Milani Jori'a's Story

Piret turned when he heard the sound of a raven. They were not frequent in the heart of the city, much less this time of day, so he was fairly certain he knew what it signaled. He had nearly decided today would not be the day, when it appeared that he may have been incorrect in that assumption. He turned, hands clasped in front, as he peered through the falling snow at a figure approaching. With a small tilt of his head, he silently regarded the cloaked woman, but the blue trim of the white robe told him who she was. She was one of the chosen.

With a small bow in her direction, Piret greeted the woman. “No more frozen than any other day. ‘Tis the way of the North, is it not?” He managed a smile, though some part of him remained chilled. This was not a task anyone truly wished for, but it had to be done. “Please, let us retire to the Council Hall proper.” He gestured with one arm toward the opulent building standing tall behind the ice statue. There were two male servants on either side of the door, opening and closing the door for the various visitors was their only task. A task they performed with appropriate politeness and efficiency, no matter the severity of any blizzard that may come.

Piret offered a hand to the woman, to assist her up the steps as was proper. The inside was nicely warmed with various open braziers, their smoke wafting upward into a column crafted with grey stone. The floors were the typical Council white tile, but bore thick, plush rugs colored in a rich golden color. Another servant was just inside the door, bowing deeply before holding out arms to take any cloaks. Piret unclasped his own and folded it over the young man’s arm, then waited for Nevae to keep, or hand over the cloak as well. Either way, the servant would bow again before withdrawing.

“I am Piret D’Lashil, and you are Nevae of the North, correct?” His voice was deep, his enunciation clear. There were files on each chosen from this area, with enough information to know them by sight alone. Occasionally, those summoned chose not to heed the call, and he would need to find them instead of waiting for them to find him. Thankfully, it was a hunt he did not have to see through with this one.

They walked to a smaller room off to the left of the foyer. More golden carpets lined the floor, keeping everything warm and cozy in the harshest of winter months. Two couches were arranged at a forty-five degree angle, so the occupants could easily talk to one another. A granite table sat between them, allowing for the tea that another servant set down with two cups. Already, the young girl began to pour the tea, steam rising over the rim. Piret addressed Nevae while a cup of tea was handed to the woman. “Please, have a seat. I trust, you are knowledgeable about why you were summoned by the Council of Eleven?”

Piret was interrupted before Nevae could answer. He held up one hand in apology as one of the servants from outside the door came to his side. There was a note passed, and the servant waited for orders while Piret read over the note. The man's expression crossed into confusion, and then a touch of amusement as he spoke to the servant. “Please make sure they are shown this way once they arrive. Thank you.” The servant bowed, blushed when he glanced to Nevae, and then hurried off around the corner. Piret turned back to Nevae, “I do apologize for the interruption. We may have another joining us, shortly, but in the event they do not, please… let us continue.” He made a ‘go on’ gesture with his hand as the man sank into the couch opposite the Ice Cleric.

Milani had been wandering around the market when there was an odd shift of energy in the square. Milani looked around and saw some shuffling. The change was due to a new presence, an arctic fox, and a rather large one. People gasped and got out of the way as it strutted through the town square, straight up to Milani. It lowered its head and stretched out its fore-paws in an elegant bow. Upon its neck was a collar with rolled up parchment. Milani stood still for a moment, which seemed like hours to everyone watching, while the large fox bowed. Milani slowly reached out and grabbed the parchment, and then curtsied to the fox, which felt silly but right to the woman. She unrolled the parchment and the fox stayed in the bow.

"Milani Jori'a,

You have been summoned by the high council to appear as soon as is possible for you. We have an assistant in your area who we would like you to meet. If you ignore this summance, know that you will be found, no matter which corner of the world you go to, and it will be a great waste of resources and time for the motherland. Please meet Piret D'Lashill, and upon signing this paper you shall be able to feel his location.

