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Family Circle, 4/15/2006
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Here we go... *panic* When we last saw our heroes, they were talking to the ghost guardian of the tribe. And, he, ah, seemed to recognize Green Cove."
Green Cove searches her rather spotty memory of a long-past life for memories of the seal, key, and charge being spoken of here.
Sado Yasutora smiles inside his golden encasement and moves aside, deferring to Green Cove.
Shai blinks several times, and looks half-boggled half-relieved. She resists the urge to ask questions just yet, waiting to see what Cove does next.
Yoru looks between Green Cove and the Spirit, hoping that the past relationship will not make this too... troublesome.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Hmm. Give me an Int+Lore roll, Green Cove, diff 3."
<<DICE>> Green Cove rolls 5 dice: <2 3 3 3 3> for 0 successes.
<<OOC>> Green Cove cries.
<<OOC>> Yoru pats.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "...At least it wasn't a botch?"
<<OOC>> Allen says "...nice. Only. Not."
<<OOC>> Shai says "...wow."
<<OOC>> Green Cove sniffles.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Nothing, nothing at all. =P"
<<OOC>> Green Cove is apparently staring blankly and going "...duhhhh..."
<<OOC>> Yoru wipes the drool off her chin.
<<OOC>> Shai _snrk_.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Nah, just not any memories about it at all. :p"
Green Cove rubs her nose. "It was another life," she says briskly to the spirit, and wrinkles her face in annoyance. "I remember you, but not the charge I gave."
<<OOC>> Green Cove has no social graces, so, hey. Blunt works!
<<OOC>> Shai laughs!
Yoru grimaces and adds, mostly under his breath, "Our pasts can be troublesome at times."
Sado Yasutora tilts his head and helmet to look at the ghost.
Shai murmurs, "Though not always," and watches the ghost's reaction to that.
The ghost spreads his hands. "You charged me - you sent me away, mistress, and charged me to keep the key from the traitors so they could not break the seal." He spits the word 'traitors'.
Sado Yasutora rumbles deeply, "The Dragon-blooded usurpers?"
The ghost nods briefly to the Zenith's golden form. "The very ones."
Yoru growls lowly.
Shai purses her lips, frowning. "The seal on what, Grandfather?"
Sado Yasutora calmly states, "They will... be brought to understand."
Green Cove brightens, holding one foot in her hand. "Good. And better to hear you've kept it safe this long." She abruptly switches back to frowns. "But if the tribe still follows you, they're doing so poorly."
Allen tilts his head and looks back to the ghost. "When you said earlier that one of your children slept with a usurper, you meant that there is Dragonblooded ancestry among the tribe now, Grandfather?"
The ghost of Green Cove's once-retainer shakes his head. "They do not do so poorly, mistress, save for..." he shrugs and nods to Allen. "I have tried to weed the bad blood out, but it still reappears and when it does..." He gestures helplessly. "My children do not have the power that their tainted cousins do."
Shai blinks at Allen's comment, then winces at the ghost's explanation, parsing it. Ah. _That_ sort of thing.
Green Cove tilts her head to one side, and swaps from one foot to the other in a fluid half-hop. "Then the cousins will have to be dealt with, before they pull the untainted children further into trouble."
Sado Yasutora waits serenely; this is Green Cove's tribe to deal with.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Congratulations, Green Cove. The Zenith says you have your very own Land Pirates. :p"
Yoru grumbles under his breath some more. "And everything else is just fine of course. Just business as usual." This is said in the tone of not approving.
Green Cove turns her gaze on Yoru for a moment. "Things are never fine," she says evenly. "Sometimes they're acceptable. It's different."
Shaking his head again, the ghost answers Shai. "The mistress' workshop.
Yoru returns Green Cove's gaze evenly. "They should not be acceptable. But I divert us from our course." He nods towards the ghost.
Shai glances at Yoru and Green Cove, and then gets distracted by the ghost, eyebrows raising. She puts that together with Cove's Caste, and whistles quietly. "A _very_ good thing they didn't get access to it, then, I think. I'm glad her trust in you was well-placed."
The ghost swells visibly at the praise. "I was created to serve," he says.
<<OOC>> Green Cove eyes Shai, and suspects the other Solar's getting more info out of this than Green Cove is...
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Twilight! :p"
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "First Age Twilight!"
<<OOC>> Shai says "Twilights, especially First Age Twilights, are the Sparkies of Exalted. ^_^"
<<OOC>> Shai says "He's basically protecting the _best toy-shop ever_."
<<OOC>> Yoru says "Toys!"
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Well."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "the GM has little comment there. :p"
<<OOC>> Shai snickers. Okay, okay, he _might_ be protecting the best toy-shop ever. "At minimum, he's probably protecting Shinies That Would Be Inconvenient To Give To The Realm, and/or Tools To Build Such Shinies (Eventually). 'Cause, Twilights." [grins]
<<OOC>> Green Cove says "Or possibly the scariest toy shop ever, given first-age Solars..."
<<OOC>> Shai says "Also true! [snickering]"
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Shai, what was your prophecy? ;p"
<<OOC>> Shai says "... I blank! And I look up the log."
<<OOC>> Shai ...CACKLES.
<<OOC>> Yoru must now look up the log.
<<OOC>> Shai | "[...] she has an image of a city to the East, with bright flags flapping and the key to a mystery which might hold doom - or unfathomed rewards."
<<OOC>> Shai says "Mmmm, doom."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Ohhh, someone caught that. :p"
Shai smiles at the ghost.
Sado Yasutora cracks his knuckles idly, a thundering sound rumbling from gold-gloved fist to smashfist-clad hand. "I do not think that the children who bear the blood of the dragons need be _purged_, if they can be convinced. There is a place in Creation for the scions of the Terrestrials, and would not do to re-form the cycles of blood."
Green Cove rocks on one foot, and tilts a hand in the air. "Perhaps. I don't know yet." She adds, almost sheepishly through the defiant voice, "My means of convincing usually come with blood."
Shai murmurs, "That's what a Circle's for." She tosses Green Cove a grin. "If they can be convinced without shedding their blood, it's good. If they can't...we're capable of shedding that blood."
The ghost gives Yasutora a plaintive look. "They betrayed my mistress and all your kind," he says. "They rule in usurped glory and steal the legacy of their betters."
Yoru says "And for that they shall be dealt with."
Sado Yasutora says "Their ancestors did. Only Celestial Exalted are doomed to carry their past sins, just as we are the only ones privileged to have our past glories behind us. And even Celestials may change, and redeem. If it is wrong to disrupt the harmony of Heaven and Creation one way, it is wrong to do so another. Neither will set the cycle of existence aright."
Yoru glances at Sado and bows his head to the golden-clad boy. "You are more forgiving than I."
Sado Yasutora shrugs, the broad shoulders and elegant vanes of the Unyielding Bastion rippling as he does so. "It is why I am."
Green Cove lets her gaze wander about the small space, resting for a moment on the bowl of blood. "Forgiveness waits on repentance, or it's no more than words."
Sado Yasutora shrugs again, motes flickering from vane to vane. "Forgiveness is my duty; repentance is theirs. The one does not require the other; merely the _actions_ of which I take are judged based on theirs." He snaps his huge gauntlets open and closed and looks thoughtfully at the brilliant Shield of the Righteous. "However, another duty of the Lawgivers is to instruct in repentance and make them aware of the need. That, I believe, is necessary. Now."
<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora not an impatient 14-year-old boy, really. >_>
The ghost bows to Green Cove, and steps back slightly, with a deference remembered across the ages.
Shai watches the others thoughtfully. She looks about to speak, then shakes her head slightly. "Repentance of something, anyway. How many of your Dragon-blooded children now show that lineage, respected one?" she asks the ghost.
Green Cove nods back to the ghost, imperiously, yet with a touch of acknowledged bonds. "One difficulty at a time," she says. And rather undermines her own arch tone with a glance at her companions to see who seems to be in agreement.
Yoru glances sidelong at Yasutora and refrains from further comments on the matter. Now is not the time.
<<OOC>> Storyteller adores you guys. You guys are awesome. :)
The ghost shrugs slightly, and tilts his head. "There is but the one, Lady. One is enough to cause my children no end of harm."
Yoru hrms. "Is he the one that leads them to take extra from the town?"
Shai nods to the ghost, seriously. "But we should be adequate to deal with one. Who is it," she asks, although she's pretty sure she knows, "and what bloodline?"
<<OOC>> Shai .oO('Adequate', she says.)
