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| Topic Started: Jul 1 2010, 09:39:10 AM (2,477 Views) | |
| Reziel | Jul 1 2010, 09:39:10 AM Post #1 |
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Eternal Delegate
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Somewhere As a gentle breeze skimmed the green grass she was walking onto, Marilyn Janus observed with some curiosity the black monoliths scattered on the top of the hill. At first glance, they seemed nothing else but natural rocks emerging from the ground here and there, but as she looked with more attention she realized they were indeed the ruins of an ancient building, now lying in complete ruin. Nature seemed to have claimed back the place long ago… centuries, perhaps. Trees had had the time to grow tall and robust and what seemed ancient engravings were now almost vanished, their beauty now masked by omnipresent moss. For a long while, the Kangarawan Ambassadress in Reziel surrendered herself to her own curiosity, wandering all around the ancient ruins, smiling with satisfaction at each finding: here, a bas-relief representing an armored knight fighting against a winged demon; there, the remnants of a mosaic, a dark wing being the one intelligible thing; there, finally… … stopping, Marilyn frowned. Her glance wandering on the surroundings, she finally realized. The sun was high in the azure sky and she was now barefooted on the top of an hill, nothing else relevant in sight: grass and grass all around her, till the horizon. Where was she? Where was Lachdanan? He had heard him entering her room… their room at late night. He had just come back from an EPTO meeting in Tricorne and… slightly blushing, she allowed her thoughts to wander while she remembered his lips exploring her mouth, the heat and the pressure of his body over hers. But now… «The white of that tunic exalts the copper shade of your hair, Loved Stranger» Surprised by the voice behind her back, Marilyn suddenly turned. The man seemed to have appeared out of nowhere. He wasn’t particularly tall… but there was something impressive irradiating from him. When he smiled, the black of his eyes chained with the green of hers, she felt her cheeks becoming red of embarrassment. Gently shaking his head, he moved slowly towards one of the nearer rocks, where he finally sat down, his curly black hair skimmed by the same breeze caressing the grass. He was… Iremian. She had spent the last four years as an Ambassadress in New Irem. Four years observing them all, their nobility, their posture. And now… everything in that man reminded her of Lachdanan’s stories about the ancient capital of Irem. «Who are you?» Ignoring her question, the man grabbed the short silver flute secured at his belt and started playing it. Marilyn’s initial irritation vanished rather soon as the music danced all around her. Sitting down on the grass, she listened for endless minutes until the man finally stopped, his glance moving back on her. «I’m so happy you seem to appreciate my music… the Fool didn’t, so our Lonely Prince has never developed his talents, despite his obvious… gift» he grinned. |
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| Kangarawa | Jul 1 2010, 11:06:45 AM Post #2 |
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Maker of Coffee
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The tranquillity inspired by the captivating notes of the flute vanished as he spoke, leaving curiosity in its wake. She captured an errant lock of hair blown over her face by the warm, gentle breeze and tucked it behind her ear. A warm breeze ... but it had been so cold last night that the fire had crackled soothingly in the fireplace of their room, had it not? She glanced down. A white tunic, held in place with a brooch clasped at her shoulder, draped her body. Her feet were bare, a delicate anklet of beaten gold around one ankle. Nonplussed, she stared at the stranger, a fleeting frown crossing her features. He was sitting on the thick, bleached truck of a fallen tree on the bank of a vast river, smiling quizzically at her. Gulls squawked overhead, the sun reflecting off their wings and the water as they dove, and dove again, for fish. «The white of that tunic exalts the copper shade of your hair, Loved Stranger» «I’m so happy you seem to appreciate my music… the Fool didn’t, so our Lonely Prince has never developed his talents, despite his obvious… gift» She wasn't alarmed, she noted, despite the so-very-odd comments and the even odder surroundings. "My Lord, where are we ... and who are you?" |
![]() ![]() If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around. | |
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| Reziel | Jul 1 2010, 11:38:23 AM Post #3 |
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Eternal Delegate
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«We are… at the crossroad of two worlds. One where the winter shows its rage, adorning the Newborn City with snow… and a second one, where the gentle breeze of the spring plays with the grass. Day after day, while trees and tendrils claim ancient palaces. A world where the Lonely Prince comes back to his woman… and a world where the two of us can finally meet, Mare» he answered warmly. Hearing her nickname, Marilyn felt something moving inside her, as if the man’s tone was touching the deepest chords of her soul. «How do you…» «I’ve always liked you, Mare. Since the first time you and the Lonely Prince met… I’ve hoped you would have been the one. Your soul is strong… and your blood is young and full of life. With you, ancient glooms will finally be erased and… many opportunities will come back into play» «I’m… I’m really not understanding what you’re saying» she interjected, even if something inside her realized she was lying «And you’re prevaricating. You’ve not told me who you are… and what do you mean with ‘crossroad of worlds’?» Grinning, he rose on his feet and moved slowly towards her. When he finally entered her personal space, kneeling right in front of the still sitting woman, she didn’t really stiffened. She probably should have. But she didn’t. As if there was something inside him which inspired her a complete trust… as if she had known him since the beginning of the times. «This is a place where you will be safe, Mare. For the months to come, we’ll meet rather often… and you’ll always be able to come here. When you’ll call me, I’ll come at your side. When you’ll need rest, I’ll shield your soul from the world’s anxieties» his tone was soft and relaxing and when his hand caressed her cheek, Marilyn couldn’t avoid placing hers on it, as to hold it right there. He smiled again, warmly. «I do not even know your name. How can I call you?» «My name is buried under the sands of countless ages… but you will not need it. You can already feel the link forming between the two of us. It will strengthen with each passing day… until the two of us will be a single entity» |
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| Kangarawa | Jul 1 2010, 06:03:53 PM Post #4 |
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Maker of Coffee
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A rosy hue suffused Marilyn's cheeks as she pulled back her hand, but then replaced it over his as he continued to caress her cheek. It was true; she did feel as if she knew him, had always known him and yet, she couldn't put a name to his face. That she trusted him should disturb her, but it didn't ... or did it? Only Lachdanan called her "Mare" ... no one else would have dared, not even her brother. Slowly and hesitantly she returned his smile, not bothering to attempt to deny the link between them. "Why will I come here and why this bond when I don't know you?" There were other questions she knew she ought to ask but instinctively she felt she already knew the answers. |
![]() ![]() If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around. | |
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| Reziel | Jul 1 2010, 06:39:46 PM Post #5 |
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Eternal Delegate
