Somehow, Everything's gonna fall right into place,
I know, that at the end of the day, it's all for the best. That every trial and tribulation i face will be recompensed in dividends. That right now, there is a reason for you're being such a bitch and the repulsion you stir in me.
Perhaps it is for me to learn to better endure and deal with such people, or to learn other lessons...Perhaps it's to keep me away from my previous desires of you. But i know at the end of the day, it's all for my best interests.
Then why does it still sting like motherfucker?
If Only we had a way to make it all fall faster everyday...
I'm being tested, i know that. The time i spend in this state is part and parcel of the test and lesson. I everything will be alright in the end, but sometimes i wish we'd reach the end. Yes, sometimes i wish the pieces would fall faster everyday...
Then this nonsense would be over faster.
Holding onto patience, wearing thin...
I consider myself a patient man. I don't really panic or worry when things don't go according to plan because i know there's a reason for it. I don't get angry at most people because i understand what they do. But my patience has it's limits. And You, sweetheart, are pushing it. Make up your fucking mind.
Personally, i don't want to go to war, least of all with you...so why does it seem like that is what you want? Despite telling me one thing, your actions send different messages. You're like fucking Israel. Make up your mind, i'm tired of your bullshit.
I can't force these eyes to see the end...
Everything will be alright in the end. I know this for a fact. Yet i can't see the end and to some extent, it adds to my frustration. I know we'll get to where we're meant to be in the end, but these eyes can't see the end. I suppose it is a test of my faith, and the fact is that my faith still stands.
You are filling the role that so many others before have filled, and i wonder to myself, what is Allah trying to teach me. Why the need for this roleplayer in my life? I know that unless i figure it out, i'll never be rid of you...never be rid of people like you who bring so much heartache into my life.
This time we're not giving up
Let's make it last forever
The song's resonance has proven prophetic. Like words written from my own thoughts, a reminder of what i need to keep in mind through this whole fucked-up episode. But what do these last 2 lines mean? I can only guess. Allah has something in store for me, but what?
Whatever it is, i know i'm sick and tired of you. You once said i became disgusting to you, well, guess what: I'm sick of you. Fucking sick and fucking tired of your nonsense. Disgusted with your immaturity and hypocrisy.
Yes bitch, i'm angry. You have 2 days, decide war or peace. I'm not settling for the shit that we have now.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Break my fall
Break My Fall,
I found what was missing inside you
Could this really be me? Issuing plaintiff cries like a child lost in the darkness...
It's been months now, and it's fucking sickening. The feeling of my heart being compressed, slowly crushing my will to do anything.
This is NOT me, this is NOT who i'm supposed to be. I'm not ready to give up, i'm not ready to give in. I'm not ready to die.
Fuck You, I'm flying with or without you.
I found what was missing inside you
Could this really be me? Issuing plaintiff cries like a child lost in the darkness...
It's been months now, and it's fucking sickening. The feeling of my heart being compressed, slowly crushing my will to do anything.
This is NOT me, this is NOT who i'm supposed to be. I'm not ready to give up, i'm not ready to give in. I'm not ready to die.
Fuck You, I'm flying with or without you.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Through the looking glass...
Beige and spherical, the mask sped across the lane. Dodging and sidestepping, ducking behind one cement block, running past the second and- *BOOM*
The head exploded, leaving behind a body that fell forward limply. Pulling the bolt on my M40A3 rifle, I looked up using my own eyes to survey the abandoned apartment block before me. The snow filled the air between the building i was in and the one across, and for a moment, it was quiet. Then my eyes picked out a quick movement past the windows. I looked down my scope again, leading him to the next window, he ran into the needle, and *BOOM* he was sent spinning to the side as his blood painted the dull walls red. Something about the dull walls reminded me of my brothers. Days in the killinghouse seemed more distant than i could see through my scope...I wondered what had become of them.
Snapping me back to the present, firefights erupted all over as my fellow SAS stormed the building from a side entrance. I heard the familiar crack of a Dragunov sniper rifle from the left, and saw one of my comrades taken down. Scanning the direction i heard the shot from, i picked out the minute glint of the scope. Bringing the needle crosshair to the sparkle, i fired and the rifle dropping from the bush was the only indication i got that the Spetsnaz sniper had been taken out. Glancing through the windows of the wrecked building i tried to get a clear shot, i held my breath and fired again, this time taking out the machinegunner who was pinning down more of my comrades. Suddenly, i heard a minute *click* that signalled the trigger of a claymore mine before i heard an explosion...Someone had come through back. Slinging the rifle across my back, i drew my silenced USP and had my knife at the ready. Silently, I cursed Where are my brothers when i need them?
