Trial By Fire - Exalted 2e IC Thread

Aysik places a reassuring hand upon Darian's shoulder. "Don't worry. You will find your calling soon enough. I would love to stay here and offer up my assistance, but I must escort Dunbar through the Gates to Yu-Shan to introduce our newest Exalt to the rest of the Fellowship."

When he hears Aredin make his marriage proposal, his eyes go wide. "Well then! I now have another reason to go to the Celestial City! I'll need to find a proper wedding gift! Assuming the lovely lady says 'yes' to you, of course."

Of all the things she might expect to come out of Aredin's mouth, a wedding proposal is not even on the list! She stands there, speechless, trying to process the magnitude of the moment. "Oh! Oh, my. That is . . . quite the offer." She turns to face Aredin, raising her hands up to his face. In a soft voice, she murmurs, "Close your eyes. I wish to know what you look like." Using a gentle touch, she slowly runs her hands over his face, letting her fingers explore the various curves of his face. "Mmmm. A very strong jawline. And dimples! I like that."

Darian lowers her hands and places them over her heart. "I do have a problem, though. I couldn't possibly marry you without having a betrothal kiss first." She raises her chin up to better reach Aredin's lips, and waits for his reply.

Aredin's smile widens obliging her request to lean in with a kiss and embrace, his heart near exploding from his chest. He pauses to savor the moment after having his life hit with Malfean grade spite of fate. This was his time to steal joy from the jaws of sorrow.

"Well, we have quite a long time ahead of us. Hopefully we can find enough time between celebrations to act like responsible adults." He added with a laugh.

Viktor's eyebrows shot up into his hairline in surprise when Aredin voiced his proposal to Darian. Definitely didn't see that one coming! An auspicious day indeed. He smiled as the two embraced, clapping as her answer was conveyed in the kiss his compatriots shared. Viktor nodded along with Aysik's statement concerning the wedding gift. He waits a few moments until the two pull apart, so that he doesn't interrupt their shared moment, then speaks. "Aredin, Darian, congratulations to the both of you. This is a momentous occasion, and though I haven't known either of you that long, I feel a kinship to our assembled group and am truly blessed to have been here to witness it." He briefly chews the inside of his lips and runs a hand through his hair. "Would -- uh -- would the two of you be open to me perhaps forging your wedding rings?" He gulps down air and quickly rushes through the next spiel, partly expecting them to cut him off and decline. "I know there are other smiths better than me who could do it, so I understand completely if you would rather entrust that to someone else."

Aredin found it hard to contain his excitement. The thought of what would easily be one of his greatest brothers in arms in the age to come forging his wedding ring seemed like an obvious choice to make. "I wouldn't mind at all. All the better to forge the bonds of this circle." He held Darian snugly, his face still red with warmth and life. "...A new family risen from the depths of an age of tears."

Darian feels the warmth flowing through her when she is kissed by her new betrothed. What an amazing thought that is, on this amazing day! She turns her smile from Aredin to Viktor. "I can not imagine any better person to make us our rings than you, my friend. Thank you for your generous offer." Looking back up at Aredin, she says, "We have much to discuss for our future ceremony."

Lance grins, watching the moment unfold in silence. When the moment presents itself (i.e Aredin & Darian aren't talking or otherwise engaged) Lance steps forward and asks, "Can I also offer some assistance? I have no major talent for smithing, but I am well versed in the creation and maintenance of First Age artifacts, and can likely purchase the necessary plates to bind elementals to the task of constructing great halls for our new kingdom." Lance blushes slightly and looks down towards the ground awkwardly. "B-but, if there is nothing I can give that you desire, please don't feel pressured to accept anything." He puts his head in his hand, embarrassed.

Aredin, still grinning, responds after a moment of thought. "Elementals will be vital to getting us started. If you can find one with an eye for fertile farming ground, that would be a fantastic start. The sooner we can stock a full granary, the better. After that we'd definitely need some help with construction labor to get shelters built..." His mind raced for a moment, simulating all the steps to founding a modest, self-sufficient village. "Ah, well before I get ahead of myself, I think you and Viktor would be the experts for siting a place rich in resources for such a project. Would you mind us imposing such a decision to you two while we attend to ceremony arrangements and financial matters? Also, while we're out, if you find yourself perusing the libraries here, could you set aside any historical or cultural texts for me to study when you're done with them? I'll make sure we can haul back a hefty load of provisions to keep us fed."

