NationStates Jolt Archive

"Ah, Elder Alurial's territory then. The realm of Caer'alfar would be our next destination. Our road lies east then. I will call up a caridge for the day."

Sarah clapped her hands excitedly. "It's been a while since I've been to Caer'alfar. I've only been there three times and all three times were wonderful."

Sebastian swept his arms out wide inviting the women to exit before him.
------

Both silk dresses and boots were reasonably priced and there were a variety of places to choose from for lunch. There was everything from open air diners to the local taverns and inns.

Already loaded down with shopping (dresses, boots and other things) from the morning Lt Ito's team looked out a hotel that could take them all using the orbs they were given.

Their rooms secured and shopping left off they split up again looking at the sights of the city, their plan being to hit the taverns later so they could sample the local drinks and see the menfolk at close quarters.

###

Keiko smiled and went with Sarah wanting to make the most of this day before her mission took her away from this wonderful world.

Sebastian stepped out into the morning light behind the women. Guards were already shouting or waving their greetings and good mornings. A different guard captain was in service this morning, dwarf by the looks of the being waddling over. "Ged mornin' te ya Elder."

"Ah, Grumble. Just the dwarf I was looking for. I need a caridge to Caer'alfar. Can you call one for us?"

The dwarf made a gagging noise with disgust. "Why on myth would ye wanna go dere? Too much green fer me likin' an too many of dem smelly elfs."

Sighing, Sebastian thumped his fists on his hips and looked down. "Just call the bloody taxi for me."

"A'ight, a'ight. Ye don't have te be so sour about 't all." The dwarf lugged his short muscular frame over to one of the posts near the gate to pull up a communication orb to call a caridge. While they waited, Sarah and Sebastian conversed in small talk and asked Keiko a few questions about her stay so far.

A low rumble began to build on the air until it grew louder. Sebastian craned his neck to the side and spotted a small dust trail coming up the road. It cut like a blazing arrow heading dead towards the gate. "What on myth is that."

"Dat be yer caridge, Elder."

"Well whoever is driving is it is a madman."

"No man."

"What?" Before Sebastian could have his question answered, the caridge pulled up short of the iron barred gate. The woman driving was dressed simply in black leather. A black mini leather skirt was wrapped around her waist along with a sleeveless leather jacket zipped up to contain her bust. Twin blades rested under her arms and were fastened with leather thongs below her breasts. "Shizra? What are you doing here?"

The dark elf smiled back at him. "Good morning to you to, Elder. Good morning Sarah and good morning to you, Captain. I trust you all slept well."

Sarah smiled and nodded her head while climbing into the tear drop shaped pod hooked up behind a hover bike. "Good morning Shizra. Yes we all slept very well."

"Wait, you're not going to Caer'alfar with us are you?"

Shizra pulled out a pair of black sunglasses from a small pocket and donned them. "Of course I am. Anything to ruffle Alurial's pretty feathers."

Throwing up his hands in frustration, Sebastian just moved along and helped Keiko into the caridge.

Keiko was always observant and bowed when she seen Elder Shizra.

"Thank you elder, I slept very well last night" Keiko replied to her and noticing the little bit of tension.

Obviously the elven elders didn't get on very well.

She also noted the dwarves reaction to elves as well. An interesting development which showed that the races co-existed rather than lived together. Maybe it was related to racial matters? Either way she would find out sooner or later.

Noting all this she entered the carriage the Sarah and had the feeling this would be a fast trip.

Sebastian climbed in and sat across from the two women as he shut the door. He looked over with a slight frown. "Hold on to something. This ride won't take long."

True to the word, as soon as Shizra heard the door latch shut she reved the ionized engine in the bike. Carriage and bike shot off down the road at a blazing speed however there was virtually little jolt in the cabin for the passengers. It was all thanks to the stabilizers built in that not only cushioned the ride along various terrains but also helped with acceleration.

