Oliver and Aurora "First lesson; be undetectable," she teased, giving him a light pinch on the nose before passing him a cookie "What did you do that for?" demanded Oliver, the pitch in his voice betraying both annoyance and amusement. He yanked himself loose from Aurora's grip and stood opposite to her, arms crossed. The hawk-like frown on his forehead faded when she handed him the cookie, the muscles in his jaws relaxed. "I wasn't going out, not far at least, I just didn't feel like laying down anymore," he explained as he took a bite out of the cookie. He wrinkled his nose when Aurora pinched him, but forgave her. Ever since dad had passed away they'd been hopping back and forth between the embassy and home. Even though Oliver loved exploring the capital, he deeply hated the pretentious grandeur of the embassy. Home hadn't been like that, it had all been about playing outside and discovering exotic worlds in the far corners of the backyard. But here, here everything was tidy, everyone uptight, everyone except... Oliver stuck out his tongue towards Aurora. "I am not going back to bed," said Oliver, a glint glancing over his eyes and a crooked, challenging, smile coming to his face. Aurora smiled back. "I expected as much. And i'm not going to force you." A thoughtful look came to her face, one of her ears tilted slightly downwards while the other turned up. "Hmmm...well, what do you have in mind to do anyways? I haven't been here long enough to even guess at what might be fun around here. Other than stealing from the cook." she broke into a laugh as she remembered the chubby man's expression when one cookie had gone missing from a perfect dozen. He hadn't been mad -just perplexed. Apparently no one did that often enough. "How'd you do that?" asked Oliver, his eyes fixed on Aurora's ears. He took a deep breath, the muscles in his face strained; jaw tightened, ears turned a bright red. "Can't do it," he gasped, allowing himself to breath again. "Let's stea-," began Oliver, he darted his eyes to the side and cleared his throat. "Do you know how to play chess?" Aurora laughed out loud at Oliver's attempt to get his ears to move, but it was only in fun because of his expression when he had tried. Wiggling her ears, she explained," I think Isthus have more mobility in our skulls, more muscles. It helps us hear things better. And as for chess...I've seen it played but have never tried. Would you teach me?" "Sure!" exclaimed Oliver, a smile bright as the sun coming to his face. He was happy that Aurora didn't inquire further about his slip of the tongue, and even more elated to have a willful opponent in the black-and-white game of minds. He lead the way, his feet bouncing over the floor and his eyes eagerly darting over his shoulder, as if to make doubly sure that she was still following him. "Here," said Oliver. He was wobbling on the tip of his toes, only just able to reach a game of chess and retrieve it from a wonky cabinet. He blew, motes of dust sprayed into the air, "it's been a while," he explained. He settled down on the floor and began to put the pieces on the board, too content and impatient to seek a proper sitting spot. "This is a pawn, it's cannon fodder basically, they aren't worth much, but there is many of them, think of them as simple soldiers. This, is a bishop, they can move all the way diagonally and have good reach," explained Oliver. He could see the strain in Aurora's face as he tried to explain. He bit his lip, trying to come up with a better explanation, "think of the bishop as Lord Malief, he isn't limited in how far he can go, but he is limited in how he can move." A smile came to Oliver's face, Aurora did seem to get the rules much better now that he'd made a point of comparison. "Then there is the knight, a bit like Ajax, they are agile and can jump on others like so, bypassing enemies, but they can't move very far. The queen would be my mother, she has all the control and can move in loads of ways. There's towers too, think of them like cities, they are rigid but an essential counterpart to the bishop. Last, there is the king, that'd be my Da-," Oliver's breath caught, "that'd be David," he muttered. Aurora reached out and touched his shoulder, giving him a sympathetic smile. But she said no more, and quickly learned how to play. That, however, did not mean she was a good player as she was still new to the game. Oliver trounced her three times before she figured out a few of his tricks, and finally pinned his king. "Ha! I won!" she laughed, despite Oliver's shocked expression. He had never seen her knight coming. Chuckling to herself, she looked down the hall and her ears pricked forwards. Then she caught the faint clatter of silverware. "I think it might be lunch time. Let's go, surely that cookie didn't fill you up!" she exclaimed, helping Oliver gather up the pieces. Oliver hid his suprise at having been defeated. He wasn't one for muscle, he knew it all too well, but what he'd lost sheer size and muscle he'd gained in brightness. At least, so he had thought. She'd mirrored him, and it occurred to Oliver how well it had worked.
Fay Aladora, Bachus, Nathan Jarn. Fay pushed down the hood of her brown cloak, revealing her short, choppy black hair. Charlie levitated only inches from her cheek. "I guess I'd better knock, huh Charlie?" The little bot didn't respond. It rarely did. Please let them accept me, please let them accept me. She begged silently. Then she took a deep breath in an attempt to calm her nerves and knocked on the door of House Jarn. A guard kicked the door open and stepped outside, his boots clattering. "Servants entrance is around the corner," he grumbled, his voice deep as thunder. His mannerism betrayed that he was merely going by standard-procedure, the man stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Charlie levitate besides Fay. "You're a pretty girl, far too pretty for a servant," he said, licking his lips. "Let me guess, runaway? Orphan? Ah who cares anyway. You want to get in there, eh?" The man clicked his tongue, "Problem is, I and Bertha," he tapped the great sword that was clamped to his back, "stand between you and it. Now, if you were to render me a certain service, I might reconsider," he said. A devilish grin crawling over his face. He stroke her cheek with one finger, letting it slide into her neck, and further down. "Such a pity there is nothing between me legs to stick up yours," he mused. He brought his face closer to hers, the scent of liquor trickling out of the corners of his mouth. "You must be wondering what everyone else was, why is this man at the door? I'll tell you, because I am the best. The very best, there ain't no better than me, just 'aint. Every man who has claimed so since I was born has ended up with Bertha through their hearts. Don't you forget that, I can do anything I please down here, now that I am letting you in, I expect you to return the favor." The man, who towered Fay with ease stepped aside. He looked more like a robot than a man, his armor thick and heavy, yet he seemed to carry it easily. Fay's mind went blank and she shivered pitifully. She was terrible with people as it was. To have someone threaten her in such a manner was even worse. Instinctively she stepped back, pulled her stun gun out it's holster and pointed it at the guards groin. The gun looked very much like a normal gun that could do some real damage. For a moment she considered running. But she had no where to run to. House Jarn needed what she knew...and she needed their protection. "If you don't let me in freely, you'll lose something very precious to you." Fay demanded. Her voice quivered slightly. Having read her levels of stress, via the implant in her brain, Charlie beeped and it's light turned red, signalling it's laser was armed and ready. The guard's brows became a single line, his eyes squeezed together, threatening to pop out. "Oooh," he whistled, sucking in the air. "I do wonder what kind of a-girl points here gun at-" the man glanced down "at nothing." He laughed, his chestplate rattled under the heavy shaking of his shoulders. "I just told you there is nothing there," said the man. "Guess you weren't paying attention," he mocked, pitching his voice to a childish height. His expression darkened, "that, and I just stepped aside to let you in, tsk, tsk, tsk. You really need to learn to read the signals dearie. It's very rude of you to threaten me when I was just letting you in. You want me to reconsider? Yes? N-" "What's all this?" another, more rounded and fluent voice spoke. "Threatening little girls again are you Bachus?" Out of the opened door stepped Nathan Jarn, his mannerism betrayed lordship. He took long strides, his back was straight, and his chin was lifted sligthly into the air. His eyes fell onto the red-dot on Bachus's forehead, he retraced it to the buzzing bot hovering besides Fay. "Or is the girl threatening you? About time you met your equal, wouldn't