NationStates Jolt Archive

There are many priceless thing's in this galaxy, many thing's that once lost cannot ever be returned. Some of these thing's are tangible, such as planet's, resources and lives. Other such things are less tangible. Love, Hope and honour were such things, that though they have no written value, were worth more then all the star's in the sky.

Space above the planet of Mythrandir suddenly bent and twisted in on itself. In an instant Balmung appeared. The great battleship which had spearheaded the misguided assault on the planet below, twenty five year's past, had returned.

This time however its mission was not one of war. She did however fully engage her shielding system, as a precaution against automated defenses that would surely activate due to her presence. This was to be expected. In the three years since the end of the Prefecture war, much had been discussed about what needed to be set right. The Prefecture in its tenure as a member of the Divine Celestial federation had caused more wrong's then could be counted. Actions in the Charybdis crusade, the Cluster and over this once peaceful world had stained the honour of the Knights of Tannelorn.

It seemed only right that Star Lord Rendacil, he who had agreed to lead the attack, would lead the diplomatic session which would hopefully begin.

As soon as they entered the system, they repeated the same message over and over again, in dozens of languages.

Greeting's once again brave warrior's of Mythrandir, today we do not come as enemies, fooled and blinded by the lies of the Prefecture, but as men of honour, wishing to own their own mistakes. Would that you would grant us an audience, we would redress the many wrongs commited by our misguided cousins, and through their lies our own sins. We hope soon to meet face to face with those we have wronged, to offer our condolences, our apologies and make full the reparations that are due. Only then can some small part of the stain on our honour be washed away. We await your response with hope for the future, for both of our people.

Balmung waited in stillness over the world. Making no motion's that would be considered aggressive.

A watchful peace had settled over the Kingdom of Mythrandir for some time as the lingering effects of war had begun to wear off. Cargo ships carried their supplies to the ports while others departed from the planet to some far away destination. War ships of the Forge hovered over the blue and green gem like guardians that were ever vigilant. From an observer's perspective, the daily life of Mythrandir appeared to be running like clockwork. Such calm waters were potentially dangerous if not careful. A still sea could quickly stir into a frenzy in the midst of a storm with waves that would drown any that ventured into them.

The calm waters of Mythrandir were disturbed when a familiar signature was detected entering the Kingdom's realm.

Aboard one of the Avenger Battleships, Admiral Haldir walked briskly onto the command deck. Dancing holographic fire light glinted off his golden armor as he moved about to study the images being pulled from the stars. Filling a floating screen was a ship that was quite familiar to him. It had managed to destroy a number of their heavier ships while taking tremendous abuse from Captains Heorod and Sky Scream. In the end it had cost Captain Sky Scream's ship and most of the griffon's crew to chase the invading ship from their space.

The elven Admiral did not hesitate as he ordered all crew members to prepare for battle and for the planetary defenses to be brought on line. Admiral Haldir's own battleship and the ships attached to his fleet marshaled to meet the invading foe. Revenge would be paid for in blood this day and all the lives that had been lost on the Aztiluth Plains would see justice served. Haldir would lead his fleet to destroy this abomination once and for all and then follow its origin back to the planet it came from and destroy every living thing attached to the tyrannical knights. Nothing could stay the hand of justice and righteousness.

That was nothing until a different attack was thrown at the elven Admiral. A message was received by his communications officer causing the elf to halt the advance.

"What was that you said?" Haldir turned a narrowed eye gaze on his officer.

The yougn woman at her station double checked the message that she had just received to ensure that she was not in error. Everything appeared to be working properly. "Admiral, they are here to apologize for what happened during the battle of Tyrants and Knights."

Haldir plopped down in his throne which was seated atop the command dais. Golden gauntlet fingers drummed the twin phoenix heads at the edge of the armrests as the elf contemplated how to adequately handle the situation. Certainly part of him, the less rational side, wanted to ignore the message and utterly destroy the foe that now stood at one end of the field of battle. But there was the honor of Mythrandir and tradition that demanded that he stay his hand. At least for now.

“Very well.” The words came out begrudgingly in a sort of grumble that had most of the officers checking to make sure that they heard their Admiral correctly. “Tell them to hold their current position while the Elders are informed of their desire to seek an audience. While the Elders deliberate on the matter, that ship is to lower its shields and await further instructions.”

