• Event • The Strange Cloud

[Fate]

Melrath
Coming of the New People
War or Peace

The Strange Cloud
Event

From the south they came. Flying ships, that moved unnervingly through the air. Strange and alien their presence had first been reported by traders coming north from Uthaldria. A fleet of ships had stopped at the city of the men beasts. A portion of the fleet then continued to sail northward towards Melrath. Though the loyal Melrathian traders rushed they weren’t many trials ahead of the ships that came.

The military was able to prevent word of the approach from spreading like wild fire. In the end it was the great houses that set the word abuzz. And like rumors on the wind it spread, and like the wind it carried thousands of rumors. They all agreed ships were coming, and the military had positioned itself at the ruins outside of the gates to Melrath. Many believed that this was an invasion from Uthaldria a long time enemy of the Melrathians. Others that is was some new invading force that had left Uthaldria burning in its wake. Then a new rumor began to spread. These were people of the world, fellow spirit worshipers.

The trial finally had come. The army itself was gathered at the gate of melrath, but two squadrons of the Valkyrion with their flying mounts had gathered as well as some squadron of the Syn. Despite their efforts a number of citizens had also gathered to watch and see. The Jarl’s were about to miss an opportunity to connect with something new, or use this chance to become heros.

*****

High in the air the commander of the Cymuned Awyr floated in the air with two of the Teule Awyr. He had left behind two of the Teule Awyr with the Joyful One. The command was agent of the Sovereign but the Teule Awyr with him were supported by the House Tequeso. They had long felt a strength in the spirit world coming from this area.

Standing next to him was a elderly member of the Tequeso who looked on with the same gaze as a boy about to get a surprise. He had reported that he could detect an abundance of spirits and had followed his directions, and now they were approaching people on the ground. The commander nodded his approval at a group prepared for the arrival of strangers.

Round 1

Anyone can find themselves at this event. This round is for those who want to join to set up what they do before the arrival. Please post what you will do. You have about six hours of time to let me know. Each round might change how much time. Please post by the 24th.

[Kalortah]

Enter the Voice of Calamity

Kalortah heard it from Boss Gosling. A commotion from the Golden Flock in the Joyful Treasure's museum. Not necessarily signaling danger toward them, but a potential fire-keg of a situation maybe? The avriel always found his communications with birds rather twisted and winding, not at all straightforward. Of course when it came to fulfilling their needs, their diction was always perfectly understandable, straightforward, and succinct. It was typical.

So Kalortah try as he might to extricate details from Boss Gosling, couldn't quite manage. Nevertheless, his curiosity sufficiently piqued, he arose early the next morning. Once he was sure that Lotema wasn't watching, he got dressed in a tight-fitting doublet, with padded vest and sleeves in red and gold brocade. The stitching wove a tapestry of an avian tableau from the collar of the doublet down to the sleeves. On his hands, a pair of crimson velvet gloves. On his legs he wore trousers of black velvet, casually fitted to his thin form, and tucked into a pair of black leather knee boots. Around Kalortah's neck, as often was the case, a pendant of platinum with two mismatched gems, similar to his heterochromatic eyes of blue and light pink. The buttons on his doublet were of gold. Around his shoulders he wore a black wing-valance lined with crimson velvet.

Then he went about changing his colors to a more pleasing hues than he'd adopted in Yaralon. Golden feathers topped his wings, dripping down into hues of blue and green at the tips of his wings. His hair became spun gold, and complexion went from turquoise to a hue of pearly pink. Once he was satisfied with his appearance and new colors, he steeled himself with the prospect of going to Lotema, and presenting her with the idea of uprooting theirselves from Yaralon to fly to another country. Kalortah had some tasks to do for Delroth here, and he intended to do them... in time. But right now, the Dragon's Golden Geese called to him, with their fluttering and fussing. He only hoped he would get there in time to see what they were up to. In either even, he'd be able to present what treasures he'd found for Draaithadir.

"Lotema..." Kalortah said, as he approached his mate, who was coddling their newborn. "I think it's time to leave Yaralon, for now. I need to meet a friend in Uthaldria."

Lotema looked up at him, and gave a sigh of relief, much to his surprise. "Finally. "

"You... want to leave?"

Her head took a sardonic tilt, "This place has its charms, but being cooped up in the temple all day to avoid the dangers.... It's not the kind of life we'd want for this child."

Kalortah sighed, relieved. And thanked himself for choosing a mate whose wings were restless as he was. "So we'll prepare to go then. I'll saddle Chryseus."

Thus it was settled, and they made the near 30 trial journey, partly by air, partly by boat. But always taking the shortest path to their destination, as the albatross flies.

When they arrived at Draithadir's domain, he knew that he'd arrived at a momentous occasion, as there was markedly more activity about than usual. He was just outside the museum for whatever reason, perhaps Draithadir was entertaining guests, and jealous of their company, although that would seem unlike her, from what he remembered. Afterall, if Draithadir could stomach the company of Zana and that dirty bum Arlo Creede, she couldn't possibly begrudge a creature of his own majesty..

Nevertheless, he wished to honor the sanctity of the museum for now, and instead turned his attention north. There, he took off and flew after the ships he saw in the distance, until catching up on the wing.

His mate, child, and servant Weep were saddled on Chryseus, and flew a safe distance behind him. With all their major treasures stocked in bags on the dragonling's back.

As he followed, he sang a song for them to hear:


"Strong winds blow,
Through the arms of Cypress trees.


Flesh, Avriel and Slave,
Both part 'neath a butcher's blade.


The suns shine on pools,
Where lesser life's blood leaked.


The Feathered's Prey falls,
Her cries unheard in green glades

The Plumage of the victor,
Ruling with Glory all under its shade."

