MTG Cardsmith Community Forums
Tournament of Champions! (The game has begun)
This discussion has been closed.
Howdy, Stranger!
It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!
It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!
Comments
She spends time with Sophie and Nathan.
She visits the barracks and The Old Vagabond so that she can bid farewell to Niven's squad. Alas, she can't find anybody from the squad.
However, one member of the squad meets Tiamat right before she leaves and she receives a letter from that person. [I'll write a short chapter from that.] )
(Two days after the night at The Old Vagabond.)
It was late in Legorna. The sun's last rays were disappearing in the ocean horizon. Lights of the first stars started to appear in the sky. The white tower's shine began to slowly fade away. Tiamat was in her room, sitting on her chair while looking outside the window. She was wearing her usual blue dress, but she also had her golden chain tiara, which she had been wearing when she first arrived to Legorna. These last few days she had been reading books, which Leandra had given to her from the library. But now Tiamat was waiting for someone.
She heard as someone was knocking the door. Tiamat stood up and opened it. The person behind the door was a red-haired woman in a white dress. Tiamat's eyes were wide open from surprise. This was not the person she expected to meet.
"Hello, Tiamat," the woman greeted with a gentle voice. This confused Tiamat even more.
"Uhm... Hi."
Few seconds later, the woman had walked past Tiamat into the room. The dragon girl didn't know why she allowed a complete stranger to come there, but something about that woman calmed her burning soul. Tiamat closed the door and stared at the woman, who was looking around the tidy room. The greatsword was leaning against a wall. Leandra's books were piled onto the table right next to the inkwell, the quill, and the unlit candle. Tiamat's leather bag was hanging at the corner of the bed. The woman turned around and looked into Tiamat's light-blue eyes.
"Tiamat, my child of dragons. You've ventured far from your home into a world which is not familiar to you. Yet you are not alone. You've developed bonds with people who've become dear to you. You have lots of doubts, especially about yourself. But you have nothing to fear as long as you listen to your heart."
Tiamat tried to say something, but no words came from her mouth. The woman came close to her, then she embraced the dragon girl. At first Tiamat wanted to stop her, but she was filled with a comforting feeling which she hadn't experienced since she was a child. She hugged the woman tightly for almost a minute before letting go. After that, the woman began to leave.
"I know you were waiting for someone else. I will leave now, but we shall meet again."
When the woman left and closed the door, Tiamat sat down onto her chair again. Even though she didn't know the woman or her name, Tiamat still felt as if she was a person whom she hadn't met in a long time. A minute after, she wonders if she just imagined all of this.
Another few knocks on the door. Tiamat woke up from her thoughts and walked to the door. She opened it a little, peered from the gap, and saw a man with a blue jacket and a blue cloak.
"Good evening," he said.
Tiamat closed the door, then she opened it properly a few seconds later. Her face was slightly red.
"Hello, Nathan," she said.
Nathan was holding Tiamat's letter in his left hand, which she sent to him two days ago. He folded it and put it into his jacket's pocket. Then he raised his eyebrow and smiled a little.
"What was that just now?"
"I thought- someone else- nevermind that. Sorry."
After a moment of silence, Tiamat stepped outside and closed the door of her house. Then she took a deep breath and turned back to Nathan while staring at the ground.
"I'm just a little nervous. We haven't talked since the outbreak."
Nathan patted Tiamat's head, which made her look back at him.
"I know. The tournament, the outbreak, and other duties have kept us busy. But now we both have free time."
Tiamat nodded. Nathan took a few steps away from her, then he turned his head towards her.
"Shall we go?"
"Yeah. I'm hungry."
They both walked along the streets which were illuminated by the street lights.
He saw a domed stone ceiling, white walls, blurred faces looming over him, and swirling tendrils of black flame.
Blink.
He saw an infinite void of darkness, punctuated occasionally by pinpricks of light.
Blink.
He heard voices; an indistinct babbling.
Blink.
He heard nothing at all.
Blink.
He felt a hard stone surface beneath his back, a rough blanket thrown over him. A shroud, really, he realized a moment later.
Blink.
He felt ravenously hungry, felt a powerful urge to destroy, to consume... then the sensation suddenly ended. He felt... free.
Blink.
He tasted blood in his mouth.
Blink.
He tasted the sweetness of mana-- he tasted nothing.
Blink.
He smelled the scent of humans and sweat and wood and ground.
Blink.
He smelled... death.
Blink.
A face resolved into crystal sharpness. It was the face of a woman with red hair and a white dress. She radiated a feeling of security. Kara relaxed.
Blink.
Kara could make out a face, outlined in the pinpricks of light. Like a constellation, they formed the face of a middle-aged man. The dots gathered together into swirling streams of light, forming patterns identical to the swirls of black flame. The face blinked, looked at Kara, and opened its mouth to speak.
Blink.
The swirls of black flame coalesced into a ball that floated down to hover over Kara's forehead. The woman stepped back slightly.
Blink.
A voice resonated throughout the soundless expanse of the abyss. It was rich, mellow, and deep.
Blink.
A deep, musical hum emanated from the ball of flame as it spun faster and faster. Snips and swirls of red and black were drawn agonizingly from Kara's face. They flew into the sphere and were consumed.
Blink.
Swirls of red and black light began to materialize around Kara. The face spoke: "A pact, signed in blood and forged in soulfire. A pact as ancient as the stars for a soul washed clean and made new as the dawn."
Blink.
Kara began to groan, veins standing out against his neck. He started to sweat profusely.
Blink.
"They call them abyss seekers," the voice continued. "But they do not seek to join us here. They seek to keep themselves and others out of the abyss. Ironic, don't you think?"
"Ominous, more like." Kara responded. It felt as though he had not spoken, but instead that the words had come from his mind.
Blink.
Red and black light began to leak out of every pore of Kara's body. He jerked uncontrollably on the pedestal. His body warped and healed rapidly, so quickly that it was just a blur with no distinction between the two states.
Blink.
"I'm offering you a choice, mortal. A chance to redeem yourself. A chance to live the life you've lost."
Blink.
The hum became higher and higher as the sphere spun faster and faster, drawing more and more red and black light into it. The sound reached a fever pitch.
Blink.
Kara considered his choice. He tried to feel something; sadness that he had done nothing with his life, anger that he had lost to Radhe, even the all-consuming, relentless hunger that had possessed him so completely. But he could feel nothing but cold logic.
Blink.
Kara let out a piercing scream as a blast of red and black burst out of his body, flowing rapidly into the sphere. Blood began to leak from his nose. The pitch of the arcane humming threatened to break his mind.
Blink.
"You can take up the mantle. You can fight to rid the world of abominations like you were. You can finally be free of your past. I am Terrodus. Be my link to the mortal world."
Blink.
Kara thrashed. The shroud burst into flames as the sphere began to descend farther. The bottom edge touched his forehead.
Blink.
"Choose."
Blink.
