If Shining Peacock noticed Sun Snake's attempt to catch his attention, he didn't show it - he seemed to be completely focused on Rain Feather, as if nothing could matter more than her answer right now.

OOC:  RL has been giving me a bit of a beatdown.  Apologies for this taking for-freaking-ever.  Hope it's plenty coherent enough. :D

On a more serious note, if I bungled anything about the plan, correct me and I'll change it- I wanted to get something up and get this moving again...

"Good day, Your Grace.  I must say it is an honor to meet you."

She would bow before him, as a sign of respect, and then begin her explanation.

"...one of the things that we've come to realize- as a group- over this last, trying week, is that no matter which of the current candidates is chosen to be the Grandmaster of the Order, it's not going to end the underlying cause of all of this strife: the jealousy and emotion of those who would believe that their viewpoint would not be heard, or that their ideas for the evolution of the Order would not be even listened to.  Yes, someone would be the Grandmaster, but it wouldn't fix a thing."

She would pause for a second, and continue.

"Given some of my, well... unique... circumstances... we are prepared to put forth a plan that could put forth someone as Grandmaster, and hopefully end the fighting so we, as an Order, can begin to heal and repair all the damage we have done to ourselves- evil still walks the world, and it will not stop simply because we need time to sort ourselves out.

After much talking, we've come up with the idea that the Grandmastership- for lack of a better word, mind you- should go to a visible symbol of the Order- much like the populace once looked to Lone Wolf, who bore the Sommerswerd and fought tirelessly to free the world from the Darklords; they will be looking for a new symbol once they hear of his death- and they will be seeking a veritable sign from Kai and Ishir to show them they have nothing to fear."

Reaching over her shoulder, she places one hand upon the hilt of the Sommerswerd, and wets her lips again.

"...I will be that symbol.  Infused with the light of the Sommerswerd itself, I will take the Grandmastership, and stand as a symbol of our fight against the darkness.  I may not be as skilled as Lone Wolf was- at least, not yet- but if it gives people hope and calms the Order, then it's something I am willing to do.  Granted, I may not know everything, and yes, I know I am rather young.  But that is where more of our ideas come in.

I don't know everything, Your Grace.  But at the same time, I know I don't know everything.  So we propose a council of the Kai- where we may talk, compromise, and make sure everyone has their voices heard, without fear of being ignored just for being who they are.  People can offer viewpoints that may not have been considered, or observations that may end up changing views.

There are things I'm not particularly good at- I don't have the tactical experience that Sparrow does.  I'm not as detail-oriented as Sun Snake is, and I'm not as good in combat as Sabre is.  But under our arrangement, we support each other- I may be the Grandmaster, but in the end, it is only one voice among many, and this allows us all to play to our strengths, whatever they may be.

I plan on making sure that people know that if they want their voices heard, all they have to do is ask to be heard and considered.  Thinking one person could do everything themselves is what got us so deep into trouble- so let's try and avoid that from now on.

As far as who might be on said council, well... we decided on the lot of us, for starters- and at the same time, I'd like to ask Summer Wasp, White Mantis, and Moon Shadow if they would assist us as well.  It's time to stop fearing ideas that others have and to actually hear the details behind them instead of writing those ideas off simply because of the source."

Taking a deep breath, she came to a close.

"I understand it may not be exactly what you had hoped, Your Grace, but the Kai must think about survival before we think about allying with others.  We must preserve our future so that the fight against the servants of darkness can continue and your people can live knowing that they are protected- because what value would we be if we splintered and the teachings were lost forever?

If you have any questions, we will do the best we can to answer them and allay as many of your fears as possible, but time is of the essence.

Thank you for hearing me out.  I hope I have not given offense."

After such a long speech, she just looked at the Prince with her white, glowing eyes, and waited for a response.

OOC: Well, I liked it at least, so I think I can give you 1 FP for it - maybe it'll come in handy at some point. :)

Lenhar looked at first surprised, then intrigued by Rain Feather's words; his eyes moved toward the people behind her as she mentioned them, nodding in polite aknowledgment to Peacock before frowning in clear puzzlement as Sun Snake, obviously failing to recognize who he was at all.

Still, once Rain Feather was done, he nodded and said, with an easy smile:

"Well, I suppose every king needs a council, and it is especially good for a young king to be humble enough to give the words of his more experienced councilors greater weight; my grandfather has been very clear on that point in his lessons to me."

