1794/Loose Ends
From Multiverse Crisis MUSH
Loose Ends | |
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Date of Scene: | 12 March 2015 |
Location: | Terra Majora |
Synopsis: | Nathan and Eleanor go to talk to Eveningstar, while Psyber, Mordred, and Lezard Valeth dress down the Binder Order |
Cast of Characters: | 12, 40, 92, 168, 253, Lezard Valeth |
Tinyplot: | New Blood |
- Elliana Fairchild (92) has posed:
THE BINDER ORDER
The headquarters of the Binder Order is in the Windward Empire, though they are technically not under Empire jurisdiction. Well outside of the nearest city, it is actually a sprawling fortress, though parts of it are in better repair than others. Several Blooded stand guard at the gates, which are massive wooden doors that are closed, though the portcillus that provides an extra level of defense is raised... and doesn't look like it's been down in a while. This isn't a fortress that gets attacked seriously, much, and they probably wouldn't even have guards if not for the recent upheavals.
- Elliana Fairchild (92) has posed:
EVENINGSTAR
Since the big battle, Eveningstar has been in a process of rebuilding. The Regent was rather popular, so nobody cares much or suspects foul play when the Council is still reported as missing. It is also more accepting of Union visitation, after the whole city had to move and new roads had to be built. The Regent is busy, but calling ahead has ensured that the waiting period is pretty short. She does have guards, but the young girl is willing to see Nathan and company.
She does look rather tired, though. When she takes a seat, the fatigue in her eyes and face is readily apparent. "Good evening, I apologize for the wait."
- Psyber (253) has posed:
THE BINDER ORDER
Psyber is wearing what looks like a long coat over slacks and a button-up shirt, trying to pull off the look of a casual Blooded who took fashion tips from a few offworlders. He probably, actually, commuted here after classes if the leather satchel he's wearing is any indication. He does have something to redeem himself for his lazy cover ID: A big tupperware container of leftovers. This is, obviously, immediately handed to Mordred. It has a sampling of most things present at the party last night.
"Here. Eat this. Gonna try a cover ID."
The cover ID is his standard one: "Yes, I'm Paul Blackdeath. I'm here to look at some Binder texts. My messenger should have arrived earlier today with my royal warrant if he did not... well..." Psyber makes a 'tipping back a bottle' motion with his hand, "You know how hired help can be, never expecting to be caught slacking off.
- Nathan Hall (168) has posed:
Nathan Hall looks kind of shitty these days. Which is to say, in order to make time for this, he's missed out on a lot of sleep and a few meals, and the sickly, worn look on Nathan's face isn't too tough to see. ELSEWHERE, a certain someone might be parsing it as noble dedication to helping the Taliel Kingdom. Nathan himself has business either way.
"Salutations." He says, taking a seat wherever they might have set up their meeting. Likely somewhere humble and inconspicuous in the recovery camps. "Thank you for taking the time to meet with me. I understand you are extremely busy with other matters of an extremely pressing nature. But for obvious reasons, I believe our concerns are likely to be connected. I would like to speak with you about the Council, and the means by which you said we were all mislead." He's likely come without guards of his own. Possibly without companions. He's not terribly inclined to talk about this with people at the moment, but he DID schedule this right over his therapy session with Eleanor, after all. So he might not have gotten away.
He's going to keep a light hold on the conversation, letting the Regent speak her place first, and offer whatever details she might prefer to give initially.
- Eleanor Lamb (40) has posed:
Damn right you scheduled it over our therepy session. Elle is still peeved about that, but holding it in well as she sits with Nathan. She's fixed this role before nad is attempting to blend in rather nicely as a Loyal Assisstant to the Librarian. She's even got a clipboard and a little pocketwatch on her hip
-heeyyy wait a nimute.
- Mordred (12) has posed:
Mordred is with Psyber. She is unarmored for the time being (jeans, white tank top, Cool Jacket), to avoid the Binders flipping their shit at Fairchild's Servant showing up. Y'know, especially after the INCIDENT at the temple. So many bodies. And all she had to do was ask them instead of fighting. Big oops, there.,
Since she is calmed by offerings of FOOD from Psyber, the blonde teenager will not be saying stupid things right now, just stuffing her face instead. OMNOMNOMNOM.
