999/Of Funnel Cake and Monsters

Of Funnel Cake and Monsters
Date of Scene:	19 November 2014
Location:	Castlevania
Synopsis:	Disclaimer, no funnel cake was actually harmed in this scene.
Cast of Characters:	37, 522

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Serori (37) has posed:
Castlevania isn't exactly what you'd call a warm, friendly place, is it? Where it isn't dark and moody, it's ostentatious to an unnatural and cold degree, and if it's not that, then it's all fiery and monster-filled and creepy. Sometimes kinda...oozey. It's taken Serori a long time to get used to the place, but through long exposure and a good deal of exploration, she's come to consider it her second home. With her position in the Confederacy lending her sufficient authority to boss around even the likes of Lord Olrox, she has nothing to fear in these halls, not anymore.

Gaius Van Baelsar will have to decide for himself if there is anything here that he fears. From what she knows of his world and of Eikons, she doubts very much that he'll be at all shaken by whatever he encounters between the courtyard and the castle's cavernous depths.

Serori sits in a dank room carved from natural rock by the thousand-year passage of icy waterflows. Stalactites and stalagmites alike jut from the ceiling and floors like lumpy swords, and the footing is slick in places. The chamber is lit by a combination of phosphorescent fungal mounds and eerie mists, and also by the screen of some sort of tablet she's got in her lap. A weird creature sits beside her -- sort of like a long-legged and lanky hound with the head of a vicious eagle, all white fluff-and-feather and sharp claws and sharper eyes. Bony spurs sprout from the thing's body in various places. It's tearing into an ex-cow. Serori doesn't mind the gore.

In t-shirt and sweat pants and sneakers, it's clear she's treating this as a more casual affair, regardless of Gaius's expectations.

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
When Serori requested his presence, he wasn't sure what to expect. Though being invited to a place that reminded him of a ran down ruin that has been infested by monsters and possible 'voidsent', was not exactly what he was expecting, however--

-- Welcome to the Multiverse.

If anything he has learned while serving with and under the Confederacy, is that the Multiverse was a strange place and no common rule should ever apply, as anything was possible-- even what you think may /be/ impossible. Gaius happens to like those type of odds really.

The dark armored, red crimson clothed Legatus walks into the cavern, he moves through it as if it wasn't as dark has it could be. Perhaps because those void lens within his full helmet are more like a HUD and are able to adjust for light level, but the world may never know.

Though his boot almost does slip at one spot, which the magitek itself does a rapid adjustment for and something wasn't Gaius wasn't expecting. The sound itself may even be echoed in this dark, dreary place. Yet the sounds of his steps would come to the area where Serori sits with her carnivorous pet and soon the man himself as well.

"Ma'am." The Legatus says with simple ease, before giving her a bow of his head. "Curious location to have a meeting in." He shifts his view or so it seems to the critter. "Also a remarkable beast."

Serori (37) has posed:
Serori picks up her head at the first sound she detects of the man's approach. Sound carries pretty far in the cavern, and bounces around in confusing ways; it's actually another minute or so before he comes into view. And what a sight it is! The armor he favors is impressive, and he cuts an intimidating figure. He is suited to Castlevania's bizarre setting.

"Aah...Legatus. Thank you for indulging me. I often have to satisfy multiple responsibilities at once -- I'm sure you understand. Kabu required feeding, but my ties to the Confederacy can be just as demanding as his stomach." The bird-dog-demon thing is given an affectionate /whump/ of a slap to his lean side. Kabu's head swivels around, nictitating membrane going /blink/, but he gets back to his meal without any comment.

"Castlevania has become home to me. As Lord Dracula's General, I spent a great deal of time here in his company, and things evolved from there. I have a room here, and I keep my more valuable belongings here, too, rather than at the Citadel as I could. Welcome, anyway." She shrugs, puts her tablet aside on a rock, and stands up to dust dirt off her rear.

"You know why I asked you here. The Eikons. There was more you could not say at the War Council, and I want to hear you out. Stopping the unstoppable is something saiyans do very well, and I want to see if my talents can apply."

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
Gaius tilts his head ever so slightly to the side. "I do understand, yes ma'am. Given I have several responsibilities I need to balance within my own station." The Legatus stands there at ease, his hands finding their way to the small of his back as he speaks further. "And thank you, ma'am. It is a pleasure, and honor, to be here."

"Regarding the Eikons, there was more indeed. I focused on them as the primary threat, because they are the largest issue Hydaelyn faces for all parties. Not just of the Garlean Empire, but even for the Eorzean Alliance. However-- their belief on handling the problem is by means of peace with those whom summon them."

