Jade and Cattle log, 5/26/2006
Jun. 1st, 2006 09:15 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
leticiaBrian says "Okay, so everyone is packed together outside of the shipping warehouse that Ulito's refugees have taken together. who's carrying the rose, and what are your plans for it and Swan Dragon?"
Liu will want to have carried it, but is sure her place is to be ready to react in defense of her Circle, instead.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Who would Ulito have handed it to? PM will carry it if it was her, otherwise not think twice about it."
Brian says "Kanfi or Liu, probably."
Brian says "PM slightly intimidates her and Diamond's hands are probably still full of flame ducks at the time."
Brian says "And Aidan's new to her."
<<OOC>> Kanfi Makuri will carry it if it's handed to him.
Brian [to Kanfi Makuri]: It's in your hands then! Are you guys giving it to him aboard ship or on the land?
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden has no idea why PM could possibly be considered intimidating.
<<OOC>> Kanfi Makuri has no idea why Kanfi's hands aren't full of Ulito.
<<OOC>> Liu says "Well, he's still aboard ship himself, so I think it'd made sense to give it to him then."
Brian [to Kanfi Makuri]: She's a bit less... direct... in these matters than the Flame Ducks. You are however conveniently close. :)
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis thinks Land would be better.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden might ask whether it's likely that the rose will cause a ...err, flare up.
Aidan stands around looking dangerous, and has nothing to add....
Brian [to Phoenix Maiden]: Ulito says she doesn't think so, but the rose is just an expression of her love and connection to the old man; the decision to send it came to her in reverie (she doesn't sleep since becoming an elemental), and she thinks it'll be good for him.
Phoenix Maiden will be perfectly willing to give it to Swan Dragon on the ship, then.
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "The ship it is then."
Phoenix Maiden says, "If Diamond fusses over it, PM will grumble about time but be amenable to moving to shore for it."
Diamond Borealis is not concerned about giving the flower to Swan Dragon. He's focused on planning; long and short range. Though his expression is dour, his eyes are constantly on the move, scanning their path back to the ship.
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "where did we decide we are headed next?"
<<OOC>> Brian says "I believe you're headed straight back to Harborhead?"
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 4 dice: <5 5 6 9> for 1 success.
[EDG's Command Machine(#23){EDG}<-(#64)] Brian [to Diamond Borealis]: Give me a Perception + Occult roll, please.
<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 9 dice: <1 2 4 5 6 8 9 9 10> for 5 successes.
Brian says "Right. As you guys are walking back to the dock with your ship, with Diamond on point, you notice a new trireme in port-- large, all of the rows staffed. It's got the same outlines as a naval troop-carrier for the Realm, except that there's no legion badge or flag over it, just a single, flag showing an abstract whorl made of the five Elemental colors. Diamond, your sharp sorcerer's eyes pick up the fact that there are bound water elementals patrolling around the bottom of the ship, and you get a slight hint of bruises on them, slowly healing despite their free-flowing nature. Similarly, there is a beaten and intimidated wind-spirit, a winged being like an elder and larger version of the wisps, perched on the main mast near, but not -on-, the crow's nest atop the trireme's supplementing sails."
Coming to a sudden halt, Diamond reaches for the haft of Grendel's Claw. He stops, without drawing the weapon and looks to the others, pointing toward the craft. "There. Do you see the craft with the look of one belonging to the Realm?" He pauses a moment, then continues. "They beaten Elementals into protecting the craft."
Liu frowns and catches Aidan's eye, taking the measure of him again to remind herself that he's got the physical safety of her friends well in hand, too. She looks back to Diamond and cocks her head, clearly waiting for him to tell her what the plan is.
Phoenix Maiden turns to glance at the ship, a few paces ahead of Diamond after his halt. "I don't think I'm familiar with that symbol," she says, frowning. "But I can't say much for people that coerce their guardians, whoever they are."
Kanfi Makuri frowns at the ship, eyeing it up and down, and sighing. He cradles the rose carefully, and tosses a look at Diamond, wondering what he's expecting to do.
Aidan glances at the new ship, his stance becoming ever so slightly stiffer. Taking a moment to still his breathing, he concentrates carefully, willing his eyes to become sharper, searching carefully for any sign of threat from the newcomers.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Gonna use that vision charm in Hungry Raptor, just for kicks. From personal."
Brian [to Aidan]: Roll Perception + Awareness, please.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "If that's a Vision roll, I add MA to it..."
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 11 dice: <1 1 6 6 7 7 8 9 10 10 10> for 10 successes.
Brian says "..."
Brian says "Um. Er. Give me a second."
Diamond Borealis grinds his teeth, his jaw moving back and forth with an audible sound of teeth. "If we stop to right every wrong we see, we'll never accomplish our larger goals. We'll remember the sigil." A pause as he stops the teeth griding. "And I have a feeling we'll see that ship again before long."
Brian [to Aidan]: Okay. You can clearly make out the deck. There's a tall dragon-blooded of the Fire blood by his red skin in elaborate red jade articulated plate, bearing a huge red jade daiklaive and wearing the badges of a legion commander. You can make out his expression from here-- he's uncomfortable, even afraid. Around him on the deck are twelve-- no, fourteen, two more just came up from below decks-- _very_ potent-looking Immaculate Monks. All of them have very deep aspect markings-- the two Woods are brilliant, verdant green with thorns and flowers growing in their hair, the three fire-blooded seem to distort the air around them with heat, the three sky-blue Airs seem to be causing microstorms just standing still, the three deep-black Waters have elaborate scales and the deck is damp beneath them, and the three earths look like granite, marble, and the third is like a pillar of solid stone. All of them except the Flame-bloods are wearing armor under simple robes of the Immaculate Order-- simple save for belts denoting high rank-- and all are carrying customized versions of their various Immaculate Dragon style weaponry. Those Airs are -not- carrying standard Infinite Jade Chakrams; you can make out the tiny inscriptions laced with some strange, glowing red substance on one, and see the pattern of wind-sworls etched into another, etc.
Liu resheathes the throwing knife she didn't realize she'd pulled from her belt, and gives Diamond a look of almost-regret. Though of course, she'd rather get back to Swan Dragon.
Brian [to Aidan]: There are a number of other monks aboard as well-- mostly mortal except for those; indeed, the muscled and fit Immaculates seem to be the ones acting as sailors.
<<OOC>> Liu says "oo. I vote we try to leave veeeery sneakily."
Aidan spits on the ground. "Immaculates. Lots of them. And very high ranking ones as well." He pauses to evaluate them in his head, reluctantly concluding that it wouldn't be pretty. "Don't do anything to attract their attention. That many of them, and all of them elders." His voice trails off, not wanting to complete the thought.
Phoenix Maiden pauses and glances at Aidan. "...We should warn Ulito, and then leave. One of us should go warn Ulito."
Phoenix Maiden turns towards the Night questioningly, and says, "Liu?"
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden figures being inconspicuous is what Nights do, right?
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Great minds think alike."
Liu starts and blinks, realizing at Phoenix Maiden's words that indeed these Immaculates might be here for Ulito, and NOT for her Circle. She is already opening her mouth to volunteer when Phoenix looks at her. "Fast and sneaky, right? Of course."
