A Dark Elf at the crossroads

[Aerinyes 402]

Sythra nods to the Dark Elf upon the grey horse, her eyes stay upon him for a moment longer before turning to the rest of the crowd that has been gathering.

This is the sort of wisdom that is sought after by the council. Those that will unite our people without regard to beliefs or nobility. As the first Mali'ker High Princess to serve upon the high council I will take the first step and take this one up on his offer for a meeting with our kin.

She then gives Cobra a look of scorn.

Those that hide themselves behind cloaks and shadows are not taken seriously, words that cannot be said without fear and fortitude are empty. Go back to the ones that hold your leash and tell them they will surely perish should they meddle in our affairs further.

The time of Malin's Children is now. We fear no one and will strike into the very homes of our enemies.

[Baconthief 682]

*Khel watches Sythra speak, nodding along with her*

Yes, now is the time not for just us but all of the mali. I have personaly lead and been apart of many efforts to hinder the war nation. By doings so we have proven the might of the mali against the uruk

*Khel looks to the child, angel*

As the sentinel of Normandor, I will ensure your safety. I'll bring light to this and inform the guard under my command to triple their efforts.

*Turns back to Sythra*

I would think an assembly for the mali'ker is in order, those who wish to be part of this send a letter to the Normandor barracks and ensure it makes it to my office. Leave a location where I can send a letter back and organize this meeting

((Forum post me))

[Lego XBOX 915]

*Smiles and rides off, seeing that matters have calmed. As he leaves he cries out to those standing around;*

"There are still houses to fill in Malin's Gorge, price negotiable and dimissed if unable to afford a house. Come many..."

*WIth this rides off to the docks and takes the boat back to the gorge.*

[Tentoa 3161]

Akal looms a short distance away, tapping his fingers against the hilt of the short sword at his side rhythmically as he listens to the babble. Before long his head would lift, sanguine eyes reflecting under the shadow of his hood as he walks away, bored with the affairs of other Mali.

[WickedRN 60]

*Princess Earenniel cannot help but overhear the conversation. After listening for some time she decides to speak.*

Mali'ker, I hear all arguments and all hold some truth to them, so let me express to you a council members concerns and opinions on what you all have said. First I will speak in regards to the business of Khel. I agree with you completely that he is a wise and able elf, and by far one of the best Sentinels I have. He returned to the Malinor guard only a few years ago, and has ascended the ranks at a pace almost unheard of and could one day even be high commander. This said, Bravepaw has these applications not to see who is more able to write a better application but rather to see who really wants to hold such a position of responsibility. To say that council members are selected purely on their writing skills could not be more far from the truth, and it saddens me to think that that is how my people think we earned our titles. If Khel wishes to be a prince then of course he would be considered given his accomplishments and personality.

Now as for your reasoning behind nominating Khel, I agree that unity is of utmost importance. As of late I myself have felt that we lack the unity that our people so very much need. However, I do not think that simply placing a Mali'ker on the council will solve these problems. The first step to uniting is for the Mali'ker to return to Malinor. I know and understand that our architecture and culture is not adjusted for the Mali'ker and I wish to fix this. Come back to us, and share with us your beliefs and culture. Work with us so that we may help you re-establish a relationship with the rest of your kin, and us with you.

*With that, the princess stands and waits for any replies that may come of her speech.*

[Shadeleaf 1022]

*Arzota has been listening this entire time, leaning against the pathway to the Druidic Grove*

My fellow Mali, *he says throwing back his stark white hood* it it true, we have in the past few decades found a surprising lack of unity among ourselves. It is also true that the Mali'ker must sustain a presence here, look at the High elves in the Silver City, here we have the wood elves in the great city of Malinor.

*thinks for a moment at what he is about to say, looking at all parties involved before speaking*

A place on the council is only the start of what we can achieve brothers and sisters, my eyes have been opened to the old ways of the Mali'ker by one of our sisters. There is no doubt in myself that we can return, we can remake ourselves into our former power, or at least a shadow of it.

*takes a breath, confidence and pride shining in his pale green eyes*

We can not achieve any of this if we are not whole again, if anything can ever be done it must have sufficient numbers behind it. I beseech you brothers, sisters, Mali of all kinds, gather our family, being them here, let them talk with Kehl, our voice will not go unnoticed again! We must work together for all sub races, this can only further what this great nation can achieve.

