The Whirlwind Kingdom

[Hugo Fowl]

[Hugo Fowl]

As the ship came into Wyrmburg port, a delegation would have been waiting of stern men and a few women. Dressed in varying colors ranging from simple white to a more royal purple. With adornments marking status in terms of wealth and position from the rings of the Palace Council to the marks of the Sorceror divisions. And all watching impassively as the strange group descended from the ship and one of them, a rich-looking youth would approach Al-Rekquim as he staggered off the gangplank and waited patiently for him to gather himself before speaking.

 

“Safety and peace Captain. I trust your journey was as blessed as the just to Paradise?â€

 

Al-Rekquim would scowl slightly at the look of amusement from the other, however subtle and retort.

 

“Someday, you must try it yourself if only to appreciate the beauties of the ocean.â€

 

Now he actually did smile, and would speak.

 

“Ah my friend alas, my job keeps me here in the central cities, though I pray to the Gods to grant me such a request that I may experience such beauty as you have seen. Although....â€

 

He then glanced behind Al's shoulder and spoke. His eyes on the women of the party.

 

“I see you have brought beauty with you, as one gathers the flowers in bloom.â€

 

He then stepped around Al-Rekquim and bowed slightly to the group as a whole, while making the gesture of respect with his right hand.

 

“Safety and peace to you all. I am Hasaji Nak-Gar of the Falcon tribe and the head of security for the Central Cities of the Whirlwind Kingdom. You are all our honored guests and shall be thrice-welcomed. I also apologize for the absence of our Regent who alas, has been delayed in his travels here and shall return the following day. In the meantime, he has informed us before he left that you may regard his house as your own until you are ready.â€

 

He then clapped his hands and several burly men stepped out with ornate litters, which they placed respectfully down for the group to enter, though they looked askance at the Cyclopi as well as the Giantess and Golem, for whom the litters were much too small for them to ride, though it would fit the other races well enough. Somewhat embarrassed, Hasaji would speak.

 

“Forgive us our faults honored ones, as we were not aware of the nature of some of you. Alas, you shall have to walk though should you choose to wait, we shall arrange transport for you three.â€

 

Al-Rekquim on the other hand, would opt to walk as he wanted to get back to full efficiency.

[Guest bobisbeast]

Sinaht would also choose to walk, he wanted to get a good lookat this new land of sand.

[Hugo Fowl]

Speaking to some of the officials, Al would pass over some documents he had compiled earlier and would then turn to look at the others patiently as he extended an arm to the city.

 

"Welcome to my homeland."

[Hugo Fowl]

OOC: Damned double post. -.-

[Hugo Fowl]

Almost as an afterthought, he would make his way toward Kurumi and Nao both as he spoke first to Kurumi.

 

"Sorry about this. Should you like, transportation will be forthcoming soon for you and our other guests. Though it would be my humble opinion that Nao should go on ahead with some of us, for her own protection."

 

He looked at Nao for a moment in silence as he waited for an answer.

[Guest Ellisra]

Almost as an afterthought, he would make his way toward Kurumi and Nao both as he spoke first to Kurumi.

 

"Sorry about this. Should you like, transportation will be forthcoming soon for you and our other guests. Though it would be my humble opinion that Nao should go on ahead with some of us, for her own protection."

 

He looked at Nao for a moment in silence as he waited for an answer.

 

Kurumi would answer first.

 

"Well transportation, I could probably attain through my skills of being one with nature. Though, being in your land, I think it be wise I refrained from attempting such as I have no knowledge of your land's or your beast's hostilities. But being that I am a guardian of nature, I will want to accompany Nao."

 

Nao would nod and Kurumi and turn to Al.

 

"I will take what ever protection you wish to provide for me."

 

She smiled and looked out towards the sand and how it extended as if it were a giant sea on the land.

