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| − | * - Back to [[GoldenCat/FourthMovement|Fourth Movement]]
| + | #REDIRECT [[ADanceOfAngels]] |
| − | * - Back to [[GoldenCat/DanceOfAngels|A Dance of Angels]]
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| − | == Hundredfold Gears of Revolution ==
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| − | The black clouds above the Boil begin to part.
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| − | The rays of the high-noon sunlight - so golden it almost seems red - pass through its cracks, revealing parts of the Boil... as victory cries come from the Industrial and Ashen Districts. As the Pack gives their own victory cries n the Red-Lantern District. Dusk will come soon enough - a little less than couple hours to go.Noon was high in battles, rushing across the Boil, beating death, oblivion and fear... and now, they got to rest.
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| − | Chains of Duty stood tall above the Industrial District, as Iron Tears called them all, the saviors of the Boil, the saviors of his daughter, to come meet... in a large factory, now adapted to their needs... the Gears in a military formation many blocks around it.
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| − | The Industrial District is... safe. For the moment.
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| − | The gates all secured, most of the people from the Red-Lantern and Ashen moved to it, or barrackading points on both those districts... facing the walls and knowing where they have no won.
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| − | | |
| − | But for now, they stood on safe grounds...
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| − | '''Seventh Moon: ''' The punks were shifting impatiently. Burning, twitching in their eagerness to go. Moon liked that. Pack members, Silver Queens, even a few from some of the other gangs who had reached the Industrial. About twenty of them. He'd plucked them all and drug them over to a spot in the fence where the street dipped in low, masked in the shadows behind a still standing smithy. It was enough for someone small to squeeze through.
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| − | "Keep outta sight. Don't get caught and ya sure as fuck better not get killed. And ''don't'' try ta be fuckin' heroes. If you see shit go down, get the hell away. You're supposed ta be spies or somethin'. See what's goin' down and then get back here. A'ite?" There was a half-hearted grumble in answer to him. Some of them would have been happier with the chance to break something. To hurt someone. To do anything besides just sneak around. Moon knew the feeling.
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| − | The Lunar gave them a relenting smile and shook his head. " a'ite. ''And'' make trouble, if ya think ya can get away with it. Just don't get your dumb asses caught."
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| − | That brought a bit more excited response, cautious yips and laughter, grins flashing at him out of the dark. He waved them off and stayed long enough to watch the last of them slip under the fence and scamper off into the wild streets beyond the district before he went back to rejoin Rusty at the factory they had claimed. It was hot inside, even with the windows opened and the chains dangling from the ceiling clinking in a strong breeze. People had drug in iron barrels and started fires to ward off the cold and try to dry off. Stiff and noisy air, filled with the lingering scent of smoke and ash and oil. Bodies were clustered everywhere, soldiers and punks and workers. Talking about what they'd seen, what they had to do.
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| − | Most everyone important was with Rusty though, the Faceless God sitting on an overturned iron bucket larger than most of the people in the room. Made a good throne for him.
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| − | "A'ite," Moon cut into the middle of whatever conversation had been going on as he approached. Tactics or strategy or something. Not his game. Slipping off his coat, he slung it over his shoulder and waved back towards the door. "We got scouts and shit out there now. They aughta be able ta see whats goin' on without getting killed. I think. Now what?"
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| − | '''Relentless Gears: ''' The Gear captain, Cassus, turned to Moon indignantly, almost slinging the wind-cannon off his shoulder with his iron-covered hand - an Eltdown Shard gauntlet. His eyes narrowing at the Lunar's insolence. "This is the faceless god of the Boil. Have some respect!"
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| − | '''Iron Tears: ''' The Iron God chuckled, then waved to hold Cassus' indignation. "Let him speak as he will. We all owe him in the Boil. At least until this is over, we have no time to think about speech patterns, captain."
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| − | | |
| − | At another wave of his hand, irondust from the forge begun to draw a model of the Boil on the ground... coloring with rust the areas close to the wall. "Now... it is a good question. We can last here a long time. But we should think of going for an offensive... after we have reorganized."
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| − | '''Exceedingly Sublime Opal: ''' She was out of the Warstrider and glad to be. Dispite her long and tiring hours in the device, she was pristine as if coming from the Empress' own baths, hands conservitively hidden in the sleeve of its opposite, and impossibly beautiful face composed serenely as she witnessed the exchanged, close to Selina's left side.
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| − | She frowned deeply at the thought of going on the offensive just then, but gave no other external sign. Kanti and Selina had been gravely wounded in the last battle, and that was just with one squad of their forces. How would they stand against their whelmed might?
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| − | "I believe a direct assault would be folly."
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| − | '''Selina de Windia: ''' Selina stands near the fore-front of the group, stark white hair of her transformation still replacing her normal pale blonde shade. She still hasn't shifted out -- not when someone could attack at any time. She would just have to deal with the Dragon's surfacing. And so would everyone else.
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| − | "Make it quick. They will get reinforcements. We won't." The killer grates, looking back at the rest of them. "Leave the Parishioner to me."
