Open Chronicles What's a god to a non-believer?

[Eden Sinclayr]

The Forum Allirium sat within the heavy walls of the Allir Keep, cloistered away within an inner courtyard. It was comprised of carefully tended gardens, fountains, and seated gathering places. The natural beauty of the gardens were connected by wide, circling paths paved by white stones. The forums were always open to the people of Alliria, at least in theory, but rarely did they see use other than a quiet place to rest for visiting nobles.

This day was different, and the Forum Allirium was bustling with hundreds of citizens. They had gathered to listen to the meeting of the Merchant's Guild councilors. It was unusual to host an open-air meeting like this, most bureaucracy being held within the stuffy inner chambers of the Keep. The only time they gathered here was when a matter of public importance was to be discussed, and the Council wished for word of a decision to travel fast. It had taken a good number of political favors for Eden Sinclayr to convince the others to call a forum.

Eden watch with hard eyes as the other councilors settled in, organizing scrolls and giving little commands to their assistants. It was an uncomfortable place to meet, too exposed to the elements and too close to the public. The eldest councilors shifted restlessly on the cold stone benches of the forum, discomfort clear on their faces. Their discomfort would soon turn to anger, and she took joy in watching them squirm.

Eden stood, and walked to the center of the half-circle forum.

"Councilors," she announced, then shifted her gaze to the crowd that had gathered. "Proud merchants of Alliria. The foundations of this city sit on two continents, and for generations we have stood strong on that foundation, and our city has brought peace and prosperity to both Liadain and Epressa. It is the Merchant Council's duty to uphold that peace. I come to you today, because there is a darkness on the horizon, that shakes our foundation, and threatens our city's safety."

"I will not stand here and lecture you on the grimness of the dragon invasions. Many of you in this room have lived through such tragedies. The destruction of Elbion, the shattering of Bhathairk. And even the recent dragon attack on our own city. Were it not for the help of outsiders, we would not have been able to push back the dragon's army from our walls." Eden closed her eyes, bent her head and placed her hand over her heart. She spoke more softly, but somehow the words still carried through the far reaches of the crowd. "The weight of these losses burdens my heart. It is with great sorrow that I must admit, the Council has broken its promise to guide and protect our people."

Eden raised her head high, and along with it her voice turned to a resonant call. "Today, I seek to right this wrong. Alliria must stand strong against the rising dragons and their followers! I urge the Council to form a new division of our army. This division will be made up of heroes of extraordinary strength and character, warriors who can defend our people from the most extraordinary of enemies. With the permission of the Council, I call to form the ALLIRIAN DRAGON GUARD."

"We must show the world that we can defend the peace we have created! Alliria will become the beacon at the heart of two continents. Never again, will our people bend to the will of dragons!"

It was a pretty speech, meant to rile up the crowd. Allirian merchants and nobles were not the type to shout during a council gathering, but Eden saw the subtle signs of her words working through the crowd. Excited murmurs ran through the forum, scribes wrote furiously on their enchanted tablets, and her fellow councilors grew red in the face as they frantically began to put together their rebuttals.

 

[Xanatos Dan'Talos]

Xanatos stood as he always did. Tall. Alert. Watching at attention. What would the faces of these Councilmembers reveal? Would they bark in challenge? Would they decry the effort? Dismiss it as madness. The ravings of a power monger.

Would they be wrong?

Such a question only served him as a mirror. His place was not to ask on right or wrong. His place was to obey. To be of service. To watch and take note.

Who smiled. Whose eye twinkled. Who failed to keep their mask of pensive neutrality. Who stayed quiet for too long?

His red moon eyes did not blink, and his long tail stirred languidly behind him. But a meter with which to measure the room's beat.

 

[Quintus Vexion]

At Councilor Sinclayr's proposal, the room swelled with uncertainty.

