call to arms

[Shadow]

Shadow, regaining composure, walked up to the platform where the others were standing. "So, assembling a force out of this rag-tag assemblage?" he laughed. "With you as a leader, it shouldn't be a problem in the least." Smiling, he nodded to David, Tyanno, Tsuzuki, Adiana, and Elesmir, whom he didn't know. "Hello all, I think that this will work to a great advantage. Chao, who had shrunk small enough to be on Shadow's shoulder, nodded in agreement. "Adiana, how did you know it was us?" Shadow nodded. "yeah, how? you ruined the surprise... well, I ruined it... but that’s not the point... Oh well. back to reality." he laughed once more and turned and addressed the crowd. "People, If you live in this town, then you live a life of danger and anxiety. There is an unspoken fear in you all, a fear that one day you will wake up to see the entire might of Avaren at our front door. Or, you fear that one day we won’t be waking up at all, our throats slit in our sleep. This group that Alezand is trying to organize is to prevent that. By stepping up on this platform, we all have agreed to put this town as first priority and to protect it with our lives." he looked around for a moment. "If you do not walk up here, that is perfectly fine, as you will be helpful in many other ways. Only the willing should be set to defend. But, remember, those that don't defend still need to help. Someday, this will be a magnificent city, with trade flowing in and out like the mountain river that we get our water from. This will not happen on its own however, and that is where you come in. Your jobs are to provide us with the stuff we need, and to believe in us, even when we may seem wrong. You are the ones who need to aid us in constructing defenses, the one who need to help us learn, grow and prosper as a community." He trailed off, looking confused, and stepped back. "that is all I have to say, unfinished as it is. You yourselves need to finish it, as without you, the people that you see up on this platform would not exist, and the world would be over-run with tyranny and war. not something that anyone here would like. Shadow laughed. "and now, my brain has been squeezed of it's usefulness. I am not usually a man of words..." Trailing off, he laughed. "I am finished speaking, and I request that someone silence me before more useless blabber flows from my scattered thoughts..." laughing again, he shook his head.

[Tsuzuki Sanada]

Tsuzuki listened to Shadow's words and sighed "It'll be simple to stop Vidar's army all we need is some traps and signals for the traps..however I think it'd be best if we go to David's home and talk there..you never know if there are spys even now. David, my lord would you agree to a meeting with your new army?"He sked after all Tsuzuki was a stratagest not a true warrior but he had the strength incase of a battle."Shadow my friend I hope you'll show as well cause this will involve you as well."

[elsemir]

"I am going into the slums, we need more people and the slums always have more than one downtroden soul willing to fight." Elsemir said as he headed off.
"You are welcome to join me." He told them.
He was'nt going in any general direction, because the fight doesnt come from a place it is all around you just waiting to happen.

[Tyanno Dynam, Allaine mage]

Tyanno glanced up at Alezand and replied, "Yes, I met her in the Forest, and you heard her right. She and I plan to travel to Aesir and speak with Cain, about what you and I discussed. I have a lot of faith in her. She has a lot of potential, and heart. I figured you'd want to meet her before we left." His attention was then grabbed by the theatrics that later proved to be Shadow making his entrance. Tyanno laughed as the common guard scattered at the wake of Chao and his companion. Shadow approached and spoke to the towns people a bit and then joined the group. Tsuzuki had suggested that they made way to a more secretive place. And Elsemir suggested to make way down the alleys to rally more people. Tyanno considered going with him, as one of Alezand's closest friends and to explore the place for strategic reasons. But Alezand would need him at the meeting and he had responsibility to Adiana. So he stayed where he was, waiting for any more instruction...

[Adrienne]

Adrienne had watched the goings on with some interest expeciall when the woman called Adiana stepped up. Adrienne studied this woman sensing she was a fellow mage with great power that cold match and even be greater than her own. A friend of Tyranno it seemed but she carefully wacth Alazand's reaction hoping the woman wouldn't be any threat. She stood close enough to Alezand letting the woman know that he belonged to her. She watched the entrance of a man Tyranno called Shadow. Finally after all the theatrics she turned to Alezand to see what he would say.

