Episode 1: The Second Breath [The Lawgivers]

Perfect


"I am not presuming that I will be granted exlatation, young woman." The Perfect says frankly, disdain in his voice begins to grow slightly, but not enough to make it seem rude "I am simply the most deserving. Who amongst you can say you have built an island of hope in this sea of wretched filth we call the age of sorrows?" He says casually, walking back and forth in front of the group "Where else can you find a safer place, lest you reach far north to Whitewall and its protections. No, I am very deserving of the honor of exaltation. I suppose you could say I have been gifted with a long life due to my positive exploits across Creation, but I am in no dissolution that exaltation could still happen to one such as myself. I technically have all the time in the world." The Perfect digresses, perhaps noticing his speech is becoming self righteous.


"More to the matter at hand however!" He exclaims joyfully "The trinket I require is not something that is small. No, it is not something I would send even a dragon-blooded after. It is something that, though with all their power, cannot attain for me. It is an orb, simple in nature yet very powerful in it indoctrination. I know little of its powers beyond that this staff is but a mere piece of its former self without that orb. I need it and want it." The Perfect pauses "I aim to expand my influence in the South, to create a better future and island of hope. With me, The Perfect, as its leader! Truly, if I cannot become as ordained as yourselves, then it is the closest thing I have. I fear not divulging this to yourselves as you are all ones with the Unconquered Sun, I have little to hide in my quest for your gift no matter how silly and petty it may seem." The Perfect returns to being somber "In the end, we all simply want what we cannot have."


Everyone with lore greater then 2:


Knowledge of the Unconquered Sun and the connection to his Solars off-spring is far and few between. Just the simple fact that The Perfect has blatantly pointed it out seems vexing more the same. Scarlet Whisper was also still present in the room and her face did not noticeably change when he had mentioned this. Could they be sympathizers you wonder? Perhaps they know something you don't? And whats more, with the knowledge of what they are, could they really get away from this man whom seems so fervently hooked on the idea of exalting?
 
Takeno


Takeno recovers from his second vision, spends a few seconds putting together what he saw earlier in Mani's basement during his exaltation, what he saw now and what the Perfect has asked of them, makes a step forward accompanied by a small acknowledging bow to the Perfect, then speaks, with the grace of a Harmonious Voice and the undeniable majesty of a Crowned Sun, akin to the sobriquets his caste used to have in the First Age.


"Honourable Perfect of the city of Paragon. My name is Takeno, born in one of the families belonging to the Great House Nellens of the Scarlet Empire, diplomat and negotiator of the Realm. Reborn by the grace and divine wisdom of Sol Invictus, exalted as a Dignitary of the Sun, as a voice of unity, as a bringer of harmony. In a moment, an existence filled with doubt and concern, stemming from not knowing what is truly right or proper to do in life, was gifted with clarity transceding all that blackened it and my purpose in life was made clear to me. The fact that you have managed to govern this city for long and guide it to prosperity and order, the fact that you did that during the aptly named Age of Sorrows, in which the Gods decreed that it was our fate to live, makes it even more remarkable and important.


Your offer to help us, instead of - let's say outright imprison us or turn us over to the Dragonblooded - is much appreciated, as well as the fact that you sent one of your close advisors - judging from the fact that she's still in your presence while all the rest have left the throne chamber - to retrieve us and escort us directly to you.


On the matter of your desired exaltation, i cannot comment. It is not within my limited knowledge or purview to attempt or pretend to understand the infinite and inscrutable divine wisdom of the Unconquered Sun regarding to the nature of his gifts and the procedure of selecting his Chosen ones from amongst the people of Creation.


As for the nature of your request".


Takeno pauses dramatically, turns around, walking a bit, looking to his companions with the confidence of an enlightened man who is certain of his destiny, and the look of a man who had just a very important revelation. Then he turns again to the Perfect, gestures to the throne and to the room in general and continues.


"This great hall, was once a hall of splendors, not merely authority. Was once a a place of great attendance. Important people came in here, fine silks hung from the walls, the floor was golden, reflecting the brilliance of the Sun and pools of water on either side of the room. And on top, not one, but two golden thrones.


I see two august governors of these lands standing, in ages long gone, before these thrones. A great audience in the room below. In her hand the very staff you posses, ruler of Paragon, the staff with the eye on top. And in his hand an orb, quite likely the one you look for, the one you would have us find and deliver to you. Is your orb one of magnificent colours? Of red, crimson as the blood of those who have died in myriads of conflicts upon Creation? of clear silver as the shining of the moon during the darkest of nights? of majestic gold, as the eternal radiance of the Sun? Is this the orb you would have us search for in the Dari of the Mists?


