High Favoured of Fasska

[Rakashi Yamoki]

“All these beings have the same fate…” Uttered a voice from the orb that lay within the left eye of the fallen High Favoured. “Even you, woman of the greedy, will fall to the same fate. It is in your nature to fear us. Your fear shall be that which we fed upon… You cannot avoid this truth.”

“Not all of us fall into the desires of our being. There are some that hold the will to overcome our lusts. You are nothing more than an illusion.”

“Illusion? We are more than an illusion. Know this before you die, your souls will join our ranks.” The female Ophian pulled out the orb that had replaced the left eye of the former master of Fasska. As she looked at it, her eyes opened wide as she sees the orb seemed to open its eye. It was cat like and was a variety of green colors. “You are a mortal… all mortals fear the unknown… even now you don’t understand. I see the fear within you. You hid it well, but even I can see it.”

“What do you know?”

“I am the eye which watches all your kind. We see all, and we know all. We know your face; see your essence… and we shall hunt you until death takes you. Forever…”

“Good to know.” The woman crushed the eye within her hand only to see some sort of magic be released from it. Her eyes saw the sight which it had witnessed. The magic released from it seemed to burn the images in her mind as she felt it enter her mind…

The Ratka Campaign, Commentarii Maior I

“Your army has fallen.” Uttered a voice harshly as the sight of several Ophian prisoners were surrounded by the forces that they had been fighting. The group was about 4 very brightly colored Ophians, clad in heavy and decorative armor. It was made of iron but had intricate designs of gold and diamond. Their helmets were similar with feathers that were bright and long along the center. They were defiantly higher Favoured soldiers. “We offer you a chance to save your life. The first of you to accept shall be spared from our ire.”

“What is it you want!?” That came from the most brightly adorned warrior. When he had spoken the goblins instantly moved in, pulling him before a being that couldn’t be seen. The Ophian was forced to the ground before the being. He dared not look up or tempt the being to end him.

“We need your abilities…” uttered the thing. “…In this place we are weakened. Such a putrid smell comes from these lands, and it hurts us to move amongst you. The light is much too bright for us. Your kind scurry amongst the light and we can only move as the night. You, act as our avatar. Surrender your will to us. Let us be the voice that guides you. To defy will certainly meet with your demise. Will you be our avatar?”

The Ophian was silent as he saw the others be slain by the goblins that had pulled him before this unseeable being that he dared not look upon. To do so was simply too frightening as he seemed to bow before the being, “Yes, I will serve as your avatar, spare me.” There was a deathly silence as the vision became distorted and seemed to darken as the Ophian remained on his knees.

Slowly, the light returned, the Ophian’s eyes opened wide. The beasts were gone. How long it had been, the Ophian wasn’t sure. As he slowly came to his feet, he noticed that the sun had risen above. It had at least been a few hours, yet as he stood there, his eyes went to his hand. He was visible shaking as he blinked several times, trying to get his barring.

Act as an extension of our will. We shall spare you… Act as our hand.
What have you done?
You are our avatar. You need no more than that. Return home… it is best you report that our forces no longer are threatening your borders. Your father would be soo happy to hear your job well done, wouldn’t he?
I suppose… but what-
Do not worry. We shall aid you in this story. Listen to me; trust me.

Return of the Son, Commentarii Maior II

“Hail, Favoured-Meer’tis, you have returned from your campaign?” Uttered one of the palisade wall guards as Meer’tis approached the main gate house.
“Aye, I have come with a message for my father.”
“Aye yes, he would be glad to see you, master-general. Seems like there is less monsters around, is that your doing?”
“The campaign is well. The troops are stationed near Ratka. Do not worry about the enemy, our army along with the joint efforts of all the regions soldiers are managing to repel our foe. Pray you; open the gate so I may deliver this news to our High Favoured.”
“Yes, master-general.” Uttered the guard as the doors were opened. The Ophian guard bowed low in respect to the Favoured as he moved on past the man. The streets were filled with workers that were working on a new housing project that had been put forth by the High Favoured. He sought to open the streets up by creating standardized blocks of homes. It wasn’t a novel idea, but it was one that he had seen to.

