[RP Thread] Grey Dawn

[Phoonix]

Dara nods his head at the newcomers "Good evening gentlemen."
"And no Imyas, I've had no trouble whatsoever." he said calmly. "Let's hope this meeting doesn't bring any either." he concluded with a smile.

 

[Fussiler1]

There.. was another? Wow. He hadn't expected this. A Magewatcher, even? He knew this city was rather close to the Wildmen hills and woods, but still.. he had kind of expected he would be the only Wildman here. In retrospect, that was quite a foolish thought, but still, he had absolutely seen nobody else and he was raised with the idea that the Clans were very isolated. Still, it was a nice surprise to see another here, even if he was a Magewatcher. The word had a bitter taste, the taste of ash on his tongue. All his pre-conceived notions of Magewatchers had been shattered after today, he admitted to himself.

''You too.'' he said, nodding after the man spoke, with a big grin on his face, despite his peril. His arms were painful and his muscles devoid from any strength after such a long time of dragging, but still, he would continue. Any help the man would offer, he would appreciate a lot, especially as he despaired at the sight of the stairs. From afar he had dreaded those stairs, though not so much as now.
''Say, uh.. could you give us a hand?'' he asked.

 

[Wolfe]

Imyas looked down at Dara. There was going to be trouble. It was inevitable, and Imyas scoffed at Dara for his presumptuous naivety. "Come then, you will be sitting near me as spectators." He led them through a series of ornate corridors. Paintings depicting wars and conquests and various figures of history. Vases, pots and even weapon racks decorated the walls and finally they reached another wide door. As they entered, they were met by stairs. All around them was something comparable to an arena; a political arena. Tiered seats ran around each side, surrounding a large stone floor which was circular. Looming above the arena were five seats, decorated like thrones. On the sides, two banners dangled from the high roof - both grey.

The most disturbing detail, however, were the four women already occupying the political arena. On one side, two black-haired beauties in red robes were on the ground, shackled and bitter. Across from these two, clearly warlocks, were two ithuri wizards. Also female, they suffered the same duress. Magewatchers supervised both groups.

As the ministers began to pile in and take their seats, Imyas guided his group to the back near the five thrones. He then left them, taking his place in one of the thrones. He was in the perfect seat for an ithuri – above everyone else. The ministers chattered away, glancing at the two wizards and warlocks bound and on the floor, but not for too long. No, that would be rude. Moments passed and three more of the thrones were occupied. Sitting by Imyas was a taeve, a small bat-like race with a penchant for mischief and invention. He sported the same robes and mantle of Imyas. His name was Cicero. An aged sicarus and a raven-haired human sat nearby. They were Cat’ul and Julianna Greythorn. Both thrones on either side had been occupied, the centre-most reserved for the Grand Enchantress of Kaydeir. Finally, she emerged, her face hidden from sight behind a cowl of shadows. To everyone’s surprise, Lucio and Valeria Greythorn emerged from another doorway and took their places near their mother and sister.

Gaseir turned to Dara, whom he was sitting beside. “Ardeshir… you were the son of a merchant prince, yes? The one that was killed?” He said, painfully flamboyant.

------

The wildman magewatcher took the wagon and led the two off the street, behind the building. He wheeled the old man with ease. "We can get through easier here." He said, pointing to a door. The door opened and the two were led into a dark room with a shaded curtain. "Someone'll slide it over when the grand bitch wants ya," he said before leaving and shutting the door.

Kvilde then said nervously. "Will you help me if I can't convince her?" Such a big, strong girl, sweating in streams. Kvilde seemed frightened and anxious.

 

[Phoonix]

Dara looked at the man somewhat annoyed.
"yes... yes I am." though he said it more bitterly then he intended to.
"But this is not a Topic that i like to speak of very often." he finally concluded.

 

[Fussiler1]

What? How the hell was that man so strong, he had asked himself as he saw the man drag the carriage with ease. Was it something he did with magic? It had to, for he did not believe any mortal being could easily drag that wagon without any help, though he could not remember if there actually was any magic that strengthened yourself. If there was, he would definetly have to catch up on it.

As they came inside, he looked around. A dark room with a shaded curtain? What? It almost seemed to him as if they were held back so they could be shown to the crowd or something. He only stopped looking around when Kvilde asked. He looked surprised at her, though he concealed it well. She seemed really nervous.. not something he expected. And he didn't think his word was going to matter very much, but he merely smiled and nodded. Perhaps that would calm her nerves a bit.
Perhaps mine, too. he thought to himself.

 

[Wolfe]

“My apologies,” whispered Gaseir as the arena fell silent.

------

Behind their curtain, Kvilde and Azshiir could hear every word.

The Grand Enchantress stood up, her face in complete shadow. She too was wearing a purple robe and on her shoulders rested a grey mantle. She looked directly at the ministry as the doors to The Circle of Truths closed and the magewatchers dispersed. “Now,” she said, her voice cold and aged. It cut through the silence like a knife. “I am sure that all of you are aware of our recent predicament. The warlocks of The Black Court have failed to restrain themselves and have executed the Archmage of the Wizard Council in addition to destroying the Bank. In retaliation, four foolish wizards acted recklessly. They engaged in combat with these warlocks and threatened the lives of those living in this great city. Much blood was spilt that day – and it was mostly non-mage. As a result, wizards and warlocks across the city are fighting and threatening to tear MY city apart.” She paused, letting her fury sink in. The ministers looked afraid, even the ithuri. She then continued: “To account for the bloodshed, the murder and the perversions of magic being reported by the people, I have had the leaders of both groups captured. To the left, the warlocks Moranil and Malefica. To the right, the ithuri sisters Aerys and Illyria. One shall be chosen from each group, and be executed by the other.” She announced. This announcement inspired both fear and shock in the Ministry. Illyria began to whimper at the news. Hushed whispers and deep gasps denoted a reaction. This was a ruthless punishment, perhaps harsher than any of Karina’s previous ones. Karina was known by most as a benevolent woman, but the conflict between the wizards and warlocks had been constantly escalating since the discovery of black magic. Karina let the Ministry savour the taste of her death sentence. Moranil and Malefica, lovers, were forlorn as they gazed into each other’s eyes. They appeared inseparable, soulmates. Even warlocks were capable of love.

