Victory at the Citadel

Theoderic's army has reached the citadel, and news begins to arrive- via owl, mostly- that around the area, the Huns are being driven back. With their central advance on the Citadel defeated by Theoderic's force and the brave defense of the citadel itself, the other Hun attacks are dealt with one by one by Elves, with the help of Duke Ambric's troops, which can be seen to the north, on the high ground on the north side of the town. Also visible from the citadel are the Elven Swan Boats on the river- and from one can be seen flashes of Elven magic lightning.  Though not as cheerfully colored as Aelasuria's it is doing the same thing.

Information about the Citadel can be found here:
link to a message in this game

But for now, this thread is for reunions of characters.  A place where the whole motley mob, the veterans of the Battle of Namaco, can talk.

When they ride out she's a touch sad noting some of the centaurs and other people are missing. She keeps a eye on things listening to Melissa talking with Scolo. "That's a grand idea. Although I must ask where shall we find a Gnome? They sometimes live with halflings or dwarves don't they. Much less common in human cities though definitely not unheard of."

Seeing that the citadel has held Aelasuria is relieved to know that things might not be as demanding on Theo and her friends as it could have. At least that seems to be the situation. Seeing the Giant owls over head she gazes at them with a touch of wonder for a moment. Perking up with a smile she looks eager to greet Alara, Swift, Bulwif, especially Ovo and her brother Salen!

Once she spots Ovo and Salen she urges Spica to a gallop riding up to them quickly. She gracefully slips off her back when Spica arrives. Even if he's a bit of a mess from the battle she runs up to Salen hugging him for a long moment. "It's good to see you safe brother."

Letting him go she then Hugs Ovo affectionately with a look of joy that they are both safe. Even in sad times some reunions are very happy. His beard was a bit scratchy and tickled a bit but she didn't care at the moment. "Ovo! I am glad your all right too. If I know you brave as you are you jumped right into the thick of things. No matter how many orcs there were. Theo's going to be happy to see you again. We just fought a Hun army crossing the River using ice Demons to make bridges. We also defeated some of their Iron soldiers. Unfortunately some of them got through, ogres and orcs."

Seti approaches the citadel on the back of Titus's horse, staring blankly in awe at the carnage. He always wonders brings a creature to attack with such ferocity, offensively. The elves, owls, and others were fighting for their very lives, but the Orcs need not. To some degree, it is in their blood; to another, the demons and shamans had likely warped their disturbed minds even further. He hops off the horse near the felled owls. As a priest, raised in the Roman traditions, Seti Aldieri had never been particularly fond of the fey and their seemingly chaotic heirarchy, but the cooperation evident in the past few days and weeks has been extraordinary. If the Dwarves and Humans had worked together, maybe this battle could have been avoided. There is something to be learned here, even if he isn't yet sure what it is.

As the rumors spread, he hears of Bulwyf's presence and takes heart. Prior to joining Theodoric, Seti had also been on Zerova's path, from a different direction, trying to ferret out insiders in Arras or others who could provide leads. He heard of the witch's demise. He wants to hear the first-hand account, at least twice, but he does not rush inside. He remains near the owls and assists with the ceremonial pyre in his own way, seeking to share understanding with a sentient forest creature. What must their view of eternity be? Whatever it is, the Great Owl seems to know, showing the solemn respect that the dead brave are due, of any race of kind of being. He adds his own prayer for the collective fallen:

"Almighty Lord Pluto, hear our prayer for these brave lives, given to protect the world Mother Gaia created. We humbly beseech thee to call their souls to you; grant them safe passage; and give them eternal rest in peace."

After the owl ceremony, Seti speaks with Titus briefly, assuming information will quickly flow in through the king's most trusted adviser. He takes special note of the Orc prisoners being held. Even an Orc is smart enough to know that being turned over to the Elves will not be pleasant. That fear could give them an advantage, to the extent they know anything. He inquires of the Halflings and others whether there were any demons or shamans involved in the assault. He has yet to be able to determine who is leading these attacks and how they are communicating. The dark priest callously walks amongst the Orc bodies, visually inspecting them, looking for banners, insignia, or other markings of seniority. The Ogre was a shill, most likely - not the leader.