There were even rumblings within his own entourage. Men and women who looked to him to lead them and yet filled his ears with opinions of their own. Certainly, the Star-Touched Knight would agree to such a proposal. Those within the Vexion line who proved worthy of wearing the holy armor and wielding the Ghostwarden had endeavored to protect Alliria and the Reach since time immemorial. Or perhaps immemorial for most. Whenever Astra's progeny spoke to him, he heard all of the stories. They were painted for him in colors he could not describe and yet the one he always recognized was blood. Perhaps that was the purpose of his pause. Councilor Vexion had to be certain that he would take part in bloodletting for the right reasons. Being in a position of power in the physical realm was a privilege but there were few as great as serving the gods.

Gently and slowly, Quintus rose from his seat and took a step forward. He raised a hand to silence the crowd. Though he was dressed in the finery that suited a man of his position, he appeared somewhat frail. His eyes were somewhat sunken in and one could tell his legs were weak as he'd been walking with a cane. Such was the price he paid whenever it was necessary to protect Alliria in his own way. There was no quit in his eyes, however and he moved to lock eyes with the Lady Synclair.

"Lady Synclair's proposal is tempting," he said, his voice a low rumble that carried across the courtyard. "I would be a fool not to support the formation of this Dragon Guard. Many of us here are Allirian by birth. We've known since the time we were able to understand words and writing. History.... We've known that Alliria is the true light of the world, a place where anyone could make something for themselves if they had nothing. Yes, yes... That is something that should be protected."

He'd looked around the room at all the lords and merchants gathered. So many of them had been born into privilege, including himself. But how many made their fortunes through ingenuity and wit? How many of them made it through some miracle? His eyes turned back Lady Eden.

"My Lady, we must defend the peace we have created. I would die for that peace myself. However what you are proposing could have far reaching consequences should we rush forward too quickly. The last attack on our city weighs heavy on all of our minds. We must ensure that in protecting our home, we do not become zealous in the spread of our vision. Alliria is a haven for merchants and people looking to build a future. We are not conquerors."

The room stirred again. And just as when Eden spoke and many disagreed with her stance, the reactions were quite similar for Quintus. Brown-gold eyes scanned the room and fell upon the red moon ones that stared back. For a time, he did not break his gaze. Lady Eden kept interesting company.
​

You must tread carefully into this new future.
You know this.
Light creates darkness in places you would never think to look.
Or are those places not always on your mind?

Do you worry?​

​

 

[Eden Sinclayr]

For many of the councilors seated here today, their minds were already set. There were those on the council that would vote against her because of nothing more than petty political ties, or family disputes, or shadowy deals already made with the dragon-worshippers for their own gain. But then, there were those good men and women who still spoke according to their conscience. Who believed in something. Those, were the dangerous ones.

She met Lord Quintus Vexion's gaze as he rose to speak. In her green eyes was reflected raw, wicked victory, as if she did not care which direction the scales would tip. What was reflected there in his? Something other than his words, which spoke of measure and caution.

"...We are not conquerors."

"And we will not become conquerors, my Lord Vexion," she responded, giving the listening crowd no time to murmur properly about the other councilor's speech. "The consequences are already far-reaching, Arethil is changing. I do not know what the future will bring, but I know that we act too slowly, now. The recent attack was able to get so far into our city because the Merchant Council did not assemble quickly enough, and our scattered armies had no leader to guide them in battle."

The merchants, wrapped up in their finery and sitting on their cold, judicial benches, were not warriors. They never would be. Because of that, she knew it would be difficult for them to accept her next words.

"I am not just calling for the formation of the Dragon Guard, but also for the creation of a new seat on the council. A General who can act swiftly in times of need, but who will still be held responsible to the full extent of the Merchant's Laws."

