Announcement

**HyrulianBlackcat** · 01-31-2014, 07:32 PM

Amaya disliked handing her weapons over and leaving Solar with the rest of the forces. She understood, though. She had noticed the Stari following them as soon as they entered the forest, had sensed their hostility before even entering the village. They didn't like Rhykim had pulled them from their forest and into his war. They hated that so many had died, Stari and not, for his revenge against the Gerudo and his war on the Gorons. And now Amaya had led him to the heart of their civilization. Yes, she understood exactly why they were mad.

The council was seated on one side of a long table facing the entrance. Conroy sat in the center, his hands folded on the table. "Imperator Rhykim," he said by way of greeting.

Raina sat to his right, Everett to hers, Josh to his. Tasmine sat to Conroy's left, Jernach to hers, Zara to his. They each watched Rhykim with varying emotions, from boredom on Zara's part, to anger on Everett's. The head of the hunters glared at Amaya. "What are you doing back here, Amaya? I thought you had left us years ago."

"Peace, Everett," Raina said. Nothing ever seemed to phase her. "Why is it you have come before us, Rhykim?"

Tasmine had her knife on the table before her and constantly ran her fingers only its edge. "And don't tell us you want our help in another war, Imperator, or we'll see just how long it's been since I caught something myself for the stew."

**Kairu** · 01-31-2014, 10:55 PM

"Council, it has been some time since my diplomat was last here. I wish to negotiate a peace treaty and save Stari lives. I respect your desires to be left alone in outside affairs, however, there as been a rogue element that has cropped up from the Stari. A man named Narus is apparently leader of a Stari tribe and he has revealed intentions of striking at me and my forces. I wish to assure Stari preservation and non-aggression."

**HyrulianBlackcat** · 02-02-2014, 08:12 PM

“Narus is not acknowledged by us as leader,” Jernach rumbled in his deep voice. “Not until he returns and stands before us so we may judge if he's worthy.”

“As such, any trouble he gives you is not our fault, nor our problem,” Tasmine added.

Josh frowned. “But wouldn't it be?” he asked hesitantly. He was the youngest of the group, excepting Zara, who didn't really seem to ever pay attention, and he still felt a little unsure of correcting those older than him. “I mean, if he convinces the Stari who haven't yet returned to join him, or sends word back that he needs reinforcements, won't the others feel obligated to join? Just because we haven't acknowledged him won't mean he isn't the leader to the tribe.”

Everett slammed his hand on the table, causing the younger man to jump. “The tribe will keep out of this. It is not our fight and we will have nothing to do with it.”

“Josh is right,” Raina commented. “Narus might not be chieftain officially, but he is by blood. If he is not denounced, they will follow him into war. And we cannot afford any more killing.”

“The forest won't like it much,” Zara mused, her voice sounding as if from a distance. Amaya felt a flicker of distaste as she realized the girl was once again high off some concoction or another. She did have to admit, though, with her ability to commune with the plants, Zara knew better than any what the forest would want. If, indeed, the forest did want anything. Sometimes Amaya wondered if it was just the hallucinations.

This would present a problem, though. It sounded like the Stari were determined to kick Rhykim and herself out and bar the forest to all other outsiders. If that kept the Stari from joining Narus' war, very well, but there wasn't a guarantee for that. Josh and Raina were right, if Narus came asking for more hunters, he might just get them. No, Rhykim needed to convince them it was in the council's best interest to keep the Stari out of it altogether.

**jborgon** · 02-03-2014, 12:22 AM

Ranger moved silently but quickly into the camp. He had no reason to hide from his people. As he stepped in, some even saluted him. It was nice to know that he still held respect among the tribe. He was, after all, their commander on the field, and it had taken a very long time to build up said respect after the incidents of his childhood. Now, the Chief was dead, and while many didn't openly acknowledge, they probably knew the chances that Narus would be their leader were slim. And Ranger was there, ready to take his place. Dara suggested he change into something more appropriate before heading to meet with the Council, so he first headed towards his old home. On the way there he was joined by a girl, younger than him, a friend. She spoke quickly, as if afraid of being heard. "The Imperator is here. He has requested a meeting with the Council," she said, and Ranger had to stop for a moment to process it. If they were here, it could only mean they were seeking a treaty with the Stari. He had to stop that at all costs, as it would interrupt his plans to gain Narus' favor. When he didn't reply, the girl turned to go, but he stopped her at the last second.
"Is he alone?"
"No, Amaya came with him."
"And...Nyx?" She shook her head, and then left. He sighed with some relief. Her not being here to watch his treason would certainly be both to his advantage and comfort.

