Solar vs. Solar's Creation

[Arachnia of the Hour]

Resplendent Wood 3,


*Arachnia stood to the side with her arms folded across her chest, monitoring Roaring Wave's movements and noting his comments. He was scoring points on her bad side for all of this, not that he cared. The Empress was a bit affronted that no one in Imperveress really cared whether she liked them or not, other than her cult, of course. Sure it was a selfish thought, but she felt warranted to have it given that she was almost always pleasant to everyone save Lirimana. With a mental shrug she raised a brow as the firebird collided with the squid and exploded. Someone else in this empire could use sorcery, it would seem... That didn't please her to know, either. Her head cocked to the side, Arachnia looked directly at the struggling Dragon-Blooded*

How long ago did you exalt, and how long did you plan to deceive us about your nature?

*her voice carried the strains of curiosity rather than the annoyance she felt at the situation of it all, but an Empress had to keep up appearances *

[Lirimana]

Resplendent Wood 3,


So... why didn't you just tell us you were trying to help instead of sulking around like you did? If you thought that we wouldn't let you help then you're mistaken, 'cause help is help. Besides, do you have a guilty conscience about something? The thoughts that went through my head weren't about you trying to kill Ress or infiltrate, I don't know enough about the history of it all to make that judgment. I do want to know why you kept it hidden from us, though, because that's just not cool

*Lirimana shook her head a little, a bit saddened by the fact that this guy didn't come forward and offer his help. She looked him over in his Warstrider, wondering what he looked like underneath the multi-ton getup. A wife, huh? That could pose a problem if he was hot*

Besides, Tari's miles above the Imperial Manse right now and I'd like to see what she's up to. Who's into walking and talking?

*Lirimana started over the water and onto the shore, looking back to see if they would follow or if she would need to beckon. There was still a list to accomplish*

[Ress]

Resplendent wood, 3

* To save his aching joints, Wave turnned around and slung the squid's tentacles over his shoulder, dragging the metalic carcass as such. he sighed and shook his head, following with a small chuckle*

" I have been an Exalt for maybe a year or two... and I don't believe I have decieved anyone... if you were to have asked, I would have come right out and told you all I was a dragon-blooded.

As for help, I told Dal'Lumen that I would help in any way I could... it just so happened, a way I could help fell right into my lap... and by that time, I could not contact any of you, so I thought actions might speak louder than words.

And to answer why it is I did not broadcast that I was a Dragon-Blooded..... maybe because it is much akin to 'anathema' moving to The Blessed Isle and oppenly applying for a Thaumaturge's permit.
I know how Solar's and Lunars look at my kind... probably not much different than mine look at all you, but I wanted to go somewhere I felt was safe for me and my family... Tari and I are marked as deserters after all.

And miles above the central manse, you say? dosn't surprize me. She gets into all kinds of things."

[Arachnia of the Hour]

Resplendent Wood 3,


It never occurred to you that I don't inquire into such things when I meet someone for the first time? Considerably rude, that would be. By coming here, knowing what you are, you never thought to approach Ress and ask if you could be of use, before he was imprisoned, or myself, after he was? I may not be the Emperor, but I am acting head in his confinement. It was indeed deception by omission, and as a Exalt and citizen of this empire you should be ashamed of your behavior

*Arachnia unfolded her arms and began walking in pace with the others, wishing he could see her face instead of the expressionless silver mask she was currently borrowing*

You were asked how it was you could sense essence when I first met you, and you only stated that you were a martial artist, completely avoiding the fact that you are a Dragon-Blooded. That, though not a direct question, should have been sufficient to act as the question of what you are. In fact, I believe that the word "what" was used

[Lirimana]

Resplendent Wood 3,


*Lirimana sighed and shook her head. She could understand Arachnia's concern given all of the break-ins and threats to the empire, but she could also understand that Roaring Wave could be afraid of persecution*

Not that I'm siding with Arachnia, but if you ever met Ress, you'd know he was a cool and open person. So, is this Tari a Dragon-Blooded, too? She has to be something if she can get herself miles above a miles-high Manse like the Imperial Manse

[Dal'Lumen]

Resplendent Wood, 3

Dal trudged on, listening to the others harangue Roaring Wave. Maybe it was the stress of the fight, but he just couldn't see why everyone was so eager to point fingers after fighting for their lives, for the lives of others.

*He shook his head and watched Wave from a sideways glance, and then looked back ahead.*

"I think we are all missing the point here, we have defeated a threat, and gained an ally today. A man stands against an enemy this strong, alone...

Well...

