Fate of the Fallen - Or No Fate At All (Maddyn, Private)

[Alexiali N'mora]

Where had it all gone? Where by Ioannes had it all gone? As Alexiali limped from House N’mora he leant against the wall of the building opposite, turning to gaze sadly back at his home, his home, not someone else’s but his, his no longer. Bitterness, uncharacteristic for the usually jovial, rakish Moriquendi, swept across him and instantly he knew what he was going to do, get his revenge on the world. Oh he wouldn’t loose his faith, that would be unbecoming and a loss of what he was, he had enough nightmares as it was and trying to kill his family was hardly going to be easy or productive, he could ruin them though, ruin them for their lack of understanding.

So many houses in Ethgan’tor lacked proper leadership, proper intelligence and thus their ability to progress was hampered, the few older Houses had all the money and the influence, Alexiali would change that, or try. Oh he was a naïve bugger given his present state but Alexiali understood that even as he understood that all were equal under Ioannes…and that it was a lie, he understood and he believed at once, not because he had to but because not believing would path the path to chaos, to that revenge and loss of faith that he knew led to the path of darkness. Alexiali was not dark, he was merely trying to make his way in a difficult world like all others were, with regrets.

Unlike some though he had no problem with killing people, not initially, oh sure the nightmares would haunt but hard years had taught him that the foolish must die, to protect the majority the few would perish, it was the way of the priesthood as much as of the Spy even if the priests wouldn’t admit it as Alexiali had. Now though, now Alexiali was back down the bottom again, he remembered how he’d gotten to the top though, it was only a matter of time and a Moriquendi had lots of time.

So, rising from his state of disorientation Alexiali resolved to walk more proudly than he had done before, outcast from his House he might be but from the city he was not, he’d not go down without a fight.

“As Ioannes is truthful I won’t fall down and die like a dog.”

He whispered quietly to himself, giving the House one last, distasteful look before turning onto the street, he looked a mess alright but he wouldn’t be hurt for it, not yet…perhaps some clothing first? No he had clothing, what he had on his back. What House though? Caer'ayan would do, not low enough to be without potential but low enough to take such as him, an outcast. When he regained his position he could strike out alone.

So he headed for the primary building owned by House Caer'ayan, flicking his clothing around in the process so that the less ripped side of the cloak was visible. Arriving at the place Alexiali, formerly a man of importance and now reduced to nothing, brushed back his silvery hair, violet eyes amused now after his progression of thought, always the actor even if he wasn’t that good any more. He’d thought the appearance he had affected at home would have persuaded them to aid him, he’d been wrong, the gaps in his memory were large but he remembered enough to continue, even if no skills emerged completely enough to grasp.

“Vedui.”

He stated crisply to the first figure to cross his sight.

“Tell the Master of the House that Alexiali of House N’mora wishes to speak with him urgently and be quick about it.”

The Moriquendi continued, his voice clipped, it wasn’t the tone he usually took but servants and such in Moriquendi households expected it, or at least…that’s what he remembered. When no-one was looking he grimaced and shook his head, this memory lapse was no good, no good at all.

[Maddyn]

House Caer'ayan, Lesser, one of those not within the Citidel that stretched forth to the heavens themselves within the heart of Ethgan'tor. But that didn't mean it wasn't without influence or location, it simply meant their brightenings in the suns had long passed and were all but a fading House. Broken, shattered through loss and misfortune over the decades, centuries...but once had been Great. Once to the point where they'd contended as being one of the Major Star Houses within the fourth Tier of the Ethgan'torian Atriod.

Located in the South East quater of Ethgan'tor, it was here that Kard en'i'Caer'ayan made refuge before the courtyard that led to other area's of Ethgan'tor. Before the Manor lay a pure white marble fountain, circular in design with a pedistal in the middle, Standing atop this lay two pure white marble figures, Elves - one male, another female - both naked except for a hip wrap, held in a tight embrace and their right arms stretching upwards with their palm facing towards the sky and their wrists touching each other. From this, the water shot upwards before flowing down to rest in the catchment.

House Caer'ayan...impressive? Maybe in another city but for Ethgan'tor it was barely servable for a Moriquendi House. Three stories high and made from the usual white marble with pink veins, the workmanship was perfect as usual with large open windows placed periodically and balconies, white silk curtains blowing inwards. Impressive? No...but lovely all the same. Before the entrance, the doorway made from polished oak with a rune carved in the doorway - that of the Rising Pheonix with a ruby lodged in it's eyes. On the right side of the doorway was Illian, an atypical Moriquendi carved entirely in form fitting Elven Steel Platenail with a white silk loincloth about his lips and a silk cloak about his shoulders that snapped at his heels when he walked with golden thread. Within his right hand was a glaive held without much care, though while having a wooden halt with steel reinforcing showed signs of there being Mythril edging along the blade itself.