<<OOC>> Yoru says "We could draw straws to see who beats the *#$ out of the DB."
"Ten River Wind," says the ghost, "Tainted by the blood of the Air Dragon, I believe. He would be chieftain, by the virtue of his strength, he claims, despite the fact I would never name him such because of the taint."
Shai makes a mental checkmark by her guess, and nods, calmly. Then turns to the rest of the Circle. "Shall we go deal with him, then?"
Sado Yasutora turns to Green Cove. "He is of your tribe, sister. How do you wish this done?"
Yoru looks to Green Cove as well instead of answering Shai.
Green Cove scratches Floating Leaf, and says, "I'm willing to let others try less bloody methods first, if they wish." She shrugs, and grins toothily. "The bloody methods preclude any others, so they ought to come last."
Yoru smirks and remains silent.
Sado Yasutora nods gravely, and turns the Unyielding Bastion to face Shai. "Then we shall; your words, first, perhaps, and then the fist, and if neither can bring this child of Mela to task, to the blood?"
The ghost turns a stern look on the priest who has been waiting deferentially by the door. "You will go with them and aid them, grandson. Obey her," he gestures at Green Cove, "...as I would. The ban," he pauses and smiles thinly, "...does not apply to these."
Shai inclines her head to Yasutora, and glances at Allen. "My words and yours, perhaps?" Granted, it's a little odd to verbally tag-team with the Dawn, but if the Dawn's the other socially helpful one and the Zenith's relegating himself to violence... Well. --She does flash a grin at the comment about the ban, though.
Green Cove looks downright smug.
Pale Soul Shadow bows slightly to the ghost and then to Green Cove. "As you wish, Grandfather," he says, eyeing the Circle thoughtfully."
Yoru looks to Pale Soul Shadow and smiles. "We're not that bad, honest."
Allen nods to Shai. "I do not know how useful I can be with words to him, but there is no harm in trying," he says, "and perhaps much good."
Shai nods back, and smiles. "Worth a shot." She glances at Pale Soul Shadow. "Can you lead us to him?"
The priest nods. "I can; indeed, it will not be difficult - as you may have guessed, it was he and his followers that the sentries reported approaching. Roar-of-Battle and the warriors went to hold him. I do not know if it has come to violence yet, but it surely will." He pulls back the hide flap, letting the morning sun outside spill into the dark building.
Sado Yasutora cricks his neck inside the Bastion's helmet, and begins to march out and over behind the priest, the heavy thud... thud... of the Bastion's boots tramping the earth.
Shai makes another mental checkmark, and nods to the priest, calmly. "If it has, I believe we can deal with that." And follows Yasutora out, checking her bow and quiver absently as she does.
Yoru gets ready to follow the others. His style of negotiating won't be needed right away after all.
Sado Yasutora [to Storyteller]: BTW, I'm activating Eight Soul Steel Harmony with personal.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Anyone else want to activate scenelongs as an in-case?"
<<OOC>> Yoru shall fire up Ebon Shadow Form.
<<OOC>> Green Cove thinks she had the Dodge charm up before this scene started, but, er, either way, wants it up now. Just in case.
<<OOC>> Shai has no useful scenelongs. [sniffles] "Although, that reminds me. Is Mastery of Small Manners still up? It's a scenelong and I activated it last session, so I don't _think_ so, but just to check." >_> "I'm keeping up Excellent Emissary's Tongue, but that's not a scenelong per se."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Eh. *waves a hand* It can be, if you want it up. Or you can put it up again. Whatever."
<<OOC>> Allen says "Mm, sure, activating Fivefold Bulwark Stance with personal. If it's already come to violence, stopping it may involve a little more."
<<OOC>> Shai says "Heh. I'm thinking it might be useful to get a MoSM read off Ten River Wind, but I don't think I need it for more than that. Can I claim it's up long enough to see him, then drop it?"
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Sure."
<<OOC>> Shai says "Yay!"
<<OOC>> Storyteller pauses in typing, and asks people for awa+per rolls.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "It's hearing based, so no bonus from Funky Sight, GC."
<<DICE>> Shai rolls 3 dice: <3 4 9> for 1 success.
<<DICE>> Green Cove rolls 8 dice: <1 2 4 4 5 5 8 10> for 3 successes.
<<DICE>> Yoru rolls 7 dice: <5 5 6 6 7 9 10> for 4 successes.
<<DICE>> Sado Yasutora rolls 7 dice: <3 3 3 4 4 6 6> for 0 successes.
<<DICE>> Allen rolls 5 dice: <1 1 2 10 10> for 4 successes.
The tall priest (though tiny compared to the bulk of Yasutora's incredible armor) leads in the direction which the warriors ran earlier. There is no sound of combat as you approach the trees that surround the cleared camp; not far within the sparse woods, you come on the standoff. The warrior who met you at the entrance of camp has met another party here and they face off in much the same manner, silent. Those opposite from Roar-of-Battle all wear red armbands - except one, who has a pair of small jade daiklaves slung across his back. From all indications, no one has - yet - struck a blow. As you approach, you will hear conversation, picking up the words at various points. "...the priest is a fool clinging to meaningless rules," Yoru and Allen hear, "as you well know, Roar of Battle, or why have you not acceded to his wishes and tried to claim the role yourself?" Green Cove will pick that up as well. "I will be acknowledged at chieftain, for I have the power to give our people greatness." As they get closer, Shai can pick up, "Only a fool would side with Pale Soul Shadow in this, and you are no fool." Yasutora's sensors are not tuned for the low voices, however, and he hears nothing of the words until they come out of the trees behind Roar-of-Battle's line. "Ah!" says the one with the daiklaves. "The fool has joined us. How is this, Pale Soul Shadow? Are you violating your precious ban?"
<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says "Hee hee. Someone's going to have a liiiittle surprise coming. ^___________^"
<<OOC>> Shai _snickers_.
From afar, Yoru shall activate the Charm then, so they don't notice him as of yet.
<<OOC>> Green Cove heeheehee.
You paged Yoru with 'Total Invisibility?'.
From afar, Yoru shakes his head. "I am unnoticeable, part of the background, unless I do something noteworthy or they are looking for me. Doesn't work if I really stand out for who I am though. ie tall person amongst the short.
You paged Yoru with 'Oh, okay! ^^'.
The priest smiles simply, giving a reassuring nod to Roar-of-Battle's quick glance. "I do as Grandfather wishes, as always, Ten River Wind. You betray us all.
<<OOC>> Storyteller looks up Mastery of Small Manners again.
<<OOC>> Shai nods. (Mercrez Charm. [grins])
Yoru remains near the back of the group, and silent. Just part of the background he is, don't mind him.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Okay; he's projecting a lot of confidence and a general sense of superiority. Those standing with him seem likewise confident, and in awe of him. The ones on the other side are definitely apprehensive, but somewhat disdainful."
The Dragon-blooded snorts. "You seek to maintain your own power - as does Grandfather. How quick he is to reverse the ban when he needs aid." He glances about his followers. "If the rules are changing, let us change them our way, my friends!" He extends a hand towards Roar-of-Battle and the line of warriors that stands with him. "Join me, brothers. Pale Soul Shadow is a coward, and Grandfather is the ancient past."
Sado Yasutora waits for the rest of the circle; his answer is not for now.
Yoru pages: And that's a total of 8 personal used so far. 5-Ebon Shado, 3-Easily Overlooked
Long distance to Yoru: Storyteller nods.
Green Cove flashes her teeth at the Dragon-blooded for an instant. "Sometimes the ancient past returns," she says, then quiets for those who are better at speaking to get on with the whole non-violent resolution attempt.
"A coward?" Allen says mildly, stepping forward a fraction. "He faces you, tells you things you do not like to hear, and does not flinch. Considering the power you seem so proud of, that is not the act of a coward, Ten River Wind."
Shai steps around Yasutora and forward, until she's even with Allen; the light from the motes spent earlier may have faded, but the golden ringed-disc of an Eclipse is still quite visible on her forehead. Her hands are empty, though bow and quiver hang at her back, and her voice is clear and firm and carries _quite_ well (thank you, years of practice at making herself heard over Western storms) as she says in the barbarians' tongue, "The ban has not been reversed; we are Chosen of the Unconquered Sun, and we come here by right and by duty. What right have _you_ to ignore the rules of your tribe, Ten River Wind?"
The Dragon-blooded eyes Allen and Shai thoughtfully, and responds, "He is a coward, for he still will not face me himself in honor. And my right is that of power and blood. Why should my kin spurn my might? Is it not right that the greatest should rule that all are stronger?"