Viktor looks to Lance, and playfully punches the sorcerer in the arm. "Well versed in the creation and maintenance of First Age artifacts, eh? You've been holding out on me!" He nods along to Aredin's construction suggestions. "If you're alright with it Lance, I'm sure we could undertake this project. I can lend you a hand with the occult rituals needed for you to do your sorcery. And evidently you've got the know how to help with some of the crafting." He points a finger in mock-seriousness. "Just don't hit my anvil, or as tradition goes you'll be kissing it!" Laughing, Viktor smiles at their defacto leader. "Between the two of us," he gestures to Lance and himself, "I think you can count this endeavor in good hands!"

He will stay and chat with the other members of the group, but once Aredin and Darian leave he excuses himself as well. "Lance, I'm going to go check out the room set aside for my previous incarnation. I'd like to change into something cleaner than my sweaty outfit, and to be honest, I'm kinda curious to see what the room looks like." He gives a curt nod to both Aysik and Holst, and briefly shakes their hands in parting if they allow it. "I wish you Sol-speed on your way back to Heaven. This was an eye-opening experience, to say the least," he grins, "and good luck with your training Holst. If it is anything like the whirlwind your mentor sent us through to get you, I imagine you may be a bit bruised and bunged when next we meet." Before he leaves the room, he turns back to Lance. "I'll head to the workshop when I'm done. If you'd like to discuss our shared projects, or just talk shop, I'll be there."

Viktor headed to the spiral staircase and followed the steps down to the lower level where the living quarters were located. Wandering along the hallways, he was impressed by the low-light essence crystals embedded in the walls. They cast a warm glow about the hall, and seemed to both activate and deactivate solely based on his proximity to them. Wow, you won't see that in the dens of Nexus. He reached up to one and upon placing a hand against it felt the soft warmth radiate through his skin. I'll have to take a look at these later, see if I can figure out what's powering them and how they do that. He continued along until he had perused the entirety of the servants quarter, then turned back and made his way towards the stairs and the eight larger rooms.

Each of the rooms for Exalts featured a door locked with some form of deadbolt, as evidenced by the slight piece of metal that could be seen protruding between the door and its frame. He stopped in front of one door sporting the symbol of a half-filled golden disk, and beneath it was a name etched in Old Realm script. "Muramasa Akihiko," he slowly read aloud. The etching glowed golden at the sound of his voice, and innately he knew this must be the room of his predecessor. His heart beat quickly, creating loud reverberations in his chest and causing the blood to rush as though a river in his ears. He gripped the handle of the door and pulled it open, then took a deep breath and walked over the threshold and entered the room. So fixated was he on the thought of learning more about his previous incarnation, that Viktor never stopped to consider the already unlocked door latch.

The room itself was large, and would easily fit the whole of a thrifty family home within it. Some form of larger paneled glowstones stood recessed into the walls and ceiling, gently powering on as Viktor approached and providing the room with artificial luminescence mimicking natural sunlight. The walls were a simple tan color, covered in splendid woven bamboo paintings of ancient warriors in fearsome battle armor and wielding fantastic swords. Each painting was a masterpiece in its own right, and upon closer inspection he realized each warrior's forehead displayed a form of ignited anima, whether it be a brilliant gold or a sleeker silver. Goldleaf trim bridged the seam between walls and ceiling, and at each joined corner a stylized silver lioness had been carved to appear as though she were emerging from the trim. He marveled at the splendor of it all as he toured around the entryway.

Farther into the room was a space partially separated off from the rest of the room with an ornately carved folding divider of redwood and golden hinges. He lightly ran his fingers along the swirls and starburst patterns that created little windows through the divider, admiring the handiwork and attention to detail. Behind the divider he could see a simple bed with a single side table standing resolute beside it. He crossed to the bed and sat on it, and was pleasantly surprised to find the mattress was more comfortable than any bed he had ever used before. Who knew running from the Wyld Hunt could lead to this? The dresser was empty, save for a few interesting knickknacks, but Viktor's attention was drawn to the small framed painting sitting atop the side table. It looked to be painted in differing shades of browns and blacks, though he couldn't be sure if that was a purposeful decision or an unfortunate result of time. It depicted the image of two warriors, one female and one male , standing back to back as they held off a surrounding group of unrecognizable monstrosities. The heroes did not look fazed however; quite the contrary, each one looked very much in control of the situation. The man's face could even be seen smiling as he slashed through one of the offending horrors! Though Viktor could not make out the face of the female warrior, as she was turned away at too severe an angle from this vantage point, her body seemed covered in a wave of extremely short hairs -- perhaps fur? -- and the sides of her head featured more feline-looking ears that were wider at the base and seemed to taper up. Is this you, Akihiko? He studied the picture, feeling confidant that this was a self-portrait of his predecessor, but was unsure what to make of the man's companion. She hadn't appeared in any of the other paintings he'd seen so far, but she had to bear some importance to be situated here on his bedside table.

