Judgements by the bay

[Ress]

Resplendent wood, 11

* a few days had passed since the trial of the Emperor, and the elevation of Dal' Lumen to Admiral,and once again, things began going back to normal.

Que-Ra materialized near Dal, bowing slightly before speaking*
" Admiral Dal, There seems to be a woman here to see you. I let her in, and she should be in the main hall. She said it was important."

[Dal'Lumen]

*The sound of Silk snapping in the air accompanied the appearance of Quie-Ra, Dal stood in the middle of the sparring platform at the top of his manse one leg suspended ninety degrees, the ball of his foot facing the sky while his torso was horizontal and his two hands were stabbing out to the equivalent of what would normally be above his head. He stood there almost as if frozen in time while Quie-Ra spoke while a few small beads of sweat trickled down his face and pattered on the floor. He did not move but he began to speak.*
[glow=red,2,300]
"Thank you my friend, I will be down presently..." [/glow]

*He lowered his leg and evened out his body, brought his hands together in front of him and took a deep slow breath with his eyes closed. After a moment he opened his eyes and looked at Quie-Ra curiously.*

[glow=red,2,300]"Quie-Ra... What are your thoughts on the outcome of the trial, and Oce-Earin, were you two friends?"[/glow]

*Dal hopped off the platform and grabbed a cloth to dry himself off, and made his way over to the door Quie-Ra stood by.*

[Ress]

Resplendent wood, 11

" Ha!" * Que-Ra exclaimed, as if such a notion of him and Oce'-Earin being friends were unthinkable*

" Him and I friends? The Same Oce-Earin who got demoted from a position as a Dreamweaver for selling dreams to the Fairfolk?
The same one who used to claim to be working in the name of Bo-Ki-Sa-Chi, just so he could reap the benifits and continue to be selfserving? Also the same one who claimed I was conspiring with demons, right when a position as one of Ahlat's vassals became available?

No, we were not friends. He got what he deservedif you ask me... Maybe Sai might be a little sad... they had a fling for a while, but you would be hard pressed to find anyone who is too sad by this loss... the only thing I am worried about is having a field with no god to look after it. I hope a new one is found quickly before a wyld zone opens."

* Que-Ra smirked a little, happy that Oce-Earin was gone... perhaps a little too happy. Que opened the door for Dal, then accompanied him downstairs. Down in the main hall, a young woman sat, with a small child sitting her lap... a small green child, with red slanted eyes and white hair... a remarkable simmilarity to a Lintha. The woman stood up and set the child in her seat. She then bowed to Dal, keeping her gaze to the floor as she addressed him*

" God-King Dal' Lumen, I am 'Calm Foam'. I did not see your victory over lies and ignorance during the trial with the emperor.. but I did hear great things of it. I come to you to seek guidence... The people of Bezair fear and mistreat my child. The other children do not play with him, and Ihave trouble supporting him due to the stigma. He is a good boy, but they still call him 'pirate'. I do not believe the words they say, and I am called 'demon symapithiser' because of it. Does ones blood truely hold a person's worth? The sun could not hate my boy for something he did not ask for, could he?"

[Dal'Lumen]

Resplendent Wood, 11

*It was good for Dal to hear that he had not just killed his manse mates friend, but all the same, ending lives was something Dal avoided whenever possible - as it was something he had some bad history. He trotted down the stairs and greeted the woman that had come to see him with a warm smile. He looked down to see the green skin child on her lap, his eyes locked on the child as he was put down in his mothers seat. Lintha pirates were something he had encountered before, and he had a very strong instinct to watch his back and be ready for trouble... Even if it was that of a child.*

[glow=red,2,500]"It his my pleasure Calm Foam, thank you for your kind words. Please let's sit, make yourself comfortable you need not be in any more distress than you already are...." [/glow]

*Dals hands came up and directed her to sit back down with him and her son. He warily watched the Lintha child but maintained a warm disposition as to avoid upsetting anyone. He sat down beside the boy and his mother, heaving a sigh of relief after a morning of practicing his arts.*

[glow=red,2,300]"It saddens me to hear that either of you are persecuted for his... unique lineage. Many of the people living here in Beziar lived a part of their lives in the west, myself included. Those that recognize your sons features as those of the Lintha react the way they do out of a natural fear for what they know, or have heard about the pirate Lintha."
[/glow]
*He looked down at the boy sitting beside him with a reassuring smile and then looked back up to Calm Foam.*
[glow=red,2,300]
"If it is possible for me to see the innocence of youth, and a kind hearted mother giving the boy the right guidance, I think it is impossible that the Sun would not see that as well. If you are kind, and live as such, without even asking I know that he does not hate you or your son. I have an idea of how I can help you, so I will just need to ask you both a few questions first, deal?" [/glow]

[[glow=gold,2,300]Judges Ear Activated[/glow]]

[Ress]

Resplendent wood, 11

* She looked puzzled at this question, but soon nodded. The small green child kicked his feet a little as he sat quietly at the edge of the chair*

"I suppose... I dont have anything to hide. What do you want to know?"

* She picked the child up and held him in her arms, bracing herself for whatever questions might arise*

[Dal'Lumen]

Resplendent wood, 11

*Dal watched as the mother tensed up in anticipation of a conversation she didn't want to have. This confirmed that how her son came to be was a touchy subject for her, the way she cradled her child worriedly spoke volumes enough. He maintained the warm smile, but turned down to look at the boy, he had not had much experience with children nor was he familiar with the proper way to interact with them. Dal'Lumen had gone between proper parenting, to being raised in the dog like fashion of the bastard son of the previous ship captain, then later on the streets of Nexus. He reached way back and attempted to take the tone he remembered his father using.*
[glow=red,2,300]
"Well boy, you takin good care of your mother there? So the other kids and people in town, they've been unkind to you and your mother have they? Whats your name boy?"[/glow]

*He realized perhaps that the Riverspeak dialect was perhaps laying it on a bit too thick, he cleared his throat and waited for the response.*
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Post ticker:
{37 posts so far 9/11/09 = 9.25 exp}

[Ress]

Resplendent wood, 11


"Asra... I tell the slithers to go away. Other kids don't like me... adults don't like me. Don't like mommy either. They play with marks on their head.. like you

* he turned more towards Dal, pointing at his forehead, which obviously was not glowing golden... but somehow he could still see his Caste mark*
* The child looked up at Dal, unafraid, turning away from his mother slightly to look at him as he spoke* " They say the sun hates me. Slithers say too. I hate Slithers. Mommy says that you rule the world. That the sun sent you to save us"

*Dal chuckled* "Well, Asra... What would you say if I thought that they only say those things because they don't know you?Asra, who is the Slithers if I might ask?"

" If they know me, they wont think I am a pirate?....Slithers-"
* the small child was cut short by his mother, as if embarrassed that her child was making up tall tales* " He says that there are things living in the water that slither up ad talk to him after he gets bullied. I have been there and there is nothing in the water"

*Dals eyes scrunched a bit. He couldn't exactly write it off as impossible, after all he had a past incarnation living in his head that only he could see and talk to.* "That's right, I know a pirate when I see one, I had a few run ins myself, you don't strike me as being the same as any of them Asra! I might also say that it doesn't sound like the slithers have anything good to say, so you shouldn't pay them any attention. When you are bullied, has anyone ever hurt you?"

* The child nodded, as his mother held back tears. the small child then spoke* " yes, they hurt my nose, my fingers and my leg..."

* Foam then added to her son's young statement* " The other children throw rocks at him and hit him with sticks... they have broken his nose, leg and fingers on occasion.... I am grateful that my son's... uniqueness has afforded him superhuman healing"


*Dal and his big heart had to fight back some tears of his own, here come the second part of this double sided question... It occurred to Dal that If the boy could see his caste mark, perhaps he could see invisible essence in the world, he would have to test this theory which might explain why he could see something that his mother could not. Dal leaned over a little bit closer and made his intonation to be a bit gentler.* "Asra, have you ever had to protect yourself, have you ever hurt anyone, or retaliated in any way?"