Orders issued, the rest of the crew of the ship hurried to relay the message to the Tannelornian ship.Ship of Tannelorn, you are to hold your current position and lower your shields. The Elders will be informed of your desire for an audience momentarily. Until then, you will stand by for further instructions.

"Message away Admiral."

Haldir nodded his head. "Launch goblin fighters. If they are truly here under a banner of peace, then we should not have anything to worry about. Still, I would feel much more secure with a closer eye being kept on our 'guests'."

Goblin fighters poured out of the docking bays of the two Avenger Battleships and burned through space towards the Balmung. Wings of fighters took up position around the Tannelorn ship and kept a watchful eye on its intentions. If Haldir believed that the ship so much as threatened a blade of grass on Mythrandir's fertile soil, the elf would have no hesitation in reducing the vessel to space particles as a reminder to those that would dare step foot on Mythrandir sovereign soil.

The elven Admiral rose once more to his full height. "Keep monitoring that ship and reroute all civilian traffic until this has been resolved. I'll return once I have finished conversing with the Elders."

------

Insects sent up a chorus of chirping in elation at the warm summer day. Life was in full force as it basked in the brilliant sun and the humid atmosphere. Birds sang a sweet melody of nature and the joy it was to be alive in such a glorious day. Animals moved seamlessly through the foliage on treks through the forest that was only accessible to them.

Such were the sights and sounds for the young children from the city of Mythrandir as they walked the woods with their guide, Elder Sebastian. Sebastian had brought a small group out from the city and all of its congestion, to see a much simpler form of life. The human Elder moved on ahead with Captain Lukien and his brother, Lieutenant Akeela. Along side the two elves, Sebastian was able to show the children the workings of nature and the forest when they would have otherwise been blind to it all.

Sebastian's hand pointed through a small clearing in the tree canopy to point out a red head falcon. In a moment later, he brought them all together around the trunk of a tree and pointed out a small vine wrapping its way up towards the sky. Squatting down amidst their circle, Sebastian reached out and gingerly grabbed the stem of the vine and brought it out for the children to see better.

"You see how the leaves of this vine branch off into three's? Well this plant happens to be poisonous. All vines on our world with leaves like these happen to be poisonous to touch. So you should never touch the leaves, which is why I have it around the stem."

The children visibly took a step back as if they were afraid the plant might lash out at them or just its mere presence would cause some sort of reaction. Sebastian smiled as he returned the vine to the path it was climbing up the bark of the tree. He turned back around to face his charges. "Don't be afraid. The forest, our world for that matter, is not out to hurt you. This God given earth merely wants you to be happy and grow up to be strong. So it leaves little clues behind like the number of leaves or the bright colors of an insect, to show you that it could be harmful to you.

There is nothing to fear from the forest as long as you listen to your surroundings when it warns you of danger. Does everyone understand?"

A series of heads bobbed in understanding. "Yes, Elder Sebastian."

Sebastian rose and patted the shoulders of a young boy and girl that were standing next to him. He looked out at all the others with a smile on his face. "Come on then. I know of a quiet spot where we can pick some flowers for your parents. Not just any flower mind you, but Silver Bells."

The kids jumped up and down with excitement at the thought of seeing the exotic flower. They scurried around Sebastian's legs and tugged at the Elder's cloak and begged him to show them where the flowers were hiding. It was all the Elder could do to keep the children from pulling him down while Lukien and Akeela wondered just exactly what they were supposed to be protecting the Elder from. Their mirth had to be cut short though when a black orb floated out of Captain Lukien’s leather satchel.

A holographic image of War Mistress Shizra graced the forest with her exotic image. The dark elf quickly got her bearings when she spotted the Elder. “Elder, you are to report back to the White Tower. Something urgent has come up and the Council needs you.”

“Well wha-“ That was all Sebastian was able to get out as the image fell apart like tiny grains of sand and blew away in the wind.

Sebastian sighed and shook his head. A quiet moment was stolen from him sending a cloud over his face. Eventually he looked up to his companions as the two elves stood by waiting for Sebastian’s words. “Lukien, Akeela, could you take the children to the Silver Bells and then lead them back home?”

Lukien smiled at the Elder. “Of course. We’ll meet you back at the tower when we’ve finished here.”

