Ryonara

Heroes of Beacon - the Next Chapter

Sorry I've been gone. I've been busy with work. Is my team still alive or is Ebon the last man standing?

Heroes of Beacon - the Next Chapter

Ebon looked outside his window with his new scope sight. It was gimmicky and heavy, so he knew he needed to work more on it. Putting the device down Ebon walked over to his bed and fell on it. He was debating what he wanted to do. If he remembered correctly, Krysanthe was going to go off and fight someone, Skyra was going to hang out with her girlfriend, and Sepia... Was off doing something. That left Ebon a lot of time alone, as he's often want to do. "Huuuuh. I guess I'll head to town." Changing into something fashionable and grabbed his scroll and wallet. As he was walking towards the air docks Ebon figured he'd text his team and let them know that he'll be out.

To: Krysanthe X, Sepia Russet, Skyra Dawn
From: Ebon Umbranox
Subject: Heading out

Going to the city be back later.

When he arrived to the air docks Ebon noticed a couple of students near the cliff. A few boys even jumped off, either to their death or to the lake below. Since he didn't have anything better to do Ebon walked over and tried to figure out what was going on by reading everyone's mind. To help facilitate their thoughts he also asked. "What's going on here?"

@Eklispe@SevenStormStyle@PyroDash888

Heroes of Beacon - the Next Chapter

In the armory class Ebon spent his time quietly working on his R-Types to himself. He had chosen not to meet up with his team at Lunch before, mostly since he didn't like being in a big crowd like the one at the Deli. Even in class Ebon seemed to be all by himself even though he was sitting next to a couple of students. When Chatsworth arrived Ebon only have him a cursory glance before returning to work on the R-Types. However once the assignment was given to them the hunter sighed and had his drones return to The Kingdom.

"Make some head gear huh? Huh." Ebon wasn't sure what to make. While he wanted to make something high tech, that wasn't something he could finish in just one class session. Chatsworth likely doesn't expect it to be done in one class either, but Ebon doesn't like leaving work unfinished. He had some tweaking with the R-Types to do and he really didn't want to get hung up on making this piece of headgear that Ebon likely wasn't ever going to use anyways. Still he wanted to do good in class, so he started drafting up this idea for an eyepatch.

It was basically like a telescope that you didn't need to use your hands for: just squint through one eye and it'll zoom in as close as you need it to. There was some tech involved, but nothing that he couldn't jury rig in class. There was potential for upgrades but Ebon honestly didn't care for it. He just wanted to get this over with so he could go back to working on the R-Types. Ebon never had to leave his seat while he worked either, as he just used one of his R-Types with a grappling claw to go into the scrap room and grab whatever it is he needed. Parts floated around his head and body as he began to assemble the basic form of his telescopic eyepatch. "I'll need to figure out a name for this..."

Pharros [A Super Chill Pokemon RP Reboot]

With the Ursarings defeated and the Litwick saved, there was little reason to stay. Last thing she wanted to do was stick around to fight anyways; the only reason she came was to investigate. She had to fight to save the stupid little kids. One of them, Shani, came up and asked for Shizuka's help getting out of here. Shizuka had some doubts: She always was able to teleport herself and Masa around, but she's never tried with more pokemon. Still, that cliff they came in from was steep and not everyone was in a good condition to climb. Looks like Shizuka was going to have to experiment. "Alright. As for your punishment, that's not for me to decide. But I am going to tell your parents! Really, you should have let the adults take care of this. Now then, everyone gather around! Back to Pharros!"

Fortunately for Shizuka the teleportation went without a hitch. Though they weren't in the village, Pharros was within sight and on the road. The moment they arrived Shizuka took out her journal and made a brief entry for today's events. "Shani, Iron, you two should go home. As the oldest one here I'll bring Litwick back to the Alpha and tell him what happened. Be good little pokemon and stay out of trouble." Shizuka extended her arm for Masa to wrap around before leaving to find the Alpha. Today was an eventful day: She has a lot to write about.

