[ATS] (Vaysh) Arrival of the Legion

Erius asked the King of Vanyelar to send Tralisia aid, and ships have been seen sailing up to the coast of Ama'rane. The Tralisians look on - and give dry commentary - as the legionnaires arrive.

Characters: Rodhin, Arek, Vaysh, Althaia, Tytan, Cherubin, Mornauto, Airednas, Erius



The fleet of ships can be seen preparing to lay anchor at the Tralisian docks.

Word has spread through the city streets the flag of the Vanyelar has been seen on the incoming ships.

Gossip flies through the city as people wonder why Vanyelar would send a large fleet to Tralisia.

You hear groups of citizens talk about this. Some believe that the Empire has finally heeded their calls for assistance. Others think it may be another Arch Duke Zythane all over again.

Tralisia Center
Dominating Tralisia's plaza is an enormous tower that is composed of
multi-colored essence fragments and various blocks of stone. At its base
is a garden of violet bell-shaped wildflowers and yellow marigolds
surrounding an ivory well.

[Exits: north east south west northeast northwest]
A strange portal is here, guarded by an unknown source of energy.
A stone door leading into the enormous tower is here.
An ivory well is here.
A bored-looking guard is here on patrol.
A serious-looking guard is here on patrol.
Arek the Indago is resting here.
Rodhin the Human is here.
A typical Tralisian settler is here.

A Tralisian guard looks quite uncomfortable at the news of the incoming fleet.

Arek says, "Is that some hidden piece of gutter trash speaking aloud?"

Rodhin nods his head, and says "Aye, hidden one."

Arek says, "I swear, if the guards went around and killed every person without a purpose for living this city would be much more pleasant."

"Whichever that works to suit your... mentality complex, indago." Airednas retorts wryly, before offering you a quick nod.

"Mm...?" A coolly inquiring voice cuts through the whispering from the west, preceding the arrival of a young and somewhat diffident-seeming Indago - Vaysh, or so as some would know him. "Anyone know what this hubbub's about, or is it just idle gossip running rife yet again?"

Arek glances in Vaysh's direction, "I travelled to Vanyelar with a letter requesting assistance. The Arch Mage is owed a favor by King Solran. That favor is being repaid in the form of assistance from the kingdom."

Rodhin shrugs his shoulders slightly, "I know not," as he looks south.

Returning the bored guard's usual glare with an amused quirk of his mouth, Vaysh turns to Arek, nodding slightly at this, if his expression remains inscrutable. "What, I wonder, did Erius render Solran that he should owe him so much..." he muses quietly.

"More to know then..." Airednas muses, crossing her arms as she slinks back against the darker shadows of the center. "How troublesome."

A Tralisian guard grips his weapon tightly and tries not to look too nervous about the situation.

Arek chuckles to himself, "That, I do not know. But Erius is capable of many things. From what I gather he helped the King greatly in his youth and that help is finally being repaid."

Rodhin glances at the guard and chuckles slightly. "Worry not I will do what I can to help..."

A Tralisian guard mutters something under his breath about that he has a bad feeling about this.

Arek chuckles.

Twitching a hand over a fold of his cloak, Vaysh smiles, though it doesn't seem to touch his eyes in the slightest. "In a great time of need such as this, one supposes Tralisia should be grateful..and perhaps those who breed discontent can still their tongues for the sake of civility. How long till they arrive?"

Rodhin nods his head in agreement to Vaysh.

Arek looks at the worried guard, "Do not worry, even Vanyelarian conscripts are far beyond your ability. Your death would be both swift and painless if they chose to attack. I'm afraid you will be quite obsolete in a matter of minutes."

Rodhin frowns slightly at Arek's words.

"... my, what fair words." Airednas murmurs dryly. "Who's the reception party?"

A Tralisian guard gives a big frown then goes and sits down on the well. "I deserve a break anyways..."

Rodhin glances at the people around him.

"Well, it would be bad form to appear complacent in your duties," Vaysh adds, his tone bone-dry. "Lest they report back to the King that Tralisia's gone lax in policing itself...which could have other, undesirable repercussions."

A Tralisian guard shrugs. "We will all be useless..." He mutters and shakes his head. "Useless!"

