JustAddWater/Session12

Session 12 - Deal or no deal?

ADamiani> "And my conclusion is this: You are no longer as dominant." She smiles, perfectly, wickedly.
ADamiani> "You will begin by allowing me visitors."
Silent_Sunset continues to smile. "You are beginning to understand the idea of a 'deal', my dear."
<Silent_Sunset> "That is, an arrangement where everybody wins."
<ADamiani> "It's a start."
<ADamiani> "You realize I will require some means of transporting myself to and from the Wyld."
Silent_Sunset nods a bit absently (or maybe a bit too present). "Transport yourself to and from the Wyld ... Uh, what kind of visitors did you have in mind?"
<ADamiani> "Just, a few diversions, to while away my imprisonment in this dreary sphere..."
Silent_Sunset inspects his brilliantly polished teacup (Her reflection is visible in it!)
<ADamiani> "I know you're trying to be hospitable, but you must admit, you are rather limited by the constraints of the possible."
<Silent_Sunset> His expressions brightens in understanding. "Ahh! Excursions! Travel! The thrill of the unknown!"
<Silent_Sunset> "The impossible is cherished all the more for existing in a place of possibilities."
<Silent_Sunset> "And possibility is always to be taken with a grain of salt ... but I see your point of course."
<ADamiani> "Be that as it may, it's so dreadfully DULL here, all by my lonesome."
Silent_Sunset sighs ... "Limits there are to every host's time, sadly. I'm sorry for this lack."
<ADamiani> "Yes, but your role as host rather prohibits me from procuring my own entertainment."
Silent_Sunset nods understandingly. "Different customs, I gather ... for some strange reason not tolerated up here."
<Silent_Sunset> "So, let me think about this ... to get from here to the Wyld ..."
<Silent_Sunset> "Mhhh, there is the Firewander District in Nexus ... A large breach of Wyldnis, right in the middle in Creation's largest city of this age." <ADamiani> "And this helps in your plan how?"
<Silent_Sunset> "Well, I'm obviously no expert on these matters, but if it is the fluidity of the Wyld you desire ..."
<ADamiani> "You wished me to effect a shaping attack on Nehemeth. That will require some level of proximity as well as access to the Wyld."
<Silent_Sunset> Candles flash in Silent's eyes as he understands. "Ahh. Forgive my lack of attentiveness."
<ADamiani> She sighs, dramatically.
<ADamiani> "Oh, don't mind me, I'm used to such neglect by now."
<Silent_Sunset> Silent looks quite put out at that, as if a cloud had blotted out the sun for a moment. "Really, I ... I just wasn't sure, what you meant. I'm sorry."
<Silent_Sunset> "I was thinking of making it an official visit."
<Silent_Sunset> "That would more than amply explain, why you, I and a few of my comrades visited the Court."
Silent_Sunset smiles. "Because as you know, a web of intrigue is stronger the more knots it involves."
<ADamiani> "That might be effective, though Judge Nehemeth will be wary."
<ADamiani> "And... if I do this thing... what are you offering in return?"
<Silent_Sunset> "The Most Excellent Designers of Destiny hold a great wealth of knowledge, when it comes to perfection of the will through the medium of Martial Arts - these are very secret, but I would love to help you develop some of them."
<ADamiani> She looks unimpressed
<ADamiani> "Mm. I fail to see how that would better permit me to express my will, given my ongoing captivity..."
<Silent_Sunset> "Wouldn't it? You never heard of the knowledge that is power? It's the secrets someone holds over another, that have power ... lose the secrets and lose a bit of control."
<ADamiani> SILENT: SHe grins. "Nice try. But your secrets are immaterial to your power over me, now aren't they?"
<Silent_Sunset> "There are many layers there, and they are immaterial to some indeed ... but if the others are more in your interest ..."
<Silent_Sunset> "The plan involves bringing War. Conflict between the Pearl Court and the mutual enemy. Such conflict, as you know is rife with potential ... potential greater even than that normally inherent to the Wyld."
<Silent_Sunset> "Or, to be more specific, potential for advancement, for a strengthening of the self - or for a lessening of will and substance in the meeting of a superior foe, the loss of power and control."
<Silent_Sunset> "Often one is an integral factor in the other."
Silent_Sunset grins slyly. "Surely you can see where this is going. Nehemeth goes up against a force of Creation, one that is powerful in its destructive ways. She may well be lessened along with many others of greater statue - while you remain in so-called captivity. And if such things do not happen through fate, then Destiny can be guided to include such ..."
<Silent_Sunset> "And then, my dearest guest" - there is no trace of irony in those words - "what binding would remain upon you?"
<ADamiani> "You expect to use me as your pawn now, and your puppet then."
<ADamiani> "You underestimate Nehemeth's strength, and my power to hold the court should you prop me in place."
<ADamiani> "Consider my offer."
<ADamiani> She stands slowly, and with with supernatural grace.
<ADamiani> "You know where to find me once you make up your mind."
Silent_Sunset looks at Dilari openly. "Maybe I do, maybe I do indeed on one of this matters. I am admittedly no expert in Fae politics. But you can be assured, that I do not overestimate the strength I can muster."
<ADamiani> "YOUR strength isn't the question, now, is it?"
<Silent_Sunset> "With regards to Nehemeth, I was assuming it was yours ... But even without attaining mastery of the Court, you win in that arena."
