(OOC) During/Middle ways through Milabar's Journey to Northern Lands, for your information (/OOC)


Standing on the uppermost part of the Tarrant Tower, I look down into the seperate areas surrounding me. The Evil side of it, with it's Black Monolith sucking life and light from around it. And the Good side, with the White Monolith reflecting life and light to it's area. Both sides, warring against the other, and the Grey, the Neutral, with no endless supply of magical energy, only our ability to sipher what comes excess off of the two Monoliths from both sides through the wards, blocking them from open conflict.

With my gaunt skin, pale blue eyes, and torn cloak whipping behind me, I hardly look like the same Milabar that any will remember. Not that it matters anymore. Life, as it was known, here in House Tarrant will change shortly.

Looking down at the note that had been left on my desk since shortly after I left on my journey. Reading the words from Astavia, I curl my lip lightly. Call a council when I get back. Need to go over internal stuff once again. Bullshit, it's all just an excuse to make sure everyones still nice and in line. But, that is fine, I'll call a council.

Drawing upon some of the energy from the tower, I form two bolts of lighting in my hands, and letting some of my pent up anger to flow into my hands, I raise them up and let it go into the sky, causing ropes of black lighting to spill out above house Tarrant. Feeling slightly better, I pull the hood back over my features of my face and flicking a hand, I open a portal to my office.

Sitting down at my desk, I pull out a quill and placing five seperate pieces of paper next to each other, two black and three white sheets, I whisper light words upon the quill and paper, I take out another sheet of plain paper and start to write the summons, making sure each copy is being corretly copied by the enchant spell.

Quote:

To the Leaders of Tiavain,

You have been summoned to a Council of Tiavain. Leaders and Students alike are invited to attend. Council shall start at the striking of midnight, three days hence. As it is usually, Neutrality shall help any matters that need to be settled.

~Milabar Tarrant~
Ruler of House Tarrant

Feeling the anger start to build again, I take a few deep breaths, and send out a mental summons for Vranyl, Narissa and Feroz.

Quote:

Students of Tarrant,

You are expected to attend the coming meeting. I shall be in the meeting hall until such time as it starts. Be wary, many things may change in this coming meeting.

Standing swiftly, I flick another finger and forgetting about the anger, I release a flash of lighting. Cursing at myself as the lighting strikes the door and slowly starts to reflect, I mutter another word and watch as it slowly disperses. Thinking that I will have to start watching that, I curl my fingers and speak the words again, watching as the vortex opens. Stepping through in front of the Council hall, I pull my mask and hood over my face, and whisper the words to open the doors.

Striding through, I look at the table, and feeling it needs a small change, I move to one of the wards around the hall. Placing my palm on it, I start to whisper a set of words, repeating and lowering my voice, and then going through with a raised voice. Watching as the wards flares and then goes dead, I walk towards the table, muttering the words to a hover spell.

Smiling as the table starts to float, I turn it where the ends are facing the walls instead of the door, and the middle part of the talbe is directly lined up with the door. Moving back to the ward, I repeat the spell to restore the ward, watching as the table crashes when the magic nullify spell kicks into place. Striding quickly to take the middle seat, I place the Staff of Neutrality on the table along with my scimitar. I leave my white cloak over my shoulders, and my black outfit still on. The brown mask I keep over my face, so people wouldn't see how gaunt and thin I had become on my journey, my pale blue eyes the only aspect visible in my face.

And I wait, for the first of the 'leaders' to start showing thier own faces.

Being that the defined leader of house Society was not exactly handy, the note hade been passed to all members. Now this task wasn't exactly a problem either, not that many were within the house.

Grining to himself, Arrnek ascend'd the stairs. He had been busy all day thinking of the house and his own new house. It was a very nice place. Very dark within the walls. And no servants, no one to break the secrecy that was created within it's walls.

Reaching the doors, he did what was required of him to enter, and then did so. As he approached the table, he smirked. He just remeber'd the last time he was here, well.... he partially remember'd it. He had left his skin of spirits at home.

Greetings my firends. You all know me and my house of alignment. I would be greatly honored to present myself this time, sober. Chuckling softly to himself, he walked towards a wall to sit and relax as others gather'd.

Tiamat had not gotten very much sleep since he had heard the voice in the secret area of the grand hall. Many days had passed and still the voice taunted him endlessly. It kept on saying that a council meeting would soon come about that that his chance at ruling a house would present itself there.

The voice never told Tiamat its name nor had it showed itself in a form that any human could see. No there was someone that may oppose him, but the voice could take care of that very easily if need be. It had chosen Tiamat to be the successor of the order and nothing would stand in its way.