Gaius voice takes a mild grim sound to it. "Unaware that peaceful means will never solve the Eikon problem, but only delay the inevitable." He pauses there for a moment before he continues. "The only way we, the Garlean Empire, have been able to deal with the threat is by killing off any whom show to be a servant to an Eikon. This can lead to hundreds, if not thousands being killed off. Including innocents in the mix. It is brutal and though maybe effective, I do not see it as very efficient in the long term. Blood is spilled and people become angry. Civilians tend to not understand the very circumstances and jump quickly to blame the nearest point."

The Legatus shrugs his shoulders gently. "However, to the point of the matter. We not know how to defeat them, but we do know the Allagan Empire had means to control and imprison them. It also strong belief that the Allagans were also working on super soldier program to fight monsters.. with monsters." there was another pause then, "It is the reason, I do believe there is away to end this threat, but it is the matter of figuring out /how/ and I'm always a man to believe that if there is a will, there is away."

"Nox's machine could be one answer-- but I am not sure what impact that machine may have on the aetheric flow." Gaius says slightly more in thought now, "..but it is a thought I've had after the meeting.. any other means also could be brought to the floor and testing could be carried out."

Serori (37) has posed:
Serori considers the matter in frowning silence. The way her brow knits evokes not only deep concentration, but also worry and irritation, like the entire matter is as much a hassle as it is a concern. And perhaps it is, in some ways. The Eikons represent yet another obstacle to Multiversal domination, after all, and risking innocent lives never goes over well. The Confederacy's reputation becomes damaged, the Union gets all self-righteous...these are things she'd prefer not to have to factor into any response plan, but inevitably must think about.

"Tell me more about the Allagan Empire. Do you know their methods for control and imprisonment? A super-soldier program sounds almost scientific, but it might be magical, too. How did you come by this information? Is the Allagan Empire still in existence?"

Lots of questions all at once, all spoken in the same tone of tense curiosity and energy. The end of Serori's tail -- draping behind her to mid-calf -- gives a twitch in response to her mood. The look in her eyes could match Kabu's for eagle-like severity.

/This/ is a Serori who is more than just an organizer of meetings; Gaius may be reminded that she's a cunning warrior, too.

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
Gaius knows that look-- both of them, for he tends to carry them much himself. "I can assure you," perhaps picking up the frowning at some of his words, "I do not care for the measure of destruction that has to be wrought in order to handle the Eikons. It is why I brought it forward as well and why I stand here now before you."

Gaius inhales deeply, "But.. such talk is for later... to your questions though..."

The Legatus moves onto those questions, pushing away the fact of his own anger at how so many were tricked by Nael and how he could actually do /nothing/ beyond the little things he had done. If only some of the Eorzeans themselves realized that in all truth-- Gaius was not the enemy they flagged him to be.

"The Allagan Empire no longer exists. What we have in our possession are record from their time period. They were an ancient civilization that mastered technological wonders, including even that of space flight." Gaius lowers his hands to his side as he now speaks. "The Garlean Empire's own technology has been backward engineered from theirs and a great deal we have yet to unmask and many of the writings we have yet to decipher."

The Legatus shifts his weight a bit as he continues to talk, seeming to keep his eyes locked on Serori's. "Perhaps if not for the death of Legatus Nael Van Darnus, we would have had perhaps even far more answers to dealing with this threat, given it was his house whom aided our Emperor to gain the power he now holds and were the one house who had a better grasp on the words."

"Yet it is possible, it is this same knowledge that also lead the end to Van Darnus as well.. and maybe it is what caused the earthquake that had brought the Allagan's to their own timely destruction."

Serori (37) has posed:
"I see..."

Another pause precedes a sudden, decisive nod. "You will need to order your men to gather all available knowledge and materials, and submit these for Confederate review and research. I suggest inviting Lance Benson, Tesla Armadia, and Taro to dig into the material, as these three are quite good at medical and technological sciences. Together, they may be able to pry more secrets from what the Allagans have left you. I assume you haven't started collating the research already -- if you have, please pardon my misunderstanding."

Serori continues, "Are any remains left of the Allagan Empire which would require...excavation, or exploration? Are you aware of any information sources, relics, or other such things which might provide valuable insights not already discovered? We have others capable of performing these tasks, and have the resources to fund and staff long-term excavation projects. What of Van Darnus -- does anything else remain of that house? Any survivors to be interviewed -- anyone who worked for, or alongside them?"