Silent_Sunset leans back, twice discreetly reprimanding his wandering eyes in the process, as Dilari makes her counter-offer
<ADamiani> She seems to reach a decision. "Very well. In turn for my assistence with this affair, you will, first, permit me visitors. Second, upon successful completion of this endeavor, you will provide me with either access to the full run of heaven-- with all the rights accorded an inhabitant thereof-- OR, you will surrender to me your heart."
<Silent_Sunset> "Mmhh."
<ADamiani> "Mmmmh?"
<Silent_Sunset> "Citizenship of Heaven. That is ... unprecedented."
<Silent_Sunset> "It might of course mean, that there's no specific regulations against that ..."
<ADamiani> "And if you fail, well..."
Silent_Sunset is silent for a moment "My heart it is? I kind of need it to live, you know ... and what good does it do you?"
<ADamiani> "Because then MY will shall be dominant."
<Silent_Sunset> "Because I'd be dead. Lovely."
<ADamiani> "Mn. I didn't say that."
Silent_Sunset 's eyes narrow ... "Now that's a finy trick. I believe some of our elders can manage such miracles as well."
<ADamiani> "Think about it, won't you?"
<Silent_Sunset> "I have already."
<ADamiani> SS: "And?" a perfect eyebrow arches
<Silent_Sunset> "Let us swear an oath, each: You will assist me in my plan to drive Nehemeth to war against the Silver Prince, using your powers of shaping to the fullest. In return I will gain legal citizenship of Yu-Shan for you, just like for a god of your statue and importance - if that I can not manage, I will surrender my heart to you. Visitors are of no problem at all, as long as there is no danger to my social or political standing."
<ADamiani> SS.... "You drive a hard bargain, Sidereal."
<ADamiani> "I so swear."
Silent_Sunset touches his castemark, then his heart. "So do I."

Lost_Rainbow_Maiden has spent the past few days silently counting the time til the charm expires, working on Red, and looking for Secret Entrances
<ADamiani> LRM: Plus dodging his demonic Vizier.
<Lost_Rainbow_Maiden> (Indeed! And keeping an eye on the demon in the dungeon. Whats Red using him for?)
<ADamiani> LRM: The Hezachim seems to be a sort of necromantic telephone network.
<Lost_Rainbow_Maiden> (Is he happy about it?)
<ADamiani> He's snarly and angry.
Lost_Rainbow_Maiden pokes the demon with a stick "You don't like it here, do you?"
<ADamiani> RAINBOW, it bits off half the stick. You pull back the stub and look at it. Its end sizzles with acid drool.
<Lost_Rainbow_Maiden> "That wasn't very nice at all. Didn't your mother bother teaching you about manners?"
<ADamiani> LRM "RELEASE MY CHAINS AND I WILL FLOSS WITH YOUR SINEWS"
<ADamiani> LRM "I WILL GARGLE WITH YOUR BLOOD, AND PICK MY TEETH WITH YOUR BONES."
<Lost_Rainbow_Maiden> "Inside voice, please." Rainbow sits down, crosslegged, just outside the cell. "And should I leave you for a bit, so you can think up some creative threats?"
<ADamiani> LRM: "BITCH! I WILL... UM... DEVOUR YOUR PROGENY WHILE YOU WATCH IN IMPOTENT HORROR!"
Lost_Rainbow_Maiden scratches under a strap "How people can stand to wear leather all the time is a mystery." She nods, considering it "Thats better, but devouring? Everybody devours. Devouring is a demon sort of thing to do. It's expected. You devour somebodies kids and people will say "Well. He's a demon allright. Thats what demons do." They won't even bother to remember your name. Which is..?"
<ADamiani> LRM: "COME WITHIN MY REACH AND I WILL RENDER YOUR SKIN INTO A LEATHER BELT. THEN YOU WILL REMEMBER THE NAME OF THE HEZACHIM!"
Lost_Rainbow_Maiden claps and jiggles in delight. "Thats much better! Making clothing out of your enemies is a memorable atrocity, especially if you leave them alive so they can tell people about it. Anyways, I assume that since you're chained, you weren't summoned by Sorcery?"
<ADamiani> "THE CHAINS BIND ME TO THIS PLACE AND OTHERS."
<Lost_Rainbow_Maiden> "And if you weren't chained, you'd be free to go?"
<ADamiani> ONE ASPECT OF MY BEING WOULD NO LONGER BE TETHERED TO THIS SITE.
Lost_Rainbow_Maiden sighs and mentally adjust her estimation of the demon's intellect downwards. "And that would mean...?"
<ADamiani> LRM: "THAT WOULD MEAN I WOULD NO LONGER NEED TO BE TORN IN AS MANY LOCATIONS AT ONCE"
Lost_Rainbow_Maiden nods "I see. And other than the chains, what holds you to this world? Are you sorcerously bound, or free?"
<ADamiani> LRM "THE CHAINS ARE A MANIFESTATION OF THE SORCERY THAT BINDS ME HERE, AND IN THE OTHER PLACES THAT MY BEING IS DIVIDED."
Lost_Rainbow_Maiden nods and rises. "Well, that was very interesting. Thank you." She heads of to continue her search for secret entrances. And ducking the vizier!
Lost_Rainbow_Maiden peers through the wall
<ADamiani> It leads down into a darkened tunnel.
<ADamiani> You'll follow it?
Lost_Rainbow_Maiden heads down the tunnel, keeping a sharp eye out for traps.
<ADamiani> It appears to be a sort of escape tunnel.
Lost_Rainbow_Maiden looks for the end of the tunnel and, once that is identified comes back, looking around to find Red, stealthily
Lost_Rainbow_Maiden lurks, dodging the vizier, and waiting for Red to vanish.
