Lore of Leyuna RPG (FRPG)

[The Kingpin]

The gryphon's piercing eyes shifted from the Knight to the former Blood Omen, his scrutinising gaze intense enough that a lesser being would swear it physically burned through them. "Do not compare my kind to you. You are a beast even among beasts, Armoured One. Your presence in this world is unnatural; any creature with senses not dulled by the soft life of humans could see that," grunted the gryphon, making no effort to hide the bitterness in his voice. In a rare instance of self-regulation, he followed it up with, "I do not know nor understand how one such as you comes to be...Do you?"...

[C S]

"I do. The reason behind my flaws is not so important now." Desrium turned his head to meet the gryphon's damning stare. "If I may ask you to reflect on what you just said, consider your phrasing. A beast among beasts, but one that speaks and reasons. Is it not strange?"

[The Kingpin]

The gryphon pondered that for a moment, a slow nod following. "One cannot claim to know that which is unnatural unless they themselves dabble in the unnatural," growled the electrical predator...

[C S]

"A fair maxim," Desrium replied. "It is an irony, however. In terms of the strange and unknown, fairness goes absent in favor of defense. The things unfamiliar become monsters, and are shunned and hunted. Is that not the case with your kind?" asked the armored being.

[The Kingpin]

"That would be a kinder fate than most of my kind have suffered. To die fighting is better than to live in servitude. Were it not for the fact I am not truly bound to the Elfson's will, I would not accept to be ridden in such a manner. It is an insult to gryphon-kind. We are no lesser than dragons, and yet we are treated as mere steeds, assumed to be as dumb as the horses that serve that role on the ground," snarled Pyranex, his eyes suddenly gaining a whitish glow.

[C S]

At that, the peacekeeper bowed his helm. "It is an indignity. I too have known indignity. This is why I understand, and sympathize," he told Pyranex. "For much of eight-hundred years, I was able to speak as I do today, and my mind was capable of learning as any other's would. Yet, I was only a beast to many. I could not speak to a passerby on the street. I could not enter buildings."

Desrium turned his gaze to the ceiling.

"I too know what it feels to think thoughts, and be treated as if they do not exist. To be acknowledged only for my visage, and only for that alone."

[The Kingpin]

"But while I am natural, while I am a creature of this world, you are not," retorted the gryphon, even though it was clear he was reconsidering his stance towards the Armoured Being. But if anything, the fact he and Desrium were treated alike only further stoked the flames of his resentment towards mankind. He was not, then, being treated as a beast. He was being treated as a monster. He, a creature whose roots reached as far back as man, dwarf or elf, perhaps even farther, was no different to them than an unnatural creature brought to this world by the machinations of man.

[C S]

"We are both ambiguous things. What are our limits versus what our intentions are? If either of us desired something strongly enough, who would be able to stop us from achieving it?" Desrium responded. "It is a fault that transcends mortality, Pyranex. Such fears lead to many ugly, unfortunate things. It is a mark of true strength, however, to realize this fact, and surpass it. Do not let it control or dishearten you. Do not let it anger you. Let it be your natural balance, and you will exceed adversity. "

[The Kingpin]

The gryphon did not respond to that, his expression as harsh as ever by virtue of his avian features, his brows only slightly furrowing in response. But beyond that piercing gaze, the Storm Gryphon was clearly considering what Desrium had said. Time would tell if their conversation would mean anything to him in the larger scheme of things.

"We're ready to go," said Andruil cheerfully as he walked back over, earning some critical looks from the men and women sitting at the benches.

"Wonderful...We get to go back out into the bright...invigorating sunlight," grumbled the gryphon flatly.

"Is that sarcasm I hear, Pyranex? I never knew you were capable of it!" said Andruil teasingly.

"You don't know many things, Elfson. If you were more attentive perhaps that would not be the case," rumbled the gryphon simply, earning a laugh from Andruil.

