Scene #2114: A Final Weapon

Owner	Pose
Duet Fortuna	Taliel is looking much better these days. It's still pretty... well, poor. After all, Timothy was also not exactly wealthy. But the 'palace' that is just a house is cleaner and lacking the disrepair of its grounds in places, and there are people milling about and setting up scaffolding in places. It looks like the alliance has gained some support and perhaps even help from the citizens. Iluvia and Timothy will be happy to meet Nathan, unknowing of the whole ongoing situation. Both of them are out by the fountain currently undergoing repair, awaiting the General's arrival while chatting about some mundane interests, for the most part. Currently that involves the breed of trees that frequent the area, but apparently they are not all that worried about the ex-fiancee coming to see the pair.
Nathan Hall	Nathan Hall arrives, and is not at all worrying. In fact, for Illuvia and Timothy, Nathan probably looks positively radiant. He seems full of some profoundly intense energy, a vitality that was lacking before. His arrival is alone, a strange thing for him, and comes from the air. He's sent them forewarning, of course, so they shouldn't be too terrified when a lightly armored, cloaked man with metal wings lands gracefully at the edge of this area, and he walks in much more intently. Where he was once sick, exhausted, or lifeless, the face left clear by that armor seems healthier than ever. Unfortunately, the right lens of the glasses is still shattered. The fire of bitter hatred roils under the surface, inscrutably. "Salutations, your Royal Highnesses." He says, giving a pleasant, polite bow-like nod to each. He speaks in the same monotone he did before, but he somehow makes it sound warm. He's maxed out his social prowess today. Essence is blasting intensely under each word, optimizing the ease at which it might put the listener, and how much it might make them receptive to every word. "And my apologies for the inappropriate appearance, as well as the urgency I visit with. I would very much like to stay longer, but I may be needed elsewhere at any moment. I am amid a severe crisis requiring my attention very urgently. It is good to see you well, or at least more well than the situation I find myself in." He takes a serious stance, and says, with a heavy monotone, "I require your assistance, please."
Duet Fortuna	The look has Illuvia and Timothy looking uncertainly at one another, but they both come to full attention when the General lands. Illuvia curtsies, while Timothy walks forward to offer his hand. "General! It's wonderful to see you... ah, though your glasses look damaged..." He's quickly set aside his greetings for the seriousness present. "What is it?" Timothy asks. "You've been a great help, as has the Union, in getting everything established and restored here. The Empire has not seriously considered attacking." Illuvia adds softly, "And I personally have a great fondness for you, for helping me to meet Timothy."
Nathan Hall	"I keep what promises I make. Your kingdom can be of great help to us someday, and you deserve what you need in return. And it was my pleasure to help you find someone who makes you happy, Illuvia." Nathan says, doing that bow-like nod again. "And I hope you two find more happiness for a long time." His social power is running wild, to an immeasurable degree. "Unfortunately, it cannot be from the news I deliver today, which is unfortunately ill by nature." He stands a little more straight-backed, looking very dutiful. "A severe Shajem-related threat requires confrontation." Nathan says, with a serious sort of monotone. "It is entirely beyond my rights to request your assistance in this great a regard, but I need to amass what force I can, and if there is any chance to acquire additional security, I need to pursue it." He takes a heavy breath, as if preparing to push forward on something he's uncertain on. He's completely certain, of course, as all those possessed by a grim vendetta tend to be, but the gesture can help. "The dowry." He says, not mentioning it by name for fear of someone overhearing. "You have every right to refuse my request and I will hold no grudge if you do so. I require one of the Hundred in order to face the threat, and I am prepared to promise greater assistance from the Union in our alliance if it is necessary to acquire it." He then nods to Tim. "As well as my promise to take the responsibility to use it in service to you both at any such time as it may be necessary, in regards to whatever uses may be required. Not only for the debt, but as people I know are worth protecting." There's a brief flare of essence there, subtly emphasizing the responsibility element to Tim. He mentioned wanting to relax before taking over responsibilities. And there's another emphasis of long-term connection with Illuvia. When he shuts down his naivety, he can recognize some of what she felt, and understands how it might be practically redirected with an offer of knight-like service. It's also a subtle prompt made to gauge more of Tim's political leanings. It sounded like he might be leaning more Taliel than Empire, and this encourages a bit more openness with that. What can he get there? Nathan will try to discern any additional data needed to pierce further.
