Jade and Cattle, 5/5/2006

[leticia]

Brian says "Okay, so you guys are heading for the vast, gear-shaped city of Yane, with an insane Swan Dragon in the hold."

Diamond Borealis says "That's about it..yeah.."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden nods. PM is going to try to arrange for one of us that seem to calm him to be with him pretty much all the time.

Brian says "As the days go by shipboard, it becomes easier and easier to keep him under control; the season of Descending Water is at hand, and he feels the cold badly. Most days, he doesn't leave the cabin he's assigned to and is very biddable."

Brian says "Some days, only Kanfi and Liu are able to restrain him."

Brian says "Do you guys have any specific plans of action for the trip to Yane?"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Try to keep the insane fire dragon from burning us all alive, work on stories. Not much else."

Brian [to Phoenix Maiden]: Hmm. Which stories are you going for, his history, or something more current?

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "She'll be working with what she knows of his past - probably asking Diamond for any additional details he knows about him or his work - and also anything he knows about the ...thing. The Court of the Orderly Flame, is it?"

<<OOC>> Aidan says "I will be playing with my new toys, and practicing my new Dodge tricks, most likely."

Brian [to Aidan]: If this was any other game, I'd so totally make you roll to check and see if you fell through the boat. ^_^

<<OOC>> Liu says "Liu will spar with Aidan if he's into it. Or really, if he's not, either. -- And as Phoenix Maiden puts stories together, Liu will try to put together a contortion/pantomime/juggling act to accompany and illustrate."

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis Said he'd be helping PM with taking notes of the stories and trying to connect them to any other legends he knows of.

Brian says "Okay, Diamond, PM, what Lore do the two of you have?"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden will happily collaborate with Liu. Also, has Lore 3.

Diamond Borealis has reconnected.

Brian [to Liu]: Relatively formal, or are you going to be planning to go more with the flow?

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "My Lore is 5.

<<OOC>> Liu says "Relatively formal."

<<OOC>> Liu says "A choreographed performance."

Brian says "Hooboy. Okay, that's pretty nice. Diamond, give me an Int + Lore check."

<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 9 dice: <1 2 4 5 6 7 8 8 9> for 4 successes.

Brian says "Okay, hmm."

Brian says "Swan Dragon's history is long, ancient, and none-too-well defined by actual canon. You've got a good idea of the narrative -shape-, thanks to Diamond, but you've got only one area where his role was fairly strictly defined-- the Shogunate and the Late High First Age."

Brian says "His time after the Contagion _no one_ knows. You'll need to find out."

Brian says "And, unfortunately, his time in the High First Age prior to the downfall of the Solars is not too well known either."

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Can i get anything about it by talking to him?"

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Or, at least, can i puzzle some of the facts together from his ramblings?"

Brian [to Kanfi]: What's your investigation? And Socialize?

Brian says "You know the beginning of his tale, though, fairly well. Swan Dragon was one of the first Elementals to emerge from the templates the gods made using the shattered Great Elementals, descended of the Great Garda. The order, honor, and purity that came from her lived on in him, and, while he was born too late to be involved in the Primordial War, he distinguished himself early on in bringing order to the ceaseless rage-fires of the South, and the traps and vengeance left by Primordials such as She Who Lives In Her Name."

Brian says "That's a point, I think, of interest here; Swan Dragon is one of the most ancient beings you'll ever meet who isn't a god... and he's younger than the Shards within you. Not by too much, but still..."

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Investigation 3 and Socialize 5. XD"

<<OOC>> Sari mmmmmmm Socialize 5. Er. ^_^

Brian says "Finally, he earned his position as Southern Censor, a post previously unheld by -any- Elemental-- though it is now traditional for an Elemental Dragon of the correct kind to hold these posts-- by exposing a powerful behemoth left behind by Malfeas that had been corrupting the Celestial Bureaucracy in the South. This behemoth could change its shape, but its most natural form was a pillar of green-glowing lava. Not only did Swan Dragon expose it, he defeated it in personal combat and saved the life of the Southern god of agriculture. Unfortunately, said god was severely injured, and returned to the domicile of the Golden Lord, his superior, to recover, which is why much of the South is desert and wasteland but An Teng is fruitful and prosperous."

Brian says "As the current Censor of the day had been deep in the pockets of the Verdant Flow, the behemoth of which I spoke, Swan Dragon was given his position and power."

Brian says "The rest of the tales you guys have are unfortunately quite vague about most of the High First Age; most of what you know is about the Solars, either tales of -their- triumphs, or stories about them as dark Anathema."

Brian says "It is, however, said that Swan Dragon never succumbed to either corruption or despair, even during the worst excesses of the First Age duties. Even after the Unconquered Sun turned his face from Creation, Swan Dragon faithfully held his post and kept order amidst the gods of the South-- sometimes in ways they did -not- desire, wishing to partake of the degeneracies and decadence of the Solar realm. He is also one of the few gods, high-ranking or no, who was able to protect many of his inferiors from the greedy and unwholesome designs of Solars who desired a new concubine or materials for some new artifact, as well. He was a mighty warrior even then, and had the support of many high-ranking gods. Unfortunately, he was mainly able to extend this protection to only celestial gods and truly high-ranking or important fire elementals; one of the reasons the Court of Orderly Flame had problems taking off is that lower-ranking elementals or worldly gods resented the fact that he had been unable to protect him from solar excesses."

