THE Map:
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10| ^▲⌂⌂....♣♣
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15| ....⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂..♣
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20| „|„░░░„„„„„|#⌂▲ ⌂⌂⌂.♣
| „|„└─┬─────┘⌂⌂▲ ⌂⌂..♣
| ─┘~~.|„„„„„⌂⌂▲▲ O....
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30|○───┘~ ~~~♠
Elna and Sonoa attempt to head to Teiichi with carts, but are forced to turn back after a frustrating few weeks, as the overhanging branches of the dense forest get in the way, and the road is not quite wide enough for proper access. It would take the entire season to pass through. (Accursed movement rules!)
Turn REPORT:
80 Katytans
5 Travelling Downriver
4 Trading in Kawareidou
After their goods are presented to and sampled by the local merchants, half of the the Katytan caravan continues on to Teiichi--under the protection of the Hitengu--to carry out the exchanges arranged by Ginya during her earlier visit, but they are unable to navigate the terrain and turn back.
As the Hitengu now appear to be at war, Nasri and Monsi seek out new opportunities in Kawareidou, attempt to learn as much as they can about Hitengu fighting methods, and also generally try to figure out what's going on. The letter to Danalof is likely lost, though Ginya had little confidence in it reaching him to begin with.
Many events occur in and around the Crimson Inferno, both diplomatic in nature and highly non-. The construction of 'Maimikozga' is far from complete, but it is being delayed for now, as the new arrivals are now fully outfitted with arms and armour in top condition and there are other tasks that must be performed.
Erak finds that the second meeting was not truly 'open for negotiation', and after a quick confirmation and a briefing from Ginya, he is forced into captivity once more. The dispirited Yane fails to summon the courage to prepare a new performance for Erak due to the (admittedly unknowing) rejection of her last one.
The Hrun captives are assigned their newly constructed 'private chambers'. Yane gets an idea after visiting them, and work towards its realization may soon begin, assuming that Erak stays for yet another month due to poor negotiations with the Hitengu.
Ready...
Nanae strode to the podium, full of fire and ready to make her grand presentation. "Well," she thought somewhere in the back of her mind, "More accurately, that would be 'the infleunce of fire powder'." In the forefront of her consciousness, however, she had no time for technicalities.
It was her time to shine. She quickly arrived at her position and signalled for the large, unfinished brass bell that someone had presented for the occasion to be struck, to summon the crowd's attention.
CHONK.
Nanae batted an eye at the noise, but didn't wince. It was unfinished, after all. Still, it seemed to produce the desired effect, and the din of story-telling, conversation and other revelry died down as the elders spread throughout the crowd called attention to her.
With so much attention directed her way, normally Nana would be mortified and frozen in fear. Not here and not today, however. She had both liquid and powdered courage coursing through her veins.
At last all was silent, and she began to speak. "Katytans new and old, I welcome you to our new, united future! Once again our race begins its return to glory--If only all who were present today had such noble ambitions!"
Cages containing the captured Hrun were unveiled in the firelight. Erak was still in chains, but not blindfolded nor otherwise impeded. The smoke from the many torches stung his eyes, and he flared his nostrils at the acrid smell.
"These creatures--and many others like them--would threaten the very lands we now share. Their only concept of peace is through submission to their supposed might! We will show them where the true might in these lands lies!"
A crane was attached to Erak's cage, and it was raised into the air and wheeled around, now suspended above a quarry pit, around which crude seating had been carved. The crowd eagerly began to move. Nanae grinned for a moment, pleased with the emotion that she had been able to summon so far.
Nanae announced her demands to the plaintive Erak, and Ginya translated for him as she spoke. "Erak of the Hrun! I challenge you to single combat, so that we may settle the matter of your land claims once and for all! Our terms are simple. Should you yield, you will remain captive, and there shall be no peace or freedom for you or your people until the Hrun no longer violate the accord signed by Ginya in the presence of the Hitengu Hinyuudou! Should I yield, we shall relinquish our claim to these lands and depart, never to return!"
