When the people who had choosen themselves as a sort of welcoming committee congregated on the docks, it become easier for them to see how something as big as the zlanbeast the other two Kai were riding - a creature easily the size of a small hovel, and about a fourth the side of the Skyrider itself - had somehow managed to sneak up on the ship enough for them to only have an handful of minutes of warning of its coming.

As it happened, it seemed that wisps of clouds and small gusts of winds were often moving around in the air in wyas that made it easy to mistake the moving creature as just a fast moving cloud if one didn't knew what one was looking for. Furthermore, while the zlanbeast had actually dark brown fur and similarly dark skin, somehow the slight turns and changes in direction it took as it flew made it so that the play of light on it made it occasionally appear dark blue or dark grey instead, helping the camouflage that had almost made the creature truly invisible.

However, as the ship finally got close enough, the trick become more and more obvious, and by the time the zlanbeast was aligning itself with the ship, there was no more doubting what it was at all. It took it a few more minutes to manouver above the deck without any of the four massive wings that made up half of its body size clipping any structural piece of the ship, but eventually the creature landed, folding its wings and clearly taking possession of that corner of the deck, crouching down in a way that was probably meant to allow its passenger to climb down, but also looked like the prelude to it falling asleep, something it clearly wanted to do if the massive yawn it followed with was any indication.

Peacock simply jumped down from the beast, landing with a softness that spoke of magic use, before affectionately patting the flying creature on the side and then turning to help Dusk Rat lower her massive black boar-hunting hound down to the deck, clearly assisting the procedure with Nexus, before helping Dusk Rat down as well.

Only then did he turned back to the others, offering a winning smile even as he pushed some of his purple locks away from his face, and greeted the group with a friendly smile:

"Hello to you all! I am sorry if my arrival was a bit of a surprise, but when I woke up we were already so close to the ship, it seemed pointless to waste time calling. I hope Cloudcatcher did not scare the crew? I assure you, despite his origin, he is actually quite the friendly creature. But our flight tired him out a bit, and I just did not want to have him exacerbate that if we had to chase the ship down, had it tried to avoid us due to mistaking us for enemies."

He scratched the big beast again, causing it out to let out a rumbling sound that could probably be interpreded as some sort of purr, even if coming out of such a big predator, it sounded far more similar to a wolf's threatening growl than anything else.

So, here we are! If anybody on the welcoming committee wants to greet Peacock or Dusk Rat before leading them to the hold, keeping in mind that Dusk Rat is severly committed to keeping OOC knowledge out of her head and has thus not been following the latest threat at all after the big conference call, now's your time for it. :)

As for you, Dusk Rat, if you want to instead be the one to greet the others first, the group should be composed of Sun Snake, Water Hornet, Swift Fox, Silver Raven and the leader of the dwarven crew, Groumor.

This message was last edited by the player at 01:21, Sat 24 Nov 2018.

Sun Snake had sighed when others had come along behind him, as he clearly wanted to get back to where they had beenas quickly as possible.  He sighed more as Shining Peacock made a theatrical entrance, though singed with sadness perhaps.

"I'm sorry the greeting cannot be more warm nor slow," said Sun Snake to Peacock, barely acknowledgeing Dusk Rat nor the otherbeings who had come on board. "Something occurred while we spoke last night - a sign that we cannot waste a single solitary moment it seems while evil is active. I need to you to prepare yourself for a shock, and be prepared to work through it as swiftly as possible so you can be of aid."

Sun Snake looked around to the others to see if they wished to add any pleasantaries, it seemed Sun Snake was too focused to offer any himself.

Shunning Dusk Rat, Sun Snake? That seems a bit rude, don't you think? ;P

Shining Peacock raised an eyebrow in surprise at that, then said:

"For you to be this worried, it must be something exceptional you want to show me. Lead the way, then. Unless one of our fellows here wants to say something else to us first?"

He glanced at Water Hornet, Swift Fox and Silver Raven, clearly curious to see if their presence here was motivated by some particular goal they had.

Just giving the others a chance to make a reaction post if they want to, that's all.

This message was lightly edited by the player at 01:21, Sat 24 Nov 2018.

Similarly to Snake, Water Hornet rolled his eyes at the grandeur of Peacock's movements. For a moment he remained silent, his attention turned to the flying beast.

"Shining Peacock, Dusk Rat, welcome back," he said eventually, "I am glad to see you in good health." As far as anyone could tell from his tone, the words were sincere.  "And I mean all three of you," he said looking at Dusk Rat's canine companion and then offering a small smile to the Kai Lady. "Or should I say: four of you?" Hornet addressed Peacock, nodding in the direction of the zlanbeast, "seems like you had obtained an ally to our cause... Although I think we better feed it some time later." Despite the lightness of his tone, the young Magnakai was clearly tense somewhat.

Shining Peacock chuckled at the comment and answered:

"Yes, Dusk Rat really wants to keep him, and I really can not see any reason not to do so."

He paused, then turned to his student and added, with a somewhat joking tone:

"You will take care of keeping Cloudcatcher fed and happy if we do decide to keep him, right, Dusk Rat?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:22, Sat 24 Nov 2018.

On arriving on deck Swift had lingered behind, leaning casually against a cabin wall.
Oddly she seemed to be carrying her backpack with her, as if unwilling to leave it laying around, and she also seemed to be keeping the mirrored shield close at hand too.  The only weapon visible at her belt now was the one she had referred to as the Jade Spike, its green hilt markings occasionally shimmering oddly in the light.  The bow she had modified with the silver designs was still at its place on her back.
The red scarf at her neck fluttered slightly in the wind as she watched Peacock's arrival.  Like Water Hornet, she seemed to be resisting the temptation to roll her eyes at his show.

She gave a very slight shake of her head to Peacock's question on whether she wanted to say anything.  Although there was a noticeable smirk on her face as she did.
Perhaps she was privately enjoying the idea that he might be about to experience something that would surprise him for once...


OOC: At least someone is having fun ;)

Anyways, she won't react much, but if Dusk Rat happens to look her way, she'll get a friendly nod and a smile indicating that at least one of the new arrivals (and her assorted pets of course) is welcome here from her point of view.

Can't recall if Swift was using the modified version of the Mirror Shield when Dusk was with the group or not.  Basically it looks the same as the mirror shield she carried under her cloak for ages, but didn't use it in battle to avoid it getting broken. Now it has a triangle-in-circle shaped metal framework layered over the mirror and seems to be actively in use as a proper shield now.

Water Hornet lingered with his gaze on Shining Peacock as he spoke and it seemed that only with an effort he forced himself to look away and to Dusk Rat.

OOC: Depending on the definition of fun there might be more Kai enjoying the moment. :)

Hey guys :D. Sorry, I hadn't been reading this thread so had no idea we'd been reunited - Shadow just told me over in the private thread we'd been using for Dusk-Rat-and-Peacock adventures :D. I haven't had time to read up and remind myself of...well, anything, just yet, due to IRL busy stuff involving unpacking boxes and building new furniture and that kind of thing. Which once again makes me glad I made a character who can get away with hiding her player's ignorance due to not really being the speaking type (to humans, anyway) ;).

Dusk Rat climbs down from the zlanbeast, giving the massive creature a scratch behind one ear (or as near as she can reach) before turning away to look at the assembled group of humans, Brook's large canine form standing at her side.

She spares Sun Snake little more than a passing glance, evidently as willing to ignore him as he is her. She seems almost surprised at Water Hornet's effort to acknowledge all present, not just the humans, and gives him a nod. She makes a similar gesture to Swift Fox, seeming awkward at the offered smile and so not providing one of her own in response.

On being addressed by Shining Peacock she absently gives Cloudcatcher another scratch and her expression (such as can be seen beneath her mottled green hood, anyway) finally takes on a little more warmth.

"Certainly, I'd be sure to do so." she says with a nod.

Hmm, back among humans again - arrgh, how does all this long-winded conversation stuff work again... ;)

OOC: Well, remember your old team buddy Swift?  She doesn't do walls of text, she just stabs things till they go away.  Keeps it simple :)

That said though, probably doesn't take Divination to notice she seems a lot calmer and less angry these days...

Water Hornet bore his gaze into Shining Peacock again, but after a moment his tension seemed to dissipate. "Perhaps we should go below deck now, as Sun Snake proposed," he said plainly, seizing leadership uncommonly for him.

Shining Peacock smiled at that and answered:

"By all means. Lead the way, then."

If any of you wants to say anything to Peacock or Dusk Rat before they enter the hold, now's the last chance for it.

OOC: Water Hornet will attempt a short conversation with Dusk Rat as they make way to the hold. Making the following post accordingly; edit freely if necessary.

As the group was leaving the deck, Water Horner caught up with Dusk Rat. "Cloudcatcher?" he said in a friendly tone, "What do you think about zlanbeasts, kraans and other creatures bred in Darklands? Aren't they irreversibly tainted with Evil?" It was obvious Hornet was expecting a negative answer to his question.

Dusk Rat gives a raised-eyebrow look to Water Hornet, and glances meaningfully back toward the resting zlanbeast.

"Well, so far I think we've done well to avoid this one's ferocious rage and permanently hostile temperament, it would seem, yes?"

Her tone is sarcastic but not particularly hostile, as though pointing out an obvious flaw in Water Hornet's suggestion.

"If you think the place of one's birth determines one's temperament, perhaps, then presumably some of us should've never become Kai?"

"Yes, it seems so," answered Hornet thoughtfully, rubbing his chin, "and no, I don't think one's birthplace sets a person, or a creature, on an unavoidable path." He made a pause before continuing. "I was just wondering what you found out interacting with...Cloudcatcher. Whether as a zlanbeast he had become a part of the nature just as any other living creature, despite his...or his ancestors'...circumstances of creation." It looked like Hornet wanted to add something, but he remained silent in the end.

OOC: And I just left the 30000th post to be picked up by anone who posts next. ;)

Yeah I just saw the post total on the homepage - wooo, 30k! That's a lot! :D

Dusk Rat shrugs.

"Food's his main drive. He enjoys the freedom of flight. He's really little different from many other species I've encountered. It's humans who're the different ones, I'd say. More complicated, less trustworthy. Too much time spent dancing around issues that should simply be faced and dealt with."

"Perhaps," said Water Hornet, but didn't sound too convinced, "perhaps." After a pause he added, speaking more to himself: "I wish all the issues were simple to deal with..."

OOC: Done with our little intermezzo (from Hornet's side). :)

"Intermezzo"?

"Perhaps they can be." says Dusk Rat. "Perhaps it depends who's dealing with them."

She shrugs again and continues walking.

There would be others in the room, yes.  Others who may not have seen them in a long while.  But more than likely, attention would be focused on the young woman sitting at the table, in a set of rough clothes, her hair hanging down and covering her face, head leaning over as if she'd been taken from her bed and posed there, her hands lovingly wrapped around two things.  Her left would be wrapped around the rough wood of her spear, but the right hand was wrapped around something that Peacock had more than likely been looking for for a long while. It had been one of her goals in her mission, which seemed so long ago.

The Sommerswerd was crossed over her spear, resting on the rough material of her pants.  But if one looked closely, there were no wounds upon the girl's skin.  Her color was as if she was living.  But if one looked closer, they would see that the supposed body... was breathing.  The knuckles of the hands were not white because of the woman's usual pallor, but because she was clutching them that tightly- two treasures that she was absolutely not going to let go of without her own blessing or her own death.

But lost among the power radiating off the Sommerswerd would be a bit that would waft out, vaguely lost around the waves coming off of it.  It would give off almost the same power, but be a bit... different.  It would pass with but a whisper, but to those who could feel it, it could be almost unmistakable.

A snort would sound, and they would know the body in the chair... to be not just a body.  Indeed, she would lift her head, under her own power, and gaze at the two of them- Peacock and Dusk Rat- with eyes that no longer shone blue as ice, but instead shone bright with the same power the sword had.  Her expression at seeing the two of them could be taken two different ways- for Rat, it was maybe more cold indifference- or maybe the owner of the gaze just didn't know how to react to her.

But to Peacock, well... it was more she was keeping her defenses high, her Psi-Shield primed and ready, as strong as she could make it.  Her grip tightened around Breakwater just as she stared at him- only a week or so ago, it had been in reverence, maybe even as allies.  But now... now that she knew what kind of person he'd really been?  If her eyes had still been blue, one could almost have said the sheer cold of a Kalte sky was radiating at him.  But with the light shining from them, well... it was more like the light of the sun reflecting off the tundra snowdrifts- bright, shining, but still as ice cold as ever.

Her lips opened, and it was obvious that she was doing her best to hold back... to a point.  But that didn't stop her from trying to score at least one barb.

"Hello... master."

Once, she'd had nothing but respect for him.  Now?  It was cold.  It was almost meant as an insult.  And after everything she'd been through?  She felt that at least one was deserved.

Now, looking up at him, Breakwater and Sommerswerd crossed on her lap, she waited for his reaction.

Fox had remained quiet for a spell, preparing himself for the encounter with Peacock to the best of his abilities. He would simply stand leaning against the wall with his arms folded near to Rain Feather.

Not close enough to have invaded her space, but to allow her some distance as well as him being able to pounce should anything happen

Dusk Rat follow Shining Peacock into the room and on seeing Rain Feather, stops and lets out a slight surprised gasp. She frowns at the obvious hostility being directed at Shining Peacock and her expression veers from shocked surprise to a strange mixture of confusion and perhaps suspicion. She eyes the person who appears to be a living/ breathing Rain Feather and glances between her and Shining Peacock, evidently wanting to see his reaction.

When his eyes moved over Rain Feather, Shining Peacock stopped cold, genuine surprise showing on his face and staying there for a long time, even after the girl herself had spoken.

Eventually, though, the Magnakai seemed to collect himself, as he let out a long breath and said, to nobody in particular:

"Well. I guess this was, indeed, quite the shock."

He then narrowed his eyes as he focused on Rain, and adressed her directly, tone surprisingly mild.

"So, I do hope that, if you are actually the real Rain, you will not be offended by my need to check it out for myself. Do you have some ideas on how you could prove to me that you really are my student? Or should I devise a way to make sure of it on my own?"

There was no threat in the question - it seemed as if Peacock was genuinely curious over wether his doubts had been anticipated, and a response to them prepared in advance, or not.

The image of Peacock with a genuine look of surprise on his face was something those bright eyes of hers just took in and made very sure to commit to memory in exacting fashion.   It was obvious that he was off-balance because of it- and she immediately kept pushing to keep him off-balance.

"...I remember the instructions you gave to me, before we left on this mission.  If you are who you would say you are, you would remember them, too: 'Rain, I ask you to carefully monitor the ones you will have to interact with, and either find a way to make them look positively on our goal, or remove them as an obstacle to them. I leave the methods to accomplish these missions, both of them, to your discretion.'"

She would lean back, blade and spear still in her hands.

"...committed to memory, perfectly.  Just like you taught me, all those years ago.  Or do you not think I remember our training sessions?  Where you would set Dawn upon me, to break my mental defenses and leave me broken open on the floor mentally?"

She was hitting her stride now, and her teeth grit together.

"...or your interactions with my -mother-? Have you spoken to her, lately?  Has she told you how she disowned me, perhaps because I finally became disillusioned with this whole mess when I finally got a chance to think for myself, perhaps?  I'm fairly certain people here can vouch for that, yes.

Or... should I tell you how it felt to hang there, above an artifact of such darkness, to finally feel some very familiar minds nearby, with my life leeching from my body... from where I had been tortured to ensure compliance from a young woman who is stronger than I will ever be... thinking my prayers had finally been answered... only to realize that whatever you were doing out there, among the Acolytes, was more important than me.

Do you know what it felt like, to hang there, yet know that the solution to my situation was not to be rescued by my friends, or my master, who had, for more than a decade, told me I had been his special project, one of the most special people for his plans, but to realize that the very thing I had to do... was not to rely upon my Kai strength... or my mother's birthright... or even anybody else... was to hold back my power and to bleed out so what remained of my life could not be used to force that same woman to proceed with the ritual to unleash Vashna?  How I willingly went into the light because apparently I wasn't worth your time to come and save, even if one of the things you were looking for was in the same room?

...is that enough to prove myself, or do you need yet more from me?"

Peacock shook his head, slowly, and answered, his tone soft:

"No. No, I do not. Your first sentence would have sufficed, even. Nobody but you, me and Dawn would have known it, and Dawn would not tell anybody without my explicit order. If you had not had something like that ready, I would have asked you something from a conversation between just you, me and Dusk Rat, so that she would confirm, but as always, you were ready when called upon. So, I can believe that you are yourself, Rain, and nothing else matter to me."

When he looked at her, then, his eyes were glistening as he asked:

"So, you were still alive then, when I reached the temple? Are you really saying that, if I had been faster, if I had just blasted the place to bits rather than leaving your rescue to Sun Snake, I would have been able to save you? Have I really failed you that badly?"

As strange as it was for anybody else to hear it coming from Peacock, there was no denying the sense of guilt and sadness filling his every word.

"...they tried to come, too."

She'd nod to the rest of them- Sabre and Sun Fox, obviously- and continue.

"They hurried.  I felt them.  It was like a last touch, a last goodbye... the redemption I'd been looking for.  But you... you never came.  You were there.  I was bleeding out... what, a hundred yards from you?  And you were so busy doing what you do best to one of the Acolytes that you didn't even try.  You didn't even come in and try to find me."

There was, surprisingly... genuine hurt in her voice.

"...more than a decade of you trying to turn me into a weapon.  Intensive training every day of my life from when I was a young girl, and you cast me aside because you had better things to do than come help them.  Are there others at fault?  Yes.  Snake could tell you of them.  But you were there and you couldn't even come for me?  Did you not know I was trapped... or did you just not care until I didn't appear?

At the time... I considered it a final insult.  That you were all talk, and you had always been more concerned about what kind of weapon you could mold me into instead of what I wanted to be as a person.  I'd held out hope that I could at least have counted on you to at least see that... and in the end, it meant as much as a puff of breath on a winter's day- fading away until it vanishes at last.  You only saw the weapon I was, the union of darkness and light, that you didn't see the person behind them except as the controller of all of that power.

All those years... and it meant nothing."

Dusk Rat, true to form, says nothing during this exchange, merely standing unobtrusively to the side and watching the interaction, evidently forming her own silent conclusions about what seems to have occurred.

Shining Peacock closed his eyes, and watching carefully, they could see tears falling from them, even as he answered, his tone soft:

"I could make excuses, here, you know? About how I could not know how bad your situation was, how I trusted you to be able to make it out on your own, and plenty more. But I will not. You are right, if not in the way you think you are. It did not meant nothing to me, it meant everything. But despite that, I have failed you, and that is all that matters to me now. Is it penance you want from me, or revenge? How can I ever make you forgive me for the way I have failed you? Just tell me, Rain. I am guilty, so it is only proper that you cast your judgment on me."

There was a clear tone of defeat in the Mentora's voice, his complete capitulation to Rain's arguments appearing quite genuine to any of the others watching the conversation unfold.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:26, Sat 19 Jan 2019.

Swift had sidled in behind the rest of the group, and was now leaning against the wall at the back of the room, the mirrored shield still on her arm propped in front of her body.

She had shown a noticeably satisfied smirk at Peacock's initial surprise, although as the conversation went on her expression had faded back to an emotionally-dead looking neutral mask that gave away nothing of her inner thoughts.


OOC: Still lurking in the background :)

Sun Snake had been standing in the shadows, blending in and staying out of the conversation. He did not show either joy nor concern for the conversation to start with, as if merely observe it to discern the truth. When Shining Peacock metnioned the fialure to rescue Rain Feather, his eyes narrowed briefly in Shining Peacock's direction.

However, then something about what Rain Feather said made Sun Snake turn a look to her instead.

"Valador," Sun Snake said out loud to the room oat large. "That is one of the people to blame. He appeared in the temple the moment we defeated the leader. And casually disenchanted the leader's items while trying to bargain for out agreement to his grand plans. One of the items he disenchanted was the item that released the door to the lower levels. We all rushed to your aid Rain Feather. I...I felt you dying." Sun Snake composed himself. "But only when we could finally open the door, and only then could I I realise it would be too late. That Valador had stolen the seconds we needed to save you out from under us. We would not have tarried a second if we could have felt your mind, not with the high priest nor Valador. But the door blocked thought, as did the walls of the temple itself so even Shining Peacock could know nothing of what was inside." Sun Snake looked curious. "So how did you know Shining Peacok was outside?"

Shining Peacock's features were marred by a frown as Sun Snake spoke, and even though he didn't open his eyes nor turn to look at him, it was pretty clear who he was adressing when he said, sounding genuinely annoyed:

"Sun Snake, that really does not matter to me. It is our duty as Kai to save those who need it by any means necessary, and it was and is my specific duty as her Master to keep Rain Feather safe. I failed that, and quibbling over details will not change that."

It was pretty clear that, even as she berated him, Peacock wasn't very inclined to let anybody criticize Rain.

"This reunion, as thankful as we can be for it, was not from Kai. It was Valador's doing. While we were having the coversation we should have had weeks ago yesterday, a conversation that would have saved the lives of the acolytes and Rain Feather, Valador did this. I do not believe he brought her back from the goodness of his heart, or even just for the obvious pledges from Sabre Fox. Any more than I beleive it was accidental he stopped us all from rescuing Rain Feather. So I think it significant that the point of no return for her mentally in her relationship to you is something she should not know. It makes me think either you lied in how much you knew of her fate, or she knows something she should not, that may also be tied to Valador. I did say we needed to recover from the shock of this and move on. Rain Feather deserves her answers. But this is further time we lose against a cruel, hateful foe."

Sun Snake took a deliberate step back to the shadows again to show he did not wish to further intrude upon Rain Feather's confrontation.

Despite the mentions of his name, Fox did not react nor speak in response. He would merely look to Rain to await her next words

"...Snake.  You're thinking too hard, again.  I saw it when you had me rummage through Lobster's head.  He was there, too.  I admit, it was still somewhat morbidly fascinating, but I, well... I had to look.  It was a weak moment of mine... I just... had to know.  I'm only human, remember?"

Then... she turned to Peacock.  Her face was almost unreadable- it was obvious she was putting a very, very large amount of thought into this.

"...I don't know.  There is part of me, that says you cannot be trusted.  That you have not given up on the dream you had, for Dusk... for Dawn... and for me.  That I should send you away, and have you never, ever return.  Or that you should be... dealt with.

But I will concede that Snake does have a point, here.  We don't have the time to waste on something like this.  That... there are still problems that need to be dealt with... and that it needs to be revisited when this is all over.

However... I am willing... to work with you, on this.  Because this is not about me.  This is keeping the Order from splintering apart at the seams, and what may happen to the world if it is allowed to happen.  Do not think, however, that this means our business is concluded.  Or that you will be allowed to do as you please.  We will need to save the Order from the threats against it, before we figure who is right to lead it.

After the battles... then we sort this out.  Once and for all, and we move on, and we heal the Order.

I give you the last drops of trust I have.  Don't waste it."

Peacock nodded at that, and answered, his tone soft:

"And I will treasure it, and make sure it does not goes lost. This, I can promise easily."

He paused, then opened his eyes, which were still glistening, as he added:

"Although, has Sun Snake not told you? I have accepted to not make an attempt for leadership, if his plan can be seen through. So, what you want, I already gave."

"Huh.  He did not... as far as I can remember.   Though that makes me wonder as to who might be put forward to lead... but that is a discussion to be had after we accomplish our goals."

Rain just breathes out, but her face remains still.

"...as I said, I will grant you a measure of trust, if only because we cannot afford to keep fighting amongst ourselves.  Kai are supposed to be better than that, we are supposed to be better than that.  We need to make sure the Order is safe and ready to grow before we spend our time figuring out who ought to lead it.

And no, I'm not getting into who I feel ought to lead, because that will simply do nothing but cause us to start mistrusting each other when we ought to come together and deal with this.

We don't have much time, and we have more that we will have to discuss later... when we have the time and the Order is saved.  Just... keep your mind to yourself, until it is needed.  Save all of that power for the enemies we're going to need it against.  And Kai help me, if I hear about you rummaging through anyone's memories without permission..."

Her hands tensed around the spear and sword once more... but then relaxed.

"Just... don't.  Because I'd hate to have to tell Snake over there I've complicated his life by you and I getting into mental combat and one or both of us are unconscious or worse..."

Peacock raised an eyebrow at Rain Feather's last comment, and answered:

"I do believe I have more tact than that. I do not go around messing with memories unless I really need to, and even then, it is not something I do with relish, or against any who are not enemies. And I never consider Kai as enemies, and never would employ the same tactics against them as I would on, say, an Acolythe of Vashna. You should know this already."

He then frowned, and added, sounding disbelieving:

"I mean, I would have to make the difference clear on which tactics it is acceptable to employ if I was speaking with Red Dawn, but I trusted you would not need that kind of clarification. Rain, I am starting to suspect you misunderstood me at some point. Did you thought, when I said you that you were to either bring your team on board with my plans or remove them as obstacles, that I was asking you to remove them as we would an enemy? As in, by killing them? Because that was not my intention, and I trusted you would know it. What I meant was, obviously, to find some leverage or emotional reasons that could be used to make them stand aside. Why would you ever think I wanted you to treat other Kai as enemies? I have never asked that of you, I know this."

"...because the way you phrased it made it sound like you weren't leaving any limits on the table.  Telling me that I should 'find a way to make them look positively on our goal, or remove them as an obstacle to them' and following that up with telling me you're leaving it up to me to decide what methods are needed... what am I supposed to take from that?

You knew what I was like.  How devoted I was.  What was I supposed to think when I heard such words, other than hearing 'remove them at any cost if needed'?  It's what you kept pressing into me- that our mission was the important thing.  Retrieve the Sommerswerd, and have it ready to present to you when we met up again.  You knew there was no way Snake would have allowed that to happen- would Blue Snake have been swayed by your words?  His protege had the same chance of being swayed through simple words.  So I would be setting myself up to either use my powers on someone who may have had the tools to not only sense what I was doing, but also try to block me and retaliate."

Her eyes just stared at him, seemingly unsure.

"If I had tried that, I imagine Blue would have known about your plans much sooner.  I almost gave in to my darker half just to accomplish all of this.  For you, for my mother, for the Order.  I almost gave up everything I could have been just for this mission- to damn myself simply for your goals, to follow my mother's line and attitudes just as you wanted.  Sabre joined the Drakkar as a ruse to get the blade back because he thought it was the right thing to do.  I would have followed him and stayed with them and stolen it back, making sure you received it, and I'm sure you would have been thrilled at the idea of getting your weapon."

The question she left hanging was somewhat obvious- was she referring to the Sommerswerd... or herself?

"...when you didn't state it clearly, I was conditioned to think you meant all options were on the table.  I'm not like Red Dawn, thank Kai and Ishir.  I can tell nuance, and I can understand implications where it is inferred.  You always had to set things out for Dawn because if you did not, you knew things could end very badly- it's why you were present every time we tried our powers against each other when I was younger.  I did my best to follow every order to the letter... even if it meant I was throwing myself into something I found out I could not go through with."

Shining Peacock lowered his head, and answered meekly:

"I recognize that the fault was mine, for pushing you without being clear. I did not mean to put the burden on you for anything, Rain, I was merely surprised."

He let out a long breath, then went on:

"As for Blue Snake, while I would not be able to sway him by words, I had the means of blackmailing him, should that have proven necessary. This is mostly immaterial now that he killed himself, and what I could get him to do would have been limited, but I try to have something to use against everybody, because it is never certain whether it might someday be needed."

Then he chuckled as he added, glancing at Sun Snake:

"Although I admit that finding dirt on Sun Snake was an hard enough task that I myself failed at it, so I do not think any less of you that you did thought it possible either, Rain. He is annoyingly stalwart."

Shining Peacock shook his head, as if uncertain on what else to say, before eventually asking to the room at large:

"So, what happens now? What plans have you all made, for me to either contribute to or stay out of? I already said to Sun Snake that I was gonna give him the chance to try his solution and prove me wrong, so my own plans are on hold and, as a result, I am at your disposal for anything you might need of me."

He moved his eyes from one Kai to the next, as if checking if anybody had anything they wanted to ask of him, although the main focus of his attention remained Rain Feather.

I may have missed it when looking over the descriptions, but does Peacock or Rat still have the Deathstaff on them?

Yes, Peacock is carrying it on his back. Also, since you would notice, the staff is not letting out any of the creepy, shiver-inducing evil aura it normally did - if you didn't knew what it was, it'd just look like a weirdly overdecorated staff. It seems that Peacock is holding true to his word in keeping the evil within it sealed away as well as he can.

"Well firstly" Fox said eyeing the Deathstaff. "I trust your own missions was a success? And the last time I was in this things presence, it was making me sick to my stomach and even repelled a direct hit from the Sommerswerd. Clearly you must be holding it in check?"

Peacock smiled.

"Obviously."

He smiled at how the one word was answer enough to both of Sabre Fox's questions, but then went on to clarify:

"The Deathstaff proved about as necessary as I expected it to be, and of course, I would not be carrying it like I am if I did not felt confident in my ability to hold its powers back for a time. I am looking forward to finally handing it over to Black Beaver, but until then, I do not think there is any need for you to worry about it creating trouble while in my care, Sabre Fox."

"Trouble and yourself seem to go hand in hand" Fox said with a slight smile "Although at the very least not feeling nauseated in the staffs presence is clearly refreshing so I can at least appreciate your strength over it."

He would then lean back for a moment

"Aside from studying it, did you have a provisional end plan for the staff? Personally I think its too dangerous to leave lying around if it could potentially influence the lower ranks in the Monastery, so I'm interested to see what expectations you may have of it, even if in theory"

Shining Peacock shrugged at that.

"I am not a Craftsmaster, so I have no idea how best to dispose of it or otherwise keep it from falling into bad hands. But Black Beaver is the most knowledgeable in the world on the matter of magical items, so I feel confident with leaving the solution to this problem up to his care."

"That's a fair assessment" Fox said with a nod, satisfied that his question had been answered.