She speaks like a hunter prowling through the forest, sniffing out any potential prey. The way she moves through restless pacing only heightens the evoked imagery. "We will also need data from what Eikons have been encountered in present-day, and perhaps capture a few of their followers for more intense psychic investigation so that we can learn more about how they are bent to the will of the Eikons. Perhaps a method for counteracting or protecting against the effects could be found."

She stops all at once, and pushes her hand through her hair, giving it a quick shake. "Aah, you've probably thought of all these things before."

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
Gaius listens to it all, there is a very amused smirk behind the helm as Serori goes through things and the orders are laid out. This-- is the results he likes to hear. Oh yes indeed. Though that smirk quickly fades away and hidden away by his voice as he goes back from a boy who is grinning at a possible new 'toy' back to professional soldier. "The records we have are from House Darnus.. as for any alive, nay. Nael van Darnus killed them all, though at the time declaring that it was an act that had to be done for the greater good and protection of his Radiance." There was suddenly that low rumble as he speaks the last part.

"There are also many Allagan ruins scattered in our own control, but also some within the Eorzean region. The Allagan Empire, like us, controlled most of Hydaelyn-- and I assure the shadowy steps do not fall short on my notice." Gaius admits with a bit of a pause in his voice. "As for giving over the records and the like, I fear it can not be done for that is out of my power. Though I represent the Empire, it is our Emperor whom must make that call."

The Legatus holds up his hand slightly, "That said," He then lowers his hand, "I will speak to his Radiance and see if permission can be given for them to come into the achieve holdings and research within Garlemald to look over the material and all things we have there. I believe this should a workable compromise."

"Even though I wish it not having to be made at all..."

The Legatus then crosses his arms over his chest as he continues, "As for those whom have been influenced by the Eikons. That will be easy to obtain and hand over. Nearly all Beast Men whom walk on Eorzean soil are tempered and any man foolish enough to be captured by them, find themselves in the same fate." then a pause in his voice, "..and regarding further details about Nael Van Darnus.. Legatus of the defunct Seventh Legion.." his voice sours almost, "..that is.. quiet the story to tell.. and not even the citizens know the truth behind the man for the Emperor did not want to spoil the reputation of the House.."

Serori (37) has posed:
There's a loud /snap/ as Kabu breaks into one of the ex-cow's hefty femur bones. His beak makes short work of it. Serori watches the creature work, her attention stolen by the noise, but she soon enough returns her full, black-eyed focus to Gaius, and picks up the conversation again. "You do not like him; that tells me enough about what 'the truth' must entail, but you may have to relate the full story sometime, especially if it at all influences our dealings with His Radiance. I don't want there to be any diplomatic incidents resulting from poor assumptions -- or from the Confederacy taking too much liberty."

The next words come after she pulls a sour expression and makes a few uncomfortable, thoughtful noises. "I do not...mean this to sound at all threatening, but if your Emperor does not cooperate in aiding the Confederacy's efforts to stop a potential Multiversal threat, we will put someone in his place who /will/. I -- eeh. I am not a diplomat, and I am not very considerate with my word choice. He is acceptable where he is, and we will abide by his demands, until such bureaucracy becomes an obstacle. I think you must understand this, too. We do not always have the luxury of abiding the leaders of our allied realms."

Huff.

"Forgive my lack of elegance. I am a fighter, not a poet." She offers up a quick, crooked smile to Gaius, and shrugs. "Saa. We will capture some of these 'tempered' Beast Men, and examine what is available from Odin's appearances. I will also seek to challenge Odin myself, if he can be sussed out. Nothing could be better than direct experience."

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
Gaius hand does tighten a little under Serori's more direct comment about the Emperor and what will be done. Natural instinct perhaps from the Legatus, given they are the swords and shields of the Emperor's might and will. "I do understand, ma'am. I've had the honor of learning the grace of both combat and diplomatic nature. For be it in truth, I am his Heir killer and the one that remains outside of his blood that hold the highest of honor in his favor-- and thus position for the throne. For our Emperor is no longer a young man and..."

Gaius hand tightens a bit more, his thumb running along his fingers in thought. The way his words come to a pause. Almost like a child speaking of their own father, or a man who has a great, great deal of respect for another. There was no easy way to explain any of this, yet honesty was required. This much was all to clear.

By diplomatic measures and as a duty as a Lieutenant within the ranks-- yet to balance that with being Legatus. It was all causing him to pause. For though the pause was not long, for him it felt as if it has taken forever to spit out the words, to speak in the calm tone of a man whom has the answers and knows what he is to do.