*takes a step back to the docks, going to inform Fae and Dante, this is what she was speaking of, and this is what must happen...*

[Aerinyes 402]

Sythra addresses the crowd once again.

Our dear Princess Earenniel speaks of a point that has long been unaddressed in such a forum. That of our current homes and their designs.

Normandor is by no means a Wood Elven city. It was not constructed with the intent of being an elven city at all. And for many years there has been many who questioned why we dwell in such a city.

The reasonings are unfortunate. When we first came to Asulon six decades ago, we settled in the Elandriel Forest. Within days we were beset by predators from all sides. Mori, orcs, and bandits alike poured into the undefended forest to prey upon our people. Taking belongings, loved ones, and lives from our people.

The Sorani were formed out of the remnants of the Laurelin Vanguard. However they could do very little to patrol the vast unprotected wilderness. Therefor we moved the bulk of the population to Normandor as it offered protection and sancturary while we regained our former strength.

As High Princess I molded our forces for the challenges that were ahead. I kept our true strengths hidden so that it could be built in secret. At the same time I went out of my way to ensure peace with the mainland nations, but at the same time I waited and watched to see their true intentions by having the Princedom remain neutral in their conflicts.

When it came to local affairs I sought friendship and peace with our neighbors. Even making peace with the once hated Mori. I secured much of the eastern sea so that if a conflict arose, it would only be from the west.

Now that the nations of the mainlands' intentions have become apparent, the Holy Princedom has emerged to influence the world around her. We have true allies and friends. Our enemies are clearly known.

Though let it be known that peace was tried with the warborn, many times. Each agreement made was dropped by them whenever a new rex was chosen. If you know how they select their leaders, you will understand that such an event happens frequently. It was determined that peaceful relations is considered a weakness by the warborn. Therefor we have shown our strength instead.

Our people are a patient race. But when you have your loved ones stolen, enslaved, and killed, one must take action. Some may say we agitate them by striking into the heart of their lands. In a way this is true, but it also sends a message in a format that they understand. By striking at their homes, it reduces their ability to harm us in ours. Our aim is not to conquer, but to chastise.

For the Mali of Malinor are not conquerors. We know that the younger races have much to learn. But we also know that each learns differently. In time the conflict will end and we will be able to withdraw our Sentinels home, an impression made.

With that said it is important that we remain united. In order for the Mali'ker to help the rest of Malinor, they must help themselves and reintegrate our culture back into our lives. We must be proud to be Mali'ker and of the Holy Princedom of Malinor.

With all the Mali united together, we will be able to establish ourselves in the proper place in this world and may yet even be able to return to the forests. Peace and prosperity for our race is ahead of us, but we have much to do in order to get there.

[the GOAT of the craft 606]

Rhazev listens intently, leaning back on the tree. Once everyone has spoke he pushes himself up and speaks once more;

"Princess Earenniel, these applications that Bravepaw had asked for are not how things were done in Aegis, a time when Malinor flourished. The council are not picked purely from their writing skills of course, they are also put on the council when their town becomes the new capital of a nation, is that not so? It intrigues me how you called us your people, for we are just people. If we are anyones people, we would be Bravepaw's though I feel that is a stretch. It would interest me to speak with him on these matters, whether it be here or another time.

As for we Mali'Ker returning to Malinor, it would mean we need a home. I feel that Elandriel would suit us well, though that seems to be controlled by the druids, and not the council. Placing a Mali'ker on the council will not solve these problems, but it is a start, and a much needed one. It gives our people a voice on the council and opens the door for other Mali'ker to join them sooner rather than later. If you truly wish for us to work with you, grant us a temporary home in Normandor until a more permanent one can be found. It is our interest to work with the council and Malinor as a whole. My words may seem harsh and rash, but know it is because I care for my kin."

He turns his head to Sythra, and speaks again;

"It is peculiar how you bring up our arrival in Asulon, as I do remember those times. The Mori were our enemies then, and we ran. Yet now we focus on a much larger opponent, one which has arguably had the upper hand thus far. It truly confuses me why we did not fight the Mori when we had the chance. Many of us are peaceful people, but they were never peaceful with us.

