FrivYeti/DragonsS6IC

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FrivYeti: It has been one week since the scouting expedition returned to Scarlet Haven, and rumours and gossip have spread through the town like wildfire.
FrivYeti: Sesus Kaijin and the city's influential leaders have been engaged in close conversation all week, and rumour has it that their discussions have frequently transformed into debates, and occasionally flared into active arguments.
FrivYeti: Everyone who was on the expedition (except Valeria, who people still generally avoid) have been pressed for every last detail about what Creation is like from almost everyone they meet.
WillCoon: Skein has, naturally, been enjoying the celebrity greatly.
FrivYeti: In general, while it's business as usual on the surface, there is a massive undercurrent of excitement, and a smaller undercurrent of fear.
Moonsword134: Valeria has been seen little, adding to her general evasion of attention.
DonovanTz: Hailey wlll have been splitting her time between personal training and making sure her replacements on the scout roster have been doing their jobs properly.
Moonsword134: Sequestered in her father's library and consulting with him during his time away from the meetings, she has been studying the sorceries that once so defined her darkest fears.
hoverpope: Tepet Djenus Baran, hearing of the new rumours of the world, is desperately afraid (as per usual) of being sent outside Scarlet Haven (That particular fear is new.)
hoverpope: He has been summoning several demons to help him out, and desperately begging to continue his studies rather than journeying onwards.
WillCoon: Skein's been regaling the citizenry with the story of the journey
WillCoon: but he has also redoubled his training behind closed doors
Moonsword134: Valeria's response to Baran's antics has been largely one of silent contempt.
WillCoon: He's fiercely excited, and wants to make the most of this opportunity.
Wakoid2: Errant Tiger, being a more active member of the military than most of the others, has been to more of these meetings and others. Some are to provide information, while others are discussing combat tactics
Wakoid2: in the stable world of Creation compared to the Wyld. Overall, he's been just as busy as the leaders of Scarlet Haven themselves.
FrivYeti: After about a week of this, the scouts are called to a meeting at Sesus Kaijin's office. Oddly, Baran also receives such a summons.
FrivYeti: As usual, Ladash is present in the antechamber, although the usual unhurried pace which which he works has been replaced by a small flurry of activity as he fills out papers, consults manuals, and generally appears to be exhausted.
FrivYeti: As each member enters, he pauses long enough to nod to each of them in turn. "General Kaijin is just wrapping up a meeting - she will be with you shortly."
Moonsword134: Valeria stands at the back of the group, giving any of Baran's demons that might be present an ill look, and leans against a wall. hoverpope: Baran sits there, as usual, in absurdly outdated finery. He's extremely nervous, twitching and sweating. He has no demons present.
WillCoon: The air around Skein has grown misty with his anticipation, and his hair drifts towards Kaijin's locus, as though tugged by unseen currents.
DonovanTz: ::Hailey stands at rest, observing the goings on with minimal interest::
Wakoid2: Errant Tiger nods at Ladash's words, and stands a little off to the side of the room as he waits. He offers a quick greeting to each of those who had gone out on the original scouting mission with
Wakoid2: him, as he had not seen much of them in the past week. He gives Baran a questioning glance, however, not sure exactly why the sorcerer is here.
hoverpope: Baran catches the glance, and gives him the exact same.
WillCoon: "It's good to see you all."
FrivYeti: With everyone arrived, Ladash promptly returns to his paperwork, leaving the group to converse.
Moonsword134: Valeria, per her usual habits, says nothing.
hoverpope: "I was glad to hear you all made it back. I was worried about you."
Moonsword134: Valeria raises an eyebrow quetioningly but, as she is behind the rest, this goes mostly unnoticed.
WillCoon: "Well, let us hope our next excursion goes as well."
hoverpope: "I wish you luck on your next trip as well. I believe I should remain here and study the changing structures of the wyld until we know more."
Moonsword134: "If that was to your fate, I doubt you would have been summoned," Valeria's soft whisper floats from her place at the wall.
WillCoon: Skein turns to see Valeria - and to hide his smile from Baran.
