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Brian says "Alllrighty. When last we left y'all Ahlat had just stepped out of the smoke from the sacrifices in his name, nodding his great horned head to Aidan, Phoenix Maiden and Kanfi. Diamond, we'll say you're not too far away."

Phoenix Maiden, with caste-mark lit on her forehead, bows respectfully - but without the faintest trace of servitude or worship - towards Ahlat as he steps out of the fire. She keeps her eyes on the war god as she straightens. "Greetings, Patron of Harborhead," she states.

Kanfi lets his hand drop from this weapon, crossing his arms instead. The smile broadens in pleasure and amusement, and he bows his head in polite acknowledgement of the powerful god's presence.

Aidan is quite completely out of his depth, at this point. Fighting armies is one thing, meeting the Southern War God is another. His bow is graceful, though, and shows a deep respect.

Diamond Borealis marches down to the beach. He has on what was once a white robe over his clothing, turned backwards, and soaked in blood and other viscera. He strips the garment off as he walks, balling it up as he approaches the fire and the Southern War God. His face is unreadable after having spent hours working with the wounded, setting up in a series of formerly Realm-owned warehouses a tripartite setup; triage, surgery, and recovery.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden note the Absence of Liu continues and worries ICly!

Brian says "The crowds of Harborhead natives-- citizens, former (if confused) slaves alike-- bow deeply to their god and the literal grandfather of their nation, pulling back from him if they are too close, or raising spears and shields in salute if far enough away. The Bull-God's figure is radiant-- the perfect masculine warrior-shape in body, the pure dark head of a master bull atop, with an air of potency and triumph that seems to radiate from him. Those close enough to be caught in the aura around him seem almost transformed by it, their own warrior natures magnified to reflect the mighty being that towers over him. Ahlat spends a few moments accepting the accolades and the sweet (if only _slightly_ forbidden) taste of prayers raising up to him before he strides towards the three closest members of the circle, beckoning to Diamond as well."

Diamond Borealis wipes his hands with a rag and approaches closer. He tosses the garment he was holding onto the sand. He inclines his head forward to Ahlat, but remains silent. His eyes flick around the crowd, surveying their faces, their behavior. For a demi-god, with his jigsaw/kaleidoscope Anima still lightly burning about him, he seems somewhat apart from the proceedings.

Phoenix Maiden has already greeted the war-god, and so she stands waiting as he approaches, taking in the intense reaction of the crowd for future consideration.

Kanfi watches Ahlat curiously, as though he was a possible business partner that Kanfi might want to talk into a bargain later. He tucks a braid behind one ear, glancing around at the reaction of his fellow natives briefly, filing it away for later use.

Brian says "Ahlat gestures with his long spear towards the crowd, flicking it once, twice, and a third time before pointing towards the city. The crowd doesn't need a verbal command; Ahlat's message is clear and they all scatter. He stands at his immense height over the trio, waiting for Diamond's arrival. Although his eyes are the black pools of a bull's, they are by no means ordinary. There is a strange hint of predator behind them-- hungry, careful, and absolutely deadly."

Diamond Borealis finally arrives with the rest of the group. "Ahlat, hmm? A pleasure." He asks the rest, studying the Bull God curiously. "Guess this'll be a private meeting." He waits to hear what the spirit has to say.

Kanfi frowns a bit as the people scatter, but shrugs to himself and sits back to wait for Ahlat to stop being majestic and get to the point.

Phoenix Maiden has never before encountered the patron god of her nation in the flesh, of course, but she retains a certain reserve - he was never the god of her People, not the primary god, anyhow. Besides, she's talked to... or, well, been talked to by... the Unconquered Sun; Ahlat doesn't measure up. The predatory eyes add to the warnings of dreams to remind her that while Ahlat has been the patron of her nation, he has not necessarily been a good one. She is, however, polite, supplementing the greeting bow with another respectful nod as he approaches.

Aidan folds his hands into his sleeves as he watches the people of the city depart. His stance is comfortable, as though settling in for what might be a long wait.

Brian says "Ahlat waits for you to congregate and for all others to remove beyond earshot of his rumbling tone. The immense deity nods his horned head slowly in approval-- an approval almost palpable in the air. He gives Diamond a brief snort that carries with it a lessening of that prior approval that feels like water taken from the hands of a man wandering in the desert and then turns his penetrating gaze on the other members of the circle. "Welcome to Harborhead, Chosen of the Unconquered Sun," he intones. "Welcome back, my long and wayward children," he adds, a brief smile brushing the broad muzzle as he gazes at Kanfi and Phoenix Maiden. "Unbroken in spirit; champions on the field. Welcome back to the heart of the spear.""

