[center][h1]Breaking the silence[/h1]
collab between [@Liotrent] & [@Wildman13][/center]

just on the outskirts of the lonely isles three orcish galleons carrying trading goods and materials was on its way towards the kingdoms islands. But, aside from goods it also carried orcish representatives whose mission was to deliver an message of great important.

They have of course heard the rumors, it had spread from kingdom to kingdom, the farther you go the more farfetched it seemed. Some humans said it was a place where people went missing often and that it was a curse upon the island, others said that it was a gate to the old world of beasts and demons, the dwarves and elves recall different things that happened during their stays - tales of giant beasts and mysterious happenings. Despite the rumors being quite severe, the Khalai have been nothing but civil and quickly dismiss these rumors.

As the galleons sailed ever closer to the isles, something caused all three ships to slow down and the upper decks were more lively than ever. A small fleet of six warships approached the galleons, their flag bore the symbol of the Khalai. They were smaller vessels, but were battle hardened nonetheless. Not long after spotting the warships, waterborne Khalai began to emerge from the water and boarded the galleons "Keep calm, we are a patrol" they appeared at first to look more like different aquatic animals, but different, they then reverted to their near human state with the sound of bones shifting into new positions and their exterior seemingly being pulled into itself until they looked more human than beast. They inspected the cargo and rounded up the passengers of each vessel and brought them to the top deck before the six ships arrived. The Khalai explained the situation, "Our patrol will board this vessel and question you on your intentions. Though you may be here to trade, we Khalai do not slack on our responsibilities."

The six ships approached and eventually were side by side with each galleon, they questioned each of the crew and the passengers, with one of the Khalai captains noticing the Orcs. "What is your purpose here green ones?" the captain shot them a question and had a few of his own men walking around the deck, double checking the cargo and keeping the crew of the galleons in check.

As the ships started to descend in speed the experienced orc sailors and traders stood in attention as they knew what was to come leaving the less experienced diplomats dumb folded on what was to unfold. So when the khalai boarded they could see that the diplomats were sticking out like an sore thumb.

At first they panicked with the bodyguards quickly drawing out their weapons but, was told to stand down when they saw how the crew was reacting. "I am Metos the quick and I seek audience with your ruler." He says kneeling in order to show him that he means no harm and to show he will show respect.

"I bring a message of utmost importance." He adds to show the urgency of his message. The khalai soldiers quickly found out that they were nothing more than orcish crafts and goods. From the usual plants, gear, and armaments that was requested by the khalai. The merchants stayed compliant as they search the ships as they made sure that they respected the wishes of these people and made every way to not offend or turn them hostile.

The captain, a reptilian Khalai examined the delegation, his men had finished searching and told him that there was nothing on board that would be harmful to their way of life. In the past, the orcs were usually part of pirate raiding fleets, some would come to shore and disturb the peace by poaching eggs from the Naga who used some of the Isle's shoreline as a breeding ground or come towards the town which the pirates would immediately regret as the pirates were descended upon by guards who were used to the usual pirate riff-raff.

The khalai from before changed in a process known to the Khalai as woging. They changed in size and volume, their features becoming animal like once again, they jumped back into the sea and the others started to return to their ships. The captain replied to the orcs, "Whatever it is you green mainlanders want, the Matriarch will listen, but a word of advice - move quickly and don't stay for longer than you have to." The captain withdrew to his ship and they sailed past the orcs and turned 180 degrees in a semi-circle maneuver to come up behind the galleons following them to shore.

The orcish galleons docked, and unloaded their supplies, the Khalai isle guards approached, all of them were woged, a striped, orange furred tiger Khalai stepped forward and said "I am here to escort the Orcish delegation to the Matriarch. The captain from the other ship that docked told us that they'd be here!" his voice was loud, rough, and deep and he was encased in dull looking, but practical armor.