Brian says "Furthermore, it must be said that, of the various deities, he did cooperate in some ways voluntarily with the Shogunate. He never formally recognized the Shogunate as a political body and never aided them against any non-Corrupt deity; nor would he turn any deities caught in crimes over to Immaculates, seeking instead to keep their punishment and control within his own office as Censor."

Brian says "He did, however, listen to Dragon-Blooded who told him of excesses or vital services being disrupted, and did his best to uphold the honor of the Southern Celestial Courts."

Brian says "And, as you all know, he was there when it all went down."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Watch, we bring him back to sanity and he recognizes us as some of the worst of the lot and attacks."

<<OOC>> Kanfi giggles.

<<OOC>> Liu says "No! We're different now! We're good! We only sacrifice living sentient beings when it's REALLY IMPORTANT to!"

Brian says "As a being of fire, he made some of the tough decisions of the time of the Great Contagion. He released need-fires and rage-fires and all manner of destructive spirits to burn the houses of the dead-- or the dying, when it was necessary, but kept them from swarming out of control. He worked ceaselessly to try to reign in the lesser gods of dark things that followed in the wake of the all-consuming plague. But in the end, he was one, not-too-popular, if very well respected deity, no matter how powerful his post of Censor."

Brian says "And he ended up in the wastelands of the South, fighting the hordes of the Fae Folk and stemming the great Tide of the Wyld. So honorable, so puissant was he that the eye of the Maiden of Battles was momentarily pulled -away- from the Games of Divinity. For just a moment, he pulled her attention to the battles... and she granted him her personal chariot."

Brian says "On its back, he not only was able to blunt the assault of the Fair Folk, but he was able to turn it, marking one of the first real victories of the Great Contagion."

Brian says "But it could not last. Eventually, his enemies swarmed around him, far from his followers, and he was lost, utterly, or so it seemed... until now."

Brian [to Kanfi]: Give me Charisma + Socialize and Perception + Investigation rolls, please.

<<DICE>> Kanfi rolls 9 dice: <1 3 4 4 6 7 7 8 9> for 4 successes.

<<DICE>> Kanfi rolls 7 dice: <2 2 6 6 7 8 9> for 3 successes.

Brian [to Kanfi]: There's not too much you can get from him right now. You've been able to establish a slow, steady rapport with him, but it's hard going. You are, however, starting to get a sense of a pattern in his speeches-- the purple-leaved bone trees, especially, and the birdcages made from broken hearts are especially common, as are 'the rain that has no tears'.

Brian [to Kanfi]: It may take weeks or months to get a stronger sense of it, but you are -certain- that he was imprisoned, and recently, though you have no idea yet of how he might have escaped or been set loose.

Brian's story-bits are done here. :) What do you guys do with this information in the interim, or should I head on to Yane?

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Yane. So I can sell stuff! XD"

<<OOC>> Liu says "Yes, Yane's good."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Yane's good. PM's just gonna be working everything into a solid story format and hoping to fill in the gaps."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "I got nothin', yet. So Yane works."

<<OOC>> Brian says "You're going to have to, of course, find someone who really -knows- about the South and its legends during the High First Age, but that's for the future."

<<OOC>> Kanfi coughFairFolkcough.

<<OOC>> Liu says "I thought we were hoping Ulito Swan (may she not be Lois Lane captured by the time we get there) could help us with that. Kanfi, do you need a cough drop? :D"

Brian says "The trip into Yane is surprisingly peaceful. No major storms this time, although for some reason you keep seeing stormclouds in the distance which hover just far enough away to influence the currents, but never come close, darting away mysteriously if anyone looks at them too long. You -do- see many less open ocean vessels, though the Realm's patrols, as always, don't slack-- at least, any faster than they were already slacking as the Realm's internal politics reach 'self destructive' in new and interesting ways."

Brian [to Aidan]: Give me a Wits + Lore roll, please.

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 6 dice: <1 1 7 7 10 10> for 6 successes.

<<OOC>> Aidan says "So there."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Ooh, dice."

Brian [to Aidan]: You feel very uncomfortable with the ship's captain. Like you've seen him before, though you can't quite place him. Every time you see him, your wrists itch around the band of your Razor Claws.

<<OOC>> Liu says "o noes"

Brian says "Anyway! You pull into Yane without much trouble. No inspections, no outbursts from Swan Dragon; despite it being winter, it's a pretty smooth trip."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "Er?"

<<OOC>> Aidan hmmmms.

Brian says "Oddly, at the harbor, as -soon- as you come ashore, three puffs of wind blow onto the ship. Not ordinary ones, either; you can faintly see "distortions", about the size of a head, flitting about, blowing up and around and through everything. It's hard to tell, since, like air, they seem to shift and reshape in order to flit through all cracks, but you -think- they're the same three puffs of wind, running over your ship repeatedly."

Brian says "It's spooking the Malfeas out of your sailors, too."

Liu looks thoroughly unamused as she stops in the middle of a very simple belly-dancing routine with one of her circus fellows to cast hard looks at the wind and the direction it came from. Playful fickle storms need to mind their own business.

Diamond Borealis frowns as he watches the puff of wind blowing hither and yon around the ship. Something not quite right about that. He focuses his concentration for a moment, tapping the Essence within him to be able to see beyond the physical world, and to the world of Spirits that are the backdrop that moves everything behind the scenes. He runs a thumb along his strap of his bag as he does.

