-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Orchid speaks quickly, doing his best not to glare at Pyrus.
"Don't make threats unless you plan to follow through. We could have gotten an answer, appeared weak, or appeared violent and stupid. We know enough to find out more, and obtaining every scrap of knowledge she personally has was not expedient."
Orchid lets out the rest of his breath, and then takes another. He speaks quietly for the next part, in English.
"<If we need to use any means to get information, then I won't get in your way if that happens. But if Laurel tries to exploit the appearance of divisions which we don't allow to form, then she'll just overplay her hand, and while we have the strength together to counteract the appearance of weakness, we cannot turn back time if someone decides we can't be trusted.>"
"I'm not saying I made the best possible choice. But we've needed too many lucky breaks today already. It's not us versus them yet unless we or they make it so. <When there's a more private moment I will tell you of the doubts I got from that conversation.>"
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Wing
Seeing that the other two have finally left, Wing heads over, just in time to hear Pyrus's comment.
Hey, calm down. It's a mistake, but for now it's not a life-threatening one. Anyways, I think we should try and go elsewhere. Maybe plan our next move. Share what info we've got, the like.
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
"<We need a place we can talk privately, and it's clear my place isn't secure.>"
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
I know of a place, but it's pretty far. Anyone know of one inside the city?
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
"<Mine might be private still. If Laurel found it, then she could probably find any place we have in Gem, though she also might have more reason to find mine...>"
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
"<Actually, there's a problem.>"
"<We didn't have the time to fetch him, but Lord Szoreny gave me a secretary. He's where those pamphlets of mine come from. Fact of the matter is, he's also kept me sane for a long time.>"
"<We'll have to stop by the manor and pick him up.>"
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
After a slight frown upon seeing the Sidereal's blazing Caste mark, Portus nods curtly to Drake. "You are known to us. Let me see...the Chairman is very busy...but you have been expected. If you would wait here for a short while, I should be able to arrange for you to see him without great delay."
He arranges and sets down a stack of papers, gives Drake what might be a smile, and motions to a tiny birdlike messenger-being to go and set these things to happening.
Outside, the taxi is long gone, the pilot sighing inwardly that it has to deal with the Exalted.
Silence hangs over the fabulous space of the entryway, with only the occasional shuffling of paper or writing from behind the desk to disturb the air.
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Wait, just wait. Maybe we're going about this wrong. You're house wasn't secure when we weren't there. That's given. But if we're there, and aware what's going on, then it might not be so bad. Plus, if she was really that worried she would be staking the place out, so we'd have been followed. Going somewhere else now is just asking for her to follow us. I can't seem to track her, so she'll decide when and where we fight, if we're going to. I think forting up in the Pyrus's house might not be the worst thing we can do, under the circumstances.
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
"<Yeah, it could be safe,>" Amelia says, summarizing in context for Raziel's sake. "<And if you happen to have anyone who might cook something and servants you want to keep alive, you might want to warn of possible poison before next meal.>"
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
You have been...?
Hm.
Drake sits down to wait. If there are no chairs or benches or such, he'll find the nearest closest thing (stair step, border of a plant's pot, whatever) and sit on it, thinking. He's ran the whole way to the gate on sand, and before that he almost had an adrenaline shock at the thought of fighting with an older infernal Exalted. He's really kind of out of breath, and looking dignified is not exactly what you'd call top of his priority list right now. Besides, Chosen of Serenity are known for being a bit odd and careless, might as well take advantage of the reputation.
As he waits, he's humming, and thinking. So I'm "expected", hm? What do you know, Nazri? Might need to be careful...
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
LauWren
"<Yeah, it could be safe,>" Amelia says, summarizing in context for Raziel's sake. "<And if you happen to have anyone who might cook something and servants you want to keep alive, you might want to warn of possible poison before next meal.>"
"<Probably. But in other news, that's a risk everywhere else if we get tracked. We can always make our own meals.>"
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Amelia opens and closes her mouth for a moment as the amount of watching to actually be certain something had not been poisoned at any point runs through her head, then gives up.
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
There's another factor, too. Drake. He needs to be able to find us.
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
"That's true. So we can't just hide forever, obviously. Well... I don't have any place close and private enough, then. Why don't we just go find a nice place out of the way in the lava tubes, and keep careful watch?"
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
aetherialDawn
"That's true. So we can't just hide forever, obviously. Well... I don't have any place close and private enough, then. Why don't we just go find a nice place out of the way in the lava tubes, and keep careful watch?"
Raziel grins.
"I know just the place."
"Come. I think it's time you met my flock."
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Drascin
You have been...?
Hm.
Drake sits down to wait. If there are no chairs or benches or such, he'll find the nearest closest thing (stair step, border of a plant's pot, whatever) and sit on it, thinking. He's ran the whole way to the gate on sand, and before that he almost had an adrenaline shock at the thought of fighting with an older infernal Exalted. He's really kind of out of breath, and looking dignified is not exactly what you'd call top of his priority list right now. Besides, Chosen of Serenity are known for being a bit odd and careless, might as well take advantage of the reputation.
As he waits, he's humming, and thinking. So I'm "expected", hm? What do you know, Nazri? Might need to be careful...
There is a single stone chair, though is he wants to sit by the potted cacti, that option is always available to him. Portus spares him only a glance as he takes a seat.
After a few moments the messenger returns, and several minutes later Portus will motion to Drake. Time enough to recover a shred or two of dignity, if he desires.
"The chairman will see you now. Do you need direction to meet him? He's..." the secretary goes to give the location of Nazri's office within the building, which waits behind a (relatively) bland door.
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Drake waits until motioned towards, and then approaches the receptionist god, nodding at the indications. Truth be told, he does know where the office is - he was called there when he got the Gem assignment) but it's just a couple more seconds and it's no problem just being polite and letting the other man (squid, whatever) talk without interrupting. Gods tend to take it so badly when you interrupt them. Then he nods again, thanking Portus, before heading away with his quick pace, flattening his clothes a bit. It's not like he's gonna look stunning, and to be honest he doesn't care much about his appearance, but might as well at least tuck his shirt back into its place and such.
When he reaches the door, he breathes deep and knocks. If he's told to come in, he does so, closing the door behind himself...
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
"Come in."
Nazri is seated behind a splendiforous desk, expression torn between a smile and a frown. A small round hat is perched on his head, but he seems perfectly composed.
