<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-size: 125%; line-height: 116%;">Soluunar</span></span><br/><br/><br/>Barth snapped out of his reverie, brought back to the present by the sound of a voice coming from right next to him.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF8080">”We need to get those who yet life back to the camp. There’s nothing more we can do here. I am truly sorry.” </span><br/><br/>He looked up at the towering form of the young Lord Shalerin. Yes, the Lebi was right- with a grunt and a nod, Barth straightened up and regarded the man.<span style="color: #FFFF00"> "Nothing more… except to remember, Lord Knight. Aye, I shall remember their faces. Somebody has to." </span><br/><br/>With that he moved to his horse; the ashen stallion waited patiently nearby, pawing idly at the ground as he approached it. He swung himself up into the saddle and cast one final glance over the scene, watching as the wounded were tended to, and the dead were accounted for. They would burn them, as was custom- in these lands so far from home, there was no way to properly bury their fallen. Cremation gave the body to the sky and to the land, and there was no more fitting resting place than all that lay around them. Their armor, worn in honor and with pride, would be respectfully stripped from them, for as living men and women they knew not to waste, and even in death a solider of Linden knew their duty.<br/><br/>The Tutar, they would leave for the crows.<br/><br/>He offered a final nod to the Knight, and another to a group of his men as they moved to begin preparing the bodies of their departed (they paused in their duties only long enough to slap gauntlet to chest plate), and then he was off, riding back towards camp.<br/><br/>Ausan had ridden ahead, leading a group of Sisters containing all of those females that had been involved in the defense; to Barth's left rode Verana, her quick eyes darting in every direction, watching the tree-line, and also watching the line of citizens as they made their slow progress. The civilians would stop for a rest once at the camp, but then they would continue westward and north, to Lebidan itself. He knew they were eager for the safety of Lebidan and its thick walls, but it was a long way from the Allied Camp to the big city. All the same, they had seen enough of war for the time being.<br/><br/>By the time Barth reached camp, he was feeling the soreness in his muscles that always followed an altercation with the Tutar. His shoulders ached, his feet hurt, and there was a throbbing in one of his legs from when he'd been struck there. Something as simple as deflecting a Tutari blade with his own took a great deal out of him, and Barth was a strong man, with skills honed over the course of countless engagements. The beasts were tremendously powerful, and they put everything they had into their attacks. The armor they wore was crude, but they seldom relied on it. A Tutar's best defense was a ferocious attack- it was as simple as that.<br/><br/>He winced as he climbed down from the horse, grunting in greeting at the young groom who moved forward to handle it as well as Verana's; she looked at him, and they both simultaneously turned to see a general commotion taking place within the Lebi camp, which was the further away of the two. He saw people frantically moving out of the way as a retinue of Lords moved among the tents; there was no mistaking the sight. Next to him, Verana came to the same conclusion.<br/><br/>"It looks like the King and his Lords are readying for another meet."<br/><br/>He grunted, turning to glance in the direction of his own tent.<span style="color: #FFFF00">"Yeah, no doubt I shall be hearing more about how they're sheltering my people, and how they lost good men defending them. If I am lucky, they will actually want to discuss the war, but I won't hold my breath." </span><br/><br/>"Will you go to them now?"<br/><br/>He snorted, moving adjacent to the Lebi camp without entering it.<span style="color: #FFFF00">"They can wait. I wish to stretch my legs and then I'll be in my tent. That last ride has left me feeling a bit cramped."</span>The truth was that his leg was killing him, but he didn't want to admit it to her. He was going to try to walk it off a bit before removing his armor- he usually kept it on long after he no longer needed it, an old habit of his.<br/><br/>He believed he heard the sounds of a scuffle of some sort, and as they continued moving past a series of animals, noticing how deserted the area seemed to be save for the assorted mounts, he stopped in his tracks. They watched as a man dressed in black turned away from the large grey horse he had been busy untying, long enough to deliver a vicious kick to the midsection of the groom that had been struggling to his feet. Barth's eyes narrowed; the man was attempting to steal the animal, meaning he was undoubtedly a deserter.