War talk with Caliban n Kirko

[22:54] Sweat broke against his flesh, quickened breaths broke as he quickly lead the previous Warlord through the frozen tundra.

Hastily climbing up the steps before rushing into the council chambers.

The situation was dire, everything was falling and there was only so much that he could do with his limited power he held.

"Sorry to bother you so soon after learning from you hours before Caliban. But Esshar is dying. We are failing and there needs to be something done. Now!"

His voice strung with urgency. There was no time to play around or even beat around the bush, he needed to be direct and focused.

But there was little he could do... Being named the youngest Warlord by eighteen, being an successor of a Dragonlord who fled amongst the ruckus, he could only gather that he was hated, despised, and thought of nothing but Doriya's puppet.

When in reality? All he wanted to do was safe Esshar, the Coat, and his people.

Time wasn't on their side, the time he would need to lead his people against the uneven odds.

Yet, he didn't have that...

"Esshar is falling Caliban. I've seen the signs, and time isn't on our side. Asphodel fell to the Docros, and no one could defeat them when Achyon was the main figure." he frowned as his steps hit the floor. "Seth and Annete died recently. Alexei has called a claim of Asphodel, now they have FOUR major players and Esshar couldn't defeat them when it was only one."

Golden eyes grew wide, coming to realize the state that they were in.

"What can I do to get the favor of our people on our side. I have ideas, I have plans in order to save us, but what if they're denied upon? What if my words aren't able to convince the council to make the decision go through."

His words were desperate. He was only but a young adult, suddenly given the pressure of the world on his shoulders.

They couldn't sit back and do nothing, Osrona hadn't even moved since they declared their attack on Moxtli.

"I keep on thinking and thinking Caliban, I'm not trying to cause a fight amongst our people when we're literally about to be wiped out."

Several individuals, the vampires, mire, an ambassador of Yama, the words of the void, all of them screamed at him to do something, to take action and not sit back to let the world burn.

But the fire had already started...

"You said that might ruled the old ways correct? But would that work now? Or would I have the people hate me even more, or even fear me if I beat the other members of the council."

His eyes searched the elders features, trying to find a lick of the truth, something that would guide him towards the right answer. What he would do. But every solution he comes up with is quickly countered with a negative effect.

What should he do?

"I know this is unbecoming of me Caliban, as I am a Warlord. But what do I do. The other dragonlords are doing shit but twiddling their thumbs. I've been out there since the age of sixteen. Making connections, networking, gathering spies and individuals to help me figure out what most people remain ignorant of. I have people attack me for being Doriya's successor. Not trusting me or keeping their true feelings away, afraid of what I may do next."

He was pleading for an answer. Anything to help him not fail his people.

"What do I do.."
(Acheron Erebus)
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[22:58] Acheron Erebus says, "I called a meeting tomorrow for this exact reason. But time is still not on our side. Moxtli is turning their people into Teraphims, sacrificing whoever speaks against them. Asphodel now is within their lease with Illythia ruling them."
[22:58] Acheron Erebus says, "What. Do. I. Do."
[23:02] Acheron ignored the call of the young Vartuul joining them, as there was not enough time to argue, he needed answers.. Now.
(Acheron Erebus)
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[23:05] Acheron paces back and forth, clearly losing his patience before coming to a halt, turning around to quickly write up a couple of letters before sending them outside via bird.
(Acheron Erebus)
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[23:10] {LONG DISTANCE TO: Jraia}: Doriya,

We need to talk. Now. I need you to tell me every lick of informaiton you have. I do not want you to hold anything back.

Don't let me coming looking for you.

- Acheron.

(*it can be seen that the letter was written in a rush*)
[23:10] {LONG DISTANCE TO: Tartarus Task}: Task,

I heard of what happened to Seth and Annete. Along with Illythia's new rule over Asphodel. We need to talk, sooner than later.

- A
[23:10] Lord Valkrin would sit and listen to Acheron's words with undivided attention. The news of Asphodel's fall and the increasing power of the Docro Family's influence was alarming to be sure.