An aging man with slick grey hair rose up to standing, then, outrage written clear on his face. Councilor Ludvig Marcellous, a small-minded merchant who held a grudge (admittedly justified) against her parents. "You insult us, Lady Sinclayr, with such an obvious grab at power. Next you will humbly put your own name forward to lead --"

"The new seat should not be held by anyone with existing land, wealth, or titles." Eden wasted no time in talking over the man. He grew red at the rudeness of it, but she continued. More out of annoyance at his presence than any strategic gain. "They should be a hero of the people, and a servant of Alliria. No one who sits here today. We can all agree on that, at least."

Eden sat back in her council seat, then. The conversation would continue without her, for a time. She would let the others bicker as long as they needed, waiting for the next moment to strike.

Xanatos Dan'Talos Quintus Vexion

 

[Nimue]

Nimue had been able to pull a few strings to be here this day. Her role during this meeting was a completely silent one; she was to attend, gather information and then report back.

Plain and simple.

Tension was high, she knew that much. Greater loss had occured then expected by the recent events and it was obvious that not only the commen people but those in postions of power were uneasy aswell.

How they would rectify the growing problem was unclear yet, on the other hand an internal power struggle alongside growing distrust also seemed to rear its ugly head.
This was not a good sign, not at all.

 

[Zeraphine Batahlia]

The high neck of Zeraphine's flared starched collar brushed near her jawline, the material a soft velvet and the color of fresh blood. The sharp shoulders of her dress robes cut an imposing figure that flared down into bell sleeves that hid her hands from view. And at the moment, she was clenching them, her angular face set into a false mask of pleasant interest as Eden and Quintus threw dialogue back and forth to the courtyard.

Passively, she was listening to the incessant whispered babblings of the sycophantic nobles and their disgustingly obsequious advisors as they crowded the courtyard of the Forum Allirium, much too close to her for her liking. Their commentary was rather grating to Zeraphine's higher-class sensibilities. All they could speak of was how these new proposals served them and how they would impact their coffers. As a Lady of a renowned militaristic noble house in the Allir Reach, the woman had every blood right to be there. But none of them could see the bigger picture, could see how it might affect the masses that fell under their noble house, and how it would trickle down into their everyday lives. The blind fools. None of them thought of how it might destroy the weak tethers of control they juggled. But she saw them as the pitful, mindless squawking chickens they were, unaware that the butcher had been fattening them and readying them for a quick pluck and stew.

Granted, Zeraphine viewed the suggestion of a non-titled, non-wealthy hero joining the council as unrealistic and unwise. She believed that leadership required experience, wealth, and influence and that anyone without these qualities would not be capable of effectively leading on the council. Not to mention that she thought a leader without these qualifications would not have the respect of the other council members, making it difficult for them to make important decisions. However, due to her strong sense of pragmatism, she recognized that the suggestion was being made in response to a rather difficult and potentially complex political situation, and she briefly admonished herself into being more open to considering new and innovative solutions to the challenges now facing Alliria. As being intolerant of new things would leave her behind the curve, and just like she knew best, knowledge was power. So no matter how much the disdain for the men around her fought to curl her lip, she forced herself to stay and listen. One never knew when the opportunity to strike would appear, but she was content with gathering whatever intel she could. In the meantime, she examined her future husband-to-be.

The one and only Quintus Vexion.

For at the moment, she found him to be the most interesting man there of all. She smirked to herself. Whether that be due to her own nefarious and selfish ambitions was yet to be determined.

Quintus Vexion Xanatos Dan'Talos Eden Sinclayr Nimue

 

[Quintus Vexion]

None that sat the forum would lead the Dragon Guard and, truth be told, it was a start in the right direction in Quintus's eyes. His mind wandered for a brief moment to all of the times he'd seen petty men and lords grasp at power at every turn. Even now as the murmurs filled the room and the Councilors and their advisors thought of ways to see their will played out before them. Many of them rose to the occasion to put forth their champion or representatives, some of which caused a tad bit of alarm for House Vexion's scion.

