Chronicles of Sunken Refuge (Lithel Aelfwine x SilentxChaos)

[SilentxChaos]

Aelita leaned against the banister of the second level, looking down upon the ballroom. It was a vast room of polished cedar and marble floors; the walls painted a glowing taupe against bright candelight, pillars trimmed with gold, and hanging tapestries depicting faeries and elves and all the races part of the Fae Court. Aelita's focus remained on the ground level where the Court was milling, waiting for full attendance. Her eyes kept trained on the elvish ambassador and her escort, currently conversing with a dwarf and the fae lord himself. She fidgeted. Her ceremonial outfit itched at her skin and she repeatedly resisted the urge to scratch them.

Aelita looked over her shoulder as an older elf came to stand next to her. Their hair was the same auburn shade, long and straight, and one may say they shared nose shapes. Beyond that the similarities end. Aelita shared her mother's face and height, while Xianolyth stood taller than the average elf and his skin was a golden tan. Xianolyth, her father, folded his hands at the small of his back and stood straight while gazing at the court below.

"You used to love these things," he spoke without looking at her. Aelita's head tilted, but she remained mute. "As a child you were overwhelmed by the colors and glamour of it all. Always asking endless questions about why giants stood so high and why trolls smelled.

"Father, that's embarrassing," she said, scratching at her shin.

"I got a smile, didn't I?"

They both paused when a pungent smell hit their noses, full of decaying earth and swamp water. They looked down at the ground floor as the attendees gave wide berth to the new comers: trolls, short and stooped with dark craggy skin and eyes like pigs darting around endlessly as they huffed and grunted, pushing against each other. The trolls had brought a whole platoon- five to ten, with some miniature version Aelita assumed to be children running over their parents and skuddling through the ballroom. A lady fae yelped as one tugged at her delicate green skirts with its teeth. Aelita chuckled, amused by the antics, even as the troll children were called to order and gradually, the conversations resumed. The Fae lord of the court went to greet the newcomers, and Aelita saw the black curls of her mother accompanying him. Everyone else maintained a certain distance from the trolls and the smile slipped from her face.

Xianolyth, watching her, sighed. "You're mother requests your presence, Aelita."

"I am present."

"By her side, Aelita," he said sternly, "that is where your place is."

"As a spymaster and guard, I believe my place is up here. Where I have the best view over the court."

Xianolyth's foot tapped impatiently but he was too controlled to let his irritation show. "That is not your duty here. That is the job of our honorary guard, who, I might add, find your constant presence interfering with their ability to work at peak efficiency."

Looking up, she saw armored elves across the expanse on the other side of the room, dressed as she in vibrant blue and red, trimmed gold, and weaponless. Each however were skilled mages with specialties in offensive and defensive skills; most were elementalists. The moment her eyes went to them, their heads jerked and they pretended to be observing the court. Her eyes narrowed and turned deeper in blue. "Then perhaps their capabilities are lacking. If one of their own can throw them off so much."

He groaned at her, slapping a hand lightly on the banister. "Aelita, it's not your skills that aggravate them—it's how you've changed. Our people are one family. We know everything about the other, we share everything, and we are one in mind. If conflict arises, we all sit and judge the case if those involved are unable to do so themselves. Our core values are set in such traditions…but when you returned fro- from that place, you lost those values. Aelita…" Xianolyth reached out and grazed her cheek. She nearly flinched, but held in check, but he felt her stiffen and the sadness deepened the lines of his face. "What happened to my daughter out there? You are so secretive anymore. Did we not use to share our fears? Have you forgotten the joy of walking among your own life, happy among friends?"

Aelita stared at him, her eyes grey-blue and unreadable. For a moment, she looked about to say something- then low, powerful footsteps were heard outside the court and her attention re-addressed the area. "The giants are here. You should return to mother."

Xianolyth looked about to argue, but just then the lady ambassador looked up at them and gestured for him to come with a curl of her fingers. Sighing, he kissed Aelita's head and disappeared. She watched him go, shortly, then glanced around. The elvish guard through her cold looks but she was unphased by them. Other guards grouped around the banister, here to protect their own races' deligates. They grouped together in groups while fae guards armed with spears lined the walls. She glanced at the one stationed behind her to the right, hearing the faint jingling of chainmail as a soldier shifts. Another elf was coming her way. He made a face- sticking his tongue out and widening his eyes- as he passed, forcing Aelita to duck her head to hide a grin.

"Captain," he nodded at her, taking Xianolyth's place and leaning against the banister.

