A new face in the crowd

[Dal'Lumen]

Ascending wood, 26

Dal'Lumen looked at the two women who had both delivered wonderful deductions, He watched also as the two of them bickered and taunted each other with nearly every word and motion they demonstrated. A rivalry was obviously between these two, hopefully he would be able to abridge it with his own efforts to prevent it from damaging the chances of getting to the heart of the matter. Dal' watched as Arachnia slipped the parchment map under her skirt from the corner of his eye. Dal' had already figured out the difference between the two "somethings" alusions, boots had used to attempt to cover his tracks in some way. Sparks flew between the two Exalted womens eyes as they leered at each other, and it became clear that he should say something before someone lost a limb.

Dal'Lumen smiled and put his hands on his hips "Ha - well very well conceived indeed you two! It is not any wonder to This man why the two of you have risen to your current place of power in this world!" Dal' looked at both women again, and then back to boots. "So it is clear to me that you are afraid my friend, but at this time I can tell you that we will all do our best to keep an eye on you, I think there is little safer a place than to be under the guard of the four of us.

Dal' looked to the tall eastern woman called Lirimana "I feel that you are correct indeed in that statement Lirimana, All arrows would have had to have crossed the fields of this land to reach their intended targets, speaking with the spirits of those places may lead to some valuable information about the attacks!"

*Dal' Then looked to Arachnia and lifted his hand to his face to scratch the corner of his eyebrow, he then pointed his finger at her and smiled.*

"I am glad that you have some knowledge with these creatures, for that is an area which I fall short in experience myself, however I have heard of them, and I suspected they were the ones our friend here was suggesting." Dal lowered his hands in front of him and looked at his open hands with a sad sort of smile. "The bloody hands, well it is clear to me that we will have to glean truth from these creatures if we wish to find our answers."

still holding his hands up and looking at them, his smile changed to a keen smirk as his eyes darted up to boots and then to each of the exalts. clapping his hands together he thought for a moment on the next words he would choose...

"As the fletcher whittles and makes straight his arrows, so the master directs his straying thoughts. We must begin our search friends, and let not any contempt or rivalry of ours, supersede our will to find the truth." Dal' looked from Arachnia and then over at Lirimana again clearly directing this at them more so than anyone else. tilting his head back to look up at towering oaks face, and then back down to boots'.

"I thank you for your bravery in approaching us with this information friend, and I trust we will be seeing you again, stay safe and remember we will do our best to protect you should you need it."



(4 Successes to differentiate the two "somethings" Success)
(4 successes to know what the first "something" is success)
(3 Successes to know what the second "something" is Success)

[Ress]

Ascending wood, 26

A green sun?... I know nothing of any green sun... but time grows short... I;ll either be here, or Kideshin... I will be sure to make myself noticeable. Keep your eyes out... and be careful... "mr. purple scarf" is building a strong case against Ress If you cant sway the crowd otherwise... These may be the final days of the "Empire of Imperveress" .... You will definatly see me later* The swaying drunk heel toed it off in the direction of Kideshin.. possibly looking for another drink*

[Dal'Lumen]

Ascending Wood, 26

Dal'Lumen at this point had nodded his regards to boots as he walked away, and turned to the rest of the group and let loose his big happy smile.

"Well then, I suppose some proper introductions are in order!" *looking back and forth at Lirimana and Towering Oak, Dal' gave yet another short bow* My name is Dal'Lumen, I've come from the north west with my people by the will of the Unconquered Sun to find you, and this Empire. I have met Arachnia, as for the two of you however, Sentinel mentioned you when I came through the gates" *snapping his eyes suddenly onto Lirimanas', Dal held his hands together out in front of him with his fingers woven between each other* "You delivered quite a magnificent suggestion to consult the Field Spirits Miss Lirimana." *he said this while interestedly looking at all of the eastern style beads and the Orichalcum spear she was leaning on*

*Dal's eyes bounced from Lirimana, over to Towering Oaks* "My large friend, you stand as strong and stoic as your name sake would suggest, Towering Oak..." *Dal' Looked curiously at the large mans face with its one closed eye before deciding to look away to once again address the group as a whole.*

"Forgive me for being so abrupt, but I need to ask some questions about each of your understanding of this situation. Individually we each hold a small view of the events leading to the Emperors Imprisonment... we must put these together and form from the puzzles pieces a larger picture!" *crossing his arms, still smiling brightly, he opened the hand that was cradled by the joint of his elbow.*

" I must ask some questions of the three of you at this point... when did this attack occur, and secondly where were you when it happened? Thirdly did anyone see the Emperor the day of the attack?