Their enemies were growing stronger. And the coat? The coat was underprepared for what was to come. Preparations needed to be made. The Elder knew that much as he folded MUSCULAR arms in thought.

"What if..."

The elder would shift his gaze to the flames behind Acheron. His often wholehearted demeanor now overtaken by the air of a grizzled veteran of wars long past.

"The world does not change with What If's my boy."

The old Warlord would rise from his seat, gaze now shifting to meet the young Mountain Lord's own.

"If the situation is dire. Then instead of worrying about What if's you should focus on HOW TO MOVE FORWARD the next steps to turn the tides."

Caliban would give a wholehearted nod.

"Tomorrow, I was going to pressure the other lords to take action. Too long, have we stood idle as our allies take the brunt of the warfare.

At the end of the day. We are at WAR. And any further inaction will just bring our enemies closer and closer to our destruction.

A declaration must be made. For us to take the fight to our enemies for the first time in ages. No more riding along the assaults set forth by others. We. Ourselves. Must. Act."

(Caliban Valkrin)
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[23:16] {LONG DISTANCE FROM: Jraia}: Doriya Helenium's Letter To Acheron Erebus, 1863, Meet me in front of the Gilded Hearts manor.
[23:31] The young girl heard of Caliban's words to join the room with the warlords. She has only ever stepped foot in here when no one was around, but to be in the presence of two Dragonlords that weren't her parents was a privilege. To her, she was so excited to see how thee warlords took their sets, their postures and their auras. For Caliban, he needed no introduction as his olden body was proof enough of his strength. Yet Acheron stood before him. The moment the two of the started their conversation, Kiriko took her seat. She chose the middle seat on the left side, feeling like a DragonLord herself with mild fascination. Though instead of being a girl who endeared the thought of it all, she started to sit back, back straight and eyes forward.

She listened to the conversation, Acheron's desperation of help and need to save their people. This was a good to be had, but for everyone to believe auntie would run from a simple assassination attempt was strange and her successor was named to be Acheron was just to show how much she would trust him, and that meant another person taking up a mantle by choice of trust rather then earning it. That's what she saw. Yet the old ways prove that you have the strength, physically to best the old, but that didn't make you 'better' then the old way.

Listening to the conversation was pulling on a few strings, even to the point of hearing his plea for assistance and more to understand how the world would function. Even the downfall of Asphodel to the Docros just meant they'd be amassing power on two sides of the country. More so, since Pauper was now a thing. Without so much as a thought to be had, she heard Caliban's words. His voice echoed in the small room to show that he too thought it would be best to push on with their ideals. But Kiriko had something to say.

With her voice, she spoke up, only offering a condition.

"If you are saying you made connections and more since you were a kid, then you must know that strength is everything to a dragon. To be a Dragon lord you have to show you are worthy of a title. Just being given the title from auntie will spur up a few people who would've wanted to see your strength tested and either thrown to the way side to make way for a new generation, or kept and shown to be approved up.

The divine are always watching us dragons and we must state our worth. In a way, the people only hear that Auntie fled because of an assassination attempt and fled. That made her appear afraid and unfit. Yet she passed it down to you during that time. Do you see the issue? People wouldn't want to listen wholeheartedly because the position you fill seems more like a stand in then the real deal. My father and mother aside, A Dragon lord much be able to put their lives on the line at any moment. Colette being an example as he fought for the coat til his dying breath.

It effects everyone to see pain in so many ways, but instead, it would've been better if you'd denied the seat or not claimed it until you proved yourself worthy of being in the council. The old ways show us that strength is everything to a Dragon, but as a Vartuul, Family is more important then strength. A Dragon can break a wall, but a family can destroy cities. A dragon can face their foes had on, but an Army challenges leadership.

DragonLord Acheron. I am no Dragon Lord, but I do apologize for my rude speech, but you have to decide whats more important to you, the way people see you? Or the way you act? Because I'll tell you this, look at Colette, he was a Dragonlord, but died doing what he thought was right, or at least doing what he could. You could do more if you are faithful and honest, but not stand up like a twig."

