4aTFamMU

1[01:05:03] Tea is, as she said, prepared and waiting for whomever might've wanted to take it. Coming to a seat inside of the room, she would straighten her scarred shoulders, missing the cloak (that doesn't detach from this sprite) that she normally wore. "I have many things to address here." She spoke with care to her tone as she flickered her gaze between all those present.
2
3"Some of the biggest being topics along the lines of: A bomb in creation with spire shards. Needless death. Faustus' intervention in all lands. And the fact that I very well may not be the one in charge here in due time due to circumstances outside of my control. So, let's try to address everything as swiftly as we can, shall we?"
4
5"Before we begin, do any of you have any issues that you would like to air out now before we get into the thick of it?"
6
7Fingers folded, and she would await.
8(Leizhou Ma)
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10
11[01:06:14] Gently gets in a proper posture, nodding and remaining silent for their superiors.
12(Forte)
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14
15[01:06:21] Fu'kesi quickly grabs a cup of tea, and begins sipping at its rim. There was no need to wait for both sides to get comfortable, this conversation was about to get very, very, unpleasant.
16(Fu'kesi Ma)
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18
19[01:06:56] Aesperus sips at the tea and nods appreciatively.
20(Aesperus Kesandri)
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22
23[01:07:11] Screams internally.
24(Forte)
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26
27[01:07:30] With all chairs having been occupied, the silver-haired Kitsune took up residence just behind Leizhou. She was used to this, seeing as though Jianghu knew not the luxury of benches.
28
29For now, she remained silent with arms promptly folded across her chest.
30(Amarisa)
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32
33[01:07:51] Istvan looks bored and disinterested, but unblinkingly stares through half-lidded eyes at Leizhou. He begins writing down something.
34(Istvan Boldizsar)
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36
37[01:07:57] Tranen takes a seat, resting her damaged arm on the table. "First off, let me introduce my associates. The red-head is Redeemer Aesperus Kesandri. She's a trusted confidante and due to her rank we included her since this is all stuff she'll need to know about. I'm sure you know Redeemer Istvan, and why he's here. And behind me is Forte, one of our scouts and Istvan's subordinate."
38
39"And yes, before we get to anything... I released Ren Tseng and have yet to see any of our people come back after him. I'm beginning to worry. It's been longer than I would have expected."
40(Tranen Grauhimmel)
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42
43[01:08:24] Istvan Boldizsar says, "Bishop, please. I prefer Bishop."
44[01:08:31] Gives a proper bow, despite her heavy armor. "Greetings."
45(Forte)
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47
48[01:08:40] Istvan Boldizsar says, "Today, I come as a representative of the Church."
49[01:09:04] The woman would take another sip of tea and nod to every new face. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
50(Aesperus Kesandri)
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52
53[01:11:23] Fu'kesi Ma says, "...You all know me, but it is a pleasure to see you all again, anyway."
54[01:11:47] Istvan Boldizsar says, "Always a treat, Fu'kesi."
55[01:12:12] Fu'kesi Ma says, "Same to you, Istvan."
56[01:12:19] Fu'kesi Ma says, "My thanks for not harming Wei during the siege."
57[01:12:29] Leizhou Ma says, "...Ah, yes."
58[01:12:46] Leizhou Ma says, "Thank you for keeping my husband afloat. Mmn."
59[01:12:46] Istvan Boldizsar says, "I will speak plainly for this, and only this moment."
60[01:12:50] Istvan Boldizsar says, "That man is absolutely terrifying."
61[01:12:57] Istvan Boldizsar says, "You've picked a good husband."
62[01:13:09] Leizhou grins, but back to business.
63(Leizhou Ma)
64[01:17:15] "At the conclusion of today's discussion, a soldier and a crafter will be returned into Valmasia's care. They are the longest prisoners that I have."
65
66The first to be addressed now. "My name is Leizhou Ma, for those not familiar. Shiro's second-in-command, and now Lady Regent. I've Amarisa here, Fu'kesi Ma, and a representative of the Qilin Tribunal, Ming Jiyui."
67
68"But yes, as stated, it has been a bit. I have run into difficulties in the form of one Faustus from the Gehennan tribes. I would also like to inform you that from this day forth, Jianghu's alliance to Gehenna is hereby null and void by decree of the Emperor."
69
70"Another issue that I have run into is the man who fell Gorou Sasaki in combat and saw to his untimely end has met an unfortunate fate by the hands of the woman that he had been close to. Her rage was something that consumed her, and this is nothing that I can excuse, but..."
71
72Her chin tilts upwards as she locks her jaw.
