1664/New Blood: The Bloodstone

New Blood: The Bloodstone
Date of Scene:	25 February 2015
Location:	Terra Majora
Synopsis:	Nathan meets with Elliana's mentor, Ethan Bloodstone.
Cast of Characters:	92, 168
Tinyplot:	New Blood

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Elliana Fairchild (92) has posed:
    Ethan Bloodstone has some connections, still. Yet meeting him is again done in a small, somewhat modest place. It is in a small town, in an inn and tavern combination like what is so common. It isn't a shady place, it's just rustic and nice... and also offers a private room for discussion, which is why Ethan arranged for this when Nathan contacted him.

    The man is waiting already, when Nathan arrives. He is actually studying a collection of papers, leafing through them. They look like printouts, rather than something locally made.

Nathan Hall (168) has posed:
    "Salutations, Ethan." Nathan says. First name basis for him is really easy to get, it seems. "You have my gratitude for agreeing to meet today." The librarian is able to respect a more spartan style of meeting, it's not like he insists on any elaborate shows even with his connections and salary as General. He'll take a seat as soon as it's polite to do so, and he'll take a very professional sort of hand-clasping work discussion stance. As ever, his tone remains firmly monotone and his face remains firmly devoid of emotion.

    "As the mentor of Lady Fairchild, you are in a position of extreme qualification on the matter of Binding and Shajem, even if you may lack the scale of raw talent and power she possesses. As one of the few who firmly believe it to be a pressing matter, you are also one of the few with motive to help us. I am requesting your assistance, Ethan. My allies and I have intelligence regarding the locations of multiple Shajem, but for obvious reasons our own Binder is less directly accessible."

    Right to business, not one second wasted, though not impolite about this. No sense waiting around, when he can open with a more no-nonsense approach.

Elliana Fairchild (92) has posed:
    "Mn... I apologize again for the trouble she has caused," Ethan says, setting the papers down. "I've been... gathering what information I could on her, myself. A lot of hearsay though. Even in this Multiverse." He sighs, sitting back in his chair and rubbing his temples.

    "It's true, I don't have the power she does," he finally says. "I have support, though. Multiple Binders. In raw talent, she's better than all of us combined, but in experience... she barely had 2 years to study here. Even assuming she continued in secret, she doesn't have the background and techniques that me or my supporters have. I'm not sure if we can pull off a Binding, exactly, but our chances are better than you might think." He looks up. "Locations, huh?"

Nathan Hall (168) has posed:
    "You are not at fault for the trouble she has caused." Nathan says, with no comfort on his face but plenty on the words. "You may have had involvement in the formation of certain ethics she acted upon, but her execution of those ethics was her own." He rubs his forehead for one moment. "For the sake of some of my allies, I will try to restrain myself from gushing the facts of the matter regarding her situation. They would be skewed so heavily that it would not serve your understanding of things well."

    "Regardless, there is your faction of the Binders to consider, yes. I had... Been hopeful that I might have your more direct assistance in that regard. But I was hesitant to ask for it. The situation is dangerous, much more politically than would be ideal." He leans forward and looks much more intent now. "If you can offer your Binders to assist us, that would be tremendously helpful. We have located several Shajem, and their Bindings require refreshing. However, I will make no demands that you do so, or think less of you for not doing so. And... If my ideal plans come to fruition or hold any viability, it is possible that you may yet utilize a much larger power source anyway. Even if I can only have your support in assisting me with the design of one particular specialist Binding."

Elliana Fairchild (92) has posed:
    Ethan nods, then lets out a heavy sigh. "Right. Time to focus. If you can really get us access to some of the unknown Shajem, that would be enough for me to lend you Binders. I may even be able to get some of old Windson's more experienced Binders on our side. It's not much, but every little bit helps." He considers Nathan, rubbing his chin. "But if you want something odd, I'm the best you'll get. Most of the Binders are pretty conservative. Where are these locations you're talking about? I may be able to use my own influence - such as it is - to get you access."

Nathan Hall (168) has posed:
    "Right, the central business first." Nathan isn't sure if he wants to tip his hand here, entirely. The priesthood is still aligned with the Windward Empire. He decides to play things extremely safely, where he can, and focus on just one location. Best they leave Lastfall and the farmlands -- their most easily accessed locations -- for later.

