"And yet if you care about your 'peers' and their reactions at all, you will desist now, Clematis." The low, rumbling baritone that intoned these words can announce only one thing - either the conversation, Clematis' reaction, or both have managed to stir the venerable General Ruby Falcon to step closer and speak up. Dressed in full ceremonial uniform and wearing his sword at his belt, not even the joyous, festive nature of the Festival can erase the fact that the General is first and foremost a military leader - and the protector of Anthegenia's crown.

Quietly nodding to Anansi's apology and desire to withdraw, Ruby Falcon tunrs his piercing gaze back towards Clematis, his low voice continuing his thought. "This is no place for flaring tempers or unseemly displays. The Festival has been going smoothly, and everyone in attendance, including our guest of honor, seem to be having a pleasant time. See to it that it remains that way." The General nods, then turns to return to his place to the Princess' side, although not before turning back towards the obviously upset solar one last time before falling silent.

"I will not repeat this."

Meanwhile, toward the perimeter of the Pavilion...

Though the powerful Exalts take up a large amount of spotlight, there are others besides them on the platform. Evident Truth finds himself trading brief pleasantries with the likes of Instilled Fury, governor of Sal-Maneth, an Eastern city with strong ties to the Anthegenian Queen Artimisia; Professor Emeritus Cian Kyril of Sperimin, who asks Evident Truth why he chose Anthegenia over his august establishment; Azura Twice-Blessed, a Dragon-blooded person of the air who leads the council of Sezakan, and shows interest in Truth's origins; Snow Tempest, military strategist and recent overseer of the factory-cathedrals of Avalle.

Now Joyous Agile Bat, Jacinth's husband, engages Truth for a time in conversation, as he is quite comfortable with being second to his wife, and is friendly with everyone. He doesn't seem at all fazed by the mini-drama going on with Clematis, though his chatter is almost background noise for Truth, who cannot keep himself from gazing at General Horizon. "Are you interested in the General? She is as imposing as Ruby Falcon, they are colleagues, after all, but Radiant Horizon is a trusted Guardian of the Sword of Creation..."

Horizon herself has no qualms about gazing back, now that Ruby Falcon is preoccupied. The armored woman holds Evident Truth's gaze, and there's a strange look in her eyes, a knowing look. But she does not come to him, she only lifts her chin, and glances away - apparently checking on her thousand-forged dragon, perched so closely.

Mattel managed to find himself torn at Clematis's reaction and the others. Surely his mate had not fallen so far off his mind that he would lash out at such a venue. Without pause he stepped in fron of his mate and placed a hand up. He spoke softly but directly to him.

"It was very humble of the Lord Captain to apologize for a minor insult, even if he did initiate such a topic. You will find no enemies here. I think before you say or do anything else, you remember that."

As General Falcon spoke, Mattel could feel the tension flat line. His mate was sure to shut it now. But later the student was sure he would hear about it, over and over and over again.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:56, Fri 09 Oct 2009.

At first, Clematis's expression did not change. He remained perfectly still with his face tight. Mattel tried to calm him and help him see reason. But who was he. He was a young lunar with very little life experience. "Only if he would just die already." he thought. A few tense seconds later the solar breathed out. His anima ceased to light up as well.

"Lord Captain, if you will excuse me." He then looks at General Ruby Falcon.

"I shall desist."

The man's ego had been hurt. His shoulders were now slumped. A stranger would think the man was going to cry any second. He looked at Mattel with eyes looking for a shoulder or a drink. But at this time and possibly for a good while longer, Clematis was silent.

"I'm sorry..Sword of Creation? Sounds rather...impressive...but I've never heard of it...but you'll have to excuse me..I had no access to I AM until the age of seventeen, and then the next three years were spent in Deliberative offices in the White City...I guess they didn't feel I should know about it at the time."

 Horizons glance away gave him a welcome break from the magnetic pull of her presence, and he continued to engage Joyous with interest.

Thalia had in no way intended to place herself as Desus' equal in trade, knowing that quite apart from his extensive skill in that arena, he also had the contacts and connections that only centuries of effort could develop.  Trade would only ever be a means to an end for her, not a passion.  So Desus' offer of some advice later is more or less all she was hoping for.  "My thanks for your kind offer, I shall see you later," she says as he bids his farewell.

The talk with Lilith didn't go quite so well, at least to start, although Thalia is not such a bore as to continue talking about something the other party does not care about nearly as much.  And she has little or no combat prowess of her own to speak of, her place not being on the battlefield.  It's a brief conversation, which ends on a further note of thanks to Desus for his offer, which should hopefully please the ancient Lunar at least somewhat.  Peregrine Altair allows her to make good her escape.

