"Martyrs of the Weyr" | Artois, Alyna, Tryndros, Dryx, Farkha, Ylvia, Francis
Flickering torchlight shown along the stones of the hall. The five passed through, walking in perfect step, heads high, weapons and scales gleaning. "N'sh tari!" A slender female with long black hair at the head of the line snapped back to the others. They quickened their pace without a word.
S
ervants moved out of the hall. Knights glanced their way. The procession of dragon-men, "Veyr'dyns," continued on, towards the hall of Grand Master Artois.
They strode into the hall and fell into line. Alnya, the oldest and highest of them, took her place at the front and center. In perfect formation, at once they drew their weapons and planted them at their feet. In perfect formation they arced their wings, and dropped to their knees. In perfect formation they bowed their heads and uttered the single line that stood for the oath they had sworn to the Martyrs for the last centuries. "'La Viva Martyre." Their deep, rich voices reverbrated through the hall.
Lady Alnya of Danau, the firstborn daughter of the great patriarch of their people, Yldr Danau. Strong, silver-eyed, utterly fearless in her station as their figurehead.
Lord Tyndros of Nygba, well-built in strength and appearance. Favor and honor came to him easily. There was a lightness in how he held himself, a nobility that matched that of a knight.
Lord Dryx of Toth, broadest, most armed, and strongest of them all, with daring, dangerous eyes. He had survived and thrived in the most hazardous of assignments and completed the greatest feats among them.
Lord Farkha of Orkha, clear-eyed, radiating calm, lightly armed. For like most Orkhas his strength lay not in his physical skill, but his sixth sense. His mysterious foreknowledge of danger, his ready and accurate assessment of the hearts of men. As soon as he lifted his gaze, he stared long and hard at the Grand Master.
Youngest and lowest of them all, Lady Ylvia of Ealyv, with earnest eyes and fervent heart. Her pale white dreadlocks fell down her spine and over the blades strapped to her back. She masked her apprehension as she stared at the new Grand Master, determined to hold to her house's loyalty no matter what befell them under this change in ownership.
Yankee Samarai11/19/2019 The chamber is dimly lit, a half circle. At the center of the arching wall sits the wooden throne, the humble seat of the Grand Master. And upon sits the newly elected, flanked by two guards in full armor and orange cloaks Above him is a giant flag with the Order's insignia with the phrase "To live is death, and to die is gain" upon it. A crumpled, and agitated voice asks their business. "Is it honor or recklessness that calls each of the Weyrs here? "Or perhaps, all at once you find the need to express your loyalty?" Tone suggests he is asking if they will show the same honor as the previous master.
CommandoChipmunk11/19/2019 Alnya: Rises and steps forward before him. Her voice is strong, diplomatic. "Grand Master Artois, you are astute. Indeed, first, allow me to speak for us all and say we gladly pledge our loyalty to you and the grande Order you serve under Elyon's blessing. "As for those before, for the last 500 centuries, we hope you will accept our pledge. "We wish you health and blessing." All the other four murmur in chorused agreement.
Yankee Samarai11/19/2019 Scans them. Your loyalty to this Order has been carefully considered by my counselors, and I have taken it into the utmost consideration. Sarcastic, "Do pardon if this is not the ritual you would have expected, as with Francis de Molay."
CommandoChipmunk11/19/2019 Slight tremor of concern runs through them, but Alnya hides it well. She bows her head. "Understood, Master." Hesitates a little... "If I may be so bold, please do not take my next words as a sign of disloyalty or apathy. I only ask for the urgency and singularity of the matter. As soon as it is decided, we will resume our duties and not trespass into your halls again unless summoned." "...The Weyr has been called."
Yankee Samarai11/19/2019 Eyes lock on Alnya. Thinking to himself: A profession of loyalty, amidst actions of neccessity...not loyalty, perhaps treason. "As is the custom of your people. Of course I need you here, with the instatement of myself as Grand Master, there is much work that heeds us..." Leans forward, "And it is moving quickly, I hope not too quickly for the Weyr?" "I assure you the rumors you've heard from my opponents, that things are...unsettled, are merely heresay. Such times as we are in call us to be...radical. Wouldn't you agree? "Can your Weyr wait, for your Grand Master?" Tone drops.
