[Winter Council Meeting] Riverfall's Elders Meet

[Leo Varniak]

The new set of requests from Riaris Dovukalis had Leo blinking back his surprise and then frowning in a rigid pose. The Akalak wished for the Azenth to summon Ivak for his own entertainment? Didn't he know the first thing about the gods? Leo had come holding an olive branch, more than ready to swallow his pride and make sacrifices if it helped forge a better future; anger and resentment, he could certainly handle, but he would not tolerate being mocked by those whose sight stretched no further than the single grain of sand on which they lived. The hulk even had the audacity to drag Eosi into all this, and the champion was thankful she'd been quiet so far. A lance of anger shot through his mind. He had to remind himself that this Riaris fellow was just a young, hot-blooded Akalak and did not represent the entirety of his city.

Had he not been interrupted just as he prepared to reply, Leo would have asked the Elders if the young warrior's demand was also their own, and depending on their answer, the discussion may or may not have continued. Instead, the doors opened without warning and an entire retinue entered the Council hall. Under normal circumstances, the sight of female Akalak - for those were no Akontak, no - would have been a shock, but right now it went almost unnoticed as his gaze caught a glimpse of a familiar figure. Leo tensed instantly and swallowed. Akajia. The memories of his first encounter with the goddess, when she had called out to unsuspecting Syliran citizens with an enticing song only to dispense her mysterious gifts... and he had greeted her with a fireball... flooded his mind. Suddenly he could sympathize with Riaris a little. He, too, had made a lot of rash decisions when he was younger. He could only hope this one would not come back biting at him years later.

The goddess and her lover Wysar did not seem enraged, however. She even mentioned the incident in a light-hearted way, for which Leo was grateful. If people knew he had the balls to assault a goddess, they would know he was no coward and they would not mistake his altruism for weakness. The Azenth relaxed noticeably and gave a deep nod as the deities seated themselves above the Council. Wysar spoke next, and reminded Riaris of the big elephant in the room. Leo never, ever boasted his power, fully believing that the wise hawk keeps his claws hidden, but it didn't change the fact that he did possess it. Not even in the middle of Ravok would he use that power willingly, but in many ways he was a bigger threat to Riverfall than Riverfall was to him; hence why he wanted to avoid a confrontation at all costs. Nor could he exactly approach the Rivarians with such a reminder while at the same time holding out a helping hand. Wysar had said the right thing at the right time.

Leo said nothing, but gave a small bow as the god finished speaking. The gesture was heartfelt. He realized the divine couple had broken the negative momentum in the hall. As he regarded them for an instant, his eyes locked with Akajia's for the first time in over three years. He sensed her searching his soul for answers, and not finding them. He even sensed her fear of not finding them, thanks to Ssena. That the gods had fears didn't surprise him anymore; that she feared what she did, however, came as a bit of a shock. Leo himself was in need of answers. Maybe, just maybe, there was an avenue to be pursued there. Not for her, certainly; but he was no longer above that kind of compromise.

He turned back to the audience, many citizens standing up in their desire to speak, and draped the scarlet velveteen garment around his shoulders like a cloak. Rosela would likely enjoy the attention the outfit was getting. A Konti, looking even younger than the general youthful appearance of her race, spoke first and in Tukant. Leo hadn't been in Riverfall long enough to learn more of the language than a smattering of frequent nouns and swear words alongside a minimum of grammar. He understood as far as the moment when she introduced herself with her name, and a word here and there afterwards; the rest was supplied by an Akalak interpreter. Still, as she went on, he felt he could anticipate her meaning through her voice and expression and by the end he believed the translation was largely unnecessary.

This, this was exactly what he'd come for, and still it gave him pause to witness it with his own eyes and ears. Had he really expected to find atonement here? If he had, then why did Tia'aria's words have such an impact on him? For a long moment he was wide-eyed and speechless, simply trying to grasp the significance of what she'd said while she retreated from the podium. To hear such wisdom from the lips of someone so young was deeply humbling. She did not love her sister less for her choice; perchance she loved her more for it. And it was exactly why Leo's duty was to move on and make it so her sacrifice, alongside everyone else's, had not been in vain. For the rest of his days, no matter how many. A weight that need not feel like a burden.

"Thank you, Lady Tia'aria." This much he said in his faltering Tukant - all he could say in the language, but still plenty enough. He smiled at the Konti girl and switched to Common to comply with her request. He was going to be voiceless come the next day.

