Heroica RPG - Quest #139: Around the World

[UsernameMDM]

"We are heroes, Hoke, or so we are meant to be. I agree that we do not have all the information necessary to meddle in another country's affairs, but then does the Golden Crusade, or anyone for that matter? The meddling happens anyways, and while we are here in this situation we must do what is right. I trust the judgement of Guffington, Tarn, Phil and even Natasha. Phil has asked for a champion, and if Arthur would not be it then I would have proudly defended the emperor and what he stands for. This man... Sven. He calls for the elimination of a race of people who have just as much right to this land as him. I am very familiar with this kind of person." He gave the Dragoon a deep stare. "The U'Kin deserve no such thing."

Hoke ponders the imp's words in silence, feeling ill at ease with Hybros's surety of the situation.

"If the U'kin do not deserve such a thing, then they need to do something about it."

Seeing Sven drop onto the ground, Purpearl eases slightly and speaks softly to the Heroes, "Are we not here for the Dragon's flame? I am certain Guffington and several others..." Glancing to Felix, Ella and Vipera, "are aware of this. We are not alone in this it seems. I do not know the location of the Dragon's flame, but I was let known to the knowledge, last night after the feast, that the flame we are after cannot be handled lightly by anyone, it seems. It requires a certain artefact that is located in the museum. Last night, Felix and I, with the permission of royalty, paid a silent visit to the museum to borrow the artefact needed to obtain the flame. This has to be discreet of course, as others are not supposed to know about this artefact leaving the museum, especially Sven or the rioters, who might label us unfavourably and worsen the situation."

Hoke puts a hand over his face and shakes his head. He chuckles once, shakes his head again, and walks towards Arthur.

"Well done," he says as the helps the exhausted dragoon up and claims the Flagpole once more and the loot from the battle, donning Sven's Heavy Armor after removing his own.

Edited September 8, 2015 by UsernameMDM

[Flipz]

Hoke puts a hand over his face and shakes his head. He chuckles once, shakes his head again, and walks towards Arthur.

"Well done," he says as the helps the exhausted dragoon up and claims the Flagpole once more and the loot from the battle, donning Sven's Heavy Armor after removing his own.

Arthur accepts Hoke's aid, making sure to pick up his own weapons, holding them in a ready state just in case some of Sven's followers had failed to see the futility of his stance. "That," he says, "was the hardest fight I've had to deal with in a while." He looks worriedly at the empty space next to Vipera that Miirym had occupied mere minutes before. "Where'd Miirym go? Is something going on that I should know about?" he asks his fellow Dragoon as he re-equips his Tin Gloves.

----------------------------------------

Unbeknownst to Arthur, his Dragon soars over the glassy surface of Lake Glaz, her rear talons leaving trails in their wake as she lets them drag across the surface of the water. She looks down, gazing at her own reflection.

"<When did this happen?>" she wonders quietly to herself, staring at the unfamiliar face that looks back at her. "<When did I become this great and powerless creature?>" No longer was she the small, near-helpless hatchling she had been in Xu, the miniscule creature she had been at the start of their voyage. Every day she had grown, stronger and larger as she had so greatly desired, even faster as they'd arrived in Dastan. This morning, her scales had begun to shed, and she knew that within the week her days of sitting on shoulders would be over. Yet despite her ever-growing size, her strength within had not grown to match it, and the near-youngling knew not why.

She thinks back, just minutes ago, to the battle that unfolded before her. She snorts, a cloud of midnight-violet smoke bursting forth and receding into the distance behind her. All I wished, she thinks, was to stand at his side. To protect him, to protect Dastan, to be the Guardian that is my name. Her gaze drops below. But I was not needed. My contribution, had I even been allowed to give it, would have meant nothing--less than nothing--in the face of his foe.

Miirym turns slightly, the better to look at Drakencourt and the palace she had just left. Arthur speaks of Vipera, of the Dragons of Dastan. Of their wisdom, their strength and power. Yet still, despite all I have learned, that power is still not my own. In a fit of sudden resolution, Miirym wheels, turning back on her path towards its origin. Perhaps, she thinks determinedly, the answers I seek will be found in the heart of all dragons' flame. It is time we seek it out.

OOC: Hooray for Level 40, I can wear more stuff now!

