Return of the Emblem Chapter Seven: Reunion

[Acacia Sgt]

''It's not really that surprising.'' John commented on Gytha's question. ''This is a completely different country, so it has it's own rules. Not to mention, this country is not really that actively involved in warfare, at least not as much as the others, so there is not as many opportunities or even the need for such things most likely.''

[Snowy_One]

"If you need help... I am willing to offer it. I do not know how I could be of service to you though. The most I could offer would be to guide you as you walked, but I do not think that is my place." said Robin before shooting Gabbie a harsh look.

"And this is not the same at all. He made a poor decision that ended up directly hurting me. I disciplined him, explained what was wrong, and offered to help. I did not shoot his leg off because he refused to openly kill someone! If I was like Gytha at all, Bert would have gotten his tendons cut in his sleep instead of a blanket put on him to keep him warm."

[Phoenix]

The Maidens

Norbert didn't seem to like their 'ways' much. "What? I don't make the policies around here." Haythem then paused. The responses were quite varied. He was thinking of asking for a little help answering questions from Amon, but he was busy talking with Tairi. All he could really do for the moment was address things as they came up. "Well to clarify, we don't bring anyone to Sanctuary itself, we send out large caravans with military escorts to trade goods. I have been on ... ten of them if I remember correctly. They sell and buy what we need, and then Lady Aisha covers our return with massive storms. People that follow us either get turned around and forced to give up the chase, or they persist and die out in the middle of nowhere."

"Is it just me or does Aisha use a loight touch?" Gabbie commented.

"Makes perfect sense to me, actually." Lilith chimed in. "... looking at it from Aisha's perspective, that is."

Meanwhile Amon and Tairi's conversation continued. <"It's not that she has to have her way necessarily ... she just looks down on everyone else since there's nothing they can do to stop her. Like ... here."> Amon shut his eyes and quickly thought to several instances of Lilith's 'moments'. The first was when she took Raquel's piece of the emblem and the scene played out from his perspective, ending only after she had used her half and assimilated it into her outfit and fused Raquel's with the gem on her cape. What followed were various instances of her stating her mind with complete disregard for those around her. Finally the crowning moment of the vasilus, her quick rebuttal to Captain Mirza. In Amon's thoughts the man's screams were clear as day and his body broke away into a cloud of material before being slowly rebuilt from the ground up. Amon opened his eyes after that. <"See? She's ... just kind of forceful. If nothing can get in her way, she'll do it, 'consequences be damned' sort of.">

While Amon explained the Lilith situation to Tairi, Gabbie replied to Robin. "'course it's the same. Gytha 'disciplined' ya because you started throwin' your shit at her. You 'disciplined' Valter because his eyes are bad haahahah ... and weird colors."

Next the issue of maidens and much needed 'self defense classes' came up. Haythem shugged. Eh, it's too bad I'm not allowed to tell them that all the maidens know some form of self defense. But that's not because outsiders might get them. It's because some Sancturans are littlllllle ... let's just say the summer heat can make people crazy and leave it at that. Haythem thought to himself, thinking back to some old rumors involving sexual assault. "The reason these radicals want the maidens is because they belong to Lady Aisha. How else can you directly get at her? Centuries ago, kidnapping maidens was their ideal method of getting concessions from her, but the military would just attack the settlements that they thought were responsible. Since no one ever got much for taking maidens, they wind up dead. Not every body is recovered, but they hate us so ..." Of course Haythem's brain went completely off track when Nadya mentioned maiden qualifications. That was very likely the only question the rexian was really interested in answering and he quickly took her hands in his saying "Oh, Miss Nadya, worry you not. I am certain that if Lady Aisha were to meet you, she would welcome you into her queendom with open arms ..." he then paused for a moment ... to don an unamused look of sorts. "... though if you want to get specific; beautiful young women devoted to Lady Aisha's statutes of her choosing."

"What happens to the old hags?" Gabbie asked in the background."

"Well, once you become a maiden, your chances of marrying skyrocket, anyway, and once a woman becomes a maiden, she gains that status and privileges that entails for the rest of her days." Haythem explained to Gabbie, still holding Nadya's hands.

"I meant the not maidens." Gabbie said with a smirk.

"All women in Sanctuary receive the respect they deserve. Maidens just have the blessing and curse of being sought after by friend and foe alike ..." Haythem replied, slightly unsure of his wording.

"Oooo that sounds so fuuuun!~" Gabbie almost squeed holding her hands just above her chest and tightly squeezing them. "I want an interview with Aisha. I'm applyin' for maiden status."

"Are ... are you serious ...?"

Edited January 17, 2012 by Phoenix

[Mercakete]

"That was you?" Norbert asked at the same time Gytha sent a glare at Robin and put in, "I told ye why I shot ye n' she's right -- it is th' same. Don't go on thinkin' I just shoot fer no reason. That's just insultin'."

