The stranger blows into town

[Dal'Lumen]

Resplendent wood, 1

The sun of late morning dried the glistening dew of the night, while a set of keen gray eyes reflected the sight of a city, the air was salty here from the nearby river, It reminded Dal of the ocean. "The Yellow river..." Dal looked off to the distance as if he could see the path of the river as it made its way west... "Nexus..." His head shook a few times and he continued in the direction of the Manse surrounded by drying oat grasses which moved like waves in a green golden sea as the wind picked up and danced across the fields.

As the tall, bronze skinned Zenith passed through the city, people gave him strange fearful glances but most simply sulked around going through their daily lives... It was not with ought obvious reason - most were women, children, and the old all of which had likely lost someone in the attack and had someone that had left the city for the Imperial Manse. These were the ones left behind...

The sound of feet hammering the cobble stone street and crashing caused Dal'Lumen to wheel around to see what the commotion was, a familiar face belonging to a ground sprawled boy, who had, in his hurry crashed into a cart full of fish being wheeled to a market stand set up on the street side. It was the same boy who had come to Dal'Lumen along the road to Imperveress when the City had been spotted.

Walking toward the boy, who at this point was being scolded by the fish merchant. Beaming as he walked back toward the boy who was maybe 14, he was crimson red haired, a stalky boy who was famously clumsy ...

"Haahaha what have you gotten yourself into this time Stone Cricket." Dal quickly strode over to the boy and offered him a hand, which the boy grasped gratefully but was surprised when Dal pulled him up and clear off the ground for a moment before placing him back down on his feet. "So you and the others made it safely I see! I trust all has been well since your arrival?" The boy nodded " I saw you... walk into town! Did you help the Emperor Dal'Lumen, we have all set up in town and been trading some of our wares from the caravan for the things we need." Nodding his approval, Dal'Lumen Looked around to see if others from the carivan were near... "I am running an errand related to the Emperor, so when you see the others let them know that I will be back again as soon as I have helped sort out this mess...

Fish littered the ground, the merchant of which had been assaulted by the clumsy boy stopped grumbling and looked warily at the tall stranger upon hearing 'the emperor'. Dal'Lumen took this moment to get some answers - "I apologize for my young friends sake, I will gladly pay you for your lost product... Though I do however have some questions I would be very appreciative of you to answer for me."

Dal' stood there beaming at the merchant

"You wouldn't mind terribly would you?"

[Ress]

Resplendent wood, 1

[shadow=red,left,300][glow=red,2,300]* The crazy eyed merchant woman turned her piercing gaze to Dal'Lumen, her teeth clenched, looking at him in a combination of bestial terror and self-preservative aggression. She then screamed and lept back, before heaving heavy sighs and composing herself as best a crazy woman could* " My fish?.... no... No!!.... The drawbridge isn't coming up... The Moon!!!!" * she closed her eyes, then returned her insane gaze to this reborn prince of earth* "Question?... how can I help you?..... what would you like to.... Oh... Kol!!!!!". * She looked as if she could have been a beautiful woman, still holding a bit of youthful energy, despite being around thirty six. Her hair was storm cloud grey and her eyes were pink like a steamed clam. She was built like someone who was near the sea their entire life, well toned of muscle from years of hoisting nets of fish* ".... Crystal?.. They are becoming Crystal?!.... I am becoming Crystal?!?!"[/glow][/shadow]

[Dal'Lumen]

Resplendent wood, 1

It couldn't be helped, as the woman leaped back in crazed terror and began to speak, Dal'Lumens eyes widened and a slant formed on his brow as one of them raised above the other, his smile stayed the same even as his eyes and forehead twisted in an almost comedic expression of surprise and confusion. Trying to decipher the half way coherent merchant womans rambling.

Dal' Looked down to the crimson headed Stone Cricket slowly, who shrugged at Dal and had almost the same look of horrified surprise on his face you might expect from a boy that just saw a woman giving birth for the first time. Dal'Lumen turned his gaze back to the crazed woman as she finished speaking, correcting his expression to avoid setting her off any more.

"Ah ehem, yes, I wanted to ask about some recent events, would you know anything about the attack that happened several days ago? specifically when, which date, did arrows fall from the sky and kill the townspeople, and where?"

Smiling warmly at the wild eyed woman Dal internalized a hope that he might be able to get some information from this woman, so long as he asked very direct questions.

"Oh, and as I said, I will gladly pay for your losses in fish."

