Xerxes_XIII 2

((Technically there is only one of these letters, but for the sake of RP we'll say that somehow all living Horens would have access to it.)) *The wax seal upon the folded parchment shows great age, only intact through meticulous care.* *The yellowed parchment is dotted with sparse drips of wax, written in an elegant and highly practiced hand. The letter is scribed with curious purple ink which shows age in the fading of its color.* To whomever this letter reaches, I write to you with an authority which I have long since lost. My name is likely lost to what remains of this family, but my memory and my name are irrelevant. I write this on behalf of my infant son, though upon the reception of this letter he shall be grown. My place in this family was lost when I abandoned all those who once were dear to me, but I write this in hopes that perhaps my son be spared the finality of his Father's choices. I fear that whenever this is received, I shall be long since lost. Be that in the void, or within my own mind through the curse that I have so foolishly undertaken. My son is Peter William Horen, though he has not used this name in his lifetime. He shall pass this forth upon his twenty-sixth birthday, unaware of its contents. I ask you, whomever you may be, to offer him direction. I will be unable, and I see no other option than to ask this of what once was my family. Be it offering a word of advise, or offering him a place in the family that I chose to abandon. May the Dragon cease its slumber. Formerly, Prince Alexander Horen, Nephew of King William Horen *At the letter's base resides a signature that, if it were compared to any family records, would appear genuine.* ((For some OOC clarification, this is something I wrote quite a while ago and I've got no expectations for an outcome. Just something I had prepared to spice up Peter's RP once he got older. Whatever happens in RP is good, be that burning the letter or speaking with Peter. C'est la vie.))

A map is a map, and can only do so much. Those who expect immense change will be disappointed. That said, it's a damn good map.

By far the best trailer LotC has had. My only comment is that I wish it had been portrayed without sticking to the minecraft aesthetic. To make it a bit more serious, I suppose. Regardless, fantastic work to all involved. Athera awaits.

"The first step, I believe, must be to venture to this portal. All of us, I feel, must be present. Hosper's rescue and the actual location of the keys must be put aside for the time being. I put forth that we may meet in Dwyn's town in four elven days, and venture to the portal as one." ((August 3th, 4pm PST ?))

"It seems that you have all gathered more information than I anticipated. Fantastic." Haruki speaks, pulling a map from his bag and unfolding it, "I believe what Tahariae wishes is for all of us to gather at this portal. With Dwyn and myself, the journey should be relatively simple. If lengthy."

Haruki dips his head to the gathered Clerics, kneeling to rest in the tangled grasses of the dew-covered hill. With its usual calm, the elf's voice breaks through the chatter. "I was tasked by our Patron to venture East and seek this portal. Upon his wish, I did so. With great difficulty I have managed to locate it, as it seems some of you may have as well." The man moves to pull off his flowing coat of gold and white, setting it on the grass before seating himself and casting his gaze over those who have gathered, "It sits atop a frigid and decrepit mountain, at the top of a winding staircase. It seems, though, that Hosper has indeed located it far before any of us even knew of its existence."

Haruki lets his gaze drift over the small group, regarding those present with a small but warm smile, "My thanks to you all for coming. I suppose there is no sense in simply waiting for all to arrive, so perhaps I will pass on my message and simply request that you carry it forth." "To give a brief answer to the questions you may have, there is no ill that befalls us. Simply a task from our Patron, which he has chosen to pass on to me. We must plan an expedition of sorts. A quest, even." he gives a soft chuckle. The elf raises a hand and sets the middle knuckle of his index finger to his lips, mouth moving in muted murmurs of prayer or thought. He seems to stay oddly silent for some time, considering just how to present his words. In this time, others may speak or arrive.

"I am." the man responds with a kindly smile.

Haruki responds, gently dipping his head in greeting to Aegor. "I will tell you once more have gathered, but it is good to see that my message has been received. How do you fare, friend?"

[!] Letters are sent out, spreading like a plague through the ranks of any and all clerics. Be they priests, warriors, paladins, or Itharel. The letter speaks thusly: "Through the word of Light have I been instructed. Our Patron has spoken unto me, and willed me to speak in turn unto you. Thus, in Tahariae's name, I bid thee to join me tomorrow as the sun begins to cast its light over the horizon. I trust that all who receive this letter shall be present in spirit, if not in person. I accept the oddity of this letter, and can offer no explanation as to why Tahariae has chosen to speak through me, nor any proof of its validity. Alas, I will carry out his will, and put my trust in his Light. I pray that you will do the same." Regards, Haruki Ishikawa Sunrise, the next day: Haruki stands idle upon a grassy hill, the location to which was written upon a map contained in each letter. He casts his gaze over the sloping hills, an expression of worry splayed across his features as he awaits the arrival of those he contacted. ((Forum RP Go))

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxK_nA2iVXw

Haruki regards the happenings with a distinct calm, expression solemn as Hosper is taken. As the others speak, panic, or spur into action the healer would simply stand and begin making his exit, following soon after Ivanus. The man would fail to regard any of his kin, seeming suddenly preoccupied with his thoughts. "Oh dear..." he would utter as he exits.

