"I called this counsel, because although we have only begun on this quest,
our group is already too huge to manage without some form of administration.
Does anyone here have a personal quest?" Shadowblade asked.
Fallenangel signed, glanced around to see if anyone else was going to speak,
then stepped forward.
"I agree about your idea of arranging a system of signals. But perhaps our
first step should be to appoint a leader to this little undertaking,
preferably one with leadership experience?" She looked around, gageing who
was still with the group and to see if anyone would volunteer. Shrugging,
she continued. "I would say Raven, but as she has taken off on her own with
Solarin and Muranog soon to follow as I understand it, we are going to have
to find someone else." At that moment, 'Angel saw Xenon give the group a
searching look before walking over to speak with Muranog. Briefly, she
considered dropping her shields to assess his mood and to hopefully guess
what prompted that look. She quickly reconsidered however. (Even if it
weren't for the fact that Masamune's three feet away, I have the feeling
that Xenon would notice any attempt to scan him, and I doubt that I could
get a clear reading with... whatever that shielding he has is.)
'Angel turned her attention back to the group. "Perhaps we should break this
group in two? I have the feeling that some of us are in a little bit over
our heads." She smiled to take some of the sting out of her words. "Any
other opinions?"
Fallenangel nodded to 'Blade, turning the meeting back over to her.
Sable's head turned immediately, sniffing the air as Xenon approached.
Muranog, mounted on her back, reacted just as swiftly, turning to regard
the newcomer.
:Trouble?: Sable privately bespoke her troll bondmate.
:Hmm.no, I think not. Whatever dark powers he uses, he has not
played us false - yet. Be wary though,: the troll replied, before switching
to verbal speech.
"Greetings to thee, Adept Xenon. What can we do for you?"
>"I called this counsel, because although we have only begun on this quest, our
>group is already too huge to manage without some form of administration.
>Does anyone here have a personal quest?" Shadowblade asked.
Etain considered this for a moment. She did have a quest, but at the
moment it was not pressing. It was also a very personal quest, and while
she would enjoy the company along it, she doubted any that came along would
be very excited about the nature of her mission. (And besides, I haven't
felt the pulling for a long time. Perhaps Lady Fate has stepped in between
the bonds that bind me. Or perhaps the quest is over.) No, she would have
felt it. The sense of urgency that had propelled her for so long was
dulled into a soft roar. She felt... bored? No, useless was more like it.
Rainbow turned at the call... She and Jay had been trying to contact
Animi together.
It hadn't _exactly_ been successful...
:Looks like we're stuck here.: Rainbow said with some pleasure as they
came out of a trance. Jay glared at her and stood up to wander over to
where 'Blade was standing at the cave's entrance
and wait and see what was needed.
Rainbow glanced around. (There's a few of us missing...) she wondered to
herself. (Raven... Were did she go off to?) She was surprised that
Solarin <note: Is he around?> hadn't gone with her...'
Dee and Jat lifted their heads up then. :I couldn't reach Animi either.:
Dee sighed. :Too much magic around.:
They looked at each other and shrugged. :Looks like we're stuck here
then.: Rainbow repeated. Jay groaned.
"Well the pegasi can't take us back!" Rainbow glared. "I am /not/
putting Dee through that journey again, even though she's rested, Jatoka
is probably /still/ worn out and you of /all/ people should know that
he's not up to it! He's /your/ best friend!" She halted for breath. "And
/I/ for one want to stay! We're in company of a lot of fighters here,"
"Who could turn on us." Jay inserted.
"And," Rainbow continued, "we've got supplies here, and the means to
catch them with your magic! If we travel back now it'll look cowardly,
and Animi's reputation will suffer! Jay we're stuck here." Rainbow
valued her reputation and Animi's very highly, and thought Jay should do
the same.
Kay followed Fallenangel to where everyone was gathering.
(Since I don't appear to have gotten an answer, I'll assume that he
doesn't want to talk. Oh, well. At least Dancer can't say that I
didn't try to be friendly.)
<snip> "I called this counsel, because although we have only
begun on this quest, our group is already too huge to manage without
some form of administration. Does anyone here have a personal quest?"