Sun Snake had looked uncomfortable at Shining Peacock's previous discussions on Blue Snake, however by the time Sabre Fox had finished his questions of Shining Peaock, Sun Snake had regained his composure.

"Well, the plan that we loosely had for how to move forwards has changed after the revelations of what occurred with Rain Feather last night. Originally the idea was to communicate with Golden Sparrow again, and see if he managed to make any progress with the Prince. I would hope that with his increased power int he order, he will be willing to make that sacrifice to ask the Prince to step back. Hopefully the man also took on board what advice you yourself Peaock gave him to help. If that has backed off the Prince, then that perhaps shows Summer Wasp that concessions can be given, and at the very least she does not need to enact any plan right this moment. Swift Fox or myself or both of us perhaps have a reason to speak with Summer Wasp too, given Laughing Shark. Moon Shadow perhaps could use my own words to the order to assuage any ill feeling. But that was the plan - with luck and good will from all, perhaps all those in a position for leadership will be able to meet on something like an equal footing, where each has not undercut the other. Note that includes you Peacock. Rather than have reluctant allies bending to your will, I hope you will have peers who will respect your own good faith and you may respect theirs. I still feel that the order needs not just a strong leader, but a strong council around that leader. Something diverse and in harmony to reflect how the order should be. Four disperate Kai focused around a fifth leader, perhaps?"

Sun Snake sighed. "At least, that was the plan. However, this Valador situation changes everything and we need a plan now. Especially of a foe that can be anywhere thanks to his guildstaff instantly, stirring up trouble. Sabre Fox - and thus Golden Sparrow - is compromised. Golden Sparrow will not abandon you, Sabre, I would have no doubt. Peacock, you too are now compromised. I have no doubt you will not sit idly by and allow anything to happen to Rain Feather, but she has been raised from the dead by a dark rite. Any way in which you have steers in to the dark before will now come back to haunt you, and worse Rain Feather. Sun Fox ... Sun Fox has also something she wished to tell the order, and come clean regarding. And that had to do with Valador. If she cannot do that, then probably many of us will be also then tied to Valador and vulnerable. Moon Shadow is under a cloud due to the Blue Snake situation. That leaves Summer Wasp as one of the only ones who may not be influenced or vulnerable to Valador's politicking. I do not know if that is true, and even if so what we can do with that. And I now fear Banedon may be vulnerable if Valador grows this bold. Valador means to destroy the Kai Order and elevate the Brotherhood under himself. We need to stop his plans, now, yet the order is very, very vulnerable. And I do not see how hiding this vulnerability and denying it allows us to lead, when we would give ourselves such a faliable, twisted foundation to hide."

Peacock nodded to Sun Snake, then asked:

"And has Valador said anything about what his plans actually are, that required him to resurrect Rain? Anything he said might be important, if we are to truly understand his future moves to stop them before they take place."

"One of his general goals appears to be to sink the order. His stated goal is to make Sommerlund - of course, through Toran - some sort of shining beacon of good. However, he thinks the war is hopeless, so this beacon is a dying light. His plans in more detail would be to destroy the order and put the Brotherhood as the leadering organisation in Sommerlund. Why he has then reigned in those from the order and the Vakeros to try and create hybrids of Kai is uncertain. I know that previously Valador tried to have me open communications with Master Blue Snake on his behalf, as he felt Moon Shadow and Banedon had a relationship and he needed one similar. Whether he was attempting to play everyone against each other, and said anything to Swift Fox, is another matter. I tried to have Dawn Sword report exactly what she had heard in that regard. How he plans to use Rain, other than as I have guessed, I do not know though."

Sun Snake looked to Sun Fox, Sabre Fox, Rain Feather and Swift Fox to see what further insights they had to add in their won dealings. He also looked across to Water Hornet to see if his fellow Kai had recalled anything differently in the joint meeting with Valador at the temple.

Silver Raven looked interested at Sun Snake's words on Moon Shadow, before turning a questioning glance at Swift Fox, clearly just as curious to see what she had to share.

Swift had spent much of the time in the room watching Peacock, as if studying him closely.  She seemed to sense Silver Raven's look though, as her gaze flickered sideways to him briefly.

"Valador did mention something to me in the Temple at the Maakengorge that hinted he knew a thing or two about me, although he didn't really elaborate on it further, and he hasn't approached me again since then."
A hint of a smirk crossed her face.
"Maybe he thinks a loose cannon like me is a lot more difficult to coerce and control than most" she added, looking back to Peacock.


OOC: Nothing significant in her wording at all there... ;)

Peacock looked intrigued, as he asked:

"And you think you could use that against him, somehow?"

Swift shook her head.
"I didn't say that.  I'm only saying that Valador has no power over me.  If he thinks raising some vaguely-worded curiosity about my past will give him a means of controlling me, then he's mistaken.
I've already spent too much of my life dancing to someone else's tune, and it's an experience I intend to never repeat.  If I follow someone, then it'll be because I choose to."

She shrugged and glanced towards Sun Snake.
"I expect he's smart enough to have realised that though, probably why he never communicated with me further.  Better to find an easier target.  I'm content to leave him to Guildmaster Banedon, but if he should try destabilising the Order further, you can count on my help against him."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:08, Tue 19 Mar 2019.

Wait, maybe forgot something that Peaock doens't know.

"Let us not forget that one of the costs for Rain Feather's return was allowing Fall Lobster to be changed back to his previous self. Except that is a lie. He is simply outwardly his previous self, Rain Feather can tell you how disjointed and broken the creature still is internally."

Shining Peacock suddenly stilled, then turned to Sun Snake very slowly.

"What?"

Then, his eyes darted to the small boat that had been Lobster prison, finding it empty, before quickly locating the man himself at the back of the hold, where he'd been standing in a dark corner, partially hidden by the shadows. Even so, he offered a smug grin to Peacock as the Mentora's eyes focused on him, and said smugly:

"Hello there. Did you miss me? Your little flowery friends couldn't have enough of hugging me, so I suppose you must have."

He gestured to the remains of his constraints, but Peacock didn't remove his gaze from him, as if considering the words a mere distraction, before he finally said, apparently adressing nobody in particular:

"Do you not realizes what this means? Anybody?"

"Did you think me callous or flippant regarding your feelings for Rain Feather when I said you needed to deal with the shock and move on immediately? I fear between Rain Feather's return and this, the order may be doomed, unless great sacrifices are made. What do you think is the full import of the actions Valador has done?"

Shining Peacock didn't move his eyes from Lobster as he answered Sun Snake:

"I did not expect what I had to be ready for to be this thing."

Lobster placed an hand on his chest at that and spoke, mockingly:

"Come on, is that the way to adress a fellow Kai? You wound me."

"I will wound you far more permanently in just a moment, abomination, have no worry about that."

"Isn't that a bit excessive?"

"Not at all, as you well know."

Frost Ferret, who had been following the conversation with a frown, finally spoke, sounding annoyed:

"How about you elaborate on what it is you know, as Sun Snake asked you to? I will be the first to verify that this guy is incredibly annoying, but you haven't spoken more than half a minute with him - to already want him dead, you must know something we don't."

Shining Peacock nodded, and said:

"Obviously. He is not healed, as Rain said, but that is just a facet of the matter. When I last saw him, the Right-handed magic on him was like a coat, wrapped around his soul and deforming his body, being used to keep him together and trap the power of the Kai he once was inside. But that is no longer so. I have no ability to use the arts of our enemy, but I have studied them far more deeply and in detail than anybody on our side ever has, as far as I know. That is how I can tell that now, the magic is no longer a coat. It is instead a gate, hidden within him, and he has full control of what comes and goes through it. Is that not right, darkspawn?"

Lobster looked halfway between confused and astonished, and for once, it seemed he didn't have the words for a snapping retort as Peacock's eyes continued to bore into him with clear hatred.

I wonder how much of that did you people managed to follow and understand?

This message was last edited by the player at 00:33, Wed 20 Mar 2019.

"Is it some form of possession?" Fox asked "He is essentially a darkspawn now in human form?"

Fox would then look over at Lobster before speaking

"Does that mean he cannot be saved?"

"He was already a Darkspawn when we first captured him, Sabre Fox. Only, back then he was just a cobbled together experiment. Now, he has become a fully new darkspawn type, one who has full control of itself, perhaps access to more power than we know of, and the ability to make more like himself, eventually. If he somehow manages to leave, it will be only a matter of time before he comes back at the head of a new order of corrupted Kai like himself."

Swift looked towards Lobster with an odd expression.
"Funny, I got the impression he was more annoying than directly evil.  If not for the trouble we had capturing him, I'd have thought that Valador created him as a rather twisted practical joke on Sun Snake."

She smirked at that, studying Lobster closely.
"Still, if this power is like a gate.  A gate can be closed, sealed, can't it?  Just like Red Dawn, I don't believe he is beyond saving.  Though it will mean that Valador's capture becomes more important.  He has an item I'd need just to attempt it."

Despite her rather casual tone, her smirk had quickly faded to a more serious look as she went on.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:37, Wed 20 Mar 2019.

Shining Peacock suddenly turned to Swift Fox, his anger at Lobster forgotten, and for the first time in the group's memory, he looked genuinely puzzled.

"What are you talking about? Red Dawn does not need any saving, she is perfectly healty. If anything happened to her, I would have known long before any of you did. She is fine."

"...I think we may have a differing idea on 'fine'.  Dawn lives in a room with bars on the window.  She takes great amusement in making as many people around the monastery as uncomfortable as possible, apparently loves to torment Dusk Rat and the animals around the monastery, and if you remember from our training sessions, has an apparent love to play and torment with her targets before trying to finish them off.

Compared to every other person around the monastery who can at least go out and function on their own without being locked in their quarters like a prison and that doesn't watch large venomous snakes eat small mammals and birds for their own amusement while said prey is helplessly bound and experiencing what must be paralyzing fear and terror... which also sounds a lot like her training sessions... well... I'd say that's maybe the exact opposite of fine, wouldn't you say?"

She snorts, looking directly at Peacock.

"Or is it just that she's loyal and controllable and answers to you?  That you're willing to let her be herself, as long as she comes when called and accomplishes what you need her to?"

Shining Peacock turned a perplexed gaze toward Rain Feather, and answered:

"Of course I want her to be herself, but that has nothing to do with her loyalty to me. I just respect her own personhood, much like I do yours, Rain. Dawn is physically incapable of feeling empathy toward other living things, that is true, but I believe she can control it, if given the chance. And I was never on board with keeping her caged, anyway."

He let out a long breath, then went on:

"I will not deny that her quirks can be annoying to deal with, but I do not believe it right to label a fellow Kai as being sick just because that makes them easier to deal with. And I would certainly not compare any problem Dawn has in exercising proper self control with being a darkspawn."

The last point he made while turning his eyes to Swift Fox, clearly still unhappy with the way she had spoken about Dawn's situation.

"I did say that when we were close to the Maakengorge, perhaps I could share a thought regarding Red Dawn's...consition... by showing you something. But that would seem to be after we have decided what we need to do now."

Sun Snake grimaced at the news of the stable Darkspawn. "Colonel Vyctar tried something similar, and in his own way succeeded. He became a Darklord, but his plan was to unite darkspawn and mortal. Both required, in their own way, Lone Wolf..." Sun Snake thought for a moment. "I wonder if they were linked. Or knew of each other's plans, and were at odds." He shook away the thought. "Still, there is at least one hope in the horror you have spoken of. Valador cannot produce this creature as an example of his innocence. This is still a combination of magics. Valador has not burned out his influence, he has arrogantly continued his work, I think? Does that give us an advantage, somehow?"

Peacock looked thoughtful, as he said:

"I suppose it might be worth a shot. If we can get Guildmaster Banedon to examine him, then..."

"That was not the deal."

As more than one pair of eyes turned toward Lobster, he continued, his tone accusing:

"I was promised that I would not be cut up or otherwise studied. Of course, those were just words - I hardly expect a minion of Snake's like Sabre Fox to have any honour or stick to what he said he would - but I still want you all to remember what sort of oathbreakers you all are, to even consider the idea."

Shining Peacock rised an eyebrow at that, and commented:

"Is that so?"

Then he turned to Sun Snake and continued, in the same tone:

"I must admit, if you truly managed to make Sabre Fox into your minion, that would be quite impressive. From what I know of him, not once in his life has Sabre Fox ever done anything but what he most wanted to, regardless of any order or wish others may have had. Bending him to be your servant is truly beyond what I would have ever expected of you. Or anybody, really."

Fox could not help but begin to laugh as he was brought into the conversation once more.

"You were right about the first part" Fox said looking at Lobster "Then again, what is it you said to me almost as a taunt earlier? Something about getting around the letter of a deal but betraying the spirit of it?"

It would be then Fox's turn to declare a taunt

"Then in that case, there was no deal of any sort as I have no idea what your talking about so you can be cut up as anyone likes" Fox said with a smirk.

A moment later his face then turned back serious

"But no, unlike what transpired I am a man of my word. Since the 'spirit' of the agreement was not honoured at all since you are not cured, so right now I could easily null and void the agreement. However, I will honour what I promised you, which was no harm would come to you, which is why Rain Feather did not allow the Sommerswerd to destroy you. I never said anything about not examining you at all, so don't now try to twist a deal around that was deceptive before it was even enacted. I even made it clear that if you were not cured that most likely you would be studied to have your condition reversed against your will. From what Peacock has said, something entirely new has happened, so that's pretty much out of my hands, short of letting them harm you or cut you up as I did agree"

Swift hadn't responded to the remarks about Red Dawn, pointedly avoiding looking in Shining Peacock's direction.
At the mention of Sabre Fox being a minion of Sun Snake though, she grinned and glanced back at him.

"According to him, I'm one of Sun Snake's minions too actually.  Seems he has a lot of them.  I think the old me would have been quite insulted by that."
She winked playfully at Sun Snake at the last part, then shifted her attention back squarely on Fall Lobster, her expression turning serious again.

"Either way, any deal between you, Valador, and anyone else here doesn't concern me.  I wasn't there when the deal was struck, and as I just said, Valador holds no power over me.  There was a time when I would have just killed you back at the Maakengorge instead of trying to capture you, since it would have been the easier path, just like now...  Not unlike Red Dawn probably, in fact I once saw a lot of myself in her, like some twisted reflection of a possible future."

Her gaze flickered briefly towards Sabre Fox, then to Shining Peacock, before looking back at Lobster.
"But that's not who I am any more.  Take it as lies if you wish, it makes little difference to me.  But you have my word I'll do what I can to save you.  A second chance, just as Kai and Ishir once offered me a second chance."


OOC: Cool heroic speeches aren't normally Swift's style, but thought this one fitted.  Pity it probably won't have much effect on Lobster though.  Villainous minion of Sun Snake and all that ;)
This message was last edited by the player at 12:53, Wed 27 Mar 2019.

Lobster glared at Swift Fox and said, annoyance clear in his voice:

"I don't need any saving, especially not from the likes of you."

Then he glanced at Sabre Fox and added:

"All that I need is to be left alone and not being experimented on or be studied or anything like that, as I was promised."

Then he turned to look at Shining Peacock and continued:

"And why are they believing anything you say, anyway? Don't they know that you're a liar and manipulator who'll say anything to achieve what you need? What did you do, that they'd trust a politician like you?"

He paused, and finally turned his glare over to Sun Snake to finish:

"But then, I suppose in the end I know the answer already - providing these pawns with a reason to cut me up without looking like you had anything to do with it is just up your alley, Sun Snake, isn't it? It must be awesome, to have so many puppets dancing, knowingly or not, to the strings and plans you and your silly-haired ally here have cooked up."

Yeah, Lobsted did just say he thinks Sun Snake and Peacock are allies working together to manipulate everyone. Make of that what you will.

Manipulation is such a dirty work...I prefer to call it 'being like a games master' :p

Don't believe the lies of evil games masters, Sun Snake is your best friend with knives presents for all!


Sun Snake gave good natured if rueful looks to the others as they spoke with Fall Lobster. However, something about Lobster calling Peacock an ally of Sun Snake seemed to get Sun Snake thoughtful.

He started looking around the room, then back to Lobster in a way he never usually regarded the man. "Interesting. All the others are pawns, but Shining Peacock is an ally? One with his own free will in my plans? Why is that I wonder..." Sun Snake continued after a moment. "So, presumably that means he would have a similar but separate agenda. So what if he decides to ruin you, without my efforts? Would that still be my fault? Would you not be to blame for not defending yourself against Peacock?"

Sun Snake then considered something more. "So you think I can have allies, not just manuipulate people behind the scenes to create all your woes. Interesting. I mean, if you truly believed that, and truly believe that everything I do is for your downfall..." Sun Snake's face begane mocking and unpleasant. "Let us say, hypothetically, that I wanted to ruin someone utterly. A fellow Kai. Imagine ruining that poor wretch's life, having him tortured, torn apart, but then allowing him one last little thread of hope. A new power from his torture, as strange at that would seem. And imagine if an ally of yours, I mean, of that poor wretch's... were to make that power stronger. I imagine that poor wretch would allow anything to happen, smugly thinking they had one small, powerful trick to play. One way to finally turn the tables. That wretch might let themselves be dragged in front of fellow countrymen, fellow Kai. Be shown not just as a worthless wretch, unskilled, but truly reviled by everyone....everyone....as an unwanted abomination. Every. Single. Person." Sun SNake looked deeply at Fall Lobster. "Imagine if, at that painful moment, all of a sudden their saviour...say, for want of a better example, Valador, came out from the shadows.... and stood side by side as an ally with me. I mean, as unlikely as that sounds, given he has only tried to ally himself with me every time we have spoken. But...imagine. Imagine that wretch suddenly realising there was no new power, no trick. Just the sweet, final pain of a false hope dashed. I wonder what that wretch would choose... would they let me win by continuing to live, a testiment to my complete victory? Or do you think they would finally beg to be obliterated by the Sommerswerd, and let me win that way? Hah, or perhaps they would have seem fleeting, final last gasps of desperation. That would be amusing. To be forced to swallow their smugness and pride and beg for Sabre Fox to remember his oath, and then be reminded it was all a smah to play you. Or to beg Swift Fox for the saving they...you... rebuked? And then be met with mockery. One last gasp before you turned to Rain Feather to show mercy and end your suffering, only to have her say no, when you realise it was not mercy that stopped her from destroying you before. It was to keep you alive to know utter dispair. Hypothetically, if I am the monster you think I am, I think I would enjoy that. Giving you false hope and tearing it down once it was too late for you to change anything. Can you imagine that though? I would have to be quite the soulless, dedicated manipulator to do that to you..."

Sun Snake gave a small, pleasant smile.

Poke poke poke...

"You know, Lobster, you remind me a lot of myself, before all of this happened.  Full of things better left unsaid, a mess of emotions and desires and everything.  Yet despite over everything you are currently, -I- still think you can be saved.  I'm not giving up on you because people never gave up on me, no matter what they learned about me.  So just stop trying to stir everybody up for the joy of it and either be quiet or help out where you can.  Because if we don't do anything, whoever gets hold of you next is almost certainly going to want to see how you were put together, so you might just have a stake in this, too."

Rain breaks her silence to add in her views.

"It's true that a lot of us don't trust a lot of the others.  But despite all of that, we have to come together and do what's best for the country- and for the world.  Because like it or not, these are enemies that only Kai can defeat.  We're needed, and despite however a lot of us felt about Lone Wolf, he was a symbol- something the Order could unify behind and follow.

But now, he's gone.  We knew that someday, this day would come, but none of us expected this to happen this soon.  That we'd have to figure out what to do without him.  It's going to come down to us taking charge, because of all the bad blood and mistrust everyone seems to have for everyone else.  Because no matter who we choose of the second generation, someone's going to have their nose tweaked about it and someone will be deathly insulted that their rival was chosen, and things will fragment even more, and eventually the Order will collapse because of stupid in-fighting.

Maybe this could have all been avoided had we just abolished the student/master system.  Maybe I wouldn't have become such a paranoid, half-psychotic shut-in if I'd had a chance to spend time with other Kai who might have encouraged me to reach out and show that I was just a normal Kai despite what people told me.  Maybe we'd all be more well-rounded Kai instead of having who knows how many groups and camps.  It's like they've forgotten one of the most important lessons- one that the lot of us learned through all of this: that strength comes from the people you surround yourself with instead of within only you- that our true loyalty is to the Order, then to ourselves.

So for now, let's stop poking each other like bored children on a wagon ride and figure out how we're going to save the Order, because the longer we keep poking at each other, the less time we're going to have to do it because tempers will have to cool and bruised feelings- and maybe faces and other things- will have to heal, and maybe time isn't the thing we have a whole lot of to do so.  Yes, there are bruised feelings.  Is now the time to air all the grievances we have with each other?  No, far from it.  Now's the time we come together as Kai and solve the problem, because that's why we're on this world- to solve these kinds of problems.

So let's all realize we need a plan to save the Order, and work on that, and lay off the poking each other and accept the fact that we can disagree with others but still come to their aid and all that.   So then, let's get to work: how do we save the Order from itself?"

Peacock seemed amused at Sun Snake's attempt to provoke Lobster into a reaction, but he suddenly grew surprised at Rain Feather's answer, although the expression was quickly replaced by a much smaller, softer smile that almost seemed to suggest prideful satisfaction.

Even when she finished her speech, he said nothing, instead glancing at the other Kai in the room, as if curious to see how they'd react to his disciple's words.

Just making it clear that Peacock isn't going to say anything on this until the rest of you PC have shown at least some reaction to what Rain said - he's not gonna steal her moment.

Swift stared at Lobster a moment longer, then shrugged and backed away to where Silver Raven was.
"I suppose this is the down-side of redemption" she remarked quietly to him with a wry smirk.

At the mention of Peacock being an ally of Sun Snake though, she looked back at Lobster, seemingly trying hard to suppress a fit of laughter.

OOC: Yep, that one was funny :)

Rain's comment seemed to provoke a more thoughtful silence though.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:15, Thu 28 Mar 2019.

"We need to speak with Golden Sparrow and see where we stand with the Prince. If the Prince has backed off, we need to speak with Summer Wasp. If she can see that others are acting in good will... perhaps we can join a discussion on the leadership as one group. While we do seem, for the moment, to need one strong leader elected, I still think that the others who will be nominated and supported strongly need to be recognised. A council, or a circle. Like the First Five. A group that can be diverse but act as one. To start with under this leader, but perhaps one day there may be a time when this council can act as one within themselves."

"If it helps, I will speak to Sparrow regarding this" Fox said.

He would then look to Rain and nod.

"The sentiment of working together is well received"

Shining Peacock nodded at Sabre Fox's words, then said:

"It really is, and I would not have agreed to work together with Sun Snake if I did not share in the idea."

He let out a long breath, then continued:

"However, while knowing that we need to work together is nice, that helps little without an actual plan of action. From your speech, I would expect that you had one, Rain?"

The Mentora looked clearly curious as to what else his disciple might have to say.

"I do, actually.  It's not one I particularly like, but as Snake said, we need a symbol that can swing over people to follow who we put in charge.  Normally, I'd suggest Sun Fox, but time and time again, she's said she does not want it.  So that leads us to one person, who would rather not be in a position of leadership, but is the absolute closest thing we have right now to someone that might have a sign that they're meant to lead the Order..."

She takes a deep breath.

"...is me.  Returned to life, infused with the fire of the Sommerswerd, and ready and willing to provide leadership- as well as listen to friends and advisors as to what we need to do and how we might rebuild the Order.  It's the only sign we have, and it's the one we're going to have to run with.  We need to give the appearance of someone to follow in Lone Wolf's footsteps- someone that the rest of the Order will follow because the white shining eyes and the Sommerswerd pretty much give them a reason to set aside all the bickering and complaining.

I'm not thinking of keeping this forever and ever- either until my end comes, or we establish a better way of leadership.  But we need a symbol that the Order can rally around, one that can hold things together until that happens.  That leads to the question 'who?'.  Any other Kai would be met with questions of 'why them, why not X, or Y, and why should we follow you, you're just after power!' and then we go round and round and round again like the Order back home until the Order splinters.

So we put me forward and let the sword and the eyes say it.  If I'm full of the same power as the sword, well... that could be considered some kind of mandate, some kind of sign.  That should quell the whole "but why should we choose you?" argument.

It's not the best plan, no.  It scares the absolute blazes out of me, but it's the only one we have.  I mean, I don't want to lead.  I'm terrified.  But it has to be done because we don't have another damned choice and the Order's not going to wait for us to craft a plan that will cover everything before it falls apart.

I know this seems out of the wild blue, but if anyone else has a better plan, trust me, I'm open to suggestions."

At Rain's words, Swift's thoughtful expression had only grown more distracted looking, as if thinking something over.
Reaching back into a side pocket of her backpack, she removed the pink-handled tanto she had been using before, looking closely at it.

"Five souls as one, one with the Sommerswerd" she murmured to herself.  "Maybe history is repeating itself in us..."
She glanced up at Rain, then to Sun Snake.


OOC: If I'm thinking right, I like where this is heading :)

Sun Snake opened his eyes wide at Rain Feather's suggestion. However, after a moment's consideration, he nodded slowly. "White Mantis was the only one I could see as having been an option, but she has not the temperament for it, and in a way the first order is probably not the right shoulders to put the leadership on, anyway. Sun Fox...could still be a symbol, I hope, but the leadership is not that path. But with you as leader, with your support...." He trailed off, not wishing to speak further on Sun Fox's future for the moment. "The problem with your ressurection was that it left us vulnerable to the machinations and innuendo of Valador. A risk that Sun Fox still faces. However, putting you front and centre as leader, wielding the Sommerswerd and highlighting the miracle of your ressurection? That may be something Valador would not anticipate, nor known how to combat. Your links to Shining Peacock may make others wary, however I doubt those in high position whom would speak to you would doubt that you are your own person, gone through much, and come out the other side with an honest intent and resolve. I do not see either of these as problems to your offer, more things to be aware of."

Sun Snake gave a sideways look to Peacock. "Is it not the way of students to outgrow their masters?" He looked to Rain Feather again and bowed deeply. "It would be my honour to follow you and serve you if you gained such a position. You have shown wisdom in this journey we have all taken, and certainly much patience when dealing with me and my more black and white views when we first spoke." Sun Snake gave an almost shy and rueful smile to Sun Snake.

Sun Snake nodded to Swift Fox at her, perhaps understanding her thoughts even if he did not quite hear her words. He then looked around for Dawn Sword. "Speaking of students, what say you, Dawn Sword? I feared I would be leading you to an order in turmoil, after what you sacrificed to be one of us fully. What do you say of the offer Rain Feather has made?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:52, Sat 06 Apr 2019.

Dawn Sword, who had been following the discussion with a clear curiosity but also clearly no intention to say anything, looked astounded and completely lost as to what she should say. After a few brief moment to collect herself, she finally spoke, hesitant:

"Well... I do not have any particular object to following Master Rain if you agree with it, Master... but, doesn't this go against the plan you suggested? To have many people lead together, instead of just one leader?"

"Dawn, you know you're allowed to speak your mind.  And yes, that's the intention- do you think I could handle all of this myself?  And even if I could, could I do it well?  The answers to those questions are I think I could, but I couldn't do it very well, no.  I recognize that yes, I have faults of my own.  There are areas I'm strong in, but there are also areas I need to keep training and working on.

That's why I need friends and advisors to help me with all of this.  To see things I may miss, to find things I may overlook.  Because our strength lies in each other, instead of with just one person.  Would it be me out there as leader, if I am accepted?  It would be, but only because someone has to be out there; someone has to speak for the Order, and if my eyes are going to glow like this for Kai knows how long, well, we may as well make the most of what we have.

Would this mean my word would carry immense weight?  It would. But that just means I need to think about and talk about things to consider everything.  Because I don't know everything there is to know about everything, and there are things others know that I don't- and, well, only a fool makes an important decision about something without educating themselves about it, or without seeking the advice of someone who knows plenty about it.

In short- yes, I'd be in charge, but more of a really fancy mouthpiece that goes out and represents things while making sure issues that affect the Order are considered by all of us.  If our elders are too embroiled with fighting over who gets to sit at the head of the table for personal pride or power, than perhaps none of them deserve to sit at it for the sole reason that our lot in life isn't about pride or boosting our own power- it's about doing what has to be done to keep the rest of the world safe and sound; what Kai and Ishir chose us to do."

"My, how touching. All bow to our mighty new leader and her impressive rethorical skills. And may I ask which plans you have for me, oh mighty one? Not that I wouldn't support you wholeheartedly, just, you know, trying to look to the future and all that."

Lobster looked and sounded truly amused, although there was also a clear hint of malice in his eyes and voice as he spoke.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:56, Sat 06 Apr 2019.

"Well, how's about not getting cut up on somebody's table for the first thing?  You remember, how they introduced us to Giaks back when we were first starting out, they showed us a dead one and poked and prodded at it?  I mean, certain parties might find you interesting enough to slice open and see how you're put together.  I'm not one of them, but then again, you know that, and yes, I know you think it's all hot air coming out of my mouth that means nothing and that Sun Snake's going to try to do something the second everyone's back is turned.

But yes- you'll still survive.  We'll work with you.  Try to help you come back from what happened.  I mean, it's the only thing we've always wanted to do- because yes, you've been through things.  Yes, none of us will ever know the things you've been through, and we shouldn't make light of it.  But that doesn't mean we won't try to help you.  Right now, the future is sorting out what happens when we get home and dealing with the rest of the Kai and keeping things from flying out of control.  After all this is settled, well, then we sit down and figure where to go from there.

And I know, I know. It's not what you want.  But it's something that's in my power that I know I can follow through on.  I'm not going to offer something I'll not be able to give you, or something I don't know if I can, yet.  But there's a lot that hinges on the next few days.  Once we're past all that, if it goes well, then we'll talk again- in chairs, somewhere comfortable over some nice ale and food.  Like people talk amongst each other, yes?"

"People, uh? Well, I think th" Lobster continued to speak, but no more sound was coming from his mouth; it took it a moment for him to realize it, at which point he stopped, before turning to glare at Frost Ferret who said, with no hint of irony or amusement at all:

"Yes, I silenced you again. No need to thank me, it was my pleasure."

