Zack/S1Lude14

Five_Pillars is still glowing, with an inner radiance, as he comes up, looking for Camel.

Number Ten Camel sits with his back against one of the few palm trees desparately trying to survive off the oasis. A large square of purple silk, embroidered with constellations is laid out in front of him. He is shaking a leather cup, inside which something rattles.

<Number Ten Camel> Trouble, old man?

Five_Pillars says "No. I don't think so." He stretches. "Soran and Syla seem to be doing better, now."

Number Ten Camel nods curtly, putting his cup down, and adjusting his square of silk, frowning. "Is this lined up right?"

Five_Pillars looks at it for a moment. "It looks about right to me."

Five_Pillars says "What are you working on?"

Number Ten Camel shakes the cup once more, reciting a quick chant in Old Realm, though it sounds like it's learnt by rote, rather than understood. Imploring the stars to disclose their secrets he casts the gems across the silk, about a dozen different stones skittering like beetles

<Number Ten Camel> Astrology, or what I remember of it. I'd not be able to tell fortunes for a living, though.

Five_Pillars nods. "What do you see?"

Number Ten Camel chuckles. "Stones on silk, mostly."

Five_Pillars grins. "So." He considers a moment. "What will you do, once we reach Gem?"

Number Ten Camel cocks his head to one side. "I will stay by Soran, if he has need of me. For all that's happened, I wouldn't say he's betrayed my trust."

<Number Ten Camel> I think, we have some time before the next great trial. This path has good walking left in it, I'll not branch off so early.

Number Ten Camel picks the gems off the silk, slowly, reciting a thanks to each as he does so.

Five_Pillars says "Well. Soran needs some time, I think, to find himself again. Ciel's death, and Diamond's almost death shook him up pretty badly."

<Number Ten Camel> Time will tell. There's little I can do alone right now.

<Number Ten Camel> They are gonna follow us pretty easy if you keep up displays like that though.

Five_Pillars says "Soran needed to get something out of his system." He winces. "Him and that mountain he calls a sword."

Five_Pillars says "But Amethyst. You won't be alone." He extends his hand. "While Soran finds himself, and the other do what they wish in Gem, we could go South."

Number Ten Camel shrugs. "Still don't know who he lifts that thing like that. I mean, carrying it, I can see. But swinging it?"

Five_Pillars says "Well. It works like your armor. But of course, better. The Magical Materials are wondrous indeed."

Number Ten Camel closes his eyes. "What is there South for me? A chance to die?"

<Number Ten Camel> I do not trust myself to freedom.

Five_Pillars says "Can there be a greater binding than that of family?" He says "It is of course, your decision. But I swore an oath to aid you, and I will not disregard it."

<Number Ten Camel> I will speak to Soran about it. I do not know where they are held, or if they are.. eaten.

Five_Pillars nods. "We have some times yet, before we reach Gem. Some weeks for you to decide."

Five_Pillars says "But though the others way go their own ways, I will cleave to my oath."

<Number Ten Camel> If Soran does not have a use for me, I will seek my answers elsewhere, until then..

Five_Pillars says "Soran's cause is lost to him, at least for now. Perhaps later, we can return to the Lap. But for now, he has cost himself his prize. As well as Ciel."

<Number Ten Camel> And what would you say he should have done differently?

Five_Pillars says "I do not know. I cannot second guess him." He sighs. "I would have had him honest with us, from the start. Had we known, perhaps we could have protected Ciel, or fled with her."

Five_Pillars says "But it was not my decision to make."

<Number Ten Camel> There was not exactly time for being informed to have made much difference.

<Number Ten Camel> Beware of judging others, old man. It comes easily with age, they say, but not always rightly.

Five_Pillars says "Scarab found Ciel's murderer days before she came to the Inn. But knew her not. For Soran's counsel." He says "Oh, I do not know if I would have done better or worst. But it /is/ his burden, as he led us to that place. Hopefully, he can forgive himself for that, if not for his past."

Number Ten Camel folds up his silk, along well-worn creases, sighing. "It is all so complicated."

Five_Pillars nods. "It is. And I do not envy Soran his role. Were I to lead, it would bbe ... differently. I do not think I have it in me to plan a resistance."

<Number Ten Camel> It is late, friend. You should rest, incase your activities have gathered hostile eyes nearby. I shall keep watch for now.

Five_Pillars nods. "Whatever you choose, my friend. I remember my oath" He nods to Camel and then goes back to his cmael, doublechecking it before falling into sleep.

Number Ten Camel bids Five Pillars goodnight.