Jade and Cattle Log, 3/11/07

[leticia]

Brian says "Alrighty. We're going to start with Phoenix Maiden and Aidan bringing the stone tablets advice and guidance of the Unconquered Sun (plus one visitor) down from the mountain top. Kanfi, you've been basically keeping the troops in order and studying the known layout of the Bent Creek fortifications for infiltration; Bitter Cricket, you've been communing with the local fire elementals. Fires Weeping Pass, where PM and Aidan have been, makes them nervous; it's apparently a Solar demesne of great power that, until recently, was inhabited by a powerful Fae and infested with Wyld energies that warped the otherwise life-giving heat coming from it."

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Keeping the troops in... order, huh?"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Kanfi, if you exhaust my troops before we hit the battlefield... ;p"

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "You can do without a handful, sis!"

Bitter Cricket [to Brian]: But it's not inhabited by such anymore?

Brian says "Phoenix Maiden, Aidan-- the pair of you are coming down off the mountain, glowing-- I presume carrying a certain Siddie?"

Brian has partially disconnected.

Brian [to Bitter Cricket]: They say that a whirlwind force of Solar Energy with an aspect like a great hawk at prey cleansed the mountain a month or two ago.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden cackles.

Bitter Cricket says "Interesting. I do not think I know this particular Solar."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Yeah. PM might be annoyed at his ...broad usage of labels... but she needs to pick his brains, so, not going to leave him to fry."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "The first time you see Aidan in combat, you'll recognize the aspect. He tends to go iconic in a hurry when he fights."

<<OOC>> Bitter Cricket says "I figured; thanks will be in order then."

Bitter Cricket [to Brian]: I'm assuming that the fire elementals are much happier now that the pass has been cleansed.

Dozima is not the best of shapes, having collapsed after the Unconquered Sun made his pronouncement.

Brian [to Bitter Cricket]: Yes. A lot happier, though they scattered about an hour or so ago when a huge burst of solar fire from the mountain top sent them fleeing in awe.

Bitter Cricket sighs.

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Heh."

Bitter Cricket says "Better awed than annoyed, I suppose."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "And here we come down the mountain all glowing. >_> Our Twilight's going to be annoyed with us, Aidan."

Kanfi looks up from where he's leaning over some pretty girl, talking to her about something or other that has nothing to do with military discipline at all. "Oh, here they come."

Bitter Cricket looks up and glances towards the mountain, and raises an eyebrow. "Indeed. And in some state, it seems."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "I would probably be carrying the Siddie, since I'm less encumbered by armor-and-spear, and I am the dex monkey, so I shall not trip."

Phoenix Maiden continues down the mountain past where she and Aidan left troops fortifying the path - nodding and encouraging them as she does - towards the body of the army and the rest of the Circle, all shiny.

Kanfi pats the girl on the shoulder to send her off. "Looks like I'm going to have a meeting in a few minutes. But we'll talk later." He flashes his charming grin and waves for Seven so they can go meet up with his sister and Aidan.

Aidan is feeling particularly energized by his encounter with his patron, and is leaping and bounding down the last bit of the mountain path, despite the weight of the now-unconscious sidereal in his arms, and the rocky terrain.

The masses of your troops draw back slightly. Not afraid, though terrified and awed might be proper terms. Many of them veil their eyes and faces with forearms or shields; others stare at the ground and nowhere else. Kanfi's officer-girlfriend-of-the-moment yelps, and tries to get her uniform on right and to stop touching the holy man so improperly.

Seven trudges up slowly and straightens out Kanfi's clothing. "Try to look more presentable, O Beauteous and Inestimably Corrupt Master of A Thousand Painful Delights; your sister has been speaking to her *sttcckkkk*" static comes out, "Master."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Ahh, Seven."

Bitter Cricket simply waits near Kanfi, hands folded into the voluminous sleeves of his robe.

Kanfi frowns up at his robot, and lets him fiddle with the draping of fabric. "Her what?"

"I think they saw us coming," Phoenix Maiden comments dryly to Aidan. "Wonder how." She shrugs and waves a hand in greeting as she nears the other Solars.

"I think you are correct. I can't possibly imagine why." Aidan grins back at the Maiden, then raises his voice to the nearest soldier. "You there, bring me a bedroll for the old man here."

