Exalted:End of an Era

[Biologist]

Hanzo gritted his teeth. Of course, the animas are a problem, how could I forget? Great first impression He sighed inwardly. "You are right, of course, Captain Dace. We should wait until.. things quiet down a bit."

 

Upon hearing the date, Hanzo was very pleased. They were a day early. Ahead of schedule!

 

"Unfortunately, tripping alarms and associating with shadow was necessary to travel from Lookshy to Nexus in 6 days: there was great haste. I can assure you, though, that 'the shadow' is under our protection and responsibility."

 

Hanzo swallowed hard when he mentioned Lookshy. The place formerly known as Lookshy he corrected himself. He would get revenge. Eventually.

[Mistress of Whispers]

Shaya looked up when Web was mentioned.

 

"She is with us, Captain."

 

There was no challenge or argument in her voice, merely a statement of fact. She might still not trust Web completely, but the Moonshadow had earned her place after their harrowing time in the Labyrinth.

Edited May 22, 2013 by Mistress of Whispers

[Takhesis]

[Dace is written as being reasonably level-headed, so I don't think he'd be the first to break the peace....]

 

Dace considered the situation, it would be unorthodox - but if they were willing to take responsibility as Hanzo implied they would.... and it seemed the other Dawn Caste agreed with Hanzo.

 

"In which case, as long as no trouble is caused within the city walls by any of your group, I see no reason why we can't get along with each other." Dace still didn't like Lookshyans, but the Emissary wouldn't like him starting a brawl just to satisfy an old grudge, and he couldn't afford to put his companies welfare at stake.

 

Awkward enough that the Emissary had bent the rules laid down by the Immaculates to allow him to stay there as well as his company without him trying the limits of the city's leader's patience.

Edited May 22, 2013 by Takhesis

[Biologist]

Hanzo smiled. "Thank you, Captain Dace." Hanzo was pleased his first attempt at diplomacy had gone so well. Then he looked back at Shaya. "Is there anything you would like to add, sir?"

 

Hanzo was unsure how much the Chumyo was willing to tell this mercenary, but he guessed it was not a lot. So he kept quiet about the reason they were here in such a hurry...

[Mistress of Whispers]

((I think the Scarlet Empress broadcast her attack on Lookshy over the First Age communications system, so the authorities of Nexus must know already. They might be keeping it to themselves until they've decided what to do though.))

 

Shaya nodded at Hanzo. He had done well indeed; much better than either she or Pheonix could have managed - they were more the kind of people who started (and *ended*) fights and not people who diffused them.

 

"Captain" she said, adressing the mercenary herself this time, "is there any chance of keeping the nature of our arrival from the general populace?" And the nature of her Exaltation, but she didn't think she'd have to specify that.

Edited May 23, 2013 by Mistress of Whispers

[Takhesis]

[Likely - and that would make Dace even more cautious about starting fights - considering the words the Empress used - I'm guessing Pheonix will relate them if needed later.....]

 

Dace considered the request.

 

"I believe so. This area isn't often visited and I doubt the original patrol will speak about it. No-one likes to admit the wards failed on their watch." As for the rest of his company turning out.... Dace thought he could have Risa spin it as a drill for any curious citizens.

 

As for the unspoken part - that would probably be answered by the first part of his answer. Though Totemic Solar animas were hard to hide...

 

[Consider the size of them for a start...Exalted who expend a great deal of Essence are often surrounded by a brilliant display of power that can be visible miles distant.....]

[Mistress of Whispers]

Shaya nodded to the mercenary. "Thank you, that is appreciated. Also - can you tell me if Lookshy's chambers in Nexus have been maintained? Do we have a place to freshen up?" She meant if they had time to clean themselves enough so they didn't look like something the cat dragged through hell and back, but she wasn't about to admit that to a mercenary.

 

Now that they'd had a chance to speak and she a chance to calm down, she regarded the mercenary with less hostility. Nevertheless, she wondered why he was here; why a Solar would sell his prowess for money and not fight towards a nobler cause.

 

 

((I think that the totemic part is about car-sized and the radiance coming off it can indeed be seen for miles. So maybe they can pass it off as a bonfire? A bomb? The dawn miraculously setting in the middle of Nexus? Something that might alert people that something is wrong, but not necessarily that there's a Solar in the graveyard?

