Scene #5009: The Cheshire Cat's Hunters

Owner	Pose
Priscilla	Because things to do in the same city are finally starting to run low, the scene can fade in somewhere other than the lofty, sunlit heights of Anor Londo. Given the geography of Lordran itself, it's a solid coin toss as to whether that means 'somewhere else' is equally pretty, or a dark and foreboding hellhole. You flipped tails. Today's matter of concern is something that requires some discretion, though the fact that it takes place deep in the shadow of the impossibly vertical mountain range, which encircles the city of the gods above, isn't exactly by choice. It's a personal call from Priscilla to deal with someone that happens to live down here. Specifically, someone who lives here, never leaves here, and in fact, owns here. Whoever decided to name a forest as hideously ancient and tangled as this 'Garden' must have been out of their mind, but the preceding 'Darkroot' was pretty apt. Once under the boughs --a very abrupt process, as the thick woods seem to have taken over every inch of space between human civilization and the foot of the mountains-- the only light to see by comes from various species of luminescent flower and lichen that serve as little islands of pale torchlight in the black. How anything green grows without the sun here is up for speculation, but there is no shortage of it, choking visibility down to less than twenty meters anywhere it can be found, with many more vines, ferns, creepers, and other exotic plants than should really belong in a vaguely western fantasy setting. It makes even less sense when one realizes that they are almost exclusively walking on solid stone, covered in varying layers of moss, with large quantities of actual soil only appearing in deep depressions. Equally unnatural for forest geography are the number of sharp chasms, mossy canyon walls, and rocky plateaus, though the greenery tries to hide them. For the most part, all there is to navigate by is the distant sound of what must be a very impressive waterfall, given all the humid mist, and the odd landmark of some ancient, crumbling ruin, barely sticking out of the fog and vegetation. "I shalt not remaineth with thee for long." says Priscilla, speaking up near the end of a walk to get things moving. "This is a matter in which mine presence shalt not be constructive. Rather, it hast been specifically demanded, but humouring such is laughably disadvantageous." She points ahead, down what continues to be the only really clear path ahead. "The old keeper of these woods waits ahead, as she believes she hath some business in the workings of Anor Londo, which hast long not been her way to pay any heed to, and neither is it her station. Thou, as intermediaries, shalt answer in place of one whom wouldst give impression of bending knee to her whims." "Her name is Lady Alvina. I recommend thee address her as such, as though this current matter is of unprecedented directness, bordering on impudence, she is neither unimportant, dull witted, or without sway. There is a reason I hath deferred to thee over professional diplomats. There is a not insignificant chance that she wouldst prey upon weaker arrivals who displease her; or else simply for sport, until one worthy replaces them."
Reiji Arisu	The last time Reiji was in Lordran, Njorun's boughs still stretched strong and sturdy across the multiverse. Not so now. But still, he counts himself amongst Lordran's friends, and has answered the Concordian's call for aid. He appeared in Anor Londo as he ever did, manifesting from the warp gate not as a phantom, but in his true flesh and blood. For once, he's actually thankful that he did so. Sure, Darkroot Garden was some kind of horrible overgrown hellhole for many people, but Reiji is, after all, an Onmyoji. The crushing overgrowth of life is something he finds more beautiful than disturbing, especially one so untouched and apparently pristine as Darkroot. Though there are hints that this place certainly is not all that it seems; nevermind the ancient stone structures and the forsaken ruins, but that there is someone here who wields so much power as to make Priscilla cautious... Well, it sound almost as if they're dealing with some kind of god. "Understood," Reiji answers the Queen of Anor Londo. "As usual, we'll be careful about our business. I hope that she understands your absence, though if what you're saying is true, then I would suppose that she doesn't truly expect you to appear in person. But I guess we'll see." The Paladin reaches for a cigarette to light, only to find his pockets empty except for a pack of nicotine patches. Ugh. This thing's probably a fox too, isn't it? (NOPE, IT'S A CAT)
Guest Psyber	---Earlier--- "I'll take a number 13, Italian." "Sir, that's a party sized sandwich. Each one feeds six people." "Don't tell me how to live my life, okay?" ---Now--- Psyber is here and holding a three-foot long italian sub sandwich. MOST of it is wrapped in foil to prevent it from spilling contents onto the ground, leaving only about three or four inches at a time free from said foil for consumption. He's confident in his ability to pre-emptively react to threats, meaning that he's carrying weapons but not holding them out and around him constantly in lieu of eating that sandwich. Poking out of one jacket pocket is a one-liter of Diet Pepsi. "Got it," Psyber says to Priscilla between bites of his sandwich, "We act as your mediators and talk to her in your place. That way, it gives the impressions you sent important envoys rather than yielded to her demands for your presence. Makes sense." He takes another bite of his sandwich. Only about 2.5 feet to go.
