Jade and Cattle Log, 4/14
Apr. 21st, 2006 01:05 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
leticiaPhoenix Maiden gives a respectful nod to Aidan as he lands near her, and the Sidereal assassin falls dead behind him. There is no hesitation as she levels her spear again, for even the deep wound dealt her by the treacherous Sidereal begins to close in the warm light from the Wood gem set beneath the blade of her spear. She moves across the shattered battlefield that was once a road, picking out her next target easily, for Kanfi has lost his opponent and Liu has gained a second. Phoenix Maiden stalks across the stones in a brilliant pillar of Solar Essence, leaving them pale and bleached in her footsteps. The Zenith descends upon Uradhi with a flurry of blows, each sparking more Essence from the dire-lance until it resembles the lightning it is named for, and the pillar around Phoenix Maiden has become a veritable bonfire.
Tired, wounded, and spent to the uttermost of her inner fire, Sesus Uradhi nonetheless taps the very final motes of her Essence, but little can she do against the onslaught. Caught between the approaching Zenith and Liu's proven deadly blades, the Fire-Aspect has nowhere to flee; as Phoenix Maiden's spear lashes out, it bites deeply into the dragon-blood's flesh, the flames of her anima licking harmlessly at the orichalcum spear and the light cast by her anima swallowed by the pure solar blaze that is Phoenix Maiden's, as is her life.
Having now witnessed the violent destruction of three of his enemies, and the cowardly flight of three more, the Hunter knows more than ever that he stands on the side of right, and the Unconquered Sun smiles upon their endeavor. He releases the last restraints on his power, as the image of a hawk spreads its wings above and behind him. He lopes over towards the Lunar, bouncing from foot to foot and side to side as he closes the distance between them. His Talons flash with essence once again as he unleashes a barrage of punches upon his foe.
This time, though, it avails the hunter not. Swifter than a mongoose and more slippery than an eel, Jhemon Sagetail bobs and weaves about the martial artist, his tail periodically weaving back in an equal strike. Unfortunately, the monkey-Lunar seems to find all of this boring-- or perhaps, he doesn't like being outnumbered. The tall beast sticks his tongue out and gives Aidan a long SLURP-- disgusting and utterly unexpected, but leaves the Dawn completely healed! With a laugh, Jhemon takes advantage of the startling moment to leap sky high and away from the group, leaving swiftly.
Brian says "Smoke and fire are all around you, in the wreckage of the square. There is rubble and blood everywhere, and the corpses of several of your foes. Slightly to the north of you you can hear a great, crooning hisssssss-- and Kanfi, you feel jerked in that direction by the sword on your back."
Liu takes a running leap onto her horse, and he prances irritatedly under her, backing a few steps away from the direction of the hiss. She holds both short klaives and reins in her hand as she steadies him. She turns backwards in her saddle, looking for the Old Man, to make sure he's in one piece, before straining to look forward at what is making that noise.
Phoenix Maiden lowers the butt of her spear to the ground, as the last of the foes fall or flee. With a glance around the square she ascertains the fight is over, and counts heads.
Aidan peers around after the abrupt departure of Jhemon, as though verifying that nothing else is planning on attacking him, today. Seeing no further threats, he casually picks up a piece of discarded cloth from the ground, and begins cleaning the blood and bits of skull from his right hand.
"Damn and blast." Diamond curses, wincing slightly at the painful and accelerated healing caused by the paste. He spins the bamboo in his palm and drops it into his rucksack. Gaze fixed briefly on the corpse of the one Sidereal. He looks toward Aidan. "Did you have to completely obliterate her head?" He is kidding on the sly, but draws up quickly, looking for the Old Man as well.
Aidan says "It wasn't *entirely* deliberate. Her defenses against the first few strikes were very, very good. I wasn't expecting her to fail so utterly against the last."
Kanfi peers around, noting the positions of his companions, and sighs, resheathing his skycutter. "Well, what's done is done." And the Dynasts were going to back for them eventually, so Kanfi was considering all the possibilities.
Brian says "The smoke begins to clear a little; in the direction of the hissing you see a massive form, about as long as the Mukade you fought, Aidan."
Brian says "Those of you who can hear what sounds at first like utter nonsense rhymes about upside-down towers, grey spikes and pearl fortresses coming from the massive form. And a yearning to be warm again."
Brian [to Kanfi]: Shurtimu Ji jerks harder.
Phoenix Maiden whispers softly, "Swan Dragon."
Liu heels Midnight-With-Stars a few more steps backwards, looking wide-eyed towards Phoenix Maiden. "But I thought the Holy Man was Swan Dragon. He... he changed back to bigger Swan Dragon?"
"The name 'Dragon'," Phoenix Maiden says dryly, "Is not metaphorical."
Kanfi doesn't know what quite's going on, but is pretty damn sure that the large form is Swan Dragon. Shurtimu Ji seems to think so, anyway. So he steps forward, tugging the large sword free, and holding it, just holding it where the great dragon can see it.
Diamond Borealis holds Grendel's Claw loosely at an angle across his chest. He flicks a glance up to Liu as he comes to stand next to her. "I wouldn't give that to him yet. He's talking gibberish, like he's come unhinged." He fixes his gaze on the massive creature, studying the way he moves and listening closely to his words.
Aidan looks up sharply at the hissing, all idleness gone from his demeanor as he eyes the huge shape coming through the smoke. "This is the great Swan Dragon? I expected... I don't know what I expected, but I don't think this was it." The battle against the Mukade is still fresh, and the Hunter is wary.
Brian [to Kanfi]: Okay, so you are holding the sword up straight, right?
Phoenix Maiden quietly addresses Aidan. "We had ...forewarning he was not ...entirely well." She remembers the words of the sword's spirit far away in the jungles still.
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "Any clue for Diamond what giving him the sword might do? OR what' wrong with him?"
Liu nods, her gold eyes wide and sad. "The sword was left there, keeping the whole of Creation safe. Now we've found it, and him, and... we have to give it back to him. It's his."
Brian says "As you get closer, through the smoke you see a HUGE dragon, a hundred feet long and white-scaled, surrounded by flames of gold and purple, crowned with miniature stars whirling about his head. Each of his claws has four toes, and his eyes burn like the Sun himself. His voice continues in that apocalyptic, mad tone, singing about purple-leaved trees growing from bone trunks, and bird cages wrought from tormented hearts. As Kanfi holds up the blade he _stops_, suddenly, his writhing, twisting body going still in the burst of a second. Powerful muscles stretch and contract as he breathes, moving under his ivory-scaled hide. In a flash like flame over the prairie, he moves forward, claws outstretched to seize Shurtimu Ji, which is all but leaping from Kanfi's hand to return to him."
Brian [to Kanfi]: Do you let the sword go? Also, huge dragon is running at you.
Brian [to Diamond Borealis]: Int + Occult roll, please.
<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 9 dice: <1 2 2 4 4 6 7 7 8> for 3 successes.
Brian [to Diamond Borealis]: You don't know how to cure him, nor what the sword will do. You're pretty sure he's utterly mad; from the songs, you guess either the Fair Folk (most likely, given the story) or imprisonment by demons (less likely, but possible). Despite the trees, if his songs have anything to do with wherever whatever it was happened to him, it sounds too alive to be from the underworld, and there's no stink of the grave about him.
Kanfi waits until the last moment to release the jade sword, all but HANDING it over to the god-spirit, and bowing politely, bending his head. He may be insane, but he is still powerful and Shurtimu Ji is still HIS.
Brian says "Okay, everyone make a Diff 3 Dodge roll. If you fail, make a difficulty 3 Stamina + resistance roll."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "full pool?"
Brian will explain what you describe afterwards.
<<OOC>> Brian says "Si."
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 18 dice: <2 2 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 7 8 8 9 9 9 9 10 10> for 11 successes.
<<DICE>> Kanfi rolls 8 dice: <1 2 4 4 6 6 6 10> for 2 successes.
Diamond Borealis narrows his eyes as the white-scaled dragon charges toward them. "I'm not sure that's a good idea, Liu. Not that it will make much difference if we have to stop him." He moves out of the way of a coil and starts to call to Kanfi, but too late. He's already released the blade and handed it over to Swan Dragon. He mutters the briefest of prayers and tightens his grip on his own Artifact. "I hope that doesn't push him further away. No telling what the fae did to him."
<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 9 dice: <2 2 4 7 7 8 8 9 10> for 7 successes.
<<DICE>> Phoenix Maiden rolls 9 dice: <1 2 3 3 5 7 8 9 9> for 4 successes.
<<DICE>> Kanfi rolls 2 dice: <2 9> for 1 success.
<<DICE>> Liu rolls 17 dice: <1 3 3 4 4 5 5 5 6 7 7 7 7 8 10 10 10> for 11 successes.
Kanfi cries.
<<OOC>> Brian says "Oh well. >_<"
<<OOC>> Brian says "Give me a second."
<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Well, it makes sense, right? I was closest."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Alas, yes. Seven is not going to be happy."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "If you kill my brother... :p"
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden .oO(Ah, but then he and Tatsu can be together again!)
