Relief from an Unlikely Source. (Open to all)

Archalen Andares · December 29, 2007, 10:56 PM

TS: 28th Brightening of Optia. Era XIV.

It is not so much our friends help that helps us as the confident knowledge that they will help us."
-Epicurus

(Following: Imperia Heeds the Call )

News traveled fast, and ultimately reached the ear of a sympathetic Thane on the far fringes of the Empire. On the other side of the Empire one elf found the terrible news of the people of Archadoon, a fate that was not unlike the one Imperia had suffered in recent time. The beleagued citizens of Archadoon were besieged by disaster, both thinned and smothered by uncontrollable fires and chaos. The Thane of Imperia, Archalen Esgalvith, heard told that anarchy and disaster had hit so sudden that the city there itself was wholly unable (despite noble efforts of its people) to withstand the fires that eve.

Many scores had perished, some fighting to control the flames and others from giving their life's so others may live through. Archalen had been alone shortly after the courier and intelligence officer had delivered the news and it struck him so that tears welled in his eyes. The initial report, exaggerated or not, was fearful.

So it was no surprise that the Shadow Elf and Thane took the actions he did shortly after hearing the news. Immediately, he went to his project the Imperian Trade depot and informed the men there of the news. He had called a meeting for all to show up, mostly just the workers who were on hand but also the odd and curious Imperian citizen who passed by heard as well.

"My fellow citizens,....a grave and dire attack has beset our fellow Aelyrians of Archadoon. They have been routed by fire, a disaster that was...not totally unlike our own only a short time ago. It is our duty, and our obligation to see that they, unlike ourselves following the fire night, receive the aide and support they so desperately need. We stood alone,....with no assistance when our time of need passed. We alone bared and shouldered the horrific task...of rebuilding and surviving. Imperians! We must not...turn a blind eye toward those who need us now! We must not hold grudges or old hatred for our fellow countrymen. They are....in their time of need and Imperia is ready, able, and willing to assist them! What say you!? Do we hold off, being....rendered so impotent by past events or do we press forward to aide our countrymen? To show them that the....New Imperia is one of strength, one that is not only capable..of...destroy our enemies, but to rebuilding our friends?"

The cheers from the crowd re-affirmed his spirit. It was their duty as members of the Empire to help, no matter what happened in brightenings past. And so, that very day the Imperian Trade Depot was re-organized to a rescue base with workers loading up carts of supplies and checking equipment. They would sail off that very darkening and make it around the empire to Archadoon. They would press on fast, taking the high seas as quick as possible for very lifes were on the line! A few miles from the destroyed city they would disembark, load the wagons and take the last stretch by land. Included in the group were a contingent of laborers from the government buildings and Lord Esgalviths private businesses. Also was an official government entourage and a few tradesmen. The group was few, but it was more then Imperia could spare. Likewise the provisions they brought would likely be compared as meager to what other cities could provide, but for Imperia, still growing itself after no one helped them rebuild following the night of fire...it was all and then some what the city could spare. The wagons included;

Secrets :

And so the caravan came into the ruined town. A tall Esh'lahier elf named Iternus was on point. Two people walked behind him, one carrying the flag of Imperia and the other the standard of the Empire. The group would hopefully be a welcome sight here. The line of wagons stopped and Iternus annoucned to whoever was passing by, or a guard should there be one at the gate. "Greetings Citizens of Archadoon. Lord Esgalvith of Imperia brings relief for the noble city of Archadoon! Who is in charge here so that we may begin help?"

Soldier · December 30, 2007, 09:43 PM

The cries of a badly burned Fianna Warrior, his kilt and armor literally burned into his flesh, were loud as his comrades carried him past the caravan. The city was in absolute chaos, and would not get better in the near future. Colin was sitting at a table near the mess tent, eating the first full meal he was able to put in his stomach for several days when he was told there was a contingent from Imperia. With a sad sigh and glance at his uneaten food, Colin got to his feet and headed toward the front gate of the makeshift work camp. “I am Colin Fianna, of Clan Fianna,” he called to Iternus. “I am in charge here until we can find a replacement. The local military had a rather… Bad turn of events, as did our city government.” There was a rather wry laugh as the Barbarian held his hands out to his sides. “Amazing, yes? One of the biggest cities in the Empire belongs to a simple Barbarian now. But come, sit and eat. I was finishing lunch myself, and we can discuss how your aid will help us.” He pointed back to the table where his food was still sitting, gesturing to the group. “I’m sure you can do with a meal, yes? It’s simple fare, but as you can see, we haven’t the wealth to spare anymore.”