Meanwhile, the curtain opened. A magewatcher guided Azshiir from the darkness, but blocked Kvilde. He muttered something to her, two very short words that sounded similar to ‘your turn later’. Azshiir was pushed to the centre of the stage, raw and exposed. The ministers gawked at him. Many had never seen a wildman before. Despite their amazement, they also appeared disgusted. Imyas especially.

Karina pointed at Azshiir. “This man, a barbarian, shall decide who will be killed, and who will be the killer.” The ministry fell dead silent. “Tell me, wildman, what is your name?”

 

[Fussiler1]

Azshiir had listened carefully to ever word, his interest piqued behind the curtain. He could recount every moment of what the Enchantress had described. The blood, the gore, the explosion, the dead child. Gods. The vision showed up again, in his mind, an image of ultimate horror, truly. It was the most disgusting thing he had seen in his life, yet he could not bring himself to banish it from his mind, not yet. He had seen the nonchalance of both groups, but only now, that it was described, he realized why he couldn't banish the image out of his head. It would haunt him for quite some time, he thought to himself with a deep frown. How fun, to be haunted by an image of a kid being split in half! He silently agreed with the verdict of the Enchantress as she spoke. It was only just that they were to be held accountable for the actions of their subordinates, he thought to himself. He had a front-row seat to all of this, he grumbled, and as he muttered this he started asking himself; ''Why?''
Why had they brought him and Kvilde here? For what reason? Surely not merely because they had a wagon? This room was too close to the Enchantress herself, so why?

He kept asking himself that question, obsessively looking for an answer to it. Why? Why? It was only that he stopped asking himself that, when he felt himself as he felt a man push him, gesturing for him to come forward. What? Why did he have to come forward now? He quickly looked back and noticed that his companion didn't follow him. Why? Questions raced through his mind and he felt his heart pound quicker and quicker. Only when he heard the words of the Enchantress, only then, did he realize why he was here. And his mouth became dry. He had no idea what to do now. He looked upon the crowd before him and stared at them, his eyes rather big. They were all observing him, staring at him. He could feel their eyes take him up. Gods, why had he been chosen to do this? Why did she let a Wildman judge, decide this matter?! After a few seconds he realized he was spoken to and he immediatly turned around to the Grand Enchantress.
''My name is Azshiir..'' he said, not sure how to finish the sentence. These men expected titles, he had learned that a long time ago.
''.. Your Grace?''

 

[Wolfe]

All eyes were on him, even the shackled prisoners. The warlocks did not cry nor whimper or yell. They just remained in place, their eyes locked into each others. Which one would he pick? Would Moranil be the one to destroy her true love? Or would Malefica be forced to cast that final spell that would end her lover's life. The sisters on the other hand were showing little restraint. Illyria's whimpering became a steady flow of tears. Aerys was holding back what seemed to be rage.

Behind the shadows, Karina was smiling. Such a lonely creature; a stray from the herd she thought. "Azshiir... fitting. Tell me then, which two of these four murderers," she paused, watching the ministers in amusement, "shall die?"

 

[Fussiler1]

OOC: I'll just wait a bit so that some of the others can post a reaction.

 

[Wolfe]

OOC: Okay, well I should probably go to bed then! Hope you guys are all enjoying it, and remember that I do welcome feedback as I am quite new at this.

 

[Phoonix]

Dara has his eyes wide open. he was shocked by this, shocked and amazed. This was cruel, extremely cruel, yet he was strangely enjoying this.
The hate he had harbored for mages all this time... finally they would get a taste of their own medicine.
his facial expression however was different from his thoughts.
On the outside he looked horrified, and afraid just as all the other ministers in the room. but it was just a guise, a good one at that.

 

[Dragonson]

As the events inside the Minstry Halls escalated, the masked man put down his book.
He left it there, on the bench, and started walking towards the halls.
He was whistling a sad tune as he walked.
In his right hand he was carrying a blade that looked frighteningly sharp. His left hand was hidden beneath his cloak.
In his belt was a sizable leather bag that made a rustling sound with each step.
As he got closer to the building however, he took a path that would lead him around it, to the side-gate.

 

[Arcisal]

Repulsive.

Ernis' stomach turned to knots. He felt queasy as the wildman patiently took his time to make a decision. He looked at the Grand Enchantress, her face one of regal tranquility though her eyes still shone with an temporarily satisfied fury and a vengeance only just exacted. Looking at the four of those possible to be condemned to death, Ernis saw a mix of reactions. One was sobbing uncontrollably, while another looked at his partner with finality, taking things surprisingly calm.

Silence held the room captive. Even Gaseir was leaning slightly forward and the man whom he had been introduced to, Imyas was now staring, probably without knowing, at the wildman a mix of anticipation and disgust. All eyes were locked on the man, and silence hung in the air.

 

[Fussiler1]

OOC: Damn, just too late. >_<

How.. how was he supposed to decide this? He barely knew anything of these people, damn it! Why had she even chosen him and how had she even foreseen his coming to this damn court? Gods, Gods! He was no judge! He was only a witness, damn it! Why didn't she ask one of the Magewatchers to judge, or one of the damn councilmen or something!? He didn't know anything! He had only been a damn witness! No, he thought, I'm not going to do this, and he was just about to open his mouth to refuse when he realized that he could not. Refusing would mean a loss of reputation for the Enchantress, and now that he had seen her in action, Aszhiir did not doubt her fury. Hell, it might even spark a damn riot, he thought to himself, cursing. Why had she chosen him? Oh, probably just so that he would take all the blame, of course! So that the wrath of the warlocks and magicians would be focused on him, not her! Oh, jolly, he was going to be a damn scapegoat! Of course, blame the Wildman, he's just a barbarian, isn't he? Isn't he?! He felt anger at this damn situation surge up inside of him, but he quickly repressed this. He couldn't show anger as a judge, no, he couldn't, he wouldn't. He had to act professional. He chuckled several moments later at that notion but quickly stopped as he realized he was before a crowd, an immense crowd full of shocked and disgusted observers! They were waiting for a decision.

