The Mountain

JP with Largehobbit and Cindy

Balt, the two had met, albeit briefly. She was beyond perhaps being surprised by who showed up in this dream of sorts.

Why the man was sitting there or what the next trials was, she couldn't guess.

A brow raised at Melandra's words. It did seem as if the tests were specifically targeting her but how - never mind - Islana had learned not to question such things - apparently it was the will of The Twins.

Balt gave a sudden whistle and as if in response the rain began to lessen. Another whistle and torch light could be seen dotted around the ruined fort as figures stepped from the shadows to form a wide circle around them all. Islana knew of the strange calls used by the mountain clans to communicate of large distances, it seemed Balt was making use of them now to call in these people.

There were men, young and old; warriors, male and female; along with children and the elderly. A true cross section of the clans. Balt watched them all approach in silence.

Once the small crowd was settled around them, Melandra stepped forward and raised her hand.

"Balt emissary of the mountain clans I bring you Islana Annora, penitent and would be vessel of the prophetess."

Balt gave a solemn nod. "As the mountain stands against the storm, so its people stand against you this day Islana. Tell us. Why should the mountain part for you girl?"

Emerald eyes glanced at the people which now surrounded her. Islana's gaze meeting that of some before turning back towards Balt.

"I have traveled these mountains. I have seen the beauty and power in, not just them, but the people who reside within them. I come here not as an enemy but someone who wants what is best for all of Arcadia. It's present and future. The mountain should part so I can continue my journey and be one to help shape and mold that future."

The words were said with conviction.

The words "to become Prophetess" never left her mouth. They didn't need to as the people there already knew, that was how the the woman wanted to shape the future.

Balt listened intently to her words and quiet conversation broke out amidst the onlookers until the man rose his hand for them to grow quiet. "So you say Islana Annora, but it is not true that even now the drums of war begin to sound in the desert. Is it not true that even now blood is being spilt upon the ground of the holy city? The Mountain does not fear fire and war but we do not welcome it either. Where is the peace in the path you would follow?"

"The path to peace is in the knowledge I have of the Helians. I know they come to these shores to destroy what resides within Arcadia. Its people, it's spirit, it's magik.

Unfortunately, sometimes the path to peace is only through war but my war is not against those that dwell in Fang but the ones that would seek its destruction.

The Helians will not negotiate against their own interests. The Inquisition will not stop its so called purpose because we wish it. The Ozanine and Odonoine must stand united against them. That is what will bring lasting peace to these lands.

I do not wish war but to defend against those who do."

As the words formed, Islana realized how unfortunate the circumstances were . If the Helians and the Inquisition were to just leave the rest of Arcadia to its people, none of this would be happening.