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "Spirit Detecting Glance."

Aidan stops his exercises, somewhat bothered at the interruption. He looks curiously at the puffs of wind as they flit around the ship.

Brian [to Diamond Borealis]: It's definitely a spirit; an elemental, to be precise. The tiny essence-form of a gull is overlaid over the puffs, like a shadow of a second shape. Based on that, and the fact that they ARE physical creatures of wind, you're fairly certain they're the small, playful, and rather distractable elementals known as Wisps.

Kanfi mostly ignored them, tilting his head up into the breeze when it passes by, but otherwise letting the others deal with it. If they even want to.

Diamond Borealis looks over toward Liu, motioning her over as she had success dealing with the storms earlier. He puts a thumb and finger between his lips and gives a loud whistle meant to attract the Wisps' attention. His eyes track them as the flitter about.

Phoenix Maiden frowns slightly at the wind-forms. She makes herself a calming presence, attempting to reassure sailors without saying anything as the poor mortals have had quite enough shocks on this trip, as she heads to find Diamond, who is better at dealing with immaterial things than herself.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 1d5 <5> for 5 total.

Brian says "Hmm."

Liu gives her friend a quick bright smile and touches her arm, then hops over to Diamond and sort of headbutts his shoulder as he whistles. "Little puffy rain girls again?" She smiles at him but looks ever so slightly annoyed.

Brian says "As Diamond whistles, one of the Wisps darts -fast- away from the ship, almost skipping over the dock and through the crowds of people on it. Yet another gives a bit of a scare to the tops master, flying up along her back and perching on the top of the pennant atop the crow's nest, trembling near-invisibly. The last one wiggles indecisively midair, and then speeds over to Kanfi, clinging to his braids behind his head (and away from Diamond) with little tendrils of air."

Kanfi tips his head back, running his hands through his braids-- and, not incidentally, the spirit too. He is not actually bothered by it. The thing certainly seems harmless enough for now.

Brian [to Kanfi]: You hear a light giggling, like silver bells clattering, and you feel a rushing, wooshing... snuggling? of your fingers.

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "W00t. Chicks dig cute, snuggly things."

Phoenix Maiden raises an eyebrow at Diamond and Liu as she approaches. "What have we got here, Diamond?" she asks.

Diamond Borealis smiles to Liu. "Little puffy wind girls, yeah. They're playful, harmless really." He shakes his head as they rush away from him, seemingly scared by the attention. He sighs, as if troubled. "I guess I'm a little bit frightening to them."

Brian [to Diamond Borealis]: Wisps tend to be powerful for their size-- that isn't really saying much, though. They're Essence 2 creatures, and often used as messengers-- or spies. They have a reputation for, well, a decided lack of decorum and sense, though it's said to hide a razor-sharp wit.

Aidan sees the rest of the circle gathering. His exercises forgotten for the moment, he wanders over to join them. "Is this likely to be a cause for concern?"

Brian says "But they are also roughly about as threatening as a mortal with a pointy stick overall, yeah."

Phoenix Maiden chuckles quietly. "Too gruff. Maybe you should let Kanfi dress you," she jokes, remembering the outfits Kanfi came up with LAST time they were in Yane. "The question is, why the particular attention?"

Kanfi shrugs and glances over at the rest of the circle, grinning. "If she's afraid of you, I'm not coming over there, old man. And you really should let me dress you some time."

Liu grins at Diamond fondly, "You're frightening to everything." She nods at Phoenix Maiden and looks back at Diamond. "What do you suppose they want -- besides messing with us? Seems like puffy wind things have been around since we left the Lap. Those clouds weren't regular clouds." Liu says this authoritatively, because she figures anything odd with wind must be just like the last odd wind thing she experience, that she ran off.

"Spying for someone. Or here to deliver a message." Diamond replies with a faint frown now forming on his rugged face. He folds his arms over his chest. "Do you have a message for us?" He asks, indicating the one hiding behind Kanfi's head. He's definitely not the sort that seems to thrive on fooling around.

Phoenix Maiden frowns slightly. "Well, one's gone now, so if they're spies, whoever sent them will soon know. We can hope it was..." she eyes the remaining Wisp and changes what she's going to say, "someone we'd like to chat with."

Brian says "The silver-belled wisp lets out a raucous call, and abruptly, she is a sleek gull, with long, grey-shining wings, a sharp looking beak, and an intelligent look in her eyes. She clings onto the top of Kanfi's head with her talons, carefully clutching his braids as she puffs out her chest, flapping her wings at Diamond. Once more she lets out a seagull's call, and an answer is heard from up on the crow's nest, followed by a wooosh as a similar looking argent-winged gull flies down to hover beside Kanfi and the first one."

Kanfi looks on half amused, since he seems to be their safe haven for now, and tosses a helpless smile towards his friends. "Well?" he asks quietly, turning his attention to the spirits expression open and friendly.

Phoenix Maiden's expression towards the materialized Wisps is curious and reservedly friendly. "Greetings," she says, calmly, sparing a glance for the sailors to see if they're freaking out too badly.

Brian [to Phoenix Maiden]: The sailors are pretty freaked out, but less so than they might have been; they seem to have gotten used to the craziness associated with you people. The tops mistress looks a little offended, though; apparently, argent there got fresh.

