Altered Tundra

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

the Martyr continued to press Wesley's patience. It almost got to the point where he was ready to go for another round with this one, but as tempted as he was to do that, he knew that it would only be a repeat of what happened the last time he rushed in without thinking clearly. Igeyorhm was stronger and faster than he was, which made wanting to act on impulses alone difficult. What Wesley had to do was something he practiced many times and that was patiently waiting for him to get his - or at the least, bide time for the person from before aid them in their fight against this guy.

As he kept talking, Wesley couldn't help but wonder who exactly he was sent here to get. He obviously had a specific person in mind of his coming here. Rozarria, to Wesley's knowledge, was far off from where Venat potentially could've been hiding out, so if this one here truly came for someone specific, the thought on the prince's mind was who? Who would be worth the long journey? Igeyorhm didn't strike Wesley as someone who'd go out of his way unless ordered to. He seemed to be more work than play. That being said, of course, if they played it carefully, they might be able to get something out of him.

Get him talking. This one isn't that bright, so I'm confident he'll slip up. Wesley used the ability to communicate with Grant telepathically.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Had it not been for the multiple amount of portals surrounding Igeyorhm and shooting what looked like arrows of mist at him, which also distracted him long enough for Grant and Wesley to collect themselves, they’d probably be toast right about now. Though, Wesley did find something strangely familiar about those arrows and the portals. He couldn’t place it, but he had this sneaking suspicion that he knew what they belonged to.

Just as the Martyr had successfully fended off all of the arrows, something else was happening in the air. A strange, yet oddly-familiar, sensation surged through Wesley's body. A part of him knew exactly what that sensation was, but just one, short moment before he figured it out, right next to him, it took to the surface. Bullets ringed from the barrel and shot at Igeyorhm so fast that before either of them could realize what happened, there were five holes inside the attire that the Martyr had on, and sent him flying to the wall on the opposite side of the room, nearly forcing his form to crack through the wall.

Igeyorhm made the same realization that Wesley did: Grant had ascended. If that wasn’t obvious enough, when he spoke, it became crystal clear. “Nice to hear you again, my friend,” Wesley noted, giving Grant a smirk.

Crooked Young - An Altered Lies Production

---

---

She felt for this girl, she truly did. A victim of her own feelings and unfortunate actions taken upon from her son. She cared for him, Adrianna knew this much but saw that the young woman was conflicted about the feelings she had. Pride and love don’t always go hand-in-hand with each other. Adrianna knew this and Audrey no doubt knew this as well. But what seemed to be the deciding factor in it all was this Janice Nelson that Audrey had mentioned. Apparently, Alexandros had fooled around with her and it had made its way back to Audrey through the form of a friend taping the entire ordeal.

“I see,” Adrianna simply said, pondering about how horribly her own son had treated Audrey.

A mother’s love was unconditional, but at this moment, she was siding this the Huntsberg girl. But all that aside, as soon as she would spot the tears starting to come, Adrianna would hold off whatever thoughts she had regarding her son and Audrey. Immediately, she reached into her purse, pulling out a handkerchief as she reached over, and handed to Audrey. When the Hispanic girl would look up, Adrianna would just give her a nod, saying nothing in return.

After a few moments of letting Audrey get control of her emotions, letting her do whatever she needed to ensure she was okay, Adrianna would reach into her purse once more. This time, she pulled out her business card. “This is my card. It has my business number.” She flipped it over, and grabbed a pen nearby. She wrote her cell phone number on the back. “If you ever need to talk about anything, you can reach me at either number. If my assistant says no, tell him that I personally gave this to you.” She handed Audrey the card. “I like you, Audrey Huntsberg. What my son did to you is a terrible thing.” She gave the young woman a warm smile. “Whatever you choose to do, regardless if you give him another chance or leave him in the past, know you have my complete support.” Adrianna got up, grabbing her coat and purse. “Please, take as long as you need. And I meant what I said: if you need anything, I’m only a call away.” She proceeded to round the table, stopping beside Audrey. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Audrey Huntsberg. You are by far the only person my son has…met that I can honestly - and without any bias towards him - has earned my respect.”

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

This was getting ridiculous. Even when Wesley thought he had the upper hand with Igeyorhm being otherwise preoccupied with Grant, he'd be able to get at least one hit in, but it was as if he had eyes in the back of his head. Just as Wesley had neared him, in those last seconds before contact, he not only did away with Grant, but he also had taken ahold of Wesley's arm and spun him around so he and Grant would collide with each other, causing the princes to fall back on one another. As they did, they both were close-lined by Igeyorhm, which caused them to further fall on each other; though Grant recovered quickly as he had fired additional shots from his gun. That didn't make a difference, however, because the Martyr danced gracefully around them.