Duet Fortuna	Political leanings will be revealed soon! TImothy listens, nodding slowly, but winces at the request. He glances at Illuvia, who also hesitates, but she nods slightly in acquiescence. "Well," Timothy states quietly. "I was studying it and I'm... still only scratching the surface. If you can promise me free access to it, and return it when it isn't needed any more, then I would be willing to loan it to you. It's a pretty big favor though, and... I know I'm pretty laid back, but you know that I may call in this favor one day, right?" He's serious now, his usual jovial smile lacking. "We might need it if... things get worse politically." It does look like he's siding with Taliel at least.
Nathan Hall	"I understand the weight of what I am asking, and I can promise you at least that much, if not more. I have a tremendous degree of magical experience, especially in realms related to the power Shivan might hold. If you are studying it, I can tell you anything I find." Nathan says, with a serious tone. "And given the agreements of the Kingdom of Taliel in the capacity of establishing alliance with the Union, I will have no objection to such a favor." He takes a more intent sort of look, taking a step forward. His boldness, today, is at a never-before-seen high. "You understand our tensions with the Empire. And why it was urgent that we secure a mutually beneficial alliance. The Union is prepared to do what is necessary to secure the safety and prosperity of its allies. I have done a great deal of investigation into potential causes of pressure emerging from the Empire for some time. If protection from that pressure is necessary, it is what I will provide." He's keeping a little ambiguous, but the meaning is mostly conveyed. Once he's done with Elliana, one assumes, he intends to go after that conspiracy he has pursued so relendlessly, if that's what's prudent and necessary. "As I have stated. I will not begrudge you in the least if you reject my request. But I have to try. The troubles that may yet emerge require all the power I can muster on short notice. Nothing can be left to chance."
Duet Fortuna	Illuvia and Timothy look at one another, some uncertainty there. Timothy sighs though, turning back. "I would like it back, but it's true that we won't have time to study it for some time, and you seem to have some goal in mind. All right, you can borrow it for now. Let me know if you need any sorcerous suport in this, I might be able to swing something." Illuvia looks nervous and steps forward. "You look... different, General. Serious. Is there something we can do to help? I know you are not a violent man, and I'm a little worried to see you like this. Don't you have those... Elites to fight for you?"
Nathan Hall	"You have my gratitude, Timothy Illuvia." Nathan says, with a serious tone. "Sorcerous support, I would ask for on any other day, but this is one day it may have too great a price. While I need all the power I can muster, I cannot in good conscience force a potential death upon those who are uninvolved." A lie, in a way. It's more that he'd rather not show his outright shame to others. And then Illuvia sees a bit here. He needs to reel it back, lest the suspect. Nathan nods. "I understand your concern, and appreciate it greatly. But the dowry is all the help I can. in good conscience, ask of you, and even that is in question in a way." He says. "Things are different now. You are right, I am not a violent man, and were circumstances any other way, I would have my allies strike the blows that I cannot. Unfortunately, circumstances beyond my control have isolated me from their assistance in this effort. If all goes well, I will soon have their help once again. For now, unfortunately, I need what I can muster to succeed in this campaign alone." In a way, the truth. Nathan earnestly believes that once Elliana is out of the way, he'll simply use his social abilities un-opposed to to immediately restore what requires restoration. No way to do that while Elliana can still turn them against him through Psyber. He has to do this alone to get them back.
Duet Fortuna	It's not exactly a bad plan, knowing how forgiving the Union can be. Illuvia still looks concerned, and for a moment Timothy looks suspicious... but he shakes his head. "Then I wish you the best of luck. Come on. Surely you can stop long enough for a drink and something to eat while I get this out of the vault? You'll have to wait anyway." Well, it looks like he's getting the bracer, at the minor cost of socializing with a pleasant woman and her fiance.
Nathan Hall	There's a quick nod. "I have the time." Nathan says, quickly. Prudent to seal the deal. The Drasillum won't be going anywhere -- or rather, it will, but not beyond Nathan's capacity to hunt it down -- while he does this. "It would be a welcome respite in this crisis, thank you Illuvia." He'll spend a little while here oddly relaxed. It's pure act, of course, every ounce of him wants to blast into action and scour Terra Majora for Elliana. But his mind is crystal-clear and he knows that won't be productive until he has the bracer.