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Big fish, small pond. :p"
<<OOC>> Storyteller .oO(Meet bigger fish.)
<<OOC>> Family Circle <-- much bigger fish!
Sado Yasutora rumbles, breaking his silence, "Greatness does not come from might alone, and might in battle alone the least. Greatness comes from many things; wisdom, might, intelligence, Essence, truth, honor, virtue. Not merely who used to be the best in the vicinity at breaking heads."
<<OOC>> Storyteller admires that 'used to be'
<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora subtle insult there, really. >_>
<<OOC>> Shai giggles.
<<OOC>> Green Cove admires as well. Nice phrasing.
Shai tilts her head, expression calm. She translates Yasutora's words into the tribe's language, speaking clearly and letting her voice carry to any listener, and then adds, "How have you proven yourself worthy, Ten River Wind? A chance of blood alone does not make one worthy. Especially not when that blood is misused."
Yoru remains in the background no matter what he might want to say right now. The others will take care of the talking.
Green Cove stands a little behind the speakers, toying with Floating Leaf's leash and glancing about idly.
Ten River Wind spreads his arms far, stance wide, as he boasts. "I have slain any who came against me in combat. I have taken hostages and slaves by the dozens. I am a warrior. I listen to no words of watering strength with weakness."
<<OOC>> Shai says "Mm. Assume Shai is taking the time to translate in both directions unless I say otherwise, actually. If Wind talks in his language, she'll translate to Riverspeak for the Circle; if any of the Circlemembers speak up, she'll translate to barbarian-tongue for the listeners. Because it makes sure that if any of the listeners _don't_ speak River, they still know what's going on."
Sado Yasutora ignores Ten River Wind's posturing and looks at his companions, seeing if Shai has further words, or Allen intends to teach the boy a lesson. Despite his own youth, Yasutora will gladly stand up if either prefers; he does, however, defer to his elders.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "He's translating for himself, actually."
<<OOC>> Shai says "Ah, okay. She'll just translate for the Circle, then."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "That is, what he's saying, he's repeating in the barbarian tongue afterwards."
<<OOC>> Shai nods.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "And getting cheers from his companions."
Shai lifts an eyebrow, her expression a touch ironic. "There are more kinds of strength than strength of arms. A leader who relies on that strength alone is not much of a leader." After repeating that in Riverspeak, she pauses a moment to glance at Allen, and then at the rest of her Circle; unless one of the others speaks up first, she adds in both languages, thoughtfully, "Though if strength of arms is the only language you can comprehend..."
<<OOC>> Shai leaves an opening for someone to volunteer for the Violent Route, unless someone else has a better tactic. [grins]
<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora defers to the Dawn; warrioring is his business. If the Dawn would rather not, he's got a series of insults he's thinking up. ;)
Yoru watches the Barbarians for a moment and the developing situation. He glances at Allen wondering if the Dawn will step up. "The Unyielding Bastion might be a bit unfair..." he says softly so the words don't travel beyond the Circle.
Sado Yasutora calmly replies in a similarly soft voice, "If he requires it, I will step out from the Bastion; should Allen choose not to be the one to instruct this fool."
Allen nods. "If he requires schooling... I can do it. Though my weapons are more intended for lethal combat than for teaching lessons," he says quietly to the rest of the Circle.
Green Cove says, blandly, "Death is a lesson too."
<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says "Speaking of, activating Orichalcum Body Meditation from personal."
Yoru nods to Green Cove with a dark smile upon his lips.
<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says "Er, and 3 periph. So "glinting" castemark."
"Not one that the instructed can make use of, generally speaking," Allen says with a faint smile.
<<OOC>> Storyteller notes that a stunted attack can make a hit bashing if you want, Allen.
Sado Yasutora 's visor begins to softly blink gold on and off. "I am more of a brawler, Allen; as you desire in this, I shall follow your lead."
Shai murmurs, lips barely moving, "I think you'd be a more--pointed lesson, Allen, if you wished to lead. Killing him might upset his followers, but might be necessary. As might crippling," she adds, calmly and sotto voce.
Green Cove shrugs to Allen. "It's instructive to those around him," she says.
Yoru says "I could give a lesson as well, but it will likely not be appreciated as an act of strength."
"I am willing to do it," Allen assures Yasutora. "He is not a type that I am particularly fond of." He then nods to Shai. "A very valid point as well."
Ten River Wind jeers in the barbarian tongue. "See how they hesitate?"
<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says "Does Shai translate that?"
<<OOC>> Shai types a pose about it; one sec.
Yoru is lucky he doesn't understand the barbarian tongue or he might do something rash.
<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora has a long pose when/if Shai does translate. ^_^ So waits.
Shai nods back to Allen, and smiles faintly. The smile turns sharp-edged when she turns back to Ten River Wind. She translates for the Circle, and promptly adds, first in Riverspeak and then in barbarian, "I take it the language of physical strength truly _is_ the only one you are capable of understanding. A pity. Fortunately, we _are_ capable of that language as well -- and more fluent in it than you, 'warrior'." She gestures to Allen, stepping back slightly, with a silent prayer to the Unconquered Sun that their Dawn lives up to his caste's reputation.
Sado Yasutora turns to Ten River Wind and rumbles deeply, "As speaks the Eclipse, so speak we all; mere might alone neither a champion, nor even a warrior makes. Indeed, before I were to consider a warrior, I would have to see one of your friends stand up, for you are not even a warrior, or even a warrior's apprentice. What I see is a mewling, greedy cub that has suckled too much from his mother's teat, and now seeks to crush his brothers and sisters with his inordinate girth.
"I see a sickly, ill-favored straggler, with less facial hair than an elderly aunt, one who would be rejected by the River Whore for having a greater stench than that which comes from between her legs; were you, of course, able to find her. That would be Nexus, since I must assume based on your vacuous expression that you have as little knowledge of the world around you as you do of the finer things in life, such as hygiene, and cooking one's meals before eating them. Such a diseased and filthy thing that you are, I cannot help but feel some pity; surely it is a brain fever that you have spread amongst your companions there, perhaps one brought upon by your sexual encounters with crippled livestock, that makes you think you have the capability lead a fish in the West to water, much less a tribe of true free people. I feel almost ashamed turning you over to my Dawn Brother, for it is not his lot in life to exterminate ranting, impotent vermin, but as your last livestock-lover was unable to do more than cripple your manhood when she bit it off, rather than kill you, I will leave you to his gentle remonstrances, in the hopes that you can learn to count to more than two, as well as act like more of a civilized person, at his hands."
With that, Yasutora bows to Allen, and moves his massive bulk and armor out of the way.
Shai keeps her expression the same, matter-of-fact save the sharp smile, while inwardly admiring the Zenith's...fluency. (This time, she doesn't translate unless Yasutora pokes her, though; one, that's very long to translate, and two, it's most important for Ten River Wind to notice.)
Allen steps further forwards. "As my Circle as spoken, if you wish to prove that your might gives you rights above others, I, Allen Walker, a child of the Mammoth by adoption, will gladly show you that your might is worth little, Ten River Wind. There is far more to leadership than the ability to destroy those who oppose you and dominate those weaker."
Yoru hears the 'hesitate' comment and takes a few steps towards the Barbarians. As Yasutora starts speaking Yoru closes his eyes and visible stops himself from doing something rash. Whether he actually hears the hurled insults is another matter. 'Let the Dawn handle this' he mutters under his breath and goes back to calm breathing to stop himself from something that would likely make matters worse.
Green Cove watches with bright-eyed interest, and slight disappointment. Perhaps she's not going to be personally involved in the inevitable bloody end to this problem. Pity.
Ten River Wind's face purples slightly - and then more, as Yasutora continues his barrage of insults. He gestures sharply with one of his daiklaves. "After I kill him, I will cut your body to pieces and feed it to your women," he declares to Yasutora. He gives Allen a sharp glare, the air moving softly though the area. He gives a sharp command to his followers to back off and give him room, "...to kill this little boy child."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Mind, that's in the barbarian tongue."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "The latter."
Sado Yasutora ignores Ten River Wind, standing silent and unmoved, just the periodic scan... blip. scan... blip. of the flickering castemark behind his visor. After all, what do the whinings of a wisp matter, when you walk alongside the Storm of the North? He just hopes Allen doesn't need too much help cleaning up afterwards.