It was an encouraging set of words from the young woman, but her eyes looked towards Caliban as he finished his words on acting as soon as possible to make due with the little time they have left. Yet that made Kiriko speak up once more.

"Dragon Lord Caliban, if I may ask, what would you do to strike at the force that is the Docros or the Mox? Because running in with every dragon wont help. If anything, isn't there a Drakanite who faced off against the Docros multiple times? I think they might be able to help. My brother spoke of them once...but I don't remember their name."
(Kiriko Vartuul)
[00:15] A long silence collected in the room, contaminating the air as his words fell silent.

Caliban, as well as the Vartuul sat silently against the roar of burning flames sitting idly in the distance.

Once the Elder spoke, the old age, years of wisdom and an accumulation of experience throughout many years shined throughout their frame. A booming voice met his uncertainty.

With them rising, Acheron felt the power of their youth speaking volumes higher, reaching him with each syllable that they preached. Fueling the young Warlord with the warmth that they portrayed.

A sage-like nod was given in response, but as he opened his lips. The moment he were to respond to the prime Valkrin.

The Vartuul spoke.

He knew it they meant no malice in their words, how they were just sharing their side of the situation, of what they believed in and further more, what was the proper way to act and how others seen things.

So he waited, taking a step to the side as he stared at them, annoyed. Quite frankly feed up as they continued on with their speech.

Once they were done, Acheron took a breath. Calming himself as he turned fully towards their side. Ready to respond in a tranquil, passionate, tone.

"You say that strength is everything to a Dragon? Where the entire Coat attacked Doriya for breaking an Oath." a frown came, his anger slowly boiling upwards as he quickly came to find out that the girl in question was Iris's and Driyar's daughter.

A Vartuul.

"Show that I'm worthy when I've been deemed by Doriya and our passed Colette, Acknowledge by Ethric and Thorn Meztin. If any wishes to see my skills, they can ask at any time and face me within the Gauntlet, just as in my announcement, if people found themselves worthier of my status, then they are free to come battle me. I didn't run from her, I accepted it and am awaiting."

Piercing golds struck at their soul as he continued on in a peaceful tone, his expression relaxed as he was trained for many years to keep his cool despite his internal rage.

"Divines are watching, yes. But just because they are, doesn't mean that they'll help us directly as history as shown. As for Doriya? I find the entire Coat threatening for them to stand down. Gathering people to drag her name through dirt and insult her when she's been a Dragonlord since a young adult. Retrieved several relics and saved Driyar's and Iris's life countless times. Despite the way she achieved her goals. She still reclaimed them at the end of the day, returning them home to the Coat, and everyone acts as if she's some kind of omnipotent divine, one who doesn't make any mistakes and the minute she does. It's to Hel with them, right?"

Shaking his head, he began to pace. Throwing his hands behind his back, clasping them.

"Auntie didn't flee because an assassination attempt, and if you truly think that anyone on the Coat could /TRULY/ take out the strongest Dragonlord in years then you're frankly mistaken." he turned. "Iris complains about Doriya holding her mother's armor, why hasn't she fought them for it? As you said, strength is everything right? To be tested, and settle discussions over. Yet, Iris never did. Neither did Driyar." A turn.

"She fled because the entire Coat turned against their family and favored Osrona's lightbearer Angelo. A city that once went to war with our own, a city that allowed Iris to be kidnapped and eventually led to the death of Violet Vartuul, and a city that costed Colette's life for a book that holds no value to our own."

He turned, locking eyes with the Vartuul.

"Quite pathetic don't you think? To betray a Dragonlord, who fought for decades on end for us? Who was held back by the council and caged away, only to be hated, shunned, and instantly forgotten for everything they've done for us? We're sacrifcing our people, Lords even, for a city that would turn against us if it were to save itself? How many others do we need to sacrifice for us to understand that at the end of the day, we only have each other."

He turned again.

"As a Vartuul?" he snickered. "You speak how Family is more important than strength, but the minute that Doriya's image is attacked, instead of defending them. You berate her, and Allium has the gull to claim that she can no longer step foot inside of the Coat when he doesn't even have a seat among the council."