Phoenix Maiden -- cautious or not -- reacts to the approval (another confirmation that she ...is a warrior, darn it, not that she'd admit she has doubts on any level) with a certain easing of her posture. "In spirit, we did not leave," she says. Despite the plural pronoun, she probably only speaks for herself and knows it.

"Thank you." Diamond says simply, at the War God's welcome. He waits, patiently for this to continue. "We are most pleased to be welcomed here by you."

Kanfi schools his face to that calm, sweet smile and tips his head, nodding in acknowledgement. Ahlat's approval feels good, comfortable, not that he would ever admit appreciating the war-god's attention. "As lovely as Nexus was, it's grandeur holds nothing compared to Harborhead," he half-lies, glibly.

Aidan straightens up a bit at Ahlat's words, his pleasure at the war god's approval is obvious. He bows his head again, acknowledging the words of greeting.

Brian says "Ahlat gives another slow nod, and rests shield and spear sturdily on the ground. "To my Peoples' kraal you come, Chosen; whether of the People or not. Between us, my Children, there was Agreement; though others have since joined and others have fallen behind. Such is war." His gaze rests on the Zenith and the Eclipse. "What news have you?" he demands, before looking at the Dawn and Twilight in turn. "What bring you to the blood-stained watering hole?""

"Swan Dragon lives, and his sword has been returned to him," Phoenix Maiden answers, not looking towards the ship where the mad Swan Dragon waits.

Diamond Borealis consider the question for a moment. "I bring my intellect." That the Copper Spider is arrogant, there is no contesting. "I will bring new ways to the people here. Or revivals of old ones. To heal, to fight, to farm better and with less toil and better results."

A faraway look comes over Aidan's face as he answers Ahlat. "I exist to serve the glory of the Unconquered Sun. That I continue to live is testament to his glory, and the strength that he lends to my arms. Come what may, I will persevere, and the leave the broken bodies of the enemies of Sol Invictus in my wake." He shakes his head, returning to the present. "The tide of events has brought me here. I have faith in the winds, that they will blow me to where I am needed most."

Kanfi's brow furrows but he looks up into those depthless eyes. "Swan Dragon is infected with madness that must be cured," he says finally, weighing his words. Clearly, he doesn't want to gift Ahlat with anything more.

Brian says "Ahlat shakes his great horns and considers. "A circle yet incomplete. There is a fifth-- left behind, again," he observes, air steaming from his nostrils. "This is not well; there is a taint on the land-- though it was brought here before you." His eyes follow the movement of the tip of his spear towards your boat. "Staffed by warriors to protect-- or to serve-- the once-Censor?" his voice echoes through your bodies as he speaks, "What has occurred since his blade crossed the hearts of the Rain Princes?""

Phoenix Maiden glances towards the boat. "Warriors indeed," she confirms, pride in the brave sailors she trained filling her voice. "We have not learned the fullness of Swan Dragon's story, but it passes through suffering and madness and back to Creation."

Kanfi toys with a braid and glances around, noticing, perhaps for the first time, that Liu is nowhere to be seen. "Our fifth?" He shakes his head. "She clings to the shadows, perhaps. I have faith in her. She will appear again." He looks where Ahlat is pointing at the boat and nods slightly. "Warriors to protect the Censor," he corrects.

Diamond Borealis shifts slightly at the mention of Liu. He's worried about her, and that shows through in his normally difficult-to-read features. He's taken to her int he time the Circle has been together in a way he hasn't with the others.

Aidan shuffles a bit, a brief internal debate over his next words. "The Swan Dragon that we rescued is only a shadow of his former glory. I cannot fathom the trials he must have been through, to wound his spirit so deeply." He raises his gaze, and speaks in a confident voice. "But I believe that his greatness still resides within. I mean to see that greatness restored, that he might once again bring glory to the Court of Orderly Flame."

Kanfi suddenly grins wryly. "Mean to see it? I swore to see it done, by my power and the might of the Unconquered Sun."