And as of your last remark, it is truly a fact - possibly intertwined with human nature, to desire the unattainable, be it unrequited love, immortality, power or another thing. It is a feeling all of us can have at one or another point of our lives so i can only say that i can understand and sympathize with you."
 
Perfect


"I know little of what you speak, Takeno. Though I have a great respect for your house and you are always welcome within these walls as long as we stay on friendly terms. Of course, as long as you hold your tongue about our relationship today, I will hold mine about your origins." The Perfect smiles briefly at the comments he makes about the wonders of the First Age, how the imagery was so vivid "Takeno, you speak of something that may indeed be true, but understand I built this palace-manse and that I did not find much beyond ruin here. I understand that Dari of The Mist is a mile away, so perhaps you were speaking of that and not this place. But, that is no matter."


The Perfects face goes back to a more serious tone "Do you accept or not? If you do not accept I will have you leave my city. I will not let you endanger my people or my goals."
 
Takeno


"Thank you for your kind words regarding my House of origin, Perfect. It is good to see that despite the arrogant behaviour other Houses demonstrate towards us, there are still those - like yourself - who still consider us honorable and valuable allies. I will do what i can to remain on amicable terms, for it is wise to to make friends, trusted and powerful, in these perilous days of the Age of Sorrows. Wiser than amassing wealth, better than raising armies, for friends and trusted companions - Takeno looks towards his circlemates with acknowledgement in his eyes - are more valuable than all of Creation's treasures.


As for the place, i may indeed be mistaken and possibly referring to the Dari of the Mists. In any case what you have achieved here is remarkable and i would truly appreciate an in-depth conversation with you, at some point, on the nature of diplomacy, handling of politics and matters concerning proper ways of government for a city and a nation. Maybe after our return with the item you requested, your Excellence can spare some time for this.


Now, to the task at hand. I would agree to assist you on this, provided of course that my companions do not object. As is understandable i believe, we have been brought together under circumstances most special, and i would not wish to proceed to any course of action without first securing their agreement and support".
 
Blossom remains silent for a bit, then speaks with a calm and low tone.


My lord, the events of this day are still vivid for us, a lot has happened, a lot has changed.


And I don't want to make any rash decision.


Could we dare ask for your hospitality for the night, time for us to cool our minds and think about your proposition.


It seems you are indeed a decent and great man with a decent and great plan for your people, but as chosen of the Sun God, a perfect circle nonetheless, we need to talk about our place in this world.


I have no doubt we will give you a positive answer in the morning, but for now, I think we would appreciate an opportunity to talk with our circlemates, in a calm and cool atmosphere such as your great palace.


Flattery is not her style, but apparently this man's ego is so great that it might work.
 
Mahir


The newly anointed priest of the Unconquered Sun is glad of his veil as he watches the Perfect and his companions. Delzhan don't need to see a man's face in order to read his emotions, but in Mahir's experience the customary veil makes it much harder for outsiders to do the same.


Mahir is torn; on the one hand, he distrusts this too-friendly ruler and his thinly disguised threats. On the other hand, what will happen if they refuse? The Perfect has many guards, and this palace is built like a fortress. True, Mahir and his companions are the Chosen of the Sun, but it hasn't even been an hour since they Exalted. He doesn't know about the others, but he hasn't figured out a fraction of what he can do and how to use his new powers yet.


And there is also the matter of what might be in this Dari of the Mists other than the Orb. Perhaps they might find lesser artifacts; weapons, armor, or other useful things.


"I agree with my companions, Perfect. This is not a decision to be made lightly, and there are five of us. We must confer and come to an agreement before we tell you yes or no."


Besides, Mahir still wants a bath.
 
14th Ascending Wood, Palace Manse


The Perfect smiled at the comments being made and nodded "Of course, what was I thinking" he said half heatedly "Please, you are guest in my fortress until you have decided. I wouldn't have you stay anywhere else, lest you get attacked again in this fair city!". The Perfect makes no motion, no snap of the finger, and not so much of a yell and a servant comes running up next to the five Solars. The young lady whom was wearing all gray clothing but easy on the eyes speaks "If you will I will show you to your rooms.".