"I imagine you have something important, but not your mission's goal. Speak." This is Drake's moment to take the conversation; he will tell everything eventually, and it will be bad news, he knows. It's exactly what bad news, and perhaps there will be some rubies of hope mixed in.
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Leliel
Raziel grins.
"I know just the place."
"Come. I think it's time you met my flock."
"That makes me suspicious and paranoid. I'm in."
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
As he approaches the desk, Drake gives Nazri a small nod of respect. He's not really the kind to be too deferent to authority figures (and Nazri probably knows this, really), but the Chairman of Fire has proven his commitment to Creation time and time again since before the younger sidereal was born, and that merits respect in Drake's books.
"Well, I get the feeling that somehow you already have an inkling of what I came to tell you. But yes, pretty much. I assume this place is warded against eavesdropping? This is not the kind of stuff that should become known by anyone else before its time. And... I need your word by Jupiter that you will hear me out fairly and will take everything, and not just the first part, into account. I have... personal and moral stakes in this, as you'll soon see, I guess..."
Assuming an affirmative, Drake will take a deep breath, trying to find a way to put it decently. There is none, however, so he gives up and simply starts speaking.
"...I guess there really is no soft way to say this. So I'll get straight to the point. Infernal Deathknights. Up and beyond mere Akuma in power and with considerably more latitude and free will, under the service of the Yozis" he tosses the blow directly and without softening. They don't have time for sophisms. But it gets worse. "But, this is not the worst part. The worst part is where they come from"
He leans on the table and stares straight at his superior as he speaks, gravely. "Everyone knows the Jade Prison somehow broke and the Solars are back. But what nobody knows is who the hell broke it, right? Well, now I have a theory. We know there are missing Solar Exaltations. But what I know is that the reason these Solars are missing is because the Yozi have some of them. They have twisted them into these new Infernal Knights, which call themselves Green Sun Princes - all the might of Solars, but tapping on the Yozis' abilities instead of Sol's powers, backed with all the infrastructure in Malfeas, and completely beyond the designs of Fate to findor touch"
There it was. The bomb is dropped, and it is brutal. To most people in Heaven, this would be call for instant panic. Which is why Drake wanted to only tell one person, and one of the most willful in the Bureau of Destiny at that. He keeps his eyes on Nazri, trying to gauge his reaction. Did he already suspect this? Is he horrified, surprised, already theorizing?
He then sighs, and smiles weakly. "You're probably wondering how I found out all this. I mean, I'm just a rookie. Well, long story short... I know because I've talked to several of them. I met two of them while I was looking for Yozi worshippers, and perhaps thanks to Samsara's design, they were two that I happen to share a certain background from before Exaltation with. So they were amenable to talk to me... even after they found I was a Sidereal. Which they did - as a note, they can see through Resplendents like demons can, so we need to keep that in mind in our investigations" by now, Drake's slipping into dissertation mode, as he usually does when there is a lot of points to cover, counting with his fingers as he moves through points. "So I could talk to them about it all. And I've found out that these "Infernals", unlike Akuma, seem to keep their free will. They can be turned away from their masters, I really think they can. Hell, one of them is still a more compassionate man than most of the people I work with on a daily basis despite being forced to serve Kimbery." Drake's voice goes forceful as he says this - conviction clearly shining through. This is not something he's lying about. "They're loyal, yes. Because from what I gather, the Yozis have wised up to cult tactics and they operate smartly. Make sure to pick up their knights right after they fail at something important to them - then offer them safety, and belonging, and the power to never fail again, and respect, just as long as they're loyal to their main Yozi patron. Bet you a siu that was the Ebon Dragon's idea. But I think I've wised at least one of them up to the whole shebang. They seem mostly in possession of their faculties, and can be reasoned with. I'm sure you understand the sheer potential ramifications of that better than I do, especially in a moment where we already have a big enough list of threats to Creation to wallpaper this building two times over"
By now, Drake notices he's leaned all over the table in his worry, having slammed his hands on it, and that he's talking so forcefully to someone who could probably bury him so deep in audits for it that he'd not even need to be fined - he'd drown in the paperwork already. So he leans back into the chair, still tense, though. "So now you see why I couldn't exactly go through normal Bureau channels for this, sir. The Bronze Faction would have a conniption about the idea of Yozi-tainted Solars, and the Gold Faction would probably try to recruit them into their own brainwashing camps without paying attention to the bit that most of these people have been fed lies by the goddamn Cosmic Principle of Being a Lying Bastard for years and would need truth to be shaken up into waking up, not more lies. We need to think of this focusing on the good of Creation, not on the stupid feud between "Solars Yay!" and "Solars Nay!", and, with all due respect to them, I have a spot of trouble believing elders Kejak and Ura would be able to keep that kind of distance" Drake adds, serious.
Then he sighs again, relaxing a little, but nailing two inquisitive eyes into Nazri's own. "There's a lot more that's important. One of those things might be even more important, but I'm not sure of its truthfulness. However, now, I'd really like your first opinion on this, sir, before I start rambling more" There's an unspoken demand there - Drake's not going to say more until he knows where Nazri stands, whether he believes him, and what he thinks should be done. He's done his duty telling the basics of Infernals (Solar-level Yozi power, free will, loyalty to different Yozis, immune to Fate) to someone who can help investigation parties be ready for them. Now, however, it has to be seen if it's a good idea to say more (about Raziel's Curse warnings, in particular) or not. It's a bit of a risk on Drake's end to be so straight and non-fawning with someone so high in rank, yes, but Nazri has reputation of being fair and straight-dealing on pretty much anything that doesn't involve Fae, and checking if he's the kind of idiot to get worried about "gettin' no respect" when such big news are around is as good a check as anything.
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Nazri gives the slightest nod in return.
"You should not need to ask; the room is of course secure." His face loses any trace of a smile when Drake asks for secret consideration, but he gives an assenting nod.
His expression is pure shock as the explanation begins, and he starts to say something before gathering composure and listening. Part of him is trying to come up with words to describe how bad this is.
"As though Akuma were not bad enough..."
"At some point, we will have to account for your association with the forces of Hell and revealing yourself to them as our agent. But in light of this information, that can be put aside."
Nazri smiles faintly, sarcastic or despairing or both. "The Jade Prison has already turned into a disaster. It should come as no surprise that things should get worse."
