A New Dawn (Open RP, Greet and Meet)

[King Jupiter]

..::With a content sigh Ariik brushed the last bit of dust from the large mantle, watching it float carelessly into the crackling fire. The move from the Manor at the realm of the Shadowed Wolf was now complete, though in reality it had been easier than one would have expected. So many rooms of the vast estate had gone unused that it seemed a waste for such a thing to happen again. Now he resided in a shack on the fringe of the Titan lands, a true reminder that looks could indeed be deceiving. Any that laid their eyes upon the outside would see nothing but a rotting toolshed, the rusted tin roof leaking from the day’s previous showers. This notation now made the celestial chuckle, for the truth was quite the opposite::..

..::Inside the comforting confines of his new dwelling Ariik had spared little, he would say expense when in fact most furnishings were free or brought from the Manor, effort in making it a perfect place for hosting this dinner. There had been one problem that stood in the way of a more conventional move in the ocean that separated the two clans. A solution presented itself in the ways of magical transportation, though huge amounts of energy and power would be needed for such an immense task. Just as Ariik had started the first spell, the words trickling off the tongue and into the brisk air, other voice joined in. Startled at first his silver eyes now gazed over his own Order, gentle and loving people that his devoted clerics were they now gave their mentor, leader, god the only goodbye gift their simple lives could manage::..

..::Astonishment had taken hold of the elder, or maybe it was adoration then again it could have been regret...to this day he still could not tell. The task was done with little speaking, though once completed the hallowed Manor seemed eerie and cold. Laughter had echoed here, clerics had grown from apprentice to revered sons and daughters, and now it would know nothing but silence. Oh, do not mistake this idea as a symbol of the Order disbanding, nothing could be farther from the truth. In fact the clerics that did reside in the Manor were now moving back in with their brethren, safe within the blessed and guarded walls of the Order's Temple. One task down another had presented itself almost immediately, one that Ariik had truly been dreading, standing tall in front of the mass of clerics he spoke softly as ever::..

"My friends...devout...children...it is time for me to move on from here. Your powers and faith are strong, which protect this vast estate. I do not leave you alone, yours prayers will still be heard and answered. Be not afraid to ask for my assistance, as it will be lent to you. Where I go is to a place that evil also slumbers, but with these new friends and allies...we will drive back the darkness that has long sat on the edge of light, watching and waiting for the opportune time to strike. Remember always that you serve as a beacon of light for all those around you....farewell..."

..::Thinking about the saddened faces, tear stained cheeks, broken voices as they had said goodbye Ariik now fought a lump that had firmly planted itself in his throat. Shoving the memories aside he slowly turned from the fireplace, and looked upon the large marble table loaded with food for the evening. Each chair and the table had a place marked for a Titan, the invitations had gone out stealthily in the night, with the aid of a friend of course::..

..::The spread was quite impressive, though thanks in all fairness to his magical mastery in conjuring it. Meats were plenty and none would go hungry, as all sizes and shapes were covered. Roasted boar, turkey, stuffed Cornish hens, venison and a teddy bear (for one "special" guest) highlighted the feast. Also accompanying the delicate dishes and fine Elven silverware, which thanks to the likely presence of a certain kender were all enchanted with a return to owner spell, were enchanted goblets. The goblets were of course made with shinning silver, inscribed along the rim were runes, which when the goblet was grasped read the desires of the holder, thus negating the need of a server. They were guaranteed to perfect the drink, from the sweet cider of Zipcat to the hard liquor of Tordek, even the musky tea the archmage Darkan Rhal drank. The one item that each would need to attend the dinner would be found with the invitation, a simple charm that Ariik had enchanted specifically for this night. If a person was to show up without said charm, they would find themselves in nothing more than the aforementioned shack, but with it they would find a door unseen to all leading them into the great hall where soon the Titans would gather::..

Ariik invites you to a grand event, on this the twelfth night of the ninth month. Follow the directions to the precise spot on the edge of town and bring with you the enclosed necklace and look to the crescent moon to enter.

[Tordek]

"When the pendellum swings at the hawk's first flight...and the bards march with the light... What the hell is he going on about?! Couldn't he have just said forty paces north from the east gate?...Making me think."