Tiamat had to get the council meeting. Maybe then he could find peace and this cursed voice would go away. As he made his way out of his Manor, Tiamat could here the voice once more.

Go Tiamat go the council meeting. Go and take what I want you to take.

He read the note that was brought to him. He always did look forward to the gathering of the houses. He tended to be the more quiet of the house leaders. He did not know what this meeting was to be about. He went and prepared and left. He also before leaving sent a messenger out to all those of house Nim Ostas to be there at the meeting hall. Though only he would be sitting at the council table he wanted his members there. He had always looked forward to the meetings here.

He went to the council hall and did what would gain him entry. He nodded to those not at the table and the proceeded.

Good day Lord Terrant and Lord Neve.

He took his seat as the head of his house and he looked around. He really was not much for conversation with a lot of people. He was more of the silent type. His aunt teased him a bit about this fact. Asking how he ever expected to find himself someone with being so quiet. He knew she loved to tease him but he would wait and see what would happen. He waited to see who else would arrive.

I graciously thank you. I would be honored to sit at the table. I will behave myself this time, I promise.

Still softly chuckling, Arrnek raises from his seat along the wall. Stretching one of his legs slightly, he walks to the table. Running a hand along the top of the smooth wooden chairs, he thinks, though not to deeply. He had aspired to one day be sitting here, at this table. Now that he was here, he wasn't quite sure what to think.

Shruging slightly, he pulled a seat back and took his seat, nodding to Milabar.

Kain received the summon to the council meeting while he was with Anarane. After giving her a kiss he departed for his keep, there he made sure things were in proper order. His lands had grown since the recent war, and were one of Tiavain's largest. He made sure to leave Salisan with a few orders before departing for the council hall. While walking through the streets he overheard whispers, people pointing at him. Something about him and Anarane had obviously gotten out, was it truly possible for one from the good white house of Nim'Ostas to fall in love with one of Risetti? Or were they talking about his recent promotion from the ranks of Jordain.

He ignored them for the most part making his way to the hall, his sword hung at his side, his cape flowed in the light breeze behind him. Entering the council hall he made his way to the main chamber, there he spotted Aranor, Milabar, Arrnek, and Never Solis. He nodded to Arrek, and Milabar, then to Never. He then walked over to Aranor, Good day lord Aranor, turning to the others in the room, and to all of you as well. Kain was unusually happy, of all the times they had seen the man, they hadn't known him to be one to wear a smile upon his face. He couldn't help but wear one this day. He was a happy man.

Tanarri got word that another council was being called. This time he didn't spend time to speculate what the topic might be. However the last war might be of mention. He had a few things to say about that. He almost felt like not going at all. He didn't wish to see any of them. Some of the talks were of no use to him. Astavia would have to be present but he did not. He had no vote but since their house was of few members despite how strong they were, full representation meant a lot. He wasn't going to use his position as an excuse to be present.

Tanarri suited up and went to the hall bringing himself in promptly and swiftly. He saw those present and gave a nod.

Good day to you all.

He seemed short with his words and hasty. He went around the hall's outer walls and took a seat on a bench behind where Astavia would seat herself. He waited on her attendance but seeing Lord Tarrant present he questioned what change of events would happen with Narissa.

Narissa was supposedly the head of the tri-council that Tarrant set up. So did this mean that council no longer exist and that Tarrant assumed control. He made him question the stability of Tarrant.

At the same time Kain received word about the council meeting Anarane did as well. She smiled and kissed him telling him she would see him there. She went to her chambers and changed into a simple black outfit and took down her black cloak with the red trim. She knew that her and Kain would not be able to sit together, but at least they would be in the same room. After getting ready she made her way down from the tower. Stopping to speak with her head of sorcery find out that all was ready if war was called. They had to rebuild quite a bit from the last one. Finding all was in order she made her way from the house and headed for the meeting hall.

Anarane move through the hall to the door of the meeting room. As she glance through the door she saw that Lord Solis was already there. There was one sitting in the center of the tables she had not seen before. As she looked around the room she spotted Kain and a smile touched her lips. Stepping into the room she made her way over to where Lord Solis was seated.

Greetings Lord Solis. As always it is a pleasure to see you again.

She looked to each sitting at the table. Smiling and greeted them. She bowed slightly to the Lord sitting at the middle of the table.

Greetings M'Lord. I am Anarane Tengwargul, House Risetti. Greetings Lord Aranor. Greetings to each and everyone.

Her eyes fall on Kain. She smiled, turning and moving to her place sitting along the wall behind Lord Solis.