Wakoid2: "I'm inclined to agree with Valeria," said Tiger. "If you weren't going to included in some way more than previous, you likely would not have been summoned here, specifically with us as well."
Moonsword134: Skein, who has turned to look at her, notices Valeria's small, secretive smile, as if she knows something that Baran might not.
hoverpope: "That thought has certainly been worrying me as well, although possibly I am to simply provide summoned aid or such."
WillCoon: Skein raises his eyebrows with amusement.
FrivYeti: As the group considers why Baran might be present, the door to Kaijin's office opens and Colonel Maddar sweeps out, pausing as he considers the gathering.
Moonsword134: Valeria comes to a rather less slack position.
Wakoid2: Errant Tiger salutes quickly, straightening to an alert stance.
DonovanTz: ::Hailey snaps to attention with a perfect salute::
WillCoon: Skein, upon seeing the others do so, straightens himself up.
hoverpope: Baran salutes broadly and primly, and then scuttles backwards a few steps.
FrivYeti: Maddar considers the gathering as though he isn't quite sure what to think. After a moment, he settles for a noncommital nod. "I found your report on the current state of Creation to be most interesting reading."
FrivYeti: He turns his attention to Errant Tiger. "Tell me, Captain, what are your opinions regarding these Arbiters you spoke of?"
Wakoid2: Tiger shifted to a slightly less stiff position as he prepared to answer. "From what we know of them at the moment, they seem like they might be our best source of assitance and information in the region of Creation the path
Wakoid2: through the Wyld leads to. They're reletively neutral in the local politics, and are more concerned with Creation as a whole, rather than the local Daimyos who would look more toward personal gain for their respective
Wakoid2: kingdoms. However..." He trails off for a moment.
FrivYeti: Maddar raises an eyebrow. "However?"
Wakoid2: "However, their Sky Dragons... concern me, if just because they're such a new and extreme development that has occurred in the time since our forebearers were lost in the Wyld and found Scarlet
Wakoid2: Haven. While similar in certain respects to the normal breeds of Dragon-Blooded... I'm fairly sure we don't have the full story about their genesis. Also, we don't know their full capabilities, and what their
Wakoid2: leaders may think of us, being as we are apparently from outside the 'Loom' we were told of."
WillCoon: Skein inclines his head slightly at this.
Moonsword134: Valeria raises her hand for attention before speaking. "You could almost call them Anathema, in a sense," she adds. "They seem to be no more fitting of the title than I am, but it is... descriptive," she rasps.
WillCoon: Skein blinks. "However, they seem to be powerful allies. We shouldn't let our suspicion make us overlook this fact."
FrivYeti: "Mm." Maddar nods after a moment of thought, glancing around the others. "Congratulations on your successful mission. Scarlet Haven is very proud of you all."
hoverpope: "The immaculate texts do stipulate that the anathema stole their power from the sky gods. If they gods have chosen to freely grant it... this requires thought. Have we lost our mandate, or could it have been expanded?"
FrivYeti: He gives the company a salute - which includes Baran more by accident than design - and then gestures back towards the office. "I believe that Sesus Kaijin is expecting you. I should keep you no longer."
FrivYeti: With a nod, he sweeps from the room.
DonovanTz: :;Hailey saluts again.::Thank you, sir.
WillCoon: Skein smiles encouraginly at the others, then billows into the office.
Moonsword134: Valeria fires off a short but polite salute.
Wakoid2: Returning the salute, Errant Tiger then bows slightly as the Colonel leaves, before heading into the general's office.
hoverpope: Baran salutes more as a reflexive twitch than intentionally, and waits for someone to billow ahead of him.
FrivYeti: The group enters the general's office, as suggested, and find Kaijin once again sitting behind her desk. A few new keepsakes have been added since last time, including a medal hanging on one wall commemorating her actions
FrivYeti: fifty years ago during one of the largest Fair Folk attacks granted to her by Ujiro, but the room remains fairly spartan. The chairs have been set off to one side of the room, leaving a large clear space in front of the desk.
FrivYeti: Kaijin stands, nodding to the gathering. "Greetings. First, I want to offer our thanks, on behalf of Scarlet Haven, for your selfless courage in exploring into Creation."