He glanced meaningfully at Sabre Fox and Water Hornet as he added:

"I do hope you can see why I resorted to this after three days of babysitting him, yes? He never stops. I don't think he knows how to, or maybe even can. He keeps poking and prodding and annoying, even when it's to his detriment."

Peacock shrugged at that and commented, his tone remarkably plain:

"That is unsurprising, he was already like that even before he became a monster. It is one of the reasons I had to refuse the idea of having him partecipate to a spy mission twice, he would have tanked morale and caused it to fail without doubt."

Lobster turned to watch Peacock with sudden confusion - an expression quite surprising on his normally smug face - to which Peacock replied, with a raised eyebrow:

"It might be hard for you to believe, but Sun Snake really did not have anything in particular against you. From what I know, and you should know that my memory is actually very good, nearly every leader in the Monastery refused to give you the chance that you could lead a mission, because they all could see that you did not have what it takes. And obviously enough, Starfire, Blue Snake and Golden Sparrow had to refuse you so many time that some of those refusals came from their subordinates. Why out of all of those you fixated on Sun Snake in particular though, that is beyond my ability to guess."

He then dismissed the former Kai with a wave of his hand, and turned to Rain Feather to say her, with a proud smile:

"And as for your bid for leadership, my dear, of course I will do everything in my power to support it. However, I should probably tell you, Sun Snake made me promise I would help Golden Sparrow become leader, and he has already taken several moves to put Sparrow on top of the little pileup of candidates at the Monastery. I think the two of you will need to discuss how you plan to handle that, because honestly, now that his position is so solid, Sparrow will not simply stand aside without a challenge. That is not in his nature."

Peacock paused, then turned to Sabre Fox and added:

"Or am I wrong, Sabre Fox? In your experience, when he is convinced that he is right, will Sparrow change his opinion easily? Did you ever had an easy time in changing his mind when he had made it up about something?"

"Sparrow... Sparrow... oh, yes, I remember him- he was the one near the door when we were getting briefed at the Vault.  He really tore into Shark when she asked Starfire a question he thought was out of line... his temper is what's going to be his downfall.  I may not know as much as many of you about having to wade into battle; but I know enough about the mind to understand that once you lose control of your temper, you've ceded that advantage to your opponent.  An angry opponent is one that you can manipulate... read... even guide.  He may plan, but I imagine the second someone challenges him, he's going to lose his temper... and he's going to get people killed.

...to be honest, he's not what the Order needs right now.  I can understand why you decided to put him forward, but at the same time, what we need now is less fighting and more binding. It sounds like he was the best candidate you had at the time, because who could have forseen everything that has happened?  The Monastery should not be a battleground between members of the Kai for rank; we're more than our physical skills.

If it means putting up a challenge to him, then it means challenging him.  I've got respect for him and his skills, and everything he's accomplished.  I imagine if we sparred, I'd last a few seconds.  But leading the Order's more than going out and fighting.  It's being able to deal with people without a blade in your hand, it's being able to understand when you're being manipulated, and it's being able to have people to rely on because they agree with your vision, not because you beat them down and are forcing you to follow them."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:01, Sun 07 Apr 2019.

Sun Snake shook his head. "You misunderstood what I asked Peacock. I asked that you help me have all the candidates meet as equals. You have assessed that Golden Sparrow is now in a leading position and you had no chance. I thought I made it clear that I wanted everyone to meet without their own agendas, to meet as people who could work together no matter who led, and who would allow the order to chose their leader without pushing themselves. Or perhaps even they may choose a united leader themselves, one acceptable to the order, without need of a divisive vote. It might still have been you, if you could inspire rather than simply undercut them all. If Rain Feather is seen as accetpable, this would seem to be a good compromise between those who might not have accepted you even if you bargained in good faith, without being able to understand that the order does need you - your best qualities - aswell."

Sun Snake looked to the group. "Shining Peacock's assessment is that Golden Sparrow is in a leading position. I have done what I can to make sure Moon Shadow is as free of insinuation as possible, but there is still unease. Shining Peacock has agreed to come to this process without undercutting the others, to see that what Rain feather has said must happen - us united - is possible. If Golden Sparrow has manaaged to persuade the Prince to loosen his presence in the order for the moment, then perhaps Summer Wasp will come to the proceedings with a more open response, as at the moment she is most likely to saboutage tings, or have some other plan in fear."

Sun Snake looked to Sabre Fox. "All my plan was, was to have everyone meet in good faith. That in that shared space, the right choice - whatever it was - could be made. If Sparrow was chosen, it would be because he was chosen as someone who could compromise positively to the rest. And if he could, it would also be possible he might allow another to be chosen. I did not know who that would be. What do you think of Rain Feather, though? And do you think Sparrow would see the logic of her? Would he trust that he had a voice to her through you?"

Fox gave a loud sigh of relief as Ferret silenced Lobster again, allowing himself to chuckle at his words.

Rain Feather putting herself forward to lead the order was somewhat of a surprise. He had not seriously expected it. Despite any previous jokes that may have been made, but it was Peacock's words that brought him back to reality

"When Sparrow is convinced he is right, a falling mountain would not change it. We would need to show him through action he was wrong" Fox said

Fox would then look to Snake and ponder for a moment

"It will take some doing and much wrangling, but I believe I can get him to come around. If nothing else, I think I could get him to have Rain act as an interim leader as she suggested if we can make some compromises towards the crown. Its at least a few cards to play"

Fox would then look to Rain and shake his head

"Don't use his temper against him" Fox said simply "You wont ever get on his good side doing that. It would be much better to simply apply what he knows and speak to him logically, with me alongside for him to really see the point. If he really wants to challenge, your more than able to select a champion, to which I will step in for. That will echo the point more that ive stepped up in your defence to this to how serious I am about it"

"Well, if it comes to it, logic has always been what I do best.  I just need to know his positions, and I think I can talk Sparrow into it.  The more options we have, the better- even better if we don't have to outright fight him.  If you can get him to sit and talk to me, and we can hash all of this out without the need for violence, then that would be for the best- there's been more than enough of Kai attacking Kai.

But as for Wasp... do you think she could be a danger?  I mean, if she comes to the table willing to talk, that would be fine, as well.  I'm willing to hear her out, too.   Let people get it out, and then show them that this is what I meant- the Order won't be truly united behind one of them because there will always be that bunch who think their choice would be better and are willing to make trouble over it.  Sparrow... I think if we frame it tactically- that he might be better off in the field.  Sabre, how well does Sparrow do in things not related to battle- you know, dealing with the kind of thing that you can't swing a sword at?"

She takes a breath.

"Any argument I'm able to put forward to change his mind would be welcome, but I'll settle for just getting to the table with him first off."

"I think its a pretty safe bet that we can get him to the table if I give him some prods. The only problem will be when he's around the table. He's probably the best tactician the Kai will ever have. He's always got this way of being able to analyse and understand arguments and battle formations unlike anything I've ever seen"

Fox then made a small chuckle

"He hardly gets it wrong, and on the one in a blue moon time that he does, that's when you need actions to get him to change his mind. Its just his way"

Peacock nodded, then said, eyeing the group:

"So, we have an agreement over what to do next then."

So, I think things have been stagnating here for the last... few months? Seems like that anyway. Nobody's fault, but that's the state of the game currently.

Now, I do want to get us to the end, since we're close enough already, but obviously I don't want to force it on anybody. So, if anybody who is still interested in playing could make a post in the OOC thread to confirm it for me, that'd be great; and while you're there, also tell me if you want to add something more to the current conversation, or if I should push things onward to you all reaching the Monastery so that we can conclude things there.
 

"We should briefly let Banedon know of the threat of Valador, then speak with Sparrow then," suggested Sun Snake

Peacock nodded, then asked:

"Do you want me to do it? You might have learned how to use the Seeing Stone, but I am pretty sure I still have an easier time doing it. Also, I am probably the best suited to work on the political side of our plan to ensure that we do not weakens Banedon or otherwise create any political upheaval while we take down Valador."

OOC offering to let the NPC handle the IC political minutia if you don't have the time or the will for it.

This message was last updated by the player at 22:32, Mon 20 May 2019.

I'm conscious that usually letting NPCs do stuff is bad for us! But if it helps streamline this part of the game, I don't have an issue with it. Telling Banedon was a courtesy to make sure he wasn't blindsided by Valador while we were speaking with Golden Sparrow. Presumably we can still speak with him later.

Sun Snake nodded. "Obviously we can aid the Guildmaster better once we know where we stand as an organisation. If you let him know of Valador's actions, and that we can contact him again the moment we have spoken to the order, to know our next course of action."

Sun Snake looked around to see if anyone had any concerns over speaking with Banedon, or with Shining Peacock doing it.

Fox would simply shake his head

"Banedon has always been an ally to us. Of course we should inform him"

No objection from me
This message was last edited by the player at 09:02, Thu 23 May 2019.

Swift looked back at Peacock without replying for a few seconds, as if pondering something.
But eventually gave a curt nod of agreement in response.

I don't think Dusk Rat is gonna argue this, and if Hornet or Rain wanted to stop it they had the time to, so I think it's time to move forward.

Shining Peacock nodded at seeing that no objection was raised, then left; any who followed him would then find the man sitting next to the big Zlanbeast, wielding a glowing Seeing Stone for a handful of minutes with a silence spell keeping his conversation private from the others before afterwards remaining next to the giant darkspawn in apparent relaxation, looking as if dazed off - or perhaps meditating - with the sun hitting his face for most of the day.

He didn't ask for a cabin when night fell, either, apparently content to sleep on deck next to the giant animal. He only rose when they finally reached their destination, just a couple of hours before dawn. They could see the Monastery nearby, the solid structure raising above the surrounding trees, but Peacock had the crew of the Skyrider stop a small distance away, before turning to the others and saying:

"Now, I suggested to Banedon to not land the Skyrider in the Monastery or too near it, and he's agreed with me on it. Valador knows we are on the ship, and might have set some form of lookout, so if we show up from another route, we might surprise him. Cloudcatcher can ferry us all down, so we have two choices. Either we land in the courtyard directly, or we land in the forest and then approach on foot. Both options have their advantages, obivously, since if we land in the courtyard we will have a more impressive entrance and a certain amount of surprise on our side, but on the other hand, that approach so soon after the Monastery was attacked by kraans might leave people nervous, a risk that coming in from the forest lacks. Do any of you has a particular preference? Should we go for the awe factor, or try and be more subtle?"

Yes, that was a full day and night going by in less than half a post. Feel free to add in notes about your characters spent the time if you want to; Peacock would have entertained anybody looking for conversation with him but not sought any himself. Also, now that Rain is alive and Dusk is also on the ship, that might have influenced your sleeping arrangements, given that all the cabins are full already. Whatever you want to say, do try not to start anything that would require too much interaction - my hope is that, as I did with Peacock, you can just offer a short summary of how you spent the day and otherwise prepared for this meeting ahead, and then be ready to play the ending out.

This message was last edited by the player at 10:20, Fri 24 May 2019.

Dusk Rat would've been happy to curl up in a corner somewhere with whatever they use as a sleeping bag in these parts, likely with Brook on one side of her and Cloudcatcher on the other ;).

Sun Snake had perhaps been put out a little at Shining Peacock's silence, but had then echoed the man's behaviour, keeping himself to himself. He spent any time that was not intruded upon in meditation, as if looking for guidance. Or perhaps simply trying ot draw some small strength of mind to himself, after the monumentous revelations and occurences.

Once the group met up in the morning, Sun Snake answered Shining Peacock's question with, "The 'awe' factor inspires the lower orders in this dark time, perhaps, but I can see it being less well taken by the very people we are trying to come to an accord with. And as you say, it might also not be appreciated given the previous attack on the monastery." Sun Snake perhaps even gave a faint good natured look to Shining Peacock. "Beside, if you are speaking of looking to surprise people, then you not being so flamouyant may well given them to pause in itself." Sun Snake looked to everyone with his suggestion. "Let's land close ot the monastery, and trust to our skills to get us to the door without harm. My skills and ability to share those skills are perhaps better suited to the ground, anyway."

One vote for stealth from the person who likes stealth. Obviously his combined disciplines hopefully let him monitor his surroundings better on the ground, and also make his invisibility stuff is better used on the ground too.

Fox took time to relax for the remainder of the time, with some mild training to keep sharp while spending the majority of the time with Rain Feather. Although he did keep pestering Dusk Rat, or more to the point to play with Brook but that was about it. As they gathered he nodded in reply to Snake

“Yes I think a normal entrance is needed now. Especially since if the majority of the princes forces have withdrawn, they are more than likely still watching”

Rain keeps her skills as sharp as she can- practicing her Psi-screen and trying to spend some time outside, sitting in the sun, meditating and thinking- but also just trying to spend time with some of the others.

But when they gather, she agrees with Sabre and Snake.

"There are times when a flamboyant entrance could work; but in this case... it might cheapen our arguments with those who would hear them.  It would be better to win them over with substance than style.  Then again, we bear the Sommerswerd, so they're going to know it's us... but at the same time, I'd rather just get in and get hidden away until I can talk to who I need to.  Besides, as far as they know, I'm coming back as a body to be buried- if we land in the courtyard, that's it, surprise over, and that'll start the questions early."

Dusk Rat mostly ignores Sabre Fox's approache when it's clear he's only really interested in interacting with Brook, and lets the dog react however he wishes.

When the question comes of the method of approach to the Monastery, her answer is brief, and to anyone who knows her, likely obvious.

"The forest." she says.

Swift spent much of her time in her cabin, whether deliberately avoiding Peacock, or up to her own plans remained uncertain to those outside.

At the question of their approach, she nodded to Sun Snake's opinion.
"The place has already been attacked from the air once, might not be so good to make them think it's happening again.  And I've always preferred a quieter approach."

She glanced briefly towards Peacock.
"I've found that people are rarely as impressed with the showy approach as some would think.  Especially those who can spot the flaws in it..."
A hint of a smirk flickered around her face at that, clearly remembering Peacock's dragon illusion back at the Maakengorge.


OOC: Forest approach here too.  Also couldn't resist a little dig ;)

That's fine - Peacock is used to verbal sparring, in fact it's something he quite likes. :)

Peacock smiled at Swift Fox's comment, then answered:

"As long as those who can see the flaw in the presentation are not the ones who the presentation is aimed at, I find that those flaws might as well not exist. After all, the world is to us but what we perceive it to be. That is why curing presentation is fundamental, lady Swift, including knowing where to focus the effort of hiding or showing details as required."

He then lowered his head as he went on:

"Which is why, in this situation, I agree with you all that we should approach from the forest and without fanfare. Sometimes, subterfuge is the only way to shape the world so that people can see it the same way we do, and thus become willing to work with us."

With that, he motioned for the group to move toward Cloudcatcher; it took two journeys, but soon enough the whole team was on the forest ground, and after Peacock had encouraged their mount to just wait where it had landed for now, they started to head toward the Monaster, with Peacock mentioning, in a relaxed tone:

"Sparrow should be meeting us outside of the Monastery, Red Dawn is leading him to us. I hope you all are ready for it."

If there is any more preparation you want to make before meeting Sparrow and Dawn, or anything else you would like to say or do, now's the time for it.

"...I'm as ready as I'll ever be, I suppose."

She looked around, simply drinking in the sights.  Sommerlund.  The monastery was close by.

How long had it been since they had left- how long had it been since a young woman with a terrible attitude and a broken sense of self left those walls?  A week?  A month?  In her case- a lifetime?

"...how is Dawn going to react to seeing me?  I would imagine you sent word of what happened, and I have no real wish to be subjected to another full-on mental barrage from her.  I've had enough of those for one lifetime- maybe two."

If nobody else objected, she would ask to carry the Sommerswerd, strapped to her back- mostly to hide her aura with it.  Her hair was loose, and she still wore some of the scratchy spare clothes she'd gotten- but Breakwater was never out of her hands, to help keep her emotions blocked and calm.

Dusk Rat gives Cloudcatcher a little scratch on the side of his neck after dismounting, and stands with Brook whilst waiting for everyone else to be ready to go. The two rats who have been with her for the entire mission sit on her shoulders, but after Shining Peacock has finished speaking she encourages them to enter an inside pocket and they thus disappear from view.

Sun Snake quietly detached from the group, and knelt tentatively on the ground. He stretched out his hand to touch it, touselling then gripping the grass. He seemed to regard it - or his hand - as if thinking back to a time not that long ago, and thinking of how different everything was now. He looked around idly, and then let his mind flow out through the ground, both sensing his place in this familiar surroundings, and the surround's reaction to him.

He stretched out his mind in other ways too, while he drew his sword jewllled Patience and stabbed it in to the ground. While the core of his mind could never quite be unshielded, his Psi-screen too intuitive for that, as much as he could he kept those defenses lowered around himself. He instead pushed that sense of Psi-screen out and around everyone. Not quite the mind fort of defense, but just an expanding aura of inclusion. His mind echoed every other mind he could sense. Where he had felt those minds unshielded, his mind left an echo slightly offcentre of their unshielded mind,s as if inviting them to fill that space. Where thopse shielded minds had never been sensed by him, he instead painted a mirrir of those shields, as if an area that person could touch and interact with as they wished.

Those who had fought with him against Vyctar - no, in concert with Vyctar - would recognise Sun Snake initiating the mental link, from his side, that had joined the group's mind. There was no intrusion, simply an invitation to join if they wished.

Sun Snake himself seemed to look as if in the direction of the monastery to sense the approach of Golden Sparrow and Red Dawn.

"Perhaps I can be a more tempting target," Sun Snake said idly to Rain Feather. However, he looked across to Shining Peacock and raised an eyebrow, as if to confirm that Red Dawn was likely to behave.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:26, Sun 26 May 2019.

Peacock chuckled at Rain's worry, and said:

"Dawn will react as she will, but I would not worry overly much. She likes you, she always has. And you really should know it already."

Then he turned to Sun Snake and added:

"And she will know not to attack you, Sun Snake, I spoke with her extensively on the matter. Although you might want to avoid keeping your mind as open as it is right now when you are around her, since she might see that as dismissive of her threat, which is something she would very likely not react too well to."

Swift dropped lightly to the forest floor and peered around.
Those who had accompanied her in their previous mission might have noticed that, although clearly watchful, she seemed much calmer, with her hands no longer constantly hovering close to her weapons.  She merely had a quiet alertness about her, more like the creature she was named for.
Whether this was due to being in more familiar surroundings, or a complete change in her whole mindset, remained unspoken for now.

Her gaze moved to Rain as she spoke up, and she stepped closer to the other Kai.
"Don't worry, she probably knows you're not alone" she replied.  "Fear doesn't really like company."

The slightest hint of a frown crossed her face momentarily, but was gone almost instantly.


OOC: Can't think of any preparation.  Though I'm probably forgetting something.  I usually do...  :)
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 22:56, Sun 26 May 2019.

Sun Snake's face remained neutral at Shining Peacock's comment regarding Sun Snake's lack of defenses. "Well that seems to be a problem we need to address, or more one she needs to deal with. Given one of the few people who advocated for her was my master who is now dead, and that this is the mental state I had when we as a group defeated a Darklord, that seems an unwise and illogical emotion to have. We're here to build a united order, fear and ego seem to be two of the weapons our enemies will happily use against us. And we are not speaking of hypothetical nor distant enemies. Red Dawn is someone powerful who has suffered much and is a high ranking member of the order. Let us all try to find some way for her to be more than barely tolerated, shall we?"

"...I want to try and help her.  It's... one of the things I want to do with all of this.  I don't know how much time I have, but the more I can accomplish, the better... and she deserves a chance at a better life.

But can we discuss this at another time?  Maybe add it to the list of things to accomplish- like trying to save Fall Lobster from himself, saving the Order from itself, and everything else that we have to do?

So please, quit trying to pick at each other and let's focus on the task at hand.   I know you both- you're more alike than either would care to admit, but... you both care, in your own ways.  The way you do it is different, but the result is the same.  Instead of focusing on our differences, we focus on what we have in common- like our desire to keep the world safe from those who would do it harm.

Comrades- or even family members, if you want to think of the Kai as one- can have disagreements.  But in the end, we need to come together and understand that Kai are still Kai, and we can disagree with but still respect each other and fight together should it come to that.  We need to realize that though we want it in different ways and have differing ideas on how to get there, we all share one desire- to keep the world safe and to make sure the next batch of Kai maybe have it a little easier.

So, for the sake of everything going on, can I count on the two of you agreeing to put this off for a later date and working on the problems we have in front of us right now?"

Her shining eyes would turn to look at Snake and Peacock, even as she shifted her weight from one foot to another, using the butt-end of her spear as a walking stick.

"I think given Shining Peacock is standing here with us, he's shown a willingness to compromise. I hope he will forgive any needling from me, and know I'm willing to do the same and let this play out how it will. Led by others such as you."

Shining Peacock let out a long breath and said:

"I will try to do what I can, but regardless of what I say, Dawn will still look to needle you somehow, Snake. That is just who she is."

With that, the group started to move forwards, and soon enough they reached a clearing that had three people waiting in it - Golden Sparrow, Green Rabbit, and obviously Red Dawn. The latter smiled radiantly as the group approached, an expression that looked quite out of place on her face, and rushed forward, grasping one of Rain Feather's hands into hers as she said:

"Rain! I'm so glad to have you back! How was it, coming back like you did? Can you put it into words?"

"Yeah, I'd like to know that too."

Sparrow's tone was rather less joyful, and far more puzzled - even as his look made it clear that the person he was asking the question to wasn't Rain Feather, nor Snake or even Peacock, but rather Sabre Fox.

By the way, if anybody wants to join in Sun Snake's mind meld, please tell me, because I'll need to know. Shining Peacock isn't, for the record, and Frost Ferret will join if Raven does, which he will if Swift does; Sun Fox however joined it immediately, as did Dawn Sword.

This message was last updated by the player at 16:23, Mon 27 May 2019.

First off, she nods her greetings to Sparrow and... the other person with him, who she couldn't exactly place... before she turned to Dawn, focusing her glowing eyes on her, and feeling the warmth of her hand on hers.

Huh.  Happy Dawn was a kind of, well... rare occurrence.  But at the same time, well... she let a small smile onto her face.

"Well... it's not something I can really remember."

Smile fading into a more neutral look, she continued.

"I mean, there are moments I can remember.  I remember... what happened to me.  I remember the decisions I had to make, and I remember... just falling asleep while feeling the mental ghost of a touch on my mind and knowing at least she was safe... it was all that mattered...

...and then suddenly I was back, everything was a blur, and, well..."

She just looks down.

"I try not to think too hard about it.  I just... want to make the most of what I was given, is all.  That, and maybe have a bowl of porridge with fruit and half a jar of honey in it..."

The thought makes her blush.

"It's rather amazing the things you think about when you realize what's ahead."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:58, Tue 28 May 2019.

"I don't know why your looking at me like that Sparrow. How can I describe how someone else felt something?"

He would then sigh before looking to the others

"Or perhaps that is not the question you wished to pose?"

No mind meld for me :)
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:58, Tue 28 May 2019.

Sparrow let out the long suffering sigh that seemed to somehow contain a certain fondness as he said:

"No, obviously not. As you well know, my whole point was about how this, any of this, is possible, and what exactly does it means. You think you could help me understand what's going on?"

"Perhaps you should then ask the lady in question" He said looking to Rain Feather "Or perhaps the others to learn about it. I have no answers to give you"

Golden Sparrow shook his head in disbelief.

"Must you always be this difficult? It's like you're trying to make my job harder here. But whatever, let's do it your way and get this over with."

Then he turned to Rain Feather and asked:

"So? Since Sabre Fox apparently can't be bothered, will you explain to me what's going on, Rain Feather? I'd really like to get this sorted out quick enough, if at all possible."

"...it's nice to see we're not the only people he has a habit of exasperating."

She gives Sparrow a quiet smile, and then takes a deep breath, looking over to her comrades, and then back.

"There's a lot more to this, but seeing as how you asked for the quick details, it's this:  due to the circumstances of my, well, return... and of everything else that has happened on our journey... I'm putting myself forward for the grandmastership as a figurehead.  It's not a slight against you or anybody else- it's just that if one of the Second Generation takes the lead, we feel the conflict would never end- there is just too much in the way of negative emotions at this time, which we feel could simply keep things boiling over and resulting in more infighting.

At the same time, though, I understand enough to know that none of us are Lone Wolf, and we should not attempt to handle everything ourselves.  As to how we would lead, well... my position would be symbolic- something to reassure people that even though we have lost Lone Wolf, we are still watching for the enemies of Magnamund, and we will not let his sacrifice be in vain.  Instead, I propose a council of us- a group that can come together and discuss what needs to be done instead of everyone trying to plead their case to one person.

The council... we're thinking it would be made strictly of Third Generation Kai, if only to prevent further splintering of the Order due to grudges and anger boiling over.  The time to end the fighting and the killing of each other is now.  There are greater dangers out there.

Like I said before, there is a lot more going on, but you wanted a quick rundown.  If you wish, I would be happy to sit with you and the rest and discuss my points and ideas in earnest- I have heard that you have a very quick mind and I would be willing and open to a compromise, if one can be reached- and would welcome the chance to talk it out without coming to blows, if you like.

Perhaps some of my other comrades have something to add about all of this, but that is the gist of things.  My apologies that it was not shorter, but there is still a lot of information left out."

Swift looked over the new arrivals, a hint of wariness briefly visible on her as her eyes settled on Red Dawn, perhaps remembering the circumstances of their last meeting.
Red Dawn's reaction to Rain Feather seemed to draw a puzzled look from her though, and she glanced towards Shining Peacock as if checking on his own reaction to it.

Shaking her head, she looked back at Golden Sparrow for now as he and Sabre spoke up.


OOC: Looks like Rain got a new best friend :)

Red Dawn's first scene in this game (chronologically speaking) was to invite Rain at a slumber party with her snakes. She's been her friend the whole time. Of course, that was in a Rain Feather's private thread, but even so, her being happy that Rain is back is just not out of character at all for her.

Golden Sparrow looked at the others, clearly wanting to see if any of them had anything to add to what Rain Feather said.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:20, Tue 28 May 2019.

Sun Snake looked bemused then worried at Sabre Fox's evasion and then Rain Feather's brazeness.

"Since we last spoke, you can see something monumentous has occurred," said Sun Snake. "Unfortunately, it is ultimately the result of Valador trying to strike a crippling blow against us all. Valador struck a deal with Sabre Fox to secure Rain Feather's return. Sabre has tried to twist it to our advantage, but it has unfortunately still left him honourbound, somehow, to not speak of the deal directly. Hence his obstanacy. Still, Part of Valador's trickery has been undone. The Sommerswerd has burned clear whatever Valador hoped would inflict Rain Feather. She has been returned to us whole. So, we can either have her a weakness Valador can exploit, or we can put her front and centre."

Sun Snake sighed. "The leadership was always going to be tricky. I have tried to advise you as honmestly and well as I could. To do my best to stop whatever would have tried to see your greatest strengths being used against you as weaknesses, Sparrow. I do not know if you have succeeded in petitioning the Prince in some leniency in his presence amongst us, but if so that demonstration may perhaps give Summer Wasp pause and make her more open. I have tried to remove the stigma from Moon Shadow as best I can. I have tried earnestly bring Shining Peacock to the table, to demonstrate that we can co-operate with all of us at some level of strength, yet still able to come to a consensus. However, I have no idea how you all could have moved on beyond that. The leadership may still have been contentious, no matter who took the lead, and no matter what concessions were made by one of you."

Sun Snake pointed to Rain Feather while still speaking to Goloden Sparrow. "You are perhaps our best tactical mind if we are under threat, but as it is a political threat, Peaock is also invaluable here. But tell me the logic is not sound? Rather than you, Sparrow, having to negotiate the difficulty of a leadership bid while we are under threat, and if you succeed have you distracted by trying to gain or demand support in your decisions, is it not better to have you and Peacock free instead? Rain Feather is a lever Valador can use against Sabre, and in doing so use against you, weakening you politically and so the order. We brazenly put Rain Feather front and centre, and suddenly Valador must come out far more to prove his words. And suddenly yourself and Sabre are no longer his levers, you are Rain Feather's strength and guides."

Sun Snake gave a rueful look to Rain Feather. "I'm not quoite sure we were certain of the need to expunge the second order from any leading positions. But certainly, it seems having a council of equals backed by a strong leader will see our order united, voices heard. And the third generation has perhaps become the best of us. Rain Feather has earned all of our respect by her actions during the mission for the Sommerswerd. Who else among us can say we not only risked our lives, but proved outrselves by willingly giving our life for the good of the world, and for one of the order. Whether it is you on the council or Sabre Fox, the prince and the wishes of those Kai who follow you will be heard. Rain Feather clearly has Shining Peacock's support, but I am sure she can tell you herself in no uncertain terms she will not be under his thumb."

Sun Snake shrugged. "The threat of Valador is probably but the most urgent and pressing of the threats out there, many we do not know. Rain Feather would be a good candidate anyway, but in this time, she is perhaps the only candicate that can make us strong and united right now. Simply trust in Kai through his vessel the Sommerswerd, trust Sabre Fox, anjd trust that I have always tried to do what I think best for the order."

Didn't mean to make a wall of text attack....guess I just rolled a nat 20 or something...

Golden Sparrow seemed to consider everything that had been said, and eventually answered:

"I do trust that you honestly have the best interests of the Order in mind, Sun Snake. And I do trust Sabre Fox, whatever his faults. I can even see the utility of putting in Rain as a compromise leader, considering her circumstances."

He then offered a wry smile.

"Although I do share your concern that sidelining all of the second batch - me, you, Sabre and Rabbit, Peacock, Moon Shadow and every other member of the order who is looked upon as an authority figure - might not be the best path to follow. I know that, while I could work with this council idea, I really do need to be in the council myself if I am to give it my support."

Sparrow glanced at Rain Feather at that, and added with a smirk:

"You sure you can't relent on that, Rain Feather? Allow us old timers to be in your council, were you to be choosen as our leader?"

"...you'll have to forgive me on that point, I suppose- I didn't mean any disrespect by it.

