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[Steel Samurai]

On the highest wall of the Collosseum, a red scarf fluttered in the wind. Two keen black eyes peered down upon the small figure in the sands below, the sole person in the world who had authority over him. One goddess. One ruler. One nation. The goals of Chikara and the Book of Koridai made sense to Steel, though he realized that should the empire be in such a state his position as The Shadow of the Hands and Eyes of Chikara would be useless. And that was the paradox in it all. The paradox that every career soldier in the Empire had to face, at one point or another. Their goal was to work themselves out of a job. True, it would likely not be in their lifetime. Possibly not even in Steel's extended life. When one has an eternity with which to plan, a few hundred years one way or another makes little difference. Nonetheless the irony was inescapable.

She knew he was here.

She knew, and yet she never looked towards him.

Steel was a master of analyzing the motives and desires of others. He was a master because he had to be. Mankind was not wholly selfish, and those who thought so were fools, but nonetheless men of honor and integrity were few and far between, and as a spy, it was vital that one learn to distinguish honor for honor's sake and honor for the sake of money or appearance. He analyzed without thinking, without any consciousness that he was doing so. It was almost instinctual, and he was rarely wrong. Yet, try as he might, think as long and hard about it as he could . . .

She remained unreadable, inscrutable.

Perhaps that was another reason why found himself drawn so strongly to the woman, whose raw power so outmatched his own considerable strength that it was like dropping a rubber ball into the sands of this vast Colosseum.

Another figure stepped out from the catacombs, red armor polished to a glorious hue, in sharp contrast to Steel's usual utilitarian black armor. Today he was stripped to the waist, tightly bound black cotton trousers tucked into sturdy greaves, and a red scarf about his neck. He wore red only when summoned to an official audience with the goddess, or if in ceremonial regalia as Commander of the Praetorian. Solomon would likely feel that he was being disrespectful, wearing nothing but a scarf above the waist, but for Steel it was symbolic. Symbolic of the trust he had in Chikara, for by leaving his chest, his heart exposed he showed that his body was hers to do with as she pleased. It was also a sign that he had nothing to hide from her. No secrets, no hidden things, all was laid bare for the goddess to see. Not literally, of course. It was -symbolic-.

The other figure took a knee. Solomon. Steel coiled his body, the muscles in his back and torso rippling as he prepared to leap. In a sudden release of energy, he leapt from the narrow stone wall on which he stood, red scarf fluttering in the wind behind him. It was a dangerous leap to make, a long distance to cover horizontally to land on the sand, and an infinite number of calculations to make in order to land without injury. An ordinary man could not have made it, not with a hundred years of training. But Steel's body was far from ordinary. Especially not since he had been infused with the power of Chikara herself. Twisting and writhing in the air like a cat, he landed in the sands of the arena not 2 meters from Chikara, his knee bowed and head bowed deferentially.

"My Lady."

He rose. As much as Chikara loved to watch the battles in the Colosseum, he hoped that this display of physical prowess would please her. It was not in Steel's nature to show off, but years of harsh physical endurance training had taught him to find pleasure in the way his body moved, the flexibility and strength of his muscles, contracting and expanding.

He rose, smoothly, gracefully, his eyes meeting hers for just a moment, and then locking onto her lips.

"I await your pleasure."

[JRPomazon]

So the dingy seat rat arrives. Perhaps it wasn't so foolish to worry about who was the goddess was accompanied by after all. He began to contemplate how well Steel could leap without his legs. This quickly shifted to a lovely visual of Solomon removing them. Painfully. He rose from the ground, a smile on his face as he looked over at Steel.

"Lord Steel, your childish need for attention always never fails to amuse me." He said, nodding as he walked over to the goddess and himself.

Edited by JRPomazon, 08 February 2010 - 12:13 PM.

[Steel Samurai]

"Perhaps, Lord Solomon, the goddess' time would be better spent -not- listening to your petty attempt at bickering." the Assassin said, his eyes never leaving Chikara's face. "Just as it could also be better spent -not- waiting for you to arrive. Not, of course, that I deem to make a judgment as to how You should spend your time, your majesty. Regardless . . ." Steel offered a rolled up parchment to Chikara detailing the minutiae of Solomon's indiscretions while abroad. "This, my Lady, is my impression of the Grand Inquisitor's conduct while in Vildmark. Do with it as your wisdom bids you." The parchment handed over, Steel cleared his mind of all resentment or anger towards Solomon. As long as Chikara knew of the Inquisitor's behaviour, his duty was complete. There were more important things to attend to.

"As detailed in the written report, the trip to Vildmark was largely successful. We returned with a signed treaty pledging mutual support and admiration between our countries and several new technologies, which the researchers of the Mage's College are reverse engineering now. I was successful in my goal of setting up a basic intelligence network in the Capitol, and that should expand throughout the country within a few months, giving the Hands and Eyes a new set of pupils with which to see. I was hampered in this task by having to take over diplomatic negotiations, due to reasons detailed in the report. The political atmosphere in what we saw of the country is described in this:" He handed her another scroll "But can be summarized by saying that the native population is heavily downtrodden under the foot of the politically powerful usurpers. Rebellion is unlikely at this point, but two or three years of fomenting such could potentially lead to an overthrow, should it be deemed necessary to our cause. Finally, despite their superior technology, the base living standard of the country is far lower than it is here; the streets are filled with orphans and beggars, and the taverns with whores and pimps."

Steel bowed, and awaited the goddess' response.

[Chikara Nadir]

Chikara rose from where she had allowed herself to rest against an ancient alter, patiently waiting for two of her dearest soldiers while she entertained herself with Selena as her illusionary host. She knew both were coming long before they entered the open arena, both stubborn-willed and insistent that their attitude on how the empire should be run was the only one necessary. Well, second to hers, of course. You couldn't pay for entertainment like those two, when they were in a room at the same time. Just the glares alone that they tried not to let their empress see -- they charged the air with hidden electricity, two polar magnetic pulses of virtually equal vigor. With two beings so strong willed on her side, Koridai was unstoppable.

The rising moon lit upon the gold tint of her alabaster cheeks as they rose in a soft smile, accepting Solomon's greeting with motherly affection. "Please, do not be troubled. I chose to come here alone so as not to be bothered by the extra time and formality of having an entourage attending me," she explained in response to his initial, unspoken thoughts. "I have kept you and Lord Steel waiting far too long already, forcing you both to come all the way here to speak your minds when you just as easily could have done so back at the ocean. If anything, I should ask for your forgiveness for my outburst there earlier."

She looked aside, winking at the secret ghost who haunted her as though to indicate again that she thought his ferocity would have made he and Selena a cute couple..in another life.

Just a quickly, Chikara's attention shifted to the other man who had been watching without joining, not the least bit startled when Steel lit down beside them from his perch high upon the wall. And then it was time for the grand parade between the two of them.

She let either man speak, taking Steel's scrolls without reading them.The details she could search later, but all that truly mattered was written visibly upon their hearts for her to read. "Vildmark's reception was a success, but what of Virrat? I dislike tasting sweet victory when it's naught but a shell to cover up bitter defeat."

The goddess clenched her fists lightly, then stopped when she realized she was beginning to crumple the papers she held. "My negotiators with their golden tongues moved too slow in speaking to the Vir, whilst those who find it easier to parley with fists and swords perhaps moved with too much haste and ruined what our chances before they were borne. To accommodate for these faults, we will move swiftly to make our presence known and our power solid in this new land. Then we will push our way into the realm of our opponents long before they have the strength to put up a defense."

"I will not point fingers for our shortcomings in this enterprise," the woman set her eyes between the men while looking at neither to press this fact, "But I will say that I have every intention of visiting our new allies personally as soon as possible to see what direct influence is necessary. After all, they should likely wish to see the goddess that they have chosen to accept the power of. I will be sure to raise their standard of living and thus their gratitude to us as a main priority. And as I will be easily within distance of communication…" Her lips pressed tightly into a tight-lipped smile that looked nothing short of forced, "Any man who chooses to take it upon himself to make decisions that I myself would not approve of will be held entirely accountable."

