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Sat Sep 27, 2008 6:39 am |
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((This is a private RP between CrystalMind and Eriva.))
In the year 2712 AD the majority of world governments collapsed into several independent countries under the strain of constant infighting over energy and resources. For twenty years the Independent Countries fought each other, but resources quickly ran out due to inefficient replenishment of food and wealth. Economies crashed, and the knowledge of electronics and 'modern' weaponry quickly became useless.
For the next eighty years minor government establishments attempted to find ways to get around the hardships, but the only way seemed to be by living with and off the land. Minor skirmishes continued to take place along the borders, but for the most part the focus was on survival. Amid all of this, it was quickly discovered that the old folklore of magic did exist, after all. The elves, centaurs, and fairies were no longer confined to the halls of myth, but walked freely among the humans, though they stayed out of border disputes beyond asserting their own rights to territory.
Being exposed to magic had unforeseen consequences for the human race. When the next generation was born, it was quickly found that a number of the children had odd abilities. Some could control the elements, or had unnatural intelligence, or could change one thing to another with a thought and a word. Seen as a blessing by some, and a curse by others, these 'Mages'-- named for beings of myth, as seemed appropriate for the times --quickly became the pride of the countries, and were used to build up military strength and political might.
Eventually, in 2812 AD, a leader arose among the Mages who united the countries into one government, called the Federation of Allied Countries, with himself as the 'honorary' Emperor. Technology was revived, though on a smaller scale then had previously been known --and Mages became an essential part of the military, often serving as bodyguards to important political figures, though rarely holding office themselves.
Tensions between humans and the other races have grown to a breaking point as feelings of human superiority have taken root among the population. Even among the magical races, tensions rise. Prejudice runs deep when creatures are immortal, and many creatures view humans with the same disdain that humans are inclined to treat them with, and urge their people to strike before the humans do. All the while, the humans' feelings are much the same. The Mages remain silent, continuing in their work of preserving the Federation at any cost, even if it means their lives as payment.
---
Damia Ghest stood silently near the wall. Before her, the senators chattered nervously amongst themselves, preparing to meet their newest visitors from the halls of myth. Their expressions were mostly wary; some were openly hostile. With every delegation they met the hostile expressions grew, and simple caution turned to paranoia.
Relations with the magical beings of Earth were growing rapidly worse. Each decision that the new Emperor made seemed to pressure for more restrictions on those beings that did not quite fit the definition of human. Damia herself had grown a bit worried in recent years as the training standards for Mages had become harder to meet. Instead of peace keepers, they were being trained as soldiers. Their very identities had rapidly become submerged into the simple 'Mage', a goal that was enforced by the dark mask over their faces. A single crystal was set in this mask in the position of the third eye; the symbol of a magic user.
Slate eyes scanned the room relentlessly, searching for even the smallest thing out of place. There was nothing, this time, but that was hardly something to be expected. She watched each senator and the people around them, just as her comrades did from various vantage points around the room. Her left hand itched slightly as a voice broke through her thoughts.
'They're here.'
Every dark-cloaked figure in the room was instantly at attention, their still bodies hidden from view by Damia's swiftly-spun illusion. Seeing the sudden disappearance of their guards, the senators rushed to their seats. Everything was silent.
The Elven delegation had arrived.
Last edited by CrystalMind on Fri Oct 03, 2008 11:58 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Sat Sep 27, 2008 6:54 am |
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Walking in Eriva glanced around at the seated humans before her. The room was large and airy lit by candles for the coming night. Moving to the center of the floor with her two guards and the other delegates behind her she calmly spoke. "Her Majesty, Queen Fiera bids you fond greetings kind senators and wishes you well. I am Eriva Du'Carn of the Fallstone Isles, I too bid you well and am proud to serve as the voice of the Elven delegation." Turning her head to veiw everyone she calmly waited for the return greeting that would come, surpressing a sigh at the useless formalities.
_________________
Thank You CrystalMind for Golden Peace! <3
Thank You Nobunaga77 for Spirit Staff! <3
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Sat Sep 27, 2008 7:08 am |
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Damia's slate eyes were sharp as she studied each member of the Elven delegation, assessing threat levels from behind her black mask. She knew that her comrades were doing the same behind the cover of her illusion, which protected them all, and there was some comfort in that, if comfort was what was needed.
