Post by Ellis Danton on Nov 11, 2016 10:13:22 GMT -7
[attr="class","storyline"]
[attr="class","h1"]Overcoming His Fears
[attr="class","body"]Ellis has a lot of issues which have always prevented him from developing as a person, and from making friends. With his new life in the army, he really aims to change that. His number one goal? Make a friendly relationship. One that is true, long-lasting, something not bound by genetics like his relationship with his mother.
It may sound simple - but Ellis is a damaged person with many issues, and part of his issue is how he closes himself off subconsciously even when he wants to be open. He needs something big to happen to break his shell wide open.
As Ellis is currently serving in the Attonian army, this plot is going to be centered around Atton as a locale.
The full summary of this storyline can be found in the spoiler tag below. This gets you up to date on all of the events so far. This summary was last updated on 03.02.17.
It may sound simple - but Ellis is a damaged person with many issues, and part of his issue is how he closes himself off subconsciously even when he wants to be open. He needs something big to happen to break his shell wide open.
Locations
As Ellis is currently serving in the Attonian army, this plot is going to be centered around Atton as a locale.
- Attonja Village
The tribal lands of the Attonja are hidden from many outsiders, but Ellis had been brought there by Xanthe. While many in the village will likely never be able to trust him as much as one of their own, in general they approve of him, having shown himself willing to give his life for their Chief. - Broken Temple Fort
The Broken Temple Fort has been a key location in Ellis’ journeys in Atton. The Niseca-Vieri stronghold is where Ellis first encountered Xanthe, and it is where the peace treaty was signed. Ellis has positive relationships with most of the people in the Temple, save for Erik the Sharp-Eyed and several of his soldiers. - Fort Fabelle
Though he seems to spend most of his time outside of this key Aurcaele stronghold, Fort Fabelle would still be counted as Ellis’ home away from home. He has little to no desire to spend time there, however… His life has been so much better anywhere, and everywhere else. - Fort Giakohs
Ellis accidentally stumbled upon Fort Giakohs whilst attempting to bring Xanthe back to the Broken Temple Fort while she was unconscious. When he arrived he was in full Attonja regalia, though his appearance is strictly unlike the natives. This made him suspicious, and with a grand escape with the help of a massive Attonja beast, he is sure to be remembered by those who saw what happened. - Jaosi S'na: The God Tree
These trees are spread throughout Atton, and are an important religious locale for the natives. Ellis realises they can be an incredible power source - but recognises the religious importance of it, in the way he recognises the importance of Willow Trees to those who follow Ayniea. Ellis keeps having recurring dreams about the Jaosi S’na.
Key People
- Erik the Sharp-Eyed
Unlike Feofil and Ilithiya, who have grown to trust Ellis, and who Ellis has grown to see as close friends, Erik has no trust for Ellis or Pelagia. He merely accepts their presence as the cost of doing business with Xanthe, whom he does respect, and ensures that his closest soldiers do not fall for Ellis’ ‘act’ of weakness. - Feofil Peti
While Feofil was originally hesitant about trusting Ellis, the two have since become close. Ellis looks at Feofil like the father he never had, and respects the man more deeply than any other he has met before. - Ilithiya Fenn
Ilithiya had little reason to trust Ellis, Xanthe, or Pelagia, and intended to dose Ellis with a truth potion in order to erase all of her doubts. In speaking with Ellis, however, she decided that she did in fact trust him, and the two have developed a bond. The two particularly bond over the feeling of uselessness in much of what is happening - of being pushed to the side when more important people are speaking with one another. - Pelagia Xista
While Queen Fabelle is Ellis’ ruler, and Ayniea is his deity - Pelagia falls somewhere between them. He views her as an object of worship, and now that he is her Personal Aid, it’s certain that his alliances lay more in her favour, than in Fabelle’s. Pelagia Xista - Xanthe
Meeting Xanthe has changed Ellis’ life. His trajectory was aimed at something as simple as overcoming his stutter, and instead he has found himself friend and translator to an Attonian Chief. Xanthe
Side People
- Attonja Elder
This old woman was one of the first of the Attonja people - other than Xanthe - that Ellis met. She is a kindly woman who finds his hair supremely entertaining. She was the one to nurse him back to health when nearly killed by Kav’nok. - Ellis Elaine Danton
