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 Posted: Mon Feb 12, 2018 8:13 am
AKIYAL
Post: 1
"So we're back here," Akiyal grumbled as he scuffed the toe of his boot against the rocks of Sauti's landscape. He wouldn't have guessed there'd be any reason to come back to this particular gathering spot since last time it had ended in something of an uproar. Everyone had gathered, everyone had anxiously fidgeted, everyone had complained and worried over the situation... In fact, it sounded a lot like what they were doing now, though hopefully minus the interruption at the end.
Or maybe not minus it. He didn't really know what he wanted in almost any regard, anymore, it seemed like. He'd consistently thought, 'Whatever makes me happiest at the time,' but more and more, he just thought he didn't know what would make him happy.
And so maybe it would be pleasing to see someone get abducted again?
He just didn't know. Akiyal didn't know anything. He shoved his hands into his pockets and kicked the stone beneath his foot with enough force to send it careening away from him and into a mass of people ahead. There wasn't as much commotion about it as he thought there'd be. Probably too focused on other things, as they were.
Instead, crystal irises roved up to the taller man standing next to him. Callum was... something like the most fixed point in Aki's life right now. Fixed, but... Not necessarily solid and familiar more in physical presence than anything else. He gave a roll of his shoulders at the older man's commentary. "Dunno," he shrugged. Just more Akiyal didn't understand.
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Posted: Mon Feb 12, 2018 7:10 pm
As those waiting on the leaders to speak began to chatter amongst themselves Enki found himself becoming restless. It was cold enough to the point that he was constantly shifting from foot to foot, an obvious attempt to reign in his temper and to warm his freezing limbs, “Come on.” Muttering under his breath he glanced about and noticed that his brother was being polite as usual while greeting those from Belrea. Enki personally was too busy trying to figure out why they both wore similar coats and why only a colored pin seemed to differentiate the pair. At least their group had landed and were actually on the ground with the rest of them now. Surely that would mean that the discussion could now begin so that they could address what to do about those dreaded bugs.
Enki watched as one of the pair approached his brother, an older man who was obviously fit and full of life despite the silver hairs which adorned his brow, “It’s a pleasure to finally come to your lands.” The Belrean spoke as he clasped Enlil’s hand, “Honestly, I’m astonished that so many have elected to appear today.”
“You would be surprised what fearing for your life can do.” Snorted Enki as he walked to stand side by side with his brother, “I don’t know how things are in Belrea, but survival over here isn’t a joke.” The muscles in his back were tense as he thought about the bugs and how badly he wanted them eliminated so that no one would have to suffer loss like that again. He had seen too many stories, witnessed a few horrors himself, and he was fed up with it all. A warrior should never hide, their people needed to pull together and fight those things!
A gentle hand broke him from his thoughts and Enki found himself glancing towards Enlil who offered a small smile, “It’s alright.” His voice was calm, an attempt to ease the frustrations that haunted Enki, “Since we are all here we should work together and begin to find a way to defeat our enemy.” As if summoned by Enlil’s words both Freya and Vescillea came to stand next to them.
“Indeed.” Freya nodded, her gaze sharp as she greeted the group, “I suppose this is a good time as any to begin this meeting. Since you are so adamant, Enki, why not begin informing everyone with what we know?”
Of course. Enki took a deep breath and slowly removed his brother’s hand from his shoulder, “Fine, I got it.” It seemed that he was not the only one who had noticed the appearance of all the major representatives as even the crowds had quieted down, “Listen up everyone!” Enki jumped onto a rock that provided him plenty of leverage to see across the crowds, “Everyone of us has come from different places, some close and some far-” Here he pointedly glanced towards the Belreans with a small grin, “But despite our differences we all share a mutual worry about these bug creatures that are snatching our people. We have come here together so that we can work towards a solution and defeat these evil creatures.”
Now that he was projecting his voice throughout the area the crowds were getting quieter and the last few whispers stilled completely as the bug mages were mentioned, “Perhaps some have noticed that the kidnappings have slowed down across the countries?” His question resulted in several nods throughout the crowd and feeling motivated by the interest Enki continued, “Well we have collected some information and have noticed that it may have slowed down for us but a specific race is struggling even more now.” He glanced towards Vescillea as if inviting her and the Sautian moved so that she could stand next to him.
