Through The Mirror

((OOC Malthinos is a project I've been working on for many years. It's open to anyone that wants to play, but I'd ask that you check OOC thread first as I'm a little specific about certain things and no doubt there will be some violence and mature scenes. To save any scenes getting mixed up if there's more than a few players, place a mark of your choosing next to your post or shared posts so things don't get mixed up. Thanks much and enjoy. Raven.))

"Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered just what it would be like to walk through to the other side? I suppose like millions you have, but you're sceptical about whether or not it's actually possible. What if I were to tell you that's not only possible, but there's an entire world beyond that mirror that we mere mortals could only dream about? You think me insane, yes? Perhaps it's time I open your eyes a little. Allow me to introduce myself. I am the narrator and it is my task to take you through the mirror and into the world of Malthinos.
To Earth, it's little more than a dream world locked away in time and tale, forgotten to myth and legend. But I assure you, it is most definitely there. Long ago, when I was a child, I found the mirror locked away in my grandmother's attic and when I looked into the gilded golden frame, I saw something that most certainly was not my reflection. I stepped through and entered this forgotten world and once there, I found all my grandmother's fairy tales and lullabies to be true!
I found but one city in Malthinos. This city was called Serin and it was ruled by and populated with creatures that simply could not exist on Earth. The city itself was a mountain that floated while beneath was an expanse of rich forests that was home to many races of Elven. Beyond that, grassy plains and mountains that were home to centaurs and dragons. It all reminded me of my childhood novels about Narnia, or perhaps Harry Potter? Yes, this place was made of magic, each and every square inch of it.
In the city of Serin, I found more of the Elven people. Dwarves too and more centaurs. Thankfully, I didn't see any dragons, but some of the people around the city certainly looked like them, though they looked just like me or you too. There were even a number of humans! It was all very strange. The whole city had a language and currency all its own and to be honest, it wasn't long before I found myself in trouble and heading for a mighty castle atop the city. After all, what child considers payment for food when at home, it is given so freely?
Serin was and still is ruled by a Queen like no other. Her name is Frae Darkheart and she, like many others, is a creature of dream and myth. She is what is known as an Ariel Elf." Sigh. "Perhaps I am better showing you than telling you. I can see the doubt in your eyes. Come with me and let me take you on an adventure."

***

I am San Riel, Dark Elf and Thief. I am an adventurer that left his home in the Under Dark for a life above ground where there are so many more things to see and feel. The warm air of summer and spring and the cool and cold air of fall and winter. Then there were the scents, oh so many that one seemed never to know them all. There were the flowers, and the trees, that had many scents that one was overwhelmed by them at times

Then there were the vairious races and animals that inhabited the world. Some of these considered him an enemy or at least one to be suspicious of. Dark Elves were no friends to those of the surface world. Their betrayal long ago was still not forgotten nor the long and harsh battles that forced his kind underground.

He made a living off of others. Keeping his features hidden under a hooded cloak, he deftly stole money pouches from those of the crowded streets of Serin. He was always on the look out for something big, something that would make him rich. He made his way through the city, keeping in the shadows. With his dark clothing and ability to move silently and with stealth, he was almost invisable in the shadows.

If he got into a bind he would use his ability to cast a globe of darkness on an object or on a person. It spanned 20 feet and he was the only one that was able to see in it. Others caught in it could not even see their hand in front of their face. He would use the confusion and fear to grab a few money pouches and make his escape. Once the darkness faded and the people could see again, they would find themselves devoid of ther money and not even know where he had gone.

He had a place on the outer part of the floating mountain. A neat little place, nothing fancy that would draw attention and only two servants that owed their lives to him. To this he was making his way after a successful day and was looking to relax.

Anna BlueBlade a curious flower fairy used to live in the forests but she grew too curious about the humans and other creatures to stay hidden. She was casted out of the fairy community for her choice. She spends her time now on farms and other places like that helping people take care of their crops and livestock. Many believe that fairies manipulate plants and animals but all fairies do is talk to them like people and things tend to work out.

She prefers to stay in her small fairy form so she can zoom through the busy markets. Her blue wings and hair easily spotted when people actually pay attention. Although she was happy with her life, she would really like to go on some adventures and explore the world.

The young Student of Magi graduate Marthur Azriel, or as he is know known, Marthur Mystic. Marthur spent his whole life dedicated to the study of magic. His brotherhood started spreading there message centuries ago. Marthur was in the School of Magi at a very young age. His family was involved in the Brotherhood of the Magi.
The Brotherhood of the Magi was as much of a religion as it was a collection of wise mages. They believed that the entire universe was connected to a powerful life force, they called mana. They believed that taking from the life force gave you the ability to alter reality with magic. The more a magi learned, and the more in tune they were with the life force, the more mana they had. The other deities were just a higher form of being which had a higher connection to the life force, or at least to the mind of a Brotherhood member. The Brotherhood of the Magi preached that as soon as a normal human learned magic, they were already bringing themselves to a higher level of existence. There was a lot of dangerous Brotherhood members that treated there membership for dangerous cult use.
Eventually the Circle of Magi was formed as sort of central government. Keeping the organization from becoming too much like a cult. There were outer circles of smaller groups of Magi. The inner Circle was located in the School of Magi, were Marthur studied under the Brotherhood.
When a young brother or sister reaches the title of Magi, they are granted a staff to help them on there path. They believed that they wasted less mana casting spells through a focus point like a staff.
Marthur had just been granted his status as Magi, he was allowed to leave the inner circle to pursue other possibilities.

On the way home I wanted to get a drink to celebrate a good day. But of course that would mean being among others. sliping into an ally he took out a small kit and began applying a tan color to his face, neck, and hands. He was glad he kept his hair short, adding the blond tint was easy. Once he checked himself in a small hand held mirror he made his way to a tavern and took a seat in a corner where he could watch the door. He ordered his drink and relaxed as much as he could, but kept his eyes open to what was going on in the tavern as well as his ears.