Lin	"Never expect anyone in Lordran to have a normal sense of decency." Karal Rei Lin gurgles out while once again taking stock of these odd surroundings. So much forest... growing on SOLID STONE... it makes no sense at all! Must be some magic involved. MUST BE. "That's fine. I'll handle the uncommon ones!" Lin sprouts a rather ferocious and fearless grin, for not even this kind of crazy mission will dampen her adventurous spirit. The forest has her senses soaring into overdrive.
Tomoe	Tomoe had still been on the radar of this sector but not quite as much as she used to be. She'd spoken up on Stark Net but she seemed to havebeen focused on finding jobs that were not too high profile. She'd also hadn't seemingly joined up with any of the new groups that were now in operation in the sector of the multivse but as ever she's shown up when something was brewing in Lordran. The Salamander was on edge she knew there would be danger here and she'd long stopped regrding anything as easy ot not a concern. Flight would be useless in a place like this, she'd have to rely on her own agility and her skills to get about if it comes to it. She looked to Priscillia nodding a little bit. "I get it, Lady Priscilla." 5R Don't make any poltical snafus, see if they can work it out, the person needed to be spoken to and heard out but if Priscillia did it? It might give them ideas bad idea or cause other poltical issues ot at lest the Iron Lily thinks. She also looks at Pysbers massive dagwood grade sandwhich and is a bit jelous about it damn that thing looked /epic/.
Zero Kiryu	It's usually the case that Zero isn't present for the immediate benefit of the goals at hand. He's an escort rather than a mediator, and you really don't want him talking to anybody you need to make a good impression with. He's simply too cranky and unpleasant to be viable for that purpose. On the other hand, he's a /great/ show of force for somebody who might mess with envoys just because they look vulnerable, so having him here at all does fulfill a measure of purpose. His response to Priscilla's instructions is a simple, curt nod. I understand, the gesture says, but I won't be talking if I can avoid it because I'll screw this up royally. He seems to have no trouble in the thick brush. Dealing with adverse environments isn't his specialty, but his body is plenty suited to low light conditions and he's well-trained enough in general that he adapted fairly quickly. Hunters have always needed to be able to adapt to unusual surroundings. "Yuuki." His voice is flat, not quite his usual irritable whipcrack of a call-to-attention. "Don't ask this one if she wants to die." That may have been a joke. It's always hard to tell with this guy.
Yuuki Kuran	Kuran Yuuki, of the NORMAL GIRL clan, has taken it upon herself to become... An awful meddler. Part of her feels guilty, and broken-up inside that she's BECOME THE PROBLEM in Lordran. Not that she was the problem at the first step, and more just an accessory to the problem on the second stage, and... Well, Yuuki was an Anime Shojo and she was like a shop vac of drama and FEELS. When Priscilla needed some help, of course she had come to her aid! Though perhaps it was awkward that to avoid sending Priscilla, she came along? Well, this creature of the SHADY FOREST probably didn't know about the Concord, so it was totally fine. "I know, Zero!" Yuuki grumbles. Becuase she totally hadn't thought of it and it was a good reminder, and she was totally lying, and this had saved AWFUL BADNESS from happening. "You know, maybe it'll be another child-looking being! You're great with children." She muses, a dumb grin on her face.