It is not shame that we should be putting on him."

*Re-situating the tentacles he held under each arm and renewing his grip with a jerk, he kept his eyes set ahead. He was not interested in scorning anyone right now*

"Thank you for your brave assistance my friend. I can't help but notice we were not attacked by any sea giants such as the ones I encountered last night, that was your doing wasn't it?"

This was more of a rhetorical question, and he continued without waiting for Wave to respond.

"I think we can all agree that it is always good to discover new talent in times like these. In fairness, I probably would not have said anything about being chosen upon entering this empire if my arrival had not been announced by Sentinel."

*Dal' looked back over at Roaring Wave with a grin that was lost behind the huge metal exterior.*

"But more to the point Wave, you're in big trouble now, and you know it! Now that I know about you -

I won't go so easy on you when we SPAR!"

[Ress]

Resplendent wood, 3

* Wave's pace did not change in the least as he and Dal toted the still floating squid back to shore, now well within sight of the land they headed for*

"I wanted a better life for me and my family, and I knew if I just volunteered that information, I would be put on trial... much worse than I am on right now... plus, I thought a simpler life might be nice... going back to being a fisherman with maybe a little power and not being a tool to be used.

And, I did not report to you in this time of crisis because I did not think an inexperienced Dragon-Blooded such as myself could be any help at all for your cause... it was only by chance I got this Warstrider... and as far as omission, not Emperor Ress nor yourself posted any laws about Exalts showing themselves... I was also invited in my Emperor Ress himself when his image graced the sky, with no questions asked.


and Tari? She is a Patrician. She is just as human as any of the other citizens of Bezair. I do not know how she could have gotten way up there... but she is a remarkable woman."

[Arachnia of the Hour]

Resplendent Wood 3,


*Arachnia tilted her head slightly in Dal'Lumen's direction and sighed*

It might seem like an unjust interrogation to you, Dal'Lumen, but this entire empire is in turmoil and when someone runs off with a Warstrider "by chance" without introducing themselves, that is a problem. Perhaps you have never run an empire before, but artifacts with such immense power need to be kept track of otherwise we run a risk of more lives lost

*her attention went seamlessly from one man to the other and she started back on her conversation with Roaring Wave*

As much as I dislike Dragon-Blooded you have done nothing against Ress so far and thus I don't dislike you for what you are, simply how the high majority of your exalt-type go about their business. I do, however, maintain that you should feel shame for taking a Warstrider with the intention of going into the Marina by yourself, offering Sentinel a letter from the Emperor for your excuse of "by chance," and running the risk of ending your own life. You were intending to help, and I am grateful for that, but you should have let us know beforehand. Too many lives have been lost in the last few weeks, we don't need help increasing the death toll. You might toss away this scolding as useless, but I must give it to you whether or not you understand the importance of truth between people in Imperveress. An Exalt's life is never simple...

*Arachnia turned her head away from him and looked up at the sky before shaking her head and looking back to the path she was walking. There was a high probability that he would blow her off, but she had to say it, that's just how this kind of information worked*

[Lirimana]

Resplendent Wood 3,


Man, I'm just disappointed that you didn't tell me. I would have been sad if you'd died. When we get back, let me take a look at you. I may not look like it, but I'm a doctor, a pretty good one at that

*without turning her head, Lirimana's gaze went to Arachnia and she couldn't help but smile. Who knew that the old bitch could care about anyone but herself and Ress? Maybe all this socializing and teamwork would pay off. Who knows, Arachnia might even become the group mother. An amused chuckle left Lirimana and she resisted the urge to cover her mouth with her hand in hopes that she didn't have to explain where the sudden noise had come from*

I'd say that that goes for all of you, but he seems to be the only one who got hit

[Dal'Lumen]

Resplendent wood, 3

The shore had quickly come upon them, Dal and wave would soon be hoisting the titan on to the river shore.

Without paying much attention to what had actualy been said, he continued on walking while Arachnia renewed her protest. When she was done, he turned his head stiffly, trying to look at her, his flexibility being encombered by the armfull he carried.

"You're right, Arachnia, It was dangerous, unexpected, rash, and just like most things in times of crisis, it could have been delt with much better. I think the new rule we discussed earlier today should prevent simmilar instances in the future, as it was obvious Sentinel should have let us know ahead of time..."

Dal'Lumens mechanized feet settled onto solid ground, and he spun his body round to face the squid and walk backword up the shore to allow himself the best leverage.

"As it was myself that got Roaring Wave and Tari involved in all of this, I will take responsibility for ensuring that the two of them can remain in contact with us, and assist the Empire.