WillCoon: Skein positions himself off-center before her desk.
WillCoon: "To see Creation was nothing short of a miraculous opportunity. I was glad to be an envoy of the Haven in our ancestral lands."
FrivYeti: Nodding, Kaijin smiles faintly. Sitting back down, she steeples her fingers. "As I'm sure you are aware, there has been some... discussion... as to our next course of action."
Moonsword134: "My father has mentioned such."
Wakoid2: Tiger nods, having been party to some of these discussions... and merely in the same building during some of the louder ones...
FrivYeti: Kaijin doesn't quite get a sour look on her face, but it comes close. "Ultimately, we have decided that while the information gathered from the 'Dragons of the Sky' is quite valuable, we need to ensure that we
FrivYeti: understand the local politcal landscape. As it seems unlikely that we will be simply marching back to the Blessed Isle, as hoped, more long-term planning is necessary.
FrivYeti: To that end, we are organizing an embassy, to travel to the bordering nations in turn and make our presence officially known.
FrivYeti: She pauses. "However, there is a secondary concern at this time. Fair Folk activity to the north is increasing again, and Master Valos believes it likely that there may be an attack at some time in the near future."
Moonsword134: Valeria raises an eyebrow.
FrivYeti: "Because of this, I do not feel comfortable sending any of my colonels to lead this embassy at this time." She pauses, and takes a deep breath.
FrivYeti: "As such, I am requesting that you all serve as the embassy and assistants to Winglord Darting Lynx."
Wakoid2: Errant Tiger very nearly lets out a groan as he hears who they would be taking orders from...
Moonsword134: Valeria looks like she wants to say something rude.
WillCoon: "I would be honored to serve as ambassador. The sooner we are able to establish our Haven in creation, the better."
hoverpope: "General sir, I have the utmost respect for the Winglord; she has been proven powerful and capable many times. However, is not her skill in battle? Would it be possible for, say, Fruitful Contemplation to lead the embassy?"
WillCoon: Skein is trying not to consider that facet of the mission.
DonovanTz: ::Hailey does her best to retain her composure and stares fixedly at a point about three inches to the left of Kaijin's head::
Moonsword134: For once, Valeria finds herself in agreement with Baran. "I am inclined to agree with him," she adds, nodding at Baran. "Darting Lynx is not the most... diplomatic... of individuals in my experience."
hoverpope: "Such a choice might convince the people of creation that we are wise and devout, and allay fears that we come on a mission of conquest. "
hoverpope: "Certainly, that is what I would fear were one of Darting Lynx's dignity and martial skill to arrive unexpected in my kingdom."
FrivYeti: Kaijin glances towards the door. Seeing her look, Ladash smoothly leans over and nods his head deliberately. Kaijin leans forwards. "I'm well aware of this. However..."
FrivYeti: She sighs. "There are other concerns in play."
FrivYeti: "Fruitful Contemplation is still recovering from the sickness that claimed General Ujiro - I don't want to risk her condition worsening due to extensive travel."
FrivYeti: "Otherwise, she would be joining Darting Lynx. As it stands..." She trails off. "I trust that you will be able to... curb her enthusiasm, if necessary."
Moonsword134: Valeria frowns. "None of us have the rank to stand against her as an equal," she points out softly.
hoverpope: "And she is, perhaps, accustomed to commanding such as us."
FrivYeti: Kaijin nods again. "This is part of the reason for the... high number of non-military Dragon-Blooded on this mission."
FrivYeti: She turns her attention to Baran. "Master Baran. Given the nature of this mission, it has been agreed that one of the city's sages should accompany the expedition.
FrivYeti: "Ragara Valos is detained in preparing for the expected upcoming incursion, and your name came up as a versitile savant."
WillCoon: Skein watches for Baran's reaction to this.
FrivYeti: "As such, I am requesting that you accompany this mission as a loremaster and advisor to the Winglord."
hoverpope: "I am honoured for the consideration, General. I will do my utmost to aid the mission." He makes absolutely no effort to hide the visible paling of his face, though his voice is sufficiently resolved.