"It is not given to know what can prevent tragedy, any tragedy, from striking again. Any who profess the contrary are liars. I do not presume to possess such answers, but I know this much. To remember is to be strong. To simply be here on this day, to make room for new truths, to be aware there are other forces in this world… that each city is not its own universe but exists as a part of a greater whole. That will help immensely. Rhysol thrives on pettiness and paranoia… he divides and conquers, turning man against man and brother against brother. He has made a vassal of Vayt, the plague master, because nothing spreads discord faster than disease. I do not know if the present situation in Cyphrus is his work, but I intend to find out." Remembering his audience had a limited attention span, his speech moved on to the new gods. Certainly someone else here must be familiar with Rhysol.

"The new Sylir is the natural son of the old one. His name as an Alvina was Glav... Glav Navik, a priest from Syliras. There is almost no-one in the pantheon who's not familiar with him." Leo squinted a little as his eyes rose to meet Wysar's figure for a moment. He remembered an Akalak in the Temple of All Gods the day they had left Syliras, urging Glav not to go. Could it have been him? "Sylir's power is crucial in defeating Rhysol's priests, the Druvin. These creatures are utterly immortal by any other means, and their evil is boundless; you will know them by their pupil-less eyes."

"Xhyvas is an ancient god who died in the way gods sometimes die - that is, not quite completely. He presides over transcendence and possibilities; those he blesses can see things not as they are, but as they might become if action is taken. He commands creatures with a monstrous aspect, yet great intellect - they are known as Gasvik. It was one of them that absorbed enough energy from Ivak's liberation to bring Xhyvas back to life. He is a reclusive god, however, and my knowledge is vastly incomplete."

"Akvin is creativity incarnate. Akvin Kultra was Syliras' master Magecrafter. Deeply intelligent, he is the patron of quick thinkers and those who bring about new things. Where Izurdin is the solid, patient maker, Akvin is the inspired genius."

He had kept the worst for last. "As for Ssena..." The topic had somehow become more personal and it reflected in Leo's lower tone of voice. "She is the former champion of Rhysol, his Voice... his lover. I am not sure that she was following orders, though. Ssena is the lady of terror. She knows the fears that fester in your heart and can bring them out on a whim. Right now, by just looking at you ladies and gentlemen, your worst fears are plain as daylight to me. Those she marks," and here he brought his hand to the unsettling stick figure gnosis, "will never know fear again. She can stop hearts with her very gaze. She killed the King of the Isur... as well as my own father."

And with that, he fell silent and added no more.

[Riaris Dovukalis]

It was a sight to see, the looks upon the crowds faces, and that of the council when the bold Akalak challenged Leo to bring forth his God. In truth, he hadn't expected him to do so, in fact he was already certain that the man would not. But that wasn't his aim. He wanted to provoke a reaction from him. Something heart felt, something remorseful, anything other than the indifferent look plastered upon his features. The man had claimed that he was there to help them all move on, as if to say that they had a choice. The truth, however was that he wanted, no he expected them all to bow down and thank him for taking the time to come there, while he humored himself.

So the Akalak had attempted to draw out the man behind the mask, but he was interrupted. The doors flung open and in stepped something of mystery no science could ever explain. They were Akalak, but female and even carrying children. It was unnerving as it was strange, but he had little time to dwell on it as his gaze fell upon the two that they accompanied.

"God...Goddess"

Ajakia and Wysar stepped into the chamber and never before had the Akalak seen such beauty. He was speechless, astonished, not a moment ago he had claimed that the gods of the Akalak came to them when needed and there they both stood in the chamber with him. Riaris did what any Akalak would do, what any true son or daughter of Ajakia and Wysar would do, he knelled before them, and didn't bother to lift his head until he was sure that they had passed him.

Ajakia said something as she passed, something that tore deep into the heart of the warrior and only harden his heart and mind towards the champion. The human had the nerve to throw a fireball at his Goddess? It was a hard, daring slap in the face, to him and to any child of Ajakia's. To him, it was just as if he had thrown the fireball at his own birth mother, and that was something he couldn't let go.

The Akalak stood to his feet then, the words of Wysar rippling through his very being. He glanced up towards the couple, his eyes icy, the shade so pale it almost appeared solid white, and his features grew more savage-like. Recoomas clinched his fist tightly and raised it to his chest as he spoke, a deep raspy, yet less threatening voice slipped from between his lips.