Brian says "Ahlat passes his spear to the hand resting upon his mighty shield and holds his hand palm up towards the sky. "Find your fifth," he repeats to Kanfi. "Twice-lost now; you have a hole in your defenses." His dark eyes narrow as he listens to the report on Swan Dragon-- and the Court of the Orderly Flame. "He remains in shadow, then. Of my Kraal he might find peace and healing; for while it is a place of war and change, he is a lord of fire, and of such things can Fire grow." He snorts again, hearing the words of the oath. "By what means, Quicksilver Falcon and son of my daughter's people? You are mighty, but much is amiss to hold a censor in darkness.""

Aidan says "In your hands he would be healed, it is likely. But in your hands also he would be changed, for you say yourself that yours is a place of change. And none can say, before the fact, whether such change would be for the greater glory. What we seek is no less than to restore the Swan Dragon of old; to seek out all the broken pieces of his story and with words and with deeds to bring him back to himself."

Kanfi tips his chin up, determined and annoyed that Ahlat would question his resolve. "If we have no way in our hands now, then we will find one. We will forge the tools to mend Swan Dragon, make him whole, and return him to his rightful place." It had been sworn on the spur of the moment, yes, but Kanfi's word is true. He pauses, though, the other words sinking in. "Lost our-- War-god, my partner! Liu I trust to return to us, but I haven't heard from my partner in months."

Phoenix Maiden's eyebrows shift together slightly. "By prophecy," she answers, though the question was directed to Kanfi, "given to my brother. By story and legend, and the secrets of the night, by courage, by bargaining, by knowledge and study." She shrugs and pauses at Kanfi's outburst, vaguely remembering the partner who had another role to play.

Diamond Borealis remains silent, his mind working on multiple problems at once; the issues of large scale care, finding the Sidereal that has plagued them, healing Swan Dragon, and discovering what has happened to Liu. He lets the others speak on those subjects.

Brian says "Ahlat begins to step forward, and with him comes the weight and heat of the southern deserts, trampled flat beneath the steady tramp of soldiers. The God of Battles gives another brief snort, and his eyes regard the Hunter for some time as he takes up his spear and shield again. "You have spent too much time in the desert, Hunter. I mean of what I speak," he says with a cutting, almost grinding edge to his tone. But something of mercy enters it as Kanfi and Phoenix Maiden respond. "Too long has the Eye of Night been gone in the ... unwell portions of Yu Shan, grandson," he tells the Eclipse. "Too long by far and not returned. My agents look for him, but gods dying and mad wait there. As your world is broken, Heaven itself gains shadows. Creation is a _broken world_, and it needs setting a right." His spear swings in a low steady sweep towards Aidan, but passes him by, to Phoenix Maiden, in consideration of her words. "If Fate has chosen you, then it must be. And yet, at the same time you-- all of you--" he says, his spearpoint sweeping to encompass the remnants of the circle, "Bring change to my children. Should you not focus on the prophecy?""

Kanfi rocks back as though struck, eyes going wide. His mouth opens, but nothing comes out and he looks to his sister instead.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 14 dice: <2 3 4 4 4 5 6 6 6 7 8 8 9 10> for 6 successes.

"We have not neglected the prophecy, or our oath to see him healed," Phoenix Maiden says, calmly. "But one path involves long study," she nods to Diamond briefly, "and another may be aided by someone who has been sent to meet us here. There is no reason why three paths may not begin here as well as somewhere else." She pauses for breath, glancing up towards the night sky of Liu's hours (suppressing her worry about Liu as she does). "Change is coming," she continues. "We do not bring it, but mold it; the Realm burns ancient shrines, suppresses the worship of our patron - and does yours escape unscathed?" Her eyes go towards the bare stone above the harbor where desecrated symbols no longer mar the honor of the city. "Change is coming, and I had rather shape it than leave it to the Realm." Her eyes darken faintly. "And I have an older charge than the welfare of Swan Dragon, not an oath but an order."

Brian says "Ahlat's spear snaps up sharply as he regards the Zenith. Even in the First Age, the Zeniths were trouble. He is disturbed by what Diamond Borealis brings, unsure of what Kanfi's soft words and broken heart will do, and he does not _know_ the hunter, save as a warrior in his purvue. But a Zenith, with such support as those-- now that is worrisome. "What order is greater that you would follow?" he demands, the sound of drums picking up again as his ire grows."

As the tension in the air begins to rise, the Hunter takes a step closer to Phoenix Maiden. His stance is unbowed, he will not back down from this, it's too important.