I feel as if moving the population to Normandor permanently was a mistake. The Sorani could have done their job effectively if the forests had been converted the way we wanted them to. Walkways could have been made between trees, much like Old Laurelin in Aegis. Elandriel, in my eyes, will be the true capital of Malinor in Asulon.

Malinor influences none in it's current state. She is a victim in this land. Many hate the behemoth of a tree that we call a home, and others dislike the way that ArmaLuna was dealt with. Some have envied the Elves and their wisdom for a long time, and some always will, but they are not of our concern. Peace has been achieved with the Orcs once before. Again this was in Aegis, and so was a long time ago, but it still happened. Malinor and Krugmarr united to fight the Humans, and I believe something could be reached if needed. Perhaps focusing on diplomats once more would be a good decision.

It is true that we are a patient race. After all, we have enough time. Though our patience seems to be running out. In Aegis we prospered, and here we fall. There are many factors for this, the location itself being one. Maybe establishing a settlement on the mainland could also be a good idea, though it falls to our High Council to take charge. If something does not change soon I fear Malinor will fall into a rut it cannot pull itself out of."

He leans back on the tree, trying to make himself as comfortable as possible.

[WickedRN 60]

*Earenniel tilts her head to the side at his reply and responds*

My dear Mali'ker, we are chosen for the council based on our deeds we have done for our beloved Malinor. I for example was chosen because of my service as a Sentinel, much like Khel. I like to think I earned my place, as I did work very hard for it but I suppose I could be wrong in feeling that way. It is true that things are not done as they were once, but we are living now, not then. We have a new High Prince and with him comes new ideas and methods. Perhaps he should be given fair chance before his ideas are so strongly criticized.

*Earenniel sighs rather heavily, and moves on to a different subject*

Where you all would settle though is really not a problem at all. It is true that the forest of Elandriel is inhabited by the druids currently, but my offer to you is that you take up residence in Armaluna. There are plenty of available homes there and it would make a fine place for Mali'ker to settle and prosper. The island is mostly empty right now, and just waiting for a culture so rich as the Mali'kers' to populate it. Perhaps a meeting could be scheduled so you may discuss this matter and any questions you might have on the subject.

*She ends once again, waiting for another response*

[Aerinyes 402]

The reason we sought a peaceful resolution over war with the Mori was because they could meet with us in a civil manner. The orcs have never proven to do so. Even in peaceful talks, they use veiled threats.

In Aegis we never had peace with the warborn. They had an agreement with the Wardens which had their own leadership that wasn't subservient to a prince. And even then, the warnation used them as a tool in their little conquests, an abuse that was put to rest by the former Prince Lafthi. But even during these agreements and alliances, orcs still disrespected elven culture and violated Princedom laws and customs when visiting. Peace and friendship were never really there.

Fighting our strongest enemy proves our capabilities to the world of Asulon. It shows that Malinor is strong and united. And by showing we fight to protect our loved ones, rather than to conquer shows our compassion and wisdom.

Normandor is not a permanent residence. We must be patient as we begin to move settlements ((OOC note, this is NOT in reference to 3.0)). It is a process that I initiated as High Princess, but a task as large as that takes time. For now we have pressing matters. Matters of unity that will spread our prosperity across all if we stay together.

And yes.. the application process dates back to even before I was ascended to a Princess in Aegis. This process was placed by High Prince Native and continued until my reign in which I suspended it. I didn't see it as a useful tool during that time, but High Prince Bravepaw decided to use it, as is his choice.

[the GOAT of the craft 606]

Rhazev nods once hearing the two, and speaks to Princess Eareniell first;

"Perhaps I have been rash to judge Bravepaw, though I do not agree with warring with the Orcs. We may be living now, but it is obvious to many that we lived better in Aegis than we have done here. Many factors come into play here, though I now know that I must simply step back and let things unravel. I do hope the High Council have some sort of plan for Malinor herself though.

Your offer to live on Armaluna is a generous one, and one that shall need to be discussed further. I expect the Mali'ker would have rule over the land, but this may bode as a problem to the Prince who is over seeing the land at the moment. Of course, the architecture would be untouched and the land given great care."

He faces Sythra once more and speaks again;

"I shall have to take your word with the talks with Orcs. I cannot comment on them, as I was not there, though from personal relations with them in Human lands they have been...pleasant.