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Slowly, a warm smile still illuminating his face, the man rose back on his feet. «Oh… you do know me, Mare. You have been knowing me for a long time, seen me, talked to me… feared me» «Feared you? Your words are so confusing. I’m…» «I’m the shadow at the bottom of the Lonely Prince’s eyes, Mare. The fiend of Irem, the evil doom looming on the Noble Houses of the One Thousand Columns City» he replied. This time, his tone was more flat, echoed by an ancient regret. Stiffening, Marilyn rose on her feet too, her oval darkening as the man’s words fully registered. «Lachdanan’s Twin» there was no fear, in her tone. If she was right… than he had been, too: she had confronted him once. And he had stepped back, releasing his grasp on her lover’s soul. «You can now understand the reasons for my prevarication… I wanted to enjoy your company for a while. No preconceptions. Just the two of us… our new beginning» «New beginning?» she asked, noticing immediately after that everything but the man in front of her seemed to become foggier and less… consistent. «Our journey together has just begun… you’ll learn to know me better. And perhaps, in the end… you’ll even be able to appreciate me…» the last words had been nothing more than a distant echo, as the man too started to dissolve in front of her eyes. And when she finally got her consciousness fully back, her eyes opened on her room in New Irem. Judging from the soft light, it should have been something around dawn and Lachdanan was still sleeping at her side. But nothing really mattered, because the man had added a word more, before disappearing. A word that was now echoing in her ears again and again. «… mother» Somewhere in Solanthus Meanwhile Still on the bed, the man had been staring at the ceiling for the last four hours. The distant and buzzing sound had become stronger with each passing minute… and he was now certain about its nature. Without caring about the woman sleeping near him, he grabbed his mobile and chose a name from the rather short list. «The seed of the new Uth Reiser has been planted… yes, the Kangarawan. Marilyn Janus… no, there’s no precedent… no, I cannot be wrong. I’ve observed it for my whole life. He’s preparing his own cradle. I’m moving to New Irem. Support will be greatly appreciated» Caergoth – The Grand Duchal Society of Geology Meanwhile The cup of smoking coffee in his right hand, the geologist grinned as he re-checked the graphs of the seismograph. «Ok guys… let’s call the assistance. The seism is gone… it has registered a kazillion of barely perceptible quakes. Straight under New Irem… the whole night. Too regular, too repetitive… it’s jammed or something like that, probably. Let’s check it!» |
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| Kangarawa | Jul 7 2010, 10:18:16 AM Post #6 |
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Maker of Coffee
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Kangarawan Embassy in New Irem, Reziel With the twin's last word echoing in her mind, Marilyn tore her eyes from the still sleeping Lachdanan and let them flit around her room, their room, at the Embassy. The fire that had crackled so warmly the night before was no more than glowing embers now in the far corner of the room. She could see branches of the feathery ferns Kadras had added to her almost overflowing collection only last week swaying ever so gently beside the entrance to the glassed-in sitting room which led out to the balcony. Wardrobes, dressers, pictures, plants all were where they had been the night before. Given her dream, it was comforting to find herself where she expected to be. Mother ... Gently sliding out from under the weight of Lach's arm, she wiggled out from under the feather comforter, catching her breath as her feet touched the cold tiles of the floor and reaching for her robe at the foot of the bed. Snuggled in its fleecy warmth, she padded softly to the sitting room, one hand lightly stroking the fern as she passed. Standing in front of the windows, she wrapped her arms around her waist and watched the shadows begin to fade as the sky brightened. Mother ... Sometimes a dream is only a dream, she thought, remembering her mother's admonishments. It had been so very real though. If she concentrated, she could still feel the warmth of the grass under her bare feet despite knowing she stood on an embroidered rug and she could hear the lilting music of the flute. Mother ... The half-smile quickly faded as her mind flitted to the twin. Had it not been a dream, she'd have angry; angry, worried and somewhat frightened. In fact ... she started slightly, her reverie broken as two arms snaked around her, covering her own. Relaxing completely, she leaned back into the warmth of Lach's body, turning her head and smiling as she met his quizzical look. "You're up early, love", he smiled, turning his head to nuzzle her neck. Mother ... "I was dreaming, Lach, but it was so real! I walked through the ruins of an ancient civilisation. I must have seen photographs of something similar, somewhere. Suddenly I was barefoot in a meadow, then beside a wide river. Lach, it was so real ... and it was summer." Lachdanan chuckled as he detected the longing in her tone, holding her even closer and speaking very quietly. "Mayhap we can get away for a short time in the spring. It's been almost six years since you arrived in New Irem, Mare, and with all that's been going on at home, my schedule, yours ..." "Lach, do you play the flute?" The apparent non sequitur stopped him mid-sentence. Puzzled, he turned her around to face him, his gold-striated black eyes trying to read her mood. "I did as a boy, but never continued with it. No time. No interest. Where did that come from?" Marilyn met his searching gaze squarely, phrasing her words carefully. The Shadow Twins, and, in particular, Lach's twin, were topics she normally avoided given the history between Lach and his father. "There was a cryptic Lord in the dream, Lach." Her voice slowed as she went on to describe her feelings as he'd come close and his replies as she'd asked where they were. Lachdanan listened intently. "Lach, he called me "Mare" and "Loved Stranger" ... told me we'd be meeting frequently over the next few months in that place he referred to as "being between two worlds". Then ... he told me he was your twin." Lachdanan stiffened as Marilyn continued. "Lach, it was only a dream." "What else did he say?" Marilyn had never heard that tone before. A tinge of anger, perhaps, anxiety, awe, but worse, a hint of what she thought might be fear. "He called me "Mother". |
![]() ![]() If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around. | |
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| Reziel | Jul 7 2010, 04:58:20 PM Post #7 |
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Eternal Delegate
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For a brief moment, Lachdanan didn’t answer anything. He just held a bit tighter, as to shield her fo man invisibile ranger. Smelling the soft scent of her hair against his nostrils, he finally sighed. «It’s… it makes sense. Somehow, I knew he was interested in you, but… he couldn’t have reached your thoughts, unless…» «Couldn’t he be wrong?» «N… no. He can sense it. It’s because of… the way they’re passed. They have to… prepare the child. To receive them, when the time will have come. They create some kind of… link with the new creature and…» suddenly, he stopped. In the end, the immediate implications of what he had been told had finally registered. The Twin was a problem. Mare had to be given all of the details… but there would have been time. Now, there was something far more important. A smile enlightened his face as he gently forced her to turn towards him. «A child… a son, Mare. Yours and mine… ours! We… we’re going to have a son!» «Your wit is impressive, Lonely Prince… Father» mocked the Twin’s voice. |
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| Kangarawa | Jul 8 2010, 03:37:25 PM Post #8 |
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Maker of Coffee
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Feeling as if time had been suspended, Marilyn remained motionless in Lach's arms, staring blankly at his joyful countenance. Thoughts and fragments thereof cascaded rapidly, one disappearing completely before another surfaced. She thought of how she'd expected to feel when and if this happened sometime down the road. Excited. Deliriously happy. Curious. Tender. Scared. At this moment, she felt none of those things. She felt ... almost violated. That Lach's twin had known before even she or Lach did defied her knowledge of self, her cultural identity, her sense of what was "right". Home and what her mother and father would have said ... what her brother would say ... what the Ministry would say. Profer! Would Reziel already know too? Did the twins communicate? Dazed, she shook her head. This was that they'd wanted despite being unexpected. Slowly, ever so slowly, she was filled with a sense of wonder. Theirs. A son. Who would he look like? Would he be healthy? She stifled a laugh thinking about the stories Ileana had told her about Lach as a child. How would Lach react if had to deal with a miniature version of himself? The Twin, the Ministry, proprieties ... all had to be dealt with but for ... "Mare?" She smiled through the tears that were running unchecked down her cheeks at the concern in Lachdanan's voice. "I'm fine, just ... just ... surprised, that's all. We're having a son." She touched his cheek then nestled into him, holding him tightly and resting her head on his chest. "We're having a son ..." |
![]() ![]() If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around. | |
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| Kangarawa | Jul 13 2010, 09:40:12 AM Post #9 |