"Choose." It resonated from the sphere through the domed chamber. The sphere abruptly stopped spinning and ceased moving. The tension was palpable. Kara shuddered to a halt, his back arched, his face screwed up in agony.
Blink.
"I accept."
Blink.
The sphere was sucked into Kara.
Blink.
"I name you an agent of Terrodus, a seeker of the abyss, a cleric and a priest. I name you Kara."
Kara opened his eyes.
The four contestants where ready to step onto the ship that would carry them to Crastine. The assembly workers loaded the last goods and equipment.
Nathan wished Tiamat and Sophie good bye as he hugged them both. He even gave Tiamat a small kiss.
Mishra was sitting and shaking hand with the traders over some deal they had made.
Some of the goblins was arguing with the captain before they stepped up onto the ship.
R5-T4 remained on the harbor for a while longer.
Radhe was with Leandra and Fedron. She gave Leandra a long comforting hug before she moved towards the other contestants. Veronica, Hans and Dust was also there behind the crowd of people.
Clementia was talking with Bristana who had a different attire today. Radhe could see that see that Bristana had the red-edged dagger sheathed in her belt under the robe.
Then Bristana wished Clementia farewell and stepped up onto the ship.
Clementia then took speech. "Contestants of the 16th tournament. R5-T4, Mishra, Tiamat and Radhe. You four have all fought well in the tournament but now the real challenge will begin. Behind you is the Galatea which will take you to the capital of Crastine. In Crastine you will fight in the semi finals and then in the tournament final where the 16th champion will be crowned. I wish you all good luck and farewell."
Before Radhe could go up onto the bridge to the ship, Veronica approached her. She held the flower she had given her earlier. She gave it to Radhe. "Dad would have wanted you to have it. Both as a memory and so that you can sleep better at night." She gave Radhe a hug before she returned to Dust and Hans who waved good bye to them.
The other contestants and Sophie also boarded the ship. The captain gave order and the sailors began to lower the sail and prepare for the open sea. A bunch of assembly worker were still working beneath deck as they left the Harbor and went out towards the open sea.
Four large balistas was installed at the front, center and back of the ship.
Radhe looked over board as the ship cut through the water surface. It was moving with much more elegance through the water than the ship they had arrived at Legorna with.
Sophie appeared beside her. "This is the Galatea. It is one of the faster ships in the Lisakdonian fleet. It's captain is Charles, A honorable man from a heritage of Verstigan captains and admirals."
Mishra was under deck to investigate the rooms that they had been promised. four quite fitting rooms. One was a little larger than the others so he ordered his assembly workers to put his equipment within there.
Tiamat was sitting on deck looking out towards Legorna. Soon only the tower was visible.
R5-T4 was sitting down with his back to the central mast. Some goblins was checking on him. Some large man accidentally stumbled upon the construct. The goblins jumped up in anger. The man revealed a huge axe toward the goblins, threatening to double their numbers. "Derick! Calm down!" Bristana saw what had happened and moved towards them. "Bristana? Are you with these green skins?"
"Yes, Something has happened that require that I travel to Crastine. Could you please put aside the ax from contestant R5-T4's service personnel please?" She said while holding one hand on Derick's axe.
"This construct is a contestant!? Uhm well of course. Forgive me I did not know."
One of the goblins gave an angry look at Derick who gave very threatening one back. The goblin backed off.
Tiamat and Radhe had joined the little disturbance. Mishra came up and wondered looked around to see what happening. Dereck noticed his little audience and raised his breast and spoke in some kind of pride. "Right! I haven't introduced myself! I am the iron fist, Derick! The unstoppable semi finalists of the 9th tournament."
Mishra scoffed at him. "If you are so unstoppable, why did you stop as a semi finalist?" Derick lowered his head and scratched his beard. "Well, I was unstoppable, but my opponent. She was unbreakable. I have destroyed so many artifacts and constructs in both my own world and this one but her weapons and armor. They would not even scratch. I had lost before I was even defeated. She later became champion. "
They all returned to their activities. The sun began to decline at the horizon. Radhe had made her way to her room. She put the flower beside the bed and went to sleep.
She was dreaming of the Akon, Wardnan, Kara as human and monster. She dreamed of the black flame which she had released. She dreamed Hans and Veronica "Kill Zaralim she heard. The dream turned black. The Trogon forest appeared around her. She was in the location she had fought the Akon earlier. Someone approached her. It was Zaralim.
Someone was shouting something far away. It sounded like "We're under attack."
Zaralim approached Radhe. She made the forest form after her will and attack Zaralim. They missed as he easily dodged the attacks. She tried again to keep him away from her. She failed again. He had drawn his dagger and attacked her. She tried to dodge the attack but she was too slow. Zaralim got a hit on her arm. He then licked the blood covered dagger.
"We're under attack." Someone was knocking.
Radhe felt something in her pocket. It was the abyssal seed. She took a hold of it and once again let the trees attack Zaralim. The seed began to burn within her hand but as it did. Her power grew and she managed to hit and even break Zaralim. He stood up again and took a bite in a pouch he had. blood was dripping from it.
"We're under attack!" The knocking and shouting became louder.
Radhe managed to keep Zaralim at bay and even pierce him with a wooden spear from a tree. Her opponent was bleeding heavily. He took out another pouch and took a bite. The blood from this pouch had a glowing color. As Zaralim drank he began to change. He turned into something that resembled a large bat. Radhe tried to wrap him up but he was more powerful now. He broke the trees and flew towards her. Radhe closed her eyes as she tried to focus. She then heard a dragon's roar.
"We're under attack!!" Radhe woke up. Someone was knocking on her door. She put on her clothes and ran up on deck. She was later joined by the other contestants. The captain shouted. "Stelladora are attacking! We can't outrun them so we have to fight!" Some of the sailors ran to the four ballista. Other equipped themselves with crossbows. Derick held his axe in both hands. Sophie cast illusionary wings on Derick and some other sailors.
Tiamat looked to the east. She saw three beings flying towards them. They had knights on their backs which led the dragons. Sophie gave Tiamat and the other contestants wings. The dragons came closer. They split up, One attacked from the east while the others came from the north and south. The ballista prepared to shoot at the approaching attackers. The captain had drawn his sword. "Fight or die!"
Three Stelladoran Dragonriders are attacking the Galatea.
Now it is up to the contestants and the rest of the crew to defend her from these attackers.
This is were I leave the action to you guys. good luck!
(You are not forced to write anything if you don't want to or don't have time.)
(Present time.)
Tiamat was under the deck of Galatea, lying on a bed of the room, where she decided to sleep. Dim light came from a small window and from a lantern, which was hanging on a wall near the bed. The ship creaked and squeaked silently as it sailed through the sea. Tiamat's leather bag was beneath the bed and her greatsword was lying on the wooden floor. Every time when she tried to make it lean against a wall, the ship's movements have made it fall down.
After the death of Sir Wardnan, Tiamat has been almost completely speechless. She blamed herself from his death. Even though she had trained with Haide, defeated two contestants, killed a corrupted bear and a drake, she still wasn't capable enough to save herself or Sir Wardnan from Zaralim.
