Abandoned Temple
((Collab Post made by Lucky and Seven))
Leannan stood behind a large stone table, tracing her fingers across the intricate carvings along its edges. Although the cruel Face of the Oakborn that once received worship here was long dead, the fairy queen could still feel magic in this crumbling temple. She stroked the cool surface of the table and the edges of her mouth twitched, as if she were attempting to smile. This place, although it laid outside the Enchanted Forest or any other Fae territory, held fond memories for her. As a child, she and her mother would come here to witness the most sacred sacrificial rituals of the Unseelie. In their eyes, it was the greatest exchange; the sacrifice of a life for the favor of a deity. The thought of it exhilarated her.
She was different now. The world was different now. She was not a child, but a queen and the life that once lit this place had left it long ago. Leannan didn't look behind her, but she knew that Dullahan and several of his knights hid in the trees, just in case the meeting with this Goblin King went sour. She kept a large silver box on the table. It shook violently, rattling the chains wrapped around it and hisses and scratching sounds came from its contents.
This Goblin King was the last piece in the puzzle. Leannan would conquer the world and bask in the glory of it all. She would finally feel again.
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"Sire, we shall be approaching the meeting area soon. We should prepare for any eventualities...the Fae Filth will most certainly conspire to harm you if they feel like it. That is why I have sent forth our top Blackblades to scout out the area. I am told it is an old temple, that much is true, and the Queen herself is there, but not alone. We have them positioned in place should the time to attack arise." Kob reported. The Royal Adviser and the Goblin King himself sat within the confines of an imposing carriage being pulled along by two Worgs.
"Kaeva herself has said to have trained this lot, so I'm sure that comforts you, mi King." Kob continued. "Even so, we have a squad of your Royal Guard in tow just in case." Gulbrand was half-listening to his Adviser as he looked out the window of his carriage. It was odd, traveling beyond his Kingdom...he never expected to leave it for any other reason besides conquest. He nearly called off the meeting when it couldn't be arranged for Gulbrand to host this little talk within his walls. Of course he could understand, he would never want to enter the Faelunds for a little chat either.
So here they are, they agreed to a neutral location to minimize any treachery from both parties. Even so, Gulbrand was no fool as he took caution as they neared their destination, he wouldn't put it past the Queen to try something anyway. Not too far off from his convoy was Meathook, he knew the Barghest would come if it sensed it's master was in danger. He doubted the Fae would wish to tangle with a Fiend if they could avoid it. He heard the carriage driver call for the Worgs to stop as the carriage came to a halt. "Aye, it seems we have arrived, Sire." Kob spoke as a Hobgoblin guard opened the door.
Gulbrand stepped out first followed by Kob as their feet meet with the old, hallowed grounds of this abandoned temple. Gulbrand looked up at the old chapel and sneered as it seemed of a Fae denomination. "Let us hope these delegations are brisk." Gulbrand grumbled as the Goblin King ascended the steps of the Temple. Soon enough Gulbrand entered the building followed by Kob and a group of armed guards. The Goblin King looked upon the visage of the Unseelie Queen, despite the animosity he has towards the Fae, Gulbrand was nevertheless civil as he bowed his head, "Greetings, Queen Leannan of the Unseelie Court." Gulbrand spoke in the Fae Tongue. "It is an honor to make your acquaintance. I do apologize forthwith if my Fae is difficult to understand, but I'm sure you could oblige?" His accent was heavy, and very guttural to the ear.
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Leannan grabbed her skirts and curtsied to the Goblin King. "Greeting, King Gulbrand. The honor is mine." The queen nodded at Gulbrand, watching him with interest. "I must say that I'm impressed. It is rare for other races to even attempt learning our language and you seem to have a true grasp of the tongue." She grabbed the silver box from the table and seemingly floated around the stone table to her face her fellow monarch, however she knew better than to invade his space. "To thank you for attending this meeting, I've brought a gift that I hope you'll enjoy."
She tapped the box with a golden claw, earning more thrashing and screeches from the inside. The Goblin King was not the ugly little creature she expected him to be. He was both terrible and regal with an intelligent gleam in his eye. He reminded her much of the Unseelie Lords in her court. Obviously proud, clever, and strong, but in the end, he would submit to her.
"They're called Tande Fee or, more commonly, Tooth Fairies. They're hungry little beasts and they feed largely on teeth and bones, but they'll eat whatever you give them." A cold ghost of a smile appeared on her face. "A swarm of this size can shred their way through a group of men within minutes. Usually, they're quite hard to tame, but these have been enchanted with Fae magic. They will obey anyone who releases them." She extended her arms, offering the chest to her potential ally. "I hope you find use for them."