By the time he reaches the citadel proper, he assumes the rumors of their collective arrival have spread there as well, and he seeks out Bulwyf for a long overdue reunion. Once found, he offers a rare hug, "I hear you've been very busy. Tell me me all. Let us dine together this evening on the rooftop, under the stars. I have been saving a last bottle of Elven wine for this occasion."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:53, Wed 09 Jan 2013.

Bulwyf lifts the priest from the ground in his massive arms laughing, "Seti my friend!" he exclaims joyfully, "I am glad to see you well.  Are you whole? No injuries? You must tell me your story as well. If you wish it, tonight over that bottle of wine, I will tell you of Zerova's demise. It's a tale you deserve to hear."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:43, Thu 10 Jan 2013.

It must be a sea of colorful and unusual characters that surround the Citadel when the stragglers of Theodric's come in. No one is likely to pay much attention to a scraggly though remarkably clean, bookish 30 something (or maybe 40 something) bearded fellow in a plain frock. The fellow's Hat and frock seem undyed, his feet are beslippered in the likeness of fuzzy brown jackrabbits, and he sits atop a carriage mule outfitted with a simple saddle and several heavy but quivering saddlebags. He wears a tiny child sized pink backpack and a sky blue man-purse.
A rope from his saddle leads to a large warhorse stripped of her barding and bearing the iron shell of an iron warrior. It must have taken a few strong men to load that thing onto the horse and she doesn't appear ready to run anywhere fast at the moment.

A purple balloon of flesh with multiple undifferentiated appendages floats beside the bearded fellow cooing gently and he may be accompanied by a lovely young woman in leathers. He would very much enjoy the company if she is there, but is happy enough if she has gone elsewhere.

He looks around and speaks to whom he can.

Uhm er hello ... I am looking for any scholarly masters or somesuch, I would like to uh chat with fellows and turnipsuckers regarding an experiment, Can you direct me?

Another voice chimes in.

Im sorry friend, My master is seeking fellow wizards or a library of lore.

The voice seems to come from the man himself but he smiles when it interrupts him and speaks with greater clarity.

OOC: It occurs to me that after posting this on the "On the Eighth of December" thread that it might be more appropriate over here. So... I'll put it here as well and work from here. Or whatever... Sorry for the confusion!

Titus is quiet as he and Seti ride through the battle field and relieved to learn that the battle is over when they arrive at the Citadel. The price of any battle is great and he has noted the losses among Eadoin's people as well as his own. He feels his owns wounds as well.

That the Elves held and the Halflings arrived to assist makes the victories sweeter. For months he has been telling himself and any who would listen that this could happen. That the Hun could be defeated if they -- Human, Elf, Dwarf, Lycanthrope, Faerie, Halfling, Centaur, et al. -- worked together. The relief that he felt, tinged as it was with the sadness of the destruction and death around him, was so profound as to be almost something else. The prayer of thanksgiving he prayed to the Gods as they rode was profound.

Once they arrived at the Citadel he gives hearty greetings to Captain Greenbottle, "Well met, Captain! If you and your Heroes are here, all must be well in the Shires. I pray to the Gods this is so."

Titus also greets the others whom he has not seen for too long, but quickly gets to assisting in getting their troops settled in. They still have wounded despite Rita, Seti, and Eadoin's best efforts and all are tired.

When things have quieted down that night he grabs from his personal stores his skin of Mulsum  <orange>[Honeyed white wine] and seeks out Eadoin, "Chieftain, may I have a moment of your time? It is official business and a matter of some urgency."

If the Centaur has the time he leads him away to a place not far from camp, but where the two may speak privately. Taking the skin out formally Titus says, "I thought you might join me in a toast, my friend. The day was hard, but we are victors.... Those of us who fell or were hurt did not waste their blood and those of us that still stand have a duty not merely remember them, but look forward to what we might do with the gift they have given us with their sacrifices."

He rubs his forehead and the formality of his mien and tone slips, "And sometimes a man needs a drink to dull the pain." Taking a long pull from the skin he passes it to the young Centaur.

The Halflings are thrilled to see Titus, as a few remember him.

Not Captain Greenbottle, though.  But Captain Greenbottle has heard of him.

"Quite a lot," the Halfling Captain explains.  "You see, Fedger Greenbottle is my uncle.  We have an adventurous spirit, we Greenbottles.  Abroad more often than most.  He met you while abroad in Anteverpia.  And then, you met with some of the militia organizers.  Well.. that took off, I can tell you.  And here I am."