*Dal' stood ponderously, as he waited for each in the group to provide their piece.*

[Arachnia of the Hour]

Ascending Wood, 26

*at the mention of a Green Sun, Arachnia narrowed her eyes at Lirimana. Though not menacing, the look held something that only another who knew of the Green Sun would understand. She had mostly dismissed Dal'Lumen's chastisement of her and Lirimana, he wouldn't know that they currently held no physical animosity towards each other, simply a competition at the moment. Perhaps it would stay that way, too, if Lirimana could follow orders. A sultry smile spread across her lips and into her eyes as she nodded her head once in his direction, acknowledging his compliment on her deductions. She offered a gesture with her hand and watched as Boots walked away, she was sure that he had planted that map for her to pick up, but if one is in trouble, blatant shows of assistance towards the "enemy" would only cause him further harm*

Do be safe, Boots. Until next time, and thank you.

*once he was out of range, she bent down at her waist, her arms sweeping down her dress in a move much like one might see in a dance. As her fingers neared the earth, she slipped them under her skirt and pulled the map smoothly from underneath the material and in a single fluid motion brought her torso back upright, the document that was the map sitting in her hand like a fan would. Opening it up, the Empress let her eyes go over the familiar shapes of Imperveress, looking for anything that might stand out or bear markings or notations*

The Bloody Hands do so enjoy exotic murders, they must love these ones..

*she looked at Dal'Lumen and sighed a little, her beautiful features falling into sadness before she spoke*

I was with Ress just before the murders. From the information I've gathered, the murders happened on the twenty-first of this Resplendent Wood, at least, that is when it happened in my city and that of Lirimana's and Towering Oak's. I suppose we should ask the people of Bezair of their plight, after all, they are a port town with no designated ruler other than Ress himself. Though that may be where Ress will place your people if you have entered into his service. Ress had done nothing out of the ordinary, and unfortunately, on that day he had been practicing with Reign of Ress. Though, whoever orchestrated this most likely designed it that way..

*the fingers of her empty hand rose and fiddled with the ball of Moonsilver on a Moonsilver chain about her neck. Now and again from between her fingers glinted the unique color of Orichalcum from the small chunk of the material that was a part of the piece.*

Neither of us knew anything of the killings until Lirimana and Towering Oak informed us. I left to see if my people were alright and how many casualties there were and arrived back here earlier today. As for where I was on the day of the murders, in the Manse here and my own for a little while. Any other questions?

~See Arachnia's page for details on the necklace~

[Lirimana]

Ascending Wood, 26

*Lirimana accepted Arachnia's narrowed look and shook her head, her dreadlocks swaying with the motion*

Nothing to be discussed right now, Arachnia, if it doesn't concern this case, it can be set aside for now. We'll talk later.

*looking back at Dal'Lumen as he addressed her she smiled and gave a modest wave to his introduction and compliment respectively*

It's good to meet you, Dal'Lumen of the Sun. It's something we all figured out, I'm sure, I just happened to be the one who said it. As for rivalries, there aren't any here. I was at my Manse, also, when the attacks happened. I immediately contacted the central Manse here, and was received by Sentinel. He told me that Ress was practicing, as Arachnia said, and asked if I would leave a message. Right afterwards I gathered a few essentials and ran here as best as I could. They took Ress away and here we are. There are four Field Gods that we will need to talk to in addition to the Bloody Hands. Since I was too far away and Sentinel answered the call, I did not see Ress on the twenty-first when the murders occurred.

