WedhDeQr

1[20:32] Calael Elisheva says, "Hello, Commander."
2[20:32] Esso Naam says, "I believe he is coming."
3[20:32] Rikona Heifang says, "Greetings Calael. I am going to have your brother come with us, and I have arranged a guard detail. "
4[20:32] Noel Elisheva says, "Hello, Calael."
5[20:32] Rikona Heifang says, "Speaking of which, I will provide your orders now. "
6[20:33] Rikona Heifang whispers: Evi, Kuso- If you two could keep guard during our meeting, that would be great. I do not want anyone to be allowed in, including Koume. This is to be a private meeting, please. 
7[20:34] Evi Tatasuki whispers something.
8[20:34] Kuso Hitoshi whispers: ok
9[20:34] Rikona Heifang says, "Now we shall wait for their arrival. "
10[20:35] Rikona Heifang says, "Perhaps you could catch them in advance, Esso? I wouldn't want them to miss our location. "
11[20:36] Esso Naam asks, "Just considering all the details. Did the letter detail a meeting spot?"
12[20:36] Esso Naam says, "I recall Lord Eiphraem mentioning an Eastern Watchtower."
13[20:36] Evi Tatasuki says, "I wonder if Eiphraem would be willing to spar me sometime."
14[20:37] Rikona Heifang says, "Then we shall go there. "
15[20:37] Esso Naam says, "They're already inside."
16[20:37] Rikona Heifang asks, "Oh?"
17[20:37] Rikona Heifang says, "If you'd come, Noel and Calael. "
18[20:37] Esso shifts along the wall ahead of the Fourfold members, standing against the wall behind Eiphraem.
19(Esso Naam)
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21
22[20:38] Calael Elisheva says, "..."
23[20:38] Esso Naam says, "It's a trait that makes me excellent for arranging these."
24[20:39] Est seems to realize something- and promptly offers Esso her seat! She moves to stand and ends up tumbling over the side, hitting the ground and breaking apart into mist. It creeps along the ground like a thick fog before reforming. Man, if Esso doesn't accept the chair at that point she'd be sad.
25(Est)
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27
28[20:40] Calael Elisheva whispers: It's probably not too safe for you to be in here-- and I don't know if you're supposed to be...
29[20:40] Calael Elisheva whispers: Also hey, Noel.
30[20:40] Esso reaches over and very, very gently pats Est on the head, offering a whispered thank you before going to take the seat. He knew better than to be rude.
31(Esso Naam)
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33
34[20:40] Noel Elisheva whispers: Far too late for that, brother.
35[20:40] Perseus is a certifiable undead abomination positively radiating the energies of death as he sits in Eiphraem's lap. It is probably not the most pleasant thing to walk in to for those unfamiliar.
36
37Given they have been waiting awhile, the presence has had time to solidify, and the room is likely colder than it should be.
38
39"Hello, strangers. I am Perseus Kang, Peacekeeper of Crafthold."
40
41His gaze blearily drifts between the various children, before falling on Rikona.
42
43"I will assume that the children are not an army. I voice my appreciation of not being treated as cattle to be slaughtered."
44(Perseus Kang)
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46
47[20:42] Est moves to stand behind Eiphraem, slightly off to the side. She has a notebook at the ready, and eyes flit between each newcomer. She squints a bit, like she's not quite able to see that far.
48(Est)
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50
51[20:42] Esso Naam says, "The last person I saw with wings like them was Elisheva."
52
53[20:43] The serpent seems to have already settled in by the time the actual Jianghese arrive.
54
55With Rikona's letter in hand, he has somewhat comfortably set himself up in the visitor's seat. With the more... Human comfort oriented shape of the plush and pleasant Jianghese chairs, the demon's lower half somewhat uncomfortably coils about the proper, inset wooden legs.
56
57He keeps himself more stable in the seat by having the blond, half-petrified undead in the seat with him. It is a not wholly comfortable fit, but the alien, unpleasant creature surrounded by mist seems content with the arrangement.
58
59Slitted eyes watch from a noseless face, as they come in. The brutish form of the serpent is framed with lanky, water-logged black hair, above a glossy, white coat and a ribbon about his neck, protecting slatted gills.
60
61His chartreuse gaze is placid, marred only by a lifted eyebrow as he sees the children enter behind the Fourfold commander.
62
63Doubtlessly, a bit of chatter can be heard before the delegation marches in- And on the table before them, a small, simple heated runic metal plate, is a pot of tea.
64
65It smells strongly of apples.
66(Eiphraem Kang)
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68
69[20:45] Along with Rikona came the chill of winter, as well as two quarter angels. She took a seat at the head of the table, offering a bow of her head to Eiphraem before taking her seat. 
70
71"Greetings."
72
73Her voice was stern, strict, and authoritative. Her countenance bore lack of expression, devoid of emotion. However, a warmth began to spread, a golden light flaring about her form. In clear juxtaposition with her icy exterior. 
74
75"These children are here under me, they are certainly not an armed force by any means. They are the offspring of angelic entities, Elisheva being their guardian. I hope to teach, therefore it would be best they observe this meeting between foreign peoples, between those who might not hold the same values."
76
77Her gaze shifted to Eiphraem now, gazing upon the Archon, almost as if she were appraising him. Silence lingered for a moment, before she cleared her throat. 
78
79"As stated in the letter, my name is Rikona Heifang. I am the Commander of the Fourfold Army, as well as a self-proclaimed enforcer of his Majesty, the Emperor."
80
81"I wish to have an open dialogue with the leadership of Crafthold, as well as nurture friendly relations for the future. Your people have been neutral in the past, and I have even met Iosefka some time ago. However, there are some doubts, some questions I have."
82
83"If you'll hear them."
84(Rikona Heifang)
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86
87[20:48] Calael settled into his seat carefully. The young demiangel had a small notebook in his possession that he kept both hands wrapped around carefully. His orange eyes scanned across the room and he was rather startled at the young girl suddenly breaking apart into mist and moving to the wall.
88
89His sight soon shifted to Perseus, and very clear yet desperately controlled fear wells upon within his chest. If there was any creature upon Agartha he would never wish to meet, it was very likely the Peacekeeper before him. Even if the undead spoke of not being slaughtered and offered some thanks.
90
91Though Calael found some determination as he sat beside his brother, and the demiangel turned his attention to the archon and bowed his head in a respectful manner.
92
93"I'm Calael Elisheva. The Commander invited me along to meet with you... because I've heard a lot about your city, though my visit there was..." A glance shifted to Perseus and then to the misty girl before returning to Eiphraem, "...less than positive."
94(Calael Elisheva)
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96
97[20:49] Noel adjust his shirt as the group steps inside, aiming to bring the two halves of his collar closer together in an attempt to look more presentable. Truth be told, he had only heard tall tales of who they were coming to meet. And even then, he did not expect them to be true. 
98
99As his senses are made keen to a mixture of that particular 'stench' that was associated with death and also apples, two fingers raise up to rub at the base of his eye. It seemed as though something had caused him to tear up.
100
101Optics travel from Est mid-tumble to Esso and then the two entities in close proximity ton one another as he waits for the Commander of the Fourfold to select which chair she would prefer. Her chilling aura is more of a comforting thing by this point, but that isn't to say that a certain chill does not sting his person from time to time. 
102
103Luckily for them, the Heifang had given a partial introduction already.
104
105"Right. And I'm Noel Elisheva. It is nice to finally put a face to your names."
106(Noel Elisheva)
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108
109[20:51] Eiphraem perks his earfins forwards, slightly. The creature reaches out a hand- Massive. Unpleasant. It's an almost twisted parody of one, large enough to easily grip a grown adult's skull and crack it, veiny, tipped in blackened claws. The teapot was definitely not from this tower- Made of potmetal underneath the pale white veneer, it doesn't creak when gripped by the demon. He attempts to pour the white tea into the cups, before he opens his mouth in that somewhat unnerving, mellifluous and echoed baritone.
110(Eiphraem Kang)
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112
113[20:53] Well, if she's going to let her aura go, Perseus is definitely going to. Half-liquid moonlight spills from the cracks in his flesh like a light fabric, expanding to form a blanket that he pulls over himself.
114
115"When dealing with foreign states, it is always a good sign to be the one who extends pleasantries, but I will allow Eiphraem to speak diplomacy for himself. You directly requested me, I believe.
116
117I suppose that relates to your questions. I will answer them as best I can."
118
119For what it's worth, a stench is probably nowhere near the most intense unpleasantry. The emptiness of his immediate surroundings is likely more distressing than it is disgusting, though Eiphraem's demonic presence ---
120
121as unpleasant as THAT might be
122likely mitigates it well enough.
123
124"Unless you just wanted to see if I really existed. I wouldn't blame you."
125
126He winks?? at Rikona.
127(Perseus Kang)
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129
130[20:54] Perseus Kang says, "... and, angel, children."
131[20:54] Perseus Kang asks, "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance?"
132[20:55] Eiphraem Kang says, "It is a pleasure to meet you face to face- Rikona, correct? Please. Feel free to avail yourself. This outpost requires more lightning, truthfully, but I am honored to receive your hospitality. I am delighted to be introduced; and I more than enjoy engaging in discourse and dialogue."
133[20:55] Calael Elisheva says, "..."
134[20:55] Eiphraem slides his gaze over towards Calael, his head tilting.
135(Eiphraem Kang)
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137
138[20:55] Calael hesitantly nods once Perseus addresses them. Though it's likely obvious he incredibly uncomfortable in the presence of the undead.
139(Calael Elisheva)
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141
142[20:55] Eiphraem Kang asks, "As an example- Unpleasant?"
143[20:55] Est tragically has no impressive aura to show off, so instead she idly scribbles a few things in her notebook. Mundane. Dull. The only thing out-of-the-ordinary is, whenever she pushes the hair out of her face, her fingertips gently grind down into smoke as she drags them across her forehead. Seems she's keen to be a better note-taker than the angel boy.
144(Est)
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146
147[20:56] Not wanting to interrupt too much, he smiles politely at Rikona's consideration.
148
149"It's a good thing to have them sit in on diplomatic meetings I think. It gives them a chance to learn more about people they've not yet met."
150
151His eyes flit to Calael and a hint of a frown touches his face, but it doesn't last long.