"Regald. You know I haven't sailed for quite some time. Stop using that title."

"You'll always be that to us," he replied. She didn't say anything so he pressed on. "Gylamion and I checked the perimeter. All seems well."

"I doubt for long," Aelita murmured just as the giants entered.

 

[UnAngelVerde]

Lara's delegation was the most little one. Only her, of the Green Giants, and the kings of two more famillies: the Frost King, Potapu and the lord of fire giants, Bubak.

Lara Taunaqui

Bubak, Fire Giant King

Potapu, Frost Giant King

As they arrive, many greeted them grimly for the two kings came in with their traditional clothing (in both cases barely any clothing), but it was Lara people was troubled about: she came with a full armor and two gigantic swords that even for her looked like anormus claymores. Everybody knew that they were spectacularly destructive, sharp and that Taunaqui familly was one of the most fearsome warriors on all the Fae court, since they were the ones responsible for the unification by force of many of the members of the court, wich made thems, in certain way, one of the most feared, repected and hated.

Lara refused to take her swords off and simply got into the place. Miss, could you hand me your weapons? a guard asked politelly No. But you can take them if you dare. She proposed, her serious pretty face carved in stone. The guard didn't spect her to say that, being as he was to (normal sized) gentle submisive and polite noble ladies. He had to move aside as she passed moving him from the way. We can start it. She said high enough for all of the court to hear, even the king who, by this time, had not yet preceded the encounter.

 

[SilentxChaos]

The court went quiet, staring at the newcomers, then almost immediately turning to the king. He nodded and began walking towards the long oak table situated along the back wall. There were seven chairs facing towards the room behind the table, three in the center with the banner of the fae, and each others for one representative of each belonging race. The fae king took his seat at the center. Though all the chairs sat at the same level, his had the highest back and uniquely carved with flowery vines and the insignia of his rule. His wife, the Queen, sat at his left hand. On the right, the fae ambassador. While the king would have final say in certain matters, and the power to grant or deny petitions, arguments, agreements, or compromises were finalized by the ambassadors and the faery would determine how the agenda of the court proceeds.

All the representatives took their seats, each beneath a banner of their race. Aelita surveyed each, noting the dwarves had a new ambassador who she instantly detested by the arrogant gaze he swept over the court as if he was the ruler in this regard. Her mother sat next to the fae queen. Their heads were bent together, which Aelita might have worried looked suspicious to the rest of the court, if their long-time friendship wasn't widely known. Much of what she understood of court politics was in thanks to that friendship. Her eyes looked around until she settled on the giants again. Regald leaned forward, mimicking her pose with arms folded alongside the banister, one hand hanging in open air.

"Know them?" he asked. He was taking out a smoke pipe, one made of light colored wood and lovingly hand carved with delicate designs. Aelita frowned as he pinched in dry leaves.

"I recall the kings. Potapu, King of the Frost Giants, and Bubak of the Fire Giants. Their reputation is well known. I do not know the lady of the Green." Her eyes narrowed.

"Is she new?" he puffed on his pipe.

"I couldn't say. I wasn't here at the last few gatherings," Aelita frowned, and stayed silent long enough Regald fidgeted.

"Do you think they'll bring trouble?"

"Hmm? Who knows? Just keep watch. This is the Fae court...nothing short of a small brawl will occur."

"Makes you miss the pirate court, doesn't it?" Regald removed his pipe to blow a smoke ring out into the open air. As it floated, the court was finishing situating itself for the start. Important delegates and petitioners sat in the front of the long table on benches, some shuffling through papers or going through again their imploring speech for the court's help. General Xianolyth sat on the front bench, arms crossed, back straight and talking with the neighboring dwarf warrior. Everyone else attending the court were simply onlookers and stood near the doors of the ballroom.

Aelita scoffed quietly as she placed her chin on her arms. "Certainly far more entertaining."

A loud banging sounded from the small mallet used by the fae ambassador to call attention. "The court is now in session!"

 

[UnAngelVerde]

First of all, both of you have my condolences, Havamall of UnderMountain and Lara Taunaqui. Let me then remind all of the attendants that the posts at this court are vitalicious, and this changes signify the sad passing out of our former embassador. I would like to remind everyone of you that, as always, that violence is not acceptable, that any companion you ring will be your responsability and that is to be kept closed, whatever we say here is to be only shared in a need-to-know basis. The Fae Embassador said, greeting everyone with a gracious display. She always presented the rules of the court before the session, but she had always managed to make a gracious excuse for her formality.