Leaving the small painting on the table, Viktor continued to explore the cavernous room. There was nothing to signify a specific place set aside for crafting or repairing items, which disappointed Viktor as he had hoped to find plans left over from the bygone age. In one corner of the room though, he found a set of mundane tools and a stack of worn-down barely legible manuscripts. Next to these stood a large glass case, and within it was braced a magnificent blade of Orichalcum. It looked similar to the one he had seen in his vision the evening he took his second-breath, and when he removed it from the case and attuned to it, he was certain. It handled as he remembered from the dream-like vision of another life, slicing cleanly through the air without tiring his arm in the process. A small brass plate was affixed to the bottom of the display case, and in Old Realm it read 'Daylight Doom of the Unshaped.' He performed a few basic martial movements with the blade, then took it back to the bed to give it a more in-depth once-over. After a couple of minutes had passed, he shook his head and placed the blade down beside him. Came down here for a reason. I can always play with this later.

Viktor got up and headed over to the lone closet near the bedroom area. The slatted closet doors looked to be made of the same redwood as the room's standing divider. I'd have to pay a pretty obol of Jade for a door like this on the outside. But here, they're just using it to guard clothes. I don't know if I should be impressed, or jealous. He laughed out loud. Then again, if some part of Muramasa Akihiko now exists within me, then I guess it's mine too! Smiling, he wrenched open the slatted doors to peruse the clothes hanging inside.

His eyes swept across the clothing excitedly as he flipped through them, taking account of the vibrant red cloaks, the golden robes, soft crème-colored short robes, a face of putty and two unblinking eyes, a midnight-blue kimono, a pair of brown leather riding boots-

Viktor's gaze jerked back to the center of the closet, and focused on the face peering out at him from between the disarrayed clothing. He jumped away from the closet, yelling in surprise and in two leaps was on the bed with daiklave in hand. He watched for the creature to attack, waiting for it to take advantage of its apparent ambush, but it didn't budge an inch. He stood in a defensive position for a full minute as he waited, but when no attack came his curiosity began to get the better of him. He steadied the blade between himself and the potential threat, keeping it in place as he moved back towards the closet. Using the daiklave as one might use a stick or crude tool, he pushed the clothing away from the intruder on both sides, displaying its full humanoid body.

Its shape was somewhat reminiscent to that of a human, though it appeared to be genderless at quick glance. It featured two arms emerging at the shoulder, two legs sprouting from the hips, and a head stacked above the torso, but the similarities to a human ended there. Rather than skin, its body seemed to be covered in some kind of flesh-colored synthetic material with the consistency of putty. Its face, if one could call it that considering what it was missing, was devoid of any normally defining characteristics save for two colorless eyes staring out from its featureless oval of a head. Viktor gently placed the edge of his blade against the humanoid's torso and pushed against it. The sword began to slowly sink through the putty-material but the creature offered no response, continuing to stare blankly ahead as though it did not recognize the slight cut forming at the surface of its chest plate. He removed the blade, and walked it back to its case. What is this thing?

Returning to the humanoid, Viktor rubbed a hand under his chin as he looked it over. He forced the arms up over its head, then released them and blinked in confusion as they stayed propped up in the position he left them in. Hmmm. He wrapped his arms around the torso and lifted it, then dragged it back into the room where he could circle around it easier. Unfortunately, twenty minutes of examination later, he had nothing more to show for it. He turned his back to the strange humanoid, looking around the room for something he might be missing. His eyes fell on the stack of faded manuscripts. Maybe... He looked back over his shoulder, then shuddered for half-a-second having forgotten he'd raised its arms earlier. "Cut that out," he pointlessly said to the unmoving thing as he gripped the arms and posed them back down by its sides.

