Leodus, his heart heavy with the foreboding of war, knew he couldn't passively watch Astrolia descend into chaos. His father, General Regulus, a man of unwavering loyalty and fierce pride, was preparing for conflict, but Leodus, despite his ingrained sense of Leo pride, believed there was still a chance for peace. He possessed a keen intellect, honed by years spent studying strategy and diplomacy alongside his martial training. He saw the path to peace not only on the battlefield but also in the intricate dance of political negotiation. He would try diplomacy, a path far more treacherous than any battlefield.
His first destination was Taurun, the great land of Taurus, a constellation Nation known for its stubbornness and its considerable military might, and to add a close ally in terms of the Zodian Realm. The Taurus representative at the Solstice Conclave, a burly bull-man named Thade'os, had been notably quiet and reserved; this was whom Leodus needed to speak with. Thade'os is a bit older than Leodus, but a descendant, nonetheless. Leodus, accompanied by Theron, his childhood friend and now a trusted advisor to Leodus, journeyed to the Taurus capital, a city carved into the heart of a colossal mountain range. Their journey was not without peril; the routes between the 2 nations were never truly safe as they were treacherous, guarded by patrols of vagabonds and cutthroats, along with more immense threats of the more lethal Fauna. Though something seemed to cross both Theron's and Leodus's minds as they traversed the usual threats seemed more agitated, as to say they were being manipulated and not as reserved as the pair are used to. Leodus used his bullwork strength and strategic brilliance to bring down these threats, along with the aid of Theron's expertise in the field of archery and range combatants to trial passage, demonstrating a finesse that would even surprise his master's back at home.
The Taurus Nation, just as expected, was in a jumble similar to that of Leo the Guards at the entrance, halted the pair, demanding their reasons for trying to enter the city. Bowing first, Leodus explained that he was the Leo Descendant coming only as a diplomatic endeavor and request to speak with Thade'os. Though outwardly suspicious, they were intrigued by Leodus's youth and his evident intelligence, but to their dismay, the guard explained that the city is under full lockdown as it came to be Thade'os returned from his 'Right of Arms' with a wound only that of the true Zodian can carve. Before Theron could potentially state that it wasn't them, the guard raised his hand to stop him and state that they knew it could not have been them, as this mark showcased something of a more shadowy venom.
Soon approached a knighted bull Guard approached to speak with the gate guard. Theron quickly knew that this was Chasta, the General of the Bull Legion, a fierce warrior of the Taurus nation. He didn't offer hollow platitudes or empty promises. Acknowledging the pair's presence, he began explaining a detailed analysis of the current situation, meticulously detailing the supreme importance that no one is to leave and only those of official business may enter, and even they must be accompanied by 3 guards at all times. After the 2 hooved, the Taurus general looked to Leodus and Theron, though initially hesitant, found themselves. Leodus bowed again as was custom for those who did not reside in the Taurus nation. Leodus then explained their reason for arriving, and then again, the general too explained that, indeed, it is impossible to speak with the Taurus Descendant. Then the general gave a brief yet important message to return with pair back to the Land of Leo. The markings on Thade'os are not normal; they are cursed and cause a spell of decay on all that they touch, and it is taking most, if not all, of our resources to only delay this dark magick.
That last bit of information was increasingly mindboggling to Theron as he knew a lot about Dark Arts magick even most of the forbidden magick but one that cause eternal decay this was something that he needs the answer to as this could lead to mass chaos if not answered.
But they had to try and get more answers, and so they began their next trek to Cancer, another ally of many years and housing a dear friend of Leodus. But to get to Cancer from Taurus, you must travel past Gemino, the land of Gemini. A nation of Beauty and opposition, the Gemini people, renowned for their adaptability and cunning, live in a world both 2 in 1. There are always 2 sides to everyone and everything, a nation of mixed reality, which is seen as the brokers of a nation in Astrolia, as well as an Arbitration nation.
Leodus and Theron thought it best to pass through the markets of Gemino, mainly the bazaar area, in hopes of hearing any loose chatter. This required a different approach; the Gemini were not easily fooled by the ways of espionage, so they had to go by the simplest of tactics so as to hide in plain sight. They merely sourced their ears at a lowered position, and Theron provided a potion to use for the 2 to drink, which allowed for minor polymorphing, in which they shaped themselves into that of simple traders looking to sell their merchandise.
Leodus and Theron presented a detailed dossier to a passerby, overhearing a compilation of intercepted communications and carefully analyzed information, meticulously demonstrating the existence of a hidden force manipulating events to incite conflict, the only thing is that there still was no availed answer as to who they required finding. True the evidence gained was compelling, revealing a sophisticated network of espionage and misinformation campaigns aimed at destabilizing Astrolia. The Gemini, known for having no real underground networks, was in truth crawling with it. To think that Jeala, the Gemini descendant was having this done directly under her nose. The 2 knew they had to hurry, especially with this newfound knowledge.
They continued their journey to Cancer, a constellation known for its mystical arts and its deep-seated mistrust of outsiders as they are one the many that reside under water so before they would be able to reach the city they must first acquire gnells artificial gills to breathe freely under the water surface. From Leodus's previous visit he already had one for himself he only needed one for Theron. Arriving at the surface gate they were again halted by the outer city guards they always have 4 stationed 2 as heavy guard the other 2 for more skirmish fighting. The lead guard quickly to notice Leodus reached out a pincered hand as to shake Leodus's hand a friendly treating of the pair.
Though to make haste Leodus explained their sudden arrival informing guard of the recent knowledge and the current situation at Taurus. This proved fruitful as the guard understood completely and called for an immediate escort to the royal Conclave to speak with Cyliea the Cancer descendant and oracle.
The escort a fair maiden of the cancer people arrived snapping her pincers a greeting of her people and providing both with gnells. The three then dove into the water making their way to the conclave. An undersea castle the conclave was a true wonder of the Astrolian world home to the great leader of Cancer, the Crab King, who was notoriously insular and difficult to negotiate with. Leodus, understanding the importance of respecting their traditions and beliefs, approached the conclave with humility and genuine respect. He didn't attempt to pressure or force his way through; instead, he sought understanding, patiently yet urgently making his way to the throne quarters. He found the Grand Hall and to his surprise at its entrance stood Cyliea She was talking to Nira, her younger sister. Nira facing in their direction noticed them and quickly pincered and beam over to them giving a strong hug to Leodus. Cyliea also made her way over giving Nira a stern look, it was clear Cyliea was scolding her sister about something. but that was obviously not of the full importance Cyliea began to quarry their arrival on such informal notice. Leodus began to explain from start to finish.
This was grave news as even she started to assume the potential threats of the unknown coming to her home. This was no mere coincidence or just a mild attempt but in true reality a full wish for destruction and chaos and ultimately death. Alas this was only the beginning because and whomever the culprit still to be revealed lurked in the shadows knowing all and watching closing decided to strike again but this time in a timely effort in the grand hall.