Thom - Meeting in Nostvale

[13:42:49] This was it.

The first few steps taken into the city of Nostvale since the war for Loranthis. To say there was a jitterness about the red haired man would be.. An understatment. Worry came and went through him a little bit, this being the former town that Clio was the ruler after all, before she had given the crown to Bast. Was this going to be a good interaction or bad.

Reguardless, this would not be shown on his face. As the red haired man made his way through Nostvale, a grin would simply remain on his features, heading up towards the keep, towards the Regent who stood overlooking Nostvale. A hand would rise up, offering Aamon a wave.

"I apologize for the delays. Took me a while to get here. But I've been wanting to speak with you a while Aamon. How have you been? Also.. I would to make an apology. I fought with Ehren yet was unable to catch him as well.."
(Thom M. Takashi)
[13:49:39] The King was absent, as he often was.

In his place towers the Neries Regent. He stands stall and proud, and ever thoughtful. Tucked beneath layers upon layers of Nerebian bone and blood, he is formidable and powerful. More powerful than the individual he had invited for discussion?

Possibly not.

Thom is regarded with a short bow of the head. Where his expression sat obscured beneath a porcelain guise, his lax posture perhaps implied a lack of intent. Even so, the red-haired boy is beckoned into the Keep with a wave of the hand. Surrounding guards stand ready-- tight-lipped and straight-backed, but observant all the same.

"You needn't apologise. You have done Nostvale a great justice by ending the Hirano's life. Ehren is a problem for another time. He is nothing without his Queen."

(Aamon)
[13:54:46] The short bow helps to slightly ease the feelings of anxiety within Thom, yet a few cackles of lighting could still be seen around him. The cons of being a magi who's emotions controlled their magic. Golden hues glanced around, noticing the guards that stood ready in case anything broke out and.. Well, perhaps to just be a little silly or calm himself down further he would given all a wave, a greeting.

Into the main room they came and Thom would take a seat on the bench, after giving Aamon a slight bow of his own. It was best to be respectful within the city of another after all. However, at Aamon's words his face did brighten up a bit.

"Thank you. Though.. Even still, it was not something done alone.." A slight frown suddenly. ".. A boy who helped with the defeat of the Hirano died by Ehren's blade before the wolf left. It is.. Saddening."

A glance then upwards towards the Neries. "And, I am not sure about that.. I have been informed Ehren currently is residing in Sunflower village. He likely prepares to aid them."
(Thom M. Takashi)
[14:01:36] There is a potent and immediate eruption of arcane. It spouts outwards in thick, translucent tendrils of lilac that seem to crack through the atmosphere and strike upon nothing in particular. And when the foreign potency comes, so too does the environment grow heavy, as though mana and lifeforce ceased to be -- funnelled away forcefully by the will of the Neries for a greater purpose.

"The dog is WHERE?!" The Regent barks. His rage is quite suddenly palpable. Even the solid golden armrest that fingers are set upon begin to bend and weave, crushed inwards by way of strength and Gravitational command.

The aura grows suddenly evanescent, dragged into a singular spot and withdrawn as quickly as it had arrived.

"No matter. We have something of great importance to Sunflower. They will hand him over or they will lose it. Your aid is greatly appreciated, Thom, but you must understand the hardships we face are far from over," He speaks, his voice hoarse. Fingers rise from the bent and twisted metals, bloody, and set upon each other in a steeple. He eyes the younger lad intently.

"Cinderfall has all but declared war. So long as Liara lives as their Firekeeper any alternative solution is impossible. When it comes down to it, Thom, and it will come down to it...

Who do you side with?"
(Aamon)
[14:08:25] The appearance of the arcane power was noted. The result of Aamon's anger showing quickly, but the red haired man did not shriek or draw back, remaining on the wooden bench as he looked towards the Neries. Once again his lips would open, begining to speak.

"Ehren Kien resides in Sunflower Village. I imagine he is kept their under Quazla's protection. Back when I was a champion of Cinderfall Quazla spoke of accepting both the wolf, and Clio Hirano into his village without consequence. I can imagine that is why he went there."

The red hellstorm around Thom cackled a bit. "Asami, correct? I have been informed. She is one who is close to me so I would prefer that she not be hurt.. It is good to keep her out of Quazla's corruptive hands however." The red haired man said. As to the next question he would crack a grin.

