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[h2][b][u]City of Corzina, Kingdom of Acitha [/u][/b][/h2]
[img]http://pre14.deviantart.net/2ec2/th/pre/f/2012/039/3/d/aqueos_by_wildweasel339-d4p3180.jpg[/img]

[i]Lalaifia, 6th of Gerna | 1200 AU[/i]
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The city of Corzina was one of the larger settlements in the north, the second largest in Acitha specifically. In part this was due to the somewhat mild climate which allowed for the growing of wheat and potatoes. More importantly, however, was the fact that Corzina was home to the largest port in Acitha. Hundreds of fishermen called the city home and helped provide more than enough for the city and much of the surrounding lands. And as always Corzina’s ports were a hive of activity as fishing boats and the occasional merchant ship slipped into one of the free spots on the docks, unloaded their goods, and sailed off.

Lynette covered her nose and mouth with her hand in a vain attempt to fend off the horrid stench of fish as she stepped onto one of the city’s many docks. She, and her small party of guards, looked quite out of place amongst the fishmongers and occasional merchant. The first princess of Acitha gazed out at sea as she searched in vain for Jakinius’ ship. Even if she happened to see the ship there was no way she could identify it and, realizing this, she quickly gave up. 

It was at this point ship known as [i]Goldeagle[/i] cut through the high waves as it made its way into the docking yards of Corzina. Walking out onto the deck Jakinius made a beeline for the railing as to not lose his balance. He hated sailing truth be told. The constant moving and the rolling tides constantly put him at ill ease. Thankfully he had avoided getting sick thus far by Kammeths mercy, but he would be glad when the ship docked for a time in Corzina all the same. The Kuman simply preferred dry land than that of the high seas.

Still he had to admit the Caravel that he had managed to procure was a beautiful vessel built for the strong uncertain seas of the north. The triple masted goliath was a large ship to be sure. It was also faster than Jakinius had first thought. Which likely had to do with its low deck design. Those Veletians truly knew how to build their sailing ships. 

Looking over the rail he watched as the port slowly but surely drew nearer. The gold, white, and black of House Valarien's house proudly displayed from the banners adorning the masts. The craft slowed as it finally saddled up to the port. The deck had become a beehive of activity now that they had arrived. Thankfully he did not have to wait long before the gangplank was set down. Jakinius along with Metinnus were some of the first to disembark. 

Dressed in his traveling cloak- the hood kept down for now- Jakinius was glad to finally be back on solid ground again so to speak.  

  Having seen the House Valarien banners, Lynette and her party had hurried to meet Jakinius. They arrived at the dock his ship was occupying just as he was disembarking. The princess took a moment to check her appearance once over, as it wouldn’t due to approach Jakinius unless she was looking her best, before stepping forward to greet him.

   “Prince Jakinius” She had to half shout to be heard over the clamour of the docks, “it is an honor to see you again. I’m sorry for your loss.”

  “It's good to see that you are well” A shield sister, her winged helm indicating her status as a valkyrie, said with a low bow. 

  Getting his bearings the kuman was surprised, but pleasantly so, to see the a princess of Acitha had come to greet him. The Lioness herself no less! "Princess Lynette of House Zarand," Jakinius began, his strong voice carrying easily over the ambient noise of the port. "A pleasant surprise - I thank you for your kind greeting," inclining his head to both princess and Valkyrie. "The honor is mine truly; I had not expected a greeting in our stop on the way to Lalrial."

  "Greeted by two lovely ladies Ser Jakinius? You are the lucky one," Metinnus added with mirth. 

The prince hid his smile as he introduced the old veteran, “Ah, and this is Lokhagos Metinnus,” the Lokhagos bowed his head respectively.  

Jakinius was about to say something else when a dockhand with a barrel over one shoulder rushed by, forcing the prince to step aside. "Ah, it seems the pier is a poor place to hold a conversation." With a charming smile, he added, "it has not been an overly long journey but I would be grateful for a guide to a less salty atmosphere; and I can think of a no more prestigious a company than that of two warrioresses of Acitha.” His tone was on both respectful and honest. 