Searching through the stack of papers and illustrations, Viktor looked for anything that mentioned the words 'humanoid' or 'lifeless,' as well as images of anything similar to the creature before him. While normally this would have been a daunting task, the fact that most of the manuscripts had badly faded over time helped to quicken the investigation exponentially. Within five minutes Viktor was standing back in front of the inanimate thing, but now he was armed with a simple sketch of an earless face and a set of instructions for activating something called an automaton. He held the sketch up to its face, comparing the lack of facial features present in both. Good enough. He flipped through the accompanying leaflet, looking up at the thing from time to time. Imitation of life...obey creator...yada yada yada…offering of blood? He scowled at the lifeless face. "Because flipping a switch would be too easy, right?" As frustrating as this process had been, he was far too curious to stop now. Especially with the finish line possibly in sight.

Viktor reached a hand out to the automaton's stable shoulder and braced against it to balance himself, "excuse me a second," then lifted his leg to retrieve the knife hidden in it. Stepping back, he took a long look trailing from the creature and then down to his left hand. "Here goes nothing." He pulled the knife blade against the edge of his hand near the pinky, drawing a crimson line across it as it wept a thin trickle of blood. Taking a deep breath, and looking back to make sure the daiklave was still propped up where he'd placed it, he imbued his blood with essence and then rubbed the side of his hand against the creature's torso.

The off-white of its putty-skin stood in stark contrast to the deep red of the blood. Thus it was immediately noticeable when the synthetic skin soaked up the streak of blood and the entirety of its body began to take on a smoother texture, while its coloring lightened to something more akin to eggshell white. Its colorless eyes darted to Viktor, seemingly focused on his face and causing him to tense up. Thankfully he was more successful in fighting the urge to leap back again, and instead remained rooted to the spot. It slowly and carefully looked down at its humanoid body, gently articulating each of its fingers one at a time as though testing to see if they still worked. It then moved on to its larger limbs, rotating its shoulder joints and rolling its neck before moving down the body. The bottom of its legs ended in large pads, as though it wore skin-slippers over its feet, with only one joint at the ankle to position them. The slight cut on its torso seemed to repair itself as the creature tested its movement capabilities. Thin needle-like slivers of an unknown metal moved quickly inside the body, sealing the breach within moments until the injury point was no longer recognizable from the rest of its torso.

Viktor stood silent, observing the curious event unfolding before him. I've had enough surprises for one day. If that thing comes at me swinging, I'm gonna be really unhappy. His eyebrows lifted slightly as it repaired the damage to itself. Or dead. Definitely one of the two.

When it had finished what could only be described as self-tests, it went back to its previous standing position. This time however, its eyes remained trained on Viktor. He stared at it for another couple seconds, circling to see if anything had changed on its backside, but it seemed the same as the front. "What are you?" he inquired. It continued to stand silent, watching him circle it. Oh yeah, no mouth. He went back to the leaflet, looking for something that might add the clue he was missing. "Fully autonomous...exceptional healing...where --"

The creature's hand appeared beside his body and pointing at the pamphlet, surprising him as he hadn't heard it move. He dropped the assorted papers and turned on the creature. "Get the drop on me, will you?!" Raising his fists, he prepared for the attack. Instead of striking though, the creature waited a moment and then moved forward and retrieved the leaflet. Flipping through it, the humanoid pulled up the page he had been on and pointed at one of the headings, labeled 'taking on different forms.' He took a look where it was pointing, and read the first paragraph. Oh. "So you can take on different shapes?" It nodded, and mimed the number twelve to him with its hands. "Okay," he replied, "in that case, take on the shape that you last wore before this default setting."

The creature stepped back and its skin began to change texture, with an uncomfortable appearance like water rippling and fluctuating as the body shape changed. Its skin took on the tanned olive shade typical of a Southerner, while its eyes took on a dark brown color and long hair of the same color grew out of its scalp and extended down to its shoulders. As its chest expanded Viktor noticed that the musculature wasn't typical of a man's pectorals, then quickly shielded his gaze and looked away when he realized the obvious reason for such an inaccuracy.

"You're a woman?" He peeked through his fingers, trying to keep himself focused on just her face. She -- it, he had to remind himself -- tested her lips, alternating with puckering them and blowing air through them. She wiggled her feet, and with them the toes that had sprouted due to the transformation. Smiling at him, she poked at her mouth with one of her fingers. "It's so nice to be able to speak again!" She giggled, stroking her hair and touching the different features of her face that until a moment ago were lacking, then held up a finger and shook her head. "Not by design, I'm not. I am an automaton, created by one of the First Age crafters of the Twilight caste to visit vengeance upon his enemies." She gestured to her body, "though obviously I can choose to appear as one if that is what my master desires. And as of this point forward, that's you!" She smiled again.

