And In The Echoing Dark, Hear An Answer Of The Heart

[Starjax]

It still felt strange to Starjax to be inside stone walls. But she had come here to make a decision. Though she probably shouldn’t get involved, as an outsider, she wanted to become part of Noresh. That meant she was staying for a while yet among the two-leggers. Amendyl was there with her, for support, but the small, gnomish girl was not certain if he was pleased, or angry. The shaggy winged dog was as uncomfortable as she was being surrounded by stone, despite having been in the Aethel Keep before. It made Starjax’s skin crawl—something she never got used to. And the Mashi spent more and more time away, escaping civilization.

The two made an odd couple, the golden sun dog, Mashi, standing almost as high as Starjax’s shoulder. And Starjax herself was like no other gnome normally seen in the Realm of Mystery. She had strange chameleon eyes and dishwater blonce hair brushed by pale, shining silver, and she was taller than most adult gnomes while still being smaller than most other races. In her left hand she held a staff nearly two feet taller than herself of black oak, and she wore clothes patched together from animal hide. Her feet made no sound on the stones, and the one steady color in her eyes was the electric blues and yellows of fear. She looked practically feral.

The Chamber of Decisions seemed to glare down at her, so serious, and she felt alone even standing with Amendyl. Every mote of indecisiveness in Starjax’s body felt repelled from the place. In that silent body language that flew between Amendyl and Starjax more comfortably than words ever rose to her lips she said, I should at least speak to Noctis, shouldn’t I. I have only considered Noresh up to this point. The large Mashi stiffened, bristling slightly. Clearly he did not think much of Noctis. It was darkness, his adopted sister was light, but it was her choice. He was not two-legger enough to get involved, to be swayed to either side. Sometimes he even wondered if he and Starjax were drifting apart and he should head home.

But always he decided against it. In years she was old, compared to humans, but it would take her until she was in her thirties to be full-grown and mature. She aged so slowly. He also worried about others taking her seriously. To them she looked like a child, though nearing her adult height at three feet and six inches. Not that they didn’t underestimate him. Sometimes it was humiliating to be thought a pet, to have the friendly butcher toss him a bone, never out of malice, but out of ignorance. But very few people ignored a large winged dog growling at them, so he would stay if Starjax needed him, to protect her. He was confident in her right to make her own choices regarding this, so the gold and black Mashi padded silently beside her, the air catching on his gilded feathers and stirring them ever so slightly as he passed.

Respectfully Starjax paused and knelt, as though looking for some sort of guidance from a God, though it was a mystery to which God she prayed. Her Kirre Cloak, in subtle grays and dusky purples, pooled around her as she knelt. Amendyl stood guardedly beside her. Lightly she touched her hand to her knife, more for the comfort of the memories of past enemies she had conquered rather than in a threatening way. The largest of these enemies was fear. She laid her black oak staff on the floor beside her with care, every attention paid to producing no sound.

“I have a decision.” Her words were clear, if soft, and comforting to her. Then she did something strange. She hugged Amendyl. It was one of the two-legger actions that she remembered, and had seen again. As scarcely as she showed emotion in human ways this was a rare occurrence indeed. Both Amendyl and Starjax were stunned and heartened by it, if a touch embarrassed by the implication that they were influenced by the two-legger ways they had encountered. So be it.

[Rahina]

Rahina was, for once, not in her library or gardens. She had decided when she awoke that morning that a ride would do her good. Lisbeth had been exercised in Rahina's long absence from the Realm, but actually being ridden by the person who broke you was a vastly more refreshing for a mount, and Rahina had only taken her out once since her return. Guilt spurred her from a warm, soft bed, and guided her to her closet where she had selected simple riding clothes. After a quick splash of water on her face and a comb through her thick crimson curls, Rahina had made her way out to the stables.

Lisbeth whinnied anxiously, and pawed at the floor of the stables with impatience as Rahina had neared the mare's more than ample accommodations in Noresh's main stables. A soft laugh fell from Rahina's lips as she pulled open the half-door on the stall and Lisbeth bumped Rahina's shoulder with her head, trying to move her so Lisbeth could exit.

"Alright you beast, lets go."

Rahina backed out of the stall and allowed the mare to move out into the wide aisle. Lisbeth paused once she was out and allowed Rahina to jump onto her back, and waited until the High Lady had weaved her finger's through the mare's mane before taking off with a quick gait. Rahina felt her body easily slip into the rhythm of the canter Lisbeth broke into as they exited the stables and gently guided her faithful mount east, away from the Keep. The wind rippled through Rahina's mop of curls and sent them dancing out and away from her face as they rode over the lush fields and glades that surrounded Aethal Keep.