He seemed to be thinking for a moment, then continued, sounding curious:

"But I must say, I've never heard your name before, Lady Rain Feather. You say you have the power of the Sommerswerd within you, but I'm not sure I understand what that means, or why it would make you more qualified to be made leader of the Kai Order. So, forgiving my ignorance on the matter if you can, would you give me an explanation as to what this entail? Maybe a demonstration, even, to make it clear to me how this power you have would be different from that of all others Kai?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:08, Sat 17 Aug 2019.

"Well, Your Grace... it's mostly because I'm not like most of the others.  I'm not a master of battlefield tactics like Sparrow is, as good with a sword as Sabre is, or even as good of a healer as White Mantis- but I daresay I'm somewhat skilled mind-wise.  I was trained in the ways of going in and getting things done where a large visible presence wasn't a good thing- and if you're well-known, or have something that would give you away like glowing eyes..."

She'd give a slight grin, to show no malice.

"...it makes it quite hard to do that kind of work, unfortunately.

But as for a demonstration..."

She'd close her glowing eyes for a second, and focused a bit, calling upon the imbued power inside her.  Before long, a halo of light would form over her head, glowing there.

"The light can do many things.  It can help to sharpen my disciplines, or I could use it to help strike down the darkness wherever it hides. If it's needed, I could even imbue it into the weapons of those who might need it, allowing them to strike down darkness wherever it could be found.

But like I said, it's the same Kai-given power as was placed into the sword when it was forged- and since the power can be traced back to Kai and Ishir themselves, well... it's a sign that the Kai can rally around, and one that the populace can rally around once word of Lone Wolf ends up making its way around.  They deserve to have evidence that Kai and Ishir are still looking out for them, and, well... what better than someone infused with the same holy power as the sword, who can summon and use that same light?  In essence- a symbol of their light on Magnamund, one they know is watching out for them?"

Lenhar looked quite impressive with Rain Feather's demonstration, taking a step forward before stopping, but he commented, awe in his voice:

"I see; this would indeed be something for people to rally behind. And you say you could infuse this power into other weapons - as in, create more Sommerswerds, or at least lesser version of them, but enough to equip an army? The potential of that..."

He trailed off, as if unsure how to put what he was thinking into words, and Golden Sparrow was quick to speak into the silence, placing an encouraging hand onto Rain Feather's shoulder as he said:

"And so you see, Your Grace, why we think Rain Feather might make for a better leader - between the support she's gathered behind herself and her impressive capabilities, she's the best suited to being our future leader."

"Is she now?"

The call had come from a different voice, and as the group turned, six Magnakai were advancing; the one who had spoken, walking in front, was clearly recognizable to the entire group as Summer Wasp, while the group following her, while not known to everybody in its entirety, was made of familiar faces, some of which had been seen before by some of them: Night Crow, Crimson Star, Blazing Boar, Spring Squirrel, Grey Sword and Fire Swan.

Summer Wasp looked directly into Rain Feather's glowing eyes, apparently dismissing Lenhar and Sparrow both, and then said, in a very direct tone:

"It really is impressive what you can do, Rain Feather - why, from what I've heard, it's a miracle you've recovered enough from this mission to be actually walking. You made sure you're taking proper care of yourself, yes? It is important to anchor oneself solidly after such an ordeal as you went through."

She seemed to put very particular emphasis on the word "anchor", as if expecting that it would have more significance for Rain Feather than any of the rest, although it was hard to read her - it was clear that the entire group was under a Mindfort applied with no subtlety at all, an almost open declaration of mistrust of the group in all those present.

OOC: anybody feel free to butt in here - Rain is of course still the main actor because Wasp adressed her directly, but anybody who feels like having a say can do so, if they want to.

This message was last edited by the player at 07:50, Mon 19 Aug 2019.

"Well met all" Fox said simply with a smile, tipping his hat that he wasn't wearing to his fellow Kai.

Don't really want him to add much, just a hello as it were lol

As the new group appeared, Swift's eyes flickered towards them with a hint of something approaching curiosity.
Her gaze moved across the group, hesitated noticeably on Spring Squirrel, then quickly moved to Wasp as she spoke to Rain.

She still seemed to be alertly watching the goings on, although there was a very slight hint of a tension that hadn't been there before...