Nanae turned back to the crowd upon hearing some laughter in their ranks at that last. "In the event of a death, be it yours or mine, this contract is void, and should either contestant leave the ring, it will be interpretted as both surrender and a violation. Now--copper axes, forged for blood!!"
The weapons were presented, and Nanae swept off her robe and deftly removed her jewelry, and once bare she leapt into the deep pit with an axe in each hand, the crane lowering Erak into the depths all the while. Nearly two thirds of the Katytans were gathered not a gap in their line, every one eager to watch this battle of champions, and Nanae caught the key thrown down to her, quickly cracking open the lock holding the chains tied around the cage door, ejecting the key back out of the pit, far into the night sky.
She left Erak's assigned weapon, a Foereaver replica at his feet on the rough-hewn floor. Perhaps it had been made to humour him, perhaps for someone else to find humourous. Either way, Nanae awaited Erak, and beckoned him, as the music began to play...
Fight!
Erak had had enough of this. He refused to exit his cage, and issued Nanae a few choice words she didn't need to know to understand. A dark smile came over her face as she again sauntered up to the cage, tearing away the chains and throwing the door open. Still Erak's gaze was cool, and he folded his arms. Well, then...
Nanae carefully stepped around him, grabbed the bottom of the cage, and unceremoniously dumped out its occupant, who was briefly stunned by the incredible show of strength. Hesitantly, he picked up the axe that lay near his feet as Nanae advanced, still trying to dissuade her from her chosen course of action. Nanae charged.
Anger quickly getting the best of his surprise and general indignation, Erak quickly dodged aside, and his axe crashed down across Nanae's bare back, causing little harm. She whirled around, beating at his weapon wildly, and although every shot was parried and Erak landed numerous strikes upon her limbs, the Katytan still pushed him back, advancing inexorably around the ring to the cheers of the crowd.
Faced with such an opponent, Erak was forced to draw upon his every scrap of strength, skill, and endurance, and all to no avail. Not only did Nanae's wounds seem not to impede her in the slightest, but they bled little. Her deep crimson skin was tougher than leather, and the muscle underneath harder still. To bat aside her inexpert blows was child's play, but he could not keep this up indefinitely!
The Hrun Chieftain wore down. Nana's axe, now severely battered from their conflict, began to batter through his faltering guard. He could scarcely feel the wounds himself, the numbness in his aching muscles overwhelming as he struggled to control his breathing. Finally, he could fight no more and collapsed to his knees. Nanae battered him with her ruined weapon. "Do you yield?!"
Erak looked up at her with an expression of distant, defiant fury. Nanae struck him again and he fell down. "I said, do you yield?!"
After a long moment, Erak dropped his weapon, refusing to attend to his unworthy opponent, and gathered enough energy to struck back to his cage, set it upright with one last push, and crawl inside. He said a few words to the crowd, dragging himself to a seated position while he nursed his wounds.
The words went largely unheard amidst the cheering, and Nanae, now only somewhat winded, quickly climbed out of the pit with a surge of joy to recieve refreshments and congratulations for her easy victory. Within minutes she had fully recovered from the exertion and her wounds had closed, her skin somewhat puffy but otherwise smooth and intact. She quickly donned her robe and refastened her jewelry, returning to the podium to address the crowd.
The 'ringing' of the bell could scarcely be heard over the jubilation, but Nanae had no problem regaining her people's attention after such a show. "Let it be known henceforth, from heaven to helheim and everywhere inbetween: The western hills are Katytan, and will remain so! Let us prepare! Soon our foes will all learn to respect the Goddess Katyn and Her works as this one has!"
The cheer was mighty, and yet still Erak dozed, his consciousness now dwelling within the borderlands of the waking mind. To his ears, the roar was merely a buzz. It soon faded away as his cage was carried back into the fortress, and the gentle rocking motion of its transport quickly robbed him of even those last vestiges of awareness, and he slept. At least for now, the iniquities of his situation could not bother him. There was always tomorrow...
Ranpu's Diplomacy
"She'll be coming around the mountain. There she comes!" The Katytan scouts quickly rushed to send word to their elders as the three Hitengu approached, crossing over onto the road and passing by the archery range where several ambushers-to-be were training.