* he shook his head as he clung to his mother, shuddering a little* "no.... the slithers tell me to... so I don't"

*Dal was relieved that the boy had passed the test of innocence.* "The slithers tell you to hurt people? Hmm... Asra, you're a boy with some very unique and wonderful gifts, so I want to ask you a few questions that might help me and your mother understand a little better how we can help you."

"You said the other kids on the beach have marks like mine? What does my mark look like right now?"

" Mark?... like half an orange after you cut it" * He nodded*

*Dal nodded, and smiled.* "That's right, did you know that I had this mark before you met me today Asra?"

" No.. I never saw you before this"

* His mother looked puzzled between them, not understanding what they meant by 'mark on forehead', but she stayed silent for now... there were times she wondered if Asra knew things she did not*


*Dal looked at Calm foam with a slight smile, understanding that she might be confused at this point so he wouldn't leave her in the dark any longer than she needed to be. His cast mark flared and revealed a brilliant golden disk for the mother to see. He then looked back down to Asra smiling gently.* "Asra, I want your help with something ok? Quie-Ra, would you be willing to do that vanishing thing you do so well, and then go find another spot in the hall here and try to do something that you think might make our friends here laugh?"

" I'm not so good with humor, but lets see what I can do" * Quie-Ra rubbed the back of his neck, then disappeared. finding somewhere in the room to hide*

* The mother and son pair were confused about the disappearing trick... though foam was fixated on the castemark on Dal's forehead* " Wow... I have heard stories about these marks, but I never knew that they were so literal"


"Imagine my surprise when it first showed up there! Now Asra, I seem to have lost Quie-Ra! Now, I know you're my guest but I have to ask for you help! Could you tell me where that god is and what he's doing?"

* Asra looked over to the table, about seven or so feet above it, then scrunched his face up* " That's not funny...." * He pointed at the space so high above the table... although Quie-Ra was not that tall*


*Dal smirked at Asra, and followed his hand to where it pointed.* "Quie-Ra?"

" He is sitting on his spear... right there"

* Quie-Ra appeared in a flash of light and the scent of boiled oats, and just as described, Quie-Ra was balancing on his spear with the spear point poking him in his back end. Quie-Ra was both impressed and horrified by this child's perceptiveness* " He inherited the Demon's sight...I thought even in the modern 'full blooded' Lintha that was rare"

*Having to grin and snicker just a little bit at Quie-Ra's sense of humor Dal clapped a few times both for Quie-Ra and Asra.* "Haha... Well, I know you aren't a god of hilarity but not bad Quie-Ra, that probably doesn't hurt you but you're making my butt hurt just looking at that. That's a truly wonderful gift you have Asra, and it just might explain what the Slithers are, and why you're the only one that can see them."

* Foam was stunned that her son could do such a thing, looking between him and the god* " So there are things in the water? should we worry?"

* Quie-ra got down off the spear then fell onto the floor in a manner appropriate for his martial prowess* "These things in the water whatever they might be, have never harmed Asra, but they seem to want him to harm others. They may be dangerous, and no, you need not worry about them just yet."


*He nodded casually at Quie-Ra.* "Quie-Ra, you might be more familiar with creatures such as these than I am, have you never heard of any sort of invisible creatures that live in the water?"

* Foam nodded, biting her lower lip as she thought about things talking to her baby and telling him to hurt people, with a sigh, she put Asra down. He held fast to his mother's leg.

Quie-Ra blinked, then smirked a little, cocking his head to the side as he banished his spear away* " You mean every god, elemental or demon to ever exist? Yes, I have heard of them, now narrowing them down will be the hard part."

*Dal smiled blissful as he reached up and patted the hearthstone in the white jade amulet around his neck.* "Well, I think this might help identify them, and put a stop to them..." *Dal unfolded out of his chair and rose to his full height with an enormous smile on his face, his hand came up to point down the hallway in the direction of the kitchen.* "So, I think after some lunch, Quie-Ra and I can go with you and confront these slithers. You would be able to identify them if you saw them wouldn't you brother? So come, take your mind off your troubles for a while, please relax and we will all go down to the river shortly! Take a seat at the table there and I will go see what I can dig up!" *Dal smiled warmly, and nodded at Quie-Ra to follow him into the kitchen. Dal had a plan to improve the City's opinion of the two, and it would be just as easy as walking down the street. He walked toward the kitchen.*

* Quie-Ra followed Dal, not quite sure what he was up to, despite being a god of great and unknown age* " I'm not sure if we can find one of those.. at least not any time soon.. after all, it looks like those things are finding him, not the other way around"

"I agree, it may be unlikely that we will find them but in the very least we will set that mother and child's hearts and minds at ease for a time. I also plan to do something about how those two are treated which until we can solve the problem with the slithers, will make the two of them a great deal happier. So lets start by giving them lunch with the Admiral, and the god of the fields... If you understand where I'm going with that."

" Oh! I see... I don't know.. there is something about that kid that rubs me the wrong way... maybe its the Yozi-spawn bit. But I'll try to ignore it. you want me to start cookin'? That's one of my specialties, after all.... and don't take that as a hint that I want to be a culinary god... because I would love to get out of the food business... just a hobby will do"

*Dal turned and grabbed Quie by the shoulder just as they entered the kitchen, his expression had changed to something much more serious than it had been before.* "It is important that we keep a close eye on the boy should these slithers come to him again, we don't want him falling victim to their wills. I will do what I can to convince the boy that he should avoid the slithers completely, but that may not be enough to keep him, or everyone else safe. If we start by making people kinder towards them, it will give these slithers a bigger challenge when the boy is not being told to retaliate to an attack."

* Quie-Ra continued to keep his voice low as to not be heard by the boy or his mother* " Don't worry, I don't pretend to know better than Exalts... I also know that no matter how high a wall you can put up, thing always manage to find a way in.. even Bo-Ki-Sa-Chi had that problem back in the first age... and whatever these slithers are, they are not friends" * He then walked to the huge pantry and began rooting through it, gathering up some spices... and of course, sacks of Oats* " I got some of that squid from Wave... its pretty good... I think I'll make that"

-Grruummerrr uhm... Urrrr- *Dal'Lumen's stomach growled expectantly at him, and he grinned at Quie-Ra.* "Looks like he approves, thanks for your help Quie-Ra, your wisdom is welcome, you still have just a few thousand years on me so I don't mind! Oh! And as for being a culinary god... Well I already kinda sent in my recommendation, it was perhaps a bit, heavily weighted around how great a cook you are, so you might want to start getting used to it!" *Dal's eyes sparkled as he gave Quie a nod of the head and turned to walk out to sit with the guests.*

"Ha! I don't believe you... I don't believe you know how to send recommendations... I have also dropped enough hints about working for one of the Eastern war gods... like Tahn Jo ... getting ahold of him might be hard, seeing as how he does not report to anyone in heaven.... maybe The Maiden of Battles though..." *As he spoke, he began cooking, making calamari, breaded with oats, of course.... for someone who was so tired of his job, he was very into his oats* " Now then... what else are we to do with these two?... the Lintha and his mother?"

"hmmm..." *He halted mid stride and looked at Quie over his shoulder, with a small smirk on his face.* " Haven't made up my mind yet, I'll let you know when I do." *He continued walking, his face cracking into an impossibly friendly smile as he came back out to the main hall where his guests were sitting. He walked up to the table arms open accommodatingly and clapped his hands together.* "Good, you are seated, prepare yourself for a real treat, on the menu today we have fresh calamari from our very own river!" * Dal watched the pair carefully, but never let slip that hostly nature he intended to maintain. He hoped to see how things played out, to gather information and an understanding of the broad spectrum of his guests lives. He sat himself down and looked at Asra with a big smile.* "Do you like Calamari Asra?"