With that the woman chauffeurs the group up a flight of stairs, ever higher into the manse itself. A light hum could be heard as the rumbling of the main section of the manse became ever closer. Finally they came to the third floor higher then whence they came. A large door made of the same dull green color and made with an undercoated black metal was there. Ordained on it was the Perfects eye, with the double door being the split on it. The woman walks up to it and opens it from a knob that stuck out one of the eyelashes. Giving a strong heave she opened what seemed to be a large hallway with three rooms on either side. Red carpet was covering the floor with intricately woven golden eyes in them. On the sides were the same marble like stone that covered the rest of the building. The doors too were made of a red colored oak it seemed with gold numbers ranging from 1 to 6. The lady opens number one and says "They are mostly identical with their accommodations. We can send an entertainer up if you'd like later in the night if you get lonely." She moves inside and shows the group around. The room was large, to be sure. There was a main room that stretched fifty by fifty feet. Everything was lavish with gems and gold, the floors was again with brilliant reds. The bed in the room was that of a kings size and matched the very red carpets with its sheets. The drapes that surrounded it would keep out onlookers while you sleep, or do other things. There were large curtains that were a sheer white color as if they are cleaned regularly or replaced when they became dull. The door to the right housed a small bowl that was full of water and had a blue ceramic look to it. A bath was placed there as well, it was a white ceramic with a pump just next to it. The floor was also a red carpet, possibly not the best architectural choice for something that was a cleaning room, but it was lavish just the same.


The woman promptly walks to the edge of the door "So, was that anything? Did you need anything else while you discuss your options?"


Those with Socialize above 2


The inflection in her voice, if not from the very sentence implied that this "entertainer" did more then just juggle or dance.
 
Entertainer ?! Those so called civilized people and their sweet words for disguising the twisted ways of depriving other of their very free will and their decency... the day will come when the forced service of the flesh will be banned from the face of this world. Blossom thinks to herself.


That won't be necessary... for any of us... she says with a cold and straightforward tone, trying to indicate to her circlemates that she will not suffer such depravity from anyone.


But if you could arrange for a table and five chairs here in the hall, and if it's not too much to ask clear water and a few fresh fruits, we would be most grateful for your kind attention, we haven't eaten anything decent in days with my friends, and we have a lot to talk about.


Turning to her companions she says with a softer voice:


I propose we meet in an hour, time for us to bathe and wash the long road behind us away, and take some time to cool our minds, and be presentable before sharing what we have seen and heard today.


Red Blossom is not used to lead men or to talk like a leader, you can easily spot that, but in her speech and behavior there is no attempt to install a leadership of any kind, she simply seems to be aware of her own needs and is taking initiative.
 
Amethyst


"Huh? But I like entertainment! It's been a really stressful day...don't you think we could all use the relaxation?" Amethyst's voice is rather genuine in its inflection. "But, yeah, I guess we should all take a while before we try and talk about anything. My head is still spinning."


Amethyst stares down at the floor. Even before, everything used to have obvious patterns in it, but NOW...she could unmake this place with her bare hands in a matter of minutes, maybe even seconds. She knew things that she could never possibly know, just by figuring them out from simple deduction. If she has nothing better to do tonight, she plans to burn the midnight oil deriving laws of magic...that or pondering the horrific consequences that will come if this Perfect acquires even more power.


"I think I need to sit down."

Stuff like this "entertainer" business is exactly the reason Amethyst has 0 Socialize...poor, poor nerd girl.
 
Mahir


Mahir, too, is puzzled by Red Blossom's reaction to the offer of entertainers. But it's been a long day, and he sees no need for musicians or jugglers. The Delzhan turns his dark-eyed gaze to the palace servant. "A meal would be much appreciated, as would laundering of our clothes and something to wear in the meantime. Please ensure that the clothing includes a veil and gray sash for myself."


Some of the others had bought new clothes from the strange merchant Bandito outside the city, but Mahir had not, and his other set of robes had been cut up for bandages after the battle of Makerson. Nomad he may be, but Mahir has spent enough time in Chiaroscuro and spiritual ceremonies to be fully aware that appearance is everything when dealing with powerful beings. Right now he looks like the stereotypical dirty barbarian.


The shaman turns to Red Blossom and nods. Although he is trying his best to project his usual aura of confidence and serenity, the transcendence of Exaltation and the stress afterward have taken their toll on him. "I fully agree, Red Blossom. I... I feel the need for meditation and prayer."


The vision that the Unconquered Sun showed him has shaken Mahir to his core. The sheer power singing through his veins is undescribable. He can understand how his previous incarnation came to believe himself a god. Yet his power came from a god- not just any god, but the king of Heaven himself. I must never forget that, Mahir vows to himself. I must strive always to serve the Unconquered Sun, and remember that my wishes and desires are second to His.


But how? From what fragments of ancient memory were bestowed upon him, the shaman knows that the Delzhan rites of appeasing the Unconquered Sun are incomplete to say the least. Many of them focus on the Sun's aspect as warrior, since His light bears so heavily on the desert. Should Mahir find the First Age prayers and rituals and use those? Or would they be inapplicable to the modern day? He could simply go with what his heart tells him... but then he might fall into the trap of his predecessor.


The shaman-turned-Solar shakes his head to clear it. Definitely time for a bath. "I will be in room two if anyone wishes to speak with me before we meet again." With that, Mahir departs for his chosen quarters.
 
