Open Chronicles A Giant In Elbion

[Naghi]

Elbion
Nina

Naghi stood on the prow of the small ship he had commandeered all those weeks ago in the Gulf of Ryt. It was a large vessel, meant for trading and built by one of the orcish tribes. At the time he had thought it would be comfortable enough for him, but after weeks at sea he'd realized that no ship of any size would ever make him feel at home on the water.

He had nearly thrown up daily, and the sight of being surrounded by nothing but ocean had been harrowing to say the least.

Now though they were finally here, finally he saw land again. It had taken longer than he would have hoped, but the journey up river and into Elbion proper had been much more pleasant than his months at sea. They had even docked a few times at smaller villages in order to gain some footing. Naghi had relished those times, though the stares had not been welcome.

He was certain that rumor would have heralded his coming, though whether or not that mattered anything here he did not know.

Gerra was somewhere to the south if Argath was to be believed, but that was not his goal. He was here in Elbion for other reasons, ones which would hopefully have lasting implications.

"Witch." Using Nina's name was not something he did often. "Stay close, this journey will be an...interesting one."

He glanced towards Elbion as the ship slowly approached the city.

 

[Kara Orin]

Elbion Port

At one of the docks, Kara waited for a merchant ship just popping into view in the distance. She wore a College of Elbion robe. She stood separated from a few hands that prepped the dock for the ship’s arrival.

Something unknown to Kara delayed the approaching ship’s arrival and she just received word that the ship appeared. Given the nature of transcontinental shipping, a delay was not uncommon. However, the cargo Kara wanted from the ship was time sensitive.

Specifically, it was a gift for her mother’s birthday – which was the next day.

 

[Nayden Kiers]

Chance was carrying a sack of fruits and veggies, on his necklace he wore the symbol of the college. The groceries were from one of the trading ships which were from a bit down the coast. “Thanks a lot guys!” He gives the men in the boat a wave and they wave back having just traded some goods for the other. But the sight of a different shape caught his eye as he left the dock. Looking out over the water Chance squints a d sees what appeared to be a vessel from another nation.

He’d look at the docks some more and notice someone in some College attire waiting on one for the ship it seemed. With a slight limp he walks over to the woman Chance watches the ship approaching, “If you don’t mind my wondering, but you waiting for something on that ship? Or someone?” He asks the human who was roughly the same height as him. He was a curious soul but he was a bit nervous of the vessel. Given recent events he was not taking many chances and it was not often they had a foreign ship pull into port. What was he thinking? He could never take any chances if the worse does happen!

 

[Phillipa Ebonheart]

The college professor was a ways away from Kara, noting the she was here but not approaching since it was a personal matter that brought the student here. Philllipa was here for a different reason, being that it was umpteen feet tall and rumors were of it being from Mothal. So concern was about her being as she sat at a dockside table, an makeshift umbrella covering her table as she sipped from a spiked lemonade.

She was on the job, but that didn't mean she wasn't allowed to take liberties. And besides that, it took more than a single spiked lemon to get her to being useless. Her eyes squinted still beneath the large hat she wore beside the dock, not yet willing to put magic to use while the ship was still out a ways.

 

[Nina]

“Milord.” Nina said.

The vagabond travelling painter leaned against the ship handrail, raising her chin to the horizon as if it was made of cake. In the distance, the great wall and the sharp, tile-roofed houses of Elbion came into view, along with a small crowd of people on the docks. Hazelnut-colored, bead-adorned braids fluttered behind her.

“You don’t have to worry about me. I think in this city I’ll actually be safer than you-“ A tiny crack of smile spread on her face like wildfire. She toyed with the idea of a giant of Molthal walking inside one of the few cities where the inhabitants could throw lightning assassin-bolts from their balconies in retaliation for Molthal’s oh, I don’t know, tiny kidnapping and slavery problem. “Oh? Concerned about yourself? Funny, that.”

She laughed. A small, pealing sound.

The girl had changed since that fateful day where, in the midst of a fog as thick as night, she’d conned the half-giant into thinking her a mage in exchange for people’s lives. The frosted determination of survival eventually thawed into tiny tendrils feeling her way around the war camp. She reached out for allies, of sorts, like Suds, the Blight Orc who’d been put in charge of her because Suds’ commander liked giving them lowly jobs; met a dragon; planned treason. She walked into the cursed battlefields of the Blightlands and talked to spirits, at first because it gave her a veneer of usefulness and it seemed safer than the war camp, and then because of the wonder she found there. She recovered artifacts magical (and otherwise), some of which were stored under their feet in the ship hull. There were the tusks of a long-forgotten animal, taller than herself and inscribed with silver runes, orbs of warm light, living plants of shimmering glass and ink she’d made herself out of shadow-dandelions.

