Tilting The Scales [End]

[The Bhalian Empire]

[Traveling From Here ]

As the B'halian airship sliced through the billowing clouds, Delion's eyes swept across its expansive deck and sleek metallic hull. Crafted with the ingenuity of Dwarven engineering, the vessel surpassed all norms, dwarfing even the mightiest of conventional airships. This wasn't his first time aboard one these, still Delion found himself captivated by the intricacies of its design. From the glinting metal framework to the powerful array of propellers that vectored it effortlessly through the heavens. Yet, what truly distinguished this marvel was its remarkable ability to manipulate space itself; a mystical attachment that allowed it to traverse vast distances in mere moments.

With each passing moment, the familiar landmarks of Bhalia loomed larger on the horizon, beckoning them home with silent reverence. During their descent, Delion's eyes caught sight of several notable landmarks adorning the landscape below. Towering spires of marble and granite soared skyward, their majestic forms a testament to the grandeur of B'halian architecture. Magnificent bridges spanned chasms and rivers, their graceful arches an ode to the ingenuity of B'halian engineering. And nestled amidst lush forests and rolling hills, the sprawling estates of B'halian nobility glimmered in the sunlight, their opulent grandeur rivaling the legendary palaces of old.

"Home at last.." He thought to himself. Delion then turned his gaze to Kilik,
and observed her with a mixture of curiosity and anticipation as she absorbed the breathtaking vista before them. He sensed the electric anticipation radiating from her, imagining her spirit ablaze with the promise of the adventures that awaited her within the mainland of the new world

"..no Atlantean has ever beheld B'halia's glory, let alone set foot upon its soil." Delion murmured softly, his voice suffused with a quiet sense of pride as the airship descended towards the heart of the city. "I needn't warn you the value of a first impression." He said before turning to address his battalion of soldiers. Everyone aboard the airship was allowed to move freely about the deck and the soldiers aboard rallied with a palpable sense of relief as they entered B'halian airspace. Kilik would find their faces were glued to the windows. The imposing, imperial walls of the empire had never been a more comforting sight than during that homeward journey.

[Kilik]

She had to admit that the last thing she expected was some massive metal contraption that could fly through the skies. It made her very uneasy, feeling as though her minor display of power had somehow alarmed them, viewing her as a threat. She had the scariest respect and even less of a sense of trust in anyone or anything on the surface. Yet even Kilik could not maintain her casual scowl as she got a look at what the mystified Joro had in their sites. She had spent the majority of the time aboard steeling her resolve. She knew not the kind of ruler this...Zennith was; she still knew not even his name. Yet she could not turn back for the sake of her vow, a blood oath attached to it, a legacy she could not deny nor ignore. Nor had she desired to go out the window, which was a sight that completely shocked her.

B'halia was a beautiful place.

She had half expected it to be something out of a horror story, a land rife with suffering with the mountain of fire and blistering winds. It's people who are miserable under dogmatic rules, but there have been none of these things so far. She wasn't sure about the state of the people's mindset or their happiness. But her fantasies were shattered upon witnessing its grandeur, even from up here.

"..no Atlantean has ever beheld B'halia's glory, let alone set foot upon its soil."

She said nothing in response as she continued to take in the scenery. His ting of pride was felt almost as if it was her own. Though it was not Delion to hold alone, all of the Joro on board had a nearly suffocating sense of pride in their homeland. As sickening as it was at first, she couldn't at least understand the feeling of pride in her home. She remembered her days in the grove, the miles of undersea forest with coral that mocked crystal. Murals etched into the ocean floor, all the wonders the sea offered. The pride she grew up with tending to its aquatic blooms and the creature who depended on it for food and shelter, a gorgeous ecosystem...it seems B'halia was far more than met the eye, at least from up here.

"I needn't warn you the value of a first impression."

She did not turn immediately. Just kept soaking in. But his words did not go ignored; Kilik had been mulling over it endlessly this entire trip: what not only would his impression be of her but hers of him. The man, Elv, behind the legend who sparked the first flame under the banner of B'halia subjugating an entire continent. So vast was his power, so far the extent of his reach. She had never honestly held reverence for another being if spoken plainly. The Nissago did not have a hierarchy; they were all equal, sharing in the highs and lows that the tides brought with them. Some folks were well respected, namely among the elderly. Aside from this, her only experience with a "Ruler" was the soon-to-be-removed Sovereign.