Shadowblade asked. </snip>
Kay considered this. (No, I don't think that wandering the
world for fun is really a personal quest. It's more of a sad
expedition to recover a sense of worth. Goddess, being truthful to
one's self is painful. I think that I'll stop and just let Dancer be
my truthfulness. Especially since he has so much fun telling everyone
about me. Where'd he go, anyway?) Kay glanced around the clearing,
looking for her bondmate, but didn't see him.
Winddancer hid in the shadows, the horse's reins lying on the
ground beside him. (There's so much for her to take in, I hope she's
all right on her own. Maybe I should find her. No, she needs to get
along with people on her own. And the horse needs someone to keep it
from running off. I'm sure that my pathetically inept human bondmate
will be fine on her own. She has some degree of competency, even if
no one else sees it.) The large wolf sat in the shadows, silently
watching his human bondmate flounder along on her own, knowing in his
heart that this was the only way for her to learn.
Kay knew this as well as her bondmate did, but that didn't
mean she had to like it. Turning from her uncomfortable thoughts, she
listened to the rest of the group, hoping that she wouldn't be noticed
and singled out as a newcomer, but knowing that eventually, she was
going to have to talk to everyone, either one-on-one or as a group.
(I just hope it's one-on-one. Large groups make me nervous. And the
amulet has been making mistakes ever since I arrived. I hope that it
doesn't decide to misbehave and blow something up. Or someone...)
<Large snip follows>
:Raven, if you go at this time, alone, you are a fool. You have offered
protection and it has been broken by Savar. Your anger is just. Yet if
you go to face Savar alone in the Citadel you will die and no black
blade will save you. If your word and the protection you offered means
aught to you, you will calculate the best way to achieve your goal first
and then enlist the forces necessary to achieve your goal. Only a calm
mind can do so. You have not the power to defeat Savar in the Citadel
now and likely not at any time alone until those of greater power may
place you in position to use thy indomitable will and superior artistry
with thy dark blade to remove his dark stain from this world. I have
more right to his death than you and have lost more. But I see he needs
to die. I, for one, will not raise him again. Further, if you go, you
nearly assure the death of Solarin as well. I assume you were taught to
think and then act by the teachers and mercenaries you consorted with in
the past. Though I have little love for Solarin or any Elf of
Karilanth, I do abhor the waste of a good fighter, as well as the loss
of honour you will bring yourself if you throw yourself at the walls of
the Citadel in anger, righteous or otherwise. I will help to place you
at Savar's neck if I can, and allow you the pleasure of his death, as
long as it is sure, and release to you my better claim...if you return
and assist. If you do not, I will likely find your corpse though not
the black blade as Savar treasures such. When I do, I will raise it as
a zombie and see that it has, in the end, at least some use against the
evil my uncle has wrought. Oh... and you might wish to know...
Nirathei comes to call on us. Good day.:
<End snippage>
Raven very nearly yanked poor Banshee into an abrupt and painful halt as
Xenon's arrogant tones rang in her mind. Only Hunter's adamance in
regards to the proper handling of any mount, and the knowledge that if
she came to a halt the Road of Swiftness would dissipate, kept her
galloping on, clinging to the desert-bred mare's saddle like a tenacious
and angry burr. Of all the conceited, self-important, presumptuous--! If
it had been within her power she would have made a stinging retort, but
to do so she would have had to go through Solarin, and she had no desire
to listen to another attempt from _him_ to dissuade her. High-handed
insults and verbal abuse she could take, and give back again--her
partner's quiet manner was something else altogether.
Still, there were a few choice things she'd have liked to say to
Xenon...
_Hell!_ Banshee came to a straight-legged, sliding stop as a dark,
slender form in charcoal-grey leather abruptly appeared in the path.
Raven was very nearly catapulted unceremoniously over the warsteed's
head. The instant Banshee's hooves came to rest, the bright silver of
the Road of Swiftness drained away. Raven swore. "Gods curse you,
Mikhal!"
The gypsy, standing as calmly as though there had been no danger of
Banshee plowing into him--then again, knowing Mikhal, the chances of
that happening were slim indeed--lifted a hand. "Peace, name-sister. Why
is it that I so often encounter you hurtling headlong toward your
grave?"
Banshee side-danced as her rider's legs unconsciously tightened around
her barrel. "What business of yours what I do with my life?" Raven
snapped.
Mikhal, once himself named Raven, spread his hands. "Little, in truth.
However, I have a certain interest in the welfare of your companion.
Your life is yours to spend as you see fit--but to die now would be
wasting more lives than one. I cannot permit such an upset of the
balance."