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden hides from Kanfiplayer.
<<OOC>> Liu says "Kanfi's only got 2 Stamina? ... That's not what I heard from the Ladies...."
<<OOC>> Kanfi laughs.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "He just uses socialize to rewrite their memories afterwards."
Brian says "Swan Dragon seizes Shurtimu Ji in his talons with an inarticulate cry of joy and passion. He rushes directly upwards into the air, the stars that crown him rushing and whirling to join the sparkling, multicolored flame. He forms a great column of his twisting, serpentine body and flame into the air, shouting out in triumph in Old Realm, High Realm, Flametongue, the High Holy Speech of the Dragon-Kings, and many others beside. Unfortunately, in his joy, his aura unleashes a great explosion of white-hot fire, blasting the earth and buildings nearby. Luckily, most of you leap free, and most people who were in those buildings have long since fled, but Kanfi is too close and is caught in the blast. Seven cries out and rushes to catch his master as the hurtling flames throw the young eclipse back bodily."
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 8 damage dice: <3 3 4 6 7 8 8 10> for 4 successes.
Brian [to Kanfi]: Ow. You take 4 health levels of damage.
<<OOC>> Kanfi whimpers in pain
<<OOC>> Aidan says "BOOOOOOOM!"
Kanfi cries out as the fire sears him. He'd expected great joy, but not an explosion, and for a moment Kanfi can barely think, shock and pain clouding his mind as he slams into Seven, the jolting stop just adding to the agony shooting through his body.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden pats Kanfi. Will give you the happy healing hearthstone in a moment.
Having heeled Midnight-With-Stars through a powerful leap out of the way, Liu and the Horse wheel around. She sees Kanfi fallen, and narrows her eyes, readying swords and tired muscles to battle again to defend her Circle and Creation. It is his sword; he should have it back. But if he's mad, and has to be put down... well, she can do that too. She turns her eyes to Diamond, taking her cues for action from him.
<<OOC>> Kanfi says "We can't kill him! We promised Ulito!"
<<OOC>> Liu says "Oh, right. Well, Aidan didn't promise!"
Flipping back out of the way of the blast on reflex, Diamond watches the flames wash over Kanfi. Then does a survey of the rest of the Circle, assessing the strength. "Liu..." He smiles as the two look to one another almost reflexively. "Keep an eye on him. Remember what I said about long knives. I'm going to check Kanfi." He dashes across the area, leaping over flaming beams that once supported sturdy houses. He skids to a halt in the fine ash that has collected
and drops to one knee, leaving his Grimcleaver close at hand.
Phoenix Maiden's eyes narrow and her grip tightens on the Golden Child of Lightning as she recovers from her quick movement and sees that her brother is hurt. For the moment, though, she controls her anger. "Swan Dragon!" she calls in Old Realm. "You must cease before you burn this city around innocent ears."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden tries to be a Zenith. >_>
Brian [to Phoenix Maiden]: Cha + Presence roll?
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "No stunt? *hopeful*"
Brian [to Phoenix Maiden]: Hmm. 2 points!
<<DICE>> Phoenix Maiden rolls 11 dice: <1 1 2 4 4 6 7 8 8 10 10> for 7 successes.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden purrs at the dice cheerfully.
Aidan is unphased by the explosion of fire, it washes over him and beyond him, leaving him unscathed. He adds his voice to Phoenix Maiden's. "Swan Dragon! I bring word to you from Murantru Ota! It is now the time, and this is the place, you must come back to yourself and take up the position that you left behind!"
Kanfi moans, slowly returning to his senses, the shooting pain dulling into a throbbing ache that merely slows his movements. He reaches up, gingerly patting Seven's chest, to let the metal man know that he wanted to be released. Kanfi smiles a little at Diamond and shrugs. "That'll teach me not to let my guard down."
Brian says "Swan Dragon reaches so high he is supported by only his lower legs, extended to nearly his full height into the air and coruscating with fire. The words of the Zenith reach him, some how, some way, penetrating his madness. He comes down, coiling towards the earth to bow before the Zenith, his fires slowly abating as he curls inwards, transforming to the once-handsome old man again, his arms curled around Shurtimu Ji's blade, which cuts him not. He sings no more, but merely croons to his sword, "My own-- my own-- my only friend... my friend..." He begins to cry. "So long, so far!""
Diamond Borealis smirks faintly. "It should. Yes." He takes a quick glance at the burns on the exposed part of Kanfi's skin. He seems about to do more to evaluate his condition when Swan Dragon returns to his human form. "It can't be that easy." He says to himself, ever the optimist. He keeps a one handed grip on his Grimcleaver, "We'll need to get the 'stone from Phoenix, when she can spare a moment."
Liu nudges Midnight-With-Stars slowly forwards towards the Old Holy Man, Swan Dragon. She watches him warily, but with immense sympathy and hope.
Phoenix Maiden glances sideways at Aidan curiously as he speaks, but figures questions can be asked later. She removes the Gem from her lance, and tosses it towards Seven for Kanfi.
Aidan walks quickly towards the once-again-human form of Swan Dragon. He stands for a moment, his bearing rigid and his gaze straight, before bowing deeply towards the elemental.
Brian [to Aidan]: You're getting closer, right? Make a Perception + Occult roll.
Brian [to Liu]: You too.
<<DICE>> Liu rolls 4 dice: <3 4 7 9> for 2 successes.
Kanfi ignores the curious look Diamond is giving him, and ignores the pain (mostly), as he pulls himself straight. He doesn't know how good the new man is at talking to people, but he's not going to stand back. If they need damage control, Kanfi wants to be right there.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 5 dice: <1 1 3 7 8> for 2 successes.
With her brother taken care of and Swan Dragon no longer menacing everything in range, Phoenix Maiden too walks forward; she is, after all, the Zenith.
Brian says "Liu and Aidan can sense the deep, pulsating power in the two now; the fiery bond between them is almost physical-- and all but visible! He rocks and croons with and to the sword for a while, before standing and heading over towards Kanfi again, cradling the sword and walking slowly this time."
Diamond Borealis starts to slap Kanfi on the back, but refrains just in time. With the healing 'stone tossed to Seven, he focuses all of his intellect on Swan Dragon, following his every movement. His guardian flame rests above his right shoulder, dancing and flickering as if in sympathetic joy with the powerful Dragon.
Kanfi tugs on a braid thoughtfully. There's a bit of tension in his shoulders, worry that he'll get hit again, but it doesn't show on his face. In fact, Kanfi smiles a gentle, welcoming smile. "Swan Dragon?" he greets, although he cants the name as almost a question, in case the old man prefers to be called something else. His voice is low, soothing, and careful. "We searched for you for a great long time. Your daughter worries."
Brian says "The old man-- with incredible strength, for all his wiry, lost-looking form-- gives Kanfi a huge HUG, embracing him tightly. Along with the sword, but it refuses to cut Kanfi, either. "You brought my friend back to me," he says, teary eyed. "And you were kind to him.""
<<OOC>> Aidan has nothing, really, unless something odd happens, or is addressed directly...
Phoenix Maiden smiles, some of her tension going out. "Your friend held back death from much of Creation for a long time. It was the least we could do." Her eyes flick over Swan Dragon, trying to appraise his sanity - and not much liking the results.
Brian [to Phoenix Maiden]: Perception + Lore.
Brian says "Or Medicine, come to think of it."
<<DICE>> Phoenix Maiden rolls 6 dice: <3 6 8 8 8 9> for 4 successes.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden is much better off with Lore. :)
Brian [to Phoenix Maiden]: He's off his trolley. There's nothing there of sanity at all. Virtue, yes, and terrible power, but the only things he seems to have a smile for is Shurtimu Ji, Kanfi, and Liu.
Kanfi nods to his sister and lay a hand on Swan Dragon's shoulder. "Your friend all but saved my life. I could do nothing but treat him with the respect a valiant allies deserves." He bites his lip, looking into Swan Dragon's eyes, trying to figure out what makes the old man tick.
Brian [to Kanfi]: Perception + Medicine or Socialize.
<<DICE>> Kanfi rolls 8 dice: <2 2 4 5 5 6 7 8> for 2 successes.
<<OOC>> Kanfi says "The dice hate me tonight."
<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Also, I'm using Knowing the Soul's Price."
Diamond Borealis inhales the smell of smoke, focusing his senses on Swan Dragon. His tongue flicking over his lips as if to taste the essence in the air. His fingers dance along the haft of his Grimcleaver as he studies the old man hugging his Circlemate. He's weighing the situation, and the Dragon's sanity, trying to plan should he show further signs of instability.
Brian ponders.
Brian [to Kanfi]: Make a Willpower roll.
Aidan steps back a bit, disturbed by the actions of Swan Dragon. The Hunter could *feel* the immense respect that Murantru Ota had for this being, and he is incapable of reconciling that respect with what he now sees with his own eyes.
<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Before or after I spend the willpower to initiate the power?"
Brian [to Kanfi]: After.
<<DICE>> Kanfi rolls 5 dice: <2 3 6 9 10> for 3 successes.