His hand comes to freeze in a tighten fist, before he at last reaches up and goes to remove his helm. Once the helm leaves his head, he starts to talk once more. "You seek the truth in the matters of the Garlean Empire and all that lies in her bosom of secrets." His helm tucks under his arm. "Knowledge that I have guarded upon the name of my reputation and honor to my beloved Empeor. Truths at which I understand, as I would want the same truth from my own men-- that you now seek from me as a Lieutenant of the Confederacy. For I will speak my open mind to you and no longer that of diplomatic reasoning..."

There was an amused smile on his face, but those gold eyes were very troubled, "For it has been a long time since I have been at the bottom of the pool." He then runs his hand through his messy hair thanks to the helm, the third eye for a moment being shown in that glimpse as he does. "Sworn to my Emperor by my title to protect all of Garlemald lay.. sworn as the Viceroy of Ala Mhigo who conquered her without a single drop of blood to stain her lands.. and now here I stand, having to choose between my duty to that of his Radiance and the duty to that I have taken as the man who acts also in behalf of the Confederacy."

He looks away and then looks at her. "The truth of it all, is the Emperor is a dieing man. His health is slowly failing him. The people of Garlemald do not know how to handle outsiders and do not realize the large, grander picture as I do. I can sway the Emperor to do as you ask, but that will take some time-- as he knows that within the ranks of the Confederacy is an Eorzean and I have to assure him that the Eorzean will /not/ have access to those records and most guarded of technologies."

Gaius then inhales deeply as he grinds his teeth for a moment in thought before he continues, "..and the truth of Nael-- is a dark story.. but I will share it.. and in sharing it... you will come to understand how we were all played and perhaps we are all still puppets in some ways with strings just waiting to be pulled."

Serori (37) has posed:
Removing his helm -- it's a small gesture, yet it feels significant in some way. Serori's head tips into a soft, curious angle, and she takes in his features, tousled hair, and third eye with her own eyes widened by open interest. Without his helm, he's become something less forbidding, and much more human. A stern strength can be found in his jaw, and his golden eyes reveal no weakness except the weaknesses inherent to all who seek to survive the trials of war with their hearts and souls intact. He cares for his Garlean Empire, she thinks; he cares for his men.

Serori's lips push together in a slight, thoughtful purse, but whatever comes from her thinking is difficult to read. Listening to him, her expression remains neutral and calm, and her dark gaze unfathomable.

Finally, she's given the chance to speak, her voice soft, and made softer yet by a rare kindness. "You are next in line. If the Emperor were to lose his throne, you would be obligated to take it yourself. The implications here are not lost on me, and I don't fault you for feeling torn. You're an ambitious man, but also a loyal one. If conflict erupts between the Confederacy and His Radiance, you would be in an even more tenuous place."

She smirks a bit. "I won't make the situation worse by trying to tempt you over to our side. Offering rank and authority doesn't matter to someone who's already sitting at the heights in his own world. If you earn your Captain status, it will be given, but it won't be put out there as /bait/." Might as well keep up the honest discourse, right? "Your people need to have absolute faith in you, for when the day comes that the Emperor /does/ die, you're going to be putting on a very heavy mantle. There's no sense making it worse by leaving your people to question where your loyalty /truly/ lies. The Garleans first, the Multiverse second."

Maybe those reassurances will take some of the trouble from his eyes; she holds his gaze for a moment as if looking for the retreat of whatever ghosts are haunting him.

"Tell me, then. If it's so important, tell me everything."

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
The third eye itself could remind one of a smooth, highly polished white stone. Being there is no pupil or iris. The gray hairs do give away his age a bit, but as Serori noted that day he took the Podium, for a man of his age still in war campaign, there had to be either luck or something else.

The Legatus then looks down at his helm as Serori speaks and gives the faintest of nods as he looks back at her with those gold eyes. "Thank you for understanding. It was I ask that you work with me, just for the moment. Let me ease things in and all doors will be opened. I /want/ the Confederacy and the Garlean Empire to fully shake hands, to be an equal force, but no great city was built in a day.. but.. you understand this as your words imply."

With that he lets out a heavy breath though his nostril, closing his eyes for a moment, before he looks at her once more. Those eyes showing that commander warrior look and a hidden ferocity, but also a great deal of anger as he goes to speak about the one who caused all this. "Nael Van Darnus," He starts out. "Was a man who was ever cunning and fierce as his title gave to him-- the White Raven. Just as my own title given to me by my loyalty and ferocity in battle-- the Black Wolf."

