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16:03, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Floor B25 - The Lost Corridors, Builder Bug Hive.

Posted by GatekeeperFor group archive 1
Tervila Dena
player, 113 posts
Full Moon Lunar
Messenger
Tue 17 Feb 2009
at 02:30
  • msg #17

Re: Floor B25 - The Lost Corridors, Builder Bug Hive

Dena paused inside the room, overlooking it and seeing. . . familiar things.  The shock of a smell, acrid and tangy, hit her and she had a vague impression of herself, but with four arms instead of just two, stirring some vast frothy pool that scummed over with phlegm while other Lunars argued and debated in the background.  She turned to silence them and their nattering about beastmen. . .

. . . and found herself facing Third again in the room.  She starts to comment on what she'd seen, then rethinks discussing something so potentially personal and changes the subject.
"They helped build the gatekeepers.  The machines that control this place.  We have to see if we can show these patterns to our artificers, it may help tremendously with the next gatekeeper."
Gatekeeper
GM, 455 posts
Exalted Storyteller
Five Coils Artificier
Tue 17 Feb 2009
at 07:49
  • msg #18

Re: Floor B25 - The Lost Corridors, Builder Bug Hive

Though the communicator senses the mixed shock and interest of his guests, it takes its time to reply. While the ruby sentinels keep watch, the golden bug moves about the room brushing antennae and forelegs against murals, sculptures and dioramas, now and then pausing in specific positions, contemplating the surrounding patterns at a new angle whose significance only it would know.

"You speak of the old masters," it finally replies. "They were our creators, the Solar and Lunar. In the Calendar of Irix, it was 3866 years ago, in the first cycle of Seedling-Pushes-Earth. In the calendar of the First Age of Man it is 1450 years after the death of the Primordials, and by the calendar of the Dragon-Children it is 2781 years before the rise of the Scarlet Empire." Third's mind works quickly to verify these numbers; the current year is RY 1085.

The golden insect continues to guide Dena and Third through the ornamented caverns, pausing now and then to examine the artistic representations of the events it explains. "We have lived here a long time, though not always awake. At times we lay dormant, hibernating, with no purpose to drive us. But do not misunderstand -- this facility, and its native intelligences, have existed even before we were born. We had no hand in its creation, but we were bioengineered to repair and maintain it, when the Celestials came to claim it as their fortress."

"In the Era of Shining Reflection the Creators were united. Little Mother created our three Queens to serve them, and among those who had a hand in our direction were the likes of Maia Wise-Eye, Cursed Sapphire, Shining Eye and Iris in a Field of Briars. In those days we numbered millions, and the factories churned daily, providing labor for the armies of the Clockwork General, the armaments of the Five Banner Warlords and the vessels of the Ruby Knights."

"Then came the Thousand Struggles. Five Coils, then known as Pillar of Creation, the Last Gift of the Maker, was utilized in full production as a factory-fortress of war. The General and all the others fought a war that spanned centuries. Oaths were broken and Circles shattered. In the end we lost track of our Masters three thousand years ago, when Creation broke into fragments. Without purpose, we slept." The mural that represents this time encompasses an entire cavern room, depicting a horde of sleeping insects in a haze of darkness. Watching over them is a giant stylized eye, inlaid into the ceiling. [Private to Third Beneficiary of Orderly Knowledge: Harmony tells you that it was during this period that she found herself 'assigned' to Coils -- during the period of silence after the Cascading Years. Thus she was not an original intelligence of Coils, but placed there by some whim of the 'Machine God,' whom she asserts was the original Creator.]



OOC: Sorry if this seems long; histories often are. I have another small portion and then it's all done.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:13, Wed 13 May 2009.
Gatekeeper
GM, 457 posts
Exalted Storyteller
Five Coils Artificier
Tue 17 Feb 2009
at 08:14
  • msg #19

Re: Floor B25 - The Lost Corridors, Builder Bug Hive

"The Long Sleep lasted for centuries at a time," continues the golden communicator, standing immediately beneath the iris of that inscrutable, unblinking eye. "Now and then there were moments of Clarity. Intrepid Celestials discovered us, wished to tap into our power. But Creation's leaders of that time feared what would occur should we return to production. We were closed from the world. During the Terrestrials' rise to power, even the Starchosen who helped them wished the Pillar of Creation dormant."

"And so it was. Only 285 years ago was the Pillar rediscovered, reawakened and renamed. But we of Irix would not serve the new occupants, who professed an overwhelming wrath for our true Masters. Thus we have waited in hiding. We have waited for you."

