Post by redcoat on Mar 27, 2022 12:47:34 GMT -5
Keepers of the GreenUsername: Opiii
What had been an exploration of magic and method had turned into a staring contest. Karn found himself facing off with Ruko, himself seated upon stone tile, and she locked up on the other side of a wooden cage. The flickering torch light cast her features into a stark contrast that only accentuated her broad and deadly features.
She growled, low and… Almost melodic. A subtle warning. His jaw craned and he repeated the sound. To anyone else, it might have appeared a nonsensical game or the result of mind altering chemicals.
To them it was language.
She growled, her movements sluggish and slow.
"You wake me, taunting with the voice of an honored beast. Why?"
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Username: Ancelas
Karn sat crosslegged, shield and spear on either side of him, tattered travelling cloak draped about his large form, hood drawn up over his head. He leaned forward slightly, amber-yellow eyes glowing with satisfaction.
"This one cannot speak in the Ruko's language," he rumbled, though his words were more… emotional influences and impressions, rather than formal language. "This one speaks through Nature and the language of beasts. This one does not mean to offend, only to… communicate."
He paused, briefly, before continuing. "This one seeks to honor the promise this one and the Verdi made. The Ruko has answered our questions, we do not wish to hold the Ruko. However, the people of this city… this… tribe… the Ruko's people are invaders, and they hold the Ruko's people to account for the death and damage the Ruko's people have brought. They would see the Ruko's people punished - killed - as deserved by invaders. But another way has been… presented. For all to live. This one wonders if the Ruko would listen to such a solution."
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Username: Opiii
The reptilian watched him for some time, eyes unmoving. She remained like this for such a time that she looked like a statue, or perhaps dead… That was until Karn's keen eyes detected movement. Subtle. Extremely slow. Her snout pushed out from the shadows, scarred face illuminated by the scant beams of light passing through the bars of her cage.
"… You speak like our eldest, of nature and beasts. You wear the shape of animals like our eldest, disguising yourself. But I have seen you when you change, the green lights and the glow. I do not believe you are like our eldest, or her circle. You have stolen the power of The Green, somehow. You do not feel its flow, or speak like water and leaf." Her face was inscrutable, but the communication being what it was, Karn could feel the subtle notes of hostility and defense. Perhaps even offense.
"This I accept. War is war. If the tribe of soft skins and furred say I must be slain, that is their way. I know my life is forfeit. It was lost the moment you and your tribe surrounded me. My kin deemed me unworth her own blood, so I wait." She looked toward the guardian, unblinking.
"Promises are not deeds… I know this. Your tribe is small. The larger tribe will finish me, even if you and the white skinned one want my freedom. I will listen to what you have to say, but I will not expect to bask again."
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Username: Ancelas
Karn worked his jaw, taking almost as much time to speak as the lizardwoman had. "This one stole no power," he said at last. "It was… given… long ago. This one carries and nurtures it like a seed passed from elder to younger, to care for it that it may grow. This one does not command such power - this one asks, and is given."
Karn paused before speaking, and this time when he did, he made quick, careful motions with his hands alongside a curious mix of sounds, of birdcalls and rustling leaves, rushing water and creaking trees. A language of nature that he was becoming proficient in, as though remembering a long-forgotten skill. "This one speaks as the beasts do, and speaks as the plants do. This one does not know this one's place in the world, but this one knows this one is a part of the world. A part of the…"
His mind struggled, trying to recall the words. The teachings of a forgotten teacher.
"The…. Green."
His eyeslights flickered and he lowered his gaze, his hands hanging in the air for a moment before he settled them in his lap. Karn looked up at Ruko again and grunted softly, once more speaking crocadile. "The Ruko's life is forfeit. This one accepts this.But if the Ruko's life is no longer the Ruko's, then the Ruko is bound by those who hold the Ruko's life to carry out their will, as the Ruko has no further claim on the Ruko's life, yes? So if service is asked of the Ruko, the Ruko will obey, yes?"
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Username: Opiii
She watched him… And as he began speaking Druidic, her whole body shifted. She sat a little taller, leaned in. He wouldn't be able to tell if it was attentive wonder, or preparedness to strike.
And then he talked of terms and values. Her lips curled as she eased back into her seat.
She released the stone at her side, the glow subsiding. When next she spoke, her lips carried the sound of snapped branches, bubbling bogs, flowing brooks, and whispering rustling trees. She spoke Druidic. A different dialect, certainly, but universal between those touched by that primal magic.