[Ress]

Resplendent wood, 1


[shadow=red,left,300][glow=red,2,300]* The crazy eyed woman cackled insanely as she fidgeted with the bottom of her unstained cotton top, a shirt that was made specifically to breathe in the hot south-western air. She stared back at Dal for a few moments with the dazed and crazed look in her pink eyes.. but for a moment.. it passed, causing her storm cloud hair to fall straight, fixing from its once wild and untamed look and just like, her eyes focused, making her look sane* [/glow][/shadow] "...you will take care of our fish?.. thank you... but please!!.. make it stop!!!... I can't stop dying!.. P-Prince of earth!!...[shadow=red,left,300][glow=red,2,300] But he was a Prince too...Kol!!! No! its falling into the sky!!... The Eye!!!!!" * But as her sentence finished, her hair once more stuck up, as if messed by an invisible hand. Unlike before her eyes became bloodshot, perhaps a harbinger of tears which were to come.[/glow][/shadow]

* From inside the shop behind her, a dark skinned blue haired man rushed out. He put an arm around her as he placed the other on her back to guide her* " C'mon, Tari... its time to go take a nap.. you are not well" * The man have Dal a nod, his green eyes telling him Stay right there, I will be back. A minute or two later, the man returned, his head handing, an irritated look on his face. He approached Dal, his hair now tied under a red bandanna and his shirt now slung over his left shoulder, held up by the index finger on his left hand* " I'm sorry, Prince of Earth... Tari is normally such a sense able woman... my name is Roaring Wave" * He bowed to the Zenith, much like a man who may have had some martial arts training.. that, or much dealings with nobles. When he stood back up, he had an expression of determination, a look of a man who was in trouble, but was not afraid to do anything to fix said trouble. " Prince of earth... my wife, Tari has been mad since the wood was ascending on the 26th... right after we paid a visit to the imperial manse... she saw something she swore she would tell me when we got back to Bezair..... but then as we made our way back here, home.... she lost her mind" * he closed his eyes and shook his head, heaving an annoyed sigh. Just as quickly, his eyes opened and he took a step closer* Prince of Earth! you must help me and my wife... if not as a Prince of Earth... then as a fellow Westerner. I grew up in the neck, as you may have as well. * His speech changed quickly, switching from Riverspeak to Sea-tongue* " I'll be in your debt, Prince of Earth.. please help us banish whatever madness plagues her!"

(Wits+Occult difficulty 5)
(Compassion roll)

[Dal'Lumen]

Resplendent Wood, 1

Dal'Lumen looked off in the direction of the shop the woman, Tari had entered, and the man Roaring Wave had just emerged from. What chaos had befallen that poor womans mind, the sight of her struggling within her self, and the tears welling up in her eyes haunted Dal as memories of his childhood came rushing back to him so fast that they slammed against the back of his eyes, forcing them closed... his mother crying, as she clung and tried desperately to hold on to his sister as they were being dragged away.

Wrenching his eyes open, the zenith needed to hear no more, he was convinced before Roaring Wave even asked for his help.

"You have my word, I will do everything in my power to release your wife from the insanity that consumed her. How would you have me help, I am unfamiliar with these matters but there are others that i am acquaintance to which I might be able to ask." *Dal' walked forward and returned a formal bow to Roaring Wave, placed a hand gently on the mans shoulder, offering him a sympathetic smile* "You have asked others in town for help have you not, is there no one here that might know something of this?"

*Releasing the mans shoulder, Dal' took a step back and looked down the street towards the Oat Fields*
Heaving a great sigh, Dal'Lumen remembered his errand, and shook his head very slightly, and then looked down at Roaring Wave.

"Friend, I will help you, for as long as I am able... I feel that I have been set on this course for a reason, and by helping you I may discover answers to the great many questions these troubled times have birthed."

*pausing, to ensure that the next question would not alarm Roaring Wave*

"Might I ask you about the attack that occurred here, within the other cities, around, according to my sources, the 21st of the Ascending wood." *appealing to the Waves sense of pride, Dal smiled and added* "It is important to the future of this empire that I know, any information you can give me could help save lives, and bring justice where it is deserved"

(Wits+occult roll 0 successes)
(compassion roll 5 successes)

[Ress]

Resplendent wood, 1

* The fisherman tilted his head a bit in confusion as his face scrunched up, trying to make sense of what was said*

The 21st? The heinous attack was not on the 21st. It was on the 20th, while the wood was ascending.....

* His face relaxed as something went through his mind. He turned around to look out in the direction of the yellow river, then to Dal*

"Though... I was not actually there to witness it... actually, I was nowhere near town. I was visiting a trader near the Imperial Manse when it happened... I did not actually see anything, but my wife, Tari, did."

* it seemed now that a Solar was helping him, he had no worries about the trouble at hand*

What to do to help? There is a Thaumaturge in East Bezair, and though she is a cold woman, she might listen to you... unless you know someone wiser who could help. All I know is that she is normal for a few moments.. then goes wild and thinks she is dying some grizzly death. It is no normal possession, but it is obvious that she is not herself

[Dal'Lumen]

Resplendent wood, 1

Dal's grin became sly and his eyes twinkled as this new bit of information created an obvious inconsistency in the clues. "The 20th you say... how interesting. Helping your wife has just become even more urgent, friend."

