A Most Glorious Expedition

[Mithradites 1168]

As you pass by the noticeboard, you avert your gaze to a neatly pinned piece of parchment. Te parchment has an elaborate golden border as well as fine, cursive golden lettering. It reads as thus:

As many citizens of the blessed city are aware, we have recently had a visit from a most perculiar fur-covered creature. This creature could speak decent common, and referred to itself as a "Kar-rah-jah".

Since this is a sighting of an entirely unknown culture and species, it is imperative that we document it entirely, and place said documentation within the hallowed college for study and reflection by the pure elves.

This expedition is a personal project of mine, and will have no official support from the city. However, if the council wishes to empower one of these explorers with diplomatic abilities, I will not object.

Currently, a team of three Mali'Aheral have volunteered for this glorious trek:

Arthane Lazul

Amras'Tullum

Talias

Though I would prefer a small team, if you think you have something to offer the expedition, leave a note underneath this parchment and I will review your worth.

We are also looking for gifts to give the King/Chief/High-Priest of these "Kar-rah-jar". Any donations would be appreciated.

((I'm not entirely sure if the Kharajyr are ready to recieve people on their island, but I will look into it. I mainly wanted to get the HERP's opinions on the idea of an expedition to their island. So, critique away, friends! :) ))

[Lykos 276]

((why not talk to Kharajyr leadership about this... Such as myself or benboboy?))

[Sporadic 2844]

"Well," starts Ellir, enjoying a glass of white wine in the tavern and speaking to all that will listen. "I saw the feline-born myself, and though first contact went over peaceful, a myriad of factors in our meeting still left me ill at ease. If we are to assume the cat-like race possess intelligence nearing humanoids, they should also be held responsible for their trespassing in the city. And another thing, then, who is to say these Karrajah will take any kind of kindly to visitors to their lands? They isolate themselves for a reason, no?"

Sipping once from her wine and then silencing the murmuring around her with a stern, authoritative glare, she proceeds. "Is it wise to send our purest Elves off in lands we know none of? Clean elves venturing to what seems like a race of tribesmen, living in a climate certainly home to unknown critters and dangerous diseases that we know not how to handle. Those volunteers are sharp and courageous, no doubt about it. But even Amras, whose experience as a seeker and 'Morrow's Deep' publication has me think of him as an excellent navigator of potentially dangerous lands, will not have an answer to the surprises of the warm spheres the Karrajar call home."

(( This

((why not talk to Kharajyr leadership about this... Such as myself or benboboy?))

sounds like a good idea to make it more interesting and coordinated. Your call of course, Lucion.))

[Yuln 265]

I'm willing to take part on this expedition, I would like to see the land that the kha showed me on the map myself...

[Mercury199 86]

Kolyat slowly reads the note

" What makes him sthink the rest of us lack knowledge of them ? That ... feline was actually very help full, she gave me a quite in depth explanation of their healing methods and physiology. Though i know little of her culture, she seemed to have a decent knowledge in the other regard "

Finishing what he had to say Kolyat walks off

[Raxxtus 24]

*Leaves a note hoping to join on this expedition. It reads...*

I would like to join you on this expedition if I may. I am interested in learning about this new species and their culture as well as their methods of healing. Contact me if I may assist with this expedition.

-Rolen

[Mithradites 1168]

((A quote from Mr Re'Shajiir:

((why not talk to Kharajyr leadership about this... Such as myself or benboboy?))

And a quote from Mr Sporadic:

((This sounds like a good idea to make it more interesting and coordinated. Your call of course, Lucion.))

And now a quote from me:

((I'm not entirely sure if the Kharajyr are ready to recieve people on their island, but I will look into it. I mainly wanted to get the HERP's opinions on the idea of an expedition to their island. So, critique away, friends! ))

These are technically critiques, but I was worried there might be confusion as to the nature of this post. I probably should have spoken to the Karajyr folks before I posted this, but by the time that occured to me I had already turned off my laptop. Though I do prefer spontaneity with my RP, rest assured to you Ri'Shajiir, I will get into contact with Kitteh's leadership long before I send our guys off to their possible deaths :) .))

Aside from his magnificent left eyebrow, Lucion's face remains blank. He sits still and straight across from Ellir'siol and nods his head slowly during her words. "Surely," he began, in an overly confident tone, "we do not wish to stiffle the natural curiousity of our own people? These members volunteered for this journey themselves, did they not?" Noticing a speck of dirt on his coats lapel, he quickly pauses to scratch it off before continuing. "Though it is certainly a possibility that the Karahjar could be hostile, it is equally possible that they peaceful as well. We don't appreciate lesser peoples in our city, it is only natural that another group would have a similar ideas, would they not? Isolation does not immediately indicate dislike or hostility, however, more data is obviously required.

