The Agora

Xoticus The Swamp Elf · King Joined: 03 Apr 2007 Posts: 137 Location: Tharropolis

Xoticus opens one eye, his head pounding. He frowns, hazily recalling the night of revelry before this morning of dull pain. The new Agora of Tharropolis, the holiest city of Laconia, had opened the day before, and a great festival followed it's ceremonial grand opening.
The elf surveys his surroundings through bloodshot eyes, realizing he had passed out behind a merchant's stall marked "Argyle Whiskey". He looks around quickly before pilfering a shot for his hangover, and is startled by a voice at his back.
"Caught red handed!"
Xoticus turns quickly, dropping the shotglass and kicking it behind the whiskey barrel, and sees the smiling face of his cousin Grommit.
"You saw nothing." says Xot, as he is known amongst the elves.
"Behavior befitting of a king" replies his cousin, rolling his eyes. "I ought to turn you in, perhaps they'd dethrone you and you'd finally come back to the swamp where you belong. But right now I'm more interested in a shot myself"
The elves grin and share a drink, leaving a few coins in a safe place under the stall.
"Come now cousin! Let's to breakfast! Remember that today is also a festival day!"
The cousins rush to the Black Lion Inn, where most of their peers and friends are arriving for their morning meal. The palisade outiside the inn had been turned into a feasting ground, and many friendly faces wave to the duo.
"Come, sit and eat with your brethren, Xot. You spend too much time with these men, though I suppose we have more time than they do" Grommit chuckles
"Cousin, you know these people are the only reason our tribe still exists, perhaps you would understand them better if you lived amonst them awile. Why not come live here in Tharropolis with me?"
"No thank you, I'll stay in my mud hut thank you very much. This place is too clean for me. And too Lawful." Grommit sticks out his tounge as a city guard, led by his friend Lysander passes by. The soldiers take no notice and continue their patrol.
A woman in festive clothing arrives and places several large platters of food on the table. Hot Dogs, of course, the national food of the country, and traditional Greek fare is devoured hastily as a Speaker gathers the attention of the people.
"Welcome freinds to the second day of the great Agora Festival! And now, King Absolom, founder of the new Agora of Tharropolis, has a few words to say!"

ooc tag yer it adam...i'm just tryin to get the ic boards rollin...everyone post something!!!
_________________
Xoticus Of Laconia
One of Three
Shaman of Tharros
There is no Elven Conspiracy...

Leandros of Laconia · Posted: Wed, April 4, 2007, 10:46:35pm Post subject:

After a VERY long night of drinking, a hungover Leandros goes to the Black Lion Inn and sits down at the table to get some breakfast, some elves catch his attention and sit next to him, one being the king. "Good morning my lord", but before he answered, the king got up to make an anouncement. After a few minutes, Leandros gets board... " So....what are you doing on such a fine festival day??. If you dont have any plans, drinks are on me for you and your friend". Two minutes later they see Absolom get up, looking like he wants to say something....

Absolom · Posted: Wed, April 4, 2007, 11:43:36pm Post subject:

Absolom keeps his head bowed while speaking, as has come to be expected.

"Three men stand and one kneels. Whence the raven doth bleed, darkness cast on the belly of Gaea, and the children laugh no more," he says, his voice barely audible.

The cleric adds, "Η τιμή και η αρετή ακμάζουν μετά από το θάνατο." before turning to leave the agora.

Xoticus The Swamp Elf · King Joined: 03 Apr 2007 Posts: 137 Location: Tharropolis

"The price and the virtue flourishing after from the death..." Translates Xoticus, whose understanding of the Greek language had improved much during his time amongst the Neo-Spartans.
"Well, that was cryptic, and morbid too. " retorts Grommit "When did Absolom become so...withdrawn? Bah! Hey Leandros let me take you up on that drink! How about you Xotty?"
Grommit turns to his cousin but he is gone. Looking around him he catches a glimpse of Xoticus leaving the same way Absolom had.
Grommit shrugs and turns to Leandros. "How about that drink?" He says smiling.
_________________
Xoticus Of Laconia
One of Three
Shaman of Tharros
There is no Elven Conspiracy...

