[M] Kosmik Gis

[IsaacGaming]

Taken by surprise, Fenris quickly greeted the man. The sudden appearance and pitch of the man was quite surprising, especially with his promise of books and treasure. Fenris quickly began thinking it over. While this offer definitely sounded like a scam, a part of him was extremely curious on if they actually would work. On the other hand, he had very little gold left, so buying these would mean he wouldn’t have enough supplies for food and water. After quite a bit of self-deliberation, Fenris finally caved. After all, he could just go deep in the woods and find food and water and, if worse came to worse, he could use some of his magic to assist him. “Well, that is quite the opportunity! I’ll take them. However, if I find out that these lead to nothing, I’ll come back and we’ll have a chat.” Fenris said with a smile as he handed over the gold. Taking the scrolls, Fenris quickly made his way by the farm and sat down, pulling out one of the six scrolls and looking at its contents, excited and fearful over what they may contain.

[AthenaSyphier]

She watched him intently, her eyes gazing between him, and his daughter...though the slight hesitation gave her pause, she didn't fret too much over it. It mattered not the relation between the two, only thing that truly mattered is if they could keep up with her and not slow her down. She hasn't even left the Kingdom and already she was wishing for this to be over. She didn't think she was someone of worth to be known about, and yet it warmed a deep part of her. Perhaps she did have a reputation out there, one that warned others to not pose a threat to the King. She nodded her head once as her eyes darted between the two.

“Very well, I see no point in resting when it will be dark soon, and we can get some distance covered before nightfall. Give me 2 hours to pack and make arrangements with my men, and meet me at the front steps to the castle. The kitchen staff with provide you with anything the two of you wish to dine on.” She didn't wait for a reply or acknowledge that they understood, she was use to giving orders, and out of pure habit, it was one she gave them. She could only hope they didn't take it personally. She turned on her heels and walked out of the room, making her way to the one person she wanted to see before she left.

Falcyn was standing by the war room, perhaps the King had made his way back there...or he knew she would search for him. They shared a secret smile as she approached him and took one step past him, his light steps matched hers as they walked shoulder to shoulder down the hall towards her chambers.

“Are you sure you have this handled?” It was both sincere and condescending. She trusted him and his abilities, the others she did not. She didn't want to come back to the castle in disarray because a bunch of grown boys thought it would be fun to play while she was gone.

“Malina...” He stopped her in mid stride with a gentle tug on her elbow. “I worry more about you and this adventure, then the simple gimmicks of the men we call brothers. You can't very well...hide the fact that you-” His concern touched her and his lost of words made her smile.

“That I'm magical? I know. The wings I can hide...the horns...blessed be the devil fearing patron I meet on the roads.” She tried to chuckle but it wouldn't come. She would have to be alert at all times. She didn't even think about that fact until just now. She truly hoped these two accompanies will be just as alert to their surroundings as she will need to be. She placed a tender hand on is arm. “Just take care of things while I am gone...and I will return before you know it.”

He looked around before he leaned down to give a sweet chaste kiss to her cheek. “Don't get yourself killed out there. We have plans...remember.”

Her heart warmed. Yes, she did indeed remember. She smiled before she returned the kiss to his cheek. “You don't get yourself killed either. I've seen you peel an apple.” She didn't want to say goodbye, or prolong the inevitable any longer, so with those final words, and the love that hung between them, she walked off towards her chambers.

With every step she could only ask herself...what had she gotten herself into.

[Vulco1]

“Well, a good sense of humor is definitely something I can get behind… uhh… Papa Ori.”

Dendrac looked from one to the other after noticing the earth moving without reason. THen saw the reason, Kiro. Mis jaw line slackened a bit as he kept his jaw from dropping and looked around for the kids, trying to be stoic. It’s hard to take in all of this blatant magical use, right in front of him. Once again he thought about how he’d seen more today than any other day in his life and was glad he took the invitation to come to Torgen, because without it, he’d have missed all of these new experiences. That reminded him that he had places to be, but a few more questions first...

“Aren’t you all worried about your little secret making it to the guard and the queen's ears? You don’t seem too concerned about those kids spying on you. Now that I think about it, that Cyclops was acting like this wasn’t his first time in town. Is that normal, or what? Because it seems to me you guys are playing with fire, here.”

[Kiro Akira]

The Queen's Minor Castle-Torgen(Town):

Papa Ori didn't pay any mind to Kiro and only kept at his work. "My little secret is nothing more then what people want to believe. I can just be a crazy old man and I can prove it as well. They can't prove what I have in my head and they can't prove it. Now for the stupid cat over here playing in my dirt with his own magic. The boys see it. They're to scared to say anything because their parents drove that magic is dangerous and something to be scared of."