"We welcome you, Delegates," the Speaker said in response to the Elves' introduction, but there was something in his voice that hinted at a lie, "To our beautiful city of Whiteshire. May your stay be pleasant."
Damia listened attentively to each word and it's effects on the foreign dignitaries. What most of the senators knew, but failed to act on, was that a single misplaced word could spark an unintended, violent reaction. The duty of the Senatorial Guard was to spot those reactions before they could translate into physical harm and put an end to them, by whatever means necessary.
A tingle skimmed over her skin as one of her comrades shifted position, her illusion altering to accommodate the action. Still, her eyes remained on the delegation, her own body still.
The Speaker of the Senate completed the formalities, then sat back slightly in his chair. "For what reason do you come to us?"
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Sat Sep 27, 2008 7:23 am |
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Erivas round eyes narrowed the smallest bit at the senetor that spoke's tone but let it pass.
In her scan of the room as she veiwed the senate she noted the lack of the famous senatorial guard, it troubled her slightly untill she felt the familiar tingle of magic in the air. The scent burned down her nose and throat. Whoever was cloaking the senatrial guard was strong in that feild, she would have to be wary if thing did not go well.
"The reason for my visit, so far from my home, is that some of your soldiars have been encroahing upon elven land. Not only that but they have attempted to settle and are demolishing the forests of Shan'adir. In an attempt to negate any bloodshed I have been sent here to have you stop this at once. If nothing is done we may be forced to violence as we will protect our home at all costs."
_________________
Thank You CrystalMind for Golden Peace! <3
Thank You Nobunaga77 for Spirit Staff! <3
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Sat Sep 27, 2008 7:40 am |
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Damia heard the cooling in the elf's voice, and saw the rest of the delegation shift in a way that was almost unnoticeable. The illusionist didn't think that the Elves would actually attack, but the change was enough to put her on her guard, and she could feel her fellows shift as some reached for their weapons. A spark of thought from the Controller-- the only telepath in their group, and therefore the one in charge --froze them instantly.
'Not yet. Wait.'
As always, the contact was brief, but firm. No one made a move to attack after that, though all were prepared.
The Speaker exchanged glances with his fellow senators. "We are aware of no such operation," he said in a vaguely condescending tone, "Perhaps you are mistaken, and simply pointing to the wrong race," his voice became accusing, "Or perhaps you want--?"
Another senator hastily spoke before the Speaker could accuse the elves of warmongering, "What the Speaker means, milady, is only that we have had reports of your people encroaching on our own borders. There is some question as to who is the aggressor, then, as you can no doubt see."
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Sat Sep 27, 2008 5:13 pm |
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Eriva nodded apriciativly at the senator who had interupted the speaker, for his honesty and proper aknowledgement of her rank.
"I see that there is a question indeed, so i have a simple request. If you would, might you send some to investigate the issue to negate any misunderstandings and end any issues. I will be willing to acompany whoever you send to end anything my people have done should your reports prove true."
As she ended she turned her icy gaze to the speaker, then her bright blue eyes scanned the room, gauging the reaction of the senate.
_________________
Thank You CrystalMind for Golden Peace! <3
Thank You Nobunaga77 for Spirit Staff! <3
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Sat Sep 27, 2008 5:37 pm |
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For a long moment there was silence. Then a murmuring arose. Suspicion showed plainly on many faces, open fury colored others. The Speaker's face flushed as he opened his mouth to speak, then closed it, looking around at the rest of the room.
From their hidden place behind Damia's illusion, the Guard was ready to act. The air was tense, and the murmuring was growing louder. The Speaker, whose features had grown almost ugly, opened his mouth to deny the request, but found his tirade interrupted before it had a chance to begin. The young senator who had interrupted him before had stood, now, and was speaking in a clear, calm voice.
"My fellow senators!" he called. The room grew silent, "Our guests have been nothing but polite, and their request is reasonable. I see the suspicion in your eyes, and some part of it resides in my own heart," here, he glanced apologetically at the elven woman who had put forth the request, "However, this is not something that we can leave to the Speaker to decide; not without completely abandoning democracy. Our illustrious Emperor acts with power, yes, but he acts with the people's will behind him. I would call for a vote on this matter." He sat.
The murmurs returned, but in a more thoughtful manner. The Speaker listened for a moment, then stood. "A vote we shall have," he said, reluctance coloring his tone. "Honored Delegates, I am afraid that you cannot be present for this. You will be alerted when we can meet with you again."