" What is that? I normally just eat fish... is it some kind of fish?"* He looked up at Dal, still a little confused why they were there, but happy to be getting food soon.


Foam stroked Asra's back, keeping him calm. She then spoke up* " Is Quie-Ra cooking? I have never been served by a god before... i don't suppose many have"


"He is indeed, and you're in for a treat! It is some of the meat from one of the giant squid that attacked me last week; Massive creatures almost nine times my height from end to end!" *Dal blinked his gray eyes calculatedly, and pinched his chin curiously.* "How long have you two lived in Beziar?"

"Asra shrugged his shoulders, not having much of a sense of time, being so young, but Foam knew*

" We have been here a few months now. We hoped to find a knew life... but many who live here in Bezair are from the west as well. two or three maybe I knew before moving here... I used to be a scholar... or I was going to be. I learned a lot, but things happened, and my betrothed's family dismissed me." * She blinked a few times, surprised that she had been rambling on like this, but then quickly brought the conversation right back around* " Yes, despite the hardships here, we love it in Bezair.. it is safe from the Wyld hunts that would come for Asra, and the equally dangerous islanders"


*Dal Smirked a little, letting the comment about islanders being dangerous roll off his back, and taking in just enough to be amused by it. He wondered what she would say if she know he at one point really had been a pirate.* "Well not to worry, I've got an itching feeling that in an Empire as diverse as this... wyld hunts wont be too hasty to try to break down these walls. A scholar? Well a scholar of what exactly, why don't you continue down that path, I can't think of any reason a fledgling empire like this would deny their need for educators!"

* She was silent for a few moments. stunned by what he had said, but soon found the words to speak* " Well... I know a lot of history, both of man and of gods. I have also been taught a little bit of weather working, but not enough to be too terribly useful. If you are looking for teachers, I am afraid I am qualified only as a Primary School teacher... and if you are offering, I would love to get away from fish"

[Arachnia of the Hour]

Resplendent Wood 11,


*a little girl with bluish skin and dark brown hair had followed Asra and his mother to the Manse. She was trying to be stealthy and stayed back far enough that they wouldn't be able to spot her easily. At one point she had had to scurry forward so that she didn't lose them, having stopped to dab water on the gills at her neck. She wore a pair of pants and a sleeveless shirt, her feet protected by a pair of sandals. Despite being a little tall for a Westerner of her age she still managed to look like the five or six years that she must have been. Watery blue eyes helped her navigate through the large Manse, and she heard voices in the room where Asra and his mother were. Her nose went up into the air as she sniffed, the smell of Quie-Ra's cooking wafting down the hall. She had lost them again once they had gone into the Manse, but with enough concentration she had arrived. Her dad would be so mad if he found out what she was doing..... The girl couldn't help but grin to herself as she eased the door open, praying that the god of squeaky doors wasn't paying attention to her right now. She froze as soon as she saw the muscular and bald shape of Dal'Lumen, her breath catching in her chest*

[Arachnia of the Hour]

Resplendent Wood 11,

*Dal began to answer Foam, his lips smiled before any words came out, when the door opened and a little blue girl stood on the other side he made a small lunge forward in his seat, as if the words in his throat had collided with the back of his mouth. He blinked a few times and tilted his head to the side.* "Uhm, can I help you little one?" *His voice reverberated through the chamber, and to those that payed attention anything that wasn't totally grounded gently rattled and shook with his words. He didn't sound angry, but he did seem to be speaking louder than he normally would.*

*her eyes got wide and she looked like she was about to bolt but she squared her jaw and puffed herself up. Doing her best to make it look like she was supposed to be there she stepped inside but left the door open so she could run away if she needed to. Her gaze drifted over the other two in the room and she grinned at Asra and offered a sheepish wave to his mother* I don't know, why?

* Foam followed Dal's gaze to the door, where she saw the form of the little western looking girl. She paused a moment, until she realized who this was* " Crystal Rain! What are you doing here? Does your father know you are here?" * She then turned to Dal, slightly pink in the face, bowing to him* " I am so sorry Admiral Dal... she is a local girl... she has but one parent as well... she is Asra's only friend, she must have followed us here"

*A hand came to Dal's chin, and his eyes twisted a little, raised an eyebrow to the girls response. He was about to ask the girl if she understood the nature of what she had done by sneaking into a manse uninvited, and not having a reason to see the Zenith owner inside. When Foam piped in his expression once again showed something stopping abruptly as it came out of his mouth, and he cleared his throat and put his hand out to beckon the little girl.* "It is quite alright... it's not your fault Foam. Were you worried about Asra Crystal Rain, if your father doesn't know you're here he might be worried about you the same way?

Maybe.... You won't tell him, will you? *Foam was always so perceptive! Somehow she always knew when she wasn't supposed to be somewhere. This man was kind of intimidating, she wasn't sure if she should trust him, but she'd rather be near Asra in case the man was mean. She scampered over to Asra's side and put herself just a little in front of him so she was in between him and this tall bronzed man* Of course I was! He's my friend and... and.. Who are you, anyway?

* Asra put his face in his hand. He was brought up differently that Crystal Rain... that usually meant not being sassy with adults. He took her by the shoulder and pulled her back slightly, hoping this would make her calm down*

*Foam knelt down and put her arms around both Asra and Crystal Rain* " This is Admiral Dal Lumen... he is the Solar who watches over us, along with Emperor Ress. He is here to help us all"

: *A grin cracked dal's face as he extended a hand as an offer to shake the little girls hand.* "Crystal Rain, it's nice to meet you, I am glad to see that Asra has a friend like you. If Asra and Foam permit it, you can stay for some food and come with us when we go investigate the river for Asra."

Okay... *she looked over at Asra with his head in his hand and stuck her face underneath it* Does your head hurt? Want me to kiss it? Huh? *she looked up to Dal'Lumen and his extended hand. The urge to be seen as a little more grown up took her over and she shook his hand like her daddy would do* Food? I smell something good, is that what we're eating? *she kept putting her gaze back on Asra and examining his head*

*Asra gave a sigh of relief... her mouth didn't get them in trouble this time. * Asra shook his head a little at Crystal Rain* " No thank you... im better now"

Foam got to her feet and smiled to Dal, giving him a nod* " Its fine with me"

*Dal didn't so much grasp her tiny hand as much as he let her grab a part of his hand and gave it a shake. His fingers closed around hers just slightly, and then waited for her to let go.* "So your dad takes care of you then Crystal Rain? What does he do?"

*she let go of his hand and put her hand on Asra's elbow* Yes he does. My daddy sells everybody's stuff so I can swim with Asra

* foam spoke up to fill in the holes in her answer* " Her father owns a market.. he buys wares from craftmasons and puts them in his market where people can do their shopping in one place. He is a rather smart man, as far as business goes."

* Asra nodded at Rain's statement* " when there are no slithers, we swim"

I won't let them hurt you! I'll beat them up, too! *her pretty little-girl face scowled and she puffed up again*

*Dal nodded casualy. His allowed a somewhat surprised, and amused look cross his face at Crystals comment.* "I bet they wouldn't stand a chance! Can you see the Slithers too Crystal?"

Yep! They're ugly and mean and I don't like them! *she gave a firm nod to punctuate the end of her sentence*

* Asra nodded, looking down at the ground, showing that he was not so zealous about combating them... more so afraid of them*

*Foam simply stood there in silence... having had no idea that anything of this sort had been happenning right under her nose*


*He made a small effort to conceal his surprise that she could see them as well. If this demons eye was as rare as quie-ra stated, it seemed far too coincidental that both these children could see things that weren't physically visible.* "You can see them as well... Crystal Rain, why is your father alone, do you know anything about your mother?"