“At first we all suffered severe losses as people were taken here and there without warning.” Her voice trembled at first but she continued clutching at her bow as if it would give her strength to stand strong despite the sorrow that filled the air, “Then it seemed that the pattern shifted towards magic users and then solely women.” Her pale blue gaze narrowed into hard orbs as her voice gained strength, “But finally the kidnappings started to be more consistent against one race in particular and it appears that they offer what these Dretch want the most.”
She took a breath and glanced at Enki who nodded his head to support her as she spoke, “Before I reveal those who need our help the most I want to remind everyone of what Enki’s words. We are here together to help defeat an evil for the greater good and even if things seem to be slowing down we do not know what else these creatures can do if left alone. And as of now I have heard reports that Alkidikes are the prime targets of these kidnappings.” It was almost instantaneous how that one fact created noise again as comments exploded throughout the crowd. Vescillea sighed before taking a step back so that she could join the other leaders who were listening to the responses from the revelation.
|| OOC ||
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Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2018 6:49 am
Lixes Post 3 Giving a bit of a laugh Lixes said, "She is, but I don't see her in that way. She's closer to what I think a sister would be like if we had one. She is a lot of fun to hang out with though." He gave his brother a long look and said,"Trying to hook me up with someone isn't going to keep me from doing my hero work, Drexl. It's a good try on your part though, I'll give you that." It was just an attempt that he wasn't all that interested in since he didn't want to settle down just yet. "I think that we should..." He trailed off, turning his head as he heard someone calling for them to listen up. His mismatched eyes came to fall upon a rather tough looking Leaf Tribesman and he crossed his arms over his chest, listening closely as the other started to speak, telling them what had been going on of late. It seemed as though the bug mages were slowing down in their abductions, which was a good thing, but it seemed that was only because they were focusing on a specific tribe instead. It seemed as though it was only at first that the Dretch were taking members of all the tribes but after that they started to focus on magic users, then women, and finally they decided upon the Alkidike. It was something that made his eyes go wide. "They are after the Alkidike?" He breath, sounding a bit shocked. That meant that some of their family members could be in trouble he thought to himself, as well as Jerami's family.
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Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2018 6:50 am
Jerami Post 3
Jerami tightened his grasp on Drexl's arm his aqua eyes going wide as the Leaf Tribe elder set to talking. Everything they had been talking about, lighter things, were forgotten as he heard him talking about who it was that was being targeted. It seemed that he was lucky that he hadn't had any trouble give his own magic powers and Alkidike blood. He was glad that nothing horrible had happened to him but now he was worried about his mother. She was a powerful Alkidike warrior so what if she got in trouble with the Dretch.
"I worried about my mother." He murmured to Drexl and Lixes, ot looking away from Enki, waiting to hear what it was that they planned to do next. He wanted to something, anything, if it meant helping the Alkidike. Even if some of them still weren't fans of those with mixed blood he didn't care. He would still offer his help to them. He wasn't a powerful caster yet but he meant to get better, get stronger, and be able to defend his family, friends, and anyone else that might need him.
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Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2018 7:21 am
Eira Post 3 Giving a smile Eira said, "Aren't you adorable. Thank you for the offer, darling, but I think I am alright. Just thinking about how I can help even though I am not a fighter myself. The most I can do is offer a place for people to rest when they are done here." She admitted to him. He really was a cutie so she didn't really mind letting him know what she was thinking. Giving him a smile she added, "Though given the fact that I am no fighter and you seem quite capable I wouldn't mind if you'd escort me for a while? Just to keep me safe until my friend returns?" She could use a warrior type on hand just in case things got dangerous. She was a dancer after all, not a fighter, and while she might be a queen of her castle back home it was an authority that the Dretch wouldn't care about if they were to arrive. Her attention turned from her possible escort to the handsome Leaf Tribesman as he spoke up, drawing the attention of the crowd to himself in a manner that rather impressed one like Eira. He had presence that was for sure. Falling silent she listened in to what he had to say, a lot of information that sent shivers up her spine. Maybe she should have brought Gyuri along? Though at the same time she wanted him at home where he could keep everyone there safe since a lot of those at the inn weren't fighters. She'd rather him stay there even though she kind of wanted him at her side as well. A shame she only had one of him. At least it was revealed that those of the Ice Tribe weren't the primary targets of the Dretch... though she scolded herself internally about feeling relieved over that. Instead she supposed they should question why the creatures were now so focused on the Alkidike. Eira hadn't met enough of them to even fathom a guess.