It had been far too long since Rahina had spent the better part of her time in nature. Her gardens gave her peace when she had time to escape to them, but Rahina was a nymph; time with nature was an essential part of her being, and her sanity. Rahina had long ago adjusted (as much as one can) to living within cold stone walls and not being able to hear the rustling of leaves to lull her to sleep. The adjustment had been a necessity when Rowell had laid the heavy task of ruling the Realm of Mystery on Rahina's shoulders, but it had not made it any easier. When Rahina was younger, she had often stolen away from the Keep at night to sleep in the branches of nearby trees. Today, that was once again her goal.

During Rahina's musings, Lisbeth had led them deep into the Elven forest that comprised the eastern border of Noresh's lands. Rahina guided Lisbeth to stop below an immense oak tree and slipped down off the mare's back. Lisbeth wandered over the nearby creek and dipped her head for a long drink just as Rahina was grabbing the lowest branch and swinging herself upward. Although she moved with a grace granted by her bloodlines, Rahina found herself panting as she neared the thickest part of the tree. "I am getting old" she muttered softly. She found what she was looking for, a perfect spot to nestle in and nap, and Rahina made herself at home. To some, the scratch of the bark and the occasional leaf falling in one's hair would have sent them scrambling for the ground and a real bed, but Rahina took this in stride, and loved every scratch and every leaf.

It was in this position, sleeping lightly, that the summons from the Chamber came to Rahina. The soft buzzing was at first dismissed as a flying bug, and Rahina waved her hand about her head without opening her eyes, hoping to send the pest on its way. When the buzzing increased in intensity, Rahina opened her eyes and noticed the way the air shimmered around her.

"Primes!"

The word slipped from her lips in the same instant she disappeared, for she suddenly realized the buzzing was the spell alerting her of someone within the Chamber of Decisions. Rahina reappeared on the ground beside Lisbeth and swung up onto the mare's back. She was considerably closer to the Chamber than to her own Keep, so she dismissed the idea of changing clothes and decided whoever waited there would have to take her as she was. Lisbeth responded to her mistress's urgency and took off a full gallop, forcing Rahina to lean into her mount in order to stay on her back. Riding bareback had always been a passion of Rahina's, but it was not without its perils.

As they drew abreast of the Chamber, Rahina slipped off Lisbeth's back and glanced around, hoping she had beat Mercra here. The last candidate to come here seeking advice had gone to Noctis before Rahina had even had a chance to speak. She was determined to bring this current candidate to Noresh if their principles were sound. Noresh was in great need of members, but Rahina would stand by what a candidate must have to join; namely - honesty, integrity, and a will to help others in need.

Rahina was still pulling a stray leaf from her hair as she entered the Chamber. She quickly ran her fingers through her hair and brushed her tunic off. She was dressed quite differently than normal, her usual white dress not ideal for climbing trees. Today she was clothed in light tan leggings, tan leather boots, and a soft green tunic, belted at the waist with a length of dark green cloth. She could have passed for a peasant were it not for the aura of strong magic and power than emanated from her.

Rahina strode towards the girl and the rather strange looking canine that stood by her side. Rahina was slightly surprised to see such a small creature here, as she was used to being the shortest person in the Realm at barely five feet tall. The girl looked very young, childlike, and Rahina experienced a pang of sorrow for what might have brought this girl here at such a young age. Nevertheless, Rahina regarded the girl with the same respect she wished she had been given at the same age when she had been forced to live on her own. She was also aware of a niggling in the back of her mind that she had seen this girl somewhere before.

"Greetings! My name is Rahina Aethal. I am one of two High Ladies who rule the lands of Noresh. I welcome you to the Chamber of Decisions, and ask the Goddess to bless you and help you reach your decision." Rahina paused a moment, and suddenly realized where she had seen the girl. "I believe you attended the ball held in Aethal Keep on my lands. I am sorry to say I did not catch your name there, but would be delighted to know it now."

Rahina bowed her head just slightly to the girl and in turn, to the creature who stood by her side. There was a curiously intelligent light behind the odd canine's eyes, and Rahina, who had a deep respect for all animals and species, was curious about the one now before her.

"Once you have introduced yourself, perhaps you could also introduce me to your companion. I am always eager to learn of other races and species, and I dare say I have never met anyone of your, or, is it a his?, origin."

[Mercra]

Mercra paced back and forth through his study, his hands wildly gesturing as he spoke from memory what he remembered his edicts were to his Noctis members. The meeting was close at hand, and Mercra wanted to make sure that everything he had to say was recorded. Slyph, his head manservant, was busy scribbling everything down into some illegible shorthand so that he could later pen it in its entirity. Mercra either did not notice or did not care about the small muscle spasms that shook his servant's hand as he continued to list his agenda for the next meeting.

