Sylvania Chronicles

Austen asked his question then nearly passed out. The drinks were hitting him hard and it had been awhile since he had this much to drink. The last time was the university's end of the year celebration that no one really talks about anymore. He sat there drifting off until he heard the woman reply, "Adi. and you?"

He liked it short, simple, but had a slight touch of elegance. "I am Austen Tyranus Riis, a pleasure to meet you Adi," he formed another drunken smile. Leida came and sat down the the ale then left with a wave. Austen picked up his ale and took a large swig then slammed it down again. "You know I am glad you found this place!" He began to yell loud enough for all to hear, "This is the best damn tavern in all of Lioxes, and to help all you poor sods, have another round on me." He failed to realize there was only about 10 people maybe in the tavern, but he was too out of it to know. He turned back to Adi, "Seriously though this is a good place for people who aren't from the capital, like me and you, to mingle." Austen's face turned into a serious demeanor, "So, where are you from?"
 
"That is quite a name. Though I'll admit I'm little surprised you remember it all right now."

Adi laughed shortly. This was becoming quite amusing as Austen continued to rant and rave louder and louder. Not that any one cared. There were very few people left and most of them were about as drunk as he was. Still it was an interesting place for sure. Taverns usually were. Adi didn't get to travel very often so she always liked to find places like this, even if she didn't understand people it was nice to be around them. To feel at least slightly normal for a moment. She had been lost in thought when she realized Austen was asking her another question, "So, where are you from?"

"I'm from a small sanctuary in Raelian. Though I couldn't tell the name or I'd have to kill you. What about you? You're obviously Sylvanian, but you're not from the capital?"
 
Austen noticed Adi laugh a bit, and he beamed with pride. Seeing someone happy in his drunken state brought him immense satisfaction. He chuckled when she made the comment about him remembering his name. Since birth he had always been taught to say his full name and family anytime he introduced himself with great pride. For a fallen noble family it pride and honor was all they truly had left.

Adi replied to his question, saying she was from a small sanctuary in the Raelian Empire, and then saying she would have to kill him if she told him which one. He had heard of these sanctuaries before, granted they ranged from spiritual sanctuaries, to ones for war survivors, to even orphan sanctuaries. With it possibly being any of those it could open sore wounds so he would avoid the subject but use some levity.

Austen smiled and laughed heartily, "You'd have to kill me!? Oh that's a good one, it's great to have someone with a sense of humor among these sods." He slammed the table, "Most of them are pissing themselves in fear and here you are, a rare specimen enjoying good times just like myself!"

His smile was bright but then he remembered she had asked where he was from. Austen's smile faded and his confidence dissipated quickly as he said, "I-I'm from Enderus, a city to the north. You know the one with the giants that joined the empire, the one with the rich historical architecture, and history of being great warriors who fought off the ancient giants in the old times..." He trailed off and began to stare deep into his ale.
 
Adi was amused that he thought she was kidding. If he only knew... She could probably take everyone at this bar, especially since most of them were as drunk as Austen. Still she rather liked the idea that he wasn't afraid of her. Most people were, her stiff disposition made her unlikable at times.

Adi had never heard of the place he was talking about, her training had not included much geography other than to effectively kill giants and the likes of other nations. Giants she had heard one. She'd never seen one, but she dreamed of fighting one someday. Maybe this mission would her chance...

It was starting to get late, Adi imagined the later it got the harder it would to get back to her room unnoticed. Especially now that she has accepted the fact that she would be dragging the poor sod with her. She wondered how much convincing it would take to get him to come back with her. She could play the seduction card, but she imagined that wouldn't work whether he was drunk or sober. She decided to go more subtle and started to yawn every so often as their conversation continued, hoping he would get the idea.
 
As Austen stared into his ale he noticed Adi was yawning. He realized he had been talking her ear off and it truly was late. They both needed to head back and avoid passing out like some of the others had in the tavern. Would she even go back with him though? She might take it as him coming on to her. Even though she was very attractive, he was never that type of man and would never let himself be one. He realized he had began to slump and lose his confidence. He is a Riis this is not acceptable! Austen straightened up to notice her yawn again.