"Make no mistake, this is a time to rejoice in our success and to use the new technologies and other information we have in our possession to its fullest." The goddess slipped both scrolls under the golden ropes about her waist to secure for later. "However, our nation is far closer to the Vild than Calatia is to their new little friends, and added to that is my ability to pass between the two nations with ease. Once we have fortified every corner of our ally's land, geography dictates that Calatia will literally be forced to pass right under our nose in order to transport supplies or information to that continent. There is no reason whatsoever that we should have any difficulty in cutting them off and gaining the upper hand again, so long as we are swift in our maneuvers over the next few months."

She stopped, supposing that any more detailed decisions should be made with a scribe nearby to keep from losing any information, and a handful of legislators to help state where necessary soldiers and funds could be borrowed. Hrm, politics. No, might as well get as much said as possible this evening, while in the secret company of men who she could respect.

"My greatest gratitude for your report, Lord Steel." Chikara stepped close to the man, resting her hand against his bare chest and daring him to look into the depths of her crimson eyes for longer than a single beat of the heart she felt racing beneath her fingers. She pulled herself up on bare tiptoes, gently pressing her lips to his just long enough for him to truly appreciate the surge of power her dainty body held. Dropping back and licking her lip, she continued to whisper, "I am eternally thankful for all that you do for the cause of your Empire, and appreciate any further words that you may offer this evening."

While the man was left to catch his breath, yet she still felt the need to move quickly and not bother with words. Chikara flitted over to Solomon, closing her eyes as she brazenly forced a kiss upon him as well. Yet although he was second in line in reception of her affection, she let herself linger against his chest, tasting him for a pause…

There was, of course, every ounce of meaning in the order and timing of her actions.

Breaking off and giving herself distance again from both men, she clapped her hands together once and continued, "Now, Sir Solomon, I imagine you might have your own perspectives on the adventure to Vildmark to bring to light? Unless you have grown tired of my dull rantings so soon, of course…" She smirked, her cheeks gaining a hint of pink even against the blue of the growing moon.


OOC: Sorry for the autoing, but it was just too easy.

[Selena]

Oh, what a nice trip down memory lane. Selena had put up with this sort of behavior for centuries, and it still sickened her. It was so juvenile - a schoolgirl in heat pussywhipping men while the real warlords used strength and power to get what they wanted. Every proper war meeting was interrupted by that damn woman lavishing sentimental, flirtatious praise on otherwise sane officers. Selena knew it was a tactic used to control others rather than anything genuine, but it was still embarrassing. As expected (at least for Chikara's own memories), Selena snorted in distaste.

"Back to these old tricks again, are we? Servicing men in order to keep their loyalty. Driving them jealous in order to get them to best one another for the sake of your domain. I swear, the only difference between you and a prostitute is that you have an army and get paid in loyalty rather than money. You and I both know that they aren't simply playthings. I'm glad I never had to resort to this sort behavior. I ruled through strength and my innate ability to command others. I wonder if you even miss your self-respect."

"I don't see why they pant they way they do. I mean, you kissed me. In all honesty, I've had much better. You stabbing yourself was an apology for it, if nothing else."

The figure of Selena walked around Solomon, examining him. She already knew Steel. This was an entirely new creature. He had wild eyes. Bloodlust. Not unlike a Loddie, really. That was at least somewhat acceptable. This must have been the one Chik thought she'd be 'cute' with. Perhaps for an evening or two, but only if the prettier Calatian or Labyrinthine girls were unavailable. At least he looked ready to kill Steel. Maybe Selena would be blessed with good fortune, and Chik would push them too far, inciting a duel to mutual death. You had to be careful when playing with the emotions of unstable people, after all.

"This is the one? He might be in for a short lifespan, then. The last male suitor I had mysteriously disappeared not long after you learned of him. Poor Korhend. Since we're on the subject of 'much better than you.'"

[JRPomazon]

Solomon's mind was in an uproar as the goddess approached Steel, almost losing every last ounce of his self control.

"BASTARD, I SHOULD RUN YOU THROUGH." He thought, his hand on his hilt of his blade.

It wasn't jealously that motivated this rage but to see Steel graced in such a way just because he knew how to make friends with a pack of savages . . . no, that wasn't right. Perhaps it was just because it was him. His loyalties were superficial, all he wanted was her power. Chikara left Steel's company and came towards him, surprising the inquisitor as she came within inches of him. To be so close the the goddess was completely-

Then she came in for the kiss. As he felt the heat on his lips Solomon's mind became white noise, his eyes wide in shock. To be graced like this was . . . To imagine that she . . .




As the heat from her touch faded after she had backed away, his senses returned. He quickly shook off what had just happened.

"Now, Sir Solomon, I imagine you might have your own perspectives on the adventure to Vildmark to bring to light? Unless you have grown tired of my dull rantings so soon, of course…"

"Your Ladyship, the crusade to the savage lands of Vildmark were met with great peril. Although Lord Marcoh was originally going to lead the expedition, I realized that a man of his . . . standing would not be best suited for the journey. Everything played out according to plan."

He went on about the journey, Steel's intrusion, the discussions and even the attack by the heretics in gray. He spoke truthfully, not flattering any aspect or any one person but was not afraid to cast blame and insult whenever it came to men such as the messenger that was used as bait, or the soldiers that were of no use during the raid by the natives in the jungle. The conflicts he told in greater detail, the goddess appreciating just how hard her men were working out there.

"We have allies now in Vildmark, they seemed very amused by our strength during the attack on the embassy. Lord Steel truly lived up to his name by bringing the matter to a quick resolution."

He almost bit his tongue, complementing that bastard was like swallowing a flame.

"Although I muse admit I was curious that a man as careful as him would not take the time to completely disarm the heretics. After all, he managed to subdue them before myself or my templars could even reach them. It is a shame, because it allowed them the chance to kill themselves before they could be used for questioning."

It was time to get some personal questions out of the way.

"Your eminence, for too long I have seen these bastards in gray interfere with the glorious works of the empire, both from the outside and inside of our nation and I see neither the armies nor the Praetorian doing anything to take preventive measures against their terrorism. The inquisition does all it can to aid the people of Koridai, but even some of the arch-inquisitors are hindering progress with their concerns of funds and resources. They wish to horde the gifts you have given us for themselves like dragons sitting upon mounds of gold. The mass prison escape of war criminals in the southern cape and the numerous attacks on our trade routes are not going to be the end of their hateful vendetta. I will admit that diplomacy is not one of my strength but please give me the chance to be the hammer upon the wicked and offer me the authority to help Koridai be RID of these vermin once and for all!"

Solomon waited for two things: The reply of the goddess and the rebutle of Steel.

Edited by JRPomazon, 09 February 2010 - 12:42 AM.

[Steel Samurai]

Something about her eyes drew his gaze, almost against his will forcing his black irises to gaze into the crimson depths of his Goddess. A tingle, a clamor, and he was swallowed in their chaos, the beauty and majesty of pure, unbridled passion and bloodlust, overtaking his well-ordered mind, working its way into the cracks and crevices of his psyche, swallowing, consuming, maddening . . . the touch of her hand on his chest was like a jolt of electricity coursing over his skin. He moved not an inch, but his mind was thrown even further into chaos. And then, the cool softness of her lips on his, quieting, calming, settling his thoughts and emotions. Imperceptibly, his muscles, tense with the struggle against the all consuming sweet taste of madness, relaxed as he gave himself to the kiss. It was over in just a moment, but it seemed as though it had taken an hour, as Steel returned to the dusty sands of the Colosseum, the sweet taste of his Goddess' mouth lingering on his lips. He merely stood there for a moment, reordering his mind, the intoxicating scent of divinity still lingering on his chest where her hand had pressed.