  Lynette flashed Jakinius a warm smile of her own before responding “Forget the salt, I can’t stand the stench of fish for another moment. If you’d like I could show you a nearby tavern. A number of my guards have told me you’d be hard pressed to find better food and drink in the area.” Brushing an idle lock of blonde hair out of her face, the princess turned and led the group away from the docks. Members of the Chaven guard formed an honor guard around her, Jakinius, and Metinnus.

   After a few minutes the group arrived at the “Salted Fish Tavern”, the name eliciting a wide smile from the Valkyrie. Lynette, for her part, simply shook her head before giving Jakinius a ‘shall we?’ look.

   With practiced ease Jakinius did not miss a beat, walking toward the tavern doors and opening the portal. Inclining his head toward the princess he said, "After you my lady."

   Metinnus almost rolled his eyes. The prince's long time in the north had yet to erode his teachings from his squire years. Many in the Company had jested about the topic more than once. Something that seemed to have never phased the young kumen those years back. 

   “Thank you my lord” Lynette said before she and the Valkyrie stepped into the tavern. The two women quickly found an unoccupied table in the corner and was already ordering the establishment’s finest beer for all four of them.

“We shall be out here” One of the Chaven guards said to Jakinius. “Just call if you have need for us.”

   The ordered beer arrived just as the prince and Metinnus reached the table, a testament to the tavern’s high quality of service. Interestingly there were few other customers, possibly due to them all being out at sea. “I’m glad to see that the north hasn’t stripped you of all those years of etiquette training or whatever you soft southern nobles do in your free time.” 

“So tell me, my lord” Lynette said before taking a drink. “What are your travel plans? Sea or land?”

   Jakinius gave a chuckle, "My tutors made sure to all but beat the codes of chivalry the Kumen followed into my thick skull. I admit it does not have many uses on the border lands as it does in the south." He took the served mug of ale, "The Nordheim seem to give little care to how well versed we are in courtesy. " 

   Metinnus was already draining his mug, he smacked his lips after giving a heartfelt sigh. "That they don't, thankfully we common folk don't have to waste much time learning court politics." He then added turning to Lynette, "Tis no small honor to meet Princess Lynette herself, I might say. The Lioness of the North is well known among even the garrisons in The Septentrion."

   The Prince nodded, “As for plans I hope to sail as far as Mephori before going the rest of the way by land. I have little love for long sea voyages as it is and it would be the quickest route. And you my lady? I assume our meeting is not a coincidence? I imagine you must be on your way to the capital same as us.” 

   She raised her mug in salute to Metinnus before answering the Prince “You are correct. As I see it I have two choices. Pay for a fisherman to sail me to Mephori or see if I could take up some space on your fancy ship. My associate and I” She gestured towards the Valkyrie, “would very much appreciate being spared the shame of the former.”

   “And if nothing else” The princess continued, “I would cherish the opportunity to travel with the man most likely to be my next emperor.”

“I’ll drink to that!” The Valkyrie raised her mug in a toast.

   "I would never dream of denying you a voyage in comfort Lady Lynette, of course, room should be easily enough found for you and your comrade," He took a drink from his mug before adding. "But I fear you may be overly generous in your estimations when it comes to the gilded throne. No doubt my cousin's, brother, and sisters are already making promises to every Arch Elector who will listen." He shook his head, "barely time to mourn our father before they scramble to take his seat..."  

   A somber moment of silence followed before Jakinius decided to change the subject. "But how have you and Acitha fared these past months milady if you don't mind me asking? Long since have I set foot in your country and reports rarely detail much beyond a raid fought off here or a village near burned down there. To easy to see the numbers but not think of people they represent."    

“We’ve been holding our own” Lynette said with a shrug. “It’s a tough life living up at the northern border, and not just because of the heathens, but they are a tough people. They rebuild. They always do.” The princess seemed to space out for a moment, her thoughts taking her far away from the tavern in which they sat. “But some of the things I’ve seen out there…” She couldn’t help but shiver. “Thankfully the nordheimer haven’t managed to come too far south. Certainly not past Chave, so they haven’t hit a major town. Yet.”