I walked carefully, listening for sounds of more intruders. Treading silently i cleared the empty rooms one by one. I stopped in my tracks as a creak from the next room alerted me to a presence...more footsteps now, walking steadily to my position. I tried my radio..."Echo, come in Echo"...static..."Leviath, anyone, can you read me?"...more static. I guess it's just me and the Russians. I drew a flashbang and threw it out into the corridor. Hearing the bang followed by shouts of surprise, i thought to myself...It's just me and the russians...I levelled my USP with my right hand and held my knife in the left...Walking out into the corridor, it was all i thought of...It's just me...
The head exploded, leaving behind a body that fell forward limply. Pulling the bolt on my M40A3 rifle, I looked up using my own eyes to survey the abandoned apartment block before me. The snow filled the air between the building i was in and the one across, and for a moment, it was quiet. Then my eyes picked out a quick movement past the windows. I looked down my scope again, leading him to the next window, he ran into the needle, and *BOOM* he was sent spinning to the side as his blood painted the dull walls red. Something about the dull walls reminded me of my brothers. Days in the killinghouse seemed more distant than i could see through my scope...I wondered what had become of them.
Snapping me back to the present, firefights erupted all over as my fellow SAS stormed the building from a side entrance. I heard the familiar crack of a Dragunov sniper rifle from the left, and saw one of my comrades taken down. Scanning the direction i heard the shot from, i picked out the minute glint of the scope. Bringing the needle crosshair to the sparkle, i fired and the rifle dropping from the bush was the only indication i got that the Spetsnaz sniper had been taken out. Glancing through the windows of the wrecked building i tried to get a clear shot, i held my breath and fired again, this time taking out the machinegunner who was pinning down more of my comrades. Suddenly, i heard a minute *click* that signalled the trigger of a claymore mine before i heard an explosion...Someone had come through back. Slinging the rifle across my back, i drew my silenced USP and had my knife at the ready. Silently, I cursed Where are my brothers when i need them?
I walked carefully, listening for sounds of more intruders. Treading silently i cleared the empty rooms one by one. I stopped in my tracks as a creak from the next room alerted me to a presence...more footsteps now, walking steadily to my position. I tried my radio..."Echo, come in Echo"...static..."Leviath, anyone, can you read me?"...more static. I guess it's just me and the Russians. I drew a flashbang and threw it out into the corridor. Hearing the bang followed by shouts of surprise, i thought to myself...It's just me and the russians...I levelled my USP with my right hand and held my knife in the left...Walking out into the corridor, it was all i thought of...It's just me...
Sunday, August 17, 2008
The Unknown Night
The metallic door swung open with a bang, pouring light into my pitch black cell. Blinded by the light, i could only see figures rush in towards me. Weakened by days of malnourishment, i could not fight, not against that many. The cold shackles clamped down on my wrists, i now had to stand and walk, lest i be dragged on my face to the workfloor. And the Lord Raven will stand. His fellow slaves needed to see him stand...
I remember the day i was caught. Through my investigations, i had found that the Tedari had been working with the Empire of the Eagle. Nights passed as i chased lead after lead, always seeing pieces of a puzzle. I travelled with Jeohn from the port city that housed the Tedari under cover of darkness and into the capital of the Empire. Sneaking into the palace we stole documents that indicated a rapid militarization of the Empire, i remembered the numbers in my head:
4000 Tanks
10,000 Warships
300,000 Men
6th day of Argothan, This year.
I snuck into barracks to see the strength of each man, they were not physically strong, but through the use of technology and those guns, they could bring down men stronger than themselves and from distances of up to 100 paces. Travelling on, I saw factories where large amounts of arms and armour were being manufactured, the lines of slaves forced to put these weapons together. I stole one of their guns for myself and Jeohn taught me to use it. It was simple. Deadly.