Bristana, Radhe, Clementia, Veronica... I will make him beg for forgiveness.
The dragon girl changed position in the bed and laid on her left side. She slightly gritted her teeth and closed her eyes. She could still feel a little pain from her scars. Zaralim's words about the watchman girl have been or her mind all this time.
Haide... Where are you? Please be alive. You're like my big sister...
During her last day in Legorna, Tiamat had tried to track down captain Niven or some of his squad members. They seemed to know Haide quite well. But Tiamat heard from captain Berend that Niven's squad had left to some other city days ago, and didn't know when they would come back. Luckily, Elidyr, of all people, came just in time to the harbor when Tiamat was about to board the ship. He was deeply sorry about what happened in The Old Vagabond many days ago, then he gave her an envelope with Tiamat's name on it. Elidyr bid his farewells and watched as Galatea sailed to the ocean horizon.
The envelope was still unopened within Tiamat's bag. She was afraid to look if it had some bad news about Haide. And when Tiamat entered the room for the first time, she just wanted to lay down on the bed.
After a while, she turned to lay on her right side, which hurt even more when she did so. Tiamat tried to think of something which would calm her. She started reminiscing about her times with Nathan. He had tried to cheer her up many times after the tragedy. Sometimes he even made her smile, either when he was good at it or when he screwed up something, mostly the latter.
Warmth filled Tiamat's chest when she remembered the night at Legorna's Heat and Sweet. The same warmth, which she felt when Nathan kissed her at the harbor. She regretted for not talking to him as much as they did during their date. No promises, just farewells.
I wish to hear from you soon.
After a moment, Tiamat's mind drifted back from her thoughts into the room. She heard as someone was knocking the room's door and shouting.
"We're under attack!"
Tiamat got up, then she put on her blue clothes and her leather boots. The shouting and knocking became louder.
"We're under attack!!"
The dragon girl equipped her armor and picked up her greatsword. The wounds still hurt a little, but she didn't mind that. Then she heard a roar, which reached her very soul.
A dragon!?
She opened the door and hurried onto Galatea's deck. She joined the other contestants, who were staring at the shouting captain of the ship.
"Stelladora are attacking! We can't outrun them so we have to fight!"
Some of the sailors ran to the four ballistae. Other equipped themselves with crossbows. Derick held his axe in both hands. Sophie cast illusionary wings on Derick and some other sailors.
Tiamat looked to the east. She saw three beings flying towards them. They had knights on their backs which led the dragons. Tiamat felt as her soul started to burn even more. She put her hand on her chest as the pain grew stronger. Sophie saw this, then she hurried to Tiamat's side.
"Are you alright?"
The dragon girl turned her head at Nathan's sister. Her soul began to calm down.
"Yes. I've had worse."
They turned their heads and saw as the dragons came closer. Sophie gave Tiamat and the other contestants wings. Then Tiamat turned her head back at Sophie.
"W-wait, I can't fly!"
"Yes you can! Aren't you a human dragon?"
Tiamat pointed at her illusionary wings with her left hand's thumb.
"Are these really necessary? I could use a crossbow!"
"Just jump off, spread your wings, and fly! You can fight them with your greatsword!"
The dragon riders split up, One attacked from the east while the others came from the north and south. Tiamat kept looking at the dragon, which attacked from the east.
Damn it, here I go!
She jumped overboard, and when she did, the wings caught the wind. Tiamat's heart skipped a heartbeat, then it quickened. She was thrilled as she flew up in the air. She even started to laugh a little. After a few seconds, she turned around and looked down at the dragon riders and the ship from above. Her face was serious as she prepared for a counter attack.
The sailors prepared to shoot at the approaching attackers with their crossbows and ballistae. Tiamat unsheathed her greatsword, then she swooped down with her wings at the dragon, which was at the eastern side of the ship. Captain Charles, who was on the deck, had drawn his sword and pointed it to the sky.
"Fight or die!"
Wardnan risked his life, for me? For this?
Such thoughts would do her no good, she realised. She had to think, although with the Stelladora closing in, there wasn't much time for that. What was she, without her plants? What skills did she have?
"All I have is a stupid peg leg!"
Her loud exclamation caught the attention of R5-T4, itself busy fending off a particularly aggressive dragon rider. "MIzZiUm LEg n0t STupId! MElTinG PoiNT OVer 9000! 42 on wiZZleToN'S HaRdneSS scAle!"
Melting point?
A roar broke the flow of her thoughts. She whipped around to see the dragon that had been attacking R5-T4 flying towards her menacingly. The rider and dragon laughed, seemingly in unison.
Radhe had had enough. Throughout the tournament, people had just been treating her as a child, as a delicate thing meant to be protected and shielded from harm. And now this dragon just went for her first thinking her to be easy prey, a weakling, first pickings. No more.
Radhe waited for the opportune moment. The dragon opened its maw. Just as the first embers started to emerge from its throat, Radhe flapped upwards in a sudden burst, taking all of her above the path of the dragon except her metal leg. As the flames burst forth, she glanced briefly at R5-T4. You had better be right.
Sure enough, the flames swept over her metal leg and were largely absorbed by the curious material, although the heat it transmitted along its length burnt the stub of her original leg. Radhe gritted her teeth, fighting through the pain. She didn't have much more time to think as the head of the now-confused dragon crashed into her. She stabilized herself as the dragon tried desperately to slow its momentum and turn around. Ignoring the pain and the added weight of her right leg, she darted towards the dragon's head. A brief moment of fear passed over her as she hovered before its eye, staring into that baleful yellow sphere. Then she shook it off.
Not so helpless now, am I?
She thought of Henric and how he had nurtured her, and saved her life. Drawing upon the strength of those memories, she mustered up all the might she could and channeled it into her right leg.
It felt like a hammer blow when she swung her leg into the eye of the dragon.
The red-hot metal cut into the eyeball like a knife through butter. Both dragon and rider howled in unison, the rider clutching his eye. R5-T4 now capitalised on the confusion, and landed a blow on the dragon's jaw that resounded with a sickening crunch. The creature screamed in agony, as did its rider.
The heat of the leg was now burning her senseless. She couldn't keep this up any longer. She let herself drop like a stone towards the water below.
She could hear Sophie scream from afar. "Radhe, no!"
She opened her wings as she neared the water's surface in order to break her fall. She decelerated sufficiently before crashing into the water below in a hiss of steam. She tried to swim but the leg was too heavy and too slender to generate enough force. She felt it drag her down, further and further, regardless of how hard she tried.
It is time to let go. Maybe Henric realised this too.
A hand swept past her but she ignored it, allowing herself to sink beneath the crashing waves...
I plan on having the match between R5-T4 and Mishra on Friday at around 22:00 Central European time. I would like you to have your character and signature cards ready and posted until then.
Does this work well for @Gelectrode @Faiths_Guide ?