<ADamiani> The vizier's standing right behind you.
<ADamiani> He doesn't seem to make sound when he moves. Sort of a solidified skeletal darkness looking behind you here.
<ADamiani> "Ah... MIStress.... I had not ANTIcipated Meeting YOU here, in this lonely, darkened tunnel. SUREly you are free to use the MAIN enterence?"
Lost_Rainbow_Maiden draws herself up and glares at the demon "I fail to see how it's any business of yours, worm."
<ADamiani> "Of COURSE, Mistress... I was MERELY ensuring that the seCURity tunnel had not been COMpromised in any way..."
<ADamiani> "It would be a TRAGEDY if we allowd an INfiltrator within these walls."
<Lost_Rainbow_Maiden> "You do that just to be annoying, don't you?"
<ADamiani> "DO what, MISStres?"
<ADamiani> He hisses a little.
<ADamiani> A proud Malfean accent?
Lost_Rainbow_Maiden sighs "Go away."
<ADamiani> "Of COURSE, as you wish. I SIMply wished to inSURE this manse was SEcure..."
<ADamiani> "SEEing as it was SIMply YOU, NAturally, my conCERNs have been aLAYed..."
<ADamiani> The Vizier leaps back
Lost_Rainbow_Maiden walks back to the manse.
<ADamiani> You're just polishing your nails by the open secret enterance door?
Lost_Rainbow_Maiden kicks the door shut, then goes and polishes her nails somewhere.
<ADamiani> Eventually, a serving demon comes to inform you of the dinner menu, and present you with a list of fine bloods to accompany your meal.
<ADamiani> LRM: Some time later: RSR: "Beloved, have you seen the Jazar anywhere about? It seems to have vanished..."
Lost_Rainbow_Maiden shakes her head "No. He made some very unpleasent advances on my person. When I attempted to discipline him, he ran away."
<ADamiani> LRM: "Ah. Shall I have him brought before me and flayed alive, then? The Hzezachim has been angling for a new wardrobe...."
Lost_Rainbow_Maiden nods imperiously "Yes, I expect that would provide some amusement, and act as an object lesson for the other servants."
<ADamiani> LRM: Eventually, the Jazar is caught, and brought before you and your consort.
Lost_Rainbow_Maiden regards him coldly "Actions have consequences, demon. I hope you appreciate that fact now."
<ADamiani> He's been trying to get as far away as he can since he figured out what's going on here.
<ADamiani> "Imposter!"
<ADamiani> "You are not Lost Rainbow Maiden! If such a being truly exists!"
<ADamiani> "My lord, I besseech you! Do not be fooled by her tricks!"
Lost_Rainbow_Maiden raises an eyebrow "How dare you make such insinuations against me, to cover up for your own foolish mistake!"
<ADamiani> "I have no memory of this creature-- and neither does the Hzezachim! She is an infiltrator!"
<ADamiani> RSR looks at you.
<ADamiani> RSR looks at the demon.
<ADamiani> "These are... SERIOUS allegations."
<ADamiani> "Naturally, there are those in heaven who would seek to punish me for my actions..."
<ADamiani> LRM: "You will understand, my beloved, if I am wary."
Lost_Rainbow_Maiden snorts dissmissevely. "And this is likely some Sidereal trick to sow dissension. The ghosts remember me. You remember me. Would one of your enemies do with you the thingsJustAddWater/I've/ done with you?"
<ADamiani> RSR's eyes seem to study you intently.
<ADamiani> LRM: "They might. If they were desperate enough. Tell me... if you are REALLY Lost Rainbow Maiden, tell me something only my beloved would know."
Lost_Rainbow_Maiden begins, very graphically, to enumerate and describe his sexual preferences and picadillos. "And, if I meant to kill you, then I would have done it last night while I had you chained to the bedpost."
<ADamiani> RSR hands you a soulsteel knife.
Lost_Rainbow_Maiden eyes the knife, then eyes the Jazzar. She gives him a sweet smile and says, for the benefit of the crowd "And this is what happens to those who fail to choose their lies carefully." She steps forward and begins the long process of flaying the demon.
<ADamiani> RSR leaves you to your task. "You may do with him as you please. I trust his end will be sufficiently painful."
<ADamiani> Inwardly, knowing his beleoved as he does, the dark vestiges of his heart give the tiniest shudder of pity.
Lost_Rainbow_Maiden looks at the guards "Escort him to the dungeons. I need privacy for this. Privacy, and a lot of hooks."

<ADamiani> MOMENT: The situation in the west continues to deteriorate.
<ADamiani> Interesting tidbits that cross your desk include election fever that has gripped the Wavecrest Archipellago
<Moment> Moment groans as she enters her office and pulls back her dark auburn hair into a tight bun. Time to get back to work, especialy with everyoen else out on their missions. She'd fascilitated matters for Summer Sky as much as possible with that portfolio, and trusted him to send a half dozen senior dragon blooded and several hundred mercs, plus whoever he managed to get them to recruit, hurtling against the silver prince like the
<Moment> forces of nature they were. But in the meenwhile, someone had to get all this done. She rolled up her sleeves, revealing the daggers strapped there, licked a clean caligraphy brush, and started on the piling up papers.
<ADamiani> Moment: Apparenlty, wavecrest's traditional two-party political balance between the blue (nativist) and green (realmist) parties has been disrupted
<ADamiani> Moment, as you do paperwork, you come actross notice that something called the "black" party, a new force in Wavecrest politics, is favored to win the next Presidential election.
