[Game Thread] Chapter Seven: Bloodlines

[Xian]

Adam Originally Posted by Blue "I believe I understand, Adam. Although I would not be surprised if many, many soldiers would much rather choose not to fight at all. Especially those taken from their homes to be taken to battle for their lord and country, with the choice of desertion often presented with punishment. And they all fight for something other than themselves until it is time to kill or be killed." "Therein lies the difference... they fight, but they are soldiers in name only because they did not choose to fight for whatever lord, state, or person that impressed them into service. That choice was taken from them." Adam replies expecting the answer from those often everyone that fought as a soldier. "These are more akin to slaves than true soldiers and I disagree about them fighting for something other than themselves. While they are fighting for a cause, they mainly fight for themselves in actuality than the lord or state that impressed them into service to avoid the punishment or retribution." Originally Posted by Mrith "But I am a little saddened that you think so poorly of politics. I assure you that those who fight the political battles often do see their enemies in the eye. For a very long time. It was, often to my regret, part of my upbringing, and I found that the hardest task in politics can be to actually make things clearer; unravel the complications. When you are responsible for a great many number of people, you quickly realize that they often work at cross-purpose. They all want different things and can be messy about getting them. Those who manage these people have to get it all sorted out or everyone is in trouble. Preferably without having to send soldiers to die to fix those issues. And a great many arrangements are necessary to keep so many disagreeable people sufficiently content with the way things are. So you are correct in that it can make things complex... but imagine the alternative, with everyone doing as they wish. Chaos. "Mirth, my characterization of politics does not in any way discount its necessity or necessarily govern my opinion of those who practice it, present company included, and in fact glad that those better have taken that burden on for me." Adam says as he takes another sip his warm expression not fading in the least. "And if you, Mrith, have been able to look all your enemies in the eyes in the political arena then you are most fortunate and likely the exception. Politics often governs that you say things that you do not believe, behave in a manner that is not you, and oft times than not see passion defy and triumph over logic and even common sense. A necessity yes... but one I have no desire to be a part. Hence, why I enjoy my luxury as a soldier and leave such things to... better... people." Originally Posted by Mrith She laughed. "But some wars are quite simple. This one with Zera, for example. Or the one that is to come after it at some point. When the only real option is to unite and fight to survive or to be free, there isn't quite as much to think about." "Mirth, in my experience, like politics, wars... true wars... are never simple. The battle for survival has a much different character from actual war and you will see that the simplicity is a matter of perspective." Originally Posted by Mrith "I am glad that you are so readily absolving me of what you might imagine is quite a problem for many in Aheka. It does serve to remind people that I am indeed a dragon, oh yes, and I confess that it is a large part of why I bother with the... performance. I hope you'll forgive me if I may seem confrontational, I mean no offense - But consider again your analogy; what if the boar could speak and reason? Say things such as 'I am Guusha and I love the sound of the wind against the tall grass and the smell of the air when it rains' as a human could before a dragon came and breathed his or her life away?" "Well if the bear kills Guusha and eats him does that make the bear inherently evil or just a part of the natural order?" Adam said easily as he spoke his mind about the topic. "I believe what you are really getting at is not so much the act of eating your prey, but whether or not you should have killed Guusha or any sentient in the first place. Again I believe it is a matter of perspective. If you are a human and you see a dragon eat another humanoid, it would naturally make them uncomfortable because at a fundamental level it is a threat to their survival, but to me there is no true value judgment in your situation, Mrith. At the point you consume your "prey", you have already decided to and have killed them. You have already made that choice... the why you chose to kill Guusha or make them your prey is what is important. "

[dalarangreen]

Brood relaxed slightly as whatever tension Silverforge had passed along seemed, for the moment dispelled. Still, if what Silverforge had suggested was true there might be some trouble ahead--peaceful gathering or not.

Brood was so distracted by Silverforge's mental dialogue that Zilira's comment takes her off guard. Inclining her, Brood blushed slightly, "Brood, First-Born Tal'gos."

Brood considered saying more, but was unsure of what more to say in this awkward situation and began to blush a little deeper.

[Alphaeus]

Silverforge Noticing Brood's blush, he smiled a little bit, and decided to break the discomfort...as well as hopefully pry out some useful information. "So, I can presume what brings the great Mother of the Sword to a place such as this, but might I ask --" He broke off abruptly, calling out to someone passing with a number of glasses to bring them some drinks " -- what brings the rest of you to this gathering?" Turning to the mysteriously mundane woman, he broadened his smile, gesturing towards he with the hand holding his 'fidget.' "How about you? I don't believe Malhas introduced you to me...rather untoward for a gentleman, I would say. But let us not needlessly linger on that, and begin again with the merry making."