Tall stone structures passed by out the window as they headed towards the rising sun. A massive Cathedral passed them on the right position atop a green hill within the confines of the stone walls. Pedestrians passed easily by on the side streets, apparently not worried in the least about the neck breaking speed of Shizra's driving.

The ride was relatively quiet with Sarah breaking the silence by pointing various land marks as they rode along. "That is the Christio Cathedral on the hill. Back down that alleyway is the Bazar market where you can different rare and exotic items as well as having your fortune read."

A stone procrullis passed overhead as they dove out into the open grassy plain. The next stretch of the ride would be the longest with the mountain range off to the left in the far distance where the dwarves lived and further north lay the barbarian tribes. But for the Elder, his wife, and Kirisubian Captain; their destination lie east where trees would stretch higher than any building in Mythrandir.

Keiko listened carefully to Sarah's guided tour as they traveled at breakneck speed.

She could handle speed easily and could see how much fun Elder Shizra was having.

Shizra's long white hair flew wildly in the wind as the forest came into view and she was forced to deccelerate. There was no set path through these woods and the carrage was constantly navigating in and around large tree trunks. The further they went in, the closer the trees became making it harder to pick for Shizra to pick her way through the forest. It almost seemed like the trees were forcing the driver and her passengers down a certain direction.

There had been no sign of anyone for a long while and Shizra now had her bike slowed to a crawl. Sebastian was inside telling Keiko how the elves built their homes way in the boughs of the trees and that they lived in the deepest part of the forest within sight of the mountains. He noticed that the carrage had come to a stop and decided to poke his head out the window to see if Shizra was lost. Outside, there were four elves barring the way and all had their arrow tips trained on Shizra.

One deep voice stood out among the rest. "What business do you have in Caer'alfar?"

"Have the elves on the surface become so stuck up that they lack common hospitality? Mythrandir was a free country last time I checked and I am heading into Alurial's precious little city whether or not she likes it."

The elf walked closer to Shizra, knowing she was agitated. His armor was bronze and it glinted in the few rays of sunlight that peirced the forest canopy. Golden hair was cut short unlike most elves that left it long and his facial features and body image left him reputidly good looking. "War Mistress Shizra, you are correct in saying that this world is free but you know that Alurial hates allowing a dark elf into the forest. I only stop you because she is currently still in the city and I do not wish to start anything that could lead us back down to the clan wars."

A door on the side of the carrage creaked open and the slammed with a shut as Sebastian walked out towards them. Shock registered on the elven faces, apparently not expecting Shizra to be driving one of the Elders around. "This forest no longer belongs to Alurial as she should know, Lukien. And I swear that if any harm were to become of Shizra during our stay in this city, then Alurial would have more to worry about than just dark elves walking around in her woods. Shizra is under my protection at the moment as is our foreign guest."

Lukien bowed his head slightly. "Forgive me Elder, I did not know you were coming and I assure you that Mistress Shizra or any other dark elf would have been permitted if it had not been for Alurial's preference that none walk in the forest while she is in Caer'alfar."

Sebastian's expression soured at the news. This bit of information had been kept from his ears. "I will deal with that myself but for now, get out of the way Lukien. It's a nice day and I do not wish to spoil it for my wife or the Kirisubian Captain."

Lukien nodded and Sebastian turned to climb back into the cart. The four elves parted and bowed as the carrage passed between them. Sebastian plopped back down into a cushioned seat and smiled at Keiko. "Sorry for the delay there. We should be in the city within a few moments."

Keiko had noticed all this emnity but didn't let her feelings show. She was just absorbing everything that she seen and heard and learning like any Kirisuban Exploration Fleet officer.

She smiled and replied "thats alright Sebastian san. This is a beautiful place to live and I'd like to see as much of it as possible"

"I assure you that you will see as much as possible before the day is out. Just some minor management details to work out first."