It's 'cause Mommy doesn't understand me. She's a Dragon but I'm only half Dragon so I have to eat and stuff. She visits me sometimes *Crystal Rain set her chin on Asra's head and took a deep breath in through her nose* That smells good!


* At that moment Quie-Ra came into the room, holding three large dishes of food, of which he placed on a nearby table. He seemed to have a knack for pulling silverware out of seemingly nowhere. As much as the god liked to say cooking was just a hobby, he did enjoy it as if it were a central part of who he was. He looked to the growing crowd, opening his mouth to speak.. but then caught a glimpse of the child. his eyes became wide in surprise as he dropped to one knee and bowed his head* " Oh! I... had no idea you were coming... w-What brings you to my home?... are you on business for your mother... she is not displeased with me, is she??" * The god's voice quivered as he spoke, as if he were afraid of this child*

*Dal cleared his throat indignantly* "I see you two know each other. I don't think you have anything to worry about Quie, shes just here for a visit." *He gave him a piercing look that shouted at Quie Silently.* "It is good that you can see the Slithers as well, maybe you can help me find them later. Do you think you can do that?"

" N-no... I am sorry to say I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting our young guest... but I am quite familiar with her mother.... The river guardian Mother Torrent." * He slowly got to his feet, standing squared stance with his hands behind his back* " Oh yes.. and food is served!" * On the table was the deep fried squid, along with a bowl of squid chowder with potato and oats. Along with it was a glass of rice milk... perhaps this was a motion to calm the possibly grieving Sai-Ren-Kern"

*she blinked a bit and looked at Quie-Ra* My mommy isn't mad at you. I came to visit Asra *she put a protective hand on his shoulder, her chin now removed from his head* He's mine and my best friend! I love his pretty red eyes... Did you make this food? It smells good *she looked at the look Dal gave Quie and cocked her head to the side, deciding what she thought about this* I can help later, I want to eat his food first *she grinned at Quie-Ra* I like you!


* Asra's face scrunched up a little as she spoke about his eyes, taking a small step back* " Red eyes are bad.. they make people throw things at you"

* Foam placed a hand on top of Asra's head and stroked him softly* " There is nothing wrong with you or your eyes, Asra... and don't let anyone tell you differently"

* Que-Ra nodded, happy he had gotten her approval, but did not seem to mind the thoughts of any of the others... sometimes no matter how hard you try... you will never understand women or gods* " I am glad you approve, Child of The River Guardian"

I'll trade you *she looked up at Foam and gave her a serious expression that looked like she was trying to imitate her father* Can he? I'm okay if I can only have one. Then we'd match! *she patted the seat next to her so Asra could eat with her. She started grabbing food for both of them and stopped for a second and rubbed her hands together and closed her eyes for a second* Thank you for the food! *as soon as she finished she continued putting food on their plates with earnest. She was trying to prove that her daddy had taught her manners, apparently unphased by the negative implications that went along with the color of his eyes. She put food in her mouth and wiggled happily, her legs swinging as she chewed. Forgetting her manners again she opened her mouth to reply to Quie-Ra* Yum!!

* Asra smiled a little as he followed her to the table and sat down next to her. He began to eat too, swaying side to side as he ate. Foam soon followed suit and sat down to eat*

" I had no idea your mother was such a respected spirit, Crystal Rain. thank you for this lovely meal, Qiue-Ra.... Asra! What do you say?! Crystal Rain! We are not barbarians!"

* Asra turned a little red, then looked to Quie-Ra* " Thank you for the food, Quie-Ra"

* the oat god smiled and gave a nod, accepting the thanks and the prayer power that came with them*

*she turned a sorry look at Foam* But I said thank you! *she munched more squid and looked at Foam again* So can I have one? *she patted the other side of her and smiled at Quie-Ra* Want to eat, too?

* Foam just rolled her eyes, shook her head and heaved a sigh*

Quie-Ra shook his head as well, but this was at Crystal Rain's question* " No thank you, gods don't usually eat mortal food"

*Dal smiled, happy to see that his guests approved of the food. He crossed his hands in front of him and leaned forward casually.* "Quie is quite a talented cook, it's a luxury I'm still getting used to." * He smiled and nodded at Quie-Ra gratefully. He waited for the others to serve themselves, consciously having to argue with his gut to keep it quiet while he delayed eating patiently. When the others had full plates he carefully served himself and nearly in one bite he shoveled it all into his mouth, swallowed, and smiled again.* "So, Foam, when we work out these issues, I'll see to it that you find yourself back on track as a scholar. I don't see why I would have any problems getting you a teaching position here in Beziar."

Okay *she pouted a little at getting her request from Foam denied, but daddy said that if she was good then good things would happen to her. So she tried to behave so she could take care of Asra but sometimes she couldn't help herself and got them into trouble. Well, mostly herself since she always took the blame to keep him from getting punished. And sometimes it was entirely her fault... Like when she got back at those kids who hurt Asra... Boy was she in a lot of trouble then! She mused to herself as she ate, carefully keeping an eye on Asra to make sure he ate and his mom, too. Her eyes got wide when she saw Dal eat everything in one bite and she swallowed hard* Wow! How'd you do that?!

" I would be forever grateful... It would be nice to start going forward with our lives, rather than struggling to stay where we are. Do you know when a school will be erected in Bezair? and will it be East-Bezair or West-Bezair? What subjects will you require positions for, or will the teaching of children be general?" * It sounded as though she had been to enough schools to know how the different ones ran and operated. She looked on in slight surprise to see Dal's Goku style of eating*

" Well, I would have to talk to Lirimana, the Twilight of Kideshen, she has plans for creating schools in Imperveress. I'm sure she would be happy to know that you are interested!" *He grinned and Winked at Crystal Rain while he patted his belly.* "I'm a practitioner of Snake-Style!"

really?? Can girls learn that? *she looked at her stomach and debated whether she could pull off what Dal just did* Maybe I'd just get a tummy ache...

* It dod not take long for the lintha child and his mother to clean their plates and sit back in a full manner. Quie-Ra snapped his fingers, causing small, leafy twig bodied elementals to come in and pick up all the finished plates and take them back to the kitchen area of the manse* " Now then, is there anything else I can get for you all? Perhaps something my elemental can get for you as well?"

*Dal shrugged at the others, allowing them to ask for anything else should they desire. He nodded at Quie-Ra noting that he had been satisfied, and was ready to leave once the others were.*

*Crystal Rain had finished also, her plate clean and her cup empty. She looked at Dal and then to the others, figuring that girls mustn't be able to learn snake-style because he hadn't said so. She was okay with that though, since Dragon-style eating was more her thing.. She focused on Quie-Ra this time, remembering her manners* No, thank you. I wanna dream eating that again, do you Asra?

"I am certain girls can learn Snake-style, with lots of hard work, and training. I was taught by the Sun, so others like me can learn it just as easily. If everyone is ready, I say we make our way down to the river and investigate these mysterious slithers!"

* Foam got to her feet and picked up both children, giving a small bow to Dal, showing that she was stronger than she looked* " alright. we are all ready to go... perhaps this will shed light on this mystery"

*she looked a little indignant at being picked up, having tried to appear more grown up. It was done, however, and so she sighed within herself and consented as though she had a choice*

[Arachnia of the Hour]

Resplendent Wood 11,

*His eyes widened whimsically, he smiled slightly at Crystal's haughtiness, and Foam's undercover muscles.* "Well, looks like you're ready! Quie-Ra, would you like to come along with us, I could use your help..."