Phoenix Maiden grins at Liu, and nods. "We'll be on the ship, I think. Unless we get MORE surprises." She starts walking again.
Brian says "Should I split scenes for a moment, or should I just run Liu, and assume she's fast enough to get back to you guys as soon as needed?"
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "I don't think any of us are going to be moving fast - don't want to be obvious, after all - except Liu, so..."
Aidan mutters a brief word to the Unconquered Sun, promising one day that he will destroy these false upstarts and return all glory and honor where it belongs. Today is not the day, however, and he turns to follow Phoenix Maiden back to the ship.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "And we'll probably wait to get the rose to Swan Dragon until she gets back either way, because she'd like to be there. :p In fact, given the presence of a whole boatload of Immaculates, waiting until we're underway might be a good idea - because even if he burns up the ship, it's not like it'd be much worse than drawing their attention. :p"
Brian [to Liu]: Okay. Stunt off your departure, then. :)
Liu throws Diamond a grin before darting back off down the docks, not *obviously* being sneaky and furtive, since that wouldn't be sneaky, but rather putting on a "character" of a busy, hurried harbor courier.
Kanfi Makuri bites back a sigh. More complications, huh? Why couldn't complications ever be the FUN sort? Like pretty girls throwing themselves at his feet?
<<OOC>> Liu says "If I recall, it HAS been that sort before...."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Hey, at least we're not voting to fight 'em, Kanfi! Count your blessings. ;p"
<<OOC>> Kanfi Makuri SIGH!
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "And we even thought to warn your girlfriend. :p"
Brian [to Liu]: Give me a Dex + Stealth roll, please.
<<DICE>> Liu rolls 10 dice: <1 2 3 3 3 4 7 8 8 10> for 5 successes.
<<OOC>> Liu says "Meh, average!!"
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Mmm, Night."
Brian says "Still quite fast. :P"
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Yeah, it's only a legendary success. What do you want? ;p"
<<OOC>> Liu points petulantly at Aidan's previous roll
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden laughs.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Point, that."
<<OOC>> Aidan struggles not to spew wine out his nose. *snrch*
Brian [to Liu]: You move like a shadow through the crowd. The flow of people doesn't slow you-- in many ways, it speeds you on your way, swifter routes becoming obvious without revealing your presence. There is nothing that can hinder you, and your presence is unremarked by all.
Brian [to Liu]: Upon your return to the warehouse, the Flame Duck guards outside don't seem to have noticed you at all, either. You can try to sneak in if you wish-- or make them aware of your presence.
Liu reaches out a slender, long hand, and gently tugs on one of their robes, turning her bright smile up to them. "I need to see the Mistress again, please. I need to tell her something."
Brian [to Liu]: She starts and her weapon comes around swiftly-- but stops as soon as she recognizes you. "Lady Liu!" she says, astonished, though she quickly quiets down. "Of course. We did not expect you back," she explains, blinking somewhat as she opens the door to permit you in.
Liu tosses her braids over her shoulder, infinitely pleased with herself, and trots back into the middle of the warehouse, looking for Ulito -- but this time, being sure to make enough noise to announce her presence, unless a Flame Duck announces her.
Brian [to Liu]: Ulito is busy organizing once more, getting the last of her property bound into the great boxes inscribed within the mystic circles. She looks up as she hears you coming and concern mars her pretty face, so similar to yours. "Liu!" she exclaims. "Is my father alright? What has happened/"
Liu draws herself up, trying to be soothing as she answers. "Your father is fine. But as we approached our ship, we saw another one in harbor we thought you should know about." She describes the banner they saw, and the obviously very powerful Dragon-Blood Immaculates aboard. "We ourselves don't want to tangle with these Monks; the Phoenix Maiden thought you should be forewarned."
Brian [to Liu]: Ulito lets out a series of VERY unladylike curses in Flametongue. Some of which are even new to you, a veteran of many travels. She pauses in her diatribe to bow. "Thank you. This was not unexpected, but it is too _soon_. The Immaculates must have more strength in the South than I thought-- and are too worried about Harborhead. They will use the Varang as a staging area-- warn your Circle!" She swears again, and rushes out in a blur of the Principle of Motion to speed the packing.
Brian [to Liu]: And if you don't mind, we can hurry back to the main scene. ;)
<<OOC>> Liu says "Absolutely."
Brian says "The rest of the four of you make good time through the dock areas-- though apparently not as fast as you thought. You don't notice Liu has rejoined you until she skips up the gangway back onto the ship behind you. :)"
Phoenix Maiden looks for the captain to direct him to get ready to sail as soon as she's onboard. When she notes Liu, she smiles at the Night, and murmurs a "Thank you. No problems, I assume?"
Liu quickly relays to Phoenix Ulito's warning about the Realm using Varang against Harborhead, but affirms that there were no problems.
Phoenix Maiden nods to Liu, and looks around for the rest of the circle. Quietly, she says, "Given our friends over there, I suggest we wait to give the rose to Swan Dragon until we're out of the harbor if not over the horizon; I don't feel like drawing their attention if there should be any effects - if he DOES flare up, I suspect it would be worse to do it here, going on Aidan's appraisal of their strength."
Liu nods. "I'll go check on him now anyway, and see if he'll tell me any stories. Or maybe he's sleeping again." She touches Phoenix Maiden's sleeve and then wanders off down the deck.
Kanfi Makuri has the rose in his hand, but won't suggest that they give it to Swan Dragon until they're "safe" and out of port. For now.
Brian says "You find the Captain easily enough who nods, unperturbed by the strangenesses of his passengers as usual. Orders are made, and the charts have already been set."
Brian [to Liu]: Down below in your cabin, you find Swan Dragon standing with his back in a corner, holding Shurtimu Ji upraised in an attack position, his eyes flicking swiftly from place to place throughout the room as he mutters something under his breath in Old Realm.
Brian [to Aidan]: You're getting that itchy feeling of something being not right, a not-quite deja vu, again.
Kanfi Makuri has partially disconnected.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "That feeling was about the Captain before, yes?"
<<OOC>> Brian says "Si."
Phoenix Maiden doesn't go down below, but stays out of the sailors' way on the deck and keeps an eye out for trouble which seems to have noticed them.
Liu tries to gently talk Swan Dragon down, but doesn't think she'll be successful -- and doesn't think the old elemental is completely off his rocker, either. She exits quickly after a few minutes and goes to find Kanfi.
Brian [to Liu]: Do you speak Old Realm? I forget. Also, give me a Charisma + Presence + 1 roll.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Can't blame him. Immaculates all beating up elementals."
<<OOC>> Liu says "I do not speak Old Realm. But...."
<<DICE>> Liu rolls 7 dice: <2 2 3 4 6 7 8> for 2 successes.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden makes Sad Leti Eyes at the dice. Play nice, please.
Kanfi Makuri is carefully tucking the rose in the folds of his sash so that it won't get harmed when he goes downstairs to speak to Swan Dragon. He doesn't want to show the rose until they give i to him formally.
Aidan approaches Phoenix Maiden, and beckons her over to a quiet corner of the ship. "Where did you meet that captain? Something feels not quite right about him, for some reason."