"At your will my Lord."

Recoomas turned his gaze back to the champion. There was a much darker gleam in his eyes now, and unsettling presences and calm that wasn't there moments ago. His lips twisted, eyes widen as he leaned forward into a bow while meeting Leo at eye level and speaking in rich Tukant. "My apologizes champion of Ivak, I was not aware that you were a god in human form. Please forgive my...interruption. I won't trouble you further." He turned away then without another word and found a seat close to the woman that Leo had arrived with.

He stayed silent, not talking to anyone or touching anything. He just listened and waited.

[Eosi]

"Wish me luck."

The fiery young woman nearly blew him a kiss, but thought better of it. A single implication carried her through the aftermath. From the beginning, she’d known without being told: “Keep your head down.” What honor had been granted her, to love the Champion of Fire? That served as a reminder of those virtues she held so dear. Purpose, honor, devotion. That intimate, echoing whisper reinforced the barriers of her rapidly weakening resolve. Assertion was failure and arrogance was folly. She would be his solidarity. She could not waver. That was her role. Ivak had chosen her for that lone characteristic.

Restraint.

Leo began the oration. It was difficult to resist his words. Toward the end, adoration blushed through every pore, ceasing as it gently touched her eyes. The lioness offered him a brief smile, the gesture derailed by a rude interjection. Her head nearly snapped clean to look at the offender. This was expected, she told herself. Akalak were notoriously prideful. Her sharp tongue would find no purchase in this council of men. There was only Leo and his mission. Eosi remained silent.

Her lover, called a madman and a zealot. That was ironic from the man who presumed wisdom beyond that of his own Council. Did the eldest Akalak need representation from a mere whelp? The Inarta hardened her heart. There would be more slander. There would be more disgust. Nothing of value was won without a fight, after all. But Leo’s reply was cool. She could hear the light rustling as he exposed his secrets. There was a pang at that, to think she was no longer his only confidant. But it was a small sacrifice in the scope of things. It was nothing.

The Akalak stilled his wagging tongue. His hot gaze fell upon her and in that moment she realized the weight of her true responsibility. The very minute her lips parted to speak, she could become her lover’s greatest weakness. Discipline was something so well taught by the Denvali, it was ingrained. How dare he, she hissed inside. How low could a man be, to target that which sustained him? How could an Akalak, residing far above it all, drag her into the fray? Four small crescents leaked ruby red down a clenched palm. The subtle sound of clicking enamel reached outward as she ground her teeth. Anger strangled in her throat, urging to break free. But Eosi remained silent.

Her head turned. Eyes rounded in mute astonishment. It could not be true. Ten female Akalak strode forth, openly surrounding the very second instance of deity she’d ever encountered. There stood the Mother of Night, Akajia and beside her, Wysar. Eosi’s heart swelled, barely able to contain the chaos of her emotion. All of this was contained in a single movement, an imperceptible bow. Akalak were not the only creatures truly honor-bound. Eosi was a warrior too, even in this state of immobility.

It was mild, but a very small sound gusted from her lips. It was a chuckle, barely audible to those around her. Akajia’s recollection was so very typical of Leo. The feminine side of her won. He could be such a single-minded fool. Yet she could feel nothing but boundless love for him. Her fool. This sensation was immediately reinforced in the following moments. A scaled woman seemed eager to speak, confined by the mannered dialect of Kontinese. Eosi gave the briefest flash of recognition, unable to truly place where she’d last encountered her.

The translator led them through a beautiful speech, topical and furthermore wisest of all who came before. Mortals, both old and new, were mere pawns. They had no other cause but to trust, to cling to their destiny and to love. Tears nearly stung her eyes at the feeling expressed in her alien language. But still, Eosi remained silent.

There he was. His manner was suddenly odd. It didn’t seem that this Riaris had withdrawn. Eosi’s eyes were keen. This was tactical. Whatever had influenced the decision to sit near her, it was diabolical in nature. Perhaps a means to goad her. That wound make sense given Leo’s prowess thus far. Her stare urged toward Wysar, a divine representation of her one and only boon. Discipline. Just being in his presence gave her strength. And so in her thoughts, she uttered a little prayer. ”Wysar, God of Conviction. Watch your servant as she steels herself.” Eosi no longer fumed. Her shifting countenance faded.