Muttering, Tordek seems to have stumbled upon a hermit's residence, though it seems to flaunt a certain sense of extravagence. He whistles in appreciation.

[Gwaihir Windlord]

*Gliding upon silent wings, the Eagle soared high above the lands surrounding Titan, his keen eyes spotting the Bard arriving ahead of him. With a curse crossing his beak, sounding like a screech to flush out prey, the giant bird swooped down just in front of the shack.

Shimmering, his form would begin to soften around the edges, his features becoming blurry as his size would decrease to that of a normal human. When his features would materialize he would the be the man that most know as Gwaihir, a rough beard and dark sandy blonde hair, chiseled features and piercing eagle gaze. Broad at the shoulders with a well-proportioned frame, he would seem lean and healthy. Dressed in fine leather armor with his well crafted ornamental, yet functional, long sword strapped to his waist.

He would pull forth the pendant sent him by his long time friend and would gaze upon its simple beauty. A tear of regret would fall from his eye, trickling down his cheek and falling from the ridge of his jaw to land on the pendant. Breaking his gaze free, he would gaze upon the crescent moon and nothing would happen, looking around the Eagle would begin to get frustrated. Casting about for some sign as to what he was to do, the sharp-eyed man would spy a crescent moon shaped carving above the mantle through a window.

Making his way through the rickety door, the floor creaking under his weight, Gwaihir would feel at home here, Ariik had chosen well. The aroma of dust would be faint and there would be the distinct sweet odor that seemed to follow the cleric. As Gwaihir would make his way slowly across the room towards the mantle, his pendant would begin to glow as well as the crescent moon above the mantle, then a faint outline of the door would appear, but no handle would be evident. Taking a chance, he would stride confidently at the fireplace and with his eyes closed he would pass right through.

Opening his eyes when he knew himself to have walked farther than the distance to the mantle, he would be in awe of the splendor of the grand hall that King Jupiter had created. The murals and tapestries from the Estate, the furnishing from all over the castle where here.

Gazing around in wonder, Gwaihir spies his name at one of the tables, a great silver goblet resting there. Walking over to the table he would grasp the empty goblet and would almost drop it when it would suddenly fill with ale. Gwaihir thought he was in heaven*

[Tanglehood Wolfgang]

*Skipping along the narrow path, Tang would pull out the map that he had drawn out the directions from the letter. Spinning the map first one way then the other, the Kender was sure he had it right this time.

Whistling a tune, an off key version of an old Dwarven drinking song, but then again aren’t all Dwarvish song about drinking or gold, the Kender would continue to skipping down the path. Rounding a bend he would see the old shack that Ariik had described. Just then he would hear the screech of a large bird of prey high over head. Ordinarily a screech such at that would alarm a person as small as Tang, but without breaking stride he would glance up and see his dear friend soar down towards the ground. Being some ways off still, Tang would try to hurry up to catch up with Gwaihir, but to no avail, after a brief moment standing in front of the shack Tang would see him enter through the front door.

Slipping off the path Tang would walk through the under brush with such stealth and skill, darting from shadow to shadow that he would pass by a deer and a rabbit with out so much as a twitch of any of the four ears. Easing his way closer to the shack, Tang would shimmy his way up to one of the window intent on scaring the life out of his friend, but to his surprise, Gwaihir was no where to be found. Sliding in through the window, Tang would land on the creaky floor without a sound, gazing around for some sign of foul play, Tang would spy the shape carved above the mantle.

With sudden realization, the Kender would pull forth what he thought to be the pendant, only to find a bracelet of unknown origins, placing it back in his pouch he would reach down into another pouch and dig around for a moment, with a squeal of delight, he would pull for a pendant, but not the one that came with the invitation, frowning he would push it back into the pouch, becoming frustrated, the Kender would remove first one pouch, dumping its contents onto the floor, then rummaging though not finding it he would dump another, following this pattern he would empty all the contents of all his pouches onto the floor, and still no pendant.

Sitting down with his legs crossed, his elbows on his knees and his chin in his hands, Tang would look down sullen and saddened that he would not be able to attend the grand event. Stretching his neck down, almost putting his chin to his chest, Tang would let out a heavy sigh. Just then he would notice the chain around his neck. Pulling it forth, he would find the pendant, only to remember that he had placed it there so that he would not loose it before the party.