Stone cricket fidgeted nervously beside Dal and then opened his mouth to speak - "Hey Dal'Lumen so does that mean that the Emperor didn't do it Dal, he wasn't the one that attacked... why would the attacks be a day apart?" *A look from Dal quieted the boy, but obliged to answer his curiosity answered - " No Cricket, it simply means that there is an unexplained delay between attacks, which could mean something, but it could also just mean that Ress 'tried his hand' on a city with ought an exalted leader. It is hard to say for certain and no way to come to a conclusion with the evidence we have. It is something to check back on however... I will have to ask if anyone witnessed Ress practicing on the 20th when the wood was ascending."

Turning his eyes back up and looking at Roaring Wave, and smiled. "I think I shall skip the trip to meet the Thaumaturge, Instead I will continue to the manse and see if I can get in contact with someone that might know more, as soon as I know more I will come back here. *Dal pointed off in the direction of the oat fields and a towering structure* "I will be on my way over there now, I apologize again for the incident with the fish but we should both be helped for it... Stone Stone Cricket will see to it that you are compensated. *Dal clapped the boy on the back as well as shot him a look that said, 'hey, good job, now apologize and just perhaps try to be more careful next time'*

*The boy frowned and furrowed his eyebrows but nodded his head all the same.*

Dal, Grinned at the boy, and then Wave, gave a short bow then trotted off towards the manse waving a hand at the two of them.

[Ress]

Resplendent wood, 1

* Even so many miles away, the huge manse could be seen in the distance. A shining blue and purple structure shimmering in the sunlight like a crown jewel waiting to be gathered. The image in the distance undulated a bit, indicating that there was much moisture, despite the warm temperature. When Dal got closer, he would see the full splendor of this gem of the first age, which resided within this still bustling city of East Bezair. The manse was crafted from what looked like gigantic blue and purple pearl, harvested from a behemoth of an oyster. The Manse was multi layered, yet squat, compensating for its lack of stature in its surface area. Each layer had four pillars, one at each corner, seemingly designed strictly for ascetic purposes. The entrance was two huge blue jade swinging doors, looked with a primitive, yet quite effective tumbler lock, also of jade construction. All along the back end of this expansive manse, small irrigation canals fed shimmering water through the huge fields of oats, of which many villagers toiled and harvested in, each one seeming to purposefully be gathering up almost more oats in their burlap sacks than they could carry, then straining to take it back to their carts, which were inefficiently placed many yards away. When Dal stepped onto the territory of the Manse, he would feel a strange power invigorating him, as if the sun were telling him this was indeed the place for him to be. *

[Dal'Lumen]

Resplendent wood, 1

Faces in the crowd watched as a stranger rushed past them with inhuman speed and grace, the faint sound of Silk fluttering, and metal clinking as he washed down the street leaving nothing disturbed even as throngs of people, beasts, and carts introduced themselves to his challenges. With the ease of water itself he simply found a path through the obstacles, leaving many, human, and beast alike surprised by this sudden and brief brush with this miraculous fellow. For any that saw his face, they would have seen that he clearly had a look of elation upon it, he was having a good deal of fun with this eye catching feat.

Dal'Lumen looked up at the towering structure before him, and in his mind said "It is close, I'll just find my way in and try to contact Sentinel, perhaps he can help me get in contact with someone else. I hope I can get a hold of someone..." Dal' Smashed into something like an unseen wall, It did not stop him, nor did it even slow him down... his eyes widened and his muscles rippled "What is this feeling, I feel power coursing through every vein, and cell in my body. thi... this is incredible, the Unconquered Sun... this is the path you have set for me after all... thank you."

As if carried by the wind itself, Dal'Lumen would have appeared as if he were flying along the ground, dipping, swinging, and leaping past everything faster, with unerring grace, a new level of confidence and conviction than he ever had before. In no time he reached the massive blue jade doors, which remained closed to him, locked by its keeper... A simple tumbling lock of jade.

*Coming to a stop a stones throw from the door, his eyes moved first and his head tilted to follow as he took in the entirety of this colossal pair of doors, to an even more massive manse. He began walking towards it with a reverence that was rare to see on his face.... Confidence, and clarity dominated his every move, and finally a wide grin parted his lips after he was within a few steps from the doors.*

The tall stranger could be seen as he lifted a single lean muscular arm and pressed his hand against the face of the door, and gave an obvious push against it to no avail... he raised the other hand and gave a tremendous push that looked as if the ground below him strained against it, but the door didn't so much as rattle.