And once more, they were at his mercy.

As he spoke, he would give them a dose of truth. "That does explain a few things." Wesley murmured, eyes on Grant who seemed to be in silent agreement despite how hard the truth was to swallow. Even still, it didn't mean Wesley was willing to blindly accept defeat. Not only wouldn't he, but he couldn't. Grant was in no condition to fight. Wesley could tell that much and he would make sure that this scion would pay for what he did to Nadeline.

Wesley tightened his grip he had on his sword, ready to try for round three. However, just as he did, a portal appeared beside Igeyorhm and then a few more did. After a few moments, there was over a dozen and out came several arrows of mist through each portal, aimed at Igeyorhm.

Crooked Young - An Altered Lies Production

---

---

Adrianna had told Audrey to be completely honest with her despite her being Alexandros’ mother. And as she predicted, Audrey didn’t disappoint. As she was sure the young woman never disappointed in anything she did, she spoke from the heart - the scorned heart from where Adrianna was sitting from. Honestly, her son meant the world to her, but sometimes she wondered why he did the things that he did. Why did you play with these paper hearts, Alexandros? Don’t you see that cruelness wasn’t the way to go?

His father wasn’t like this, not one bit. He played his games, sure, but he did it for his own entertainment. He didn’t do it to be cruel. Sometimes Adrianna wondered where she went wrong with Alex. Was she too lax in raising him? Did she allow him to have too much freedom. Should she have been a bit more strict rather than let him figure himself out as soon as he became a teenager? Or was there something else at play? Perhaps this was divine intervention for the things she did.

Whatever it was, Adrianna knew it didn’t matter now. As she looked in front of her, this strong woman, despite how awkward or embarrassed it might’ve been for her, she bared it all out there. This girl, no matter her relation to Alexandros, had won Adrianna’s respect. If anything could be taken away from this meeting, that would be it.

“I won’t force you to do anything. Lord knows, my son is quite difficult, but up until what Ava let slip, he treated you respect - well, as much respect as a boy like my Alex could. I mean, he never gave you the impression that he was just using you, right? Putting all of the games he played with you and the other women he used to get to you, during your short time with him, was there ever a moment that you felt used?” Adrianna asked her, eyes fully intent on taking in every word.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

For some reason, no matter what Wesley did, Igeyorhm had a counter for every attack. It didn’t matter if Wesley went in for a thrust or a charging thrust, the speed at the Martyr’s disposal outclassed WEsley’s own. Even if Wesley was impressive on his own, it seemed he was lacking today for some reason. Maybe it was his emotional state or perhaps he was still fatigued from the night before.

Calm down, Wesley. You need to keep your cool. Hashmal advised him, he wants you to get overtly emotional; that is how Igeyorhm operates.

Yeah, Wesley knew that, but it didn’t help his case that he was flaunting his dominance like premium steel. Not to mention how he had a counter for everything the two did. However, Wesley would not let that psyche him out. He was Fandaniel, the Protector, but most of all, he was Wesley of House Alexander, and King of Dalmasca. If there was a way to win, he would find it.

With his resolve sound in his devotion to protect, Wesley looked on as Igeyorhm had Grant in his grasp. He would do the same to his sword, pushing forth his mist, and gathered what mist he could into his body and expelled it outward, aligning it with his natural speed, and he zipped through the air. As he had his sword in reverse grip, he would do what the Martyr did to Grant not too long ago: he would ram the backside of his hilt into the Scion’s back.

---

"Not since you hosted the Royal Family the day before these guys brought the Archadian general to your doorstep. I never did properly thank you for that. Maybe I can soon.." Cassandra, much like she always had, moved on from one man to the other. Her hand was gently stroking Roman’s leg and eyes flirtatiously gazing upon Roman’s attractive features.

Jaakuna couldn’t believe how quickly Cassandra moved on from centering all of her efforts on him to his brother. He was actually insulted by how she was now cozying up to his less-handsome brother. He saw her stroking Roman’s leg in the same intimate way that she had done to him and her eyes were practically glued to his brother’s entire form. She really had no shame, did she?

“Can you believe her?” Jaakuna whispered to Emiri. “Not even five minutes and she’s already fixated on him. It’s almost as though I meant nothing to...her…” And in finishing that thought, Jaakuna realized what he had just said, though he could not reverse time, and take back those words - that was Emiri’s thing. “What I meant to say is that good, she’s Roman’s problem,” he corrected himself, but he felt her scathing gaze pierce through any notions he had.