He was about to move to his next point when he felt a pressure in the back of his mind. He paused, causing Slyph to look up. Slyph was grateful for the reprieve, but was curious as to why the High Lord stopped midsentence. He had only started to rise from his chair before the elf stopped him.

"I must go, we will finish this some other time." And with those words, Mercra vanished from the room, leaving Slyph to start transcribing what he had just taken notes on. The half-elf sat for a moment, breathing a sigh of relief.

************************************

The Chamber of Decisions. The last time that Mercra had come here, a new member had joined Noctis. He had done so without even considering Noresh. That was both a blessing and a bit of a curse. Viclo had turned out to be an eager member and a quick learner, not short on potential and not shy on moxie. Still, to have made such a decision without weighing both options tugged at Mercra's mind a bit, the way that it now tugged to inform him that someone had entered the Chamber.

Inside, he could feel power, and he knew that he was not the first to arrive. The Noresh representative had beaten him here this time. Well enough, as Mercra had already prepared what he was going to say the next time he was here. The meeting with Viclo had been surprising, not just for him, but for Rahina as well.

Before the introductions could be made, the door to the Chamber opened again, revealing the High Lord of Noctis. The elf stood perhaps twice and half again the gnome girl's height, and was wearing clothing that showed off his slender build. Rather than the flowing robes and bulky cloak that he was used to wearing and being seen in, the High Lord made his appearance in a simple tunic and vest with a pair of trousers of some mid-quality material, all colored black. His hair fell about his shoulders and down his back, the silver-blond catching and reflecting what light was available in the chamber. His face, normally pale and pinched from lack of rest and too much work, was ivory white and smooth. He was a young elf, still an adult, but nowhere near the time most Elves thought about leaving for the other plane.

The High Lord made his way into the chamber, closing the door behind him to seal out the elements. He tossed his hair a bit as he walked over to stand a bit apart from Rahina, but still in front of the gnome. He regarded her and her companion carefully. Viclo also had a hound companion, but this was different. This was no ordinary dog at all. Mercra could feel its intelligence as it regarded him back.

Mercra bowed to first the gnome and then again to the High Lady, a deep, actual bow this time as opposed to the rare greetings they had made to each other in the past.

"Greetings and welcome, I am Mercra, High Lord of Nocits. I do hope that I am not tardy enough to miss either of your names."

[Starjax]

The childlike girl had been led here by a series of misfortunes, much like those misfortunes that prompted others to wander from their homes. She had no illusions about her troubles being unique as she had lived among two completely different societies and both of them had problems all their own. Still, one could not help but feel a bit haunted by it, since everything always changed so quickly in her life, and she changed to adapt so slowly. She wasn’t the youth she should have been, full of innocence, but few others were. She thought that past was so far behind her that it could never catch up. Had she been a bit older she would have known she would wear her history for the rest of her life, like a piece of her soul that made her who she was.

From where she knelt she looked up to see the graceful elven woman from the ball that had danced with Sidril. And then the man that she could only assume was another power in the realm. She felt a little shy, as they were strangers to her, but surely she couldn’t have expected Shadow, the rambunctious warrior that she had met on previous occasions. Or even Aherne, whom she had met briefly on her arrival to Aethel Keep. And she had never met anyone from Noctis. This was Rahina, the other high lady of Noresh. Starjax rose silently from where she knelt and gave a bow that was not clumsy due to a lack of dexterity, but rather to the lack of training. It was like a wild mustang trying to impersonate a fancy Friesian dressage horse.

“Well met, Lady Aethal, Lord Mercra” the words were practiced, except for the names, while still accented. They had to be, words did not come easily; that much was clear. “I was at the ball. It was nice,” the word was inadequate, but she couldn’t think of the other word she needed. “Thank you,” she added, belatedly remembering she had never thanked the host, Rahina. “My name is Starjax—I mean my name is Stardel Vixa of the Jealst Clan—everyone calls me Starjax—” a blush grew in the girl’s cheeks as she realized she was rambling and she hastily went on, her eyes blurring with violets, blues, and bright dapples of gold, “My, my, err, companion is Amendyl, my brother. He is of the Mashi race. They call them ‘Sun Dog’ in two-legger tongue.” She said this part proudly, her brother was a strong warrior, and of a good, if quiet race. His race she knew well, much better than she knew her own, at least. Two-leggers were still mysterious to her.

