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| Thread: War for Wisdom |  This thread is pages long: 1 2 · «PREV |
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Lord_Woock
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posted November 24, 2009 10:27 PM |
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Xenostenes was led by an officer of the palace guard into the main chamber. The mongrel philosopher looked around the nigh empty interior with bored eyes.
"We found another one claiming to be a Royal Philosopher, sir!" the escorting officer said. "I see. You are dismissed." Marcus said flatly. The officer took immediate leave. Marcus paid no attention to the officer and started greeting his guest: "Seat yourself, help yourself to some water, should you be thirsty. My name is Marcus. I am the lord of this estate. May I inquire who you might be?"
"A bearer of bad news, Marcus," said Xenostenes with an exaggeratedly worried face. "I regret to inform you that the water in your town is piss awful. If I can't bear to pour it into my decidedly unappetizing interior, how can anyone expect me to wash my delicate exterior with it?"
So he mocks me? Marcus thought. Strange approach to a feudal lord, especially a stoic feudal lord. What purpose would it serve? Best try not to get coerced by him into emotional response. "Tell me, What school do you follow? Your decidedly unappetizing exterior demonstrates you're definitely not an epicurean. yet you speak like one. Very peculiar indeed."
Marcus reminded himself not to mock his guest.
"Epicurean! Hah!" Xenostenes exclaimed. "Some would say I belong to the cynics, but in my mind I am my own. Primarily, my good sir, I'm a man of few needs. I need but a piece of bread and a roof overhead. And I do think you'll soon find need to provide me with them."
"Yet you complain about the quality of water which the villagers have drank without complaint, since they were born. Leaving that aside, tell me why I should provide for a nameless figure who mocks me in my innermost sanctuary. Though, I admire your bravado." Marcus said. He tried to keep focus on what was being said. Form doesn't matter, content does.
"Your peasants will drink mud and eat grass if that's what you provide them with," snarled Xenostenes. "They'll never complain, and for good reason. A ruler exists to be feared. But I do not fear you for you can hardly make my existence more miserable, and I do not suppress my mind like a stoic fool does with his emotions. Right now I expect you're evaluating me as an advisor, but unwillingly so, for it is unbefitting of your position to listen to such a horrid fleabag."
"My tenants need not be burdened and spoilt with unnecessary wealth. I provide what they need and anything else they are free to get by themselves, after they fulfilled their duties to my fief and themselves. And, obviously, I am not to be feared, this position was only given to me by fate, but I try my best to handle it capably. You obviously don't seem to be interested in the keeping well of others. Though you are someone who frequently benefits from it. And the saying "suppressing emotions" makes about as much sense as calling life the suppression of death. My prohaeresis is the release of emotions, as not to be slowed by them. I need to let them go, not hold onto them, you see." he said flatly. He was becoming more calm and confident as he spoke: "Also, do not think me a judgemental fool. You have as much to say as king Thales would. The socratics would agree that your opinions would not differ in weight, when considering the absolute truth. Now, why is it you dodge my questions as to who you are and why you are here by simply defying me? Also, keep in mind that I may not make your existence much more miserable, I may end it, one way or another. Not a threat, just a statement." he said. He tried not to feel triumphant over it. That would be stupid. He had far from won. He had only delivered a vebrose reply.
Xenostenes nodded slowly as he listened to this and, interpreting the windy tirade as successfully knocking Marcus off balance, smiled gently. "Oh, but I explained precisely why I am here. As for who I am - I answered your silly school question in an informative manner. The only thing lacking is my name, which is but a formality you should only need in hiring or condemning me. If you want it so much, I should hope it's for the right reason."
"A good man knows when to admit defeat. There is no right reason to know your name, other tha me trying to gain dominance over you. I shall call you Stranger, until you feel like giving me a name with which to be spoken to." he said, pensively. One step backwards to advance forwards. "Obviously, I have no desire to hire you, so the name is unimportant. can you tell me about the situation outside of Tyre?" he asked. "In this chaos that is the civil war it is hard to find reliable information about the outside."
Xenostenes frowned in distaste. "My needs remain unanswered and you seem unaware of what yours are. My problem is a little one and I am certain another noble will appreciate my talents. Yours, however, will grow to be quite the conundrum before you finally take notice. Because of this, I will tell you what I know. It is still safe enough for the likes of me to travel without greater worry. I have heard rumours, though, of the so called 'Platonic Republic' growing rather... unruly. And now, you will want to be rid of me. Will a guard be summoned to escort me, or shall I find my own way?" he stood up.