The dock yard was large, it had many stone constructions that jutted out as places where the ships could be tied down and supplies be splayed out and moved towards the town which was separated from the dock area by a large wall with cannons spread across the top battlements. All around were ships of different sizes and Khalai of different shapes and sizes were going around minding their business.

The lively atmosphere was different from that of other places, it was noticeable, they were calm and were not in a panic. It was as if the light and the tremor was never felt or seen here. Beyond the town were the lush tropical forests, they looked nearly untouched, there were some towns here and there, the Khalai have tried their best to preserve nature as much as possible, only taking what they need. It was a paradise, or so it seemed.

He nods as the reptilian Khalai advise. "if all goes well we'll be gone by night." He replies to the captain as he inspects the ships that followed them. Seeing that they prioritized more on the speed rather than the power and armor that orcs prided themselves in.

Metos gave a sigh of relief as the Khalai patrol finally leaves them be. "They would be a fine addition to the legion." He says fascinated with the Khalai biology and their way of life seeing as these creatures turn to a more animalistic look after their encounter. "But, will they help us as far as I know this issue is far from their problem?" Another orcish representative questions scoring Metos attention. "The world is changing, no matter how much they hide themselves or keep to themselves this change will eventually find them." He answers him earning him an respectful nod in return.

it didn't take too much time for the group to arrive to port seeing the iconic and strange architecture of the people of the lonely isles. Looking at awe as it was the first time he saw such structure sparking an curious respond from him like most of the first time visitors of the islands. But, like in his homeland he could see that there was an importance for powerful and intimidating defenses as the cannons comb the stone fortifications of the port.

Once they docked at port the crew of the galleon started unloading their goods and trading their wares to the numerous merchants all around them. the representatives however were greeted by an intimidating Khalai that introduced himself as their escort. "I am Metos and I am in your care." He says with a bow, noting that this one likes to turn up the volume.

Without a word, the guard turned and motioned for the arrivals to follow them. Their business was more or less just to escort them - presumably alongside their own orcish guards as well as to make sure no foul play takes place. They led the orcs through the town and onto a path that leads straight through the wooded area. "Follow closely, this place still has ancient beasts long forgotten, stray from the path and you might end up lost and consumed." The guard captain warned as they marched up the path towards the mountainous region.

Around them were other Khalai scouting the tropical forests around them, but before long they began to thin in number as the escort began to march farther and farther away. "The capital region is a day's march from the docks, thank the spirits that you arrived early for your business." Hours pass by and by then the capital could be seen towering above the forests, it was a mountainous region with structures carved into the mountains and cities surrounding it on the foothills and near the its base. It was much similar to the docks as there were walls here as well, with a larger amount of guards. Above them they could see Khalai capable of flight, with large wings carrying them through the wind.
As they entered the city limits, they found themselves in a sea of people, with market places and other races studying them. The elves were present as well as the dwarves making a living as smiths, teachers, scholars, and writers - a minority among the population of the realm. They found themselves in lofty living, the lonely isles weren't as lonely as it once was. The history of the isles is closely guarded and only a few races know of what actually happened here, the elves here have never forgotten and the dwarves, while missing a few details, were more or less educated on it. Some orcs were here too, looking for goods or work, they were welcome as long as they didn't cause trouble.

The new leadership was more lenient towards the orcs, in the past they were persecuted for disturbing the peace and raiding their port towns along with pirates. These days, they were given a second chance, the lonely isles offered those who were fed up with the mainland another choice, a new life. However, this did not mean that it would come without a price. The society looked down upon people who could not work without good reason and looked down on people who provided nothing to their growth, as such, these kinds of people would be picked up by the guards and were given a choice - become a soldier or become a scholar. This ensured that at least they earned their right to live in the isles. By the time they arrived in the fortified home of the hierarchs it was already a quarter past noon.
The halls were decorated and adorned with masterful works of architecture, the guards were close-by disciplined and seemed to be battle hardened - likely chosen from the best of the isle guards. at the end of the hall was a woman smoking some weird smelling herb native only to the lonely isles. She was turned away, viewing the outside world in contemplation, beside her were two people, the captain of the guard and a representative of the arcane branch. "The green ones approach with hopeful spirit, their souls quivering in fear, but not of us... They will be of no harm to the matriarch captain. Their purpose here is different." the arcane one spoke, she was a shaman of high order, her robes distinguish her. The captain nodded in response and allowed the Escort closer.