“Thank you my friends.” Sebastian looked down to the children he wore sadden expressions at the idea that the Elder had to leave them. “I’m sorry I have to leave you like this. We’ll make another trip later. Next time we’ll go fishing for stream trout.”

The children brightened at the idea, now allowing to the separation to go on with excitement filling their minds as they thought of going to one of the many mountain streams to fish. Sebastian waved his good byes and headed for the familiar sound of a military shuttle that Shizra apparently had sent out ahead of her message.

When the human Elder arrived at the White Tower, he was greeted by the sight of Elder Alurial’s own transportation. She rode high through the sky in a golden chariot pulled by a team of fiery phoenixes that pulled at the reins. Her enchanted team banked high in the air and swooped down for a landing. They looked like birds of prey plummeting for the kill on their unsuspecting victims and Sebastian thought surely that the elven Elder would fall to her doom. But at the last moment, the team caught the rush of air in their wings and brought the chariot to an easy rest just outside the doors to the tower.

“Quite the marvelous landing Elder Alurial.”

Alurial barely paid the compliment any heed. Instead she merely stared at her arrival as he walked up. “Glad you are on time for a change.”

Sebastian just shook his head and walked through the twin oaken doors as the guards held them open for their leaders. Once inside the main hall, the two could already see that Elders Thrandur and Raigar had arrived and taken their seats. Shizra stood in the middle of the Elders’ semi-circle while she waited.

The two opponents took their respective seats without another word or greetings to the others. Shizra knew the familiar silence between the elf and human and took it as her cue to begin her presentation. An orb floated from her open palm and took to hovering just above their heads.

In a flash of light, the Balmung was displayed for the Elders to see. As one, they recognized the markings of the ship as well as the memories of the battle that was still fresh in their minds. It took a moment for them to register their words but the dwarven Elder was first to burst out. “Bah, they’ve come to finish what they’ve started. I ain’t fer lettin’ -em. The arrogance of thinkin’ they can best our boys with just one ship.”

Alurial wasn’t far behind in a rare showing of agreement. “For once I agree with Elder Thrandur. They must not be allowed to reach our world again. Admiral Haldir is already in position to destroy these Tannelorn fools. Have the planetary defenses online and destroy them quickly before more can arrive.”

Elder Raigar raised a talon to halt the boiling sense of outrage before it could go too much further. Wise beyond even the most learned monks, Raigar brought a sense of sanity and far sighted depth to the Council. The jewel around his neck translated his raptor screeches into words they could all understand.

“True it is that they have caused much pain but there is more to the elf’s report. Patience should be observed before we judge the fate of these foreigners.”

Shizra bowed curtly. “Thank you Elder. Yes it is a Tannelorn vessel from the battle of Tyrants and Knights but there is something different about their appearance this time. Admiral Haldir received a message that they wished to apologize for all that happened during that battle. One of them wishes an audience with the Elders.”

Alurial all but laughed at the idea of receiving any ambassador from Tannelorn. “They must think us fools. I refuse to suffer even one of their kind to set foot on our soil after the scar they left upon their retreat.”

“Agreed.” Thrandur harrumphed as he shifted his short stocky form in the hovering seat. “Could be a trick to try and eliminate the Elders all at once.”

“Which is easily avoided, so long as they are checked at the door.” Sebastian shot down the argument before Thrandur could get started. The human Elder wanted to here real concerns, not security risks.

The dwarf was not easily swayed though. “Bah, I’d still rather kiss an orc than listen to a snake.”

Sebastian smiled, knowing full well the dwarf’s feelings. “I understand but there is no harm in at least listening to what they have to say. Should we not try for peace instead of continuing on in hatred that can only cost us more noble warriors and tear more families part?"

Elder Thrandur scratched at the golden beard encircling his face as thought over Sebastian's words. Alurial on the other hand was for vehement about her opinion. The elf quickly rose from her chair to face Sebastian. "I can't believe I'm hearing this."

Incredulity was painted across the elf's face as she continued. "Have you forgotten the mound of dead that is still covered in flowers as a memorial or should I have the War Mistress march in our newest recruits to the Bog, the recruits that bear the insignia of Tannelorn? If you allow them in this Tower, then you will dishonor everything that our Warriors died for."