Rodhin frowns at the guard and says, "Show a little more courage, friend."

Airednas says, "... speaking as one who really isn't anticipating war... why preparing for one?"

Arek says, "Oh, I am quite sure that they will be reconnoitering Tralisia as well as defending it. Vanyelar has a very powerful military. If they thought they could defeat a possible alliance of the other empires it would be in their best interest to take control of the city."

Gesturing dismissively, Vaysh turns rather to the south, his eyes seeking the road leading directly from the city's southern gates. Arek's words elicit a mild smirk from the other Indago. "Hence the need to ah...how should I put it, 'look sharp,' eh? They could simply use the excuse that the city isn't being managed properly."

Rodhin says, "Who runs the city?"

A Tralisian guard grumbles a few words that cannot be understood. "It is my duty to stand watch, and I will protect the city regardless of what happens!" He leaps to his feet and takes his stance back in the center of the square.

"Arch Mage... Erius?" Airednas shrugs. "A scholar-ish man."

Rodhin nods to the guard, with a smile. "Thats the spirit."

Rodhin nods his head slowly after hearing Airednas's words. "I dont......remember much from before."

"It tends to vary depending upon the person you ask," Vaysh replies in Rodhin's direction a touch archly, thin amusement in the undertones of his speech. "Though at the moment there is an appointed Council that sees to certain aspects of the city's affairs, it is largely Erius' responsibility."

Cherubin enters from the south.

Airednas inclines her chin slightly to Cherubin. "News?"

Cherubin shudders.

Cherubin says, "None that I saw."

Cherubin says, "They're approaching fast in ships."

Airednas says, "... that's not the reaction I want to see..."

Cherubin says, "But still a while before they reach the docks I'd wager."

Cherubin shrugs helplessly.

Cherubin says to Airednas, "But soon."

Cherubin sits down and rests.

A Tralisian guard still looks nervous about the situation, but he is trying to hide it the best he can and concentrate on his duties to the city he loves.

Rodhin glances at Vaysh. "Forgive my lack of knowledge."

Rodhin glances at the others gathered, "How do we send word to the Arch Mage on the news of the fleet?"

Rubbing pale fingers over his temples, Vaysh cants his head at Rodhin, one corner of his mouth lifting in a wry grimace. "I wouldn't put it past him to have known of their arrival even before they reached the docks..."

"... I would assume he'd know of this already?" Airednas replies evenly, "Given that gossip has already spread around the town... besides, he called them, did he not?"

someone says, "Yes, Erius should be here in person to greet them, or maybe at the docks themselves"

Cherubin smiles.

Cherubin says, "I'd imagine he'd have little time for formalities."

Cherubin says, "I'd hope he'd find better uses for his time."

Airednas says, "... hence my inquiry before of the reception party... possible invasion or not... it would be... unpolitical... without a welcome of sorts."

Cherubin says, "I'd imagine if they'd wanted to invade, they wouldn't have sent half as many ships."

Cherubin says, "They appear to literally be bringing an army."

Rodhin shrugs, "I dont know Arch Mage Erius, so I dont know what he knows and doesnt."

Arek peers at the iron pike of the guard. Grinning wryly he can't help but say, "That's a nice iron pike. How much did the city pay for that? A few thousand gold or so? Hmm, they say the Vanyelarian guards carry titanium. It only costs thirty times more than iron so it probably isn't much better. You'll do fine."

A Tralisian guard fails to contain himself, "How do you know?!"

someone laughs.

Arek chuckles.

Rodhin shakes his head, "Your comments to the guard are very cutting."

Arek says, "I've been to Vanyelar many times. Their best guards wear the equivalent of several hundred thousand gold coins."

Cherubin says to Rodhin, "But also true."

Cherubin says to Rodhin, "Don't underestimate their strength."

A Tralisian guard slowly nods and then walks over to the tower and acts like he is taking a closer look at it, even though the tower has been here for months.

"Such utterances are salting the wound, but if the guard cannot bear it, then they are not fit to bear arms to defend a city," observes Vaysh with some acerbity, his features never shifting in expression.

Rodhin smiles, "There is more than just the quality of your arms, your heart is a key to the battle."