"They may be able to be turned; that's the risk of free agents. But this is still a terrible re-balancing. Any who might serve to uphold Creation can be turned as well. With Solar power in the hands of our enemies...why haven't they acted yet? The organization and power of Malfeas put all the Celestial Bureaucracy to shame."
Nazri sighs.
"For many of them, temptation away from the Yozis will not be possible. Let us not underestimate the ability of the Ebon Dragon above all to weave an unassailable web of lies and misinformation. Take someone at a critical failure in life and combine that with the shift of Exaltation - it is more of a change for the others than for we who are fated to be - and you could make them believe anything. Especially given the fanatical cult atmosphere that often surrounds the Yozis...it is grim outlook. Once someone believes the words of Hell in any measure, there is little hope of regaining clarity. A likelier tactic is to cause infighting among them. Did you not identify their primary loyalty as being to a single Yozi? That is an exploitable weakness in their structure. Still, I will pray that your hopes are not unfounded."
He had raised a hand to push Drake back into his chair, but lowers it as a grim expression settles over his face.
"You're right; I can see many implications, none of them good. But there are two that come most clearly to my mind: the Yozis are toying with us. Or these "Green Sun Princes" are just part of a master plan we haven't begun to imagine."
He sits back, one hand to his temple.
"You have done well not to go through official channels here. The disruption alone of the elders hearing this would send innumerable plans crashing. The Gold Faction's reaction might have some little merit, as does the Bronzes' predictable reaction of putting all their energy into destroying these abominations. But neither of those would be productive, and the elders are too entrenched in their ways to consider this clearly. Until that blessed day that we have time resources to spare, this must remain a highly covert matter.
I will see to it that the 'infernals' are accounted for as much as I can without starting a panic. The idea of Akuma will be a useful tool. Perhaps..."
He almost trails off into thought.
"But you said you had further information that might be important. Even doubtful, I must insist that anything more relevant than the appearance of Infernal Deathknights be told me immediately.
Drake is correct that protocol must be abandoned at times. The actions of the Primordials, Neverborn, and Yozis have led to this broken stage that is Creation. If they are taking a more active interest in the world again, that is a threat nearly rivaling the Fae.
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Tavar
Same here.
"Okay, everyone in favor of my idea, myself abstaining..."
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Leliel
"Okay, everyone in favor of my idea, myself abstaining..."
Orchid simply shrugs.
Spoiler
Show
What do you think?
I think that a group of Yozi worshippers will need to have a place to hide from the authorities... The demense would be more secure thanks to distance, but they want to plan quickly and allow that Sidereal to find us again. Remember that in time Laurel can find cultists easily - but for the short term I say it's safe enough.
I agree, the demense is too far. At least for us it will be possible to find Laurel's cultists, once we know who serves Raziel.
"We have many things to do, and our first task is to get a safe enough place to plan out the rest. This seems as good a way as any, since we want a place nearby."
"I'm for it."
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Well, I think Pyrus and I are good to go. Lead on, fearless leader. Unless Amelia has some objection.
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Tavar
Well, I think Pyrus and I are good to go. Lead on, fearless leader. Unless Amelia has some objection.
"All right then."
"But first, Beheris. He'll be able to find Drake for us while we're hiding."
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Amelia shrugs, lacking any particularly strong opinions. "<Sounds good to me.>"
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Okay. Let's go.
With that, Wing heads back to Pyrus's house, to pick up the minion.
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
"All right then."
Raziel takes Wing's initiative.
"By the way, he's an aalu. Just a waring, because they look pretty freaky..
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Pyrus keeps his bike with him, you never know when you might need to haul ass.
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
"Aalu..." Orchid's studies are near-encyclopedic (by Malfean standards for a world-conquering Defiler), but not everything can be called up on a simple name, and thus it takes several moments.
"Ah. <Insectoid, like writing? And eating writing? But I think they're... You have a demon descended from the Ebon Dragon.>" Orchid's expression has gone from neutral thinking to a sort of resigned mix of disappointment and frustration. Now, of all times, would not be the best time to deal with anything related to the Ebon Dragon.
Internal Dialogue
Spoiler
Show
I need to find out more about Raziel, it is official now.
And the thing triggering this?...
He has a demon descended from the Ebon Dragon. A personal friend, but it still worries me.
A First Circle, I assume? The Ebon Dragon is almost certainly going to pay no attention, and if he does it won't get him anything he wouldn't have gotten anyway.
No, but Adorjan would have been just as bad. I haven't said yet, but the Laurel back there... mentioned that the original Laurel can hide things from her impersonators, and does, often enough that they know. So the Laurel we spoke to believes everything she said, but that means nothing if she's been told the wrong things, since she probably trusts what the original Laurel says more often than not. I worry that Laurel may have an easier time getting information from a demon she might know better, and that Raziel will entrust enough to matter.
A problem.
You seem oddly mellow about it.
I do not think Beheris will accidentally let slip much, and the fake still gave us valuable information that is difficult to simply fake, and we already know that we can't trust the specifics. So long as we're careful it's still a net win for us with no additional risk because of this, except that you wasted too many motes being sure she was telling the truth. That I worry about, since you'll be unable to defend yourself as effectively if something comes up soon.
I... don't know. Up to the point the door opened, I was expecting to just see immediately that she had lied, and hopefully get the less virtuous truth from the actual Laurel. But the one we found wasn't even Exalted, and even if she's still evil in her lack of care for others, she hadn't done anything wrong, and I had to be sure enough.
If she wasn't Exalted, she wasn't a threat. You barely checked the information you should have been checking, about Laurel, then, since you didn't really need to know whether she meant you no harm - since she couldn't inflict any not tied to the real Laurel anyway.
I was convinced enough more easily, but I had to be sure enough for everyone else.
... You let your empathy get in the way of the plan, even if the plan had changed, then.
Yes. Of course, even. It's what I was chosen for; the Primordials deserve a whole world, not just revenge. Destruction will get them here faster, maybe, but it would leave ashes no better than what they left, and a freedom which might be incomplete. I need another way, and I have to care to do that.
...
Little shoulder devil?
Don't call me that.
Well then, speak.
There is only so much I can say to that. You should continue with your plans, but I worry that you place too much priority on caring... Freedom comes first, even if it hurts. It must.
I'm not sure if I can really respond to that... but freedom is dependent on caring. Real freedom, I mean. The Primordials may be willing to endure pain for the world, but... there's too much more to freedom than opening one door. We need to open all of them.
