Post by Arachnia of the Hour on Feb 19, 2008 2:51:45 GMT -5
* A soft click emanated from just behind Arachnia as the flows of essence changed ever so slightly, causing the voice of The Emperor to sound just behind her..though he was nowhere to be seen* Let them in Arachnia.. I have been expecting them both... bring our guests to the meeting hall"
*Arachnia shivered, though she found herself enjoying the feeling that her Mate was omnipresent. She nodded and turned back to the two new Solars and offered a sweet smile to them both, batting her lashes as she spoke* Come, darlings, Emperor Ress wishes to see you in the meeting hall *placing a silky soft hand at each of their backs, the black-eyed woman guided them both down a few corridors until they had reached the meeting hall. Opening the door for them both, she gestured for them go inside*
*Lirimana blinked a few times and her eyes went a bit wider when Arachnia had placed her hand at her back. Such casual familiarity! Either way, Ress obviously trusted her and so she followed the gentle guidance of the woman's hand and walked right in through the open door to see if Ress really was as sexy as he had been when intangible*
*Towering Oak looked past the scantily clad woman to peer into the manse, he didn't see anything out of the ordinary, well ordinary for him. He looked back and quickly took stock of the two women standing before him, the one almost as dark as himself and clad only in leathers and the woman standing at the entrance of the manse. She was one of the most exotic women he had ever seen in his life, but what most intrigued him were her eyes. He gave a nod to both of them, saying nothing*
*When they arrived within the meeting hall, they would see a huge table, fit for a hundred Exalts. the room was lavishly decorated with a golden table, silk padded chairs, tapestries with colors and patterns no human mind could imagine... and of course, the regal form of the man who could could only be Ress. he smiled at the sight of his two guests and got to his feet, giving them a bow in greeting* Hello, my esteemed guests.
*Towering Oak stared at the man in front of him, his eye seeming to gauge and pierce straight through Ress. Then he nodded at the man, respectfully of course, still saying nothing*
*Lirimana's breath was gone again.. he was, if possible, even more gorgeous in person...* I, wow.. Umm, hello.. Sorry it took so long to get here, It was a longer walk than I thought... Where's your other Twilight? *Lirimana had started to look forward to working with another Twilight on the walk here*
*Arachnia swayed her way up to Ress and bent to whisper in his ear* Would you like me to stay or shall I take my leave? *Arachnia remained close to him as she waited for his answer, her breath hot on his ear*
No... I am afraid no other Twilight resides upon my lands... nor has set foot upon them since yourself.... Please... have a seat * He turned to Arachnia, giving her cheek a stroke* you may stay if you like you like, Arachnia. * His gaze turned back onto the two new Solars, giving them yet another bow before sitting* Another twilight?
*Towering Oak quickly found the closest chair and sat in it, turning it so it would face Ress.*
* He looked to towering Oak*... are you a twilight as well, mister Oak?.. Oh! the man you spoke to earlier, Sentinal.. he told me of your name... he also mentioned your enormous stature.. but I did not expect someone as immense as yourself.. you must have been the grandest in your region, were you not?
*Lirimana raised an eyebrow as she made her way to an open seat close to him* Yes, when we first met you spoke of having another Spider on your lands... *Lirimana sat down and adjusted herself so that she was facing Ress*
Oh! * He chuckled a little and stroked Arachnia's side* You misunderstood, Copper Spider.. I was referring to my mate, Arachnia She is a spider as well... but one much unlike yourself, Liri
*Towering Oak shook his head in a negative at Ress's first question* Nope. * he reached down brandishing his twin Goremauls.* Dawn. *As Ress continued to speak and ask his question Oak merely nodded.*
*Arachnia's eyes half-lidded for a moment before she decided whether to stay or go. She decided to stand at the side of Ress's chair. Part of it was curiosity and part of it was the attraction she had noted in Lirimana's eyes and mannerisms when she had seen Ress. She found herself idly running her tongue over the fangs that had become part of her Tell. At the mention of her name, Arachnia smiled sweetly at the Twilight* Indeed...
Ah yes... * He paused a split second.. not knowing what a dawn was either.. but too proud to let this out* A Dawn and a Twilight.. this empire will be glorious with the aid of such great Exalts such as yourselves... now * he leaned forward, placing his palm to the cool gold table* lets talk business.. what are your demands, my hopeful allies?
Well, if you remember, I said that I want a place of my own to build a hospital and an academy. What else are you offering and what do you expect of me?
*Towering Oak cocked his head as he noticed Ress's split second of hesitation. Obviously this man didn't know what a Dawn was, nor what he could do.