Cherubin says to Rodhin, "If given the choice i'd take the huge army with better weapons any day of the week."

"Well then. Waiting bores me." Airednas nods slightly to the gathered, shooting another wry look at you. "Do enjoy your day in... whichever this is."

Cherubin says to Rodhin, "Heart only matters if it's still in your chest."

Airednas quickly drops out of the shadows into view!
Airednas leaves west.

"Heart! Ah, sentimentality," grins Vaysh, though with some measure of good humour rather than ill will. "Something that cannot be quantified leaves much to be desired. But to each his own, I suppose. Many would hold with you, Sir...what is it again? Rodhin..."

Arek continues to pester the guard out of boredom, "Hopefully your wife is beautiful. If she is pretty enough she might be able to remarry one of the Vanyelarians after they kill you. Otherwise, she'll probably just be put to work in a brothel."

Rodhin chuckles, "I was speaking more of the drive then your physical heart."

Cherubin smiles.

Cherubin says, "But one is hardly ever good without the other."

Cherubin says to Rodhin, "I'm not sure determination would help against such overwhelming odds"

Cherubin says, "There's heart, and then there's just throwing your life away"

Rodhin says to Cherubin, "Neither could it hurt."

Cherubin says, "True."

"Discipline accounts for much," murmurs Vaysh, after a moment in which he'd watched the guard storm off. "That, and good sense, as well as keeping your wits about you." The Indago snorts then, a barely audible sound. "I grow impatient...and yet my curiosity bids I stay. Should we go to the gates in the hopes of seeing them at least?"

Rodhin waves a hand at the guard, with a smile. "Take our friend here for example. I think he will fight better then before when he was...out of sorts."

Cherubin smiles.

Cherubin says to Rodhin, "But will it be well enough?"

Cherubin says to Rodhin, "Heh don't overestimate that you can't see to the point you ignore that which is right in front of you."

Rodhin says to Cherubin, "Only the Entities can say."

Rodhin shrugs.

Rodhin turns his gaze south.

Rodhin says, "I'm going to go to the south gate and wait."

The ships can be seen making their approach to commence docking at the Tralisia Docks.

Cherubin says, "Well it seem they'll be a bit in coming."

Cherubin says, "I'm off to collect a few things before they arrive."

Arek says, "No doubt she is off to buy some perfume so as to be able to charge a few coins more for her services."

Vaysh might be seen to twitch involuntarily, as if from stifling the beginnings of laughter, but it remains suppressed, and he clears his throat instead, squinting south.
----

In the southern grasslands the sound of heavy marching is heard.

Calls from the watchmen on the city walls ring through the city saying that a group of soldiers can be seen marching northward from the military outpost towards the city. The flag of Vanyelar is seen.

Althaia enters from the north.

The southern gates open and the streets are filled with the sound of heavy armored soldiers walking briskly on the cobblestone road.

Many citizens are overtaken by the strong military presence and take shelter in their houses.

Vaysh stifles a yawn, brightening somewhat at the sound of marching. He angles a rather lazy look at Althaia, waving to her absently, seemingly undeterred by the noise of people retreating from the centre of town. "Oh, hello there."

Captain Tenar Gentan enters from the south.
A heavily armored Vanyelarian Legionnaire enters from the south.
A heavily armored Vanyelarian Legionnaire enters from the south.
A heavily armored Vanyelarian Legionnaire enters from the south.
A heavily armored Vanyelarian Legionnaire enters from the south.
A heavily armored Vanyelarian Legionnaire enters from the south.
A tired and rugged adventurer leaves west.

Wrinkling her nose, Althaia returns the languid wave, pausing as she glances southward and then walks towards you, "Mm, alive? I suppose I'm mildly surprised," she adds before casting a look at the army.

Captain Tenar Gentan scans the center of the city quickly, taking in all of its strange characteristics.

Captain Tenar Gentan says, "Tralisia! The Kingdom of Vanyelar and mighty Solran XI has come to your aid!"

"Perfect timing, too," adds Vaysh wryly in an aside to Althaia, leaning back with his elbows propped against a nearby stone wall. "And why in the world shouldn't I be living and breathing? Someone has to answer your witticisms, you know." He silences himself with an effort as the Captain glances about the square.