He stared back at the crowd, defiant of their judgement, his eyes piercing and his gaze deadly. He would not buckle under them, he told himself, even though his heart had started pounding at a rate which couldn't be good and his mouth was drier than sand and ash. He slowly turned around and looked around. Two groups, opposing each other. Hadn't it been that way near the Bank? Wizards and warlocks, hah, he thought in despisal. He looked briefly at both groups before he walked towards the wizards. His step was unsteady and he felt his legs and arms become weak and limb, but nonetheless he kept moving. He couldn't fall. He couldn't make a mockery of this trial and anger the Grand Enchantress. That would be a death sentence, and not just in the metaphorical sense, he thought to himself in a mix of anger and fear. Gods. Finally, after what seemed to be a never-ending eternity, he arrived and stood before the two wizards, sisters to the Archmage, he recalled. He stood before them and could barely stay up. It seemed as if the pressure was weighing him down, literally. And so he stood before them, two Ithuri sisters, and looked one of them in the eyes, his eyes cold and unforgiving. That was merely an act, of course. Hah! He looked them in the eyes, for he had been taught that all human emotion went through the eyes.

The woman he looked at, looked back in defiance. In normal circumstances, he would've been dead for a long time already, he realized as he stared at her. He was never good at reading people, but he had to be at this time. He had to be, damn it. Focus. Aszhiir looked her deep in the eyes and saw only rage, very thinly concealed. Rage, hiding fear. He also saw pride, immense pride. Made sense, of course. This woman despised him, he didn't need to look her in the eyes for that, he realized. The thought left a bitter taste in his mouth.

He moved on, he took a step left. Another woman, sister to the woman he had just looked at, stood before him. She was crying, the tears quickly streaming over her cheeks. She did not meet his gaze, but looked away. He somehow had mercy with her, despite the fact that she had probably facilitated a slaughter with her sister. Hah, he felt pity! She was weaker than her sister, he concluded, and then he took a step back, looking at both. They were both murderers. The Enchantress had stated it right, he thought to himself. But now he had to pick one of them to execute the other.. force one of them to become a kinslayer? How could he do that? That was disgusting, damn it. He cursed the Enchantress and her little games, but now he had to make a choice. Every pair of eyes was focussed on him.

Rage and pride would lead to wrath. Fragility and pressure would lead to cracks.

He sighed, before pointing at the prideful woman, the enraged woman, his voice hard as steel, though he had to do his utter best to retain it like that. To force one to slay her sister..

''She will be the one to die.'' he said, loud enough for the crowd to hear it. Of course, it had to be a little game, hadn't it? His finger was pointed Aerys.

 

[Dragonson]

Meanwhile, the masked man moved closer to the side gate.
Under the shroud of his cloak he was messing with a strange clockwork devise, pulling levers and readying triggers.
Beneath the mask, he smiled.

 

[Arcisal]

OOC: @Fussiler: Aren't you supposed to pick one out of the two pairs? Or are you going to do the warlock pair in another post?

 

[Wolfe]

OOC: Yes, Fuss. You were supposed to pick a warlock to die too. Also, Arc - Moranil and Malefica are both female.

Karina was satisfied. She raised her arms and smiled, though none could see through the shadows. "So the jury has decided - Illyria will die." She looked down at the wildman, pleased. But alas, her audience was on the edge of their seats. The ministers were enthralled by what was happening. It was brutal and cruel, a rare occurrence in The Circle of Truths. Karina was stern, but never harsh. However, magi demanded the most severest of punishments. "Name your second to die."

 

[Fussiler1]

ignore what this former post said, editing

He turned around and looked at the crowd. His legs were even shakier than before, but he had to move on. He wouldn't want to anger the Enchantress, nooo, he had to play his damn part, hadn't he? Yep, yep he had, a part which he did not chose and a part he did not want to chose! Jolly! He cursed the Enchantress for the tenth time perhaps, calling her the most foulest words, of which he was sure would make some people in the room faint. He walked towards the two warlocks, in a faster pace than before, but still a bit wobbly. Focus, focus, focus, he told himself, walking towards the warlocks. He had to remain credible, or she would have him possibly executed, the grand bitch, the bloody, damn, great, idiotic, dumb bitch. Gods damn her and men despise her. Gods damn her.

He got to his destination rather quickly. Two warlocks, practicioners of the dark arts. Blasted.. women. The leaders of both groups were both women. Did women have a higher standing or something? Agh, what a foolish question to ask, he muttered to himself as he stood before them. And now he would have to judge these people! Wonderful, wonderful, indeed! He had less qualms with judging these, because from the story he had been told their people had started it. He would have no pity for them and he felt the urge to appoint randomly one of the two to get it over with, but he forced himself to step to the left and look one of them in the eyes.

She stared back, her face a perfect mask which would let no emotion through. She was just.. emotionless. He tried to look her deep in the eyes, but he could see no fear or anger, absolutely nothing. Was she such a good actor, he asked himself, or was he just that bad. He didn't know, but he had to pierce through her mask to judge. He had to, and so he focused, his gaze on the woman. Damn it, focus, focus, focus! He tried to concentrate deeply, but even in this deep state he could see nothing.