"Uh..." Oh boy, what did I say about not wanting crazy surprises happening? "Do you have any other forms you could take? The booklet mentioned something about storing up to twelve forms, right?" She nodded, "that's correct. Unfortunately, when my master and his peers were usurped, many of their creations were treated as monstrosities and destroyed. I myself was included in this, and was in the process of having my memory cores wiped by a Terrestrial technician of Gens Korigard, when an unexpected accident caused the lab to explode and I escaped. My other forms, and unfortunately most of my memories from the First Age, were lost in the partial wipe." Viktor stepped over to the closet, rummaging through it for the kimono he'd seen earlier as she spoke. He tossed it over to her with one hand, while the other continued to shield his view. "Here, put this on. Hopefully it fits." She furrowed her eyebrows in confusion, but did as he asked. "Do you not find this form pleasing?"

He blushed heavily as he shook his head in denial. "No, its not that. Rather, I just don't want to be disrespectful towards you. You might not be a person in the same sense as I am, but as long as you look like that, I can't help but think of you in that manner." She nodded her understanding. "Oh. My previous master never took that approach. But if that is how you view it, then I shall convey modesty in your presence."

Viktor smiled and lowered his hand. "Thank you." Even fully clothed, he had to make himself keep his eyes focused on hers as they spoke. "So, what do I call you? Do you have a name?" She shakes her head. "Not in the sense that you are familiar with. I have a series number that marks me as separate from those I was created alongside. I was designated by my master as C0H4R00. Though it means little anymore, as both my master and most of my fellows were certainly destroyed in the Terrestrial uprising."

"Well," he offers, "I suppose in that case, you could perhaps pick a name for yourself?"

She looks pensive for a second, then her face brightens. "Yes, I could do that! As humans take inspiration from those that birth them, so to will I do the same from the old identity I was given." She smiles. "From now on, you can call me by the name Koharu."

Viktor smiles back. "I think that is a fine name." He looks back to the closet, and a question occurs to him. "Koharu, one thing your story doesn't answer is why were you standing powerless in the closet?" She looks like she is straining, trying to remember. "I don't quite remember anymore. I know word had spread that a few automatons had survived by powering down and being treated as statues and pieces of art by less-knowledgeable Terrestrials. I don't remember how I ended up in the closet specifically, but since I was powered down I must have had reason to believe someone was after me and it was my only option for survival."

The blacksmith nodded in response. "Yes, that makes sense. Well, whatever the threat was, it has to be gone by now...speaking of which." He looked around the room, then chuckled and shrugged. "C'mon Koharu, let's head upstairs. I told a partner of mine I would meet him in the workshop, and now I've got a story he won't believe."

Credit for the map goes to MasterDAF






The town of Gwynnin
With a population of 4,500, it is also the home of two Outcaste Dragon-Blooded Exalts, a Wood Aspect named Apple, and a Fire Aspect named Ram. It is built in the southeast in the crook of two small rivers; the Raerwen and the Toraegil. This provides Gwynnin with access to the Grey River which connects out to the Yellow River that feeds out to the ocean. It is a walled city, with a small armed garrison of 250 standard troops and a militia of another 250 green troops. Its location is not that far from the city of Thorns (about 1,600 miles) and is about 500 miles due south of Denandsor, but the town is small enough that it is not a 'juicy' enough target for the Mask of Winters to attack, along with the fact that there are several targets between Gwynnin and Thorns.

It has been just over a year since our Circle made their way from Chiaroscuro to the hidden complex in the southern desert where you uncovered a treasure trove of wondrous Artifacts waiting for you. On that day, a pact was sealed between multiple Exalted, a pact to remake Creation into a dream vision of what it could be. A land controlled by the glory of the Solar Exalted once more. To this end, the Circle traveled out of the desert, searching far and wide for the ideal jumping off point to start your new empire. Your search came to an end as you arrived in Gwynnin, a moderate sided town with river access for trade with your eyes on an even larger prize: Rathess, the former and hopefully, future capitol of a new nation.

But, before that can happen, there is a wedding to prepare! The whole town is in a festive mood, looking forward to the day that the Lord and Lady of Gwynnin complete their betrothal in a glorious ceremony, dedicated to the Unconquered Sun.