Brian [to Kanfi]: It takes you a while. His mind is crazed, chaotic-- broken. It's all you can do to remain standing after the tempest of images and desires that flood through your mind. You can't tell much; he's mad. You can tell that he likes you from his social cues, and combined with the data from your Charm-- well, it's hard. Part of him might give the world for a gentle hug; part of him might require impossible quests. There is NOTHING within him that is evil, though; a purity of soul and of purpose that is even greater than the madness that has been inflicted upon him. Speaking of which, a dominant part of him wants vengeance for that, upon beings he knows as Fae-- as the Rain Princes. His hatred for them overwhelms several facets of his personality. Beyond that, kindness can get much from him, from those he knows and trusts- you, Liu, and now your sister; he recognizes the Zenith in her. Further kindness and majesty that _helps_ him could allow similar for Diamond and Aidan. Beyond that, most of what he wants is peace in his mind-- not the peace of death, for there is no surrender in him. Instead, he desires, deep in his heart, to be succored from the phantoms and torments that haunt his mind, so that he may be whole, and strong again-- and thus, avenge himself on the Rain Princes and return to his family.
Liu strokes Midnight-With-Stars neck gently and slides off of him, padding quietly up to Kanfi and Swan Dragon from behind, and waiting silently to the side of them for Swan Dragon to look at her. She hopes he remembers her, and that she can remind him of his daughter. Because she promised, as did all of her Circle, to heal him.
<<OOC>> Kanfi sighs. That doesn't help.
<<OOC>> Kanfi says "What he wants is what I want. A way to make him whole again."
<<OOC>> Kanfi says "But it helps to know that kindness will get a lot from him."
Phoenix Maiden steps back slightly and shakes her head. Quietly, she tells Diamond, "He's entirely mad, but I think he may recover - he listened to me, at any rate."
Brian says "You guys can discuss things, and plans, amongst yourselves for now; Swan Dragon is mostly docile as long as no one tries to take his sword away from him or stop him from following Liu, PM, or Kanfi."
Kanfi rocks back, working through the whirlwind of images and desires, sorting out the most important ones, and setting them aside for later consideration. He smiles again, and touches the old man's hand compassionately.
Diamond Borealis inclines his head toward Phoenix. "So I can see. He is powerful, yes. And as you say, he's raving. I believe the Fae have something to do with his condition." He gives Grendel's Claw a spin, sliding it through the leather loop of his rucksack. "He seems fond of you, your brother and Liu. We should get gone from this place, if he'll come with us. Though we should make sure no ghosts of our fallen enemies will torment us." There's a haggard look on his face for a moment. He has enough problems with such.
Phoenix Maiden smiles slightly. "They will not." Now that situation is under control, she takes a few moments to consecrate the bodies of their fallen foes with touches of her Essence - though she collects any jade coinage they may have on them, and leaves it in the rubble that was an inn, intending it to help compensate the innocents drawn into the wasteful hatred of the Immaculates. As she walks back to the others, she swaps in her own Hearthstone for the Gem currently in Kanfi's care.
Phoenix Maiden nods to Diamond as she returns, and then ponders. "The question is, do we want him on a ship? If he lashes out again..." She shrugs, eyeing the buildings damaged more by the ecstatic elemental than by the battle itself.
Liu sets her swords back into their places in Midnight-With-Stars saddlebags, and turns to look down at Uradhi's body, her eyes sad and unsettled. She bends down to the woman's body as Phoenix Maiden consecrates it, strokes her torn face, and then reaches to touch one of the two red jade daiklaives the Immaculate wielded, looking thoughtfully at them.
Brian says "Swan Dragon squeezes Kanfi's hand and smiles at him. Although he has returned to normal, mostly, with the sword so close to him, the heat and power of his eyes are almost as overwhelming as the suns before."
Brian [to Liu]: The Jade Daiklaives are no longer attuned. ^^
Brian chuckles, that's right, let's see...
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "No, really? :p"
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "We've killed them."
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "Now we get to take their stuff."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "And you get to play with Starmetal, which is a rare thing indeed."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Yeah, if we didn't leave you a Siddie to play with, at least we left you the toys."
Brian says "One busted Most Resolute Dragon of Earth armor; big gaping hole in the chest, shattered helmet, white jade all over the ground... One white jade goremaul, two jade (one white, one red) and one starmetal perfected kata bracers and a similar set of hearthstone bracers. A number of hearthstones, but they seem to be one by one crumbling into hearthstone dust. One starmetal daiklaive. Three corpses, likely to rise as ghosts if not properly buried with their arms and armor."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "...Eh? Zenith Anima ability?"
<<OOC>> Brian says "... >_> I was hoping you'd forget about that. :P You haven't done it yet!"
<<OOC>> Liu says "Yes she did!"
<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Yes she has!"
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Actually, I have."
<<OOC>> Brian says "... Oh! I missed it. Sorry!"
<<OOC>> Liu says "^_^ We're leaving their bodies safe and we're taking their stuff, kthxbi."
<<OOC>> Brian needs to give his people less toys next time. :P
<<OOC>> Brian says "You mean their ashes. :P"
<<OOC>> Aidan says "They *all* had Perfected Kata Bracers? Sheesh. Would I recognize them? And would there be any point to me possessing more than one pair?"
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "And any loose coinage goes to sit in the inn, because PM doubts they paid for the damage BEFORE they committed it, so they can do so now. :p"
<<OOC>> Brian says "Probably yes, and no. Although the ones there might be better in terms of the abilities they give, but would require a roll and cost twice as much essence to attune. 16, I think."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Correct."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden idly ponders Hearthstone bracers and PM's apparent possession of a spare Hearthstone, at least on occasion. But, doesn't remember how Hearthstones and Other MMs work.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "What's the roll? And what's the odds I can figure out ahead of time what the different bonus is?"
Diamond Borealis walks over to the corpse of the Sidereal. His appraises her as he would the a corpse entombed for a thousand years, with no more care for her than that. He nudges her with the tip of his boot, just in case. "Can never be too sure with them. Sneaky bastiches." He takes a breath, glancing toward Swan Dragon, then Liu. "Kiddo, is their any place around we could lay low for a bit?" He crouches down, taking the Starmetal bracer and dropping it into his sack. Then he picks up the daiklave, looking it over carefully, examining it and its Essence. There's a look of wonder on his face.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I *think* I'm the only one that uses any sort of MA, for the moment? Although it'd be interesting to begin to train Liu in Hungry Raptor, if she wanted that short of training."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Plus I don't know if you have any personal history with your current bracers; although, seriously, any of their bracers would have a better special ability than your current one. It would take an Int + Lore or Occult roll, difficulty 5, to work out what the weird ones do; and it's Wits + Lore, difficulty 3, to attune to their spiffy bonuses. Failure on this roll leads to feedback; botches can destroy the items."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "PM has no interest in any of the loot except a) the loose jade coinage as previously mentioned, and b) the Hearthstone bracers, maybe."
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "What about the SM Daiklave?"
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I'm about 50/50 to make that roll to attune, I think. Figuring them out I would have to leave to Diamond."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Assume there's a lot of jade coinage to be left."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Would I at least recognize the shape of them, to help Diamond with knowing their purpose?"
<<OOC>> Brian says "Mm? What about the Daiklaive?"
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "Yeah, give me a few and I can examine each thing. The daiklave has his interest first. That's a helluva lot of starmetal."
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis is examining it.
<<OOC>> Brian says "Ah. Give me an Int + Lore or Occult roll."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "And no particular history with my own PKB. The Talons, yes, the bracers are just a useful thing."
<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 9 dice: <1 1 3 5 8 8 10 10 10> for 8 successes.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden snrks.
<<OOC>> Brian says "..."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Sec."
Liu steps back, dragging the two jade daiklaives with her, as Uradhi's body flames from Phoenix Maiden's Essence. Looking up at Diamond, she shrugs a little and nods, "I don't really know anyone here in town, but there is an inn -- well away from here -- that should be able to give us rooms for the night. The innkeep shouldn't ask us... too many questions... but when I was here before, Swan Dragon was known to them." She jerks her head to the side, indicating him.
<<OOC>> Liu says "Uhm, she means known to them as in "known to the townfolk" -- they sort of knew him as a Holy Man when I was here-ish during the prelude."
Brian [to Diamond Borealis]: Oookay. This is the Daiklaive Graveyard Cherry Tree, wielded by Sidereal Assassins since the First Age, though it was not forged for that. During the First Age, it was forged for simplicity of use and purpose; where a mightier artifact might have either called too much attention to the wielder or required too deep a commitment of essence, the Graveyard Cherry Tree was a work of simplicity, a channel for the wielder's martial skills. It had grace and accuracy, and a deadly blade, and slew many tyrants and invaders before quieting during the darkness of the Solar Deliberative's long degeneration. It has not been heard from since. It is not made of a whole piece of starmetal; rather, the inner core is pure starmetal, and the outside is a one to one hundredth part alloy, folded so that the power of the core may transfer through the whole.
Brian [to Diamond Borealis]: Out of character, it's a simple Starmetal Daiklaive.