[Makenshi]

 

Vulcar thinks a moment before replying to Nallaul's latest question. "She's...hmmm. I'd almost say that she comes off as a little regal in her manner really, which is hardly surprising from what I know of her previous position. Truthfully, her position isn't really in my hands though, as I have no need of another mage, even of her talents, however I've agreed to help her approach potential interested parties in Halva. Even being a wizard, I wouldn't be surprised if the Dragonblaze end up sponsoring her, especially after they lost several of their more prestigious professors to the madness unleashed upon them by Versiejir."

 

Zilira smiles, dipping her head slightly in return at Brood. "I have to admit, I do prefer how you Children name yourselves and your peers, rather than having parents do so. Much more characterful and I imagine that you're less likely to simply be named after someone else."

She raises an eyebrow at Silverforge's interjection before glancing towards Morgan and embracing him with one arm. "Well, I thought it'd be nice to officially introduce my estranged family to my lovely new fiancée."

The wizard in question rolled his eyes. "Oh, so I'm just a piece of arm candy for you to show off to your family then?" He teased.

Zilira grins back. "Hardly, you're much more of a boy-toy."

The mysterious woman remains rather impassive even when addressed directly again. She glances towards Kala, who makes another of those strange gestures which this time at least appears to include some sort of gesture pointing at Silverforge. Begrudgingly, the woman eventually speaks up. "Malhas isn't a gentlemen and I'm no lady." She cocks her head to the side, as if assessing him, before continuing. "Know that if you prove a threat to Kala then I'll kill you, Child or not."

Morgan just about avoids spurting out his drink at the rather blunt statement while Kala looks somewhat embarrassed and Zilira lets out a laugh. "Oh, don't mind her, she's just grumpy because she's only just gotten her head back on her body recently."
[DM's Note - Revival magic in Aheka is rarer than normal, as only certainly Deities/their worshippers have access to it and it isn't always reliable. Generally speaking, short time revival is fine, but reviving someone who's been dead longer than a day or so in particular is difficult (granted, Kala is a demi-goddess that is known to be able to do so and even revived some Children during the recent troubles).]

~MTWC

[Alphaeus]

Silverforge Zilira's response to his query make him laugh. For someone of her great influence and respect, she was surprisingly down to earth. He liked that. Their banter was easy and comfortable, helping to set a good mood for the conversation. Until, of course, the strange woman revamps the tension. He cast a glance to Kala and Zilira as the explanation is given, then shifts his gaze to meet her own. There's a light in his eyes, the product of two hundred years of hearing and meeting threats from people of all kinds. Not the defiance of stalwart paladins, nor the wariness of a rogue, but rather a look somewhere between pleasure and inquisitiveness. As if the threat of death was a complement, and he was merely checking to see if it was genuine. "Gentleman and lady are relative terms, but use them as you wish. I appreciate the honesty. It's a complement I've been receiving for centuries. All who gave it either found me to be an ally, or found themselves deceased." With a wave of his hand and a smile he shifts away from being too serious. "Of course, we all know that no place is safe, and those most capable of good are also most threatened, generally. Don't be too surprised, Monsieur Wainwraith, for there are likely more fancifully lacquered killers here than you're likely to see in one spot ever again. Killing, in my opinion, is usually a complement. Aside from the acts of the deranged and depraved, think about it. If you are killed, someone thought you enough of a threat to be worth killing. It's a testament to importance and impact...though perhaps not to your combat skills. If you are the killer, you are driven to the act by your placement of value -- someone or something is of enough importance to you that you will extinguish an effervescent candle of life for the sake of that something's benefit. Either way, value and importance are being demonstrated in the act." He speaks to Brood once more, telepathically."Well then...that level of honesty at least allays my suspicions of this woman being a threat. Malhas himself, of course, is not free of them...most people aren't. Still, this choleric woman could still be the focus of my search, for the option remains that the mysterious stranger is an ally that we merely do not know."

[Makenshi]

Zilira and Morgan both smile when he says what has generally happened to people who make such threats, almost as if they were sharing a joke. This time, it is Morgan who replies first. "Well, that sounds very philosophical and all, but as someone who people have tried to kill - and far more often than I'd care to admit for that matter - I'd rather not have people chasing me with pointy objects or slashing my throat in my sleep if its all the same. That's what abjurations, friends and Demi-Goddess lovers are for." Zilira lets out a laugh at that, obviously not taking offence.

"Anyway," he extends his hand, "I wouldn't be too concerned about Eve here, she's just rather protective of Kala even though Kala now has phenomenal cosmic power flowing from her pores." He glances to Zilira, raising an eyebrow and smiling. "That's how it works right? You guys just sweat it all out?"