I think that's what made Lone Wolf such an effective leader: he knew it was never about him.  His life was the Order, and in service to the rest of the world.  It was never about the power, never about the praise, the acclaim, about anything more than keeping the world safe.  He gave everything he was for it.

Of course it would be allowed, and it shouldn't have even had to have been asked in the first place.  This is why it's needed- I put forth an idea, Snake gave his viewpoint, and we agreed that it was a sound idea, and that made progress.

Do I expect things are always going to go that smoothly?  No.  How many plans survive first contact with an enemy?  It's a given that there are going to be disagreements. But we need to sit and talk them out and remember that there are going to be times we don't all get what we want, but it's not about what we want, it's about the Order and what's best for it."

Fox would smile before moving alongside his friend and giving Sparrow a playful nudge.

"Did you really think I'm always difficult for the sake of being difficult? If that were true, I wouldn't have thought you best on the council. If nothing else it will need someone with an iron rod of logic down their spine to argue the points. Who else is as a stubborn as a mule than you?" Fox would snigger

Sparrow chuckled and answered to Sabre Fox:

"I don't know - there's one person I know that's even harder to get to do what he doesn't want, especially when that thing is not really very smart. Which reminds me..."

He proceeded to bop Sabre Fox on the back of the head and continued, playfully scolding:

"...do NOT make stupid promises to our enemies anymore, ok? The next time you want to include that kind of idea in a plan, ask somebody else if it's a good idea first. And then don't do it anyway, because it will never be a good idea."

Then he turned back to Rain Feather.

"So, let's say we make you our leader; what happens with Valador next?"

"Well, he'll be bound to put in an appearance sooner or later... and when he does, we deal with him.  He seems to have a habit of showing up where the action is, and if we settle the succession, that should draw him out of hiding in the following days.  Why waste time on an enemy that we know will come to us eventually?  I have no idea where he is hiding- then again, I've been, well... gone... for a bit- but from my point of view, it wouldn't be worth to exert the effort to just go out and find him right now.

Besides, when he does make his move, better to have the Order standing as a whole together instead of still infighting amongst ourselves.

Then again, you've got a very good tactical sense, Sparrow- what would be your opinion on that?"

Rain looks to him, interested in what he had to say.

Sparrow offered a satified smile and nod at Rain Feather, and then answered:

"If you're going to ask my advice, Rain Feather, then I think what we should do right now is the one thing he would be unprepared for: go on the offensive."

He closed his fist with determination and went on, his eyes shining with purpose:

"When facing this kind of manipulative enemies, who hide in the shadows and strike through proxies, going slow and taking your time is a sure way to play into their hands - it gives them more time to react and weave their trickery and corruption. Instead, what we do is issue a direct challenge to his goals, a frontal attack that he must respond to immediately and with commitment if he wants to keep his plans together. This is the most likely way to cause him to overcommitt, and if he does that on a battlefield of our own choosing, then he'll get crushed by us, almost certainly."

Sparrow smacked his fist into his other hand's palm for emphasis, then continued:

"So, since Valador's plan, if I understood your explanation of it correctly, is to absorb the Kai and use them to break Toran off from Sommerlund, I think the first action of a newly installed leader would be to officially change the Order's policy by strenghtening our ties with Sommerlund; a oath to expand our promise of defending Sommerlund from darkspawn attacks to also cover more mundane and political attacks would be going directly about what we know to be Valador's goal, and force an immediate reaction out of him. It's, in my opinion, the best strategy of attack."

He allowed himself a self satisfied smile.

"And as a bonus, it's giving Prince Lenhar a compromise he can be satisfied with. It's obviously not what he would most prefer, which is folding the Order under the Sommerlending Crown as a part of the Royal Army, but it still makes it publicly clear that our ties to Sommerlund itself will be stronger under the new leadership, and that's the kind of political statement that will have his majesty and the royal family look on us positively as well. So, it also works on the policial level, in addition to being a very direct strike against Valador's ambitions."

There was a moment of silence following that, before Peacock said, his tone mild:

"You realize Summer Wasp would never stand for that, right? I'm not sure if you could get Moon Shadow to agree to it - I certainly have reservations myself - but Wasp will most certainly not."

Sparrow turned a thoughtful glance on Peacock, and eventually replied:

"I think I can reach an agreement with Moon Shadow - with the situation as it currently is, her opposing me on something so important wouldn't go off well with many people. Plus, she owes me for how I handled the Blue Snake's situation; I think she will accept a less than stellar compromise if I agree to support some of her own personal objectives down the line. And as long as you and Sun Snake don't oppose me directly, then Wasp alone won't matter - she simply doesn't have the support to do anything if the four of us are working together. Our cooperation would make her powerless, which considering how she's twice as reckless as Sabre and not even a tenth as smart, I would honestly consider a plus."

Then he turned to Rain Feather, and concluded:

"But then again, all of this is only relevant if we go with Snake's suggestion of the five of us being a leading council. If Rain Feather is to be our leader, then she needs nobody's approval to follow my plan, just to decide that my suggestion is the wisest. So, what do you think, Rain? If we were your council and you our leader, would you adopt my line of attack as the plan of action for the Order as a whole?"

It was clear that there was more riding onto the question than just getting a straightforward answer to it.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:50, Thu 30 May 2019.

"Did you actually not only take this all rather well...… actually a million times better than I thought you would, but then shortly after pay me a compliment? In public?" Fox said clasping a hand to his mouth at the end

Allowing himself a laugh for a moment he would look to Rain.

"I actually think he's right you know. Valador has always done stuff behind peoples back and never in public for as long as ive known him, so by forcing him there he would probably crumble"

Fox would then remember something for a moment before continuing

"Although I would be also negligent in reminding you Rain, that if you are our leader then my 'official' position" He said using his fingers to show the inverted commas "Is that I believe the Kai and Brotherhood would become a wonderous force for good and would be best to come together for the good of mankind"

He would then smirk.

"Of course your well aware of that view and the reason surrounding it" He said with a wink
This message was last edited by the player at 11:01, Thu 30 May 2019.

Golden Sparrow turned to Sabre Fox with a perplexed frown, but then the third member of the group, the big woman with her brown hairs collected in a braid and two axes at her belt, spoke up before he could, in a long-suffering tone:

"Interesting how that's exactly the same as Valador's plan. He actually made you promise to support his efforts, didn't he?"

Golden Sparrow facepalmed at that, to which Green Rabbit reacted by placing a comforting hand on his shoulder before adding, with an annoyed glance at Sabre:

"At least tell me you didn't make any promise about supporting them with anything other than words - because if we need to settle this with a fight, even if Sparrow might forvige you, I won't."

"Oh you wound me Rabbit. Why would you think id do such a thing?. In regards to Valador I haven't a clue what your talking about"

He would then smirk for a moment before speaking

"I mean if we do get a leader, its not like anyone from the Brotherhood would make an offer for us to join as a whole, regardless of who is in charge of the Brotherhood that is. I mean its not like it isn't a noble goal of course right? Two factions in Sommerlund coming together to work towards a common goal...…. and no fights at all"

He would then look to the others in the group to see if they would add anything to his statements.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:42, Thu 30 May 2019.

"If we are to unite the order, bending one of the members to agreement and ignoring another may well not be the most auspicious of starts. There is a future, perhaps a generation in the making, where we can create a stronger compromise in regards to a divided order vfersus a rooted order. And we will need to. For Valador is showing that Kai can be made in many ways. And we are seeing that Kai are coming from more and more locations. We may very soon see Kai that were never born anywhere close to Sommerlund, and will never step foot here. We should be careful we do not sew the seeds of rival orders that owe allegience only to their own countries. Or Kai's gifts being turned against one another while Naar laughs."

Sun Snake sighed. "However, I do not think that discussion begins today. Only the first footsteps of it. Summer Wasp may well do something if she feels threatened, and the less she feels she has to lose the worse. Let us not give Valador one last weakness of ours to exploit. Let us find bold actions that can provoke Valador while still keeping a peace internally. Let us tread carefully to keep you, Sparrow, and the Prince happy of the order's commitment to Sommerlund, while not alienating those such as Moon Shadow and Summer Wasp. If we can create a strong common ground, fron that springs up a faith that when we must go in one strong direction or another, there is a centre that will be held, there is a balance that is maintained, and we will go in another direction just as strongly another time."

Sun Snake looked to Sun Fox. "There is another way to provoke Valador in to rasher action. But it may require more sacrifice that I have the stomach to advise..."

Rain nods, carefully considering Sparrow's words.

"...taking into account both yours and Snake's words, it gives a lot to think about.  Granted, I would seek the advice of Moon Shadow and Summer Wasp, as well.

You bring up several good points.  Allying with Sommerlund itself would throw a large block in his plans, yes.  But, to offer counterpoints, what would it mean to our role?  If we ally with the crown of Sommerlund, does that not make us agents of the Crown itself?

Addmittedly, our work takes us deep into the parts of the world that may not appreciate Sommlending noses in their business, and others that may take offense at finding out whatever information and help that we may be provided may end up on its way back to Holmgard for use by His Majesty in whatever way he sees fit?  Would they see us as Kai, as agents of the Sommlending crown, or both?

Would our operations in another country constitute acts by Sommerlund itself and invite reprisals by allies of said country, if we were found out?  Would our allies in the region be drawn in to battles if they were suspected of supporting us?


It simply needs more consideration, is all.  But I can't make a decision without all input.  Snake raises up some very good points, too- if we were to simply make a decision based upon the input of one group, then what would that say to the ones who have other ideas?  We'd be right back where this all started.

Compromise is the way we make our stand, the weapon we wield against those who would shatter us.  More weapons, plans, options, are always useful when facing a foe such as the one we face internally, is it not?"

She gives him a genuine smile, and then her eyes flick to Sabre.

"...you know, you're easier to talk to than I was told.  A mutual acquaintance of ours filled my head full of stories of how I might have had to commit to combat to try and get my point across, and he even gallantly offered to take my place, if it came to that.

...thank you for at least hearing me out."

Golden Sparrow chuckled at Rain Feather's last comment, then answered:

"Well, I have an acquaintance who tends to just jump into crazy situations without any more thinking it over than saying it seemed like a good idea at the time, so I'm unsurprised you came to think I shared that trait. Be assured, I don't - I have my own faults, but impulsiveness isn't one of them."

He then frowned, then went on:

"Still, I do not see how we could push Valador into making a mistake in any other manner. I understand the need to compromise, but quite honestly, I'm already offering quite a good deal of compromise on my part; it hardly seems fair to force my position to bend more and more for the sake of agreement with Wasp, when her position hasn't bent any and, I'm sure, won't even after we've talked with her. I can make a deal, but not that one-sided of one."

"Your all being mean to me" Fox said shaking his head "After I've been so nice too"

Fox would consider before continuing.

"To be honest, I think we have always been seen as part of Sommerlunds army. From the time of our first founding, was Sun Eagle not a Baron of the land? Sommerlund and the Kai are mutually interwoven as it is, so I doubt it would make a massive difference how we are 'officially' seen in the eyes of other countries"
This message was last edited by the player at 13:50, Fri 31 May 2019.

"Well... he did sort of save my life not that far from the Monastery when we'd left... ...seems so long ago, now.  Split a Helghast that was going to kill me in half with that shiny sword of his.  When you think about it, this wouldn't even have been possible without all of them... even the ones who never made it back."

She'd linger for a moment, and then answer.

"Compromise is about everybody moving their positions, and having to accept things that they would rather not for the greater good of us all being able to come together. But, like I said, well... let me talk to her and learn what she wants- the same with Moon Shadow, as well.  I mean, how would you feel if I'd just gone right to her and accepted everything she'd desired as what we were going to do?

I mean, I'd do it with a few of the others, honestly- but maybe she might be willing to adjust a little if it wasn't somebody she felt was an adversary at the moment.  The most important person I could be, at this point, is a neutral ear, to hear them out and make sure they know they're being heard.

But we need to get to the monastery... the sooner we're back home, the faster we can find a solution.  Maybe the faster I can get back to my old wardrobe and find something that fits and keeps the hair out of my eyes- uhm, sorry.  You tend to miss the little things when you can't have them any more..."

Sun Snake said to Golden Sparrow, "You have quite a powerful position at the moment. You can be more confident that things will swing back your way, than the others. I know I do appreciate your willingness to compromise. I am sure if Rain Feather can be the one to point it out on your behalf, it will be recognised and other can act accordingly."

Sun Snake looked again to Sun Fox, and tried to get his fellow Kai's attention. "There was something you wished to do when we got to the monastery. As Golden Sparrow already said he would allow you to speak to the order, perhaps you should let him know an outline of what you wished to say. It might be important if we are looking for ways to shake Valador from his certainty..."

Sun Snake seemed more and more reluctant to speak, and lapsed to quiet by the end.

Sun Fox let out a long breath - she clearly knew what Sun Snake wanted from her, and just as clearly, the idea left her quite unhappy.

"If you really think it's a good idea, I'll explain it... I admit, I don't look forward to it, and doing so just the once would sit better with me than having to do it again and again. But I suppose the current circumstances don't leave us much choice."

The Magnakai paused, then added, glancing at Rain Feather:

"Are we really sure that this will help against Valador, however, and not just weaken Rain's position? After all, if what he said to me is true, well... then it's by my actions that Rain is here now, in part. I gave him the fuel he needed for the spell. Will people still be willing to accept Rain as our leader, once they know what it'd cost, what I did, to get her back?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:58, Fri 31 May 2019.

Rain looked over to Sun Fox, and nodded.

"You're not a bad person.  You were taken advantage of.  In my opinion, you've more than made up for it- and if you're going to tell them that, I'll tell the rest of them about my happy little family.  Then we'll show them that we came out and we fought it down and we went and redeemed ourselves- I may have been brought back, but if the sword saw fit to do what it did, that should say plenty about you.

By the way, I think you have more to say to me in private, don't you?  Maybe you, me, a training room and a couple of training weapons to top it off?"

She calmly looks over at Sun Fox, hoping she would understand.

Sun Fox shook her head.

"I don't really see the point, Rain - it's just that this whole situation is so tiring for me... but then again, it's also my own fault, and I blame nobody but myself for it."

Sun Snake sighed. "That is the problem," he said to Sun Fox, "I do not know what the best course of action is. But those who might know better do not know the situation yet. I had hoped you may be able to speak with White Mantis first, for your own sake if nothing else. Perhaps that is still the best course of action. Then you can decide whether you tell the order at once, as you decided to, or if there is a different way to reveal your story. Something eventually more public that might make Valador pay for his part in all this, and his other machinations. And might give you a way forwards to keep being of service to the order, rather than the path I fear for you at the moment..."

Sun Snake considered something. "Rain Feather is different, she had no direct part in her ressurrection ahead of time, no more than Lone Wolf would have. Which is the other point, isn't it. If Valador could have brought him back, then why didn't he? The fact that he used this as a manipulation then abandoned it because you would not do what he said - even though clearly you had done enough for it to work - shows the man's character. Just as much as when he did intervene with our group, when he could have helped save Rain Feather, it was in fact his very actions that stopped the rest of us from arriving in time to save her. It will be a blow to Sommerlund that Lone Wolf was not brought home. We should let everyone know that Valador could have prevented that blow. Just as he deserves no credit for instead ressurrecting Rain Feather in Lone Wolf'#s place. Indeed he deserves nothing but our contempt for causing the situation of her death then trying to turn it to his political advantage."

Sun Fox took a long breath, and eventually said:

"Can I think this over, and answer later? Maybe after speaking with White Mantis, and at the very least waiting until we can see what Wasp's position is on this?"

Golden Sparrow scoffed, and commented:

"She'll be doing her best to stop this plan from going through, I guarantee it."

"I hope she can bring you at least some measure of peace, Sun Fox.  And yea, that sounds reasonable.  It would be good to know Wasp's position before we commit."

She looks over at Sparrow, listening as he makes his remark, and then quietly shakes her head.

"We ought to get back to the Monastery, at any rate.  The sooner we figure out what's going on, the better position we'll be in."

"A suggestion?" Fox said speaking up and raising his hand "I suppose Peacock will be the best here to clear this up over 'etiquette' and an entrance and all, but if we are all on the same page here, would it not be a good showing for everyone for Rain, Sparrow and Peacock to enter the Monastery together as a unit for solidarity?"

Peacock smiled at that, then answered:

"I thank you for the vote of confidence, Sabre Fox, but Rain herself is more than enough to represent me, being my student. If anything, Sun Snake or Sun Fox should be holding the third spot in that group, as they represent a third faction, so to have them all appear close would better suggest the idea of cooperation you are aiming for."

"Well that's why I deferred to you there" Fox said with a chuckle "You know more about the ambassador type stuff than me. I just get the ideas"

Fox then would snigger to Sparrow

"See..... sometimes I do pay attention"

"Yeah, and if it wasn't at totally random times, maybe I'd even start to count on it - but we can't have that, can we?"

Sparrow chuckled, then looked to the rest of the new arrivals.

"Alright then. Should we move on, or is there anything you want to tell me beforehand, ideas or plans you want to share before we go meet Wasp and the rest?"

"If the message is for the third generation to have some prominence, then perhaps Swift Fox is better than myself to go in that third spot. I think with the upheaval of Master Blue Snake's death and his funeral only just finished to try and give some closure, I am better taking a back away from immediate view. As should Sun Fox, if we wish her to see White Mantis before putting her return front and centre."

Sun Snake looked to Golden Sparrow. "Perhaps if yourself, Shining Peaockc, and myself are in the second row, it shows solidarity but also shows we are working working together but not at the forefront. I daresay Sabre Fox can take your place, as an honourary member of the third generation. Something to do with his temperament and maturity?"

Sun Snake said this with some warmth and a look to his erstwhile companion through the missions they had survived.


Just realised that since Rain Feather died for part of the game, that makes Sabre Fox the only continuous member of Sun Snake's group :)

Swift gave a nod at Sun Snake's comment.
"I appreciate the offer" she replied.
"Though I'd suggest Silver Raven is a better representative of Master Moon Shadow than I am" she added, looking back at him with a smile.


OOC: Swift does her best work outside of the spotlight after all ;)
Also, for continuous team members, Swift is probably the only one left of her team, everyone else went their own ways.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:30, Tue 04 June 2019.

Silver Raven offered a chuckle at that, and commented:

"Perhaps, but if the point is for us second batch members to leave the place of honour to the third generation, than I obviously can't be part of it, while you definitely should."

He paused, then added:

"Besides, you're the one who killed the darklord - you really deserve to be recognized for that."

That caused Red Dawn, who had been standing next to Rain Feather with a somewhat relaxed expression on her face, to suddenly snap her head toward Swift Fox, regarding her with undisguised curiosity mixed with something halfway between glee and anger.

"You did? Truly?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:41, Tue 04 June 2019.

OOC: Uh-oh...  (O.o)
Guessing that's either going to intimidate her into backing off of Swift, or (probably more likely) make her seem like more of a fun challenge to play with! ;)


Swift shrugged in mock resignation at Raven's response.
"Suppose so" she replied.  "I've had enough of being a leader for one lifetime though" she added with a smirk.

She frowned at Red Dawn's question though.
"An imitation of a Darklord maybe.  And we ALL defeated him" she replied.

Red Dawn looked intrigued at that, and let go of Rain's hand to step closer to Swift.

"Oh? Then why did your bird said that you, specifically, did it? He's not relly much of a liar, from what I know of him."

"Now even Snake is picking on me" Fox said shaking his head to no one inparticular

Swift glanced back at Raven with a wry smile.
"Well, I was able to grab the Sommerswerd after Vyctar dropped it, so... yeah."

She trailed off there, shrugging and looking increasingly reluctant to talk about the matter further.


OOC: Not sure which is creepier, Red Dawn being threatening, or Red Dawn being whatever she's being now :) hehe

Red Dawn seemed annoyed by how Swift Fox was dismissing her own accomplishment.

"So you're trying to say it was all luck, was it? What, did it also stumble on the sword, rather than you stabbing it with it?"

OOC: yeah, Dawn has her own priorities; they're not exactly the same as most other people, but that doesn't mean that she is a one note individual - she's just as complex in her personality as anybody else, it's just a very different personality from what you're used to.

Swift shrugged again.
"Well, I wasn't the only one fighting him" she said, a hint of annoyance in her own voice now.

"It was a team effort as Swift says" Fox said speaking up, hoping to divert the attention off Swift somewhat.

"Swift was perfectly placed to pick up the sword as Vyctar was ensuring no one he knew that was proficient with a sword such as myself or Sun Fox could get near it. We were able to exploit that to our advantage"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:21, Thu 06 June 2019.

"I wouldn't call it luck," said Sun Snake quietly. "Quite the reverse. We engineered a mental space where we all - subconsciously - worked towards one goal, a victory where none of us died. This included with Vyctar himself. You could look at it as using Vyctar's humanity - what was left of it - against him. Or you could look at it as honouring the man who could have made a choice away from Naar, and destroying the abomination he had become. That takes nothing away from Swift Fox becoming the focal point and striking the blow, does it?"

Also, it was luck :p Even if we stacked the deck more in our favour than otherwise!

Red Dawn nodded.

"I agree, it does not. Which is why I don't understand why she's refusing the praise for it."

Then she looked at Sun Snake for a moment, as if considering something.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:42, Thu 06 June 2019.

Swift frowned slightly, an irritable look on her face, but didn't respond further.


OOC: As a player, I'm thinking "Woo!  Epic Darklord kill!!"  As a character, Swift seems to have her own reasons for not being as enthusiastic about that result as others.  :)

Sun Snake seem to react to something silently, but spoke out loud towards Red Dawn. "Valador is certainly a different matter. Even when I only suspected him of politicking, I respected that I did not know his strength of mind and defenses. Now I know he at the very least has Nexus - properly developed Nexus - I would not be so cavalere. Still, a link network of minds does not need to be open to all. WE definitely need a plan to deal with the man should he decide his Guildstaff and prominent political position will let him one more put himself amongst us to work his mischief. If you have any ideas, they would be more than welcome. I only opewn my mind now because we have such powerful enemies moving while we debate. I want no time to be lost due to doubt on my words or the worsds of those I have served with. I should otherwise have no fear inside the order, should I?"

Red Dawn scoffed.

"Oh, but you should have fear, always, no matter where, or with who, you are. Don't you know that there's no place in the world that is truly safe? If you aren't ready to defend yourself at all times, even when asleep, then you're at fault for whatever will befall you because of it."

She paused, then waved her hand and added:

"I'd teach you myself how to keep your defenses always up, but as I've been instructed not to, I guess you're free to do as you wish. When a true attack from a true enemy comes, rather than a friendly one from me to teach you some prudence, you'll pay the price for your unpreparedness."

Sun Snake shrugged. "That is indeed the point of us all trying to find a way to work together. I do not believe we gain anything by shutting ourselves off in fear, except a growing number of enemies. And an inability to know friend from foe without aggressively invading others' secracy, creating more enemies still. However, to be open is, as you say, to be vulnerable. There is a very real danger in being vulnerable of being unable to recover from an attack and retaliate. There is a balance needed. No one way is without so much flaw as to be untenable. But a compromise that keeps none of the strengths of each way is useless. I believe a compromise where we can act as one to keep as much of our individual strengths as possible, and be able to shore up each other's weaknesses, is a powerful way forward."

Sun Snake struggled for a metaphor, apparently. Finally, he said, "In the case of this discussion, I suppose I could phrase it like this. You would not tell a spider to cower behind a sphere of webbing so thick it could not be harmed. If it did, it would starve. If would stop being the creature it was meant to be. It needs to keep its defenses light and open. However, this means it can be picked off by larger birds and other predators with ease that can ignore its normal webs. But I preume any spider under your protection would have no need to fear such large predators, if they made a move against them, would they?"

Sun Snake looked around to Shining Peacock briefly as he spoke. "I appreciate your restraint, though I'm saddened it is not voluntary. I would appreciate your tutelege at some point, with Shining Peacock's permission of course. Your skills, tenacity, and aggression I respect and would like to benefit from. Your lack of restraint and sadism though? Those, not so much..."

Red Dawn offered a wicked smirk at that.

"Oh, you would, wouldn't you? I'd have so much to teach you, master Snake... and if you're really saying that this thing you're doing is an elaborate trap, and you're opening yourself to lure in your enemy for a strike... that's a mentality I like. Peraphs we really should train together sometimes, maybe..."

"No."

Shining Peacock's tone was quite firm as he said that. Red Dawn moved her head in his direction with surprise, then her eyes widened and she lowered it, looking somewhat chastised as she said:

"Perhaps not, then."

She seemed to rally quickly though, as she continued:

"So, is that who you are then? A trapper, laying in wait while you lure the enemy forward and striking once for maximum lethality? And when possible, preferring to hide and strike from the shadows, rather than being openly visible? No wonder you're named Snake."

It was at this point that Golden Sparrow coughed, loudly, drawing everybody's attention before saying:

"So, as interesting as that was, perhaps we should get going now?"

Sun Snake gave a bemused sigh, but seemed at least relieved that the discussion had continued. "I knew it would be a poor analogy. Let us say that I realise that the only way to encourage others to come peacefully is to truly make the first move and be with no weapon nor ill intent. But I also feel a duty to ensure that anyone I've encouraged to be vulnerable is not punished for it. That I can somehow still fight to defend those who have trusted me, against those who would take advantage of that trust. Is it a trap if openness can turn to hostility only against those who would bring true hostility?" He seemed almost to be asking the question honestly. He then shrugged again. "If you give others their time in the light, you can't help but find yourself in the shadows. I'm no assassin, but is there anything wrong with taking advantage of those shadows you find yourself in, and be a bodyguard should the need arise?"

I'm not sneaky, I was just minding my own business in this anonomous position I gave to myself and you just happened to wander in to this situation I engineered, being all evil. It's not a trap, I can't help it if people do evil things and didn't notice the dangers of doing evil things here...


Sun Snake nodded to Golden Sparrow. "I'm sorry, we should go, yes."

Swift seemed relieved that she was no longer the focus of Red Dawn's attention and nodded slightly in response to Golden Sparrow.
As she began to move with the rest of the group though, she glanced briefly at Sun Snake then Shining Peacock, as if thinking something over...

Peacock smiled at Sun Snake's answer to Red Dawn and commented:

"I would say that there is nothing wrong with it, but on this particular matter, I might well be biased."

The group proceeded to walk to the Monastery, the sound of nature accompanying them in what was otherwise a relatively silent but short journey. In a handful of minutes, the group reached the gates, finding them guarded by a small number of lower-ranked Kai who immediately opened them upon Sparrow waving, but then watched the group with wide eyes, some pointing and wispering, the majority at Rain Feather's glowing eyes and the Sommerswerd at her side.

Sparrow ignored this too, however, as he headed for a small group of royal soldier in their red uniforms, surrounding a young blond man in rich clothes that they all recognized as the crown prince, and a short but pretty blonde Magnakai  with clear blue eyes - clearly another of Sparrow's disciples and the one assigned to Lenhar's guard - which smiled and waved to the group as they show up.

While Green Rabbit limited herself to a respectful nod, Golden Sparrow smiled and said:

"Your grace, Charming Crane, it's good to see you. As you can see, Sabre Fox and his group have come back; and at least half of their mission was successful."

The prince raised an eyebrow as his eyes locked onto Rain Feather, studying her with clear curiosity as he said:

"Is that so? I was under the impression that we wanted Sabre Fox to be carring the blade back himself. Who would this lady be?"

Sparrow turned to glance at Rain as he answered:

"This is Rain Feather, your grace. Sabre Fox saw it fit to let her carry the Sommerswerd, and after hearing his and hers reasoning, I'm inclined to agree; she has a proposal that I found interesting and worth supporting, but I think it better if you hear it from her, your grace. Rain Feather, maybe you want to explain your intentions to his grace yourself?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:55, Sun 16 June 2019.

Quick question on one super-important thing (...:D ) - What did we do with Cloudcatcher? Did Peacock get him to stay back in the forest and wait, or did he go back up the skyship thing? I presume he didn't just trundle alongside us back to the Monastery? Just wondering for the sake of completion, that's all - I skimmed back through the part of the thread where we landed in the forest and there doesn't seem to be any further mention of him after we all dismount.

He's waiting back in the forest right now - he's cheking his new surroundings and didn't accompany you to meet Sparrow and Red Dawn. Peacock decided that bringing him to the Monastery alongside you right now might not be the best political move, particularly if you want to avoid people panicking and attacking him due to fear.

After all, it seems pretty certain that it will be either Rain Feather or Golden Sparrow taking the leadership, so the fact that they'll let him stay to leave in the area should be pretty much assured; no need to make that more difficult by causing a panic before things settle on the political front.

Swift deliberately kept her gaze fixed on the ground ahead, avoiding meeting anyone's gaze as they entered the Monastery, seemingly a little uncomfortable being anywhere near the centre of attention.

As the group stopped in front of the Prince though, she looked up again, studying him with a hint of interest as he spoke to Golden Sparrow.
She seemed content to let others do the talking, although, rather than back away, she remained standing close to Rain Feather's position, perhaps in a silent show of solidarity with her...

Oh of course, that's fair enough leaving him behind - I just wanted to confirm that that's what had happened, as he hadn't been mentioned further. Gotta keep track of all my friends :D.

Sun Snake had been hanging back, allowing the others to speak. He seemed to, unsurprisingly, look to the Prince and his bodyguard, though perhaps a little longer than may be expected.

Sun Snake paused for a moment, then looked around to Shining Peacock as if to get the man's attention with a raised eyebrow.

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."

Summer Wasp frowned, then said, sounding harsh:

"The only problem we have is people who want to steal control of the Order away from our hands. Moon Shadow will agree to letting you lead, because just like Sparrow, Snake and Peacock, she'll believe she'll be able to manipulate you into doing what she wants. They call it compromise, but it's really just gambling that you'll follow their suggestions more than those of any of the others. I'm not good at that game, and I'm not gonna play it. I want an answer, a real one, and I want it now."

Summer Wasp's group closed rank behind her, clearly willing to support her in whatever she might decide to do next.

She kept her eyes closed, thinking and thinking.

She didn't shy away from it.  After all, this was the kind of thing that she'd have to do, if she was accepted.  But if Wasp wanted to push her, well, she could push back.