In one effortless motion, her features were a neutral mask.

”I cannot fail him.”

[Leo Varniak]

No sooner had Leo finished speaking, that he noticed a detail he had previously missed in the heat of recalling things and spreading awareness. The young Akalak, Riaris, had not seated himself where he'd come from. Instead, he had picked a new seat that was tremendously close to Eosi's and simply lingered there, brooding. In his mind's eye, the blue warrior was so near and his arms so long that he could have seized her in a single motion. A dull anger ran down his spine, and even though he knew on a rational level that this was a provocation dictated by the lowest form of cunning, something in his heart stabbed at him and he flared with pain.

Was this man taunting him? What evil had Leo done upon him, to be treated in such a way? Had this Riaris lost his family to the Storm? Or was he simply vying for attention? Regardless of his reasons, such actions were filling Leo's mind with thoughts he wasn't ready to confront right now. For the unspoken question in that silent gesture was along the lines of 'Would you forgive if it was her?' And it sent the Azenth's mind spinning.

'There's no way you'd forgive, Leo,' a part of him seemed to say, 'she's the only happiness you've ever had. Someone comes along and snatches her away, you'll boil their flesh from the feet up and your only regret will be that you could only kill them once. You're a killer... can you really reinvent yourself a messiah so easily?' His own frailty surprised him. He truly believed what he had just said, he'd come here to unite people and make peace with the past. The world needed this. He knew he was standing for the right things, but that darkness he had inside wouldn't magically go away just because it was wrong. That it could take so little to make it blossom worried him deeply.

The look on his love's face was stern, and it told him she was fighting an inner battle as well. Perhaps she was once again chiding herself on being his weakness, as she sometimes did. And she was, in a way, but only because she forced him to turn inward and face all the ugly there. In truth, she was the highest blessing he could ever receive. Leo surveyed the scene one last time and averted his eyes reluctantly, glad for the short intermission. He couldn't let this one Akalak ruin a day that might even turn historic.

[Gossamer]

Akajia's gaze flickered across the crowd, her attention on first one speaker then the next. Briefly her eyes rested on Leo's but then her dark eyes moved on. One by one people came forth, a woman here who spoke the name of a warrior who fell during the Storm, a man there talking of a child who had died when a building collapsed. Luckily there were Konti who had came from Mura and had warned the city of a storm. Many lives were saved due to that fact. But still, all in all, more than eighty people were lost. Once everyone seemed to have spoken that wanted too, Nivar stood up and addressed Leo while he was still standing at the podium. "You seem to think a debt is owed and some unspeakable crime is weighed upon you, Leo Varniak. It is not. I assure you. Events happen and we fall under the greater burdens of the Will of the Gods. You are Ivak's Champion. Of that you have proven and we have no doubt. You are welcome here as long as your intentions are peaceful and we will, as we do for all transients and citizens, do our best to see to your needs. If we can offer you aid on your quest, speak of it and we will see what we can do to assist. I think it is clear to the Council - one and all of us - that there was no fault of yours placed on the events and that sooner or later they would have come to pass. We here in Riverfall live in the shadow and under the protection of several of the Divine." Nivar paused at that moment, glanced at Wysar and Ajakia, and bowed slightly. "These sorts of ... instances, while not experienced on the scale you have seen, have been common in our lives. That is to say, we understand. It is the judgement and decision of the Council that you are not responsible for any of the destruction that occurred The First of Spring, 512 Av. If, however, you feel the need to hear petitions for Ivak and yourself, you would be welcome to do so. Your actions based on those petitions are your own to make." He started to step down but another councilor, one younger than Nivar spoke up quietly to the Lord of Riverfall. Nivar paused then, and nodded. "We would also like to send a historian to you, a scholar and writer, to record your version of the events before you take your leave of this story. This work would be for our library and for the knowledge of the generation to come. Is that agreeable?" The Lord asked, polite but firm. And while the speakers addressed the Champion and the Council themselves, Ajakia's gaze flicked and finally rested on Riaris. Her voice filled his mind. "You know actions speak louder than words, Ricoomas. You would do well to listen, learn, and soak in the knowledge that has been granted here. The man standing before the Council is the bearer of many secrets. But he wishes not to hold them close. Ever mortal, the burden is too much and so he spreads his words. So very like Ivak. He was always a loud obnoxious God insisting everyone carry nothing inside and even the very world we dwell upon release its pent up tensions. But that is just one way. There are other ways.... better ways." The Goddess said, then turned her eyes upon Rosela. Ricoomas could still hear her words though, even voiceless as they were. And this time Rosela could hear them as well. "Take this child, this gilded beautiful fish swimming in a sea so far from her own. She listens, being wise enough to know what is at stake here. She learns, without spilling forth what she learns. That is desirable to me. That is a quality I admire." And with a flick of her hand, Rosela's neck burned with an exquisite agony for a moment. A dark gilded new moon, Akajia's mark, flared up and etched itself like embossed darkness, on the center of Rosela neck above her atlas vertebrae. It was just beneath her hairline. Ricoomas would not know. Only Rosela knew, in that instant, the moment her and the Goddess' eyes met, that she was somehow chosen and somehow special. The knowledge of Makath instantly sprung into her mind, the new language filling her awareness. And with it the shadows in the chamber took on a life and voices of their own, revealing how well accompanied Akajia really was, despite her weakened state and being out and about in the daylight. Not only was Wysar at her side, but a strange inhuman honor guard followed her in every shadow and every deep dark corner. Even the spaces beneath the seats writhed with life.

