[Nerindel]

Zasfal

Zasfal listened to Sammael's tale intently. "out cold" he laughed looking to the older man for confirmation, grimacing Damodred nodded that it was true. He then turned back to Sammael and listened with interest to the rest of the tale.

"During the fight I hit Damodred's head on one of the walls a few times, which is why his brain is less developed than it should be." at this Zasfal laughed, he saw the older man cringing, obviously remembering the headache that had followed on regaining consciousness. Sammael had continued on regardless. Zasfal feigned awe at the man's recount of his battle, all the while his insides knotting with disdain. He could clearly see why Sammael had chosen this tale but to him the mans boasts were baseless and empty, These were farmers and traders he spoke of besting not seasoned warrior's and he hadn't even killed any of them.

His thoughts were disturbed by the rumbling of a cart loaded with large kegs of ale making its way to the centre of the courtyard. "Come, Zasfal. Shall we see which of us can eat more before we drink?" he heard Sammael say as he turned, not waiting for his reply. Zasfal smirked at the two men's back as he followed, Sammael's tale had told him much that his captain would be interested in hearing.

As he reached the table he watched Sammael cross his hands over his chest and bow, an older sign of respect but one none the less. seeing Sammael half turn and look in his direction he raised his eyebrow in askance. Before he could take something to eat he heard Ghurdan's loud commanding voice cry "To The Eye!" Zasfal turned to see his captain raising his ale and without thinking he joined in the reply snatching a mug from a passing crew member, who quickly scuttled away at his threatening glare.

As he turned to gauge his companions reaction to the presence of the notorious Sea Captain, he heard the screech of the huge twisted metal doors of the citadels main building open. Two Priestesses, one priest and another man.. A Bodyguard he assumed, glided down the great steps towards them. He walked over with the rest of the warriors to greet them respectfully.

As he waited he drop the smile knowing that it would not be appropriate. He cocked his eye at the mocking pleasantries the priestess afforded his captain, So this must be the Priestess Sevora! he thought to himself. But this was nothing compared to what she said next... "Though, I am not surprised by your presence, that the high one gave you these orders. He could not have you in the way of your mother's...work." Mother.... his mother is a priestess he thought his eyes widening in surprise.

As the priestess turned to him he afforded her the customary greeting "My name is Zasfal and it is my honour to serve the all powerful Eye." he said bowing slightly. As he looked up he saw the woman looking disdainfully at his bright red sash then to the clothes of both Ghurdan and his crew, she then turned on the captain...

As she scolded the proud captain publicly about his choice in garments, Zasfal lowered his head, the choice of uniform had been his and he dreaded to think of what the vicious captain would do to him once the priestess left. But as he looked up he was surprised to see a satisfied smile on the usually scowling mans face, then it dawned on him, 'He knew the uniforms would annoy the Priestess' he thought grinning approvingly and as he looked around he saw a large chest on the back of the cart that had brought the ale. off course he thought, the captain had obviously made arrangements earlier in the day for the proper attire to be brought to the citadel.

As the priestess Sevora left he relaxed and waited respectfully for the other priest and priestess to either issue other orders or dismiss them.

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Ghurdan

After toasting the Eye Ghurdan moved to the back of the cart and grinned as he saw a large wooden trunk, he opened it slightly and peered inside, pleased with what he saw he closed the lid and drained the ale from his mug.

As he moved away he felt someone grip his arm tightly, he disdainfully glared at the hand holding him. "My name is..... Thorgom..... I would... like to..... speak with your...... eh .... leader... I hear you need people." he heard the man attached to the hand say, breathing deeply to catch his breath, 'A hand he will not have for long if he does not remove it!' Ghurdan thought maliciously, but before he could say anything he heard the great doors of the citadels main building open. Shrugging the mans grip from his arm he looked up and said "I seems she is coming to speak with us" a wicked grinned crossed his face as he indicated the priestess gliding down the citadel steps and without waiting to see the mans reaction he made his way over to the others that waited.

He watched as Sevora scanned the group, she is indeed beautiful he thought, showing no signs of any emotion as the woman's gaze finally fell on him. "Ghurdan! It warms my heart to see you and pleases me to see you well, Black Heart," she said with mock glee "Indeed" was his curt reply. As he noticed her glance towards the scar she herself had giving him, he saw her grin broaden and her eyes burned with pleasure. She went on "Though, I am not surprised by your presence, that the High One gave you these orders. He could not have you in the way of your mother's... work." the pause had caused the effect that she had desired, Ghurdan knew at once that his eyes had betrayed him, the priestess giggled at the flash of anger in his eyes not the implication itself. As she giggled she played with him further "And the outcome has been for the better, has it not? We do get along so well, after all." He Actually grinned sharing in her sarcastic humour. This would indeed be an interesting journey he thought as between laughs she turn to the others gathered.

After his first mate introduced himself to the priestess she turned on Ghurdan, as he knew she would and proceeded to publicly humiliate him on his choice of clothing, although the choice was not his he let her go on, "I thought we were to be your puppets, so we dressed for the occasion!" he whispered in the dark speech that all priests and priestesses of the citadel knew. His grin broadened as he saw the flash of annoyance in her eyes, but it showed not on her features as she went on "I expect you all to have the proper supplies for the desert and the southern grasslands when I return." Ghurdan nodded respectfully at her request.

He knew that his mother would be punished for teaching someone outside the order the black speech but he cared not, it would serve her right he thought licking at the fresh cut on his lip. "Priest Naramarth and priestess Dristi, will give you any further orders." he heard her say gesturing to them. Ghurdan had not even noticed their presence until now.

[ June 20, 2003: Message edited by: Nerindel ]