"A sense of humour at last. We will chase off your sour disposition yet!" declared the Knight as he led the gryphon and the former Justicar beyond the doors on the other side of the outpost, making his way to the path that would eventually bring them to the gates of Thimeyra...

[C S]

The return of invigorating sunlight on the other side of Dhul'Valen illuminated a sandstone path that radiated a glow the likes of which one could take for the sheen of gold itself. The road was dotted with caravaneers bringing their soon-to-be shipments to the sledship outpost. Their goods tied up onto the backs of reptile's scales and mammal's fur alike clattered about as the trio advanced up to the gates of the desert bastion. There, captain of the guard Qutaiba Farisi greeted the travelers. Desrium learned of the past encounter with Septimus and Syria he had some time before his return from Tyrbenetus in their fleeting, but all around pleasant conversation.

From there they went through the streets of the city, shaded by the high walls that lined the paths, the awnings of shops and the vertical nature of the city of clay. It most certainly gave Riverdale a run for its money, if the knight's statement to captain Vern held any merit. Like the outpost, Thimeyra reached high. Its buildings drew in the dry air and made it cool inside them. Its many flags and tapestries were displayed in the sun without fading or bleaching, and they were cared for in the case of sandstorms and other happenings with the weather.

Closer to the earth, evidence of reform and progress was frequent near the heart of the city. There, the city of clay blended to more foreign architecture, recognizable as Daavenian. The cabin-like homes that sprung up interspersed in vacant lots within the corridors of Thimeyra did not rise as high as the elven neighbors, but they were accommodating, quaint things. The sheer number of them, many of which were still in construction, spoke to the relief efforts and the partnership with the green and silvers. Rangers in tan and brown put down their slings and took up hammers and nails to house the homeless.

The trek past these sights finally brought the three to the triangular slab-steps of lord Antar's palace. The sun was high in the sky over that jewel. For Andruil, this was what the journey was leading up to, but it certainly was not where it would end.

[The Kingpin]

The guards at the gate responded to Andruil's arrival with a salute, though it was addressed less to him and more to the Armoured Being beside him. To them, Andruil was a true outsider. His attire was intentionally devoid of any identifying traits, his origins a mystery to the common soldiers. But as the gates swung open and the guests were allowed inside, the sweet, fragrant scent of resinous incense, burning in an incense burner in the hands of one of the Elvish servants. They were elegantly dressed, a man and a woman standing on either side of the doorway. They paused at the site of the gryphon, looking to eachother. "No, I will not smear your floors with feces, if that is what you are thinking," growled Pyranex, his tone bitter as ever.

"Oh, we mean no offense, m'lord. It is just that, the last time a being that was not a man or elf walked into these halls accompanied by Desrium, they brought tidings of doom and destruction," explained the Elf quickly, the gryphon's snarl dying down slightly.

"Septimus of Clan Khulruud," stated Andruil with a small measure of amusement. That dragon got around, and left an impression.

"Not only Emissary Khulruudi. An apeman was with them, too," stated the Elf. This drew a raised eyebrow from the Knight, until he remembered a being that fit that description at the Temple. He never learned his name, however, and he made his confusion visible as he turned his gaze to look at the Armoured Being for answers...

[C S]

"Jiier," Desrium stated simply, and it seemed he would leave it only at that until he added, "I would hope that you come to know him as more than a warning against oblivion, though I understand there is not much you could learn on your own. It is some degree of difficulty to part with what one's eyes have seen themselves and to listen to tales from afar..."

But that was enough of that, he thought. He had a promise to keep, and fond memories could not get in the way of that.

"Likewise, I would hope that my appearances here are not associated with tidings of danger," he said, looking between the two palace keepers.

[The Kingpin]

"Of course not, m'Lord. I did not mean to insinuate that your presence brought ill tidings. We are superstitious people. Patterns tend to...unsettle us. You need not pay us any mind," said the elven man, uncomfortable with how their slip had caused such sudden offence.