Leandros of Laconia · Posted: Thu, April 5, 2007, 3:17:49pm Post subject:

Leandros goes up to the bar and throws down a few gold, " a few rounds for me and my friend over there "pointing at Grommit. The barman gives him two ales and leandros goes back to the table he was sitting at before.
" So... were do you think he went???, probably kingly buisness eh?, ah.... why do i give a fuck, its there buisness". and keeps on drinking with Grommit

Xoticus The Swamp Elf · King Joined: 03 Apr 2007 Posts: 137 Location: Tharropolis

"Exactly" replies Grommit "Let them go, probably beuracratic nonsense anyway"
Grommit made no secret of his disdain for the laws of Laconia, or of his distaste of Xoticus' decision to leave the swamps to live amongst the Spartan culture. He did have to admit that they owed these people much, but they had taken his cousin and made him a king. A king of men, when he should be a king of Elves! One day...
"To Sparta!"
Grommit is shaken from his thoughts by Leandros' words, holding a large mug of ale in toast. The elf frowns at the statement, but thinks better of it. He did like these people, in the end. Especially when they bought him drinks! Grinning, Grommit stands and claps Leandros on the back.
"Aye to Sparta! And to Tharros, and to unity amongst men and elves!" the elf cries out, drawing a cheer from the crowd around him.

Meanwhile, Xoticus follows Absolom, intent on asking him the meaning of his cryptic statements. As well as other things.
"Absolom!" he calls out "Stop and have a talk with an old friend, I haven't seen much of you since you retired to your temple, if that is truly where you spend your days now."
The priest stops and looks towards the grinning elf, who awaits his response.
_________________
Xoticus Of Laconia
One of Three
Shaman of Tharros
There is no Elven Conspiracy...

Absolom · Posted: Thu, April 5, 2007, 11:16:41pm Post subject:

"No fool inherits the throne of Sparta, my friend," answered Absolom. "And you are no fool."

The servant of Athena took a few more steps before stopping again.

"Come, my lord. The Oracle awaits."

Thorakles the Ithacan · Posted: Fri, April 6, 2007, 12:06:22am Post subject:

The load on his back was almost too much to bear. Sweat from the hot Peloponnesian sun rolled down his brow and his knees were on the verge of betraying him.

Thorakles, however, pressed on. No amount of weight could be worse than what his master would do to him should he allow the jugs of water on his back to spill to the ground. And no amount of weight could allow him to dismiss his duties.

The helot weaved through the crowd of the agora, avoiding the revelers and keeping his eyes downcast at all times. In Laconia, meeting the eyes of a citizen was punishable by death, as was disobeying any law. Thorakles wondered what the punishment must be for meeting the eyes of a woman married to a citizen.

Death would most likely be the good news.

He paused for a moment to catch his breath and rub his sore knees. His thoughts were interrupted by the din of voices wafting from the door of a nearby tavern. This section of Tharropolis was part of a major revitalization project, though it was not unusual to still encounter the occasional watering hole. And if helots ever entered those places, it was through the rear door with a load of fresh lamb or Argyle whiskey for the patrons.

Thorakles' ears perked as he heard the distinct accent of an Elven voice. An error on his part, perhaps? The cacophony of the agora could easily deceive the ears. No, there was no mistaking it.

"Exactly," said the voice, "Let them go; probably bureaucratic nonsense anyway. To Sparta!"

An Elven freeman in Laconia? Thorakles had heard rumors, but never laid his own eyes on one before. And if truly there is an Elven freeman in this city, then the possiblity of Thorakles himself earning his freedom was more than a whimsical fantasy! His heart was overjoyed at the prospect.

However, the Ithacan's musings expired quickly as they were born as another citizen sprung out of the tavern. Thorakles heaved himself out of the way so as to avoid bumping into the hurried individual. Once again he kept is eyes averted in order to prevent making eye contact or even seeing the face. Luckily, the citizen seemed to have either not taken notice of the helot, or was in too much of a rush to regard him in any way.