<br/><br/>Verana made a small sound of outrage and made to move forward, a well practiced hand moving fluidly to the long knife at her side, but Barth put out a hand and stopped her, nodding towards the figure on the ground.<br/><br/>They watched as the groom scrambled to his feet, instinctively grabbing a pitchfork before striking the other man in the head with it. Barth studied the movements, following along as the groom countered the would-be thief's next attack with a well placed kick that floored him immediately. A moment later, the groom held a pitchfork to the neck of the other, and Barth knew then that it was no man he watched.<br/><br/><br/><span style="color: #FFFF00">"Well now,"</span>he said with a smile and a half-glance to his side, where he saw a similar look on the face of the Maiden. The "groom" moved with the kind of fluid grace he had seen on the battlefield on many occasions, and there was no denying what was right in front of them.<br/><br/>He strode forward and seized the deserter by the scruff of his neck, yanking him roughly to his feet whilst the other stood by watching nervously.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FFFF00">"Who is your Lord?" </span><br/><br/>The man's lips tightened and he shook his head a fraction of an inch to either side, defiant and unwilling to speak. Barth knew there would be a very stiff penalty for desertion, and that the man had likely acted out of fear, hearing horror stories of the Tutar, but the Prince felt no mercy.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FFFF00">"Very well then. You had a chance to show some courage after your cowardice, to gain back some semblance of the honor you have cast aside, but you have chosen instead to remain on the craven's path."<br/></span><br/>He stared at him for a moment, disgust etched all over his bearded, scarred face, then glanced back to Verana.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FFFF00">"Who stands witness?" </span><br/><br/>"I, Verana Snowblade, stand witness to the crimes."<br/><br/><span style="color: #FFFF00">"And what are the crimes?"</span><br/><br/>"Desertion, theft and treachery."<br/><br/><span style="color: #FFFF00">"Noted and seconded, Verana Snowblade."</span>He looked back at the deserter and a grim smile crept onto his weatherbeaten visage.<span style="color: #FFFF00">"You chose not to name a Lord, therefore I shall treat you as if you were one of my own." </span><br/><br/>He whistled, a loud, piercing call, and after a few seconds a massive, dark-skinned man with a shaved head and an eyepatch appeared, emerging from the Linden camp.<br/><br/>"My Prince."<br/><br/><span style="color: #FFFF00">"Verana Snowblade and myself, Barth Krinwulf, stand witness to the crimes of desertion, theft and treachery." <br/></span><br/>The muscles in the newcomer's massive shoulders flexed under the dull iron armor he wore, as he glared at the man who had attempted to flee with the large animal.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FFFF00">"Take him a half mile out of camp, Haman, and break his legs." </span><br/><br/>"Yes, my Prince."<br/><br/>Without hesitation the gigantic man seized the deserter, who suddenly found the strength to talk as he screamed in protest, naming Lords, houses, royal lines long extinct, however it all fell on deaf ears. As the failed thief was half carried, half dragged away, the Prince turned to observe the groom who had been assailed.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FFFF00">"And now, the next thing to be taken care of,"</span>he said softly as Verana approached as well, with an unreadable look marking her pale features to match the one he wore.<span style="color: #FFFF00"> "Verana, I believe you know where to take our young lady friend."</span><br/><br/>She eyed the woman calmly, a small smile appearing on her face as she nodded. "Yes, my Prince. I know exactly what must be done."<br/><br/>A short while later Barth was pushing open his tent flaps (now noticeably limping) and trudging flatfooted inside, only then realizing how exhausted he was. The first thing he wanted to remove was the steel plate greave over his right thigh- he touched it and his hand immediately pulled back, as if he had been burned. It was much more painful than it had been earlier; by the time he reached the tent he'd been grimacing with every step, and the reason was now clear.<br/><br/>He stopped what he was doing and slumped down in the chair, deciding he would just leave the armor on after all.<br/><br/><br/>_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_<br/><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-size: 125%; line-height: 116%;">Upper Regions</span></span><br/><br/><br/>"What did he say?"<br/><br/>Naiya pretended she didn't hear the question; instead, she concerned herself with weaving past innumerable thick tree trunks as she made her slow way back. She felt all of their eyes on her, three sets of them, but unlike Tamin and Piedal, Kilkren was not content with following her in silence.<br/><br/>"My Lady, I wish to know what Master Kahz had to tell you."