* Quie-Ra took a moment, then nodded relaxing from his 'at attention' stance.* " Yes, I think I will come with you. just to the beach, yes? A little bit of a walk, but sure. I have not been away from this manse and these fields in a while"

the beach is so pretty! I love it! *she fixed her watery blue gaze on Quie* Can you swim? *she made sure she held on to Foam, not wanting to be dropped on her butt and tried not to shift too much*

" Swim?..." *Quie thought about this a moment, then shrugged his shoulders* " Its safe to say I have never tried.. I suppose I would float on top of the water like an oat"


*Dal chuckled, and nodded. The image of Quie-Ra stiff as a board, stone faced, floating down the river like an oat hitting him.* "Well if we need to get in the water we might just find out!" *He smirked and shook his head at Foam.* "It is a bit of a walk, no need to carry those two all the way down to the river."


* Quie shook his head* " no... I would rather not risk it... maybe after my promotion" * Foam set the two children down, Asra staying near her leg. She walked to the entrance of the manse, the door opening on its own like many times it did... but when she got to the threshold, she stopped in her tracks, brought her hands to her mouth and let out a scream. Asra ducked behind her leg and held on tight, hiding his face in the tresses of her skirt*

*close to Asra as always she puffed up her chest and gave a withering glare that might have been terrifying if it wasn't coming from a five year-old little girl* Hey!! Don't you scare Asra like that you ugly jerk!!!! And open that up I wanna see! *her face wavered for just a second but she felt the swish of Asra hiding and her anger flared again, her hands going to her hips as she began a staredown*


*Dal'Lumen watched as foam walked to the door, but his attention snapped to her and he rushed over to the door beside her.* "What is it! What is wrong?"



* maybe six feet from the entrance of the manse, A huge red and black banded spider about the size of a horse stood, motionless, its strange segmented head looking sideways to the group from where it stood. Its legs extended upwards from its body another two feet, before coming back downward and ending at the ground. its many eyes shimmered and undulated with colors, none of which could be called 'beautiful'. On this thing's back, a quickly wrapped cocoon was adhered, a flailing human arm poking out of the imperfectly spun prison. and in a single motion, the great powerful spider turned its gaze forward, then leaped into the air, over the fields and the direction of Ramoth ( The bleach theme 'Raw Breath of Danger' playing in the background')*

*of course assuming that it was her "evil glare" was the reason it ran off she looked rather smug, only mildly interested in the human arm sticking out of the cocoon. She came around to Asra and brushed her fingers through his hair* The meanie is all gone! Wanna go swimming?


*The sight of the human arm in the cocoon was enough of a reason for Dal. Steel rang out and he lunged at the spider just as it jumped away out of range. He ran outside to see if he could see where it was going and without hesitation he shouted.* "Sentinel, What in the Wild was that thing!"

* Foam breathed heavily, her human mind trying to comprehend what it was she just saw, then swallowed hard and reached back for asra, who was still hiding his face* " Don't worry, asra... its gone... we are safe with Admiral Dal' Lumen"

* the little green skinned boy peeked out and slowly came out of hiding, still clinging to his mother*

* a hiss and click of sentinel could be heard as he readied himself for manifestation, but quickly Quie-Ra dismissed him* " disregard that last command, Sentinel... I know what that was.... that was an Anuhle!" * Quar stood just behind Dal, glittering golden spear readied in his hands as he stood in an elongated stance, readied in case things got hairy*

"Anuhle?! Damnit... it got away, did you see that, it had someone trapped! What was something like that doing in Imperveress!

*she looked up at Foam and pouted some but her attention was brought to the shouting baldie and she looked at him with a frown* Stop yelling! It's not his fault!

*Dal's eyes blinked down at Crystal Rain, not sure how he should react to what she had just said.* "What? Not his fault... It was a he? Do you know something about that creature?"

"Anuhle?..." * Foam calmed herself, now thinking rationally. she began to think to herself, trying to recall anything of the 'anuhles'* " Those are only summoned by orb weaver spiders, which spin complex mandalas in their webs in abandoned shrines and temples...." * she snapped out of her text book answer when she heard Crystal Rain being disrespectful to Dal. she then looked down to the blue skinned child, raising her voice a little as she firmly reprimanded her* " Crystal Rain! Don't talk to Solars like that! he is not blaming anyone, he is simply stating a question!"

*she was about to answer Dal'Lumen but looked at Foam as she was being reprimanded and gave a look of confusion* But he was being mean to the nice man and yelling... That's not nice, it's not good manners... *and of course she pointed blatantly at Quie-Ra as she mentioned him*


* Quie-Ra banished his essence weapon, then looked to Crystal Rain* " No, little guardian... Admiral Dal' Lumen was irritated at the fact that there are demons in the empire abducting citizens.. he was not mad at me... we are actually good friends" * Quie spoke to the girl somewhere between a small child and a commanding officer, and was surprisingly callous about the abduction of humans*

Oh... well... *she looked relatively admonished and not the tiniest bit sorry as she directed her now more-understanding gaze onto Dal* It's still not nice to yell.... *then her eyes lit up as she remembered something* Please.

"Aie, after the way we were introduced to each other, very little could be said to be unfriendly between Quie-Ra and myself child." *He looked agitated, and even anxious. Not everyone in the room seemed to share his level of concern for the individual strapped to a demons back.* "If you know something about the Anhule crystal, It is a very important thing for you to tell me."

That meanie? I don't know it and I don't like it *she shrugged and rocked back on her heels as her gills started to dry out now that they were back in the heat*

* Foam looked back outside, over the fields and to the city outwards* " I would think someone is summoning them on purpose... a demon summoner is out there.... but for now... maybe we should see the river..."

* Quie nodded, agreed, taking in a sigh as well* " Well... it looks like we got on the job just in time"

*Dal sighed, not exactly happy that she didn't know anything after all. He looked at crystal rain and nodded, trying to not to look too disappointed. He looked back out to where the spider had jumped away into the distance and called out again.* "Ok, it looked like it headed off in the direction of Ramoth and I doubt I would be able to track it. We will continue down to the river... Sentinel, if you can track that thing, that would be good, see if you can't find out where it might be going or if any of the others know about our spider problem. Tell me what you find out when I come back, thank you." *He tried to settle himself, he hoped he could track the thing down before that citizen, he feared, met an unkind fate. With a small nod in the direction out of the manse, and a hand gesture he guided the others to follow him down to the river.* "Let's go see if we can't solve your troubles while Sentinel helps search for more answers."

* A hum, then click could be heard as Sentinel chimed in* " Noted, Dal'Lumen. I will keep a look out for any more Anuhles" * The group trekked outward to west-bezair and to the beach. There were a few food vendors and many families here, fishing for sport and swimming in the water. local children played on the sand, or simply looked out ant the fishing ships in the distance, and some who had exceptional eyes, the walls that protected them*

*she had managed to keep quiet the entire walk, absorbed in her own thoughts as she walked along next to Asra. She seemed to perk up subconsciously at the change in the air that indicated the water*

[Arachnia of the Hour]

Resplendent Wood 11,

*As dal walked down the street, the five of them being quite the diverse group, happily chatting and being friendly on their way down to the river, any that looked upon them would see that the Admiral Dal'Lumen, priest of the unconquered sun, was walking with the lintha child asra, his mother and Crystal. He made eye contact and smiled at everyone that looked at them, and after a while he even laughed and hoisted Asra up to sit on his shoulder, as he waved at on lookers. When they reached the River he put asra back down and let him do as he wished.* [9sxs social manip, all the people that saw the group on its way to the river would see Asra with "the Zenith Admiral Dal'Lumen" and see that the whole group was friendly with each other. Most likely this would make people think better of Asra and his family/friends}


"Looks like we've made it, so please have fun, but be aware and let me know if you see any of those slithers." *He clapped Quie on the back jokingly.* Its warm today, maybe if we toss you in and let you soak we can make you the god of oatmeal.:

* Asra walked out to the water, letting it wash over his feet. he smiled a little more as h sat down in the sand and began moving his hands in it * " No slithers so far.. but I will let you know if I can see any"

* Quie rolled his eyes at Dal's comment, shaking his head in disbelief* " You wouldn't dare... I would make a poor god of cooked oatmeal... there would be wyld pockets in people's breakfast"

*Crystal Rain hopped over to Asra and danced in place* Wanna go swimming? The slithers aren't here right now

Asra nodded, getting to his feet* " Ye! Lets see if we can find any out there!" * Asra looked back to his mother, who knew what he was asking and gave him a nod. The little green child then ran off into the water*

*Foam sat back in the sand as well, about five yards from the water* " Its good to see Asra having fun..."

