[centre][img]https://i.imgur.com/TiC9fEF.png[/img] [h2]A Failed Gamble[/h2] [/centre] [hr] [sub][i]Year 30AA, late Autumn, Ha-Dûna...[/i][/sub] Boudicca found herself spirited back to the front gates of her city, a million thoughts waging war in her mind. The battle tore at her facial features, forcing forth an exhausted frown that she could not decide was the fault of Lyd’s magic or Jjonveyo’s deal. She decided to split the blame between them and her own selfishness. Her mind conjured forth scenario after scenario wherein she presented this new deal to the clans, [i]théins[/i], druids and gods - all of them ended in struggle and spite. She pinched her nose and groaned. “Sanndatr?!” came a shout all of a sudden, and that was when Boudicca finally perceived the fact that she had appeared in the middle of the river of people flowing in and out of the great city, and an island of emptiness around her conveyed just the amount of attention this had drawn, as hundreds of people ringed themselves around her in awe. Boudicca looked up to regard the yeller, [i]mórthéin[/i] Charlix of Blanche, dressed from head to toe in clothes more expensive than anything Boudicca had ever worn, denoting his month-old promotion. Impressive purples and royal blues coloured nearly his every piece, contrasting rather fiercely with his bald head and fiery mustache. Diplomatically, he extended a hand and took a knee. “Are you well, Ser? We have looked everywhere for you! After we failed to find you at your usual spot, we feared the worst and sent out search parties!” Boudicca heaved a slow sigh and took his hand politely. “I am alright, Charlix. The great Lyd came to me and spirited me off to a distant land. What I saw there, we must discuss urgently.” Gasps rushed through the people mass and the [i]mórthéin[/i] bowed his head. “As the sanndatr wills. I will gather everyone post-haste!” “Good,” nodded Boudicca. “Have them gather in the great house.” She turned to everyone else. “Remain strong and loyal, worthy people of the Stone - in two weeks, victory will be ours!” Uncertain mumblings mixed themselves with relieved cheers as shifting faces tried to interpret the meaning, but none dared question her as she stormed through the parting crowd towards the administrative core of the city to the sound of “make way, make way!” After the fifteen minute walk from the Southern Gate to the inner core, Boudicca stood before the door to her home, before which stood the avatar of Celestine. Boudicca bowed respectfully. “Master, forgive my absence.” The avatar of Celestine hardly moved as Boudicca approached, though there was a slight smile of relief at the sight of her missing friend. When Boudicca bowed she stepped forward to place a hand on her shoulder before speaking. [color=gainsboro]”You are forgiven, so long as you warn me if I am to take up all of your duties for a day again.”[/color] Removing her hand from Boudicca’s shoulder, Celestine’s avatar stepped aside and briefly raised a hand to Boudicca’s home before speaking again. [color=gainsboro]”I’ve done what I could to keep things going and to keep your family safe. I was partially worried that the events of the day of my avatar’s arrival were beginning to repeat themselves and kept the rest of your family safe. I’ve most likely been a bit overbearing and you do have my apologies if any complaints are raised. On a somewhat more positive note I have news for you, but I would hear your tales before I begin my own and beyond that I’m sure you want to see your family first. Please, avail yourself of the comforts of your home as you desire. I will wait for you to be finished.”[/color] After that Celestine’s avatar would fall silent as she waited to see what Boudicca would do. She was concerned with how best to break the news of Thaa’s demands to her, as she was plenty aware of the Sanndatr’s disdain towards the god of death. But Thaa had given a fairly generous offer and Celestine had not been entirely willing to harm the good terms that they were on by spitting in the face of it. Perhaps after she had reunited with her family but before the meeting would be best… And most likely alone. Or as alone as they could get. Boudicca nodded gratefully. “Thank you, Master, for your fantastic help, though I trust my clan would have been able to keep any unsavoury company at bay for one day. Now please, join us. We are having a war council and I have very important news to share.” Celestine’s avatar gave a few nods but surprisingly didn’t say anything right away. She wanted to share the news on what she had discussed with Thaa, and share in what she had been given for this express purpose, but she knew that Boudicca was eager to speak at the war council for a reason. She would have to wait. Perhaps what Boudicca was going to announce would change what Celestine had to share as well. Raising a hand towards the general center of the village, Celestine’s avatar finally spoke after a few moments of silence. [color=gainsboro]”Very well. I see that you are eager, but I would request a more private audience when you are finished. There is something that I wish to discuss with you that will not be an easy topic. But, let us tend to your people and what you wish to announce first. There will be time later.”