- Lezard Valeth has posed:
Lezard is present, dressed in his more usual outfit. He might even fit in here. He remains pleasantly businesslike, waiting at the gates for Psyber's success or failure as needed. He is well behaved, but even so, you can't erase the shadiness from him entirely. It's just part of who he is.
- Elliana Fairchild (92) has posed:
REGENT
"Mn, the Council..." The Regent makes a distressed face at first, then sighs as she waves to the guards to step back, affording her the illusion of privacy. "Unpleasant business, but given the situation that happened and your role in stopping it, I think we can be open. You look like you've been dealing with some matters of importance, as well. What can I answer for you, offworlders? But first... what interest do you have in all this?"
Illuvia was, in fact, convinced that Nathan was a superhero. That didn't stop her from trying to dote on him a bit. At least she made sure that when he was speaking to her, he got something to eat.
- Nathan Hall (168) has posed:
"In its most broad sense, I seek resolution to all matters currently assailing the population of your world as a whole. While some may not believe the matter pressing, you have seen yourself what the Shajem are capable of and how close to the bring we all are." Nathan says, gesturing in the direction of the catacombs. "The interest I have in this is the preservation of humanity as we know it in Terra Majora. Everything else is simply the natural extension of that. I seek to ensure that what happened here does not happen anywhere else. We moved in blind ignorance. Doing so had unforgivable consequences, and as such, I seek to remedy that."
"My questions, of course, concern the Shajem, first and foremost. Why its influence was not appropriately contained, what the Council was doing, and what risks may have been present here that can be given all due consideration in future efforts elsewhere."
- Elliana Fairchild (92) has posed:
BINDERS
The guards look at one another uncertainly... and perhaps a little worriedly. One of the three steps forward to whisper something to the other two, then heads into the fortress after struggling with the door a little. The two remaining stand at attention, and one says, "Please wait here a moment, Sir."
It really is just a moment, though, before the door opens again, and a grey-robed older gentleman steps out. "Hello, then. Interest in the Binder texts is it? Not a request that we get at this particular fortress, from those outside. May I inquire as to the reason for your visit?"
- Eleanor Lamb (40) has posed:
Eleanor sighs. 'all matters' indeed. She makes a lengthy note on her clipboard.
And then she's looking up. "Was there any awareness that a Shajem was living directly under the city like that... before it decided to get up and walk around, that is?"
- Psyber (253) has posed:
A BETTER ORDER THAN 1186
Psyber nods his head, "Yes. I am here for texts and, rather, for the entirety of the Binder order in some manner," Psyber explains, waving his hand a bit, "I have brought an expert in magic theory and an expert in proactivity," That second one is a very fancy way of saying Mordred does whatever the fuck she wants. The first one is a genuine compliment to Lezard.
"We wish to discuss the Binder texts and, by extension, the proactivity and autonomy of given Binders in researching new or more lasting forms of Binding to help the whole of Terra Majora. I think we can all agree this is a useful topic."
- Mordred (12) has posed:
EXPERT IN PROACTIVITY.
Omnomnom sushi.
And then glitterbomb.
Mordred's upper body is now covered in glitter, and she frowns. That does not stop her from finishing to chew and swallow the rest of the sushi because wasting food is a worse sin than trapping it.
And then she smacks Psyber behind the head.
"What the fuck, now I look like a unicorn puked on me."
The actual thing she wanted to say isn't PG-friendly.
"Who DOES THAT to fucking food, man?"
- Lezard Valeth has posed:
Lezard does not comment on Mordred's new glittery appearance. This is because he doesn't want to decant a new homunculus shell for himself tonight.
Instead, he bows when introduced as an expert in magical theory. He does have a sideline in proactivity too, but he won't complain. "The threat of the Shajem is something that concerns all peoples of the world." Always a popular theme, protecting the innocent peoples from the depredations of things. and stuff. Whatever, heroes. "Of course, we would want to discuss such things with those who have been responsible for such for uncounted years, indeed?" He smiles pleasantly.