Marcus looked at him. He definitely was an unpredictable force, a liability, rather than an asset. Though he couldn't afford to actually let an opportunity like that go. Someone that could be hired through a rather small wage is a gamble, but one with little loss and big potential gain. Though he is manipulating me. Is this what he wants me to think? Time to shove emotions aside. This would be a calculated gamble. "How would you respond to being offered some bread, cheese and lodgings in this fortress?" he asked. "Or are you in that big a rush to leave?" he offered a mechanical sort of smile.
Xenostenes raised an eyebrow. "Pure water?"
"May take an hour or two, but yes, purified water would be at your disposal, if that is your only demand. Water would be boiled and then cooled down, probably eliminating the weed and if that doesn't suit your needs, then you may get some from the tomfolk or find some means to get rid of the blackweed." Marcus said.
"Now I see we're getting somewhere," he extended his hand. "My name is Xenostenes."
"Pleased to meet you." Marcus said, shaking his hand. "I hope we both may benefit from this arrangement." stupid thing, really. Hope? Fates would arrange it.
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Yolk and God bless.
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My buddy's doing a webcomic and would certainly appreciate it if you checked it out!
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DagothGares
Responsible
Undefeatable Hero
No gods or kings
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posted November 24, 2009 10:53 PM |
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"Before I'll have the guard escort you to your living quarters, would you perchance demonstrate me your philosophic ability?" Marcus asked, as if it was something that had just entered his mind. he'd been too preoccupied with the other philosophers to have thought about that.
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If you have any more questions, go to Dagoth Cares.
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mvassilev
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Undefeatable Hero
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posted November 24, 2009 11:05 PM |
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(OOC: Don't you think it's a little strange that Marcus knows about the blackweed but isn't trying to do anything about it? Especially considering that it can trigger his weakness.)
Lothair walked a relatively short distance from the castle gates to the grounds of the keep and waited there, pondering the situation. "Blackweed in a Stoic's water supply? Three Philosophers? Something's definitely not right here. Ah well, nothing much I can do - I just have to wait for Marcus to show up to tell me his decision," he thought.
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Eccentric Opinion
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Lord_Woock
Honorable
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Daddy Cool with a $90 smile
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posted November 24, 2009 11:07 PM |
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Xenostenes opened his eyes wide. "Demonstrate it? Have I not done precisely that in getting you to provide me with food and lodging? Unless you mean the silly tricks the schools take such pride in? Surely this matter can wait until I've had a proper wash," he sniffed at himself. "And dare I say that it's about time I did."
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Yolk and God bless.
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My buddy's doing a webcomic and would certainly appreciate it if you checked it out!
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DagothGares
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No gods or kings
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posted November 24, 2009 11:14 PM |
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(OOC: well, either he got immune to it after awhile, like you can grow resistant to negative substances or he considers it as a means to train his prohaeresis or he considers it fate. Or all three.)
Marcus doubted for a moment. "You certainly seem to have a way with words. Very well, we shall speak later. i have to meet my apprentice, outside."
They each went their separate ways and marcus ended up on the castle grounds. He found Lothair right where they had agreed to meet. he was reliable at that, Marcus thought. "Greetings, Lothair. Have you found your weapon without too much trouble?" he asked.
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If you have any more questions, go to Dagoth Cares.
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mvassilev
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Undefeatable Hero
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posted November 25, 2009 01:33 AM |
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(OOC: A bit of an unsatisfying explanation, but okay.  )
"Yes, his Lordship," Lothair replied, "And I trust his Lordship has been well? I hope the two other Philosophers have not troubled him in excess." Marcus replied, "No. Actually, it's rather interesting, as far as that goes. Also, you don't have to address quite so formally."
Lothair was glad to hear this, and answered, "Thank you, milord. Incidentally, in regard to the last Philosopher who visited you - the unclean one - I have serious doubts as to whether he's a Royal Philosopher. In fact, I doubt he's a philosopher at all. You see, I spoke to him on the way up here, and the impression he gave me was of some lunatic, no more than that. Milord, you have more experience in these matters than I, but it seems a waste of time to listen to his ramblings. The proper place for him would be a convent or something like that - not wandering about. Another matter: there is blackweed in the water supply. I have already thought of several possibilities as to why it's there. But first, has your Lordship decided to take me into your service?"
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Eccentric Opinion
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DagothGares
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No gods or kings
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posted November 27, 2009 11:53 PM |
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"I have considered your service." Marcus said as he paused. He created a form of tension, while trying to think of the best way to put what he wanted to say. "I think I shall take you up on your offer, but first you would have to do a little test for me first. I want you to check something out for me." He then said. He tried to take up as much of Lothair as possible. He was rather energetic and, actually, he was rather expendable when Marcus thought of it. Sure, he respected his life, but Marcus also realised that anyone who wanted experience in the military use of the foundations of philosophy should have exerience with dangerous missions. Of course, what Marcus had in mind was far from dangerous for a Royal Philosopher.