Ellis’ mother - who gave him her own name - is a friendly, plump woman who speaks Aurcaeli fluently and common roughly. She loves her son more than anything, and worries about him constantly. She’s a total #Danthe shipper. - Ellis' Father
Ellis has never met his father, and much of the issues he takes with the world are because of this. He feels he is broken because he did not have a father to raise him as most boys do -- and he wonders if perhaps his father is still out there. Perhaps he could meet his father one day. - Corporal Evard
This intelligent, spellcasting Orc is one of Ellis' superior officers. He had great faith in Ellis as a scout until he found the young soldier with a savage - and finding the boy more willing to sacrifice his own people than her. While it has now been shown that Ellis seems to have some reverence for Aurcaele - or at least Pelagia - he may still not completely trust him. - Gilles
Ellis encountered Gilles whilst trying to return Xanthe to the Broken Fort Temple while she was unconscious. Gilles intended to take Ellis prisoner, curious at this obvious outsider who could speak Attonian, who was wearing Attonian garb, and who was carrying a familiar Attonian face, but a massive Attonian monster appeared and prevented him from achieving that goal. Since then, he has not forgotten Ellis’ face, and still remains ever curious about this strange man. - Kav'nok
Kav’nok was an Attonja warrior who immediately distrusted Ellis, having lost his brother to Aurcaeli soldiers. Xanthe’s trust of the invader lead him to start a revolt against her, and even drove him to killing a group of Peacekeepers in an attempt to incite vengeance against the Attonja, and thus freeze the peace treaty in motion. This all failed when Xanthe and Ellis returned to the Attonja Village, where Ellis laid his life on the line for Xanthe -- and Xanthe then executed Kav’nok and his fellow warriors. - Junior Officer Teranikus Pencialo
This good-looking brute is an ex-steer who is believed to have fathered one of Gwenllian Fabelle's children. He's hated Ellis since he met him, not able to stand the seemingly spineless weasel - and hates him even more now that he's grown a seemingly anti-Aurcaele backbone. He was going to do everything in his power to sabotage Ellis -- but Pelagia had other plans. After Ellis nearly lost control of himself and killed Pencialo, Pelagia vaporized the officer.
Objects
- Ellis' Pendant
A pendant his mother made for him to wear overseas, Ellis has now given it to Xanthe. The pendant is made of a stone with a willow tree painted on it, and several leaves embedded deeply into the back, the leaves came from his grandmother, and grandfather's willow trees.
Summary
The full summary of this storyline can be found in the spoiler tag below. This gets you up to date on all of the events so far. This summary was last updated on 03.02.17.
{
Click for Full Storyline Summary
} Xanthe and Ellis both spy on the Broken Temple Fort (Atton) independantly. Ellis is on an assignment to discern the strength of the relationship between the forces from Vieri and Niseca - and instead notices another presence. This presence is Xanthe, who approaches him without fear, even though he has his weapon drawn.
The two trade in awkward conversation regarding themselves - Xanthe, a native Attonian; Ellis, an Aurcaeli soldier; and this Temple: home of foreign peacekeepers - until Ellis manages to communicate a desire to teach her. Though Ellis stumbles and stutters through the situation, they begin to trade the knowledge of their language. Before too long however, there's movement at the temple and both need to make their escapes. (Peaceful Observations)
Ellis then returns to Fort Fabelle (Atton) where he is required to report his failure at gaining information on the Niseca-Vieri forces. The matter is far more complex, however, when he is sent to see Pelagia Xista. In her tower, Xista easily intimidates Ellis, who crumbles before her - but insists that he has found something more useful - a native who may be able to trust him. She permits him time to explore than avenue - and assigns him another scouting mission, which she enforces he not dally on. (Report of Failure)
The mission is to investigate a strange tree not far from Fort Fabelle - one of many in Atton. While observing the strange, electrically charged thing however, Ellis is attached by a bear. Thankfully, Xanthe is in the area, and rescues him. With the bear taken care of, Ellis gives Xanthe his Mother's Pendant as thanks for saving him.
The two resume their conversation from the previous day, learning one another's language. They soon discover that their cultures are similar, in that both of their religions have trees central to their scripture. For Ellis, it is the soft willow tree of Ayniea, and for Xanthe it is the tree sparking with electricity he was sent to investigate: the Jaosi S'na (Atton).