"Yes, he is a bit of a puffed-up pretty boy." Diamond says to the gull-spirits dancing around Kanfi's head. "No argument from me there." His lips twitch just a fraction, indicating he's yanking someone's chain.

Liu chuckles behind her hand, looking down and away from Kanfi somewhat demurely.

Phoenix Maiden is less inclined to the 'spy' theory with them materializing. But hasn't ruled out "Spy + Distraction," so tries not to focus too much on them, but keep her eyes open for other situations.

Kanfi rolls his eyes at Liu and Diamond. "Not my fault I'm cuter than you, old man." He shrugs, and reaches out to the second spirit, offering it a perch on his shoulder, if it wants.

Brian says "Argent alights on Kanfi's shoulder and peers upwards at Silver Bell. "Message?" he squawks, and she replies, "Messenge! Wait." to him, fluttering her wings at Diamond boldly again. "Show," she says, and bends comically over Kanfi's forehead to tap him gently in the dead center, before flopping back, as neatly as Liu, to resting on his braids. Once again, she cries at Diamond, "Show!""

Aidan looks from Kanfi to Diamond and back again, trying to puzzle out the meaning of the visitors.

Phoenix Maiden ahs quietly, and nods to Kanfi and Diamond. "I wonder if all of us should light our castemarks."

Brian says "Argent makes a rude noise. "One! Subtle!" he scolds at PM, and then runs over the back of Kanfi's neck to hide from her on his -other- shoulder."

Liu cannot help but be amused. She glances around to Aidan as she giggles at the gull/spirits, wondering if he finds this amusing too.

Kanfi nods only a little, trying not to disturb his two visitors, and winks at Liu, since she seems to be the only other person who gets the amusement factor inherent int he situation. "Why don't I do it?" The question is aimed both at his circle and the spirits.

"I don't think that's necessary, just one of us." Diamond replies to Phoenix. He indicates Aidan with a gesture. "You're always on, let them see your mark." As the bird bonks Kanfi on his head, he decides he likes the capricious spirits more and more.

Phoenix Maiden raises an eyebrow at the nervy-nervous gull, and shrugs. "Very well. If one will suffice." She nods to Kanfi.

"Perhaps they need to be assured of our identity, then." Aidan pulls the hood of his robes back, exposing the caste mark permanently visible on his forehead. "Mine is visible already, let's see if that's enough for them."

Brian says "Argent and Silver Bells peer over at Aidan. Then at each other. They then begin to argue rapidly in rather sophisticated Old Realm, the gist of which is that Aidan wasn't on the list, but the rest of you are, so they'll go with it, if just to prevent giant beacons. Argent settles down onto Kanfi's shoulder quietly, but Silver Bell draws herself up proudly. "Well! That's enough of -that-. I am Silver Bell, Wisp of the Southern Wind, acting on behalf of the most Noble, Incandescent, and Beauteous Ulito Swan, as temporary ambassador to the honored Circle of Solars of whom she met, and with whom a quest was shared. May the Unconquered Sun fill your days with glory and warmth; may your swords rest in the blood of your enemies, and may a thousand and one hearthstones be crushed in your honor at the Circle of Udai. On this day, in the chill winds of Descending Water, myself, and my husband, Argent, have been sent to you to declare that her ladyship once more wishes conversation with you all, concerning the secret and august matter of your quest. If, as she surmises, you have succeeded in the first critical phase of your ordeals, she begs that the object of your quest not accompany you ashore; the days grow dark and ill news is born by unruly gusts, little perishers that they are, never respect an honest Wisp's quiet time, youth today... Erhem. Lo, darkness in the stars and amidst the Jade and Orichalcum Gates, so needs must as need demands; secrecy, she begs of you for indulgence, to follow our lead to a meeting place on the dock-- alone, save with your circle only.""

Brian says "And then she gives a self-satisfied coo and snuggles into Kanfi's braids again."

Phoenix Maiden nods in satisfaction, her reservation cracked. "I had hoped it was Ulito." She glances around. "How is he today? Will he be all right left alone, do you think?"

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Boss? Does it seem okay to leave SD alone, or will one of us have to stay with him?"

Liu is very torn, weighing whether or not she should volunteer to stay with Swan Dragon to keep him quiet and occupied, or if she should stay with her Circle, to guard their backs. She looks up to Diamond and watches him consider the message.

<<OOC>> Brian says "He's calm and quiet today. And he's been good for quite some time."

Diamond Borealis lifts his shoulders at Phoenix Maiden's query. "I can't tell...that's more a question for Kanfi and Liu." He turns toward Kanfi again, repressing the smile that the spirit nesting in his braids threatens to call forth. There's a faint suspicion on his face as he meets Liu's gaze. His lips pressed into a thin line.

Liu shrugs a little, "He's been calm. He seems like he's waiting. And content to wait."

Kanfi reaches up to pet Silver Bell, if she'll permit it. "He's seemed pretty calm and happy. I don't see why we can't leave him alone, so long as we're back in a reasonable amount of time." There's a spark of worry in his eyes, but it's muted by the happy news that they'll see Ulito again.

Phoenix Maiden nods. "Well. If the meeting place is on the dock, it's not too far away. I think we should go."

