Lothern, the beautiful capital city of the High Elves, a city known for its dozens of palaces, temples and fora, each larger than the last. It had taken over a month to sail here but finally, Marco Colombo would be able to sell the Aster Feather, the diamond tiara which once belonged to Astarielle the First Everqueen which he had salvaged from the vaults beneath Itza with help from the Dark Elf, Tullaris Dreadbringer who killed the albino saurus Gor-Rok during the encounter.

Before reaching the city itself, Colombo’s ship was held up by a squadron of Lothern Skycutters who sent troops onto the ship to question Colombo’s intentions for entering Ulthuan & check the ship for potential safety risks. Fortunately, while not the fastest or the prettiest ship around, Colombo’s vessel was a smuggling ship and so there were plenty of hidden areas where his crew could hide Tullaris from the skycutter’s inspectors. Furthermore, while the Elves were initially quite closed in attitude towards Colombo, this changed quickly when he showed them the tiara he intended to sell to the Phoenix Court, something the skycutter crews certainly didn’t want to get in trouble over. Colombo’s ship continued to sail through the Emerald and Sapphire Gates and finally, was allowed to moor up in the Foreigner’s Quarter, where all the foreign merchants of which most were either human or dwarf were allowed to stay while trading their wares in Lothern. There was plenty of space to moor and a number of inns there to keep the foreign merchants entertained enough that they wouldn’t think of trespassing elsewhere in the city.

Upon mooring, Colombo instructed his crew to search the inns for Asur attire Tullaris could wear to blend in during their stay before Colombo was taken away to have the tiara appraised by the city’s top jewellers. Afterwards, Colombo was escorted by a group of sea guards uphill to the largest palace of all, where the Phoenix Court gathered. On the way, Colombo passed the Temple of the Phoenix Kings, the only site beyond the Isle of Flame which is protected by the Phoenix Guard, as well as the largest library in Eataine, a building so massive in scope it took almost 10 minutes to walk past it. Finally, Colombo passed through a courtyard with over a thousand sea guards standing on guard within it as he passed under an archway into the Phoenix Court.

*Bangs gavel*

Yvarn: “All rise, the 49832nd instalment of the Court is now in session. Our first call of deliberation is the sail of the Aster Feather, the verified crown of this realm’s first Everqueen, which has been salvaged by the human, Captain Marco Colombo. The court will now hear the human’s opening statement.”

Colombo: “My lords, ladies, princes and princesses of the court, I come to you today with this…well, what can I call it other than an exquisite artefact? I am sure everyone of you would agree this is the most beautiful crown to have ever been built and I imagine that the Everqueen of Avelorn in particular would be pleased to reclaim her grandmother’s truly…magnificent, no, stupendous tiara. Alas, it seems she is not present here today and though this guy certainly has nice wings, he doesn’t look much like the Prince of Lothern to me.”

Yvarn: “Objection, I am Prince Yvarn of Meletan, third of my name and cousin to the Phoenix King, Finubar First of his name, the Seafarer, The Protector of Ulthuan, Prince of Lothern, King of Eataine, Patron of the Elven Realms, Duke of the Ten Kingdoms, The Unburnt King, Spouse to the Everqueen, Sailor of the Inner Seas, Prince of Princes, Marshal of the Golden Company, Lord of the Eagle Gates, Warden of the Vortex, Guardian of the Righteous, Saviour of the Downtrodden, Bulwark against Chaos, The Dancer, Scourge to the Druchii, *Yvarn took a deep breathe* Disseminator of Freedom, The Peacemaker, Beacon of Order, The Scholar King, Lion-tamer, Honorary Loremaster, Love’s Advance, The Rider of Owls, Slayer of the Unjust, The Poet, Connoisseur of Fine Wines, The Impetuous, The Sage, The Explorer, The Avenger, Charter of the Dreaded Sea, Restorer of Civilisations, Dragontamer, Asuryan’s Chosen, Receiver of Hoeth’s Wisdom, Isha’s Companion, Ranger of Kurnous, Lileath’s Tear, Loec’s Cunning, Vaul’s Hammer, *Yvarn took another breathe* Coordinator of the Sea Guards, The Handsome, The Shadow Amber, The Chariotmaster, King of the Turtle Isles, True King of Tor Elithis, Lord Regent of the Citadel of Dusk, Colonel of the Fortress of Dawn’s Advanced Guardsmen, The Stablemaster and many, many more. That is why I am qualified to lead this council during Prince Tyrion’s absence.” 
Colombo: “Right, well….uhmm….I’m glad we established that…. I just worry you won’t bestow the same sentimental value towards the crown as the Everqueen might.”

Yvarn: “Do you need me to repeat the list, human?”