The match between Tiamat and Radhe will follow on Sunday. @TenebrisNemo @KalamMekhar
When the finalists have been declared. Would you guys like me to hold a bronze match or should I go directly for the final match? Or should I ask this again when the semi matches has been finished?
The sun had just disappeared beneath the horizon.
Tiamat was sitting in the front of the Galatea. She hanged out over the railing staring at the water surface. The ocean was deep and dark, but she still had a little hope within her.
The Galatea had been damaged and three ballistae had been destroyed. Seven sailors had been killed but at least their bodies remained on the ship so that they could be buried. Not everyone had been so lucky.
It was two days ago now the dragons had attacked. One of the dragons had been killed and one had been badly wounded before they had fled back where they came from.
In the horizon, a stone structure appeared. Tiamat looked towards up at it.
When they got closer she saw that it was a fortress.
"The island fortress, Harmenborg, the first outpost of the Frejdan. Now we are entering the sea of Crastine." Bristana had appeared beside Tiamat.
"Tiamat, you should go to bed and get some sleep. We won't be in Crastine for at least six more hours, even with the Galatea's speed." Bristana said before she followed Tiamat to her room.
Tiamat woke up by the ship turning back and forth. She put on her clothes and moved out of her room. "Ahh Tiamat! Good that you are awake, I was just about to go and wake you up." Sophie said from the door to her room. Tiamat nodded to her and they both went up on deck together. Charles was standing at the steering wheel. Derick played some game with some of the sailors from the crew. He had a large wound on his shoulder from one of the dragons' fire. Mishra was sitting and investigation his assembly for the hundredth time it felt like.
R5-T4 was looking around at the multiple islands that Charles had to avoid.
Most of the islands were covered with buildings of different kind. The largest Island had a huge lighthouse built upon it.
"Is this Crastine?" Tiamat asked Sophie.
"These islands and the region stretching back to Harmenborg are called the region of Frejdan or the Frejdan Islands. Crastine is just beside that mountain there." To their left were land with a large mountain blocking most of the view.
As the moved along the mountain and the coastline behind it became visible, buildings appeared in the far distance. As the mountain gave more and more visibility the city became larger and larger. It elevated upwards and statues of an angelic figure or a humanoid with wings became visible behind the mountain. The central structure, a large temple looking castle stood above the city. When they had left the mountain to the side and the whole coastline of the city was visible, Derick shouted out.
"Welcome to Crastine! The largest and most gl hahaha!"
"pth. Ravnica is larger." said Thibble.
Tiamat did not listen to the goblin. She was stunned at the size of the city. It made Legorna look so insignificant in comparison. She looked around and began to run down to the rooms to tell Radhe that they had arrived. Then it hit her.
Radhe was not there. Her metal leg had been too heavy when she fell into the water during the battle with the dragons. She had disappeared into the darkness of the violent ocean before Tiamat had been given a chance to save her.
Radhe was gone.
Artwork by: yin yuming
The story is good, though! )
It supposed to be written. "Welcome to Crastine! The largest and most glorious city in all of Lisakdonia, hahaha!"
Some information about Crastine, the capital of Lisakdonia.
Population: Approximately 600 000
The architecture is supposed to be something between Medieval Italian and typical Roman but the image gives quite good representation regardless.
The climate is similar to Greece and such. You can thus assume that the forests and plants are similar to those.
There is a bunch of smaller inner parks within Crastine's walls and one large to the north.
There is an open large plaza to the north before the wall gates. There is a monument in the middle of it.
There are multiple gates and also harbors/docks to the city.
Crastine have had slavery earlier. mostly elves, goblins and some others. This was completely fine until some problems occurred. The problems escalated and was not stopped until a little more than 100 years ago. Slavery is not allowed today but there is still a small disgust towards elves, goblins, and others. This is why Fedron was careful for showing himself for the wrong people. Legorna did however not have historical slavery so they do not think less of elves.
Defenses/forces:
Crastine does have a fortified stone wall inland. The sea is protected by the Frejdan region to the south and relies on its own fleet to the north.
Crastine is a highly militarized city and thus have a large defensive force of at very minimum 5 - 10 000 dependable on the circumstances.
For the moment there is more than 50 000 soldiers in and around Crastine.
There is also something like 200-300 ships in the city and the Fedjan islands.
Approximately half of the soldiers here are somewhat well equipped with plate armor, chainmail and gambeson. Some general equipment of the better equipped half can be seen in earlier posted cards:
Example: https://mtgcardsmith.com/view/lisakdonian-ordinary
Example: https://mtgcardsmith.com/view/crastinian-elite
The other half have more general equipment with chainmail, gambeson and parts of plate, helm eg.
Unlike Legorna which is ruled by the Federation representative. Crastine is ruled by multiple "organs".
Friyena is the highest of these and can overrule any of the others.
The second highest is the "queen" Yiadelle. Her voice is the highest when Friyena is not present. She can stop other organs decisions temporarily but not overrule them completely. The queen does control the diplomacy, the defenses and some parts of the economic sections. The monarch was earlier the absolute organ (like Friyena is now) but this changed a little more than 100 years ago during something that is called the "crusade" or "the noble bloodbath." More about that later.
The military is controlled by a group of generals but at the present this is almost a completely ruled by one. The commander of the Lisakdonian army, Victor.
The church also have quite much power under the rule of patriarch Kustavos.
There is an economic and trade organ that consists of multiple politicians and other administrators.
A little note: Friyena's knights and champions are not part of the Crastine military.
The military, the defence forces and her knights are three different forces with different direct leaders.
This is how it is on paper. In "reality", the lines are much more vauge and less described.
If there is anything you wonder. Then you know that you can just ask.
However. The tournament matches are less seen as entertainment and more as a test to decide the worthy champion.
Seven warships filled with soldiers and equipment passed by the Galatea as they moved towards the south.
The Galatea moved in to the dock. A crowd had gathered on the harbor to see the four contestants. Tiamat had entered Radhe's room. She looked around and found the grey peacekeeper beside the bed. She took it with her. If one could bring a little hope then maybe two together could make truth of that hope. It was a silly thought but it would not hurt to try.
Mishra's assembly workers where the first ones to step off the Galatea. They carried the boxes and gathered them just beside some administrators or something. They looked at the construct. Not in a questioning manner but in admiration.
The administrators welcomed the contestants and ordered a bunch of soldiers to help the contestants with their package.
One of the administrators held a document in his hand and pen as he began to speak to the contestants. "I see that you all have arrived safe and secure." even as some soldiers carried the dead sailors past him.
"Safe!!" Tiamat threw out at him.
"Ahh you must be the girl with the dragon blood. And you must be the genius Mishra. This special constructs I predict is R5-T4. But. I don't seem to find the plant manipulating girl amongst you. Where is the last contestant?"
Tiamat calmed down and looked towards the ocean.
"She, Radhe is gone."
"Well then I congratulate you Tiamat for reaching the final of the championship."
"No sir. What she meant is that Radhe might have survived." Bristana said as she took position beside Tiamat.