It was an old song, but a good one, and perhaps onoe that these flying folk might appreciate, whoever or whatever they were. He continued singing a variations of his songs as he went along, but making certain he was unthreatening to them, and hoping his peaceful intentions were clear.

[Fate]

Melrath
Coming of the New People
War or Peace

The Strange Cloud
Event

While the leaders were focused on the sight before them at the forces of Melrath. They quickly took note that despite being grounded due to lack of wings, the patrols of flying mounts did show to them that they did have air ability. Despite the forward focus the ships did look behind them and the scouts watching the back side saw a confusing sight.

They saw a figure approaching and as it came closer they became convinced there was a small dragon (relatively speaking) flying behind them and on its back was a group of people with wings. The sight of someone flying a dragon was far more common among the floating isle then in the rest of the world, but it was something common either. To see one of trying to catch up was just strange. It didn’t take long before word of the visitor reached those in command. One of the smaller ships was directed to see what was going on.

*****

The Melrathian troops continued to watch as one of the ships turned away and seemed to be going back. There was a general murmur among the troops. The generals were consulted but they felt that given the very obvious movements that it was either a distraction. Messages were sent to other spots to see what else might be going on.

Everyone waiting as the ships approached.

*****
Kalortah would see one of the smaller ships turning back and heading straight towards him and his family. Not being bounded by the speed of the much larger ships the smaller ship made the backwards journey far more quickly then. It wasn’t long before he could see the people on the ships. They were a variety of people, they to also had wings, but most seemed more reptilian then bird. He could also see horns on everyone’s head. They all were watching with an intense gaze as they came closer. There was one person who leaned at the edge and shouted. “Beth Ydych chi’n meddwl eich bod yn ei wneud?”

As the ship came closer the man who shouted face changed. It went from angry to confused and suddenly said less loudly. “Nid Hludin wyt ti.” And conversation in this new language broke out among the others. They all were now looking and pointing at the family on the dragon. After a series of shouts from the commander a spot was opened and they waved from the dragon to land on the open space.

Round 2

Anyone can still join this round. The fleet has slowed down due to the surprise visitor which means they visitors won't arrive this round.

[Kalortah]

The winged mortalborn thought he espied some military-looking folks on the ground. At least, they appeared to be bracing for the approach of the ships. Kalortah didn't have many songs of peace or soothing ballads to sing down at them, or at the winged reptiles that were now flying up alongside Chryseus.

In fact, as the latter mentioned folk got close, they began speaking in a tongue entirely incomprehensible to Kalortah, yet there was something attractive about its flow and melody. He decided he'd like to learn that language, if he could, if the people inviting his dragon onto their ship were friendly.

Chryseus, perhaps recognizing something familiar in those people, didn't wait for Kalortah's permission, but descended to the platform that was laid out for him. Upon a graceful landing, he preened and posed for them, his eyes flashing with majesty but a little bit of mischief. Chryseus always enjoyed a captive audience, and so put on his best performance for these winged folk.

Kalortah meanwhile slid off of his saddle, along with the rest of the family. Lotema was sheepish, and clutching at their child protectively. Kalortah listened to the people speak their language, trying to make themselves understood perhaps. However he was having trouble without establishing some baseline wods to collate their own meaning.

He pointed to the dragonling, perhaps something that these people would know the word for. "Dragonling." He paused, "Name is Chryseus."

He pointed to himself, "Kalortah." Then to Lotema, "Lotema." As they were both the same race (by all appearances), it should've been evident that he was giving her name as well as his. Or perhaps not. Kalortah was no stranger to language barriers, but it was always a bit like stumbling around in the dark when making first contact.

"Peace" Kalortah said, in as soothing a voice as he could manage, and he could quite easily, given his vocal training.

He smiled, and spread his arms, then gestured toward Chryseus, who was getting a little jealous that Kalortah was dominating the show. "Come!" He said, then again, "Meet Chryseus."

[Fate]

Melrath
Coming of the New People
War or Peace

The Strange Cloud
Event

The crowd on the ship watched the dragonling landed and the family slip off its back. The crowd around them was an interesting mixture of images. While human mostly in appearance those aspect that made them different were very prevalent. The reptialian wings, though while there was an amazing variety most had golden wings. All also had horns that came in as many verity, but most of this crowds was golden. At this point the mortalborn also noticed they had tails, and such tails. While they were varied as the horns and wings, most were golden, but many of them were moving a lot and few even held things including one who was holding a spear.

They watched in interest as Kalortah made an effort to speak to them. A older woman stepped forward. Her coloring was golden, and while she was older, she had aged well, and flaunted the beauty of wisdom and age. Her clothing was of a golden color. She seemed to radiate a joyus nimbus as she approached. She watched as their winged cousin introduced himself. The woman nodded her head and putting her palm to her chest said. “Llawenaur.” She bowed and said. “Croeso Kalortah a Lotema.” She said after straightening indicating to each as she spoke their name. She nodded as he said peace, though he couldn’t tell if she understood exactly what he was say. Though when he presented the dancing she came forward and extended her hand indicating she would like to touch the dragonling. “Croeso Chryseus, Plewtyn Draig o Drathaidir.” She smiled and there were tears in her eyes. “Mae hwn yn ddiwrnod hapus.” She said again speaking to the dragonling. She looked at Kalortah and asked. “Ti.” She then pointed between them saying “Cwrdd Drathaidir.”

*****

While the conversation continued the fleet began to lower the rest of their ships as they planned to meet with the Melrathi agents. The stood with hands outstretched showing they had no weapons and the approached the waiting people.

*****

One more element was quietly watching the events unfold seeing how it would turn out. Hidding in the golden rays of the sun none had yet noticed that a third party was waiting to see if they would join a discussion of peace or depart as war came about.