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Sweet Dreams
Topic Started: Jun 19 2011, 05:34 PM (410 Views)
Serenity
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Goddess of Light
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The Goddess's room was so large for such a little person. Was this the Elder's sick way of reminding her how alone in the world she should be? Possibly. The walls were made of crystal but the enchantment to not allow anyone outside to see in made the walls appear pearly white on the inside. The carpet was fluffy and when walked upon, felt like walking on clouds. The room's shape was in a semi-circle and the doors opposite the door which lead out to the corridor, lead out to the crystal balcony where Elegy would spend most of her time daydreaming. In the corner of the room, there was a four poster bed, with white veils and drapes hanging down from the top. The only other things in the room was a wardrobe, a chest of draws, a desk and an ivory white piano.

It was night in the Kingdom of Light, and the young Goddess Elegy lay sleeping in her bed. As usual, she was restless, but her dreams were not the same as usual. Often, she would dream of a tall man, with hair as black as the darkest shadows and he had the most strange eyes. He was quite a lot like her in some ways, in other ways he was not. She felt a certain bond with him, and the way he spoke to her told her that he was not just a dream, that she was actually talking to him. The man seemed to confide in her, and she tried to help him in his emotional struggles as best she could. Something inside her screamed at her for not knowing who he was. He was important, and she felt like she should know why. Often, she would ask who he was, but never did he reply. In return, she did not tell him who she was either, but should they ever meet, they would know the other by sight.

Tonight, her dream was weird. Again, it didn't seem like a dream, more like she was an observant spirit. She was sat at the edge of the crystal lake, her toes submerged in the glittering liquid but she was not alone. There were two figures but she couldn't make them out at first. One looked a lot like Zakira, but his face was cast in shadow. The other figure however, was a lot clearer and she recognised him instantly; the man from her dreams. The man with dark, black hair and strangely coloured eyes. Both were speaking, but Elegy couldn't hear properly what was being said. By their tones, they were both being fairly civil.

Something in the room caused Elegy's eyes to flicker open, casting her out of her strange dream. The Goddess didn't like sleeping in the darkness, her eyes always played tricks on her mind, like she would think a shadow moved, or the shadows would take strange forms in her mind, all of which scared her. She sat up, pulling the covers up to her nose as if trying to hide from something.

"Hello?" the girl whispered "Who's there?"

Her deep blue eyes tried to adapt to the darkness as she prayed that she wouldn't get a reply.
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Frichassa
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“It- It was me my lady,” a soft voice stuttered, emitted from a small, slender silhouette “I didn’t mean to intrude, I took the wrong door and I think the guardsmen are asleep. I- I’ll be taking my leave if I may? I am really sorry to have woken you.”

Frich rambled on with herself nervously, looking to the pale young woman hiding under the bed sheets. She stepped towards the moonlight which filtered through the doors to the balcony. Her flowing blue hair seemed to glow slightly in the light. She fiddled with her gloves worriedly. It wasn’t often she was in the palace, and she was hoping the goddess was sympathetic to that. Very rarely was Frich asked for advice on issues of the Kingdom, despite being one of the more wiser creatures of the land.
Edited by Frichassa, Jul 12 2011, 07:03 PM.
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Eddard Ó Ceallaigh
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Eddard's hood hung heavy over his great mane of hair. The heavy, dark grey, material brushed against his forehead as it swung. The plate upon his boots clanked against the crystal of the great palace. As he walked along the halls he sniffed the air, the great black wolfhound at his side copying him. The palace was perfumed, and braziers lit the halls but still, there was that unearthly smell. Frowning in the shadow of his hood, he approached his destination.

It was night, a time of shadows and darkness, but none the less the palace glowed in the light of the moon. Eddard chuckled at the thought. Darkness and Light were always present. They coexisted because that was the way Rhuivios had designed the world. Yet the god of each element could seemingly not exist with the other. At the thought, a sour taste flooded Eddard's mouth. He scowled suddenly before forcing himself to remove the taste from his mouth.

Looking at the men at the door, he placed each hand behind his back, holding one inside the other. His back was straight and his chest wide. He looked a warrior, true enough, though no giant or lithe blademaster. His heavy beard hung from beneath his hoods shade, moving as he spoke.

"I am here for an audience. Ask the Goddess to excuse the hour. My journey has been long and I have been held back by a spoilt brat, as per usual. I am sure she of the Light can find it in her heart to forgive."

