Return of the Emblem Chapter Seven: Reunion

[Phoenix]

Thank You

"Aaaand Sea King worship." he said, saying what he was writing as it went on paper. "Okay, that should be fine. Thank you for your time, Miss Thirdgem." After that, the notebook was closed and put away. "Sorry for the hold up. The others should be finished shortly, and then you will all be let in, I suppose."

[Mercakete]

"Shhh!" Gytha hissed in a slight panic. "Please, just call me Gytha," she half-pleaded, half-urged.

[ReformBlade]

"Uh..." Really? Shoulda seen that one coming... "I'm from uh..." Hand on her chin, Aneda had to think about this one for a moment. I'm technically from there but I hate saying so but then... " Ahem, I'm from Ursentius... I guess." Cracking a quick smile to try and seem sure about herself didn't help her feel any more at ease about anything. This is so dumb, snap out of it already! He died due to his own arrogance, it wasn't your fault. It was his inability that lead to his death, so stop feeling like it was your problem to fix! But still... so young, it's just so... "So sad..." she mumbled without thinking.

[Acacia Sgt]

The guard was now making his way back. His expression showed a frown. <Finally, I'm through with this.> He was thinking. <... and I can't believe I was the one to blink first...> He took one last glance back. The wyvern was no longer glaring at him, as he still had during the first glances he gave when he was leaving. ''<Wyverns...>'' He quietly grumbled before continuing on.

-----

Meanwhile, John had been waiting, leaning against Gil. <For such an interview, it sure was lenient.> He thought. <My answers were so generic. But, then again, they're still correct.> He shrugged. <In any case, good thing I could avoid going into detail. Now it's just a matter of waiting I guess.>

-----

With her interview done, Sophia was now waiting for everyone else to finish. As she did, she was gazing at the palace itself. I wonder what the inside is like. She was thinking. It could be the royal palace of Ursentius could not compare with this one. She wondered. Well, I guess we'll soon find that out.

Edited January 11, 2012 by Acacia Sgt

[Snowy_One]

"Some people tell stories that many of the large stones found in the fields and mountains in certain ways are the bodies of a ancient people. While I do not personally believe this, that is an example of how it is localized. Just put me down as 'unaffiliated' if 'local' does not count." she said. She didn't want this to become a point of contention and wanted to finish this Q&A session fast.

[Phoenix]

Some End; Some Continue

With the questioning of Gytha concluded, the soldier returned to his Captain. Robin's particular had asked everything he needed to as well and said "Alright. Thank you for making this easy for us. We are done here." With that, he jotted down a couple of side notes, closed the notebook, put it and the writing utensil away, and turned to leave.

The soldier was satisfied with the answer 'Ursentius' and was about to move onto the next question when he heard the woman utter something puzzling. "Sad? What is sad?"

The Rexians that were traveling with the group were being questioned as well, but a good hearing soldier from earlier remembered what Raquel had said, and began a different line of questioning, moving the soldier who had been questioning her aside. <"So then, Tamina is it? What brings you to Sanctuary?">

<"I want a better life. All of us do.">

<"Yes, yes, you all want better lives."> he nodded as he spoke, blatantly and rudely feigning sympathy. <"... even the rebels want it.">

<"So that's what this is about. You think I'm a spy, don't you?"> she asked, shrinking a bit.

<"Heheh ... we'll see. Tell me, Tamina, did Lady Aisha answer your prayer ...? Or did you just hitch a ride with these foreigners and their witch hoping we wouldn't catch on, hm?"> Tamina couldn't answer. She was already intimidated and saw the man's hand firmly on the hilt of his sword. When he unsheathed it, she took several steps back and kept fearful eyes on him while her hands searched desperately for her tome. She didn't have it. It was stored in the saddlebags with the rest of Asad's group's weaponry. <"Did you answer you prayer or not?! Did you even offer up a prayer, you deceitful outsider?!">

[Mercakete]

"Hey, what's this all about?" Norbert asked, stepping into the conversation between Tamina and the Rexian who was threatening her. He'd just been idling until he saw her being threatened. Rizen followed him, but stood more off to the side as he half made his own body a barricade between the two. The Rexian woman had been very helpful and understanding to him before. He didn't see why this guard was pulling a blade on her.