Shai clasps her hands behind her, so as not to fidget with her bow, and quietly translates the command to his followers into Riverspeak. She steps back slightly farther, in case dodging behind Yasutora becomes necessary, and tries to keep an eye on the followers and an eye on Ten River Wind and Allen. Though she'll settle for the former. It wouldn't be good if they got ambushed while the duel happened.
Green Cove leans over to Floating Leaf, and whispers in the tiger's ear, "Look, the boys are going to play. But I don't think they'll let you join in."
Floating Leaf lashes her tail and grumbles. "If we were all to charge him," she informs Green Cove in her silent manner, "It would take less time."
Green Cove nods sympathetically to her friend. "But they're playing games, and games have rules." She shrugs, and sits down on the ground for a better view of how feet wish to move in this little engagement. Feet are interesting. "It's a human thing."
Winds swirl around Ten River Wind, wrapping to cocoon him, as he waits for the Dawn, offering taunting comments about 'gathering his courage'.
Yoru opens his eyes once more and steps back to join his Circle and watch the duel. To distance himself from the fire that burns inside at the impudent barbarian's words he goes to join Green Cove. "What was your cat's name again?" he asks idly.
Allen stretches, smiling faintly, before dropping into a fighting stance, the claws of his Black Widow Razors sliding down over the backs of his hands spiderlike. "My courage has never scattered, Ten River Wind. It is not so weak as that - though lack of courage seems to be something you focus on enough that one might wonder if you are perhaps too involved with the idea."
Green Cove looks up at Yoru. "Her name is Floating Leaf," she says.
<<OOC>> Allen says "Roll init, I assume? XD"
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Did Allen leave his cat back in town or is he sitting with the other party members?"
<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora hopes the cat is here, so Yasutora can play with the kitty!
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Yasutora can always put the kitty in his armor if it comes to a fight."
<<OOC>> Allen says "He's with the others. Allen would have dropped his pack before stepping forward to fight, sorry, and Tim Campi's on the pack."
Yoru makes idle conversation while the fight begins. "Is it a name you gave her?" His attention is more on the two combatants though he does glance at Green Cove and Floating Leaf occasionally.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Okay, roll init."
<<OOC>> Yoru wonders if Tim Campi is jealous of all the attention Floating Leaf receives.
Sado Yasutora wanders over to Allen's pack and sits the Bastion down beside it, cross-legged, opening up the chestplate so he can play with Tim Campi.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "They're really worried about the fight. :p"
<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 1d10 + 16 for init: 22
<<OOC>> Yoru says "Yep. *smirk*"
<<DICE>> Allen rolls 1d10 + 8 for init: 15
The barbarian Exalt snorts his disdain to Allen; he moves with startling swiftness as his left daiklave lashes out in a flurry of what he sees at punitive strikes.
<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 6 dice: <2 5 5 7 7 9> for 3 successes.
<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 5 dice: <3 3 3 8 10> for 3 successes.
<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 4 dice: <4 9 9 10> for 4 successes.
<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 3 dice: <2 2 4> for 0 successes.
Green Cove shakes her head to Yoru, watching the two combatants move. "It's the name her mother gave her. It was Floating Leaf's first prey, in the stream by their den."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Well, Dad's cat seems to have gotten over much of her stress, and is now sitting on my computer contemplating what to destroy next. >_<"
Yoru grins and glances at the tiger. "Not the most auspicious of prey, but everyone has to start somewhere, eh?" He reaches out to pat the tiger if allowed (ie pauses before actually touching the beast) before turning back to the fight.
Allen notes the movement even as it begins, golden threads of Essence carrying the information of what strike is aiming where and when it will arrive to him with such speed that even the quick blows which Ten River Wind has just begun seem to Allen to be in slow motion; his thin claws flash out to parry with rapid ease.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Nice. 2 dice."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "And you can take back the WP from 5BS."
"She's the cleverest of all her litter," Green Cove says, and gives Floating Leaf a quick scritch behind the ears. "It was only a leaf, but it was hers. A suitable sign."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "So you can now roll 4 parries at your full parry pool (12) +2. 14."
<<OOC>> Allen says "So it's 14 for all four?"
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "'S right. ^^"
<<DICE>> Allen rolls 14 dice: <1 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 7 8> for 4 successes.
<<DICE>> Allen rolls 14 dice: <1 2 3 6 6 7 8 8 9 9 9 10 10 10> for 12 successes.
<<DICE>> Allen rolls 14 dice: <1 1 2 3 3 3 4 5 7 7 8 8 9 10> for 7 successes.
<<DICE>> Allen rolls 14 dice: <1 2 2 3 4 5 5 6 6 6 7 8 10 10> for 6 successes.
With ease, Allen's claws deflect the blows entirely.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Okay, your initiative."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "You can attack straight out, or split for multiple attacks."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "I don't think you have any offensive Charms other than for Dark Creatures, so."
Shai blinks mildly when Yasutora wanders off, but stays where she is; standing watchfully near the rest of the Circle. She's emoting relaxed calm, but the relaxation is a bit more _honest_ as Allen comes out of the first assault unscathed, and she refocuses on the barbarians with less concern for Allen.
"When did she become your traveling companion?" Yoru asks of Green Cove, smiling at the fight as Allen comes out of the first attack unscathed.
<<OOC>> Allen says "Splitting, four attacks. So that's... 10 9 8 7 dice?"
Allen blocks the final blow with one hand and whirls the other in a reverse circle, striking out with the blunt backs of his claws for Ten River Wind's wrist holding the daiklave he has blocked, then drops away and follows with a series of three swift forward slashes at the Dragonblooded's least protected points.
<<DICE>> Allen rolls 10 dice: <6 6 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 10> for 9 successes.
<<DICE>> Allen rolls 9 dice: <2 4 4 4 5 7 7 10 10> for 6 successes.
<<DICE>> Allen rolls 8 dice: <1 4 4 6 6 7 7 9> for 3 successes.
<<DICE>> Allen rolls 7 dice: <1 2 5 6 7 9 10> for 4 successes.
<<OOC>> Allen says "...I like that first roll. 8D"
<<OOC>> Shai giggles!
<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 3 dice: <3 5 5> for 0 successes.
<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 3 dice: <2 6 9> for 1 success.
<<OOC>> Yoru ouches for Ten Winds.
<<OOC>> Storyteller tsks. :p
<<OOC>> Shai says "_Hee_."
The dragon-blood saved some of his speed to defend himself against Allen's retaliation, but his strength is nothing next to the power of the Dawn's blows; his first daiklave is knocked entirely aside, and the second barely slows the second blow. The fierce winds wrapping him, however, still provide some modicum of protection.
<<OOC>> Allen says "...now I roll damage? XD"
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "What's his base damage?"
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "9L?"
<<OOC>> Allen says "9L, yes."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "And is the first intended to be bashing?"
<<OOC>> Allen says "Yes. ^^"
Green Cove glances up at Yoru. "Some time ago," she says, with a two-fingered gesture over her shoulder that does nothing to clarify her words.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Okay, roll 7, 4, 3, and 3 damage dice."
Yoru glances the way Green Cove gestured, thinking perhaps the gesture was an indication of others sneaking up on them.
<<DICE>> Allen rolls 7 damage dice: <3 7 7 9 9 10 10> for 6 successes.
<<DICE>> Allen rolls 4 damage dice: <4 5 7 10> for 2 successes.
<<OOC>> Storyteller whistles.
<<DICE>> Allen rolls 3 damage dice: <1 8 9> for 2 successes.
<<DICE>> Allen rolls 3 damage dice: <1 3 7> for 1 success.
<<OOC>> Shai gives Allen Dawn cookies.
<<OOC>> Allen says "XD"
<<OOC>> Yoru says "Woot on the first"
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Dude. >_<"
Green Cove is still watching the feet of the two fighters. Hands are interesting in their own way, but one can't fight well without having sure footing.
<<OOC>> Storyteller obviously needs to work in on tactics for her NPCs.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says ".oO(Tactic 1: Don't let the Dawn get close next time.)"
<<OOC>> Shai _giggles_.
<<OOC>> Allen says "Possibly a good idea. 8D"
<<OOC>> Allen says "Oh, and no, I'm not using the claws' poison. XD"
The powerful blows stagger and knock the arrogant dragon-blooded back; only the slim mercy that the first - and most powerful - was blunted spares his life as he collapses from his wounds, bare seconds after challenging Allen. A wave of dismay goes through the barbarians with their red-bands.
Allen straightens up to his full height and runs his gaze over the assembled red-bands, and raises his voice so that all may hear as the blood of their proud leader drips from his unsheathed claws. "This is what the might of Ten River Wind means, Children of the Wolf, without equal amounts of wisdom. Absolutely nothing."
