Paradigm Concepts

[niliin]

Shortly after dusk, just within sight of the Crossroads Tavern a giant eagle lands. As her rider dismounts, in a fluid motion picks up a well crafted sword and attaches to his hip. He says, "Thanks for barring through the smell, Énvi. I'm going to get some dinner and a bath here. You should be able to get some food just over the border to Milandir, meet me back here in about four hours. Stay safe, and may Yraskié and Dymré keep you safe, keep you hidden." As he finishes his sentence he pulls a tralian hammer off her side and bows. In response, Énvi returns the bow and responds "I'm just glad your friends in Coryan were able to help, and may Sarish keep you safe as well." With that, the eagle takes flight, as some onlookers catch a better glimpse in the moonlight, they see her in some Sicarite barding, and she fades away in the distance.

With that, the rider starts walking towards the tavern, as he gets closer you notice a feint green glow coming from his armor. As you examine for a closer look you notice that it is made of a metal that almost looks like Sarishan steel, yet it's more brilliant. While walking he slowly pauses for a brief moment, only to continue and move the hood back showing a head full of golden locks down to just below shoulder length. Once reaching ninety feet out from the observers, he smiles and removes his glasses showing dark orbs floating in a white nothingness that comes close to matching the shade of his sickly looking pale white skin. While moving past, "May Larissa's prophecy's be beneficial, and the word of those bound by Sarish never broken" is muttered under his breath.

With that, he enters the tavern and sits at the table in the corner furthest from the action; motioning over to the waitress for a drink and some food. As some water is brought to his table, he says "Could I have a glass of some wine?" With a look of surprise the waitress waits a moment before returning leaving and returning with his meal and some wine, she asks "Why the change of heart?". He simply smiles slides enough to cover the mean and a five gold tip, "Life is too short to be wasted on black and whites, I realize now through tribulation that there is a world of gray." A chuckle slips out of his mouth as the waitress stares having a little trouble comprehending, then he continues. "Not to mean I approve of the hedonistic way of life, I simply have realized that there are things worse then death." He sighs and continues, "However that conversation won't get us anywhere useful, could you arrange with the barkeep a room that I may clean up in. I won't be staying the whole night but will pay whatever the rate is."

After that the waitress smiles and then walks away and he goes on to eating his food.


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Niliin Val'Sungha
Pure-blood Kio
Sky-knight of Lhyllifel
Envoy of Margraf Val'Tensen's Legacy
Bearer of Kyhm
Guardian of Seremas

(Special thanks to TPF for his assistance in Kion spellings for Sarish and Larissa, as well as naming my eagle)

[southernskies]

Barbara "Hiro" Duran Marcus Quentin tribu Saluwe' Flavia Spartica domo Balantica, loyal daughter of the Empire and noble by birth wearily dismounted from her warhorse and handed the reins to the stable boy.
"Sylvia, lets get inside. I need a bath after the months on the road and I could use one of your herbal wines you make so well."

Arianne "Sylvia" Racine, cohort and lady-in-waiting, dismounted herself and handed both the reins and two decus to the stable boy.
"Yes, Hiro. Mother sent a new recipe last week; I haven't tried it yet, but she writes that it helps with sore muscles. I'll be up in a moment to help you with your armour."

Barbara adjusts the set of her mithral lorica and gladii and strides into the tavern as only the daughter of a patrician could; like she owned the place. Unimpressed by her nobility, the tavern keeper's wife is still quick to approach. "What would you like with our establishment, good lady?"
"Hot wine, a suite and a hot bath for two; in that order. I may be staying a while, so a meal directly after that. My lady-in-waiting will need help with the luggage."
"Yes, milady." She gestures to a young boy of about 12 years. "My son there will help shortly. We don't have many patrons as yet, so I can spare him from the kitchen." The boy scampers off.

Arianne finishes unloading the packhorses and gives careful instruction to the stables about proper treatment of Ying-Hir warhorses before carrying luggage with the young boy's assistance to a palatial (by tavern standards) suite of two rooms. Taking care to lay out her mistresses' fresh clothes, she carefully sweeps the room for magic with a small gesture and then places silent alarms on the door and windows, in case of intruders.