Diamond Borealis lets his brow knit. He's weighing it over in is mind. "Daylight is burning." He offers, indicating he's ready to go. Though his back is up slightly, worst case they are out a ship. "But I do not think we should leave our cargo alone for very long."

Liu looks at the gulls, then looks around at her Circle, and then nods once sharply. She runs to her cabin to equip herself with her throwing knife belt, and to give Swan Dragon a kiss and admonishments to stay in the cabin.

Phoenix Maiden nods to Diamond. "It shouldn't be too far." She peers at the gulls for confirmation as she continues, "If it's on the dock."

Argent and Silver Bell chorus, "Not long! Not far! Follow!" as they both transform into puffs of wind again, blowing Kanfi's braids in his face and around his head, before darting forward, towards the dock, then back, then forward again, impatiently.

Kanfi pauses, unsure if the spirits want to go down to see Swan Dragon, but when they take off, it gives him a chance to dash down and grab his own weapon, as well as check to make sure that Swan Dragon seems calm enough to be left, give the old man sweet hopeful smile, and tell him they'd be back soon.

Aidan pulls his hood back up to cover his castemark again. He turns to follow the wisps towards the place of meeting, but waits for the rest of the circle before proceeding.

Swan Dragon gives you -both- a fond kiss and a promise that he will remain within, having tea with Shurtimu Ji. The fact that Shurtimu Ji has been given a cup is probably not quite as disturbing as the fact that said cup hovers in the air, and is drank from, without any visible splash.

Phoenix Maiden nods; she is, perhaps, less paranoid than a Solar ought to be in these days, but she is satisfied for her part, and nods after the Wisps, then follows them when the others return to the deck; her own spear is already with her, as she rarely allows herself to be parted from it.

Liu trots back and flanks her Circle, giving Aidan a sharp look and a nod that conveys that she'll be looking out and will let him know if she sees something he doesn't. She caught a bit of Diamond's suspicion, and is sure to focus her mindfulness on her senses, sharpened by the grace of the Unconquered Sun, not willing to let something ambush them. ((Sensory Acuity Prana)).

Brian [to Liu]: Actually, it's a nice day. A couple of pickpockets around, but none coming near your group. Nothing unusual, though it's a lot easier to follow the crazy-fluttering wisps like this.

Liu will be pleased if it stays a nice day. Warm, balmy, and no need to get any of her nice shiny knives all bloody.

Diamond Borealis stays apace with the group, watching the spirits, but also glancing around their surroundings with eyes that see even hidden spirits. He moves with a long, graceful stride that eats up the boards of the dock. He scratches his stubble lightly with his fingertips and adjusts his hat to better shield his eyes.

The wisps lead the lot of you to a rather ordinary-looking shipping warehouse, not too far from the docks. Two hooded figures with svelte forms that manage to suggest sensuousness despite the all-encompassing robes they wear guard the nearest door, and Diamond, you see the energies of spirits-- elementals-- around them. You sense a -lot- more coming from the warehouse. Liu, as you get closer, your enhanced senses tell you that this entire area of the dock is much warmer than the rest.

Kanfi follows along, humming cheerfully and glancing around as they walk, considering places to come back to, if he gets a chance to wander around the city before they head out again.

Diamond Borealis tips his hat with two fingers to the guards. "She must be inside here. Shall we enter?" He glances again at the sensuous, cloaked figures. "Or do we need to give you a password?"

Phoenix Maiden follows the gulls, alert, but relaxed. She glances back towards the ship as they reach their apparent destination.

Liu is somewhat comforted by the warmth, remembering how warm Ulito's habitat was last time. She hangs behind Diamond.

Aidan stands back a pace from the guards at the door, remaining alert for anything that would indicate trouble.

The two figures bow to all of you as you approach, and the wisps dart past them, through the cracks of the door. "You are welcome to enter, of course, Diamond Borealis," says one of the Flame Ducks. "And the glorious Phoenix Maiden of the Unconquered Sky, the well-loved Kanfi, the clever Liu; and of course, the valorous Hunter Ascendant In the Burning Wastes, ally of Murantru Ohta," they say together. "Please, enter; our mistress has been expecting you."

Phoenix Maiden raises an eyebrow at Aidan. "They know you," she murmurs, "A thing I won't complain about." She heads in.

Diamond Borealis bites back a comment about the 'well-loved'. "I don't get any respect..." He mutters to himself as he steps into the warehouse, glancing around quickly.

Aidan bows in the direction of the guards, and his bearing relaxes noticeably. He turns to Phoenix Maiden as though to speak, then shrugs and follows her inside the building.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden was worried - well, not really worried but at least kept in mind the necessity of - about explaining the addition of Aidan. Apparently she doesn't have to. :p

Kanfi snickers at Diamond and winks at the closest guard flirtatiously. "Not our fault you're not as wonderful s the rest of us."

Brian [to Diamond Borealis]: You got an interested glance from the first Flame Duck. Does that count?

Diamond Borealis shoots a glance over at Kanfi and then adds with a wink over his shoulder to the guard giving him the eye; "When you're Diamond Borealis, you don't need any fancy extra compliments before your name."