- Elliana Fairchild (92) has posed:
Sighing, the Regent shakes her head. "You have reasonable questions, but ones that I cannot answer very well. We don't know how much influence the Shajem had on the Council... it could have been leaking into them, generation after generation. We know they were... doing unpleasant things for some time. We've found documentation of certain sacrifices to be performed..." She shakes her head to clear it of unpleasant thoughts. "This isn't important. We've had a crippling blow to our government, and the entire kingdom is in chaos."
- Elliana Fairchild (92) has posed:
BINDERS
The man in grey considers the group thoughtfully. "Hmn. Laypeople are really not ones who need to concern themself with the Order. This is, after all, our particular specialty. You have nothing to worry about." He smiles, attempting to be reassuring... but ends up staring at the glitter bomb for several long seconds.
"Ahem," he finally clears his throat. "I have been told to make you comfortable and answer questions if you like. Call me Father Justlove. May I order you some tea, everyone?" He gestures to the doorway, inviting the group in for now.
- Psyber (253) has posed:
Psyber's head snaps forward when Mordred smacks him in the back of it.
"A present from your Master and from me. Revenge for the tilde-escapades." Psyber comments in a diplomatic tone. Not an untrue statement on either part, Elliana did show interest in Mordred covered in glitter, Psyber just took an initiative.
Either way, he lets Lezard turn on the charm while his own hands move to fold behind his back. Mordred will only find ONE food item trapped. The rest is delicious and trap-free.
"I will not partake in tea," It's a Boston thing. Or so he'd have people believe. He just doesn't like tea, "Father Justlove, a pleasure to meet you. I appreciate your cooperation in letting us ask you questions."
- Nathan Hall (168) has posed:
Nathan nods with a somber sort of posture to his stoicism. "I understand." He says, simply. "I believe I already have seen some of the results of this unusual management. Wightseer was heavily Twisted." He sighs a bit heavily. "You are correct. The details, specifically, of the council, these are nor important. What is most important is that I determine that this manner of trouble will not rear its head again vis a vis the other Shajem." He at least notes the answer to Eleanor's question there. That's useful.
"As for the matter of the chaos, given that the entire ruling body responsible for the inhumane legislative tendencies is currently gone, the Union can offer a measure of assistance, if the proper reforms can be agreed upon. I will not press the issue further, unless you find the option appealing. I will focus, for now, on more relevant matters, and ideally waste little of your time. All I need to know is what caution is necessary as we move forward toeards the other Shajem. Was this something they were communicating with other kingdoms about? In collaboration? Or something they might have known other kingdoms were doing? That is the extent of what I need to know."
- Eleanor Lamb (40) has posed:
REGENT:
More scribbling of notes from Eleanor. A glance over at the Regent and then to Nathan Hall and then back to her notes. A little furrow on her brow.
"I'm trying to get a list of the most major repairs and infrastructure neccessites going forward. What's the most critical damage at this point? For humanitarian purposes or otherwise."
- Mordred (12) has posed:
Grumble. Mordred sighs. She'd much rather punch Psyber right now, but this is neither the time nor place. On the other hand the so-called father's name makes her have to control a laugh.
What a terrible name for a priest.
Or a good one, depending.
"Fuck tea, we came here to be proactive," she complains.
"No 'ffense, father."
- Lezard Valeth has posed:
"Indeed. and the Order has done a great deal of work in helping the people of the world. But there is no harm in self-review and reflection. Assistance can always come from unlikely sources, as meager as it might be, Father."
The offer of tea is considered. "Thank you for the offer, Father, but it seems we will have scant time for refreshments today. Please, let us proceed and see what we can accomplish today."
- Elliana Fairchild (92) has posed:
REGENT
Sadly, the girl shakes her head. "We can provide some of what we know, but it is scarce little. From what I have been told by those investigating, the Council believed they could leverage the Behemoth and the Shajem to strike against the Windward Empire, and gain their territory. Or some of it. I'm not sure what the real plan was, there are numerous revisions. We don't know what the current one was, and it's likely they changed it every few generations." She spreads her hands.