<Moment> Curious, Moment digs through the notes on sthe specifics of the political disruption.
<Moment> Upon recieving a memo, Moment heaves a sigh of relief and jots out a reply, and quickly goes into the back of her office where her porters left her chest, cleans up, and chainges into her spiked armor, golden chain belt, and quiver.
<Moment> She then sets out for the desingated meeting place.

<ADamiani> PSL: Heading firectly to Glorious Sunrise?
Platinum_Sky_Lover is strapping on her white leathers, slipping on her thigh high god kicking boots and combat leotard, along with a blue-trimmed white cloak and mask - using the College of the Sorcerer, she has created the resplendant destiny of the Teacher in White, her cover identity for dealing with Glorious Sunrise.
Hidden_Crystal sighs under his breath, and sets out for the meeting place, quietly thinking over things: while he fully intends to let PSL do most of the talking, because he has the social skills of a brick, and this will take finesse, he still may need to say something.
Platinum_Sky_Lover joins HC and Moment at the gate entrance. "Good to see you both. Enjoy doing your paperwork?" She smirks, as she pulls on her starmetal kata bracers and fighting gloves.
<Moment> Moment chuckeld and flexed her gauntleted hands. "I take my paperwork as pentience for a night of flagrant indulgence."
Platinum_Sky_Lover flashes the god of scheduling a pretty smile as she schedules the Calibration gate drop off and pick up.
<Moment> Moment skips gleefuly up beside her, "Hi, handsome, missed you. Feels like forever since the last demon hunt." She grins sincerly at the god, with genuine fond memories and manipualtive heavings of the chest.
Platinum_Sky_Lover then realises, to her horror, that she has filled out *the wrong form*. "Ah, I'll be back in a few minutes."
<Moment> "What?" Moment glances at the form, then melts into gigles so hard that her head drops onto the desk.
Hidden_Crystal just sighs. Red tape sucks. A lot.
Platinum_Sky_Lover stares at Moment's chest, distracted herself. She lets Moment take the save for her as she carefully slinks away to re-do that form.
Platinum_Sky_Lover decides to simply go through the local gate near Abalone. Less hassle and easier.
<ADamiani> OK. You hire a small boat to take you to the island, it'll be waiting for you until you come back
<Moment> "No extraction then, Sky? Are we going to have to get from one island to another? Never mind, I'm being paranoid. I'm just not used to oceans." She slips a hand into her quiver pouch to make sure she has some dried fruit and the water breathing amulet."
Platinum_Sky_Lover slips an arm around Moment's waist as she directs the sailor. "we should be fine. you can swim, can't you?" She slips the pilot a bit of Jade - "Nothing that you should be concerned about, my good man."
<ADamiani> In charge of the west, you may need to get used to boats.
Hidden_Crystal considers learning how to sail. It would be very, very practical.
<ADamiani> It takes you about twelve hours, all told to get to the island, by silver line channel, gate, boat and treck across the island.
<Moment> Moment chuckled and slid a hand down her own chest, from the shoulder spikes, to the generous expanse of cleevage, and down the starmetal corset, miniskirt, and greaves. She sighes, "Remember what happened last time I tried to swim in this?" She dismisses it with a shrug, then rests her head on Sky's shoulder with a contented sigh, her own arm going around the other girl's waist.
<ADamiani> Anyhoo, you make it to the entrence of the tomb, you have this sensation that you are being watched.
Platinum_Sky_Lover isn't seducing Moment yet, but is being her usually touchy self. "We can arrange the straps so that your armor can come off easily, in water. Anyway, come on." She entertains the though of having Yuri sex with moment right in front of Hidden, but that would probably make the poor boy's head blow up.
<ADamiani> Is anyone here wearing a respendent Destiny?
<Platinum_Sky_Lover> The White Teacher is some sort of Exalt who has been 'sent by heaven to guide the newly reborn Lawgivers'.
<Moment> Chuckling softly, Moment replies, "And leave 40 pounds of precious starmetal, custom fitted over a half year to my form by Vulcan himself at the bottom of the ocean? I think my mentors would have prefered I drown." She reaches into her quiver again with her free hand, removes the amult, and slides it aroudn her neck.
Platinum_Sky_Lover leaps to the top of a nearby ruined pillar, standing in a crane stance, one hand in a lotus gesture, foot on one knee.
<ADamiani> Anyhow, as you approach the former seal, you find tha the disc on top of the tomb has been replaced though the wards do not seem to have been redrawn
<ADamiani> You have the terrible sense you're being watched
<Moment> The back of Moment's neck tingles, and she considers weather or not to draw a firewand or bow from her quiver.
<ADamiani> You're just going to stand there in crane stance until something approaches you?
Hidden_Crystal 's eyes flicker about, as if looking for what is watching them.
<Moment> She looked around nervously, then called, "Hail the Manse."
<Platinum_Sky_Lover> "We come in peace, Glorious Sunrise. We told you we'd return."
<ADamiani> VOICE FROM MANSE: Announce Yourself And Your Intent.
<Platinum_Sky_Lover> (Does that sound like Glorious Sunrise?)
<ADamiani> More like the manse automated systems voice.
<ADamiani> Majel Barret Rodenberry.
Hidden_Crystal mentally groans, remembering that voice from the fight.
<Platinum_Sky_Lover> In Old Realm - "Please inform Glorious Sunrise that fellow servants of heaven have returned and wish to peacefully parlay. We shall wait out here."
<ADamiani> Proceed, and step onto the seal.
Platinum_Sky_Lover kisses both Crystal and Moment on the lips.