Zilira snorts, smiling fondly at the mage. "Close enough."

~MTWC

[Acathala]

"Dragonblaze?" Nallaul queried. "And the other people who's name sounds like a sneeze?"

[Makenshi]

"Versiejir? He's an ally or minion of Zera, we're not entirely sure which yet, but before that he fled Halvanna after it was discovered that he had been killing and experimenting upon women whom he seduced. From what I've heard of the Drow below, he's basically our version of...ah...what was his name...oh, yes, Adin'ree the Thrice-Damned, of House Tor'viir, I believe. Versiejir preferred necromancy over grafts though."

Vulcar's face and tone remain remarkably impassive while discussing the matter. "He has a grudge against the Dragonblaze family because he felt that they betrayed him, being that he was a blood relative of theirs, and he recently unleashed some sort of magical contagion that made many Dragonblaze go insane, resulting in a great many fatalities. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts we've been unable to cure those affected by the madness and none of those who died have been able to be revived and we suspect that Versiejir is also somehow responsible for the latter as well, although quite how is another matter."

~MTWC

[Alphaeus]

Silverforge Silver shifted his bauble to his off-hand, and shook with Morgan. "If the drinks I asked for were here, I'd toast to that." To himself, he records the name of the woman in his head. Eve...someone resurrected by Kala or the like, yet apparently completely mundane. Protective of Kala, too, and loosely tied to Malhas. Coarse personality, but could also just be an act. Definitely the odd one out here.. He mentally searched for Didina, casting his eyes about in a casual glance as if looking for the drinks...she would probably know more about Eve, if anyone did.

[Makenshi]

[Alphaeus]

Silverforge Upon finding Didina telepathically, Silverforge smiled to Morgan. "I have to say, I've heard a good deal about you. I'm rather interested in your magical skills...what I have heard is that you are a bit...unusual. As someone at least a little versed in magic, hearing things like that tends to pique one's curiosity." He meanwhile addressed her. "Didina, dear. I have someone a bit interesting on my hands and, being who I am, don't have the kind of contact knowledge you do. Her name is Eve, and she has no auras. As in, literally none. No items visible either, dressed rather mundane. She arrived with Malhas, however -- but made a point of saying 'Malhas is no gentleman, and I'm no lady.' She also said she'd kill me if I threatened Kala...with whom she has been exchanging some kind of sing language. Lastly, the Mother of the Sword mentioned that this Eve had just recently had her head put back on her body...and I take it she meant that literally. Do you have any info on this woman?"

[Blue]

Following that exchange, Mrith smirked behind the glass before finishing it, obviously greatly pleased with the outcome.
"It appears that I've just found myself a new best friend!"

She wondered if now was a good time to meet up with Morgan but there was still Anorde that looked like he needed some cheering up.
Time was passing by and getting back to work, so to speak, was probably worth considering. Seeing the company around the mage, she figured it would do good to get up to date first with what was going on.
"Looks like archmage has returned with quite the entourage. And many stories in tow, I'm sure! What say you we set course and check on them? I do believe I know most of them and they are quite the personalities, I assure you. I've some news of my own worth sharing with him. The end of the world kind of news. Always good to put things in perspective."


Would he accept she would extend her hand so that she may hook it around his around as they'd make way to join the group.
Upon sufficiently close, she'd make her greetings loud enough to catch attention and disrupt conversation so that she may properly infiltrate whatever was going on.
"Morgan! A joy to see you again still whole and healthy!"
She'd make a short curtsy to his lover; "Zilira! she feigned a grimace of outrage and tried not to laugh You're killing me with that dress! I'd turn green if I wasn't already. Happy to meet again!"
Applying etiquette, she'd acknowledge the rest of the ladies first. "Kala... her expression growing more relaxed, her smile short, she licked her lips as if there were things she wanted to say but wasn't sure if she should I'm glad to see you."
Looking then at the other woman, her eyes lingered on her neck for a moment, then looked back at Kala for an instant before returning her attention to her. "You would be Eve, if I am not mistaken?" She'd read the reactions of those already present for confirmation, but she was already pretty certain of herself. She decided to avoid the whole head and body thing as it didn't really feel like polite conversation. "I am Mrith Jenn'la of the Rudaa, an emerald humanborn dragon of Quall and most relieved to finally meet you. We are very fortunate to have you with us, I wish the circumstances that made it possible had been better. I imagine I've but a fleeting idea of all that it has cost you."
Her head tilted so that she could face Brood and Silverforge.
"Brood First-Born Tal'gos, Tavrin, fancy meeting you both here!" Reflecting back on her previous encounter with them, she then added; "Although I am not surprised to see you both here with Morgan."
She'd purse her lips to comment at Morgan with a sidelong glance. "Very popular. Oh! Hello, Mortimer."
With a small tug of the arm, she'd introduce her escort.
"Here's Adam! One of the finest Sei around. You'll all be glad to make his acquaintance, I'm sure."
She'd look up at him with a wry smile. "You're amazing. Amaze them!"