73
74"The woman was egged on to kill prisoners, as well, by someone we thought was our ally. The very Gehennan that has seen the baptism of Jianghuren blood upon the battlefields and simply watched. This ties back into many issues, as he has attempted to deliver us information in regards to Valmasians building a bomb with spire shards as a fuel. One similar to the bomb that wrought destruction in this very fortress."
75(Leizhou Ma)
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77
78[01:18:31] Istvan raises an eyebrow.
79(Istvan Boldizsar)
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81
82[01:19:46] Fu'kesi quietly sipped at his cup, only stopping for a brief moment to interject one little quip.
83
84"The Emperor gave us all a few orders...For better or worse."
85(Fu'kesi Ma)
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87
88[01:20:41] Istvan eyes Fu'kesi, roving the Undead up and down and coming to a sad realization. He takes a hissing breath and furrows his brow. "My condolences."
89(Istvan Boldizsar)
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91
92[01:21:00] Fu'kesi Ma says, "...It's not your fault."
93[01:21:21] Istvan Boldizsar says, "No, but it is still a pain I will have to bear."
94[01:30:06] "Okay cool we want Marge and Acha back. But if your people are killing our prisoners already can we have more back, because it sounds like they're all unsafe. Also we'd like Evan's body back. Even if it is Faustus's fault. And good call breaking ties with him, he's a snake."
95
96"As for the bomb, yeah we did that. But it was meant to blow up your prison, not your people. That way you'd be forced to hold us elsewhere and if need be an escape could be easier. We're not going to make any more bombs though because it's a waste, and we covered 'no weapons of war' in the ceasefire."
97(Tranen Grauhimmel)
98[01:30:30] Istvan Boldizsar says, "Motor mouth over here..."
99[01:30:47] Aesperus Kesandri says, "Pffft-"
100[01:30:50] Aesperus chuckles.
101(Aesperus Kesandri)
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103
104[01:30:51] Leizhou Ma says, "Right, he's trying to say that another one is in craft."
105[01:30:56] Leizhou Ma says, "I'd be wary of who comes in and out."
106[01:30:57] Fu'kesi Ma says, "...Best to be quick with a tongue at these times, rather than quick with a blade."
107[01:31:17] Istvan reaches into his pocket to pull out a packet of cigarettes. "Ah, uh. May I sm--" He looks at his pack. It's still empty. Why does he carry this around? "... Nevermind."
108(Istvan Boldizsar)
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110
111[01:31:24] Istvan Boldizsar asks, "Do you have a garbage can?"
112[01:31:41] Fu'kesi Ma says, "...I prefer to serve as my own incinerator."
113[01:31:52] Istvan Boldizsar says, "Ah-- No, no. I'll. I'll just get rid of it myself..."
114[01:32:00] Fu'kesi Ma says, "Fair enough."
115[01:32:05] Istvan slowly folds up the box and sticks it in his mouth, chewing slowly.
116(Istvan Boldizsar)
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118
119[01:32:16] Istvan swallows.
120(Istvan Boldizsar)
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122
123[01:32:23] Leizhou Ma says, "..."
124[01:32:29] Istvan Boldizsar says, "... Keh."
125[01:32:43] Tranen Grauhimmel asks, "Hey, can be not be weird as shit in front of our hosts?"
126[01:32:47] Leizhou Ma says, "Is... is this another innuendo..."
127[01:32:54] Fu'kesi Ma asks, "...Are you not a chef?"
128[01:32:56] Fu'kesi Ma asks, "...Why?"
129[01:33:02] Istvan Boldizsar says, "I."
130[01:33:05] Amarisa says, "... Interesting."
131[01:33:14] Forte says, "..."
132[01:33:17] Forte says, "It is bad for his health."
133[01:33:19] Istvan Boldizsar says, "I act out to get attention when I get nervous."
134[01:33:23] Tranen Grauhimmel whispers: Also, I'm not gonna accept Izel's challenge when we get back. I've... calmed down, and will wait until my arm heals.
135[01:33:34] Aesperus Kesandri whispers: Excellent to hear.
136[01:33:40] Aesperus Kesandri says, "Istvan that is unhealthy."
137[01:33:47] Aesperus Kesandri says, "Please refrain from eating more boxes."
138[01:33:52] Forte says, "Yes."
139[01:33:55] Istvan Boldizsar says, "Okay. I'll just stick to smoking."
140[01:33:59] Aesperus Kesandri says, "Or do, I don't live your life."
141[01:34:12] Istvan Boldizsar says, "We're making fools of ourselves in front of Jianghu, let's stop."
142[01:34:41] Aesperus nods.
143(Aesperus Kesandri)
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145
146[01:34:58] Refrains from the common reaction to relaxing Istvan and remains proper.