CommandoChipmunk11/19/2019 A slight look of puzzlement crosses Alnya's face, surprised at his candidness, but at this last declaration, she grows still. "Most certainly, Master Artois. The timing is unfortunate, indeed, and we would not leave without your blessing." She hesitates. "Though...in honesty, I must warn you, our Yldrs may become concerned and investigate the matter personally. A Weyr has not been called for the last 200 years and it is customary that all be present. We can send a message explaining our absence, however." "But again, our ways lie in your hands, we will not leave unless you deem it right for the Order." Farkha is still staring hard. Dryx shifts a little. Ylvia is struggling to look composed.
Yankee Samarai11/19/2019 A smile creeps up. He rises, the guards take a knee. "I deem what is right for this Order, you are correct. Do tell, do not the rest of the Weyr trust my intent, as you obviously do. An inspection? Would not my words on the honor of our peoples history be enough to lay aside their concern?"
CommandoChipmunk11/19/2019 Alyna takes a knee as well, along with the guards, sensing his mistrust. Hesitates, then says. "I tell the truth, the Weyr deems all kingdoms alike in this respect. Our lifespans run long, history is as a day to us, and thus, the Weyr does not view any kingdom as above inquiry."
Yankee Samarai11/19/2019 "Above inquiry?"...Paces.
CommandoChipmunk11/19/2019 Quiet deep breath.
Yankee Samarai11/19/2019 The still air echoes his footsteps for a good minute, then he faces them. "The dealings of Grand Master are extraordinarily secretive...this you should be aware of. "You are free to go, on the condition that what they find is kept only between the Weyr and myself." Deep stare.
CommandoChipmunk11/19/2019 Alnya bows, surprised. "We are extremely grateful, Master. And, of course, we never speak of matters of the Order or her Grand Master before the Weyr. We only discuss Ashnuw as a whole. We will make arrangements to see our duties are not left unattended in our absence and we will return as the soonest we can." Raises eyebrows slightly. "Perhaps we may even be able to bring back news that will benefit your work, Master. For the Weyr is called over rumors that Pale has been seen in Ashnuw."
Yankee Samarai11/19/2019 Gives her a reassuring look, as though something in his mind has been firmly decided. "Ahh! Yes, you may serve that purpose for me well...Pale in Ashnuw! Be proud, Viridians, that you were on the right side of history, believing the return of the Evil One was not fantasy. When he appears, know that your position in the Order places you in the position to act upon it."
CommandoChipmunk11/19/2019 She smiles softly and nods. The other four do as well. "Indeed, My lord. Our pledge to the Order is viewed with great honor among our people."
Yankee Samarai11/19/2019 Smiles and nods, waving his hand to dismiss them.
CommandoChipmunk11/19/2019 They all five arise, resheathe their weapons and bow as one. Then Alnya at their head leads them out. None of them dare speak a word until they are far from the hall and back in the open air.
Yankee Samarai11/19/2019 When they reach the outdoors, two man-at-arms and a Knight are in discussion. The Knight sees the Viridians "There, an outside opinion."
CommandoChipmunk11/19/2019 They all stop, bow in greeting.
Yankee Samarai11/19/2019 Knight approaches, Francis. "You were just in the hall of the Grand Master yes? What did you think of his ruling on the matter of Sir Guiscard? Contrived right?"
CommandoChipmunk11/19/2019 Dryx: Blurts a little too quickly, "Sir Guiscard is not a dishonorable man." Crosses arms and shakes his head. Ylvia: Nods solemnly and sadly.
Yankee Samarai11/19/2019 Man-at-Arms#1: "The bloke shouldn't have overstepped himself...besides it coulda been worse for im."