Priscilla	It looks like Reiji kicked a habit for new years. Did Psyber? No it doesn't look like it. Whether it's just been a long time coming or not though, Priscilla does have to spare a look at a literally three foot long sandwich, and finally say. "At some other point, we must speak about thine choices of place and time to eat. A sandwich is one thing, but I am beginning to wonder if thou art escalating simply to see if I shalt notice." A brief, exasperated pause. "I recommendeth thou do away with it quickly, lest it attract some forest creature of lesser intellect." Probably too much to hope it'd just be a bear. "It is as thou sayeth, Sir Arisu. It is a simple matter to demand the unreasonable as a show of confidence, and accept the more likely alternative as a show of grace. Pray, present thineself as Sir Fairfax wouldst approveth of. Unlike before, I am well capable of disavowing thine actions." It doesn't look like she really thinks Reiji will start something. In fact, it looks like she's still staring at the party sub. Priscilla says nothing in particular to Yuuki. The Director of the Concord should know how to be polite, and it looks like she's going to let her figure out the fun surprise for herself; thus the crossbreed lingers behind as the others disappear off into the mist, probably secure in the knowledge that anything attacking her in the woods is pretty much a straight declaration of war, and thus unlikely to be allowed. So everyone gets to stumble through more dark-ass pathways that look cleared on purpose (save the people who live in the dark all the time, really), coming dangerous close to a cliff that just seems to plunge into utter blackness no level of dark vision will pierce, and gives sufficiently bad vibes that the joke of a wooden bridge across can be well ignored. Whatever passes for a meeting place becomes strikingly obvious once it is visible, as a large stone gate, so old that its engravings have worn away into weird, organic contours, opens into a near-empty cliffside grove, in the center of which is the largest concentration of standing ruins yet. The stones are worn and yellowed with age, and supported by vines more than ancient, dusty mortar. The fluted pillars of foreign-looking architecture support nothing but a set of stairs that lead nowhere, making it look like a quarter of a temple was neatly placed as a stage prop. Sitting up on the sole remaining windowsill is a very big cat. Okay, a regular cat would be too cute and harmless. It's some kind of large feline though, white furred and banded like a cheshire, with a big, furry, flicking tail. It's built more like a puffball of a wolverine than a pretty housecat though, and when it opens its mouth, it reveals that its toothy jaws are about three times as wide as they should be, going all the way back to its neck like a crocodile. It can also talk, with a suspicious old woman's voice, dripping with a certain level of wary contempt, and using some variant of the old language Priscilla does that is even /more/ ancient. "Art thou not whom the new queen has deigned appropriate to send in her place? For thou art a ready band of misfits, my. Hast the decorum of mighty Anor Londo truly fallen so? I cannot think of thee a band of intimidating brutes, for bringing such outlandish children, nor guileful assassins, for the clumsy way thou hast stepped upon every twig here! I am certain this explanation shall amuse me so."
Guest Psyber	"It's entirely possible that was exactly what I was doing, Priscilla." Psyber grins to her as he re-wraps the sandwich and slides it into the coat of holding to store it for later. The half-angel then dusts his hands off and says, "Don't worry, Pris. I promise not to let you down. Have I ever not come through for you when it really counts?" He asks, giving her a thumbs up. He then uses that thumb to clean some mayo from the corner of his mouth and wipe it on his jacket. Then he sets to following along with the group. Considering Priscilla signs his paycheck for these missions, he's more than compliant with her requests that he clean up and get serious. He doesn't want to lose business from the leader of the entirety of the Concord because he was eating a sandwich. And then... they arrive. And Psyber immediately gets about ten times more serious. He gives a half-bow and hooks his arm under him as he does so, "Lady Alvina. While we may not look like much, each of us was picked by Priscilla for a number of reasons. I, for instance, am Psyber. I was a companion of Priscilla, Solaire, and even Sir Oscar during the restoration of the flame and the re-ordering of the world. I humbly request that, once my companions have introduced themselves, you consider this envoy to be of sufficient weight and influence to accurately satisfy your importance."
Zero Kiryu	"I don't like ancients who pretend to be children." Zero says, grumpily. At the best of times creatures like that are unsettling, and most of the time they're creepy in the worst possible way. Especially vampires, which is where he's primarily encountered such beings. Even the vampire king had the decency to grow the hell up like a normal person, instead of staying a child forever. The hunter trails along with the group, his gaze strangely hazy and unfocused. He's focused on a particular blip on his radar that they're moving towards. It's big, it's definitely predatory, and he can tell even at a distance that he's not going to like it without having any sort of visual reference for what it is. It's not until they're actually /there/, and the gigantic cat speaks, that Zero puts the pieces together while Psyber conducts initial introductions. "Zero Kiryu, bodyguard to Director Kuran." He offers as introductions, and nothing more. Speaking of his Hunter's Association ties hardly seems liable to convey him as particularly important here. Future president he may be, but it doesn't mean all that much right now in his head.
