• Event • [Quest] Foreign Affairs

Viden welcomes a Diplomat from Scalvoris to Viden!

Stronghold of education and learning, this fortress is in one of the coldest areas of Idalos and home to many knowledge seekers in a variety of disciplines. However, unknown to most, below the city are those who suffer for the sake of science. While all are welcome, not everyone will be treated as they expect.

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Whisper
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[Quest] Foreign Affairs

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66th Day of Ymiden
717th Arc
Ever since the opening of the Viden Academy Scalvoris Campus in the eastern island, positive relations between the two nations had grown and grown. As the Campus became more popular, Viden found itself thriving too. The original Academy was more than popular and brought in most of their income. Rich families from all over Idalos would send their children to the frozen north to study in the best institution in the land, and their fees were hefty in the cases of the most ambitious students.

The outpost in Scalvoris did not damage their reputation or income. On the contrary, it generously added to Viden’s wealth, as a number of the staff were of Videnese origin. Viden had also funded much of the infrastructure… and they were certain that any money lost would be returned tenfold over the arcs. Scalvoris, a rediscovered island in the north east, was keen to shed the dark history of piracy. Viden’s help had been greatly appreciated in this matter.

In the third season of the opening of Viden Academy’s Scalvoris Campus, the two nations were going to further cement this strongly developing bond. A Diplomat, who had been the original mind behind extending the influence of Viden Academy into Idalos - with the added hope that it would support the massive changes Scalvoris had gone through - was arriving in Viden today. Isla Greye had spent her entire life on the island of Scalvoris. When the mists had cleared, following the attempts of Tried’s life, she had taken full advantage of the situation.

Her Videnese-born noble mother was a descendant of a junior line of the Fahe family. Though junior, Isla’s line had not suffered, but had thrived on the once-pirate dominated island. The young diplomat had her fingers in many pies, and had friends all over the island… which had given her a certain amount of influence, enough to see her plans become a reality.

Waiting at the docks just beyond Viden for the Diplomat to arrive was Isla’s third cousin, Caeli Fahe, with the four other Delegates who formed the ruling government. Also on the raised dais were leaders of the Academy, including Caeli’s own grandfather, who had been Chancellor for at least two decades.

As the crowds gathered, it would not be ignored that, once again, the Máthisi was nowhere to be seen. Caeli, the youngest and most inexperienced of the Delegates, and the only other eídisi female, was to take the Máthisi’s ceremonial place in welcoming their guest. Rumours of the Máthisi’s illness and impending death spread like wild-fire through the crowds. This, surely, was the proof they needed.

Those who weren’t gossiping watched the youngest Delegate, who was deep in conversation with Yvithia’s right-hand man, Verity Talius. Some observed with narrowed gaze, though most were sympathetic, concerned about how one so young and inexperienced would handle the responsibility. The ship carrying the visitor from Scalvoris had just finished docking, the plank being laid out for the passengers to disembark. As the Delegates stopped talking and turned expectantly to the ship, a silence fell over the crowd.

 ! Message from: Whisper
So this is Viden's first Seasonal Quest! Woop! Let's see how it goes! If anyone else want to sign up, now is the time to do it, folks.
In the mean time, please post about where you are, what you're doing and how your feeling (loving life, I hope). This is just a round of posts to set the scene, then the adventure will begin!
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Linika
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[Quest] Foreign Affairs

It was not exactly routine, given that it required the better part of a trial to get there, but Linika took every opportunity to scan events at the docks now. She still endeavored to view herself as a loyal servant of Audrae, but the voice of doubt took greater effort to subdue now. There had now been a trio of "sisters" that had tried to kill her. And while she had accepted that the facade under which she'd taken her old mission made this a potential hazard, that had not been the motivation for the attack. They had not "happened upon an exile", they had been sent.