Haythem's explanation was more interesting than the argument unfolding, though. However, that just made Norbert's temper flared. "You mean they get all this while the other settlements have to work and fight despirately without any help from their so-called 'queen' just because they're considered beautiful by some high-and-mighty, short-sighted vasilus with sandstorm magic? That's hardly fair! Don't think this is all about Aisha, either since I doubt they're kidnapping maidens just to talk to someone like her!" he was on the verge of shouting, but not really at that point. He was just indignent at how Aisha was running things at the moment.

[-Cynthia-]

Nadya

"Oh, I uh...wasn't plannin' to apply, I don't think I'm quite devout enough for Aisha anyway," Nadya said, a bit flustered as Haythem grabbed her hands. "Good luck to you though Wolfie, didn't think you were a convert, but stranger things have happened I guess."

Veronika

This group really doesn't know how to conduct themselves in any sort of social environment. I suppose that comes with the territory of random mercenaries. "We're guests here Bert," she decided to remind the most disruptive case, nudging him lightly with her elbow.

Edited January 17, 2012 by -Cynthia-

[Acacia Sgt]

<So that's the gist of it huh.> John thought. <This trip is sure turning out to be quite informative.> He then looked over at Bert. <He's at it again?>

Oh no, Sophia thought. He's going to get in trouble again. It sure was turning to be quite the recurring thing, eh?

[Snowy_One]

"Yes Bert. I saw you lying out there in the growing cold and... Call it stupid if you will but... It goes against my nature to just let someone sit there and suffer when I can do something about it. You would have become very cold as the night went on, it was already cool after all, and... Just... Yes. I did it. I gave you a blanket." she said, suddenly becoming too flustered to even bother with Gytha. She didn't even know why this was such a big deal. Keeping warm was a matter of life and death out in the wilderness, so why was he so surprised? Had he never been out in the cold before? She wasn't a cold-hearted harpy after all, right?

[Mercakete]

The nudge and reminder from Veronika was helpful as Norbert remembered just where he was: in a palace with a bunch of Aisha devouts standing around, some of them having weapons on them. He was still angry about the injustice, but he decided not to talk about it anymore for the time being, shifting his gaze to a point off to the side and taking a sharp, frusterated breath through his nose to try to calm down.

He was quickly distracted from his calming down by Robin's reply to his surprise at her act of kindness, though he'd thought he'd gone unheard and so was again, confused, and so looked over at her with a raised eyebrow. "I guess that was a safe assumption, but I wasn't suffering. I was so tired I didn't care about where I was falling asleep very much, for one. I guess you wouldn't know this, but I slept in the snow a few times, so a chilly night isn't anything new for me -- I'm used to it. Uh... Thanks, though," he replied. His temper had left when his confusion came, and so his tone was fairly calm and informative. It still felt very strange to be thanking Robin, but it had been a kind gesture. "I put your blanket in the wagon, by the way." He figured if it was her blanket, she should know where it was.

Edited January 17, 2012 by Mercakete

[Phoenix]

Defense

"Hey, keep your voice down. People are already on edge because of you people. Don't make it worse." Haythem replied. His words were concerned ones. As offended as he was, he had been around enough debates regarding Aisha's policies to understand where the pegasus rider was coming from. But like always there were two sides to the story, and Haythem was on Aisha's side of it. Once Veronika calmed him down and he replied to Robin, Haythem decided to share a bit of the Sancturan side of the story, the part that went above and beyond the maidens. "Only Sancturans consider Lady Aisha as their queen. Outsiders who come to acknowledge it as well she eventually leads to Sanctuary. She can't work with the others. People want her to just bless the whole country like she does with Sanctuary, but even a military 'pup' like me knows how quickly our peace would be broken."

"It's hard to unite an entire country under one ruler without a lot of bloodshed ... and bloodshed just leads to more disunity. I still think Aisha is being too lenient with the 'outsiders'. She won't force them out of Rex-Avaz, and she won't force them to follower her, so she's put herself into a never ending conflict. Just another one of Sardius' pointless conflicts, I suppose." Lilith interjected.

Nadya's response was only a little disappointing to Haythem since he was half expecting it already. Her politeness gave him some hope, though. "Not everyone starts off that way. Sometimes it takes time and seeing what life under Lady Aisha is really like~" he replied with a smile.

"Okay once we get settled in, hand me a form and I'll have it filled out for ya in no toime." Gabbie said.

"There's no application form. Just a meeting with Lady Aisha in private." Haythem explained.

Gabbie gave a strange look for a moment and then said "... I see ...."