She glared at him. "I have had just about enough of your dretching
balance."
"Your magical path is gone," the gypsy Assassin-Adept replied serenely.
"You are a day and a night from that which you seek."
"Your doing." Raven scowled.
He smiled. "In truth, valiant one, your anger is a force to be feared
indeed. Your pique, however, has the remarkable effect of regressing
your maturity to that of a six-year-old." Abruptly his tone shifted, his
voice a quiet but unmistakable command. "Dismount."
She did, silently fuming.
"Hear me," he said, his dark, hawklike face stern. "It is true that you
promised protection to the man Medivh Savar has slain. He is dead. He is
not in a condition to care how quickly he is avenged." Mikhal crossed
his arms over his chest. "You have promised protection to those gathered
at the caves. They live--for now--but you have left them. Explain."
Grinding her teeth together, Raven answered, "They have more protectors
than they need. One less won't kill them."
Mikhal's voice cracked like a whip. "One can never have too many
protectors in the Kaladh. Had you not learned that before?"
"Damn you, I don't need your gods-cursed reason and logic right now!"
Raven seized a handful of Banshee's mane, preparing to mount--and found
herself held in an unbreakable grip.
"On the contrary," he replied silkily, "you need it very much, for you
evidently have none of your own. Let go your anger and think. What would
your Captain have told you had you wanted to assault Drakehall alone."
Kat would have verbally flayed Raven for even toying with the idea.
Raven clung to her anger, but it was already slipping away.
"Think," Mikhal ordered again. "What would you have told the Animiian
child had she wished to run ahead to the Citadel."
Raven's mouth twisted. She'd have sooner knocked the girl cold and had
someone Gate her home to Animi, storm or no storm, monsters and all,
than let her do something so idiotic--damn Mikhal's cool malachite eyes.
"What," the gypsy quieried lightly, "would you have told Solarin had he
expressed the wish to so much as scout the perimeter alone?"
Raven gasped involuntarily at the sudden, painful spasming of her heart.
The camp--Nirathei? Swiftly she reached for Solarin, and found
reassurance. No one had been killed, though Erelan was injured...
"Hell," she growled.
Mikhal nodded. "There. You see. You are yet needed--few among the number
of those you have brought with you have the skill in leadership required
if you are to complete the charge I have given you."
"All right. Have it your way. But when I do get my hands on that
bastard--"
"Kill him," Mikhal answered implacably, "thoroughly. I want no more
unwelcome returns."
In a smooth movement, Raven vaulted into Banshee's saddle. "You're
telling me," she answered dryly, wheeling the mare around.
At that, the gypsy smiled. "You have made nearly a day's distance. Allow
me to aid your return." He spread his hands, and from them the silver of
the Road of Swiftness again shot forth, bound by a fine lacework of
malachite green.
Raven didn't ask. Mikhal, she noted, irreverently borrowing the words of
the Karilanthian priests of Solaras, worked in mysterious ways. Nor did
she remind him, in the manner she might have reminded Xenon or one of
the other mages of that company, to clean up after himself. Instead she
merely saluted mockingly and kneed Banshee onto the restored path...
headed back the way she had come.
Mor settled on Mikhal's shoulder in a ruffling of black feathers. "So,"
the gypsy said thoughtfully, and no more
Solarin stood for a moment, conscious of Muranog's waiting presence
beside him, but he swayed with the combined strain of his overextension
and Raven's absence. He needed time, just a few minutes, to gather
himself.
The sudden, concerned presence of Raven's consciousness in his nearly
undid him. After half a breath he swiftly informed her, not bothering
with words, of what had occurred since she had left.
Silence.
Then, finally, she spoke. :All right, dammit. I'm coming back, with a
little help from our mutual friend.: Her mind-voice was dry and
distinctly annoyed, but the killing rage was gone. Or rather.... banked,
against future need. :Tell Xenon that he had better _never_ try to order
me again, and that if he dares say anything along the lines of 'I told
you so,' I'll kill him. That's a promise.:
Solarin took a deep breath before turning to Muranog. "She's turned. I
expect she'll be back here within--" a brief mental contact "--two
hours, at most."