The words strung Sebastian like a poisoned barb that pierced him to the very core. He shook in his seat with a mixture of rage and sadness as he struggled to remain calm and come up with a diplomatic retort. Alurial stood their smug at having stung Sebastian so and keep the human silent but it was Raigar the griffon that stole her victory.

"Do not presume to know the hearts and souls of all our Warriors. Their reasons for fighting and dying are as varied as the arrangement of the stars. But it should be our hope that the main reason that any Warrior would sacrifice himself, is for the good of the people they protect. In the end, if our subjects are happy and safe while allowed to pursue their lives as they see fit then our Warriors will have never died in vain. Agree with Elder Sebastian, I do. Allow these Tannelornians to enter our hall."

Sebastian had regained his composure with the support of Raigar's words and turned to try and persuade Thrandur. "If their ship so much as blinks at our world or more ships arrive, we can have Haldir destroy it in short order. The worst that could happen is that we turn them back with a 'no'."

The dwarf continued stroking his long beard while giving serious thought to the idea. Alurial wasn't willing to wait for an answer though. She fumed as she looked at the other Elders. "Fine, but I hold you responsible for explaining to the people why Tannelorn walks through our streets unchallenged. Let their outrage be on your heads."

Alurial spun around and stormed off for the doors. Guards rushed to clear the way for her then quickly close them once she was gone. The main hall was quiet for a time in the wake of the storm that was Elder Alurial. The raptor gaze of Raigar turned on Sebastian and Thrandur.

"A sense trouble from that one. Much anger and hatred. Especially at you, young Elder. Are you sure it is wise that she sits on this council?"

The griffons had not always been a part of the Kingdom of Mythrandir so it was understandable that Raigar did not know all of Alurial's history. Still, there was little room to argue with his assessment. Sebastian tried to keep the griffon optimistic. "She's just trying to do what she believes is best for her people."

His words sounded hollow even to himself. Not wanting to tarry any longer, Sebastian looked up to Shizra. "Tell Admiral Haldir that they have been granted an audience. One shuttle shall be allowed to land outside the city walls. The diplomat is not to be armed nor are any guards allowed to accompany."

Shizra, who had been on the edge of cutting down the elven Elder with her scimitars the entire time, merely nodded her understanding and left to inform Haldir of his orders.

------

Admiral Haldir knew the delay in receiving his orders concerning the Tannelornians was a clear sign of a heated debate on the planet below. That didn't stop his eyebrows from raising slightly in surprise when one of his officers informed him that one diplomat was allowed to land on the planet. A few of his command staff looked at the elf questioningly, not sure if they were truly supposed to follow through with this.

Haldir would have no dissension within his own ranks on something of this importance. "We have our orders from the Elders. Send the message but keep to your stations. If you detect anything threatening, we shall destroy the scourge in one swift strike."

Attention Tannelorn vessel, the Elders have agreed to grant you an audience. One transport craft is allowed to land outside the main city walls of Mythrandir. Whoever is to set foot on Mythrandir soil shall come alone and unarmed. You have the word and the honor of the Elders that your messenger will not be harmed.

In the mean time, your ship shall remain in its current position until all talks have concluded.

***Bridge of the Balmung***

"Calm down Ursa, all will be well." Star Lord Rendacil smiled at the holographic image of his longtime companion, the Klabautermann or "ship spirit" of the Balmung. The Cybernetic computer's form had shifted to a far more humanoid one, befitting as she stated constantly, of her enhanced intelligence and awareness as opposed to many of her Bio-computer cousins.

Her image was currently stamping around the bridge in a far from lady like manner and describing all manners of threats and possible threat's that were currently facing the ship. "I do not care Star Lord, as Balmungs ship spirit my duty is to protect Tannelorn, the Star Lords and my crew..you represent all three." she looked at him angrily.

Star Lord Rendacil smiled and shook his head. "I will be careful friend, do not worry for me I will return shortly and maybe we can all go for a visit." Ursa tried to protest but he silenced her with a wave of his hand. "Ready my HMF, no armaments." Rendacil commanded as he walked to the lift.


***Mythrandir***


A single, unarmed HMF Omega, painted in the red and black of fleet Rendacil punched through the atmosphere like a comet. It followed a vector that would take it to the walls of the Capital city and landed. The craft knelt on one Knee and Star Lord Rendacil dismounted, wearing a a long trench coat of red and black, and wearing his ceremonial lion's cloak.

