Lunch with a friend (Imvite)

[Diala]

Kalista walked with Otho through the arched door that lead into the garden from the entrance hall, the basket of hot, fresh food still in her arms, and who knew, what was in his, or in his pockets, she could only guess. A slight grin tugged at the corners of her lips, despite the fact that this old man always seemed to walk away from her kitchens with enough food to feed an entire family.

“You, are going to get caught one of these days by Ada, and I can’t wait until I see you once again on the floor with a rolling pin lying next to your head..” She laughed lightly, the sound was like a breath of fresh air, it had been a very long time since she had laughed at anything, suddenly, she was more than thankful for his arrival.

Their feet now traversed the cobbled path of her garden until she found a suitable hill to seat themselves up and she stepped from the path and walked up the grassy knoll until she came to the top and then sat, taking her sword from her hip and laying it on the cool grass next to her and looked up at Otho, her eyes watching as he moved. Suddenly she realized her personal guard was missing, though she didn’t have to ask, she figured that whatever it was he had done to those in the entrance hall, had affected them as well and she shook her head and laughed slightly, he always did like to talk alone, not trusting even her guard to know who he was.

“So, out with it, what is the reason for your arrival Otho, I know you haven’t shown up at my doorstep for a casual visit, I know you far better than that. What’s going on?” She asked, knowing it had something to do with Kaldryn, of course, but wondering at the same time if he had further news on the reports of Necromancy developing about the country.

[Otho Sarus]

Otho laughed as he sat down next to Kalista, his lined and careworn hands straying to the side of his head, as if recalling an ancient wound or battle scar. Indeed that would be an appropriate description, for the constant contest between the mistress who ran the kitchens and the wily old sorceror could only ever be described as that - a battle. Otho would often make it out with more than his share of fresh breads, meats and cheeses, but every once in a while he'd be caught, and only his quick reflexes or sharp tongue him from impending doom at the hands of the rolling pin wielding head chef, but on occasion he just wasn't quite quick enough. Those who knew him would often assume that he stole simply for the fun of it, rather than out of any real hunger. But it was in fact a combination of the two, as Otho's ravenous appetite were near legendary.
Slowly, the smile faded from his lips, as they drew back into a serious frown, "You had to bring that up," he sighed heavily, rolling his eyes skyward, "Can't we at least eat first?" Otho teased, "Ah. . . I guess not." He said, noticing the expression on Kalista'a face.
"You know why I'm here, much as you know why he is here, my dear," Otho said simply, "But I suppose the real question you want to ask is why have I been absent for so long?" Otho suggested, as his right hand began to wander towards the open basket.

[Diala]

Kalista allowed her smile to once again grace her lips as his hand went to the side of his head, remembering all too well that well deserved smash to his skull from the previous Head Chef but, like his, it faded as his did, and she looked on him now as Queen, not as friend, perhaps for the first time since his arrival as he spoke.

“Yes, I do suppose we could say that is the question at hand here. Why have you been absent for so long this time?” She inquired, watching his hand move toward the basket of food that sat between them. “You know, it is here for your consumption Otho, no need to hesitate, there will be no rolling pin to connect to her head this time.” She winked at him, not missing a beat as she continued. “Kaldryn has grown greatly in strength, I am certain you noticed the eclipse just the same as we all did, as well, there is more…” Now, she hesitated, her mind seeming to think about moving forward this time. “I believe he plans something horrible, and I mean far worse than simply wanting to destroy me, I felt him this time, in my head… it was almost as if he were testing to see my defenses, mentally against him.” She finished, taking a small piece of bread from the loaf that stuck out slightly from the basket.

When the Dark Mage had made his attack on the forest animals and blacked out the sun upon his arrival, he had searched her out and found his target, hitting her mentally rather indirect, but all the same, she had known he was grasping for something, and that something she was able to fend off, this time, as it was indeed an indirect hit, she wasn’t so sure she would be able to keep him out should he wish to truly attack her thusly again and directly

[Otho Sarus]