147(Forte)
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149[01:35:16] Tranen shakes her damn head.
150(Tranen Grauhimmel)
151[01:49:27] "The issue with releasing more is simplistic as they come: There is an election coming, one mandated by the Emperor. One of the Qilin-- Yi Da, as I know you all are aware of-- has painted me in... less than shimmering light for my homeland to see for my call for a ceasefire with you." Her claws drag down the table. "She stated that she was okay with it, and it turns out," a momentary smile. "...She is not." Now then, one of her legs cross over the other as she bounces it in the air.
152
153"The bigger issue is that I believe the forces that be," you know, the ones that we all are not in control of (heh), "wish to place a warmonger in my place. Without cooperation, without your help to help me help you... There is not much that I will be able to do in coming time, as many are already disregarding my presence as the Lady Regent of the colony. Thankfully, though, we have a voice of the Emperor here whom still acts with reason that this land needs a figurehead while everything is settled."
154
155Now, this was probably a bit of an excruciating part.
156
157"We've the woman on board with the ideal of ceasefire who wandered through rage filled slaughter, she hopes to make her amends. But I've to make demands of you, now."
158
159Her body shifts, and she lays a paper out on the table, watching Tranen carefully.
160(Leizhou Ma)
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162
163[01:49:41] "If I am to be able to release your prisoners in due time before this election comes-- and it comes fast, there are certain things that must happen: One. I must have you agree to the terms that I have written down here as they are in line with the Emperor's will. Two. We must purge the warmongers of this land such as Teshim and Faustus. Lest the Gehennans wish to be wiped out once more, they will supply us with the one who craves the blood of Valmasians and Jianghuren people alike should they wish to be a part of anything in this land. Three. As much as I hate to say it, I have a vice grip here. Should anything happen... I can say that your people will not survive and war will be ignited once more." A breath leaves her nostrils, smoke trailing upwards as she watches Tranen.
164(Leizhou Ma)
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166
167[01:49:44] 
168"You get your two back. The woman seeks to make amends. And I seek to make it so that you do not have to depart Agartha and can remain within this land. I do so as gently as I can, but I need you to know that the more time we waste, the more lives will be lost, and I do not wish for an endgame scenario upon you all should another rise to power. Please, heed my word. There are different powers at play here that threaten all of us day in and day out."
169
170The paper is slid across the table to the Oscuri.
171
172"Do not make me watch you all suffer any more than you have to. All life is precious. All life, in the eyes of the Fourfold Path, is to be respected. I've received approval from one of the Emperor's chosen, and I implore you: Please consider these terms, Vindicator Tranen."
173(Leizhou Ma)
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175
176[01:49:52] LOOC - Leizhou Ma: ((fuck ass rp system))
177[01:52:12] Tranen looks over the paper.
178(Tranen Grauhimmel)
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180
181[01:52:24] Tranen Grauhimmel asks, "Could we have the room alone to discuss this as a group?"
182[01:52:59] The former commander took another sip of his tea, before frowning at the news. He had known the conversation was going to become unpleasant at some point, but it had finaly hit that fan.
183
184"...Like I said. The Emperor gave us several orders to follow...for better or worse. Of these, includes my permanent farewell. So, do not think this harms just your people, my friends."
185(Fu'kesi Ma)
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187
188[01:53:09] Fu'kesi Ma says, "...Lei can decide on that."
189[01:53:20] Istvan glances at Tranen, then at the paper?
190(Istvan Boldizsar)
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192
193[01:53:23] Leizhou Ma says, "I... They are heavy terms."
194[01:53:25] Leizhou Ma says, "I will allow it."
195[01:53:35] Ming Jiuyi says, "Hmmn."
196[01:53:40] Glances over to Istvan, mildly concerned.
197(Forte)
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199
200[01:54:10] Istvan Boldizsar asks, "... Well?"
201[01:54:19] Forte says, "I could imagine worse dealings."
202[01:54:46] Tranen hefts up the paper and begins to read from it. 
203
204"In light of recent developments from the Emperor, demands have been made of the people of Jianghu. These demands reflect the will of the Emperor as follows:
205
206- Avalon & the Necropolis is the Valmasian embassy region.
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208- The Cruxati is the Gehennan embassy region.
209
210- Those who sign agree to fully accept Jianghu's jurisdiction and laws outside of these regions, and that Agartha is Jianghuren territory; They are guests.
211
212- Those who sign agree to keep all religious practices within their embassy, and that profaning the Jianghuren dead is grounds for seizure of territory."
213(Tranen Grauhimmel)
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215
216[01:54:51] - Sacrifice and murder is illegal even within their borders, and can be grounds for seizure of territory.