"Might have survived? The federation does not accept delays miss so Radhe is thereby disqualified."
"Delay? The second match won't be played for another three weeks! If she is well she'll have a good amount of time to arrive." Bristana got a little upset.
"The contestants should be here with the ship they where supposed to arrive with. The last contestant is not here. The federation's orders are simple!" said the man.
"The federation. Don't you know who I am!?" Bristana got angry.
"I know good well who you are. That does not change anything. The rules are clear."
Sophie moved througth the people to talk to him but. "If you don't accept delays. Why don't you disculify all of the contestants. They are techically late."
"Minor delays happens."
"You accept this delay but not hers?"
"This girl said herself that you don't know where she is. If she is even alive."
Bristana jumped into the conversation. "She is gone because we got attacked by Stelladorans. Was it not the Federations mission to ensure our safety during the trip!?"
"We did spend the resources to ensure your safety but since you were delayed by two days the resources had to be spent elsewhere."
Tiamat saw Bristana put her hand on Zaralim's dagger.
"So what you are saying is that you let one of the contestant probably die because the federation had to spend the resources elsewhere!!?"
"If the girl did not survive means that she was not fit to be champion to begin with. No one of real value have been lost."
Bristana stood still shocked. "No one of real value?" She looked at the dead sailor two soldier brought into land. "No one of real value?"
She grabbed onto the dagger with a real firm grip. Tiamat moved into her and tried to calm her down by putting her hand onto Bristanas arm.
Bristana continued to speak. "Then tell me. Was Sir Henric Wardnan also a no one?"
The man saw how upset Bristana was and he did not seem to care.
"What happened to Sir Henric Wardnan was truly tragic for us all. However sir Wardnan did attack a champion of godess Friyena so his death was his own fault."
Bristana could not take it anymore she tried to draw her dagger but Tiamat tried to hold her.
"Oyy! What is taking such long time?" Someone shouted from the crowd. The people made room for the two white haired women that walked towards Tiamat and the others. Tiamat would recognice the shorter one of them anywhere. She felt Bristana loose her grip of the dagger then Tiamat released her and ran and gave Haide a huge hug. "Oyy, Federation dude. Why are you taking so long time. Your job should be easy. just confirm that the contestants has arrived and giv'em guidance to their villa." shouted the large woman beside Tiamat.
The federation man turned and spoke to the woman"Vateria? The rules are simple. The contestant is gone and thus cannot continue the tournament."
The large woman walked to and stopped right in front of the man. "Well they did say that she might come later so I don't understand why there is a problem."
"According to the rules. Contestants that are very late or missing are to be disqualified."
"I've never heard of that rule. Is it new? who made it up? Or maybe it's the reader that is misunderstands the rules? Even if that is true. Like Bristana, oh by the way. Nice to see you Bristana." The woman waved with a happy smile to Bristana. "so. Where were I? Oh right. Like Bristana said. Is it not the federations job to ensure their safety?"
"Ehm, Vateria, the resources were..."
"Ahh yeah right, the resources. The paper with instructions when and where the contestants should be located. You know. The instructions you were supposed to give to Blazagni who haven't done anything constructive the last week except looking cool and being really hot."
"Vateria. The paper works have been very demanding this week with the loss of castle Niestelholm and the eastern regions of the green mountains.
"So you let a young girl in disappear and maybe worse because of too much paperwork?"
"You, even with your position should not interfere with federation business. The federation has done this for far longer than you have been in the picture. Stay away and let us handle this."
"Was that an order? Did you just give me an order? Of course I will leave you to your business because you know so well what you are doing. Yet. How comes it that like you said earlier. Sir Henric Wardnan attacked another one of Friyena's chosen and it was his fault for his own death? Even though we all know how very loyal Sir Wardnan was all until the end? How comes it that the federation accepts the request of the least respected and trusted champion to go to Legorna and then blames one of the most respected of Friyena's knights for attacking him. One that has been a knight for longer than the federation has existed?"
"The federation only makes the best decisions for the people and goddess Friyena."
"You know what. I do know what the problem here is. The problem is you. now please sign the papers so the contestants can go to the villa."
"Guards! please escort Vateria away from the site." The man was shaking but the soldiers did not move a centimeter.
Vateria took her hand and laid it on the man's shoulder. "Soldier. Please tell this man who I am."
A soldier stepped forward "Silver hair Vateria. Warrior princess of the Vaterian tribe. Destroyer of the twin akons at lake Darton. Protector of queen Yiadelle and chosen of goddess Firyena. The champion of the seventh championship."
"Now sign these papers or you'll face the same destiny as the girl you failed to protect. You are wasting my time, my cousin's time and Tiamat and her friend's time."
The man signed the papers for all four contestants and they could finally go to the large Villa where they would live for the upcoming weeks.
The contestants was later welcomed by the queen who wished them a good time in Crastine.
Each contestant has been given a couple of soldiers and servants from the crown to serve them.
The contestants later arrived at the large Villa where they will live in for the remaining weeks.
Think Roman villa.
The size is something like this: https://peterborougharchaeology.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/roman-villa-reconstruction-e1495322664670.jpg
The villa consists of two large houses and a central courtyard with a large fountain. The front yard is decorated with flowers and other decorative plants and trees. Behind the villa is the northern forest mentioned earlier. Not very large but it is a forest. Not too far into the forest lies a training ground which can be used by the contestants at any time.
It is a luxury villa in a similar style like the ancient roman ones.
Tiamat had grown beyond Haide at this point in both skill and strength so she was unable to keep up a match against her dragon friend. The only "real" fight Tiamat had been given lately had been the fight against Zaralim which had not been very giving for her.
Haide's cousin Vateria has offered Tiamat to train her.
As Haide defeats her opponents through avoiding movement to get into better positions. Vateria brings her opponent down by pure might. A combat style closer to the one used by Tiamat.
Mishra
The following day of their arrival. Mishra decided to seek up this master smith Krautus. He asked the traders at the market. It did not take long until he was given a direction.
He was directed to a forge at the end of the city. The location were nothing special, especially not for a "master smith". He went in and found a young boy, probably a helper. The boy led him to an above middle aged man who was working with some swords.
"I do not take special deliveries right now, you'll have to find another blacksmith." the man said before he noticed the wheelchair Mishra was sitting in. "Why would a cripple like you even seek out a blacksmith if I may ask?"
Mishra did not answer the question. He took out the letter that he had been given earlier.
"My name is Mishra. You asked me to come here so that we could discuss "business." Don't you recognize simple describable traits of your own clients master smith?"
Krautus took the hot sword he was working on and lowered it into a bucket of oil. The sword was on fire when he drew it up again before he blew it out.
"I have not sent any message to anyone. As I said earlier. I don't take special deliveries at this moment from some unknown stranger with the war raging on."
Mishra was growing impatient with this man. He either had totally forgot the message for some reason or he did not believe him to be Mishra. Mishra took out the piece of metal that Krautus had sent to him before the first match.