Otho smiled wryly as he took a steaming loaf from the basket, packing it with meat and cheese as he did. Somehow, he managed to eat the whole thing in a matter of seconds, though he looked no less ravenous than he had only moments before, and still eyed the basket hungrily. Otho however, decided to wait, as this conversation could take a while, and it was hardly appropriate to spray Kalista with food whilst he talked about such a serious matter. Though most of the time he wouldn't hesitate. After all, Otho was not born in Karador, but in a town now long gone, by a river that no longer ran, in a country that no longer existed. It was his studies and travels that had drawn him here, and the threat of the dark sorceror Kaldryn and the King of Hell's invasion that had kept him. Now, two thousand years later, it was time to explain what had finally sent him away.
"Well Kalista," He began, using her name, as Otho only ever used her title to poke fun at her, "I’m sure that you recall the events leading up to your fathers imprisonment, your sister’s death and that which followed. It has been those events that have been playing over in my mind for the last two thousand years or more.
After I awoke in the middle of a battlefield, surrounded by dead men and fallen demon spawn I was dazed. I recall only the circle of untouched green grass that I awoke in, free of those grim corpses. I could not recall my own name, nor for the life of me why I was even there, though I felt a peculiar attachment to an old wooden staff that lay in my right hand when I opened my eyes. I wandered across the corpse littered wasteland for days, before finally finding a small clearing in the northern forests. I stayed there for a long time, I had thought I was a wolf, trapped in a man’s body, but soon I remembered my name. Otho Sarus. That name haunted me for weeks on end, before I suddenly recalled the terrible events of that last grim day. It all flooded back and threatened to drive me mad, and it almost did. My mind was slowly reawakening you see, and too much information at a time in a delicate state such as that can have very nasty side effects.
So I knew who I was, and what I had done. My grief almost pushed me over the brink of insanity, as I felt responsible for what had happened to your sister, and did not know whether the King of Hell now sat upon the throne of Karador. Twisted by that pain I could no longer summon the will to lift myself from the sprawling position of abject self-loathing and pity in which I lay, let alone change form. I don’t know how long I lay there for, but when I awoke once more I was thin and weak, hungry, starving even. I thought of food constantly, when suddenly my mind created a roast chicken. Now I remembered who I was again, and what I must do. I was determined to save the world, or die trying. Foolish I know, but I strode back to the palace all the same.
It was then that I saw the ghostly apparition that was Kiara, and I fled. I could not face her, and knowing the kingdom was somehow safe, I went in search of you and your father. It was then that I discovered the great tree, and that I saw you. I felt responsible for allowing all of this to happen, I knew I had the strength to have stopped it, but had faltered and failed you.
It was with this torturing knowledge that I left, determined to continue my studies and discern the reason for mountains. At the time a particularly enjoyed the mountains, so I went to live there to the south of the kingdom, building myself a house away from people, who all reminded me of you, your sister, and your father. Slowly, through my studies my mind began to open up to me once more, and my strength came flooding back.
I wandered the world for many hundreds of years, but never strayed far from the kingdom of Karador. As I continued my studies, my mind opened up even more, and I felt different, more powerful and in tune with the fabric of reality than ever before. I managed to suppress my self-hatred and guilt, pushing it to the back of my mind when I sensed an old friend of mine had reappeared. His little eclipse trick was just what I needed to remind me of my obligations, and bring me back to Karador.
So as you can see, I returned. And do not worry, as I intend to give that tired old fool a very strong lesson in proper manners and how to treat a lady. I was thinking of tearing him up into little pieces – slowly . . .” Otho trailed off, his grief now clearly visible in his pained expression. He seemed drawn, older somehow, as if he were really more than two thousand years old . . .
He sighed explosively, attempting a weak smile, “So, in a nutshell . . .” He said in barely a whisper, as he broke Kalista’s gaze, looking way across the gardens and keeping his stare well away from the ancient tree.

[Diala]

Kalista absently nibbled on the piece of bread she had broken off, her mind listening to his words as he talked about the passing of time and his whereabouts during his disappearance after the war. She had barely eaten a thing as his tale wore on; suddenly finding she was not really that hungry. His words had brought her back to the days when the Demons walked the earth, slaying and devouring everything they came across, the horrible pictures that had lay dormant in her mind for centuries now opened up again as she recalled watching as her fathers life was stripped away from him to save the life they all now enjoyed. Then she remembered the search she had put together to find Otho, his body never found, though now she would understand why, of course.

They remained quiet for several long moments as the sun shown down on them from above reflecting off the pool of animated water in the fountain not all too far from them as it poured through the gateways opened up through the tiny holes to allow its passage to run and fall over the dragon’s mouth, only to splash softly down into the pool below to be sucked back up and repeat its course once again. Much the same as it seemed, the people of Karador were doing again in the face of what was to inevitably come.

“In a nutshell…” She finally said, her words as if far away, her mind still in deep thought. “You’ve come back to finish what was started so long ago.” She finished for him now turning her gaze to regard the old sorcerer, her teacher of magic, her friend, and her uncle in a way. “I hope you do not blame yourself for the passing of my family Otho, there truly was not you cold have done.” She stated, now placing a gentle hand on his own. “Many decisions had been made then, some perhaps not so well, but then, I was young, only 17 and suddenly faced with running a Kingdome… “ She paused and allowed a soft, half smile spread over her lips as she continued to gaze at Otho. That smile however, faded, almost as quickly as it had graced her warm features, to be replaced with a most serious look. “There are far more worries it seems, than Kaldryn this time. It seems we have been ‘graced’ with the presence of a Master Necromancer, his powers are, strong and I fear for what his intentions are, should the two of them decide to work together in this…” She trailed off, knowing she didn’t need to finish that sentence.

After a bit more of a silence, Kalista laughed warmly. “So, you thought yourself a wolf did you?” She paused and winked at him. “Fitting.” She finished and then sighed heavily, the momentary wave of amusement washed away again by old memories and present dangers.