Amendyl bowed, making his own greeting clear. He held the leaders of Noresh and Noctis in the highest respect, for though the Mashi themselves had no magic to speak of they recognized power, the way they recognized fear, and knew what people were saying without being able to speak the language. It took a lot to hide the gist of a conversation from a Mashi, and Starjax, at least, never hid. What was more was that Rahina was kind to Starjax and recognized him without even knowing the two of them. And Mercra, too, had addressed them both, though Amendyl was less certain of him. As long as Starjax was here he would probably remain, wherever she went. Who knew, he might even meet others he could speak to. Using one of the few universal bits of body language he knew passed between animals and humanoids he wagged his tail once, and sat by Starjax, staring up at the High Lady and the High Lord with both respect and intelligence.

Starjax gave the slightest smile to Amendyl, glad that he approved. “I am just a gnome, but the Mashi took me in when I did not live up to the standards of my own race. They are my race now,” she added quietly, with Amendyl’s prompting. There was no chance the two were blood relatives, but the girl did not welcome being thought of as Gnomish more than Mashi, and it was best to tell people that. “We came a long way from forest home, did not even know people could get so tall before we got here, really, and we did not by chance. Me to learn. Him to watch out for me. I am elder by sixteen years and he still treats me like a pup.” There was the slightest hint of laughter and affection in her voice, and her eyes held shades of warm gray blue.

Pushing starlight hair back from her forehead Starjax examined Rahina without the coy subtlety that most people might have used to disguise their interest. She wasn’t terribly sure what to make of the woman. It put Starjax more at ease that the woman dressed like a regular person, not some lofty noble. But Starjax had to wonder, since she couldn’t be sure, which woman wore the mask—the woman at the ball with the fine red dress and the whole of Noresh by her side, or this casually polite woman in plain clothes, combing leaves out of her hair as she entered the Chamber of Decisions. Or in some ways did both wear a mask? Not that it was any of Starjax’s business. She hadn’t exactly been herself at the ball, kitted out in a pearly gray blue dress.

Examining Mercra in much the same honest way she found he was tall, and she had to tilt her head back to meet his eyes. But he also dressed simply, and did not seem to hold himself above others so loftily, and he did not treat her like a child or Amendyl like a dog. This might be a tougher decision that she had first believed. She also found there was something attractive about him that reminded her of long ago, stirring up wisps of nostalgia that she had not known she had—it was that silver blonde hair. She hadn’t even realized she had missed such simple things as not being the only one of her kind and wondered, privately, how Amendyl must feel out here with none of his pack. Waking from the reverie she spoke softly, apologetically, “I am sorry, Lord Mercra, I have seen little of Noctis for I arrived first in Noresh and found shelter within Aethal Keep for a while.” To both she added, “I do not know how long I will be staying, perhaps for a very long time, but I need training in magic. I am a sorceress.” She said the last part as though it was a crime. It was, in some places.

[Rahina]

Rahina regarded the young girl silently once she had asked after the girl's name, but her gaze slipped between the girl and her equally interesting companion. Before the girl could give her name, Mercra appeared in the room with them, and astounded Rahina with a very formal bow, deeper than was the custom between them. For an instance, Rahina was caught off guard, and memories of feelings she had once held for this elf caused her breath to catch in her throat. The pause was almost imperceptible as Rahina caught ahold of herself quickly and returned the bow, wondering if Mercra knew the honor she accorded him with that simple gesture. Rahina was loath to bow to anyone, but especially one of equal rank to herself. Rahina mused at this change in Mercra's greeting to her, and wondered if her and the High Lord shouldn't have a frank discussion about the tensions between their factions instead of everyone sneaking around and making assumptions.

Rahina dismissed her current thoughts with a toss of her curls. Once Mercra had presented himself, the young girl began speaking, and Rahina turned her sole attention to the girl. Rahina realized within moments of the girl speaking that the Common Tongue was not her native language. No matter, Rahina had once had to learn the tongue herself, and the girl was doing remarkably well. It was obvious someone had taught the girl manners, and Rahina's impression of the girl became more and more favorable as she went on. When she confided in them her origin and that of her companion, Rahina's interest was immediately piqued. She had never met anyone of either race, although the origin of the girl explained her appearance and Rahina realized she had probably wrongly guessed the girl's age.

When the girl was halfway through her talk, Rahina dropped to the floor and settled herself comfortably into a cross-legged position. Rahina choose to forsake the chairs in the room for several reasons. First and foremost she did not believe the smaller girl would be comfortable in chairs that were made for people even taller than Rahina. Secondly, Rahina was more comfortable with an informal setting than seeming to lord over the prospective members. She lightly leaned her elbows on her knees and clasped her hands in her lap, leaning forward with interest in what the girl had to say. Once the girl had finished, Rahina was quick to speak up. She had caught the tone in the girl's voice at her last statement, and Rahina's eyes flashed with a disgust for people who did not try to understand the talents given to or practiced by others.