Blood Act I~ Ghosts of the Past

Meirin Kurenai

Smiling at Ssarak's short story, Meirin decided to tell her own, taking Ssarak's suggestion to ignore their previous business for Uicle. "I actually never has seen a butterfly before I arrived to the college. I have, however, seen many moths back at the monastery. They aren't as vibrant as butterflies are, but the ones back at home seemed to glow in the dark and provided peaceful ambiance at night." Meirin looked at the butterfly, careful not to scare it. She raised her own finger to Ssarak's, touching the tip to form a bridge for the bug to cross. Slowly it walked over onto Meirin's hand before flying off abruptly.

Ssarak seemed to be a stranger to these lands much like Meirin. But unlike her, Meirin only knew about her home and a bit of the college. Most of Djarkel was still unknown to her, and she only knows certain things thanks to travelers and caravans. She was much more isolated then she lets on. Despite that however, Djarkel was still her home, and she knew enough about it to see past it's dark exterior and see the value underneath. "Nature back at Djarkel tends to be dark, but there is something amazing hidden within. When I first entered the forest near my home I'll admit I never really found much interest in the tress or bushes. Of the few plants I knew about, each were beautiful in their own way, but also poisonous to life. I had figured that nature wasn't as serene and beautiful as art depicts, simply a different shade of savagery."

Picking up one of the cupid roses Meirin noted some thorns on it. This brought a smile to her face as she handed it to Ssarak. "But therein lies a certain beauty taught only in Djarkel. To never judge based solely on one's appearance. As i grew older and wiser, I went into the forest again and this time I could see how life flourished inside of it. The animals were not just beasts who lived and died, but also worked to improve their lives. Insects made their homes, deer learned where to find new food, wolves learned new ways to hunt, and even foxes started to take notice of my humble home. Even plants began to learn and grow in accordance to new things, such as my presence or travelers. Before I saw only a gloomy trees and boring bushes. But now I can see life in the nature, see how it works and wonder how it came to be." Sighing Meirin thought of home. She missed the roaring waterfall just a couple hundred feet from her room. The morning mist that blanketed the mountain. The frigid breeze that made her body brace. Darkel wasn't the kindest place, but it made her value what little she could get.

Turning back towards Ssarak Meirin realized that she started to ramble. Wanting to quickly ignore her mishap she faced Ssarak. "What about you Ssarak? What's it like in the Scorched Lands?" Meirin herself only heard about the place through second-hand stories. All she could say she knew was that the Scorched Lands have many great clans that rule over it, and that it's a dry land with a large volcano in it. Like Yarosmere, but replacing the sand with ash. At least that's what Meirin knows.

Pharros [A Super Chill Pokemon RP Reboot]

Shizuka was shocked to see Iron's brutal beat down. Fortunately Shani took down the Ursaring quickly and Shizuka wasted no time getting to Iron. "Masa go free the litwick! I need to attend to Iron's wounds." Without a word Masa detached herself from Shizuka and went to save the litwick. Shizuka went to Iron and tried to use a Heal Pulse on him, but it wasn't working. Her healing powers required that her patient was awake enough to give it a spark. Shizuka panicked. She didn't know Iron personally, but she couldn't let him die. She needed to think of some way to save him when she remembered her journal. Taking it out Shizuka flipped through the pages until a few herbs fell out. Eventually she found the one she was looking for: A Revival Herb. A bitter tasting medicine that is said to be able to give energy back to even the most wounded of pokemon. Shizuka only had a small sample however, so she wasn't sure how powerful it was. But right now it was the only thing she had. "Shani hold Iron still, this should wake him up..." Chewing the bitter root so that it was a gummy paste, Shizuka put the mashed up Revival Herb into Iron's mouth and made sure he swallowed it.

Blood Act I~ Ghosts of the Past

Meirin Kurenai

Ssarak had chosen a nice place in the gardens. Meirin didn't terribly mind sitting in the grass; her dress was almost the same color, so any stains would be unnoticeable. As she sat down Meirin handed him the cupid roses. "These are for you. Cupid Roses... They symbolize the growth of a budding romance." Immediately Meirin's face turned red. She felt foolish simply explaining what Cupid Roses were for. She just laughed it off and handed it off to Ssarak, gladly accepting a cup of wine. Perhaps a few drinks would allow her to relax.