He turned.

"I've heard a lot about the hypocrisy of the Vartuuls, but that takes the ticket." he couldn't help but chuckle softly to himself, shaking his head as he couldn't believe the few words that was uttered from the girl.

"It seems like actions do speak louder than words." he smiled, meeting their eyes, winking before turning once again.


(Acheron Erebus)
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[00:15] "I am no Drakanite, so I am a Warlord. But it's not that I care about how people view me, or judge my actions, my main problem is if I have to choose violence to command the authority that has been given to me. To do something than hide away in the Coat, ignoring every war that passes by and waiting for the inevitable to happen."

He sighed.

"I'm not standing like a twig, I'm wondering if the Coat will try to kill me the moment I defeat that girl in combat." he turned, directing his gaze at the Vartuul. Frowning as he's known of several underhanded ways the Vartuuls went about deeds. Holding their name as if meant everything, and doing whatever they saw fit without fault.

"I want to know if what I'm willing to for our people, for Esshar, will be worth it. Or if I'm merely but a fool, walking into my own demise the moment I touch the Gauntlet."

Finally, he came to a stop.

"While I do not agree that Doriya went about actions unbecomingly, this pride. This sinful, devious, pride that the Coat has so ignorantly clung to is a plague that will eventually lead to it's downfall. It's gotten us to this point, and it will only continue until we're obliterated child. Understand that."

He looked to Caliban.

"Thank you for your kind words. I've come to a decision for what I must do, by force if I have to." his determination rising.

Acheron wanted to ignore a conflict within the council, but if that was what needed to be done to win? Then he'd do it without hesitation.

"Just like Colette said. I'm in this for my team." he quoted, team referring to the Fireblooded. The Coat.

"If I manage not to win, well." he shrugged. "I'll fight until my dying breath."

(Acheron Erebus)
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[00:23] Caliban would shoot a wide and unbreakable grin at Kiriko. Truly, the vartuul blood ran strong. This girl was seeing the bigger picture, and that was sorely needed on the mountain.

"A sound observation my dear. Though, it is not a matter of striking so much as it is necessary to evaluate our biggest threat and gathering the forces necessary to combat that one target."

He'd nod sagely, directing his attention to Acheron with his wholehearted proclamation of action.

"Now, now. The council hasn't even met yet! Bahahahaha! Leave the talk of mortality till after we've gathered and spoke our pieces. You said so yourself, there is no time to waste and no manpower that isn't needed."

he elder would clear his throat.

"As things are, Mox still stands neutral, Osrona maintains their hostility with Asphodel in the east, The Rhoynish and Vanir idle away amidst the growing flames of chaos.

Those two groups, The Vanirs and The Rhoynish may see benefit in a war pact with the Fireblooded. The Vanirs in particular have had bad blood with the docros to this day last I checked."

The Elder would stroke his chin at this in thought.

"The Docros need to be whittled down, however way they can. Their power is surging far too much to be left alone. WHICH IN TURN! Begs the question.

Achyon? Or Asphodel?"

The elder would let off a light chuckle at the thought.

"One. Must be put to the torch. And my bet lies on destroying Asphodel. The osronans will not chance wasting an opportunity to lay destruction to vampire, monster, and Witch alike."

"But to do that? We need a Vanguard. A fortification that can act as our spearhead. And what will that fortification be? Simple. We take the Dreadwoods by storm.

We use it's resources to build siege engines. And we take the fight to those bastards once and for all."


(Caliban Valkrin)
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[00:23] Acheron Erebus asks, "Doriya didn't flee because she was scared. She fled because she wasn't wanted, and the moment she fled with so many people telling her to step down. Well. It's silly for people to hate that she's gone. First you want her to leave, so when they do. You instantly hate them for that?"
[00:31] Caliban Valkrin says, "Doriya has always been a woman of honor. I do not doubt her character in the slightest. And for her to have chosen you as her successor, means that I have FAITH in that decision. And should anyone belittle her for it, I will personally BREAK THEIR KNEES."
[00:34] Caliban Valkrin says, "REGARDLESS! these are matters that will be brought forth to the council. The Coat must start preparations before time runs out. "
[00:36] Acheron Erebus says, "You honor me with your kind words Caliban. As always, you've always come to hold my respect."
[00:47] Acheron Erebus says, "But yes, we do need to prepare for the worse."
[00:59] Kiriko listened to Acheron's words. It boiled down to her core, but she was not as adept as Acheron to hide her anger or frustration. Instead she looked at him with a strict look on an about face, giving him little to no quarter, dragon lord or not.