[Leo Varniak]

The procession of Rivarians speaking the names of the deceased and seeking closure for the loss of their loved ones was met with a deep nod to each and every one. While the city had suffered only moderate losses, the stream of petitioners lasted for what seemed an eternity. Leo committed every story to memory, and even though he knew he wouldn't be able to remember every name, he made a honest effort in that direction. It took his mind off the thought of Riaris and the strange way the Akalak's actions got to him. The man was not lacking intelligence, but he had chosen to misuse it on the wrong opponent.

As soon as the last person's voice faded out and silence fell upon the meeting hall, the lord of Rivefall finally spoke to the assembly. The Azenth's gaze turned to the noble-looking leader and he stood there, awaiting the city's official response to his plea. His words sounded like others he had heard before, so much so that they felt like a dejà vu of sorts. It appeared that there were two cadres of people, those who hated him for what he had done, and those who kept telling him not to carry that burden because it was not his. And who the petch cared if it wasn't his? Did they think it made him weaker for it? In the beginning, maybe, he had found the weight a crushing one; not anymore, though. He did not do this because he felt small. He did it because he felt large - and no matter how much of him was taken away by the hungry hands of the masses, he would have plenty. He would be plenty. This was the best exercise for the muscles of his soul.

"You have my gratitude, my lord," Leo spoke in the end with the slightest hint of a bow. He relaxed. The day was won here, it seemed, short of any last-chime coup de theatre. A speech had been enough for Riverfall; what of the Drykas, though? It was going to take a miracle to get them to understand. "I gladly accept your judgment. I shall carry no guilt, yet I will not stop caring. It is Ivak's very nature to care, and care deeply." He wanted to laugh at all the first-class idiots who thought him cold. Leo was a man of absolutes. He knew now that there were only two possible outlooks - either nothing was important, or everything was. He had made his choice.

He smiled at the Council. "I ask the city of Riverfall nothing but to remember today's words. To that end, I would request your permission to craft a small monument in one of your beautiful parks through the use of magic. A memorial, and a promise. As for the matter of history, I already committed the entire story to ink and paper before coming here. I will gladly meet your historian should you deem it necessary, and better writers than I may be able to rephrase the contents, or perhaps translate them into Tukant, but full records are already in existence and ready to be delivered to the Valkalah library." He cast Akajia a meaningful look. There would be no secrets in this. Perhaps this was the real fireball.

Leo finished speaking and couldn't help but seek Eosi with his eyes, drinking from the expression on her face. He was quite certain he couldn't have done this without her.

[Riaris Dovukalis]

Recoomas sat in the back row of the chamber seething. The young Akalak was livid, he was outraged. It was just like the council to bend over and take whatever a human gave them, and the fact that this man was some sort of champion to the God Ivak only made them stretch their limbs that much more. It was insulting and a true low for any Akalak. But it seemed that his hands were tied as his own God and Goddess had shunned him to silence and taken the side of the man who had laid claim to a monstrous feat but no one was supposed to blame him for what he did and instead they were all supposed to embrace him and tell him what a good job he did. Recoomas was sick to his stomach and it took more will and conviction to keep him seated than Wysar probably new.