"Ah... we need to fix plumbing, many of the streets, and there are some injured," she replies to Eleanor. "And I am still learning of this Union, but decorum and morale prevents me from asking myself. The offer will be... examined." Which likely means she's looking for the help it would provide.
- Elliana Fairchild (92) has posed:
ORDER
Justlove sighs, "I see. Very well. Come on inside." He turns to lead the group in, but once inside he speaks more candidly. "We know that at least two of you are offworlders, and presume that the third is as well. This is not normally something we would permit, but Father Windson has loosened the restrictions out of pragmatism, of late." This might seem like good news, but the man adjusts his glasses as he leads the group into a small, cozy, but not all that luxurious sitting room.
"Understand that your offworld influences have nearly destroyed the status quo here," he states as he gestures to some seats. "This has angered some powerful people, and made quite an issue for Father Windson. We are understandably reluctant to encourage further disruption."
- Psyber (253) has posed:
BINDER ORDER
Psyber is walking along with Mordred as Justlove talks. The half-angel is pretty calm and mostly letting Lezard take point at the moment. He promised Mordred a card game, and so he takes two Magic Decks out of his coat pockets, "So do you want to be the RDW Deck or the classic Mono-White Soldier?"
Magic is probably a game that will just piss Mordred off more.
"Please understand that we're not meddling because we want to destroy your world," Psyber notes in a serious tone, "There are some fundamental flaws in the workings of Terra Majora, especially in its adherence to very obstructive ideals. We're pursuing the best course of action we can see. We're here to try to do so as unobtrusively as possible."
- Mordred (12) has posed:
"What the fuck is RDW. Ugh. Whatever, soldier deck, I guess." No, she doesn't know how to play. This might be a very bad idea overall, especially in the middle of BUSINESS.
She idly answers Justlove: "What he's trying to politely say is that your status quo was kind of shitty, falling apart, and dooming you all to way worse than what's going on right now before too long. And we're kinda here to fix it. So you could work with us here and make it easier on everyone."
- Lezard Valeth has posed:
Lezard follows along, adjusting his glasses as he looks in the corners of the doorway, along floor lines, at the base of columns, and other places where one can secret runic scripts into a building.
After all, he does it himself, he knows what to look for.
He is not expecting this to come to that point, but it is good to know what built-in defenses a place like this might have in case Mordred decides it's time to cut to the heart of the matter.
Lezard sits as requested, and he smiles to the Father. "Of course. But at the same time, nothing lasts forever, does it? Even without our influence it would have to change. Our interests, as stated, are in assisting to preserve this world. As you have so astutely noted, a number of us are not of your world, and yet we have concerns. Have you considered that the state of Terra Majora as it lies now has wide-reaching effects even beyond its own world?"
Lezard adjusts his glasses again. Like most people with them, he likes using them as puncutation. "And even so, the actions... Or more accurately, lack of action of the Order have been called into question more than once. We are not saying that you are not capable of doing your jobs, far from it. But we would treat with you to discuss current events and find a way to resolve them in a more... proactive manner." That's always a good word. Proactive.
- Nathan Hall (168) has posed:
REGENT
Nathan assumes his proper displomatic posture. "Assuming full compliance with regulations concerning humane policies, the Union is prepared to offer humanitarian aide or long-term assistance, potentially in the form of mutual alliance, but more immediately, we have extensive masses of knowledge and labor to assist in restoration of infrastructure and administration of medical care and supplies." This isn't TOO out of line to offer, now that the entire government of this area has been gutted save for this one person who demonstrated a lack of involvement in weird sacrifices.
Nathan nods to the Eegent. "I understand. With poor or manipulated archiving, these sorts of things become lost. You need not apologize. We can investigate further independently. Of course, the plan is, by now, irrelevant for the most part. What is important is something entirely different: Indications that they may not have been alone in these matters, so I can understand what contexts require further caution." He's going to need to link this with Redmist at Lastfall, and get some comprehensive view of all this...
