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 Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2011 7:23 pm
"The girl who just spoke is the daughter of Vice Captain Rath and was the ambassador from Learania in the events of last spring." Spoke Songhua, as he got his feet. "I ask that you not disregard her because of her age or of her sex, but that you hear the truth in her words and feel her pure, genuine heart. If you do not, then you shame yourselves. If ever I have a daughter, I can only wish that she would become as strong, as dutiful, as lovely inside and out as this dear girl sitting before you."
Songhua looked to Ishtur. "As for you, maybe you have forgotten the lives lost last spring. The Aishyu, the Eydar; both completely wiped out in a matter of days, by one small group. One small group of mercenaries, hired by Mordache! Their goal? To turn Adliana and Learania against one another!" Songhua swung up his arms as he spoke broadly to the entire group. "They do not wish for us to unite, brothers! They know we have strength in us, they know that if we decided to fight with Learania that we would be a threat!" His hands slowly glided back down to his sides. "This lack of conviction is playing right into their hands. I implore you to see this! Ishtur would wish us to prepare for an attack to come, but what better way to get ahead of our obvious enemies than by hitting them when they are blind to us?! Do not make the mistake of thinking they will not come for us. We cannot stand against two nations on our own just as much as we cannot afford to sit and decide on doing what is right... or what is easy."
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Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2011 1:17 pm
For more information about Adliana or specifically the elders, go here: [X]    Shamir was pleased with Ishtur's words. The Chieftain carried great influence in his speech, and Shamir knew that it would prove to make a difference. But when the little girl and then Songhua spoke, Shamir's smile went away again. "Silence, Songhua! You have had your turn to speak. You will not create disorder in this meeting. You've even lucky that we allowed these Learanian vermin to--"
"We will stop here, for the night." Elder Kenefa spoke to the congregation. His eyes were clear and piercing. Elder Shamir narrowed his own eyes and glared, but no wash came over Kenafa like before. Shamir even began to subtly mumble as he stared, but even still, Kenafa's eyes remained clear. "You have come very late, Learanians. This night marks the end of this meeting. It is fortunate that you were able to make it and share your plea. In the morning, we shall reconvene and Rath shall be given one final chance to speak. We will then let you know what we Elders have decided. Until then, I suggest you all rest. You may need the energy in the morning."
Kusume looked at Sue, kindly, clearly touched by her effort to be heard. "May the spirits guide us and show us the right path."
Shamir sat grinding his teeth, annoyed that his influence over the other two elders seemed to have been broken by the will of Songhua and the Laranian guests. The spell he had put over Kenafa and Kusume could no longer be held. As the Learanians left the tent, he glared menacingly at them, knowing that he could no longer control the outcome of the meeting.
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Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2011 4:50 pm
"You ask why do I not talk much?"_______←« _____ ←« ____ ←« ___ ←« __ ←« _____"...Because there is nothing to say."Rath
------------  Later in the night, Songhua led Rath and his daughter to his Ger and had beds set up for them. Rath sat near the entrance and stared out into the night of the campsite. Sue had already gone to bed. The sky was clear with radiant stars and a beaming moon. A chorus of crickets sang harmoniously to ward off the silence. It was a beautiful night and very peaceful. Yet in Rath's mind, he could only hear the taunts of Rogvald and the crack of the whip. The memories recalled physical pain which caused the nomad to squeeze his arms as if to somehow numb the intense sting. Imagination implanted the shouts of Learanians as they suffered and died in the battle taking place far away. He could hear Nino crying out for him, but he was not there. The shouts echoed as Rogvald's final words resonated into the depths of the nomad's heart.
Reality was returned by Songhua, who gave a friendly reminder that they should get some sleep as well. Rath retained control of his breathing as he looked up at the chieftain. The wideness of his eyes lessened as he looked to his sleeping daughter and then turned back to the open entrance. He waited to speak as Songhua took a seat of his own across from the nomad, on the other side of the open flaps. "...In the morning, I give my final attempt," Rath started, in a quiet, almost depressing tone. "but I do not think it will make any difference. Tomorrow... I will be returning home, and I do not believe there will be an army coming with me." He paused and looked up at Songhua. "... ...You are my closest friend, Songhua, and I cannot think of a better person than you to be a godfather to Susan... That is why, when I leave tomorrow, I would like you to keep her here, with you." He looked down, realizing how heavy the request was that he had just given. "I must go, though I go to die. But she can continue living and be safe. I do not think I could stomach having her follow me in the fate I have fallen into..."
------------
Vice Captain "The future remains most uncertain, Nino."_____
»→ __»→ ___»→ ____»→ _____»→_______ "...But if this is your wish, then so it shall be."
