Investigations (Finn)

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As soon as brunch ended Aria went on search for someone to drag to an excursion at the moon temple. She made her way over to the guard barracks, the skirts of her dress billowing behind her. The barracks were still in the realm of where she was allowed to go. She had her hands in her sleeves as she wondered about the day’s events. The princess had made a fairly large declaration with her full intentions of being friends. Part of the reason she never wanted to be mixed up in nobility was the whole social mess the called a hierarchy. Nobles weren’t as free when it came to being able to choose friends; at least not publically. It was refreshing to see the Princess bridging that gap; if more were like her the whole peasant noble relationship would probably be improved.



But right now her concerns turned back to the moon temple. She wondered if the gem she had tried to grab the first night she was fated here was still there. Along to see if any of the tapestries were moving or not. THAT and she supposed she would have to make sure the god’s little listening devices were ok.



Aria got to the barracks and asked if a guard would be willingly to escort her to the Moon Temple. It took some explaining that it was Noku’s orders that she be accompanied by a guard or noble if she were to leave the castle. Really if someone was watching her all the time, she couldn’t be accused of plotting against the king as easily. It cut into her privacy but agreed with the necessity of it. Whether she wanted to or not she now had to play the noble game.



It did help her case that she was looking like nobility at the moment at least. She suppose there was less to fear when she actually looked as a lady was expected to look. She was still dressed in her finery from brunch, while it was a foreign style it was still elegant. A stiff green collar crossed over her chest like a robe, and a thick belt wrapped tightly around her thin waist. Cream embroidery depicted phoenix’s that showed up brightly in contrast to the sage green of the collar and belt. Darker green roses were also embroidered. The rest of the dress was a light cream chiffon draped across a white satin. The sleeves of the dress were bell shaped and the material billowed out to hang close to her knees. The skirt itself was long, and shifted with her every movement. The train of her dress trailing behind her ever so slightly. Her hair was straightened, the garnet colored locks looking striking against the pale fabric. Now that the waves were taken out of her hair, it reached past her butt; half of it was braided back out of her face. A single cream colored rose tucked behind a delicately pointed ear. Her eyes were defined by kohl making the blue green orbs pop, she even more a light shade of pink on her lips.



With an escort she made her way to the moon temple.

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At the temple Finn stood looking at the broken structure, it had been many years since he had seen it, but the building was still as beautiful as he remembered. Finn wore a loose white silken shirt with gold trim at the cuffs and collar. Overtop of it was a white and vest brocaded with golden feathers and his pants too seemed to be made of a finely tailored green silken pants which made his affluence obvious without a large number of extra bells and whistles. Strapped across his back was an ornate, but solid looking two handed sword in an extremely fine sheath, and Finn's house crest was brocaded onto his back.

Finn's expression was a somber one as he watched the building and while he did not seem on the verge of tears or anything the destruction to the sanctuary did seem to sadden him greatly. As he hears people approach he turns and reaches for his ornate talon shaped belt knife. Upon seeing it was a guard and the redheaded woman from the king's summonings he relaxes and waves a hand in greeting.

“Lo there good man, escorting the fair lady?” He asks the guard who nods at him. Finn smiles brightly, displaying a full mouth of white teeth and says “why don't you leave the Lady to me? This site is hardly a place for a man in armor unless he plans to head off to a battle.” He offers and the man give him a grateful nod before leaving Aria to Finn's escort.

“Greetings milady, have you come to look at the temple as well?” He asks before walking over to a nearby railing. Resting on the railing was a candle and seven items symbolizing a different member of the pantheon, only Caster and Fate's symbols seemed to me missing.

“It is a rare crime to destroy a place of worship, even if we desire to squabble and kill to besmirch those who created us, and who will later welcome us to the Glades is a crime of the highest caliber.” He says with a tinge of sadness in his voice. “I can only hope whoever did this will realize their mistake and repent before they are lost.”

Suddenly realizing he had been lecturing Finn lets out a embarrassed laugh and turns to Aria making a formal bow. “My apologies I should have introduced myself already, my name is Finn Talrin, Archduke of the Northern Reaches.”

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Aria stopped in front of the large structure; her face contorting into a deep frown as half the building was freaking missing. That had to be one massive dragon; especially since she could see the destruction from the outside. Her attention was pulled when a male suddenly called out to her and her guard….and then dismissed him. She raised an eyebrow but said nothing as her guard gladly took the chance to escape and scamper off….well she did still have an escort. Now this man would be stuck escorting her back when the time came. When he finally addressed her she nodded, with a small bow.