Those are all of your demands, Liri? * he raised an eyebrow, having expected more from an exalt.... especially after those difficult deity dealings*
And yet he was still willing to negotiate with him. Oak pondered this for several moments and gave a mental shrug. As the other woman... Lirimana?... began to talk Oak leaned back and thought about her statement and question. Towering Oak looked back at Ress.* What do you want?
Liri, hmm.. *she tried to keep the blush from her cheeks and smiled again* My immediate ones.. *her eyes twinkled a little* What sorts of artifacts or ancient tomes do you have stashed away in here?
Me?... I simply desire your alliegiance and skills to aid me in expanding and improving my empire..... and ultimately return us to the golden age
*Arachnia leaned forward and whispered into Ress's ear again* My Love, forgive me for asking, but, do you know what Dawns and Twilights are good at?
* He smirked and gave a nod... not yet knowing what he was going to say in return to this*... Twilights... teach people and heal the wounds of both mortals and creation And Dawns... they beat back the foes of the Exalted * he nodded.. feeling confident enough in his answer*
*Arachnia nodded and made an affirmative purr in his ear before withdrawing back into her standing position, simply monitoring in case something decided to go wrong*
*Towering stared at Ress, his eyes seeming to burn deeper into Ress's soul. This was obviously not a deliberate thing, but rather just something that seemed to happen whenever Towering Oak looked at a person. For close to a minute that disconcerting eye just stared into Ress. Oak heard Arachnia's whispered question to her mate and watched him answer. Once Ress was done, Towering Oak smiled.* Power. *There was no greed or hunger in his voice, only determination.*
Yep, That's what I do for the most part: heal and teach. Though I'm a crack for finding things, too. Some Twilights delve into sorcery, but I haven't felt that call so far *she smiled at Ress, wanting even more for him to allow her to stay here*
* He chuckled, then began to laugh and banged his palm on the table a single time as if he were clapping* Thats more like it so if those are all your demands, how about you all * reached his palm out to them both* take my hand.. I will seal the deal
You never answered my previous question, Emperor. What sorts of artifacts or ancient tomes do you have here? *her eyes were still smiling along with her lips, though her lips held a bit more of a curve than her usual smile*
*Towering Oak looked at the offered hand and looked back up at Ress. He shook his head and held up a finger.* Wait. What price is on this allegiance and how free would I be in the use of this power? *Towering seemed oblivious to the looks of astonishment he always got whenever he spoke more than three words at a time.*
* He blinked a few times... wondering why exactly it was that this Solar made him so uneasy. He sat back, then smirked* You will be very free... allowed to do whatever it is you feel is right and this power can be used for anything, except those detrimental to me, my people or my allies not to mention, my mate * he stroked Arachnia's back once more*
*Arachnia leaned slightly into the stroking, keeping up her unwavering position at her Mate's side. She was flattered to be a part of his deal, and her mind started to drift as he stroked her back*
*Towering Oak looked at Ress for serveral long seconds then nodded.* Agreed. *And with that Oak took Ress's hand.*
* he nodded, smiling to towering oak.. then turning to Lirimana* and you, Liri?... what about you?... is there anything else?
*Lirimana waited patiently for her comment to be addressed while another thought occurred to her* I also want to be attuned to at least one Manse of moderate or higher power
Done! * He nodded, hoping these Exalts were not too much older and more experienced than himself* You both may be attuned to manses
[22:58] Drunken Defender: And it applies to you both.. I only require you put your services to good use within my empire, other than that, you are allowed free reign
*Lirimana tried to keep her lip from curling in her smile. Either this Emperor was new and inexperienced or on hard times. He seemed extremely eager to please...* And what of those tomes and artifacts I asked about earlier? I'd like to study any you have. *she wondered if he had even heard her the first two times...*
*Arachnia bristled at this... tomes were hers and she wouldn't dare let that insolent Solar touch her artifacts!*
Done... there are such things upon my land... but many of them are yet to be discovered.. but yes, you will be a part of the spoils of our discoveries...
Delightful! And all you ask is for assistance when you request it? *Lirimana wasn't very good at judging what was worth what, but she knew how to ask for what she wanted, and since he wasn't batting an eye, she started to wonder what he had in mind..*
*Towering Oak smiled as the Twilight Lirimana began to speak and almost laughed when he heard the way Arachnia's breathing changed to a hostile response to Lirimana's request.