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Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2011 4:52 pm
Songhua looked at his friend with a long face. Seeing him in such a state of mind was troubling. He also perceived something Rath had not told him. "You planned this from the start, didn't you?" he declared, calmly. "You knew that coming here would probably prove fruitless, so you brought along your daughter to leave her here when you returned." Rath's reaction said it all, Songhua's perception was correct. "I never cease to be touched by the lengths loving parents will go through for their children. I look forward to the day I can understand how it feels first hand..."
The chieftain gave a lighthearted smile, but it went away when he saw that it did nothing relieve the distraught of his friend. "...I will keep her with me, if that is what you wish, my friend." He leaned forward and raised an eyebrow. "But if you really think that my tribe will let you return alone... then you are a damned fool!" The smile returned. "Even if the Elders deny your plea, there is no authority in this world that could prevent my tribesmen and I from going back with you. I will have Sue detained, to stay with the woman and children... but only if you still ask it of me tomorrow, once you've heard her heart."
With the request sustained, Songhua decided he should say what was on his mind, too. He had to try something to help. "Elder Kusume was right about you, Rath... you are but a hollow shell of how I knew you. When you make it to Learania, your people will be looking for the strong leader in you... what do you think you will accomplish, like this?" He turned and looked outside himself, to take it the slight breeze that was hitting them. "Will we most likely die? ...Yes, I think we will. But I do not see it as you going to die. Are you not instead going... so that your people may live?" He looked back with that confident smile he wore so well. "Do not sacrifice yourself because you feel you have failed, my friend. You have done everything possible- you have fulfilled your role. Do not give in to despair.. when hope still ignites our flame."
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Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2011 4:54 pm
"You ask why do I not talk much?"_______←« _____ ←« ____ ←« ___ ←« __ ←« _____"...Because there is nothing to say."Rath
------------ "...I... I don't know what I should do, Songhua." Rath said, shakily. "...I don't know what I should say..." He buried his head in his hands. "How can I convince the Elders to help us...? How... how can I save Learania? How can you claim there is still hope?!"
------------
Vice Captain "The future remains most uncertain, Nino."_____
»→ __»→ ___»→ ____»→ _____»→_______ "...But if this is your wish, then so it shall be."
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Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2011 4:56 pm
"Because we are still here." he said, simply. "We have our eyes that allow us to see the truth. We have our minds that allow us to think and to plan. We have our legs and we know how to use them to move forward, what's more. But most importantly," Songhua formed a fist and pointed his thumb to his chest. "we have our hearts... and what he have in there is something that no evil can destroy."
Songhua stood up and stretched. "I do not know what you should do or say, my friend, for that is something you must decide. ...But perhaps the answer lies in something you have turned your head to for a while now." He placed his hand on Rath's shoulder. "The spirits exist to guide us. They have not forgotten you. They call out to each us every day. If you take the time to listen, I can guarantee... you will hear them calling your name." With a pat on the shoulder, Songhua stepped away and walked over to his bed. "Do not stay up too late. We have a long journey ahead of us."
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Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2011 4:57 pm
"You ask why do I not talk much?"_______←« _____ ←« ____ ←« ___ ←« __ ←« _____"...Because there is nothing to say."Rath
------------ ".........."
The spirits... Rath had long since turned his back to the beliefs of his people. Being vice captain and captain had become such an important and time consuming job that he had forgotten about his retaining his spirituality without even realizing. It seemed impossible that they would still be there. Rath wondered if he even had the right to communicate with them after ignoring them for so long. But he was empty. Maybe Songhua would be right, he thought. But maybe he was also just clinging to false hope.
Spirits of the earth... I know my voice is foreign by now... but I have nowhere else to turn. I need your guidance. Please, give me the words to say... ...
With eyes closed, body still, and heart contrite, Rath attempted to call out to the spirits. His mind was silent and cold. But then he suddenly felt warm as if something was covering his body. His tension and worries were swept away. He heard the faint whispers of voices he now hardly knew. His named was echoed. A grin crept onto his face.
The spirits really had been calling his name.
------------
Vice Captain "The future remains most uncertain, Nino."_____
»→ __»→ ___»→ ____»→ _____»→_______ "...But if this is your wish, then so it shall be."
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Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2011 4:59 pm
For more information about Adliana or specifically the elders, go here: [X] The morning came slowly, though for some it came much too fast. The chieftains reconvened at dawn inside the ger where the Elder's dwelled. Several tried to look at the Elder's expressions to see if they could discern what they were thinking, but it was impossible. The only one that showed any expression was Shamir, who seemed unsettlingly nervous. Once everyone was present, Elder Kenafa wasted no time in beginning the meeting.