And if you open none?
I will open them. I decided to, and that is my vow.
Very well. Hold to your vow, as I know you will.
There's a certain... warmth, from Melodies. It's not the specific, careful words that normally take place, just an emotion; a happy one, as far as a demon can reach, given with the two-way empathy that comes from sharing one mind.
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
"<Very distantly, and seriously-they're bureaucrats. Exocannibal bureaucrats, but they're just pencil pushers. Silk weavers. Whatever.>"
"In any case..."
It was an uneventful trip. Sure, they doubled back a few times to confuse trackers, but there were no great precautions taken.
Well, except for the fact that it turned out to be rather shorter than anticipated, seeing as how Beheris had no small amount of initiative, and a strangely preternatural ability to find his friend and master-particularly given they were about twenty blocks away.
There was a quiet prodding against the middle of Raziel's spine twice, the familiar's indicator for "Hellscry, now." The Malefactor sighed a bit, ducked into a corner, and quietly opened his third eye.
Behold, a certain Cannibal Bureaucrat was fidgeting nervously, his blind eyes darting from side to side in a useless gesture. "...Master? I've been looking for you. It's nice to see you're safe and all but...who are these people? I recognize Orchid, but the other two..."
"They're friends, Beheris. You materialize in that tent, I'll call them over." by which he meant another vacant shop tent that was probably used for selling curios in the day.
Beheris licked a mandible. "But master, you've only just met them..."
"No, I've already known of the girl-Amelia-by reputation. She's Orchid's Earth sister."
Thankfully, Beheris trusted a fellow Green Sun Prince enough to believe him, stupid as that was for a descendant of the Ebon Dragon. "All right...I'll construct the body..."
Raziel waved over the Ring, and pointed to, what to him, looked like Beheris being surrounded by Old Realm words as his physical form took shape. "Looks like he's been proactive as usual...friends, allow me to introdduce you to Beheris, sa the Minister of the Ivory Tassel, sa He Who Deceives, sa the Shadow of All Things.
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Leliel
"Looks like he's been proactive as usual...friends, allow me to introdduce you to Beheris, sa the Forge of Night, sa That Which Calls To Darkness, sa the Shadow of All Things.
Orchid quickly starts motioning for Raziel to be quiet, glaring for a moment.
"<In English! Do it in English. This is empty, but I don't doubt that other people wouldn't be willing to investigate a good shop-tent if it's abandoned. I - wait, no, Onyx, you'd be better, right? Could you just glance outside and make sure we're fairly safe? We doubled back enough and we're nowhere important, so Laurel probably can't find us here. It'll do.>"
He looks at the materializing demon, not glaring despite his nerves. He's annoyed and on edge from the outright talk of demons, but he's hardly going to turn on the death glare for Beheris; none of it is his fault anyway.
"If there's anyone out there, you'll need to switch back. But this will do, if there's not, I think."
Melodies, your opinion?
Anonymous, looks abandoned, plenty of doubling back and alleys on the way. But you don't know how direct Beheris was, so we might need to find another spot. I saw nobody suspicious outside, but if you trust Onyx he could keep a better watch for us all.
We'll have a bit of time to talk, then.
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
That shouldn't be a problem. Let me check.
Leaving quickly, Onyx makes a quick circuit of the area, looking for any watchers.
Spoiler
Show
Per+Awareness [roll0]
Well, nevermind. I think I would miss if the Kukla was trying to observe.
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
You don't notice anyone watching, sneaking, suddenly appearing. All seems as it should be.
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
"...He doesn't speak English. It'd be unfair to him.
Behind him, Beheris rolled his eyes. Wow, his master could be dense at times.
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
"I would take 'not included in my own introduction' over 'sudden risk of vigilante activity' myself. Moving on, though..." He pokes his head out to see Onyx. "Are we good?"
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Re-entering the tent, Onyx answers Orchid.We seem to be, yeah.
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Pyrus nods in greeting to the...whatever it was. By what he had been observing, these Celestials really were a step above him in power, but that suited him fine. Let them get all the attention. The dagger you don't see is the one that kills you.
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
"Alright. I want to say all of this as few times as possible, but if you're confused or worried about any of it, recent experience has taught me we should all be on the same page."
Orchid takes a deep, calming breath, letting his thoughts weave themselves into their places. He starts explaining the full events as they happened, not in detail but in summary. He's careful not to mention anyone's names or raise his voice, just in case - this isn't exactly a secure, private building.
"For the things that aren't obvious from just the recap... I freaked out at the thought of accidentally incinerating an innocent woman and the house she was in. He -" Orchid gestures to Raziel "- understandably flipped out when she started talking about how murder was fun and charity a lie. The fake did say, however, that her mistress was still in favor of a greater good - and that she had once been far less enthusiastically evil, and might be turning that way again. She also said truthfully that she was on our side. Just wanted that point, and the next two, clear."
"The rest of the good news is, she was nothing except forthcoming, polite, and honest, save pretending to be her master to prevent interruptions in some sort of search. The bad news is, she mentioned that said master is capable of hiding information from her duplicates - and did so often enough that they're aware it happens. There are also conjured demons and a cult, besides other doppelganger-assistants."
Orchid pauses, letting the whole explanation sink in, in fact, he lets that silence continue, because he's pretty sure someone will want to speak up. He's got more to say, but there's already enough to take in before he continues.
Spoiler
Show
If you weren't going to check the OOC thread, then you really, really should. I don't like mixing IC and OOC, but there's stuff which I think you ought to see before I post it. If you're not comfortable with that, I suppose you could not-open the spoiler box. It's up for negotiation now, but Orchid has Willpower 10, so he's going to be a bit harder to convince once it becomes IC.
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Amelia nods as a few reactions of Raziel's that didn't make sense begin to, and glances over to see his reaction to Orchid's description of his freak out.
"<How useful is the duplicate's honesty, if she could have been lied to?>"
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
LauWren
Amelia nods as a few reactions of Raziel's that didn't make sense begin to, and glances over to see his reaction to Orchid's description of his freak out.
"<How useful is the duplicate's honesty, if she could have been lied to?>"
"<We don't know. But she's the best lead we got.>"
"Say, Beheris? Do you know of any ability your arch-progenitor might have that would create a clone?"