Brian [to Liu]: You manage to get him to put down Shurtimu Ji for the moment, though he utterly refuses to leave his corner. He whispers something to you about the clicking of little spider feet, and webs as thick as death.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Where DID we meet the captain?"
<<OOC>> Brian says "... Man. When did y'all hire this ship?"
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Way back in Harborhead, I think,."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "At least, we've apparently been on the same ship since we left."
<<OOC>> Brian nods. "That's when you met him, then."
Brian says "Kanfi, Liu, are you two going back down together?"
Liu sweeps around a corner to find Kanfi, and speaks quickly and a touch breathlessly. "Kanfi, Swan Dragon is angry-- or scared-- and I can't understand what he's saying, but I think he thinks a battle is about to happen. He says 'spider feet', and 'webs thick as death.'" She's all but physically dragging him towards her cabin. It really upsets her when Swan Dragon is agitated, and only Kanfi seems to be able to calm him.
Kanfi Makuri is taken a bit aback, but isn't really surprised all the same. He follows Liu down to the cabin to check on their friend, worry furrowing his brow.
Diamond Borealis approaches Liu when she arrives from the hold. He leans in to Kanfi and Liu. "What was he saying again?" He inquires, his curiosity up.
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "Does D have a chance of recognizing what that is?"
<<OOC>> Brian says "... Sure. Really obscure though. Int + Lore, difficulty 5."
<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 9 dice: <1 2 4 4 5 5 5 7 7> for 2 successes.
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "Damn."
Phoenix Maiden blinks at Aidan, and is amenable to quiet discussion elsewhere. When Aidan says his bit, she glances around to check for listening crew before she answers; she's had no problems with the captain, but... "Harborhead," she says, "We hired the ship there." She casts a quick glance at the other Solars' conference, but - this is important too.
Aidan says "I can't really say what it is about him. It's almost as though I've met him before, somewhere, but that's impossible."
Brian [to Diamond Borealis]: No clue, I'm afraid.
Aidan says "I had this feeling before, though, and it usually does not bode well. You might tell the others to be ready for some excitement."
"Not spent much time on the sea or around ports?" Phoenix Maiden queries, and nods. "Though... we have been sailing with him for months now... if there's something uncanny about him... why wait so long?" She shakes her head. "I'll keep my eyes open too, and we'll tell the others."
Aidan nods to Phoenix Maiden. "I've spent most of the recent past on endless seas of hot sand, not water." He pauses at her question. "It's not something I feel all the time, strangely. And the last time I noticed it, the events at the time were enough to drive the thought from my head before I had a chance to speak to you about it."
Diamond Borealis shakes his head. "I'm afraid I don't have a clue as to what he means by that." He folds his arms over his chest, looking in the direction of the trireme.
Liu makes a huffing noise and darts back into her cabin, agitated by Swan Dragon's own agitation but eager to soothe him and get him to tell her what's wrong.
Kanfi Makuri shrugs and checks the rose again, feeling a little paranoid about it. He was just about to open his mouth and suggest returning to cabin to check on Swan Dragon, when Liu took off. So he gives Diamond an exasperated look and heads into the cabin as well.
Brian [to Kanfi Makuri]: You're carrying the rose, just not openly, right?
Phoenix Maiden nods to Aidan thoughtfully. "It's concerning, and probably bad news. Sneaky bad news is probably worse than open bad news, too. I suggest we go find the others and talk to them." She casts one last glance towards the ship full of Immaculates. "And hope our friends there haven't noticed us and don't before we're gone." She frowns.
Brian says "As Kanfi and Liu reenter the room, there is a scene of mixed majesty and travesty before them. Though Shurtimu Ji is once more on his back, the martial pride with which the aged Swan Dragon carries himself is incredible. Disarmed, he seems nearly as dangerous as when he held the mighty blade in his hand-- muscles at the ready beneath old skin, his body held in a loose, ready stance. But that pride ends with his eyes-- the haunting terror of whatever vexes his mind is deep there-- though, for some reason, it seems to abate as Kanfi enters the room."
Kanfi Makuri smiles sweetly, holding out his hand for the old man to take and speaks softly in the Old tongue. "Are you well, my friend? What causes proud and terrible warrior such concern?" He's deliberately understating.
Phoenix Maiden glances around the deck of the ship - and the harbor - one last time, and if she sees nothing new for concern, heads down, guessing that the rest of the Circle will be someplace near Liu's cabin and Swan Dragon.
Liu settles down a bit herself when Kanfi starts speaking, and watches Swan Dragon with a supportive expression.
Brian [to Kanfi Makuri]: The elder Elemental turns towards you, some of the madness continuing to drain from his eyes. "I supported them, once," he says, almost calmly. "It had to be done. I'm sorry about that. But now..." The tenseness returns, his hand curling around Shurtimu Ji's hilt. "Now they are against you again, and thus, me. But, as then, it had to be done."
<<OOC>> Liu says "In Old Realm, he says that?"
<<OOC>> Brian says "No, in Flametongue."
Kanfi Makuri licks his lips and drops his hands at his sides, unthreatening. "Who are against us, my friend?" He switches to Flametongue when Swan Dragon does, trying to follow the elemental's train of thought.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden isn't sure how long it takes to get to Liu's cabin, so, is heading there until she gets there. :)
Aidan turns to follow Phoenix Maiden down towards where Swan Dragon was staying. He takes care to remain back out of sight when they both arrive, though, listening carefully to both the conversation within the room, and the preparations above.
Brian [to Phoenix Maiden]: You're there now. ^_^
Phoenix Maiden enters the room, relieved to see the other Solars - and that nothing's on fire. She pauses to listen to the conversation, not wanting to interrupt something important with Aidan's news.
Liu grimaces a little, and looks outwards as though gazing through the ship to where the realm ship with its complement of Immaculates would be. "Does he know about the ship we saw? Do you think he's been above decks, and saw it?"
Brian says "Swan Dragon shakes his head and gently rests a hand on Kanfi's shoulder, his eyes growing tired as he softly says, "You know them. But you have forgotten the one who is closest to you. But... you keep the spiders away," he says, confused. "How?""
Diamond Borealis sits quietly, arms folded over his chest listening to the words of the Elemental as Kanfi palavers with him.
Liu looks helplessly to Diamond and quickly translates the Flametongue into High Realm to him.
Kanfi Makuri shakes his head and reaches up to cover Swan Dragon's hand with his own. "I don't know," he answers. "I don't know what the spiders are." Because they must be something different from the normal sort! He was... going to try not to think about the rest of that sentence...
Diamond Borealis whispers with Liu as she translates, occasionally interrupting to ask a question or have her repeat something. His brow knitting, he keeps his jaw clenched. He closes his eyes and begins to mediate his breathing. His eyes move beneath the lids as he tunes himself into the Essence of the world, seeking to make connections between the lore he has discovered, and that hidden within the shard deep in his soul that connects him to the Unconquered Sun.
<<OOC>> Brian waits on the Diamondstun right. :) Okay, 1 point of the stunt goes towards the reroll, so you get +1 dice out of your 2 for the basic.
<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 10 dice: <2 4 5 5 5 7 9 9 9 10> for 6 successes.
<<OOC>> Brian says "Yes, Diamond, his descriptions bring something earlier to mind-- the clicking of clockwork you heard when Fate when bad on you last time. You can't -hear- it, but Swan Dragon is an Elder, and mad besides; he might have insights you can't tell. And, given the results from _before_..."