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Gulbrand watched as the Unseelie Queen returned his politeness with a curtsy. She must realize it is rare for a Goblin to show respect to anyone but their own and even then that's fickle in nature. Yet this is the reason he is the Goblin King, he understands the value of politics something Goblins care little for. Still it provides results which is something every Goblin values, results give what they seek whether it be gold or the death of a foe. "Well, I have no claims to be any good at speaking it...you don't make the tongue any easier to learn." He responded with a grin.
While she may be impressed, the Goblin King wasn't so easily taken with the Queen. She looked how he imagined every Fae, pale skinned and fair, far fairer than most creatures that's for sure. Even so, her wardrobe was quite conservative and dour something that he found curious. The Fae love their bodies and love to flaunt them every chance they get. Receiving satisfaction by shoving their beauty down everyone's throats! It sickened him and he couldn't wait for the day when their beauty will not save them from his terror.
At least he can stomach this Fae Queen but alas he did hear the Two Courts operate very differently from each other, he supposes that includes appearances as well. She approached him although forward he didn't suspect the Queen to try anything funny, not with his Royal Guard standing only a couple feet away. While the Hobgoblins tensed up, Gulbrand waved his hand dismissively as she handed him a box. Intrigued by what was within, the Goblin King, albeit cautiously, took the box. The Hobgoblins gasped, they were definitely on edge.
"If you lot are going to act so spineless you best leave us!" He sneered in the Goblin Tongue. The Hobgoblins held in their apparent trepidation in fear of the Goblin King's wrath. "Apologies, Goblins can be so paranoid...but, rightfully so." He spoke in Fae. "Kob, take this for me." He told his Adviser. "But, Sire, do you believe it's wise to accept a gift from a Fae?" He asked concernedly. "I gave you an order Kob, take this or I shall open it and have them kill you." He threatened. "Right, Sire." Kob reluctantly took the box from his Lord. "You there! Place it in the King's carriage!" Kob barked as a Guard, trembling, took the box. "And for fuck's sake! Don't drop it!" Kob shouted.
"Thank you Queen Leannan for the gift, it shall serve me well. Now, shall we begin?" He asked. He wasn't one for wasting time and saw no reason for stalling any business they have with each other.
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Leannan's eye flicked back and forth between the king and his guards as they interacted, sure to add a look of uncertainty into her eyes as she did so. They were certainly...entertaining, although it would not show upon her face. It was common for fairies to know many tongues and Leannan was no exception. The Goblin language was crude and an assault upon her ears, however she could understand every one of their savage words.
"Yes, let us continue." She nodded. The queen walked back behind the table, waving her hand over the surface. Arcane light flashed in her eyes as the dark stone disappeared and was replaced by an image of a large and beautiful woodland that, even through this illusion, oozed mystic energy. "This is the Dark Forest, the Holy Lands of my people. It is also the home of the Fairy Courts that rule over all the Fae Folk in Pandeum." She touched the table and swirling mists swirled into the image, transforming into the visage of a beautiful blonde fairy queen wearing a large smile as she placed a flower crown onto a human child who wandered into the forest. Sounds of merriment could be heard as Seelie nobles and knights danced and drank around them. Leannan's features hardened considerably. "This is my rival, Queen Freya. I would like her and her merry band of flower pickers slaughtered."
The image changed once more, showing the bloodied bodies of Freya, her knights, and all the Seelie nobility littering their throneroom. She looked up at Gulbrand. "Your people have a reputation as conquerors, something that the Fae have had little interest in." The light in her eyes flickered. " I seek to change that, beginning with the Dark Forest."
The table returned to its original stone surface. "If you assist me in the taking of the taking of the Forest, I can offer a large portions of the land we seize, which is rich with rare magical materials and precious metals and stones." She looked towards the Hobgoblins around Gulbrand and resisted the urge to wrinkle her nose. They were truly disgusting. Her eyes returned to the king. "I would also be able to offer you the Unseelie as permanent allies in your conquests to come. If you take my proposal and we are successful, I would suggest your gaze move to the human kingdom of Grimmshire. They are incredibly wealthy and possess the richest mines in Pandeum. You could strip them bare and equip your armies with the highest quality of armor and weapons, while draping yourself in jewels."
She watched the Goblin King patiently as she waited for him to think over her offer.
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The Goblin King watched as Leannan transformed the stone table into a magical illusion of the Fae Lands. Gulbrand watched with great interest in the performance, even sneering in disgust once he saw the Seelie, especially their Queen. These were the sort of Fae he recognizes most and despises the most. The Queen's request to have them slaughtered was something he was most definitely interested in.
The job grew sweeter still as he marveled over the spoils of war that he would receive. Yes it all seemed so good...perhaps too good. She was certainly laying the rewards on thickly and it's making it hard for Gulbrand to refuse. Any lesser Goblin Warlord would have caved in by now and would rush headlong into an agreement...thankfully Gulbrand isn't a lesser Goblin. He looked at Queen Leannan with a shrewd eye as he gave a toothy grin.