Archalen Andares · December 30, 2007, 10:34 PM

Iternus and every other head in the caravan turned as the badly wounded Fianna Warrior was carried by. Some shook their heads others simply muttered under their breath. Although there was no doubt that Imperians were a hardy bunch, none could really say that having that happen to them wouldn't affect them. Ortho, one of Iternus' junior aides came and stepped forward next to the esh'lahier who was on point. They looked to each other in silence, then turned to look to the charred and chaotic seen visible inside the city. It installed in them a memory, one that scarred every one of the men here.

They had all lived through the fateful Imperian day. A day of screams, pain, and gratuitous death. The men talked in hush tones behind Iternus about how similar this land looked now, compared to Imperia on those dark days. Others spoke quietly about the wrath of the gods themselves being vented here. Others till, had more macabre things to say. There was something about this that didn't quite sit well with the small party. Some foreboding perhaps, but something real none the less. "Gotta bad feeling about this sir" Ortho said quietly. The senior member of the delegation who stood next to him, Iternus, said nothing, only nodded and kept looking straight ahead to the blackened remains of the city.

And then they were approached. As Colin introduced himself, the Esh'lahier bowed sharply with the bent and precision that would be expected of an ex-military man. He returned the greeting warmly; "Malamar Iternus, Lord Esgalviths cheif aide and diplomat and the senior leader of this caravan."

As he listened to the barbari he was simply stunned. To say that this Colin was in charge was a shock. Barbarians were lowest on the Imperial chain, not even citizens fully, if Iternus understood policies correctly. This would mean that there would be no one here of Imperial cloth or at the very least any man who was a citizen fit to lead. The men behind Iternus started to talk and murmur quietly as they had before, but this time they were silenced with a single pale hand that their leader raised.

Of course the men had no offense to Colin because he was a barbarian, it was just shocking to them as Imperia had little barbarians there.

The Esh'lahier nodded at the leader of the Fianna Clans offering of food. The journey oversea had not done well for his stomach. As Colin and Iternus made their way to the table Ortho moved to the front of the caravan and turned round so he could see the wagons behind. With a drop of his arm and a short blow of a small whistle the caravans surged to life slowly and began to come inside. Dust and ash flew up as the wooden wheels once again turned and men could be seen pushing, carrying, and organizing where to park the wagons inside the gates.

Iternus turned to the Barbarian. "Lord Esgalvith ordered me to send his personal condolences for the loss of you people here. Tell me, how is it that any survived?" The Esh'lahier could see it was bad, and the report he was given was not exaggerated.

Soldier · December 31, 2007, 09:07 PM

“You have an objection to my leadership?” Colin asked with amusement as he watched the Elf closely. The large Warrior found himself fascinated with Anderes’ ears, the pointy appendages making him want to reach out and tug on them. Indeed, his large fingers were stretching to do just that when he remembered these were allies in a time of crisis and that the Elf may look on it with ill favor. Instead, he beckoned the arm toward the outdoor eating area, bellowing orders for his Warriors and the remaining scraps of the Crimson Lions to aid the caravan. Once seated, he gestured wildly for the cook and his aides to bring a large bowl of thick beef stew and a mug of ale for each of his guests. While the Elf and his aide were able to sit comfortably at the table, the rest of the caravan had to make do eating at their wagons as living arrangements were made.

“I admit, a Barbarian should not be in charge of a city, but I have little choice in the matter. I am contracted to defend and aid Archadoon, and I will do so. Even if I am out of my element.” There was a deep sigh as the large man picked his food. “The city is doomed… With no government, my Warriors are unable to keep peace in the city, guard the construction crews, and do their regular patrols. We are being stretched thin. And the rebuilding is at a halt because things that are too horrible to mention occupy the ruins. Are you certain you wish to stay and help us, a city that did nothing for you when your own crises struck?”

Archalen Andares · December 31, 2007, 10:31 PM

(ooc: Archalen Andares isn't here, the leader of the aid caravan is Malamar Iternus, Imperia's cheif diplomat and personal aide of Archalen.)