<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF4000">"Nothing,"</span>she replied absently, watching as a large red bird swooped over their heads, its wings working furiously as it regained altitude so it could land atop one of the three white towers that formed a perfect triangle around the Hall of the Circle and the large, smooth center square that housed it. It was said that the towers served as lookout posts during the Rebellion, but of that Naiya wasn't certain. Malinar was always hesitant to speak of the event in much detail, even to her, which she found strange.<br/><br/>"He sent us away so he could speak to you. He never really speaks to anyone unless it's to give grudging advice on combat tactics. Even last week, when we begged him for what felt like…"<br/><br/>Kilkren's words faded away as Naiya's mind returned to Kahz's message. She was unsure of the context, but she knew with certainty the old Demigod was speaking on behalf of his departed Galaia, who had perished long before Naiya was born. She also knew that whatever the message said, it would be useful to Rolyn Skyhand- which meant it would likely be bad for Malinar's cause.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF4000"><span style="font-style: italic">And right now, Malinar's cause is keeping aid from reaching the Mortals.</span> </span>She caught the resentment in her own thoughts and silently reprimanded herself, but there was no denying that she was sorely tempted to go against her better judgment. The women of Linden had fought yet another battle, and while they had stood fast against the Tutar, they hadn't done so without losses. And there were many, many more demons where those came from- she had seen them, had caught glimpses of the scattered masses in the darkness and gloom of the Ravine. No amount of toughness and bravery would save the world of men from the numbers that were coming- only help from the Gods, direct help, in the form of Elder knowledge and Demigod steel, only that could stem the tide. Nothing else.<br/><br/>"… and we still know nothing, but he spoke to you and I want-"<br/><br/>Naiya stopped abruptly, turning to face her Demigod with her mouth tight with irritation and a fire blazing in her vivid green eyes.<span style="color: #FF4000">"That is enough. Either walk in silence, or excuse yourself from my presence." </span><br/><br/>When Kilkren only stood there, dumbfounded, she nodded with a grunt and continued walking, still unsure of what to do. After a time she stopped hearing their movements behind her- they seemed to have wordlessly agreed, to leave her be, which was fine by her. She was in no mood for company or conversation.<br/><br/>Going to Rolyn was out of the question- doing so would be nothing shy of an outright betrayal to Malinar. She could not do that, even if she could be guaranteed he would not learn of it. If only there was a way for her to do what was right without going around her love and aiding his rival.<br/><br/>Even as the conflict within her mind befuddled her, she saw something that gave her sudden hope. A certain Elder God, walking somewhere ahead of her as she emerged from the tree-line, easily discernible thanks to his tall, upright stature and the horned armor he wore.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF4000"><span style="font-style: italic">I can't go to Rolyn… but there's always the next best thing...</span><br/></span><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: black;background:black;"/></div><br/><br/>With the movement of the black feathers lining the hipline of their suit, Akryanus continued to walk forward without much hesitance in her patrol. Her Demigod had been loyally at her side for the last few hours, commenting on various observations that they passed with interest that could be equivalent to a lazed mule; This was usually directed to other folk that they happened to wander on by, having grown much more tired than she in the usual bowing etiquette and honorifics. Eventually, however, the dark-robed knight of hers would bark out another addressing sound from behind her, stopping in his movements to turn and pay heed to another walking nearby. The silver suit of armor thus turned as well, the stance that it gave tightening up even more at the image of Naiya and her own with their approach.<br/><br/>It was not a seize and stone-like transformation that came out of nervousness or antagonism, but rather out of excitement and eagerness to respect. Such was typical of the Star God, whom had always sought to be ever so chivalrous even with the most equal of folk around her. A gauntlet was immediately brought to her chest, the claws closing away that they may hide and her appearance seem more softer in the presence of the fiery deity.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00FFFF">"Greetings to you, my Lady Naiya." </span>The male voice rung out, slightly metallized as typical from the attributes of the helm. Her head then bowed in a submissive manner, the horns lowering away for a moment of peace before slowly rising up the blue skies once more.