House Southfield was powerful in their own right, even though they were young. Their lord had come from a knightly house in the Reach to make a name for himself in the Capital and as far as Quintus knew, he had done quite well for himself. The haughty Lord stepped forward and put his champion's name up for consideration. Itara the Bull was a hell of a combatant, Quintus had seen first hand. She carried a cruel axe and more than one highly decorated warrior had fallen at it's keen edge. She was a full head taller than most of the people in the forum and likely a head taller than any of the men in Alliria.

Councilor Durran put forward Yves the Deathdealer and Councilor Ghen proposed a Sworn from the Knights of Anathaeum. On and on it went. Many of the suggestions were for certain members of Lords' families to take the position. Obvious power grabs. After a time, Quintus spoke up again, speaking up from where he was seated in the innermost ring of the forum.

"House Vexion wishes to raise Lieutenant Varin Attix to the position as leader of the Dragon Guard. His mettle has been tested on more than one occasion and he is a veteran of conflicts both domestic and abroad. For the past twenty years, he has served of the Allirian Guard and you fill find none within their ranks who won't vouch for him."

Attix was no great friend of Quintus's, however whenever the Councilor needed to have ears on the ground, Attix was his go-to. It was a plus that the man was no slouch with a sword or his bare hands. He was respected and in his mind, the finest choice available.

 

[Eden Sinclayr]

The discussion was going as Eden had planned - those who at first had protested the formation of the Dragon Guard now put forth the names of their champions without a second thought, eager to grasp at the chance for power. Fickle creatures, unable to separate themselves from the temporary boons of this world, even when their city was crumbling around them. It was almost certain now that the vote would go in favor of forming the Guard. The rest would fall into place as it did.

Scribes wrote down the names of the nominated frantically, as each councilor was given room to stand and put a name forth. Eden glazed over most of them. Whoever held the new seat first could be replaced later. Or perhaps they would end up being the right person for the job - she didn't care either way. Such details bored her, immaterial as they were.

Then, the Lord Vexion stood up once more. Passively, Eden's eyes trailed to him. She kept her slouched posture as he spoke, but her gaze soaked in every word. Lieutenant Attix. She made a note to send one of her men to investigate this guard. If she could understand the man Vexion had nominated, perhaps she would glean some of the intentions of the councilor himself.

Eden would not stand and make a nomination herself. She'd paid off a lesser councilor to do that for her. One Lady Frances Straen, a plump woman with just enough respect to be taken seriously at council, but not enough resources to be a threat.

Lady Straen stood next, her cheeks rosy from the outdoor air. "I nominate Alonse Dreixmond, Captain of the City Guard. He has repute with the commonfolk, and already reports directly to the council."

Eden had no visible connections to Captain Dreixmond. In fact, he was the sort of man who couldn't be bribed easily, by anyone. Controlling the new council seat did not interest her. All Eden wanted was someone in charge she wouldn't have to worry about. She had other routes planned, when it came to keeping things in line. After all, no one in the city would be fighting any dragons without the equipment her family provided.

After a few more nominations, Eden finally spoke up. She did not stand. "Shall we cast a vote, then, and make this official?" she asked the council.

"Aye, I think we are ready," Councilor Durran agreed.

The inner ring stirred, papers shuffled and conversation became more casual. It was the right of anyone in attendance to step forward and speak at this point, but if no one did, the closing statements would be made and the council would break.

The voting would happen in the evening, as was tradition. In the meantime, councilors would retreat to their offices - reading the missives that scribes delivered and striking private deals behind closed doors. Discussion would continue outside of the public eye.

 

[Xanatos Dan'Talos]

Xanatos strode to Councilor Sinclayr's side. Stopped just some steps behind her. His tail whipped, left to right, languid with its excitement. "Alonse Dreixmond?" He said in tight whisper, just beneath the din of the crowd. "That golden haired Allirian Retriever?" he smiled with sharp teeth. "Would have thought someone a little more, willing, would have fit the part," He smiled a sharp toothed smile.

