Sylvania Chronicles

Jaxx

Jaxx

Some dude
Sylvania Chronicles


The civilization was flourishing; we had entered an era of prosperity unheard of. The Sylvan people had always been strong but with our new allegiance to the Raelian Empire we were untouchable. Trade with the Ayocan was prosperous, the Kotal had not been angered in years, and the Anakim were keeping quiet other than when the odd stray wandered into their territory. Things were great, and then it happened. No one knows what caused it or why it occurred but the burst of magic that changed the world as we know it happened, an event that has come to be known as, The Awakening.


After, this Awakening the land warped and changed. Our lands became more fertile and magical forests grew out of dead plains. However our people were also affected. Those of us who were lucky stayed pure however, those in our coastal cities changed into creatures that excel in hunting and have the ability to breathe underwater. The inhabitants of Enderus got hit even worse as the giants we incorporated into our empire become monstrous in appearance but have proven themselves good for labor so we still tolerate them. The sudden change in this world and our people caused a great strain within our lands so we became more reclusive and shut off from the other territories around us.


As we became more isolated we began to hear strange rumors of the lands surrounding our great nation. We have seen the Stygian Swamp continuously grow in size for no explainable reason, the volcano on the island to the west has erupted warping it, and even the mysterious isle of Sithis becoming a frozen wasteland. There were a rise in reports of monstrous beasts inhabiting the land, mutations of our once human neighbors, and some with the ability to warp the elements in their favor. How much of this is true we do not know. It has been several years since the Awakening and it is time for us to see what has changed. We have commissioned an expedition, with backing from the Raelian Empire, into these lands to document the changes. We will send one of our brightest scholars out along with the Raelian Empire’s envoy into these lands. Hopefully they can get us some answers… and come back alive.​
 
Adi walked silently down the long corridor. She didn't like being this exposed, she didn't like having to be in a dress either. Instead of sulk about it, she counted all the ways she could kill the guards as she made the long walk. A knife to the throat there, another one in the side, so far she had counted 8 in this hall alone. But then again Sylvania was not known for it's army.

It had been a long journey to Sylvania. She had been summoned to a secret meeting of the highest order. She did not like coming to the city much less having an audience with the Chancellors, but from what her mentor had told her this trip would be worth it. Sylvania was the only the country that came close to the Raelians, her home, so she supposed if she had travel anywhere there could be worse places.

After what felt like eternity Adi stood before the ornate doors that led to the Chamber of the Chancellors. There were several others all waiting, nervous. She didn't understand why... though Adi understood very little about anything that involved emotions. She stood off to the side, next to a man with his nose in a book, and waited for the doors to open.
 
Austen walked down the corridor quickly, his excitement peaking. He loved being outside the university and being in the royal palace. He paused at what appeared to be the king's court, but was astonished as the guards told him to move along. If he wasn't meeting with the King then that means it was with the Chancellors. A pit formed in his stomach, the Chancellors were the representatives who held the true power in the country. If he offended them or displeased them in any way he may as well force his family into exile. Austen gripped his journal and cartography book tightly, and began to shake as they approached the Chancellors chambers.

Austen was not prepared for this. He had only learned basic manners and customs among nobility, he was not ready to approach the Chancellors. They were the pinnacle of society, how could he talk to them? Around the door he noticed roughly 6 or 7 others waiting for an audience. Had these people also volunteered for the expedition? How many people knew of this expedition, it was meant to be secret and only the top of the university were even given the chance to volunteer. Strangely only two others seemed to be from the university, the rest seemed more... weathered. The guards told Austen to wait with the others, so he did just that but he could feel his nerves from being around these people sky rocket. To calm down Austen stayed off to the side so he could study his cartography book.

As he read he felt someone approach his side. He glanced to see a dark haired woman with a fair complexion. She had the appearance of a Raelian, a dress that seemed to indicate noble status, however she curiously had the appearance of someone scouting the area for... something. Austen dove back into his book once again trying to remain calm with this unknown next to him.
 
Adi waited impatiently as she watched the others go in one after the other summoned by an ancient looking scholar. Some came out looking confident, others frightened. Adi looked on with disinterest as she was just ready to get this over with. This dress was uncomfortable and she didn't like being out in the open for this length of time. Being up against the wall was doing nothing to calm her nerves, she couldn't understand how the man next to her was so relaxed. He just stood there content to keep his face pressed in his book. He reminded her a bit of the man that was leading them in and out one by one. She rolled her eyes and sighed as another person was led into the corridor.