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Maker of Coffee
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Ministry of International Affairs - Office of the Minister - Tasman City Three Days Prior ... Incredulous and angry, a reaction that had become the norm following every meeting with the President, Carolyn Masters ran through the list of names in front of her, pen in hand. What she'd been told to do was very clear. The reasoning behind it made no sense as far as she was concerned. She'd argued of course, but these days argument was an exercise in futility. She'd even wondered on more than one occasion if ignoring her advice and effectively railroading decisions through was all part of an attempt to force her resignation. Damned if she'd allow her that satisfaction but there was no doubt that her level of frustration had mounted steadily over the past couple of years. A majority of the eight Ambassadors she was being asked to either recall or reassign had been more than effective in their current roles and those she was being asked to replace them with were, for the most part, inexperienced and not individuals she herself would have chosen. In several instances, they were individuals with whom she'd had no personal contact whatsoever and given the nations to which they were being assigned she knew was doing nothing more than rubber-stamping the Presidential appointments. Regardless, she felt she owed the Ambassadors more than a simple form letter. She hand wrote the eight long missives, quoting directly from the rationale she'd been given. There was simply no way to make the news palatable. |
![]() ![]() If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around. | |
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| Reziel | Jul 13 2010, 11:39:49 AM Post #10 |
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Eternal Delegate
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New Irem - The Kangarawan Embassy Three hours later Smiling again to the Ambassadress’ assistant while entering Mare’s office and closing the door behind her back, Ileana De Corde glanced at the young Kangarawan, who was still busy with a phone call. When the young lady smiled warmly, inviting her to sit down, Ileana giggled with herself. She knew rather well the problems and the annoyances linked to Marilyn’s role… but the woman was definitely good at playing the game. She was gifted… but she had worked hard, too. During the years she had spent in the Grand Duchy, she had been able to win everyone’s trust… and a number of hearts, too. For the millionth time, Ileana had to admit that Marylin was a blessing for them all. Elistar Reziel adored her. In her role of Foreign Ministry, Ileana herself couldn’t have hoped in anything better, as a diplomatic counterpart. And as a woman… Marilyn had won Lachdanan’s love. She was doing a great job with him: his restlessness had vanished, his loneliness was nothing else but a distant remembrance. Together, they were growing up, both as individuals and as… a pair. A family. That was probably the one question mark left. But… Suddenly, Ileana frowned. During the past years, the two women had spent a lot of time together. Enough, for the Iremian Countess, to understand that there was something which was troubling the young lady. Her body language couldn’t be misunderstood. A skilled diplomat as she was, she couldn’t hide her nervousness to someone who, like Ileana, had the double advantage of having played the game for more than twenty years… while being a close friend of the ‘scrutinized’ person. And when the receiver had been finally put down, Ileana didn’t waste time. «Marilyn, sweetie… are you alright?» |
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| Kangarawa | Jul 13 2010, 03:00:01 PM Post #11 |
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Maker of Coffee
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Marilyn gave a soft chuckle as she met Ileana's eyes. "I'm fine, just a little frustrated at dealing with innumerable questions that have already been answered too many times to count. You know what that's like." Ileana shook her head at the prevarication. "That's the answer I'd expect you to give your assistant Megan, not me, my dear." She gestured gracefully with her hand toward the phone. "You take that sort of thing in stride. You know it and I know it." She paused and waited, a glint of mischief in her eyes as she watched Marilyn tuck a strand of hair behind an ear. Marilyn smiled ruefully, rolling her eyes a little at her friend's perspicuity. "You're right, Ileana. You read me rather too well at times. But ... I really am fine. I guess I'm ... I don't know what I am. I'm excited, I'm worried, I'm thrilled, I'm caught between believing and not believing. I just don't know!" Pausing, she searched Ileana's face for a reaction but saw nothing but patience as she waited for Marilyn to say more. "I'm pregnant." As Ileana's face lit up and she looked as if she was about to speak, Marilyn staved off her response by quickly telling her about the "dream visit" from Lach's twin. |
![]() ![]() If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around. | |
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| Reziel | Jul 14 2010, 06:59:48 AM Post #12 |
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Eternal Delegate
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Mixed emotions boiling inside her, Ileana waited patiently for Marilyn to end her tale. The Iremian Lady observed the Kangarawan’s body language as she was speaking… and she found exactly what she had expected. A mix of surprise and astonishment, of fear and happiness… but above all the joy of a woman who’s just found out she’ll be a mother. Beyond and over any possible threat, problem… or demon. In the end, she smiled warmly and was straight on the point of answering, when a sudden door knocking interrupted her. When Megan entered the room, a puzzled expression on her face, Ileana frowned. Megan wasn’t so easily perplexed. Something had… «Ileana, Marilyn… I’m sorry to bother, but there’s a man, out there… requesting to be received. Immediately. I was straight on the point of dismissing him, stressing the opportunity to schedule a meeting with the due advance, but… well, he told me ‘Tell Mare she should definitely meet me, if she cares about the child’. It has been…» «Let him in» Ilana’s answer had been the command of a general who’s seeing the battle looming all around of his troops. As Marilyn nodded to assent, Megan went out. Moments after, the man entered the room. He was tall and slender, his age indefinitely placed between his late forties and his early sixties. Ice-cold azure eyes adorned a face which seemed carved in white rock… and white where his short hair, too. Impeccable in his blue suit, he smiled coldly at Ileana before focusing his attention on the Kangarawan woman. «Lady Janus… I’m honored to meet you and I thank you for having found the time to receive me. And I’m pleased to add that the presence of Countess Almsyck will be of great… help, for me, in running this conversation» «The pleasure is all yours, Sir Swales» Ileana replied bitterly. «Charming as always, my Lady» «I have to stress that you and your… gifts are not welcome guests, Sir Swales» «Mother, this man is disgustingly annoying. His arrogance knows no limits… well, let’s see if he can handle surprises rather well. Ask him if the worms were tasty enough, back in New Irem» The voice inside Marilyn’s head had been as clear as during her dream. But there was something more… a sense of protection irradiated by it, as if the voice itself was collecting its power all around her, against a possible menace. |
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| Kangarawa | Jul 15 2010, 07:34:21 AM Post #13 |
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Maker of Coffee
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Marilyn had bristled instinctively; anger, embarrassment and unease battling in equal measure. His words to Megan and all that they implied had shocked her, enough so that the predicament in which he'd placed Megan became a non-issue. As Lord Swales walked in, Marilyn had risen slowly, back ramrod-straight, composing her features into what she hoped reflected only peasant curiousity. That there was no love lost between Ileana and Lord Swales was patently obvious, but the tone of Ileana's voice during their barbed exchange had only compounded Marilyn's disquiet. She stiffened as the voice from her dreams, Lach's twin, spoke, almost biting her tongue as she found herself on the verge of uttering the question he'd told her to ask Lord Swales. For a brief moment, despite or perhaps because of the sense of "safety" his presence engendered, she found herself coldly furious. She was appalled at how easy it would be to simply do as he suggested and let him direct the ensuing conversation. "No. This is my child. Mine and Lach's." "Mother, you know ... " "I am NOT your mother. You will not dictate to me. Keep your suggestions to yourself." He chuckled warmly, almost as if in appreciation. "Yes, Mother." Chin raised proudly, two spots of colour high on her cheekbones, Marilyn returned Lord Swales cold scrutiny. She responded with an icy dignity. "Lord Swales, in THIS office it is both customary and considered a sign of respect to make an appointment. When you address me, you address my nation. Do you hold Kangarawa in such low regard that you feel the need to use subterfuge in order to gain admittance?" |