Your Sidereal friends, Dunbar and Aysik, make occasional visits to Gwynnin to provide the Circle of Solars some much needed insight and wisdom, along with some resources that they are able to funnel out of Yu-Shan, making the town a very wealthy place. With this wealth, the town has made many improvements to the quality of life of its residents. Between the high standard of living and Darian's subtle mental nudging, Lance, Viktor, Darian and Aredin are the toast of the town, given credit for the economic boom of the place. Under your watchful eye, the small shrine to the town god has been expanded to include a much larger temple to the Unconquered Sun, large enough to accommodate a large crowd of citizens giving their devotion to the Sun god, under the guidance of Darian, the High Priestess of this growing body of worshipers.

Soon, the week of Calibration will arrive, and at the end of this week will be the ceremony to marry Aredin and Darian, the future Emperor and Empress of the new Solar Empire.

For the past several months in Gwynnin, Darian would be busy about the town, nudging memories in a slow, methodical manner to encourage the populace to turn to the worship of the Unconquered Sun and to properly venerate His Chosen Exalted, the Solars. That, along with her own charming nature, should be enough to ensure that the people here will be the first in many cities in Creation under their rule.

Now that the presence of the Circle of Exalts has been accepted by the people, Darian will turn her attention to the upcoming wedding. So much to plan, so much to do, and only a few weeks left before the big day! She is busy making sure that all the needed arrangements are complete, a party big enough for the whole town to enjoy. She would offer up some choices to Aredin to make, but for the most part, Darian will be the one making the bulk of the decisions. She would wrangle the town's Wood Aspect into her confidence, and if Apple is willing, she would offer her the position of maid of honor.

"The wedding procession will have to go through town to give everyone a chance to see us as we make our way to the Temple of the Sun for the vows to be exchanged," she would say to Apple. "Too bad that the Temple is too small to house more people, but I can't quite see us having multiple ceremonies the same way we have multiple worship services. Now, we will have to time the procession to get us to the Temple for the ceremony at high noon, so we can have our vows under the bright sun." She smiles happily at the thought, hoping that Aredin will enjoy all of the little details that she is planning for them.

After traipsing across what seemed like all of Creation for just shy of nine months, Viktor was glad to be settled in again amongst his comrades. Magical communication was one thing -- thanks be to Sol Invictus for the Infallible Messenger spell -- but ultimately it was nice to be able to hear his friend's voices in person again. After having a chance to catch up over drinks and some of the local Southeastern cuisine, he was treated to a retelling of the events that transpired here in Gwynnin upon the circle's arrival. Now, only six months removed from his own arrival in the small town, it had continued to grow in both wealth and happiness.

Often times as Viktor pounded away at the forge, he could see local children running about and smiling. They played some kind of game that he was not familiar with, involving a hoop and a stick. Though he had grown up participating in war games and seeing the merits of a more disciplined youth-life, he had to admit this kind of lifestyle seemed to have its own merits. He'd never seen so many smiling faces in one place, not in Lookshy with all the constant work and soldiering to do, and certainly not during his three years laying low in Chiaroscuro.

Today was not a day for relaxing however. With the wedding only a week away, Viktor was stuck inside working on the finishing touches to the wedding rings. He wanted them to be perfect for his friends' special day, and that called for an exacting eye to detail. His stomach grumbled as he worked, and within a few minutes he put his hammer down and rubbed his stomach. I can't craft at my peak level if I'm feeling hungry. And if these don't come out the way I want them then that will be a disservice to Aredin and Darian. He smiled, a plan occurring to him. So in essence, one could say that it would be a disservice for me NOT to leave and eat something. Happy with his backwards logic plan, Viktor began to stroll happily towards the forge entrance, when Koharu appeared.

"Where are you going? I thought you were going to work on the wedding bands today?"

He nodded. "Oh, definitely. But first I just have to--"

"So you're not working on the rings?"

"No, I just--"

"No?" Her finger raised, as if scolding a child. "All you could talk about the whole horseride between Cherak and the port at Marin Bay was how much you'd rather be sitting in the warm Southern climate with your friends, instead of riding through a freeze-blasted tundra looking for 'special snow.' And now that you're here, you're finding another reason to avoid your responsibility?"

