Dreadlords The Lies They Told

[Liliana]

Ayel Anen - The Falwood

Liliana sat atop her steed with an expression of pure and utter boredom. They had been riding for what felt like weeks now, though the reality was more like like five or six days. Most of it had been easy going, only because the Carriage at the center of their party had dictated their pace more than anything else.

She offered the black cart a dower look.

It was not the first of such that she had given the thing, mostly because she held the opinion that she should have been inside it. She didn't mind riding, but a fucking week of it? Her ass was starting to feel permanently numb. This whole trip felt utterly ridiculous. Especially given the point of it. Diplomacy with a bunch of sava-

"We are drawing close, Captain."​

Her thoughts were interrupted as one of the knife-ear escorts stepped just a bit too close to where she had been riding, addressing the Anirian Guard Captain that had been besides her. Liliana bit her tongue, frowning slightly and pulling on her reins to lead her midnight black horse just a little bit away from the disgusting creature.

That was really the worst of this trip.

Being surrounded by those things for the whole of their trip through the Falwood.

The Ambassador had called them a guard of honor, sent by the Prince of Ayel Anen. To Liliana they looked more like prison wardens. Men and women sent to watch the Anirians as they made their way to the Elvish city. She couldn't help but feel the trickle of bile on her tongue everytime she looked at them. On the first night one had even tried to talk to her.

Disgusting.

"Excellent, thank you First Warden. I and the others look forward to seeing your great city."​

Groveling little pig. Liliana thought to herself as she overheard the Ambassador.

 

[Theadora Cloud]

Thea had bit her lip enough over the past few days that she was surprised it wasn't bleeding. She couldn't help but feel anxious the closer they came to their destination, this was her first time engaging in actual diplomacy. Even if she was mostly there to make sure none of the actual important people got sick with something.

That wasn't the only thing making her nervous though, she'd made sure to keep her gaze fixed straight ahead, if she stared at anything too long, talked to an elf too long, or anything else of the sort her loyalty to Vel'Anir would be questioned. Which might be difficult for her, she'd never been to Falwood before! How she not take in the sights?

She tightened her grip on the reins. Mentally reciting a prayer to Aliandra, she didn't know what to expect from the trip ahead, but she had a feeling there'd be tension. The history between their peoples guaranteed such.

Liliana

 

[Elias]

Taking up the rear, Elias was much more content with the ground they'd covered and much less nervous than others over the whole ordeal. With rays of gold peeking through the canopy, the fatigue one would expect from extensive traveling had yet to settle in the Lordling. The young man leaned back in his saddle and idly rubbed one of the large, earlobe-stretching studs he accessorized himself with.

"Oi, mate," Elias called to one of the rangers accompanying the Anirian contingent, then whistled. The man turned his head. "Yeah, you. C'mere."

The elf, with a twitch in his brow, fell back in the formation and brought his horse beside Elias'.

"What's your name?"

"Folas," the ranger answered skeptically.

"Folas. What's that mean?"

"Strong-willed."

"Oh, great. Say, you wouldn't know any," Elias leaned into the space between them and lowered his voice, "uh, any women, would you? If I'm being dragged all the way out here, I'd better get something out of it, you know?"

Ah, Elves. Famed for their graceful images and stalwart dignity. But contrary to their reputation, Folas wore his disgust in Elias openly. He uttered something in his beautiful elven tongue as he spurred his horse back up into the formation.

The young Lord shrugged and listlessly scanned their surroundings.

 

[Ellory Ashford]

Lieutenant Ellory Ashord was not actually sure why she had been chosen for this little trip. Perhaps it was because she was level headed and good under pressure? Perhaps it was because she was not racist like the majority of the other Guardsman and the Dreadlord Initiates? Or perhaps it is because she was a very loyal Anirian Guard and she spoke the tongue of these Elves? It was most likely that one. She had no idea the reasoning but the Commander had chosen her and she did not say no. She also needed to get out of the office for a bit. This was like a really fucked up vacation for the overworked investigator in the most understaffed branch of the Anirian Guard.

She had spent most of the days in her usual stoic silence. When she was not silent, she was speaking in hushed tones to her fellows. Ellory was riding in silence towards the back of the entourage when she heard the escort speak to the Commander.

Good, she thought to herself. She was more than ready to be done riding for a few days.

It was not long until her attention was drawn towards the young Dreadlord Initiate that had caused one of the Elven escorts to curse at him in his native tongue. She couldn't help but let out a low chuckle.