![]() ![]() If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around. | |
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| Reziel | Jul 15 2010, 07:57:45 AM Post #14 |
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Eternal Delegate
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«Lady Janus… you’re right, and I apologize for my rude and unexpected appearance. On one thing only I cannot agree. I’m not interested in your Ambassadorial role anyhow. I’m here… for you. As a woman… as a mother» As she immediately stiffened, he smiled warmly as to excuse himself. «My Lady… allow me to properly introduce myself. I am Sir Gareth Swales, knight of the Iremian Empire… and member of an ancient… society» «Useless spies» puffed Ileana. Grinning, he ignored her comment and simply went on. «In standard circumstances, I wouldn’t give away my role so easily… but these are not standard circumstances. This is the first time a Dark Twin is passed through a… non Iremian ‘channel’, if you’ll pass me the term. The blood of the One Thousand Columns City doesn’t flow in your veins. This is… unexpected. The whole issue has been deeply discussed. I will not hide the fact that a number of my Brothers suggested to solve the problem at his root… killing you. Before this moment, I mean» Too shocked to keep her temper, Ileana jumped on her feet. «You bastard…» |
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| Kangarawa | Jul 15 2010, 08:39:04 AM Post #15 |
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Maker of Coffee
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All thoughts of dismissing him outright vanished at his words. He was threatening her child and utter horror was bubbling at the top of the maelstrom of emotions his comments engendered. But ... he had given something to which she could cling. "I told you that he was disgustingly annoying, Mother and that he ..." "Enough." Marilyn closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. When she felt a measure of control return, she opened them and looked at Ileana. "Please. Sit down, Ileana." Her demeanour was cool as she regarded Lord Swales, dropping all pretences. "Please have a seat, Lord Swales." Once the three of them were seated, the irony was quite obvious in her voice as she continued, her wary eyes never leaving his. "Forgive me, My Lord, but you're not only dealing with me as a mother and woman, but like it or not, as the representative of my nation." She paused, taking yet another deep breath. "Regardless, you've said there was talk of murdering me but that that was before. What has changed?" |
![]() ![]() If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around. | |
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| Reziel | Jul 15 2010, 09:09:34 AM Post #16 |
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Eternal Delegate
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«In the end, both sides have had to admit we do not have a clue about the possible effects of your… lineage over this pregnancy. The lack of Iremian blood could well imply a weakening of your chances to… control the influence of the Twin on your son… or the very opposite. It could well happen that your foreignness will… reshuffle the deck, introducing elements and factors he will not be able to control… which would lead us all to a particularly weak twin during the next generation. Or even… it could prove an irrelevant element. We could say we have two chances on three your lineage won’t be a danger… and despite what someone could suggest, we do not take extreme measures, if we’re not strongly persuaded they’re… unavoidable. And they’re…» «Kidnapping Arian, hoping to kill him… it didn’t seem an ‘unavoidable’ circumstance» interjected Ileana, her tone as cold as ice. «Lady Ileana… I’m not here to argue with you about anything. The episode has been an incredibly embarrassing error on our side… but those who had wanted it have paid the price of their incorrect reading of the ongoing events. But again, I’m her to offer my support…» «A son… how can you know? Why not a daughter?» Gareth turned towards Mariln for a very brief moment, then he threw an interrogative glance to the Iremian lady before focusing back on the Kangarawan diplomat. «Well… it’s rather difficult to explain. I’m… tuned with him… the Dark Twin. I’ve perceived he has moved… fully, I’d say. Not just in part, as it would have happened if the child was… a daughter. No… he’s a male. And your pregnancy will be successful. The child will be borne… healthy and strong. It’s inevitable. We’re not sure how they can do it, but… they foresee it. As if they could read the lines of possible futures. According to another theory, the Twin prevents pregnancies which could lead to handicapped fetus… but there’s no way to really know it. The one thing we can say is that during the last nine centuries, there have been almost three thousands… ‘passages’… and not a single pregnancy has been interrupted by natural happenings. And no child has been borne with serious diseases or… anything. That’s why the Shadow Families have been able to breed perfectly healthy children for a period that could well be considered forever, if examined with standard human criteria» «Forever?» «Marilyn…» «Lady Janus… probably, they’ve not considered this a ‘relevant’ information, but the Uth Reiser’s family has sat on the Ruby Throne of Irem for one thousand eight hundreds and eighty two years, now… seventy eight, if you do not count the last four ones of ‘vacancy’. Without a single case of… unlucky first-borns. I would be impressed if you could point me another example in human history… and that’s the same for the Almsycks… Lady Ileana’s family. And the De Cordes… and the same for all of the twenty seven surviving lineages. Even the Reziels» |
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| Kangarawa | Jul 15 2010, 09:54:54 AM Post #17 |
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Maker of Coffee
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She remembered Arian's kidnapping only too well. Ileana had been beside herself, Reziel more angry than she'd ever seen him and Lach ... Lach said little but his fear had been palpable at his inability to do anything. Arian had been, and still was like a young brother to her, always a nuisance but nonetheless totally lovable. All of them had been uncharacteristically silent as to who had been responsible. Truth be told, there seemed to be any number of things about which they'd remained silent ... Marilyn shot a warning glance at Ileana, knowing she wanted to contribute something but sensing that the baby's interests would be better served right now by allowing Lord Swale to continue uninterrupted. He'd already told her part of what she needed to hear: her child would be born hale and healthy provided that she and Lach took precautions to ensure he had the chance to be born. "My Lord, I am somewhat confused. You've said that you believe that the Dark Twin has moved completely." Swales nodded his agreement, raising an eyebrow. "I was under the impression that, with only one exception, the Dark Twins moved on only after the death of their original "host" for lack of a better term. Are you telling me that Lach's twin has left him for good and aligned himself with our child? Or is he now attached to both of them?" Lach had reluctantly explained the rift between he and his father that had led to his regarding Reziel as his own. Mother, why don't you ask me?" "Please. Not now." |
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| Reziel | Jul 15 2010, 11:01:34 AM Post #18 |
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Eternal Delegate