[/color] With that said, Celestine’s avatar would fall into step behind Boudicca as she departed. She hid it well, but the slightly furrowed brow of her avatar gave away Celestine’s concern for what might have come to pass while Boudicca was away. She hoped it was nothing malicious, but her mind was already plotting out contingency plans for whatever storm might be coming. Boudicca nodded and gestured for her to follow her inside. [hr] It took a brief hour to gather everyone, for the Dûnan host had many leaders within itself, and all had to hear the word of the sanndatr. Here had gathered everyone from lowly strongmen, bossing a band of up to ten, to the great clan heads, formally below [i]théins[/i] and [i]mórthéins[/i] in administrative rank, but commanding their families, workfolk and [i]hildargeach[/i] with unbreaking matriarchal or patriarchal authority. Of course, the most powerful among them, the [i]mórthéins[/i], were also clan heads, and the sheer power of Charlix of Blanche and Clement du Pierre earned them seats by Boudicca and the avatar of Celestine. Close by were also the commanders of their allied forces: Chief Bonursan Chirrut of the Doserung, brow chiseled into a dark frown; Sumbierka, son of Weymbierka of the Nubveians and leader of the Buffalo Riders; Pride-King Koisa of Swadi, still a guest of Boudicca’s to oversee that his family’s vengeance against the Cenél would be exacted; prince Ratinmaar of Bast, promoted from scribe to commander of the Troll-Men in war times; and Vanya the Pale, speaker for the Death-Singers of Mink. From there, the longhouse’s sixty or so guests were roughly arranged by rank in an outwards order, centered on the burning hearths in the middle. The fires were not as violent as usual, for the packed populace generated most of its own heat. An orchestra of murmurs from tens of conversations coloured the soundscape with a thousand moods, with everything from existential worry to premature celebration flowing from mouth to ear. Around the hall, young druid apprentices zig-zagged between the groups with bowls of crusty salt and hand-torn bread, offering all the guests a greeting snack. When Boudicca received word that the last of the attendees had come, she rose from her seat and stuck two fingers in her mouth, squeezing forth a silencing whistle. The conversations quickly died out as all turned to regard the sanndatr, elevated as she was after mounting her bear-skinned chair. “Brothers! Sisters! Cousins! Friends!” she greeted, drumming her fist to her chest. “In the name of all the gods and spirits, I, Boudicca of Clan Metsep, sanndatr of Ha-Dûna and champion of Caden and Selesta, welcome you to my house. Please, help yourself to ale from my pots and apples from my baskets. Praise Lyd and Reiya that the harvest was kind to us this year. I ask, though, that you be mindful with the drink, for what I have to share today is bound to shake the very foundation of this war we find ourselves in.” “Better not be speak of a truce,” came a sharp remark from somewhere in the hall, followed by a roaring laughter and some nervous giggling. Boudicca eventually stilled the crowd again with a hand. “No such thing, sister! We will never make peace with the Chelevyak scum so long as that wicked warchief of theirs still draws breath - that, I swear!” Fists shot into the air in her salute and Boudicca busied herself with stilling another roaring cheer. “However…” That one word did more to silence everyone that any gesture ever could. One could, second by second, see a powerful shared spirit and thirst for the glory of war fade in the wake of a ghost of uncertainty that rose from the floor like a fog. Boudicca looked reluctant to finish the sentence, but eventually said, “There will be no battle.” Another empty field of silence filled the house, broken only by someone in the far back yelling, “what did she say?!” “What do you mean, no battle?” demanded [i]mórthéin[/i] Clement du Pierre, cocking his face of well-kempt hair and beard to regard the sanndatr skeptically. Boudicca bit her teeth together. “Lyd brought me to Jonwayo this morning. We have agreed that we will meet in two weeks to discuss terms… Of a duel - one that will decide the war. This will protect our people from the armies of the east--” “How… Dare you?!” came a seething snarl. Boudicca furrowed her brow harshly and glared down at her side, where [i]mórthéin[/i] Clement du Pierre had risen up and was slowly stepping his way to face her front to front. “Do you have something to say, du Pierre?” The laird scoffed. “Do I have something to say?! You have said it all, indirectly! How could you agree to this? Rob us of our glory? Our vengeance?” Boudicca recoiled. “Your glory and vengeance?! Clement, people are bound to die! Ha-Dûna cannot afford to--” “Ha-Dûna cannot afford to look weak, that is true,” interrupted [i]mórthéin[/i] Charlix of Blanche, standing up as well to join his colleague in opposing Boudicca. “Which is exactly what we do by kneeling to such a demand.” “N-no, that’s not true! Listen to me, all of you!” “No, -you- listen, sanndatr, if we should even call you that!” challenged Clement. Boudicca’s face flashed red and she drew her sword, placing it against his throat in the blink of an eye. “You are treading the very edge of what I can accept, [i]mórthéin[/i]--” she began, but she then studied the faces of everyone around her; no eyes looked at her swordhand with the glint of justice and agreement - the complete opposite was true: Charlix’ words seemed to resonate