[Game Thread] Chapter Seven: Bloodlines

[Blue]

His first point left her a little confused. She had never insinuated that it was impossible to accomplish. Just extremely difficult.

Originally Posted by Silverforge

"As to the risks...well, we can only speculate, so I cannot presume to have any answer, especially since I am the one learning this in the first place. That said, I have learned two things. First, I was raised upon a single premise: 'Sorrows exist only to teach us joy. Pain exists only to teach us pleasure. Chains to teach us freedom. Trials are our tutors. Obstacles are our opportunities. There is nothing bad in life -- only good that we have yet to understand.' It's done more for me than most are likely to realize, and suggest that, indeed, with enough time and planning such a risk could eventually be worth the gain."

That comment deepened her frown as she tried to wrap her head around the idea. Then grinned.
"Ignoring for now that you welcome pain for the 'boons' it grants, and we can certainly make you some arrangements to broaden your experiences in the matter... what, pray tell, do you imagine is the worthwhile notion that we are to learn from all being turned into world ending Asura, our souls and worlds annihilated, besides satisfying your curiosity? What good that we have yet to understand?"

"The second point I learned while an officer in The Forge. Gambling was extremely popular, and I learned the hard way how to ensure my pockets were the ones that ended up full instead of empty. Sometimes taking a massive risk is less about the direct gains and more about the secondary ones, if you are playing your hand right. If you bombast an opponent successfully with hardline high-stakes, or pull a stunning bluff, you leave them uncertain of even their best hands...and thereby a weaker opponent than they would be if you won a hundred hands normally."

She'd cough up smoke.
"Hrmm. Hrm. That philosophy only works within the ground of situations, or 'games', of which you understand the rules, the stakes and of can measure your opponent. Against certain opponents, sometimes the best strategy is simply not to play. You speak of taking risks, and I agree that it may be worthwhile, but as our soldiers here may well attest, strategy and discipline allows an army to win over a larger one. The risk is just one part of the strategy. We can certainly consider attempting to contact the Nine Realms... but not blindfolded. Perhaps you have intentions to be smart and overly careful about this but I think you should know that your eagerness and excuses justifying your desire to make attempts, perhaps even on your own if needs be, make you look reckless. You give me the feeling of a maverick that can compromises everyone on a whim, but I doubt that it is so. You'll understand I am being upfront about this to make it easier to understanding each other. So that we may work together better, yes? First we must best Zera. If we cannot get rid of him, we have little hope of victory over something like the Asura."
She glanced at Adam, then.
"And I for one do not believe that we are as ready as we are going to be. Aheka is still very divided. And from what I understand the Asura are very powerful and very united."

[dalarangreen]

The present conversation was a little outside of the scope of Brood's knowledge for her to follow entirely. So instead, Brood paid more attention to the body cues of those present...

Despite her familiarity with Silverforge, Brood found herself more quick to agree with Mrith's opinion on risks. While Brood trusted Silverforge implicitly, it was certainly true that the child had his secrets. No more than one would suspect from a Face in the Dark, but still Brood felt a tad uneasy when it came to the layers of secrets involved. It was the same with Faces as well.

Brood toyed with the coin that Faces had given her in her pocket, reflecting on the conversation. Did Faces know about the Asura? Is that a part of the secrecy he and the other Unknown Gods had to keep? And this threat that Mrith was sharing with them rung some bell of familiarity. It reminded her of the legend of the First and Last Wars. Brood had always supposed that such a war would be with the Fiends that she and the other children had been struggling against for centuries. But could the legend refer to these Asura instead? Was the First and Last Wars truly going to be an event which occurred in her lifetime?

"As long as there are oppressors who continue to wrest the basic freedoms of living souls, we Children will stand united against them," Brood spoke abruptly, a ferociousness in her voice that was slightly out of place in the present conversation, "Whether Aheka flies a common banner or not."