There were also food which Ssarak had brought with him. Steamed vegetables, a fruit platter, and some sort of stew with mushrooms. Not a lot of meat, but Meirin was fine with that; meat was a rare commodity back at the monastery and even now Meirin eats a lot of greens out of habit. her stomach growled, reminding her that she hasn't eaten anything yet. Eager to chow down Meirin was about to ask Ssarak for a bowl when she felt something hit her head. It wasn't a physical pain however, but a mental one. One that she knew too well. "Oh my... I shouldn't have sat down so quickly, I'm a little dizzy..."

But in truth it was Meirin's narcolepsy acting up. Before she came to the college it was a constantly plague, but now she has been taking medicine to fight it. But she's been taking a bit more then usual and they still peak out at times. She hasn't actually fallen asleep for a very long time, but that was due taking her medicine regularly. Not wanting her condition to worsen Meirin would need to take another pill. So casually, Meirin took her plate that Ssarak had given her, eating a few bites and taking some sips from her wine. Occasionally she would reach into her purse to grab a napkin to wipe her mouth, but she was also sneaking some pills.

Of course it wouldn't be hard for Ssarak to notice that Meirin was doing this, even if he doesn't read her mind. Meirin wasn't trying to be sneaky, rather she was simply trying not to make a big fuss about it. And wanting to distract him from questioning Meirin spoke. "By the way Ssarak, I noticed that you spoke to some other Eysire at the feast. Mind if I ask what you spoke to them about?"

Blood Act I~ Ghosts of the Past

Meirin Kurenai

Meirin went straight towards the garden, but not before gussying herself up. While putting on make up wasn't unusual for Meirin, today was a special occasion, so she not only applied a bit more then usual, but even kept a bit with her to fix any messes. And dashing to the garden cause her to sweat enough to cause some of her make up to start running, so using a pool of water as her mirror Meirin reapplied what she needed before she spotted Ssarak in the gardens.

The gardens were peaceful and quiet unlike most of the college. Everyone must have gone towards the dining hall. Finding Ssarak would be no problem here, but Meirin wanted to walk a bit. As she enjoyed the scenery she pondered just how her relationship with Ssarak has gone so far. They've only been together for about a week, officially. Thinking back on it she's actually been with Ssarak for much longer, and it's only been recently that they've told their feelings for one another. She wondered if she was taking things too quickly, but considering how close they were even before Meirin confessed to him, perhaps this was her chance to take things up a notch? Her face blushed at the idea however, thinking that she was being hasty. While she certainly had fantasies about Ssarak and their possible life together, she needed to be careful not to get too crazy. Temperance and consideration was needed, as well as communication. Meirin wouldn't mind living the rest of her life with Ssarak, but only after she accepts that he is the one she wants to be with forever. Meirin loves Ssarak, but a decision like that... There were too many things to account for.

As she wandered around Meirin came across Cupid Roses. She remembered seeing them in alchemy class, though they lacked any notable properties. But symbolically, they were a classical representation of one's love and devotion. Specifically a prayer for young love, to flourish against adversity and strife. It was appropriate for the situation: Meirin wasn't quite ready for a long-term commitment, but she was more than happy to facilitate her budding romance with Ssarak. Carefully Meirin picked a few Cupid Roses from a bushel and wrapped them with her handkerchief. "Now to find Ssarak."

It wasn't hard finding the eysire in the gardens. His dark scales clashed vibrantly against the green foliage. And while he likely already picked up her thoughts as she approached Meirin still called out for him.

"Hello Ssarak."