*the map caught her eye as Arachnia opened it, taking a step to her side so that she could look at it as well. The glinting of whatever necklace Arachnia was wearing also drew her gaze, and curiosity nagged at Lirimana, though she stifled the feeling. Now was not the time to be talking of jewelry.. Even if it did have Moonsilver...*

[Dal'Lumen]

Ascending wood, 26

Dal smiled boldly as his concerns for the behavior between the two women were addressed... his attention turned to the map in Arachnias' hands and watched as she somberly fiddled with her necklace of precious metals.

Excellent, as it stands it seems we have people from all four cities here to see our good Emperor, I am certain we can find someone to cross reference our current knowledge with on the subject of the city of Bezair! *His gray eyes looked warmly upon Arachnia. Dal's deep melodic voice hit a flawless note of sympathy as he said his next words* "We will not fail in saving the Emperor, we can not!"


"A question comes to mind yes - obviously few have the power to rain arrows which turn their hapless victims into mounds of grain, if it was not the Emperor, forgive this question... then what group, or force could possibly rain death over hundreds of miles other than perhaps the Emperor... Is it not possible that the Emperor was influenced somehow into an act of madness, or unwittingly committed this crime with ought intending to or with the malicious help of some other force?" *Dal' looked over to Lirimana* "All arrows must follow an arc, could you perhaps remember if the arrows came from the direction of the central manse where the emperor was at the time of the incident Lirimana?" *pausing a moment to allow this question to sink in before asking the next* "four feild spirits, four of us... how convenient, where might we find these Gods, would we need to go to them, or would it be somehow quicker to have them come here..." *to further continue his barrage of questions Dal' began with his third with yet another short pause* "these bloody hands, would you be willing to contact them as soon as possible Arachnia, you seem familiar with their nature.

*Dal Held one hand on the Clanking bag upon his hip, the other in front of him waving about as he spoke, adding emphasis to each point he made, His face relaxed into a curious smirk, his hand closed into a loose fist as he looked again at the map in Arachnias hand*

"have you found anything of interest upon that map you hold Arachnia?"

[Arachnia of the Hour]

Ascending Wood, 26

*the map gave her more information upon a closer inspection, just as she had thought, though it wasn't entirely what she suspected. Looking up at Dal'Lumen with her nearly blank black eyes she nodded once, her lip curling into one of those quietly knowing smiles that many sorcerers adopted*

Actually, I have found something interesting, Solar. It may or may not pertain to this incident, but on the back of Ress's map are the words "Eighty percent Fairfolk inf..." and then it becomes intelligible. If the paper was not so scuffed and scraped then I might be able to read it... And by the way, Solar, to answer your first question, the person or persons who did it were those who framed Ress, of course. Also, the turning of people into food is a power of Reign of Ress the bow, not a power of Ress himself. Anyone who was able to use it could do that.

*Arachnia took in a breath and continued, shifting her weight justa little so that she was standing with her hip in a different direction. An arm came around and rested against her stomach, supporting just underneath her breasts with her forearm, her hand gently taking hold of her side to keep it there. The other hand remained holding the map so that Lirimana, or anyone else who wanted to look, could examine it as well*

The Bloody Hands have been known to possess people in order to create the murders they so desire, though I don't believe that they could do that to Ress. Perhaps we should speak to Sentinel about that, he might have a surveillance on where Ress was when he was practicing that day. I know that he can see Essence, meaning that dematerialized spirits are able to be sensed as well as those in a solid shape. It might be difficult to find the Bloody Hands, but I'm sure I can do it. What of you, what shall you do in my absence?

[Lirimana]

Ascending Wood, 26

hmm?..

*Lirimana looked up from the map and nodded to the huge bald man, the woman's lips curving softly into what was a quiet smile, her eyes crinkling just softly enough to show she meant it. As Lirimana thought back for a moment about what Dal'Lumen had said, her face fell for a moment into neutrality before she answered*

Yes, I did see where the arrows seemed to be coming from. Following in a straight line from the angle I saw would lead right to this Manse. I wish I could say otherwise, but unless the arrows diverted somewhere along their flight, they originated here. It was right about mid-afternoon with clear skies, so I can say for sure. There is a Field God in each Manse, actually. One for each of the field types surrounding the Manse that they live in. In fact, I live with the Goddess of the Rice Fields here, Sai-Ren-Kurn.