[Schnee Corp Lawyer]

Hjikiel glanced around at the surroundings, his first time in this city of the Whirlwind Kingdom specifically, though from his earlier trips to this land he saw some familiar sights in the dress and mannerisms of the folk. Snorting at the question from the diplomat, Hjikiel replied

 

"My stamina is not so low as to require animal transportation, desertlings. I shall walk"

[Hugo Fowl]

Hjikiel glanced around at the surroundings, his first time in this city of the Whirlwind Kingdom specifically, though from his earlier trips to this land he saw some familiar sights in the dress and mannerisms of the folk. Snorting at the question from the diplomat, Hjikiel replied

 

"My stamina is not so low as to require animal transportation, desertlings. I shall walk"

 

He inclined his head in acknowledgement.

 

"As you wish then."

 

And turning his attention to Nao, he escorted her into one of the litters for the purpose of the others as they began to walk away from the harbor and toward the streets.

 

The journey to the regents house would prove to be quite interesting, as the Wyrmburg was one of the trade-centers for the Karana Des-Forat people. All around them, as they walked through the market was the smells and the sights of a thousand goods from a thousand lands. With the cries and tongues of men and women plying their trades, calling out for others to see their goods ranging from the quaint to the macabre.

 

Obviously, the humans were the majority here, but also seen would be others. The lizard-men Slith, leading massive beasts similar to dragons and dwarfing even the giant, heavy-laden with their wares to sell and trade. Speaking one to another in a hissing, sort of language. Also seen was the Heerig, whose medical centers were highly valued and always visited by the doctors and alchemists especially. And a ways from the market itself, another kind of merchandise was being sold, as men brought out others and held up men, women and even a few other races scattered here and there, loudly proclaiming their worth.....Slaves. It was a slave market.

 

And despite the signs that it was a prosperous place, it was obvious that tension was in the air. The events of this Nation had begun to create certain....Circumstances that would if unchecked, rage into a wildfire.

 

Al in particular would be troubled, especially to see the trouble that was already beginning.

[Schnee Corp Lawyer]

He inclined his head in acknowledgement.

 

"As you wish then."

 

And turning his attention to Nao, he escorted her into one of the litters for the purpose of the others as they began to walk away from the harbor and toward the streets.

 

The journey to the regents house would prove to be quite interesting, as the Wyrmburg was one of the trade-centers for the Karana Des-Forat people. All around them, as they walked through the market was the smells and the sights of a thousand goods from a thousand lands. With the cries and tongues of men and women plying their trades, calling out for others to see their goods ranging from the quaint to the macabre.

 

Obviously, the humans were the majority here, but also seen would be others. The lizard-men Slith, leading massive beasts similar to dragons and dwarfing even the giant, heavy-laden with their wares to sell and trade. Speaking one to another in a hissing, sort of language. Also seen was the Heerig, whose medical centers were highly valued and always visited by the doctors and alchemists especially. And a ways from the market itself, another kind of merchandise was being sold, as men brought out others and held up men, women and even a few other races scattered here and there, loudly proclaiming their worth.....Slaves. It was a slave market.

 

And despite the signs that it was a prosperous place, it was obvious that tension was in the air. The events of this Nation had begun to create certain....Circumstances that would if unchecked, rage into a wildfire.

 

Al in particular would be troubled, especially to see the trouble that was already beginning.

Feeling as at ease as he could in a foreign land, Hjikiel glanced casually at his surroundings, and listened as he always did to get a feel for what the populace around them was feeling. Especially considering how well the last interaction he had with human masses had gone

[Hugo Fowl]

Feeling as at ease as he could in a foreign land, Hjikiel glanced casually at his surroundings, and listened as he always did to get a feel for what the populace around them was feeling. Especially considering how well the last interaction he had with human masses had gone

 

He would hear the normal sounds of the market, as well as the thousands of conversations occurring at once. But it would be another noise that may have gotten his attention.

 

The clinking of swords and the steps of patrols. Not only in the streets, but upon the roofs as well. The guards were more numerous this time around since the last he visited this nation. And it would be a fair bet that some of the people on the street were most likely plainsclothes as well. And here and there, he would catch the odd flash of the Sorceror-Scouts. Garbed similar to Al-Rekquim himself. Just enough to let people know they were around.