He listened to talk and overheard something very interesting. The two men were whispering but with his hood up over his head, one could not tell he was an elf who had more then good hearing. The men were talking about the delivery of something that was very valuable. All most priceless in some peoples minds. It seemed some rich man wanted a dragon egg, so he could have it hatch and train the dragon to do his bidding. Dragons were powerful and to have one that would do as you commanded was something priceless. Even though there were dragons walking around in human or elf form or even a bipedal dragon like form they were their own bosses. They did as they wished and for the most part seemed to mind their own business. This seemed to me a good opportunity to make some good money. He would steal thed egg from the thief and then return it and receive a nice reward. Dragons always had hoards of gold and other things.

With the information he gleaned from the two men, he knew where and when the other thief would be arriving and waiting for his payment. He smiled to himself as he finished his drink and then left the tavern to go to the drop site. It was a good spot to do buisness of the type he was use to. There were four escape routes and a good view of the sourounding area. But he was there before the other thief so it was going to be easy to hide and then make his move. He did not have to wait long before the thief, a human arrived. He had a siled wraped object. It would not be long before the rich man's agent arrived to make the pickup and pay the thief. Up went the darkness that he cast on the thief's boots. I enter it at a run and grab the silk wraped object and out again before the man could react. No matter where he moved the darkness followed him. I laugh and make my way through the city to my home. Once there I unwrap the object and there on the table is a large silver egg.

But something was not right, it began to move and he heard it cracking. My eyes went wide and my mouth dropped as the egg shattered and there sitting on the table was a hatchling Silver Dragon. It looked at me and squawked, then moved forward and rubbed its head against me. Instictively I brought up a hand and rubbed its head. "Turic!" I called out. "Bring me some cut up raw meat."

Turic, one of his servents came in with a platter of the meat and stopped frozen as he saw the hatcling dragon. "Come....." I looked the young dragon over and saw it was a female. "She will not hurt you." Turic slowly approached and sat the platter down. "Hungry little one?" I asked the hatchling. It immediately began gobbling down the meat. Laughing I rubbed my jaw, "You need a name little one." I thought a moment and then said. "Mitheral. That shall be your name. You are silver and a beautiful little hatchling. Mitheral looked up a moment when I said her name and her eyes seemed to acknowledge the name.

Anna was in the marketplace looking for a certain herb. But something shiny caught her eye. Now everyone knows that fairies are attracted to shiny things. She so hypnotized by the shiny object, she quickly follows after it despite the speed of the person who was carrying the object. When the person finally stops, she is able to see that the object that caught her attention was a dragon egg. She smiles happily and watches from the window as the dragon hatchling slowly hatches from the egg. She wanted to take a closer look but she was afraid to go inside. After all she didn't even know where she was. She hides in a bush just in case the person is hostile. The blue light of her wings glows around her small body

Today was not a good day and she knew that from the very moment the sun rose.  Over the last month or so, many thefts had been reported from around the city.  Most were stolen purses and a few numbers of goods, but that wasn't the biggest problem.  The biggest problem was with the dragons.  More specifically, the Water Dragons from the Ice Sea.  It had been many years since any of them had come to Serin, they preferred their privacy, but two were coming today.  Most dragons in the city didn't cause any fuss and went about their lives in quiet respect, but they wouldn't today. 

Frae walked to her throne with a heavy heart and a heavier mind as she considered the happenings that had led to not one, but two Ice Dragons coming to her palace.  It had been her brother, Mikal that had brought the devastating news and he stood now by her throne with his arms folded and his head down.
"Did they say when they would arrive?"  Frae asked him carefully.
"By dawn."  Mikal replied, "The caravan arrived a few hours ago."
"So why am I being made to wait?"  She asked.
"They need time to prepare their statement."
"I already know why they're here."  She said with frustration.  "I just don't understand why they need to prepare for what I already know."
"That's dragons for you."  He said with a light shrug.  "From what I gather, it's the actual parents that have turned up.  Maybe they want to know personally that you're doing all you can to find their child."
Frae nodded and turned back to him, lifting her head slightly.  Her pale wings fluttered at her back, but little more as she walked back to the standing chair that was her throne.  "So what do I tell them?"
"I've had the guard out looking for days and there has been news of a trade within the city boundary.  The egg was being traded for several pounds of gold and the human spies have been able to follow to a small house near the bottom pinnacle."  He said, "General Mikos is waiting on orders to siege the house and take the egg."
"Then make the order."  Frae said.
"I can't yet."  Mikal told her, "There are other factors involved."
"They are?"
"He reported hearing the egg shatter."
"What?!"  Her voice boomed through the throne room.
Mikal turned his head away slightly and worked his jaw.  "It appears the egg hatched not long ago, an hour at most.  We need to be sure the hatchling will not be harmed in the raid and for the moment, he can't tell where in the house it is."
"Oh hell."  Frae sighed and sat on her throne.
"On a lighter note."  Mikal said hopefully, "It appears that this same house is hiding a prolific thief, one equipped with ethereal magic."
"How is that good news?"  She asked with a raised brow.
"The reports of theft around the city all lead to the same person."
"Fair enough."  Frae said, sitting back.  Suddenly, the Ice Dragons' arrival was announced and she sat up straight.

After the initial formalities were done, Frae managed to get to the meat of the matter.  It was indeed the parents of the egg that were there and they indeed wanted to know just what was being done to return their offspring.  Frae in return, told them of what had happened and that her guard were ready to storm the house, but she didn't need to inform them that he egg had hatched.  They already knew, having felt the explosion not long ago.  This had worried them further as their bond would now be damaged.  Frae reminded them that she was doing everything within her power to return their precious child.  When they left again, she gave Mikal the order and he left.