She listened to his rant, and nodded with agreement. Seeing the damage done to this place did spark feelings of anger. People had been fairly open in insulting the gods lately, destroying their place of worship was akin to spitting in their faces. While she wasn’t close to this pantheon, they were still her family. She did not take kindly to those insulting her kin.

Aria bowed again when the man finally introduced himself; generally the right thing would be to curtsy. However Aria had posed as a male so long old habits die hard.

”A pleasure to meet you; I’m Aria Wurud Saden’s Champion. I’ve come to take inventory of the damages done, and see what to do about clean up. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to come sooner. You’re welcome to accompany me inside if you’d like; you seem to have love for our creators. I’m sure it will be a welcomes change for them”

Aria smiled a bit before turning to the entrance of the Moon Temple. While the candles had been set up for outsiders the rest of the temple had been closed off to the public. Aria walked up to the closed off doors and entered; as champion she had jurisdiction here. She stopped short of the main room….rubble was everywhere burying statues, the fountain was ruined and doors hung off their hinges. Most shocking off all was the fact that the whole back side of the building was now just a gaping hole, before plummeting down into the sea. Aria let out a deep sigh….first things were first. Unburying the statues; if she was going to poke around she would at least show some respect first. She started with closest statue which happened to be Vens. She began pulling back the rubble which completely buried the statue…she wondered if it was still even in one piece.

”So Arch Duke, do you believe a person did this or a dragon as was reported?”

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As Aria bowed rather than curtseyed Finn gave her a tight lipped smile. The woman was interesting, and if what he had heard about her being a Fated was true it would hardly be proper to criticize her customs.

“The pleasure is mine, you are the first of the champions I have met since coming to this city, I have heard we had a very unique bunch this year.” He replies a hint of mirth gleaming behind his eyes as he puts his back to the railing and leans against it to take stock of his new companion. He knew he'd become responsible for her when he'd waved the knight off, but the girl had been an oddity and his sister HAD always told him to be a gentleman.

“I am glad to see at least one of the champions also has a love of their patron, too often does the position simply go to someone strong instead of someone who actually tries to embody their ideals.” Finn answers, though he himself had been a champion several years before, he had represented Telska, but had made only a mediocre showing in the festival.

“That being said I would be honored to accompany you into the temple.” He says and followed her into the closed off area. The sight that greeted him there was a sad one and he could tell it bothered Aria as well, but as he stroked his beard wondering what should be done next the girl moved to start unburying the statues. Finn stroked his beard again, but then came to a decision and stepped outside.

Finn stood in front of the people who had come to look upon the statues and he raised a hand “People of Nova, hear me!” He called, and every head turned to look at him. Finn's easy smile had turned into a somber expression and he gestured to the temple. “The temple of your makers has been damaged, but while we sit here grieving, and it is indeed a sad thing, one of the Champions has entered the temple to begin to unearth the statues and help to at least partially restore it. I for one am humbled to see one so great take upon herself a task such as this alone while a dozen strong backs stand out here in grief. Come, I former champion of Telska invite those who wish to help restore this place in. Let us salvage what we can and work so that our gods may once again smile upon us.”

As the speech ended several people looked away from Finn, it was not a surprise that some merely wished to pay their respects and leave, but bit by bit people began to filter into the temple, one of the mages that was sent to investigate turned his attention to suring up the structure so that it would not fall and pretty soon a dozen people had funneled into the temple to begin working.

Finn removed his shirt and joined the people in the arduous work smiling as he did so and when Aria ask him who he thought did it he shrugged. “I do not know, and it is not for me to investigate, but if I had to guess I would say that it was. Many nobles spurn the words of the working people, but they see more than most know.”

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A frown wormed onto her face as the duke commented on the champions whom had come into their positions this year.

”…Unique indeed…”

She answered dryly, she had no love for some of the champions. She worried for what could be brewing because of it. Mylee …even in his old tired senile state…did not take disrespect well. She could only imagine how a younger less burdened version of him would react. Her mood lightened somewhat when he went on to talk about love for ones patron. How much he had hit the nail on the head was…amusing.