with everyone. Clement saw the chink in her facade and continued: “A sanndatr or sannsonn is an individual who exemplifies Dûnan morals - fearlessness, strength, love of family, clan and people, piety in the face of the gods, wisdom in the face of challenges - which of these have you shown of late?!” “I-...” Boudicca felt her swordhand quiver and the divinely sharp blade bit a slight cut into Clement’s skin, drawing a sliver of blood. The man flinched and stepped to the side, pointing a gloved finger into Boudicca’s face. “You have stolen our right to avenge Ha-Leothe by accepting the warlord’s terms!” he accused. Boudicca bit her teeth together and stepped back. She turned to the avatar of Celestine and pleaded, “Master, talk some sense into them!” To say that Celestine was surprised by the statement that Boudicca gave would’ve been an understatement, but this surprise was a welcome one. The avatar’s brow relaxed as the news of a duel came forth, though what happened afterwards displeased her quite immensely. She did not intervene immediately, as she didn’t want to undermine the authority of Boudicca and make the situation worse than it already was. But when Boudicca asked for aid, it was delivered. Rising from her chair, Celestine’s avatar stepped forward and issued a single commanding cry in a volume that nearly shook the great house. [color=gainsboro][b]”SILENCE!”[/b][/color] Standing silent for a few moments to allow the weight of such a command to be better understood by all, Celestine’s avatar stood behind Boudicca with confidence. Placing a firm and assuring hand upon her shoulder, Celestine’s avatar would begin to speak once more as she looked out over the assembled people. [color=gainsboro]”You ask of her if she has exemplified Dûnan morals? Is it not fearless to take on the hopes and dreams of all who are gathered here? Is it not fearless to face the leader of your enemy in single combat? Does it not display a deep love of family to ensure that the sons and daughters of all gathered here will see their parents returned home alive? Does she not show a love of clan and people by ensuring that Ha-Dûna’s resources will not be slowly sapped away by an unrelenting enemy until the people who you all so valiantly defend lay starving in the streets? I can assure you that her piety is quite strong, given that I am standing here and receiving it directly. Is it not wise to find an option that ends a war quickly and without needless death?”[/color] Celestine’s avatar paused now to allow her words to sink in. Turning her gaze to Clement she stepped forward and released the grip she had on Boudicca’s shoulder. Her voice lowered from the volume she used for delivering speeches. This would be far more personal. Placing a hand onto Clement’s shoulder, the avatar began to speak [color=gainsboro]”I understand your desire for vengeance. To pay the blood debt that the enemy has caused you. But that is not always the way. I have a blood debt myself. Hilda the Leoness was cursed while dueling in a tournament held in my name. For a time I wanted nothing more than to kill the people responsible for such a thing, and part of me still does. But I have found that there is another way to honor the fallen: Live for them. Be their living legacy and do not let their names fall into obscurity. Additionally, think of the duality of such a situation. Consider that If you enact your vengeance upon those that have hurt you that you could cause someone else to take up arms against you for hurting their kin. You would end up perpetuating a cycle of death and violence that will come to affect your children and their children, and their children's children. It is painful to leave a crime unanswered, but sometimes answering that crime can cause so much more.”[/color] The room stayed silent for a second. Then there came a sharp scoff. “Hilda was a proppa’ Dûnan, dat one. She wouldna have t’ought herself so great that she could take all our sorrow and fury away and do away with the enemy one on one - she had pride, yes, but a humble kind; one that understood that others, too, have deir own pride.” It was the Pride-King of Swadi, Koisa, his many leon tusk charms dangling from his buffalo fur attire. “Me and my warriors, dey swore an oa’f - de Cenél would bleed the blood of a hundred men for what dey did to my cousin’s daughta. On de honour o’ Kon, de great war-god, dey are sworn to take de lives demanded, or be forced ta take deir own. If de war is ova’ by duel, den a hundred of my strongest men an’ women will die, instead ov de people dat really deserve it. Where’s de justice in dat?” He looked around the hall and shrugged theatrically. “Where is de justice for my cousin’s daughta, cursed as she was by de Cenél?” “And for Valix! My own cousin Valix the Quick!” came another shout. “Be quiet!” shouted Boudicca. “You are speaking against a goddess!” “Oh, so now that loud voice of yours is back, huh?” Clement snarled, still standing defiantly before her, though shifting nervously over at Celestine. “Must be easy to lead when you’ve got a goddess behind your back.” “Shut it, or I will have your head.” “Then take it, you coward - take it and show everyone that you would rather kill one of your own than to give them the right to avenge their family and friends. Go on! I’m sure whatever we do to retaliate won’t affect you, on account of your friends in high places.” Mockingly, he raised his hand, and the faces of the people in the hall grew increasingly suspicious of both Boudicca and Celestine. Celestine’s avatar turned to face Boudicca shortly after her comments were made, and she held up a hand to stay any further ones, even if only briefly. But shortly before she could speak Clement gave his own retort, and Celestine’s avatar moved to stand between them with a hand held aloft to both. Looking to Boudicca once more, the avatar would speak to her first. [color=gainsboro]”Ser Boudicca, please. I am not one who is incapable of suffering slings and arrows. Let them raise their voices in protest. I will hear their complaints, as is fair.”