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: black;background:black;"/></div><br/><br/><span style="color: #FF4000">"Lord Akranus",</span>Naiya replied with a nod, acknowledging the Elder God's well-known courtesy. He was the God of Stars, known for his heroics on Soluunar; he was also well known for being a staunch supporter of Rolyn Skyhand, with a relationship to the eldest Circle God that many described as being akin to that of a father and son. Something about Akryanus seemed strange to Naiya, though the knightly being never acted impolitely to her; whenever she questioned Malinar about Rolyn and his Champion, the God of Chaos was never very forthcoming with his replies (which she found somewhat irritating but not enough to press the issue).<br/><br/>But now was not the time to dwell on perceptions- if there was ever an opportunity to pass on the words of the oldest Demigod, it was now.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF4000">"I have a message for you. Well, a message for Lord Rolyn Skyhand. From Seagan Kahz." <br/></span><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: black;background:black;"/></div><br/><br/>The armored suit blinked at first at the title, though such an action could not be seen from the blackened and seemingly absent eyes of the helm's face. "Lord" was high above her, and she felt her knee twitch with a need to bow before the Goddess and declare that such a being as herself was not worthy nor born for such a word of addressing, but the thought was stolen away when Naiya described her business with her.<br/><br/>Naiya, with a message for Rolyn? She would have never thought such being possible, knowing her own stance with Malinar and the alienation she usually held for the Star God's Lord. Akryanus had never expected differently, fully respecting the complex views and varying opinions of the Upper Regions and what complicating relationships such produced, though she herself had always done her best to remain as polite and kind to all regardless of their opinion of her and her personal superior. To hear such from Naiya was a bit startling, and she thus took a moment of silence to stare forward at nothing in particular, the lack of expression that her surreal helm held making perhaps the entire action seem a little blank.<br/><br/>A twitch of her head could be seen, a butterfly twittling off at the corner of her eye causing the Elder God to move her attention briefly to the side. It was a reaction caused by lack of sleep, the slight jittery behavior seldom noticed except by those most observant of her behavior. It was by a remarkable display of willpower that the God's Insomnia never touched the best of her, though even the Immortal were not excused from the lightest of side-effects.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00FFFF">"A message? From the Lord Kahz himself? To pass on to Lord Rolyn..."<br/></span><br/>She did not skip to the after title of the Time God, disliking it for the blatant use of some about these parts who disfavored him. Her companion had already wandered off by the time Naiya had mentioned a message, bowing himself away for the sake of privacy.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00FFFF">"I would be most honored to pass such on, my Lady. What message do you seek to give?"<br/></span><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: black;background:black;"/></div><br/><br/>Naiya could not see the man's expression, but there was a moment of hesitation she knew had to be attributed to surprise. She was perhaps one of the last people anyone would expect to be sending along a message for the Skyhand, but she was hardly comfortable with it either. She still doubted herself, doubted the sanity of her actions, but she heard the calls of Linden's sisters, as they prayed for strength, as they died defending their unarmed countrymen- she heard it all again as if for the first time, and it gave her the resolve to continue what she'd started. There was no turning back.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF4000">"Kahz didn't explain himself- I do not fully know of whom he spoke, although I have my suspicions. Both of us are too young to have seen it firsthand, but we know what the man lost. He will never love the Circle, and he pays no heed to the politics involved which is why the message comes with me, as opposed to someone more… closely affiliated with the God of Time. This is what he told me."<br/></span><br/>She took a deep breath, then, from memory, she recited:<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF4000">"She would say to find a way, because there is always a way. She would say that a law guides intentions but it does not govern wills. She would say that idle hands are idle minds, and that change comes whether or not we would move to bring it about. For good or for bad, the <span style="font-style: italic">type</span> of change is up to us."