CommandoChipmunk11/19/2019 Alnya: Slight sneer. "He will learn from his trespass." Tyndros: Adds hastily. "Though, of course, it is not ours to judge. We defer to our new Grande Master." Farkha: Still staring, distracted.
Yankee Samarai11/19/2019 Francis stares: "Well golly, Idda thought you all thought the same. Perhaps I overthought the matter, which is what Arnol says I do a lot."
CommandoChipmunk11/19/2019 Alnya: "Some of us are on...better terms than others when it comes to Sir Guiscard." Dryx: Grunts-hisses at her. "He does not put up with any mischief. That is one thing to be said for him." Ylvia: Says quickly. "I met his Squire once." Alnya: Looks at her like, Shut up. Tyndros: Massages temple. "Sir Francis, what is your opinion, good sir?"
Yankee Samarai11/19/2019 "I'm a knight now, so my opinion is that of the Order, but seeing as how the Order is divided, I guess I gets to choose one, but the Grand Master's hall is right there." Gestures with thumb. "And what I've got to say, I may not want him to hear."
CommandoChipmunk11/19/2019 All five of them, eyes screaming agreement. "Of course, understandable," Tyndros says. Farkha glances back at the hall. "Sir Guiscard will find his own way. A better way." Ylvia looks at him in shock.
Yankee Samarai11/19/2019 Man-at-Arms#2: "Better way? Bloke! He lost it." Francis: "Hey whoa whoa!" At Man-at-Arms.
CommandoChipmunk11/19/2019 Farkha: Looks back at him simply, soft almost smirk. Dryx: Mumbling under breath. "At least he has the nerve to say something sometimes." Alnya: Draws sword, quick snarl-hiss and jabs it at Dryx. "Watch your tongue, lest I ask for it to be cut out." Adds in Viridian: "Unless you want to get us all killed." Dryx: Looks at her like WHATEVER and REALLY? all at once. Glances away, glaring and blowing out puff of steam.
Yankee Samarai11/19/2019 Francis: Admires blade, the Viridian is quite majestic with it drawn. "Wow!" Also notes she seems sensitive over the issue, so casully steps aside. "Best get back to my duties, I believe Arnol might be through with his Captain's meeting soon."
CommandoChipmunk11/19/2019 Alnya: Resheathes sword. "As do we." Bows again, a little stiffly. Gives Martyr departure, "To live is to die and to die is gain." The other four nod and echo her.
Yankee Samarai11/19/2019 The men-at-arms continue their patrol, when the others have departed, they quickly move into the Grand Master's hall, into the throne room. They bow. Their salute is different than the traditional Martyr salute. "Hail Master! Lord of Elyon's sanctified!" Artois: "Well..." Man-at-Arms#1: "It is as you suspected, they are rather opposed to your ruling." Artois: "To be expected." Looks out window..."A decision has been made. "Profession in my presence is not equal to loyalty in the earth. They will undoubtedly not react well when they know." Dismisses the spies. Artois goes to a table, a map of Ashnuw upon it. "So it's no longer mere beleif my friends, now it is political..." Marks Protectorate with red ink.
Yankee Samarai11/19/2019 The chamber is dimly lit, a half circle. At the center of the arching wall sits the wooden throne, the humble seat of the Grand Master. And upon sits the newly elected, flanked by two guards in full armor and orange cloaks Above him is a giant flag with the Order's insignia with the phrase "To live is death, and to die is gain" upon it. A crumpled, and agitated voice asks their business. "Is it honor or recklessness that calls each of the Weyrs here? "Or perhaps, all at once you find the need to express your loyalty?" Tone suggests he is asking if they will show the same honor as the previous master.
CommandoChipmunk11/19/2019 Alnya: Rises and steps forward before him. Her voice is strong, diplomatic. "Grand Master Artois, you are astute. Indeed, first, allow me to speak for us all and say we gladly pledge our loyalty to you and the grande Order you serve under Elyon's blessing. "As for those before, for the last 500 centuries, we hope you will accept our pledge. "We wish you health and blessing." All the other four murmur in chorused agreement.
