Birthright By the Blade

[Iorran (Tirion)]

Tirion was led into the tribe's village. Or at least he figured it was a village. It was rooted in one spot, but the buildings were comprised of tents, some looking like they were erected in haste. He was told that the other tribes of Sacae weren't as advanced in their methods of living as his, but he wouldn't had dreamed they lived in tents! Finally, he was led through the entrance of a very large tent. Inside was a large man who he had assumed was a leader of some sort.

The boy and what he gathered was his father spoke to one another. He heard the term "chief" thrown around. Chief. Was that the title for the governing body of the tribe? It was quite different from his own tribe's politics. One man ruling the entire tribe as opposed to his people's council of elders. It didn't seem to make much sense, but this was a small tribe. Maybe it only took one man to preside over it? Tirion shook his head. It still didn't make any sense to him. Where are the checks and balances? The votes? With one man ruling there is no way of keeping him from making terrible decisions! Tirion had hoped the man at least had some sort of advisor with him.

Tirion was then addressed directly by the chief. Warriors, women, or horses, he said. Well it was him who was offering warriors to the tribe, not the other way around. Women sounded like a fine plan, but he wasn't sure what Erie would think. Horses could be negotiated after his business was done. Tirion stepped forward to speak.

"Nay, sir. I not be wantin' anythin' from ye at the moment. I am 'ere to simply introduce me tribe to ye. We are the Norric located in the shadow o' the northern mountains. We 'ave spent every year since the Scourin' fightin' our sister tribe o' Gaul, but these recent wars 'ave convinced us to enter the rest o' the world and fight for good. I come to you an' every other tribe on these plains to say that the Norric wish to join Sacae proper." Tirion looked around after he finished. He wondered if he had forgotten anything.

[Selibas]

Farus threw back his head and laughed. "Sacae proper? You all haven't been about for some time brother. Sacaens are about as close as you and your Gaul friends. Most Sacaens are like us just avoiding Etrurians, so we don't get "converted"." He signaled to Chlane. Lead them to your other tents. He sat back dwn and thougt for a second. Then he spoke up again, "Little wolf. Tommorow two hours after noon no need to make you're cousin wait."

Then Chlane led them out of the tent. "Samen Terrence, lead these two, pointing at Synkkis and Tirion, to the tent I have a few last things to teach Selibas." And the teacher led the boy to a spot about a hundred yards from the tribe.

[Synkkis Kyyneltya]

Synkkis didn't understand much of what was being said, but there was a lot of body language involved which he did comprehend. Most of the time Synkkis had a piercing gaze with his head held high. He didn't come to a foreign land to be pushed around. He rested his hands on his belt as he greeted the man who accepted Selibas' challenge. Farus was the name. The shaman-in-training studied Farus. It seemed that all of Farus' pride rested in his own abilities and that of his clan. Synkkis gathered that Farus could become a broken shell if his pride was shattered. The white-haired man was going to make sure that he wasn't around for that revelation, though. He didn't like dealing with people's problems. He wasn't the most empathetic man in Elibe, that was for damned sure.

"Farus. I am Synkkis Kyyneltya of Ilia. Talvikyla is the name of my village. I appreciate your hospitality towards us as strangers and if you speak of my name in Talvikyla you shall find the same shelter agaisnt the winter's howling winds." He touched the unseen family crest that was on his left shoulder with his right hand - which held a symbol of the ritual symbol. Synkkis always felt that the symbol helped him with his spells in accuracy and strength. The purple-robed pupil nodded his head in respect and followed Samen.

[Iorran (Tirion)]

Being led out of the large tent, Tirion pondered over what was said. It was true that heralds of Elimoome, or whatever it was they called their deity, were attempting to recruit followers in the plains. Mullingard was no exception with a fairly prominent chapel erected near the council building and the sudden inclusion of healers and acolytes in the city militia in recent years. He was a bit distraught at the revelation that his task may be made quite difficult. If it came down to it, he may need to negotiate some sort of alliance in Sacae in addition to simply presenting his tribe.