With a nod the old man continued. "The cyclops you speak of is only four homes down and he spends most of his time alone. Could you imagine the dangers of someone figuring out his spells? Give him five days and you won't even recognize em'. The guards know of him just can't ever catch him cause he keeps changing his appearance." Papa Ori stood tall and placed a hand on his back feeling it crack. "Oh this hundred year old body is getting so old. Need a new one soon I do."

Kiro nodded to Dendrac to full answer his question. "Yes it is normal. I don't mind using minor magic like this simply because you wouldn't even notice it if you weren't standing right here. Could you imagine the vision you'd need just to see a small section of dirt move from well over twenty foot. It'd be insane really and even I can't see that with my cat eyes."

The old Oracle gave a nod and looked back to Kiro. "We'll look after your boy but should you be hanging around here much more with the guards on alert? They'll be searching ya know. And they'll wind up here eventually." Kiro perked at the idea of this and gave a nod. "Yea you're right. Seikatsu wouldn't be to happy if I left him here with you guys tho I may send him home before I set off."


The Queen's Villages- Stinel (Town):

Stories of Stinel will continue in a future post.


King Nero's Castle -Crex (Castle):


The King stepped around the corner of the war room and looked to Malina. "Eh-em." He spoke to grab their attention surely they would take notice to a rather large man standing before them. "Malina, if you would please. Take this Feather. This will assist you in proving you're sent from me. It'll prove to Queen Azrath that you're who you say you are. That and after all these years I'm sure she should know that you are of my men. The feather comes from Azrath's personal bird, I've got a small collection of them for this very reason."

With that the King looked to Falcyn and gave him a nod. "A fine young man can easily protect me wouldn't you say? You did so for many years." He gave the boy a heartfelt smile and touched his shoulder looking to Malina. "He'll do fine, as long as your journey is safe then things will fall into place. The kingdom is safe. One last thing, Malina be sure to get with the royal keep to get ready for your journey. I sent one of them to greet the boy and little girl. You should know your way around the castle." King Nero turned from the two and set off into the doors of the war room shutting them behind him. He had some planning to take care of and it wouldn't be long before things set into motion. But first cleaning was in order and he didn't like many people in the room aside from very few trusted. So here he was left to clean everything himself.

Barely catching the end of it all, a guard approached Pavlo and Yaya, with a bow he nodded to the two. "Under direct order of King Nero you are granted a fine meal in the hall. You will be accompanied by Lady Malina on your journey and you are entitled to speak with me on any supplies you may need for the journey. Supplies will be provided and it will be handled accordingly." The guard took one more bow and pulled out a quill and a blank book. "Please if you would provide a list of supplies needed and I will fetch them for you and assist you in prepping for your journey."




King Nero's Villages -Graem (Town):



The man took the coins with great greed and hurried off practically throwing the scrolls at the man with excitement. "If they lead to nothing I'll be around. You'll find me in the library at most times." He said as he disappeared down an alley way. While the man knew the scrolls led pretty much nowhere he didn't care. He would be long gone before the guy even returned from the first adventure. Of course the scrolls did lead somewhere they only lead to 'best reading spots in town.' around the town of Graem. The man took his time and hand drew the images so they looked a bit different and lead them on a wild goose chase with a number of paragraph like puzzles that would most likely lead one in circles rather then straight to the point.

With the greedy look at his coins he pocketed them and slipped into a home inside locking the door behind him. If he was followed he could easily use the sewers beneath him to escape. His house was right above the system and he even had direct access to a man-made hole he created with hatch and all. Greed would over take a man and drive them to do the craziest things just for a gain at the smallest coin.



Queen Azrath's Castle- Tzar (Town):

The man laughed at Darius and shook his head. "Hey man, a night with The Elven Queen Azrath? And you wouldn't take a shot at getting your head lopped off or even crushed like small pebbles? I mean hey dude, she's got over a hundred years on her and you don't think that even in a single idea that she's got some fancy tricks up that sleeve of hers? I'm sure she's great at night!" He laughed and joked of course but the man would never continue with the idea. He was scared of the Queen's power herself. "And you know what they say about magic users. Especially Elvish ones."

Queen Azrath could hear the men speaking in the distance and skipped on over and gave the man a tap on the nose. With a giggle she winked at him. "Last man that got a shot at it died in less then five minutes. Said it was way to much to handle just....Before.....He.......Passed....." She giggled once more prolonging the last little bit and strolled off. Of course she knew in her own mind she wasn't being serious and she wouldn't let anyone get that close but it would be fun to let the men wonder.