***
OOC Notes:
Hiro and Sylvia are "personal" names and only used by family or very close friends.

Barbara Duran: Pat2/Ftr4/Cent7; "For Freedom and Honour!"
^ Picture as per figure in the foreground of my icon.
* Armillus of Vigilance
* Legion of Heaven's Blade
* Bearer of Duran's Kiss (personally crafted +4 GMW Fervidite gladius (ex-drusus))
* Bearer of Spirit of Freedom
* Attendant to Elana val'Dellanov [The Wedding]
* Hunter of a suitable husband (preferably val'Assante or val'Dellenov)

Arianne Racine: Ari1/Wiz10; "Fire? What fire? *foom*"
^ Picture as per figure in the background of my icon.
* Legion of Heaven's Blade
* Bearer of Sarish's Vengeance

[Carios Ferrata]

As the stableman finishes brushing down his two most recent charges, he turns to find another pair of horses being led towards him by men bearing the markings of legionnairs. Carios Marcellus Ferrata bears the insignia of a centurion and the sun of Illiir is gilded to his lorica. He has the stance of a confident warrior but his brow is creased by concentration lines, probably from reading, judging by the stack of books tucked under one arm.
Marcus Marcellus Cantus, aid and advisor Carios, stands comfortably in his arms and armour but a holy symbol of Sarish, the Oathbinder, hangs against his mithral breastplate and a bugle hangs from his belt.

"...soon catch up with him, have faith little cousin." Carios finishes as they draw close. "Ahh. Finally a hostler who knows how to take care of fine horses such as these." He pats the Altharian horse on its massive shoulder. "Good sir, can you tell us anything of the guests we shall be sharing the inn with this night?"

With information and a few less coins in his pockets, Carios strides through the door of the inn to the common room while Marcus is led by a boy up to a room with bags equipment slung over a shoulder. Carios confirms what the stableman said with a quick scan of the room and briefly makes eye contact with the man sat in the corner. He sets the stack of books on an empty table and turns to the Coryani noblewoman.
"Lady, it is a pleasure to meet a fellow defender of the Empire, and it would be an honour if I were able assist you in any way during my stay here." He announces with a deep bow.



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Carios Ferrata: Pal(Illiir)/Ftr/Cent
"For the honor of Illiir and of the Empire"
* Legion of Honorable Accord
* Armillus of the Laurel of Vigilance
* Pin of the Shining Patrol
* Pin of the Legion of Radiant Glory

Marcus Cantus: Brd/Ftr/Clr(Sarish)
"May your oath never be broken"
*Legion of Honorable Accord

[southernskies]

"It is good to meet a loyal son of the Empire!" Barbara clasps the wrist of her fellow centurion, the clang of metal audible as armillus touches armillus.
"Barbara Duran is the name, Legion of Heaven's Blade. I dispaired of meeting another loyal legionnaire. Few are those that have maintained their oaths and many have forsaken them to take up with that dog, Menesis. Were you at Enpebyn? We were sorely outnumbered by traitors that day!
"I also had the honour of attending the Emperor's wedding that year. Quite an event! Didn't manage to find a husband, though. The Gracci brothers were too involved in their machinations for an audience. And those Elorii!"

"Enough talk of bad memories. We're here to celebrate life. To the Emperor!" She raises her glass of hot wine and looks around the room.

A skyknight? Here? I thought I saw an eagle earlier, but dismissed it as a local breed.

"Prince... Nilym, bearer of... Kim? Sorry, I'm not well versed in the Western Lands, but I DO know my metalwork. Your sword must be proud of you. I also recognise your armour, but this is not the place to speak of such things."

Barbara picks a table not too close to, but still warmed by the fire and large enough to seat six. "I have a companion coming down shortly, and will have to take my leave to clean away the travel dust. In the meantime, let us sit and talk. I'm sure its going to be very full tonight, so we don't want to leave a table unattended."