She'd come to Viden under the guise of being disgraced and cast out, an exile, and she'd known that any uninformed naerikk may very well try to execute her. But that was only a truly likely hazard during her initial trip up from Augiery. The likelihood of a sister going to the extremes of bother to travel to a city where they would be under hostile scrutiny, just to commit a murder; even one where the victim would also be held in contempt, was just not practical. No, these sisters were assassins; citing to their intended target that her cover had been blown and she'd been exposed as a traitor - language that an a sister ignorant of the situation would not have used.

Her cover had been admittedly blown, but the necessity had greatly transcended the parameters of her original mission, and she'd done it knowing that she'd probably be captured as an exposed spy and executed. But she had not hesitated; such was her devotion. The Viden Immortal, Yvithia, had responded, however, in a most unexpected manner. She had marked her naerikk captive with her own symbol of Xypha.

Linika did not doubt that there was a greater element of malice than there was of thanks in having done this. It was true that the warning she had sent to Augiery had ultimately helped a number of cultures hostile to Audrae, and Yvithia had veiled her intent as a reward for the effort. But it had also made Linika into an abomination; utterly anathema to all things related to Audrae. She now wore the symbol of extreme devotion to her true matron's greatest enemy.

It was strange though, that Linika felt an grudging admiration for Yvithia's tactic. It neutralized her as an agent, and made it impossible for her to return home to Augiery. Yvithia had even taunted her with the certainty that Audrae would not let her live long enough to tell her side. But worse was the planted seed of potential that found purchase in her soul despite her efforts to purge it. Yvithia had planted it there herself upon her release from the interrogation that had culminated in her Xypha mark.

The words still rung in her ears in taunting temptation: "A child born of shadow, to live and breathe deception and lies. Surely, of all people, none can appreciate the exceptional circumstance in which you find yourself this trial. How unique to be the only daughter of the Naerikk race to be blessed with Xypha... for how could a filthy naer ever gain the favour of Yvithia? A truth that no one could ever believe. The greatest spy any Immortal could have.”

It was true and she knew it. And she hated that it always intrigued her for those few half-ticks before she cast it from her mind with anguish. She wanted to be recognized for her devotion to Audrae! Not for her unique potential to be Viden's greatest spy...'Viden's greatest spy'...'Viden's greatest spy'...greatest spy...greatest...

"Greatest"...The word every naer yearned to have attributed to their memory...

"NOOOOOO!" She howled in guilt-driven disgust. "It is YOU torturing me with this betrayal! Get out of my mind!" She raged at the sky, feeling Yvithia's mocking presence all around, and ignoring the presence of a few humans and eidisi that stared at her as if she'd gone mad.

The glare she cast at those eyes cowed them back to whatever they were doing moments before, and now she too snarled once at nothing in particular and resumed her trek to the docks, lips trembling with the effort of stifling tears.
Last edited by Linika on Tue Jul 04, 2017 8:19 pm, edited 1 time in total. word count: 729
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Edalene
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[Quest] Foreign Affairs

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Edalene seemed to have regressed some arcs, as she ran tugging both Duncan and Aeodan by the hand, one in each, towards the docks. "Come on, come on," she called impatiently, eager to get down to the docks as soon as possible. "We're going to miss it if you two lovebirds don't hurry up!"

Edalene didn't see their responses, as she forged ahead of them. They could have been blushing, but she wouldn't know. She was not blind. She had noticed the lingering looks between her sometime lover and her twin, noticed how touches lingered longer, how Aeodan would flush when Duncan walked around the apartment without a shirt on - which was often. Other sisters might have been angry that her lover had turned for her brother, but Edalene held no such ire. She knew Duncan, and she knew what she was to him - a very good friend. Sure, they slept together occasionally, but Edalene know that Duncan was just that - her best friend. And Aeodan had never, in their whole lives, reacted like this to a man, and so she was happy to let the two dance toward romance in their own time. But she never said she wouldn't make fun of them.