[/color] Dropping her hand and turning to Clement and the room in full, the avatar would speak once more. [color=gainsboro]”The soldiers who have taken this pact may yet have their battle. I am sure that there are many among the enemy who would gladly agree to the chance to do battle. If given time, I can try to speak with the leader of the enemy and see this arranged. This duel might serve to be expanded upon to be one great battle instead of a protracted war of skirmish after skirmish until one side is too exhausted to continue. Will this satisfy all?”[/color] Celestine’s avatar took a step back now to look at Boudicca as well as the assembled leaders. The solution she proposed was one that she didn’t enjoy proposing as it served to add complications to the simple and already agreed upon solution of a duel, but the flaring tempers of the room needed [i]something[/i] to cool them, and this was the simplest idea that came forth. She only hoped that proposing it would not shatter the possibility of a peaceful future. However, none of this seemed to cool the mood in the room - in fact, it only seemed to get hotter. Clement raised his finger in challenge once again, this time at the avatar. “Again you cover for her! I was speaking to Boudicca, not to you!” “Hold your tongue, du Pierre! You are to speak respectfully to a goddess!” wheezed the ancient voice of Kaer Pier, leader of the Circle of the Long Stride, but none could hear him over the loudening crowd. Clement continued, his eyes trying to meet Boudicca on the other side of the armoured giant. Meanwhile, many more were rising from their seats and closing in on the centre. “We will not have any sort of duel, skirmish or planned battles of any kind, is that clear? What happened to you, Boudicca? When did you surrender our freedom to live and battle as we’d like to the gods?!” “We live for the gods!” Boudicca retorted, and the few druids in the room shouted their agreement. Many of the [i]théins[/i], who outnumbered them anyway, seemed unconvinced, though. “It is clear that you do, sanndatr - but the du Pierre clan lives for itself and its friends.” “As does the Blanche!” Charlix supported. “And the Ur-Gaard!” “Ur-Met!” “The Shepherds!” “Ur-Sikra!” “Ur-Qir!” Boudicca felt her breathing outpace her. “Aifric! Constable! Arrest these rebels!” But as soon as her eyes found the chief of justice, she noticed the same face on her as on almost everyone else. The red-haired woman clad in the black leather attire of the Constabulary, adorned with the sigils of Taeg-Eit and Fìrinn, lifted her hand in the air and shouted: “The Leothe clan were brothers and sisters of the Sûr-le-Mont! They will be avenged, head for head!” Boudicca tugged on Celestine’s cloak again. “Do something!” The avatar of Celestine stepped back defensively as more began to rise. She understood their frustration and anger at being denied something that had been promised for so long, but it surprised her to learn how many were eager to risk their lives to spill just a drop of blood. Celestine’s avatar kept her hands well away from her sword. She knew that if she so much as touched it that there would be no small amount of blood today. The mortals here posed little threat to the avatar, but Boudicca on the other hand… If they wanted her head, they could get it. She might’ve had her sword, but was currently lacking in armor. This caused no small amount of alarm, as Celestine knew that if this fury took what it wanted Ha-Dûna would shatter overnight, and all their effort would be in vain. As much as she did not like the idea of what she was about to do, Celestine knew that it was for the best. Boudicca was not safe at the moment, neither was her family. Perhaps it would be time for a brief vacation away from Galbar… Whispering quietly, Celestine asked Boudicca a critical question. [color=gainsboro]”Do you know where your family is exactly? Are they all at home?”[/color] “Wh-what? No! They’re, they’re-... I don’t know, I didn’t have time to see them!” “What are you two whispering about?” Clement demanded. None of them had weapons, as bringing such into someone else’s home was a grave misstep, but he rolled and unrolled his fists threateningly. Charlix, on the other hand, lowered his voice with calming authority. “Let’s see reason in this, shall we? It is clear that these past few weeks have torn immensely at your psyche, dear sanndatr. May we perhaps suggest that you step back for a time, maybe allow the clan heads to rule in your stead while you rest up?” Boudicca hissed. “This, this is nothing short of a coup! You are trying to usurp my position!” “You are unfit to rule, Boudicca. You spend more time with the gods than you do your own people. You’re no