The Valkyrie winced before commenting “We’ve been feeling the diminishing Imperial presence up here. No offense intended of course.”

  Jakinius waved his hand, "No offense taken, in fact, I would be surprised if there was not some disquiet- or- at least, disappointment given the situation with the lack of imperial presence."  

 The prince sat straighter as he continued, something of a fire in his eyes, "In fact that is the only reason I leave for Lalrial at all. I have walked through Frostmouth keep and while it is indeed an impressive castle; walls are of little avail if there are not enough men to man them."  

Metinnus patted Jakinius on the back, "I can think of no more capable a man to set things right- don't you doubt it." he drained the last of his mug. "But Kammeth burn high! The north does know its ales? Far better than that shabby southern wine the highborn in the capital fancy."      

"You never did have much a taste for wine did you?" Jakinius turned his attention back to Lynette. "I am glad you have managed to keep order, Sounds like nothing worse than the White Narkak incursion we dealt with two years back."  That event had been a particularly nasty vilespawn hoard from the north. Perhaps driven onward by some tribe displacing them.  It had been the first real threat the north had encountered in a long time.  

It had taken the combined efforts of a group of shield sisters, Lynette and an imperial company headed by Jakinius to subdue the beasts and drive them out.   

“I can’t help but feel that we are overdue for another major incursion” Lynette commented. The White Narkak incursion was not an ordeal she would forget soon. Although Jakinius and Lynette had held the line it had been a close thing. Too close. “And I fear that southern politics” She almost spat out the word, “could weaken us up here greatly. The last thing I need is for the shield sisters to be pulled to the south to deal with some minor heretical outcropping on the Inquisition’s behalf.” The Valkyrie raised an eyebrow but chose not to comment on the subject.

Jakinius look was grim. "I hope you're wrong Milady... but I have been sensing the same thing. Something is coming and I don't think the North let alone the empire is ready..." 

Metinnus, meanwhile, seemed immediately concerned with the state of his mug. "Aye, I can't say I have not gotten that feeling as well. Still little we can do about it till we reach the capital. To that end..." he signaled for a refill to a passing bar wench. "Our ships is due for taking off tomorrow morning. I for one plan to be --pardon the language, my lady," he nodded to Lynette, "very shit faced by morning. No doubt we'll be drowning in politics soon enough, may as well enjoy good company and a strong drink while we can!"

  Jakinius only shook his head and smiled. You can take a soldier from the north but not the north from the soldier. "I would not mind drinking to that."

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[h2][b][u]The Flamekeep, Heartlands [/u][/b][/h2]
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[i]Odvin, 7th of Gerna | 1200 AU[/i]
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The great Keep of Flame was the very heart, mind, and soul of the Church of the Sacred flame. Built into the Velathi Mountain to the north of the Imperial Capital of Lalrial. The towering spires rose high into the clouds as if they had been built solely as a form of a bridge to the heavens themselves. Built into the citadel was an observatory of modest design. The location granting the perfect view of the celestial bodies.      

In the highest floor of the great spire built into the heart of the citadels keep was the grand chamber of light. It was a circular room of generous size. A domed ceiling above with chimneys strategically placed above burning braziers. The chamber of light was always warm regardless of the season or weather. 

Made to resemble the [url=http://i.imgur.com/xjQ2v7B.png]holy Symbol[/url] of Kammeth. The room centered wound a smaller circle painted on the ground that was pierced by eight red lines. At the end of each of these red lines, a chair of stone was built. Seven of the eight chairs were occupied. The seven men and women made up the members of the fabled Elder Council. They were dressed in silver robes, with two long golden lines running down the front. The symbol of Kammeth was emblazoned upon the center of their backs. Long hoods hide the faces of most of the men and women. Each was a powerful cleric of Kammeth in their own right. 

They'res was the very will of Kammeth made manifest. Known as the lords of light by the common folk. Yet they were but one aspect of his physical representation on the mortal plane. For divided now we're they form who among their number they were to pick to be the new voice of Kammeth himself. The selection seemed to have fallen on one, the only member not present.

"She is too young!" voice the aged though respected Lord of Light Duvigio Celaagia. "She has walked in the light of Kammeth's glory for too little time."