Beyond the welcome exit from the conversation with Lilith, the conversation with Peregrine is refreshing, as she tended to find with the ancient Solar.  It was always interesting to get her ideas on fashion--although they rarely saw entirely eye to eye--and the general state of all things Twilight.  Not that she spoke with her that often, generally restricted to times such as this.  In fact (somewhat unusually for a Solar of her age) Thalia still found that much of her interaction was filtered through her prior incarnation's recollections, probably because there were so many more of them.  She is fortunately saved from too much interrogation about Goldfinch when she points out that her teaching position is one she has very recently taken up.  She bids her a pleasant farewell.

Only a short conversation is exchanged with Vanileth, complimenting him on his appearance and on the precision of his escort's flying.  She engages him with a brief word about her latest flying commission, a Warbird for the Copper Tiger Nine Harmonious Blades.

"It would be my honour and delight to accept such an invitation," Thalia replied to the Queen of Nyuada, after the invitation was extended.  "We shall have to converse later when I have more of an idea of the demands of my teaching schedule," she clarified.  Some things, after all, were more important than royalty and responsibility was one of them.

"Uniforms, hmmm?" Thalia mused out loud with a thoughtful air, after extending her condolences for the necessity of a fortress home.  "They are not exactly my forte," she continued.  "Although ..." she considered further.  It would be challenging.  To design something like that which would fulfil her own demanding aesthetic standards whilst still being flexible enough to fit across a whole army and practical enough to be useful. Hmmmm.  This would be something to think about.

She had been entirely in ignorance of the affair between Leviathan and Amayana.  By the time the Queen had finished listing all the things he'd done for Luthe, Thalia was almost sure that there was something going on between them.  She would have been certain, but for a desire to make a measured judgement and the fact that this was the first time she'd met the Queen of Luthe in several decades...  Not that there was anything wrong in something going on.

Vanileth, flanked by his spirit subordinates at all times, pleasantly accepts all greetings and accolades. He is a spirit that has grown sure and complacent in his place in Creation. So long as he shares a strong relationship with the Celestial Exalted, it seems there is no limit to how powerful and essential to modern society the technology with which he built his title, reputation and influence will develop.

Of course Vanileth basks in it, though he does take care not to overdo his glowing satisfaction, lest a sensitive ego be offended by it. He is content enough to speak with the Celestial crafters, flight enthusiasts and magitech shipyard owners among the Pavilion guests. With Virtuous Jacinth he discusses the advantages of harnessing the extreme heat of the Elemental Pole of Fire as a power source. He is intrigued by Thalia's pursuit of beauty in every project, and the challenges of balancing aesthetic with flight excellence. He happily accepts Anansi's offer to fly in the Invierna, interested in the progress of its artificial intelligence and enchanted, shapeshifting liquid metal hull. He encourages Sophia to pursue methods of further fine-tuning Anthegenia's functions and efficiency.

The Shogun never tires of explaining his long, fruitful relationship with Anthegenia to younger Exalts. He was involved in a large part of the floating city's construction, from the first enchantment placed on the dragon-lines to the rise of the landmass that would become Anthegenia, a vast, artificially shaped piece of the Far East melded with magical material alloys drawn from all throughout Creation. Even he had been unsure it would be possible, but Firdaus and Artimisia had proven him wrong, and brought him countless prayers to his name with their feat. "Floating cities such as Anthegenia and High Nyunda are the absolute height of flight technology," Vanileth enthuses generously (leaving out Tzatli, but Bright Shattered Ice is not here, now is she?)

Only his brief but strange conversation with Desus seems to imbalance him slightly, but that moment is soon forgotten. The parade has begun, and with it, a special display for the Shogun, as Marek manipulates his model skyships to assemble, disassemble and reform, exhibiting the vast complexity of their construction. Finally he bows to the floating Professor and the Princess. "Your gift is a work of art and impeccable construction, and I shall accept it proudly."

- "It is the work of Moon and Sun, Professor Mitsumi gave me the idea and we worked on the designs Great Lord of the Skyes. I'll present her as soon as she is available since she has more to show."

Once the gifts were delivered Professor Marek mingled with the other Celestial Exalted in the platforms. He approached Professor Thalia, who he hadn't had the opportunity to speak with.