One of the Hitengu footmen approached. "Greetings, Katyan friend. Could you please announce that Lady Ranpu of Tenrai Minzoku is asking for an audience with your elders?"
The four crossbowmen (and one crossbowchild) stopped shooting and came to see, one that had been watching the Hitengu approach gesturing up the road, invitingly. "You're expected!"
The servant returned, and the three went on, soon arriving in Mamikozga. In the center of the town, surrounded by the busy construction efforts of the other Katytans stood Ginya, awaiting the new arrivals. She waved at them upon being spotted, and beckoned their approach.
Ranpu spoke as she entered Mamikozga. "Lady Ginya. I am most pleased to meet you. Your gifts were most pleasant."
The Katytan diplomat smiled. "Yes, many contributed besides myself. I must say, I am both flattered and gratified by your arrival. I did not expect it to be so soon."
"The times right now are rather tough, all the more I can not delay this visit. I am here to discuss the matter of your letter to me. Let us sit down, and then explain to me the exact situation that resulted in Sir Eraks incarceration."
"Yes. Please, come inside." Ranpu followed Ginya's lead, her servants behind her. Ginya knocked upon the sealed metal doors of the fortress, and a slit was opened to reveal her face to those standing guard. The doors were soon cranked open, and the small party headed down the long, busy corridor, turning left into the barracks meeting hall.
Food was already set upon the table, and Nasha and Masi were seated. Wooden chairs had been built for the visitors. Ranpu sat on the second of the three, uncomfortably. Her servants remained standing.
Nasha looked concerned a puzzled for a moment, then went into the furniture storage room calling for aid to help bring out some floor mats. Ranpu held up her hands. "Do not worry. It is fine." Ginya shook her head. "I apologize. There's been some dicussion over this. It's no problem, Nasha prefers the floor as well."
Ranpu kneeled on the chair. "So please, tell me, what has lead to this horrible situation?"
"It began several months ago, when the Hrun came to settle in our hills. We were preparing to force them out, when their leader and his men came to us. The invasion occured in the strange month at the end of winter." The other Katytans brough out mats and laid them down in the area of floor set aside for performers.
"Invasion?" Ranpu seemed incredulous.
"Yes. These men--or giants--came in full battle armour and were attempting to outmaneauver our forces throughout their approach, though in the end their leader came forward alone and not under cover."
"So no actual battle took place?"
Ginya didn't like this line of questioning. "No."
"Then it was Erak who was the first to step forth to negotiate?"
"Technically." Ginya performed half an eye roll before stopping herself. "He demanded to speak with our leader there, out on the road, and when we rejected it he sat down and refused to move from the spot. His men continued to taunt and threaten us as they left."
"Why did you refuse to negotiate?" Still, the Hinyuudou pressed on. Ginya was tired of this already.
"Erak did surrender in the end, and we did arrange for formal negotiations, but he refused to be party to them and stormed out when the dinner had hardly begun."
"Please answer my question. Why did you refuse to negotiate on the street?"
"As I said, he had been trying to position his men to control the situation the entire time. It would have been irresponsible and completely unfeasible, as we could not communicate and he would not disarm himself. To attempt negotiations would be to invite an axe to Nasha's throat and spears to the backs of the rest of us, all in a nigh-futile pursuit of understanding due to the lack of time and materials. Please hold."
Ginya began to translate for the others as Ranpu frowned, describing the Hinyuudou's upset and apparent political leaning to them. Ranpu began to speak again before the dicussion had concluded.
"Before Erak moved to meet you, was there any kind of interaction between the Katyans and the Hrun?"
Masi spoke firmly to Ginya on the eve of that comment. "I understand. Still, we must be polite and conclude the negotiations, though we cannot change our position."
Ginya nodded and turned back to Ranpu. "None beyond their advance into our territories. We scouted them out, but none strayed from their defenses in an attempt to communicate until Erak led them out."
"How many men did he have with him?"
"Fourteen." Ginya was beginning to feel abused.
"And how many of your men came to answer that call?"
"Twenty-six."
Ranpu chuckled. "A mighty invasion, indeed it was."