"Delion...what is it about the empire that fills you with such pride?"

She responded to his statement with a question of her own. Only then did she turn to him as he addressed his fellow Joro. She was curious as to what he might say. admittedly, she had judged him as a mere meathead, a brute, and she was sure she did not misjudge. But even he still spoke with a regal intellect and handled himself surprisingly well in his time at the festival. From witnessing their admiration for him, she wondered what he saw when he stared into the Empire, perhaps even beyond.

[The Bhalian Empire]

"Delion...what is it about the empire that fills you with such pride?"

Delion stopped just as he was getting ready to address his squad. He didnt turn around, but he listened intently as Kilik shared her thoughts, her words carrying a weight of uncertainty and apprehension. He understood her unease, her reluctance to trust in the unfamiliar, especially after the journey they had embarked upon.

"It is understandable to feel apprehensive in the face of the unknown." Delion began, his voice calm and reassuring.

He paused, his gaze softening as he regarded Kilik with a sense of understanding. "Bhalia may appear daunting at first glance, but beneath its grandeur lies a land of opportunity and possibility. It is a place where dreams can be realized and destinies forged." He said with his face clinging to the window and the vista of Bhalia below.

Growing up, Delion was immersed in the rich tapestry of Bhalian culture, from its traditions and customs to its vibrant history and storied landmarks. He was born here, after the Joro Tribe had already been inducted into the Empire. So For Delion, Bhalia represented not just a homeland, but a source of identity and belonging. It is where he forged friendships, honed his skills, and embraced his role as a defender. The towering spires, bustling markets, and sweeping landscapes of Bhalia held a special place in his heart, serving as a constant reminder of the strength and resilience of those he was charged with protecting.

"It was here that I realized my purpose as apart of something.. greater than just myself. Where I discerned my part and place among the cosmic design. As will you." He said before walking toward the far end of the deck, leaving Kilik to ponder his words before he spoke now to his team.

"Prepare to land!" He projected over the undulating roar of the airship engines.
As the airship descended towards the heart of Bhalia, Delion felt a surge of pride at the thought of introducing Kilik to their homeland. He knew that the journey ahead would be filled with uncertainty, but he was determined to guide her through it with wisdom and compassion, every step of the way.

[The Bhalian Empire]

----

Anticipation crackled in the air like the energy before a storm as the B'halian aircraft descended towards the heart of Bhalia. Delion stood at the bow, his gaze unwavering as he beheld the sprawling expanse of his homeland below. With each passing moment, his heart swelled with a potent mix of pride and nostalgia, the very essence of Bhalia coursing through his veins.

Around him, soldiers leaned eagerly over the railings, their eyes alight with excitement and anticipation. For many of them, this was a long-awaited return to the embrace of their beloved city, a moment to reunite with loved ones and bask in the familiarity of home. A truly elusive luxury.

As the aircraft touched down gently on the landing pad, the roar of its engines gradually faded into silence, giving way to the bustling sounds of Bhalia awakening from its slumber. The sun bathed the realm in a warm, golden light, casting long, stretching shadows across the cobblestone streets and illuminating the towering spires and domes that adorned the skyline.

With a sense of purpose and determination, Delion stepped forward, leading the way as the doors of the aircraft swung open and the passengers began to disembark onto the familiar soil of Bhalia. Waiting for them was a contingent of royal soldiers standing at attention near the landing pad, their gleaming armor reflecting the sunlight as they awaited the arrival of general Delion. Their race and identity remained obscured beneath their metallic suits, all aside from one soldier who was without his helmet. He was the largest of the already daunting welcome party. And judging from his green skin, and molten yellow eyes, he hailed from a race of fire manipulating fae known as the Vulqin. “General!” He called out to Delion, approaching him and Kilik just as the two of them stepped from the airship. “It is good to see you've returned. The Konclave awaits your findings within Madeira.” He said, in reference to the Emperor leading advisers; hand-picked scholars from each and every tribe affiliated with the Empire. There were a total of seven of them.. as of yesterday, but anyone aware of Emperor Akundae's.. sensibilities.. knew that number could dwindle at any moment.