"Would any unknown stranger have a piece of the metal you had forged in their belongings. Do you not recognize your own product?"
Krautus put aside the sword he was working on and took a quick look at the piece.
"So you really are that contestant in Legorna. Yes I do recognize that piece of wonder anywhere, but you are completely wrong. It is not my product. If you want to meet your true master smith. Come back here at nightfall after the forge closed."
Mishra did not like having his time wasted like this but if he could receive enough of the special metal to fully equip himself and his assembly workers, he would not have any problems with R5-T4 in the upcoming semifinals if not everything would go as planned.
Mishra spent the rest of the day talking with traders and other people of power within Crastine to build up a new network. During one moment during the day he saw another construct travel through the city. It was not his own assembly workers nor did it resemble R5-T4. The construct was as tall as two full grown men and carried someone on his shoulder. It was a dwarf. The people did not seem to care about it so it must be quite mundane here in Crastine.
The night approached and Mishra returned to the forge. He knocked on the door and after a while, the helper boy opened and allowed him in. The forge was dark and mostly silent except for a hammering sound from deep within. Krautus was packing a couple of swords into their respectively leather sheaths and then packed them into a box. He noticed Mishra and pointed him towards a door at the back from which the sound came from. The boy opened the door for Mishra and he went in. Behind the door was another smaller forge and in the middle of it stood a woman hammering on a glowing iron piece. The glow was different from the usual one. It was as if she was hammering souls or something into the piece. She looked up at Mishra and gave him a minor smile. She had multiple old scars on her face.
"I presume you are the master smith that from which I had received the special piece of metal some months ago in Legorna?" Mishra asked while the woman continued her work.
"That's me. Did you like it?"
"It did have its particular usefulness in my first two matches."
"Well of course. Otherwise I would not speak to you now."
"You asked me to get here so that we could discuss some business?"
"Business is such a boring word but I guess you could call it that."
The girl gave instructions to Mishra that her supply of a very specific ore, Aktorium is running out. The distributor has limited the deliveries to Crastine because of the war and the deliveries was only given to other high ups instead of Krautus. Mishra asked why she did not herself try to solve the distribution. She said that she would not be able to continue with her "hobby" in peace if people knew that she was working there. She needed someone with a good skill for persuasion to get the material for her. Mishra agreed to help her in exchange for the recipe of her special metal.
"Haha. There is no special recipe for my work Mishra. I use the exact same "recipe" as most others. All metals, Iron, steel, cooper, gold, platinum all speak. For a smith to create the perfect pieces he need to know the needs of the metal and every little chunk has different needs. That's what I do. I simply speak to the metal and give it exactly what it wants, together with a little bit of magic to make it easier of course."
"I understand. Something I don't understand though. Why me? Why not ask the defensive forces or the army directly to gather the ore for you?"
"I would of course do that. But then they would understand that I make tools under their eyes without supplying them. I send the tools I have finished home, to my real home. Lisakdonia is not the only realm in war and my home is at moment being invaded by corrupt metal beings. I have sworn my allegiance here and it would not be right to leave Lisakdonia just for a small chance to save Mirrodin."
"I see. Then I fix the distribution of the Aktorium for you and you make tools for me and my assembly workers. Can I have your insurance that it will work against my far more powerful opponents that remain or does your masterpiece only become a masterpiece against lesser foes."
"I can completely ensure you that my tools will keep the same quality all until the end. It did lead me to victory in the championship seven years ago."
Before Mishra left the forge he turned around and asked. "I did not get your name earlier."
"It's Johanna."
Gonna make the assumption that there is a replica of R5-T4 is Crastine under the control of Thibble. The real R5-T4 had been hidden with Mishra during the trip to Crastine.
R5-T4
The real R5-T4 was hiding from the izzet soldiers. He had to find Mishra and keep away from those that wanted to hurt him or even worse, destroy him.
Walking around Crastine was rather strange compared to Legorna. The people did not seem to mind R5-T4 as anything beside the norm here. They did look at him for a short moment but not long enough for him to believe that they never seen a construct earlier. After a couple of hours of searching he finally found Mishra. He was talking to some old man and the market. "I NeeD tO GeT tO Sir MiShRa BefORe ThEy fiND mE." he thought as he began to move towards Mishra. Then he heard something huge at the other end of the market. R5-T4 saw a huge construct with some dwarf on its shoulder.
The dwarf held a staff in its hand similar to what the Izzet had.
R5-T4 hid behind a wall, hoping that the dwarf had not seen him. Why where there a dwarf working for his master? R5-T4 could not remain here. He had to get away from the dwarf and the large construct before he was found. He moved further down, trying to find a temporary hiding place. He got to an alley that seemed dark enough to hide in.
"There it is! Capture it!"
A couple of izzet soldiers had found R5-T4. He ran back to where he had come from. Moving from house to house. He stopped. More izzet soldiers had appeared before him. R5-T4 ran in another direction and was once again stopped by even more soldier.
"No. I DoN'T wANt to HUrT yOu. PlEAse LeaVE mE AloNe"
R5-T4 ran back where he had seen Mishra before. Hopefully the dwarf was gone and Mishra could out maneuver the soldiers with his assembly workers. It was most likely only wishful thinking as R5-T4 ran with at least a dozen soldiers chasing him.
R5-T4 got out on the market but Mishra was not there anymore. There where however even more izzet soldiers and some scientists there who noticed him. R5-T4 had to continue running but if it continued like this much longer he would have to fight, something he rather did not do at all, especially in the sight of all the people.
Some additional soldiers and scientists found him later and he had problems outrunning them even though he was much faster. They had begun to encircle him north of the market. They were calling for reinforcements to that location and soon R5-T4 was forced to fight or give up.
R5-T4 ran around a corner and suddenly stopped. The large construct with the dwarf stood just in front of him and he had noticed R5-T4. R5-T4 did not manage to get away before the large construct picket him up. This was it, R5-T4 had to fight. However before he managed to do something, one of the soldiers behind him shouted.
"Drop the masterpiece construct immediately!"
The dwarf looked down at R5-T4 then at his own construct before he answered. "Which one?" The soldier pointed at R5-T4. "The one you are holding in the hand"
The dwarf looked down at R5-T4 again. "Why should I?"
"Because that construct is to be destroyed."
"Why?"
"Because it is malfunctioning and does not follow orders."
"Why? It looks rather fine to me."
"Because that is none of your business!"
"Why?"
"Ok. Listen here funny guy. Drop the construct now or there will be consequences!"
"Ooh. I like consequences. My opponents usually sh*t their pants before we get to that point though."
"Very funny. Now I won't ask again. Drop the construct!"
"No wonder you haven't shat your pants yet. Your brains does not seem to be able comprehend the reality of the situation and thus release the resisting tensional force in your sphincter.
Or with easier to understand words. YOU ARE TOO STUPID TO BE ABLE TO SH*T YOUR PANTS!"
The dwarf and the two constructs became surrounded by more soldiers, scientists and other battle constructs.