Minutes later, he had changed into a dark, forest-green tunic and darker tights. It was held together by a brown leather belt, and he also wore dark brown fingerless leather gloves. He wore a black cloak on top of it all. He made sure to have one extra detail, or two be more precise. His dad's necklace and ring. They were both made of pure silver, melted into shape long ago. The necklace was in the shape of the family's insignia, the same one that the chief had had embroidered on his tunic. The ring had the initial of the family name, and while it wasn't Ranger's actual last name, it was part of his blood. They were both symbols of his right to leadership, were Narus to fail, and hopefully ways to deal even more of the council members in his favor. He stood before the Elder's hut. He could hear them talking inside, although arguing might have been a better word. Arguing was good, as it meant mixed opinions and chances for debate. Yes, arguing was good.

The same man that had stopped Rhykim and Amaya earlier now stood in front of Ranger, except he was much less aggressive with him, especially after seeing how he was dressed. If someone didn't know otherwise, they would think Ranger was some kind of royalty.
"I wish to speak with the Council."
"Rhykim is in there now."
"I am aware of that, but I still wish to go in. Trust me, it will be better for all of us." The man hesitated, but sighed and stepped aside. Ranger nodded at him and then stepped in. Rhykim and Amaya were off a bit to the side. He moved forward and bowed before the Head of the Council. "Council, I respectfully apologize for my intrusion." In the light of the hut, and with the silver color of the ring glistening against the dark brown gloves, it was clearly visible.

**Kairu** · 02-03-2014, 01:01 PM

Rhykim and Amaya watched Ranger, Rhykim a little surprised internally. "Commander Ranger, what are you doing here? This is suppose to be a strictly diplomatic meeting with myself, Amaya, and the Stari Council. You were suppose to remain at the Castle in case of an attack."

**jborgon** · 02-03-2014, 03:54 PM

Ranger, allowing himself some room to be slightly aggressive but overall calm in his response, only barely looked at Rhykim when he responded. "I apologize, Imperator Rhykim," he started, with extra sarcastic emphasis on the title, "but I was under the impression that the pact between our two races had been severed. Is that not so?" Ranger knew Rhykim wouldn't lash out at him here, at least not while it could hurt his chances of building a pact with the Council. After a slight pause, he continued. "On that note, I do believe you are no longer entitled to give me orders. I am here on Stari matters." With those words, he turned back to look at Conroy.

**Kairu** · 02-03-2014, 04:53 PM

"Although Narus is Stari, he and everyone else who follows him that were once a part of the Expeditionary Force are declared traitors to Logata's government. However, my internal affairs are not what's being discussed." Rhykim said keeping a calm tone. "Council, regardless of your actions with Narus will be, I urge that you limit the size of his force. His motives are for petty revenge and strike back at me and the Logata government. If he is truly heir to your people's rulership, you must stop his aggression. Logata is capable of withstanding his attacks, however, I cannot guarantee the safety of those innocent among his ranks. Ranger is an example of my point. He follows Narus because the young Stari has already self-proclaimed his leadership and title. Many of the Stari that volunteered to join me have joined Narus in his thirst for revenge. I do not want to be responsible for more lives lost in a petty conflict."

**HyrulianBlackcat** · 02-04-2014, 11:36 AM

Conroy nodded to Ranger, accepting his apology. The young man was a respected member of the Stari, and was likely to be made the chieftain if Narus was found lacking in the position. Still, he should have waited until the business with the Imperator was finished before presenting his own.

Everett scowled. "If so many of us are considered traitors to greater Logata, we might as well all be. We should kick you out and declare you our enemies. After all, it really doesn't matter what we do with Narus, he is still the acting chieftain until we have had a chance to examine him and decide if he is worthy to take on the full responsibility of the role."

"There is no such thing as an innocent either," Tasmine pointed out. "If a Stari chooses to follow the path of blood and war, they know what they are doing. If they follow Narus for revenge, they feel his cause is justified, or have some other issue with you and the way you have led our forces."