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As he glanced at Ileana, Swales’ expression couldn’t hide the man’s disapproval. «Lady Almsyck… you stiffen at my entrance, but it comes out that till now Lady Janus has been left in a dangerous ignorance about something she was definitely entitled to know. An ignorance that can well endanger not only her, but a millenarian equilibrium» «Our reasons…» «Your reasons?» smirked the man «Which ones? The Iremian hypocrisy ‘as long as we do not have to officially face it, it doesn’t exist’? Tell me, Lady Almsyck… what have you thought, for all of these years? That this moment wouldn’t have…» «Yes, Sir Swales. That’s what I’ve thought.. what I’ve hoped. That she would have been spared the destiny which has cursed us all for centuries… that the Iremian shadow wouldn’t have infected her. That… that there was hope for a new beginning» she replied, her tone unable to hide an old regret. But if he noted, he didn’t give it away. «You’re an Iremian woman… a woman from a Shadow Family. You owed her. She deserved to be… alerted. To be put in the condition… to choose. As you all have been, when your times had come. You all… you had someone. She has… nobody. She’s alone. She definitely deserved something better than a mentor she doesn’t know… a mentor she cannot really trust» turning his glance away from the Iremian paling woman, he focused back on Marilyn. «Lady Janus… forgive my yelling out. Your… your question is due to a bit of miswording on my side, for which I apologize. No… the Twin is still linked to Emperor Lachdanan only. He hasn’t been… passed. But his… ‘tendrils’ can now reach the life growing inside you. It’s… a kind of ‘preparation’. You can imagine the child inside you as an amphora… an amphora which will be filled by the child’s own soul. But that amphora… it will have to contain a second soul… the Twin’s. The two of them will share the same body… which one will have the control, only time can tell. The point is… to host two souls, the amphora has to be… worked. That’s what he’s doing. Preparing the forming body to receive him, when the time will come… and in the meanwhile, bestowing a number of… ‘enchantments’ on it. Protective ones, we could say. On… on both of you. You… you and the child are his investment, his insurance for the years to come… and he’ll protect you two» «Do you mean…» she began, being immediately interrupted. «Lady Janus… allow me a question. Sometimes, you are… hesitant. As if you’re being… interrupted. Or probably following another conversation… inside your head, possibly?» As the question had been shot, Ileana held her breath. As much as she despised the man, she knew rather well he was competent in his work. But the implications of his question… glancing at the kangarawan Ambassador, she waited for her answer. |
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| Kangarawa | Jul 15 2010, 12:42:16 PM Post #19 |
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Maker of Coffee
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You don't have to tell him about me, Mother. You can order him to leave. Better yet, simply say that you've been overwhelmed by your condition, that ..." "This is NOT your decision to make. Stop trying to put words in my mouth." "You're right, Mother. You don't need me right now. But nor do you need either of them. All you need is to say ..." "Enough! Back off! Blanching, Marilyn fought for control of a raging maelstrom of emotions, trying to decide how or even whether to answer Swales' question. Right now, she was able to silence that seductive voice and its suggestions, but Swales had implied that this was only the beginning. Yes. The twin made her feel safe and protected but at what ultimate cost? She'd faced down the twin once before while it controlled Lach's body but she knew she'd merely been lucky that the control had been relinquished. Lach had been fighting. An infant didn't stand a chance. She clenched her interwoven fingers tightly in anger as she thought of Ileana. Why in the name of Profer had Ileana not explained all of this to her? Swales was right. She ought to have known, ought to have had some idea of what to expect in this situation. She sighed, realising that even if she had known, it wouldn't have changed the outcome. She'd not have done anything differently. But now? Now she needed information, advice, support ... and to accept it from only the twin would be the height of foolishness. Ileana was the one whose support and advice she most wanted but the Brotherhood had already discussed the murder of both she and her child. To turn Swales away now would also be incredibly foolish. She glanced at Ileana, hurt and anger clear in her both her eyes, and then focused once more on Swales. "Yes," she answered very simply. |
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| Reziel | Jul 15 2010, 01:40:06 PM Post #20 |
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Eternal Delegate
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At that simple word, Ileana’s eyes opened wide in utter disbelief. Speechless, she glanced at both Marilyn and the Observer, who on the contrary had closed his eyes, as to recollect his own thoughts. When he re-opened them, he chained them with Marilyn’s, glancing straigth in the depth of them… and for a moment, it seemed he was looking even deeper. «Lady Janus… honest, this is definitely something I wouldn’t have expected, before passing your door. The fact the Twin is already able to get in touch with you... to speak to you… it introduces an unexpected element to be perused. It’s… unusual. Completely. Both for the Twins in general… and for this specific one even more. The Dealmaker… that’s how he’s usually called… he’s not renowed for his consideration of women. We’re strongly persuaded that he has played a major role in killing Lachdanan’s mother at the Prince’s childbirth, just to offer an example. The fact he talks to you…» «Sir Swales… despite uncommon, it has happened before» interjected Ileana. «So soon, Lady Almsick? The morning after the conception?» as she shook her head, he nodded. This time, there seemed to be no irritation against the Iremian’s comment «But I wouldn’t be… worried. Specifically worried, I mean. On the contrary, I’d say this is positive» «How so?» Marilyn’s comment came out of genuine surprise. «Lady Janus… this is the main reason I’ve voted against your assasination. You have… influence over him. A strong one, I’d say. You had confronted him once… and he has stepped back. Accordino to my subsequent observation of Emperor Lachdanan’s behavior… I’d say you’ve… allow me a foolish word: charmed him. In my opinion, this is the reason for his… urgency in contacting you. A sincere… interest» «A sincere…» «Sir Swales… he has been one of the most merciless and selfish Twins in the whole…» Ileana’s surprise was big enough to allow her a brutal interruption of Marilyn’s comment. «… Iremian history? Yes… probable. But do not forget that he has had a direct influence over the Throne for thousands of years… we can like it or not, but Irem owes him a lot, too. But without crawling back in ancient history… hasn’t Lachdanan drawn on his powers? Hasn’t the Blue Hawk been reactivated, after Lady Janus confronted him?» «How do you…» this time, Ileana’s surprise was complete. The Observer was flatly communicating that not even the best kept secrets of the Iremian Nobility were safe from the Brotherhood’s glances. «We’ve refined our talents for centuries… we’re good at what we do. And we both know that Emperor Lachdanan simply lacks the discipline to… tame his own Twin. He’s not Elistar Reziel. And this…» he smiled, his glance back on Marilyn «…this leaves only you, my Lady. Wasn’t this so incredibly serious, I’d compliment with you, as it seems you’ve been able to seduce one of the most ancient demons human history has ever heard about» |
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| Kangarawa | Jul 15 2010, 02:38:57 PM Post #21 |
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Maker of Coffee
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"I've seduced ... what?" Marilyn's voice rose on the last word. The control she'd tried so hard to maintain was slipping and there was no possible way that deep breathing was the answer. The urge to run somewhere ... anywhere ... away from this... was almost overwhelming. Startling the three of them, herself included, she virtually leapt from her chair, pacing the room like a caged tiger, her eyes darting from one to the other as she tried to calm down. "You're telling me that this ... this Dealmaker ... killed Lach's mother? That I'm somehow influencing him and that Lach can't control him?" Her voice rose even higher, her eyes wide as those of a doe caught in the headlights of vehicle. "And that you'd compliment me for seducing a demon? What in the name of Profer am I supposed to do with this information? How do I protect our child?" "Marilyn ..." "No, Ileana. Give me a minute." Marilyn continued her pacing, slowing little by little. "What's Blue Hawk and how does it help Lach control him?" |
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| Reziel | Jul 15 2010, 03:16:46 PM Post #22 |
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Eternal Delegate