Blood Act I~ Ghosts of the Past

Meirin | Ovak | Djarkel Diplomats | Lucilia

~Introduction~

Meirin looked at Ovak and Uicle. She merely smiled at the older gentleman, assuming that he was a friend of Uicle. "Of course." She helped Ovak to his feet and the two walked to the diplomats. Meirin took the opportunity to examine the old man. He was dark skinned, probably from Yarosmere. He was obviously quite old if he needed a cane to walk, but the way he dressed also made him look kind of like a mage. Though considering that this was the college, Meirin wouldn't be surprised if he was one. Perhaps he was a diplomate from Yarosmere? But what was his magic? Aeromancy seems to be rather common from that area, or maybe vitamancy. But if he was a vitamancer would he be this... Freeble? Meirin figured that a powerful vitamancer would be able to be relatively healthy throughout their life. Not that Meirin knew a lot about Vitamancy, she's working hard learning Weaving.

Soon Meirin arrived to meet the Djarkel diplomats. They seemed to be talking to their aides when they noticed Meirin. Or rather they noticed Ovak. Meirin was worried because they seemed to be talking cheerfully one moment, then looked almost... Worried. Meirin herself glanced at Ovak and wondered just who he was, and how much trouble she might be for not knowing his identity.

Remembering that she had a job to do Meirin looked to the diplomats and greeted them. "Hello, I am Meirin Kurenai, of the Heaven's Reach Monastery. I'm pleased to meet representatives of Djarkel, how is the home country?"

Ovak’s stare was quiet and stern, his gaze flickered from the pure shock on the Djarkel diplomats to Meirin. His hands touched his cane, decorated with a griffin head, and firmly stood as still as he could. His old ears were fixed on the young woman’s introduction causing him to kindly smile with some form of pride at how well she held herself. Diplomacy was a rare trait for many individuals and sometimes poorly nurtured, leaving a promising student to nothing more than a stumbling child among the cruel adults. He pressed his lips lightly together while waiting for the diplomats to answer her, giving each an expected look when the room utterly silent. By now, many people had finally noticed his presence among the proceedings and stood still in awe.

Despite that, he continued to ignore them when he politely backed Meirin’s question. “I believe Meirin asked about her homeland, which being of the Monastery, makes her a Djarkel citizen doesn't it? I hope you don’t plan on keeping us in suspense over a simple question because curiosity has a habit of growing.”

His tone was neither threatening or anger, but rather kind and teacherly in his hinting that making them wait was rather ill manners.

The two diplomats glanced between each other as Meirin and Ovak spoke. Of course they didn't really have any reason not to answer her question, least of all while the Archmage was here. One of the diplomats, a tall man in a fine cut robe with light armor, looked at Meirin and gave her a polite smile. "A warrior of the mountains? It's good to finally meet one in person. I am Erandur Varosa, Baron of the Forest City." He bowed his head towards Meirin and motioned towards one of his aids. He left to go fetch drinks.

"It is not doing well, Miss Kurenai. Not well at all. There have been an influx of demons in the north. And while we have many warriors, much of our attention is drawn there to ensure that the demons do not spill to the south. But that's not the worse of it. We believe that the demons have so much traction due to cultist within our own cities. Demon worshipers have infiltrated the baronies, from the lowliest peasants to some of the barons themselves. Trouble is is finding out which Baron has thrown their lot in with these demons. And to be frank, many baronies have made alliances with demons in the past, but none of them have sold our Djarkel like this..."

Eandur shot a glance at Ovak before focusing his attention back onto Meirin. "I'm sure the warriors of Heaven's Reach has dealt with demons before. And surely you were here for the demon attack here not too long ago? I am not like some barons who believe that a number of swords would be enough to drive back the demonic horde. Don't you think the college could help the Forest City in defending it's people from these monsters?"

