Episode 1: The Second Breath [The Lawgivers]

[Bardlebee]

The Second Breath: The Eye is Always Watching


Their approach to Paragon city was quite evident. Most of the group, even Tepo, had been through Paragon once or twice. Even if you did not agree with the legalities of human control that laid in this place you could not help but respect that domain in which it sits. It is well known that in the middle of the city a large wind manse stands on a hill top. It is very square and exactly symmetrical to the rest of the city. In fact if an exalt were to jump and float into the air, for just even a minute, it would become very apparent that the entire city was blocked off into squares. The inner square being the quarter of nobles and preists while the outer square being the square of commoners, travelers, and residents. If these very square and symmetrical systems werent enought to identify ones rank in the community of Paragon, then color and flair would surely be the ticket.


For on the inner-square of the nobles it would be obvious that ever array of color is ordained on every pottery, tapestery, clothing and house that could be seen. The outer square however was as dull as the symmetrical architecture. Every house, was generally the same size as the next and the same color. The colors range from dull gray to dull blacks and off-whites. There is no showing of color what so ever. Surely this rule is bent in places where a man could where a small belt that was barely visible to be red, but for the most part the only word that could be described of the outside commoners portion is:


DULL


While the group was traveling towards Paragon they reached at least one mile away before they started to see farmers and workers out in the field. No doubt these huge tracks of farmland were to feed one of the largest cities in the South. As the group looked left they also noticed mist dripping from a small cliff face, that as generally accessible from the wall of Paragon, leading East. As they approached the gate they noticed that the walls were a very dull grey color and not tapestries or pictures of the Paragon symbol or flag were flown in honor of the large city. Just a very ornate eye of a dark scarlet color was attached to the large black gate that sank into the wall. Currently there was a line to get in, various merchant carts on official business were being checked in, and even travelers alone on foot were questioned. As you approached the gates one of the guards in very bright scarlet color, with the crest of the Perfect eye on his gleaming armor approaches the group.


"Greetings, and welcome to Paragon, registration of citizenship? Just passing through? Or official business?" the man asks numbly, expecting a quick response, looking at the various people behind the group as the line had filled up behind them.


Lets get this gravy train movin' again!


Impending pictures when I find a fitting city layout.

 

[cyl]

Blossom smiles to the man... but she never was socially gifted...


Just passing through good man. We're visiting some friends and we'll be on our way.

 

[Tourmaline]

Mahir


Mahir nods to the man, friendly but businesslike. "Greetings, warrior of Paragon. As my companion said, we are simply passing through your city." He tilts his head, looking up at the bored man. "Know you where we may purchase traveling supplies?" The group hadn't exactly had a chance to pack before leaving Makerson. Red Blossom was able to find food, water, and shelter for the group- an amazing feat for a Northerner in the desert- but Mahir is getting tired of lizard kabobs, cactus strips, and roast jackrabbit without salt. Even the Delzhan nomads have spices for their meat and flatbreads to eat with it.

 

[TherealBrickwall]

Amethyst


Amethyst says nothing and hides behind the rest of the group, trying not to let her disgust at the unexpressive squalor show.

 

[Myllinnia]

Amaterasu


Amateraus looks about their area with a cautious look. She didn't trust this place, its dull colors and orderly buildings just screamed trouble waiting to pounce. She was far more confortable in places like Chiaroscuro and Nexus. Though, she had to admit, some place like this might hold a good source of secrets that could be exploited. Amaterasu glances to Tepo to see how he was holding up.

 

[Ebon_Arbiter]

Takeno


At last, some semblance of civilization after their long and arduous journey. Surely, running from an alleged Wyld Hunt is never an interesting prospect, even more so when you've humbled one of their own and being left in the darkness as to what was really happening.