"Vedui'" he stated softly in turn, smiling at the prospect of there being a guest within the hallowed halls of his home. "The Master Aynal'idasian of Kard en'i'Caer'ayan will graciously offer you his services Heru Alexiali en'i'N'mora - guests are always accepted readily however...any weapons are to be offered now, Kard en'i'Antir seems bent upon ending Kard en'i'Caer'ayan...be warned, if you come from Antir your welcome shall be less than hospital Heru en amin."

[Alexiali N'mora]

Alexiali admitted that when he’d seen the guard this place would do, he knew enough to remember Mithril when he saw it and he’d come to the right House, low enough to be struggling but high enough to be able to afford some specialty items still. That meant they’d also have the training he wanted, or access to it, if they didn’t have that after all then he was lost and would have to go elsewhere.

Still that didn’t look to be a problem as the Moriquendi guard spoke, his next words however were carefully considered, the story of his outcast status might not have reached the lower levels yet but it would not be long, dressed as he was in slightly torn clothing he recognized that the House he’d arrived at must indeed be strained not to at least ask him to dress more suitably, still, Alexiali didn’t know too much of these lower houses – much to his chagrin – so he’d have to make do as he could.

“I come not from Kard en'i'Antir, I do however not come and bring you the honor you might perceive, although that all depends on your point of view doesn’t it?”

Alexiali asked carefully, taking a few steps away to avoid a glaive slash if things turned ugly.

“I am no longer of House N’mora, they have outcast me for what they perceive as a breach of trust when I attempted to gain aid.”

Alexiali’s violet eyes focused carefully on the guard, firmly, he wasn’t going to tell too much for that would ruin his validity, still he needed to hint at enough so that the guard knew why Alexiali had come.

“My exploits beyond the walls have brought no trouble upon the House, only upon myself, I returned with no memory save that of past events, therefore I sadly cannot bring to you any aid except my wit, I would have to ask Kard en'i'Caer'ayan for training and equipment for I have naught save a few coins, so it is I who asks for the service of Kard en’i’Caer’ayan, not the other way around.”

He stated flatly, offering the proper submission in his attitude, he had no authority here, he was a Houseless vagabond in search of aid…it all lay in the hands of Kard en’i’Caer’ayan, never the less spreading his arms and opening his cloak, no weapons there for he had none.

[Maddyn]

Frowning at Alexiali's words, it would seem that he was asking quite a bit from Heru Aynal'idasian of Kard en'i'Caer'ayan afterall if he was to be considered shunned by one of the most important Houses within all of Ethgan'tor. But this could always be used to advantage in it's own way, it just meant Kard en'i'N'mora was unlikely to want to do anything with them...or would ask a boon from them to remove the Moriquendi before him depending on the reasoning for his removal. Everyway, Alexiali could prove to be very useful indeed.

"Perspective and family ever are troublesome matters Heru Alexiali, once of the N'mora." the guard finally stated non-commitedly as if pondering just how gracious and honoured Aynal'idasian was going to be to have Alexiali show up on his doorstep. "Welcome to Kard en'i'Caer'ayan, may you find what you're looking for Fallen Son of N'mora..." he finished, his smile removing any possible means of bite of insult of his words. "I'm Illian ap Aynal'idasian of Kard en'i'Caer'ayan, his third child to be precise...while I can't speak for my Father I'm sure you're going to prove to be an interesting aspect of our discussions Heru Alexiali." he continued, winking jovially in a most un-Moriquendi like fashion before leaning backwards and opening the doorway for Alexiali.

"I can't however promise fealty shall be accepted Alexiali, but I can promise that if you're willing you can have a place within Kard en'i'Caer'ayan as one of the Guards under my command. You'll have but to complete the Citizen Levy system and if you need the requirements I'll accept you into our service." he continued lightly in his musical voice, raising his hand to snap the visor upwards to reveal his eyes and brow, deep almost doe-like eyes filled with a warmth and compassion and his hair almost pure silver in colouring where the wispish threads could be seen.

"After you Heru en amin..."