There was something about just, going about their business, before all the careful eyes of the other councilmembers that made the stink of the room just a tad bit sweeter.

"But," he added his red eyes on Vexion, and then Batahlia. "I suppose that makes it all the more interesting, doesn't it?" his smile widened.

Eden Sinclayr

 

[Eden Sinclayr]

She felt Xan's presence as he came to stand behind her. His horns cast an uneven shadow upon the papers spread out in front of her. Eden didn't turn to look at him, but a smirk crossed her face, interrupting her boredom - a mean delight at the thought of Dreixmond as a yellow dog.

"Getting jealous, are we, Xanatos?" She hummed back in response, also too low to be heard. The smile settled into her eyes, a glint of green catching the sunlight. "Fear not, I've got plenty of pets at home. I'm not looking for a new one."

Absently, Eden pulled a bit of documentation towards her and began doodling in the margins. From the lines bloomed a few of the oleanders that she'd found in the garden that morning. "Stay vigilant. The interesting part is right around the corner," she continued. The ruffled edge of a petal crossed through a word on the page: fealty. "Now, tell me what you see out there. I'm curious."

Xanatos Dan'Talos

 

[Quintus Vexion]

As the meting adjourned for the time being, Quintus's mind began to wander.

For a moment, he wondered for who and what all of this was for. If the council was there to protect the people and not just their interests, would there have been the need for all the games that they were playing? The truth was that Quintus saw through all of the madness because he had seen things much madder than this. Immortal beings played the games they played because there was no other game to play in the cosmos. There was good and there was evil and everything that existed in between was there for the purpose of advancing either cause. Mortals were just ignorant to it. They didn't realize their hearts were black because the world gave them plenty excuses as to why they were grey. There was always some old sying or lesson to coddle them an tell them what was what, even if it wasn't. It was strange thing to believe in mortals such as himself and simultaneously know the standard that they all should set for themselves. What did it matter that they were building a Dragon Guard? Would it become another means to some nefarious and cosmically petty end? What difference would they all make, truly?

Quintus sat silent with his thoughts until the forum came to a brief end. He rose from his seat, bearing down on the cane that he carried with him to rise to full height. He hated the idea of feeling so weak when just a few days ago, he was as mighty as any man on the planet. Something to get over. There would be more days like this one. The wheel would turn upon more corruption and the the wheel would turn upon a new Star-Touched Knight. Some day. Not this one. Until it came, he would rise and remain as stoic as he could. Slowly, he made his way over to his wife to be. A granted her a kind smile, genuine enough. He was happy to see her and yet this meeting had left him feeling odd. Strange. As though things were not as all they seemed to be.

"Walk with me," he said quietly to Zeraphine. He didn't wait for her to answer. Instead, he lead the way from the rest of the councilors and merchants. Perhaps they would have a moment to themselves.

"I am curious... What do you make of all that has transpired here today? ...I seek the counsel of the woman who I have chosen to be my wife."​

 

[Xanatos Dan'Talos]

"I know my place, Eden," he smiled, and some of his sharp teeth peeked from the crack in his lips.

Red eyes scanned the faces. Watched the bodies. The way the corners of their eyes crinkled. The way they let their breath come out. How they hushed and turned away, while others wore bold faces. "Pretenders and Want-to-Bes," he said in a voice, practiced and measured. Soft enough for only hear to hear. "Fools," he said as he looked to the back of the great and noble heir of House Vexion. "Useful and honest," his eyes fell to the woman he knew as the widow, Zeraphine Batahlia . "And broken things, playing at put together,"

His eyes spied one more. Foreign. To her he smiled. "And surprises still," he bowed at her side. "My lady," rose, and spotted the small flower she had drawn. "Yet you are always the one who surprises me most," he said absent mindedly.