The two are interrupted from their bonding by warnings from soldiers - soldiers from the Aurcaeli army, Ellis accidentally shoots one of them. Corporal Evard and Junior Officer Teranikus Pencialo are surprised to find Ellis with a savage, and when Ellis fires a shot into the Jaosi S'na, and causes a painfully bright burst of light to temporarily blind them, they believe he is a turncoat. Ellis convinces them to permit him to leave with Xanthe, under the pretense that he has the trust of Xanthe. They agree, and Xanthe transports them through the Jaosi S'na, appearing in the Attonja Village (Atton). (A Tree and a Bear)
The next morning, Ellis awakens in the Attonja Village. Xanthe and Ellis share a meal in her tent, but both know that he will have to leave - and the villagers will see this invader in their midst. As Xanthe introduces him to her people, and explains his presence, Ellis realizes that she is more than just Xanthe - she is their Chief.
They arrange for Ellis to greet the people of the village, and Ellis meets a kindly Old Woman with a keen interest in his strangely red hair. Then, a man named Kav'nok approaches, all muscles of a warrior, and confrontational manner. Xanthe manages to calm, and control Kav'nok - but Ellis realizes he will need to learn Attonja, he can't simply stand there and not understand what is being said to him.
The two go off to a river together where they continue to teach each other their languages. While bathing, Ellis asks Xanthe to sing a tune she had been humming - music always coming far easier to him. She agrees, and Ellis finds himself completely moved and convinced of her spirituality. He finds himself respecting these 'savages'. The two returned to the village, where celebrations were made for the new beginning that Ellis could offer. (Tribes and Tribulations)
At dawn the next morning, Xanthe and Ellis awake before dawn, and spent the full day once more trading words and ideas. Most importantly, Ellis finally communicates to Xanthe what he promised to Corporal Evard - that when a red flare lights the sky, he is to return to Fort Fabelle to speak with Pelagia. She promises to send scouts, which will tell them when the flare lights. (Learning the Language)
The next morning as Xanthe and Ellis discuss their fears and their faiths in the future, scouts return to inform Xanthe of the red flare being lit. Ellis suggests that they go to the Broken Fort Temple, and attempt to use the Peacekeepers in order to protect Xanthe from Pelagia should things not go well. Xanthe transports them there, and Ellis attempts to communicate with them. They hold their weapons to him, and view Xanthe as a prisoner-- until Feofil Peti reveals himself, and insists they accept Ellis' surrender and listen to his plea.
Feofil commands Ilithiya Fenn to show Ellis and Xanthe to the shrine in the temple, whilst he and Erik the Sharp-Eyed follow behind. The temple has been rebuilt by the peacekeepers, a show of good faith. Ellis attempts to convince Feofil and Erik to let them utilize the Temple as a meeting place for Pelagia and Xanthe - a safe, neutral ground - but Feofil expresses concern over Pelagia's intentions. With the implication that the temple belongs to Xanthe, and not to the Peacekeepers, however, they relent and accept the proposition. (Calm Before the Storm)
Ellis arrives at Fort Fabelle by that evening, and finds his welcome - unsurprisingly - cold. Pencialo, the officer Ellis had accidentally shot, is guarding the Fort, and doesn't waste his chance for revenge. Thankfully for Ellis, Pelagia appears and prevents Pencialo from completing his goal. Instead, she beats the officer, and commands him to escort Danton to her chambers.
While being escorted, Ellis attempts to apologize to Pencialo, who continues to ignite the situation. Ellis shockingly attacks Pencialo, nearly killing him. He holds himself back however, and continues to Lord Xista's chambers on his own. Unknown to Ellis while he waits, Pelagia kills Pencialo. When she arrives in her chambers, Ellis explains to her all that has happened, and how he has 'infiltrated' the Peacekeepers. Pelagia moves to gather her troops, but Ellis insists she comes alone - and she eventually relents on a number of conditions. (Return to Fort Fabelle)
Ellis and Pelagia depart Fort Fabelle immediately, riding back to the Broken Temple Fort. While they ride, Ellis teaches Pelagia some Attonian. Ellis explains to Xanthe, Feofil, Ilithiya, and Erik the terms Pelagia has agreed to. Feofil is impressed by how little Pelagia has asked, and agree. Erik believes it to be a trap, and refuses to attend.