“We need to talk.” She said.

There was a bit of confidence she’d gained, real confidence, not just the mask she habitually put on to cover her fears. It had been mainly nourished by her correspondence with an elf with a heart of gold who was teaching her rune magic. Even more, when she walked onto the ship the first time and climbed all the way up the highest mast, it was as if she was home.

Nina commenting on the weather, wind, currents, or climbing up the ratlines like an acrobat had become a common sight during the trip.

“First of all, Milord, what are you hoping to achieve in Elbion?” Nina asked. She’d heard things, of course, but it was always worth confirming. Sick as a dog, the warlord hadn’t looked strong enough to talk for much of the voyage. She looked behind them for a moment, and lowered her voice:

“Secondly, with what you obtain here, what do you hope to do next?” She’d heard whispers about that too. Not always while those speaking were aware that she was there.

“You might say it’s not my business to do anything but follow orders.” The warlord spoke so little that Nina could more easily read a stone. “But surely if you are relying on my diplomacy, I need to have the most accurate information.”

It’s not, Nina thought, that she was any better at diplomacy than him. It’s just that when dealing with some people, the fact that she followed the magic school of Actually Trying to Be Nice To Them made her an absolute legend.

 

[Naghi]

"My father has lived for thousands of years." He told Nina as the ship slowly rocked it's way towards the pier.

People were already milling about the deck, some holding ropes and others shifting around cargo so that it could quickly be discharged on the dock. Naghi paid them no mind, instead wondering how the sight of his Orc escort would be taken within the city.

None of them were to draw blades, and he doubted the would...but Blight Orcs clad in Black Armor may not be taken well.

"He has sorcerers, monsters, armies." He glanced down at Nina. "So far, I do not have many of the first."

One would not be enough. "Elbion has good reason to see Menalus deposed. I've come here to bargain for their aid."

The Blightlands were far, and part of him doubted that the College would want to intervene, but he would offer them something most wizards could not turn down; knowledge.

 

[Kara Orin]

It was only when Chance spoke to Kara that she turned her head in a snap to look at him. She had not met Chance prior to this moment and returned a blank stare for a second. Then, she quickly examined him – his clothes, the facial tattoos, anything she could quickly see to gauge what kind of person he might be.

Kara did not remain silent for too long.

“Just expecting a delivery,” Kara replied with just that.

The student then looked out to the harbor. The ship got closer and the figures on the deck became clearer. Her eyes squinted as she saw people wearing black armor.

“Eh?”

 

[Nayden Kiers]

Chance listened and smiled, "Nothing wrong with a delivery." He'd comment and look up and squint his eyes with a curious look on his face.

"Unless...." He cocks an eyebrow. This was going to be interesting, as they got closer the half-elf could see some more details in their new arrivals. Was it someone important? Who was it?

And by the gods, he did not like it too much, still, they came alone and did not seem to be interested in bloodshed. Orc, a fire giant, and someone else... Molthal. He felt his stomach drop a little bit, "Were you expecting something from Molthal?" He asks Kara looking at her masking his worry. He had heard stories from his father and mother about Morthal. The whole lot of them were Orcs and other creatures, particularly about how it was run primarily through slavery. He clenches his hand and looks at the ship as it pulls into port.

 

[Phillipa Ebonheart]

Phillipa silently watched the ship come closer, hand delicately running the rim of her glass as she considered her options. The rumor had come to her through some more alternate channels. Murmurs and whispers before more solid sightings had been made. The woman had been charged with ascertaining the possible threat before bringing the one in question before the collective ruling body of the college. Four of the Five Foard's were interested, the fifth remaining relatively aloof of that interest.

Playing watchdog for the rest of the Foard's, along with keeping their interest in encouraging the student body gave them relatively full days. The groups below that circle seemed flustered by their lack of pomp and bluster at having achieved such an esteemed position that at least most of them lacked. A few, more green than the rest, retained that fresh bit of fop and bluster that had been added to their title.

