While the other Exalts explore and train and attempt diplomacy, Danae remains ensconced in their mining settlement base, her days and evenings filled with nothing but toiling endlessly at the blacksmith's forge. This is far from the first time she has crafted arms within the confines of Five Coils, but it IS the first time she has done so for herself, and for her allies. For freedom, rather than to strengthen the military might of her captors.

The more she concentrates on her artifact craft, the more she now and then finds herself confronted with sensations of deja vu. Ancient, treasured flashbacks of working in pristine workshop-manses, lacking nothing in labor or resource as she (he?) brought her visions of grand designs to life. It almost feels a travesty that she should begin again in a mundane forge, assisted by men and women who have never, until this point, worked alongside an artificer of the Sun.

These flashes of reminiscence consume not only Danae's waking moments, but incorporate themselves in her sleep as well. Every night she dreams of walking through gilded halls, speaking with peers garbed in silk and hearthstone-jewels, glimmering with moonsilver and orichalcum. She dreams of the vividness of the sky: the bright azure of daytime, the cotton softness of white clouds, the glory of the sun as it rises from the horizon, and descends again, the canopy of stars in the purpling dusk, the silvery moon's many faces. She sees visions of ivory spires and towering fortress walls, of soldiers in rigid formation, garbed in ornate armor, bearing lances forged of light and the elements.

One night, the dreams put Danae on a promontory overlooking the grand, sprawling camp of her legions, watching the sunrise in the company of a lovely silver-tattoed woman. "Do you remember now?" the woman is saying to her. Him? In these dreams Danae always seems to have a male form, disconcerting as that may be. "It was such a long time ago, but don't fight it. I need you to hear me out..."

[Private to Danae Adela: Your memory is tugging at you. Roll Int+Lore to see what you can make of things, but post something too so I'm not just typing posts to myself. :P Um also, do you have any preferences on what Maia looks, what her totem is, and on the first Clockwork General's real name?]

[Private to Gatekeeper: 22:47, Today: Danae Adela rolled 5 successes using 9d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 4,9,4,10,9,8,5,4,1. Int + Lore. ]

Hammers, tongs, anvils, and only the few scattered ingots of various metals were what Danae had to work with--while much of the remaining components were able to be modified as a result of her own brilliance to forge the weapons the Celestial Exalted required to make their way out...  She still couldn't shake the sensation that kept coming over her.

"I can do more then this" She thought on occasion.  "Even back when I was their servant, I could do more then this...  Though I must admit that having my own discretion is a big help..."

Her dreams--snatched from the few hours she allowed herself for rest every day, were more confusion added to the whole affair...  While on occasion she would use a principle she 'Recalled' from the dream, and use it to get around a nagging problem, they were still very confusing...

At least, until now--she somehow didn't think this was part of the normal setup...

"Bits and pieces to be honest" 'He' Replied.  "I'm a rather busy person, and don't have as much time to think things through as I might like...  But I'll listen to what you have to say."

At this reply, the woman's face breaks into a radiant smile. She is truly beautiful, her hair a silvery white, her eyes a deep blue like the sky at dusk. Danae recognizes her cloak of feathers, a Tell that to most would appear as a garment, but she knows better -- they are her wings, folded back compactly to appear like a cloak. Only a Lunar could create misdirection from something so obvious.

Her name comes to Danae clearly now. Maia Wise-Eye was her name, and her totem the dove. She was as much a bringer of peace and a voice of reason as she was a crafter of great skill, employing sorcery and prayer into her artifice. In the dream, she wears one sample of that now, a deceptively light suit of moonsilver armor that seems almost molded to her slender form.

At this point Danae feels a mix of deep affection and uncertain awkwardness as she realizes that this woman is -- or was -- her wife, when she first wore the title of Clockwork General, and the guise of a man. The Clockwork Legions are camped below where they stand, flying banners of a clockwork sun and moon fused together into a single circle. Her armies. One day, perhaps, they could be hers again.