Edited September 9, 2015 by Flipz

[Zepher]

Seeing Sven drop onto the ground, Purpearl eases slightly and speaks softly to the Heroes, "Are we not here for the Dragon's flame? I am certain Guffington and several others..." Glancing to Felix, Ella and Vipera, "are aware of this. We are not alone in this it seems. I do not know the location of the Dragon's flame, but I was let known to the knowledge, last night after the feast, that the flame we are after cannot be handled lightly by anyone, it seems. It requires a certain artefact that is located in the museum. Last night, Felix and I, with the permission of royalty, paid a silent visit to the museum to borrow the artefact needed to obtain the flame. This has to be discreet of course, as others are not supposed to know about this artefact leaving the museum, especially Sven or the rioters, who might label us unfavourably and worsen the situation."

"Not entirely sure how much royalty knows about our loan," says Lady Felix as she beams next to Purpearl. "So maybe keep our lips tight for a few more hours."

Hybros watches as Arthur quickly fells Sven's champion, and Phil strikes the man himself down. He nods approvingly.

"Eheh, Phil I am glad to see you are yet strong enough to strike down those who oppose you. Now... perhaps we can discuss why we are here..."

"Hybros," Phil grins. "Mighty long time since I last saw you. And I apologize. Back in that accursed arena, I was but an ambassador. But lady fortune has since piled on me great fortune." He takes a step towards Hybros, but then stumbles. He catches himself, but looks suddenly pale, and the heroes are able to spot sickly bags under his eyes. "I fear I am not as strong as I was then." Mallelio and Tarn rush forward to support the Emperor, and help him back towards the palace.

Arthur rolls his head to look at his companions. "Should I be worried, or...?"

<Never fear, hero. She is but exploring.>

Hoke ponders the imp's words in silence, feeling ill at ease with Hybros's surety of the situation.

"If the U'kin do not deserve such a thing, then they need to do something about it."

"We did. Our best leaders were killed trying to do something about it killed some of our best leaders."

Sven's followers disperse relatively rapidly, and Sven is dragged away by two soldiers. If he is alive or dead, it is impossible to tell.

Returning back to the palace, the heroes are greeted by Ella and Natasha.

"Thank you for interceding, heroes. I know that it was not part of your schedule, but I hope the nation has once more been nudged in the right direction. It seems we do a lot of that... subtle and slow nudges." She shakes her head sadly, but a hopeful smile remains on her lips. "Tarn and Mallelio are helping Victor back into bed. Those of you who know him... perhaps it'd be best to go say farewell, just in case. It is sometimes impossible to tell when paths will cross again, if ever. I am sure Tarn would like to say farewell as well."

She looks to Guffington.

"Once the heroes have said their good byes, Vipera will lead your retinue and the heroes to her homeland. There you shall find what you are looking for."

"What's the good bye we prophetesses give?" Natasha asks Ella cheekily. "Oh, right. We'll be seeing you soon enough. I know it."

Ella blushes.

"That's true, heroes. Do not forget to come say a final farewell to me as well before you leave my palace. I will be up in my study."

[JimBee]

Hoke ponders the imp's words in silence, feeling ill at ease with Hybros's surety of the situation.

"If the U'kin do not deserve such a thing, then they need to do something about it."

"Perhaps they cannot, or do not have the desire to lower themselves to the level of Sven and his followers. Heroes fight for the weak."

Hybros nods. Finally, they would be on their way with the mission they were hired for. Yet, Hybros felt empowered to have been able to help Dastan. Or so he thought. His own people were not unlike the U'Kin, oppressed by humans who claimed to own the land they were once foreigners to.

He gave Arthur a reassuring nudge. "You did well, Arthur. Your dragon... this is Dastan, her ancestral home. I am sure we will find her, or rather, she will find us, heheh. I am not familiar with Miirym as you are, but I have encountered enough dragons in my travels to know that they have an agenda of their own. She will come around."

"Natasha, it has been an honor fighting alongside you. I wish you and the future of Dastan well." He nodded at Ella, too. "The Golden Crusade seems like a worthy cause to me. Again, I will be available should you need me, heheh..." He gave a slight bow.

"Very well, should we go see Phil and the others before we leave?" Hybros cast a worried glance at the palace.