"Calm yourself, friend. No offence was taken," assured Andruil with a smile, the man settling considerably.

"We are grateful of that, m'Lord. But it is best we don't linger. The Qa'id is waiting in his court. If you would follow me," said the elven woman, notably calmer and more collected than the man with her, who was looking towards her sheepishly.

"Of course. Lead the way," said Andruil, the woman guiding them down the ornate hallway towards the throne room.

They entered shortly afterwards, and Andruil was greeted by a sight that, even to him, was impressive. The broad sitting area wrapped around a grand fireplace which, for now, was only partially lit. Several braziers were ablaze around the room, keeping things well lit, and Antar himself, at the centre of it all, sat cross legged before a low table with what looked like two tall ornate tea pots and several cups, some of glass, others of porcelain. Behind him was what truly drew the Knight's attention. Sprawled behind the seating area was a vast leonine beast, its dark brown, tiger-striped form half concealed in the harsh shadows of the room, save for the amber eyes that reflected the light in such a way they seemed to burn like hot embers, black saucers for pupils each as large as a large dining plate. The creature's maned, lion-like head alone was almost as big as its master, and its paws lay heavy on one end of the long, wrapping couch that encircled the fireplace, a barbed reptilian tail wrapping around the other end. This was the Desert Manticore; The Qa'id's warmount.

"Welcome, my friends. Join me for a cup of Qahwa and tell me what tales you bear," said the Elven Lord, his voice soft but authoritative. It struck the Knight, how with such mundane words, a man could instantly instil his guests with a feeling of awe. Not many other rulers he knew had that skill. Certainly not King Sebastian. Possibly not even his father. It was something he had not seen in a commander of men since the former king of Valenhad.

[C S]

In his usual way, Desrium raised a hand to decline. "Hello again, lord Antar. And thank you for seeing us," he greeted the Thimeyran sovereign before gesturing for Andruil to approach. It was his time to make his case to the Qa'id. Whether or not they set off for the Life Giver or returned to the sledship back to Syrakina hinged on whether or not Antar gave his blessing to the knight to undergo the trial of the desert.

[The Kingpin]

"Think nothing of it, Desrium. I told you before that you are welcome in my court any day, at any time you may wish to visit me. If something troubles you, say the word and I will see it solved. Come, take a seat," said Antar amicably, gesturing towards the seats beside them. Andruil, not wanting to be rude, stepped forward, bowing his head in respect, which Antar returned. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you face to face, Andruil Liullwyn. The tales of your family's bravery reach back millennia, and I had the privilege to see that it was not a trait faded by time during the battle two years ago. I am honoured to have your presence in my court," he stated as his gaze settled on the Knight, taking note of the wirshah he wore.

"The honour is entirely mine, Qa'id," said the Knight graciously, to which the Lord raised his hand in a gesture to stop him.

"Please, such formalities are for strangers. To you, I am Antar Timeemi, a friend" insisted Antar with a smile as he reached for one of the apparent tea-pots, handing a small porcelain cup, as small as the shot glasses of Dwarven taverns, to the Knight, before promptly filling it with a dark, earthy-scented liquid as he held it. The steaming heat of the drink was enough to quickly make him decide not to taste it just yet, holding it in hand for a while.

[C S]

Desrium found himself once again questioning the kindness of his host. The day he acted against his better judgement and took up the offering would be the day when the offers stop. With a furtive glance to the manticore in the back, Desrium looked to Pyranex and stepped aside so that the mighty avian could rest himself. He, in turn, lowered himself onto his knees and sat with his gauntlets rested on his metal lap.

[The Kingpin]

Pyranex eyed the Manticore warily, making sure to keep a safe distance from the massive beast. He was a powerful creature, there was no doubt about that. But the Manticore was a grizzled beast that seemed at least several hundred years old. Battlescars riddled its hide that told of injuries that should have been fatal. Still, the Elven Lord was very clear in his offer. It was not an order, but it was expected that they oblige his request. For once, Pyranex was pleased to do so, as, for once, he was treated as a sentient creature no different than the Knight he entered with.