Dozima is slumped in Aidan's arms, seemingly oblivious to the world. He seems... rather average, actually, save that his skin is beaten and torn, he is wearing only the tatters of green robes, numerous cuts everywhere, his body having a generally baked outlook to it, like wet leather set in the sun too long.

"Bring him a bedroll and bring him here," Bitter Cricket adds quietly. "Let me look at him, if you would."

Kanfi arches an eyebrow, pulling away from Seven to meander over to his sisters side. "Looks like you two had some fun.

Several soldiers hurry to obey Bitter Cricket, presenting the best bedroll they can find and making huge, exaggerated bows of obeisance to the four Solars, especially Phoenix Maiden and Aidan, before scurrying away.

Phoenix Maiden nods to Kanfi and comes to a halt, letting Aidan deal with the battered Siddie. "Sol Invictus spoke to us," she says, and her voice is somewhat hushed by the gravity of that statement.

Brian [to Bitter Cricket]: ... Actually, give me a Perception + Occult roll, please.

Kanfi's lips twitch up in something like bemused surprise. "What, really?" Not that he expected Phoenix Maiden to be lying, but the pronouncement surprised him.

<<DICE>> Bitter Cricket rolls 8 dice: <1 3 3 7 7 9 10 10> for 7 successes.

Brian [to Bitter Cricket]: ... The man that they're carrying is Dozima Wokish. You've met him before; he's one of the Gold Faction liaisons to the Court of Orderly Flame. A chosen of Secrets, and usually a very hard to remember man, though right now you remember that he is a fellow sorcerer, though not of your summoning type, and has an irritating habit of reciting the names of everyone he meets whom he considers important.

Bitter Cricket [to Brian]: Was he, by any chance, the gent who was supposed to come and meet this Circle?

"Indeed." Phoenix Maiden ...could be described to be glowing, if she wasn't actually glowing. "At his shrine at the heart of the Demesne."

Brian [to Bitter Cricket]: He was indeed!

Brian [to Bitter Cricket]: He seems to have been Delayed.

Bitter Cricket [to Brian]: Convenient.

Brian [to Bitter Cricket]: He might disagree

After the soldiers lay him down, Bitter Cricket walks over to the battered man's side and examines him carefully. "How fortunate," he muses after a few moments. "You seem to have found our missing Sidereal friend. Where was he?"

Bitter Cricket [to Brian]: He's asleep.

Brian [to Bitter Cricket]: This is true.

Kanfi tugs on a braid. "Apparently hanging out with Sol Invictus."

Bitter Cricket [to Brian]: How's he doing, by the way. Does he need help, or will he recover on his own?

Aidan points to the top of the mountain. "Up there. In the center of the Pass. Waiting for us to return, apparently."

"Also in heart of the Demesne," Phoenix Maiden answers. "We didn't get any straight answers out of him before he passed out, but it sounded like he'd fled from ...someone or someones... to there.

Brian [to Bitter Cricket]: Well. He's definitely not in good shape. At the moment, he's completely incapacitated. With good rest and ordinary care, he could probably be up (if walking wounded) in a few days. Exalted Care is something else, of course.

"Interesting," the Twilight replies. "One wonders why he was there, instead of in the city he was supposed to be. Was he this way when you found him?"

Phoenix Maiden shrugs. "He was a little less unconscious - though I wouldn't have called him fully lucid - and possibly a little less leathered, since it was after we found him that the Unconquered Sun spoke to us, but otherwise the same."

Brian [to Bitter Cricket]: Are you inspecting him or anything as you speak?

Bitter Cricket [to Brian]: General inspection, to decide whether or not he needs immediate help or can be taken inside so I can spend time on him.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Well, we don't have an inside handy since we're in a field camp, but I'd think we could get a tent/canopy/shade brought over."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Or a wagon."

Brian [to Bitter Cricket]: Ok. Perception + Medicine for triage.

<<DICE>> Bitter Cricket rolls 7 dice: <2 2 3 5 6 9 10> for 3 successes.

Kanfi stretches and goes to lean on Seven, who's the most handy solid object around. "So what did the big boss say?"

Phoenix Maiden ponders, briefly silenced by trying to summarize that meeting.