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Sat Sep 27, 2008 6:17 pm |
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Through all the murmers and mounting tension Eriva and her companions stood steadfast and calm. They could not possibly deny such a resonable request, shed have to be around some stuffy nosed senators for the few weeks it took to reach the forest of Shan'adir, but she would manage.
Then the speaker opened his mouth and she steeled herself for a biased remark on her request. Before he could speak the younger man rose and interupted him again, supporting her claim and the reason behind it. With anouther nod of appriciation and a small smile in his direction she spoke. "We will of course leave so that our presence does not intimidate any who wish to vote freely without judgement on our part, it is only correct."
With that she turned to leave the room, but not before her smile dissapeared and she turned an cold condesending look upon the speaker. Truly, the younger man should be in charge of this fiasco she thought as she left the room, he was much less biased, polite, all the things a true senator should be.
_________________
Thank You CrystalMind for Golden Peace! <3
Thank You Nobunaga77 for Spirit Staff! <3
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Sat Sep 27, 2008 6:45 pm |
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Damia let down the illusion as soon as the door swung shut behind the Elven delegation, allowing the Guard's physical presence to stall any threats between senators, as had sometimes occurred in years past. The aura of power that the collective Guard issued, however, tended to stop such things before they could occur.
"How dare you," the Speaker seethed, "Not only did you interrupt me, but you overturned my authority! I would have you removed from this senate--"
"I beg your pardon, sir," the younger man said sharply, cutting him off, "But what you would have said could have caused a diplomatic incident. Furthermore" here he cut off the spluttering speaker once more, "I stand by what I said. You may be the speaker of this senate, but you cannot make a decision in the name of the whole when no vote has been cast."
The Speaker, now rather purple with fury, nonetheless spoke in an icy tone, "You cannot expect one of us to go with them. As you said, they are powerful beings. Who knows what trickery they might be capable of? What delusions they might weave?"
"I never intended for one of us to follow them," the younger said after a moment, "for that very reason. Indeed, no human is up to that task--"
"You agree, then! Their request will be denied."
"No."
Damia felt an odd sensation shadow her. Carefully moving her eyes to meet those of her comrades about the room, she could see that they felt the same thing.
The Speaker seemed momentarily speechless. "What?"
"Their request should not be denied. As I said, no human is up to the task." The young senator cast a calculating glance about the room, taking in the dawning realization on the faces of his fellow senators. "But, perhaps a Mage is."
Whispers traveled like lightning through the room. The expressions of the senators grew thoughtful. A chill went through the Guard.
The Speaker rocked back slowly on his heels, giving the younger senator an appraising look, a slow smile making it's way over his features as he nodded.
"All those in favor of sending a Mage?"
---
Fifteen minutes later, a summons was sent to the elves. The Senatorial Guard was once more hidden beneath Damia's illusion, but this time there was no nervous shifting; only still, cold silence.
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Sat Sep 27, 2008 7:00 pm |
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After fifteen minutes a young, rather nervous, messenger came to summon her and the rest of her companions back into the presence of the senate. Outside the doors she gave the young boy a soothing smile and handed him a small silver coin. "Thank you very much good sir, please feel free to do as you like with that."
She then walked through the doors and her smile faded as she felt the coolness in the air, the cold calculated silence. It made her nervous, what could they have possibly decided? Making a point to face the speaker directly, without once breaking eye contact she said, "What decision has been made?"
_________________
Thank You CrystalMind for Golden Peace! <3
Thank You Nobunaga77 for Spirit Staff! <3
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Sat Sep 27, 2008 7:17 pm |
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Damia's mind was blank as she watched the elves enter the room once more. She noted with interest the way that their leader's smile faded when she entered into the room, as if she could sense the Guard's discontent. Alhough, Damia realized only a moment later, she probably could.
The Speaker's imperious air had not faded in the least during the vote. "After some deliberation," he said silkily, "It has been decided that we simply cannot spare a member of the senate for this request."
He paused, enjoying the suspense, "However," he continued, "We have selected a member of the Senatorial Guard to fulfill the need for clarification of the reports."
'Go.'
Damia felt the Controller's presence linger for just a fraction of a moment longer than usual, as if saying goodbye. The Senatorial Guard was a tightly-knit group, and this vote had surgically displaced their well-kept balance.