*Dal Glanced over at wave again, and yanked at the squid tentacle, trying to drag it's heavy body through the shallows.*

"I think it will be no problem for you to live your lifes as you please. You could play a part in the future of this Empire all the same. It's your choice of course...

And as for me, I'm going to go take a look in the Marina - see if I can't find any clues."

Dal'Lumen's empathy was clearly showing today. He couldn't help but play the meat sheild stuck between Wave and Arachnia.

[Ress]

Resplendent wood, 3

* Wave lept a little, taking the squid off the waves and onto the sand, still tugging the thing along*

" I can see where you are coming from, Empress... but you have to see where I am coming from too.

I thought there was no way I could help... then the letter of requisition was delivered to me... so I threw caution to the wind, scooped up my only chance of helping and took on the danger head on. If there is anything living on The Blessed Isle has taught me is that you need to do everything you can to help... so I did.

There was no time to contact you, or leave a message... just time for action. I am a Dragon-Blooded... a born warrior. If I die doing what is right, my soul will be rewarded in the next life, and if I live, I can continue to protect the weak and punish the wicked.

Those are the values I was taught, being brought up. Now, I don't expect you to understand, what with you being born in the threshold... but that is why I am the way I am... 'Act now and save a life, act late and lose it all.' "

* When the squid's carcass had been dragged a few feet onto land, the injured Roaring Wave let the tentacle go, letting the mechanized horrer lay there for now*

" I am afraid this is as far as I can take this... I am too injured and exhausted from the fight. If it is alright, I am going to take this warstrider to my house so I can rest up.. when I am healed, I will take it back to the Armory. If there is anything else I can help any of you with, let me know."

[Dal'Lumen]

Resplendent Wood, 3

Progress haulted the moment wave let go of his end, leaving Dal'Lumen struggling against impossible weight before he realized it was futile.

"Urgk" *He grunted as he let the tentacles loose, and turned to catch wave before he left.*

"Roaring Wave... We will go find Tari, why don't you go ahead and let Lirimana take a look at you before you go, im sure she can help...

And uh... since we are on the subject, if there is anything else you need to tell us, now is the time."

The day was still young, and much work was still undone. Dal'Lumen was greatful he had managed to sleep through the entire night. Perhaps it was the long, challenge filled days, and the lush accommodations of his manse - or some kind of devine pat on the back for fulfilling the Suns will. Whatever the case, the strange images of the dream he had the night before flashed to his mind; odd, he never remembered his dreams if not a horrifying nightmare. This new peace he had found was a precarious one.

[Arachnia of the Hour]

Resplendent Wood 3,


You can ride with us in my manse back to the Armory where we can get your Warstrider, and then you, home. Lirimana can look at you either here or at the Armory, if you don't think you can make it to that manse over there

*Arachnia's arm raised and the hand formed a fist with her index finger creating a line to the giant silver building they were headed towards*

For further notice, Sentinel or Zeriku can transmit messages within moments of you telling them, there's no reason that you couldn't have told us. But enough of this, you are to rest and do whatever Lirimana tells you to. If you wish to share information with us, you can ask Sentinel or Zeriku to relay something to us. If you have good intentions there is no reason to fear that you cannot help us, but please, do me the favor of at least notifying us next time You might just find yourself on a committee. If you don't, well, what I'll do won't harm you, but you won't like it..

*an image of Roaring Wave in a silk cocoon with his face protruding while the giant spider shape that would be the Empress prowled and chuckled nearby brought a smirk to her lips. Yes... that could be fun...*

Have we come to an understanding, Roaring Wave?

*silver and glittering in the sun's rays, the Warstrider's emotionless face was tilted to the side as though in amused curiosity*

[Lirimana]

Resplendent Wood 3,


I can strip you down and sew you up anywhere, but it might feel better and more refreshing if you don't have that hefty essence commitment on you, eh?

*Lirimana offered a light laugh at this, knowing she would behave professionally during his diagnosis. She just couldn't pass that opportunity up, nope nope. She turned her head to Dal'Lumen and nodded it towards the squid*

Want help dragging that thing into the Manse?

[Ress]

Resplendent wood, 3

* Wave picked his feet up, bearing through the pain coursing through him well enough to make his way to the huge silver Manse*

" I understand. Maybe I was just too afraid of persecution, but I will keep you all in the know from now on."

* He nodded to Lirimana, his expressionless black jade face making his mood ambiguous*

" Thank you, Lirimana. Lets drop off these Warstriders, then I will see what you have to say about my injuries."