Solomon was talking.

". . . I will admit that diplomacy is not one of my strength but please give me the chance to be the hammer upon the wicked and offer me the authority to help Koridai be RID of these vermin once and for all!"

Steel spoke, his voice calm, collected, and dispassionate, not reflecting for a moment the lingering chaos inside.

"Should you deem the pursuit of these men in gray cloaks a worthwhile cause, my Lady, The Hands and Eyes are far more suited to discovering and eliminating these men than the Inquisition, itself currently in a state of turmoil as it is apparent that the other Arch-Inquisitors do not approve of many of the actions Lord Solomon has taken lately. Until the dispute is settled I think it would be more than unwise for the Inquisition to spend its efforts pursuing terrorists outside of the borders of Koridai, where it has neither contacts nor experience. Especially not when the Eyes have already begun an operation to gather information on this terrorist group."

[Ransom]

Marcoh stepped closer to the door to knock and noticed the sign was different than he had first read. the word "Scientist" had been scratched out to make way for the new title:

"Tai'lor Famous Scholar"

Who was this man who could claim to have two professions and be living in the palace? He could not possibly be an adept in both fields. But that didn't really matter. If the man just happened to be an expert scholar as well, it was all the better for Marcoh.

He knocked, and was almost instantly confronted with the face of some servant around the corner of the door. "His master's apologies, but he is currently in a meeting. If you would like to wait here, it shouldn't be long."

Turned away again! And by some no doubt peasant inventor. Who could he be meeting with important enough to make him wait? Marcoh fumed. He would wait. Yes he would wait and then he would give this inventor a piece of his mind.

A good quarter hour later, Marcoh was still waiting for Tai'lor Famous Scientist Scholar, when three servants appeared in the hallways carrying an array of foreign looking weapons. As he stepped out of the way the first servant bowed his head. "Our deepest requests for pardon your Lordship."

He looked inquisitively at the collection of rifles, pistols and bombs. They were unlike anything he had ever seen, functionally and stylistically. He concluded that they must be from the newly discovered lands.

"What is all this for, page?"

"Apologies your lordship, but i know nothing. These were brought on request of The Claw." the page knocked and waited.

The Claw. So that's who he was being made to wait for. Head of the Assassins division of the goddess' forces. Very interesting indeed. He had never seen him before of course. Barely anyone had. Rumour had it he was barely even human.

As the door slammed behind the admitted pages Marcoh found himself once more alone.


------------

Half an hour earlier...

As the claw stepped out of Steel's quarters he was Immediately joined by two members of The Hand.

"Report!" He whispered sternly. The higher ranked of the two hooded figures nodded and began to speak as the Claw continued walking. They followed behind him on his right and left.

"The Target is vanquished Grandmaster," He began, "for the glory of her Divine self."

"And the status?"

"Perfect, Grandmaster."

Ah, excellent. A perfect kill meant no witnesses, zero chance of discovery, and zero superfluous kills. On a four star mission such as that one, this was very rare. Claw had to wonder, was it this Talon who had done it, or the rookie Paw accompanying him? If it was in fact the rookie, a perfect kill on a 3 star mission or above meant an almost instant promotion, completely skipping the final exam.

But on a mentoring mission such as this one, it was even more rare for a perfect kill to occur, as the Talon was responsible for treating the whole mission as a demonstration for the Paw. It would not do if this Talon had been neglecting his duties, a small investigation would have to be carried out.

"Grandmaster. I must also mention that..." The Talon paused and sighed, "This Paw was responsible for completing the mission."

The Claw stopped suddenly and looked back at them. Despite his veiled face, the rookie was beaming standing straight in some kind of salute.

"Welcome to the Hooves, Assassin."

"May I just mention Grandmaster," The Talon interjected again, "that the Paw acted against orders! I instructed him to stay behind and he disregarded my authority."

The Grandmaster became suddenly blunt.

"To obtain a four star perfect kill while going against your orders seems even more difficult wouldn't you agree Talon?" The Talon's eyes lit up, the guard against his anger and frustration ready to crumble like a dam. "Do not mention this again or I will demote you."

"But Grandmaster!"

"I must now also welcome you to the Hooves assassin. Although i'm sure you're quite familiar with their systems. Now go and take this rookie to his new quarters." His dark eyes showed his shame, and he accepted his first mission back as a hoof with heavy steps.

"Oh and before you go, I need you to take this request to the master of arms. Hurry."

The Claw had never been talked back to so adamantly, especially from one of his elite. Most of the Talons were handpicked by himself and The Shadow after all, and an intense level of servitude was only expected. Though, A demotion and two petty errands would definitely put him in his place. One day he might even be admitted back in.

Leaving the now equally ranked assassins to bicker, The Claw continued through the Palace. He was heading for one of the empire's finest scholars and inventors, Tai'lor. A man, his Eyes informed him, that could find anything out of everything, and make anything out of nothing.
The Claw also saw it as a good opportunity to have the Hands and Eyes share of the weapons picked up in Vildmark, examined. The Claw knew there was a way to make practical use out of these weapons for Assassination purposes. He just needed to find someone knowledgeable in the craft to find it.

A plump man in ornate robes passed him in the hallway, heading towards Steel's quarters. Inquisitor Marcoh, here? If he was seeking an audience with Lord Steel it was doubtful he would be admitted. What use was an inquisitor outside of the inquisition anyway? Marcoh of course ignored him, barely noticing that he even walked past. This was normal. No one noticed the Claw unless he intended it.

When he reached the door of the scientist/scholar he knocked and waited, once again reading over Lord Steel's song. What could Tai'lor possibly pull out of this?

Edited by RNSM, 09 February 2010 - 12:16 PM.

[JRPomazon]

"Experience? We've been the leading defense against these terrorists for months while you and your departments have done nothing but pick at your asses!" Solomon commented, infuriated at Steel's comment.

"The inquisition and the templars have far superior skills in investigating criminals, you honestly think the Eyes and Hands will find something we already haven't?"

Giving Steel the investigation was a foolish idea, this was Solomon's work from the start. He was the one to lose his men and his time over all this, he could not just allow that smug bastard to destroy everything he worked for! He turned away from Steel and towards the goddess

"I have reasons to believe that these heretics are hiding within the borders of the cursed lands. The only forces we have currently that can withstand the curse that you have placed are the templars, or the bloodhounds as they are so crudely called. Anyone else would lose their minds in a matter of days, perhaps hours upon entering. They make a mockery of you M'Lady by using your curse, the curse you placed on that sin drenched land as a means to hide themselves while they scheme something even more sinister! If you give this task to the Praetorian I can guarantee that it will end in failure!"

Solomon turned to Steel.

"The proper mental training required to prevent the curse from taking full effect over the mind is not only extensively time consuming but restricted to members of the inquisition and the priests and nuns under Pope Toan. Common soldiers and the men in your dingy lot do not receive such luxuries unless the goddess, myself or the Pope permit this."

What say you, you filthy sea rat? Can you catch those who so many others have failed to do?

[Steel Samurai]

"Leading defense, Solomon? By that I assume you mean you spent approximately ten thousand Postarem" (The Koridaian currency, equivalent nearly to ten million dollars) to send an expedition into the cursed lands, outside of your jurisdiction without any approval from the goddess in order to kill ONE of these grey cloaked terrorists. The other escaped, and you gained no information." Steel was not without his spies, even within the Inquisition itself. "Who knows but that that action triggered the attacks on the negotiators in Vildmark, another point at which you failed miserably to make use of the resources given to you. Two of the terrorists, ready for interrogation, and not only do your men fail to disarm them, an action so basic I thought even the Templars would know to do it, hence my own decision to prioritize speed, but you kill one of the witnesses immediately, shaming both our nation and yourself, and allowing the other the chance to kill himself. No Solomon, I think you and the Templars have done more than enough damage to the cause of the goddess in this matter as it is. These are not the ordinary criminals and heretics your Inquisition is so used to fighting, weakened, starved little rodents that put up little of a fight. These are trained terrorists, enemies of the Empire as a whole, work for real assassins, not the glorified policemen you take such pride in.