”I was named for the gods; however I believe I disappointed many by not strong arming my way into the position. It made for very boring entertainment.”


When Aria entered the temple she did not pay Finn much attention. She kept an ear out for him but worked silently. Using her good arm to lift rubble…the room was a mess. Sadly the statues were also in ruins…While Finn had stepped outside Aria had caught site of a gleam of metal….She pushed the rocks off of two circular bladed disks. It was covered in rock dust and grimy; she tilted her head to the side as she picked them up by the handles that were in the middle. She looked at them curiously….she remembered what kind of weapons this was. A chakram if she remembered right….Well she needed a weapon and currently the captain of the guard still had all of hers. She didn’t feel very comfortable being in the city without something. They were kind of big though, she estimated their radius to be about two feet. They had some weight to them....She was about to study them more when her ears caught Finn speaking up loudly and drawing attention to the temple….She let out a deep sigh and waved her hands over the blades, runes burned into the metal. Just as the runes dimmed the weapons turned to ink and traveled up her skin and onto her back where they would stay until she was able to inspect them further.

It was just in time to…because Finn had just finished his rather mortifying speech…she did not come here to draw attention to herself. Her cheeks flushed slightly as the tips of her ears turned beat red. She had really wanted to investigate what went on in the moon temple, but she couldn’t in good conscious leave without starting to repair the damage that had been done. Aria watched as people suddenly began to stream in, helping her remove the rubble….

She turned to the duke when he came to help with an arched eyebrow.

”You work fast your Dukeship, thank you for your help....I’m not too sure how to feel about being put in the spot light though…but the help is appreciated”

Aria turned her attention to the people who were working with her; she wasn’t sure how she was going to do all of this until her shoulder had healed. As it was moving what she had was already aggravating it…she pulled on the collar of her dress and checked the bandage…little red spots were beginning to show through. She sighed then turned her attention back to the working people who had come to help.

”A lot of the statues have been damaged, if you are able pile what rubble you move outside. I would like to get this area cleared….Please stay away from the gap while you work. I have not had a chance to inspect to see if there has been any damage to the cliff side. You have my word I will see what I can do to see this temple restored.”

She did not think that the temple would be cleared by the time night fell….but she would bring in reinforcements over night to help clear the rubble for her by morning. While the rubble was being cleared Aria went around to thank each person for their service. She helped where she could, and created small chat. Asking each person what they did for work, or how they were doing, ect. She made time for each individual. While also taking stock of damage in each area she helped out in. There really was no doubt a dragon had been there, the claw marks were highly evident. Eventually she made her way back over to the duke.

”I have seen what I needed to see; I’ll be making arrangements to bring some people in that can help repair the damage. There is mage that specializes with rock that I know, I would like to collect her to reinforce the cliff side. But I believe the earliest I can probably get her out of duty would be tomorrow….I had been hoping after I came here to go to the markets to pick up some new clothes….all I have here are guard uniforms. But I don’t want to inconvenience you.”

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As Aria agrees with Finn regarding the unique champions he looks at the temple again watching the work progress. “Well every batch of champions has a few less savory types. It's bound to happen when you use a contest of arms to determine who should represent the divine powers, but everything has a reason.”

As he continues to work with the people and Aria admits being uncomfortable being the center of attention he takes a deep breath and moves a very large rock on his own. The feet was not anything supernatural, but it was tiring and showed that he was more than willing to pull his weight. As he worked many of the people around them began to show respect for Aria and the Duke, and he exchanged pleasantries and jokes that would normally seem unreasonable given the high position he occupied.

“Lady Wurud, it's important for us to be examples and to stand in the spotlight for people, now more than ever. If the champions are visible than it helps to restore and reinforce the faith in the gods.” He explains as he looks out over the workers during a short break. The duke was covered in sweat and dirt, there were several scraps that came from working hard and his broad chest rose and fell in a quick steady rhythm that showed several hours of hard excision.

When Aria explains what she wanted to do he nod and cups his hands to speak to the workers. “Alright everyone! I think we've cleared away most of it and the guards that are reinforcing the walls are going to need to get back to work.” He calls then walks over to one of the guards who was going off duty and hands him several coins of very high value.

“Drink and eat as you please tonight, it is all on me.” He tells them and makes sure the guard knows to bill anything beyond the value of the coins he was giving him to the Duke Talrin. Then he walked over to where the water station had been set up and whispers something in the man there laughed at him and gestured towards one of the buckets which he poored over himself to clean away the dirt and sweat.