Suddenly, the bug-like demon turned even whiter then he already was and gave an audible gulp.
"No...but there is an Artifact, called an...well, I don't quite recall, but it's a prism formed from one of his component shadows."
"Did her eyes look...green? Unnaturally so?"
...No...And since they seem to insist on English, I'll translate this time."
"Mmm. Feels nice to have the master tire his mouth for once."
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
"I don't know about you guys, but I'm not assuming that our idea of greater good is the same as hers."
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
"Okay, for the duplicate's honesty... Anything she hid from us, she hid from her loyal assistants too. So I think we still know a lot. As for her idea of good, though... she's seeking a greater Good, it sounds like, so there are probably reasons, and I'm good with reasons. Maybe we can convince her that our form of Good is better. Now... Uh..."
Orchid pauses. On to the next part, if everyone understands what's happened... If this works, then convincing Laurel might not be so hard.
"At this point, to keep misunderstandings down, you may be part of my need-to-know group for a lot of details about what we are. Maybe not all of them, but then I've decided that secrets are probably going to hurt more than they help."
What? Wait... No, you are right. This will come out later, and if we make them agree now they'll want to keep it a secret themselves. But really, Orchid...
"Before I'm even going to ask my friend here if that's alright, though, I need you to agree to a few things. I think three... No, four."
Orchid breathes out, and in, closing his eyes. For some reason, it's easier to speak that way, tone perfectly even and fingertips together in an almost meditative pose, as he lists off information that only the Exalted are likely to hear with such absolute certainty.
"First, we're going to rule Gem with the Despot. He's been running his city better than any other I've heard of, in a time of universal war. What he's doing works, and I'm not fixing it unless it breaks."
"Second, you're going to have to accept some demons. They're not all bad, and I won't make you hug and play nice. If you don't like it, I can keep it minimal, but they'll be useful and fairly loyal, so I'd be a bit disappointed."
"Third, we're going to be rivals with the Realm. I don't want to go to war with anyone, but I am forced to challenge them - and they'll have to improve or fail. Improving is better. You, by the way, do not count as the Realm if you're going to join me - I doubt they'd want you back." The last sentence is directed to Pyrus specifically.
"The fourth is a little different. I don't want us to kill people for convenience or suspicion. I'm not even sure I want us to kill at all; and if you're skeptical, look at what nearly happened from going in guns ready, and what we gained from just asking carefully. Our powers were made to be weapons... But also to give us choices. Maybe we'll have to subdue people, but I don't think we have to choose killing."
Orchid lets out a breath, opens his eyes, and leans back against the support of the tent, lightly. It's stable enough, but he doesn't put his full weight on it.
"I want to change the world. I think we can change the world. So I say, let's change the world."
Internal Dialogue
Spoiler
Show
You didn't mention that they'd be helping you free the Yozis.
Primordials.
Primordials.
Yes, that's part of the need-to-know, and it's far enough in the future that even if we have to part ways over that, they'll need this before we get there. By the time it comes up they'll have found out piecemeal.
I disagree. We need to ensure their loyalty as a whole, not just until they decide to betray us.
Alright. Once they've made their decision on this, I'll ask them about the Primordials. I guess you're right that they might be less happy if they know that someday, they'll want to oppose my plans instead of be a part of them. But one step at a time.
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
((OOC: Eh, screw it, posting, don't want to hold up the game))
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Recaiden
Nazri gives the slightest nod in return.
"You should not need to ask; the room is of course secure." His face loses any trace of a smile when Drake asks for secret consideration, but he gives an assenting nod.
His expression is pure shock as the explanation begins, and he starts to say something before gathering composure and listening. Part of him is trying to come up with words to describe how bad this is.
"As though Akuma were not bad enough..."
"At some point, we will have to account for your association with the forces of Hell and revealing yourself to them as our agent. But in light of this information, that can be put aside."
Drake simply nods. "Yeah, I understand. I will not make excuses, and will not renegue of my associations. If this means facing a criminal audit when this is all over, well, I think I can live with becoming a pariah for it afterwards" He smiles faintly himself. "This is kind of more important than my job"
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Recaiden
Nazri smiles faintly, sarcastic or despairing or both. "The Jade Prison has already turned into a disaster. It should come as no surprise that things should get worse."
"They may be able to be turned; that's the risk of free agents. But this is still a terrible re-balancing. Any who might serve to uphold Creation can be turned as well. With Solar power in the hands of our enemies...why haven't they acted yet? The organization and power of Malfeas put all the Celestial Bureaucracy to shame."
Nazri sighs.
"For many of them, temptation away from the Yozis will not be possible. Let us not underestimate the ability of the Ebon Dragon above all to weave an unassailable web of lies and misinformation. Take someone at a critical failure in life and combine that with the shift of Exaltation - it is more of a change for the others than for we who are fated to be - and you could make them believe anything. Especially given the fanatical cult atmosphere that often surrounds the Yozis...it is grim outlook. Once someone believes the words of Hell in any measure, there is little hope of regaining clarity. A likelier tactic is to cause infighting among them. Did you not identify their primary loyalty as being to a single Yozi? That is an exploitable weakness in their structure. Still, I will pray that your hopes are not unfounded."
Drake nods. "Yeah, I have high hopes they are not unfounded. As said, I have personally spoken with three of these new Infernals. And two of them are still fairly decent people. When the third one - a nasty piece of work that seems to have bought hook, line and sinker into Adorjan's "murder is good" ideals - murdered a mere mortal, the other two went into a rage and wished to help me dispose of her. There's a pretty good chance they already took her out, in fact - we were about to storm her home when Fate, through Wise Choice, told me I should leave that to them and come straight here to warn you and get reinforcements to protect Gem - we'll get to that in a minute"
He then continues, with a tired sigh. He dislikes this kind of thing so, but they don't have much in the way of alternatives to keep Creation safe... "And yes, several of them seem to hold loyalty for a single Yozi, or two. There have been expressions of a desire to feed the Ebon Dragon his own tail already. And I have a feeling there will be a couple more like that. So even if we can't turn most of them, the seeding of distrust to slow them down thing should... be plenty doable. But I still have problems with the idea of manipulating brainwashed victims even further, sir. I realize it'll be necessary with some of them, but still" he adds, looking at Nazri with steely eyes, not giving an inch.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Recaiden
He sits back, one hand to his temple.