"Terian. I had thought I would never get through to you," Maia says with immense relief. "Though I do not know what name you go by now. This is my dream, but it is also yours. I have been dream-delving for many months now, trying to find you again. I knew you would be here... somewhere..." She comes close, touching Danae's arm; she suddenly looks weary, straining not to show tears. "Tell me, how have you been doing?"

"...  You can do that?" Danae replied after a moment of befuddlement.  "That's quite impressive...  To be honest, in my present incarnation, as far as I can tell, I'm still at a lower level of Essence development--and as per usual--"  Usual?  What was that all about?  --Sorcery isn't exactly something I can just pick up...  In any case though, I'm rambling a bit--I'm doing...  About as well as can be expected really, certain serendipitous events--or possibly not, I'm not sure of the fine details yet--but either way, I've managed to slip out from the unpleasant situation I had been in up until now..."

She halted for a time, as if considering, and looked down upon the army...  Mostly Brass Legionaires--as per usual, her (His?) efforts were to take the stresses of warfare off of the people of Creation--and materials, with the application of appropriate levels of Wyld Shaping--were essentially infinite.

"To be truthful, as much as I'd like to go into further detail, I just can't 'Tell' yet if it won't be pried out of you--while it's entirely possible you benefited from the same serendipity I had--or if you're not even present in the same complex as I--the possibility exists that you're presently in captivity back in the waking world, and it would be dangerous for both of us if we knew too much...  Still, we're on our way up gradually anyway--what level are you usually kept on?  We'll come pick you up on the way if we can!"

"You are careful... and that is only right of you." Sadness washes over Maia's expression. She steps away from Danae suddenly, as if reconsidering their closeness as presumptuous on her part. "So you are freed? That is... amazing. Truly. I envy you your mobility. I wish you all the luck and courage you can possibly muster. And the mercy of those who would sympathize with your plight."

The dream image abruptly shifts, then. They are on the upper tower of a manse wrought in ivory, one of their properties on the Blessed Isle, back when the Isle was ruled by Celestials.

This time it is night-time. Maia and Danae stand on a balcony overlooking a pristine lake, and upon that lake shines the brilliance of a full moon, a truly awe-inspiring sight for one who has never before seen the sky except in dreams. The stars are out, pinpoints of pale light on a canopy of midnight blue, the constellation patterns lost to Danae's memory.

"Remembering is all I can do, Terian. It is all that keeps me going. I cannot even tell you exactly what state I am in. Or where I am being kept, though I saw a lot of trees around me. That was a long time ago, though." Maia holds on to the balustrade, her knuckles going white as a sheet, even in the dream. "I have been in artificially induced sleep for... years, probably. They are exploiting me in this state, every which way they can. Sometimes they make me find people, with my dreams, or send messages. Sometimes -- I think -- they are using me to breed monsters. Terrible, winged things! They have my body, and I cannot escape!"

It takes a visible effort for her to calm enough to speak again. "The time I send this dream to you is a risk. But there are some things I can show you while there is still time. Ask me anything of your past... our past together. I will help you remember."

[Private to Danae Adela: Depending on what you ask it could possibly count as stunt-learning something. You will also be getting Past Lives merit for this entire sequence, too. Don't feel the need to rush through it though, you could ask things of her over several posts. After, she'll have something specific to show you.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:28, Sat 21 Feb 2009.

"They're... Doing THAT kind of thing to you?"  Danae said, clearly looking troubled at the hint.  "That's...  That's totally unacceptable, I won't allow them to continue..."  'He' Crosses his arms and nods sagely.  "Like I said, if you can give me any clues as to where you are, either now or in a future conversation that might come up, I swear I'll get you out, that kind of attitude shouldn't be allowed"

Still, at the time, there were other things to discuss...

"Honestly, I've been working very hard lately--it might have helped you lock in like this because I've been working extremely hard in getting some proper gear together for the oncoming way outwards...  I've just finished a few adaptors for some jade gear we've captured, and I'm working on some weapons now too for the members of our little group who are on the way up--but I had a plan for something a little different later on..."