"How much longer is this going to take?" she muttered impatiently.
 
Austen continued to read his book quietly, still feeling uneasy, and listening for his name that had yet to be called by the master. He continued to read noting of where the great plains used to be but were now lush forests. All of the sudden he heard the woman next to him mutter, "How much longer is this going to take?" She seemed noticeably agitated and he was unsure if she was speaking to him or in rhetoric. However, what did he have to lose, maybe conversation would make time go by faster.

"Well only 4 of us remain to be interviewed so it shouldn't be much longer," Austen muttered without looking up from his book, "Plus if this is a formal meeting, which by your attire it seems to be, we will have to adhere to both Sylvanian and Raelian customs, so that no chancellor is offended." Before she could utter a word he began to speak again, "However this seems to be a full interview process and due to the nature of the subject matter I doubt it to be formal and may just be taking a long time due to the in depth look into our pasts, skills, and why we deserve to go on this project," Austen smirked, trying to portray an aura of relaxation, "Which reminds me why are you being interviewed, you do not seem to be a scholar, nor do you appear to be a ruffian like most of this lot?"
 
It took Adi a moment to realize that the man was answering her question. She refrained from rolling her eyes at him, her comment wasn't meant to start a conversation, but all the same the man was blabbering away about Sylvanian and Raelian customs. She watched with a quizzical look, he seemed very excited about this meeting, obviously he knew more about why they were here than she did. She almost missed that he was asking her a question, "...Which reminds me why are you being interviewed, you do not seem to be a scholar, nor do you appear to be a ruffian like most of this lot?"

Interviewed? Her mentor had said nothing about being interviewed, though he had probably known that she wouldn't have come if she'd had that information. She wasn't fond of being around people, let along being judged by them. Still she didn't want the man to see her caught off guard.

"Trust me, I'm more than capable of handling anything they throw at us." She gave him a quick smile to really sell it. She wasn't good at understanding people, but she was good at lying and in her opinion that was all one really needed.
 
Austen glanced at the woman, waiting for a reply. He noticed she seemed to have not been fully focusing on what he was saying until he mentioned the interview which seemed to snap her out of her daze. He was intrigued by her response, "Trust me, I'm more than capable of handling anything they throw at us." Whilst he admired her confidence she still did not answer the question which only made his curiosity rise more.

He studied her for a moment before looking back at his book and replying, "Well I'm glad to hear that someone else here is not shaking in their boots." He took a quick breath trying to keep a calm demeanor, " These processes usually take a toll as they can make or break one's status in society, forget whatever task you are given, how you speak and the impression you make on the Chancellors can make or break your status in Sylvania." Austen knew this to be fact and took no pleasure in it but he had to see if this could break her composure, "Alas I have gotten off topic as you never truly answered my question, Madame?"
 
Adi chose to ignore the last question and focus on what he had said before "Guess it's a good thing I'm not Sylvanian then." Adi could tell that this man obviously prided himself on being smart, she could also tell by his stance that he was no fighter. So only obvious conclusion would be a scholar. She wondered what the Chancellors had planned if they had brought brains and brawn together for interviews. What sort of mission was this? Adi didn't have too long to think about it as the old man brought another nerve-racked man out of the chamber. He looked directly at her, his eyes were old, not in age but in wisdom. She had a feeling there would be no lying her way out of this one. She nodded a goodbye and followed the old man into the chamber. Listening as the doors closed behind her.
 
The master ushered Adi down the corridor as fast as he could. They moved at a slow past for her as his mobility was not that great. As they walk he spoke in a hush whisper, "I have spoken with your mentor, he has informed me that this situation is an unknown to you so I shall elaborate." The old man took a raspy breath then continued, " The Chancellors are planning an expedition into the surrounding territories to investigate the changes that have occurred within them," he quickly looked to make sure no one was around, "You must get on this expedition no matter what, it is your job to gain information about these territories and send it back to the empire so we can determine whether they may be a threat." He motioned for them to halt just before the Chancellors court, " You must be picked for this at all costs, we have swayed some of them already now you must win the rest over, they will know of your past but not your current affiliations, do not get discovered." With that he nudged her into the room whispering, "And survive at all costs."
 