This new turn of events stressed Tirion out a bit more than it should have. While walking to their destination, he uncorked his brandy gourd and took a few large swigs. Some drops of the drink fell from the corner of his mouth down to his pack slung over his shoulder. Tirion was suddenly reminded of the sableweed leaves he had in his pack. They should be dry by now. I've been longin' for a drag since I woke up! Tirion pulled out his pipe from his pack and the small leather puch he stored his leaves in. Much to his delight, they were dry enough to light. Getting a bit ahead of himself, he crushed a handful and placed it in the bowl of his pipe. However, before he went to light a twig on a nearby fire, he was reminded that he was actually with other people.

"Uh. Do any o' ye mind if I take to me pipe? I 'ave plenty o' leaves to share if ye want some."

[Selibas]

Selibas and Chlane sat until the sunset. As the dusk settled Chlane stood up and threw a sack onto Selibas' chest. He said, "This is for you. It's lighter than mine, very similar to mine back when I was a mercenary. Just use what you have today for your duel. I also have something else for you." The hero whistled. Selibas heard the trotting of a horse. He turned to hisleft and saw a small horse trotting toward him. Lightning.

He patted the neck of the horse. He had wondered what had happened to it. Chlane seemed to read his mind, "The messenger that met Samen and Terrence (who's an honorary member of the Syndicate now) rode on this pony. You should keep it with you at all times good horse. But I must teach you the most useful technique in a mercenaries arsenal."

--
Ooc: I'll basically be Samen here.

Ic: Samen led the others to the tent he had set up next to his and Terrence's. The big fella with the glorious beard asked about his pipe. Samen smiled, "Course not. I'd light up with you but I don't have a pipe." He paused for a bit then said, "So Chlane told me the women of this tribe were off limits. So I think I'm gonna turn in."

--
Bic: "The Aether," Chlane said. "Is only defendeble by someone whos is a master of that technique. It can be dodged yes. But not defended. Your quite agile boy. You should be able to do it. I can only do it at specific times but when I do it is the most powerful attack I have. So I can't do it now. But you can. Do a flip holding your sword. The idea is to come down with full momentum, weight on the edge of your sword. So... let's see it."

And Selibas begun a hard night of learning a technique that Chlane seemed to think was his best bit of chance.

-------------------------------

Selibas flopped down on a blanket in the tent Tirion and Synkkis should be in. But it was dark so he couldn't tell.

[Iorran (Tirion)]

Apparently, it was alright by their keeper that Tirion smoked. He was going to await the robed man's answer, but he was too excited for the smooth, almost meaty taste of the sableweed leaves he grew in his own back yard. Once again lighting the twig, he placed it in the bowl of his long pipe and inhaled as the leaves began to smoke. The smoke funneled up the pipe and into his throat. The taste felt a bit off this time. Maybe it was the fact that the leaves were drenched in river water earlier. Still, it was a fine flavor. Tirion looked up at the starry sky and let out three smoke rings, one larger than the other.

Tirion sat on a nearby log just outside of the entrance to their tent and continued to smoke. The calm of the night was so different from Mullingard, a city where most of the taverns and bars were full and lively into the morning hours. He began to feel a bit home sick. It was his first time away from Mullingard since his pilgrimage to Iggrind at the age of eighteen. Even then, all he did was traverse up the mountain. He had no clue how far away from his home he was now. The feeling of missing his birthplace welled up within him. He finally let it out in the form of a sad song in his tribe's ancient tongue sang in Tirion's natural deep and soothing tone.

Heltaa horithge raltanamas goritooner
Jaelramas fathrihir keltada ketrimeralas
Koritula horithge raltanamas goritooner
Obenroge kultenrikas fathrimiter ulrutemaas

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Tirion found it difficult to sleep that night.

[Synkkis Kyyneltya]

Engrossed in his book, the Ilian was holding up his right hand to conduct his spells while his left hand was occupied in carrying the book. Sparks flickered and burned in his palm as he continued to read the text until memorization.

Ich kann hier nicht verlassen, kann ich nicht bleiben,
immer verfolgt, mehr als Angst.
ersticken auf Worte, die ich sagen würde,
Ich bin zu einer geschwärzten Himmel gezeichnet, wie ich blau.

gibt es keine Blumen, keine diesmal nicht,
Es wird keine Engel schmücken den Zeilen,
gerade diese krassen Worte, finde ich.
Ich würde zeigen, ein Lächeln, aber ich bin zu schwach,
Ich würde mit Ihnen teilen konnte ich nur sprechen,
wie sehr dieser, tut mir weh.