Cherubin smiles.

Cherubin says to Tenar Gentan, "Well, we're certainly glad to see you here"

Captain Tenar Gentan looks around the square for the Sentry Dwarf. "Where is that Sentry?"

A Tralisian guard blinks and seems to shy away from the group of newly arrived troops.

Tytan enters from the south.

Mornauto looks around and calls, "Tytan!"

Captain Tenar Gentan says to Tytan, "You there."

Tytan says to Tenar Gentan, "Aye, sir?"

"Off chasing a few thieves, I suppose" Althaia replies casually, keeping the tone quiet as if only to share it with her Indago companion. "Ah, the Kingdom of Vanyelar. A pleasure, Captain" Althaia says, tone turning rather formal as she bows her head politely.

Captain Tenar Gentan shuffles around in his armor for a second. "Bring me the leader of this city, the one known as Erius."

Captain Tenar Gentan glances at Althaia and skillfully ignores her comment. "I have many pressing matters!"

Mornauto raises an eyebrow.

Making a show of being too preoccupied with smoothing out his sleeves to offer any formal - or at the very least, proper, greeting, Vaysh clears his throat, merely inclining his head in acknowledgement of the troop. He passes a sharp eye over their accoutrements, keeping his opinions to himself.

Tytan says to Tenar Gentan, "Sir, as much as I regret ta inform ye, at this time Erius is not with the city, he's researchin' a spell ta try an' destroy th' fiends."

"... how diplomatic.." Airednas murmurs faintly.

Captain Tenar Gentan says to legionnaire, "Secure all of gates of the city! Do this at once soldier!"

A heavily armored Vanyelarian Legionnaire gives a deep bow to the Captain and then barks out a few orders and the legionnaires quickly do as they are told.

A heavily armored Vanyelarian Legionnaire leaves north. (All the troops leave).

You see Airednas fade into the shadows!

Captain Tenar Gentan says to Tytan, "We will have all the gates secured in a manner of hours. You must rest in safety now. Tell this to your superiors as they seem...to be lacking."

Mornauto glances up at the Captain, "Will we be free to come and go still?"

Mornauto begins to search around in the shadows.

Airednas twitches slightly, pressing her back against a particularly large block of stone, her expression hooded as she regards the proceedings.

Arek chuckles.

"As I'd conjectured earlier," whispers Vaysh, his voice carrying somewhat, if mutedly, as he addresses the Cryinale close by. "Wait until they find issue with how the city is being run as well as defended..."

Tytan says to Tenar Gentan, "Sir, Aye. If'n there is any way I can assist ye, the city of Tralisia offers what little we have in the way of comforts ta you an yer legionaires."

Captain Tenar Gentan nods to the Disorain as he towers over him in his imposing armor.

Arek smiles at Mornauto's comment, "Disorain elves are all thieve's and brigands and you expect to travel freely? They should kill you on sight."

Cherubin raises her eyebrow.

Captain Tenar Gentan turns to Tytan. "We will have all the gates secured by night fall. It will take time to unload the legion."

Mornauto scowls at the Indago as his eyes flare, "Not all of us are without honor!"

Another call from the watchmen on the city walls go out as they report another group of Legionnaires have been spotted marching up to the city.

Arek raises his hand in a mock apologetic motion upon seeing Cherubin's reaction, "Oh, I am quite sorry. Some of you are also harlots, too. I didn't mean to impugn your character by calling you a thief. I hear your prices are quite reasonable, in fact."

Cherubin smiles.

Arek chuckles.

Cherubin says to Arek, "How open minded."

Cherubin says to Arek, "It's truly a pity you're not of enough importance to have you opinions matter."

Captain Tenar Gentan raises his visor on his helmet and stares at Tytan. "Where is your leader? I have sailed on that ship for weeks and he does not have the respect to greet us?"

Cherubin smiles.

Glancing over at Vaysh, Althaia idly prods the Indago with her elbow, "I wonder what will become of this...protection" she adds, rather wryly, "But a price is always paid for luxuries such as these. The Legionnaires of Vanyelar are a prized force...and you know as well as I do, nothing is ever free."