Quickly gathering all his things he would hop up and walk towards the moon. As he would it would glow, just as the pendant would glow. Seeing the outline of the door, Tang would tentatively reach out, as he would his hand would pass right through the wall. Striding forward he would be amazed at being able to walk through wall, it was the most wonderful magic ever. Upon reaching the other side, his eyes would light up, all everywhere he looked things were sparkling and glittering. His hands would begin to shake as his palms would begin to sweat, his heart would race and his mouth would go dry*

“I’m in heaven.”

[Darkan Rhal]

*Standing off to the side, hidden from view, the wizard would watch and wait. Not wanting to be the first to arrive he would let several other make their entrances before making his.

First to arrive was the bard, the life of any party, then the drunkard eagle would swoop in his usual fashion, here to drink up all of Ariik’s ale, then the Kender would sneak right past him without even a glance, invisibility had it’s perks.

After several more minutes, Darkan would begin to grow board, that and his cough was threatening to return, dispelling the invisibility spell, Darkan would glide to the door. With a wave of his hand, the portal would creak open allow access to the inner sanctum of the cleric.

Casting about Darkan was not surprised to not see anyone here. He had guessed that the moon reference was not a literal one, spying the carving; Darkan would pull forth the pendant and glide towards the fireplace. With no hesitation he would continue through entering the grand hall. Seeing Tordek, Gwaihir and Tanglehood there already, and not seeing Ariik, Darkan would cross the room, with a nod to Tordek and Gwaihir, and find his place, not seeing any one about to serve food or drink, Darkan gaze upon the goblet that sat in front of him. Sensing magic about it he would grasp it in his hand, and just as he thought, it filled with liquid, the acrid aroma of his tea would permeate through the hall. With a sip he would sigh, as it would ease he aching lunges.

There he would sit, awaiting their hosts arrival*

[King Jupiter]

..::The sharp, crisp gong of the grandfather clock marked the hour striking one after another until ten in total had echoed in the hall. Ariik stood silently hands clenched in each other, tucked gently away in the sleeves of his shimmering ivory robes. Had his assistant, charged with delivering the invitations, run into a problem with the task? Shaking his head, amused at his own worrisome nature, Ariik brushed a lock of silver hair from his face. As he stood staring through the wall, for what good would the passageway be if anyone could waltz in unannounced, slender hands wrung nervously with the anticipation. Relief came in the form of an old friend, though his babbling lent the cleric to think Tordek might have already started the festivities::..

..::Just as he was debating whether or not to help the bard get back on course, for some reason he was rhyming, a familiar screech forced a smile to his face. Slowly the celestial sank deeper into the abundant shadows watching intently the Eagle Lord riddle through the message. When Gwaihir's sharp eyes turned toward the mantle Ariik had the distant impression that his friend could see straight through the wall, as easily as he was about to pass through it. With a confident stride and eyes shut tightly Gwai stepped through the doorway and into plain sight. Pulling his robes tightly about himself Ariik let his worry dissolve and actually let out a chuckle, though not loud enough to be audible, as the man now discovered the enchanted goblets::..

..::A small whimper of disappointment, followed a few seconds later by a gleeful tone was all the warning that preceded Tang's entrance. The lighthearted kender had always brought the exuberance needed to deal with the stressful life in the lands. Ariik observed, in amusement, the wide-eyed wonder of his new guest. Stopping for a moment to run an inventory of all belongings he was satisfied the enchant had been placed on each, ensuring (for the kender's safety more than anything else) that all items would stay within the premises. A slight shiver hinted at the arrival of another, more dark guest. Ariik hadn’t been paying attention when the archmage glided by, but the smell of the tea convinced him what his spine had been telling him, Darkan had arrived. Sliding easily from the shadows he placed a slender hand upon Gwaihir's shoulder, a tinge of laughter in his voice::..

"It is nice to see that I can still surprise, after all these years."