Lin	Although Lin could certainly light up the forest, she doesn't want to. For a very good reason. THINGS in the forest might be attracted to her light. So she bumbles along with the others, eventually grabbing a stick from the ground to use for checking footing ahead of her and brushing vines and branches out of the way. Navigating the forest is not a problem. Not a problem in the least! At least... until she rounds a tree or two and comes across, lounging AMIDST ruins of all things... a cat? The warrior can't help but pause at this. A solitary cat, now that's an out of the place thing to encounter. Her eyes narrow the moment it begins addressing them, but she maintains a disciplined air. It's not the first time she's encountered a talking animal. They're not even entirely unheard of in Creation. She mimics Psyber's bow a moment after he's done talking and steps forward, quickly catching on to what's required here. "Karal Rei Lin. The Queen of Anor Londo has entrusted me with ensuring our safe arrival and return... what I lack in decorum will be drowned out by results... Lady Alvina?" Lin tilts her head ever so slightly, wondering just how, exactly, a cat could be called the 'owner' of a forest. Clearly this is no ordinary cat, but the question is... WHAT is she then?
Tomoe	So there were a good number of people arriving most of which Tomoe had experiance she also gives Lin a bit of a look and a nods. She know when it comes to actual magic she's got at best an understanding of what might5 be magical and the sense to call someone like Lin about it. Zero and Yuuki get a look over Zero seemed ot be suitable for here but ANORMAL GIRL? She's not even going to ask but it seems that Zero is guarding the NORMAL GIRL and everything should be all right, at least on that end. She eyes Pysbers sandwhich some more and is goin to be getting a sub at some point in the near future due to this blaent display of epic food. However she will not be distracted too much as he gets ready to press head and Reiji also gets a notice, well him being here was always welcome as well. Shinra new their stuff when it came to the supernatural. Tomoe knows Priscillia is incharge of the concord she has no idea her right hand is also one of the people here. Tomoe however is on her best behavior tonight at the very last she not even pulled a weapon yet. She bows for a moment and nods to the cat. "Yes we are the ones she has deemed fit to send." That's all she has to say for the moment.
Reiji Arisu	Psyber. Psyber no, that sandwich is far too huge to be anywhere near acceptable. This is nearly Yogi Bear-esque, and that's something that falls deeply into the 'too risky' category. This is Lordran, for heaven's sakes! A forest in Lordran! The bears probably have three heads and ride around in giant spiked wheels and can stunlock you to death if you've got a sandwich they're interested in! Reiji doesn't say anything about the sandwich. Especially since Psyber stores it in his handy dandy coat. Reiji idly wonders what kind of other food he's stuffed in there, whether it goes bad, and how awful of a job washing it has to be. He wisely moves on from that train of thought and quietly nods his head at Priscilla's warning. "Of course, I understand that circumstances have changed. We'll endeavor not to disappoint you." A trek through the woods later, and they've come to their destination-- and, apparently, to the one who called them there. To many, Alvina might seem strange and alien. Reiji immediately categorizes her as a Bakeneko, and seems maybe a bit too comfortable with this whole scenario. "It is good fortune, then, that we have come neither to intimidate nor to assassinate, but instead to speak with you." Reiji says, then, bowing his head deeply at the ancient feline, "I am Reiji Arisu, a priest of sorts and another of Priscilla's longtime companions alongside Psyber. I believe that some in the capital have recently taken to calling me 'Cursebreaker' for assisting the famous Sir Artorias as well, but you may call me whatever you wish."
Yuuki Kuran	Being polite is Yuuki's specialty! Well, perhaps her curse, as well, as she is at times overly kind when hard words and harder actions are required. This is why she has a Zero, of course, an open Hunter of Bad Things, to complete her 'two thirds of a normal person' quotient. The glances by Tomoe gets the other woman a little wave and a smile, becuase Yuuki doesn't understand why her appearance here - as the Director of the Concord - would be amiss. Meeting the Large Catbeast does surprise her, though. She had expected a large cat, but not like... this. She is woefully unprepared for their contact within the forest, and doesn't have the cultural integration to understand the Cheshire Cat references. Instead, she lets other people handle the greetings, as they all do it quite well (though Psyber's sandwich and diet soda bottle are perhaps not apropos for this sort of diplomacy, she cannot fault his PEDIGREE for this sort of thing). "I believe Queen Priscilla chose us because of our meddling natures - as well as her rust in our powers? We are from other places - other worlds - and see to bring a mutually beneficial end to many problems. In short - I find myself a terrible meddler, though I have been trusted as Priscilla's second in the worlds beyond." She smiles. "Forgive our trampling though. I suppose we didn't wish to give you the wrong impression!"