Hidden_Crystal freezes in place.
<Platinum_Sky_Lover> "Let me, first." She steps on.
<Moment> Moment catches the Chosen of Serentiy's hair. "You don't think I'm letting you go alone, dear one, do you?"
<Moment> Nervously she paused, "Okay, well, you can go first."
<Moment> Careful to keep her hadns far from her daiklave and various firedust weapons, she followed behind PSL.
Hidden_Crystal lightly steps onto the seal behind them, hands demurely folded in front of him.
Platinum_Sky_Lover regards HC's shyness and pulls back, eyes full of affection. She playfully smacks Moment's hand away from her hair - "you haven't earned hair pulling priveledges yet. Maybe later."
<ADamiani> Once the three of you have stepped on, the seal begins to rotate, screwing lower and lower, like a dizzying elevator until it descends into the central shaft where you fought Weeping GLass, Sour Ice Phoenix and the ghost of Wisdom Viper.
<Moment> Moment yips, proving that, for all her combat prowess, she's still not a martial artist
<ADamiani> Glorious Sunrise is standing there, apparently alone on the center platform-- it looks like she's raised it from the bottom, and somehow reattached it.
<ADamiani> She's standing in a gold and white robe, looking proud and haughty.
<Platinum_Sky_Lover> "Hello. I love what you've done with the place."
<ADamiani> "You seek an audience."
Platinum_Sky_Lover raises an eyebrow. Does this resemble the Glorious Sunrise they met earlier? Or is she in Limit Break?
<ADamiani> Well, before she was kicking you out and threattening to hurl magma kraken at you if you didn't vacate in a sufficiently speedy fashion.
<Moment> Moment held back to let Sky concentrate while perusing the scene, still a bit tense.
<ADamiani> She MAY be in limit break, or she may be an arrogant jerk, OR she may be putting on a strong face given that she faces exalted emmisaries of unknown but obviously vast power.
Platinum_Sky_Lover holds up a finger. "Lesson one I always give to all Lawbringers - don't believe the hype. I greet you as a fellow servant of heaven. Thank you for your hospitality. May we join you?"
Hidden_Crystal is silent, hands folded in front of him, simply watching. He is quietly fascinated with the First Age technology of this place, and had a pretty good idea of how that thing that had carried them down here worked. Interesting, that.
Platinum_Sky_Lover seems to be betting on the strategy that treating Glorious Sunrise like a human being with respect will work better than pulling the Cult toadying bullshit line.
<ADamiani> TRIO: "You may speak the message you have come to deliver, if that is why you have come." <Platinum_Sky_Lover> "Oh, please stop with the booming voice shit. Relax! We have no charms up and we want to make friendly-like. Pardon me while I take a seat." PSL leaps, flips, and takes a spot up on one of the bookshelves.
<ADamiani> Trio: She scowls a little and folds her arms.
<Moment> Moment chuckles softly, "Showing off again, beautiful? Please forgive Platinum Sky, she's been bouncing around so long, she forgets how normal people move. Perhaps you'd offer us a seat, and I'd offer you a mead?"
<Platinum_Sky_Lover> "This is the deal. We're servants of heaven, Star-Born Exalted as you are born from the Sun. I'm afraid that's as much as I Can tell you about our origins, but, our job is to fix things - we keep the tapestry that is the world woven together, as it were, while the forces of the Wyld, the Yozis, and the Neverborn would seek to tear it apart. We seek to defend Creation, like you no doubt."
Platinum_Sky_Lover snorts at Moment's comment. "I *like* moving around. But, as you can see, we eat, breathe and shit like you do. We were born of the seed of man and the womb of woman, so, let's talk like people. I give you word that we mean you no harm. You're no enemy of Creation, like those two Deathknights were."
<ADamiani> Trio: "Forgive me, I am... unaccustomed to visitors in this place."
<ADamiani> She snaps her fingers, and a pair of minor demonic servitors bear in a rather large number of pillows, upon which you may recline.
Platinum_Sky_Lover smiles that easy going smile. "It's OK. I'm called Platinum Sky Lover. It's good to see you again!"
Platinum_Sky_Lover gives Glorious Sunrise a moment to relax. "Hey, Crystal, do we have any Wine?"
Platinum_Sky_Lover hops down. "Ah, much better than a seat on a boat, thank you."
<Hidden_Crystal> "Perhaps Moment have some." Crystal says quietly, one slender shoulder shrugging slightly, as he sits, gingerly.
<ADamiani> "But who-- and more importantly-- WHAT are you, Platinum Sky Lover?" she regards you suspiciously "you are obviously tangible, but no elemental. Your powers exceed that of the godbloods. You're no Chosen of the dragons, and you bear not the taint of the grave."
Platinum_Sky_Lover waits for everyone to get comfortable, and then speaks - "I'm sure you're incredibly busy, re-learning First Age Lore, so I'l get to the point. We're called Sidereal Exalted. We see to the constellations and the stars, as you rule in the Sun's name. We're censors and officials, who have to work behind the scenes to make sure that Creation runs smoothly."
<Moment> Smiling softly, Moment sits cross-legged on a pillow and she removes a bottle of her favorite mead from her quiver-satchel, then pours a few wooden mugs and her own drinking horn full before passing them around.
<Platinum_Sky_Lover> "Honestly, I can't tell you much more than that, since much of what we do requires utter secrecy." Further, not using a Resplendant Destiny means that Glorious Sunrise should forget about this conversation should the Circle decide to not engage the services of Glorious Sunrise.