[Akunosh Inarus]

*The paladin had received a rather interesting message via a mage who had been visiting Titan. In it was a letter inviting him to visit someone named Ariik. Intrigued, Akunosh showed the letter to his wife, zipcat. They both agreed that it was the only interesting thing to do for the next week or two, and they left their Estate to visit Titan. Fortunately for them they wouldn't have to walk or ride for several weeks to arrive; instead, they were instantly teleported to Titan by the same mage that had been visiting Titan earlier*

*Holding his wife's hand in his, Akunosh led her to where the letter said to meet. Akunosh donned the necklace and, without much search, found an identical letter laying on the floor, abandoned by its owner sometime ago, and opened it. Smiling softly, he handed zipcat the necklace and continued their walk. However, they did not walk in silence. At times, Akunosh would mention the various plants and flowers that grew outside of his kingdom and were rare outside of their native habitats. He knew that his wife was fascinated with nature, and he, despite his militaristic background, knew enough about plants to keep a decent conversation going. At other times, however, Akunosh mentioned other bits of information that had been streaming into the kingdom concerning a possible change of power within the Empire. Some were false, some were rumors, yet some were truths that could not be denied*

*Finally, they arrived at the shack. Perking his brows at the discreet location, Akunosh carefully led zipcat to the shack, watching for any traps or hazards. When they were at the door, the elf pushed it open and walked inside. Seeing nothing interesting, the paladin was about to say it was nothing more than a hoax when he noticed the fireplace. He could sense something...magical...about it. Though he had little experience with the arcane forms of magic (favoring divine magic instead), he could still detect the presence of magic. Cautiously approaching the mantle, he wondered if the amulet he wore had anything to do with the fireplace*

*Confused, the paladin decided that the best course of action would be to step into the fireplace. The worst case scenario would be the fireplace being a trap meant to kill those who entered. Of course, where were the bodies? Worse still would be this: there being no effect, and the embarrasment of stepping into a fireplace. Shrugging, the paladin stepped into the fireplace, holding zipcat's hand...*

*...and came out the other side in a completely different realm. He stood in awe, speechless and baffled. It was truly heaven*

[zipcat]

*zip was so happy to have been invited out by a friend, which Ariik had quickly become. She still remembered the day they had met, and all sorts of things about him. Like the flower he had put in her ear, which was so kind of him. She hadn't been invited to a party like she knew this one would be before, but this had cheered her up so much. Gatherings were always special, and meant so much to her.*

*She had put the necklace on with only a tiny struggle with her hair, but the tangle quickly came out effortlessly. The walk was really nice, and she had opened herself to the forest the whole time. Almost sensing where what plants were near when they were in a close range, she had found several of her favorite flowers for this season to point out to Aku. Her smile grew in bits as the conversation went on, but being out in the forest as well as with her husband had helped the most.*

*She didn't know much abut Empires, other than what Aku had told her, so she didn't comment much on that, but she listened and did her best to keep up with him. All ways with running places and people seamed to be different, and zip had learned just how much. Some seamed to be bent on fighting, saying that all born must serve; like in Guarde, some were supported by hate, like Vauljer. Titan's and the Estate's were different too, but she liked those so much more than some others she had seen. None of them were like where she used to be though, but she still fit in others easily. She didn't think she would travel much anymore, so she didn't need to worry how things would work where she would go much anymore.*

*As they walked towards the fireplace, zip's eyes widened. Forcing herself to relax, she gripped tighter onto Aku's hand and followed his lead. The new place they arrived was very different than what zip had seen before, but she was already looking around to understand where she was. Mostly she looked for her friends, and other people, who she thought would be here. She wondered just what would happen at this party, and what everyone would talk about. Most of all she hoped there would be tales, and songs with wisdom.*

[Gwaihir Windlord]

*Gwaihir was starled stightly by the sudden appearance of Ariik, but his calm demeanor and the humor in his voice would quickly dispell any unease caused by his almost magic appearance. A smile that came from the heart would spread across his face as he would turn to face the celestial and he would embrace his friend warmly, stepping back after a moment*

"You have done well, it is amazing. And the goblets, I'm going to be in trouble tonight."

*With that Gwaihir would turn his drink up and down the ale in draught. When he would remove the cup from his lips it would fill back up with a spiced mead this time*

"At times like these, I seem to miss her more than ever, she would have been at home here, more so than I. I am a simple man, she was, well, she was better than I at times like this."