Let us then adress the first of many things to discuss. First of all we'll look for pressing matters, then we'll go around the situation of the realm and every race, and after the declarations and solutions of our king will close the meeting. The open court for the petitioners will come after that. She said, opening the game for everyone. All of the races thought they had their emmergencies, but Lara's voice raiced above all when they all started to make their pledge. We have been attacked, and driven from our lands. Defiance Bay is no longer safe, and a Dragon is in liege with our enemies, the dark elves. She said, and the rumble of voices rised as a tide.

 

[SilentxChaos]

Regald choked on an inhale. "Dragon? She has to be lying!"

"Shh!" Aelita threw up her hand to silence him.

In the midst of the vocal uproar, a doom of laughter perforated as the dwarven ambassador slapped his knee and his beard bristled out. "Dragons! Ha ha! That's preposterous. Dragons haven't been around for centuries. And it's not like Defiance Bay has ever been a safe haven."

"Oh, please, Nuck," the troll dignitary's voice was surprisingly high-pitched, cutting through the crowd's tumult. Gradually, silence came, as everyone turned to the ambassadors to hear their verdict. The troll picked at its nose disinterestedly- a glob of yellow mucus and twigs sticking to its finger that caused muffled, disgusted groans from others. "When's the last time dwarves ever been outside rocky teepees?"

"Teepees!" Ambassador Nuck roared, "our mountains are not teepees!"

"Enough," the Fae King spoke with a raise of his hand. Instant silence fell, though Nuck continued to through glowers at the troll. The king gave a satisfied nod then turned to Aelita's mother, "Ambassador Sylvienne did you wish to speak?"

She bowed her head and turned to Lara. "Lady Taunaqui, tell us please how these tragic things came about. Do you have proof of this dragon?"

 

[UnAngelVerde]

Lara looked with a stony expression at the dwarven embassador, and put her sword in the table. Out of the sheath, one could see the center of it was pierced, and fringes of metal came to the sides of the hole cut in it, but the sword itself haven't been dented nor fixed. The cut had been clean, perfect, like a razor upon skin.
If you dare call me a liar you can go fetch your weapons and defend your words. She said. Her eyes pierced inside his, and silence befall the room. My lords, this is the work of a dragon's claw. This ancestral sword came from Arcadia, our lost home from the mythical era, and it have been pierced when trying to protect my father. He and the elders fell like wheat before the sickle, but bought the people time to escape. Lara's words were solemn and sad, as she talked almost in a murmur.

We all know Defiance Bay is no safe haven, yes. She agreed, looking acidly to the dwarf But we took upon our hardy people the duty to guard the sea and the fortresses of Stratland served that purpose. Witht the dark elves backed by a dragon ocupying it, the whole Court must prepare for war. If Defiance Bay was not a "Safe Haven" then, now even the holes in the mountains some craven call home won't be safe. A dragon's fire has enormus reach. She declared with hardiness.

The hole speech sounded rehearsed in Lara's voice, but she was clearly tired and still dirty from the road. Even with this troubling news, i must ask something of this council. These two gentlemen accompany me not as bodyguards, but to make a point: Stratland was enviromentally perfect. Our new colony can't withstand the raging fires our brothers of Fire live in, and the tallest mountain of Sour Rock is not nealy as cold as to let the frost brothers live. We need a new location for them and colonists to settle the island and help us. We need the plants and animals that grow to our size from Stratland's neighbouring islands so that we do not deplete the resources of the island. If no help comes, i'm affraid we might lose everything within the season, and winter is not even near.

 

[SilentxChaos]

Her speech was met with hushed whispers as the ambassadors turned to each other, or sat in silence, thinking over their words. Aelita surveyed everything from her perch and a stone sunk in her stomach.

"The Council will agree to help, right?" Regald asked. He'd abandoned his pipe. Aelita noticed his fingers grazed along the thickest part of his belt, where he kept a hidden knife stitched to the underside. "They have to."

"No, they don't," she replied, "Lady Taunaqui's plight is empathized, and they'll state they wish to help. But dwarves have had internal struggles for awhile now and won't lift a hand unless their mountains are attacked directly. Trolls may offer people, but they get hounded by goblins and the ilk and everyone knows--"

"You don't want a troll beside you in war, lest you want your pockets emptied and a face full of swamp," Regald finished drily. Trolls seemed incapable of understanding the concept of "personal belongings" and their clumsiness in a fight had to many accidents. How they manage to fight off raids on their own was beyond anyone. He and Aelita shared slight smiles, but below was growing restlessness. The audience had grown quiet, anxious to hear the ambassadors' verdicts. The ambassadors were tasked with knowing everything about their own culture and race; not just politics, but the society, the general opinion on every topic and the wisdom to know what their people would choose when a new topic occurs. Ever since the human civil war, tensions have been higher and all races of the Fae court have been less willing to help each other. Support, yes, but never commit their own people.