[Carios Ferrata]

"My thanks. Warm greetings are few and far between these days." Carios calls for a glass of wine and joins Barbara at the table. "I am Carios Ferrata of the Legion of Honorable Accord as is my companion Marcus, who shall join us shortly I'm sure.
"Sadly I was unable to attend the Emperor's wedding, I was posted to gather intellegence around Enpebyn at the time, and even managed to gain entry to the city for a short time. That is a most unfriendly place for us and one must guard their tongue carefully there. However when the time came to make battle, I was sent south, to Altheria, on Church business. My blade here, Ardeo Acer, The Keen Flame, was disappointed he was forced meet Sethregorans instead of traitor scum that day. He had enough cold blood at the Battle of Semar." Carios pushes an inch of gladius free of its scabbard and the ignium blade sizzles quietly before he hangs the sword from the back of the chair.

As the waitress hands over a glass of wine Carrios joins the toast: "To the honor of the Emperor" and drinks.

Then, turning to the Skyknight, "Greetings, sir knight, I pray the skys have been clear on your travels. I too recognise Kyhm." Carios holds up a hand and the firelight flickers off a ring bearing the markings of the Skyknights. "I recently did a service for Lord Wyme Vyhrnli. A facinating man with a most excellent library. Would you perhaps care to join us for a time?"

[niliin]

"Of coarse, I have a little bit of time to kill. Not to mention it is impolite to refuse an invite from those more seasoned in the world than you." Niliin picks up his drink and walks over, bowing slightly before sitting down. "Allow me to introduce myself, since it is only polite. I am Niliin Val'Sugnha 5th in line to a noble house of Lhyllifel, and if you wouldn't mind to keep my occupation on the quiet side. Seems that my friend fetches a high price." As he talks he pulls a little ivory spider out of his coat and starts twiddling with it in one hand. "And I do apologize for the small smell, had a bad trip in a nasty well."

"As for Lord Vyhrnli, yes it is a magnificent library. Unfortunately, due to my new rank, I am unable to partake in his open sessions."

[southernskies]

"Its good to have a rest from the dangers of life. I'm heading home for a while to Hiberwallia. Nice little town on the banks of the Salantis River in Balantica. I'm hoping to be home in time for the solstice, when the Fire of the Gods is run. A chariot race with a 3,000 Imperial purse!
"I always wanted to be a charioteer when I was a little girl. Going really fast, winning lots of money and all those strong men! Sigh... Mother was against it and she was right. Having grown up, the sport is brutal, corrupt and not for the faint hearted. I might sponsor a team one day instead."

Arianne steps downstairs carrying two clean tunics and a large block of soap. "Hiro, the bath is ready."

Barbara pours two goblets of hot wine and hands the jug around the table. "If you will excuse me gentlemen, a hot bath awaits. Unfortunately, they don't have a full bathhouse here, otherwise we could continue there. I shall be back within the hour."

The lady of the tavern speaks up, "We don't have a full bath, but we do have a steam room for 20, milady. It takes about 2 hours to heat up if you wish."

"Gentlemen, I leave that decision to you, as I plan to eat after my bath. See you soon." With that, both Barbara and Arianne temporarily vacate to wash the road away.

[shadowdemon_lord]

A strange sight comes into view. A Dwarf from Solanas Mor by the look of the gold threads weaved into his beard comes into view, riding a fine looking light warhorse and leading a camel. He is dressed in a toga that is completely clean despite days spent on the trail, and has a gladius at his belt. He carries no armor, but wears a holy symbol of Illir around his neck. He bears scars over his entire body, they are not disfiguring however. Anyone who is familiar with recent happenings in Canceri will note that the scars are the ones born by the very lucky few that survive the plague of madness that is infecting the area.

As this dwarf enters the tavern he addresses the bar keep directly but politely "excuse me emtazi, may I have a room for a night, care for my mounts, and a hearty meal, and a glass of fine wine?". With this statement he produces 10 gold to pay for the services. This draws quite a look of surprise from the bar keep, but he says nothing, and tells the stable boy if he would take the dwarves mounts. The stable boy hops to and leaves the scene. "Thank you emtazi" the dwarf says.