you agree Bachus?" Bachus blew a kiss towards Fay and stepped aside, his face distorted with lust. Nathan gestured for Fay to come closer, "Come on now, don't be shy," he said gently. "What's your name girl?" It took a moment for Fay to finally lower her weapon and mentally order Charlie to stand down. She felt embarrassed and annoyed with herself. When it came to maps, fixing bots, and math calculations she was always spot on, never missing a detail. But when it came to humans, she found them extremely hard to read and panic caused Fay to lose her focus. He was threatening me...then he wasn't...gods why can't everyone be a robot. So much easier to understand. Fay finally looked up at the man that had just come to her rescue. He had asked her name, but if she gave him her real name the whole point of her hiding here would be swept away. Fay suddenly bowed; one: because she figured it was respectful and two: because it was easier to talk to someone when she didn't have to look them in the eyes. "I'm...uh...Fiona, Sir. I have very important information to relay to the master of the house, Sir. I beg an audience." Her voice quivered a bit but it was full of determination. Nathan cocked his head, in all his thirty-four years he'd always been good at estimating people, guessing their intentions before they knew them themselves. But this Fiona girl was different, perhaps it was because she was so young. He'd dealt with old diplomats before, outsmarting them, bribing them, pressuring them. Yet he had only been able to do so because he'd known their desires. The eyes, he'd found, were indeed the key to the soul, with every blink, every dilation, contraction and gaze people revealed their intentions. Yet all this girl seemed to radiate was desperation, partially ingrained with sincerity. "Very well Fiona, I will see what I can do for you." He gestured for her to follow and stepped through the door. The Jarn technology was reflected in the architecture. The white building of house Jarn was only one story tall, but it had many underground levels filled to the brim with researchers, machines and other scientific equipment. The interior was sleek and modern, with sharp corners and brushed, steel floors. The dark-blue color of the floors rippled into a watery blue when Nathan set his foot on it, his footsteps leaving a fading trail behind him. "You will want to change if you are to have an audience with my father," said Nathan. Curiosity spread to the edges of his mind, almost finding its way to his tongue. Almost. He lead Fiona through the kitchen of the house towards the rooms of the servants. With a snap of his finger a boy rushed to his side, he exchanged a few words with him in a low voice and then turned around to face Fiona again. "Third door to the right, you'll find fresh clothes and linnen there, Thomas here will bring you a hot tub of water, I will speak to you at dusk, I have errands to run. Oh and Thomas," Nathan said, "don't forget to knock." With that said Nathan slipped out of sight leaving Fiona to her own business. He could still feel her eyes burn in his back, he dug into his own mind trying to find a reason why he'd just taken in a simple girl. Was it because of her desperation or sincerity? He didn't know, and cursed himself for it. Knowledge was everything.
Uiron and Orielle Nedrayur Orielle and Uiron stood in silence, watching the sky morph. Orielle knew it was a common phenomenon at this time of year. Blue collided with purple as crimson split the sky. Yellow swallowed up green, wavering throughout a blanket of pink. Finally white won the battle, leaving but a glimmering dot on the horizon as the sky faded once again to black. One hand in Uiron's and the other on her staff, Orielle sighed at the beauty as she waited. And waited. She never was very patient, more so when she had nothing better to do. On the platform surrounded by people, she couldn't even practice her skills. Orielle's eyes flicked to Uiron as she pried her hand from his. "I've savored the moment long enough. I thought you said our escort would arrive shortly, brother." Uiron's eyes were distracted from the luminous sky, and he looked towards the familiar face of his sister. She seemed to be displeased by his statement. Her tone gave off annoyance, and her eyes looked tense. Her hand became hard, as if it formed a callus. She was now tense and not relaxed. Uiron waited, thinking of a response, trying to figure out a reason why they hadn't arrived. "It is possible they expected our whole ship to land, relying on the time extension of everyone exiting the ship." Uiron said with a almost anger filled tone when referring to the disability to land their entire ship. "All because we followed the Captain's most honorable order of safety." A scowl made its way on Orielle's soft features. "You're giving the benefit of the doubt, Uiron. What if an escort doesn't show? What will happen then? We're already burning precious time." "If the escorts do not arrive in the next half hour, we can proceed to Coranum, ourselves. Though, you know better than to make any sort of complaint towards Kalara, correct?" he said with a stern tone. Though he was defending them, he was beginning to become impatient also. He let go of his sister's hand for a short moment and ran it through his hair. He was a little tired from the trip, but he had to keep up for whatever would occur once he arrived at the temple. Orielle turned away with a frown. "I was only stating the facts. You know how much I hate waiting around doing nothing. It's not productive to our cause." Uiron looked back towards the sky as he tried to pass the time. "I understand." he muttered. It was silent for a while until the black eyed Isthus broke the silence. "Where are they?" Uiron asked with a scowl. Orielle had been pondering the same question. Scenario after scenario played in her mind as she finally came to a conclusion. Her voice dropped to a whisper, "Uiron, do you think it's possible that something...bad might have happened?" Uiron looked at his sister and gave her a smile to ease her tension. "I am positive nothing unfortunate or bad has happened." he said to her.
Inirum Veral The elevator slowly descended, down into the depths of the station. He had his black hair pushed back and was wearing a suit of light power armor. Not the tank like suits worn for parades, or the walking fortress style that he'd worn during the attack on Gibrani, this was a sleeker suit. It looked like plate armor, but every joint had a small gravitic motor to enhance motion and strength. The whole suit was sheathed in a defense field against projectiles, and a flow-tech barrier to dampen the effects of flow based attack. He carried his longsword at his back. Inirum had decided to make a personal visit to the imperial prison, to see the assassin, and he was taking no chances. He'd been through the report a dozen times in the last two days, watched the footage, tried to piece it all together, but still, he couldn't wrap his mind around how the assassin had done it. Especially how he had known the time of the shift change, and how to breach the palace's outer defenses. Those were things that Inirum wanted answers to. Suddenly there was a tremor, and the lights in the elevator tube flickered, then the elevator was filled with the noise of tearing metal and he was thrown from his feet, suddenly in free fall. The floor of the elevator had evaporated, the emergency brakes stopping the car and sending him plummeting out the bottom. He flailed about and managed to grasp hold of a piece of metal and hold on. He'd fallen about ten meters past the elevator, down the shaft,but above him there was a giant hole in the walls of the shaft. Something had come crashing straight through. Slowly he started climbing up, panting with exertion even with the aid of the power armor. Finally he reached the hole, and looked down the trail of destruction. Drawing he broad sword, he jumped into the hallway and started looking for a floor marker. He was on the 41st floor. The prisoner was on the 50th. The elevator was destroyed, and there was no other way down, except through the mangled shaft. He now had a decision, stay here and deal with whatever had just come barreling through the facility, or go down and ensure that the prisoner was secure. Turning back to the mangled shaft, he leapt, grabbing hold of a cable and sliding down. A moment later he burst through the door to the 50th floor and took off running down the hall towards the cell blocks. He rounded a corner just in time to see a soldier being cut in half by a slamming door. "He's escaped! the man who killed God has escaped!" Another one of the guards shouted. Inirum dialed up the power setting on his suit to full, and then drew his sword. "Set a perimeter! Don't let him break through!" Inirum cried, calling the few remaining guardsmen to his side. The assassin wouldn't escape as long as he and his men still drew breath.