*Crystal Rain cheered a little but it was muffled as she yanked her shirt off over her head and jumped out of her pants as she ran towards the water, throwing her clothing behind her as she dove into the water* Yay!!


*His sailors scared hands coming up touch the amulet around his neck, he brought it up to a point his eyes could see it as he thought about how he might respond if he does find a slither today. He put the amulet down and focused his essence into it for just a brief moment. He sensed the changed perspective and looked over at foam with a warm smile.* " Aie, He's a good kid if i've ever seen one. I think once this business with the slithers is sorted, and the people of Imperveress see that the sun doesn't hate the innocent, and he is beyond the pettiness of hating based on bloodline. I will make sure that Bezair understands that, and even imitates it."" He will be as happy as this quite often..." * he finished*

* when Crystal Rain was out of earshot, Quie fell to his knees and heaved a sigh* " I hope Mother Torrent doesn't remember me... I also hope Crystal Rain doesn't tell her about me..."

"Ah, about that... Whats your history with this mother torrent quie-Ra? I can't say that you are acting as you usually do, now that her daughter is around."

"Mother Torrent? She used to work for me... she helped keep my fields watered... that was back when she was a young water elemental... then we had a huge falling out and she moved northward.... now she is a major power player in this part of creation..." * Quie sighed again, then got to his feet, dusting himself off as he did* " I am worried she may still hold a grudge... and.... well.... Crystal Rain is much like her.... I can see it on her, she is marked"

*Crystal Rain jumped out of the water dolphin-like, her body now transformed into that of a fish-person mermaid-style. Her lower body had become one tail covered in purple scales, her hair also now a darker orchid color and there were green and purple fins coming out of her head where her ears were and on the outside edges of her forearms. She was visible only for a moment, her eyes closed in glee before she disappeared smoothly under the water's surface once more*

*Dal raised an eyebrow at Quie-Ra smirking mischievously.* "Oh come now brother! The way you tell the story it sounds as though you two simply lost contact. Why would she hold a grudge against you, you weren't unkind to her at all were you?"

* Asra had nod surfaced since rushing off into the water, despite Crystal Rain's leaping up and out of the waves*

*Quie looked back at dal, then sighed, knowing that he couldn't lie* " Well.... yes... I was never fair to her... I also stood in the way of her advancement in the Water Court... It was not pretty.... and wouldn't you know it... she survived to Dragonhood"

[Arachnia of the Hour]

Resplendent Wood 11,


* A torrent of water shot out into the air as a struggle ensued, accompanied by a gout of mist* " I Got one!!! I Have one Admiral Dal' Lumen!" * The sound of Asra's voice could be heard clearly, despite the thrashing about in the water*

*A burst of water bubbled and sprayed again around Asra and Crystal Rain as she helped her friend contain the beastie. Through the foaming water the little girl's voice could be heard* Hurry! I wanna kill it!

"We all have things in our pasts we regret Quie-Ra, So long as we learn from them... *He looked over in surprise at the explosion of water. Without wasting a breath he sent a rooster tail of sand out behind him, he planted a foot and soared through the air magnificently, jumping the distance between the beach and the children easily. He landed in the water next to Asra with a splash. The hearth stone did its work and Dal' was able to see the squirming beast. He reached out and wrapped two big hands around the creature and hauled it up to shore.* "No, we must talk to it.*he spat the sea water out of his mouth as it trickled down from his brow. He sloshed and flopped his way back to Quie-Ra, his Red silks hanging about his legs feebly, like bloody fresh hide.* "What is this creature then Quie-ra, can you identify it?"


* the thing continued to squirm, looking like a merman, if its back end were a giant eel. on its face was a look of terror and surprise, not having planned getting captured. Quie got closer and puzzled over what this thing was* " I have never seen a demon like this.... I am not quite sure..."

* Quie was quickly cut off by Calm Foam, who walked tight over to Asra and scooped him out of the water* " It is a Demjen!... They are rarely seen outside the north and west! Keep it away from my son!"

* Crystal Rain swam up to the shore and sighed to herself. She really didn't want to change back yet but they might need her to fight the slither so she willed her shape to turn watery and split her tail back into legs and she put her clothes back on, all the while keeping an eye on the slither thing. When she was finished she simply took her place in between Asra and the slither, silent but for the evil death glare that only a person extremely serious about mercilessly killing something could wear*

*His eyes shifted from quie to foam, and his eyes narrowed a little at her reaction. How dangerous was this thing? Having to continually search for a better hand hold on the slippery wet creature he found a decent grip round the Demjens throat, every sinuous fiber in his muscles rippled and he lifted the creature straight up and slammed it back down to the ground pinning one of it's arms with his knee and the other with his foot, the creatures head now between the pebbles of the shore and the fury of a Solar. Dal kept some substantial weight on the creatures neck as he quickly shifted his knee back to vice down on the creatures thrashing tail replacing his hold over the creatures arm with his free hand.* "Demjen! You have scared the children enough, now you have to deal with me, so stop your squirming, you are going nowhere untill I have my answers!"

* The Demjen calmed quickly, stopping its wriggling. its crab like minions hunkering down on the sand. it gave a hiss, then spoke up to Dal, looking serene* "You have asked no questions... so I can not answer"

* Asra Squirmed in Foam's arms, trying to get away* " You keep coming back and talking to me! Admiral Dal'Lumen is going to make you leave forever!" * Foam clung tightly to her green son, not letting him get away as long as demons were around* " Be careful, Dal'Lumen... those things can bring metals to life!


*Dal loosened his grip on the creatures throat alowing it to speak. His bared teeth disappearing for the time being.* "Good, just take it easy... I hope you're comfortable. If you behave I might just release you. Metal to life?l That is a usefull talent I will not underestimate. The boy does not welcome your advice, nor your torments. What interest do you and your kind have in him Demjen, that you can not leave him be?"


* The Demjen continued to lay there relaxed, its tail thrashing about despite its upper half laying still... perhaps this was out of habit or instinct, much like sharks continuing to swim even while sleeping* " I do not know, myself... the child is Kimbery's realm and not my master's... I am simply here to let the child know that he is the true inheritor of creation... not mortals or even the Exalted. So far from his own people... He needed someone to tell him the truth, so I am the messenger" * Asra stopped his squirming as the demon spoke, his mother also falling silent and motionless. anyone who looked could see that Quie was on edge.. ready to strike this creature at a moment's notice* " If I were to let him be, my master would undoubtedly unmake me"

*Crystal Rain continued her murderous stare at the being and when she spoke her voice was low and steady* You'll be unmade if you don't leave him alone, but I might torture you first


*Dal grumbled and shot daggers with an eye at crystal rain.* "That is enough Crystal Rain! *His eyes burned down on the Demjen, the look alone was enough to threaten unknowable wrath* " You poison his mind with your whispers of unnecessary violence. The boy will learn, but not from you, bring your demon master if you are so useless to stop this. Call for him and I will speak to him myself!"