He stood proudly and waited for the Mythrandir delegation.

Sebastian lead the procession to the main gate portcullis with the rest of the Elders in tow. The sound of horse hooves clopping against the cobblestone work of the streets began drifting over the quieting of the crowd. All citizens had turned to watch the Elders pass while murmurs drifted from mouth to mouth and practically all wondered at the meaning of it all.

It had been some time since such a craft was seen flying across the skies of Mythrandir but none had so easily forgotten its origins and what it brought. The dark elf, Shizra, pushed her horse ahead to break even with Elder Sebastian.

"They wonder what it all means."

Sarah squeezed her arms around her husband's waist and turned her head to look at the War Mistress. Her eyes drifted from the dark elf to the gathered crowd then back again. "I hope they understand why it must be like this. Hate cannot be allowed to fester in the heart less they turn into a bitter people."

Sebastian patted his wife's hands and looked back at Elder Thrandur wrestling the reins with a small pony just as the shadow of Elder Raigar passed over them. Elder Sebastian looked up to watch the griffon fly for the wall where most of the citadel guards had already mustered.

“It might be too much of us to hope that the people will understand why peace is necessary at this point. But perhaps in time, they will come to realize that this was for all the better.”

“Or you could just be giving Alurial the edge she needs to wrest public opinion away from you.” Shizra shook her head as she looked into the doubting stares as they rode pass.

“She doesn’t understand,” Sebastian said. “We have always cherished the fact that we allow our people to live their lives however they please. If there is no end to this uncertainty with Tannelorn, then their hate will be allowed to continue. Hate limits a person’s life because it is a force that rules their judgment and restricts their actions. It breeds fear and stifles a man’s existence.”

Shizra snorted. “I still wish you would just let me kill her.”

The Elder smiled but raised a hand to stop the procession. “We’re here. That’s a conversation for another time.”

Raigar was already standing by the great doors that lead out onto Aztiluth Plains while citadel guards lined the crenulated walls with bows drawn and pointing down to the floor. Pennants of Mythrandir snapped in the breeze up on the towers and along the wall. It would appear that their guest had already arrived and was ready to be greeted.

“Open the doors.” Sebastian gripped the reins and took a steadying breath.

Guards threw locking levers back and great chains rolled while locking mechanisms could be heard unlatching. Pylons that struck into the ground were lifted out and a team of guards grabbed a hold of the rails. The engraved design of the lion and dragon split apart as the guards grunted with the effort of moving the great gate.

With the gates open, the Elders could see that one man stood alone on the field beside his own craft. Sebastian snapped the reins to urge his stead out through the gates and onto the field. Elder Thrandur and War Mistress Shizra rode beside him while Elder Raigar simply walked. They were an Elder short but Sarah made up for the absence while sitting behind her husband.

At their backs were row upon row of archers ready to let loose their arrows and strike down the slightest threat to their Elders. Most had lost friends and family during the battle and were not pleased to see the likes of this foreigner standing on their sovereign soil, alive.

Sebastian raised his hand to put the guards at his back at ease when he stopped his mount a few feet from the Tannelorn. His blue eyes stared back at the Tannelorn while studying him. The rest of his companions sat easily in their saddles though he knew Shizra was only a quick flick of her wrist from her scimitars and Thrandur merely needed to hurl his warhammer to be done with any threats.

“You have your audience, Tannelorn. What is it that you wish to say?”

Star Lord Rendacil smiled. It had been a long time since he had been to this world, and seeing examples of the three human races, primarily humans and Seldara, gave him hope. After all the Seldara themselves [elves of the seldarine] had long been friends of the Arendacilian's. He smiled softly and bowed with deep flourish. "Well met and glad homeagain brave warrior's of Mythrandir. I am Star Lord Rendacil, It was my unfortunate duty, twenty years hence to lead the fleets of the Federation and the Prefecture in a war that was at the time deemed necessary." Star Lord Rendacil frowned.

"Allow me now, to tell you all a tale, a tale of hatred and greed, ambition and woe that burned across the stars and snuffed out the spark of billions of lives, all of which was done but for the benefit of a few."

