Outcast War

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For a timeline of the events of the Outcast War, see Outcast_War/Timeline.

How it began

Warrior Prince Raenilar's group came through a silver arch, into the Great Tower of Shard's Hall of Feasts. There the Ferdahl was holding a celebration after the victorious Ilithi and Zoluren fight for the old Fortress outside of Shard where the goblin Grishnok and the pirate Jourok had held up.

In attendance were many of the military who helped at the battle, Prince Fayne of the Mountain Elves, members of the Ferdahl's Court and guard, and of course the Ferdahl.

Egolan and Yhaman, the visitors who have been around a while, attended the Warrior Prince.

Raenilar nodded to Kukalakai and said, "Ferdahl. I have heard you were of a mind to speak with me."

Kukalakai turned her head, regarding Raenilar with great interest and said to Raenilar, "Sir, I was. I think we share some history."

Raenilar replied, "We share a great deal of history. That history is why we are here, and now."

Kukalakai said to him, "It is time and past time we spoke, I think."

Raenilar asked, "Do you believe you might say something, that would balance 600 years of history?"

Kukalakai responded back to Raenilar, "I was not born at the time you speak of. No more were you, I think. Can we not make right what our ancestors could not?"

Observers saw Egolan shake some sand from his boots; which is an insult in some parts of the world. Whether or not it is to these Northerners is unknown.

Raenilar continued his conversation with the Ferdahl, "Indeed we can, Ferdahl. Indeed we can. But there is nothing you could offer, upon behalf of yourself or your people, that could hope to change the results of 600 years of existence."

Kukalakai asked Raenilar, "Our people have turned from war whenever they have choice. We believe in the arts of peace and a generous understanding. Will you speak with me of setting aside old hurts?"

Raenilar laughed at that. There was an uncomfortable hush in the room as the Ferdahl Kukalakai regarded him evenly, meeting his gaze without looking away.

"What use war, when simple banishment shall suffice?" he asked. "When you do not have what you or your kind desire?" Raenilar fixed Kukalakai with a serene, lofty stare.

Kukalakai said to Raenilar, "That is bitterness and the wrongs of the past speaking through you. I offer a hand of...reparation, at least, if you will not accept friendship."

Prince Fayne told Kukalakai, "There is no need to apologize for what transpired. Shard was built by Morganae and Corik and it stands for greatness this day."

Raenilar responded, "The chains that have bound us since the founding of this city are strained. They are stretched to their limit, and I have broken the first of them -- those that bind myself. Very soon, I will return to our people, those who were Outcast from this land so your bloodline could have this city. I shall return there, and tear asunder those bonds forged so long ago. You wish reparation? There is no reparation you can offer. Our lands and freedoms were taken. The only reparation, also, is that which can be taken."

When Raenilar had finished speaking, Kukalakai first spoke to Fayne, "Shard is worth the blood in my veins and the rest of my years and I grudge nothing to her. But sometimes, a wrong can be amended."

Fayne agreed with Kukalakai, "Yes a wrong can be ammended."

Kukalakai turned to Raenilar, "Then, sir, you will compound the wrong done to your fathers and mothers. And you will be as wrong now as my forebears may have been then."

Raenilar said, "Weak words, from a weak bloodline -- one that chose to do nothing about these 'wrongs' until brought face to face with them."

Kukalakai straightened further and fixed Raenilar with an imperious gaze, "Once more, I say - take my hand. I will seet myself to meet my grandfather's debt to you. If you do not - then you force me and my people, and there can be no peace between us, no friendship and no grace."

Yhaman was overheard saying quietly said to Egolan, "We waste time, the longer we speak, the longer it takes to return."

Fayne spoke to Kukalakai, "You are kind to offer your sympathies to these... desert dwellers. However you have nothing to apologize for."

Raenilar said, "We have survived for longer than this city has with neither your peace, friendship, nor grace. We will continue to survive that way. Will you? Prepare yourself, Ferdahl, for our prophesies draw near. Prepare yourself, Commanders, because your times shall change, and you shall have change with them."

Kukalakai stared at Raenilar, disregarding his attendants completely. Then she spoke, "So be it. Get you gone from my Tower, you and your people. From the moment you clear the doors of this place, you are hunted enemy. Go, and my sorrow you choose it so."