Pulling his silk shirt back on and smiling at the dull aches of honest work he returns to Aria. “Well if you are looking to go to the market I would be happy to accompany you. I have a few things I wish to pick up as well.” He admits.

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Aria found working with the Duke pleasant, he was a hard worker, and amusing. She found herself laughing at his jokes, and joining in with a few of her own. When he mentioned the need to be in the spot light she sighed and hung her head.

”You are right, but it doesn’t mean I’m comfortable being in the spotlight. I don’t do well with large crowds paying attention to me.”

She watched as the Duke talked to the people, and even gave the people who worked a generous reward. This brought a smile to her face; the nobles in this time seemed much more generous than the ones she had grown up with. She looked enviously as he dumped the bucket of water on himself; a bath would be nice right now. But frankly due to the constraints of her gender, dumping water one oneself in light clothing would be deemed quite inappropriate. She would have to hit the baths to night. Aria greeted him with a smile, at least a bit more comfortable with him in the while that they had worked.

”That would be wonderful; so your Dukeship, tell me about yourself?”

She made sure that the Moon Temple was clear before turning out. While she was there she noted that the crystal she had touched when first fated here was missing. There had been plenty of signs of a dragon leaving; but it didn’t explain why she had found weapons lying around. Were they buried in the statues? They were covered in quite a bit of grime. Thoughts aside she made her way out of the building and closed it up. Heading down to the second district. It would be a walk, but she enjoyed being out and about; she had been confined to one space to long.

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Finn smiles as Aria admits that she was not good with crowds. He wipes away some sweat and shrugs. “Just between us Lady Wurud, I think most people have trouble with crowds, I certainly did. Being good with crowds is a skill like any other, it needs to be practiced,” He admits but gives her a slightly bashful grin.

After returning from dumping a bucket of water on himself Finn pondered for a second then bent down to ask Aria a question quietly. “Do you think it's okay for me to walk around in soaked pants like this? In truth I am not quite yet used to the capital.”

Then after hearing her response he takes on a contemplative look, but he is broken out of his revelry by her question. “About me? Well I am Finn Talrin, seventh in the line of the Talrin arch-dukes. I am also the first sword of the legion of the hawk and the commanding officer for the largest military force in the kingdom.” He explains, unsure how much background she had about the kingdom. “I've been on campaign for the last few years and now I have come to the capital looking for someone to either help me run my duchy or to forge a strong alliance...though to be honest the former is more important to me.”

As he finishes explaining he seems to come to a decisions. “It'll dry as we walk.” and then he starts walking towards town, indicating Aria should follow him. “And what of yourself Lady Wurud, I am ashamed to say I do not know of you, can you tell me a bit about yourself?”

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Aria scratched the back of her head smiled good naturedly at Finn, he was surprisingly open for a Noble. He was right however when it came to crowds…perhaps that’s why Core was pushing her to join in on parties… She laughed merrily as he asked her if she thought it was appropriate to be walking around in wet pants.

”I’m not the person to be asking about the appropriateness regarding garments; I’m as soon as to run streaking through city as I am running barefoot through the castle and up to the king. In fact….that last one already happened. I don’t have a large fondness for shoes…Either way, I would say soaked pants in these temperatures would be rather refreshing.”

She listened as he spoke about himself; being an archduke his rank was right below the king and his regnant. Which made it even more shocking to how common he acted. It was interesting to hear about his military involvement. She smiled slightly as he mentioned he was looking for someone to help run his duchy.

”It’s a shame, you did not arrive a few months prior during the event of the blossom festival. Perhaps the Goddess’s could have pointed you in the right direction.”

She tilted her head to the side as walked beside him heading to the market, contemplating on her answer to his question.

”Well, as you learned in court the other morning, I’m one of the fated brought to this world. I am brought from a time much similar to this. Same gods, same beliefs ect. My adjustment here has not been as burdensome as it has been for some. I arrived here mid-winter; I have been running around apparently making an interesting name for myself since.”

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As Aria explains her opinion on cloths Finn shakes his head, though his expression turns darker when she mentions running up to the king naked. “Lady Wurud, I probably shouldn't be the one to tell you this, but you're now a court figure. It is going to reflect badly on the court and the king if you continue to do that kind of thing. In case you are not aware King Noru has lost a great deal of popularity recently, even with the atrocity the Fated apparently brought, I heard several of them spoken of fondly by some of the towns folk. This city is more divided than it has been in a long time.”