“I understand. We have brought with us a prisoner who claims to possess valueable information concerning Neovia. Restrain and secure them.” Was all Delion said in response before the Vulqin soldier readied himself to leave. He would then take notice of Kilik– an unfamiliar face. Uncertainty narrowed his eyes, but he didn't immediately view her as a threat and he moved along. “Try not to dally behind..” Delion said to Kilik as he proceeded toward an undisclosed destination.

[Kilik]

"Bhalia may appear daunting at first glance, but beneath its grandeur lies a land of opportunity and possibility. It is a place where dreams can be realized and destinies forged."

She listened to him intently, feeling the surging faith of his pride infect the air around them, permeating even her tough hide. She folded her arms as he spoke. It might appear she was doing so out of disregard for his words, but in fact, she was slowly being taken aback at how similar they were in how they viewed their homes.

"It was here that I realized my purpose as apart of something.. greater than just myself. Where I discerned my part and place among the cosmic design. As will you." He said before walking toward the far end of the deck, leaving Kilik to ponder his words before he spoke now to his team.

And ponder them she did, fixated even. Nissago were raised from birth, spending their brief lives giving all they could to ten to the groves. In that endeavor, they created a marvelous culture filled with love and ideologies centered around all for one and one for all. She honestly did not think surface dwellers were capable of such things. Perhaps her opinion of them had been...skewered by the hatred she carried. At least enough to prevent her from actually learning about its cultures. After all. Learning about a civilization's ways and doing before dragging it beneath the waves was only fitting.

"Cosmic design..."

She thought to herself. The stars, the tremendous light-spackled ocean of infinity in the heavens above, always fascinated Kilik. She often glared at the stars reminiscent of her flesh and how it twinkled in the moonlight. Before her mother's death, she frequently fantasized about what it would mean to swim amongst the stars, to explore the depths of the sea above. But those fantasies...idle dreams...she could no longer chase. The freedom of the stars above... nor more than wishful thinking now. She had a new dream, one stained in blood, bound by it, grounded to the earth until it was done. As he left her side to tend to the landing preparation, she felt her body full of angst. She may finally begin the next phase of her journey here. Kilik was not one to obsess over the future. Her master Eralia's words: You cannot worry about step two while still on step one. This seared into her mind, allowing her to focus on the present, knowing each block she laid would make way for the path leading her to her destination. So she did not wreck her mind obsessing over all that could or would be...knowing with complete certainty that her will would come to pass.

Yet...the moment her feet touched the ground, Kilik's eyes widened, and her entire being was filled with energy she had never felt. Her soul caught in a snare, as if the world around her froze in time. Flashes of images foreign to her flooded her, glimpses of the land of B'halia and all its glory radiating like a brilliant dawn. She saw fractured details, twisted congregations of stone, grass, birds, and finally, a pool of energy cascading down upon her like a waterfall.

"Child of the sea, Scion of waves. Destined to walk a path ephemeral. One who longs for the grace of the stars"

A voice slid into her mind, though no one was around to speak. Her psyche still alive with the odd vision

" A destiny ruled by anger, your storm filed by pain. You have come to the land where fate and truth collide; what will become of you? Who will you be should that fury subsides? Your blood price shall be the mountains of death sired towards your ascension. There fury, your burden. I give the, but this single boon. When faced with the Zenith, hide nothing, for his eyes can see beyond the veils. Kneel, but do not falter. For upon his shoulders lays the pedestal that will see you rise beyond its pinnacle. Daughter of the sea...bare your fangs beyond the moon, let even the gods see their glare..."


The last glimpse of her vision saw her standing atop a mountain of corpses

And then...

“General!” He called out to Delion, approaching him and Kilik just as the two of them stepped from the airship.

The voice of the one who met them seemed to snap her back. It was only then that Kilik noticed the world around her. She could feel the ebbs and flows of B'halia around her, the sways of winds that ruffled her hair, and the crisp, cooling feel of water nearby. A bit rattled by whatever force invaded her body, it shows her harrowing visions. Was her clairvoyance awakening? Her ancestor held the power to glimpse into the future with such precision she could virtually chart a person's life from A to Z. More to the point, the warning and the voice that gave it. Too much was running through her mind at one time, heeding her to lean back on her master's words.