Iternus shook his head at Colins statement that he objected to the leadership of the Barbarian. "No sir, I have no objection to your leadership. It seems" the elf said, looking around "you've done rather well in your position for what has happened." Iternus followed the barbarian all the while keeping an eye on the caravan. Overseeing the operation meant he was responsible for it, and he took the job very seriously. After all, if he caused any failure here then Thane Esgalvith would not be pleased.

The members of the caravans that were being helped with the Crimson Lions got the caravans situated and began working to make sure all the inventory was there. Once the checklist confirmed everything had made the voyage to Archadoon, they took out their personal sacks and began to get their lunch. The crew members lunches were hard bread, water, and beans. These men were hardy, for most of them were seasoned traders that worked for the Imperian Trade Depot. They were use to eating less then perfect meals and neither complained nor wanted more.

At the table Internus listened intently to the words of Colin. The Shadow Elf thought this man was very different from what he expected. This barabarin spoke well, had grace and manners, and was generally seeming like a good person. It was not what the elf expected from a barbarian and he was very pleased. When Colin spoke of himself and that he thought he should not be in charge, Iternus nodded in understanding. "I would say I understand sir, at least a small bit. I served many years in the Imperial Legions. I once was a man of war myself, and it took me a century to get use to the government side of things. It is not an easy thing and I can say from what I've seen so far that you are doing as well as any could" If Colin was good at guessing elfs ages he could probably figure out Iternus was around 600 ordinations. Give or take a few, so the elf had seen many things in his life and had a respect for Colin, who seemingly took it upon himself to straighten things out here. Honoring his pledge to aid Archadoon would have been very hard if Colin had lived through the fire, so that was respectable.

Iternus took another bite from his soup and thought for a moment. When someone asked someone else if the were sure of something, it usually meant things were going to be rough. All the same, the caravan was here now and had work to be done. "Yes, we will stay and help. Imperia may not have received help from Archadoon during our crises, but it is better to look toward the future instead of remembering the past." The Elf took another bite and looked back to the caravan making sure that everyone was doing ok before turning back to Colin. "I'm afraid that although we brought some help, it may be too little" he explained. "We have a small group of trade skill people who can work and teach others on how to build, construct, farm, find water and other essential skills. We also have a few medics, but only a few. Imperia is not a city known for healing arts."

"We have also brought supplies for building, food for eating, and neccesary items for the people here like blankets, lamps, and livesto ck. And of course, a small contingent of guards to guard the caravan.

As far as the government" Iternus continued "When his Lordship Archalen Esgalvith took the thane ship of Imperia the city had no government whatsoever. I was there with him since the beginning and have some experience in setting up a functioning government. I can help you with this too, if that is your wish sir...as long as their are local people who are ready to step up to the responsibility." Iternus shook his head in grief. "We all wish we would have brought more, but Imperia is still building from the fire rain and there wasn't much more to spare. But we have a duty to our Empire, and ourselves; So yes, we will stay and help rebuild.

Iternus drank some of his ale and gave the surroundings a good hard look. "I may be able to procure some soldiers from Imperia to help your patrols here....but I may be unsuccessful. Imperia has little to spare but what we can, we will. Now, what was this about the ruins you mentioned? Something too terrible? Looters? Vandals? Rebels?"

Imperia had seen it all; gangs, murders, pyscho serial killers and unstable pirates. Whatever Colin said was too horrible to mention Iternus thought that together they could handle it. After all, what could be so bad in the middle of a charred and smoldering ruins?

Soldier · January 1, 2008, 10:20 PM

“A little help is better than none,” said Colin with a slight chuckle. He took a swig from his flagon of ale and leaned back, pushing his empty plate aside to be refilled. “The government of Archadoon will see to itself. There are some ragged remnants of the city hierarchy, and my concerns are elsewhere. The ruins, for example… Looters, vandals and rebels would be a welcome relief. No, it’s the Undead that moved into the ashes of Archadoon. One of my Warriors escaped when his squad was ambushed. We pried this off his arm after he died.” The Barbarian tossed a dead, mummified hand onto the table, crossing his arms over his broad, burly chest. “I’m quite happy you’ll be staying. Your aid will be quite welcome.”