As Ress gave Lirimana what she had asked for Towering Oak leaned back listening to their negotiations seeming to begin anew. He smiled and his eye grew bright. He wondered if this power would be as all encompassing as his new Emperor had made it seem, and even then he began to consider how to best use it to smash those who had invoked his fury.*
Yes, that is it in its most basic of words. But believe me, the more we all work, the more we all get, and the greater my... our, empire, will become Believe me... I have much to offer, and reward loyalty handsomely... but don't think my generous nature does not cover burning wrath for those who betray me. .. though of course... it shall never come to this.. we are all upstanding Solars here... what do you all say... is it agreed?* he held his hand perfectly still, still pressing his to Oak's*
Of course. I just want to get what I'm worth *she smiled again, wondering if this Mate of his had any interesting artifacts. Surely they were Moonsilver, that is, assuming that by "Mate" he meant Lunar Mate. He probably did, given that most "civilized" people didn't refer to their partners as "Mate". Satisfied, Lirimana placed her hand in Ress's and nodded*
*Towering Oak smiled as Lirmana's hand joined his own and he nodded.*
* Soon as the three of their hands touched, a shaft of pale sunlight radiated from his hands and from his caste mark. the faint outline of words swirling around them in a long lost language* his gaze fell upon towering Oak first.. now wanting to show favoritism, despite this eerie feeling he got from him* ... I grant you the city of Ramoth, to the northeast of us... that will be your domain and your people to oversee in my place... * he then turned to Lirimana, giving her the same dutiful look* And I grant you the city of Kideshen.. you will serve as a similar form of leadership. I will also note you as gate keepers. Protecting the Eastern gate and the southern gate respectively.. granting domains... . Ress nodded as he sat back once more, giving a happy chuckle* Welcome to Imperveress, my allies ... Now, the first order of business is for me to assign you attunement and possession of manses and hearthstones
*Arachnia leaned in once more and whispered in his ear again* Ress, Lirimana.. Does she have access to my artifacts by oath, as well?... *despite her effort, Arachnia couldn't keep the worry out of her voice or her brow*
* He whispered in return, stroking her cheek with the back of his hand* of course not.. whats yours is yours. I wouldn't change that
Oh, good...*Arachnia's worry disappeared and she rubbed her face against his hand*
*Towering softly laughed to himself. He had been right to think that Arachnia was worried, but that wasn't what his amusement came from. Rather it came from the fact that people seem to think they could whisper around him, never realizing he always heard them.*
*Lirimana smiled and rubbed her hands together, completely unaware that Arachnia was talking about her* So, Manses, and then my city? *she was a bit surprised to find that she was in charge of a city, but maybe that was something he needed. She shrugged, she had agreed, though she knew almost diddily squat when it came to ruling. Maybe they just needed a guiding hand?...*
*Arachnia shivered, though she found herself enjoying the feeling that her Mate was omnipresent. She nodded and turned back to the two new Solars and offered a sweet smile to them both, batting her lashes as she spoke* Come, darlings, Emperor Ress wishes to see you in the meeting hall *placing a silky soft hand at each of their backs, the black-eyed woman guided them both down a few corridors until they had reached the meeting hall. Opening the door for them both, she gestured for them go inside*
*Lirimana blinked a few times and her eyes went a bit wider when Arachnia had placed her hand at her back. Such casual familiarity! Either way, Ress obviously trusted her and so she followed the gentle guidance of the woman's hand and walked right in through the open door to see if Ress really was as sexy as he had been when intangible*
*Towering Oak looked past the scantily clad woman to peer into the manse, he didn't see anything out of the ordinary, well ordinary for him. He looked back and quickly took stock of the two women standing before him, the one almost as dark as himself and clad only in leathers and the woman standing at the entrance of the manse. She was one of the most exotic women he had ever seen in his life, but what most intrigued him were her eyes. He gave a nod to both of them, saying nothing*
*When they arrived within the meeting hall, they would see a huge table, fit for a hundred Exalts. the room was lavishly decorated with a golden table, silk padded chairs, tapestries with colors and patterns no human mind could imagine... and of course, the regal form of the man who could could only be Ress. he smiled at the sight of his two guests and got to his feet, giving them a bow in greeting* Hello, my esteemed guests.
*Towering Oak stared at the man in front of him, his eye seeming to gauge and pierce straight through Ress. Then he nodded at the man, respectfully of course, still saying nothing*
*Lirimana's breath was gone again.. he was, if possible, even more gorgeous in person...* I, wow.. Umm, hello.. Sorry it took so long to get here, It was a longer walk than I thought... Where's your other Twilight? *Lirimana had started to look forward to working with another Twilight on the walk here*
*Arachnia swayed her way up to Ress and bent to whisper in his ear* Would you like me to stay or shall I take my leave? *Arachnia remained close to him as she waited for his answer, her breath hot on his ear*
No... I am afraid no other Twilight resides upon my lands... nor has set foot upon them since yourself.... Please... have a seat * He turned to Arachnia, giving her cheek a stroke* you may stay if you like you like, Arachnia. * His gaze turned back onto the two new Solars, giving them yet another bow before sitting* Another twilight?