For this professor, the lack of understanding of those below the Fifth Circle of their humility shown her what some did and did not value. It mattered little to her, so long as she had a job and was allowed to do it. The growing sight of orcs in black armor made her frown. The large body aboard also did little to assuage any of the worry that compounded with the ships proximity to landfall.

"Oh deary me. I do hope they don't intend to bring them all inside the college." She muttered, taking a sip from her drink as she squinted at the boat. That was a troubling amount of orcs in armor. The hat tipped back a little as she watched, wind picking up a little as her hand moved to catch the wayward lid.

 

[Nina]

To defeat Menalus.

Nina’s fingers clenched on the salt-blanched wood of the handrail. The suspicion that had been gnawing at the back of her mind, he’d finally given it shape. All those marches through the wilderness, the army changing direction on a whim, sustaining itself mostly on game, meeting few people and receiving even fewer couriers, suddenly made sense. The Warlord was in hiding. So did the need for trained magicians make sense, and nowhere on Arethil were they more abundant than in Elbion.

“I trust that you have something valuable to offer them.” Nina looked at the warlord. She tilted her head in a small nod.

While the orcs finished putting on their armor (not easy to sail a ship with it on, as it happens), Nina polished her boots with a mixture of tree bark and lard. It wouldn’t do to look too rough, she thought. For a moment she looked down awkwardly at her clothes. They were clean, but somewhat ragged and undoubtedly more fit for losing oneself in a crowd than for diplomacy. She stroked the steel bracelets from Miriel, half-hidden under her sleeves and engraved with runes.

“The changes I talked about, before.” Nina said, looking at the city as it floated towards them. While her position in the camp wasn’t secure, Nina had to watch her words. Still, the warlord was nothing if not practical, and he’d seemed open to at least listening to ideas as long as Nina could argue how they would benefit him. They could be something as simple as ‘soldiers could fight in more battles if we actually kept them alive by getting medics’ or as complex as ‘getting trained craftsmen in more villages and cities, like they have in Bhathairk, might stimulate the economy, but it’s hard to attract trained craftsmen to places where they could be kidnapped and sold’. Joke was on her, though – the warlord could’ve probably not afforded the medics previously. “Those ideas may warm people to the idea of joining the war. It’s a lot to ask of people, to risk their lives in a war that isn’t theirs.” Nina’s voice sharpened a bit. “People who weren’t raised in a mercenary culture.” She specified. She wondered whether the warlord had ever known how it is to live in peace. She continued. “Those mages morally flexible enough not to care whether or not the one directing them is tyrannical and cruel are the same people who would join your father in the first place.”

And they could not compete with Menalus. Not when it came to generosity with gold, fame (although if the Blight Orcs’ campfire stories were to be believed, his favorites never lasted for long), slaves. No – this might just do as a war of ideas.

There was something in the glint reflecting off Nina’s eyes. The expression of a crook admiring their better.

Because it just occurred to her how much the warlord risked by travelling over water, the traditional weakness of his kind. How much he risked by making his intentions known, even this far away from the Molten Halls. The sons of Menalus didn’t turn against their father –everyone knew that – the last ones to do so had perished so long ago that they were legends, myths and cautionary fables. And her warlord…Nina stifled a laugh. He led an army just small enough that one might just call it a roving band of lunatics, claiming one town that she knew of, a couple of archers, and had precisely one spellcaster, which was himself. And a fake mage. It was all so absurd, that it just had to work, didn’t it?

It was perhaps why Nina trusted him.

“Are we keeping this under wraps, apart from select people?” She checked the strategy. Behind them, the orcs were hoisting the usual communication flags. The main identification flag, up on the mast, marked the Blightlands, not specific to the tribe they’d stolen the ship from (she’d have to solve that, Nina thought – they could not afford more enemies), but not Molthal’s flag either. “Or would you like me to go straight for the shock value?”

They were close enough to the docks by now that they could see people’s faces. Shock, not much, Nina though. But there was certainly concern.

“Maybe I should go on ahead. No need to scare people.” She commented.

Like a cat, Nina pulled her rope through the railing and jumped down just in time to hit with her heels the edge of one of the many wooden platforms that protruded into the bay. For a moment she leaned backwards, just about to fall in the water, but the momentum of the ship as it docked dragged her rope forward just enough to correct her balance. She stepped forward, recovered her rope, and waved friendlily to people nearby.