Seems your father has been busy building these monuments to his power.
It is what he has strived in.
That place, the one that is so scenically made, what is it?
That is the monastery, at least a quarter of the taxes have gone into the buildings there.
That seems foolish… it could go to so much better things. Building a powerful army, powerful defenses, instead you squander the wealth into buildings that are ornate, but are not at all strength in battle. You should really do something about that.
Perhaps… but father is the High Favoured, he is in command.
I suppose…

As the Ophian walked down the street, the citizens of Fasska bowed their heads to the high ranked Ophian that walked before them. Most of them had a deep found respect for the Ophian known as Meer’tis Chalur. It was him who led the campaign against the monsters that had haunted the land. He was the one that would be the “savior” of the land.

It was a foolish position to be sure, but it was none the less the thing that made him respected as a leader. His father was a great ruler, as was his forefather, and the father before that. They were not like the other High Favoured. Their rule followed closely the teachings that were found within the monastery. It taught them how to rule well, as a token of respect for that, the great family had devoted much wealth in building it to contain the records as well as the artifacts that were highly valuable.

There was only one that was the most valuable and most secret of ancient relics; the Alter of Keen. All records on the relic were unknown and only the most eldest of the monastery as well as the High Favoured knew of its existence. That was excluding Meer’tis, whom stumbled upon the ancient table in his youth.

As Meer’tis neared the monastery, he could feel a strange heaviness in his head as he walked past the entrance and towards the main palace.
“Be that you, Favoured-Chalur.” A voice said from nearby. Quickly, Meer’tis turned to see an elder Ophian, adorn with rather beautiful arrangement of robes and markings. Meer’tis quickly put his hand near his chest and then towards the elder, a symbol of respect towards the Ophian.

“Aye, I have returned to meet with my father, he is at the palace?”

“No. He is near the Hermitage of the Anagarika Order. Your mother was speaking with the members of the order. She seems to have an interest in learning their doctrine and adopting it. Your father is with her.” Replied the Elder as he indicated for the soldier to come in.

“Thank you, Favoured Zythira. How does your own work fair?”

“Well enough, the transcription of the ancient text to a newer copy is slow and tedious, but… the child is very good at catching the details. I suppose she has to be good for something. Your own? What brings you off the front?”

“Ratka is too far gone… but the best I could do was offer troops to the commanders who were also there. I’ll spare you the details, but you needn’t worry. Fasska is still very much a haven.” Replied Meer’tis as he saw the mind uncertainty on the face of the Archimandrite. However, upon hearing that Fasska is safe, he seemed to be somewhat relieved.

Yet, something caught Meer’tis’s attention; the small figure of a completely clad child. The figure was wearing black robes that had a few markings of a holy man. The face was covered by a bronze fox-like mask. It covered all the skin except for the eyes. Two eye colors peered out the small sections for the eyes. It wasn’t Ophian.

“Ah… child, why are you out here?” uttered the Archimandrite as he looked at the covered child.

“I finished.” Replied a gentle, feminine voice. The Elder seemed to be wide eyed at this. He seemed genuinely surprised.

“Finished?! I gave you that text two days ago!” he uttered. The girl looked at the Ophian Elder as he seemed surprised.

“There was many pages… I haven’t moved from my work on the texts…”

“You haven’t slept or had anything to eat?”

“No… I had some water nearby and a few bits of bread.”

“What about sleep?”

“She’s a dedicated worker…” uttered Meer’tis as he smiled at the girl. She seemed to move behind the older Ophian, as if scared of Meer’tis. “… You should be happy. Which book did you give her to copy?”

“The Sutras of the Vanatru. It’s not the longest book, but I am surprised she managed to copy it down as quickly as she did…”

“Perhaps it is that Syccan blood, Zythira. They are famed for their aptitude for knowledge. Zythira nodded after a moment. “Well… I really must be seeing father regarding my return here.”

“I understand, go with the Highest Favoured. May they gift you with some of their glory.”

“You as well.” Replied Meer’tis as her walked down the path, noticing that the covered girl was staring at him with what looked to be also fear or perhaps distaste. It was rather had to get a good read with eyes as the only hint to inner feelings.

