[h1][center][color=silver] A Fated Counsel [/color][/center][/h1]

Val stood as a statue, breathing calmly and eyeing everyone who entered the throne for potential threats. He was also judging them as they came, for he had a bad habit of doing so ever since the Academy. An insufferable place that he endured only to better himself, and it had worked after all. Not anyone got the chance to stand next the Emperor, to lead such dangerous missions behind enemy territory. He smirked from underneath his helmet, hopefully the others would be able to earn their invitation. 

The first one that had come was a disheveled fellow, Val almost thought of him lost but sadly knew better. Val already didn't like him. The way he presented himself to the Emperor, their Lord and ruler, was laced with sarcasm. He would be delightful, Val was sure.

The next was a man dressed in tattered, burned rags. Or tunics and cloaks, Val was not sure. He introduced himself as Brennen, one from the swamps. He had never been there himself, out of official Imperial jurisdiction after all, but the rumors said of pyromancers who inhabited the Charred Bog, fitting he supposed.

The third was a disciple of Luna, a scrawny looking figure in dark robes. Wonderful, just what they needed, one of those [i]people.[/i] Everyone knew Luna of course, but Solus was worshiped most throughout the empire. Lunans were a special group, shrouded by darkness, and guided by the moon. He hoped this Neil Aurum wouldn't slow them down, traveling in the day and all.

The fourth was a Fae. It wasn't an odd sight by any means, he had expected at least one to be in attendance. And this one even looked like she knew how to handle herself, which was welcome considering the lot that had arrived before her. Val thought he recognized the name, bit it escaped him.

Next came another Fae, this one much taller and more plant looking. She was announced as a sorceress, and the greatest one at that. Hopefully she knew what she was doing, it was a relief to have two seasoned Fae with them. They would have experience he was sure, skills that would be useful in a pinch. Plus magical abilities were always a plus.

Then came a Thrace, Keenan to be exact. One of the "Twin Fangs" or the One fang now he supposed. Everyone of the upper class and nobility knew who they were, his sister and him. They were a devout family to the Emperor, and the Templar had taken an interest in them until Katia had died. He wasn't sure why his superiors lost interest but having a Thrace here bolstered his confidence on the success of the mission. Val was fortunate enough to witness them fighting once, his skills would be extremely useful.

Another suprising development, an Elvkiin had accompanied Keenan to the throne room. He had never met an Elvkiin, but he had heard other Templar's talk of them from time to time. Val grew to only pity them, to be wiped out by a plague must have been devastating for the survivors. Whatever this one possessed would come in handy.

[center]---[/center]

As Val silently judged those that arrived, the Emperor greeted each individual after one another. Then after it looked like no one else might show, he spoke to all of them aloud.

"I thank you all for coming here this day, on such a short notice. The letter told you why you were required, and here you are, I admire that." He paused for a moment then continued, "I will spare you unnecessary details and get straight to the point. You wouldn't be here otherwise unless you meant to continue, but if not, leave now and I will think nothing less of you. The danger on this adventure is very real, some of you might die and I cannot order you to do so. Make no mistake, Westgate has fallen, my son killed, and the enemy advances closer to Dramon everyday. So I say again, if you don't want to be here, then leave now. Go and be with your families while you can."

The Emperor waited for a moment, looking at the gathered group. Not one of them moved, "Good, I thought not." The Emperor then pointed to Val, "This is Templar Valson, he will be overseeing this mission. He has traveled into Scorned territory many a time and lived to tell the tale. His insight will be invaluable to its success. You will be traveling to the Ebony Mountain on horse and foot if need be, destroy the source of this corruption and save not just the Empire, but all living beings."

"I talked of payment, and Dramoria's artifacts in the letter. You all must realize the gravity of the situation? Not once in the history of the Empire have the artifacts been used since Dramoria's unification. These are truly dire circumstances. Each of you shall pick an artifact to use. I would give you more but we still need some of them when the fighting starts here. Also note that if you decide to run off with an artifact, I will send the Vaults guardians after you. And they are not kind creatures." The Emperor's tone darkened at the last sentence.

He then continued once more, "Coin will also be provided for you and a horse each. Now are there any questions?"

[@Zetsuko][@Rithy][@Sola][@Leotamer][@Ghost Shadow][@jdh97]