Green Cove searches her rather spotty memory of a long-past life for memories of the seal, key, and charge being spoken of here.
Sado Yasutora smiles inside his golden encasement and moves aside, deferring to Green Cove.
Shai blinks several times, and looks half-boggled half-relieved. She resists the urge to ask questions just yet, waiting to see what Cove does next.
Yoru looks between Green Cove and the Spirit, hoping that the past relationship will not make this too... troublesome.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Hmm. Give me an Int+Lore roll, Green Cove, diff 3."
<<DICE>> Green Cove rolls 5 dice: <2 3 3 3 3> for 0 successes.
<<OOC>> Green Cove cries.
<<OOC>> Yoru pats.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "...At least it wasn't a botch?"
<<OOC>> Allen says "...nice. Only. Not."
<<OOC>> Shai says "...wow."
<<OOC>> Green Cove sniffles.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Nothing, nothing at all. =P"
<<OOC>> Green Cove is apparently staring blankly and going "...duhhhh..."
<<OOC>> Yoru wipes the drool off her chin.
<<OOC>> Shai _snrk_.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Nah, just not any memories about it at all. :p"
Green Cove rubs her nose. "It was another life," she says briskly to the spirit, and wrinkles her face in annoyance. "I remember you, but not the charge I gave."
<<OOC>> Green Cove has no social graces, so, hey. Blunt works!
<<OOC>> Shai laughs!
Yoru grimaces and adds, mostly under his breath, "Our pasts can be troublesome at times."
Sado Yasutora tilts his head and helmet to look at the ghost.
Shai murmurs, "Though not always," and watches the ghost's reaction to that.
The ghost spreads his hands. "You charged me - you sent me away, mistress, and charged me to keep the key from the traitors so they could not break the seal." He spits the word 'traitors'.
Sado Yasutora rumbles deeply, "The Dragon-blooded usurpers?"
The ghost nods briefly to the Zenith's golden form. "The very ones."
Yoru growls lowly.
Shai purses her lips, frowning. "The seal on what, Grandfather?"
Sado Yasutora calmly states, "They will... be brought to understand."
Green Cove brightens, holding one foot in her hand. "Good. And better to hear you've kept it safe this long." She abruptly switches back to frowns. "But if the tribe still follows you, they're doing so poorly."
Allen tilts his head and looks back to the ghost. "When you said earlier that one of your children slept with a usurper, you meant that there is Dragonblooded ancestry among the tribe now, Grandfather?"
The ghost of Green Cove's once-retainer shakes his head. "They do not do so poorly, mistress, save for..." he shrugs and nods to Allen. "I have tried to weed the bad blood out, but it still reappears and when it does..." He gestures helplessly. "My children do not have the power that their tainted cousins do."
Shai blinks at Allen's comment, then winces at the ghost's explanation, parsing it. Ah. _That_ sort of thing.
Green Cove tilts her head to one side, and swaps from one foot to the other in a fluid half-hop. "Then the cousins will have to be dealt with, before they pull the untainted children further into trouble."
Sado Yasutora waits serenely; this is Green Cove's tribe to deal with.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Congratulations, Green Cove. The Zenith says you have your very own Land Pirates. :p"
Yoru grumbles under his breath some more. "And everything else is just fine of course. Just business as usual." This is said in the tone of not approving.
Green Cove turns her gaze on Yoru for a moment. "Things are never fine," she says evenly. "Sometimes they're acceptable. It's different."
Shaking his head again, the ghost answers Shai. "The mistress' workshop.
Yoru returns Green Cove's gaze evenly. "They should not be acceptable. But I divert us from our course." He nods towards the ghost.
Shai glances at Yoru and Green Cove, and then gets distracted by the ghost, eyebrows raising. She puts that together with Cove's Caste, and whistles quietly. "A _very_ good thing they didn't get access to it, then, I think. I'm glad her trust in you was well-placed."
The ghost swells visibly at the praise. "I was created to serve," he says.
<<OOC>> Green Cove eyes Shai, and suspects the other Solar's getting more info out of this than Green Cove is...
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Twilight! :p"
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "First Age Twilight!"
<<OOC>> Shai says "Twilights, especially First Age Twilights, are the Sparkies of Exalted. ^_^"
<<OOC>> Shai says "He's basically protecting the _best toy-shop ever_."
<<OOC>> Yoru says "Toys!"
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Well."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "the GM has little comment there. :p"
<<OOC>> Shai snickers. Okay, okay, he _might_ be protecting the best toy-shop ever. "At minimum, he's probably protecting Shinies That Would Be Inconvenient To Give To The Realm, and/or Tools To Build Such Shinies (Eventually). 'Cause, Twilights." [grins]
<<OOC>> Green Cove says "Or possibly the scariest toy shop ever, given first-age Solars..."
<<OOC>> Shai says "Also true! [snickering]"
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Shai, what was your prophecy? ;p"
<<OOC>> Shai says "... I blank! And I look up the log."
<<OOC>> Shai ...CACKLES.
<<OOC>> Yoru must now look up the log.
<<OOC>> Shai | "[...] she has an image of a city to the East, with bright flags flapping and the key to a mystery which might hold doom - or unfathomed rewards."
<<OOC>> Shai says "Mmmm, doom."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Ohhh, someone caught that. :p"
Shai smiles at the ghost.
Sado Yasutora cracks his knuckles idly, a thundering sound rumbling from gold-gloved fist to smashfist-clad hand. "I do not think that the children who bear the blood of the dragons need be _purged_, if they can be convinced. There is a place in Creation for the scions of the Terrestrials, and would not do to re-form the cycles of blood."
Green Cove rocks on one foot, and tilts a hand in the air. "Perhaps. I don't know yet." She adds, almost sheepishly through the defiant voice, "My means of convincing usually come with blood."
Shai murmurs, "That's what a Circle's for." She tosses Green Cove a grin. "If they can be convinced without shedding their blood, it's good. If they can't...we're capable of shedding that blood."
The ghost gives Yasutora a plaintive look. "They betrayed my mistress and all your kind," he says. "They rule in usurped glory and steal the legacy of their betters."
Yoru says "And for that they shall be dealt with."
Sado Yasutora says "Their ancestors did. Only Celestial Exalted are doomed to carry their past sins, just as we are the only ones privileged to have our past glories behind us. And even Celestials may change, and redeem. If it is wrong to disrupt the harmony of Heaven and Creation one way, it is wrong to do so another. Neither will set the cycle of existence aright."
Yoru glances at Sado and bows his head to the golden-clad boy. "You are more forgiving than I."
Sado Yasutora shrugs, the broad shoulders and elegant vanes of the Unyielding Bastion rippling as he does so. "It is why I am."
Green Cove lets her gaze wander about the small space, resting for a moment on the bowl of blood. "Forgiveness waits on repentance, or it's no more than words."
Sado Yasutora shrugs again, motes flickering from vane to vane. "Forgiveness is my duty; repentance is theirs. The one does not require the other; merely the _actions_ of which I take are judged based on theirs." He snaps his huge gauntlets open and closed and looks thoughtfully at the brilliant Shield of the Righteous. "However, another duty of the Lawgivers is to instruct in repentance and make them aware of the need. That, I believe, is necessary. Now."
<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora not an impatient 14-year-old boy, really. >_>
The ghost bows to Green Cove, and steps back slightly, with a deference remembered across the ages.
Shai watches the others thoughtfully. She looks about to speak, then shakes her head slightly. "Repentance of something, anyway. How many of your Dragon-blooded children now show that lineage, respected one?" she asks the ghost.
Green Cove nods back to the ghost, imperiously, yet with a touch of acknowledged bonds. "One difficulty at a time," she says. And rather undermines her own arch tone with a glance at her companions to see who seems to be in agreement.
Yoru glances sidelong at Yasutora and refrains from further comments on the matter. Now is not the time.
<<OOC>> Storyteller adores you guys. You guys are awesome. :)
The ghost shrugs slightly, and tilts his head. "There is but the one, Lady. One is enough to cause my children no end of harm."
Yoru hrms. "Is he the one that leads them to take extra from the town?"
Shai nods to the ghost, seriously. "But we should be adequate to deal with one. Who is it," she asks, although she's pretty sure she knows, "and what bloodline?"
<<OOC>> Shai .oO('Adequate', she says.)
<<OOC>> Yoru says "We could draw straws to see who beats the *#$ out of the DB."