 

Security was tight, and Al would be feeling sorrowful as he walked along, seeing what his Nation had become in his absence since events first happened.

[Skirmisher]

The female Kuro walked along with the group, not really looking around her, she was still depressed by what had happened the other week. But the long voyage had calmed her soul, at least alittle.

[Hugo Fowl]

As the impromptu mini-caravan moved through the crowd, the sound of music would be heard as in the distance and growing louder as they came closer. Eventually revealing the following.

 

 

A small crowd would be gathered, clapping in time to the music as the dancer twirled gracefully in between the beats, her gaze meeting the group for a moment, before she smiled dazzlingly and spun once more, flinging her hands out as the song ended. In appreciation, a few members of the crowd began to place coins in the bowl for her purpose as they left. As she collected it, she glanced over at the others in curiosity before she smiled, recognizing one of them at least before she ran off.

 

Al-Rekquim would pause, barely perceptible before he smiled beneath the hood as he continued on.

[Guest KevinDWolf93]

The male Kuro would follow closely by his heiness, taking a forward position like every other time. They voyage was rough on him as he kept trying to think of how to cheer her up, to no avail so far. He merely went on with his job. As the caravan stopped by, he would marvel at the dancer with some intrest. Her movements were graceful, especially for a human. Once the song finished and she left, he would continue walking.

 

<Did you see the dance, my heiness?> he would ask, hoping to get her out in the open.

[Skirmisher]

The male Kuro would follow closely by his heiness, taking a forward position like every other time. They voyage was rough on him as he kept trying to think of how to cheer her up, to no avail so far. He merely went on with his job. As the caravan stopped by, he would marvel at the dancer with some intrest. Her movements were graceful, especially for a human. Once the song finished and she left, he would continue walking.

 

<Did you see the dance, my heiness?> he would ask, hoping to get her out in the open.

<Yes, it was nice> she lied. She hadn't seen it, she was to busy thinking about what happened before.

[Guest KevinDWolf93]

<Yes, it was nice> she lied. She hadn't seen it, she was to busy thinking about what happened before.

 

Vulpes would simply nod. He knew, even now she was probably troubled by what had happened before still. Even throughout the boat ride, he could tell.

 

<If I may be so bold, my heiness...not showing weakness is good but even if its just me you can tell whats troubling you still.>

[Skirmisher]

Vulpes would simply nod. He knew, even now she was probably troubled by what had happened before still. Even throughout the boat ride, he could tell.

 

<If I may be so bold, my heiness...not showing weakness is good but even if its just me you can tell whats troubling you still.>

She'd turn and weakly step on his foot, it was more hesitant then the ones from before. But without a word she'd sigh and continue on.

[Hugo Fowl]

Despite the obvious tension as the group continued,It was a splendid place, and the path to the Regents house certainly was in the nicer part of the city. Within as they passed through the gates of the estate, the first sight that hit their eyes was the garden. A splendid variety of the deserts splendors, tucked with foresight in places where the winds and the sun would not dry them out too fast. Awaiting them would be a man, who bowed to the group and spoke.

 

"Welcome to the Masters house. Rooms have been prepared for you all, as well as baths. Dinner itself shall begin in two hours."

 

Good thing that runner came along first while the group went the picturesque route. Otherwise, dinner may have been more late, as the amount of food required to feed some of their guests would have been somewhat heavy. In the meantime, each party member would be free to do what they wished now while waiting for dinner....And in response to Al-Rekquim's questioning look, Hasaji would smile and pat his friend on the shoulder as he spoke.

 

"Go my friend. Best not to keep her waiting."

 

And smiling, Al-Rekquim would turn to the group and bow once before speaking.

 

"I shall return in two hours time."

 

And with that, he would turn and make a run for the wall, scaling it quickly and leaping off it and over the roofs. Hasaji would merely smile and mutter an old proverb as he walked off as well.... Leaving the party to be led by the butler.