Brian [to Bitter Cricket]: He's definitely been beaten, and, by the looks of things, probably tortured, too, but those are mainly old wounds. What he appears to be suffering from now is the equivalent of concentrated sunstroke and heat exhaustion; you've seen similar effects when someone stands too close to one of your burny friends for too long, though not rarely this extreme and still alive.

Aidan says "He said many things. Not that I'm sure what most of them meant, but he said many things. Not least of which, he said we have done well."

Bitter Cricket [to Brian]: Oh, we can fix that up easy, then.

Kanfi pats Seven's thigh. "Well, that's something. Did he give us any suggestions about where to go from here? Or did he just want to pat us on the head?" Kanfi's not much one for reverential awe.

Phoenix Maiden nods at Aidan's words. "And charged us to complete this swiftly," she gestures around at the army, "...and move on to greater enemies."

Brian chuckles.

Bitter Cricket turns to the nearest soldier, and begins ordering supplies for the Sidereal's revival. Water, a shade, the Twilight's bag of tricks . . .

The soldier salutes and charges off towards the twilight's tent, stopping only along the way to grab a priest so that she isn't blasted upon entering the dread avatar's domicile.

Seven is Stoic and Silent. For all of a few seconds "... You have been in the ... in the... presence... the ..." For once, the Brass Legionnaire's grandiloquence fails him and his eyes merely flash red on and off.

"What greater enemies? No rest for the weary." He tips his head up to look at his poor robot and pats Seven again. "Don't break my toy, sister!"

The Hunter turns to Kanfi, and draws his next few words out, in a cheap attempt to be dramatic. "Death, Chaos, and Damnation." He then grins wryly, and in a more normal voice continues, "No, I don't know what he meant. He didn't explain."

"If I understood correctly, the Fae, the demons, and whatever force it is that invaded Thorns." She shrugs, lips turning up wryly, showing her kindred humor to Kanfi's. "Nothing major."

Brian [to Bitter Cricket]: The soldier returns swiftly enough with a water-skin, your personal kit, and the materials to set up a lean-to. Without being prompted, she begins to erect the lean-to over Dozima.

Kanfi laughs and rolls his shoulders. "Oh, sounds like fun. Time to clear the world of corruption and evil!" Kanfi shakes his head. "We're going to busy for a while."

Bitter Cricket [to Brian]: Then I shall begin mending the man.

Bitter Cricket [to Brian]: Since we don't seem to be in any rush while they're discussing, I'll take the time to do it well.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Wait until you see what I make you do NEXT week."

Brian [to Bitter Cricket]: well, I should note, the forces they're discussing are rather world-shaking and in your purview. But, okay. Give me an Intelligence + Medicine + 2 check.

<<DICE>> Bitter Cricket rolls 8 dice: <1 2 2 2 5 5 7 8> for 2 successes.

Bitter Cricket [to Brian]: The Unconquered Sun came down, said "Keep up the good work, and work harder from now on."

Brian [to Bitter Cricket]: The extent of his injuries is broad but shallow. You've got him set up for good bed rest, and you know how to set up the wounded wagon for him. With your terrified volunteer, you can make sure he gets regular water; there's not much else to be done until he starts trying to walk tomorrow or so.

Phoenix Maiden nods to Kanfi. "We were not chosen to enjoy a long vacation," she says, looking from her brother down to the Twilight. "How is he?" she asks. "I assume he'll survive, if he has so far."

Bitter Cricket keeps one ear on the conversation as he tends to the wounded man. "He will recover, given enough rest."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Thinking about, ST, what did we do with Swan Dragon?"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "I can only think he's come with us since he'd be a hazard left by himself."

<<OOC>> Bitter Cricket says "straitjacket in a tent?"

<<OOC>> Brian says "I don't think it was ever decided. You can have a quick kibbitz over what you would have done, now, including what sort of travel arrangements, if any."

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "We probably took him with. I mean, in a wagon or something away from most of the troops..."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Gotta keep him where Kanfi can visit him every day. :p"

<<OOC>> Bitter Cricket says "I'd suggest a covered wagon with lots of toys in it."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Since he only loves Kanfi. ;_;"

<<OOC>> Brian says "Some sort of carefully concealed shrine-wagon?"

<<OOC>> Bitter Cricket says "With lots of scary-looking symbols on it to keep people from investigating."