"What will we do?" Regald asked quietly. He'd been to Defiance Bay with Aelita, years ago. He knew she was right. But he also felt sick with the idea of what the giantess spoke. It was danger they needed to deal with immediately; not sit around and ignore.

Aelita didn't answer him. "Where's Glyamion?" she asked instead.

Regald paused. "I don't know. Taking a piss?"

"Find him," she ordered. Despite his questions, Regald nodded at once, and quietly left. As he did the Fae ambassador stood and called for the others to make their decisions.

The dwarves refused any help. Figures.

The trolls did as well, but apparently they were dealing with increased attacks and couldn't spare anything.

Slyvienne stood and what she offered made Aelita's teeth grind. As she assumed, the elves were as bad as dwarves and said they needed to focus on rebuilding from when the elves fought the human refugees. They could provide provisions, weapons, and volunteers--not like any would step forward. Aelita fidgeted, feeling uncertain. An unsettling feeling was creeping along her spine but she couldn't define what it was or what it meant. She took stock of her own hidden weapons- guards of the Pirate Council were nowhere near this lethargic in their weapons search- and watched.

 

[UnAngelVerde]

Lara looked at them with quiet anger. Very well, then. You have already been warned. Lara said outraged but with nothing to say to them. They would learn that they needed them, and giants would kill them but help their people.
With this, Lara rose, made a deep bow and started walking away.
Nothing more than a little massacre to make them learn. Then, both her companions left with her.

 

[SilentxChaos]

Aelita, I found Gly. Thought he could sneak away to sleep, Regald's voice said in her head. She smiled grimly.

Good. I want you both to head back home. Get the ship ready.

You sure that's a good idea?

Now.

Aye, aye, Captain.

She could hear his smile in his thoughts. They'd been waiting a long time for this kind of opportunity-- to go back. She wasn't going to let it storm out. As the giants departed, Aelita peeled away from the banister and followed.

***​

Aelita waited against a tree trunk to which several steeds had been tethered to. One was her own: a pale stallion with a black mane. He nibbled at her shoulder, nudging around for treats. She pushed him away as she saw the giants approach. She came out from the shadows and stood on the edge of the trodden road.

"Lady Taunaqi. I hear you need some help."​

 

[UnAngelVerde]

Misa Aelita Lara said, recognizing the daughter of the elven embassador. They did spect some kind of envoys for when they reached the harbor, but they we're still really far from the coast, almost half a day's march.

What do you want with us?

 

[SilentxChaos]

Aelita glanced at her companions as she drew closer, sizing them up...just in case. Then she looked directly up at Lara. "The Fae Court won't help, but I know of another Court that might be more...accommodating. Depending how desperate you are."

She glanced behind the three giants to the glowing light of the Fae Court. She felt uneasy, as if being watched, especially as the night grew darker. She beckoned Lara. "Come behind the tree line. I wouldn't want anyone spying on us from a distance. Perhaps...one of you would stay guard?" Aelita raised her eyebrows at the other two giants.

 

[UnAngelVerde]

We can't hide, even trees are small for us. But no one is following us. Wood doesn't lie. She said, the others a little flustered at all the secrecy. Get on your horses and accompany us, we'll talk as we go. SHe said and moved along the others towards the bay. Talk me of this court. I won't make my people fight any fight that's not my own too.

 

[SilentxChaos]

"Have you ever considered, you may not get the choice?" Aelita asked. She didn't wait for a reply. "Yours are not the only people living in Defiance Bay. If you have been forced from your homes, then it's only a matter of time before the dark elves spread to other populations. I'd imagine, if I were them, they will target the next biggest settlement."

Through the trees, they could hear the beat of tide against a beach. Aelita paused to lean forward and stroke her mare's mane, while her eyes lingered beyond the road, looking for the first glimpse of shore. She looked back at Lara. In the dimming light, her eyes seemed to grow lighter the closer they came to the bay. "Sunken Refuge will be their next target. I think that will give some incentive for the Pirate Court to hear your case...if you're willing to play by their rules."

