| Moria, Thrakburzum Commons This room is vast, vaguely semicircular or triangular in shape, the ceiling forty feet high, or more, stained black by the soot from torches and from the fire-pit, surrounded by a grill of iron spikes pointed outward, that centers the hall. The room itself is maybe five hundred feet from gate to throne, if not more; the roof is supported by thick pillars, of dwarven design, relatively undefiled (for their task of bearing the roof is too important to risk). At the corner of the room, where the walls come together, there rises the massive gray-stone Chieftain's throne, uncarven, simply cut and polished in the form of a large, raised seat. Along either long, curved wall at whose intersection the throne is placed, there are doorways that yawn into similar vast chambers, filled with bustling uruks. The room is filled by busy uruks, whether Guards in tight groups, patrolling the chamber or moving through it to meet elsewhere, or Slavers with whips, driving snagas to their destinations, or Foresters, or Herders, bearing wood, meat, skins, furs; orcs of every stripe and class move through this chamber, conducting business, eyes shifty, or thrusting meat spitted on sticks into the great fire, and scampering off whenever a Guard patrol comes nearby. The temperature of this chamber is unnaturally high, both from the fire and the heat of orcish bodies. Yet lining the wall with military precision, a guard is kept on this chamber at all times, and rotated frequently; where orcs are gathered, there lies the danger of civil disorder. A set of double iron doors leads North to the Officers' Quarters. Contents: Talashakh's Throne(#23906Ca) Obvious exits: North leads to Thrakburzum Officers' Quarters SouthEast leads to Durin's Way - West Zijgrak passes through the Gate. Zijgrak has arrived. [Zijgrak(#24843)] Unusual for the Thrakburzum Commons, the place is rather quiet today. Very few orcs are milling about, save for a bodyguard or two, and several snaga that lie sleeping in the corner. Along the far wall sits a huge throne, the place of power for the Thrakburzum Talashakh. Yet the throne is empty, and for some odd reason, the Talashakh stands by the wall to the right of it, staring up at a disembodied head that hangs there. His gray skin seems pulled tight over his bones and muscles, as if he is under a lot of stress, and his eyes seem to be unfocused, even as he stares up at the gruesome decoration. He sighs very quietly, almost too low to hear,and the lines on his face tighten. It is apparent to any that have known Zijgrak for some time that the young uruk-hai is aging fast, mostlikely a result of his station. Gurstaka enters into the Thrakburzum commons like an uruk on a mission. His heavy boots impact with the hard stone of the ancient halls in a ringing, stamping rhythm, almost military in its uniformness. His face shows the stern features he is known for, looking like it is carved out of stone, two red burning eyes the feature. Looking around the area his eyes stop to focus on the one he has sought out - Talaskakh Zijgrak himself. His mouth moves into a smile, his cruelly pointed teeth visible behind his black lips. Approaching to within a few metres, he glares at a bodyguard that moves closer to him, hissing under his breath slightly as he stops his walk a few metres from the Thrakburzum leader. Dropping to one knee before his leader, he lowers his head in an inclination to his power, before coming to his feet again. "I would have words with you, My Master, if you can spare the time for me" he says simply. [Zijgrak(#24843)] "Speak quickly," says the Talashakh, though he does not move a muscle other than his mouth. He continues to stare up at the disembodied head, that of the last one to threaten his throne. "And speak truth," he adds in an almost growling undertone. The bodyguards who had moved to him at the interruption by Gurstaka step back as they hear the tone in his voice, knowing well what their master is feeling. Gurstaka looks sidelong at the few people on the area, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Perhaps you have a place that we can talk in private, or with only those nearby that you greatly trust. I would not have our words go further that those who we wish to know. Jerking a hand toward the Officers quarters, he nods his head "Perhaps in there?" [Zijgrak(#24843)] Finally the uruk-hai Talashakh turns to face Gurstaka, and as he does so, reveals the stress in his facial features. "I do not like the tone of your voice, nor the threatening manner in which you address me. I would have things discussed here..." He then visibly sighs and continues, "But I can see that you will not be persuaded." With that he turns swiftly and marches towards the officer's quarters, making a sharp gesture with his hands to his bodyguards. They bow quickly and scamper off out of the commons, for who knows what purpose. Guards allow you passage to the Officers' Quarters. Moria, Thrakburzum Officers' Quarters A great room one hundred and fifty feet in diameter, circular, the Officers' Quarters are centered by a table of stone, a great slab in the form of a circle. No orcs of rank lower than Tetrak may enter this chamber; cots line one corner of this chamber, but most are stacked almost neatly; seldom do the officers actually sleep in this chamber. Far more often, they discuss with each other various plans, schemes,in huddled groups, or negotiate