Ginya quickly interjected. "There were only thirty adults in our settlement at the time."
"When we first met the Hrun, he had a lifeguard with him of more than twenty fully armed men. I can assure you, the Hrun are a cautious folk, and have a bad temper, but fourteen is not the size of their usual armies." Ranpu went on after a brief respite. "When you incarcerated Erak, how did he react, and how did his lifeguard react?"
Ginya sighed, not answering the question. "If the Hrun are equal in battle to our kind, fifteen in plate lead by a commander with a dangerous artifact weapon could easily have destroyed our entire race at that moment. We don't suspect this is so, but they seemed confident, and they are double our size. Regardless..." She took a long pull from her drink.
"I understood that you were deathly afraid already. But please, how did they react to the attempt to incarcerate him?"
Ginya bore an expression somewhere between amusement, distaste, and anger, and said one word in a tone heavy with meaning. "Indignant."
She continued haltingly, emotion getting the better of her for the moment.. "On Erak's part, that is. His men merely fled, making threats... They fled at Erak's command, however."
"Please, their actions, not your judgement over them." Ranpu paused. "I see. And after that?"
"I see. And after that ?"
"After that, nothing. We have not been able to scout effectively due to the arrival of migrants."
"What is it that you want from the Hrun?"
"We want them to leave. We're willing to renegotiate our claims, but their settlement in these hills is unacceptable. We offered Erak land south across the river, good land and better than ours, but that is when he stormed out."
Ranpu frowned once more. "After you took him captive, what have you done with him?"
Ginya sighs again, heavily, clearly out of dissatisfaction with these events. "Part of the reason he became so upset about the meeting was that I informed him, when asked, that we had taken another member of his race captive. To be fair, she was wandering in the woods babbling to herself, and we never needed to 'capture' her, as she was willing to be led by the hand like a child. After his outburst, she was reassigned to his cell."
"Have you ever asked him for the reason as to why he entered your land with fourteen men?"
"Of course. It was unquestionably to conduct diplomacy, though he intended to use coercion as soon as we refused to parley in the field. This ability was denied to him, as we did manage to maintain our positional advantage. He did not appear to have any further agenda beyond opening talks, though he clearly has never intended to back down.
"I suspect that his ideal goal here, at least for the immediate future, is mutual coexistance over shared ground. While a noble goal, it is not a sustainable one, as we have learned in the past."
"Have you ever considered that a proud man such as Erak would have a hard time negotiating with you, after being taken prisoner? Just as you felt coerced by his fourteen men, he is in the same situation right now. He either has to agree or be at your mercy. Naturally, you can not expect him to co-operate just like you wish him to. While he has no right to coerce you, neither have you."
"I beg to differ. We settled here first and still have the advantage. The problem is our inability to convince him that we have the right."
Ranpu shook her head and gives a sigh. Ginya's reaction was a shadow of it. "We have long since accepted that these negotiations are futile, which is why I requested aid."
"As you can see, I am here to come to your aid. With a neutral party at the table, negotiations will become much easier."
"Yes. They must be swift, however, as we are quickly losing our advantage, and soon enough the only solutions would be disasterous for both the Hitengu and the Katytans."
Ranpu was incredulous. "Disasterous for the Hitengu?"
"We may have to begin harassing their settlement before the negotiations complete, if they are not done by the end of the month." Ginya took another drink. "The only solution that would allow us to stay would be full-scale intervention on our behalf. The only alternatives would require either retreating northward, infringing on your claims, or eastward, leaving your entire southern flank exposed to this growing power. Hold."
Ginya stopped to translate once more, though this time it was heavily abbreviated. She asked Masi of the reports, and recieved an immediate answer. "Indeed. There are worse powers than the half-giants at play here. The party that threatened our southern scouts is the very same as the one the Erithreans reported to you as seeking to destroy them, and thus our fears are confirmed." Masi allowed himself a sly grin. "It is a shame that the half-giant chieftain could not be persuaded to relocate southward, as intended."
Ginya turned back to Ranpu. "They are not the only power that you would be exposed to by such a move."