152
153"I apologize that your last visit was less than positive. I do hope that future visits will give you a chance to see the good that's in Crafthold."
154
155His gaze then shifts to Noel and he nods at her introduction.
156
157"My name is Esso. It's good to put a name to your faces as well. I'm always happy to meet new people."
158
159His eyes finally shift to Perseus, and he goes silent, letting Eiphraem's partner speak his peace without interruption.
160(Esso Naam)
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162
163[21:02] "There are four others than just these two, but yes Esso, that's the idea. They are young, impressionable, and each of them have inquisitive minds. Instead of sitting, they will be taught from a young age in all manners of life."
164
165Now, the Commander shifted to Perseus, before sighing. Her fingers drummed along the table all the while, pondering how to proceed with explaining. 
166
167"It has come to my attention through whispers and rumors that you have found a way to sustain yourself without a necromancer, yes? I want to inquire on that, if you would be willing to answer."
168
169Her gaze shifted to Eiphraem a moment, before snapping back to Perseus. 
170
171"My husband is currently an undead, you see. His name is Ban Heifang, enslaved to the Lich, Arthur Rowan. Naturally, I wish to find if there is a way to do so without going against the lifestream, without corruption. Unless, well, it is through corrupt means."
172
173Her gaze now shifted back to Eiphraem. 
174
175"I have heard tales of demons having no feelings, simply self-serving creatures who manipulate and lie to the common populace for their own good. Yet here you are, friendly and jovial. May I ask if what I've heard is simply rumor? Do you truly have good intentions?"
176
177"It is... Confusing, you see."
178(Rikona Heifang)
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180
181[21:04] Eiphraem Kang says, "... Mm. I am afraid your inquiry is one that I believe Perseus can tell you his experience. I can confirm he is free from necromancers- I have done my utmost to ensure that, as per my word from long ago. Though, I do not think the cost is very kind."
182[21:05] Perseus Kang says, "Before I can properly answer your question, I would first need to ask what you consider to be corruption. However, whether my condition is considered corruption or not does not in itself involve possibility or lack thereof."
183[21:05] This was worse than the vampire.
184
185Calael looked back to Eiphraem when addressed over the unfortunate circumstances of his one and only visit to Crafthold. Though the demiangel had no intentions to leave and run from the meeting, he was still only a kid, and his outward demeanor expressed as much. Clammy hands and a shaky breath could easily be detected by any who paid attention to him.
186
187Another quick side glance was thrown the ghost-girl's way as she opened up her own notebook, and whether or not he was looking not to be outdone or because it pertained to what he was about to say, he opened up his as well and flipped to a page. Across it were nearly indecipherable and disorganized notes, some written vertically beside doodles and sketches and diagrams, almost all made up of shorthand that Calael had spent as many years as he could write perfecting.
188
189The title, however, was plain to see; a long heading across the top in bold letters, Thalassia/Crafthold.
190
191"We were told your city was-- 'good'. Better than the Valmasian city of Dawn and the savages of the south. A small group went there and so my siblings and I tagged along. We arrived and were greeted with..." Once more his orange eyes couldn't help but switch to Perseus for a second, "...a vampire. One of the worst kinds of undead. As well as a witch. We had to leave right away..."
192(Calael Elisheva)
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194
195[21:05] Eiphraem hums, softly- He mulls over her words, sparsing them out as his hands reach for a pair of metal tongs. Compared to his words, his body language is subdued- Muted, with a placid, numb serenity to it. He lifts off the lid of a pot nearby. As he speaks, he begins applying an aggressive amount of sugar cubes to the cup.
196(Eiphraem Kang)
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198
199[21:06] Perseus becomes very imminently distracted.
200(Perseus Kang)
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202
203[21:06] Perseus Kang says, "So, you were told the city was good - I'm sorry, I have forgotten your name."
204[21:06] Calael Elisheva says, "C--alael."
205[21:06] Perseus Kang says, "Calael. Thank you very much."
206[21:06] Eiphraem Kang says, "I would say it is Sheng propaganda admixtured with a dash of truth, regarding my kind."
207[21:06] Perseus Kang asks, "So, you were told the city was good. And you were excited to investigate, correct? To meet the people?"
208[21:06] Perseus Kang says, "I assume that you had some fear to begin with, and overcame it after."
209[21:06] Evi Tatasuki says, "I hate to disturb."
210[21:06] Perseus Kang says, "But then it overtook you."
211[21:06] Eiphraem Kang says, "... What my kind feels is not identical, though there are strong analogues, to human expression."
212[21:06] Evi Tatasuki asks, "Alvi is meant to be here?"
213[21:06] Eiphraem Kang says, "Ah- Yes."
214[21:07] Rikona Heifang says, "Evi- "
215[21:07] Eiphraem Kang says, "I had invited him, as another opportunity."
216[21:07] Eiphraem Kang says, "I was unsure which undead you spoke of."
217[21:07] Eiphraem Kang exclaims, "He was a bit busy!"
218[21:07] Calael Elisheva says, "Yes. I-- wanted to explore. I'm too young to travel anywhere else safely, especially alone... but I wanted to see what else this continent had to offer. But it seems like most of the other places are... dangerous. And filled with..."
219[21:07] Eiphraem Kang says, "I decided to provide both, for perspectives you might find useful."
220[21:07] Rikona Heifang says, "Could you perhaps go fetch Mikiko? I forgot to inform her of this. "
221[21:07] Evi Tatasuki asks, "Yes, I am free to allow Alvi entrance then?"
222[21:07] Noel's eyes light up at the mention of Alvi Slade. 
223
224An elbow is sent to light push into his sibling's side in a not-so-subtle manner.
225(Noel Elisheva)
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227
228[21:07] Rikona Heifang says, "Yes, that is fine. "
229[21:08] Calael Elisheva says, "Well. Undead and demons."
230[21:08] Evi nods.
231(Evi Tatasuki)
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233
234[21:08] Perseus Kang asks, "So, separate from the other discussion happening across our line of communication, Calael, did you consider attempting to converse with the - vampire, undead, and witch? What stopped you from doing so?"
235[21:08] Perseus Kang says, "I want to understand if it is... fear, disdain, or something else."
236[21:08] Rikona Heifang says, "But anyways, that is a complicated question... I would need to know how you are sustained first. "
237[21:08] Calael Elisheva says, "My brother Sera told us it was time to go. And I agreed."
238[21:09] Noel Elisheva whispers: The letter, Calael.
239[21:09] Alvi floats on through the doorway, hands folded behind their back.
240
241And by floating, it was more softly tumbling through the air. They were still getting used to the levitation potions.
242(Alvi Slade)
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244
245[21:09] Calael Elisheva whispers: Oh right...
246[21:09] Perseus Kang says, "I will take that as fear of the consequences. It is not unwarranted. If you have any questions after Rikona asks hers, I will be happy to answer them."
247[21:10] Eiphraem Kang says, "Here- Perseus, handle that. Allow me to fill in."
248[21:10] Esso Naam says, "While Lord Eiphraem or Perseus are better to speak to about inquiries involving the vampire you saw, I can promise you this; in Crafthold, whether you're near a vampire or not, you are safe."
249[21:10] Calael Elisheva says, "M--hm... we can talk after the Commander has said all she has. I'll... take notes for now."
250[21:10] Esso said the final three words with a very strong sense of certainty.
251(Esso Naam)
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253
254[21:10] Eiphraem Kang says, "The purpose of my territory is to provide a safe realm for all. What may seem fearful to you- May be afraid of you in turn."
255[21:10] Alvi wordlessly floats/tumbles through the air over towards Eiphraem and Perseus, lingering behind them.
256(Alvi Slade)
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258
259[21:10] Eiphraem lifts his gaze to the aforementioned witch sort of somersaulting in the air behind them- Bobbling his head affably.
260(Eiphraem Kang)
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262
263[21:10] Est nods in agreement with Esso, but says nothing.
264(Est)
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266
267[21:11] Perseus smiles widely at Calael - which, given that his face is broken up into stony scales, is probably not the most pleasant of things -
268
269But he soon turns his head to the woman of the hour, seemingly fine with answering her questions well enough.
270(Perseus Kang)
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272
273[21:11] Alvi Slade whispers something.
274[21:11] Eiphraem Kang says, "Ah, yes."
275[21:11] Eiphraem Kang says, "No need to murmur, I explained."
276[21:11] Perseus Kang asks, "So, the long and the short of it is that my life is sustained by a spire shard. This much, I assume you have figured out in one way or another?"
277[21:12] Rikona Heifang asks, "Yes, I know this much, or have heard of it at least. Is that all there is to it? The spire shard keeps you alive?"
278[21:12] Perseus Kang says, "The problem being, of course, that the spire shard does not GENERATE power. It FILTERS it. It STORES it. But it cannot generate it, whatsoever. And the energies of life, especially those to sustain a powerful magi such as myself... They are dire and scarce."
279[21:12] Perseus Kang says, "They are contained within your circuits. Your veins."
280[21:12] Perseus Kang says, "... and that is why I am starved."
281[21:12] Eiphraem opens his mouth to speak- But lets Perseus continue. Instead, he prepares the incredibly sugary, soft, and steamy tea, pushing one over to each of the two angels- Making eye contact with Noel, the quieter of the two, and proffering it to him first.
282(Eiphraem Kang)
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284
285[21:12] Perseus Kang says, "That is why my presence terrifies your children, here."
286[21:12] Perseus Kang says, "If I were a murderer, you would see me as human."
287[21:14] Alvi Slade whispers something.
288[21:14] Rikona Heifang says, "I'm not quite sure I understand what you're saying. How exactly do you get this energy, again? I apologize. "
289[21:14] Eiphraem Kang asks, "Would you want me to put it bluntly, Perseus?"
290[21:14] Perseus Kang says, "By taking it from another. The transfer is inefficient enough to be lethal."
291[21:15] Alvi Slade says, "...Ah. I will be right back. I need to write a letter."
292[21:15] Rikona Heifang says, "Blunt would be preferred. "
293[21:15] Perseus Kang says, "Ah."
294[21:15] Eiphraem Kang says, "Yes. What he means to say, is ripping out the vital spark of another human."