Acknowledging the order with her own sense of farewell, Damia dropped the illusion about herself while maintaining the cover of her comrades, she stepped forward, appearing to coalesce out of shadow, her slate eyes emotionless behind the dark mask. The illusionist strode silently forward to stand just behind the Speaker's seat.
"This is Damia Geste. She will travel with you for the duration of her mission."
Last edited by CrystalMind on Mon Sep 29, 2008 6:11 am; edited 1 time in total
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Sat Sep 27, 2008 8:14 pm |
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Eriva grit her teeth when she heard they couldnt spare anyone, but said nothing, waiting for the speaker to continue. She wanted to break the pitiful little man in two for so enjoying this tension and for his unnessecary bias against her race. Then he announced that a member of the senatorial guard would accompany them instead and stiffened slightly.
Out of the corner of her eye she saw the woman appear to matirialize out of the shadows and walk up to stand before the speaker. She relaxed visibly when she saw the womans face, feeling a twinge of sympathy. She looked as if she did not wish to go.
She smiled softly at her, hoping to release some of the tension, "Lady Damia you are most welcome to travel with us if that is your wish. A memeber of the guard would be appriciated against the dangers of the open road. You and yours abilities are greatly admired by we elves."
_________________
Thank You CrystalMind for Golden Peace! <3
Thank You Nobunaga77 for Spirit Staff! <3
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Sat Sep 27, 2008 8:28 pm |
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From the edges of the room came motion, a simultaneous shift that the illusionist quickly compensated for, allowing no disclosure of her comrades' positions. Even in leaving them, she would not betray them.
The elf's words were unexpected, raising a shadow of suspicion in the back of her mind. Damia raised her gaze to meet the elf's, but did not speak. The Senatorial Guard was not meant to be heard while in active status; ever-present, but not intrusive.
The Speaker resumed what seemed to be his favorite activity, "She will be traveling regardless," he said firmly, "As is our wish." He would have continued, but the younger senator who had spoken out a number of times before did so again.
"We wish you safe travels, milady," He said, a smile crossing his features. "In hopes that this unnecessary tension can be resolved with minimal conflict."
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Sat Sep 27, 2008 9:01 pm |
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It was taking all of her control not to rush up and smack the speaker in the face. Something she highly dissaproved of was sending others in to do your own work and she considered it weak of them to so fear the outside world.
The younger senator sent his best wishes for her safe travel and she barely managed a return smile to him in her anger. "I too wish this to end quickly with no bad blood left on either side." Turning to adress Damia she said, "Lady Damia you have plenty of time to prepare, for we will be staying for tonights banquet. When you have your things ready have Sela," She waved to a tall Brunette elf behind her, "Show you where to take them. I look foward to your company on the road."
With that said she turned and left the room,heading to her horse to escape to the camp outside of town. She not only needed to prepare for dinner, but some deep meditation should put her mind back in order and release her anger.
_________________
Thank You CrystalMind for Golden Peace! <3
Thank You Nobunaga77 for Spirit Staff! <3
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Sat Sep 27, 2008 9:49 pm |
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Damia nodded in acknowledgment of the Eriva's request, but did not immediately leave the room. She was the last to leave, trailing a step behind the elves, and held her illusion over her fellow Guards for as long as she could before the distance became to great, and she nearly buckled under the strain.
'Let go. We will await your return.'
With reluctant relief, she dropped the illusion, feeling her power flood back to her as she split off from the elven delegates to gather her things. Her quarters were small but orderly, in a wing of the building not frequented by those outside the Guard. Here was the residence of those who walked in shadow, their dark cloaks fluttering about their feet and their eyes expressionless behind their masks. Here were the halls of the Mages, and of the Senatorial Guard.
She knew exactly where her traveling possessions lay, and she gathered them with practiced ease. Her cloak was already hung about her shoulders. Her mask was in place. A spare change of clothing was already laid out in a traveler's sack, along with various hygienic supplies. She started slightly as she came across a small dagger with a note attached.
For when the insubstantial is not enough.
There was no name, but Damia recognized the handwriting. Her brother had some skill in divination. He must have seen this coming. Frowning, she slipped the dagger into her boot, and stored some rations in her traveler's sack, just in case.
She turned to leave, her packing completed.
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