* * * * * * *

From the moment Theoderic arrives at the Citadel there are a so many things that draw on him.   There are hundreds looking to him to answer the great question of “Now what?”

But first there are friends to reunite with!

Ovo is so enthusiastic.. singlehandedly he undermines the stereotype of the gruff, stoic Dwarf.

And Salen… Theoderic is happy, knowing that Aelasuria has at least part of her family here with her- and safe and sound.  It is a fear he can put to rest- since Salen volunteered to go ahead, he’d dreaded the possibility that Aelasuria could end up grieving for a fallen brother.

He greets and commends each one, even those, like Bulwyf, that he barely knows.

There would be grieving, though.  That he knew.  For Humans, Elves, and Halflings… and even Owls.

The largest of the owls, Ambereye, the one that gave the defenders of the citadel permission to gather feathers from the fallen members of his flock, lands on a tree branch near Theoderic.  And it pulls Theoderic back to the other thread, The Eighth of December.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:41, Fri 11 Jan 2013.

All around on the way to the citadel, where he and Ali'cor visited not so long ago, Eadoin is somber.  Wherever he looks, he sees destruction and waste, but also survival and hope.  He walks amongst his own folks for a while surrounded by those he asked to come from the north to these Ardennes.  Whether they offer praise or criticism, he takes whatever words they have to offer, though he hopes for stories in remembrance of the fallen and of their valor.

When word comes that his folk were a quarter of those lost across the river, as well, he can't help but wonder what burden Epona has asked the Centaurs to shoulder.  Still, there is no virtue to be found in suffering.  Others have paid the gods' price this day, as well, and others will pay it yet.  He's thankful for the victory they have, earned as it was at great cost.

It's in the evening when Titus finds him, settled at a fire and whittling at a bit of wood, something he's not done in some time.  "Good even, sir," he offers at Titus' approach.  "It's good to see you've not yet gone to serve the gods in the Summerlands.  Your wounds aren't overly troubling, I trust."

When Titus invites him on official business, Eadoin is at first concerned there's some mission which might need doing by night, something for which the Centaurs are well suited.  Gangily and wearily, the young Centaur rises to attend the man he calls friend and occasional mentor.  "What is it that needs doing, sir?"

He lets himself be led aside, beginning to sense at first a lecture, then something else.  He accepts Titus' Mulsum with quiet and gracious thanks.  The Burgundian knows him all too well, his fondness for wines and sweet things.  He drinks in turn, one pull, then another before he hands the skin back.

"When there's time, they'll feast, my folk.  Revel, really.  Wine works quickly with us, and strongly so.  It'll be a celebration of life and living, of being immortal like the Heroes, back in Hellas, by others not yet born knowing of one's deeds.  They've had the battle they wanted so badly and most of them have come away from it, but I think it's why they threw themselves into the thick of things so."  Eadoin pauses, then gives Titus a slight and sardonic smile.  "I don't think it'll be an affair for the faint hearted."

As the others finish preparations for the day, Seti overhears the request from the owl to speak with Theodoric and follows along. He is quick to inquire of the Thrall and whether the body can be recovered, and to gather any general information about the other fronts. Afterwards, he makes it a point to visit with the Halflings. The priest has always has a penchant for maps, and he hopes the diligent little fellows may have something that will help them understand the position of the various armies and where they may be most needed next. Clearly, the battle is far from over. Interestingly, as Melissa seemed to predict, there has been no sign of the Blackguards - another formidable force whose whereabouts remain unknown. During this process, he makes it a point to wear the Torc and concentrate intently.

Only later, after as much information as possible has been gathered, and Bulwyf has had the chance to get the most appropriate bandaging for his wounds does Seti meet him for a late dinner under the stars. "Great friend, you must learn to wear your armor spiritually. These thick hides and leathers don't seem to be protecting your bones well enough," he smiles with an air of arrogance and comfort, "I am glad these brutes didn't damage by garments." Clearly, however involved Seti has been, he went through the enter battle completely unscathed.

"I'm older now, and I don't remember as well as I used to do. When was it we departed? Since then, I believe I returned to Arras to investigate the attack that killed High Priest Pelion, a large, demonic fire elemental summoned directly onto the Temple mount. I am convinced only someone very close could have pulled that off, and I tried, unsuccessfully unfortunately, to infiltrate the ranks of whatever traitors exist there, including traveling with a supposedly recovering Blackguard named Malicus."