*her gaze softened from malice to anger when she looked at Dal'Lumen* I don't need you to believe me, but no one hurts or scares Asra and gets away with it. *she turned the evil glare back to the Demjen. Dal'Lumen might be an adult and she might get in trouble later, but those things never mattered when it came to Asra's safety. Not even a Solar could make her stray from that* Including you.


" Call for him? I am afraid I can not... but if you wish to speak to him, I will gladly give you the knowledge of how to do so... gather together gnarled yarn so twisted that it is almost impossible to untangle, then splash it with semen, a drop of blood and a bit of spilled wine... you will then be visited by my master, The Jeweled Auditor" * The slimy demon nodded, still not upset at all about being caught. its clockwork crabs were now half buried in the sand*

* Calm Foam could no longer keep quiet, no matter how much she would like to forget about Asra being tied to the Yozi of the sea* " I am not so sure if that is a good idea, Admiral Dal'Lumen... I do not know much about a 'Jewled Auditor' "


*Dal'Lumen's head dropped, his muscles twitched all the while keeping his eyes on the Demon under him.* "I understand Calm Foam, Thank you." *He was not about to stoop to looking so weak as to arguing with a hot headed child like Crystal Rain in front of this demon.* "Go then Demon, you have earned your release. By the same punishment you fear from your master you will not so much as swim within the waters of this empire untill the time comes that I speak to your master!" *He squeezed the creatures throat with his hand ominously.*

[Arachnia of the Hour]

Resplendent Wood 11,


*He leaned over, his face inches away from the creatures, teeth bared viciously, and his eyes taking on the aspect of a lions with a low rumbling voice to match.* "Tell the others of your kind they face my wrath should they ignore that warning!" *He stood up quickly, holding the creature buy it's throat still he lifted it up and away from it's crab creatures. He roared and took a running stride toward the water and hurled the Demjen like a cast away catch back into the water.* " {15 sxs pres+manip attack to intimidate and get the creature to tell any others of its kind of Dal lumens warning}


* While soaring through the air, the Demjen began slowing down, until it seemed to stop in mid air. the small clock work crabs unburied themselves, then followed their infernal creator into the water, where the Demjen then fell down into the water, vanishing beneath the waves, saying not a word... simply escaping. Calm Foam then sighed and set Asra down* " I don't ever want you swimming alone, Asra.. you know that.... and don't listen to that thing.. you are my son... not Kimbery's"

* Asra ran to the shore, then back to the group asking out loud to anyone who would listen* " What is Kimbery? A water fruit?"

* Quie relaxed, then gave a nod, satisfied with the disposal of the demon... even though he would have been happier if it were killed instead* " Nicely handled Admiral Dal. Now it will tell its friends that they are not welcome here. Hopefully they will be smart enough to heed warning... otherwise you wont need to worry about them... I have plenty of water and wood elementals to help me deal with this threat, should you choose to delegate the job." *Good old quie... hint dropping as always*

*Crystal Rain remained silent and brooding. She wasn't happy about being dismissed like a normal child. She and Asra had killed the slithers before and she knew that she could have done it just fine. Why didn't anyone trust that?... She watched Asra as he went to the shore and watched the interactions between the adults. Thoughts of her mother passed through her mind and she felt herself missing her and wishing she were here. Her mother was always proud of her and would have let her kill the slither... A quiet sigh left the little girl as she continued to think about the situation that had just happened*

*Dal turned around, suddenly smiling as if nothing had happened at all. He looked down at Crystal Rain with mild disappointment.* "You have much to learn little one, all creatures in creation serve a purpose, no matter how strange they are... All deserve a chance. *He let that sink in, it was obvious what he was hinting at.* "Fear will kill an army; killing one, kills ones self

*Solars were a little like water elementals she was realizing, rather manic and easily shifted from one mind-state to the next. She was churning through his statement, trying to figure out how she was killing herself by killing someone else.. Was it poison? But she'd never been poisoned by killing someone before.. She was sure she would have known if she had been poisoned... Maybe she would ask her dad later, she didn't want to look like a stupid kid any more than necessary. She looked up at Dal'Lumen and cocked her head to the side, not quite brooding anymore, but still not smiling* But I don't want to only be scary... Then they won't believe that I can kill them...

"ek!" * Quie put a hand on Dal's shoulder. Dal could feel that Quie was shaking a little.. somehow still afraid of this small child's wrath* " Admiral Dal... have you ever heard the story of the frog and the scorpion? This is a good time to apply the lessons of it....... before we drown?"

* Asra spoke up to Crystal Rain, knowing how to get the point across in her language* " Rain... he is saying its not good to kill if something is not trying to kill you first.... or trying to kill someone who cant defend themselves"

O...kay.... *she looked at Asra and kept the adults in her peripherals, also curious about what was going on with the older men* Slithers can defend themselves but I guess I understand *she shrugged and didn't look apologetic at all, but it seemed to make more sense to her* I'm still going to protect you, Asra, no matter what *her bright and shiny smile returned as she hugged him and looked back at the water* Wanna go swimming again?


*He smiled a little.* "Do you think that Demon had any doubt in its mind that it's life was in my hands Crystal?" *He turned and looked at Quie-Ra, and nodded, remembering the story of the Scorpion and the frog from his childhood. He pinched his chin and sat down on the pebbles, inviting the others to do the same.* " You are wise beyond your years Asra, but there are many important reasons for being merciful, sit down children and i will Tell you the story which Quie Ra speaks of. The story of the Scorpion and the Frog. I can also tell you some other things that may be important for you to know, in this situation you will need that wisdom."

* Quie took a step back. not exactly what he meant by taking heed of the story, but this was not a bad way to implement it*

*Asra looked up at Dal, waiting to hear about the frog and scorpion, knowing what both are and having little idea what they might be doing together, then again... mother always had strange stories that he learned from* " A frog and scorpion? I have not heard that one."

*Crystal Rain looked over the ground for some wet pebbles, but when she couldn't find any she wrung out her hair on the ground and sat down on the wet spot she had just made. Of course the spot was right next to Asra and she patted the other side of her for Quie and she smiled at the field god before crossing her legs and waiting* Ready!

* Quie-Ra was smart enough to take the seat that was offered, lest problems arise. promptly, he walked to the two children and sat down with them. *

* Calm foam smiled on, knowing the story well, but wanting to see how it might sound coming from the Zenith*

*He leaned over to Calm Foam and quietly spoke so only she could hear.* "I fear these creatures may use what you have not told him to manipulate him, you should find a time... I can help." * He sat back upright and smiled at the children. He stopped to think for... biting his lip and staring up at the sky shortly, while he remembered the story he was about to tell.* "Yes.... the story of The Scorpion and the Frog. *he began.* "One day, a scorpion looked around at the mountain where he lived and decided that he wanted a change. So he set out on a journey through the forests and hills. He climbed over rocks and under vines and kept going until he reached a river.

The river was wide and swift, and the scorpion stopped to reconsider the situation. He couldn't see any way across. So he ran upriver and then checked downriver, all the while thinking that he might have to turn back." *Dal motioned along with his hands, and slowly around him began to form a glowing illustration. He pointed away to the river so the others would see, right there beside the river a large scorpions that looked more like a stylized drawing than a living creature was beside the bank looking very perterbed about crossing.*

"Suddenly, he saw a frog sitting in the rushes by the bank of the stream on the other side of the river. He decided to ask the frog for help getting across the stream. *Dal narrated along to the story, but soon the others would notice that the animals made of sunlight seemed to speak with their own voices, loud enough for their audience to hear.*

"Hellooo Mr. Frog!" called the scorpion across the water, "Would you be so kind as to give me a ride on your back across the river?"

"Well now, Mr. Scorpion! How do I know that if I try to help you, you wont try to kill me?" asked the frog hesitantly.

"Because," the scorpion replied, "If I try to kill you, then I would die too, for you see I cannot swim!"