 

[Liliana]

Liliana had to bite her tongue from spitting at the Knife-ears as they continued on. Every time one of them got close she stared silent dagger into their heart in some vain hope that it would somehow kill them. Most of the bastards didn't even seem to notice, either too aloof or having long since learned to ignore such hate.

The youngest Lorel felt so painfully out of place. Even with Elias here, making her not the only noble, the burden of who she was and what she'd been brought up with seemed an almost crushing weight. She was meant to be stalking the halls of the Palace, speaking to nobles and twisting their minds to her whims. Not riding through some fucking forest.

She was beginning to wonder why she was even here.

A thought that was abruptly cut off as the trees themselves suddenly seemed to shift and move.

Liliana did not notice it at first. Thinking it a trick of the wind, yet as she looked up the truth couldn't be denied. The trees moved. Branches folded in on themselves, leaves curled, and a wall of living foliage seemed to part as if the opening of a gate. The sight beyond enough to take even the bigoted little nobles breath away.

Before them lay a city, one the like of which most humans had never seen before.

A massing of urban sprawl not built from stone or metal, but the forest itself. Houses sprang from trees themselves, massive sprawling manors warped and twisted into ancient groves. It was as though the city had been grown from the earth itself. Vines and flowers decorated everything in sight, and within this city of life stepped hundreds upon hundreds of elves.

Some wore robes of silks, others bright shinning armor, and still others seemed draped in the forest itself. "Holy shit."

Liliana exclaimed, briefly caught by the sheer beauty in front of them.

 

[Theadora Cloud]

Thea glanced at Elias (a fellow Dreadlord Apprentice) when she heard him speaking to one of the rangers. She sighed and shook her head when caught the end of it. A part of her wondered if the higher ups were trying to provoke a war with Falwood.

Rustling in the trees distracted her from her concerns. She blinked, weird, it didn't feel like the wind. Yet the movement in the forest continued and only grew stronger, until the forest itself seemed to part to let them see the city beyond. The moment she saw it, all her resolve to play it calm disappeared.

Instead she gasped, a smile growing on her face as she took in the sight before them. "Wow, it's beautiful!"

Liliana Elias Ellory Ashford

 

[Elias]

Elias wondered, did these loincloths have any idea of the scope of ken that Elias and his cohort possessed? That, though rarely spoken, they all understood several dialects of the elven tongue. In another time, the scion of House Sirl would have called down the wrath of sunlight onto them. A heat so violent that it caused flesh to gruesomely burst apart as the body's moisture suddenly evaporated—a very quick, very painful manner of dying.

He would pull up beside Liliana and catch her astonishment.

"Makes good kindling," he hushed between them, flashing a friendly, winsome smile to the young Lady.

Beauteous indeed, but Elias had no words of praise to offer. He leaned back in his saddle, gripping the reins, the fingers of one hand rhythmically tapping the back of his other.

"How old d'you reckon it is?" he mused aloud, "A hundred years? Five hundred? Five thousand?"

 

[Ellory Ashford]

The trees shifting caught Ellory's eye as soon as they started to move. Her attention to detail had always been good thanks to her militaristic upbringing but it had only been honed further when she joined the Vestigare. It really was beautiful how they opened like any traditional gate would.

The tree gate was not the most beautiful part of this ride though. No, the city was glorious. It was the forest and the forest was it. Her mouth opened in astonishment as she took it in. "Gorgeous..." She said softly as she continued with the group.

It was amazing to her that anyone could make a functioning city out of trees and earth. She wanted to see more and she was excited that she would get to do just that.

 

[Liliana]

The moment Elias Sirl rode up beside her Liliana's mind snapped back to its regular state. The look of wonder disappeared from her face, the gleam in her eyes instantly replaced with suffering boredom. Her expression all but sour as she sat like a Queen upon her steed, fingers only loosely wrapped around the reins. "Does it now?"

Liliana mused on her fellow noble's comment. "Maybe a fire will start while we're her-"

She was about to speak more of her mind when one of the Knife-ears cut her off. His voice loud enough to speak over her.

"Thank you, young Sorcerer."​

Liliana turned her head towards the man that had spoken. Her glare was utter venom. He was on foot just two or three meters away, his hair a luxurious blonde that almost rivaled her own. Almost. He did not look at Thea, though it was clear that he was speaking to her.

Curiously, they never referred to the Initiates as Dreadlords. In fact, they never referred to even the Dreadlords with them as such. Liliana had first noticed it days ago, a fact which had niggled at the back of her mind ever since. It was something that would have to be corrected.

"Our city is old. The first tree was sung near twenty thousand years ago, by the Elder Felthwin."​

He was now looking at Thea, but the implication of his words were more than obvious. He'd overheard the Nobles little whispers, elven ears much more keen than those of humans.