Colombo: “Oh no, of course not my lord, prince, king, phoenix god, uhmmm, whatever I call you….ah…”

Yvarn: “Behold, the court includes within its order representatives from all Kingdoms of the Asur; Prince Alatar of Nagarythe, Prince Bel’Korandras of Tiranoc, Prince Moranion II of Yvresse, Princes Dannor & Dalroth of Cothique, Master of the Eagle Gate and Avelorn lord Cerion Goldwing, Prince Alastar of Chrace, Loremaster Kerrinath of Saphery, Lord Lamellan of Caledor, Lord Arandir Swiftwing of Ellyrion (who sat in a silver-gilded wheelchair while the other lords sat on thrones) and even Prince Althran Stormrider of the Blood Isle who for the sake of the scribe’s health and wrists we shall forego the repetition of their titles by referring to their respective autobiographies which collected by the Great Blibliotheca of Lothern. I suggest you go on human, the council has scarce time available.”

Colombo: “Go on with???”

Yvarn: “Name the price level at which you shall sell the Aster Feather to the Court.”

Colombo: “Oh, I see. Well, judging from this piece’s exquisite beauty I’m afraid it could cost you. Perhaps even 10,000 gold coins.”

The Court in unison: “Acceptable.”

Colombo: “Oh, that was fast. Uhmm…but I’m afraid I misspoke for I meant to say 100,000 gold coins!”

The Court in unison: “Acceptable.”

Colombo: “My Lords you are too kind. But when I honestly look at this crown and think of how valuable it could be to me, especially with inflation in mind, I feel I couldn’t impart this gift for less than 200,000 gold coins.”

The Court in unison: “Acceptable.”

Colombo: “Well how about 1,000,000 gold coins?!”

Yvarn: “Don’t you think you’re being a bit greedy, human?”

Colombo: “Okay your majesty, I apologise for getting away from myself….250,000?”

The Court: “Acceptable.”

And so the auction ended as Prince Yvarn signed the deeds which stipulated that Marco Colombo would be paid the equivalent of 250,000 gold coins in precious gemstones and gold blocks by the end of the week, for it was decided that so many gold coins could not be carried on a single ship. Prince Yvarn was about to signal the adjournment of court proceedings over lunch but it seemed Marco Colombo had one more thing to say. He stood in the middle of the room, flanked by politicians and proceeded to speak….

….

– Love React: 
Colombo: “Hats! Come and get your hats! I made an absolute killing selling fabulous hats like my own in Port Reaver but despite my wonderful sales technique I still have a few left over so if you ever get tired of these winged metal monstrosities, come buy a luxurious feathered hat today!”

Yvarn: “This isn’t a market human. Please return to your ship now or our sea guards will be forced to relieve you of your belongings, including that deed of payment.”

Marco Colombo returned to his ship and after fortunately receiving payment by the next morning, his ship set off from Lothern. Once they were out of range from the Elven warships and skycutters which flew above, the sailors freed Tullaris Dreadbringer out from the cubbyhole in which he was hidden so he could face Colombo once more.

Tullaris: “You chose to keep me then?”
Colombo: “Yes, I figured I could use someone with your skillet moving forward. I hope you don’t mind not rotting in a cell for the rest of your life.”
Tullaris: “And the treasure?”
Colombo: “All on ship, nothing can stop us now.”
Tullaris: “And now that you have this treasure, where is it we are actually going, captain?”
Colombo: “How far East have you been executioner?”
Tullaris: “I’m not sure. It’s all relative to whether you consider Naggarond as western or eastern I think.”
Colombo: “Well, we’re going pretty far East, that I can tell you. Next stop, the Kingdoms of Ind!

….

– Wow React: 
Colombo: “I’m afraid I have one more thing you might find of value.”
Colombo’s sailors came into the room hauling Tullaris Dreadbringer with his armour removed and his hands in cuffs.

First mate: “Aye cap’ain, ya plan went without a hitch, we found him some Elf clothes in the tavern and when ‘e removed him clothes, we locked ‘im for ya.”

Prince Bel’Korandras of Tiranoc: “How dare you human? Unannounced court hearings are forbidden under Article 18.4 of the Lothern Convention on Political and Civil Activity.”

Colombo: “I do apologise my lord but I feel this will be worthwhile.” *a sailor passed Colombo Tullaris’ helmet* “I have brought you Tullaris Dreadbringer and I understand he was no friend of yours.”

Prince Bel’Korandras of Tiranoc: “This is outrageous! The arrival of prisoners of this stature must be reported to the sea guards at least 48 hours before entering this building to make sure the guards can contain them.”

Suddenly, Tullaris escaped the sailors grips and leapt forward towards the Prince of Tiranoc and proceeded to choke him with his mannacles. Yvarn called the Sea Guards in to restrain the prisoner. He managed to kill a few after he used his cuffs to take one of the guards spears but eventually, he was restrained fully.