Diamond Borealis hefts he Daiklave with an effort, not attuning to the foreign material. He lifts it about, gaze distracted for a moment. Then clears his head. He glances around at his Circle. "Grab the Artifacts. We'll wrap this and the Goremaul. That armor is ruined, but I want to take it if we can. Then lets get out of here and I can find out more about them when I'm not breathing smoke and worried about some city guard sticking his snout in." He pauses in his mercenary...zeal. I think we could all use a little rest. And I'm certain Swan Dragon, sir, that you'd like some tea and a place to sit and rest."
Brian says "Swan Dragon shrinks away from Diamond slightly, hiding behind Kanfi, whom he's followed. He does, however, ask quietly, in a once-strong voice, "A... rest? Yes. A rest...""
Phoenix Maiden holds herself aloof from most the looting - though she, of course, had no qualms as she collected the jade, and has been eyeing the Hearthstone Bracers thoughtfully. She shrugs at Diamond's words. "I sincerely doubt any city guard has any desire to be anywhere near here at the moment. But moving on can't hurt - some of the Dragon-blooded DID run away, and I don't want to find out they have more resources to throw at us.
Kanfi half-turns and offers a comforting smile to Swan Dragon, patting his shoulder. "Why don't we find some place to sit down and relax? Away from all this... mess." He glances around at the ruin that they'd helped cause.
Liu helps Diamond load Midnight-With-Stars as heavily as they can, and promises the stallion fresh carrots for being such a good sport. And such a good fighter. He snorts, irritated that she's trying to bribe him with such trivialities -- but really looking forward to fresh carrots after months of oaty feedbag.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "PM will suggest the ship, with the note that if Swan Dragon exhibits any signs of being a danger to a ship before they get there - any new signs, that is - they go to an inn instead."
Liu turns, as they finish, and steps quietly back over to Swan Dragon, reaching her hand out to him in an offer to take his hand. She smiles up at him, her best beatific, innocently winning smile, and says softly, "You helped me find my path, Swan Dragon. Do you remember? You found me."
Phoenix Maiden shrugs. "The ship would be preferable if it is safe to take him there. If he's going to resume dragon form and throw fire everywhere again, we shouldn't have him on a ship. Perhaps we can start there; if he hasn't done anything dangerous when we get there, we can assume it's safe enough?"
Brian says "Swan turns to Liu and takes his hand in hers. "Of course," he says cheerfully. "Little wolf has found where she is SUPPOSED to be; and it is where she was, but not when she was."
Aidan surveys the battlefield, not looking for anything in particular, still trying to get his bearings back. "Was there anything else that was required in this place, now that we have found Swan Dragon?"
Phoenix Maiden shrugs at Aidan. "Nothing we were after. Don't know about you." She eyes Aidan thoughtfully. "Was this the quest you had spoken of?" Remembering his impressive attacks - on the Water Exalt that had been badgering Diamond and on the Sidereal that managed to get through her own defenses, she adds to the question, "...and do you lack a quest now?"
"No, I don't think there is, Aidan. I suggest we knock the ashes from our boots and be gone from here. Whether we're headed back to Ulito, to Varang, or to Harborhead, I don't know yet. But wherever we go, we need to help Swan Dragon. He's a hero, and if other reason than that sacrifice he made, we owe him some help." Diamond bows then to the Dragon spirit, showing him due deference.
Kanfi shakes his head and touches his sister's arm. "He's broken, Vir-- sister. I don't think we can guarantee the safety of the boat, even if Swan Dragon is stable up until we reach it. We should spend the night relaxing in an inn, get some real food and drink before deciding if we can go by boat." He bites his lip, glancing at Diamond. "We swore an oath to Ulito to do everything in our power to heal Swan Dragon. We haven't tried yet, Diamond."
Aidan smiles at Phoenix Maiden. "You are perceptive, lady. This was indeed my quest, as I am told it was your quest as well. It is far from finished, as I do not believe that Swan Dragon is yet ready to resume his proper place. But it is well started."
Phoenix Maiden ponders. "Perhaps we can send a messenger to Ulito; we can try to heal him on the way, and if we can not, turn him over to her - or someone she suggests, as she may be hesitant to have him in the Varang where she is scarcely more welcome than we would be."
Phoenix Maiden glances to Diamond. "Could you summon a suitable messenger?"
Liu holds Swan Dragon's hand comfortingly as her Circle mates argue, and looks a bit impatient to get moving. "Let's talk on the way, if we have to talk. Boat or inn, I don't care. But... I helped kill people here, and I want to be gone. "
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "One had the strong impression that they were definitely Immaculate from the things they kept spouting. :p"
Phoenix Maiden frowns at Kanfi. "That may be, but we are terribly obvious still, and there may be more Wyld Hunt around.
Aidan says "I do not know that we will be welcome in this city for much longer. I'm afraid that I am known to some of those in the Wyld Hunt, and I fear that more such as these will come, when word reaches certain ears. I have no doubt that we shall prevail against whatever they may bring, but we have other concerns now." He nods in the direction of Swan Dragon."
Phoenix Maiden nods and adds dryly, "And not destroying the rest of the city."
Diamond Borealis lifts a brow at Kanfi. "That's what I mean, bro. I want to help him, to heal him as we are able. But I do not think we can do that here. The boat is safe, it lets us travel. And I believe that if you ask our Venerable Uncle, he will pledge to keep his current form. Damaged or no, I trust him to keep his word."
Kanfi purses his lips. "How about not destroying ourselves. There's no guarantee that he--" Kanfi shakes his head, remembering the thousand shards of desire floating around in Swan Dragon's mind.
Phoenix Maiden nods. "If we can trust him on the boat, it will be much easier to bend our efforts to healing him while we travel."
Phoenix Maiden says, "As the boat travels without much aid from us."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "We're all a happy family now!"
<<OOC>> Kanfi says "BRO?"
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "Bro."
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "What, you prefer 'Pretty Boy'? :) I can go with that."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Diamond, don't hit on my brother."
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis snerks.
Liu nods at Diamond's words and looks up at Swan Dragon, "You want to stay with us, right? We're going to go to our boat, and we're going to go find your daughter. You want to come with us, and take care of me, and let us take care of you. And you can stay in this form, so that it's easier for us to travel, can't you?" She squeezes his hand and smiles, sure that Swan Dragon will behave as Diamond has described.
Brian says "Swan Dragon considers this for a moment. "We can swim and we can sing and we can flyyyyyyyy," he chants softly. "But I don't know why." He thinks about Liu's word's for a moment then gives her a brilliant smile. "Yes!" he exclaims."
Liu nods in a confirmatory "I told you so" nod to her Circle. "So let's go then."
Phoenix Maiden nods and glances at Kanfi. "Well?" she says. She moves slightly towards the edge of the broken square, towards the harbor. "We can always spend a day in harbor before we sail, just in case."
Kanfi nods slowly. "But I want to spend a day in the harbor. We've been traveling too long," he shrugs and stretches. "I want to be able to stay in one place for some time, at least." Well, that and the whole Swan Dragon thing.
Phoenix Maiden glances at everyone else. "A day in the harbor," she queries, making sure of agreement, even as she shoulders her dire lance and prepares for the walk.
Liu smiles and pulls Swan Dragon over to her horse, to take hold of his bridle and get him moving as well. All this talking. Enough talking. She shakes her head to herself, and rather pointedly starts walking back towards harbor. So impatient for such a small girl!
Brian says "Swan Dragon follows Liu eagerly, beginning to sing her nursery rhymes as were sung to the Golden Children in the First Age."
"That will work for me." Diamond replies. He gives Liu a squeeze of the shoulder. He walks on the other side of Swan Dragon, smiling at the nursery rhymes, whistling the tunes as he picks them up. All in all, not a bad day so far.
Liu tries to sing along, trying to catch the melodies and the words, and strangely struck to tears a couple of times as memories flit through her mind too fast to catch.
Phoenix Maiden stays close to Liu and Swan Dragon, making note of his words and formulating her own thoughts for treatment. As they walk, she renews her question to Diamond. "I think our best plan of action, assuming the ship works out, is to send a messenger to Ulito if you can summon one appropriate, and turn him over to her if we haven't managed to heal him when we reach her."
Kanfi walks behind them all, watching Swan Dragon, mostly, and not sure what to think of the mad old man, whose mind was broken by the fae and who left behind a daughter and entire court of spirits.
Diamond Borealis keeps his smile, for the sake of Swan Dragon. "I should be able to send her a messenger, yes. And I'm as eager to start our plans as you are. But what the ... Fae did to him; if we can cure that, he'll be a powerful ally in the struggle. Don't you agree? I know a bit about the Wyld, perhaps I can speak with him and help further."
Aidan reaches up to pull his hood forward, more out of habit than any particular utility, as his anima is still bright enough to be seen despite the precautions. "One night should be fine, as it will take at least that long for the Hunt to respond to what has transpired today. I shall sleep better once we are safely away from the city, however." A smart Hunter does not linger where others may attack.
Brian says "Swan Dragon does not seem to notice the tears, just continuing his songs, lost in them, as he follows."