But now this was barely on her mind. As she raced towards the docks in the cold Viden weather, excitement pounded through her. While this was the city of knowledge, and Edalene loved both working and studying here, she would admit she found it a little dull. There were books, and that was about it. She couldn't even drink to numb that boredom. It was just her, and her two favourite boys. So when it was announced that a delegate from Scalvoris would be coming to Viden, Edalene just knew she had to get down to the docks.

Edalene ran ahead, leaving the two boys to take their own sweet time. Just as she arrived, she could hear someone scream, and while momentarily distracted, she then turned her attention back to the docks, where the ship's gangplank had hit the wood with a thud. She danced through the crowd, elbowing people out of the way, until she were near the waiting delegates - close enough to the action. Her cheeks aflush, she waited for her brother and Duncan to catch up, and watched with eyes dancing.
Last edited by Edalene on Tue Jun 20, 2017 4:46 am, edited 1 time in total. word count: 396
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Aeodan
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[Quest] Foreign Affairs

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Since moving to Viden, Aeodan found that his lifelong sickness was not quite so poignant. Whether it was because he was always cold, so there was always a slight ache to him, or the climate in Viden was just more agreeable, he did not notice the pain in his legs so much anymore. Though, of course, it could be because Duncan was around more, and when he was around, Aeodan didn't notice much. Edalene had it right... They were love birds, though Aeodan wasn't sure that's what he was feeling. Without a frame of reference, Aeodan wasn't sure what to call what he felt for Duncan... But it was more than brotherhood. He knew what that was like. It wasn't familial love.

That was reserved solely for Edalene, especially lately. Since they'd come to Viden, the two had been nearly inseparable. As much as they both loved books, there was only so much reading one could do. Instead, the twins had spent their time together entertaining each other, and with Duncan around, the three of them had never been happier. Aeodan, for the most part, could not even imagine being this happy before. And then, Edalene had come to the two of them and demanded they come with her to meet the delegate from Scalvoris.

Honestly, it made sense for the twins to be there. Their presence at the Academy depended partially on the endowments coming from the rich families of Rynmere, Scalvoris and Viden. With the sizeable tuitions and donations, the Academy had been able to stay on the bleeding edge of education. Some said that the Viden campus was the very best of the three, though Aeodan had too much grace to agree aloud.

Smiling at Duncan as they walked, Aeodan chuckled at Edalene. She was so excited to meet the delegate, and Aeodan knew that Duncan had no dog in the race. Instead, he was accompanying the two because Edalene wanted him to... And though Aeodan wouldn't admit it, likely because Aeodan himself was going. The thought made him blush, which he hoped Duncan didn't notice.

"Eda, wait up!" He called to her as they approached the crowd. Aeodan wasn't physically imposing enough to push his way through the throngs of people, and as they grew disgruntled at Edalene, they closed their ranks even tighter to the men. With his doe-like eyes going to Duncan's face, a look a pleading made its way onto his face.

"I want to be next to Eda. Would you mind?" Aeodan knew that the mercenary was strong and imposing, and that the crowd would likely part of him. Part of what Aeodan loved about him was that he was so strong. He could rely on Duncan to be strong where his strength would fail him. A smile came onto Aeodan's face as he realized he'd just asked Duncan to rescue him. "Please?"

And so he followed Duncan through the people as the bigger man pushed and grunted his way through. When they were next to Edalene, Aeodan intertwined the thin fingers of his left hand into Eda's fingers, tightening around her palm with little strength. He gave her a quick squeeze, then intertwined his other arm through Duncan's, hand coming to rest on a muscled forearm. Between the two of them, Aeodan waited to glimpse the delegate.
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Yanahalqah
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[Quest] Foreign Affairs

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Apparently, the arrival of one or other delegate from Scalvoris was a big deal. Big enough of a deal for Yana and Rathaan to have been allowed to take a day off to go watch some boat dock at the docks. Whooo, how thrilling. All sarcasm aside, the pair still did go, mostly because it seemed half of Viden was going, and as a result most places where Yana would have spent her free time were now closed. So what else to do than undertake the pilgrimage to the docks?

