Legends of Belariath

Sarai

Part 2: Shogeton

accurate recording of a conversation with Shogeton a chirot residing in Nanthalion.

Shogeton took the seat looking very pleased with himself. "Then perhaps let me tell you of my actions while I was away from these lands. I had returned to my homeland, to speak to my father, and keep in contact with Chirot I was sure had not been led astray into promoting friendship with Kiroan. While there, scouts reported that a group fo Kiroan, or Torian, as they are also known in these lands, insulted us and challenged our daring by crossing terrain near the lands where we entered Belariath. Of course, I, Shogeton –that’s S-H-O-G-E-T-O-N- was among the first to rally for a suitable expedition.”

sarai{Ehl} "so you used to live here, then went off to fight Sir?"

Shogeton blinked a bit at the interruption, but wasn't slowed down. "I lived in the north, as do all but a handful of Chirot, but travelled south to search knowledge, and spread the truth of the Feather winged evil. When I returned, it was to meet with my kin again, but of course, I was ready for battle when the call came, being a Knight of Sheara. So me, and a handful of others set out during the night to fall upon the Torian menace taunting us! Darkness was with us, for even though our eyes may fail, our hearing guides us unerringly to where we need to be!"

sarai{Ehl} "so...you went out to fight raider's or slaver's?"

Shogeton gave me a surprised look. "They were Torian... they were nearby... All Torian are raiders or slavers... though they might not be raiding or slaving at the time. Merely a matter fo time. They cannot be trusted. We cannot allow them to roam near our lands."

Sarai{Ehl} “Why not?”

Shogeton shook his head. "because they're Torian. They were surely planning evil deeds, as is their kind's habit"

sarai{Ehl} “erm...your certain, you had proof Sir?”

Shogeton folded his arms. "It says so in the Tome of Sheara. Do not trust the Featherwinged ones. All the proof I need."

sarai{Ehl} “what were they doing when you found them Sir?”

Shogeton smiled, seemingly glad to be back in a story. "Hah, they were patrolling, offering rites to their false gods, raising their brood and preparing their skills and weapons to once more betray and enslave our race! We managed to slay their patrols without raising a fuss, together with the aid of the Silent Wings, Chirot warriors of another skill than myself, and then, once we had surrounded their vile dens, we prepared for the attack!"

sarai{Ehl} “so...it was a village of Torians that you attackted, with women, and children?"

Shogeton shrugged. "Village, den, even evil needs to sleep somewhere, and it made the mistake of doing so within the sight of Sheara's children. And yes, there were children there, though obviously, we did not fight or kill those, but I get ahead of myself. You spoke of women, well, there was many a woman who unleashed fearsome magics, damaging many of my comrades, sending them into a trance, and Sheara called one of us to the Great Kingdom, yet I personally broke through and with this mithril blade, slew the Feather winged witch, further breaking the newly awakened Torian's morale!"

sarai{Ehl} "so...you attacked a village that had done nothing to you, and slew many of them, cause you think thier evil?.... Not a nice way to act to your neighbours, but please continue Sir..."

Shogeton "They are Torian, I know them to be evil. Should we let them go unchecked, we would all end up chained and tortured once more... but where was I... Ah yes... we had set their camp on fire, slain their mightiest warriors and mages quickly, and so, the feathered cowards took flight. In vain though, as the flaps of their wings could be heard clearly by all Chirot. Leaving some to secure the camp, we pursued the fleeing ones, shooting or cutting some down, until finally, they surrendered, and were gathered back at the camp. Those surviving were all offered the choice between the grace of a warrior's death and the chains of bondage."

sarai{Ehl} “none of you thought to converse with them beforehand? They very ikely were peaceful farmers wishing to settle, they could have aided in the growth of the territory...what did they chose?"

Shogeton looked at me as if I had suggested total lunacy. "Converse? With TORIAN? They're the sworn enemy of my kind. Any words they said would be lies. Besides, their farming would have hindered our hunting. We wish to vanquish the Torian menace, not give them a home." He coughed. "Regardless, some Torian chose death, and were slain, the others were tied together in groups of four at wrists and ankles, and gathered to be taken back to our cities. There we'd offer them for any Chirot to use, and prevent them from spreading their poison by keeping them in bondage. Those undesirable were slain, and the children were to be raised by some previously captured Torian... of course, you cannot even trust a snake even IF you raised it not to bite, but once they are adult, they might make for an interesting diversion. The elders and clerics commend us for our successful battle, and we had a feast for our comrade that had travelled to the Great to the Great Kingdom Thus finishes my story!"

sarai{Ehl} "So...a whole village of Torians killed or enslaved...arent you worried that your holy teaching will lead you to all out war with the torians and magi? they do outnumber you Chirots"

((At this point the lovely and cute and adorable inn slave Elspeth, who I have a lil crush on, came by.))

Elspeth{LI} "excuse me miss sarai, sir Shogeton, can I get either of you something to drink?"

sarai{Ehl} "its sarai MISS Elspeth, a glass of milk, then come sit, cause your next"

Elspeth{LI} “Yes miss sarai, a .... I'm sorry? I-I'm what?”

Shogeton raised his chin. "'will' lead us at war? Bah, perhaps not yet in Belariath, but in the Great Kingdom, we have been at war for centuries, ever since Sheara freed us from the cruel bondage enforced on us by the Feather winged ones! And with the help of Sheara, we shall vanquish them, for in death, we are but reborn in the next world. Our victory is inevitable." He turned to Elspeth. "Yes, a glass of milk if you please. Turning back to me he grinned. "In the end, the Kiroan shall be extinguished, and Sheara's children shall know peace, freedom and prosperity!"

sarai{Ehl} “erm, alright, thank you Sir, if you could sum everything up in a word, what would it be?"

Shogeton scratched his head..; "If I may use more than one. Sheara shall win, the Kiroan shall be defeated!" He said, flashing me his sharp pointy teeth.

sarai{Ehl} “well no that’s cheating, but thank you Sir, this has been informative”

Elspeth{LI} smiled at Shogeton and noded, eyeing me bemusedly, then spun and scampered into the kitchen, to get two glasses of fresh milk, returning to place them down before myself and Shogeton, "here you are sir Shogeton, and miss sarai - and what did you mean, miss by me being next?"

Shogeton shrugged. "If there need to be one word, let it be 'Sheara'... he took the glass, “and it is always my pleasure to tell others of my people's exploits." He spoke with pride.

((A strange race these Chirots me thinks))

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