leader; you’re a glorified priestess!” Clement accused. A strumming harp followed Clement’s words, a white robed figure playing off in the corner. The crowd quieted and then turned to regard the figure, the line of sight between them and the centre of the room clearing of people. With no one else interrupting the music, Clement, who had said the last word, followed up with, “Pardon me, I do not recall asking for a bard’s input to our discussion. This isn’t a drama for you to narrate. Kindly leave the war room.” "Actually, Clement," Illyd Dyll looked up from his harp, "I believe you did ask me to come, don't you remember?" The God walked over and studied Clement, "Yes, you did - you have the same look on your face that Adrian did when he first asked for me. Your opponent has a goddess backing her and arguably strung similar to a puppet in your eyes - you asked for justice and order. Well, here I am, know that while I stand here - no god or goddess can retaliate against you. This is once again a mortal affair." Most in the room blinked ponderously. [color=violet]“Have you people learned nothing?”[/color] a baritone voice cut in. "Nope." A brave servant, clearly exasperated from all the surprises, called out from the water he was pouring. The druids began their usual psalms to Caden, whereas many others instinctively cowered. Some even sighed, clearly tired of all the divine attention. "Oh boy," Illyd screwed his face up with disappointment. He nudged the servant, "If you thought [i]she[/i] could talk. Woof." [color=violet]“Do you not recall the advice I gave you?”[/color] Caden demanded. [color=violet]“To make peace where you can, and battle only when you must? Have you already forgotten that it was this sort of infighting which nearly destroyed you all?”[/color] “Great Caden,” Clement pleaded much more respectfully than any manner he had shown Celestine, “that is what we are trying to do - this is a war we -must- fight! Surely you of all magnificent gods would understand the depth of the wound to our honour should we leave this war of aggression up to a mere duel!” [color=violet]“I understand honour better than you,”[/color] Cadien countered. [color=violet]“And I can assure you that no honour would be lost in resolving the conflict in this manner. Honour would, however, be lost in breaking promises that have already been made. Not just the promises your leader has made to your enemy, but the promises your own people have made to your own gods, and to each other.”[/color] A cognitive dissonance seemed to flush over many faces, including those of Charlix and Clement. The latter brought some fingers to his temple and mumbled, “But, but then what is honour? What is honour when some wild barbarian from the hills can massacre a village of over a hundred people and is then only willing to offer one of their own? That is neither respectful from us to them or from them to us - for us, it’s weak; for them, it’s mocking! When did we promise something that would rob us of our right to avenge our fallen?!” “Honour comes in many forms,” Cadien argued “But do not confuse honour with pride, or vengeance. Pride is not always a bad trait, and vengeance can sometimes be necessary, but not always…” "Is anyone else here tired of getting talked down to and being told what is and what isn't?" Illyd cleared his throat, "Or no?" Heads once again turned to the harper, but initially, no one responded. Then, very slowly, one of the strongmen in the back, a rugged brute who looked not much different than a common peasant, raised his hand. “I am.” Kaer Pier let out a panicking wheeze and shouted, “Great Caden, please have mercy! This one is clearly without the proper learning to--” "Ah nah nah," Illyd interrupted, "He is exactly who he needs to be. He is tired, and why not? He's a grown man being babied by one God who barges and bellows and another who is probably younger than you are good Kaer." Illyd grinned wide, a mad twinkle in his eye. "A dishonest man is an undesired man." “Enough!” Cadien interjected once again. Illyd rolled his eyes and whispered [i]"see."[/i] Cadien continued, [color=violet]“I have given no orders. Illyd Dyll, I must say I expected better from you. You interrupt and insult others, while only sowing chaos and discord, in a conflict you have only recently taken note of. You are not acting as a god, but as a child. Now be silent and allow me to finish."[/color] "If that's what you see, then you're blind and I am sad to see you have fallen," Illyd shrugged and turned to the mortals, "Speak your minds and do as you will. If a god interrupts your rightful paths, I will retaliate in your defense." [color=violet]“War is not a matter of equivalent exchange, Clement of Ha-Dûna,” Cadien went on. “If that was the case, then your people would have far more enemies than they do already. You cannot call for an equal exchange of life only when such an exchange is not in your favour, after already turning a blind eye to the battles where your own people killed far more than they lost. That is not honour.”[/color] [color=violet]“This duel is not something I personally approve of, but allow me to tell you what will happen if it does not occur. Chaos. If you reject this duel after your leader has already agreed to it, you will show the world that a Ha-Dûnan’s word cannot be trusted. They will not care if your leader made this decision without consulting you. All they will see is a betrayal. Your allies will desert you, your enemies will sense weakness, and your own people will be divided on who should replace her. Even if your city does not succumb to infighting once again, it will collapse under the weight of the enemies which surround it. It will be the end of Ha-Dûna.”