"The Hrun are our friends, have been our friends for longer than you have. They have never shown aggression towards us. I see no reason as to why they would pose a threat."
Ginya's attiude began to wax condescending upon hearing this remark. "There is only so much land. Your people are short-lived, so I can understand the short-sightness, but a generation from now, if the Hrun settlement in the foothills is allowed to fester and grow, do not be so certain of your good relations or security."
"I feel deeply insulted by your judgement over me. But I have already seen how you reacted to the Hrun, and seen your actions, so I understand that you are just making an honest mistake calling me short-sighted." Ginya had already realized this error, but allowed Ranpu to continue nonetheless. "Furthermore, I must press you on the fact that 'harassing' the hrun would not be contributing to the negotiations. For a race that was afraid of war breaking out, taking the path that will lead to a definite war is rather strange. I do not see your hands shaking, I do not see your lips trembling, But you are afraid, afraid like a child is afraid of the dark."
"That is the absolute truth, and I'm glad you see it." Ginya took another drink before continuing. "I apologize. It was wrong to assume your supportiveness for the Hrun was founded on short-sighted thinking. However, allowing them to settle in the foothills is not only creates an immediate problem for us--that is, one that will come to fruition within years--but also a longer term problem for the Hitengu, over the next century. Even if peace remains for the duration, the strategic advantage will be compromising."
Rapu was amused. "You said Erak wanted coexistance. When Coexisting, what do you need the advantage for?"
Ginya looked grim. "Superiority. Without superiority, you will be assimilated."
The Hinyuudou chuckled at that. "You know, we are all part of nature. You are already assimilated, and will never be superior."
It was Ginya's turn to frown. "Speaking in absolutes, perhaps. In relative terms, not so much. I do not like the concept of nature as an unfeeling and inevitable force."
Ranpu sighed, as she had come for diplomacy, not philosophical discussion. "I wish to speak with Erak now, under 4 eyes, if this is somehow possible.
Ginya nodded, stilll grim. "I will lead you to his chambers." The meal finished, Ginya quickly explained the situation to the others and recieved directions from them, and then left with Ranpu and Nasha following.
Masi bid them farewell, and no sooner had they left than he began rearranging the meeting hall for the Katytans' immediate war preparations. All would need to be in position to hear the word, as soon as the talks failed, though there was no cause to jump the gun... yet.
The Setting for Erak and Ranpu's Meeting
Erak is in a fine set of chambers carved into a cliff down a long tunnel, high toward the southwest up in the mountain. As the only access is around the caldera, all those who go to visit him that lack Katytan heat resistance (and air filteration) are forced to climb inside a large box (that is, large enough to contain two Hrun, it is roomy for the Hitengu) which is covered with water-drenched and flame resistant materials to keep the heat down and the volcanic gasses out. For now, this cage must be carried, but a track to allow it to be easily pushed from platform to platform is being planned.
After passing through this rather onerous security checkpoint, further tunnels with some auxilary storerooms, residences, and workshops well-suited for calm stone and metalwork can be found. This area is also being used for prospective mining. At the far end of the long, winding, relatively desolate tunnel are the Hrun chambers, which include a meeting room, a dining room, an office, a kitchen, a master bedroom, a guest bedroom, a garderobe, and a pantry.
The windows are barred, reinforced, and not very large, but the accomodations are otherwise very pleasant, with beautifully carved walls and a relaxing ambience from the small waterfall outside. Although the sun cannot be seen from north-facing windows and only a sliver of sky, rainbows from the waterfall are visible so regularly that they can be used to judge the passage of time.
For security and practical reasons the furnishings are all made of stone or bloodmetal and bolted down, though the sheets and bedding are made of normal cloth, as are the clothes Erak as been given. A small stock of candles is deposited into the room regularly with a care package that also includes food and anything else requested, though empty containers and spent candles must be returned to this slot or they will not be replaced.
At first four Katytans were on guard, two inside and two outside, but recreactional activities have now been arranged to occur outside Erak's window, across the waterfall chasm, and the corridor inside is now double-locked with a simple alarm system to alert those working in the tunnels in case of a breakout attempt. The recreational area outside, as it happens, is accessed from the caldera overlook gallery, and not from the tunnels, making it utterly inaccessible to outsiders (except fliers, who can reach it from outside if they search the mountains for it.)