[Otho Sarus]

Otho looked back to Kalista, his answering grin shining in the bright sunlight, "I missed you Kal, and Kiara. But most of all I miss your father. He was a great man, someone we all should look up to for guidance, and I can see that same strength in his daughter." Otho held her gaze, his deep purple eyes brimming as a single tear rolled down his cheek, falling to the floor to die a glorious death in the soft green grass of the garden.
"If only I could grow up to be like you," Otho laughed, his face brightening like a morning sunrise, as he recalled ancient memories that had long lain buried and unattended at the back of his mind. It was as if it were only yesterday that the then five hundred year old sorceror had arrived in the kingdom of Karador and presented himself to the lord of the civilised world. For thirty or so years he lived in a small study in one of the keep's many towers, helping to young girls to grow up to become what they had been born to be. It was a mammoth task, and one that Otho felt his old mentor could have stayed around a little longer for. After all, an extra pair of hands is always helpful when dealing with two little girls that had an uncanny ability to always get what they wanted.
"He's proud of you, you know that don't you Kal? And if he's not, I sure am." Otho said seriously, his nimble fingers all too still now, uninterested in the basket of food that lay on the floor between them.
Otho coughed uncomfortably, "Now, tell me what these troublemakers have been up to." He smiled genuinely, his expression both serious and pleased, as if he had finally managed to say something that had been hanging over his head for a long time.

[Diala]

Kalista was silent as he spoke, her own onyx gaze beginning to brim with tears, though held back from actually allowing them to slide down her cheeks freely, that was until he called her Kal… IT had been a great long time since any had called her that, and there had only been two in her entire life who had, that being the man sitting next to her now, and her father. When he had finished Kalista moved her hand up and wiped the tears from her cheeks and then without warning, Otho found himself with a pair of strong arms wrapped about his neck as Kalista drew him in for a long and tight hug.

As she began to release him, her tears running down her cheeks again, she kissed his cheek lightly. This something she hadn’t done since she was around the age of ten and she laughed a little bit, her arms settling back to the ground but her gaze remained on him.

“I missed you so much uncle.” She stated, the tears stopped, though her cheeks still glistened wet in the afternoon sun. “I hope he is proud of me, as I have tried to follow in his footsteps as best I could…” She trailed off. “And thank you, you have no idea what your approval means to me…” She said then, her eyes moving over his weathered face as she went on and then she gazed out over the garden and was silent for a few moments longer.

“Well, Kaldryn has just made his presence known, and strongly, I might add.. and after the eclipse and his indirect attack on my defenses, he has been silent.. I know this can’t be good…” She explained how he had mentally hit her and tried, though she knew not all too hard, to find a hold in her mind and then went on about all the things the Necromancer had been up to, and as to how they hadn’t even a clue as to what the foul creature looked like. When she finished, she sighed, her gaze once again returning to Otho, the little girl-like presence that had been there just before she gave him that loving hug, gone, replaced with who she was now, and the weight of everything happening not showing one bit in her eyes, not but the gaze of a Queen, a warrior remaining there once again.

[Otho Sarus]

A curious mixture of surprise and glee spread across the old man's features as he was smothered with an affectionate hug and childlike kisses. Otho winced, grinning broadly as she came out of her shell and out from under her visage of forged steel. Kalista needed to realise that she was still human, and still a woman, even if her people required so much more of her, she could not loose sight of that, and it was good to see that she had not. She still hoped, and she still fought, still carrying a burden that none should ever have to bear. The old man sighed under his breath as she pulled away, talking of that filth Kaldryn, of necromancers, of war - of buisness.
"Kalista, don't try to take everything upon yourself now. I'm here now, so make use of that. I might moan and groan and try to shirk my chores and duties, but I'm really just an attention seeking old man. I'll never admit this again, so if you need something, just ask Kal, there's not a chance that I'll be leaving here any time soon, well, at least not until that rogue's been dealt with." Otho laughed briefly, the grin on his face fading to a smile as he finished, "But right now we have work to do Kalista, and important things to discuss."

[Diala]

Kalista took in a deep breath and then let it out slowly. She had been taking on a lot lately and was more than relieved the moment she knew Otho had entered her Realm as she knew that she and Cassius were about to have some most needed and capable help with things and the way they were seeming to roll on within Karador itself those things no longer at their gates, but now lurking their very streets, and even perhaps the very Keep itself. There was no telling what or whom they were up against, with the exception of Kaldryn; he had always been to full of himself to let his actions be blamed on anyone else.

“Yes and right now, I think our main focus should be on at the very least, making it difficult for the Necromancer to work in the city limits, of course, Cassius has closed down the city and has begun a military presence throughout and this I think, has helped a bit so far. After what had happened in the hospital as well with the dead animals... “ She didn’t finish with anything but a sigh. “Necromancers…” She stated then with a slight growl. “As far as Kaldryn is concerned, like I said, he’s being quiet, too quiet and this makes me more nervous than the Necromancer letting loose corpses in my streets.”

It was true; Kaldryn hadn’t so much as made a peep since his initial attack on the land. This didn’t bode well with Kalista, she knew him too well to know that his silence would not be for the good of them all. He was cunning and powerful, and as much as she hated to admit it, an excellent tactician. There were only two factors that they had going for them, and that was the fact that Cassius was just as good a tactician, and the fact that they had, had the misfortune to have to deal with him in the past, Kalista as well as Kiara and Otho knew what he was about and this could prove their best defense against the Master Mage.