OOC: Swift adds even less.  Who knows what's going on in her mind though...  :)

I forget, are some of us still mind linked? Sun Snake would like to know if Swift Fox has told Summer Wasp about Laughing Shark yet, and not sure if a simple thought in thaty direction would suffice, or if he'd need to stealth Invisibility a hand sign of LS or something in Swift Fox's direction to ask!

Or if he should just know the answer.

OOC: You are definitely all still mind-linked, and I do not believe Swift Fox or anybody else in the group has had any chance to inform Summer Wasp of anything that happened to you all; and she's not really on speaking terms with either Golden Sparrow or Red Dawn, so they'd be unlikely to have told her anything at all.

OOC: I think she mentioned about Laughing Shark during the group conversation over the Seeing Stone before (and got ticked-off when others seemed to be insulting her memory from Swift's point of view).  So, at least some folks at this end know about it.
Swift wouldn't know who exactly though, since she isn't fully aware of who is on speaking terms with who around here (given that she was never particularly on speaking terms with most people herself!)  :)

She's making no effort to shield her mind from Sun Snake.  Though at the moment she seems ready to quickly shield herself again if needed, perhaps cautious of Red Dawn, or maybe Summer Wasp... :)
This message was last edited by the player at 21:49, Mon 19 Aug 2019.

Sun Snake kept his face neutral with the appearance of Summer Wasp, and the comments directed at Rain Feather. He seemed content to drift in to the background and keep to his own thoughts, though perhaps those sharing a link with him might notice he had at least paused a moment upon seeing both Night Crow and Crimson Star.

Her ears perked up, even as she listened to Summer Wasp prattle on about things- and then, she simply smiled.  She would nod greetings to each of her followers, though.

"Well, it's nice to see you too, Wasp.  Though I have to admit, I wonder what you're talking about.  I do think I'm anchored fairly well- you don't see me floating away, do you?  Though I wonder just who you've been talking to to get such an idea of me- I mean, instead of beating around the bush, then why not just say who you were talking to?  I wasn't really aware you trusted those of us who studied the disciplines of the mind, myself- though it's nice to see you, Crow.  Been keeping your skills up?  Maybe I can show you a few things, sometime."

She gave the group of them a warm smile.

"If you've got concerns, I'm open to hearing them.  I was actually hoping to talk with you and your supporters, there- we could do it now, or later- maybe over some food, or something.  I still... well... I need to have one for Shark, anyways- maybe you'd join me and some of the others for one in her memory, because it's what she'd do for the rest of us?"

It was an honest offer, and she would wait to see how Wasp would react to that.

Summer Wasp's eyes narrowed, and she very nearly growled:

"Don't try and drag Shark into this, you..."

Before she could go any further, Crimson Star placed an hand on her shoulder, and that seemed to visibly calm down the Magnakai; she closed her eyes let out a long breath, and when she spoke again, she was back to a more cordial tone.

"My apologies for that; I don't really like it when people try to use my friends against me, be it to threaten me, or get into my good graces, or... anything, really."

She made a vague gesture, as if to push the thought away, and then went on:

"As for concerns, I just wanted to make sure that we were all on the same wavelenght here; I know that, if I were to support somebody other than myself for leadership, it would have to be a person that had pledged to see a solid vision for the future be brought to completiong - made it the very reason they're alive, even. And I understand how one could see such a promise as a chain, especially if they didn't particularly like the person they'd promised something to... but then again, sometimes just carrying out on the path you've promised to walk on can be its own reward."

Summer Wasp paused, as if considering her next words carefully, then went on:

"And of course, if a person was worried about being too tied up in promises, I'm sort of a specialist in finding loopholes, you know? Look at the rules and break them?"

Shining Peacock frowned at that and spoke, sounding genuinely annoyed, which was pretty rare for him:

"Whenever you break something, Lady Wasp, it takes a while to put it back together; it's an headache enough having to do it far away from home. Doing it here would be... very annoying."

Night Crow glared at Peacock at that and snapped back, venom in his voice:

"Nobody needs your help here, Shining - in running the Order or in this discussion either. Why don't you just shut your mouth and let people who actually care about others handle this?"

Shining Peacock eyes narrowed at that, and while not angry, he did look even more annoyed, but before he could speak, Summer Wasp took back control of the conversation.