Fay's Proposition to Earl Jarn The fact that Fay worked with machines and maps more than she hung around humans, attributed to her lack of fashion sense. She looked down at her oily and dusty clothes. They didn’t bother her, but apparently if she was going to talk to someone as important as the head of the House Jarn…she was going to have to be more presentable. Fay placed her hands in the warm water. The tension in her shoulders and face faded slightly. “What am I doing, Charlie?” She asked her bot out-loud as if it could understand her. “Somehow, I’ve got to convince the head of this house to give me asylum…in exchange for information about a forbidden pursuit that could get us all executed. What if he refuses? Or worse, what if he turns me in to the god-emperor's council?” Charlie was silent, as usual. Without further stalling Fay washed her face, ran her fingers through her short hair and donned a cream colored blouse with dark brown slacks. Her favorite colors. When Fay was ready, she opened the door and peered cautiously out into the empty hallway. “Thomas?” She called out hesitantly. The boy hurried towards her. "Ready?" He didn't wait for her to answer but simply lead the way. Oppposed to many other great houses, the stairs in House Jarn only seemed to go down. The air became cooler as the walked, in silence, into the heart of the house. They reached a large, black door. Gears rattled and a puff of hot steam greeted them, just before the doors opened Thomas looked at Fiona. "Name's Mason Jarn actually, I trust you know the reasons for going by a different name, don't you Fay?" The boy smiled, "Charlie was scanned on the way in, as were you, the lights underneath the floor aren't there for show," Mason explained. "Interesting little bot, I might add, did you build him yourself? We could use an engineer like y-" "Is this her?" interjected another voice. Earl Jarn sat behind his desk, which was littered with holosets. Bots of varying sizes whizzed through the room, their led's flashing up as Fay and Mason stepped into the room. "This is her, father," replied Mason. For a moment nothing but the buzzing of the shimmering bots filled the air. "Well?" inquired Earl Jarn, his voice stern but not unkind. "What is it you have to tell me so urgently, Fay?" Fay's mouth opened a closed a few times before she gathered enough courage to actually speak. Already her plan to remain unknown had gone out the window. "Sir, I...well, you know that I am Fay of house Aladora." She rung her hands nervously and her knees were weak with fear. "I...I was in contact with the person who murdered the god-emperor only hours before he committed the crime." Charlie seemed to beep reassuringly, encouraging Fay to continue. "The reason I have come to you...is to beg asylum, for my safety and my family's should the council come after me. In exchange...I offer the true location of Domu Paradises and my skills as a mechanic to help get us there." She finished strongly. Just the name of Earth filled her with excitement and courage. "Ha! Just what we needed, I am tolerant of many things, but not of murderers or their acquaintances, nor liars." Earl Jarn glanced up from his holoset, resting his chin on his intertwined hands. His eyes were as cold and blue as the sea, they seemed to slice straight through all matter of flesh and blood. Mason could almost see the calculations, the wagering, the stacking of odds flash across his father's eyes. The man chuckled, softly at first, then louder. "Ha, I haven't heard such a good joke in a long time, you know the way to the paradise you say? Why should any mere girl of fourteen, or fifteen know the location of Earth? Where did you find this one Mason? She's a right bit better than what you usually drag in front of me for 'approval'," laughed the Earl. Mason cast his eyes skyward when his father mentioned girls. Retracing a lost planet, building spaceships, these things required time and attention. He couldn't bother to be distracted by something as changeable as a relationship. He'd only dragged a maid from the kitchen in front of his father to be spared the remarks that he was overdue for marriage. Alas, it hadn't been a very successful endeavor. "Father...I think she is serious," said Mason. "Do you really now? What did she promise you, a sweet kiss if you'd get her hired? You are getting worse at this Mason, not better." The Earl leaned back in his chair, signalling the end of the conversation. Mason bit his lips, he'd already turned around halfway when he decided to stand and fight. He turned back around to face his father, hands behind his back. "We ran scans on her bot when she entered, nothing she has just said has been contradicted by what we found on the bot. At the very least she is a capable engineer, and we need those now more than ever," said Mason. The Earl rubbed his forehead, once again considering his options. Mason shifted his weight impatiently from one foot to the other, "he'll say yes," he mouthed towards Fay. Just then, Earl Jarn looked up again. "Very well, off you go." Mason smiled and guided Fay out, the door slamming shut behind them, once again engulfing them in a fog of steam. Fay's face was pale from the encounter and she began muttering to Charlie nervously, "Why did he think I was lying? What logical person would risk their life on a lie like that? He was really quite cruel to laugh as he did." She suddenly looked at Mason as if just realizing he was walking beside her. "Th...thanks, for sticking up for me. And getting me in. I should have calculated it would be more difficult to gain the trust of the Earl. After all I had no proof...just my word." She began muttering again. "You're right, Charlie. My proof is at home...but I can't go home. They'll be in danger." She turned her attention back to Mason. "I know. If you can get me my maps...I can prove to the Earl I have figured out the true location. See there are fake maps that the god-emperor ordered be printed, to throw people off track. Not many people know that fact. But I figured it out...which ones are fake and which ones are real. Will you get me mine?" Mason frowned, "were you talking to me? Well never mind, you can stay in the room my brother escorted you to earlier, I can not assure you anything but with a bit of luck we can get you to work before the week ends. With a bit more luck my father might actually listen to you before the year is over." He flashed a smile at Fay, "feel free to call on me should you need me, my father only just considers me worth more than a servant." He gave a firm nod and trotted off, perhaps this girl was just what they needed for their latest and biggest project, The Orbiter. "But...what about my maps? The location of..." Fay's lips pursed into an annoyed frown as Mason was now out of ear-shot. She sighed inwardly. "They don't believe me, Charlie. But I'll prove it. I'll be the one to fulfill grandpa-pa's prophecy and lead everyone to Earth." Her finger's formed a tight fist. She would be the one...no doubt about it.