Priscilla	Alvina's tail goes twitch twitch. It makes sense now why Priscilla said that a bunch of soft diplomats might just go missing here. She's evoking the kind of animal that pounces on things for fun and is notorious for playing with its prey before killing it. If it's her /choice/ of form, it says something about her. If she basically became some kind of youkai equivalent out of a feline monster, it may be her instinctive nature, as evidenced by sitting on a stone windowsill. It's a recurring, annoying thing here in Lordran that so many people are so difficult to read, either by perpetually wearing face-obscuring headgear, or by being totally inhuman, and a big, freaky cat is no exception. Alvina, at least, lets out a "Hmmmm." that sounds like a purr, before proceeding with enough inflection to sound satisfied. It's creepy, because even without the understanding effect, her affected, old woman's voice, is layered on top of a series of feline growls, hisses, yowls and rumbles, making for three layers of some old True Language nonsense. Probably explains why it's actually still in use, instead of being dead like Latin. "Very well then. Heathenish as thou may be, at least thou art no simpletons or caitiffs." The cat looks in Reiji's direction. It's weird because it sorta looks like it should be blind, but it clearly isn't. "That is part of the matter, however. This nonsense of Knight Artorias, back from the grave, running about as if nothing had happened. How queer. One would think that were this the case, it would befit him to disillusion the rest of the world of his death. Perhaps pay a visit to his own gravestone, here in my Garden. Perhaps reunite himself, with his dear companion that has faithfully guarded it for centuries . . ." Oh, that tone is a heavy implication one. "Unfortunately, there is /quite a fair share/ of trampling to forgive. You see, no less than three times have I caught word of outsiders barging into my territory, and defiling sacred grounds, to pilfer away relics and harass our forest dwellers. I am to understand that they came from 'other worlds' as well. They wouldn't happen to be acquaintances of thee, no? Of course, it shant be simply mineself they would be made to prostrate themselves before. If Knight Artorias is /truly/ not passed on, then I am certain he shalt react quite /negatively/ to the news that these pernicious barbarians saw fit to beat his old companion within an inch of his life, in protection of his master's grave. The poor thing has been recovering for months." "What do you suppose I do, then? For it seems the Queen has seen not fit to inform him, nor has she seen fit to make any amends, or offer any apology, for this gross disturbance of my territory and defilement of what should be left well enough alone. How then, do you imagine these miscreants should repent for their actions in a befitting enough way that I see not the worth in exposing them? These 'other worldy' personages this new Queen sees fit to condone."
Guest Psyber	"Allow me to request your forgiveness for our prior breaches of conduct. I joined helping rather midway into the effort due to personal reasons, and so while unaware of the trespasses you suffered, I still apologizer nonetheless." Psyber says in a respectul tone, standing up straight again and adjusting his jacket. He looks towards Yuuki as she claims her title as Priscilla's second and apologizes on her own. "Please. Do tell me how, if possible, I can help make ammends for those actions that other took that you feel sleighted over." He knows the way this world works. People in power want favor, politics. No one is ever offended just because something bad happens. They're offended because they WANT SOMETHING and being offended can get them what they want if they do it right. "Artorias's old companion?" Psyber asks, holding his hands in his pockets as he watches the feline with a careful look, "I am sure Artorias wishes to know. I have need to meet with him anyway, so I will pass on the message that his companion awaits him if you will allow it."
Reiji Arisu	The idea that the Knight Artorias he knows is somehow not the 'true' knight who died and was buried is... Well, it's not an ODD idea to consider. Certainly, recreating the world as they did likely had unforeseen circumstances, but of the knight's cursed sword, there's no doubt. The Dark that clung to that blade was all too real. Reiji produces a note of thought and consideration at the idea, but silences any hasty utterances he might make. All things aught to be confirmed, first. "That is unfortunate indeed," Reiji says with a quiet nod. "I would like to see the wolf, if that would be permissible. I'd like to at least be able to accurately describe his injuries. Regardless of anything else, trespassing upon a grave is not something that I can particularly approve of, nevermind the animal abuse. We'll need to inform Artorias of it; I imagine he'd be somewhat cross at the notion." He inclines his head, then. "However, if it were merely trespassers and brigands, the beasts of this forest could easily do away with them, let alone the Great Wolf. These invaders, could you describe them?"