[Flipz]

<Never fear, hero. She is but exploring.>

He gave Arthur a reassuring nudge. "You did well, Arthur. Your dragon... this is Dastan, her ancestral home. I am sure we will find her, or rather, she will find us, heheh. I am not familiar with Miirym as you are, but I have encountered enough dragons in my travels to know that they have an agenda of their own. She will come around."

Arthur nods hesitantly. "Yes...she has always had a strong will. I will trust it will lead her back to us soon." The Dragoon seems to be trying to convince himself as much as anyone else, but he soon finds his attention diverted by Phil's condition, the arrival of the soldiers, and the return inside the palace.

Returning back to the palace, the heroes are greeted by Ella and Natasha.

"Thank you for interceding, heroes. I know that it was not part of your schedule, but I hope the nation has once more been nudged in the right direction. It seems we do a lot of that... subtle and slow nudges." She shakes her head sadly, but a hopeful smile remains on her lips. "Tarn and Mallelio are helping Victor back into bed. Those of you who know him... perhaps it'd be best to go say farewell, just in case. It is sometimes impossible to tell when paths will cross again, if ever. I am sure Tarn would like to say farewell as well."

She looks to Guffington.

"Once the heroes have said their good byes, Vipera will lead your retinue and the heroes to her homeland. There you shall find what you are looking for."

"What's the good bye we prophetesses give?" Natasha asks Ella cheekily. "Oh, right. We'll be seeing you soon enough. I know it."

Ella blushes.

"That's true, heroes. Do not forget to come say a final farewell to me as well before you leave my palace. I will be up in my study."

"Natasha, it has been an honor fighting alongside you. I wish you and the future of Dastan well." He nodded at Ella, too. "The Golden Crusade seems like a worthy cause to me. Again, I will be available should you need me, heheh..." He gave a slight bow.

Arthur stands beside Hybros. "My feelings mirror those of Hybros. If you have need of me, don't hesitate to write."

With a bow of farewell to Natasha, Arthur follows Hybros, to Phil's room or elsewhere as he so chooses. "Lead the way," he says simply.

[Purpearljellyblob]

"Not entirely sure how much royalty knows about our loan," says Lady Felix as she beams next to Purpearl. "So maybe keep our lips tight for a few more hours."

"Perhaps not in front of royalty, agreed." Purpearl nods in return.

"Thank you for interceding, heroes. I know that it was not part of your schedule, but I hope the nation has once more been nudged in the right direction. It seems we do a lot of that... subtle and slow nudges." She shakes her head sadly, but a hopeful smile remains on her lips. "Tarn and Mallelio are helping Victor back into bed. Those of you who know him... perhaps it'd be best to go say farewell, just in case. It is sometimes impossible to tell when paths will cross again, if ever. I am sure Tarn would like to say farewell as well."

She looks to Guffington.

"Once the heroes have said their good byes, Vipera will lead your retinue and the heroes to her homeland. There you shall find what you are looking for."

"What's the good bye we prophetesses give?" Natasha asks Ella cheekily. "Oh, right. We'll be seeing you soon enough. I know it."

Ella blushes.

"That's true, heroes. Do not forget to come say a final farewell to me as well before you leave my palace. I will be up in my study."

Purpearl gives Ella a slight bow, "I wish you safe. Sven may have lost, but that does not equate to having appeased the Dastanians.Sven's defeat may have at most deterred further violence now. If things are not set right, or if things are not monitored closely, that unhappiness that linger somewhere in their hearts may develop into something more sinister. One day, maybe tonight, tomorrow or in the near future, another Sven will rise up amongst them and you have another problem at your hands. As a passerby to this single event, I am only seeing a part of the story and I am in no place to incercede or provide answers. But you can always count on my aid if you ever needed one." Turning to Natasha and the U'Kin, "It has been a pleasure to meet and fight alongside each and everyone of you."

"Very well, should we go see Phil and the others before we leave?" Hybros cast a worried glance at the palace.

"I think it is respectful to say a few words before we leave." says Purpearl as she follows Hybros.

[Zepher]

"Natasha, it has been an honor fighting alongside you. I wish you and the future of Dastan well." He nodded at Ella, too. "The Golden Crusade seems like a worthy cause to me. Again, I will be available should you need me, heheh..." He gave a slight bow.