Archalen Andares · January 8, 2008, 03:31 AM

Iternus, the seasoned diplomat and ex-military esh'lahier said nothing as the arm landed on the table. He regarded it with a genuine and probing stare but after only turned back to Colin. He had not known, nor had anyone of Imperia, that the undead had taken residence in the hull of the once-city Archadoon. It was apparent that more aid and arms would be needed. His first concern however, was the saftey of his men. It was imperative that they be secured...after all, were they to be lost it would be a political disaster in the already (and allegedly, isolationist) citizens of imperia.

Iternus looked to Colin and nodded firmly. They were here and had pledge their support. Finishing the last of the soup (which was better then he had expected, and he said so) he thanked Colin. "Anything you need sir, we are yours. We will set camp here near the gates." He waited to see if Colin the barabarian had anything else to contribute, and if not the shadow kin extended the man a deep bow and walked off to give orders. They had to get ready before the sun set if there were undead about. He didn't know, but had a bad feeling about this.

Archalen Andares · January 11, 2008, 10:37 AM

The camp was completed hastily and without reservation or wait. Foul creatures of the night and of the dead roamed here in the ruins it was told, and Iternus had no wish to play a part to their games. Shortly after the meeting with Colin the senior diplomat and ex legionnaire ordered the fortifications for the small enclosed wooden camp to be set up. Under the still smoky skies they toiled, sharping logs for the wooden wall, or perhaps erecting tents and setting torches around the perimeter. The first thing however, was to secure and make safe all the food and the supplies they had brought.

By nightfall it was finished, a hastily erected outpost of order in the smoldering and ash filled city. It was near the gates with their back to the large stone that made the cites outer gates. A ring of torches encircled the sphere of the campsite, with the candles about ten feet out from the wall to maintain safety. It would not do for a second fire to catch onto the wooden walls of the camp here. One fire for Archadoon in recent times was enough after all. Guards were also stationed. Granted, these were normally caravan guards that had little actual combat experience other then chasing off the odd raider or petty thief gang.

Had they known what was only a short distance before them in the heart of the city, they would have brought more, and guards of more experience.

But sadly, they were here. Every guard was put in eyesight of each other and they were grouped in twos. The camp wasn't big enough to require so many, and they covered the perimeter handily all while being only a small distance from each other. If trouble arrived, they would respond in force. The darkening was long and stressful, but somehow the world of Telath kept spinning and the dawn finally came; much to the relief of the gaurdsmen. Upon the morning, aide could commence and the relief of the citizens of Archadoon could start.

The first thing one would see as they approached the camp was the small opening into its wooden walls. Guarded by two on each side it was the only way in and out. Inside the wooden circle were various tents holding all kinds of goods, namely food, livestock, and living essentials. A large banner that read: "Imperia Stands With Archadoon!" Could be seen in the entrance way painted in black on white canvas. A single worker took down the names of those who entered so it could be sure the goods inside were rationed out and not abused. Once they came in to get their daily meat,bread,water and other items they would have to wait for the marrow. Pre-wrapped packages of essentials were already inside ready to be given, to easy the process and save time.

Iternus, the senior member of the relief expedition could be seen upon request of Archadoons citizens to help out any particular issues they had. When he wasn't busy he was writing letters and status updates to Archalen Esgalvith, Thane of Imperia who put together this helping expedition.

Currently, he was desperately trying to request men at arms to combat the undead presence.

Soldier · January 26, 2008, 09:02 PM

As the suns broke over the horizon, the growing light revealed a group of Fianna guards, stationed around the Imperian camp facing out. Each carried a wicked-looking spear and a huge claymore sword strapped to their backs. The Barbarians nodded to the guards the Imperians had stationed, and as the light grew bright, they turned and headed back to their own camp. Colin himself broke from the Fianna camp and approached the Imperians, looking them over. “I seek to speak with Iternus, your leader! Is he about?”

Archalen Andares · January 27, 2008, 09:43 AM

"Yes sir" came the reply from the guard by the hastily constructed wooden gates to the very small encampment. The guard didn't know who Colin was per se, but was instructed to let any Clan Fianna barbarian who wanted to speak to Iternus to be permitted to do so. One thing was noticeable however, all the Imperians were more the glad to have the Clan watching them over as well. The guards here were only merchant guards, unequipped and untrained to deal with the undead and such.

Coming inside Iternus tent, the elder Esh'lahier was speaking to a human messenger and nodded to Colin to acknowledge his presence while he finished giving the orders to his messenger. "...And do not forget, tell Thane Esgalvith to bring both soldiers and weapons if ever. But do not forget the hardtack and bread, the people here need those." The messenger nodded, and Iternus patted him on the shoulder and wished him safe travel before he took off. Then, Iternus came and extended a hand to Colin.