Tomoe	Tomoe now looks at Alvina for a moment, she knows the group here they have the skills to do this but also would be very hard to waylay by the local hazards it's doubtful they would all be wiped out on thier way here. She seems to be keeping silent as she tries to read ths cat, she has nod idea she's hard to read very hard to read. She seem to be intent ot be a guard and share what information she can when she has a rare point of being useful to this matter. Psyber's word combined with that of Reijis gets her thinking and she now has a good idea of what's going on. "If they could get past the creatures who live uint his place this is ... not a trival matter or concern."
Lin	Lin's just not able to hide her surprise at these accusations being flung around. If she were a different redhead who'd been tromping around with Priscilla the tale would've made a lot more sense, but as things are... She knows absolutely NOTHING about any of these developments and that fact worriedly flickers in the gaze she sweeps back and forth to the others. Others who do seem to know what they're doing on this topic. Grind her teeth quietly, that's all she can do here. And subtly focus her senses further, because Alvina's words have her increasingly worried that things are about to go as Priscilla worried. They ARE alone with her here, right...?
Zero Kiryu	For the most part, Zero Kiryu has held his tongue for the simple reason that he's the wrong guy to engage Lady Alvina directly. But there's no reason for him to maintain the same decorum towards his own people. "Don't act like a victim in front of predators." He advises Lin, curtly.
Yuuki Kuran	There's a lot on the table here, to address. Much more, in fact, than could possibly be addressed. And so, following Psyber's lead, Yuuki Kuran acts as her instincts whisper she should. Predatory natures, confidence, and power become her, certainly, and when she wishes to use it, there is something to be said of its efficasy. She takes a rather confident step forward, shortly, and bows low. "As I have no mind to your demands, all I can offer is my sincere sympathy-" Not an apology, but her sympathy. "-For the plights upon your land. In fact, I understand that the deep resentment caused by otherworldly people have caused much destruction and ill will. I cannot presume to know every fact of this, as I am but a recent comer to this world... Psyber, could you help us all understand this? You seem to know!" Her low stance ceases somewhere during her speech, and she simply stands and smiles. "Perhaps we can start with, perhaps, your desires? We may be of some mutual use to each other, as good neighbors, even!" She then whips out her phone and thumbtypes something, before alighting. "Ha! Ahaha... Ah, I'm very sorry. I don't know every word you used. I do not think we lack for courage, this group. But I wouldn't want to speak for everyone. That would be... rather presumptuous!"
Priscilla	"I think thou fail to understand." growls the cat. "Whoever claims to be Knight Artorias will know one way or another. If he is somehow the genuine article, I cannot imagine even his impeccable honour will allow him to forgiveth as easily as I am, or perhaps even moreso because of it. This is a grave offense, and one that even I cannot imagine the prideful people of the mountain will take lightly. If one claiming to be him were to show his face here without thought of demanding justice, why then of course he couldst hardly be considered the true article, and mineself hardly to be blamed for barring him entry." Oh. So it's extortion then. "Oh of course I doubt any among the Garden could /truly/ stand up to the genuine thing, but then the Abysswalker would be . . . ill advised, to return to this fragment of the Abyss that remains here, with his Covenant of defense annulled. I seem to recall that these same meddlers were responsible for driving the Old Dark that once consumed him into this particular corner of the world as well. Oh how that would enrage a proud knight." That's a direct reference to one of the intrusions for the sake of diving into that weird, dark pit that had formed here. "Thus I am afraid I hath no recourse. Clearly, if I am to prevent a bloody slaughter on mine own territory, I must resort to a most /impolite/ disruption to the realm of the gods. Of course then, if such wanton and impudent interlopers were brought to justice, there would be no need to divulge such a trifling fact, now would there? Unfortunately, I doubt the Great Wolf will somehow return to his master's side of his own accord, for what outsider would he now believe, wounded as he was, that his loyal stewardship of his master's grave hath been for naught?" To summarize: Alvina gets what she wants, or Alvina tattles. This either massively pisses off a legendary hero of Anor Londo and causes all manner of trouble with Multiversals implicated, or results in political suicide if he chooses to ignore it and show up here. She doesn't have to pick a fight with Priscilla directly. "Words are cheap." Alvina hisses, both literally and linguistically. "The hunters of the forest do not forgive so easily as soft and self-important human nobles, nor does the Lady of Sin hold any sway here. Either these relics are return, and extensive payment is levied as apology, or else the guilty are brought before me and may seek repentance in servitude to the forest or death. I believeth you may know of some of them. I hear tell of a grand and arrogant sorcerer, a tarted up little witch of dreams, a bespectacled man with all the charm of a golem, one that may as well be one with ridiculous feline ears, a white fox, a hideously dressed diplomat, an equally unpleasant old woman of invisible sorcery, a youth obsessed with swords, even one that happens to look something like /you/ young lady." Alvina peers at Tomoe. So, half those relics are gone or used up, and half those people are gone (and most of the other half would be kind of a problem if they went missing). Plus, it's kind of doubtful a cat wants payment in dollar bills.