The wind blew coldly, somehow managing to weasel its way through the layers of clothing the Yludih wore, sending shivers rippling across her body. Yana wore warm woolen garments, with long sleeves to cover her limbs, and a turtleneck to keep her throat and neck safe from the elements. Over that, she wore an overcoat, also made out of wool. When the wind wasn’t blowing, she felt as if she’d overdressed. All those layers were pretty good for concealing a weapon though, something she was grateful for. Not because she was going to kill someone, or because she was planning to fight, but because she wanted to be prepared if one did break out. Besides, she felt quite naked without at least one weapon on her. However, it was unlikely she’d just jump into the fray if it wasn’t necessary. If things took a turn for the worse though, the Switching Sword would come in handy for sure.

“Well, personally, I feel that mercenaries are somewhat difficult to control from time to time,” she responded to Rathaan’s statements, wondering just why he was bringing up sellswords all of a sudden. “It is all fine and dandy as long as you can pay, but they will leave if they feel they aren’t paid enough.” Immortals knew she had a couple times. “Also teamwork is usually not too great. Not if the mercenaries are all freelance or if they belong to different groups.” She frowned a little, considering her opinion on them again.

A howl tore through the winds as a Naer roared at the sky. Was that--? Yana squinted a little trying to get a better look of the woman through the bodies of people. It probably was her, there weren’t many Naerikk in Viden after all. Linika. What was she doing here? Last time she’d seen her in this part of the city, she’d been in the process of almost getting killed by her own brethren. From this distance, Yana couldn’t tell if the Naer had covered her Xypha mark up or not. It was quite curious either way… what had the Naer done to receive and deserve that mark? Last time the Yludih checked, Yvithia wasn’t too keen on the warrior women.

Either way, the false Eídisi turned away from the Naer, deciding that she’d ignore her for now. Instead she focused on what Rathaan was saying. Even if the Naer had seen and recognized Yana, there wasn’t going to be a whole lot to talk about that would interest the Yludih, but would not put the other woman on the defensive. It wouldn’t be much of a talk, to be honest, rather a collection of inquiries which Yana would swap between when her curiosity on one topic had been sated. She couldn’t really imagine the Naer coming up to her to talk about the weather either.
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Last edited by Yanahalqah on Thu Jun 22, 2017 6:04 pm, edited 1 time in total. word count: 597
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[Quest] Foreign Affairs

e wasn't quite sure why they had gone out in this weather. Viden was barely bearable next to a flaming fireplace wrapped in a woolen blanket with hot tea within arm's reach. Out here, Sin felt like he was slowly dying. Underneath his heavy duty cloak, Sin had awkwardly wrapped the woolen blanket around his torso and shoulders and then pulled the cloak around all that and it barely made a dent in his temperature. His asterism pulsed weakly in an attempt to stave of the cold but the light within barely managed to cover his chest, let alone his extremities. He pulled his thoughts from his ailing body and towards Saeri.

"Is there much difference in teamwork if you put two standing armies together who know very little about each others tactics? And freelance mercs are no different from levied armies. They don't have the discipline to function like a proper army should but that's not why you use them. They're just there to be bodies in your army anyway." Sin shrugged, which went completely unnoticed underneath the double layer of his packaging. "As far as nels go, a standing army costs you all arc long while the mercenaries only cost you for the duration of the conflict. They're more expensive during that time but depending on the length of the conflict, they come out way cheaper."

Sin wasn't really sure how they had gotten to this topic but he found himself torn between both sides of the argument. On one hand he understood the value of well trained, disciplined armies and on the other hand he saw the use in having disposable bodies added to your ranks. The conversation so far had taught him that he leaned more towards the mercenary side of the conversation which he found curious considering he was part of a standing army.