Gaius then goes to sit down on a rock as he speaks, resting the helm in his lap, looking upon its 'face' in thought, before he looks out toward the cave walls. Digging back really. "Nael's family, that of the house of Darnus are the-- was the-- closest of friends to that of the Empeor. The blood of the Allagan Empire ran through their veins and those secrets kept with them tightly. For you see, before the Garlean Empire was-- the Empire I now stand for, it was the Garlemald Republic. It was our Emperor, Solus Zos Galvus with the aid of Nael's father whom created the first Magitek armors and devices. It was those devices that lead the Garlemald Republic into victories and with the support of the people-- Solus became Emperor-- I was.. but a child during that time." It may be picked up some great respect for the Emperor though as he speaks of the old man.

"Solus took the republic and built it into the Empire. Gave people the chance to make their own and become greater then what they were. For if you had the courage, the will, and the inner strength-- you could rise in the power. We work on the merits of the man, the deeds done for the greater good of all. To even gain the rank I hold, Legatus, a soldier must climb up by the very deeds of battle, showing not a sign of cowardice and displaying all the marks needed to be where we are."

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
"Nael-- did so, as did I-- but Nael also had the leverage of family... and with that leverage.. was able to work around the system, as he knew the system-- and nothing is every perfect in design, for only a fool would believe that." Gaius then rests his elbows on the top of his helm and cupping his fingers together, he rests his chin on the knuckles of his fingers in thought. "Nael believed he knew away though to /end/ the Primal threat once and for all.. it was held in the Project Meteor.. away to control the very constellations around our world. With precision aiming-- the very star could be flung upon where a Primal rests and rip them from the very aetheric field.. yet.. this did not go as planned. We nearly lost the city that the Project was held in.. countless lives died.. and though Nael and a very good friend of mine lived-- neither were the same."

"That friend of mind.. was seen as the most brilliant of minds in the creation of Magitek. Midus Garlond... a brilliant man.. a brilliant father.. if not for he, so many secrets, even though first brought about by the hands of Darnus' family-- could never grown into what it became without his brilliance... but that project," Gaius closes his eyes, the pain obvious, even as he tries to hid it. "..that Project held the darkest of secrets within it-- it caused Midus to go mad, insane-- yet where Nael.. ever seemed himself. It was our first hint to the projects dark truth.. but a dark truth ignored.. the truth that within the constellation Nael was trying to rip down from the skies.. was that of Bahamut's prison.. and Bahamut-- had tempered them both."

Serori (37) has posed:
Within moments, she understands. A few words, a few careful reassurances, these aren't enough to chase away Gaius's ghosts. His is a pained history, and the burden he bears is made heavy by his grief, his mourning. He has lost a great deal to win what he has; his position was won only through great tragedy. The loss of a hero. The loss of his friend.

Nael's fall from grace wasn't /entirely/ hiw own doing, though. Does Gaius lay the blame at Bahamut's feet? Is it this which inspires him to work against the Eikons, as well as his desire to conquer Eorzea and strengthen his empire? Or would it have been better for Nael to have engineered his own downfall through his own action, and not Bahamut's?

Perhaps the two fates are too closely entwined to be separated in Gaius's mind. Perhaps he blames both Nael /and/ Bahamut alike. It eats at him, she can see that much. Once more, her sharp, fox-like features, always guarded and sly, become soft with understanding and concern. Far from being the most empathetic woman, she nevertheless can imagine the battle being waged inside Gaius, the conflict and the grief, and the helplessness he must feel at being unable to alter the past.

Feelings she has grappled with herself, and more than once.

On silent feet, Serori approaches, only to kneel at his feet so she might look into his face again. She doesn't reach out to him in a physical manner, but her closeness now is uncommon enough to hold almost as much meaning as if she had. The position she's taken is unusual, too, in that any observer would think her his subordinate; if this makes her uncomfortable, however, she shows no sign.

In fact, given the calm surety in her voice and her watchful gaze, she is probably quite practiced at offering this kind of counsel, even if she isn't a diplomat, or a 'poet' as she'd put it.

"Past loss is difficult to forget. Your grief will always be with you, Legatus, in one way or another. Yet past tragedy doesn't always need to be a burden. It can strengthen you, guide you, and give you the resolve to continue to fight whenever you would rather lay down. Though you can't go back and change the past, you /do/ have it in you to change the future, and the Confederacy will stand by you as you do."

Not a shred of doubt takes away from the steel in her words.

"You have battled your way to the very heights of power, but your journey isn't finished. Mourn if you need to -- remember your grief -- but don't let it keep you from living out what destiny you've designed for yourself."