"The tribe of this sea village did not best me in battle. The tribe of this sea village did not kill my mate, and my neighbor's mates, to make us join his army. Blightfang held my life. Your tribe holds my life now." She watched him carefully, placing her palms upon her knees. "… You speak of the green. But you also speak of deals and trade, like soft skins and… Dragons. I will not be traded. I am not a beast of burden."
Her chest raised and fell as she watched him.
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Username: Ancelas
When the lizardwoman spoke in kind, Karn scooted forward, listening attentively. This was a language he could speak, limited as it was, without the need for magic, so he would continue to speak in kind.
"This one speaks of survival - for the Ruko and the Ruko's people. If the Ruko accepts death, the Ruko does only what the Ruko wants, and the Ruko's people suffers when they could prosper, because of the Ruko's choice. Selfish. Arrogant. But - but. If the Ruko chooses to work with this tribe. If the Ruko helps rebuild, this tribe may be kinder to the Ruko's people. Deal? Yes, make deal for both tribes to exist, in peace. No more fighting, no more death. If the Ruko chooses to deal, the Ruko chooses the Ruko's tribe.
Karn leveled his optics at the lizardwoman and stared intently at her, his scuffed bronze faceplate immovably yet oddly emotive. "The Ruko has a choice. Be selfish and die, or serve the Ruko's tribe, and help. Is the Ruko selfish, or does the Ruko serve the Ruko's tribe?"
((Persuarsion - Nat 20! -1. So… 19.))
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Username: Opiii
The reptile watched him for several moments. And for perhaps a minute there was silence as she considered the guardian's words.
"I followed Blightfang because it meant survival for my tribe. You say if I remain here and… Do what the sea village says, I will survive, and my people will survive. Even if I do not return, I want my people to live." Her lips curled into something like a frown.
"… Promises are not deeds. How can you promise.." She paused, searching for the word. "Cooperation. How can you promise building in exchange for my survival, for my tribe? Your tribe holds my life, but…" She paused for a moment as it dawned on her. "… You speak… As if the danger for the sea village tribe has gone…"
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Username: Ancelas
Karn held out his hands, palms-up, in a gesture of uncertainty. "This one is not sure. This is one outcome - a good outcome. This one believes it a better use for the Ruko's life than death. This one will speak for the Ruko, push for the Ruko to be of service to the Ruko's tribe and the… tribe of sea villages. The Commission. At worst, the Ruko gets what she is prepared for. At best, the Ruko gets to do something… new. Something… better… for the Ruko's tribe. It is a better use for a life than to be thrown away, this one thinks."
Karn folded his hands in his lap. "This one can only promise that this one will try. There are others who speak for the Ruko's tribe and does not want to see further bloodshed.
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Username: Opiii
She watched and listened for several moments more, difficult to read. Still, the hostility in demeanor was waning, which surely was a positive for Karn.
"… The 'Commission,' then." As Verdi had told them their name, now this guardian had given title to this village they were now within. "…I can see your meaning. There is some wisdom in this. But nothing can be built until this place is free of hunters and destroyers." She shifted where she sat, watching him as her height grew with the change in posture.
"… My tribe joined this fight to sate Blightfang's wrath and hunger. Other tribes tell stories that are the same as ours. But many believed in making this place a new home. They would run the new soft skins out and take their place, and kill those who fought." She took a slow breath.
"The black cats did not like this plan. They turned to the woods when Blightfang bellowed his will to make this a new nest. We wanted to leave with them. Blightfang said we would be free to return home once the sea village… Once the Commission was gone from here." Her hands left her knees, thick and powerful arms wrapping around herself.
"…And then the promise changed. We could only leave when the great turtle dragon stopped breathing." Her hold tightened, "For many suns and moons, all paths have lead to death… If there are other paths- outcomes you call them- my tribe may see that wisdom. But… Blightfang is a liar. And he is a dragon. I fear more will fight harder for him, now that it is known."
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Username: Ancelas
Karn leaned forward, intrigued by Ruko's words. She was opening up even further than when Verdi had questioned her, providing a more nuanced picture of what had happened. It was as Johnny had said - the tabaxi had not fought to kill, but Blightfang had other ideas. Ideas that drove out the tabaxi and enslaved the lizardfolk tribe through either awe or fear. Both, mostly.
"The Blightfang sought to nest here," Karn rumbled, the sound of distant thunder echoing in his chest shifting into the faint undulating sounds of falling rain. "But… why? The lands to the south, home of the Ruko's tribes… what has happened there to force the Ruko to search for new land? Did the Blightfang come and force the Ruko's tribe north, or did the tabaxi come and speak of fertile lands to be conquered?
"No," he added, rubbing his chin. "No, the tabaxi did not fight to kill… but why take the city? Why take it and abandon it to the Blightfang… This one cannot make sense of it."