We then travelled to foundaries where they built iron beasts known as tanks. Systematically, slaves built carts of iron armour that rolled on wheels. Each cart carried an astoundingly large gun known as a cannon. These, Jeohn told me, could tear holes in the ranks of an army or the walls of a fortress. I imagined our glorious legions, banners flying in the sun and the light glinting of the helms of my men. I see them being blown away by large explosions and i knew i must do something. I see the plans and commit it's designs to memory.
However, one question kept haunting my mind: Where do all these slaves come from?
Finally, after weeks of searching, and following a trail so convoluted i had narrowly missed it completely. I was brought full circle to the port city from whence i had came, sneaking in to a
shipyard, i saw the warships for myself. Ships of varying size and shape were constructed, once again by slaves. Each ship was capable of transporting men, supplies and cannons. These ships would be the force that would bring death to our doors. I had wrapped up my investigation and was just about to leave when suddenly treacherous claws caught hold of me. Jeohn, my guide, on the pretense of getting help from the Tedari to destroy the shipyard, brought me to Griphan...
Shikaze: Regent, I've discovered much about the Empire, and what I found disturbs me. I will need a contigent of your finest to help me destroy a threat to Raxaferh. Quite frankly, I am surprised that your Tedari had not discovered this sooner considering how close the threat is to your home!
Griphan: I'm afraid I cannot do that Lord Raven...You see, we already knew of the shipyard.
Shikaze: What?! Then why did you not-
It was then that i heard several clicks, like the sound of a gun being prepared to fire and the stench of betrayal became painful obvious. I spun around quickly smacking the closest gun away, it fired and hit the floor. I saw the Griphan's bodyguards lined up aiming their weapons at me. "You have no where to run Raven!" shouted Griphan from behind me. I whispered a quick incantation that would temporarily increase my speed and in an instant I was in their lines.
The first guard i reached shot his gun but narrowly missed my head, i sliced his wrist with one of my throwing daggers, swept the feet from under him and stabbed down as he fell. Leaving my blade lodged in his chest i quickly drew 2 of my throwing daggers and sent them flying at my assailants. As they flew in the air towards two guard, i dislodged my 1st dagger and rolled towards another, knocking him down. I quickly stabbed his throat and picked up his gun. Levelling it at Griphan, i aimed but as i squeezed the trigger, i heard a loud bang and felt a sharp pain in my left leg. Turning, i saw Jeohn holding the smoking gun as i collapsed, all my weight supported on one leg and the pain shot through my body. The guards beat me down, trying to defend myself as best i could, i killed 2 more, but there were too many rifle butts, fists and kicks. My vision darkened and my body became numb...
I awoke in the cell, painfully, I used my magic to heal myself, it would fix my cuts and my shot leg, but the pain would not go away. I was taken to the shipyard and put on a work detail. Over the course of the next few weeks, I would learn everything about building and sailing these ships, I would find that the slaves were taken from Raxaferh by the Tedari and I would be the architect of their escape. Secret stashes of improvised melee weapons would be stocked, riots and strikes would tax the slavedriver's security and slowly chip away at their sense of security. While with each successive strike, the slave's morale grew. Soon the slaves would be free, soon the guards would be made to suffer, soon i would return to Raxaferh...Soon. For now, we were arranging the 5th strike...
I remember the day i was caught. Through my investigations, i had found that the Tedari had been working with the Empire of the Eagle. Nights passed as i chased lead after lead, always seeing pieces of a puzzle. I travelled with Jeohn from the port city that housed the Tedari under cover of darkness and into the capital of the Empire. Sneaking into the palace we stole documents that indicated a rapid militarization of the Empire, i remembered the numbers in my head:
4000 Tanks
10,000 Warships
300,000 Men
6th day of Argothan, This year.
I snuck into barracks to see the strength of each man, they were not physically strong, but through the use of technology and those guns, they could bring down men stronger than themselves and from distances of up to 100 paces. Travelling on, I saw factories where large amounts of arms and armour were being manufactured, the lines of slaves forced to put these weapons together. I stole one of their guns for myself and Jeohn taught me to use it. It was simple. Deadly.
We then travelled to foundaries where they built iron beasts known as tanks. Systematically, slaves built carts of iron armour that rolled on wheels. Each cart carried an astoundingly large gun known as a cannon. These, Jeohn told me, could tear holes in the ranks of an army or the walls of a fortress. I imagined our glorious legions, banners flying in the sun and the light glinting of the helms of my men. I see them being blown away by large explosions and i knew i must do something. I see the plans and commit it's designs to memory.