[Kendall Ducaine Malice]

There seemed to be a lot going on here, Dragon Dogs, smoke, fire, Mages. It seemed almost a little too overwhelming, but Kendall still was just content enough to hang back and listen. As the one they addressed as Shadow made his way to the platform, Kendall too allowed himself to draw closer to get a good look at the gathered, daring not to draw too close, Kendall kept himself at a respectable distance and simply let his eyes wander about those who stood upon the riser. The one Mage who was that last to arrive, the one who caused the uproar with his pet moved to address the crowd and Kendall watched and listening with intent, some of the things said made Kendall question what he had become a part of. Was he a soldier in some sort of evil Empire?

The speech gave him reason enough to formulate more questions. What had Avaren done to give cause to such fear to necessitate the forming of a separate Militia? Did they think once the full might of Lord Vidar’s army turned on this place they could actually stay off the verge? After “Shadow” had finished speaking another had in turn began to speak. Kendall was too far to hear what was being said, but watching his mouth Kendall could make out most of what he was saying. This put Kendall in a curious position. He could stay and join in arms against those he had sworn allegiance too, he could return and forget what he saw, or he could infiltrate and report back. Kendall had to first realize what he was apart of and whether the words he heard to day were purely propaganda or if there was truth and reason behind that which they feared.

Kendall had not made up his mind as of yet, simply he let the flow of the crowd carry him closer to the platform to see if he may get to hear further detail of what was transpiring.

[Shadow]

Shadow's gaze swept the crowd as he raised his hood, shadowing his face enough that anyone who was looking in his direction wouldn't be able to follow his gaze. However, an observant person, one that caught Shadow's attention, would realize that they were being looked at and probably feel concerned. His gaze, which restlessly traveled the crowd, came to rest on a taller man in the back of the crowd. He was dressed simply enough, but Shadow could almost feel the man's conflicting emotions. Shadow's eyes became curiously hardened. Who is this? He is nearly as tall as I... at least he stands head and shoulders over the crowd. He looks like warrior... and a strong one at that... Shaking his head, Shadow put his hood don, lifting his gaze from the man. Not your ordinary wandering sword... I wonder where this man's loyalties lie... He sighed, lowered his hood and looked around once more. "Hmmm... Tsuzuki, I do believe that your concerns are for naught, but it would be wise to take precautions." As he said that, he returned his unveiled gaze to the tall warrior, just long enough for the man to realize that he was being observed. Shadow looked over at Chao, stroking the dragon dogs crest. There was just something about the man that caught Shadow's attention. But is it the uncertainty? or is it the forces that are trying to tear him apart?

[Adiana Kieron Astraea]

The young woman looked up at Shadow with a happy smile of greeting and then flicked her violet gaze to Chao as he spoke to her. She chuckled softly and replied, "I'll never tell." With that said, her lips twitched into a seductive smile. She'd tell him her secrets later, but right now there were too many people she didn't know and she didn't want any one to know of her talent. Not yet, at least. It was a far too useful thing that she could use to the benefit of this colony. After all, once she met a person and took in their aura, she knew who they were any time, regardless of disguise.

Her gaze switched to the others as they spoke, taking in everything that they said. Then she glanced at Adrienne, the only other woman it seemed. Adiana had been slightly amused by the way the other mage had taken such a protective stance near Alezand, almost as if to say 'keep away'. As if the sixteen year old wanted the warrior anyway! Still, Adiana couldn't help but also notice the fact that Adrienne had taken some interest in Adiana. Had she been able to read minds, Adiana would have noted that Adrienne had sensed a great power within Adiana... A power to which the young woman didn't know, for that matter, probably doubted that she had that power. Maybe she could teach me if all else fails? She thought.

Movement in the crowd then caught her eye, and Adiana's head snapped in the direction of that movement. It was the tall man she had seen earlier before at the back of the crowd. He had moved closer, and it seemed she wasn't the only one who recognized him. Shadow had too, and Adiana side-glanced at him to see if she was correct. She was. Once more her gaze turned to the man, and this time she did not look away but kept her gaze locked on him, perhaps even locked with his own eyes if he met her gaze.