295[21:15] Perseus Kang says, "I was being subtle for our more innocent ears."
296[21:15] Eiphraem Kang says, "As you may expect..."
297[21:15] Perseus Kang says, "... well, I think a demon or a vampire would suffice."
298[21:15] Eiphraem Kang says, "We do not precisely often engage in executions, within Crafthold."
299[21:16] Rikona Heifang asks, "So you... Kill people to stay alive? Essentially eating them to sustain yourself?"
300[21:16] The eldest of the angel boys swallows a lump at Perseus' mention of being starved. Eiphraem's focus being placed on him doesn't help in the slightest. A small hand reaches out to accept the sweetened beverage, and he does his best to put on a thin-lipped smile.
301
302.. And to avoid looking Alvi in the eyes, though he would indubitably end up doing so soon after."ThANk you."
303(Noel Elisheva)
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305
306[21:16] Noel Elisheva says, ".. Ahem."
307[21:16] Esso Naam says, "The reason he's starved right now is because he hasn't been killing people."
308[21:17] Calael took his tea quietly, equally as nervous as he brother.
309(Calael Elisheva)
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311
312[21:17] Evi Tatasuki asks, "Anything else needed of me?"
313[21:17] Perseus Kang says, "When I am well fed, my aura shines as bright as any other, and the plants don't die when I walk on them, and animals aren't afraid to walk up to me."
314[21:17] Perseus Kang says, "... when I am not, it is this, and worse."
315[21:18] Eiphraem inclines his head politely. While the serpent and his revenant may be unnerving, the tea is made of fresh herbs, and an undercurrent of vanilla and interspersed, dried hazelnut to add a rich backdrop makes the apple tea incredibly soft, and sweet. For all of his flaws, a master culinarian and alchemist can certainly put together a sachet of tea.
316(Eiphraem Kang)
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318
319[21:18] Rikona Heifang says, "Are these people willing to die? Or do you force people to die so you can live? I'm.. Hmm."
320[21:18] Perseus Kang says, "All those who have died were murderers who were to be executed."
321[21:18] Evi tosses a somewhat friendly wave towards Eiphraem while she is still rpesent.
322(Evi Tatasuki)
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324
325[21:18] Perseus Kang says, "Lucilius Grauhimmel. Durara. Mythran Yugao - the last of these may not be a murderer to you, but he assailed our tower directly."
326[21:18] Eiphraem flances over- He actually proffers a brief, small smile at Evi, one of those disasterous mitts waving politely.
327(Eiphraem Kang)
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329
330[21:18] Mikiko gazes around the familar faces that were in the room. Focusing on Eiphraem first, then Perseus, then going towards the two angels and everyone else before she proceeds to bow. Her hands meeting infront of her chest before doing so. Afterwards, she pulls herself up and rolls her shoulders back to become more relaxed as her spine aligned properly.
331(Mikiko Heifang)
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333
334[21:18] Perseus Kang says, "... I believe he technically was killed by another, but I granted him peace."
335[21:19] Mikiko Heifang says, "Hello, hello."
336[21:19] Esso turns, nodding at Mikiko.
337
338"Glad you could join us. Your presence was very pleasant when you came to Crafthold."
339(Esso Naam)
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341
342[21:19] Alvi idly rummages around in their boob window for their handy quill. Upon finding it dry, the witch huffs but floats over Eiphraem's head, gently holding it out.
343
344"Could you lick this, please?" they ask quietly, before figuring the strange question needs an elaboration. "It's an enchanted quill."
345
346Upon spotting Noel staring at them, however, the witch flashes the demi-angel the faintest ghost of a smile, albeit one that was hardly warming.
347(Alvi Slade)
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349
350[21:19] Evi Tatasuki says, "I will be outside, call for me if I am needed."
351[21:19] Rikona Heifang says, "I see. Well-"
352[21:19] Mikiko Heifang says, "Glad you consider such; Thanks, Evi."
353[21:20] Eiphraem plucks the quill, for a moment- He dutifully licks the bottom, like a stamp, with his non-forked, if literally pale and white, tongue, before passing it back.
354(Eiphraem Kang)
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356
357[21:20] Perseus seems happy enough to raise his right hand and wiggle his fingers in the direction of the entryway, but his attention remains on Rikona.
358(Perseus Kang)
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360
361[21:20] Evi nods.
362(Evi Tatasuki)
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364
365[21:20] Rikona Heifang asks, "How long are you able to live.. like this? Indefinitely? Or do you only live as long as a regular human?"
366[21:20] Perseus shrugs.
367(Perseus Kang)
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369
370[21:20] Perseus Kang says, "When I crumble to ashes, I'll know."
371[21:20] Alvi takes the quill back with a grateful nod and gets to work penning a letter.
372(Alvi Slade)
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374
375[21:20] Alvi Slade says, "...I may be able to provide an answer, of sorts."
376[21:20] Eiphraem Kang says, "I've done what I can to extend his longevity, in case. I do not intend to fully see his demise until my own."
377[21:21] Perseus Kang says, "... this is a Sarradian body, by the by. That is why the decay takes this form."
378[21:21] Rikona Heifang says, "This body is not your own"
379[21:21] Perseus Kang says, "It is. It was not."
380[21:21] Perseus Kang says, "Allow me to explain in short."
381[21:21] Rikona Heifang asks, "I apologize if my line of questiong might seem odd, but yes, how did you acquire it?"
382[21:22] Est briefly allows herself to be distracted by the display beside her, furrowing her brow. Nevertheless, she returns to her dutiful note-taking before long. As Eiphraem mentions his demise, however, her grip on her pencil tightens. Her fingers shift into mist, and the pencil drops, rolls down the page, and hits the floor.
383(Est)
384--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
385
386[21:22] Perseus Kang asks, "Once, I was a Jianghese infantryman. Do you know of the siege of Gao Deyru?"
387[21:22] Perseus Kang says, "It was a pyrrhic victory. For the Valmasians."
388[21:22] Perseus Kang says, "I was one of the lives sacrificed to defend it, and was raised as a skeleton."
389[21:22] Alvi Slade whispers something.
390[21:23] Perseus Kang says, "I desired humanity, and... There were multiple methods, to achieve sensation and emotion."
391[21:23] Eiphraem seems content to get more teacups out, until he hears the pencil drop. He murmurs something that sounds like a 'Yes' to Alvi's surprised question- His tail flicks, and a water bubble surrounds the fallen pencil! It floats it's way back up to Est, the demon's head reorienting.
392(Eiphraem Kang)
393--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
394
395[21:24] Perseus Kang says, "When a man named Nerzan assaulted Crafthold, he was captured. The necromancer Cho Grauhimmel anchored me to his body using the spire shard."
396[21:24] Eiphraem Kang whispers something.
397[21:24] Perseus Kang says, "His death was quick."
398[21:24] Alvi Slade whispers something.
399[21:24] Alvi Slade whispers something.
400[21:24] Calael paused his own writing as he noted Est's pencil drop. Though this new page was equally as scrambled, the title across the top was: Perseus Kang: Spire Shard Undead.
401(Calael Elisheva)
402--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
403
404[21:24] Rikona Heifang asks, "So... Who was this Nerzan person? A soldier?"
405[21:24] Eiphraem Kang says, "He was one of the Fourfold's generals, in the long past."
406[21:24] Eiphraem Kang says, "Who ordered the assault upon Crafthold."
407[21:25] Eiphraem Kang says, "He told me he would rather die than surrender."
408[21:25] Eiphraem Kang says, "I offered him it, freely, in exchange for an explanation."
409[21:25] Eiphraem Kang says, "He said he would prefer death, and offered it regardless."
410[21:25] Perseus Kang says, "... Eiphraem's memory is better than mine. I have been hibernating for twenty five years, and death steals cohesion regardless."
411[21:26] Perseus Kang says, "He fought Eiphraem in single combat, to clarify."
412[21:26] Eiphraem Kang says, "... it would have been immoral to put a death to waste. My venom made it a painless proceedure."
413[21:26] Rikona Heifang says, "So, to surmise- "
414[21:26] Mikiko Heifang says, "Good lorts."
415[21:26] Esso Naam says, "Eiphraem hibernated for just as long as I understand it."
416[21:26] Eiphraem Kang says, "For the record, I offered this after I had already bested him."
417[21:26] Eiphraem Kang says, "Not prior."
418[21:27] Esso Naam says, "When I came to Crafthold, Miss Iosefka was running it herself."
419[21:27] Eiphraem Kang says, "My kind is meant to hibernate."
420[21:27] Eiphraem Kang says, "His was more an unfortunate necessity."
421[21:28] Alvi quietly lands on the ground as their potion wears off. As they land, the witch huffs quietly as they have to stand on their toes just to see past Eiphraem, but otherwise doesn't complain.
422(Alvi Slade)
423--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
424
425[21:29] Rikona stared deadpan, her gaze shifting between Archon and undead. Undead and then Archon. Silence settled while she collected her thoughts, before finally speaking. 
426
427"You are an undead which is allowed to sustain itself partly by the spire shard, but you require more sustenance through other magi? Essentially, you eat them and take their strength, so that you may continue to live instead."
428
429"This body you claim as your own, was once that of a Fourfold leader? Someone who was in my position long ago."
430
431The Commander tapped her fingers along the wooden surface of the table, continuing.
432
433"The only thing that tethers you to this life is the sacrifice of others, correct?"
434(Rikona Heifang)
435--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
436
437[21:30] Esso Naam says, "Truth be told, if we could find a way for Perseus to draw energy without it doing permanant damage, I'd volunteer to offer him energy when he needs it."
438[21:30] * You have been awarded 4 Roleplay Points! *
439[21:30] Eiphraem hums softly, his gaze fully locking with hers.
440(Eiphraem Kang)
441--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
442
443[21:30] Eiphraem Kang says, "No, Perseus, permit me to speak. It is my decision, in part, and my duty to justify it."
444[21:30] Perseus's gaze would follow Eiphraem's if he needed to, but it does not need to, for it is already locked tightly on hers.
445
446Eiphraem cuts him off, the bitch!
447(Perseus Kang)
448--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
449
450[21:30] Eiphraem Kang says, "I managed to utilize those whose deaths would be meaningless and only necessary due to their chaotic and unpleasant desires to serve making another's life more whole."