"Thirty years ago, we resided in but one star system. Many years before we had abandoned our pursuit for empire in the star's, and instead withdrew to quiet contemplation and an esoteric existence. In that time however, many disagreed with our abandoning of our old colonies. This changed when we met our friends that system, and continued with us acting in the defense of honour, virtue and the weak." Star Lord Rendacil looked down.

"However, our people fractured, those who did not share pure arendacilian genes were banished from the divine kingdom, to the grahfsbergs' where under the great Grand Duke Jan Alberecht we strove towards the stars, slowly trying to repair the damage done to our people, to make ourselves whole once more. The quest to eradicate the Herigenes cluster, which prevented a huge portion of our people from ever knowing the touch of the Aether, and lead to the slow death of aging lead to war after war between our own kin. " The Star Lord stopped for a moment, letting the information sink in.

"This lead to a great civil war, the war of secession and the formation of the Lions claw, a group of Terrorists who sought to destroy all those with the herigenes cluster of genes and return the King Richter Alberecht to rule of all Tannelorn. However the King Alberecht abdicated, taking his own throne as the Divine King, the religion leader of all Tannelorn. Lion's claw, however never gave up."

Star Lord Rendacil pulled out a small device and set it upon the ground. "The Prefecture of Tannelorn rose in its place, a power share government between Praetor Ibram Yannef and the Space lords and a civilian government. However, unknown to us the civilians had been infiltrated and seduced by Lion's claw itself. They sought to overthrow the Knight's and failed, instead securing a territory inside the Cluster for themselves. At the end of the coup only one possibility remained. Tannelorn would be a federation. The Celestial Republic, lead by the Knight's and loyal retainers, existed alongside the Grahfsberg star cities, the Divine Kingdom and the Prefecture."

Star Lord rendacil spoke a word, showing them in great detail the event's of the coup, allowing them to see in full the scope of the death and devastation wrought by the black fleet and the deaths of millions. However the holo pics also depicted the punishment wrought against those who planned it. As brutal as it was, justice was swiftly served in Tannelorn, and those responsible for civilian deaths payed for it in blood.

"For the first time the civilian government of the Prefecture was responsible only to a federation with little power. They chose to align themselve with the Galactic empire, now destroyed by plague and in this were the seeds of twenty years of tragedy." The images flashed scenes of battles, first over Mythrandir, then against the Grahfsberg's. "The Galactic Empire had set its sights on a new alliance, an alliance made up of young worlds, exuberant and idealistic the Prefecture did not think its own military capability up for the task. So they resorted to lessons learned on our old home. Subterfuge and lies. "

The images showed men dressed in bright white uniforms, railing and ranting about the dangers of this League of Interstellar states, the need to stop them before they launched wave after wave of conquest using the excuse of justice and equality as their spark. Images were shown of a Mythrandir whose orbital space was filled with Troop transports and battle ships, siege platforms and other such items that would be used in a war of conquest. These images were repeated over and over from dozens of different worlds.

"We had suffered too long at the hands of unjust barbarians and land thieves who too had used the lies of justice and the greater good to try to destroy those who would stand up against their unfair policies. We were amongst their greatest enemies and we stood proudly against them till the very last, brave soldiers and knights selling their lives, just as yours did to allow as many civilians of our allies to escape as was possible."

Star Lord Rendacil sighed softly. "This was enough to convince the federation to aid the Prefecture, and it was enough to convince me to act. After all the evidence was inscrutable..or so we had thought. We arrived over your world not to find a war fleet capable of sundering whole star systems, but a military machine designed purely for defense. In those first few minutes we fought as we always had, but when Balmung was crippled a man with greater foresight then I took control of the battle." Star Lord Rendacil smiled.

"Lord Kendall had witnessed much of the battle, as sub commander of the DCN contingent of Knight's, he was able to see exactly what we faced, while I and my crew battled to save the fifth and seventh fleets of the GTFOA, he assessed the situation. He found that we had been lied too..this was enough for him to recall the attack order and abandon the siege of Mythrandir. This drove a wedge between the Prefecture and the Celestial Republic..the Grahfsberg even seceded from the Federation over the dishonour we incurred at Mythrandir." Star Lord Rendacil allowed the conversations between the Prefecture commanders and Lord Kendall primarily the discourses about honour and inviting the Prefecture to take this world themselves.