"Let the bird flaunt all he wants, Crow, he no longer matters at all; he's a relic of a way to do things that should be left in the past. His words only matter if you listen to them; just ignore them, as if he never spoke at all, and his power will amount to nothing. He's meaningless."

Then she focused back on Rain Feather, and concluded, in a more polite tone:

"All of us need something to keep us anchored, or sometimes, somebody. It keeps us on the path we have to walk, it forces us to see our promises carried to conclusion, to create what we must. And you, Rain Feather, know this better than anybody else. But know also this: an anchor needs not also be a bind, and there are ways one can avoid be entangled by them, if they just had the help of somebody who knew their situation. I am not one to deal in subterfuge, so this whole conversation is really a pain for me to have, but I am one who deal in people, in helping them be happy and safe. That's what I do for my friends, and why I hate it when somebody tries to use them against me. But also why I'd defend them with all I got. So, I guess my one question is: would you want to be my friend? Not the way your master bandies the word around, but in truth? Working together with me, so we can see your obligations resolved without you being bound by the source of them?"

At Summer's snap, she would quickly bow her head, and close her eyes.

"...I'm sorry, Wasp.  It wasn't my intention to try to use Shark's memory as a tool against you- I remembered that the two of you were close.  To be honest, I wish I could have gotten to know her more than I had.   It, well... made me wish I hadn't been such a frozen, well... witch, to use a word more suited for polite company.  If we simply kept it friendly- no politics, just remembering- I mean, let's face it, it's the way she'd want us to remember her, I think, but you would be the authority on that- would you and yours join us?"

She would go quiet as she listened to the rest of her words.

"I see.  But sometimes breaking things can be a valuable talent- we did have to break a few things on the way out of the Maakengorge- enemies... items... even myself."

She went silent for a minute, thinking about what Wasp had said.

"...it is an offer worth contemplation, Wasp.  Is it all right if I take some time to think about it?  It is obviously not a decision to be made swiftly, and I'm trying not to dash off and make rash judgements- or to think I know everything.  That's how I... well... what lead to them finding me... where they did."

She left the rest of it unsaid.

"...I just need a bit to contemplate, is all, Wasp.  Maybe you could talk to Swift?  She and Dusk were on the mission with Shark, I bet they could tell you more about her travels and, well..."

OOC: Going to leave it here for now so others can respond.

Summer Wasp nodded at Rain Feather, a sad expression on her face, and said:

"Of course. Take the time you need."

Then she turned toward Swift Fox, glancing at Dusk Rat for a moment before dismissing her and saying, in a more neutral tone, as if trying to keep her emotions in check:

"So... you could tell me what happened to Shark, then? Why isn't she with you?"
This message was lightly edited by the player at 11:17, Sat 14 Sept 2019.

A faint hint of a smirk had appeared briefly on Swift's expression at Night Crow's retort to Shining Peacock, although by the time attention had turned to her, her face had gone back to its usual neutral poker-faced expression.

"From what I can determine, based on Laughing Shark's own explanation of events, she had returned to the Monastery and was present during the attack launched from the Darklands" she replied evenly.
"From what we learned from their encampment, their target was the Vault of the Sun, and according to Laughing Shark, she had intercepted one of the attackers who had stolen two of the Lorestones.  The Kraan that enemy was using had, acting on its last instructions, grabbed the body of its former rider and taken off, intending to fly to Argazad, and Shark grabbed onto it intending to recapture the Lorestones.  At this time, my own team, following a lead on the missing Kai, were also travelling to Argazad, and we met Laughing Shark in the air before landing there.
With her help, we were able to rescue Silver Raven from Argazad as well as destroy the Nadziran leader there.  But on our way out, we were pursued by a Xagash, and Laughing Shark chose to remain behind to keep it from following us and attacking us in the air.  Before that, she gave me the stolen Lorestones and said that if she could, she would try to get to the port, steal a boat and return on her own.  I expect that, without her help, we wouldn't have recovered the missing Lorestones, and escaped without suffering greater casualties.
As I've said before, if she doesn't return, then I'm willing to volunteer for a mission to return to Argazad and either rescue her if I can, or at least try to bring back her body for proper burial."

She paused a moment, then glanced back at Dusk Rat and Silver Raven.
"Anything to add?" she asked them.