[Mercakete]

Norbert's temper rose again as he heard Haythem's reply, but he bit his tongue this time. Yeah, we'd all live in a perfect, happy, little world if we'd all just let ourselves be brainwashed into following Aisha in her perfect world cause the dog gets fed. This is disgusting. She's...a lot like the Fallen, it looks like, but instead of trying to expand, she makes her land desolate for all who don't become her pets. He shifted his eyes again, trying to think of something to distract him from all the red he was seeing cause Phoenix is addicted to the color and includes it everywhere.

[Snowy_One]

"Would not forcing her protection onto others instead of letting them accept on their own terms be wrong though? I love my homeland, I love everything about it and I would gladly support it, but if a noble came to my home and demanded I protect it unconditionally, I would be furious, even though the army keeps my home safe. Would not similar problems also arise if she were to force her protection onto the rest of the nation?"

[Phoenix]

High and Mighty Ones

"When you live for thousands of years, you become set in both your ways and your principles. The gods and my kind are notorious for this." Lilith explained, addressing Robin's question. "She has set herself up as a leader, and when a vasilus does this, often their goal is complete and total unity. Given how Aisha has handled things, I'm positive that she won't give aid to the rest of the country unless her terms are met. From what I've seen of mortals. This is the one course of action she's taken that I actually agree with. What I don't agree with is allowing the outsiders to stay in her lands. I think that is just possessive behavior on her part and does nothing but let an open wound fester."

"Lady Aisha loves her people, even the ones that despise her. She wants to save them." Haythem spoke up.

Lilith shook her head. "You can't save people who don't want to be saved, and there's no point in trying to be the leader of people who won't follow you. She should just send them on their way and be done with these needless conflicts. At least then you Sancturans wouldn't see as many of your maidens attacked."

"Well ... it is ... not my argument. You should be saying this to High Priestess Lulu. She understands our history way better than I do."

"That girl bothers me ... and I'd rather speak with Aisha, not one of her representatives." Lilith shot back.

"Err ... okay ... well, maybe we should just continue on, then ...?"

[Acacia Sgt]

<Hm, it kinda reminds me a little of the rebellious regions of Neviskotia.> John noted. <Though of course the circumstances and treatment towards them are different. Aisha just lets them be while in Neviskotia... it's kinda of a little of both ways. Can't say which is better though.>

This is quite the way things are handled here. Sophia thought. I wonder though, how things would be different if someone like Aisha or Lilith were to be in charge of the other countries?

[Phoenix]

Meeting With the High Priestess

Asad and his companions were escorted into the palace before the group ever was, and their weapons were taken from them for good measure. Unlike Raquel and her mercenaries, they did not have a 'witch' lurking nearby who could scare the guards into letting them violate security. Around the time the group entered the palace, Asad's group had reached what appeared to be an office ... an extraordinarily oversized one. Despite how large it was, there only seemed to be a few things of note inside the room, a very tall open window with transparent violet curtains, a long desk with one chair in the back toward the center and around ten chairs lined up along the front. The High Priestess was standing in front of the window looking out over the palace's western courtyard. She noticed them, but turning to face them was something she delayed on until the guards had brought them to the chairs and had them all sit down. Then she turned and made for the chair behind the desk.

<"Thank you for bringing them. Only two of you need to stay here. The rest may return to the barracks."> Lulu instructed as she sat down. She still had her cloak on, but took off the hood before the meeting began. <"Thank you for not throwing your lives away or getting yourselves imprisoned.">

<"... why have you brought us here? What is it you want?"> Asad shot back rudely.

<"I brought you here so we could talk. I ... want the five of you to stay here in Sanctuary."> she explained, all the while she was sliding her palm gently over her right wrist.

One of Asad's men quickly shot up right out of his chair with a raised fist, prompting the guards nearby to reach for their weapons. <"You are going to lock us up, aren't you?! We won't be prisoners here, maiden!">

<"Calm yourself ... I don't think that is what she wants."> Asad reluctantly pointed out. <"So you are willing to let us stay here in Sanctuary ... even though we despise your queen and have conspired against her?">

<"It's not that simple ... but I don't want to send you people off. You aren't recruits of the Tide or Horsemen. You aren't our enemies, only misguided by hatred passed down from others.">

<"Our hatred for you Sancturan monsters is our own! You killed Asad's family, and your military sacked one of our villages! No one needed to tell us to loathe you, we already did!"> Asad's man spoke up again. The man still hadn't sat back down yet, and so the guards still kept their hands on their weapon hilts.

<"I regret that we don't have a firm hold on the Sancturan military's actions, but that is because our leadership is bound to the confines of this city. The repeated attacks of the Horsemen over the years has made it too dangerous for Lady Aisha's maidens to travel throughout the country."> Lulu explained. <"We punish our soldiers for their crimes, but they wouldn't happen nearly as often if this war would just come to an end.">

<"Yes, throw your military to the dunes, High Priestess. Show us how self centered you elitist dogs truly are!"> the man yelled.

<"Enough!"> Asad snapped at his man.