Now this seemed to make sense to the frog. But he asked. "What about when I get close to the bank? You could still try to kill me and get back to the shore!"

"This is true," agreed the scorpion, "But then I wouldn't be able to get to the other side of the river!"

"Alright then...how do I know you wont just wait till we get to the other side and THEN kill me?" said the frog."

"Ahh...," crooned the scorpion, "Because you see, once you've taken me to the other side of this river, I will be so grateful for your help, that it would hardly be fair to reward you with death, now would it?!"

So the frog agreed to take the scorpion across the river. He swam over to the bank and settled himself near the mud to pick up his passenger. The scorpion crawled onto the frog's back, his sharp claws prickling into the frog's soft hide, and the frog slid into the river. The muddy water swirled around them, but the frog stayed near the surface so the scorpion would not drown. He kicked strongly through the first half of the stream, his flippers paddling wildly against the current.

Halfway across the river, the frog suddenly felt a sharp sting in his back and, out of the corner of his eye, saw the scorpion remove his stinger from the frog's back. A deadening numbness began to creep into his limbs.

"You fool!" croaked the frog, "Now we shall both die! Why on earth did you do that?"

The scorpion shrugged, and did a little jig on the drownings frog's back.

"I could not help myself. It is my nature."

Then they both sank into the muddy waters of the swiftly flowing river.

Self destruction - "Its my Nature", said the Scorpion...
{10 sxs performance}


* They were all stunned, Calm Foam and Quie-Ra included.. how a simple story could be brought up to the level of a theatrical performance. Asra was brought to clapping once the story and light show were done* " Yay! That was a good story. It is saying that sometimes we do what we do because that's how we are! Like how I am green, and you stop demons!"

*Dal smiled, warmly as the scorpion and the frog faded away into the river.* " That's right! But we must be careful too, because following our nature, without regard for consequence could lead to our ultimate destruction."

That was fun! *she giggled as she watched the essence of the story dissipate and watched the adults around her* And Quie makes good food! *she looked to Dal'Lumen with confusion now* But if we aren't ourselves then who are we?


*Dal held back a whimsical look, how this girl could interpret things he said in such a strange way.* "Well, it's not about not being yourself, we are who we are, but we must use our minds, and our hearts to make the right decisions, if we act on our impulses without thinking ahead, we may end up not liking the outcome." * Dal'Lumen stood up, and nodded at Calm Foam.* " We become who we are every time we make a choice So just make sure you are making the right choice."

But what if I do something because I think it's right but everyone doesn't like me for it? I try to do what I think is right but you got mad at me and sometimes my daddy tells me it's wrong, too. And sometimes mommy agrees with me but daddy doesn't... *her little brown brow furrowed as she tried to decide how this sort of thing worked*


* Calm Foam nodded right back, smiling a little, approving of the interpretation of the story* " Admiral Dal'Lumen is correct. that is what the story means"

* Quie-Ra deliberated withing himself weather or not to get involved with the conversation, before deciding that he should say something* " I used to know your mother, Crystal Rain... she is an Elemental... they have a different mindset than humans, like your father. Many times, their commanding of the world around them makes them think they own it, so they get detached from others"

"Knowing what is right and what is wrong comes as we grow up, don't forget the story I just told you, and learn from the mistakes you make. You know where to find me, I cant promise that I wont be gone sometimes, but Bezair is my home too, so if you have any questions you can always come ask me."

*she blinked at Dal'Lumen as he glossed over what she had just said and decided to respond to Quie since it was something she could make sense of* So what am I?

..... * Quie had no idea how to answer this question soon as it was heard, but after a few moments of silence, he came up with something* " You are somewhere in between... not an elemental, but at the same time not a human. You need to be mindful of both half at the same time, otherwise you will lose who you are"

*Dal sighed, it wasn't easy explaining such things to someone so young... But better she learned it now, than later when her decisions could be dangerous. He piped in to add to Quie's answer.* "You have the benefit of being neither one I would say. I see you as having the kind and caring heart of your father, capable of loving and protecting those around you with the power your mother gave to you. You see, You and I are not so different. I was not born the way I am, like you were, but I was raised as a human, and I understand what it means to be human. I think you know what that means too, you have been raised the way a human is, and you love your father the way a human does. Both of us have power we were given so we could protect those that can't protect themselves, and we can help creation become a better place."

Huh... Daddy really is nice and mommy really is strong.... Okay! *she smiled and leaned on Asra a little, her mind whirring around their answers and how she might use them. She looked back over some of the stuff she had done since meeting Asra and wondered if daddy and mommy would have tried to drown the kids that hurt Asra.. Of course, Asra had stopped her and she promised she wouldn't kill any of the kids that had hurt him, so maybe that was her instead? If Asra was good did that make her evil? Or did her family and Asra keep her good? Or was she something in between the two? After some more deliberating she tossed it all out and decided to follow her heart and maybe it would get easier when she was older. Asra and her parents were good people so she figured she would listen and daddy had taught her to always keep her promises, so she would* Mommy says I can be a dragon one day, too! Then I can be scary and keep the armies away from Asra!


*Calm foam knelt down and picked up both Asra and Crystal rain, one in each arm. She smiled to Dal and Quie" Thank you both... The Immaculate Order was wrong about you.. all of you. You are not Demons, you are heroes! if there is anything I can do for you, let me know. I can see why Emperor Ress gave you charge over this land. We should get going for now... but if I should see any more of those Anhules or any other demon, I will let you know

*Dal smiled, feeling satisfied that he had made a positive impact on Crystal Rains outlook.* "That's right! Maybe you can both help me and Imperveress one day when you both grow big and strong." *He looked at Quie-Ra, hinting that he wanted to talk to him.* "So use your friendship in the years to come to make the right decisions and you will be just fine, ok Asra, And Crystal I will see you both again."

*she whispered in Asra's ears though since she was still a little kid and those around her were more capable than the average person they could hear what she was saying* We just have to get big and you can fight bad guys and I can be a dragon!

*He looked at Foam directly.* "I would be careful for now, I will keep the waters safe but until then just be safe, keep them safe... And perhaps there are some other stories you could tell to Asra to help him understand, hes a good kid I think he will understand."

* Asra waved to his new Zenith friend, looking far happier than the frightened child he had met in the manse* " Goodbye Admiral Dal'Lumen! I'll see you again! Don't worry, I'll get big and strong and will help keep Jewled Aulgners away!" * Finally, Asra's age showed through as he stumbled on the title of the demon's master. Strange how half breeds tended to be smarter than normal human children*

*Dal waved, and returned the smile. Watching as the trio walked away down the street. He turned to Quie-Ra.* " Ah... Well that was something now wasn't it my brother! I will have to agree to your help on this, if you could make sure that your elementals keep their eyes open for any more of these demons, and if they should see any... They are to destroy them."

* Quie nodded, looking away from the mother and two children walking away, then back at the yellow river* " I'll put them on high alert..... I hope Mother Torrent never comes here to visit..... I don't know.. there is still something about that asra kid... something doesn't seem right..."

*Dal nodded* "I think you will be fine if she does come to visit, don't worry about it. I know what you mean about Asra Quie... How would you explain that feeling exactly, can you put words to it?"


" He is not a regular Lintha... there is something to him... but he is a child, there is nothing to worry about.... then again, this might not even be something to worry about... maybe what I am feeling is the grip of destiny on him... I am rather good at golden hero style" * he shrugged, then turned to look back in the direction of hope* " So... should we go back to the Manse? Maybe let the Emperor know what we saw?... or maybe we can follow that spider, if you think you can"

"I've no knowledge of tracking, I doubt I could find it. Lets head back home for now and talk to the Emperor, perhaps Sentinel has some lead as to where the spiders are coming and going from."