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| − | '''Iria: ''' "Some of my men are badly wounded," the Captain cuts, arms folded across her armored chest. She was still battered and bloodied from the march to the district. On other days, she would have taken the time to clean herself up before meeting with the god. Now, she made for a stark contrast to the relitive cleanliness of Iron Tears own guard captain, as she pointedly stood beside Cassus. "I have yet to hear a report on how many I have lost. It was not an easy journey making it here. and I will not simply throw them head long back into the streets again."
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| − | '''Iron Tears: ''' "The Eir Society of Alchemists is working non-stop on tending to the
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| − | wounded, Captain. They are doing their best... as are all healers I have among the gears. I have already given priority to your men and my gears - it may seem like a callous move, but the more experienced men we have to fight on this crisis, the less innocents will even be hurt."
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| − | "How long until our Exalted are raeady to charge then, Dark Angel?"
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| − | '''Kanti: ''' Kanti was a little away from the group that contained Iron Tears, Selina, Moon and everyone else. she wa- ... Selina was worrying her again, the dragon far to close to the images she saw sometimes when she closed her eyes. So she stayed away from the tactics and the talks, for she could contribute little to them, and instead she worked with the wounded. Not working her magic, because she didn't have any of that to spare, but working to help them none the less ...
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| − | '''Child of Wyld Days: ''' Perhaps having gome completely unintroduced, the curiously tall monkey-woman lurking not-too-close to Iria looks around at all the people crammed into the warehouse with a mix of curiousity and outright delight, tail dancing about and eyes glittering now and then. The fact that she's technically the enemy of nearly every being in there doesn't seem to bother her in the slightest. There are other things on her mind.
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| − | ''Emotion. Weariness... resolve... determination... hatred. It's all here, so rich! It's not as direct as I'd like, but it will do... '' Snow Monkey smiles to herself, looking quite giddy for just having gotten out of a potentially life-threatening situation.
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| − | '''Selina de Windia: ''' "Once we regain more essence, we will be fine, I think." She replies in a tone that has an undercurrent of a rumbling hiss. "It would be helpful if we knew how many large groups of enemies remained in the city. You or your daughter -- can you sense any in your domains?"
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| − | '''Iron Tears: ''' "I am able to see much of the Boil, but part of it... just does not feel like part of it anymore. And that is where the enemy is."The red light in his helmet shines angrily. Obviously such a situation is not pleasing to the forge god. "Of course, I can be sure we have dealt a harshest blow to the Demons. Most of them were destroyed by your actions, the Gears and my children. They had no time to bring an undead army as well, so they have probably only ghosts and few demons and Nemessaries on their side. And I believe their elite is already taken apart...?" He questions the Exalted
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| − | "Of course, they have forces with them that... are unfortunately, nothing like we had planned for. I will let the Captain talk about this."
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| − | '''Iria: ''' "The criminals, yes." Iria nodded, her attention turning to Seventh Moon for a moment, frost dripping from her tongue. "Despite your promise, Father, it seems as though most of the criminals have thrown their lot in with the Bishop rather than us. My men had to hack their way through Nathan Barr's enforcers simply to get here. It would have taken far long had our... guests not intervened."
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| − | For the first time in the meeting, someone takes a pointed look towards Days and Prism and drew the attentions of others to them as well. Iria still did not trust them, less after realizing just what the two women were. None the less, their flight of fancy had placed them on her side of this conflict and her mind had already begun calculating how to employ them.
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| − | '''Selina de Windia: ''' "Perhaps I should...deal with him." Selina says in a smooth tone that seems to roll off her tongue with only a hint of the odd modulated undertone from before. "I wonder if the Parishioner would expect that, and make it a trap. But then, he cannot make traps that require his personal appearance everywhere."
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| − | '''Seventh Moon: ''' Quietly, Moon huffed, holding the Captains gaze till she looked away.
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| − | He'd heard about Barr already, about the smugglers thugs ambushing people they were expected to help, about doing shit to people even the dead hadn't sunk to. The betrayal struck a deeper nerve than he would have expected.
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| − | "Barr's ''mine''!" He snapped, turning his eyes up to Selina. Then reigned it in, taking a deep breath. His voice was still a bitter rumble though. "He's personal business now darlin'. Fucker's gotta remember why ya don't piss off the Father of Crows when you're in the Boil, y'know?"
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| − | And why you really didn't piss on Seventh Moon.
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| − | '''Iron Tears: ''' "Barr does have a powerful man in his enforcer, but the hard part would be to ''find'' him. Thankfully, Hemmlock is still on our side - his assassins have been at odds with the Parishioner's throughout the whole day. They also tells us Leonti and Fyodor are dead - Leonti's battle-ready slaves armed and sent against us with promises of freedom."
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| − | The Iron God nods at Moon's words, the red light shining, pleased. "WI suppose we can arrange with Kadel to discover his location... and to get the Spider out of harm's way."
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| − | Then, he seems to catch Iria's words from before, mentioning the two faeries, and bring them to light again. "Ah, yes. You said we would not receive any reinforcements, Dark Angel... but, of dubious nature or not, we did. This lady here came to swear to our service during this time of crisis..." His hand moved towards Prism... and she came to light.
