She moved obediently to the side, leaning up against the stone wall. As soon as he began, though, her eyes sharpened and she could not resist leaning closer, almost unconsciously. She recognized it for what it was instantly, but her own lands had none who practiced alchemy. Magic was born with you, or bought in the form of trinkets, amulets. Still the drive for more pushed her ever onwards and into the far corners of the world.. As evidenced by where she had placed herself. Her face was unguarded in those few moments when emerald sparks ran shimmering across the floor. Had he not been concentrating, he would have seen a sharp-faced woman with desire nested in her eyes, nothing like the laughing girl he'd been getting to know. As the glimmers faded, she wrested her expression back under control, leaving only a mild look of wonder that was not out of place.

"Of course," she answered with a light smile. "A useful skill, I would say." There was a question in her tone, as if she dared not ask him about it, but would let it go unless he pursued the conversation.

Pleased with her response, he nodded slightly as he chuckled. "It answers a question of yours.." He said trailing off for a moment as he peeked over his shoulder to admire his work. "I've rebuilt over half of this empire more times than I can count." He crossed his arms, scanning the woman's face as he decided she had either not know of what exactly it was he did, or if she had only heard of such work and never seen it. "I've been banned from using it outside of the castle, sadly." Seeming to be put down by the thought, as he knew he could grow so much more giving the desert empire a little more foliage. "But it's for the best I suppose, from what I've heard, it's a dead practice."

She snorted softly, a disparaging look on her face. "Banned." she repeated, eyeing the floor briefly before looking at him. "For the same reason your underlings' wings are bound, I suppose?" There was a thoughtful note hidden under the words, and in the back of her mind her plans had begun to solidify. "Your home here is very beautiful, but its restrictions gnaw at the mind." She shrugged slightly, and absently fixed her cloak about her wings once more. "I can only assume you've tried to change things?"

Kiarash shrugged slightly. "I think it's more to keep the illusion of it being gone safe, if they knew I was able to do such things there's high risk of people attempting to enslave me or use loved ones as leverage to force me into using it." He said as he leaned against the wall. "The rules are a little harsh I think, but I've not tried to change anything really, it's not my place to mess with their ways."

Peri looked at him sideways, saying shortly, "If things arent right you should change them." she gave an awkward tiny laugh, fiddling with the edge of her cloak. "But of course it isnt my place to criticize." She ducked her head in a sort of wave, partially turning away from him. "Im sure I'll see you around, at least until your court wearies of my performances." a tinkle of amusement threaded its way into her voice.

Kiarash nodded, giving the woman a slight bow before he made his way to the center of the tower. "No one could ever tire of you, though I do look forward to seeing you again." He smiled as he knelt down on the floor, his wings unfolding behind him as he prepared for the upward flight to return to the sanctuary. "Good night and good rest." With that, he rocketed himself upward, taking only second to remove himself from sight as he smiled. Making his way up to the tower and to his chamber, he retired for the night as he knew the days to come would prove to be interesting.

Early in the morning as the sun was peeking over the horizon, Kiarash was making his morning runs from station to station in the towers surrounding the castle. Checking in with his subordinates and making sure they were all where they were supposed to be doing the jobs they had laid out for them. After getting his men in line he was commanded to spend time with the heads of the empire, in a dreary meeting of sorts to make sure the civilization would push on without worry. After several hours with the council, he removed himself from the castle as he wandered the court yards, checking in on his personal gardens he was allowed to grow and tend to in his free time. A form of meditation and practice of his abilities to alter any form of mass that he desired, into which ever product he was in need of. Though, the courtyards were simply a personal pleasure of his as he seemed to have a deep fondness of the exotic plants that would never grow naturally in his country.

Aubrey, having been told nothing otherwise, was back in the stable, tending to Piruz. Although he would deny it to his last breath, he'd grown rather fond of the stallion and his endless tricks. Of course, this might also be due to the fact that there seemed to be a grudging respect growing between the pair, and Piruz kept his tricks to a non-injury line. Aub tugged at the halter, pulling Piruz's head down to brush out his tangled mane.