 

Meanwhile, as Al-Rekquim made his way across the roofs, he paused at a dove cote and waited patiently....He wasn't disappointed as he heard a voice behind him.

 

"Safety and peace to you Captain."

 

It was the dancer from before, and nodding politely Al would speak.

 

"I'm retired Sarai, as you very well know."

 

She smiled coyly, leaning against the wall as her decoration jingled.

 

"You'll always be my captain to me sir. So those are the delegation from the meeting? What news have you for me?"

 

He inclined his head, and withdrew from his pouch other documents which he passed to her. Things classified that didn't go with the runner from before.

 

"For the eyes of the Regent only. Where is he?"

 

"Still involved in the investigation sir."

 

"I see....Well, I need speak to him later. Tell him to meet me at the tenth bell, at the main square."

 

She smiled and bowed before she moved off to leave, pausing at his question.

 

"Also...How is she? How is my wife?"

 

She hesitated and turned with a sorrowful look.

 

"Captain....Shes still alive, which is fortunate. And currently at the Hospital of the Lady."

 

He nodded at her with gratitude, before turning and leaping off the roof to the next as he ran on his way....

 

Back at the mansion of the Regent, the group would have been rested and well before the servant called them for dinner.

[Guest KevinDWolf93]

She'd turn and weakly step on his foot, it was more hesitant then the ones from before. But without a word she'd sigh and continue on.

 

Vulpes likewise sighed at the stomp. For whatever reason, she didnt wish to speak.

 

<If you ever wish to speak, i shall be here.> he says as they continue onward, him still defending her. He thought on that the rest of the walk. Was it pride, or fear? Or soemthign else entirely. Upon arriving, Vulpes would silently look around the house, before following his heiness.

[Hugo Fowl]

Hospitals were more advanced them was the norm here then in most places. Partly because of the influence of the Heerig, who devoted themselves to knowledge as well as to life's questions. Dissecting bodies, examining plague outbreaks that other travelers brought and thanks to them, as well as the Karana's own extensive research into botany and alchemy, both aided each other to improve as well as succeed in the field of medical research.

 

And then you had the places like these.

 

Standing outside the building, Al-Rekquim would pull his hood down as he looked up at the place with an undecipherable look in his eye and a bouquet of flowers in hand. Expensive, but it had been so long since he had last seen her, since he was last called to become a diplomat for his people. He had really hoped it would not come to this. And steeling himself, he would walk inside the doors, the acolyte at the desk looking up and smiling. He recognized the garb and would thus treat him with respect.

 

"Safety and peace honored one. How may this one help you?"

 

Looking at him, Al would speak.

 

"I'm here to see Sea-Voice. Is he around?"

 

The acolyte would smile and nod.

 

"Yes, as a matter of fact he is. Though he is busy at the moment with a patient, but I am sure that if I were to go and-"

 

Al would hold up a hand and shake his head.

 

"No, its alright. I can wait."

 

And taking a seat on the bench inside, he would wait patiently. Placing the flowers on the side before some time later, a voice much like Twelve Arms would speak.

 

"Ah. Al-Rekquim. Long time, since last visit."

 

Looking up at Sea-Voice, Al-Rekquim would smile and speak.

 

"Safety and peace doctor. I trust she was moved in with hardly any trouble?"

 

The Heerig doctor would wave his arms and speak, reassuring him.

 

"No, no trouble at all. Condition, fairly stable for now. Am trying new methods to ensure return of higher functions. Would you care to see her?"

 

Al-Rekquim nodded and stood up. Taking his bouquet with him as he followed him down the hallway, turning the corner as they opened a door into the grounds where other patients in white would rest or work in the garden area. Looking at him, Sea-Voice would speak.

 

"All the time, in the garden. Likes it there. If like, I can show-"

 

"No thank you doctor...I can manage from here."

 

"Very well, knock when you wish to leave and man will open the door."