Xenon approached at the edge of Solarin's peripheral vision, and the
ranger turned toward him to note, with a wry twist of his mouth, "I
would not reccommend an 'I told you so.' She is... displeased... with
your methods of persuasion. However..." Solarin hesitated, his gaze
shifting past Xenon to the dark forest beyond, then back as he
resolutely shoved down pride, "...I must thank you, I think, for
whatever it was you said. No matter the reason." Briefly, a corner of
his mouth curved in a faint smile. "I do not expect it was out of
concern for her as a person. Or myself. But I offer my thanks
nonetheless."
:Solarin,: Raven spoke up abruptly, :I got the impression of some sort
of conference going on--planning? If you were intending to join that...:
:In truth, shayala, I hadn't put much thought to it. I've about drained
myself... I'm not much good to anyone just at present.:
:Understood. I wish I could get back faster--no 'I told you so's from
you either.:
He allowed a brief smile. :Understood.: He fell into musing. :I
wonder...:
:What is it?:
:I dearly need to trance, if only lightly. There is no reason you could
not...: he hesitated, unsure of what her reaction would be, :...borrow
my eyes and ears while I do so.:
He mindvoice was flat. :You're offering to give me control of your
body.:
:It is,: he noted, :not something we have not done before in other
circumstances.:
:But never while you were tranced.:
:I trust you,: he said simply.
:You're a fool,: she told him bitterly, :but if you're willing then I'll
take you up on it. Give me a moment to strap myself to Banshee's saddle.
Falling would be--:
:Bad,: he finished for her, dryly. :By all means tie yourself down.:
After a moment, she spoke again. :Done. Whenever you're ready--and I
hope we don't wind up regretting this.:
:There is nothing to fear, shayala. Give me a moment to explain to the
others.:
"I must trance," he said to Muranog and Xenon. "Raven is to... borrow...
my body, so that she may help plan while she travels and I am
indisposed. It will take but a few moments."
She sighed, closed her eyes, and mentally counted to ten. (If everyone would
just come here, the time we spend resting could be used to do _something_
constructive... or destructive, depending which way you look at it.)
The day had not started all that well. First the Darro incident, then waking up
just to cook food for people who refuse to eat. Next the lizard-men event, then
the dragon-fight. The most humiliating fall of her life, followed by the coup de
grace: no one would co-operate with her.
She opened her eyes to spy Xenon's silent acknowledgement of her attempt at
gathering the small army of people. She smiled weakly back at him and shrugged.
(At least I know _somebody_ is listening.)
It couldn't be helped. Most of the people were driven into the cave when the
dragon-fight was going on. And it was precisely for that reason that she called
for the counsel outside. No use disturbing the ones who needed rest with the
chatter. (What chatter? I might as well have held the darn thing in the cave...)
'Blade sighed (again), and leaned against her pack. If the rest wanted to
response, they would... in time. But if she had to wait, she might as well rest.
>Snip>"Greetings to thee, Adept Xenon. What can we do for you?"<Snip>
Xenon smiled up at the huge troll mounted on the even larger war sheep and
enjoyed the abrupt turn they made to address him. He was as sure now as
needed of the troll's battle readiness.
"Good Adept Muranog, Greetings to thee as well." Xenon replied calmly. "I
saw the preparations in this camp for some, apparently, to ride off after
Raven, and others trying to organize things to little avail unfortunately.
You are the most battle ready person and the most powerful Adept in this
camp along with I, and I was wondering if you would, perhaps, be willing to
postpone your departure in order to assist in some much needed planning for
this little troup? " Xenon went on, leaving some of the formality behind.
"I am sure we have some differences, you and I, and I expect you would with
this Karilanthian elf as well, were you to look beyond your people's old
alliances and friendship for a moment as I am sure you are trained to do.
These people herein" Xenon's arm swung to include the whole camp, "could
certainly use the assistance of a troll adept in the discussions much
needed. Solarin is basically useless at this moment, and none of the others
are able to organize things. I have seen to Erelan's injury, and I think
she will be joining us shortly. Also, the Black dragon of Savar's has not
truely gone, and likely will return. If you and I will show a united face
for this moment, and begin the process of discussion so badly needed,
perhaps we can sort out the who's and where's and perhaps even the why's of
this little outing in a way that will not simply contribute to my uncle
Savar's eternal amusement. I have nothing against trolls of your kind, and
have even been of aid to one or two in the past... though not in your
homeland. I banish demons as easily as summon them. That said, and I am
sorry for any offense in the mention of your mortal and immortal enemies, if
you could put aside your distaste for some aspects of my training, then we
could do much to help these folk..."