<br/></span><br/>Once finished, Naiya twitched her green silks nervously before nodding once more to the Star God.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF4000">"Fare well, Lord Akryanus." </span><br/><br/>There was nothing more to be said, and even if there was, she knew not what it was. She hoped she would not come to regret her actions, but what was done was done. It was out of her hands.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: black;background:black;"/></div><br/><br/>Akryanus watched her make her leave, bowing away and uttering her own farewell's, all while reciting the words and engraving them into her very mind. She wanted a perfect repeat, a flawless one that she may pass on to her Lord without any stutters or lack of cleanliness. Once  Naiya had made her complete departure, the Star God slowly turned and directed her attention towards the Circle Hall, her steps a bit more swift and wide than usual.<br/><br/>The words themselves were strange. Was he suggesting that Rolyn act, regardless of what the rest of the Circle demanded or suggested of him? She could not decide, but knew that he himself would know better with what to do with such advice. It was why he was the eldest, why he was of one of the most important attributes of the very world. He was wise, and would know exactly what to do with such information.<br/><br/>Too grand and beautiful were those godly halls upon her approach, graceful and elegant beyond compare as her metallic steps took her through the entrance and among the chattering crowds. Their voices were high and sophisticated, reminding her of the talk of the royal court In a kingdom long passed. She stopped near the chamber at which she knew the most important of their kind gathered, waiting patiently at the entrance, but far from the doors. To be standing any closer would be rude. Her spear was kept with the blade against the ground, wishing to keep herself as tiny as possible during her stay; This was near impossible, for the Star God constantly glimmered, and her armor always stood out no matter where she went.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: black;background:black;"/></div><br/><br/>"The conflict is ended, is it not? The men have held their own, saved most of their people, what has changed, Skyhand? Why should we shift our stance?"<br/><br/>Rolyn's hand gripped the edge of the table tightly in an attempt to maintain his composure. He stared across the table at Malinar, at the dark eyes that met his gaze unflinchingly, as they always did. Even millennia before when they'd been friends, Malinar never shied from confrontation.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BFFF">"The Tutari attackers were outnumbered, yet if not for the reinforcements, reinforcements that included some of the most skilled fighters yet remaining within both Kingdoms, they would have had the mastery. You are focusing your arguments on the fact that the men won- what of the fact that the attacking force of Tutar you speak of was barely a full squad? What of the fact that all told, the monsters wield a force roughly four times the size of that which the men possess? What of-"<br/></span><br/>"I grow weary of the questions, Skyhand. I believe we all do," Malinar interrupted, smirking around at the others. Valiya watched him coldly, eyes narrowed on him, whilst Freiya appeared as unreadable as always. And of course, Lorkhan looked at no one in particular, his black eyes fixed firmly on his own hands.<br/><br/>"A vote, then, if we must…"<br/><br/>It went the same as before. Rolyn and Valiya for intervening, Malinar and Freiya for abstaining, and Lorkhan… undecided.<br/><br/>"B-both sides have their points. I cannot make a decision r-right now," The God of Light said softly, and then another Conclave was concluded.<br/><br/>Valiya didn't linger for a change; she caught sight of the ugly look on Rolyn's face and bid him a quick farewell, filing out of the room behind Freiya and Lorkhan, who of everyone seemed to be the most eager to be gone. Malinar lingered at the door, staring at something outside. There was a blank look on his face, and his eyes seemed to be appraising, as if he was studying something with an academic interest. After a moment he turned, flashed a final, malicious smile at Rolyn, then wordlessly departed, leaving him in solitude.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: black;background:black;"/></div><br/><br/>Akryanus had watched them leave one by one, bowing away as they each passed on by, though bowing significantly lower upon Lorkhan's passing, half because of wishing to hide away from any light that he might produce on a whim. She raised her attention to the doorway, noting that only three of the five had passed, and found a certain individual to be looking directly at her for a prolonged amount of time.