Ilithiya and Ellis work to prepare the room to Pelagia's specifications, Fenn realizing that Ellis has been shunted by both Pelagia and Xanthe in favour of the two leaders talking amongst one another. The group of them discuss the prospects of peace, and find a level of agreement and respect among them all. Ellis remains at the temple while Pelagia returns to Fort Fabelle. (Between Two Trees)
Woken from his much-needed slumber by Ilithiya Fenn, Ellis finds her a friendly aspect. Ilithiya expresses her fears over trusting him and Pelagia, telling the story of Nathaniel Kitai, and how she had survived his brutal assault on the Attonja, and on those who sailed with him. Ellis does his best to comfort her, and instill that he and Pelagia can be trusted - and doesn't know that he has succeeded. (Scars of the Past)
When he finally got enough rest to make up for the lack of sleep he had been getting, Ellis explores the Broken Fort Temple to find Xanthe. The two share idle conversation, Ellis wishing he could cook Aurcaeli food for her, before Ellis begins to worry about his place in Atton (and with Xanthe) once Pelagia signs a treaty. Xanthe comforts him, and the two go to find Feofil to see the progress in what he has written.
Feofil's chambers are behind a door that does not belong in the Shrine, and Ellis learns that he is a conjurer. Feofil continues to live in Niseca, merely crossing through a door to his home from Atton. Xanthe struggles with the room, and Ellis offers to go elsewhere, but she insists. While she calibrates to the change, Ellis plays Feofil's piano, singing the song that Xanthe had sung for him at the river near the Attonja Village.
After the song, the two of them discuss the treaty with Feofil, trying to ensure that Atton is properly protected in it. Feofil describes much of it - including that once the other foreign forces agree to the treaty, that they would all be pressed (by the treaty) to leave. Ellis and Xanthe both dislike this, and Feofil wonders if Xanthe
should ask what her people would like - as the people of Fortuna are inherently violent. She agrees, and Ellis and Xanthe decide to return to the Attonja Village. As they leave, Erik appears - angry - to meet with Feofil in private. (Trust and Treaties)
Xanthe brings Ellis through the Jaosi S'na, and the two of them find the Attonja Village militarized. Kav'nok has raised many of the Attonja warriors against Chief Xanthe. Kav'nok aims to execute Xanthe, but Ellis jumps in the way of the blade, taking a killing blow. Thankfully, Xanthe was there to heal him, barely preventing him from death... But both wound up unconscious. (Unsettled)
Ellis awakes to the care of the old woman he had met in his first visit to the Attonja village. She explains what had happened with Kav'nok, and how he has been unconscious for days. Eventually he discovers that Xanthe is also unconscious, and fights to go and see her. With a strange voice in his mind telling him that he needs to bring her to the Broken Fort Temple before peace is lost, he volunteers to take her alone.
Ellis travels across Atton with Xanthe in a sling on his back. Eventually during his travels, he stumbles upon Fort Giakohs (Atton), and encounters Gilles - warlord of Rielcia. Interested in this obviously non-Native man in Native garb, Gilles wants him taken in. When Ellis refuses, he settles to use brute force - but a massive crash of thunder and a shock of lightning interrupt him. A P'nux Lejan Exa appears, and acts to protect Ellis... Or rather, Xanthe. With Gilles taken care of, the beast forms a cage around Ellis, and transports him the Jaosi S'na near the Broken Fort Temple. (Spirit's Journey)
Ellis' return with Xanthe is announced with vigor, and the two injured warriors are taken to the medical bay of the Broken Fort Temple. Pelagia, Feofil, Erik and Ilithiya meet there, all curious about what has happened. Ellis attempts to explain as Pelagia heals him, and then focuses on Xanthe. Her energy is completely sapped, and Erik quickly provides a solution. He brings a tube of lightning - power for Vier airships - and suggests it be used on her. When she is returned, Erik is quick to want to know if the natives who killed his people were 'taken care of' - but Pelagia focuses everyone on bettering Ellis and Xanthe.
They all leave Ellis and Xanthe alone, and Ellis is beyond relieved that Xanthe is now healed. It drives him to a plan - and so he asks permission to leave her side, and goes to Feofil Peti. (Complications)
Come the night of the tenth, it is time for the signing of the treaty. Xanthe comes to Feofil's door, which opens upon a completely different scene than before. Ellis is inside, and is no longer wearing his Attonian garb. He promises to be there soon, and lets Feofil and Xanthe go to the meeting room.
When Ellis does make his appearance, he is late, and acts cagey about precisely why. Pelagia demands he inform them, and when Ellis tries to find a way around it, Erik tells her instead: He was planning a surprise for Xanthe with Feofil's help, and had turned Feofil's door to lead to Aurcaele instead. They speak this all in Common however, leading Xanthe to think Ellis is planning to leave Atton.