Fayne nodded, "Spoken as the Queen should."

Herrick, guarding and travelling with Prince Fayne, quickly added, "As our Queen would have."

Raenilar told the Ferdahl, "We shall leave this place. Pray your words will make a difference."

Kukalakai sighed as Warrior Prince Raenilar's group went through a silver arch and out of the tower. His group was given safe passage escort through Ilithi, Zoluren and Therengia.[1]

Death of Kukalakai

[The Great Tower, Hall of Audiences] Although exposed on all but one side to the rows of white benches reserved for observers, this dais, spread as it is with an array of large square pillows for the comfort of both Ferdahl and guests, manages to retain a feeling of intimacy. The doors leading back to the hallway are set in a curving, mirrored wall, and the floor beneath the pillows is covered by a finely woven indigo silk rug. Also in the room: Mairdaen, Captain Jourok, Kaith Partani Jomay, Ferdahl Kukalakai, Varinocae, Votary Wyren, Viceroy Egolan, and Warrior King Raenilar. Obvious exits: none.

Raenilar nods to Mairdaen.

Kukalakai inclines her head slightly, saying, "Greetings, my enemy."

Raenilar nods.

Raenilar says, "Well. It is good that you speak directly, so I shall honor that and waste no time of mine."

Mairdaen steps back to stand, watchful, by the closed doors.

Kukalakai says, "I know no other name for you than that. It is all you ever gave me."

Kukalakai says, "You have stolen my city and slain my people, my enemy."

Raenilar smiles.

Raenilar says, "Just those words, I imagine, were spoken 6 centuries ago. By my very own ancestors. How fitting, that you speak them now, and feign belief in them."

Kukalakai says, "Yes. Maybe so."

Kukalakai inhales, then straightens to meet Raenilar's gaze proudly.

Kukalakai says, "Oh yes. They did your ancestors great wrong, those of my people who appeared in numbers, stayed on your ground, found you there and did not leave, respecting your ownership. It is not a thing I like to acknowledge, it is not a thing I can excuse by saying, such is the way of the world, the strong prevail, or, many have done worse. It is not the way I would have for my people. "

Kukalakai says, "Knowing why Corik says he continued does not excuse. I cannot know why the Queen did so - you must ask her if you care for explanation. But I tell you now that this brings no honor on you, on your people, any more than it did on mine. Perhaps you are more like your enemy Morganae - revenge tasted well to her once on a time also."

Mairdaen shifts restlessly by the door.

Kukalakai glances at Raenilar.

Kukalakai says, "But I tell you this...."

Raenilar folds his arms across his chest.

Kukalakai says, "This city did not exist before my people and the Elven people built it. You had ruins and villages. I do not deny a wrong was done, but you also commit one now. You steal a city that was built with the effort and the will of many, paid for with a man's honor, and bought back at great cost in blood from the Dragon Priests who came to plague this land before you. Thus city is no more yours than the stars or the moons, and you will pass and be only an evil memory."

Raenilar says, "Customarily, you would be silent, perhaps even gagged, right now -- allowed to speak only when I have offered you your ritual opportunity. But, as you are the once-ruler of this city, and perhaps because there is more ritual to be done, I will allow you to continue."

Raenilar smiles slightly.

Kukalakai shakes her head slightly, saying, "This city will never belong to you. Perhaps...your children, if they live to be born here, and to grow to love and serve it. You do not serve, you only wish for mastery."

Kukalakai says, "As for my people - they are the Elotheans, and they will live as well. Another will lead them in my place, and they will go on. But this is their city, built by their forebears. And those who are not Elothean but live here and love this city will also go on. I do not know if you will sleep easy here, my enemy, but you will never be part of this place."

Jomay says to Kukalakai, "You will be forgotten, as Corik will be forgotten. It will be as if you never existed."

Raenilar says, "Are you quite finished, Ferdahl, or do you have more to banter on about your six centuries of progress and the blood you spilled to keep what your predecessors gained through spilling yet more blood? You truly believe that your people have washed away the stain that rots the very foundation of this city? You dare question our right to this land and city? ..."

Wyren glances at Jomay.

Raenilar says, "Well, yes, Ferdahl. After all, how else would you wish this to end? You wish to be remembered as well. And so you shall -- with hope, far better than how well my own ancestors were."