<ADamiani> TRIO: "SMOOTHLY? You call this SMOOTHLY?"
Platinum_Sky_Lover nods. "And, you see our problems, Lawbringer."
<Moment> "As a matter of fact, we don't, that's why we came."
<ADamiani> "The world I know is riddled with chaos, and crushed under the opressive heel of the Realm. If your task is to ensure the smooth function of this world, you have much to answer for."
<Platinum_Sky_Lover> "To put it mildly, we desperately need your help. The Unconquered Sun," She pauses and bows her head for a moment, both in respect to the deity and to make an impression on Sunrise, "returned you to this world for a reason."
Platinum_Sky_Lover laughs bitterly. "You speak more wisely than you know. There are those of us who are... not satisfied with the current order of things, and seek the return to power of Lawbringers, such as yourself."
<Platinum_Sky_Lover> "But, more immediately at hand, there are several crisises with Creation, here in the West, that our overwhelming our abilities to deal with."
<ADamiani> PSL: I don't have an illustration yet. SHe's got wavy, golden hair and a slightly dark complection-- sothern, maybe southeastern descent, if you're not mistaken. A long way from where her ancestors lived, in any event.
<ADamiani> She's a reasonably pretty woman, terribly young to wield so much power, with proud, almost aristocratic features-- a high brow, a thin nose, and a burning intensity in her eyes.
<Platinum_Sky_Lover> "So, I propose this - we can help you re-discover the past of the person who's spark you now bear. We can help you discover your own innate potential, and assist in you in developing your capabilities with Sorcery and Charms. In exchange, we request your assistance in defending creation."
<Moment> Switching to her native Rivertongue, Moment offers, "Peace, my friend, we're both very far from home.
<ADamiani> She'll answer you in somewhat accented Rivertongue. "All Creation is my home now."
<Moment> "I'm Moment Between Dreaming and Waking, from Great Forks. Please sit with us, and let us speak and relax, I brought mead, and I have dried strawberries."
Platinum_Sky_Lover is making an appeal to the twin aspects of duty and power - how to gain more control of her new powers, and to give her purpose and meaning. PSL switches to Rivertongue - she had been conversing in the lilting tongue of the Old Realm.
Hidden_Crystal is totally left out of the conversation, as he does not speak Riverspeak.
<Platinum_Sky_Lover> "Yes, yes. That's true. And your and our home is in danger." She pauses, and bites her lip. "Madame Sunrise, please tell me. Do you have a Circle of Fellow Solars to support you?"
<ADamiani> Glorious has a seat on the cushions herself, but she remains a little too wary to accept your offer of food.
<ADamiani> "No. My former.... compatriots and I had.... creative differences."
Platinum_Sky_Lover nods. "I see. It's good that we found you, then. Although I'd recommend making amends with them. The worst thing that a Solar Exalted can be in these days is alone. If you can't patch things up, I can find for you a group of Lawbringers who might be willing to join with you in partnership. Remember - any other Solar is a fellow future co-ruler of Creation. It's always good to be on good terms with them."
Platinum_Sky_Lover nibbles on what's offered, as she shrugs, showing that the food is not poisoned.
<ADamiani> Trio "I see no reason to compromise my studies for the sake of association with my fellows."
Platinum_Sky_Lover gets straight to the point. "You're dabbling in Necromancy and Demon Summoning, and have raised the concerns of your more squeamish Circle mates."
Platinum_Sky_Lover watches the girl's face after making that statement.
<ADamiani> PSL: "Necromancy harnesses the powers of the underworld. While I will in time master all the lore of this world, my studies in sorcery have come first."
Platinum_Sky_Lover smiles. "Good. So, Demonology it is. It is the Exalted mandate to make use of the the losers of the Primordial war as their forfeit for their attempt to torture and rape Creation. However, did you know that higher ranking demonic souls can possess lower ranking demonic aspects, even of the first circle? All demons are treacherous. They are useful, but they must be used wisely."
<Moment> Moment breathes evenly, trying to stay relaxed as talk of demons circulates.
<ADamiani> PSL: "Legends speak of demons far more powerful than any that have been summoned in this age of the world."
<ADamiani> "I had hoped to find clues to that power in Wisdom Viper's library."
<Platinum_Sky_Lover> "And, the demons of the first and second circles are there eyes and ears. They seek to torture this world infinitely for defying them. They trap unwary young Exalts, such as yourself."
Platinum_Sky_Lover leans close.
Hidden_Crystal frowns delicately. Trying to master herself and her power was all very well and good, but when meddling with forces from outside this world? It was ALWAYS wise to tread carefully, no matter how powerful you were. Did the Solar see that?
<Platinum_Sky_Lover> "Power, in and of itself, is morally neutral. Why do you seek this power? What do you seek to accomplish? Is it because it is forbidden? For the thrill?
<ADamiani> She glances over at HC, gestures and asks, in Rivesepeak "Does he talk?"
Lost_Rainbow_Maiden examines a pit of coals, pokers jutting from the banked flames, as she waits for an answer.
<ADamiani> "And why should I counsel you as to my motives?"
<Platinum_Sky_Lover> "Because there are safer and more effecient means to meet one's ends. As Heaven commands, it is *my* place to respectfully counsel *you*. Thus it was at the beginning of time, and thus it is now."
Platinum_Sky_Lover leans back. "If Mistress wishes to seize control of the Broken Ones, then it is *my* duty to see that if she does indeed do so, that she does so safely."
<ADamiani> PSL: "Knowledge is a worthy end onto itself, is it not?"