"To this day Lord Kendall's honour is questioned by those in several of the other fleets of the Star Lords, however his bravery saved millions of lives of Innocent Mythrandir and idealistic young Tannelornians alike."

"The Federation was soon forced to fight its own, as the Grahfsberg federation attempted to secede. For twelve years we fought our brothers and sisters, hunting their star cities across the galaxy until the eventual surrender of Grahfsberg..but even that could not avert war with the Prefecture." he smiled softly.

"The Prefecture had been infiltrated heavily by Lion's claw, in fact its own military high commander was none other then Gilead Farstrider, the warmaster of the Lions claw forces. In the end, we prevailed against our brethren..but at a great price. Eight billion tannelornians died in the Herigenes plague..unleashed by Lion's claw through an unwitting pawn, a once great hero who succumbed to grief. The Prefecture's strength was broken, but not finished and the war raged on more fiercely then before. In the end Lion's claw was routed..though they linger still in the star's, waiting for a chance to strike."

Star Lord Rendacil let the horrible images of the Prefecture war filter in. The great ships of the DCN, the new super battleships and dreadnoughts annhillating dozens of prefecture vessels in minutes, seas boiling on worlds below. The dead piled hundreds high in the center's of cities, awaiting great bonfires..and in the end the death of three worlds in one fell strike. New Carpentaria, a massive gas giant home to the capital of the Prefecture was transformed in to a hydrogen bomb, glowing brilliantly and clearly visible several light years away. The Star Lord let these images sink in for a few minutes.

"In the end, those wicked and greedy men, those who would sacrifice billions for their own nefarious ends..payed in full for their perfidy. Though, justice cannot simply be served with death..and for justice to truly be served in this..we men of Tannelorn must make full amends for all we helped destroy." the images portrayed now showed millions bowing down in fealty to the Star Lords of the Celestial Republic, weary cheer's erupting from the thronging crowds.

Star Lord Rendacil crouched down on one knee, his lion cloak falling heavily beside him to the ground. " I Salute you, men and women of Mythrandir. Your bravery and sacrifice awoke many of us from a dream, a nightmare we could not awake. We wish to help repair all we destroyed, we offer medicines, resources and technology that might heal those parts of this world that are still broken by the thunder of our war machines. However we offer more, and despite the lack of trust that might be between us all, I have made the first step, coming here..unarmed and alone. I trusted that you would not kill me before I was able to make my case." he stood to his full height of six foot seven and smiled.

"I truly thank you for that as well, after all it would have been hard for me to thank you in person. However there is much more we must discuss..for we offer far more then simple resources and medicine..we offer our friendship, openly and honestly. In this we hope that a beautiful garden can bloom from our cooperation and understanding of each other, and most of all our trust. I cannot expect all of you to forgive us, too many died on both sides for that to happen..however I can hope only that you will understand that we Knight's were as much victims as you...and we made right all that went wrong..we evened the tally not only for us, but for all those the Prefecture made suffer."

Star Lord Rendacil smiled softly at the gathered crowd. "I will understand if you ask us to leave, though we would like to enjoy your hospitality under peaceful circumstances, I am one of the five absolute rulers of my realm, and we have much to discuss with you, and we hope to be able to call you friends. Many aboard the Balmung and Fleet Rendacil would wish to give their condolences and apologies personally, it is after all the very least they can do. Even still this is now yours, simply ask of it what you will and it shall answer to the best of its abilities." he reached down and picked up the small trinket from the ground and handed it to Elder Sebastian.

"It contains detailed accounts of the story I gave you, as well as technology, recipes for medicines, genetic engineering techniques, and weaponry."

Star Lord Rendacil awaited his answer from the Mythrandir, fully preparing himself to be rebuked publicly..and possibly attacked. If it came to that however, he would only defend himself. After all he would show that he trusted in the common ground's these two people shared.


OOC Sorry for the long wait, Mel Mtor and I got married last saturday and were unable to post lol.

Silence accompanied Rendacil's voice as he recounted all that had transpired between the years that Tannelorn had last met Mythrandir. Every eye and ear close by was lent to the story telling as they themselves would pass judgment on what was truth and what was the placating lies of a snake.

