[center] [h1][color=yellow][b][u]Karamir[/u][/b][/color][/h1] [/center] [hr] The eastern coast Dragon’s Foot was much like Karamir remembered it. Which is why he hadn’t bothered to give that area a further look, and instead ventured deeper inland. There, he quickly discovered two things. The Charnel Steppes stank. The Desert was hot. Fortunately, the downside of the latter ecosystem had been offset substantially, by the Frostguard Ring Kalmar had given him. By all rights he should have been sweating up puddles, yet the ring kept his body at a comfortable temperature. It was incredibly useful, perhaps even life-saving, had he lacked his red-feathered cloak, or been a mere mortal. For a moment, he wondered if there was someone out there who could get more out of the ring than he. Perhaps that person would be better off with it. Yet no such person had been found, and so there was little point in contemplating the idea of giving it away. As he flew over the vast, sandy desert, every now and then he took notice of life: tall, fiery creatures. He knew them, from Abanoc’s Archive. The Jotundar, fiery soldiers of Sartravius. They had been created to raze and kill, and although the book claimed many had settled down peacefully, Karamir had decided it would be best if he had a better understanding of the area before he attempted communication. And so, for a full day he scoured the sandy region, only stopping when the sun had set and he had come across a rather deep and wide river. There, he took a drink, and then fell asleep on its bank. He awoke the next morning with the rising sun in his eyes. After one more drink of water, he took flight, and followed the river south. Some time later, he found the city. The first thing he noticed was the temple. A giant building made of stone, towering above the town like a monolith. Next to that, was a large building, made of the same material. In fact all of the buildings around it were made from the same material, and from there it shifted to rock, then to another tier of light brown. All of those were inside a wall that encircled the city. In some parts the wall was discolored, obviously replaced, as it had to wrap around expansion. Outside of the wall was downtrodden shacks and farther out, fields of growing crops. Even the lowest quality buildings seemed both impressive and fascinating to him. Already, Karamir’s mind was abuzz with questions. Abanoc’s Archive had revealed nothing about a people who lived in a city such as this, and therefore it had to be a recent development. He would have to ask the inhabitants where it came from, he decided. If there were any inhabitants. He stared at the wall for several long minutes, contemplating how to make his approach, and then decided it would be best to start in the middle and circle around to the outside. He flew forward, glancing down at the city streets as he passed over them, and noted the inhabitants who moved about the town. They were a tall people, with an appearance vastly different from his own, or even the Dreamers he had met at Tendlepog. A distant memory, of a dance inside a Palace ten years ago, flashed through his mind. Yes, they did look like her... Many wore simple rags, but as he grew closer he began to see finer clothes, made of animal skins. Why was that, he wondered. Not enough to go around? He’d get a chance to ask them soon enough. He came to a stop in front of the largest building, and then set himself down on the steps leading up to the entrance. It did not take long for his presence to be noted. From the main doors came four, heavily armored beings, wearing the color of a crimson nebula. They wielded long, carved swords of similar make and approached slowly. Following behind them floated another figure, this one wearing similar armor, but it was not so armored. The one that floated wore a helmet that was open down the middle. Behind it he could see two gleaming white eyes and a frown. They approached and halted two body lengths away, the one floating then said. “We’ve never seen your kind before. State your business upon these holy steps of his Lordship’s Temple or be gone.” [color=yellow]“Business?”[/color] Karamir frowned, recalling the time he spent with Chopstick Eyes. [color=yellow]”I deal in information,”[/color] he said. [color=yellow]”I look for information and I share it with others. Or at least, that’s what I’m trying to do. What is this place?”[/color] The floating one sneered. “This is his Lordship Shengshi’s Temple, built upon the backs of the Nebulite people. You stand upon Holy Ground Outsider, but at least we share the common tongue. Now who are you, and why have you come.” [color=yellow]”I didn’t think there’d be any Nebulites all the way over here,”[/color] Karamir said. [color=yellow]”I thought you were all on the Eye of Desolation. Anyway, I’m Karamir, of Kalgrun. Firstborn of Kalmar, First of the Vallamir. Can I ask how you made it this far, and how you built this place so quickly?”