 

Re Lookshy's chambers: I figured that all River Council delegates have some sort of lodgings, house or standing reservation at an inn in Nexus.))

Edited May 23, 2013 by Mistress of Whispers

[Takhesis]

"There are indeed chambers for delegates' use - though I do not know of the internal status of those chambers." Dace replied, "If they are not satisfactory - I am more than willing to open the Bronze Tigers barrack facilities for your use."

 

That offer was one of hospitality and of pragmatism, it would enable Dace to keep an eye on them if it was needed. Plus it wasn't often he'd have a chance to speak to another Solar - especially one that had a Dragonblood as an ally.

[Mistress of Whispers]

Shaya considered the Captain's offer. With the exception of Hanzo and Web, her people were all career soldiers who would feel infinitely more at ease in military barracks than in diplomatic chambers. She herself would enjoy a chance to speak more with Captain Dace, who struck her as a noble man despite selling his skill as a mercenary, and if the Bronze Tigers were indeed Nexus' largest and finest unit, they would have Terrestrial Exalted in their employ; Pheonix might appreciate being amongst other Dragonblooded after spending so long in the company of two Solars and one Abyssal. Lastly, there were practical implications to consider: she was in Nexus to raise a new Seventh Legion, dedicated to the River Province just as the old Seventh Legion had been dedicated to Lookshy, and the support of Captain Dace might be valuable in that endeavour.

 

All in all, Shaya was inclined to skip the official lodgings entirely and go straight to the Bronze Tigers' baracks. She exchanged a look with Pheonix to see where her Lieutenant might stand on this.

 

 

((I'll introduce Risa in my next post or so. I figured that if I bring the Wood Exalt now, Pheonix is going to vote HELL NO on moving in with the Bronze Tigers .))

[Takhesis]

((She that predictable? - well maybe for someone who's known her for a long time she is. ))

 

Seeing Shaya glance at her, Pheonix gave a nod of her head to indicate approval of the barrack offer. At least this captain seemed to understand basic hospitality - unlike their earlier welcome committee. Plus knowing the rest of the unit - it would at least be more familiar to them than the frou-frou trappings that would undoubtably be inside the diplomatic areas.

 

Of course, she couldn't speak for Web and Hanzo's preference. But Hanzo must have spent a lot of time in the armory section - which would be similar to barracks.

[Biologist]

Hanzo was glad the chumyo had taken over. After the ordeal of the loss of Lookshy, his Exaltation and the near sleepless voyage through the Labyrinth, he suddenly felt exhausted. He didn't care where they went, as long as it had a bed he could crash on. And maybe a bath. And properly brewed tea from fresh water. He knew he had to wait a bit longer before they were in private quarters, so he didn't show how tired he was. Certainly not in front of Nexians. And *most* certainly not in front of his Chumyo.

[Mistress of Whispers]

With Pheonix in agreement, Shaya adressed the mercenary leader again: "Actually, Captain, if we'd not impose, I think we might prefer your baracks over the official delegate chambers; we are not exactly traditional diplomats."

 

By now, Shaya's anima was slowly simmering down. The four-armed warrior no longer stood behind her, though the radiant bonfire remained. Web's shadow-tendrils, likewise, had largely dissapated and Pheonix wasn't generating as much heat as before. Approaching in the distance, they could hear the clear sound of marching footsteps. The rest of the Bronze Tigers, Shaya thought; now we will see the mercenary's character, when he has the clear upperhand. Almost imperceptibly, she shifted her stance so she was ready if the Captain wasn't the man he appeared to be.

 

 

[Takhesis]

Dace nodded at Shaya, also hearing the rest of his company approaching.

 

"I understand. Barracks it is." Now to see whether he could convince Risa that the group weren't a threat. She wasn't always trustful of other Solars - possibly because one had tried to kill her over a misunderstanding involving shadowlands... though if Web's Essence type was too visible that maybe more of an issue than Shaya's or Pheonix's.

 

[Now to see Risa's reaction to the Lookshyans... I'm pretty certain even if Dace doesn't say/react - he'd recognize a battle stance in Shaya. Especially as the two of them favor the Daiklave]

[Mistress of Whispers]

Shaya nodded at the Solar Captain in a sign of appreciation of his hospitality, when the rest of the Bronze Tigers came into view. In the vanguard, leading them, was a woman clad in green Jade. Oh, great.