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Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2018 7:32 am
Jacinthus Post 3 Giving a nod of his head Jacin said, "I see, that makes sense." So she was more used to the warm weather then? It made sense though he couldn't say that he'd been to Matori. Going there meant going through Oba and he'd be damned if he stepped foot in that country. Everyone might have forgiven them for what they'd done in the past but he refused to given what they had done to his family, toying with them and pretending that they had kidnapped his nephews to try to get him alone to kill him. They used tactics akin to the Dretch in that way and made Jacinthus not want to make friends with them. The Water Tribe on the other hand wasn't so bad. Glancing around he said, "I don't know exactly, I assume that they will call for us when it's time to go into the meeting." As though on cue he heard a familiar voice call out, that of Enki, a man of the Leaf Tribe that he'd met a few times, standing there with his brother Enlil who he also knew, "It would seem that the meeting will be happening right here. Lucky on our part it would seem." With that he fell quiet, listening in to what the Enki had to reveal to them, information on who the Dretch seemed to be after nowadays instead of just taking people at random. The Alkidike, huh? They were better these days but he couldn't say that they were all peaceful and worthy of trust even with the worst of them banished to the toxic island. Giving a thoughtful sound in his throat he tried to decide what he thought on the information. Did he want to fight to help them again? Or did he just want to chalk this up to being their problem and leave them to deal with it on their own? How he wished Takoda was here to help him to get his moral compass to point in the right direction because at the moment he was quite uncertain as to what he wanted to do next.
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Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2018 10:05 am
Jakkoa | 3Just not today…Jakkoa hummed lightly, and smiled in spite of himself. “Well, it could be today, but…no, I imagine not.” Whatever risks were abundant, however genuine or unrealistic they might be, Jakkoa found himself perhaps even falsely at ease. It didn’t feel as though any harm would come to him so long as he was standing at Hargitt’s side, and if that was a silly thought—well, he would survive a silly thought or two in his lifetime. For the moment, it was pleasant enough simply to adjust and lean when Hargitt pulled him in, shifting so that he could avoid the man’s natural obstacles and rest a bit of weight against him. At the latter question, his eyes skimmed the crowd, loosely curious, but in the end, he shook his head. “No one personally,” he said, though he did squint with a touch extra hesitance on one iceling boy in particular. Did he know him, or was he simply—? It had to be one of those he must have just seen a handful of times in earlier years when he had gone to spend time with his mother, if that. Activity at the front-center of their group, however, pulled him from his thoughts. But finally the kidnappings started to be more consistent against one race in particular…Jakkoa blinked. This was news, at least. Curious and strange, but news. If the Dretch were focussing their efforts, that ought to at least make it easier to, what—target them? So far as he knew they still had no concept of how to combat them, so without more information in that regard, perhaps it was still all useless. But depending on who they were targeting, Jak wasn’t certain it would matter much. Certainly if it were the Sautians or Zenans he might understand, and even the Taleans were near enough to be an ally and a threat if they decided to expand their reach again. But if it were Obans only? Or those distant, demonic islanders? For whatever it meant about his morality, he simply didn’t think he would care. Instead- Alkidikes are the prime targets of these kidnappings. He stared. For a moment, he thought he must have misheard something. Because on the one hand, this was the best possible answer that could have come of any of it, and it seemed time to rejoice and relax. But—were they not prefacing this with the idea that someone would be expected to aid those monsters? “ Why?” he snapped in a sudden burst of insult. “Let them take them! Let them take all of them for all-” -I care. Except, he made himself note, there might be alkidike or their hybrid kin in the crowd, and he likely oughtn’t shout too loudly. Almost as soon as that thought came to him, though, it turned around on itself. This was their meeting. This was a discussion of what would happen to their people. The Sautians and Zenans and Taleans. If the alkidike wanted to hear favorable opinions about them they should go elsewhere, and someone needed to be saying it: “Why would any sane Sautian, or Zenan, or Talean risk anything for an alkidike monster? They fought a war against us! They tried to slaughter us! If the Dretch are focusing on them then good riddance, we should pay attention to how their battle goes down just in case there are survivors and then use the alkidikes’ mistakes to do better and protect ourselves in unison if the time comes…” Nominally, Jakkoa wouldn’t think it his business. But he had family who had died in war before, and though he had no intention of personally serving regardless — certainly not for this cause — the idea that a single one of his people from either half of his bloodline would lay down their lives for that. It was sickening.