Brian [to Kanfi Makuri]: Swan Dragon squeezes your shoulder and smiles. "Of course you do; you're just young, this time, and they're hard to remember, especially when you didn't meet them when you did." He picks up Kanfi's other arm, and begins to waltz across the cabin with him.
Phoenix Maiden senses the tension going out of the conversation - well, it's not hard to sense with Swan Dragon resorting to dancing - and says, "We may have a lurking problem." She glances at the other members of her Circle.
Diamond Borealis opens his eyes wide. "Undergarments of Venus." He hisses the words softly, real invective in the mild curse. "He can hear them. The spiders that weave Fate. Remember when we were attacked at sea? When Kimberry broke into the world? It's the same thing; we could hear it then." He motions for Aidan and PM to come over to him and Liu, while keeping an eye on the pair dancing. He tilts his heads at Phoenix's words.
Phoenix Maiden frowns, a hand briefly tightening on her spear. "Charming. I'm not sure if or how that relates, though..." She nods her head towards the Dawn. "Aidan says he gets a strange, not right feeling of recognition from the captain. He says he's had it before."
Kanfi Makuri , though surprised, lets Swan Dragon lead the dance, trying to sort the information out in his head. "I haven't forgotten the one closest to me," he murmured quietly, in Old Realm.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Does it sound like the ship is getting underway yet?"
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "There's not any real way for Diamond to know about Resplendent Destinies is there?"
<<OOC>> Brian says "Yup, it's starting to lurch and pull out."
<<OOC>> Brian says "'Fraid not."
Brian [to Phoenix Maiden]: It feels like you've got a good head of wind behind you, too; as the ship casts off from the dock, it catches swiftly, the abrupt -lurch- an unpleasant reminder of trips before.
Liu looks at Aidan, frowning speculatively, "Do you think you did know the Captain before you got on board? Where would you have met him? He's just a ship captain -- and you're from the desert."
Phoenix Maiden scowls. "I suspect this may be an interesting trip. If we have lurking trouble," she glances at the floorboards of the deck above, "...It's likely to act before we hit port."
Knitting his brow, Diamond asks, "Funny feeling of recognition? But you're from deep int he desert. How would you know a sea captain?" He glances over at Liu, as the ship lurches. "I think we need to bring him down here. And you and I need to have a little chat with him."
Phoenix Maiden glances at Liu, starts to say something, pauses, and shrugs at Diamond. "I'm not sure. If there's something funny going on, we're on the boat anyhow and we can't really go back to harbor now; not with the current residents. We might want to wait a bit before we act."
Diamond Borealis eyes the Maiden speculatively. "Once we're underway, what better time to talk with the Captain? The First Mate can take over his responsibilities, if need be."
Phoenix Maiden does look back at Liu, though. "If something goes wrong before we do - find him and keep him from getting away, if you can? I'd ask about the viability of spying on him, but I don't think we'd pick up anything useful. If something wrong is going on, he's kept up a pretty good cover."
Aidan says "I wouldn't say that I know him. Just that I feel ill at ease with him, and the feeling itself is familiar to me, as though it had come before."
Liu grins a little, and stretches her shoulders outwards, nodding. "Pounce the captain if anything goes wrong. Of course."
Brian [to Kanfi Makuri]: Swan Dragon stops and sighs. He pats Kanfi on the cheek. "I wish you could see it properly." Then he pauses, his expression growing terrible and fierce. "No. No-- no one should see it like that. Never."
Phoenix Maiden nods to Diamond. "If there's a hidden trap, it'll come while we're at sea - so I suspect we should probably look into this before that trap falls."
Kanfi Makuri tries not to pay attention to the knot growing in the pit of his stomach. Even if Swan Dragon is powerful, he's also insane. He could just be reflecting his own problems onto Kanfi. There's probably nothing wrong on Tatsuzaki's end.
Diamond Borealis gives Aidan and squeeze of the shoulder. "We have to trust our instincts. There are often things we do not know, that our Shards know. If he makes you uneasy, then we should question him, and determine who he is. Especially if there is someone interfering with the weaving of Fate around us. They may be controlling him, and interrogating him could flush them out."
Phoenix Maiden nods, and grumpily states, "Though I don't look forward to dealing with the crew if things go... sour. Oh, I can do it. Or Kanfi could, probably. But." She shakes her head.
Phoenix Maiden ponders, and looks to Swan Dragon. "I wonder how far we are from shore now."
Phoenix Maiden turns to Kanfi. "Probably far enough?"
Kanfi Makuri looks up at his sister, jerked out of his thoughts. "Oh... Oh, right!" He tugs away from Swan Dragon with a little smile and reaches onto the fold of his sash.
Phoenix Maiden grins and shrugs. "We might as well start dealing with the simpler complexities now."
Liu's lip quirks up at one corner while Kanfi reaches into his sash for Ulito's gift.
Brian says "Swan Dragon gives Kanfi a curious look of his own. "Right? Right now? Right where?""
Diamond Borealis simply grunts, distracted by his own thoughts as Kanfi gives the rose to Swan Dragon. He's listening with the hearing of an Exalt to the sounds above them.
Phoenix Maiden muses, watching Kanfi and the elemental dragon, "I wonder if HE could tell us anything about the captain."
Kanfi Makuri tugs the beautiful rose from his sash and bows slightly, extending it to Swan Dragon with a flourish.
Brian says "Swan dragon holds the adamantine case in his hands for a few moments and his brow wrinkles in intense concentration. "Lights can guide the way," he says softly. "This one-- I touched before, and when I was released, broken, from the darkness, I found my way home through the touch, and the remembrance." He holds the case to him awkwardly, as though he wasn't quite sure what to make of it. There is a serenity in his eyes as he begins to speak. "There is a light, passed on from parent to child. It is a rare thing, among gods or elementals, to have such; usually, we arise from the circumstances that made us. But I was born of the mixture of the gods and the Great Garda; I know what it is to have a mother, though she died in birthing us all." He strokes the cage slightly, tracing over the distance to the fire-rose.
He continues in a moment, tapping the case lightly. "The first thing I was ever required to do was to bring back a living rose, much like this one, from the Gardens of Alaketh, where our firstmother's blood spilled and invigorated the land. But that place is lost to the Wyld now, and it is harder to hear her echoes in us," he pronounces, and then sits alone again, in the corner, considering the rose."
Phoenix Maiden resists the urge to ask Swan Dragon if he has any insight on the captain - it would feel wrong to disturb him right now; there is, perhaps, a glint of a tear in her eye, even if she's not quite sure what everything Swan Dragon said meant. She does, however, murmur to Kanfi, "'released' he says."
Kanfi Makuri nods slightly and backs up, not going too far, in case the spiders that upset him before begin to intrude on his time in contemplation. "Interesting."
Diamond Borealis quirks a half smile. "I am pleased your daughter's gift is well received." He glances around the Circle. "I'm going to my workshop." That said, he turns to head to his cabin, he shoots a glance to Liu as he goes.
Liu pulls her hair back behind her shoulder, holding it all wrapped up in her hand for a minute, watching Swan Dragon contemplate the rose. As Diamond gets up to go to his workshop, she hops up to follow him.