 

She had never fully understood the apparent rivalry between the different Terrestrial Exalted, but she did know that Pheonix tended to clash with Water Exalts and Wood Exalts. Well, maybe it was just Pheonix and - the thought ended abruptly when she saw the Wood Exalt's eyes narrow. Yeah, great.

 

Still, she couldn't even remember the last time Pheonix had started a serious fight while on duty, so perhaps the solution was simply to not give her Lieutenant any R&R. Either way, they had just committed to the Bronze Tigers' barracks and she was not about to back down now.

 

 

((Yes, Dace probably did recognize the defensive stance. Let's hope they don't come to blows - they'd need the Emissary himself to break up that fight.))

 

 

----------------

 

 

Risa took a moment to take in the sight before her. Seven humans, some armed with Essence weapons, one Solar in flare, one Fire Exalt in flare and one.... human? lurking further back. No, she corrected herself. Not lurking, hiding. The other Solar Captain had positioned herself to obstruct that last one from view, so probably not human either.

 

Her eyes narrowed in suspicion as she looked at the Solar, then narrowed further in instinctual anger as she looked at the Fire Exalt.

 

Please tell me I'm here to arrest them or otherwise escort them from the city.

 

"Your orders, Captain?" she said as she stood to attention at Dace's side.

[Biologist]

Somewhere in the East a head perked up, sending flocks of birds up in a panic. The creature had been waiting patiently for this moment: it felt its prey return into Creation. With a triumphant howl it set out to find her. The hunt was afoot once more.

[Takhesis]

[Looks like there'll be some interesting conversations in the near future.]

 

Dace turned to Risa, noting her stance at the flaring Exalts. Thankfully she hadn't seen Web yet due to Shaya's current position. Hopefully he wouldn't need to break up some fights, as he guessed the other Solar would back up her unit if one did start up.

 

"The Lookshyan delegates to the River Council will be using our barrack facilities before the meeting. Have the company form up as escort."

 

------

 

Web stayed quiet, not wanting to call any more attention to herself. At least it seemed that Shaya was willing to protect her - for now anyway. She wasn't about to cause trouble.

 

-----

 

Pheonix took in the rest of the Bronze Tigers, noting the relative professionalism that wasn't normally associated with mercenaries. Then she noticed the Wood Exalt joining Dace.

 

Please tell me she's not a Bronze Tiger..... Pheonix wasn't happy about the thought of being around a Wood Exalt for any length of time. For some reason Fire and Wood didn't get along - maybe due to their conflicting personalities. Plus the natural versions of their elements weren't exactly friends.

[Mistress of Whispers]

It was a good thing that Risa was well-disciplined and exceedingly loyal to Dace, or she might have questioned his orders on the spot. As it was, she merely took an extra second to look the new arrivals over again.

 

She knew that the River Council would go into session tomorrow, but these were the Lookshyan delegates?? Since when did delegates travel by Shadowland? And since when did they include Solar Exalted? And why did they have to include a Fire Exalt, of all things? Though that last question was more a personal matter, as it was certainly not uncommon for Lookshy's Delegate to include a Terrestrial Exalt.

 

She waited another half second for Dace to tell her that he was joking, but saluted when he didn't: "Yes, sir." If there was any question in her words, Dace was the only one present who knew her well enough to pick up on it.

 

Turning back to the Bronze Tigers to move them into a new formation that would allow the 'delegates' to walk boxed in between them, Risa kept a steely face. She would not have these visitors see her doubt.

 

 

((Note: Risa has Manipulation 2 and Socialize 2, so even Pheonix and Shaya might notice that something is up, if they're paying attention (though not necessarily what) and Web and Tinker would most certainly pick up on it. Hanzo too, possibly (not sure what his Social is).))

 

 

---------------

 

 

Shaya's eyes narrowed slightly. Did the Wood Exalt just hesitate? She couldn't be certain, but - Involuntarily, she glanced at Tinker; her go-to guy when it came to things like this; but of course his face was a perfect slate of grandfatherly kindness. She sighed mentally and resolved to ask him about it later; surely if the Wood Exalt was planning a trap, the old man would have signalled.

