Blackened Tides

It seems like it's been decades since my kind has seen clear skies above the water's surface. The clouds remain their emotionless grey and the waves still rage against the mountainsides of our other terrain. Yet we are still humble in P'rossara, unfazed by such a disturbance. Food is plentiful now, the storms have brought us much fish. This far below the ocean, the anger of what is thunder and lightning shows no threat, for Lord P'rossa is protecting us. But yet.. I still wonder..

"Hey! Et'rivvok, sir! Stop dozing my friend!!"

I guess I'll put it aside for now. It is time to celebrate with my friends, my comrades. Being in the Vurstarian Navy, it is not often we get to feast like this. "Forgive me, I got lost in thought I guess."

One of the officers was quick to respond, "No need for apologizes sir, this is a time of merriment!"

Merriment... then why does it feel like things aren't going as we think they are? Something isn't right, I don't know what it might be but I know that there's going to be problems. I'm too burdened by these thoughts to feast with my fellow officers. There's something I need to do.

"Sir, where are you going?"

I wasn't sure if I should reply or not, too late I guess. "There's something that came to my mind, I have a task to take care of." The room seemed to get quieter as I walked out of the banquet hall and out onto the balcony. The water we lived in seemed different to me. It was darker, much more mysterious to me. I've lived here for all of these years and I feel as if I don't even recognize my own home. Is there something wrong with me..? Lord P'rossa... what should I do..?

After some time enjoying the scenery of the sea, I started to gaze back up at the surface. The storm seems to be clearing for the night, that's always a good sign I suppose. A bright white light was starting to show itself in the far distance. I could tell the moon was full, hopefully tonight would be a peaceful one.

"Maybe I should go back in. I get the feeling the feast is about done."

I took my time walking through the pathway, I'm not one to rush unless it's necessary. Re-entering the dining hall, some of the soldiers were helping with the clean-up. Other than that it seemed that they had returned to their quarters. Maybe I should too, it's getting late and tomorrow's going to be another day.

I decided to take a trip down towards the medical bay, to restock on some supplies, before getting back to my home. It seemed strangely quiet, usually there's quite a bit of people walking around here. The patients were already put to bed, just the glimmer of a few lights illuminated the waiting room. Is there anyone here...? There must be.

Before I was able to shout for someone, I noticed a medic walking through the halls just outside the waiting room. Maybe he can give me a hand, I've got to catch up before he moves on.

OOC: sry i havent beenable to be on the comp, and im kinda not right now so this might be a little short sorry.
IC:

Teekeeus had just been sent to join the navy and had begun his duty in the medical bay that afternoon. Teekeeus was looking over the patiants and checking some of the more terminate injured. He had just finished his rounds and was about to retire to his room when he sees someone approch him from the corner of his eye. Teekeeus turns to the figure "Hello? are you in need of assistance?" He says thinking it must be a wounded soldier out of bed.

OOC: Not a problem, short but sweet can get the job done just as well.

IC:

I was able to get a good view of this other Vurstarian now. He wasn't hesitant and was willing to help, I like that. Judging by his gear and what not, he seems new. We'll see where this goes.

"Yes, I'm in need of a few medical supplies. I was wondering if you'd be able to help me."

The reflection of light upon the water seemed to give his face an eerie glow, it looked kind of cool actually. Definately seems like a nice guy, although I probably shouldn't stay here too long. There are things I need to get done before the night is over. I showed him my identification card to approve permission to use the medical supply cabinet. Hopefully I can find what I'm looking for.

As the soldier approched and came into the light Teekeeus noticed not what he expected but he was actualy a leader, He seemed as though he had experiance and even seemed as he would be fit as a High commander "oh" He said as he looked over the card "yes, of course sir" Teekeeus the began to lead him to the medical supply room. as they approched Teekeeus unlocked the door and opended it "take what you need, but leave some for the rest" He finished jokingly
"and will there be anything else"?

Scanning through the suplies, I found what I was looking for. Perfect, this will do. Giving a grin towards the medic's joke, I looked towards him in response.

"No, this will be all. Thank you for your help, I appreciate it."

Grabbing a few things, I'm all set now. This will do nicely. Closing the doors behind me, I met the other Vurstarian out in the hall once again. Maybe I should leave him be, he seems tired. Then again I have to pass him by to get to my quarters. I don't mind sharing a conversation. I walked on until I got up to him once again. Looking at the back of his body, I now saw a small leather pouch. Filled with different medical supplies no doubt. I'm still curious.

"Hey, thanks again." Looking outside the window briefly, the moon above the water was still very bright. It shined upon our scales and it made the water feel nice and cool.
"You staying up late tonight? I get the feeling there might be another storm tomorrow."

I nod as the officer goes threw the supplies and turn and walk back down the hall. I look over a pateint sheet and hear the officers foot steps and turn to see him
"of course sir. yes, im probily not sleeping tonight at all, i have alot of patients to look over, and have to take inventory. ya i feel it too as almost as if you can smell it coming" Teekeeus said looking back over the silent water
"im afraid i never introduced my self, i am Teekeeus, and i am the new medic here"
Teekeeus says looking back to the captain.