<<OOC>> Brian says "I think we can end it around here, folks. Y'all good?"
Liu will want to have carried it, but is sure her place is to be ready to react in defense of her Circle, instead.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Who would Ulito have handed it to? PM will carry it if it was her, otherwise not think twice about it."
Brian says "Kanfi or Liu, probably."
Brian says "PM slightly intimidates her and Diamond's hands are probably still full of flame ducks at the time."
Brian says "And Aidan's new to her."
<<OOC>> Kanfi Makuri will carry it if it's handed to him.
Brian [to Kanfi Makuri]: It's in your hands then! Are you guys giving it to him aboard ship or on the land?
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden has no idea why PM could possibly be considered intimidating.
<<OOC>> Kanfi Makuri has no idea why Kanfi's hands aren't full of Ulito.
<<OOC>> Liu says "Well, he's still aboard ship himself, so I think it'd made sense to give it to him then."
Brian [to Kanfi Makuri]: She's a bit less... direct... in these matters than the Flame Ducks. You are however conveniently close. :)
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis thinks Land would be better.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden might ask whether it's likely that the rose will cause a ...err, flare up.
Aidan stands around looking dangerous, and has nothing to add....
Brian [to Phoenix Maiden]: Ulito says she doesn't think so, but the rose is just an expression of her love and connection to the old man; the decision to send it came to her in reverie (she doesn't sleep since becoming an elemental), and she thinks it'll be good for him.
Phoenix Maiden will be perfectly willing to give it to Swan Dragon on the ship, then.
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "The ship it is then."
Phoenix Maiden says, "If Diamond fusses over it, PM will grumble about time but be amenable to moving to shore for it."
Diamond Borealis is not concerned about giving the flower to Swan Dragon. He's focused on planning; long and short range. Though his expression is dour, his eyes are constantly on the move, scanning their path back to the ship.
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "where did we decide we are headed next?"
<<OOC>> Brian says "I believe you're headed straight back to Harborhead?"
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 4 dice: <5 5 6 9> for 1 success.
[EDG's Command Machine(#23){EDG}<-(#64)] Brian [to Diamond Borealis]: Give me a Perception + Occult roll, please.
<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 9 dice: <1 2 4 5 6 8 9 9 10> for 5 successes.
Brian says "Right. As you guys are walking back to the dock with your ship, with Diamond on point, you notice a new trireme in port-- large, all of the rows staffed. It's got the same outlines as a naval troop-carrier for the Realm, except that there's no legion badge or flag over it, just a single, flag showing an abstract whorl made of the five Elemental colors. Diamond, your sharp sorcerer's eyes pick up the fact that there are bound water elementals patrolling around the bottom of the ship, and you get a slight hint of bruises on them, slowly healing despite their free-flowing nature. Similarly, there is a beaten and intimidated wind-spirit, a winged being like an elder and larger version of the wisps, perched on the main mast near, but not -on-, the crow's nest atop the trireme's supplementing sails."
Coming to a sudden halt, Diamond reaches for the haft of Grendel's Claw. He stops, without drawing the weapon and looks to the others, pointing toward the craft. "There. Do you see the craft with the look of one belonging to the Realm?" He pauses a moment, then continues. "They beaten Elementals into protecting the craft."
Liu frowns and catches Aidan's eye, taking the measure of him again to remind herself that he's got the physical safety of her friends well in hand, too. She looks back to Diamond and cocks her head, clearly waiting for him to tell her what the plan is.
Phoenix Maiden turns to glance at the ship, a few paces ahead of Diamond after his halt. "I don't think I'm familiar with that symbol," she says, frowning. "But I can't say much for people that coerce their guardians, whoever they are."
Kanfi Makuri frowns at the ship, eyeing it up and down, and sighing. He cradles the rose carefully, and tosses a look at Diamond, wondering what he's expecting to do.
Aidan glances at the new ship, his stance becoming ever so slightly stiffer. Taking a moment to still his breathing, he concentrates carefully, willing his eyes to become sharper, searching carefully for any sign of threat from the newcomers.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Gonna use that vision charm in Hungry Raptor, just for kicks. From personal."
Brian [to Aidan]: Roll Perception + Awareness, please.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "If that's a Vision roll, I add MA to it..."
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 11 dice: <1 1 6 6 7 7 8 9 10 10 10> for 10 successes.
Brian says "..."
Brian says "Um. Er. Give me a second."
Diamond Borealis grinds his teeth, his jaw moving back and forth with an audible sound of teeth. "If we stop to right every wrong we see, we'll never accomplish our larger goals. We'll remember the sigil." A pause as he stops the teeth griding. "And I have a feeling we'll see that ship again before long."
Brian [to Aidan]: Okay. You can clearly make out the deck. There's a tall dragon-blooded of the Fire blood by his red skin in elaborate red jade articulated plate, bearing a huge red jade daiklaive and wearing the badges of a legion commander. You can make out his expression from here-- he's uncomfortable, even afraid. Around him on the deck are twelve-- no, fourteen, two more just came up from below decks-- _very_ potent-looking Immaculate Monks. All of them have very deep aspect markings-- the two Woods are brilliant, verdant green with thorns and flowers growing in their hair, the three fire-blooded seem to distort the air around them with heat, the three sky-blue Airs seem to be causing microstorms just standing still, the three deep-black Waters have elaborate scales and the deck is damp beneath them, and the three earths look like granite, marble, and the third is like a pillar of solid stone. All of them except the Flame-bloods are wearing armor under simple robes of the Immaculate Order-- simple save for belts denoting high rank-- and all are carrying customized versions of their various Immaculate Dragon style weaponry. Those Airs are -not- carrying standard Infinite Jade Chakrams; you can make out the tiny inscriptions laced with some strange, glowing red substance on one, and see the pattern of wind-sworls etched into another, etc.
Liu resheathes the throwing knife she didn't realize she'd pulled from her belt, and gives Diamond a look of almost-regret. Though of course, she'd rather get back to Swan Dragon.
Brian [to Aidan]: There are a number of other monks aboard as well-- mostly mortal except for those; indeed, the muscled and fit Immaculates seem to be the ones acting as sailors.
<<OOC>> Liu says "oo. I vote we try to leave veeeery sneakily."
Aidan spits on the ground. "Immaculates. Lots of them. And very high ranking ones as well." He pauses to evaluate them in his head, reluctantly concluding that it wouldn't be pretty. "Don't do anything to attract their attention. That many of them, and all of them elders." His voice trails off, not wanting to complete the thought.
Phoenix Maiden pauses and glances at Aidan. "...We should warn Ulito, and then leave. One of us should go warn Ulito."
Phoenix Maiden turns towards the Night questioningly, and says, "Liu?"
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden figures being inconspicuous is what Nights do, right?
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Great minds think alike."
Liu starts and blinks, realizing at Phoenix Maiden's words that indeed these Immaculates might be here for Ulito, and NOT for her Circle. She is already opening her mouth to volunteer when Phoenix looks at her. "Fast and sneaky, right? Of course."
Phoenix Maiden grins at Liu, and nods. "We'll be on the ship, I think. Unless we get MORE surprises." She starts walking again.