I do seem to recall Malinor being allied with Krugmarr in Aegis. The opinions of the Orcs from the general populace was also a good one, and I believe they felt the same. I remember a diplomat of ours was very close to a Rex at the time, was she not? An old friend of mine also had a half Orc - half Mali'ker child, though what has happened to him, and to her, I will not know. Things were good.

I would ask that, if at all possible, you could shed some light on this movement to a new settlement. It has piqued my interest, and I'm sure it may have piqued the interest of others within the crowd we have amassed."

[Baconthief 682]

Khel begins to address the orcs and their past

Yes, the uruk at one time were our allies, a very close ally. As a warden I personally fought along side the uruk people against the bortu and valah. I have been deemed an honorable mali on the uruk standards, /but/ this is no longer Aegis. This is Asulon, where every mali has to fight for survival. The lands outside of the emerald peninsula change too rapidly to be fully trusted. For example the government style of the uruks changes with every leader. Treaties of peace will only last until a new Rex is chosen.

With every treaty we make with a Rex, it is voided once another enters power. Wanting lasting peace with the orcs is impossible, nor just for the mali but any of the kingdoms of Asulon. They're too volitable to be trusted entirely. We have tried for peace since they very first day we landed on the coasts of Asulon. We have played a defensive role for nearly a centry now.

This has only lead to more mali slaves! For the past seventy years we have pushed for lasting peace with the uruks, but it in no way resembles the relationship we had when I was a warden.

*pauses for a moment catching his breath*

However, I would like to see peace a, return to normalcy that was Aegis. Perhaps we simply remind the uruk people of our times shared on the battle field as we defended each others lives. Not many people remember this, but I have not forgotten. We can only hope the uruks haven't either. But the chances of that our slim.

*turns to Rhazev*

Also I'd like to inform you, a citizen of malinor, that we are actually winning the war with the war nation. This war is a war to assure the safety of fellow elves who are dragged from their homes daily and taken as a slave. Peace talks have been tried, but the current Rex /may/ be the worst Rex the war nation has ever seen. He is ignorant and stubborn. He will not easily change his ways, force is the only language he fully understands. If I am to be part of the high council like you desire, I will to to see to it that the uruks do remember the times of our alliance. I personally fought along-side them, perhaps they need the words of an ex-warden to /calm/ their nature against the mali.

*Khel Turns back to the crowd*

But none of this matters, this is not about the war...it's is about the mali'ker, the forgotten elves. Yes, it is time for us to unite. It's time for us to recover our lost history. Time for us to recall the traditions of old. And time for us to begin writing history for our people, this time to never be forgoten

[Guest]

Kerhal sighs, pulling back his hood as he speaks.

"When was our history completely lost? When was it wholly forgotten? There is history there, just not known to the vast majority of Mali'ker, hidden in libraries around. I think many of the talk about the lost, has been done without looking into it.

There has been many attempts to unite us, I was at the head of one of them. It is rare that they can succeed, tell me what you would do different to pull in a scattered, and as you say 'lost' race?"

[Baconthief 682]

*Points at Kerhal*

Yes, I recall "your" attempt to unite the mali'ker, but your method was too faulty. Asulon is too vast and we are spread too thin across the land. You tried to send our people to one focal point; however, many had the same idea, which divided us further. He is not asking we unite literally in a geographical area like you tried, because that is impossible. He is asking that we unite together culturally, regain our lost glory for any mali'ker whether it be here in malinor, or in Oren.

He seeks to see that our people find success in not just malinor. Which is why is wished to bring me to princedom. He and I would like to see to it that mali'ker will gain the power, glory, and respect we deserve throughout asulon

[Samler 1566]

Seth, a blonde tall elf (a high elf most likely) seems to have heard all of it, he does carry some weapons yet his hands quite some distance from the handels, he speaks with a casual voice, one that one would deem not quite the right voice for such talks while looking at Khel.

"What would you do if the rest of the elves sees you as ''evil' elves, isolate yourself to later attack them or drag them into some kind of 'unholy cult' no matter how many times you attempt to tell them that is not the truth? Not that is what I think you are doing of course llir Khel."

Seth tilts his head a little, awaiting a respond.