The dwarf looked around and chuckled. "Are you for real? You really plan to attacking me? ME!? Do you not even know who I am?"
R5-T4 looked up at the dwarf. "PlEAse Don't FiGHt. iT iS mE THey wAnt."
The soldier spoke again with his weapon clearly ready in both his hands.
"You are nothing more than an ugly dwarf with a large metal toy, soon to be made an example of what happens to those that opposes the Izzet league and Grand Architect Thibble."
The dwarf had looked down at R5-T4 for a short moment before he looked back at the soldier. The dwarf began to laugh hysterically.
"Ugly dwarf? haha good one. It is clear though that you are too dull to know who I am so I shall give you a small introduction. I am Skaforlin, an experimental genius of the toy industry in candy land. I am also the owner of the unicorn manure farm in rainbow garden. There where also something more. Oh right. I am also the 12th champion of the tournament! And I am growing very tired of your company so good day."
The soldier gave order and the battle constructs attacked the dwarf and the large construct who still had R5-T4 in its hand. The large construct very easily slammed the battle constructs into the ground, breaking them. The soldiers began to attack but some smaller constructs similar to the large one the dwarf was standing on appear from a valley. They ran to the soldiers and jumped to the ground. Through a blast of energy they exploded throwing the surrounding soldiers and scientists far from the blast. Those that still stood up tried to either help those hurt by the blast or run away.
"YEAH AND DON'T FORGET WHO I AM NEXT TIME!" Skaforlin shouted at the running soldiers.
He then looked down at R5-T4. "You must be that construct contestant in the tournament. Fascinating to see such an intelligent yet powerful construct."
"ThAnk YOu FoR HelPInG Me."
"Don't mention it. I just wanted to plant a little respect in your mean and very stupid friends. Now. Let's see if I can make some modifications to you in case they would dare to mess with a fine piece of engineering like you again."
The large construct released R5-T4 and they walked towards the outskirts of the city were a large warehouse was located.
These former champions that I have presented to you now will or may act as your character's mentors or "partners". They are solely plot tools for your characters to become stronger and you use them exactly how you see fit.
Tiamat was walking the dark streets of Crastine at late evening. She had tried to focus earlier when she trained with Vareria but it her thoughts just went back to Sir Wardnan and Radhe.
She thought of Caron, Elidyr, the Vagabond and all the others she might not see again.
A cat was running past Tiamat into an alley. It seemed to hunt a mouse or something.
As Tiamat walked on she noticed a house with light and music coming from inside. She looked closer and noticed that it was a tavern.
She thought again on the Vagabond and approached the tavern. Maybe she could find a little rest for her mind inside there.
Before she stepped in she looked at the great wooden sign. "The Eagle's nest"
"A nest? Maybe that could work." She thought as she stepped inside.
The tavern did remind her of the Vagabond but that was probably just because it's also a tavern. A woman was playing a fiolin and dancing on one of the tables. She had a large audience of tired but happy middle aged men. Tiamat looked around at the tables for somewhere to sit. She noticed a large man with blonde hair sitting alone with his back towards her.
"Sir Wardnan!?"
The man turned around and revealed that it was not Sir Wardnan. Of course it was not him. What was she thinking.
"Yes?" The man asked in confusion.
"No sorry I thought you were someone else." Tiamat said with a little shame.
The man looked down at a glass while he was silent for a little while before he responded. "You thought I was Henric."
Tiamat looked at him again.
"I am Sir Robin Wardnan, Henric's brother."
-------------------------------
Tiamat was sitting beside Robin with a glass of her own.
"I don't understand it. How could Henric, my brother. Known as the "Akon killer" be defeated by Zaralim. Henric was one of the greatest chosen knights of Friyena. Zaralim should not even be considered a champion."
He answered before Timat could ask.
"My brother, ever since our parents was killed by the Margeficus hated the Akons with his whole heart. It did take a while for it to make notice but within him he wanted to seek out every one of them and destroy them, as if he was searching for something that could remove his pain, his loss. Henric had always taken death worse than I but he also found strength in that. He became so good in killing Akons that he was even sent alone on mission to kill them, something very rare even for Friyena's chosen. He never found what he was searching for until one day when he was given a mission to hunt an Akon in the south. It turned out to be a greater akon. My brother did manage to kill it but he was badly wounded and ended up in Legorna where he finally found what he had been searching for for so long. Someone to take his pain away. His soul was broken once again the day Marianne was killed. I should have travelled to him while I had the chance. I was never a really good little brother. I could not even confront Zaralim when he came here to be crowned champion."
Tiamat looked down at her glass. "I will kill Zaralim."
Robin took another sip from his glass. "I understand that you want to but Zaralim is out of you reach now."
"No he is not. He still have unfinished business with me. He wants my blood."
"If that is what you say. I would not recommend you to but it is your choice. Just be careful. If he was able to kill Henric, who knows what else he is capable of."
"He only managed to kill Sir Wardnan because he had some kind of dagger. A dagger he no longer possess. This is my chance. I shall lure him out and I shall destroy him. Before I end his miserable life I shall call out "Akon Foralt" so he never rests in peace."
Robin put down his glass and looked at Tiamat. "How do you know about Akon foralt?"
"I heard it from a friend. That it was used to curse someone that had died. Do you know anyone that has used it?"
"Akon Foralt is far more than just a simple curse. It is the last words spoken in a ritual where a souls is brought to the abyss for eternal torment. And yes. I do. it is almost ten years ago now when a young boy was declared a traitor to Frieyna and the whole realm. I remember the words be spoken as that boy's soul was ripped into the abyss. I knew that boy since earlier. He had offered his loyalty to Friyena on the very same day as Henric and I did. He had also lost his family that day to the Margeficus."
"Why was he declared a traitor?"
"What I know is that he was one Friyena's knights that had joined the army's attack on the Stelladoran main land. It was a losing battle and is said that during the battle, that boy just disappeared like a wind. One moment he was there, the next he was gone.
He came back almost a year later. He tried to convince the people of the "god's lies" and much more. He was declared a lying traitor and doomed to eternal torment in the abyss. "
(Be wary of the lack of brutality.)
The last rays of the sun have left the horizon. Star ocean filled the sky, and a few tiny, grey clouds sailed in it. Only quiet winds traveled through the night. It wasn't very dark, thanks to the silver light of the gibbous moon. Tiamat and Nathan were walking side by side along the path, which led to the food place at the riverside, named as "Legorna's Heat and Sweet." They left the residential buildings not more than a few minutes ago. Tiamat could see the light of many candles in that place, even though it was still far away.
"I heard from a friend that it's a good place," Tiamat said as she tried to break the silence.
"Really? Who said that?"
Tiamat looked at her companion, who was smiling as he asked that question.
"Someone who was afraid of very large bells."
They both chuckled a little, but Tiamat sighed afterward. She immediately felt bad for saying that. Nathan saw this and tried to change the subject.