Takeno


Takeno, takes a good look at the room, trying to remember when was the last time he set foot on his family's manses in the Blessed Isle, remembering the impression it had upon him. Then he looks at his companions, who had already impressed him with their capabilities and nobility of soul and were now alongside him the recipients of the greatest gift from the highest of the Incarnae.


Truth is, Takeno had long freed himself from thinking less of women and of what they may achieve, since life in the Blessed Isle, among powerful Dynasts, teaches one that is the grace of the Dragons, the strength of soul and the determination of character who drives people forth, regardless of gender, but even so, the current situation was more than remarkable.


After all that had transpired today though, he felt somewhat tired, or more properly said, overwhelmed and needed some rest, at least on the spiritual part. He wasn't yet certain that all he saw existed in the past or exist in the present as well, he wasn't certain that he wasn't just living a dream and in few moments he could wake. Takeno was never as pious as some of his contemporaries, but right now he felt a deep need to pray to the Unconquered Sun and ask for additional clarity and wisdom to properly fulfill his tasks.


"This was simply unimaginable esteemed companions. That travelling to Makerson would have this result is something i wouldn't dare to think of. Yet here we are and from what i understand have been thrusted into somewhat deep waters and we are desperate for some rest before we examine the road ahead of us. I will go to my room (number 4), have a much needed bath and rest and afterwards i'll meet you here. If you need anything in the meantime, just knock".
 
Red Blossom smiles.


Indeed, fate is smiling upon us, but... strangely it seems that a Dynast such as Zaria had more insight and information about ourselves as chosen as we did even before we exalted... and if what he said was true, we have a inherited not only great powers and responsabilities, but also a powerful enemy.


Only the gods could have known that we were about to be chosen...


I think a well informed god has been given away the information, and the Wyld Hunt has used it to track us down... the question being now... if Zaria was telling the truth, and he did not seem to be lying, and they knew something that big about us before we even did... what are we still missing that our new enemies already know about us ?!


She turns heels, apparently frustrated by her own conclusions, and while walking into room number one she throws her bags and takes her few clothes off.


Her body is well built, muscular and very little fat, but is marked by her lifestyle, lots of bruises and scratches, unclean, her skin appears to be far from delicate, and though her physical features may be attractive, her attitudes postures and aesthetics are not.


Her hair looks more like a sort of brown moss than actual human hair and by the look of the different tan colors on her skin and the subtle marks that her clothes have left on her body while she was taking them off, she clearly hasn't washed her whole body in months.


A bath could only improve her looks and, if possible, her state of mind.


She would not get out of the room before a whole hour.
 
Red Blossom gets out of her room an hour after disappearing.


She has changed her clothes for something you think she has thought to be more appropriate for a palace but, really isn't.


You can still see most of her body with and she barely hides her legs.


Whatever she does she still looks like that barbarian girl trapped in a porcelain shop, assured to make a faux pas at every move she takes.


She has washed though and is wearing a delicate perfume, something fresh, deep and highly unusual for this region, something like a pine forest after a storm. Perhaps something she has bought on her travel.


Her hair are washed and combed and she suddenly seem... much more friendly to the eye.


She's still not wearing any make up which only makes her less feminine.


She sits at the table, and takes a bite at a fruit, relaxed, waiting for the others to gather around the table.
 
Mahir


Exactly one hour after the party went to their respective rooms, Mahir enters the common room once more. Somehow the Paragon's staff had managed to find a traditional Delzhan-style robe made of soft, sturdy cotton for the petite Dereth, complete with veil, headcloth, and gray sash. The tan robe had required some hemming by the seamstress who delivered it, but all things considered the garment fits quite well.


Dark eyes brighten with pleasure as Mahir spots the meal laid out on the table. "Ah, this looks wonderful!" He takes a fig and seats himself across from Red Blossom. The former shaman reaches up to untie his veil and set it aside. Eating is one of the few times when Mahir is willing to take off the veil; he knows that his face is unmistakably feminine and dislikes the way he looks for that reason.


"You look much more refreshed now, Red Blossom." Mahir takes a bite of his fig. The fruit is at the very peak of ripeness, neither too green nor too squishy. "I do not trust our host, but I must say that he is very generous to those he favors." He raises a blonde eyebrow, the hair seeming lighter than it truly is against his dark skin. "Of course, favor is a fickle thing with powerful men."
 
Red Blossom laughs.


I could not even remember when was the last time I took a bath... life on the road sure has its price !


I feel much better now... I took some time to think about what I was going to do now that I am a chosen, and well, we'll get to that when the others arrive.


But I have a question for you... now that you're not "just" a Delzhan anymore, do you think you will continue following your traditions ?