Moving on, he describes his last many weeks, "Eventually, I went to Lutetia Parisum to rescue some endangered priestesses of Venus, one of whom was an undercover agent of Minerva. We managed to escape, but then I witnessed the fleet of Hun warships coming up the rivers and tried desperately to send messages to you, Arras, and others. I hope some made it through. As I tried to also discern Zerova's path, I came upon some divine inspiration to investigate a shipwreck, and after some rough business, we managed to recover a few ancient artifacts. This one, I still possess," he says, handing Bulwyf the Torc of Alacrity, a brilliant carved headpiece. "It is a gift from Minerva, once upon a time headed towards the priestesses in the Celtic isles. It helps clear the mind of its wearer. It even did wonders for that half-crazed grand wizard, Scolo," who by now Bulwyf has surely heard about.

"After returning to Arras, I learned of the iron warriors. Have you seen them?" he asked. "We slew several in the valley. They seem comprised of a complicated, hard, perhaps magical suit of deadly armor with a core of 'quick-iron', which is, according to the grand wizard, some element connected to the chaotic planes of existence with extraordinary qualities to reshape itself based on sentient though. we believe that the Huns managed to trap spirits within them and then used them as vicious, nearly unstoppable golems. Yet, six lay fallen today. I feel convinced the spirits are gone. The rest is arcane magic - not my area of expertise."

"Based on a lead, I set out to find Scolo, and just in time, as several groups converged upon him including Hun assassins. It seems the Emperor knew the wizard could understand the Golems and perhaps have secrets to their destruction. There, I rallied with King Theodoric, and we all set out for the Elven forest to meet these golems in battle and attempt to discover their weakness. I think some progress there was made, and hopefully, the King's brave and quick actions helped save many lives and the citadel. On the way, we were able to liberate a few villages and cities, some of which were absolutely destroyed by the Huns. It seems they are using Blackguard to operate behind the lines, to eliminate priests and leaders before the Huns arrive. They even seem to have some cursed 'memory moss' that lets them delve into the minds of those they capture and torture. A few have fallen, but not near enough."

He changes subject to the King and Queen briefly, "Naturally, I was skeptical at first, but it seems King Theodoric and Queen Aelasuria have some destiny here - to unite the fey and the Humans in this struggle. They were united by High Priestess Raude Parisi, in the name of Venus herself. I suspect the gods have chosen him and those around him for their unique abilities and courage. I can feel it. Seeing you here only reinforces that feeling of fate. It is good."

As they share some bread, cheese, and wine, he roots into his curiosity, "So tell me how you trapped the evil witch. I know she was traveling from town to town, literally inciting people to rebel against the Huns and thus ensuring their absolute destruction. More than once, I attempted to get some message to you as to her whereabouts, through the Academy or otherwise, but I never knew whether they arrived. Either way, it seems you found her, her vile offspring and companions, and sent them back to the Abyss. I hear a relative of the Emperor accompanied her. Hopefully his loss will hit home more personally than the troops he uses like cattle."

At first, he doesn't bring up the subject of Bulwyf's forsaken love, Cassandra. Perhaps after a few glasses of wine, the hardened warrior will reveal more of his feelings her whereabouts.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:40, Fri 11 Jan 2013.

Bulwyf listened to his friends tale intently, all the while grinning about the spiritual armor remark, "You think I look bad, you should see the Ogre." he quipped, then as it came time to tell his story, "We simply determined the most liekly places she'd go based on direction and population. We caught her in a town, a few of her performers who knew Rory aided us in... changing the script." he smiled at his clever word play, "Then the attack began, the very river helping us with a fog that didn't allow her and her children to see us until it was too late. My swords, were enough with the help of everyone else's magic to fell her, at least for now. Her sons were destroyed too. The battle was not as destructive as this one, but a test none the less. Then when Rory and Arabella split up from me, I joined the elves to take the fight to the Huns. We encountered a town that was evacuating. We aided in their escape and wound up here, defending this settlement. It has been sometime since I last saw you. I'm glad to see you well. I have not been back to the academy. I often wonder how they are doing now..." His eyes become distant briefly, his expression growing almost sad, then he snaps to and has another sip of his wine, more a gulp, and refills his cup.