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| − | '''Relentless Prism: ''' Stepping foward, but halting before the simulacra of Iron, seeming visibly miffed from it. A lady of lady tan, silver hair with a prismatic sheen, and blue eyes. Her presence is imposing, and despite her legs and arms having so much showing - even more than the Dark Angel, as her dress leaves her legs bare, and stops above her breasts - she is clearly a deadly person, with a rack of golden weapons behind her back, and a slashing sword in hand. A general out of men's dreams, she takes a bow to all present. "I am called Relentless Prism, and came humbly to request a place among those to fight the undead. I have much to pay them back for. Friends, Lovers and Rivals whose losses can only be paid back in blood."
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| − | '''Exceedingly Sublime Opal: ''' She quietly adjusts the small, round lensed glasses she wore, and quietly beheld this newcomer, frowning a touch in her scrutiny.
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| − | '''Child of Wyld Days: ''' Finally, the Monkey seems to have had enough in terms of just sitting by and letting the fixed things talk. Besides, she needs to know where she can fit herself in this grand, bloody mess of a protracted battle. Thus, she stands tall... and clears her throat, Owl and Serpent in a loose ring around her neck and a curious mesh of impossibly-clear material woven around her right forearm, clasping a strange pulsing cyst tightly; a Hearthstone? No, too organic.
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| − | "You may call me the Child of Wyld Days. It is... a pleasure to be here."
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| − | She grins, towering over Prism. Clad in cloth of flawless silk and golden fur, the brass-eyed monkey-woman offers Iron Tears a deep bow. "As for me... to be blunt, I'm here to enjoy the ride."
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| − | '''Relentless Prism: ''' "And this impatient one is my apprentice..." She turns to Days with a bemused smile, losing the opportunity to announce her.
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| − | ''Hmmm, your place in this story is greater... ''
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| − | '''Exceedingly Sublime Opal: ''' Her fists instantly clench as a look of anger comes over her. The most profound expression to come over the normally serene creatures face. Her pale pink eyes narrow dangerously as she beheld them, and knew without doubt they were anathema to her kind.
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| − | '''Child of Wyld Days: ''' ... and that's when the Child could almost feel the eyes of the Artisan on her.
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| − | She paused to turn, to behold... to blink, a few times. Nothing more, just yet. Perhaps stunned by what she is seeing, perhaps curious, perhaps trying to parse everything before she reacts...
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| − | "... interesting."
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| − | '''Selina de Windia: ''' About to respond to Moon, Selina quiets, holds back as the two...fae, introduce themselves. The Dragon looks over them, slit pupils flicking from one to the other. It remembers Rain, as does she. The energies within her react as well: wishing to smother, still.
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| − | "Two more Fae?" Then her gaze goes to Iron Tears, tone unreadable. "I will not trust these so easily as the last."
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| − | '''Exceedingly Sublime Opal: ''' "And I shall not trust them at all!" She snarled. "How dare you ally us with such creatures without even consulting out persons?"
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| − | '''Child of Wyld Days: ''' The Child glances to Prism, eyebrow quirked with mild amusement. "Looks like we've had a previous representative." She cannot help but laugh. ''Ah, difficulty... the spice of life! ''
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| − | '''Iria: ''' "And what would you have had me done?" The Captain answered coolly, looking from Opal to Selina and back again. "They appeared. They offered aid in a time it was needed. If you have failed to notice, we are ''not'' in a position to turn away help, regardless of where it is offered from."
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| − | Pausing, she frowned slightly at Day's outburst, but continued as if the fae woman had said nothing. "Trust them as little as you desire. Dislike working with them if you will. But you ''will'' have to ignore whatever personal grievances and stand beside them."
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| − | She shifted her eyes onto Days. "At least until they do something to actually warrant removal."
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| − | '''Child of Wyld Days: ''' Snow Monkey glances back, and once again she smiles broadly. "Oh, don't worry yourself. I'll be good." ''I like you already. ''
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| − | '''Selina de Windia: ''' The Windian-turned-demoness, looks coolly to Iria, voice flat, pupils slitted to barest lines. "Do not presume to instruct me."
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| − | '''Exceedingly Sublime Opal: ''' She leans close to Selina, and whispers something in a soft voice in her ear. Even one such as she would strain to hear it, as her lips moved against the pale flesh of her mouth.
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| − | '''Iria: ''' "Then do not act as though you needed instruction." The Captain answered plainly. "And save your bruised ego for later."
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| − | Turning away from the Windian, she looked up at the forge god. "Lord Iron Tears, what is the condition of your forces at this time? And of the civilians?"
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| − | '''Child of Wyld Days: ''' Casting her glances over to the two, she cannot help but fix her gaze on Opal, trying to completely put together what she's seeing and feeling. Her tail twitches once, twice, and she cannot help but touch the Cyst, held tight within its binder, and take a moment to 'feel' her freehold in the back of her mind.
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| − | "Mn... so odd."
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| − | '''Exceedingly Sublime Opal: ''' As she moved away from the Dark Angel's ear, her narrowed gaze fell once again on the simian raksha. His essence flows were... hard to wrap her mind around, as if it were deliberately toying with her. She couldn't unweave the truth from the facade, could not unravel the nature of her. She'd have to be careful, then.