- Elliana Fairchild (92) has posed:
BINDER ORDER
Justlove rubs his temples. "It seems to have been stable for centuries before this unification business. Now, I am not the head of the order, but I am certain he would disapprove of altering our policies which have been working for so long merely because some others who know nothing about our world have barged in and-" He's raising his voice, starting to straighten up.
"That will be enough," says the man stepping through the door. He wasn't trying to hide himself, so he can easily be heard coming, it isn't a surprise. Well, not to anyone but Justlove, who sighs and sits down again. The elder who brushes off his own robes introduces himself, "Gray Windson, Head of the Order of Binders. My subordinate is correct. On occassion we have someone who insists things need to be moved along, that we risk our Binders in some foolish pursuit. All we are doing is being cautious."
- Eleanor Lamb (40) has posed:
REGENT:
Eleanor scribbles some more. Is she drawing something? Maybe.
Another look up. "What the General means is that we're certianly able to assist any willing government in a time of crisis. No one want sto see Morningstar turned into a shell of refugees and homeless, that's no good for anyone."
More brow furrowing. "I can assume that basic supplies and engineering crews would be acceptable to start with, to ensure that civilian relief is in place."
- Elliana Fairchild (92) has posed:
REGENT
Nathan gets a shake of the head, "No, nothing that indicates anything like that yet. It's very... complicated though. I'm sure if we arrange matters with your government, we can provide some of the documentation. In the absence of the Council, I currently have all the power... though there is talk of replacing the Council. Their families are beginning to raise a stink, so... we should move quickly."
The young girl rubs at her eyes. "I didn't think it would get this complicated so soon. But... it does seem that they intended to sacrifice me within a few years. I think I will take Union membership over risking that. Can you provide protection?"
- Psyber (253) has posed:
BINDER ORDER
Psyber actually doesn't play Magic with Mordred. Because before he can get past explaining Mana and upkeep, Windson has arrived. Psyber spins both decks in his hands and they vanish up his sleeves like a magician. He turns to Gray Windson and says, "Hypothesis: I believe that upholding the status quo risks more Binders and the balance of the world than changing it does."
"Basis of Argument: Multiversal interference in the politics and matters of this world are inevitable. Newer, more efficient forms of Binding that put less risk on Binders and provide a more sustainable solution are being persistently researched by outside parties as we speak. The Binders are presently at a crossroads," Psyber notes, "Either the order will help us with these new Methods and be able to carry them on into the forseeable future with as much importance as they presently share, or we will master new methods of Binding and the order will be supplanted and left to irrelevancy."
"Conclusion statement: You know how this world treats irrelevant parties, even those like the Blooded and Binders. It is most productive to come in on the ground floor."
- Mordred (12) has posed:
Mordred is already looking frustrated a minute into explanations when Psyber puts the decks away. Now she just looks pissed, and the fact this is turning into a contest of careful words makes her cross her arms and sigh in defeat.
She decides NOT to speak her mind, just this once. It would be pointless antagonizing, and Windson doesn't seem like the sort of man who brushes that aside. Not in his own place. The murderbeast of a Saber will stay back, for now.
Maybe finish those leftovers. Omnom.
- Lezard Valeth has posed:
Lezard's smile dims as Justlove begins to get indignant at him. He is about to deliver a blistering retort when Windson steps in and makes the situation much more palatable. "Excellent." Lezard replies. "I was hoping we would have the chance to meet with you, Master Windson."
He pauses as Psyber lays out a Hall-esque demonstration of carrot and stick. He gestures to Psyber, and then comments. "It is true. I am one of those who are in fact researching such a thing, and I can confirm that our basic methodolgies are rapidly reaching the aforementioned crossroads. Many, many options will become available soon. Some of them are more permanent than others."