Brian says "Should I split scenes for a moment, or should I just run Liu, and assume she's fast enough to get back to you guys as soon as needed?"
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "I don't think any of us are going to be moving fast - don't want to be obvious, after all - except Liu, so..."
Aidan mutters a brief word to the Unconquered Sun, promising one day that he will destroy these false upstarts and return all glory and honor where it belongs. Today is not the day, however, and he turns to follow Phoenix Maiden back to the ship.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "And we'll probably wait to get the rose to Swan Dragon until she gets back either way, because she'd like to be there. :p In fact, given the presence of a whole boatload of Immaculates, waiting until we're underway might be a good idea - because even if he burns up the ship, it's not like it'd be much worse than drawing their attention. :p"
Brian [to Liu]: Okay. Stunt off your departure, then. :)
Liu throws Diamond a grin before darting back off down the docks, not *obviously* being sneaky and furtive, since that wouldn't be sneaky, but rather putting on a "character" of a busy, hurried harbor courier.
Kanfi Makuri bites back a sigh. More complications, huh? Why couldn't complications ever be the FUN sort? Like pretty girls throwing themselves at his feet?
<<OOC>> Liu says "If I recall, it HAS been that sort before...."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Hey, at least we're not voting to fight 'em, Kanfi! Count your blessings. ;p"
<<OOC>> Kanfi Makuri SIGH!
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "And we even thought to warn your girlfriend. :p"
Brian [to Liu]: Give me a Dex + Stealth roll, please.
<<DICE>> Liu rolls 10 dice: <1 2 3 3 3 4 7 8 8 10> for 5 successes.
<<OOC>> Liu says "Meh, average!!"
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Mmm, Night."
Brian says "Still quite fast. :P"
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Yeah, it's only a legendary success. What do you want? ;p"
<<OOC>> Liu points petulantly at Aidan's previous roll
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden laughs.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Point, that."
<<OOC>> Aidan struggles not to spew wine out his nose. *snrch*
Brian [to Liu]: You move like a shadow through the crowd. The flow of people doesn't slow you-- in many ways, it speeds you on your way, swifter routes becoming obvious without revealing your presence. There is nothing that can hinder you, and your presence is unremarked by all.
Brian [to Liu]: Upon your return to the warehouse, the Flame Duck guards outside don't seem to have noticed you at all, either. You can try to sneak in if you wish-- or make them aware of your presence.
Liu reaches out a slender, long hand, and gently tugs on one of their robes, turning her bright smile up to them. "I need to see the Mistress again, please. I need to tell her something."
Brian [to Liu]: She starts and her weapon comes around swiftly-- but stops as soon as she recognizes you. "Lady Liu!" she says, astonished, though she quickly quiets down. "Of course. We did not expect you back," she explains, blinking somewhat as she opens the door to permit you in.
Liu tosses her braids over her shoulder, infinitely pleased with herself, and trots back into the middle of the warehouse, looking for Ulito -- but this time, being sure to make enough noise to announce her presence, unless a Flame Duck announces her.
Brian [to Liu]: Ulito is busy organizing once more, getting the last of her property bound into the great boxes inscribed within the mystic circles. She looks up as she hears you coming and concern mars her pretty face, so similar to yours. "Liu!" she exclaims. "Is my father alright? What has happened/"
Liu draws herself up, trying to be soothing as she answers. "Your father is fine. But as we approached our ship, we saw another one in harbor we thought you should know about." She describes the banner they saw, and the obviously very powerful Dragon-Blood Immaculates aboard. "We ourselves don't want to tangle with these Monks; the Phoenix Maiden thought you should be forewarned."
Brian [to Liu]: Ulito lets out a series of VERY unladylike curses in Flametongue. Some of which are even new to you, a veteran of many travels. She pauses in her diatribe to bow. "Thank you. This was not unexpected, but it is too _soon_. The Immaculates must have more strength in the South than I thought-- and are too worried about Harborhead. They will use the Varang as a staging area-- warn your Circle!" She swears again, and rushes out in a blur of the Principle of Motion to speed the packing.
Brian [to Liu]: And if you don't mind, we can hurry back to the main scene. ;)
<<OOC>> Liu says "Absolutely."
Brian says "The rest of the four of you make good time through the dock areas-- though apparently not as fast as you thought. You don't notice Liu has rejoined you until she skips up the gangway back onto the ship behind you. :)"
Phoenix Maiden looks for the captain to direct him to get ready to sail as soon as she's onboard. When she notes Liu, she smiles at the Night, and murmurs a "Thank you. No problems, I assume?"
Liu quickly relays to Phoenix Ulito's warning about the Realm using Varang against Harborhead, but affirms that there were no problems.
Phoenix Maiden nods to Liu, and looks around for the rest of the circle. Quietly, she says, "Given our friends over there, I suggest we wait to give the rose to Swan Dragon until we're out of the harbor if not over the horizon; I don't feel like drawing their attention if there should be any effects - if he DOES flare up, I suspect it would be worse to do it here, going on Aidan's appraisal of their strength."
Liu nods. "I'll go check on him now anyway, and see if he'll tell me any stories. Or maybe he's sleeping again." She touches Phoenix Maiden's sleeve and then wanders off down the deck.
Kanfi Makuri has the rose in his hand, but won't suggest that they give it to Swan Dragon until they're "safe" and out of port. For now.
Brian says "You find the Captain easily enough who nods, unperturbed by the strangenesses of his passengers as usual. Orders are made, and the charts have already been set."
Brian [to Liu]: Down below in your cabin, you find Swan Dragon standing with his back in a corner, holding Shurtimu Ji upraised in an attack position, his eyes flicking swiftly from place to place throughout the room as he mutters something under his breath in Old Realm.
Brian [to Aidan]: You're getting that itchy feeling of something being not right, a not-quite deja vu, again.
Kanfi Makuri has partially disconnected.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "That feeling was about the Captain before, yes?"
<<OOC>> Brian says "Si."
Phoenix Maiden doesn't go down below, but stays out of the sailors' way on the deck and keeps an eye out for trouble which seems to have noticed them.
Liu tries to gently talk Swan Dragon down, but doesn't think she'll be successful -- and doesn't think the old elemental is completely off his rocker, either. She exits quickly after a few minutes and goes to find Kanfi.
Brian [to Liu]: Do you speak Old Realm? I forget. Also, give me a Charisma + Presence + 1 roll.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Can't blame him. Immaculates all beating up elementals."
<<OOC>> Liu says "I do not speak Old Realm. But...."
<<DICE>> Liu rolls 7 dice: <2 2 3 4 6 7 8> for 2 successes.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden makes Sad Leti Eyes at the dice. Play nice, please.
Kanfi Makuri is carefully tucking the rose in the folds of his sash so that it won't get harmed when he goes downstairs to speak to Swan Dragon. He doesn't want to show the rose until they give i to him formally.
Aidan approaches Phoenix Maiden, and beckons her over to a quiet corner of the ship. "Where did you meet that captain? Something feels not quite right about him, for some reason."
Brian [to Liu]: You manage to get him to put down Shurtimu Ji for the moment, though he utterly refuses to leave his corner. He whispers something to you about the clicking of little spider feet, and webs as thick as death.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Where DID we meet the captain?"