However, one question kept haunting my mind: Where do all these slaves come from?
Finally, after weeks of searching, and following a trail so convoluted i had narrowly missed it completely. I was brought full circle to the port city from whence i had came, sneaking in to a
shipyard, i saw the warships for myself. Ships of varying size and shape were constructed, once again by slaves. Each ship was capable of transporting men, supplies and cannons. These ships would be the force that would bring death to our doors. I had wrapped up my investigation and was just about to leave when suddenly treacherous claws caught hold of me. Jeohn, my guide, on the pretense of getting help from the Tedari to destroy the shipyard, brought me to Griphan...
Shikaze: Regent, I've discovered much about the Empire, and what I found disturbs me. I will need a contigent of your finest to help me destroy a threat to Raxaferh. Quite frankly, I am surprised that your Tedari had not discovered this sooner considering how close the threat is to your home!
Griphan: I'm afraid I cannot do that Lord Raven...You see, we already knew of the shipyard.
Shikaze: What?! Then why did you not-
It was then that i heard several clicks, like the sound of a gun being prepared to fire and the stench of betrayal became painful obvious. I spun around quickly smacking the closest gun away, it fired and hit the floor. I saw the Griphan's bodyguards lined up aiming their weapons at me. "You have no where to run Raven!" shouted Griphan from behind me. I whispered a quick incantation that would temporarily increase my speed and in an instant I was in their lines.
The first guard i reached shot his gun but narrowly missed my head, i sliced his wrist with one of my throwing daggers, swept the feet from under him and stabbed down as he fell. Leaving my blade lodged in his chest i quickly drew 2 of my throwing daggers and sent them flying at my assailants. As they flew in the air towards two guard, i dislodged my 1st dagger and rolled towards another, knocking him down. I quickly stabbed his throat and picked up his gun. Levelling it at Griphan, i aimed but as i squeezed the trigger, i heard a loud bang and felt a sharp pain in my left leg. Turning, i saw Jeohn holding the smoking gun as i collapsed, all my weight supported on one leg and the pain shot through my body. The guards beat me down, trying to defend myself as best i could, i killed 2 more, but there were too many rifle butts, fists and kicks. My vision darkened and my body became numb...
I awoke in the cell, painfully, I used my magic to heal myself, it would fix my cuts and my shot leg, but the pain would not go away. I was taken to the shipyard and put on a work detail. Over the course of the next few weeks, I would learn everything about building and sailing these ships, I would find that the slaves were taken from Raxaferh by the Tedari and I would be the architect of their escape. Secret stashes of improvised melee weapons would be stocked, riots and strikes would tax the slavedriver's security and slowly chip away at their sense of security. While with each successive strike, the slave's morale grew. Soon the slaves would be free, soon the guards would be made to suffer, soon i would return to Raxaferh...Soon. For now, we were arranging the 5th strike...
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Breaking
Ah...
So after last night, i didn't feel much better. In fact after my appointment(which went well actually), i started feeling myself get lower and lower. The loneliness, heaped upon my now bored and purposeless head gradually wore down my ability to stay aloft (emotionally speaking).
I found myself alone, without anyone to turn to, it just accelerated my descent. Sometimes, i think i spend too much time trying to help others that i forget about helping myself. I forget how to take care and support myself. I headed into a breakdown.
There i sat, in the shower, crying under the accumulated weight of loneliness, depression, stress, anxiety and fear. However, instead of fighting to stay afloat like i usually do, i pushed myself on, pushed myself to the breaking point. I finally brokedown completely, sobbing like a lost child, i cried and cried and suddenly i stopped...
And broke through.
I'm feeling better now. Alot better. I'm ready for anything.
I'm shooting for the stars. Are you coming?
So after last night, i didn't feel much better. In fact after my appointment(which went well actually), i started feeling myself get lower and lower. The loneliness, heaped upon my now bored and purposeless head gradually wore down my ability to stay aloft (emotionally speaking).
I found myself alone, without anyone to turn to, it just accelerated my descent. Sometimes, i think i spend too much time trying to help others that i forget about helping myself. I forget how to take care and support myself. I headed into a breakdown.