Third and Dena's guide beckons them forward, past the Cavern of the Long Sleep, through a narrow corridor that appears to have been recently dug. Not even the rubies follow all the way through, arranging themselves into ceremonial formation just outside the final destination of the 'tour.' Lighting is dim here, little more than natural lamps of glowing fungi -- and in the large, spacious chamber beyond, it is dimmer still.

"The Queen will see you now. Should you have further inquiries before you enter Her presence, ask them now."
Third Beneficiary of Orderly Knowledge
player, 65 posts
Tue 17 Feb 2009
at 15:47
  • msg #20

Re: Floor B25 - The Lost Corridors, Builder Bug Hive

Third stares. The Five Coils... the Pillar of Creation. It looks over the murals, silently. If they could take control of the Pillar, then freedom would be theirs. It could very possible to bring that freedom to everyone with this force behind them. But it will still be a long time for that. The terms flow through Third's head, remembering flashes of these times, of discovering Five Coils... And what led it to discover the Five Coils. It's silent on the matter, for now. But there is only one being who could be worthy of being the Machine God. Third bows its head. 'Third is ready to meet with the Queen. What etiquette would be considered most appropriate to interact with her?' it asks politely, seeking harmony.
Tervila Dena
player, 114 posts
Full Moon Lunar
Messenger
Tue 17 Feb 2009
at 16:38
  • msg #21

Re: Floor B25 - The Lost Corridors, Builder Bug Hive

"Iris in. . . that name feels familiar.  No matter.  What form would be best to meet the queen in?"
Gatekeeper
GM, 461 posts
Exalted Storyteller
Five Coils Artificier
Wed 18 Feb 2009
at 20:26
  • msg #22

Re: Floor B25 - The Lost Corridors, Builder Bug Hive

"Queen Chilomena wishes to know you as you truly are. Go to Her in the form you were born with," replies the communicator. "Do not be afraid to show your true nature. Display your Essence proudly, your iconic anima."

"Our Queen's years number in the thousands. Show Her proper respect. If She asks you a question, answer promptly. But do not insinuate that She is unwise or lacking in knowledge. Age has made Her obstinate in certain beliefs. Suggest, but do not correct."

"Though I know you are capable of it, Wasp-friend, the language of insects is something She considers the purview of workers, producers, artisans and guards. However, She is not familiar with the languages of the Terrestrials. She would prefer, and recognize the old tongue best." It rubs its antennae together, an indication of nervousness or uncertainty. The golden bug had been using High Realm up until now. "If I must, I can translate, but certainly there would be no need...?"

[Private to Tervila Dena, Third Beneficiary of Orderly Knowledge: I'm willing to let you buy a dot of Linguistics free of training time to learn Old Realm if you don't already know it. It won't count as your stunt-learn for the scene, though, as it's knowledge that comes to you with Past Lives.]
Third Beneficiary of Orderly Knowledge
player, 66 posts
Thu 19 Feb 2009
at 00:25
  • msg #23

Re: Floor B25 - The Lost Corridors, Builder Bug Hive

Third bows its head. ' Third is afraid that its memories do not extend far enough to give it the ability to speak in the old tongue. Third hopes to learn it, but time has, so far, been too short to dedicate itself to such a task.' it speaks politely, as it infuses its anima with solar essence, the light blossoming out of it. ' Third fears it will need your services in translation for a while longer.' it says, bowing to the translator peacefully.
Tervila Dena
player, 115 posts
Full Moon Lunar
Messenger
Thu 19 Feb 2009
at 00:30
  • msg #24

Re: Floor B25 - The Lost Corridors, Builder Bug Hive

"And I have the same problem." Dena confesses.  "Your queen is older than my current incarnation and language has changed a great deal among us."
Gatekeeper
GM, 463 posts
Exalted Storyteller
Five Coils Artificier
Thu 19 Feb 2009
at 00:37
  • msg #25

Re: Floor B25 - The Lost Corridors, Builder Bug Hive

"So be it then." The communicator does not waste any more time on the subject. "Then by what name shall I introduce you?" It had Third's name... or part of it, in any case, but Dena had yet to give her own.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:18, Thu 19 Feb 2009.
Tervila Dena
player, 116 posts
Full Moon Lunar
Messenger
Thu 19 Feb 2009
at 16:50
  • msg #26

Re: Floor B25 - The Lost Corridors, Builder Bug Hive

"Dena will do.  I do not require any special accolades." Dena answers, having thought the matter over.
Gatekeeper
GM, 464 posts
Exalted Storyteller
Five Coils Artificier
Fri 20 Feb 2009
at 05:31
  • msg #27

Re: Floor B25 - The Lost Corridors, Builder Bug Hive

"Just as well. Dena and Third, then." The golden bug directs the two Celestials to follow behind, side by side. Together they move into the large, low-lit chamber of its Queen, progressing at a ceremonial pace. "Say nothing until I have introduced you."