Solarin's words broke into Xenon's words to Muranog with not a simple by
your leave. Xenon looked at him, turning slightly, anger subsiding as he
heard what Solarin was saying... and the underlying tone of tiredness and
pain.
<Snip>Solarin took a deep breath before turning to Muranog. "She's turned. I
expect she'll be back here within--" a brief mental contact "--two
hours, at most."
Xenon took a step towards Solarin.
<Snip>Xenon approached at the edge of Solarin's peripheral vision, and the
ranger turned toward him to note, with a wry twist of his mouth, "I
would not reccommend an 'I told you so.' She is... displeased... with
your methods of persuasion. However..." Solarin hesitated, his gaze
shifting past Xenon to the dark forest beyond, then back as he
resolutely shoved down pride, "...I must thank you, I think, for
whatever it was you said. No matter the reason." Briefly, a corner of
his mouth curved in a faint smile. "I do not expect it was out of
concern for her as a person. Or myself. But I offer my thanks
nonetheless."<Snip>
"For what I said, if it had any effect, Solarin you are welcome."
Xenon noted the elven ranger's difficulty in saying his thanks.
"As for my reasons, likely they would surprise you, but no matter. Neither
you nor she seem to have made any attempt to discern my motive in any thing
so far, simply attributing your worst suspicions and fears to such subjects
and judging from there. I am predisposed to dislike Karilanthians, and you
are predisposed to dislike Necromancers, and we will get over it... or not.
"
"As for Raven, I care little for her ire in any case, and am as likely to
fear her as a hissing kitten. I did tell her so, and she knows it, and I've
not seen enough from her yet deserving of respect to put up with her
tantrums. She is a fine fighter, no doubt, with a nice blade, but if she
seeks to annoy me she will find herself spitting out the dust of Karilanth
before she knows it and explaining a Gate storm to them as well. I am sure
they will be less than pleased."
Solarin, obviously communicating within, again spoke.
<Snip>"I must trance," he said to Muranog and Xenon. "Raven is to...
borrow...
my body, so that she may help plan while she travels and I am
indisposed. It will take but a few moments."<Snip>
Xenon moved closer to Solarin and said quietly "She shows less regard for
you than she does herself, and no matter what you may have told her or not,
She should have some respect for you as a partner, if she expects anyone to
see her as aught but an angry child. I feel your pain, and I sympathize
despite any difference we might have, Solarin. And you have my respect for
your selflessness. If you must rest, then do so here in peace. Sad
however. Your assistance would likely outstrip hers at any rate."
"However," Xenon spoke again more loudly, including Muranog and the rest of
those in the clearing with a friendly gesture of his hand "I will do two
things. One, see that the non-combattant in this party recieves what
assistance and leadership I can give them, and two see the head of my uncle
roll, in some fashion. I hope for your assistance, especially you, Adept
Muranog, as Solarin must leave us a for a while it seems to rest, and you
and I are, in fact, the ones who must form the core of mage power and
experience for this group. A few such as Raven if she leaves off her
tantrum, may advance useful tactical and strategic advice as well, and some,
such as Shadow blade and Erelan and FallenAngel, perhaps even the
Karilanthian Paladin will have some thoughtful and useful words to say
concerning the same. But you and I know, great troll Adept.... That it will
require Power to face Power. Savar sits within his Citadel on more power
collected piece by piece than any but few have ever imagined. And he is no
fool or lackwit. If we are to win this match, we must use more than blade,
skill, stealth, or even magical prowess." He gestured to everyone. "We
must use wisdom, sound tactics and the skills of each to their fullest
potential in a cohesive manner. We must decide who are combattants, and who
are best protected and taken far from this undertaking of battle... as wel
as who may wish _not_ to be involved. Nothing less will suffice. In fact,
aught else will ensure that my rather sadistic Uncle has a very fine
laugh... on us all."
Xenon stepped back with a bow and then stood tall and sturdily, black-green
adamant armour dully gleaming in the light of the camp fire,...and awaited
any replies with the patience and stoicism required by long years of arduous
magical training as well as the infinite amounts of those two required to
conduct diplomacy with stuffy nobility and flighty courtiers far and wide.
He saw, then, a glimpse of Dak stepping forward...