There i sat, in the shower, crying under the accumulated weight of loneliness, depression, stress, anxiety and fear. However, instead of fighting to stay afloat like i usually do, i pushed myself on, pushed myself to the breaking point. I finally brokedown completely, sobbing like a lost child, i cried and cried and suddenly i stopped...
And broke through.
I'm feeling better now. Alot better. I'm ready for anything.
I'm shooting for the stars. Are you coming?
Alone again
Hello everyone,
I'm taking a quick break from the story to post an update. So today i had my Law orientation, and it was quite fun. Being the socialble guy that i am, i talked to many of my new classmates and got to know them. I'm excited because with the new mindset i've learned from the LVG agency, i'm going to make the most of Uni.
Also, had a pretty good time. I finally went to Legio, and it was fun. Played a 2 v 2 against Dann Toh(necrons) & Faris(Storm Tigers space marines) with Jo at my side with his blood angels. The game was tough, and ended up in a draw, but that being said. It was so much fun :)
But why the title?
Quite frankly, in the middle of the night, when you're alone, you start to wish for some company. Now, as much as i love my freedom and the solitude that i now enjoy due to singlehood...in times like these, i can't help but yearn for the tender affections that i once enjoyed. Even more so when i find myself attracted to someone who seems to get lovelier each time i see her. I'd like very much to break through her workaholic exterior and find the sweetheart inside her, but i have my worries that the wanderlust that is so much a part of me, will rear it's head and she would become just another cage. Meh, decisions decisions...
Ce la vie!
Sucks to know you've made an embarrassing decision which could permenantly set you in the dreaded friend zone. And thursday was such an excellent night, while i feel stupid for it, i know if i didn't i would have been beating myself up about it. So, the world turns, it's 2:25am, i've got a 10 am appointment tomorrow. Thanks for reading, Goodnight.
I'm taking a quick break from the story to post an update. So today i had my Law orientation, and it was quite fun. Being the socialble guy that i am, i talked to many of my new classmates and got to know them. I'm excited because with the new mindset i've learned from the LVG agency, i'm going to make the most of Uni.
Also, had a pretty good time. I finally went to Legio, and it was fun. Played a 2 v 2 against Dann Toh(necrons) & Faris(Storm Tigers space marines) with Jo at my side with his blood angels. The game was tough, and ended up in a draw, but that being said. It was so much fun :)
But why the title?
Quite frankly, in the middle of the night, when you're alone, you start to wish for some company. Now, as much as i love my freedom and the solitude that i now enjoy due to singlehood...in times like these, i can't help but yearn for the tender affections that i once enjoyed. Even more so when i find myself attracted to someone who seems to get lovelier each time i see her. I'd like very much to break through her workaholic exterior and find the sweetheart inside her, but i have my worries that the wanderlust that is so much a part of me, will rear it's head and she would become just another cage. Meh, decisions decisions...
Ce la vie!
Sucks to know you've made an embarrassing decision which could permenantly set you in the dreaded friend zone. And thursday was such an excellent night, while i feel stupid for it, i know if i didn't i would have been beating myself up about it. So, the world turns, it's 2:25am, i've got a 10 am appointment tomorrow. Thanks for reading, Goodnight.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Raxaferhan Nights: The Second Night
Stepping onto the jetty, i took a deep breath and surveyed my surroundings. In the falling twilight, the port-city seemed to shimmer like so many jewels reflecting the moonlight. Lamps lit the streets of a city that looked like a staircase. The rooftops of buildings ascended as the city radiated from the main harbour...The city has changed since the last time i was here, more then a decade ago. Back then i was still a boy, my father took me here to show me the western empire and founded the western branch or The Tedari. The Tedari was put under the command of Azurik, an assassin of moderate talent, but a leader of great quality with his heart in the right place. It was time for me to do something very important...Have some tea...
After wandering the city for an hour more, i finally found a suitable tavern. A rundown shophouse lot that was against the western city wall, if it weren't for the sounds of drunken revelry within and the sign outside which read "The Flabby Flagon", i would have thought it empty. As i approached the door, my nose was assailed by the strong stench of liquor. Fighting the urge to spit, i pushed the door open and surveyed the room. As I seated myself at an empty chess table in the far corner of the room, a stocky waitress with far too much make-up approached my table. "Jessine Tea, in a clean cup" i ordered my drink and leaned back with my hood shadowing my face. The dim room was filled with workers downing all manner of liquor while the courtesans went about their business getting more money from the drunken patrons. My tea was placed on the table in front of me, reaching out, i took several sips before a man sat down across from me.