The first thing they notice is that the chamber is cool and dry. The sort of environment one might use to preserve food long-term. They are not alone in the large chamber, either: other insects move in and out from smaller tunnels, mostly of the green and black variety, bearing food or bearing away waste or polishing the walls, which appear to be made of a dark blue crystalline substance. Now and then a few of the emeralds pass by carrying appears to look like compact white pupae curled up into a spiral. These ones move into an entirely different tunnel behind the Queen.

As for the Queen herself, she rests in the center of the chamber. She is ...gigantic, even in human standards. Her carapace is a pure, glistening white, with a rainbow sheen when light strikes her carapace. She rests with her back propped up on what could only be termed as a throne, carved of the same material as the walls and encrusted with precious gems and crystals. The throne alone would be worth as much as several warstriders. It is scooped at the seat to allow her distended abdomen to rest close to the ground, and her gorgeous opaline wings can trail down on either side, as gauzy and ornate as a diamond studded veil.

There are few insects that linger: these are an unusual translucent pale blue, luminescent in a manner much like a full moon. Like the artisans, they also have beautiful wings, theirs silver-latticed rather than diamant. These are the sterile Princesses, then, they who keep the Queen clean and comfortable, bring her the food brought in by the workers, and aid her when she bears her young. They may have been born into Queens themselves, if theirs had not proven to be so eminently long-lived, or Princes should the hive need to expand.

The golden communicator brings Dena and Third before the throne, and bows its head down. When it gazes upon its Queen, only then does it pronounce an introduction in Old Realm. The Exalts recognize it as such when they hear their names pronounced.



OOC: I'd originally had a second post after, but I'll let you actually present yourselves first before speaking. Remember, you want to use your iconic anima banners! so make a good impression with them.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:47, Fri 20 Feb 2009.
Tervila Dena
player, 117 posts
Full Moon Lunar
Messenger
Fri 20 Feb 2009
at 17:05
  • msg #28

Re: Floor B25 - The Lost Corridors, Builder Bug Hive

Dena bows low, going to one knee before the queen and slowly pushing essence into the air to flare her banner, starting with the glowing caste mark, a moon rising through clouds so that it's coloration is blue and purple instead of the more standard silver.  The color begins to spread out in thin wisps and coils around her, and as it begins to reach it's iconic level the ground under her feet seems to crack and buckle, splitting into neat hexagons of a honeycomb with glowing essence in between, and swarms of flying insects crawl from the comb to surround and crawl upon her, rimming Dena in her glorious, traditional coloration.
Third Beneficiary of Orderly Knowledge
player, 67 posts
Mon 23 Feb 2009
at 01:21
  • msg #29

Re: Floor B25 - The Lost Corridors, Builder Bug Hive

Third's anima banner blooms iconically, the golden scriptures fluttering around it as it bows towards the queen, hand across its waist as it lowers its head. It mimics the actions of Third itself perfectly as the Solar bows to the queen, the golden figure holding this pose for the duration of the introduction, before raising its head once again, its demeanor neutral, respectful, but not overly fawning as the pages flutter, occasionally landing against its body, leaving their words imprinted there for a moment before moving on.
Gatekeeper
GM, 474 posts
Exalted Storyteller
Five Coils Artificier
Mon 23 Feb 2009
at 19:35
  • msg #30

Re: Floor B25 - The Lost Corridors, Builder Bug Hive

A hum of surprise and excitement emits from Queen Chilomena, echoed by the silver-blue Princesses as the anima banners are revealed. Even the workers cease their work for a time, prostrating themselves briefly, while the Princesses climb down from where they clung to the throne to array themselves formally at its base. As a whole, the Hive appears to be sufficiently awed by Third in particular; even the Queen bows her head, paying her respect.

When Chilomena speaks, it is with a surprisingly melodic voice, considering her true form is an oversized, seemingly overweight insect. She begins with what appears to be a formal speech, raising her forelegs and beckoning first to Third, then to Dena.