Adi listened silently to the old master explained what was happening. What did it matter if they picked her or not? She did not like being in the dark, though she didn't have time to work through it as she was now standing at the center of a large room. The Chancellors were arranged in a semi circle around her. They stood on a platform looming above her, she imagined it was to make them look more intimidating. They were all staring at her, judging her.

"State your name."

"Adilyne Storme."

"Do you know why you're here?" Another off to the left asked quickly.

"Yes."

"Then why should we choose you?"

"You shouldn't." Adi held her ground.

"Do you know who you're talking to? You will show us respect..." Adi watched as the man's eyes burned, he was going to continue with his rant when the one in the center held up his hand. "Let her elaborate."

Adi paused for a moment before continuing "There are no choices, only facts. I'm either the right person or the wrong one. A person's opinion does not change that fact. Either I will go or I will not. You all judging me does not change who I am, what I'm capable of. Those are the facts."

"You are either very brave... or very foolish." The one in the center said, though Adi could not read his thoughts.

"Perhaps both" said another.

They all shared a glance before nodding and having Adi courted from the room. She was led back to the hallway where a guard took a place of the master and took her back to her room. Adi took a seat by the window and looked at the city.

What a strange day this is turning out to be.
 
Austen watched as the woman he spoke with came back from the chamber. She seem calm and composed, something he did not expect as the authority of the Chancellors usually shakes even those with the strongest will. He then looked at the master to see he was being waved over. It was now or never. The master led him down the corridor to the chamber. Austen was shaking in anticipation and fear. He entered the room. The Chancellors stood in a semi circle in this barely lit room, probably to keep an aura of mystique. Austen stepped forward and bowed before the Chancellors.

"You may rise," the chancellors seemed to say in unison and Austen did just that.

"State your name"

"Austen Tyranus Riis, of the Riis family, a small noble family from Enderus, former rulers of--" Austen was cut off by another Chancellor.

"Enough! We know who you are and of your family's history."

"Yes Chancellor, forgive me."

"Do you know why you are here?" The Chancellor asked.

"I believe so Chancellor, the master told me this was in reference to an expedition into the territories."

"The master was correct now why should we choose you?"

"Well um.. you see um Chancellor... um.."

"Out with it boy!!" Yelled another chancellor.

Austen said shakily, " Well Chancellors I am versed in many areas of academia. I am familiar with Sylvan and Raelian history back to the formation of the Empire, I have studied traditional magical arts, which I have heard may be something we encounter along the journey, I am well versed in the art of diplomacy between the courts of Empire and the surrounding territories," Austen paused and took a deep breath.

"However, that is just my side information that may be secondary, I am an expert astronomer, which will aid us in the navigation of the land and since we have limited knowledge of the possible changes maybe the stars are tied to it. I am also a specialist in cartography, and would be able to draw and create maps of these areas for tactical use in the future."

Austen stood there out of breath and shaking, awaiting a response.

The Chancellors exchanged glances and nodded before motioning for the old master to escort Austen out. The master escorted Austen out to the hall, where the guards then took him back to his room. As soon as they left Austen began to vomit, then, when he finished and cleaned up, began to write in his journal.

This is my only chance, I have to make it.
 
Adi wandered around the room for a while. It was standard quarters: a bed, dresser, small desk. Nothing of interest. Adi went back to the window and surveyed her surroundings. It seemed like any other city, from here she could smell the bread and sweets wafting up from the market below. She could also hear the humming chatter of people. Adi decided that a walk through the city might be just what she needed to clear her head of this weird day.

There were no guards in the hall when Adi stepped out. It took a bit of wandering before she was able to find a door to slip out of unnoticed. She made her way through the busy streets watching the people live their quiet lives. Though it was starting to get dark, she probably needed to head back, but the idea of being alone in that room was not an ideal one.

As Adi was slowly making her way back to the palace, she found a small tavern. She could stop in for a drink or two. It's not like anyone was expecting her.

It was surprisingly empty despite all the people in town for this special meeting. Adi took a seat against one the walls and nodded for the barkeep to bring her an ale.
 