Wakoid2: Errant Tiger currently has his eyes closed as he tries not to think of what he has heard from those captains who have severd under Lynx... He's listening to the conversation, but
Wakoid2: his mind is slightly elsewhere...
FrivYeti: "Thank you, Master Baran." Kaijin's smile becomes more warm and less polite, and she looks around the group. "Off the record, I realize that I am potentially putting you in a difficult position."
FrivYeti: "To be frank, I fully expect that you will need to act to prevent Darting Lynx from doing something foolish at least once."
FrivYeti: "Ideally, it will be without straining the chain of command, but this issue has been gathering for some time."
Moonsword134: Valeria looks less than enthusiastic about this situation.
WillCoon: Skein nods slowly.
WillCoon: "I have confidence that this team will be able to handle it."
FrivYeti: Kaijin nods. "Winglord Darting Lynx will give you a briefing as to her objectives. In the meantime, are there any questions in particular regarding this operation?"
DonovanTz: Does the Winglord have a seperate set of objectives beyond those set forward by Command?
FrivYeti: "Not precisely, but she will likely have more specific applications as time goes on."
FrivYeti: "Our objective is to open negotiations, ideally with both local daimyos and, if we can make a connection, with the Realm, without committing ourselves to a single nation."
WillCoon: "In what capacity are we to be positioning the Haven? Are we to plan a relocation quickly?"
FrivYeti: "Only if we can do so without compromising our defensive position." Kaijin sits back. "We have a hundred years' worth of fortifications here as well as some very fertile farmland, after all."
Wakoid2: "What is our official position on the Arbiters and the Sky Dragons?"
FrivYeti: "At this time - we are cautiously accepting of them, unless it turns out that they have been actively deceiving us."
FrivYeti: "Obviously, you will have to balance their information against that of others - especially this General Yukong. I am given to understand that Mela's Bounty will be Winglord Lynx's first stop."
Moonsword134: Valeria nods, interested.
DonovanTz: If i may ask, have the Savants made any decisions regarding the path to Creation's stability?
FrivYeti: "Barring an actual Fair Folk invasion into it, it appears to be stable and permanent." Kaijin develops a half-smile. "Valos is not willing to speculate as to why it may have formed."
hoverpope: "I beg you pardon the impertinence of this question, sir, but you said that ideally, if we must reign in the Winglord, it will be within the chain of command."
hoverpope: "What if the situation is less than ideal? I do not mean to impugn the Winglord's honour, but are their limits to our discretion?"
Moonsword134: Valeria's lips quirk at the mention of her father's odd habits.
FrivYeti: Kaijin sighs slightly. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to leave that to your discretion. Obviously, if Darting Lynx exceeds the rights of her position, you are under no obligation to follow illegal orders."
Moonsword134: "And if we must forcibly prevent her from doing something ill-advised?" Valeria inquires softly.
FrivYeti: "If it becomes absolutely necessary, I will understand." Kaijin pauses for a moment. "But you can expect that your actions in such a case would be rigourously examined."
Moonsword134: Valeria nods, expecting little more in the way of leeway.
DonovanTz: And what of the Fae called Nezini? It would appear the Path runs through or at least nearby lands claimed to be held by it
FrivYeti: "Our position as far as the Fae goes remains the same. Treat with it if necessary, promise it nothing."
Wakoid2: "What will be the full number of soldiers and any support crew that will be travelling on this mission, beyond my scale?"
FrivYeti: "In addition to your personal scale, Winglord Darting Lynx will be bringing a talon of her own soldiers, along with a scale of support staff."
FrivYeti: "We will see if others need to follow, depending on whether permanent embassies are set up."
Moonsword134: "And of our supplies?" Valeria asks.
FrivYeti: "Supplies will be handled by Darting Lynx's quartermaster." Kaijin smiles. "He is an efficient man, so I wouldn't expect much trouble on that front."
FrivYeti: She pauses. "The expedition will be leaving in two days' time. I wished for you all to have time to prepare."
Moonsword134: Valeria nods, satisfied.
hoverpope: Baran nods, worried as all hell.
Wakoid2: Sounding a bit reluctant, Errant Tiger asks, "Should I report to Winglord Darting Lynx soon, to begin integrating my men under her command structure?"