- "Good day of the sky Professor Thalia. I've heard you came to teach the arts of crafting at the academy. It's something we missed much after the last Professor went away and without instruction in the arts of crafting only one student had the knowledge to attend to magitech classes."

"Good day to you too on this blessed day, Professor Marek," she said with a smile, extending her hand to the professor.  Whether he choose to shake it or kiss it would be up to him.  "A very impressive demonstration you just put on, and a most pleasing arrangement of lights to accompany it.  Please also extend my congratulations to Professor Mitsumi, should you see her before I have a chance to introduce myself to her."

"It was that state of affairs," she says in reference to the lack of basic craft tuition, "which was important in my choice to take up the teaching post.  It would be a terrible shame if such advanced studies had to be passed by due to a lack of fundamentals.  It is something I hope to set right.  We should talk later on what it is we are both going to teach, so that our classes are complimentary rather than overlapping.  Although," she continued with a grin to show it was a joke, "I will also be doing my best to tempt people away from your magitech class as I will also be teaching a class on the art of constructing life itself."

[edit: clarifying which craft has the potential to overlap.  Biogenesis and magitech, not so much.]
This message was last edited by the player at 23:33, Fri 09 Oct 2009.

Anansi listens to Mattel and watches the interplay between him and his mate with interest. Then he draws his gloved hands from his pockets, still empty of course. "Then we are in agreement that nothing untoward will happen here. I'm not much for fighting, you know, I would much rather not get blood all over my good clothes."

Pleased by Vanileth's belated acceptance of his invitation, Anansi decides this is a good time to leave Mattel and Clematis alone. He finds Lilith, who addresses him with a cool disinterest; wincing but far from defeated, he brings her a glass of Celestial wine as truce, and drifts elsewhere. For a time he joins his wife, and whispers something in Sophia's ear... far from sweet nothings, her face grows serious upon hearing it. But only for an instant.

Anansi doesn't dwell, though, knowing Sophia has many more people to speak with. He thinks of speaking to Thalia next, about some concerns with the Invierna he'd been meaning to ask her before her last excursion from the city. But Marek gets to her first, and Amayana has her ear, as well - juicy gossip, that, but not anything new.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:10, Fri 09 Oct 2009.

- "Since in my experience they don't overlap in the needs they resolve I don't think there will be much problem, and the students already know what they want to learn so there is little both of us can do to change their minds." Answered Professor Marek.

Joyous Bat answers Evident Truth with a measure of surprise. "Oh, my, they really kept you cooped up in the offices that long? That seems extreme, even for a young Lunar in training... You must have had quite a prestigious predecessor." Glancing again between Truth and Horizon, some sort of realization dawns on his face, and he grows a touch paler. Still he smiles, not one to be easily intimidated by rumor, particularly when his own Queen is at least two millenia old...

"Well, you ought to be able to find out about the Sword of Creation now that you've the thinking power of I AM and the Anthegenian Library at your fingertips, so, there's no harm in telling you, hmm? The Sword of Creation is the fancy name for the Realm's defense grid, controlled by a shrine at the mouth of the Dawn River. It is without a doubt the most incredible and cataclysmic weapon of our time, capable of stirring up natural disasters and calling down horrific destruction from the sky." Bat himself has not even lived long enough to witness it in action, but shudders anyway, just from the recordings and written depictions he knows of. "General Horizon does not have the authority to control it--but she knows personally the man who does, and is a colleague of Hungry Birds, the strategist who commands the fortress built to guard the Sword."

"Ah yes, Radiant Horizon is a woman with an impressive resume. Though she was once a staunch member of the Militants, she gradually matured into a respected general and administrator. Particularly after the man who was her mate passed away..." He seems reluctant to mention said mate by name, or even at all. Still, he meets Truth's bright yellow eyes. "Does that relieve your curiosity, perhaps?"

With so many famous names in one place mingling, Wave does her best to keep up with the brisk exchanging of greetings and back and fore gossip but it was all at a pace she found dizzying and she soon began to get just a little frustrated at how brief it could all be. there was little time of course and decades of history between those present. Lillith herself was an attractive chance to speak to as one of the foremost warriors of the times and General Horizon one of the great strategists but she had other concerns sadly.

Satisfied she'd at least made an impact on a few people, the parade beginning meant she had places to be. Wave unfurls her wings and wafting them down hard launches into the air catching herself with a second swoop and streaming away essence ribbons giving her a trail as her wings slice through the sky.