Ajax, Oliver Douway, Lord Malief, Roselyn Douway, David Douway. "Won't you come with us mom?" Oliver stared into his mothers eyes, he wondered why she had decided to paint the skin under her eyes a dark blue. Roselyn swallowed down a yawn, "no sweetheart, I have business to do." Oliver had expected the answer, it seemed his mother couldn't say anything without mentioning 'work'. "I want to help," muttered Oliver, holding his bag loosely in his hand. Roselyn flashed a smile at him and crouched until their eyes were level. "You are helping, by going to house Jarn you are representing our house." Oliver bit his lip, his chin beginning to wrinkle and quiver, the flood gates behind his eyes threatening to open. "Shush now, it won't be for long. I'll be right here. I have ordered Malief to take a secure commset with him, we'll be able to talk," said Roselyn. Oliver rested his head against her shoulder, he felt safe within the blanket of his mother's embrace. Roselyn was first to break away, she swept a tear from Oliver's cheek. "David is waiting for you outside, dry your eyes," said Roselyn, her voice raspy with fatigue, yet caring. Oliver obliged and sauntered out of the embassy, letting his bag bounce loosely over the stairs as he stepped outside. Ajax, David, Lord Malief and Aurora were waiting outside. "I'll take that," offered Ajax, snitching Oliver's bag out of his hands. Oliver didn't protest. "What took you so long little brother?" David stood cross-armed at the gate of the embassy, he rolled his eyes at the sight of his little brother. "What are you a-crying for?" "Nothing," replied Oliver fiercely, brushing his eyes with the tip of his woolen jumper. David shrugged but made no further remark, the young ox lead the company out of the gate. "So what exactly is the plan, Lord Malief?" David's eyes fell onto The Virus. Oliver let out something between a chuckle and a sniffle, his brother was so obnoxiously bad at stealth. "My Lord, it would be unwise...to speak of any plan...where the walls have eyes and ears," whispered Malief. David groaned, "For the love of our house, why do you alwa-..." "Everything alright?" Oliver yanked his head towards the source of the voice. "Yes," he croaked, he was suprised that Ajax had even asked in the first place. He tried to focus on the sound of his feet clattering on the road, but it not even the excessive orchestra of people walking about could mute the despair that was clutching at his heart. "No, not really," he admitted. "Thought so," said Ajax, "at least she's with you now." He pointed towards Aurora, Oliver smiled at seeing the girl's ears wiggle about with every step she took. "It's all a bit of sillyness really," admitted Oliver, his smile broadening by a hair's breadth. Ajax laughed and slammed Oliver on the back, nearly knocking him over. "Ha! You've said a very wise thing!" Oliver failed to muster a stern look and instead jabbed a few playful blow's at Ajax's side. By the time he'd launched his second punch Ajax had caught his arm mid-air, twisted it around, and put it behind Oliver's own back. "Almost," said Ajax before letting go. Ajax and Oliver nearly bumped into Malief, Aurora and David. Oliver glanced at Ajax and Lord Malief, "what are we standing still for?" Malief slowly turned around, "Our flight has been...delayed," said The Virus. Oliver gazed past Malief, two small figures stood in the center of the dock. Two isthi, a girl and a boy, both were clothed well and Oliver estimated them to be either diplomats or king and queen of some unknown faction. David was first to provide insight to their identities "Is that Uiron the Child-King and his sister?" Lord Malief simply nodded, David frowned "How does that complicate things?" "Oh it's not them that...complicate things...it's the red-coats, they were escorted here," said Malief. Oliver could tell the Sanhedrin was right, three Imperial ships surrounded the boy and girl. David rubbed his nose, "I still don't understand what the problem is." A flash of annoyance clouded Malief's face, but it cleared as quick as it had arrived. "I paid the dockmaster handsomely...to turn a blind eye to...our ship departing. I didn't pay the captain of...those men," explained Malief. Oliver gulped, already things were turning sour. "We need to get those two out of here," muttered Ajax, his gaze fixed upon the specks that were Uiron and Orielle. "When they are gone, the red-coats will leave. There is only one thing for it." His eyes fell onto Oliver, "you could pass for a choirboy of Suvos Mactan. The high priestess is known to have recruited children, Uiron and his sister are followers of the church, they won't question you if you tell them you'd been sent to fetch them," explained Ajax. Oliver stared at the ground, his mind racing, his mind was excited at the prospect of action but his belly turned and twisted in defiance of the plan. "All you have to do is walk up to them, tell them the priestess sent you to fetch them, lead them out and then disappear and return to us righ here." Oliver blinked a few times, "I think I could slip away unnoticed," he said, his eyes titled slightly upwards as he contemplated the thought. "Just do it," grumbled David, "show me you are as good at hiding as you claim to be." Certainity washed over Oliver, he stuck out his tongue towards David and jogged off towards Uiron and Orielle. He would show his brother what it meant to be stealthy. His heart was knocking at the door of his ribs by the time he'd arrived in the center of the dock. "Lord Uiyon, Uinon...union," he panted whilst making a sloppy bow. He cleared his throat, his vivid eyes oozing with adrenaline collided with those of Uiron. "Pardon me, Lord Uiron, Lady Orielle, but the highpriestess sent me to fetch you."
The Seer Council: Behind Closed Doors "The Isthus has arrived on the station," said Dralin, one of the humans on the Seer Council. "How do we react? His intentions are clear." "We ignore him. He has no place here on the ring. He already sits his own world. He should see that the Undying throne is beyond his grasp," Atrus hummed in his particular Sanhedrin way. "Remember, he has a war ship hovering just outside of the system. That is something we cannot ignore," Dralin replied. "It posses no threat to the might of the Imperium, we have ten times that might in a scouting party. If he hopes to take the ring with one ship, let him try. We will crush him," Atrus replied. "You would risk open war with the Isthus?" Kardif, the Isthus member, asked. "To maintain the sanctity of the Throne, I would risk all," Artus replied, slowly standing from the round table they were seated at. His black and scarlet trimmed robes flowing, but his face hidden within. He started pacing around the edge of the room. "Kardif, I begin to question your loyalties..." "And what of your loyalties Atrus? Do they extend past the cowl of that hood?" Kardif replied cooly. "Now is not the time for argument," Dralin said. "We will get no where questioning each other's allegiance. We forsook out House Names when we joined the order of Ariolus, let us not remember them now!" "The Sanhedrin bear no house name, Dralin. We live to serve the Imperium," Atrus replied. "Since the early days of the Imperium, we have served it, fostered it through the difficult pangs of birth. And now I stand accused by an Isthus of treachery? The race that wrote 'The Art of the Clandestine Agent' and 'Comastee's Subterfuge'?!" The air practically buzzed with his anger. "It was nothing more than a response to your own accusation, Sanhedrin," Kardif replied, still with that level, cool tone she had used at first. "Anyway, there are more pressing matters we must attend to." "Indeed, the houses will be growing restless. Our agents have intercepted transmissions detailing a meeting they plan to hold in Edlin. Our reaction to that will determine in great measure how much of their support we can garner," Balian spoke for the first time, another human, a female. She was silver haired from age, but still cut a remarkable figure, filled with dignity. "I will let this offense slide this time, Isthus," Atrus hissed. "But mark my words, it shall not happen again. As for the houses, clearly we need to remind them who holds the power on the ring. I say we make an example of another. Gibrani is a perfect target, they already dared to defy us. But now we must crush them." "I agree, Gibrani poses far too much of a threat. They must be eliminated," Dralin said. "For once, I also agree, Gibrani must be subjugated. But I suggest a different strategy. Cut off the head, make the son our puppet and we'll have control of their considerable infrastructure and manufacture capability," Kardif said. "As you noted Atrus, the Isthus wrote the book on treachery. Marcus Gibrani needs to die, and for that an assassin is required." Suddenly there was an alarm indicator going off on the holo screen in the middle of the table and an officer pounded on the door. "Your excellencies! The holding cell where the Assassin is is under attack!" "Mobilize the Principe! And get us a report on the situation immediately, step too!" Atrus thrummed. "I will wager my cowl that one of the houses is behind this!" "Your cowl, that is a heft wager," Kardif said quietly. ------------------------------ The Wilds Acelocus Potentia stalked the wilderlands with his small band. There were about thiry of them. It had been nearly a month since the fall of Vandermir, since the day that he had sat in that warehouse and decided to change the world. The day before they had heard about the death of the emperor. But that was on the other side of the Ring, across the star. He had more pressing concerns. There was an Imperial chechpoint just up ahead through the trees. They had weapons that Arc's men desperately needed. They were mostly a ragtag group. Displaced farmers, liberated serfs, a few Imperial deserters, but it was a start. Arc had plans, and to bring them to fruition, he needed an army. And thirty men was the start of an army. "Alright, there they are," he whispered. "Randal, are you set with the EMP grenade? And remember, we only have the one, make this count." "I'm ready Arc, just give the word," Randal replied, he was crouched in the brush next to Arc, holding a compact rocket launcher. "Alright, as soon as that grenade goes in, we have maybe a minute. We have to be precise. This is our first test, lets make sure we pass," he whispered encouragement to his small band. "Okay, on my mark..." he was getting ready to give the order to fire when he saw something down a curve of the road. "Hold!" he hissed. There was a grain truck gliding to a halt just out of sight of the checkpoint. Then the driver jumper out and ran around to the back. A few moments later, a young woman and a little boy jumped out of the back and started bolting for the trees, right toward Arc and his men. But that wasn't the reason that Arc was struck dumb. He couldn't speak because the girl running toward him was Jessica Vandermir, the supposed dead heiress of House Vandermir.