Phoenix Maiden shrugs slightly. "I have some thoughts of my own on possible treatment options - but the Varang is between here and Harborhead. If we can not treat him..."
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis is starting to fade. Mind if we get to the Ship and Diamond takes a look at the artifacts?
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden doesn't have that much more to discuss.
<<OOC>> Brian says "Let's close the arc on walking out to the ship, then; you and I can go over whatever you want there, later in the day."
Tired, wounded, and spent to the uttermost of her inner fire, Sesus Uradhi nonetheless taps the very final motes of her Essence, but little can she do against the onslaught. Caught between the approaching Zenith and Liu's proven deadly blades, the Fire-Aspect has nowhere to flee; as Phoenix Maiden's spear lashes out, it bites deeply into the dragon-blood's flesh, the flames of her anima licking harmlessly at the orichalcum spear and the light cast by her anima swallowed by the pure solar blaze that is Phoenix Maiden's, as is her life.
Having now witnessed the violent destruction of three of his enemies, and the cowardly flight of three more, the Hunter knows more than ever that he stands on the side of right, and the Unconquered Sun smiles upon their endeavor. He releases the last restraints on his power, as the image of a hawk spreads its wings above and behind him. He lopes over towards the Lunar, bouncing from foot to foot and side to side as he closes the distance between them. His Talons flash with essence once again as he unleashes a barrage of punches upon his foe.
This time, though, it avails the hunter not. Swifter than a mongoose and more slippery than an eel, Jhemon Sagetail bobs and weaves about the martial artist, his tail periodically weaving back in an equal strike. Unfortunately, the monkey-Lunar seems to find all of this boring-- or perhaps, he doesn't like being outnumbered. The tall beast sticks his tongue out and gives Aidan a long SLURP-- disgusting and utterly unexpected, but leaves the Dawn completely healed! With a laugh, Jhemon takes advantage of the startling moment to leap sky high and away from the group, leaving swiftly.
Brian says "Smoke and fire are all around you, in the wreckage of the square. There is rubble and blood everywhere, and the corpses of several of your foes. Slightly to the north of you you can hear a great, crooning hisssssss-- and Kanfi, you feel jerked in that direction by the sword on your back."
Liu takes a running leap onto her horse, and he prances irritatedly under her, backing a few steps away from the direction of the hiss. She holds both short klaives and reins in her hand as she steadies him. She turns backwards in her saddle, looking for the Old Man, to make sure he's in one piece, before straining to look forward at what is making that noise.
Phoenix Maiden lowers the butt of her spear to the ground, as the last of the foes fall or flee. With a glance around the square she ascertains the fight is over, and counts heads.
Aidan peers around after the abrupt departure of Jhemon, as though verifying that nothing else is planning on attacking him, today. Seeing no further threats, he casually picks up a piece of discarded cloth from the ground, and begins cleaning the blood and bits of skull from his right hand.
"Damn and blast." Diamond curses, wincing slightly at the painful and accelerated healing caused by the paste. He spins the bamboo in his palm and drops it into his rucksack. Gaze fixed briefly on the corpse of the one Sidereal. He looks toward Aidan. "Did you have to completely obliterate her head?" He is kidding on the sly, but draws up quickly, looking for the Old Man as well.
Aidan says "It wasn't *entirely* deliberate. Her defenses against the first few strikes were very, very good. I wasn't expecting her to fail so utterly against the last."
Kanfi peers around, noting the positions of his companions, and sighs, resheathing his skycutter. "Well, what's done is done." And the Dynasts were going to back for them eventually, so Kanfi was considering all the possibilities.
Brian says "The smoke begins to clear a little; in the direction of the hissing you see a massive form, about as long as the Mukade you fought, Aidan."
Brian says "Those of you who can hear what sounds at first like utter nonsense rhymes about upside-down towers, grey spikes and pearl fortresses coming from the massive form. And a yearning to be warm again."
Brian [to Kanfi]: Shurtimu Ji jerks harder.
Phoenix Maiden whispers softly, "Swan Dragon."
Liu heels Midnight-With-Stars a few more steps backwards, looking wide-eyed towards Phoenix Maiden. "But I thought the Holy Man was Swan Dragon. He... he changed back to bigger Swan Dragon?"
"The name 'Dragon'," Phoenix Maiden says dryly, "Is not metaphorical."
Kanfi doesn't know what quite's going on, but is pretty damn sure that the large form is Swan Dragon. Shurtimu Ji seems to think so, anyway. So he steps forward, tugging the large sword free, and holding it, just holding it where the great dragon can see it.
Diamond Borealis holds Grendel's Claw loosely at an angle across his chest. He flicks a glance up to Liu as he comes to stand next to her. "I wouldn't give that to him yet. He's talking gibberish, like he's come unhinged." He fixes his gaze on the massive creature, studying the way he moves and listening closely to his words.
Aidan looks up sharply at the hissing, all idleness gone from his demeanor as he eyes the huge shape coming through the smoke. "This is the great Swan Dragon? I expected... I don't know what I expected, but I don't think this was it." The battle against the Mukade is still fresh, and the Hunter is wary.
Brian [to Kanfi]: Okay, so you are holding the sword up straight, right?
Phoenix Maiden quietly addresses Aidan. "We had ...forewarning he was not ...entirely well." She remembers the words of the sword's spirit far away in the jungles still.
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "Any clue for Diamond what giving him the sword might do? OR what' wrong with him?"
Liu nods, her gold eyes wide and sad. "The sword was left there, keeping the whole of Creation safe. Now we've found it, and him, and... we have to give it back to him. It's his."
Brian says "As you get closer, through the smoke you see a HUGE dragon, a hundred feet long and white-scaled, surrounded by flames of gold and purple, crowned with miniature stars whirling about his head. Each of his claws has four toes, and his eyes burn like the Sun himself. His voice continues in that apocalyptic, mad tone, singing about purple-leaved trees growing from bone trunks, and bird cages wrought from tormented hearts. As Kanfi holds up the blade he _stops_, suddenly, his writhing, twisting body going still in the burst of a second. Powerful muscles stretch and contract as he breathes, moving under his ivory-scaled hide. In a flash like flame over the prairie, he moves forward, claws outstretched to seize Shurtimu Ji, which is all but leaping from Kanfi's hand to return to him."
Brian [to Kanfi]: Do you let the sword go? Also, huge dragon is running at you.
Brian [to Diamond Borealis]: Int + Occult roll, please.
<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 9 dice: <1 2 2 4 4 6 7 7 8> for 3 successes.
Brian [to Diamond Borealis]: You don't know how to cure him, nor what the sword will do. You're pretty sure he's utterly mad; from the songs, you guess either the Fair Folk (most likely, given the story) or imprisonment by demons (less likely, but possible). Despite the trees, if his songs have anything to do with wherever whatever it was happened to him, it sounds too alive to be from the underworld, and there's no stink of the grave about him.
Kanfi waits until the last moment to release the jade sword, all but HANDING it over to the god-spirit, and bowing politely, bending his head. He may be insane, but he is still powerful and Shurtimu Ji is still HIS.
Brian says "Okay, everyone make a Diff 3 Dodge roll. If you fail, make a difficulty 3 Stamina + resistance roll."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "full pool?"
Brian will explain what you describe afterwards.
<<OOC>> Brian says "Si."
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 18 dice: <2 2 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 7 8 8 9 9 9 9 10 10> for 11 successes.
<<DICE>> Kanfi rolls 8 dice: <1 2 4 4 6 6 6 10> for 2 successes.
Diamond Borealis narrows his eyes as the white-scaled dragon charges toward them. "I'm not sure that's a good idea, Liu. Not that it will make much difference if we have to stop him." He moves out of the way of a coil and starts to call to Kanfi, but too late. He's already released the blade and handed it over to Swan Dragon. He mutters the briefest of prayers and tightens his grip on his own Artifact. "I hope that doesn't push him further away. No telling what the fae did to him."
<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 9 dice: <2 2 4 7 7 8 8 9 10> for 7 successes.
<<DICE>> Phoenix Maiden rolls 9 dice: <1 2 3 3 5 7 8 9 9> for 4 successes.
<<DICE>> Kanfi rolls 2 dice: <2 9> for 1 success.
<<DICE>> Liu rolls 17 dice: <1 3 3 4 4 5 5 5 6 7 7 7 7 8 10 10 10> for 11 successes.
Kanfi cries.
<<OOC>> Brian says "Oh well. >_<"
<<OOC>> Brian says "Give me a second."
<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Well, it makes sense, right? I was closest."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Alas, yes. Seven is not going to be happy."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "If you kill my brother... :p"
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden .oO(Ah, but then he and Tatsu can be together again!)
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden hides from Kanfiplayer.
<<OOC>> Liu says "Kanfi's only got 2 Stamina? ... That's not what I heard from the Ladies...."
<<OOC>> Kanfi laughs.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "He just uses socialize to rewrite their memories afterwards."