217
218- A Jianghuren can only be detained for breaking their laws until handed over to Jianghu custody if caught in any criminal action, and all such individuals MUST immediately be reported to Jianghu. Any breach of this is, again, grounds for seizure of territory.
219
220- /Illegal/ obtainment of spire shards is not permitted, and they are all Jianghuren property. Trades may be made for these objects, with proper terms.
221
222- Warmongers are removed from the equation; All those that seek to disrupt the law of the land are to be put down. Forcibly.
223
224These terms are final. Every two to three years a meeting can be called to examine these terms to make sure that they uphold the flow of the land.
225
226Signed,
227Leizhou Ma"
228(Tranen Grauhimmel)
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230
231[01:55:16] Forte says, "Nevermind, this is the worst."
232[01:55:26] Tranen Grauhimmel says, "Before I continue, I'd like to hear everyone's thoughts."
233[01:55:39] Istvan Boldizsar says, "This is vassalization."
234[01:55:53] Forte says, "Total Jianghu control."
235[01:55:58] Istvan stands up slowly, biting his lip.
236(Istvan Boldizsar)
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238
239[01:56:19] Istvan Boldizsar says, "This is..."
240[01:56:24] Aesperus grips the table roughly.
241(Aesperus Kesandri)
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243
244[01:56:27] Forte says, "We'd become glorified political outposts, essentially. Most of all, I doubt the Gehennans would accept such terms."
245[01:56:31] Forte says, "They'd quickly move back to war."
246[01:56:36] Aesperus Kesandri says, "You know my thoughts on all of these, Vindicator."
247[01:56:41] Aesperus aggressively sips her tea.
248(Aesperus Kesandri)
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250
251[01:56:43] Istvan Boldizsar says, "Fucking hell."
252[01:57:12] Forte says, "It's not entirely police-state esque, but... This is for sure not what I could imagine to be the optimal deal."
253[01:57:26] Istvan stuffs his hands in his pockets.
254(Istvan Boldizsar)
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256
257[01:57:57] Forte says, "The one thing to note is the Spires as 'Jianghu property'. That is what concerns me the most."
258[01:58:07] Istvan Boldizsar says, "It's less concerning than you think."
259[01:58:15] Istvan Boldizsar says, "I don't imagine they want to use them for anything. Just to keep it out of our hands."
260[01:58:31] Istvan Boldizsar says, "It just means we're here for literally nothing."
261[01:58:34] Forte says, "...And thus keep it out of Gehennan hands, at the very least."
262[01:58:39] Forte says, "I suppose."
263[01:58:51] Aesperus Kesandri says, "It means we're here for literally nothing, and we've lost men, and loved ones, for literally nothing."
264[01:59:01] Aesperus goes back to aggressively sipping tea.
265(Aesperus Kesandri)
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267
268[01:59:05] Forte asks, "We've sent three shards back to the homeland, have we not?"
269[01:59:16] Istvan grits his teeth, taking his hands out of his pockets to grind his knuckles into the table.
270(Istvan Boldizsar)
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272
273[01:59:22] Forte says, "And if trade is agreed to, then we can still obtain these items. They allow such in the paper..-"
274[01:59:56] Istvan Boldizsar says, "... We are in the middle of Gao Deryu."
275[01:59:59] Istvan Boldizsar says, "Oh for fuck's-- "
276[02:00:03] Istvan closes his eyes.
277(Istvan Boldizsar)
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279
280[02:00:35] Istvan removes his hands from the table and covers his eyes with his fingers, digging them into his eye sockets carefully.
281(Istvan Boldizsar)
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283
284[02:00:39] Istvan Boldizsar says, "Ffffffffffff....."
285[02:00:50] Forte felt stumped. It was a diplomatic victory for Jianghu, technically, but Gehenna would not ever accept these terms. It'd mean more war in the jungle lands, until new leadership rose to either accept them, or be weakened to the point where they'd be no problem.
286(Forte)
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288
289[02:00:58] "This isn't my direct opinion. Allow me to play Kraus' advocate so we can look at this from all angles."
290
291"We are losing. These might be the best terms we get. If we're allowed to continue existing here, we can do what Valmasia is good at, and talk our way out of this. You've seen how many converts we get at war, given a few years we could probably get a solid dialogue going and turn this around."
292
293"And yes, the spires are the least of our concerns right now. Right now we face eradication. There's... ways we can still get these things. If we're not here, we get nothing. And Valmasia just sends more troops who start from square one."
294
295"Thoughts with that in mind? These terms versus a war that we'll likely lose? Again, not my opinion but I want to make sure everyone understands."
296(Tranen Grauhimmel)
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298
299[02:01:33] Forte says, "...You are right, Tranen."