On the bottom pinnacle, the guard surrounded the house in silence.  Ten centaurs and twelve humans in all.  And not a moment too soon, one Ariel Elf.  Mikal drew his blade and nodded to General Mikos.  The grand centaur nodded back, but not directly at his commander.  "Regent."  he said quietly, "We are not the only ones around this house.  One of my spies found a fairy nearby.  She is being watched, but otherwise has been left alone.  We believe she is an innocent caught up in this matter.  She probably followed the silver shine, like most of their kind do."
"Just in case."  Mikal said, "When we take the house, take her into custody.  I don't want her to panic and warn the occupant of his impending arrest."
"As you wish, regent."  The general said and waved his sword to give the order to move in.

The raid was silent until the general reached the door.  Every possible exit was covered and iron granules were loaded into slingshots to counteract the ethereal magic.  With a slight break in the window, the granules were propelled in and the general lifted his front legs and slammed the door from its hinges into the floor.  "Royal guard!"  He yelled, "Do not move!  You are under arrest, by order of the Regent!"  Every window was then shattered at he same time and both human and centaur rushed into the small house to surround the suspect.  Both servants were arrested and quickly, their master was too.  "Regent!  We have the house!"

Mikal stepped into the house and fluttered his wings a little as he went to the commotion.  He stared at the two servants as they were held on their knees, but it was their master that interested him.  "Drow."  He said darkly at San Riel.  He shook his head, almost disappointed.  The term he used wasn't necessarily a slur on the dark Elven race, but it was a term that covered most of what they were known for.  Murder, extortion, thievery.  It saddened him that one had stooped so low as to take a dragon's egg with no care for its hatching.  What was worse, the egg was hatched and now clinging to him as though a parent.  "You are under arrest."  He said firmly, "Take him to the palace to face his charge."
"The hatchling?"  Asked the general.
"It will have to go with him."
"Very well."  The general said and then nodded to the centaur holding San Riel.  He too shook his head in disappointment at he Dark Elf.  "You will lose your head for this, Drow."  He said, "This baby's parents are not at all happy and will no doubt demand your head as payment for kidnapping their child."

At the same time, two humans rushed at the Fairy hiding away.  She was easy to find, being that she was glowing quite a lovely blue colour.  The bush was parted quickly and both grabbed her firmly, but not to hurt.  "You're under arrest."  One of them said quietly as she was turned about to face them.  "Your presence will be required at the palace."

Mikal came back out of the house and stared upwards up the street towards the top half of the mountain.  He turned briefly to see the Dark Elf and his servants being brought out with the young dragon still firmly attached to him it seemed and from the side of the house, two more soldiers arrived with a very pretty young fairy.  He went to them and to her.  "We don't need those."  he said, pointing to the manacles on her wrists.  "She is not a suspect yet.  She can plead her case to my sister and it will be decided then.  Until that time, she is a witness and guest and will be treated as such."
"Yes Regent."  They said in unison and the manacles were removed from the fairy, but they still made sure to keep a hold of her in case she bolted.
The party then made their way back to the palace and the Queen........

Marthur was truly at awe in this town. He was seeing all sorts of new and mystical things he didn't think he'd see outside of the circle. Elves were uncommon around the Magi Circles, the organization was predominantly human and other races didn't normally see eye to eye with the brotherhood.
Marthur traveled the impressive streets hearing word of a dragon egg being stolen. He had never seen a dragon before. Sure, he had studied them a bit, but never has he seen them. Marthur traveled the city with no more then his Magi staff, a magical satchel containing a few important goods, and his blue-green robe.
A little girl was running through the streets and stopped to look up at Marthur, admiring his tall crystal staff. "Can you cast magic!?" She asked in excitement.
Marthur looked down at the beautiful elven child and knelt down to her. "I... I can yes."
"Can I see sir!? Please..." She asked, her little blue eyes winning him over.
Marthur sighed and touched the ground, raising the the sand until it formed into a small round pendant. Marthur picked up the pendant and turned it into a smooth small amulet made of rock. He touched the amulet and magically carved a swirl pattern into the amulet, giving it to the little elven girl. "This is the symbol of my Circle. It represents Mana, the life force in which allows us to use magic." He said smiling.
At hat moment he heard an older woman call the child in another language. Marthur watched the young child run back to her mother, being scolded for accepting the amulet in elvish. Marthur couldn't understand them, but he could figure out he may not be as accepted here as he thought.

The little dragon seemed to have taken to him. When it was done eating it rubbed its head against him and flexed its wings. I smile and point to myself, "San Riel." I say. She looked at me with those big eyes and said "San." That was close enough I guessed. For now anyways being a hatchling. He had heard about dragons and seen some in the city. They looked like elves in their humanoid form but they did not act like the normal elf.

He had heard that hatchlings would start talking not to long after their hatching. It was something that was passed down for centuries in their kind. Mitheral would be talking sooner or later and that would be nice. But he was thinking of how he was now going to get her home and hopefully receive a reward for her return.

Suddenly the door smashed in and the windows of the house all seemed to shatter at the same time. In came the Centar guard and another he recgonized as the Regent. I could see in their eyes their hatred and disgust for his race. For centuries since their leaders betrayed the elves and other races in a war, the Drow had been looked upon with fear and disgust, even though those like myself, who had nothing to do with it were still blamed for it. My ancestors had fled to the Underdark because if they hadn't they would have been killed instantly.

Even now those caught coming from the underdark were hunted and killed. They were branded thieves and murderers. I face the Centar commander as he speaks and say nothing. It would do no good to proclaim his inocence. As the come to place the manacals on me Mitheral moves between us and hisses at them. "Its alright Mitheral. Do nothing to make them harm you." he reached down to her head and stroked it.