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What had been an exploration of magic and method had turned into a staring contest. Karn found himself facing off with Ruko, himself seated upon stone tile, and she locked up on the other side of a wooden cage. The flickering torch light cast her features into a stark contrast that only accentuated her broad and deadly features.
She growled, low and… Almost melodic. A subtle warning. His jaw craned and he repeated the sound. To anyone else, it might have appeared a nonsensical game or the result of mind altering chemicals.
To them it was language.
She growled, her movements sluggish and slow.
"You wake me, taunting with the voice of an honored beast. Why?"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Username: Ancelas
Karn sat crosslegged, shield and spear on either side of him, tattered travelling cloak draped about his large form, hood drawn up over his head. He leaned forward slightly, amber-yellow eyes glowing with satisfaction.
"This one cannot speak in the Ruko's language," he rumbled, though his words were more… emotional influences and impressions, rather than formal language. "This one speaks through Nature and the language of beasts. This one does not mean to offend, only to… communicate."
He paused, briefly, before continuing. "This one seeks to honor the promise this one and the Verdi made. The Ruko has answered our questions, we do not wish to hold the Ruko. However, the people of this city… this… tribe… the Ruko's people are invaders, and they hold the Ruko's people to account for the death and damage the Ruko's people have brought. They would see the Ruko's people punished - killed - as deserved by invaders. But another way has been… presented. For all to live. This one wonders if the Ruko would listen to such a solution."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Username: Opiii
The reptilian watched him for some time, eyes unmoving. She remained like this for such a time that she looked like a statue, or perhaps dead… That was until Karn's keen eyes detected movement. Subtle. Extremely slow. Her snout pushed out from the shadows, scarred face illuminated by the scant beams of light passing through the bars of her cage.
"… You speak like our eldest, of nature and beasts. You wear the shape of animals like our eldest, disguising yourself. But I have seen you when you change, the green lights and the glow. I do not believe you are like our eldest, or her circle. You have stolen the power of The Green, somehow. You do not feel its flow, or speak like water and leaf." Her face was inscrutable, but the communication being what it was, Karn could feel the subtle notes of hostility and defense. Perhaps even offense.
"This I accept. War is war. If the tribe of soft skins and furred say I must be slain, that is their way. I know my life is forfeit. It was lost the moment you and your tribe surrounded me. My kin deemed me unworth her own blood, so I wait." She looked toward the guardian, unblinking.
"Promises are not deeds… I know this. Your tribe is small. The larger tribe will finish me, even if you and the white skinned one want my freedom. I will listen to what you have to say, but I will not expect to bask again."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Username: Ancelas
Karn worked his jaw, taking almost as much time to speak as the lizardwoman had. "This one stole no power," he said at last. "It was… given… long ago. This one carries and nurtures it like a seed passed from elder to younger, to care for it that it may grow. This one does not command such power - this one asks, and is given."
Karn paused before speaking, and this time when he did, he made quick, careful motions with his hands alongside a curious mix of sounds, of birdcalls and rustling leaves, rushing water and creaking trees. A language of nature that he was becoming proficient in, as though remembering a long-forgotten skill. "This one speaks as the beasts do, and speaks as the plants do. This one does not know this one's place in the world, but this one knows this one is a part of the world. A part of the…"
His mind struggled, trying to recall the words. The teachings of a forgotten teacher.
"The…. Green."
His eyeslights flickered and he lowered his gaze, his hands hanging in the air for a moment before he settled them in his lap. Karn looked up at Ruko again and grunted softly, once more speaking crocadile. "The Ruko's life is forfeit. This one accepts this.But if the Ruko's life is no longer the Ruko's, then the Ruko is bound by those who hold the Ruko's life to carry out their will, as the Ruko has no further claim on the Ruko's life, yes? So if service is asked of the Ruko, the Ruko will obey, yes?"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Username: Opiii
She watched him… And as he began speaking Druidic, her whole body shifted. She sat a little taller, leaned in. He wouldn't be able to tell if it was attentive wonder, or preparedness to strike.
And then he talked of terms and values. Her lips curled as she eased back into her seat.
She released the stone at her side, the glow subsiding. When next she spoke, her lips carried the sound of snapped branches, bubbling bogs, flowing brooks, and whispering rustling trees. She spoke Druidic. A different dialect, certainly, but universal between those touched by that primal magic.
"The tribe of this sea village did not best me in battle. The tribe of this sea village did not kill my mate, and my neighbor's mates, to make us join his army. Blightfang held my life. Your tribe holds my life now." She watched him carefully, placing her palms upon her knees. "… You speak of the green. But you also speak of deals and trade, like soft skins and… Dragons. I will not be traded. I am not a beast of burden."