"So, tell me of your travels, friends," asked Antar as he shifted in his seat, getting comfortable. "How has your morning been so far? How was your journey? Where have you ventured? How have you been?" he asked cheerfully.

"A pleasant morning, thank you. And I have been well, thanks. My travels have gone with little trouble, when I have done so," responded Andruil thoughtfully. "In recent months the only major travels were to Niyera, and here, though I wish I could say the former was as pleasant as the latter," he elaborated, trying to address the barrage of well-meaning but overwhelming questions asked by the Elvish Lord.

"Oh? I hope they did not give you any trouble?" was the Qa'id's response to that, more an inquiry than a statement, in an oddly There-will-be-consequences-if-they-did sort of way that was at once endearing and intimidating. An impressive achievement for a single sentence, something that seemed to be an outstanding trait of the Desert Monarch's.

"It has been a busy couple of years, I will admit," said Andruil. "The duties of a Knight follow him even beyond the battlefield. I have learned my Western kin are not to be trusted or accepted as relatives of mine. I have rooted out a plot they had hatched to usurp my father's position, with the intent of bringing Valenhad under their sway," he explained.

"May the Gods smite them for such an offense. Clearly their values have sunk since my people left. Not that it is any surprise, blasphemers that they are," said Antar, the reaction surprising the Knight. It was as if they had personally offended him specifically, rather than the Knight.

"You have history with the West?" he asked.

"Oh yes. Desrium knows much of the tale, I believe, but let us just say that my people live here because we refuse to associate with men and women who so disregard the sanctity of the soul," said the Elvish Lord.

[C S]

"What a twist of destiny it is that it was a Blood Dragon that brought the end of terror after Eredar fell. In that way, Jiier's sacrifice was a reparation for all of Aster on part of his kind," Desrium commented. A reminder, perhaps, that not all who fell under a banner were guilty of its sins.

[The Kingpin]

"Of course," said Antar, turning to face the Armoured Being. "But he who is silent towards injustice is but a silent demon. They are equally to blame, if they are given the chance to object and refuse to do so. But those who are not present to object cannot be blamed for their absence; it is the nature of the world to occupy us all," he stated resolutely.

"This is one of the reasons I have come to you, Qa'id," said Andruil. "The actions of my relatives in the West have put my father and older brother in a dangerous situation. Precautions have been made, but in the event that the worst comes to pass, I will surely be their next mark. That will leave the kingdom of Valenhad and her allies vulnerable. So the solution I have come to is to find a way to lead from a distance, to communicate with commanders and advisors and even the King himself from a place I cannot be found. Desrium told me that you have the power to grant such an ability , if I were to prove myself worthy of it. So I ask you as an ally and a friend, to aid me in this," he explained, his voice level and steady, but grave.

Antar was silent for several minutes, eyes shut as he deliberated on the matter, which had struck rather suddenly. Eventually, he nodded, his eyes opening once more. "Normally, I would not grant this gift to anyone But this is a matter that concerns the lives of many tens or hundreds of thousands. It is not something I could afford to deny. You have proven yourself to me already, Andruil, in battle as well as in speaking. You are a good leader with a kind and brave heart. But in order to acquire an Eye, you must venture into the desert, and be judged by the Life Bringer herself. Should she deem you worthy, she will bestow upon you the things we will need to make you an Eye," said the Elven Lord, the Knight beside him nodding slowly.

"And how would I find her?" he asked...

[C S]

As if it were the monarch's answer itself, the sound of Desrium shifting preluded him standing up and saying, "Until we meet again, Qa'id. It is my regret that my visits have been for official matters such as these, and are always so short." There was nothing that could be done about that, where he stood now in his personal mission. "Andruil. Pyranex." He looked from the knight to the gryphon, the time to make their pilgrimage upon them.