Cherubin says to Arek, "Still i suppose someone has to keep the library clean, and the books dusted."

Arek chuckles.

Airednas presses her lips together, her expression stony as she regards Arek. "Indeed so, though I wonder if you are able to any else... aside than sprewing your... warped sense of 'wisdom'."

Cherubin says to Tenar Gentan, "I'm sure he'll arrive as soon as time permits"

"A prickly point of contention," Vaysh observes in undertone, his lips parting as if in silent laughter. Arek's speech stills that however, and he carefully averts his gaze, unwilling, perhaps, to be drawn into what seemed another argument. To his companion, instead, he says, "Even if the price is that of freedom, yes."

Mornauto glowers, "I will fight for Tralisia at no price."

Arek says, "I do not know what will become of this city. Nor do I care as long as nothing happens to me."

Captain Tenar Gentan says to Mornauto, "No longer will you have to fight for the city."

Tytan nods to Tenar, "I'll fetch him now then."

Tytan leaves east.

Cherubin says to Tenar Gentan, "We beg your patience in waiting for Erius."

Sidling closer to Althaia, Vaysh cants his head slightly in order to whisper into her ear, his words audible only as an amused murmur.

Cherubin says to Tenar Gentan, "He's but one man, with much to do."

Captain Tenar Gentan ignores the words said to him and continues to scan the area.

Cherubin says to Tenar Gentan, "Not only does he have to deal with fiends and portals, it's all he can do to keep some of the citizenry off the other's throats"

Mornauto nods to Gentan, "I realize that, but I am willing, and I am not a dishonorable creature as some think."

Vaysh whispers to Althaia, 'Some wear their allegiances too openly on their sleeves, I swear...'

Cherubin gazes towards Arek.

Althaia whispers to Vaysh, 'It is the common practice with fools.'

Arek says to Cherubin, "I am not at your throat, creature. I wouldn't get that close... I'd catch some disease."

Cherubin smiles.

"Aside from what you already bore, I assume." Airednas cuts in with a winning smile at Arek.

Arek shrugs helplessly.

[Erius arrives.]

Tytan enters from the east.

Cherubin says loudly to Arek, "We have more important matters to deal with, rather than bicker between ourselves."

Arek looks at Erius.

Erius gracefully bows before Captain Tenar Gentan of Vanyelar. "I humbly apologize for my tardiness M'Lord."

The youthful Indago's gaze flickers as he nods in agreement at Althaia, lips curving in a faint, wry smile. "Or those who have yet to learn the price one pays for loose lips..." With that Vaysh trails off, focusing on the Arch Mage's presence, his expression intent on the conversation before them.

Captain Tenar Gentan returns the bow from the Arch Mage with a small one of his own. "You are the one known as Erius?"

"Perhaps, and it is better they learn soon than before it's rather too late," Althaia adds, shaking her head slightly as she too follows the Indago's gaze, casting it towards Erius and the Captain.

Erius says to Tenar Gentan, "Yes M'Lord. I am. It is good to see you have arrived. The city is in dire need of assistance. What has our all knowing King brought us?"

Captain Tenar Gentan says to Erius, "The King has personally instructed me to depart with 25 Legionnaires for the sole purpose of protecting Tralisia from danger."

Erius nods as he listens to the Captain's words. "This is most pleasing. I am at your command M'Lord." Erius then bows once more.

Captain Tenar Gentan smiles slightly as the Mage talks to him. "All gates will be secured with my legionnaires. They will to one end alone protect this city until their death."

A traveling merchant nods to you.

Arek glares at a traveling merchant.

Captain Tenar Gentan glances at the hovering portal. "I will also station some here...for this portal makes me feel uneasy..." His hands go to his sword.

Mornauto mutters under his breath, "You're not the only one..."

Erius says to Tenar, "Yes M'Lord. As you wish." Erius' view follows the Captain to the portal. "This is the source of our problems. I have spent many nights studying my tomes to seal it..."

Captain Tenar Gentan says, "Very well then Arch Mage. Enough talk. Action must be taken before the city is lost at what the King has described as a great evil!"

(continued here.)