Eden Sinclayr

 

[Eden Sinclayr]

Eden's fingers tapped and spun the quill in her hand, restless. They longed to reach back and wrap around Xan's wrist instead - if only to better feel his judgment as he measured the fools that surrounded them. Fools and the faithful, all the same. But she would steady her pen. Words could be exchanged discretely. Not actions.

She felt his gaze fall back to her. Subtle shifts of movement she was all too comfortable with. "Yet you are always the one who surprises me most," he said.

"Nerium. One petal can kill a man," Eden responded sweetly. Raised her head high and looked up backwards at Xan. The slightest breeze of a smile rustling her features. "They remind me of you."

Xanatos Dan'Talos

 

[Zeraphine Batahlia]

Zeraphine raised an eyebrow at Quintus's question, following until she walked in tandem with him, pondering how best to answer. She knew he had a tendency to view the world in colors of grey, and yet, that there was a clear right and wrong to the way of things. It was a conundrum she would have to navigate at a different time, when she was by herself and could dissect the entirety of the events of the Council. For he believed in the goodness of mortals, in the righteousness of their cause. But Zeraphine knew that the world was a much darker place than Quintus imagined, and that sometimes one had to play the game in order to survive.

"I make of it what I always do, my Lord," Zeraphine said, her voice quiet and measured, "The council and the merchants are playing their games, each vying for power and control. The Dragon Guard is just another piece in their endless chess match. But you knew that already, didn't you?" She granted him a small smile before continuing, "As for the Dragon Guard, I believe it is a necessary measure. Although that does not make it an answer to all our problems."

As they walked, she trailed her manicured hand across the petals of delicate hydrangeas bushes that lined the path. "The world is changing, and we must adapt. The guard will help to keep us safe from threats both foreign and domestic. But we must be careful. The power that comes with such an organization can be easily corrupted. We must ensure that it remains pure and true to its purpose."

She turned to take in his expression, her hands tidily clasped once more in front of her. "I'm sorry if I seem cynical, my Lord. It's just... that I've seen too much of the world to believe in the good intentions of those in power," she said, allowing a sigh to escape. "But I have hope that we can make a difference, even if it's just a small one."

 

[Xanatos Dan'Talos]

"Do they?" Xanatos purred with a hint of pride. "Couldn't imagine why," he said with a clipped smile. His eyes drift from the page, to her. Their gaze traced along the long line of her neck, across round of her ear and the neatly pulled back strands of her chestnut hair. He managed to pull his gaze back forward.

Ever forward, toward the crowd, that moved so slowly across the chamber. as they stirred like molasses and spread about the floor.

One man approached the Lady.

Councilman Bastian Lonh. A minor merchant lord, with a very public ambition.

"Eeeden," he said in that way of put on familiarity. Their families had known each other for decades now, but the Lonhs were not the Sinclayrs. A meager fleet of trading vessels to their name, and a warehouse that earned them a proper income "So good to see you,' his hands were raised and clenched into excited little fists. "Stepping out from under your father's shadow, I see, and in such a grand manner,"

Xanatos almost smiled.

Eden Sinclayr

 

[Quintus Vexion]

Quintillion Vexion was known for being a great swordsman.
Varan Vexion was known for his gods-given wisdom.
Though they were highly esteemed during their times as the Star-Touched Knight,
none were so loved as Galen Vexion, who's touch was that of the loving stars.​

Quintillion guided his sword. Varan guided his thoughts and in that moment, Galen guided his hand. He grabbed Zeraphine's hand as the Lover would have. His who's touch was the caress that bent crowns to his will and made enemies to lovers. They weren't lovers yet, but all the same he wasn't afraid to touch her as though she were his. Very soon he would possess her and she, him. It was as the gods commanded and when he looked at her, he couldn't help but feel blessed. With that gentle and loving hand, he guided her away from the rest of the council.

"I do tire of the chess match," he began, his brown eye flecked with gold scanning the area closest to them to ensure that there was no one dropping eaves. "I suppose what I fear more than anything else is the stain of my name from my involvement. A decision made in the best interests of Alliria could easily turn into poison if we are not careful... So let us speak carefully."