<"Asad! You see what she's doing, don't you?! She's just trying to paint the maidens and their dark queen in a better light!">

<"Perhaps, but your barking isn't helping us. Just try to calm down ... please.">

<"He's right, Asad. We shouldn't even be listening to this garbage. These Sancturans have been luring people into their circle for centuries with the promises of wealth, love, and happiness, everything we Rexians lack. It is no surprise they would come up with excuses to push on us should we come here to argue."> another of Asad's men chimed in.

<"Both sides have hurt each other gravely, but my people will never be defeated. Thousands of years of this should have proven that to everyone, but they insist on testing the might of our goddess Lady Aisha. You five should not even be a part of this conflict. You should be here with us.">

<"Why?! Why should we eat and drink with tyrants like you?! Why should we disgrace ourselves like that?! Why would we live in luxury with you fiends while everyone else ..."> he paused, falling into his chair and covering his face. <"Why are you doing this ...? Why? Why?! WHY?!!!">

<"I ... don't think you would understand, not right now. You're too convinced we like to see the country in the state it's in.">

<"Rex-Avaz has always been this way. The Sancturans live in luxury, and everyone else can only survive by trading with foreigners."> Asad pointed out sternly. <"If you don't want to see the country like this, then do something about it. What you're doing now doesn't make any sense. Help those people!">

Lulu shook her head dejectedly saying <"Lady Aisha won't do that. Not yet.">

<"Why not?! What have the outsiders done to her to deserve this?!"> Asad raised his voice with wide spread arms.

<"You won't like the answer, I'm sorry."> Lulu put her head down after saying that, and brought her hands together.

<"What is it? What did we do to deserve this kind of existence?">

<"... Lady Aisha ... wants ... peace. Not Ursium's peace, filled with disunity and confusion about the divine and crawling with bandits. Not Neviskotia's peace, a never ending killing spree made all the worse by their disgusting abuse of nature's guardians. Not Kigen's peace, a militaristic nightmare no woman should have to be a part of. Certainly not Corvus' peace, ruled by blood and death completely.">

<"Those countries don't have peace!"> a rexian protested.

<"It's the 'peace' they've obtained. The final result of their ideals being put to the test. A country's ultimate goal is never what the actual outcome is, and for most the desired outcome is peace. That's their peace and what all of their efforts have amounted to. The only thing that makes us an exception to them is that we're almost there. Almost at our goal. At our 'peace'. Lady Aisha doesn't want to send her people into those lands up north. She doesn't want you to be a part of that world. You may find her harsh, but many other gods would have destroyed you all. She doesn't want you to live your lives shaking your fists at the Sanctuary she built specifically for you.">

<"Then why won't she let people find it?! You're just lying through your teeth, High Priestess!">

<"You know where I'm going with this, don't you, Asad?"> Lulu noticed Asad's expression was becoming empathetic and so called him on it.

<"... yes. I do."> he nodded. <"Lady Aisha ... must be acknowledged as the ruler of her people before she will have them anywhere near her other followers. Is that the reason? The reason why this Sanctuary remains hidden to most?">

<"That's not the only reason. Keep in mind that we have enemies. They don't need to know where the people Lady Aisha has blessed are being kept.">

<"Heh ... I ... I understand, now."> Asad chuckled, but seemed to be on the verge of tears. <"It's the damn dissenters. They demand that Lady Aisha spreads wealth and prosperity throughout the country but she won't do it until the country and its people are truly hers. And of course this has led to hatred and violence and the Sancturans have responded in kind. For ages it's been like this. Neither side is willing to yield ..."> Asad wiped his eyes and regained his composure. <"Why won't she do something? Why not just destroy the rebels and be done with it? Save those who can be saved and destroy the rest.">

<"That idea has been entertained occasionally, but Lady Aisha refuses to slaughter her own people. That's not the foundation for the future we want, and though I agree with her on that point, I ... do understand that it's left us where we are today ... stuck in a war between the next generation of Lady Aisha's enemies. But you aren't her enemies. You think you are, but you aren't. That's why I want you to stay here. Learn what Lady Aisha is really like and what she wants to give to all of you.">

The other rexians seemed reluctant still, but Asad was coming around. Tamina was long sold, but stayed quiet and invisible for the most part. <"I ... I suppose we'll be ... staying in the low quarters, then? Amon told us about them.">

Lulu nodded. <"Please, don't let the name deceive you. The old military gave them that name and unfortunately it stuck. That neighborhood is meant to bring newcomers out of the ways of the world they came from and prepare them for life inside Sanctuary's walls. Everyone works, everyone eats, everyone benefits. Lady Aisha wants this for the whole country, but her opposition will bring about the same disunity and corruption that humanity always does.">

<"So because a few people disagree with her, everyone must suffer?!"> a rexian protested.