Erak himself is somewhat worse for wear due to his recent 'duel' with Nanae, Masi had regularly been coming to tend to his wounds with Oici as a guard, up until a few days ago, when his condition was deemed to have improved enough to no longer require medical attention.
As ever, the other Hrun captive shares Erak's rooms. It is entirely at Erak's discretion what he decides to do with her, but the Katytans will not remove her from the chambers unless either she or Erak somehow manages to become a corpse between visits.
The Underkats
Mika's eyelids fluttered as she awoke. She was not wearing her goggles, and it was no longer warm. She blinked and looked around. She'd never seen this chamber before. She was up to her neck in water, and was wrapped in bloodmetal cloth; if not from head to toe, at least everything but.
She could not feel her legs. Oddly, she could feel her right hand, but there was nothing on her arm but the stump. She tried to move it around and the phantom pain rose up through her arm, quickly forcing her to stop.
Stitches were still visible binding her together, though skin had already grown through and was beginning to resorb the material. She called out. "Masi! Masi! Masi?"
The doctor came. Although he was not expecting his patient to awake so soon, neither was he particularly surprised. It was less a matter of toughness than the effects of the drug she'd been taking for herself. "Calm down, Mika. How do you feel?"
Mika blinked and tried to focus inward. It was difficult. "Um. Numb, mostly. Where am I? What happened?"
Masi sat down next to the tub. "Good. That means you're on the proper dose. You're in my quarters. You took too much fire powder and blew up. I had to put you back together again. You're lucky to be alive, for many reasons."
Mika blinked twice. "I blew up? You mean like, 'sploded?" She looked down at her missing hand and began to cry.
"Don't worry, we saved your hand, though I can't give you it back safely yet. You've still got a lot of hurts in you, and it's going to take a while before it'll be safe for you to move around again. It'll be years before you can walk."
Mika had been calming down, but burst into tears at that last. Masi got up and left, sighing. "I'll go get your friend." Mika was still sobbing when Masi returned with Oce, minutes later. Oce quickly went up to her side and dabbled his hands in the tub, and Mika soon became quiet once more. "Don't be sad. You'll be okay."
Masi had been about to leave, but turned around upon hearing Oce's voice, a first. It was rough and harsh. He'd thought the child had lost his voice permanently from the long stay in the Crimson Inferno, but it appeared he, too, was recovering. "I'll leave you two alone. Be careful not to break anything, Oce."
Oce quickly looked around after Masi had left, and produced the ball he had been playing with, quickly tearing it open. Inside was a flask, containing a hearty broth with an irresistable spicy aroma. Mika looked concerned for a moment, but she was starving and quickly downed the contents before saying, "Masi told me I wasn't allowed to have any more..." She lowered her voice. "You know, stuff."
Oce shrugged and hid the flask within the ball once more, tossing and catching it. Mika watched for a moment. "I guess I do feel better, now."
Oce put on a smirk and bounced the ball off of Mika's head. It didn't hurt, but she commented "Ow," anyway. He did this several more times, before Mika got the point. "Fine, you can go. I'll be fine by myself." Oce grinned and left, and Mika stared at the ceiling for a few seconds. "Wait! Come back! It's boring in here!" Oce returned. "You know, I really wish you could talk more, Oce. Maybe you could find someone to tell me a story..?"
Oce hesitated, then quickly nodded and rushed out. Mika was somewhat concerned that this was going to turn into some kind of prank, but there was little to do but wait. To her surprise, however, Oce soon returned with Oici six other children, and there was barely enough space for them all in the room, forcing some to sit atop the cabinets. After a moment they were all settled. Oici spoke, grinning broadly. "So, you want a story, huh?" A cheer arose. "Oh, I can give you a story..." Many suggestions popped out from the crowd. "Tell us the one about Ginya and the Merchant Prince of Goldensocks!"