The centaur commanded' comments made me raise a brow. So Mitheral's parents were there in the city already. The guards lead me and my two servants out of the house and up into the higher part of the mountain. Mitheral stayed at my side the whole way. I looks back and sees that they also have a fairy in custody. Why I don't know. Up to the royal palace I am taken. Well now that was something. I had never been that high up before.

Soon I am in the middle of a large room with many elves, humans, centaurs and others. At the throne sits a woman, beautiful and an elf. From what he had heard she had to be the Queen. I know then and there that I will not get a fair hearing. I am Drow and hated by all that are in the room. I can feel the hate and disgust as well as see it in their eyes. That is in all but two. They looked like elves, but by the way they stood and acted he knew they were dragons in elf form, Mitheral's parents more then likely. Dragons seemed to be indifferent to Drow as they were to all races. They neither hated or liked them, but measured them individually.

As I stand there I look at the queen with a steady stare. I do not wait for her to speak first which makes many take in deep breaths of sheer fear. "I did not steal the dragon egg from the Ice Dragons of the Ice Sea. I have never been there. Though I do admit I did steal it, but from another thief, who planned on selling it to a man of wealth so he could train the dragon to do his bidding.

"I also know that even with that said, you will not believe a word I saw because I am a Drow. i can see the hate, the lothing in your eyes and feel it in the air. You who claim to be the higher elves of the world think you are better then everyone else."

I turn quickly to two elves standing not far away. "If your grand parents wronged his grand parents, would you hold him responsible for their actions."

The two elves were shocked and taken aback. The one responded. "Of course not. That was between them and not us." he said holding his head up high and speaking with a haunty voice.

"But yet you and your race as the others in this room blame my generation and every generation of my race from that day long ago. We are hunted, killed with out remorse, and not allowed to fit into your world." I turn back to the queen, "So you see your highness I do not think I will ever get a fair hearing here."

Anna tensed up as she was suddenly put into custody of the queen. The man who had the baby dragon was speaking. She waited for both sides to stop speaking. She goes into her human sized form so everyone can hear her. She flutters her wings nervously out of fear of public speaking. "I only find my way into this situation because I saw something shining in the marketplace. I followed the object to the man's home." She looks at the man and says, "This man is not lying either. He was not the one who originally stole the baby. Instead of abandoning the hatchling, he gave the little one food. Not many people would do that. Please do not judge him by his race."

The party made their way up through the streets to the palace plinth and every street they walked up, the crowds parted ways to allow them through.  All saw those in the guard's custody and all wondered just what had happened.  Then they saw the hatchling walking with a Drow and many began to gasp and whisper to their neighbours about their thoughts the possibility of gossip more valuable than ever known.  Serin would be awash with it by dusk!  For the most part, Mikal tried to ignore what was happening around them as they marched carefully up to the palace.

The gates opened and the party was led in.  As it closed again, many that had followed were prevented from travelling further. The sun set gracefully as they were walked into the palace itself and by the time they reached the throne room, the twin moons of Malthinos rose together and shone their purple and blue light through the tall windows of the room.  Frae waited on her throne with her face turned slightly to the glowing windows as the entire party was walked up to the base of the steps to her throne and then stopped.  Many centuries ago, during her and Mikal's father's reign, they would have been made to kneel at the steps.  This had been something Frae had been eager to abolish and it had won her both respect and admiration from the people of Malthinos.  However, this particular thief seemed to show nothing of that.

When Mikal took his place at her side, she stared down the steps at the Drow with hatred.  And when he opened his mouth, bestowing a tirade of secular protest, she lifted her chin to him and began to look at the others with him.  Across the hall, the true parents of the infant dragon at the Drow's feet were more than eager to come forth and claim their child, but Malthinos and court law had to be respected first.  It was duty and honour to hear out both sides of the story and then decide or pass judgement and Frae had held true to that from the very moment she took the staff and crown from her father.

Finally, the tirade was done and Frae returned her eyes to him in time to hear yet another.  A young fairy by the look of her, but Frae wasn't exactly sure what kind.  Was she pixie, common, or was she a mix?  It didn't matter for the time being.  By the time the fairy had got to her pleas not to judge, Frae had heard enough and put her hand up.  "That's enough."  She said, "General."  The centaur stepped forward and bowed his head.  "Release the fairy and show her something shiny for her inconvenience.  She is free to go with my gratitude for her time."  The guard around Anna quickly parted company to allow her to leave.

Frae's eyes turned back to the Drow.  "As for you, Dark Elf."  She said carefully, making it clear she did not like the more common term of Drow.  "I couldn't care less if you were black, white or rainbow coloured and what happened those centuries ago has absolutely nothing to do with this situation."  She leaned forward in the seat slightly and put her elbows on her knees as she stared down at him.  "And I do rather resent the presumption of an unfair trial simply because of what you are.  What you see in my eyes, Dark Elf, is being confronted by a suspected kidnapper of one of our most precious natural beings.  You were seen taking the egg from another and you were tracked to your home.  Not only that, but you hatch it instead of returning it as soon as possible, if what you have told me is true.  And also, it has come to my attention several times over these last months that you could be a rather prolific and annoying thief and have used shadow magic to commit these crimes."  She sat back again and regarded him carefully.

"So all that in mind, Sir, were you in my place; what exactly would you lean to believe?"  She asked.  "The evidence thus far does not speak well for you.  The young fairy with you pleads a good case for your defence, I'll give you that, but it still does not explain why you simply did not come to the guard with your information?  Not only then would these distraught parents get their infant back in good time, but the true criminal here would have been dealt with.  As it stands, your action has left my brother and my police useless in hunting down the buyer and the seller.  And then there is the matter of the thievery.  In all, it adds to several pounds of gold, Sir.  Such an amount warrants no less than both your hands under my blade.  What would you propose I do?  You wish a fair trial, do you not?"......