Viktor hung his head in defeat and rubbed his belly one last time. Arguing with Koharu would be pointless. He'd made her promise to keep him on track soon after they got back to Gwynnin, by whatever means necessary. And in the hungry shape he was in, he had no desire to spar if it came to that. Dragging his feet, he headed back to the anvil and gripped his hammer, reflecting on the one silver lining. At least I told her we don't work after sundown.

jaydude

Annika is currently sitting in a local café in the town of Gwynnin, enjoying a pleasant meal as you listen to the local townspeople gossip about the upcoming event of the city; a wedding between the local Lord and the High Priestess of the town's god. The locals are a bit closed-mouthed about just what god that is around you, making you a little curious as to just what this cult is all about. From what you have heard is that the two are both very popular in town, and the people seem to have a genuine love for the both of them.

However little the locals are saying, what you are able to pick up with your Gemstone of Surface Thoughts is that this is no simple local cult of a small-time city god; this is a town dedicated to the worship of the Unconquered Sun! In addition, you are getting the general vibe that at least one of the two happy wedding goers are Solars, just like you, possibly even both of them.

The reason you have come to this particular town is that you have a good friend named Aysik; a friend of another kind of Exaltation. He has suggested that you might want to come here and check the place out, but he's being somewhat crafty and not coming out with the exact reason why. He just tells you to make sure you bring a wedding present.

Looking at Annika, one might get the impression that she was a travelling Dragon-Blooded adventurer, and that just so happened to be her intention. Her orichalcum bracers - and the monkey stone they contained - were stowed away in her backpack. It was her nature as a thief to avoid giving any outward signs about what she was, and she really didn't want to advertise the fact that she was a Solar Exalt and subsequently have to deal with the Wyld Hunt, not now at least. Her Daiklaives and Heaven Glory Shroud remained, the latter because it appeared to be nothing more than an ordinary bandanna of black silk, the former because as long as they remained in their sheathes, it was impossible to tell what metal they were made from.

Sitting down at the café, the Night Caste tucked into her meal with satisfaction. It had been a long and difficult journey from the city of South Landing to here, not least because it had been hundreds of miles long, and she'd had to account for her entire gang of 25 thieves during that time, but in the end they had all made it, little the worse for wear. And from the information she had been able to gather so far, about the prosperity of Gwynnin and its worship of the Unconquered Sun, the journey had been completely worth it.

She recalled that day when she had gathered her entire gang, who were gradually beginning to become the dominant force in South Landing's criminal underworld, and told them that they were to uproot and travel east, to Gwynnin. Many of her thieves had understandably been skeptical about abandoning everything they had achieved here to journey to a place they considered to be a small backwater in the middle of nowhere. Annika had quelled this dissent by telling them that the foundations for a glorious new empire were being lain down in Gwynnin, and that they had a chance to play a part in its formation and reap the rewards, which would no doubt include wealth and security. It had been a lot of fabrication, based on what little gossip about Gwynnin Annika had heard in South Landing, and what she had been able to gather from Aysik, but it had swayed the majority of the thieves, and the others decided to travel along to avoid losing Annika's protection and leadership.

Now they had arrived, and Annika was certain that she could back her claims up to her thieves, who were currently camped outside the city walls near the nomad camp. She had instructed them to wait there while she scouted the town, and later warned them that they were not to steal from any of the townspeople, mainly because she didn't want to scupper her chances of endearing herself to the lord and lady of this town before she even met them.

She continued to eat, as well as consider what she would do next.

Aredin woke from the best sleep he'd had since childhood. Like always, he stepped from his chamber to enter the bath he'd have the servants draw to cleanse himself one way or another from the rigors of sleep. Once clean, he donned a white robe and followed up with his meditative prayer exercise, more grateful than usual in the culmination of the Sun's blessings upon him and his circle. His grin sealed upon his face, taking a cup of fresh tea from outside his door when he was ready to start the day. A sliver of sunlight is just peaking over the horizon, but tomorrow the land will be covered in starlight from the celestial parade above.

With a tap of his artifact amulet, he'd wear a fine raiment he used for most public appearances. Bands of gold covered his wrists and boots, with a mere silk vest and loose trousers helping him bare the humid heat of the southeast. His vest was black, with golden trimmings, reminiscent of an eclipse with his caste mark proudly displayed on his back between the shoulder blades. His anxiety to get through the coming week's affairs wore at his patience.

"C'mon Marco, let's a take a walk." he urged with a smile. The stolen prize horse pranced through the streets, light guard unit in tow.