<"It's not a few the organized group known as the Horsemen have the second largest force in Rex-Avaz and the Tide trains Sardius' greatest assassins. Don't you see? Lady Aisha is trying to prevent a problem that will destroy the kingdom in the future if we do this any other way. If Lady Aisha spreads her Sanctuary out over all of Rex-Avaz before the rebels are completely dealt with, it will be disastrous. All of the rebels, her enemies ... mixed in with her allies and with her being unable to act directly, that will leave the fate of the country's stability and peace in the hands of the military and every last outsider out there seems to have a story to tell about their corruption. If we have to exercise military force to weed out the rebels because Lady Aisha cannot deal with them herself, we will be laying the groundwork for more and more rebels and political opposition to spring up. We won't have the peace and stability Sanctuary offers anymore. Our utopia will become no different from the so called civilized nations of the north. The only difference is, once we reach this point all hope for peace in Rex-Avaz will be lost forever. What we're doing now may seem cruel, but if we do anything else, the hatred for Lady Aisha that exists out there will begin to breed right within the new Sanctuary's streets. We can't let that happen.">

<"Is there ... anything you can do for the other outsiders? Anything at all?">

<"In ages past, maidens used to try their hardest to win the hearts of the people on behalf of Lady Aisha, and they were quite good at it. But we've had to stop since Lady Aisha's enemies have grown so powerful. The military has never truly lost an engagement against these groups but ... we have had unforgivable things done to us, including the butchering of maidens. If these people would simply listen to reason ...."> Lulu paused to sigh. <"It's ... all too much to hope for, I know, but it's Lady Aisha's dream and I share it.">

Moving Along

Haythem decided it would be best to continue the tour, so it was to the back of the group for Amon once again to keep people from straying too far, and his conversation with Tairi would have to continue from there, something made less stressful with Lilith close to the front of the pack. No way she could give him those odd stares without causing a scene and she didn't seem interested anymore. Finally. The group soon had to follow Haythem down one of the smaller hallways. These ones didn't compress the group into a bottleneck, but the ceiling was almost in reach from then onward. When Raquel realized that it wasn't just the main hall that was decked with gold and jewelry, her expression changed from wonder to absolute shock. She had to speak up. "Is the whole palace like this?!"

"Not really. My room certainly isn't lined with gold and gemstones, but I've got other delights.~" Haythem explained. "These golden halls are a good way of knowing where you are in the palace because they only extend a certain distance into the building. From there it's back to the pretty artwork you're used to seeing in the city. The guest area is on the eastern side of the palace so we had to start by heading in that direction. Oh hey, what time is it by the way?"

"Almost sundown." Lilith answered.

"Huh ... you guys should head upstairs after I show you to the rooms. Sanctuary sunsets should never be missed for anything."

I'm willing to bet anything he asks Nadya to join him on the roof later ... Amon mentally wagered with an unamused expression.

"In fact, Miss Nadya, care to join me? I'm absolutely positive you'll love the view."

Predictable.

Further into the palace, the golden halls did pass, but the appearance of wealth and luxury only seemed to fade 'slightly' as they entered a walkway that led from the main building into one of the other large palace sections. That was when the population seemed to change entirely. From mostly men wandering the halls to mostly women, and if not for a second glance, it could have been mistaken for a pool party of sorts. The woman were too organized to be having a party, though, and only a couple of them were in the water. The rest were lined up in front of what appeared to be an instructor and doing various exercises. Again Raquel had to speak up. "Who are they?"

Haythem looked back to Raquel with an odd look on his face. Similar to one of Gabbie's cat faces. "They are maidens.~ The one leading their little outdoor workout is Lady Rasha. Say hi if you get the chance. She is a great person to be around." He then gestured toward the end of the walkway they were going through saying "Beyond here are the guest quarters. It is ... not quite a separate building--since the whole place is linked through the underground complex--but it is still amazing in there. As you've probably guessed it is not in use regularly ... so there are plenty of rooms."

Once they reached the main entrance to the guest quarters, there were a few people waiting for them. One of them was wearing something quite similar to the other women, so Raquel guessed that she was a maiden too. She turned out to be right. <"So many people ... ! Um welcome to Queen Aisha's palace, and welcome to Sanctuary."> she said to the group.

<"Most of them don't speak Rexian, Amina.">

<"Oh ...."> She quickly shied away taking a few steps back.

"Err-Amina's common is ... not that great. She gets embarrassed about it, so try not to give her a hard time, heheh." Haythem scratched his head at the end of his explanation, laughing nervously. <"Hey ..."> he suddenly realized something was up and turned to Amina. <"Why are you here, anyway?">

<"Everyone knows about the 'guests' and I'm apparently in charge of the guest quarters for the moment."> she explained.