But before Meirin could answer another person spoke up. Another man, shorter and more simply dressed, but the material of his clothing made up for the lack of design; golden silk that shined even in the dim light, with a white cotton shirt underneath. He wore a gilded silver ring with a scorpion motif. "Please Sir Varosa. You warriors are doing a fine job protecting Djarkel against the demon menace. But as you said, the true threat lies within the our cities. I am Anil of the Three Stings, an organization that has reason to believe that the true threat isn't the demons, but the cultist within Djarkel. We have more then enough soldiers to fight off any of our enemies, but the issue is finding out who is truly our ally. The cultist prey on the poor and dissolute within Djarkel, coercing them into joining them with promises of power and carnal desires, things which demons can offer, but not without a price. Surely you've seen Djarkel's at it's worse, haven't you Miss Kurenai? You know how poor and desperate some are, enough to turn to banditry even. If the college could help, they should look to assist the common wealth rather then militaristic endeavors."

The two diplomats seemed to be operating on different agendas, but still neither disrupted one another or paid each other any mind. They seemed to be looking to Meirin for some sort of answer, as if she has the authority to make this sort of call.

Meirin was surprised that the diplomats said so much to her. She was honestly just expecting some casual conversation, not this filibuster. She did her best to remember what Erandur and Anil were saying, thinking deeply about what they were suggesting. First she spoke to Erandur since he was the one to speak to her first. "I've never been to the Forest City, as I've only heard of it from travelers. And I have fought demons before, both while I lived back at the Monastery as well as here at the college. I completely understand the necessity of allying with one another against the demons. But why not ask for fellow barons? Surely they too are threaten by the demonic horde."

Then Meirin looked towards Anil with a sympathetic look. Meirin always wanted to try to help the community in some way, though she hates to admit that her only worth while skills are her combat abilities. Aside from teaching others how to protect herself, she had no idea how to help a community. But she was always willing to try any way she could.

"That sounds like a wonderful idea Sir Anil, but how would you propose that the college improve the welfare of the people? What they need is to be able to rise above their station under their own power. Too often I've seen influential and charismatic leaders bring the poor and downtrodden from nothing, only to become something as bad or worse as those before them. I know this because those same people were bandits hoping to become barons on a campaign of violence."

Meirin liked to see the good in others, but she wasn't so naive to think that something like this wouldn't happen. It's the entire reason why the monastery stays in the mountain and doesn't involve itself in the politics of Djarkel. Without a doubt, they would have the strength of arms to challenge the baronies, but to what end? They would simply end up causing more fighting and destruction, and win or lose all that will be left is death. Something needed to be changed for sure, but Meirin hoped that neither Erandur or Anil were expecting the college to supply them any form of support that would be used for violence or war. At least that's not something Meirin would approve of.

Ovak had remained completely still throughout all of Meirin's response. He not once giving a sign to the diplomats he had seen or heard them attempt to gain his attention, while he listened to the student's attempt to resolve both problems without getting the College involved directly. He appeared to digest the words for several moments before speaking. "It seems Ms. Kureni knows the school's policy on remaining neutral and very well I might add, a fact I'm very proud of. Well done. Though, Djarkel has problems like this in the past and still not quite to this degree. I'm curious why now they have become so wildly out of hand compared to the past, a matter to consider because when you locate the source, the root, then the problems became much simpler to solve. Is there other issues you wish to discuss with us?"

Though Ovak had asked, his voice clearly knew there was something further to bring into the light as he looked upon the pair while standing beside Meirin, firmly supporting her. He inhales, though Meirin would feel a slight, coaxing brush against her wards asking for permission inside. It was Ovak using psychomancy with a praise and secret for her, if she allowed it.

'Well done, Meirin. You've got some budding diplomatic skills and if you desire, I'm certain Lidda and others could help you define those traits at your wish of course. Though, I get the feeling the diplomats aren't revealing everything about Djarkel's problems, a matter we need get to the bottom of. How do you suggest we approach this?

~Discussion~

Meirin flinched when she heard the voice in her head. She nearly lunged out defensively when she recognized that voice as Ovak. Was he a Psychomancer? He must have been a friend of Satori. Perhaps her teacher, given his age? He also complimented her on what she said, though she didn't feel that she was enforcing the college's neutrality. Honestly, she did want to help, but she didn't want to help simply by fighting. Djarkel has enough fighting as it is.