"Sorcery is most honorable profession to pursue and I would be more than happy to oversee your training personally should you see fit to join Noresh." Rahina paused a moment and realized she had forsaken to thank the girl for the introductions.

"I am pleased to meet you both, and I must say it is refreshing to meet two persons of races completely foreign to me. I am always eager to learn of new people and the places they come from." Rahina turned her gaze to the girl's companion. The intelligence behind those eyes was almost haunting, and Rahina was surprised at the very canine-like gesture of wagging it's tail.

"My most profound respect to you, for taking in someone in need and protecting her thus far. I was once in her position. Although I am nymph by birth I was raised by an elven village when I was forced to leave my home." Rahina's eyes clouded a moment from those memories, but she pressed on.

"Although I have never met any of your species, Amendyl, I must say you seem a most noble creature and I hope you will accept my curiosity towards you as well meant and the product of a rather long life span which would get boring without the pursuit of knowledge."

Rahina once again turned her attention to the girl. "I understand you have a difficult decision before you, so allow me to tell you about Noresh so you can make the decision informed. Noresh is called the Land of Light. Noresh holds every life as sacred, and does not condone the taking of life unless it is necessary. We do fight when provoked, but we attempt other options if necessary. Noresh's members must be, above all else, honest with themselves and those around them. Integrity is something we place high value on. Noresher's almost always share my penchant for learning, but it is not a requirement to join. We do however, require that you help others when it is needed, as Noresh has taken a vow to help any and all who require sanctuary or healing regardless of their alignment." Rahina paused a moment, and glanced at Amendyl. "I also offer you one piece of advice, and that is to follow the instinct of your brother, for he seems to hold more wisdom that I dare say most give him credit for."

[Mercra]

Mercra stood again, not seeming to notice or care much about the bow that Rahina had returned to him. His had been a snide little gesture, though it had been couched in the most well-meaning of actions. She probably could not sense the intent or the purpose behind it. Sadly, appearances still ruled over this world, and the truth of the matter still mattered little. He had bowed to her because the last time they had met in the Chamber of Decisions, he had come away victorious. The running tally was one up in favor of Mercra.

The High Lord of Noctis was about to state that, in deference of the High Lady, who had arrived first (and lost the last contest), that the virtues of Noresh should be told before the virtues of Noctis, but the High Lady was quick to snap up the chance. Perhaps she was still feeling the sting of last time.

Mercra watched as the High Lady sat on the ground, following her in that at least. It would make no sense for him to trek all the way to the chairs if the two of them were going to seat themselves here. The elf joined them on the ground, crossing his legs beneath him and putting himself in a type of kneeling position that was only comfortable from years of having practiced it.

A slight inclination of the head was all that was given in response to the introductions. The girl seemed more fitted to Light from his initial impressions of her, but if that were so, then his presence here was unnecessary. Her appearance in the Chamber of Decisions meant that she probably was not quite so fitted as he suspected, and while Rahina talked about the values held by Noresh, Mercra studied the gnome intently, trying to figure out what it was about her that did not quite mesh with the Noresh ideals. That was going to be his first and maybe only point which he could play on.

The Mashi seemed quite adverse to the elf's presence. Mercra could see the slight slowing of the tail whenever he looked upon the High Lord. While he was not aware of every piece of body language that animals might give off, that one signal was enough to plant an idea, however false, in the High Lord's mind. He was aware that Rahina had finished speaking, and so it was his turn.

"Likewise, arcane studies will probably fall under my jurisdiction should you join Noctis. We differ only in ideals. Rahina is quite the capable sorceress, as am I. We would not be in our positions were to be any less than the best, and so your learning is more assured."

"Whereas Noresh holds every life as sacred, Noctis holds that only one life is truly sacred, and that is your own. Noresh would have you sacrifice your time, your energy, and your life helping people whom have little or no connection to you, Noctis would have you apply your skills to yourself, and anyone that you chose to help. We are not against helping others, but we see no reason why they should not help us in return. After all, every craftsman and merchant demands a price, so why should everyone not?"

