Very well. I am not a man to turn away those in need who arrive on my shores seeking asylum or aid. You and your brother may stay for as long as you wish in order to recover and heal among us. All that I have is yours to use. Our city. Our town. You may go where you please wherever it suits you.
Thank you m'lord for your hospitality. Curtsied the princess. Her brother followed suit with a dutiful half bow as well. The chieftain nodded back, and then...
However. I am afraid I must have one only condition for your brother. Said the chieftain raising a armored finger from off his armrest.
Freyos glanced toward Ryana briefly worried before standing and stepping forward to kneel.
Very well name it.
The Fire Chieftain stood from his throne and stepped down to approach the two castaways camly.
The island's have had a poor history with outsiders carrying weapons on our lands. You seem like kind compassionate people, yet even so. I do not know you or the history you are so unwilling to share of how you came to be here in the first place. So during your stay here, I am afraid your brother shall be required to hand over your weapons under safe keeping to my personal guard until you have recovered and chosen a time for your eventual departure. Then he shall be given them back safely returned. You have my word.
Freyos began to flare up at the thought of not being able to defend himself or Ryana should the situation arise.
And If I refuse? Asked Freyos cautiously.
Then I shall have to confine you to a less...hospitable enclosure.
Freyos began to grimace. Hoping to make him see reason, Ryana inched in closer beside him to a whisper. He sighed aloud and nodded. There was no other option. He had to go along, with the islands customs.
Very well. He complied. But If I may ask. May I at least retain my armor? For protection and dignity's sake.
The chieftain, smiled humorously through his mandibles or as close as you could call it that.
But of course. We crustaren know that a warrior robbed of his shell is a insult beyond measure. You may keep it.
Thank you. M'lord.
One of the chieftans many sons stepped forward to recieve Freyos' weapons. The albatross knight took one last somber look at his precious sword staff in hand before folding and compressed it's complex components diligently together before handing them off quickly as if the action was painful to do so. The Crustaren seemed to take notice of the intricate parts of the weapons and tilted his head intrigued as he walked awake studying and turning the polished gear in-between his claw. "Neat staff." He uttered before turning the corner.
Ryana couldn't help but smile.
Now then. Clapped the chieftain. You may all take your leave for the night. You must be tired and weary from your ordeal. Cleasa my youngest daughter will show you to your rooms and give you a tour of the island in the morning. My servants will care for your every need and request. If you have any questions they will pass them off to me. Until then. I wish you both a swift recovery and a pleasant warm evening. And welcome you to our island.
The two southern guests bowed and when they looked back up a tall shapely red crustaren had appeared out of nowhere in front of them, hands folded and waiting patiently. She had the same shade of braided black hair just like her sister but was wearing shades of pink in her skirt and cloth. She had no golden tattoos, and her hair was shorter and reached only down to her spiked shoulders. Giving clear sign she was still but a soft shelled youth.
This way if you please. She smiled and gestured for the throne room exit. The two followed but an sudden thought came to Ryana's mind.
M'lord.? Ryana said uncontrollably, turning her head slightly behind her.
Yes? The chieftan asked calmly from across the room just as he was about to get up from his throne, stopping halfway.
What, What is to become of Vulcra?
Vulcra's eyes for the first time looked up. Before glancing over in nervous silence to the left toward her father. He met her yellow wide gaze for a brief moment, pondered, tapped his armrest with his armored fingers that clanked against the cold black metal before rubbing the bottom of his shifting mandibles. To finally looked back toward his guest to give her his final answer to set her worries to ease.
Her courage in returning when she came across you both in need is admirable. I expect nothing less from her as my heir. Yet still, why she had left in the first place, requires consequence..."
Vuclra lowered her eyes back in front toward her folded knees.
Everyone may depart. I shall speak with my daughter alone. He called out.
The servants and his other children nodded and began to quickly and quietly funnel out through the room, along with the two southerners. Ryana could hear the door close behind her and a tidal wave of worry overcame her as to what would happen to Vulcra.
As the outside headed toward world war abroad, The volcanic isles has steadfastly enforced its neutrality and isolation despite offers and demands from opposing powers to join either side or at least sell weapons and materials.
Five clans.
Redayo( head center clan, politcal) Ruby isle, red volcano crab
Orandaku( agriculture, more peaceful. largest population. Strong alliance with Redayo and Azzaki clan, favors isolationism and neutrality. Amber isle
Azzakai( Sailors, ship builders, strong trade ties with the monarchy, most likely to become the newest addition to their commonwealth. Sapphire Isle
vedaro: youngest and farthest away clan, closest to the jade sea, the wildcard in the middle who has suffered the most at the hands of pirates and has relied upon and married into the neggasi for their military might, while still favoring trade relations with the monarchy at the same time. they are a clan on the rise, unsure of where the impending civil war will take them. Emerald Isle
Neggasi clan, most warlike and aggressive( during war with monarchy resisted the most and as a result suffered the most losses for which they harbor a grudge. Once provided the millitary backbone of the shared volcanic federation. Now seek an alliance with the axis powers and to end the islands long period isolation. Its young and ambitious warriors eagerly await the chance to leave home and go to war abroad. Obsidan Isle
Feyvora, poorest most impoverished clan. Once wealthy, their mines have since run dry and they have become strong allies and a vassal of the neggasi as a resulting of needing someone to protect them. Still diligant and pridefull though, have strong trade ties with the empire with some even desiring to become a formally admitted territory. Adamant/Diamond Isle
Loyalists: Redayo, orandaku, azzsai
Reformists: Neggasi, Feyoara, vedaro.