OOC: I'll leave it up to Wasp to guess if Swift noticed the dismissive look at Dusk earlier and is determined to include her anyway ;)

OOC: Even if Wasp noticed, she wouldn't care. She's not the type to hide her antipaties - on that front, she's pretty frank, as I think the way her team just adressed Peacock shows. Showing disdain for one of Peacock's students is not something she would be circumspect about.

Summer Wasp nodded, a firm expression on her face as she said:

"If you didn't saw her die, then Shark isn't dead; she's a survivor and always has been, a darklord's fortress isn't gonna be enough to keep her down."

Then she inclined her head respectfully and added:

"And if she doesn't make it back on her own, when I lead the mission that'd have to go tell her to stop gallivating around and come home, I'll gladly have you along, Swift Fox; any friend of Shark is also a friend of mine."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:36, Sun 15 Sept 2019.

That's okay, I don't think Dusk Rat cares much, either ;).

Dusk Rat barely reacts to Summer Wasp's insulting comments to Shining Peacock, and seems equally dismissive when the other Kai glances her way. She does, however, raise a somewhat sceptical eyebrow at the certainty-filled statement that Laughing Shark is still alive.

"I hope so" replied Swift.  A hint of a smile showing briefly through her neutral mask of an expression.  "And I'd be happy to join you.  I consider it the least I can do in return for her help."

She returned the respectful head bow.


OOC: By the way, forgot who has the two missing Lorestones now.  Hope we didn't drop them somewhere... (O.o)'

OOC: you should be the one who has them, Swift Fox; I'm not sure why you don't have them noted down on your sheet, but I know that they can't be in anybody's else possession.

The Prince frowned, then said:

"This is all very touching, but it doesn't really moves things forward any. Summer Wasp, are you supporting Rain Feather or not?"

The Magnakai turned on the prince with a look of pure disgust, and then answered, voice level:

"That really depends on what she'll decide, Lenhar."

The prince reacted as if he'd been slapped when the Kai Lady adressed him in such a disrespectufl manner, his hands almost going at the sword on his belt before Sparrow was there, placing a hand on his shoulder that managed to both stop him and calm him down, as he said:

"That's perfectly understandable; it's an important decision, after all. Nobody would want to feel froced into it, or anything."

That seemed enough for the Prince to visibly calm himself, as he answered, rage still clear in his voice but just as clearly kept under leash:

"I suppose."

"If I may" Fox said speaking up "Perhaps us all stood around in the courtyard isn't the best place to discuss this. How about we retire inside to sit and be comfortable so that we can discuss this all on a more friendly level. Plus a drink to quench my thirst would be helpful"

Fox would then smile to wasp

"And im with you on this one, Shark wont be dead. She will have escaped and will be recovering with a nice drink somewhere. Im slightly jealous of her in that regard" He said with a smile

Summer Wasp nodded to Sabre Fox and answered, in a neutral tone:

"I'm sure she is. However, I'd really rather have this conversation here where we're standing - you know, just in case some tempers were to raise too much."

"I'll make sure you have the best of equipment for that mission," said Sun Snake, "but I'm afraid that means I'll have to come with you too to make sure it's all returned in good order. And Laughing Shark too." Sun Snake gave a pale simle. "I worked with her for only a short time when our groups were joined, but she left an impression. Whatever I can do to help bring her back, I will."

Summer Wasp looked surprised at Sun Snake's words, then shrugged and said:

"Sure, why not - the more the merrier, isn't it?"

"...if I'm leader, then I'd try and make sure you'd have what you need to clear the way- as well as finding a barrel or two of her favorite for the celebration when she comes home.  If I'm not, I'd tag along, too.  I know you don't care much for people with mind powers, but... Shark is a friend of mine, too, and if she might be alive, Kai and Ishir have mercy on the poor fools after her.  We've lost too much to the darkness..."

Taking a deep breath, she nods.

"...but I'm not making my decision now.  Part of being a leader is making sure everyone feels heard, and right now, I'd say I want to hear from Moon Shadow, myself.  If any of us understand about being under a haze of suspicion, I would- and maybe we might get to the bottom of this whole mess- because leaving things like this to cook away and render down only leaves people ready to pull knives and raise suspicion.  Besides- until we get to the bottom of this, she's still a Kai, very skilled, and someone I would get the view of.

No, it's not a quick decision, but in the end, I'd rather make one solid one than just gamble everything away on unknowns that might come back to bite us in the end.

That, and we need to face our problems instead of hiding them away and locking them up."