    "We are still gathering data." Nathan says. "We have two other locations that require further investigation, but the third has been narrowed to one location. We intend to visit Eveningstar. There is a Shajem benath the city, alongside possible valuable information concerning associated threats." Threats to the Empire? To people in general? Nathan is actually only saying as much as he knows here. "Having your Binders to assist us would be extremely valuable, considering we are not able to secure a Binding method that has particularly substantial certainty to it. If we can each do our part here, I would be extremely appreciative of the opportunity to work together in addressing further Shajem issues." He's got more to ask for, but only if Ethan can reasonably agree to this. "Your connections would be appreciated, but I do not want to strain your position. Only assist as much as you are comfortable with providing the help."

Elliana Fairchild (92) has posed:
    Something in that causes Ethan to frown. "I wouldn't worry about my reputation. At this point, any success against the Shajem would be worth the risk. The church is attempting to suppress the idea that Fairchild has a Shajem inside her, but it is impossible to hide the Amethyne's presence. Faith is at an all time high, but this also means people are more willing to listen to me."

    He drums his fingers on the table. "Eveningstar is another matter. The Starshine kingdom is too insular, and the political fallout from going in there will be... considerable. We can do it, but if this goes poorly it could burn bridges." He smiles. "But it's /certain/ to go poorly if you try it without any Binders at all. I'm sure I can get a few, in addition to myself."

Nathan Hall (168) has posed:
    There's a relief. "Politics and diplomacy are things I have a measure of experience in. And I have a history with one of their knights that may allow us some measure of access with lesser restrictions. A Binder investigation will be easy to arrange; you need only exploit the fact that I have certain proof that one of the knights errant of the Starshine Kingdom was heavily Twisted." We can tip the hand just a little bit. Nathan still has evidence of Wightseer contacting him, and is politically in a position to make such a grand claim. Devious diplomacy, to be sure.

    "I know that, at minimum, I will need at least one Binder to execute the more optimistic plan I have. A specialist technique that I would like to consult with you, to determine its viability."

Elliana Fairchild (92) has posed:
    Ethan merely shakes his head. "I have doubts that the Starshine Kingdom will so easily acquiesce. Still, I don't really care how you get in, or how you get us in. At some point we need to make a move, and I've seen what your people can do." He must mean the Union. Ethan taps his fingers together, staring across the table. "I am curious how you found out about this, though. Where did you get this information?"

    It's a casual but important question. FOrtunately it MAY not be prodded too much, because his eyebrow lifts. "Specialist technique? I /am/ the one to talk to for exploration of new techniques."

Nathan Hall (168) has posed:
    Nathan's completely stoic expression becomes maybe mildly unsettled for just a moment, but one could blink and miss it. "Our source is an unusual one. The shortest and most simple explanation I could provide is that it is, in a sense, a piece of information acquired from Lady Fairchild by proxy, though she, herself, may not be quite aware of it."

    "As for the specialist technique, I find myself trying to find the missing piece of precisely the situation we find ourselves in." He makes a broad, plaintive open-palmed gesture. "A high level of skill, a high level of technique, a high level of training, but lacking the raw power. As you can see, there is one missing piece." He clasps his hands together now. "Now, I have only the perspective of an outsider, and you likely have far greater qualifications than myself on this matter, so perhaps the premise of the proposition itself may be flawed. This is, additionally, no doubt a risky proposition to make, which is why I only propose it as an option to be considered when I have a traditional, well-tested option to fall back upon if this would not suffice."

    He leans forward, clasped hands moving up in front of his chin, glasses gleaming for a moment. "Ethan. Binding power is derived from your Blooded nature, correct? And the Blooded nature, itself, is derived from Amethyne. And we might consider Lady Fairchild, herself, likely to adhere to the same chain of derived power. As a demonstration for how the influence of these great beings can directly become compatible with fueling a Binding. Is this, roughly, an appropriate understanding?"

Elliana Fairchild (92) has posed:
    He's listening. Bloodstone rubs his chin, and he doesn't pry about the source of information. Is he that desperate, that he doesn't want to dig too deep? But the rest... the rest he can answer, at least. He listens to the uncertainty and nods sagely, taking it in before considering how to answer.

    "I'm not sure I catch your meaning entirely, but I believe so. It's a little more complicated than that, but it's true that only a Blooded can become a Binder. Not every Blooded can, but not every potential Binder develops their powers that way. Fairchild had a particular talent for it, which is highly unusual."

Nathan Hall (168) has posed:
    "The Shajem and the Amethyne are a direct powersource for the Binding process. Not universally compatible in all their elements, but an entire, whole instance of this great entity would suffice as a means of powering a Binding. In fact, such a being should have a vast surplus of such power, capable of sustaining a Binding indefinitely if it were so inclined, not merely continuing the cycle. Outright concluding it permanently." Nathan says, He doesn't move an inch as he talks, at least not visibly, with his mouth and eyes hidden.