451[21:30] Eiphraem Kang says, "This is why, however, I did tell you- You would not find an answer you prefer.."
452[21:31] Perseus Kang says, "... the short answer is no, it is not the only thing."
453[21:31] Eiphraem Kang says, "We, too, still search for something better."
454[21:32] Eiphraem Kang says, "... None of the people whom have died, died for him."
455[21:32] Calael Elisheva asks, "How close have you come?"
456[21:32] Calael Elisheva asks, "To finding something better?"
457[21:33] Rikona Heifang says, "Is there even something better? I am starting to think that hope is lost. I was hoping to inquire on this with Elisheva, but alas. "
458[21:33] Perseus Kang says, "... Well, if your Commander's husband is currently undead, it is possible that we may come closer. I believe that order magi would be able to figure it out, if any."
459[21:33] Esso Naam says, "As I understand it, there's two potential answers that I can think of. The first is to find something that substitute's a magi's vital spark, preferably that can be recharged."
460[21:34] Esso Naam says, "The second is finding a way to make the siphoning process less permanant."
461[21:34] Alvi Slade whispers something.
462[21:34] Esso Naam says, "If that were possible, magi could donate energy to keep spire shard undead alive."
463[21:34] Eiphraem Kang says, "Well-"
464[21:34] Perseus Kang says, "At any rate, no, I detest the idea that it is *only* the sacrifice of others that is keeping me alive. Were I not already possessed of powerful will to defy my own expiration, then I would never have reached this point in the first place."
465[21:35] Eiphraem Kang says, "In turn."
466[21:35] Eiphraem Kang says, "I bring Alvi, admittedly, as what- Has been worked on in Dawn has often been of assistance."
467[21:35] Eiphraem Kang says, "We have found that spire shards can alleviate the business."
468[21:35] Eiphraem Kang says, "Even if it is not a cure."
469[21:35] Eiphraem Kang says, "I have been working with-"
470[21:35] Alvi grips the hem of their robes and offers a brief curtsy as they're mentioned.
471(Alvi Slade)
472--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
473
474[21:35] Rikona Heifang says, "Alvi... I vaguely recall that name."
475[21:36] Eiphraem Kang says, "Longevity enhancers, to find both something for assisting my humans-"
476[21:36] Eiphraem Kang says, "And my Peacekeeper, in turn."
477[21:36] Alvi Slade says, "Yes. And I remember you."
478[21:36] Alvi Slade says, "Lord Alvi Slade is my full name, to be polite."
479[21:36] Alvi Slade says, "I've been quite the headache to your soldiers, or so I'm told."
480[21:36] Rikona Heifang says, "I see. But yes, I have fought many necromancers in my time. Always a headache. Apologies."
481[21:37] Eiphraem Kang says, "So- Permit me to return to a now incredibly relevant point."
482[21:37] Calael sighs at the mention of Life Enhancers, among the rest of the details at prolonging the natural process of mortality.
483(Calael Elisheva)
484--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
485
486[21:37] Eiphraem glances towards Calael!
487(Eiphraem Kang)
488--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
489
490[21:37] Calael Elisheva asks, "H--mm?"
491[21:37] Eiphraem promptly pokes a claw right onto the tip of Alvi's mask.
492(Eiphraem Kang)
493--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
494
495[21:37] Eiphraem Kang asks, "Is this whom you saw?"
496[21:37] Calael Elisheva says, "That is the witch. Yes."
497[21:37] Eiphraem Kang asks, "Is he particularly terrifying?"
498[21:38] Alvi Slade asks, "Ah. I was being talked about while I wasn't here?"
499[21:38] Alvi Slade says, "I'm flattered."
500[21:38] Eiphraem Kang exclaims, "Ah, quite incidentally!"
501[21:38] Calael Elisheva says, "I... can sense they are unnatural. Though... next to..."
502[21:38] Calael looks to Perseus. "You he is not exactly... standing out."
503(Calael Elisheva)
504--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
505
506[21:38] Perseus Kang says, "That is because Alvi is sustained by a necromancer and I am not."
507[21:38] Noel Elisheva says, "They."
508[21:39] Eiphraem Kang asks, "Ah. Next to a particularly effete teenage looking, albino vampire?"
509[21:39] Perseus Kang says, "Do you understand the issue with the bond between necromancer and -------"
510[21:39] Alvi frowns, folding their arms across their chest.
511(Alvi Slade)
512--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
513
514[21:39] Calael Elisheva says, "The vampire is what frightened me most... it's why I was ready to leave your city as soon as I entered."
515[21:39] Perseus blinks??
516(Perseus Kang)
517--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
518
519[21:39] Perseus Kang says, "Oh, you DIDN'T mean me."
520[21:39] Perseus Kang says, "Okay."
521[21:39] Esso Naam says, "I assume the Vampire they mean is Salvas."
522[21:39] Perseus Kang says, "Okay..."
523[21:39] Rikona Heifang says, "I fought a necromancer long ago. Ophelia de Fiano something something. I released all of her undead. "
524[21:39] Eiphraem Kang asks, "... His name is Salvas. Did you know he has recently been engaged, and is planning out a wedding with his wife?"
525[21:39] Est says, "I thought he meant me."
526[21:40] Alvi Slade says, "You didn't release me."
527[21:40] Alvi Slade says, "And I'm not as much of a pushover as Ophelia was."
528[21:40] Noel Elisheva says, "But what they do to people is terrifying."
529[21:40] Eiphraem Kang says, "They aren't certain which custom they want to be wedded under."
530[21:40] Eiphraem Kang says, "Tell me-"
531[21:40] Perseus Kang says, "'Released' is one way to say that you destroyed the anchor that kept them living. I do not know if all the undead wished to be bound or not, but."
532[21:40] Calael Elisheva says, "I've spent a lot of time with the thralls in Huangzhou's custody. I've noticed they are strangely human... yes."
533[21:40] Perseus Kang says, "At any rate, if my spire shard were particularly alive and agreeable, I would prefer no one killed it."
534[21:40] Calael Elisheva says, "The vampires I mean, obviously the humans are human."
535[21:41] Est gives Alvi a sideways glance, half-lidded, the sort of glance that can only be given when someone is just a little too polite to put certain thoughts into words.
536(Est)
537--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
538
539[21:41] Perseus Kang says, "So, right, right - I assume, little. Angels."
540[21:41] Perseus still doesn't quite know how to parse that, and it is very obvious.
541(Perseus Kang)
542--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
543
544[21:41] Perseus Kang asks, "That you know the issue of the bond between necromancer and undead?"
545[21:41] Calael Elisheva says, "...All too well."
546[21:41] Perseus Kang says, "Beyond its unnatural origin, which you seem to be preoccupied with."
547[21:41] Perseus Kang says, "I speak of the harm done from person to person."
548[21:41] Eiphraem Kang says, "What do you believe does damage to people more-"
549[21:41] Calael Elisheva says, "I've studied a lot on necromancers and they're thralls. One tried to kill me once. So I've made it my job to know more about them as my primary enem...y."
550[21:41] Eiphraem Kang asks, "Between these two options?"
551[21:42] Eiphraem Kang asks, "A vampire, or an Aproporyian?"
552[21:42] Noel Elisheva asks, "What is the difference?"
553[21:42] Calael Elisheva asks, "Is the Apropriyan a vampire or a human?"
554[21:42] Perseus can't help but smile at those differing answers.
555(Perseus Kang)
556--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
557
558[21:42] Eiphraem Kang says, "One is merely a substate of humanity."
559[21:42] Eiphraem Kang says, "The other is a culture."
560[21:42] Rikona Heifang says, "Vampires are iredeemable. "
561[21:42] Calael Elisheva says, "One is a monster. The other is potentially a monster."
562[21:43] Alvi Slade says, "If I may interject..."
563[21:43] Eiphraem Kang asks, "Why?"
564[21:43] Perseus Kang says, "... Calael, to be blunt."
565[21:43] Eiphraem Kang says, "Shh."
566[21:43] Perseus Kang says, "Everyone in this room is POTENTIALLY a monster."
567[21:43] Eiphraem Kang says, "Let him respond."
568[21:43] Esso Naam asks, "Might I offer a suggestion Calael?"
569[21:43] Eiphraem Kang says, "No. Let him think for himself."
570[21:43] Perseus shrugs.
571(Perseus Kang)
572--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
573
574[21:44] Perseus Kang says, "Eiphraem's method is better than mine."
575[21:44] Perseus Kang says, "We can talk more privately, at length, if you would like."
576[21:44] Perseus Kang says, "I am here to answer questions posed of me."
577[21:44] Perseus Kang says, "I will refrain from other comment."
578[21:44] Esso Naam says, "I don't mean to interrupt. I'll wait for him to speak."
579[21:44] "And that's why the Apropriyan is the potential one. Humans are all potential monsters, a vampire has no other choice. They are driven to hurt and turn people into slaves. That's the difference.
580
581I've spent enough time with the thralls here to know what sorts of monsters these Agarthan vampires are."
582(Calael Elisheva)
583--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
584
585[21:45] Alvi Slade whispers something.
586[21:45] Alvi folds their arms across their chest. Still frowning, but nodding slowly in response to Calael's statement.
587(Alvi Slade)
588--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
589
590[21:46] Eiphraem Kang asks, "Do you believe that vampires have no choice, in their actions?"
591[21:46] Eiphraem Kang asks, "Do you believe they lack free will?"
592[21:47] Calael Elisheva asks, "They must drink the blood of humans to continue on, right? They bend people to their will, their very emotions are... heightened and volatile. They don't necessarily lack free will but when was the last time you heard of a -good- vampire? Can you even name one?"
593[21:47] Rikona Rikona fell silent now, merely observing the conversation. Her gaze lingered on Perseus all the while, prepared to interject should the need arise.
594(Rikona Heifang)
595--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
596
597[21:47] Eiphraem Kang asks, "Have you heard of a non-Aproporyian culture immersed vampire?"
598[21:47] Eiphraem Kang says, "Besides."
599[21:47] Eiphraem Kang asks, "Continue to the point- Do you believe they lack free will?"
600[21:47] Calael Elisheva says, "I've heard a lot that the vampires on Agartha have drifted away from their original cultures."