The crowd around them seemed to gather up closer and moving about became more difficult. A sudden shouting drew his attention and he looked past Saeri towards the screaming person. There were some crazy people in the world. As he turned back, Sin bumped into someone who managed to elbow him right underneath the ribs. He felt his illusion expel all the air from its lungs as he stood there nursing his hurt side. In the crowd, he didn't notice who it had been but a quick check to his belt told him they hadn't been after his purse, not successfully at least.

"So what's all this fuss about again? I can't help but feel like we're wasting our time here. There's only a few trials left before we're heading back to Rynmere. Should we really be out here, staring at this person?" Sin turned to look from Saeri in the direction of the docks. If it hadn't been for his natural height, he would have seen nothing but cloaked backs and shoulders. At least now he could see that there was an actual ship somewhere up ahead. Or it was a strange Videnese custom to put up masts and sails on land. Either way was possible.

Looking over the crowd of people, it slowly dawned on the young Yludih that he was standing in a sea of Eídisi. There were other races present, of course, but it was mostly Eídisi. He'd been here almost two season now and it only started to dawn on him now that he wasn't actually standing out with his empty white eyes and blue colored skin. The thick layers of woolen blanket and cloak made him look odd, to say the least, but he didn't stand out like a head taller blue sign pointing at his non-humanness.
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Duncan Oisin
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[Quest] Foreign Affairs

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Duncan could hardly help but grin. It had become one of two common themes throughout the season; freezing his balls off and smiling non-stop at the Burnett twin's antics. He loved them, more than he had ever loved anything, or anyone in his life. They were warm and kind, intelligent and strong, the both of them inspired him and caused Duncan heart to swell with affection, though a different kind for each. He followed after Edalene easily, chuckling at her endearing excitement and sneaking glances at Aeodan, wanting to catch glimpses of the younger man enjoying himself as his sister was. Eidisi and other scholars shot them sour looks as they traipsed past, clearly not approving of the undignified and excitable humans.

He wasn't as interested in the delegates, but he'd allowed himself to be dragged along regardless; he'd never refuse the opportunity to spend a day together as a little family, it was too often that they were apart, with Eda and Aeo studying and researching, Duncan hunting and patrolling with the Rangers. As Edalene called to the over her shoulder, Duncan exchanged a happy glance with Aeodan, making no move to deny her words, and instead allowing his gaze to linger on the younger man, making his affectionate thoughts clear. The longer Duncan knew Aeodan, the more he wanted him; to be close to him, touch him, to have him as his lover. He hadn't made any efforts to hide it either, and had done his best to flirt and seduce his way into his heart. It was difficult to tell if it was really working, as Aeodan didn't respond as he was used to.

Edalene rushed ahead and Duncan took an automatic, protective step closer to Aeodan, happy to oblige when the young researcher turned to him for assistance. He shot a quick wink at Aeodan and wrapped an arm around his back, before hardening his features and turning back to the masses before them. "'Scuse me." He growled, his voice far deeper and harsher tjan usual, forcing his large frame forward, pushing aside those that did not readily move for him. He made his way up behind Eda, passing a large hand over her lower back as he made room for Aeo to stand between them. He didnt pay much attention to the delegates, and instead busied himself over the twins, eyeing strangers that stood too close for comfort and aiming glares at any who attempted to stand in front of them and block the view.

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"Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night,
and when you move fall like a thunderbolt"
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[Quest] Foreign Affairs

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Isla Greye, followed by a number of companions from the newly civilised island nation of Scalvoris, could only be described as regal as she disembarked the vessel. Her gait screamed wealth and elegance, and she exuded confidence, though not in a way that would imply arrogance. Her smile was wide as she passed through the gathered crowds, nodding at various people as she went. She was pleased by the large welcome - a promise for a good relationship for Viden and Scalvoris in the future arcs to come.