"It is true, my men do not have access to the peculiar mental training which seems to allow even the weakest priest or templar to survive indefinitely in the cursed lands without succumbing to madness. But how, then, do you think those in grey cloaks survive themselves? How did any of us survive after the cataclysm? A strong will, Solomon. The mental resistance training my Talons go through strengthens their mind, making it highly resistant to the effects of the Curse. Any one of my top agents could survive for months in the cursed lands, more than enough time to take care of whatever terrorist cells need eliminating. And do you really think I would leave the Goddess herself unprotected by sending in her Praetorian? Please. You should know how the arms of the Quadrate work better than that by now."

[Chikara Nadir]

ooc: Sorry I posted, then pulled it back to fix a big mistake in the middle. I blame Toan with his loud Modern Warfare for my not reading the previous posts correctly the first time. <.<

The goddess allowed her innate rage to lay dormant, arms crossed and sharp nails left to tap at her elbow as she listened to the charade between either man. The invisible third agitator was by no means helping, of course.

It was not that either of their opinions was more valid than the other. Nor that she was bothered because, as the closest thing to omnipotence that existed in the world, their decisions were meaningless to her. Even their battle of wits, which in the grand scheme of the universe seemed like little more than bickering, was still what kept either man sharp and alert -- ready for battle. Still, to a woman whose memories, and the memories of the souls that dwelt inside of her (which at this point were as difficult to distinguish as grey sheep in a fog), thousands of years of war and the breakdown and reconstruction of generations more countless than the stars bore little more significance than could be balanced on the head of a pin.

Whereas in her former life empathy was an emotion that she and her kindred had considered a sign of weakness, nowadays she found it a curiosity and tried her damnedest to care about the emotions and lives of these strange mortals under her care. That did not make it any easier to do so at times like this, however.

"ENOUGH." Her word loud but not angry, stern but not condemning. Regardless, the sound alone caused the very air on the perimeter of their small circle to shake, booming outward until any dust missed by the monks who upkeep the place had satisfactorily been shaken loose from the pillars and floor. They were all forced to breathe dust for a few seconds while their lady composed herself. "From the way either of you speak, my empire's money is being wasted, my troops improperly trained, my borders defenseless, and should I face the misfortune of dying at this moment every drop of sweat that has been put into our survival would be wasted by you two dividing up the entire land to kill one another off while Calatia watches and laughs!"

She huffed lightly, more the agitation of a mother whose children refused to stop fighting than anything akin to rage. Still, something obviously bothered her; one hand slowly went up to nurse the temple of her skull as she tried to hide a momentary twitch in her eye. "I could easily find alternatives to this situation for you two. The easiest would be to out the both of you and tell Pope Toan's monks to learn how to fight; for all their pious privilege they at least never cause such uproars in my court. However, between their vows of pacifism and their guts from too much sacred wine, I don't believe we'd get far."

"Or, I could always surrender my capacities as a ruler and begin to behave like a barbarian, as seems to be the common trend nowadays. For instance, I might carry on my affairs like a Calatian, such as my late - " she stopped herself short of saying 'daughter', her eyes wandering momentarily to the spirit, "…foe Selena. If you cannot be satisfied with the wealth and strength given to you by Koridai, perhaps you would rather imagine a realm where your faithfulness to the nation is rewarded by treachery, where the best soldiers must sleep with their backs to the wall to keep from being slaughtered at night by drunken, war-crazed rebels. An entire kingdom made up of thieves and bandits whose only common cause is to create mass chaos." Chikara tried not to choke on the last word, a shiver of Lazu's mischievous power gliding down her body. Much like her kiss had been to either of the men here, the true god liked to remind her of his presence with a sensation so filling to the brim of her senses that the woman felt she would overflow with maddening ecstasy.

"But no, I am not a lunatic heathen." Even unto death did Chikara delight in insulting her former protege and the clan that girl had created in her own image. "I believe in order," again, the beast within her laughed in opposition, "In our ability to make a perfect world by joining all of our best interests together for the greater good."

"Lord Steel," she motioned toward the scarfed man with a flick of her wrist, leaving emotion behind as she spoke. "I feel obliged to trust your opinions and needs above those of any soldier in this empire simply because of how long you have stayed by my side, obedient and eager to share my dream. However, I grow concerned that your fear of changing the methods with which Koridai is protected and led forward in this new era may blind you and preventing us from taking hold of the full potential given to us. Whether by the Vild peoples or within our own borders."

"While Lord Solomon," her heavy-lidded eyes fluttered in his direction again, monotone and unreadable to match her words. "You are constantly searching to best Lord Steel, to be acknowledged for your own prowess. Your methods may be controversial, but you seek a common goal. I lack no faith in this fact."

"What I need at this point are two types of men, and whether their traits prove complimentary or exclusively individual is of no consequence to me at this time." She held two of her fingers in front of her own face, then whisked them away again as she turned her attention to the ancient alter that rose at the center of the colosseum behind her. "First, I need men who are patient. Methodical. Who represent everything that the public believes is great about our empire, and who are willing to turn the other cheek when scorned in public -- not because they are weak, but because our kindred and our allies alike should not be made to see how cruel we can be to naysayers and traitors in private." She wondered at the shapes before her, steps rising on either side somewhat like a pyramid, to the center where the basic frame of something circular had once been built…

"Secondly, I need men who are willing to do my every bidding. To steal into the homes of seemingly honest citizens and slice their throats if I say they deserve it. To be cruel like the Calatians, to not fear persecution or damnation for their deeds -- because I promise you that their faithfulness will be rewarded in due time. I need men who are willing to spread war, disease, even genocide that spoils crops, rots living herds of cattle, causes the sky to rain down blood and the earth to upturn itself again…!"

Chikara stopped, realizing her behavior all too late. Her voice had been rising from a whisper to a shout, and her arms had become outstretched to grasp the light of the beckoning moon. "This nation needs lambs who can appease the masses and profit from learning new methods and technologies, but it also needs wolves who can slaughter the opposition without hesitation. Which either of you choose to be is your own business, but I would be proud of any soldier in this holy empire who is capable of entertaining both sides when the need arises."

Her voice quieted again and her arms back at her sides, the goddess felt pleased by the imagery dancing in her head of this perfect world she would lead so soon in the future. "With your permissions, I would like to put together a joint task force between the tight-laced soldiers of Sir Steel and the fierce men of Sir Solomon. Not any great multitude of those under your commands, and not even the best ones --they will be necessary in the coming wars ahead." She said this as fact rather than speculation, as though she did not assume something great was coming…but simply knew. "Steel's men can be trained to properly survive for long periods in the cursed lands with their sanity intact. Solomon, the men you choose may be taught the same level of patience, honor, and composure that Steel's men seem to maintain in public settings. With the two groups learning from one another, perhaps both can better their fighting techniques, let alone their skills in assassination, and can have an organization that both of you are proud of."

"Once I have personally deemed this program a success -- which I will not allow it to be anything short of -- either army will have the full capacity to train within their own ranks, and to march into any land adjacent to Koridai or elsewhere, whether to serve as sleeper agents in a political capacity or in destroying entire armies by cover of night. Then, perhaps, it will not take fortunes to garner the strength necessary to capture two men, are you chose to put to light." Her gossamer robes wafted under the pressure of the moonlight, almost translucent at their hems. She bore to her best ability to image of an angel while speaking of the nation's darkest necessities in war. "Now what else shall I address?"

[Goose]

Tai'lor was sitting at his desk. He had on a cloak made of the finest heshin in the land, with a new style to it, it was made to look like he was wearing a sack. He was told that it was the rage in the streets right now. He was reading a book on how to make something called pasta when he heard a knocking at his door.