Aurora Aurora watched anxiously as Oliver approached the two siblings. She hated the fact that she had to be left unable to keep Oliver safe -she now felt very protective of the boy, even if this plan would be likely not to leave him harmed. For the first time her eyes burned with something close to anger, and she had to clench her fists to hide the faint bluish sparks flying from her fingertips. Turning one ear in their direction, but keeping her eyes focused on Oliver, she spoke in a low voice: "My Lords, if you would let me, i would like to follow Oliver and make sure he stays safe. I do not like the idea that he should leave our sight."
"My Lords, if you would let me, i would like to follow Oliver and make sure he stays safe. I do not like the idea that he should leave our sight." Ajax looked at David, the same question lingered in his eyes, they glowed like embers. David shrugged and in turn looked at Malief. By the time it had reached the eyes of the virus, the question had turned from a blazing, burning need to protect Oliver, into cold indifference. "Go" mouthed Ajax when Malief remained silent. It was the Sanhedrin way of saying yes, when there was nothing to argue against the Sanhedrin usually stopped arguing at all. Many diffilculties had arisen due to differing interpretations of their silence, but fortunately Ajax, being a half Sanhedrin, knew these things.
Aurora Aurora nodded, promptly turning invisible. She ignored the slightly surprised blinks in her direction as she literally winked out of sight, but she was already gone. Striding silently over to where Oliver was near the other two, she stood close enough that she could jump to his side if need be, but was also far enough away to avoid being bumped into on accident. She also remained quiet on part to keep Oliver from becoming aware of her presence. His act would be all the more convincing if he did not know anyone had followed him.
Uiron and Orielle Nedrayur, and Oliver Douway Uiron looked towards the sky for a short moment longer. He was caught in the nostalgia of his most previous visit to the planet of Surmarack, many years ago. Before the war, before he lost his arm, before his parents were dead. He suddenly let go of his sister's tight grip and felt the area where his arm was once connected. He stood there, the light breeze rushed across his face. His black eyes set on the beautiful sky as he sat his arm to his side, not again intertwining his fingers with that of his sister's. He thought of his generous parents. He thought of the night of their death. He put his hand on his forehead. He saw images that flashed in his head, rain. He could see and hear rain falling. The image was there for a short moment but the sound lingered. He suddenly saw darkness, then the sound of broken glass rung in his eardrums, but it didn't match the flashing image of blood dripping on the floor. He soon saw the outside of their large house during the rain. The sound of blood dripping was heard as he relished over the house they no longer lived in. The large white walls on the exterior, the columns, and large roof. The steps that led to the main door, and even the mosaic glass windows. They were fortunate to live in such a house. Soon lightning could be heard, it rung loud in his ears, and the only image he could see was two bodies laying on the floor. One atop of the other, both pierced by a large spear, and blood spreading across the floor. His body tensed up, and the sound stop as suddenly the only image he could see was a glowing smile among darkness. Yet, he was awoken by the word of a younger sounding voice. He opened his eyes to be greeted by a young boy who stumbled upon getting his name correct. "Pardon me, Lord Uiron, Lady Orielle, but the highpriestess sent me to fetch you." "Yes, I am he. And this is my sister Orielle. Are you implying that you have been sent by Klara. I heard she had a young student who was rather..." he stopped and thought. "...enthusiastic." he continued studying Oliver's personality and body movements. "Yes," replied Oliver, a breeze of uncertainity touching his voice. "It's my life's wish to become one with the faith," he added, his gaze steadying. Being destined to become a Lord Oliver wasn't intimidated to deal with highborns, yet he couldn't betray his true heritage to Uiron. "I hope your travels have been safe," said Oliver, doing his best to gain their trust. "If you'd please follow me, Mylord, Mylady." Orielle nodded towards the boy, relieved that their wait had ended. "Thank you," she replied, "I was beginning to worry you may have forgotten about us, but no matter. I'm grateful that you have come." She took a step forward as she studied him. So young he was, almost as young as she had been when she walked Coranum's streets alone. Although, Orielle hoped his fate was better than hers. After a slight pause, she continued, "You know our names, but we don't know yours, young one. Care to tell us?" Uiron looked at him also. "Yes, that would be quite fine." he said to Oliver moving his arm as if he was signaling Oliver to lead off the docking station. Oliver opened his mouth then shut it again. He wrecked his mind, he felt lying was safer in a way, yet it would be more dangerous if they'd find out. Every second that he hesitated made him look either like a fool, or an imposter and he'd rather not be called either. "My name's Oliver," then it struck him that maybe they knew the name of the one that was really supposed to fetch them. "At least that's what the highpriestess named me, she has been very kind to me. 'Oliver will be your name' she said to me 'since you have parents of your own', she is very much looking forward to seeing you Lord Uiron," said Oliver. He hoped his lies would replenish what trust he had lost in his initial hesitation. He lead the way and began to walk towards the entrance, all the while making up stories about the priestess, telling them how great she was. He just hoped it was enough. Uiron heard the resistance and hesitance in his voice and his eyes squinted then widened. "No need to be nervous to such an amount." said Uiron reassuring him. "Yes, Oliver, any friend of Kalara is a friend to us." Orielle said, giving him a reassuring smile. "Among friends there is no need to worry. Anyway, I am glad to hear Kalara is faring well due to the circumstances. Many rumors abound on the fate of Coranum." Oliver lead the two out of the dock, his innards began to stir, he clenched his hands to trying to hide his trembling hands. He could feel a shimmering in the air, like heat rippling the air. Except, it wasn't heat someone was following them. Oliver stopped and glanced over his shoulder, but he couldn't see anyone. He wasn't aware Aurora had volunteered to shadow him. "We are being followed," he hissed to Uiron and Orielle. He bit his lip, Uiron and Orielle seemed kind and caring, who'd want to follow them? "You shouldn't have come here, Coranum is in total lockdown, now that you are in, you can't get out," said Oliver darkly, he waited until two red-coats had passed, tugged at Orielle's sleeve and guided them into an dark, muddy alley. Bewilderment flashed across his eyes, that something was still following them and Oliver, being of a caring nature, began to wrry for Uiron and Orielle's fate. He couldn't just leave them