Houses of Ilkaria: A Steampunk Fantasy

[Altrex]

Edwin heard the intonations of the Arbiter speaking from the dining hall while he walked back to the Zeppelin but wasn't able to make out any of the words because of the distance. He'd probably have to get notes from another delegate.

But, for the second time he heard a muffled distant voice, this time while he was working on washing his clothing. Leaving his cloak soaking in the soapy water Edwin got up small traces of water sprinkled onto his uniform and his sleeves rolled up to his elbows showing off his forearm muscles built from wielding his sword.

Approaching the opening to the zeppelin he was surprised to see a slightly build female elf. Assumingly the one who had spoken. Was she afraid to enter the airship? That would make sense given the incredible breach of edict that would be, especially between warring people. "Greetings.." Edwin tried to search for the name of this elf inside of his catalog of important persons. Unfortunately he didn't match her description with anyone yet, "Madam. If you're looking for the dining hall I believe that you are quite lost. Were you perhaps asking for directions?"

 

[PoetLore]

Renn felt extremely uncomfortable in his more casual attire, but he entered the dining hall and took one of the few remaining seats left, and the closest one to the Arbiter. He could almost feel the tension in the room now, like it was a palpable presence. Healing made you aware of things and sensitive to things, that most people did not notice, and this frisson in the air was one such thing. He wondered what effect it would ahve on the deliberations, but made no comment of that ilk.

He leaned over to the Arbiter, "How are you feeling, Arbiter?" he asked not at all certain he had enough energy to completely heal such a grievous wound. He usually did not stop pouring energy until a job was done, but he also knew his powers and abilities had limits. The Arbiter looked tired and uncomfortable to him and it gave him a certain amount of concern that he had not in fact totally healed him. "Do you require additional healing?"

 

[PoetLore]

Kylessa saw the man emerge from a small area and tipped her head. her hands were folded before her and her beautiful blue gown had about a half inch of blood on the hem of it from when she'd managed to catch Renn just before he'd fallen to the stone floor after healing the Arbiter. She'd not noticed it, nor was she likely to. She did still look lovely with the colors and lights making the blue in her eyes more prominent than the green at the moment. A bit of her perfectly braided hair had come loose in the fall onto Garrick and strands of golden yellow were now framing her face. If one cared to notice, her arms were toned and strong, from wielding her bow.

She raised a delicate brow at his words. "Actually no," she relied, "Jabari are never lost, and do not ever feel the need to ask for directions." Least of all from a Laren, but she did not say as much aloud. "I was merely wondering why you were leaving, if indeed you are. You seemed determined to make some kind of alliances with the Berkak, you were not giving up so soon were you?"

She was determined to uncover his secrets. her own prejudices against Laren were her major driving force, though she'd ahve been loathe to actually admit that to anyone else, much less to herself. She was sure that he was up to something sinister, and she was going to unearth it.

 

[PoetLore]

Garrick turned to Buras, "So he meant to kill me as well," he sighed and there was a deep sadness there, "He blamed me for his sister's death." He stated in a soft tired voice. He had not been anywhere near her when she'd died, she had asked him to leave long before that. But ones had come upon her and realizing who she was had tortured her in an attempt to find Garrick's location. She hadn't known, but they didn't believe her. The men had no killed her but instead left her tied and beaten. No one found her in time and she'd perished there many days later. When he'd heard of it, he was grieved deeply in his heart, he'd found the place they rested her and had carved a beautiful sculpture of her as he remembered her the day they'd wed and placed it there as a memorial to her. He hadn't been able to do anything else for her, but when he returned a month later to place flowers there the statue was destroyed and carved in the base stone that remained was the threat, "You will die as she has."

He remembered thinking at the time, when. All of this passed through his mind now, and he looked back to Buras from the trail of blood on the ground, "I would be greatly appreciative of your assistance, Buras," he said humbly, "I wish him to be buried next to his Sister in the family place. I will make the stone at a later date. I realize he cannot be buried with honor, which saddens me for her sake, but buried I would like to see him. His actions are largely my own fault, it seems death follows me."

he looked at that moment like the weight of the world was hanging on his shoulder, and indeed he felt as though it was. He did however escort the lovely Aylina into the dining hall and see her to her designated seat. He bowed slightly to her before making his way to his chair noting that Torna was seated close by fidgeting with his blade.

He leaned over to him and frowning spoke, "Are you not seen enough blood this day Torna?' he asked looking at the blade as it was sheathed. "If ever you called me a friend, Torna, please do nothing to cause more friction in these proceedings."