"It has withstood the fires of dragons, the magics of man, and the ruins of time. Ayel Anen has always endured, a mark of its people."​

Elven eyes flickered to Liliana for a brief moment, a heartbeat of time. That was all it was, but Liliana saw it. The smug, smarmy little look on his eyes. Her fingers tightened, grip growing white knuckles as she kept herself from turning the man into a drooling invalid whose mind could only think of her worship.

The whole exchange seemed utterly lost on the Anirian Ambassador who was now all but hanging out the window. He was making comments, calling the city wonderful, boasting about new friendships and relations, about trade deals and all the good things that would be coming. Liliana tried to drown the sniveling little runt out as they proceeded to the city.

Eventually they came to a stop, the Elven guard fanning out from around the Anirians. A massive tree stood before them, steps sang into the side of it which lead to a huge open canopy in which nestled a building the size of a manor.

The ambassador stepped from his carriage as the Initiates and Guardsmen dismounted.

"This is where you will be staying, Ambassador. You'll have free run of the city of course, though The Prince has insisted you will be escorted if you choose to wander."​

A nod tilted the groveling little piggy's head.

"Of course, of course First Warden. Commander, see that everyone is settled, and then give everyone the night off. I am sure that I'll be perfectly safe here."​

The Guardsmen in charge looked more than a little dubious, flashing a glance of concern towards Ellory and some of the Dreadlords. A look which Liliana entirely ignored.

She had her own plans for the night, eyes flickering towards the blonde little elf that had so tactfully admonished her.

 

[Theadora Cloud]

Thea's gaze wandered across the city, trees and inhabitants alike. Everything was so different from the stone architecture of her home. She'd pictured Fal'Addas as being primitive, judging from how it was described in the Academy, but in truth, it looked about as modern as Vel'Anir itself. Albeit in a different manner.

"Our city is old. The first tree was sung near twenty thousand years ago, by the Elder Felthwin," an elf said, apparently to her.

Thea glanced at him, her lips parting. "It was, sung into existence!?" Could they still do things like that? If so, that was amazing! ... And also something that would likely be frowned upon among the Dreadlords. Unless it could be used to slay their foes or crush fortifications.

She stole a glance back at Liliana and Elias, both former underclassmen of hers. Neither looked very happy to be there. The former seemed especially angry at the elf who'd spoken to her. Oh, she really hoped the higher-ups knew what they were doing when they sent them on this mission.

Eventually, they stopped at the manor they'd be staying at for the duration of their trip. While dismounting, Thea noticed one particular figure among the Anirian Guards, one of the few who didn't look to have any problems with the elves. Ashford, was the name, she believed. Maybe she should introduce herself? They were going to work together for this mission, after all.

Thea took a deep breath and approached when an opportunity presented itself. "Hello," she said with a small smile. "My names Thea, a Dreadlord Apprentice. You must be with the Anirian Guard?"

Liliana Ellory Ashford Elias

 

[Elias]

While the elf recited Ayel Anen's history, Elias fiddled with the messy knot tied atop his head.

"That's real interesting, mate," Elias sardonically intoned.

The comment from Theadora earned a grimace from the Lordling. That kind of excitement was unbecoming, he thought. But to each their own.

Elias hovered around Liliana until they arrived at their grand destination. After dismounting his steed, he immediately made for the Noblewoman. Circling the horse, he patted it on the muzzle and hushed to Liliana: "You..." Elias chimed, jerking an accusatory finger at her, "are plotting something."

 

[Ellory Ashford]

Ellory say the Commanders look of dismay at the suggestion that they all enjoy a night off. He knew how crazy some of his people could get. Ellory was not one of them though. She planned to maybe have a drink or two then turn in for the night. She was not very exciting outside of work. It made sense given the way she was raised.

Like the others, Ellory dismounted once they had reached their destination. She was feeding a sugar cube to her mare as she patted the horses muzzle.

Ellory tracked the approached of the shorter blonde girl in her peripherally. She knew she was one of the Dreadlord Initiates but she couldn't place a name for the life of her. Thankfully she did not have to think long.

She nodded at Thea, "yes, I am Lieutenant Ashford. It is nice to meet you, Thea. You are one of the Initiates, correct?"

 

[Liliana]

Liliana slipped from her horse with all the grace of a Queen.

Despite her lordly demeanor the young Initiate was no stranger to the cruelties of reality. She, like every one of her peers, knew well how to take care of a horse and everything that went along with it. The noble might not have liked doing it, there were servants for such things after all, but she could do it in a pinch.

Plus, it was better that she did it rather than some elf.