[/color] “Pfft. We are not the islanders, we are the Asterians. And no, you may not receive any more answers, until you tell me why you’ve come.” the floating nebulite, crossed his arms. Karamir furrowed his brow in befuddlement. [color=yellow]”I already told you, didn’t I? I seek to learn all that I can, and then share that knowledge with others. There’s no need to be so guarded.”[/color] Then an idea struck him. [color=yellow]”You know, I met Arya once…”[/color] he revealed, hoping that name would mean something here. The other guards began to whisper to each other at the name of Arya. The floating one landed in front of them and pointed at Karamir. “You’ll be coming with us now.” [color=yellow]”Oh? Where are we going?”[/color] Karamir asked, unmoving. “Lady Laurien will want to see you, and she can deal with after.” the Nebulite said. Karamir eased up somewhat. [color=yellow]”Ah, she’s your leader? Let’s go then, I have questions.”[/color] He nodded, and waited for them to move. The guards laughed and began leading him away down the steps and through the upper tier. They passed the sandstone houses of stature, the streets, much cleaner here but that wasn’t saying much. Many nebulite guards, wielding spears and without armor, stood at entrances to houses. It was quiet in the upper level, besides the occasional loud moaning or the sound of a whip cracking. Oddly enough, they passed right by the second tallest building, the one next to the temple and kept walking. [color=yellow]”What are those noises?”[/color] Karamir found himself asking. “Which ones, outsider? The fucking or the whips?” said a guard before the rest burst out laughing. Karamir’s cheeks reddened slightly, more from the laughter than the Nebulite’s crude words, which he didn’t fully understand. [color=yellow]”I’m not sure what either of those things are,”[/color] he said after a moment. They began to laugh even louder after that. “And here I thought you were a man, outsider.” one of the guards said between chuckling. The floating one then said, “That can change, here in Laurienna.” Karamir’s mouth curled into a frown. [color=yellow]”Asking questions doesn’t make me any less of a man,”[/color] he said flatly, [color=yellow]”And I’ll do without the mockery.”[/color] “No one was mocking you about your questions, boy, just your lack of experience.” They laughed again, before the floating one halted. “Quiet, We’re here.” Before them was a nice looking house, at the front entrance, three armored guards stood watch. The floating one went over to them and began to speak in a hushed tone, as they looked at him. One of the guards then went inside and a few minutes later, came back with a nod. The floating one came back over and said, “Go inside, Outsider. And goodluck.” he said, smiling before walking away with the other guards in tow. He couldn’t make out what was said, but more laughter followed. Brow still furrowed, Karamir watched the guards leave. He had to wonder why they seemed to have so many people just standing around with their weapons. Did they do that all day? Shouldn’t they be out hunting? Another question he would need to ask at some point. But for now, as instructed he entered the building. One of the guards led the way, and another followed. The home was eerily silent as they crossed rooms. Most of them were empty, or had broken pieces here and there. Then they crossed through a garden area, it even had a lower level, that seemed like it could contain water or something. It was empty, save for a very thin level of bloody red water at the bottom. Along the far wall there sat two figures working in the ground, pulling burned plants. They were both about the same size, but that was where the similarity ended. As they approached, the two noticed their presence and rose. Both were female, one was a pygmy and the other was a juvenile Jotundar. They did not make eye contact with them. [color=yellow]”Hello,”[/color] he said, as a means of introduction. He looked from them, to one of the guards. [color=yellow]”Three species from three different areas under one roof. How did that happen?”[/color] he asked. The two women looked up at him and blinked. The guard behind him simply said, “Quiet.” and with one armored look, the two women got back to work without saying anything. Once again, Karamir frowned. [color=yellow]”What was that about?”