She rose up the steps to the dais where the Delegates all stood in line, Caeli Face at the front. Isla’s arms were outstretched and, after only a trill of hesitation, Caeli opened hers too. The eídisi were not known for the public displays of affection, but it would be a terrible affront to embarrass their guest before even uttering a word of hello. The pair embraced and those stood on the dais began to clap, a signal for the crowd to join in. There was no cheering; such exuberant displays of emotion were below the Videnese, regardless of racial background.

As the two separated, they would see smiles on the faces of both women. They turned to face the crowds, both waving as respective assistants scrambled to find the pre-prepared welcoming speech and the response speech. Just as Delegate Fahe accepted her parchment, an arrow came soaring from the back rim of the crowd, over the heads of all the audience. It slammed into her shoulder, sending her staggering back, before collapsing. A collective breath from the audience could be heard reverberating around the dockyard.

The chatter was loud enough that the whoosh of a second arrow would be missed. This one aimed true, and pierced the centre of the guest’s chest. Isla Greye fell forward, into the crowds. Many people stood there in shock, some staring at the dead diplomat, others horrified as blood stained their leader’s pale robes. A number wasted no time in fleeing the enclosed space; such violence was never seen in Viden, and the citizens did not know how to cope. Some others began to look around, and arguments arose regarding where the arrows came from. A number of Intelligence Agents, all in their rarely-seen uniform to distinguish themselves, were moving quickly to the left of the dockyard, towards the anchored ships.


Important Information

  • I know you all will anyway but this is a reminder to please stay true to character here, folks.
  • Due to the time left until the end of the season, I have edited my plans for this plot. Anyone who knows me well knows that I am a big fan of over-arching plot, therefore this will be a section of a wider story. I hope no one is too disappointed by this.
  • In the interests of time I am also instigating a time limit. I will post again on 8th/9th July.
  • This thread is open to new players for one more round.

The Story So Far

  • Isla Greye, diplomat from Scalvoris has arrived.
  • Caeli Fahe, youngest Delegate and next in line to govern as Máthisi, is leading the Delegates in greeting her.
  • Everyone is happy.
  • Two arrows are fired: Caeli is injured but visibly alive, Isla is injured, and we are not sure if she has survived.

This Round

  • Some of you will be receiving additional information in a PM. Please do not share these with other participants; all they should know is what you decide to write in your post.
  • Please make explicit what you are going to do in your next post.
  • There is no posting order.
  • Depending on player response, this thread may be split into multiple smaller threads.
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Duncan Oisin
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[Quest] Foreign Affairs

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Duncan was relaxed and happy, content to watch the presedings lazily, not paying much attention to the politicians and instead sneaking happy glances at the twins, his heart swelling at the look of interest and enjoyment painted across their faces. His hand drifted up, pressing warm and firm to Aeodan's back for a moment before he shifted, reaching instead for the younger man's hand. Just as the Ranger went to thread their fingers together, the familiar, heavy thud of an arrow sounded up ahead and shocked gasps reverberated through the crowd, stealing his attention from Aeodan and directing it back to the world around them.

Where instinct guided most to look to the victims, Duncan's instinct differed, influenced by over a decade of work as a mercenary. His gaze snapped in the direction the arrow had come from, eye's scanning the buildings behind them, snagging quickly on a tall man in a deep green cloak just in time to see the crossbow fall to the floor of the balcony. His own crossbow was strapped over his shoulder, and his hand twitched towards it as he mentally debated whether he should risk getting a shot off in return. He hesitated too long, and the man had fled, disappearing for a moment before Duncan was able to catch sight of him again, now on street level.

The attacker was taking the main exit, and so Duncan seized Eda and Aeo harshly, tugging them around and shoving them in the opposite direction, towards the narrow side streets. "Go home!" He yelled over the wails and cries of terror. "Take the back streets and lock the door. Wait for me to get home." The man was going to slip away unnoticed if Duncan waited much longer, and so with a final worried glance to the twins, Duncan turned and pushed his way into the panicked throng, hoping that the two would do as he asked for once in their lives.