"Regarding the Sword? Certainly. About Horizon and her unnamed Lunar mate...that I am not so satisfied with. I suppose much like the genteel and discreet offices of the Deliberative..such subjects are at best taboo..tantamount to slander at worst...even though the information is true. It is frustrating to me..because I have nothing but murky instincts from my previous incarnation...none of the moments of another life come to me like others..it fills me with a great deal of concern..as you might imagine"

 His tone is more muted now, standing now somewhat side by side with Bat.

Now that the parade is underway, and Sophia has extended her greetings to all who have come aboard the Pavilion, the Festival is off to a wonderful start.

That by no means indicates that the Princess has the leisure to relax slightly and enjoy the view, though. Whenever she can, she continues to engage her elders in conversation, from chatting with Amayana about husbands and duties, to a conversation with Lilith about RPCs in the East, to asking Radiant Horizon news about Meru. But she cannot ignore those with lesser reputations, for she still owes them greatly for their contributions and aid. She thanks Azura Twice-Blessed for her cooperation in bringing volunteers among the winged people to for the event; asks Snow Tempest about what she thinks of her new post in northern Avalle; praises Last Grain of Sand for the supply of Chiaroscuran glass used in Festival displays and City buildings.

Though the most famous luminaries in the Pavilion have several centuries on her in age, Sophia manages to hold her own. She is of course, greatly aided by the fact she has allies that have extended to her from the Anthegenian Founders, and through the Sidereal circle that guides and protects the City. But political maneuvering among these powerful figures is still dangerous - there are those who would want Anthegenia for themselves, or to manipulate the City in some way to their advantage.

Every time she is faced with this Sophia must ensure that her elders never believe that she is easily influenced or weak. They can deride her political stances, or consider the causes she champions as useless or obsolete, but she holds true to her beliefs and loyalty to her city and people... just as Lonan taught her.

"Well, there is no edict I know of preventing me from speaking about General Horizon's former husband," Joyous Bat says carefully, his own brow creasing with concern. "But there may be a damned good reason why the Deliberative told you nothing of who you were. And if you lack any flash of memory of your previous self... then perhaps even the gods must fear what you were."

"You seem to be a young man capable of careful thought. Why not do your own research? Look up the names of those Chosen that react to you. You may eventually understand what it is about yourself that was locked away... and why."

The dark-haired Lunar takes a deep breath, then straightens up his shoulders and utters, "He was called With Hands of Blood."
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:33, Sat 10 Oct 2009.

 Truth nods, and places a gloved hand on his fellow Lunars shoulder, while he plucked two glasses from a passing tray with unnerving grace, and offered one to the older Exalt.

"I appreciate your candor. Do not trouble yourself regarding it..I am not one to make waves. Let's get back to enjoying this fantastic celebration. I've seen parades in the White City when I was staying there, but nothing quite like this...."

 He takes a drink of whatever it is without really considering what it may be. Clearly, the young Lunar was steering Bat away from the distressing conversation as sternly as he'd directed him to it in the first place. It was hard to tell what he was feeling given that Bat could not see his face, only those great yellow eyes that reminded him of a holy terror just recently passed.

Mattel was a bit at odds at how Clematis was feeling. He could see the shame he had felt. Their bond was unmistakable. But today he wanted to enjoy what he could of the festival. Giving his mate the space he needed he picked a random direction and started to walk and mingle.

As he walked he waved to a couple people here and there. Then he saw some masked figure. Not having any idea who he was and why he seemed to be dressed so funny he decided to strike up a conversation. Mattel is

"Good day my celestial brother. I hope I am not interruppting. My name is Mattel Vigilio, Chosen fo Luna, New Moon caste. How do things fair for you today?"

"Mattel? Yes of course, one of my fellow students at the Academy. It is good to meet you before classes begin in earnest.Regarding your question...I am well enough. I just arrived from Meru perhaps ten days ago..this Festival is quite an introduction to this city and its people."

 He grasps Mattel's arm with his in a somewhat 'braced' handshake using his whole forearm, and then steps back just enough for polite conversation. The yellow eyes, the only thing visible beneath the mask, fix him with almost predatory interest.

"I should clarify...I will be attending your training with Sifi Merciful Fist...as her apprentice. I look forward to seeing your style, as well as the styles of our fellow classmates in action then."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:09, Mon 12 Oct 2009.

Mattel's face lit up with a suprised look. He didn't know this man was at the academy. Perhaps they would become friends. He shook his hand back while returning his glare with a blank stoic expression he was so used to. Perhaps he was establishing dominance. He shook off the notion.