Serori holds his gaze a moment longer, before she stands up, sets her hand lightly on his shoulder, and then prowls away to resume the conversation.

"So, we won't be making the same mistakes. Project Meteor's failing must be learned from, but not repeated. What happened after you discovered Nael to be tempered? How much longer did he live -- or does he still live?"

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
The words of wisdom are not lost on the older man. They are words he has spoken to others in his past, for Gaius knows them and he knows they are true. Yet it does not take away the pain of the failures that /came/ from such moments. The full story that Serori has yet to hear the tale of saddened fate.

Words however echoed though too by a close friend of his, another Legatus who even stands older in time, who tried to get him to let go of Cid Garlond-- the one lost in Eorzea itself. Promises kept though.. are promises to keep...

"Nael was ever my equal and was ever my rival." Gaius admits as he continues on, sitting up straight once more. The kind gesture kept in mind, even as his hands come to rest once more on his helm. "But ever my friend-- hardly. We did not agree often on how matters should be handled.. and his touch, perhaps because of the tempering that none of us could see at the time-- was a far more cold and cruel one."

"Due to my failures in losing the mighty Dreadnought class Agris and thus the first attempt to conquer that of Eorzea-- Nael took that chance as a golden mark to step in where I /had/ failed. He took command of the Campaign from me, which the Emperor allowed as punishment.. including the task of being Nael's subordinate during the war."

"Between the Agris.. and Nael.. somewhere in that mess. Cid Garlond-- my Godson and Midus only child, fled from Garlean Empire and went into Eorzea. He fled in not wanting to be caught up in the war nor his creations to be used for the purpose of war... he feared, I suppose, he end up like his father..." Gaius voice almost wanes a bit there, but he pulls his compose back quickly.

"Nael required also more men-- and he in turn... took my men with him.. and I could not argue. He also forced all the sons of Ala Mhigo to partake in the war.. He trained all of them, including even some closest to me to kill without thinking second of it. To show no compassion or mercy. If they did not comply, they would be punished by near means of torture-- it was.. perhaps in this I realized a problem." Gaius then inhales deeply before he continues. The anger though-- it was forming in his eyes, that ferocity of the situation keen.

"Then-- do to the desperation of the eikons emerging and the fact we could gain no ground.. Nael was able to convince the Emperor to give him permission to reignite the Project Meteor once more.. and it was given. The damn machine from the Allagan's past that had caused us so much heartache, was back in the bloody lives and now Nael knew /how/ to control it and was sending the moon of Dalamud-- the prison of Bahamut.. right for Eorzea."

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
Gaius hands then grip together as he continues. "I could do nothing, but play as a pawn in a game I knew was only going to lead to countless /deaths/ and given then number of Eikons... all was in favor of ruling a scorched land-- but what is the point of it all.. the point of ruling a land where nothing to is to gain?"

The Legatus closed his eyes then, "I did not agree and in doing my homework, I came to learn the truth of it all-- including even further when I realized that the seventh legion had witness Nael preforming wonders of magic.. for you see.. we as Garleans.. we can not use magic." Gaius then opens his eyes once more. "But Dalamud was coming, there was no time to present a possible trouble to his Radiance.. so I took matters into my own hands, unknown be known to the Eorzeans.. and I believe Cid was the only one whom ever put it together. For on a night-- three of Nael's ships bringing in important documation for the lunar device suddenly had a fatal flaw.. and crashed, allowing the Alliance to gain the documentation and the blue prints to the Castrum that the device sat in."

Gaius then leans back, "Thankfully, my dear boy-- was smart enough to pick up the crumb trail.. they were able to destroy the lunar device.. but.. Nael.." Gaius then shakes his head. "Nael's true colors, that I thought be true, showed themselves. A man tempered by that of Bahamut whom resided within Dalamud-- made servant and had all of us fooled until the very last moment. He became the guiding hand of Dalamud.. and even when defeated at last.. dieing to never see the chaos he wrought.. Dalamud was already to far down."

The Legatus then extends out his hands to the side. "The Eorzeans gathered together their forces, prayed to their false gods.. and battled the Seventh Legion who now only served that of Nael's dieing interest instead of that of Garlemald's. Whilst I watched on up high.. as I told some adventurers I would, to watch the resolve of their great region battle the now seeming impossible odds. Bahamut came out from Dalamud-- the power of their own.. gods.. held back his devastation.. and by such events unfolding.. by the time given to the Eorzeans.. they managed to keep their region from falling into not ashes and ruin-- but simply that of recoverable destruction."
rGaius then looks down at his gloved hand for a moment, "..but in those wake of events, is also what bought us here, Bahamut's very power shook Hydaelyn to the core and shattered her onto this place. Though the events I regret, for we were played as the piper to the scurrying of mice.. I do not regret coming to know whom I have here and being able to stand among fine men and women of the Confederacy."