Their ride through the dense forest would only last a few more minutes until thick trees suddenly peeled back like a green curtain. Majestic trees stretched up towards the heavens at unimaginable hieghts. Each building was built within the boughs of the trees without disturbing a single branch or leaf for that matter. Stairs were built into the trunks of trees that spiralled around and up with small candles suspended from a domed walkway. Up high in the trees, trees were connected to one another by wooden walkways. The forest surrounding itself had a golden tint to it all which seemed to cause everything to glow with a golden aura.

Sebastian stepped out of the carrage and helped each woman down before leading them around to the front. Shizra eased the kickstand down and powered off her bike before joining the rest. "This is Caer'alfar, Captain. Home to the largest population of light elves on Mythrandir and former capitol of their old kingdom."

Shizra spit in disgust. "It smells."

Sebastian shot her an angry glare and gritted his teeth. "Shizra. Not here and not now. You will not start anything this time and you will be civil with Elder Alurial. Your clan accepted her position and so should you."

Shizra simply turned her gaze to the grassy floor while Sebastian continued on towards the stairs. "Come, we should move on to the city and pay our respects to their home."

"These forests remind me a little of my old homeworld" Keiko replied softly as she walked with Sebastian and Sarah.

She was feeling a little nervous about meeting the Elder but was mentally ready to do so. Politeness was second nature to her.

a mighty strikecruiser exits the warp

the brother captain on in comand of the emperors fist

hail them he snaps to the tech priest

coms from brother captian adrias of the deep eyes legoin of space marines

greetings ally the empeor bids me to come to you

Sarah walked beside Keiko while Shizra and Sebastian took the lead up the winding stairs. "It sounds like a beautiful place."

At the pinnacle of their ascent, a complete city was constructed without any indication of it below. Homes were built on walkways that lead up slightly higher than the main "floor" of the city. Fountains were dispersed everywhere with a common figure of a faery blowing water from her palms.

Elves walked calmly about their city, paying little heed to anything else. They were all dressed in great flowing robes of brown, greens, yellows, reds, and golds. Even the warriors dressed in similar manner with their weapons hanging at their hips. Little attention was paid to the four arrivals until the dark elf was spotted among them. Then there were stares and whispers floating about and even some sounding from above.

Sebastian took the lead now which put an end to many of the whispers as they made way for his passage. Shizra followed closely behind with Sarah guiding Keiko along and pointing out various things she found interesting or beautiful. It seemed that there was very little that bothered Sarah when she was enjoying herself.

They passed a few wooden sculptures that were impressively done. Instead of carving, the wood was molded and shaped into its own unique form with the bark and knots of wood giving the figure its own characteristics. As they approached the center of this little city, a small pavilion stood out among the rest in its white glowing wood that was rarest in Mythrandir. Stairs lead up to it and through the open way, a small palace could be seen lit by numerous small candles.

At the top of the stairs, Elder Alurial waited the arrival of her guests. Sebastian cocked his head back towards everyone. "This is Elder Alurial, Captain. Shizra, do and try to remember your manners."

Alurial wore a dark golden dress that hugged her curves while a green sash went around her narrow waist. Her bare feet were silent as she descended the stairs halfway to meet her guests. A golden crown of leaves encircled the top of her golden brown head. "Welcome to Caer'alfar, my humble home."

Sebastian, Shizra, and Sarah curtly bowed out of respect. Sebastian's tone was even and formal. "Thank you Alurial. Our good Captain here has requested to see your city after hearing rumors of its beauty, so we've come to give her the grand tour."

Alurial smiled sweetly though there always was some odd feeling when she smiled. "Is that so? Well, then I hope you enjoy your stay here. Caer'alfar is not as big as it once was but we still do what we can. I hope you enjoy the hard work we put into it to keep its beauty vibrant."

(Sephrioth, wasn't your character already here in this thread?)

ooc ardias nope

greetings ally the empeor bids me to come to you

The message was received by SIREN and promptly relayed through command channels. Most of the Elders were already away with their own affairs for the day, leaving this call to the head of diplomacy.