300[02:01:35] Istvan Boldizsar says, "Chances of us leaving here at all with an answer that isn't 'Yes, Lei', is..."
301[02:01:42] Istvan Boldizsar says, "Not possible."
302[02:01:57] Tranen Grauhimmel says, "I'd say it's possible."
303[02:02:04] Tranen Grauhimmel says, "We just say we need to go back and consider it."
304[02:02:14] Istvan Boldizsar says, "She is pressed for time."
305[02:02:16] Istvan Boldizsar says, "Said as much herself."
306[02:02:28] Tranen Grauhimmel says, "She wants this just as bad as us."
307[02:02:29] Istvan Boldizsar says, "If we do not bend the knee, her position is compromised."
308[02:02:38] Forte says, "We cannot attrition any longer without our best soldiers. What we have left is not adequate."
309[02:02:47] Forte says, "We cannot keep the fighting force up with what we have anymore."
310[02:02:56] Tranen Grauhimmel says, "I can't sell us out like this without the full consent of everyone in this room."
311[02:02:56] Istvan Boldizsar says, "She wants this because the alternative is her getting deposed."
312[02:03:22] Istvan Boldizsar says, "This is a political victory in the eyes of the Emperor for her."
313[02:03:23] Tranen Grauhimmel says, "Or won't, rather."
314[02:03:29] Forte says, "I do not want any more comrades dead in the ground because of a desperate grasp of the Spires. "
315[02:03:38] Tranen Grauhimmel says, "It's a loss for us, but allows us the chance of a comeback."
316[02:03:50] Forte asks, "We have sent the samples back to the homeland. If they are THAT valuable as deemed by our superiors?"
317[02:03:54] Forte says, "Then we can return full force."
318[02:04:16] Istvan lets a hand slip back to his robe's pocket, fondling something within.
319(Istvan Boldizsar)
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321
322[02:04:18] Tranen Grauhimmel says, "Aesperus? I brought you for a reason."
323[02:04:29] Tranen Grauhimmel says, "I think you're the most skeptical of this stuff. "
324[02:04:32] Aesperus Kesandri says, "This is a loss, we're willingly giving one of our own, which is a war monger, I get that. I'm not okay with just giving up one of our own for this peace just to be broken again."
325[02:04:33] Tranen Grauhimmel asks, "What are your thoughts?"
326[02:04:33] Forte says, "I will let Aesperus speak her mind."
327[02:04:44] LOOC - Aesperus Kesandri: [Sorry, browsing through logs.]
328[02:04:47] Tranen Grauhimmel says, "And, I'm going to murder teshim one way or the other."
329[02:04:55] Tranen Grauhimmel says, "This just makes his death worth something."
330[02:05:02] Istvan Boldizsar says, "Teshim was dead the moment he jeopardized the Deacon's rescue."
331[02:05:17] Aesperus Kesandri says, "*put her elbows on the table, resting them and biting the middle of her points, thinking."
332[02:05:18] Forte says, "Teshim has become an occuring problem. Using them as diplomacy is terrible, but is a must in this situation."
333[02:05:19] LOOC - Aesperus Kesandri: [Fucc]
334[02:05:21] Tranen Grauhimmel says, "We can't have a pride sin in command of so many people's lives. "
335[02:05:28] Tranen Grauhimmel says, "He'd throw us all away for his own glory."
336[02:05:36] Aesperus shakes her head.
337(Aesperus Kesandri)
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339
340[02:05:36] Forte says, "The man can kill, and that is all."
341[02:05:40] Istvan Boldizsar says, "He was digging his grave every moment after."
342[02:05:41] Aesperus Kesandri says, "We all can kill, Forte."
343[02:06:00] Istvan Boldizsar says, "We still have the Deacon."
344[02:06:02] Aesperus Kesandri says, "I hate this decision, you know I do."
345[02:06:04] Tranen Grauhimmel says, "Sometimes it's important to know when not to kill."
346[02:06:06] Forte says, "He's a danger, however. He does not consider ramifications."
347[02:06:08] Forte says, "I know you do."
348[02:06:15] Tranen Grauhimmel says, "And consider this, Aesperus."
349[02:06:17] Istvan Boldizsar says, "Fucking..."
350[02:06:18] Forte says, "But it could also mean the future of our presence, our children, our comrades."
351[02:06:21] Istvan Boldizsar says, "Damn it all."
352[02:06:24] Tranen Grauhimmel asks, "If we don't act, and his actions cost more of our people?"
353[02:06:28] Tranen Grauhimmel asks, "What then? Was it worth it?"
354[02:06:35] LOOC - Tranen Grauhimmel: (brb need my charger...