Turning his attention to the rest of the tavern, he spots the congregation of emtazi near the fire place, and moves over towards them. The dwarf waits for a break in the conversation, then introduces himself "Greetings Emtazi my name is Dailin of Solanas Mor, wandering priest of Illir. If you woldn't mind I would like to join in your discussions, encounters with adventurers are so few and far between, I relish the chance to speak with people who will believe some of the things I've been through and seen."

[Wrathan]

As the Stableboy finishes putting up the Dwarves mounts and taking care of them, he hears a horses whiney and voices talking all of a sudden. The rest of the animals seem nervous suddenly and seem to retreat to the farthest corners of their stalls.
"-ease don't." *SIGH* "I'll never get used to that. Leaves in me the strangest sensation when it's over." says a male voice in Milandisian.
"Not the safest or smartest way either, what with Harvesters everywhere we turn." replies a female voice in Low Coryan.
"Well I was tired of riding. What'd you think I was concentrating so hard for when we left here before anyways?" a commanding male voice counters.
"It doesn't matter. We're here and it's done. Dismiss your ride and let's go find a stableboy and make his day."
The female voice start chanting in an odd language (infernal) and suddenly there's a loud sound like rushing wind and the tempeture increases. All the animals start to bay or whiney (or whatever they do) and then the noise stops.
As he comes out to identify the voices and noises, the stableboy sees a Yhing'Hir Heavy Warhorse (That wasn't there just a second ago) and 2 people standing near it.
And neither were they. Wait. Two people? I thought I heard three voices though., the stableboy thinks to himself.
A man standing about 6'2" with blonde hair and the grey eyes of a val is before him and dressed in some VERY fine clothes and armor. He has a halberd in one hand while his other is digging around in a bag at his side. His cloak is a deep purple that Sarishan Priest would be proud of, very finely made, as is his purple toga he wears that seems spotless and covering up some sort of a green glowing armor with silver highlights resembling Lorica Segmentata. He bears 2 Legion Tattoo's,one on each bicep, marking him as a Legionaire of the Legion of Heavens Blade and of the Legio Inferna Sacer. He has a White Sash draped across his toga, marking him as a Milandisian Knight. He has a pin of a shield with a hawks head in the middle of it holding his cloak clasped and many other pins adorn his Sash. He is also armed with a longsword whose sheath is made of silver with gold filigrae, a pistol, and a gladius.(Wrathan val'Assante Patrician 1/Fighter 1/Sorcerer 13/Via Proeliatoris 2) Near his feet is a cat with emerald green eyes and a jetblack coat of furr. It wears a collar with a silver tag on it.
His companion, a beautiful woman standing 5'8", wears a breastplate made from some sort of demon skin, and carries a glowing green lance and a heavy steel shield. She wears around her neck a Holy Symbol of Sarish made of the same glowing material, and has the horse obviously nervous.
"You'd think this animal would have gotten used to you by now Lady Erisia." says the Milandisian voice again.
None of their lips moved. Who said that? ponders the stableboy and looks down to the cat.Nah.
"Delias, you complain alot you know that?" the man says.
"Well, if you were a halberd you'd be upset too."
Noticing the stableboy, the man speaks, "Ah, good. Here you are son. Please take care of Helethin. And anything you think you did or did not see or hear, let's just keep it between us, ok?" With that, he hands the boy 2 Crowns, drops some straw on the ground from the bag he was digging in and he and his companion head for the door and the bar. The cat, prowling along the far wall, suddenly pounced and yeowled. A Mouse squeked in it's death throws and then the cat walked away, leaving the mouse, as though pleased with itself. But cat's aren't like that.
Are they?
Entering silently, they head for a corner table, causing the entire corner to glow with an errie green light. They take a look around the room nodding at friends and familiar faces, even those who simply smile or wave that they don't know are warmly greeted. (Any member of the Shield will recognize Wrathan. Hawks and Order of the White Veil should roll a D20 and if it's 2 or less, you have heard of him and his deeds as well. Fame is wonderful. Well, at least they would and fame would be if secret societies exisisted which they don't. Right?)