<"Great, pick the one maiden who doesn't speak common to be their host ... who's bright idea-"><"It's only temporary. Rasha wanted the job, but she's teaching classes late tonight, so I'm it for awhile."> she interrupted and explained. <"Okay, I guess. Hmmm. I was going to show them around a bit more now that they know where the guest quarters are but we won't finish before sundown from the looks of it ...">

<"Let them do what they want. They're only dangerous as a group, so there's no harm in them splitting up and touring the palace themselves if they really want to."> Amina suggested.

<"Errrrryou sure? I don't want to get in trouble. I mean you're the maiden so it's your call but I don't want to get smacked for letting them go wherever without permission. Heheh.">

<"I'll take responsibility. You'll be fine.">

<"Thanks!"> He quickly turned to face the party, again. "Okay you people can do and go where you want so long as the guards let you through. Don't cause any trouble, okay? Inside are pretty much everything you'll need. If you want to take a bath or specifically want to visit the artificial springs, let Amina know, and she'll show you.~"

<"What did you just tell them about me? I would what?">

<"Oh nothing!~">

[-Cynthia-]

Palacing

"Uh sure, I'd like that," Nadya said to Haythem, still a bit awed by the palace. So people like Asad scrape a living off the sand while the maidens get to live in the palace...guess I can see his problem. At least most of this stuff is too tough to steal so I can resist...temptation.

"Are we expected to attend a formal dinner, or are we expected to feed ourselves? Some of us could use a little more nourishment I think," Veronika said, raising an eyebrow at Raquel who she thought was looking a bit on the skinny side.

"Do you really want to be a maiden Gabbie? No offense but you're uh...not Rexian," Connor said to her. He hadn't been paying much attention during the tour, finding the discussion on Rexian politics rather boring.

???

From atop a high building in Sanctuary, three figures watched the procession towards the palace with some interest, analyzing the strange newcomers. After they had passed out of sight, a large. broad-shouldered Rexian man began speaking the others.

<"Travelers to Sanctuary are not so unusual, but so many foreigners all at once? Their descriptions seem to match the targets pretty closely as well...though I don't remember reading about an avian in the reports,>" he said, putting a hand on his chin.

<"I think you're right Omar, should I inform our allies to the north of this development? They'd want to know as quickly as possible, though we're not quite certain of their identities...>" said a tall, thin Rexian hesitantly.

<"Even if they are not the ones with the emblem, this is still noteworthy enough to report. Why would the guards let such a large group of foreigners inside Sanctuary, when most Rexians are turned away at the gate? There is only one Rexian in their group if I remember correctly...I doubt he could get them all inside,>" said the lone woman in the group, a tall, thin Rexian.

<"Then we should both investigate this group and let their location be known. Jamal, send a report to our allies, let them know that they may be the bearers of the artifact that they seek. Jalil, try and get closer to the group, find out why they are here. I'll try and organize our forces nearby, I doubt they'll be in Sanctuary and if they are the emblem bearers...then we will need to strike,"> the large man ordered as the trio then scattered to perform their tasks.

Troopin' Along

The journey from Danton back to Europa was a quiet one for Major General Selene's unit, perhaps due to fatigue, perhaps due to the losses they had suffered in the battle the previous day. Upon their return, they headed towards Weyland's estate with heavy hearts.

"I'd like to speak the Professor as soon as possible," she said simply to the door guard, not being in the mood to exchange pleasantries. I don't expect he will take the news of Valcyn and the others missing especially well, but he has to be informed regardless.

[Mercakete]

It was strange, but as the decor became less decorated, Norbert became more at ease. Being around so many women just passing by added a new, odd knot in his stomach, though. It was somewhat similar to back home at the orphanage, but there wasn't as much variance in the ages of the women. Plus, instead of an overwhelming number of pegasus knights in-training, there were pampered ladies who didn't have a care in the world. For reasons unknown, that put Norbert on edge.

Gytha couldn't really care less about all the maidens about. Instead, she idly let her gaze wander about the halls they were walking. Sure isn't what I pictured me first visit t' Sanctuary t' be like. Not at all. Thought it'd be...less palace, more... She made herself a bit sad at the thought. Everything was wonderous and grand, but...impersonal. Again, her concern for her friend and what could be bothering him took hold of her thoughts. It wasn't until partway through Haythem's chat with Amina that she realized they weren't walking anymore and were being introduced to someone, it looked like.

And finally they'd reached the rooms they'd be staying at. "So, has it already been decided who will get which rooms, or is that for us to figure out? Which rooms are for us, anyway?" Norbert asked, his gaze shifting between Haythem and Amina, unsure of which his question should be directed at. Veronika was asking a very good question, too, but for now he wanted to unload what he was carrying and figured the others probably did, too.

Edited January 18, 2012 by Mercakete

[Acacia Sgt]

And so they tour began anew, finally ending in the guest quarters. <Hm, so they're giving us limited free reign on where to go now huh.> John thought. Then came Bert's questions. <He did said there were plenty of rooms available, would it really matter much which ones exactly we use?>

We're actually allowed to wander around? Sophia thought. Though those things he said like watching the sunset also sound interesting. Hmm... Decisions, decisions.