[Alphaeus]

Silverforge The coiffured man let out a bit of a laugh as he listened to the various comments. "Haha...well, were we to be turned into them that would be defeat. My point is that we should consider if it is possible to garner additional firsthand knowledge, not that we should actually seek to get this. It could well turn out, like you have suggested, such would be beyond rational risk. With due study, time might eventually reveal what we did not once know, and that this course of action is the key we need." A moment's break and a playful smile. "I appreciate the consideration of our...working relationship, and yes...it is my job to be a maverick, but one who serves specific purposes, not a rabble-rouser. Experience has taught me that restraint is the better part of valor quite often. I have no need to pursue this myself as far as I can see, since my expertise is better employed with more pressing issues." At Brood's comment, his smile broadened a bit. "The fighting spirit is always encouraging, and well met when possessed so genuinely."

[Acathala]

"I'll take my leave then. I would hate to distract from this family reunion. Always a pleasure Zilira, I suspect more mine than yours."

Nallaul actually goes in search of Sulion. He finds Airin first though, "You are actually working during a party? If anyone should be having a good time, it should be you mate. Come on, stop a while. Have a drink, get laid with a nice woman. Or man if your tastes swing that way,"
The Drow male genuinely wants Airin to stop and enjoy himself. Nallaul needs friends in this new surface world.

[Blue]

"As long as there are oppressors who continue to wrest the basic freedoms of living souls, we Children will stand united against them," Brood spoke abruptly, a ferociousness in her voice that was slightly out of place in the present conversation, "Whether Aheka flies a common banner or not."

She nodded at this approvingly.
"That may well be the most admirable trait of the Children; being united despite the numerous factions." she reflected.

Tavrin's concession felt a little awkward or perhaps a little clumsy but she let it be. She had purposefully given him a way out, after all.
"It would indeed be great to contact or even reach the Nine Realms if a favorable opportunity presents itself." She sighed. "Sorry I had to be the one to bring it up. It may give us perspective in understanding these unknown gods as I strongly suspect they are related to the matter. One of them hinted it to me, at least. If we mingle with them further, perhaps our line of questioning should flow into that topic. Ideally before their big reveal so that if questions are to be asked then we'll have a wide angle to think around.
A faint smile, then, as she looked up at Adam.
"As I said, a very sobering party indeed."

[Xian]

Adam Adam listened attentively to the discussions, some academic, some political, back and forth between the gathered. The first thing he noted that was that it was nothing that he was particular fluent or interested in frankly. So as such was his way in these situations, if he did not have anything substantive to say, Adam would not speak just to be heard and he would listen. Not just hear, but listen. While the subject matter was of no particular interest to him, Adam listened to what was said and more importantly how it was conveyed and by whom. The second thing that he noted was that Silverforge affirmed his assessment of him even more... and that the man/demon seemed very pleased with the sound of his own voice. Adam only beamed as Mirth countered his points and even put the smooth talking Silverforge on the defensive in the latest of exchanges. Adam knew he liked Mrith for good reason. Originally Posted by Mrith "And I for one do not believe that we are as ready as we are going to be. Aheka is still very divided. And from what I understand the Asura are very powerful and very united." "Dear Mrith, I was talking about the Sei, not all of Aheka... which I admit is a tall order." Adam said warmly with a bit of encouragement as the seriousness of the situation began to suffuse the atmosphere. "I have found that whenever war starts you are as ready as you are. The trick is to prepare and be ready prior to so that when it comes, you are as ready as you need to be. So from what you are saying we got some work to do... and time is of the essence." Originally Posted by Brood "As long as there are oppressors who continue to wrest the basic freedoms of living souls, we Children will stand united against them," Brood spoke abruptly, a ferociousness in her voice that was slightly out of place in the present conversation, "Whether Aheka flies a common banner or not." "Well-said, Brood." Adam said in support of the fierce statement by Brood and raised his glass in recognition. While it may have seemed out of place, it was a breath of fresh air to hear such a genuine and excellent proclamation. Adam knew without a doubt they type of soldier that Brood was ... she spoke like a true soldier and more importantly she was dedicated to an ideal and/or a cause rather than a political one. Adam could certainly empathize and admire such qualities. If this was indicative of the remainder of the Children, then it explained why he gotten along so well with them at the celebrations beforehand. "I will be proud to stand with you on such a day, on such a battlefield. Cheers!" Originally Posted by Mrith A faint smile, then, as she looked up at Adam. "As I said, a very sobering party indeed." "Well then, let's go do something about that... unless you have more business to attend to." Adam said as he poured her another glass of the wine and offered to take her and anyone else to the pockets of Children that he had partied with prior to her arrival. Perhaps in such a setting Mrith, like the Children themselves, could sublimate the burdens of the coming conflict and the associated uncertainties for a brief moment an enjoy the simple joy and fellowship of friends and comrades.