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Observing Marilyn’s restlessness, Swales nodded with satisfaction. The provocation had been sharp… but there seemd to have been no reaction comin from the demon. Marilyn’s anxiety was definitely genuine… and above all uninfluenced. «Blue Hawk is… an ancient armor, Marilyn» it was Ileana, the one who finally decided to break one of the most guarded secrets of the whole Irem «Three of them… each of them linked to one of the three most powerful survived Twins. The Uth Reisers’, the Reziels’… and the Almsycks’» she sighed. «Blue Hawk, Red Dragon… and Black Snake. Three armors crafted in superb tech… and permeated by unknown magic. Their origins are unknown… we just know that there were five, in the beginning. But when the last Alridian and the last De Vreath died… the armors vanished. So… only three of them are left. Unused… unusable for the last ninety years or so, because… because well, operating them requires a deep interaction with the Twin. They… uhm… the Twin becomes some kind of power-cell. You can get this either by persuading him to cooperate… or by forcing him to. Tamed. That’s the word we use… Reziel’s Twin. Despite he deeply disapproves it… the Grand Duke is able to draw on his own Twin’s powers. He really controls the Twin… he bends him to his own will. Indeed, Red Dragon has been used more than once, during the great Ziganian Rebellion, being a key factor to the ultimate victory» «Lachdanan…» «He lacks the power for such a control, Lady Janus. That’s not strange. The number of tamed Twins is… tiny to be generous. But do not misunderstand. The young Emperor is strong and disciplined enough to force the Twin to bow. Strong enough to keep it at bay, preventing him to jump in the lead… but nothing else» «That’s why he shouldn’t be able to wear Blue Hawk» added Ileana «That’s why he doesn’t want to wear it… he knows it’s not under his full control. He knows the Twin is willingly giving him his strength… and that’s not such a good sensation for him» «Why does he? We really do not know. Unless… unless he’s finding an interest in reaching some kind of ‘peace’ with Lachdanan himself. But why? Again… we cannot but shoot hypothesis. But the fact this whole process has begun with your arrival in New Irem, Lady Janus… well, it gives a good hint on the direction we should look for, doesn’t it?» As the Kangarawan Ambassadress shrugged, the Observer smiled warmly, almost touched by the obvious mix of emotions boiling inside her. «Lady Janus… do not misunderstand. He’s still incredibly dangerous and… yes, under human criteria, he is evil. But there’s a chance he’s… interested in a deal. And this could be incredibly profitable for us all… above all the young Heir, I’d say. We just have to find out what’s his exact interest… and I suppose we’ll have to spit blood to find it out» he grinned. |
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| Kangarawa | Jul 16 2010, 07:24:19 AM Post #23 |
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Maker of Coffee
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"So ... you have no idea what kind of deal it might want or what his exact interest is, " Marilyn stated flatly. "And Lach is being protected by this ... this blue armour but is putting himself at risk when he uses it. Have I got that right?" Swales nodded, as if she was a student of whom he was quite proud. Marilyn closed her eyes briefly, trying to decide if she could handle any more answers to the myriad questions flooding her mind. Recriminations and further "history" lessons could wait. She'd had enough for now, she decided. "Where do we go from here, My Lord?" |
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| Reziel | Jul 16 2010, 12:04:31 PM Post #24 |
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Eternal Delegate
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«Well… I’m surprised I’m going to say this, but I suppose the first step would be understanding two things. The first one would be if you’re able to… call him. Till now, we…» «This would be the first case ever, wouldn’t it?» asked Ileana, a worried curiosity in her voice «Do you really think it would be a good idea, Sir Swales? It could be rather dangerous, couldn’t it?» «I suppose we’ll know only after we’ll have made the attempt, I fear. At least… well, we already know he will not hurt her. Nor he can get control over her willingness. I suppose you’ll agree on this» As Ileana nodded, he did it back. «What about the second thing, Lord Swales?» interjected Marilyn. «Well… you’ll have to confront him, Lady Janus. To find out… if not what he wants in the long run, why he’s reshuffling the deck so deeply» |
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| Kangarawa | Jul 18 2010, 03:58:24 PM Post #25 |
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Maker of Coffee
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Frustrated, Marilyn looked in disbelief from Swales to Ileana and then back again. "Let me get this straight. No one has ever summoned one of the Shadow Twins. Do you even know how one summons them then? Am I supposed to stand on one of the towers in New Irem, throw my arms up in the air and chant some magical spell that conjures up demons? Or would a blood sacrifice on a mountain top be more effective?" Anger and sarcasm more that obvious, she shook her head in disgust. "Profer, what are you thinking?" Despite the worry still evident in her eyes, Ileana stifled a chuckle. If Swales was at all amused by Marilyn's outburst, his expression didn't show it. He paused, eyes narrowing and a adopted a calculating tone. "Profer, one of your ancient gods. Is he protective?" Marilyn closed her eyes. "I don't believe this." Even the company of the twin would be preferable to that of Lord Swales, she thought. At least she "felt" safe in his presence, a feeling Lord Swales was incapable of engendering ... and a feeling she needed desperately right now. The iridescent blues of the summer sky shimmered down, becoming golden waves as they descended, greening in the meadow grass and sparkling silver in the face of the rocky outcrop from behind which the lilting notes of the flute rose. Bare toes flexing in the soft warmth of the grass, tension dissipating from her neck and shoulders, Marilyn closed her eyes, losing herself completely in the haunting melody, conscious of nothing other than a profound peacefulness. Seconds ... minutes ... hours later, she opened her eyes at the sound of his warm chuckles, finding herself curled up in the grass. He was sitting beside her, legs outstretched, his eyes glinting with amusement as he watched her. "So ... you've had enough of him already. I did try to tell you." She stretched lazily and sat up, knowing she should be afraid of the demon but feeling only a comforting sense of familiarity. "He said you killed Lach's mother." He shrugged. "Perceptions can be deceiving. It's all a matter of perspective". Seeing her puzzled expression, he grew serious. "I won't hurt you, Mare." "Why?" "I told you. You've a strong soul and your blood is full of life. More than that, you're untainted by centuries of history." Marilyn shook her head slowly. "That doesn't mean anything. I still don't understand." "Perhaps you're not asking the right questions." She hesitated, searching for questions to which might get a straight answer. "Why do you help Lach use that armour when it's not safe for him ... and why now? If anything were to happen to him ..." Her voice trailed off, the threat implicit in her tone. "They called you the "Dealmaker". What deal are you looking for?" He laughed with genuine amusement, eyes crinkling as he looked at down at her. "So now you would broker deals, Mare?" He looked up at the wispy clouds before meeting her gaze again. "I assist the Lonely Prince because it suits me to do so. As for the other, the asnwer may become clearer in time. Be patient." "But how much ..." Marilyn broke off as stared into Ileana's frightened face only inches from her own. |
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| Reziel | Jul 19 2010, 12:05:16 PM Post #26 |
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Eternal Delegate
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Suddenly relieved as Marilyn’s eyes focused on her face, Ileana turned towards Swales, waiting for his possible comment… not that she really needed it. Wife of a Shadow Noble, mother to two of them… and now lover to a fourth one, she knew the expression of complete catatonia far too well. «No, Lady Janus… no need for complex rituals, as you’ve just noted. He can hear you… just as he can hear his own hosts. I’m a bit surprised by the… easiness with which he can answer your call, but… it was him, lady Janus. His powers are deeply linked with you. I’ve perceived his presence… if your condition during the last ten minutes wasn’t self-explaining enough» Standing, Ileana frowned at him. «Lord Swales… this is not meant to be a stage for you to show your deep knowledge of the Twins… of this Twin. We’re far more interested in knowing what kind of…» suddenly, her mobile rang. A quick tone she immediately recognized. She would have ignored it… but the ringtone was associated to the emergency line of the Foreign Office. She quickly glanced at the received SMS, and immediately paled. Speechless, she handed it to Marilyn.