I look up at the queen when she had finished speaking.  "I know the man that I stole the egg from, I watched him for some time in a tavern when I heard him and another talking.  I know him for the snake tattoo on his neck that wraps around it.  Though I do not know him personally, I have heard of him.  You more then likely can find him at the Wanders Tavern.  As for why I did not turn the egg over to your guards, again look at me your highness.  What would they have done and thought."  I turn to the General and ask him, "What would you have done had I showed up at your headquarters?  A drow walking in?"

The General looked a bit nervious at his question, especially after his speech just a few moments before.  He hated the Drow, his ancestors had been almost wiped out when the Drow Army removed itself from the field of battle against the Orc hoards.  He looked at the Queen and held his head up high.  "I would have had you arrested and thrown into the darkest and dreaiest of cells."

I then look back up at the queen, "That is one reason I did not, the other, well I was hopping to return the egg to the Ice Dragons myself.  I could only hope to receive a reward for doing so, perhaps enough where I would not have to steal anymore.  I was willing to make the dangerous journey to the Ice Sea. Had I known they were here, I would have taken the egg to them instead of home.  But the egg hatched and then your guards burst in. As to my stealing, well your highness put yourself in my boots.  I am a drow,  I have left my life of living in the Underdark for a life here on the surface which I must say is more beautiful and wonderous then the Underdark."

I squat down and rub Mitheral's head and back.  "You know how hated my race is.  Can you honestly tell me that any here."  I wave my hand around the room, "Would accept me into their employ.  I had to learn the trade of a thief to survive here above ground.  Show me one here."  I look intently at her, " besides yourself if what you said is true, that would give a Drow a chance.  Even your brother when he saw me showed in his eyes contempt, loathing, and hatred of me because of my race."

"But before I tell you what you should do."  I turn and take Mitheral over to her parents.  I bow low to them and say, "I have named her Mitheral for her silver scales, her toughness and her beauty. I am sorry that she was taken from your home and brought here. "  I then kneel and kiss Mitherals head and tell her.  "These are your natural parents.  Go with them and grow wise and strong." She looks up at the two then back to me looking like she was about to cry.

Again I kiss her head and then return to my feet and return to the steps before the queen.  "Now do as you wish.  For you have already stated what should be done.  To me you have already made up your mind.  But I do ask that you let my two servants go.  They have done nothing wrong and only serve me because I was able to save their lives on my journey here.  They refuse to leave me saying they owe me a life debt."

Anna did not move from the spot as she was worried not just for the dark elf but for the others like him, outcasts. She looks at the dark elf. She was like him not wanted or trusted by anyone unless she went away from the places she grew up. She was a mix breed. She did not know who or what two species she was a part of. She was an outcast. But she didn't let that get her down.

One of the guards brought her large crystal. She looked at it and took it in her hand. Crystals were part of the earth maybe she could get it to help the dark elf. Soon the crystal glowed blue and projected an image of the seller and buyer's faces over the entire room.

After Marhur was scolded, he went to the local tavern and started to investigate this local rumor of the hatching.
Taking a mug of water he stirred it and used his magic to scy, spying on people through his cup. He was watching all sorts of conversations, until he finally was able to find the judicial trial of the elf himself.
Watching the Queen, elf, and fae; Marthur started to think to himself. "Should I get involved? This was be an excellent opportunity for me to help these people and spread a good word about the Magi."

(OOC can i bring some life back into this story or are we letting it die?)

(Ooc: Lady Raven is still gone from her trip.)

You peeps need to check my message in chit chat. All is explained there. Btw, nive to see malthinos revival. This has been her baby a long time.
kraven

((Narrator ~ Could I ask please if all future OOC messages be put into the relevant thread?  Thank you ~ Narrator))

Frae regarded the Drow carefully as he continued his sematic ranting.  It was frustrating her, but it didn't help that Mikal's own general, Mikos, was clearly biased in his thoughts and actions.  Anything anti-sematic was not tolerated under Darkheart rule and the centaur general's comments would likely cost him his career and would deal a lasting blow to Mikal's reputation and honour.  And then of course, there was the verbal attack levied by the Drow himself on the Regent.  Frae stared at him in question and shock.  Mikal stared back at Frae, but didn't say a word.  Frae cocked her head to one side as the Drow moved to the Ice Dragon parents and returned the infant.  Again, Mikal said nothing.  Frae closed her eyes briefly and turned her face away from her brother.  She opened her mouth to speak, but the words were taken from her as the fairy did something with a crystal.  The image of the man the Drow had first described seemed to emerge from the walls, along with a second unknown person and Frae stared at them both with suspicion before returning her eyes to the Drow.

From what had started as what should have been an open and shut case of kidnap and theft, had turned into a deep and secular conspiracy and Frae knew she had to handle this a lot more carefully than she had first assumed.  This showed in her delicate features as well as in her demeanour.  And it showed in her voice as she spoke.  First, she attended to the Ice Dragons.  "Your infant has been returned unharmed and without malice and while I understand the law requires the kidnapper's head, I request that you refrain from your assumptions and allow my police the time and effort to bring forth the true guilt in this crime."
"I will allow you this without question, of course."  The male dragon said proudly as he helped his new daughter scale her mother's skirts and scales to take her place around the shoulder as all dragon hatchlings did.  "But I want this man's head, one way or another.  Pride and honour demands no less, regardless of the laws of Malthinos and Serin in which it lies."
"I understand."  Frae replied with respect.  "My police will hunt this man and his companion to the very boundaries of our lands and bring them to justice."  She lowered her head to them in respect and honour and they left without another word.  Frae's attention then turned on the Drow.