[Makenshi]

Airin doesn't look surprised at Nallaul's approach, despite his attention seemingly being focussed on maneuvering the various bits and pieces into place, holding them there and occasionally even hammering them into place. As with other psionicists, he did so with barely any movement, which would have been typical were it an arcanist performing the feat.

He doesn't even turn to look at Nallaul when he replies, although the Drow does notice a small smile tug at the corner of his mouth. "While I appreciate the concern, I find this more fulfilling." He glances up into the sky for a moment. "Besides, there's not much time now until the celebrations proper begin. They're just waiting on the Nallaul would recall that the Dread Wings were a Family of Children that included three dragons and many dragonkin, whom dived in to aid the Freeborn during the recent troubles. They had even spoken a little with one of the dragons, Nomeno Ir, granted, said dragon had mostly been interested in talking to Mrith, who had promised him a songDread Wings, and then we can begin too."

Back with everyone else, Morgan was giving Silverforge a somewhat wary, perhaps even calculating look, but it was actually Eve who spoke up in response, even if sounded somewhat distracted, as if she was only half paying attention, although her eyes glance over Silverforge fleetingly as she begins. "No matter your strength, intelligence or ingenuity, if you stand alone and apart then it will destroy you, as it has done countless others before and will do countless more in the lifetimes to come."

After looking more than a little surprised at Eve actually joining the conversation, Morgan's face turned to a smile. "Well, that's probably about what I was going to say, only with a lot more words thrown in."

Just as Mrith and Adam remarked on the party, a great cheer spread through the various pockets and crowds of Children. A quick glance around lead them to the sky, where three dragons could be seen flying towards the central bonfire. For the Freeborn who had been in the thick of fighting recently, as well as for most Children, the three were a familiar sight, along with the many riding on their backs, even if not all of the former knew exactly who they were. It appeared that the Dread Wings were arriving to the proceedings in some style, although it would strike the Freeborn as curious as why they were greeted with cheers exactly.

Just as when they were fighting, those riding on or alongside the three dragons dropped down to the ground first, employing wings of their own, magic or magic items to either fly or float down safely, while the ritually scarred dragons themselves flew directly down, transforming into their humanoid forms moments before touching down with a heavy 'thud'. It was oddly theatrical, especially to the Freeborn who hadn't ever really seen such behaviour from Children before.

Even before they landed, Children had already begun to move towards the central bonfire, first in trickles and then larger and larger groups, all of them chattering excitedly. Even those who had been working on buildings or inside tents began to emerge. More surprising still, even from a distance they could see that the bonfire itself appeared to be rising in the distance until they could eventually see that someone must have employed some sort of magic to create a little hill, almost like a raised platform or a stage, around which the Dread Wings were moving around.

Morgan blinks at the scene as the Children around them move in greater and greater numbers towards the bonfire. "Is this...is this some sort of concert?" He sounded somewhat incredulous at the idea, while Kala had already started to join the crowds, smiling, with Eve and Mortimer following the Goddess. Shaking his head, Morgan smiled to himself as well before striding to catch up, which was rather easy with how tall he was, especially compared to Kala and Eve.