<<OOC>> Brian says "... Man. When did y'all hire this ship?"
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Way back in Harborhead, I think,."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "At least, we've apparently been on the same ship since we left."
<<OOC>> Brian nods. "That's when you met him, then."
Brian says "Kanfi, Liu, are you two going back down together?"
Liu sweeps around a corner to find Kanfi, and speaks quickly and a touch breathlessly. "Kanfi, Swan Dragon is angry-- or scared-- and I can't understand what he's saying, but I think he thinks a battle is about to happen. He says 'spider feet', and 'webs thick as death.'" She's all but physically dragging him towards her cabin. It really upsets her when Swan Dragon is agitated, and only Kanfi seems to be able to calm him.
Kanfi Makuri is taken a bit aback, but isn't really surprised all the same. He follows Liu down to the cabin to check on their friend, worry furrowing his brow.
Diamond Borealis approaches Liu when she arrives from the hold. He leans in to Kanfi and Liu. "What was he saying again?" He inquires, his curiosity up.
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "Does D have a chance of recognizing what that is?"
<<OOC>> Brian says "... Sure. Really obscure though. Int + Lore, difficulty 5."
<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 9 dice: <1 2 4 4 5 5 5 7 7> for 2 successes.
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "Damn."
Phoenix Maiden blinks at Aidan, and is amenable to quiet discussion elsewhere. When Aidan says his bit, she glances around to check for listening crew before she answers; she's had no problems with the captain, but... "Harborhead," she says, "We hired the ship there." She casts a quick glance at the other Solars' conference, but - this is important too.
Aidan says "I can't really say what it is about him. It's almost as though I've met him before, somewhere, but that's impossible."
Brian [to Diamond Borealis]: No clue, I'm afraid.
Aidan says "I had this feeling before, though, and it usually does not bode well. You might tell the others to be ready for some excitement."
"Not spent much time on the sea or around ports?" Phoenix Maiden queries, and nods. "Though... we have been sailing with him for months now... if there's something uncanny about him... why wait so long?" She shakes her head. "I'll keep my eyes open too, and we'll tell the others."
Aidan nods to Phoenix Maiden. "I've spent most of the recent past on endless seas of hot sand, not water." He pauses at her question. "It's not something I feel all the time, strangely. And the last time I noticed it, the events at the time were enough to drive the thought from my head before I had a chance to speak to you about it."
Diamond Borealis shakes his head. "I'm afraid I don't have a clue as to what he means by that." He folds his arms over his chest, looking in the direction of the trireme.
Liu makes a huffing noise and darts back into her cabin, agitated by Swan Dragon's own agitation but eager to soothe him and get him to tell her what's wrong.
Kanfi Makuri shrugs and checks the rose again, feeling a little paranoid about it. He was just about to open his mouth and suggest returning to cabin to check on Swan Dragon, when Liu took off. So he gives Diamond an exasperated look and heads into the cabin as well.
Brian [to Kanfi Makuri]: You're carrying the rose, just not openly, right?
Phoenix Maiden nods to Aidan thoughtfully. "It's concerning, and probably bad news. Sneaky bad news is probably worse than open bad news, too. I suggest we go find the others and talk to them." She casts one last glance towards the ship full of Immaculates. "And hope our friends there haven't noticed us and don't before we're gone." She frowns.
Brian says "As Kanfi and Liu reenter the room, there is a scene of mixed majesty and travesty before them. Though Shurtimu Ji is once more on his back, the martial pride with which the aged Swan Dragon carries himself is incredible. Disarmed, he seems nearly as dangerous as when he held the mighty blade in his hand-- muscles at the ready beneath old skin, his body held in a loose, ready stance. But that pride ends with his eyes-- the haunting terror of whatever vexes his mind is deep there-- though, for some reason, it seems to abate as Kanfi enters the room."
Kanfi Makuri smiles sweetly, holding out his hand for the old man to take and speaks softly in the Old tongue. "Are you well, my friend? What causes proud and terrible warrior such concern?" He's deliberately understating.
Phoenix Maiden glances around the deck of the ship - and the harbor - one last time, and if she sees nothing new for concern, heads down, guessing that the rest of the Circle will be someplace near Liu's cabin and Swan Dragon.
Liu settles down a bit herself when Kanfi starts speaking, and watches Swan Dragon with a supportive expression.
Brian [to Kanfi Makuri]: The elder Elemental turns towards you, some of the madness continuing to drain from his eyes. "I supported them, once," he says, almost calmly. "It had to be done. I'm sorry about that. But now..." The tenseness returns, his hand curling around Shurtimu Ji's hilt. "Now they are against you again, and thus, me. But, as then, it had to be done."
<<OOC>> Liu says "In Old Realm, he says that?"
<<OOC>> Brian says "No, in Flametongue."
Kanfi Makuri licks his lips and drops his hands at his sides, unthreatening. "Who are against us, my friend?" He switches to Flametongue when Swan Dragon does, trying to follow the elemental's train of thought.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden isn't sure how long it takes to get to Liu's cabin, so, is heading there until she gets there. :)
Aidan turns to follow Phoenix Maiden down towards where Swan Dragon was staying. He takes care to remain back out of sight when they both arrive, though, listening carefully to both the conversation within the room, and the preparations above.
Brian [to Phoenix Maiden]: You're there now. ^_^
Phoenix Maiden enters the room, relieved to see the other Solars - and that nothing's on fire. She pauses to listen to the conversation, not wanting to interrupt something important with Aidan's news.
Liu grimaces a little, and looks outwards as though gazing through the ship to where the realm ship with its complement of Immaculates would be. "Does he know about the ship we saw? Do you think he's been above decks, and saw it?"
Brian says "Swan Dragon shakes his head and gently rests a hand on Kanfi's shoulder, his eyes growing tired as he softly says, "You know them. But you have forgotten the one who is closest to you. But... you keep the spiders away," he says, confused. "How?""
Diamond Borealis sits quietly, arms folded over his chest listening to the words of the Elemental as Kanfi palavers with him.
Liu looks helplessly to Diamond and quickly translates the Flametongue into High Realm to him.
Kanfi Makuri shakes his head and reaches up to cover Swan Dragon's hand with his own. "I don't know," he answers. "I don't know what the spiders are." Because they must be something different from the normal sort! He was... going to try not to think about the rest of that sentence...
Diamond Borealis whispers with Liu as she translates, occasionally interrupting to ask a question or have her repeat something. His brow knitting, he keeps his jaw clenched. He closes his eyes and begins to mediate his breathing. His eyes move beneath the lids as he tunes himself into the Essence of the world, seeking to make connections between the lore he has discovered, and that hidden within the shard deep in his soul that connects him to the Unconquered Sun.
<<OOC>> Brian waits on the Diamondstun right. :) Okay, 1 point of the stunt goes towards the reroll, so you get +1 dice out of your 2 for the basic.
<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 10 dice: <2 4 5 5 5 7 9 9 9 10> for 6 successes.
<<OOC>> Brian says "Yes, Diamond, his descriptions bring something earlier to mind-- the clicking of clockwork you heard when Fate when bad on you last time. You can't -hear- it, but Swan Dragon is an Elder, and mad besides; he might have insights you can't tell. And, given the results from _before_..."