And Peri, for her part, was now perched precariously on the spire of the citadel, up where noone could see her, stretched out in the sun. She had no duties here save the nightly entertainment, so she'd amused herself this morning by scaring the human gaurds with petty magics when they could not see her- causing things to blow over, undoing belts, loosening saddle girths, and generally convincing them there was a peevish ghost lingering in the halls.

Kit suddenly perked up, her wings folding neatly behind her as she watched a lone horseman raise cloud of dust as he approached the city walls. It wasnt long after that when an injured man rode into the court on a horse pushed to collapse. He was ushered inside the palace, his tattered tunic marking him from one of the empire's outlying guard posts. Offered drink, he gulped down the refreshing water, draining the flagon in one go. Wheezing still, but his voice now audible, he asked for the Forerunner.

While tending to his gardens, the harpy was interrupted by his steward, who seemed rather upset about something. After hearing what his servant had to say, Kiarash followed the man back to the citadel where he left the forerunner to continue alone. As he walked, he fixed his clothing to be as presentable as possible, as it was a very rare occasion that anyone came to the empire with a specific request as this one. Stopping in front of the doors which sealed the court from the corridor, he made one last check to make sure every fiber on his person was in order. Hitching his wings up and compressing them to their limit, he nodded to the guards and they opened the door for Kiarash. Stepping into the room, he gave a nod to the councilmen before bowing slightly to the emperor. Turning to the tattered man who sat before him, assessing his condition along with the marking of his people.

"What events have unfolded to bring you here in such a condition?" Kiarash spoke soft though sternly, before taking his seat at the table and leaning back in his chair.

"Pardon my lord," the man's voice rasped as he spoke, belying long hours without water in the outlying desert. "I was sent here by my Knight-Master Serla- our gaurdpost was overrun, sir." The man's voice quavered then held firm. "They were no men who attacked us, Lord." With all eyes in the hall on the rumpled man reciting his tale, noone noticed Peri's head pop over the rooftop battlement, listening to the tale unfolding below. "They came at us from the sky, m'lord." Murmurs began starting in the watching crowd, the gathered men exchanging wary glances. "They had magefire as well, and half of us were dead before we could even loose an arrow."

Kiarash rested his forearms on the table before him as he listened to the man speak. His eyes strayed from his guest as he watched the reactions of the other council members. Ruffling his feathers slightly he cleared his throat, effectively silencing the room as he spoke. "Harpies?" He asked as his eyes seemed to take on the appearance of stone as he asked his question. "With magefire?" His eyes locked onto the man sitting in front of him, easing himself back into the chair as he rubbed his chin. "How many?"

The man looked away, unknowingly shivering. "They were winged men yes, but like none ive ever seen m'lord." He shook his head, steadying his voice. "They had wings as black as a ravens, and so many that they blocked the sun. It was as if we fought at midnight when the sun was yet high in the sky." He gulped, not yet finished, as uneasy whispers once more permeated the air. "They killed us, m'lord, but they tore apart your gaurds." Someone handed him a flask, and he took a fortifying swig as he shuddered. "You know out there we're closer to your people than in the capitol, and some of them were my best mates.. but they didnt stand a chance. It was as if they were the true targets."

Kiarash's feathers ruffled at the mans words as he fought to hide any true reaction. For the time being, he knew his men were safe. Knowing full well the empire would cleanse itself of his battalion if they heard of rouge harpies attacking the guard posts. However, he had never heard of such a kin as described to him. For a moment, Peri's wings flashed into his mind before he shook his head discarding the thought. Even if there was more like her, their wings couldn't be big or dark enough to do what this man said. "Black wings?" He asked himself as much as the rest of the room, looking to the others seated around the table.

Returning his attention to the battered man who sit before his council, he gave him a reassuring smile and folded his hands on the table. "Above all I am glad you made it out unharmed. Please do take a while to rest and mend yourself while we discuss what you have told us, you will be of much more use when not still in shock from the events." He spoke as he waved two guards to help the man from the chair. "Escort him to an empty room and give him new clothing, along with food and water." The guards nodded and placed helped the man stand, even if he didn't need it. "Again, we thank you for this information and hope you feel at home while you are here." With that, the guards left the room with the man. Leaning back in his chair, the Forerunner ran a hand through his hair. "This does not bode well.."