When she had finished with her shopping she had accumulated the total of twenty books to add to her already thousands in her library, two large baskets filled with fruits and vegetables of different sorts. Along with some cloth clothing to wear around the castle at night. She of course was a free open Queen and didn't care to much for the formality of things and would often wear peasant clothing around the castle just for the sake of avoiding her Queenly duties. Thats what she had consultants for anyways. To assist her in making big decisions and making the minor ones for her. Of course she had her own duties to be dealt with but at the same time, she could finish that later. With her power in the arts of magic it was nothing to sign a hundred parchments.

Queen Azrath turned to the group of men accompanying her and gave a nod. "Well I believe that is all for the day. If you men would like to enjoy the fun activities around here then please do I'll be off to the castle." With that she smiled and turned away skipping along with three men carrying her supplies she purchased during that day. "Enjoy~!" She shouted back. Of course some of the soldiers including Harper followed the Queen on the way back to the castle. But she left them to decide for themselves what to do. Azrath didn't feel like she needed the protection it just made her feel a bit safer.

[Vulco1]

After thinking about it, Dendrac realized that if he didn't know to look and what to look at specifically, he wouldn't have noticed. His hand left his chin and he said "You're right. A lot of times, knowing to look for something is the most important part of seeing it." Dendrac was beginning to feel overwhelmed, but he wouldn't admit it even to himself. It may be time to get out of here, surely the heat has died down a bit. Enough for him to move on at least.

"Well, fellows, I'm afraid I've got to work for my supper. I'll be pushing off now, but thanks for everything I guess. If you need anything done that you may or may not want associated with you, feel free to find me. I'm... quite handy and quite discrete if you know what I mean." He looked over his shoulder and prepared to walk away when another thing struck him. With a grin he said, "Or if Lady Oracle or Papa Ori have some good guidance about my future."

With that, stuck out his hand.

[Socks the God]

Greed would overtake a man and drive them to do the craziest things just for a gain of the smallest coin.

Abraham knew this green creature inside him known as greed very well. He was one who never aimed to control it. He abandoned that goal a long time ago. Abraham was the ambitious type. To many it was a trait to admire. He refused to accept less than his goals and would fight with everything he had to see those goals achieved in full. In fact, his ambitious and unrelenting influence was one of the major reasons Flawor continued to thrive despite the seeming state of decay many of the nation's other regions faced. There was a sense of harshness to his form of leadership, but most men are quick to abandon basic niceties if it means they won't be living with empty bellies.

Greed would overtake a man and drive them to do the craziest things just for a gain of the smallest coin.

Pavlo had his own form of greed. He never really wanted coin for the sake of coin. He never wanted power for the sake of power. His greed was that of what people often viewed to be more morale. In the past, he wanted to earn the respect of his peers. Now his greed merely extends to protect and provide for his own kin.

A kind smile formed on Pavlo's face, as his arm wrapped around the back of the guard's neck. "Stuff? Well, I can go ahead and make a list certainly. Let's talk horses." They continued forward for a bit, discussing supplies for the guard to fetch until the group made it to the dining hall. The list wasn't very extravagant, but it did include some weird items that were more or less merely to keep the guard busy trying to find something fitting their description.

Greed would overtake a man and drive them to do the craziest things just for a gain of the smallest coin.

That is often very true. Not many men are willing to take the risks for what they believe in. King Nero was not above this. He let his greed overtake him back during the Queen's civil war. This fear of losing his posessions led to inaction, complacency. Pavlo could see inklings of this as he walked into the dining hall. They were to have a fine meal in the hall. Something to understand about this was that a fine meal in this type of setting isn't what many expect in their fantasies. The same goes for the feast of kings Nero held earlier that day. These weren't anything to scoff at generally speaking given how poor normal standards are for the average peasant, but it was far from the extravagant halls stacked with exotic foods and spices, chalices fill to the prim with fancy wines.
Pavlo could smell the aroma of dark local ales. They gave off the indications of thick stouts. There were also green beers that had been made before swapping the barelies... But who would choose that when given the option? The food was, it was alright. Better than the bread and stew that most would be used to. Locally caught game, a priviliedge of the nobility class, duck, and fish taken from royal farms keepers.

Yaya cut small bits of the meat on her plate, nibbling at it. "This sucks, why are we waiting on....Miranda? Melanie? The bat person. This feels like a waste of time. It'd be more efficient for us to do the mission then collect our money... Especially if Grandpa has other tasks in mind later."