@Maggie

 

[Maggie]

Aylina's heart skipped a beat as she was escorted by none other than Garrick! She took an opportunity to talk to him before he left to visit others. "Garrick, please... let some of that grief go. Nothing is ever only one person's fault. If I have to spend my entire time on this quest making you realize that, I'll stick around just to brain wash it into your head." And with that, she took a drink of cool water from her glass, letting him absorb what she said. It was her determination to make Garrick stop hating himself; she knew all too well what that felt like, and it was an ugly, monstrous feeling. No, the world wasn't all rainbows and butterflies; it was cold, dark, full of betrayal and wars that really had no business going on this damn long. But she was mindful of her place too, and waited for the other delegates to assemble at the dining table, wondering what was going to happen in the next few days. She was eager for adventure.

 

[PoetLore]

Magana offered a small smile to Buras, "A pleasure indeed," she replied as she waited and listened. She was in no hurry to join the other, though she should have been. She would no doubt, no doubt, be given a stern dressing down for her actions, but she could not find it within herself to care at all. The honest truth was, that she was intrigued by the way the Berkak had unraveled the magical secrets of the weapon. As a race her people were HIGHLY suspicious of magic, and shunned it violently. She however, was vastly intrigued by it and felt the ferregard would benefit greatly by learning to tap into the magical nature at their core. She'd been told it existed, but that they had rejected the use of it long ago.

She wondered if such a way with magical weapons could be learned. her mind was swirling with ideas and questions but she was attempting to look as though she were just casually observing and listening. she was also aware that Berkak were under the impression that Ferregardians were stupid and unteachable, and she was hopeful that these proceedings would show the Berkak and the tohers that this was certainly not the case. She felt it was her personal goal to uplift the general popular opinion of her race so that the Ferregard would be respected for more than just brute strength.

She watched the one called Garrick seem to take this as an added weight to his apparent guilt and that too bothered her. As she watched him escort the Aedairin into the dining hall she turned ehr attention back to the only remaining person in the hall, "Will you require assistance with preparing the body for transport, Buras Garethsson?" she asked. She felt sure he would not, but she wished to offer nonetheless.

@Beowulf

 

[Beowulf]

"Death follows all mortals, Garrick." Buras said to him as he stared at the corpse. Garrick had given him permission to preside over the funeral, that meant he had to get the proper measurements so he could fit in the hole they dug him and not look any smaller then what the Berkak already were. A proper coffin also had to be made, but he'd leave it to Garrick's digression on what the coffin would be. It could be nothing more the cloth wrappings for all he cared, but it was Garrick's decision. And then all he'd have to do was lay him to rest, say 'May the Ancestors and the Gods forgive him' and be on his way.

"I should not be needing any help. But right now, this needs to be taken care of." He gestured to the whole of the blood filled hall. "And there are more important things that need our attention right now. As much as I hate saying this considering what has just happened. But I'm a little hungry. And I got dressed up in these ridiculous clothes to do just that." His blacksmithing personality was starting to swing from the patience of watching the metal heat to the furious banging to shape it before it cooled.

 

[Aragon]

The Arbiter leaned toward Renn, and said, "My own. I am much better. Still slightly weak, but much better." He looked around the table. "I may wish for you to stay and travel with me after these have gone. I find a healer may be a good ally. Beside that, I don't think I want to lose what I have found only today." He was quite honest in this statement, and he wished he could say more.

He stood, and called the group to attention. "Welcome. Despite the unfortunate events from earlier, I am glad every one of you have come. Tonight is a night for feasting. Tomorrow we begin negotiations. Among your houses, please decide who you will nominate for your house Lord Delegate, who will rule your house, and be the final vote in each house for any legislation made by this Hegemony. Nominations will be heard and tested by the power of the Ancients tomorrow. If the Ancients accept the nominees, each will be again tested to select the Emperor. Then, prior to the Emperor's crowning, we will decide on the laws governing this body. We will determine how to make this peace permanent. Now, let us enjoy the feast as much as we can, and retire to our places, so that we can do as we must." He sat, and let out a sigh. This would be difficult, he knew.

 

[Aragon]

Torna leaned toward Garrick, and whispered, "I apologize, friend. My nerves are getting the best of me, and breaking the stone of my heart." He sheathed his blades, and turned his attention to the Arbiter, again feeling the strange power of his voice roll over him. It wasn't unpleasant, as such, but it was strange. Strange magic did not do much to still his mind.

Torna immediately went through his mind thinking of those who would make a good leader among his people, and one came to mind. At least he himself would not care to rule his entire people. He had enough trouble ruling his clan.

@Altrex

 

[Altrex]

Looking the girl up and down Edwin noted a few observations. Jabari were hard to read sometimes, this one was probably far older than him. It took almost all of his effort to not laugh when the Jabari informed him there race was never lost. As it was, he let out a breath of air through his nose and widened his smirk. "Forgive my assumption, Madam." Edwin even lowered his head, though his voice seemed to have a condescending tone to it.