The words rang of truth, and for once they were that in entirely. Eddard's lips curled into a soft smile, knowing that despite his intrusion, despite the hour and despite who he was, the Goddess would allow him passage.
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Serenity
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Serenity slid from under her covers, her night dress flowing quietly about her like flowing milk. Her equally pale skin shone like a pearl once she was bathed in the same moonlight as Frich upon approaching her. In a soft voice, she replied with a smile “Do not worry Frichassa. Partly my fault for being such a light sleeper. What brings you-”

The Goddess was about to continue, however one of the guards knocked on her door, cutting her off mid-sentence. Wandering to the door, she pulled it open curiously to see the tall man, possibly part elven, stood in a mixture of gold, white and blue armour before her. He bowed as much as his armour would allow.

“My lady,” he began, rising to his normal posture and glancing past the Goddess to the Water Nymph “miss. I apologise for the interruption, especially at such a late hour. There is a man here to see you.”

She looked a little confused, and glanced back to her blue haired guest. Thinking for a moment, she brushed her hand through her pure white, long hair and moved back to stand with the nymph, whom was luckily also an advisor.

“Allow him in. Send for a servant and please ask them for some tea if it is no trouble?” she politely requested, to which the guard nodded. He returned to his post and nodded to the man.
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Eddard Ó Ceallaigh
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Being ushered by the guard, Eddard strode into the large bedroom. He remembered the tantrum which Sorin Revane threw, back when the Goddess had been first placed into the room. A small smile appeared upon his lips before fading once again.

Within the room, Eddard stood before the Goddess and what seemed to be a nymph. Only fitting that something not truly mortal stand with yet another ageless being. Age was one of Ned's only prevention from becoming far more than he could ever be. Time, for him, ticked away constantly and his ever apparent mortal coil would shorten in, to the likes of Elves and Dwarves, a blink of the eye.

"Apologies, Goddess. But I have been sent myself and so I am expected to fulfil this task, regardless of time..."

Pulling off his hood, Eddard revealed his great aurburn mane of hair, his long beard and moustache glinting in the light. A soft smile of sincerity spread across his lips, his hard eyes softening. In truth, he had forgotten the aura the Goddess held. It had saved her life so many times even a Dwarvern banker would have lost count.

"Good eve', little Light."
Edited by Eddard Ó Ceallaigh, Jun 27 2011, 01:13 AM.
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Serenity
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She eyed the man. He had an air of familiarity about him, and it bothered her that she didn’t know his name off the top of her head. Politely, she smiled in return and bowed her head slightly, as she did to all guests (although Frinch was an exception as she had startled her).

“Little Light? Few call me such an endearment… Forgive me dear sir, I feel I should know you yet my memory fails me, and it upsets me so as you clearly know me better than I know you. May I humble myself to ask to know your name once again? I apologise; I would offer you a seat but all I have is my desk stool and my bed.”

Serenity looked to the man apologetically, remaining at the nymph’s side. As usual, with all strangers, she was a little nervous with meeting him but her gentle smile remained on her expression.
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Eddard Ó Ceallaigh
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"I am surpised such a pet name never reached your ears, Goddess. There was several times my men ensured you did not stray far in your youth and they grew fond of you. It stuck rather well, Little Light, and its somewhat suitable."

Eddard let out a deep chuckle, his plated chest heaving as he did. He gently rolled his shoulders, readjusting himself in regards to the armour he wore. Though like a second skin to the man, his joints were not as youthful as they once were. The joints in the plate released several creaks before sitting back into place.

"I was a Captain within your army, once, Little Light. Back when this land was led by Sorin Revane. I am now known as the High General of the Empire. I am Eddard Ó Ceallaigh, my lady."

The man merely smiled to the Goddess. He was the leader of those who had left her Kingdom. The man who ensured that the Empire did not crumble beneath other the might of other Kingdoms. Few knew much of Ó Ceallaigh, except the soldiers that served with him. To them, his request that they follow either led them away from the Light or held such a great temptaion that they still questioned their choice, like a confused lover.
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Serenity
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“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you High General Ó Ceallaigh. You must have had such a long journey. I wish you had sent a note ahead of you; I would have had something to eat and a room prepared for you,” she said as she curtseyed to him “I would have at least had time to change.”

A light blush crossed her cheeks as she looked down at her white night dress. If others had been present, they would have probably looked at Serenity oddly; here she was, curtseying to the enemy. To her, he was no enemy. She felt hurt when her people left her protection.

“How is Sorin? I do hope he is well. For as much as he hated me, I wished him only well. It disheartened me and put a shadow-like veil over the beginning of my reign, when he left. He was a true ruler, not I. And he had worked for it too… I was just born into it.” she said with a light sigh. She couldn’t bring herself to hate the Emperor at all, or anyone for that matter. She looked to Eddard with a weak smile.