"My, my, you do paint quite the picture. It's quite hard to look away." He mused. Despite seeming transfixed, almost intoxicated with the idea he looked at the Unseelie Queen dead in the eye and asked, "But why should I trust in anything you say? You are offering an awful lot, might make one wonder if you're just baiting them in to some trap." Gulbrand spoke skeptically. He was right to doubt, a good hunter knows the right bait to trap his prey. Riches galore certainly is a Goblin's bait and he wouldn't put it past the Unseelie Queen to double-cross him.
"How shall I know you'll make good on your promises? How do I know that my forces will not be betrayed the moment they step foot in your lunds?" Gulbrand questioned. "I don't know you from a hole in the wall. Yes, you gave me a gift but do you really expect me to be so easily agreeable?" He rhetorically asked.
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"King Gulbrand," Leannan tilted her head slightly as she looked at the goblin. "I have been alive for a very long time and I am tired of my people's way of life. We stay in our lands and hold festivals. We pray to our gods. We have sex, we eat, we drink, and we deceive each other. We only leave to meddle in the affairs of lesser races and make mischief in their lives. We do this all so that we may entertain ourselves for a fragment of our long, miserable existences." Her face remained still, but her eyes shone with excitement. "I am done with that. I see the other races conquer and cement their legacies in stone. I want that. I believe that tying my fate to yours will help achieve that goal."
The fairy queen smiled. "If you doubt my integrity, I am more than prepared to bind myself to my word with a Shee Feerinyeh. With that magic, I will be unable to break my promises to you." She nodded reassuringly. Perhaps that would satisfy him. "And, if that is not enough to sate your distrust, I will offer you something extremely precious to me." Her heart quickened for a second and for a moment she felt uneasy with what she was going to say. However, it was necessary. "If you accept our alliance, you will also be accepting one of my daughters' hands in marriage. Our two dynasties will be joined and any child produced from your union will be the heir to the Unseelie throne." The queen knew it was an extreme offer, but hopefully it was enough to gain the Goblin's favor. "I am indeed offering a lot, King Gulbrand, but I will gain just as much as you from this alliance."
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Gulbrand looked at Leannan with a skeptical stare but he did mull her words over. He then rubbed his pointed chin as Kob spoke into one of his elongated ears. "Sire, would you really accept a Fae as your wife?! What wretched union would that bring!?" Kob asked incredulously. "Silence, Kob! These are matters of royalty!" He shouted. Kob then sat down clearly defeated. It was quite the offer of a lifetime and while Gulbrand doesn't mind laying with other races having them for a wife is another matter entirely.
It might not be a popular decision for the Goblin King to marry a Fae Princess but it's one that no subject of his would dare question. He could gain more power than he previously thought and began to question Leannan's intelligence. Was she a fool or was she truly a master of deception? One thing he can tell for certain is the disdain she has for her own race of beings. It's that same gleam in her eye, that tone in her voice that mirrors his own. That is something the Goblin King cannot deny. Still he was an opportunist and he will have everything she said and have it bound to her with her Fae magic.
With a grin he spoke, "Then so be it. I shall lend you my aid but you must first swear with the power of Shee Feerinyeh, on everything you've promised me. That means the Faelunds that I shall own, the Kingdom of Grimmshire that I shall own, your Court's fealty and the hand of your daughter of my choosing!" Gulbrand declared. "Do this and I shall help you win your war. But heed my words, if you dare cross me...then it will be your Court that is destroyed." Gulbrand warned. "I truly hope it doesn't come to that, I would prefer to have a fruitful alliance instead."
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Leannan bowed her head slightly as her lips curled into a pleased smirk. “Lovely.” She said. She paid no mind to his threat as many mortals had made similar claims in the past. None had ever come to fruition. “However, before I seal this pact, I do have few conditions of my own.” There was a sudden cold edge to her voice as she spoke. “You will appoint the commander of my knights, Dullahan Ashentongue, as the Warchief of the Fae Lands we conquer. Although he will still be loyal to the Unseelie, he will manage your new territories on behalf of Zoadia and will be subject to your rule. I also demand a fairy presence in your court. A small number of my people will accompany my daughter to her new home in Earthrend to assure her safety and assist you however they can.” She tapped her claw against the stone table. “And we will receive a decent portion of the spoils with whatever conquests we assist you with. Particularly when it comes to riches of mystical potential.”
She felt her core vibrate with anticipation. This was her path. This would be her legacy to the Fae Folk. Leannan Blackward, the Conqueror Queen. “And I would also like a safeguard to assure me that you won't betray my trust.” She said. “You will be protected by the Shee Feerinyeh, but there is nothing to shield my court from potential treachery. I would like something to insure our safety, at least until the wedding that will bind our kingdoms.”