Her head didn't turn as Elias approached her, fingers fiddling with the bridle around her ponies head. "Me?"

Liliana said, sounding the very song of innocence.

"Why My Lord Sirl, I cannot believe you would suggest such a thing." Slowly she turned, facing him with an easy and pleasant smile. "I simply mean to enjoy the sights of this wondrous city."

Her head cocked to the side. "And the pleasant company of our hosts."

As she spoke to Elias the Ambassador and the rest of the Anirians began to unload their things. The manor house had been completely cleared for their retinue. Every one among them would have a room to themselves, small as it was, but privacy nonetheless.

Yet Liliana seemed none too eager to head inside. "I was just about to ask for an escort into this...lovely metropolis. Would you care to join me?"

She asked sweetly.

 

[Theadora Cloud]

Thea smiled awkwardly as she scratched the back of her head. "Uh, no, not actually an initiate myself." It was a fair assumption, she knew she didn't look like your typical Dreadlord. She probably looked more like a student than the actual students. "I graduated a year ago. I was sent in case anyone fell ill. It's nice to meet you!"

She glanced slightly off to the side when she heard Liliana and Elias' voices, though she couldn't make out the words. If the two of them got into any mischief, they could damage their cause, but she didn't know how to dissuade them, or maybe she just lacked the courage to think of how. She sighed and looked back to Ashford. "I haven't been on a mission like this before. I hope the ambassador knows what he's doing..."

She unpacked her saddle along with the rest of the party. Her gaze lifted to the manor they'd be staying. She wouldn't mind staying there for a few days...

Liliana Ellory Ashford Elias

 

[Elias]

Elias snorted and looked off into the sprawling grove city.

"This place certainly is a sight to behold. The people⁠—absolutely pleasant." The young man's deadpan quivered at the corner of his mouth and broke into a smile, and his laughter boomed across the manor grounds.

"Oh, fucking hell," Elias brushed a tear from the corner of his eye with his knuckle, "You're a treat, Lorel. I'll take you up on your offer."

 

[Ellory Ashford]

"Apologies," Ellory said in response to Thea's correction. She looked young so it made sense that she had only graduated a year ago. "Ahhh, a healer. It was wise to send you, I think. I am worried for this mission..."

Ellory slung her pack over her shoulder and looked around at their group and then the beautiful city. This was definitely going to be interesting.

"I am worried that he does not know what he is doing. I know they wanted Nobles along but Noble Dreadlord Initiates seems like the worst idea they could make."

And she knew Elias. She just did not know how he was around other people especially other Nobles and Initiates.

Theadora Cloud

 

[Liliana]

Liliana kept her face a marble mask of quiet bemusement as Elias chortled. Her gaze flickering only briefly to the others around them. Once he steadied himself the young Lorel only smiled a little wider, threading a hair over her ear. "Wonderful."

She said. "I would so hate to be the only stranger in this strange land."

There was a quiet edge to her tone. A subtle knife that slipped beneath her words. She looked around for a moment, and then spotted the elf that had earlier admonished her. With liquid steps she carried herself to him, her stature the very picture of poise.

"Excuse me." She pulled his attention. "The First Warden spoke of guides."

Liliana smiled. "My friend and I were hoping you would show us some of the local scenery."

The Elf glared at her, suspicion clear.

"I realize the...flaw in my earlier words, and I would enjoy a chance to be proven...wrong." The words were almost painful to speak, but as she said them her fingers slightly crooked. It was just barely, not really even enough to notice.

Yet as she did so a small weave of magic cast out. A net of sympathy, thrown over the elf's mind, drawing him into her clutches.

A moment passed, the Elf's face scrunching slightly before slowly he dipped his head in a nod.

"Yes...Yes I would be happy to show you."​

 

[Theadora Cloud]

Thea smiled reassuringly and held up her hands. "No need to apologize! You're not the first person to be confused..." In truth, it happened more than she cared to admit. Her smile brightened at the Lieutenant's next words. Up until she mentioned being worried about the mission.

She bit her lip. Sadly, Ashford had a point, she knew the attitudes of her once-fellow initiates quite well. Plenty hated elves, nobles especially, as many had long family vendetta's against various clans of elves and Fal'Addas. A part of her wondered if the higher-ups weren't trying to bait the elves by sending them. Though she lacked the courage to voice that directly.

She glanced behind her when she heard Liliana, wincing when she saw her speaking to an elf. Oh Holy Mother, that couldn't be a good sign. She slowly shifted her gaze back toward Ashford. "You, don't think they're going to get into any trouble, do you?" she asked uncertainty. Trying to convince herself it'd be fine.