“So what is your task, High General?”
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Eddard Ó Ceallaigh
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"I do apologise for me unannounced arrival. After Sorin's mind is set, however, one must rush or face punishment. His tantrums get worse by the day. Though I believe I have enough power to protect myself, I do not wish to test such presumptions. To do so would be to invite disaster..."

Eddard frowned for several moments before returning to the present. Shaking his head slightly, he gave the Goddess another soft smile. Upon her mention, Ned had taken in the Goddess' attire, though the man did not blush, fidget or feel any lust. Some would presume this to be the Goddess' own purity washing over Eddard like a great wave of calm, though in truth he was a reserved man and struggled to ensure that.

"The Emporer himself is well, for lack of a better word. I see the side the people of the Empire do not. They do not see his anger. His rage. It has begun to consume him, I fear..."

And once more, Ned stopped. He was saying his deepest opinion to this girl. Goddess or not, these words were for his mind alone. Wrinkling his nose, he sighed.

"My task is simply to relay a request. Sorin wishes you to relinquish your throne and to live your existance in exile."
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Serenity
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“You know I can not do that. I would have stopped the elders demanding his abdication if I could have, but I had no say in any of it, despite who I am. I begged for him to stay, the day he was confronted, though you probably saw that with your own eyes.” she said as she wandered over to the doors leading to the balcony. Quietly, she opened the double doors and turned back to the Nymph and High General, beckoning them to follow her out onto the balcony.

Stepping out, she moved to the railing and placed her hands on it gently. Her blue eyes looked over the crystal lake and the forests, a small sigh escaping her before continuing “I have barely lived, yet I rule all of this… I had never asked for any of it, and sometimes, for as much as I love my people, I feel forced. It hurts even more that some of my brothers and sisters feel that they cannot trust my leadership. I do my best to protect everyone, yet I know it is not enough.”

Clearly, this young woman was burdened and her heart was elsewhere. She did not rule with the same iron fist as Sorin or Erik, nor did she have the lust for war. As she spoke, her voice carried through the room so that they could hear her if they did not follow.
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Eddard Ó Ceallaigh
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Eddard followed the Goddess. He took in the view, his bright eyes flickering over the land. In an instant, he began to think of tactical positions. It was something that had become second nature to him. He even enjoyed it.

"Little Light, you must understand that when the All Father forged us all, even you and your opposite, we were given free will. Personally I believe this idea that things are set in stone can always be challenged. Why else forge us?"

The man let out a slight chuckle, shaking his head. He knew that, despite the fact that ruling was a burden to the Goddess, she would never loosen her reign. She felt that she alone could protect her people, when in truth she could not protect everyone.

"Your brothers and sisters, as you put it, question because every creature has the spark within them to question. Some more than others. Few Ogres question might. Wizards quesion everything, even the fact that their tea tastes better with two sugars..."

Grinning to the woman, Ned tried to lighten her mood.
Edited by Eddard Ó Ceallaigh, Jun 27 2011, 03:31 AM.
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Serenity
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She managed a small smile, but the truth of what she knew, that was contradictory to what he had said, bothered her. Turning to face him properly, she said with a disheartened look about her eyes “The Father forged us for his amusement, and then when we were all bored, we forged the mortal realm. At least, from what I remember, that was the story. My mind is not what it should be in this form, I’m afraid.”

The wind played with her snow white hair as she turned once more to face across her Kingdom. She looked vaguely in the direction of the Castle of the Skies, placing her hand on her heart.

“I pray Sorin knows what he is doing. I will protect everyone, even him. I cannot let everyone fall into darkness, the way the God would have it. If Sorin were to ask for my forgiveness, although I know it would never happen, I would forgive him in a heartbeat and have him back at my side. He worked so hard to make sure this Kingdom stayed on it’s feet, how could I deny him what he has worked so hard for? But… If he were to face the God himself, he would be killed in an instant. He wouldn’t have a chance. I, however, would. That is why I could only have Sorin as an advisor, not the ruler. Not only that, but you said yourself; the man’s temper will be his downfall somewhere along the line.”
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Frichassa
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As soon as the man entered, she recognised him. She had the advantage that Serenity did not; being immortal, she had the one life everlasting, rather than having to be reincarnated over and over. Pursing her lips, she eyed the once Captain cautiously. As a man of the Empire, she held no trust for him.

If he hurts her, I will pull her out of the way and call for the guardsmen. Though, his body language suggests an air of friendliness.” she thought as she walked with Serenity out onto the balcony, remaining a shadow’s distance away from her at all times.