The man nodded and stood to leave, adding, "I brought this news to you alone m'ord, because of the nature of our attackers." He wanted Kiar to know that he hadnt started a panic, and he would continue to be discreet as needed. Turning sharply, the soldier left the room with the other lesser gaurdsmen. ..Which just left the small council, staring dumbstruck at Kiarash as the news sunk in.

Peri slid a little closer on the roof above the open window, tossing onto her back so she looked up at the sky, the hubbub of voices below drifting out to her on the breeze- a talent long cultivated. "Black wings.." she mused, thoughtful. A few ideas crossed her mind, but unless a faction of the harpies she knew had split from the Queen.. And why slaughter their own kind? She idly moved her wings a few inches, the dust she moved around sparkling as the sun hit it. Peri stayed put, wondering what Kiar's course of action would be.

Kiarash gave the man a nod, keeping his eye on the guest as the door shut. The Forerunner looked around the table as all eyes were on him. As the chatter became louder he rubbed his eyes with a sigh, feathers ruffling and puffing out slightly. "No other choice them, I'll go on a scouting operation to do what I can to revive the post." Cutting off the banter as he spoke, he eyed every member at the table. As the council seemed to agree the harpy stood before lettings his ruffled wings hang rather lazily, his posture shifting as he walked away from the table. "Have my horse and rider ready for the transport of supplies, I'll round up a team." He commanded before leaving the room, never looking over his shoulder as the door shut behind him.

A lesser man was waiting for the Forerunner outside of the chamber, one of Kiar's favored archers. Upon seeing his leader the archer immediately stood from the table at attention, eyebrow raised as he noted Kiarash's wings and posture. "Not good, huh?" The lesser asked as he got in pace with Kiarash, who made no eye contact. "Council is in a frenzy. An outpost was heavily attacked by black winged fighters." Kiarash said as he made his way to his battalions meeting place. "Gather three of your best, I'll need some ranged support." The forerunner commanded the archer before the two split paths.

Kiarash made his way to the stables where he would hope to find Aub.

Aub was indeed in the stables, languidly reclining on Piruz's stall banister with all the grace of a jungle cat. he had a piece of straw sticking out of one corner of his mouth, and another piece in one hand, irritating Piruz's ears with it. He tousled hair flopped into his face as he sat up, eyes sharpening on the figure approaching. Long before any human wouldve, Aub knew who it was, and hopped off the railing. He gave Piruz a pat, dodged a half-hearted nip, and walked out to meet Kiar, a straw still in his mouth, hands stuffed casually in his pockets.

Kiarash eyed Aub as he approached the man, arching a brow at the straw hanging from the stableman's mouth. Passing the other before glancing over Piruz, he focused on Aubrey as he crossed his arms. "I'm going to need you to load Piruz with some supplies. I've got my best gathering men to prepare for a possible assault." The Forerunner spoke sternly as he leaned against a post and sighed softly. "I'd advise hiding a weapon of your choice from the armory, as I haven't the slightest idea of what will happen upon our return." Rubbing his head as he closed his eyes, doing a quick inventory in his head and considering multiple ways to deal with the worst.

Aubrey blinked at Kiarash, his eyes tracking the other curiously. Unlike Kit, Aub tended not to stick his nose into private meetings, and he was blissfully unaware of the assualt. He didnt ask yet, though, glancing at Piruz with a vaguely interested expression instead. "Pack him? You must be joking." he said with a laugh, making his own plans for that. "But surely, it cant be quite that dismal. Whats going on?"

"I am entirely serious." Kiarash turned to Piruz, running a hand along his snout. "It seems an outpost was attacked and ruined. All I know is the people who did it had black wings. The council is already whispering among themselves, not sure if I'll maintain my power once we return from this reconnaissance mission." He sighed softly as he pulled his hand back from Piruz, his hands resting against his hips lightly as he spit at the ground. "I've no doubts that things will be different when we return. The black wings let one man escape to cross the desert on foot and inform me directly, as if he were ordered to seek me out. I've got a feeling we're in for a fight, whether it happens at the outpost or once we return." Scoffing as he spoke, he shook his head slightly before his eyes locked on the stable boy. The harpy's eyes piercing into Aub's for a moment before he broke eye contact. "I'm still a little out of it, never heard of a harpy with black wings." Speaking as he rubbed his chin, continuing his calculations in his head as he awaited the others response, hoping to get a good feel for his loyalty to the Forerunner.