I mean I come from the Linowan culture, but my life has brought me to abandon that heritage, and now, I'm a chosen of the Unconquered Sun.


And I'm thinking, even if I was still living in that culture, I could not see myself following the same traditions any longer, you know...


It's not that the rules for the common folk don't apply to us anymore, no they still do, we're still humans, some people may call us demons, but I know my soul hasn't changed... or at least I don't feel any change for now.


It's just I... I just think we're meant to become something more than what we were before, all of us I mean, I think we're meant to stand above the codes of conducts imposed by human cultures... you know... like a... a moral responsability to be unbiased by our pasts to work for the future.


There is no insolence in her voice, she just seems to have given the subject a lot of thoughts and is particularily curious about what Mahir is thinking because of his / her cultural heritage.
 
Mahir


Mahir nearly chokes on his fig at the unexpected question. The young Solar takes a drink of the ice water (ice! such luxury!) before him to wash it down, thinking. Abandon the veil and his identity as a Delzhan, especially when he fought so hard with his family over becoming Dereth? Loyalty to the sept and clan is part of his identity, his very self. He knows no other life... but another life has just forced itself upon him.


"I know not what circumstances brought you so far from your homelands, Red Blossom, but I did not choose to leave the White Simhata. In fact, I would like to meet with the sept when they arrive at Paragon and tell them what I have become. We do not follow the Immaculate faith, and we regard the Sun-Chosen with... wary awe, you might say. I want to help my people with my new powers." Mahir shakes his head. "But that is a discussion best held when the full Circle arrives.


"You asked about my customs. I will continue to follow the traditions I was raised with. This is part of my identity." He sighs, looking down at the ornately patterned tablecloth. "Perhaps exposure to the outside world will change that in time, much as I dislike the notion. Already many of the Delzhan of Chiaroscuro regard their veils as optional unless they are visiting their nomad cousins." He knows that Red Blossom was asking about the gray sash more than the veil, that she is uncomfortable with the concept of the Dereth. He does not want to discuss that subject just now, though.


Mahir reaches for a flatbread. "But for now, this is who I am, Exaltation and all."
 
Red Blossom smiles again, but her smile seems a bit sad this time.


I was cast out because I was the sole survivor of my tribe after an attack by the people of Halta when I was young, and in our tradition, it's a really bad omen.


The Linowan believe that when you remained alive when you should have died, the spirits of the dead will follow you wherever you go.


To my people I was neither a ghost nor a living person, I was something else, in between.


Those tattoes and scars on my body allow my people to see me for what I am to them, someone cursed.


I have left the tribes when I was young, and walked and sailed my way down to here, and I've realized that the weight of traditions is a burden on Man.


Though their goal is to promote unity and serenity, they provoke envy, disdain, even hate in others because of a lack of understanding and eventually all this lead to conflict and death.


For a second she swallows her saliva, the following was a sensible subject for her.


Just look at how Tepo's reaction instantly shifted because we had become something evil for the culture he's been raised in.


Since I left the tribes I've considered myself as a child of Creation, neither inferior or superior to another.


I still believe I am, and now I have become a soldier serving Creation... but you, you are destined to be a leader now, by example if nothing else.


You're supposed to guide us, and lead us on the path of righteousness... so do you believe you can do so when your identity is still so tied to traditions created by Man ?!


There is strangely no provocation or rudeness in her tone. She smiles at Mahir realizing she may have pushed the philosophical rethorics a bit too far.


Ha ha I'm sorry...


No offense and no tricks here, it's just a yes / no question... if we're going to work together as a circle, I just wanted to know and your word is enough for me to trust you.


She may seem young and barbaric on the outside, but her soul is deep and seem to have seen many things.
 
Mahir


No wonder Red Blossom is so set against tradition, if that is what the Linowan ways have done to her! Mahir reaches across the table and squeezes her hand briefly. His own hand is small but strong and callused, the hand of one who knows the sword and bow. "My heart goes out to you. I can see that the fire of your trials has made you strong, though, and perhaps that is one reason the Unconquered Sun chose you as his warrior and general."


The shaman-priest releases his comrade's hand and sits back in his chair. "Yet without tradition, there is chaos. If we do not listen to our elders, every generation will make the same mistakes over and over without end. Tradition is what knits a society together, what gives them courage in adversity. Not everyone has a strong heart, and those unfortunates can derive comfort and strength from the patterns of faith and behavior that they know."


Mahir takes a sip of water. "You are right in that the current ways are flawed, though. I wish to forge new traditions, to teach Creation the glory of the Unconquered Sun and give people peace under His light. He is the embodiment of all virtues, after all... perhaps if all Creation strove to emulate Him, they would not do things like cast out a survivor of war. Mortal priests, even Dragon-Blooded priests, have not been able to accomplish such a feat." He smiles.


