Printable Version of Topic
Click here to view this topic in its original format
Seas Of Erin > Tir-Nan-Og > I shall do thee mischief in the wood


Posted by: Moira an Tiompan Nov 11 2007, 01:28 AM
The bard, straight-backed and head erect, walked purposefully--though with a high step, to keep her feet from sinking too deep in the mud--through the mulling mass of much-larger trul toward the priestesses' quarters near the far edge. The priestess had raised a lodge of stone from the earth, separate from the other housing, with thick walls spiked in sharp-flint chips, although these were more a visual discouragement than an actual one, like a poisoned toad's bright bands. With an air of authority, she approached one of the unbranded females outside the lodge, bowing her own head over her hand.

"I am sent on a mission of peace by the lady Queen Titania of the Erins," the bard said simply. "She wishes me to arrange a meeting between herself and your priestess, as discussed by her loyal Queensman. Will you escort me in?"

Posted by: La'Shaara Nov 11 2007, 01:46 AM
She felt the touch oh her under priestess’s mind, querying permission that the bard be allowed entry into the temple.

Granted, daughter. Show her in.

La’Shaara paused from reading the runes on her Skin-Book, the leather pages crinkling softly as she put the bundle down. Stretching to her full height, she popped her shoulders & moved over to the forge, dropping a handful of diamonds into the glowing pile. Grasping the crystal beaker at the edge of the forge, he poured two foaming measures of Rock-wine in the two waiting flagons on the stone table.

She called down the two guard Urrsra, sat down by the fire and waited.

She sent the thought out to the visitor

Enter Tuatha, be of Peace and be welcome.

Posted by: Moira an Tiompan Nov 11 2007, 01:53 AM
Again the bard lowered her head in formal greeting to the priestess herself. Her eyes lowered. "Grant thee mercy for thy courtesy, Priestess." Despite the heat of the forge, the small woman shuddered and drew her cloak closer to her shoulders. Already her white gown, already soaked with rain, clung closer with persperation. She knuckled her upper lip.

With a swift raise of her head, she repeated herself. "Her Majesty wishes to have word with your people in person. She is concerned with the outcome of the countess's actions and wishes to know if some peaceful arrangement can be struck between herself and your own folk. Will it be permissable for her to come to you?"

Posted by: La'Shaara Nov 11 2007, 02:08 AM
La’shaara felt out with her mind. The aura of the Tuatha woman blazed a bright emerald green in her K’lae-sight. Much different, much stronger than the smooth steady blue pulse of the bard she knew. She sent a message to the smaller woman.

That is unnecessary, Tuatha. You speak with a daughter of She Who Walks Beneith Us all.

She paused- opening her mouth at the Bard- the tongue clearly absent from her fang-rimmed maw.

I gave up my mortal voice when I bred with the immortal earth. Speak with your K’lae. I will hear, Tuatha.

She raised herself slightly, offering the foaming blue flagon to the lady in white.

Refresh yourself, and we will discuss. A peaceful end to this would benefit us all. When many fight- and many die- the only winners are the ravens.

Posted by: Moira an Tiompan Nov 11 2007, 02:21 AM
The bard bowed her head again in respect. "I fear I am not gifted with the mind-tongue," she said, with real regret. "I also wish your forgiveness for my dissembling; I know your people do not hold with glamourie."

Stepping back, the bard made a pass over herself. Dark red hair seemed to spill out of her cap of black curls, and her body lengthened, her face drawing from its squarish proportions--

Posted by: Queen Titania Nov 11 2007, 02:22 AM
--and Titania stepped forward, all in her court's black, her eyes bright as sapphires in the diamond-light. "I would be more comfortable with honesty in this seeming."

Posted by: La'Shaara Nov 11 2007, 02:37 AM
Honesty? You are the Queen of all that is mutable yet the same. I am the eldest daughter of she who is forever, but changing. I am not a fool, nor do I take you to be as such. We are both here to discuss who comes out with what, and with whom and how much of either.

She looked to the door- and with the right shaped thought- it spiraled shut to match the wall.

Be at peace, that was to keep you from the eyes of my children. They would not understand. We do not hold with glams, this is true- we are as plain as the stones in the river- all my kin would be in here, howling for your skin, er they knew. We have much to discuss, Tuatha. My people have much to offer, but also have much to take away.

Posted by: Queen Titania Nov 11 2007, 03:04 AM
The Queen remained calm as the exit closed behind her. "I did not come here to beg your favours, priestess, but to offer you my own services. The trul are a formidable adversary for even my own, and I cannot imagine there to be anything in the countess's keeping that could bind you. She has renounced my fealty, and therefore has the Tuatha crown taken back control of her lands. She has nothing but the troops she comes with and whatever favour she may glean from those around her. She has nothing."

Posted by: La'Shaara Nov 11 2007, 03:17 AM
Understand this first, Tuatha: “We” are here here- in this camp- as merely a favor to Mortoch Starhammer, who you almost crossed blades with at Oireachteigh. HE owes the Tuatha countess some favor due to past deeds and dues. “We” as the Trul, are here to bid for our freedom. Hopefully the coin paid will be measured in words, not weighed in blood. Personally, I care not a whit for any Tuatha, and if it leaden our balance pan, I’d give you her skin, myself.

She paused, fangs glinting in a smile.

But she is but a coin in my purse

Posted by: Queen Titania Nov 11 2007, 03:21 AM
Titania smiled faintly in return. "Then we understand one another. No matter; she will be dead soon." She brushed her hand beside her face, as if commenting on a fly that would soon perish in a cold windowsill. "Then my assumptions were correct. You come for your own benefit. What need have the trul from Leabharcham?"