Yankee Samarai11/19/2019 Scans them. Your loyalty to this Order has been carefully considered by my counselors, and I have taken it into the utmost consideration. Sarcastic, "Do pardon if this is not the ritual you would have expected, as with Francis de Molay."
CommandoChipmunk11/19/2019 Slight tremor of concern runs through them, but Alnya hides it well. She bows her head. "Understood, Master." Hesitates a little... "If I may be so bold, please do not take my next words as a sign of disloyalty or apathy. I only ask for the urgency and singularity of the matter. As soon as it is decided, we will resume our duties and not trespass into your halls again unless summoned." "...The Weyr has been called."
Yankee Samarai11/19/2019 Eyes lock on Alnya. Thinking to himself: A profession of loyalty, amidst actions of neccessity...not loyalty, perhaps treason. "As is the custom of your people. Of course I need you here, with the instatement of myself as Grand Master, there is much work that heeds us..." Leans forward, "And it is moving quickly, I hope not too quickly for the Weyr?" "I assure you the rumors you've heard from my opponents, that things are...unsettled, are merely heresay. Such times as we are in call us to be...radical. Wouldn't you agree? "Can your Weyr wait, for your Grand Master?" Tone drops.
CommandoChipmunk11/19/2019 A slight look of puzzlement crosses Alnya's face, surprised at his candidness, but at this last declaration, she grows still. "Most certainly, Master Artois. The timing is unfortunate, indeed, and we would not leave without your blessing." She hesitates. "Though...in honesty, I must warn you, our Yldrs may become concerned and investigate the matter personally. A Weyr has not been called for the last 200 years and it is customary that all be present. We can send a message explaining our absence, however." "But again, our ways lie in your hands, we will not leave unless you deem it right for the Order." Farkha is still staring hard. Dryx shifts a little. Ylvia is struggling to look composed.
Yankee Samarai11/19/2019 A smile creeps up. He rises, the guards take a knee. "I deem what is right for this Order, you are correct. Do tell, do not the rest of the Weyr trust my intent, as you obviously do. An inspection? Would not my words on the honor of our peoples history be enough to lay aside their concern?"
CommandoChipmunk11/19/2019 Alyna takes a knee as well, along with the guards, sensing his mistrust. Hesitates, then says. "I tell the truth, the Weyr deems all kingdoms alike in this respect. Our lifespans run long, history is as a day to us, and thus, the Weyr does not view any kingdom as above inquiry."
Yankee Samarai11/19/2019 "Above inquiry?"...Paces.
CommandoChipmunk11/19/2019 Quiet deep breath.
Yankee Samarai11/19/2019 The still air echoes his footsteps for a good minute, then he faces them. "The dealings of Grand Master are extraordinarily secretive...this you should be aware of. "You are free to go, on the condition that what they find is kept only between the Weyr and myself." Deep stare.
CommandoChipmunk11/19/2019 Alnya bows, surprised. "We are extremely grateful, Master. And, of course, we never speak of matters of the Order or her Grand Master before the Weyr. We only discuss Ashnuw as a whole. We will make arrangements to see our duties are not left unattended in our absence and we will return as the soonest we can." Raises eyebrows slightly. "Perhaps we may even be able to bring back news that will benefit your work, Master. For the Weyr is called over rumors that Pale has been seen in Ashnuw."
Yankee Samarai11/19/2019 Gives her a reassuring look, as though something in his mind has been firmly decided. "Ahh! Yes, you may serve that purpose for me well...Pale in Ashnuw! Be proud, Viridians, that you were on the right side of history, believing the return of the Evil One was not fantasy. When he appears, know that your position in the Order places you in the position to act upon it."
CommandoChipmunk11/19/2019 She smiles softly and nods. The other four do as well. "Indeed, My lord. Our pledge to the Order is viewed with great honor among our people."
Yankee Samarai11/19/2019 Smiles and nods, waving his hand to dismiss them.