Austen stumbled and stood up. "I realize it is pretty late and we should both probably head back before we pass out like the rest of these folk, " he said with a smile. "If you would let me, may I escort you back to our facilities?" He took a few steps and realized he would not be able to get back on his own power, "I may also need some help getting back myself, I seem to have drank quite a bit," Austen said this with a chuckle as he offered his hand to Adi.
 
Austen had taken the hint and they agreed to go back together. Adi put an arm around his waist to keep him upright as they walked down the winding paths. For being so drunk he had excellent memory. They only got lost once on a way back. The city was quiet, everyone at home in their beds. Adi wondered what tomorrow would bring, that master had been so adamant that she needed to be on this excursion. She wondered if Austen would make it too, she wouldn't mind. She hadn't realized that their rooms had been right next to each other. She made sure Austen got to his bed safely. She was pretty sure he had passed out before he even hit the pillow. She left with a chuckle and went to her room. She still wasn't entirely sure she could sleep yet, but she laid down and stared at the ceiling until she finally drifted off.
 
Austen woke up the next day at the break of dawn not in his bed, but under it. Not only that he had a splitting headache, he was definitely hungover. Had he really drank that much? It only felt like one or two drinks maybe. Either way it was a fun night and he had a great time with his scholars. He had an even better time getting to know, what was her name? Adi that was it, how could he forget? She was very nice and even helped him back to his room, he thinks. Austen hoped he did not leave a bad impression, he knew when he was drunk he gets pretty sloppy. Either way he needed to get ready.

Austen cleaned himself up, and tried to handle his headache as best he could. He then got dressed and headed out of his room. He headed towards the king's court hastily.
 
Adi woke to the sun shining through her window. It was a beautiful day out. She hated that she would be stuck inside again. A day like this should be spent training in the outdoor courtyard but she had no choice in that today. Adi got dressed, she was wearing yet another dress though this one was simpler but still beautiful. She pulled her hair back until a bun and walked out of the room. The king's court was already filled with the others from yesterday. She found a nice spot by the window and waited.
 
Time passed and slowly the court filled with those who had been interviewed the day before. The court was dead silent Austen sat towards the front patiently, Adi sat by the window. The court waited what would seem like hours for the King to arrive. Slowly the grand doors opened and the King's steward came forward and exclaimed, "Greetings all today, please rise for the protector of the people, the guardian of our land, the heart of Sylvania, your great King, Maddox Antal!"

Those in the court rose and stood as the King walked to his throne. He was of middle age, he moved slowly and continuously looked around, similar to that of someone suffering paranoia. He was escorted by his two bodyguards clad in heavy, golden tint armor, with shields sporting the crest of Sylvania. He finally made his way to the throne and waved off the court, signaling for them to sit down.

King Antal addressed the court, "Greetings and welcome to my court! I am glad to see everyone made it on time today!" He paused for a moment quickly looking to the side, "Please excuse my erratic behavior, I'm afraid affairs have kept me quite sleep deprived."

King Antal chuckled then continued, "Okay so I have been given the Chancellors' decisions for each and everyone of you. I will call you up individually and tell you your assignments. I promise to make it as quick as possible, since today is such a nice day and we wouldn't want to keep us all from enjoying it."

King Antal took a deep breath, "Let us begin!" The king called each person up individually telling them each something different, the first man was assigned to the royal guard, the next woman, a scholar Austen knew, was assigned as a scribe for a lord, the next person was denied and sent away. Then the King called, "Adilyne Shade! Approach the throne."
 
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Adi maneuvered her way around the others to the front. She saw Austen standing off to the side. He looked good for as hungover as he probably was. He looked nervous too, she wondered if it was for her sake or his own. Adi had heard rumors about the king here, how he was more of an archaic figurehead than anything. Given how he was acting it made sense.

"Adilyne Shade..." He paused a moment to look down at the scroll in his hand. "You have been chosen to work on a new project with the masters. They will escort you to the library and explain your new role."

Adi nodded and followed the same master from yesterday out of the chamber. He seemed pleased, maybe she had made this secret journey after all. Still she was the first she wondered if anyone else would join her...
 
Austen watched as Adi was escorted by the master out of the chamber to the library. A new project? Was that the expedition? Why is everything being kept so secretive, he thought everyone knew about it? Unless only the students were told the truth as they were directly tied to the interest of the projects success. Austen stood there pondering as the others went up and were sent on their tasks.