<Platinum_Sky_Lover> "As I said, power is morally nuetral. We were given our Exaltations to serve and defend creation. That is why you must question your motives in wishing to attain power, and not make the mistakes that your forbearers did that nearly destroyed the world."
Hidden_Crystal raises one eyebrow and in Old Realm, whispers quietly, "If it is not any trouble, would you please switch back to Old Realm? I cannot understand what you are saying."
<ADamiani> "I speak of knowledge. But if that knowledge should grant me the power to bring justice and order to this world, and vengeance upon the wicked... then so much the better."
<Moment> Moment shook her head and puts in, using Old Realm, "Knowlege is valiant pursuit, but it is not an end in and of itself. Sooner or later it must be aplied, or it is worthless."
Platinum_Sky_Lover sits up, in Seiza. In old realm, she speaks, "I'm sorry, Brother. The greatest power, the most resplendant power that breaks the back of mountains, is knowlegde of the self. Lawgiver, you don't need demons to grant you that power - the Unconquered Sun has given you everything you need. In any case, enough philosophy. This is my proposal..."
<Platinum_Sky_Lover> "We can teach you how to tap the utter limit of your Charms, we can arrange for you to learn more Sorcery, we can help you recover and translate the lore you've found here. I can show you how to be as powerful a fighter as *me*. In exchange, we'd request of you the assistance of your prodigious sorcerous talents and other powers to help literally mend Creation. Amongst our enemies are Oblivion, the Wyld, Malfeas,
<ADamiani> She'll switch back to Old Realm.
<Platinum_Sky_Lover> "be careful of the drug that is knowledge. It can be as addictive as heroin. Use it sparingly, and when appropriate. Use it to attain goals, don't let it become a goal. Or else, I guarantee that you will fall as your predecessor did. It's because of their hubris and arrogance that they fell - they literally defeated themselves."
<ADamiani> Trio: "Your proposal is tempting, perhaps too tempting. I will NOT serve you," she says firmly
<Moment> "Who asked you to serve us?" Moment replied curiously. Then gave a crooked, friendlily teasing smile, "You're rather paranoid for a scholar."
<ADamiani> "You offer me power, knowledge, sorcery-- and all you ask is my 'assistance' against unspecified foes. It is... rather nebulous."
<ADamiani> "And I will never be anyone's slave again, in fact or in name."
<Platinum_Sky_Lover> "Serve? Who ever said anything about serving? It is we who advise *you*, Lawbringer. You are a queen now. You only serve the Unconquered Sun. I want us to *work together*. But, if you want to walk alone, and if you want to give up the opportunity to sample the knowledge of the Heavens... then, that is well, as well."
<ADamiani> She looks at the faces of the three of you.
Platinum_Sky_Lover softens her face.
<Moment> Moment gave her a sideways smile and offered a cup of mead.
<ADamiani> "And with your vast, heavenly knowledge, what need have you of ME?"
<Platinum_Sky_Lover> "Also, it's terrible to be alone. I was, for a long time.
Hidden_Crystal tries not to jerk at the mention of slavery. "Being a slave is the absolute *last* thing we would *ever* ask of you!"
<Platinum_Sky_Lover> "Brother, you may wish to share your story with Madam Sunrise.
<Platinum_Sky_Lover> "Everything, Sunrise, Everything. You and your ilk are literally the world's last hope.
<Moment> "Mm!" Moment nodded in agreement with PSL.
<Platinum_Sky_Lover> "Specifically - we may ask assistance in regards to use of your Solar Circle Sorcery, of your combat prowess, and of your knowledge of First Age Lore - much was lost in the great contagion, even with us."
<Platinum_Sky_Lover> "Any assistance you give us will, of course, be compensated accordingly.
Hidden_Crystal takes a breath, trying not to either 1) twitch, 2) bolt, or 3) curl up into a little ball. Trying to actually find the voice which has run away south, find the words which have flown north.
Platinum_Sky_Lover reaches over to take his hand. "Shh. No need. Be silent, brother." To Sunrise - "Let us say that some of us have experienced unwilling bondage, as well."
<Platinum_Sky_Lover> "A personal goal of *mine* is that there be no more slaves in the new age to come."
<ADamiani> TRIO: "No slavery." her voice drops, coldly "And no Realm."
<Hidden_Crystal> Crystal's delicate lips twist. "It is *past* time for the Realm to end."
<Platinum_Sky_Lover> "Well, there *will* be a Realm - it will be the 3rd Realm, ruled by a restored Solar deliberative." She pauses, and smiles. "I think we're agreed, then."
<ADamiani> Trio: She bites her lip. It's clear that she has serious reservations about that pronouncement of Platinum's.
Platinum_Sky_Lover holds up a finger. "Mind you. The 10,000 Dragons are but pawns in this war. As we're allowed, we will reveal more. But, for now, understand that the Dragon Blooded host acts from ignorance, and they must take their place kneeling before their Solar Masters."
<ADamiani> TRIO: " 'As we're allowed' ?"
<Platinum_Sky_Lover> "Kill them and defend yourself, but understand that they are not the true villains here. For what is to come, you'll need them."
<Moment> Moment listened, face pleasent, shoulders starting to relax.
<Platinum_Sky_Lover> "Mistress Sunrise, we have our superiors and gods we are responsible to as well. We have many enemies. I know this is hard, but, I implore you to trust us, as much as you are able. The agents of the forces arrayed against Creation are everywhere. We must be cautious."
<Platinum_Sky_Lover> "Unlike you, we are not meant to rule Creation. Our kind serve and advise."
