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.