"You know, I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw you after the day, when the Akon was slain. I did hear what happened, but it still seems like you're a whole different person."
"People change over time. I've just been quicker at it than others. But I'm still me. At least I wish to be..."
"What do you mean?"
Tiamat put her right palm on her chest. "My soul. It decides what happens to me. I have no control over it. Sometimes I feel like there is another being inside me, which is my master."
"I've never heard anything like that before," Nathan said and put his left hand on Tiamat's right shoulder. "It must be scary to possess it."
"When I first learned about it as a kid, I wanted to get rid of it," she said with a little smile and put her left palm on Nathan's left hand. "But my soul is a part of me. It has given me strength and saved my life many times. I can't imagine what kind of person I would be if I wouldn't have born with it."
Nathan put his hands into a thinking position and looked into the star sky. "Your soul is no ordinary one. Inhuman powers comes from it. If you didn't have it, would you be considered as a normal human?"
"No. My father's and mother's blood flows within my veins. The blood of a human and of a dragon."
"I've seen and heard that you indeed have some dragon qualities."
"Like what?"
"You're energetic, passionate, and you have a strong heart, which explains your sentimentality."
Tiamat smiled and stroked her golden hair. "I suppose that's true."
"But I don't see any dragon features within you. You've always looked like a gorgeous human girl."
Her face slightly turned red as she smiled even more. "Thank you. Well, I have at least one dragon feature, I think. My canine teeth are a bit longer than other people's. It's really hard to notice unless you have sharp eyes like me."
Nathan nodded, then Tiamat looked in front of her. The food place was right before them. She could smell familiar scents; fish, beef, chicken, and many other food. When they walked at the bottom of the wooden stairs, Niven stepped aside and bowed deeply at Tiamat while his right arm pointed up the stairs.
"Ladies first."
Flying was a lot better when you weren't the one doing the flying, mused Radhe as she savoured the wind whipping her face. A particularly strong gust blew and she was forced to sit down, clutching a few feathers for grip and yanking them a bit hard in the process.
The eagle she was sitting on gave a few irritated clicks. This was the fourth time Radhe had yanked on her feathers, and she wasn't one bit pleased about it.
"Sorry! I won't do that again!"
If the eagle could roll her eyes, she would have, knowing the lack of seriousness in that promise. She continued on her path with renewed speed. She had to get Radhe to Crastine quickly, for she had fledglings to feed back at the eyrie.
Radhe could see what she believed to be the walls of Crastine as a faint smudge on the horizon. She was getting closer. Time to quickly review her supplies.
Waterskin?
Check.
Enchanted gemstones?
Check.
Gardening toolkit?
Check.
A variety of harnesses for wild animals?
Check, check, and check.
Food?
Che—
Oh no.
She rummaged through her pack, hoping to find something to eat, but to no avail.
What happened to the rice and lentils? The chilli and garlic spinach? The peanut candy? The mangoes?!?!
She groaned in displeasure, clutching her now-complaining stomach. This was going to be a much longer journey than she thought.
Her thoughts were interrupted as the eagle tipped to its right, gracefully curving along the contours of a canyon. Radhe looked down. The eroded rock below her was a sight to behold. Not for the first time, she realised she was sitting on an eagle. She felt, alive. For she was very much so.
She pondered on the events of the weeks gone by. Weeks spent away from the other contestants, people whom she hadn't known for too long yet made her feel as though she was returning to her long-lost family. She, however, had not missed them as much as she thought she would, for she had made several new friends in —
SKREEEEEE!!!
"What's that you say?"
The eagle jutted her beak out towards the now clearly visible walls of Crastine. Radhe squinted, and could make out a line of archers. The city's defenses.
"Nothing to worry about, Eagley Dear, they won't shoot at either of us, for they malign you not, and I am a contestant. They will be glad to see us!"
The eagle nervously ruffled her neck feathers and proceeded with her flight. Radhe patted her neck affectionately, reassuring her, trying her best to communicate with the eagle's mind. She was still mastering her abilities, both old and new, that she had gained (or regained) during the last two weeks. She still remembered how it all happened with incredible clarity. She was walking alone through a small montane forest, seeking the juicy, heavenly (and now missing) mangoes that only grew there. She crossed a stream, laughing as the cold water splashed at her feet as she skipped over large, flat stones. Once she reached the other side, she continued walking towards where she was told the grove was. A berry vine caught her eye. A starter, perhaps, before a main course of mangoes. She walked towards it. She then noticed a deer approach the vine, and munch on the leaves, seemingly oblivious to her presence. Radhe was furious. This deer was injuring the plant. Summoning the powers she regained after the last of the Akon's foul abyssal taint had left her body and mind only days back, she willed the vines to wrap themselves around the deer. The deer resisted as much as it could, but to no avail. Radhe regarded her work, before she noticed a large black wolf approach the now-trapped deer. Horror overcame Radhe as she realised the gravity of her actions. NO!!! She willed another section of vines to wrap themselves around the wolf, nearly choking it. But then her eyes rested upon another sight. A trio of wolf pups, bony and starved, stared up at their mother in despair. Radhe knew they would not survive if their mother couldn't make this kill. No,no, no! Everything I do is a mistake!Tears enveloped her eyes as she released the vines. The wolf, deer, and vine now turned in unison to regard her, with an expression that chilled Radhe to the bone. They spoke in her mind, in perfect synchrony.
"Do you now see the consequences of your actions, Radhe?"
Stunned, she could only nod blankly.
"Your intentions are well-placed," began the wolf.
"...but they have no place in the working of," continued the deer.
"...the natural order and the ecosystem," finished the vine.
Radhe was beginning to understand. Everything was interconnected. Interconnectivity was life. Life was tooth and nail. The cycles came and went. It was all logical and clear to her now.
The animals understood that she understood. They left as quickly as it came. The vines returned to their original length and conformation, as though nothing had happened. It still amazed Radhe each time she thought about it.
Radhe remembered how she was buzzing with energy after that encounter. She had run at full speed to the mango grove. She had some thinking to do. And some mangoes to devour.
--------------------------------------(A small interlude as I discuss the new card)---------------------------------
New abilities/strengths:
1. Return of original plant manipulation abilities (shown with a return of green in colour identity)
2. Ability to command animals and call them to her aid (she doesn't have as much control over them as she does with plants though, for she is less familiar with this ability and animals are a little less easy to command)(reflected by less restricted token creating ability.)
3. More thoughtful and logical and less impulsive (reflected by loss of red in colour identity and the scry ability)
4. Can now do some basic thought-reading and empathizing, although this is more effective with non-human lifeforms. (reflected by the Future Sight-ish ability)
Weaknesses:
1. Still learning her abilities.
2. Still not great at solo combat; easily outclassed by other contestants at this.
3. Still has only one leg.
4. Largely helpless without access to nature.
(Apologies for all the unnecessary bits about various foods; I am very hungry at the moment and have developed a craving for mangoes even though mango season is still over a month away.)
(The second part of this will be posted shortly)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------