[h3]Umbraisis, Silme territory, Silme Capital of Sil'Venon[/h3] Ubileel Frostcutter was in his office and going over reports from across the nation, the frown on his face growing ever deeper with each one. He was afraid to even touch the one on foreign affairs, lest he fall into a blind rage and break something in the process. [i]Let’s see here, Navari rioting in the City-forts, again, more Navari caught trying to lead raiding parties to the East, again, more Navari engaging in illegal Na'hada tournaments, again, etc, etc, etc.[/i] Ubileel had been elected to his new position only 3 years ago, and yet he already felt like he had aged another fifty years, making his already lengthy 275 years feel even more oppressive. He was almost positive he would die in office if this trend contained, which it likely would knowing those damn savages. The only thing in the report that had surprised him was that a group of Khoren had been caught trying to sneak past the border with no small number of explosives. When they had been asked the purpose, they responded with as blunt a response as one can expect from the Khoren: 'We intend to take back the Lost Mountain and end the defilers who would disrespect the Spirit of Earth with their unlawful presence.' The Prime minister set down the reports and pressed a button on the dashboard. Seconds later, his secretary came in with a headache pill and some High quality wine, his favorite combination ever since taking this office. As he popped the pill and had the wine chase it down, he couldn't help but remember how much he used to despise alcoholic beverages. After a year in office,however, he was a borderline alcoholic and that had only gotten worse as time went on. The Khoren were not an impulsive people, they did everything methodically and after a lot of time thinking. This was likely the first of a series of similar attempts. Ubileel could only count himself lucky that his troops had caught them, and not those of the Heavenly Empire, or else they’d have a war on their hands. Doubling the border guard would be a temporary fix to the problem, hopefully able to prevent trouble long enough for him to discuss things with the Tsardom of Ventium. He had racked his mind for days, but he couldn’t think of any way to deal with the Navari in a way that wouldn’t lead to open civil war, something he wasn’t willing to do, less another country take advantage of the resulting chaos that would assuredly follow. He hoped the Tsar of Ventium, a nation that devoted itself to the idea of peace, would be able to assist him in the matter, or at least give him some ideas.[@Voltus_Ventus] A sigh escaped the old elf’s lips as he consider the future. [i]If I had any hair left, I’d be tearing it out right now. The perks of old age, they never cease to surprise me.[/i] He poured himself another glass of wine, taking a long sip, before sliding back into his chair. After a short amount of contemplation, Ubileel’s ears picked up as he heard the sounds of little feet running down the halls. "Marissa, do I have any visitors today?" "Only one for today sir, and I must say that you'll be quite pleased. A beautiful young woman has come to profess her love to you." [url=http://cdn.wallwuzz.com/uploads/final-fantasy-pictures-looking-realistic-wallpaper-anime-highres-girl-image-lightning-farron-array-wallwuzz-hd-wallpaper-4782-350x350.png]Marissa[/url] was a human immigrant from Ventium, and was quite the gentle beauty. [i]If only I was 50 years younger . . . oh, who am I kidding, 100 years would be more appropriate.[/i] Shaking his head from his previous thoughts, he gave a soft smile at her words, already having a good idea of who that might be, but willing to play along. "Ohhh, well send them in. The company of a beautiful woman is exactly what I need to ease the pain of these old bones." Marisa nodded with a smile as she walked over to the door, a silver haired blur bolting through it the moment she opened it, running straight into Ubileel as he stood up and wrapping him in a loving hug. His smile widen as he found that his guess to be partially correct. "Like mother, like daughter I suppose, always playing on an old man's hopes." The girl, no, the woman embracing him was his granddaughter, [url=http://th08.