Her chest raised and fell as she watched him.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Username: Ancelas
When the lizardwoman spoke in kind, Karn scooted forward, listening attentively. This was a language he could speak, limited as it was, without the need for magic, so he would continue to speak in kind.
"This one speaks of survival - for the Ruko and the Ruko's people. If the Ruko accepts death, the Ruko does only what the Ruko wants, and the Ruko's people suffers when they could prosper, because of the Ruko's choice. Selfish. Arrogant. But - but. If the Ruko chooses to work with this tribe. If the Ruko helps rebuild, this tribe may be kinder to the Ruko's people. Deal? Yes, make deal for both tribes to exist, in peace. No more fighting, no more death. If the Ruko chooses to deal, the Ruko chooses the Ruko's tribe.
Karn leveled his optics at the lizardwoman and stared intently at her, his scuffed bronze faceplate immovably yet oddly emotive. "The Ruko has a choice. Be selfish and die, or serve the Ruko's tribe, and help. Is the Ruko selfish, or does the Ruko serve the Ruko's tribe?"
((Persuarsion - Nat 20! -1. So… 19.))
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Username: Opiii
The reptile watched him for several moments. And for perhaps a minute there was silence as she considered the guardian's words.
"I followed Blightfang because it meant survival for my tribe. You say if I remain here and… Do what the sea village says, I will survive, and my people will survive. Even if I do not return, I want my people to live." Her lips curled into something like a frown.
"… Promises are not deeds. How can you promise.." She paused, searching for the word. "Cooperation. How can you promise building in exchange for my survival, for my tribe? Your tribe holds my life, but…" She paused for a moment as it dawned on her. "… You speak… As if the danger for the sea village tribe has gone…"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Username: Ancelas
Karn held out his hands, palms-up, in a gesture of uncertainty. "This one is not sure. This is one outcome - a good outcome. This one believes it a better use for the Ruko's life than death. This one will speak for the Ruko, push for the Ruko to be of service to the Ruko's tribe and the… tribe of sea villages. The Commission. At worst, the Ruko gets what she is prepared for. At best, the Ruko gets to do something… new. Something… better… for the Ruko's tribe. It is a better use for a life than to be thrown away, this one thinks."
Karn folded his hands in his lap. "This one can only promise that this one will try. There are others who speak for the Ruko's tribe and does not want to see further bloodshed.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Username: Opiii
She watched and listened for several moments more, difficult to read. Still, the hostility in demeanor was waning, which surely was a positive for Karn.
"… The 'Commission,' then." As Verdi had told them their name, now this guardian had given title to this village they were now within. "…I can see your meaning. There is some wisdom in this. But nothing can be built until this place is free of hunters and destroyers." She shifted where she sat, watching him as her height grew with the change in posture.
"… My tribe joined this fight to sate Blightfang's wrath and hunger. Other tribes tell stories that are the same as ours. But many believed in making this place a new home. They would run the new soft skins out and take their place, and kill those who fought." She took a slow breath.
"The black cats did not like this plan. They turned to the woods when Blightfang bellowed his will to make this a new nest. We wanted to leave with them. Blightfang said we would be free to return home once the sea village… Once the Commission was gone from here." Her hands left her knees, thick and powerful arms wrapping around herself.
"…And then the promise changed. We could only leave when the great turtle dragon stopped breathing." Her hold tightened, "For many suns and moons, all paths have lead to death… If there are other paths- outcomes you call them- my tribe may see that wisdom. But… Blightfang is a liar. And he is a dragon. I fear more will fight harder for him, now that it is known."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Username: Ancelas
Karn leaned forward, intrigued by Ruko's words. She was opening up even further than when Verdi had questioned her, providing a more nuanced picture of what had happened. It was as Johnny had said - the tabaxi had not fought to kill, but Blightfang had other ideas. Ideas that drove out the tabaxi and enslaved the lizardfolk tribe through either awe or fear. Both, mostly.
"The Blightfang sought to nest here," Karn rumbled, the sound of distant thunder echoing in his chest shifting into the faint undulating sounds of falling rain. "But… why? The lands to the south, home of the Ruko's tribes… what has happened there to force the Ruko to search for new land? Did the Blightfang come and force the Ruko's tribe north, or did the tabaxi come and speak of fertile lands to be conquered?
"No," he added, rubbing his chin. "No, the tabaxi did not fight to kill… but why take the city? Why take it and abandon it to the Blightfang… This one cannot make sense of it."
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