Arthur stands beside Hybros. "My feelings mirror those of Hybros. If you have need of me, don't hesitate to write."

"I'll hold you to that," she says simply. With a curt nod to Guffington and Co., she disappears back into the palace.

Purpearl gives Ella a slight bow, "I wish you safe. Sven may have lost, but that does not equate to having appeased the Dastanians.Sven's defeat may have at most deterred further violence now. If things are not set right, or if things are not monitored closely, that unhappiness that linger somewhere in their hearts may develop into something more sinister. One day, maybe tonight, tomorrow or in the near future, another Sven will rise up amongst them and you have another problem at your hands. As a passerby to this single event, I am only seeing a part of the story and I am in no place to incercede or provide answers. But you can always count on my aid if you ever needed one." Turning to Natasha and the U'Kin, "It has been a pleasure to meet and fight alongside each and everyone of you."

"Thank you, Purpearl. Our nation is in constant turmoil, we can only hope to move upwards within that. Maybe that does not sound hopeful to an outsider, but I promise you, my nation has grown in the years I have been alive in ways I never knew possible."

The heroes move to Victor's Quarters, and find Mallelio and Tarn outside the room that Victor lies in.

"I've given him an elixir to help him sleep," says Mallelio. "But you may speak with him swiftly. Each time he acts that way, I fear he shaves months off of his life. But I'm sure you're able to imagine how difficult it is to keep him on bed rest."

"I take it you will be on your way shortly?"

OoC: This is just a small role play interlude! You may say farewell to Victor, Tarn, Mallelio, and then go to Ella's study if you so choose! You don't have to move as a pack. I will try to update quickly so that those of you who don't wish to role play for long can move swiftly to the next stage. It is a little self-indulgent, but I'm probably not going to use Dastan again so it would be best to give some of my characters a send off. Let me know if things are ever moving too slowly!

[Flipz]

OOC: Sorry, guys, I am totally wiped. I'll try to write something up in my spare time tomorrow, but odds are it'll be a full 24 hours before I can post in here. If we need to move on without my input, by all means feel free, I'm sure we can manage to retcon something in afterwards if need be. Sorry to be such a dead weight these past couple of days! Hopefully I can improve that a bit soon.

[UsernameMDM]

"We did. Our best leaders were killed trying to do something about it killed some of our best leaders."

"Sounds like need new leaders or a new approach. Playing the victim will only leave you victimized. I truly wish you and your people luck with that."

"Perhaps they cannot, or do not have the desire to lower themselves to the level of Sven and his followers. Heroes fight for the weak."

Hoke scoffs at Hyrbos's ludicrous statement.

"Lowering themselves to Sven's level. Isn't that EXACTLY what we just did? Meeting violence with violence? The weak will remain weak if they choose to not strengthen themselves and fight their own battles."

"Well met and well fought," Hoke says to Natasha,"Mayhaps next time we will have a clear victor in next contest. Good luck to you wherever your travels lead."

"Thank you for interceding, heroes. I know that it was not part of your schedule, but I hope the nation has once more been nudged in the right direction. It seems we do a lot of that... subtle and slow nudges." She shakes her head sadly, but a hopeful smile remains on her lips. "Tarn and Mallelio are helping Victor back into bed. Those of you who know him... perhaps it'd be best to go say farewell, just in case. It is sometimes impossible to tell when paths will cross again, if ever. I am sure Tarn would like to say farewell as well."

"That's true, heroes. Do not forget to come say a final farewell to me as well before you leave my palace. I will be up in my study."

Hoke watches as the crowd disperses, then notices the pools of blood on the pavement. He follows the Heroicans and Dastanians back into the palace, catching Ella privately in her study as to not seem to scold her in front of others, out of respect.

"Be careful which way and how you nudge your nation princess. It looks as if you hand is either too delicate in some areas and too hard in others. We may have interceded for now, but foreigners doing your dirty work will not earn the respect and allegiance you need from your people. Why are Sven and his followers so upset with Dastan's rulers? The true reason."

Hoke looks around the study to see if anything may be useful or catches his eye.

"Anything in here princess that may aid my fellow Heroicans and I on this quest?"

"I've given him an elixir to help him sleep," says Mallelio. "But you may speak with him swiftly. Each time he acts that way, I fear he shaves months off of his life. But I'm sure you're able to imagine how difficult it is to keep him on bed rest."