[Alexiali N'mora]

Joining the military? Ah how Ioannes liked to test his resolve. The change in manner didn’t escape Alexiali and it was predictable, he was treading on thin ice being involved even with this house, let alone any of the others higher up in the chain, still he’d chosen well, he was seen as useful if not entirely for his attitude any more, he was a potential asset…if he survived the military. He was under no illusions about that, he’d be threatened and probably someone would try and kill him eventually, sadly and ironically the best way of learning how to defend himself was going to be joining the military, silly really.

Never the less Alexiali kept the classically straight Moriquendi face, ‘honored’ to be considered for this in his position, even though his honor was his own, no-one else’s. The warmth he saw in the eyes he couldn’t be certain was fake or true, quite simply all Alexiali could do was wait and see, he would not die here though – if he was to die he’d know about it, Ariva would want Alexiali to know who had arranged his death and who had executed it, it would have nothing to do with quiet knives in the night.

It was after all only N’mora who would seek his death since only they had a grievance, having been outcast he had given up all right to N’mora house and titles, he was an insult to N’mora and N’mora alone and threat to no-one else, yet.

So Alexiali followed, tilting his head again respectfully, his voice direct again, clipped, maintaining his pose of Moriquendi Lordship despite his fallen nature.

“You have my thanks for such a gracious offer.”

He said, stepping forward, waiting to see where he’d be directed.

[Maddyn]

Aynal'idasian of Kard en'i'Caer'ayan wasn't the most youthful of Moriquendi with that distinct 'ageless' appearance most Elves attain when they hit about four hundred patterns, perhaps five hundred...it was always so hard to tell for even an Elf. His skin was pure white as was to be expected, his eyes a light brown with an almost doe like expression that hid a calcuatingly deceptive mind as if he wished to appear innocent until the last moment before striking. His hair was long and silver so as to catch the light with a shimmering weave and kept back into a loose ponytail and tied with an azure ribbon.

Fortune, or perhaps fate actually took Alexiali and the youthful son of Kard en'i'Caer'ayan directly towards the wandering Moriquendi Lord as he moved to ascend the marble staircase with it's bronze plated banister. His clothing was oddly sparse, a long ivory robe - the mourning colour of the Elves and split along the leggings to reveal a darker grey pants. Around his waist was an azure sash that contained a ceremonal longknife within it's folds. The surroundings within the hall itself seemed rather bare, uncarpetted and without any furnature of any kinds. The only thing that broke the monotony was large paintings of the Elvish Wars and the bronze braizers that lit the room.

"Wait here a moment Lord Alexiali." Illian said with a tight smile as his armours heavy clanking drew his Fathers attention from his asend and climbed a few stairs to whisper a few hurried words between them; of which Alexiali could only hear as they decsended side by side, "Lovely...Kard en'i'Antir is surely in for a suprise here..." came Aynal'idasian's soft musical voice before standing before Alexili and Illian moved to resume to his gaurd position before the Cheb.

"Vedui' Heru Alexiali." he stated simply, not bothering to bow towards Alexiali considering this was his Cheb afterall and Alexiali the guest. "I trust you have something worth my time listening to? Shall we walk or would you rather stand here...I've some lovely ap'Laeun paintings in the gallery if you'd like to view?"

[Alexiali N'mora]

Alexiali assumed a very calm, posed pose as he offered a low bow of respect to the man he was facing, his eyes submissive in recognition of his position, happy never the less at the way he had been received, things would go well, the military was not ideally where he would have hoped to go but from there he could re-learn the ways of self defense and, eventually, if he survived it, return to a hopefully fast progression into the more useful ranks of a Moriquendi House.

“Either worthy one, although looking at paintings is always interesting.”

Alexiali said with a small smile, waiting for the man to move off before following, ready to speak soon but not too soon, waiting for them to move a little way before speaking up, keeping his hands neatly behind his back as he followed a few steps behind, his voice calm but also respectful, as befitted his position.

“As may or may not already be to your knowledge it should be made clear that I am an outcast, the head of House N’mora has seen fit to rid himself of what he perceives to be a troublesome eldest heir, an heir that departed Ethgan’tor long ago in search of something less…shall we say decided? As an heir ship to N’mora.”

He cocked his head to one side slightly as he continued.

“As I have told your son I come in search of service and an offer of service of my own, my exploits outside Ethgan’tor have given me a valuable insight into things that I believe may be of great use to you, however those same exploits have also robbed me of several skills and the ability to, if we are frank, function properly in the capacity I would hope to function in your service, I do not belittle the problems I am in to sway you.”

The Moriquendi continued with probably surprisingly frank honestly, none of the strange undertones of Ethgan’torian politics present in his tone, merely a perhaps refreshing lock on truth – for now.