"I'm not leaving, what a silly thought, no rather my current state of dress was unfit for the rigors of diplomatic contact." Edwin locked eyes with the Jabari briefly musing to himself. "It would seem you were watching me, and made an incorrect assumption. But if you are allowed an attempt attribution to my actions then I will make one about you. Mere curiosity didn't bring you to an enemy's vessel seeking answers from a diplomat." Edwin tapped his chin, "No, you must think that I'm up to something devious. Perhaps one of my race's odd sciences? Most Jabari seem to think that of Laren."

Stepping down from the ramp Edwin stood before the woman. "But let's leave reading between the lines behind. I am Edwin Ames son of None. How shall I refer to you?" While he introduced himself the man elegantly bowed in a rehearsed motion.

 

[PoetLore]

Renn regarded the Arbiter with knowing healer's eyes but relented. He could see something was not totally right but he did not press. "I doubt I will be chosen to be Lord of the Aerdairin and I will be honored to do as you have need," he said honestly. he had no idea what someone such as this man would need of him, but he was willing to travel and be a healer and friend.

He listened as the Arbiter spoke of what was to come and knew he would have to meet with his fellow Aedairin to choose a lord. He would do as he had been bidden by his people, and then he would follow where the Arbiter led. He had no desire for this political life, or to be part of this process, but he was honor bound to do his duty and see that his people were represented fairly and treated equally. He would do this, and hopefully be free afterward to return to his life.

He noted as he looked around the room at the delegates that Kylessa Yeldove and Edwin Ames were not among those seated at the table. He waited for the Arbiter to finish speaking and then whispered to him after he sat down, "There are two people missing from the table."

 

[PoetLore]

Kylessa listened as he explained his need to clean up his attire. "You were rather covered in the blood of the Arbiter," she acknowledged with a nod. Her brow lifted, "But there are no enemies here Laren," she said with a hint his same subtle disrespect. But then he accused her of spying on him, "I was indeed watching you," she said honestly not feeling the need to dissemble or hide a fact that could easily be confirmed. "I found your immediate interaction with the Berkak suspicious, though my father reprimanded me for it." This last was spoken with a bit of bitterness though it was skillfully disguised.

"I am Kylessa Yeldove, Delegate Ames," she said bowing her head to him as well. Her bow was graceful and elegant like her race, and exactly like she'd been raised to perform by her parents. "Perhaps my father is right," she said with a smile that changed her features to make them far younger looking, though she did not look a day over twenty anyway, still her smile made her seem approachable. "It would seem wise for us to begin again and to make an effort at honest communication so as to avert any future misunderstandings...unless you would prefer we stay within the vagaries of diplomacy."

He had moved closer and she could see that he was like most Laren, strong and tall and strangely attractive in their way. She'd only seen a few and none this close, thankfully, but she had to begrudgingly admit they were a striking lot of men. Fortunately he could not read her mind, so she did not ahve to admit as much aloud. "Were you adequately cleansed to return to the dinner then?' she asked with a tip of her head and a slight smile, "You seem presentable to me."

 

[PoetLore]

Garrick bent to hear her words when he sat her in her seat. "You are kind Aylina," he said and his blue eyes flickered with a sudden light as he spoke, "It may well take that long Miss, and I would never stop a lovely lady from anything that brought her joy." With a bow to her and a genuine smile he left her to sit with Torna and Buras.

he listened to the Arbiters words along with everyone else and his chest swelled with pride. He had made the right choice in pledging his allegiance to this man. He would spend his life righting the wrong he had once done and this was the means of accomplishing that task. He felt completely sure of it. His eyes did move across the table to where she sat, in spite of his mind calling him five thousand kinds of a fool for doing so. She was such a beautiful woman, inside and out. The fact that she had even spoken to him, made him smile across the table at her.

@Maggie

 

[Maggie]

Those eyes, when he gazed at her, sent her mind and heart into overdrive. She had to stop herself from growing too flustered, having rarely received such a compliment from anyone, aside from her father that is! But he was gone all the time, and here in the dining hall, being close to Garrick even for a moment sent her reeling. What was it about him? besides his good looks, he was obviously brilliant and well-spoken. He had a lot of traits she admired. She listened to the Arbiter however, and made sure to pay close attention to his instructions. It was true, the day had been full of surprises, not all of them friendly, she hoped things would go smoother when the journey actually started. She felt a little uncertain about who to speak with and make friends, everyone seemed to be mingling just fine, but she'd never really thought about finding someone to fall in love with. When her mother was alive, she used to tell her that those things just happened on their own... Looking at Garrick, she knew she was right....