"Step one Kilik, step one"

She reminded herself, attempting to hide the overwhelming convulsions of feelings under a stone-cold expression, which the Vulqin would see when he glanced at her.

"A prisoner? From the festival?

At first, she thought he meant her, but her confusion was quickly swaged as the actual prisoner would be brought about.

“Try not to dally behind..”

She nodded, making sure to follow Delion as they began to trek the cobblestone roads of his...her new homeland. Choosing not to allow these visions to detour here. If anything, it pushed her further as if the very heavens were at her back.

[The Bhalian Empire]

As Delion led Kilik through the bustling streets of Bhalia, his demeanor exuded an air of pride and confidence. He walked with purpose, his head held high and his chest puffed out. The streets were alive with activity, the air filled with the sounds of merchants hawking their wares to patrons gathered about to welcome the returning soldiers. It was here that Kilik would see the diversity of the realm on full display. Beings of several different races and backgrounds bustled about, their colorful attire and unique features adding to the vibrant tapestry of the city. The Khor, the Joro, the Cyr, the Vulqin, the Vox, all of them and several more coexisted harmoniously, their differences celebrated rather than feared.

But despite the lively atmosphere, Delion's mind was fixated on his task at hand; what to do with the young Nissagro elf treading close behind him. He had known Kilik for only a short time, yet her unwavering conviction and determination resonated with him. She was more than some displaced child. And her ambition held a bit more weight than the average man, cursed with survivor's angst. Her hatred toward Maderia could surely be utilized in coming future, should she prove to be a formidable addition.. But was that enough to trust her?

He respected her power, to be sure, but he couldn't shake the feeling that she was out of her depth, that she lacked the raw strength required to serve the Empire. He was bred from birth to be a warrior. Cultivated and groomed into various arts of war designed by the B'halia's sharpest minds. Which is where he decided to take her. Soon, the two of them would be able to see the daunting visage of the B'halian Military base in the nearing horizon, which looked more like a majestic fortress against the backdrop of the city. Its imposing walls gleaming with the polished brilliance of diamond-encrusted stones with towering spires adorned with intricate carvings of gold and silver soaring skyward just outside the entrance, their peaks crowned with crimson banners bearing the sigil of the Empire.

As they approached the base, they would be greeted by towering gates of solid gold, their surfaces etched with ancient runes of protection. And standing guard just outside were a party of fierce-looking warriors clad in crimson armor; their swords and spears gleaming in the sunlight as they stood watch over the entrance. It was then that the vigilant contingent caught sight of Delion's approach. Immediately, they sharpened their stances to regard his return with reverence.

Delion stopped and turned to Kilik. They were about twenty feet away from the base, but even from here the air was filled with the sounds of clashing steel, the thunder of marching boots, and the shouting.. so much shouting. “This is where you commit to your ambition.” He tallied on, his devilish charm a tad more solemn. “There will be no turning back, I'm afraid.”

[Kilik]

Her eyes absorbed all of it, every pixel of color ever that caressed her skin. She had to admit she was relatively well, flabbergasted. When the airship first landed, Kilik thought she would be arriving at a land fitted with smog and dust from industrial plants, which plagued her memories of a time beyond the reaches of the present. However, with each step she took, she could feel the well, joy from the empire's residents. What she thought would be land rife with war and strife was, for all intents and purposes, a veritable paradise. She felt it, almost like an annoying itch, a slight swelling in her chest, as the nature of the empire began to rest within her as if a seed was planted.

She wondered how the empire went about evaluating where one's place within its order was. Her curiosity was soon sated as they neared what appeared to be a military base. The guards at the door tightened up their lax disposition in the presence of Delion. He was well respected. His talents must have far outshined whatever his physical conveyed to her. One thing she could not deny is that he was indeed a warrior; his very presence commanded the space around him.