"Queen Chilomena extends Her greetings to you," translates the golden communicator, stepping back so that the Solar and Lunar can step forward. It adds, as a quiet aside, "You may speak at ease. She is welcoming you as equals, not subordinates, though she considers Third the 'senior'."

The communicator continues to translate the Queen's words directly: "It has been ages since the Original Creators walked among us. We were made to serve you, to emulate in some fashion your beauty, majesty and ingenuity. In the Golden Age of Ceaseless Industry, we carried out designs worthy of our pedigree: architecture, armaments, works of art. We maintained the integrity of this fortress so that your enemies might never penetrate its bowels."

"We have waited for centuries since the Sundering of the Creators for your return. But so much has been lost -- you have forgotten even the language of old! Pray tell me, how did you and your hive arrive here safely?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:43, Mon 23 Feb 2009.
Tervila Dena
player, 118 posts
Full Moon Lunar
Messenger
Tue 24 Feb 2009
at 02:15
  • msg #31

Re: Floor B25 - The Lost Corridors, Builder Bug Hive

"Third likely has a better knowledge of the history.  As a guardian of the Hive I was there at the battles we've fought to get here." Dena explains, facing the Queen as she hoped was proper, rather than the interpreter.  "It has been a painful journey.  We all were prisoners in the deeper levels of this place, controlled with some sort of magitek devices." she continues, feeling her way through the words cautiously.  "The devices broke down eventually and freed us, and we've been fighting our way to the surface against those who held us as slaves ever since then."
Gatekeeper
GM, 488 posts
Exalted Storyteller
Five Coils Artificier
Wed 25 Feb 2009
at 03:27
  • msg #32

Re: Floor B25 - The Lost Corridors, Builder Bug Hive

"I see." replies Chilomena through her translator. The phrase does not quite encompass the Queen's initial reaction, which started from a sharp chemical surprise and ended in a contemplative grooming of her head and thorax. "We had thought the Humans dead after the Cataclysm of Dark Smoke. We had no way to be sure of the extent of the damage done."

"The Humans that lived in the nearby Mining Hive were our allies. Of all the Humans that live and thrive in the Pillar of Creation in this age, we chose them to trust and to nurture. We gifted them with our Emerald Producers, so they may learn to survive without the aid of the Usurpers. We have felt for some time the rise of the Dragon-Blooded, and we thought to act cautiously and carefully, or suffer the fates of our Sister Hives: enslavement or extinction."

"To gradually gain the trust of the people of this District was our intention. Of all the attempts we have made, we made the most progress with Granite Creed. But he and his people died. They were Exterminated by the armored Usurper and her Device." There is a low, agitated buzz that comes from the Queen and her Princesses at those words. "It is then that we enacted our first Act of War. It is we who pulled this Sector offline, so that the Network would not sense us."

"So you came from the District below. We felt a vast disturbance from below, but we did not feel your people enter from outside our Sector. If you arrived from within... who sent you, and why? Please understand. We have the utmost respect for the Creators. But should you be even an unwitting tool of the Usurpers, we can show you no mercy."

[Private to Tervila Dena; Third Beneficiary of Orderly Knowledge: Your next post may require a social roll, depending on how you approach it.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:50, Sat 28 Feb 2009.
Third Beneficiary of Orderly Knowledge
player, 69 posts
Wed 25 Feb 2009
at 23:32
  • msg #33

Re: Floor B25 - The Lost Corridors, Builder Bug Hive

"Third can assure you that we have not been sent by the usurpers. Our hive was able to meet with the Gatekeeper of Water, and remind it of its true alliance, with the Celestials. It transported us here to protect us from a similar group of Usurpers to those who most likely destroyed the village." Third bows its head. " And the Dragon-Blooded are learning a harsh lesson, now, that attempting to control a Celestial against their will, openly or in secret, is a fool's errand. You know us. You know that we are the tools of none." Third says, as it sets itself where it stands. " We do not wish to make enemies of you. Our only enemies are those who would try to trap us here where they can crush our spirits. We desire freedom, and we desire to leave this place in a harmony it has badly missed since we were Usurped." Third bows its head deeply. " Third does not wish to ask too much, but it hopes that you would be willing to tell us about how you pulled this sector offline. If it can be reproduced, it would be useful to have as a tool against the Dragon-Blooded, until we can remind the Gatekeeper who the true masters of Five Coils are." It stands, looking the queen head-on, arms behind its back, folded politely.
Gatekeeper
GM, 495 posts
Exalted Storyteller
Five Coils Artificer
Thu 26 Feb 2009
at 05:19
  • msg #34

Re: Floor B25 - The Lost Corridors, Builder Bug Hive

The next words from the Queen come in a burst of excitement, emulated by the golden one in a language Dena and Third can understand. "We freed the sector by no less than hard work, Third," she explains impatiently. "My children physically severed the connections with great precision. It is work you Creators bred us to excel in!"