Raina folded her hands on the table. "There are a number of reason to strike against you, Verass, not the least of which is how many lives you have cost the Stari tribe. You might have many Logatans at your command, but there are not as many of us. Any war with you is petty, but is any war really justified? Was not your war with the Gorons and Gerudo? Your rebellion against the Logatan king?"

"The forest needs to heal," Zara said, still sounded as if she wasn't all there.

Josh glanced at her across the table. "Do you mean the Stari?"

She looked at him as if from a distance. "Are they not one and the same? Neither is truly free of the other. Logata can sow its fields with blood, but the forest needs more care than that."

**Kairu** · 02-04-2014, 12:26 PM

"Council, that is my entire reason for being here. I wish to see no more Stari lives being squandered. I accept that my actions have cost you and your people many lives. That responsibility is mine. I planned the attack and it backfired. Keep in mind I lost a lot of Logatan lives too in this war. However, should your intel have not mentioned, I first approached the Gerudo under terms of peace. Like you, I want to save more lives than cost either side more lives. Logata as a whole needs peace now. The time of fighting among ourselves is over. To show my good faith, I will allow every Stari under my command to return to their homes in peace, should they want to. I usher peace between us because, at first, Narus will land many successful strikes against my territory, however, I can assure you that if he continued, he will meet me on the battlefield and be captured to answer for war crimes."

Rhykim wasn't sure how much longer he could attempt to persuade the Stari Council.

"Narus is young and promising. I can see that in a warrior, however, if you do not restrain him, that potential will manifest itself into something you'll regret. I am living proof of that. I used to be like Narus, young and aspiring. I let personal revenge and hatred blind me to other options and instead I've cost more lives on the island than any other leader of any tribe has in history. You want the Forest and Stari to heal, then please keep Narus at bay. He'll drag your people into a conflict that will be too high of a price for you."

**jborgon** · 02-05-2014, 12:11 AM

"Council, I beg that you listen to me." Ranger began calmly, with a very matter-of-fact tone, making as little eye contact with Rhykim as was possible. "This man, self-proclaimed ruler of Logata, comes barging into our forest, putting our people at even greater risk to simply protect himself from possible threats. He claims to accept full responsibility of all the deaths his bad judgement brought upon our people, but where is the evidence for this? Where is there a just punishment for a hideous crime? Instead he chooses to justify a self-inflicting strategy, with what else but more killing except of his own people, rather than ours. And yet, he claims Narus, one of our own, an acting leader of our people whose judgement was well tempered by our late leader, my uncle, may his soul be at peace with the forest, is to be convicted. Held accountable for war crimes which aren't a crime at all. Since when have we condemned freedom as treachery? Have our people really lowered themselves to such a place where someone fighting in the name of his people, fighting to overthrow what is a dictatorial, if not tyrannical, rule, and avenge deaths that would most likely otherwise turn out as meaningless in the overall picture this Imperator is painting, is a crime? This picture, he paints it with the blood of our kin."
Ranger took a deep breath to steady his rising tone and blood pressure as he talked.

"I am aware, Council, that I currently hold no influence nor position of leadership worthy enough to ask this of you. But I am begging you, before you accept a treaty with this monster, consider the following. Where are all the promises he chose to make, the first time a treaty was formed? Are they standing tall among the trees like golden statues of pride, or broken and thrown to waste in the vast emptiness of the Logatan fields? This man who, as he so eloquently states, approached the Gerudo in "peace" yet decimated their numbers, imprisoned them, and not only tortured but used them as slaves for his own purposes, and that of his fellow leaders. This man that did not present the Gorons with an option, but rather sacrificed the lives of Stari warriors, noble fighters, even younger than myself, to ignite a petty and useless war. This man that has no interest other than in his own mind and purposes. Is this the man that countless leaders of the Stari have lived and died for us, only to have us be led to unite with him, a beast, in the face of an option to stand strong and endure? I, for one, would rather not believe so."

**Kairu** · 02-05-2014, 08:44 AM

"The incident with the Gorons went wrong and that was a result of bad intel. You, along with General Nyx, and a small detachment were to infiltrate the Goron stronghold, steal plans of their new weapons so work could begin to attempt countering their new threat. I was mislead by intel and yes, Stari lives were lost. However, I do not think I'm the one to blame. I give my field commanders the option to speak up and adjust a plan where necessary. I was assured that the Stari were master sneaks. Was I wrong to place great faith into the Stari?