[/color] he asked, a disapproving look on his face. The guards said nothing, and eventually they made it to the upper level, where two more guards were stationed before a door. There was a knowing between the four and one knocked, before opening the door. Karamir was ushered inside, and the door shut behind him. [color=plum]”Out here, Karamir.”[/color] came a sweet voice. Before him was a simple room, with a very large bed, and on the far wall was another door, a faint breeze blowing in from it. With a shrug, Karamir stepped past the bed and went through the door. He arrived on a large balcony with a view of the city. Standing with her hands on the railing was the person who had called for him. She turned around to reveal, clothing that left little to the imagination and gave him a very warm smile, before walking over to a table with a pitcher and cups. She beckoned for him to sit down. [color=plum]”Karamir. It's so nice to meet you. I am Laurien, but you probably already knew that. Drink?”[/color] she asked. [color=yellow]”I don’t see why not,”[/color] he said, taking a seat opposite to her. [color=plum]”Good!”[/color] she said, pouring a dark liquid into his cup and then her own. [color=plum]”I’ll apologize for the taste, it’s very bad, but it’s the only thing we have, besides water.”[/color] she said, taking a sip. Karamir brought the cup up to his nose, and sniffed. [color=yellow]”What’s in it?”[/color] [color=plum]”Local berries or something. I don’t really know.”[/color] she shrugged. [color=plum]”Drink enough of it, and you get a buzz. Drink a lot of it, and you’ll probably die.”[/color] she said with a chuckle. With yet another frown, Karamir took a sip. He didn’t think much of it at first, then the aftertaste hit. He recoiled slightly, and set the cup back down. Laurien laughed and pushed the pitcher to him. [color=plum]”It’s an acquired taste and the more you drink, the moe you forget the after taste.”[/color] she took a sip. [color=plum]”Now, what brings you here?”[/color] [color=yellow]”I travel,”[/color] Karamir answered, not moving for either his cup or the pitcher. He found his gaze briefly shifting downward, but snapped his eyes back up to her face. [color=yellow]”I try to learn as much as I can, in the hopes that someday I’ll be able to share it with others.”[/color] She leaned forward, interest plastered on her face. [color=plum]”Oh really? Where have you traveled?”[/color] she asked excitedly. [color=yellow]”Well, I started on Kalgrun,”[/color] he began. [color=yellow]”Then by accident I met an avatar named Diana, nearly sixty winters ago, who took me to this land. There wasn’t that much to see at the time - somehow I missed anything that might be of interest. Anyway, after that she brought me to Tendlepog, and I visited the Palace of Dreams, where I met your sister. But then I left to go my own way, and ended up in a place called the Infinite Maze. It wasn’t even a true maze, and it was terrible - I wandered for days without food and water. From there I found the Observatory, and met the God Abanoc, who taught me about some of the intelligent species of Galbar - including your own. After that I ended up on the continent directly north of here, and spent some time exploring it. I met the Goddess Chopstick Eyes, and spent some time with her. Then I came here. This city stood out, so I decided to visit.”[/color] He shrugged. [color=yellow]”Those are the basics, at least.”[/color] [color=plum]”My, quite the traveler you are. I once met an avatar, named Vrog. He uh… Wasn’t a nice encounter, not like this one.”[/color] she said with a smile, before taking another sip. [color=plum]”So, what have you learned throughout all these travels?”[/color] [color=yellow]”Well, I… wait, did you say Vrog?”[/color] Karamir asked suddenly. He glanced upward, as if recalling a distant memory. [color=yellow]”I think… I met a creature with that name. Long ago.”[/color] She held up her wrist, to reveal faded scarring. [color=plum]”I met him all too well.”[/color] she said with a frown. Karamir gave her a sympathetic look. [color=yellow]”He tried to eat Diana,”[/color] he said, [color=yellow]”and only ignored me because he was too busy with her. I wasn’t much, back then.”[/color] [color=plum]”Well, you’re here now and that’s all that matters.”[/color] Laurien smiled. [color=yellow]”Where did this place come from, anyway?”[/color] Karamir asked. [color=yellow]”Abanoc showed me nothing that suggested there were Nebulites on Dragon’s Foot. You had to have come here recently. How?”[/color] Laurien stood up and beckoned him to follow. She went over to the balcony and stretched her arm out and said, [color=plum]”We came here ten years ago, and built everything that you see before you. It wasn’t easy and claimed many lives, even our beloved Queen’s.”