"I'm honestly not sure... I suppose I would like to hear more of what they would have to say first. I'm not entirely sure why they're even asking for my opinion, though I'll do my best to try to suggest something to help." Being a diplomat was the last thing Meirin had expected to do. She was a woman of actions, not words. She didn't know how to communicate a solution, but she at least knew what was a bad idea when she hears it.

"You also mentioned some sort of cult? What do you know about that?"

The two diplomats seem to ignore Meirin as soon as Ovak spoke to them. Erandur spoke first, pulling out a map. "Actually, we have found the main source where the demons come from. Of course they are arriving in multiple locations through the Ravine, but our scouts have reported this location having the greatest concentration. Which also means that it's the most heavily defended. I will not lie; the barons do have their hands full. They cannot spare the men to a joint operation when they need those same men to defend their lands and people. It is the same problem that plagues the Forest City. But perhaps the college could assist us? Provide at least arms and training for demon slaying? The Forest City are no strangers to war, but we are more accustomed to battling against conventional men, not these monsters."

"But the warrior said is true. In order to fight against the cultist we need to do more then simply arming and raising a force against them. Currently the issue is, as you should know, the constant state of war that Djarkel is in. I know each has their own reason to fight, but this war serves no one. Thousands of men and women die everyday in battle, and those who survive either grow fond of blood on their lips or flee. But Djarkel executes deserters, forcing them to become bandits in order to survive. I know that change will not happen quickly, nor would it be easy, but we have to start somewhere. Which is why I propose that perhaps the college would be willing to take in refugees and displaced residents of Djarkel? In order to keep them away from the influences of these cultist." Anil spoke towards Meirin and Ovak, but he looked towards Ovak for an answer.

"Relax, Meirin. I'm not like Satori, who has an odd tendencies for experiments, and I will not abuse my power. Though I apologize for not asking permission first before entering your mind. I much rather the diplomats not over hear our conversation as you can see, will cease to acknowledge your presence. A fact I find rather... ill mannered. As that doubt you have, actions and often have different strengths in key situations. It's the skill of a diplomat to know when and how to use action or words to proceed for the answers they seek. Master them both, you'll be a force to remember young lady."

First Ovak addressed Anil, who had the politeness to at least direct his conversation toward the both of them though it was clear he was leaning toward Ovak for an answer. "It might work for a time, but what happens when the cultist attempt to infect the place using the very innocents you send here. The College is and always have been, neutral in the matters of Djarkel, Eania, Yarsomere and many other nationalities. Providing care, housing and other means on College grounds would invite Eania to believe our support lies with Djarkel and end up inviting conflict in our otherwise neutral stance. However, Meirin, do you had any ideas to add to this?"

As he waited for Anil to answer or at least consider what Meirin had to say, he turned to Erandur. "Well, it seems that much is something all of Tiien has in common from what I've heard. Everyone is having serious trouble. Though I believe, in this instance, Ms. Kureni makes a good point that by combining your forces. Though it's odd that the demons would be surging through the Ravine to the surface. Usually when you head to the surface... bigger and hungrier things tend to get in the way. Ms. Kureni, I believe the Monastery has some proven tactics against demons, don't they? Would you be willing to go to Djarkel, speak to the Temple and with the spiritual leaders to teach the soldiers the best methods to deal with the demons?"

Turning to Ovak Meirin had a look of surprise and disbelief. They wanted her to go back home and ask the artists how to deal with demons? Admittedly, they did have some knowledge, but none of it Meirin knew about. She just always figured their knowledge only extended to the weapons they made to fight against demons. She was uncertain if they even had any actual means to fend against demons aside from slaying them. Still... There were secrets within she doesn't know about, and perhaps they did know something. It was worth a shot and Meirin wanted to visit home anyways.

"Of course. Heaven's Peak monastery has many techniques to subdue demons, and knowledge of how to forge weapons that are particularly effective against them. They are not quite as powerful as the enchanted ones of the college, but they are still masterwork weapons and require no magic to empower them. However there is still the matter of the cultists you mentioned. Aside from being aligned with demons, what exactly have they done? What are they motivations, beyond following the commands of demons?"