[Makenshi]

Morgan sighed. "You say unusual, I say 'strangeness magnet'. To put it into perspective, getting engaged to a Demi-Goddess probably doesn't even make the top five weird things that have happened to me in the past few months." Zilira gives the mage a disapproving look, leading him to hurriedly add, "I said weird things mind, not goo-er, amazing things, Zilira'd definitely be top of that list."

She chuckles at his hurried correction before giving him a peck on the cheek. "I'm only teasing."

It was then that Mrith and Adam arrived, or at least chose to intercede. "Morgan! A joy to see you again still whose and healthy!" Mrith called out.

Morgan poked and prodded at his face for a moment. "Yep, still whole and healthy, at least for now. Good to see you enjoying yourself Mrith."

Next, the dragon turned her attention to the Drow Goddess. "Zilira! You're killing me with that dress! I'd turn green if I wasn't already. Happy to meet again!"

Smiling at the flattery, Zilira nonetheless raised a curious eyebrow. "Well, I can always have my spiders make you something nice, if you like?"

Kala smiles politely at Mrith's greeting to her, signing back to her with the grumpy cat translating. "She says 'Thank you, it's good to see you too.'" He then looks towards Morgan. "Boss, if you're here then why do I still need to hang around translating when I could be napping?"

Morgan, who was presumably the actual owner/wizard of the cat, rather than Malhas as Silverforge had assumed, rolled his eyes. "Don't be so lazy. I won't always be around Kala and besides, I'm sure you'll get some nice food out of it. I'm pretty sure I saw some fish on the way in."

The cat eyed Morgan for a moment before letting out a defeated sigh. "Fine, but if I don't get some amazing grub then I'm sh!tting in both your shoes this time." If Morgan was worried by this threat then he hid it well.

When Mrith spoke with Eve this time, at least, she managed to get a slight nod in response, or perhaps she was just nodding to confirm her identity. Whatever the reason, she obviously wasn't in a very talkative mood.

If anything, Mortimer looks annoyed at being left to last, although he doesn't say anything about it, instead curling up on the ground by Kala's feat and giving Mrith the eye as if willing her to do something.

Zilira turned to Morgan after all the introductions were made. "Well, it seems you have plenty of women around to protect you, and I'm sure I saw Didina and Misa nearby too, so I'm afraid you're going to have to survive without me for a little while as I have she is presumably referring to Ismael and Miya, Cypher's twins and as a result Zilira's great grand childrena pair of toddlers to meet. Enjoy your politicking." As Zilira walked away the strands of silk on her dress each writhed and twisted in a manner that seemed like it should reveal her nude body yet without showing any more skin than her admittedly revealing dress did before they settled into a much more practical and modest (albeit still form-fitting) suit of very flexible and light armour. Presumably she wanted to first meet the twins in something a little more conservative.

Morgan smiled ruefully as she retreated, his eyes rather obviously admiring her retreating form as he muttered, "Show off," although it lacked any real bite to it and for a moment at least he appeared to be distracted. Eventually he did look towards Silverforge again, almost as if he was assessing him, before relaxing again.

~MTWC

[Acathala]

"I would guess minion from the little I have been told of Zera. I doubt that he would tolerate working with someone of equal power for long. Either enslave or kill. Versiejir is likely a walzin. Walzin does not have a direct translatable in your language. It means an ally to be disposed of, an expendable asset. For what It's worth if anyone can undo what has been wrought unto the Dragonblaze, it is Xufaer."
As Zilira approaches, Nallaul smiles. "Ah. Goddess Zilira. It is good to see you again."

[Makenshi]

"Well, unless there's another incredibly powerful Demongate War artifact lying around somewhere he certainly isn't as powerful as Zera, of that we can reasonably sure of, we're just not sure of their exact relationship other than that Versiejir is working with him in some capacity. We're hoping to find out more from the seer that came with the Drow from the Underdark. Unfortunately we can't penetrate his mental defences and he's been very uncooperative thus far."

Zilira smiles in response to Nallaul's greeting. "And you too." He eyes glance over to the twins before returning to Nallaul. "As skilled as your former lover is, I doubt she'll be able to succeed where Kala and many others have failed. The madness is some sort of supernatural plague that targets the very thing the Dragonblaze are so prideful of: their magic. The stronger someone's magic, the stronger the effect of the madness has been. Before you get worried though, it only targets those with dragon blood, so you and your fellow Drow are safe from it."

~MTWC