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| − | '''Iron Tears: ''' "My forces are... full. I have had less Relentless Gear casualties than I had previously thought, and all of the workers and inhabitants of the Industrial District joined our ranks. They are armed with all sorts of metal we could spare for them. So, I have my entire Wing of puissant soldiers, but in total with the civilians, we have more than one Dragon battle-ready. That is not counting with your forces, of course."
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| − | The red light almost fades away "Oh, and I would appreciate if you be gentle to the Dark Angel, Captain. She is important for us."
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| − | '''Selina de Windia: ''' She listened to what the...other fae? Not-fae, said, and was about to take a look when Iria spoke again. Oh, the Dragon did not like that. At all. It wanted to tear her apart, but Selina reigned it in. Reigned herself in, though that could not go unchallenged. Her voice was flat. "Captain, there is a thin shield between us at this moment. Do not make me break it. Learn your place, or I shall teach it to you -- this situation or no. Remember that this is not my city, and I have no vested interest in working peacefully with you."
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| − | '''Iron Tears: ''' "We need Captain Lumanti and her forces as much we need you Exalted, Dark Angel."
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| − | "So I would advise you two manage to keep your agression to insults. It would be disastrous to our cause to lose either of you."
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| − | '''Seventh Moon: ''' The Lunar snorted slightly, though it wasn't amused. Fuck all if he was going to forget just why this whole thing ended up as messed up as it was.
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| − | He moved closer to Selina and turned to face the Captain as well, saying nothing, but letting his scowl speak for him.
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| − | '''Exceedingly Sublime Opal: ''' "And I have sworn my oath to her, not you or your lord. And I would remind you both that I will withdrawl my assistance at madamme's word." She said, cooly.
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| − | She glanced at Selina, and frowned slightly... who ever thought she'd be taking her side so heavily? She shook her head, and resumed her serene appearance, satisfied that she'd said her peace.
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| − | '''Child of Wyld Days: ''' "Well!" Snow Monkey claps her hands, and she folds her arms across a somewhat expansive chest, scanning the motley crew once again. "Seeing that matters are as calm as I imagine they'll ever be, I might as well ask just what needs to be done, and where. Until this matter is settled, I am at your disposal, and I will let my actions prove my worth and honor... unless, of course, you're afraid of being proven wrong." She cannot help but look to Opal and Selina, perhaps teasingly, perhaps with an edge of challenge.
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| − | '''Exceedingly Sublime Opal: ''' "S'rokkril sfrocha." She growled at the Fair Folk in some strange, rocky sounding language.
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| − | It did not sound complimentary.
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| − | '''Iria: ''' The Captain stood unabashed by the threats and words and gestures.
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| − | "As you wish it," she answered, making a dismissal of the words, an end to the argument. Loosing one ally to gain another was foolish when you could keep both, though if it came down to it, she would keep the fae. She had seen what they could do. And besides, she did not care for ''that'' woman. "The Fair Folk can remain by my side then, as I am apparently the least opposed to working with them. They will be my responsibility. In all senses."
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| − | There was more than enough iron on hand to make it an easy task, should the need arise.
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| − | '''Child of Wyld Days: ''' Child's rounded ears perk, but she only shrugs in reply. "And as for you, Captain... I greatly appreciate your vote of mild confidence." Days trots on over, looking right into Iria's eyes. "I will strive to improve your outlook on myself and my Teacher."
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| − | '''Selina de Windia: ''' "You are taking what I said initially too far, in any case." Selina says with a rumbling modulation, addressing the fae and the Captain. It was doubly hard to keep herself in check like this, she really should shift back to her normal form. But paranoia ruled her too hard now. "Do recall what the last fae did: tried to sell me to those heretical walking dead. And their nature. Some degree of mistrust is to be expected."
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| − | '''Iria: ''' Iria stared back at the fae woman, neither welcoming nor disapproving of her sudden close proximity. "See that you do."
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| − | '''Relentless Prism: ''' "At least one person here is disciplined, it seems." The fae speaks, her mien hard and bussinesslike.
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| − | "The Exalted do have power, but you do seem to lack all discipline... at least you can say as much for the dead."
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| − | '''Exceedingly Sublime Opal: ''' "Because the dead are mindless."
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| − | '''Iron Tears: ''' "'''Rain will be dealt with. '''"
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| − | Hammer on iron. Louder, Stronger.
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| − | The rage of a god, tricked, duped.
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| − | "That, you be sure of. I am Iron Tears. Anathema to her kind."
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| − | '''Relentless Prism: ''' "Their Exalted and Ghosts are not, dear." She replies Opal, "And with we do not have discipline, they will do to the Boil what they did to my home... or to Whiteshield."
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| − | '''Exceedingly Sublime Opal: ''' And she narrowed her eyes as dangerously as Selina, her mind starting to digest the entirety of the insult directed at her. She was saying that a raksha, a being of infinate caos, was more disciplined than a Jadeborn. There was a tale, amoung her people, of a Wood Aspect making such an unfavorable comparison.
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| − | Things did not end well for him.