"Ten River Wind," says the ghost, "Tainted by the blood of the Air Dragon, I believe. He would be chieftain, by the virtue of his strength, he claims, despite the fact I would never name him such because of the taint."
Shai makes a mental checkmark by her guess, and nods, calmly. Then turns to the rest of the Circle. "Shall we go deal with him, then?"
Sado Yasutora turns to Green Cove. "He is of your tribe, sister. How do you wish this done?"
Yoru looks to Green Cove as well instead of answering Shai.
Green Cove scratches Floating Leaf, and says, "I'm willing to let others try less bloody methods first, if they wish." She shrugs, and grins toothily. "The bloody methods preclude any others, so they ought to come last."
Yoru smirks and remains silent.
Sado Yasutora nods gravely, and turns the Unyielding Bastion to face Shai. "Then we shall; your words, first, perhaps, and then the fist, and if neither can bring this child of Mela to task, to the blood?"
The ghost turns a stern look on the priest who has been waiting deferentially by the door. "You will go with them and aid them, grandson. Obey her," he gestures at Green Cove, "...as I would. The ban," he pauses and smiles thinly, "...does not apply to these."
Shai inclines her head to Yasutora, and glances at Allen. "My words and yours, perhaps?" Granted, it's a little odd to verbally tag-team with the Dawn, but if the Dawn's the other socially helpful one and the Zenith's relegating himself to violence... Well. --She does flash a grin at the comment about the ban, though.
Green Cove looks downright smug.
Pale Soul Shadow bows slightly to the ghost and then to Green Cove. "As you wish, Grandfather," he says, eyeing the Circle thoughtfully."
Yoru looks to Pale Soul Shadow and smiles. "We're not that bad, honest."
Allen nods to Shai. "I do not know how useful I can be with words to him, but there is no harm in trying," he says, "and perhaps much good."
Shai nods back, and smiles. "Worth a shot." She glances at Pale Soul Shadow. "Can you lead us to him?"
The priest nods. "I can; indeed, it will not be difficult - as you may have guessed, it was he and his followers that the sentries reported approaching. Roar-of-Battle and the warriors went to hold him. I do not know if it has come to violence yet, but it surely will." He pulls back the hide flap, letting the morning sun outside spill into the dark building.
Sado Yasutora cricks his neck inside the Bastion's helmet, and begins to march out and over behind the priest, the heavy thud... thud... of the Bastion's boots tramping the earth.
Shai makes another mental checkmark, and nods to the priest, calmly. "If it has, I believe we can deal with that." And follows Yasutora out, checking her bow and quiver absently as she does.
Yoru gets ready to follow the others. His style of negotiating won't be needed right away after all.
Sado Yasutora [to Storyteller]: BTW, I'm activating Eight Soul Steel Harmony with personal.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Anyone else want to activate scenelongs as an in-case?"
<<OOC>> Yoru shall fire up Ebon Shadow Form.
<<OOC>> Green Cove thinks she had the Dodge charm up before this scene started, but, er, either way, wants it up now. Just in case.
<<OOC>> Shai has no useful scenelongs. [sniffles] "Although, that reminds me. Is Mastery of Small Manners still up? It's a scenelong and I activated it last session, so I don't _think_ so, but just to check." >_> "I'm keeping up Excellent Emissary's Tongue, but that's not a scenelong per se."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Eh. *waves a hand* It can be, if you want it up. Or you can put it up again. Whatever."
<<OOC>> Allen says "Mm, sure, activating Fivefold Bulwark Stance with personal. If it's already come to violence, stopping it may involve a little more."
<<OOC>> Shai says "Heh. I'm thinking it might be useful to get a MoSM read off Ten River Wind, but I don't think I need it for more than that. Can I claim it's up long enough to see him, then drop it?"
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Sure."
<<OOC>> Shai says "Yay!"
<<OOC>> Storyteller pauses in typing, and asks people for awa+per rolls.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "It's hearing based, so no bonus from Funky Sight, GC."
<<DICE>> Shai rolls 3 dice: <3 4 9> for 1 success.
<<DICE>> Green Cove rolls 8 dice: <1 2 4 4 5 5 8 10> for 3 successes.
<<DICE>> Yoru rolls 7 dice: <5 5 6 6 7 9 10> for 4 successes.
<<DICE>> Sado Yasutora rolls 7 dice: <3 3 3 4 4 6 6> for 0 successes.
<<DICE>> Allen rolls 5 dice: <1 1 2 10 10> for 4 successes.
The tall priest (though tiny compared to the bulk of Yasutora's incredible armor) leads in the direction which the warriors ran earlier. There is no sound of combat as you approach the trees that surround the cleared camp; not far within the sparse woods, you come on the standoff. The warrior who met you at the entrance of camp has met another party here and they face off in much the same manner, silent. Those opposite from Roar-of-Battle all wear red armbands - except one, who has a pair of small jade daiklaves slung across his back. From all indications, no one has - yet - struck a blow. As you approach, you will hear conversation, picking up the words at various points. "...the priest is a fool clinging to meaningless rules," Yoru and Allen hear, "as you well know, Roar of Battle, or why have you not acceded to his wishes and tried to claim the role yourself?" Green Cove will pick that up as well. "I will be acknowledged at chieftain, for I have the power to give our people greatness." As they get closer, Shai can pick up, "Only a fool would side with Pale Soul Shadow in this, and you are no fool." Yasutora's sensors are not tuned for the low voices, however, and he hears nothing of the words until they come out of the trees behind Roar-of-Battle's line. "Ah!" says the one with the daiklaves. "The fool has joined us. How is this, Pale Soul Shadow? Are you violating your precious ban?"
<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says "Hee hee. Someone's going to have a liiiittle surprise coming. ^___________^"
<<OOC>> Shai _snickers_.
From afar, Yoru shall activate the Charm then, so they don't notice him as of yet.
<<OOC>> Green Cove heeheehee.
You paged Yoru with 'Total Invisibility?'.
From afar, Yoru shakes his head. "I am unnoticeable, part of the background, unless I do something noteworthy or they are looking for me. Doesn't work if I really stand out for who I am though. ie tall person amongst the short.
You paged Yoru with 'Oh, okay! ^^'.
The priest smiles simply, giving a reassuring nod to Roar-of-Battle's quick glance. "I do as Grandfather wishes, as always, Ten River Wind. You betray us all.
<<OOC>> Storyteller looks up Mastery of Small Manners again.
<<OOC>> Shai nods. (Mercrez Charm. [grins])
Yoru remains near the back of the group, and silent. Just part of the background he is, don't mind him.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Okay; he's projecting a lot of confidence and a general sense of superiority. Those standing with him seem likewise confident, and in awe of him. The ones on the other side are definitely apprehensive, but somewhat disdainful."
The Dragon-blooded snorts. "You seek to maintain your own power - as does Grandfather. How quick he is to reverse the ban when he needs aid." He glances about his followers. "If the rules are changing, let us change them our way, my friends!" He extends a hand towards Roar-of-Battle and the line of warriors that stands with him. "Join me, brothers. Pale Soul Shadow is a coward, and Grandfather is the ancient past."
Sado Yasutora waits for the rest of the circle; his answer is not for now.
Yoru pages: And that's a total of 8 personal used so far. 5-Ebon Shado, 3-Easily Overlooked
Long distance to Yoru: Storyteller nods.
Green Cove flashes her teeth at the Dragon-blooded for an instant. "Sometimes the ancient past returns," she says, then quiets for those who are better at speaking to get on with the whole non-violent resolution attempt.
"A coward?" Allen says mildly, stepping forward a fraction. "He faces you, tells you things you do not like to hear, and does not flinch. Considering the power you seem so proud of, that is not the act of a coward, Ten River Wind."
Shai steps around Yasutora and forward, until she's even with Allen; the light from the motes spent earlier may have faded, but the golden ringed-disc of an Eclipse is still quite visible on her forehead. Her hands are empty, though bow and quiver hang at her back, and her voice is clear and firm and carries _quite_ well (thank you, years of practice at making herself heard over Western storms) as she says in the barbarians' tongue, "The ban has not been reversed; we are Chosen of the Unconquered Sun, and we come here by right and by duty. What right have _you_ to ignore the rules of your tribe, Ten River Wind?"
The Dragon-blooded eyes Allen and Shai thoughtfully, and responds, "He is a coward, for he still will not face me himself in honor. And my right is that of power and blood. Why should my kin spurn my might? Is it not right that the greatest should rule that all are stronger?"
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Big fish, small pond. :p"
<<OOC>> Storyteller .oO(Meet bigger fish.)