"Who's that tap tap tapping at my door?"

[JRPomazon]

Continued the knock on the door in intervals of a couple of minutes, hoping that someone would let him in. Surely, being a arch-inquisitor had to meant SOMETHING to these brutes!

Meanwhile, his superior was at a loss for words. The very idea of combining his strengths with Steel's was far more than he could stand. Why should HE get more power than he already has? What good would that do? He was another relic that sneaked into the modern era, corruption practically came off of him like common sweat. How could ANYONE want to be like him, jack of all trades but clearly a master of nothing! Someone like him deserved an everlasting death, one that Solomon would be more than happy to carry out. Dragging him down through the levels of hell, howling and laughing on his merry way as demons danced on his beaten corpse in a sea of fire and sulfur! WRITHE! SCREAM! KNOW ONLY AGONY AND SORROW AS A CHORUS OF THE FALLEN SING THE HYMNS OF THE FORSAKEN!

Solomon noticed himself lost within madness and gently placed his hand that was over his saber's hilt over his forehead. It didn't matter what he wanted, all was in the name of the goddess. His personal qualms would wait for another time.

"If her ladyship, the goddess requests it then I shall abide. Lord Steel and I are more than capable to work out some sort of agreement." He said, bowing in respect.

The issue with the Gray Cloaks was on the top of his list, they were obviously tied to Jordan in one way or another. To find him and eliminate him, the person he deemed a greater threat to Chikara's new world than other man alive. Steel would have most likely set the eyes and the hands and nose and whatever body parts he calls his so called "networks," making the task of finding him first all the more important. He could no predict whether he would protect his former comrade or not.

"Goddess Chikara, perhaps you could help for me with another matter. I'm looking for . . ."

He paused, thinking carefully about what he was about to say.

"No . . . perhaps there is no need for your assistance regarding this. My apologies for bringing it up."

Edited by JRPomazon, 11 February 2010 - 12:07 AM.

[Chikara Nadir]

The lady of honor, ghostlike under the pale moon, watched closely for the reactions of her subordinates at hearing what fate she had bestowed upon their men. It was no mistake for her to have made the decree of a joint task force in their private company, for she wanted to see exactly how their psyches could handle the mention of a situation where the best of enemies would be expected to pretend they were the worst of friends.

As expected, Solomon reacted just short of a cat thrown into the sea. His muscles tensed, his pupils dilated, and the woman could hear his heart pounding against his chest with unbridled trepidation. Chikara was not necessarily concerned by this fact; if anything, she enjoyed the color of his emotions with a wave of nostalgia. To hate so deeply, and yet to believe that he was right in feeling so…

"Anything." She blinked once, realizing that as she had become lost in thought, her eyes had begun to glaze over. "That is, tell me anything you wish, and I will do all that is within my power to give it to you."

[Selena]

"Well, at least I've figured out what you do in your spare time while locked up in that palace."

Selena paused and examined their body language. Agitated. Wanting to kill each other. Reacting with fury when it came to working together, though Steel was obviously more composed than his peer. Sniping at each other. That look of rage. Selena looked over to a somewhat absent-minded Chik.

"Do they remind you of anyone?" Another thought. "See what happens if you call one of them a lemon."

[DarkJuno]

"I must ask you one more time, sir, to rethink your actions." Words. Words that attempted to be forcefula dn self assured but were betrayed by the underlying nervousness from the guard who uttered them from his rough, dry lips, looking wide eyed at his superior. Drake pauses, the wind in the dim moonlight fluttering a few loose strands of his hair free from his face and obscuring his view of the nightlife of the holy city. As it had turned out, while Her Holiness had requested his presence, it was for an audience after whatever it was the little fluttering goddess was currently occupied with. When he ahd discovered this, Drake was more then a little irked, and was now currently in the process of turning on his heel walking out of the Arbiter's Grounds. It was this which the gaurd was attempting to stop.

"If Her Holiness wishes to speak with me, she may summon me yet again at her own whim, and if she has not the patience for that, she may seek me out herself. In the meantime, I shall occupy my time with a useful activity. Good evening...."

"But, to possibly incur Her wrath-"

"Would it not be prudent to work towards the good of the Empire, rather then stand here and merely wait? I have Men and Women to tend to and cultivate to be part of our great Nation's army, my time is precious, if she has issue, she knows where I shall be. 'Tis late, as well. Good evening." Drake repeats for the second time before turning on his heel and waling down the path away from Her Holiness' base of operations. Hrmph, the nerve of that little failure of a guard questioning his actions - he remembered the man well, having not been able to stand up to the Koridai Military's training regiment, and what's worse, questioning Drake's insistance on the distinct non-use of magic from top to bottom of his forces. Magic was for the weak, and if one could not defeat a foe without its use, you were useless to Drake, and by extension, useless to this Empire. If he had his way....

Drake stops, pausing for a moment as the wind continues to lift his overly intricate dress uniform in the breeze. No, he should stop thinking such thoughts, because he is, after all, here and putting up with this whole debacle because this particular agenda was worth not doing things exclusively his way, at least for the time being. SHaking his head, he grunts nonetheless, his fine black leather boots shining in the moonlight as it echoes along the fine carved stone walkways. Expectedly, "she" then began to walk alongside him, as if from out of thin air, keeping step with the larger man and toyingly folding one arm and rubbing her chin with her other hand.

I must say, I'm quite proud of you - normally you would strike a pathetic little insect like that down before he could even finish his sentence. Mellowing in our age now, yes?

"Hardly." Drake responds, quietly as a force of habit despite the mostly deserted streets he travels as he makes his way towards his personal abode, "Perhaps it is you who ahs finally grown out of the irritating little chatty wench that endlessly insults and chides me. I've only come to notice it recently, but for the last few centuries, you've actually been almost ebarable to have constantly chittering and chirping in my ear."

Certainly. Or you're starting to come around to me. A half dozen more apocalyptic events and you may well even come to enjoy my company.

"Perish the thought, for that would mean you too would begin to tolerate myself." At that, the shapely "woman" who simultaneously manages to be ever shifting and formless almost shudders, "Good to see we still have consistant feelings regarding our situation."

I still curse the day I made my pact with you, though seeing your be mangled and utterly decimated countless times is now a favorite pasttime, I admit.

"And I quite enjoy how you ultimately are forced to bring me back, so to speak. You know full well we can both keep this up for eons."

Indeed, then let me question something else.

"Very well." Drake had yet a long journey back to his own personal compound at the far end of the city - placed rather strategically for a gift from the diminutive goddess - s o the General might as well humor the figure. Oddly, he himself was surprised by how much he had been humoring the normally annoying little voice, and in turn was sure "she" was similarly surprised at how oddly open she was to discussing matters of state and strategy.

This goddess, Chikara.......surely she knows who you are, does she not?

"It would not surprise me. To be frank, I think it hardly matters for our - my purposes. While I certainly would not be surprised if such a dainty, flighty little flake of a diety did not recognize me if only by recognizing your presence about me, I'll give the short one the benefit of the doubt and say she does. What of it?"

Then why does she allow you to lead well over half her army? While certainly, "Those Two Guys" as you put it have their own little groups that they always boast about to try and make themselves seem special, you have free reign over her military, and she even seems legitimatley ignorant of the true nature of your Elite Vanguard.

"As it should be. Regardless of whatever she feels of me, I serve her well and do her bidding, so she probably lets it go. But I suspect her level of trust in me is on par with my opinion of her."

That is to say, not particularly high. But that's your opinion of everyone.

"And you cannot blame me."

That I cannot. With a small smirk, Drake can't help but ponder his relationship with this little annoyance. Ah well, that should be saved for another time. He still had quite a ways to go, so he left the covnersation at that as he continued his way down the many twsiting paths of the city, his "friend" keeping step with him all the way. Making hsi way down a set of steps, he remarks,

"Still, my little experiment was clearly well worth performing. After all, one never knows how long my not-quite-sacreligious but all the same completely irreverent treatment of Her Holiness will be tolerated."