"Dark Elf."  She said, not knowing yet his name.  "You are cleared of the kidnap, though your testimony will be required at the trial of the true kidnappers."  Oddly then, she left her throne and stepped down the stairs to face him on his level.  Well, almost his level.  The Drow stood nearly a foot over her head, but she didn't mind that.  If anything, it was Mikal that showed the uncomfortable nature of his sister's odd move.  Frae on the other hand, completely ignored her brother.  Her eyes locked with those of the Drow and she regarded him carefully, but also with annoyance.  "And there is also the matter of the several thefts in my city that you are clearly the cause of."  She said firmly.  "Your testimony against the kidnappers will go in your favour, but there will still be many merchants who will require compensation for their losses, Sir.  Losses that I imagine you have no way of paying back, desire or not."  She moved around him briefly before returning to the steps of her throne.

"Your secular ranting and predisposed attitude towards me, towards the Regent and towards the police under his command."  She said, standing on the bottom step.  She had her back half way to him, but her eyes remained fixed on him at an angle.  "You were convinced before you arrived that you would not receive a fair hearing and presumed that I would ignore what little good you've done here in favour of a blood war that has been resigned to history for more than a thousand years.  I do not deny that many Dark Elf are still looked upon with suspicion, but for many years, I have made it my purpose to eradicate this racist presumption.  And in doing so, I have now to ruin the career and honour of a general that has been loyal to my family for decades, and I may have to ruin the reputation of the Regent under whom he was commanded.  All because you assumed to know my mind before taking the time and opportunity to actually ask me first.  And to be honest Sir, I felt rather insulted."  Her brow furrowed to show the true emotion of it, but it was fleeting at best.

"And I now find myself in an almost impossible situation."  She continued, "Your thievery demands I take your hands from you, but because of your race ranting, such a punishment could insight discord on my fair city.  On the other hand, if I let you go, what does that say to the people about my standing against thieves?  If I let you go for the thefts, I may as well hand every last merchant, home owner and market trader to the raffle!"  She turned to Mikal briefly then and glared at him.  "And you dear brother, I will deal with you later."  She turned back to face the court so to speak.  "Everyone out!"  She yelled, but pointed at the Drow.  "You stay put."  She said to him, "I'm not done with you yet."  She waved her hand at the rest of the people in the throne room, "But I want everyone else gone!"  She turned her eyes angrily to Mikal.  "And find me the kidnappers!"

All in the room began to file out in whisper.  A guard came to Anna and with a smile and a bow of his head, he motioned for her to follow him to the main hall.  As promised, she would find a collection of very shiny, very valuable things waiting for her in payment for her services and her time.  At Frae's side, Mikal lingered just long enough to hear her demand for the real kidnappers to be found and he bowed out with respect.  The allegations the Drow made against him and the general were serious and he had some work to do to clear his name and reputation, least of all with his sister.  As for Mikos, he knew his career was over.  All he could do now was beg for leniency that meant he could at least keep a lower grade placement under the Regent's command.

San Riel had stirred up things quit a bit in the Royal Court.  There were whispers about what he had said and what the Queen had said, and the Regent and the General.  Though the Queen had tried to eliminate the hatred against his kind, the people still hated and would not mind having them all killed.  He remembered when he had left the Underdark and his long journey to the floating mountain.  Soldiers from the Mountain had captured two of his kind.  Two that were tired of the political garbage of the Underdark.  They were torcherd and killed with out a real trial.  The queen had berated him about his secular ranting, but if she had seen what he had, heard what he had heard, what would she have thought then.  The Queen may not be like the others.  He may have been wrong about her, but not her people.  Perhaps his rantings would open her eyes to what was really going on.

The admission of the Generals feelings towards him and that of her brother the Regent should have been enough for her to see what he was up against.  Even the whispers from the court should have made her see that her efforts had been in vain.  Now it seemed she was worried about her reputation and what her kingdom stood for.  "Well you can issue orders, laws and the like to try and end the secular hatred, but if those that are to enforce those laws and such are themselves full of hate, what good does it do.  I have seen for myself the torture and murder of my kind.  I have heard your people in the streets.  So I ask you what should I have done, when I came here.  Present myself as I am now?  How long do you think I would have lived.  You sit here on your throne, high above all those you rule.  How often do you get down into the city to see your people.  I don't mean riding through the streets as crowds line the streets cheering, bowing and the like.  I mean down with them, where they do not know who you are to see what they are really thinking and feeling."

He sat down on one of the steps as the crowed finally left.  "You said my secular rantings have put you in an impossible situation.  Perhaps it has, but it has shown you the true feelings of your people, your brother the regent, and your general.  Now tell me your highness, what is one of my race to do here in your city, where if any had known what I am, I would not be sitting here now.  What kind of consideration should I have expected with such hatred of my kind."

He watched her wondering why she should be any different then her people.  "There are many of my people that want to leave the Underdark.  They are tired of the tyranical rule and afraid for their lives there.  But they fear what will happen to them if they come to the surface world.  All hate us, not just here but every where.  I had heard about your city that welcomed all.  But since coming here I have found it no differant then any other place."  He shook his head.

"You say that those I stole from should be reimbursed their losses."  he chuckled.  "You do not know your people to well then.  Those people are worse thieves then I am.  They make their money in so many dishonest ways. I only stole from those that were dishonest and thieves themselves. Perhaps you should have them checked out a bit more.  Send your men to the lower levels of the city when they go and find out."  

The crystal still projected the faces of the thief and the one that had hired him.  They fairy had some good abilities.  He would have to find her and thank her for her help and kindness.  As he looked at the face of the man that had hired the other thief.  He shook his head.  "To help you along with the manhunt, the man there, was here in this very court.  He was very well dressed, possibly a human noble of your fair city.  Take a real close look at him and perhaps you will recgonize him.  But you should act fast or he will be gone from the city in a very short time.  As for the thief, I already told you where you could find him, he will probably be drinking his sorrows away.  Now as what you should do with me...."  He shugged his shoulders.  "Perhaps I can escape your guards and the city and that would solve all your problems as he let the shackles on his wrists drop to the floor.  