[AthenaSyphier]

She was a good few feet away from Falcyn, her heart was hammering in her chest, and all she really wanted to do was ignore the King's voice and continue to her chambers to pack quickly and leave. To turn and face Falcyn again, might be the breaking point of the tears that threatened her now. But she refused to show that sort of emotion. She stopped cold in her tracks, took a slow deep breath, one where no one would notice that it pained her. She spun on her heels and looked to King Nero. She listened as her eyes lowered to the feather and as she griped the gentle lightweight feather, her own wings responded; wanting to open and take to the skies. She promised herself she would later, before they left, after she packed.

“Aye sir.” Falcyn's words made her eyes look up from the feather and she couldn't fight the gentle smirk that played her lips as she watched King Nero place a hand to his shoulder. “I swear I will do you and Malina proud. Honestly, Sire,” Falcyn looked between her and the King before lowering his head to whisper quite loudly, “I fear if I don't Malina will surely rip me a new one.” He quickly stood tall once more, the smirk never leaving his lips as he fought back the laughter.

She glared at him, but quickly became stoic once more when the King turned his attention to her...and spoke about seeing the Royal Keep. She did a curt nod of her head, knowing they would most likely be dinning by the time she finished packing. She watched the King walk down the hall and into the War room, leaving her with Falcyn in the secluded hall once more. His smile was enough to melt her heart.

“We are alone again. Does this mean, perhaps I get a kiss this time? And not on the cheek?” He raised his brow to her and casually leaned against the wall. “Everything will be okay. You will be back before I know it, and the boys will miss their big sis making them squeal. You never know...maybe this treaty will make it so all Magical creatures can live in peace in our lands.” His optimism was charming. She placed a hand on his cheek.

“You know my rule. When that becomes so...our plan...” She let the words linger. For some reason, speaking them always seemed taboo. She didn't want to think about the prospect of someone harming him because she was Magic. So..the love they shared was their secret. Only the King knew...after all, he would notice touches, the looks. She was always with the King. So...when it became apparent, she opently told the King. He was happy...two of his best together!

“I know.” He finished her thoughts. “I know...they will no longer be just words and dreams.” He covered her hand with his, taking the warmth. Without hesitation, he leaned over and placed a chaste kiss to her lips, one that she was more than willing to oblige. And when a silent tear fell, he simply lifted it with his finger and smiled sweetly to her. “A few days. Just think how much I'll miss you when you return.”

This time, he walked away. And she never knew the ache of losing a loved one, and yet watching him walk down the hallway, and through the grand double doors, was enough to bring her to her knees. She turned after a few moments, and returned to making her way to her chambers, where she planned to pack a few essential items, grab the necklace that held the simple ring Falcyn had gotten for her, and get her 2 companions and make double time before morning.

Her stomach growling made her realize that perhaps she would need to go get some food before they left. After all she was going to the dinning hall to fetch them...5 minutes of eating would not make that much of a difference.

*~*~*~*~*30 Minutes Later*~*~*~*~*

She walked into the dinning room, her feet barely making any noise on the floor. Her items were packed on her horse, and it was nearly time for them to leave. A few bites and a small pack of bread and dried meats to go would be all she required. Her ears twitched as she heard the young girl speak about waiting for the “bat person.” If the notion wasn't humorous, Malina might be offended. She walked on the other side of the table, stopping only when getting to the two, and took a chair directly in front of the young girl.

“The thing is my dear one...I could be half way there if I was going alone...flying. But when my King orders for something to happen, I make it happen. So now...I get the reluctant pleasure of going on this...adventure...with you and...” She looked back to the man, taking in his physique once more before returning to the young girl. “I assume brother?”

She reached across the table and grabbed a piece of duck breast, placing it on the plate before her. She didn't realize after a few moments her plate became full.

[Kiro Akira]

The Queen's Minor Castle-Torgen(Town):

A little over a week ago.

The young neko shook the man's hand and gave him a nod. "Well Dendrac, it was nice seeing you and I do wish you the best. I'm to continue my travels as I have plans to travel into the land of Azrath. Nothing to big just a small adventure as you are welcome to join me." The boy said with a heart felt smile. He always enjoyed company tho it wouldn't be the first or last time his travels would be dealt alone.

With that Kiro turned and headed for the house once more looking back. "I'm ready in an hour to leave, so if you wish to join by all means let me know." With this being said, Kiro had greeted his son inside and dined with the two oracles once more before setting off with a small set of supplies.