The Legatus then looks to her, "So there you have it-- the history of the White Raven.. his rise.. and his fall, and with him-- our world. Given the situation that arose however, the Emperor and I created a story for the masses. To have it seem that Nael was never tempered and though victory was at hand-- at the last moment things slipped from our grasp.. for the people believed for a moment we had won.. and I had the joys of saying that it was taken in its Prime-- a lie to appease.. a lie that makes him a hero in the eyes of the unknowing."

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
Then there was a chuckle from Gaius, a sad chuckle perhaps. The long history that weighed on his very shoulders given out to a stranger no less, but that he knew in the ways of the Confederacy ever his superior officer-- for if he was to become Emperor-- when he became Emperor.. these facts would need to be made soon enough.

That chuckle continued for a moment as he ran his hand then though his hair and nearly looked up at the ceiling as if lost for a moment as to what to say now. "Let it be known.." He then looks at her, "..that is perhaps the most I have ever bloody spoken.. and that.. that is the dark tale of our world.. and the very shadow that lingers over us all."

"Pawns. Pawns to Nael Van Darnus' greatest victory even in death. He played us all, he turned the mistrust of Ala Mhigo partly against me. The Eorzeans believe us to be cold hearted brutes.. and aetheric flow now flies off the hinges of chaos.. and this is now what I work to clean up, straighten up, and make right. For that is the burden I bare as the Legatus of the Garlean Empire..and one that is mine to forever hold. But my men are my strength, so is my own devotion. I /will/ make things right again, even if it takes my last breath to do so." Gaius then looks to Serori, "Just do me the honors, ma'am, and do not see me as a man whom has been withered by hardship-- but a man crafted by them to be ever stronger for all to come. For I am a warrior like you far before I am ever a diplomat." He smirks ever so faintly, perhaps now trying to jest a touch. "..and an old man. But we don't need to let that out, hm?"

Serori (37) has posed:
During the long silences falling often between Gaius's words, the cavern's song can be heard, dripping crystalline notes sounding too pure for a place like Castlevania. Serori doesn't dare to interject anything until he is finished; she doesn't want to even look at him, perhaps fearing that the wrong glance might stop him from continuing his story. Attentive and patient, she stands off to the side, arms tucked across her stomach and eyes shifting from Gaius to fix on nothing in particular, instead. Usually a dead giveaway to her mood and emotions, her tail coils into a fitted loop around her slim waist, and is kept as still and calm as possible. Even Kabu -- sensing the tension -- becomes quiet. His sharp yellow glare refracts the cavern's dim lighting in the occasional green flash.

The silence continues after Gaius brings his tale to its conclusion. So does the tension. Serori broods for a little while with a small frown crinkling her expression. What does she think of him now? What will she say to him? How often had Gaius told his story in the past -- could Serori possibly offer anything new to him, or will her words only match what dozens have said to him already?

After what's probably more of a test of her own patience than Gaius's, she sighs out and just says the first thing to come to mind. It's jabbed at her like a toothache since he first spoke of it, and the only way to relieve the nagging pressure is to give it voice. "It must have been very hard for you to lose Cid," she murmurs, giving him a cautious look from beneath the sweep of her black bangs. "You sound as if you understand his decision, but that you also miss him, and like you would like to have him in your life again."

With more vigor, she continues. "Saa. Your rival capitalized on your failing. We must make certain no one is in position to attempt a similar coup ever again. We must guarantee your favor in the Emperor's eyes is upheld, so that your station -- and eventual ascension -- both go unthreatened. Moreover, we must guarantee the agents of Bahamut and the other Eikons do not find their way into your service."

A derisive snort follows, and Serori, almost playful, dismantles Gaius's attempted humility. "'Old man'. Your journey's far from over, and you have a great deal of work to do. /Old men/ have the luxury of rest. Do you mean to tell me you're considering retirement?"

Serori turns fully to regard him again. With returned kindness, she finishes her response to him. "Take the time to remember your grief as you need to...what you've lost /should/ be remembered. But don't let it blind you to what's ahead, hm? Thank you for telling me all you did, Gaius. You are...more remarkable than I had first believed."

Whatever /that/ means. She smirks.