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| − | '''Child of Wyld Days: ''' "Hm!" She pauses to ponder the name 'Rain', doing a good job of not flinching at the god's anger. "Our kind, Iron Tears. But even enemies can find common ground, hm?" She gives the cold iron spirit a look, even as her very soul screams for her to back up and avoid him, avoid iron, avoid certain death.
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| − | "Of course, we are wild things. What else can we be? But there is nothing like a goal to rein in even the most unruly horse, yes?"
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| − | '''Iron Tears: ''' "Of course. My hope is for all of us to work together. You have to understand that it has not been a day since another child of chaos has betrayed us. Of course... it is the nature of chaos to act differently. It is not something that pleases me, but you do receive a vouch of confidence... for now."
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| − | '''Selina de Windia: ''' "This bickering is pointless." Selina grumbles, finally shifting back. Paranoia be damned, she didn't need to gut someone and start a scene. Her features seemed to shift in on themselves, darkness cloaking their edges as her being went back to its normal appearance. The Dragon was pushed deeper into her mind, automatically. Not able to influence her so deeply.
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| − | '''Seventh Moon: ''' "You ain't wild darlin'," Moon answered before the forge god could, grinning fangs at the fae-woman. "You're unnatural. Big fuckin' difference there."
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| − | '''Child of Wyld Days: ''' Snow Monkey actually... pauses at that, looking at Moon with a bit of bewilderment. She actually seems to be a tad lost for words, but finally resumes her easy-going smirk, flashing small ape-fangs of her own. "Well, I suppose one has to work with what they were given!"
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| − | '''Iria: ''' "''If'' you are all finished." The Captain breathed, impatiently tapping a finger against her arm. "The Dark Angel is quite correct. This is pointless. We have a war to fight."
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| − | '''Child of Wyld Days: ''' Days simply nods, and withdraws a little... although she does take a deep inhale. Perhaps it's symbolic, perhaps there's some other reason for it. Anyone with eyes that percieve Essence on its most base level can see... something about Days. Whatever it is, it's inhaling...
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| − | '''Iron Tears: ''' "Very well, then."
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| − | The model of the Boil comes to the forefront, and the Iron God's forge-voice mutes all else in the room. "We have the people of the Boil, the Relentless Gears and the Garrisson troops with us. We have the Exalted there, the gangs, Fae and Jadeborn with us. Fiona and Kanti are tending to the wounded with the Eir Society now.."
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| − | He turns to a corner of the room, that seems to come to light as he does so. Pieces of four broken automata are seen in it. "Of my fiftteen children in this war, nine are still moving. Two have disappeared, and four of them... well. I think I might still be able to assembled them... but am not sure. And I do not have the time now."
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| − | "Against us, we have a few Demons, Nemessaries, the tattered leftovers of the Black Cloaks, Barr and his forces, some slaves... and the Parishioner. We seem to be at an advantage."
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| − | '''Selina de Windia: ''' "Or so we think." Selina purrs, now back in her normal state...and less hard to look at. "How powerful are the remaining demons, would you say?"
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| − | '''Exceedingly Sublime Opal: ''' She narrowed her eyes dangerously, and with great resolve kept her composure as she observed the raksha's action.<br>
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| − | Though lightning may spear the earth, it does not bleed.<br>
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| − | Though water might drown it, it does not succumb.<br>
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| − | Though wood may infest it, it does so at its leasure.<br>
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| − | Though fire may burn it, it does not scream.
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| − | Let your mind be as the earth, and devource the subjective from the objective.
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| − | The mantra ran through her thoughs soothingly, and from their stoic words she found her calm center again, and resumed her tranquility.
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| − | '''Iria: ''' "Not that powerful." Iria answers. "They only placed a single demon in our way when we made our way from the barracks to here and my troops were alone enough to overwhelm it. If they had more to throw at us, it seems likely they would have, unless they're simply holding them in reserve."
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| − | '''Selina de Windia: ''' "There was a big one that we encountered earlier." Remembering Niremar was not pleasant, thankfully she had not had to deal overmuch with him. She'd have to brush Kanti's hair again later. "There could be more. Especially in the Parishioner's bodyguard."
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| − | | |
| − | '''Child of Wyld Days: ''' ''Hope. Fury. Anger, hidden, withheld anger. So hot, so strong, so sweet, so... so... so unfilling. ''
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| − | | |
| − | ''We need to finish this quickly. I will find that man and have my way with him. ''
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| − | The Child opens her brass eyes, and she takes on a slightly calm demeanor, tail swishing and breath easy and deep. ''Ah well. A little taste of dream will do for now. ''
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| − | | |
| − | '''Exceedingly Sublime Opal: ''' "Such, however, is the problem with demons. They can always summon more." She said, cooly. Though she may not be able to practice it, she was fully versed in the subtlies of Sorcery.
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| − | | |
| − | "If I have enough Essence, I can place a Ward for them, but I doubt it will hold as long as my previous one. Thus, it may be prudent to prepare our battlefield in advance."
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| − | | |
| − | '''Iron Tears: ''' "True. Most of the demons we have met could have quelled with numbers - Jade Lions, Cloud Arsenals, Blood Apes. But there was... Niremar. I could feel his presence. I know he must have few First Circles now... but if he has a single Second Circle with him, which is possible, it might make the situation worse for us."