The group of them refocus on the treaty, managing to complete it, and get it signing before it gets too late. Ellis requests permission to go with Xanthe, and Pelagia allows it - but enforces that he would need to see her when finished.
Ellis must then face Xanthe, who believes he has lied to her, and is leaving Atton. He assures her he would do no such thing, and reveals to her the surprise he had planned. Outside of Feofil's chambers: A table set for two, for fine dining, and the door open to reveal a window looking upon a willow blowing in the breeze. Ellis treats Xanthe to a home-cooked dinner, during which his Mother: Ellis Danton, introduces herself. The two enjoy their time together, until Ellis recalls that Pelagia is waiting, and breaks the night short - but not before bowing before her and realizing her worth for worship.
Ellis goes to Pelagia with some of the food, along with his mother's aged Willow Wine, hoping to placate her. She expresses disappointment in him, but also places upon him her faith. She burns the sigil of The Gold Leaf's into his palm painfully, and makes him her personal aid. Ellis is in awe of this offering, and cannot imagine - in that moment - a more rightful place for him than on his knees, at her feet. In that moment, he forgets about Xanthe. (The Signing)
His dreams, however, do not. He is torn between worship for the two powerful women in his life, and guilt over what may be betrayal should he choose one or the other. He goes off on his own for the day, trying to clear his head. (More Questions Than Answers)
The two trade in awkward conversation regarding themselves - Xanthe, a native Attonian; Ellis, an Aurcaeli soldier; and this Temple: home of foreign peacekeepers - until Ellis manages to communicate a desire to teach her. Though Ellis stumbles and stutters through the situation, they begin to trade the knowledge of their language. Before too long however, there's movement at the temple and both need to make their escapes. (Peaceful Observations)
Ellis then returns to Fort Fabelle (Atton) where he is required to report his failure at gaining information on the Niseca-Vieri forces. The matter is far more complex, however, when he is sent to see Pelagia Xista. In her tower, Xista easily intimidates Ellis, who crumbles before her - but insists that he has found something more useful - a native who may be able to trust him. She permits him time to explore than avenue - and assigns him another scouting mission, which she enforces he not dally on. (Report of Failure)
The mission is to investigate a strange tree not far from Fort Fabelle - one of many in Atton. While observing the strange, electrically charged thing however, Ellis is attached by a bear. Thankfully, Xanthe is in the area, and rescues him. With the bear taken care of, Ellis gives Xanthe his Mother's Pendant as thanks for saving him.
The two resume their conversation from the previous day, learning one another's language. They soon discover that their cultures are similar, in that both of their religions have trees central to their scripture. For Ellis, it is the soft willow tree of Ayniea, and for Xanthe it is the tree sparking with electricity he was sent to investigate: the Jaosi S'na (Atton).
The two are interrupted from their bonding by warnings from soldiers - soldiers from the Aurcaeli army, Ellis accidentally shoots one of them. Corporal Evard and Junior Officer Teranikus Pencialo are surprised to find Ellis with a savage, and when Ellis fires a shot into the Jaosi S'na, and causes a painfully bright burst of light to temporarily blind them, they believe he is a turncoat. Ellis convinces them to permit him to leave with Xanthe, under the pretense that he has the trust of Xanthe. They agree, and Xanthe transports them through the Jaosi S'na, appearing in the Attonja Village (Atton). (A Tree and a Bear)
The next morning, Ellis awakens in the Attonja Village. Xanthe and Ellis share a meal in her tent, but both know that he will have to leave - and the villagers will see this invader in their midst. As Xanthe introduces him to her people, and explains his presence, Ellis realizes that she is more than just Xanthe - she is their Chief.
They arrange for Ellis to greet the people of the village, and Ellis meets a kindly Old Woman with a keen interest in his strangely red hair. Then, a man named Kav'nok approaches, all muscles of a warrior, and confrontational manner. Xanthe manages to calm, and control Kav'nok - but Ellis realizes he will need to learn Attonja, he can't simply stand there and not understand what is being said to him.