Yvarn: “Tullaris Dreadbringer, in the name of the Phoenix King I hereby charge you as an enemy of the state and with the murder of Prince Bel’Korandras of Tiranoc. As such, you shall be placed under the custody of Prince Alatar who shall deliver you into the hands of the Shadow King for interrogation.”

Tullaris: “You think I will tell you anything? I will never betray my Queen and my people!”

Yvarn: “She is not your queen and you have no people. Goodbye executioner, I hope our paths never cross.”

Colombo: “And my reward?”

Yvarn: “The court raises your due amount to 300,000. You have this court’s thanks and we wish you a safe voyage.”

Colombo left the court with a big grin on his face, figuring he would now be wealthy enough to replace the Dark Elf with a bodyguard of the likes of Brunner for his work, as a unit of Shadow Warriors entered the court to have Tullaris Dreadbringer taken to Nagarythe. (Bonus lorefight story if this option is chosen)

….

– Laugh React: 
Colombo: “I’m afraid I have one more thing you might find of value.”
Colombo’s sailors came into the room hauling Tullaris Dreadbringer with his armour on and his hands in cuffs.

First mate: “Aye cap’ain, we found no Elf clothes in the tavern but captured ‘him any way an’ locked ‘im for ya.”

Suddenly, Tullaris escaped the sailors grip and took his blade The First Draich from one of the sailors which he grasped between his mannacled hands to immediately turn around and decapitate the human captain which betrayed him.

However, before Tullaris could unleash his wrath on the elves of the court he was suddenly struck through the head by a halberd’s spike/small-axe side. It turns out that upon being hauled into the room one of the elves had run off to the temple to summon Caradryan and the Phoenix Guards in case something went wrong such as this.

With the human and dark elf both dead, Yvarn commented that there was no one to pay anymore. Colombo’s crew may have disagreed with this statement, but none of them were brave enough to comment while surrounded by guards.

….

– Sad React: “Ballgowns! Who wants a ballgown? You’re all very wealthy here so you must like your parties. Well, today is your lucky day since my ship just happens to have 50 of the finest dresses this side of Cathay on board. What do you say madam? I have a gorgeous silver gown that would perfectly match your eyes.” Marco Colombo said to Lord Lamellan of Caledor, clearly mistaking the hazel-eyed lord for a woman on account of his extravagantly straightened long brunette hair with rubies woven into it and his crimson robes that were intended to denote his status as a fire mage.

However, Colombo’s sales pitch was interrupted when a squadron of sea guards entered the room with the handcuffed Tullaris Dreadbringer in their custody, still clad in his armour but with his sword being carried by them instead.

Sea Guard: “My lord, we found the human’s crew causing a public nuisance and on closer inspection discovered they were trying to steal a set of clothes so that this enemy to our people could mov-“

The sea guard’s statement was cut short as Tullaris suddenly broke free from the guards’ control, took his sword back which he held between his handcuffed hands and proceeded to cut the talking guard’s jaw from his body. Tullaris descended into his unique sense of bloodlust as he began to enact his very own dance of Khaine by massacring everyone around him. He struck the wheelchaired Lord Arandir Swiftwing of Ellyrion while Colombo ran to the other side of the room to hide behind Prince Yvarn’s throne. Tullaris saw that Lord Lamellan was about to unleash a fireball onto him so he instinctively picked up one of the dead sea guards’ spears and threw it straight through his heart. Similarly, when loremaster Kerrinath was about to cast a spell on him, Khaine’s voice instinctively drove the executioner to run across the room and stab him in the least armoured area of his chest before he could even finish casting. Alastar the white lion of Chrace and Cerion of the Eagle Gate attempted to fight Tullaris in melee while Moranion of Yvresse, Bel’korandras of Tiranoc, Dannor & Dalroth of Cothique and Althran of the Blood Isle all fled the building within the crowd of fleeing nobles along the room’s walls while Yvarn still sat transfixed, cowering in his throne. Tullaris parried Cerion’s blade a few times while avoiding Alastar’s axe swings until finally his blade pierced Cerion’s throat and he kicked Alastar to the ground, dropping his axe in the process. Tullaris now turned his attention to the cowering prince of Meletan. Alatar of Nagarythe readied his bow as he stood by Yvarn just as the terrified Marco Colombo loaded his crossbow behind the throne. Tullaris stared them down and was about to attack when he was distracted by the sound of a metal shaft banging into the ground behind him. Tullaris turned to see Caradryan, the silent captain of the Phoenix Guards, who had banged his halberd to gain Tullaris’ attention.