Not that you care.

"Hrmph. If I didn't know any better, I'd say we were becoming one."

Perish THAT thought.

"Indeed......"

Edited by DarkJuno, 11 February 2010 - 01:57 AM.

[Steel Samurai]

A restructure? Combined training excercises? Steel forced the lump of disgust at having to train his men alongside that incompetent extremist down, sheathing his mind in icy logic. To his mind, a blurring of the lines of jurisdiction would cause far more problems than it would solve. With the Templars able to act at will outside the Empire, their blatantly unsubtle methods would inevitably come at odds with The Hands and Eyes, who prided themselves on completing a mission as ghosts, leaving nothing disturbed that did not need to be disturbed. Allowed by the Goddess to spend time and resources on missions outside of the Empire, internal security would inevitably suffer, leading to a greater likelihood of terrorist plots coming from within the Empire itself, and Calatian Spies infiltrating the Empire would have a much easier time of it. Steel pondered his response. It was obvious he had made an error in judgment, pushing as hard against Solomon as he had. Whatever beef the Inquisitor had against these men and Jordan, were they indeed related, minimal impact likely would have been made were he simply allowed to pursue them at his own pace.

"My Lady, if it be your desire that this joint training exercise be performed I shall of course carry out your wishes to the best of my ability. But I cannot in good conscience believe that this change in jurisdictions is for the good of the Empire" He outlined the reasons already thought of. "You have doubtless considered all of these, and I ask merely to be enlightened as to the good this shall serve. In order to carry out our operations efficiently under such conditions, full disclosure would be needed at every level of our respective arms, a situation which I am sure neither Lord Solomon nor myself wish."

[JRPomazon]

"Anything."

"That is, tell me anything you wish, and I will do all that is within my power to give it to you."

The funny thing about being offered "Anything" is that when you start to think about what it is you want, the mind goes blank. However, such an occurrence did not happen the same way for Solomon. Instead, it merely cleared out all the other thoughts except for the one he wished to share. All he needed now was to form the words.

That is when he saw him, standing right in front of him. In his hand he held a silver spear, wearing the same green armor he remembered. Staring right back at Solomon, his hazel eyes filled with conviction. It was him, the heretic! The bastard! The man who vowed to destroy everything he stood for! His existence was a threat! NOW, SAY IT! TELL THE GODDESS TO FIND HIM! FIND HIM TO SHOW THAT HE NO LONGER HAD A PLACE IN THIS WORLD! SHOW HIM THAT EVERYTHING HE STOOD FOR WAS WRONG!

He vanished before his very eyes. An illusion or perhaps an enlightened vision.

"Your Ladyship, you are gracious to offer lending your power for my sake. May I ask you to lend me your sight so that I may find a warrior whom I must kill."

His request interrupted Steel's argument. No matter, they would resolve the issue. If Steel and Solomon had anything in common, it would be that they both wanted as little to do with each other as possible.

OoC: Edited my original post a bit, nothing too noticable.

Edited by JRPomazon, 12 February 2010 - 03:50 AM.

[Goose]

There were people coming into his room and dropping things off. This wasn't too peculiar as his was a place where people would leave random things for him to play with. But these were foreign weapons.

The first lot of tapping had ceased, but now there was a different type of tapping at the door. This tapping was the tapping of somebody who did a lot of tapping, and not much shouting. This was the tapping of a whisperer, a tap dancer, a mist upon the ocean. As the man was dancing across his door with his knuckles, Tai'lor simply said,

"Come in."

[Moriatti]

Heavy hooves tore the ground beneath them, a wake of ruined dust, mud and shit trailing behind Vittorino. Upon the Stallion's back was a man, dressed darkly in fancy clothes that were only affordable to royalty, wealthy merchants and skilled killers, and this man had neither the blood of the royals, nor the load of a merchant, and there was a darkness in his eyes that only came from witnessing the end of men.

The man was Dio Moriatti, he had made his living so far fighting killers within the borders of Koridai, however, the country was at war, and Dio was good at his job. So why not lend his iron and aim to the Goddess? Besides, he needed the cash if he was ever to work on his pet project.

He had rode long and far, he had sailed the eastern oceans, and he was approaching his destination, and his meeting with The Claw, who had taken interest in him, who had offered him the option to serve the goddess. Dio had waited long to meet this mysterious fellow, who had given him only a location, and a code name, who had done so through word of mouth and whispers, which Dio had to pry from the shadows.

He stroked the mane of Vittorino, before letting out a stark and quick "HIYA!" Hastening the horse's pace. He could see his destination on the horizon, his weapons loaded, his determination set, and a distinctive smirk upon his face.

[Ransom]

OOC: sorry if this is shit. I havent slept for awhile...



Entering Tai'lor's room was like a entering a new dimension. The works of Tai'lor filled almost every space, sometimes spinning or pumping others wheezing or puffing. Any remaining space was filled with Tomes and scrolls, alluding to his scholarly side and perhaps a tendency to hoard. Apparently the many storage rooms and libraries were not to be trusted.

Still, the sheer volume of cognitive and physical labor that was preserved in that room amazed the Grandmaster, and he had to wonder how much sense of the other dimensions of this world the man possessed.

Not wasting any time, the Claw got straight to the point.

"Scholar. I have something that i want you to look at." The Claw's delicate fingers unfolded the crumpled lyrics from under his sleeve.

"What do you make of this?"

Then he remembered the other reason he was here.

"Also, as an inventor, would you be interested in taking a look at some of the hardware that was brought in from the New lands? Some of the weapons do not appear to serve any useful purpose, or seem just too complicated to activate. I am having some of them brought over now if you would be prepared to give it a try?"

Edited by RNSM, 17 February 2010 - 10:45 AM.

[Moriatti]

Dio pressed his face closer to the ground. He had learned to track when hunting game, and found over his bounty days that tracking a man wasn't much different. Especially so on one's home turf. Even so, the Claw's tracks were not as readily readable as Dio would've liked, either consciously or not, The Claw had walked in other's tracks when he could, and altered his weight distribution in some places. However, Dio had enough experience under his belt to continue, and was eager enough to persevere.

The Claw, from what Dio had heard was light on his feat, and light in weight, and Dio found his tracks as such. They were the tracks of a man who was skilled in moving silently, and the tracks of a man who's skilled in with blades.

The bounty killer followed these tracks, until he came to a building, looking to belong to a learned man, a place of study. Dio knocked lightly on the door; he wasn't here to kill, after all, only to offer his services.

[Selena]

Whispers were powerful things. They were born small, but could spread through a city like a fresh plague, infecting the entire population with gossip and paranoia. Even the mighty Empire of Koridai, where political naysayers and opponents of the goddess were dealt with in horrible ways, was not immune from the sickness of gossip. It began innocently enough. The citizens who lived on the outskirts of the Arbiter's Ground noticed a scout on horseback rapidly approaching. There was a large bandage on his arm, soaked in his own blood and in dire need of being changed out. When he reached a military checkpoint near the capital, he stopped long enough to check in with his peers. Citizens walking down the road became interested in how frantic he appeared. The wound only made their curiosity worse. Something dramatic had happened, and they wanted every last bit of information. A small crowd gathered.

The officer in charge of the checkpoint, ignoring the crowds, looked the young man over. "What patrol were you assigned to, son? Where are the others?"

His eyes were wild. "I need to see the Goddess! Lord Solomon, the Magnus, anyone!"

"Calm," the officer stressed. "Tell me what happened."

"No, let me through! You're taking too much time!"

"Kid, if you don't settle down and explain yourself, I'm gonna have to smack some sense back into you."

"My team's gone. Wiped out. I was in the borderlands. Now let me through!" His horse was restless beneath him, ready to rear up, hooves clashing against the cobblestones below.

"Calatians?"