[Starjax]

Amendyl was quick to know where he stood on these issues, and this time he communicated with Starjax only through a complicated yet subtle set of body language that made up the Mashi speech. His tail flickered, his wings rustled, his eyebrows lifted, and he spoke in complete silence. Mercra was quite correct about how the Mashi felt about him, as prejudiced as it was. The Mashi had no monetary system being a pack society, they had to trust each other, the closest they came was trade—meat for berries, berries for fish—and rather than deal with problems of supply and demand if one area grew scarce from too many pack mates a new alpha female would emerge and lead away a part of the pack. It was a rare event that they fought among themselves. So his natural inclination was towards Rahina’s leadership, an alpha female.

Also, in his opinion, Noresh was closer to Mashi society. After all, they had taken in Starjax though they owed her nothing except from kindness. Amendyl bowed to Rahina. Her curiosity was accepted and understood, even welcome. He gave a wolfish grin, his dark amber eyes shone with pride and happiness. He was still a foolish pup back home, but he was starting to be otherwise thanks to his journeying. Yet he would not make Starjax’s decision for her, as she, also, had her own wisdom to find.

Starjax made an uncertain sound that was somewhere between a word-stumbling and a feral sound as what she might have said caught in her throat. If she were in Noresh it would mean helping even those she disliked. Yet, as she was reminded, that was how she had been raised since leaving her clan. The Silver Star Cavern gnome people hid from the world and would never dream of aiding outsiders, but that had led Starjax only to pain as they could so easily be turned against one another. No one had stepped forward to shield her as her mother, the former Starjazer, burned. It was the most terrifying of all executions for their race, for it reminded all the Silver Star Cavern gnomes of their primal fear of fire. They had only taken her away when they worried she might manage to free her mother with her untrained sorcery.

“I do not think I can uphold the ideals of Noctis,” she finally said in a tiny, choked voice with ambiguous emotion that glazed her eyes, making their electric blue-striped-with-violet seem to glow. She took a step back, and then fought to hold still, though her fingers still fidgeted with the edge of the Kirre cloak. “I, with respect great, I do not believe I can live as such. I am sorry if I have wasted your time,” she said more firmly, though her voice still quivered. She gave him a stiff, formal bow, and an apologetic look. She feared Noctis in a way because it had the appeal of mystery, since she had never been there, and while she was never inclined to hurt another, sometimes she felt so alone in this world, apart from even her pack, that it did not seem to matter that she helped. Maybe she had been too quick to make a decision to choose a side here at all. Maybe she could not live up to Noresh ideals, either.

The girl dug her graceful fingers into Amendyl’s fur in much the same way long-travelled companions might easily lean against each other, shoulder to shoulder. If Starjax was inclined to light it did not mean she had no dark traits. Her family had risen high in their society with driving forces such as greed, envy, and pride.”This does not mean I am suited for Noresh over Noctis,” she warned, “Only that I might try to be,” she said with an almost regained voice. Her family had fallen far from their follies, but she would never condemn them. They were who they thought that they needed to be, and Starjax would do nothing less than try to become who she thought she needed to be. And certainly Starjax would not be here if it wasn’t for kindness without the expectation of a reward. That thought rang clearly as a bell in her mind, over and over again, “I just needed to hear Noctis’ values for myself.”

As quiet as a whisper, maybe to herself, considering Rahina’s words, she added, “My family had a knack for sorcery, but it will not be easy for me to learn it. I would ask for… patience.” Starjax wondered how she had managed to fush up that word from her addled brain n the presence of these two prestigious leaders, but she was silently pleased. To be taught by one of them… She could never hope to live up to either instructor. She had too much fear in her, and too much memory for the price sorcery often cost. “And if I may say so, sorcery is both noble and dangerous” she was speaking of the dangers of being misunderstood, hunted, and feared unto the point of hatred. She had seen the flash in Rahina’s eyes and recognized that she might have seen this type of persecution before. Maybe it was that even more than the ideals… But Starjax hoped not, for she hoped to follow Mashi ideals even while learning the two-legger ways. She was a pack creature and needed company.

“I would try to be honest,” that was true enough. She could not lie. She could barely hide emotions, and subtleties often passed her by like so much swirling dust on the road—lost in the maelstrom of her attempts at translating every minute move. “I would also show what kindness I could to any. I owe my life to that sort of kindness.” Her eyes prickled slightly remembering how Ba’lyrin had taken her into the pack and had fostered her with her own daughter, Ma’lyrin, despite the fact that Silver Star Cavern gnomes often infringed upon Mash hunting grounds without ever asking for permission from their neighbors. In some ways, though, the choice seemed too obvious, too easy. The nagging doubts were reminders of how she so often ran rather than making a decision. But at least she had been candid about her thoughts on the matter.