*Turning he would see Zipcat and another man that he had not meet enter through the fireplace*

"More guest arriving, I suppose we should go great them."

[TBeck]

It had been a long day for this elf. He had been working in his office all day long, balancing figures and taking care of other rising business. His work carried over into the night, not taking a break to eat. As the wax burned lower, TBeck was induced with boredom. Just then one of TBeck's assistants came bursting into the office.

"Sir, I have a message for you. They say it is very urgent."

TBeck replied, "Yeah, yeah, that's what they all say. Put it on the table over there, I will get to it later."

And with that the message was set down and its deliverer left the room. A few hours of work went past before all of the day's work was done. After putting out the candles, TBeck went to the door. He paused a moment before leaving, and remembered the message. Reluctantly he went to pick it up. He carried it with him and started to read it after he exited his office.

TBeck thought to himself, "A gathering tonight? But I am already late! Why didn't my assistant tell me it was important."

Without having time to get ready, the elf headed outside immediately. He wrapped the necklace around his hand and clenched it in his fist. Scurrying across the grounds he tried to make up lost time. Upon arrival the elf knocked on the door. On the second knock the door seemed to open itself enough so that TBeck could see in. He saw several familiar faces and decided this was the place.

He saw some familiar faces over by the fire place so he headed in that direction. Finding a comfortable chair, the elf sat down and took a load off of his feet.

[King Jupiter]

(OOC: Will post when i feel better, been wicked sick this past few days and now having migrane problems, bear with me guys)

[King Jupiter]

..::It seemed all things were starting to work as he had hoped, and guests were arriving in small numbers, which worked well for the celestial. A new face arrived accompanied by a more familiar one, bowing at the waist gracefully Ariik slowly whispered a practiced incantation, watching with satisfaction as a shimmering white rose materialized behind Zipcat's ear. With a soft laugh at Gwaihir he motioned for the eagle lord to follow in suit to the newcomers::..

"Greetings Zipcat, it is once again a pleasure to have you here tonight. Who, my dear, did you happen to bring with you to this affair?"

..::As the conversation began he noticed another enter, his name slipped from the grasp of an old mind like sand through a sieve, but the face was indeed one he had seen before. Glittering silver eyes watched the guest find one of the most plus leather chairs in the room and slip into a comfortable state by the fire. He frowned at the fact that he could not remember his name, but figured he would find out soon enough. Turning his attention back to the mischievous kender for a moment he wondered where the little bugger had gone off to::..

[Akunosh Inarus]

*Akunosh was still speechless, trying to comprehend what had just happened. Several people approached him, obviously recognizing zipcat, and inquired about him. That was when a figure approached him, one that he had never seen before. Even the paladin could feel the power of this single man, even if he was attempting to hide it. He greeted zipcat as well, and he figured it to be another of her friends. Smiling, the paladin responded respectfull to the man who asked about him*

"I am Akunosh Inarus II, a noble and virtuous paladin, husband to zipcat, and Duke of Cha'arduun. My proper, noble title is longer than that, believe me, but I do not wish to bore the host."

*With that, Akunosh offered a deep bow and, upon finishing it, led his wife to where the others were seated*

[zipcat]

*zip smile blossomed even more when she saw her friend, the weight on her ear telling her she had another beautiful flower. Even though she wasn't wearing her cloak and the vines that covered her body were out for all to see, she didn't feel like she would be scorned here; and she was with Aku, too. It was a bad habit for her to let her fear make her hide, she knew, but it made her feel more comfortable in new places, or around strange people. It also kept others from staying away from her just because she was strange; she didn't like scaring away potential friends. Her cloak was beautiful too, but left at the Estate like it should be.*

*She smiled at her friend, letting her husband answer the question and holding his hand a bit tighter. She didn't know too much about all of Aku's ranks and titles, but that wasn't why she loved him anyways. She bowed her head in a greeting, keeping her eyes on her friend before going to sit with Aku and the others. She would have stayed with Ariik more to say other things, but she wanted to meet other people too. Chances were that she might run into another friend, and she always loved to see her friends.*