He perked up when he heard one of the men, Alistair Langstrom, being sent to the library as well. He appeared differently today, he was dressed in a royal guard uniform. Why was he being sent on this trip? The other scholar got called and was assigned as a mentor for first year students, a worthy promotion.

"Austen Riis! Approach the throne," Austen did just that and knelt before the king. He may have just been a figurehead with no real power but he was the highest authority next to the Chancellors.

"Rise scholar, we have no need to be so formal. Let us see what you have been given," King Antal looked down and read his parchment.

"I see... looks like you are heading to the library as well, congrats scholar you get to work on the new project directly!" The king then waved for the master to escort Austen to the library.

The master came and escorted Austen out but not before saying, "Congratulations young man, I have talked with your masters and your dream is about to come true."

Austen beamed and moved hastily to the library, where he saw the others.
 
Adi was getting tired of waiting. It felt like it was all she had done for days. Wait in this hall, wait in that room. It was getting exhausting. She needed to fight, to train, to work out her muscles. She had been the first to be sent to the library, one other was brought in soon after. He was in a royal guard uniform, he didn't say much just nodded in her general direction. She had no idea who he was, but she was just as content to be remain in the silence as he was.

She browsed the nearby bookshelves, it really was quite impressive. There were two levels with twisting staircases connecting them. There were books on every inch of wall except for a large cutout that housed the fireplace. The area was surrounded by large chairs and tables meant for learning. She sank down into one of the chairs, they were surprisingly comfy. She debated looking for a book to read, but decided against it. She was too distracted.

More time passed when the door opened again, this time it was Austen being led in. The master came in behind him and shut the door, she wondered if that meant he was last one. Maybe they would finally find out just what exactly was going on.
 
The master spoke, "Lord Riis please stay here, Madam Shade and Sir Langstrom, please gather around."

Austen and Alistair gathered around the old master. Austen was barely taller than him but Alistair looked like a giant compared to him. He was tall, built heavy and looked even heavier in his armor. The master looked up at him in awe and in terror. This was a beast of a man, truly. They stood there and waited for Adi.
 
Adi pulled herself away from the comfortable chair and joined the group at the table. The master pulled some scrolls out of his robe and unrolled them on the table.

"What we are about to discuss does not leave this room. Does everyone understand?" The master looked at each one of them slowly.

Adi nodded, along with the other two. Adi looked down at the scrolls, she recognized them. They were maps of all the territories. The big one had all of them together. The smaller ones were close ups of each location. Adi studied them quietly.

"As you all know, the world has changed since the Awakening. It's time we found out just how much. We've heard rumors of terrible things, but no one has come back alive. This is your task. Travel to the different territories, report your findings, and if possible find a way to reverse the Awakening. But mostly come back alive." Adi threw a sideways glance at Austen. He seemed unfazed by this news. Did he know about this all along?

The master continued on "The three of you have been chosen for your particular skills. Austen will be in charge of charting the territories and keep records of everything you find. Alistair will serve as your protection. Adi will get you all in without being noticed. Engage as little as possible. You leave out first thing tomorrow. Study the maps and put together a plan. I also suggest getting to know each other, trust will be an important key if you're too survive."

The master turned and walked out of the room leaving the three of them in silence.
 
Austen looked at Alistair and Adi. This seemed to be news to both of them. He knew the details were not all fully given out but had they really had no idea at all? Either way this fits his talents accordingly, Alistair being the brute he appeared would be a good companion, and Adi being able to get us in without being noticed? What did he mean by that?

Austen broke the silence, "I'll get this out of the way, I don't really know either of you but we have to trust our lives to one another," he paused for a moment. "I am willing to do this as Adi, I seem to have a basic familiarity with you and you do not seem like one to stab someone in the back unless they have earned it, I trust you. Sir Langstrom, I do not know you, but you are Sylvanian and a Royal Guard so you are bound by honor. My trust is with you as well."

He looked at the two for a bit, "I have heard my task and I intend to honor it, as I expect you two to do as well. We will complete this expedition, learn of the lands, fix the cancer that was created from the Awakening, and come back alive." Austen looked down for a moment and spoke, "I know we should get to know one another right now, or at least some familiarity, but their is one major issue facing us with these documents... These maps are ancient, they will do us no good."
 