The two go off to a river together where they continue to teach each other their languages. While bathing, Ellis asks Xanthe to sing a tune she had been humming - music always coming far easier to him. She agrees, and Ellis finds himself completely moved and convinced of her spirituality. He finds himself respecting these 'savages'. The two returned to the village, where celebrations were made for the new beginning that Ellis could offer. (Tribes and Tribulations)
At dawn the next morning, Xanthe and Ellis awake before dawn, and spent the full day once more trading words and ideas. Most importantly, Ellis finally communicates to Xanthe what he promised to Corporal Evard - that when a red flare lights the sky, he is to return to Fort Fabelle to speak with Pelagia. She promises to send scouts, which will tell them when the flare lights. (Learning the Language)
The next morning as Xanthe and Ellis discuss their fears and their faiths in the future, scouts return to inform Xanthe of the red flare being lit. Ellis suggests that they go to the Broken Fort Temple, and attempt to use the Peacekeepers in order to protect Xanthe from Pelagia should things not go well. Xanthe transports them there, and Ellis attempts to communicate with them. They hold their weapons to him, and view Xanthe as a prisoner-- until Feofil Peti reveals himself, and insists they accept Ellis' surrender and listen to his plea.
Feofil commands Ilithiya Fenn to show Ellis and Xanthe to the shrine in the temple, whilst he and Erik the Sharp-Eyed follow behind. The temple has been rebuilt by the peacekeepers, a show of good faith. Ellis attempts to convince Feofil and Erik to let them utilize the Temple as a meeting place for Pelagia and Xanthe - a safe, neutral ground - but Feofil expresses concern over Pelagia's intentions. With the implication that the temple belongs to Xanthe, and not to the Peacekeepers, however, they relent and accept the proposition. (Calm Before the Storm)
Ellis arrives at Fort Fabelle by that evening, and finds his welcome - unsurprisingly - cold. Pencialo, the officer Ellis had accidentally shot, is guarding the Fort, and doesn't waste his chance for revenge. Thankfully for Ellis, Pelagia appears and prevents Pencialo from completing his goal. Instead, she beats the officer, and commands him to escort Danton to her chambers.
While being escorted, Ellis attempts to apologize to Pencialo, who continues to ignite the situation. Ellis shockingly attacks Pencialo, nearly killing him. He holds himself back however, and continues to Lord Xista's chambers on his own. Unknown to Ellis while he waits, Pelagia kills Pencialo. When she arrives in her chambers, Ellis explains to her all that has happened, and how he has 'infiltrated' the Peacekeepers. Pelagia moves to gather her troops, but Ellis insists she comes alone - and she eventually relents on a number of conditions. (Return to Fort Fabelle)
Ellis and Pelagia depart Fort Fabelle immediately, riding back to the Broken Temple Fort. While they ride, Ellis teaches Pelagia some Attonian. Ellis explains to Xanthe, Feofil, Ilithiya, and Erik the terms Pelagia has agreed to. Feofil is impressed by how little Pelagia has asked, and agree. Erik believes it to be a trap, and refuses to attend.
Ilithiya and Ellis work to prepare the room to Pelagia's specifications, Fenn realizing that Ellis has been shunted by both Pelagia and Xanthe in favour of the two leaders talking amongst one another. The group of them discuss the prospects of peace, and find a level of agreement and respect among them all. Ellis remains at the temple while Pelagia returns to Fort Fabelle. (Between Two Trees)
Woken from his much-needed slumber by Ilithiya Fenn, Ellis finds her a friendly aspect. Ilithiya expresses her fears over trusting him and Pelagia, telling the story of Nathaniel Kitai, and how she had survived his brutal assault on the Attonja, and on those who sailed with him. Ellis does his best to comfort her, and instill that he and Pelagia can be trusted - and doesn't know that he has succeeded. (Scars of the Past)
When he finally got enough rest to make up for the lack of sleep he had been getting, Ellis explores the Broken Fort Temple to find Xanthe. The two share idle conversation, Ellis wishing he could cook Aurcaeli food for her, before Ellis begins to worry about his place in Atton (and with Xanthe) once Pelagia signs a treaty. Xanthe comforts him, and the two go to find Feofil to see the progress in what he has written.
Feofil's chambers are behind a door that does not belong in the Shrine, and Ellis learns that he is a conjurer. Feofil continues to live in Niseca, merely crossing through a door to his home from Atton. Xanthe struggles with the room, and Ellis offers to go elsewhere, but she insists. While she calibrates to the change, Ellis plays Feofil's piano, singing the song that Xanthe had sung for him at the river near the Attonja Village.