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| − | | |
| − | "We need someone to secure the Glass Spider. We need Barr out of commission. Opal... if there is a way for you to Ward this area, I would be most grateful. As it is, a single Sapphire Spell could be our doom. In the same token, I would need a little bit of your help with my Warstrider, it has taken quite a few blows to it. And..." He turns to the Captain, "How long until you can organize all our forces in a single, organized group, Captain Lumanti?"
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| − | | |
| − | '''Selina de Windia: ''' "We must assume he has at least one other Second Circle demon, Iron Tears." Selina hopes in the back of her mind that it is not one she needs to meet more privately. There would be payback for what he did...but not in front of others. "We cannot split up overmuch, least he trap us with it. Barr may be a trap. A traitor is an attractive target for us, especially if he needs to be put down quickly. A clever opponent would wait for us to try."
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| − | | |
| − | '''Iria: ''' Iria considered for a moment, eyes narrowing as she poured over the numbers and composition she'd be dealing with. But no more than a handful of seconds. She was trained for this sort of thing. "It will take some time to organize the civilians. My troops, those fit to fight, can rally and array themselves in a matter of minutes if I demand it. I would trust yours to do the same. But the civilian elements... they compose the bulk of our forces at the moment. It may take upwards to an hour to get them ready."
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| − | | |
| − | '''Child of Wyld Days: ''' "And your plans for us, Captain?" The Monkey sits on the ground, legs crossed, and looks up at the commanding woman. "Aside from just letting us off our chains to chew on whatever gets in our way?" Once again, she puts on an amused expression; after all, that's what she wants. Needs. '''Craves. '''
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| − | | |
| − | '''Seventh Moon: ''' Draping his coat across his shoulders, the Lunar eased back out of the circle a little and leaned himself on the wall. Planning wasn't really his thing. On the street, you just get an itch and you go with it.
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| − | | |
| − | And talk of a certain back-stabbing smuggler gave him just that.
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| − | | |
| − | "I can take care of Barr." he announced, looking over at Selina. "Alone. Me and my boys, at least. Soon as we find out where the fucker's hidin'. Assholes workin' for him won't do shit when he's gone. I'll make 'um remember who they ''really'' work for."
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| − | | |
| − | '''Relentless Prism: ''' "I can help in this. I have experience in military matters." She nods.
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| − | | |
| − | "I was the Warmistress for the Tower of Heartless Diamonds." No reason to hide it, since her human appearance seemed to not fool any of them. "I have fought many a great battle before. Never in the shaped lands, but your stories follow the same rules. They are just more... dry."
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| − | | |
| − | '''Selina de Windia: ''' "And that may be exactly what he wants you to do." She looks to Moon, raising one eyebrow. Honestly, him and the Pale Angel, she'd have to see them together someday. Both far, far too headstrong.
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| − | | |
| − | "Or me, for that matter."
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| − | | |
| − | '''Seventh Moon: ''' "All the more reason ta go." He smirked at the Windian. It was nice to see her looking like herself again. Not the best time to think about it, but it was nice. "It ain't much of a trap if ya know it's there. Sides, I'd really hate ta let 'um down, y'know?"
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| − | | |
| − | '''Child of Wyld Days: ''' "Heh! And they say you fixed things are boring. You have your moments!"
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| − | | |
| − | Days' tail pats on the ground in time with her idle rocking. She's once again touching the cyst in her binder, if only to ease the mild concern in the back of her mind.
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| − | | |
| − | ''This is quite the mess... perhaps I'm in over my head... ah, to hell with that! So what if I am! All the more reason to rise to the top! ''
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| − | | |
| − | '''Exceedingly Sublime Opal: ''' She looked to Selina, and said evenly. "Where do you desire I employ my skills, madamme?"
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| − | | |
| − | But, a thought occured to her, and she looked to Moon, "The child that Exalted may have the device, with your blessing, sir."
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| − | | |
| − | '''Iria: ''' "You." The Captain began by addressing Days. "Will be what I am counting on to keep the rabble from breaking. The both of you."
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| − | | |
| − | She looked up at Prism and nodded. "You say you have battle experience? Then I am giving you command of the civilians for this battle. And you" Her eyes fell back down to Days. "Can 'go along for the ride.' The people are frightened and uncertain. I would think that means little to you, but there will be plenty of enemy to kill and it should inspire them to see you doing just that. They hardly need to know your reasons."
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| − | | |
| − | '''Selina de Windia: ''' "Only if you know what to expect." Selina shrugs, then continues. "Unfortunately we don't. And you'd want another exalt at least, in case what we don't expect is too much for you alone. Think of it: they may know this will attract you. If they know anything about you, they will gamble on you going alone, with your gang perhaps. And will prepare accordingly."
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| − | | |
| − | * Child of Wyld Days nods, twice. "If there's anything I can do well, it's thoughtless slaughter." She lets that linger, tail still patting at the floor as she fixes on Opal again, trying once more to try and figure out just what in the hell she is.