The door is opened for you all, and a blast of heated air hits you. Much like her home in the Naval District, it is MUCH hotter within than the cool docks. However, that's about where the resemblance ends; inside, well, it's a shipping warehouse. Crates, large and small, marked with diagrams and kanji denoting Chiaroscuro are everywhere. Great rolls, spindles, and other shipping containers are stacked in neat, orderly piles. There isn't actually too much of it; much less than her former mansion contained, though in the center of the room a large door sits, standing midair and inscribed within a circle marked carefully with thaumaturgical warding sigils.

Flame Ducks, wearing much less clothing but still carrying their javelins, are wandering and patrolling everywhere. High above the very burnable crates but not so near the ceiling as to be dangerous, four HUGE balls of -fire--- burning eyes with red irises, belching and flaring grumpily, as they are not permitted to scorch the wood that surrounds them.

In the center, near the door, a pavilion has been set up, with cushions, a table, and a raised chair that Ulito Swan sits at. She's wearing her own form today, rather than Liu's-- tall, dusky, with long bright red hair, but just as impossibly thin. Her face is as it was, crowned with snow-white feathers hiding two short golden horns, with two diminutive fangs at the edge of her lips. She is wearing long robes of white silk, bordered in scarlet flame whorls, and she rises as you enter.

Liu is careful to make a measured bow, deep enough to convey the respect one has for a highly accomplished peer. And her face breaks into a big happy smile, because this feels just a little bit like coming home -- making the journey out in reverse and seeing the people you left.

Phoenix Maiden glances around the busy warehouse, and moves towards Ulito as Swan Dragon's daughter rises; Phoenix Maiden gives a polite bow of greeting and saying, "Lady Ulito."

Aidan reaches up to remove his hood as he enters, in deference to the heat of the interior, as well as in respect for the owner of the place. And then stands tall, waiting to take his cue from the rest of the circle.

Kanfi grins broadly, and bows, well, more deeply than might actually be necessary, and glances up from under the braids, beads reflecting reds and oranges in a halo around his face. "Most beauteous lady. I consider it more than an honor to see you once again," he purrs, obviously in good humor now (definitely in much better humor than he has been for a while now.)

Diamond Borealis takes off his hat as he bows to Ulito. His gaze flicks up to the four fireballs above them, still alert. He's quiet, letting Kanfi do what Kanfi does best.

Brian [to Diamond Borealis]: They're Llamma-Yus, and, basically, giant dog-brained fireballs of destruction. They can be trained as fighters or guards, though.

<<OOC>> Aidan says "Would I know who Ulito is? I can't remember if it's been discussed, or if I would just know it from background."

Brian says "I don't think so; she's not that famous."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "I would think somewhere in the discussion, it would have been mentioned."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Ah, okay, then you know."

<<OOC>> Liu says "Yeah, what with the "We should take him to Ulito" being said repeatedly."

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "I'm pretty sure it was mentioned during the prophecy thing."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "'kay."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "PM's been rambling about the situation on the boat the whole way, so. :)"

Ulito is MUCH less formal. All of the four whom she's met before, starting with Diamond, get a great big warm hug; Kanfi gets another forehead kiss. To Aidan, instead, some of the formality returns; she bows deeply to him and lowers her eyes. "Murantru Ohta told me of your heroism, Hunter Ascendant In the Burning Wastes; I thank you, both for the aid you have rendered to those who would rescue my father, and to one who is like an uncle to me in his hour of need."

Aidan smiles a bit at the mention of Ohta, remembering the glory of combat. He, too, bows deeply to Ulito. "You are welcome, Lady Ulito. I am only glad that I was in the right place to be of service. Has Murantru Ohta quite recovered from the damage done by the iron beast?" He inquires gently, not knowing how long Ohta would be out of commission. "And please, call me Aidan."

Diamond Borealis straightens his back just a bit as he is hugged by the spirit. Sudden affection always having that effect on him. He clears his throat and wipes his brow with one arm, to clear some of the sweat. Then folds into a cross-legged seat near her chair. "His aid came in handy. Even if we didn't manage to take the Sidereal alive." He's still mildly grumpy about that, but in a good-natured ribbing fashion.

Phoenix Maiden switches contexts gracefully and returns the hug freely. "We were glad for Aidan's aid," she says after Ulito addresses Aidan. She glances at the Dawn. "I'd like to hear that story someday; heroism makes good tales."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden is a storyteller! One collects heroism! It might be dinner!

Kanfi grins and catches Ulito's hand as she pulls away, kissing her fingertips in a courtly manner and giving her a teasing look before letting go. He gives Aidan an interested look too. "You've got s lot of stories to tell, I'm sure."

Aidan shrugs, trying to downplay the conversation. "It was mostly a case of being in the right place at the right time, I merely did what was proper. But if you are interested, I shall be delighted to tell you of it, when we have leisure."

Liu cocks her head back a little, her attention on Ulito. "My lady," she tries to gently move the conversation to the matter at hand. "You know we found your father, yes?" OK, maybe not so gently.

Ulito bows her head to Liu and nods. "Indeed," she says softly. "Though the news did not come from a welcome source. That is why I urged you to come here secretly, and swiftly-- and without my father," she says. She starts as though to go on, but deep beneath her firm, warrior's facade, her heart is almost breaking; her eyes quaver slightly and there is a fixed, forced look to her 'calm' expression. In a hoarse voice she covers her wavering emotions by saying, "Please, sit down, honored guests."