[Acacia Sgt]

<Hm, what is happening?> John thought, looking over. <Now I see what they say about those trying to get into Sanctuary.> It seems Bert had decided to interfere. <And he had to get in-between them. Hopefully this won't bring bigger problems.>

-----

The sudden situation between the Rexian and Tamina was worrisome, yes, but perhaps it has now two-folded when Bert decided to interfere. Wait, he's not really...? Sophia thought. This is bad.

Edited January 12, 2012 by Acacia Sgt

[Phoenix]

Confrontation

"This woman who has been traveling with you is not welcome here!" the Rexian stated, holding his sword at his side quite firmly. "You people are obviously with the witch, so it cannot be helped, but these people are simply riding your coat tails and she has no place here!"

"That's enough!" Asad yelled, stepping into the situation as well. He took a position opposite Bert which left Tamina completely covered, and unlike her, he had remembered to retrieve his weapon. He quickly drew his sword up to the guards neck, forcing the man to lean back. The guard's gut reaction was to swipe at the sword and back off, a reaction he performed flawlessly and in a split second. Now there was some distance between the guard and the two men guarding Tamina.

"Your whole group is nothing but rebel dissenters, is it not?" the rexian asked, and a slew of archers seemed to show up out of nowhere with arrows pulled back.

"Well ... we made it this far ...." Asad muttered. The situation didn't escape the High Priestess' notice and she contemplated her options during the standoff.

[Acacia Sgt]

John shook his head. <Great, just great.>

Scratch that, it was ten-fold. That makes it clear as day, Sophia thought. he attracts trouble.

[Mercakete]

Drawing the sword and going so far as to attack the guard was going steps further than Norbert thought was necessary, but before he could do anything, several archers had their arrows noched and aimed at them. "Why the heck did you do that?!" Norbert asked Asad, "Attacking a guard at the palace? Are you crazy?!" With a frusterated sigh, he lightly snapped, "Put away your sword; this is stupid."

From there, the pegasus rider boldly and unflinchingly walked right up to the captain, crossed his arms and spoke, clearly irritated. "Ever hear of talking? You know, maybe peacefully trying to make sure the people you're threatening are actually deserving of what you're about to do to them?" he asked before half-turning to face Asad again and saying, "The same goes for you! Pulling a sword on a guard in the capital is stupid, especially when you're trying to prove your innocence. Since you did that, you won't have it as well-off anymore no matter what it comes to." Again, he faced the captain. "Here's what I have to say: our groups decided to go together to this city because we needed their supplies and they wanted travelling companions. They helped us out so I'm not inclined to just let you jump to conclusions about whether they're criminals or not. How about you keep them someplace secure until you're done with a thorough examination then decide if they should be let loose or punished? Sounds a whole lot more fair than killing them here and now to me at least."

[-Cynthia-]

Veronika

" I was born in Kievan Rus, Neviskotia. I don't exactly have an occupation, though my family is involved with Neviskotia's military. I'm not a spiritual woman either. Do those answers suffice?" she asked the man. Might as well just be honest here, me being a devotee of Aisha would be pretty unlikely and lying would look unnecessarily suspicious.

Nadya

"Well I haven't met many Rexian men so far. Amon's all right, Asad helped us out, as did you," she said, smiling at Haythem. "Least favorite would be easier- your captain's a real piece of work." From the corner of her eye, Nadya saw the scene with the guard and one of the travelers. I figured they weren't exactly legitimate or else they woulda found Sanctuary by themselves, but this still seems kinda unfair. We barely got in ourselves though, not gonna jeopardize our survival chances here.

[Phoenix]

Questions

The rexian wrote down Veronika's answers, all in order, and then shut up the notebook. "Thank you for your time." Around then, he noticed what was going on over by Asad's group and drew his sword. He used his other hand to block off Veronika saying "Please stand back." in a calm voice.