Delion stopped and turned to Kilik. They were about twenty feet away from the base, but even from here, the air was filled with the sounds of clashing steel, the thunder of marching boots, and the shouting. There was so much shouting. “This is where you commit to your ambition.” He tallied on, his devilish charm a tad more solemn. “There will be no turning back, I'm afraid.”

"The moment I made my presence known to you, fate had already cast the notion of retreat aside."

Her skin began to tingle in excitement. Unlike her kin, Kilik relished the art of combat. It was the only chance she got to let her ferocity out. She would be lying if she tried to say that she did not enjoy the sunken look her foes held when easily overpowered by one of her stature. She had been wondering since she saw the band of Joro how deep the well of their abilities ran. Especially against her own, combat was the purest form of communication to her, its language, and it seemed that Delion wished to know the extent of her fluidity in it's speech.

"You wish to test my ability?"

[The Bhalian Empire]

"You wish to test my ability?"

Delion's expression remained impassive as he observed Kilik's resolve, a flicker of curiosity glinting in his pitch-black gaze. "Indeed." he replied, his tone measured. "Strength and power hold great significance in our culture." Delion began, his voice carrying the weight of centuries of tradition. "Might is not just a means to an end—it is a cornerstone of our society, a reflection of our values and aspirations." He paused, his gaze sweeping over the bustling streets of Bhalia as if to underscore his point. “And it is Akundae's strength that keeps this realm whole.”

Delion's tone softened slightly as he returned his attention to Kilik. "Only in combat can you ascertain the true measure of one's abilities. And it would be a lie for me to say that I'm not eager to see if you possess the strength and skill to match your words." He said with a mischievous smirk, one that betrayed his elegant delivery. “Besides, I can't very well present you to our Zenith.. only for him to find out that you were all bark and no bite. He'd be swift to kill us both for wasting his time.”

Delion said casually before he charted off toward the golden gates of the Bhalian Military base. The guards standing there to receive him, did so with barely any gesture of acknowledgement. They were practically statues. But one glance from Delion caused the gates to open up and allow entrance inside.

—

Beyond the gates lay a complex of buildings and structures, each one meticulously crafted with the finest materials and adorned with lavish decorations.

The main fortress, the centerpiece of the base, looms large in the center of the area; its walls were fortified with diamond-embedded bricks that sparkle like stars in the night sky. Turrets and battlements line the perimeter, offering commanding views of the surrounding landscape and serving as vantage points for archers and marksmen. Surrounding the main fortress are training grounds and drill fields, where recruits engage in rigorous exercises and combat simulations under the guidance of seasoned instructors. Their roars and grunts created a unique soundtrack that warded silence from the training grounds at all times. Be they stemmed from pain or glory, it was always loud around these parts.

“At ease!” Delion called out as he and Kilik approached the main fortress, bringing every swinging arm and bleeding lip to a screaming halt. “Gather to the call of my voice, saplings.. It appears you all have a new link in your chain. Fresh blood.” He challenged, gesturing to Kilik standing at his side. “She hails from the seas of Madeira, and already she believes herself more powerful than every B'halian recruit within the sound of my voice.. And I'm afraid she could be right.” He said, stirring up a palpable tension among the recruits that stunk of bloodlust. He then turned his head to Kilik, curious as how willing she was to prove her mettle.

[Kilik]

"Akundae?...so that's his name. "

She thought as Delion spoke of his reasons and desires for this...test. She knew from the jump that this would likely happen and had been tempering her resolve with her minor display of power before they took off into the skies beyond. That was, in fact, the entire reason she had come here, in search of material of enough quality to sharpen herself against. This was the first stone in the cobbled path to Akundae and the rest of her destiny beyond him.

Only in combat can you ascertain the true measure of one's abilities. And it would be a lie for me to say that I'm not eager to see if you possess the strength and skill to match your words." He said with a mischievous smirk, one that betrayed his elegant delivery. “Besides, I can't very well present you to our Zenith.. only for him to find out that you were all bark and no bite. He'd be swift to kill us both for wasting his time.”

He would find Kilik smirking. It seemed that little by little, she was seeing a kindred spirit of sorts in the giant blue warrior. It was like he read her mind, or he could feel the bloodlust tingling off of her. She wondered how far she was able to go in these spars. What if his fangs ran too deep, and the combatants fell on her blade?

