Mirrors (Episode 1)

At the mention of a barbaric horde, Taj's eyes narrow. She had a score to settle with the barbarian cretins who raided her home when she was young and murdered her entire family. "When do we get started, esteemed Lord Orb? My weapon yearns for the blood of barbarians."

Lucian feels that, somehow, he has ended up in the wrong group of people. This doesn't seem like something he would be called to do. But, as his options seemed to be certain death, death of everyone in the multiverse, and slim chance at survival to go and have yet another slim chance of survival...well, he would take slim chance he supposed. "Should we be one of the fortunate ones who survive to fight the bigger fight, do we still have support from you and your people Lord Orb? Or are we just...tossed out there to figure it out? If I happen to live - I hope I do - I would simply like to be prepared if I should gather as much information as I can while here."

"This boy asks good questions," Radu says with a smirk. "I believe time will tell just how similar us Champions are as to pawns in this game of yours, but I must wonder - are there any prior champions still here in the city? You, yourself, perhaps, Lord Orb?"

"Indeed. The questions are quite valid. Your time here will be to hone your skills as best possible to avoid your deaths in the battles beyond T'Lorn and recover between engagements when possible. You will have the support of my realm and its inhabitants, as much as can be had beyond." Lord Orb gives his assurances and nods to the Dhampir lord. "You are quite perceptive, Lord Radu. Yes. There are several former champions still within the city, including myself."

His attention wanders over to Tajuri. "We have already begun, dear Lady, but the next phase will be observations and assessments by the Inner Council. These will be sparring matching between yourselves and will begin later this evening."

Keltos takes a step forward and addresses Lord Orb and the group,

"Perhaps you can enlighten us. There is a singular question I am sure is burning within each of these Champions, myself included. The vision that brought us. The apparition made real that stands before each of us…. The mirror. Tell us what is the significance of our pairings?"

"Mmm, yes. What is the connection there?" Radu's eyes glance over to the large man with fiery skin.

Kris covers her own mouth to mute the sound of mirth, when the masked monk and the Dhampir inquire about the connections in the mirrors. She has her own working theories based entirely on the little she has gleaned from observing the other seven and listening to their interactions or lack thereof.

His piercing red eyes moving between Keltos and Radu, they settle on Kris. His mouth shifts into a crooked grin and he nods slightly to the young Human female. "Yes, Lady Amani? What amuses you so? Perhaps you'd share with us?"

Radu turns and raises his eyebrow at the laughing one, clearly expectant of the answer. "Care to enlighten us?"

Kris nods and looks right and left to the rest of those gathered with her. "I've been thinking about images in the mirror from our dreams and the pairings. To start, let's take Tajuri and Leh'veia. They are both beautiful, dress very provocatively, seem to have training in the ways of pleasure, and are both accustomed to being the center of attention. Am I right?"

"Then, we have Killian and Radu. Both are muscular, imposing figures. They have red eyes, have intimidating looking weapons, and have a very similar armor and clothing aesthetic."

"With Keltos and Natrix, we have hoods and cloaks, odd physical mannerisms, and staves. Neither of them seem to be conversationalists and always appear to be taking mental notes of their surroundings."

"Last, but not least, we have Lucian and myself. We are visibly the youngest in the group of eight. We both have cute familiars and we aren't opposed to conversing with each other."

"I propose that the pairings in the mirror were to solicit reactions, possibly start conversations, and maybe even reveal who our first sparring partners will be."

Taj glances over to the young Kris. She cannot be upset by any of the young woman's observations of her. They were all quite true. "Young Lady Amani may be on to something." She has to admit and looks to their host for a sign of his confirmation.

"Well done, Lady Amani." Lord Orb praises Kris' intuitive insight regarding the mirrored images. "You have grasped the intent of the mystery even though all the details of the choices have not been presented in your descriptives."

The ancient lord gives slight hand gesture and a nods toward his Chamberlin and the lanky tall man takes a step forward.


"Are there any other pressing questions of the High Lord at this time?" He pauses and then adds, "Assessments through first bouts of sparring will commence later this evening. Initial pairings will be as surmised. You each will be informed at the proper time."

Kris smiles and nods to Lord Orb. She's completely unaccustomed to praise for much that she does and certainly not such high praise. Lord Killian has been an appreciative companion in the time they have traveled together, but the broody Fire Goliath is rarely so forthcoming with showing it.

"Completely ridiculous" Thinks Keltos…. "I don’t have ODD physical mannerisms…"

With no further questions or comments for Lord Orb, Chamberlin escorts the Champions back down the to lower platform. There they are reunited with their companions and the whole entourage is guided through the large doors and back into the nexus of hallways leading elsewhere in the vast palace.


Stopping here at the head of the procession, the tall man addresses everyone. "The rest of the morning is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Midday meal will be served again in the guest dining hall, followed by another period of free activities in the afternoon. The gathering with the Inner Council will occur promptly at the onset of the evening. All of these will be conveyed to each of you in its proper time." He glances about the group to see if anyone appears confused or questioning. "As newcomers to our palace and city, you will be guided to places you desire for now."

Keltos thanks the Chamberlain, I have a crew that will require a bit of shore leave. What of them?

Addressing Natrix - "I don't anticipate a very exciting day, but you are welcome to join me as I run a few errands. It would give us a chance to become more aquainted."

As he asked everything he had currently thought of, Lucian glances around to look at the others. While he does so, he ticks off what Kris had mentioned and a small smile appears. Well, wasn't she observant - even though it was obvious in hindsight, he hadn't picked up on it yet. It was a good skill to have in an ally. Assuming they both lived that is. He looks over to Kris and makes a suggestion. "Well, we could take this time to have our conversation. Perhaps we will find more in common with each other, and I could plead my case for you to not beat me up too badly. I'm sure Chamberlin can tells us a spot, or knows someone who can." Even if they were equal in strength and he wouldn't be horribly beat up, it was always wise to plan for that option anyway. And then learn from it.

"No further questions," Radu says with a bow of his head. "My Lord," he says as a parting to Lord Orb.

He follows Chamberlain down to the lower platform and listens to the itinerary. Once some availability presents itself, Radu approaches the hooded man. "I wish to understand better how time will pass here versus in my home realm. I have responsibilities to my land and people that should not be neglected beyond necessity. Should I need send notice to my castellan of an extended absence?"

Chamberlin folds his arms and contemplates how he should answer Radu's concerns. "The span of time in which you have existed in your own realm is far removed from the now within the Eternal City, m'Lord. An attempt to make contact with a subordinate can be made, if you so wish, but I can not guarantee it will reach them in the due time you desire."

"I see," Radu says. "Then I relent to the whims of this place out of time. Clearly I will not be able to rule from a distance - I will have need to focus my attentions here and pray my castellan does not fail me." He considers a moment. "Tell me, do you have gardens here? I should like to take a reprieve before I explore the grounds and city further."