Ich kann nicht hier bleiben, ich kann nicht verlassen,
wie alles, was ich liebte, machen glaube ich.
vorstellen, Herz, ich verschwinden, scheint es,
niemand erscheint, hier und mache mir wirklich.

He did not mind the smell of the leaves burning in Tirion's pipe. The hint of flavor and smoke actually unnerved him, being in a new area and all. Actually, Synkkis couldn't think of another time he had been around so many people except for when he would visit Arphen - Ilia's capital city. Closing his eyes, the man wished he could be back in Ilia. He would be running through the dense forest and the bitter cold, forgetting all of his worries.

With his eyes still closed shut, Synkkis fell asleep where he lay - Thinking of his homeland.

[Selibas]

--Timeskip--

Selibas awoke late in the day, which he was used to. He moved outside silently and made his way to the river. He was going to get well hydrated for the fight. He patted Lightning as he passed.

Selibas got to the river and bent to get a drink. He saw his reflection. He saw a massive amount of stuble which he supposed he should keep, he would seem more intimidating. He was surprised to see it but made his way back. It was almost two hours after noon. And Farus was waiting.

Selibas saw him standing in the middle of the village holding his sword. The sword looked very good. As did Farus' swordsmanship. But he turned and smiled, "Allow us to start Little Wolf. Although I have a different condition. I think a fight to the death is what both of us want."

Selibas hadn't wanted to kill him but backing down might cost him the duel.So he replied, "Alright." And he begun to don his old armor. Farus said, "Oh so you fight me as a Lycian? Maybe you aren't ment to lead a tribe of Sacae?" Selibas scowled and threw his armor away. He kicked his sheath, and drew his sword. Then, at the same time, he and his cousin charged.

[Iorran (Tirion)]

Dim light rose over the distant mountains as Tirion stepped outside of the tent he slept in the previous night. Well he didn't so much as sleep as he did spend several hours trying to sleep, but being constantly awoken by dreams of the friends and city he left behind so abruptly. What if the Gaul suddenly decided to betray the treaty? He could very well return to Mullingard after this mission and find nothing but rubble.

Just as he was able to get past these feelings and finally get some sleep, he was awoken by the sounds of morning birds. Tirion always had an alarming amount of difficulty sleeping once it was morning. So he now stood outside his tent tying his tunic and blue half tunic to at his waist with his sash. Yawning, he took his water skin and emptied it into his mouth. Tirion wiped the water from his beard and looked over to see Selibas confronting the village chief. He sat down on a nearby log and silently took to his pipe as he watched what was going down.

[Synkkis Kyyneltya]

Hanging back in the crowd near his tent, heard the yelps, cheers, and booing of the crowd watching the fight in progress. Synkkis knew that if either Selibas or Farus won, he would be leaving. Selibas would want to rule his tribe or Farus would want the foreigners rooted out. The pupil didn't even want to watch the battle or be around for its end. Managing to walk out undetected, Synkkis started walking towards the south. Whether or not anyone followed him, that was their choice. Nothing was to be forced.

[Selibas]

Selibas lifted his sword as Farus brought it down. Selibas had expected a few moments of deadlock to check your opponet. But immediately Farus' blade was off slashing Selibas across the stomach. Selibas was angry at himself, and became more so as some of the members of his tribe cheered. Farus jumped back to avoid Selibas bringing his sword into hit. D*m, he was fast as hell.

Selibas went on the defensive, probably a bad idea since he was slower. Farus swung at Selibas feet but as the boy jumped, Farus hit brought his blade around and slapped Selibas across his face with the flat of his blade. Oh! Okay Mother F****r! Toy with me, I want to kill you now.

Selibas changed to the offensive He brought his blade in a wide arc, but flipping it at the last second to bring the base of his hilt into the stomach of his cousin. But his cousin brought the flat of his blade to hit the hilt and knocking the blade from the boys hand. Yet a fist hit Farus with full force in the face. While he was recovering Selibas ran to grab his blade.

He forgot that Farus was faster than him. He was met with a cut to his right cheek as he got up. Selibas was angered. That was the exact spot Farus and Dale used to cut him with their toy swords before he could run away.