FrivYeti: "Darting Lynx wished to see you tommorow morning, Master Tiger. I believe she is busy with supply issues at the time being." Kaijin inclines her head.
FrivYeti: "If there are no further questions, you are all dismissed. And good luck."
Wakoid2: "Thank you, General," replied Errant Tiger, saluting.
DonovanTz: ::Hailey Salutes:: Thank you, sir!
WillCoon: "Yes, thank you. I have high hopes for our embassy."
Moonsword134: Valeria salutes the General smartly.
hoverpope: Baran bows politely, and follows everyone very closely on the way out.
FrivYeti: Outside, Ladash nods to you. "Never a dull moment around here, is there?"
hoverpope: "Never enough of them, at least."
Moonsword134: Valeria smiles at the exchange.
DonovanTz: Dullness is one of a soldier's greatest hazards
hoverpope: "Really? I had always been taught that the greatest hazards were blades. I suppose dullness edges them out for first?"
Wakoid2: "It takes you off guard when things inevitably become hectic again," Tiger says.
Moonsword134: Valeria's staff makes a loud thump as it lands directly next to Baran.
Moonsword134: "Never mistake that any weapon can be dangerous," she warns intently.
hoverpope: "And the less expected, the more likely."
hoverpope: "That's why I approve of my solution: worry about every possible danger at all times, so as not to be taken off guard."
WillCoon: "So dull moments and blunt weapons are twin dangers to avoid, then"
Moonsword134: A knife is suddenly at Baran's throat.
Moonsword134: "And never mistake the value of surprise," she adds before returning the blade to its sheathe.
hoverpope: "You see, Valeria, this is why I try to stay indoors alone."
hoverpope: "But, I concede the point."
FrivYeti: Ladash laughs at the exchange, then returns to work on his papers.
WillCoon: "A blunt point with a sharpened one... there's a certain poetry to that, Valeria."
DonovanTz: ::Hailey pauses for a moment to get information from Ladash about Lynx's chain of command in order to get a better idea of the people she will be dealing with::
Moonsword134: Valeria nods at Baran before turning to Skein. "And a great deal of surprise," she adds with a small grin.
hoverpope: In that case, shall we retire for the moment? I'm sure we all have a great deal of work to do before we depart.
hoverpope: ""
Wakoid2: "In any event, proverbs and advice aside, we should begin making preperations," says Errant Tiger. "I'm going to see about requestitioning some more equipment for my scale. If any of you wish to accompany...?"
WillCoon: Skein snickers.
FrivYeti: Ladash is happy to discuss operations with Hailey.
Moonsword134: Valeria nods. "I suspect that I can persuade the quartermasters quite readily... or just get it myself."
WillCoon: "I have some matters to meditate on, but we might speak later about our mission."
Wakoid2: Tiger nodded, and moved toward the door. "I would appreciate any clout you could bring, Valeria."
hoverpope: Baran excuses himself and runs along home. Two days - only time to summon two demons!
WillCoon: Skein is going to meditate in private.
WillCoon: He needs to get some training in, combat and otherwise, if he;s going to pick up those charms he's looking at as well
WillCoon: He's also planning out how to deal with Lynx.
DonovanTz: ::Upon completing her discussion with Ladar, Hailey will adopt the prudent course and seek out the head of Lynx's scouts and offer her services and experience::
FrivYeti: The night passes without incident, although as usual, by late afternoon everyone in the city knows that the group is going back into Creation.
WillCoon: During the day, Skein trains in the midst of the Haven.
WillCoon: The two do not notice the slight darkening of the sky as they meet in passing, and speak of inconsequential things. Neither notices his slight shift in posture at her tone, nor her minute frown at certain words. Skein notices.
WillCoon: Above, on the rooftop, he holds glowing water essence entwined between his hands, his anima-cloud thickening around him. He watches the faint vibrations of their intentions, and mouths their words with them.
WillCoon: When they feel the first raindrops from the cloudless sky, they look up. But Skein has departed already, retreating to his private chambers to reflect on his lessons.