"I didn't say anything berating of my auntie. If anything I believe that something bigger must be going on. If Auntie Doriya ran away from a 'simple' assassination attempt then it raises suspicion to me. Though as my own opinion is there as well as your own I was only speaking in an unbiased way. If anything I will protect my family even if I have to die for it. As a Vartuul, and as a Hedor, I put my family first more then strength.

Auntie gave me no chance to protect her when she left. The last time I spoke to her, she was dealing with the blonde drunk who tried to give Koshka more alcohol. When I heard Rhiannon speak in such a way to inform another I told her off in such a way for belittling myfamily's name. Do NOT get that twisted as a fact of my family from me. Everyone has opinions, yet I just believe acting rashly outwardly wont help anyone in the coat. It seems to dangerous to do so now with more of the enemy is knocking at the door.

Yet if the attack on the Docros got back a simple book that's worth more to Osrona, then it would be better to ask for compensation. Its true that Osrona has fought us multiple times in the past, but are you willing to start the next one for something like 'asking for a favor'?

The newest Queen spoke a high gain as both me and my brother attended to see all went well, even you. So if anything keeping our alliance with them would be beneficial for both of us. Though, Warlord Acheron, do not miscon-....Misconstrue my words in how I might say the. I heard that people assume of the Vartuul name of people doing what needs to be done for the people even if it's ugly, but you already put it in your own mouth that my family as they are right now, have made no aggression towards my aunt for things they may want. My father, Driyar Hedor, Dragon Lord on the coat can attest that family is more important, but faith and trust are there as well.

If my aunt asked you to take charge, I only can have faith in her decision, but I want to see you with my own two eyes. If everyone abandoned my aunt because she wasn't wanted, I'd welcome her into my arms along with Koshka to say she is loved with every scale I have and every ounce of my blood"

She spoke sincerely, but in those moment she could feel the divine watching, but for them to act? She never asked for it, she wants to prove herselves all the time to be worthy, even more so to be worthy of strength that is noticed by all.
(Kiriko Vartuul)
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[01:03] Caliban Valkrin says, "You speak well and clearly my dear grand-niece. Just like your father."
[01:03] Caliban Valkrin says, "And your grandfather."
[01:03] Caliban Valkrin says, "The Hedor Side, that is."
[01:05] Kiriko Vartuul asks, "Are you related to me in some way Dragonlord Caliban?"
[01:06] Caliban Valkrin says, "Dorongar Hedor, your grandfather, was my best friend. He was my Brother in Battle. My Brother through spilled Blood. And my Brother through faith."
[01:06] Caliban Valkrin says, "His family. Is my family."
[01:08] Caliban Valkrin exclaims, "And also, it is WARLORD my dear. I am not a Drakanite! bahahahaha!"
[01:09] Caliban Valkrin says, "Though! In my old age? perhaps I should change that soon enough...."
[01:23] Where he heard no response towards an assassination on his own life, or the action of Allium's boldness, Acheron went on to entertain them for the moment. Only to get his side cleared straight.

"Perhaps you individually, and for that. You have my thanks, but every individual including Colette immediately turned against her without asking anything. Just running of with Angelo's words and nothing else."

Even her children attacked her, her fucking children.

"Thought it may be unbiased, what I told you is the truth. As for this family you're speaking of? Do you view the Coat as your family? Or just the individuals who live in your house?

Despite you wanting to help Doriya out or not, this generation ran with the truth and didn't ask anything other than attack her. She wasn't going to wait around and continue to be hated on for the actions that she's committed.