He looked at her smiling, "As for the General, reprimand him, but let him keep his position.  Perhaps this will change him and show him the light.  Let him know that not all Drow are evil." He had seen the look on the Centaurs face and the way his shoulders slumped.  Even though the General hated him, Merlin felt sorry for him.

San Riel suddenly turned his head towards the shadows behind the throne.  He leaped to his feet and with a bound put himself between the queen and the throne as a black dagger hissed through the air towards her.  Catching it with both his hands, he spun, flipped the dagger about and returned it to its owner.  It sunk deep in the shoulder of the assassin as he slumped to the floor, the poison on the blade doing its work.  "Some one really does not like you."

Marthur took no hesitation searching for this kidnapper. He was surprised when he couldn't use his magic to find this man. He had heard enough rumors and details to pick him out, even though he was unable to see him through his scying.
As Marthur left the tavern, he spotted the noble who fit his descriptions. Accompanied by his own personal gaurds, Marthur took immediate action.
"I know who you are! Stop." Marthur shouted. The nobles gaurds then turned and fired their crossbows at Mathur. The mage made water shoot up into an ice wall to block the arrows, then threw large jets of fire at the gaurds.
The citizens screamed and scattered into panic as the chaos continued. One of the personal gaurds caught on fire and fell backwards, the other disapeared into the crowd as Marthur started to chase the noble.
Soon the town gaurds got involved, witnessing only that Marthur attacked two men they persumed to be innocent. As Marthur chased the noble he attempted to throw some more magic, but was interupted by another mercenary. The man took a sword to Marthur and swung into his staff. Marthur faught the man off and buried him in magic sand.
As Marthur dove through the allies, he cam out to an opening, and was surrounded by city guards armed with crossbows. "Your under arrest."
"No I was chasing..." Marthur tried to explain.
"Who? Another innocent bystanderd."
Marthur decided not to fight, things were already looking bad for him. He surrendered himself and allowed to be placed into iron cuffs.
He had lost, but Marthur had a gut feeling he hasn't failed... Not yet.

Anna looks at all the shiny gems before using her abilities to shrink the gems down to a more suitable size. All the shiny stones fit into her purse. She slowly made her way out of the palace and noticed that the man that was accused of being the Dragon thief and the magi were both in trouble. She focuses her energy for a moment asking nature to help her friends. Although the Drow seemed to handle things on his own. She goes to the Magi's side. "Excuse my intrusion but he was just trying to get some answers. The other people seemed to run away like a guilty people. You should investigate more before jumping to conclusions." She looks at the magi. "You must be more careful sir. Your abilities are seen as weapons here. Maybe you should hire a guide."

((I thought his name was San Riel, Questor?))

Frae regarded the Drow carefully and she recognised that what he said was right.  Well, most of it.  As he made his remarks about her being on her high and mighty throne and only going into the city to the praise of her people from atop her steed, she lifted her hand to slap him right in the mouth.  How dare he!  She thought, but then something shifted in the shadows behind her and as she turned, the Drow quickly got between her and the shadow.  She drew her own dagger quickly from her boot and made to throw it, but a blade came from the shadows that was caught by the Drow and quickly thrown back.  It struck her would be attacker and put him down.  The Drow stated his remarks again and this time, Frae really did find the chance to make her own remarks.

Turning the Dark Elf on his heel, Frae turned the dagger in her hand and viciously smacked him in the mouth with the hilt.  "You'd be surprised who does and doesn't like me, Sir."  She snapped, "And once again, your assumptions only serve to insult and irritate me."  To her left, her royal guard and Mikal rushed in and immediately made to arrest the Drow again, but she held her hand up.  "My attacker is over there."  She said quickly and pointed the hilt of her dagger at the dead assassin behind her throne.  "The Dark Elf is not responsible.  In fact, he rather saved my skin, so let him be."
"As you wish, Sister."  Mikal said and he with his men quickly took the assassin away.  The door was shut again and Frae turned her attention back to the Drow.
She slipped her dagger back into her boot.  "It may surprise you to know that you are most incorrect about me, Sir."  She said, "I often go into the city of my own volition and not to be admired by the crowds.  How else do you think I understand so much of what goes on?  I do not and never have relied only on the reports given by my brother and his police or the guard.  And I rather resent the assumption of being otherwise."  Her eyes hardened towards the Drow, "And just for the record, Sir, my throne only sits higher in the room so that I may view all that enter this room without them having to kneel or sit before me.  If my people cannot come to me on their feet and stay that way, what does that say about me?  I respect my people, all of my people and I now demand that you take back that comment.  I will not and never have tolerated my name or thoughts being hijacked and assumed over, Sir."  She turned and moved away from him and her throne.

"It has never been my way to judge without knowing all the facts.  And should you have offered up the information you had before insulting my intelligence, you would have received a much changed opinion."  She told him quietly.  "I know that many are still to be swayed by my style of politics and my thoughts on the different races that inhabit Serin and Malthinos in general.  My father, the King, would have let the secular assumptions continue, but I have not.  It takes longer than a mere few centuries to remove such a deep seated resentment of the Dark Elven, especially from those who's ancestors fought and died in the blood war."  She shook her head and moved to the window to stare out over the top half of her city as the moons cast their gem-like glow.  "My own grandfather died in that horrific shame on our history, so your expectation for me to rid Serin of the racism is even more insulting.  Can you even imagine how hard it has been for me to do what I've done already? I've spent my life going against the creed of my people in the hope of peace for Malthinos."  She closed her eyes and shook her head.  "Sometimes, I even wonder to myself why my father chose me to take his place and not Mikal."  She turned back to the Drow and folded her arms as her wings fluttered lightly at her shoulder.  "So in return, I make it my mission in life to judge more fairly than he would have."