"Brother Duvigio, please, you well know that there is more to Kammeth's favor than mere experience." Came the calm gentle voice of Sister Rosellae. "I foresee much potential in her."

"Long you have favored, Tsi'Ri Tlaerie, Sister Rosellae. Yet we must be pragmatic in our choice, " responded the stern counsel of brother Decch, his strong voice booming in the chamber in such a way they echoed. Well befitting a northerner if his larger than normal stature was not hint enough to his origin. "She is from a zealous house to be sure. But zealous minds need to be tempered by wisdom."

"An understandable opinion,  one most sensible," Reband Artean was the youngest by far, only Tsi'Ri was younger by a single year. "However these are troubling times. The faith will need a mind ready for the coming trials ahead, the Long Night fast approaches! It is perhaps time to appoint one with some fire in their blood."

"You speak as if we are to fight the coming darkness with holy immolation Brother Reband!" came the predicted response of Duvigio.

"Enough," the voice of the only one who had not spoken thus far surprised the others enough that they heeded the command. Noluretinaus was among the most powerful in the faith present. As capable a warrior as he was a speaker. It was said he had single-handedly slain a cyclops who had attacked his escort years ago by smiting the vilespawn with a single pillar of fire. Many recognized him as the most sincere in his beliefs thus the council often valued his input above all else. "We shall but waste time with words when we should be leaving this discussion to one whose authority is beyond all reproach."

He looked around the circle before continuing, "We shall call for a trial of fire."
 
The hushed gasp from all his peers followed then silence before finally, Duvigio was the first to speak. "I admit reservations to letting Sister Tsi'Ri take the mantle...but I would never condemn her to certain death!"

 Rosellae nodded, "This does seem extreme."

"These are extreme times," Noluretinaus said grimly.

"I am in agreement, I believe wholeheartedly in her candidacy, Kammeth’s light will shine upon her. I know it," Borther Reband's tone was that of utter confidence. 

There was more bickering and more arguing before it was at last decided that a Trial by Fire would be the best solution. So they sent word to allow sister Tsi'Ri to enter and stand in the center of the great chamber. 

She had sat with poise and dignity. Her head folded down and her hands lifted up in prayer, both to the gods she had known since her birth in Meletis and the one who she knew reigned over them. Whispered musical words of prayer were the only sounds that broke the stillness as she waited. The others would choose soon and she needed to be strong.

At last, a hand settled upon her robed shoulder and she was bidden to rise. The decision had been made. It would not do to show her fear or unease. If she had been chosen it would be her duty to serve and with faith she would prevail. Silver skin and hair glinted slightly  beneath her hood as she rose from her sitting position of prayer.

With poise and dignity, the lone Sister walked from the antechamber into the great room. She moved slowly and with the natural grace her people so often possessed before halting in the very center and kneeling down before her fellows. “Brothers, Sisters, this one humbly awaits your judgment” Her voice had the musical lilt of all pureblood vaelie but it was softer and less practiced, she had not used its magic in years, those were not the tools of Kammeth.

As was often the case it was Brother Noluretinaus who spoke, "The Council of Elders has convened and a decision been made. It is the place of the nobles and common men to bicker and vote like the blind. To argue with themselves and seek to bribe and blackmail.  So as the Council is split we will appeal to the highest authority, the one true judge whose wisdom is far greater than a thousand kings."

"A Trial of Fire Sister Tsi'Ri. We will submit you to his wisdom by his holy flames. Should you emerge unscathed and untouched - then it will be beyond all doubt you are worthy to be his voice to his people. To advise the Emperor to come in all matters of faith. These trials have only ever been performed eight times before. And if you emerge you will no longer be Tsi'Ri of House Tlaerie. Your old life will be burnt away by Kammeth's holy fires, consider all loyalties to House and even nation to be but memories. Ashes to be swept in the wind before the eternal will of Kammeth the one true King. "

"If there is even a shred of doubt in your mind let it be known, for the flames will not suffer uncertainty. "

He waited to see if Tsi'Ri would change her mind if she would hesitant or turn away. None would blame her if she was not yet ready for the kiss of Kammeth's fires or his judgment.     