Noticing the speck is still visible on his lapel, Lucion begins to vigorously scrub it with his fingers and a dab of water from his glass as he spoke. "I understand the risks of sending the pure-born off into the unknown, but need I remind you that these volunteers are Mali'aheral? They are not mere children to be coddled by our mother-city. The greatest of discoveries not made sitting in one's abode. Unless you are a biologist, of course." Lucion pauses again momentarily while imagining what the muscle-structure of a Karahjar looks like, but returns quickly to his ceaseless scrubbing. "Whatever perils that may befall them, I doubt any other race would be better off dealing with the situation." Clearly agitated at being unable to remove the dirt, he removes a scalpel from his coat pocket and attempts to pick it out methodically.

[El Ricktador 1394]

Rei stands in the corner of the tavern. He watches the two discuss this expedition. He surely did not want to be the one to go there. He speaks just after Lucion finishes.

" What you say is correct, Lucion. There may not be a race more certified for such an expedition. However, think of how the Mali'aheral feels when their Silver City is disrespected and infiltrated. I, for one, would not think them to react any differently."

Rei thinks for a short while, sweeping some of his hair away from his eyes with a long index finger.

" Don't get me wrong. I am not comparing the Mali'aheral to a band of..." Rei seems to trail off for awhile, looking for the correct word. "beasts. We know nothing. One can not learn whether a location is safe, or worth exploring for that matter, from a single source."

[LeRenardNoir 413]

Tiernen enters the tavern in his rushed, matter-of-fact way. As he looks around he spots Lucion and Ellir. Upon seeing these important figures he becomes curious. Without a word, Tiernen glimpses the parchment and reads what it contains. "Oh fantastic, a voyage!" Tiernen thinks to himself excitedly. Tiernen proceeds to think of the plant life that could be found on such a voyage. Without another thought Tiernen signs his name of the parchment along with a little message that reads:

I am most certainly interested in this endeavor. I hope to bring back some plant specimens from the journey! As a herbalist I think this could be quite interesting! If you would be so kind as to let me accompany you, please contact me. Regards, Tiernen.

Tiernen looks around at the elves in the tavern, winks roguishly at Rei and walks out in his hurried fashion.

[Aelu / Rel (Combustionary) 1540]

I would be happy to assist, as I am very experienced in such travels.

We could use one of my two cities near the temple as a starting point, so we can rest and resupply before heading out.

[Sporadic 2844]

The reason why, I feel, has been beyond questionable, and I would demand that Kolyat justifies himself in front of the council and explain as to why a pack of Kar-ra-jar suddenly arrived at the gate. More importantly why he felt it was prudent HE open diplomatic channels with a race we know little about, and plan a meeting while the honorable Lucion was looking into more tempered and less dangerous ways.

By the blessing of the ancestors, however, the meeting went over peaceful. This was anything but guaranteed. Arthane, in the end, managed to smooth over Kolyat's rash action, coupled with Kalzhett's equally harsh reprimanding right in front of our guests, and come to a peaceful agreement. He is to be commended for his rationality in this matter.

We were invited, as I have collected, to partake in a festival that the Kar-ra-jar refer to as the 'Bloodmoon'. On the pretense that it would be a grand opportunity to learn from one another's culture. However, I personally feel ill at ease with said invitation. Between breaths, the Kar-ra-jar mentioned ritual sacrificing, to a being named Metztli, of which they spoke quite highly. They also hinted at taking some of our citizens so they might learn the 'hardship of being Kha'. Considering the invitation included 'their greatest ritual', it is understandable to be hesitant at what at first seems like a wonderful chance.

I delay this to you, the citizens of Haelun'or, so together we may decide on a prudent next step. Stay strong, and help the council guide us through this experience. One cannot deny the unique learning opportunity that has presented itself to us.

maehr'sae hiylun'ehya

[Aelu / Rel (Combustionary) 1540]

I would be happy to bring along some of my Spectres, to act as guards in case things turn bad.

[Wretched 2075]

((Link to the bloodmoon date and time post. http://www.lordofthecraft.net/forum/index.php?/topic/52541-bloodmoon-festival/ It's gonna be a blast :twisted: ))

Tla'Tiazar sat alone in the palace, thinking if the choices he had made were the right ones. Never before had the Kharajyr openly invited non-Kha' to the island to witness a sacred event. What if Metztli refused them? Tiazar was certain he could keep control of his people, but could these 'high-elvez' do the same? And stick up to their promise of an unarmed group.