"She was leading them!"

That got the crowd's attention. Their eyes went wide in anticipation.

"Who?"

"Selena!"

"That's impossible. Chikara killed her."

"I saw her with my own eyes! We caught her coming back down from the mountains, and she slaughtered everyone! She's not dead! Now, let me through!"

There was no more negotiation after that. The scout spurred his horse and stormed through the checkpoint, forcing all of the guards out of the way. As the rider galloped to the Arbiter's Grounds, the whispers were born. Those civilians that had heard the frantic report scurried off to tell their friends. Those friends told their other friends. Before long, half of the capital was talking about how the Goddess's rival had returned - the only survivor of Chikara's wrath. And despite how the officers at the checkpoint tried to suppress the news, claiming it was only a rumor spawned from a young man suffering from post-traumatic stress, it did no good. Everything was abuzz.

--

"Selena's alive," said a lady to her friend. "The Goddess couldn't kill her!"

"That can't be right," said the friend.

"I was there when the news came in. She slaughtered a whole scouting party. Only one made it back to tell the tale!"

"He escaped?"

"I don't know. She probably left him alive to deliver the message. You know how dramatic these warlords can be," the lady said.

--

"She took out one of our heavy cavalry units? Using just infantrymen?"

"That's what I heard!"

"That's not resting in peace!"

"Well, she was Labyrinth-born. Since when do any of those people die easily?"

"Wasn't the Goddess also one of those heathens before her ascension?"

"So I hear, but..."

"Maybe she's not as strong as we thought."

--

"Sacked an entire border town? By herself?"

"It's the truth!"

"I thought the Goddess knew everything. Why didn't she go there to stop the tragedy?"

"Perhaps more interested in relations with the foreign countries. The envoys just came back, you know."

"But our people!"

"A Goddess can't be everywhere at once. I think."

"I have a cousin near the borderlands. I need to write her. Tell her to keep her kids in at night with that woman back on the loose. Hell, she'd better just move here."

"You're right. The borders won't be safe anymore."

"But how did she come back to life?"

"Probably some foul magic. She's always been powerful. But as powerful as Chikara...?"

"Selena's back for vengeance. Chikara couldn't keep her dead. It just pissed her off!"

--

By the time the scout reached the Arbiter's Ground, the rumors were spreading like wildfire, as had happened in all the villages he had stopped at along the way. Paranoia had followed in his wake from the borders to the capital, and now that he had made it home, he knew that he was a dead man. He should have kept his mouth shut, but he had been... well, it... he had been scared. Watching that kind of bloodshed... even his training hadn't prepared him for it. Watching that spear pierce the heart of his officer's stallion, knocking the fatally wounded beast and its rider to the ground. The blade returned moments later, stabbing his dear leader right in the face. The magic...! He had watched another scout - his good friend - incinerated on the spot. Dark flames scorched his flesh, skin charring and crumbling away like the burnt crumbs of overdone toast. The screams of the victims. Her furious war cry, more wounded animal than competent leader. He had to tell someone. To warn them. To vent his own fears.

And now he would pay for that cowardice.

If Chikara did not kill him on the spot for the damage he had caused, then Lord Solomon would surely finish him off later. Magnus, Steel, hell, even the pope. It was too late to go back, and he most certainly could not flee. They still had to know. It was for the good of the Empire. Yes. Despite sweating palms, an urge to urinate in fear, and feeling as if his throat were collapsing in on itself, the scout walked up the steps to the Arbiter's Grounds. He found a high ranking priest, draped in the crimson and white robes of the order.

"S-sir. Where might I find the Goddess?"

The priest smiled. "I do believe she is in council with Lord Solomon and Lord Steel."

"I have news that cannot wait."

"The whispers of Selena's return?"

The scout's face fell. "The rumors have spread so quickly?"

"I'm afraid so, my child. I know you must be frightened, but you must speak the truth. Honesty is one of the greatest virtues. Even if the Goddess becomes enraged by the rumors, part of her will admire your honesty and the bravery it takes to come forward in such a situation. Fear is a powerful emotion. It can make the greatest of heroes fall to their knees. The trial is to stand up to it. I will lead you to the Mirror Chamber. The path is complicated. Please, follow me."

The scout wrung his hands and successfully managed to hold back the moisture in his eyes. He was too young. He had a girlfriend. He couldn't afford to die in such a shameful way. She'd be all alone without him. He was going to marry her. But, remembering what the priest had said, he took many deep breaths to calm himself down on the walk to the Mirror Chamber. The fear could not be eradicated, but he could control it long enough to deliver his news without making a fool of himself. If he was going to die, his last words might as well sound as if they were coming from a real man rather than a boy.

The priest lead him into the Mirror Chamber as Lord Solomon knelt down before the Goddess. The priest cleared his throat. "Goddess, my lords - I am terribly sorry to interrupt your meeting. I am afraid there is troubling news from the mountains."

The scout walked forward when the priest gestured to him. He felt his heart flutter in his chest. His muscled locked up. He felt the desire to run, but he did not. Instead, he stood up as straight as he could and said, "I was on patrol in the borderlands. My scouting team was eliminated. She sent me back to inform you. My Goddess, I am so sorry, but the warlord Selena is still alive."


The apparition of Selena laughed next to Chikara, a low and mocking sound. And then she vanished from Chikara's sight - not simply a product of Chikara's loneliness, but also a subconscious warning from silent powers that had gone ignored.

"I told you. You didn't listen."

[Chikara Nadir]

ooc: Sorry this is gonna be short and sloppy, but I needed to get something done sooner or later.


Chikara was caught between a rock and a hard place, though it was hard to decide which of the two was named Solomon and thus which was Steel. The latter man had vehemently made his feelings clear regarding his disbelief that the two groups could make anything work. She wondered herself, but the voice in her skull had its hold on wanting to see those men writhe in misery by being forced to associate with one another.

"Lord Steel. I appreciate and respect your wishes; however, in the event that my idea seems too forceful to you, I would like for us to think over some other form of compromise. But first…"

The former of the two soldiers was less open with his true emotions, but surprised her all the same with the openness and gall of daring to make so huge a request of her. The goddess was more than willing to do what she could to further her nation and its people, and to give certain allowances of power to those who served her proudly and aptly. But to ask for the ability to see so far beyond the limits of mortal perception, to potentially seek out any and all at the furthest corners of the world…

It was not just that she would not wish to give power of such magnitude that might potentially rival her own; it as also that Chikara simply did not have the ability to.

"Lord Solomon. What you ask for…I wish I had such skills myself. To be able to see where my foes stand from across all the continents beneath the sun would be an honor and a blessing, but even my own sight is limited. If I only have been told of a person and we not yet met, over distance their being may be hidden from me, so I truly hope you speak of an individual who you have personally crossed paths with before. At most from across nations I can sense that which I wish to find as an itch behind my brain, and from across Koridai a dull memory of their existence, like a silhouette of which the details are still vague. Within provinces and districts I can better distinguish where precisely they stand, and naturally I could appear directly before any man of my choosing throughout our city on a whim."

She held her hand before her, studying a particle of dust resting on the crevice of a line on her palm as though to mentally compare it to any one of the thousands she knew of within the Arbiter's Grounds and beyond. "I can grant you the sight of one man of your choosing, but you must be careful of whom you pick. Their imprint alone will be the only one you will be enlightened upon. You will not be able to read their thoughts by any means, but if you are close to the person and search their existence too deeply, you may find yourself feeling as they do, dreaming as they dream, catching and potentially taking on part of their psyche as your own…it is a dangerous thing."

Chikara smirked, stepping forward to take the soldier's armored hand into her own. And yet she stopped, the smile staying for a moment, then began to drift down the sides of her cheeks like the slow sand of an hourglass. Under the moonlit sky her face went from pale to striking blue as the blood left her pale features.

