A call for the Empress

[Ress]

Ascending, wood 10

*appearing before Arachnia in a cloud of silver essence was a sky blue cherub. The little cherub opened its eyes as it hovered before her, then opened its mouth to speak.. the voice coming out was obviously not its own* "Hello, No Moon. You have done very well for yourself Arachnia, but there is something I must speak with you about. I will be beyond the northern walls. If you come, I will find you" * And with that, the cherub disappeared, leaving nothing more than the message it had delivered*

[Arachnia of the Hour]

Ascending Wood, 10

*Arachnia looked up as the cherub made its entrance and focused those infinite black eyes on the little being's own as she listened to its message. She said not a word as it finished and disappeared into the night. Her shape changed and warped until she was a snowy owl, her white wings almost glowing in the moonlight as she took light and headed towards the Northern walls, a smirk glinting in her large eyes*

[Ress]

Ascending wood, 10

*At the northern wall, just outside the range of the Manse's guns, a large silvery figure stood, shimmering in the moonlight. As Arachnia got closer, she would notice just who this was. The mane of bird feathers wreathing his face like a crown and the taloned raptor feet could only mean this was Gerd, No Moon Lunar of the North, an heavily influential figure in both the Silver Pact and as a god of the Haslanti League. His ornate armor shone proud and silver in the moonlight, the bow on his back giving him the look of an ageless silver hero, despite him being not too much older than Arachnia herself.

He smirked slightly as he saw Arachnia approach, folding his arms across his chest, cracking his former look as a Lunar hero*

" Well hello Arachnia of the Hour. I am sure you know me. Gerd Marrow-Eater, god of the Haslanti League. But enough of the formalities. It has come to the attention of many members of the Silver Pact that you have tamed the forbidden territory here and have liberated much forgotten technology from it. Of course, this impresses us all, me especially.
What I am trying to say, is that I would like to extend the offer to join The Crossroads Society.

As such, we would like to be allowed some of the secrets your lands have to offer. In return, we offer our backing, support and knowledge.

Of course, you would be wise to keep some of the mystical secrets of your Empire to yourself and not allow the Solars you fraternize with to come upon them. not for the Crossroads Society, but for the betterment of all Lunars... after all, I am sure you know the stories of ancient Solars. We can not let that happen again. Us Lunars must continue to be the most powerful Exalts in Creation.

Now then, fellow No-Moon. What do you say? Does my offer interest you, and if not.. what might sweeten the deal?"

(7 success social attack to convince Arachnia he is here to help and genuinely wants to make a fair deal) ( appearance 4)

[Arachnia of the Hour]

Ascending Wood, 10

*Bowing, the spider was now in the shape of a voluptuous woman, her black eyes set in her pale face. Long black locks played about her bare shoulders, the sleeveless gown that she wore flowing and hugging all the right places. Moonsilver tattoos danced along her body, fangs showing as she smiled*

Good evening, Gerd Marrow-Eater, it would be rude of me not to know of you.

*Arachnia narrowed her eyes very slightly, just for a moment as she considered what it was he had to say. This offer was very tempting, though her Mentor had been a part of the Crossroads Society, that was where she had learned sorcery, her Mentor had done a little dabbling in enticing her into that path. Arachnia never really liked factions, they were all a political game that she would rather avoid. He really did seem to want to help her out, and she already withheld information from everyone but Ress so that "suggestion" wouldn't be difficult to continue. That is, unless Ress wanted her to share with Lirimana, not that she would do so without a fight, but.. Still, Ress meant more to her than the whole Silver Pact combined. With her Manse and its capabilities, not to mention the other Manses, she had almost unlimited information at her disposal, both magical and mundane. Not to mention that it was a wonderful factory.. Still, she rather disliked being indebted to a political entity,or to any entity for that matter. She would talk to Ress about it, but she wasn't sure just yet. Making large decisions such as this on a whim was foolish. Her serene smile maintained itself and she had to restrain the urge to giggle, though it showed in her eyes nonetheless. Oh, the secrets she knew...*

What kind of secrets were you wanting to be privy to? And were I interested while maintaining restraints, what sugar would you sprinkle on my web?

[Ress]

Ascending wood, 10

* Gerd nodded, smiling as he noticed the look on Arachnia's face. The tattoos on his body began glowing silver as his stance shifted*

" First of all, we would like to know what exactly you have in there. All we know are stories of gathering Exalts together to create Demesnes, which would then be capped into Manses.... the only time there had ever been success at such a large scale.

We also know that the ruler was a deviant who openly opposed the Solar rule and lead an isolationist group of Exalts.

Not such a bad guy, thinking back.

There is also word of an advanced workshop and weapons which could never be recreated.

Is there any truth to these stories, Arachnia of the Hour?"

[Arachnia of the Hour]

Ascending Wood, 10

Now now, Gerd, no trying to get answers before I've decided whether or not to join the Crossroads Society

*Arachnia waggled her index finger at the No Moon playfully, that smile spreading to her lips and continued to dance across her eyes. He could assume whatever he wanted from the expression, though she was only chuckling about their sudden interest in her*

I do wonder, why come to me now? Not a person from the Silver Pact came my way when my Mentor passed and now that I have something you want, I'm suddenly valuable? Please explain this

[Ress]

Ascending wood, 10

* Gerd smirked a fox-like smile at the question Arachnia asked, closing his eyes and shaking his head side to side*

" Do you think I am going to lie? It is because you have something to offer... Lunars are expected to do the bidding of the elders, then make something of themselves... then they are expected to work with other established Lunars to better the Silver Pact, this is the way things have been.