<<OOC>> Bitter Cricket says ""This is not the food wagon GO AWAY NOW""

<<OOC>> Aidan handwaves. "This is not the wagon you're looking for."

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "This is an Exalted wagon. Clearly you will be smitten by our GLORY if you enter."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Okay, are we going for subtle or unsubtle here?"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "The only problem is, Kanfi's all to happy to smit people with his glory. ;p"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "I would personally think more subtle, since there's no reason to paint a big fat immaculate target on the wagon when our soldiers will do what we tell them to do."

<<OOC>> Bitter Cricket says "I would do subtle, so not to call attention to non-army people."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden has confidence in being obeyed! Maybe because she's JUST THAT SHINY.

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "It's not my fault people get smitten so easily!"

<<OOC>> Brian says "Hmm. So, basically, it's a Supply Wagon, but the implication is it's where Bitter Cricket keeps his apothecary supplies or something?"

<<OOC>> Aidan says "That would probably work."

<<OOC>> Bitter Cricket says "That works."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Sure."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Okay!"

<<OOC>> Bitter Cricket says "Maybe with two compartments in it, so if there is something a flunky needs to get they can do so without disturbing SD."

Brian says "Alrighty. You have an emplaced and triaged Dozima, we know where Swan Dragon is, and you have heard the Ominous Rumbles. Anything else, or are people ready to timeskip a bit?"

Bitter Cricket is good.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "I have nothing major to do! March on towards Bent Creek and smash any Realm forces that get in our way!"

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Make the officers fall in love with me? Y/Y?"

Brian [to Kanfi]: Are you playing with your sister's toys again?

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "She gets to kill all the underlings! I just want one or two of the officers. I can get information! And stuff."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden tells her army "By the way, my brother is inside the fortress." The entire army gets a bonus to breaking down the walls.

<<OOC>> Brian laaaughs.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Anyhow, yeah, timeskippy. PM's intentions consist of "March and fight." Dunno if Aidan is going back to hopping around and meeting us there, or sticking with us the rest of the way."

Brian says "Well, at first, we're only skipping to tomorrow, then, when runners come to all of you telling you that Dozima Wokish has woken up, as they were ordered to do. Well, technically, runners come for Kanfi (first), Bitter Cricket (Second), Aidan (third), and there are three of them arguing quietly with each other while they still keep time marching near-- no one is actually CLOSE-- to Phoenix Maiden, who is still glowing."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden coughs.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden really did mean to buy up her integrity. Will do that after the session.

Phoenix Maiden goes over to stop the argument? :p

Kanfi stretches and thanks the runner with a lazy smile before getting up to get dressed. Shame? What's that?

Brian [to Phoenix Maiden]: The soldiers turn towards you, and the entire column comes to an abrupt halt as they swallow heavily and look nervously at each other.

Brian [to Kanfi]: As you leave your wagon you notice that everything has stopped moving, and the soldiers are getting some well-appreciated rest- - though none of them are SLACK at all.

Phoenix Maiden asks what they're arguing about, and if it's really that important, annoyed.

Bitter Cricket acknowledges the runner and turns his simhata's head towards Dozima, weaving carefully between the marching soldiers.

The runners ulp. "Your, um, most worshipful Generalpriestessness," one starts, and another adds, "There is, er, that is to say, the monk you found abandoned on the mountain..." He's whacked by the third soldier, who hsssts at him, "In the holy place!" "Er!" He says. "In the holy place! Is awake! And asking for you, sir!"

Kanfi looks around, a little surprised, but shrugs and heads towards the tent where they'd set up their guest.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden blinks.

MAIL: Mailbox purged.

<<OOC>> Bitter Cricket says "I assume that since we're on the march, he's riding along in a wagon. Preferably not Swan Dragon's wagon."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "You know. Phoenix Maiden hasn't bitten ONE head off since she took over the city and made her army. Really!"

<<OOC>> Bitter Cricket says "The dragonwagon."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Not literally. ;)"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Mind, she may have cut some off if there were behavioral problems to straighten out, but."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Anyhow."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Riding in one of the medical wagons, yes. He keeps being forgotten by nearly everyone, so he doesn't bother anyone."

"And this is a subject of debate?" Phoenix Maiden queries sharply. "In the future, bring messages for me to me."