"...my thought is, though, do you actually speak for Moon Shadow, or are you only telling us this because you think it will help your cause?  Your views are no secret, Wasp- and no, I'm not going to peek into your head to judge your motives or anything.  I remember when Blue Snake did it to me, back when all this started, because of some remark I made.  That's why I hold this thing."  She held up Breakwater, and nodded towards it.

"I'm not into violating someone's mind just because I want to make sure- I'd rather feel like I could trust people around me, even if they disagreed with me on things.  As much as I respected him, well... that was something I could never forget- it made me kind of understand why people are always kind of leery of those of us who focus on our minds.  It's so easy to just dive in with our power and get the answers we want, that maybe some of us don't stop to think if we should.  You get into someone's mind and that's it- you know everything about them.  Even the things you shouldn't.

So no.  I'm not going to give you an answer until after I talk to her, because while you say you're afraid of her, or Sparrow, or any of the others manipulating me, isn't that the same thing you're trying to do?

I mean, I'd love to hear your viewpoints on things.  But I need to hear from her before I do anything else, and she's not exactly here.  I'd rather hear it from her- and if it costs me your support, I'm sorry.  I really am.  But I want everyone to be able to speak for themselves- even if the opinions are unpopular.

Would you rather I have made a decision without talking to you, I ask?  How would it feel if I'd talked to Moon Shadow and not referenced you, and made a decision, then?

You bring up a number of good points- I admit that.  Maybe it's time we entertained them- even if you end up not supporting me, I'd still like to hear you speak more of them.  We've learned a lot, and we need to grow and change who we are to suit new threats and new opportunities- but even if I don't become it, I'd still support who did.  I only ask you and yours to do the same, in the end- because if the Order splinters, I fear Sommerlund- and all Magnamund- pays the price."

Summer Wasp listened to Rain Feather's spiel, then closed her eyes and said, sounding sad:

"You know, I really do think you have a good head on your shoulders. In different circumstances, I would have enjoyed sitting down with you to discuss your plans over tea."

Then she opened her eyes again, an hard expression into her eyes and steel in her voice, as she went on:

"But these are the circumstances, not others, and as far as I'm concerned, I'd rather see the Order splinter into independent groups than see it become a bunch of tugs on the command of whichever political interest manages to get hold of the leash."

She glared at the group at a whole and went on, shouting loudly so that everybody, including any onlookers, in addition to the whole group, could hear:

"Rain Feather is an undead, a zombie resurrected by the dark powers of Valador; I have the details on how he did it, and can proof I'm saying the truth. She's a soul trapped into a body by bonds to Valador's own soul, so that she could never act against him without endangering herself, and indeed, she's under a set of commands she has to obey that he setup when he raised her to ensure his control. This makes a too easily manipulated liability that cannot lead the Order."

Then she glared at where Sun Fox was standing right next to Sun Snake, and went on:

"Valador originally planned to resurrect a zombie of Lone Wolf himself, to have under his control instead of Rain Feather, and he made several practice runs of this with help from Sun Fox - help which included her betraying and murdering the young Kai trainees put under her charge; all of them there know this and are covering for her, hiding her crime."

She then hissed, focused on Sparrow:

"The dear prince here has corrupted several members of the order, some with money and favor, but more with threats to their still living families, which Sparrow closed an eye on - indeed, he had Charming Crane give herself to him despite her not wanting to, in order to ensure that he would not carry out his threats, and even then never retreated his support of him, being ready to sell out brethren to such scum."

Her eyes moved to Sabre Fox.

"And of course, not only was Sabre Fox silently condoning all of this, and even accepted gold from the prince himself, he was also fully aware of the true effect of Valador's spell, as well as his goals, but he kept silent on both just because he wanted Rain Feather back, putting his own selfish desires ahead of the entire Order."

She turned her eyes to Lenhar next, and continued:

"And you know what the goal of Valador was? He wants to secede from Sommerlund, to make Toran a self-sustaining city state free of your influence - and of course, while he would love to drag the Kai into it so you couldn't turn us against him, he doesn't need to, because he has found the way to mass produce Kai, to give the abilities to anyone. They were trying to keep it from you because they knew that, if you were aware, that'd be legal ground for you to oust, or possibly even execute Banedon, which might well mean war with the Brotherhood regardless of Valador's fate. So, what do you say, your highness, are you already looking forward to bargaining with him to get the ability for yourself, to train your own strike force without needing to compromise with Sparrow anymore? Are we even of any worth to you, now that you know we're not the only ones capable of providing you with the weapon you so deeply crave, to exert your absolute power with?"

Summer Wasp had been moving back toward her group even as she continued to shout, and once she was safely standing just a single step in front of them, she glared to everybody as she finished:

"So, what now? Still thinking of working with each other, with all your little secrets revealed?"

OOC: And we're back with a bang, everbody! ^_^

I apologize for the long delay - I knew that Rain Feather had RL problems which made it harder to post for her, and yet I egoistically kept pushing her at center stage with Summer Wasp's words. Still, I do think it was necessary to have this update carry the proper impact. I never though Rain would bow to Wasp's wishes, but I had to give her the chance to, it wouldn't have been fair to drop this bomb without giving it the proper buildup.

Speaking of buildup, I understand that the game had not updated in a bit and before that has been a few slow-moving months, but I want to change that right here and now. So, every person who is still interested in seeing this through, please post a reaction to what's just happened - I 100% refuse to believe that any of your character would have nothing to say or do after this. If instead you just are bored with the game and don't want to get to the end of it, that's perfectly legitimate and fine - just drop me a line (either in the OOC thread or in PM) so that I won't have to wait for uninterested people and make the game grind to a halt again.

This is really the final conflict, and once it's solved the game will be over - so everybody who feels up to it, let's give it the best we have! :D

Sun Snake had barely reacted to Summer Wasp's extended outburst. A look of faint surprise at the revelation of Rain Feather's condition. A small nod, as if putting a final piece together, with the revelation of Golden Sparrow's attempt to pull back the Prince.

Once Summer Wasp had stopped, Sun Snake said simply, blandly, "Of course. How else could we?"

The Kai Lord shrugged. "Don't forget the final part of Valador's plan. It's giving up. He doesn't see us - any of us, in this world - as being able to win against Naar. His plan is to suceede from Sommerlund, create a shining beacon of civilisation in his own little land, and then...fade away. Die. You'd rather see the order shatter? Then those you take with you will slowly shrink, as a group. You'll watch them all fall, and your circle will keep shrinking. Until it's only you. Maybe you can keep that circle expanding for a while with new followers to replace the old, more people to trust you unti lyou fail them. Until eventually, one day, you'll find a small end in some desolate corner of this defeated world. You're life will fade. You'll die."

Sun Snake's voice had become quiet and matter of fact. "We work together. Or we all die. It's quite simple."

His voice came back to life as he gestured to Sun Fox. There was a sadness in his face as he looked across to her, even though his voice was far more energised. "We're not hiding Sun Fox's crime. Ask Golden Sparrow, Sun Fox asked to speak with the order. Expressly because she was going to admit that crime. That's not an easy truth to share, for her, and certainly not for the order. Ever since Lone Wolf left us, she has been seen by so many as the beacon of hope. Learning of her crime I daresay may shatter the hopes of many. Certainly she could have been a figurehead for the order, united us. And yet it must be done. There must be truth or else we are frail, and weak, and could be destroyed. And instead of being some false beacon, we can instead see her as what she is. A flawed woman, but still the same as all of us. And one who has the courage to come back from darkness, when it seem the only path to keep walking. When it seemed that one tragic, awful decision could only mean another and another. Her confession may well mean her death. And yet if she has the courage to confess, even if she dies, she does not fie alone. She is not giving up, Far from it, she is fighting through to make things right against all hope and reason. Whatever her fate, she is who she is, and her actions are the lesson we need now. The inspiration we need now. She is not our crutch to be our figurehead, she is our sister fighting in ways the coward Valador, for all his schemes, simply cannot understand, only seek to stall."

Sun Snake looked to Rain Feather. "I am sorry you did not tell us the full nature of your affliction. I cannot support you as a leader. But then, once more, we seemed to be trying to put a figurehead infront of us to do all the work for us. You wanted to weave an easy story, when the truth in all it's complications has to be what we fall back to." Sun Snake looked around. "We failed Rain Feather once, and she was forced to give her life to stop the plans of an evil man. She did not die alone though, and she was not dying hopelessly. If her fate is to die again, to stop the evils of another coward, she will not die alone then either. But I am starting ot become very tired of standing around, splintered, helpless, while individuals pay the price and give their lives to buy us a moment longer to act."

Now Sun Snake seemed as annoyed as Summer Wasp had been. "We are so ridiculously powerful together. And the only price we need to pay is to curb our own desires, ever so slightly. We just need to judge each other how we would wish to be judged, and support each other as would wish to be supported. To understand that there is a compromise better than any other compromise in our future. We just need to have the courage to pick a leader, any leader, and stagger in a direction. Yet each one of us, that leader and their council, must be bound to honour a centre. We can stagger one way, and another, then another again through different leaders or decisions. The 'tugs on a leash' become a welcome change of direction, a course correction, then become a strong commitment to reach out to one side, and then another, outside of these walls. Will it take years, generations, centuries? Who knows. But there is a future to strive for. All I know is that none of us are above the order. And the order is not above the people we searve. We need to hold to the places that we have come from. Be beholden to the people that suffer at our decisions. Yet we need to be independant enough to not be brought low by petty politicking. We must always serve the people by fighting the fight. And only through that balance will be be an example. One day other places will raise their own Kai, and keep them close. Raise their own monasteries independant of this order. One that day, we must have been strong enough, held to a centre well enough, that we will be know we have won. Kai will not fight Kai across a battlefield, instead lands will unite with lands through us."

Sun Snake seemed to sag, as if the energy to speak suddenly left him. "That is the thought. I have done what I could to bring everyone together. Shining Peacock could have been leader easily, but he chose to at least indulge me to see a better way. Golden Sparrow and the Prince have both been in an unassailable position of power, and yet, here they are in a position to be spoken to by you. I have done what I could to keep Moon Shadow away from the unfortunate circumstances of my Master's death, and as you may have noticed I have made no capital of that death."

"So, yes, we need to choose what we do. Discover a way to work with each other, knowing what we know of each other." Sun Snake sighed, and said in a small voice, "I have nothing more to give to this. The order is all I have left. The choice of what happens to it is yours."


I'll get my wall of text out of the way now to give others a chance to finish this :p

"You know something wasp, I have to thank you. You've done something for me that I could not do and that's reveal Valdors plan surrounding Rain Feather" He said with a smile "Something that I could not reveal...…. reveal to anyone that doesn't know about it as per my agreement with him. A note I think he may have missed, but since you have done me the service, then im now free to discuss it with you all"

He would then fold his arms

"And considering I apparently accepted gold, I must have been asleep, because I politely refused the prince as I recall" he said, giving a nod to the Prince

He would then take a breath and speak further

"You seem to have a grasp of the situation, but certain details are new to me Wasp. Perhaps you would enlighten us on this spell he cast, for despite the fact he may have lied to me, his original extent was to trade a life for hers which I refused, and frankly if you are correct, then he has made a grave error, as I promised the wizard that if I were to regret my choice in the slightest that he would not live long enough to enjoy it, even if I marched all the way to Toran on my own to do it"

He would then sigh and smirk

"But Im open to listening to you regarding that. I have no issue with answering your questions if you wish me to fill in any gaps"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:01, Fri 29 Nov 2019.

Swift blinked in surprise, but didn't seem to react much beyond that, her gaze moving to each of the others as they responded.
Then she spoke up herself, although in a quieter and calmer tone that sounded completely unlike the old Swift.

"Did you forget someone?  Funny, I thought I'd have been the easiest one to dig up dirt on, and it would have been interesting to see someone steal Shining Peacock's thunder."

She shrugged and looked Wasp straight in the eyes.
"No one is innocent really.  I very much doubt you are either."


OOC: Well this took an interesting twist...  :)

Summer Wasp matched Swift Fox's gaze with one of her own as she answered:

"And that's precisely the point. Everybody has secret plans and double dealings and hidden agendas going on at all times, so this idea that we could all join hands and work together is doomed to fail, as it will just turn into a game of behind-the-curtain manipulation that benefits no one. I'd rather bring things into the light, where they ought to be - any who fear what the light can reveal have no right to call themselves knight of the sun."

Then her eyes moved to Sun Snake as she added:

"And you can't possibly believe what you're saying. Oh, they're pretty words, no doubt, but it would be all too easy to make a promise of working together equally right now while planning to do whatever one truly wants later on. And besides, how are you going to guarantee that everybody gets a say, when we all have entirely different political goals? Am I going to be able to veto a decision even if everybody else wants to go along with it? Because if I can't, that'd kill any chance of true equality, but if I, or any of us, can veto any decision, then nothing ever will get done. Have you magicked up a solution to that?"

She turned to Sabre Fox then, apparently ready to answer him as well, but Lenhar suddenly interrupted, sounding clearly disdainful.

"I tire of this. The woman here is right, if there is a way for me to get my own Kai corps, then I don't need to bother with your silly politics anymore. I'm just going to order Banedon to hand over to me Valador in a healthy enough condition to replicate the process on my command, or at least to hand over the details of the process itself extracted from the man. Now make way; I've dallied here far longer than I wanted to."

He gestured to the group as he said so, since they were in the way of both the stables and the Monastery's door.

OOC: I do hope somebody can see the implications of Lenhar's trying to leave here; let's just say that letting him go right now might well leave Banedon in a VERY dangerous position, should he be unable to deliver the prince's request.

Rain, well... was stunned, her fingers tightening around her spear even as Wasp spoke. There it was, out in the open.  Her fingers trembled, and her head lowered, black hair falling about her face as she listened to the others.

"...well... I don't hate you for saying it, Wasp.  You know?  Maybe it's better this way.  The Kai need a leader, I thought I had a way to stop all of this from falling apart.  I guess I was wrong, but I only had the best of intentions.

I'm sick and tired of Kai fighting Kai, Kai killing Kai, and Kai messing around with materials of blood, bone, and other things that Naar's forces would only dream about.  I felt it obvious that with the way things are going, the second generation would bicker endlessly and even though we'd have a leader, someone would still feel miffed and angry and in the end, nothing would change.  We'd still be stuck in the same rut, tearing ourselves apart, because someone would still feel like they would make a better leader, and the power struggle would not end, but erupt anew, until we had lost so much in the way of experience and manpower that we would be too weak to turn back the darkness the next time.

Snake... you're right.  And don't worry, old man, I don't hate you for it.  I just, well... hope you'll still think of me as a friend.  That's all, no matter what's going on inside me."

As Wasp and the Prince spouted off again, though, it was obvious Rain was trying to hold herself respectful, given present company.  Her knuckles turned white as she squeezed Breakwater's shaft, swallowing down the harsh words.

"...and this is why things always stay the same, isn't it?  Because we can't trust one another.  Because we expect a knife in the back other than honest conversation from our fellow Kai these days.  Because we're still thinking about ourselves instead of the Kai as a whole.  Because there always has to be a price, isn't that right?  We can't just give from the goodness of our hearts, oh no, we have to attach conditions to everything..."

Her other hand would go to the sheathed Sommerswerd, and pull it tighter to her, trying her best to secure it.

"...and from what I've heard, I think I'll hang onto this.  Just... what in Kai's name are we doing?  Why?  Kai and Ishir, take a step back and listen to yourselves!  Is this how Kai should act?  Is this what Lone Wolf would have done, or would he have chosen to do the right thing instead of the easy thing?  Would he have let any of this happen on his watch?"

The dam broke.  She looked up, and her eyes blazed with emotion- almost literally.  It would likely be the most emotion her companions had ever seen out of her.

"...I don't think I've ever been as disgusted as I am right now.  And here I thought we were supposed to fight for what was right, not for what was the easiest way!  Not because it gave us personal power, or it didn't affect certain of us, but because we always fought for the right thing to do!  It's always harder to do the right thing- but that's what Lone Wolf always did.  That's the example he set for all of us- yes, there were easier ways to do things.  But they weren't the right way to do things.

Letting one of our own be forced to give herself bodily to a man who only saw her as a bedwarmer because otherwise he would be threatening the families of our fellow monks, citizens of the very country he was part of the royal family of?  Sommerlund royal family or not, Lone Wolf wouldn't have stood for it.  He'd find a better way to do it than just let it go on.  He'd have found a way to fight back, to do something other than just stand back and let it happen.

The first time someone tried something like that, we're supposed to fight back against things like this, and try to find a better way- ANY way!

Did Lone Wolf let Roark of Amory do what he pleased, when he was on the Lorestone quest?  No.  He stood up and put himself at risk to do what was right instead of letting him do as he pleased because it was easier for him!  When he faced off against Zakhan Kimah, for the final time, did he turn to run from him simply because he had the Orb of Death, even though it could have been the easier move, and he had everything he needed?  NO!  He FOUGHT because it was the RIGHT thing to do, and he triumphed!  He could have left thousands of men to die to cover his escape from Tahou, but he chose to do the right thing, and fight!

I have faith in the Order, still, and the people in it.  No matter who I am, or why I came back, or how I came back, I'm not going to give up the fight and just let things happen because it's easier.  I'm going to stand and do what's right instead of letting things like this go on!  And if that means standing up to His Highness over there and calling out something that shouldn't be happening, then hey- better the consequences fall on me than someone else.

Now you know the true colors of the man you called friend, Sparrow- now is the time.  Are you going to reach down and summon up the light and the fire to do what is right, or are you going to cower away and do what is easy?  Crane should stay here, with us.  She is a Kai.  And if Lenhar wants to go to Valador and beg him to convert a corps of soldiers into whatever he can turn them into, mayhaps we ought to introduce him to Fall Lobster, yes?  Show him the kind of troops he would be getting- the kind that could go psychotic and kill everything in sight and who may not even end up truly loyal to Sommerlund, but rather Valador himself.  By all means, sell a corp of men to him and let him cast his magic upon them.  Let him practice his right-handed magic on them and make more hybrids and more monstrosities- as long as they answer to His Highness and do what he commands, that's all he really wants.  If you want unthinking, unfeeling loyalty, you don't want Kai- you want Giaks.

If he wants to threaten my family, then he can go right ahead.  Threaten my mother.  Try to coerce her into getting me under her control.  The people sent wouldn't last an hour.

And Snake?  I don't care if you don't support me any more- to be honest, I don't blame you.  But I'm not giving up.  I'm going to press forward and keep fighting because it's the right gods-damned thing to do, because this is the alternative.  I'm still going to go for Grandmastership because it feels like I'm the only one here willing to fight for the position that hasn't rolled over and given up and stopped fighting the oncoming gods-damned darkness!"

There were tears coursing down her cheeks, almost like dripping fire as the liquid reflected the fire burning in her eyes.

"Maybe I'm just young, maybe it's the sword's fire in me.  But every flicker of my being knows this is wrong, and it's time someone stood up and said something other than just keeping their head down and thanking Kai it's not them being forced to play bedwarmer to somebody, or that a member of the royal family that we've been allies with for hundreds of years treats us like a pile of unthinking tin soldiers who should jump to attention and go along with whatever war or battle they have in mind, all the while acting like a tyrant.  If that is how the crown views us, then maybe the people thinking we should have more monasteries outside of Sommerlund might have a damned good point.

If it means my life, then at least let me give it fighting the real enemies we have instead of being put down for treason or something.  Let it be either the spark that rekindled the Order, or the final spark stomped out as we faded into obscurity because we just gave up because doing the right thing was too hard."

Standing there, she braced herself with her spear, tapping the butt of it against the stone floor.

"Either way, I'm done keeping my head down.  Do what's right, or we may as well just die right here and dissolve the Order.  Let Valador rule everything and just party worldwide until Naar's boys and girls show up and kill everyone because it's just too damned hard to fight back.

Kai and Ishir, grant me the strength to at least see this through, and then I don't care what happens to me.  But I'm done letting things go on the way they are now."

Tears still in her eyes, she looked at the rest of her compatriots.

"I'm sorry.  But I'm tired of going in circles and watching bad things happen simply because it's easier for us to keep our heads down."

Dusk Rat's eyes flit around the group, watching as people talk, discuss, argue, shout, manipulate, and generally hurl words around at each other. Whether or not she has anything to say on the matter is unclear, as is likely no surprise to those who've been around her long enough.

Still here, but as usual my not-very-talkative/social character has nothing to actually voice out loud to all the shouty people in front of her :D.

Swift didn't move, either not hearing Lenhar's words, or simply ignoring him.

Her gaze was fixed firmly on Rain Feather now, a brief hint of a smile on her face.  A genuine one, an emotion that few had probably seen on Swift before.

"For what it's worth, you have my support" she remarked quietly.  "With what I've learned about... certain people in the Order..."
It was uncertain if her gaze had flickered towards Shining Peacock at that moment, or if it was just imagination.
"...and others willing to condone such measures, I can't say I've felt comfortable with the direction the Order has taken.  But I stuck with it, out of loyalty to Master Moon Shadow, and the memory of Grand Master Lone Wolf, and Guildmaster Banedon.  The ones who gave me a second chance when others wouldn't have.
Yet I've seen the Order drift further from their way as time went on.  But I remained with it, repaying my life debt as I saw it.  Despite what some probably expected of me, I've never done anything to betray the Order, and I would die to protect the people of Sommerlund, even though they could easily turn on me if they knew me."

She glanced briefly at Lenhar, then back at the others, her icy blue eyes lingering mostly on Summer Wasp and Shining Peacock.
"Whatever happens, I'm tired of hiding.  So while we're all clearing the air here, feel free to say what you like about me.  I'd almost welcome it now."


OOC: So yep, the gauntlet has been thrown down there :)  (Keeping the Korlinium Gloves though, 'cos I've grown quite attached to them!)

As Rain Feather spoke, Fox would smile weakley at her in support. He never really knew the full extent of what was under the surface with her, and it seemed like he was seeing it for the first time. After he finished, he would look towards the prince and bow

"My liege" He began "I ask of you to reconsider. Rain Feather is correct, assuming that Valador did capitulate and gave you your troops, they would be little more than Giaks, pretty much mindless. I know you value loyalty, and that is what you have from a person who's mind is there own. Frankly I don't believe Valador would either do as you ask, or not have them leashed to his own command. I urge you to remember that we are people as much as we are citizens of the country, with different viewpoints and opinions. We will come through this and be better for it for Sommerlund and the world beyond"

Lenhar turned to watch Sabre Fox with a gaze whose emotions were uncertain, but which was very intense, and then the prince said, in a serious tone:

"And what loyalty do you expect I would find, Sabre Fox, in people who'd refuse to follow my orders, citing whatever reasons they could come up, with the only real one being that they refuse to leave the decision on what to do to their better, as they should? I can deal with keeping rabid beasts at a leash, but having to pretend that dallying and request for patience is anything more than a refusal to do as bid is no way to run a kingdom. Loyalty that only obeys when it suits the person doing the obeying is no loyalty at all - brains are for counseling, but when your leader gives you an order against your counsel, then you shut up and follow it, else you are not loyal at all."

He raised his head, posture straighter, and said:

"I'll show you. You made a good point, and I shall consider it, but the decision I make on it shall be my own. However, I say to you that this Kai here is refusing me passage, and as your prince, I command you to move her from my path. Now, let's see where your loyalty lie."

Lenhar's gaze was full of anger as he glared at Sabre Fox, even as his finger pointed at Swift Fox, and he waited to see what the swordsman would do.

Meanwhile, behind Rain Feather, Shining Peaock let out a long, pained breath and said:

"You realize this is entirely too reckless, don't you, Rain? Still, if this is what you want, I shall support you."

He then nodded to Sun Snake and added:

"I'm sorry - I understand your wishes, Sun Snake, and I'd normally go alongside them, but I cannot refuse to support my student in following what she believes is right."

That caused Summer Wasp to snort as she commented:

"What a surprise. Not like I care anyway - either the order takes a standing for our independence, and then I'll stay, or it doesn't, and then I and mine will leave and found our own Monastery someplace else; your little political games don't matter to me anymore."

She then glanced at Swift Fox and added:

"And I've no idea what secrets you're hiding, I don't really have anything at all on Moon Shadow, but that doesn't really matter - after the whole deal with Blue Snake's death, the doubt will linger regardless of what Sparrow said, so some people are gonna refuse to follow the possible murderer of a Kai out of principle."

The last comment caused Sun Fox to react as if she'd been slapped, but it was clear that Summer Wasp had absolutely no interest in moderating her words for anybody's benefit.

"...where respect is shown, respect is given, your highness.  How are we supposed to respect someone who refuses to respect us?

For hundreds of years, we've stood here, doing our best to take down the Darklords.  You know, the ones who had a massive vendetta against YOUR family for the whole slaying-Vashna-and-chucking-him-into-the-Maakengorge thing?

That's what we do- we're the Kai, we fight evil, we stop things like this from happening.  But we've always respected the wishes of the Crown- because we've always gotten that same respect in return.  We don't tell you how to run the country and stuff, and you don't stick your nose into business here at the Monastery and try to tell us how to run things.

But then you come out here and do all of this.  Why, I ask?  Why do you need the Kai to go play army when there is so much evil still in the world?  Why do you cajole, and threaten, and pout when things don't go your way?"

Taking slow, deliberate steps, she would stand in the way, as well, arms at her sides, looking right at Sabre.

"You're not our better.  Generations of the Sommlending Royal House understood that- they asked us for help, we provided it, but they never ordered us about like you think you ought to.

It's like I said.  If you want unbending loyalty and nothing more, you want a pile of Giaks.  And seeing as you have no respect or trust for us... then why should we for you when we can simply send someone to Holmgard and talk to your grandfather, I wonder?

I have no idea why and when you decided that you could treat us like this, but honestly?  It ends.  Now."

With a pained expression, Rain would raise her hand.  Her lips would move quietly.

"Kai, Ishir... forgive me for this.  Because I don't think they will."

Looking back up, she would grin wanly.

"Just let me satisfy a bit of curiosity, first.  Because I have ideas as to what's going on, and honestly, the sooner I quash them, the better."

She'd lift her spear, and summon up some of her power, weaving it together, and adding in a bit of the light inside her- before she sent it forth through her eyes, setting them gleaming.

OOC:  Burning WP to Sense Evil, starting on the Prince himself, and them moving to his retinue.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:59, Tue 03 Dec 2019.

OOC: nobody in the area would qualify as "evil", as in, they don't have any dark energy within them. Just scummy politics of the traditional kind here.

Also, you meant grandfather in your post, not father; Lenhar is the nephew of king Ulnar IV, his father was the prince that fell on Alema bridge during "Flight from the Dark" - you know, the one Lone Wolf failed to save. Lenhar was barely an infant at the time, which means he's nearing forty now in story. As you can imagine, that sort of background could just result in somebody being spoiled just a little bit.

Lenhar took a step back as Rain Feather's eyes started to gleam with golden light, astounded as he asked:

"What is the meaning of this?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:55, Tue 03 Dec 2019.

OOC: Ah, right.  It's been a while since I played FFtD.  I ought to change that.  Actually, that leads me to something I might ask over in the OOC thread after this...

"Just checking on something, your highness.  I wouldn't worry, you're not a creature of darkness.  You'll have to forgive me, I had to get that out of my system because it was about the same amount of trust and respect you were showing us- blackmailing, threatening, looking for weaknesses, trying to seek out things you could exploit, like handsome dopey swordsmen who are good at heart who absolutely love their country.

...it's not pleasant when everyone looks at you with scorn and ridicule and thinks you're easy to manipulate, is it?  When you're not treated with respect?

Your father was a hero.  He fell at Alema, and was instrumental in getting Lone Wolf to Holmgard ahead of the Darklords' horde.  Without him, I imagine Lone Wolf would have not had a chance to get inside before the city was besieged.  In a way, he saved us all, when you think about it.

...but why?  Why treat us like this?  Why treat Charming Crane, and Sparrow, and Sabre like this?  Why block the Order off like this?

We don't mind offering counsel and fighting alongside the Royal Army.  I mean, let's face it- when we work together, we make an amazing team. But that kind of relationship is based on respect and trust- that goes both ways.  How are we supposed to keep this going on when one side doesn't how the other any respect?  We don't stick our noses into the royal family's business on how to run Sommerlund or the army, and the royal family never stuck their noses into our business to command us or to tell us how to run the monastery, you know?

We both care about the country.  We all have some form of love for it- some greater than others, but at least we have respect for it.

As far as getting out of your way, why not listen to yourself?  You would throw away hundreds of years of goodwill between Kai and the House of Ulnar because... why?

I've met with Valador.  We all have.  I can guarantee you, you will not get what you think you're getting if he grants you what you wish.  You might get a force of psuedo-Kai, for lack of a better word, yes.  They might appear to be loyal to you.

But deep down, they won't be completely loyal.  Because the magic Valador wields... it always has strings attached.  It always has a price.

Do you think you could stop them, when they suddenly go rogue?  I imagine you yourself are a fair swordsman, but could you stand against a fighter of Sparrow's or Sabre's skill, I wonder?  How would any of your elite fighters stand against them?

To say nothing of psychic power, or magical, or anything.

The Kai are a certainty.  You look at us, and you know we may disagree, but at the same time, well... you know we're not going to sudden;y ride for Holmgard and take over the city.  We're always going to offer clear counsel when asked, and if things come up for the crown that need our attention, all you would have to do is ask and we'd be there, fighting alongside the army.  But we're not your toy soldiers to order around and play with.  We need to be independent and able to move freely because sometimes, time is of the essence.

Or you could go talk to Valador.  A man who, like Snake has said, wants to split Toran off from the kingdom of Sommerlund.  A man who has caused your kingdom nothing but trouble and grief.   You ought to ask some of the others about some of the surprises that we had to deal with in Toran because of him.  He doesn't have anything to gain by helping you- in fact, he might just laugh you off.  He doesn't care about Sommerlund- what could you offer him to get him to listen to you?

You can't tempt a man to do anything for you if you don't have anything he'd be interested in taking in exchange. What could you do- threaten him?  Blackmail him?  You've got nothing.