"A bed ridden emperor," Hoke says to himself.

"I take it you will be on your way shortly?"

"The sooner the better it would seem," Hoke says to the former Heroican,"It seems like our presence is rather unwanted by those outside of your palace's walls. An interesting place to find yourself in Tarn."

Edited September 10, 2015 by UsernameMDM

[JimBee]

Hoke scoffs at Hyrbos's ludicrous statement.

"Lowering themselves to Sven's level. Isn't that EXACTLY what we just did? Meeting violence with violence? The weak will remain weak if they choose to not strengthen themselves and fight their own battles."

"Yes, we, are heroes and must not be afraid to dirty our hands. We are not the everyday U'Kin citizen. That is a narrow point of view. Do you only view someone as valuable and worthy of life if they are physically strong like you, Hoke? People are useful for things other than fighting, and if they cannot defend themselves someone else has to. We cannot give up on the U'Kin and leave them to the likes of Sven just because he is stronger. It would not be right if he prevailed."

Hybros goes to Phil's quarters and looks over the sickly man as he sleeps. He addresses U'Daras. "I suppose death is inevitable to any being... But it is sad to see him in this state when Dastan is not yet on its feet again. He has done much for this empire, I am sure. You fought well, but perhaps you can learn something from Phil and his wisdom. I do not know if you will make a good empress or not, but I wish you luck. The U'Kin must be represented." He gave a quick nod and turned to Tarn.

"Perhaps Heroica can be of service again in Dastan, but yes we must return to our quest. It was good to see you, and I am sure you will do well by this empire. Stop in Eubric sometime. Oh yes, I think this belongs to you..." Hybros holds out the Noble Mask. "You gave it to Arthur, but I think it is better if you hold onto it. Good luck, Noble Tarn, heheheh..."

[UsernameMDM]

"Yes, we, are heroes and must not be afraid to dirty our hands. We are not the everyday U'Kin citizen. That is a narrow point of view. Do you only view someone as valuable and worthy of life if they are physically strong like you, Hoke? People are useful for things other than fighting, and if they cannot defend themselves someone else has to. We cannot give up on the U'Kin and leave them to the likes of Sven just because he is stronger. It would not be right if he prevailed."

"If the people don't rise up for themselves, then they will need rescuing again. And again. I am only how I am now because I stood up. If they do not place value on their lives and their freedoms, why should an outsider? There is strength that is not physical, and you cannot just give that to someone."

Hoke just shakes his head, not understanding how Hybros missed his point.

"Then I suppose you mean to stay after we are done with Guffington if you ?" Hoke calls out to the imp as he walks off.

Edited September 10, 2015 by UsernameMDM

[Purpearljellyblob]

"I do believe that the U'kin have the strength to defend themselves, but any action from them on and against the Dastanians will only create more dissent. They are doing the right thing by holding back and not stepping forward when Sven called for the Right of the People. The people need to see that the U'kin are here for and with Dastan, not against, even if the people do not see it now, I hope it will in the future. We wouldn't want to see Dastanians killing each other over this matter, or would you want to see the U'kin killing Dastanians. That would not be ideal. I guess we did the right thing by standing up against the dissidents, at least none of us are people that Dastanians hate. We are merely transient. Travellers, visitors, tourists and they expect us to leave after we are done with Dastan. If we stayed any longer, I believe we would probably get the same treatment as the U'kin."

[UsernameMDM]

"I do believe that the U'kin have the strength to defend themselves, but any action from them on and against the Dastanians will only create more dissent. They are doing the right thing by holding back and not stepping forward when Sven called for the Right of the People. The people need to see that the U'kin are here for and with Dastan, not against, even if the people do not see it now, I hope it will in the future. We wouldn't want to see Dastanians killing each other over this matter, or would you want to see the U'kin killing Dastanians. That would not be ideal. I guess we did the right thing by standing up against the dissidents, at least none of us are people that Dastanians hate. We are merely transient. Travellers, visitors, tourists and they expect us to leave after we are done with Dastan. If we stayed any longer, I believe we would probably get the same treatment as the U'kin."