Brian says "Swan Dragon seizes Shurtimu Ji in his talons with an inarticulate cry of joy and passion. He rushes directly upwards into the air, the stars that crown him rushing and whirling to join the sparkling, multicolored flame. He forms a great column of his twisting, serpentine body and flame into the air, shouting out in triumph in Old Realm, High Realm, Flametongue, the High Holy Speech of the Dragon-Kings, and many others beside. Unfortunately, in his joy, his aura unleashes a great explosion of white-hot fire, blasting the earth and buildings nearby. Luckily, most of you leap free, and most people who were in those buildings have long since fled, but Kanfi is too close and is caught in the blast. Seven cries out and rushes to catch his master as the hurtling flames throw the young eclipse back bodily."
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 8 damage dice: <3 3 4 6 7 8 8 10> for 4 successes.
Brian [to Kanfi]: Ow. You take 4 health levels of damage.
<<OOC>> Kanfi whimpers in pain
<<OOC>> Aidan says "BOOOOOOOM!"
Kanfi cries out as the fire sears him. He'd expected great joy, but not an explosion, and for a moment Kanfi can barely think, shock and pain clouding his mind as he slams into Seven, the jolting stop just adding to the agony shooting through his body.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden pats Kanfi. Will give you the happy healing hearthstone in a moment.
Having heeled Midnight-With-Stars through a powerful leap out of the way, Liu and the Horse wheel around. She sees Kanfi fallen, and narrows her eyes, readying swords and tired muscles to battle again to defend her Circle and Creation. It is his sword; he should have it back. But if he's mad, and has to be put down... well, she can do that too. She turns her eyes to Diamond, taking her cues for action from him.
<<OOC>> Kanfi says "We can't kill him! We promised Ulito!"
<<OOC>> Liu says "Oh, right. Well, Aidan didn't promise!"
Flipping back out of the way of the blast on reflex, Diamond watches the flames wash over Kanfi. Then does a survey of the rest of the Circle, assessing the strength. "Liu..." He smiles as the two look to one another almost reflexively. "Keep an eye on him. Remember what I said about long knives. I'm going to check Kanfi." He dashes across the area, leaping over flaming beams that once supported sturdy houses. He skids to a halt in the fine ash that has collected
and drops to one knee, leaving his Grimcleaver close at hand.
Phoenix Maiden's eyes narrow and her grip tightens on the Golden Child of Lightning as she recovers from her quick movement and sees that her brother is hurt. For the moment, though, she controls her anger. "Swan Dragon!" she calls in Old Realm. "You must cease before you burn this city around innocent ears."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden tries to be a Zenith. >_>
Brian [to Phoenix Maiden]: Cha + Presence roll?
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "No stunt? *hopeful*"
Brian [to Phoenix Maiden]: Hmm. 2 points!
<<DICE>> Phoenix Maiden rolls 11 dice: <1 1 2 4 4 6 7 8 8 10 10> for 7 successes.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden purrs at the dice cheerfully.
Aidan is unphased by the explosion of fire, it washes over him and beyond him, leaving him unscathed. He adds his voice to Phoenix Maiden's. "Swan Dragon! I bring word to you from Murantru Ota! It is now the time, and this is the place, you must come back to yourself and take up the position that you left behind!"
Kanfi moans, slowly returning to his senses, the shooting pain dulling into a throbbing ache that merely slows his movements. He reaches up, gingerly patting Seven's chest, to let the metal man know that he wanted to be released. Kanfi smiles a little at Diamond and shrugs. "That'll teach me not to let my guard down."
Brian says "Swan Dragon reaches so high he is supported by only his lower legs, extended to nearly his full height into the air and coruscating with fire. The words of the Zenith reach him, some how, some way, penetrating his madness. He comes down, coiling towards the earth to bow before the Zenith, his fires slowly abating as he curls inwards, transforming to the once-handsome old man again, his arms curled around Shurtimu Ji's blade, which cuts him not. He sings no more, but merely croons to his sword, "My own-- my own-- my only friend... my friend..." He begins to cry. "So long, so far!""
Diamond Borealis smirks faintly. "It should. Yes." He takes a quick glance at the burns on the exposed part of Kanfi's skin. He seems about to do more to evaluate his condition when Swan Dragon returns to his human form. "It can't be that easy." He says to himself, ever the optimist. He keeps a one handed grip on his Grimcleaver, "We'll need to get the 'stone from Phoenix, when she can spare a moment."
Liu nudges Midnight-With-Stars slowly forwards towards the Old Holy Man, Swan Dragon. She watches him warily, but with immense sympathy and hope.
Phoenix Maiden glances sideways at Aidan curiously as he speaks, but figures questions can be asked later. She removes the Gem from her lance, and tosses it towards Seven for Kanfi.
Aidan walks quickly towards the once-again-human form of Swan Dragon. He stands for a moment, his bearing rigid and his gaze straight, before bowing deeply towards the elemental.
Brian [to Aidan]: You're getting closer, right? Make a Perception + Occult roll.
Brian [to Liu]: You too.
<<DICE>> Liu rolls 4 dice: <3 4 7 9> for 2 successes.
Kanfi ignores the curious look Diamond is giving him, and ignores the pain (mostly), as he pulls himself straight. He doesn't know how good the new man is at talking to people, but he's not going to stand back. If they need damage control, Kanfi wants to be right there.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 5 dice: <1 1 3 7 8> for 2 successes.
With her brother taken care of and Swan Dragon no longer menacing everything in range, Phoenix Maiden too walks forward; she is, after all, the Zenith.
Brian says "Liu and Aidan can sense the deep, pulsating power in the two now; the fiery bond between them is almost physical-- and all but visible! He rocks and croons with and to the sword for a while, before standing and heading over towards Kanfi again, cradling the sword and walking slowly this time."
Diamond Borealis starts to slap Kanfi on the back, but refrains just in time. With the healing 'stone tossed to Seven, he focuses all of his intellect on Swan Dragon, following his every movement. His guardian flame rests above his right shoulder, dancing and flickering as if in sympathetic joy with the powerful Dragon.
Kanfi tugs on a braid thoughtfully. There's a bit of tension in his shoulders, worry that he'll get hit again, but it doesn't show on his face. In fact, Kanfi smiles a gentle, welcoming smile. "Swan Dragon?" he greets, although he cants the name as almost a question, in case the old man prefers to be called something else. His voice is low, soothing, and careful. "We searched for you for a great long time. Your daughter worries."
Brian says "The old man-- with incredible strength, for all his wiry, lost-looking form-- gives Kanfi a huge HUG, embracing him tightly. Along with the sword, but it refuses to cut Kanfi, either. "You brought my friend back to me," he says, teary eyed. "And you were kind to him.""
<<OOC>> Aidan has nothing, really, unless something odd happens, or is addressed directly...
Phoenix Maiden smiles, some of her tension going out. "Your friend held back death from much of Creation for a long time. It was the least we could do." Her eyes flick over Swan Dragon, trying to appraise his sanity - and not much liking the results.
Brian [to Phoenix Maiden]: Perception + Lore.
Brian says "Or Medicine, come to think of it."
<<DICE>> Phoenix Maiden rolls 6 dice: <3 6 8 8 8 9> for 4 successes.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden is much better off with Lore. :)
Brian [to Phoenix Maiden]: He's off his trolley. There's nothing there of sanity at all. Virtue, yes, and terrible power, but the only things he seems to have a smile for is Shurtimu Ji, Kanfi, and Liu.
Kanfi nods to his sister and lay a hand on Swan Dragon's shoulder. "Your friend all but saved my life. I could do nothing but treat him with the respect a valiant allies deserves." He bites his lip, looking into Swan Dragon's eyes, trying to figure out what makes the old man tick.
Brian [to Kanfi]: Perception + Medicine or Socialize.
<<DICE>> Kanfi rolls 8 dice: <2 2 4 5 5 6 7 8> for 2 successes.
<<OOC>> Kanfi says "The dice hate me tonight."
<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Also, I'm using Knowing the Soul's Price."
Diamond Borealis inhales the smell of smoke, focusing his senses on Swan Dragon. His tongue flicking over his lips as if to taste the essence in the air. His fingers dance along the haft of his Grimcleaver as he studies the old man hugging his Circlemate. He's weighing the situation, and the Dragon's sanity, trying to plan should he show further signs of instability.
Brian ponders.
Brian [to Kanfi]: Make a Willpower roll.
Aidan steps back a bit, disturbed by the actions of Swan Dragon. The Hunter could *feel* the immense respect that Murantru Ota had for this being, and he is incapable of reconciling that respect with what he now sees with his own eyes.
<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Before or after I spend the willpower to initiate the power?"
Brian [to Kanfi]: After.
<<DICE>> Kanfi rolls 5 dice: <2 3 6 9 10> for 3 successes.