[/color] [color=violet]“Now, allow me to tell you what will happen if the duel does occur. If Boudicca prevails, which I am fully confident she will, then your conflict will be resolved without any further loss of life. The enemy’s leader will be slain, which will do far more damage to his people than the loss of a single village. If she loses, then there will be no need to overthrow her, for she will no longer be your leader. While you will be expected to follow the conditions of defeat to the letter, doing so will be far less damaging than what would happen should you refuse to honour them.”[/color] [color=violet]“All of this will happen without my intervention,”[/color] Cadien continued. [color=violet]“I need not lift a finger. This is not the first conflict that two leaders attempted to settle through a duel, and it will not be the last. Despite his insolence today, I still count Illyd Dyll among my friends, so this once I will honour his request not to retaliate. If you wish to replace your leader, then you may attempt to do so. If you wish to reject the terms she has already made, then you may attempt to do so as well. But know that straying from the course she has already set will only mean disaster. It will be a disaster of your own making, and I will not aid you.”[/color] The highest in command seemed utterly baffled. Around the hall, many others looked genuinely confused. “... Weak? Allies will desert us?” mumbled Clement as though the very connection couldn’t make sense to him. “You do not speak for us, Kadon!” shouted suddenly the Pride-King of Swadi, pointing a finger defiantly to the roof. “We are an ally ov’ A-Dohna, and if dey go to war, so will we!” “Aye!” shouted the leader of the Buffalo Riders and rose up. “Dueling will show strength?! What sort of mighty people cowers before a lesser army in a war they have every advantage in, and then accepts a simple duel? The Doserung stand with the Dûnans!” proclaimed chief Bonursan Chirrut. “Bast… Bast, too, stands with the Dûnans, if they choose war. That is what my father sent his support for, after all,” said carefully the scribe-made-warlord Ratinmaar. The only one of the five allied leaders to keep quiet was the Death-Singer Vanya, but whatever she would have answered. “When it comes to replacing the sanndatr, actually,” added the chief constable Aifric, “we have already found several candidates who may possess the necessary moral fibre to lead. Succession would therefore not be an issue, and leadership would be delegated to the Circle of the Long Stride until the heir would be ready to rule. So reads the [i]Dlíbók[/i] chapter on rulership and succession.” “We cannot trust the enemy to keep their promise if they win, either!” came another voice. “They already attacked us unprovoked once - they will do it again!” “Whatever enemies once surrounded us, have now been tamed! Until the treacherous Cenél ratted themselves together with the Chevelyaks, no one would rise against us! The lands will not fall into chaos if we refuse the duel and destroy the eastern threat, nay - chaos will come should we squander our advantage in the heat of the moment!” proclaimed Clement. Charlix hummed harshly in agreement. “What infighting the great Caden refers to, I cannot see now,” said the [i]mórthéin[/i] Charlix. “Here we stand, fifty heads, each leading their own band or clan, and all are united in mind and purpose: The Chevelyaks deserve not to savour a cheap victory should the hopeless sanndatr fail, nor do they deserve an unprecedented mercy should Boudicca win. The Chevelyaks deserve only to be thrown back to their mountains from whence they came and never set foot in our lands again!” “YEAH!” The druids, granted, did not celebrate alongside the unanointed, but it was clear that their voices mattered very little now. Celestine’s avatar, after a long period of silence, spoke up once again. [color=gainsboro]”I can offer something to quell one fear: Anyone who attacks unprovoked now that this duel is a known factor will be met with a prompt counter offensive of my own design. In addition, Illyd, I will make you this promise: The outcome of this duel will be accepted without intervention on my part. I have been trying to figure out ways to break the cycle of violence and death that has gone on for too long, and this duel aligns with those ideals quite nicely.”[/color] Looking to Charlix, the avatar addressed something that he had said in particular. [color=gainsboro]”As for the infighting you dismissed so easily, consider that mere moments before Cadien began to speak you were all acting in a manner that gave me reason to believe that you were going to make an attempt on Ser Boudicca’s life here and now. I was fully prepared to spirit her away to my realm to ensure her survival should those who were rising from their chairs begin to rush for us. [i]That[/i] is the infighting that was referred to.”