Haruki rises again with an expression of tolerance, "Whilst the Order respects your choices, Itharel, it seems I must be the one to point out that you and your brethren- save Hosper- have had no part in the Order's current happenings. Even I as an outsider can see that you have nigh abandoned these people. I'm afraid that I must question your authority to make such a decision, regardless of Tahariae's influence upon you."

"I believe, friend, that it is impossible for us to stand apart. Bound as we are by Tahariae's gifts, I believe that we shall forever know each other as brothers and sisters, cousins, uncles and aunts. There needs to be no head of this family, nor any structure to its members. When the time calls for it, I believe that standing together will be the only thing we are able to do. As is our nature as kin."

"Knowledge of our Order should be shared as tales among friends. Let us tutor those who seek our knowledge so that it may not be forgotten, let us be bound together by our faith so that in times of great need we may come together. This is my simple request. We need not be an army, an organization, or even a council. To achieve the will of our Patron all we must be is true to our faith. A family bound by our Patron rather than by our blood. Our History will not be forgotten, as it will be passed on through our generations. Our actions will be for the same purpose, but not take place as one. I feel that this is the best way to sum up my proposal. I say that we should become a family of sorts. Connected by nature, but also allowed the benefits of separation." Haruki gives a moment of pause, brushing off his vest before adding as an afterthought, "If I may be so bold... My discussions with Hosper and Jakir suggest that perhaps they may agree, if only in part, with my words. If either are present, I would perhaps appreciate your input."

"Destruction is not what I propose. Decomposition is, to put it unpleasantly, my suggestion. The Order has begun to crumble and die. Perhaps we are meant to let it do so. Now, in reference to the statement that the 'dark forces' would be unobstructed were we to disappear... I find it, to use your words, radical. We are not the only ones who offer protection to this world, and I find it unjust to place such value upon ourselves. We are a small part of something much larger, not an integral piece of scaffolding. Were we to vanish, dark forces would make headway, but other forces of light would rise forth to push them back. It is my belief that the formal Order should be abolished, but the Order formed by our united dedication to Tahariae should remain. Regardless, perhaps my argument came off stronger than intended, and for that I apologize. I have simply found that I am of far more use to the world on my own than with the Order, and I do not see why this wouldn't apply more widely."

Rising from his seat against the wall, the Easterner allows the shuffling of his movements in the tangible silence to signal his wish to speak next. With his large red coat draped over one forearm, Haruki lets his voice echo through the chamber, tone soft and kind, but distinctly commanding. His posturing furthers the impression that whilst he is a man of peace and kindness, he does not lack a sense of pride and authority. "Though I am long since a cast-off of the Order, I would like to speak. I will spare the lengthy and dull story of my departure, but suffice to say that it was not my pride that set me away. I, unlike some, do not seek to judge the Order. Misguided though it may have been. Alas, I digress. It is this humble healer's opinion that the Order should not be rebuilt nor repaired. Let it crumble, and if in time our Patron wills that it may rise from the dust and debris, so be it. It is not our place to craft the army of our Patron; I would argue that not even the Itharel claim that right. When we are needed as one, we shall be called for. Allow the Order and it's concepts to fade. Tahariae's power will continue to grace those who are loyal, but I see no need for those chosen few to organize themselves as anything more than friends sharing a common purpose. Order is not the place of our Patron, it is that of his Brother. Strive to bring forth Justice and Purity through your own actions and through your influence upon others. Justice is a concept that is best brought about through the actions of a single man, rather than many. Purity is most easily achieved through many viewpoints converging and clashing, so that the fluff may be cleared and a true goal may become clear to some, if not all. I will close with this, friends. Many times it is said that we must work together... I am of the opinion that now we must work apart. Thank you." The man dips his head politely to the room, before seating himself once more.

A man dressed in a heavy red coat meanders into the conglomeration, hood pulled up to hide his features from sight, and shield him from the rain. The man wanders towards the southern side of the room and takes a seat against the wall, pulling off the large coat to reveal the striking features of an Easterner dressed in a simple black vest and stained white shirt. Haruki listens and observes in silence, unusual eyes of a pale pink flicking from one person to another as he takes note of each statement.

Freya VS Native VS Supremacy. Who will win?

Yay I have one vote. Oh wait the vote was from myself.

Extensive internal discussion is under way about this lore. It may be subject to change.

7/10