Lady Murasaki made her way to her office where an oak desk took up the center of space in front of a rose window. "Yes, I'll take it here."

"Welcome again. Coordinants to land are being sent to your ship and an escort will be sent out to meet you. Is there anyone in particular you wish to speak with?"

the brother captain siad me and my batle brothers would like to come down to smash some orcs

"Elder Alurial, your home is even more beautiful than how it was described to me" Captain Keiko Ishido replied bowing in the Kirisuban fashion and wearing both swords of the samurai with her Mythrandirian dress.

The elven elder was very beautiful and really impressed the short oriental woman who made up her lack of size with other means.

She had absorbed every detail of Sarah's information and was in full diploming mode now.

2 thunderhawk juships take off leaded with 16 space marines each and becan landing procudures

Alurial curtly bowed her head. "Flattery is something that will not always take you far in this world. However, in this case it is more than welcome. My realm is open to you. Please take your time to enjoy it all. If you like, I will be your guide to all the interesting places of Caer'alfar."

Sebastian stepped in between the two groups cutting off Alurial's descent on the stairs. "Sarah, why don't you show our good captain here around. Alurial and I have some affairs to discuss and I would not like to hold you two up from your vacation. Shizra, you'll stay as well."

Shizra simply bowed her head, Sarah bowed to Alurial and headed back down the stairs to wait for Keiko, and Alurial showed to emotions whatsoever whether or not if the statement by Sebastian caught her off guard or not.
---------------------------

The message was somewhat awkward but since there was nothing protecting the orcs except the mountain ranges to the north, she really saw no reason to have them protected. A page was summoned to her office within a few minutes. "Have a security team waiting outside the city for the Sephrioth shuttle. Allow them passage over the mountains where they are free to hunt orcs for a time. We'll limit them to five a peace."

The woman bowed her head and contacted a security team. Outside the iron gates of the city awaited a security team for the Sephrioth crew.

ooc thier gunships


ok said brother captain ardias we get to smash some orks yes sir said the space marines 4 ton man tatical sqauds

Keiko went with Sarah while the elders got down to business. She was also pondering what gift that an elven elder would like.

###

By now Lt Ito and her women were about to return to the Naga. Some had even snagged a date and had a pleasurable time of it.

After they beamed up to the ship it was back to business with the running repairs almost completed.

(This will be the fourth time I've typed this post. *sigh*)


Sarah took Keiko out into the hanging city of Caer'alfar. Wooden complexes amazingly rested completely at ease so up high in the boughs of these monstrous trees. It was so different from the white marbled city of Mythrandir or the dark tunneled complexes of Helm Hall. Here everything was quieter, cleaner, and far more relaxed. The elves appeared the quietest people on the planet, prefering to keep to themselves. Little attention was paid to the human visitors aside from a few glances or indifferent nods. Wooden architecture reflected the closeness that elves associated with their surroundings. Ivy and vine like flowers were varved into railing and columns throughout the city. So insync with their naturalistic style that even foliage from tree limbs were encorporated with their architecture.

Fountains also seemed to be a common feature of the city. Water bubbled up from some unknown spring to spill over tiers and down into large basins. Shops were also different in the tree city as shopkeepers located their shops within their own homes. Traffic was kept under control with crafters limiting the amount of patrons coming in and out of their homes. Very few items for sale were displayed out in the open and then, they were items that could easily be found within the other cities.

Sarah took Keiko over to one large bird sanctuary. Birds were free to come and go as they pleased. An open air house for free nesting and food for a variety of birds. White posting was spread far enough apart to allow the birds their free passage and at the same time to allow them a sense of security behind their walls hiding from the big folk. Sarah called to one bright yellow bird in particular. "They are so beautiful. This place is beautiful. Did you know that not one nail, screw, or drop of glue went into building this city? The elves believed that such tools would scar the trees around them so they put all their knowledge into crafting the city so that it would rest easily on sturdy branches for enough support. Wood was molded to form around tree trunks and branches, all to prevent from damaging any of these Mallorn trees."
-----------------------

"Do you care to explain why the borders to your land is being kept closed to dark elves?"