"You have done well not to go through official channels here. The disruption alone of the elders hearing this would send innumerable plans crashing. The Gold Faction's reaction might have some little merit, as does the Bronzes' predictable reaction of putting all their energy into destroying these abominations. But neither of those would be productive, and the elders are too entrenched in their ways to consider this clearly. Until that blessed day that we have time resources to spare, this must remain a highly covert matter.
I will see to it that the 'infernals' are accounted for as much as I can without starting a panic. The idea of Akuma will be a useful tool. Perhaps..."
He almost trails off into thought.
"But you said you had further information that might be important. Even doubtful, I must insist that anything more relevant than the appearance of Infernal Deathknights be told me immediately.
Drake is correct that protocol must be abandoned at times. The actions of the Primordials, Neverborn, and Yozis have led to this broken stage that is Creation. If they are taking a more active interest in the world again, that is a threat nearly rivaling the Fae.
"Thanks. That was my main worry - we have many people checking demonic disturbances, and the idea of a newbie Journeys going to check a couple Erymanthoi and finding himself in front of a corrupted Solar shining with green Malfean fire was not a mental image I could live with". Drake breathes deeply, closing his eyes. "As for the other thing... I hate saying things I'm not sure of, but... okay. I'll tell you then. But, got to warn you - what I'm going to tell you is hard to prove or check, and could probably set Yu-Shan upside down if it turns out to be true"
Opening his eyes again, Drake steeples his fingers. "When I spoke to one of these people, and asked what the Yozi had done for him, he rattled at me a long list of stuff. As I said, classic conditioning. But there was a particular one that basically punched me in the gut. Let's see if I remember the exact words... "They freed us and us alone from the all-devouring dragon that curses the other Exalts to madness", I think. When I asked just what the hell he meant, he said, that the Exaltations have had some kind of curse put on them for centuries that leads Exalts to insanity - and which the Yozis have removed from their champions. I admit I was too flabbergasted to ask for more details, and for that I apologize... but it makes sense. For one, would explain the entire damn First Age. There's no records in the Division of Secrets of Exalts going insane at first, during the Primordial War - but there are later. We simply had attributed it to the tensions of power and ambition, but... what if it's a bit more than that? Call me gullible, but what these guys say, if probably filtered by the Yozis... sounds like it's at least closer to the truth than we were" Damn, I'm shattering paradigms like it's going out of style today, Drake thinks to himself, resigned. He hates being the carrier of bad news. "Of course, it's not certain. It could be a lie from the Yozis - I can attest with reasonable certainty the Infernal himself believed it, but he could have been deceived himself. But... it sounds plausible. The Yozis issuing a last "**** you guys" curse before their binding is something I can see having happened. I think we really should try investigating further - and in the future talk with Lytek about all this. If the Exaltations suffered some subtle, destructive change, he's the best positioned to be able to notice what changed. If not, he would be the best to disprove it before the Yozi agents seed the doubts of that very same thing in everyone else. True or no, this is kind of the exact kind of thing that merits a second look either way"
Of course, despite the brutal honesty borne of a fear of miscommunication causing a disaster, Drake is still keeping more than a couple cards close to his chest, and has made a point of not revealing a few things and guesses (nor precise details about the two infernals, nor the association with the rest of the group...). But what he's said should be enough to keep the Bureau safe which is the main priority for all this talk, would give plenty of investigation matters to keep both Nazri and his resources busy for the weeks to come, and had a chance to cause a significant shift in direction for Yu-Shan's beached whale of a system... and with any luck, Nazri will be shocked enough to approve his request for getting reinforcements for Gem's division under his command.
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
aetherialDawn
"Okay, for the duplicate's honesty... Anything she hid from us, she hid from her loyal assistants too. So I think we still know a lot. As for her idea of good, though... she's seeking a greater Good, it sounds like, so there are probably reasons, and I'm good with reasons. Maybe we can convince her that our form of Good is better. Now... Uh..."
Orchid pauses. On to the next part, if everyone understands what's happened... If this works, then convincing Laurel might not be so hard.
"At this point, to keep misunderstandings down, you may be part of my need-to-know group for a lot of details about what we are. Maybe not all of them, but then I've decided that secrets are probably going to hurt more than they help."
What? Wait... No, you are right. This will come out later, and if we make them agree now they'll want to keep it a secret themselves. But really, Orchid...
"Before I'm even going to ask my friend here if that's alright, though, I need you to agree to a few things. I think three... No, four."
Orchid breathes out, and in, closing his eyes. For some reason, it's easier to speak that way, tone perfectly even and fingertips together in an almost meditative pose, as he lists off information that only the Exalted are likely to hear with such absolute certainty.
"First, we're going to rule Gem with the Despot. He's been running his city better than any other I've heard of, in a time of universal war. What he's doing works, and I'm not fixing it unless it breaks."
"Second, you're going to have to accept some demons. They're not all bad, and I won't make you hug and play nice. If you don't like it, I can keep it minimal, but they'll be useful and fairly loyal, so I'd be a bit disappointed."
"Third, we're going to be rivals with the Realm. I don't want to go to war with anyone, but I am forced to challenge them - and they'll have to improve or fail. Improving is better. You, by the way, do not count as the Realm if you're going to join me - I doubt they'd want you back." The last sentence is directed to Pyrus specifically.
"The fourth is a little different. I don't want us to kill people for convenience or suspicion. I'm not even sure I want us to kill at all; and if you're skeptical, look at what nearly happened from going in guns ready, and what we gained from just asking carefully. Our powers were made to be weapons... But also to give us choices. Maybe we'll have to subdue people, but I don't think we have to choose killing."
Orchid lets out a breath, opens his eyes, and leans back against the support of the tent, lightly. It's stable enough, but he doesn't put his full weight on it.
"I want to change the world. I think we can change the world. So I say, let's change the world."
Raziel turns the proposal over in his head, delaying the question of the prism duplicate.
On one hand, it seemed like he was awfully trusting of the Despot. Long and bitter readings of the Huffington Post had made him awfully distrusting of any ultracapitalist society.
Then again, that was his own biases speaking, and really, that didn't sound like a bad proposal. Indeed, wasn't that what he had been told since day one of being a Malefactor? Wasn't that the purpose of all Exalted?
...Hang on. There was something missing here.
Oh right, Drake.
...Why do you even care about him? He's a Sidereal. They hide behind masks and try to spin the world to their benefit. Weak, in my opinion.