Brian [to Kanfi]: It takes you a while. His mind is crazed, chaotic-- broken. It's all you can do to remain standing after the tempest of images and desires that flood through your mind. You can't tell much; he's mad. You can tell that he likes you from his social cues, and combined with the data from your Charm-- well, it's hard. Part of him might give the world for a gentle hug; part of him might require impossible quests. There is NOTHING within him that is evil, though; a purity of soul and of purpose that is even greater than the madness that has been inflicted upon him. Speaking of which, a dominant part of him wants vengeance for that, upon beings he knows as Fae-- as the Rain Princes. His hatred for them overwhelms several facets of his personality. Beyond that, kindness can get much from him, from those he knows and trusts- you, Liu, and now your sister; he recognizes the Zenith in her. Further kindness and majesty that _helps_ him could allow similar for Diamond and Aidan. Beyond that, most of what he wants is peace in his mind-- not the peace of death, for there is no surrender in him. Instead, he desires, deep in his heart, to be succored from the phantoms and torments that haunt his mind, so that he may be whole, and strong again-- and thus, avenge himself on the Rain Princes and return to his family.
Liu strokes Midnight-With-Stars neck gently and slides off of him, padding quietly up to Kanfi and Swan Dragon from behind, and waiting silently to the side of them for Swan Dragon to look at her. She hopes he remembers her, and that she can remind him of his daughter. Because she promised, as did all of her Circle, to heal him.
<<OOC>> Kanfi sighs. That doesn't help.
<<OOC>> Kanfi says "What he wants is what I want. A way to make him whole again."
<<OOC>> Kanfi says "But it helps to know that kindness will get a lot from him."
Phoenix Maiden steps back slightly and shakes her head. Quietly, she tells Diamond, "He's entirely mad, but I think he may recover - he listened to me, at any rate."
Brian says "You guys can discuss things, and plans, amongst yourselves for now; Swan Dragon is mostly docile as long as no one tries to take his sword away from him or stop him from following Liu, PM, or Kanfi."
Kanfi rocks back, working through the whirlwind of images and desires, sorting out the most important ones, and setting them aside for later consideration. He smiles again, and touches the old man's hand compassionately.
Diamond Borealis inclines his head toward Phoenix. "So I can see. He is powerful, yes. And as you say, he's raving. I believe the Fae have something to do with his condition." He gives Grendel's Claw a spin, sliding it through the leather loop of his rucksack. "He seems fond of you, your brother and Liu. We should get gone from this place, if he'll come with us. Though we should make sure no ghosts of our fallen enemies will torment us." There's a haggard look on his face for a moment. He has enough problems with such.
Phoenix Maiden smiles slightly. "They will not." Now that situation is under control, she takes a few moments to consecrate the bodies of their fallen foes with touches of her Essence - though she collects any jade coinage they may have on them, and leaves it in the rubble that was an inn, intending it to help compensate the innocents drawn into the wasteful hatred of the Immaculates. As she walks back to the others, she swaps in her own Hearthstone for the Gem currently in Kanfi's care.
Phoenix Maiden nods to Diamond as she returns, and then ponders. "The question is, do we want him on a ship? If he lashes out again..." She shrugs, eyeing the buildings damaged more by the ecstatic elemental than by the battle itself.
Liu sets her swords back into their places in Midnight-With-Stars saddlebags, and turns to look down at Uradhi's body, her eyes sad and unsettled. She bends down to the woman's body as Phoenix Maiden consecrates it, strokes her torn face, and then reaches to touch one of the two red jade daiklaives the Immaculate wielded, looking thoughtfully at them.
Brian says "Swan Dragon squeezes Kanfi's hand and smiles at him. Although he has returned to normal, mostly, with the sword so close to him, the heat and power of his eyes are almost as overwhelming as the suns before."
Brian [to Liu]: The Jade Daiklaives are no longer attuned. ^^
Brian chuckles, that's right, let's see...
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "No, really? :p"
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "We've killed them."
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "Now we get to take their stuff."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "And you get to play with Starmetal, which is a rare thing indeed."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Yeah, if we didn't leave you a Siddie to play with, at least we left you the toys."
Brian says "One busted Most Resolute Dragon of Earth armor; big gaping hole in the chest, shattered helmet, white jade all over the ground... One white jade goremaul, two jade (one white, one red) and one starmetal perfected kata bracers and a similar set of hearthstone bracers. A number of hearthstones, but they seem to be one by one crumbling into hearthstone dust. One starmetal daiklaive. Three corpses, likely to rise as ghosts if not properly buried with their arms and armor."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "...Eh? Zenith Anima ability?"
<<OOC>> Brian says "... >_> I was hoping you'd forget about that. :P You haven't done it yet!"
<<OOC>> Liu says "Yes she did!"
<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Yes she has!"
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Actually, I have."
<<OOC>> Brian says "... Oh! I missed it. Sorry!"
<<OOC>> Liu says "^_^ We're leaving their bodies safe and we're taking their stuff, kthxbi."
<<OOC>> Brian needs to give his people less toys next time. :P
<<OOC>> Brian says "You mean their ashes. :P"
<<OOC>> Aidan says "They *all* had Perfected Kata Bracers? Sheesh. Would I recognize them? And would there be any point to me possessing more than one pair?"
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "And any loose coinage goes to sit in the inn, because PM doubts they paid for the damage BEFORE they committed it, so they can do so now. :p"
<<OOC>> Brian says "Probably yes, and no. Although the ones there might be better in terms of the abilities they give, but would require a roll and cost twice as much essence to attune. 16, I think."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Correct."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden idly ponders Hearthstone bracers and PM's apparent possession of a spare Hearthstone, at least on occasion. But, doesn't remember how Hearthstones and Other MMs work.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "What's the roll? And what's the odds I can figure out ahead of time what the different bonus is?"
Diamond Borealis walks over to the corpse of the Sidereal. His appraises her as he would the a corpse entombed for a thousand years, with no more care for her than that. He nudges her with the tip of his boot, just in case. "Can never be too sure with them. Sneaky bastiches." He takes a breath, glancing toward Swan Dragon, then Liu. "Kiddo, is their any place around we could lay low for a bit?" He crouches down, taking the Starmetal bracer and dropping it into his sack. Then he picks up the daiklave, looking it over carefully, examining it and its Essence. There's a look of wonder on his face.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I *think* I'm the only one that uses any sort of MA, for the moment? Although it'd be interesting to begin to train Liu in Hungry Raptor, if she wanted that short of training."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Plus I don't know if you have any personal history with your current bracers; although, seriously, any of their bracers would have a better special ability than your current one. It would take an Int + Lore or Occult roll, difficulty 5, to work out what the weird ones do; and it's Wits + Lore, difficulty 3, to attune to their spiffy bonuses. Failure on this roll leads to feedback; botches can destroy the items."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "PM has no interest in any of the loot except a) the loose jade coinage as previously mentioned, and b) the Hearthstone bracers, maybe."
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "What about the SM Daiklave?"
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I'm about 50/50 to make that roll to attune, I think. Figuring them out I would have to leave to Diamond."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Assume there's a lot of jade coinage to be left."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Would I at least recognize the shape of them, to help Diamond with knowing their purpose?"
<<OOC>> Brian says "Mm? What about the Daiklaive?"
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "Yeah, give me a few and I can examine each thing. The daiklave has his interest first. That's a helluva lot of starmetal."
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis is examining it.
<<OOC>> Brian says "Ah. Give me an Int + Lore or Occult roll."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "And no particular history with my own PKB. The Talons, yes, the bracers are just a useful thing."
<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 9 dice: <1 1 3 5 8 8 10 10 10> for 8 successes.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden snrks.
<<OOC>> Brian says "..."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Sec."
Liu steps back, dragging the two jade daiklaives with her, as Uradhi's body flames from Phoenix Maiden's Essence. Looking up at Diamond, she shrugs a little and nods, "I don't really know anyone here in town, but there is an inn -- well away from here -- that should be able to give us rooms for the night. The innkeep shouldn't ask us... too many questions... but when I was here before, Swan Dragon was known to them." She jerks her head to the side, indicating him.
<<OOC>> Liu says "Uhm, she means known to them as in "known to the townfolk" -- they sort of knew him as a Holy Man when I was here-ish during the prelude."
Brian [to Diamond Borealis]: Oookay. This is the Daiklaive Graveyard Cherry Tree, wielded by Sidereal Assassins since the First Age, though it was not forged for that. During the First Age, it was forged for simplicity of use and purpose; where a mightier artifact might have either called too much attention to the wielder or required too deep a commitment of essence, the Graveyard Cherry Tree was a work of simplicity, a channel for the wielder's martial skills. It had grace and accuracy, and a deadly blade, and slew many tyrants and invaders before quieting during the darkness of the Solar Deliberative's long degeneration. It has not been heard from since. It is not made of a whole piece of starmetal; rather, the inner core is pure starmetal, and the outside is a one to one hundredth part alloy, folded so that the power of the core may transfer through the whole.
Brian [to Diamond Borealis]: Out of character, it's a simple Starmetal Daiklaive.
Diamond Borealis hefts he Daiklave with an effort, not attuning to the foreign material. He lifts it about, gaze distracted for a moment. Then clears his head. He glances around at his Circle. "Grab the Artifacts. We'll wrap this and the Goremaul. That armor is ruined, but I want to take it if we can. Then lets get out of here and I can find out more about them when I'm not breathing smoke and worried about some city guard sticking his snout in." He pauses in his mercenary...zeal. I think we could all use a little rest. And I'm certain Swan Dragon, sir, that you'd like some tea and a place to sit and rest."