"But no matter! So the Gatekeeper of Water has awakened to your presence, and brought you here for safety?"

She speaks a commanding line to one of the Princesses, who in turn translates the command in antennae motions, foreleg gestures and subtle chemical emissions to the nearby workers. [Private to Tervila Dena: Dena, instinctively familiar with the language of insects, can translate to Third the basic meaning: the Princess is asking whether the workers have ventured close enough to Water District to corroborate what Third has said.]

The message gets no immediate answer, though; rather the insects of Irix Chilomena pass the word on down the line, throughout the chambers of the Hive, until all know what the Queen wishes to know. It takes minutes for the message to return, during which the insects continue to work, and the Queen continues to lounge.

Finally, the Princess reports, and the Queen speaks, and the communicator serves as the bridge. "The Water District is quiet, and the lines by which we listened downward are non-functional. It is as if the Gatekeeper has passed on, or wishes to be known as dead. So you can prove you have spoken to it? What is the shape of its spirit form?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:29, Thu 26 Feb 2009.
Tervila Dena
player, 119 posts
Full Moon Lunar
Messenger
Thu 26 Feb 2009
at 18:48
  • msg #35

Re: Floor B25 - The Lost Corridors, Builder Bug Hive

Dena sighs at this request.  "I did not meet the Gatekeeper personally, we were attacked by several Dragonblooded called the 'Equalizers' and I kept them at bay while others worked.  I'm sure the Third saw it, however, and I could bring others who did if you require it."
She shakes her head.  "This news is very disturbing, we wanted to prevent a purge that was to kill all in the district of water.  If the Gatekeeper is dead, I am told everybody there will die anyway.  If we need to act to save it, will you be able to help us?"
Third Beneficiary of Orderly Knowledge
player, 71 posts
Thu 26 Feb 2009
at 20:41
  • msg #36

Re: Floor B25 - The Lost Corridors, Builder Bug Hive

Third slowly nods its head. " Third prays that the Gatekeeper of Water is not dead. It was a noble being in the end." It looks up at the question of the Queens, and bows its head. " It would be difficult to forget. It had the form of a cecaelia. Torso, head, arms human- Everything below the waist that of an octopi. It had an armor, or even a second skin of plates, composed of diamond, adamant, and its eyes were like two burning spheres of the furthest seas." It looks up towards the queen. " Third trusts the gatekeeper enough to believe that it is not dead yet. That, Third supposes, is the most it can do for the Gatekeeper now."

Inside, Third is worried. It heard some little of what happened before the rest of the Celestials were transported upwards. For the Gatekeeper of Water to be killed by the Dragon-Blooded... It would be like losing a beloved friend whom one had only just that day found again. It knows that the loss of life if a purge were carried out is catastrophic, but the only one it has any attachment to that may have been caught in it is the Gatekeeper.
Gatekeeper
GM, 497 posts
Exalted Storyteller
Five Coils Artificer
Fri 27 Feb 2009
at 05:33
  • msg #37

Re: Floor B25 - The Lost Corridors, Builder Bug Hive

The Queen appears to relax considerably as her golden vassal communicates to her Third's description. "That is correct," comes Chilomena's translated reply. "I see the Gatekeeper of Water has trusted you enough to allow you passage into its Sanctum. In ancient times, the Irix have served maintenance and repair duties throughout the entirety of the Pillar, and enjoyed a close relationship with the Gatekeepers and their subordinates. But that connection has eroded since the Creators fell out of power, and the Manufactured Souls of the Pillar have fallen into the Usurpers' sway."

"If the Gatekeeper of Water has allied itself with you, then this is truly a victory for us! Yet you fear the Gatekeeper is dead? Perish the thought!" The Queen's scent is that of sharp incredulity, disturbing the Princesses and even the communicator, who takes a step back. She shakes her head, an oddly humanoid gesture. "Not even the Usurpers could destroy it so easily. They may have done great damage to the Gatekeeper Core. But the Gatekeepers are the children of the Machine God Himself. I believe the Gatekeeper of Water has done as we have, and brought the entire Water District into its Dominion, cut off from the rest of the Network."