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/f/2012/037/4/4/elf_child_by_sakimichan-d4oxa56.jpg]Aurora[/url], who had just turned 30 years of age last month. She released her grandfather with a playful smile before giving him a kiss on the cheek, which cause him to chuckle. "So then, Aurora, where is you mother, her . . . partner, and your father." Ubileel hesitation at mentioning the oddity of his daughter's family was ignored by Aurora, who simply made a few more gestures with her hands to communicate that they were on their way. She had rushed ahead to see her favorite person in the whole world. “You flatter me, my dear,” Ubileel chuckled, turning soon as he heard footstep coming down the hall. [url=http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs17/f/2007/122/3/5/Elf_Girl_by_MKPL.png]Celese[/url] walked in first, looking so much like her mother. Sometimes it hurt to see his daughter, so greatly did she resemble his late wife, it was almost as if the Great one was punishing for some past transgression. Following shortly behind her was [url=http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff96/Needful/Anime%20Females/elf-1.jpg]Navaea[/url], Celese’s partner and a Navari-Elf Half breed. While Silme had nothing against half-breed, he had very much problem with his daughter’s chosen being half navari, especially after the ordeal the savages had put her through. Just thinking about the event caused him to shake with rage, but he quickly calmed himself. Finally, following behind with his usual submissive manner was [url=http://images2.alphacoders.com/218/218752.jpg]Silus[/url], the only reason that Celese and Navaea could ever be together. While not as attached to tradition as their southern cousins, Silme were very strict on things involving marriages and procreation, as the low birthrates that plagued the elven species was a particular problem in the north, where death was not a rare occurrance. One such law was that if two persons of the same gender wished to be together, they must have what is known as a Su’dati. A Su’dati is a mate chosen by the couple to sleep with one or both of them in order to insure that offspring are to be had. Opinion of Su’daten varies depending on class and the way they are treated by the couple varies as well, as while the couple is supposed to choose them, it’s usually the head of their family that does it. This is to avoid having the couple choose a person who will have no inclination to carry out their duties. Su’daten are still able to marry, though it’s uncommon for such unions to exist, mostly because the idea of Su’datens themselves is very antiquated. Many Silme simply decide to either not be wed and live together in secret, or try and fight the system that prevents it without some third party interference to make sure that a child is born, but until the birth rate of elves becomes more stabilized, it is unlikely to happen. Ubileel had been at war with his daughter for years over the subject, and while it had hurt to deny his daughter, it had hurt even more to imagine her in the arms of some half Navari whore. The Su’dati gave him a hollow feeling of victory in the end, and while it had estranged them for some time after, the birth of Aurora had remedied that. Celese adored her daughter with a passion, and she knew that if it wasn’t for Ubilel’s stubbornness, Aurora would’ve never existed. “I hope that Aurora didn’t bother you too much while we caught up, she’s always in such a rush, it’s a wonder she’s never broken anything.” Celese chuckled as she motioned for her daughter. Aurora pouted and hugged Ubileel tighter, sticking her tongue out at her mother, only for him to give her a tap on the head. “You’re an adult know, Aurora, and you need to start acting like it, and sadly, part of that means respecting your elders and [i]not[/i] sticking your tongues out at them.” His scolding was light and without any true anger, as their was no way he could be angered by anything his granddaughter did, not truly. Aurora looked a bit upset, but a call from Silus brought her over, and within minutes, she was clapping happily as Silus began to play with her a little, both being silent as mice. Silus had some sort of genetic disorder that made it so that his vocal chords didn’t form properly, leaving him a mute. Aurora also had this disorder, but given current medicine and how long elves live, their may be a way to heal them both in the near future. While Silus kept Aurora busy with games, and tall tales, Ubileel turned to face his daughter and her partner. “So Celese, have you come to visit your father, or is there something you need from the Prime Minister?” “While I came to see how you’re doing, . . . . it’s Navaea who needs something.” Celese stated with slight hesitation, and for good reason. Navaea and her father had never gotten along, the arguments sometimes even becoming physical at times, especially when it came to matters over the treatment of Navari. She believed that they were being treated like second class citizens and were treated with great prejudice, and while she wasn’t wrong, her father retort was always the same: ‘If the Navari want better treatment, then they should get rid of that savage religion of theirs and join the rest of the civilized world.’ Navaea had no rebuttal for that, as even she saw the problem with her mother’s race when it came to their beliefs, but still thought that the Silme and Khoren attitudes were doing nothing but escalate things. It was a long and bitter feud, and Celese was afraid that one of these days, they’d end up killing each other. “I see,” was Ubileel’s cold response, his eyes turning to look at the Navari-half breed with thinly veiled anger, a look that was gladly returned by Navaea. She sidled up closer to Celese, putting a hand around her waist and pulling her closer, as if to say:’She’s mine and there’s nothing you can do about it.’ The flames that raged in his still seeing eye grew with intensity, and his face slowly began to contort into a fierce grimace, his hands tightening into fists. “Tell me what you need Navaea, and I’ll do my best to fulfil it.” [i]If only to get you out of my sight[/i] Navaea’s gloating grin only served to fuel the flames in his eye, but she quickly wiped it off her face. “What I need is for you to stop persecuting the Navari like they’re all mindless savages, starting by calling for legislation to stop the banning of people from establishments solely based on their race!” “I see nothing wrong with the bans set in place, as the Navari have a general precedent of violence and disorderly conduct, some even pride themselves on it. Why should I put up give them special privilege?” Ubileel furrowed his brow at her proposal, already digging in his heels. Celese rolled her eyes and walked off to join Aurora in partaking of Silus’ stories, which are very intriguing despite his inability to speak forcing him to have to tell his tales using only gestures to tell the tales. She could easily hear the hushed argument of her father and her wife in the background, knowing for certain that they’d be at this for awhile. [i]Why can’t they just get along?[/i] She lamented to herself, sitting behind her daughter and holding her close, which Aurora showed slight annoyance towards, letting out a depressive sigh. Sometimes, she really wished that her father could let go of his prejudices, but with his old age, she knew he’d probably remained set in his ways until he was laid down in his grave. A depressing thought, but a likely one. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [h3]Eisenkries,Arisovian Region, Capital City of Grajewo[/h3] [@Alfhedil] “You think we lost them?” A feminine voice whispered in the darkness as a figure crouched in the darkness of an alleyway, red eyes peeking out from behind a dumpster to witness the backs of troops as they walked away. There were a few tense moments of silence, followed by many minutes of inactivity to make sure no one was lying in wait for them, before two figures rose from the shadows. One was a tall, red haired man in a dark, tight-fitting shirt, black pants, and a similarly close fitting jacket. He had a long scar on his face that reached from left temple over his eye and to his chin. His partner was a woman dressed similarly and also with red hair. “God dammit, what was the point of holding a secret meeting if someone’s going to fire of a gun. It’s so fucking stupid, and for what, to scare that other guy into silence? There were many quieter ways to have accomplished that.” The man complained, causing the woman to roll her eyes. “Stop complaining and focus, we’ve got to make a report to send to Representative Vaal’Naveros. This situation is a lot more volatile than first suspected, so our usually tactics may not be as effective.” “True, though I have to say, this Red Queen sounds so viscous and bloodthirsty, I wouldn’t be surprised to find that she has some Navari deep down within her if some of these stories are true. Sounds like quite the woman, if only she didn’t sound like such a nut case, she’d be a woman after my own heart.” The final remark caused the woman to scoff, running a hand through her red hair in impatience. “The only way that would be true is if you meant that literally, damn Navaerus-Ulundi. Is there never a time when you and those like you aren’t thinking of only themselves.” The woman proceeded to spit at the man’s feet, as was custom, growling at the satisfied smile the man gave her after the supposed insult. “Nothing wrong with looking out for yourself, Navade, it’s all in service of Navarus, may his blood wash away my sins.” “Hearing an Ulundi speak the oath make me sick, go to your bakery and wait for further orders before any other activity. As it stands we must keep a low profile and take minimal actions, Understood.” She stated with a piercing glare that only grew sharper as the man continued his serpentine smile. He only gave a quick nod before he quickly headed off down another