*Towering Oak quickly found the closest chair and sat in it, turning it so it would face Ress.*
* He looked to towering Oak*... are you a twilight as well, mister Oak?.. Oh! the man you spoke to earlier, Sentinal.. he told me of your name... he also mentioned your enormous stature.. but I did not expect someone as immense as yourself.. you must have been the grandest in your region, were you not?
*Lirimana raised an eyebrow as she made her way to an open seat close to him* Yes, when we first met you spoke of having another Spider on your lands... *Lirimana sat down and adjusted herself so that she was facing Ress*
Oh! * He chuckled a little and stroked Arachnia's side* You misunderstood, Copper Spider.. I was referring to my mate, Arachnia She is a spider as well... but one much unlike yourself, Liri
*Towering Oak shook his head in a negative at Ress's first question* Nope. * he reached down brandishing his twin Goremauls.* Dawn. *As Ress continued to speak and ask his question Oak merely nodded.*
*Arachnia's eyes half-lidded for a moment before she decided whether to stay or go. She decided to stand at the side of Ress's chair. Part of it was curiosity and part of it was the attraction she had noted in Lirimana's eyes and mannerisms when she had seen Ress. She found herself idly running her tongue over the fangs that had become part of her Tell. At the mention of her name, Arachnia smiled sweetly at the Twilight* Indeed...
Ah yes... * He paused a split second.. not knowing what a dawn was either.. but too proud to let this out* A Dawn and a Twilight.. this empire will be glorious with the aid of such great Exalts such as yourselves... now * he leaned forward, placing his palm to the cool gold table* lets talk business.. what are your demands, my hopeful allies?
Well, if you remember, I said that I want a place of my own to build a hospital and an academy. What else are you offering and what do you expect of me?
*Towering Oak cocked his head as he noticed Ress's split second of hesitation. Obviously this man didn't know what a Dawn was, nor what he could do.
Those are all of your demands, Liri? * he raised an eyebrow, having expected more from an exalt.... especially after those difficult deity dealings*
And yet he was still willing to negotiate with him. Oak pondered this for several moments and gave a mental shrug. As the other woman... Lirimana?... began to talk Oak leaned back and thought about her statement and question. Towering Oak looked back at Ress.* What do you want?
Liri, hmm.. *she tried to keep the blush from her cheeks and smiled again* My immediate ones.. *her eyes twinkled a little* What sorts of artifacts or ancient tomes do you have stashed away in here?
Me?... I simply desire your alliegiance and skills to aid me in expanding and improving my empire..... and ultimately return us to the golden age
*Arachnia leaned forward and whispered into Ress's ear again* My Love, forgive me for asking, but, do you know what Dawns and Twilights are good at?
* He smirked and gave a nod... not yet knowing what he was going to say in return to this*... Twilights... teach people and heal the wounds of both mortals and creation And Dawns... they beat back the foes of the Exalted * he nodded.. feeling confident enough in his answer*
*Arachnia nodded and made an affirmative purr in his ear before withdrawing back into her standing position, simply monitoring in case something decided to go wrong*
*Towering stared at Ress, his eyes seeming to burn deeper into Ress's soul. This was obviously not a deliberate thing, but rather just something that seemed to happen whenever Towering Oak looked at a person. For close to a minute that disconcerting eye just stared into Ress. Oak heard Arachnia's whispered question to her mate and watched him answer. Once Ress was done, Towering Oak smiled.* Power. *There was no greed or hunger in his voice, only determination.*
Yep, That's what I do for the most part: heal and teach. Though I'm a crack for finding things, too. Some Twilights delve into sorcery, but I haven't felt that call so far *she smiled at Ress, wanting even more for him to allow her to stay here*
* He chuckled, then began to laugh and banged his palm on the table a single time as if he were clapping* Thats more like it so if those are all your demands, how about you all * reached his palm out to them both* take my hand.. I will seal the deal
You never answered my previous question, Emperor. What sorts of artifacts or ancient tomes do you have here? *her eyes were still smiling along with her lips, though her lips held a bit more of a curve than her usual smile*
*Towering Oak looked at the offered hand and looked back up at Ress. He shook his head and held up a finger.* Wait. What price is on this allegiance and how free would I be in the use of this power? *Towering seemed oblivious to the looks of astonishment he always got whenever he spoke more than three words at a time.*
* He blinked a few times... wondering why exactly it was that this Solar made him so uneasy. He sat back, then smirked* You will be very free... allowed to do whatever it is you feel is right and this power can be used for anything, except those detrimental to me, my people or my allies not to mention, my mate * he stroked Arachnia's back once more*
*Arachnia leaned slightly into the stroking, keeping up her unwavering position at her Mate's side. She was flattered to be a part of his deal, and her mind started to drift as he stroked her back*
*Towering Oak looked at Ress for serveral long seconds then nodded.* Agreed. *And with that Oak took Ress's hand.*
* he nodded, smiling to towering oak.. then turning to Lirimana* and you, Liri?... what about you?... is there anything else?