Brian [to Kanfi Makuri]: Swan Dragon squeezes your shoulder and smiles. "Of course you do; you're just young, this time, and they're hard to remember, especially when you didn't meet them when you did." He picks up Kanfi's other arm, and begins to waltz across the cabin with him.
Phoenix Maiden senses the tension going out of the conversation - well, it's not hard to sense with Swan Dragon resorting to dancing - and says, "We may have a lurking problem." She glances at the other members of her Circle.
Diamond Borealis opens his eyes wide. "Undergarments of Venus." He hisses the words softly, real invective in the mild curse. "He can hear them. The spiders that weave Fate. Remember when we were attacked at sea? When Kimberry broke into the world? It's the same thing; we could hear it then." He motions for Aidan and PM to come over to him and Liu, while keeping an eye on the pair dancing. He tilts his heads at Phoenix's words.
Phoenix Maiden frowns, a hand briefly tightening on her spear. "Charming. I'm not sure if or how that relates, though..." She nods her head towards the Dawn. "Aidan says he gets a strange, not right feeling of recognition from the captain. He says he's had it before."
Kanfi Makuri , though surprised, lets Swan Dragon lead the dance, trying to sort the information out in his head. "I haven't forgotten the one closest to me," he murmured quietly, in Old Realm.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Does it sound like the ship is getting underway yet?"
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "There's not any real way for Diamond to know about Resplendent Destinies is there?"
<<OOC>> Brian says "Yup, it's starting to lurch and pull out."
<<OOC>> Brian says "'Fraid not."
Brian [to Phoenix Maiden]: It feels like you've got a good head of wind behind you, too; as the ship casts off from the dock, it catches swiftly, the abrupt -lurch- an unpleasant reminder of trips before.
Liu looks at Aidan, frowning speculatively, "Do you think you did know the Captain before you got on board? Where would you have met him? He's just a ship captain -- and you're from the desert."
Phoenix Maiden scowls. "I suspect this may be an interesting trip. If we have lurking trouble," she glances at the floorboards of the deck above, "...It's likely to act before we hit port."
Knitting his brow, Diamond asks, "Funny feeling of recognition? But you're from deep int he desert. How would you know a sea captain?" He glances over at Liu, as the ship lurches. "I think we need to bring him down here. And you and I need to have a little chat with him."
Phoenix Maiden glances at Liu, starts to say something, pauses, and shrugs at Diamond. "I'm not sure. If there's something funny going on, we're on the boat anyhow and we can't really go back to harbor now; not with the current residents. We might want to wait a bit before we act."
Diamond Borealis eyes the Maiden speculatively. "Once we're underway, what better time to talk with the Captain? The First Mate can take over his responsibilities, if need be."
Phoenix Maiden does look back at Liu, though. "If something goes wrong before we do - find him and keep him from getting away, if you can? I'd ask about the viability of spying on him, but I don't think we'd pick up anything useful. If something wrong is going on, he's kept up a pretty good cover."
Aidan says "I wouldn't say that I know him. Just that I feel ill at ease with him, and the feeling itself is familiar to me, as though it had come before."
Liu grins a little, and stretches her shoulders outwards, nodding. "Pounce the captain if anything goes wrong. Of course."
Brian [to Kanfi Makuri]: Swan Dragon stops and sighs. He pats Kanfi on the cheek. "I wish you could see it properly." Then he pauses, his expression growing terrible and fierce. "No. No-- no one should see it like that. Never."
Phoenix Maiden nods to Diamond. "If there's a hidden trap, it'll come while we're at sea - so I suspect we should probably look into this before that trap falls."
Kanfi Makuri tries not to pay attention to the knot growing in the pit of his stomach. Even if Swan Dragon is powerful, he's also insane. He could just be reflecting his own problems onto Kanfi. There's probably nothing wrong on Tatsuzaki's end.
Diamond Borealis gives Aidan and squeeze of the shoulder. "We have to trust our instincts. There are often things we do not know, that our Shards know. If he makes you uneasy, then we should question him, and determine who he is. Especially if there is someone interfering with the weaving of Fate around us. They may be controlling him, and interrogating him could flush them out."
Phoenix Maiden nods, and grumpily states, "Though I don't look forward to dealing with the crew if things go... sour. Oh, I can do it. Or Kanfi could, probably. But." She shakes her head.
Phoenix Maiden ponders, and looks to Swan Dragon. "I wonder how far we are from shore now."
Phoenix Maiden turns to Kanfi. "Probably far enough?"
Kanfi Makuri looks up at his sister, jerked out of his thoughts. "Oh... Oh, right!" He tugs away from Swan Dragon with a little smile and reaches onto the fold of his sash.
Phoenix Maiden grins and shrugs. "We might as well start dealing with the simpler complexities now."
Liu's lip quirks up at one corner while Kanfi reaches into his sash for Ulito's gift.
Brian says "Swan Dragon gives Kanfi a curious look of his own. "Right? Right now? Right where?""
Diamond Borealis simply grunts, distracted by his own thoughts as Kanfi gives the rose to Swan Dragon. He's listening with the hearing of an Exalt to the sounds above them.
Phoenix Maiden muses, watching Kanfi and the elemental dragon, "I wonder if HE could tell us anything about the captain."
Kanfi Makuri tugs the beautiful rose from his sash and bows slightly, extending it to Swan Dragon with a flourish.
Brian says "Swan dragon holds the adamantine case in his hands for a few moments and his brow wrinkles in intense concentration. "Lights can guide the way," he says softly. "This one-- I touched before, and when I was released, broken, from the darkness, I found my way home through the touch, and the remembrance." He holds the case to him awkwardly, as though he wasn't quite sure what to make of it. There is a serenity in his eyes as he begins to speak. "There is a light, passed on from parent to child. It is a rare thing, among gods or elementals, to have such; usually, we arise from the circumstances that made us. But I was born of the mixture of the gods and the Great Garda; I know what it is to have a mother, though she died in birthing us all." He strokes the cage slightly, tracing over the distance to the fire-rose.
He continues in a moment, tapping the case lightly. "The first thing I was ever required to do was to bring back a living rose, much like this one, from the Gardens of Alaketh, where our firstmother's blood spilled and invigorated the land. But that place is lost to the Wyld now, and it is harder to hear her echoes in us," he pronounces, and then sits alone again, in the corner, considering the rose."
Phoenix Maiden resists the urge to ask Swan Dragon if he has any insight on the captain - it would feel wrong to disturb him right now; there is, perhaps, a glint of a tear in her eye, even if she's not quite sure what everything Swan Dragon said meant. She does, however, murmur to Kanfi, "'released' he says."
Kanfi Makuri nods slightly and backs up, not going too far, in case the spiders that upset him before begin to intrude on his time in contemplation. "Interesting."
Diamond Borealis quirks a half smile. "I am pleased your daughter's gift is well received." He glances around the Circle. "I'm going to my workshop." That said, he turns to head to his cabin, he shoots a glance to Liu as he goes.
Liu pulls her hair back behind her shoulder, holding it all wrapped up in her hand for a minute, watching Swan Dragon contemplate the rose. As Diamond gets up to go to his workshop, she hops up to follow him.
<<OOC>> Brian says "I think we can end it around here, folks. Y'all good?"