She sat huddled, her knees drawn up to her chest, arms wrapped around them. She was cold, yet her skin felt as if it was afire. She raked her tongue over parched lips and wished for cool water to soothe the dryness of her mouth.

She tried to shake the haze from her mind......why was she here?
How had she gotten to this place?

The answers seemed almost to come to her.......flashes of things ...places...people ...all jumbled in her head. She didn't know if these thoughts were real or imagined, perhaps they were born with the fire of the fever that was burning hotter with each passing hour.

Movement on the high tower drew her eyes upward. She watched curiously the man in the tattered cloak. A thought .....fleeting...recognition......who was he? The thought fled and she was left wondering.

Did she know him?? Why had she been drawn to this place?

Did he know who she was?

She longed to have answers for she knew not who she was or how she had come to be here.

Taking a deep breath, Narissa stood outside the council doors. HE would be there and this brought a rush of uncertainty. Ever since giving up her apartment in the haste of hurt emotions and the feeling of betrayl she had questioned if she had acted too hastily. When Tanarri had returned from the mission with Astavia, she had refused to see him and spent a lot of effort in keeping the link between them blocked as much as possible.

No one had questioned her moving into the Tarrant tower, not even Milibar, well she assumed he knew. He seemed to know many things but surely some came from her talks to him in his chamber through that link or from Vranyl and Feroz. So far no councils had been held with the three and Narissa rarely, if ever, caught a glimpse of the other two. Perhaps they resented Lord Tarrant posting her to the position of leader of the tri-council but it was only a title.

Karzyn had remained behind with Tanzyn as there was no way Narissa was going to take a chance that any might try and take the child. She didnt know how Tanarri felt or if he cared. Well, that was a lie. She had felt the pushing at the link between them. His attempts to get through the blockage. Deep within she wanted to give in and go to Tanarri but feeling that lust come through, his lust while he was supposedly on a mission for his House, that rememberance always brought hurt and gave Narissa strength to hold that link closed.

But she couldnt delay the inevitable. Smoothing her features, the lithe, dark-haired elfess pushed the doors open and strode into the chamber. Dressed in forest green silks that billowed when she walked, the elfess' hair was pulled back severely into a ponytail. This caused the sharp point of her ears to be easily viewed as well as giving emphasis to her solid black eyes. Knife sheaths adorned her person and a cloak of mists was secured about her shoulders and clasped at the hollow of her throat.

Unable to help herself, Narissa found her gaze drawn to Tanarri and for a split moment a flood of vulnerability and hurt shifted over her features before that too disappeared to be replaced by a mask of indifference. Not even registering who else was in the room, the lithe, dark-haired elfess stepped lightly over by Lord Tarrant.

"I apologize for being late, Lord Tarrant."

~At the Bainev Estates~

The mercenary slowly approached the mansion. He had been sent away to investigate the strange change in appearance that the Bainev siblings had undergone, and now he returned, having learned nothing of why the illusionists had been made to appear as they had when they were children. Malcolm would surely not be pleased to learn that Mantella had found no information of use. In fact if the one to bear the news were any servant other than Mantella the illusionist would likely put an end to their life. It was then that Mantella noticed that there seemed to be no other servants around. His walk towards the door had been totally devoid of gardeners, guards and porters... and now there seemed to be no doorman.

The mercenary let himself in and found that the path from the gate was not the only place devoid of life. Inside the mansion was quite and motionless, but here at least there was a sign of what had become of all the servants... they were dead. Malcolm had employed a great many people and now it seemed their corpses were littering his home. The black armored man searched for any signs of what had happened and what had become of his employer. It was not long before a voice called out to him.

"Mantella!"
Mantella turned around quickly to see that it was one of Malcolm's butlers, still alive, but shaking and fearful.
"Where is Lord Bainev?" questioned Mantella calmly.
"He left."
"Then he is not dead?"
"No, he lives. He is the one that did this. He and Alisia. I was in the servants quarters yesterday taking a break and talking to some of the others when he walked in. He didn't say anything, he just stood there. The others I was with starting behaving very strangely and then killed themselves. It was clear that they he had put them under some sort of illusion. I wanted to ask why I had been spared, but I was too shocked to speak. It didn't matter though he told me anyway. He said I was to stay in the mansion, and when you arrived to tell you that he lives and that he will return. He said you would know what to do."
"I see. Is there anything more you have to tell me?"
"No, that is all that I know."
"And you have told noone else these things?"
"No Mantella."
"Then you are the only other besides me that knows what has happened here?"
The butler nodded.
"Good." With one swift motion the mercenary drew his sword and slashed it across the neck of the one remaining witness.