"..."

She did not reply as they made their way through the base. She was increasingly and even more amazed at the intricate levels and well-thought-out spacing of B'halinan artwork. It was...oddly artistic. She had to make notes.

“At ease!” Delion called out as he and Kilik approached the main fortress, bringing every swinging arm and bleeding lip to a screaming halt. “Gather to the call of my voice, saplings.. It appears you all have a new link in your chain. Fresh blood.” He challenged, gesturing to Kilik standing at his side. “She hails from the seas of Madeira, and already she believes herself more powerful than every B'halian recruit within the sound of my voice.. And I'm afraid she could be right.” He said, stirring up a palpable tension among the recruits that stunk of bloodlust. He then turned his head to Kilik, curious as how willing she was to prove her mettle.

"I hope the Emperor does not mind losing a few...peons"

Kilik could feel her scales tingling in anticipation even more profound than that; she could feel the brutal angst and seething bloodlust saturating the room, practically clinging to the air, along with the horrid musk of the group of sweaty brutes. His taunting certainly did the trick with that single statement. All eyes and blades were on her, good, for she intended for them to witness just how futile their efforts were.

"You lot could train for 100 years and still would never hold a candle to me..."

If Delion's words sparked the flame in the room, Kilik poured gasoline onto it. She placed herself into her stance, her arms extended and hands mimicking a dragon's claw. This was the Zorasu fighting style, unique to the Nissago, who were aquatic monks by nature. Kilik's breath was steady as she inhaled. Upon her exhale, her naten manifested gingerly around her, producing a soft veil of light iridescent in its hue, invigorating her body, her scales shimmering with its light. Her eyes hummed softly with their signature cherry bloom gleam. She was ready to begin. She would be half impressed if they made her draw her blade...

[The Bhalian Empire]

"I hope the Emperor does not mind losing a few...peons.

Delion arched a skeptical eyebrow at Kilik's bold proclamation, his expression betraying a hint of amusement at her confidence. "Careful.." he cautioned in a low voice, his tone tinged with coy concern. "Underestimating your opponents can be a costly mistake. Each of these recruits was handpicked as the most prodigious prospects Bhalia's tribes have to offer." His eyes swept across the multicolored sea of hardened expressions, their depths reflecting the weight of his words.

"They have proven themselves worthy to bleed on this soil. To even be standing here means they've passed the initial crucible—a collection of physical challenges that have literally broken lesser warriors."

As Delion spoke, a towering figure with cobalt skin covered in scars stepped forward, his low baritone ripe with disdain. "And you have not.." he declared, spitting out a glob of orange viscera from his lips. He was one of only four other Joro elves chosen to become B'halian recruits, standing nearly 9’ tall, an intimidating sculpture of marble. His name was Qalen, and he was the largest being within the vicinity. "With all due respect, General, she doesn't belong here."

His words sliced through the military grounds like a serrated blade, drawing a line in the sand between him and Kilik. They voiced the opinions of a dozen others who also stepped forth, igniting a chorus of murmurs. Delion smiled at the challenge. "Then she couldn't have picked a better time to arrive, no?" he remarked, igniting a hint of intrigue gleaming in Qalen's eyes before he nodded in response and strode back into the crowd of bodies.

Turning to Kilik, Delion placed his hand on her shoulder. "Prepare yourself, Kilik. In the next two minutes, these training grounds will become a cesspool of weakness. There are more than two hundred applicants, but we only have space for a dozen recruits." His smile held a mixture of confidence and detachment as he headed toward the door of the main fortress. "I trust in your skills enough to not bid you farewell, but I care too little about you to wish you good luck. If you are weak, you will die. If not, then you will understand.." he said, leaving Kilik to meditate on his words and cultivate her mind for warfare.

As the surrounding warriors sharpened their wits, their eyes darting from target to target, alliances formed, hinted at by groups of people sticking closely together. Tension hung thick in the air, a palpable anticipation of the impending trials. Everyone here knew the rules.. the likes of which started and ended with the two minute time limit that triggered the beginning of the trial. No one was allowed to swing their weapons until the cannons fired in the signal.