"I do not wish to see any come to harm, yet sometimes, that is what it takes to mold a country, whether or not you and I see it as just. We are merely transients, and that's why it probably wasn't the best to stand in the way of the Dastanians' laws and customs. Sven had a rightful claim in what he did, if only HE and one of the rulers would have settled it instead of asking for others to die for their visions of power. Look at Tarn. How long has he been here, and yet, the Dastanians treat him with scorn and disdain. You are correct Lady Purpearl, the sooner we leave, the better it will be, and hopefully, for all of Dastan."

Edited September 11, 2015 by UsernameMDM

[Zepher]

Hoke watches as the crowd disperses, then notices the pools of blood on the pavement. He follows the Heroicans and Dastanians back into the palace, catching Ella privately in her study as to not seem to scold her in front of others, out of respect.

"Be careful which way and how you nudge your nation princess. It looks as if you hand is either too delicate in some areas and too hard in others. We may have interceded for now, but foreigners doing your dirty work will not earn the respect and allegiance you need from your people. Why are Sven and his followers so upset with Dastan's rulers? The true reason."

Hoke looks around the study to see if anything may be useful or catches his eye.

"Anything in here princess that may aid my fellow Heroicans and I on this quest?"

"Thank you for your service, Mr. Abelsword," Ella says diplomatically as he flies into her study, berates her, and then asks for supplies. He blows out to go visit Victor just as quickly, apparently.

"A bed ridden emperor," Hoke says to himself.

"The sooner the better it would seem," Hoke says to the former Heroican. "It seems like our presence is rather unwanted by those outside of your palace's walls. An interesting place to find yourself in Tarn."

"Only by a small violent sect. Most of Dastan has handled the transition fairly well." Tarn bows to Hoke. "Thank you for your help, Hoke. It is always a pleasure to see the heroes of Heroica. And whatever the political environment, it would be wrong to not stand beside the woman I love. And it is her vision for this nation and its people that makes me love her so."

Hybros goes to Phil's quarters and looks over the sickly man as he sleeps. He addresses U'Daras. "I suppose death is inevitable to any being... But it is sad to see him in this state when Dastan is not yet on its feet again. He has done much for this empire, I am sure. You fought well, but perhaps you can learn something from Phil and his wisdom. I do not know if you will make a good empress or not, but I wish you luck. The U'Kin must be represented." He gave a quick nod and turned to Tarn.

"Perhaps Heroica can be of service again in Dastan, but yes we must return to our quest. It was good to see you, and I am sure you will do well by this empire. Stop in Eubric sometime. Oh yes, I think this belongs to you..." Hybros holds out the Noble Mask. "You gave it to Arthur, but I think it is better if you hold onto it. Good luck, Noble Tarn, heheheh..."

"Fear not, hero fear not. Victor has been a mentor to me as I have prepared to ascend Victor has mentored me." She smiles at the imp. "We are similar, he and I. We both embody the flame of Dastan is embodied in the both of us. Which means you must also never count him out."

"Of course. I have not forgotten how Heroica works, my friend. You have your employer to look to." Tarn hugs his friend again as he gives him the mask. "It warms my heart, truly, to see you all once more. Tell the others hello for me. Tesni, Ellaria. And Atramor, of course. See that he doesn't cause too much trouble, I beg you. You are as welcome in Dastan as I in Eubric. And my bride-to-be seems confident I shall see you all again. Her hunches are oft right."

"When you are prepared, U'Voros and I will accompany you back to your ship," U'Daras tells Hybros and Guffington.

OoC: Just want to let Arthur respond. I have no classes tomorrow, so should be able to update again in about 14 hours!

[UsernameMDM]

HAHA! Sorry, looks I replied out of order for role playing! Hoke is supposed to still be in the study. I guess. TOO MUCH GOING ON!!!

Was supposed to be:

Reply to U'Duras, Hybros & Purpearl

Follow everyone inside.

Over hear Malleio & talk to Tarn & Natasha in the hallway.

Talk to Ella in the study.

"Only by a small violent sect. Most of Dastan has handled the transition fairly well." Tarn bows to Hoke. "Thank you for your help, Hoke. It is always a pleasure to see the heroes of Heroica. And whatever the political environment, it would be wrong to not stand beside the woman I love. And it is her vision for this nation and its people that makes me love her so."