“Good morning, gentlefolk!” Nina said, sketching a bow. “I do apologize, but would you happen to know where I am supposed to sign in the ship with the port authority? None of the officers of The Ferocious Fighter from the Veldt have sailed to Elbion before.” She explained. The two certain things in life, she thought, are death and taxes, but blood-crazed invaders were not the sort to ask about the latter. “And…I’d very much appreciate it if you could point me in the direction of the College?” She pointed up, at the large wall and the big, shiny buildings in the distance, hidden behind what looked like a maze of tangled alleys. “We’re supposed to meet with some people…I think they’re called the Board of Maesters? Or the Circle?” She tapped her chin.

Nina conveniently left out the fact that the Maesters were probably unaware of that fact.

 

[Naghi]

Naghi listened to the little witch for quite some time.

Nina had a habit of speaking so much that the Half-Giant hardly ever had time to reply to her. She was a quick little thing, both in wit and speech. He supposed that was part of why he kept her around in the first place.

That and unlike many others in his army Nina could actually interact with others without scaring them half to death. There was a value in that, one that Naghi had sworn not to underestimate. "I strive to be less cruel every day."

Naghi said in first response to her, though the tone was so dry it was hard to tell whether he was joking or not.

"Do what you think is best, but I am not here to bring war." If he was, then he would have brought a dozen more ships at the least.

As the little witch departed the ship and walked down the gangplank Naghi made a motion to the Blight Orcs. They stood rigid, but kept to themselves at the back of the ship. The Half-Giant watched them for a brief moment, and then his gaze swept towards the dock.

There he could see some already assembled, though who they were he did not know nor care.

He waited patiently for Nina's word.

 

[Kara Orin]

The Fire Giant on the ship reflected in Kara’s eyes.

“Yes,” Kara replied to Chance as the ship came up to the pier, “From a merchant ship.”

Kara shifted her weight. Her hands retreated underneath her Elbion College cloak. A dockmaster approached and gave directions to the dock hands in order to bring in and secure The Ferocious Fighter from the Veldt.

When Nina jumped off the boat, Kara’s attention turned toward her. She stood still as Nina bowed and then fired off several questions.

With a slightly raised eyebrow, Kara began to ask, “Is this-“

But was cut off with a rough, “Ya, dockmaster here.”

A stout human man with a mangy, brown beard approached Nina. He held a paper to a wooden board in one hand and a piece of sharpened charcoal in another.

“Port of origin, cargo, and nights to be in port?” the dockmaster quickly asked with no mention of the College.

 

[Nayden Kiers]

“Well I wish you luck with that.” Chance tells her as the woman got off the ship and started to call out from the college. He’d walk over to her as she would be answering the dockmaster. Approaching the young woman following Kara, with a slight limp Nayden waits for her to finish answering the dockmaster before introducing himself.

“My name is Nayden Kiers.” He says with a smile offering his hand for a hand shake, “Im one of the professors and one of the Third Circle within the College. That is quite... a group you have there miss. If you do not mind my asking your business all the way over here from Molthal?”

He asks motioning to the armored orcs and the fire giant on the ship still. He had a right to be worried after the recent attack a while back, he would not want a repeat of the event. And considering how he had not heard of a visit from such people, he could but assume they did not have a meeting set. Then again the Fourth or the Firth Circles had their ways.

 

[Nina]

“It’s what I accept as payment.” She told the Fire Giant.

Deep dark depths glistened in the ship’s shadow as Nina looked below. She imagined being thrown to swim for the sea-glass and the emerald bladder-wrack and the lost silver coins at the bottom of the port, with her spine broken. Puny humans didn’t claim things of Fire Giants. Especially clemency. But maybe he was a reasonable person and would only kill her on their way back, when she’d outlived her usefulness.

“I’m sorry, just one moment…” Moments later, Nina’s heart hit her chest like a sail in a gale. From her first steps, Elbion was overwhelming. There were the people. That person, and that one, and that rugrat thoughtfully picking her nose too, and that lady with hair like a waterfall of raven feathers and a stern expression – so many buzzed with magic. She shut her eyes. Sometimes it was a glimmer deep inside them; other times it was like a brush of paint on the surface, perhaps a magic item or enchantment of sorts. Nina winced and gritted her teeth before smiling and thanking the dockmaster for his prompt arrival.

“Blightlands…Magical and historical artifacts…A couple of magical creatures.” She murmured, writing her replies on the page. When she stopped to think, her hand reflexively sketched vines and crashing waves at the edges of letters. “Length of stay?” She asked herself.