No, nothing. Damn the Enchantress, damn her, he though as he finally stepped to his right after what seemed to be an endless moment. He felt the eyes of the crowd on his back. The next woman was initially the same. Was she that cold, had she shut off any emotions? Was that the price that warlocks had to pay? Was it? He once more tried to focus, but he couldn't se through her. Her mask was iron and his gaze was water, smashing itself against her mask but nonetheless failing to break it.

He stepped back. He could see nothing in this people. He had to make a random choice. Gods, what a good judge he was, eh?!

He pointed to the woman left. He pointed to Malefica.

So the former woman's name was Illyria, huh?

 

[Wolfe]

"And so, Illyria and Malefica will die. Thank you, Azshiir the Wildman. Please, do watch," she said, almost commanding him to stay. She gazed at the ministers who were shocked. Clearly Azshiir did not know that the wizard he had picked was not the one to die. Suddenly, a magewatcher appeared next to the row Dara, Zenon, Ernis and Gaseir were on. "The jury has decided now, and the verdict has been passed. Illyria, please stand."

The ithuri woman who has been crying before stood, and the magewatchers took her to the center of the arena. Aerys was now crying - she was chosen, she should've been executed. Now, she had to kill her sister in front of the ministers she once congregated with. Aerys took her place, tears rolling down her seraphic cheeks. Illyria was hysterical and Aerys was becoming no better. It had to end. It had to be done with.

It lasted three seconds.

The frost in her lungs.

The suffocation.

Her collapse.

Her death.

With those three fatal seconds in which Aerys froze her sisters lungs, Illyria was dead. And the Ministry watched, motionless, staring with empty gazes. Malefica and Moranil were still strong. This was punishment, and they would take it as such.

"Take her," Karina said, the magewatchers taking Aerys away. "And Moranil." Now, magewatchers took Moranil, and Malefica was left on her own. Nobody was looking at Azshiir now, all eyes were on the forlorn warlock. "Confused? Yes. Moranil will be spared the responsibility of ending you, but the question is... who will be the executioner?" She pondered, almost comically. This was a game. A game that played with the minds of magi. For her, however, this punishment was fair. "Malefica, the last eyes you see will be those of Dara Ardeshir."

------

The side-gate led into an open courtyard lined with various ithuri monuments. Outside it was one magewatcher - a towering sicarus with a spear whose eyes were fixated on the sky. His wings cuddled his armoured form. Inside, three other magewatchers stood vigil over the door into the Ministry Halls. Two humans with a sword and shield and an ithuri magi wielding a dagger.

 

[Dragonson]

Although he was now well within sight range of the guards, he masked man kept walking.
His pace was unbearable slow, as if he wanted the guards to act first.

 

[Fussiler1]

Immediatly as he had made his choice, Azshiir had stood aside. He was just glad this was over with, that he was finally done with serving as pawn for this blasted woman. Gods, he thought, shaking his head. Maybe he needed a drink now more than he had needed it after his arrest. This whole ordeal had been tiring.. and contrary to the blasted woman, he hadn't enjoyed it. He had been used as a pawn to frighten the magi. For now, he would just watch and then get back to Kvilde. If she wasn't gone already.

However, just as he was about to turn around, he saw her call out Illyria's name -- the name of the woman he had pointed at, or so he thought -- and he saw the other woman stand. Not the angry and proud one.. but the crying one? Why? He felt anger. He had accepted the idea slightly of being used as pawn, but still, why had she purposefully ignored his judgement? Was it to strike even more fear in the hearts of the magi? Gods. He closed his eyes as the spectacle went on, the sisters cried and one of them finished the other. Gods, damn this woman, damn this woman. He opened them again after everything was open and watched as one of the warlocks was dragged away, the other to be killed. This was apparantly the right one. He frowned deeply as she appointed someone from the audience to slay the remaining warlock. Why, again?

 

[Wolfe]

The sicarus' wings remained around him as he carefully watched the masked man with suspicious eyes. His eyes were fixed on him as he traced his spear in the cobblestones, not hinting at any forward movements. As if they could sense the potential threat, the magewatchers in the courtyard slowly strode over to the gate with prying eyes.

------

Gaseir had watched the entire spectacle with astonished eyes. This woman's penchant for punishment was almost otherworldly. He had to admit though, this was a gift. The ability to play with peoples minds without magic, to show that justice was a principle administered by word, not something fabricated by magic. Yes, she was ruthless, but alas, he guessed that she was incredibly angry with recent events in the city. He turned to Ernis and Zenon and spoke seriously. "Karina Greythorn has been ruling this city for 40 years. When a war between the most predominant mage factions breaks out, she has to do something that is guaranteed to stop it. Lest it become another Mage War." He smiled, watching the sad creature that everyone was looking at. Malefica Stormholme, the Queen of Malice some called her, raw and exposed and awaiting death. She looked almost innocent, her dark hair flowing to her waist, her grey eyes waiting for the sword to fall. Even her charcoal lips, the result of years of black magic, quivered in anticipation. If anything, this woman, a woman who once inspired fear in the hearts of many, looked like a child about to be punished. If one were to look into her eyes, there no longer was strength. There was sorrow. An unheard plea for life. This was what she was worth.

The city would no longer fear Malefica Stormholme... no.

It would pity her.

OOC: I'm going to try and pull an all-nighter guys, as tomorrow is Sunday and my holidays end sadly. So I'm not really going to keep up with your timezones (Drag, Pho, Fuss and Grey mainly) but I will post as frequently as I can (school laptops, yayayay). Otherwise, weekends will be our time to party! Hopefully I can get you guys to a point tonight where you're in a good direction and can manage yourselves.

 

[sanofa]

Zenon left the scene, secretly without anyone noticing. He walked out the entrance, and the bright moon shined upon him. His blue eyes, turned crimson red, and Zenon jumped very high, and landed on top of the building's roof. I've had enough of it, I'll just find myself a job tomorrow. He said, as he drifted into his sleep.