That child… she wasn’t Ophian.
That is correct. She is some half-breed.
Curious… the other half?
Human, why?
I imagine she looks very much Syccan.
Not exactly. I mean… she has the ears and such, her hair is not right.
Easy enough to change that… She could make a rather good spy, couldn’t she?
The thought has crossed my mind.
It would be useful to know what the Syccan are up to…

High Favoured, Commentarii Maior III

Why… why would I do that? It was for the greater good. It is better this way.

“Meer’tis… your father and brother have passed.” Repeated Irist as she stood in front of Meer’tis’s door. “The Favoured are asking who is to take command. They have called a hearing to see who shall ascend to each office. Without a Favoured within the high council, there is some confusion. Some say you should take the office of High Favoured, but they argue on who is truly more Favoured. Your father had no will. All things pass with him. There is none to inherit High Favoured.”

“Where am I to go?” Asked Meer’tis after a moment.

“The Grand Hall of Zyphteeran, they felt it would be appropriate to go to the place our city was founded when deciding the fate of our city.” Uttered Irist as she opened the door fully for Meer’tis as he moved forward.

“For seven generations the Chalur family has ruled Fasska, why do they question our rule now?” Inquired Meer’tis as he walked. “At the very least… you would be the High Favoured.”

“I refused. I offered all my possessions to your late father. He was the one who gave me the Favour… it was all a ploy anyways.” Irist walked along side Meer’tis. She didn’t seem all too upset over the passing of the late High Favoured, if anything she seemed to accept it with little pain. “A ploy to keep the lower caste from rebelling with his father’s brother, without it… well… we wouldn’t have had a kingdom. I deserve neither the wealth nor do I want it.”

“So, you plan to go through with the monastery than. Well… I am sure I can take care of this, disagreement.” Uttered Meer’tis. The expression on his mother’s face turned to be more inquisitive, as if something was bothering her about his response. However, she bowed her head after a moment.

“Go to the Grand Hall and speak with the other Favoured. They will most likely respect the authority of a Chalur even without the title being given. These elders have only seen the reign of the Chalur family… that wouldn’t break tradition like this. Where some men see opportunity, others see threat. Pray you be careful. May the Highest Favoured aid you.”

“Thank you.” Highest Favoured be damned. I need not their aid…

[Rakashi Yamoki]

Loyalty of Men, Commentarii Maior IV

“Just because his father was the High Favoured, doesn’t mean we should bow to him!” The man speaking was the Head Councilor of the Favoured. He had rank above all those who sat at the table. As he spoke, some seemed to agree while others were silent. “He was only Favoured, his father left nothing for him! His brother is by far more capable of leading us. He is a military man!”

“A man of action is needed these days.” Replied one of the Ophians as they listened to the High Councilor’s demands. “With the blight, we need a strong leader.”

“This blight means nothing! We shouldn’t let the kingdom be led by a man of the sword. He better to be on the field of battle and not pretending to be the one who will build our wealth.” I think we need to put this man in his place… such a lowly being shouldn’t question your ascent.

At that moment, the doors were fully open. Though Meer’tis had just appeared, he had listened to the whims of the leader of the council. As he walked forward, the others seemed to instantly lower their voice. It seemed that he was the only one who truly challenged his claims.
“My father’s body lies only a few moments under the dirt and you seek to take all that he strived to build! How dare you desecrate his memory with your demands of power?”

“By what right do you have amongst this council, Meer’tis Chalur? You are a tool of your father, not his heir. He offered none of the glory or power of this kingdom to you! You are a sword, not a governor of us. A military minded buffoon, you will lead us to ruin.”

“Have I been nothing but loyal to the whims of this council? I have acted as my father’s sword… true. As such I act with his will and his approval. Though dead, my father entrusted me with the future of our kingdom and you will respect that.” The Ophian Councilor was silent for a moment as he saw his competitor stand opposite him. “Call me as you will, but I shall defend Fasska. My forefathers have always served the people and have always guided our people to glory. Call me a buffoon, but do not insult my father’s memory by your selfish desires.” This fool questions us… We should teach him a lesson.