Mantella left the mansion, locking the door behind him, and headed once again towards the gate. At the entrance to his employers property he come across a messenger about to enter.
"Where are you going?"
"I have a message for lord Bainev."
"I will take it to him."
Taking the message he watches the messenger depart and once he is out of sight Mantella opens the message himself.
"A summons to council. What interesting timing."
Mantella starts of towards the meeting hall.

Tanarri had his legs crossed and arms crossed over his chest. He was a bit slumped back against the wall with his long cloak drapping over his to cover his attire beneath. He had a good view of the entire council hall from his position since it was directly in the middle looking towards the entrance. He saw her come in. Ahh the other thing that was bothering him. Her recent attitudes were disturbing him as of late. The usual meetings they had ceased and he was shut out. Duty kept him busy to think about it wondering if it was kind of female thing. However, he wasn't going to let it go much longer. Things were becoming to blatant in action. Of course he didn't try hard to sway some answers out of her but now a direct approach will be taken. His voice echoed out from the back to her. He bared no sense of tactful wording or tone. It was concise and commanding nature.

Lady Narissa, after this meeting I have things to discuss with you.

He sat there motionless and waiting. He had some other things to say to the others in the hall. Some assignments for Aranor and Kain to do.

Tiamat put both hands on either side of his head to cover his ear. HE screamed for the voice ot go away...

~~~~ ARRRRRGHHGHH !!!!! ~~~~~

If I do not hear you one more time it will be the best thing ever to happen to me. Why did you lead me through those tunnels under Tiavain?" Why did you show me all of the Mama and where it could be tapped directly? Why WHY WHY !!!!

I am a servant of House Society, I am not its leader.

Yes I know you are not, but you will do as I say and you will be the leader of House society. You will see. Once that I have you in place then I can continue to do my bidding. I have others that need to be waken up, people have to see that the power that I provide is a priviliage and not something to be spoiled.

To many house leaders have spoiled what I have given freely. Now it stops with you. You will be my instrument that I shall use to make the others see.

Now get ready and go the council meeting.

NOOOOOO !!! I will not ...you will not.... ~~~ ARRRGGG ~~~ You ... are....crush... crushing my lungs...

Does this mean that you will obey and go to the meeting?

Yes...

I did not like to leave my Temple much of late. Where the Goddess is close and her light is strong. How easily her rays are scattered beyond the District gates. The filth of the common people, the lurching stench of some foul drunkard, spitting whores, the steady step of devilry unchecked in this dirty, blasphemous urban spread. Is it any wonder that I pray in my Temple and speak to the People of the light and grace of Isonia. And they grow angry in turn and shout out their love to Her and follow Her light in all things; turning away from the whores, casting out those that dare speak against Her.

In blackest holy vestments shot with silver and violet, wearing the silver metal Circlet of Faith, I show them Her stories and Her glory in wondrous illusions that fill the Temple with light and noise. More and more of the District people flood to the Temple to learn the Truth, to know the pure love of Isonia. Bainev District was becoming a holy bastion, with its Citizens proudly proclaiming their Faith in the streets, spurning those who would not answer Her call.

And from Lord Bainev, I hear nothing. His absence since the civil war waged between himself and House Tarrant had been marked. I did not pursue his attention, lest my disagreement on this course of civil war prove unwise. Yet even the growing religious fervour on the District streets did not arouse them.

~----~

I recieved two pieces of interesting information this day. The first was the fear spreading in the streets, for terrifying sounds had issued from the Bainev Mansion for much of the night before complete silence lay across the Estate and now noone was seen on the grounds at all. Curiouser and curiouser.

A second piece of news...



I managed a laugh as I read the note for I could not believe that Milabar Tarrant's vague philosophy of Neutrality was more than a thin veil over his craving for ultimate power in the City. In black and silver, a volumunious torrent of skirts with the cold metal ribs of the corset gently crushing my frame I prepared for the coming meeting.

Alice, my dear. I must attend a Council Meeting and I would like you to do something for me. Pay a neighbourly visit to the Bainevs, invite them with you to the Council Meeting, saying that I had other duties to attend and will see them there. To be true, I do not know if the Bainevs are even there which is what I actually need you to find out. You may report to me after the Council Meeting if they are not.

Pausing I looked at her, thinking intently about possible outcomes,

Alice, take a full compliment of eight guards....and Brother Salast.

~---~

The Doors to the Council Hall opened at my request. I did not appear to be as late as I thought. I was pleased to see House Nim'Ostas in attendance and I nodded in greeting to the Lord Aranor. Yet again the place reeked of Demon, the only consolation was that they were all suitably subdued so far this day. The dragon rider was present, whom I recognised from the war. And that mage of despicable habits, Lord Neve of House Risetti stiff and cold as usual. I nodded in greeting to him as a House Leader before a slight bow towards the Lord Tarrant masked and impassive,