"My last actions in Cinderfall were challenging Liara for the leadership of the village because I knew she was heading it towards oblivion. She refused me, and I left swearing that if she remained in power I would do all I could to stop Cinderfall.

You ask me who I side with? I side with those against Cinderfall. I side with those who stand agaisnt a rutheless leader who would bring their village to ruin. If she wishes to corrupt the dreams that built that city, I say it is better to burn it."
(Thom M. Takashi)
[14:13:32] Fingers disappear beneath the mask, and for a few short moments they rest upon his lips. Thoughtful and positively livid, he is all but resolute in his decision to engage the Eastern settlements. Liara was one evil, but Quazla Mabon and his allies were another entirely.

All would fall to ruin, in time.

A set of citrine eyes seek to fall once more upon the Hellstorm Magi. They reek of scrutiny, if only briefly. "Tell me, Thom. You aided Loranthis against the likes of Clio Hirano and Ehren Kien. Vampires, Yokai, and all manner of foul creatures left behind in Dumuzid's wake. Would you support them, too?"
(Aamon)
[14:29:45] "In all honesty?" Thom raised a brow towards Aamon. "Assisting Conquest, the Red Queen, the names she calls herself.. I am not sure if it was a good call or a bad call. I desired not to help them, more so get knowlege that, I believed, resided within their depths. The deal was I would retreive knowlege that does not exist elsewhere on Valmasia and I would fight in the war.

Course, given it is a vampire I should have expected something. That which I desired does not lurk within Loranthis at all." A look of irateness sitting on his face. "But.. I would not say off them yet. Not because I wish to see them grow but because Conquest wishes to hurl herself into war after war after war. The first two being against Cinderfall and Sunflower."

Before another comment could be given however, there would be another voice. A blink of the glowing hues as their eyes glanced behind, looking to a man who had entered into Nostvale's keep. Curiousity dwelled within the golden hues, never having even heard a description matching this person before.

"Quazla's game..I believe it is something of mere hypocrasy for whateverr he wishes to do. He says he will do an honor fight, but when you fall he tears out your circuits. He says he fights for peace and yet takes actions that hinders towns.."
(Thom M. Takashi)
[14:37:26] "And how do you expect them to get to Cinderfall, Thom?" The Regent questions. It is a cautious line of questioning; one poised with some underlying, unspoken implication. A flippant hand gestures vaguely into the direction of the Black Gate, his head tilted.

"They will set through the Black Gate, and setting towards Nostvale will mean war. It is our responsibility to reclaim Loranthis, and for that reason I cannot allow Conquest and her men to pass," The Neries pauses for a short moment. He slumps into his Throne, allowing his head to roll back for a few short moments.

"It is why I intend to launch an attack through the Trystle as a matter of urgency. The sooner Liara is ousted from power, the sooner we can turn our sights to Loranthis. I have enemies to the North and enemies to the East. I cannot attack one without the other rearing its head.

At the very least, once the threat of Liara's idiotic leadership is dealt with, the people of Cinderfall might be more willing to aid us in retaking Loranthis."
(Aamon)
[14:49:23] Bragi remained silent for a moment as he listened to the two. The curious look in Thom's gaze was ignored by the Marshal. He had no care to introduce himself nor true reason to. Even with their words and statements, Bragi kept his dour look, mulling over it all for the moment.

"Ja, it does sound like vat has happened to our King. I am sure ve can bring Quazla und the volfling here to deal vit them, ending the potential threat from Sunflower. It vould only leave us Cinderfall.

Fighting for peace vhen there already is speaks of the lies of Sunflower und Cinderfall. Du see it in their vords und actions. They vant to rail against this Alliance und scream of the evil of the Lich Lord....

Und yet, they go after King Bast. Curious, no? Surely vun vould strike at the true source of their vaunted evil, instead of ignoring his existence in favor of the monk King that has done no vun ill."

Another step forward. A flicker of blue, arcane energy from the white orb as he stared back at Thom, finally giving the younger man his full attention.

"It is because they are no better than the vuns they try to rally against. They actively release the plague vinds, killing thousands, assault innocent people und murder civilians vit impunity. So, ja... Du could say they are hypocrites. Hypocrites of the vorst kind.