Posted by: La'Shaara Nov 11 2007, 03:43 AM
Simple put, Tuatha- We NEED naught from Leabharacham- ever again. We will have a free nation, from the coasts of Anvil, through the Daggerspines, to the western marches of the sea. North to south. We are the nation of Trulholme. We will send ambassadors to your court- as you will to ours- open trade in the secrets of the earth. Elite warriors and Runesmiths, Priestess of the Mother even, will appear with your rank and file.

Faster than a blink, La’shaara’s clawed hand relived Titania of her court dagger. Focusing her K’lae for a moment- the ornate bronze knife shimmered- and as the waves of heat died down, it had transmogrified to a pure mythril blade. She picked up a discarded piece of bronze plate armor from the floor, and settling back on her haunches, began to whittle on it thoughtfully with the shining now-mythril blade

You have much power now, this is true. You are temporary, as am I. But I am offering an alliance with eternal power. We will be allies, trade partners, comrades in arms.
It is much to consider.

She handed the blade back to the Queen, handle first.

We do not ask for equality, nor superiority or subjection, we ask to be merely let be, unless it is for mutual benifit. We gain our freedom, our nation. You gain the power of the earth and some of the best warriors this land has to offer. This works out to both our advantages.

Posted by: Queen Titania Nov 11 2007, 04:06 AM
The Queen looked thoughtful. "Your reach exceeds your grasp, great lady. These lands you seek are occupied by my own people; even ridding yourself of their own liege the countess will not make them pliable to other occupation. A voice in my Courts? That I can grant you, and with good will. The wildling folk will do much to further their own peoples could they but be taken as fellows with the Tuatha, and your people are a wise one. The Bards' College alone would be glad of your company."

She paced a little, tapping her lips, then swiftly turned. "Could your people remain peaceful with mine own? With the barons and their desmenses? These lands, too, are covered with the blood of their clans; they will be loathe to part with them."

Posted by: La'Shaara Nov 11 2007, 04:17 AM
She smiled at Titania’s imagery

I think that they will find that “there” lands will run with there blood sooner than they think. I can recall memories- when talking to the Greatmother- when your people first crawled on the turf. Wielding flint and wearing skins- we bargained for peace and equality then- and all we were was ignored and branded as monsters. What say you to this?

Posted by: Queen Titania Nov 11 2007, 04:21 AM
"I would say I am not responsible for the sins of my mother, only the sins of my daughter," Titania replied primly. "We Tuatha are a long-lived folk, but none remain from the First Days or the crossing of the seas. Hold me accountable for what I have done, or what I will do, but let me at least offer to right these wrongs."

Posted by: La'Shaara Nov 11 2007, 04:29 AM
Well, spoken. Tuatha. I appreciate that. True, the Tuatha on Avalon are sour to part with land and title- but given the choice they’d be more loath to be parted from there skins and lights. The Bards have interested us for eons- they have K’lae- as do we, but they use it so differently. Well, are we in agreement then?

She extended her hand

Posted by: Queen Titania Nov 11 2007, 04:38 AM
Titania turned swiftly on her heel, pausing to look back at the priestess. "For peace? I agree. The Trul people need only to inform me of their chosen representative, and I will make such arrangements as befit both our needs. But take warning, priestess: on the morrow my armies will strike at this camp to reclaim my lord king. We will fight against the countess and all who stand at her side. This is my husband, great lady; I fight for love, no less than she would fight for her betrothed in the name of good diplomacy."

Posted by: La'Shaara Nov 11 2007, 04:58 AM
La’sharra actually laughed at the idea. A disturbing, rumbling gurgle.

Tomorrow? We will be gone before the hour breaks. And to your husband….

She sent out a strong pulse with her mind, and in just a few seconds recived an answer- four Trul priestesses flowed up from the floor to stand behind Titania.

Go get the male Tuatha. She told them, relaying the message to the Queen, Take my guard, and spread the word that this is over. We are free, and Trulholme is realized.

Posted by: Moira an Tiompan Nov 11 2007, 05:08 AM
With a faint rippling, the Queen's image was replaced by the form of the dark bard. "For my own safety here," she explained. "My Lord will have learned his own lessons from captivity, as I have learned some with the loss of him."

Posted by: La'Shaara Nov 11 2007, 05:22 AM
There was a loud thump on the wall, and La’shaara spiraled the door open. The quartet of priestesses entered, with Oberon in tow behind. She spoke to the group with her mind, looking at the fae King.

Your mate has come to fetch you, Tuatha. Count it as a mercy she has so. You would pray for death after an hour under the gentle attentions of our Runesmith. Be sure to let your gratitude be known.

She looked to Titania- That is not needed. Walk out as yourself, The Children will not harm you.

A message to Titania solely then shot forth from the priestess-

Speak to the first Runesmith we send your court, he will fix your problem with your Life-forge. Remember that we keep our word beyond death, Tuatha, and we expect the same from all that deal with us.

Posted by: King Auberon Nov 11 2007, 05:33 AM
Auberon, looking exhausted, the marks on his wrists raw and red, managed to bow his head in grave gratitude to the priestess. "I well understand this, priestess."

The King gave the small bard a wry smile. "Took you long enough, you bitch."

Posted by: Moira an Tiompan Nov 11 2007, 05:35 AM
A smile curled the edges of the woman's mouth. She raised her hands to touch the King's cheeks as she pressed herself against him. "Darling. You have much to learn of gratitude. We shall teach you."

Powered by Invision Power Board (http://www.invisionboard.com)
© Invision Power Services (http://www.invisionpower.com)