Because he believed me, Nuitian. He believed me when my other mental guest wouldn't.
...Touche.
"Um, it's a really nice time for a mission statement and all, but aren't we forgetting someone? A certain Sidereal with a funny hat?
"You have a Sidereal!?"
"Yes, and one not very good at being a diabolical mastermind. Please don't panic again."
"In any case, what about Drake? Why don't we ask him what he thinks of that before we make any sweeping generalizations. The Irst-fay Ge-Aye happened because Solars didn't consider other points of view."
Hey! I resemble that remark!
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
"I would be much happier if you did not compare this decision to ones which ended up apocalyptic in scope without reason..."
"But now I can't stop imagining that, and there's no way in all the layers of the Demon City that I'm having that sort of guilt clinging to me. So if you would all prefer, then we can work out the terms among ourselves and I'll give you the light version now, and once our friendly Sidereal is back we'll finish up with him included. If any of us have information which is going to render the whole thing moot, it'll be him anyway."
Internal Dialogue
Spoiler
Show
Damn...
You shut up. It might not be correct, but it's a valid point.
Mostly, I meant the Sidereal. If we have to meet him, then we might get caught up with Heaven and thus killed. Slowly. I escaped one death, and you shouldn't wait around for your own to find you.
I know! I don't like it either. I'm going to use the extra time to get some of those escape plans finalized.
It's still a huge risk.
Yes, yes it is. There's no way to make the risk any smaller except by cutting out right now, and I'm invisible to most detection by Fate, so I should still get a head start this way.
Alright, but be paranoid. It's appropriate, with Sidereals, apparent openness or not, and if you aren't...
...Then I'd forfeit my head start. I'm aware. It'll be hard to meet with Drake if I'm jumpy, but I'm hoping that he'll find Pyrus first. Dragon-blooded are easier to watch.
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
"Also, Orchid, I think you're deluding yourself. Working for the 'greater good' as she is doing...Laurel appears to be an enemy, and unless we're going to go along with her mad plan to free the Yozi, she's going to remain that way.
From everything I've heard, demons are loyal to their masters, not to summoners. Also, we don't yet know how the despot keeps the peace, so it's a bit early to declare our unwavering support for him. In fact, I think it's a bit premature to decide anything like that. This place is still technically a Realm Saltrapy, even if it's lightly ruled. And we're newcomers and Anathema to boot, in the main. To co-opt the ruling elite...that's going to take planing, and work. And things aren't going to go according to plan."
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
"I actually meant we shouldn't make decisions without the whole group pitching in. Believe me, I'm all for it-from what I know, demons are quite loyal to people they actually like-but trying to make all-sweeping epic quests, without the approval of one of the questers, would be awfully myopic of us."
"And from what I know, myopia was a pretty big problem back when the Lawgivers were in command. Operation: Wyldhand, anyone?"
Spoiler
Show
Telling the whole truth about that seems like something the Ebon Dragon would do, since it gives an unpleasant sight into human selfishness-very disillusioning to an altruist like Raziel, though he's recovered-albeit with a more black-and-white morality, which the Dragon appreciates.
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
"I will need to speak with Raziel later, but I don't think that we would agree with Laurel on how she wants the greater good. I'm just saying that it sounds like we can reason with her, not that she's made of rainbows inside."
"As for demons, it varies. You know, just like humans? If you're not comfortable with it, then we'll ask you before we summon any. It's the same with the Despot; I'm not saying we can't depose him if he's doing evil things. I'm saying we shouldn't depose him without a reason, not that we shouldn't depose him at all. Some rulers need to be moved off the throne, but not just because they're on it. As Raziel pointed out again, we shouldn't make actual plans without Drake - he's probably better-informed than the rest of us, for one. But there are things that I want to tell you now, and I need to know more about how you feel about this before I can."
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
I'm just saying that I don't think we will be able to reason with her. Especially since she seems pretty devoted to the whole free the yozi thing. Though, please, do continue. I guess I took your statements as stronger than they actually were.
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Drascin
Drake simply nods. "Yeah, I understand. I will not make excuses, and will not renegue of my associations. If this means facing a criminal audit when this is all over, well, I think I can live with becoming a pariah for it afterwards" He smiles faintly himself. "This is kind of more important than my job
Nazri nods grimly. "It is only the law of heaven. Small, in the scheme of things, and often just something to be navigated. Another threat among many. I doubt very much Drake that this will be over anytime in the forseeable future. We've been trying to deal with the Solars for over a millenium, and we've gone a few steps back."
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Drascin
Drake nods. "Yeah, I have high hopes they are not unfounded. As said, I have personally spoken with three of these new Infernals. And two of them are still fairly decent people. When the third one - a nasty piece of work that seems to have bought hook, line and sinker into Adorjan's "murder is good" ideals - murdered a mere mortal, the other two went into a rage and wished to help me dispose of her. There's a pretty good chance they already took her out, in fact - we were about to storm her home when Fate, through Wise Choice, told me I should leave that to them and come straight here to warn you and get reinforcements to protect Gem - we'll get to that in a minute"
He then continues, with a tired sigh. He dislikes this kind of thing so, but they don't have much in the way of alternatives to keep Creation safe... "And yes, several of them seem to hold loyalty for a single Yozi, or two. There have been expressions of a desire to feed the Ebon Dragon his own tail already. And I have a feeling there will be a couple more like that. So even if we can't turn most of them, the seeding of distrust to slow them down thing should... be plenty doable. But I still have problems with the idea of manipulating brainwashed victims even further, sir. I realize it'll be necessary with some of them, but still" he adds, looking at Nazri with steely eyes, not giving an inch.
I hope he isn't expecting Nazri to give an inch instead. He is, despite everything, a highly placed Sidereal. Sympathy is not among the reasonable responses to a threat like this in his book.
"The key part is that it will be necessary in some cases. Resign yourself to doing hard things to protect Creation, Drake. You should have learned that long ago."
"Even if they aren't loyal, they are highly dangerous, especially to Fate's plans, and not to be trusted I am sure."