Thorakles, the Elven son of Aerostopheles of Ithaca, straightened his posture and doubled his pace. His newfound epiphany had energized him like no whip ever could.

Leandros of Laconia · Posted: Fri, April 6, 2007, 1:05:17pm Post subject:

"ayy, to the unity be elves and men, and For Sparta!!!" agrees leandros and starts to laugh at the irony of the situation. After they both calm down there conversation starts back up again, " you will still change your view on civilization my friend Smile

" smiling at Grommit. "tell me, how is it living in your swamp lands on the outskirts of laconia??". while talking to Grommit, Leandros notices that his cup, as well as Grommits were getting more and more empty. "Excuse me friend, but ill go get some refills". Leandros goes over to the barman and gets the cups refilled and goes back to the table." "So..where were we??"

ElektraofNewDelphi · Citizen Joined: 13 Apr 2007 Posts: 70

Walking...no nearly floating gracefully through the forest the Oracle finds a clearing, looking around she sees the Great Apollos rays dancing through the trees.

She sits in the clearing and feels the soft wind on the silk of her Chiton, as the great lion walks from the forest. He sits next to her quietly with out a word.

She pets the great lions mane, as he begins to purr a loud lion purr.

"Tharros, whats happening to Laconia... whats to become of the old ways?"

The great lion mearly looked at her then to Apollo. The sun god made his way across to her and the Lion.

The sun god gazed at the oracle lovingly, respectfully and began to speak "Elektra go home to New Delphi, It is important that you go home!" on his final work the oracle woke from her trance in a startle. Her priestess helots standing over her, Water and earth in their hands.

Elektra looked arround, the temple more beautiful then ever, the slient wind dancing through, the sun shining through the columns.

unable to move unable to speak the oracle gazed at the celing.

The priestess stoob by her not knowing what to do.

"Two of the kings are comming, prepare the pedistool and the other ritual items please." She looked at the confused priestess' they noded and the oracle stood on shakey feet.

When the sun was set and the temple lit with the lite of fire, the entire place glowed. It was able to be seen from the mountains and caused a glow in the valley.

She had a quiet evening, she moved into the privet dressing rooms and waited for the Kings to arrive.

Aresnal · Citizen Joined: 11 Apr 2007 Posts: 19

Aresnal walk through the streets planting seed so strong trees will grow in this ne city of hope
_________________
I am Aresnal the hammer of our King
And i shall be your executioner
bend over and prepare

Pathos Flidjik Vlurdusk · Posted: Mon, April 16, 2007, 5:24:35pm Post subject: Ahoy

Thanks for the letter Xot and Grommit, however I'm not quite sure what all the jumping around to different peoples perspectives was all about. YOu guys must have been smashed. Anyways, the new market sounds exceptional and I can't wait to see it. It was nice to have some shore leave, I'm begining to tire of the sights at sea, NO WOMEN!!! Anyways it was good to be on land and go through some drills with the army, even though I dread my next battle, I do miss marching, camping and drinking with the spartans. I should be finished with my service in the upcoming months, and will hopefully return to the camps a much more wise and powerful wizard.
Peace to my friends, War to the gates of our enemies,
Pathos Flidjik V'lurdusk
_________________
ONE OF US!
ONE OF US!
GOOBLE GOBBLE!
GOOBLE GOBBLE!
WE BREAK, HOLES IN TEETH
WE BREAK, HOLES IN TEETH
GOOBLE GOBBLE!
GOOBLE GOBBLE!

Xoticus The Swamp Elf · King Joined: 03 Apr 2007 Posts: 137 Location: Tharropolis

Grommit takes a huge swill of his beer, and lowering his glass he notices an elven helot hurrying away with a large load on his back, his eyes pointed at the ground. Grinning he calls out, "You there, helot! Yes you, the elven one! Come here!"
The young elf hurries to stand before Grommit, still not meeting his gaze.
"Look at me when I'm talking to you, lad" Says Grommit
Nervously, the helot raises his head to see the citizen's friendly smile. Just as nervously, he returns it.
"That's better, what's your name son? You're no Mud Elf...you look more like a High. Where are you from?"
Grommit waits patiently for the helot's reply.