 

[PoetLore]

Magana lifted a brow when he motioned to the floor, "I do suppose that is true," she replied and then let out a full laugh at his next comment, "I suppose it is not very ladylike to admit that I am ever hungry, but I am as well. It was a long journey to arrive here," she looked at his clothes, "I completely understand that," she said motioning to her own gown. "I have never worn such a garment in my entire life. It will lead people to believe I am actually feminine." she huffed, "Female yes...feminine no." She regarded his attire though, "You look appropriately garbed for the event. And not out of character, so Bravo Buras Garethsson."

If someone would have told her a week ago she would be standing in a blood soaked hallway laughing with a Berkak she would have checked for fever. However she was making her own assessments and decisions in this place, not taking her ideas from tradition or prejudices. "I do not suppose you teach this art of weapon making with magic?" she asked quietly. Even asking such a question would have her fellow Ferregard down her throat.

@Beowulf

 

[Beowulf]

"Bah, I look like a sweet you'd give to a child." Buras told her as he held out his arms to show her how baggy and poofy it all was. "I couldn't work in a forge like this. It would be more like lace by the time I leave it. But enough of that. Come, we are at peace, let's show them what that means." he continued, holding out one arm for her to take, though it would be awkward for at least one of them. For his part he was already holding his arm up as high as he could so she didn't have to stoop down to much. That is if she decided to take his arm in the first place.

"Oh I suppose I could give it a try. I'll be needing to take on an apprentice at some point eventually. I'll have to see if you have any talent in the forge as it is. Some aren't just meant to be in the forge in the first place. And if you do have talent with the forge then I'll see if you can use magic and teach you to use it. Then once that is all done, we will get to the actual forging." He decided not to tell her that in the beginning she would have very little to do with weapons aside from getting him the right metal for him to melt down or to retrieve his chisel set for the runes. No, she would be stuck doing the more intricate things to make sure his lessons stuck and didn't. Weapons were all rather simple and once you've done one you've practically done them all except for the occasional custom order, which he would take care of in the beginning until she had shown him that she was in fact capable.

 

[Aragon]

The Arbiter nodded, "I am aware. I would be appreciative if you would pass my words to them once they return." He sank into deep thought for a moment, then said to the assembly, "Before such a question is posed, I do not wish to take the throne in this world. I only wish to make a home here. My aim is to end the war and to set up a government that has great potential for growth, and can insure that the peoples of this world don't resort again to war."

He took a drink of his water, and continued, "To that end, I am not going to be taking the Ancients' test myself. I will simply administer it. The only thing I charge all of you with is to accept the choice of the Ancients. From those bloodlines will come the leaders of the world many millenia hence."

 

[Aragon]

After the Arbiter finished speaking, Torna stood, and said, brusquely, "My apologies for bending your ears. Also, my apologies for my tendency to fidget with my blades. I must first say, that like the Arbiter, it be not my intention to rule. Nor, am I fit to do so. I am fit to be warchief of my clan, but not of my people. I claim here the right of abstinence, my fellow Berkak."

He sat down, his words lingering in the air. He was satisfied that he had said what was needed and nothing more. He was not comfortable at all with the idea of being an emperor, let alone a Lord Delegate. There were others here more acceptable, in his mind.

@Altrex

 

[Altrex]

"Till the war is official declared over over two races are still technically fighting. Even if there is a brief lull in the bloodshed." Edwin regretted not having more formal diplomatic training. Was the Jabari annoyed at her father, him, or both? Not only that but the girl was hard for him to read, "I was merely bored, a truer, fuller explanation would be a waste of time."

"Well met Kylessa Yeldove of the graceful people." Her bow was much more elegant than his, not only had he only learned recently, Edwin also disliked the practice. In the middle of the thought Edwin was suddenly struck by the girl's smile, she was young looking. How old was she really?

"Finally someone who is more my speed. Political posturing drains my stamina practically knocking me out on the spot." Edwin looked down at his damp clothing missing a major piece of the uniform and the disarray the rest had fallen into as it was more practical to clean that way. "No, but I think if I have a Jabari vouch for my presentably my fellow Laren might die of surprise. Care to help a Gentleman out Miss Yeldove?"

Edwin held out his elbow for Kylessa and began walking back to the dining hall.

 

[PoetLore]

Renn nodded, "I would be delighted to be of assistance in any way I might." He looked around but did not see the two as of yet, and decided he would wait until after the meal to fill them both in. It would be easier and far less conspicuous. He wasn't a political genius or anything, but he did know that in an assembly such as this, it would be easy to make an enemy with even the most well meaning of actions.

He listened to the Arbiter's words and wondered at the man. He obviously had been sent on a mission, and he was trying to fulfill it. He admired his manner and bearing, as well as the words he spoke. he watched everyone's reactions to get a feel for the group opinion of things and he saw some nodes of approval and then heard Torna decline. He thought that was a bit odd considering how vocal he had been before, but he did not question the man's decision. He hadn't really wanted to be here himself, but found himself being thrust into it.