Whatever happened, Tiazar knew that these 'high-elvez' were exactly what he needed. Through them, the rest of the world would begin to notice his empire. And the blood emperor would be ready. Tired of sitting in the background, watching the apes from the distance, tired of hiding in shadows when they approached, tired of being told to stay away. It was time for a new begining, time for Tiazar to make his mark.

[Mercury199 86]

Kolyat stand with his hands behind his back, breathing slowly and coolly, he turns to face his supirious with a a solemn and calculated expression

" Council Members, the pack of Kolyat struggles with the next word Kh-aj-yr, entered our city but a few weeks ago. I had request a more personal meeting with the "Tla Tiazar" the note I received in return from her was less than explanatory. But after several more birds it became apparent that their diplomatic force was headed to Haelun'or. Prior to this I had informed Lady Ellir, multiple times as to what the on going were. She had several time to give input, and all the input I received was positive. Though my meeting may have appeared an attempt to broker a military alliance, it was not. I was simply curious as to their culture way of life and society. But not for the purpose of study. I wish to ensure that this race, does not fall allied against us. As to the actual negotiation Ellir, Arthane though he was an exemplary diplomat did not engage in this meeting alone with their "Tla Tiazar". Could I have waited ? Yes, but what happens when we wait ? Does a festering wound heal when un-treated ? Does a severed limb wait to bleed until you are ready to treat it ? No and No. The council, no the city is unwilling to move to action. I understand in full that we are of the longer lived races, and by this we take longer to decide. I fear we are not given this luxury any longer when shorter lived beings may act before us to the extent that we cannot recover from. One last thing, my behavior with Kalzhett was unacceptable, I shall strive to handle situations of the such more appropriately in the future. but on another note to clarify, we would not see the actual ritual. Just the celebrations. That is all "

Stands silently waiting for a reply

[Mithradites 1168]

Glaring at Kolyat with errant disgust and anger, Lucion finally calms himself to the point where he can speak without screaming. With a single sharp breath, Lucion addresses Kolyat directly.

"I must admit that I am glad this situation resolved itself amiably, thanks to the imput of Arthane and others present. Furthermore, I am equally glad that we now have now had direct contact with these curious creatures, and there is a distinct possibility of unique research oppertunities during their (distastefully named) "blood-moon" festival."

Lucion momentarily closes his eyes, and takes another deep, calming breath.

"However, being that this event is to occur in 7 months time, I find that your words;

"Does a festering wound heal when un-treated ? Does a severed limb wait to bleed until you are ready to treat it ? No and No. The council, no the city is unwilling to move to action."

to be both equally insulting, and innacurate. We had time. A lot of time. The three months between my notice of an expedition and your inviting of the Kar-rah-jar leadership, was not a long time by our standards, or theirs. Unwilling? No. There was a plan to go to their lands. I had a team of scientists and retainers organised, I even recieved a letter from our Kar-rah-jar aquaintance, Ms Zee-yan, asking about organising a meeting between our two nations, which I was very happy to accept. However, no further messages were sent or recieved on the matter. I was in the process of writing a formal request for entry to their lands when I heard of this event."

Lucion pauses again as his upper lip trembles with rage. He speaks with a gravelly hiss as his steely gaze pierces Kolyat.

"So, instead of speaking to someone involved in this, for instance, myself, you spoke to a now-retired Okarir who is entirely uninvolved with the search and study of these people. In fact, instead of informing someone that you were going to take unknown strangers into our most blessed college, you took it upon yourself to broker deals among them, without the presence of an Okarir or anyone in a leadership position. At least Arthane, our beloved legate, managed to be present, and for that he has my eternal gratitude. Furthermore, the fact that you so quickly and happily allowed in an unknown group of beings within the walls the disturbs and worries me far more than any other issue."

Taking one last calming breath, Lucion stands up slowly and brushes off his coat. His voice now flat, he addresses Kolyat.

"I will admit, Kolyat, I have had grievances with you in the past. In fact, I wil admit that I looked on you with contempt. During the Ellir-Nelecar schism, though, I lived in your home, and I slowly began to respect you again, as a father and a member of the community. However, your worryingly illogical behaviour and now... "this"... has gained you not only my contempt, but my utter loathing."

Lucion briskly walks up to Kolyat, unblinking and without expression, and speaks his final words to Kolyat.

"You are barred from having further interraction with the Kar-rah-jar in regards to this up-coming event. Furthermore, should you have another lapse in judgement, I will petition to have you removed from the city, imperminantly, or otherwise. Know that I am watching you, Mr Alfakyn."

With that final word, Lucion brushes past Kolyat and quickly exits the meeting, searching for Celia, or a bottle of wine to calm his rage.