 

[Dragonson]

The masked man was now walking directly towards the gate.
As of that moment both of his hands were hidden under his cloak.

 

[Phoonix]

Dara looked slowly stood up. He was looking straight at Karina's eyes. he felt insulted yet as before he didn't show his true emotions, he didn't show any emotions at this point even.

He walked over towards Malefica, his back straight and his head high. He would perform this execution, but Karina would know his thoughts afterwards. This... show would not stop a mage war. No, it would start it...

as he stood before Malefica he looked right into her eyes and for one single moment he let emotion into his eyes. anger, all the anger he had mustered for mages, all the hate. He released his trough his eyes on this single person.
He saw how shocked she was. her sorrow gave away for fear, fear of a non-magi. fear for a Human, for him.

He stepped back and and Drew his sword. The swords handle was ornate with several Gemstones of various colors and engraved with carvings of various sizes and shapes. The blade looked just as sharp as The day it was made.

Dara walked around Malefica until he stood behind her.
He placed The tip of her sword on her neck, a shiver went down her spine as the cold metal touched her skin. and then he thrust the blade into her body.
As he pulled out his sword Malefica fell to the ground. Once a great warlock; now an empty shell. He took out a towel from behind his swords scabbard and used it to wipe the blood of his sword after sheeting it.

he turned around to Karina and bowed. "My lady." he said slowly. "I know you are mad for The events that have happened today... but I am also quit sure that this... execution did not solve anything." he sighed. "If anything it only ensured that a war will erupt." he looked around the room. "And for all our sakes I Hope it will not become a tragedy like the past wars were."

 

[Fussiler1]

Azshiir had merely silently watched from the sidelines as the man had walked up to the remaining warlock. A better actor than himself, he thought, though he wasn't sure of it. Were the hearts of the people in the city perhaps so hardened that they didn't have to play the role they were assigned? Perhaps. The thought was rather terrifying. Could it be? No, probably not. The crowd had been as shocked as him the verdict. But still, he had the feeling that for them, this was nonetheless gratifying, truly. A show, a spectacle. This was not justice, this was a show, for the Grand Enchantress to ultimately assert her dominance over the magicians of the city. He at least knew that. Justice did not come in such a perverted form, or so he had been taught.

And finally it was over. Two were dead, two were remaining. Why had she executed the fragile one? Why? Truly, he feared that the angry woman would avenge her sister, unleashing terrible wrath. He indeed feared that. He stared at the dead body of the remaining warlock for a while. Dead, cold. Not an unfamiliar feeling for the woman, he thought. But still, he didn't like death at all, and so the sight gave him shivers. It wasn't justice, not true justice, but it had been the right thing. The image of the dead child showed up again in his mind and he frowned. Gods, why did it haunt him so much?

As the man had turned to the Grand Enchantress and had started speaking, he froze. Not such a smart decision, he thought to himself. She probably in mood for resistance and even though he figured the man was important, nonetheless he thought that it was a bad decision, for he was not wholly immune. He merely listened, for now. Another Mage War? He had read about those. Even though tonight would've increased the hatred between the two groups, they were devoid of good leadership, now. Fragile. He had seen even the angry woman break and cry. The warlock would perhaps feel the same, but of that he was not sure. Their power, their mystique, had been broken tonight. In the life time of the Grand Enchantress, they would not disturb her peace. That he knew for sure.

 

[Wolfe]

Malefica lay dead on the floor. Dara was brave enough to speak up. The ministers were in shock - how dare he? Even Imyas raised an eyebrow to the Tahijan's claim. This punishment, this game rather, had potential for retaliation. Yes, warlocks didn't care for each other, they ruled by power and feared power. As such, they feared Moranil, and if Moranil wished, she could have warlocks from across the world destroy Kaydeir. The wizards were different, however. They were capable of caring, and the loss of two of their leaders would have a rather large impact on them. In any case, would both factions dare to test Karina Greythorn?

Karina's iron gaze struck Dara like a hammer to anvil. "My mistake last time was being soft on them. Magi do not respond to diplomacy anymore, Tahijan. Power has blinded them from responsibility." She paused, looking down at Aerys and Moranil. "And should a war erupt, then every warlock and wizard under the administration of both the Wizard Council and the Black Court will be evicted from this city. With, or without their cooperation."

------

"He has weapons," observed one of the watchers. The side-gate opened and was then locked. Weapons were drawn. All eyes were on the masked man. The sicarus spoke up, "You are not permitted to be here, sir. Please proceed elsewhere."

 

[Dragonson]

The masked man kept walking.
"Oh? My goodness, i was certain this place was a library.
If you don't mind, I'll just go in and check to be certain..."

 

[Phoonix]

"and how do you plan to stop them from overthrowing you?" He said. looking her straight in the eye.
"The magewatch is powerful but even they cannot stand against a full scale invasion of warlocks and wizards!" he shook his head.
"you have killed of their leadership, but this makes them all the more dangerous, for without leadership they will take brash decisions."
He walked around the central floor of the ministry hall and looked around watching every minister in the eye. "And then there is the case of this rogue you are hunting. my lady I am not saying you made bad decision, no a message had to be sent." he said while once again looking at Karina. "But I am not sure whether this message was the right one or not."

 

[Fussiler1]

The man just kept speaking. What the hell? He didn't understand him at all. Was he perhaps fearless? Did he not fear the Enchantress? Then this man was one of few, perhaps the only one, to be without fear. Or was this man merely stupid, not realizing the predicament he was getting into? No, he did not believe that. The man seemed smart enough. Still, did he really not care for the consequences? These executions had been a game, a play, to once and forever show who was the ruler in this city, to show that nobody could trifle with her, the Grand Enchantress. Him speaking out against her did not nullify this completely, but merely cracked her new-found domination, he thought. He wasn't sure -- he had no idea of the politics and customs of this city and he was only working on basis of his own logic, but he still thought it was most likely to be this way.