 

Nodding his thanks, Al would take a deep breath before he walked into the garden area, bypassing the rest of the patients before he saw her. His wife. Her hair cropped short in an odd haircut, not even passing her shoulders but oddly suiting. Working on a flower patch as she knelt in the dirt. Humming some odd song before she became aware of his presence as he stood near her. Looking up in curiosity before she smiled.

 

"Hello. Are you a new patient?"

 

Al would be silent before he shook his head.

 

"No....What is it your doing?"

 

Her eyes lit up, and she took his hand, tugging him to sit on the ground as she showed what she was doing. There in front of her, was a flower bush. Not of this land, and obviously well-kept. Currently she seemed to be feeding it, placing fertilizer around it as she spoke.

 

"I'm taking care of my flowers. The doctor told me they were a gift from a friend, and so I make sure they stay alive every day."

 

A lump in his throat, Al would be silent before he spoke quietly.

 

"I'm sure your friend will appreciate it greatly. This sign of devotion."

 

She frowned slightly at that before she spoke.

 

"I hope so. I don't think I'd ever see him again. Its slightly saddening."

 

Quickly, Al-Rekquim would speak.

 

"Why? You feel abandoned here? Is this place so terrible?"

 

She shook her head. "No, its a very nice place. I'm just sad that I don't even know my friends face, the one who gave me this plant. So to make up for it, I make sure to keep this plant alive and well."

 

Al would again be silent as he considered it and he spoke.

 

"I...Would like to be your friend. And if you like, we can pretend that I am your friend who gave you the plant. If I was, what would you say?"

 

She looked at him for a moment before speaking.

 

"Thank you.....Some days, I don't know who I am, or what is going on....But each time I see these flowers, I think of you. And know that at least there is someone out there who cares about me." She laughed and looked down, embarrassed.

 

"I'm sorry. You must think me a foolish girl now."

 

"......No. I don't."

 

Her smile could have lit up a room. "You mean it? Truly? I know this may be sudden....But I would like to be your friend."

 

She blinked with surprise as Al grasped her hand gently and squeezed it before he spoke.

 

"....I would love that. These are for you by the way." And he presented the flowers, which she took with a smile, leaning forward on impulse to kiss him on the cheek.

 

"Your so sweet. I'm Adiva by the way. Whats your name?"

 

"....Al-Rekquim. I must be going now."

 

"Will I see you again?"

 

"Yes. I promise."

 

And as he stood up reluctantly, he walked over to the door and knocked, glancing behind him and smiling as he saw her wave at him, his wife....His Adiva. And as he stepped in, he pulled up his hood. Shrouding his upper face in darkness as he sought out the doctor. Speaking without preamble as he looked at him.

 

"How bad is it now?"

 

Sea-Voice would hesitate slightly before he spoke.

 

"Its not so bad now....Memory retention is now up to several days, before she looses it. Its not much, but its better then before. I'm afraid only time will tell before we will know for sure if her memories will ever return. I'm sorry. She will remember you though, in one way or another. The flower bush you brought her before you left for example, has left quite an imprint on her mind. It gives us hope here that she will make a full recovery."

 

Al-Rekquim would listen in silence before he nodded and spoke.

 

"Thank you doctor...Safety and peace to you."

 

"And likewise to you, my friend."

 

Stepping outside of the hospital as night began to fall, Al-Rekquim would merely stand there in the streets for a moment before the chiming of the ninth bell caught his attention. He had a meeting to prepare for, though it meant he needed to skip dinner at the mansion with the group....Perhaps he could find a vendor....And with this in mind, he made his way to the Wyrmburg square.

 

As for the group, the mini-banquet in question would be one of spicy foods, with some foreign fare in between to accommodate for the guests. With everything on a low table, and cushions provided for seats as dancers, jugglers and other entertainers performed for the group. The only one who was absent was Al-Rekquim, though Hasaji their host didn't seem to worried about it as he smiled and made merry. Attempting to make the travelers feel welcome as he spoke.

 

"So I trust your journey was one of enlightenment? I myself have only traveled within my own kingdom, and had never seen what lies outside. What is it like?"

