Chapter 1 (Rebirth of Brilliance)

Timely

What do I say here? Do I speak the truth and tell the man that I'm not exactly sure what I am? That I fell through some sort of hole and felt myself calcifying only to be saved by the surge of grief and loss by Lady Tenebris. That her emotion sated and saved me, that I ripped bits of her soul away to survive and now she's using me to try and fill the void in her life with a power grab.

"I'm from the South, Near the Borders of Khal" I don't do the little bowing thing, trying to play my role in creation. I can feel his mind trying to resist but reality twists around me, portraying my appearance better to let him feel my assumption. But pull it back, letting it become a softer burn in his soul.

"With the Lady's help I've been able to do this." Putting my palms together , I open them up and offer a small silver plate with pieces of soft candy for him to enjoy. I look up with wide, almost lost eyes. "My Lord"

Kvau frowned at this. It was an unpleasant development, to be sure, but he didn't want to act rashly on the matter before having thought through the implications. It could be a simple snub, or it could be an indicator of something far more.


OOC

Samira beams at the audience, and greets them all, making sure to try and talk to each and everyone of the audience, and thank them, for inspiring such a performance.

When she meets Tolus Gallan, Samira bows to him, respectfully. "A friend of Lady Tenebris is always welcome. I am sure you exaggerate, since that performance was adequate, but I am sure I missed a note, and will endeavor to improve. As for the answer to your question, I have learned my craft in my travels. A bit here and there, from various singers, and cobbled together to a sound that entirely my own."

Ailera smiles at Tolus. "Thank you for your kind words! I have studied dance for years, trying to perfect my art. I have had the good fortune to be allowed to learn at the heel of the great performer, Alphonse Grens. He has forgotten more about dance than I will ever know, but every day I strive to be better."

Timely, Callas, & Suhiko

Lord Faerran’s eyes beam, Timely. He’s calm, but you can see he’s laughing on the inside. He can barely contain himself. “Ah yes,” he says. “That is a fine trick indeed. But that can’t be the full extent of your abilities. Show me what else you can do.”

At the same time, Callas and Suhiko, the hate-filled woman is nearing Lady Tenebris. She’s palming a slip of paper. Suhiko, your Essence fills your eyes and sharpens your sight. You’re able to make out what the slip says, even as the woman moves her arm. A split second is all you need to read it:


Kvau

You’re mind rolls over the few facts: the Dragon-Blooded have not come to the party; they’ve gathered separately instead. Essence floods your thoughts and you connect the dots. You saw Tenebris’ Raksha. Not everyone at this party is of Lucrete. The Emissary was removed from the Oligarchy last week. It all adds up to the Dragon-Blooded feeling that they have lost any control of Lucrete. What little influence they had is now gone. They’re planning drastic measures, for sure. Most likely some kind of show of force. Based on what news Selka just brought you, they’re planning right now.

Ailera & Samira

Tolus’ shakes his head in awe. But there’s something else in his eyes. Something more. “Well, you both are amazing. I’d like to invite you both to dinner, tomorrow evening, if you’d give me the honor. I’m staying in Lady Tenebris’ villa at the edge of town. What do you say?”

Samira

Her eyes catch a glimpse of the magnificent creature at Lady Tenebris' side, and Samira fails to note the look in Tolus' eyes. But at his words, she smiles back at him. "Why of course I would be delighted to visit. It would be an honor to hear more from such an esteemed friend of Lady Tenebris about the goings on in this fair city. I have not seen it's like yet, and would be delighted to hear more about it.

Ailera trades a glance with her singing partner, then nods as well. "I would be delighted to join you. Tell me where and when, and I shall happily be there."

"I think our young stalker might be about to do something regrettable, something to do with the Raksha, and not necessarily something our host will survive" Suhiko whispers to her companion. In light of this, she palms a steak knife from a nearby table and moves through the bustling party goers as if they were the swaying ropes of a ship at sea, edging her way close enough to their host to step in if something unfortunate should happen.

With this newfound enlightenment of the Dragon-Blooded's intentions, Kvau wasted no time in wielding it to his advantage. He knew just the person who would appreciate this the most, and would be in an position to act upon it.

"General Vala." Kvau said, approaching the man. "May I speak to you in private? I believe I have information that is most important for you to hear."

Timely

"What else can I do.." It's an interesting question, one to stop and ponder. So far all Timely had done in her short life had been just twisting creation. She was a whelp sneaking into a great Engineers shop and she was playing with his tools. The Primordials had left their windows open.

She could twist creation with glamour , letting her own willful illusions impart a false sense of permanency on the mortals around her. She could personify the deepest aspects of creation, corrupting the emotions of mortals and changing to embody this alien realm.

And she could feed. Oh she could feed and drain away the bright glowing souls of mortals and use them to create wonders to draw more and more and more- but that was evil, a concept she'd been attempting to personify alongside good, the issue there being she didn't like playing the part of evil. It was dull, the base feeling of evil didn't have the pizazz and intricate little moving parts of good.