 

[UnAngelVerde]

What makes them any better than your own familly? If Dark Elves are the Fae's enemies and attacked us as part of them, then Sunken Refuge would fear nothing. Maybe they would even pay them to finish us off. Her expression twisted at the idea of a the ancient treasures of her people sold out to pirates as mere artifacts to kill her brethren.

The giants have always been kind while protecting as far as they could, offering some protection to the smallfolk of Sunken Refuge. While sometimes that gained them friends in Sunken Refuge, most pirate crews would take their heads if they could.

Lara saw how the girl hoped for the shore. It looked like she could have been born to the Sea Elves if in another time, when they lived and prospered. In any case, we have always thought of Sunken Refuge as little brothers. The Dark Elves are our enemies to begin with, too, so i will listen. It is known though that the King denied the Humans refuge when they needed it when we were part of the court, and that pirates harbour no love for us. I don't belive they would help, maybe buy us as slaves from the Dark Elves when we are conquered, at most.

 

[SilentxChaos]

You're lucky I'm not my family, Aelita thought. Any other elf would have taken offensive to such a comparison. perhaps with the exception of Regald.

Aelita looked up and saw stars beginning to shimmer in the night sky. "Your argument is based off many assumptions," she told Lara, "first being, simply because dark elves live on Sunken Refuge, that protects them from your threat. The matter of fact is I believe those who attacked your lands were part of an extremist sect of dark elves. They call themselves the Dahlmongul."

She pulled her mare up short and looked around. She was beginning to think she was becoming too paranoid, but the skin on her neck was getting goosebumps. Aelita spoke again, but it was awhile before she took her eyes off of the surrounding forest and back on the giants, "The Dahl aren't friends with Sunken Refuge, not anymore. It used to be their base but after one of their attacks went wrong, they ended up burning down a whole dock and were eventually chased out by the Thieves' Guild. But the Dahl had resources, and power, and many secrets. I'm convinced they are the only ones who would know how to tame a dragon. Or find one for that matter.

"At any rate, the Dahlmongul have no love for that place. They may even seek to retake and make it their permanent home. Also, going to Sunken Refuge will be a good starting place to track their movements."

Clicking to her horse, she moved on with the giants, down towards the bay. This time Aelita, nonchalantly, loosened one her knives hidden in her wrist brace. "Your other assumptions are assuming, beg my pardon, we'd be going to the Pirate Court without support or a way in. The former is quite opposite as we would need the Refuge's residency governor to support us, if we are to convince the pirates we come with serious news. The latter, well...I'll be your way in." Aelita looked up, and straight at Lara. "After all, I used to be one of them."

 

[UnAngelVerde]

Let me get this straight: only a faction of dark Elves, rogue to the bulk of their race is our for our blood? So we could be allies to SR. Also, the pirates could help us for something... It seems a little far fetched for a group if rogue drows Lara comented.

But, if you are true, this could be the thing we needed. I got a counterproposal Lara said with a grin, the first smile she had given since she had arrived

 

[SilentxChaos]

Aelita pressed her lips in thought. She expected this, but still worried over what the lady giantess would propose. After a moment, Aelita nodded. "Alright. What is it?

 

[UnAngelVerde]

You convince your mother to help us and really commit to our cause and i and 10 others will join personally on whatever you were thinking on doing. I play a safe bet having the support of your mother and you will be able to do whatever you thought we could do for you. She thought that, if Aelita had an idea for getting back there or fighting the Dahlwhatever ara could sacrifice whatever it was needed, knowing that her people was safe.

 

[SilentxChaos]

Aelita's eyes flashed and her jaw tightened. "My mother speaks as the voice of my people and elves have made it clear for centuries they will only support another with an outstretched patting their shoulder. I doubt this is a compromise I will achieve."

Her horse neither and she realized she had been gripping the reigns too hard. She forced herself to relax, sighing softly. "Understand this: I'm not here on behalf of my people. My mother doesn't even know I'm here. I have...personal reasons for wanting to return to Sunken Refuge."

 

[UnAngelVerde]

You can convince her all the same. It's a thing i ask of you out of desperation. You would have me go to a place full of pirates that hate me with the sole reassurement that you're with me. I can risk myself in such a way only if i know that there will be someone backing us, neck deep on our shit. Is that or i can't compromise myself to that kind of danger. She said stubbornly, nothing that she was tense. I mean no offense, nor i wanted to punish you in any way I take it you come as a friend... but right now, a show of friendship is what our people need.