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| − | | |
| − | '''Seventh Moon: ''' Moon shrugged in response to Selina. He knew Barr about as well as the smuggler knew him. And the smuggler knew about as little of what to expect out of him. Moon was gambling that he was just a bit more surprising.
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| − | | |
| − | "Whatever darlin'. I wouldn't mind company. You?" He arched his brows, grinning.
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| − | | |
| − | | |
| − | '''Selina de Windia: ''' Selina blinks at that, and sighs. She really should be dealing with the Parishioner, before he summoned...something else. Though as far as she knew, it would only be a first circle. "Um, I suppose. But we are the heavy hitters here."
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| − |
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| − | '''Seventh Moon: ''' Pausing, Moon gave Opal a blank stare.
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| − | | |
| − | The kid? He looked around for Kanti for a moment before he realized who she really meant.
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| − | | |
| − | "Aw, shit. You mean Hanna?" he chuckled dryily, shaking his head. "Yeah, fuck, if she wants the thing. Better show her how ta use though, unless ya wanna have her fall on ya. Make sure she doesn't get anything ta drink first too. She's a goddamn disaster when she's drunk."
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| − |
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| − | '''Child of Wyld Days: ''' Snow Monkey suddenly kippups to her feet with boneless, impossible grace, and stretches to and fro. Joints pop, and she lets out a loud yawn before she scans once again, following Moon's gaze.
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| − | "... names. I lack names. Would you all be so kind as to share them? It would only be fair and polite, yes?"
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| − | | |
| − | '''Seventh Moon: ''' ''Tch. ''
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| − | | |
| − | He knew that tone in Selina's voice. Not from her per-say, but he'd heard it often enough.
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| − | | |
| − | ''"But Moonie, I really gotta work tonight." ''
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| − | | |
| − | Man... can always trust a lady to have something more important ta do when you wanted to have a little fun.
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| − | | |
| − | "A'ite." he relented, trying not to sigh. "So someone else. Who?"
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| − | | |
| − | '''Exceedingly Sublime Opal: ''' She looks to Iron Tears. "And of course I would be happy to help you with your Warstrider, my Lord. And I thank you for its use. What, specifically, do you need me to do?"
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| − | | |
| − | '''Selina de Windia: ''' "The Parishioner." Selina says simply. "Once we're done with him, we can go torture Barr to death if that's what you'd like."
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| − | | |
| − | '''Seventh Moon: ''' Moon tipped his head to the side. "I meant who else is gonna go with me."
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| − | | |
| − | '''Iron Tears: ''' "I would not underestimate Barr so much. As a smuggler, he does possess great assets... not the least of them his Enforcer."
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| − | | |
| − | "But yes... the Parishioner is a graver threat. I would prefer that Kanti was with Moon, and not with you, Dark Angel. I desire not that she sees her torturer."
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| − | | |
| − | '''Selina de Windia: ''' "Oh." Selina thinks for a moment, putting a finger to her lips, looking over the rest of them. Kanti might, the way she seemed to like Moon, but perhaps it was best Kanti stayed with Selina herself. She may need her for the Parishioner. "I am...not sure."
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| − | | |
| − | She'd forgotten about that. Of course, Selina herself wanted to see her torturer eventually, but Kanti was not her. "Very well then. But I will require someone else when I face the deathknight."
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| − | | |
| − | '''Child of Wyld Days: ''' The Child cocks an eyebrow. Business before pleasure. Silly mortals. With a shrug, she paces about lazily, almost for the sake of pacing, occasionally offering a passing mortal a smile and a wink. ''No, this is not dreamstock. But... nothing wrong with teasing them a little. ''
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| − | | |
| − | '''Iron Tears: '''The god of the Boil turns to Opal, nodding. "Just make some quick repairs in Chains of Duty. The arm was almost displaced by a rather large example of an Erimanthoy... I am sure this will take little of your time. And you have my blessing to pass on my gift to the newest Chosen of the Boil."
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| − | | |
| − | '''Seventh Moon: ''' "The kid?!" Moon blurted, looking wide eyed at Selina and the spirit behind her. Waiting for the joke. But neither look amused.
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| − | | |
| − | They were serious. They wanted to send her back out? After how bad Kanti had been cut up?
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| − | | |
| − | ''"Her torturer." ''
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| − | | |
| − | Black scars across her face. How fucked up had that seemed when he first saw them? But after the dance, after seeing them all across her body without stopping her from doing something so beautiful he kinda got use to them.
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| − | | |
| − | Someone had put them there though.
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| − | | |
| − | Parishoner.
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| − | | |
| − | "A'ite she'll come with me ta take care of Barr."
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| − | | |
| − | But we're gonna make it really fuckin' quick. If the bastard that carved her up like that was going down well, she deserved the chance to take a few pieces out of him too. Even if Moon had to hold him down while she did it. Wouldn't be the first time.
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| − | | |
| − | '''Exceedingly Sublime Opal: ''' "My most humble and senere thanks, my Lord." She effected a bow, then turned her gaze toward Moon. "I shall stay with Kanti and ward her, if you desire, or with Selina."
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| − | | |
| − | '''Child of Wyld Days: ''' "... I have to ask now." Monkey stops before Jadeborn, and gives her a most curious glance, staring down at the smaller entity. "You feel so unique, and yet... my Heart cannot place you. Yet you seem to know a fair amount about my sort, so perhaps there is a clue to be had in that."