[Reminder for those that don't remember how the flaw works. 1 and 2 means severe nightmares occur, so I'm interpreting 10 as fantastic sleep relatively speaking.]

Having finished up her meal, Annika stood up and went over to pay for it.

"Thank you very much for a fine meal." She said to the proprietor of the café as she handed over some silver. She had pickpocketed it from the head of a Guild caravan she and her gang had traveled with during their journey to Gwynnin. "Perhaps you would be able to help me further? I seek an audience with the Lord and Lady of this town, yet I do not know where they reside."

The manager of the café smiles at you as you slide the coin over to him, "I can tell you where they live, but it Lord Aredin and Lady Darian are frequently out and about in town, being with the various people of Gwynnin, instead of locking themselves up in their homes and hiding from us. But, if you go to the Kings Tower, you can schedule an appointment to see Lord Aredin, and Lady Darian will be leading a service at the Temple, and usually mingles with the faithful afterwards."

Annika smiles back at the man. "Thank you." She says, before leaning forward and speaking quietly, as if she doesn't want anyone to overhear. "And while we're on the subject of the Lord and Lady, I've been hearing a number of rumors about them since I came to this town. Based on these, would I be right to assume that they are - in the eyes of the Realm - Anathema? Or - to use the correct term - Solar Exalted?"

As she asks this question, she focuses on the man, using her Gemstone of Surface thoughts to look in his mind for anything about Aredin and Darian's true natures, thinking that such thoughts would surely be at the forefront of the man's mind upon hearing her question.

The man's face goes a bit pale, and he starts to stutter out, "I-I-I don't know what you mean. We don't have any such demons here." In his thoughts, though, the truth can be seen. I wonder what she wants with Darian and Aredin? Is she with the Wyld Hunt? We've been told to look out for Dynasts coming here, and I just told her where to find our priestess and Lord! Oh, dear!

While the actual word 'Solar' doesn't cross his mind, he is certainly thinking thoughts that would indicate he knows that the two are Exalted.

Annika quickly notices how her question has made the man react both mentally and outwardly, and decides to give him some words of reassurance. "It seems that I was mistaken. Do not worry. I can assure you that I mean your Lord and Lady no harm, whatever they might be."

With that, she turns around and leaves, happy to discover her suspicions about Aredin and Darian have been more or less confirmed, and makes her way through the streets towards the King's Tower, in order to try and book an appointment to see Aredin.

Aredin continues his horseback trot toward the temple, right past the marketplace in the center of town when a newcomer with the resemblance to a terrestrial catches his attention. "Greetings traveler, what brings you to Gwynnin?" he called from a steed surrounded by a small squad of guards. Surface thoughts would yield, 'If it's just the one, then worst case is still manageable... She doesn't look like a monk or fop though... Lookshyan?'

Annika turns to look at the important looking figure addressing her, and while she notices the hints of gold about his person, she does not recognize him as the Lord of the town, having no knowledge of his physical appearance.

"I've come here seeking an audience with the Lord and Lady of Gwynnin, and I'm currently on my way to the King's Tower to try and arrange it." She says. For added effect, and to assure him that she's no Dragon-Blooded, she removes her Heaven Glory Shroud to reveal her glowing caste mark, a circle of gold light.

Annika channels 4 motes of peripheral essence into her caste mark.

Aredin grins, "Ah, well you've found the Lord at least. We're heading to the Temple to meet with the Lady. Before we get into too many questions, might as well introduce you to her first." With a wave to signal her to follow, he'd finish trotting over toward the temple just at the end of the market before leaving the guards to tie up his horse. "Right this way."

Annika grins herself at this bit of good fortune, before retying her Heaven Glory Shroud and following Aredin towards the temple, where she is awestruck by its size and its unapologetic dedication to the Unconquered Sun.

"I see you've made it especially clear that this is a town ruled by Solars, my lord." Annika says when she first sees it.

"Given the example of the Bull, I'd expect by the time the Realm got through eating itself alive, we'd be too entrenched to cause anything short of apocalyptic defeat for them. We're getting there slowly but surely. Having Thorns and Lookshy between us and them helps a great deal as well. For now though, our numbers swell, our people flourish, and we continue to uncover more of our potential by the day. All in all, s'been a pretty well played move on our part so far." Aredin's ramblings eventually started to have a minor echo in the entryway. His voice took a hushed tone, though services had not quite started yet. He paced around the back looking for his betrothed priestess, likely busy beyond belief.