Echos+across+time+and+space

The sun had finally set and the ritual torches of celebration were lit in sequence throughout the fortress city of Parthia. Creating a glowing path all the way through the town to its very center, the arena. Tonight no blood would be spilled, no training.. no rivals. The arena was transformed into a giant bon fire, that would burn for the next 24 hours. This was "Dies Autem Mortis" (Death's Day) where the people of Pathia would eat drink and most of all, remember their fallen. Acknowledge them through magnificent (if not slightly embellished) stories passed on from the old to the young. Great meals filled with the best cuts of meat from recent hunts... fruits and vegetables and equally great drink, all of these, from other lands both far and near. Very few outsiders have ever been invited to the black city during this holiday... however on this day a second throne had been erected for visiting Princess Daeu Silverdrake, from Amber Shei.

The half-elven Princess stood beside her the ornate wood throne, the light of the fire played upon her angled features and extended ears giving way to her waist length silver hair, her lithe form betraying her strength and speed with the a beauty that time would never touch. Outfitted in some of the finest leather armor ever made... and at her hip hung the sword Nandu'de, her father's rapier. A father she had never known.

Opposite the make shift throne of Amber Shei sat The Black Seat of Parthia a throne carved from the black rock where it stood, and on it, reclined the King of Parthia, Aryndale Whitestrake. A cup in his hand and a smile on his face... not often did the parthian people get to show this side of themselves, and he was proud to be a part of it. Crowds of people moved throughout the town visiting and celebrating but the heart of the Holiday was at the arena. Loud boisterous warriors, drunk on mead and pride. So many people talking and sharing, stories of friends and loved ones taken in battle, brothers, fathers... sisters. It was hard for Daeu to concentrate and listen to just one at a time. A small boy, not yet of age to begin the trials sat at one of the many tables surrounding the arena fire. The table was piled with food, he sat greasy faced and slippery handed chewing on a breast bone of a large quail. His hair was blonde and unkempt, it was he who pointed to his father with the remains of the bird... "tell me of the White Ship papa" ... ... and as if the gods themselves sucked the noise and breath from the men... the arena fell silent... Slowly people began to turn and look toward the boy and his father. The man faltered a bit at being put on the spot so suddenly... "err.. uh.. now is not the time for such fairy tales." looks were exchanged by those assembled in the arena... the King's brow furrowed and as he moved to stand came the voice... "NAY... its naught, but the White Ship is no fairy tale." a grizzled old warrior stood up... past his prime but still heavily muscled and broad shouldered. Wudan climbed on to a table... kicking some of the empty dishes to the floor. " **I was there**... I stood shoulder to shoulder with Verinthar at Kara Shei... when the demon hoards of the Thonak came to devour our world... **I was there**. When the White Ship came down... Lightning and Fire... called from the very sky to strike them down.... aye... **I was there** on the day when the few saved the many. We joined them on their flying ship... and he spoke to us. Called us Lions... we are beast among men... said he was not of our world but would happily fight and die beside us to defend it"... tears began to work their way down his face as he spoke with passion and belief.. of the heroes who had come. He clenched fist and pressed it to his forehead as if to push a thought forward... "but for the life of me... I cannot recall their faces... I can hear his words even today... but not his nor any other of their faces." Other older warriors spoke up too, how they had joined the crew of the White Ship after its defense in Kara Shei and went to battle at the Soul Syphon.

Princess Daeu listened, wide eyed as she heard soldier after soldier give testimony to the bravery of her father... Verinthar. The man who she had only known buy the silent smiles on her mothers loving face. Stories...that made her proud.

Silently Aryndale listened knowingly of the White Ship and the sacrifices needed to create it. Without fan fare or notice the Black King excused himself from the remainder of the festivities. Feeling that... this might be a night better left to the young... and better remembered alone.

The stories of the White Ship continued into the night until a group of the elites of parthia gathered at the table of one of the story tellers located close to the throne of Princess Daeu. " Such deeds are the thing of legend... would that I could... return the great deeds they have done for us... I wish I could go and do battle by their sides in their moment of need... as they have done for us.... Aye the cheers echoed his sentiment. " Suddenly a large crashing BOOM exploded in the sky and echoed across the mountain side... with such force that many men and dishes fell to the ground in slow motion a washed in white light. The White Ship, Destiny lay hovering over the city... so bright was the light it hurt to look upon it. The light bathed the city ... and there at the arena fire... A winged being made entirely of brilliant white light floated down to those assembled there ... "//**Behold... I am Destiny**//", the voice boomed like thunder, then, gesturing to the warrior... " //**If your words are true. Speak them again Hero for it is true... now... at this hour, those who fought by your sides are fighting for not only their lives, but those of their whole world. All who would come to their aid and stand in their defense ... now is the time. This is the hour !**// "

"Aye..." the elites stood, their fist striking the chest plates. "and me" then turning to her guard, Daeu spoke "Tell my mother I'm going to be returning late." and she drew her rapier... " Let never be it said that Amber Shei forget its debts. All of you who would honor those who risked all for us... I beg you on behalf of my father... follow me."