alley, his form disappearing into the shadows of the night. She clicked her teeth in annoyance, before reaching for her hip and making sure her mask was still there. She had decided to play the part of a believer of the strange faith in this country, though she loathed the feeling of restrictiveness and conformity that wearing the mask placed upon her. There were many times where she wished to rip it off and smash it into a million pieces, but her training in keeping her temper in line helped in reducing her frustrations. She would make a quick, yet careful transition to her home, where she’d sneak in, undress, and discard of her clothes in the laundry bin for now. She quickly wrote down everything she presently knew in a coded journal written in Ancient Navari, a staple code for all Blood Priest and impossible for anyone to crack without the help of a Navari in a high position of power within the Navari inner circle, something she hardly had to worry about in Eisenkriesis. After she finished writing down what she knew, she placed the book in it’s hidden compartment and went to bed, deciding that it would be best to send the message tomorrow when she was better rested. She took a final look out the window of her home, looking at the stars and making a silent prayer to Naverus, begging his forgiveness for worshipping another, even if it was all a falsehood. She felt sullied by this mission and when she returned home, was determined to cleanse herself as soon as she could in a Na’Hada tournament, to let the lord of victory and blood to re-annoint her in the holy liquid and cleansed her soul. She made another prayer of forgiveness, then finally fell asleep, the last thoughts in her head being how wonderful it would be to feed the Scarlet Dragon the blood of this Red Queen one day, performing the old rites over her to enlist her in his army. The Ulundi was right, she would’ve made a good Navari, perhaps even a Blood Priest. [i]Not in this lifetime, sadly, but there is always the next. Good night, Red Queen, and let us see if you’ll prevail in this civil war or fall into madness.[/i] ----------------------------------------------------------- [h3] P.R.K., Volodnya, A waiting room[/h3] A young [url=http://s2.favim.com/orig/30/anime-art-chain-drawing-guy-Favim.com-246335.jpg]teen[/url] was sitting in a relatively lavish waiting room, drumming his fingers against the arm of a sofa as he looked around the room. It looked nice, but he prefered the hut he had shared with his family before his adoption by the church of Navarus. He was wearing the traditional garb of the blood priests, black leather underarmour with ivory plates of bone covering his vital areas, a wooden mask set to resemble a mouth full of snarling teeth was in his free hand, covered in black lacquer with the teeth also being made of ivory as well. [i]I hate how this stupid mask itches[/i] Na’daevus thought as he put it back on, clearly bored out of his mind waiting for the diplomat. He had been given this mission to test his skills, and grave consequences would be applied to him if he failed to confirm something. Normally a youth such as him would not be given such an important mission, but the priest who had been meant to handle this mission had been slain in a duel with another over a land dispute, and he was the most qualified person around to handle the mission on such short notice. He had only just become a Blood Priest and he was already put in such an important position that it made him want to throw up, yet he couldn’t look anymore confident from an outsider perspective, a part of final training is being able to separate what one felt from their outward appearance. He was supposed to be meeting with the Intelligence Commisar, whose name he couldn’t remember at the moment, about plausible assistance to the Navari people to rebel against the oppressive Silme regime. The thought of those fragile twigs of a people caused a growl to escape his throat, remembering at how so many of them looked at him like he was nothing more than an animal. While he would admit that the navari traditions were brutal, they weren’t all that way, it depended on the individual and what path of Navarus they followed, but it was always easier to paint them all with a single brush. Pulling the hood of the cloak up over his head and his face mask down, Na’daevus made a quick prayer to Navarus to assist him in his endeavors and give him the strength to persevere, biting his thumb until it bled, then made a small offering to the Scarlet God by dripping a few drops into the dirt of a nearby planter, commencing in a voiceless prayer for a few minutes before he sat back down on the sofa, his fingers once again set to drumming a beat into the arm as he waited. [@Mihndar]