“A week? Maybe. Maybe more.” She answered. For a moment her eyes darted back to the ship. “It depends on how our business in Elbion develops.” If the Warlord or any of the honor guard got them thrown out of the city, she thought, the Half-Giant wouldn’t even get to kill her. She would melt in shame and trickle under the cobblestones.

The dockmaster tapped the page, circling the column with mooring fees for ships of the Fighter’s size. A few silver were exchanged, the payment for one week, along with a bill stamped with a complex design and a calculation of exchange rates that, Nina thought, looked fair.

“Plus the import fees, if you intend to sell cargo. I recommend having a word with customs.” The gruff dock master added. He pointed with the charcoal piece to a building made of green bricks, with red geraniums flowing down the windowsills. “And I suggest you familiarize yourself and your companions with the local laws.” Was it just her, or did his tone sharpen just a tiny bit?

“Of course. Thank you.” Nina nodded. Not a moment later, the dockmaster left and another man approached her. He presented himself as being from the College. His voice was soft and pleasant.

Nina looked in the eyes of the elfin-looking man, and thought of how she could go about fooling a wizard.

“Professor Kiers. I’m Nina Irving. I’m glad to meet you!” She bowed slightly, and for an instant her knees felt like cotton wool. Magic. Magic everywhere. “I’m afraid we are not that cosmopolitan. Personally, I’ve never been to the capital.” ‘Molthal.’ The corner of her mouth twitched a bit, and her eyes sparked, the only details betraying the laughter underneath. That pit of industry fueled by smog, blood, slaves…It was barely a city and more of its ruler’s sick dream. “Alas …My employer,” Nina said, tilting her head towards the ship, “is hoping to interest some of Elbion’s scholars in joining a pet project of his. Fairly ambitious, if I do say so myself.” Fairly innocuous, for now. She tested the waters. “If you don’t mind me asking, what is your specialty?”

 

[Naghi]

Naghi didn't budge.

The Half-Giant was like a statue, eyes fixed on the docks below as he waited for Nina to forge their path. He knew enough of himself that this city would not be welcoming, at least not on the way they would be to any other dignitary.

At best he was a warlorld, at worst party to a tyrant.

Part of himself had always preferred more violent solutions. It would have been sompler, and the talk around it much faster. Yet he could not take an entire city. It was best to wait, best to allow Nika to do her work and simply allow them to open their arms.

What student of scholarpy pursuit could pass up a meeting with one of the Sons of Molthal. Even if they had not come from the capital, there was no denying who he was.

The burning of his eyes made it more than obvious.

His weight shifted slightly as he noticed someone on the docks staring at him, his gaze falling on the small human as he glanced down towards them.

 

[Nayden Kiers]

Nayden was not taken back by the presence of the fire giant. In fact, a bit of a curious light came from his eyes. If anything the gaze of the beast did not make him flinch in the slightest, he did not feel the heat from it.

He'd scratch his chin thinking, "If you wanted any negotiations then maybe I suggest having an appointment in the first place. Our schedule within the College is incredibly busy as you can imagine Ms. Irving." The half-elf explains curious at what their goals were. They were basically a world away as well. So he doubted that the College would want to go that far to even do what they proposed. But maybe some students and others might be sweet-talked into their proposal if the other circles agreed. "But I'm sure an exception can be made." He sighs giving in some not wanting to be an enemy of the fire giant and his guard within a few moments. Maybe they had something in it for them.

He was taken aback by her question as to what magic he specialized in, "Well...." He'd look down a bit chuckling, "Because of my condition I had resorted to healing magic and scrying magics mostly," Nayden looks back at the woman, "But I learned some for defense and combat if I need to use it combined with my knowledge of healing and scrying."

The professor smiles some, "If you do not mind my asking, what is this project of your boss'? I kind of have to ask so people will not be upset with me for asking the most simple of a question."

 

[Kara Orin]

After Nina dealt with the dockmaster, Kara heard Nayden introduce himself as a professor for the first time ever. At first, she did not speak up as Nina and Nayden exchanged a few words. Her eyes looked up to the Fire Giant aboard the ship once again.

Kara heard Nina’s specifically negative words of Molthal in the presence of Menalus’s bastard. Yet, she could not dwell on them. She came to the docks for something important to herself...