"You are welcome my friend. I do hope soon this land will come to a peaceful solution without further bloodshed and violence. May Dastan see a thousand generations of peace."

"Thank you for your service, Mr. Abelsword," Ella says diplomatically as he flies into her study, berates her, and then asks for supplies. He blows out to go visit Victor just as quickly, apparently.

Hoke sighs. He takes a deep breath, and tries again.

"My lady, I apologize for my abrupt demeanor. As I told Lady Natasha, I am more at home on a battle field than at court. However, those two seemed to have intersected today, and I have treated diplomacy without tact. I just know I have been in this situation before, and it was violently unkind to all of those involved. Mayhaps I am basing my judgement too heavily on that experience."

Edited September 11, 2015 by UsernameMDM

[Zepher]

OoC: To be fair, I was teasing a little. I don't know why people jumping around spatially bothers me so much with role play, but for whatever reason that happens to be my pet peeve. I will have Ella respond to you in earnest then! As soon as I fix that last post...

"Be careful which way and how you nudge your nation princess. It looks as if you hand is either too delicate in some areas and too hard in others. We may have interceded for now, but foreigners doing your dirty work will not earn the respect and allegiance you need from your people. Why are Sven and his followers so upset with Dastan's rulers? The true reason."

Hoke looks around the study to see if anything may be useful or catches his eye.

"Anything in here princess that may aid my fellow Heroicans and I on this quest?"

"Thank you for your words," Ella says with a sly smile. "Where and how were you brought up, Mr. Abelsword?"

[Flipz]

It is fortunate for Hybros that Arthur had already stepped inside the room, for otherwise he would surely have something to say about the Marauder giving away the gift Tarn had left the Dragoon to remember him by.

OOC: I hope you remember that I originally loaned that stuff to Matthias, it wasn't a gift.

Also, Zeph, correct me if I'm wrong about Mallelio and the others not being inside Phil's room.

Arthur moves next to the Emperor's bed, unsure of what exactly to say, or if the ailing Emperor could even hear him. 'I'm sorry'? 'Be well'? "Thank you," he finally says. "For everything you've done, for Dastan, for Heroica, for me. I was proud to serve Dastan so long ago, and I'm humbled and grateful that you accepted my aid today. If I become half the man, half the leader you are by the end of my existence, I'll count myself lucky. May the Dragons set fire to your heart and fly it away."

OOC: I'll respond briefly to Tarn and Mallelio (and Ella? Are they in the same room?) when I get home.

[Flipz]

Arthur nods to Tarn and Mallelio as he steps out of the room. "It has been wonderful getting to catch up with both of you again. Perhaps one day, Miirym and I will return for another visit--this is her homeland, after all. I hope I will be able to see you both then."

Finally, Arthur moves to Ella's study, only to find Hoke already in discussion with the Prophet. "Princess Ella, I--oh. My apologies, Hoke, I did not mean to interrupt. I only wished to express my intent to return to Dastan's aid should she once again call. Three years ago, I chose to defend Dastan against the rebels and rogues that threatened to tear her apart. I would be a poor guardian if I failed to maintain that past work." With that, Arthur bows out, leaving to wait with Hybros, Tarn, U'Daras, and Guffington or whoever he needs to wait with so he's not holding anyone up .

OOC: Tomorrow will be busy as well, so any time I have will be going to UQ/141; QM has control over Arthur and Miirym until further notice.

[JimBee]

"Fear not, hero fear not. Victor has been a mentor to me as I have prepared to ascend Victor has mentored me." She smiles at the imp. "We are similar, he and I. We both embody the flame of Dastan is embodied in the both of us. Which means you must also never count him out."

"Of course. I have not forgotten how Heroica works, my friend. You have your employer to look to." Tarn hugs his friend again as he gives him the mask. "It warms my heart, truly, to see you all once more. Tell the others hello for me. Tesni, Ellaria. And Atramor, of course. See that he doesn't cause too much trouble, I beg you. You are as welcome in Dastan as I in Eubric. And my bride-to-be seems confident I shall see you all again. Her hunches are oft right."

Hybros embraces Tarn, and gives one last forlorn look at the emperor before giving a quick tip of his hat. "It does not take a profit to know that we will see each other again. Goodbye, Tarn." He smiles, and departs for the ship.