behind in a city they didnt know without protction or guidance, there was a reason nobles had bodyguards, and the situation was tense enough as it was. Brutal honesty seemed the only option. Oliver bit his lip and fiddled with his finger, he took a deep breath before looking Ution in the eye. "I wasn't sent to fetch you, someone else was," he slurred. "I don't know who!" he shrieked pre-emptively, putting his hands in the air and backing into a wall. He hoped they would allow him to finish what he had to say. Uiron and Orielle looked unsurprised, Oliver's words had been already acknowledged, due to prior observations. "Yes, Orielle noticed our pursuer a while ago." Uiron told Oliver. "Orielle even suggested fighting him, though I told her it was unadvised." he continued. Orielle frowned, having been 'betrayed' by the child. "Why would you lie to us?" she asked with a frown plastered on her face. Her beautiful eyes grew wide and shimmered. Uiron look down the alleyway. "I am going to address him." Uiron said turning his whole body sot hat it faced the direction he was looking. He began to walk down. Orielle stopped him and he looked towards her as he noticed her hand upon his shoulder. "Let me handle this." she insisted. "I have it under control." Uiron said denying her request. Orielle turned back towards Oliver and looked deep into his eyes. "Why did you lie?" she asked once again.
Oliver Douway Yes, Orielle noticed our pursuer a while ago. Oliver gasped. "You knew?" He bit his lip, his brows meandered into a worried frown. He was about to ask more but Orielle pressured him. Why did you lie? "I-," his jaw locked "I, can't tell why. It's a secret." He stood on the tip of his toes, trying to look past Orielle. She was blocking his only way out. There was a tightening of his muscles, his skin ripled every so slightly, the veins underneath it thickened. He was ready to dart past Orielle if need be, he didn't think she would be able to catch him if he did. "Can I go now?" he pleaded, hoping they would go easy on him. But he doubted it, they were in a foreign city, led into some pauper alleyway by a mere child, it would be a miracle if they did let it slide, Oliver thought.
Renegade in the Capital 'Wow... so this is the capital. Never imagined it would be this large,' thought young Riviera, a Sanhedrin warrior cloaked in black. And to her crimson eyes, there was indeed reason to be awed. She was in Coranum, after all. Its buildings pierced the clouds up above, artificial lights glimmering like jewels. All around her, shops and stalls bloom with their colorful wares, drawing people in with the enticing prospect of owning state-of-the-art technology, or just a handful of delightful accessories and dresses. But probably what amazed her the most was the sheer amount of people walking to and fro the sidewalks, going in and out of buildings with somewhat a dogged purpose. People from all the races, mingling together, laughing with each other, some even holding hands as they walk unabashed in the heavy crowd. And there were only a few who donned black robes - a sign of their mysterious heritage as Sanhedrin. Riviera noticed that the crowd would give way to these robed figures, either from fear or reverence or both. Even Riviera herself was being avoided, though she wouldn't be surprised. Her cloak was torn and tattered, and she was walking around barefooted. But this was exactly the type of behavior that she wanted to change, for the good of the Sanhedrin. 'If only those fools would see reason, then people would be less afraid of us and more open to communicating with us. We have so much to share - a heritage rich in culture and history - and we keep it all to ourselves. I have several Sanhedrin dishes that I'm sure many would love, and I know Lady Jessica Vandemir was - is a fan of my cooking.' The memory of her name rekindled the fires of purpose within young Riviera. She hadn't quite forgotten the treachery that caused the great House Vandemir to collapse. Taking vengeance was surprisingly the least of her priorities; she was more worried about the welfare of her Lady to think of ways to exact revenge. Her heart could not be stilled because she had failed the House, failed to repel the attacks, failed to save the Great Lord and Lady from death. Only when she sees Lady Jessica safe in one piece would her guilt be put to rest. 'First off, I need to gather information. I can't start a search without any good leads; that last one almost got me killed by a roving band of bandits,' Riviera looked up at a road sign that directed her to the spacedocks just a couple of blocks away. 'That would probably be a good place to start. Better than a bar, at least. More results, less gropers.' She made her way to her destination, never failing to notice the crowd parting to accommodate her. A thought popped in her head, and she decided to have good fun with it. The black tank top underneath her clock began to slightly glow, the runes embroidered on it amplifying her telepathy. Then with a bit of effort, she projected a shout to every person next to her. Their reactions was more than amusing, ranging from mild shock to falling flat on the ground on their butt. It might be insignificant to others, but to Riviera it was the small beginning of breaking the wall between Sanhedrin and the rest. After all, who would expect a Sanhedrin to pull off a petty prank like that? 'But the news was right after all... The Emperor is dead. I could fell a bit of it in their psyche, a persistent dark cloud in their consciousness. That just means I need to get to my Lady as fast as I can. If a war were to break out, I want to be by her side, protecting her.'
Orielle's Intimidation "Can I go now?" Orielle's frown remained. Fear had settled in her heart; fear not for herself, but for this child. There had to be a reason why he would give into the corruption of deceit. "No you may not go," Orielle said, her tone sharp. "You cannot go, until you answer our questions, Oliver...if that is your name." Orielle shifted her staff from one hand to the other, the wing tips glimmering in the shade of the alley. She was no more than a few inches taller than the boy, but still held herself like a warrior. "On Soyenus we take lying very seriously. When one lies that means that trust does no longer remain. And without trust, one will get nowhere in life." "Let me tell you a story, Oliver." She continued, her grey eyes unmoving. "I was once like you. Long ago, in what began of these streets, I walked. Alone...waiting, watching for a moment of meaning. A moment, when I could be something of worth, someone great. But then I did something wrong, a crime that turned my whole life upside down. And if not for Uiron here, I would be nothing." Her voice grew soft as she spoke, twirling her staff out of habit. "By knowing you for this brief time, Oliver, I believe you have goodness inside you. But, by not revealing the truth to us, a fate similar to mine could happen to you. I know you don't want that and I as well, don't want that. Believe me, young one, I know all about secrets...past and present; how they can destroy." Orielle's voice dipped into a dark tone, but only for a moment. "So tell me Oliver, dear. If not for Kalara, who do you work for? I suppose you live with someone, do you not?"