601[21:47] Noel Elisheva asks, "So you're saying that they only have free will in regards to who they prey on?"
602[21:47] Eiphraem Kang says, "No."
603[21:47] Calael Elisheva says, "I believe they... have as much free will as an animal."
604[21:47] Eiphraem Kang says, "I believe that what you say may be true-"
605[21:47] Eiphraem Kang says, "But they are sapient beings."
606[21:47] Eiphraem Kang says, "And any sapient being can decide what they do, in spite of their surroundings."
607[21:47] Eiphraem Kang says, "... If you surround a vampire wherein they have free access to blood, and councilling-"
608[21:47] Calael Elisheva asks, "A smart animal, but an animal anyway. They have to be predators to survive. Is there a vampire that chooses to starve itself?"
609[21:48] Eiphraem Kang asks, "Do you believe they would necessarily be a monster?"
610[21:48] Calael Elisheva says, "That's an entirely different question."
611[21:48] Esso Naam says, "We're classified as animals."
612[21:48] Perseus becomes intrigued, at that. What had been listening in spite is now listening in interest.
613(Perseus Kang)
614--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
615
616[21:48] Calael attempts to smile some.
617(Calael Elisheva)
618--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
619
620[21:48] Calael Elisheva says, "Now we're getting into my thoughts on immortality."
621[21:48] Esso Naam says, "We have sapience, just like vampires."
622[21:49] Eiphraem Kang says, "I disagree."
623[21:49] Alvi Slade whispers something.
624[21:49] Eiphraem Kang says, "It is wholly relevant."
625[21:49] Esso Naam says, "I'd argue that if a vampire had someone willing to donate blood to keep them alive of their own free will, that doesn't make the vampire a monster."
626[21:49] Eiphraem Kang says, "You are welcome to judge an ensoulled, sapient being, as you would any other ensoulled, sapient being-"
627[21:50] Calael Elisheva says, "It is but-- while the vampire in that sort of place isn't hurting anyone, it is still a person who has chosen not to pass on. Someone who is afraid of death."
628[21:50] Eiphraem Kang says, "Based on their actions, and intent."
629[21:50] Esso Naam says, "I think we're all a little bit afraid of death. That's normal."
630[21:50] Perseus Kang says, "... hmm."
631[21:50] Calael Elisheva says, "And so is death."
632[21:50] Perseus Kang asks, "I think you are making a presumption, there. May I interject?"
633[21:50] Calael nods.
634(Calael Elisheva)
635--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
636
637[21:50] Esso nods at Perseus.
638(Esso Naam)
639--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
640
641[21:51] Perseus Kang asks, "You assume they are afraid of death. What if they know exactly what death is, and instead have rejected it?"
642[21:51] Perseus Kang says, "Assuming that fear of death is an unknown, that is."
643[21:51] Perseus Kang says, "Another presumption, on my part."
644[21:51] Calael Elisheva says, "It's all the same to me; a denial of death is still something wholly evi-- incorrect."
645[21:51] Perseus Kang asks, "Do we agree that most people fear death for lack of knowledge?"
646[21:52] Calael nods.
647(Calael Elisheva)
648--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
649
650[21:52] Calael Elisheva says, "They're afraid of what comes next."
651[21:52] Perseus Kang asks, "... what are you calling death, exactly?"
652[21:52] Est looks up from her notebook, wide eyes locked directly onto Calael now.
653(Est)
654--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
655
656[21:52] Perseus Kang asks, "The emptying of the body, or the erasure of the self?"
657--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
658
659[21:53] Calael Elisheva says, "The passing on of your soul. You yourself are something clinging to a body, forcing your... essence if we're going to call it that not to pass on. You won't accept the embrace of the stars, you won't accept the door that leads to your next life."
660[21:53] Perseus Kang says, "I am aware, Calael. I remember my death more vividly than what you would call my life."
661[21:53] Perseus Kang says, "It is due to my advancement through that process that my memories of who I was were stripped from me."
662[21:53] Perseus Kang says, "Do not worry. I do not fear nothingness. I merely prefer to exist as I am."
663[21:54] Calael Elisheva says, "So death then it is... that. It is the end of one life, the beginning of the next. Whether you fear ir or reject it is all the same. It is... an unnatural way to live."
664[21:54] Perseus Kang says, "I would merely like to inform you that there are creatures who choose a current life out of preference to passing on. Rather than merely a kind of folly -"
665[21:54] Perseus Kang says, "For let me be clear."
666[21:54] Perseus Kang says, "To fear nothingness IS folly."
667[21:54] Rikona Heifang says, "I believe that immortality promotes stagnancy. Why actively pursue progress if you don't die? What is the point of a legacy? "
668[21:54] Perseus Kang says, "... and Eiphraem and I disagree on that, by the way."
669[21:55] Eiphraem flits his earfins.
670(Eiphraem Kang)
671--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
672
673[21:55] Alvi Slade says, "Some things are more important than a legacy."
674[21:55] Eiphraem Kang says, "Stagnancy has not often followed immortality. Quite the opposite."
675[21:55] Perseus Kang says, "-- it is something which can merely be chosen, rather than something someone -"
676[21:55] Perseus Kang says, "Actually, yes. Uhm."
677[21:55] Perseus Kang asks, "Let's call on history, shall we?"
678[21:55] Perseus Kang says, "So, let me make a very clear statement here. I have been on Agartha for nearly a hundred years."
679[21:56] Eiphraem Kang says, "... Every known world power that forms advancement has relied on an immortal or extended lifespan of leader to coordinate and promote progress."
680[21:56] Perseus Kang asks, "Do you want to know what has changed in a hundred years?"
681[21:56] Perseus Kang says, "For the mortal states, absolutely nothing."
682[21:56] Perseus Kang says, "Each generation forgets and repeats one before it."
683[21:56] Calael Elisheva says, "The cycles of history, yes."
684[21:56] Perseus Kang says, "You are in much the same position as your forebears. That is stagnancy."
685[21:57] Eiphraem Kang says, "... And yet, my kind has assisted in re-establishing and pioneering communication. Enhancement of human life spans. The resuscitation of men."
686[21:57] Rikona Heifang asks, "Are you saying that Huangzhou is similar to the older variations of Jianghu's influence upon Agartha?"
687[21:57] Eiphraem Kang says, "Quite."
688[21:57] Eiphraem Kang says, "I could be a little bit less modest and rather than saying 'my kind', myself."
689[21:58] Calael taps his pencil on his paper as he thinks.
690(Calael Elisheva)
691--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
692
693[21:58] Eiphraem Kang says, "... Child. If you look for things to condemn, you can find a thousand reasons to dehumanize other ensoulled, sapient beings before you."
694[21:58] Eiphraem Kang says, "You can render them to enemies before your eyes, by making them different and strange to you."
695[21:59] Esso Naam says, "I think that's a fair point to make Lord Eiphraem, considering you created the first city that I know of that actively doesn't perpetuate the cycle of violence."
696[21:59] Mikiko rubs the back of her head before entering her comment: "To judge before you get to know makes you an enemy on to yourself."
697(Mikiko Heifang)
698--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
699
700[21:59] Rikona Heifang says, "Mm. You certainly live up to your reputation, Eiphraem. Quite the orator. "
701[21:59] Eiphraem Kang says, "... If you look for similarities, you will find yourself far more powerful."
702[21:59] Calael Elisheva says, "I don't condemn necromancers and their undead because I want to. I condemn them because they are creatures that defy the Lifestream, things that hurt the way this world was meant to be."
703[21:59] Eiphraem Kang says, "... Thank you. I do not intend to make my points for my own benefit. I want Agartha to be united."
704[21:59] Perseus Kang says, "I would also like to dispel a possible misconception."
705[21:59] Calael Elisheva says, "We are meant to see our lives to the end, an end not necessarily chosen by us--"
706[21:59] Perseus Kang says, "... I do not necessarily wish to live forever."
707[21:59] Alvi makes a quiet noise and shoots Mikiko a glance. At least someone here was finally getting it.
708(Alvi Slade)
709--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
710
711[21:59] Eiphraem Kang asks, "Why is your solution execution and condemnation, then?"
712[21:59] Perseus Kang says, "I wish to live so long as I can be of benefit to Eiphraem, and to those I care about, because there are people who would kill them if I perished."
713[22:00] Eiphraem Kang says, "If it is, theoretically, not something you desire."
714[22:00] Est has, at this point, tried and failed to snap the pencil in two repeatedly. Her hands keep breaking apart into mist as she applies more pressure.
715(Est)
716--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
717
718[22:00] Perseus Kang says, "That is one of my purposes. It is the most prominent of them, and would surely falter if I were to end here."
719[22:00] Eiphraem Kang asks, "Why must you oppose someone, to correct and help them?"
720[22:00] Calael blinks as he stares at Est for a moment before turning back to the speakers.
721(Calael Elisheva)
722--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
723
724[22:00] Noel Elisheva says, "I understand trying to see the similarities in others before you declare them an enemy. But the Aproporyian vampires SHOULD be condemned. You said it yourself."
725[22:01] Perseus decides to cut his point off there - allowing Eiphraem a proper response to Noel.
726(Perseus Kang)
727--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
728
729[22:01] Eiphraem Kang says, "Not quite. I noted that what the culture- And mindset- Fosters, is dangerous."
730[22:01] Calael Elisheva says, "I don't mean to oppose anyone, I just want to help. That's where I've started with the thrall prisoners."
731[22:01] Noel Elisheva says, "They are a people that can live forever, right? But rather than working with the Agarthans and trying to set something up.. a way for unlimited blood without having to hunt and kill.."
732[22:01] Noel Elisheva says, "That's all they do."
733[22:01] Eiphraem Kang says, "... You should judge individuals and hold them accountable for what they do."
734[22:01] Eiphraem Kang exclaims, "Precisely!"
735[22:01] Noel Elisheva says, "And they give nothing back."
736[22:02] Eiphraem Kang says, "And that's terrible."
737[22:02] Eiphraem Kang says, "And that is something, based on actions towards other, ensoulled individuals-"
738[22:02] Calael Elisheva says, "People should be judged for what they do, but a vampire is one of two things."