So, Paragon it is...A bit too dull for Takeno, truth be told. Nexus was better, more vivid, more colourful and quite probably far morde dangerous, as is natural for a city with bustling life, dangerous underworld and even more dangerous "overworld". Ahh...these were good days, for despite the risks involved, his status as a diplomatic envoy granted him an increased easure of freedom and well, he had put it to good use, or at least what he thought at time to be a good use, even though - truth be told - he cannot remember any of the "delicate flowers" of Nexus to ever complain about his company.


The guard welcoming him and his companion seems to wake him up from daydreaming so Takeno straightens up, greets the guard politely according to protocol and proceeds to the city alongside his companions. He avoids using his formal name and identity, lest their pursuers be notified and as he passes by the guard, he states in a formal way that indeed he's travelling alongside his companions and taking a somewhat more strict look, subtly indicating that all of them are under his personal protection (not that they needed any, since Takeno knew first-hand they could more than fend for themselves should the need arise) cutting short any potentially unwelcome looks or stares from the guards and curtly asking them where the postal service could be found and if there was a certain procedure that should be followed concerning making their presence known to the local authorities (if necessary) as well as where he could learn in detail what would be needed for registration and citizenship - since the guard mentioned it and as Takeno said, he took a particular delight in bureacratic functions of the varied cities across Creation.

 

[Bardlebee]

"You can find travelers accommodations just inside the city walls" he says plainly


The guard looks at the group with a bored face and waves them in nonchalantly. The enter the city through the large 15 foot steal gates. The large eye at the top giving a spooky prospect of what was to possibly happen next. When they enter they notice that they are narrowly shoulder to shoulder with other individuals. Off to the right they could see some stables and accommodation but not much more then that. Everyone was wearing dull colors, grey, off-black, and white were the norm here. Every once and awhile they would catch immediate notice of a man in sheer white clothing with a fragrance urn, even one who is not religious to any faith could discern that this had to be some sort of holy man. Likewise every now and then they would see a man dressed in fabulous reds, blues and greens. This indicated nobility and a responsibility to the people of Paragon as being the eyes and ears of the Perfect himself.


"I have a cousin that lives in these city walls. She is in the noble district in the east, she is dragon-blooded so it is up to you guys to decide whether that is a good idea or not. I trust her, but that is up for you all to decide, understandably." Tepo mentions over the loud crowd. "As long as we let her know we com..." Tepo is suddenly cut off by the shriek of a man in sheer pain. As the group looks off to the right to see a scrawny man holding his head, face red in pain and anguish, the veins could be seen visibly protruding from his forehead as he crumples on to the ground in pain "OH GOOD!! I'M SORRY I WAS JUST SO... SO HUNGRY!!" the group sees the man clamoring up to another in brilliant colored robes. He clasps onto his robe with all the power he can muster out of his meager arms "Forgive me!" the man pleaded to the man in reds and blues. The noble, looking un-astonished by this says plainly "You are forgiven.." and the moment he says that the starving man crumples down on the ground in freedom of his pain, breathing very heavily.

 

[cyl]

The jaws of Red Blossom tighten.


There are sad things in this world, people suffering everywhere... but we cannot fight every battles... and that is sad too.


Let's go find your cousin, if she earned the trust of a man ready to go against the Imperial soldiers to protect the people under his responsability, then I shall trust her too.

 

[Tourmaline]

Mahir


Although the White Simhata sept routinely stops at Paragon for supplies, most of them camp outside the city; only a few of the traders enter. Mahir himself has never set foot in Paragon before today. It looks like he wasn't missing much. He leads his horse Sunlight through the crowd, the bright beaded patterns that adorn the horse's tack covered with scraps of cloth in obedience to Paragon's strange laws against color. The palomino takes the unfamiliar sights and sounds in stride where another horse would shy, and somehow manages to avoid stepping on human feet despite the crowd around him.


Mahir inhales sharply as the scrawny man staggers out in front of the party, screaming in pain. As he steps forward to help, a brightly dressed noble gives his pardon to the unfortunate, and the man's pain subsides. The shaman's brows knit in puzzlement. "Sunlight, stay," he orders as he drops the horse's reins and approaches the man. Sunlight snorts in acknowledgement.