CommandoChipmunk11/19/2019 They all five arise, resheathe their weapons and bow as one. Then Alnya at their head leads them out. None of them dare speak a word until they are far from the hall and back in the open air.
Yankee Samarai11/19/2019 When they reach the outdoors, two man-at-arms and a Knight are in discussion. The Knight sees the Viridians "There, an outside opinion."
CommandoChipmunk11/19/2019 They all stop, bow in greeting.
Yankee Samarai11/19/2019 Knight approaches, Francis. "You were just in the hall of the Grand Master yes? What did you think of his ruling on the matter of Sir Guiscard? Contrived right?"
CommandoChipmunk11/19/2019 Dryx: Blurts a little too quickly, "Sir Guiscard is not a dishonorable man." Crosses arms and shakes his head. Ylvia: Nods solemnly and sadly.
Yankee Samarai11/19/2019 Man-at-Arms#1: "The bloke shouldn't have overstepped himself...besides it coulda been worse for im."
CommandoChipmunk11/19/2019 Alnya: Slight sneer. "He will learn from his trespass." Tyndros: Adds hastily. "Though, of course, it is not ours to judge. We defer to our new Grande Master." Farkha: Still staring, distracted.
Yankee Samarai11/19/2019 Francis stares: "Well golly, Idda thought you all thought the same. Perhaps I overthought the matter, which is what Arnol says I do a lot."
CommandoChipmunk11/19/2019 Alnya: "Some of us are on...better terms than others when it comes to Sir Guiscard." Dryx: Grunts-hisses at her. "He does not put up with any mischief. That is one thing to be said for him." Ylvia: Says quickly. "I met his Squire once." Alnya: Looks at her like, Shut up. Tyndros: Massages temple. "Sir Francis, what is your opinion, good sir?"
Yankee Samarai11/19/2019 "I'm a knight now, so my opinion is that of the Order, but seeing as how the Order is divided, I guess I gets to choose one, but the Grand Master's hall is right there." Gestures with thumb. "And what I've got to say, I may not want him to hear."
CommandoChipmunk11/19/2019 All five of them, eyes screaming agreement. "Of course, understandable," Tyndros says. Farkha glances back at the hall. "Sir Guiscard will find his own way. A better way." Ylvia looks at him in shock.
Yankee Samarai11/19/2019 Man-at-Arms#2: "Better way? Bloke! He lost it." Francis: "Hey whoa whoa!" At Man-at-Arms.
CommandoChipmunk11/19/2019 Farkha: Looks back at him simply, soft almost smirk. Dryx: Mumbling under breath. "At least he has the nerve to say something sometimes." Alnya: Draws sword, quick snarl-hiss and jabs it at Dryx. "Watch your tongue, lest I ask for it to be cut out." Adds in Viridian: "Unless you want to get us all killed." Dryx: Looks at her like WHATEVER and REALLY? all at once. Glances away, glaring and blowing out puff of steam.
Yankee Samarai11/19/2019 Francis: Admires blade, the Viridian is quite majestic with it drawn. "Wow!" Also notes she seems sensitive over the issue, so casully steps aside. "Best get back to my duties, I believe Arnol might be through with his Captain's meeting soon."
CommandoChipmunk11/19/2019 Alnya: Resheathes sword. "As do we." Bows again, a little stiffly. Gives Martyr departure, "To live is to die and to die is gain." The other four nod and echo her.
Yankee Samarai11/19/2019 The men-at-arms continue their patrol, when the others have departed, they quickly move into the Grand Master's hall, into the throne room. They bow. Their salute is different than the traditional Martyr salute. "Hail Master! Lord of Elyon's sanctified!" Artois: "Well..." Man-at-Arms#1: "It is as you suspected, they are rather opposed to your ruling." Artois: "To be expected." Looks out window..."A decision has been made. "Profession in my presence is not equal to loyalty in the earth. They will undoubtedly not react well when they know." Dismisses the spies. Artois goes to a table, a map of Ashnuw upon it. "So it's no longer mere beleif my friends, now it is political..." Marks Protectorate with red ink.
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