled with swirling unknown colors and finally the last poured a liquid metal. Then the towering figure with scarlet and brown robes, looked down, he took a knife in his hand and stabbed himself, ripping it down, and reaching in pulling out a shard of glowing white light and casting it into the clay being, whos eyes opened and sat up
“That is, Gabriel my father, teacher and creator. Gabriel also created three races that would spread his true message, a message of peace and charity in place of the sin.” he said, his eyes looking watery and emotional as the image swirled into another. “Gabriel, was the lord of the Druids of Thomane, Adohai arch angels made flesh. But, the Druids were corrupted, and half of them split off, forming the Corruptos.” images came, of beings larger than stars, beings of horrifying appearing, made of things of nightmares as they screamed, tearing stars apart, enslaving entire races to their whims. “They were looking to conquer all, thus Gabriel made me, and my order, the Seraphs.” he said, as an army of angelic beings like him swirled into appearance. “Thus we marched to fight the Corruptos, to defend creation.” epic battles came into sight, worlds shattered as angels battled the corruptos, slaying them.
“But we failed...the corruptos breached the cosmic web we had built to defend thomane from invasion, our father Gabriel sacrificed himself to annihilate not only his order the Druids but the Corruptos with him.” he spoke, as a bright line shined in the room. “And he left me and my order in the care of the three children, the Cypherians, Dynas and Kryss…” he said as the vibrant display of colors disappeared. “For a long time, I had kept them ignorant of the outside world, hiding them from the sin of the galaxy at large...but you changed my mind.” he said as he looked down at Eftayla and Harai. “I see hope in your race, and I see honor and decency in you both, others have failed, you two have succeeded.” he said as he approached. “I have not shown this imagery to any other besides a few, and the children themselves do not know.” he said as he looked down at them. “But I show you this, to show you my trust and because your bravery, honesty and purity has truly impressed me, and I can ay as the Lord Regent of the children of Gabriel, you and your oaths shall not be violated any further.” he said, as he stepped back and sat down.
The Empire of Bezannia of Triporea
The Nebulean Union of Iammelon
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