Then a voice spoke to him, his beloved mother Ajakia was speaking to him. He was once again honored by her and listened intently to her words. The Akalak shouldn't have been surprised and the dark Goddess' words were just as vague as ever leaving him with many questions. "What are you saying my mother? Is there something special about this woman? Is there a reason I should even acknowledge her existence?" He waited for an answer, completely unaware that she had just bestowed her treasured mark upon the woman.

"Who is this woman, why do you speak of her fondly my mother?"

He then turned his attention back to the woman seated in front of him. She hadn't moved, nor even looked back at him, but he knew that she was aware of him. Perhaps she was afraid to look back, or didn't think him much of a threat to bother doing so. After all, the man she had sat with had confessed being a champion of a God. Surly that allowed her a level of arrogance just as strong as the one her mate held. He narrowed his pale eyes as they focused on her and his lips twisted something sinister.

"What are you to him, a wife, a confidant, or simply a bed warmer?" His voice was cruel, his intentions obvious, even as he leaned forward to draw in the scent from her hair. The woman was pretty enough, and Recoomas could see why the man would seek her comfort. Women were a joy after all, and he could imagine how much fun Leo had with her, all while preaching of how important he was to their God.

Recoomas leaned closer, allowing his head to slip over her shoulder as he moved his lips close to her ear. "Is it the fire that draws you? I wonder...what would happen if that fire were to die out.."

[Rosela]

Rosela’s fingers flexed at the mention of the plague, and immediately thought about Vanator and those at the Sanctuary. Was Riverfall sufficiently guarded against it? Once again, she revisted the idea of banning Drykas from her shop. She still didn’t know how to identify them on sight however, and if no plague had been reported in the city all season, would she be unnecessarily turning away customers? Akvin peaked her curiosity immediately, knowing she could use a little divine help every now and then when she was designing for the shop. Before she could think on it too much however, she caught on the words ‘his lover’ and forced herself to pay attention. She could mull it all over later, after it was over. There was no sense in getting distracted and missing what could be very interesting information. Like Ivak, Rhysol had taken a lover, only it seemed like this one had climbed her way up the ladder to join him. It was an interesting possibility, and she filed it away in her mind, next to Akvin’s ascension in Ivak’s release. As Leo’s eyes swept the crowd, Rosela couldn’t help but tense and slide a little down in her seat, now afraid he would pick out her fear from the crowd. Or had he already done it at the shop? Did he know, then? Could he have possibly picked it out of her mind…what she’d done? There was a twinge of interest as she saw Riaris sit close to Eosi, but found herself unable to care. With so many around, and in the presence of deities, she’d be fine. It was more concerning why no one shrank from Leo as he revealed what his mark from Ssena allowed him. Did no one care that he could pluck their worst fears from their minds like cherries? Perhaps it was for the best if he didn’t patronize her shop again before he left, like she’d hoped. Unless he’d already got it out of her, and she’d, like with the Drykas, be turning away a paying customer for no reason? It bothered her immensely not to know what he knew about her. While she stewed in her anxiety over what he may or may not know, various people came forward, telling their sob stories of the Djed storm. As with the Konti girl, Rosela didn’t pay them any mind, but noted with interest that Leo’s side the events would be going into print. She had half a mind to go down and read it when it was ready, to see if there were any more details on the whole ascension thing. Take this child… There was a heartbeat of confusion before Rosela realized the words were in her mind, as she seemed to pick up the middle of a conversation. She flushed at the compliment the goddess paid her, and met her eyes over the crowded chamber. A small gasp escaped as her neck suddenly flushed hot enough to burn in sweet pleasure. There was movement to her right as the Konti woman turned to look at her, but Rosela’s eyes stayed on Akajia. Her hand lifted shakily to her neck, now moist with sweat and pheromones, and felt at the base of her skull. She could feel no difference, but there was the knowledge that she’d been touched there. Blessed. Blinking slowly, she was distracted from the goddess by the…things around her. Not just there, but all around the room, under every chair and beside every person. They were still while she looked at them, but seemed to writhe and breathe in the corners of her vision. They whispered, quietly, and Rosela had the distinct impression – as though she could now understand them – that they were talking about her. The rest of the chamber became background noise as she strained to listen to the shadows.