He was very tense, curious and fearful of what would happen next. How would the Enchantress respond? He did not think this could end well for the man. He admired his bravery in speaking out his opinion, but still, would he be allowed to get away with it? Gods. He sure hoped so. But for now, he could only watch, uncapable of actually doing anything, as well as a bit unwilling. Get off the stage, quickly, he thought. He hoped everything he had thought would be proven wrong.

 

[Wolfe]

"The day a wizard and a warlock manage to pass each other without any exchange of hostility is the day the hells freeze over, Tahijan." She concluded, dismissing Dara. "Justice in this city is by the sword. Any crime is punishable by death," she looked around; the ministers were looking back at her. "Including treason."

Karina took her seat. "You may take your seat, Ardeshir. Unless you have any further questions?"

Imyas then stood up. "Your Grace, if you will. Surely retaliation is inevitable. We have an entire quarter of wizards in this city. I agree with Master Ardeshir, you have sent the mage community a message that says that you are a tyrant." He glanced at her, accusation in his eyes. Now this was a man with an agenda. He pointed at Azshiir then, speaking with a condescending tone. “Your ‘Grand Enchantress’ had a savage decide justice! A man hailing from a people whose concept of justice is a spear to a boar’s head and a brawl beside a bonfire! This is hardly fitting for the City of Splendour!”


The ministers were murmuring in agreement.

------

Shields were engaged now, two shimmering blades waited to strike. The sicarus remained passive, level-headed. The mage was the first to engage the masked stranger. Arcane lightning crackled around her knife as she sliced the air, unleashing a whip of static energy that was sure to strike the stranger’s shoulder. She repeated, this time aiming for his leg.

 

[Phoonix]

"Lady karina, let me tell you a story." he said softly, his voice emanating sorrow. "I am as all of you know, the son of a Merchant prince. One of the most benevolent rulers there ever was." He said
He face became a mask of grief. "He was brave enough to speak out against a band of mages, and a few days later... he was killed for it. by those exact same mages." He once again looked around the room, mane of the ministers hung at his lips, he saw expressions of fear, doubt, rebellious faces even. He then looked at Karina again and continued. "My Father was The most well protected man in all of Tahji, yet mages killed him." he shook his head. "you My lady have gone a step further, you killed one of their kin. When you chop of a hydras head, it becomes doubly dangerous, when you drive animals into a corner eventually they will fight back."

 

[Fussiler1]

Azshiir cursed as he heard him being mentioned again. Why?! Why did he have to be dragged into this little game again? But as the man spoke further, he felt anger grow. He had a better sense of justice than any of these men and women in this hall! Gods. He was no damn savage! His judgement had been right, damn it! He had decidedwith utmost care, to try and decide which one was guilty, and now this man accused him of not knowing justice? What a little bastard, he thought to himself, enraged. He had seen the dead, he had seen the destruction created by these warlocks and wizards! He would not stand for this, gods be damned, he would not! The other man from earlier had spoken, but he didn't listen. He would tell these people what he had seen.

Azshiir took a few steps forward as the crowd murmured, his face angry. He could no longer bother to put on a mask, no. He had been dragged into this little game against his will, but he would not leave it in disgrace, no! Gods, he would show these men he was no savage! He was no savage! He was one of the Wildmen, not a savage! He wouldn't stand for these insults thrown at him. How could they say he did not know justice!?

''I was actually there, when this damn incident happened!'' he shouted angrily at the crowd, the beginning of a tirade. He made quite a fearsome sight, with the antler on his head, the skin over his back and his eyes flaming.
''I was actually there! Do you think any of you would've judged better? I was actually there, when warlocks and wizards fought! I was there when the crowd went into a stampede, when they carelessly trampled child, woman and man alike! Their bodies were as flat as wood, the blood streaming over the streets! Yet, I went on, and I saw a child, crying, in terror, running away from the chaos and the bloodshed, get split in the middle by magic! I saw his eyes, filled with terror, staring at me, a plea for help! And a few seconds later he was gone, yet his eyes even stare at me now! I saw the blood run through the streets, I saw as countless innocents were cut down by carelessness and cruelty! These warlocks and mages did not care who was cut down, who was dead! All they cared for was their little feud, their little game! Gods! These two women deserved to die, for the death of many, their lives ended for a damn feud! And I, I judged them to the best I could, for I was there. Even now I can feel the eyes of that child haunting me, even now it stares at me!'' he yelled, his voice filled with rage and fury, his face a fearsome one.

 

[Wolfe]

A question was shot at Dara. Not by Karina this time, but her daughter Julianna. "Would you not have those magi slain, Master Ardeshir? They killed your parents, surely their blood on your blade would comfort you. From where I'm watching, you certainly enjoyed gutting the warlock. Were you not sated, even just for that little while?" She was cold, even colder than her mother. But her voice was smooth and slow like an evening tide. Her hair was dark and her eyes were icy blue. She was a true beauty.

Karina was amused. A barbarian was supporting her. Surely, not out of friendship, but still. The ministers seemed to be moved by his speech, their faces horrid. Imyas, though managing to hide it, was furious. How dare a savage stand up to him. "Truly the result of the feud was abhorrent, and yes their deaths are justified, but ministers, listen to me. These deaths have signed you all up to die."

 

[Fussiler1]

He had paused after his tirade, not moving back still, breathing in and out to regain his breath. He still felt the anger inside of him, at this crowd, at the Enchantress, at the man who kept speaking, at this damn little game. Gods, this city was madness, deceit and betrayal! Nothing more than that. He had not seen a good thing happen yet, and he had stayed here for some days already. He would leave as soon as he had the chance, he promised himself, standing still and listening as the man opposing him spoke. Why wasn't he getting off the stage? It would've been the most logical thing to do, but logic didn't dictate his actions anymore. All he now felt was anger and defiance to this crowd, to these people, to their opinions.