The whisper of the ghost came only second to the sounds echoing in her head, the voices of farmers, shopkeepers, spies, and monks alike. At first it was a hum, gently lapping against the edge of her psyche like waves against an inland lake. A rumor being spread, as carefree as of people being excited about a traveling carnival or a worthwhile sale on silks and leathers. She had ignored it, there were more important things at hand where she was right now.

But then it had begun to grow, more cautious and distressed. Commoners speaking of the curiosities of the world across the ocean that had newly been discovered? No, more than that. Calatia rearing their head against the pass?

The waves roared against the insides of her ears, a storm of fear and anxiety amongst the masses that nearly drowned out the footsteps of a a priest with a wounded scout in tow -- bringing a man in that condition to such a holy location?

Chikara heard the words but did not register them. Her face was alabaster both in tone and in emotion. "This man is of little use to me if he is dead. Find for him the best healing monks, and if he begins to show any sign of erratic behavior or poisoning find that quack doctor Tai'lor, he will be able to deal with any foreign elements that may have entered into the man's system via blade or witchcraft. I will need to question him fully as soon as possible and he will need the stamina to withstand such thorough interrogation."

Her eyes barely lit upon either of the two to have entered in her presence, and she was quick to turn away from all four after she had said these few words. "Now go, do as I have said." When it took a moment for the monk to raise from his kneeling position, she repeated in a sharp tone, "GO!"

They scurried away as fast as a man in a sack-like robe and a badly injured soldier could, and soon there was silence again in the Mirror Chamber. The goddess licked her lips; for some reason her mouth felt dry and her tongue heavy. "We…must make preparations. We must fortify our…must get our men rested and suited up for…"

She broke off, staring at the ancient altarpiece in the center of the room with eyes that seemed to be failing her. Everything looked a blur, and Chikara could swear she felt rain upon her cheeks but nowhere else…

"She's back." The voices of the city were drowned out by those within her own brain, screaming in anger but also laughing in excitement at such an insanely unexpected turn of events. As for the Empress herself, relief…she could no longer feel the guilt of being responsible for destroying her one true peer and foe, the bearer of her lineage…

…And yet for her to have returned and so quickly caused so much devastation, it meant that everything was potentially going wrong. All of her work, crumbling into dust no greater than the particle that had been in her hand…

The woman toppled forward, bearing her knees into dirt and stone as the world bore down upon her and the tears began to fall. There was no greater evidence of the weakness of her skills than that she hadn't even known that Selena herself was alive and striking into Koridai. How she wished, like Solomon, that she could see across all the peoples of the world! Now…now none of them would be getting any sleep until things were righted, Chikara the least of all.

"Selena is back."

[JRPomazon]

It was all so simple now. They remained elusive because they had never encountered the goddess personally. So it seemed that the only way to find Jordan or the heretics in gray was to hunt them down proper. But the hunt would have to wait, the disturbing news from the border was surprising and terrible. Finally the savage heretics of the mountains began to make their move. There was going to be blood, he could feel it. The prospect of battle was all so . . . intoxicating.

"Your Eminence, I will take my leave immediately. If what the coward says is true then we haven't a moment to lose. I shall return to the inquisition offices, whether they accept me or not I will do my duty."

He turned to Steel.

"Despite how much I want to rip your head off, I will accept the fact that we will be working together very soon. Just try and stay alive, o lord of the praetorian."

Without another word, Solomon exited from the mirror chamber to the lower levels. As he passed through the darkened halls once more, he smirked. Time to show his colleagues his true potential, in battle and behind a desk.

[Steel Samurai]

Steel's mind whirled through the possibilities, sidelining for the moment the potential pitfalls and windfalls of the group effort.

Selena was back. The period of Calatia's weakness and indecision was over. He had made good use of it; riddling the lower ranks of the Vikings with spies and sleeper agents. The upper ranks had proven curiously hard to corrupt, perhaps because most men who made it to any rank of note were committed fully to the Calatian ideology. But then, that could also be said of the Koridai upper echelons, so perhaps it was not all that surprising after all. Neither dorm was overly concerned with the acquisition of money, after all.

He idly wondered if news of the destruction of the border town had reached Calatia yet. Most likely. Hopefully Selena had seen the aftermath in person, but if not, it damn well better have been reported. That was, after all, the declaration of war. Koridai's troops had been mobilizing along the borders for weeks. Although the smart thing would have been to strike while the Dorm was disorganized by the loss of its leader, the power that be had decided, for some reason, that it was better to wait to see how things went.

Steel ignored Solomon, addressing Chikara instead.

"With your leave, my lady, I shall depart this conference. There are several things I must attend to with both the Praetorian and the Hands and Eyes."

Steel bowed, turned, and left the arena.

Two battles had been fought.

Battles?

More like Massacres.

Blood had been spilt on both sides.

As the assassin commander made his way through the winding passages and shadowy tunnels of the Arbiter's grounds, he was sure of only one thing.

Koridai would win this war. Or he would die ensuring it did.

[SL the Pyro]

Shadow couldn't believe he was actually finding himself wanted to do paperwork... but indeed, it had taken his mind off of his troubles for the moment. Perhaps he would have to see the scholar Tai'lor about this illness... no, he immediately banished that idea; that man seemed to have a fetish for the strange and paranormal... one of those strange and paranormal things happened to be Shadow's Key of Fire, which the quack was adamant on studying. No, the general would schedule a physical with other doctors rather than risk his most important possession.

His paperwork done in what had to be record time, Shadow slumped into his chair and breathed a heavy sigh. Maybe now that his mind was a little clearer, he could work out a solution to his problems...

A knock on his door interrupted his train of thought before it even left the station. Shadow resisted the urge to blast his door down and said "Come in..." rather weakly. He was too exhausted to mess with anyone right now anyway...

The door opened, revealing a frantic-looking guard. "General, a soldier from a scouting party has returned with disturbing news. He reports that Selena is alive."

Shadow was certainly wide awake now! He was so surprised that he jumped out of his chair and even lost his hat. "I beg your pardon!?" he almost yelled, hands planted on his desk so he could lean over it.

"The soldier's entire party was slaughtered, according to him." the guard explained.

All but one dead, used as a messenger... that was definitely something Selena would do. "How many people know about this?"

"The rumors are already circulating throughout Koridai. Some are even doubting our Goddess' ability."

Well... damn, that wasn't good. Reduced morale in the Koridian forces and increased morale in the Calatian forces could tip the balance of power in the wrong direction. "Do what you can to keep our men in check; a wrecked scouting party is a declaration of war without a doubt, and I don't want anyone wimping out on us."

"It will be done, sir."

As the guard left and closed the door, Shadow grinned in spite of the circumstances. He joined Koridai in the hopes of exacting vengeance on the Nadirs... when Chikara allegedly killed Selena, he was essentially trapped. But now that Selena was back from the grave and the Goddess apparently not as powerful as she was rumored, another opportunity had presented itself. Perhaps some of his plans could still be salvaged...

But he'd have to get this illness dealt with first... this was the first time Shadow could recall that he was disliking the Key of Fire right now...

Edited by SL the Pyro, 21 February 2010 - 05:12 AM.

[Selena]

ooc: We're... not sisters. o___o; Mother and daughter, though I don't think we ever stated whether that's blood related or not. I mean, Toan's her "son," but an entirely different species. I always assumed adopted daughter. We should probably discuss that at some point. *ponder*

[SL the Pyro]

OOC: Whoops, my bad. Fixed.

[Goose]

"I shall do it!" It was a shout, but for some reason Tai'lor felt a sense of urgency. It seemed as though the world was moving on without him and he had better do something quickly. He wished her were the kind of scholar to make a speech that could make little babies dance like dinosaurs, but that was something he lacked.



"The words mean.. Well, I didn't want to have to say it, but the words all point to death. Literally, they mean death with every different letter. Every stroke of the ink is like a blade to the heart, dealing a death blow to whomever offends the author."


And then it happened. The world went black.