It is fortunate for Hybros that Arthur had already stepped inside the room, for otherwise he would surely have something to say about the Marauder giving away the gift Tarn had left the Dragoon to remember him by.

OOC: I hope you remember that I originally loaned that stuff to Matthias, it wasn't a gift.

OOC: Then take it back. Matthias gave the mask bask to Hybros with the latter's intentions known. You don't really need it, do you? Let it go full circle when we see Tarn again!

[Purpearljellyblob]

Purpearl moves into the Emperor's quarters and places her hand on the ailing Emperor. It takes incredible will and determiantion to garner the little energy he had to step out and defeat Sven, given his current illness. The elf says nothing, she was humbled, for that is the strength Hoke was talking about.

Hybros embraces Tarn, and gives one last forlorn look at the emperor before giving a quick tip of his hat. "It does not take a profit to know that we will see each other again. Goodbye, Tarn." He smiles, and departs for the ship.

Purpearl nods and says her goodbye to the Princess, the Dragon Knights, Natasha, Mallelio and Tarn. Seeing Hybros leave, Purpearl follows suit.

[UsernameMDM]

"Thank you for your words," Ella says with a sly smile. "Where and how were you brought up, Mr. Abelsword?"

Hoke takes note of Ella's smile and the fact that she did not answer his question.

"If you don't mind princess, where is for me to know only, as bound by oath. As to how, just as you see me. I was taught the ways of knighthood even before I could walk, including the principles of honor, integrity, humility, and chivalry. I am still working on that last one," he says with a wink,"Because of that, I am a Heroican, at least for awhile longer."

Edited September 11, 2015 by UsernameMDM

[Zepher]

"Very well. I value your concern for my peoples, Hoke. But as a leader, I have a duty to lead. So I do. I must lead my nation in some direction, and I would never have a clear conscience if I lead it in a direction that oppresses a whole peoples. We shall meet again, I'm certain. I will tell you then how things have gone." She bows to him.

Lady Felix, Elba, U'Or and Guffington wave a final farewell to the palace as they and the heroes follow U'Voros and U'Daras to the ship. Elba quickly fires up the propellers and soon they're waving farewell to the U'Kin as well.

In the air, the party finally has some time to relax. Vipera flies into view at the bow of the ship.

<Follow me, Captain," she says to all, but mostly to Elba.

"Hel of a day and a night, huh?" Elba says to Hoke as they follow the little dragon.

"Hybros," Guffington call as he approaches the imp. "Thank you for keeping a cool head. I can tell you honestly I did not expect the political turmoil, but as I said, once we were involved, that was that. I'm glad you were all able to flex your true heroic muscles." He coughs. "About the relics. You feel under informed? Allow me to enlighten you! What would you like to know, my little friend?"

[UsernameMDM]

"Very well. I value your concern for my peoples, Hoke. But as a leader, I have a duty to lead. So I do. I must lead my nation in some direction, and I would never have a clear conscience if I lead it in a direction that oppresses a whole peoples. We shall meet again, I'm certain. I will tell you then how things have gone." She bows to him.

"Thank you for your hospitality."

Hoke inclines his head and takes his leave.

In the air, the party finally has some time to relax. Vipera flies into view at the bow of the ship.

<Follow me, Captain," she says to all, but mostly to Elba.

Hoke waves to his first dragon, signalling her to come when she has a chance.

"Hel of a day and a night, huh?" Elba says to Hoke as they follow the little dragon.

"Indeed. I hope it doesn't turn into a literal Hel now," Hoke says with a sigh, which he seems to be doing a lot lately,"What was your take on everything? I'd appreciate an independent viewpoint."

[Purpearljellyblob]

"About the relics. You feel under informed? Allow me to enlighten you! What would you like to know, my little friend?"

Purpearl signals to Lady Felix, "I reckon this is the right time?"

[JimBee]

"Hybros," Guffington call as he approaches the imp. "Thank you for keeping a cool head. I can tell you honestly I did not expect the political turmoil, but as I said, once we were involved, that was that. I'm glad you were all able to flex your true heroic muscles." He coughs. "About the relics. You feel under informed? Allow me to enlighten you! What would you like to know, my little friend?"

"I only did what I thought was right, heheh... Hm, yes, I do not even know what we are looking for or their purpose..."