FrivYeti: The next morning dawns overcast and slightly dreary, threatening rain but not quite delivering. The Fourth Dragon's quarters are a hub of activity as a quarter of their soldiers prepare for their journey the next day.
FrivYeti: When Errant Tiger arrives at the barracks, he is quickly directed to where Darting Lynx is organizing formations for the journey.
Wakoid2: His eyes somewhat sunken and with slight bags under them, Errant Tiger adjusts the straps of his armor and the rest of his uniform as he heads to where to find his soon-to-be commander.
FrivYeti: Darting Lynx is looking surprisingly awake for the early hour, cheerfully sipping from a pot of tea as she works on a plan. She smiles broadly as Errant Tiger enters. "Ah, Captain Tiger. Please, have a seat."
FrivYeti: She glances up from the maps for a moment, then back down. "Tell me, do you think that we will have trouble moving my troops to Mela's Bounty through these wooded areas?"
Wakoid2: "Thank you, Winglord..." The Wood-Aspect sits down, then leans forward to glance at the maps. "It would depend on how close you wanted to be to the local
Wakoid2: road system. While not clear by any means, the woods near those are sparser than the areas farther away..."
Wakoid2: "There are also a few fields here and there that would allow us to speed up some, as well as be useful points for making camp at night, should we head for them."
Wakoid2: He rubs his eyes for a moment, then shakes his head and looks back at the maps.
FrivYeti: Lynx pushes a teacup across the table to him.
FrivYeti: "Excellent. We won't worry too much about stealth; it's an embassy, after all."
FrivYeti: "Your troops have the most experience, so I would like them to take the vanguard while we're travelling."
Wakoid2: Tiger nodded, picking up the cup but not yet drinking. "We're also a bit lighter in gear, so we can move ahead quickly... Do you plan to make contact with any towns on the way as we make for the capitol?"
FrivYeti: She glances up again. "It's probably not a bad idea - if only to forewarn them that we're coming, so that they don't think us an invasion force."
FrivYeti: "Do you think that this information about Mela's Bounty is accurate?"
FrivYeti: "I don't want to walk into an ambush, but conflict with devout Immaculates seems... problematic."
Wakoid2: "Well..." He took a sip from his cup. "Considering the reception Skein and Hailey received at the one town we encountered supports Marell's reports of the Daimyo somewhat... they're
Wakoid2: definitely strong supporters of the Immaculate Way, but the degree to which it has diverged from that which we know... we don't really know how much yet, and how we might not fit in."
FrivYeti: Darting Lynx nods after a moment, confidantly. "Very well. No sense making judgements in advance. We'll simply be cautious in our dealings."
FrivYeti: She looks up. "I'll leave you in charge of co-ordination with the non-military advisors. Tell them that I expect them ready to depart one hour after dawn tommorow."
Wakoid2: "I'd say that among the general populace, we don't have to worry that much. It would be closer to the capitol, when we're closer to the Daimyo's direct influence, where it would come into play more..."
FrivYeti: Lynx nods thoughtfully. "All the more reason to make sure our path takes us through a few towns; we can avoid any surprises."
FrivYeti: "Thank you, Captain Tiger. Is there anything else you think I should know?"
Wakoid2: "Not that I'm aware of... we're likely to have some more contact with the Arbiters, due to the number of people that aren't part of Creation's Loom that will be present... but
Wakoid2: they're likely not to be as agressive this time around, as they'd be prepared for our presence in the area, and whatever effects that has on their senses about such."
Wakoid2: He drinks some more of his tea.
FrivYeti: "I'll be sure to make sure that the troops know, then." Lynx nods after a moment, returning her attention to the maps. "Thank you, Captain, that will be all. Be sure that your men are ready to move out tommorow."
FrivYeti: She pauses. "Oh, I am in the habit of having officer meetings each night, just to ensure that everything is running smoothly. Inform the advisors that I would appreciate their presence at those."
Wakoid2: "We will be ready, Winglord. And I will tell the others." He quickly finished off the cup, and stands and salutes after setting it down on the table.
FrivYeti: "Very good. Dismissed." Already losing interest, she returns to plotting routes and formations.