Selibas blocked a hit to the chest. He punched his cousin in the stomach. Then he bent over and tapped his shoulder with his own blade to toy with Farus a bit. Then he changed the Aether Chlane had showed him a little bit. He threw his blade into the air. Then jumped up grabbing it. He brought it down with full weight. Farus had too much damage to the face to try and avoid the blow so he brought his blade up. But Selibas' sword broke the blade in half as well as Farus' skull. Selibas pulled his blade away and rested on his knees.

He was no longer Selibas the boy, Selibas the hated, Selibas the Novice. He was Selibas the Man, Selibas the Chief, Selibas the Mercenary.
--
Fin.

[Iorran (Tirion)]

Through the surprisingly short fight Tirion had been drinking from his gourd heavily. He disliked fighting in general and did his best to keep himself occupied. However, he had caught the final blow. The image of the man's head being split in twine like that brought back some unpleasant memories of his teen years fighting in the Mullingard militia. Tirion was suddenly on his feet and headed towards Selibas.

"Er... Congratulations are in order, me boyo. Though I believe ye may 'ave gone a wee too far. Bein' a man who has seen his fair share 'o bloodshed, I must say that killin' yer own kin is quite excessive." Tirion saw a look of pride in the boy's face. He knew this whole situation was wrong. Though he supposed it was just how things were done around there. Fighting not to take the boy aside and smack some sense into him, he changed the subject, "Well I suppose yer the new chief. I can trust ye to lead yer tribe wisely and protect 'em from any hardships, I hope."

[Selibas]

"Yeah, I'm the chief now, but I won't be staying. I'll be leaving my teacher in charge. And he will rule it as a truly noble Sacaen. But I will be leaving soon to head to Bern. I need to make a name for myself to reach my goals. You could of course come with me if you like, but I know you plan to speak with other clans."

Selibas walked to the large tent followed by his tribe. He strapped on his newer armor and said projecting his voice, "Due to the customs of our tribe, I am now chief. But I must leave for I have plans for this tribe. In my absence I leave my friend Chlane in a temporary position of acting chief. Should I fall in the time I am away Dale shall receive the real position. I am going to Bern to make a name for myself. I know I hold almost none of your alls respect, but the next time you see me I shall have earned it." And Selibas walked away, taking Chlane's old Iron sword as he walked bye silently nodding to the man. Terrence and Samen had left for Nabata the night before.

[Iorran (Tirion)]

Tirion was confounded by the boy's eagerness to abandon his tribe so soon after becoming it's leader. Yes, he was leaving his friend in charge, but it made no political sense to do what he was doing! Whatever business he had in the place he was setting out to should have been taken care of before he decided to usurp the previous chief, not after! This boy had no clue what kind of repercussions this may have on his people. Tirion imagined these tribespeople turning on him one day. Whether it were before or after his return wasn't clear, but coming in, swiftly taking over leadership of your people, and then leaving lust as swiftly is a great way to get everyone on your bad side, leaving your teacher in charge or not.

Tirion ran up to Selibas about to scold him, but realized that he had his own tribe to worry about. He had a mission and involving himself in the political matters of a small tribe would only slow him down. Instead of scolding the boy, he simply placed a meaty hand on his shoulder.

"Well I hope it all works out for ye. May I ask for a horse and provisions so me trek be easier?"

[Synkkis Kyyneltya]

The wind travelled quickly on the plains and even Synkkis could hear what had happened. The quick brawl ended with many upset people of the plains. He was sure many bets and expectations were foiled. The only logical reasoning that Kyyneltya could come to is that Selibas won, either by sheer luck or trickery. The tribe, though not even fifty metres away was nearly outraged to a mob that could only see red.

'Hmm... I am glad I was not belayed by the filth of madmen. They could have very much easily planted my head on a stake if I had not left so soon. I should hope to journey away to Bern as quickly as possible then slip into the dark of night.' the pupil thought, making sure to keep a wary eye behind him. Damn shame if an arrow found its way into his back. Another thing the keen-eyed man did was have a finger bookmarking the keywords for a ranged flux spell.

The morning sun just came over the hill Synkkis was travelling down, a small gust of wind from the east travelling with it. He looked behind him and turned. There was Selibas and Tirion on the hill looking down to him. With a silent smirk, the purple-robed pupil waited for their descent to him, placing his hands on his hips.

'Hmm... So they did survive. Much more preferrable compared to the alternative.' the Ilian thought.