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Drascin
As for the other thing... I hate saying things I'm not sure of, but... okay. I'll tell you then. But, got to warn you - what I'm going to tell you is hard to prove or check, and could probably set Yu-Shan upside down if it turns out to be true"
Opening his eyes again, Drake steeples his fingers. "When I spoke to one of these people, and asked what the Yozi had done for him, he rattled at me a long list of stuff. As I said, classic conditioning. But there was a particular one that basically punched me in the gut. Let's see if I remember the exact words... "They freed us and us alone from the all-devouring dragon that curses the other Exalts to madness", I think. When I asked just what the hell he meant, he said, that the Exaltations have had some kind of curse put on them for centuries that leads Exalts to insanity - and which the Yozis have removed from their champions. I admit I was too flabbergasted to ask for more details, and for that I apologize... but it makes sense. For one, would explain the entire damn First Age. There's no records in the Division of Secrets of Exalts going insane at first, during the Primordial War - but there are later. We simply had attributed it to the tensions of power and ambition, but... what if it's a bit more than that? Call me gullible, but what these guys say, if probably filtered by the Yozis... sounds like it's at least closer to the truth than we were" Damn, I'm shattering paradigms like it's going out of style today, Drake thinks to himself, resigned. He hates being the carrier of bad news. "Of course, it's not certain. It could be a lie from the Yozis - I can attest with reasonable certainty the Infernal himself believed it, but he could have been deceived himself. But... it sounds plausible. The Yozis issuing a last "**** you guys" curse before their binding is something I can see having happened. I think we really should try investigating further - and in the future talk with Lytek about all this. If the Exaltations suffered some subtle, destructive change, he's the best positioned to be able to notice what changed. If not, he would be the best to disprove it before the Yozi agents seed the doubts of that very same thing in everyone else. True or no, this is kind of the exact kind of thing that merits a second look either way"
Nazri does look fairly shocked at the information, and for a while he is speechless, staring at Drake as though the idea will vanish if he does.
"I will call you gullible. That would absolutely explain a great deal. The end of the first age, and...other discrepancies.
If it is true, we may well be doomed. We ourselves could become as mad as the Solars were said to be. The Five-Score Fellowship would lose the little credibility and respect if retained if this became widely believed in Yu-Shan. The 'gold faction' would be destroyed by this news. If this curse really did cause the disasters that led to the Usurpation, how could we possibly help the world with our powers? And how could we have a chance without Exalted power?"
Nazri looks down, despairing just to think of it.
"Even if the curse can be broken, the knowledge, the rumour of its existence would be a disaster. No one else can know of this. I will look into this such as I can. I do not want to believe it - the Ebon Dragon and his pawns would know just as well that this idea explains much, and could send Creation's greatest defenders into a tangle of doubt. The very fact that I have not heard this as truth or a planted rumour is the strongest argument for its truth. Perhaps you are not so gullible; you see the possibilities as well."
"Ah, you mentioned protecting Gem. Elaborate."
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Tavar
I'm just saying that I don't think we will be able to reason with her. Especially since she seems pretty devoted to the whole free the yozi thing. Though, please, do continue. I guess I took your statements as stronger than they actually were.
"As much as it pains me to fight, I have to agree."
"But sir, what about Lord S-"
"Wasn't talking about him."
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
"Whatever we decide, the Despot will have no choice but to agree. He might have a few Terrestrials of his own, maybe some godbloods, but I doubt he has the ability to forcibly tell us no. That being the case, he can still cause problems for us. The key will be making him want to keep us happy. He lives and dies by his mercenaries, so let's offer him our services. We'll have authority, we'll have access to him, and he'll do almost anything to keep us happy and in his employ. The best way to get what you want from someone is to make it in their best interests."
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Orchid is momentarily confused. Pyrus is agreeing with him. He won't look a gift horse in the mouth, though...
"I agree with Pyrus that we have a lot to offer the Despot. We don't have to sneak into influence, we just have to offer him the service of the sort of Exalted power he's only dreamed of, maybe paired with mundane technologies far ahead of anything he's got. Or at least, it seems that way - I'm not going to try something that bold without a lot of planning and backups, don't worry. And we do need enough influence to actually make the offer."
"If the Despot turns out to be bad for the city and can't be convinced to change, then we can consider other options. The same with Laurel. We shouldn't make our plans assuming that we're going to drop into combat if we don't get our way the first try."
Melodies?
Carry on. This is starting to go over my head at the rate you all are talking, so I'm busy watching for eavesdropping. Not killing your servants is a good idea, but if I were you I'd make plans for fights just in case, even if it's Plan B.
Ideally more like Plan Z...
Listen, I think we need to talk more about this later. But neither of us can be distracted right now.
Alright. I'm going to ask now.
Orchid counts off the four requests on his fingers; he obviously doesn't need it, but it'll help keep them nicely punctuated and separate.
"So... With that all mostly cleared up I hope, are all of you willing to agree that, barring new information,
we would keep the Despot in power for now,
that any demons we summon have to be accepted by the whole group,
that the Realm doesn't have to be our enemy, but they might need to be our rivals,
and that even if we fight, we'll avoid killing, let alone just killing people because it's easier or because we're suspicious of them?"
"If we're comfortable with those four, then I can tell you enough for until Drake gets back, so long as Raziel is okay with it."
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
I can live with those terms.
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
"I see no objections. Beheris?"
"No sir. I don't think we'll be able to keep to it, but otherwise okay."
"All right. I know this is going to make you unhappy, but could you search for our Sidereal, Drake, and lead him to the enclave?"
About twenty seconds later, the aalu gives a beleaguered sigh. "....What does he look like?"
"Okay. First thing you'll notice is the hat. Can't say there's anything else like it in the world. Really large, has this metal flower attached to it. Basically, look for the hat that no sensible person would wear in Gem. Oh, and he's a bard, so he has a mandolin."
"Beyond that, he's relatively short, looks somewhat Southern-skin tan, mainly-has hair on the darker side, and brown eyes. Think chocolate.
Spoiler
Show
Let the discovery of Resplendent Destinies commence!
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
"<Melodies told me that his eyes have blue stars in them, though. It's pretty likely he won't be wearing the most recent disguise... and even if he were, Gem is huge and we don't even know when to expect him. We should consider where he would look for us, and leave a note there. In English, just in case.>"
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
"I will go to the Despot, our offer will be more believable coming from a Dynast."
-
Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
"<Whoah whoah. If you're okay with it, then I would much rather fill you in first. Then we can plan, but I think you're right that once we're ready to tell the Despot anything, you're our best spokesman. I just don't want there to be any nasty surprises for you about Raziel and I.>"