Brian [to Phoenix Maiden]: There is much saluting and apologizing and requesting for dismissal.

Phoenix Maiden dismisses them. Without striking them down with her shinyness, even, and turns and heads for the medical wagons.

Dozima Wokish is sitting up in bed. He's looking better, but still battered, and is about to compose a stentorian speech at you all when his jaw drops. "Bitter Cricket? Third Bountiful Harvest? Unwanted Desertborn Gift? The Unrelenting Burning Dispassion of The Unclean Hatred?" he asks of Cricket-- names he's used for Cricket before.

"Dozima Wokish," Cricket replies evenly. "Chosen of Jupiter. How do you feel?"

Kanfi knocks on the doorpost of the wagon, leaning casually in the doorway as he is wont to do, to make an interesting entrance. "Am I interrupting?"

Aidan grins as he hears the tail end of Dozima's greeting, and asides to Kanfi. "He has an interesting way to greet people. Soon it will be your turn."

Dozima blinks again at the newcomers, and is so confused he forgets to greet Kanfi. "Why are you here? It's too early!" he asks of Cricket, forgetting the question.

"On the contrary," the Twilight replies, "It is very late. Where are we, Dozima Wokish?"

Dozima is still thrown off his game. "Later down the road, and somewhat along the path to the Third Uprising. An end, forged with blood on jade, so that when the night comes and brings with it fire and ice, there will be a strong pillar against it and the storm behind."

Kanfi arches an eyebrow at Aidan and glances at the man. "He's got an interesting way of talking. Is he ever straightforward, or are we going to have to deal with him talking like this the entire time?"

"Somehow," Phoenix Maiden mutters, "I thought he'd get more lucid."

"Interesting," Cricket murmurs. "You were late for your appointment, Dozima. Can you tell us why? The Court is concerned."

Aidan frowns. "I had thought that was at least partly due to his injuries, before."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "Wheee, now we've got *two* crazy people to deal with."

Dozima rubs his hands over his eyes and shakes his head blearily. "I was delayed by the Wyld Hunt. That should not have happened; it isn't -like- the little groundlings." He shakes his head out again and then stares owlishly over at Kanfi. "I see you and greet you Kanfi Makuri, also known as Brave Yeddim, also known as Monkey, also known as Arrogant Fingers, also known as the Excellently Dishonest Little Sister, also known as the Third Salesman's Cousin, rather often known as HEY YOU, IN MY WIFE'S BED!, and also known as the Deceiving And Diseased Prostituter of the Faithful Wrapped In Gaudy Rags of Dissipation.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Is Seven present? ;)"

Brian [to Kanfi]: Brave Yeddim was what your Mom called you. You were a bit chubby, but she had high hopes for you.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Yes."

<<OOC>> Brian says "^_^"

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "... O.o"

<<OOC>> Bitter Cricket says "That last one's pretty interesting."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Oh, we all get those. The Immaculates have special pet names."

<<OOC>> Bitter Cricket says "I know. Mine's pretty boring compared to that one, though."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Not enough corruption of the faithful. ;)"

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Heee! Hey you, in my wife's bed is MY favorite."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "Yeah, I do like that one."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "I'm pondering the 'little sister' one. :p"

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "I'm the pretty princess!"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Just as long as he doesn't feel the need to repeat /Phoenix Maiden/'s names. >_>"

Kanfi glances at his sister. "How'd he know about that nickname? Did you tell him?" He seems mostly amused at the titles and not nearly as phased as he should be at the Immaculate pet name. He grins broadly at the 'wife's bed" one, though.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Well, Kanfi's been being abused by Seven in very similar manner for how long? :p"

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "It's affectionate!"

Phoenix Maiden's lips purse and she shakes her head. "He seems to know names he shouldn't," she says, flatly.

Kanfi gives her a mild look. "Well, just as long as he doesn't start calling me 'Monkey' in front of the troops. It might ruin my reputation."

"He often seems to know much that he shouldn't," Bitter Cricket replies evenly. "It is his way. Dozima," he continues, turning back to the Sidereal, "It is unfortunate that you met with the Hunt, but we are glad that you are here with us now. These are the ones whom you were sent to assist, are they not?"

Dozima rubs his temples again and weakly casts about to find his waterskin again to take a long drink. "I am, er, whatever the present circumstances may SEEM to indicate, here to help you," he explains, and then nods to Bitter Cricket. "With advice and magic, as best as I may do."