Haythem sighed at the sight of the confrontation muttering "Today just had to be the day we got spies. This will just take a second, Miss Nadya, heheh ..."

Backlash

"Do you know what these Sancturan guards are like, Norbert? They kill people they decide our infiltrators. You saw that man, Mansur. If they even do have prisons, I'm sure they are nearly empty. Is that what Lady Aisha preaches?! Is it?!" Asad's words were very cutting and he seemed as if he was aiming to kill some who heard with them. The guard wasn't directly hurt by them, but he responded just the same.

"You know nothing of Sanctuary, outsider dog! Shut your mouth this instant, or we'll have you dragged through the streets back out into the desert and left to rot!" The guard's words were more centered on threats and there wasn't a doubt he was dead serious. "And you ..." Yes Bert ... "You stay out of this! They would never have gotten this far if not for you people and your witch!"

"... are they really spies, or are you frothing at the mouth over a breach of procedure?" Lilith asked. She didn't want to be blamed for this if they turned out to be innocent, so best to ask.

"They ..." Lulu spoke up but paused. "Lady Aisha did not lead them here. They are either spies or desperate outsiders, but she did not answer their prayers and guide them here, so they don't belong."

"Right. That is why you will put down your weapon and surrender." the guard said to Asad.

"Why would I lay down my blade, when it made no difference for my siblings?" Asad raised his sword up again and pointed it accusingly at the guard. "When that unit showed up, and tried to harass Miss Lilith, and eventually struck her down, I knew for certain ... I knew for certain that you Sancturans were all the same elitist parasites I had grown up hearing stories about! If you are Lady Aisha's elect, then you all deserve to be destroyed! The rest of the nation suffers while you disgusting bigots live in luxury! ... we were ... hoping to ... assist the rebel forces in exchange for gold. They needed the northeastern region of the desert charted so they could pinpoint the Sanctuary. We wanted to go a step further and find it. Someday ... in our lifetime ... the rebels would bring down the goddess Aisha's empire and bring prosperity to Rex-Avaz, not just this one city!"

<"The rebels are trying to chart the desert now?"> one of the rexian's spoke up.

Haythem gave an unamused look. <"Same crap, different day.">

"Asad ... I'm sure ... your brother and sister wouldn't want us to die here ...." Tamina spoke up.

"They're going to kill us anyway. That's what these Sancturans do once you get too close." Asad shot back.

Having heard all of this, Lulu finally made a decision. She stepped forward and passed up the guard who had started the initial confrontation. "You five don't belong here. Not if you think of us that way. After all, if you stayed, you would eventually become 'elitist parasites' yourselves. So go. You'll be resupplied and sent on your way."

"High Priestess!" the aggressor guard interjected.

"The safety of Sanctuary is important, but this city is to be guarded from our enemies. Not the misguided people we want to eventually come and be here with us. Lady Aisha has no intention of killing her own people, not if they can still be saved. Your job as Sancturan soldiers is to perform the will of your queen and her disciples, not cut down the unconverted. Don't prove to Asad that we're murders by butchering him right outside of the holy palace. Let him and his companions go."

"I ... ... ..." the rexian sheathed his sword. "Yes, High Priestess." The archers backed down, as well.

"A nice facade, 'High Priestess' ..." Asad said coldly, sheathing his sword as well. "If only my siblings had known such kindness, even if it is nothing but a lie. At least they could have come home alive."

"... I'm sorry." she said before quickly putting up her hood and turning to leave. She began walking away in quite a hurry.

[Mercakete]

Things didn't go as well as Norbert hoped, but they could have gone worse. He didn't really care so much about harsh words being thrown around. He'd dealt with and/or ignored that weapon for most of his life. Things seemed to work out in the end as the truth came out and the priestess stepped in to save the kindly spies. The conflict was resolved without a single casualty...and the arguments gave Norbert something to think about and observe durring his stay. "Try not to get yourselves killed on the way out," Norbert advised to Asad and his group.