"... These maps are ancient, they will do us no good." Austen was shaking his head at the maps.

"Well that's promising. This is sounding more and more like a suicide mission."

Alistair grunted in agreement. She wasn't even sure he knew how to talk, just stand there and look intimidating.

Adi was fuming on the inside. Her master must have known the specifics of this mission, and he didn't tell her. He should have prepared her, if she believed the words of the master she was always meant for this trip. Even if they did manage to survive the journey what life would they have when they got back? A trip like this could take years. She looked at the faces across from hers. She imagined before long she would know them as well as her own. Adi wasn't fond of many things, but she liked her home in Raelin. The warm sunny days, training in the courtyard. She supposed that's why they called it training, eventually you are expected to put it into practice. She supposed this was her moment. What if I'm not ready? Adi shook the thought aside, right now she needed to be focused. Two other lives were depending on her being ready.

"So what's the plan then, Austen?"
 
"So what's the plan then, Austen?"

Plan? Why did she think he had a plan? He had just made an observation that would benefit in the realm of surviving. He was no warrior and was not going to go into unknown land with half baked information. Austen thought of what he knew from news and wars that had happened since the creation of these ancient maps. He took the large map in the center and began to make modifications. He expanded the Anakim border to include most of the Wildlands, he expanded the Sylvanian territory to include Argot, expanded the Stygian Marsh to cover a majority of the south western coast, and made the isle of Sithis a barren wasteland.

He studied the map and looked for possibilities. He began to sketch trade routes and optimal travel routes to avoid conflict. "I see three survivable options. One, we go south to the Ayocans, study their territory, their culture, and see if they have any information that can aid us. Two, we head towards Enderus, we get supplies and prepare for battle, then go explore the wildlands of the Anakim. Three, the least dangerous option, go to Argot on the West coast and study the Sylvanians there that have changed." He paused deep in thought, "Any of these will suffice I, however, advocate for visiting Argot first. They are friendly and we could procure a boat to explore the coast."

Austen sighed, "The choice ultimately belongs to you two as I am just the one who will chronicle our journey."
 
Adi studied the map as Austen went over the three options. She was surprised by his hesistance to take the lead. He had been so confident last night, besides they were going to need to be in agreement if this was going to work.

Still he seemed to be looking at Adi to make the final decision. South didn't seem like a good idea this time of year. It would be hot and miserable. A boat would be too conspicuous. So really the second option would be the only that would work. Adi studied the map, they could move mostly unnoticed and grab supplies near the edge of the Sylvanian border.

"We go with the second option. We'll need supplies, there's no telling how long we will go for and this one will allow us to move unnoticed."
 
Austen and Alistair both turned to Adi. Austen thought about her idea. She really wanted to go prepare and go to the land of the giants first? Does she have a death wish? Granted her idea of getting the supplies there would be vastly easier due to his families sway and status in the area. Austen thought about it more, he felt the fear of going into a dangerous territory, but realistically getting one of the most dangerous areas documented first made sense. It would be a waste to chronicle all this information, then die and have it lost forever.

Austen sighed, "Sir Langstrom what do you think of this?"

Alistair stared at him and grunted in a nonchalant matter. Obviously he did not care, he was just a meat shield in theory after all. Austen pondered more before speaking, "Well realistically that would be best, wouldn't want to chronicle most of our events then get killed and lose it all." Austen looked at Alistair then to Adi, "Besides my family has some sway in Enderus, we would be able to get any supplies we would require quite easily there."
 
Adi wondered what Austen's family was like. He was obviously very proud of them as he liked to mention his last name anytime he had the chance. Adi had no idea what that was like, it had been so long since she had been a part of any real family. Not that it bothered her, can't miss what you don't remember.

"This mission if dangerous no matter where we go. Our size is our advantage in this land. We can slip through unnoticed while you gather all the information you need, and supplies will only increase our chance of survival." Adi didn't understand Austen's fear. She wondered if he had ever left his institute or if like her it would be his first time venturing out into the world. She was willing to wager that it was. Still there was no point in being afraid, fear was nothing but a hindrance. Adi looked over the map one more time, this was the best plan.

"Everyone should get some rest. We leave at first light. Pack light." Adi turned on her heel and walked out the library. She needed to be alone.
 
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