Aurora "It is not who he works for, but who works for him." Aurora stepped in front of Orielle, promptly becoming visible again. Despite the startled look as the young woman jumped back, Aurora bowed slightly to show that she meant no harm. "I am Aurora. Please forgive my abrupt appearance, but I could not stand the idea of Oliver going alone with two strangers. You could say i am his caretaker -though he freed me from my previous master at risk of his own life." Then, not caring for appearances, she crossed her arms and glanced sideways at the boy a frustrated look on her face. "I really need to teach you how to be more sensitive to the Flow i use. Most people bend it, i obliterate it. There is no Flow where i stand." she explained quietly.
Oliver Douway. Oliver flinched when Aurora appeared. "It was you, wasn't it? You followed us," said Oliver. He cocked his head, a strain came over his face. "Why did you follow us? Aren't we going anymore?" His face brightened at the possibility. Perhaps their trip to the Jarns had been delayed, or better still cancelled. He slid underneath Orielle's arm and stood next to Aurora. He could tell that neither Uiron or Orielle would let him or Aurora go until he had answered her questions. "I am not afraid," he confided to Aurora, he could tell by the sting in her voice that she regarded Uiron and Orielle as enemies rather than friends. He tugged Aurora's sleeve, signalling that now would be a good time to walk away.
Trying to be a Hero A fight was breaking out in an alleyway, or so it appeared to Riviera. Her hand unconsciously gravitated towards the handle of her weapon, eager to draw it out for the sake of protecting others. But every second she spent doing other things was a second she could have used to find her Lady. So it was with a bit of effort that she looked away from the scene, falling back into the obscurity of the crowd. And she could have gotten away with it too, if it weren't for the nervous-looking boy who was cornered by small Isthus girl with a strange-looking staff. 'By the forgotten deities, that's Oliver Douway. What is he doing here? And who is that other girl with him?' Riviera shook her head, the earlier resolve to stay away slowly eroding. 'It doesn't matter. Now that I think about it, should I need a reason to help someone out? After all, who would expect a Sanhedrin to go out of her way just for that?' Muttering a quick apology to her Lady, she started to draw in the Flow around her. The silvery runes glowed once again, their power flowing through her body, electric currents converging in her mind, making everything sharper, clearer. Crimson eyes locked onto the Isthus woman, and Riviera shot out a burst of telepathy to the girl, hoping to draw her attention. 'You leave that boy alone! Pick on somebody your own size!!' ...she had actually messed up, and allowed the message to carry over to the rest of the party inside the alleyway. It didn't matter to Riviera; what mattered was directing all attention to her, the Sanhedrin renegade who stops to give out random acts of kindness.
Uiron After walking down the alleyway and looking back he saw that a young Isthus girl had appeared. She looked near his age, in appearance, but he was unable to tell her age from such a distance. Yet he could hear their conversation. It turned out that the Isthus girl was the one who had pursued them. Uiron's face was covered in a scowl for the girl who was talking so disrespectfully to his own flesh and blood. He began to run down the alleyway swiftly until he heard a voice that had distracted him. 'You leave that boy alone! Pick on somebody your own size!!' Uiron's ears puckered. It was an unfamiliar voice. His eyes turned and he spotted a person who was heavily dressed in black. The voice was easily identified as a female, yet he had no problem with confronting her if necessary. His cape moved with his swift movement, he turned his head toward one of the two walls of the alleyway. After his speedy reaction he turned his whole body toward the female cloaked in black. She resembled a Sanhedrin. Uiron jumped towards her, flying through the air like a spear, yet only a foot of the ground, his one kick gave him much distance. He would be right in front of her within seconds. His eyes were filled with curiosity for the female and could be seen even with them completely dark. Usually he would let Orielle handle her own problems, though he wanted her to get as much information out of the boy as possible, plus he felt as if he could confront her without starting a fight. This newcomer had not yet attacked but she may have been thinking of doing so, once he got close enough to her. He would decide to talk. He tried to communicate with his sibling via the Flow. Though, considering he was more talented in manifestation, his message was a little fuzzy."Ori...scchshsshsh....co...schsch..ect...scccshcsh...infor....shshshs." said the voice in Orielle's head. She could understand who it was, yet there were constant fuzzy noises interrupting his statement.
Hangar XR-1B Malief watched as David paced back and forth along the dock of hangar XR-1B, his fists clenched into rocks and his steps crashing down like hammers. “Can we just go already?” He muttered at no one in particular. Three hover transports had been and gone from hangar XR-1A since they had arrived, and monotonous clunking of metal from each vehicle docking and undocking was getting to him. Malief was not quite so obvious, yet underneath his robe he twiddled his shadowy thumbs around and around and around. Perhaps it was the apprehension more than anything; the fact that this would be the first meeting of his new number two and unlike the others that came before, this one had no file. No records. No information. Nothing. They were either a nobody, a two bit thief fleshed out from the depths of Coranum’s bile infested hells… or they were a ghost, the kind that all mortals feared – highborn or flea bottom. He sweated at the thought and hoped for the former. A loyal dog was always better to control than a modern day nightmare. “Ugh why isn’t it here yet!” David’s moaning broke his daydream and he rolled his white eyes under the cover of his hood. The thought of another delightful rant from his Lord was enough to want to throttle the child, but he readied himself and returned a steely gaze to fully enjoy the whinge. “I mean weren’t we supposed to leave sharply and efficiently, so that no one noticed us and no one suspected anything?” His question was rhetorical, but he had a point. “We have been standing here for ten minutes; not concealed in disguise or hidden away, but in broad daylight with the only Sanhedrin in Coranum that wears a red robe, and the only one that wears goggles damn it!” Now that the subtlety was completely out the window, most commoners could clearly spot Lord Douway, raving like a mad king at the steps of hangar XR-1B. “Not to mention you’re half human, you shadowy freak.” He thrust a fleshy sword at the pair of them. “Both of you are damned, shadowy freaks. I have waited far too long already.” “And you will not wait a second longer, David.” A voice colder than the edges of space cracked sharply behind him. The words sent a shiver through his spine and he turned, slowly, to see the black transport waiting for him in hangar XR-1B. Ever fibre in his body curled as he saw the figure standing right behind him, as if he had been there the whole time. The tall, thin looking cretin was covered head to toe in light weave titanium armour; it sat so perfectly on them it was almost a second skin. The pattern of sun kissed orange and black made them look like an angry hornet, ready to strike at any moment. David stumbled quickly over to Ajax, dragging the Sanhedrin in front of him as a shield. “Who… who are you?” He asked behind the shadowy wall. The shrill voice in the black and orange mask simply replied. “I am Lord Malief’s steward. I am Seven.”