As for belittling your familyname? I didn't make any assumptions, just speaking mere facts of what I've seen and heard. Not opinions, as for acting rashly? Didn't you just say otherwise? Instead of standing still like a twig I remember?" he revised, using their own words against them.

A pause came, almost unnerving as he heard a foul speech present itself before him, an unimaginable thing was spoken, but then again. Could he blame them for their words? They were only but a teenager.

"Asking for a compensation? I know you must be young but there's no item of value that can compensate for Colette's life. Unless you have some twisted, demented image that a life, a soul, what a person defined is something that can be compensated with some type of reward." he frowned, truly realizing how immaturity of the Vartuul.

"Never said anything about fighting Osrona. So just as you, don't misconstrue my words. I simply said that we need to stop sacrificing ourselves for them. All that's going to happen is that we'll be left off with no one. All of our people being sacrificed for another's goal." What kind of life was that? It certainly wasn't there way, new or old.

"Again, as for your father saying that? He's a hypocrite. Cause in the end, he too. Said that Doriya should step down, shaming them for sleeping with another partner and breaking an oath when his own parent did the very same." Acheron didn't fancy speaking down to others, especially respected figures.

But it was true nonetheless.

"I do appreciate your faith, and as I have said before and will say again. I will do so many times over. I'll be better than your parents ever were, as I never plan on settling for less." he boldly claimed. "And once again, I do appreciate your feelings towards Doriya. But again, you are one of the few. Who still respect her."
(Acheron Erebus)
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[01:25] Caliban Valkrin says, "Oosu~ With this, we have our intentions with the meeting going forward."
[01:25] Acheron Erebus says, "Of course."
[01:25] Acheron Erebus says, "For tomorrow Caliban, once again. I thank you for your time."
[01:26] Caliban Valkrin says, "Of course my boy. Tomorrow's activities will be... Interesting to say the least. Much to deliberate to be sure."
[01:27] Acheron Erebus says, "Heh, hopefully they won't aim for my head."
[01:53] "I will not deny that your words have merit, but I am still not in the know of everything going around. If I did I would have said so, but from one Dragon to a warlord all the same. I care for those I know and love. The coat included. You can keep your opinions of those you know as I know them differently. Though my words on compensation was not for the loss of Colette I know for a fact it is something they can't attune for, but giving something back would be a start"
(Kiriko Vartuul)
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[02:01] Acheron took a step back, reconciling with his previous thoughts as this particular Vartuul had a certain charm to them. The willingness to admit when they're at fault.

Something that he had yet to see in their prideful counterparts.

"I do appreciate your candor miss. As I also believe that I hadn't received your name."

He smiled again at last, not out of spite, or to attack them in any harmful way.

The corner of his lips curled, genuinely as he was pleased to come to a common understanding with them, something that wasn't usually from his previous altercations. Whenever a party never agreed towards the same ideal, their relationship would falter. However in this case, he felt that their relationship had strengthened.

"My name is Acheron Erebus. Warlord as you may know." he chuckled, raising a hand to stifle his laugh.

"I do appreciate your feelings as well, and how you hold them so close to your heart. Unwilling to waver despite a Warlord challenging you." Call it pride, or staying true to their heart. He came to respect them.

"I care for all you have said, and I hope that we continue on the path for greatness. Hopefully I'll be seeing you around Miss."
(Acheron Erebus)
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[02:08] Kiriko was one who didn't think keeping her emotions in check was wise for herself when there was much to speak up on, Warlord, Dragonlord, or an adult for that matter. Her young mind was set on one thing alone, the people and those in her immediate care.

She was just the protective kind of girl, yet hearing Acheron she nodded

"Kiriko Vartuul. Daughter of Iris and Dryiar Vartuul"
(Kiriko Vartuul)
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[02:12] Acheron Erebus says, "A pleasure to make your aquaintance Kiriko."
[02:12] Acheron Erebus says, "Anyway, I must be off to meet up with an old friend of mine. Though I must say, I enjoyed our talk today."
[02:16] Acheron Erebus says, "Be safe alright? Good night."