“Oh really?” Emiri asked him quietly, completely unconvinced. “Hmph, maybe you really should have gone through with her proposal if that’s how you feel!”

“Simply having your gratitude is enough, Princess,” Roman informed Cassandra, taking her hand and kissing it. She gave an approving smile. Reia had to hold back the urge to throw up, though at the very least, as much as Cassandra wanted to handle Roman, the man was just as good at turning on the charm.

Jaakuna was going to retort back at Emiri, but as he caught Reia’s glance, perhaps it was better to just quit while he was ahead. Besides, knowing her, he knew that she wanted to quit the petty squabbling and get onto the task that all of them were present for: the treaty. This prompted Jaakuna to, as he had done back in Dalmasca, go into his Jackson Darcone persona, though it would be less formal and more grounded.

“Reia, do you happen to have the treaty that I wrote?” Jaakuna asked her.

Emiri gave him a scowl, crossing her arms as Reia would nod, bringing with her a small stack organized very neatly. “Do your best not to scatter this one to the winds,” She cautioned him as she would hand over the documents. “As I mentioned before, there were a few unclear parts and some redundant, I made sure to fix them all for today.”

“Ah, yes...the treaty,” Roman would recall. “And you drafted this yourself, my brother?”

”Of course. It was my idea, after all.” Jaakuna stated proudly, though he heard Reia cough. He looked at her and boy did she have that subtle glare of death. ”I mean, that is to say, Reia contributed to it a little bit.” Jaakuna corrected himself, looking at Reia as he returned a gaze to Roman.

“It was a mess diplomatically and contradicted itself more than the elder texts of Giruvegan,” Reia would lay it out there, deciding that if Jaakuna was gonna be smart about it she may as well speak the truth. “You’ll find this version much easier to comprehend.”

Roman chuckled, slightly biting his lower lip as he would lean back. “I can promise you, he has the heart of a leader, he is simply missing the details.” He assured her, earning him a scowl from Jaakuna.

“Man fuck you guys, my treaty was bitchin’.” Jaakuna stubbornly argued.

“If ‘bitchin’ means ‘a disaster waiting to happen’, then yes. I agree wholeheartedly,” Reia retorted sarcastically.

He let out a sigh. There was obviously no winning when it came to Reia, especially when she seemed to have the support of even his own family. “Whatever. Let’s just do this.”

“Would you show a little more tact, Jackson?” Isaiah scolded Jaakuna for his lack of formality regarding the treaty.

“What?”

“This is not some adventurous decision you’re making on the fly. For heaven’s sake, this is a treaty that could decide the fate of our way of life as we know it.” He informed him rather bluntly.

“Oh..”

How the hell was Jaakuna supposed to know how to act? He’s not Roman. He had the idea, but no way of knowing what to do in regards to it or how to get it done in the right way. Frankly, Isaiah was starting to remind Jaakuna of how Hamut used to be on his ass.

Isaiah also reminded Emiri of someone else from a time she really didn’t want to think about. She closed her eyes for a moment, but she decided that it was about time she stepped up to the plate, too. Opening her eyes, she would sit up properly. After all, this was exactly what she had essentially been raised to do. May as well put it to use. “What Jaakuna means is that despite not having the wording down, the gist of it is here,” She informed the group at large, gesturing to the treaty. “It’s clear that it was written with the intention of unifying the three nations. While there were several dispersions, this very meeting is to not only bring them to light, but to discuss and assuage any concerns there could be. Reia’s refinement was necessary, of course, but you can hardly compare her--an Empress who thrives on law and specializes in writings such as these--and Jackson--who was second in line and whose work would have been relegated to his own territory as opposed to his entire country.”

Reia seemed to have been reminded of exactly why Justine had pushed Emiri to marry Grant. So the woman clearly knew what she was talking about. “My apologies,” Reia said. “I suppose I wasn’t helping things.”

“Well said,” Roman chuckled once more.

Emiri smiled at Jaakuna. “I’ve got your back,” She told him quietly, encouraging him.

He felt a sense of warmth overtake him. Or maybe it was that bad cockatice that he had earlier. Either way, Jaakuna felt pride in Emiri, especially the way Isaiah seemed to let out a sigh in defeat. Even he was no match for someone who was raised by the political machine. “Then, let us address the treaty now. Roman,” Jaakuna looked to his brother, “this treaty heavily relies on your cooperation. In fact, one of the first things I want to address specifically mentions you.”[/color]

Roman nodded, making sure to give Jaakuna his full attention. “Please, continue,” He urged Jaakuna.