Greetings Lord Tarrant.
I trust I am not too late for today's proceedings.

He recieved word from Aranor to meet at the council hall for another meeting had been called. He walked in after speaking the words that would gain him entrance. He walked in and looked around nodding to those that he knew. He moved and bowed to those at the council table.

Greetings Lord Shadow and other esteemed leaders. I hope the day finds you well. For a meeting that is not starting just yet it seems a lot are in attendance.

He knew to speak to those at the table most carefully he would be interested in what was to be talked about. How did so many find a reason to come so early. He saw Kain and though he never really got to talk to the half elf he went over to him. With a nod to him.

Good day Lord Kain I hope the day finds you well. I am not sure if we have been introduced really I am Rix Dusk also of House Nim'Ostas

OCC: for those of you that do not know what the voice is about please read
http://www.evernight.com/boards/canon/v ... php?t=9959

Tiamat having been compelled to go to the meeting in a distresed way followed the instructions given to him by the voice. He made his way over to the stables where Nightmare was. He prepeared Nightmare for a long ride into the city of Tiavain. He fed him an apple and petted him before setting the saddle on his back and tying it down.

Come Nightmare, we have a little ways to to let us be off so that we can get to the council meeting a little early.

Tiamat nudged Nightmare and the horse took off in a galop. It would not be very long before tiamat would be face to face with many of the house leaders.

Yes you will be at the meeting in just a few short hours. Yes this is good. I will be able to listen to what everyone has to say through you. Yes this is very good.

It wasnt hard to pick Tanarri out as she knew where he would be sitting but Narissa's black gaze shifted quickly towards Milibar which was unlike her. There had never been a backing down in a fight nor unsure feelings. This was something she didnt like. This lack of complete control over a situation. But before Narissa could speak, Tanarri's voice carried through the chamber.

"Lady Narissa, after this meeting I have things to discuss with you."

Noting Milibar's raised eyebrow before tilting her head to look in Tanarri's direction, the lithe, dark-haired elfess felt a tenseness run through her. Almost like readying for battle. As she started to speak, Lord Tarrant's gaze returned to her and his voice easily was heard.

"Lady Narissa, please sit behind me. While I have called this meeting and such, let it be known that the Tri-council is still very much in effect. I am simply here as Ruler of Tarrant to deal with certain changes that must take place that requires my attention. As soon as Vranyl and Feroz gets here, they will sit beside you and I will require your...opinion on things."

"And I see that you have left your child in my tower. That is quite acceptable, and I do approve of you moving into the tower. I saw the changes when I visited there to acquire a few things before coming here."


"Of course, Val'Istar Tanarri."

Though there was a sudden need for flight that her churning stomach did not help, there was also a steeling of her will as she would not run from battle. Perhaps it was the pregnancy and all that had happened in the last year. The hormones throwing her off balance. Whatever it was, Narissa had no like for the unsure emotions surging through her.

Lips curved at the edges as the lithe, dark-haired elfess dipped her head in a respectful nod towards Milibar. It took little effort to move around to the indicated chair. Narissa had barely taken seat when she was motioned forward. Soft whispered words tickled against her pointed ear as Milibar spoke.

"There is someone on the Tarrant grounds without a pass. I will go myself and investigate the matter. Take my place at the table until such time as I return. The scimitar and staff are warded against anyone besides myself touching them, I will leave them here. They might touch it while they are in this council hall, but when they leave, they will either return here or to me. I will return shortly."

Narissa nodded in acknowledgement then watched as Lord Tarrant opened a portal then disappeared. Since Milibar meant to return, she did not take his seat. Vranyl would, if she came. If not, and if Milibar didnt return, then Narissa would take the seat reserved for House Tarrant. In the meantime, the lithe, dark-haired elfess settled back on her chair, features thoughtful.

Kain was making eye contact with each of the others present in the room, nodding a silent hello to them. Then his eyes fell upon Anarane, the elfess whom he had spent so much time with in the past few weeks, the one whom he had fallen in love with. The next few moments he simply stared at her, not paying attention to his surroundings. Then a man walked up and introduced himself as one of Nim'Ostas' own members. Lord Rix Dusk, Kain snapped out of it, and turned to the man. Kain Dragonhand, seems you know me already, pleasure to meet you. He offered his hand to Rix, a new member of the house, but that mattered not. Kain himself was rather new to the city, although he has risen to the rank of Thamaturgist rather quickly, especially for not being so adept in the magical arts.