[Schnee Corp Lawyer]

As for the group, the mini-banquet in question would be one of spicy foods, with some foreign fare in between to accommodate for the guests. With everything on a low table, and cushions provided for seats as dancers, jugglers and other entertainers performed for the group. The only one who was absent was Al-Rekquim, though Hasaji their host didn't seem to worried about it as he smiled and made merry. Attempting to make the travelers feel welcome as he spoke.

 

"So I trust your journey was one of enlightenment? I myself have only traveled within my own kingdom, and had never seen what lies outside. What is it like?"

Taking the bite out of a particularly spicy hunk of meat with a small chunk of sandstone, Hjikiel replied

 

"It certainly enlightened me to some things, yes. As to what Misnendus is like, there are less of you and more of me"

[Guest Ellisra]

 

Kurumi would take it all in, the vast amount of difference between Al's country and her own was all to noticeable. She had never seen so much sand before. Though this was the first time she had seen this much sand it wasn't the first time she had seen creatures bigger then herself, and the different variety of them were staggering. Her presence in Al's country hopefully wouldn't drawl too much attention due to her appearance. She would also hope that Nao would have her secret kept safe from the traders here in the "City of the Sands" as she soon called it. As she sat that the banquet table, she would look at all the entertainment there and her eyes would be amazed at all of it. Back in her country the only entertainment they had was hunting, dancing, and music. They never had things such as "jugglers" or "jesters" or things of that nature. She was awe struck. Nao would just be sitting there feeling impish as she sat between Kurumi and Mons.

[Hugo Fowl]

Taking the bite out of a particularly spicy hunk of meat with a small chunk of sandstone, Hjikiel replied

 

"It certainly enlightened me to some things, yes. As to what Misnendus is like, there are less of you and more of me"

 

"I would certainly think so good Cyclopi. And we look forward to hearing such tales later, should you chose to share it."

 

Kurumi would take it all in, the vast amount of difference between Al's country and her own was all to noticeable. She had never seen so much sand before. Though this was the first time she had seen this much sand it wasn't the first time she had seen creatures bigger then herself, and the different variety of them were staggering. Her presence in Al's country hopefully wouldn't drawl too much attention due to her appearance. She would also hope that Nao would have her secret kept safe from the traders here in the "City of the Sands" as she soon called it. As she sat that the banquet table, she would look at all the entertainment there and her eyes would be amazed at all of it. Back in her country the only entertainment they had was hunting, dancing, and music. They never had things such as "jugglers" or "jesters" or things of that nature. She was awe struck. Nao would just be sitting there feeling impish as she sat between Kurumi and Mons.

 

Next to Kurumi, a city official would note her expression and smile.

 

"You seem surprised. Have you nothing like this in your country?"

[Indolent]

Priscis Mons would eat slowly, deep in self-thought. It had been a while since he had been there, and much had changed. Oh, it was still same in many aspect but several things were disconcerting... especially the increase of the security. It was lax last time he was there. Nevertheless, he was glad to visit this place once more. He'd answer Hasaji , "It is enlightening, exposing yourself to the cultures and customs of others, young one... the world is expansive, and there is much to enjoy.", Mons said, "But one thing you learn? There is nothing like home."

[Hugo Fowl]

Priscis Mons would eat slowly, deep in self-thought. It had been a while since he had been there, and much had changed. Oh, it was still same in many aspect but several things were disconcerting... especially the increase of the security. It was lax last time he was there. Nevertheless, he was glad to visit this place once more. He'd answer Hasaji , "It is enlightening, exposing yourself to the cultures and customs of others, young one... the world is expansive, and there is much to enjoy.", Mons said, "But one thing you learn? There is nothing like home."

 

It was then that the doors opened and Al-Rekquim appeared. Walking around the banquet area as he nodded at the group and spoke.

 

"I've made arrangements for tommorow. We are to meet the regent at the government building in Wyrmburg Square. For now though, best we all rest up."