355[02:06:36] Istvan Boldizsar says, "I wish Veyer was here right now... Fuck."
356[02:06:47] Gently taps the table on the word 'children.'
357(Forte)
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359
360[02:07:04] Forte says, "We cannot sacrifice more man power."
361[02:07:16] Istvan Boldizsar says, "But we cannot sacrifice our entire army."
362[02:07:26] Forte says, "They allow us religious freedoms."
363[02:07:34] Istvan Boldizsar asks, "How long will that last, do you wonder?"
364[02:07:41] Aesperus Kesandri says, "Not long enough."
365[02:07:45] Forte asks, "They come every 2-3 years to revise if needed, yes?"
366[02:07:57] Istvan Boldizsar says, "Nobody back home will like this decision."
367[02:08:01] Istvan Boldizsar says, "Not a single one."
368[02:08:04] Forte says, "No, no they won't."
369[02:08:27] Forte says, "It's either be hated by our men for so many deaths and lack of morale, or be hated back home for our failure."
370[02:08:29] Aesperus Kesandri says, "None of us do."
371[02:08:41] Aesperus Kesandri asks, "We can't negotiate this, can we?"
372[02:08:55] Istvan frowns... And then. Stops. And looks up. And he smiles.
373(Istvan Boldizsar)
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375
376[02:09:01] Istvan Boldizsar says, "No. No, we don't need to."
377[02:09:05] Forte says, "The terms of the 'Emperor', I'm assuming, cannot be, but.. Istvan has more focus on that."
378[02:09:06] Forte asks, "Eh?"
379[02:09:18] Istvan Boldizsar says, "Everything is perfectly fine."
380[02:09:22] Aesperus Kesandri asks, "What did you just come up with, Istvan?"
381[02:09:24] Forte asks, "What do you mean?"
382[02:09:40] "I think they'll be open to a few minor changes. We should sue for the land South of Avalon, to Prosperity. We should make a secret deal to hide Fu in our land. We'll... need to elaborate on what counts as murder. If a Gehennan attacks me and I kill him, does that matter?"
383
384
385(Tranen Grauhimmel)
386--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
387
388[02:09:55] Istvan Boldizsar says, "No, I imagine it will not."
389[02:10:03] Istvan Boldizsar says, "But they know of Fu'kesi. They will want to see his body destroyed."
390[02:10:22] Tranen Grauhimmel says, "Maybe. We'll offer."
391[02:10:23] Istvan Boldizsar says, "Prosperity is indeed ours, still..."
392[02:10:25] Forte says, "It's not a ceasefire, that's you causing war, thus, 'a war mongerer', but likely the Gehennan will be blamed first."
393[02:10:37] Forte says, "Also..."
394[02:10:46] Aesperus Kesandri says, "We can negotiate, we can talk, it's what we do."
395[02:10:56] Forte says, "A body? Illusion or such could possibly fix this. But I do not ask to decieve people willing to work with us."
396[02:11:08] Istvan Boldizsar says, "Let us reassert where our borders lie."
397[02:11:13] Aesperus Kesandri says, "I agree."
398[02:11:17] Istvan Boldizsar says, "And..."
399[02:11:20] Istvan Boldizsar says, "And agree to the rest."
400[02:11:24] Aesperus shakes her head.
401(Aesperus Kesandri)
402--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
403
404[02:11:31] Forte says, "...Alright."
405[02:11:39] Gently waits for the pondering Tranen.
406(Forte)
407--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
408
409[02:11:43] Tranen Grauhimmel says, "We need to also get all our prisoners back. That's a term."
410[02:11:52] Tranen clears her throat, "As for me, I am 100% against this, but I'd rather hear you all speak before I said that. Do you all three think this is the best way to go? Say aye if you agree."
411(Tranen Grauhimmel)
412--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
413
414[02:12:06] Aesperus thinks.
415(Aesperus Kesandri)
416--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
417
418[02:12:07] Istvan Boldizsar asks, "What can we do, Tranen?"
419[02:12:21] Forte says, "I can only say aye as the other future I see only leads to worse terms."
420[02:12:30] Forte says, "Not to mention, this can easily be complicated by a Gehennan rebellion."
421[02:12:38] Istvan Boldizsar says, "... There we go."
422[02:12:49] Istvan Boldizsar says, "I will agree."
423[02:12:57] Istvan Boldizsar says, "On the terms that Gehenna is pacified. Forcibly or no."
424[02:13:08] Forte says, "Gehenna needs to be pacified."
425[02:13:11] Forte says, "I have seen it firsthand."
426[02:13:21] Aesperus Kesandri says, "Gehenna is a wreck, they're all bloodthirsty."
427[02:13:24] Aesperus Kesandri says, "Most."