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
Gaius closes his eyes only when Serori hits the nail on the head. Oh yes-- he misses Cid, greatly. He was the godfather to a boy who had a remarkable mind, talented gifts, and when Cid lost his father to the first event of the Project Meteor-- he was all Cid /had/.

And when Cid left, when they met up again, it was as if Cid held Gaius responsible for it all.. and yet a promise was also to be kept, a promise he could never find the words to explain and now with Cid missing yet again after the Calamity....

Gaius though shoves whatever was weighing on his mind when Serori comes to jab back at him a grin plays on his features, showing a bit of the age in his face with it. He glances at her with those gold eyes of his, spark of light and amusement. "Ha. To retire would be that of an unwelcoming thing. I rather find myself dead on the battlefield long before I hand over my blade."

Gaius then goes to stand up, tossing the helm in the air for only a moment to catch it again. "I do not forget what has been laid out before me, nor do I ever plan to let it consume that I lose track of what is important. Yet events of the past are lessons for the future and they have served me well in this war of attrition." He though does tilt his head ever so slightly to her last part, "You are more then welcome, ma'am. For a an commander must have as much faith in there men, as they have in them.. and in order for faith, trust, and understanding to be built-- one must lay down the foundations for it."

"The foundation between us and the Confederacy could not be built without truths.. so I hope this foundation will be ever as sturdy as any built upon great stones." Gaius then inhales deeply before he speaks. "I will speak with my Emperor in post haste and get it setup for the researchers to be welcomed in Garlemald. Any equipment they may need, they may use of ours or bring of their own.. I will make sure they have the spaces available for them to use. Once the Emperor sees that the Confederacy truly is our allies and seeks the best interest for both Garlemald and the world at large-- I am sure he will then grant the archives and items to be shared freely with the Confederacy."

Gaius then goes to put his helm back on, but pauses for a moment, before his finger taps the side of it. "The ruins of the Allagan-- can be explored freely without need of our aid. For ruins are many, but.. I would like for some of our own to come along, in case something of great interest is found." He then lowers the helm and tucks it under his arm. He strides over to her, displaying the commander he is once more before extending out his hand to her. "And I promise you, on my word, that I will do what is in my power to continue to aid the Confederacy with ever the earnest I give to my Emperor and when the time comes.. I will see that we share in equal alike. For that future, I gladly look forward too."

"Shall we call this a deal and perhaps get some tea? ..or maybe a bite to eat, hm?"

Serori (37) has posed:
His hand is taken, and Serori nods at the agreement, a slight but cunning gleam entering her gaze. Once more the warrior, as he is once more the Commander. "The Field Marshal puts great trust in me. I won't speak for him, or assume enough about him to put words in his mouth, but I think it's safe to say the Confederacy will back you in your own endeavors. It's a give and take relationship, hm? The Planetary Trade Organization I'm part of benefits in the same way. We work hard for the Confederacy, which in turn protects us and gives us the resources we need to carry out our own missions. I think you saw some of that in the War Council the other night."

If she sounds a bit proud, it's forgivable; the Confederacy has given Serori more than resources and support alone. Between protection from Raditz and the opportunity to spearhead multiple aggressive offworld campaigns for conquest, she's been granted freedom, purpose, and the chance to step into significance she never would have enjoyed otherwise. The warmth suffusing her voice isn't false. She's passionate about her allies, her mission, and eager to see the same advantageous relationship founded on yet another world, and within yet another heart.

"I'll be happy to lead some of those investigative missions myself. It would feel good to get out in the field again, and good to do something besides seeking out trouble. Like I said, I would like to seek out and confront one of your Eikons to test their power myself, but aside from that, I will likely have more than enough fighting on my hands as I pursue the Dragon Balls."

Another smile appears, more genuine and broad than her last teasing smirk, her eyes lighting up with it. "Aah, as if I could ever have enough fighting! What good is a fighter without fighting?" His next invitation catches her by surprise; she blinks once or twice, her eyes big, and then she nods, her smile returning along with a self-deprecating little laugh. "Only if you agree to call me 'Serori' while we share our meal? I don't hold up ceremony whenever the situation doesn't call for it. Only on the field, or whenever I am acting in some other official capacity, does recognition of rank really matter to me."

Taking her attention from him, she cocks her head in a sharp look for Kabu. He lowers his beaked head to his foreclaws, and resumes cracking apart another bone. "I hate to leave him a mess, but whatever he doesn't eat will disappear in no time, so I suppose it's not so bad to go now. Kabu, remain a well-behaved guest of Lord Dracula's, you ugly thing."

Serori looks back to Gaius. "Where would you like to go?"