The Executioner from Har Ganeth charged towards the Phoenix Guard with extreme haste, attempting to deliver a flurry of lethal slashes and cuts to his enemy just as he had done against the Albino Saurus, while Colombo, Yvarn and Alatar took this as an opportunity to vacate the building by the sides of the room. However, though Caradryan may be silent, his fighting style was anything but that as his halberd spun and twirled with such speed that he could parry each one of the Khainite champion’s swordstrikes. The two masters of melee combat struggled against one another for some time, neither ever getting a strike of their weapon in until finally, Caradryan surprised the executioner by headbutting him with the beak of his massive bird-shaped helmet which he perfectly timed to place the bottom of the halberd behind Tullaris’ feet such that the druchii was tripped up when he fell. Tullaris attempted to rise to his feet once more but Caradryan allowed him no quarter and simply went in for one almighty blow of his halberd which crashed through Tullaris’ breastplate and pierced his pulmonary veins and arteries instantly.

Soon afterwards, Caradryan emerged from the court chambers to signal that the enemy of the Asur had been vanquished. However, before setting foot inside Prince Yvarn of Meletan gave the sea guards the order to kill Marco Colombo for harbouring an enemy of the state. Colombo couldn’t even open his mouth to interject when he was suddenly killed by a volley of arrow fire, all while Yvarn re-entered the courtroom with the Aster Feather in tow with nobody left to pay for it.

….

– Angry React: “Scarfs! Who would like a scarf? You have a lot of mountains so I assume it gets cold so come buy a scarf, guaranteed to adequately warm your neck when you are feeling cold or full money back …..terms and conditions apply, seller is not liable for any tears, breakages or lack of warmth after 3 weeks of sale*

Colombo’s sales pitch was interrupted when a squadron of sea guards entered the room with the handcuffed Tullaris Dreadbringer in their custody, still clad in his armour but with his sword being carried by them instead. However, the executioner escaped their grip before any of them could even begin to speak and immediately took up the First Draich which he held within his manacled hands.

Rather than building anything up, Tullaris seemed to immediately descend into a manic haze as he immediately killed Marco Colombo despite the human never necessarily betraying him. He then instinctively went after the most dangerous targets in the room which were the major ranged and magical fighters in the room Prince Alatar of Nagarythe, Loremaster Kerrinath of Saphery and Lord Lamellan of Caledor. He shoved his sword through Alatar before a single arrow could be loosed, he deflected a firebolt from Lamellan along his Draich into Kerrinath and from there began simply hacking through the room with extreme prejudice, constantly attempting to mark the exit to the chamber as hundreds of elves hoped to run past him. Alastar, The White Lion of Chrace, attacked Tullaris with his axe only for the Dreadbringer to time the fight so well that Alastar accidentally cut the chain between the executioner’s hands with his axe when he attempted to disarm him instead, which allowed Tullaris to simply pull the axe from Alastar’s hands with his newly unbound arm after knocking it out of Alastar’s hands with the hilt of his sword and throw it at the approaching Cerion Goldwing. From there he simply enjoyed weaving in and out of the crowd, killing Yvarn of Meletan, Bel’Korandras of Tiranoc, Moranion of Yvresse, Dannor & Dalroth of Cothique and Althran Stormrider before turning to his final major prey, Lord Arandir Swiftwing of Ellyrion. Tullaris approached Swiftwing menacingly, hoping to enjoy toying with his pray. He kicked the immobile lord’s seat and sent the lord falling backwards from whence Tullaris chopped a foot off for symbolic good measure….or fun, one of the two. However, the Dreadbringer’s dance was interrupted when Caradryan entered the room to fight him, charging at Tullaris with his massive, elongated halberd.

The Executioner from Har Ganeth attempted to deliver a flurry of lethal slashes and cuts to his enemy just as he had done against the Albino Saurus but though Caradryan may be silent, his fighting style was anything but that as his halberd spun and twirled with such speed that he could parry each one of the Khainite champion’s swordstrikes. The two masters of melee combat struggled against one another for some time, neither ever getting a strike of their weapon in as they both struggled to even maintain their footing in the knee-high pool of elf corpses and blood around them until finally, Tullaris decided to play dirty. As the two warriors clashed, sword against halberd, Tullaris used his newly freed second hand to grab and shove the halberd backwards, making sure to do so with just enough force and precision that the halberd’s back-spike/small-axe would get caught in Caradryan’s ridiculous helmet. It wouldn’t be all too difficult to remove the spike/blade from the helmet on Caradryan’s behalf but that wasn’t the point for it gave Tullaris that all too precious moment in which Caradryan would be unable to defend himself, just long enough for Caradryan to shove his greatsword through the exposed area of Caradryan’s faceplate and stab him through the eyeball and into the nerve tissue behind it.

Caradryan fell to the ground and proceeded to bleed out as Tullaris turned back to the disabled lord of Ellyrion. However, before Tullaris could dish out any more cruelties onto this man, Caradryan’s body engulfed itself in fire and exploded, taking Tullaris Dreadbringer, Arandir Swiftwing and anyone else who may have still been breathing in the room with it as the ceiling of the Phoenix Court came toppling down on top of them.

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