After the song, the two of them discuss the treaty with Feofil, trying to ensure that Atton is properly protected in it. Feofil describes much of it - including that once the other foreign forces agree to the treaty, that they would all be pressed (by the treaty) to leave. Ellis and Xanthe both dislike this, and Feofil wonders if Xanthe
should ask what her people would like - as the people of Fortuna are inherently violent. She agrees, and Ellis and Xanthe decide to return to the Attonja Village. As they leave, Erik appears - angry - to meet with Feofil in private. (Trust and Treaties)
Xanthe brings Ellis through the Jaosi S'na, and the two of them find the Attonja Village militarized. Kav'nok has raised many of the Attonja warriors against Chief Xanthe. Kav'nok aims to execute Xanthe, but Ellis jumps in the way of the blade, taking a killing blow. Thankfully, Xanthe was there to heal him, barely preventing him from death... But both wound up unconscious. (Unsettled)
Ellis awakes to the care of the old woman he had met in his first visit to the Attonja village. She explains what had happened with Kav'nok, and how he has been unconscious for days. Eventually he discovers that Xanthe is also unconscious, and fights to go and see her. With a strange voice in his mind telling him that he needs to bring her to the Broken Fort Temple before peace is lost, he volunteers to take her alone.
Ellis travels across Atton with Xanthe in a sling on his back. Eventually during his travels, he stumbles upon Fort Giakohs (Atton), and encounters Gilles - warlord of Rielcia. Interested in this obviously non-Native man in Native garb, Gilles wants him taken in. When Ellis refuses, he settles to use brute force - but a massive crash of thunder and a shock of lightning interrupt him. A P'nux Lejan Exa appears, and acts to protect Ellis... Or rather, Xanthe. With Gilles taken care of, the beast forms a cage around Ellis, and transports him the Jaosi S'na near the Broken Fort Temple. (Spirit's Journey)
Ellis' return with Xanthe is announced with vigor, and the two injured warriors are taken to the medical bay of the Broken Fort Temple. Pelagia, Feofil, Erik and Ilithiya meet there, all curious about what has happened. Ellis attempts to explain as Pelagia heals him, and then focuses on Xanthe. Her energy is completely sapped, and Erik quickly provides a solution. He brings a tube of lightning - power for Vier airships - and suggests it be used on her. When she is returned, Erik is quick to want to know if the natives who killed his people were 'taken care of' - but Pelagia focuses everyone on bettering Ellis and Xanthe.
They all leave Ellis and Xanthe alone, and Ellis is beyond relieved that Xanthe is now healed. It drives him to a plan - and so he asks permission to leave her side, and goes to Feofil Peti. (Complications)
Come the night of the tenth, it is time for the signing of the treaty. Xanthe comes to Feofil's door, which opens upon a completely different scene than before. Ellis is inside, and is no longer wearing his Attonian garb. He promises to be there soon, and lets Feofil and Xanthe go to the meeting room.
When Ellis does make his appearance, he is late, and acts cagey about precisely why. Pelagia demands he inform them, and when Ellis tries to find a way around it, Erik tells her instead: He was planning a surprise for Xanthe with Feofil's help, and had turned Feofil's door to lead to Aurcaele instead. They speak this all in Common however, leading Xanthe to think Ellis is planning to leave Atton.
The group of them refocus on the treaty, managing to complete it, and get it signing before it gets too late. Ellis requests permission to go with Xanthe, and Pelagia allows it - but enforces that he would need to see her when finished.
Ellis must then face Xanthe, who believes he has lied to her, and is leaving Atton. He assures her he would do no such thing, and reveals to her the surprise he had planned. Outside of Feofil's chambers: A table set for two, for fine dining, and the door open to reveal a window looking upon a willow blowing in the breeze. Ellis treats Xanthe to a home-cooked dinner, during which his Mother: Ellis Danton, introduces herself. The two enjoy their time together, until Ellis recalls that Pelagia is waiting, and breaks the night short - but not before bowing before her and realizing her worth for worship.
Ellis goes to Pelagia with some of the food, along with his mother's aged Willow Wine, hoping to placate her. She expresses disappointment in him, but also places upon him her faith. She burns the sigil of The Gold Leaf's into his palm painfully, and makes him her personal aid. Ellis is in awe of this offering, and cannot imagine - in that moment - a more rightful place for him than on his knees, at her feet. In that moment, he forgets about Xanthe. (The Signing)
His dreams, however, do not. He is torn between worship for the two powerful women in his life, and guilt over what may be betrayal should he choose one or the other. He goes off on his own for the day, trying to clear his head. (More Questions Than Answers)