[Phoenix]

Palace

"If you all are hungry, we can have something brought to you. Would you prefer to eat by yourselves or do you want us to get a dinner prepared in the dining area?" Haythem replied to Veronika. Hmmm ... ohhhhh if only there was time. I could have had a nice dinner set up if I'd had a little foresight. A nice dinner for two on a balcony overlooking Sanctuary. That would have been so nice ....

One of the guards took it upon himself to reply to Bert, since Amina obviously wouldn't risk embarrassing herself in front of so many people. "The guest quarters are reserved for you people for now. Take which rooms you desire, and do not steal anything."

"Us? Steal? Never." Gabbie teased. Next Connor asked her about whether she was serious about trying to become a maiden. She gave an honest answer saying "You know, I'm not really sure just yet. Couldn't hurt to look into it, roight? Unless light skinned girls are automatically disqualifoied I don't see the problem.~ If they've got any male equivalents you should definitely shoot for one of those. Wait, what would they call that, anyway? Uhhhhh ... bachelor?"

"I ... don't know if a big dinner is really necessary." I'm used to eating by myself or with my father. It wouldn't be comfortable in a big dining area. Raquel thought to herself after speaking out, somewhat against the idea of a formal dinner.

Estate

When Selene arrived at the estate, the guards were somewhat surprised to see her, but let her through. They did this, but she and her men would not reach the main entrance before the occupants of the main building were alerted. Figuratively speaking, Siv was stuffed into a closet and Steinn vanished into a wall before they arrived.

When the front door was opened, a perky maid was there to greet them. "Why hello, Officer. Is there something I can do for you?"

[Mercakete]

It was only somewhat irritating that the guard thought they might steal something, but it was an understandable precaution since they didn't know much about them and what they did know wasn't too assuring. "Alright. Thank you," he replied curtly to the guard before turning towards Raquel, "So, why don't you pick a room? I'll put your bedroll down in whichever one you choose." A bit more quietly he added, "These Sanctians don't trust us very much. That's smart of them. I think we should be just as smart and have people double up on rooms. If everyone has someone they're with, they can keep track of each other. If no one else, you should have a roommate. After all, you're sort of a target."

Gytha wasn't really sure what to do at the moment. Were they ordering food or picking rooms? For now, she just stood around and waited to see what was going on.

[-Cynthia-]

Palace

"Let's eat by ourselves then," Veronika suggested. Raquel probably needs some time to rest properly after being kidnapped...and if what Lilith said is true, time to use the emblem as well. But I don't think she'll be able to use the emblem unless she taps into her magical power, certainly not my area of expertise though.

"Target for what?" Nadya asked Bert. "If they were plannin' to rob or attack us, they coulda already done so. Nothin' wrong with watchin' your back, but ya seem a little paranoid," she commented to him.

"Not sure Uncle would be very fond of that idea, especially since it would probably involve staying here in Sanctuary. From what I heard, you wouldn't be allowed to leave this city if you became a maiden. It's not my decision to make, but well, I don't think you'd want to be stuck here," Connor said to Gabbie.

Not Quite a Palace

"I need to speak with Professor Weyland regarding the outcome of the mission. It's not urgent, but it is important," Selene told the maid.

"Could I come too Commander? I'd...like to see this through, at least a little bit," Erica said somewhat glumly. If there's no news about Norbet I guess I should send Father Nigel a letter. He'd want to know...

Selene gave Erica a curt nod. " Lieutenant Altena, watch the mounts and soldiers while I deliver the news. It shouldn't be a long meeting- there's little to be done I think," she said somewhat bitterly.

"Well...at least we won, right?" Private Jacobs spoke up, attempting to lighten the mood. He was met with silence.

[Mercakete]

"I don't trust these people. They're acting way too suspicious. Not just the ones we don't know either," Norbert quietly retorted to Nadya as his eyes flicked over to Amon then back, "But the Rexians asside, letting our guard completely down isn't a good idea at all so long as Raquel has something as sought-after as the you-know-what and I'm not about to allow her to let herself be kidnapped again."

[Phoenix]

Sanctuary

"Okay then, I guess you can just ask for what you want and they can bring it to you." Haythem shrugged.

Bert then suggested they double up on rooms and though Raquel didn't mind the idea, Nadya was quick to point out the unnecessary caution. It did seem like a situation where only Lilith could keep them from getting beaten up for the emblem. They had passed dozens of disguised guards on the way there and there were plenty of undisguised guards carrying much larger weapons. They could be overwhelmed in no time. Still, Raquel didn't really oppose the idea, there was just one question. "Do the rooms have two beds each? ... because ...." she trailed off hoping anyone listening would see what she was getting at.