[/color] The people looked stunned. Even Boudicca tugged at Celestine’s cloak and shook her head nervously. Then Clement scoffed sharply. “Attempt on her life?!” “Does she think us to be barbarians?!” came a shout from further back. “And she threatens to kill us instead of the enemy, for what? For accepting these foul, puny terms?! What manner of war gods are you, even?!” boomed another. Charlix stuck an authoritative finger in the air. “I do not know about the rest of you, but one of my age can recall stories from a time our people had other masters who restricted us like this.” The hall quieted as eyes fixed on the red-mustached man. “Oh, certainly, we have always been pious to the gods, and Caden has been a beloved divine amongst my people in particular. My father used to draw excellent worded pictures of the temple to Cadwyn back in old Brasfort.” “Hear, hear…” went a mumble. “Still, great divines, it is clear that your nature is exactly that - divine. You clearly do not see the world as we do, and we do not see it as you do. From your words and tone, we are pieces in a game to you, to be shuffled around and managed to achieve some sort of cosmic balance; however, we are people - our own, breathing people…” “Yeah…” “And the Dûnans…” “Yeah!” “Will NEVER--!” “YEAH!” “BE RULED AGAIN!” He pointed an accusing finger at Celestine, his eyes trembling with adrenaline. “You never cared about us Dûnans - you have only ever cared for your champion, and you have shown as much by threatening to punish us should we exercise our divine right to avenge our fallen! You are no better than the damned Ketrefans, you are!” "In Celestine's defense." Illyd held out a hand, "Jjonveyo is also her Champion but very little care goes towards him." A gasp flushed through the room, followed by outraged growls and roars. Clement kicked his chair over and shouted, “That butcher?! She sired that -butcher-, that utter killer, and have the audacity to talk to us about honour and justice?!” "Again in her defense," Illyd looked over at Celestine, "You're only a few decades old, no?" The avatar of Celestine gave a nod before speaking. [color=gainsboro]”I am rather freshly emerged from the lifeblood, yes.”[/color] “By Taeg-Eit, this is what happens when we move beyond the druidic gods,” exclaimed suddenly Kaer Pier, his wrinkly face so red that it looked like a dried-up apple. “Damned youngster spirits try to deceive and mislead us, I say!” “Finally dropped the act, you old badger!” a smug Clement snapped back. “This is what I’ve been saying for thirty years, you damned fart! The druidic gods are the only gods worth our worship! These others are too demanding-- UGHUUUH!” The old man bent over to an overpowering cough and his attendees swarmed him with water and medicine. “Please, Kaer Pier, do not strain yourself!” Clement and Charlix seemed satisfied with the outburst, however. Clement tugged his expensive vest straight again and said, “Well, then. It would seem there is unison agreement that we are quite fed up with being told what to do.” “So it seems, so it seems,” Charlix agreed. Celestine’s avatar raised an eyebrow at the statements that came in response to her own. She looked to Boudicca, confusion in her face. If she had felt the tug a few moments earlier… Regret filled her eyes, and she nodded to Boudicca before looking to the crowd once more before speaking. [color=gainsboro]”It would appear that I have erred, and I will offer my apologies. I do not seek to control you in some great game like some of the other divines might. I just wish for peace. That is all I have ever wished for. If you wish to be free of influence as you so say, then very well. I will abide by your desires.”[/color] And then a portal would open. Beyond it lay the near paradise that was Celestine’s realm. Dragons dotted the sky and Virtus Elves carried on with their days. Placing a hand upon Boudicca’s shoulder, Celestine’s avatar blinked once before departing, closing the portal behind her moments later. Boudicca grabbed fruitlessly at the air where the portal had just been and whispered, “M-master?” As the crowd gathered ever closer around her, Clement and Charlix looked over to Aifric, who had already prepared a length of rope. “Chief constable Aifric. Take the former sanndatr to the Temple of the Sun. She is from this day stripped of her title as she is not fit to rule, and her daughter Materix of Clan Metsep will inherit the title of [i]laird[/i] in her stead.” As Boudicca’s hands were bound, Charlix looked over at Kaer Pier who had slowly recovered from his cough. “Kaer Pier, you and your druids may begin the search for a new sanndatr or sannsonn.” The old druid nodded slowly, holding a linen handkerchief over his mouth. “Yes, yes, we will start it as soon as we can.” “The rest of you - prepare for war. The Chevelyaks will be driven from the Dûnlands by the axe and the spear and the fist of its true rulers!” A thunderous cheer nearly quaked the building itself. It was a sort of cheer that hadn’t really existed in Ha-Dûna for a time; for weeks, there had been this humbling presence everyone one went, and the city felt lighter, more human the second the avatar had left. The heaviness of divine presence still lingered, though - there was still one who had something on his heart. [color=violet]"Hold a moment."