Leannan was no fool. She knew that the goblins, although they were vile and ugly things, were much like her own people in action. They were clever and fickle and were prone to betrayal. “If you agree to these terms, I will swear my Shee Feerinyeh and we may move forward as allies.”
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Gulbrand began to groan when the Queen asked for her terms. No Goblin ever liked this part of negotiations but they were a necessary evil. He listened to her terms and then nodded, "Fine, you may have one of your Fae be Warchief but he is bound to my word of law regarding my property." He mentioned. The next request nearly caused Kob to faint, "A fairy in Earthrend!? Surely you must jest sire!" Gulbrand ignored Kob as he nodded ,"Yes, yes I understand." It was then the last request sort of pinched a nerve in the Goblin King.
He really didn't wish to share his spoils of war, he can understand in this instance since this is her war but his? As much as he would protest he decided it best to not push it. "Fine, I'll have my Chief Hoarder meet with whomever manages your riches to discuss the terms." Gulbrand spoke. Then Gulbrand was stumped, a safeguard for her? Normally they would offer up lands for holding but it seemed that might not be enough. He then looked at the Unseelie Queen and then after a moment, "How about I sign a contact? In Zoadia contracts are legally binding, even more so than in other nations. We do pride ourselves on our ill-repute but we did have to find away to trust ourselves sometimes, otherwise, how else would we get anything done?" Gulbrand spoke. "I'm sure with your magic you could perhaps add some sort of condition to make me follow through in case my word isn't good enough?" Gulbrand suggested, he then waited for her response.
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She smirked. "That will work marvelously." Something resembling golden dust fell from her palms as a piece of parchment and black quill appeared in her hands. She unrolled the yellowing paper with a snap and as she did, words appeared on its surface. "The Fae have a binding spell called the Shee Conradh. It is similar to a standard contract. Both parties agree to terms and sign, but the oath is then watched over by a Face of the Oakborn. If either party breaks the agreement, a terrible curse will be released on the perpetrator." She placed the paper on the stone table and took the black feather quill. She stabbed herself in the hand with the sharp tip of the pen and looked up at Gulbrand. "I'll take the liberty to combine my Shee Feerinyeh with the Shee Conradh." She lifted her hand as it bled. The fluid that leaked out of the wound was almost certainly blood, but it was an almost unnaturally dark shade of red and its consistency was closer to that of tree sap.
"I, Leannan Blackward, Queen of the Unseelie Court, swear to keep my word to Gulbrand the Goblin King. If he assists me in the taking of the Dark Forest, I will reward him with a large portion of the lands we've conquered, a permanent alliance with the Unseelie Court, the human kingdom of Grimmshire, and a marriage to my daughter of his choosing." She then leaned over the table and, with the blood in her quill, signed her name at the bottom of the contract. She turned to her new ally and offered him the pen. Now, they were just a signature away from Pandeum's deadliest partnership.
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Gulbrand listened intently about what was to transpire. He nodded and found that the Shee Conradh is acceptable in his eyes, he wouldn't wish to get on the wrong side of a deity. Kob looked like death warmed over, he wasn't very comfortable with this at all. Still it was not his decision to make and as she read the terms, Gulbrand agreed. He then took the pen and paper contract as he looked at her he said, "I suppose I must prick myself, yes?"
He took the pin and pricked himself in his finger causing a rather, dark, oozy, foul smelling blood to drip on the pen. "And I, Gulbrand, King of the Goblins, Monarch of Zoadia, and Avatar of my Lord Palchard, shall be binded by both word and by the Shee Conradh to assist Queen Leannan Blackward in her conquest of the Dark Forest. Upon success, I hereby declare Dullahan Ashentongue as Warchief of Fae Lunds conquered. The Unseelie shall have a presence in my royal court, the Unseelie Princess chosen, is allowed to enter Zoadia with her escorts given security and shelter within my Keep, and finally, all spoils of war shall be divided accordingly to the terms yet specified." Gulbrand finished this long-winded oath as he signed the paper in his blood.
"Finished, and I hope this makes us trusted allies. I have a feeling we'll have much to discuss on the invasion." He said with a wicked grin, handing over the contract.
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"Lovely." Leannan smiled as the contract and the pen disappeared into golden star dust. The contract would soon find itself buried within the roots of the Great Oak, where it would be held close to an ancient Face of the Oakborn. "I must return to the forest to make preparations and I will send representatives to Zoadia for the initial discussions of battle plans, but we will meet again in the near future." She smiled, a feeling of satisfaction filling her chest. "And I will bring my daughters." She curtsied and turned to leave. "Farewell, King Gulbrand. I look forward to conquering the world with you."
RPG