“I fear that, in order for this treaty to go swimmingly, not to mention our own council is just as troublesome as the one that’s constantly on Reia’s back, they will need to see some sort of strength on my part. Despite the obvious troubles that beckon us from Levi and the False Zodiark, Venat, they need to see that Archadia will stand strong when it’s all said and done. So, even if just temporarily, I’ll be overseeing Archadia as Emperor.” Jaakuna announced, no doubt shocking all of those in the room.

“Sounds reasonable,” Roman was the first to agree.

“Wh-I’m sorry, how is that reasonable?” Reia couldn’t help but ask. “It would certainly smooth out the process, I would say ‘convenient’, but ‘reasonable’?”

“You must understand, just as Rozarria has had its succession crisis for some time, so has Archadia,” Roman admitted. “Vincent has, unfortunately, lost the faith of the people, with my grandfather’s recent actions being the nail in the coffin. Although, I must warn you, Jackson...Bhujerba has also asked for my return, considering that I am only half Darcone,” He explained with a slight frown. “I only implore you to think this through very carefully.”

“I am well aware of what this means, Roman. I wouldn’t have made this decision lightly, but as you’ve just said, Archadia is in a crisis. The people need solidarity. They need to know that House Darcone hasn’t forsaken them.” Jaakuna stated, “as you know, I am quite popular with the common folk. Not to mention, Lannit is one of our Five Judge Magisters now and he’s one of the most respected citizens that live--I mean lived--in Old Archades.” He let out a sigh, crossing his legs, “there is no other person who can do this. It has to be me.”

“It helps to have the title,” Reia mused out loud.

Emiri nodded silently, though she admittedly couldn’t quite get the bitter taste out. “That being said, everyone is in agreement, yes?”

“Indeed.”

“Of course,” Roman agreed.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Wesley reacted too late. His intention was to counteract the spell that had been shot at Nadeilne, but oddly enough, Igeyorhm was faster than he appeared to be. Despite his vibrant, almost eccentric visage, he actually seemed to be quite capable in the art of battle. His quick spellcraft was even faster than Nadeline’s was and how effectively he moved with that sword was on par to how Wesley himself moved. He was graceful and made no sounds when he moved. It was as if he was a whisper in the wind when he moved.

Speaking of how quick his reactions were, Igeyorhm used his speed to deflect Grant’s attempt to harm him and had plunged the hilt of his sword into Grant’s chest. Taking advantage, Wesley swiftly thrust forward with his sword, but he was too slow. The Martyr had evaded it entirely, leaving Wesley to linger forward only for a brief moment before he regained his composure and brought his body to face him once more. Wesley gathered his mist at his feet and used it to propel himself forward, mimicking thrusters from an airship fighter and he would thrust forward, his sword covered in that same mist.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Wesley became alarmed when Lorenzo had suddenly hit the table, his head bouncing off of it, and his body lay unconscious on the ground. In that moment, he drew his sword as soon as a servant who had come in to clean up the mess was, ironically, cleanly sliced in half by a large sword that appeared to come out of nowhere. Just moments later, Karolina appeared to also feel the effects of the wine. So, whatever was in the wine must’ve had some kind of sleeping agent in it. Wesley was thankful that he didn’t drink it despite how tempting it was.

When the man who would reveal himself as Igeyorhm, Wesley already had a sour impression of him. He looked like a flamboyant man, but definitely had an appalling energy about him. The way he addressed Nadeline made Wesley want to knock some sense into him, so he joined Grant as he stepped beside him, eying the man closely. Trust was already limited when it came to Wesley towards this one. It was dwindling even more as he seemed to be a potential foe. Not to mention this man had disrespected his beloved. That, as the council found out not too long ago, was reason enough to beckon the Wrath of Dalmasca.

“Be alert, Grant. He’s one of Venat’s Spawns.” Wesley warned Grant, eying Igeyorhm carefully, “isn’t that right? I could sense that stench as soon as you made yourself known.”

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

While Isaiah rolled his eyes at Roman's comment, Jaakuna snorted. He remembered the kind of old men that usually handled such affairs like treaty signing and other paperwork. During his time being with his grandfather and, of course, his father, there were a lot of times where jumping out of the window seemed like the best course of action. It sure as hell beat sitting through the boring lectures and sifting through the sub-clauses of treaties and bills. honestly, Jaakuna knew, in that instant, he wasn't cut from the same cloth that Hamut and Roman was. He could do the ruling aspect no problem. If nothing else, Jaakuna had a mind for ruling his country, but the paperwork was not one of his strong points. Best leave that to the nerds.