The older Ophian growled as he stared defiantly at the master-general. The others were silent as they didn’t know who would take the mantel of command. “Selfishness? You have no room to speak, Meer’tis, why else are you arguing with me over this?”

“You are the one who called for this assembly, not I. You are the only one among us who wishes for the title of High Favoured. I am merely protecting my father’s throne from your ambition.” Ironic… isn’t it?

“You have no right! You are merely a soldie-“

“Who among you truly believe this man?” There were no Ophian’s that spoke as they watched as Meer’tis stood his ground against the highly ranked Ophian. “He ignores all reason! It was on the backs of our soldiers we have obtained strength and the prosperity of our nation. It is by the strength of his High Favour’s sword that we have obtained peace. Without his sword, the blight would have killed all! This man would seek you not to remember that in the beginning the Chalur family is ALL soldiers. We are ALL warriors of the Highest Favoured.”

“Show me then your divine mantel!” replied the High Councilor as he stood ever defiant. His eyes were narrowed and seemed to challenge Meer’tis. “By what will do you take the throne? By whose will do you deserve the title. There are twenty of the Favoured that outranking your wealth, by what right do you demand this?” I demand this… for you are dead.

Meer’tis stared for only a moment before suddenly lashing out. With a plop there was a sudden yell of fear. The thump of a body came next as all the Councilmen and women looked at the blooded blade of Meer’tis. “Know your place… the defiance of a lessor is punishable by death. It always has. Would you allow your slave-born to act in defiance?” The others stared with fear in their eyes as they watched Meer’tis turn to them. “Such is true with men whom would speak with insidious tongues. He questioned the right of the Chalur, the men who founded this city, whom protected it, whom nurture is, whom would sacrifice all to see it become glorious. Such disrespect to the Highest Favoured shouldn’t be allowed. They gave everything to us, gave us their wealth and glory. To them, we are slave-born and should be struck down the moment we speak or act against their will.”

The others had nothing to say to this as their eyes still looked upon the body that was before them in horror. They most likely hadn’t seen the body of an Ophian in their life time. They were, after all, men whom lived all the wealth of others. It was only by the wealth and glory generated by the Chalur family, after all, that they had all the things that they had…

“Who among you believe that you should rule this land that my family has worked to preserve? Is there a man among you?!” There was not a single word said as Meer’tis lowered his sword. “I seek to bring forth a glorious era, to do this I need but one thing: your loyalty. Do you swear an oath of loyalty to me, the rightful heir of Fasska? Or do you agree that I am too simple of a man to lead this land to glory?”

One of the eldest of the Favoured stood and put his hand to his chest and then put his hand forward, having the palm face the ground as he lowered his head. “Loyalty to the rightful ruler, High Favoured Meer’tis Chalur.” A chorus of similar declarations followed as Meer’tis simply watched the Favoured Council submit to the authority of the eighth Chalur to ascend to the throne.

The Monastery, Commentarii Maior V

“It is good to see you, High Favoured.” Uttered the Archimandrite as he saw Fasska’s leader approach the monastery. It was common that the High Favoured of Fasska would show his humility towards the Highest Favoured. It was simply a duty formality.

“The pleasure is mine, Xelt'tius Zythira. I have been meaning to come here and see my mother.” The holy man simply inclined for the High Favoured to enter the courtyard.

“Your mother is in the Hermitage, she is undergoing her praying session, and it may be a while before you may see her. Yet, this Monastery is your home; I shall get one of the Sangha to tend to you. Make yourself comfortable.” The Archimandrite moved off towards the large building of the monastery. Meer’tis walked towards the center of the courtyard to see a beautiful fountain and garden that was maintained by the community. The various orders built each of their sanctuaries and worked together to build the courtyard, blending together their beliefs and arts.

So many resources wasted on this. If we had a fraction of this for our soldiers…
They think themselves over the warriors. They are given wealth and given their power by others whom release it to them. Even your mother felt the need to throw away her wealth. I am sure if they wanted to, they could defy your will, Meer’tis.