There really wasn't much more to say to either side. Instead, he thought about what the encounter had shown him: Rex-Avaz was a country with towns, citties and people. It wasn't just Sanctuary and a desert wasteland and it definately wasn't the pretty picture Amon had tried to paint. No decay or oppression my foot. There would have been a civil war by now -- maybe several -- if Aisha wasn't oppressing the rest of her country by making this fortress for herself. He was right on with his guess from when they were more new to the desert: he was liking Rex-Avaz less and less the more he saw it.

[ReformBlade]

Oh dammit. "Look, it's nothing. Just... a sudden death has me kinda jarred still. I shouldn't be feeling this attached at all, but the kid couldn't have been older than fifteen. Sorry, what else do you need to know sir? I'm just kinda adjusting to the realities of life and death, don't mind me!" Her smile was genuine this time around, but she did feel uneasy about the whole situation. "Seriously, what else do you need to know sir?"

[Acacia Sgt]

<Well, and that was.> John thought. <Too bad for Asad and company. But I guess that's how things are, the final word comes from the ones running the place here.>

-----

Sophia sighed in relief. No fight had broken out, and that was already something considering who had decided to get involved. Too bad about them though. She thought. But I guess that's how things are in this country. It's really hard to go against someone like Aisha.

[Phoenix]

Back to Questions

"Alright, then. What is your occupation, and your religion?" the guard asked Aneda.

With the crisis averted, Haythem decided to face Nadya again, because that was quite the interruption. "Okay, then. Next question. Your favorite kinds of places?" Despite this being another irrelevant question, he looked as if he was going to write it down all the same.

After Backlash

"Heh ... she may have told these loose hounds to back down, but only time will tell if we ever make it back to our home. What with wandering patrols and those cursed sandstorms. They can say whatever they want here and now, but our chances are slim to none." Asad replied to Bert before turning to Tamina and the others. <"I'm sure an 'escort' will be along, shortly.">

<"I ... don't want to leave."> Tamina replied, keeping her head down.

<"You heard that woman. We don't belong here. We don't belong with their kind.">

<"I don't ... I just don't want to go back ..."> Tamina responded, tearing up. She hid her face in Asad's chest and said it again. <"I don't want to go back. Please ... talk to them.">

<"Tamina ...">

<"Is this your gimmick? Let people see this place and then dare them to leave only to laugh as they come back begging?"> Asad asked the guard who'd accosted them originally.

<"Heheh ... we don't even want you wretches to lay eyes on this place ... not until you've accepted Lady Aisha. You have no right to be here until you do."> the man then turned toward the group. "None of you people are followers of Lady Aisha. If not for very unique circumstances, you would have never found this place. And barring that, you wouldn't have ever set foot here. Remember that."

"By 'unique circumstances', do you mean me?" Lilith asked, tilting her head toward the man ever so slightly.

"... damn witch ...." the Rexian muttered. <"Get a unit to take these spies out of the city. Tell them to use the southern route.">

<"No ... please ...."> came Tamina's muffled voice. Asad's vest was still serving to hide her tears. Asad grimaced down at her.

<"Officer ..."> Asad said loud enough for the soldier to hear him.

<"Hm?">

<"I ... have a request.">

<"And who said you get to make requests?">

<"Look, you scoundrel ... the rest of us wouldn't be happy living in a place like this while the rest of our loved ones struggle out there, but Tamina doesn't have anyone else. Just us. Would you talk to the High Priestess, again? Would you see if there is any way Tamina can stay behind?">

The guard was clearly reluctant, wincing at Tamina after seeing her cringe. She seemed to be listening and was fearful of the guard's answer. <"Trying to leave a single spy here, are you?">

<"... no ... she will ... have no contact with any of us ever again. We will take all of her belongings with us when we leave, and she will have a fresh start here. I am fairly certain your own security measures can keep her out of trouble following that."> Asad explained defensively. <"You won't have any reason not to trust her once we leave.">

<"She's still not converted ...">

<"She grew up on the same tales that I did. You won't have a new loyal subject in a day but ... it is a start.">

<"So you're just going to hand her over to us elitists, is that it? I don't buy that.">

<"I hate you Sancturans for what you represent, and what you do to people like us ... but at least with Tamina inside this Sanctuary, you military dogs won't be able to mistreat or harm her. As far as I'm concerned, I'm saving a life, not condemning it.">

The rexian sighed. <"... fine. One of you try to catch up to the High Priestess and tell her about this."> He seemed to be looking at Amon for some reason. Amon asked silently by pointing to himself quizzically. The rexian gave him an impatient look and then finally said. <"Go!"> Amon was off, chasing after the recently departed Priestess.