*Lirimana waited patiently for her comment to be addressed while another thought occurred to her* I also want to be attuned to at least one Manse of moderate or higher power
Done! * He nodded, hoping these Exalts were not too much older and more experienced than himself* You both may be attuned to manses
[22:58] Drunken Defender: And it applies to you both.. I only require you put your services to good use within my empire, other than that, you are allowed free reign
*Lirimana tried to keep her lip from curling in her smile. Either this Emperor was new and inexperienced or on hard times. He seemed extremely eager to please...* And what of those tomes and artifacts I asked about earlier? I'd like to study any you have. *she wondered if he had even heard her the first two times...*
*Arachnia bristled at this... tomes were hers and she wouldn't dare let that insolent Solar touch her artifacts!*
Done... there are such things upon my land... but many of them are yet to be discovered.. but yes, you will be a part of the spoils of our discoveries...
Delightful! And all you ask is for assistance when you request it? *Lirimana wasn't very good at judging what was worth what, but she knew how to ask for what she wanted, and since he wasn't batting an eye, she started to wonder what he had in mind..*
*Towering Oak smiled as the Twilight Lirimana began to speak and almost laughed when he heard the way Arachnia's breathing changed to a hostile response to Lirimana's request.
As Ress gave Lirimana what she had asked for Towering Oak leaned back listening to their negotiations seeming to begin anew. He smiled and his eye grew bright. He wondered if this power would be as all encompassing as his new Emperor had made it seem, and even then he began to consider how to best use it to smash those who had invoked his fury.*
Yes, that is it in its most basic of words. But believe me, the more we all work, the more we all get, and the greater my... our, empire, will become Believe me... I have much to offer, and reward loyalty handsomely... but don't think my generous nature does not cover burning wrath for those who betray me. .. though of course... it shall never come to this.. we are all upstanding Solars here... what do you all say... is it agreed?* he held his hand perfectly still, still pressing his to Oak's*
Of course. I just want to get what I'm worth *she smiled again, wondering if this Mate of his had any interesting artifacts. Surely they were Moonsilver, that is, assuming that by "Mate" he meant Lunar Mate. He probably did, given that most "civilized" people didn't refer to their partners as "Mate". Satisfied, Lirimana placed her hand in Ress's and nodded*
*Towering Oak smiled as Lirmana's hand joined his own and he nodded.*
* Soon as the three of their hands touched, a shaft of pale sunlight radiated from his hands and from his caste mark. the faint outline of words swirling around them in a long lost language* his gaze fell upon towering Oak first.. now wanting to show favoritism, despite this eerie feeling he got from him* ... I grant you the city of Ramoth, to the northeast of us... that will be your domain and your people to oversee in my place... * he then turned to Lirimana, giving her the same dutiful look* And I grant you the city of Kideshen.. you will serve as a similar form of leadership. I will also note you as gate keepers. Protecting the Eastern gate and the southern gate respectively.. granting domains... . Ress nodded as he sat back once more, giving a happy chuckle* Welcome to Imperveress, my allies ... Now, the first order of business is for me to assign you attunement and possession of manses and hearthstones
*Arachnia leaned in once more and whispered in his ear again* Ress, Lirimana.. Does she have access to my artifacts by oath, as well?... *despite her effort, Arachnia couldn't keep the worry out of her voice or her brow*
* He whispered in return, stroking her cheek with the back of his hand* of course not.. whats yours is yours. I wouldn't change that
Oh, good...*Arachnia's worry disappeared and she rubbed her face against his hand*
*Towering softly laughed to himself. He had been right to think that Arachnia was worried, but that wasn't what his amusement came from. Rather it came from the fact that people seem to think they could whisper around him, never realizing he always heard them.*
*Lirimana smiled and rubbed her hands together, completely unaware that Arachnia was talking about her* So, Manses, and then my city? *she was a bit surprised to find that she was in charge of a city, but maybe that was something he needed. She shrugged, she had agreed, though she knew almost diddily squat when it came to ruling. Maybe they just needed a guiding hand?...*