"You may take up the investigation on the blackweed, though I should warn you that no expeditions to the source turned up anything special that could point out to the growth of blackweed. We were left to assume it was the bedding of the river that was just a very hospitable environment to it, you see. But first: I want you to follow the man with the bird mask (What was his name again? Defaun? Defour?) and follow him for a few days. I want to know how his society operates and I want to know whether he does anything supicious, understand?" Marcus said.
He also added, as an afterthough: "We'll talk about the Razortongue once you have returned. You can be sure that no great harm would befall on us by just keeping him here fore the time being."
"Any questions?"
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If you have any more questions, go to Dagoth Cares.
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mvassilev
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posted November 28, 2009 11:48 PM |
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Lothair quickly processed Marcus's words. "Interesting," he thought, "It's pretty obvious that there's more to this blackweed business than meets the eye. But I guess that'll have to wait. I have to investigate- the man in the bird mask? Huh?" then inquired aloud, "Who's the man in the bird mask?" Marcus replied, "The Royal Philosopher who came in after you. His name is something like Defour, and he created a race of constructed beings known as the Toms." Lothair was taken aback at this, and asked, "Created a race? How? That'd take a lot of power... Just what kind of Philosopher is he?" "That," Marcus answered, "Among other things, is what I want you to find out. Well, I won't keep you from your work, Lothair. You're free to start. Report anything that might be important. The toms should be in the town right now." Lothair nodded, and the men parted ways, Lothair heading down to where his adventure started.
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Keksimaton
Promising
Supreme Hero
Talk to the hand
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posted December 14, 2009 06:23 PM |
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The birdmasked tomfolk conducted trade, while some of them began unpacking their portable housing to a suitable location. Apparently they had found refuge in the town. All was going just as planned untill a wild Lothair appeared.
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Noone shall pass, but no one besides him shall pass.
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mvassilev
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Undefeatable Hero
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posted December 17, 2009 01:31 AM |
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Lothair approached a Tom. "Welcome to Tyre," Lothair said, "In these troubled times, you have chosen well. This land is relatively free from strife, and this town is rather prosperous." The Tom just stared at the young man in surprise. Lothair continued, "I, too, am somewhat of a newcomer here, I must admit. My name is Lothair and I am a Royal Philosopher in Lord Marcus's service." The Tom replied, "If you're a Royal Philosopher, perhaps you should speak to our leader if you need anything." Lothair thought that was a good idea. "May I see him, then?" he asked.
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Lord_Woock
Honorable
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Daddy Cool with a $90 smile
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posted December 17, 2009 09:02 PM |
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Xenostenes was sitting in his room, reading some papers.
"Wow, so much excitement over this old thing?" he muttered. "Well, at least mr Democritus made some sense."
He paused and looked up.
"And probably didn't speak to himself. I need to stop doing that."
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Yolk and God bless.
---
My buddy's doing a webcomic and would certainly appreciate it if you checked it out!
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B-E-T-A
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Legendary Hero
Guess Who is Back?
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posted December 24, 2009 03:34 PM |
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Edited by B-E-T-A at 17:28, 24 Dec 2009.
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In the capital of the Platonic Republic
Char, a general of the platonic republic, was walking towards the senate house in the middle of the city. The slim and black haired man was in such a bad mood that he could probally have bitten off the head of a dragon if one had attacked him right now. The reason for this bad mood might not be clear the common man, but to the members of the senate it would be crystal clear.
"The incompetent idiot failed! Sure, he burned down the city and the temple, and executed most of the Phytagorians and burned the libaries without even checking the content first! Everything pointed towards him having burned and eliminated the last of the Democritus knowledge and teachings and he returned believing himself to have done something honorful. But then what do we hear? One of our scouts reporting to have seen a man escape the city with some scrolls in his possesion! DOMCRITUS SCROLLS! Ohh, the senate is gonna fry the fool for letting him escape. And their gonna fry ME for nominating him to lead the attack! Now, how am I gonna fix this mess?" Char mumbled to himself.
Char he sat down at a bench and started thinking. After a rest that lasted about five minutes he smiled to himself and mumbled "Ahh, the lovely game of politics. It is so, intriging."
((Sorry for having spent so much time to make one short post. Originally it was quite a long post that included the whole conversation within the senate and how I am appointed the leader, but I am gonna await Sir_Dragon's militaristic character so that the two of us can interact in the senate.))
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There is no good or evil, only madness. The question is "Just how mad are you?"
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Sir_Dragon
Known Hero
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posted December 26, 2009 03:35 AM |
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Octavia marched rather iritated towards the center of the city and the senate. She was quite enraged. Her long crimson hair whirled all around her like flames. Her eyes burned and her face expressed danger for anyone foolish enough to cross her path.