[/color] she said sadly. [color=yellow]”How did you build it?”[/color] he asked her. [color=yellow]”So far I’ve only known gods to be capable of building with stone. If mortals can do it, it’d be good to know how…”[/color] he stroked his chin. [color=yellow]”Maybe we can even find a less costly method?”[/color] [color=plum]”Oh that’s simple. We found the Dari and use them to move stone down the river. We mimicked his Lordship’s boat and built rafts, crudely as they are, they float. It’s all a very complicated process, that had to be perfected quite quickly due to a time restraint. We had ten years to build the Temple, if not His Holiness Shengshi would bring ruin to us.”[/color] she said, taking another sip. [color=yellow]”Ruin? Over a structure?”[/color] he quirked an eyebrow. [color=yellow]”Why?”[/color] [color=plum]”Let’s just say the Nebulites here are prone to over indulgences.”[/color] she folded her arms underneath her chest. [color=yellow]”Over-indulgence in what, exactly?”[/color] She raised an eyebrow. [color=plum]”Isn’t it obvious?”[/color] [color=yellow]”You mean food and drink?”[/color] Karamir asked. [color=yellow]”Is it wise to use so many resources, considering the area in which you live?”[/color] [color=plum]”Food, drink, sex. All sorts of things really.”[/color] she said absentmindedly taking a sip. [color=plum]”Hence why I said, over-indulgence. It isn’t wise, no, but it’s becoming ingrained in them every passing day.”[/color] [color=yellow]”Is there any way to change?”[/color] he asked. [color=yellow]”If your population keeps growing, and you keep using more resources, won’t you run out of things to enjoy?”[/color] [color=plum]”I’m sure there’s ways to change, but until the time comes when it’s necessary, they will keep doing but they do best. The king is trying his hardest to do away with all the corruption, it just takes time.”[/color] Laurien said with a smirk. [color=yellow]”The King?”[/color] Karamir asked, suddenly confused. [color=yellow]”I assumed you were in charge.”[/color] Laurien placed her empty cup on the balcony and turned to look at the palace. [color=plum]”Of course not, the King is the sole authority here. I simply act as an advisor of sorts, after the royal family was murdered.”[/color] [color=yellow]”Murdered?”[/color] Karamir’s confusion turned to surprise. [color=plum]”Yes, they were killed by rebels who wanted to overthrow the Polyastera Dynasty. Only two members survived, the current king and his younger sister.”[/color] she said with sadness. Once again, Karamir furrowed his brow. [color=yellow]”So that is how your queen died?”[/color] he asked. [color=yellow]”Why did these rebels want to overthrow her?”[/color] [color=plum]”Power, wealth, control. The usual, really.”[/color] Laurien said, looking at her nails. Karamir looked sad at that answer. [color=yellow]”I read about similar incidents, which happened to other species. Is it really so normal?”[/color] [color=plum]”Mortals are foolish creatures, prone to such vile things Karamir. We live in a world where there are flawed gods at every turn, is it really so surprising that their creations would be just as flawed as they are?”[/color] Laurien frowned. [color=yellow]”Perhaps not,”[/color] Karamir conceded, a dejected tone in his voice. When he returned to Kalgrun, would he find that his own people had adopted such flaws and corruption? Would his efforts to help them only culminate in the discovery that they were never worthy of help in the first place? These thoughts weighed heavily on him, and he fell into a melancholy silence. Laurien put a hand on his shoulder and smiled. [color=plum]”Everything okay?”[/color] [color=yellow]”Did it really have to end in death?”[/color] Karamir suddenly asked. [color=yellow]”Regardless of who was at fault, couldn’t they have found some way to settle the issue peacefully?”[/color] Laurien let her hand fall and for a long time she said nothing, adopting the same silence that he had. She turned to the balcony and placed her hands on it. [color=plum]”There was no other way.”[/color] she whispered. [color=yellow]”Perhaps I can ask Abanoc,”[/color] he thought aloud, his voice equally quiet. Laurien suddenly looked up at him, her eyes wide. [color=plum]”Ask Abanoc what?”[/color] she asked quickly, fear trickling into her voice. Karamir shot her a quizzical look. [color=yellow]”Ask him what happened here, and if there was a way to prevent it. Even if we can’t change the past, it might prevent future incidents. Why does that bother you?”[/color] [color=plum]”Bother me? I already told you what happened here. There’s no sense in dragging a God here where they aren’t wanted.”[/color] she said angrily. [color=yellow]”But you can’t see everything, can you?”