''Hah, do you truly think so? Do you truly think that if these men managed to snatch these four from their respective strongholds, that they would need to fear for their lives? Let it be known that not the warlocks nor the mages rule, but that these men behind me do, for if they managed to seize the most powerful magicians from their orders, they would not have to fear antthing.'' he spoke, his tone mocking and his face despising. All of these men despised him and he would no longer hold his despisal for them. Somewhere in his mind a little voice told him to get off the stage, but he repressed it.

 

[Phoonix]

Dara looked at Julianna and pondered for a moment. "I admit Lady Julianna, yes... I have harbored resentment for the mages who killed my father. and I could never forgive any mage who puts his personal quarrels obove the wellbeing of the people!" He eventually said.

"However what one individual person feels or needs is not important in this entire matter. The fact remains that two mages both revered and loved by each respective faction were killed here tonight. You have givin both mages and warlocks a common enemy." He turned his gaze to Karina again. "This wildman may have a good sense of Justice my lady, but do you really think it will mater? he is still a wildman and wildmen are commonly seen as Imyas describes them, a few well spoken words won't change that!"

Dara then turned to Azshiir "And has it ever occurred to you, my good man that these mages were captured in complete surprise! almost immediately after the events of this afternoon." He shook his head.
"you were there so you know how much damage even mediocre powered mages can do. there are many more mages in this city, more then there are magewatchers."

After this Dara turned his gaze to Lucio "And then there is the matter of Master Lucio. As I recall you were struck down, you almost died! and you were up against only one mage! Can the magewatch truly uphold their vow to protect the entire city when a full scale war erupts?"

 

[Dragonson]

The masked man moved out of the way of the first shot, now standing directly in the path of the second one.
He raised his left hand, revealing that he was wearing a mechanical gauntlet.
He held it up in front of him, right in the path of the blast.
His thumb was extended.

 

[Fussiler1]

''Do you truly think they were taken by full surprise? Do you truly think they were completely unknowing about what had happened? Do you? Because if so, my good man, it does not speak well of their intelligence! And if their intelligence would be as such, I don't think we need to fear them. They must've known there would be such a reaction, though perhaps they did not suspect a reaction so fierce. And besides that, the fight had been going on for ten minutes or so and the Magewatch ended it in barely twenty seconds. I think that speaks volumes about the competence of them and who is the true ruler in this city, don't you? Do you truly think the Enchantress would pick a fight she wouldn't be able to win, too?'' he replied sarcastic, mixed with anger and irritation.

 

[Phoonix]

dara turned to Azshiir once again. "Oh no, i don't think they were taken by full surprise, I think they thought they were going to be taken in order to be interrogated, give an explanation, perhaps receive a minor punishment. what would be the point in resisting if it was minor?" Dara said, His voice still very calm. "I am quit sure in fact that if these mages had foreseen this they would have resisted arrest" Dara shook his head.
"Nobody in this room here had foreseen an action quit as severe as this, surely even you must realize this."

 

[Fussiler1]

''Nobody anticipated a severe, even terrible punishment, for blowing up the Bank, massacring dozens, maybe hundreds of civilian in public, for executing the Archmage, ripping the status quo so heavily apart? Did nobody see death coming as punishment? Did they really think they were going to be merely interrogated and punished softly!? Again, my good man, that does not speak well of their intelligence at all. I weep for the warlocks and the wizards, that they have been lead by people so unintelligent as this, if this is the case, and I weep for this city if the people had truly only expected such a small punishment. Either these leaders were stupid or unable to resist.'' he told the man, a voice so filled with sarcasm it almost dripped on the floor.

 

[Wolfe]

Julianna interrupted again. "They knew what was going to happen. I assure you, Master Ardeshir. Aerys and Illyria especially - they've been alive long enough to see many Mage Wars, and not all in this city. When the threat of a Mage War looms, there is no sense in quelling men who can shake the earth and create fire from nothing. In this case, death ends war."

------

The second whip struck the gauntlet, and in a sudden turn of events, the whip redirected and shocked the magewatcher in the calf. She fell immediately, grimacing as she send another whip in retaliation. The two other humans were in motion now, shields first. They were tower shield, silver like their armour, with the Magewatch Guard sigil upon them. Like a striking viper, both lunged at the assailant with their blades.

 

[Phoonix]

Dara looked at Julianna. "That is what you might think My Lady, but power does many strange things to a person. perhaps they had been around for to long, maybe they thought they were immune, can you really know for certain what a person is thinking?

"The mages punished here tonight were not even present at the conflict near the bank. They may be the leaders of their respective factions, But they are not directly responsible for what happened there." These words were directed to the whole room.
He shook his head again. "Clearly ministers This Wildman is not versed well enough in this cities politics and standings to be speaking here right now. I don't think any wildman would be..."
He now looked Azshiir straight in the eye. "The men responsible for blowing up the bank were already arrested, some of them even dead, the once still alive would have their due punishment. How exactly were the leaders of these two factions to be held responsible for the individual actions of their underlings?" This turn it was Daras voice that dripped with resentment for this wildman. "What you are saying fool is that the action of one soldier is enough to revolt and overthrow a whole kingdom. those may be the ways of savages, but here in the big city we like to do things more civil."

 

[Fussiler1]

He frowned. Perhaps the man had a difference perspective of it than him. Maybe it was the culture-difference? Either way, he couldn't get the point of the man. Maybe he or him were misinformed, perhaps he had heard a different story than him. But he had seen it. He had no doubt in his mind, none. Such grandiose actions, so careless, so unafraid of retaliation, that could've been only done with the assurances of their leaders. Gods.
''Do you honestly think that the warlocks would've murdered, or no, slain the Archmage without any assurances from their leaders? Do you really think they would perform such a great action without any assurance of safety? Also, do you truly think they could've killed the Archmage without any help? And about the wizards -- do you really think they would've attacked so relentlessly, so uncautious, without the orders of their leaders? That they would've massacred dozens, maybe hundreds, of people without the support of their leaders?''