"Where did you hear about that? Oh, no. Sorry, I'm not taking requests." There was a chorus of disappointment. "I'm going to tell you a new one!" It quickly reversed itself, and silence fell before long, Oici beginning to speak in sombre tones over the flickering torchlight.
"Long, long ago in a faraway land, there lived a champion of justice. Not just any champion, mind you, for she was as beautiful as she was handsome, and as mighty as she was well-built." There was some giggling on behalf of the more astute members of the audience, but they were quickly shushed by their less incisive peers. Mika smiled to herself as the story continued.
"This champion had fallen on hard times, however, and was far from home, with hardly a copper piece to her name..." There was some whispering within the crowd. "What's a copper piece?" "It's a little piece of copper." "Oh."
"Penniless in the cold, far from the friends she knew, and those she had lost, the champion had all but given up. After all, everywhere she went there was more violence and injustice, and what could one Katytan do to bring peace to a dozen warring nations when she could not even do so for her own? It was as she was tormenting herself with these thoughts of helplessness that she became aware of a visitor...
"Was it a goblin?" "Booo!" "Was it a dragon?" "Eeee!" "No, it was an angel, come down from the heavens, the source of all nature in this world! What did a servant of nature have to do with her, our champion wondered? These lands were desolate, and she'd been hunting and gathering for all she could find.
"The great woman stood only four feet tall, but stood majestic in all of nature's glory, finely woven robes of gossamer silk hanging down past her knees, shimmering wings of gold spread farther than the champion could spread her arms. Dumbfounded as she sat upon her bedroll, the champion asked, 'Why have you come to me? What have I done that is worthy of thanks? Surely you do not come to punish me, for I have done only what I must to survive, and naught but the lightest snow falls upon these fields, of which I am the sole inhabitant. Please, I wish only to rest in peace.'
"The angel paused, hesistant, elusive. She circled around the lost Katytan's camp as a wolf circles its prey, but the champion sensed--she knew--that the angel was not looking for weakness. It was her strength she sought. The Katytan stood, in defiance of the angel.
"Woosh!" The children jumped back at Oici's dramatic gesture. "The angel swept her wings before the Katytan, and the champion found she could not stand over her. Indeed, the rush of air knocked her to her knees, and the angel again landed upon the earth, and finally she spoke. 'Please. Sit and be humble. I come to you, O Katyn's greatest, only because there are people who need you, all throughout the world. But here you lay, useless to those who need you most, all because of your fear. Not of death, not of pain, not of loss and least of all of fear itself, but of rejection. Embarassment. And the damage you must cause to heal the wound.
"'Go forth, O champion of justice. Heal this world by blood and fire. Trust your heart, trust your will, and most of all, have faith in your own abilities. If even persons so mighty as your own kind grow meek in the face of adversity, what hope does this world have to come out of the dark? A golden opportunity lies before you; men and women will follow you if you are true to yourself. Go now. You will soon awaken, and each new dawn brings with it new opportunity for glory.'"
Oici paused for a moment. The room was in complete silence. She went on before the spell was broken, allowing the children as much time to digest her words as she dared. "With a flash of light, the angel vanished, and the champion awoke at her camp. A new day was dawning, indeed, and on the horizon she could see the smoke rising from the hearths of men. She sated her morning hunger on the last of her catch and set out toward them. It was the last leg in her coldest journey, and the first in a the great tale of warmth to come... Ah, but that is another story..."
The children had been expecting this, but still they let out a chorus of groans as loud and as certain as the tolling of a bell. Even little Oce contributed his voice to the mix, through a grin. Oici stood and waded through the crowd. "Don't worry, there'll be plenty of time to continue the story later, but I do have some work to do. Anyone who wants to stay with Mika can, she's well enough to talk now. Try not to break anything!"
Oici quickly rushed out, and some of the children followed her out, others staying. "You 'sploded but you got better, Mika?" "Wow, you hand! Are you going to put a hook on and become a pirate?" "What's 'sploding feel like?" Mika laughed nervously, as Oce had clearly abandoned her to her fate. Needless to say, she was not at all bored that afternoon.
(Continued in a second post this turn!)
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Topic: Battle of the Gods IV (Read 70262 times)