You either have a sure thing that you can count on to give you clear, good counsel, and even to pull you back when you're acting like a dope, or you can test your luck with the man who has absolutely no reason to give you anything."

She'd sigh, yet again.

"And Wasp, you might be onto something, there.  It wouldn't hurt to have some presence in other countries- it's not like we'd be leaving Sommerlund, but let's face it- having people who could be on trouble spots quickly and easily could be a nice thing.  Figure out communication, and you might have something to think about."

Lenhar frowned at Rain Feather's words, and answered, in a clipped tone:

"That's precisely the point - you paint this traitor as impossible for me to work with because he'd have his own agenda, in the same breath when you encourage the traitor from your own ranks to start her own organization to better oppose my, or rather our, since you pretend it is such, kingdom with."

He gestured to the group arrayed at Summer Wasp's back, and went on:

"Do you think I don't know it, that only Kai can stand against Kai? Do you think me ignorant, of the fact that a single one of your number was enough to turn away an army, that less than two hundred were enough to completely halt in its track an invasion that had otherwise swallowed the whole continent? Of course I know, and that's precisely the point."

The prince narrowed his eyes, as if trying to win a staring contest with Rain Feather's glowing ones.

"You ask me for respect and say you won't interfere in my business, and you seem to forget that in the future, running this kingdom is gonna be my business. You speak to me as if the Kai should be a sovereign nation within Sommerlund's own borders, with their own interest and the right to refuse any of my orders they saw fit; just now you intimated I might have been a dark creature - I wonder if you won't make that claim again in the future, should I, as king, make a decision that you dislike, to better justify disposing of me?"

He shook his head.

"There can be only one king for one land, and if I allow you Kai to continue as you have until now, I'll only be king because you're allowing me to - my birthright, only granted to me at your sufferance, my decisions, only left uncontested when the Kai Order feels like they should not oppose them. Yes, this Valador would be a threat as well, indeed he already is apparently, and just as clearly, you were planning on handling this issue without any word getting out of Banedon's mismanagement of his own leadership position, all to stop a man from doing with Toran what you now ask me to let you do with your own Order."

Lenhar let out a bark of laughter, and concluded:

"And of course, next you'll remind me that you fight for the light that is blazing in your eyes, while he's corrupted with darkness. But see, that's the thing; as an evildoer, I need not show him any of the consideration that even now I'm giving you. He shall be thrown in a dungeon, his cooperation extracted at swordpoint, and of course I wouldn't so easily trust in his creations - but I'd at least want to see them. Because, and I know this is the real reason you oppose my decision, once I have Kai who answer to me and me alone, you won't be able to dictate terms to me anymore. And that, my Lady, is clearly what you fear the most."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:30, Wed 04 Dec 2019.

"...in years and years of peaceful coexistence, have the Kai ever tried to take the throne from the House of Ulnar?  No.  Because for years, we know that Sommerlund is in good hands with your family, and to be quite honest, we have quite enough to do already without trying to take on all the responsibilities that need to be done to run a country.  I mean, there aren't that many of us- could we do what we do AND still manage to keep the country running?  I honestly think not.

I understand your point- but at the same time, I think we're both jumping at ghosts here.  Just- hear me out, your highness.

We need to be able to operate the way we do because threats could pop up at any time, and oftentimes even a few days can mean the difference between things being recoverable or from proceeding past the point of no return.  Imagine, if you will, Lone Wolf's voyage, at the King's urging, to Ruanon, to find out why things were going to blazes, there.  He arrived there with days to spare before the sacrifice happened, and even then it was still a near thing.

Now, think of it like this- if he'd been here, at the monastery, and had to wait for the okay to go to Ruanon, like I imagine you would think of... how long does it take a decision to get made at your grandfather's court?  One day?  Two days?  Maybe more, if people are feeling rather testy and emotions run high?  Then, of course, the message has to make its way back here.  It's, what, a few days on foot, maybe two on horseback to get to Holmgard from here?  A minimum five day wait on something like that- we'd have had a very different Magnamund right now, I imagine.

Being able to react to situations as they happen allow us to do our duty- to combat the forces of darkness wherever they may pop up, because that's why we're here.

But let's chase this idea you have, that we'd try to make something up to remove you as king, the first time you did something we didn't like.  Let's follow this hunt to the end.

So we end up doing that.  Your worst nightmare, coming true.

Now, not only is Sommerlund in complete chaos- winning the throne and the support of a nation's people are two very, very different things- but I imagine as the news spread, to places like Durenor, Talestria, Barrakesh, and everywhere else, people would react about the same way, and we'd have armies marching on Sommerlund, not to mention the Royal Army taking up arms against us.  The Elder Magi, not to mention the Brotherhood in Toran, wanting to know just what in the blazes is going on, maybe mobilizing as well.

You'd have a huge battle.  Thousands of people dead, the Kai all but extinguished again, and the bond of cooperation all but shattered.

And after all that mess, the hordes of the Darklands come screaming down the slopes of the Durncrags, and that's it.  We don't have the manpower to oppose them after a massive war like that, and they make for Sommerlund, for Holmgard- they still hate the House of Ulnar, with a passion, you know- and then the rest of the world.  Naar puts his feet up, draws himself an ale, and has a very, very good laugh about how the Kai were so stupid to do something like that.

After all of that, I ask you: does that make any sense, given the hundreds of years of cooperation between the House of Ulnar and the Kai?  How we've always, always been there when we were needed, to do what we had to- to give our lives, if we had to?

The Kai work for the good of all, your highness.  From the proudest royal, like yourself, to the lowliest of street urchins.  Because darkness doesn't discriminate by nationality, or religion, or society's place.  We don't just say "Oh, evidence of a Helghast slaughtering people in Barrakesh?  Not our problem, it's not affecting us in Sommerlund"- because, having to answer to the Sommlending crown, we'd have to jump through all sorts of hoops to attempt to deal with the problem instead of going out there to deal with the problem directly."

Licking her lips, and looking around at the rest, she would continue, tapping the butt of her spear on the stone floor.

"As far as Wasp and her people, they're not a threat to you, and hearing out different opinions doesn't make you a bad leader.  Thinking one person knows everything and knows what to do no matter what- it's what got the Kai in this mess, because we were so sure Lone Wolf was going to live forever that we never, ever stopped to think just what the blazes was going to happen if someone finally did do the impossible and kill him?

It's what I was trying to go for, when I said I wanted to hear from multiple viewpoints.  Would you rather blunder into an ambush on the battlefield that you didn't see, or listen to someone telling you that it looks like prime ambush ground up ahead because they've seen it before, and maybe we ought to be careful?"

Then at his words about Valador, Rain could only shake her head.

"No, your highness.  I think if you point a sword at Valador, you're not going to like what he does back.  You'll be lucky to escape with your head, much less anything else.  He doesn't care, you see.  He's done fighting- thinks the light has no chance at defeating the encroaching darkness, is the thing.  He won't go quietly.  He might even have things lined up in case that happened.  But I think the last thing he would want to deal with is you berating and threatening him to do what you pleased.

The thing that scares me the most, your highness, is that I think you're making a terrible, terrible mistake for the absolute right reason.  We all love Sommerlund, here.  I don't doubt for a second that you're doing this not out of personal power, but that you're trying to protect Sommerlund as a whole... at least, I pray to Kai and Ishir that you are.

It's that you'd go and willingly consort with evil because you think it's the only way.  I know the touch of it all too well.  It's tempting.  Kai and Ishir, I know it's tempting all too well.  But dealing with darkness... it's like gambling at a table where the dealer's cheating.  Yes, you might get what you want.  But you're going to end up losing a lot more than you win- and you'd be losing the kinds of things that you can't ever get back.

We have our disagreements, but I know you're doing all this because you worry about the country.

What Valador is doing is an affront to Kai and Ishir.

...might I ask a personal question, your highness?  How much of your family is left, besides your grandfather?   In case the worst happens, with Valador, are there any more heirs to the throne?   I worry about that, as well- with everything going on, if you ended up dead... or worse... what would that mean for Sommerlund?  You can't lead a country if you're dead.  Your grandfather... he's not going to live forever.  What happens if you die, and leave no heirs?  The House of Ulnar ends up hanging by your grandfather's weakest breath, and the populace panics- to say nothing of what happens when he passes.

We all have our roles that we've been set to by Kai and Ishir. Ours, as Kai, is to combat the darkness of Naar wherever we may find it.  Yours, I imagine, is to become king when your grandfather passes or decides to abdicate in your favor, or whatever happens when he decides it's time for you to take over.

But in order for the both of our groups- the Kai and the royalty of Sommerlund- to do what we both need to, we've got to be able to do what we both need to do without worrying about what one or the other is doing.  You couldn't do your job of ruling the country if you had to constantly ask our permission about things.  We couldn't do our job of handling the fight against the forces of Naar if we had to constantly check in and answer.

So we need to accept that the best way for all of us to be most effective, to be the best we both can be, is to just stay out of each others' way and accept that this is how Kai and Ishir made it, and they know what they're doing.:

Swift had looked as if she was about to say something, but hesitated and looked to Rain Feather as she spoke again.
She remained in place for now, placing one hand on her hip in a deceptively relaxed stance, as if she was not physically standing in the way of royalty.

Though her gaze had moved to Sabre Fox, her expression unreadable once again, as if curious to see how he would react to the Prince's order...


OOC: hehehe :)  Yep, she liked Rain's argument there, so for now is deciding not to complicate matters.  Shows how much her character has evolved to be more patient, considering that Lenhar doesn't have any bits of fancy cutlery embedded in his ribcage yet...

Not too sure about fighting Sabre though.  I think the Darklord might have been easier to deal with! ;)

Sabre Fox did not say or do anything for the time being while the prince and Rain Feather conversed. He would leave them to finish their conversation before he would address the prince further

Yea leaving this to Rain Feather for the time being, so we can see where this leads if she is getting through to him

"No." Sun Snake said it quietly. He had been hunched after his first speech, as if drained. Listening to the commotion with passive eyes, as if just analysing what was said. Even Rain Feather's stirring, empassioned speech had somehow pained him for some reason. However, something in what Rain Feather had said finally provoked a small word from the Kai. The word seemed to pull him upright, reluctantly. He said it again, with a sigh. "No."

He looked to Rain Feather, then Lehnar, then the rest of the group. "Kai and Ishir did not work separately. Kai may be the more prominant, of course. When the Sommlending were called across the seas to Northern Magnamund, it was with Kai's sword in their hands, Kai's symbol on their banner, and with powers that we named after our god, eventually. Execept, of course, the powers of magic, and empathy, and healing we now enjoy and codify are more likely the aspects of Ishir and Her influence. And while we all know the Sommerswerd was gifted to the King, weilded by the King, there was something else the Sommlending carried with them. Five things, infact. It is a story Swift Fox could tell you, but they were gifts from Ishir, given when five warriors asked for the goddesses's wisdom. Five gifts that were powerful, and yet if used together by all five, were more powerful still. Perhaps the rival of the Sommerswerd. And yet, it seems that as with Ishir's name, and Ishir's grace, the knowledge of them and the lesson of them have faded. To the point we did not even know we could be saved, without the Sommerswerd."

Sun Snake nodded to Swift Fox. "Swift Fox can tell you  the history and lesson of them in depth, but the point is this. Ishir herself worked closely with Kai. So closely we forget that, and yet still she guides us and protects us. Her biggest lesson was in forcing five wildly different individuals, with a common goal and respect, to find a way to work together to unlock the greatest power. If only we had those items now. No, wait, we do. Four of them right here in this place. And the fifth is in the possession of Valador, and we do not believe he knows what he truly has. If we look to the gods for inspiration, then let us consider Ishir's gentle message to us. We have in our hands, as if fated, something that binds five powerful individuals together. If we can but find those five people to weild it, we need never squable over the Sommerswerd as a prop. We could allow it to be wielded by a true champoion out in the world without fear of losing our only weapon against the darkness. All we have to do is defeat Valador, rather than succumb to his corrupt nihilism. All we have to do is truly defeat his schemes, and the truly find a way to work together as Ishir told us we should."

Sun Snake looked to Rain Feather. "The Kai Lord were wiped out once. It was so easy for darkness to gather together and destroy that symbol, it seems. But of course, it was never the Kai Lords and Sommlending. The Sommlending came from the sea, and went to where the Darklords were, planting alliances as they went, not conquering. And it was the Sommlending together that pushed the darkness back, blessed and not blessed. And then the Sommlending settled in the small area clensed, and set themselves - skilled and unskilled - against the darkness. When the Kai were all but wiped out, that was not the end, because the people endured. Lone wolf might have slain the Gourgaz, but as you say it was Prince Pelnar, with his troops, that held the darkness at bay. And it was not the Kai Lone Wolf, it was the loyal Sommlending and Kai Lone Wolf. He fought to the Prince's side. He had a mission that was greater, and yet when he saw his prince was in danger, he acted as a son of Sommerlund. He slew the Gourgaz depsite being only an initiate not because he was chosen of Kai, but because he fought for his prince. Blessed or not, both fought the people. And together, they held back the darkness enough. It may have taken Lone Wolf longer to fall, but both eventually fell in that goal. Not blessed and unblessed, but Sommlending doing what was right. Lone Wolf was the dutiful son of Sommerlund when the Darklords came again, torn in his duty. And it was Ulnar who had the courage, knowing the spirit of Sommerlund, who gave Lone Wolf the blessing to continue and restore the full power of the Kai Lords. Lone Wolf did not take it. He gave his trust to the people, despite his power, and the people gave their trust, despite theirs. Rain Feather, you are not listening to Lehnar. If you cannot even convince an ally of the order to give you leave to fight the darkness outside the norders of these lands, how are you going to convince other nations to allow the order inside their own borders to fight the fight? Are we to be shadows sneaking in to lands, acting with only our own autonomy? Do you see the danger inthat, given you may unite the order, but then be toppled the next day when we deal with Valador. Either because his gift of your return can be undone, or because there will be enough people who cannot accept the full truth of your return. And even if you last through that, you will eventually give the leadership to another. Do you truly trust the next leader with such autonomy? If we do not have you, who else do you see staying true to the greater good with no balance?"

Sun Snake then turned to Lehnar. "And you are not listening to Rain Feather nor Summer Wasp. And if you can question the loyalty of one such as Sabre Fox, perhaps you are not truly listening to yourself either. Perhaps once, it was the Sommlending, blessed and unblessed, who fought the darkness united, when that darkness was concentrated behind the Durncrag mountain range. But Naar has always been insidious, his champions and allies come from all sides now. Now it is Magnaund, Sommlending and not, who fight the fight. And just as before, there should be no difference seen. Kai's blessings fall further from home each year. And yet, Sommerlund has in the past stood as a symbol. We never left our lands to conquer, we sent envoys. The Sommerswerd was not lost when the first order of Kai were all but wiped out, because Sommerlund trusted its greatest ally with that blade, a symbol of unity. Kai Lords are now only half Sommlending. And yet Durenor gladly sends the Kia Lords here, despite the fact it puts those people direcly under the command of the Sommlending royalty. And Durenese only make half of those outsiders. Other nations still have allowed their own blessed warriors to be assimilated, put under the rule of Sommerlund. We did not cling to our power, nor seek to enforce it, and alwaus stood as a symbol of championing the battle against Naar. We have had so much loyalty shown to the ideals of Sommlund. We have had so much trust placed in Sommlerund. So now listen. Quite rightly, as the darkness grows, as the fronts grow, as more Kai Lords appear outside the borders of Sommerlund, the truth shows. The order is not Sommlending, the order is only Kai. Only the fact of the blessings - blessings that may just be as easy to manufacture are steel - hold disperate people together. You say the order is not loyal, and yet you seek to bring to heel half an organisation that has shown nothing but loyalty to a foreign nationality. Repay that trust, be the empodiment of what Sommlending is. Someone who is not afraid to give away personal power to empower allies, because that is how you show that such loyalty is trusted. Someone who is not afraid to demand the best of those allies, because you are living up to that ideal yourself. Do not balk at having to play politic with the order, succeed at it, show us it is possible so that other nations will know this can work. That you, when you are King, can create a network of allies through the order that has never been possible before."

Sun Snake looked to Summer Wasp last. "You seem eager to leave, rather than stay and fight. But we need strong opinions, we need to challenge each other. Whatever leader is chosen needs four others to pull at them in many directions. There are so many ways you can topple, if you try to balance on such a knife edge as we need to balance upon to succeed. This is almost impossibly hard, yet together we can do it. And that needs you to stay, at least for the moment, I believe. And yes, we do not cripple people we argue with to gain their accent. If a council has five people, each must be able to veto. Aside from a leader able to otherwise break a tie, all voices must be equal. You are right, it is doomed to fail if everyone is pulling for themselves. We must give power to each person, but that person must take the responsibility seriously. They must be trusted with power, so they know that they are respected. And given that respect, can therefore respect the others. And therefore, if four disagree with a fifth, then perhaps that fifth does not instantly veto petulantly. Perhaps that fifth does something for the good of all, respecting all other views above their own. And if they can do that, then when that lone voice vetos, they will in turn be trusted that it was not done selfishly nor casually. It is difficult, near impossible, for that to work. And yet the history of the order, the history of Sommerlund, and the history of Magnamund seems ripe with such stories of the near impossible becoming true."


Sun Snake looked back to Rain Feather. "I truly do trust you to be our leader. The reason I cannot support you is merely the situation we find ourselves in. We do not know your fate, we do not know how fragile you are in position, until we defeat Valador. And we cannot defeat Valador until we resolve the leadership, it seems. I would not hesitate to support you the second the threat of Valador and his ability to damage you physically or politically, or compromise you in any way, is gone. Until then..."

Sun Snake sighed. "However, you said we must fight, and you are right. And you have kept trying to pull me along in your quest to unite the order all this time. I am very tired though. We have lost the Grandmaster. I have lost my master. The order I love seeks to pull itself apart, the country I love seems to want to hasten that process." He looked to Sun Fox sadly. "I've seen someone pull themselves out of an impossible darkness, and yet they may well have to give their life away rather than spend the length of it atoning." He looked back to Rain Feather. "I have seen someone pull themelves back from death after selflessly giving their life, and yet that second change may well be cruelly taken away on the whim of an evil man." He looked to Shining Peaocock. "I seemed to come to a place of respect with someone who none may have thought I could, and yet the faith I asked him to show may well be shown as hollow." He looked back to Dawn Sword. "I took on a student who knew neither Sommerlund nor the order, but trusted me that they were both worth that loyalty. And yet..."

Sun Snake sighed again but turned around and stood up straight. "I am very tired, but I can see I do still need to fight to honour what was lost, and to fight for what is still here. And so, I think there is one last thing I am able to do that no one else can. And that is formally nominate myself for the position of leader."

My cunning plan of a long wall of text and sneaking that last paragraph in should work, I fully expect everyone to just nod and say 'yes' without having read it properly :)

Swift was still eyeing Sabre Fox with a neutral look to her, her gaze occasionally flitting towards Lenhar, as if waiting for either of them to make a move of some kind.

A hint of a smirk tugged at the corners of her mouth as Sun Snake mentioned her, that tiny reaction showing she was still listening intently to others.

As he spoke the final words though, her eyes widened and she looked over at him, a surprised look on her face.

After a few seconds, she smirked again and gave a slight shake of her head, though seemingly amused at herself rather than denying what he had said.
"I suppose I should have seen that coming" she remarked quietly.  "The Blue Iris must have chosen you for a reason after all."


OOC: Hmm, intriguing developments...  :)
This message was last edited by the player at 13:35, Sat 07 Dec 2019.

As Snake spoke, she just stood by and listened.  The look on her face flickered from time to time, but she found herself nodding at some of his points.

"Well, it would be nice if he would be up front and truthful with his desires for the Order, Snake.  I don't mind trusting the royal family- I mean, look how much they did for Lone Wolf.  But placing blind trust in someone who hasn't earned it beyond 'I'm the Prince and so you have to listen and do whatever I say' is setting us up for another disaster.  I've, well... learned that lesson.

I don't mind you putting your name up for Grandmaster- honestly, I can't say I'm all that shocked.  I just hope you know what you're getting into.

Granted, I admit there is part of me that's telling me I ought to have seen this coming, but... at the same time, I admit you do raise some good points.  It's why I was going to, honestly, leave that to you and everyone else, just in case, but...

I fully admit I believe that they would have allowed us across the border because of who we are- because we're Kai, and if we're on the move, it's usually because there's something that needs dealt with and it's not really wise to delay or attack us because of reasons, you know?"

Rain blinks a time or two.

"But in the end, it's not up to me, or you.  It's up to the others to decide- and no, I'm not going to hold any terrible feelings against you for this, old man... that's the whole thing that's kept all of this going for so long- jealousy and anger and rage and the pursuit of personal power... just... it's got to end.  If you end up Grandmaster, I'd follow you, no question, because all of this isn't about us.

But in the end, maybe Wasp over there has a point.  We're Kai, we fight darkness.  But that doesn't mean we shouldn't be trying to make in-roads with other nations to allow us to be able to respond to things much faster, and it's proven that the call of Kai can be found in men and women of only partial Sommlending blood, as well- so maybe we ought to be reaching out more- and until we get piles of skyships or learn to fly, well... we have ways to communicate over great distances, so why not use them?  It's not like we'd be leaving Sommerlund- last I heard, the forces of Darkness still have it out for the house of Ulnar- but our foes are adapting.  Maybe it's time we did, too.  We've been fighting the Darklords for a very long time- now that they're switching tactics, maybe we ought to, as well.  If you keep following the same battle plan, time after time, sooner or later someone will counter it perfectly."

She looked back to Snake.

"But then again, it's like I said.  I wouldn't want to take all the power for myself- there are things I'm not good at, and there are others who are better at those things.  None of us are Lone Wolf, and all of us need to work together.  I just hope that maybe you understand that too, you know?  I know you, old man, and I remember how much your master tried to do all by himself.  If you get it... don't think you have to do all of that by yourself.  And if you insist, we'll just let your student remind you of that fact until it sinks in.  This isn't about one of us, it's about all of us."

She would switch her gaze back to Lenhar, her expression cooling.

"...and I would thank you to not slander a fellow Kai, thank you very much.  Sabre might not be the best in some areas, but I trust him implicitly.  And yet, I wonder... why?  Why are you seeking so much in the way of force?"

Her lips thinned, and she moistened them before continuing.

"...or is it that you already have a target in mind and you're just out looking for the feet to fill the boots in the royal army?"

OOC: Nothing to answer to Rain Feather's declaration, Sun Snake? :)

Lenhar glared at Rain Feather and said, in a very angry tone:

"I have no idea what you're talking about, all I'm looking for is a way to strengthen our land."

Even if every single person other than his soldiers hadn't had Sixth Sense to confirm it to them, it was pretty clear that the Prince was lying, but he didn't seem concerned about it, probably because, in most circumstances, nobody would dare to actually put his word into question.

If looks could freeze, Lenhar would be the heart of a new Kalte glacier.  Her eyes focused on Lenhar's, holding his gaze.


"You see, your highness, that's the thing.  That's the reaction I was hoping for- just that little hint that there's more to all of this.  The fact that you can't even come and tell us the truth, by Kai and Ishir, as to why you need so much in the way of force, makes us all think there has to be a reason as to why, and the sheer fact that you keep stepping around the answer like a Vassagonian dancing girl makes me think you know we won't like the answer.

Keeping us safe?  Do you have so little faith in the army as it is to keep us safe, even though they've done the job very, very well for generations?  Or is it that there's something more you have in mind?  I mean, it's not like the army needs to be Kai-trained to guard the borders- they do an amazing job keeping the country safe even now- so what would they do with Kai-trained skills, I wonder?  Let's chase that line of thinking.

So we give the brave men and women of the Royal Army training, and then we follow them into the field.  Where are we going, your highness?  The only overland routes out of Sommerlund can take you to three places- over the Durncrags, down into Casiorn via Ruanon, and east into the Wildlands.  Given that I don't think even you would want to lead an army over the mountains and into the Darklands, and Casiorn is more concerned with making money.  So the only place left on that list is, well, the Wildlands.

Now, why do you want to take an army into a place they have no business being, I wonder?"

Her eyes flashed as she kept looking at him, almost daring him to answer.

Lenhar glared at that, and answered, refusing to be scared by Rain Feather's glowing gaze:

"Whatever intentions I have aren't for you to know. I have no obligation to explain myself to any of you; and the mere fact that you think I owe you any such explanation goes to show how out of hand this whole thing has gotten. No vassal would dare speak to me like that, which goes to show why this place really should be put to order."

I was letting Sabre Fox and Lenhar have their moment since I sort of interrupted those replies before! :)

Sun Snake looked across to Rain Feather as she was interrogating the Prince. "That we should not do anything alone, I think we can both agree on," he said, nodding.

He looked across to the Lenhar. "Apart from the Prince. He seems to have made up his mind to go after Valador on his own, for whatever this Wildlands project is. So be it. The Kai are not going to start aggression with the country currently housing and funding them. Half the order, myself included, are directly loyal by blood of the Sommlending, and we all swear the oath at the feast of Fehmarn. No one would raise a hand against him. If he wants to leave..."

Sun Snake very quickly drew his sword, but to offer it pommel first to the Prince. "At sword point, you said? Rather than dirty your own, I think this one is also suitable. A fine blade, it slew a Helghast when I was but an initiate, on a mission for the order elsewhere. I wanted to give the sword back to the royalty that gave it to me, but was persuaded for diplomacy to keep it, as it was a gift. It never sat well with me to keep it in all the years I was here, though. Please, if you go to threaten Valador...?"

OOC: I do believe that Sun Snake recounted to all of you PC the story of how he got the sword, yes?

Dawn Sword went wide-eyed at Sun Snake's offer, taking a step forward as she did.

"Master, no! That's a relic of the good you've done, the war you stopped! You can't give it away!"

She seemed ready to say more, but Sun Fox placed a hand on her shoulder while shaking her head, and that was enough to silence Sun Snake's student; Lehar, meanwhile, spared a perplexed glance at Alyne before returning to watch Sun Snake himself, and the sword he was offering, marveling at the beauty of the golden hilt, crossguard and handle studded with gems of different colors.

He ran his hands over it, clearly stunned by the beauty; for a moment, a hint of greed seemed to show in his eyes, but it disappeared just as quickly, and the Prince looked almost afraid for a moment, before he very gently pushed the hilt back toward Sun Snake, and said, sounding more respectful now than he had since the group arrived:

"I shall not take this from the man it belongs to. Still, I appreciate the gesture, and if you honestly want me to do as I wish with Valador, and would lend your sword to that effort, I shall only have it when wielded by the one who can best use it. Think on it."

Swift looked a little surprised at Sun Snake's offer of the sword to the Prince.

Although as she watched him reach for it, her eyes widened slightly as if she had noticed something even stranger.
Whatever it was seemed to highly amuse her as she looked back at the Prince, apparently doing her best to suppress a chuckle.

"Snake, if you give him that blade, I'm going to take it right back and glue it to your hands, or something.  I mean, it is rather ironic, though, that Dawn mentions war..."

The implication was pretty clear, even as she moistened her lips again, eyes still staring.

"After all, it's only the reason why you're here, trying to browbeat Sparrow, the Order, me, Sabre, Snake, and threatening to go to Valador if we say 'no'.  He wants to go march off to war.  'Lenhar the Conqueror', indeed.

How is it that some people can look at everything going on, and say 'there's not enough pain, bloodshed, and war in the world today.  Let's go start another unneeded, unnecessary war purely because I think we can take advantage of our current position, and who cares how many innocent people we hurt'?  His highness there certainly doesn't- at least, as long as it's someone else doing the bleeding, the suffering, and the dying.  Because, after all, that's what he wants- isn't that right?"

Her fingers tighten around the spear- it's about the only thing holding her rush of emotion in check.

"Our beloved prince wishes the Kai to join him in a bit of a conquering spree.  He sees Sommerlund as a swooping, diving hawk and the cities and states of the Stornlands as fat, delicious prey- a dire wish to see the sun flag of Sommerlund forcibly flying over them, with himself being hailed and praised as a conquering hero, with nations falling before us like wheat at the harvest.  Places like Varetta, Lyris, Salony- all those cities and countries that haven't fully recovered from the Gnaag Wars.

That's the whole reason.  Oh, never mind the fact it wouldn't be him at risk, never mind the Stornlands would rise up against him and would fight to the bloody end for every bit of land- never mind the fact as to what it would do to things like alliances, treaties, all those wonderful things.  But none of that matters as long as he gets whatever he wants, is that not true?  Because, after all, he's the prince of the realm, Kai and Ishir help us all, and he thinks if he screams and yells and blockades the Monastery, Sparrow will buckle and give him the Kai so he can go toss the political situation of northern Magnamund into the dungheap all for personal fame, glory, and the shattering of everything we've stood for.

I also imagine the King has no idea of what he's planning- nor does anybody else."

Taking a few steps forward, she steps closer to the Prince.  She makes no threatening move- just watching him, expressionless.

"...what would your father say, the way you treat the Kai after what he did to help Lone Wolf?  The things you do with Crane, the way you came in here to blackmail Sparrow, and the sheer fact you'd go to a known enemy of Sommerlund and the Kai simply because we won't submit to you and give you what you want, to beg and plead at his feet and give him the men and women of the Royal Army to augment and warp.  Is that what Pelathar died for?  So you can act like this?

Anything for power.  My grandmother would have been in love at first sight, maybe even my mother.

And if Wasp was right about that, well... are you going to tell us everything, or will Sparrow or Crane fill in the holes?

I can get the answers.  I'm just offering you the chance to come clean and to show you're actually not just here to try and bully your way into an invasion force."

The calmness in her voice was still there.  But the light in her eyes was blazing.

"Out with it.  Kai and Ishir are watching."

"He can't use that sword" remarked Swift quietly, still with a hint of a smirk on her face.  "It won't let him."

Sun Snake nodded as the blade was returned to him, keeping his silence for a moment. Once Rain Feather had finished, as if to provide a counterpoint of support in the face of her aggression, Sun Snake's voice remained calm and deferring.