King Nero's Castle -Crex (Castle):

The group had dined that evening and prepared their journey ahead. King Nero had provided a whole weeks worth of food for the three along with 30 bits of golden coin each for them to either stop for an inn or grab something of their own. He would leave the decision to them. Tho the full payment and what not would be handled upon return. The King would see them off that evening at send them on their merry way to deliver the letter.

While King Nero had sent one of his best men on their travels he had kept himself to the duties of cleaning the war room in the castle. It wasn't much but it would leave him with the chance of getting things done and provide him with something to do rather then to listen to the calls of people in his kingdom. He enjoyed assisting them to the best he could but at the same time he had grown tired of the same old crops are at a loss, live stock has been killed. It was all the same every day and all day. This week, he would leave it to one of his appointed men hired to deal with said situations.
The old man stood tall as the week had finished hearing a few bones crack on his back causing him to place a hand where the noises had come from. "Oh these days are coming to be a hassle." He spoke to a young man who had been assisting him in cleaning. The young child only nodded in agreement. "Sire days grow with age you can only hope but so much." The king laughed and ruffled the boys hair. "Yes child. But you can do many different things with this life. Remember that, I didn't become the King I am today without wanting it you know."



A week later

Queen Azrath's Village -Wein (Town OutSkirts):

While the travels had been long and the sight of a city had been well over a day, it would soon come into view. Laughter, the sounds of clinking metal. Explosion, Fire, steam rising from the homes. It was all just as magical as anyone who had heard of Wein could believe. A group of elven boys were returning from a hunt, and deep inside were the folks who had called this place home.

If they had kept a keen eye during their travels, one could clearly see that the group had been watched the entire journey, some of the elves could be seen lining the trees, others could even be noted to blend in with the earth itself. It was a normal case that would happen as they didn't get many visitors.

Deep inside the town, a young man in his late twenties had arrived only a day before hand. Was inside examining books of all kinds. His eyes were focused on the magical words of a book that had begun teachings of advanced earth magic and the art of rooting. The man graciously paid off the elven man who had been selling the books and made his way to other stalls interested to see the different arts of weaponry that had been supplied. Some filled with essence of fire, others filled with essence of water. There had even been a few that when held granted the wielder wind magic until the physical connection had been broken.





King Nero's Villages -Graem (Town):
Queen Azrath's Castle- Tzar (Town):
The Queen's Villages- Stinel (Town):
To be Continued

[Vulco1]

Dendrac stood in the field and thought for a moment. He had come to town with the prospect of a job. It probably wouldn't be great, but he said he'd try to meet. And chances were better than even that he would regret it, whatever it was. He was often a thief, a conman, a gopher, among other worse things. He didn't really care that much, you have to do what you have to do to pay the bills and stay alive. He'd seen many half as young as he, die fast or slowly. And as far as he was concerned, he was still living so oit was still working.


On the other hand, the person offering the meet wasn't the most trust worthy. There was some ineffable quality about them that he just couldn't put his finger on but it was off-putting. And here was a bonafide magical adventure, practically falling into his lap. The chance for travel and exploration were almost irresistible but the chance to learn more about magic. To see sights and learn things no-one else, not even his best and favorite teachers, in town could teach him and maybe hadn't even known existed. In my existence, all I have is my body and my experiences.

With this thought, losing his reserve, he earnestly ran to the house, threw the doors open and said "I'm in! What do I need to bring?"

[Vulco1]

The following week passed quickly. Dendrac ate with the small family. He didn't want to set off any alarms or make anyone aware of him in town. The dinner was jovial and fun, if not a bit bittersweet. It was the kind of dinner he never had at home growing up. He learned a bit about everyone there and could see the care they had for another and that they were generally caring people.

They took off within the hour, carrying minimal supplies. They got out of the city pretty quickly without any problems. Kiro took them on a circuitous route, keeping low with their hoods up. Stopping and starting abruptly, but always right before a patrol came through.

Once out of the city, and on the road, they were able to slow down and move more leisurely toward Wein. Everyday during a travel break, Dendrac would go off the trail alone and train. Some meditation, calisthenics, shadow-boxing, and some sword-training. Whatever his mind, body and spirit was telling him. Having seen some of the miracles of magic, it stoked some fires within him, something was telling him to get ready and stay ready.

Along the road, Kiro told Dendrac about this small adventure. They told a few tales about growing up and about the present. Mostly Kiro told Dendrac about what was going on in the world now. News that hadn't reached Dendrac's small town. Told him a bit about Wein. A lot of the journey was spent in companionable silence. Then, sooner than they anticipated, they crested a hill and saw Wein in the distance.