<ADamiani> TRIO: "And yet, you insist there be a realm."
<Moment> Moment arched an eyebrow curiously. "Why not? And why would the existence of a centralized power in creation nesecitate that every nation be part of it?"
Platinum_Sky_Lover hms. "You are opposed to the idea of a centralized government? perhaps I misunderstood you."
<Platinum_Sky_Lover> "The Realm created by the Scarlet Empress must of course be cast down, or change to Solar rulership."
<Platinum_Sky_Lover> "And, of course, slavery must be outlawed across Creation.
<ADamiani> "The Realm makes whole peoples its subjects and slaves."
<Platinum_Sky_Lover> "The current Realm, *yes*. If you were in charge of a new Realm, you could set everyone free!"
<ADamiani> She looks skeptical.
<Platinum_Sky_Lover> "It doesn't have to be anything like the old one. You are a *Lawgiver*." She adds, "Are you saying that you couldn't govern a nation where the subjects were free?"
<Platinum_Sky_Lover> "As I said before, the Unconquered Sun, the Great Liberator, gave you everything you need. We can show you how to unlock these Charms, since it was our place to prepare Lawgivers to take their roles."
<ADamiani> PSL: "If you choose to aid me, I am prepared to accept your assistence."
Platinum_Sky_Lover leans back onto her cushion and blows a platinum lock out of her eyes. "Excellent. Golden Sunrise, welcome to the Good Guys." She extends her hand, smiling broadly.
<ADamiani> PSL: Hesitently at first, Glorious Sunrise extends a hand, and then accepts your firmly.
Platinum_Sky_Lover is rather pleased. There may be hope *yet* - it was *all* the Chosen that saved the world so long ago.
<ADamiani> And we fade out of the Glorious Sunset scene
<ADamiani> And cut back over to demon torture

<ADamiani> Privacy and a lot of hooks you have.
Lost_Rainbow_Maiden sits on the dungeon bench, polishing a filetting knife. The Jazar is tied to a rack, helpless. "So, tell me a little about yourself."
<ADamiani> LRM: "SPAre me, MIStress, and I will SERve you LOYally!"
<ADamiani> He grovels, hanging from whateve hooks you've stuck him on
Lost_Rainbow_Maiden waves the knife chidingly. "See, you're going to have to try harder than that. I doubt you can serve anybody but the one who pulled you up out of Malfeas and set you to his will."
<ADamiani> LRM: "Er... well, YES, I suPOSE there is THAT..."
Lost_Rainbow_Maiden nods sagely "Indeed. And you'll reform eventually, even if I do skin you. So I'm less than impressed with your pleas."
<Lost_Rainbow_Maiden> "So, really. You've rather angered me, and that makes me inclined to kill you slowly. I doubt you have anything with which to ease my discontent with, other your blood."
<ADamiani> LRM: "Mu naME is Qwertyuiop; thirteenth spwan of the eighty-second host of Stanewald the earth-shaker!"
<ADamiani> LRM: "ANyTHINg, I will Tell you ANythING!"
Lost_Rainbow_Maiden cocks her head "Ah, but the question is.. do you have anything interesting to say?"
<ADamiani> LRM: "anY thing! NAME it! I will TELL you!" he grovels
Lost_Rainbow_Maiden pulls out a poker, turning it over in her hands and examining the glowing tip. "Where does Red go, when he's not here? He's so.. unwilling to part with details, even to me. I'm curious."
<ADamiani> LRM "Yu shan! He goes to Yu Shan! He has... arts of a kind, that permit him to slip in beneath their notice, and insert our masters' will into the planning of Destiny itself!"
<Lost_Rainbow_Maiden> "I see. What else do you know of what he does? Does he talk to anybody? Does he have friends in Yu Shan? Does he visit with the Prince frequently?"
<ADamiani> LRM: "He has friends in Yu Shan, though they do not know his true identity."
<Lost_Rainbow_Maiden> "Their names?" She smashes the poker into the rack, a hair's breadth from his left eye.
<ADamiani> LRM: "His vISits to the prINce are inFREquent; the HZEzat, more immediately at hand, there are several crisises with Creation, here in the West, that our overwhelming our abilities to deal with."
<ADamiani> "inFREquen; the HZEzachim OBviATEs the need for diRECT contact.
Lost_Rainbow_Maiden nods, thinking. "I see. What project is Red Stone Rising currently working on? When is he next going to Heaven?"
<ADamiani> He screams as you torture him and demand he reveal names.
<ADamiani> "I don't knOW the iDENtiTY he USEs! After his FALL, he inSERTed himsELF into the upPER ranks of the burEAUcracy. His-- aah--ahh--- His alLIES...ah=="
<ADamiani> LRM: "He-- He is a TRUSted counCELor to the high siDErial himsELF. And-- and.."
<ADamiani> LRm: "pLEAse don't KILL MEEE!"
Lost_Rainbow_Maiden sighs and pats his bloody head. "There there. You're doing so well. Keep going. You have managed to arouse my curiosity."
<ADamiani> LRM "That's all I knOW! I SWEAR!"
Lost_Rainbow_Maiden pokes the demon "And thats /everything/ you know?"
<ADamiani> LRM: "He-- he has a STUdent!"
<Lost_Rainbow_Maiden> "Really? And who is this student? Whats his name? Is he a knowing pawn?" <ADamiani> LRM: "She! She!"
<Lost_Rainbow_Maiden> "She. Tell me about her."
<ADamiani> "Her- her naME is PlATinUM Sky loVER!"
<ADamiani> And cut.