Liliana Elias Ellory Ashford

 

[Elias]

Elias, who was exceptionally talented at smiling, wore charm across his features as Liliana spoke. There were few tells with her magic, and even those were subtle enough for the keenly perceptive to miss. But with his gaze trained on the elf, the tenuous quirk in his demeanor and pause as the young Lady's magic took root did not go unnoticed. And to this, the Lordling's smile vanished.

Not that there was any concern for the elf. No, no, that was not to be misunderstood. It was merely that Elias, who, like all of their ilk that's experienced Liliana's control, would never forget the feeling.

Elias stepped to Liliana's side, his arms folded across his chest, and warily eyed the noblewoman as she continued with the elf.

 

[Liliana]

"Lovely." Liliana purred, smiling up at Elias for a brief moment before she swept her hand to the right.

The Elf seemed to follow the way that she pointed, as though he were a moth being directed to a flame. A frown pulled over his lips for just a brief moment, as if he couldn't quite comprehend what was going on. Yet before he could utter a thought Liliana spoke.

"Why don't you take us somewhere scenic?" She asked. "I always loved sitting on the cliffs around the Academy."

Liliana lied. "Is there anything like that here?"

The Elf gave her another confused look, and then slowly nodded his head.

"Yes...Yes, there is the old Falls of Ayen...they are exceptionally beautiful but ou-"​

"That sounds perfect, don't you think Elias?" Liliana said, looking up at the much larger Initiate.

 

[Elias]

"Sounds lovely," he responded quickly and beckoned to the elf, "Lead on, mate."

There was a lag in the elf's reactions, but their newly acquired guide twitched and turned to show them the way.

"What's that fair maiden facade?" Elias' brow arced and a wry smirk drew over his lips as he lightheartedly prodded at Liliana, "It's disturbing."

 

[Liliana]

”Facade?” Liliana echoed, smiling an utterly wicked smile as she looked over to Elias.

Over the last few months she had come to understand far more about her own magic. Particularly when it came to affecting those with disdain towards her. A truly wondrous discovery she had made in her time with Evie.

”I’ve always been the perfect Lady, Elias.” She admonished. ”I just wanted to make an impression on our host.”

Her voice quieted just a bit more as they continued to walk, the buildings around them beginning to fade away to woods once more as the Elf lead them to the edge of town. In the distance she could hear water echoing out over falls.

Liliana’s gaze flickered over to her much taller companion. ”It’s important they know who we are.”

Who she was.

 

[Elias]

"Oh, you're right. My mistake," he dryly remarked, "How foolish of me."

Taking the short hike from the manor to the city's outskirts with the newly settled quietness between them gave Elias the opportunity to take in his surroundings. It truly was beautiful, as were most things untouched by Man.

"Is it?" Answered the Initiate, "If you say so."

Emerging from the treeline, they arrived at a sheer bluff overlooking the roaring falls and lake below it. Elias stepped forward, whistling with awe, taking in the whole thing. The drop from the ridge into the lake was considerable, and they weren't even near the top of the waterfall, which was violently flowing adjacent to where they stood.

 

[Liliana]

Slowly Liliana came to a stop, standing just a few feet short of Elias.

The Elf that had been guiding them seemed to stall, his feet slowly pressing into the dirt, his eyes staring ahead of them with an almost empty expression. "What a beautiful view."

She quietly contended.

"Something to be appreciated." Fingers flickered, twitched ever so slightly.

Another net was woven. Another gentle touch was prodded on the man that stood besides her. The Elf's face seemed to flicker, his lips thinning, his eyes tightening. He took a step forward, his leg violently shaking as he moved towards the cliff. "When did you join the Academy, Elias?"

Liliana asked.

"It's been so long." She mused, the Elf taking another step towards the cliff."I can hardly remember."

 

[Elias]

"Something to be appreciated."

"Hm."

Elias crossed his arms and turned his ear towards the elf taking awkward, trembling steps forward. Then he appeared in the Initiate's periphery, the sight of which drew a frown from the young man.

"Before you," he flatly answered, not allowing his bitterness on the topic to rear its ugly head.

He watched the elf as he neared closer and closer to the perilous drop, quiet as he listened to Liliana.

"Aren't you talkative today. Does the view have you feeling sentimental?"

Then, the elf came to a stop at the edge of the cliff, quite literally toeing the line between life and death. Elias waited, stoic but anticipating what would come next. Would she follow through, or was this play to her? Was she intending for Elias to make a fool of himself here, to spring into action like some hero of old?

Even if he tried, he wouldn't be able to deduce the workings of the girl's mind.