"But we are Solars. According to the tales and history I know of the First Age, our predecessors did this very thing. It will take time, though, and we are newly Chosen. The world is not ready to give up that which has been built over thousands of years." The Dereth fingers the fabric of his gray sash. "I am not ready."
 
Red Blossom smile grows wider as she holds Mahir's hand back.


Hundreds... hundreds of years.


If you believe the stories, a great time of sorrow and death was upon all Creation until the Scarlet Empress revealed her powers.


Though some societies clearly predate her, Creation has pretty much gravitated around her actions.


And I don't care much for what our predecessors have done, there must be an ounce of truth between all the hidden lies of the immaculate propaganda against the anathema. The world was different back then, and it is different now, we need to find our own way, and try to show the people that we are worthy and not monsters or murderers...


But we'll get there...when you are ready, and I'll be at your side.


She relaxes back on her chair and looks around, peeling a banana and eating eat with good appetite.


What are the others doing anyway ?!


I thought women had a reputation for taking their time in the bathrooms...
 
Takeno


After all this time of running, hiding, being constantly on the move, worrying for what is to come, Takeno found himself in the serenity of a nicely decorated room alone. He discarded carefully his clothes, leaving his trusted buff jacket to the side and simply sunk into the prepared hot bath that was awaiting him. He had much need of this calmness, of those moments of solitude and introspection, for what lay before him was the most important task of his life, with the potential of altering Creation and re-writing history. It would be wise to relax, now that he had the chance.


For quite some time everything spinned in his head. He wasn't certain yet of many things. Had he really witnessed all those things? was he sleeping and about to wake up or he was really a chosen of the Sun. His soul told him the latter. Not a mere junior diplomat in training young Takeno but a dignitary of the Sun you are.


Time passed...Takeno lost himself in his thoughts...perhaps even slept for a while...then he got up, clean and fresh from the bath, donned his new clothes and proceeded to the meeting room where the rest of his companions were awaiting. He was eager to share with them all that he had seen and eager to find out what their Divine Patron had revealed to them as well.


He stood at the door, watching, as Red Blossom and Mahir discussed their current situation and the nature of what they had become and how they should move from now on. Takeno always enjoyed listening to people before interfering, since this approach helped him in his diplomatic negotiations, to be better prepared but also more informed on the nature of the matters at hand. But this time it was different. He needed to listen to his companions in order to better understand his own condition as well and in order to manage to conform a better plan of action in the future. So he just stood in the doorway, unwilling to interrupt them.


When he heard though Blossom's last remark, he intervened.


"Well dear Blossom, that is mostly true but not always as you see. Please forgive me for joining you late but i must admit i was carried away during my rest".
 
Mahir


Mahir swallows a bite of flatbread and spiced grilled lamb, turning to face Takeno as he wipes his mouth. "No need to apologize, Takeno. I must admit, I have never enjoyed such luxury in my life!" He smiles. "The only thing that got me out of the bath in a timely manner was my hunger."


The Delzhan puts down his food, the smile fading. "Although Amethyst and Amaterasu have yet to join us, perhaps we should start discussing our next move. The Perfect seems inclined to play the generous host for now, but I do not trust him. The sooner we have our plans in place, the better." He looks at both his companions in turn. "I shall tell you what I would like to do, then you can do the same, and we can discuss things from there.


"At Makerson, I wished to avoid my sept because I feared that Zaria and his soldiers would track me back to the camp. They will stop here at Paragon within the next few days for water and supplies, though, and this is a large city. It will be more difficult for spies to discern one group of traders going to buy or sell in the White Simhata camp from another, especially since everyone in this place wears such drab colors." Mahir's dark eyes fill with a mixture of longing and... excitement? It's difficult to tell. "I want to help my people. Too long have the desert gods lorded over the nomadic clans, making us bow and scrape for the right to water at an oasis or sacrifice the best of our herds to avoid killing sandstorms. Too long has the Realm claimed sovereignty over Chiaroscuro, our city. The Tri-Khan leads the satrap of Chiaroscuro around in circles, making him think that he has more control than he does, but the Tri-Khan is not young and his sons do not have their father's brilliance. What will happen when he dies? And once we gain influence in Chiaroscuro, we will have a solid base to work from to help the rest of Creation.


"Rest assured, though, I will not charge in blindly and challenge the satrap to single combat." The newly minted Solar takes a drink of water. "What I want to do is simply to meet with my sept when they arrive in Paragon and tell them what I have become. What we have become, if the rest of you wish to reveal yourselves. They will need time to adjust to the concept of Solars being a real force in the world as opposed to figures of legend. Also, my mentor, Arif, is a man of great wisdom and learning; he may have valuable advice for us.