This was where both Anil and Erandur looked a bit lost. "Well... Frankly, not much. We know that they have been supporting the demon's efforts through subterfuge, as we've yet to obtain any reports of the cultist openly working against the baronies. Things such as leaking information, sabotage, and causing civil unrest. Grievous things I assure you. But as for their motivations? We have no idea. Nearly all the cultist we've captured committed suicide before we could even bring them for interrogation. And unfortunately we lack the magics to extract information from the dead. Another thing I hoped the college could assist us with. I'm sure you have mages who could make the act of gathering information much easier. For the safety of Djarkel, I would hope this is the case."

Soon a servant came back with a platter of wine for everyone. Erandur and Anil took their cups while the servant offered the remaining two to Ovak and Meirin. Not too far away Lucilia was watching carefully, ready to swoop in should something occur.

"Ummm.." Ovak stated, his thin hand brought to his chin and fiddled slightly with his goatee. His eyes glanced at the two diplomats for a moment as they started to acknowledge Meirin to be someone of respect though he had the feeling it would quickly vanish the moment he went back to his seat. Though the College could easily give Djarkel what it wanted, it still risked complications with their alliance between the warring nations. Though there was one individual that could assist without harm to himself or the college representation, Rurik. Sadly, putting the dwarf on the spot wasn't ideal. Unless...

Gently taking one glass of wine, he gently passed it to Meirin for her to take than took the other himself. Though he didn't drank it yet.

'Meirin, I believe Lucilia is lurking. Feel free to bring her into the conversation if you wish and when, as I trust your judgement. However, don't underestimate yourself as you're doing fairly well in this. Sadly, as important that information is with the dead, involving the College would have Eania breathing down Khan's throat. If we deny any aid at all, then they will turn to Yarosmere who are the verge of purging the Naga's existence from this land. A fact I fear is merely hurting the delicate balance as we speak. It's terrible our resident Naga student isn't taking it very herself though that is another problem for another time. So, shall we wrap this up so you can enjoy some quality time with your young Esyire gentleman? I believe he and you have a date in the garden. My suggestion is mention Rurik. I believe Rurik might be better suited in that area as to keep the College neutral. The dwarf has come across many interesting things in his life and would have little problem with acquiring what they will need much easier through Runes.

He moved slightly to place his hand on Meirin's shoulder again as if signalling her to speak when she was ready.

~Escape~

It was getting a bit embarrassing letting Ovak read her mind. She hasn't even mentioned Ssarak and he already know her relationship with him. She'd love to go see him, but she didn't think that Ovak would know that she intended to meet with him soon. Though thanks to Ovak's mental messages he did tell Meirin of Lucilia, who'd Meirin would more then gladly hand the two diplomats off to. However when Ovak mentioned Yarosmere purging their lands of the naga, Meirin's eyes grew wide. Why would they do such a thing? The first thing that came to mind was, of course, Mar, but then Meirin thought of Lyn. While she was only half-naga, if Yarosmere were so brutal that they would commit genocide against an entire race, would they really stop themselves from harming one girl who only shares half their lineage? Not if Meirin had anything to say about it.

Taking the drink Meirin simply held onto it as she pondered what she would say next. Finally once she had an idea she spoke. [color-00a651]"I see. In that case, you don't truly need the college. These cultist seems to be sly people, and simply bringing in our people will only give them cause to cease their actions until the college is gone. That won't solve the problem. What you need is someone who can investigate the matter themselves without drawing as much attention. It also sounds like you need supplies for your war again demons, but the college is not the only one with these supplies. I can recommend a merchant by the name of Rurik, a dwarf who's crafts rival the college's own. He is an ally of the college as well, so you can be sure that he can be convinced to assist you, so long as he's able to turn a profit."[/color]