Hearing a light knock at the bedroom door, rather than interrupt the chat, she quickly hurried back through the room and opened the door to see a small girl, dressed in a maid’s uniform, holding a tray with three cups, a pot of tea, a jug of milk, a bowl of sugar and some biscuits. Mumbling a quiet thank you to the girl, Frich carried the tray out onto the balcony, and set the tray down on a small table before returning to Serenity’s side.
Edited by Frichassa, Jul 12 2011, 07:02 PM.
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Eddard Ó Ceallaigh
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"Further proof that everything is in flux, Little Light. What would be more ammusing than watching the twists and turns of fate under the strain of free will."

As Ned took in the Goddess' words on the subject of the Emporer, the High General smiled. The girl had learnt well. She understood the need for hierarchy. The need for herself to lead her people. This brought a proud smile to his lips as he considered the avenues of change, a personal past time for the man. Each event had so many outcomes and each outcome led to further change. So much so that one event could lead to the end of the world or even ever lasting peace. Had Sorin marched upon the Kingdom of Darkness, before the God King rose to power, he could have united the Kingdoms and prevented the God of Darkness from ruling. And from there, what would have happened? Rebellion? Riots? Or simply acceptance? His role required him to think over all avenues of fate and it was something he truly enjoyed.

"True enough, the God King could destroy the Emporer. True enough that his magic is strong. But the Badlands hold many secrets and treasures, Little Light. Sorin chose to found the Empire there for a reason. It is the mid ground between the Kingdoms of Light and Dark, and so the burial grounds of nations and armies. Amongst the bones and sand, there are artifacts. Sorin seems to be hunting one in particular..."
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Serenity
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“For telling me such things, you could be strung up in your home, no? Please don’t endanger yourself, I do not doubt Sorin has many spies here, any wise leader would do so,” she began, looking to him with concern “though, I must admit my curiosity is sparked over what you have told me. From the fragments of memory that I have from past lives… I- I remember once killing the Dark God there. I buried him there… Is it something to do with that?”

Her tone of voice seemed somewhat disturbed. Memories of the slaughtering that both she and Erik had done sent a cold shiver down her spine and left a sickly feeling in the pit of her stomach. Trying to shake them off, she looked to Ned curiously. If Sorin was after a particular artefact, she would have to make sure to get to it first in order to guard it against a use for evil.
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Eddard Ó Ceallaigh
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"He seeks the blades which belonged to you both. Such artifacts contain magic, and according to the ancient texts the Empire unearthed, a fraction of each gods essence. Sorin seeks to take both blades and forge one. Such a weapon would mould Sorin into a monster so pure, that even the nine hells could not devour his soul. Do you understand my words now, Little Light?"

Ned sighed, his thoughts heavy. Part of him longed for the aforementioned blade, for with it his dream of a better world could be realised. However, in the hands of the Emporer, what would happen? Death was certain. Destruction was another certainty. The High General was conflicted in the paths he could choose.

"I seek a world where there is no conflict. As does Sorin. As do you. However Sorin wishes to create a world which bows to him. He would challenge the All Father, given the chance. He hungers for power and it's corruption is seated deep within him."
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Serenity
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Serenity listened carefully, as she contemplated what to do about the Emperor. She looked down to the railing as she spoke softly.

“I cannot allow Sorin to do that to himself, nor can I allow him to hurt anyone else. The blades must be returned to me… in anyone else’s hands, it could well twist their very nature into… Well I do not need to tell you. You can see what the desire for them is turning Sorin into, if he obtained them, he would indeed become worse. Any mortal would, holding such power.”

She looked to the Nymph whom stood not too far from her, nodding to her in thanks for bringing in the tea. If it became widely known that the High General of the Empire was in Serenity’s room, rumours and speculation would become rife, perhaps even grounds to have the Goddess confined for conspiracy to commit treason.

“Why do you give me such information? Surely it would serve you well to allow Sorin to obtain the blades for you to then take them from him without much suspicion being raised.” the white haired woman asked, raising a neatly trimmed eyebrow at Ned.
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Eddard Ó Ceallaigh
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"I may be High General but I am understanding of what I am. I have no delusions. I am a mortal through and through. It would take more than myself to destroy Sorin. Never mind the fact that a great many are loyal to him. Be it fear or love, it still means they will defend him."

Part of Ned was still curious if he could kill Sorin. He was the High General. There were plenty of chances available but it was a matter of ensuring the elf died before he could strike back. The Empire, if leaderless, would crumble, allowing the aggressive Kingdom of Darkness to take the upper hand.