None made a sound or moved as the Star Lord's tale came to a conclusion. Only their focus shifted as they looked to the one man whose words they clung to. Elder Sebastian sat regal atop his mare while studying the Tannelornian for a time. Gentle breezes tussled the Sebastian's long brown hair, obscuring his vision. Sebastian turned in the saddle and shook his head to clear the strands from his eyes. Looking up, the Elder studied the faces manning the wall of Mythrandir. His eyes settled on each one in turn as he looked for some unseen answer in their eyes. Eventually he turned back to look at his companions that had rode out with him.

Indeed much had happened in the past and it was far too long of a time to let hate fester in the hearts of men. Yet too many had died for him to give forgiveness so quickly. Doing so would only cheapen the sacrifice paid by so many Warriors.

Finally Sebastian turned to face Rendacil. He stooped in his saddle to retrieve the gift that the Star Lord had offered. Studying it momentarily, the Elder handed it to the griffon walking by his side.

"Elder Raigar, I leave this in your capable hands."

Raigar grasped the trinket in his talons and bobbed his bird-like head in understanding. Sebastian turned once again though this time he place two fingers to his lips and unleashed a shrill whistle. From the open gates, trotted a horse that had already been saddled and prepared for a rider. The beast stopped by Sebastian's side and waited patiently. The Elder took the reins and urged his mount forward.

Once next to Rendacil, Sebastian tossed the mount's reins down to him. "You speak well Tannelornian, but more than words are required here."

Sebastian cracked the reins, sending his mount down the beaten path that lead out into the countryside. Calling back one last time as the others trotted after him, "Raigar. Meet us at the Scar."

It wasn't long after that the riders put the city behind them in a cloud of dust that a shadow passed over them as Elder Raigar flew ahead. On they rode with the only sound to be heard between them was the thundering of hooves on the ground below. None dared speak now as they rode on. Only Shizra would cast a few questioning towards Sebastian. The Elder promptly ignored them and only bothered to look back to check on the Star Lord's progress to ensure that he was still following.

At the end of their long trek, Sebastian slowed his charger to an easy trot. All around was a sea of prairie grass that rushed to meet the forests at the feet of the mountains while stretching off in the other direction as far as the eye could see. Sebastian brought his mount to a stop at the edge of an ugly black scar that cut deep into the soil and ran jagged out before them. Nothing in its death grip would grow nor would any creature venture into it willingly.

Sebastian's icy blue eyes glazed over as the scene before him was transformed into the battlefield so long ago. Shadows grew to cover him as the dead bodies of Tannelornian soldiers were impaled upon lances and left for the carrion fowl as their bodies dangled in the air. Before him on the ground were his own soldiers, dead or dying for a blast that had left the countryside decimated.

Dismounting, the Elder was brought back to the present and the scar that remained from that fateful day. Sebastian stood staring, eyes fixed on the black plague on the land, as he heard the sound of Rendacil approaching. Turning, Sebastian could feel the ghosts of the fallen all around him. Of those that he failed to save. Their presence was with him now and the thought of such an audience weighed him heavily.

"Many a brave man, woman, dwarf, and elf died here that day. Most of them didn't have to. I give thanks to God every day for those that I was able to save and ask forgiveness from those that I was not able to. I have lost count of the homes I visited to inform kin of their loss. I could drain the mighty ocean on this world and fill it again ten times over with the tears that have been shed because of this.

We Myths are not strangers to war. Our histories are full of battles and campaigns that we have waged against each other. Some here today are even old enough to remember the Clan Wars. The dead piled high and there were no shortages of fatherless sons or widows. But even then, there was a purpose to the constant fighting as misguided as it might have all been.

What I see before me here is nothing more than the consequences of tyranny, pride, and irrational fanaticism. You see Tannelornian, Mythrandir does not rage war meaninglessly. We fight for a reason, with purpose, if our lands or our freedoms come under threat.

What is it that you intend to do to make amends for this? We have already rebuilt homes that were lost and the dead cannot be healed. An entire village had to be relocated after it was destroyed. There are some wounds, that time itself cannot heal.

I brought you here to a site of much grief and anger to see your own actions. I doubt this area looks familiar to you but to me, my Warriors, and even some of your soldiers; this place is unforgettable. Never should I, my children, or my childrens' children see a site like this again. My desire is to prevent that from ever happening again."

(I took a few liberties here so please let me know if anything needs to be changed.)