“It has been suggested that I enroll into the citizen’s levy to both prove my use and my faith, this course of events would be acceptable to me, your support in enrolling in the process no doubt invaluable and it would of course serve as a chance for you to do any research you would need to on my position and consider my overall offer more carefully.”

Alexiali finished, stopping and turning to the head of the house as he’d fallen slightly ahead during the course of the discussion, bowing his head again respectfully, in recognition of the risks he was asking the Moriquendi Lord to take.

“I am at your service Lord.”

He added with a careful look in his eyes that was one of hope, that he hadn’t misjudged the man and his initial meeting, that would of course be most unfortunate, beneath it though was unmistakable calculation that bespoke more of who and what Alexiali was, no matter what the Lord knew a few rumors must have reached his ears, Alexiali could be most useful, the brain and all the resources were still there, it was just a jumbled mess that needed to be rearranged…so was it not better to do the rearranging than let someone else access the resource?

[Maddyn]

Nodding his head just slightly and making a gesture to follow after him, Aynal'idasian began to move towards the right rather than ascending the staircase as had been his prior intentions. Moving at a slow and easy pace, the hall he led Alexiali down was filled with archaic styled paints upon the left hand side only. Each and every one of them represented one of those of Aetheria, Carmelya, Ioannes, Diana, Phedos, Aslan, Maj, Orod. The colouring however was odd, the entire paintings seemingly done with only blue and gold paint to give it a somewhat ethereal, if not surreal look about the images. “As you wish Heru Alexiali N’mora…or would you rather just Alexiali considering your state within your House?” Aynal'idasian queried simply as they progressed past the image of Phedos resplendent in his glory before the elderly Elf halted in his stride.

Eventually however as he continued to listen, Heru Aynal'idasian nodded his head again slightly in understanding as he worked two and two together with what his son had spoken about earlier and then Alexiali’s own words. There was an opportunity to be had here for all parties concerned, what mattered was how the game was played in making sure Aynal'idasian…and maybe Alexiali…were alive at the end of it. With any real luck Kard en’i’Antir would be the one to suffer the most heavy of casualities and his own House relatively minor. There was to be a war it seemed, it’d always hovered above the two houses waiting for an excuse but he could see accepting Alexiali’s service had the potentiality to sway thoughts into actions.

“Well then…” Aynal'idasian said finally, allowing himself the luxury of a tight smile before continuing. “Proving your worth is the first matter Alexiali, I recommend the City Levy myself…register under my Houses name for until you prove yourself you’re to be a Scion of the House until you or I say otherwise alright? If weapons isn’t your thing, there’s arcana…or perhaps something else that you yourself think would benefit the House?” he continued, changing the topic quite suddenly to the paintings at hand. “You know, the brush work is really quite lovely – though the blending between the colours leaves a little to be desired…obviously post moderism if one was to critique it as this couldn’t have been the norm all those patterns ago when the series was completed…”

[Alexiali N'mora]

“Call me what you wish Heru Aynal'idasian for as I learnt beyond the walls of Ethgan’tor titles have little meaning unless you want them to.”

He smiled, taking the sting out of anything that might have been perceived as an insult. Although he had bandied words beyond the walls, engaging in plots almost as subtle again as those within the city Alexiali knew that words were ultimately not the final decider, actions spoke louder than words as the old human proverb said. It was true, a word to condemn a man but it was only in the end the sword, the steel, the finely honed edge that would do the killing, not the word itself.

As the elderly man continued Alexiali simply nodded at the appropriate points, no doubt when he’d done his research the man would begin to wonder what game Alexiali was playing; his position and resource outside of Ethgan’tor had been significant. And…well…it would depend on what news the man found, which of the many rumours he took for fact and which he dismissed as fiction. Overall though the offer was entirely satisfactory for Alexiali, he’d need to make no donation or do no real work to be engaged in the levy and it was a chance to relearn lost skills and gain a few new ones.

He wasn’t about to go near Arcana again of course but some formal training in scout work might be helpful, a prelude to a re-introduction into the prime of his favourite hobby. Turning his attention however to the painting however Alexiali’s eyes flittered over it, he was no critique and had never really been but his ability to lie and fake was first rate.

“It’s quite possibly been touched up, or perhaps simply a trait of the artist? I suppose you could compare it to the others if you really wanted to check.” The Moriquendi commented, returning matters to the topic at hand to summarise. “So you wish me to enrol in the Militia under the Caer'ayan name while you perform the necessary checks, then when I’m ready I am to return and you’ll provide me with a position as a guard and other – ahm – aspects of things can be discussed?”