"I'm sorry. I still get your name. From Meru you say. I'm sure this city will be shadowed by the prestige of creations capitol. But as you have already found, there is much to be seen here."

Mattel looked around for a second.

"Speaking of the Sifu, I hav not seen her. Perhaps she is throwing batons into unexpecting citizens." Mattels chuckles as he rubs his left forearm. With a sly grin he continued. "My style is still developing. Congradulations on gaining the sifu's approval to be her approval. With that, I could only assume you are an advanced student?"

The Sifu is indeed not here. One would assume from her usual demeanor that she isn't the type to spend time at festivals.

High Priestess Laelia seems to be of similar taste. The unusually humble Zenith starts to politely disengage from conversations as the festivities come into full swing. "I must return to the temple," she says apologetically, bowing to the gathered Exalts. Surrounded by her choir members, she smiles and allows those who wish it to disperse into the Festival proper, while she herself returns to her ceaseless duties.

Some say that Laelia has never slept a second since taking on the duty of maintaining Anthegenia's Shield. Nor has she once complained for these duties, though once she had been free to travel all of Creation, and love whom she would.

Hardly anyone notices her quiet departure, besides of course Ruby Falcon and the guards, whose duty is to be mindful of all traffic. The Exalted, both visitors and Anthegenian officials, continue to mingle (in Lilith's case, by request), sipping drinks and sampling appetizers passed along by winged servants.

Joyous Agile Bat inclines his head to Evident Truth, and to Mattel when he comes by. Whatever has sparked his earlier nervous reaction seems to have faded, though the quality of the wine helps as well. "Indeed Meru is many times the size and glory of the cities of the sky. But the technology and sheer power required to keep a vessel as vast as Anthegenia or High Nyunda aloft is astounding. To celebrate it with such splendor as we do today, is only fitting." The rest of the conversation is more appropriate to students, so Bat does not interrupt.

Lilith only bothers to speak with other Celestials, and mostly Solars, seeming reluctant to make close contact with certain Lunars (her interactions with Snow Tempest, for example, are downright frosty). She has since approached Radiant Horizon, and they speak politely for a time, Lilith showing a measure of deference toward the armored woman.

---

OOC: just a summary this time, as it's easier than posting tons of names...
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:44, Sat 10 Oct 2009.

"There was a trial or two to gain her acceptance and the position...and I do not believe it is in her heart to even engage in practical jokes with citizens and those batons you mentioned. I myself was somewhat reluctant to attend the Festival had I not considered the disastrous social consequences of not being seen and heard here."

 He takes another sip of the wine provided, agreeing with the taste, but not indulging further, setting on a passing tray.

"Oh..I did forget didn't I? Evident Truth, Silver Blade of Luna. Formerly a citizen of the Tributary Nation of Masks."

 A statement which probably caused Bat a headache or two if he considered the bureaucratic screwup in Heaven that resulted in a Tributary soul getting Exalted.....

"Evident Truth. Perhaps it should be Literal Truth", Mattel thought and chuckled to himself. The lunar grabbed a drink for himself off a passing server.

"So... what classes have you signed up for? Do you live on campus? Currently I'm taking a full barrage of classes and I live on campus on a rented manse. Also will you be participating in any races?"

Mattel sipped on his drink slowly.

"I am currently attending only  as Sifu's apprentice...I may request to audit some of the other classes as a matter of course. Most of my primary education was completed in the White City...but I recognized a need for a change of scenery..and a new Sifu. I'm currently staying in a Manse on the edge of Anthegenia, overlooking the land below...I wouldn't want to crowd out other students who have more classes to attend than I do....and regarding the races? I shall watch them with everyone else...I....am not not interested in engaging in artificial flight, despite the intent of the festival."

 Truth plucked a glass of sparkling water from the passing trays and sips on it instead.

Gliding on wings of silver light, the massive shape of Keo's wolverine warform approached one of the landing platforms where he could finally board the Aerial Pavilion.

Carrying in his arms his Solar mate and her familiar, the Lunar gently put her on the ground, making sure that they did not trip and fall. Then, he seemingly melted, his feather-patterned clothing and jewelry reappearing in lieu of fur and claws, the Essence-focusing gems on his moonsilver Transcendent Phoenix Pinions still carrying the embers of a silver fire. "There we are," he smiled at Rana, gently patting Arya's head. It was fortunate that the familiar was considerably more intelligent than a typical member of his species, else the flight would have been... problematic.

Hoping that their arrival had not drawn more attention than he would have welcomed, Keo looked around the Pavilion, trying to determine if any of his acquaintances was there.