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| Kangarawa | Jul 20 2010, 11:54:30 AM Post #27 |
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Maker of Coffee
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Marilyn blanched as she read the message, shooting a quick look at Ileana who, still pale, nodded. At the nod, Marilyn's focus shifted, temporarily vaulting her into the role in which she was most comfortable in this office, emotions forcibly held in check. "My Lord, if you'll excuse us, please. The remainder of this conversation will have to wait." Her voice was brusque as she opened the door motioning to Ileana to follow her as she walked briskly to Megan's desk, brows furrowed. "Megan, has the diplomatic pouch yet arrived?" "About two hours ago. Sorry. I didn't bring it in because I didn't want to interrupt whatever was going on." She motioned to the four neatly stacked piles, three on her desk, the one with packages on the floor beside her. "Which do you want first?" "Personal." Marilyn quickly leafed through the six envelopes Megan handed her, discarding five of them immediately and staring for a moment at the sixth leaving the seal untouched. It was marked for her eyes only with the crest of the Ministry of International Affairs featured prominently in the top right corner. With a quick glance at Ileana, she opened it, skimming all four pages of elegant handwriting quickly and then rereading it slowly before handing it to Ileana without a word. "Megan, once Lord Swales leaves, please get hold of Robert Delaney for me. I'll take the call in my office at that point." Noting the flummoxed look on Ileana's face as she returned the letter to her, Marilyn nodded in agreement speaking softly only once she and Ileana had moved away from Megan's desk and stood beside one of the tall windows at the other end of the room. "It makes no sense to me either. That's why I want to talk to David. He might have some idea of what's behind this. At the same time, I don't want Lord Swales aware of the contents of this until we get David's input." Marilyn had no qualms about using David Miller's true name with Ileana. Former de facto head of the Ministry, he'd "disappeared" from Kangarawa with the help of Kadras, amongst others, when the new government came into power. The assassinations of Mappins and Scythes, Marilyn's aunt, had given him reason to believe that he could be of more use outside the country than in. She'd often thought that the last name he'd chosen for his new identity was his only sign of regret at leaving Kangarawa. Delaney's had been his favourite restaurant in the capital's harbour district. "I know there's more that Lord Swales needs ... wants ... whatever ... to say and that I have to hear it, but right now, this, " she motioned to the letter, " needs to be addressed. I want to know exactly what's prompted it and what can be done." |
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| Reziel | Jul 20 2010, 03:44:52 PM Post #28 |
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Eternal Delegate
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«Marilyn… before anything else, please listen to me» Ilana’s tone was worried but calm… the Iremian noble seemed to have taken the lead over her boiling emotions. The Kangarawan couldn’t do anything else but glancing at her, waiting for her to go on. «A number of issues have been discussed… and I hope I’ll be able to give you a number of answers to… justify our… my choices in omitting a number of details about the Twins and everything.. but not now. Despite not completely unexpected, this news from Tasmin requires immediate attention. It’s… it’s already getting it. To be exact. Right now as we speak» As Marilyn interrogatively raised an eyebrow, the phone on her desktop rang. a single tone, then it went silent again. Ileana smiled, the smile of someone who knows exactly what is going on. «That’s... the confirmation. Marilyn, my beloved one… this had been feared. By us… but not only. Right after Mappins’ assassination, we understood that many things were boiling in Kangarawa. That your country was going to face a period of great trouble… and that you could have well been one of the targets. After your aunt’s death… we realized we had already wasted enough time. That’s when Golden Princess started» «Golden Princess?» «Reziel’s suggestion. Golden Princess was classified under Protector’s Seal. I’m not sure if you’ve ever had details about our classification system, but.. well, Protector’s Seal means the whole operation is disclosed to a very limited number of persons, chosen one by one by the Protector himself» «Reziel» Ileana nodded back at Marilyn’s interjection. «In this case… five persons on the Rezielan side. Elistar, me, Kadras, Lachdanan and Lord Michael Tynian of the NISA. You’ve met him a couple of times… you can probably remember him» «I do, Ileana, but…» «Sweetie, you know I’m a chatter. I was saying... Golden Princess. Since the beginning, it wasn’t meant to be a Rezielan-only operation. It couldn’t be… and it wasn’t. David helped us selecting a limited numbers of trusted Kangrawans… and they were recruited» «Recruited… for what, Ileana?» «Golden Princess was meant to arrange a protective cordon all around you. Against any possible… threat. In this moment, the HQ of the Archangels have activated an electronic device which prevents any possible tapping inside this Embassy. They’re masters at it… and they’re indeed exploiting a number of… vulnerabilities in the Embassy’s countermeasures. Vulnerabilities which have been… placed by…» «The Kangarawans working with you, I guess» «Patrick will give you the details, if you’ll need them» «My little brother is implied with this.. why I’m not surprised?» as she smiled, Ileana smiled back. «Patrick had a number of assets. His loyalty to you is unquestionable… and his friendship with Lach has been an important tile to ground the whole operation onto. So…» «This ‘so’ is definitely what I want to hear, Ileana» «Well… the most part of the ‘so’ will be linked to your decisions. Your personal safety is guaranteed, that’s for sure. All of the problematic staff members in either the Embassy or your bases here in Reziel… they’re being kept under strict surveillance. We have already identified them… again, David’s help has been more than precious. In the past months, each Kangarawan linked to your country’s installations has been scrutinized. Tons of information have been collected… and a number of ‘scandal dossiers’ have been created to take care of the most problematic ones. Part of them are fake news… but luckily, men are men everywhere and they have weaknesses which can be exploited when the need arises. Aside that… each option is on the table» «Didn’t I know you all so well, I could even be scared, Ileana» «Marilyn… in the end, the Dark Twin is nothing else but a metaphor of our nation’s soul. Irem has fought… and mostly won numberless battles in the past. We crave peace… but we’re ready to fight for it. Si vis pacem, para bellum. In this specific circumstance… this is going to become a war. A diplomatic one, a personal one… a subterranean one. We do not yet know, but it doesn’t really matter. I just want you to know… that you will have our nation’s full support» «Ileana…» «One last thing, my dear one. If they want a more… reliable Ambassador here in New Irem, that’s an annoyance but it’s not such a problem. But… they could have a second purpose. They could want you back in Kangarawa because there… it would be easier for them to… deal with you. That’s why, as a friend… I’m asking you not to go back in your country. We can work about details… but you shouldn’t go back in Tasmin» |
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| Kangarawa | Jul 25 2010, 05:31:48 PM Post #29 |
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Maker of Coffee
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Kangarawan Embassy - Security Office One hour later Patrick Janus sat at his desk with his eyes closed, massaging his temples. A late night and a couple of beers while playing darts had nothing to do with the headache though. Part of it, certainly, was a result of the changes wrought by the viral DNA with which almost every Marine under his father's former command had been deliberately infected. Headaches, amongst other things, were one of the "unfortunate" side effects with which they all coped. No, this headache had far more to do with the conversation, if one party's not being able to edge in more than a couple of words could actually be termed a conversation, with his sister. Ruefully, he corrected himself. He'd been speaking with, or more accurately, spoken to by the Ambassador and as such, she'd had every right to be damned pissed off. A joint operation to protect her had been put in place without her knowledge or consent. It did involve members of her staff. Whether or not they'd have been able to get her to agree with it was moot. Regardless, the cordon was in place. He'd leave it to Storm to explain the details. She hadn't even allowed him to give them. Marilyn had simply said what she came to say, at length, then donned that cloak of icy dignity she seemed to muster at whim and walked out. "You youngens just can't handle your liquor, now can ya?" Patrick's eyes flew open. He hadn't even heard Rideout come in but accepted the steaming mug of coffee gratefully from the grinning man. "My father ... reincarnated ..." "Didn't think it was just losing at darts last night, Loo." Eyes sparkling in amusement as the grin broadened on his seamed face, Rideout left as quietly as he'd entered. As he took his first sip of the coffee, Patrick's appreciation of the Sergeant deepened even further at the warmth of the shot of whiskey Rideout had added. Marilyn's Office - 16:00 hours A bowl of fruit, a plate of sweets and the elegant tea service gifted to her by Ileana graced the low table in front of the couch on which Marilyn and David sat in the deep alcove off Marilyn's office. The daily bouquet of fresh flowers from Kadras' arboretum had been temporarily moved to a side table, almost lost amidst the other flowering blooms and assorted ornamental greenery that enclosed the sitting area. Hanging plants draped the recessed windows blending with those rising from the floor, shielding the occupants from outside eyes. Not even the immense bookcase on one wall had escaped Kadras' hand. More than once Marilyn had had to curb an