Priscilla	Zero's mental radar is basically going nuts at this point with the number of sources of movement all around. The group is thoroughly surrounded, but at a respectable distance, as if forbidden to move any closer, at least for now. Karal winds up mostly training her senses on what sound like natural noises, until the irregular rhythms become obvious. The rustle of brush, the sigh of a faint breeze, the sifting of dirt, sound less like ordinary processes or people sneaking around, than the bushes, the rocks, and things much larger than humans waiting in the mist.
Guest Psyber	Rather than answer Alvira, because this has officially gone far beyond Psyber's ability to reasonably negotiate for the moment, Psyber turns to Yuuki, "The explanation is rather minimal, but no less vital to understand. You have heard the adage that an omlette cannot be made without breaking a few eggs? To reforge the world, many of those who participated, no matter how small in presence, broke some law or committed some offense against the world. Not yourself, and I was not present for this particular portion, but I recognize many she describes." "Put simply, in pursuit of a greater good, certain politenesses were transgressed by many people," Psyber notes, looking to the young Vampire Lord, "And now, it seems, that the time to pay the piper for those transgressions has arrived." Psyber sums up, looking to the girl once more. "Actions have consequences, so they say."
Reiji Arisu	Oh. Ohhhhhhhhhhhh yeah that one sounds like Lezard, and Mizuki, and Staren, and... Ohhhh yes, Reiji gets exactly what's going on here. The Spirit Cop crosses his arms and breathes a long, tired sigh. "Ah. I see. Yes, we'll have to find some solution to this problem, one way or another. Certainly, though, the circumstances under which all this transpired were... Unique. But... Hm." He supposes that 'we saved the entire damn world including the perch you're squatting on, you damn grimalkin' is not at all worth saying. Psyber has the right of it, regardless. "So then, if supposing that we cannot retrieve the relics in question, nor, hypothetically speaking, would we be able to bring these particular individuals to you, how otherwise might these wrongs against you be made right, Lady Alvina?"
Tomoe	Tomoe says "They are, cheap so we should speka with Actions." She listens to Alvina and the pauses for a moment as sh stars to get an idea about what's going on. "I think I have an idea of a few of them are and yes I understand...wait?" Wait was this something she was involved with? Oh god wait was it that run to the grave? Or was it something else? She doesn't recall however taking anything of her own but Tomoe is now thinking of how best to work her way out of this she's done a lot. "Yes they do and if I had a hand in this... I will seek to return any of the Items."
Lin	Lin certainly hears Zero's advice, and her expression has straightened... but primarily because she can detect things amiss in the woods around them. It has her on edge... and feeling just a tad indignant. But she's more than mature enough to keep a firm face despite these realizations. For better or worse, all important things that could be said have been by the time she's done estimating just how many hunters have them surrounded. These descriptions. A few of them she recognizes. Thiiiiiis cat is TROUBLE. Big trouble.
Zero Kiryu	Between Alvina's behavior and the surrounding gigantic mass of blips on his mental radar, Zero's predatory instincts are more awake than he's really comfortable with. It doesn't help that Yuuki is turning on her own predatory dominance mojo, which he never cares for. More than that the situation itself is... as far as he can tell, untenable. It reminds him so much of behavior in the vampire courts that he can't help but want to rip the great cat's throat right out. Unfortunately this means he's going to break etiquette. "Words are cheap." For the first time he's looked up to meet Alvina's eyes, and he certainly finds her as wanting as she likely finds any of them. He says, "The words of a beast that demand the presence of its betters to look down on them from on high, and surrounds their appointed envoys with predatory vermin, are even cheaper." "If it pleases Lady Alvina, we would convey her concerns to the Knight Artorias, and her treatment of her peers and their appointed envoys besides." He folds his arms over his chest, though one hand slides beneath his jacket rather than over the top of it.