Aubrey took all of this in stride; the only allowance to the seriousness of the conversation was a very fine line between his brows. "Black wings.." he muttered to himself. He knew, actually, a black-winged King, but though he and his flock were a nasty bit of work, he doubted they would abandon their northern skies and risk the unknown. He left that train of thought to brew for awhile, choosing instead to ask, "How far is the outpost?" He glanced again at the heavy warhorse next to them, who flattened his ears as he did so. Aub narrowed his eyes at the horse, then said, "If it's more than a half-day's ride away you should allow me to find you a pack horse." He did not say outloud that Piruz was a warhorse, not a desert runner, as he had a funny feeling Piruz could sometimes understand him; and hold a grudge for the slight against his character. And instead added, "If you dont know if the city will be safe upon our return, this would be a good idea anyway as we might need to continue to a safe place.. An extra mount is always helpful."

"Piruz will be fine, even if we left now we would still get there before nightfall." Kiarash said before he huffed softly. "However, a second horse would be rather ideal given the event that we are met with a battle.. at the outpost or upon our return." Rubbing the back of his head as his wings trembled and his feathers ruffling up at the thought. Straightening up before fixing his armor and robes, Kiarash gave Aubrey a final nod. "You've got your choice of a second horse to pack and bring with, I need to be getting back to the barracks to see who I've got coming with us." His hand fell on Aubrey's shoulder as he gave the man a slight smile before he made his way out of the stable.

Emerald wings unfolded behind the Forerunner and stretched up behind him, lifting himself onto his toes before his form vanished from the ground. Kicking up a dust cloud as he launched himself into the air, Kiarash headed for the tower that was home to his battalion. His mind flooded with thoughts as he flew, shaking his head slightly as he cleared his face of his worried expression and landed on the balcony outside his personal chamber. Folding his wings behind him neatly, he stepped out of his room into the main hall of the tower. Looking over the dozen harpies who stood at attention upon seeing him, Kiarash gave them a short nod and they relaxed as he spoke. "We leave in the hour to check in at the ruined outpost, figure out who did it and bring this information back to the empire. However, I can not assure a warm welcome to await us upon our return.. so be ready for anything. Understood?" He spoke in a soft and stern voice, his eyes scanning everyone of his men as he spoke. The select few archers and warriors nodded and spoke in unison. "Understood, sir."

Kiarash removed himself from the sanctuary, walking down the stairs in the tower to allow him extra time to tweak the final details of his plans. His wings hanging loosely behind him as his feathers dusted along the stone steps, his arms crossed over his chest as he inspected every stair as he made his descent. Thoughts began to cross his head about the woman he had met the previous night, wondering if she could be of any assistance to him. Keeping the idea of her timing as well as the attack at the center of his focus, muttering to himself as he took the last step and stood still for a moment. Looking down at the ground for a moment to study the stone she had shattered last night before a brow arched. He turned and began walking down the long corridor that lead back to the main hall of the castle as he mumbled to himself. "May the elders guide you to redemption and keep you from straying.."

Aubrey made no further comment, giving a nod to Kiarash at the instruction, and an answering smile as he parted. Aubrey stood still for long moments after Kiar vanished into the open air beyond the stables' roof, considering all that was said and done and needed yet doing. He gave an unblinking look at Piruz, then strode quickly off towards the gates and the outer city. If he was to be buying horseflesh on the kings coin, well, one may forgive a little indulgence. Despite all protests to the contrary, Aubrey was a skilled horseman, and knew how to find what he needed from a mount.

Peri, free from any pressing duties, and now free of her game of listen-to-the-sentry, was of course, making it quite clear that she wanted something to do. Being, at this point in time, hassling the kitchen cooks. And not five minutes later, she was expelled from the kitchen, a little rumpled but looking significantly pleased with herself. A slightly smile decorated her face as she choose to wander into the palace halls, nibbling on a preview of the pastries that were meant for dessert that night.