<br/><br/>It was Malinar, and the experience was anxiety causing to say the least. They were both of similar qualities, their military disposition and warrior-like presence obvious, but at the same time there was a clear contrast in their attitude, their essence, and even personality that did not seem to mesh at all. He was imposing and almost cold, with no need nor desire to bend and a complete disregard for anything outside of his purpose. She felt warmer, more addressing and active. There was also the clear knife between him and Rolyn, which painted him out as an unruly elderly family member that she was to stay away from, to not allow any of his words to break her focus.<br/><br/>Even so, she bowed to him when he finally passed on by, then turning off to look expectedly at the door for the last exit, her eyes now more brighter and ready than ever.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: black;background:black;"/></div><br/><br/>Rolyn took a deep breath and exhaled, the air pushing silver strands of hair away from his face, where they'd collected as he stared down just as Lorkhan had done. The man's indecision was understandable- he feared upsetting the balance, feared what would happen if he were to choose a side.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BFFF"><span style="font-style: italic">But by picking no side, he aids the other. Malinar would keep things this way, if he could. And he can.</span><br/></span><br/>Thinking about it did nothing to lessen the weight on his shoulders; with a sigh he rose, moving to the doorway, the blue robes billowing out slightly behind him as he walked with his long strides. The conflict below was at an end for the time being, but there would be no reprieve for the one raging in his head. And the worst part was, he didn't see any way out of it.<br/><br/>He walked out into the bright light of the Upper Regions outside, and caught sight of a familiar form waiting nearby.<br/><br/>For the first time since before calling the Conclave, Rolyn felt the shadow of a smile creep onto his face.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BFFF">"Sir Akryanus. A pleasant sight on a dismal day." <br/></span><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: black;background:black;"/></div><br/><br/>Akryanus seemed to come upon her name being called, her steps having some sort of float to them as she hurried on forward. She had heard the Knightly title and it brought a smile to herself, feeling something right happening in a world that was often clouded and full of confusion, often forcing the young Elder God to retreat to her heroics and other activities to make some sort of balance and justice out of it all.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00FFFF">"My Lord."</span>She replied on to him, bowing immediately upon her final step before raising with eagerness.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00FFFF">"I know your mind has been stressed, more-so than ever with what has become recent of things ... I know that Conclave has most likely left you with a sinking heart. I know not what to do that could ease your mind on this, but someone came to me with a message... A message from Lord Kahz."<br/></span><br/>She began with a sense of hope and eagerness to assist, as if this had become the most important mission as of late to the young God. It was justly so, for she had no other way of helping her Lord and mentor, and to be cursed with such was infinitely frustrating when in his presence.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00FFFF">"It was not from him directly, but from another. I will not speak their name unless you request it, for honor of their privacy and respect that they chose to pass it on. Would you wish to hear his words, my Lord?"<br/></span><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: black;background:black;"/></div><br/><br/>Rolyn expected the young Elder Goddess to attempt to lift his spirits, but there was little that Akryanus could really do- there was little anyone could do, with things as they were. When she mentioned the name of Kahz, however, he felt his pale grey eyes widen in shock.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BFFF"><span style="font-style: italic">Seagan Kahz?! Could he have…</span><br/></span><br/>When she finished what she was saying, he hurriedly turned around and gestured her inside the Hall of the Circle, walking inside ahead of her.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BFFF">"Yes, Akryanus, of course, please come inside. And shut the door behind you." <br/></span><br/>It might not have been necessary- for all he knew the old Demigod had merely sent along the message that Rolyn deserved every ounce of hardship that came his way, however, while he would not have argued the point, it was unlikely Akryanus would be delivering such a message to him. But in any case, he had to be careful. By asking what Galaia would have done, he was stepping outside of what was considered to be standard practice.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BFFF">"And you need not say who told you, what matters is that I hear the message in its entirety."