- Nathan Hall (168) has posed:
REGENT
Nathan assumes his proper displomatic posture. "Assuming full compliance with regulations concerning humane policies, the Union is prepared to offer humanitarian aide or long-term assistance, potentially in the form of mutual alliance, but more immediately, we have extensive masses of knowledge and labor to assist in restoration of infrastructure and administration of medical care and supplies." This isn't TOO out of line to offer, now that the entire government of this area has been gutted save for this one person who demonstrated a lack of involvement in weird sacrifices.
Nathan nods to the Eegent. "I understand. With poor or manipulated archiving, these sorts of things become lost. You need not apologize. We can investigate further independently. Of course, the plan is, by now, irrelevant for the most part. What is important is something entirely different: Indications that they may not have been alone in these matters, so I can understand what contexts require further caution." He's going to need to link this with Redmist at Lastfall, and get some comprehensive view of all this... Eleanor gets a few agreeing motions, though. "My friend is correct. Punishing or hunting everything related to this sort of thing is one thing, seperate from all else here." He says that as if it wasn't a severe and direct lie, considring the access-grabbing game plan she's always in need of.
- Elliana Fairchild (92) has posed:
BINDER ORDER
Windson sits down as Justlove takes his leave. Oddly, Justlove mouths a 'good luck' to Lezard, despite the earlier antagonism, before he's out the door. Windson doesn't notice, of course, since he's facing the other way and getting ready to retort.
"Yes, I am sure one versed in the mystic arts would say that," Windson states. "Maneuvering for a better position for yourselves, always on the lookout for some sort of extra power. I know how your kind work," he wags a finger at Lezard. "No offense to you, personally, but you will need to provide proof that such methods are even /necessary/ if you want that argument to hold."
Psyber and Mordred(mostly Psyber, given Mordred is eating) are given some scrutiny now. "I assure you that our order has everything under control when it comes to the occasional supernatural creature," he states. "The fact of the matter is, nothing large enough to be a threat has been seen in centuries... until you sorts came along and suddenly, we have a rampaging Amethyne about, and stories of tremendous powers being thrown against one another. I say that you should leave us alone, and if you wish to fight a battle of words over who is to blame to worsening the situation, then... well." He shrugs, looking at Mordred now. "Do you have any evidence that matters will need any sort of change without external interference /forcing/ the issue?"
- Eleanor Lamb (40) has posed:
Eleanor sighs a bit. She shuffle around on her notepad and smiles at the Regent. "Here, I've got a list of contacts you can get to at Union Diplomatic Corps and we'll get things sorted out. JUst... We're happy to help get people back on their feet, you know. We'd very much rather see you protected, after all. Sacrifice in that manner is always a poor choice if one can make it."
A POINTED LOOK AT THE SIDE OF NATHAN'S HEAD.
- Psyber (253) has posed:
BINDERS
Psyber takes a very slow breath, "Very well. Here is my case, stated differently, Mister Windson."
He detaches more fully. It's something Elliana advised him against before, and probably not the best idea, but he forcibly shoves down his emotions at the brushoff and talks in an eerily even tone, "You have external influence from the Multiverse solely to thank for the continued existence of your society and all living beings. Arguably, were I a man seeking glory or power, I would walk to the Windward Empire and demand my title, lot of land, noble position, and blouse-bursting wench-wife now. I would base this demand on the fact that were it not for the direct influence of myself and other external powers, the Shajem of Nightmares would have been fully unsealed, completely harnessed, and you would be contending with an Avatar of Nightmares stomping around your world with the goal of rewriting reality. Had anyone but Multiversal Externals been in the cave during Fairchild's bid for power, we would not be standing here having this conversation."
"This is my first piece of evidence that you need change regardless of external interference: external interference saved your world." His half-lidded eyes stare on in a monotone look that could be boredom were it not so fixated on the man he is talking to, "Every single negative thing that has happened on your world would have been possible by the hand of on-world people without our influence and was nothing but mitigated and lessened by our presence and would have inevitably occurred without us here."
"Shajem being harnessed by major national leaders. A tree surpressing an Amethyne's existence. Major geo-political strife spanning generations in origin. None of these are attributable to our interference, but their mitigation and weeding are directly thanks to our aid. Your argument is flawed because it ties responsibility for problems that were brewing for centuries onto our recent efforts in the past three years. One does not grow a giant mountain turtle monster in just three years. One does not plan a 10-year-long Reality Reconstruction in three years unless they are a number of people I can count on two fingers. These are the problems of YOUR world and WE are fixing them."
"Can you tell me if these problems had surfaced without our presence, they would have been mitigated with as little loss of life as we did so with? Please tell me how your Binders would handle a Shajem with the cunning of a genius. Please tell me how your Binders would handle the leaders of a nation refusing a rebinding and turning to monsters? Please tell me how your Binders would handle a mountain-sized turtle monster with a city on its back."
- Mordred (12) has posed:
Mordred glares at Windson. She returns every bit of his sizing up, trying to figure out if the man is anything special-- but likely in vain. He certainly doesn't seem the warrior type, and magical aptitutes are hard to detect when not in use.
She lets Psyber explain, and then adds:
"The Lord of Rage was being harnessed by some asshole from your world, too. It's 'cuz WE showed up that it isn't fucking rampaging around or whatever the hell the jerk was going to use it for. Lord of Cowardice? The fucking council was harnessing it for power. That sure woulda ended well OH WAIT they all fucking died. And it almost broke free. P.S. it still kind of is and we're gonna fix that soon, no fret."
She is not a diplomat, no.
- Nathan Hall (168) has posed:
Nathan gets a little stiff. "I see." he says, one eyebrow twitching slightly. "I have no love for the agendas of traitors. You will be protected, and your subjects assisted in the path to recovery as best we can. The exchange for what assistance you can offer, in records and perhaps later in action, will be enough." He says, his monotone having a rather firm, intense quality to it. He's obviously suddenly much more invested in this. "We have little time to strike a deal. Assuming we can assure the compliance with Union regulations, we will establish alliance immediately. I will expedite the matter within our diplomatic corps as soon as possible." He says, as he gestures at Eleanor. He misses the stare. That's not a passive-aggressive thing, by the way. That's just Nathan being oblivious.
- Lezard Valeth has posed:
Lezard gets some scorn. His expression changes back to amusement in this case as he adjusts his glasses once more. He laughs as he replies. "I assure you, Master Windson, there is precious little I need from this world or its peoeple. I am interested on a more academic level. But as you say, there is the matter of proof. As you will of course not be disposed to words alone, allow me to provide something more substantial."
Lezard holds up a hand, and a magical circle begins drawing itself in the room. The process is fairly slow and interruptable.
Unless stopped, a hulking shape fades into view: One of the twisted Council members, the spiderlike form mauled by the battle of course.
It's also sitting on a metal tray that has been capturing various unpleasant juices. Pins are stuck into it all over its body, and several stainless steel medical implements are holding open various parts of the flesh, exposing the innards where battle damage hasn't already done so. Looks like he was in the middle of an autopsy with this one.
"You can keep this one." Lezard says dryly.
- Eleanor Lamb (40) has posed:
Eleanor's face flattens a bit as Nathan keeps harping on traitors and treachery and and and.
MORE SCRIBBLING.
She looks up at the Regent, and holds out large card with contact information on in in the standard Terra Majoran languages. "Here. You can also get in contact with our people in Boston and have things smoothed over as well if... if there's issues that aren't... ah." She purses her lips. "Entirely suited for diplomatic exchange."
- Elliana Fairchild (92) has posed:
REGENT
"I will do all I can," the Regent says. She looks curiously at Nathan, but doesn't say anything. She's been forced into being paranoid and politically savvy, but she is still pretty young, and doesn't understand what she's seeing with the man. Thus she has to direct her attention to more immediate matters with Eleanor.
"Thank you," she says to the acting therapist. "This will really help our morale and keep us afloat. I will see what I can do to help you in return, but... we simply don't have the military might to stand up to the Windward Empire for very long. They knew we had some secret, I think, and now that the Behemoth is gone..." She shakes her head.