[Kendall Ducaine Malice]

Walking through the current of people Kendall slowly made his way closer to the platform upon which all the others stood to address the crowd. The ebb and flow of the gathered mass was not unlike that you would see in tides upon the surf. Kendal would be making his way closer to them easily enough only to meet a sudden stop and wash back the other direction, only again to head closer to the podium. As he mired through the crowd Kendall felt the weight of another’s gaze upon him; it was like someone had placed a heavy fur upon his shoulders. Slowly he lifted his head letting his own dark gaze wander about those gathered upon the platform. Finally after a moment Kendall’s eyes settled upon Shadow.

The two men’s gaze held only for a fleeting moment, no sooner had Kendall found who was watching him did he draw his hood up and turned to regard another once more. He was speaking to the one who had suggested laying traps and what not. Kendall watched the two converse for a moment, the weight seemed to have been lifted off his shoulders. Then Kendall felt an odd tingle, a second, lighter gaze had found its way to settle upon him only this time Kendall was able to find its owner without any trouble. Kendall’s dark brown eyes shifted and met Adiana’s. She was young, maybe only a couple years younger than he, but she was beautiful. If she was on their side, then it could not have all been lies now could it have been? Kendall let his gaze linger upon hers for a heartbeat before hesitantly tearing his eyes from hers.

Kendall had been made; he would do good to blend back into the crowd. Maybe even report back to Avaren and leak just what he saw transpiring, that is if he was to remain loyal. Kendall had no proof of anything; all he had to go one was the hearsay of others, that didn’t necessarily mean they were lying, just… For Kendall their words had no validity. Drawing a deep breath Kendall felt his stomach rumble; perhaps it would be best to grab a bite to eat before heading on the path back to Avaren.

[David Augustine]

David looked towards Tsuzuki as he spoke towards him and the others that were there. It was fine by him if they came to his abode though, he would prefer not to at the time. Simply finding another place to hold a meeting would be of a greater idea. Though he could understand why his house was brought up over any other location. In the back of his mind, however, something was bothering. A certain warrior in the crowd slightly peaked his interest for some odd reason. Not that he truly understood why, but still it didn't necessarily make that much sense. And that wasn't the only thing that was tugging at his mind. The simple thought of a woman that he had incountered, someone who had helped him.

Insidia was on his mind at the very moment. As if some faint cry was etching into his own mind. Not that it was really there, but David had a feeling that she was still in Avaren. And the longer she was there the worse it was going to get for her. Vidar was by no means a very just man. David remembered telling her that he would help her, but she decided to part ways with him and take her own path. Something that he respected, but started to regret allowing her to take her own way without his escort. "I'll have go back." he muttered almost inaudibly though it was directed towards himself and not the others.

He looked around seeing all of the people as they slowly left one by one. The only ones remaining where those that had decided to stand and join the ones that were up on the platform. So these were the mages and warriors that would aid in defending this place. Of course, their only course of action that was available would be defending Repaer, because attacking Avaren's forces head on would be very foolish. It was best to allow nature to exhaust them and dwindle their numbers if they decided to try and approach this place. Then the ones that were here would have a better chance of surviving. That's what this village was really all about, it was made to help people survive with better conditions. Of course, many things might have been better in Avaren, but at least here they wouldn't have to worry about being imprisoned for existing.

"I guess we shall hold a short meeting at my house." David spoke quitely, "It would be better to discuss any matters there. Elsmir, you may go and search the Hallows. Though I don't think that you'll find that much. Perhaps a few buildings that aren't habitable and could be used for other things such as making crude makeshift barriers or gates. Tyanno, I would greatly appreciate you going to Aesir and speaking with the king there. If there is any way possible, I would like to speak with him as well. Getting one part of this village's objectives done would not be a unwise thing to do. It would also open up trade between us and make things a bit easier for us to survive out here. Other than those that have been mentioned earlier, the rest shall meet at my house within two hours. I think that will give enough time for everyone get their thoughts together."

David finished with a soft sigh as he wasn't necessarily sure of how to completely run a village. But he figured that he would do his best. He stepped off of the platform and then began to walk away. Slowly his feet picked up and helped him move forward through the opening which was known as Repaer's Notch and towards his own home so that he could more than likely get his own thoughts together and focus on what needed to be done.