Bitter Cricket nods. "Very well. Perhaps you may fill our friend in on the situation, Phoenix Maiden?"

Phoenix Maiden's eyes narrow. "Since when has the /Wyld Hunt/ tortured rather than just trying to kill?" She crosses her arms and looks up at the 'roof' of the wagon. "Something is amiss when your enemies behave atypically." When Bitter Cricket addresses her, she nods towards Dozima politely (perhaps just a LITTLE chill, but). "Your aid and your lore will be much appreciated. You most likely know that Swan Dragon is found, and accompanies us, but that he is not ...well, and is, in fact, a danger to himself and to those around him. Ruefully, those he likes more than those he doesn't." She pauses. "My brother is most ept at soothing him, so we've been able to keep him calm, but we - and Creation - would much prefer it if he could be fully recovered. And not entirely relevant to that, we're also marching to crush a Realm stronghold in Harborhead, thus the wagon."

Kanfi says "That, we're mostly doing for the fun of it."

Dozima nods in what would have once been a dignified manner. "Of the coming of the Illustrious Former Censor, much is known to me," he tells you. "I was not... yet... free when you began this march, so I suspect that no news of it has been yet transmitted to your Glorious Cousins amongst the Cult of the Illuminated," he says. "It is unfortunate, for they could prove true allies in such an endeavour. Still, for now, I will give you the benefit of my humble experience and knowledge, and whatever aid I can give to Swan Dragon, may his flame burn true once more, I shall."

Phoenix Maiden nods, though she looks blank at the mention of this 'Cult'. "I am most interested in the tale of Swan Dragon before the Great Contagion and the Fae incursion," she says. "Though at this point my attention is fairly tied up by arranging the army; after we take Bent Creek..." She shrugs - not particularly concerned with possibilities of failure.

Dozima strokes his chin weakly. "Then how may I aid you at -this- juncture?"

Kanfi shrugs and steps forward,s settling himself against a wall. "What do you know about Bent Creek?"

Aidan recalls a bit of the earlier conversation, and hmmms to himself. "Wisdom, you said that you were set upon by the Wyld Hunt? Might you recall the place where you were taken, and the names or markings of those that did this to you?"

Phoenix Maiden listens sharply; would surely like to know why the Wyld Hunt has started setting on, imprisoning, and torturing people instead of, you know, hunting and killing.

Dozima frowns. "I don't know who they were. They were hooded and concealed-- not even elemental signs. That -is- odd. I know it was dragon-blooded who captured me; fire was the primary element in play, but also wind and wood." He frowns again. "It couldn't have been very far from the border. I was set upon there while crossing ... in disguise... and the ambush left me mostly broken anyway. They ... asked..." He trails off and shakes his head. "They asked about anathema, of course, all of you. But also about..." He stops for a moment, and stares off.

Phoenix Maiden muses, quietly, "Perhaps not the Wyld Hunt at all, though that leaves the question of who," as she waits for the Sidereal to continue if he will.

"About what did they ask, Dozima," Cricket prompts gently. "About anathema, and what else?"

Dozima says quietly, "About the stars. And questions it is not safe to repeat. But, mainly, about you. Your plans-- always couched, I assure you, in the most unpleasant terms-- your destinations, and your capabilities."

Dozima looks skyward for a second. "The place was, at one point, named Fairweather Moot. If that helps at all."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Does that mean anything?"

Brian says "PM, Bitter, and Kanfi can make Perception + Lore rolls."

<<DICE>> Bitter Cricket rolls 7 dice: <1 1 1 4 4 5 6> for a botch!

<<OOC>> Bitter Cricket knows nothing.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Oh dear."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "Worse, Cricket *thinks* he knows something, but he's wrong."

<<DICE>> Kanfi rolls 6 dice: <1 3 4 5 5 9> for 1 success.

<<DICE>> Phoenix Maiden rolls 6 dice: <2 3 4 5 8 10> for 3 successes.

Brian [to Bitter Cricket]: Fairweather Moot, as far as YOU know, is on the other side of the world, literally-- in the northwest. A pleasant little fairground and vacation spot in the shogunate, never again seen after waves of living ice ran it over during the Fair Folk invasion.