"After that, I think we should take on the Paragon's quest. That will serve two purposes; it will keep him from turning us in to the Wyld Hunt, and hunting through Dari of the Mists will be a sort of trial of adulthood for our new lives." Mahir pauses, thinking of how to explain that last part. "Among the Delzhan, a young person- both boys and girls- must go into the desert and live alone for a time in order to become an adult. This trial hones their skills, teaches them that they can survive on their own. We are Exalted now, but in a way we are as children in our powers. I believe that we must go through a second trial of adulthood in order to fully know what we have become."


The young shaman-priest sits back in his chair and picks up his flatbread once again. "So. That is what I wish to do. What are your thoughts on the matter?"
 
Blossom grins.


The woman who thinks she is a man seems even more confused than she had thought.


Well that seems nice... but I fear that if we serve the interest of the Perfect, as noble as his intentions may be, we may risk to be enslaved to a life of servitude.


I fear that he may not release us after our deed is done, and what's bothering me more is this artifact he told us about. Such powers seem too great, even for an exalt to have.


Yet the time may come where we will need allies, and it's better to have powerful friends than powerful enemies.


But I also fear that the Perfect could exploit your people as a weakness in your heart. You deeply care about them and if they are coming this way, you may not realize it, but he might trap you, and with you all of us !


As for the general direction, I've traveled from the edges of the northeastern forests and rivers all the way down here and I can tell you, aside from a few communities, the people here are ruthless and will sell their own children to obtain whatever they need to survive. If you want to build a better world, you have got to think about where you can actually found one, and it is not in a desert.


I understand your feelings towards your people, but the East aside from being far from Imperial influence, is also one of the most fertile land in this world. People are strong there, and have developed some measure of civilization.


I have no ties anywhere, but if I had to start somewhere, East is where I would go.
 
Mahir


Mahir frowns. He can understand why Red Blossom might not understand the bonds of family, having heard the Northwoman's story, but that doesn't change his position. Everyone in a sept is related in some way; everyone in the White Simhata is part of his family. He leans forward slightly, hands on the table.


"If I do not tell my sept that I live and have been Chosen, how will they ever trust me when I return and do so? You are right in that family can be as much a weakness as a strength. However, I believe that the White Simhata will be a great asset; if not now, then in the future. And as I said, my mentor Arif may well be able to help us. We need not stay in the South for now- I have heard stories of the East and its rich lands, its plentiful water. That might well be a better place to create a land of our own. But I still believe that I must tell my sept of what has happened to me." He looks at Takeno.


"From what I remember of my people's lore of the Sun-Chosen, those of the Eclipse can bind an oath with the power of Heaven. I am not fool enough to trust the Perfect, Red Blossom." He pauses, thinking of how to best present his argument. "I may not have experience in dealing with noble courts, but as a shaman I know something of how to deal with powerful beings. One must extract a carefully-worded oath in order to avoid being caught up in a web such as that you describe. In this case, I think that we should swear in this way:


"For the Perfect, he must swear not to tell anyone of the Realm of our presence, that he will not hinder us or my sept from leaving his lands, he will not harm my sept in any way unless they harm him or his people, and he will not send anyone to follow us after we have completed our service to him.


"For us, we will swear to go to Dari of the Mists and do our best to find the Orb for one week. If we find it, we will return to Paragon and place it within his hands. If we have not found the Orb within that time, we shall go back to Paragon and say so, and then our service will be complete."


The petite Delzhan sits back in his chair, absently wrapping the end of his sash around his fingers. "I agree that this Orb must be an artifact of great power if the Perfect is so eager to have it, and there is no telling what he will do with it. But what alternative do we have? We are already under his thumb, as you say, simply by being here. Do you propose that we fight our way out of this fortress, through the gods only know how many guards? We are Exalted, but our power has limits and we do not fully understand how to use it yet." Mahir looks around, then beckons his companions closer and leans forward to speak in a barely audible voice.


"Besides, who says that we have to let him keep the Orb once we place it in his hands and thus fulfill our oath? Those Sun-Chosen of the Night are most adept at stealth, are they not? Once we have refined our skills, Amaterasu should be able to take it back." He has had far too much experience with spirits who keep the letter rather than the spirit of a promise. Here, it looks like that experience might come in handy.
 
Takeno listens with interest to the ongoing discussion.


He nods when Mahir mentions the oath binding powers of the Eclipse caste, remembering how the Immaculate philosophy treated the subject, mentioning that their words could twist the hearts and minds of all who listened and comparing it with his personal intution, stemming from exaltation, concludes that indeed such a measure can help safeguard the deal between them.