'He' snapped his fingers a few times, a bit of a tic while trying to extract a hazy recollection.  "I wanted to try starting work on something else, I know I had something similar way back when, and it'll be useful as our group progresses, but I can't really recall the details of how I put it together... It was..."  She snapped her fingers a few times more.  "I can't really remember the details to be honest, it was my sword from back then though--I mean, I'd have to adjust the shape a bit, I'm a fair bit smaller framed then I was in the First Age at the moment, but the internal designs I should be able to get the frame and base work done with the materials I have on hand--do you think you can help me remember the details though?"

"Y..yes," Maia says quietly, in response to Danae's initial shock. "Because the tyrants of Coils value sorcerous power greatly -- especially the potential for power greater than their own -- they do not treat us well. We are even more slaves than most. I know of one who had his memory altered, or stolen from. They harvest spells from them, and store them in thought-gems. Or like me, they make use of us long term... after making sure we are completely helpless..."

"It is a frightening world, where Terrestrials can overpower us so. I wish I could tell you more... but I only know of the trees, and the male called Orpheus. His hair is dark like the tree bark is dark. He is my... keeper."

She listens, then, to Danae speaking of 'his' craft. The darkness in Maia's blue eyes seems to recede slightly; perhaps in the enthusiasm and detail with which 'he' conveys his problem, she sees some hint of the once-rival crafter she loved. "I remember the blade, Terian, it was 'Impeccable Spark', I recall. Such a grand, intelligent design, your creations were always so elaborate yet inorganic, I remember! Here, I will show you what I know of it..."

When the scenery changes again, they reappear within a forge that has been built suspended in the center of a volcano, protected by some powerful magics so as not to retain the heat of its surroundings. On the inside Danae cannot see the volcano, of course; it is her awakening memories of the Clockwork General that remembers that fact. As they stand in front of the Forge of Unquenchable Flame, Maia demonstrates partly by flashback and partly by anecdote, the process by which the Spark was ignited, so to speak. [Private to Danae Adela: You have regained the memory of how to forge your ancient sword. Feel free to detail more of the process if you want, I didn't want to dictate too much of it myself.]

Soon afterward, though, Maia has a frantic look on her face. "We have spent too much time on this train of thought, Orpheus will soon discover me -- quick, another memory, one more I can take you to!" [Private to Danae Adela: She'll be able to show you only one more memory of the past you might be able to use. Of course there may be future dream-visits but you wouldn't be sure how or when.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:04, Sun 22 Feb 2009.

Yes, that was it...  The customary reason why Force Projection weapons were considered impractical for burst strikes was due to the stresses placed on the weapon itself--which when coupled with the delicate machinery that would be required on the weapon frame itself, would result in conventional forgecraft shattering to bits very shortly--as such, the customary approach turned to projecting the force of a blow outwards, diluting it's force, but allowing it to strike from a distance.

And 'He' got around that by alloying cobalt in with the usual orichalcum steel when constructing the frame, evoking the Metal Element to protect the blade--and giving a nice little blue wave pattern beneath the standard gold.  Then folding in veins of electrum to properly channel the force of the blows--henceforth combining the accuracy of the blade, with the crushing power of a hammer...

Well, if she could get proper adamant and Blue Jade, she could go a bit further then that, but resources 'Were' pretty tight at the moment...

"Yes...  Yes, that's it!"  Danae said, nodding quickly.  "Thanks!  That'll really help things out!  And your description...  Sounds like the District of Wood...  It's a bit of a ways so far...  I can't promise we'll be able to reach you immediately...  But I promise I'll get you out!  I won't let this travesty go on any further!"

Still, on Maia's next remark, Danae paused for only a split second to think--this was probably important, and she had a strong basis already...  But was there anything she still needed?

"I had a particular style I think..."  Danae said, tapping 'His' foot in thought.  "Wasn't really martial arts, I was always fairly rubbish when it came to that business--but I had a particular fighting style back then--one handed straight edged blades, designed to take the greatest advantage of Impeccable Spark's force projection capabilities--The going plan is probably going to involve further violence on the way up, sad to say, and I need to be in top form when we get much further along...  In any case, don't go taking any chances if you can get away with it...  The Terrestrials have...  Quite a bit of tricks that 'Should' be impossible.  I don't want you to endanger yourself just for my sake."

[Private to Gatekeeper: Looking for a Melee Specialty in Daiklaves, basically]
This message was last edited by the player at 11:17, Sun 22 Feb 2009.

"I would rather risk the danger," Maia says sorrowfully, "than know I am utterly alone in my dreams..."

At Danae's request, the surroundings blur and change once more. They are in a grand hall draped in red and gold, banners emblazoned with the mark of the Clockwork General. It is a training hall of unusual familiarity: Danae realizes, with a start, that this room exists in the Five Coils Fire District, where she once had trained with (and helped train) the militia of Coils. Unlike the Peace Officers, the troops of the Fire District were trained not simply for policing the interior of the fortress, but for the eventuality of military action on the surface of Creation.

Of course, the Terrestrials in charge of Coils changed the wall-hangings long ago. But in Maia's dream, the Terrestrial takeover is centuries, if not millenia later in history. Here, Terian still trains with his Brass Legionnaires, demonstrating his proficiency with the daiklave with enviable precision and grace.

Danae experiences this flashback not as a watcher, but as a participant. In the guise of the General, she recalls a fragment of that immense talent... [Private to Danae Adela: Ok, stunt away :) just make a good stunt as if you are the General sparring another partner. Could be Maia, could be another Celestial he knew then, etc.]

It was a curious sort of affair, really--Danae 'Knew' that this was a memory...  Nonetheless, it seemed that the movements occuring were more or less of her own will in spite of this...  Was it that Terian was just that similar?  Or was it just an odd artifact of the strange dreamscape going on?

In any case though, there was some semblance of muscle memory going on at the least...

The first blow was quick, ferocious, and backed with the usual crushing force that one of the Seven Swords could muster--the automaton lashing out with each of it's cleavers, aiming to cut off Terian's escape angles as much as possible--and under ordinary circumstances, this would have been quite successful.  Sliding a foot back and crouching low though, Terian intersected Impeccable Spark off in it's path, the metallic, viridian blade slamming between them--holding steady for the moment it took for Terian to grasp the base of the handle with his free hand, twist it once, forcing the frame to open up, and repelling the two blades with an ejection of golden force--stepping into the created opening, and shoulder-checking the larger automaton to render it off balance, even as he spun in place, 'Catching' the momentum caused when his blade 'Pushed' the others off, and drove it deep into the automaton's armor.  After a moment of backing away, KORAL fell to one knee in submission, the damage being too great to risk further sparring...

"So that's it..."  Danae mused as the scene faded out.  "My problem with duplicating it in the past was that I thought it was just a lot of fancy maneuvers--but it's really just a style that involves redirecting, and putting your opponent's force and energy agains them...  I think I've got the idea now...  And it fits well in case I run into any guys with particularly oversized weapons in the future."

"I... I'm glad... I could help..."

Maia appears to be 'weakening'. Her form is growing indistinct. The flashback, once sharp and defined, grows hazy at the edges.

The scene jumps again.

Where are they now? It is difficult to tell. They are in a room whose walls appear to be made of metallic fibers in the shape of roots, as if the room were formed from a recess at the base of an old, gnarled tree. Threaded in those fibers are glowing lines of verdant green essence, feeding into an array of terminals surrounding what appears to be a nest-shaped bed.

Danae is herself now, her current self, in this room. Then the young woman sleeping in the bed... must be Maia? Her hair is a silvery-white in this life as well, her skin pale and drawn. Her curls have grown so long they are nearly as long as her blanket.

Briefly her eyes flutter open, a deep and soulful blue. "I am Alazne. Promise me you will find your way to me..."

There are footsteps approaching from the hall outside... another part of the dream... or?

This place...  This was where Maia--no, Alazne was being held right now?  In the split seconds where her voice began to stutter out slightly, and the scene shifted--Danae's eyes, ears, and thoughts exploded into overdrive, taking in every little detail, no matter how marginal it may have seemed at first glance...  Admittedly, it was slow going at first--the incoporeal nature of things at the time was enough to shift her peceptions--and for the faintest heartbeat of moment, it seemed as though her sense of perception was fading, distorting, shifting into something that it 'Wasn't'

But Danae would not permit this in light of the sheer gravity of this situation--forcing her consciousness to stabilize through sheer willpower--as perceptions of the room snapped back into their original state, taking in the information--though not as much as she might have if she had maintained the razor sharp focus that she managed to grasp onto...

Still, it was better then nothing at all--committing the sights, sounds, and other sensations she detected here, Danae burned them into her memory with all the "Finesse' of a raging bull--driving a good portion of her own essence to crystalize it to an iron grip.

Then the footsteps came up...

"My name is Danae, and I swear it" Danae said with a sharp nod.  "I'll get here as fast as I possibly can, and get you out of here at any cost...  I have to leave now though, we can't afford my presence being detected early, or they might try to move you.  Can you release me for a time now?"

[Private to Gatekeeper: 2 succs prior to stunt on the Investigation portion, 9 succs on the 'Committing it to Memory' portion, and 4 succs prior to stunt on the Cha + Pres to get Alazne to wake Danae up.  Here's hoping the dice are kind :P

Channeled Compassion on the Investigation--good thing too, or it would have been a fourth-order Botch, and a seperate WP on the Social--if I can anyway, these strike me as slightly seperate actions--I hope.]
This message was last edited by the player at 07:55, Wed 25 Feb 2009.

Danae looks quickly around the room. Though she does not have time to examine any pertinent details -- the terminals, in particular -- she is certain that she would recognize this chamber and the immediate area on sight. She remembers perfectly the essence power line patterns, the distinct arrangement and formations of the metallic fibers on the walls, even the metals the walls and panels are constructed with (a green jade/adamant alloy, and traces of moonsilver in the machines directly hooked to Alazne's body). The fabric of the sheets (silk of essence spiders, no rough woolen sheets for this captive) and their color (pristine, white) burns clear in her memory, as does Alazne's pale visage framed by cascades of shimmering hair, and the obscured shape of her frail body beneath. And the bed itself, shaped like a nest of branches, or thorns perhaps -- a cage for her to lie in.

Alazne, the caged dove, and the Lunar shard closely tied to Danae's own. Danae cannot help but take her promise to heart, realizing all they had shared both as crafters of the highest degree and as bonded mates. And she had just barely scraped the surface of what they had known together... and what they would know.

"You are right, we should make hast..." The pale haired girl's eyes widen suddenly, and she jerks in the bed, as if in pain. Convulsing, twitching -- clearly being harmed at least in some psychic way. The whole room seems to throb with unseen power. "Orpheus! He comes...!" she gasps. The moon-symbol on her brow flares brightly. "Go!!"

The dream disappears... and Danae awakes with a jolt on her bed in the mining settlement.

[Private to Danae Adela: I had meant you had time to only investigate or commit to memory, so I defaulted to the latter since you ended up with 10 sux after stunt! :P Unfortunately you may not know if you were detected until much later, but Alazne had been trying to protect you... You can post some sort of waking reaction, but that'll probably end this thread. :)

Oh, I should mention you did succeed at learning your specialty. I figured you realized that but just in case, I'll confirm it.]

"Definately at least a Manse of considerable power, in the District of Wood" Danae concluded mentally--after sharply awakening as soon as Alazne had released her..  "And her captor is named Orpheus...  It's a good start in any case...  But there's still two full districts before we even approach the Wood--and the battles are only going to get harder up until then...  As the District of Fire is right below that--and the centerpiece of the armed forces..."

She paused for a moment, then rolled over from her sleeping position--reaching for her working clothes--getting a little bit ragged from the constant craftwork and the intense fighting from before--but still the most comfortable outfit she had left.

She had work to do again--and she couldn't afford to simply toy around any further...