"This morning is the final time we shall meet together." he started, looking over each person, one by one. "We have heard testimony from each of you and have taken it under consideration. Before we give our final word, we will hear from the representative of Learania once more. Though this is mainly for my fellow elders and I and many of you have already made up your minds, I would like for each of you to listen intently to what he says. I advise you to not rashly decide upon something... but to search within each of yourselves for the answer. This decision is perhaps the most crutial one we shall make." He watched the chieftains sternly like they were his children and then looked to Rath. "Please, begin..."
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Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2011 5:02 pm
"You ask why do I not talk much?"_______←« _____ ←« ____ ←« ___ ←« __ ←« _____"...Because there is nothing to say."Rath
------------ Rath stood up slowly from his seat, head down. When he raised his chin and looked around, he could have almost been mistaken for a different person. There was no more emptiness or self-loath that Elder Kusume sensed the night before. The man who stood up was confident and strong. He knew exactly what he wanted to say.
"I know many of you personally. I lived with you, I ate with you, I toiled with you. I did not come here like a frightened child seeking his mother." He glanced over at Shamir. "Do not mistake my desperation for groveling." He looked back to the crowd. "I believe this land to be like my second home. I believe its people to be like my half-brothers. If I cannot rely on you for help, then who can I go to?" He paused and looked around at their faces. "This issue of trust... why do you hold onto it like a precious treasure? Slavery has not existed for around one thousand years! Perhaps you have forgotten... that it was Leander who abolished it, before he died. A Learanian king saw that it was wrong, and he put a stop to it! Now, Leander's own heir sits on the throne... The advisor who manipulated him is gone, relieved of duty by the king before his death. He is a king that actively seeks to do what is right in this world and cherish his allies. He is a king, that while his enemies surround him, does not flee! ...He is a boy, that seeks to know that there is good in this world and that it can rescue his kingdom from this nightmare." Rath turned to the Elders. "Show him that it can. Show him who you are. Do not hold him accountable for the actions of his ancestors..."
------------
Vice Captain "The future remains most uncertain, Nino."_____
»→ __»→ ___»→ ____»→ _____»→_______ "...But if this is your wish, then so it shall be."
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Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2011 5:04 pm
For more information about Adliana or specifically the elders, go here: [X] Elder Kenafa never took his eyes off of Rath, even as he sat back down. ".... ....We Elders shall now make our dicision. We will reconvine in half an hour's time."
The seconds ticked away. Most people used the time to eat if they hadn't yet. Some were too anxious to do anything. But eventually, the time came and everyone gathered back inside for the last time. Inside, Kenafa and Kusume were very calm, but Shamir's hand was shaking. He kept his head down. "We have decided our course." Kenafa announced. "This was not an easy decision for us to make. We know the attempts Learania has made to form ties with us, and we even grew to trust a number of them... But on the other hand, we do not know this new king. We do not know what he is capable of..." He glanced to Rath. "But we also know that what has been said about him from our visitors is the truth from their heart." He glanced back to the whole group. "My sister and I were chosen, because we lived through the turmoil. Our bodies were altered so that we could remain as long as possible. The reason for this was entirely so that we would never allow bondage to take our people, again."
Kenafa leaned back and put his hand to his chin as he looked down. "But I think perhaps... our memories have made us blind. We will never be able to forget... but that does not mean we have to dwell." He looked back up and glanced at Songhua. "I think we Elders can learn something from the leaders of this generation. I think it's time we... let go of our hate... and leave the past behind." Kenafa lowered his hand and grinned as he looked at Rath and Sue. "Adliana will head your call. We will honor our allaiance."
Instantly, the other chieftains got to their feet and started to applaud. Rath's speech moved them more than the man probably thought. Well, most of them anyway. While the chieftains went over to Rath to shake his hand, Shamir looked down at the man who had ruined everything, with malice. Unable to stand remaining there, he glanced at Ishtur and then silently departed into one of the back rooms in the ger.
"We can all have fellowship, later." Cooed the ever calming Kusume. "Now that we can see our path... we must depart down it. Go to your tribes camped outside and prepare to ride to war. We will need haste on our side if we are to save our allies."
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Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2011 5:05 pm
"You ask why do I not talk much?"_______←« _____ ←« ____ ←« ___ ←« __ ←« _____"...Because there is nothing to say."Rath
------------ The Elders... said yes. Adliana would help Learania. The shock of the decision left Rath with an open mouth and wide eyes. As everyone began to leave the Elder's ger and go to their emcampments, Rath looked up at Kenafa, who look back at him proudly and nodded. Rath grinned and returned the nod, then followed Songhua outside.
