It had been a few days since the Emperor's letter arrived at the Thrace estate, Keenan had been en route to the capitol on the same day the letter arrived. He'd spent almost the entire journey so far inside the coach, sitting silently, imagining the empire's fall and dwelling on memories of his sister. The ancient oppression of his family not being enough the Empire had decided to take her from him as well, as far as he was concerned the Scorn was the punishment this empire deserved.

He was eventually broken from his thoughts when the stagecoach came to a sudden halt and some voices argued outside. After a few moment he decided to step out to see what the problem was. Walking up toward the from of the coach he spoke out toward the driver [color=9e0b0f]"What's going on here?"[/color] The driver looked to Keenan when he appeared and bowed his head "Apologies, Lord Thrace" he then gestured toward a robed figure in front of the coach "This vagrant dares to hitch a ride as if this were some common carriage wagon". Just then the figure took a step toward Keenan and spoke [color=82ca9d]"I simply seek passage to Dramon"[/color]

Keenan looked the figure up and down, one hand rested on the hilt of one of his swords [color=9e0b0f]"and what business could you have there?"[/color]

[color=82ca9d]"I've heard the emperor is gathering adventurers to face the scorn in the west. I wish to join them"[/color] the figure held out a hand, revealing jewelry and pretty trinkets [color=a2d39c]"I can pay plenty for the trouble"[/color] 

Keenan had the immediate thought that he should strike down this man now, whether he was truthful or not, it would be one less potential threat to his true mission but he was soon distracted from such thoughts by the treasures the figure offered. They were of Elvkiin make [color=9e0b0f]"And where did you find those?"[/color] he was almost hoping this was an assassin, hired by underworld elements to end the emperor for some reason. Instead the figure lowered it's hood to show the face of one of the former denizens of the northern forests, surprising both Keenan and the driver.

After a short heavy silence, Keenan began to chuckle.
[hr]

When they arrived at the palace they were greeted with the side of guard leading a Fae into the throne room. It seemed they had arrived at about the same time as many of the rest of their party. What providence.

Following into the throne room shortly after the Fae his arrival was announced after he short greeting, the guard calling out "Lord Keenan Thrace of the Twin Fangs!" He hesitated for one step, hearing the announcement for once not including his beloved sibling. He carried on into the room, the elvkiin following behind him until they were toward the front of the gathered adventurers. He put a fist to his chest and tipped his head for a bow [color=9e0b0f]"Your Majesty"[/color] lifting his head up he continued [color=9e0b0f]"My brother sends his greetings, he prays that this endeavor be a successful one"[/color] he caste a quick glance at the others and relaxed his posture [color=9e0b0f]"My lord, if I may, I have brought a traveler that sought an audience with you, one I believe you may want to hear"[/color] with that he gestured toward his companion.

Without waiting the figure stepped forward and lowered his hood, again revealing his elvkiin features, he then bowed with one arm across his chest [color=82ca9d]"your majesty. My name is Lothian Dimaethor, warrior to what remains of the elvkiin. my people have already suffered from the plague and I would not see what is left snuffed out by this scorn. I ask that you let me join this quest, that I may add my skill to ending it's corruption"[/color] as he finished Lothian maintained his bow, awaiting the emperor's response.