Best on your travels,

Your new Employer"

She smiled. The sternness of the second half of the letter was interesting and amusing to her. Milani always enjoyed sternness and straightforwardness. She looked at the fox and patted it on the top of the head. It looked up and came out of the bow. Its eyes changed from friendly to feral as it looked around. It let out a horrible snarl and took off bounding out of the square. It knocked over two stands of bread and tackled one person before leaving.

Milani silently left to gather her supplies. She felt she would need them. After signing the note, Milani gasped as she felt a magical sense of feeling come over her. She then left a short note to her father, a small bag of coins and a package of meat and bread and left.

She approached the building she felt the bond to. There were two guards outside whom she showed the note to. They did not seem to see it or care about it as they opened the door. The heat of the building rushed out pushing Milani's hair and hood back off her head. She walked inside and just as quickly as the doors were opened they were closed. A man bowed and held out his hand for her cloak. She bowed back but kept her cloak on. She was led into a room with a man and a woman both of whom were seated.

"Excuse me but I was directed to come here. I do not mean to interrupt." She curtsied deeply and noticed an open spot on the couch upon which she invited herself to sit.

Piret stood when another woman entered the room before Nevae had a chance to go on. He gave a nod of his head, “Welcome.” Settling back on the couch, he made the introductions. “Both of you have been chosen. This is Nevae of the North, and this is Milani Jori’a.” He rested a hand against his chest as he introduced himself as well. “I am Piret D’Lashil.” Only then did his attention return fully to Nevae.

“Please, m’lady, continue.” The sooner the initial questions were out of the way, the sooner he would be able to provide them with additional details and show them to their rooms for the night. Having two chosen from the same area was not unheard of, but he had not expected them to arrive close to one another. It was a benefit, however, for he would only have to explain the situation and the accompanying rules just once.

Piret smiled softly, but he did try to keep himself somewhat distanced. It would do no good to get to know the chosen before him. It would be a miracle if he ever saw them again. That did not mean he did not listen and grant them his full attention, he did. There was even a small chuckle at the selected wording Nevae chose to use, even he could appreciate the intelligence behind the beauty. “Yes, you are correct.” He turned to glance toward Milani, partly to judge the woman’s reaction and to show that he was about to address them both.

“You have been chosen for this season’s journey. The blight upon the land must be stopped at all costs. The Council of Eleven has chosen the two of you to journey on to Suriel, where you will meet up with the other chosen members that will become your party.” That all sounded well and good, but he knew from firsthand experience, the rest of what he had to say was not always received well. He had his magic at the ready, well trained and experienced with handling less than gracious chosen.

“You will be the guest of the Council tonight. We have adjoining rooms for your comfort. Unfortunately, you may not return home until after this task is completed. Should you need additional provisions or items for the journey, please make a list and we shall have it for you by morning. You will both be expected to start the journey to Suriel tomorrow morning after breakfast.” A servant came in, one that was capable of reading and writing, poised to start a list with whatever the chosen may need.

Piret’s voice lowered as he grew quite serious. “If you are hungry now, a meal can be brought to your room, but I must ask that you stay in your room until tomorrow morning. If you attempt to leave and avoid the calling, the Council has authorized me to do whatever is necessary.” He let that sink in, as unpleasant a task as it was, before continuing. “When you leave, you will be escorted directly to the city gates for your journey to Suriel. You are now champions of the people, and the lives of the realm rest in your success.”

Piret stood, bowing deeply to both of the chosen, one at a time. “My ladies. If you have any questions, any of the servants will be able to find me. Please, make your lists with all haste, and we will get you anything that you need for the journey. They will show you to your rooms afterward and bring your meals. Thank you.” With that, he headed out of the room, leaving the two chosen with the servant girl, and another servant boy who arrived shortly after Piret’s departure, eager to serve the chosen.

The servants made all the necessary lists for both Nevae and Milani, and the two were escorted up to what would be their rooms for the night. They were adjoining rooms, but with separate doors out into the hallway. Each bore a lush bed draped with the Council’s sheets. A dresser with a mirror, basin and pitcher of water lined one wall, a small trunk sat against another to store one’s clothing and other belongings. Each room had a small glass window to look out, but it could not be opened. It was simply there to allow sunlight in during the day while keeping the cold winds of the north out.