[Eosi]

Breath whistled from tightly pressed lips. It was such a relief that she nearly sagged. The Council had spoken. Not only did they believe he was Champion, but they were offering aid. Like magnets, the two flames were drawn to one another. Leo’s eyes sought hers and she offered him the same gesture. A broad grin pulled her pursed lips apart, tension slowly coming unlaced. He wore triumphant well, she thought. Her gleaming teeth reflected the glinting torchlight. Eosi both looked and felt radiant. The pair of them could not have asked for a better conclusion.

A deeply unsettling voice hissed from behind. The recently quieted fury came anew, this time with considerable force. Her eyes narrowed and her jaw tensed. The Inarta was already a hothead. The only thing that’d stilled her tongue before was what stood on the line. Now she was free to speak. ”Get away from me.” Her voice quaked with thinly veiled anger. The inferno was beginning, and the slightest hint of oxygen would set her mind ablaze.

His presence inched forward, breath dancing across her shoulder. The sense of him so close made her want to wretch. And then he said it, something so utterly vile. Eosi felt her eyes go red. Reflexive, she got to her feet in one fluid motion and wheeled to face him. ”You honorless pig. You disgrace the Akalak with your feeble mind games. You think the fire will go out, do you?” She nearly spat. It was with one phrase that the gauntlet was hurled. She would not be humiliated in such a way.

”I will teach you the value of pride. A mere human woman, as I am. I challenge you to a dual, Akalak.” Her words suddenly became harshly accented, the vestiges of Denvali echoing in her conjugation. “With my bow, I will show you that so long as your kind remains, the fire will never dwindle.” She nearly crackled, eyes blazing. ”It will never die out.” And with the end, her lips curled up into a sneer and her arms folded themselves. The feeling was already ebbing away, replacing itself with something new. ”Weapons only. No other terms. Winner lives with the honor, loser lives with the shame.”

A beat passed.

”So. Do you accept?” Leo was most likely going to be displeased. But he couldn’t take her along if he was nothing more than a babysitter. This would be proof enough that she could handle herself. The outburst seemed irreverent and so before she turned to her love, she gave both the council and its deities a token bow. ”My apologies.” Her voice murmured. Even in lieu of a boar like Riaris, she knew to mind her manners.

[Leo Varniak]

It couldn't last. It never did. Lhex always gave with one hand and took with the other, just to make things interesting; but then again, hadn't Leo himself routinely given and taken, and without a claim to divinity? The champion's smile died on his lips as his eyes caught the terrible man, Riaris, whisper something in Eosi's ear. What in the world moved such a creature? Leo had made himself plenty of enemies in his time, but this was the first time someone's hostility ever felt so petty and gratuitous. The senselessness of it fueled dull anger in the depths of his heart, but he restrained the feeling. Eosi could handle herself, he was sure. He couldn't risk ruining what he had accomplished here today.

And here he mixed up his hopes with the reality of who Eosi was. It had taken him about five chimes in her company to assess that he'd never own her; no-one ever would. When she stood, insulting the Akalak and demanding satisfaction in a duel, he knew the conclusion had already been written in the premise. Leo watched the scene unfold with baited breath, his eyes comparing Eosi's powerful but small figure to the Akalak's enormous one. To his lover's eye, she looked like Riaris' breath could push her away. He knew fear should have consumed him completely at that very instant, but Ssena prevented it and he felt empty instead. Even his anger was frozen in place.

He let out a sigh, and those terrible thoughts returned to him in full force. 'Would you forgive if it was her?' There were so many ways "accidents" could happen even in a duel not meant to be to the death. With such a size differential, the line between murder and manslaughter was a thin one. His fist clenched, but he gave no other sign of his nervousness. 'How funny you are, Leo Zaital - you'd face an army if need be, but that woman has you worrying over every shadow'. He couldn't help it. Even right now, there was such beauty to her pride. Every tremor of her lip was an emotion she held in her heart, and he craved them all.

He couldn't, wouldn't stop her. His gaze was apprehensive, but he said nothing as he hoped against hope that Riaris would turn down the duel, perhaps deeming a woman half his size too precious to risk hurting. But who was he kidding? This was Riverfall. Babies in their cradles dueled their brothers and sisters. The Akalak and his low cunning had done it, and there was nothing Leo could do but pray to Ivak and all the gods for things to turn out for the best.