Maybe. It could change on a whim.

Timely does her little half smile again, brushing hair from her eyes just the same way Lord Faerrans first love did. A hand is extended for him to take, though not breathing, Timely inhales to focus. The world outside the pair seems to blur and mute.

"I can make all our dreams come true my Lord" Timely steps closer to whisper in his ear. "I can bring them all back to you..."

Timely, Callas, & Suhiko

Timely, Lord Faerran gasps and steps back. At first, his eyes are wide. His mouth is open. Then, he grits his teeth. “What did you just—! How did you—!" He shakes his head. "How dare you!" He pulls his arm back to slap you.

Lady Tenebris cries out at the same time. "Lord Faerran, no!"

Callas and Suhiko, the hate-filled woman steps up behind Lady Tenebris. She's letting this play out. Waiting for her moment. Suhiko, you're within close range of them.

What do you all do?

Ailera & Samira

Ailera, you knew something felt different about Tolus, but it's more than that. There is something really familiar and really wrong in his presence. You can't seem to put your finger on it.

Tolus smiles at you both. "Excellent! Please be here at dusk. I'll have everything prepared. Lady Tenebris will be expecting you." He sips his wine and motions between you. "Are you staying in the city long?"

Kvau

General Vala breaths deep. He seems to be sizing you up. He squints then takes a swig of his wine. Then he nods. "Sure," he says. "The Lady of the house has a library upstairs. It should do." He turns and heads for the stairs.

A few moments later, he shuts the double doors into the library. The walls are covered in shelves of books that stretch floor to ceiling. The room is filled with rows of bookcases. The smell of old parchment and ink fills your nose. Lady Tenebris has quite the collection.

General Vala sighs and motions with his wine. "Now what is this all about?"

Suhiko is not entirely sure what to make of the exchange before her. She knows neither the actors, the stakes or their objectives. With the woman stepping up behind the Lady Tenebris, however, she has a clear situation where her skills might be of use. Still doing her level best to appear unobtrusive, Suhiko readies herself for whatever the other hateful woman is about to do.

OOC: I'm taking a Defend Other action on behalf of Lady Tenebris. Assuming the steak knife I palmed earlier counts as a Mundane Light Melee Weapon, I have a parry DV of 5 which can be raised up to 7 by Hail-Shattering Practice if she rolls some 1s on her attack roll.

"General, I have reason to believe that the Dragon-Blooded are planning on making a very aggressive move against the Oligarchy, soon." Kvau said. He then laid out his reasoning, detailing the loss of power the Dragon-Blooded were experiencing.

"I recommend taking steps to control the situation, and lend my support." He said. With this, he would show himself to be loyal and trustworthy, and would be the first step in assuming control for himself.

OCC
No internet, typing by phone. Sorry for the delay.

Kvau

The General groans and grits his teeth. He turns away from you rubbing his chin and swirling his drink. He paces the room.

OOC:
He's thinking about what you said, but he's going to need more. In a moment, he'll say that to you. If you want, you can roll to try and convince him, but you'll need to play to his Intimacies using a social roll. Is that what you'd like to do?

Ailera, Samira, Timely, Callas, & Suhiko

Timely, Lord Faerran backhands you. The smack fills the ballroom and silences everyone in it. Lady Tenebris cries out. Ignoring her, Lord Faerran grabs your arm.

Callas and Suhiko, it’s at that same moment, when Lady Tenebris has her hand to her mouth in horror, that the hate-filled woman makes her move. She looks down at the slip of paper in her palm, hesitates, crumples it up, and throws it to the ground. Instead, she draws a dagger. She’s had enough and no longer cares for her orders.

The hate-filled woman thrusts her dagger at Lady Tenebris’ back, but is surprised when it glances off a dinner knife instead with a loud TWING! Suhiko, you parry the dagger with ease, and now your’e between her and Lady Tenebris. The hate-filled woman pulls backward, dagger up for defense.

The ballroom erupts in screams. The guests flee for the doors. Lady Tenebris falls to the ground in shock. Lord Faerran stands his ground, still gripping Timely.

Ailera and Samira, Tolus seems unfazed and simply sips his wine. He stays to see what happens.

OOC:
Roll Join Battle for all who wish to take part.

Seeing Suhiko standing in front of the woman trying to kill Lady Tenebris fills her heart with pride that her lover would defend another like that. Not being one that will stand aside and let Suhiko risk herself and do nothing, Ailera quickly rushes over to the side of Lady Tenebris, one hand dipping into her robes to produce her warfans. Crouching down next to the fallen noble, she watches with a keen eye for any that would threaten either her or Suhiko.

OOC Join Battle roll is 5 successes

Timely

The fae reaches up to rub vigorously at her slapped cheek, savoring the sensation even as she is grappled, making no attempt to stop him. Even as chaos erupts all around her, Tenebris falling and screaming, someone parrying a blow, crowds shouting, Timely leans into his grip to whisper closely.