audacious form of ivy that had the temerity to try and sneak its tendrils between the volumes on her shelves. Although she laughingly referred to it as her "jungle", there was no doubt that it was also her sanctuary. Marilyn listened carefully as her old mentor spoke. The deep affection between the two would have been apparent to even the most casual of observers and was, in fact, the only reason that the two had met infrequently in public since David's move to Reziel. The changes in his appearance were almost startling, implemented, she was certain, at Charles Fisher's suggestion but no one who had ever known David well would fail to recognise his shrewd, kind eyes or the gentle wit that masked an extraordinarily gifted mind. Despite his former high profile, David had always been a a private man with only a handful of close friends. They had spoken in generalities first, Marilyn content to allow David to indulge his professorial bent without interruption. He'd spoken of the need for the new government to establish its credibility. That would, quite obviously, be far more difficult with the leaders of nations who had had close ties with the Mappins' government and who had been aware of the the existence of the Faction and Mappins continual struggle with them. David hadn't belittled Mappins for not making other leaders aware of their existence; it had, after all, been an internal matter for the most part, outsiders becoming aware of the Faction only as it stretched its tentacles outside of Kangarawa. Had they not played it so safe after the assassinations of Mappins and Chantal Scythes, things might have unravelled very quickly given the international uproar, but by denouncing the Kandari and maintaining the status quo internationally, no red flags had been raised. Whether or not the Kandari were even involved had never been substantiated. The fact that the first elections held since had been a mockery was not widely known, even amongst the general populace. Now, however, it appeared that they had decided it safe enough to start furthering their own agenda. Internally, the search was on for the members of the former government who had fallen off the map. Rumours were being circulated that they had been in league with the Kandari or even working on their own, all in an effort to destroy the strengthening Resistance, which had reformed after the assassinations, from within. "What's their agenda? Specifically." Marilyn interjected. "Who knows? Wealth, power." Miller shrugged, his blue eyes clouding. "Fisher reports that numerous companies are changing hands, shell companies are springing up all over, some foreign, and most deal with either natural resources or national assets. Seems that oil, uranium and titanium are three he's been able to follow somewhat but he thinks it's the tip of the iceberg. Huge tracts of land have changed hands so many times he can't keep up ... the trail is a maze of shells within shells. When you throw in the huge increase in both the Defence budget and the allocation to the Department of Scientific Affairs ... " his voice trailed off. "What was he able to find out about the Embassy recalls?" "Five for certain: Dovakhan, Free Pacific States, Dannistan, Lazlow and Reziel. Charles suspects that there are others but he can't yet confirm." Marilyn's brows creased in puzzlement as she replied slowly. "Some of those make sense to me but others don't. She understood the reason for own recall perfectly. The Faction, and she would never accept them as the duly elected government, certainly didn't trust her and didn't trust the Rezielians to remain uninvolved in the event of a civil war. Miller nodded in agreement. "Some of them don't make sense to either of us. Intelligence has always been one of the Faction's strengths. My guess? They're replacing those they can't trust with those who follow protocol to the letter and will report diligently without asking questions. You and Patrick Bourvard in FPS are prime examples. They'll also make diplomatic overtures to other nations as well, provided it's mutually beneficial ... and by that I mean more beneficial to them, if they can get away with it. Do you know Burt Dow?" Marilyn shook her head. "I've never even heard of him." "New Ambassador to Dovakhan. He's Anne Truscott's nephew. He's a charmer and she's a member of the inner circle so best guess is that he's being assigned there to both charm them into accepting the new regime and to keep eyes and ears open for any mentions of Kangarawan refugees." "Do they really think the Dovakhanese will forget Chantal's work there so readily?" Miller sighed, shrugging again. Neither of them mentioned Norm Vitras, newly assigned Ambassador to Reziel. As David rose to leave about an hour later, he put his hands on her shoulders, his eyes grave. "Marilyn, don't even think about going home. You won't be reassigned and you're considered a threat." Once he left, Marilyn sat back down, her thoughts churning. |
![]() ![]() If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around. | |
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| Reziel | Jul 26 2010, 05:24:03 AM Post #30 |
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Eternal Delegate
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New Irem – The ministry of Foreign Affairs In the meanwhile «He did… what?» Ileana’s astonishment was genuine. «It’s… here, My Lady. Here’s the message from Tasman… and here’s Reziel answer. He replied. Himself. His headed paper, his own signature… everything. Yes, he blatantly invaded our…» her aide-apprentice seemed outraged, as he was skimming through piles of paper handing her one sheet after the other. «Claude… Reziel’s answer. Nothing else. I want to see it… before rushing out of this office and skin him» she grinned. Finally, he handed her the sought document. For a brief moment, her mind labeled it as an utter foolishness… but immediately after, it started to work quickly. At the end of the process, she giggled. «Elistar is a genius, Claude» «A… a genius? He has… I mean… shouldn’t we apologize and…» he babbled. «Hell no… their turn. Not ours. And I honestly wouldn’t be in their shoes. I mean… how would you reply, Claude?» she answered. At his complete bemusement, she grinned «Come on… is this a message you’d expect as an answer to ‘we’re withdrawing our Ambassador there’? Come on… the guy who’s signing the message is a national leader. But the answer… it breaks all of the game’s rules. It’s not an answer you’d expect… and you do not want to be the one answering it. You’ll request assistance from the upper floors. This… this require time, Claude» «Do you… are you saying he deliberately overstepped your authority with the ultimate purpose of… gaining time? This is… this is…» «This is Elistar Reziel, sweetie» giggled Ileana, her face shimmering with amusement, the sheet being finally put down on her desk.
Christie Island Capital District – Rilanon A subterranean parking lot When the black Peugeot 607 stopped, Lord Michael Tynian smiled with relief. At sixty one, he wasn’t used anymore to similar missions… but then, this wasn’t something he could have entrusted to one of his men. Number 2 of the New Iremian Secret Agency, he was de facto the leader of the Rezielan secret services. Surely, the most trusted by the Iremian oligarchy… definitely, one of the few persons who had received the Protector’s Seal and were aware of Golden Princess.That was why he had been dragged away from his fishing day, put on a plane and sent to Rillanon… to that parking lot, in order to meet the dark-haired woman who had just exited the diplomatic car. Standing up, his joints aching for the prolonged waiting, he moved towards the woman. If the dossier about her was accurate, she didn’t like being pestered by bodyguards when moving back home… and indeed, none of them was on sight. ‘An Ambassador to a super-national organization doesn’t seem such a sensible target to justify the expense of a full-time security’… that had been her explanation when requesting a loosening of the surveillance around her. Grinning with himself, he thought the woman had a temper. As she took her briefcase from the car’s baggage and then activated the electronic anti-theft, he waited for her to finish her looking-for-the-keys diving inside the briefcase itself before speaking. Indeed, despite the two of them were now rather near, it seemed she hadn’t noticed him at all, being probably lost in a number of thoughts. «Lady Respolitsa» As she jerked, surprised by the unexpected call, he smiled as warmly as he could. «Lady Respolitsa, please… do not be alarmed. I mean no harm. I am Michael Tynian from the Grand Duchy of Reziel… I’m in urgent need to steal a bit of your time. It’s… it’s about Lady Chantal Scythes» Kangarawa – 15 kms South of Tasman City ’Fraternity’ base - Command rooms When the short e-mail reached his terminal, Admiral Roger Proudmoore dismissed his own aide, left his chair and opened the safety. Taking the avana-colored envelopment and breaking its seals, he took the electronic pad out of it. When the booting sequence interrupted, requesting him to insert the PIN, he typed the 24 digits he had been received. There were no other copies of that pad, which had been delivered personally to him by a trusted courier. Protector’s Seal. Grinning, the Admiral waited for the decrypting program to finish its work. It had been… years, since the last time. Over any possible level of confidentiality. National security at its highest… and when the program had finished, he understood why. Moments after he had finished reading, he stroke the button which activated the de-magnetization process which would have destroyed the pad’s HDD within seconds. Kangarawa had made its move… fraternity had to be discretely moved to DefCon1. And as the largest Rezielan installation outside the Grand Duchy had been entrusted to him… it was him the one who had to co-ordinate the whole process. A number of Kangarawans were trusted ones… for them, a supporting net would have been activated. The others… they weren’t welcome guests anymore. The list of things to do was already beginning to take form in front of his eyes when he went back to the desk, grabbed the receiver and started the first of an endless number of calls. |
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Armis Exposcere Pacem They demanded peace by force of arms ![]()
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7:50 PM Jul 10