"Greetings Colin. I must thank you, for seeing that your men protected us during the night. My men and myself owe Clan Fianna for that."

Iternus offered Colin a seat by the nearby table, and ordered for some food to be brought in. "Have you eat already this brightening?" he asked, while waiting for Colin to say why he was here.

Godah · January 31, 2008, 10:06 AM

30th of Optia, Era XIV PF
4th candlemarks after dawn

Godah has arrived back to Archadoon five brightenings ago and he was setting affairs to help in rebuilding the burnt city when he heard the rumour that aid from the western provinces reached the city. After a short investigation it seemed that the officials of the western city of Imperia have decided to send urgent aid to help Archadoon ace the disaster. Officials of Imperia actually sounded foreign but to Godah it meant Archalen Andares and probably Palacrisis D Jones.

Deciding that he had to see by his eyes and sense by his muzzle, the dorin went in search of the envoys. With a little chance he finally found his way toward the camp.

Imperia stands with Archadoon

The words meant a lot to the dorin as he lived such disaster three times before: Arakmat's Hurricane, Olympia's Exodus and Imperia's Meteors. He knew the meaning of suffer, he who lived months under a tent in Arakamat and he knew what cost it had in the hearts of the weakest. He, himself, has donated 20 thousand crowns from his own money to the local orphanage upon his arrival to the city.

As he reached the entrance Godah asked to see the responsible of the camp. The Imperian envoy was to be told that the Ambassador of Arakmat to the Eastern Empire was visiting them. He needed to see what could be done to make the imperian help even more efficient.

Soldier · January 31, 2008, 10:32 PM

Andares
Colin merely waited until his host was finished with his business. After all, he had come seeking him. After the messenger was sent off, the Barbarian Subchieftain drew his claymore and rested the tip on the ground. The giant crossguards served as an armrest and the Barbarian leaned on his weapon. “I wished to speak to you to tell you we have found a way to equip our workers with the proper security. The Sapphire Guard has joined us in building, and they are short on workers. They are well armed and well trained soldiers, however, and I will ask you and your second to join us in a meeting. What say you?”

Godah
The Barbarian Warriors surrounding the camp in the dark before dawn were no slouchers. Before Godah even got within sight of the Imperian fires, a blade was held to his neck. “Aye, lad, an’ what are we doin’ about on a night such as this?” The holder of the knife had just materialized from the darkness, and Godah saw he wore a blue and silver kilt and wore a heavy shirt of chain mail. As Godah’s eyes adjusted, he spotted a small post, where the guard had been sitting, watching the ambassador quietly. A thick, sturdy spear leaned against a tree, and the biggest axe the Dorin had ever seen wielded by a Human was sitting next to it. A second Fianna Warrior appeared from the Dorin’s other side. “Run an’ fetch Iternus, won’t ye, Patrick, m’lad?” Godah’s guard said cheerfully. The blade never wavered from the Dorin’s throat as the Barbarian sent the other guard off to fetch the Imperian leader.

Godah · February 1, 2008, 11:53 AM

Godah thought a moment, pondering if it had been wise for him to visit the camp at that time. Of course, for him, who lived in the wilderness all his youth, the darkness of the night was more of a peaceful companion than a source of fear. How many nights he'd sleep under the shining stars of the deserts of Arakmat.

Anyway, the sudden appearance of the guard has almost surprised the dorin who recognised that the barbarian was a very good guard able to hide his scent from the muzzle of a dorin. He was glad that the camp was guarded by such able men; he wouldn't like to hear that brigands attacked the camp to take what their hands could handle.

Godah considered the axe, appreciating its craft and thinking about taking some training in wielding those. He was already an accomplished swordsman and had the basics in manipulating a mace but axes have always been the next step.

"Strong blade you have there"

He said with genuine consideration. He was one to admit things as they were and it seemed he just had to wait for his identity to be checked and avoid any mistake. The dorin was a good blade but not enough stupid to cause a problem where he came to give relief.

"Don't be mistaken by my title for I am no politician. I would appreciate a spare with you brave guards some brightening if you wish"

For a dorin, measuring his force against others was natural and it meant no hatred but simply the will to face an able opponent.