Phoenix Maiden's lips narrow. "The Immaculates," she says - half a statement, half a question - as she moves to a cushion and folds her legs under her.

Aidan raises an eyebrow as Phoenix Maiden mentions his former caretakers. And moves quietly to his own seat, waiting for Ulito to continue.

Kanfi takes a seat as well, but curls into a seated position as close to Ulito as he can without being completely rude, and leans in, letting his concern show. For all that he's a bit of a womanizer, he actually cares quite a bit, and the way his hand reaches out, curling at the edge of the cushion, ready to reach up and brush away tears just displays his worry for her well-being.

Diamond Borealis rests his hands on his knees and listens attentively, head tilted to the side.

Liu drops onto a cushion and holds her chin in her hands, leaning forward.

Ulito shakes her head. "Worse. Though the putrescent Wong Bongerok has had me thrown out of my father's Manse, most of the servants are still loyal to his m- to him," she says, biting her lip with one fang. "And through him, to me. Although he has not chosen to reveal it to Yu-Shan, the Most Corrupt Censor of the South has been given news, I know not how, of your combat and the prize at the end. He means to kill my father, and you, as fast as may be, and he has terrible allies among the Silver Pact, as well as his own political and spiritual power." She smiles gratefully at Kanfi.

Phoenix Maiden frowns and shakes her head, glancing to Diamond, who knows more of such lore than she does. "At least we are warned," she says, inclining her head gratefully towards Ulito.

Liu makes a growlygruff annoyed sound, wondering why it can't ever go smooth. And wondering, again, about that horrible Monkey beast that gave Midnight-With-Stars such a hard time, and what his connection to this was.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "She knew about Wong Bongerok at least because of what Ahlat's messengers said about him, I think. Hrm."

"So point us to him. We'll take the fight to him." Diamond doesn't mention the idea of getting her father all worked up to help them. "No offense, Ulito, but we're back. You should know what that means. We've given you the respect that is your due, but it's time we start knocking some heads, kicking some teeth, gumming up some bureaucracy and straightening out the mess a few Celestials have made of the proper running of Creation and Yu-Shan. I think the Censor of the South is a fine place to start that and the sooner we do it the better."

Liu cannot suppress the wicked grin that blossoms on her face at Diamond's words. Somehow, his intensity and intent just feel like the proper amount of momentum to her.

Kanfi sighs, and isn't really surprised there are complications. The jobs that paid well ALWAYS had complications. They wouldn't pay well if they were easy. But he bows his head to Ulito and reaches out to brush his fingers over the back of her hand, if she lets him. And glances at Diamond, resignation giving way to annoyance. "We're not going in kicking and waving weapons right now. The Censor of the South undoubtedly has more power, more resources, more just about EVERYTHING than us. We finish that tasks we have on hand and deal with what comes at us when it comes at us."

Ulito looks pleased at Diamond Borealis' speech. "I do indeed, O Copper Spider, and my heart warms to that. But I would be remiss if I did not warn you; fat and lazy as he is, Wong Bongerok is still mighty, both in the burning phlogiston of his breath, and his powerful magics, as well as the poison of his tail. Furthermore, he has allies who are Exalted as well." She smiles fondly-- if ferally-- at Kanfi and touches his cheek. "I have more confidence in you, Quicksilver Falcon, than it seems you do; but you speak wisdom. Wong Bongerok would almost certainly have the armies of Heaven on his side, as well."

Phoenix Maiden eyes Diamond and comments dryly, "I like a good fight, but you realize we ought to heal Swan Dragon, first, don't you? I mean, we'd like him to take his old job back."

Ulito asks, "What, may I ask, are your plans now, my friends?"

Liu nods vigorously at Phoenix Maiden, but notes, "We may not have time for that though. He's looking for *us*."

Aidan says "There are two pieces to our quest, then. Firstly we must restore Swan Dragon so that he is ready to return to his rightful place. And then we must remove the one that corrupts the office with his presence."

Phoenix Maiden shakes her head slightly. "I'm not sure. I have... thoughts in mind to help your father recover himself. Thoughts you could, perhaps, assist with - I need to know his story, and I have only pieces from lore and legends. And Harborhead is on the brink - unless it has spilled over already - and I can not in good conscience neglect that situation since we fueled it."

Kanfi tilts his cheek into her touch and smiles. "It would please me to destroy the corruption in the Heavenly Bureaucracy as much as any of my companions. But my sister's plan attracts me more. If she sings Swan Dragon's story correctly from his first moments to his last, then we will have a powerful and valuable ally in our fight against Wong Bongerok, one who can certainly rally other fighters to our cause. And there IS the matter of Harborhead..."

Ulito touches her chin and considers. "I am young," she admits. "I was not far into adulthood when my father disappeared, and though I have been alive since, I did not know him, save as a figure of awe and majesty most of the time," she says sadly. "Which is another reason I begged you not to bring him; were I to see him, I could not restrain myself from rage and weeping, and I do not doubt that together we would burn Yane to the ground in the agony of that meeting." She's controlling herself, but barely; this is killing her. "Please... I know some stories of him, and things that were only available in our household, but not as many as I should." She grows quiet for a second, thought and logic racing ahead of the passion that threatens to burn out through her. "Dozima! Of course!"