Meals were taken to their rooms a half hour later, trays carted in by the servants laden with covered plates of food. Special requests were met, otherwise there would be a large portion of pot roast, potatoes and carrots, and bread pudding for dessert. The servants returned an hour later to take the trays away, and to bring them the items requested from their list. Boxes and bags would be brought into their room and the contents listed off. Whether or not it was requested, there would be enough rations to make the trip to Suriel and an extra blanket for the cold travel.

The servant boy bowed upon his departure. “Piret will meet with you at breakfast. If’n you wish a bath, we can bring one in the morning, m’lady.” The request would be taken if they would like a bath or not in the morning, and then the servant left. There would be another servant posted outside the two rooms, just to help ensure the chosen did not choose to depart in the night.

Milani bowed her head as she stood to follow the servants to her room. She chatted nonsensically with Nevae and enjoyed the girls wit and beauty. They were brought to their rooms and as they went to enter their own Milani said "Feel free to join me in my room. Mayhaps we can eat dinner together and prepare for the journey." She nodded her head and gave a wave then entered her room. The servant who took her list was a small black girl. She looked very young. "What is your name girl?" Milani asked.

With a slight jump and a weak voice she replied, "Brenadean, milady."
"Please call me Milani. How old are you?"
"I am not permitted to say." She frowned.
"Well, I have a small list to prepare, are you allowed to go gather some items yourself?"
"Not usually, no mil...Milani." She replied. She spoke with her head down and eyes to the floor.
"Okay Brenadean, if I, the Champion of the Council ask for you to specifically get three of the items on this list, will they allow it?"
She looked Milani in the eye for a brief second then replied, "I don't see why not."

Milani tore the sheet in two, one sheet two-thirds the size of the original, and the other one-third. On the smaller peice she wrote 'Three necklaces, the most beautiful, strong and resilient Brenadean can find. Three pups of the large breed of arctic dogs.' She wrote the address for the best jewelry smith and the place where the best Arctic dogs could be found as well.

"Please see to it that each necklace emits one of these feelings to you personally when you buy them. One must be strong, one must be resilient, and one must be beautiful. Do you understand?"
The girl nodded.
"That will be all."
The girl grabbed the parchment, turned and left.

Milani then finished her list of supplies. She planned to replace everything she had with her. Never had she been so selfish feeling, nor had she ever felt so greedy, but if they wanted her alive she would need the best of the best. She would hand-make another bow/strung-knife, javelin and spear. She would get a new cloak, a bigger belt and a better bag. She would request a canteen and the likes.

Her list filled one sheet of the paper. When she was done she retired to her bed and rested until she was awoken by a knock.

"Come in" she said in a stoic manner.

Food was brought in by a servant who looked barely strong enough to hold the tray. He revealed the contents of each plate being; mashed potatoes, cooked carrots, bacon wrapped dear steak and milk with cocoa in it. The final tray had a half loaf of freshly cooked, still steaming bread.

As the servant got up to leave Milani grabbed his arm and said "Wait!" He jumped.
"Yes Milady?"
"Please, call me Milani. And here, take this." She grabbed the bread and ripped it in half. He refused to take it so she shoved it in his pants.
"Milani, we are not to eat the food we serve."
"Then how are you to know if it is worthy of being served?"
He did not answer.
"You also wish to deny the wish of one of the Chosen?"
He looked at her and shook his head.
"Then eat that in here, quickly, and then off to your duties." She turned and forgot his presence.

She went back to the bed and feasted, even licking the plates. This was much better than the Lynx meat she had been living off lately.