Alexiali inquired, his eyes innocent as he turned them on the older man, waiting for a reply.

[Maddyn]

Still looking over the paintings, listening to Alexiali with a vague sort of smile on his pale features he simply nodded his head once in agreement to the more basic of terms that had been set between them. Once Alexiali could be of further use to House Caer'ayan, then he'd be given a position within the household guard at the very least if there wasn't something more interesting available...it did however make the eldely Lord ponder just how apt Alexiali would be at assassination..there was more than one way afterall to deal with rival Houses...

"No...they all bear that odd blending of colours and so either someone tried to touch the entire series up with abysmal results or it was intended...I suppose we'll never know unless his journal is found within the city...hmm, perhaps later I'll send some people out to seek the journal if it still exists, or ever did for that matter." Aynal'idasian mused, shrugging his shoulders in a light fashion as if it really didn't matter much - but was going to itch his nerves for quite some time in the not knowing.

"We've a man within the Guard house, he'll likely be watching your progression Alexiali and so best of luck...if you're worth our attention, then House Caer'ayan will always have it's doors open for your invitation unless you side with another against us...then I'm afraid, and apologies if this sounds dreadfully cliche - but we will have to destroy you. It's nothing personal, but the same fate we'll declare on anyone who seeks to oppose us..." Aynal'dasian continued in soft tones. "Unless you've something else then, I suppose I shan't waste your time much longer unless you'd like pracenda?"

[Alexiali N'mora]

OOC: Missed this. I only mention a former commission because presumably Alexiali would have been in the militia before….

IC:

Waste Alexiali’s time? Hardly likely. Shaking his head ruefully it showed even though Alexiali would make a comment to the same effect, no doubt the man was wondering just how much arrogance his trip into the outside world had left on the former N’mora man.

“Waste my time? I doubt it’s possible these Brightenings, a few Eras ago and you might be right but no longer, I would not want to waste yours though so with your permission I’ll take my leave and be about my application as it were, the name La’ura should do don’t you think? It’s hardly possible to keep who I am from people but never the less it would probably make them think if I come in under your name, it’ll keep them interested enough to keep them from cutting my throat until I can defend that throat… Or perhaps I should just inquire about my former position, I never did get that far but you never know, the Commander might be nice”

Alexiali waited until he got a reply to that before heading off, inclining his head in a respectful half-bow as the man deserved, both for who he was and what he’d done for Alexiali before leaving. La’ura was a butchering of another name, a female name for a woman Alexiali owed a great debt he could never repay, he’d leave that issue be, the name was but a memory.

[Maddyn]

Nodding his head, as far as Aynal'dasian was concerned there shouldn't be any problems with Alexiali using his own name, true it might mean he'd be targetted by various other officers and lower ranking Houses - not no more or less than he'd gain support at the same time...politics, the ever changing see-saw of Ethgan'tor that only waited the slightest shift for one power to win over the other...but then, who knew what changes could mean massive benefit, or the destruction of Houses.

"I haven't the faintest Heru Alexiali...if you discharged yourself, and from the looks of your House before your fall I'd estimate you were an Officer at least...few arn't...I suppose it's up to your Commanding Officer and just how good you are at negotiations as to just how useful you'll be...though...word of warning - war's coming it seems that our young Prince has bent his gaze towards that city outside the Forest of Light...the one near the river? Something River...if your called for this, with any luck you could find yourself with more opportunities than I can present..." Aynal'dasian mused softly, giving all the advice he could.

Alexiali might be out of favour, but he was still born from one of the Major and so had their benefits to mark him - just as he now had their downsides as well...it just came down to how Alexiali played matters...one way he could simply have a spear under his ribs, and the other, as likely the best position - work his way into being one of the House Guard for the Ist House of Ethgan'tor...

[Alexiali N'mora]

Alexiali nodded thoughtfully, his choice indeed and he couldn’t remember, it was like that, gaps in the memory, things that didn’t compute, a wonderful backfire when it came down to it, he was lucky he’d managed to keep himself alive at all.

“My thanks once more, Heru Aynal’dasian.”

Alexiali said with a respectful bow, leaving quickly, best not to waste any more of the mans time than was necessary. He would have to use his own name when it came down to it, like it or not there would be too much explaining for a false one and that in itself would generate naught but suspicion. He’d be known soon enough among the Houses so best not to hide at all, who knew? Perhaps some of the Officers would remember him better than he remembered them.