 

[Dragonson]

The masked man jumped backwards, dodging the second magical projectile and grabbing a small mehanical sphere from beneath his cloak.
As he was still in the air he pushed a tiny button on it, causing a strange trail of a shining, blue smoke-like substanc to start flowing out of it.
"Here, catch!"
He said as he threw the now-triggered Ithaelum Bomb at his assailants.
As he landed he performed a most graceful backflip, creating a significant distance between him and the magewatchers.

 

[Phoonix]

Dara sighed "Tensions between warlocks and wizards have been high since god knows when. as Lady Karina said, they can't stand each other. whether these executions were just or not, it does not even matter. the events of this afternoon have shown me that wizards and warlocks do not fear the magewatch as they should, they would never have taken this conflict public otherwise."

Dara once again looked at karina. "Lady Karina, the message you have sent is clear, you want to rule them with fear. But apparently they have gotten over that fear. and I am quite sure many of the ministers here agree with me, this message will eventually come back and bite us where we least expect it."

 

[Wolfe]

"The Black Court and The Wizard Council have been fighting since the Court was established. We've known this, but the people have not. There's is a war fought in shadows, but not any more. People know now, and we already have a strong presence of magism in this city as it is. Besides, they killed Archmage Corawyn; the man who practically founded wizardry in the mortal realm. Retaliation would ensue, and it would just go from there. At least with these two deaths, the wizards and warlocks might back off for a bit and the magewatchers can get things under control," she said, her gaze looking down to Lucio. There was despair. Why? Nobody could tell. Julianna was a woman who refused to be read by anyone. Her thoughts and her feelings were hidden away behind layers of mental steel and iron.

However, it was too late. The ministers were in agreement with Dara. Imyas was smiling.

------

The three magewatchers were felled by the arcane energy unleashed by the small sphere. The sicarus was now in motion giving chase from the sky.

 

[Grey Nightmare]

"If - I may, my Enchantress, my Ministers?" Lucio announced, standing, a little unsteadily.
"My silence during these developments has been rather unbecoming of me, and for that, I apologize." He bowed discretely and spread his arms wide, encompassing the collective gathering.
"However - I do now, wish to beg comment to this most... Unusual, turn of events".
He winced then, placing a hand over his chest for effect, whilst raising the other to stifle any displays of concern.

After a brief moment he nodded and righted himself, before turning to address his mother's assailant.
"You harbor doubt as to my competence in my field, as commander of the Magewatch? I shall taint your ears, not, with petty excuses. I was bested. Caught off guard. Even the Magewatch has it's expectations and model scenarios. Today's events did not become of them. This is however, why we have hierarchies of command, you see, when I fell, my second, Kaeldrys, took it upon himself to get the situation under control, which to my knowledge, after some regrettable and may I add - unavoidable - damage was caused, he did just that."
He paused for effect.
"You see there is more to being a member of the Magewatch, than sticking your blade hilt deep into someone's guts, or neck ... As the case may be," he added with a wry smile, nodding at Malefica's fresh corpse.
"I spend much of my time developing training regimes, writing codes of conduct, describing priorities. Sorting our rosters, emergency protocols. The timing of our arrival on the scene, was pretty impressive, if I do say so myself. So unless you fancy taking my seat upon yourself, or sharing the burden of my heavy heart, haunted by the faces of those whom you failed to save? I'd retake your own."
He nodded to the room, smoothed his robes and sat, adopting a somber expression.

 

[Wolfe]

When Lucio took his seat, the ministers were murmuring once more. Some smiling, others seemed to be engaging in idle chat. In any case, the Ministry were witnesses of a particularly fantasy political show. Two executions, a wildman speaking out, defiance against the Grand Enchantress, who wouldn't be happy?

There was a brief silence. Imyas sighed. Karina was about to speak, when suddenly the building rocked. Granted, it was a minor tremor, but earthquakes didn't occur in Kaydeir. There was something approaching. The ministers were in an uproar.

 

[Dragonson]

Cepharys turned his gaze to the winged man.
His sword was drawn.
"Come down, birdie. I wouldn't appreciate it if i have to shoot you down.
You'd break a wing or something, and I'd have to kill off a defenceless opponent.
Nobody likes doing that kind of thing, right?"

 

[Fussiler1]

He had walked to the sidelines as the Magewatcher had spoken. He remembered him.. how the events had occured. He had been certain the man had been dead, but eh, what did you know, he thought to himself as he lined himself up at the sideline. He was finally done with all of this, or so he hoped. The Grand Enchantress had been about to decide this matter once and for all, and perhaps finally, then this show would end and the real audiences could be put forwards, like Kvilde's. Oh.. damn. He had completely left her alone, he realized, frowning. Gods, what must she have been thinking while he held his little tirade? He hoped she wouldn't beat him senseless.. the woman could be fragile but was also as ferocious as a bear, he knew that for sure. No doubt about it. He quickly turned around to return to her, to see how everything went backstage, to leave this ratnest and this cesspool of cat-and-mouse games and dead.

It was then that he felt the tremor. What.. what the hell was going on? Gods, he thought to himself. He.. he had heard this before, right? His face went briefly pale. Was this the same thing as he had experienced near the Bank? Gods, was it the same man again? If so, what the hell was that man doing here? He froze. Why would that man do this here, near the damn centre of power? Was it even him? Perhaps he had drawn conclusions too hastily. For now, he merely looked around the crowd, while the building shook slightly. Was he here? Or was he somewhere far away? Perhaps he was, since Azshiir thought that this shake had been smaller than the former one. Maybe he was just stressing. Maybe it was just an earthquake.
.. That wasn't good news, either.