Decisions

It didn't take Amon long running at full speed, and he caught up to Lulu before she even reached the top of the first staircase. <"Lulu!"> he called out, causing her to stop and turn slightly toward him, though her face was still hidden. He started running again and met her up at the top of the first set of stairs. <"There's another situation.">

<"What is it this time ...?">

<"Umm ... Asad wants Tamina to be allowed to stay here in Sanctuary.">

<"... they should all stay here in Sanctuary ... this is so frustrating."> she shot back, clearly upset.

<"The guards aren't going to allow it without your approval so ... it's up to you, Lulu.">

<"Bring Asad and Tamina ... and the other three to me. Lilith and her companions have seen enough of our problems for one day. I'll be waiting in my quarters. Hopefully you and Haythem can help the rest out until I'm finished.">

<"We'll try ....">

[Mercakete]

Norbert listened as Asad spoke to him again. Their situation was unfair. There wasn't really anything he could say, though. Conversation ensued from there, but Norbert couldn't understand any of it. Not until the captain decided to remind everyone that the only reason they were allowed to be where they were was becasue of Lilith. His opinion of the Sanctians only sank further with those words. What makes you so much better than everyone else? Why should outsiders -- even people of the same country as you! -- be treated as underserving of what you quite possibly take for granted?! His slowly burning anger was only evident in his agitated posture and in his eyes. He kept silent, however, as Asad seemed to be showing some form of humility. Norbert could only try to read his tone since he couldn't understand his language. He figured it had something to do with Tamina, whom he was trying to consol about something. Some sort of agreement was made or something like that and AMon was sent off for some reason. Things apparently weren't quite settled yet, judging by how people seemed to be waiting for something.

Gytha had watched the procedings cautiously. If they got into a fight here, they'd probably lose. Things were worked out in the end, though, in spite of how tense the situation got. She didn't have anything to say at the moment. All she could do for now was observe. Her own opinions on the matter were hazey at best so she chose to just look out over the view of Sanctuary that they presently had as she waited for the questioning to be donewith so they could get settled in.

[Acacia Sgt]

Apparently, the whole issue wasn't over. And then that comment directed to them. <Funny he says that.> John thought. <The circumstances are so much different from what he may be thinking, but he is still right.>

-----

I wonder what is happening now. Sophia thought. She then looked over at Asad and Tamina. Poor girl, she must be taking it worst from all of them. How did things ended up this way? Even if it's a Vasilus as ruler, the outcome is still surprising.

[-Cynthia-]

Nadya

"I'm not likin' this desert much, no offense. Too damn hot. I've lived in cities and the plains of Kigen, they both have their ups and downs really. There's a lot of freedom livin' out in the wilds, but not a lot of money to be had. Cities get kinda crowded, but with crowds come opportunity," Nadya said to Haythem. Seems like I'm gettin' a different set of questions...maybe because I'm not from Ursium or Neviskotia?

[ReformBlade]

"A wanabe mercenary!" Aneda sounded almost too happy to say that, her smile wide and cheerful. "But uh... why do you give a f... um..." Covering her mouth and pretending to cough, she tried again, "Ahem, why is my religion any of your concern? I mean, let's think about this for a second. If I believe in a god or multiple gods, that is to say follow their teachings and their preferred ways of life, and they exist, good things will happen. If I don't follow them and they exist, I'll probably be damned which is simply a shame to me. Now, if I DO believe and follow them and they don't exist I get nothing, and if I don't believe in em and they don't exist, again, nothing happens. No matter which why you slice it, it's only affecting me detrimentally or beneficially. I suppose you could argue that a god's power is in how much belief they have in em, but I don't think that's provable to any extent from what I've seen and heard." Galncing down at the floor in concentration, she began to ponder more possibilities before realizing she was leaving the man hanging, "Oh! I do apologize sir. Um... for religiiiooooon... I believe in a higher power. One being waaaaay above everything. Like, there's people who created the world and stuff, I firmly believe someone had to create them and so on and so forth. I guess I believe in an infinitely expanding god, if you will. Dunno what religion you'd call that... Mobiunism? Still have no f... freaking clue why it's of any worth to you though, no offense meant to ya."