739[22:02] Calael holds up two fingers, putting one down with each option. "Someone who willingly chose the ascension. Or someone who was forced into it."
740(Calael Elisheva)
741--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
742
743[22:03] Calael Elisheva says, "But they are both now creatures that live off of a curse, a curse that makes them something... like a monster."
744[22:03] Eiphraem Kang says, "That you should feel confident in opposing."
745[22:03] Eiphraem Kang says, "..."
746[22:03] Eiphraem Kang asks, "Is having a curse something that makes you a monster?"
747[22:03] Eiphraem Kang asks, "Is being born something that makes you an evil beast?"
748[22:03] Calael Elisheva says, "No, it makes you something that should seek a cure. Someone should not wish to thrive within the depths of a curse."
749[22:04] Eiphraem Kang asks, "Why?"
750[22:04] Eiphraem Kang asks, "And will you provide a cure?"
751[22:04] Calael Elisheva says, "It's a burden, or a punishment, or... something like that. And yes-- if I can manage it."
752[22:04] Calael Elisheva says, "Lord Eiphraem I--"
753[22:05] "The Commander spoke to me about my interest in the thrall prisoners already. I've been spending a lot of time trying to understand them, trying to help them.
754
755When we first got here and were placed outside of Huangzhou, our Mother told us of the wars this continent suffers. The violence and pain it has seen for years.
756
757I don't wish to be a soldier. I want to find a cure, a cure for all these things. And if I can do that without a sword, then that's what I wish to do."
758(Calael Elisheva)
759--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
760
761[22:07] The serpent's eyes half lid.
762
763He runs his fingers through Perseus' hair, to keep those unpleasant, twisted hands busy- Hair frayed by cold, gritty with rock, coarse with frost forms a sufficient fixation device for the demon as he takes a deep breath in.
764
765And out, before replying, as he finger combs.
766(Eiphraem Kang)
767--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
768
769[22:07] "... then consider Eiphraem Kang your greatest ally upon these shores in that goal, for it is all that he has ever attempted to achieve.
770
771… and consider this abomination atop him perfectly willing to assist in developing any 'cure' which makes my presence more preferable."
772
773He tries to slide in before Eiphraem can reply, and Eiphraem even waits for him. It's wonderful.
774(Perseus Kang)
775--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
776
777[22:07] Eiphraem Kang says, "If you wish to do such a thing- I advise you to stop thinking of individuals as animals, or different from yourself."
778[22:07] Eiphraem Kang says, "Merely in another situation."
779[22:08] Eiphraem Kang says, "... If you offer to work with them, to understand them, and to assist them-"
780[22:08] Rikona Heifang says, "I have listened to you all speak, debate, but now I must interject. I thank you for providing the children with food for thought, but-"
781[22:08] Eiphraem Kang says, "Rather than to condemn them for trying to live in the way they have been provided."
782[22:08] Calael Elisheva says, "That's how I see the thralls... vampires and... other undead are harder to see as things that can be reversed."
783[22:08] Eiphraem Kang says, "Ah, certainly."
784[22:09] Eiphraem Kang says, "... For the record."
785[22:09] Eiphraem Kang says, "I have been working on- Some pills."
786[22:09] Eiphraem Kang says, "If, you would like a sampling, to ease a ghoulled individual's addiction."
787[22:09] Eiphraem Kang says, "It is not particularly pleasant."
788[22:09] Eiphraem Kang says, "But, they are being tested for effacity with willing individuals."
789[22:10] Calael Elisheva says, "I'd like to try anything that would help their situations."
790[22:12] Noel Elisheva says, "And consider this demi-angel beside him perfectly willing to assist in developing any 'cure' which makes Agarthans more capable of co-existing."
791[22:13] Esso Naam says, "Coincidentally enough, the best cure for that, is what we're doing right now."
792[22:13] Noel tries to slide in before Rikona can reply, and the Commander even waits for him. It's amazing.
793(Noel Elisheva)
794--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
795
796[22:13] Esso Naam says, "Cooperating."
797[22:14] Esso Naam says, "If all of Agartha handled their differences sitting at a table like this, it would be very possible to unite it as one people."
798[22:14] Mikiko Heifang says, "Mhhm."
799[22:16] "If I'm not mistaken, we do have a cure for the Ghoul affliction already, created by our Lady Regent Koume Bavmor."
800
801Rikona quickly added on that part, before continuing. 
802
803"I have sat and listened to your points, which are all valid. I have come into this meeting with a clear mind, an open one. However, after hearing of your ways of sustenance, as well as your opinion on vampires, as well as immortality-"
804
805The Commander sharply inhaled, before exhaling slowly. 
806
807"I will have to agree to disagree. I cannot condone, in good conscience, this method of sustaining yourself. Murderer or no murderer, you only live through the sacrifice of others. This in itself is corrupt, it goes against the lifestream. The plants and natural wildlife tremble in your wake, this much is enough proof for me to know I cannot pursue this path."
808
809"As much as I'd like to believe in a fairytale, a happy ending with sunshines and rainbows, I cannot do so. We will not relent, we will continue our fight until Chaos and corruption has been wiped off of Agartha. The Necromancers shall be given a chance to repent, their undead released from their enslavement."
810
811"The Vampires will be exterminated. They require the life essence of others. Only then-"
812
813Rikona came to a stand, merely stretching her legs out. 
814
815"May we pursue stability and progress. I do not wish for war with Crafthold, but I cannot endorse your methods either. As Commander, the people of Huangzhou are my priority, so I shall not severe our bonds and inflict any harm upon you."
816
817"But do not be mistaken- I fully condemn the way in which you sustain yourself."
818
819Her gaze lingered on Perseus at the last sentence, before shifting her gaze to Eiphraem. 
820
821"I'm sorry that our customs and values differ so much."
822(Rikona Heifang)
823--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
824
825[22:17] Esso considers speaking up in response to Rikona, but his eyes flit to Eiphraem instead. The Archon probably had a better way to convey the thoughts Esso had.
826(Esso Naam)
827--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
828
829[22:20] Est looks up from her notebook toward the Commander. Rikona's words elicited a complete shift in Est's physiology; for the briefest of moments, her entire body flickered into mist like static on a screen. The pencil and notebook hit the ground. She picked them up on her own this time, though, once she was tangible again.
830(Est)
831--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
832
833[22:21] Calael quieted at the sight of the girl turning transparent and misty once again. His eyes narrowed some but he still said nothing as the more important conversation went on.
834(Calael Elisheva)
835--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
836
837[22:22] Alvi opened their mouth to give a scathing rebuttal to Rikona's stubborn determination but promptly closed it. Now was not the time to speak out of turn, even if they felt it entirely necessary. Whatever Eiphraem had hoped to achieve through this meeting, the witch merely opts to remain stock still - hands folded behind their back.
838
839That didn't stop the full force of their glare from being centered on the so-called Commander, however.
840(Alvi Slade)
841--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
842
843[22:23] Noel's optics also snap to the misty girl in the corner, lingering on her longer than he probably should. Crafthold held so many mysteries, and they were just now cracking open the vault. 
844
845Or rather, having the vault keepers open it for them through meaningful conversation.
846(Noel Elisheva)
847--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
848
849[22:26] Perseus listens silently for a good, long while. When all is said, truly, he remains silent.
850
851There had been a smile - however faint - upon his features while speaking to Calael and Noel. The angel children had evidently left a great impression upon the terrible, terrible monster.
852
853But when the Commander had spoken, that had quickly faded. Others with their declarations had been more warmly greeted.
854
855"You say that my way of sustaining myself is corrupt in the same breath as you declare an intent to sustain a war which would slaughter thousands - many of them your own people, and honestly? Likely more than theirs -
856
857and that is utterly disgusting to every single moral fiber that remains within me."
858
859Perseus very intentionally blinks, tilting his head to the side ever-so-slightly.
860
861"The children before you are so innocent that your guilt by comparison utterly stains your words black. May they carry the future when your actions destroy the present."
862(Perseus Kang)
863--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
864
865[22:28] Alvi Slade says, "Your war has killed more in a day than Perseus has or ever will in his lifetime."
866[22:28] The serpent says nothing, for a long moment.
867
868His fingers merely crawl through those golden threads, the blue still doubtless showing through at the roots. "... If you are already convinced of your righteousness, there is never any need for you to compromise, only your enemies. Is that not correct?"
869
870There is a quiet thrum, from the demon. "'Compromise' is something for lesser beings, often goes the creed of Sheng. I told you it would not suit you- But to call it 'sacrifice', you should bear warning. It is easily applied to you, in turn."
871
872"You are sustained on the bodies of the dead- Your powers coming from your willingness to exterminate any threats to the chosen people of your angel. How many have you killed in war, to so easily dismiss fighting necromancers as a boon? How many have been sacrificed on your altar, to oppose chaos?"
873
874"And how much progress have your people made, rather than placing their civilians before them as meat shields rather than surrender for them, in the past eighty years of human presence on these shores, for the sake of the purity of your Shengese power?"
875
876"I can tell you how many have been placed on the altar of extermination, for refusal to stop attempting to kill another. For the simple, constant request to cease promoting genocide of my kind."
877
878"Anything can be spun in a negative of 'sacrifice' if that is where the power comes from. No human died simply for the sake of my Peacekeeper. They were never killed because it was convenient- But when they chose death over any other form of rehabilitation."
879
880"And then- It was simply made to not be wasted."
881
882"However."
883
884A hand goes to Perseus mouth. It wraps over it, afterwards. "This is too personally heated. It ceases being productive, at such a point." Alvi feels a powerful THRUM against his mind- The Demon's telepathy pushing, like a firm elbowing against his brain.
885(Eiphraem Kang)
886--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
887
888[22:29] Mikiko Heifang asks, "...if I may?"
889[22:29] Eiphraem Kang says, "Of course."
890[22:30] Eiphraem Kang says, "I apologize. It is merely... Offensive, to frame that I have slaughtered anyone for selfish purposes."
891[22:30] Eiphraem Kang says, "It is... Unpleasant."
892[22:30] Alvi jolts violently, and promptly shuts up. It had been a while since they felt the Archon's telepathic presence in their mind, although this was the first time they fought to push it out. His point was made.
893(Alvi Slade)
894--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
895
896[22:31] Esso purses his lips, glancing to Mikiko. He'd wait for her to speak before saying his piece.