The matriarch stood and turned to face the escort and the orcs who came seeking an audience with her. She stared daggers into them, appearing to size them up, then gently settling down onto her seat, parting her lips only slightly to let her smoking pipe enter. She puffed a small cloud of wispy, grey smoke as she waited for the Orc's introductions and their purpose for seeking an audience.

He looks at awe at the marvel that was now infront of him, making him see a connection that these people love working on stone evident by the careful craved out mountain side. Seeing the imposing yet elegance palace of the mountain city he wondered how he would get there in time as to not impose on the strict isolationist of the people living these lands. He though that he would have to travel by foot but, was confused when his escorts told him that they would be picked up instead, thinking of an air ferry he waited until large winged Khalai arrived and offered their services to carry them towards their destination worried at the same time curious he reluctantly accepted.

As he was lifted as promised as the creatures started their flight grabbing hold of the orcs towards the home of the ruler of these lands. Seeing an truly unique building exotic to the orcs and most of the people of the continent. Seeing the structure made him grasp as the manor of the lord it was of well-crafted and defendable as its secluded nature and experienced guards can easily deter an unprepared army. He enters noting that it was not only defendable and imposing it had an clear sense of style put into it seeing the noteworthy cravings engraved into the wood and the distinct structure present within.
He follows his escorts due to this being an time sensitive mission he wasn't able to carefully examine the seat of power for their matriarch. He enters the halls which was an art form of itself gaining an look of wonder and awe from the representative. And seeing arguably the most powerful individual of the whole of the isle. Seeing all of the creatures in this lands so far have granted him a glimpse of their nature and culture so when he heard that they were led by a woman of great importance he thought to himself that she would be terrifying or intimidating at first glance.

But, what was presented to him was an beautiful woman who was smoking in an strange manner as she used a pipe to fill the room with the smoke and its strange smell one that the orc was not accustomed to. Seeing that he was now face to face with the ruler he bows down as an sign of respect standing only when asked to.

[hr]

"I am Metos, and I bring a message of great importance from the orcs." He starts off his words calm and easy to follow. "We seek your audience to an council meeting discussing the strange light from before." He explains with the same tone and control as before. "We hope to add you to our legion as an honorable guests." he ends awaiting her answer.

Dayala was surprised at the orc's words, [i]'legion and guests in the same sentence?'[/i] the matriarch mulled over her thoughts as the guard captain beside her began to relax, the orc's were definitely not here with some secret plot. She then replied, "A legion implies an army, an honorable guest also implies we're invited to join that legion..." she paused taking a glance at her Shaman, the shaman's face conveyed many emotions of silent communication - she too was worried. The matriarch returned her attention to the orcs, "Why would we march to the tune of a mainlander? We deal not in the politics or wars concerning the mainland, it has been that way for generations and has guaranteed our survival as a people..."

Dayala kept her demeanor frank and candid as she continued her response, "Why would we change now?" She already knew their response - the pillar of light. It seems that they too were bracing for the imminent change, but it's foolish to face it with mere brute strength. What is required is understanding and cunning, and right now that is what Dayala intends to gauge from the orcs present in front of her.

"Because my queen you do not have the luxury of waiting." He answers calm and collected as he is there was an clear indication that fear lingers within him. "From the words of the wise sage, this new race has mastered the land, sea, and the air... they are invaders of unimaginable power said to have wield the power of gods." He continues. "But, I am not here to force you but, to invite you to our council meeting one and from there you yourself shall judge if you will join or not." He adds before awaiting her answer.