Finn raises his hand and smiles brightly as some of the commoners bow or wave to him. The arch-duke seeming to take care to always appear positive and upbeat when interacting with the common folk. “I am not well versed in politics, but rule at its best is one where the people trust the nobility to make decision that affect them. This means that a noble must seem to be more than those around him or her.”

When Aria mentions the blossom festival Finn lets out a hearty laugh.

“Ai does not need a holiday to show her favor, and I am not in a rush, though I will need to return to the North eventually.” He admits though after glancing left and right he bends down and whispers. “Though in truth it is my beloved and talented sister who actually holds that land together. I just lead the army and sit in a fancy chair.” His grin widens as if at a great jest as they continue to walk.

“Well if you're name is truly as interesting as you claim, I am sure I will hear more tell of you in time.” Though he stops after saying this and strokes his beard “may I trouble you to tell me more about the Fated you know as individuals and in general? I have heard a bit about them, but much of what I hear contradicts itself.”

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”Perhaps that’s part of the reason why I may have been given to Palico; but he really didn’t seem to mind too much. More amused… but I understand and will take your warning to heart… I suppose that means I must purchase some dresses…..”

She sighed, apparently she was going to have to undo some years of learning how to be a boy…Frankly in this culture woman were demure, and mouseish. She titled her head to the side as the Duke explained more about nobility to her.

”Could you elaborate more?”

Her eyebrows rose ever so slightly as he mentioned that his sister ran his duchy for him. Frankly the fact he gave his sister credit was impressive and a thought that brought an amused smile to her face.

”Tell me more about your duchy, it sounds like it would be an interesting place.”

She chuckled; more likely than not he probably would hear more about her. Things always managed to happen even when she wasn’t trying. She contemplated his question for a moment, giving some thought to her answer about the Fated that she knew.

”I think you basically have the jist of it, my opinion is they are a contradictory to themselves. A few I know, are devout to the land and kingdom. They call Nova and Teair their home, and frankly do what they can to be contributing members to society. However there are many who are having trouble adapting to this new lifestyle, they are lost….sometimes they turn down paths which reflect badly on others. It’s nothing but natural human behavior.”

Aria thought a bit more, about the fated individuals she knew.

”One fated girl I know is loyal to the crown, she works as a guard. She came from the world I am from and I knew her before being fated over. I lead her to the guard and she has been happily and loyally working there sense. Even after the fated managed to gain a worse reputation for themselves.

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“You are a novelty now, but frankly, you will begin to harm the reputations of those around you if you continue to act in such a way. Well unless you are able to cultivate the right reputation, unfortunately it would be hard for a woman with no holdings to cultivate such a persona and have it taken seriously.” He admits with a shrug, in truth Finn actually had a bit of the reputation he was referring to, some circles of the court disliked him for his frequenting of common establishments and 'low-brow' behavior, but Finn was the Arch-Duke in charge of the kingdom's largest army, and a war hero, not a new element who was being given what most would consider an inordinate amount of favor by the king.

Finn laughed at Aria's surprised as he spoke of his sister. “Of course you are not to repeat that to the gentry of the court. While most already know it for fact I do need to maintain appearances.” He admits with a grin.

Aria's inquiry into his duchy caused the Arch-Duke to smile. “The northern reaches are one of the colder regions of the country, our primary exports are wine and iron, but there are other metal deposits in the mountains. To be quite honest I cannot really describe it based on this place. There are many fewer nobles and merchants and craftsman guilds hold a much stronger voice than they appear to here. We also have the largest standing army in the kingdom and are frequently involved in skirmishes with the kingdom's northern neighbors and brigands who try to raid the land. The cities are smaller and tend to be very tight knit, and far more of men's lives are focused on preparing for the coming winters and in craftsmanship.”

The Duke's fondness for his lands was unmistakable and his eyes twinkled as he spoke. In many ways the Northern Reaches was a country of its own, Finn paid taxes to the king, but for the most part the land was more removed from the politics of the city, except in times of war.

“Though much of that might be due to the fact there are many things other than other men that seek to do men harm, and we are visited by the Fey more often, both the good and the bad ones.”