Once Forgotten 2.1

"A Fallen God? But why would he give up his divinity and come down here? Why not just stay a God and go about his work?" Rya asked.

Birnt frowned. "Because, the other Gods were angry that he struck Amari in anger. She is the Goddess of Life and Children. She is the gentlest and kindest of the Gods. The most forgiving. She probably even tried to convince the other Gods to forgive Nadarin."

"It doesn't matter. Alacandis would be the one to cast judgment upon Nadarin. And as he is the God of Fire and Providence as well, he would have cast him down anyway." Rya said. Kadrin appeared from an alley.

"And what have you two been up to this fine day?" He asked.

Rya gave him a smile. "Oh, we just came from the theater."

"Ah, the theater. It has been quite some time since I saw a performance. Is there anything of interest being put on?" Her master asked.

Rya nodded. "Yes, a very interesting one. Master, you know much about the myths and tales of the Realm. Have you heard the Tragedy of Nadarin?"

Kadrin nodded. "Now that's a tale that I have not heard in a long time. I'm surprised they even managed to find such a story. It is not a very popular tale. To think that one of the Eleven would cast himself down, give up on his very divinity, is just unthinkable. It's inconceivable for most to think that their God would do such a thing. However, it is good that it has resurfaced. Perhaps I'll go see it." He turned and walked away, leaving Rya and Brint alone again.

Rya suddenly felt the chill that comes from being watched. She quickly glanced around and just caught sight of a cloak vanishing into the crowd. Brint saw her frown. "What's wrong?"

She shook her head. "Nothing. I thought I saw something, but it was nothing. Now, how about we get some lunch, then go about our business. What time do you have to meet with your...associates?"

Brint glanced at the sun. "Not until later. Come, I know the perfect place. They have the best fried gullas!"

They headed off, their previous discussion forgotten for the moment. Some distance away, a young man watched them, a cloak drawn about them. He had watched them for a while, and now he was sure of it. Rya had the Windcleaver; he could sense it's aura. He darted away, leaving them alone for now.
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Arden was not having a very good day. He had spent the whole of his morning trying to communicate with nobles from a far away kingdom about creating a trade route, but the main translator was ill with a bad set of the chills. The translator's apprentice tried his best to fill in for his master, but it all ended in disaster. The nobles ended up becoming incredibly insulted (he wasn't even sure what it was the boy had said to them), and they stormed off to their quarters. Kurel had to do her best to calm them down, which was rather easy for her as she happened to know their language. However, she was then furious with Arden, as she and Roylen were now busy planning their wedding.

In the end, Arden went on to his next agenda: taking care of a new shipment of imported items. It was all going well with the inventory, that is until he discovered that it was the wrong shipment. He then had to spend several hours tracking down the correct one, finally finding it in the hands of a merchant who had already sold most of the items. To make matters worse, he then discovered that the true shipment was a set of crates full of Tachara crystals, which were incredibly hard to grow, much less find, and were used for countless purposes. Together, he and the merchant had to track down every single customer, retrieve the crystals, give back the money the merchant had made, and then exchange shipments.

He sighed as he sank down onto his bed, smiling with relief of being able to lay down for a while. His day couldn't possibly get much worse. A small knock on his door forced him to sit up. A servant girl entered and curtsied, blushing slightly.

"Her highness and her fiance' wish to meet with you to discuss what they will need ordered for their wedding along with all the expenses." The girl said. Arden nodded to her and stood with a sigh. He was right. His day didn't get any worse. It became downright dreadful.
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Kurel was simply glowing as she and Roylen went about their planning. Arden's foul mood didn't even put a dent in her spirits. She was finally marrying the man she loved above all others, almost more than her kingdom. But only almost. As queen her main priority and duty was to all of her people. But still, she was getting married!

She finally gave a slight frown as a nervous servant approached. "Your Highness, I hate to interrupt, but Flamian has come and wishes to see you right away."

Kurel frowned. Flamian was known to wander. He had visited Salcar many times, but he never requested an audience with her before. She excused herself from Roylen and Arden. She followed her servant to a small meeting chamber, where Flamian stood where he usually did when he was inside a building, near a window. He bowed in respect to her. She nodded her head, acknowledging him as the warrior he was. "Lord Flamian, this is an unexpected honor. But to what do I owe this pleasure?" She asked.

Flamian gave a sad smile. "Nothing good, I'm afraid. I have come on the behalf of Kadrin."

Kurel's face fell. "What is it?"

Flamian turned to face her. "A new storm is now coming. The demons are rising again and they are more plentiful then ever. I have seen them for myself; they are growing stronger. The Six Nations is already preparing, but we cannot face them alone. Will Salcar stand with us? The draigon clans have already responded. We have been sending messengers throughout the Realm, contacting all clans everywhere."

Kurel was silent for a long time as she contemplated what this meant. Finally, she nodded. "Salcar will stand by her ally. If the demons are indeed returning, then we need to put a stop to whatever it is they are after."

Flamian nodded. "Thank you, dear queen." He paused by the door. "I am sorry to have brought such news when you are preparing for your union with Roylen. Truly, I am. I promise you: I will do my best to stop them."

"Flamian." Again he paused. "Thank you." He nodded and left. Roylen entered soon after.

"What was it? What did he have to say?" He asked. She stood by the window, staring out over a world that could be burning within a year.

"The demons are returning, their numbers growing along with their strength." She buried her face in her lover's shoulder. "Oh why must such things be happening now?"

Roylen kissed the top of her head and caressed her back. "Because something is about to happen, my love." She pulled back and frowned. "I can't really explain it. Ever since Kadrin began moving publicly, I have had this feeling that something is coming. Something that could be either good or bad. With Sari going off as his apprentice, I received a confirmation more than anything. Perhaps...perhaps this is a return to what was before?"

She frowned. "Surely you don't mean that myth? A Golden Age in which all the Realm is in peace? Come on, Roylen! How can you believe such a thing?"

"It's called hope." He fell silent, looking out at their kingdom. He lightly kissed her lips and caressed her cheek. "We'll be alright, Kuri, we will be. The best we can do is be prepared to aid and to do battle. Now, come. We still have a wedding to plan."

She smiled and nodded, taking his arm. He was right. With the Overseers on their side, they would triumph.

In a tower, Kadic stood, watching the world below him. The time was close now. Soon, he would have to shed his disguise and take his true place. Lirand would have to fight again.