In the light of recent reports, a non-scheduled emergency assembly had been called. The senators seemed determined to discuss the reckless and sloppy handling of this most delicate matter, executed by the incompetent a,d unexperienced excuse for a general. As if they didn't have much more important work to do. Like deciding their next move in solving this "little" problem of theirs. Instead they insited to express their miscontent, and point finger at Char, make him take the seponsibility. Ridicilous.
Octavia fronwed. If it wasn't for Char, they would never have seen the end of the Phytagorian city with all it's libraries. They should be grateful towards him for ridding them of that pest, not demand his head on a plate just because some poor bloke escaped with a few rotten scrolls. Curse those pesky old fools who calls themselves senators. Nothing more but bothersome meddlers, caught up in boring, tirering and endless dicussions and debates. Never agreeing to anything, never deciding upon a solution to the problems that keep pileing up. "wish we was rid of them. Don't need them anyway" She smiled at that thought. "What this republiv needs, is a strong leader. One who can make decisions, come up with solutions. Someone to control and lead the crowd. But who? Who could do such a thing?"
Deep in thought she passed a bench where none other than Char, the man soon charged for the failure at the city of Demosian. He too seemed thoughtful, there he was. So thoughtful that Octavia just nodded acknowledgely as she passed by, befor continuing towards the senate.
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Keksimaton
Promising
Supreme Hero
Talk to the hand
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posted January 02, 2010 09:18 PM |
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"Of course, I'll go see if he's available. Excuse me for a moment," the Tom replied and went off. The Tom decisively made his way to another Tom who was moving crates of apples. The Tom tugged the crate carrying Tom's robe for a bit and pointed him over to Lothair's direction.
The Tom abandoned his crate carrying duties for a moment and went the way he was pointed to. "Greetings, Royal Philosopher. I hear you were looking for me. How may I help you?" The Tom, persumably Doufan, asked Lothair.
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Noone shall pass, but no one besides him shall pass.
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mvassilev
Responsible
Undefeatable Hero
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posted January 20, 2010 07:03 PM |
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"Yes," Lothair replied, while noting how the Toms' leader was engaging in physical labour. The young man continued, "As you may have heard, I, too, will be living in Tyre for now. I do not mean any offence, but your Toms are an atypical group of people. Because knowledge is power, as we learned at the School, I would like to know something about your Toms, if I am not being too presumptuous. How did you create such a society, and what does it hope to achieve?"
(OOC: Here's your chance to talk about the Toms from a sociological perspective.)
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Keksimaton
Promising
Supreme Hero
Talk to the hand
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posted February 18, 2010 05:47 PM |
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"In quite broad lines: We took walk-ins and in some cases walked a few people in, dressed them in robes and masks, named them all Tom and watched if they would get along in a small village society. I myself took on the guise as well, to monitor and to be in a position to take immediate action if things got... Out of hand," Doufan explained. "The robes and masks were meant to shroud these people in a way that everyone would look as alike as possible. Making one's physical appearance not be a thing being judged. The beak of the mask is filled with herbs that should also filtrate some of the air breathen and block out smells, so that they wouldn't be able to smell eachother's body odours, removing another factor that might be in the way of peaceful coexistance. It was a satisfying result to see that a formerly known 'gypsy hater' was able to work well with people of foreign origins. In blissful ignorance of course," The masked Doufan person continued. "However, now that the Toms move more freely outside the village, the masks and robes have sorely backfired and they are just as discriminated as gypsies... That's it in broad lines. Was there anything else?"
Before the young Lothair could answer, Doufan and the toms disappeared and he seemed to be alone, within the back of his mind. A voice spoke: "I am Renault, the Post-modernist. To all my colleagues I give a message. In one day's time my reality shall invade yours and all that you believe in will be tested. You must triumph over the deconstruction or your minds will perish. This I have interpreted as how our king would have willed it to be."
Back in the town, there are no traces left of any tom.
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Noone shall pass, but no one besides him shall pass.
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mvassilev
Responsible
Undefeatable Hero
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posted August 21, 2010 12:02 AM |
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"How strange," Lothair thought, "To see a whole tribe of people vanish just like that. Not that I actually saw them vanish, of course. It was like they disappeared when I happened to stop paying attention for a moment. Eh, it's not the first time a people has vanished from the land, but the last time it happened was Philosopher-King Thales's suppression of a rebellion, twenty or so years ago... The eastern peoples certainly didn't disappear without a trace. Or so I've heard. But this business of the disappearing Toms is quite different. More importantly, who is this Renault?" Lothair concluded his thoughts, "Philosophy is a complicated and often dangerous thing, and I'm far from an accomplished philosopher. I had best go to Marcus and speak to him of this matter. Moreover, the business of the blackweed must be resolved."
Lothair left for the castle to report to his master.
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Eccentric Opinion
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