Titus takes a significant quaff of his own and smiles in response to Eadoin, "Things may not be over yet, my friend. We have stopped the Hun here, but we do not know whether or not this was the primary force or just one of the Emperor's attacks or what. All of those we lost will be lost by somebody and some by more; however, that is the nature of this... stuff. You and yours deserve your celebration whenever it happens!

"In the meanwhile, a leader often stands on his own before, during, and after a celebration."

He takes another drink from the skin before handing back to Eadoin, "So, here is to the decisions you have made and those you will make!"

The wizard Scolo continues to seek others of his kind - wandering randomly while Edgar asks for assistance.

Needless to say Aelasuria takes a bit of time talking with Ovo and Salen. Both of which she invites to come with her and Theo if they so desire. "Ovo, Salen  Theo and I will likely be going to the east to aid the elvish peoples. They are in desperate need of support against the Hun armies. It's also a chance for us to strike a telling blow that I think even the Emperor won't be able to play down as a minor setback. Your both welcome to come with us if you wish."

She also takes a moment to greet Bulwyf. "Hello Bulwyf I see your good friends with Seti. I hope life has treated you well. How are swift and Alara doing?"

When she finds Scolo it seems he's looking for other wizards and lore. "Scolo I might be able to help you with that in the near future. Theo and I are likely going to the battle in the east. The elves will need our aid. I suspect there will be elvish wizards there and they might be kind enough to allow us access to their library. I hope that you also find what you seek here."

She will stay to chat for a bit, then goes with Theo as she's very interested in meeting Ambereye the elder great owl. "Scolo you might want to talk to Ambereye I am pretty sure he is very knowledgeable."

OOC: anyone that wishes to talk with Aelasuria can assume it happens before she leaves.

Bulwyf gives a slight bow to Aelasuria, "I'm alive, so it's been well enough to me. Seti and I are very dear friends. A lot happened before we wound up here. Alara and Swift are capable companions, I'm truly thankful they arrived when they did. An honor to meet you."

"It is beyond sweetness itself to see you again too, dear sister."

Salen returns Aelasuria's hug for a long moment, thrilled to see her again.

"When I saw the arcs of lightning tearing the Hun forces apart I knew you were close, and that heartened me no end. How were simple orcs to know that such a sweet girl could wield so much terrible power? That's why I don't argue with you any more - not if I can help it, anyway!

But I think I will have to leave you again. There are reports that one or two Elves from here have gone missing during the battle, nobles among them. I plan on aiding the search for them. But who knows, perhaps I will have time to join you soon enough. Take care, Aela."

Salen will take the time to make acquaintance with some of the faces he has not met before - like asking Bulwyf who his friend is. And that merchant prince that Eadoin is drinking with. Wait! Eadoin! Salen finds the centaur next to a fire, whittling away at some wood.

"Greetings, my friend! Long has it been since last we spoke. How does the evening find you?"

Eadoin is sharing toasts with Titus, enjoying the other's honeyed wine when Salen approaches.  The young Centaur chuckles, the hails his friend in turn.  By gesture and word, he invites Salen to join them, opening the circle and responding in kind.  "Good even, Salen.  It's fine to see you again.  I trust you've fared well?  It's been a hard day won at high price.  I'm so tired as to fall asleep standing like a cart horse in the traces, but well-warmed by m'lord Titus' wine.".

He introduces the Titus and Salen by name, each to the other, assuming they've not yet made acquaintance.  Still, he can't help but smirk and poke at his friend Salen.  "It's fine stars the gods show us tonight, Salen.  If you'd like to see them up close, find Salen, my folk's war leader, and tell him you'd like a pony ride.  Take some wine and smile.  He's got Cheiron's favor and can put you right up there in the sky with the Archer."

Laughing and smiling when he talks about how he knew she was nearby Aelasuris eyes sparkle with amusement. "You are very wise my brother. Honestly It's unfortunate that we are likely to part ways again so soon. I wish you the best of luck saving them. Don't forget to write father and mother I have a feeling they are worrying about us considering all that is going on."

She decides as soon as they are on the swan boats it's about time she wrote another letter to her family back home!

OOC: Just responding to the last post. ^_^

In reply to Eadoin (msg # 16):

Titus greets Salen and passes him the wineskin, "Well met, my Lord. It is good to see that you have survived these troubles. It must be a happy relief to see your sister again!"

He asks the Griffon Rider of his experiences in the battle and is pleased for Salen that he will be travelling with his sister back towards what all hope will be the end of this battle.