Letting out a sigh, Jaakuna looked around, only now realizing that Cassandra still had her hand on his leg. Seeing as how she spoke nearly a minute ago, she knew very well it was on there. What was even worse, she tried to go more inward, nearing a place where she had no business going, so he smacked it away. Of course, she didn't like that, so she would casually place it back on his leg. "Stop it," he whispered, smacking her hand away again.

And still she would persist.

"I...think you better intervene. I've seen that look on Jaakuna's face before. We don't need him angering her before things get started." Isaiah advised Roman to take a seat where Jaakuna was, or at least next between him and Cassandra. He also could tell Emiri was close to doing something about it as well.

---

Wesley nearly lost his composure when it came to thinking about Savayna being understanding. She was a lot of things, that could not be denied, but he never saw her being understanding, least of all when it came to what Grant impulsively made the decision of. In fact, if he wouldn't know any better if she found out, Wesley had it in his mind that she would do something rather...violent to Grant. He dared not speculate, but he could estimate that, when she and he have the conversation, it might not end up in the way that Grant would hope.

"I do suppose it'll be an interesting moment for you two," Wesley mused, pondering on the possibilities. Though, as he would, he thought of something else as if it just came to him at that very moment. "I wonder if I was too harsh on the council." Wesley murmured to himself, though it was within the proximity of the others. "I must confess something." Wesley looked at everyone, though his attention was centered on his fiance. "When Leblanc implied you to be promiscuous, Nadeline, I wanted to draw every breath of air left in him with my own, two hands. I found myself thinking what would Jaakuna do? I know that is not the wisest thing to do, especially when dealing with a foreign council, but I couldn't allow him to even imply such things about you." He informed her regretfully, feeling a bit of shame about the whole matter. Even if it felt good at the time, that was no way for a future king to react despite how it garnered him his desired results.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Speak and you shall be heard.

Like a zombie raised from the graveyard, Jaakuna let out a rather ominous moan, holding his golden mane-covered head. His eyes were barely open and he had a throbbing headache. Getting whacked in the head not only once but twice within the same half-hour never would sit well with anyone. He had a hard head - it was common knowledge, but even someone with a stubborn head like he does had a limit. More to the point, when one finds themselves at the receiving end of two, strong blows to their cranium, it definitely brings up the question of how much is too much?

He asked himself that question a few times as he finally took to his feet. As he glanced around the room, taking in exactly who was present, it also took Jaakuna an extended amount of time to realize that there was double the amount of people that he was slowly remembering. He definitely remembered his cousin and brother, but the addition of Reia and Cassandra was a bit new for him. To be frank, it was too much. He needed to take a seat, so he would find one next to Emiri, who was across from Cassandra

"What's going on?" He asked lazily, wincing as only one eye was open.

"Seems like you've seen better days," Cassandra stated, looking at Jaakuna rather lovingly, reaching over to rub his leg.

Isaiah raised an eyebrow, leaning to Roman. "Bold one, isn't she?" He whispered.

---

After the meeting had commenced and Wesley received a nod of respect from Arcturus, WEsley would return it and give the other council members a nod. Despite what had transpired, he meant no harm. It was a tense moment and they forced his hand. He had to ensure that they understood what was at stake and that, no matter who they might be or what pull they might have in Rozarria, Wesley wouldn't let them talk down to Nadeline nor would he allow them to force their will upon her. It seemed as though that tactic succeeded (much to Wesley's relief).

"Thank you, Karolina," Wesley offered her a smile.

It was an interesting conversation that the 8Rozarrians were having about not only Wesley's actions during the meeting but how he and Nadeline were expecting a child. Additionally, there did seem to be a rather positive air around the bunch. With Nadeline feeling embarrassed about her parents' comments and Wesley finding the energy motivating. Karolina wanted them to have a daughter and Lorenzo wanted it to be a boy. Honestly, Wesley hadn't given it much thought. To him, as long as the baby was healthy, he had no reservations about it being boy or girl. The child would be his first-born and he would love it regardless of sex. Though, the idea of having a son did strike an interesting thought. To be able to bestow the knowledge his father placed unto him would be wonderful, but a daughter made him feel think how she would be his life..

"You're too kind, Karolina, but honestly, I just want my child to be healthy. Although," Wesley chuckled at his current thought, "I do wonder what color hair it might have. While it's true I have dark, almost black hair, my mother is also a blonde. Nadeline is too, as well as yourself and Lorenzo. My father also was one, but more in the dark gold shade." He thought on that for a hard moment. "I seemed to have missed out on the gold of hair. My grandfather, according to my father, had hair as dark as the night sky, so that explains why I lack the same shade as both of my parents had."