The Ophian’s teeth were bared at this as he stared into the fountain that was nicely decorated and inscribed with the various symbols and artistic renditions of the faiths. Seeing it was even more infuriating as he felt that the voice was right. The Monastery held much wealth and power for itself and offered none of it to the glory of the nation.

“Blessings to the High Favoured.” It was a soft voice that spoke, snapping Meer’tis out of his thoughts. It was the small half-child that he had seen before. She was only about two years older than when he last saw her. In her hands was some traditional Ophian food that was available to her. “If you are hungry, High Favoured.” The child bowed her head, showing that she was the Sangha that was sent to tend for him as he waited.

“I haven’t seen much of you. What have you been doing?” uttered the Ophian as he grabbed an apple that was on the tray which the child brought him.

“Writing as my father tells me…”
“Father?”

“My apologize, Favoured Zythira, he has asked me several times to copy down the old texts that are worn. We can’t forget the past, he says.”
“Why did you say his is your father?”

“Irist said that I should be named. She likes talking with me. She told me I had a name, said it was Isako Zythira. Why she named me, I don’t know.”
“Hmm… mother always had a good heart.” Meer’tis saw that he half-breed wasn’t looking at him fully. In fact, it seemed that she was looking away from him.

“Do I frighten you, child?”
“A bit.”

“Why? Why are you frightened of the High Favoured?”
“Your eye.” Impossible! C-can she see us?

“What is wrong with my eye?”
“It looks different… like mine except… it looks at us meanly.” She can see us. We need be careful.

“You have two eye colors and it bothers me… but I am not hiding my eyes.” The small child looked at Meer’tis for a moment before returning her gaze lower.

“I am not to look at the eyes of the High Favoured. To look at you would seem as if I were calling you my equal. I wouldn’t dishonor your rank by doing that.” The girl’s head was lifted by the finger of the Ophian as he seemed to look her over for a moment.

“You are willing to serve the people of Fasska, are you not?”
“I am of the Sangha. We are the instruments for the People of the North. What is your will, High Favoured.”

“Do you know of the Syccan city of Viventor?”
“From the maps of the old books?”

“Yes, the home of the Syccan.”
“I know how to get there… yes. I know not about the Syccan living there.”

Meer’tis smiled slightly as he took a bite from the apple that had been offered to him. The smile was cold and seemingly hiding something else that was on the High Favours mind. He gestured to the woman’s mask. “Remove the mask, Isako.”

To that, Isako seemed to be startled. She instantly shook her head. “I was told to never remove it, the Archimandrite would be most angry.”
“I am the High Favoured.”

At that, Isako nodded and bowed her head as she went to the mask that covered her face. “If that is your command, High Favoured, I have no right in defying your wishes.” The girl knew well her place in Ophian society. She knew she couldn’t defy someone as powerful as the High Favoured. He could kill her and none would question it. She was comparably a slave to him.

The mask came off, revealing a slender face. Her hair was tied back, and was a rather unique shade of red. Syccan’s were known for their white or silver hair, but not red hair. She was fair skinned. The hair was really the only thing that gave away her human roots. Still, she seemed adequate for the job that Meer’tis had in mind.
“Thank you, Sangha Isako. Do not speak with Zythira about this. I think you would be perfect for a job of great importance.”

“In service to the High Favoured of Fasska.” Replied the girl as she lowered her eyes and kept low.
“Good… You know about the caravan from the Syccan city Viventor is arriving in a few days?”

“Aye, High Favoured, the Sangha are preparing the great hall for their arrival.”
“I want you to go to the meeting and… well… listen. There will be plenty of Sangha there, so I assume this task will not be overly hard or taxing.” The child merely nodded in response to the High Favoured’s request.

“As you command, my lord.” She replied before returning her mask on, hearing the movement of other’s behind her undoubtedly. Meer’tis had to simply look up to see Zythira and Irist walking towards them.

Syccan-Ophian Relations, Commentarii Maior VI

“Allies of our age, greetings to the place of Fasska, elder ones.” Meer’tis bowed his head as he showed deep respect for the group of Syccan delegates and Ophian delegates that were meeting in his city. A place like Merka would be of greater importance, but it wasn’t near enough to the fight against the evil horde. A place like Sarr’kass would have been another possibility but it was right on the border of the fighting. Even though they were sending a symbol of support, to put Syccan or Ophian delegates in direct danger would be a grave error.