Sebastian was a picture of controlled anger and wrath, one that Alurial could see through. She silently saluted the humans ability to control himself but kept a desceptive pleasant smile on her face as she walked closer to him. Her silken dress brushed up against his bare skin. "You are a human so I understand your remiss in your understanding of time. For a human, a few centuries probably does seem like a long time but to elves, it is merely the passing of a few days. Almost every elf here remembers the atrocities performed by the dark elves."

Anger seeped out through his gritted teeth. "Just like the dwarves remember the atrocities you carried out against their clans. The only difference is that they have agreed to put it behind them for the good of the kingdom. Do you mean to tell me that all the elvish bravado over dwarves is simply a means of covering up elvish inferiority? Perhaps the dwarves are better than elves afterall because even they allow your people into their cities."

The remark cut Alurial deep. Comparing her or her people to dwarves was a grave insult that left her speechless. Seeing that nothing further was coming from Alurial's mouth, Sebastian pressed on. "Open your borders, Elder Alurial or I shall do it myself. On that day, that will not be the only thing I open."

Finished with his lecture, Sebastian spun around and headed down the wooden stairs collecting Shizra in his wake. Shizra kept her mouth shut in the pressence of Sebastian's ire.

Keiko took all this in and replied to Sarah "It's truely amazing".

It wasn't often that she was lost for words but now she was

~~~

Back on the Naga the repairs were complete and soon they would be leaving the Mythrandir system for a while. Like any explorers they had to go onward but would leave behind an ambassador who was already settled in here.

Sarah smiled seeing that the city was meeting the Captain's approval. It truly was amazing just as Keiko had said and it was greedily defended by the elvish people. Still, the woman was sure that Keiko was here to see more than just the architecture. Looking around, some of the homes of crafters had emptied allowing them access into a few shops.

"It looks there is some room in a few workshops. Is there anything you would like to take a look at?"

Keiko smiled slightly and replied "Sarah san, a memento would be nice to have before my ship has to leave.

We have other star systems to explore on our tour of duty but I doubt that they'll be anything like Mythrandir"

Sarah bowed her head deeply. "You honor us with your words."

A delicate hand enters the bird sanctuary where the yellow chicade that she was cooing to, promptly hopped up on her fingers. "If there was one thing you would like to remind you of our home, what would it be? Ask whatever your heart desires and I will see if I might acquire it."

Sarah pondered briefly and replied "A local craft item or even a elvish weapon would be nice.

Most Kirisuban officers are weapon collectors it seems.

I've also noticed that the Elves and Dark Elves don't seem to get on. Is it a long standing problem or is this a recent development?"

Sarah decided on taking Keiko through a few shops to let her decide on weapons or crafts. Procurring a weapon might be a difficult matter though it was worth the try.

They walked on towards one of the smaller shops in the distance while Sarah let the question hang in the air before she decided to answer. "The problems between the light and dark elves goes beyond their own races. Peace between all of our races has not been established for more than a century. The history of Mythrandir is a long one that does not truly paint any race in a good light."

"I see" Keiko replied adding "So peace and unity have only been a recent development.

Together you'll be strong but old bigotry could still tear the planet apart"

the space marines ran towards the citty
200 battle brothers

"That is one of the main reasons we have established our government in such a way. Since then, we have been thankful to have encountered no major incidents."

Sarah lead Keiko into a small hollowed out section of a tree. A solo table wsa erected in the middle with a wooden block resting on its middle. An elderly elf came forward and bowed slightly before smiling at the two women. "What can I craft for you today?"

Sarah turned to Keiko for explanation. "Here they can craft a block of wood into anything you would desire and then animate it. It could possibly become a companion during your travels."
----------------------------------