<br/></span><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: black;background:black;"/></div><br/><br/>Akryanus followed loyally, though not without some nervousness as he welcomed her into the true Hall, turning about to stare behind her that some eyes might not perceive her entrance as something that was not given permission, nor that any would find the entire thing suspicious in any shape way or form. When she felt the area was clear enough, she slowly closed the doors behind her and followed in, gazing around with some layer of interest.<br/><br/>It was not every day that she was permitted within these halls. She had remembered the first time she had been brought within them, and the amount of shock and confusion she had felt during that very day. To be dragged before the circle, a group of beings that she herself at the time barely knew to be real in any shape way or form, and then to be discussed with terms she barely understood was the most mind-altering experience of her lifetime. It was on that day that she learnt of things that seemed idle legends and rumors of grandeur, and understood what it truly meant to stand among Gods.<br/><br/>Even now, the feeling of awe as well as fear did indeed come back as it always did, staring off at the empty seats and replacing each individual into every one as they once were on that strange day.<br/><br/>Finally, she turned to her Lord with the same eagerness as before, beginning with a quickness that aimed to enlighten and raise his spirits as fast as possible.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00FFFF">"According to the reciter, Kahz had stated as I now quote : 'She would say to find a way, because there is always a way. She would say that a law guides intentions but it does not govern wills. She would say that idle hands are idle minds, and that change comes whether or not we would move to bring it about. For good or for bad, the <span style="font-style: italic">type</span> of change is up to us.'"<br/></span><br/>Akryanus repeated, every word exactly as she had heard it, down to the very tone and emphasis that Naiya had used when speaking to her. Accuracy to a dumbfounding extent, without a doubt. She would not have it any other way when it came to Rolyn, for he in her eyes deserved only the best the world had to offer, as he had so kindly given to her.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00FFFF">"I do hope it helps you, my Lord. Whatever you do gather or are able to do with such, my only desire is that you have some peace of mind once again, and that you may look at the world down below with some confidence..." <br/></span><br/>She then bowed her head, feeling completed as she would after having performed some grand deed of danger and importance.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: black;background:black;"/></div><br/><br/>Rolyn listened to the words, and sat down in his usual seat, blinking wordlessly as the meaning behind them sunk in. Yes, she would have said those things… Kahz had it down to the letter, it seemed. He could even hear her voice, in that sharp, honest yet gentle way of speech she had.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BFFF">"Galaia…" </span>he said sadly, remembering why Kahz hated him. Why he hated all of them.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BFFF">"She was beautiful, wise, kind and trustworthy,"</span>he continued, speaking softly but loudly enough to be heard. He had never spoken to Akyranus on the subject, but old emotions were coming to the surface and he saw no harm in it. He deserved whatever judgment she would cast upon him.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BFFF">"And fierce. So fierce, she was one of those who saved us all. She helped to quell the Rebellion before it could spread, she kept the others from straying… and…"</span>Rolyn looked up at Akryanus, his eyes shining with emotion.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BFFF">"We ordered Seagan Kahz to help hold off Steelheart's army. He had almost 50 Demigods, a force to be reckoned with. The man loved war and hated Godhood- he cared not for the weakening, he wanted to command. Kahz killed them. All of them. And while that happened… Steelheart's strength returned to its former levels. And he…" <br/></span><br/>He trailed off, looking away from her for a moment, before shaking himself, his long hair growing somewhat disheveled though he did not care.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BFFF">"After she died, of course Kahz blamed us. He could have been at her side, protecting her. He could have helped to kill the Elder God first, and then the others later- lives would have been lost, but the man only knew his own loss. It was a loss for all of us, every single one of us grieved for her and for the others that were taken, but nothing close to what he has endured. Seagan Kahz hates the Circle, Akry, but he hates himself most of all."