[h1][center][color=silver] Promises [/color][/center][/h1]

The Emperor first addressed Neil, "And may the Sun light your path." The Emperor gave his own prayer for Neil in the faith of Solus. "Serenity, it would be a worthy gift would it not? I shall say this, if you survive and return to me with it, then it shall be your churches. But you must guarantee it not be used in violence, or used against those who do not believe in your faith. If that is ever broken, I will take it back."

The Emperor then turned to the tall Fae Zina. "My dear, I wish I knew what it looked like. I wish I could tell you all that what you are going up against his something known, but I would be lying. It is unknown to me." The Emperor paused, sighed, then spoke again, "But there are rumors. Ten years ago near the Ebony Mountain, a strange creature was reported to be attacking livestock, leaving behind... growths on the corpses. Could this be something related to the Scorned? I do not know. But if I were to guess, it won't require the mountain to topple. At least I hope not."

The Emperor was then about to speak again, but the doors opened once more and announced was an Orc, but not the one who he had thought. As she approached him, Darsun saw that she looked more than capable for this mission. Plus, he had wanted all races in attendance for such a mission. He spoke to her softly, "You have my condolences, I am sure Garthan was a great warrior. A great friend, Orc's usually are after all. You may take his place, Adra Son Sauhl. We would be lucky to have you."

Then the other Fae spoke, asking for something that he knew would have to be brought to light one day. What better day then now? 

"The Fae hold a dear place in my heart for all the sacrifices that been made so far, that have to keep being made. I know your people shy away from violence and repression. I agree with you, Mynx. Slavery must end, and if not in my lifetime, then my... Granddaughter's life time." The Emperor paused for a moment, looking distant again. He came back with renewed confidence, "Yes, I shall honor your request, as soon as you are victorious, and war is gone from the lands."

Finally, the Elvkiin spoke and asked of the artifacts, and to that Emperor Darsun had answers. "I think it is about time for you all to know, and to see, the Artifacts of my Ancestor, Dramoria the Gol-" The Emperor was cut off by shouting in the distance, followed by silence then the doors opening. The old woman was a known site to him, the decade since they had last spoken had not been kind to either of them it seemed. He had not wanted Sue to go, but her experience was invaluable.

Darsun held up his hands, and the guards, even Templar Jasek, backed down. Sue was no threat to him. He knew this confrontation would've happened eventually, it was a fool’s hope for it to happen quietly however.

"Susan..." The Emperor spoke quietly before looking at all the people he gathered here. Some of them were so young, but if no one went then they would all die. If no one tried, then he was a failure. He would have gone with them, but his health had taken a foul turn of late and he was tired, so tired. These people, he barely knew them, but they were hope.

Darsun looked back at Sue but spoke aloud for all to hear, "It isn't a good idea, it's all we have left. My army is failing because it is conventional, but I need the unconventional to win. I have told them the risks, and not one has left. I have told them that they might die, and still, not one has left. They need guidance, and experience and you are the only one left now who can give them what they need. I am sorry it has to be this way Susan."

The Emperor then stood up and clapped his hands. "Besides, you all will not be powerless. I present to you now, the artifacts."

And through a side door, servants began to bring in long tables, and items covered in fine silk, and clothes. Each varied in size, some were small, and some looked like weapons. The servants quickly set up the tables at the base of the throne, and then placed each covered artifact on them. Then they began to remove the fine silks and covering, revealing a range of items. Some looked quite plain, and others looked exotic. All in all, there were six tables covered in an assortment of powerful items, before each item was a small card. Anyone with a magical sense could feel them and there was also an increased presence of guards standing watch. 

As the Emperor began to walk down towards the artifacts, so too did Val. "Most know nothing of these," The Emperor began, "Lost to time and memories of a by gone era. These are my inheritance, passed down from Emperor to Emperor and guarded secretly. As I spoke earlier, these items you see before you are powerful relics of a time when Dramoria United his Empire. Though I would like to think we know everything about these items, they have seen so much misuse that we have forgotten much. I have had my servants each place a card before an item, stating what we believe they can do and any history that we know of. Feel free to take your time, I have read these artifacts can bond with a wielder, or wearer, especially if they are compatible." he then motioned for them to start.

The Emperor then turned to Val and spoke, "I have one just in mind for you. The Sword of Sanctity, here." They walked over to it and Darsun pointed at the elegant sword. "I dare not touch it, but you just might be worthy."

[center]---[/center]

If Val had heard Kean bark a laugh at his leadership, he pay no attention. Rather, he stood silently like always next to his Emperor, hearing him address these newcomer's and their concerns. He listened and watched them secretly from behind his helmet. These were people he would have to count on, but he wouldn't trust. Not yet anyways. After all, these people were only really tools. Useful tools he hoped. 

As soon as this Sue person came barging into the room, Val had instinctively gone for his sword and moved in front of the Emperor. But when Darsun raised his hand, Jasek went back to his side and resumed his vigilant stance. This woman, she seemed familiar to him, but he couldn't fathom why the Emperor had sent for her. Her words did strike some curiosity in him however, but with like all things, he would trust in the Emperor's word. 

The next thing he knew was the artifacts streaming in, but he instead watched the assembled group closely. Wouldn't want any of them to get an idea, but he noticed nothing before the Emperor began to move. He walked slightly behind him as they approached the tables. After the Emperor spoke, he turned to Val and spoke of the Sun sword. 

Sanctity.

The very same sword Dramoria had wielded, the first Emperor. He looked at it with excitement but was hesitant to take such a weapon. Why didn't Emperor Darsun claim it for his own? Well it would have to wait for now, if he didn't take it, he might upset the Emperor. As soon as Val touched the hilt, he felt its heat. He raised the sword and let it reflect on the sun light streaming into the chamber. It was a beautiful sword, and it felt powerful.

For the first time since everyone had gathered he spoke, [color=gold]"This will do perfectly, thank you my Emperor."[/color] His voice rang with clarity and was as smooth as the very silk that once covered the artifacts. As Val looked at the sword, he knew his responsibility would be great. The whole of the Empire rested upon his shoulders now.


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