Brian [to Kanfi]: You haven't heard nothin'!

Brian [to Phoenix Maiden]: You aren't sure, but it sounds a lot like Farwathi Mount, a fortress set on a tall mountain on the southwest border of Harborhead, but it's been ruined since before the Great Contagion.

Phoenix Maiden purses her lips. "I can't think of any place on the border known by that name - now - but it doesn't sound very unlike Farwathi Mount. Of course, it's been a ruin since before the Great Contagion, so..."

Bitter Cricket shrugs. "The only one I know of is-- was-- on the other side of the world."

Dozima sinks back into his pillow and shrugs weakly. "I know it was here, somewhere. I think."

Kanfi shrugs. "I've never heard of it."

Bitter Cricket shrugs slightly. "If it was, it can be located."

Phoenix Maiden purses her lips and ponders that. "The other side of the world is a lot harder to investigate." She glances at Aidan. "And I'm making a guess that you'd like to."

Brian [to Aidan]: I don't mind you going, but it means your session for the week after next would have to be offboard; you won't make it back in time.

<<OOC>> Brian chuckles. "Do we want to keep interrogating the Siddie, or are there any other plans before the end of session?

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "PM might, out of idle curiosity, ask him if he knows anything about Bent Creek."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Because, hey. Secrets!"

<<OOC>> Brian says "Up to you. :)"

"To help us now," Phoenix Maiden says, "the best thing is to recover; when you're feeling better, to spend time with Swan Dragon and see if you have any thoughts on his condition or its causes. At the moment... do you know anything of the place called Bent Creek?" She's not looking for any particular information, but the Sidereal has strange ways of knowing things, it seems, and you never know what might turn up.

Dozima purses his lips quietly. "It is heavily aspected by Mars, but also by Endings. It has always been there, of course, but not until about five or ten years ago." He considers for a moment. "The earth-spirits, especially of jade, are distinctly unhappy by the abruptly ancient move, and this resonates with those who use Jade there at all; paranoia and distrust are rampant, especially as the master of that place owns it for the foolish, shortsighted Empress, and not his own House.

<<OOC>> Aidan says "That didn't make *any* sense."

<<OOC>> Bitter Cricket says "Of course not. He's a Siddie."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Sure it did if you have Meta Knowledge. :p"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden doesn't, of course.

The Zenith... looks blank again, though she nods thoughtfully at the comments about paranoia and distrust.

Brian has partially disconnected.

<<OOC>> Brian says "It's all true!"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Politics, she understands."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Things that are ancient as of 5 years ago... less so."

Kanfi mutters, "did anyone else understand that?"

Bitter Cricket shakes his head. "Perhaps something will become clear later," he murmurs.

Phoenix Maiden says, "I understand that when you seduce your way in, brother, you should be prepared to take into account - and advantage of - the paranoia."

Kanfi chuckles and spreads his hands. "Understood, most wise sister."

Phoenix Maiden ruffles her brother's hair. "Not that you wouldn't. Monkey."

Kanfi swats at her hands, braids falling in his face. "Hey! Cut that out! Don't call me that..."

Phoenix Maiden chuckles and leaves her brother alone.

Dolefully, Seven asks, "Am I to procure the lesser primates known as monkeys for your illegitimate and base lusts now, O Most Creatively Foul and Passionately Degenerate Master of the Deceptive Faith-Prostituting Eyes?"

<<OOC>> Brian somewhat cruel. >_>

<<OOC>> Kanfi cackles.

Kanfi waves a hand at Seven. "No thanks. I'll stick with pretty women for now. You don't have to procure those for me either, though. I can find some myself. But thanks for offering." He grins broadly at the company, pleased to have something to do.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden ponders pointing out to Seven that if he plagiarizes his titles for Kanfi, Kanfi might doubt his devotion!

Phoenix Maiden rolls her eyes at Seven, and glances at Bitter Cricket. "We should probably let your patient rest?"

<<OOC>> Seven is not plagiarizing. He is praising1

Bitter Cricket nods. "Rest while we travel. There will be time later to speak more, I'm certain."

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "It's music to my ears. XD"

<<OOC>> Seven knows the -right- title-base to use now!

Brian says "Alrighty. We'll close on that then. :)"

Brian says "5 xp to everyone."