"Some of the rooms have only one bed. Mostly those on the first floor." a guard answered.

"Oh that's brilliant, that way if any guests decoide to do anythin' naughty they won't make a lot of noise. Oh wait, this building's made of stone, isn't it? Heh, never moind." Gabbie inserted herself into and then escaped the conversation in one brief moment. Addressing Connor again, she said "Well you do have a point. I absolutely hate bein' toied down. Besoides ... can't trust these guys to keep you outta trouble. Not after that incident and the Eagle Head." She then sighed. "Do me a favor, Connor, and transmute yourself a suit of armor. That vest Weyland gave ya isn't gonna cut it after awhoile." she added sounding fatigued.

Europa

"Of course. Come in. I'll let him know he has visitors." the perky maid replied to Selene. She made sure the doors were open wide enough for them all to start filing in, and then she made her way down the halls toward the conference room. Within a few minutes, she had returned with a sleep deprived Weyland following her. His left hand was in his pocket and his right was removing his pipe from his mouth. His eyes told a short tale of hard work and labor to help get his home back in order ... and possibly dealing with Rodrigo's shenanigans.

"Major General Selene. I was wondering how you had all fared."

Edited January 18, 2012 by Phoenix

[Mercakete]

Norbert let loose a frusterated exhale before reasoning, "It sounds like they have some rooms with two beds. You should take one of those, the rest of us can divide up from there. Still, the suggestion to pair up would mean a lot more coming from you than from me if you think we should." From there, he waited to see what she would do next.

[-Cynthia-]

Sanctuary

"Bert might be right, I don't think we have anything to fear from our hosts necessarily, but a little caution wouldn't hurt. I'll volunteer myself to share with you, if you don't mind," Veronika said to Raquel.

Connor was a bit relieved to hear that Gabbie wasn't insistent on her plans of becoming a maiden. "I'll think about it, but most armor is scaled to fit people taller than I am. Besides, I don't think anything should be hitting me...hopefully," He then stopped and pondered what Gabbie had just said. "What would guests be doing in their rooms that's naughty and makes a lot of noise? Sparring?" he guessed.

Europa

"I will make this brief, as I doubt either of us is in the mood for pleasantries. The mage forced us to retreat, though they took some losses. The mission was a failure overall, the mercenaries went into the fortress which...simply vanished, with Miss Valcyn likely inside. I am sorry," Selene said, bowing her head a little to the Professor.

This is worse than when Patches got shot in the wing. There's not even a body...maybe they just made the fortress invisible or something... Erica mused to herself.

[Phoenix]

Sanctuary

"Yeah, suuuure, I'll just hope the enemy never takes a shot at you." Gabbie gave Connor an annoyed look. "Just make the suit." she quickly added in.

"If it's alright with you then it's alright with me." Raquel replied to Veronika, trying to smile a bit, but her hunger was fighting it. She apparently was not allowed to smile until she was fed. Then there was Bert's suggestion to reconsider. She was their leader ... sometimes, so she really should be the one to make these sorts of calls. "Um, if no one has any issues with sharing rooms, I think we should all pair off."

"Ooooo I want one of those circle beds! Do you guys have those?" Gabbie asked.

"A few, but they are the singles suites."

"Tssssst ooooooo." Gabbie deliberated for a brief moment. "How big are they?"

The guard raised an eyebrow. "Big." he replied simply.

"... okay that works! Hell, we can take turns sleeping. Connor's gonna be up all noight makin' that suit. Once he's finished, then he can go to bed and I'll go take a dip in those artificial springs Haythem mentioned.~"

"... you have it all planned out, don't you?" Raquel asked rhetorically.

"Well, some of it.~"

Europa

At first Weyland seemed a bit troubled by what Selene had to tell him, even going so far as to grimace. He would have felt just as bad or worse in her position, so he sympathized, but it wasn't the time for sulking. The woman deserved to know that their mission wasn't a complete failure, only a partial one. "Don't feel too down about what happened. Last night, something quite odd happened. You may not believe me right now, but you may change your mind once word of the museum incident reaches you. A woman calling herself Lilith came here with one of the mercenaries working for Raquel. I'm having trouble remembering everything but I'm becoming convinced this woman is a vasilus ... a living legend. She arrived here not long after the time of the incident in Ursentius. After speaking with Rodrigo about it and getting yet another splitting headache as a result, I believe it's the only explanation for what happened last night. The woman boasts incredible telekinetic abilities and seems to be able to cross the continent in mere hours by flight. According to Rodrigo, she said that she rescued them from a place called 'Purgatory' and they wound up in the desert. The Rexian desert specifically. Apparently she was taking them to Sanctuary but wanted to retrieve her sword and help relay a message first." he explained. "I cannot say that all is well, especially not with someone that powerful on the loose ... but things are not as bad as they could have been."