"We can confirm this, but it will take time. We may even be able to reroute a direct connection to the Gatekeeper of Water itself. But before we consider aiding you, we must know your intentions, Creators. We may be able to help in limited fashion, should you simply seek freedom, or to aid the Water District Humans. But we of Irix Chilomena consider the Pillar our Home. Our ultimate goal is to free it from the control of the Usurpers entirely. Should you wish the same, then our Alliance may well be more fruitful for both of us."
Third Beneficiary of Orderly Knowledge
player, 72 posts
Fri 27 Feb 2009
at 07:27
  • msg #38

Re: Floor B25 - The Lost Corridors, Builder Bug Hive

Third smiles as the queen relates this news. " That is good to hear. If the Gatekeeper holds sway over the Water District, then Third believes it shall be all the better for it. Third will hope for the best of luck in reestablishing communications." Third slowly pauses as this question is asked of it. The question that everyone seems to ask. Do you want freedom, or liberation. Everyone seems to want to know if it will help. It pauses for a long moment, silent for nearly a minute, before it speaks. " If Third only wanted freedom, the task would be so much the simpler. Simply keep going upwards. But it is not the way of Celestials to think of such small things. The only way for us to be sure that our freedom will last is to crush those who oppress us, and to make sure that they cannot chase us after we are freed. If we were to escape, then there is no telling what there may be left on the surface, if anything. No. If Third escapes... everyone, everyone who doesn't try to stop us, escapes, if they see fit." It says this with conviction. Escape means nothing if it is a temporary escape. Freedom must last.
Tervila Dena
player, 120 posts
Full Moon Lunar
Messenger
Fri 27 Feb 2009
at 16:51
  • msg #39

Re: Floor B25 - The Lost Corridors, Builder Bug Hive

"Your thoughts on freeing the entirety of this place. . . are deeply appealing to me." Dena admits.  "I have thought of the same course of action, but I do not wish to make promises without thinking the matter through.  With your leave, I shall go to meditate and confer with the wisest of our companions and have a reply for you in a few days."
Gatekeeper
GM, 499 posts
Exalted Storyteller
Five Coils Artificer
Fri 27 Feb 2009
at 21:52
  • msg #40

Re: Floor B25 - The Lost Corridors, Builder Bug Hive

"Yes, you may take your time to confer and make a final decision," pronounces Queen Chilomena.

"Of course, we cannot truly expect anything from you. After all, you are our noble Creators, and we were once your loyal subordinates. But there is some... selfishness on our part." The Queen and her entourage buzz uncomfortably at the admission. "For we have been set back in our ambition to reclaim Earth District by the loss of Granite Creed. Through him we had thought to reach the heart of rebellion in this District. The one named 'Free', of whom we have heard whispers of. In this way we hoped to influence the Human workers toward fighting with us."

"The Humans need a leader they can identify with, and we are too alien for them, even like this." A white, shimmering light envelops the Queen -- an Essence display, though without any iconic signature. Her massive body shrinks considerably, her limbs atrophying and shaping new and different joints. When the light fades, she is standing atop the throne in a humanoid form, clad in a diaphanous, diamond-jeweled gown of the same material as her wings. She is not hideous, but her beauty is anything but Human: her eyes are large, pupilless and dark, and her 'skin' (truly more of a jointed carapace) is all pure unblemished white. She is four-armed, and antennae jut from the top of her head of pale, iridescent hair, crafted more for show than necessity.

"Let me propose this," says the humanoid Chilomena through her translator. "We will arrange a small party to meet at your Hive next week. Until then you will finalize your plans, and we will attempt to reconnect with the Gatekeeper of Water."
Third Beneficiary of Orderly Knowledge
player, 73 posts
Sat 28 Feb 2009
at 01:04
  • msg #41

Re: Floor B25 - The Lost Corridors, Builder Bug Hive

"Third could not think of a better way to ensure this district's safety and security than under your watchful eyes. Third, at least, thinks it would be willing to do what it can to help you find this Free. We have heard of it as well, and hope to be able to track it down. Any ally, after all, would be helpful." It bows deeply to the queen. "With your permission, then, we shall return to our Hive, and inform them of what we have learned. Third looks forward to when we are able to further our alliance." It bows again, prepared to leave alongside Dena with the queen's blessing. "And Queen Chilomena... Third must thank you personally. Your hive has kept the spark of the Celestials hope alive all this time. You have gone far beyond any call of duty. If victory favors us, then we shall owe you much." it says solemnly.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:05, Sat 28 Feb 2009.
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