Austen did not spend long in his room after he finished his journal entry. During his time at university he had learned of a nice local tavern that served some of the best food and ale within the capital. To take off his nerves him, and the two others from the university who were at the meeting, headed to this tavern. They drank and reveled in talks of their stories and their talk with the Chancellors. The tavern was not very busy today, unusual due to it's popularity, seldom for the rest of those who were being interviewed who also seemed to have come to take the edge off.

What seemed like hours passed and Austen noticed that it was noticeably dark or was it just his eyes playing tricks. He had a few mugs of ale at this point and was very much drunk, but he was drunk with fellow scholars! Austen had no worries, no fears, nothing, just pure drunken bliss. He looked around to see the others from the meeting just sitting quietly or chatting, the poor boring husks. He then noticed the woman he was speaking to earlier off by herself with an ale, not speaking to anyone. Austen could not let this stand! I lovely woman like this by herself without company? This is unheard of.

He dismissed himself from his fellow scholars and headed her way. He stumbled and staggered along but miraculously never spilled his ale. He was a few feet from her when he believed he said," Hello miss, It is quite wonderful to see you again! What brings you to this lovely tavern?" This is what he thought he said but he was drunk so who knows how it truly sounded.
 
Adi was quite enjoying her ale alone, when she saw the man from earlier come stumbling up to her table. He yelled some sort of indistinguishable greeting at her. She tried not to laugh. He hadn't really struck her to be the type to get sloppy drunk in the tavern, but she supposed everyone had their own vices. She debated striking up a conversation with him, she could barely understand him as it was, but figured there was no harm in amusing the poor man. She nodded for him to join her.

"You seem to be enjoying yourself. I take it your interview went well?"
 
Austen continued to stumble his way to her table. He was surprised by the inviting nod she had given him, she did not seem like the type that usually enjoy company, but he wasn't going to complain. He plopped down across the table from her and began chugging his ale. The woman said to him, "You seem to be enjoying yourself. I take it your interview went well?" Austen took a pause, and eyed her up and down trying to see if she was showing genuine interest.

A smile spread across his face and he said, "You damn right it did! Those old men would be fools not to choose me for this expedition!" Austen said confidently.

He chuckled and continued, "They don't even realize without me this expedition would be a disaster, who else in here is an expert in diplomacy, magical studies, astronomy, and best of all, an expert cartographer!? No one that's who!" He let out a hearty laugh.

His smile then turned into a smirk and he asked the woman, "What about you? You seem to have an aura of someone who was successful in their interview."
 
She was still having trouble understanding him, but he seemed it excited so she took that as a yes. She was amused by how animated he was about the whole thing.

"What about you? You seem to have an aura of someone who was successful in their interview."

Adi thought about it for a moment. She still wasn't sure how her's had gone, but then again she wasn't very good at reading people when it came to what they were thinking. She was well versed at reading people actions, their reactions, but when it came to the reasons behind them she had never bothered to care. The scholars had said it was result of her parent's traumatic death, but she didn't care about the reason. Her answer to the Chancellors had been a true one: there are only facts. She never cared about the why.

She smiled and nodded slightly. "They seemed pleased with my responses. Have they said when they will make their decision?
 
Austen finished his drink before slamming the table and yelling, "Leida bring me another glass!" He then looked at the woman in front of him then yelled again, "Make that two! I got a lady friend over here!"

He then looked back at the woman. She had said something what was it? Something about them being pleased? Maybe that was it, his head was all fuzzy, but he did hear clearly her ask when the decision would be made. "It should be around tomorrow morning, some will be sent away, some will be sent on other tasks, and people like me will be chosen for the expedition!" He said with a bright smile on his face.

All of a sudden it hit him, "While I remember what is your name lady? I've been wondering ever since you were wearing that frilly dress of yours."
 
Normally she would stab anyone for calling her his lady friend but as he was going to pass out soon enough she let it slide. She was relieved to hear that the decision would be made quickly. The sooner she could get out here the better.

She grimaced when he made mention of the dress. She hated dresses but her mentor had insisted upon it, as he didn't require a lot of her as a student it seemed like an easy enough request. She debated on whether or to tell him the truth. She could lie to him, but then if they did get sent off on a mission together it could cause tense when he realized that she lied.

Though there was something about him. Maybe it was the alcohol, maybe it was the naive look in his eye, but it gave her the sense that he could be trusted. And if he couldn't she would just kill for it later.

"Adi. And you?"
 
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