For a second when Noluretinaus spoke of the Trial of Fire there was a flicker of uncertainty that danced upon the silver skin of Tsi’Ri’s obscured face. But it was gone in a moment as she steadied herself, reaching for the well of faith inside that had always been her strength and support in times of need. It was not for her to worry, it was not for her to decide, the fire on high was the truest judge and he alone knew if she was ready.

“I was born to serve the sacred flames of silver and gold, but even in their service, I did not find solace. For there was one greater even than they. I came to you with naught but the faith and the desire to learn.” Her voice was steady and did not waver.

“And then you raised me up to sit beside you. I did not believe I was ready but you had faith in me. Now you would raise me again. Do I doubt myself? I doubt myself every day. For I am merely mortal. But do I doubt that the one above knows my measure and will choose me if it is his will? Never once. I will stand before the fire and if it is his will, I will live to serve him still.” Then her head bowed again and Tsi’Ri fell silent.

The smallest hint of a rare smile seemed to glint under the hood of Brother Noluretinaus before it vanished just as quickly, "Well spoken. Then let faith be as your shield. For there is none greater. Let the light be your path. As there is no more sure a road. Let the fires be as a baptism that strips all that would weigh upon you. Denounce all titles, surrender the rights of land propriety promised by your noble blood. For the treasures of the world are but as ash when compared to the glory that awaits us at the side of Kammeth. When you walk through the fire you will be born anew like the phoenix. You will no longer be Tsi'Ri. But a new name shall be whispered to you by Kammeth's voice himself. This will be your new name to christen your rebirth."

At that, he fell silent and clasped his hands together. The others in the council followed suit. 

"We do not fear the flames, for they are our salvation," Noluretinaus began in prayer.

[i]"We do not fear the flames, for they are our salvation,"[/i] came the echoing response of his peers in perfect unison. They began to pray in step, their words taking on an almost supernatural quality. This was akin to magic but also very unlike it as it held a power no mage could mimic. As they chanted there appeared a translucent wall of light that surrounded Tsi'Ri. Then another larger than the first, then finally the third wall of light came into being-- shining like barely visible barriers encircling one after the next. 

As the chanting continued and picked up speed the braziers positioned by the chambers wall began to flicker as the fires within them seemed to climb, no crawl up the very walls. Like orange and red fingers they swept upwards as if they possessed a will of their own. These eight points of flame met in the center of the domed ceiling. The fires growing and slowly changing with every moment that passed. 

Then the chanting prayer took on a very different air. The chamber became thick with some presence that weighed upon the shoulders. As if the very force keeping them all to the ground had become stronger without seeming reason. The air grew heavier as well, the swirling fires above taking on a new color that was a mix of silver white gold and blue opal. A shape took form as the vague semblance of a great bird became faintly clear. 

Then without warning the bird of fire gave a soundless cry and descended right down in a sudden pillar of silver fire. Right onto the woman that had once been Tsi'Ri. Such was the roaring of the fires that if there had been any cry of alarm or pain it was easily drowned out. Yet the chanting could still be heard as clear as daylight. The fires were nearly as bright as the sun itself. Surely nothing could have survived such intense flames. None of the Elder dared look into the light, for such would have assured  permanent blindness.  

The prayer continued, all the same, the fires growing so great that the first barrier of light collapsed, then quickly followed the second. Thankfully the last barrier held strong as the fires began to die down in both intensity and size. White smoke wafted upward and some within the council felt their heart sink, thinking surely Tsi'Ri had been found unworthy after all...

However, there standing proudly as before was the women once called Tsi'Ri. Her robes gone and long since burnt to ash, but her beautiful silver skin was unscathed, even her hair was untouched. 

Brother Noluretinaus seemed the only one present who did not seem shocked by this outcome. As if he had truly expected her to succeed all along. "Rise now sister, rise and speak the name you have been gifted. For on this day, Tsi'Ri has died, and been reborn anew."

As her golden hair freed from the confines of her robe spread around her body like a halo in the light and her gleaming skin shone the woman smiled and then spoke the words that she had heard, “Filmethi Dalfire.”