428[02:13:25] Forte says, "Not all."
429[02:13:30] Aesperus Kesandri says, "I corrected myself."
430[02:13:33] Forte says, "Their leadership, however- Must go."
431[02:13:43] Aesperus Kesandri says, "We need to meta-gank Faustus."
432[02:13:44] LOOC - Aesperus Kesandri: [omit]
433[02:13:51] Tranen Grauhimmel says, "Faustus is going to become a #1 target for everyone."
434[02:13:53] Istvan Boldizsar asks, "May I ask to personally see to the demise of Nellihuitl, you think?"
435[02:14:02] Tranen Grauhimmel says, "I'll kill her. "
436[02:14:06] Tranen Grauhimmel says, "I promised her I would."
437[02:14:07] Istvan Boldizsar says, "Oh, Tranen. You wound me."
438[02:14:13] Forte says, "We will organize such."
439[02:14:14] Istvan Boldizsar says, "She does not deserve such promises."
440[02:14:23] Tranen Grauhimmel says, "But I do."
441[02:14:27] Forte asks, "In the common good of keeping our men alive and pacifying Gehenna?"
442[02:14:30] Forte says, "I can only say aye."
443[02:14:43] Tranen Grauhimmel asks, "So you're all three in agreement?"
444[02:14:50] Aesperus shakes her head.
445(Aesperus Kesandri)
446--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
447
448[02:14:54] Istvan Boldizsar says, "I... I don't rightly know."
449[02:14:57] Aesperus Kesandri says, "I can't agree to giving one of our own."
450[02:15:02] Aesperus Kesandri says, "No matter what they are or did."
451[02:15:04] Istvan Boldizsar says, "I wish to speak with Veyer. And Tarquin."
452[02:15:16] Istvan Boldizsar says, "But I understand I do not have that kind of time."
453[02:15:17] Tranen Grauhimmel says, "He's dead no matter what we do, Aesperus."
454[02:15:22] Forte says, "Aye."
455[02:15:24] Tranen Grauhimmel says, "He's a pride sin."
456[02:15:30] Aesperus Kesandri says, "You said it yourself, Tranen, fates can change."
457[02:15:34] Tranen Grauhimmel says, "We can make his death matter, or he can die. "
458[02:15:46] Tranen Grauhimmel says, "Yeah, but I always say to change fate, you must change yourself."
459[02:15:50] Forte says, "Not every. Else Louis would be here."
460[02:15:53] Tranen Grauhimmel asks, "Do you see him changing? Really?"
461[02:16:21] Aesperus Kesandri says, "It can happen."
462[02:16:30] Istvan Boldizsar says, "Doubtful."
463[02:16:40] Istvan Boldizsar says, "Bring them back in."
464[02:16:43] Forte says, "Extremely."
465[02:16:47] Tranen Grauhimmel says, "Istvan."
466[02:16:52] Aesperus Kesandri says, "I only ask that you give me one chance to change him somehow."
467[02:16:55] Forte says, "I shall stick by my choice."
468[02:16:55] Istvan Boldizsar says, "..."
469[02:16:56] Tranen Grauhimmel says, "I have a hard question to ask."
470[02:17:06] Istvan grits his teeth.
471(Istvan Boldizsar)
472--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
473
474[02:17:06] Forte says, "I can go get them when needed."
475[02:17:18] Istvan Boldizsar says, "Your hard questions always make my heart hurt."
476[02:18:34] Forte says, "We save many lives with the sacrifice of one."
477[02:18:43] Istvan raises a hand to stop Forte.
478(Istvan Boldizsar)
479--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
480
481[02:19:06] ...Sighs and gently huddles into their cape, looking ashamed.
482(Forte)
483--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
484[02:22:31] Tranen looks at Istvan dead in the eye and asks simply,
485
486"I am our first Oscuri Vindicator since we've arrived on this island. A warpriest of Azrael. I cannot have this role and choose surrender. My pride and spirit of rebellion refuses these chains." 
487
488"If you will have it, I will turn over Vindicator to you. Right now. I am not cut out for this. You'd do a better job leading these kind of negotiations in the future. With these terms, this is a job made for you. Not an Oscuri. If you accept I will march out of this room and rally those who would fight at Grey Reach and hold the fort until we're all dead. That's how I want to go out."
489
490"If you refuse, I'll keep the role and accept the agreement. This... sounds like I'm trying to shirk the responsibility, but I feel like I can't accept this without at least giving myself an option to fight."
491
492
493(Tranen Grauhimmel)
494--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
495[02:23:35] Forte says, "--"
496[02:23:56] Gives a sudden blink, looking to Aesperus and back, but can only keep her lips closed.