Meanwhile, Xoticus follows Absolom towards the city gates. They stop at a large warehouse with a sign bearing the likeness of a Horse. Entering the building, a rough looking bald man smiles at them, showing his several missing teeth.
"Ah, m'lords. Lord Absolom, your chariots are ready, led by the finest stallions in all Laconia! Right this way then."
The man leads them past the stables to a courtyard, where several helots are polishing two magnificent bronze chariots. Xoticus had never seen such handiwork, nor such fine horses. He had never ridden a chariot either.
The Kings step onto the chariots and Xoticus follows the Priest-King out of the courtyard and into the street. Absolom teaches him the basics of controlling the craft and leads him to the city gates.
The gate guards have the porticullis open already when they arrive, and the kings make their way out of Tharropolis, and Xoticus glances back.
The Spire of Tharros towers above the Onyx of the city walls, the great lion statue's atop the spire ablaze. Tharropolis, the most heavily fortified city in all of Darkon, never ceases to amaze Xoticus.
The elf learns quickly how to drive the chariot, as he had always had a way with animals. He enjoys the ride enough that Absolom's cryptic and troubling words are quickly driven from his mind. Smiling, he calls out to Absolom, "Let us have a race to New Delphi, my friend! Last one there is a Nurgle Egg!"
Wordlessly Absolom accepts the challenge by whipping the reigns, and his horses explode with a burst of speed. The elf's eyes widen and he does the same.
The priest is far ahead already, and Xoticus will have quite the challenge to beat him!
_________________
Xoticus Of Laconia
One of Three
Shaman of Tharros
There is no Elven Conspiracy...

ElektraofNewDelphi · Citizen Joined: 13 Apr 2007 Posts: 70

The Oracle is rarely seen in such a pleasant mood. Almost floating across the floors of the temple, singing to her self… very strange this is to her priestess are surprised and shocked to see this side of her. Usually she is melancholy and kind of in her own world, her eyes that are usually brown have turned gold as the sun god, her hair that is usually pulled back she has allowed to fall down around her shoulders… it is quite longer then anyone anticipated.

She has made a new dress of soft linen, and purchased new shoes… usually she did not go through all this trouble… but there is something different about the day.

She sits in her chair, and looks around the large room. “Girls, they will be here in about 2 days… that is if they are arriving on foot… I think it will be by this evening actually.” The priestess scurry about preparing the temple and them selves… they must not dishonor them selves in front of the kings.

The oracle smiles her soft mysterious smile.

She moves across the temple and down the many steps nearly floating in her movement.

She makes her way to her home.

Walking though the courtyard she notices a man clothed in all black with white hair watching her. She does not look at him but she continues her journey into her home.

Her small home with its many passages out of New Delphi built by her missing friend Sin, along time ago was built exactly to her standards… simple yet beautiful with moon flowers and morning glories at all of the entrances and windows making the entire home smell soft and sweet through out the day. Even though she has been gone for a while she still loves the place and always feels warmth and welcome upon coming home, hopefully her guests will feel the same.

She decides to rest before they arrive. Putting the man in black out of her mind she goes to sleep.

Pathos Flidjik Vlurdusk · Posted: Thu, April 19, 2007, 5:19:04pm Post subject:

Very few noticed as the two Kings rode out the gates, it was not uncommen for them to travel out for game hunting or to consult with their many liasons outside the city. One man, however did take notice, and knew what he needed to do. Set on his mission he made hast towards the Black Lion Inn, brandishing the guilty grin of a nurgling and thinking to himself, "My master will surely reward me for this, our moment is surely at hand, and Laconia will tremble"
_________________
ONE OF US!
ONE OF US!
GOOBLE GOBBLE!
GOOBLE GOBBLE!
WE BREAK, HOLES IN TEETH
WE BREAK, HOLES IN TEETH
GOOBLE GOBBLE!
GOOBLE GOBBLE!