Phoenix Maiden's hand rises to touch the golden disk of the sun glowing on her brow as she answers. "Who alone may command my obedience? From whom did my election come?" she asks, almost rhetorically. The answer permits her to state - without drawing attention to the comment - that she answers only to the Unconquered Sun.

Diamond Borealis studies the Bull God for a moment. "It is a broken world, yes." The Copper Spider seems unlikely to shy away from stating his opinion. He moves to stand beside Phoenix, opposite Aidan. "My mind is not for rent, might Ahlat. To the extent that I owe fealty, I owe it to Sol Invictus, and he asks only that I use what he has given to pursue excellence, to fight injustice. I participated in freeing this city not for your sake. But because it is what I believed is right. I will continue to do the same."

Brian says "Ahlat considers the words of the three who speak, and the remaining silence. Thunderclouds-- spectral ones, anyway-- seem to cross the world behind him and for a moment the world goes dark. "All must submit to the will of the Unconquered Sun, or face obliteration," he says. "But honor, and the honoring of -contracts- you must provide yourself, duty or no. And while one duty and another remain open, so, too, does the night--" or did he say Night?--" within Yu Shan. Delivery of payment for the first will be made-- but with it," he says, looking at Kanfi, "Will go a promise of duty to a subordinate. I will be watching-- as will my brides," he rumbles, before the smoke begins to disperse around him..."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Perception + Awareness rolls, please."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Also, Perception + Socialize from Kanfi, please."

<<DICE>> Phoenix Maiden rolls 5 dice: <2 5 6 8 10> for 3 successes.

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

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 6 dice: <1 6 8 8 8 9> for 4 successes.

<<DICE>> Kanfi rolls 9 dice: <2 4 4 4 5 6 9 10 10> for 5 successes.

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "First is per+Awareness, second is Per+Soc."

Brian [to Kanfi]: While we're waiting on Diamond to make his roll, I'll explain what -you- figured out from that speech. Ahlat is going to pay you double, basically, your payment, and Tatsu's to hold for him... but he's either-- you're not sure, could be both-- going to stop outright looking for Tatsu until you leave, or if he _does_ know where Tatsu is, won't -tell- you until you and your sister are long gone. There are -worse- possible explanations for his grumpy reactions to tonight's little get together that I'm _sure_ you can imagine...

<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 8 dice: <1 6 7 9 9 10 10 10> for 9 successes.

Brian says "... Whoa. o.o"

Brian says "Okay!"

Brian says "Kanfi, Aidan, and PM here a muttered "Izhalvi," spoken in VERY grumpy tones just as the smoke goes away, and something else mumbled; Diamond, you get that, and the mumble, "My brides need to know about this-- all of this.""

<<OOC>> Aidan says "Sooooo, He wasn't pleased with us, then? :-P"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "You know, at one point, I had been toying with the idea of making PM a ...err, former? Bride. :p"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Poor Ahlat. If PM had been raised Brakhani (ironically, she's got Brakhani descent) instead of Izhalvi she might have been a lot more agreeable. :p ...Maybe."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "What is "Izhalvi", btw, and would Aidan understand the significance? I have no OOC knowledge of the word."

Kanfi jerks up, eyes going wide, and lips parting to protest. But he can't get any words out before Ahlat disappears into the smoke. "No--!"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "One of the Peoples of Harborhead."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "They're the largest, least organized, and currently the ones being the underdog the most."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "They also worship the Unconquered Sun primarily and see Ahlat as more of a cattle god. :p He has reason not to like them so much. Which might have something to do with their current underdog status."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Dunno if Aidan would know that."

<<OOC>> Brian says "What's Aidan's Lore?"

<<OOC>> Aidan says "Not directly. Just if there was any mention of them in the lorebooks of the monastery, probably."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "Lore 2"

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "Would Diamond know that?"

Phoenix Maiden slumps, letting the nervous tension drain out. "...That went better than it could have..." She shakes her head. "I hope Harborhead will not be torn in two - further."

Diamond Borealis turns toward PM. "If he attempts it, he'll get the same as the Realm. He's a powerful god, yes. But he's a god. We defeated the makers of the world. An ambitious bull..." He shrugs his shoulders as if to say 'we'll do what is necessary'.

<<OOC>> Brian says "What's Diamond's Lore?"

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "5."

<<OOC>> Brian says "He'd know about the Izhalvi, then. Not Aidan."