Orielle Orielle's eyes lingered on the young Isthus girl until Oliver slipped beneath her arm, expertly dodging her questions. While she debated whether to grab him by the collar, a loud voice rang out for her to stop. Orielle's brow scrunched in confusion. Picking on the boy? He was the one who had lead them into the alley! As Orielle looked for the source of the voice, she soon realized Uiron had already gotten to it first. A peculiar someone cloaked in black. Orielle laughed lightly. She hadn't seen this much action since the War...and she quite liked it. Taking another step towards Oliver and Aurora, she smiled. "I have not the slightest idea what is going on, but I must say it's exciting. You two young ones must put on a show all the time, hm?" Orielle chuckled again, giving her staff another twirl. As she did, she felt a hard tap into her mind, like a knock on a door. A raspy voice soon followed, desperately pushing to get through. "Ori...scchshsshsh....co...schsch..ect...scc cshcsh...infor....shshshs." With a grimace, Orielle rubbed her forehead. She made a mental note to help Uiron practice in the work of Flow telepathy. But, she'd received the message nonetheless. "Let's get a few things straight here, shall we?" Orielle continued, studying the two in front of her. "Firstly, I am not here to play games. Secondly, I am not here to hurt you. And thirdly, I am only wanting to know why you both would associate yourselves with Lord Uiron and I. Why were you even at the station? There is a reason for everything under the stars, this I know." Despite her tone, Orielle's smile remained untouched. "Oliver and Aurora you have three options before you. You can either tell me the truth, lie, or run. Of course, it's your choice. But I do pride myself in being a fast runner, just ask Uiron over there."
Impressions and Elves 'I believed I called for the girl, not you,' Riviera said, projecting her voice via telepathy to the man standing right in front of her. Sanhedrin like herself have no mouths, so they aren't capable of conventional means of communication. They could, however, use the Flow in order to send her thoughts to others, or create minute vibrations in the air that can emulate human voices. Of course, Riviera had no intention of speaking out loud at the moment; she'd rather let her mind or sword do the talking. Both of them, if she could help it. That display of speed from the Isthus man sent a jolt of excitement through her, a warrior's drive to spar with an equal and learn more about their styles. But she held it in, reminding herself that Oliver Douway's safety was a priority. The woman standing next to him was someone of concern, but she appeared to be his guardian of some sort. For now, Riviera would deal with the Isthus man, and later with the Isthus girl. She'd rather do it with words, though the low humming from her weapon suggested otherwise. 'Why are you cornering that young boy over there? What do you want from him?' Riviera said, still using telepathy but this time focused on the Isthus pair. 'I didn't think your kind could go this low, threatening a harmless-looking kid in a dark alleyway.' She kept her hands ready to draw Tsukikanade at a moment's notice. The runes on her clothes shimmered with a faint light, power waiting to be unleashed on command. She didn't think that this would devolve into a fight, but it never hurts to be prepared.
Uiron He stopped himself quicker than humans eyes can see. Instead of sliding from the force of his projection, he stood up straight, seemingly having complete control over his body. Suddenly his faced turned to that of absolutely no emotion, he looked at the girl. His eyes stared deep into hers, and then his hand rubbed down his face. Obviously showing that he was either annoyed or confused. He looked at the Sanhedrin woman at his eyes once again stared into hers deeply, trying to make sure his message was as clear as possible. "I have no knowledge of who this child is. And, my sister and I do not intent to harm him. He lead us into this alleyway, pretending to be the one who was sent for us by the High Priestess to guide us to the Suvos Mactan Temple. For he is the one who got himself into this predicament. If you would like to give us information on who he is, you may? Though, I would honestly rather you just move aside and allow me to make my way back to the docking station so I may meet my actual escort." he said in a low but stern voice. He had no time to play games on this planet, he needed to talk to the High Priestess.
'Hah, you expect me to believe you?' Riviera scoffed. 'No matter how you cut it, there are two intimidating Isthus - probably with less-than-savory intentions - looming down on a scared young boy and another Isthus who's probably his guardian. You're gonna have to make a better cover story than that if you want to convince me.' She suddenly flared her runes, the ancient symbols glowing brightly in the dimness of the alleyway. Powerful currents ran through every inch of her body, turning her muscles into coiled springs ready to jump at a moment's notice. She turned to meet the man's gaze with her crimson eyes, now bright red from the influence of the Flow. 'I AM NOT GOING TO REPEAT MYSELF,' her mental voice boomed at the Isthus pair, seeking to overwhelm them by sheer telepathic pressure. 'I DON'T CARE IF YOU HAVE ANYWHERE ELSE TO GO OR PEOPLE TO MEET. ALL I CARE ABOUT IS THAT BOY'S SAFETY. SO GET ON YOUR WAY, UNLESS YOU WANT TO HAVE A LITTLE DANCE.'
Ajax Ajax had expected David's impatience to take over, one minute of waiting was an eternity in the lad's mind, especially when they were waiting on the little one. He laughed quietly to himself, apparently Malief and he had something in common after all, they both remained perfectly calm under David's ranting. Ajax was about to calm the hot-tempered boy down when Malief's escort arrived. A man in titanium armour stepped out, every fibre of his body oozing with superiority and power. David proved himself to be a coward and shoved Ajax forward. He let his goggles slide over the man, it was indeed one hundred percent weaved titatanium, Ajax had rarely seen such fine and strong armour in his life, a tingle of jealousy crept into his heart. “I am Lord Malief’s steward. I am Seven.” The man's voice was soothing like Malief's but cold, it seemed to slice through the air. Ajax decided that Malief wasn't so bad after all, not compared to this man. "Queer name, seven," replied Ajax, his voice like a low rumble. "What is it you call yourself again Malief? Number one? Pardon me, the number one?" Oliver Douway Much happened all at once. One moment his ears drummed with an unfamiliar voice, then there was a Sanhedrin, a female one it appeared. Oliver noticed how short she was, but what she lacked in height, she made up for in courage. Her voice bashed into his mind, she was here to help him. That much was obvious, but why? In the mere seconds that Oliver was granted to look at the Sanhedrin he decided he'd never seen her before. Emotions began to run high, all because of him. All because he'd decided to be honest, he'd not wanted any of this. Their stealthy, smooth escape from Coranum had been ruined, shattered, by him. "Stop it!" he yelled at the top of his lungs. He kicked up his feet and stepped between the Sanhedrin and Uiron, with what little muscle he had, he tried to push the two apart. "Stop it, please stop it!"
Aurora "Lord, best not get into anything you cannot handle." Aurora said calmly, scooping up the boy out of harm's way. Glaring at the two with blazing emerald eyes, the Isthus seemed close to losing her patience. She wasn't even nervous around the young man. Turning to the Sanhedrin, Aurora's ears quirked in the direction of the docks as if catching something. "We do not mean any of you ill intent, we just nee dot get to our ship now. And the only way to do that was to get rid of your guards." she said bluntly, then placed her hand on Oliver's forehead and the boy felt a jolt of energy run through him, and his balance immediately went wonky. If she hadn't been holding him, the child would have dropped to the ground like a stone. "Now, Lord Douway's energies are running high -even i can sense them from here. We need to be going. No one was threatened here, and if someone was -" she pointed to the balance-nulled Oliver- "they would end up like him. Now, if' you'll excuse me..." she finished, waiting for someone to move out of her way.