<<OOC>> Family Circle <-- much bigger fish!
Sado Yasutora rumbles, breaking his silence, "Greatness does not come from might alone, and might in battle alone the least. Greatness comes from many things; wisdom, might, intelligence, Essence, truth, honor, virtue. Not merely who used to be the best in the vicinity at breaking heads."
<<OOC>> Storyteller admires that 'used to be'
<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora subtle insult there, really. >_>
<<OOC>> Shai giggles.
<<OOC>> Green Cove admires as well. Nice phrasing.
Shai tilts her head, expression calm. She translates Yasutora's words into the tribe's language, speaking clearly and letting her voice carry to any listener, and then adds, "How have you proven yourself worthy, Ten River Wind? A chance of blood alone does not make one worthy. Especially not when that blood is misused."
Yoru remains in the background no matter what he might want to say right now. The others will take care of the talking.
Green Cove stands a little behind the speakers, toying with Floating Leaf's leash and glancing about idly.
Ten River Wind spreads his arms far, stance wide, as he boasts. "I have slain any who came against me in combat. I have taken hostages and slaves by the dozens. I am a warrior. I listen to no words of watering strength with weakness."
<<OOC>> Shai says "Mm. Assume Shai is taking the time to translate in both directions unless I say otherwise, actually. If Wind talks in his language, she'll translate to Riverspeak for the Circle; if any of the Circlemembers speak up, she'll translate to barbarian-tongue for the listeners. Because it makes sure that if any of the listeners _don't_ speak River, they still know what's going on."
Sado Yasutora ignores Ten River Wind's posturing and looks at his companions, seeing if Shai has further words, or Allen intends to teach the boy a lesson. Despite his own youth, Yasutora will gladly stand up if either prefers; he does, however, defer to his elders.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "He's translating for himself, actually."
<<OOC>> Shai says "Ah, okay. She'll just translate for the Circle, then."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "That is, what he's saying, he's repeating in the barbarian tongue afterwards."
<<OOC>> Shai nods.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "And getting cheers from his companions."
Shai lifts an eyebrow, her expression a touch ironic. "There are more kinds of strength than strength of arms. A leader who relies on that strength alone is not much of a leader." After repeating that in Riverspeak, she pauses a moment to glance at Allen, and then at the rest of her Circle; unless one of the others speaks up first, she adds in both languages, thoughtfully, "Though if strength of arms is the only language you can comprehend..."
<<OOC>> Shai leaves an opening for someone to volunteer for the Violent Route, unless someone else has a better tactic. [grins]
<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora defers to the Dawn; warrioring is his business. If the Dawn would rather not, he's got a series of insults he's thinking up. ;)
Yoru watches the Barbarians for a moment and the developing situation. He glances at Allen wondering if the Dawn will step up. "The Unyielding Bastion might be a bit unfair..." he says softly so the words don't travel beyond the Circle.
Sado Yasutora calmly replies in a similarly soft voice, "If he requires it, I will step out from the Bastion; should Allen choose not to be the one to instruct this fool."
Allen nods. "If he requires schooling... I can do it. Though my weapons are more intended for lethal combat than for teaching lessons," he says quietly to the rest of the Circle.
Green Cove says, blandly, "Death is a lesson too."
<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says "Speaking of, activating Orichalcum Body Meditation from personal."
Yoru nods to Green Cove with a dark smile upon his lips.
<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says "Er, and 3 periph. So "glinting" castemark."
"Not one that the instructed can make use of, generally speaking," Allen says with a faint smile.
<<OOC>> Storyteller notes that a stunted attack can make a hit bashing if you want, Allen.
Sado Yasutora 's visor begins to softly blink gold on and off. "I am more of a brawler, Allen; as you desire in this, I shall follow your lead."
Shai murmurs, lips barely moving, "I think you'd be a more--pointed lesson, Allen, if you wished to lead. Killing him might upset his followers, but might be necessary. As might crippling," she adds, calmly and sotto voce.
Green Cove shrugs to Allen. "It's instructive to those around him," she says.
Yoru says "I could give a lesson as well, but it will likely not be appreciated as an act of strength."
"I am willing to do it," Allen assures Yasutora. "He is not a type that I am particularly fond of." He then nods to Shai. "A very valid point as well."
Ten River Wind jeers in the barbarian tongue. "See how they hesitate?"
<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says "Does Shai translate that?"
<<OOC>> Shai types a pose about it; one sec.
Yoru is lucky he doesn't understand the barbarian tongue or he might do something rash.
<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora has a long pose when/if Shai does translate. ^_^ So waits.
Shai nods back to Allen, and smiles faintly. The smile turns sharp-edged when she turns back to Ten River Wind. She translates for the Circle, and promptly adds, first in Riverspeak and then in barbarian, "I take it the language of physical strength truly _is_ the only one you are capable of understanding. A pity. Fortunately, we _are_ capable of that language as well -- and more fluent in it than you, 'warrior'." She gestures to Allen, stepping back slightly, with a silent prayer to the Unconquered Sun that their Dawn lives up to his caste's reputation.
Sado Yasutora turns to Ten River Wind and rumbles deeply, "As speaks the Eclipse, so speak we all; mere might alone neither a champion, nor even a warrior makes. Indeed, before I were to consider a warrior, I would have to see one of your friends stand up, for you are not even a warrior, or even a warrior's apprentice. What I see is a mewling, greedy cub that has suckled too much from his mother's teat, and now seeks to crush his brothers and sisters with his inordinate girth.
"I see a sickly, ill-favored straggler, with less facial hair than an elderly aunt, one who would be rejected by the River Whore for having a greater stench than that which comes from between her legs; were you, of course, able to find her. That would be Nexus, since I must assume based on your vacuous expression that you have as little knowledge of the world around you as you do of the finer things in life, such as hygiene, and cooking one's meals before eating them. Such a diseased and filthy thing that you are, I cannot help but feel some pity; surely it is a brain fever that you have spread amongst your companions there, perhaps one brought upon by your sexual encounters with crippled livestock, that makes you think you have the capability lead a fish in the West to water, much less a tribe of true free people. I feel almost ashamed turning you over to my Dawn Brother, for it is not his lot in life to exterminate ranting, impotent vermin, but as your last livestock-lover was unable to do more than cripple your manhood when she bit it off, rather than kill you, I will leave you to his gentle remonstrances, in the hopes that you can learn to count to more than two, as well as act like more of a civilized person, at his hands."
With that, Yasutora bows to Allen, and moves his massive bulk and armor out of the way.
Shai keeps her expression the same, matter-of-fact save the sharp smile, while inwardly admiring the Zenith's...fluency. (This time, she doesn't translate unless Yasutora pokes her, though; one, that's very long to translate, and two, it's most important for Ten River Wind to notice.)
Allen steps further forwards. "As my Circle as spoken, if you wish to prove that your might gives you rights above others, I, Allen Walker, a child of the Mammoth by adoption, will gladly show you that your might is worth little, Ten River Wind. There is far more to leadership than the ability to destroy those who oppose you and dominate those weaker."
Yoru hears the 'hesitate' comment and takes a few steps towards the Barbarians. As Yasutora starts speaking Yoru closes his eyes and visible stops himself from doing something rash. Whether he actually hears the hurled insults is another matter. 'Let the Dawn handle this' he mutters under his breath and goes back to calm breathing to stop himself from something that would likely make matters worse.
Green Cove watches with bright-eyed interest, and slight disappointment. Perhaps she's not going to be personally involved in the inevitable bloody end to this problem. Pity.
Ten River Wind's face purples slightly - and then more, as Yasutora continues his barrage of insults. He gestures sharply with one of his daiklaves. "After I kill him, I will cut your body to pieces and feed it to your women," he declares to Yasutora. He gives Allen a sharp glare, the air moving softly though the area. He gives a sharp command to his followers to back off and give him room, "...to kill this little boy child."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Mind, that's in the barbarian tongue."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "The latter."
Sado Yasutora ignores Ten River Wind, standing silent and unmoved, just the periodic scan... blip. scan... blip. of the flickering castemark behind his visor. After all, what do the whinings of a wisp matter, when you walk alongside the Storm of the North? He just hopes Allen doesn't need too much help cleaning up afterwards.
Shai clasps her hands behind her, so as not to fidget with her bow, and quietly translates the command to his followers into Riverspeak. She steps back slightly farther, in case dodging behind Yasutora becomes necessary, and tries to keep an eye on the followers and an eye on Ten River Wind and Allen. Though she'll settle for the former. It wouldn't be good if they got ambushed while the duel happened.