and bargain openly. A brazier sits upon the table, coals glowing brightly within it. This room is hot, the acrid stench of blazing coals filling it, masking from all but the sharpest noses the scent of orcish bodies. Obvious exits: North leads to Thrakburzum Chieftain's Quarters South leads to Thrakburzum Commons Zijgrak arrives from the tribal commons. Zijgrak has arrived. Gurstaka follows closely behind the Talaskakh, but not so close as to bring discomfort. The room he enters is empty besides a few Tetrak. Gurstaka scowls at them and jerks his hand toward the door - with a few glares they filter out, leaving the room empty. Alone finally with the chieftain, he sinks down into a chair. Gesturing to a comftable chair opposite him, he grins at the Chieftain. Will you not sit down, My Master?" he says in an even tone. I have important matters to discuss with you, matters that may effect the direction which great Thrakburzum goes... [Zijgrak(#24843)] Filing silently into the Officers Quarters, and taking up station across the table from where Gurstaka sits, Zijgrak confirms to the few tetrak that they are to leave. He remains standing, however, his crimson eyes now peering intently at Gurstaka. "What is this about, Uruk? You'd better have a good reason for disturbing me and my officers." His eyes narrow until they are little more than slits of fire, burning from the stone-gray face of this mighty warrior and Talashakh. "Speak now, or your tongue shall be made to wag by other methods. Delay no longer." Gurstaka sighs softly. "Very well Talaskakh, I shall get right into my concerns. Are you aware of the business that the Master Hammerer Khartzog has been involving himself in? He is but recently become Master, and has not the full skills of the hamerer. He is systematically alienating every group in Moria. The Shamans and the Juicers already want him dead, and myself and others of the hammerers have been receiving cold welcomes. The Shamans have even banned services to us! What do you think of all this? [Zijgrak(#24843)] For the longest time, the uruk-hai says nothing. His fiery red eyes merely stare at Gurstaka, almost as if he is looking straight through the uruk. After several minutes of silence, the Talashakh finally speaks, his voice cold and sharp, "Yes, I have heard of this Khartzog. I have deliberated on the matter long and hard, for it does not have a clear cut answer." Zijgrak now begins to pace back and forth on the side of the table opposite Gurstaka, his speech continuing, "He is Morghash, is he not?" The uruk-hai turns and begins pacing in the other direction, but does not wait for a reply. "I would have him exterminated as an example, but I do not want to incur the wrath of the Morghash. The Thrakburzum are mighty, but I see the error in an all-out war between ourselves and the Morghash." As he finishes, Zijgrak stops his pacing and stares at the seated uruk again. "What other solutions can you think of, Uruk? Has your mind contemplated anything other than bloody revenge for this uruk?" Gurstaka's eyes follow the pacing of the chieftain with his red eyes ,weighing up the chieftains words. "Indeed he is Morghash, but his tribe matters little. I but recently met with the Shamans and they told me in no uncertain terms they would be pleased at this miscreants death. Maybe go so far as to help us in his downfall, if that is what you wish. With his fall Thrakburzum would gain another Master and gain even more power. There is even a rumour that he plots against the king... [Zijgrak(#24843)] The uruk-hai seems to regard the words of Gurstaka for awhile, though not as long as the last pause. "Yes, that will do nicely," he says, more to himself than to Gurstaka. Then, in a louder voice, "Yes, that shall do." He stands behind his chair at the head of the table and places his stone-gray hands on the back of the chair. In a loud, booming voice he declares, "Let it be known that the cobug Khartzog is now an enemy of the Thrakburzum. He is to be hunted down and killed. No mercy is to be spared. He has committed crimes against the shamans, and against the tribe, and for that he shall pay the ultimate consequence. Let it be known that the uruk who brings me his head shall be subject to an immediate reward." Gurstaka comes to his feet, the fierce grin unmistakeable as one of victory. "I shall see to it personally that your decree is handed down to all who should hear of it. Khartzog's head shall be placed in your lap before the week is over. A traitor to the flame he is, he shall be cast down along with those who weaken the Flame. Gurstaka then pauses "You may hear of trouble between the Shamans and myself, but fear not, it is merely deception. The shamans seek not to take an active role in the death of this Uruk, but they work behind the scenes to our advantage. Hykhert will approach the Morghash Talaskakh with tales of the outrages Khartzog has been perpetuating. Gurstaka then snickers under his breath "Prehaps Z'macht himself will hand you the head of Khartzog, what a victory that would be for Thrakburzum..." [Zijgrak(#24843)] Nodding slowly, the uruk-hai seems pleased at the conclusion of the discussion. "Then if that is it, I shall take leave to my quarters." Without waiting for an answer, Zijgrak quickly turns on his heels and slips quietly into his quarters. Gurstaka takes his leave, bowing once more to the Talashakh and then turning on his heel, leaves the commons. |