Even Airin and the other Unknowns had stopped working and were making their own way over to the bonfire, with the blond this time looking to Nallaul as he spoke, gesturing for him to follow. "Come on, I think you'll enjoy this."

~MTWC

[Acathala]

"The last time someone said that to me, I woke up twelve hours later with a ballgag in my mouth and a sense of rare shame."
Nallaul said. He followed Airin though. The god was good company and the Drow was still slightly nervous that someone was going to have an adverse reaction to him being there. Plus Sulion would likely be there. That would be good. They could get to know each other. Have a drink, perhaps a dance although dancing is not really his forte. Hopefully a bit of naked entwining. Well a lot of naked entwining.

[dalarangreen]

"Did you not know that there was going to be a concert, Morgan?" Brood was somewhat surprised that the reknowned mage would be out of the loop. She still had unfinished business with Morgan, but given the Dreadwing's appearance, it was probably time for her to prepare herself.

"The Dreadwing's will be putting on performance, as will I."

She paused, considering her next words carefully, "Music is one of the few ways I am able to tap into the heart of matters. It doesn't always answer the questions one has, particularly my own. There are some matters for which consulting an expert is more appropriate. However, when it comes to expressing the hearts and minds of ourselves and those around us, to truly feel present, there is rarely a medium better than music."

Brood was not very good at making her hints subtle, but she hoped that locking eye-contact with Morgan would be enough. Perhaps she could tell Silverforge and have him follow up telepathically. That seemed like a rather useful talent to have. She almost sighed to herself: speaking out loud was hard enough!

"You seem rather dubious about the music. Perhaps after the show we can trade opinions, one expert to another."

[Alphaeus]

Silverforge As the Dread Wings arrived, he grinned. Over the decades he had worked with many of them, usually assisting with tactical matters and recon...anything that would benefit from an trained insider. He respected their courage and attitude, but also had long since learned that you could hardly ask for a better companion, in or out of combat. Music was always something that he had loved...perhaps he would one day pick it up. He had a good voice for singing, but had never taken an interest in doing much with it. Something else was always more pressing...just like now. He stayed close to Brood and Morgan for the time being, but gave most of his attention to making continual checks as usual, we can assume taking 10 since he's not pressuredsearching to see if anyone seemed out of the ordinary. With his current form his enhanced senses were making the job a bit easier, but damn if Faces was not a bit on the vague side.

[Blue]

"Well then, let's go do something about that... unless you have more business to attend to."

She shrugged nonchalantly.
"I suppose I could still pick a chat with Anorde. Maybe seek Arte out again, see if I can pull some more worms out of him now that I know more..."

When she then saw the Dread Wings' descent, she sighed dreamily admiring the theatrics, the style.
"...or you could drag me to that fashionable display. There is music anticipated, ready to burst out. We should make haste and behold!"

[Xian]

Adam Originally Posted by Blue "I suppose I could still pick a chat with Anorde. Maybe seek Arte out again, see if I can pull some more worms out of him now that I know more... or you could drag me to that fashionable display. There is music anticipated, ready to burst out. We should make haste and behold!" "Let's go with option 2... I don't think I want to see or even envision you pulling worms out of Arte. The guy has enough problems on his own..." Adam said with a full smile as he beckoned with a flourish with Mrith in hand as if to grandly escort her to the affair. Adam also like the style and the theatrics involved in the Dreadwing's entrance. You had to admire the pizzazz and perhaps it was something that this "party" needed to become a true to form celebration. "Come, dear lady, your concert awaits and it would be my honor, as your loyal and dedicated escort, to take you there for what looks to be a fantastic show and some much needed festivity."

[Makenshi]

Airin laughs at Nallaul's comment, looking the most relaxed that the Drow had ever seen him. "Well, while I doubt this night will end that way, I can't exactly promise anything."