"As for the Gerudo, I do not expect you to understand what happened there. You were preoccupied with the Gorons to have been there. I assure you on my blood, Council, that I had intentions of resolving conflicts with the Gerudo peacefully. Their leader acted out of revenge and personal grudges while I sought for an alternative. Needless to say, many Stari AND Logatans were mass executed when they captured and imprisoned us. If I had it my way, the Gerudo would merely be a word now that would fade into dust, however, General Amaya prevented a rash action that may have otherwise caused more civil unrest on the island.

"While it is true that I do have the interest of my own people close at heart, I should bring up that there are two Stari women that are closer to me than anyone else. I've put my trust and faith into both of them and they have never disappointed me yet. Having two Stari women that close, I'm obligated to treat the Stari with good will and faith, even if you brand them as outcasts. I can also assure you that my promises of making Logata grand are yet to be paid in full. When war funding has ceased, only then can I reform the government to boost civil prosperity."

**jborgon** · 02-05-2014, 11:38 PM

"You see how he dares doubt and insults the abilities of our people? While it is true the people who fight for him have a "chance" to speak up, it is not up to them to argue against initiating conflict against a possible threat. Perhaps things would have turned out differently, had the field commander actually been personally briefed about the change in tactics in a meeting, and not by spoken word of one of the generals." Ranger gritted his teeth but tried not to address Rhykim personally in any form. "But you see, Council, how the great leader of our nation with his yet-to-be promises, far-flung dreams, takes "full responsibility" for the deaths he caused and then immediately admits to blaming not himself, but the Stari people who died on the field for their demise?"

"As for the Gerudo, I admit, Council, I was not personally on the field that day, much obliged to try and keep our people alive elsewhere, but the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. Rhykim intended to ends things peacefully, and failed to do so as the Gerudo were against such a proposal. However, how is it that him, our fearless leader was unable to stop acts of violence against our people, people that were mass executed as he states? Were we wrong to place faith in him?"

"And when, oh when will war funding truly cease?" He gave a short, exasperated laugh. "This man dares make so bold claims as a war is still ready to rage with the people of this land, when from insiders I have learned of extensive and lavish funding to deep sea war ships that will patrol our coasts and perhaps try to extend his reign to lands unknown. So will Logata be grand when this world has seen many a more winters, when the wind has ripped the leaves from our trees and the war has consumed our people, when time fading has brought down all the walls and homes are wrecked and left in ruins while the war still rages to the East? Is that when and, Council, as protectors of this land and our people, do we stand by and watch as all we ever do is wait?"

**Kairu** · 02-06-2014, 12:03 AM

"I was addressing you, Ranger, when I mentioned the Gorons. You were second-in-command of the task force and you had an obligation to not only your people, but to the entire mission to propose a change in tactics or even back out. As I recall, you opted out of that briefing. Nyx, my master strategist and woman you've started fancying was your commanding officer on the field. She would have accepted and respected any of your concerns with the mission. Council, all I ask is to help spare lives on both sides and usher peace."

**jborgon** · 02-06-2014, 12:29 AM

Ranger breathed slowly to steady his heart rate. He could feel his fingers tingling, a usual sensation he got before using his abilities. Of course, he couldn't actually use them directly on Rhykim, but he might be able to throw rocks at him if he wanted to. But he tried to stop this type of thinking. Despite the more personal attacks of Rhykim's last argument, he knew to use the same technique would be unfit before the Council. Instead, he moved back to his main request. "Council, despite our constant arguing there is one thing that I must agree with the Imperator now. Peace, and the sparing of life. However, I strongly believe that this is not what is to be handed to us if we agree to a peace treaty with him, as contradictory as it may sound. This might as well be another of his tactics to gain total control and military superiority, only to subdue our people in the end. I do not ask that you declare war on Rhykim. I am merely offering you a scenario in which you leave an opportunity for any Stari that feels justified in joining with Narus' in his battle to do so freely. We are not a totalitarian regime, and if one thing should always be preserved it is the freedom in our actions while they remain justified. Do not agree to a treaty, please."

Announcement

The Negotiations

The Negotiations

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