"I presented you with my blade hoping you would be able to know the truth of my words with it. However, something felt...off. No matter, you understand my gesture. I am not here to withhold my support from the crown nor Sommerlund - not your father, nor you when the time comes. I am not going to stand here with any power making demands, nor make any conditions on my support. I only ask that you hear my words, and think on them."

Sun Snake moved out of the way of the Prince, to ensure he would not be blocking the man. In doing so, he let go of the sword where it had been offered. However, rather than drop, or even hover, it stayed exactly where he had left it in the air. It was immoveable, as if frozen in time.

He looked to it. He gave the blade a speculative flick with his fingers, as if testing if the sword were real, or as if testing how stable it was in the air.

The blade did not give the slightest quiver at his touch, and there was not even the tiniest sound from it as he struck it with a theatrical flourish.

He looked back up to the Prince. "This is the power of Nexus. An advanced Magnakai Discipline. I can hold this blade inert, or manipulate it, or even - not that I would destroy this blade - but I could shatter it or others far less well cvrafted. And I believe I could do all that without making a sound. Indeed I may be able to manipulate the air to take the sounds away from anyone, or maybe just remove the air all together."

Sun Snake paused for a moment. "I am about to say something that may surprise or shock or be disbelieved by some here, but Sabre Fox can confirm it. Valador possesses Nexus."

Sun Snake looked around to see if there were any reaction before he continued. "Not some corrupt aping of a Kai Discipline. Not Mind Over Matter, able to move small things with concentration. Nexus." Sun Snake shook his head. "Valador could well be in as many chains as you like, your highness. If you cannot say your plans out in the open here, there I doubt you will be going to speak with Valador in an open arena. You will have a limited amount of trusted men. You may well wish to be somewhere private, but Valador could steal the breath from everyone so no noise would be heard. And steal the breath a little more terminally, I fear, from everyone save yourself. And shatter any sword pointed at him, and any chain binding him. He only needs the amount of mental faculty available that you would require of him for him to converse with you. This is the danger of the man. And then I daresay he could summon his Guildstaff and in a moment transport the two of you wherever he desires. And he would come to you with strength, not humility, and mastery, with you weakened and at his mercy. And he would hold Nexus in his grasp and who knows what other power, and offer you Kai Disiclines, and actually give you whatever shame scraps that pass for the Kai Disciplines we have seen in some of his experiemnts. The real Kai Disicplines, he may well give to Varetta, Lyris, Salony. And he would let you weaken yourself trying to bring the order to heel, and then have Sommerlund weakened in fights against an empowered enemy, while Toran secedes and watches it all happen on the outskirts. And whoever wins, whoever rules over the ashes of that, faces Valador backed by the Brotherhood and whatever Kai powers he can fully bring to bear."

Sun Snake took the blade from the air with ease, and sheathed it. "I have said my piece. I will not stop you. In your plans for Valador, or the order. I just ask that you consider the consequences. I do not think you will convince Rain Feather nor Summe Wasp nor many of anything, and so you will already be facing a reduced order that will potentially have to fight a new order in the fields of battle. That alone will reduce Sommerlund's strength, so that a war against the south will be a bloody and long affair, and one that will not stop when armies are defeated. No riches, and no flag is worth that. A flag flying in councels is harder fought, but last longer and brings more power to Sommerlund through her influence. Riches that flow through from trade of Sommerlund's ports are more numerous over the long term. And a people and allies that love you for your rule and fairness are better than being alone surrounded by death and fear."


Sun Snake lapsed in to a medadative silence.

Golden Sparrow looked at the sword paralyzed in midair with clear shock, and even Shining Peacock raised an eyebrow as if impressed by it, although it was such a quick moment that it was unlikely any of the non-Magnakai in the courtyard even noticed.

Lenhar, for his own, looked completely astounded by the sight, and then he glanced to Rain Feather; there was doubt now in his eyes, a sense of uncertainty, and he finally said, hesitating:

"Perhaps... perhaps your argument is more well thought out than I gave it credit for... perhaps... I shall think about it."

Then he quickly headed for his horse, the soldiers - many of which were looking at the assembled Kai with a lot of fear, doubt, awe and worry - following along while all collectively switching to relief; Lenhar didn't even try to force anybody out of his way, instead moving around the obstruction of the group, as if acknowledging he wouldn't be able to make them bulge if they didn't wanted to and, more importantly, no longer having it in himself to want to try and impose his will on them.

OOC: if you want to stop Lenhar from leaving, you'll need to take active action about it; otherwise, he'll just leave, scared and with a lot of doubt, confusions and trouble in his mind. He's not interested in trying to make any of you acknowledge him anymore, and he's no longer sure that his plans are worth pushing for, but neither is he fully persuaded in letting you do whatever you want - he's just decided that he needs to sort out his thoughts away from all you psychics and that, whatever the case, it's better to let you solve your own issue among yourselves and then deal with whomever the victor is as it comes, rather than trying to impose his own will to force you to choose a leader beholden to himself.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:29, Sat 18 Jan 2020.

"...your highness.  Maybe if you reached out to the Stornlands diplomatically, and offered to help them rebuild instead of going through all of this mess... maybe that would be the way to go.  Take some of the army you can spare down there and help them repair all the damage still present, and help them get back on their feet.

There's enough in the way of death and hatred and anger in the world right now.  A little bit of hope and happiness given freely would surely return to you many times over when you need it- wouldn't you rather be known as a kind, generous, and wise ruler when it comes time to ascend the throne, instead of... this?  If Sommerlund is indeed in better shape than our neighbors, then use it as a reason to help them get back to some semblance of normalcy with offers of aid and help in rebuilding.  Even if they refuse- and some of them will- it's the offer they'll remember.

And if they agree to it?  Take some of the army down, get all the permissions and everything you need to cross territory, and go help- and when the job's done, bring them back home.  Show you can be trusted, show that you respect agreements, and that will go a long way, as well.  The world has a shortage of that kind of thing, lately.

Fighting a war is not the only way to make a name for yourself.  History is full of those who sought to make their name on the battlefield, but it's the rulers who guided countries through decades of peace who end up appreciated all the more.  It's very easy to go to war, but peace... is hard.

...the world has been at war for far too long.  There's no reason to keep adding to the pile of suffering and hate."

There was none of her fire behind those words- she was trying to give him genuine advice.

Swift watched the prince carefully as he moved to pass her.  She remained in her deceptively relaxed stance, making no obvious move to stop him, although as he drew level with her, she spoke up again.

"Just to inform you, Guildmaster Banedon has no control over Valador or knowledge of his movements.  So attempting to force Valador's whereabouts out of him would be a wasted effort."

The faintest ghost of a smirk returned as she continued.
"I also owe the Guildmaster a favour, a life debt perhaps."

She trailed off there as though she had simply made a comment on something as mundane as the weather, possibly leaving the deeper implications unspoken...


OOC: Totally not hinting that there would be no point in him going after Banedon, and if he did Swift might be somewhat 'annoyed' by that.  Just a perfectly innocent remark... ;)

Lenhar let out a long, tired breath when Swift spoke, stopping for a moment - which immediately caused the tension among his soldiers to skyrocket - before he eventually said, in a low tone:

"Yeah, that's not surprising, vassals will back each other if prevaricated upon, and chasing glory for one self will see coordinated opposition raise. I was taught that, but I didn't see why it would apply here. I realize now I'll need to go over some old lessons once more. As I said, I shall think on this all."

Then he resumed his walk, clearly uninterested in continuing the conversation further, and looking utterly defeated.

OOC: will leave Sabre Fox a couple days to chime in in case he wants to, and of course everybody else is free to say more if they want to, but otherwise, the Lenhar portion of this encounter is pretty much over. Of course, Lenhar isn't the only person here you'll need to deal with...

This message was last edited by the player at 22:21, Sat 18 Jan 2020.

Staying silent from Foxy. As you can guess it was sort of a situation he needed help with!

With nobody stopping him, Lenhar left with his entourage; once they'd all gone out, Golden Sparrow let out a long, pained breath, then turned to Sun Snake.

"Thank you for that - he really was becoming intractable; hopefully that scare you gave him will make it easier to make him see reason later on."

Then a note of interested entered his voice as he asked:

"And by the way, that was a nice bluff, but we both know that most Nexus users wouldn't be able to pull what you did - I couldn't, for one. How did you manage that?"

"Like it matters!"

Sparrow turned toward Wasp at her annoyed shout, and she went on, in a dark tone:

"You think that solved anything? That's not how it works with royalty; he'll find another angle soon enough. There's no treating with people like that, and anyone who would is not fit to lead the Kai."

A tense silence followed the woman's declaration, as if everybody was waiting for somebody else to break it first.

OOC: and it'll have to be a PC who does it.

This message was last updated by the player at 17:19, Tue 21 Jan 2020.

"If you want a black and white world, Summer Wasp, then it's as simple as this. You either find a way to treat with someone like that, and a great many more, or you lose them to Naar. That is the world we are slowly heading to. I personally would prefer to find ways to pull people back to the light, no matter how far they may have seemed to go, than cast them to the dfarkness and make the fight against Naar harder."

Sun Snake gave a small nod to Golden Sparrow. "The answer to your question probably does matter, in terms of our predicament. I wasn't really lying when I said it was Nexus I was using. The trick was that I was maintaining perfect awareness of the surroundings to allow my mind to account for the smallest changes. I am connected to my sword, moreso through Divination and Weaponmastery, Swift Fox and Silver Raven are sharing their awarenesses, and they have a perfect understanding of such items through Weaponmastery and Craftsmanship, I can read the air through Pathsmanship and Rabdomancy, and even the smallest potential vibration through tremorsense, and using Pathsmanship and Divination to even feel the edges of the future. Easy to do, of course, when in a peaceful setting. I would not be able to attempt such a thing in a more...tense...situation. Still, a simple skill was made far, far greater by the support of a myriad more working in the background. An apt metaphor for the Kai working together, rather than divided."

Sun Snake continued. "As for the silencing, in a way that was still, in a way, Nexus. I have had the ability to mask and silence my steps for a while. My sub-conscious just manifest the effect, through Invisibility, I believe. It was only recently, as a was dwelling on how Nexus had managed to come to me, when I had not sought to study it seriously before, that I realised the ability to understand it had been with me for so long, I just had not realised. How had I silenced my steps? For me at least, I realised I had been manipulating the air around me to stop sound from escaping. How had I masked my steps? By making myself so light - through Nexus, in a way - to not press in to the earth. The understanding was there, I just needed to think another way, it seemed. Is this not the same for dealing with those that we disagree with? There may well be, in plain sight, a way to deal with them - something we are not saying to unlock something in them, or something in ourselves so obvious if we just twisted our own minds to see it."

Sun Snake shrugged, and looked around to see if anyone else agreed.

"Were you not paying attention?" Fox said looking to Wasp "Some words to the Prince may have just deterred him from going to war of conquest, as well as pretty much causing a major rift in the Crystal Star by him not going directly after Valador. Is that fact lost on you? Or the point of working together to reach a common goal?"

Fox would sigh

"I don't wish to provoke an argument with you on the subject, but at very least we have bought time to try and resolve our own differences without the monarchy involved. Is that not a victory regardless of how small?"
This message was last edited by the player at 09:04, Wed 22 Jan 2020.

"I wish I could believe he won't try to go after Valador anyway" remarked Swift quietly, "after this, I can't say I share your faith in him."

She looked over to Sun Snake.
"Could you sense how the sword reacted to him?  Have to admit I'm curious about what might have happened if he'd tried to take it."
A hint of a smirk crossed her face at that, but disappeared almost immediately as she continued.
"Can you contact Guildmaster Banedon?  I think we should let him know what happened here...  Just in case!"

Sorry, forgot Swift Fox asked me a direct questions, I was trying to stay out of the way after the first wall of text! :) Not as busy now with work, so that shouldn't happen again!

Sun Snake nodded to Swift Fox. "I had not anticipated the sword would do...anything. However, it showed him a vision of what would happen if he tried continued to act in such a manner of greed, taking the sword from me and continuing to act with avarice. The idea that he might get the riches he desired, but he would rule over a land of death and disease, in chains of gold. Rather prosaic, I'm not sure the sword could actually give him an impression of the future, or was just resisting leaving me and playing on his own fears. Either way, it had an affect on the man. Somewhere, he knows what he was trying to do was wrong. Him belieinv he had 'forgotten' the lessons of his father, rather than just being wrong, seems to be simply a way for him to save face even with himself. Still, it is hopefully a glimpse in to his mental state, and perhaps gives a small glimmer of hope."

Sun Snake gestured around. "I believe we have the ability to contact Guildmaster Banedon. I personally would have preferred to contact him immediately too, but obviously I think the group may wish to finish our discussion, and hopefully contact the Guildmaster together. Knowing where the order stands on cetain things would obviously be a help to the man to know how to deal with Valador."

Summer Wasp frowned, then said:

"And where does the Order stands, exactly? You've all been very quick to speak of unity and cooperation and working together, but all that means to me is that you'll use the fact you have the numbers on your side to follow whatever course of action you feel is right, regardless of how opposed to it I, and the people who trust me to speak for them, might be. It seems clear you've joined forces, so the matter of whether it'd be Sparrow, Moon Shadow, Sun Snake, or Rain Feather as the representative of Peacock's faction to be named leader is mostly just a matter between the four of you deciding who should be more prominent and who'd instead take the advisory positions Sun Snake seems so found of touting at the solution to all our problems. It'd be a leadership of mere form, which you all seem pretty happy with."

She then crossed her arms and went on:

"Whereas if you were honest about your wanting to cooperate, then you should let me lead. You want me to believe that these councilors of yours would be allowed equal voice, Sun Snake, isn't that so? Then let me lead, and you four can have the councilors roles, with powers we all agree upon right now, but not such ones that I can't overrule them as leaders. You want cooperation, but I say that no cooperation is possible for those of us whose voice would remain unheard due to being outnumbered."

Sun Snake raised an eyebrow. "I daresay Shining Peacock can speak for himself, but I do not believe what is happening here was his first choice by any stretch. Swift Fox can speak for Moon Shadow, but I cannot imagine this was hers. My master is no longer here, but you would only need to go seek White Mantis to see if she is acting as if this was according to any plan that has succeeded. You speak as if this is some conspiracy, yourself against everyone else. However, the truth is that this is what it looks like when we can put aside or differences. It is not according to anyone plans, it is not anyone's first choice, yet there is still an opening for things to turn out how they may have wished them, ultimately."

Sun Snake gestured to Golden Sparrow. "You came out best I believe, andx yet I cannot believ that this confrontation wit hthe crown, and Summer Wasp's revelations, were anything you would have wanted. And yet, by your demeanour, I hope I am not incorrect in saying that something occurred you are glad occurred?"

Sun Snake looked back to Summer Wasp. "You spoke out, and said things no one else knew or dared to say out loud. And because you were here, and the rest of us were here, and we acted...in a way ... together, then the matter with the Prince has not blown up in our faces. The order is not suddenly consumed by the crown, we are not at war with the crown, and the Prince may well still speak to many of us - even kindly. It may not have even been on your thoughts as a possibility, Summer Wasp, but it has happened. The immediate threat of what the Prince wished to do has been dealt with, and in a way that still leaves any plans of yours still possible, rather than the order at war one way or another, without you needing to leave this very second."

Sun Snake then looked more seriously still at Summer Wasp. "And in what regard does it make sense that the minority should always dictate the majority. I do believe we must act on a balance - that the weight of numbers must not always be the deciding factor on what is right or not. But that does not mean that a single minority get to lead us always, must always be put first. Especially when the 'majority' you speak of are just a set of minorities themselves, that are hoping to work together and showing they can. Are each one of those minorities to be punished and put second, just for the crime of finding ways to work together? And what do you actually want? And do all your followers want every single thing that you want? What of their voices, when they disagree with you?"

"I want us to be free and independent from any crown or mortal ruler. We are supposed to fight for the betterment of all, but too many time are our actions constrained by politics and the limitations that borders and crowns put on us in their game with each other. We should be able to go where we want and to as we need without requiring subterfuge or politics. You've said it yourself, that our role is to fight the darkness; I say that we should have the freedom to do it without care for the machinations and games of nobles and kings."

There was a hardness in Summer Wasp tone that made it clear she wasn't at all willing to compromise on this, and after a moment she added, no change in her demeanor:

"And I only speak for those that asked me to speak for them; the moment they'd want to say their own or disagree with me, they would do it, and it'd be no betrayal. Those who follow me knows what I think and believe in, and they follow because they share in those beliefs and thoughts. That's all there is to it; they support me because I speak what they are thinking. I don't make decisions for them, I just give them a way to make their decisions into reality."

"Yet you do not offer the same to us, the majority of the Kai, if you become leader? Suddenly what...we are free to disagree with you, no hard feelings or any
amosity, but free to leave is the only option? You won't compromise for the rest of the order in any way, just folow your belief?"

Sun Snake pointed in the direction of ther departed Prince. "The man that left thought he had a right do do what he pleased, without needing to care what others thing, also without the need of politicking and gameplaying. Yes, his goal of conquest is wrong, your desires are just. However, can we really feel confident in oruselves if we use the same mindset? Is it not his isolation, his righteousness in his own cause, that saw him move to darker purposes. Was it not only because he was forced to politic, and discuss, and deal with our 'games', that he was shown he was wrong."

Sun Snake sighed. "You want to remove all checks, and have the luxury of acting as we desire, where we desire. Well, I want Valador's head. Right now. Without having to worry about the King's reaction, the Guilds of Toran, nor even Guildmaster Banedon's permission. Of course, Valador is surrounded in politics. His righteous removal does not stop that from becoming a mess, if we do what we like with no checks and balances."

Sun Snake considered something else. "During the war, we had another edict. We were very sure we were right, and that terrible things could happen if we allowed 'rogue' Kai to exist, that for example could be born during the occupaion of Raunon. It seems quaint now given the offer of 'Kai for all' that Valador now touts. Still, it was something the order decised, in its righteousness."

Sun Snake turned to Dawn Sword. "Perhaps now is time to tell your story," he said queitly. "Of the two people who I would have advised you to speak with first, had I the luxury, it would have been White Mantis or Summer Wasp." Sun Snake turned back to Summer Wasp. "This is my student. I stand by her."

Dawn Sword was surprised at being called upon by Sun Snake, but then steeled herself, nodding as she went to speak; before she could, however, Summer Wasp raised her hand as she said, a note of kindness in her voice:

"There is no need for this. I can guess it well enough on my own."

She turned to Sun Snake and went on, back to a hard, serious tone:

"Something bad happened in her childhood, and she had to grow up hiding and living in fear. At some point, her powers revealed themselves, whether she realized it or not, and then she either had to misuse them to take care of herself, or somebody found out and took advantage of them for evil ends, or she was attacked and persecuted whenever discovered and had to keep hiding and repressing her abilities."

Summer Wasp made a gesture with her hand to encompass all of the Monastery, then said:

"It's no surprising story, very many of us here in the Monastery have similar ones; those who don't, like you, or Sun Fox, or Sabre Fox and Golden Sparrow, are the privileged ones. But all of the rest of us have a past of being unwanted or persecuted, alone or in the hands of those who'd see us as nothing but tool. There are degrees to it, as it is for everything, but in this, many Kai are equal. And that's why here, among the Kai, there is always a place for everyone, so long as they are willing to leave that past behind and use the powers they've been given to help others. That's what make us brethren, fighting for the light is what unites us all."

She closed her eyes, letting out a long breath, then went on, sounding sad:

"These aren't my words, even if they are my creed. It was Banedon to speak them to me on the Skyrider, when I was on my way to the Monastery from Tahou, which is my birthplace and where Lone Wolf found me. He had a challenge from Gnaag to take care of, so he sent me to the Monastery before being able to explain to me much of what it entailed, leaving me lost and confused, and I couldn't see how a person like me would fit among the Kai, but Banedon reassured me I would, with those words."

Her tone hardened as she continued:

"I do not doubt our missions, Sun Snake, and I understand that we all are fighting the darkness together, but we can't be fettered by political consideration when we do it. Don't you see? Whomever it was who gave the order to hunt down Dawn Sword's family, they did it for reasons of the politics you all despise; if I'd been in power then, I'd have refused such an order, because it was wrong, and if the result would be Kai under the thumb of our enemies, ready to attack them, I'd have saved those who could be and fought those who would not, because that is our way. All we need to do is act with righteousness, and we shall not go amiss - fight to save and not to destroy, and ignore the politics that would chain us. I am sad for what happened to your student, whatever it might be, but it wasn't because of people acting with righteousness - it was because of politics giving orders out of fear or convenience, instead of fighting for the light. That's what I'm against."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:21, Sun 26 Jan 2020.

"Believe it or not in some respects I agree with you Wasp" Fox said speaking up "Being able to act and do good wherever and however we choose? In a simple thought its very desirable, but realistically, where would we go Wasp? If you had to decide that right now, tell us where?"

Fox then sighed

"Its not that I don't want to at least understand your opinion, but realistically its not going to happen. After all we will always be in someone else's lands, or in their kingdom that will expect us to answer to them in some respect. Short of taking over the Darklands there's not many places for us to go and truly be independent"

Fox would then smile

"I don't mean to belittle you with this incase your wondering, I just want to hear your thoughts on my point"

Summer Wasp shook her head.

"See, the fact that we should be forced to move if we wanted to be truly independent is just another sign pointing to the injustice of the whole system. As far as I'm concerned, any group of Kai can live on the road without difficulty, that's what we were given Hunting for, but I am willing to wager that some people out there would understand the rightfulness of our cause to give us land without the same string attached that we have here. That's the thing about justice - those who have it in their own hearts will do the right thing, even if it costs them."

Fox would give a weak sympathetic sigh as he replied to Wasp

"Was Sun Eagle himself not a Baron of Sommerlund? So right from the very first Kai, we have always been entwined into Sommerlund, right up until this very day. And while I agree that people who believe in doing good may give us land, sadly a lot of those people do not exist"

Fox would give her a smile

"The fact is that anywhere we go, would incite issues from that lands neighbours. We are essentially a military force, and having one essentially over your garden fence will put a strong worry in the minds of other kingdoms in the surrounding area as they try to gauge our intentions regardless of how the world knows us already"

Summer Wasp's eyes hardened at Fox's comment.

"Of course you would think that. Well, I disagree. In my view, the Order is no military force, it is a community which rescues those in need and offers shelter to lost souls; fighting is the least of our duties, and by far the less impressive of our powers. But that perception will never become accepted in the mind of people until we show them the truth of it with our actions."

"You are of course correct in what you say" Fox said with a nod "I don't see both my home and the place I was raised as a military force either, but that's us though isn't it? We know what goes on here and know its not all sword swinging, but humanitarian aid along with education and learning to hone ourselves"

Fox then shook his head

"But sadly that's not what everyone, even a minority know of us in the world. Everyday people see us fighting against darkness, and theres that word, fighting. We don't talk down agents of Naar with no souls, we kill them. That's what they see. I would like nothing more than for others to think of us as you do, but it will be a large task in the long run"

Sun Snake had nodded along silently to Sabre Fox's points.

"Another thing to consider is that we are not a boon to where we settle as Kai. We are in some small ways self sufficient, but not completely. Sommerlund and its heirarchy disguises what a drain we could be in other place. Sommerlund does not begrudge the metal and other resources that flows in to keep the monstery afloat, but we should not take that as a given. And worse, we are an affliction of a far worse sort. We draw the ire of Naar to us. The Sommlending came to Magnamund with their eyes open, fought the Darklords from the start. All Sommlending - Kai or not - have our eyes open to the struggle and see it as a duty to resist. When the Darklords smashed the First Black Muster in to Sommerlund against the Kai and the monastery a millenia ago, it was against all of Sommerlund, and all of Sommerlund saw it as their duty to resist. The Helghast Wars afflicted all of Sommerlund, but Sommerlund saw it as a its duty to resist. When the Second Black Muster all but destroyed the Kai, it was Sommerlund alone that was flooded afterwards, Sommerlund alone left to fight impossible forces. It was simply seen as a duty to resist, to fight, no matter the cost. The Kai are bound to the Sommlending not by blood after all this time, but because the Sommlending still accept the unfair burden of being champions against Naar, even though most of Sommerlund does not have the gifts of Kai that are granted further and further afield these days."

Sun Snake seemed quite displeased. "What you see as a shackle I see as a responsibility to the land, to the people, and that land and people are represented by the rulers. A reminder that we don't just float above it all. Prince Lenher is an exception to how the royal house has behaved, and even he has been made to question his desires when confronted. King Ulnar has always placed his people first. Can you imagine what he had to feel, each time Lone Wolf left, knowing that he might be dooming the Sommlending to death? How much faith he showed, caring for his people, but accepting that Lone Wolf needed to fight for others, such as your own in Taahou, Summer Wasp? We are not the only ones who fight the evil, we just have the privelidge of powers to help us, where everyone else does not. To judge others as 'unjust' if they will not welcome us, to dare to settle elsewhere and not commit to that land to honour the people we put in danger? That is not what I want for the order. We must always consider the cost of our higher calling on others, or we are no less blind than we accuse anyone else of being."

Sun Snake sighed. "As Sabre Fox says, I do not disagree with you. The order must not  be blinded by petty squabbles, must never take its eye from the higher fight. However, I believe the only way we can ever truly keep that loftier vision is explicitly by being anchored. Not weighed down unable to fight, nor distracted by that anchor, but kept attached to what matters, the people around us, so we don't lose our way."

Summer Wasp shook his head at that.

"I don't know what else I expected out of you two."

Then she glanced at Rain Feather.

"And what of you? You know this won't be solved this easily, certain ties will hunt you down no matter how hard you try to shed them. Yet you align with Sun Snake's plan anyway. Why?"

"You could say I'm going along with it, well... kind of.  I mean, let's face it: we'll have some autonomy for- hopefully- a good long while yet; as long as the King's staying in good health. But when he passes into the arms of Kai and Ishir, and they put the crown on that want-to-be conqueror, I imagine he'll be right back here, trying to bully us into following whatever insane plan he has so he can get some history books written about him.

If we stay here, then we're asking for more trouble, but at the same time- as long as the House of Ulnar is still around, yes, evil will come after it because Naar still holds a grudge, even after all this time.  And it's our duty to protect Sommerlund, too.

But while we must keep a presence here- after all, it's not like we can uproot the Vault of the Sun and just transport everything elsewhere all that easily- there's nothing saying that we can't try and establish smaller monasteries elsewhere in the world, to carry on our traditions and look for more possible Kai elsewhere.  After all... it's looking like it's only taking one Sommlending parent to keep the Kai potential going- why not spread out and make it easier for them to get training?"

She looked out the door that Lenhar had stepped out of, and then nodded.

"We are a military force, yes- but at the same time, we are also men and women of peace; and I think we forget that sometimes.  But when it comes down to it, we have to just make it clear that we will not support, well... leaders who will not take the hint that we're not simply extra troops for them to call up and order around as needed.

That is the true danger of what someone like Lenhar is- because the first time we do it, we lose the one thing that keeps us able to do what we do: our neutrality, the fact that we have no political affiliations.  Suddenly, we get looked at everywhere we go as if we're not just carrying out things for the betterment of the world, but things specifically for the betterment of Sommerlund on its own.

We lose the trust of the people, and that's it.  We're no longer the wonderful people who fight the monsters that come out of the dark to keep them alive, we're just another agent of the crown, and other nations will always see fit to wonder if we're there for Kai business, or Sommlending business.   How long until Lenhar asks us to act in the interests of a nobleman of the court?  If the man is brazen enough to come to the Monastery and try to bully Sparrow into giving him Kai for his insane little mission, he's brazen enough to see how far he can push us once we bend the knee.

If he's willing to court Valador, that should be all the proof we need to deny his little scheme- it's not about bringing light to the darkness, it's about his power, how history remembers him- him, him, him.  It's not about right or wrong- it's only about power.  And that's so unlike our principles that we need to keep refusing him no matter what.

How long before he tries to limit those who can come to the Monastery for training?  After all, the only Kai monastery currently is in Sommerlund, and how sure are we he won't start turning away travelers with potential seeking training, simply because they refuse to swear fealty to him?  We don't do that, currently- but a man after nothing but power is often ready to do whatever it takes to gain him power, and if he's willing to lay siege to the Monastery to try and make a point..."

She sighs, and then finally finishes.

"So we need to establish monasteries outside Sommerlund.  Durenor, Vassagonia, the Lastlands, and other places- to keep this from happening.  At the same time, we need to make sure to spread around what Lenhar tried to pull here- stomp on it before he gets the idea to paint us as the bad ones who won't listen to him and his demands.  Maybe a little humility will knock some sense back into him.

As for ties... we stop running from them.  We deal with and fight back as we can, and we help each other fight the ones we can't handle ourselves.  We're supposed to be a group, working together, no matter who taught us- not trying to shame and dishonor each other simply because of a political struggle.  We work and fight and solve them.  Family issues, pasts, no matter where we were born and where we came from, we're Kai.  We don't have to fight each other any more.  There are better foes to fight.

That's why I keep pushing for a council idea- because I'm not the smartest Kai in the world on every subject out there, and I can admit that.  But I can also accept the fact that it's not up to me as to who runs the Monastery- if Snake's chosen, I'll support him.  I may not like some of his ideas, but I can live with the old man because I know he's got the best interests of the Kai at heart- unlike the Prince."

Looking over to Snake, she nodded.

Sun Snake nodded at the compliment and shrugged otherwise. "It is not so much a plan, just a logical extention of the lesson of the Grandmaster's fall. None of us can consider we will lead for long, and certainly we should not trust having a single leader that is required to make it all work in the long term. And worse, if that single leader is going to push the minority voice at the exclusion of others, then they are also giving leave to the next leader to do the same thing, at the expense of that minority. The order needs to evolve, and move forward in many directions. But together. Pushing to one extreme then the next will tear us apart. It is a delicate task. I believe a council backing a leader allows everyone a voice, and ensures a continuity."