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Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2018 10:33 am
Drexl Post 3 Drexl blinked as he heard the words out of the leaders. "Uh oh...Dad's going to flip his lid." he held Jerami closer. Concerned for the other's two sisters. "Should we get closer? Just in case?" he looked to the other two.
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Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2018 11:04 am
Ergon post 3 There was a faint change of hue along Ergon's cheeks at the voiced observation. He had been quite young when he had last been called adorable! ...Was this a good thing? Would Iryana think so? ...She would probably laugh. He cleared his throat and tried to stand a little taller. The request caught him off guard almost as much as the compliment! "I.. would be glad to escort you until your friends come," he replied automatically. He couldn't turn down an iceling woman's request for help. He turned to listen to the announcement as the man on the rock called out. Instantly, his eyes narrowed at the woman's reminder of their purpose here before revealing the true targets of the Dretch. Aaaaaaand there it was. He snorted sharply and shook his head. "Well, that's a relief," he muttered flatly. Leaning against his lance, he instantly lost interest in the meeting. He might have left right then if not for promising to escort the woman just minutes ago...
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Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2018 11:12 am
Urosangylea post 3 Giving the air a few more swipes, Uro smiled contently at the other woman's confusion. She was used to seeing such an expression aimed at her, but she was still happy to help. "There are many negative shadows in the air. They were quite clear around you. Your aura is lovely, but it seemed to need a little help." she stated cheerfully. "You are most welcome." The commanding voice caught everyone's attention, even Uro's. She cocked her head as the story was told, brow knitting as it came it its point. The Alkidike? She had heard much about the Alks, but had never actually met one beyond the occasional hybrid. "Would they even accept help if it is offered?" she wondered. "I hear they are a proud race."
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Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2018 11:56 am
Amalric | 3Like durufs in a storm…Amalric chuckled, though—there was a certain truth to it. None of them seemed to know exactly what was going on, and at such times, people naturally huddled, seeking the reassurance of others in the same circumstances: mutual confusion and companionship. ‘Strength in numbers’ when all else failed. Much like animals when the skies clashed and rumbled, resorting to primal instinct and pressing closer together just to be less afraid. As the leaders seemed to coalesce and gather forward, he turned a listening ear that way at least, paying casual attention at first. It was good to know that the disappearances had lessened. He supposed he might have vaguely gotten that sense, but earnestly he wasn’t paying it all that much mind. The news that it had become more focused, however, was new, and he found himself paying closer attention, frowning as it became apparent the speaker was visibly anxious about ‘revealing’ who the focus of the disappearances now was. Why would she feel—? Alkidikes are the prime targets… And suddenly, her hesitance made sense—even if nothing else did. All but immediately, the crowd erupted, and Amalric could see and hear the range of discontent in the sea of bodies and faces, everything from confusion to uncertain curiosity to open hurt and rage. Many of those here would have fought alkidike on opposite sides of a war. Many of those here had lost loved ones to amazon soldiers. Personally, Amalric had suffered no such losses, so he didn’t feel any private kernel of hate for them. Still, it was a relief that the Dretch were focusing their attention now on Jauhar, and while he didn’t feel any particular passionate aggression towards the alkdike and felt a touch guilty that the information didn’t inspire more reaction in him—it simply seemed to be the best and most fitting of all options. The Dretch were connected with alkidike legends in some fashion, weren’t they? It made sense that they would turn there. But at the same time, he didn’t personally think it wise that they involve any of their own in the conflict yet if this was the case. What could they possibly have to gain? The alkidike would have leant them no such aid, if the tables were turned in some fashion. One particular shout of good riddance that rose amidst the crowd amongst the scattering of various other responses made him sigh. “I suppose I should just be glad we are heading to your home country, then…it sounds as though this is going to be a focused problem, and not one on our shoulders.”
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Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2018 1:07 pm
Elia ll 3
A few of her family members had switched topics of chatter from the immediate threat to the 'weird girl' near Elia. Most concerning was when she looked over her should was the look on her elder sister's face; that cheeky little grin that said, oh no, go on, make friends.
Thanks a lot, Reyna.
"And you can see them? The auras?" That was...concerning. Maybe she had simply hit her head coming here and was in need of a healer or...maybe she was telling the truth? Elia knew so little about magic that it could actually be true, and she didn't want to anger the other girl, just in case it was. Your aura is quite lovely. Her cheeks darkened a little, and even in her mild anxiety, Elia smiled. "Thank you. I'm...I'm sure yours is too, even if I can't see it."