Stepping to Nayden’s side, Kara spoke out to Nina with, “Excuse me.”

A pause to see if she gained Nina’s attention. It would only determine the volume and annunciation of her words, “Was any cargo meant for delivery to a ‘Cairou river’ company?”

Kara referred to the Cairou River Trading Company, one of many such organizations in the merchant’s paradise of Elbion.

 

[Phillipa Ebonheart]

Phillipa crossed a leg, watching the scene unfold before her as she kept hold of the hat and took a final long sip from her drink. Could not keep the whole assembly waiting she supposed. The department of acquisitions did not typically retrieve things from inside the college, nor did the Foard make note of employing them for brokering the initial steps of an agreement.

Setting the glass down, the black dress with white lace fringe fluttered in the wind slightly as she put both feet down and stood slowly. Stretching the entire way, she let go of the hat a moment as arms shot up into the air and brushed the edge of the umbrella above her.

She blew out a breath, hand back on her hat as the ocean winds threatened to take it once more. The woman hoping that the crew had thought to throw a gem into the mouth of the strait as they had entered, or else suffer the wrath of mischief that always struck the unaware captains that did not frequent these waters.

Talk of some strange beings in the water had held little interest in the woman's mind, as strange things occurred in numerous amounts here in Elbion. A mage or studying student could very well have dumped a perceived failure into the strait for all she knew. Though that mattered little to her.

With a final resignation to the task, she crossed the distance between the restaurant patio and the now docked vessel.

If any could sense the magic about the incoming woman, the presence of a dark and unnatural item could be perceived in her chest. It was not the typical magic of the mages here. Something other in nature, more wild and natural than anything that a mortal could have made in kind. It was almost a tangible thing to those perceptive to it, a leeching sort of presence that made gentle tugs at souls of the dying to rip them from their host in their failing moments and ensure their end.

To the living, it was simply a perception of irritation around the woman that made herself known to Kara and Nayden. She smiled to Kara, knowing full well the ire the woman held for her, and then it fell to Nayden.

"Excellent of you to have greeted our new guests. Have you been able to glean the nature of their visit, or is it merely a passing interest in our great city that they have?" The words were sharp, accusatory, or even demanding if the soft tone she spoke in did not hint at it. There was a smile of greeting on her features, but it was too sharp to be pleasant.

A hunters smile, knowing exactly what it was after. Now simply testing it's target.

 

[Nina]

“Ah…Bureaucracy, one of the wonders of civilization.” Nina smiled. Her eyes darted around for a moment, at the people and cobbled streets, and her lips moved in a soundless whisper. “I missed this.” She shook her head. “Apologies. I didn’t mean to bend the law.” She truly didn’t. The Warlord, on the other hand…likely didn’t either, mostly because, like a storm or some other natural disaster, he didn’t care. “With the distances involved, missives discussing our intentions would have arrived slowly, or not at all. It felt more considerate, both for our time and yours, to keep things direct.”

It was a reasonable excuse. It would not insult their hosts too badly, and neither would it place the Warlord’s ‘delegation’ in an inferior position. It was also a lie. The Warlord had deigned inform her of his intentions precisely five minutes ago. Nina felt like one who divines meanings in the clouds while being pulled along by the storm. Surely the professor would see right through-

Nina felt a chill. He was buying it?

“Thank you.” She nodded.

She had that dizzying feeling of electricity before a thunderstorm. The Warlord wanted her to fool the mages of Elbion into supporting what might’ve been his father’s least favorite son. The mages, undoubtedly, would have their own goals. By gathering people interested in positive change, Nina realized, she would not only indulge the tyrant but also provide a counterbalance to him. Either that, or she was to be the first on the cutting board as soon as a silver-tongued necromancer convinced the Warlord of how practical it would be to let him use the thralls for horrific experiments. She had to play two sides against each other, and at any moment either would realize that she was a mere vagabond with the diplomacy training of a mussel. All that the travelling painter really knew how to do was to show interest in people, ask about their work and-

For a heart-stopping moment she couldn’t believe her luck.

“A healer! I’d love to pick your brain.” Nina clapped her hands together. “I’ve been trying to start some positive change in the Blightlands. My employer involves himself with larger-scale projects such as government reorganization.” If there was a hell for overusing euphemisms, Nina thought, she was headed there in a handbasket. “The Blightlands is an intensely magical place, and many of its challenges are of a magical nature.” Such as Menalus. “Elbion’s world-renowned magicians felt like just the people to ask.” There, a bit of ego-stroking – but it was true.