[Rahina]

((Forewarning - I know this post sucks, but I had it completely written and ... well... my laptop hates me. So, yeah. ))

The tension in the Chamber was obvious to any and all, and it seemed to Rahina it was an atmosphere which was almost required in a place where two leaders came to do battle. Yes, even though it was fought with words and wisdom, it was a battle nonetheless. This battle was one Rahina did not relish, although the outcome sometimes meant more members for Noresh, but she was not competitive by nature, and sometimes she found it hard to articulate the ideals and feelings of Noresh. How do you explain a way of life? For Rahina, Noresh’s values were upheld in the extreme, but not all of her members were as selfless, and Rahina did not expect them to be. She had spent a large portion of her life thinking only of herself, and while she expected her members to help others as Noresh was sworn to do, she did not expect all of them to love the duty. She realized and accepted that if her entire faction was filled with people exactly like her, Noresh would have been overthrown years ago.

It was with these thoughts in mind that Rahina listened to Mercra’s small speech about Noctis, listening only enough to catch the same high points he always admonished and know when he was finished. Her attention throughout that span of time was focused mostly on Starjax and the Mashi creature she had called Amendyl. Her curiosity was piqued by both and she hoped that even if Starjax decided on Noctis, she would satisfy Rahina’s curiosity with a long question session. Something in the girl’s eyes told Rahina she did not think this one was suited for Noctis, but only Starjax could and would know that deep down, and so Rahina sat patiently while Starjax made her decision.

A small noise escaped from the equally small girl, and Rahina focused her roving attention on her completely. The girl looked somewhat uncomfortable and upset, and Rahina frowned slightly, furrowing her brow as she waited to see what the girl might say. “I do not think I can uphold the ideals of Noctis. I, with respect great, I do not believe I can live as such. I am sorry if I have wasted your time.”

Rahina could see the discomfort it has caused the girl, and her instinct as a mother and leader was to wrap the girl in her arms and tell her not to worry that she would always take care of her. Rahina reminded herself sternly that the girl was probably much older than she appeared, and most likely quite capable of taking care of herself, and so she limited herself to a small smile and a quick nod of her head as though to encourage her to speak her mind and stand by her decisions. The girl’s next words gave Rahina more pride in the young girl as well. “This does not mean I am suited for Noresh over Noctis,” she warned, “Only that I might try to be.”

Rahina bowed her head in acknowledgement, and before she could speak, the girl went on, asking for patience and revealing her knowledge that sorcery was not always as glamorous a profession as some might believe. She then spoke of honesty and kindness, and Rahina waited until the girl was completely finished before she spoke again.

“I admire your truthfulness and I applaud you for speaking your mind. No one is perfect, and we in Noresh realize and respect that each person has his or her own level of dedication to our cause. We do ask that you help when you are required to, but we will never force you to stay with us if you decided you no longer wished to be a part of Noresh. I hope you will decide to stay. I will be patient with you so long as you are patient with me. Truth be told it has been a while since someone has come to me looking to learn the art of sorcery, and I welcome the challenge. Rahina murmured a few words and then pulled a small silver ring seemingly from thin air. She leaned forward and presented it to Starjax solemnly.

“The ring will adjust to fit whichever finger you prefer to wear it on, and will allow you access to all the lands of Noresh and Aethal Keep. I am heading back to the Keep myself, so if you would not mind to ride with me, my mount will gladly carry us back, and your good friend here can follow us if he would like. Or, if you would rather, you can come to the Keep at your own pace tonight and I can get you settled.”

Rahina’s smile was genuine and relaxed as she waited for the girl to make her choice.

If you would like to gather your belongings and make your way to the Keep, I will show you your new lodgings and we will begin by getting you acquainted with the immediate lands.

[Mercra]

Mercra smiled softly, inclining his head a little as he listened to the gnome speak. There were people in this world who were fortunate enough to feel life's gentle embraces as well as its crushing defeats, and focus on the former rather than the latter. Those people tended not to be as cold-hearted or pessimistic as Mercra, and so they did not seem to follow Noctis' ideals. The gnome's presence here in the Chamber of Decisions meant that she had some nagging doubts, recognized that she had felt both joy and sorrow, and wished to make it known which was more important to her. Some chose the anger against their failures, some chose to mend rather than rail against that which had happened to them. It seemed that the gnome was going to be a Noresh member after all.

"You have not wasted my time at all, Starjax and Amendyl. You had a question about which faction held more appeal for you, and you have come to a decision after hearing what we both had to say. This little gathering here saved us both a lot more time and pain than if you had come to Noctis and later regretted it."