"Excuse me, what just happened? Do you need help?", Mahir asks.

 

[Myllinnia]

Amaterasu


Amaterasu looks to Mahir as he goes to the assistance of the person. Amaterasu was a bit concerned, anything that gave that much pain and relief without even a touch. "We should get to this relative's place soon." She then takes a person gently aside. "Forgive me for the disruption but can you tell me who that generous noble was that just forgave that man?"

 

[TherealBrickwall]

Amethyst


Amethyst just hides behind her nearest compatriot and attempts to avoid dealing with the weirdscarynew social situation.

 

[Bardlebee]

Mani's House


Mahir's words slightly puzzled the noble who was just about to be on his way. He stops and looks Mahir over and nods in understanding "Ah, you are Delzahn are you not? I am not a very traveled man myself, but I can see that you are new" the noble explains, letting the poor man sit there, relieved of his pain. The noble takes out a notation that looks like some sort of form. Mahir could see the numbers "102.6(a) Form" on the sheet "Excuse me, I must write this report... I will be with you in a moment, friend" he smiles and turns to the man who had committed the crime. He jotted down the name and told the man to meet him later in the inner circle of Paragon, where he will work the man to pay off the crime. Turning back he continues "Now, where was I? Ah yes, here in Paragon, when a person commits a crime that is unjust, they get a painful reaction. Most of the time this will be a very heavy migraine all the way to death." He pauses to let the idea sink in "I know, it is strange, but I assure you, this city is one of the largest and most healthiest cities in the South for a reason. Through our 'unique' law system we have kept the piece for a millenia!" the man totes proudly "My name is Ralph Millen, part of the Millen family line in the north quarter. Though obviously we are not of the asteemed Dragon-Blooded, my family dates back to some of the greatest merchants in this city. We are local name.... Now if you would excuse me" The man bows out and starts waking away, smiling. The malnourished man, also smiling, walks behind him.


The group traveled along the main entrance of the East road. Like many things with this city it was symmetrical in its geometric shape. There was a large East, South, West, and North road. All of them perfectly centered with the direction, respectively. They travel along until they meet the inner wall. Though the wall they saw before was gray and had no tapestries of pride or sashes of hailing the god-king of Paragon, this wall was a sheer white color. Additionally, the wall had several banners running down, all in a deep red with a gold trim. The picture of the ornate looking Eye of Paragon had been sown in with master-crafting hands. Tepo nods to the guards and explains to him that he is of the V'neef family line and is an important merchant from Makerson, all of this being true and the help of his family crest on his shoulder, the men let everyone in.


Immediately when these guards let in the group, the amount of color between the common quarters and the noble quarters was very evident. Though the commoners quarters was not dirty in any stretch of the imagination, everything about the nobles inner square screamed color and finesse. Large windows with artificial colors on merchant houses and banners with family sigils were hanging from nearly every door. Nine out of Ten people that walked by were either wearing sheer whites with urns in their hands, or brilliant blues and deep reds. The rest were obvious commoners, perhaps slaves as they traveled around carrying items for these people in lush colors. The cart made its way deeper east into the town. They finally approached the door of Tepo's cousins house, which by itself had its own sigil of the V'neef family line ordained on the very thick metal. The rest of the house was made of solid rock, with little wood involved. It was not customary for a Dragon-Blooded to exalt in a house, but it happens more often then one thinks. With that in mind, one could imagine the financial troubles a Dragon-Blooded may have if they burnt down their own house every few months.


With a large knock on the door. A woman shyly peers out. Her skin was strangely whiter then those of the southern people. Also she had black hair, wearing a dark blue robe with flowers of gold stitched into it. The woman speaks softly "Tepo, is that you?" she says with a smile. Tepo nods in kind. "Please come in come in, I will have my servant take your horses!" she says excitedly, a man walks out of her house and takes the reins of the horses as she lets you come into her house....