The orcs response was unsatisfactory, their response to those who wield godly power is to challenge them to a contest of strength, but perhaps his compatriots joining to listen to their fearful preaching are more willing to listen to reason. She played along, giving a deep sigh to sell her act, "Alright, who else will be attending this meeting? I ask as a measure of security." She wrangled for information. The orc before her seemed to play a facade of strong faced will but his choice of words betrays him.

"All who call us a friend or are willing to listen to all of us, human, dwarf, elf, human, beastkin and if the goblins want to then they are welcome." he answers answering as truthfully as he can. Not knowing the total or who has accepted to their invitation. "We will listen to everyone advise or help, as we have not yet decided on what to do, personally I suggest that we as a people should build up defenses rather than attack, if we are going by the words of the venerable sage of legend." He suggests in an attempt to influence her actions and deems choosing his words carefully to prevent her from noticing his play of power.

She lifts her pipes to her lips and takes blows out another puff of smoke, during this she thought again to the orc's words, [i]'we as a people?[/i] they were very divided as it stands, the dwarves are becoming just as secretive with their society, the elves grow an ever more irritable ego, and the various beast races have gone into hiding - scattered by the humans who've actively hunted them, the orcs themselves don't have a good reputation to begin with.

The matriarch then replied, "Very well green one... I will send a dispatch of my own to that council, what that dispatch contains is up to me and my people - that point is non-negotiable." She already had a few candidates in mind. She is most intrigued by what people the orcs will gather and how many are fool hardy enough to invite their demise. She already knew what this meant for her people, many will turn their attention towards the lonely isles, this was the change she anticipated. Many of her people will accept their fate, whether it is benevolent or malevolent in nature - they will endure, adapt, and survive.

"As you wish I will be at the port awaiting their arrival." He says as he bows down indication his departure accompanied by his escorts as they return to the port of where they came from awaiting for the crew and the merchants to finish all of their goals and objectives of the day with the merchants finishing all of their business in the islands and the crew finishing their merry making at the port's various pubs and inns, enjoying the little time they have before having to leave for sea once more.

As the orcish delegates finish their talks with the queen, metos sighs as he gets the feeling that something wasn't right like he had failed in some way causing him to zone out for a moment before letting out a heavy sigh as he exits the room where he and the khalai ruler had talked. "My brothers... I hope we are doing the best course of actions." He says before he started his journey back to the port.

The matriarch allowed them to leave and head back to the port, but her dispatch would not come until the next day. Their fleet escort was once again used to ferry the dispatch; other fleets would fill their patrol role. The dispatch carried a platoon of able bodied Khalai from all walks of life, many of which were scholars. They disembark from the isles following the orcish galleons away. The reptilian captain that held rank equivalent of that of commodore was in command of the fleet, the platoon of men and women were headed by the tiger khalai escort, and the scholars along with the arcane practitioners accompanied them, they would be the representatives of the Matriarch in the meeting of the council.

The practitioners and the scholars were both covered in cloth and robes, one of those scholars recorded the events of their journey as mandated by their clergy elders. This would be the first time in many years that an armed escort has left the realm in over a century. Times were indeed changing, just as the Khalai had all anticipated, now they all waited whether this change would bring about their doom or a greater prosperity.

As he waited for them to dispatch back to his homeland preparing for the journey by buying a few fruits and vegetables in order to prepare for the 3-day journey. Seeing the fleet that was send towards them he notes that the queen has graciously prepared a whole platoon of her men and robe men that was said to be their eyes and ears in the old world. After a few hours he gave the command to start the voyage back home as he sees the khalai show signs of departure going further up in order to guide the ships to the meeting place.

He on the other hand sighs in responds as he guides the khalai back home before getting a pat in the back from his escorts. "More allies are a good sight Metos." He says congratulating him on a job well done which he gives an hesitant smile still thinking of "If it was enough or will it ever be enough."