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| − | | |
| − | The Child pauses to smile, though. "Whatever you are, you're most appealing to the eye... really, you shouldn't let yourself grow so cross... it would ruin your appearance." ''Let's see how you react to that, strange woman... ''
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| − | | |
| − | '''Exceedingly Sublime Opal: ''' She gave her an odd little smile. "I suppose you'd think I'd look better with rabbit ears and an alligator's skin." She just shook her head, her pearlessent hair glimmering gently in the soft light. "Do not try to provoke me, I dislike it."
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| − | | |
| − | '''Child of Wyld Days: ''' "Oh, nononono!" Days mirrors the smile, the swirling brass 'tattoos' on her skin seeming to ripple a tad. "That's not the case... although I think you'd look much better with the air clad about you. Truth be told... you remind me of myself when I don't have to put on my Air-body..."
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| − | | |
| − | | |
| − | '''????: ''' The earth speaks.
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| − | | |
| − | Tremors ripple under them, and for a moment, it feels like there is no earth, only liquid. For a moment, it feels like the ground is not there. And a voice speaks, like a tremor. No. The voice is the tremors, speaking in the voice of the earth itself!
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| − | | |
| − | ''"Hello, Brother." '', the rough noise, only barely a voice, echoes.
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| − | | |
| − | ''"It has been a long time, has it not?" '' There is no doubt that the voice is speaking to Iron Tears.
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| − | | |
| − | ''"A long time in the dark... denied. I know what you will say. I got your message, brother. To come and help '''you'''! To help '''Iron Tears''' reclaim the Boil and be even more loved!" ''
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| − | | |
| − | ''"It did arrive a little late, brother. I receive an offer long before that. The man with the Ashen Book has shown me... and promised me one thing you never could. My rights. My lover. You truly believe I would act as another one of your little helpers? To help you on your goals, and be forgotten when all that is remembered is '''you'''?" ''
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| − | | |
| − | ''"I will have my rights back. My miners back. My city back. All that should have been '''mine! ''' I have my Lover already... yes, she could not escape for heaven in time. I had the Iron Shades kill all of your guard sluts and bring her to me. Dragon armor have... tricks... to hold Gods, brother. You have seduced her away from me for far '''too long'''!" ''
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| − | | |
| − | ''"But now, all will be as it should be. You wonder why I tell you this? Because I want you to know. As I knew all those years. I want you to know. I want the Boil to know. To know who they should pray to. Who to pay homage to." ''
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| − | | |
| − | ''"When I finish, there will be nothing left of you, brother." ''
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| − | | |
| − | '''"Nothing!" '''
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| − | | |
| − | The rumble increases, then. Far to the hills, weak spots that have been eroded by years are found, and pushed. A hill begins to slide, and with it, a forge. A Manse breaks, and on Iron Tear's chest, a Hearthstone shatters, earth essence crying in lament on the factory. And Iron Tears can feel his home... home of so many lives, of so many dreams. Burying the corpses of guards, cutting off Iron Tears' proteges and others locked in his sanctum...
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| − | | |
| − | From the factory, from the lament of the broken hearthstone, they hear the fall of the Snow Owl Resting. The end of lifes and dreams.
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| − | | |
| − | '''Selina de Windia: ''' Hadn't she left her coat back there? Yes, she had. That did not make her happy. This 'man with the Ashen Book' was a deathknight, wasn't he? Selina was going to bleed him dry. While he screamed for mercy.
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| − | | |
| − | After a few moments of silence. "...I assume you want to deal with this brother of yours, but whoever it was that helped him is '''mine'''."
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| − | | |
| − | Iron Tears: The Forge God stands silent. With a gesture, he makes sure to remind Moon and Cassus that the Heaven House girls, as well as the Gears' families were in his sanctum, immaterial and safe.
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| − | | |
| − | Most probably due to the own devices that were able to prevent his sister from running - she had decided to stay to make sure Selina and Kanti's legend was spread, but whatever could cut a god from heaven would also mantain a sanctum closed.
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| − | | |
| − | Silent, the forge god gets up from his throne, with slow, ponderous footsteps that reverberate on every wall of the Factory. A funeral's pace.
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| − | | |
| − | He stands on the door of the factory, facing the hills, seeing the dirt cloud rising from far away.
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| − | | |
| − | "There is no way to kill him. I am not able to. Gods do not die easily."
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| − | | |
| − | "Only the Exalted can kill gods."
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| − | | |
| − | "Dark Angel. Seventh Moon. You are slayer of gods. The Boil wishes my brother to live no more. It wants him dead. Him," He says in reply to Selina's claim on the Prophet, "and all those foolish enough to side with him."
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| − | | |
| − | He does not mention the Smiling Lover. But his desire to do something he had never wanted before speaks loudly of that matter.
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| − | | |
| − | | |
| − | ----
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| − | * - Back to [[GoldenCat/FourthMovement|Fourth Movement]]
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| − | * - Back to [[GoldenCat/DanceOfAngels|A Dance of Angels]]
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