<br/></span><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: black;background:black;"/></div><br/><br/>Akryanus listened, her heart that was once lifted brought back down to reality with the seriousness of the discussion. She was far too young to know of the rebellion in another way than the fact that it was a terrifying moment of the Upper Regions, that for the first time in all of history, Elder Gods turned against each other and slaughtered one another on their very own homeland. It was an event seldom discussed nor talked about, but in regards to Kahz, it must have been replaying in his mind over and over again, every moment of his Goddess's death played on him and engraved into his soul.<br/><br/>What it had done to him, no one could understand.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00FFFF">"... My Lord?"</span>She asked, taking a step forward.<br/><span style="color: #00FFFF"><br/>"Lord Kahz must have something left in him if he wished you to know this... Either that, or perhaps the memory of Galaia is enough that it could bring him spirit, even for a moment. Either way, it was no one's fault, I am sure..." </span><br/><br/>She lowered her voice, for a moment the masculine sound vanishing to reveal the softer, effeminate and dream-like tone that was her natural speech.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00FFFF">"It could have been anyone in her place, and anyone's greatest loss..."<br/></span><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: black;background:black;"/></div><br/><span style="color: #00BFFF"><br/>"I followed what I believed to be the wisest course of action. I know it is foolish to examine things once they have passed and the results are known, yet still I wish I could have done things differently." </span><br/><br/>Rolyn took a deep breath, and nodded slowly.<span style="color: #00BFFF">"But you are right about Kahz, I think. It could be that Galaia's memory has inspired him in some fashion… but the reasoning is not what matters now."</span><br/><br/>He stood up and began to walk back and forth, his thoughts a blur as he was struck by a new sense of purpose.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BFFF">"Galaia's words, though from another and many years after her departure, shall not fall upon deaf ears. I have written our Laws, Akryanus, you know this. All of them, except for one." </span><br/><br/>He thought of all that was at stake- yes, it would not go over well with many. He would incite whisperings at the best, and outright fury at the worst. Malinar in particular would be enraged, but Rolyn would cross that bridge when he came to it.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BFFF">"I will not break a Law- the role I played in their creation does not shield me from responsibility. But there are ways around things."<br/></span><br/>He paused and fixed her with an intense stare that conveyed all of his desperation as well as all of his hope.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BFFF">"You would not be breaking any Law, but you would be aiding me in skirting them, which to some would mean a stain upon your honor. This would be for the greater good, for the sake of the lives that are in peril down below us, yet still, it could go against your sense of what is right and what is wrong. I will not order you to do such a thing. I cannot." <br/></span><br/>He moved closer, his eyes still fixed on hers.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BFFF">"But I can ask. Will you do this, Little Star?" </span><br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: black;background:black;"/></div><br/><br/>Akryanus heard his words, the finality in them, as well as the question asked of her. She kept her gaze fixated on his own, hearing a name that was special between the pair of them; Something that brought back the most precious feeling in the world that she had ever held dear to her, and that was the love she held for a Father. A Father that she had found in him, and cherished the moment she had been given time to know him and been blessed with his guidance.<br/><br/>Akryanus raised her gauntlets to slowly take off her helmet, revealing her youthful and maidenly features to the empty room that held only her and the God of Time himself. She stared down upon it, the moon-like hues looking at the face before her peaceful sight was brought up to Rolyn himself, and she offered a smile of happiness and warmth.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00FFFF">"I would follow you to eternal damnation if you asked it of me, Rolyn."<br/></span><br/>She began with a cheerful swing to her voice.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00FFFF">"And so, I will do whatever it is you need of me, if it is to protect that which you hold most dear. For now, and forever onwards."<br/></span><br/>She gave a bow, the greyed-out hair that had been braided away shimmering with dullness in the light of the chamber, but her lifeless skin brightened by the hope and loyalty she displayed towards her Lord.