Kukalakai lifts her chin slightly and looks at Raenilar coolly. She says, "I have no more to say to one with no will to hear. You mistake. One person does not make a people, and the memories held of me, for good or ill, will matter little to me soon, I think."

Raenilar says, "You know so little of what has become of the my people -- the very descendants of those who were banished from this land. You can hardly comprehend the words you utter. 'One person does not make a people.' If there is any who understand the need for a binding of brothers and sisters, it is us. That very notion is one of several things that many might say -defines- us. And yet you presume to lecture me."

Raenilar says, "You are right, though, Ferdahl. You do, in fact, have very little time left to worry about how you will be remembered."

Raenilar asks, "Do you know how you are to die?"

Kukalakai says, "If I know so little, it is because you would not speak when speech was offered and sought with an honest heart."

Kukalakai asks, "....no. I do not. Tell me, will you kill me, again and again? Collect me from the altar, kill me again? Make a mockery of me, and of the favor of the gods towards me?"

Raenilar draws forth a curved ceremonial dagger with strands of red and white silk around the pommel.

Jomay says to Kukalakai, "No dearie, that wont be necessary."

Jomay hums a haunting melody.

Raenilar nods to Jomay.

Raenilar rubs a curved ceremonial dagger with strands of red and white silk around the pommel.

Wyren furrows his brow.

Kukalakai glances at Jomay.

Raenilar asks, "Do you recognize, perhaps, the form of this blade?"

Kukalakai says to Jomay, "Silence, witch and crone. I will not have my last time, if such this be, tainted by such as you."

Raenilar says, "It is a derivative of a S'kra weapon. Oft used as an assassin's weapon, it's purpose is quite limited, but it is effectiveness cannot be underestimated."

Raenilar taps a curved ceremonial dagger with strands of red and white silk around the pommel that he is holding.

Jomay giggles.

Kukalakai says to Raenilar, "I see you will mourn me as you use it against me."

Wyren casually observes the area.

Raenilar says, "This particular dagger was hand-forged with one person in mind. You. And when you are slain, the favor of the gods shall mean precious little."

Wyren glances at a pair of carved ash doors.

Egolan glances at Wyren.

Koromas fixes Wyren with a frank, even stare.

Jourok says to Wyren, "Stand yer ground, lad."

Jourok gets a whale bone-hilted scimitar etched in brass from inside his leather harness.

Raenilar says, "I do mourn your passing, Ferdahl. I mourn that this was necessary, and yet celebrate that the next steps of justice, of vengeance, of the rightful return of the Outcast tribes of Muspar'i... are taken now."

Kukalakai pales slightly, her gaze flicking rapidly from Raenilar's face to the dagger he holds, before once more lifting to meet his eyes.

Yhaman turns his poloh'izh hide cloak.

Yhaman fades from your very sight!

Mairdaen glances at Raenilar, taking a half-step forward towards him before stopping abruptly and resuming his watch.

Koromas glances at Mairdaen.

Jomay says, "Be done with it."

Koromas shakes his head.

Jomay waves her hand dismissively.

His manner distant, impersonal, almost priestly, Raenilar steps forward before Kukalakai. With the right hand he reaches out to hold her hair, pulling back her head as she stands motionless. In his left is the curved dagger which he raises to rest lightly about her throat. The two stare at each other across the blade.

Jomay glances at Wyren.

Still meeting the woman's gaze, Raenilar gestures that those holding her should step back. As they do so, he turns the blade he holds and draws it sharp and strong in a slanting, downward stroke. The blade bites deep into the point where neck and shoulder meet, and blood follows instantly in a bright spray.

Kukalakai staggers an instant as the dagger bites, one hand reaching as if to grasp at the arm holding her before dropping back to her side. An odd, small exhalation, almost a laugh, escapes her along with a trickle of blood from her mouth as she dies.

• Kukalakai is slain before your eyes!

The shimmering shield fades from around Kukalakai.

Raenilar releases his hold on her hair and the body of the Ferdahl slides slowly from the blade to fold on the bloody ground.