[/color] [color=violet]"Allow me to tell you a story,"[/color] Cadien spoke up again, his voice quieter and thoughtful. [color=violet]"It is one your people have long since discarded and forgotten, but it is true nonetheless. Long ago, while I was still being born, I was a being without vision, hearing, or thought. As was the case for every other god, before they too came to be - including your own Druidic gods. But even in this state, I had power. I created a species, which was scattered throughout the Highlands."[/color] [color=violet]"And when I emerged, with vision, hearing, and thought, I looked upon this species. And I thought it could be improved. So, I turned thought to action. I reshaped their bodies in my own image, giving them strength and beauty. I granted them intelligence; the ability to think for themselves and come up with complex solutions. I prevailed upon another goddess to grant them passion and emotion as well; the same sort of passion which now animates all of you. And those people... are your ancestors."[/color] - [color=violet]"So do not presume,"[/color] Cadien continued, his voice hardening into anger. [color=violet]"To call me a slaver. I am your creator. That is truth, whether you accept it or not. All humans, and all merelli, are descended from me. And that is my interest in this affair. Do you know how few humans there were at the time of my birth compared to how many there are now? A hundred different tribes and clans can claim the same ancestor."[/color] [color=violet]"And so,"[/color] the god concluded, a note of sadness entering his voice. [color=violet]"Whenever you kill another human, you are killing a distant kinsman. Do keep that in mind."[/color] And with those words, the Dûnans felt a great presence leave them. The hall was quiet. Then came a remark: “As if I can trace my lineage all the way to Eceda.” “... Did, did Caden really make us?” came another. “No, Reiya did! It is known!” “It is very well known, in fact. He must be upset he could not convince us to accept the duel. Do any of you wonder why he was so adamant about that, by the way? As a war god, shouldn’t he…?” “Duh! It’s clear the Chevelyaks have persuaded him away from us. Can’t be trusted, those non-druidic gods.” “As always, [i]Hir[/i] guides the way.” Meanwhile, Clement and Charlix approached the avatar of illyd Dyll and bow took a knee. “Great Lyd,” they choired. “We thank you immensely for your aid in this. To think Selesta was in cahoots with the wicked warlord…” "You know," Illyd tapped his chin. "It's about this time a god would throw another speech at ya - but instead - please just don't forget to plant some heavy taproots this late winter." “Taproots?” asked Charlix, but Clement nodded. “Of course, great one. They shall line the fields like posts in a fence.” He folded his hands and pressed them against his forehead. “With your blessings, this war shall be won by Dûnans, for Dûnans. Not by gods and not for gods.” "Don't hold your breath for my validation," Illyd giggled. "But really just pray to me should a divine force rear its machinations. Now show me too my druids, it's high time I show them what soil temperature is then I'm out of here." “Of course! Kaer Myvon, come here,” demanded Clement and one of the druids assisting Kaer Pier out of the house came jogging over, bowing deeply before the avatar and then not as deeply before the two [i]mórthéins[/i]. “Yes, [i]laird[/i] Clement?” “Gather your Circle and go with the great one. Make sure his every need is tended to and pay attention to his every word. I will expect a full report once it’s done.” “Of, of course!” replied the druid nervously and bowed against before Illyd. “Great Lyd, I am yours to command. Please, allow me to take you to the Circle of the Gods.” She gestured, still bowing, for him to follow. "Oh my," Illyd made a surprised face. "So formal." He quickly followed behind the druid - an eager spring in his step. As the last people left the house, Charlix and Clement remained, both smiling proudly at one another. “So, who shall inherit the House of Chieftains? At least until the new sanndatr or sannsonn is chosen?” asked Charlix. “Oh, you go ahead, my good man - I so enjoy my own estate, after all. I would miss my sheep.” Clement tugged at his vest. “Ah, what an unfortunate coincidence - I, too, am much too deeply in love with my own bed and the view from my door. What shall we use this for, then?” The two of them quietly pondered. “... Storage?” “Storage.” Then they left to prepare for the coming war. [hider=Summary!] So Boudicca shows back up in the DOON and is like yo, I can solve our war in two weeks. Everyone is like oh fuck that's great yes! And then she says she just has to duel Jjonveyo and everyone is like BUT I WANT TO KILL PEOPLE. Celestine is like NO YOU BE PEACEFUL AND ABIDE BY MY IDEALS and everyone is like :S IDK but then Illyd shows up and is like nah go ahead mortals. Tell her how u really feel. Cadien pops in like NO DON'T DO THAT LET ME LECTURE YOU. Then a massive Cadien speech arrives about honor and integrity and life and death and war. Finally Illyd is like this is boring and condescending and a few humans are like here here. In response to this criticism, Celestine and Cadien assault the humans with more speeches until finally they are heckled away by Illyd and the rowdy bunch. We end with Celestine leaving Dooon, Boudicca being arrested for being a lapdog, Illyd discussing soil with a druid, and Cadien heartbroken that the humans don't [/hider] [hider=MP/DP] Celestine begins with 5MP/5DP Celestine: 1 MP to create a portal for her avatar to leave. Celestine ends with 4MP/5DP [/hider]