Vun that acts better than he really is. Terrible, no?"
(Bragi Hirano)
[14:57:55] "Most likely flight." The red haired man would comment, the thought having been the first in his brain. "Though you are right. If they set through the black gate, set towards Nostvale it would be troublesome. Which is why it would be important to keep them focused on Cinderfall, unless you intend to deal with them first."

"Reguardless, you speak of an attack on Cinderfall through the Trystle? I want in." Thom would state simply, glancing towards Aamon. "Liara would not fight me in a battle alone, so if it is a war I must partake in to fight her, or to prevent Cinderfall from being stupid.. Then I want a part in it."

With that the red haired man falls silent, listening to Bragi's words. Although, mentioning the King Bast makes Thom speak up once more. "There is a woman in your legion. Mendas. Quazla came and attempted to rob her of her magic, as well as my own. I found that he seemed to have failed, and likely the same is for her..

I bring this up to say they will likely not stop. It is not just your king thatthey aim to go after, but likely all your people as well."
(Thom M. Takashi)
[15:09:52] "Nostvale, they believe, is the weaker of two perceived evils. Headed by the Lich King Ryan Kyros, they are too afraid to strike at the source of their ire. It is why their meagre justification in refusing to ally with us is laughable. They continue to strike at our own because they believe us the weaker of two."

The Neries rises finally. Risen from the Throne he had all but inherited in Bast's absence, he towers above the younger Hellstorm Magi. The wayward sparks of vermillion electricity seem to ping harmlessly off of his armour, dissipating into nothingness.

"They are wrong. I will launch and attack through the Trystle and collapse their caverns in on them. Their supply routes will vanish. They will, for a time, be left to the mercy of the Willows, unless they are able to clear a path in the meantime.

In the interim, we will launch an assault upon the forces of Sunflower, if they continue to harbour the likes of Ehren Kien. An attack such as that will almost certainly draw Sanseveria from within Loranthis and back to Sunflower. I will not stop this crusade until Liara and Quazla lay dead.