[Dal'Lumen]

Ascending wood, 26

As Arachnia finished explaining her findings on the map boots had left behind, and the details of how "Reign of Ress" worked, and Lirimana told of the field gods homes and answered his initial question. Dal Stood there looking intently off into the distance. As he was known to do when he was pondering, he pinched his chin with his fingers while giving a small knowing smirk that let everyone know that he was perhaps on to something...

"What it is I will do..." he muttered - then picking up his voice as he solidified his plan "I will Travel to the city of Bezair, and speak with the people there about the day in question... and while I'm there I shall pay the field Spirit there a visit. By the way, which spirit resides there? As for the bloody hands, Arachnia, I feel that it would be best if you held off on actually contacting them before we have gathered all the new information from the field spirits and the people of Bezair . If preparations are needed for you to find them, I would hope that perhaps those could be made before we proceed with contacting them after we have returned here once we have gotten all of our facts neat and tidy. When I say returned here... what I am suggesting is that we, each of us, travel to, and speak with the four field spirits individually and return here with our findings, that I have a sense - would be the best thing to start with. I trust each of you feels concurrence with me at this time, and is entirely capable of gathering information from these four spirits."

Dal grinned as he could only imagine how these three uniquely different Exalted would deal with their assigned Field Spirit in extracting fact, and truth.

[Arachnia of the Hour]

Ascending Wood, 26

*The Widow's expression remained a serene and sensual neutral as she let the Solar speak. Despite that she wasn't trying for any expression in particular, her lips were curved ever so slightly at each corner, giving the impression that she was smiling. A slender hand went to her chin and she stroked it once, unconsciously mimicking the Zenith with her action, before she broke out into more of a genuine smile*

But of course, Dal'Lumen, I have every intention of speaking with a few Spirits of my own. The God you will be consulting goes by the name of Quie-Ra, Master of Oats. I can see how waiting would be beneficial to us, so I will refrain from seeking out the Bloody Hands until we have the information we want.

*Arachnia brushed back a lock of hair with a finger, only to have that very same lock fall back down and stop right about the same position that she had moved it from in the first place*

And, Dal'Lumen? I do have a question of my own to ask you. What are you thinking?..

*Arachnia's smile intensified, her eyelids lowering just a fraction more and her gaze both softening and intensifying at the same time, those depthless eyes managing to sparkle just enough with her sly curiosity so that he would know she knew he was planning something*

Do tell...

[Lirimana]

Ascending Wood, 26

*Lirimana watched the two of them, resisting the urge to smack Arachnia in the head with the Third Arm Glaive. That bitch needed to get her priorities and her loyalties straight, she was practically married. The morals of that woman! Her irritation showed in the creases that had begun to form on her brow and the overall displeased expression on her face. Her foot tapped a few times and she took in a deep breath and tried to let it go. She looked back at Dal'Lumen, quite swayed by his presence still, and took a step forward so that she could break that strange moment that Arachnia always went around creating with everyone. A quiet blush tried to raise in her cheeks and she scowled at herself and tossed it aside; memories she wasn't exactly fond of having come back right now were doing their best to go against her will*

So, Dal'Lumen, we'll all go and talk to our respective Field Gods and then come back and meet up here, right? If you have a plan, let's hear it and get going, Ress doesn't have all year, after all.

*The Twilight smiled at him, her tone taking on an almost eager sentiment rather than seeming rude. It was partially that she just wanted to get this situation over with and mostly that she wanted to get Ress out of his bind. Flashes of a dream hit at the back of mind and she sighed internally*

[Dal'Lumen]

Ascending wood, 26

All the while that Arachnia and Lirimana spoke, Dal never looked down from the place his eyes had fixed upon in the distance - as if looking beyond everything else to see some distant light in the darkness, as a man in a cave peers into the abyss searching for the twinkle of some precious treasure hidden there. Dal'Lumens grin curved into a tiny smirk before he answered their questions.