497(Forte)
49802:26:00] Aesperus looks up to Forte then looks back at Istvan and Tranen. This was an interesting conversation.
499(Aesperus Kesandri)
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501
502[02:26:25] "Tranen, you can absolutely go fuck yourself."
503
504His response is immediate and hostile, staring down the Vindicator with a mix of betrayal and heart-ache. It wasn't even given a second thought. It wasn't even given a first thought.
505
506Istvan had a natural reflex to avoid further responsibility. He already had so much!
507
508"Both of those options are absolute dogshit, and you damn well know it. You are a Leader. OUR leader. You came here as part of Valmasia's Expedition, and through hell or highwater, you will stay part of Valmasia's Expedition. And besides."
509
510He then grips Tranen's shoulders. The look of anger turns to genuine fear. Worry. Pain. He whispers to her.
511(Istvan Boldizsar)
512[02:27:57] Tranen Grauhimmel says, "I've never surrendered, Istvan. I'm here today, in this role, because I never give up. That's what I am as a Vindicator. I never stop fighting for my people. And I'd rather die as that example than live as the Vindicator who sold out Avalon."
513[02:28:13] Istvan Boldizsar says, "Tranen."
514[02:28:15] Istvan Boldizsar says, "Don't."
515[02:28:22] Istvan is starting to tear up.
516(Istvan Boldizsar)
517--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
518
519[02:28:31] Tranen Grauhimmel says, "Turn it over to Veyer when you get back."
520[02:28:34] LOOC - Aesperus Kesandri: [be right back]
521[02:28:34] Forte says, "We cannot sacrifice men for...-"
522[02:28:38] Istvan Boldizsar says, "Don't do this."
523[02:28:46] Istvan Boldizsar says, "Please. Please don't do this."
524[02:28:46] Tranen Grauhimmel says, "And they'd fight anyways. I'm doing you all a favor."
525[02:28:51] Forte exclaims, "Too many would follow!"
526[02:29:00] Forte exclaims, "The whole point of this acceptance is to save as many as possible!"
527[02:29:22] Forte says, "We cannot just throw away lives for a last ditch honor battle, we can't... Tranen, we... can't..-"
528[02:29:26] Tranen Grauhimmel says, "Some are going to die no matter what we do. This is just making it easy to know where to look."
529[02:29:32] Tranen Grauhimmel asks, "You see the logic there, right?"
530[02:29:39] Tranen Grauhimmel says, "Those who'll remain will be better at this."
531[02:29:47] Istvan Boldizsar says, "This."
532[02:29:58] Istvan Boldizsar asks, "This is why you're here in Agartha, aren't you?"
533[02:30:24] Istvan Boldizsar asks, "This is why you left home?"
534[02:30:34] Tranen Grauhimmel says, "I came here to help people. And that's what I'm doing, in my own way."
535[02:31:00] Tranen Grauhimmel says, "Some people will NEED this. It'll happen anyways. And at least... they'll have a good leader."
536[02:31:05] Istvan Boldizsar says, "This will not help us, you absolute idiot."
537[02:31:12] Forte only looked in half-horror, almost mentally begging Istvan for him to continue.
538(Forte)
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540
541[02:31:16] Istvan Boldizsar says, "More important than the colony-- I NEED YOU."
542[02:31:23] Tranen Grauhimmel says, "That's selfish. "
543[02:31:36] Forte exclaims, "So is dying for bloody honor battles!"
544[02:31:41] Istvan Boldizsar says, "I don't care. I am not losing my loved ones any more."
545[02:32:34] Tranen Grauhimmel whispers something.
546[02:32:41] Istvan Boldizsar says, "..."
547[02:32:45] Istvan Boldizsar whispers something.
548[02:32:49] Istvan Boldizsar says, "I."
549[02:32:53] Forte whispers something.
550[02:33:00] Tranen Grauhimmel says, "Take it, and let me choose my fate."
551[02:33:05] Istvan Boldizsar says, "Tranen Grauhimmel. I challenge you for the position of Vindicator of the Avalon colonies."
552[02:33:12] Forte says, "..."
553[02:33:12] Istvan Boldizsar says, "Avalon colony."
554[02:33:17] Istvan Boldizsar says, "And when I win."
555[02:33:24] Istvan Boldizsar says, "I am going to drag you, kicking and screaming into that dungeon."
556[02:33:49] Aesperus gently shakes her head.
557(Aesperus Kesandri)
558--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
559
560[02:33:55] Tranen Grauhimmel asks, "Then do what you must. Are we doing this here?"
561[02:34:05] Istvan Boldizsar says, "Aye."
562[02:34:15] Istvan Boldizsar says, "Stand back, you two."