[/color] Karamir asked, undaunted by her anger. [color=yellow]”There could be a detail you were unaware of, or a solution somebody hadn’t considered. Besides, I wouldn’t even need to bring him here. I can just go to his Observatory and ask. He can see everything from there.”[/color] [color=plum]”No no no, that’s okay. Don’t bother yourself with us.”[/color] Laurien quickly shifted her tone to be softer. [color=plum]”I insist. Please.”[/color] she said, trying to remain cool. [color=yellow]”Simply by asking the right questions we could save lives,”[/color] Karamir protested. [color=yellow]”Why are you so opposed?”[/color] [color=plum]”Sometimes the truth needs to remain buried.”[/color] she said cruelly, punching Karamir in the stomach, before screaming, [color=plum]”GUARDS!”[/color] Karamir doubled over, one hand grasping the railing for support, the other hand clutching his stomach. [color=yellow]”What are you doing?”[/color] he gasped. [color=plum]”Silencing you.”[/color] she said, before going in for a kick at his head. It did not connect. Instead, Karamir’s entire body jerked backward, as if an unseen hand had yanked at his cloak, and he narrowly avoided the attack. He pulled himself to his feet. [color=yellow]”This isn’t very smart…”[/color] he warned her, hand creeping to the knife at his belt. She outstretched her hand, and there was a strange whistling before an object erupted from the other room and found her hand. Black armor molded over her imposing frame, as Karamir saw the sword in her hand. A blackened thing that seemed to eat the light surrounding it. Laurien then said, [color=plum]”Isn’t it?”[/color] before charging him in a great leap, the sword over her head. Karamir drew his knife, and waited. At the last possible second, his cloak suddenly jerked him to the left, dodging her attack, and in that moment his knife formed into a warhammer, which he swung into her back as she passed. There was a loud clang as weapon hit armor, sending her into the wall with a crack. The wall then collapsed onto her, covering her in stones. She growled angrily, trying to push herself up. It was then the guards came in, five in all with pointed spears of starlight and swords at their belts. [color=plum]”Kill him!”[/color] Laurien screamed, pushing stones off of her. The guards then all attacked at once, spears thrusting at Karamir. Karamir could have fled now; fairly easily too. Yet striking her had felt invigorating, and it felt wrong to simply turn tail and flee without putting up more of a fight. So as the five guards lunged forward, Karamir stopped them in their tracks with a wide sweep of his arm; a vicious gust of wind drove all of them back except one, who was stopped but managed to maintain his footing. He recovered and attempted another lunge, but Karamir grabbed the spear by the shaft, pulled him forward, and bashed him over the side of the head with the hammer. The guard fell, but Karamir had already moved on to his next attack before the man had even hit the ground. He held out a hand, manipulating both the water in the wine and the air surrounding the jug, and then the pitcher was flying, striking a second guard in the side of the head. The remaining three guards were taken aback by this display of supernatural power, but once again they readied their weapons and charged forward. They were not as synchronized as before; one moving much earlier than the other two. Karamir’s hammer became a sword, and he parried the first lunge, then turned aside the next two with one swing. The movements came almost naturally, without even thinking; largely due to the divine blessing placed upon him long ago. Karamir’s foot came up, and caught one of the guards between the legs. The guard crumpled to the floor, before beginning to crawl backward, and the remaining two guards discarded their spears to draw swords. It was then that Laurien freed herself from the rubble and stood up. She came up from behind him and went to swipe at Karamir. The clank of her armour betrayed her intentions, and because he couldn’t turn, Karamir had no choice but to rush forward at the two guards in front of him. He ducked under their swings, his sword became a dagger, a second knife materialized in his offhand, and then he lunged upward. Each blade found a throat, and as the two soldiers fell, Karamir went down with them. He landed in a kneeling position, and for a moment could only stare in shock at the lives he had just taken. Their warm blood spewed onto his hands, while their eyes stared up at him, pleading. He pulled his blades free, rose to his feet, and then wheeled around to face his final opponent: Laurien herself. Only, she wasn’t his final opponent. A sword was driven through his back. One of the guards from before, who he had incapacitated instead of killed, had clearly recovered. Karamir fell to his knees, goggling in astonishment at the sharp, red, wet metal tip which protruded just to the right of his stomach. He would have flown away, but the guard behind him had stepped on his cloak. He looked up at Laurien, with hatred in his eyes. Laurien’s helmet faded to reveal cruel smile. She laughed, [color=plum]”Good work Ion. Phew, you had me worried there for a moment, Karamir. You’re a good fighter, I’ll give you that, but you messed up. Always… and I mean always… Go for the kill.”