 

She also took a moment to take in Web. The shadow tendrils and creepy aura were mostly gone, but she couldn't see the Moonshadow's forehead from this angle; things would go easier if Web wasn't exposed as an Abyssal in front of all the Bronze Tigers. Luckily, they had a little while longer and by the time Pheonix and herself were 'presentable' enough to walk through Nexus, surely the Moonshadow would be in good condition again, too. Or, at least, she hoped so.

 

((Web expended less Essence than Pheonix and Shaya, so I figured that if the Solar and Fire's animas are already dying down by now, Web's would have too. But I don't want to take too many liberties there, hence saying that Web's anima is MOSTLY gone and Shaya not seeing her Caste Mark.))

Edited May 25, 2013 by Mistress of Whispers

[Biologist]

Hanzo also noticed the minute hesitation of the Dragonblooded lieutenant. He wondered why, but was too tired to think much of it. He did wonder whether all Solar captains had a Dragonblooded lieutenant.. Probably

 

He was looking forward to some rest and privacy and the chance to ask the Chumyo those questions that had been simmering in his mind for a while. Questions about being a Solar. He had been one for a week and he had already seen more incredible things than during the rest of his life. As a Lookshyan artificer, that was saying a lot. He wanted to know what he was supposed to do, if there were others like him who might give him some pointers...

 

It would have to wait.

[Takhesis]

[True that - but blood is still a giveaway... Shaya will likely see Web wiping it away.]

 

Web realized there'd be a small issue of her bleeding Caste Mark, but since she hadn't used Essence for a while the flow had stopped. So she quickly wiped off the giveaway traces - hoping that she was still concealed from general view.

 

Though she did pick up indications that the mercenary's second in command wasn't entirely happy with the arrangement. The first was the split-second hesitation before accepting Dace's order - she did wonder whether it was due to all the Anima flares, but that didn't quite sit right as reason.

 

----

 

Pheonix kept her face as impassive as she could - though those that knew her would be able to tell what was up. The general consensus would be that keeping Pheonix and Risa apart - or at least under close observation would be the wisest course of action. Or give her a direct order not to fight with the Wood Aspect and hope Lookshyan discipline would win out over personal grudges.

 

-------

 

Dace mentally sighed as he noted Risa's brief hesitance - he wouldn't call her on it in public. He thought he knew exactly what caused it - the incident with the other Solar.

 

Now all that remained to do was wait til animas reduced sufficiently for travel. The rearrangement of the company wouldn't take that long with Risa organizing.

[Biologist]

With all anima banners reduced to acceptable levels, the company of the Bronze Tigers moved out. The 'guests' of the Lookshy delegation in the middle, Shaya in front, with the Nexian mercenary company surrounding them on all sides.

 

As they marched through the streets of Nexus, people came looking, wondering who it was that was escorted through the streets - by the Bronze Tigers no less, who had been running toward the plague cemetery mere moments ago. As no weapons were drawn by either party, it was clear that this was a peaceful accompaniment, with obviously the important people being safeguarded in the middle. Necks strained and people stood on tip toe to get a better look of the important guests with a towering Gunzosha soldier in their midst. People looked surprised and the Unit heard the crowd whisper amongst themselves. Lookshy being the most prominent word uttered...

 

Hanzo felt a bit embarrassed by all the people watching, but he held his face straight like a good Lookshyan soldier and marched with the rest.

 

Only when they entered the courtyard of the Bronze Tigers' compound did everyone notice how tense they had been feeling, Lookshyans and Nexians alike...

[Mistress of Whispers]

Nodding to Web to indicate that she was okay, Shaya had her unit set off with the Bronze Tigers. She walked with her back straight and her head held high, exuding confidence and power with every step; anyone seeing her would be sure that here walked a powerful military leader and not a lone Captain from an annihilated city. It was exactly the image she wanted to portray, but also the one she believed in: Lookshy might be gone, but the Seventh Legion was not and they would rebuild with backing of the River Council.

 

 

((Bit of a headache, so short-ish reply. I'll post a Risa bit later. Also, it's been years since I read the trilogy so just to make sure: the Solar that Dace and Rise had a run-in with is Jade, right? I thought that went kinda okay-ish, or at least as can be expected since Jade had hooked up with her Abyssal boyfriend at the time? Though like I said: it's been years, so feel free to freshen my memory.))