[Rylith]

"Don't be a fool." a soft yet scornful voice broke through the crowd, directed at both Alezand and David. It belonged to a man shrouded in a very tattered cloak, which he had drawn up in a cowl to shroud his face. He had been thus sitting unnoticed upon a barrel near the outskirts of the small crowd yet not gained his feet to face the platform the leaders stood upon.

"You are all fools. What makes you think you will receive any help from others? You have nothing to offer and there is little incentive for anyone else to attack Avaren, as their gates are closed and their problems currently remaining internal." he drawled on, showing little respect for their valiant effort. "Even if every single person in this little....." he paused, searching for a word, "Shanty town," he finally decided on, "Decided to stand against their army, you would be outnumbered many times over. No matter how much bravery or valor you have, you would be overcome by sheer military discipline and overwhelming odds."

"All you would do by provoking Avaren into attacking this town," he continued on, "Would be to ruin everything you have striven thus far to build."

[Tsuzuki Sanada]

Tsuzuki hear this man's claims and just chuckled apperntly this guy didn't know Tsuzuki's plans and then he looked at the leaders and said. "Ignore his claims you'll find my plans are easy and very effective."

[Alezand Jozlyn, Allaine knight]

Alezand chuckled at first to himself witnessing the jockeying positions of the two females present. He could clearly see both Adrienne's insecurity and Adiana's total lack of interest. And not that he was interested at all in the newcomer, he was decidedly taken already. He was amused by Adrienne's over protectiveness, though it may pose a problem in the future. He made a mental note to talk to her about it sometime.

He listened to the entrances and speeches and suggestions. He noted Tyanno's obvious wish to go exploring with Elsemir, and Tsuzuki's confidence in traps. His ideas were very valid in Alezand's plans, but the troop might be putting a little too much faith in snares and lures. He was well aware of the soldier passing through the crowd, as his body language was loud and distinct against the general population gathered. Alezand feared nothing of this man, for he could do nothing whilst he was here, out numbered and he could easily be tracked back to Avaren and apprehended if he showed any sign of reporting what he had seen. And the man was clearly conflicted, so maybe there was a potential ally there somewhere.

Then the words being traded were of dispute, and Alezand raised a hand to silence both of them. He stepped into the middle of the group, though his words were more for the dark figure but his words were moralizing for all who were present. "I have faced Vidar several times now, all times on his turf, his rules. The last time, I was outnumbered 30 to 1 by him and his paladin's. I was a high priority target, for I was major advocate for the mages and I led the breakout attempt from the banquet and the trap laid at the false entrance. But I defeated his biggest paladin and walked away completely unscathed. And I will tell you why, for there are several reasons and they all apply to us. Vidar and his men believe that every event transpiring is divine intervention. For that, after I downed their champion, despite his anger with me, Vidar refused to vex me further for he believed that what truly was my will and inner strength was Gods will. And everyone standing here has that same soul that I possess. I know because you are all standing here next to me. Anything less, and you would still be in the crowd pondering what if." Alezand looked directly at each and everyone of them in turn, burning his determined gaze into them.

"And there are more I am expecting who have requested change, and have pledged their support in secret with me.. They either did not want to expose themselves or are in trouble already for their position on the situation. Have no doubts that more shall rally forth when the time is of the need. We have already made it possible for them for we were brave enough to say what they couldn't. Now that they know that they are not alone, they will come in time. Also, you are forgetting that Vidar is overconfident and power hungry, his troops confused and demoralized. We are not provoking anything, but it would be foolish to be unprepared. The Valley provides a choke point where he would not be able to bring his full force in upon us, and he would be fighting outside his element. And a key weak point is that Vidar is a coward. He hardly does any of his own fighting. Threaten him, and the cause is lost for his army. And he is by no means untouchable." Alezand paused for a moment. His voice was loud and commanding, honed from those days of harsh brutality.

"And you are forgetting that half of the population of this place are children to another city. The mages of the Aesir would not let us stand alone. They stepped up to our aid once before and I know they will do it again. Tyanno here is on his way to see the Grand Magi the King to address a plan to help both cities in the event of darker times to come soon. And I have more combat and tactical experience than any of Vidar's leaders and so does our Mayor here. We have both seen more and are more tactically honed than any foe the enemy has faced before."