"A pleasure, Teekeeus. It's good to see new recruits." Giving another half smile, I didn't forget to introduce myself. That would be plain rude.
"I am Et'rivvok, a warlord of our military." Scratching around my muzzle helm, I looked at Teekeeus seriously. I wasn't sure what he was thinking, it's not everyday new members of the Vurstarian military get to meet a naval warlord. At least, not until the heat of battle.
My gaze started to drift off towards the window again. I understood what Teekeeus was saying. I could sense the storms before they arrived. Maybe it's just my natural senses, but I do feel as if the storms grow stronger with each hit. But I digress, I shouldn't be completely worried of it yet for we are safe.
"Care to walk around for a bit? Or do you have duties to attend to?"

Teekeeus looks at the commander as he speaks, he senced a tone of pride as he introduced himself whether he ment it or not, pride Teekeeus thought was not all that good a trait, especialy as a commander, but Et'rivvok seemed to have a good head on him and the scars must mean he has been through enogh battles to approve that. He he started to like the commander a little which he noticed he was not used to doing so with his other commanders, He wonderd how well he preformed in battle. then looks over his sheet "I dont have too much left to do, and i have already taken inventory twice" He saw that none of the wounded needed him, and he has not recived a call for most of the day "no one seems to need me today, I suppose a walk would do good" Teekeeus replies nodding and putting down the paper and showing a smile.

"Excellent. It's good to clear your mind of thoughts every now and again."

I'm not sure where we'd be walking to, but who cares. It's a nice night, the waters are strangely silent though. But I suppose that's not important as of now. I need to relax, I've been too tense lately. I've been having a lot of thoughts recently, it's been hard to keep myself settled.
But I digress, I need to enjoy this night. It seems that I've made a friend amongst the navy. Teekeeus.. He's a hard one to read. That's good though, one shouldn't reveal all his cards in one play. As time goes on, maybe I'll learn a little more of him.

The night went on, it seemed as if we were walking for a good hour or so. I needed to get back to my quarters before I ran out of time. We reached a small coral hill, there were fish hiding amongst the sea plants. Lucky me, I'm not far from my destination. Although I fear I led Teekeeus a little too far off course. Hopefully it won't hinder anything.

"I'm sorry to say but, I must be getting home soon. There are a few things I must take care of before dawn approaches."

As Teekeeus and the commander the water seemed stiller then ever, the quiet water was cool and quiet. after awile out in the night air the commander had stopped and stated that he must be going.
"Yes, of course sir. thank you for the company. have a nice night" Teekeeus said with a nod and smile. He then turned to leave and check on the patients "I suppose i will see you later, hopefully not on a streacher eh." Teekeeus said smiling before pulling back out his sheet and returning to his duties.

I don't know what happened to me then and there. Teekeeus had returned to what he had to do, but I was just standing there. I don't feel lost in thought, I'm just.. stunned. Something hit me, I don't know what but it caused me to freeze. What just happened..? I need to rest.. This is really starting to get to me.

"RRREEEEEEEEEOOORRRRRRRRRR!!"
The emergency siren?! That completely startled me, what's going on?

"All militia report to P'rossara's main outpost. This is not a drill! I repeat, this is not a drill!"

What could possibly be happening? I need to get back quickly! Fish were swimming in the opposite direction. Oh, Lord P'rossa, protect us.

Teekeeus had just walked around the corner heading to check on a patient when he heard a siren in the distence "hmm. more wounded coming in" He said to him self but then he noticed the soldiers gathering and the announcement go off. "oh no" Teekeeus said "hey! hey whats happening?"
"Im not sure, i just know were supposed to get to the main outpost" replied a soldier
Teekeeus had checked his bag and started off in the direction of the soliders, a one other medic started to followed him."you know whats happening?" the medic asked
"nope, but no doubet there gunna need us"Teekeeus replied hurring his pace
the water was no longer still and quiet the water had in a sence been disturbed and it started to thrash as the soldiers ran past. he only hoped that he was wrong anc that he and the other medic would not be needed.

Teekeeus and the medic were approching the base and they saw most of the soldiers were looking to someone he could not see. He had found another medic who was already there "hey, you know whats happening?" Teekeeus said as he and the medic came closer
"ya, apperantly the scouts saw somthing, so far thats all i know i overheard an officer saying that. oh wait shhhh" then the medic pointed up towards an officer near the front. as Teekeeus looked he saw it was Et'rivvok the warlord he met eariler, and a group of the other leaders. everyone had settled down it seemed with out any command, everyone just happend to want to now the same thing. whats happening.

The doors to the auditorium opened. A pack of Royal Guards surrounded a silhouetted figure in the middle. Upon reaching the podium at the head of the stage, the figure appeared from the protective circle. It was S'grasso, the great leader of Vurstaria. He looked pale, with a drawn face. He was in the finest of attire, fit for the king that he was, although he looked now, as though he were nothing was a mere commoner. With a slight cough, he gained all attention.