His friends characteristic laughter bellowed loudly as Rath was shaken and patted by the enthused chieftain. "This is really happening... we did it. Thank you, Songhua... this could not have happened without you."
Rath looked to the side and saw Sue looking up at him. He smiled at first, but then it faded when he remembered what he had to do. He moved over to her and brushed her cheek. "Susan... thank you for coming with me this far..." He lowered his hand. "But I'm afraid this is as far as I can let you go. I want you to stay with the women and children of Songhua's tribe. I want you to stay and be safe..."
------------
Vice Captain "The future remains most uncertain, Nino."_____
»→ __»→ ___»→ ____»→ _____»→_______ "...But if this is your wish, then so it shall be."
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Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2011 6:04 pm
O Father Sky, Mother Earth...
I pray that you give me strength. ↣ ↣ ↣ Sue ↣ ↣ ↣  The time that Sue had to rest, she took it surprisingly well, despite all the uncertainty that was surrounding her situation. Her sleep was without a dream she could remember, but that was better than any nightmares. There was only one sound she heard; a calm, gentle voice from a distant memory humming a lullaby that sounded so familiar. It was sad and sweet to think that this was one of the only memories the young nomad trooper had of her mother, whose face she couldn't even picture anymore.
The next morning did indeed come too quickly. Sue was anxious about what fate had in store for Learania, as to whether or not they would be getting reinforcements. She walked by Rath, quiet and respectful as she had been her entire stay here. There was something different about him, but she couldn't put her finger on it. It was as if her father's prideful air had finally returned, and for that, she too lifted her chin. Hearing his stronger words strengthened her own convictions, as she listened to the meeting take place once more.
And then, it happened. The Chieftains had come to a decision, and it was one that would send Adliana's aid to Learania! Beaming, Sue bowed respectfully to the council. "By Father Sky and Mother Earth! I thank you for this favor you've done for all of us! ... May there be a thousand blessings upon you and your warriors!" she said, before turning her exit, coming alongside Rath and Songhua.
"Chieftain Songhua, I don't know how we could ever repay you... and.." She looked to Rath, and was about to say something, but his words came first. He wanted her to stay here? But why? "Father, with all due respect, I cannot simply stand back while you ride into battle! If you fight for our homeland, I want to do the same by your side! We both have to support each other now more than ever."<|Nomad Trooper|=0 The path ahead shall not be
easy, but I must proceed!
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Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2011 6:25 pm
"You ask why do I not talk much?"_______←« _____ ←« ____ ←« ___ ←« __ ←« _____"...Because there is nothing to say."Rath
------------ "..." He knew it would be like this. She was too much like Lyndis. "I know you want to go, Susan... ....but..." He clenched his fist. "Please do not make me endure having to watch you march to war. Many of us will not return. I cannot bare the thought of you being one of those people... not my daughter..."
------------
Vice Captain "The future remains most uncertain, Nino."_____
»→ __»→ ___»→ ____»→ _____»→_______ "...But if this is your wish, then so it shall be."
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Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2011 6:31 pm
O Father Sky, Mother Earth...
I pray that you give me strength. ↣ ↣ ↣ Sue ↣ ↣ ↣ "Don't be foolish, father!" Sue exclaimed. "I'm no longer a child, didn't you see that when I fought for you?!" She crossed her arms now, feeling as if she were being talked down to. She too was a proud warrior, so why couldn't she fight when all the other wars, she was able to raise her bow and aim for the enemy? "I don't want you to be someone who doesn't come back either, not when you're the only family I have left. I've almost lost you.. many times! If it was to be... Father Sky forbid, if you were to go to the land of the spirits now, I don't know what I'd do! The only way I'd know you'd be safe is if I fought beside you."<|Nomad Trooper|=0 The path ahead shall not be
easy, but I must proceed!
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Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2011 7:34 pm
"You ask why do I not talk much?"_______←« _____ ←« ____ ←« ___ ←« __ ←« _____"...Because there is nothing to say."Rath
------------ Rath looked at his daughter, marveled by what she had said. He didn't want her to go because he didn't want anything to happen to her. But she wanted to go because she didn't want anything to happen to him. Rath realized that by making her stay, he was making her have to endure the sight of seeing her father march to war.
He looked over at Songhua, who was giving him a knowledgeable grin. It didn't surprise Rath that Songhua understood Sue's heart. Now Rath did as well. He sighed and grinned as he turned back to her. "..You're right, Susan... you're not a child anymore. You have every right to fight. I will not stop you from coming. Just promise me that you will never leave my side..."
------------
Vice Captain "The future remains most uncertain, Nino."_____
»→ __»→ ___»→ ____»→ _____»→_______ "...But if this is your wish, then so it shall be."
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