"Jessine Tea, an interesting choice in this day and age" spoke the older man before me. Wearing a simple green cloak over his tunic, the lanky man had streaks of white in his trimmed beard.
"Jessine Tea dances in mind, like..." i replied
"the snake that dances with the sun" he finished the coded greeting Welcome Brother, you are amongst friends.
"Do you play?" he asked pointing at the chess table between us
"Of course, but it's so rare these days to find someone who does." i replied as i pulled out the pieces and set them on the board.
We began to play, as the guest, I made my first move...
"The Raven's Gambit" he remarked looking quite puzzled, we continued playing in silence, and as the game progressed, his look of puzzlement changed several times over the course of our conversation. The moves we made would be our words. The prize? The winner's truth must be accepted by the loser.
Shikaze: I am the Lord Raven, bow before me and take me to your Regent.
The Older Man: I am your master, not the other way around. I am the master of the Tedari.
Shikaze: You are mistaken, you are a Gregori, a handler, nothing more nothing less. You will take me to the Regent.
"Checkmate" i said at the end of the game. He now looked at me with a look of awe.
"My name is Jeaohn, as you requested, i will take you to the guildhall." He replied helping me pack the pieces into the small sack. "Excellent, now would be a good time Jeaohn."
Leading me into the Keg-lined storage basement of the tavern, he tapped the 5th keg twice paused for 5 seconds and tapped it one more time. I heard a barely audible "clicking sound" and the face of the keg opened up revealing a dark passageway. As we walked in, the keg closed behind us, Jeaohn pulled out a small ball that contained a liquid that emitted a greenish-blue light, this lit the passageway.
"My Lord, could it be?" Jeaohn asked
"hmm?"
"That you are the Lord Raven?"
"I am, how long has it been since you've played with another member?"
"It has been approximately 6 months my lord, why do you ask?"
"Because it puzzles me how you could have forgotten the codes of the game. I won the game, you must now accept my truth."
"Forgive me my lord, it was surprising...considering how young you look..." he stammered out. At this i looked him in the eye, and he held my gaze for all of a second before looking away uneasily. I lifted my hand up slowly, pointing at him and patted him on the shoulder before laughing. He let out a nervous laugh before sighing with relief
"Relax Jeaohn, i wouldn't harm you without good reason...but question my truth again and i will have good reason."
"As you requested, i will take you to see the regent."
We continued on, for a few more minutes exchanging jokes and stories until we reached a dead end. Pressing another hidden button on the left wall, the dead end began to rotate on it's centre, allowing us to pass through into the entrance of the guildhall. It had changed quite a bit since the last time i was here, now instead of magical glow balls, they had larger versions of the smaller chemical sphere lighting the halls. Now, they had many more mechanical systems like a lift.
As we passed by the other Tedari, i noticed that many of them carried devices that looked quite like firebreathers. I asked Jeaohn what those were. "Those are called guns, through the use of chemical powders, we can shoot metal bullets at extremely high speeds. Punching through metal plate, wood and flesh, they are deadly weapons. All at the twitch of a finger. With it, anyone can defend themselves with minimal training, just point and fire." So they were similar to firebreathers, but unlike firebreathers, these could penetrate armour and could be used by anyone without knowledge of magic. I've got to get myself one of those.
Before long we reached the doorway to the regent's quarters. It was guarded by two guards who upon realizing my presence allowed us in. The room inside was lavish, with all manner of drapery and paintings hanging over the walls. Where i expected to hear the voice of Azurik, i heard instead a different voice. "Welcome Lord Raven, welcome to our abode" boomed a voice from the smiling face of a bulky man. He wore a robe of deep purple, at his waist was sheathed two swords, one being his own, the other being Azurik's. The most notable feature was the talon shaped tattoo over his left eye. "I am Griphan, the Regent of the Tedari."