897(Esso Naam)
898--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
899
900[22:40] "A few years ago," she says with a deep inhale following and an exhale after, "I was kidnapped by the Gehennans. The same people who people always say are evil. These same people, are the same ones who taught me something important."
901
902Her gaze shifted towards Eiphraem then Perseus before another sigh escaped her thin, parted lips. Following suit was another deep inhale before she spoke on the war:
903
904"Balance, that destruction and creation share the equal grounds of everything in Life. They also taught me that with to little of one thing, another thing will overcome it and interrupt that said balance; to get rid of the balance will result in more chaos than there are peace. As much as we don't want War, we need war. As much as some people don't like demons, we need demons. The same way we don't want chaos, we need chaos."
905
906Her hand moved into her chest piece before getting a double sided coin and flipping it on the head and tails of it, "Two sides of the same coin. Without one side, then what is the point of the other? Sure, there's value, but if one side holes too much value than the other side means nothing; the same could be said with too much peace. Peace is boring when it's in great amounts, yet we need chaos to make it interesting...a balancing act."
907
908Her tongue licked the bottom lip before she goes forth on the idea of the undead and the life stream she rests her wide, brown hues on the angels:
909
910"However, I have my own notion that everything that dies and passes on to this so called 'spirit realm' deserve that rest," she says as she closes her eyes and takes a breath; "but, some people have an issue with saying goodbye, and I think that's why necromancy is involved; however, to disrupt that life stream will result in more, massive, insurmountable issues that will cause breaking. No one would like that, would they?"
911
912Finally, with another pause and a deep inhale: 
913
914"But, in regards to the idea that we should continue to push a war and cause more issues, I think it's better to let it all cease. Until a 'cure' or something of that order is done with... I would like the souls that have passed to continue to rest. I don't think people would want to see corpses of their love ones still being around, especially when they're gone; especially when they're being used to fight for their masters cause. But, wouldn't it be better to stop it at it's source?"
915(Mikiko Heifang)
916--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
917
918[22:40] Alvi Slade whispers something.
919[22:40] Alvi Slade whispers something.
920[22:41] Eiphraem Kang says, "She isn't wrong. We desire conflict. ... I think there are truly wrong things, that will always endure, for us to fight. So long as free will exists."
921[22:41] Eiphraem speaks relatively aloud, to whatever Alvi murmurs.
922(Eiphraem Kang)
923--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
924
925[22:42] Mikiko Heifang says, "And in that conflict, bonds are formed to handle that upcoming threat. There's peace within the chaos."
926[22:45] The change in tone between those gathered snaps Noel out of his sense of security - the doubts about whether or not it would be capable to end the endless waltz of Agarthan's powers suddenly coming back to his mind.
927
928They all had solid points that he would need to reflect on later, likely with the assistance of his brother. But for now, the holy magi does what he can to separate fact from fiction. To filter out the comments driven by personal bias and experience perhaps, and look for his own stance on these subjects that, up until recently, he did know mattered.
929
930His mind jumps back to the tenants that he had learned at a younger age. Humility - he and Calael were cut from a different cloth than most entirely. They had certain privileges built into their mannerisms that needed to be kept in check. Eiphraem's advice of seeing others as more than just animals would help with that.
931
932Understanding - Being empathetic and reasonable were two of the boy's greatest qualities. But try as he may, he couldn't allow himself to fall into the temptation of thinking that all necromancy or vampiric ways were acceptable. Prolonging the inevitable or escaping 'death' was something people did for various reasons, and not all of them were selfish, like Perseus' case. 
933
934Honesty - Rikona's defining trait. No matter how the world moved around her, she stayed honest to her reality of it all, doused in the guidance of the Arcane order. Noel has plenty of reasons to look up to the commander, but this was the main thing he admired about her being.
935
936The last tenant remains in the back of his mind, as he is unsure of how exactly he can relate the concept of Love to this all. Elisheva had given them so much that he had more than enough to give to everyone, but was that his duty? If he could keep unnecessary blood from spilling, he would. But something as big as the political matters between Crafthold and Huangzhou was far out of the reach of a fourteen year old's inner resolve.
937
938He straights up in his chair and sits in silence, somewhat nervous about the entire exchange. He assumes that Calael will speak up on their behalf.
939(Noel Elisheva)
940--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
941
942[22:48] Esso exhales audibly, but otherwise remains silent, letting Mikiko say her piece. In many ways, he agrees with her, although he does offer a bit of a different perspective.
943
944"I believe you're right in parts, but it's definitely just a slight difference in perspective that makes me see things differently. I believe that even if we unite Agartha, there will still be conflict, but I expect it to be manageable conflict. It's true that balance is important, but who's right is it to decide who lives and who dies? These wars that keep boiling up in Agartha harm the innocent and guilty alike.
945
946I strongly believe that a united Agartha is worth vying for, and for that, I'm thankful for this meeting, because it's meetings like these that will make it happen if it is to happen. Despite the sudden shift in tone of tonight's talk, I believe this meeting did a lot of good, and.."
947
948Esso's eyes flit to Rikona.
949
950"Despite our different perspectives, or possibly BECAUSE of them, I think that we should strive to continue having meetings like this. If you genuinely want to make Agartha better, it's wise to draw together as many people as you can who want that as well, regardless of what city they hail from."
951(Esso Naam)
952--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
953
954[22:49] The Commander's words were the ones he should, by all accounts, agree with. They were what the tomes he'd labored over in the libraries of the demiangel's Feleran upbringing had explained to him. The values of the Lifestream and the Virtues of the Angels were things etched across his mind like laws carved into tablets; unforgettable, forever there. Condemning a creature like Perseus was the only acceptable way forward for any who truly wished for a better world.
955
956And yet he couldn't agree with the follow up, the persistence of violence, the perpetual wars. He couldn't disagree with the scathing words of the undead, at least not the ones that counted the numbers of deaths that would occur in the ensuing wars between Huangzhou and the cities he had yet to step foot inside. Perseus himself had spoken of his origin; a soldier of an old state Huangzhou resembled. The more battles that would be fought between it and Dawn, the more stories and soldiers like him would persist.
957
958In a way, the battles and conflict only served to create as many undead as there were necromancers to comb through the aftermath, and as it stood upon Agartha, there were dozens, enough to build a city for.
959
960The boy crossed his arms, deep in thought. He let his pencil roll across his hieroglyphic notes and into the seam. "War is still not the answer, Commander." He said after some few moments of his silence. "War has gotten this continent... well it hasn't gotten it anywhere. Like Perseus said, this place is stuck in its cycles, Agartha bleeds and the blood is reused to fuel more wars, and all the while people only ever have meetings like this to shout and shoo one another away until they meet once again in the other's home, daggers and torches in hand."
961
962The demiangel looked to Perseus first. "Your existence is one I can never accept. The mystery as to why the stars have gifted you their power when you are something that resists their call is one I intend to learn, in time. You are as every undead I've ever met, as every vampire I will meet, if only because they suffer from the same immortal curse; you are a soul that should have passed on, a life that should be in its phase. Your actions might serve those around you, you might love them, but each day you exist is one that cause the Lifestream to suffer, even if you are not bound to a necromancer. It... helps that you aren't something seeking true immortality, but you're still something borrowing more and more from an already weeping world."
963
964Calael turned to Eiphraem, and paused as Mikiko spoke. The kitsune's words actually made him force back a smile. "On the other hand.
965
966I have to agree with Mikiko, and I want to work with you, Lord Eiphraem. Conflict is a necessity, evil is even a necessity, which is not something I think many others like me would admit. But Agartha is saturated with both. The balance of things here is off, and it's why there is so much pain and suffering, I believe." The boy let out a low hum as he collected his thoughts. "When I say a 'cure', I mean it in a lot of different ways. I want to cure the thralls of their addiction to vampire blood, give them something that eases the pain. If ghouls are already capable of receiving something like that I am unsure why it hasn't been administered to those who haven't yet completely fallen into the vampire's clutches..." He shook his head. "Offtrack… I think above all else this continent has stagnated. It's found itself so immersed in disagreement and hatred that the primary cure should be pointed toward those things.
967
968And I believe the 'monsters', creatures and humans that both you and I can agree to call that, Lord Eiphraem, will not survive that cure."
969(Calael Elisheva)
970--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
971
972[22:51] Eiphraem exhales, softly- As he goes to draw himself out of the chair, slowly- Pulling the man in his arms up with him, if not stopped.
973(Eiphraem Kang)
974--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
975
976[22:52] Eiphraem Kang says, "To inflict death on someone is not a cure. It is an admission that I have failed."
977[22:53] Perseus closes his eyes.
978Places his hands over them.
979Cradles himself.
980Curls into Eiphraem as best he can.
981And explains, shortly -
982
983"I am not in a state to respond civilly, and will respond better at a later date."
984
985Before using Eiphraem as a giant teddy bear.
986(Perseus Kang)
987--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
988
989[22:53] Calael Elisheva says, "I mean to say..."
990[22:54] Calael Elisheva says, "Their philosophies, their ways of life, their evil will not survive. I would like to save as many as I can, saving in the sense of... bringing them to a state of being that doesn't hurt the world, that doesn't hurt other people."
991[22:55] Eiphraem Kang says, "Certainly. That- Is something you should aim for. But- I advise, to abandon the word monster. It is merely a way to steel yourself to kill. "
992[22:55] Eiphraem Kang says, "... And you will only find the ability to help another in compromise."
993[22:56] Calael blinks and nods. "Misguided people... then."
994(Calael Elisheva)
995--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
996
997[22:56] Eiphraem Kang says, "It is not a sign of weakness."
998[22:56] Eiphraem Kang says, "Just changing your vocabulary can mean an immense difference. Perception is everything."
999[22:57] Esso Naam says, "It's why I speak the way I do."
1000[22:57] Calael Elisheva says, "I think the compromise here more is... choosing to begin to make progress in a place we all can agree to take the first steps."
1001[22:57] Esso Naam says, "I avoid using sharpened words that are only fit to offend."
1002[22:57] Eiphraem Kang says, "Precisely."
1003[22:57] Mikiko Heifang says, "Let's not call them something we do not understand; call them by their names, for even those creatures, scary as they may look: Are still created."