He nodded to Rahina, silently indicating that she had won this battle between them. He rose, brushing the front of his legs off, freeing himself from imaginary dust. He gave merely one more incline of the head to the three of them, catching once more the eyes of the Mashi. The intelligent creature intrigued the High Lord, and he wondered whether there was a dark counterpart to the Sun Dog. The dove had the raven, the elf had the drow. Every light cast a shadow, and he wondered what type of shadow the Mashi might cast.

"I bid you all a farewell. I hope the decision brings you joy." To whom this last sentence was spoken was left unclear as Mercra headed for the door of the chamber, pushing it open quietly and exiting, leaving the new Noresh member with her High Lady.

[Starjax]

Life had been kind to Starjax—she was here with Amendyl, wasn’t she? She could only offer the good fortune she enjoyed to others, no more or less. She had a life ahead of her that was looking brighter than her childhood; learning in Noresh and bringing that knowledge home when she reunited with the Mashi of her pack. Starjax was hardly the stronges hunter and was certainly not alpha material, though Amendyl might be as he had a healthy sense of competition growing up with his brothers and sisters as he did to hunt in the forests and protect his clan. Starjax needed none of that except to be accepted; she would have even been happy as the omega, though Ma’lyrin would never accept that position for one of her daughters, and so Starjax had risen to please her adopted mother. Yet life had dealt Starjax a strange hand. It had given her magic.

Magic could be used to heal, hurt, or discover. With practice Starjax might be a competent mage. Even a dangerous one. But even if the need came up again she wondered if she would be a reluctant battle mage. What she wanted to do with her powers beyond protecting herself and her friends, more a duty than a wish, she hadn’t the faintest idea. She could only take what the magic gave her, and so far it left her with mostly common and simple tools. While she seemed quite like the druids lost in her forest she was hardly an apt healer. Her magic hardly flowed that way at all. ‘Mending’ that way was not her specialty and she was as much a reluctant healer as a battle mage. Maybe research would suit her curiosity better. Life had indeed dealt her funny cards, then, as she still had difficulties reading, and she was a reluctant mage for most things. Possibly part of her early upbringing, which stunted her magic to some degree.

At least she hadn’t wasted Mercra’s time, or so he said. She gave a quick bow towards him, which was less difficult for her than her previous curtsy had been. The tension in the room was so thick as to be apparent even to an outsider such as Starjax, her eyes in shades of violet and blue, and so she felt nervous even though her decision was already final as she took the ring with a solemn, “Thank you,” and slipped the ring onto the ring finger of her right hand. It closed to adorn the small gnomish finger gracefully. The tension was so powerful for Amendyl that it was nearly a separate scent to him, full of anxiety, worry, and separation between two ways of living. Starjax was not in danger here, but Amendyl would never have left her alone with such tensions, not least of all because she could not understand them. They were only more dangerous because of that.

If Amendyl had noticed Rahina’s motherly instincts towards Starjax he didn’t comment. It was hard to tell, for sure, when Starjax needed a parent and when she didn’t. Sometimes she pushed them all away because it made it too painful, remembering her own mother. And because she was almost an adult, partly because she was growing up and partly because she had learned so well to take care of herself as if she were an adult. Amendyl let such thoughts slide from him. He needn’t worry about it. He watched Mercra leave and the tension lessened noticeably. Even had anyone asked he wasn’t certain there was an evil equivalent to a Sun Dog. He might even be offended by the idea. Weren’t Mashi more like humans, making their own decisions, caught between light and dark both? No. Maybe not. But Shadow Dog was too obvious an opposite, bound not to exist. Maybe a Winter Wolf—a beautiful, evil, intelligent wolf, often found in the coldest regions where the sun never shone in winter. Yet they did not fly, so Amendyl could not see them as opposite equals. Nevermind, Winter Wolves or Hell Hounds were best left as a myth to scare young pups back into their den at night. Mashi were different.

“Mount?” Her voice rose at the end, inquiringly, as Starjax looked up at Rahina Aethal and then down at Amendyl. Her eyes grew wide as she learned from Amendyl what Rahina meant; he smelled the horse upon her clothes. She had never ridden in her life, and the picture seemed daunting to her. “I never… I do not know how to ride.” That might make it easier on Amendyl, as he could surely fly and keep up with a horse easily, but Starjax didn’t think she would stay on. “I would fall. I think I catch up. Nothing to gather so… see you soon?” It was the best she could do, she just wasn’t brave enough to ride yet. If she could speak to animals, sure, but with no reassurance from such a big creature and no experience she did not want to try what seemed a dangerous foray just to embarrass herself by being unable to ride. Those creatures were huge! And Starjax didn’t know if she trusted her balance that much.