Brenadean returned with her items. The three pups wrestled and played running all over the room and licking up anything Milani had missed. Milani smirked.
"The necklaces?"
"Yes Mila...ni" She showed the three necklaces. The first was a very fiery red ruby themed necklace which was housed inside basalt stone dark as night. It also had streaks of gold throughout the stone.
"Strength?" Milani asked.
The girl looked up and smiled nodding her head.
"Let me guess the next one," Milani said kneeling in front of the girl. A white ivory necklace was presented next. It also had a mix of white and black marble woven into the necklace by the roots of saplings that had perished, as well as amethysts sprinkled throughout.
"Resiliant?"
The girl smiled even bigger and nodded.
The last necklace was shown. It was a beautiful emerald necklace with sparkling silver radiating from a center Emerald stringing multiple smaller emeralds into a web like that of a spider.
"It is truly beautiful."
The girl giggled and nodded. "Thank you!" she said cheerfully.

Milani turned to the pups. One she would start training right as soon as she was alone. The other she would request be shipped off to her house for her sister, along with the necklace of resiliance.

"Which is your favorite?" Milani asked in a quiet, caring and gentle manner.
The girl looked her in the eyes, this time for a second longer, then went over and picked one up. She immediately began to lick Brenadeans' face and hands and the girl squeeled with delight.

"My final wishes for you, beautiful Brenadean, is to take this dog and raise it to be a dog worthy of a warrior. I request any materials needed to train this dog be given to you, and if needed I will write this up."
"But Mil.."
"I'm not finished." Milani interrupted. "I also request that you take this Emerald necklace, a sign of elegance and beauty. I suggest you wear it under your shirt to avoid the gaze of content from other servants and those who may try to harm you by stealing it. But always keep it close to your heart and know that I am fighting for you, beautiful girl."
Brenadean began to cry. Her new dog tilted his head far to the left and gave her puppy dog eyes.
"Take a moment, collect yourself and your new items, and then return to work."
As Milani stood up the girl jumped on her and hugged her tightly. Milani did nothing for a moment, then hugged her back and kissed her on the top of her head.
"Be careful Milani," the girl said as she departed

With the morning came the servants with a tub brought into their rooms for bathing. Servants carried in buckets of hot water, and then left the chosen alone for the next hour. Afterward, each chosen had a servant knock upon their door to declare breakfast was ready. They were escorted down the stairs and into the dining room where Piret and two others waited. The long dining table was host to a wide array of plates and food. Some not native to the northern area, but obviously imported in for the Council’s needs.

Piret stood when the women entered, “Good morning. I do trust you slept well. Please, have a seat.” Servants were there to make sure their glasses were full and even their animal companions had a small bowl or saucer with food. “There is no rush, but after you finish eating, you will need to gather your belongings. I trust that all the items upon your lists were met?” Of course, he knew of the items on the list, for he had to oversee some of their gathering. The chosen were rarely denied anything they had requested, and each year seemed to bring about a few more stranger requests.

“We have taken the liberty to acquire a mount for each of you. You will find the Naluu more than suitable for this weather.” Naluu were sturdy mounts, bred specifically for the harsh winters of the north. They were still difficult to acquire without the proper funds or resources, as it was a relatively ‘new’ breed compared to other mounts. They were the size of a Clydesdale, but with the deep fur of a yeti. The heads had a long jaw and twisted horns that grew back along the top, curling up and over the furred ears. Narluu could bear a heavy burden with ease and they had little difficulties in the harshest of blizzards.

“They will see you through the pass, where you will exchange them for horses at Filiea.” Since they were made for winter travel, they suffered in any other areas of the realm. Filiea was a smaller village just outside the winter pass. They dealt in trade goods and horses bred to be sturdy. “From there, you will be expected to carry on toward Suriel. You will meet with the division there, and they will give you more details about the task you face.” Piret gave them a bit of a smile as the servant brought around the food for them to fill their plates with.

“Additionally, upon your return to your rooms, you will find a gift from the Council of Eleven. While small, they should aid you in your journey.” He had to pause as his drink was poured, the servant then moved on to the next guest at the table. “If you have questions, I will try to answer what I can, but please, enjoy the food.”