Diamond Borealis reaches into his pouch. He pulls out a scrap of paper and begins to write on it, wiping his hand on his trousers to keep it dry. "We do need to heal Swan Dragon, yes. But when I say strike at Wong Bongerok, I do not mean that we should march right over and pound his door in. No, we wage a full-scale assault on him. We assassinate his allies, particularly weak mortals and spirits. We financially ruin his backers. We turn any state that supports him into a bureaucratic morass that can't even get the refuse cleaned from the city streets. Yes, we need Swan Dragon healed, as rapidly as possible so that he may assist when the fight starts, but we can start as we leave. To let him know that we are aware of him, and that we are not afraid, and that we will deal with him in our time."

Kanfi moves closer to Ulito's side as she talks, brow furrowed. He's can see how much this pains her, and wants to help, although he shouldn't really interrupt. He does make a face at Diamond, though. "That's not an all-out attack. That's politics."

Liu straightens her back a little bit, looking between Diamond, Kanfi, and Phoenix. "It is still true that we need to return to Harborhead. Is it possible for us to establish ourselves there to prepare for Diamond's plan? I do not want to sit on jade beds while someone sends assassins our way." She's trying to sound so very reasonable.

Diamond Borealis gives Kanfi a quizzical look, a smile on his face. "Sweetcheeks, politics is just war by other means. With you and Liu and Phoenix Maiden? We can choke him off from essence, money, support and military power. If you have to fight someone, better to fight him after you've knee-capped him, and made sure he goes hungry for a week, and has had his women desert him for greener pastures." Diamond does not fight fair. He fights to win. Ulito receives from him a squeeze of her shoulder, a show of his solidarity. "But who is this Dozima? Can he help us in healing your father?"

Aidan sits and listens....

Phoenix Maiden inclines her head sharply and nods to Liu. "I believe in freeing Harborhead we will establish a strong base from which to play at politics." She pauses thoughtfully. "We are not his only enemies," she says after a minute.

"Dozima Wokish, Chosen of Jupiter," Ulito explains excitedly, squeezing Kanfi's hand. "He has been my friend, both in this lifetime, and in the last incarnation of his Shard. He is of the Gold Faction, and indeed has a Night Caste lover. It was your mention of a Sidereal before-- a Bronze Factioner, I have no doubt, and I am sure that they are the reason that Wong Bongerok knows of my father's return-- that should have reminded me. In both lives that I have known him, Dozima has been a student of the lore of the Court of Orderly Flame-- and my father. I can write down what I know and send it to him with a missive to join you in Harborhead as soon as may be.

"He is not very experienced in this life," she notes wryly, "But the Sidereals have ways of bringing out memories of past lives far more accurately than any -I- possess. And if you mean to contest with both the Bronze Faction and Wong Bongerok, you will need the aid of one who can also command the stars."

Kanfi rolls his eyes at Diamond and smirks a bit. "And how many women does he have?" He's joking. Mostly. But Kanfi sighs and rolls his shoulders. "Fine, fine. With all the trouble that finds us, it's a wonder we have the time to go looking for it..." He's smiling wryly, though, and squeezes her hand back gently as he listens.

Phoenix Maiden frowns. "I wouldn't have thought the Sidereal reported to anyone," she says, giving Aidan a wry look. "Aidan dealt with her most admirably." She shrugs and shakes her head, then gives Ulito a smile. "I think we will be contesting, whether we would or not."

Phoenix Maiden spreads her hands out flat on the table. "Very well. It will be interesting to lead a war while ensuring the safety of Swan Dragon," she comments, "but I think we had best plan on that. After Harborhead is secured, we can turn the fight to sliding knives into the back of those who aid our enemies - knives material and less so as appropriate." She nods to Ulito. "We would, I think, be very glad of your friend's aid. I would rather have as many pieces as I can before I make my attempt."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says 'safety' means 'keep him from burning down our army'.

"That is one of the things we need to find out. Or men for that matter. I don't give a shit which he likes. We take them away regardless. Sounds like we need to look up this Dozima Wokish. He may be able to aid us. If he isn't already doing so. If we can cure your father quickly, the rest will fall into place." Diamond is utterly assured and confident that his Circle can free Harborhead, and depose this corrupt official. He grins to the entire group, his smile nearly as radiant as Aidan's caste mark. "This is what we were Chosen for, to do the things that no one else can do. To do the impossible, with nothing."

Liu stretches her arms upwards, cracking her shoulders and back, a gesture of satisfaction.

Phoenix Maiden says dryly, "Far from nothing. Harborhead has the capacity to be a powerful land without the Realm milking it dry - and if we can deal with the Dragon-blooded of the legions, the people of Harborhead are all warriors," she says.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden has a little bit of national pride. >_>

Brian says "Alright. the rest of the conversation goes well, and quickly. Ulito is packing up and leaving Yane; with Wong Bongerok on a rampage, it's not safe for her here, so she's going back to her place of strength in Chiaroscuro. She promises to send Dozima as soon as maybe, and to talk to her allies in the Court to see what else can be found out about her father's history. She sends you on your way with hugs for all and kisses for Kanfi, and a single, burning rose-- the rose is actually made of fire-- suspended in an adamant case that she asks you to give to her father."

Brian says "5 XP for everyone."

Kanfi says "Anything interesting happen when we give the rose to SD?"

Brian says "We'll deal with that next session. ;)"

Phoenix Maiden .oO(Maybe we should do that on shore.)