Truth was, regardless, that they needed a medic. Nina bit her lip. She thought of the honor guard. Suds had pulled some strings to get the orc named Iris on it. Suds had mocked Nina for being weak and human, but when Nina had told her that Iris wasn’t lazy certain days of the month, it was just the crippling pain because her womb was trying to kill her by growing flakes of skin all around the wrong organs, Suds had pushed Nina to the ground and told her to never mention it again. To need a doctor meant you were weak. It was more honorable to die on the battlefield, regardless of what gnawed under your skin. To be without honor, for a Blight Orc, was almost as bad as being a slave. Nevertheless, Nina had told Suds that there are doctors in Elbion. Suds had gotten Iris on the ship.

A question from a stranger, the lady with raven-black hair, woke her up from her thoughts.

“Not that I know of.” Nina cautiously said. “Was the ship you’re expecting supposed to travel via World’s End? There’s been trouble there, recently.”

Unnatural frost and more than half of the people in the town being replaced by Gravelings, that could put a bit of a damper on trade. Their own stolen ship had to be repaired due to ice damage on the hull. Much of the flammable cargo, Nina remembered the sailors saying, had perished in fires that they used to keep warm. Nina distractedly clawed at the skin around one of her thumbnails. The Warlord wasn’t foolish enough to commandeer a ship that the Elbionites were expecting…Was he?

“Trouble. Tad bit of looting and pillaging, I guess?” Somebody mocked from the crowd. Nina’s head turned, but the speaker remained faceless.

“Not exactly.” Nina murmured, clenching her fists. She had known it wouldn’t be easy.

“Would you like to talk in more detail? In retrospect, this might not be the best place.” Nina chuckled nervously, turning back to the professor after clarifying things with the lady. “What do you think? I’d be happy to invite you and the Warlord for lunch, if you can suggest a place where we can talk unhindered.”

But before the matter could be properly settled, another woman appeared. This one was elegant, an elegance that was as sharp as a knife, in ruffles and lace. She addressed the others as if she was their superior. True, or not? Nina didn’t know. All that the travelling painter knew is that she didn’t like the vibe she got from her.

While the explanations were ongoing, Nina smiled.

Behind her, the water of the bay bubbled.[/COLOR]

 

[Naghi]

Naghi grew tired of waiting.

He could hear Nina from where he was, and although she was doing a fine job it became more and more clear to him that a heavier hand was needed. Negotiation was all well and good, but eventually something had to be hit with a hammer in order for it to be moved.

With a wave of his massive hand Naghi commanded the Blight Orcs to remain where they were.

A half-giant in Elbion was all well and good, but a cadre of Blight Orcs would most likely cause havoc on a grand sort of scale. Especially those whom he had chosen to come with him.

The wooden deck of the ship creaked underneath his feet as he turned around and began to walk down the side of the ship. After a few moments he reached the gangplank, stepping on it and slowly moving down the ramp.

With great strides Naghi closed the gap between himself and the part of conversationalists. He towered over Nina, though did not spare her a second glance.

"My envoy is correct." He rumbled. "This is not the place for talk."

Naghi looked down at the magelings. "I wish to visit your College."

 

[Kara Orin]

Nina’s answer put a deep frown upon Kara’s face. Her mother always wanted a Drawan cat, for some reason. There were rumors in Elbion of them having magical properties – but that was common in many tales of cats. Kara’s mother saw a picture of one in a book once and would always nonsensically joke about things like, “One day when I’m rich, I’m getting a frilled dress and a Drawan cat!”

Now the chances of that cat ever appearing seemed nearly zero.

With her frown slowly fading, Kara continued to listen to those around her speak. Her attention shifted to Naghi once more as the half-giant descended from the ship. She listened to him make his intentions clear.

A short silence followed. Kara closed her eyes to regain composure and blank face.

Before the professors could respond, Kara replied to Naghi’s request to visit the College with, “If you wish so, I could guide you the way if Professors Kiers and Ebonheart have other plans.”

If Nayden and Phillipa could not accompany the Fire-Giant and his envoy, then there were other Maesters at the College that could hear the Fire Giant’s request. At the least, Naghi voicing his offer there might move individuals to go on a journey of discovery…

Naghi Nina Phillipa Ebonheart Nayden Kiers