He watched her as though there were no one else around in that moment. His tone baritone voice carried just a little beyond their immediate vicinity.

"This Dragon Guard will serve it's purpose no doubt. But I wish to ensure that it will only ensure the purpose that the men and women here speak of in the open... And not serve what they wish to attain behind closed doors. Let us not discuss here... When we are home later, hm?"​

​

​

 

[Eden Sinclayr]

Eden's teeth flashed slippery as her lips pulled back into a smile at the councilman. Lohn, who wished so desperately to be a thorn in her side, but could hardly be more than a fly in her periphery.

"My father," she replied, tendons stretching in her neck at each sound. "Gave his life to protect Alliria. You flatter me, Councillor Lohn, but today I am merely continuing his work."

Her father. If only his shadow were so easy to step out from.

Hands folded behind her back, she turned away from the councilman and cast her gaze upwards to the walls of the Allir Keep around them. Atop one of the fort's flat roofs stood the twin founders of the city, the space between them bridged by clasped hands. One twin statue was cast in bronze, and the other in iron. The metals that dug the canals and built the bridges between two cities. Metal from her family's mines.

"He would thank you now, Bastian. For taking such good care of me in his absence."

A lie. Yebrum Sinclayr had never noticed the Lohn family's presence in their lives, let alone cared. But she needed the man's vote, and he was so easy to flatter.

 

[Xanatos Dan'Talos]

"Yes," a pleased smile curled the corners of Councilor Lohn's lips. He took a moment to compose himself. "It does my heart well to be of aid to your family, Councilor Sinclayr," he dipped his head, slow as he savored the sentiment. He rose, placid smile still upon his face. "But some wonder if you move too quickly," A small sound bubbled from his throat. Like a laugh. "Dreixmond, a fine choice," his voice tightened, his eyes gleamed.

"As expected from that clean fingered ninny, Straen," another moment to indulge in his own well of cleverness. "You did not hear this from me, Eden, but," his eyes flicked left, then right. He leaned closer to the Lady. His breath thick with the sweet poison of wine. "From seats amongst the Inner City, and the Outer grumble at the nomination."

 

[Zeraphine Batahlia]

Zeraphine observed the gathering with an astute eye, her thoughts as meticulous as her appearance. The council meeting an elaborate dance of power, each step made with precision to secure influence in Alliria. As Quintus sought her insight, she remained poised, evaluating the unfolding events.

"My Lord," Zeraphine began in a hushed tone, "I applaud that your observations... are rather astute. But today's spectacle is yet another ongoing play for power among the council. The formation of the Dragon Guard serves as just another strategic maneuver, a piece on the board to secure control in turbulent times. Yes, what happened was horrible. But I see that as no reason to fear monger." She sighed. "We must be vigilant. Power can corrupt the noblest of intentions and I don't want to end in a state of martial law."

She glanced around, ensuring their conversation remained private amidst the bustling forum.

Quintus Vexion

 

[Eden Sinclayr]

Eden brushed off Councilor Lohn's concerns with an outstretched hand. She was not so indecorous as to wave, but merely raised a single finger in balancing thought.

"It's true, Dreixmond is too well cultivated for the Outer's tastes," she said, lowering her hand. Cold green eyes glanced sideways at the portly man beside her. How easily her father would have brought him heel. How tedious it was now, to dance around his ego. "But know this, Councilor Lohn. I do not move at all, except in the direction that the city is already going. The flow of the market streets indeed change quickly, to those who watch them from afar. You and I, though, we are merchants. We know the heat of commerce, don't we Bastian? And we know the value of acting before others."

In her wandering through the garden, Eden had taken them to an entrance. She stopped in the shadow of the archway, a dark line cutting across her features. "Let the Outer grumble. They will be the last to profit off of this venture."

Xanatos Dan'Talos