But there was still the issue with the refugees that Anil had spoke of, which Meirin wasn't sure she'd have a solution for. The best she could suggest is the monastery, but she'd have to speak to them first. At least she could tell Anil she'd speak to them. "As Ovak said, the college assists all, but we cannot take in just Djarkel refugees, and even if we did cultist may very well infiltrate their ranks. Please understand that the college must be able to protect itself as well. That being said, I believe that Heaven's Peak could shelter any refugee of war from the dangers of Djarkel, though you'd have to wait to see what they would say about the matter. Heaven's Peak are a kind and generous people who will shelter and protect anyone who comes to their doors, so long as they uphold their laws and maintenance peace. At the very least the refugees would get to stay within Djarkel, and as soon as peace comes to the land they can return home without braving a longer journey."

Eradur and Anil seemed pleased at these answers, though in truth they wanted more help from the college. They always kept trying to play neutral in the affairs of the world, hardly even helping their allies. But neither of the two were foolish enough to press more from Meirin, not in front of Ovak. Anil in particular was in a haste to leave because he noticed the presence of Lucilia, who would be much more willing and capable of forcing a one-sided deal if she picks up from where Meirin left off.

Anil finished his wine and bowed to the two, giving his cup to a servant. "Thank you very much, Miss Kurenai! We'll use all the help we can get, and all the better to get it from Djarkel itself. I know many of our enemies sees our nation as nothing more then brigands and war, but we are just as capable of working in unison as any other great land. Now then, I must go and report our deal to my fellows. It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Meirin Kurenai, and you as well Archmage." Anil beat a hasty retreat just as Lucilia approached, her smile pleasant and dripping with venom. Much too late Erandur noticed Lucilia and grabbed another cup of wine, drinking it for courage.

"Meirin... Ovak... What a pleasure to see you two today. I trust that your both enjoying the festivities?" Lucilia shot a look at Erandur which nearly made him drop his glass. "Ah! Erandur! How is the Forest City? I do hope my investment of Living Steel is helping your city's construction efforts. Do you still have that problem with the as well?"

Sighing in relief Meirin looked over to Ovak and extended her hand towards him. "Well then, let's return to your seat then. It looks like Professor Lucilia will take care of things here." Meirin turned and walked towards to teacher's table, but she was secretly sweating like a river. She had no idea that Ovak was the Archmage, of all things. She actually thought Khan was the Archmage, and Headmaster was simply another title of Archmage. Meirin was very self-conscious about how she acted in front of Ovak now, knowing that she essentially spoke over him when it came to matters of the college. On one hand, Ovak did praise her for her diplomacy skills, which she suppose is a sign of approval. If he really thought she wasn't doing a good job surely he would have stopped her. But on the other hand she was ashamed of how ignorant she was.

Soon Meirin and Ovak reached the teachers table and Meirin bowed to the Archmage. "Thank you for taking care of me, Archmage. I'm sorry but I must go and..." Meirin's face grew hot the more she thought about meeting with Ssarak and knowing that Ovak could read her mind. They were innocent thoughts, but still Meirin had some very personal... Fantasies. Without another word she beat a hasty retreat out of the dinning hall. Ssarak was at the Gardens, which hopefully won't be too populated. It was quite scenic, all the more reason she was worried that there would be too many people. Though at least it shouldn't be hard to find Ssarak.

"My pleasure, Ms. Kureni. And he's waiting for you, and a bit of advise. Cherish your love as it will see you through troubles ahead." Ovak spoke gently, letting the student escape his presence and the hallway. His body leaned into the chair letting the exhaustion sweep over him for the time as he turned toward Khan. He lingered seeing his headmaster had finally taken a seat beside the archamge and gently, put his hand on the Esyire's shoulder. It wasn't hard to note the tension in Khan's figure though Ovak chose to ignore it for he knew why. Sadly, he couldn't interfer else things would crumble and so, he had to trust what he had set in motion would prevent their greatest ally from becoming their worse enemy in the end. Only time would officially tell, Ovak sighed inwardly.

Heroes of Beacon - the Next Chapter

I lied. Ebon will stick around Skyra and Mokuran just to see what happens. Anyone is free to come find and bother him.