Balance could not be lost. That was essential. No matter what, neither the Light nor the Dark could win.

"Little Light, the Kingdom of Darkness will be looking for the blades themselves, shortly. The badlands will become a warzone. Without your people, the Empire could fall, and Darkness will win."
Edited by Eddard Ó Ceallaigh, Jun 27 2011, 06:14 PM.
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Serenity
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“I am unsure of what to do…” she began, her brows furrowing in frustration “my morals and ethics forbid me from allowing harm to come to them if I can help it, but as a leader, I understand that I should be patient and allow them to destroy each other. If I allow this to happen, the winning side will be weakened, which would allow me to bring a sure end to this ridiculous war.”

Serenity clenched her right fist slightly as her mind drifted to that of the God of Darkness. In her mind, he had started this with his lust for death and destruction, but of course, every story has two or more sides. Unclenching her fist, she looked to Ned.

“I am stuck either way.”
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Eddard Ó Ceallaigh
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Eddard looked at the young woman, though his mind reminded his senses that she was ancient, with a studied gaze. She was torn and he knew full well that this conflict within her could go either way. Now with her options before her, he took his next step.

"Little Light, may I propose a truce between your armies and mine. I do not wish to see the men and women I used to protect slaughtered needlessly. We should work together to prevent the Darkness securing the blades whilst also preventing Sorin himself. Together we can hold back the tide of Darkness, whilst allowing the blades to be taken by those in the right."

The High General hoped dearly his offer would tempt the young Goddess. It was the only way she could possibly retrieve the blades without total war. War with the Darkness was inevitable but the Empires armies were led by Eddard and so could ally themselves with the Light. Loss of life would happen but at least together it would not create as much slaughter.
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Serenity
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The offer was indeed tempting, and it meant for Serenity that she could reach more of her lost and confused brothers and sisters within the Empire. It means that she could protect them. As appealing as it was, she was worried about what Eddard was not saying, the part of his plan that he was leaving out.

“And what is the price? I can see the advantages, but this life has taught me that there is a price for everything.” she inquired “Would you have my people wage war in your name? Would you have them die for you? Forgive me if I am asking any offending questions but I do not wish to put those under my wing, in any line of danger.”

Of course, before she agreed to anything, she would need an actual contract drawn up by one of her advisors and signed by both parties with the terms and conditions on it. As naïve as Serenity was, she was far from stupid.
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Eddard Ó Ceallaigh
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"You suspect far too much, Little Light. I look for an end to wars. That is all I ask of you and the Kingdom. Those of your Kingdom fight for you. My men fight for myself. No offence, Little Light, but I do not believe you to be as experienced as myself, in this incarnation at least. You have much to learn and I offer you a solution. You know I am not lying about my intentions."

Ned looked to the woman, his face showing a level of sadness and hurt in the fact that his intentions were being questioned. And he was truthful in them. He wished for peace ever lasting. He wished for an end to the conflict which had ruined the world he was born into for so long.

"The only other thing I ask for is trust. I cannot leave any evidence of this deal. Should the Emporer learn of anything we have spoken of, the plan would come apart in mere seconds."
Edited by Eddard Ó Ceallaigh, Jun 27 2011, 07:45 PM.
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Serenity
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Biting her bottom lip, she took a moment to look across her land. Off in the distance, she could see creatures of the wood; elves, centaurs and the odd human passing through it. She knew she would be foolish to accept the offer right away.

“Trust… I believe I should. You came all this way, knowing full well that had my men realised who you are, they would have you captured and trialled for desertion.” she said before sighing “Yet… I cannot bring myself to agree to ally with you just yet. Forgive me. What I shall say is; return to me in three days. I will have your answer for you, and it will most likely be yes. I need to consult my advisors, only my most trusted. I understand the threat you would be under should a spy catch word of this.”
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Eddard Ó Ceallaigh
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"Very well, Little Light. I cannot force your hand. However I do hope you understand that if anyone does find out about what I have said, except the Emporers request, that I will be killed and you will have war. Regardless of which one wins, the Tides of Darkness will engulf all others shortly after."

Bowing slightly, Eddard rose his hood over his heavy mane of hair and brought his face once more into shadow. Nodding to the nymph nearby, he strode from the room and made quick his exit from the palace, his plated boots letting out a quick pace of clanking.

As he mounted his great horse, Eddard looked back at the palace, sighing. Once he had hoped to be a great smith for the Kingdom of Light. Ironic that he should forge something now, that was not a weapon.
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