Outside the city, a number of guards had assembled to stop the rushing Sephrioths. "You are ordered to stop and state your business."

Keiko bowed when she saw the elder elf and replied politely "My former homeworlds favourite pet would be nice.

Foxes were kept as pets by my people for generations and they also kept as pets while we were based on Earth.

Now there so few of them left its unbelieveable"

ardias said xenos our business is with your elders he signaled to his battle brothers to ready their storm bolters

"Very interesting with your choice of the woodland thief. I'll shall see if I can capture its spirit."

The old elf went to work on the block though without any form of carving tool or shaping. His brow scrunched up and his nose wrinkled as he concentrated with great care on the block of wood in front of him. For a while nothing happened and it all almost appeared to be a practical joke until the wood started contorting. Defying physics and the natural realm, wood began to bend as if it were rubber. First bending in half, four prongs jutted out and slowly turned into paws followed by a set of legs. The log's body narrowed and formed a bushy tail at its end.

What was left was to form the head which seemed to give the elf some trouble. His forehead began to bead with sweat droplets as he brought up his fingers. A small knot formed at the edge of the wooden figurine soon followed by its features like a nose and ears. Whiskers came last. Bridges for the eye sockets were formed and the overall body was given more depth in detail with muscle. The last detail thrown in was inticing the grains in the wood to flow like orange fur of the fox. Satisfied that with his work, the elf stood up with a small smile on his face. The wood carving looked like a replica of a fox sitting on his haunches. "Now comes the difficult part."

Turning from the table, he gracefully glided to a shelf in the back of his main room. Clay jars filled the shelves with strange rune markings on their sides. His fingers glided over each one until he found what he was looking for. Lifting the canister from the shelf, he carried it back to his work table. A small latch was unfastened and the leather top was set aside. His delicate fingers dipped into the container and pulled forth green powder in his fingertips. With a low whisper of words that could not be understood, the elf pursed his lips and blew the green powder over his wooden carving.

As the first particles of dust hit the table top, vibrations shivered throughout the figurine. As the last of the particles fell, the wooden fox stood up and gave a good shake as if the dust was actually sticking to fur. It puffy tail wagged slightly as it looked around the room.

"Sprites of Mischief. I have only crafted a few of these creatures but they do grow attached to their masters. Apparently they show their fondness by playing practical jokes and stealling small items. They've even been known to steal an undergarment or two depending on how small they are."

His face brightened with one last remark. "But! They are good beings and will stay with you despite their ways."
--------------------------

Being one of the chief guardsmen, he had grown use to arrogance and unwarranted visits. The energy blade on the end of his pike extended as he kept the energize blade pointing to the ground while the Sephrions advanced. "The Elders are currently away at this time. Lady Murasaki is handling affairs within the city and she will not see anyone until they have reported their business on Mythrandir."

ardias muttered something in high gothic so be it

Nodding his approval, the chief guard relaxed his stance slightly. "Now then. Why have you visited Mythrandir this day and what is your purpose here?"

we are here by the will of the god emperor xenos he sends us to purge this place of orcs

"I see. And were you given permission to purge the lands of orcs? Because if you go on a hunting rampage and disturb many of the tribes, then we shall be left with dealing with the mess once you've gone."

he grimaced whats saying we would leave any alive

"Call it intuition. The odds are in the goblin's favor."

the orcs do not posess power armour and bolters

"Perhaps not, but I doubt they need it. In any case it seems Lady Murasaki has granted you a one day diplomatic visa for this orc excursion. If I were you, I would get going before it expires. Head north to the mountains and you should eventually come into contact with small tribes. Just stay away from the dwarves. Their city lies up there as well."

rogger ardias growled to war they said in his name let the thunderhawks bore us to battle