"You shouldn't hate your losses or your old sins my Lord. They burn your heart and ruin your fine edge, just feel it." With a flicker, Timely wreathes herself in a new assumption. Layering atop her assumption of the heart, an assumption of the Element of Fire. She places both her free hands on Faerran's gripping arm as her body alights with flames made of memories of loss and pain. Faces and images form in her body of blue tinged flames, fleeting things that burn for an instant before vanishing as they lick over her body.

OOC: Join combat, 2 successes 10, 5, 5

ASSUMPTION OF FIRE SHAPE layering with present assumption (Assumption of dreams and passion)

The room around them seems to expand into infinity, all distractions disappearing in the distance, and Suhiko's entire focus is on the woman in front of her, and on that woman's knife.

OOC: A whoopping 11 dice leads to an impressive 1 success... The dice gods hate me

Kvau sensed the hesitation in the General, and knew he had to push just a little harder to sway the man.

"I know this is hard to believe, but it's the only conclusion that can be drawn from the facts." Kvau said. "The Emissary removed, their absence from a gathering that hosts more than a few foreigners? The Dragon-Blooded no longer feel like they're in control." He concluded.

"You know how dangerous they can be when they feel cornered. A show of force is very likely, very soon. The only way to keep Lucrete safe is to take actions to prevent that. I am no military man, but I know you wouldn't be here if you didn't feel such a thing was important."

Ailera, Samira, Timely, Callas, & Suhiko


Ailera, the hate-filled woman is keeping her dagger up and and turning back and forth, keeping an eye on you all. She’s trying to keep you all at short range.

You also can see Lord Faerran is being held by the Wyld woman.

In a clear, strong voice, she says, "You have no chance of getting to your target. Drop the knife and explain yourself, and perhaps your life will be spared. Continue on this path, and you will regret it."

OOC Spending 8m from Personal to activate my Form Charm, and using a Defend Other action.

Essence: 2
Personal: 16 / 8
Peripheral: 40 / 25
Committed: 15
Willpower: 7
Current Initiative: 8

Kvau

The General turns and looks right at you. His realization is written all over his face. “My Gods,” he says. “How could I not have seen it? You’re right. Absolutely right. We HAVE to do something.” He runs a hand over his balding head. “Our forces are no ma—“

He’s interrupted by screaming and commotion downstairs. The General strides to the doors and throws them open. Below, people are sprinting for the exits. Some are screaming. Others are yelling, “A knife! Run!”

The General heads downstairs.

Ailera, Samira, Timely, Callas, & Suhiko

The anger is plain on this woman's face. She let her emotions get the better of her. Not feeling like she has a choice, she readies herself for battle. After all, a few noble woman and men wouldn't be much trouble.

"I will show you the path that I'm on," she says. "It has nothing to do with you. But if you stand in my way, tramp, I will kill you."

Timely, you’re next. Lord Faerran has a tight grip on you, though you're making better use of it than he is.

Initiative:
Ailera 8
Timely 5<--------
Samira 4
Suhiko 4
Hate-filled woman 4
Lord Faerran 4

Kvau was very pleased to see that he had managed to persuade the general in to listening to him, and was about to propose plans to help counter the Dragon-Blooded.

Sadly, it was not to be, as the sounds of screams and violence could be heard below, and the general had decided to intervene.

Gritting his teeth in frustration, Kvau followed the man to see what idiot would be so stupid as to cause a spectacle at such a gathering. Even more importantly, to lean WHY they felt the need to be so idiotic.

Timely

With her grip tightening, the now truly perplexed but still kinda into it Raksha matches the strength of the mortal easily. She was, after all, a personification of mortal perfection. Her hands could hew mountains and dig impossibly deep trenches if the mortal believed she could. Now with her dropping of the dropping of her GLADDENING VISAGE charm, her form was rapidly becoming more and more alien to the mind of the creation born. She was an aspect of the wyld, cut off from that realm and by chance gifted sentience. Not that she knew that, or at least was living the role of not knowing that. No, she would be terrifying to this man. Her assumption of fire rages as she channels essence into it, candles snuffing themselves out as she pulled their flame to her form, the cold memories burning the General with the heat of his own passions.

Ever so slowly, the errant Raksha leans in. Her face melting away into a small contained gateway of the Wyld so her fiery form seemed headless. The feeding maw proceeded to open as she began to pull on the Mortals graces. Starting to strip away his Sword, his Ring, his Cup and his Staff. Proceeding slowly as this was her first time feeding upon a creation born and she was feeling the painful tether of the iron caps on her person.

He would regret striking her while she tried to offer gifts, the slowing resistance added by the iron caps was a boon to the feeding process.


OOC:
Dropping of the GLADDENING VISAGE maintained charm, and using ELEMENT WEAVING STYLE, RAVISHING THE CREATED FORM!