Choose to go in the house or not, up to you. It is obvious from the architecture that she is DB. Also, if you wish to still remark with the noble what walked away, feel free.


Sorry again for the slow update. Two more months guys, bare with me

 

[Myllinnia]

Amaterasu


The young woman enters the house granting their host a curtsy as she enters. Once inside she looks around her immediate area and once satified that the area was safe she nods to the others. Without waiting she goes in further giving an appraising look on the items in the house.

Spoiler

Wha... short. Oo

 

[Tourmaline]

Mahir


Before the servant takes the horses, Mahir turns to his steed. "Be good for the stablehands, Sunlight." The palomino nickers, giving his master a sly look. The Delzhan puts his hands on his hips. "I mean it! No nipping!" Sunlight looks down, dejected. Mahir shakes his head and turns to the servant. "He thinks it's funny to watch strangers jump when he nips at them. If he tries it on you, feel free to whack him on the nose." Pause. "Not too hard, though." The horse looks at Mahir with big, sorrowful brown eyes as the servant leads him away.


The veiled shaman bows to Tepo's cousin. "Our thanks for your hospitality, lady of House V'neef. May you always have water and the favor of the gods." Traditional visitor's greeting complete, Mahir follows the noblewoman into the house.

 

[Ebon_Arbiter]

Takeno


Takeno gives his horse to be taken care of by the servants as well, caressing its neck gently and then moves inside the state, feeling a warmth from being in a house resembling the architecture and general layout of those back in the Blessed Isle, where he grew up. As he marvels at the walls, pictures and various decorations, his mind drifts back to his family, to his childhood years, to the reunions that took place in their estate on important events and remembering these in contrast to the late incident almost brings tears to his eyes. When introduced to the lady of the house, he bows politely, kisses her hand in a gesture of noble appreciation of her beauty and prestige and introduces himself as impeccably as only a lifetime in one of the Great Houses of the Scarlet Empire can teach.


"My fair lady, whose beauty surpasses even the stars that illuminate the night sky, even the faint light of the red-rose fingered dawn that heralds the new morning, I am humbled by your presence and the hospitality that you so generously offer to us. True is indeed that the daughters of the 5 Dragons are figures of immaculate beauty and nobility, the blood flowing in your veins made evident in every aspect. Allow me to introduce myself properly, as is the tradition amongst the scions of the Great Houses of the Realm, even upon these distant - from the Blessed Isle - territories. My name is Takeno, descendant of the Great House of Nellens, diplomat of the Realm and trade envoy of my family's enterprises. Native of the Realm, yet travelled in the East, fullfilled my diplomatic apprenticeship in the vaunted city of Nexus and was hoping to further assist in forging better relationships on all levels with the Great House of V'neef, whose worthy representative is your esteemed cousin, Tepo as well as you my Lady. It is an overwhelming honour to be accepted into the residence of one of those blessed by the 5 Dragons and please do not hesitate for a moment to ask of me for anything that i could do in order to kindly repay your hospitality".

 

[TherealBrickwall]

Amethyst


Amethyst tries to hide behind the rest of the group, mostly keeping her eyes on her feet.

 

[Bardlebee]

Mani bows to the group "You are so welcoming!" she says cheerfully. Motioning to come into her home the group follows suit. The house was a small two story. As the group entered they felt about five degrees cooler as they could feel very weak cooling vents from the ceiling. Immediately in front of them was an all wooden floored house with a cellar doorway leading to a basement flooring. Beside that were the stairs leading upwards.


Off the right they could see fine carpeting and other nicer materials. There was a book shelf on the far wall that easily reached to the ceiling, full of books of all shapes and sizes. A dining table was seen in this room as well. All the windows had very heavy scarlet red drapes on them and walls were painted a solid white. Off to the left they noticed a sitting area with a large couch and two chairs surrounding a nice wooden and glass topped coffee table. Both rooms lead to the back of the house where the kitchen resided with nice black marble counters and tile flooring. "Gentleman? Ladies?" she says and moves into the sitting area on the left. "Can I get you some tea? Perhaps you could tell me why you have come to Paragon?" she says while moving into the close kitchen, still listening to group chatter on.