"That is correct Lirimana, we shall meet back here as soon as we are able." Dal looked quickly back and forth between Lirimana and Arachnia "As for a plan, it is just a small thing, I will discuss it with you once we have returned, worry about the tasks at hand for now." Dal' beamed brightly and clapped his hands together and looked up at Towering Oak, nodding to him. "You got this my friend? I am certain you do... So I suggest we be on our way and make haste, for it is as you say Lirimana, Ress doesn't have all year... May the trail ahead of us now lead us safely back here together again, for the sake of all of us, and the Emperor my Friends..."

[Arachnia of the Hour]

Ascending Wood, 26

*The Spider Goddess watched Dal'Lumen's far-off expression as the two of them spoke, feeling wonder develop as she grew curious as to what he was seeing. Was is something good or just that he was bored? Perhaps he was thinking of his people, or mayhaps he was seeing something that they weren't. Some people's eyesight was better than others, even among the Exalts. She turned to look in the same direction, just in case it was the latter of her options, wanting to see what he saw. As he told them to focus her black eyes flashed in irritation and her expression soured from the seductive smile she usually wore to an agitated look that threatened to bite anyone who ended up caught in its web of influence. She turned herself back to face the man who stood about a foot taller than her and gave him an entirely new expression. Her eyes had narrowed somewhat so that they spoke of danger and her lips had curved into a smile that was just as deadly. As she spoke, her tone was still musical and almost completely cordial*

For future interest, Solar, I recommend that you avoid delegating what I will and will not do. I focus for Ress and for myself, not for you or anyone else. I do hope that this was simply a misunderstanding between us, after all, we are supposed to be "friends," no?

*a small smile lit her lips and some of the danger left her gaze, hinting at what answer she wanted from him. Her head tilted ever so slightly to the side as though she were asking him not just with her voice, but with her body as well, an action that was aimed towards his subconscious animal side from her own*

[Lirimana]

Ascending Wood, 26

*Lirimana shrugged and was getting ready to head out when Arachnia took his comment to heart. Personally, Lirimana hadn't read it that way, but she could see that the damn Widow was sensitive right now and saw how she could have misinterpreted it. The Twilight shook her head a little as though to knock those thoughts from her head. Pfft, feeling sorry for that vile woman wasn't going to help her any, so why bother? Though, if it had been her Soul's Love, instead of Arachnia's, then maybe she would react the same way.. She waited to see how Dal'Lumen would react, making an internal bet with herself that he would let it roll off of his back, but giving herself no guarantees. She didn't know this man, after all, there could be a dark side to him, in fact, she was sure there was. You can't be that strong and that charismatic without something powerful driving you, and these days, that something was usually sinister... If necessary, she could step in and whisk everyone away onto their next steps, but it might be good to get this Dal'Lumen guy initiated into Arachnia's schedule sooner rather than later. Besides, Lirimana figured that this could be a good way to see how he ticks, even if just a little*

[Dal'Lumen]

Ascending wood, 26

There was a pause before Dal responded, designed to be just long enough for his warm smile and kind gray eyes to take hold and carry his next words... The zeniths smile widened and his eyes watched Arachnia very intently from beneath that flawlessly crafted countenance.

There was not even a hint that would betray the extraordinary kindness his gray eyes showed - a gaze which could have nearly been tangible as an arrow passing through its intended target, and just before his mouth began to move he blinked a slow, gentle blink. His marvelously deep melodic voice replied

"My dear, Arachnia... I fear I may have been impudent in my request. I shall certainly do my best to ensure that 'future' comes into fruition, in which we can all become friends..."

Beneath that immaculate grin, Dal was a little tickled at the fact that he had struck a nerve, however it was not in anyones best interest to experiment with this womans temperament in the current situation. Perhaps another day, another time... A small game he enjoyed playing, finding... that thing, about each person that made them love, hate, smile, and cry. It was a thing that had saved him countless times, and had even provided him with a well paying position in the Guild...

A small chuckle issued from Dal'Lumen as he asked happily " So I am assuming that is Bezair." He was pointing a finger at the map in Arachnias hand, indicating the area in the northwest of the empire.