I wish for nothing more than to work with these people and to give them a proper home. But I tire of playing petty politics with two hypocrites. Your aid is appreciated, Thom. We will attack within the coming months."
(Aamon)
[15:10:43] Bragi Hirano: Mhm. Perhaps ve should draw out this Sanseveria. I am sure he vould love to have un crack at the likes of Ehren.
[15:14:08] Aamon: Ridiculous. Sanseveria has allied himself with Conquest.
[15:14:08] Aamon: Just as he allied himself with Dumuzid, before that.
[15:14:59] Thom M. Takashi: This sounds like a good plan. Without their caverns Cinderfall-
[15:14:59] Thom M. Takashi: They have an object. Lodestones. Thats how they caused the depraved winds.
[15:14:59] Thom M. Takashi: They have one for earth.
[15:16:41] Thom M. Takashi: Though reguardless, the attack through the Trystle will delay them for a while. Sunflower should have no back up for a time.
[15:16:41] Bragi Hirano: Is that how it happened? Amusing.
[15:17:32] Aamon: Lodestones?
[15:18:24] Bragi Hirano: Enemy of my enemy, Aamon. It is something ve are all functioning upon. Though, I should talk to /her/ about vat Sanseveria is exactly.
[15:18:24] Aamon: How on earth did the cause such a fucking disaster with /LODESTONES/?
[15:18:24] Aamon: I will not ally myself with Sanseveria.
[15:18:24] Aamon: If you wish to strike shady agreements then do so outside of the city.
[15:19:15] Aamon: <*His gaze falls upon Thom.*>
[15:19:15] Bragi Hirano: Vas the lodestone depraved? Und perhaps I vill.
[15:19:15] Thom M. Takashi: I believe it was likely depraved.
[15:19:15] Aamon: And they are using them for what, exactly?
[15:20:06] Thom M. Takashi: I do not know in full. Only that when I left they had three.
[15:20:06] Thom M. Takashi: Fire, earth, wind.
[15:20:06] Aamon: Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.
[15:20:57] Thom M. Takashi: Indeed.
[15:20:57] Bragi Hirano: Vell, Thom.
[15:20:57] Bragi Hirano: This information is... illuminating.
[15:21:48] Bragi Hirano: Please tell us more about how the plague vinds vere caused exactly. I have only read... reports from that time. I vas... indisposed in Helheim at the time.
[15:22:40] Thom M. Takashi: -raises a brow and looks over to Bragi with full attention- Helheim? Interesting. And I believe it was when they attempted to use a depraved lodestone. I believe.. It was the first test of one of them.
[15:24:22] Bragi Hirano: <His expression remains dour and grim.> Oh? Amusing. For those that decry depravity und such, they have done more harm in that short time frame than anyvun else.
[15:25:13] Thom M. Takashi: Indeed. Though.. Given the time I was away I imagine they would have more now.. More of such weapons to cause depravity and harm..
[15:26:04] Aamon: Mm.
[15:26:04] Aamon: Your presence is welcomed in the oncoming battle, Thom.
[15:26:04] Thom M. Takashi: Thank you Aamon.
[15:26:04] Aamon: If we are able to rid of Liara in the first assault, that would be... ideal.
[15:26:04] Aamon: Of course, things very rarely fall into place so easily.
[15:26:56] Thom M. Takashi: True.. Though we must attempt at very least.
[15:27:47] Aamon: Attempt? Our attack will be a success.
[15:28:38] Aamon: I am not Bast. The man is brave, but I will not crumble quite so easily.
[15:28:38] Thom M. Takashi: Indeed it will be. I mean attempting to get rid of Liara.
[15:28:38] Aamon: They will be given little time to react.
[15:30:20] Thom M. Takashi: -nods- We will strike potent and fast.
[15:30:20] Bragi Hirano: Du are okay vit the deaths that vill follow then?
[15:32:03] Thom M. Takashi: Admittedly deaths still make me a bit quezy. But they are things that must come to be. Cinderfall, as it stands, will bring more death unless something acts with its lodestones.. Will it not?
[15:32:54] Aamon: Our intention is not to harm them, if we can avoid it, mind.
[15:32:54] Aamon: The target is Liara.
[15:32:54] Aamon: But those that raise their blades against us in her defence will fall. That much is inevitable.
[15:33:45] Bragi Hirano: I suppose it vould be good form to instruct our troops to not kill.
[15:33:45] Bragi Hirano: Except for Dree Mazingo.
[15:33:45] Bragi Hirano: Anyvun who sees him has my full blessing to spit his had upon un pike.
[15:34:36] Thom M. Takashi: .. He was there when Mendas got abducted. He let Quazla take her.
[15:35:28] Bragi Hirano: <The sound of teeth grinding is all that is heard.>
[15:36:19] Aamon: ...Oh?
[15:36:19] Aamon: Fucking dogs.
[15:36:19] Aamon: <*Grunts.*>
[15:36:19] Bragi Hirano: This only further solidifies the Jay's stance on Drakanites.
[15:37:10] Bragi Hirano: Even vhen I have given him the chance to rise above.
[15:37:10] Bragi Hirano: He spits in my face.
[15:37:10] Bragi Hirano: Proverbially. I vould have rather had him spit in my face instead of svearing un oath only to break it.
[15:38:01] Thom M. Takashi: It was.. rather odd. He fought with Mendas to capture her. They fought valiantly. But when they lost..
[15:38:52] Aamon: Mm... Mendas is a good lass.
[15:38:52] Bragi Hirano: <Squints> Vait. He vas vit Mendas to aid her?
[15:38:52] Bragi Hirano: Still, he currently sides vit Cinderfall.
[15:39:44] Thom M. Takashi: Mendas is rather good. I wonder.. if the notes we got helped..
[15:39:44] Aamon: She is a Knight within the Legion, now.
[15:39:44] Aamon: You will find her within Nostvale if you need her.
[15:40:35] Thom M. Takashi: -nods- I must see her again. Though.. She asked me for something I don't have at the moment. -slgiht sigh-
[15:42:17] Bragi Hirano: Helped her vit vat?
[15:43:08] Thom M. Takashi: We searched for some translation notes together. I wonder if the decoding has happened entirely yet.
[15:50:49] Bragi Hirano: So I see.
[15:51:40] Thom M. Takashi: -nods-
[15:51:40] Bragi Hirano: Vell then, I suppose du are free to go, Thom. I am sure du vill have... smarter plans for Cinderfall than Liara.
[15:53:23] Thom M. Takashi: -stands and takes a bow to be polite- Thank you.. Um.. I don't think I caught your name.
[15:59:21] Bragi Hirano: I am Bragi Hirano, Skald and Marshal.
[16:00:12] Thom M. Takashi: A pleasure, Bragi.
[16:01:55] Bragi Hirano: Indeed.