"I fear that I bring the gravest of news with which to brief you men with. Due to our secession from the Empire, we have been deemed an enemy. It is unfortunate... but New Tempera has taken an early action. Scouts in water say that a great armada of Imperial ships have been assembled by the shore. Just this morning, a great host of their Imperial Army had been spotted marching to the ships. I fear the worst." S'grasso said.

The congregation exploded into conversation. S'grasso merely watched this happen and looked to the ceiling of the room as if in a trance.

"We must defend our lands... but I cannot guarantee that most will live. The last time New Tempera invaded our territory in the First Age, year 137... we lost much of our population. But, this should not be a hindrance. We must make way for our future and fight!" S'grasso yelled to the crowd. "Mobilize the military!"

Teekeeus had listened to the words "an attack?" He finaly said looking to his fellow medics "lets hope our military can handle this" the medic said "well, now there will be no shortage of work now" Teekeeus said whatching as the soldiers husstle about and prepare to defend the nation "good luck to you both" one of the medics say then dissipears into the cloud of soldiers. Teekeeus and the other medic whos name was Neilix had began to go through and make sure that there bags were ready with medicine and anything they would need "lets make sure were ready, who knows when the fighting will begin" Neilix said. Teekeeus just noded as he looked over the waves of men many of which he knew will need his and Neilixs help very soon the wounded will fall and we will have the job to recover them. "c'mon" Teekeeus said

"Sir, this way. We must prepare you for battle."
The officers had lead me off stage as the crowd began to rush out of the auditorium. I can't believe it, New Tempera is attacking us? This is definitely going to be a fight for our lives. Walking through the halls, the moon was now setting and the waters were turning a light red from the rising sun. An elegant purple in the middle, it was beautiful. A sign that Lord P'rossa was blessing us.

We walked to the main armory, the soldiers were collecting their weapons. Climbing the stairs to a top floor, one of the officers opened a door. "Your weapons and armor are in here, sir." Stepping inside, I looked around at the short yet wondrous display. The officers had grabbed my armor and were placing the pieces on one at a time. I double checked to make sure they were strapped tightly as they went through.

I placed my quiver on my back as the strap went over my shoulder and across my chest. The chest plate was placed over it, that was my way of making sure that the quiver stayed in place. Taking my bow, I strapped it on my hip. I was handed my scimitar as the sheath was mounted underneath the quiver. Slowly swinging it a few times, I looked at the blue material along the hilt and then put it away.

"Sir, your battle claws." The officer handed me my claws, these were my weapons of choice. They fit like a glove as I put them on my hands. Rubbing the blades against each other, the sharp sound of steel sliced through the air. I was ready, oh man was I ready. "I must be on my way now, they're waiting for me in the strategy hall." I had a feeling the generals were expecting me, we needed to make a plan and I had to be there. "We'll escort you, sir. Come, this way."

Closing the door behind us, we walked down the steps and out of the armory. Soldiers were marching back and fourth from place to place as we wandered the halls. I felt energized, I was hyped up. I'm not going to lie about it, the thought of battle got me pumped. I'm not sure what we've done to upset these Temperians, but one thing's for sure. As long as I'm alive, I'm going to give them one nasty fight.

Teekeeus and Neilix had begun there way back to the armory "We cant help anyone if were bleeding too" He said as he threw Neilix a leather brestplate.
they gatherd some leather armor and straped it on, the both grabed a bow and some arrows on the way out. "you ever been in a battle Neilix?"Teekeeus said following the soldiers "no, have you?" Neilix responded. "no, but i have seen the horrors it brings, i used to fix some pretty beaten up people" Teekeeus said looking through his bag. He looked out to the water, they were clear, at leats as clear as they will be for soon they will be stained with blood.

"And so, we'll have to do what we can to keep this up. Any questions?" The plan seemed well, but I wouldn't doubt there's something wrong with it. We can't afford to lose this, we need to protect our people. I'll fight as hard as I must, die even, for our kin to survive.

"Warlord Et'rivvok, we need you to take a few troops to the depths. They know we live under the water but they can only dive so deep. Using the deeper waters as cover, flank their ships from behind and destroy who you can onboard. I want no survivors on those boats, sir. I don't expect you to be merciful."

"You forget general.." Looking at my war claws, I felt my adrenaline coursing through me. "I'm not the merciful type. They will make great sacrifices for Lord P'rossa. He has blessed us all with his strength and will aid us in this fight."

"Excellent," the general replied. He had quite the grin on his face as he raised his hand. "This discussion is ove-" The door blared open, a tired soldier rushed in. He looked like he swam as hard as he could to get here. What's going...?

"General! They've reached our coastal lines!" Everyone shot up from their chairs, even I did. This was crazy, they're here already?! We need to get moving! I looked at the general again, he could see the seriousness in my eyes. "Rally my troops general, we'll leave at once."

"May Lord P'rossa guide you. Don't let this battle end in vain." I bolted out of the room and towards the exit of the city. My troops will be waiting for me there. Believe me.. I won't let my people die in vain.