Takeno:

Spoiler

You notice Mani smiling at you in the corner of your eye, but when you look at her she seems to look away. You might quite an impression on the lady it seems.

 

[Myllinnia]

Amaterasu


A bit awkward all Amaterasu can do is nod. She wasn't about to the tell the woman that they were just chased all the way from Makerson to here by insane Dragon Blooded. But well what else was there to do? She glances to the others then sighs. "Some tea would be nice," she says glancing to the place where the woman had disappeared to. "You'd have to forgive us, we were... rather chased away from a nearby town. You... could say that it was simply insanity that brought us here, yes?" She glances to the nearest windows and perks up, before glancing to the place where the entrances. She stands after a bit. "Oh yes quite a bit of insanity," she mutters as she looks for another window or at least a passage to the back of the house.

 

[cyl]

Blossom smiles.


I'd like some tea as well.


What my friend is saying is that... you should not hear the full story from us, but from your cousin... he spoke very highly of you and I'm sure that he would find better words than us to... describe what happened in Makerson a few days ago and why we ran away. she says, gently patting Tepo on the shoulder.

 

[Tourmaline]

Mahir


"Tea would be most welcome." Mahir nods politely from his seat on the luxurious couch. He keeps his hands folded in his lap, his posture radiating a meditative stillness. His mentor Arif taught him how to relax and keep still under stress years ago, necessary techniques for negotiating with hostile spirits.


The luxurious surroundings make Mahir feel acutely aware of the layers of sweat and dirt that have built up on him during the group's trek through the desert. It would have been nice if they had at least stopped at an inn to bathe and wash their clothing before coming to see Tepo's cousin. Some of the others got new clothes from Bandito, but Mahir's robes have definitely seen better days. He hopes that Mani will forgive him for the dust he's probably leaving on her couch cushions.


The young Delzhan turns to Tepo and nods at Red Blossom's suggestion. "Red Blossom is right. Would you be the one to tell this story?"

 

[Ebon_Arbiter]

Takeno


Takeno listens to his companions comments and then turns towards Mani, smiling at her and says:


"Indeed my fair lady and exemplary hostess. An account of the facts that transpired through your cousin's viewpoint might be be best, since we respond naturally more favorably to those we know and trust, like family members, close friends and people we're more intimately connected to. Even more so in this case, where the events that led us to your fine state and under your humbling presence and immaculate hospitality, can be characterized as quite troubling and out of fear of exaggeration or fear of causing doubt i'd prefer to allow your cousin to present you with the main points of what took place prior to our arrival in Paragon and the rest of us can intervene to enrich his narration as we see fit, to add more detail and clarify certain points.


I should say though that i can present at least my reasons for travelling to the town in which your honourable cousin dwelled alongside his esteemed family. You can of course interrupt me at any point to clarify anything you deem necessary".


Takeno takes a deep breath, puts one hand through his hair, sits a bit more comfortably, idly touching the handle of his masterfully forged and engraved sword and begins.


"I am - as i earlier told you - a scion of the Great House Nellens of the Realm. Truth is, and i have no intent to hide it from you or pretend otherwise, that due to various political situations in the past and to current developments as well, House Nellens isn't on par with the rest of the Great Houses. On the contrary, it has very few exalted in his ranks and his financial situation isn't the best. Despite that situation, my family did their best to offer me a proper education and eventually i joined the Diplomatic Corps, aspiring to become a successful diplomat, a good negotiator and a man that would make his House proud of him and in time set up his own family as well. I travelled in Nexus, for my first assignment and it was a life changing experience indeed. I learned valuable lessons there and expanded my knowledge of diplomatic tactics, political and bureaucratic procedures as well as my socializing skills.