- Elliana Fairchild (92) has posed:
BINDER ORDER
A wet thud announces the proof that Windson asked for, though even just the words are... well, pretty damning. He flinches, which is unusual for him, but he doesn't say anything. He's alone here, so there's no threat of lost pride, most likely. There's that, at least. Injuring his pride could be a very, very bad thing.
He backs away from the creature, then adjusts his robes and clears his throat. "Fairchild," he finally declares. "Was Bloodstone's responsibility. TOO OLD! I told him, I told him she was too old. Too much /history!/ And look where it got him!" Well, there's that.
But the acts of the Starshine Kingdom and others can't really be dismissed. Wightseer... it's uncertain if he even knows about him. "I will... take your words into consideration. Bloodstone has been talking of some new theory, and when he returns perhaps I will let him present it more appropriately."
- Psyber (253) has posed:
THIS is the moment that Psyber actually breaks the neutral facade. When Windson makes a declaration about Elliana Fairchild, Psyber stands up, lifts his hands up, and then slams them down on the table with a resounding and echoing noise and then keeping them where they are.
But when he speaks, his voice is calm and still like the center of a hurricane, "Fairchild is the failing of your world as a whole," He notes, taking a very serious stance, "She was created by the greed of men, corrupted by their schemes, and let loose into the world by their negligence. She was Ethan's responsibility, but she was the World's Fault. If it had not been her, how long before it would have been another? One who wanted power? Or a Kingdom? Or who simply hated everyone?" He looks to Windson, "If nothing else, at least under Ethan, the monster this world created through its sin had a single glimmer of light: Humanity."
His gloved hands slowly withdraw from the table and it's not hard to see he buckled and cracked the wood with his impact. But only the most keen eyes would notice that as his hands go into his jacket pockets, the black fabric goes slightly darker, "Never blame Ethan. If nothing else, thank him for giving her humanity."
Taking another breath, Psyber adds, "I would suggest you do listen to him and deeply consider our help and the theories he presents. I would rather make friends than enemies."
- Nathan Hall (168) has posed:
"What you can do is all I will ask." Nathan says, in that standard monotone of his. "We will not ask you to stand alone against the Windward Empire. We likely will not ask you to stand against it at all. Only what you can do is what we will ask." He glances to Eleanor. "My assistant is correct. This contact is better suited for more personal matters. Please send information or requests to it in the event of a situation necessitating more tactical action. As a subordinate member of the organization myself, I can assure you of its performance in the field."
"It seems we have discussed all that needs discussing. I look forward to the execution of these arrangements, to our mutual benefit, and I wish you the best of luck in your recovery besides. Please contact me via either of the routes my assistant will provide if you have further need of me. Unless there are further matters you wish to discuss, I will cease occupying your valuable time. I understand you are extremely busy, and thank you for meeting with me."
- Mordred (12) has posed:
"Oh cut the crap about her and whether it's good or bad that she's how she is," Mordred grumps, at both parties, crossing her arms and attempting to stuff the desire to be violent back into its box. "I've heard enough of that shit for years to come, find something else to obsess over. Like, I don't know, fixing this world."
Although it looks like this went well enough and Ethan's going to get some slack in all this. Which is good. Probably. In the meantime they still have to fix that last screw up, but it's not like the Shajem is in any state to cause a mess in the meantime.
"We done here? All these book germs are giving me a sore throat and making me impatient."
- Lezard Valeth has posed:
Lezard has no horse in the appearance or opinion of Terra Majora towards Elliana as a whole. He's been called worse things, so manybe his viewpoint is a little skewed. He remains quiet through Psyber's calm rage, not saying anything until he has let it sit there for an appropriate amount of time. Eventually, he says, "I believe we have made our position and evidence clear. The game is now in your court, Master Windson. I look forward to your response."
He nods to Mordred. "I think we are, yes."
- Eleanor Lamb (40) has posed:
Another look at the Regent, Eleanor's face... the long face of a clerk putting up with their boss's nonsence. That look of a middle bureaucrat trying to do their job with people around. A comforting look, she's hoping.
"Call us anytime." A soft smile.