[/color] she said moving forward. [color=plum]”I’ll make this quick.”[/color] she said, raising her sword. [color=yellow]”Why…”[/color] he choked. [color=yellow]”What are you trying to hide?”[/color] [color=plum]”A secret.”[/color] she lulled. [color=yellow]”It’s not a secret, you stupid bitch,”[/color] he spat, as he returned the Multi-Weapon to its sheathe and dropped the Knife of Friendship on the floor. [color=yellow]”Abanoc’s probably watching us right now.”[/color] [color=plum]”And where is Abanoc, Karamir? He’s letting you die.”[/color] she shook her head, [color=plum]”You can’t trust a god, all they do is hurt you. But don’t worry, I’m sure he’ll avenge you.”[/color] she said with a laugh, before beginning to bring down her blade. Ion, however, had chosen that exact moment to pull free the sword he had plunged through Karamir’s back. And in that moment, Karamir came up with a mad, desperate gamble. As the metal blade began to slide back, Karamir’s right hand closed around it, and it bit into his palm, but that did not stop him. With a scream he leaned forward, pulling Ion over him, and into the path of Laurien’s blade. In that same moment, the Knife of Friendship returned to his hand, and he thrust it into Laurien’s ankle. The knife managed to cut through her armor at the gap, but only managed to go a quarter of the way through, just enough to make her growl as she slew Ion. She let go of her sword with Ion’s corpse and backed up, away from Karamir. She grunted in pain as she looked at him, and then smiled again. [color=plum]”Have tricks do we? Well… How about I show you mine.”[/color] and with a flick of her wrist, the sensation of pricks and needles, then something shattering, went off in Karamir. She then outstretched her hand and a squelch sounded as her sword came back to her hand. Karamir said nothing. He nudged Ion’s corpse off his back, and with nothing encumbering his cloak, he was finally free. Shakily, he levitated into the air, and then took off, swerving left and right as he accelerated, the city growing small behind him. Through the pain, the adrenaline, and the haze of blood loss, he noticed a certain emptiness inside him, one that wasn’t there before. Was he missing something? The Knife of Friendship returned to his hand. No, it wasn’t that. He touched his sheathe with his unwounded hand. The Multi-Weapon was still there. What was gone? Before he could find out, darkness overtook him. [hr] [hider=Post Summary] Karamir is exploring Dragon’s Foot and he finds the Nebulite city. He introduces himself to the locals and they are extremely wary toward him, but decide to take him to see Laurien. He meets Laurien, they drink some terrible wine, and he begins asking her about the city. Eventually she lets slip that some sort of uprising happened in the past. Karamir questions her on the necessity of violence to solve political differences, but she insists there was no other way. Karamir begins to express doubt, and suggests that Abanoc might be able to shed more light on the issue, because he’s the one with all the facts. Laurien immediately becomes evasive, trying to talk Karamir out of it, which only makes him more suspicious, and therefore more insistent on contacting Abanoc. Eventually her friendly facade breaks, and she decides he has to die. She attacks him, and just as Karamir gains the upper hand, a team of guards appears. The fight continues until only Karamir, Laurien, and one guard remain on their feet. The guard stabs Karamir in the back. Laurien is about to kill him, but he still manages to fight back, getting the remaining guard killed in the process. Laurien soul decays him, and then he escapes. [/hider] [hider=Prestige Summary] [u]Karamir[/u] [b]Beginning Prestige:[/b] 14 +1 for minor role. +1 for major role. +1 for collab. -1 prestige to pull a guard into the path of Laurien's weapon despite being stabbed. [b]Ending Prestige:[/b] 16 Laurien; Lady of Laurienna, Warrior. +6 Prestige Starting +1 Prestige for Minor Role +1 Prestige for Major Role +1 Prestige for Jolly Collaboration = +9 Prestige Ending [/hider]