Aidan looks down at the now-decreasing glow of the fire for a moment, and then turns to Phoenix Maiden. "It could possibly have gone better. Or worse, indeed." He pauses for a moment, before continuing. "I feel I must offer an apology, though, if my words perhaps caused more strife than was needful. I have not told you everything about what brought our paths together, there in the Lap."

Kanfi doesn't say anything, staring at the spot Ahlat had taken before his departure.

Diamond Borealis waves his hand at Aidan's apology. "Nonsense. This is about a tribal dispute. And more importantly, petty jealousy. The Izhalvi worship Sol Invictus primarily and see Ahlat as just a bull god. He doesn't like that. Surprise, surprise, they are the repressed minority. The Brakhani, on the other hand, worship Ahlat primarily. He's not an enemy, by any stretch. But he'll need to be reminded of his place eventually."

Phoenix Maiden eyes Diamond somewhat incredulously. "He's the /Southern war-god/," she says. "Not some spring-spirit with delusions of grandeur. I suspect that he would have reacted worse if he did not have a connection to the Unconquered Sun."

"...And we probably wouldn't have liked it if he did," the Zenith finishes.

Kanfi shakes himself off, trying to focus back on the matter at hand. "Sorry," he apologizes to the group.

Phoenix Maiden looks over at Kanfi. "Are you all right?"

Diamond Borealis stares flatly at Phoenix Maiden, as if completely non-plussed. "Yes? And? He's the Southern War God. He's powerful, yes. But he's still a god. His job is to take orders from us. That is the proper order of Heaven. You should know that. You speak for Sol Invictus, the mightiest of the gods. Don't let him bully you." Does his lip twitch at the could be word play?

"He may think that it is we who need to be reminded of our place. He knows his, I think, and it is a powerful one." The Hunter pauses, trying to frame his thoughts correctly. "We are the chosen of Sol Invictus, most glorious. But that brings with it a heavy burden. We must be righteous, and prove with each and every day that we are worthy to be chosen; that we should bring greater glory to His name."

Kanfi purses his lips, gesturing broadly. "It doesn't help that he has more power and more allies than we do at the moment."

Phoenix Maiden blinks at Diamond. "The 'order' of Heaven would have helped us a lot if he'd decided to take enough offense to be worth fighting us over." She snorts briefly.

Diamond Borealis looks at the three. Then shakes his head. "The Solars who destroyed the Primordials were not much more powerful than they. And Ahlat, for all his power is but a shadow compared to them. Our place is as rulers of Creation. That is why he is displeased. His illicit worship is in danger, his ambitions may be checked by a Full Circle in his midst. I don't think he's foolish enough to try to combat us. He knows that he might win, but such a victory would leave him weak. And leave Harborhead easy victim to the Realm. And if you think they ruled with an iron boot before..." He spits into the fire, his saliva sizzling.

Phoenix Maiden shakes her head. "Ahlat could be a powerful ally; I would rather have him as such, though I'm glad for now that he's not an enemy. His worship is strong, his priests are many, and his Brides are powerful. We will have a hard time raising Harborhead if he turns against us."

Kanfi bites his lip and shrugs a bit. "Then next time, Diamond shouldn't say anything," he says bluntly, voice rough with suppressed emotion.

"Laying aside the question of his power, we must consider not only that which is possible, but that which is *right*." Aidan's voice is stronger now, a bit of his passion is creeping in. "If we allow ourselves to become brutes, relying on our strength alone to prevail, then we shall have forfeited too much. It is our duty as the Chosen to bring glory to Sol Invictus. Not only glory in combat, but glory in all aspects of word and deed. It is not enough merely to liberate, to conquer. We must also set the example by which those who follow us can mold their own actions in the ways of virtue."

Diamond Borealis spreads his hands at PM's words. "Then he needs to treat us like allies, not like servants. Regardless, I've made no oath to him, and signed no contract. If he wants my help, he'll learn to ask politely. If he tries to force the point..." He shrugs again. "I can't stop him from trying, but I won't back down either. Either way, I need to get back to the wounded." He seems relatively in agreement with Aidan's words, and so he nods to the rest. "I'll be at the hospital."

"Brother?" Phoenix Maiden queries, "It seems I have made an oversight. Would you be willing to help me think of ways to..." she pauses, shying away from the word "Pacify" as perhaps representative of the problem, and then continues. "Alleviate the concerns Ahlat seems to have?"

Kanfi grabs Diamond's wrist. "You might not have, but I did! And now my partner's stuck in Yu-Shan for your stupid pride!"