~End of Chapter 2~
After wandering the city for an hour more, i finally found a suitable tavern. A rundown shophouse lot that was against the western city wall, if it weren't for the sounds of drunken revelry within and the sign outside which read "The Flabby Flagon", i would have thought it empty. As i approached the door, my nose was assailed by the strong stench of liquor. Fighting the urge to spit, i pushed the door open and surveyed the room. As I seated myself at an empty chess table in the far corner of the room, a stocky waitress with far too much make-up approached my table. "Jessine Tea, in a clean cup" i ordered my drink and leaned back with my hood shadowing my face. The dim room was filled with workers downing all manner of liquor while the courtesans went about their business getting more money from the drunken patrons. My tea was placed on the table in front of me, reaching out, i took several sips before a man sat down across from me.
"Jessine Tea, an interesting choice in this day and age" spoke the older man before me. Wearing a simple green cloak over his tunic, the lanky man had streaks of white in his trimmed beard.
"Jessine Tea dances in mind, like..." i replied
"the snake that dances with the sun" he finished the coded greeting Welcome Brother, you are amongst friends.
"Do you play?" he asked pointing at the chess table between us
"Of course, but it's so rare these days to find someone who does." i replied as i pulled out the pieces and set them on the board.
We began to play, as the guest, I made my first move...
"The Raven's Gambit" he remarked looking quite puzzled, we continued playing in silence, and as the game progressed, his look of puzzlement changed several times over the course of our conversation. The moves we made would be our words. The prize? The winner's truth must be accepted by the loser.
Shikaze: I am the Lord Raven, bow before me and take me to your Regent.
The Older Man: I am your master, not the other way around. I am the master of the Tedari.
Shikaze: You are mistaken, you are a Gregori, a handler, nothing more nothing less. You will take me to the Regent.
"Checkmate" i said at the end of the game. He now looked at me with a look of awe.
"My name is Jeaohn, as you requested, i will take you to the guildhall." He replied helping me pack the pieces into the small sack. "Excellent, now would be a good time Jeaohn."
Leading me into the Keg-lined storage basement of the tavern, he tapped the 5th keg twice paused for 5 seconds and tapped it one more time. I heard a barely audible "clicking sound" and the face of the keg opened up revealing a dark passageway. As we walked in, the keg closed behind us, Jeaohn pulled out a small ball that contained a liquid that emitted a greenish-blue light, this lit the passageway.
"My Lord, could it be?" Jeaohn asked
"hmm?"
"That you are the Lord Raven?"
"I am, how long has it been since you've played with another member?"
"It has been approximately 6 months my lord, why do you ask?"
"Because it puzzles me how you could have forgotten the codes of the game. I won the game, you must now accept my truth."
"Forgive me my lord, it was surprising...considering how young you look..." he stammered out. At this i looked him in the eye, and he held my gaze for all of a second before looking away uneasily. I lifted my hand up slowly, pointing at him and patted him on the shoulder before laughing. He let out a nervous laugh before sighing with relief
"Relax Jeaohn, i wouldn't harm you without good reason...but question my truth again and i will have good reason."
"As you requested, i will take you to see the regent."
We continued on, for a few more minutes exchanging jokes and stories until we reached a dead end. Pressing another hidden button on the left wall, the dead end began to rotate on it's centre, allowing us to pass through into the entrance of the guildhall. It had changed quite a bit since the last time i was here, now instead of magical glow balls, they had larger versions of the smaller chemical sphere lighting the halls. Now, they had many more mechanical systems like a lift.
As we passed by the other Tedari, i noticed that many of them carried devices that looked quite like firebreathers. I asked Jeaohn what those were. "Those are called guns, through the use of chemical powders, we can shoot metal bullets at extremely high speeds. Punching through metal plate, wood and flesh, they are deadly weapons. All at the twitch of a finger. With it, anyone can defend themselves with minimal training, just point and fire." So they were similar to firebreathers, but unlike firebreathers, these could penetrate armour and could be used by anyone without knowledge of magic. I've got to get myself one of those.
Before long we reached the doorway to the regent's quarters. It was guarded by two guards who upon realizing my presence allowed us in. The room inside was lavish, with all manner of drapery and paintings hanging over the walls. Where i expected to hear the voice of Azurik, i heard instead a different voice. "Welcome Lord Raven, welcome to our abode" boomed a voice from the smiling face of a bulky man. He wore a robe of deep purple, at his waist was sheathed two swords, one being his own, the other being Azurik's. The most notable feature was the talon shaped tattoo over his left eye. "I am Griphan, the Regent of the Tedari."
~End of Chapter 2~
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