[Takhesis]

[Yep - it was Jade. Jade tried to kill Risa however - as she'd made an assumption that the broken fang daggers she found on the outskirts of a massacred village belonged to the killers... and the broken fangs = the Bronze Tigers... so not a good first impression.]

 

Pheonix kept her opinions to herself - for once - while they were escorted. She wasn't about to poke the Exalt equivalent of a hornet's nest, though she did seem to glare every now and then at Risa - when she thought she wouldn't be caught at it.

 

 

Web nodded in thanks at Shaya for the confirmation that her blood marks had gone as they fell into formation. The lancers and Gunzosha taking her flanks as usual.

Now Web knew what the hesitation was about - or at least she thought she did. Perhaps Pheonix and Risa had a less than friendly run-in the past - that would explain the glares Pheonix was sending at the Wood Exalt. She wasn't being that subtle about it.

[Mistress of Whispers]

((Oops indeed . Thanks for refreshing my memory!))

 

Shaya was not the most social of people; she usually missed the little signs and gestures that revealed someone's mood and she had been passed up for promotion at least once because she didn't know how to socialize with the right people. But she and Pheonix had worked together for a long time and, as a result, she knew her Lieutenant well. Making sure to catch the Dragonblood's attention, she very carefully shook her head once. 'Don't start anything' the gesture seemed to say. Shaya might need support from the Bronze Tigers, or more accurately, Dace before this was over and it wouldn't do to pick a fight with his second-in-command.

 

------------------

 

Risa cast another glance at the Solar Captain and her Fire Blooded Lieutenant. She tried to keep a neutral expression, but failed. The truth was they made her uneasy and, like most Exalted, she reacted aggressively when she felt threatened. She wasn't sure what to make of the Solar; she had met two so far - one of them was now her Captain and the other had tried to kill her. Her feelings towards the Fire Blood were more straightforward, if not positive: she didn't like her at first sight. Still, Captain Dace had invited them as guests and it was his call.

 

Arriving at the barracks, she showed the guests to their quarters. She made sure to keep them separate from her Bronze Tigers, but did provide them with enough room to have privacy for their officers. She also pointed out the showering facilities and mess hall. Then, in a gesture of good faith, which was admittedly mostly intended to show Dace that she was making an effort, she even sent a courier to inform the Major Domo of the River Council that the Lookshyan delegates had arrived and would attend on the morrow. There, she thought fiercely, at least I am on my best behaviour.

[Biologist]

Hanzo was grateful for the accomodations offered by the Bronze Tigers. He did notice some tension between the two Dragonblooded lieutenants, but his mind was too preoccupied with what had been and what was to come, that he didn't give it much thought.

 

At the barracks, he patiently waited for the camp master Tinker to appoint everyone a place to sleep and then for the Chumyo to give the sign to be at ease. He briefly considered going straight to bed, but he wanted to wash off the stink of the Labyrinth and the Underworld before he did that. If only they had time to wash their clothes as well... Oh well, it can wait. Maybe I'll see to some repairs after the shower... He yawned uncontrollably ...or maybe I'll do that in the morning.

 

 

[Takhesis]

[ I can see some aggressive sparring from Risa/Pheonix to get rid off aforementioned tension later on.]

 

Web knew that her 'condition' would cause problems if it was well known, so she remained quiet and made no action to call attention to herself. Bad enough that she was wearing the traditional color of Black, and of course the unhealing wound would probably raise questions if it was noticed. Perhaps it could be assumed to have been caused by a shadowland inhabitant? Though a lie would cause more trouble if exposed.... she'd just have to be careful.

 

----

 

Pheonix nodded at Shaya - she knew what was at stake, and she wouldn't be the first to jeopardize it on some stupid actions. Though it seemed the feeling of general dislike was mutual between the Dragonblooded.

 

-----

 

Dace knew Risa's organisation skills were better than his, so he was more than happy to let her sort out the rooms and the brief tour. The Bronze Tigers barracks weren't the biggest - but they performed the function required.

 

He did notice the shared hostile glares between the seconds during the escort period and hoped it wouldn't escalate at least not before the River Council meeting. And Risa beat him to the sending of a messenger - at least they'll now know if the group was expected or not.

 

[i'm assuming if Risa caught Pheonix glaring she'd glare back, or maybe she's doing the same as Pheonix - trying and failing to be subtle. Also assuming Dace wasn't told why River Council was summoned...]