Green Cove leans over to Floating Leaf, and whispers in the tiger's ear, "Look, the boys are going to play. But I don't think they'll let you join in."
Floating Leaf lashes her tail and grumbles. "If we were all to charge him," she informs Green Cove in her silent manner, "It would take less time."
Green Cove nods sympathetically to her friend. "But they're playing games, and games have rules." She shrugs, and sits down on the ground for a better view of how feet wish to move in this little engagement. Feet are interesting. "It's a human thing."
Winds swirl around Ten River Wind, wrapping to cocoon him, as he waits for the Dawn, offering taunting comments about 'gathering his courage'.
Yoru opens his eyes once more and steps back to join his Circle and watch the duel. To distance himself from the fire that burns inside at the impudent barbarian's words he goes to join Green Cove. "What was your cat's name again?" he asks idly.
Allen stretches, smiling faintly, before dropping into a fighting stance, the claws of his Black Widow Razors sliding down over the backs of his hands spiderlike. "My courage has never scattered, Ten River Wind. It is not so weak as that - though lack of courage seems to be something you focus on enough that one might wonder if you are perhaps too involved with the idea."
Green Cove looks up at Yoru. "Her name is Floating Leaf," she says.
<<OOC>> Allen says "Roll init, I assume? XD"
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Did Allen leave his cat back in town or is he sitting with the other party members?"
<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora hopes the cat is here, so Yasutora can play with the kitty!
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Yasutora can always put the kitty in his armor if it comes to a fight."
<<OOC>> Allen says "He's with the others. Allen would have dropped his pack before stepping forward to fight, sorry, and Tim Campi's on the pack."
Yoru makes idle conversation while the fight begins. "Is it a name you gave her?" His attention is more on the two combatants though he does glance at Green Cove and Floating Leaf occasionally.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Okay, roll init."
<<OOC>> Yoru wonders if Tim Campi is jealous of all the attention Floating Leaf receives.
Sado Yasutora wanders over to Allen's pack and sits the Bastion down beside it, cross-legged, opening up the chestplate so he can play with Tim Campi.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "They're really worried about the fight. :p"
<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 1d10 + 16 for init: 22
<<OOC>> Yoru says "Yep. *smirk*"
<<DICE>> Allen rolls 1d10 + 8 for init: 15
The barbarian Exalt snorts his disdain to Allen; he moves with startling swiftness as his left daiklave lashes out in a flurry of what he sees at punitive strikes.
<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 6 dice: <2 5 5 7 7 9> for 3 successes.
<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 5 dice: <3 3 3 8 10> for 3 successes.
<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 4 dice: <4 9 9 10> for 4 successes.
<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 3 dice: <2 2 4> for 0 successes.
Green Cove shakes her head to Yoru, watching the two combatants move. "It's the name her mother gave her. It was Floating Leaf's first prey, in the stream by their den."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Well, Dad's cat seems to have gotten over much of her stress, and is now sitting on my computer contemplating what to destroy next. >_<"
Yoru grins and glances at the tiger. "Not the most auspicious of prey, but everyone has to start somewhere, eh?" He reaches out to pat the tiger if allowed (ie pauses before actually touching the beast) before turning back to the fight.
Allen notes the movement even as it begins, golden threads of Essence carrying the information of what strike is aiming where and when it will arrive to him with such speed that even the quick blows which Ten River Wind has just begun seem to Allen to be in slow motion; his thin claws flash out to parry with rapid ease.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Nice. 2 dice."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "And you can take back the WP from 5BS."
"She's the cleverest of all her litter," Green Cove says, and gives Floating Leaf a quick scritch behind the ears. "It was only a leaf, but it was hers. A suitable sign."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "So you can now roll 4 parries at your full parry pool (12) +2. 14."
<<OOC>> Allen says "So it's 14 for all four?"
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "'S right. ^^"
<<DICE>> Allen rolls 14 dice: <1 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 7 8> for 4 successes.
<<DICE>> Allen rolls 14 dice: <1 2 3 6 6 7 8 8 9 9 9 10 10 10> for 12 successes.
<<DICE>> Allen rolls 14 dice: <1 1 2 3 3 3 4 5 7 7 8 8 9 10> for 7 successes.
<<DICE>> Allen rolls 14 dice: <1 2 2 3 4 5 5 6 6 6 7 8 10 10> for 6 successes.
With ease, Allen's claws deflect the blows entirely.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Okay, your initiative."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "You can attack straight out, or split for multiple attacks."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "I don't think you have any offensive Charms other than for Dark Creatures, so."
Shai blinks mildly when Yasutora wanders off, but stays where she is; standing watchfully near the rest of the Circle. She's emoting relaxed calm, but the relaxation is a bit more _honest_ as Allen comes out of the first assault unscathed, and she refocuses on the barbarians with less concern for Allen.
"When did she become your traveling companion?" Yoru asks of Green Cove, smiling at the fight as Allen comes out of the first attack unscathed.
<<OOC>> Allen says "Splitting, four attacks. So that's... 10 9 8 7 dice?"
Allen blocks the final blow with one hand and whirls the other in a reverse circle, striking out with the blunt backs of his claws for Ten River Wind's wrist holding the daiklave he has blocked, then drops away and follows with a series of three swift forward slashes at the Dragonblooded's least protected points.
<<DICE>> Allen rolls 10 dice: <6 6 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 10> for 9 successes.
<<DICE>> Allen rolls 9 dice: <2 4 4 4 5 7 7 10 10> for 6 successes.
<<DICE>> Allen rolls 8 dice: <1 4 4 6 6 7 7 9> for 3 successes.
<<DICE>> Allen rolls 7 dice: <1 2 5 6 7 9 10> for 4 successes.
<<OOC>> Allen says "...I like that first roll. 8D"
<<OOC>> Shai giggles!
<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 3 dice: <3 5 5> for 0 successes.
<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 3 dice: <2 6 9> for 1 success.
<<OOC>> Yoru ouches for Ten Winds.
<<OOC>> Storyteller tsks. :p
<<OOC>> Shai says "_Hee_."
The dragon-blood saved some of his speed to defend himself against Allen's retaliation, but his strength is nothing next to the power of the Dawn's blows; his first daiklave is knocked entirely aside, and the second barely slows the second blow. The fierce winds wrapping him, however, still provide some modicum of protection.
<<OOC>> Allen says "...now I roll damage? XD"
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "What's his base damage?"
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "9L?"
<<OOC>> Allen says "9L, yes."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "And is the first intended to be bashing?"
<<OOC>> Allen says "Yes. ^^"
Green Cove glances up at Yoru. "Some time ago," she says, with a two-fingered gesture over her shoulder that does nothing to clarify her words.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Okay, roll 7, 4, 3, and 3 damage dice."
Yoru glances the way Green Cove gestured, thinking perhaps the gesture was an indication of others sneaking up on them.
<<DICE>> Allen rolls 7 damage dice: <3 7 7 9 9 10 10> for 6 successes.
<<DICE>> Allen rolls 4 damage dice: <4 5 7 10> for 2 successes.
<<OOC>> Storyteller whistles.
<<DICE>> Allen rolls 3 damage dice: <1 8 9> for 2 successes.
<<DICE>> Allen rolls 3 damage dice: <1 3 7> for 1 success.
<<OOC>> Shai gives Allen Dawn cookies.
<<OOC>> Allen says "XD"
<<OOC>> Yoru says "Woot on the first"
<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Dude. >_<"
Green Cove is still watching the feet of the two fighters. Hands are interesting in their own way, but one can't fight well without having sure footing.
<<OOC>> Storyteller obviously needs to work in on tactics for her NPCs.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says ".oO(Tactic 1: Don't let the Dawn get close next time.)"
<<OOC>> Shai _giggles_.
<<OOC>> Allen says "Possibly a good idea. 8D"
<<OOC>> Allen says "Oh, and no, I'm not using the claws' poison. XD"
The powerful blows stagger and knock the arrogant dragon-blooded back; only the slim mercy that the first - and most powerful - was blunted spares his life as he collapses from his wounds, bare seconds after challenging Allen. A wave of dismay goes through the barbarians with their red-bands.
Allen straightens up to his full height and runs his gaze over the assembled red-bands, and raises his voice so that all may hear as the blood of their proud leader drips from his unsheathed claws. "This is what the might of Ten River Wind means, Children of the Wolf, without equal amounts of wisdom. Absolutely nothing."
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