[roymbrog]

Both Synthia and Valter were questioned by Rexian guards (their answers weren’t anything special) and then left to their own devices. While Vatler focused on saddling Phyllis, Synthia observed the issue with the Rexians. She felt sorry for them, but wasn’t about to get involved with the possible repercussions.

[Phoenix]

Stuff

Part of Aneda's answer caught Lilith's ear, and she listened in to the rest. The Rexian's own goddess immediately came to mind. "Heh ... well our goddess does exist, and we benefit greatly from her kindness. We want to know if you have any particular religious belief, because it is not only another means of identification and narrowing down people we're looking for, but it can help give us a better understanding of you, personally. The next person to see the information I am taking down will likely have never met you in person, and will not know to what to do should they come across 'two' Aneda Welnon's, unlikely as that is. We only take basic information and observation notes, though." the Rexian explained to Aneda. "And thank you. That is all I need to know. Once the others are finished, you will likely be escorted inside, though you should prepare your mounts for the stables and aeries." he added.

Since anything interesting from that conversation was likely over, Lilith began walking down the path Lulu and Amon had taken. She didn't leave the area, but she was bored of standing around. Of course, she heard a bit of Nadya's exchange with Haythem next, and got curious. "Hahah. Everyone complains about the heat at first, but don't you worry, Miss Nadya. Sanctuary doesn't get nearly as hot as the rest of the desert ... at least not all the time. Nobody's really sure how, but sometimes Lady Aisha has blessed us with some very comfortable temperatures. The needs of the city's farms take priority, so sometimes the temperatures get go up and down." Haythem explained, looking a bit confused on the matter himself.

All these people see of Aisha is high altitude temperature regulating shenanigans, sandstorms, and maybe eternal youth, and she's considered a goddess because of it. They failed to kill me, even with eleven fatal wounds inflicted, then I deconstructed and reconstructed an entire human being without killing them, and I'm a witch. Lilith shook her head. They absolutely refuse to put me in a similar category as Aisha, don't they?

Other Stuff

Amon soon returned, ran right past Lilith, and came up to Asad and Tamina. <"Uh, she wants to see you, all five of you in her quarters.">

<"Why all of us?"> Asad asked.

<"Ask her, yourself."> Amon replied, rather quickly, looking away from the man. <"And don't yell at her. Don't do anything like you've done with the guards. She's not like them."> he added defensively. The guard rolled his eyes.

<"So I suppose we'll be putting their animals into the stables as well, hmm?"> he asked Amon. He nodded in response, and then the guard sighed. He had asked to make certain, but he still didn't like the idea of them being around. <"Alright, we'll have their animals put away as well. Get to it.> Those of you who plan on going inside the palace, ready your mounts. They will not be going in with you." he switched to common to address everyone present. "... and someone take the 'spies' to see the High Priestess ... ugh." The guard couldn't even say it without his disgust becoming a visible expression on his face. A breach of security like this was just insulting.

[Mercakete]

"Can we go with our mounts and meet with the rest later? I'd like to make sure my pegasus is settled myself, not to mention it'd be nice to know where she'll be kept," Norbert asked.

Gytha, meanwhile, walked over to Synthia. "So, what d' ye think o' this place so far?" she asked her teammate. She, herself, was mildly uneasy.

[roymbrog]

The mage turned her attention to Gytha as she approached. “It’s... different,” Synthia answered. “It’s beautiful, I guess, but most of what I’ve seen from the people here I don’t like,” she said, frowning. A lot of the guards seemed arrogant and discriminated against outsiders. She didn’t approve.