She moved back to him, "You say you only steal from those that are already on the wrong hand of Serin law.  I ask you to prove it."  She looked up at the images still lingering from the fairy's magic.  Though he'd said one of them was already in her court, she did not recognise him.  "Prove to me their guilt and I will drop all charges against you.  You will be made welcome to stay within the citadel walls should you wish, or you may leave Serin.  The choice will be yours."  She turned away towards the main doors.  "Mikal!"  She called.

The Regent arrived quickly and bowed his head slightly at his sister.  "You called for me?"
"Provide the Dark Elf...."  She furrowed her brow, "Your name Sir?"  Before turning back to Mikal, "Provide him with accommodation within the citadel so he may make his case against his accusers.  He claimed those he stole from are also thieves.  I have given him the chance to prove it.  He will be made welcome under the condition he does not sink to thievery within my palace."
"As you wish, Sister."  Mikal said, "And the other charges?"
"All other charges are to be dropped with immediate effect."
"What of the General?"  Mikal asked.
Frae worked her jaw before looking at the Drow.  "He may keep his position, but he is never again to define my people by their race, or he will be removed from Serin."  her eyes narrowed at her brother as her voice dropped to a whisper.  "The same applies to you, Brother."  She told him, "We are not our father, Mikal.  What has been past, remains as past, am I clear?"
Mikal nodded low, "Yes Frae."  He returned just as quietly, "And I'm sorry."  he leaned forward and kissed her forehead before leaving.
Frae turned back to the Drow.  "You can have what time you need."  She said to him and made to leave, but another guard came in and Frae narrowed her eyes once again.

"I apologise for interrupting."  The guard said carefully, with his head low.
"What is it?"  Frae asked with some annoyance.
"There has been a scuffle in the upper citadel."  The guard said, "A Magi was caught chasing a citizen through the streets.  He has been arrested and stopped, but he protests he was chasing a thief."
Frae closed her eyes and let her head drop back.  "Fair enough."  she said, "Bring him to me.  I will hear his case."
The guard bowed low again, "As you wish, Your Highness."

Moving back to her throne, Frae took her seat and sat back as the Magi was led in.  She lifted her head somewhat as she looked him over carefully.  He was barely a boy!  Perhaps he had only just left the Magi school.  "What are the charges?"  She asked.
The guard brought the Magi to the steps of the throne and then held his arm tight as he spoke.  "Using magic as a weapon."  He said, "Assault and manslaughter by magic.  Attempted assault of a noble."
Frae lifted an eyebrow at the Magi.  "These are serious charges, your mage."  She said to him, "How do you plead?"

Sn Riel's head snapped to one side at the blow from the hilt of her dagger. He tasted his blood in his mouth and as he wiped a hand across it warm blood covered the side of his hands. He smiled though and said nothing. He listened to her and bowed at the waist, "My appology your highness. But in my defense, others that rule other places and from where I come from do not do such a thing. When I said some one really does not like you, I was talking about the one that is now hunted. He evidently wants power and thinks he can gain it by slaying you. But again my aplogy for insulting you.

When the guards came rushing in along with the General and the Regent, he stood there watching them. As they made for him the queen told them about the assassin and the body was removed. She then made her edict and again he bowed. "A few of your men in disguise, coming with me to watch and observe should gain enough proof." her offer of staying in the palace was a surprise. He listened to her exchange with her brother and smiled. The General would retain his position and the conditions. This made him smile. Hopefully the old Centaur would see the light. He would love to see his face if he ever found out that he asked to queen to just reprremand him. That would be a moment he would remember forever.

The queen thought he was done for the day but another had been arrested and brought to her for judgement. He saw the fairy in the back and chuckled. It seemed she kept getting mixed up with the wrong people. The crystal still projected the images in the room. She would be the only one that would be able to remove the spell.

He stood there to listen to the tale of the young Magi. Chasing a thief and using his magic to kill and try to stop a thief. That was intresting indeed. What noble was he being accused of assaulting? He moved to where the fair was standing and smiled at her. "My thanks for trying to help and your kindness." he told her.

Marthur stood infront of the the Queen and hung his head in shame, he felt stupid and foolish.
After a long pause he finally looked her in the eye. "I plead guilty." Marthur said taking a deep breath. "I have been spying on this whole city of yours. I heard talk of a young dragon hatchling being stolen and decided to try to help. You see, my name is Marthur Mystic. I am a Magi of the Brotherhood of Magi. We hail from far north of here. After reaching the status of Magi I was to persue missionary work. So when I heard of the atrosity that was kidnapping, I decided to play hero... I failed your magesty. I used a magical form of seeing called scrying. We mages use it to seek out artifacts, lost mages, and in my case, spying on unaware respipiants. I saw everything that happened in your court, then I spied on your citizens. I was only trying to find our... I mean your thief." Marthur stopped to take a deep breath. "Oddly enough I couldn't use my scry on him, so I used the best descriptions to track him by foot. I found a noble fitting those descriptions and persued him. I soon realized he did not want to be persued, he was accompanied by some very quick men armed with crossbows. The noble ran and his men attacked me, so in self defense I used my magic. My attaempts at trying to be a hero have failed. I will accept my punishment and serve what ever sentence you would have for me. I don't think asking for a pardon will work for me at this point." The young mage said laying down his very appealing staff.

She gives Riel a nod and a smile before getting serious again. Anna was officially pissed off at the justice system. She moves some and the crystal showed the truth of what happened. She stood forward beside the magi. "I don't mean to be rude but your system has some serious flaws. First you accuse a elf of being a kidnapper now a clearly new citizen to the city. He was just trying to do what your guards should have done in the first place."