Something Rain Feather had said Sun Snake came back to. "Rain Fetaher mentioned a second monastery in Durenor? There you go, that is a positive step that can get support from many. Durenor has proven itself an ally both of Sommerlund, but in general of good. The Sommerswerd was trusted to them, Lone Wolf went alone there, and without hesitation at the worst point for Sommerlund, Durenor returned both with no hesitation, backed by a fleet to break the seige against Holmgard after the fall of the First Order. The two royal Houses have long been mixing, so this is an easier gesture for those of Sommerlund to accept. And it is perhaps past time that Sommerlund repays the loyalty of Durenor by once more setting the Sommerswerd - and perhaps now Kai - in that land, if they will be accepted. And perhaps if those who want to be separate can prove they can work under another ally, one we know has also never sought power nor shirked the fight against Naar.... then who knows what the future holds. It may be easier to prove the Order's intentions with two separate lands showing the Kai can work for good within those borders. It is also a good idea for putting a balance on Lehnar. Another country, and an ally, with the Sommerswerd and the Kai, to give him pause in being too aggressive with his future plans."

Sun Snake sighed. "Anyway, it is perhaps ideas such as this that we can all debate in better faith, but later. Still, ideas such as these that might allow us to come to a powerful, positive consensus. But first, we need to come to a consensus of deciding upon the vote."

Summer Wasp looked at Rain Feather and Sun Snake, the resolve in her eyes abating slightly as she seemed to consider their words. She gave a glance to her group, perhaps evaluating their disposition with a it, before turning back to the others and answering:

"Let's say you two have a point, that selling Ulnar on letting us build a second Monastery in Durenor would make for a good compromise. How do you expect that to be managed? Would whomever is leading it be subordinate to whomever is leading here?"

Shining Peacock let out a long sigh at that, capturing everybody's attention, and then stated what seemed obvious to him.

"Lady Wasp is going to ask that we let her lead this new Monastery, and that she be free to do it in whichever way she sees fit."

Summer Wasp frowned at Peacock and didn't deny his words, instead shooting back:

"And what of it? It would give us a voice strong enough to be heard and the freedom to act as we think right, without stopping you from playing your game of politics here."

Peacock didn't looked at all persuaded by her words, but didn't answer himself, instead looking at Rain Feather, as if to encourage her to resolve the situation herself.

Sun Snake actually seemed amused by the exchange, looking to Rain Feather and also Swift Fox with a raised eyebrow. However, he did not speak, as if sensing Shining Peacock's intention for Rain Feather to debate with Summer Wasp directly.

"...Durenor would be good- maybe Dessi, as well?  They did let Lone Wolf stay there on his journey searching out the Lorestones..."

With that thought, she nods, and turns to Wasp, with a sigh.

"I can get why you feel the way you do.  I think, in time, you'd be a spectacular leader- you're very charasmatic and outspoken.  It's a shame that you keep neglecting your psychic disciplines, because with a little Divination and some Psi-Surge, you'd be a damned terror.  And that's why... I'd recommend that request be refused.

All disciplines are equal in importance.  Just because I'm fairly specialized in mental warfare doesn't mean that I think any less of someone like Swift, or Dusk, or anyone.  They can do things I'm not that good at.  I know, sooner rather than later, I'd have to hone my body as well as I have my mind, and keep everything in balance.  It's not going to be fun, but at the same time, I'm looking forward to it.

You can't simply dismiss some of the disciplines as not important simply because you don't like them, Wasp.  It's pretty well-known you try to limit the progress of your charges into the psychic disciplines... how many of the students under you have ever had their potential truly tested?  There could be another psychic of a strength and skill to match myself or Snake among yours, and you'd never know it because you don't like or trust psychics.

You can give your students all the instruction you want, but if you're not giving them a well-rounded one, you're just setting them up to die at the hands of a bunch of Vordaks or a Helghast or something else that could hit their mind instead of their body.  And no, Mindshield won't cut it for some of the threats out there.

You want to turn out some amazing Kai.  But you're asking them to fight with an arm tied behind their back if you don't let them learn of Psi-surge, Psi-Shield, Divination, or the others."

She'd sigh, and then continue.

"I have a lot of respect for the work you've put in, don't get me wrong.  But your methods... you lack any kind of subtlety.  If you don't like someone, you make no secret of it.  Leaders can't keep causing diplomatic incidents, Wasp- and, well... you seem to be a walking one.  How many times has Peacock had to go on an errand to soothe various groups and people because of something you did?  I mean, I remember going along on a few, myself, but at the same time, the leader of a monastery shouldn't constantly need someone to have to follow them around and clean up after them- and it would only be a matter of time before we wore out our welcome with the Durenese with your antics.

...but I wouldn't completely disqualify you as leadership material.  I think you have a lot of potential, and the younger ones look up to you so much.  I mean, they used to all be scared of me- I think a few of them tried to put calacena or something in my porridge last year- multiple times- and nowadays, well..."

She just shrugged.

"If it were up to me, I'd give you a position of authority here, helping to oversee the training of the younger students.  They love you, you push them to be the best, and for the most part, you're a great example- am I right?"

That last part would be directed at her followers.

"Besides, sometimes someone like me and someone like Snake could use someone to provide a different perspective.  And no, you wouldn't have to do the whole 'do what I say or I'll spill your secrets' bit.  Just... be more open, more relaxed when it comes to things like this.  I mean, I almost started working out with your crew there, myself- hey, you're friendly, inspiring, and fun to be around.  Maybe I would have tried to be more open and relaxed- but then I heard you hated those of us who showed psychic skills... and, well... I just froze up again, because the last thing I wanted was to end up humiliated in front of more people here.

If you lead a monastery, you can't pick and choose who has Kai's gift.  You train everyone who has it, no matter how it manifests and wherever its strengths lie.  If you're just not good with them, then there are those of us who are.  If you just don't like them, maybe figure out why and talk with someone to figure out how to deal with it."

She finished with another sigh.

"...and a leader has to be able to be tolerant of viewpoints who don't support what they're thinking.  If you think you know best and that you're always right about everything and nobody else is as smart or as good as you, you're going to get someone killed.

...ask Snake when they had to pull me out of the temple in the Maakengorge, what was going through his mind.  It was his plan. I remember getting a touch from his mind, and then..."

She shakes her head, as if to clear the memory.

"...if you want to lead, learn to lead effectively.  Then go lead.  But as you are now, you're just going to go off and get you and yours killed or worse- and there's a lot of 'worse' out there.  So don't leave.  Learn, and then we'll see.  Sound good?"

Summer Wasp frowned.

"Not really, no. First of all, small as it is, I already have a position of influence here as the best scout the order has. Minimal, and subject to Moon Shadow's oversight, but better than noting, and I'm not sure I would trade it for Phantom Steed's. I've more to contribute to the Order than just sitting in a place the whole day."

Then she patted Night Crow on the shoulder and added:

"And I do not mistrust all psychics - just the ones who don't know how to keep their powers to themselves; you don't see people with Weaponsmastery using their weapons to do all sort of things even if they totally could, or Nexus users just wielding their power all the time to manipulate their surroundings, even if it'd be more convenient for them. But psychics use their powers all the time, on everybody, enemies and allies alike. That's what I don't like, the attitude that psychics tend to develop; if I had free hand to have psychics trained the way I would prefer, Night Crow would teach them boundaries. He's certainly better than who people need to ask for training from right now."

She sent a disdainful glare at Peacock; Night Crow's, on the other hand, was very mild as he met the purple-haired man's gaze with his own, as if he couldn't care any less.

Sun Snake's expression went quite stiff when Rain Feather mentioned him.

Sun Snake made a great effort to come back to the conversation after Summer Wasp spoke. He seemed to have a hint of steel in his voice. "I do not believe you will get an argument from Rain Feather regarding psychic intrusion. My master had exactly the lack of boundaries you hate. It is not something I am comfortable with, and indeed I believe I ruffled Dusk Rat's feathers - or fur? - during our first day together in that regard, insisting on a respect of other's minds. I would argue that my reticence to push my mind out as far as possible in to other's minds except in extreme situations may have been to the detriment of the group, but that was a line I was loathe to cross. My master was the opposite, yet I held that boundary to myself. Psychic ability is not something to weed out. Respect for others does not come from anything but fostering respect. Anyone can teach that."

Sun Snake gave a dismissive gesture to Night Crow. "Night Crow and Shining Peacock were tested against each other, in the manner of Black Beaver testing materials for strength. Night Crow was found wanting, and his boundaries reek more of fear than restraint. He's not even hiding his hatred of Shining Peacock, despite his mental screening, and as I said I am not one to try to read others unless I absolutely have to. I daresay if he was more confident in his abilities he would have tried something by now on Shining Peacock."

Night Crow spoke up then, his tone as mild as his voice, almost relaxed as he said:

"See, that's the point. I could hide what I feel from you; you know I could, it wouldn't be hard. But I'm refusing to do it, on purpose. Because if you weren't constantly on your guard, constantly trying to see within the mind of others, you would not be able to know anyway. I have a deep dislike of Shining Peacock, but I ought not be judged because of that; and among most people, I wouldn't be. It should not be the duty of a person to hide their feeling - it should be the duty of the psychics to refrain, and even to avoid acting on what they discover."

Summer Wasp nodded at that, patting Night Crow on the shoulder as she added:

"That's a good way to put it, yeah. We should be free to be who we really are when around each other, not hide it. That's why I dislike psychics, because they create an environment of mistrust."

She then shrugged.

"I'm not sure that's too relevant right now anyway; the only point I wanted to make was that I do not dislike the Disciplines themselves nor the people who learn them, just the way most people tend to use them. I wouldn't stop people from learning, I would merely encourage them to limit themselves, to put checks on their own power rather than make others feel scrutinized."

Shining Peacock let out a long, pained sight at that, and he said, sounding extremely polite:

"I just want everyone to know that I disagree with any such position. Striving to be the best we can be is our duty as Kai, and if it creates some discomfort in others, that is just one more sacrifice every Kai should make. To limit us to be anything less than the best we could be is to deny the very thing that we are."

Crow and Wasp both glared at Peacock as he said that, but he seemed completely unfazed, as well as unwilling to yield at all on this one point, quite unlike is general more diplomatic and politic approach to things.

Swift had remained quiet, as if lost in thought.  Although her gaze still flitted back and forth to whoever was speaking, showing she was still taking in everything said.

"Seems we have something in common then" she remarked quietly at Night Crow's words.  Though she didn't elaborate on whether that meant his dislike of Shining Peacock, or his beliefs on psychics...


OOC: Still here and following things, just keeping quiet and watchful (and probably silently judging you all) for now :)

"...everyone is entitled to secrets.  I ought to understand that most of all.  If people had known what I was, well... I doubt I'd have survived to adulthood.

But at the same time, I was able to survive.  Nobody else found out until I'd told them.  Nobody clawed at my head, trying to get at all the secrets within.  And I certainly didn't do it to anybody else.  I mean, Snake?  Sabre?  Anyone?  Did I ever try to just go digging into your minds, just for the fun of it?  Just to show off my skills, to go digging for your most dear secrets?  Make a show of skimming your surface thoughts, just because I was bored and looking for something to do or secrets to hold over you?

No.  Because despite of the fact we may disagree on things, their thoughts are private.  Because whatever I could do to someone else, someone else could end up doing to me.

I mean, I'd like to know why this all started.  I wish you would have told someone if someone was doing that for fun- that's not why we learn to do that.  I'd certainly want to give them something to think about.

But you're letting your fears and beliefs hurt your students, Wasp.  You can see it in Crow- if he's that strong, I imagine with enough practice and work he could give me a pretty good run for my money.  But the more you fill their minds with your fears, your beliefs... the more vulnerable they will be.

I don't much care for Weaponmastery- mostly because I'm still not all that great in physical combat.  I can hold my own with Breakwater, but... I'd never hold a student back just because I was afraid of something happening to them.  I mean, I even tried greel once, and I almost panicked and ran from the court because I lost a hunk of hair from the flying axe.  I didn't want to step foot in the training yard, I was so scared that learning how to fight with my spear would mean I was going to have to go play greel again, and that would mean I was going to get an axe to the head or lose a hand or any other number of possibilities.

But in the end, I faced my fear, and I gained my Weaponskill because I didn't let my fears define me.  I was going to start training for Weaponmastery when I got back thanks to the efforts of a particular swordsman.  But you... you let your fears, your doubts, your views affect your students, and it shows.

You hate the way they are used, but do not allow them to learn how to defend themselves against such a thing?  If they're afraid of Sixth Sense, then even basic rudimentary Psi-Screen or a decent Mindshield can stop that cold.  If it's Divination, or Nexus, or even Psi-Surge, I'd ask just why someone's using it on them in the first place.

Wasp, I think you're a great many things, but I know you never, ever run when things get difficult.  Why not face this instead of running from it?

Just... take it from me.  You can keep running from the things you don't know how to deal with and keep holding them in... or you can let them go and face them, and put them behind you.  Instead of letting them put you off?  Fight them.  Learn how to defend against them.  Negate the power they have over you, and suddenly... they aren't so much to be feared, are they?

Better they learn how to defend themselves now rather than end up finding they cannot defend themselves against a Vordak or Helghast or worse, and then you having to realize it was your views that lead to their deaths.  Having to do the training beats beating yourself up and feeling responsible for them dying because you let your own emotions color their development."

She'd gaze over Wasp's assembled companions.

"They obviously care for and trust you a great deal- and I imagine you do, for them.   But would you want them to suffer some of the fates we've seen because they don't have all the skills they could possibly have at their disposal?"

Summer Wasp listened to Rain Feather's argument with a frown, then said:

"You might have some points, but all this is distracting us from the real point; I might have bias over some disciplines, but that's not a good enough reason to say I'm incapable of being a leader. I would be willing to accept somebody like you to teach psychic disciplines under me if that'd make you happier, but I'm not going to compromise on being in charge."

Sun Snake duly shook his head when Rain Feather mentioned the possibility of any psychic probes from herself during the inital mission.

Once Summer Wasp had spoken, Sun Snake spoke up. "I think we're being distracted from the fact we need to vote, and soon. I'd say that the threat that the Prince will instantly try to tie the order to himself has been diffused, for at least the time being. We can deal wit hit, if needed, another day. I would say there is only one more thing we need to agree on, right now."

Sun Snake turned to Summer Wasp. "Summer Wasp, if the vote does not go your way, have we at least said enough that you understand there will be more room for more debate, no matter who else might win instead? This is academic if you win, and no one is asking you not to run. All that I think we ask is that you not immediately quit the order if you do not get your way. That you at least, in principle, say that even if you lose, that you are willing to stay to fight for your case for some small amount of timer in whatever leadership develops? We need to vote, we need to deal with Valador. If we can vote without fearing the specrte of the Prinace, or the spectre of tearing apart the order instantly, then I believe that is all we could ask for. We can at least unite then to deal with Valador, and then strive to find common ground in good faith. Whether it works or not we can see, but for today, at least agreeing to try seems to be enough."

Summer Wasp looked at Sun Snake for a long moment, then said:

"See, that's the thing. Valador thinks he's using me, but it's the other way around. I could give him to you, right here, right now. But I won't until I'm assured that after I do, thing will go my way; else, I would be losing all of my leverage."

She paused, then added, with a dark glare:

"And of course, if I wanted to, I could have used him against you, and forced you all to let me win. But I haven't, and would rather not, because, much as you think I'm unreasonable, I'm not, and I recognize he's a greater evil that we should deal with. But he's not so great an evil that I'd be willing to betray all those who count on me to take him down."

The Kai Lady crossed her arms and concluded:

"So, you see, maybe it's time for you to reconsider your position on this."

Sun Snake's eyes grew very, very cold. He looked through Summer Wasp as if she were some form of contemptible idiot. "Never," he said, with deadly calm, and turned his back on Summer Wasp. Without a further word, he walked away.

"...as long as you don't have to pay the price, you mean."

She watched as Snake walked away, letting out the breath she'd been holding, before turning back to Wasp, no emotion showing on her face.

"Anything and everything is on the table as long as you get power, isn't that it?  Up to the point where we all fall in line behind you once everything is done and give you the power and adoration you crave.  No price too steep, as long as someone else is doing the paying.  No suffering too great, as long as it's someone else that does it.  As long as you get the glory, the praise, then nothing else matters."

Taking a step forward, she draws closer to Wasp, not caring about the others with her.

"Valador is a master at playing to emotions, you understand.  We understand that, first-hand- for if not, then I would not be standing here.  He's playing on the Prince's greed- for what could be more useful to a conqueror than an army of proto-Kai that answer to his beck and call alone?

He's played to Sabre's emotions, too- otherwise, we wouldn't be talking here.

And now, we find he's played to your vanity, your desire for glory.  A man who is guilty of conspiring with Nadziranim, playing about with dark magic, and weaving them all together into some semblance of life.

But there's always a price, Wasp. Always.  I should know.  Trust me, I know what it's capable of.

What did you give him?  Money?  Access?  Information, perhaps?

Was it samples of flesh, taken from your followers so he could devise the secrets of the Kai potential and the disciplines from them?  I mean, as long as it wasn't yours, who cares, right?  Surely Crow and the others who follow you didn't mind giving a man like Valador access to their bodies and minds, just so he could have access to more test subjects, right?  Because that's how he helped to create hybrids.  Men and women, their bodies and souls tortured until compliant, a mash of darkness and light combined into one, a mixture of animal and human.  I died because of one of them, Wasp.  A woman with the features of a dog.  I don't remember her Kai name, but considering we've brought one back, would you and yours perhaps like to meet him?  Maybe we can get him to show you what he looked like before he was all fixed up on the outside, but not the inside?"

Taking a breath, she'd cock her head to the others who followed Wasp.

"I mean, maybe Crow wants to go crazy and end up with a nice beak and feathers bursting through his skin, maybe some nice talons for feet.  Maybe Boar over there wants a nice snout, hooves, bristly hair and tusks to go with his name and skills, hm?  Maybe Star wants to be a terror of some kind, all colored red?  How's about that, huh?  Any of the lot of you willing to go that far for her?  To suffer through all that because hey, it's the price you have to pay for her to be leader!  Come on, don't chicken out, you want her to be Grandmaster, do you not?  Sacrificing your body, mind and soul is nothing, right?  It's not like you'd ever see Wasp suddenly sprouting wings, giant eyes, and a stinger out of her arrogant rump, right?  No, because that might get in the way of the praise and glory if she can't look the part!  Because that's the kind of price Valador asks of the people who want his help.  Because darkness always has a price, one for the bargain, one for the use of it, and then a harsher one for when you fail to meet the terms of the agreement.

Which one of them picks up the tab for that, Wasp?  Which of your little followers gets to pay the piper when it comes time?"

She takes another step towards Wasp, drawing closer to her, within arm's reach.

"To say nothing of just casually strolling in here and dropping secrets on everyone, too...

'Oh, I know what Rain really is, and since she's being all mean and won't let me have what I want, I'm going to become a spiteful little witch and stab her in the back while outing myself as an operative of the man who wishes to tear the Order, and then proceed to do the same damned thing because if I can't have it, then nobody should be able to have it.  Because who cares if everyone else in the world relies on said Order to keep everything safe from Darkness?  I didn't get what I want, so let the world burn and I'll start my own little group, the Cult of Wasp, where everyone praises me because I'm the bestest best Kai ever because Valador told me so!'

That is why you would not make a good leader, Wasp.  Because if you're willing to do that to me, to the Order, then what are you willing to do to your little herd, there, if they go against you?  Who will be stabbed in the back next, I wonder?

The rest of us, here, are trying to save something that the world relies on.  Something that is bigger than any of us, and we accept that's how it has to be- the Order is bigger than any single one of us.  Do I want to be Grandmaster?  Yes, I do.  But at the same time, I'm also wishing for others to have equal say in things, because I'm not so Kai-blasted arrogant to think I know everything, and to push my intolerances onto other people- or to think I should be the be-all end-all authority in anything in the Order.  And even if I don't end up elected, I'll support Snake or whoever is, because that's what we have to do.  Because the Order is bigger than any single Kai and their desires for personal power, glory, and favor.  Because this is more important than one person's lust for personal recognition.

You missed the one thing from Lone Wolf's history- the only reason he got so much fame and honor was because he had to fight to earn it.  He had to survive and hurt and feel so much pain, betrayal, loss, and strain because an entire world was on the line, and he pulled it off.  That's why.

And you want to smash apart the one group in the world capable of fighting back the darkness.  What Naar and the Darklords could break, one little spoiled brat thinks she can because that's what the darkness that's poisoned her mind keeps telling her.  Because Valador expects us to all fritter away like she would in the face of adversity, in the face of 'oh, deep, dark secrets being revealed because I'm so damned petty I'd rather doom the world than not get what I want!'"

She takes that final step, invading Wasp's personal space.

"That's why, Wasp.  Because this isn't about personal pride.  This isn't about glory, or being remembered.  It's about doing what's right no matter the cost to ourselves.

It's about making that choice, when you've been chained, spread-eagled, and burned with lava until you scream.  Sliced open and bled and stabbed, over and over, until you don't have a patch of skin that doesn't have a burn or a slash or a wound on it by a madman while you can't do anything but shriek and grit your teeth and hope against hope that your friends get there... while having to not break and beg for death from the young protege they were going to make kill you as a sacrifice to their dark god... hoping against hope that they won't leave you there... and then when you realize that they're not coming... to understand that you have to do what you have to do, because the world is more important than one single Kai... is to let yourself painfully bleed to death, because it's the only way you have to deny the darkness... and you have to let said brave young girl witness the whole damned thing.

And as you fade, you have to feel the psychic signature of the man you're defending- that you chose to ally with, and become the pawn of, that you assume is doing all of this out of the goodness of his heart- stall your friends at the entrance just long enough to keep them from reaching you in time... and then die with them less than a few hundred feet from you.  Because of the stalling of said man who you think is trying to help you get control of something you're not even qualified to lead because of your pride and arrogance.

And if you don't believe me, I'll let you experience it all too clearly.

Now, someone needs to go run to check on Moon Shadow, and make sure there's nothing wrong with her.  Make sure she's not under the influence of something psychic or mystical- and if she's able to talk, make sure she's all right, because right now, the word of the one who would claim to speak for her isn't worth a cup of flat ale."

Staring into Wasp's face, she finally finished... and let her face relax into a thin smile.

"...but despite all that... she's still got all the potential to be a leader.

You made a deal with someone who took advantage of you.  I'm a descendant of the Kirlundin Wytch, just as big of a screwup as you, if not bigger.  But I fought through my darkness, just like many others.  Maybe I'm not the same person, but if I can do it, then I know anybody can.  Maybe we all have things we don't want to admit to.  But that's what we need to realize- that despite everything, we're still all Kai.  None of us have lost our powers, been disowned, or anything.  And that's how we know we keep on going and we keep on fighting.

It's why you and yours should stay here, and keep on fighting with us.  Because no matter what, you're not my enemy.  You screwed up somewhat majorly, and yes, I've taken you to task for it, and that's that.  Now, the axe is in your hands, and the greel target's right over there, wide open.  Are you going to run off with your lot and get killed or taken advantage of, or are you all going to show you're a lot smarter than Valador thinks you are and stick around and support the Order and be someone who can at least keep us on our toes with a fresh viewpoint when we need it?"

As Summer Wasp listened to Rain Feather's speech, a wealth of different emotions ran through her face, from coldness to surprise to horror to, finally, anger. At the end, she placed an hand on Rain Feather's shoulder, pushing her backwards, before saying, tone cold:

"I have given nothing to Valador, not would I ever do so, and that you think I would goes to show how little you understand of me. He showed up a few days ago to give us information and explain his plan, how he wanted to create a single organization out of Kai and Brotherhood both and use it to have Toran separate itself from Sommerlund; and much as Sun Snake might think me an idiot, I understand perfectly that Valador's real objective is to remove the Kai as an obstacle to his plans. I have no intention of letting that happen; I can and will stop him from achieving that. I told him that I would help him, but I never would, and have done nothing for him so far either."

Her eyes narrowed, cold, as she went on:

"However, how to get rid of him is up to me. If I call him here, as he wanted me to do when I had the situation in hand, we could ambush him and get rid of him at once. But if I don't, and one of you people becomes leader, then he will know, and take precautions, and be that much harder to beat. And again, while I won't, simply warning him of your intentions would be enough to make him change his approach."

Swift Fox's eyes focused on Sun Snake for a moment, then back to Rain Feather as she said:

"And of course, he can control you, Rain Feather, whenever he wants to. So you're starting at a disadvantage already. But you knew that."

She shook her head, then said:

"Whatever you think, I don't care at all about being leader for the sake of it - I care about us having the freedom to do what's right. Which taking Valador down would be, but if at the end of it, what happens is that nothing changes for us, then I'd rather do it on my own, then let you help just so you can then take the credit for doing it and use it to force me into doing what you want me to, rather than what I would think right. That's all there is to it: you want me to work with you, but only if I obey your wishes first. And I won't do that."

The push just sends her a step backwards, and Rain just looks down at her shoulder, but says nothing.

But at the mention of doing nothing to continue his plan, Rain just shakes her head.

"...and yet you're here, doing exactly what he wants you to do- come in, when we were close to a compromise, and turn everything head over tail, and here we are, bickering like children over who gets the last sweet, or who gets to poke the dead animal first.  We are, yet again, stuck in limbo, incapable of doing anything, while we bicker over the same things we have already, and you stand there looking like you think you deserve a pat on the head or a nice jelly cake for your efforts."

She almost went through with it- almost patted Wasp on the head, but instead, she would reach out to grip the younger woman's shoulder.

"But you don't understand... so maybe it's time we stop talking, because this is getting us nowhere."

And with that... her eyes would flash, and she'd unleash the power of her mind, square at Wasp.  It would be exactly as she'd learned it- striking with Psi-Surge and pressing deep with her Divination- striking deep with it.  This was no attack, though- this was a lesson- one she felt was sorely needed.  Because as much as she had disliked Peacock, well... she had respect for him- and his teaching methods.

Perhaps that had been the reason for so much mental struggling, back in the day- because what she was doing was trying to deliver a reality check.

She would press deeper, focusing on keeping her grip and her lesson going- until she felt she was deep enough, and would just sit there, letting her feel it, letting her defenses struggle against hers, pushing an idea into her mind: stay still and listen.

"...the forces of darkness do not play by rules, Wasp.  They aren't going to promise not to use psychic power, they're going to use every single trick and power in their arsenal to kill you- and if they detect your weakness in your psychic defenses, what do you think they are going to do, not try to kill you mentally or afflict your mind?  If I was a Nadziranim, you'd be dead- or I'd be commanding you to kill every one of your friends over there, and you'd be stuck there, in your own mind, watching your body move and kill with nothing you could do about it.

This is not about one single person wanting to lead- the reason I am trying to keep this organization together is to prevent anything like this from happening again, because we are the only bunch of people on Magnamund who can deal with these incursions, and I refuse to let the Brotherhood die or be lead by a man who has given up and consorted with the darkness itself, traded our secrets away, all so he can make everybody equal.  Everyone in the world would be a Kai, would have our powers, for good or for ill.  For every Sabre Fox, who would fight for the right things, there could be a hundred Valadors- or worse- who would then take their newfound, rudimentary skills and raise complete havoc in the world, or a thousand Drakkarim who would immediately set out on a rampage of killing and destruction with their powers.

Want to be leader?  Are you prepared to send your friends off to their deaths?  Can you look at each one of them, and accept that when you dispatch them off to somewhere to deal with rising darkness, that you may be sending them off to their deaths?  Are you comfortable getting the blame and hatred of their friends and family for doing so, even though we all know we're not going to die in our beds of old age?  Because that's what the Grandmaster- hell, all of the Kai he raised- have been having to deal with through all this.  Leadership means being able to take the slings and arrows when things go to hell and back because you messed up and get people killed.  Imagine how Lone Wolf felt when Kai didn't return from the field?  I imagine that's why Blue Snake was so damned emotionless- because people will always want to hold someone else responsible when things go wrong.

The only reason Lone Wolf was ever famous is because he saved the world.  How many Kai do you think the populace knew of before this happened?  How many other Kai did they know by name outside our walls?  None.  Because we don't fight for the glory.  We fight for the duty, because it's the right thing to do, when the darkness is encroaching on us from all sides, because if we give up, everyone is going to die- or worse.  They don't know who we are, beyond the green- they see that, and it's 'the Kai are here, they're going to save the day'.  They don't give two whits of an axe who you are or how stylish you look or anything- they just want the problems dealt with so they can go about their own lives again."

Finally, she pulls back, allowing the younger woman to gather her wits.

"...go ahead.  Hate me, attack me, do whatever you want to me.  Pull your sword and stick me with it a few times, if it will make you feel better.  I'm not doing this because I enjoy having to do this, but there was no other way to get through to you.

We need you here, Wasp.  Hate me with every bit of your being, curse my name and damn me to the foulest pits of the underworld if you have to- odds are I'll be going there, anyways, after all this.  But if you take yours and run off, you're going to get yourselves all killed- and that would be a waste of talented Kai.

Do not listen to a word that man says.  The only side he's on is his own.

Stay here, and we can show you how to keep this from happening."

As Rain Feather's eyes flashed with golden light, Night Crow seemed to sag, gritting his teeth as Crimson Star had to support him, but his glare was one filled with pure hatred as he growled:

"I'll never let you!"


OOC: Rain, before the second part of your post can take place, you need to get through Wasp's defenses; that's not automatic. Said defenses might not be her own, rather the result of Night Crow's keeping her safe, but that's immaterial to the fact that you can't simply ignore them; they're there.

If you want, you can retreat from the attack; Night Crow would rather die than let you past his Mindfort and into Summer Wasp's mind - and the fact that you're Peacock's student is just making him more determined to stop you no matter what. So, if you push through, it'll need to be by destroying Night Crow's mind first - you'll only get through once he dies.

If you want to force this, then we'll run it as a Combat - except using only mental stats (so, any CS bonus from things like Weaponskill or abilities like Huntmastery dodges won't be usable), and anybody who has mental Magnakai abilities (the basic mindshield and mindblast wouldn't help here) can join in on either person's side; I'll give more accurate stats once I know how everybody wants to go about this - assuming, that is, that you want to force it, Rain. It's your decision! :)