Thus, i felt ready to undertake a new assignment after some years had passed and decided, after consulting with my family, to promote our interests in the South. Like every beginning, it needs a small step at start and Makerson - your cousin's town - would be my first stop. It was a decent, small community, with good people leading it and access to the main trade routes. My goal was to forge an alliance between House V'neef and House Nellens in the region, in order to establish a second trade route, that would be swifter and bring new life and prosperity in the town of Makerson as well as increased market options and new customers for the vaunted wine from the vineyards of House V'neef. It was a good plan and it would give me the opportunity to meet new people, test my abilities in my chosen field of expertise, offer substantial gains to the local community and get the recognition from my House for these services. Even more i considered it my first act towards repaying all that my family has done for me, proving to them that all those years they invested in me, all this love, affection and support, went for a good cause and made me into an honourable and capable young man.


Upon my arrival, i met with Tepo's father and i must say that hospitality runs indeed in your family blood - with whom we talked extensively and came to agree upon the particular terms of our trade treaty. It was then that an unfortunate series of events began to unfold, leading us today to you alongside your cousin".

 

[Bardlebee]

Tepo sighs in the realization that he may have been thrown under the carriage, but in the end the group was correct. He should tell what has happened, being closest to the relative it was only natural. "Well..." Tepo explains shyly "Mani, Makerson was attacked by what seems to be a Wyld Hunt. Though they claimed that there were Anathema in the church, there was none. No one died, miraculously because of these five here. I was amazed at their heroism." he takes a sip of tea and continues "Zaria, Mnemon Zaria was his name. Do you know it?"


Mani is surprised at what was just said "And your father?" ignoring Tepo's question. Tepo replies "I... I don't know. I believe he made it out safe but its impossible to be sure" his face becomes somber.


"Well, I don't know a Zaria, but I have heard that there was a Wyld Hunt in the south lately. Though I don't know the specific region, I know it was headed by one of the Cynis family." Mani says in response, suddenly she perks up "Oh! Where are my manners?!" she asks retoriquelly "Do you all need shelter? Perhaps someone to talk to The Perfect about this? My basement is large and otherwise pretty sound proof. If it is something I can do politically I can schedule with The Perfect as well to assist you..." she goes quiet waiting on the groups response.

 

[cyl]

Red Blossom nods with a gentle smile.


We would not want to put you in a difficult position with the Wyld Hunt, I have heard tales of their... eagerness, and if they're after us, then we need to be on our way to a place where they can hurt us or the people we care about.


Zaria was wounded, his pride too, so if we stay within reach, I fear he will stop at nothing to get revenge against us.


If there is anything we need at the moment, it would be a quiet and discrete way to leave the South and maybe head East, there the Empire has less influence and strongholds.

 

[Tourmaline]

Mahir


Mahir raises an eyebrow at Red Blossom. Isn't she tired from their journey? Nomad he might be, but even nomads want a chance to rest once in a while. More to the point, the horses are tired. The young Delzhan turns back to Mani.


"My companion is correct in that we must be on our way shortly. However, I think it would be well for all of us to stay in Paragon for at least a day. The horses are tired; at the very least we must care for the well-being of our mounts. Also, we should buy supplies while we are in the city. There was not much time to pack when we left Makerson," he finishes dryly.

 

[cyl]

Blossom smiles.


Of course, I didn't meant to leave the city right away.


We must leave soon, but here we are one single tree in a huge forest... though I feel we should decline your generous and most appreciated hospitality for the time being my lady... if I were Zaria, I'd come looking for us here, in your home.


We do not want to bring that kind of trouble upon you.


If you can arrange through your contacts a departure in the coming days for us to any non imperial port due east, I think that's all the kindness we could accept from you with the certainty of not putting you at risk.

Spoiler

A. I don't trust dynasts


B. Zaria almost burned a village to the ground to get us


C. ... I don't trust dynasts ! :mrgreen: