Maxilita sealed the wound with a flicker of flame as she received her sword, then took a silk sash from thin air and secured the shield to her back, the sash going crosswise over her Seal of Odin.

She hoped the Dhaal would like the ceremony.

He would take seat, but not before he gave maxilita a glance. He would speak to her after the ceremony and he would have to figure out the location of desafon. He needed more time, but time was not something he had. It would seem anik would at this time be his greatest ally if he could convince anik to aid him in his cause. Sitting down he would try to be seated next to crailek.

Ruse grinned at the god of shadows. His face did not display either embarrassment or rejection. Either ruse was truly apathetic to this, or he had a poker face of steel. Either way, he kept his true feelings from being "propositioned" by Wyrn to himself.

"Ah, I see you are lonely after all. I am appreciative of sensuality in both male and female senses - something hardly surprising for beings like ourselves. You meet my aesthetic and personal ability requirements, and as I can determine no other reason to reject your advances, I accept your proposal. I will be your date for the funeral, as darkly humorous as that may sound."

Ruse extended out his hand (the one without Cashmathar on it), waiting for Wyrn to either take it or refuse it. Even though the other man was a councilor, Ruse's Mistellan sensibilities demanded that Wyrn - as the one propositioning him - treat him like a noble gentleman. If Wyrn did not follow through with the romantic gesture, then Ruse would reject the other man's advances. If he did, then he would allow Wyrn to take his hand, and possibly even hook their arms together as Ruse switched into "Date mode."

Msonus nods. As he moves to sit, he turns to the group that had informed him. "Thank you."

He turns back, and sits down, wondering exactly what came next in a Systemarch funeral. Though he might have known some before, Msonus in the present was rather unaccustomed to the rites of any culture.

Crailek walks over and sits down silently, next to Foun. He sits back and watches the proceedings intently.

2. The Funeral Service / Speeches From Friends

[As most of the guests were seated, a tall, regal Systemarch dressed in fine red silks walked stoically over to the body of Balverstus.]

"Yest yarkanum yastevus Balverstus yeath," said the Spider of Words, in the sacred, secret, mostly-forgotten ceremonial tongue of the Systemarchs. He placed a deep red blanket over the body, and walked back to the alter. A steady silence had suddenly descended upon the entire garden.

BHODHAVIUS: "I am Bodhavius, Spider of Words, speaking for Balverstus, Spider of Hammers, for Roid, further Spider of Hammers and Lord Councilmen," said the Systemarch priest, his voice heavy with solemnity. "A Systemarch was struck by the Hammer of Fate, riddled by the sands, and his mortal body has passed on. The Dhaal still dwell, however, still seek. The greatest tragedy has not befallen."

[At this, most of the Councilmen and all of the Systemarchs cheered. Loud and without abandon. It was so sudden, so out of tune with the rest of the proceedings that most of the other guests flinched. ]

BODHAVIUS: "Herosomath! Balverstus was a great friend to many and a soldier of the finest principles. He served, for a long while, in the founding days of the Conclave as a High Lord - a revivalist, in fact, of the enigmatic and half-mythical Drachenorden. He achieved four attainments, the most important being the famous Hammer of Anvildramadum, since - regrettably - destroyed. The others have been locked within his Anvil, and, according to his own wishes and the wishes of the Dhaal, bear no mentioning here. Some secrets should be lost, some technologies locked.

BODHAVIUS: "Hashnathar! Balverstus helped much in the forming of the original Conclave, earning the Free Psychism Rights currently held by all Systemarchs - with the assistance of Councilman Roid - and is thus a true hero amongst our people. We might not have all our teeth, but we do have our freedom, and our lives, and that was a gift from the Spider of Hammers himself. For this he will be remembered; for his compassion and empathy he will be loved.

BODHAVIUS: "Hasnethothakaur! The lowest moment of Balverstus's career was his ultimate dismissal from the Conclave by a nameless Councilman. He was exiled from our fair organization on accusations of treason and Madness. Might I invite Councilman Wyrn to the alter, now, so that he might do what is right in this situation?"

WYRN: Certainly.

["Forgive me, Ruse. It is my turn to give the speech.."

Wyrn rose to give his speech.]

WYRN: "Yggdrasil Eternal! It has been no closely kept secret that Balverstus has been innocent all this time, and that certain, uh, tensions within the Council involved his unfortunate dismissal. I will not name any parties involved, except that mention that it takes a sort of ethically wild individual to even contemplate that sort of terrible crime, to Lict - I mean, leech Balverstus of his status and.."

[Wyrn is noticeably angry.]

WYRN: "Forgive me. I am here as Emissary of the Golden Hand, tonight, and the Emperor has a message for the entire universe to hear. It is as thus: Balverstus is truly innocent. There is nothing more to it than that. His name should be entirely cleared, and he is being reinstated as an Honorary Deceased Councilman, as per the Emperor's decree - the highest award the Conclave has."

??????: "What in Odin's filthy name is this?"

[There is a man suddenly standing, yelling at the alter. It is the man with a naked torso, shifting tattoos, wild eyes and vicious teeth. By his grey and silver sash, and the markings on it, he is a Councilman.]

WYRN: "Lickity Split, please. Private funeral. Show some respect."

LICTROS: "I will not - will not stand for this. You pathetic, treasonous worm. You - you -"

[Lictros spits at the alter. He is given a wide berth as he stalks, angrily, out of the Funeral. No guards move to stop him. None of the Councilmen react in any discernible way.. they don't even looked shocked. There are gasps, however, and whispers..]

BODHAVIUS: "Please, people, quiet, quiet.. Councilman Wyrn is speaking."

WYRN: "I'm done. Balverstus is no traitor. Thank you."

[Wyrn resumes his seat next to Ruse, fuming.]

BODHAVIUS: "Yes. Yes.. Wyrn, thank you. If we could now have Councilman Roid to speak as the Logorgos.."

[Councilman Roid walks through the center of the circle, stopping and turning at the alter. He is obviously mourning.]

ROID: "Apologies for the misbehavior of my spoilt associate, here. Not really a funeral man, hah."

[There was no laughter.]

ROID: "I'm here to, uh, speak as the Logorgos, the secret knowledge-keeper of Roid. He taught me a word, once.. it was: Hectosulpharn! As the trusted Logorgos, I died with my brother as Anvildramadum was struck by jackal Osiris-Ra. He was killed in the most horrific possible way, save the torture and death of one's Dhaal.. his prime Attainment was shattered, and with it, his heart. There is no wonder, no mystery, to the reason why his sacred Dhaal do not wish to return.. they have been broken.

"But.. but I have the psych-schematics for the Anvildramadum, if not the original parts. They were not given to me. Still - I will rebuild the thing, even if it takes half a decade, a hundred years! I will rebuild it. Balverstus will live again. That is my oath, the oath that I swear on the Anvil, the Dhaal, the Attaining.. I swear it on the Thrice-Hammer that I will have Anvildramadum, and thus the soul of Balverstus, in my hands. Such a beautiful thing.."

[Roid shook his head to the cheering of the crowd. The oath was, it seemed, incredibly serious - yet joyous - business.]

ROID: "That is all, I think. Um. All of you, join us for drinks and a meal after the burial, will-reading.. after Ramdradunh."

[Roid sat back down.]

BODHAVIUS: "I'd now like to call the last speaker, the thorgosos Associate Maxilita, Goddess of Fantasy and Adventure. If you'd say a few words.."


The Reunion - Anik & Crailek & Foun & Max

With the transfer complete (you tasteless bastards!), the four sat, watching the ceremony.

Ruse

Wyrn took his hand in the manner required of him, a grin on his face, as the two sat down - at the front. Ruse saw the other Councilmen about him, and he couldn't help but be impressed.. the ancient sorcerer with eyes of steel.. the intense, if a little eccentric, researcher.. the half-naked God with vicious fangs and fists that could kill all manner of beasts..

"Forgive me, Ruse," he said, at a certain stage in the proceedings. "It is my turn to give the speech.."

Msonus

Msonus is ushered, a little forcefully, to his seat.

Anik got up as max did out of manners, since they had seated together. He gave her a smile, a polite yet empty one, as if his mind was far from here considering much more important things. He sat back down when she went to go up to speak.

Hooded, she rose and quietly walked up to the altar, one hand on the hilt of her sword. She turned and looked out over those assembled, making eye contact with Wyrn, then settling on Roid.

She spoke, in voice that though quiet in tone could be heard by all assembled, pulling back her hood to let her long hair fall. "Listen! There two sorts of Heroes, those who shield and those who slay. Balverstus was the former, and I am the latter. He saved my life, and he died protecting the lives of my people, and my honour, from Osiris-Ra. I am a slayer, and since his death have become an avenger. Before attending this funeral, I thought I only need destroy Osiris-Ra utterly. The Dhaal did not grant me a gift, you see; they have bequeathed upon me a burden. It is now my sacred duty, As Avenger, to slay Councilman Lictros, God of Wildlife.. He is the thorgha.. Lictros is the Betrayer."

Maxilita paused there, then continued.

"I swear an oath today; I swear that both the Dread Lord Osiris-Ra and Councilman Lictros will be SLAY'N by my hand.. Councilman Wyrn, Councilman Roid- you have both spoken here today. Though I hold little rank in the Conclave, I entreat you; aid me in this matter. For the Conclave, and for Balverstus' honor."

Ruse let Wyrn take him on as a date, and together they went over to their seats. Ruse was a bit awed by the councilors there - he was quickly in a meteoric fashion becoming a power player himself it seemed. It was only natural the Councilors would start to take an interest in him, for good or ill.

When Wyrn had to go speak, Ruse let him go without a fuss. He knew that sometimes a man had to do what a man had to do. When he "indirectly" called Lictros out, Ruse grinned widely but silently. He wasn't a huge fan of Lictros either, although he was more irritated with the councilor than anything. It seemed others flat out hated the man.

When Wyrn came back, Ruse squeezed his hand lightly, a look of discernment on his face as he did so. A "are you okay?" look of concern.

Then he saw Maxilita go up to the podium, and his chest tightened up. He knew Max had a big mouth and didn't understand the concept of discretion. He had saved his/her ass multiple times now.

Then Max made his oath against Lictros, and Ruse's heart skipped a beat while he facepalmed himself.

He leaned over to Wyrn, and said, "By Yggdrasil, please don't have Maxilita killed. I'm sure there's some reason behind this...intense proclamation."

Msonus had rather enjoyed this part of the funeral. There were many words spoken, which the God always liked to hear, but more than that there was cheering. The shouts seemed to bring some sort of pleasure. But by far the most exciting part was listening to the strange girl speak, the one that had so suddenly accosted him earlier. She had given a riddle then, but her words now were far more fun to ponder over.

Msonus smiles broadly as he sits in his seat.

Crailek watches everything in mild amusement, especially Max's little speech. He looks around to watch everybody's reactions, still with amusement. He obviously did not feel that the death threat was such a big deal. He watches Wyrn especially, as he seemed to be the one at a position to respond, either in agreement or not.
He did not smile, and it would not be seen if he was, but it was still pretty obvious that he was not very affected by any of it. There was still a little thing in the back of his mind, wondering why he was invited, as it seemed they had known each other at some point.

Anik shot a look of horror then utter sadness, the woman was Mad! Saying something out in the open! He was still a councleman! This disregard for Order would not go unpunished by the conclave... She would be killed instantly at the very worst! He couldn't do anything now, but perhaps there was still something salvageable.

He felt bad for her... he really did.

He at this moment sitting next to crailek took on a strange persona. His eyes were wild and keen, but his body showed no sign of the energetic observation he had taken upon himself. As he watched at this moment the entire room taking in every trifle every tiny pathetic detail. He would not allow one thing to escape his attention so focused on this observation of the events that followed was he that any word spoken directly to him would go unheeded if not completely unheard. He focused not on the speakers, but what the reactions to what the speakers said.

2a. The Speech

[There were shocks of alarm and much hushed muttering once Max announced the thorgha, but no official action was taken against Max.]

BODHAVIUS: "Uh, well, thank you, um.."

[Wyrn stood up from the audience, striding over to Max.]

WYRN: "Max, under penalties of treason, acting against a Councilman, intent of murder in the highest degree, anarchistic activities, Madness, and so forth, I hereby place you under arrest. I invoke Table CC of the Eyes of Odin, claiming you under my sole guardianship until a date of execution can be decided upon. In addition, you are fined six hundred thousand Conclave Stones in accordance with Table X of the Tongue of Odin, allowing you to retain your Associateship with the Conclave. You are to come with me, Max, to the Hall of the Sun where we shall assuredly throw you in prison and have you killed."

[The muttering got louder. Wyrn took out his blade, and pointed it towards Max.]

WYRN: "Come with me."

[With that, Wyrn guided Max to the Hall of the Sun, leaving the Funeral.]


BODHAVIUS: "Um. We'll, uh, we'll.. we'll have ten minutes or so before the Reading of the Will and the Burial."

The Reunion - Anik & Crailek & Foun & Max

The four could only watch as Max was taken away by Councilman Wyrn. Any action and they'd be destroyed.


Ruse

Wyrn nodded at Ruse's objections to the death of Max, and smiled reassuringly.

All part of the plan, you filthy psychic.

Despite being called, mentally, filthy and psychic, Ruse felt calmed at the smile - Wyrn was a deeply charming man, and the suave with which he said those lines and grinned that smile was to be applauded. Ruse knew there would be a plan.

Suddenly, Wyrn got up - to arrest Max.

Msonus

Msonus finds the events thoroughly entertaining.

Anik began thinking furiously. Damn Wyrn. He had screwed up his entire mission by taking him... but perhaps all wasn't lost. He sat and waited for the events to pass.

Max blinked, counting the charges on her fingers. "All that and my Oathblade didn't trigger? Hmph. Kaie, come back! We're leaving!" She called out.

Max hopped down from her soapbox-height podium and walked over to Wyrn. "As you say, Lord Councilman."

She walked with Wyrn to the Hall of the Sun.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:42, Mon 25 Jan 2010.

Ruse gave Wyrn a full-on puppy eyes look. He grinned at him though afterwards, finding it funny to be called filthy when Wyrn was the one who invited Ruse on a date in the first place. Perhaps Wyrn enjoyed associating with powerful men just as Ruse did (with men and women). Perhaps he enjoyed the thrill of knowing ruse was no push-over, or perhaps he enjoyed the novelty of Ruse, the enigma, or perhaps had mixed feelings. Ruse, honestly, enjoyed the man's veiled smile all the same.

Ruse stood up, curtseyed politely (not belying any of his thoughts as he did so), and said,

"By your leave, Councilor. It has been a pleasure."

Ruse then looked away from Wyrn and to Maxilita and put a finger up to his mouth, motioning for Maxilita to shut her mouth and obediently follow Wyrn. To do anything else would would be stupid, even for Max.

Ruse decided to leave the funeral very breifly, heading over to the halls of the sun. He wasn't doing this because of Max, and he actually headed over there with all due haste separate from Wyrn and Max. He'd be back though.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:45, Mon 25 Jan 2010.

Msonus contemplates the possibility of continuing his amusement, and an eye appears in his hand. But judging the amusement not worth the effort, he squeezes his hand shut, and the eye pops into nothingness. The hand is, of course, still perfectly clean.

"Truly, the articles and clauses of laws have more magic in them than any spell I have ever seen," he says quietly.

He chuckles to himself, perhaps appearing even less sane than before. He closes two of his eyes, to rest until the next stage.

Crailek continues to watch silently, not really compelled to act in defense of Max. She had it coming, really, and the punishment seemed fair enough, somewhat. He continues to watch everyone to see how they felt about it.

The Funeral - Anik & Crailek & Foun & Msonus

Chatter resumed about the three as the break was held. Several people stood up to talk excitedly to friends or associates. There were waiters handing out glasses of fine Systemarch wine.

Anik moved over towards Crailek and Foun. "I'm not too busy in my realm if you wish to visit. I believe there is much we have to talk about." He would sit with them now when the funeral would proceed.

Crailek frowns slightly and looks at Anik. "I do believe something just happened in Foun's realm that requires more attention. I probably should not leave at this time."

The Funeral - Anik & Crailek & Foun & Msonus

A well-dressed waiter approached Anik, Crailek and Foun. "Wine, sirs?"

Anik nodded and took a glass "thank you sir". Before he would drink he stuck a finger in the wine and used his Legend power to see what the thing was made out of and also checked for any poisons. "Alright, as soon as I fix the poisoned water wells in my realm I'll head over. Damn mortals can't figure out how to live after thousands of years of practice." He said quite ironically given the scene here...

The Funeral - Anik & Crailek & Foun & Msonus

The waiter pottered off, perhaps to serve another.