All at once Elia's body gave a little jump. She'd known they were stationed fairly close to the leaders, but she hadn't expected them to be so loud. For a moment she looked to the leafling, cleared her thought, and stood up straighter, as a real lady should. Honestly, how much more embarrassing can you be?
At first there was nothing like the relief that ran down Elia's spine. They weren't being targeted anymore; it was just the alkidike. As terrible as it was, that was something she could live with. They were a proud, angry race of women who preferred living and fighting on their own, so maybe they could fend for themselves?
"Perhaps, but I would just as soon not try. They know far more about the Dretch than we do, and maybe it's better if we let them handle this. They don't even like us...."
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Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2018 1:37 pm
Callum ll 2
Callum turned his soft, grey eyes down to look at Akiyal and flashed him a winning smile. "I'm sure it's nothing bad. We'll be back on the road before you know it." He reached his hand out to affectionately ruffle the younger man's hair. Physical contact was one of the few ways Callum knew to comfort anyone, and while Akiyal wasn't exactly saying that he didn't like it here...his body language screamed it.
In truth, Callum didn't want to be here either. Sauti was... a complicated place for the man, and not one he wanted to spend any length of time exploring. He'd been born here, raised here, lost his Aunt ....fell in love, fought in a war...And now, this. No matter what he said to Akiyal there was enough tension surrounding them to cut through his words. Nothing good was coming from this talk. and the faster they left the area the happier Callum would be.
He was eager to contact his children, and it showed. Callum's fingers twitched anxiously against his thigh, rapping out a little diddy as their leaders spoke. Neither one had been seen in weeks, and when he'd stopped at the same inn Sol was supposed to be staying he'd been told the boy hadn't been there in ages and it just...didn't sit well with him. He tried not to let any of that come out to Akiyal; the boy had enough family issues to worry about without adding Callum's drama onto it, but some things were bound to come through.
At least the kidnappings were slowing-
“Then it seemed that the pattern shifted towards magic users and then solely women.”
Your son's a mage. You have a daughter.
"....as of now I have heard reports that Alkidikes are the prime targets of these kidnappings.”
Callum's pupils dilated, and he could hear a faint ringing in his ears. At that moment he knew everything wasn't alright, and that he needed to leave, as soon as possible. He had to help the alkidike, he would, really, but right now his kids were his main concern.
"Are they targeting alkidike hybrids? Do we know?" Callum called out into the crowd, his voice drowned out almost immediately by a sea of chatter. He said it once again, this time much louder, with enough force to get his words out there. "If they keep their heads down they'll be fine. Ygraine just has their eyes, but Sol..."
Callum racked a hand through his hair. His son was dark skinned, clearly had alkidike blood and was a mage. If the Dretch didn't snatch him up someone might attack him thinking he was a Dretch.
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Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2018 9:05 am
Jerami Post 4 Jerami glanced around, a slight shiver going through him as he heard some voices pipe up that seemed to be very against helping the Alkidike out. The Earthlings were going to abandoned the Alkidike then? He could understand, he knew what they could be like, how some of them could treat the Earthlings or even hybrids of their own people. Jerami himself had been banished from the Chibale Isles because he was unable to follow the path of Aisha as much as he'd wanted to as a child. Still, the idea that there were those that would leave them to the creatures that were dragging people off to who knew where and to do who knew what to them. What if they decided to start taking Earthlings after they got all the Alkidike they wanted or something like that? Tightening his hold on Drexl's arm he found himself debating if he should pipe up or not. What could he really say? Nothing that wouldn't already add to an already heated situation. He looked up at Drexl and Lixes, watching them for a moment before he asked in a hushed tone of voice, "What do you think? I... know that we aren't exactly welcome by the Alkidike but I still want to help them."
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Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2018 9:06 am
Lixes Post 4
Lixes looked around the crowd, to Jerami, and then to Drexl, "I am still for helping. I know they probably don't like us, especially those of us who didn't follow Aisha's path or have only a trickle of their blood in our veins but still, they are our family. They're just... distant family." The sort that they rarely saw but were still related to and thus really should at least help out if they needed to do so.
"At the same time I think that our parents aren't going to be too pleased about any of this like Drexl said." The idea that they might be risking their lives in small numbers against an enemy that they knew nothing about was enough to given even a heroic hot head like Lixes pause. Giving a small shake of his head then he said, "Let's not get closer. We might blend in to a degree with the crowd as bundled up as we are but Jerami kind of sticks out and screams 'Alkidike' with those antennae of his."
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