"And there's something else to it, esteemed companions. Something that i was looking for an opportunity to say to all of you, awaiting the chance to be alone and as far as possible from prying ears. I don't know what happened to you during our exaltation, but i know or let's say better i somewhat understand what happened to me. I had a vision, as a matter of fact a couple of visions, that i believe were memories and recollections of events from the life of the exaltation's last bearer. She, seemed to be a native of the South, given the mocca colour of her skin and she seemed to hold a very high office in the region. There was a throne room, much like the Perfect's one, but with significant alterations and far more splendor and majesty. She must have been the governor of these lands, ruling over them alongside another - who i presume to be her mate, a strong man of bestial characteristics and savage nobility, who seemed to reluctantly agree with her decisions but supported her nonetheless.


What was more, i felt like being that woman, looking upon her hands as if they were mine, seeing from her eyes as if they were mine, talking and discussing as if the words came out of my own mouth. Moreover, i was shocked by the objects that each one of the couple held in their hands. In the hands of the woman - my previous self if i can say so accurately - lay the very scepter that rests today in the hands of the Perfect of Paragon, the staff with the Eye on top. And in the hands of her mate lay the orb, which i believe the Perfect wants us to retrieve. I have a feeling that those objects were instrumental in enforcing their rulership over the region, even though from my vision became apparent that the woman had gone too far in her quest for social stability and conformity.


I would dismiss such visions and probably wouldn't even think of the idea of getting this scepter back as a relic of my exaltation's rightful heritage, but there was one more thing. I saw that scepter sitting in a vast area filled with glittering silver sand, and that area was also the home to thousands of warriors of eons past, seemingly encased in a silvery crystalline material, as if they were waiting for something, for someone to rouse them from their sleep. And after that, i heard a voice, a great and terrible voice in my head. A voice that seemed to come from all directions, large and powerful and the words spoken to me have been etched in my soul. "You were once the dignitary for many lands, bringing people together under one banner. Now those lands are seperate and in ruin. Show the world the kindness and power of the Unconquered Sun. Make them realize the web of lies and propaganda they have been fed. ECLIPSE them with your political and social mastery and bring an end to the Time of Tumult!"


This is - from what i understand it to be - the Unconquered Sun's mandate to me, my heavenly ordained mission, the reason i was exalted for. And truth is that despite recognizing the great difficulty to follow such a destiny of epic proportions i intend to do so and go forth till the very end, to pursue and complete it. To do that, i will need that staff, i will need that which was mine in eons past and that which was shown to me by our Glorious Patron. You understand now why i share this insight with all of you, since i want to ask of your advice. I know that Perfect is a very powerful individual but his petulance for receiving exaltation is an affront to Sol Invictus and his divine wisdom. But i also feel that going into that site and searching for the orb, might give me additional insight on my past and perhaps lead me towards a way of re-claiming that which was mine, not for personal benefit - mind you - but for the purpose of unifying all nations and states existing in our beloved Creation. Our people have great need of us and we must help them. Help them understand the lies taught to them, help them overcome their problems, protect them from all threats and forge them into a unified and prosperous state.


This is what i had to say, and i seek your assistance and guidance, for we were bound by a comon fate, we were exalted together by His grace and i believe our strength lies in dealing together with all that lies ahead of us".
 
Blossom frowns severely and as Takeno speaks of taking back one of the symbol of why the solars fell from grace her jaw tightens.


Still out of respect for her circle mate she waits til he has finished.


"I too recieved a vision of one of the souls before me, of greatness, but at the same time of terrible hubris.


The sun god gave me a message as well, and its content is forever encased in my memory.


"It is your duty to show the power of the Unconquered Sun once again to the people! Bring the truth of why you are NOT demons and murderers."


What you are speaking of Takeno, is nothing more than making yours one of the many reasons that make me believe that everything about the Demon Kings legends is not entirely false. This scepter has great powers indeed... too great I think.


The Sun god was clear, my duty is to show the power he gave us... this artefact is not that.


At least I don't think it is.


It seems to have been made by the hands of a solar instead of being a gift of our patron to one of his chosen.


If the stories about it are true, its power should rather be destroyed than preserved... think about it for a second, would you use coercion and torture to build a new world and impose order ?! What message will that send to the rest of Creation ?!


How would you be any different from the Scarlet Empress in her time, or the Perfect ?!


If a new world is to be born, it must be a kingdom of conscience, of reason and adhesion, and not of tyranny.


People must have hope, they must be guided and lead by our deeds and words, and not submitted by our powers.


People have to be told, shown, what the truth is, and where the path of righteousness lies, but they shall not be forced unto them out of commodity, time saving or any other reason...


I think we should leave this place, and come back when we can actually make a difference here.


Our powers will grow in time, and it won't be long until we can change this world, but we have to be careful about how and why we change things."


Her face lightens up and her body relaxes, she has spoken her mind.
 
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