    "I propose that a Binding upon a Shajem could be executed such that this cycle of failure itself might be averted, in perpetuity, by way of having the Shajem itself fuel the Binding. For obvious reasons, no Shajem that behaves as one might expect they would would willingly supply this power to bind themselves, but does your expertise indicate that this is theoretically possible?"

Elliana Fairchild (92) has posed:
    That series of logic and questions gives Ethan pause. He considers it deeply, then shakes his head. "Theoretically, maybe. The problem is the connection. To force a binding like that, someone would have to be... er..." He coughs into his fist. "I did some research into what Fairchild did. I have a vague idea. Someone would have to bind themselves permanently to the Shajem, and then do a Binding on the Shajem. It would be suicide. I'm sure we have Binders willing to make that sacrifice, but then the problem of skill and power to force it..."

Nathan Hall (168) has posed:
    "Theoretically, it would require suicidal sacrifice. However, I need to know if that may depend upon one specific key element of the scenario. The unwillingness of the Shajem itself." Nathan says, with the tone of someone intending to continue further. "If the Shajem itself had the intent to sustain the binding, would the requirements be the same? In terms of power, and in terms of..." He gestures, making a worried noise. "Loss."

Elliana Fairchild (92) has posed:
    Ethan's eyes narrow. "You're... saying get the Shajem to sustain the binding willingly? If that could happen, then yes, it could be done. It's not really possible, though. The common man may think they could do so, but I'm a Binder, and I know they don't really think or communicate like we do. To roam free is in their very nature, a self-Binding would be impossible for one to attempt." He pauses. "Theoretically possible, without a sacrifice, but there's still a lot we don't know about them. So even now, I can't say if it would work. I'm more curious where you're going with this."

Nathan Hall (168) has posed:
    "That is the thing, though. Your objective is not to keep them from roaming free. It is to keep them from harming humanity and the world." Nathan says, unclasping one hand to gesture with it. "The two are not mutually exclusive. I know they do not communicate, or think like us. That is, in fact, the premise of how I have considered this. Think of a thunderstorm. One does not attempt to contain the clouds. A sorcerer may try, but it is no long-term solution. Lightning will take the path of least resistance, the waters of a flood will flow down..." He goes back to clasping those hands. "Their core nature, their drive and their conceptual purpose, is animalistic and simple in a way. But I regard it the way one might regard a hurricane, or an earthquake, or any other natural disaster."

    "They are unstoppable. You can halt them for a time, as the Binders have done for ages, or you can weather their damage, as humanity did for long before. But, when you are faced with a thunderstorm, you can build a lightning rod. When faced with a flood, you can dig a trench. When a fire menaces a forest, you burn a ring to halt its advances. That is what I propose. A set of Bindings, provided by your Binders themselves. Bindings that would offer a means for the Shajem to go free, by passing through them and applying them to itself. I believe that if those bindings are dynamically configured on-site to match the terms of the concept of the Shajem itself, if the terms of the binding enable it to roam free and act upon its drive, but in a manner that does not do substantial harm to humanity, the world, or the Amethyne... Then the Shajem will, naturally, provide its own power towards its 'escape route'."

    "A storm lacks patience, forethought, planning. An animal will not wait for the power of their cage to wane. I believe that if a Shajem is given the opportunity to immediately leave its Bindings and roam, with some limits on how it may express its drive in certain contexts, but otherwise free, it may be possible to cause it to apply a self-sustaining high-power Binding to itself, so long as the correct... Diplomacy, and finesse, is put to use in determining the conditions of its Binding. I have experience in negotiating with natural disasters, and in communicating with the utterly animalistic, alien, and conceptual."

    "And if this is not successful, you and your Binders simply change tactics and apply the traditional approach that has always worked." He unclasps his hands and leans back now, palms down on the table. "Do you believe this may be viable?"

Elliana Fairchild (92) has posed:
    Sigh. "If you're asking me purely as a theory... then yes," Ethan admits. "You could /maybe/ do that. There's still a lot we don't know, but what you say is... I don't see why it /couldn't/ work. If the Binding were just right, and everything moved perfectly. It has two flaws, that's all."

    Ethan holds up a finger. "One: we'll have to know a lot about the Shajem to begin with. This won't be all that hard, if we have access to the right libraries. Most are covered by Binder training. But that assumes that they're the same as in the books."