The only reason that Fasska was selected was for the simple fact that they were just far enough from the combat lines and was a safe area. Besides, the large monastery would surely impress the Syccan regarding Ophian architecture.

“Greetings Ophian, we are pleased to see that your people seem to take great measures of respect.”
“Why, the Syccan are the ones who first lived upon the lands. It would be a grievous error to not respect your glory and your greatness as a people. We hope that you will listen to what we have to say…”

“That depends,” Replied one of the Syccan delegates as Meer’tis turned to look at him, “if your words are worth listening to. Know we are here as a gesture of good faith towards your people. If anything is to become of this, we have yet to know.”

“Stay your tongue, Faelon.” Uttered an older Syccan. His expression was calm and rather unwavering as he looked to Meer’tis. His black eyes seemed to be stern and unfeeling towards the Ophian. “I understand your situation, High Favoured of Fasska, but know that we can only do so much. Our people are still not sure if you’d be called a brother to our people. Yet, know that we are allies against the blight that haunts your lands. Faelon speaks too quickly on this… we shall listen and we shall see what needs be done, good lord.” The Syccan lowered his head for a moment as he seemed to wave the younger Syccan away.

“I am glad to hear that you are willing to listen.” Uttered Meer’tis as he held back his rage from the Syccan Faelon.
“I have always listened to the requests of the other races. It has been the task I have been given for a many years now. The young have lost their willingness to listen… I hope they will see the value of all kinds. Else they are no better than the arrogant humans. I am Enyo Zelos, Exo-Consul. My task has been always to better our relations with others. By working together, we may facilitate understanding and knowledge, an aspect highly regarded by our people.”

“I am pleased to meet you, Consul. I have heard of your endeavors. Is it true that you were one of the overseers of the Verslun Negotiations?”

“The negotiations nearly eleven years ago, yes, I was. The others of my people greatly disdained of my interactions with the humans. Yet, one of us needed to. I was simply the man that had to.”

“Was it worth the effort?”

“I’d like to say it was. Cost me my oversight of external affairs, but I like to think that we learned more about the humans. Isn’t learning the most important thing? I care not what my fellows say to my actions. At least I can sleep well saying that we have gained a bit more knowledge regarding them… I hope we may do the same with your people and even the Thaga.”

“The Thaga know something?”
“I have heard rumor that they are more intelligent that we may have thought… all that I waste is a few months of my life learning… if that is even a waste.”

“I am glad then, Consul, to have you reviewing our requests.” Replied Meer’tis as he watched the Syccan move to rejoin his other representatives.
“Favoured Faelon seems dedicated to ignoring Fasska’s concerns.” A young voice whispered to Meer’tis. “He will offer no ear for you. As for Enyo, he is more interested in what you have to offer, not for the greater good of you. You must offer something that he would desire. Otherwise, this entire meeting is pointless. None of them will send forces, but they may send supplies.”

Meer’tis turned to see one of the Sangha. There were many fully covered Sangha speaking, but this one was among the younger. “How do you know that?”

“High Favoured asked for me to watch them… I watched them from the woods, while they walked, while they moved. I watched them as you asked. Can tell Faelon’s nature by how he holds his nose up. Enyo more reasonable, he constantly told Faelon to give respect towards the Ophians.”
“What is Enyo interested in?”

“Knowledge. Offer him knowledge and he will be more favorable.” Replied the Sangha and walked towards where the other Sanghas were. Their eyes were covered and they all appeared to be wearing various types of masks. Some wore a toad mask, another a bunny mask, any various creature that were found in to represent the qualities of the person. The Sangha were simply the members of the Monastery that had devoted them to the benefit of society. They wore masks to keep their identity hidden so to not accumulate fame for actions that were meant to be selfless.

“I wish to offer a hand of gratitude.” Uttered Meer’tis as he went to his position on the table. “The Syccan people have taken the time to meet with us and learn more about the Ophian people. I am pleased to have them before us. Now, let us begin our feast…”