Originally Posted by Brood

"Did you not know that there was going to be a concert, Morgan?"

"Well, I knew there was going to be music, yes, but I was sort of imagining sitting around a fire, not...well...a spectacle like this. It doesn't seem very Children-y. Honestly, I'm not really much of a music aficionado, but I'm also not some elitist who thinks that you need some kind of orchestra or choir singing about something in language I don't understand is somehow 'superior'." He glances towards Eve, who doesn't seem to be paying attention. "Uh, not that that's necessarily bad either. Just not my sort of thing."


As everyone gathered around the bonfire on the hill there was a series of cracks from several of the players striking what looked to be instruments made of various bones. Whatever it was, it was clearly some sort of signal to begin as the drummers struck up their beats in accompaniment. The three dragons were playing the largest and loudest drums, while spread around them were smaller (though still large) drums and an assortment of other instruments being played by dragonblooded Children. The undulating music soon had the crowd of Children cheering in celebration and the ground shaking from the drums.

OOC As far as the drumming goes, This (warning for some minor bad language later on, but it's more the beginning that gives you an idea of what it'll sound like anyway) should give you an idea. Just with more drumming instead of other instruments/sounds, and obviously without the lyrics.

It was obvious that the Dread Wings were experienced at this sort of thing, with any listeners blessed with an ear and an eye for music quickly picking up how the three dragons controlled the steadily growing tempo, which soon had groups of Children breaking out into swaying, jumping, hoping or even outright dancing in a few instances. It was certainly a far cry from the courtly dances of the Freeborn nobility, resembling more a spontanous outburst than a codified form of celebration. Even the music itself would occasionally shift and change, such as getting slower for a time or even changing the rhythm of the music itself, however they always eventually returned to some variation of the initial beats.

While Morgan and Kala both seemed to be enjoying the music, neither appeared to be willing to dance just yet, while Eve was, unsurprisingly, nonchalant about the entire thing still. In contrast, they saw Misa dragging a reluctant Didina into copying some of the exuberant dancing of some nearby children, which was a particularly strange sight considering their formal Freeborn dresses.

The majority of Unknowns were also happy to join in the celebrations, only further showing how at ease they seemed to be with the Children as a whole. The only notable exceptions were Airin, Airiel, Boss and Arte, and only the latter appeared disinterested in the music itself, while the others at least still looked to be enjoying it.

Most of the Freeborn guests, including the Archgates, seemed a bit surprised, but at the very least showed polite interest, while Mirik Orn was grinning from ear to ear. The most notably and unusual reaction was from Anorde, who wasn't paying any attention to the music and hadn't even moved towards the bonfire, instead staying where he was before with Celi.

~MTWC

[dalarangreen]

Brood was not much of a dancer, but even she couldn't resist the celebratory drums of the Dread Wings. Brood ran into her best friend Violet and they found an ideal spot to enjoy the show. It was almost enough to wipe away all of Brood's concerns and questions from earlier in the evening.

Almost...

Brood couldn't help but keep an eye from their vantage point on Morgan and Eve. It was hard to split her attention, and Brood went from being swept up in the festivities to vigilance in an alternating, almost schizophrenic pattern. It is possible that Violet noticed Brood's swaying mood, but if so, she hadn't said anything yet.

[Blue]

She tried to have fun, and she needed to take her mind out of things for a while, but it kept nagging at her and made her attempts feel hollow, somewhat. Things were not going so well and the upbeat unfortunately wasn't quite what she needed to tend to her soul.
It was all the more difficult for the empathic feelings she kept getting from Nevh, who was anything but in a mood for leisure.
After a moment she'd split off the mass of people to take care of something Nevh really wanted taken care of.
"Adam. Be right back to you. I've got to talk with someone real quick. Something feels off."

She'd then approach Anorde, sitting next to him. "Bad tidings?"