You have impressed many Established Lunars.. even some Elders. There are many opportunities for you, Arachnia. Here for you to jump on, if you are wise enough to.

the death of Secrets Crushing Maw was a devastating blow to us all... but there is no time to mourn when we are in such a solid, yet uncertain state. The Dragon-Blooded are confused and distracted by the return of the Solars. This is the perfect time for us to take action

And now.. what action is it that you will take?"

[Arachnia of the Hour]

Ascending Wood, 10

And so if any Lunar's Mentor passes they are left to learn the ways on their own? If you ask me, there should be a few improvements on that situation, especially if one day that orphaned Lunar does become valuable one day. Much like this very situation. It's not a very endearing policy for keeping younger Lunars interested in helping

*despite her biting words, Arachnia kept that same smile on her lips as she searched the other No Moon's face as he processed*

Either way, I will think it over for a couple of days before getting in touch with someone. Do you have any preferences on how I go about that?

[Ress]

Ascending wood, 10

* Gurd shrugged, then shook his head*

" You are correct in this, Arachnia, there is much we need to improve upon in our organization... but perhaps with the support of The Crossroads Society, you can make this happen.

Perhaps with the help of your land's secrets, we can move this war in our favor... maybe even solve the question of the Thousand Streams River...
And as for contacting me, I'll be back at the end of next month to check up on you..... but be warned... there is someone far more powerful and influential than myself coming... I don't know if he will be here in two days or two seconds... but he is coming."

[Arachnia of the Hour]

Ascending Wood, 10

I see.. Yes, I will take your words into account, Gerd Marrow-Eater. I will be careful with my newest visitor. Such is the curse of sudden popularity..

*Arachnia giggled a little and smiled at Gerd as their conversation drew to a close. A finger tucked the lock of hair behind her ear as she looked at the bird Lunar*

May Luna bless your journey home

[Arachnia of the Hour]

Ascending Wood, 10

*the spider looked towards the moon, and as she did so her shape melted and reformed into the body of the snowy owl she had arrived in. Beating her wings, Arachnia rose into the night and flew off over the wall. If this important someone wanted to speak with her there were ways that they could reach her. She just hoped that they would be so kind as to ask permission before walking onto Ress's land. It was her territory now, too, and she was sure that they knew that. Even with that, the essence weapons were usually enough to deter even some of the strongest beings in the area.. Her flight carried her to her manse where she intended to continue working on her medical abilities*

[Ress]

Ascending Wood, 2

* Gerd nodded, then turned away from the empress, also taking a bird form and flying away.

As Arachnia flew over a perimeter manse, the guns that lined it turned to follow her, as if threatening to fire at her, but never did.

It was not until the Empress arrived at her manse and assumed her true form, did the visitor let himself be known.

Rapidly growing from seemingly nothing, a huge silver haired wolf-beast with goat hooves and horns appeared before Arachnia, grinning madly as he stared at her... saying nothing for a moment, then speaking up in his silvery voice which held the sound of small ringing bells within it*

" Hello, Arachnia of the Hour... I am Ma-Ha-Suchi. I am sorry I did not make myself known, but it is rare that I send a message in person, rather than send one of my subordinates, and I would rather nobody knew... at least for now.

As I am sure you can imagine.. this is a very important matter indeed"

[Arachnia of the Hour]

Ascending Wood, 10

*she was tossing back a lock of silky black hair as the old Changing Moon took shape. She did her best not to frown, especially as she had just been thinking of how the guns should have been able to detect him. Though this was the venerable Ma-Ha-Suchi, if anyone could do it, he could. Even though Gerd was the same caste as she was, she held much greater respect for the Lunar in front of her. A low bow was offered to Ma-Ha-Suchi before Arachnia spoke, her voice low and sensual, though it lacked any eerie qualities. In reality, she was rather fascinated by the tones of his voice, though it wasn't something she would ever get to study..*

I would have to be from another plane of existence entirely for you to be unknown to me. Please, call me Arachnia. Yes, this must be of a dire nature for you to come to someone as young as myself, though I would be lying to say that I wasn't honored by your presence.

*to be honest, she was a bit annoyed that he was in her personal manse without permission, but it was a safe and secluded place for someone like him to hide so it made sense*

What may I help you with?

[Ress]

Ascending wood, 10

" I am here, to seek your help. You own a large portion of the threshold, and invincable stronghold against the realm.. and at the same time, you are so young.

I can only imagine what you will do when you are older and wiser.

Now then... The Wardens of Gaia need someone like you. With the Solars returning, us Lunars need bastions to show our dominance. We are the ones who have protected Creation for so long, and we will be the ones to bring this world back into balance.

Now, I offer to you support in everything.. influence, military, resources.. anything you might need... but in return, I expect the same.

[Arachnia of the Hour]

Ascending Wood, 10

Oh? It would seem that I suddenly have many callers and none of them bringing tidings of what one usually asks for in the night..

*Arachnia's hand reached up to delicately cover her lips as she giggled, her eyes closing slightly in form with the expression. This was going to get interesting..*

I do agree that the Lunars have been doing most to all of the work since the Solars passed, but I'm sorry to disagree and say that not all of the Solars are bad. I, by no means, believe that all of them are bright and shiny beings who sparkle with the Sun's radiance. I do, however, deal with them on a daily basis as I'm sure you already know