*Dal straightened back up and scratched his head looking up at the lock dial, gave it a spin and watched as it slowed and came back to rest. chuckling softly in his deep voice as he shook his head at the situation he now found himself in.*

"Now what?"

[Ress]

Resplendent wood, 1

* The lock had to be as large as Dal's torso, and when it was turned, it made one rotation, before clicking stopped. Nothing happened for a few moments.. but then the lock sprang to life, spinning in all directions, before clicking stopped. There was a sound like giant metal bars moving, then the door slowly began opening.*

* On the other side of the doors was a tall, dark field god, wearing a burlap gi with his long grey hair tied back with a burlap headband. His stance was squared with his left leg braced behind him and his left hand over his head with his palm towards the sky.*

" So... we have an intruder on my Manse? And a baby Solar no less. I am Quie-Ra, Master of the Oats, as well as master of empty palm fighting. Now then, tell me why I shouldn't send you to a slow death right here and now, Solar?"

[Dal'Lumen]

Dal' did little more than raise an eyebrow at this confrontational god in front of him. A grin grin stretched across his face as he gave a small chuckle, there was a gleam in his eyes which hinted on the side of maniacal. *"this god is rather full of himself isn't he"* he thought, as he offered a very small bow of the head to the god.

"Ahh, yes I see, trespassing is it? Well... My name is Dal'Lumen, and one good reason, Master of Oats, is that I have come here to see you, I was hoping we could speak. A secondary good reason, is simply that fighting me, would be an inconvenience to both of us. *he said calmly, but in his rumbling voice could be heard a dangerous and sarcastic tone.*

*Dal'Lumen took a single, confident step forward, still grinning, leaving his eyes locked on Quie-Ras'*

"I would much rather sit down, and have a little chat with you, and after that - if you still wish to fight, I will indulge you."

[Ress]

Resplendent wood, 1

*The spirit did not move an inch, keeping his gaze locked on this solar who entered his manse. he was not informed of any visitors... but that did not mean this stranger was sent here... and he did seem like he was on some important business. The Spirit's smirk widened a bit as he leaned into his right leg some more*

" the time for talk comes only after you prove yourself... I don't lend my time to just anyone, stranger.... what is your worth?"

( join battle or join debate roll {Actual combat or Social combat})

[Dal'Lumen]

Resplendent wood, 1

Dal' closed his eyes and sighed...

"My worth, Oat master?" he thundered

Dal'Lumens eyes burst open, his gaze pierced into Quie-Ra like the eyes of a predator, watching its prey hungrily as if assessing all of it's weaknesses, and waiting for the moment to strike.

"Innocents suffer, and this empire crumbles, it's Emperor diminished and humiliated by the people he has pledged himself to... And you, spirit, in your arrogance... you would have us ignore all that, for such a trivial thing as a fight to prove my worth? What a fool you are, Quie-Ra!

*Dal'Lumens voice crashed like a tremendous wave against the walls, and doors of the manse, the echo rippling off into the distance. His face calm as a stone, his eyes focused on the god, and his body visibly relaxed.*

*Silence was broken suddenly as everything moved at once, the muscles in Dal'Lumens body tensed and rippled as all things came to a focused point. His right leg extended far, ending with his knee bent almost directly under Quie-Ra, while his left foot pivoted on toe till his heel was brought all the way to an 80 degree angle of where it had been previously. His Left hip, followed by elbow being brought around behind him, finished by shoulders twisting so his chest faced the direction his left side had been. There was a hiss as air was sliced, to Dal there was no other sound - and nothing else in the world, his body lunged forward and his hand flashed towards Quie-Ras' exposed solar plexus.*

(6 Success roll Cha+pres+1 to intimidate and demoralize Quie-Ra)

{8 + 4 martial arts score) 12 success Join battle + success Striking Cobra}

[Ress]

Resplendent wood, 1

*Quie-Ra smirked, unbothered by the browbeating technique Dal had used on him, focused only on the task at hand... until he saw exactly how fast Dal was moving. He knew he could not get out of the way in time, so he simply shifted his stance into a defensive one, hoping to deflect the oncoming blows before they could land*

( {Join Battle- 10} [Dal- 0 ticks, Quie- 2 ticks] )

[Dal'Lumen]

Resplendent wood, 1

Dal was every bit as surprised by this speedy lunge as Quie-Ra looked, his focus drifting away from the target as he thought to himself...

"What is this feeling, how am I... how did... this is just like back then, I hurt so many people... "

*Up to this point Dal had only had a short encounter with his new found power, his last fight had been but a blur and was over before he even knew it had started, on that day blood paid for the freedom of those that now follow him, and the faces of those slain haunted Dal'Lumen as his hand darted on to its intended target.*

(3 success attack)