He used his size and strength, cutting his way through the panicked citizens, doing his best to keep track of the man over the bobbing heads. It was difficult, the man had managed to cut in front of the majority of the throng, whereas Duncan had been caught in the middle, and so it was all Duncan could do to catch glimpses of the man over the heads of others as he fought his way through the mass of panicked people, growling with frustration and shoving people out of his way.
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and when you move fall like a thunderbolt"
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Aeodan
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[Quest] Foreign Affairs

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Aeodan watched the regal procession of Isla Greye, a wide smile blooming across his face. There was something special about the procession, about how they moved and the confidence they showed. Aeodan knew what a massive boon this visit was for the Academy, and he knew that Caeli was the perfect delegate to receive Isla. Caeli had the composure necessary to play her role spectacularly, and to Aeodan, everything seemed in place.

And then time slowed to a crawl. As if he could see it in slow-motion, he saw the quivering shaft of the arrow soaring through the air. His mouth contorted to a grotesque "O" as the first arrow slammed into Caeli Fahe, and then grew wider when the second arrow slammed directly into Isla Greye's chest. For the trill of eternity, everything stood still.

It was strange to Aeodan. In that one trill, clarity bloomed through his head. He watched Duncan's immediate reaction to the arrow, with the big man searching for the attacker. It did not surprise Aeodan that Duncan's arcs of martial training and mercenary worked had honed his instincts to a razor's edge. He looked back to Isla's procession, and all of a sudden, the crimson stained her robes. And for all the calm that trill held, the next held the opposite. Pandemonium reigned all of a sudden, and everything became pure chaos.

Duncan's shouted instructions fell on deaf ears as he began to follow the unknown assailant. Aeodan, gripping Edalene's hand tightly, yanked her along to follow. The crowd was a churning machine, with people being shoved and trampled as everyone tried to get out of the firing zone. Aeodan cast a look back over his shoulder at Isla, who had toppled over and was being assessed by those around her. Unsure of her fate, Aeodan gritted his teeth and pushed on, being knocked left and right by the fleeing bystanders.

"Eda! Don't let go! We can't let Duncan go alone..." He screamed, the ache in his legs intensifying enough to cause him true discomfort. He pushed the pain down, frowning and running on. As he did so, he recognized the strange feeling of someone else's voice in his mind, something that seemed so oddly out of place, but still melded perfectly with his own thoughts.

"Over there! He's wearing green! Headed towards the docks, quick before he escapes!" Aeodan considered the source, but did not have much time to assess the situation. Amidst the chaos, he just felt, instinctively, that he should heed the call. He couldn't catch Duncan's eye to communicate the message quietly, so he did what he considered his only option: He screamed it to the big man.

"DUNCAN! YOU'RE GOING THE WRONG WAY! HE IS HEADING TO THE DOCKS!" Aeodan pushed himself to the limits, slowing considerably. Edalene would noticed that each step would come more gingerly as his legs burned from within, and it was everything Aeodan could do to stay upright. Rather than pulling Edalene along, the contact turned into him using her for support. He cast a grateful smile on her and continued to push his limits.

As he slowed, though, so did the Intelligence Agents rush by. And suddenly, he understood how he'd intercepted the telepathic communication. Aeodan did not know which would be worse for the assailant: Being caught by the rage-filled former mercenary who would likely smash his head in, or to be caught by the Intelligence Agents and never seen again. As the agents ran by, one caught Aeodan's eye and saw his mark. Aeodan used the moment to address the agent.

"Don't hurt the pursuer. I love him." And with that, Aeodan's legs gave out. He leaned heavily on Edalene, unexpectedly. The added weight unbalanced them, and they tumbled to the ground. Luckily, most of the heavy feet had passed, and Aeodan tried to cover Edalene to ensure that she didn't get trampled.
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