[The Great Tower, Hall of Audiences] Although exposed on all but one side to the rows of white benches reserved for observers, this dais, spread as it is with an array of large square pillows for the comfort of both Ferdahl and guests, manages to retain a feeling of intimacy. The doors leading back to the hallway are set in a curving, mirrored wall, and the floor beneath the pillows is covered by a finely woven indigo silk rug. You also see the body of Kukalakai, motionless in a slowly spreading pool of scarlet blood. Also in the room: Mairdaen, Captain Jourok, Kaith Partani Jomay, Varinocae, Viceroy Egolan, and Warrior King Raenilar. Obvious exits: none.

Raenilar nods to Mairdaen.

Raenilar says, "Let her passing be the first. There is yet more work to be done."

Mairdaen says, "My King, you have what you wished."

Jomay turns sharply, her cloak following suit.

Yhaman says to Raenilar, "There are still current forces of Zoluren and Therengia in the area."

Raenilar nods to Yhaman.

Raenilar says to Yhaman, "Then let us be rid of them."

Jomay says, "Take Zoluren."

Mairdaen stretches out one hand, saying, "You have the city, you have your vengeance."

Jomay says, "And do the same to the Prince."

Jomay hums a haunting melody.

You hear the voice of Koromas say, "Woman you are to bloodthirsty by far."

Mairdaen says to Jomay, "Be silent, bitch. You have no kin, you have no people. You are nothing."

Raenilar nods to Mairdaen.

Jomay glances at Mairdaen.

You hear the voice of Koromas say, "You don't fight you are like a leech, so yes be silent."

You hear the voice of Koromas say, "For once I agree with my brother."

Jourok says, "Now dat nae be too neighborly. We be 'elp'd yer barnacle arses."

Raenilar nods to Jourok.

Raenilar says, "The pirate speaks correctly."

Raenilar says, "Silence, the lot of you."

Koromas comes out of hiding.

Koromas bows to Raenilar.

Jourok says, "Doncha be fergett'n dat either."

Mairdaen falls into silence, mouth tight.

Koromas says, "Be silent dwarf you make me ill."

Koromas sneers.

Raenilar says, "Ensure that this tower, and the city, is clear of invaders."

Koromas says, "Yes sire."

Raenilar says, "There is word that Zoluren will mobilize against us."

Koromas bows to Raenilar.

Raenilar says, "We must prepare to march forth and meet them."

Koromas went through a pair of carved ash doors.

Egolan bows to Raenilar.

Raenilar nods to Jomay.

Egolan glances at the body of Kukalakai, motionless in a slowly spreading pool of scarlet blood.

Viceroy Egolan went through a pair of carved ash doors.

Mairdaen says, "I shall care for the lady."

Raenilar says, "You are to continue your services. Our need of you is in Zoluren."

Raenilar nods to Mairdaen.

Mairdaen says, "If you will allow, my King."

Jomay nods politely.

Mairdaen bows.

Jomay smirks.

Kaith Partani Jomay went through a pair of carved ash doors.

Yhaman asks Jourok, "How many islands did we give to your pirates?"

Raenilar says, "See that she is properly placed."

Jourok asks Yhaman, "Shut yer flapp'r. We be put up wif yer troops fer 'ow long?"

Raenilar says, "Vengeance, justice, her destruction, but let us not dishonor ourselves with treatment of her remains."

Raenilar says, "I will not be compared to the ruler of Zoluren, who placed his predecessor's head on a pike on his own city walls."

Jourok mumbles something under his breath.

Captain Jourok went through a pair of carved ash doors.

Mairdaen nods to Raenilar.

Yhaman nods.

Mairdaen kneels to gather up the body of the dead woman in his arms gently. Rising to his feet, he turns and leaves the room in silence.

Yhaman makes a grunting noise.

Yhaman gestures.

Yhaman's eyes darken a shade.

Yhaman went through a pair of carved ash doors.

[The Great Tower, Hall of Audiences] Although exposed on all but one side to the rows of white benches reserved for observers, this dais, spread as it is with an array of large square pillows for the comfort of both Ferdahl and guests, manages to retain a feeling of intimacy. The doors leading back to the hallway are set in a curving, mirrored wall, and the floor beneath the pillows is covered by a finely woven indigo silk rug. Also in the room: Varinocae and Warrior King Raenilar. Obvious exits: none.

Varinocae shakes her head, eyelids half-lowered.

Varinocae just went through a pair of carved ash doors.

Raenilar sheathes his ceremonial dagger.

Raenilar glances at the windows, and then closes them.