Alezand sighed as he chose his next words carefully, knowing full well of the attention he had right then. "I stand here as proof that the foe is not invincible and conflicted. I downed their champion single handedly and while under armored, armed and outnumbered. I fooled their leader into sending hundreds of his soldiers into a immersive and bloody trap and that there are whispers through the ranks that there is disbelief in their so called divine king. I am not proposing an attack, at least not now. That would be foolish. But stand here as a start to turn the tide of events. What we stand for here today will ripple through till the time comes when change is to occur. Even the simple gesture of common people coming together will be enough to send even more discord through the ranks and maybe be enough that they will fall apart on their own. But if you have ever believed in anything, believe me now..." He let his words drift away, his mind racing to read the reaction of those around him and realized that the whole crowd had gathered closer to hear what he had to say...

[Adiana Kieron Astraea]

Their gazes locked, and through that connection she could read him. She couldn't read his thoughts, but his eyes gave away much of what he felt. He was conflicted, indeed, by what she wasn't too sure... but she had a feeling he was not entirely a friend to them. Oh sure, she could see the way he looked at her. He seemed taken by her, but then it seemed quite a few men were when they saw her, why, she wasn't sure as she didn't think herself drop-dead gorgeous, pretty perhaps, but not beautiful. Yet it still amused her how men looked at her, and even more so when they were hesitant to draw their gaze away from her, like this one was.

Her lips curled into a wry smile before she turned her attention back on those speaking. Her mind still kept a hold on the unknown warrior since she now knew his aura and could track him down if she wanted to. That was how it worked, she made eye contact and auras became imprinted in her memory bank. It would be very useful for this group of city militia. She could be a spy, but that wasn't necessary just yet. She still needed to hone her skills in reading auras, they were good, but she had difficulty tracking any one who was more than ten miles away. Once the mayor had concluded her speech another spoke... an outsider it seemed.

Her lips almost curled into a disgusted snarl at this man who seemed so sure of himself. She shook her head and said simply, "Only a fool would think we were designing this militia to fight wars. It's a guard, not an army. At least not yet." Then her gaze shifted to the other man, who chuckled and then began to speak. Once had had finished her gaze snapped towards Alezand. She listened to him speak, and the more he spoke, the more admiration she held for him. Everything he said only raised the respect she had for him. When at last she finished she nodded her head. The more she spent in the presence of this man, the more she felt compelled to follow him, and thus she didn't regret pledging her loyalty to the order which he renewed.

[Kendall Ducaine Malice]

Glancing about Kendall began to see the crowd thin; a slight shiver let him know that more intent eyes had found him amongst the gathered. It was a little more attention than Kendall would have liked for himself. They had recognized him, recognized he was an outsider to their cause, not necessarily an enemy or a foe, just not on the same page or sharing the same view as they did. No more good could come of lingering and any chance of over hearing anything else was all but gone. The conversations would carry one however just far more quietly and behind closed doors. No, apparently Kendall had heard all there was to be said this afternoon. It was just as well; his stomach was telling him that it was lunchtime.

Taking a step back, Kendall turned on his heel and began to fall back into the current of the crowd as it dispersed casting a fleeting glance over his shoulder at the girl who he had saw. Not bothering to let his eyes linger this time he turned his head to mind where he was walking. Kendall’s path led him by a figure that stood out from the rest; he sat upon a barrel wearing tattered robes. Kendall didn’t stop to observe him as he spoke, simply he moved along looking for a vendor or a tavern where he could perhaps sate his hunger before making his way back to Avaren. Kendall had a lot to digest mentally on his way back, the question still nibbled at the corners of his consciousness. “Why? Why do these folk live in fear?” There had to be at least some shred of evidence to either confirm or disprove what he witnessed here today.

Perhaps it would just be best to forget what he heard, these people seemed goodly enough and they weren’t talking of invading or staging a coupe. No rather they were thinking defensively, that was a subtle hint that what they were saying just might be true. Blowing out a vexed sigh Kendall shook his head and left the Notch in search for hard sustenance.