AD - Sunday, December 09, 2001, 5:14 PM --------------------------------------- Before The Gates of Ash, Westside -- South District, Tenigul The Palace Road climbs gradually upwards as it head in a northerly direction. The white marble that makes up the road shows some signs of disrepair at this region of the lane. The wall that separates the old Holy District, now called the Fallen District, from the rest of the city still follows the street along its eastern flank. The great wall is breached here by a set of wooden doors that seem far newer than the gatehouse that sits above them. The gatehouse itself is broken in places, shattered stone, and gaping holes tell a tale of a siege laid against this gate at one time. Now these wooden doors protect not what is inside from the rest of Tenigul, but they protect Tenigul from what lies within them. Over the walls one can spy the broken towers of the ancient cathedral of the Sightless, a place of demonic worship and sacrifice for the fallen Demon Lord Raughir. Across the street from the gate is a wide parade field that begins the boundaries of the army compound of Tenigul and Akar. Newer looking buildings line the far side of the parade grounds, these are barracks, and supply houses for the base. Flags fly on the parade field, as soldiers move in cadence with their drill instructors. The sun shines bright on the army base, and despite the looming shadow of the Gate of Ash, things seem rather safe here. Contents: Tidnious Cvrsul Obvious exits: Akarian Army Compound , Gates of Ash , Palace Road , and Palace Road The day is hot, even for the standards of the deep south. The sun, even though it has begun its descent, the humidity draws sweat across most brows of the mighty city. Just above the peak of the ancient cathedral the sun rests, such a different sight from generations ago when Raughir ruled with an iron fist. Kostu Tszyu moves through the street, recently arrived from sea it appears. He wears a wide-brimmed hat, keeping the sun from his shoulders and face. Standing in front of the main entrance to the Akarian Army Compound is a man of his mid-ages. He wears his leather armor, most likey hot underneath it, though a guardsman must have some sort of protection on. The armor is only sen on his chect, his legs are covered just by his pants and nothing but a shirt covers his arms. He wears the tradition colors of Blue on his clothing, and a Blue cape. He wears no helmet, though he would in battle, but the days heat would make it unbearable. He stands here, almost leaning against the wall, watching teh sunset. Passing by, Kostu Tszyu is not unaware of his surroundings. His feet slow as he nears the compound and the mid-aged man nearby. His head turns, the shadow his hat provides covers his face and visage. "Captain," says the man, Kostu Tszyu, noting the Guardsmen's blue cape. Turning his body, he faces the man to whom he speaks, and with a slight nod waits for his response. The mid-aged man turns from his view of teh sunset and acknowledges the man."Yes there good man," He places his hand over hs eyes to try to block teh sun, but still can't make out the man's face, "How may I help you?" "Tidnious," Kostu Tszyu says, "Do you not recognize me?" He laughs, taking a step forward, and away from the sun behind him. "I had not thought I had been at sea that long this expedition." The man laughes slightly, looking upon the guard with a short smile. He crosses his arms over his chest, shaking his head slightly as the smile fades. "Ah yes, Kostu." Tidnious says as he smiles, "I was watching teh sunset and could not make out your face. It has not been that long at all." The Captain MOves a few steps away from the wall, "How was the trip?" "Long," answers Kostu Tszyu, "My talks were longer than the voyage," he sighs, shrugging his shoulders. "The Durnalians can be amazingly stubborn." He sighs, lifting a hand and waving it before them. "Where is the Commander? He would probably do well to know of my negotations with the Durnalians." "Sounds boring to me actually", He shrugs, "I'm not one to care much for talks unless I have to, I prefer to watch over teh city." He sighs then answer teh question, "I'm not sure, I haven't seen him all day, you might find him over in the Headquarters building." The 'native' Hida, Kostu Tyszu nods, "Perizan enjoys them much more than I." Uncrossing his arms, Kostu looks past the Captain, toward the compound. "I see the Guard appears busy, I hope all is well?" "Tidnious looks behind him towards the compound. "Oh, we have been reorganizing a few things. Mainly we have set that building up there," He points to the building on teh West side of teh parade Field. "We have opened it up asa recruiting center for new guardsman wishing to be guardsman anda sort of public building for the people. We are busy training guardsman as well, but right now they are preparing the compound for night... cleaning up from teh days works." "I see," Kostu simply says. "Tell me, Tidnious, have you heard much of our Lord?" He frowns at mentioning this, "When I had left several months ago, he appears frail and weak. Asteran appeared troubled then, but would not speak more of it." Tidnious does not frown, nor smile and says, "I have not heard word of good nor bad of our Lord. Nor I have heard word from Asteran. But last I heard, which would be a few weeks ago, was niether good nor bad." He places a hand on his chin and seems to be thinking but says no more. He nods, "That could be for the best. The elder-Prince may not be in Tenigul. He could very well be in the West, near the boarder lands." The man shrugs, "I will talk to the Commander. He has probably met with the Lord recently." "Yes indeed, he tends to those matters not I. I look after the managing of this here at this compound and through out the city." With that he turns towards teh gate, "I should be my friend, I have a few things to see to and must make sure the Lieutenants have made the proper dispatches and set the guards out for the night. " he sighs, "I have a new Lieutenant in charge of that and must watch him closely for awhile, make sure things run smoothly." "Of course," answers Kostu, "I also have duties to attend to before the night." He nods, moving past the Captain. "Good day, Tidnious, may Moritomo grant you wisdom and life." Bowing his head, toward the side. A greeting unlike those native, and to some, it grants purpose. As, this is the way of the Hynsad. An order of Monks of the deep south, which Kostu is known to belong to, and few others are. The sun falls, and night creeps over the land. "Yes, thank you Kostu." He beging to walk towards the compound. "Take care Kostu, hope to see you soon."