    The other finger. "What do we do if someone decides it's a good idea to hijack the Binding for their own personal Shajem-pet?"

Nathan Hall (168) has posed:
    "This is why I require a dynamic setup." Nathan says, making a plaintive gesture with those hands now. "Something that can be reconfigured immediately. I am making this analogous to a Cold Negotiation, a diplomatic encounter between two parties that are completely unfamiliar with each other. One cannot have an inflexible stance, and they must be prepared to shift position immediately, and gather information as they go. The available records will be valuable insight, but the most important information that determines the appropriate stance will come from how the Shajem reacts to the proposed Bindings that are offered to it."

    The second flaw gets a twitch of one eyebrow, just slight. A lot of expression for someone like Nathan Hall. "We have had a great deal of demonstration that that risk is quite present in the traditional Binding method already. Of the two Bindings of Shajem I have seen, both have used the old ways, and both have resulted in a Shajem reduced to a servant for Lady Fairchild. It is a flaw in the process, yes, but I do not believe it is a flaw inherent to the proposed technique. Rather, it is a flaw inherent to the circumstances of the world. Speaking from a purely statistical viewpoint, that flaw is heavily reduced simply by removing Lady Fairchild from the Binding process."

Elliana Fairchild (92) has posed:
    Ethan sighs. "You are... mostly right," he squirms, nervously. "There are worse people than Fairchild out there, though. That girl at least WANTS to do good. I have to think that." He sounds pretty desperate to believe it, though. "I... taught her to take the long view, and she is. All those people she hurt, in the long run she helped our cause."

    From the way he's talking, he doesn't necessarily think teaching her this may have been the right idea.

    "I will see what we can do," he finally says. "But it will take time. If we could recruit Windson, it would be easier. Him or Fairchild, but I'm sure she's not an option and I don't know if she'd talk to me right now anyway. I haven't seen her since... a long time."

Nathan Hall (168) has posed:
    "True." Nathan says. He's not gonna get into a fight with a stranger about Elliana. "But, what I mean is," He gestures to Ethan. "You and your own group will be the ones who determine the toolset I have to work with. Unless your own group has the potential for betrayal, this is even more advantageous: Anyone who seeks to turn the Shajem into a tool will find it fleeing or fighting back, rather than immobile, helpless, and seeking any possibility for freedom. The risk is managed, measured, carefully calculated. It is meant to be a better option than the current one, but it is still an option. If someone attempt to subvert it, I trust you will ensure the traditional solution is employed in its stead."

    And then he considers Windson, putting a hand to his chin contemplatively. "I am much better at negotiating with humans, yes." He says, nodding firmly. "I believe... Hmmm. I believe I have a potential diplomatic vector to employ, to recruit him. I will attempt to do so, if time permits. Let us hope it does." He nods, albeit mildly uncertainly. "In any case. Thank you, Ethan. If this is successful, your help here will be incredibly valuable. And if we have to fall back to the old option, your help will still be critical, and you have my gratitude either way." He pauses, for some time. "I believe that if this is successful, she will wish to talk to you. Ideally, I may make an arrangement for such a meeting, if that is what you wish, when it is time."

    Nathan stands, offering a handshake of mutual respect and deal-sealing, likely to leave soon unless there are more matters that need to be discussed.

Elliana Fairchild (92) has posed:
    The arguments are pretty seductive. Ethan nods his head, slowly. "If we can get it to work at all," he points out. "I'll try to see what sort of powers that will need. We may be thinking with a different paradigm here. Our Bindings aren't really meant to work quite like that."

    He hesitates, something making his face grimace, then he steps forward to shake the hand. "It was a pleasure talking with you. And I'll do everything I can to get some recruits to Starshine as soon as I can. I uh..." He frowns. "I'd like to talk to her again. I like to think she was /happy/ here, and I wonder where I went wrong."

Nathan Hall (168) has posed:
    Nathan nods. "I will explore whatever information is necessary. I have considerable sorcerous expertise myself. If you will permit me, I would like to work closely with you and your allies in this development process. Please keep in contact. Even if it does turn out to not work... I would rather we try, at least. Little can be lost by trying."

    "It was a pleasure speaking to you as well. Thank you for your assistance." He pauses for some time, but leaves matters of Elliana herself left unspoken. "I will owe you a great deal for your help. If I can assist you, I certainly will." He decides to say, leaving the exact use or correlation to the Elliana matter unspoken. Hmmm. Unless he's stopped, he's probably heading back out the door now, with his usual slow, shuffled, deliberate steps.