Yuuki Kuran	Garbage Cat of the Forest speaks at length about many topics. About 'unfortunate circumstances'. About the perpetrators of a crime, of an opportunity, of many things. There is an air of smuggery, motes of blackmail, and the arched back and swaying tail of a cat about to pounce on a struggling prey. And Yuuki smiles, turning her head pointedly away from Alvina to listen to Psyber explain Knight Artorias. If Alvina is attuned to such things, it would be most certainly aware that Yuuki Kuran's perception was much broader than simple eyesight - and yet it was as if she was /directly/ ignoring the cat for a moment. Certainly Psyber, or Zero, would be even MORE hyper-vigilant, but it was good to teach rowdy, needy animals their place by denying them what they wanted - especially attention. "That is very enlightning. Ah, now, where were we..." She turns, with a smile, to Alvina. "Those certainly are some very dire things you wish, but... Perhaps I didn't hear you clearly. If you claim dominion over these lands yet pay no obesiance to Queen Priscilla, then as sovreign within this place, did you not yourself lose those artifacts and items, lacking the power to protect them? As you say, the great Sif watched over the grave of its master out of an idea, an ideal of loyalty, would it not be overjoyed that its master returned? Furthermore, if it would be travesty and unthinkable for an Artorias to not be solely responsible for such acts, is it not fall upon /you/ the responsibility, sole and personal, for losing what was yours?" She tilts her head just a bit, her hair cascading down her shoulder as her red-brown eyes favor Alvina with the sort of 'you're adorable!' look a smol Euro-Japanese girl would give an alleycat, and not at all the one a powerful predator in its own right would give to another equal. "If you wish to stand apart, as a good neighbor to the rightful Queen of this place, as is her birthright - should you not shoulder the responsibility of that which happens in your territory? Unless you wish to correct me - as I am quite forgetful - your sole allegiance and the rights of 'your' territory in regency to the ruler of this land?" She frowns, her expression darkening and her eyes a catlike lambent glow in the dark forest. "Or are you merely trying to extort some concession or unreasonable demand from agents sent in good faith, for those agents can provide their own hanging sword." She gestures to Zero, and Psyber, to Tomoe and Karal, and to Reiji. "For I find myself with a glut of powerful knights, each readibly able to acquit themselves. It would tarnish any being's word were they to draw agents of the Queen into a dark, vulnerable place, and then attack them with force, wouldn't it?" "So it certainly couldn't be /your/ forces lying in ambush all around us? That would quite ruin any good faith you had, wouldn't it? Please, I'm..." Her frown disappears, back to a pleasant smile. "I'm trying to understand."
Priscilla	Pissy old cat is displeased. The former Unionites are capable of paying the proper observances, but it seems the people that wound up right for the Concord aren't taking her shit lying down. For once, it's easy as pie to read someone here, because everyone knows what an angry cat looks like: bushy tail, raised hackles, twitching whiskers, and unpleasant hissing sounds. "Hypothetically thou doth not have a choice. Make no mistake, precocious whelps, if I sought thine deaths, my hunters would be more than glad to take up the task. That which gathers all about you like flies drawn to your stench are the rightful dwellers of these woods, kept at bay only by my command. Even what little use thou art worth would be diminished if you were to be set upon by beasts the minute you dared step forth to waste my time. Swallow thine pitiful provocations." "Furthermore, do not proceed to believeth I am such an idiot as to believe the Queen hath nothing to do with the creeping worms that encroach upon the Garden time after time. I am to taketh responsibility for failing to repulse her murderous vagrant thieves, and she is to taketh none for sanctioning them? Thou must think me a laughably craven fool to agree to such a childish idea! If thou insist that everything here is mine and I must protect it with force, then so is the Great Wolf, and thou shalt go without. Go on, spread the word. Do not think the Abysswalker likely to pander to thine petty pride and forgiveth thee for thine failure. Thou hast trampled upon his honour more than enough already, and I doubt his humility infinite." "Think not thou art able to intimidate me. I am far different from the simpering cowards and power-hungry fools thou hast thusfar waged war upon. I was here long before any of they, and my Garden contains things thou scarce dare imagine. Sally forth thine standard-bearing thugs if thou wilst, they shalt be swallowed by the dark woods as all the rest before them. Think. Carefully." With that, the thoroughly pissed off cat disappears. As in, actually disappears. She fades away like a mirage, leaving only her scowling visage behind for a good half-second, much like a very famous work of fiction. Apparently cats learn to teleport as well as talk and tattle.