Brian says "Swan Dragon shrinks away from Diamond slightly, hiding behind Kanfi, whom he's followed. He does, however, ask quietly, in a once-strong voice, "A... rest? Yes. A rest...""
Phoenix Maiden holds herself aloof from most the looting - though she, of course, had no qualms as she collected the jade, and has been eyeing the Hearthstone Bracers thoughtfully. She shrugs at Diamond's words. "I sincerely doubt any city guard has any desire to be anywhere near here at the moment. But moving on can't hurt - some of the Dragon-blooded DID run away, and I don't want to find out they have more resources to throw at us.
Kanfi half-turns and offers a comforting smile to Swan Dragon, patting his shoulder. "Why don't we find some place to sit down and relax? Away from all this... mess." He glances around at the ruin that they'd helped cause.
Liu helps Diamond load Midnight-With-Stars as heavily as they can, and promises the stallion fresh carrots for being such a good sport. And such a good fighter. He snorts, irritated that she's trying to bribe him with such trivialities -- but really looking forward to fresh carrots after months of oaty feedbag.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "PM will suggest the ship, with the note that if Swan Dragon exhibits any signs of being a danger to a ship before they get there - any new signs, that is - they go to an inn instead."
Liu turns, as they finish, and steps quietly back over to Swan Dragon, reaching her hand out to him in an offer to take his hand. She smiles up at him, her best beatific, innocently winning smile, and says softly, "You helped me find my path, Swan Dragon. Do you remember? You found me."
Phoenix Maiden shrugs. "The ship would be preferable if it is safe to take him there. If he's going to resume dragon form and throw fire everywhere again, we shouldn't have him on a ship. Perhaps we can start there; if he hasn't done anything dangerous when we get there, we can assume it's safe enough?"
Brian says "Swan turns to Liu and takes his hand in hers. "Of course," he says cheerfully. "Little wolf has found where she is SUPPOSED to be; and it is where she was, but not when she was."
Aidan surveys the battlefield, not looking for anything in particular, still trying to get his bearings back. "Was there anything else that was required in this place, now that we have found Swan Dragon?"
Phoenix Maiden shrugs at Aidan. "Nothing we were after. Don't know about you." She eyes Aidan thoughtfully. "Was this the quest you had spoken of?" Remembering his impressive attacks - on the Water Exalt that had been badgering Diamond and on the Sidereal that managed to get through her own defenses, she adds to the question, "...and do you lack a quest now?"
"No, I don't think there is, Aidan. I suggest we knock the ashes from our boots and be gone from here. Whether we're headed back to Ulito, to Varang, or to Harborhead, I don't know yet. But wherever we go, we need to help Swan Dragon. He's a hero, and if other reason than that sacrifice he made, we owe him some help." Diamond bows then to the Dragon spirit, showing him due deference.
Kanfi shakes his head and touches his sister's arm. "He's broken, Vir-- sister. I don't think we can guarantee the safety of the boat, even if Swan Dragon is stable up until we reach it. We should spend the night relaxing in an inn, get some real food and drink before deciding if we can go by boat." He bites his lip, glancing at Diamond. "We swore an oath to Ulito to do everything in our power to heal Swan Dragon. We haven't tried yet, Diamond."
Aidan smiles at Phoenix Maiden. "You are perceptive, lady. This was indeed my quest, as I am told it was your quest as well. It is far from finished, as I do not believe that Swan Dragon is yet ready to resume his proper place. But it is well started."
Phoenix Maiden ponders. "Perhaps we can send a messenger to Ulito; we can try to heal him on the way, and if we can not, turn him over to her - or someone she suggests, as she may be hesitant to have him in the Varang where she is scarcely more welcome than we would be."
Phoenix Maiden glances to Diamond. "Could you summon a suitable messenger?"
Liu holds Swan Dragon's hand comfortingly as her Circle mates argue, and looks a bit impatient to get moving. "Let's talk on the way, if we have to talk. Boat or inn, I don't care. But... I helped kill people here, and I want to be gone. "
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "One had the strong impression that they were definitely Immaculate from the things they kept spouting. :p"
Phoenix Maiden frowns at Kanfi. "That may be, but we are terribly obvious still, and there may be more Wyld Hunt around.
Aidan says "I do not know that we will be welcome in this city for much longer. I'm afraid that I am known to some of those in the Wyld Hunt, and I fear that more such as these will come, when word reaches certain ears. I have no doubt that we shall prevail against whatever they may bring, but we have other concerns now." He nods in the direction of Swan Dragon."
Phoenix Maiden nods and adds dryly, "And not destroying the rest of the city."
Diamond Borealis lifts a brow at Kanfi. "That's what I mean, bro. I want to help him, to heal him as we are able. But I do not think we can do that here. The boat is safe, it lets us travel. And I believe that if you ask our Venerable Uncle, he will pledge to keep his current form. Damaged or no, I trust him to keep his word."
Kanfi purses his lips. "How about not destroying ourselves. There's no guarantee that he--" Kanfi shakes his head, remembering the thousand shards of desire floating around in Swan Dragon's mind.
Phoenix Maiden nods. "If we can trust him on the boat, it will be much easier to bend our efforts to healing him while we travel."
Phoenix Maiden says, "As the boat travels without much aid from us."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "We're all a happy family now!"
<<OOC>> Kanfi says "BRO?"
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "Bro."
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "What, you prefer 'Pretty Boy'? :) I can go with that."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Diamond, don't hit on my brother."
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis snerks.
Liu nods at Diamond's words and looks up at Swan Dragon, "You want to stay with us, right? We're going to go to our boat, and we're going to go find your daughter. You want to come with us, and take care of me, and let us take care of you. And you can stay in this form, so that it's easier for us to travel, can't you?" She squeezes his hand and smiles, sure that Swan Dragon will behave as Diamond has described.
Brian says "Swan Dragon considers this for a moment. "We can swim and we can sing and we can flyyyyyyyy," he chants softly. "But I don't know why." He thinks about Liu's word's for a moment then gives her a brilliant smile. "Yes!" he exclaims."
Liu nods in a confirmatory "I told you so" nod to her Circle. "So let's go then."
Phoenix Maiden nods and glances at Kanfi. "Well?" she says. She moves slightly towards the edge of the broken square, towards the harbor. "We can always spend a day in harbor before we sail, just in case."
Kanfi nods slowly. "But I want to spend a day in the harbor. We've been traveling too long," he shrugs and stretches. "I want to be able to stay in one place for some time, at least." Well, that and the whole Swan Dragon thing.
Phoenix Maiden glances at everyone else. "A day in the harbor," she queries, making sure of agreement, even as she shoulders her dire lance and prepares for the walk.
Liu smiles and pulls Swan Dragon over to her horse, to take hold of his bridle and get him moving as well. All this talking. Enough talking. She shakes her head to herself, and rather pointedly starts walking back towards harbor. So impatient for such a small girl!
Brian says "Swan Dragon follows Liu eagerly, beginning to sing her nursery rhymes as were sung to the Golden Children in the First Age."
"That will work for me." Diamond replies. He gives Liu a squeeze of the shoulder. He walks on the other side of Swan Dragon, smiling at the nursery rhymes, whistling the tunes as he picks them up. All in all, not a bad day so far.
Liu tries to sing along, trying to catch the melodies and the words, and strangely struck to tears a couple of times as memories flit through her mind too fast to catch.
Phoenix Maiden stays close to Liu and Swan Dragon, making note of his words and formulating her own thoughts for treatment. As they walk, she renews her question to Diamond. "I think our best plan of action, assuming the ship works out, is to send a messenger to Ulito if you can summon one appropriate, and turn him over to her if we haven't managed to heal him when we reach her."
Kanfi walks behind them all, watching Swan Dragon, mostly, and not sure what to think of the mad old man, whose mind was broken by the fae and who left behind a daughter and entire court of spirits.
Diamond Borealis keeps his smile, for the sake of Swan Dragon. "I should be able to send her a messenger, yes. And I'm as eager to start our plans as you are. But what the ... Fae did to him; if we can cure that, he'll be a powerful ally in the struggle. Don't you agree? I know a bit about the Wyld, perhaps I can speak with him and help further."
Aidan reaches up to pull his hood forward, more out of habit than any particular utility, as his anima is still bright enough to be seen despite the precautions. "One night should be fine, as it will take at least that long for the Hunt to respond to what has transpired today. I shall sleep better once we are safely away from the city, however." A smart Hunter does not linger where others may attack.
Brian says "Swan Dragon does not seem to notice the tears, just continuing his songs, lost in them, as he follows."
Phoenix Maiden shrugs slightly. "I have some thoughts of my own on possible treatment options - but the Varang is between here and Harborhead. If we can not treat him..."
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis is starting to fade. Mind if we get to the Ship and Diamond takes a look at the artifacts?
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden doesn't have that much more to discuss.
<<OOC>> Brian says "Let's close the arc on walking out to the ship, then; you and I can go over whatever you want there, later in the day."