1004[22:57] Mikiko Heifang says, "And all creation, evil, good, in the middle are precious."
1005[22:57] Esso Naam says, "Wise words Mikiko."
1006[23:02] Eiphraem keeps his mouth carefully closed, though there's a faint pressure on the underside of his lips- Points of his fangs, as a light flickers in his front coat pocket.
1007(Eiphraem Kang)
1008--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1009
1010[23:03] For Perseus's part -
1011
1012he constructs moonlit earmuffs and weathers the storm.
1013(Perseus Kang)
1014--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1015
1016[23:03] Rikona listened to everyone speak, icy irises shifting to each as they spoke. She remained standing, silent, her posture straight and impeccable. 
1017
1018"Once more, the most I can do is agree to disagree. I have lived many years on this continent, since my birth. I have lost my liege, Moriya Ukitake, my brother, Bai Long, and my husband in this war, this endeavor to uproot Chaos and spread the Emperor's teachings to all."
1019
1020"Huangzhou remains as a beacon of light, the last bastion of righteousness upon this land plagued with evil and depravity. We will not waver in our resolve, nor we will question our beliefs."
1021
1022"Staying complacent and peaceful with an enemy that has not only unsealed fallen angels, but practiced world-damaging magics and has an ultimate goal that will bring about calamity is never an option."
1023
1024The Commander gazes upon Perseus, then Eiphraem. 
1025
1026"I will not allow the loss of my loved ones to be in vain. We will remain as their torchbearers, as my forefathers would have desired."
1027
1028"Vampires require taking life from another, these spire shard undead require the same. There is no excuse for this. You cling to life, yet it is not life."
1029
1030"The wildlife trembles in your steps, your stench permeating and spreading to all around you. Yet you call this morally correct? I must say that I'm not sure you have one moral fiber in your artificial existence."
1031
1032The room turns far colder than prior, particles of ice beginning to form around the woman. Yet an attentive eye would note they are unmalting. An adverse affect of her heated emotion, her mastery over 'True Ice.'
1033
1034"In the coming war, all are welcome within our borders, our sanctuary. So long as they repent, they turn to salvation, we are not in the business of hurting regular civilians, only those who practice vile magics. Who cling to life at the xpense of others, yet act as if they have some sort of moral high ground to stand on."
1035
1036Her gaze lingers on Eiphraem. 
1037
1038"Your golden tongue might be enough to manipulate the people in Crafthold, but I shall hear none of it. I see right through this façade you have created, this willingness to help all those in need, it is but a charade. More dolls to add to your collection, human lives you toy with."
1039
1040"I will have no more of it, no more of this. You are to leave now."
1041(Rikona Heifang)
1042--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1043
1044[23:11] There is the slightest twinge of annoyance visible on Esso's face when Rikona accuses Eiphraem of creating a façade, but he buries it, keeping his expression as neutral as he can manage.
1045
1046His eyes flit to his left, where the angels sit, then up to the head of the table, where Rikona and Mikiko stand, and he offers only a few words before pushing the chair slightly back and getting to his feet.
1047
1048"I'm truly sorry that these differences set a rift between us Lady Heifang. I hope that we can find common ground in the future. I meant what I said about hopefully having more meetings like this one.
1049
1050Even if we leave without agreeing on how we want to help Agartha, this meeting is a step in the right direction. Please consider meeting again."
1051(Esso Naam)
1052--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1053
1054[23:13] The serpent doesn't resist.
1055
1056He stares back- The passive, soft mists around him easily go heavy with Rikona's ice, speeded along by Perseus' presence. He adjusts the man curling against him, holding him carefully.
1057
1058A soft thrum deep in his chest vibrates against the sarradian, and those clawed hands carefully rearrange the man's bangs.
1059
1060"I hope that rationalization comforts you," He has to speak slowly- Taking his time, around his fangs, forcing enunciation to be patient. His mouth moves- A faint thrum, thick and deep in his throat, as he carefully, carefully chooses his next words. "But I pity you, if that is what you must believe to make the people around you that have died make sense."
1061
1062It stresses with control- A pause of two seconds. "I hope you can grow enough to make peace with the truth, rather than to find grief and pointlessness if it were to be accepted."
1063
1064"Thank you for your hospitality. I will make my egress. My domain, of course- Is always open."
1065
1066He moves, sliding sinuously- At last, his gaze drops, as he laps at the cringing cheek of the revenant, his hums becoming more pronounced.
1067
1068The serpent's head dips- Briefly going towards Mikiko- Then Noel, Calael, and even briefly to the redhead in back who barely spoke more than a murmur. Those slitted eyes may not successfully pierce those bangs, though.
1069
1070"It was an interesting time, to meet all of you."
1071
1072Come.
1073
1074It thrums, in the minds of those closest to him, though the broadcast of the serpent's telepathy is doubtless able to be felt. It carries no more compulsion, than the simple weight of Eiphraem's desire being expressed.
1075
1076He moves through the doorway, unless stopped. The teapot, politely, remains.
1077(Eiphraem Kang)
1078--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1079
1080[23:13] Calael moves to follow them.
1081(Calael Elisheva)
1082--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1083
1084[23:14] Est finally manages to snap the pencil without her fragile hands breaking into mist. The vicegrip lasts only long enough to do the deed, at which point her unique physiology kicks in once again and the two halves of the pencil slip through the smoky, intangible appendage. They roll down the latest page of her notebook moments before she slams it closed with her opposite hand, and the pencil hits the floor for a third time. She makes no effort to pick it up this time around. She opens her mouth to say something - but, leaving the words to Eiphraem, she only shakes her head and departs with him.
1085(Est)
1086--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1087
1088[23:14] Evi Tatasuki says, "Ah, welcome back."
1089[23:14] Eiphraem Kang says, "Ah, good evening, you two."
1090[23:14] Eiphraem Kang says, "I apologize, I made your commander mildly wroth, I feel."
1091[23:14] Eiphraem Kang says, "Still, it is good to see you all."
1092[23:14] Calael Elisheva says, "Lord Eiphraem-- I'd like to speak with you somewhere else."
1093[23:14] Eiphraem Kang says, "Ah- Certainly."
1094[23:15] Noel Elisheva says, "And, as an avid believer in the buddy system for my siblings, I would also like to come along."
1095[23:15] Perseus is clinging, largely deaf, surrounded by an increasingly-thick sheath of moonlight to isolate himself from the world. In the shadow of night, as the moon falls down upon him, it swells.
1096(Perseus Kang)
1097--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1098
1099[23:15] Eiphraem Kang says, "Ah, certainly."
1100[23:15] Evi Tatasuki asks, "If you'd endulge me sometime, care for a spar Eiphraem?"
1101[23:15] Eiphraem Kang exclaims, "Ah, perhaps!"
1102[23:15] Eiphraem Kang says, "I will be headed to Crafthold- You are all welcome to f-"
1103[23:15] Eiphraem Kang says, "..."
1104[23:15] Eiphraem glances behind him.
1105(Eiphraem Kang)
1106--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1107
1108[23:15] Calael Elisheva says, "I'd-- rather we meet elsewhere."
1109[23:15] Eiphraem Kang says, "..."
1110[23:15] Calael Elisheva asks, "I know a spot?"
1111[23:15] Eiphraem slowly, slowly, bonks his forehead against Perseus' own.
1112(Eiphraem Kang)
1113--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1114
1115[23:16] Eiphraem Kang says, "Is Alvi trying to leave a 'clever' remark."
1116[23:16] Eiphraem Kang says, "ALVI."
1117[23:16] Eiphraem is thunking his head against Perseus'
1118(Eiphraem Kang)
1119--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1120
1121[23:16] Eiphraem Kang says, "Please do not get stabbed."
1122[23:16] Eiphraem Kang says, "I would be very sad."
1123[23:16] Eiphraem Kang says, "But-"
1124[23:16] Eiphraem Kang says, "Of course."
1125[23:16] Eiphraem Kang says, "I can pause along the way."
1126[23:16] Calael Elisheva says, "This-- way."
1127[23:17] Eiphraem Kang says, "Here."
1128[23:17] Eiphraem Kang says, "There is a nice way up this way."
1129[23:17] Alvi Slade says, "What angers me the most is that she insists on continuing this foolish war even with this fallen angel business."
1130[23:18] Est says, "'Priorities' is not a word that exists in the Shengese language, I think."
1131[23:18] Eiphraem Kang says, "War stops for nothing."
1132[23:18] Calael Elisheva says, "It doesn't."
1133[23:18] Evi Tatasuki asks, "The commander still at the Tower?"
1134[23:19] Calael Elisheva says, "And that's the one thing I think we -can- agree on."
1135[23:19] Calael Elisheva says, "She is."
1136[23:19] Evi Tatasuki says, "Ah, I will head back then."
1137[23:19] Evi Tatasuki says, "You lot be safe out here."
1138[23:20] Perseus slowly detaches as they move, and then come to a stop. Rather than slide down, he actively peels himself off, and then tries to find a place which doesn't kill all too many flowers.
1139
1140He allows the sheath of moonlight to sublimate as he mumbles under his breath,
1141
1142"... unforgivable, unforgivable, unforgivable..."
1143
1144Of course, this all assumes that Eiphraem LETS him be a big baby.
1145(Perseus Kang)
1146--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1147
1148[23:20] "Contrary to what their precious 'Commander' thinks, I have my priorities in order."
1149
1150At that, the witch stops before Calael - seemingly the leader - and holds out a rolled up piece of paper towards him. A letter.
1151
1152"Give this to your leader. Whatever you need to get rid of this fallen angel that I've been hearing so much about, I am willing to assist."
1153(Alvi Slade)
1154--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1155
1156[23:21] Noel Elisheva says, "We."
1157[23:22] Noel Elisheva says, "Already have that letter."
1158[23:22] Alvi Slade says, "Oh."
1159[23:22] Alvi Slade says, "I've sent out multiple ones."
1160[23:22] Alvi Slade says, "At least one made it to its destination."
1161[23:22] Alvi Slade says, "The only courier I could trust these days is long gone, sadly."
1162[23:22] Noel Elisheva says, "We were going to show mother, but she's been busy in pursuit of the Fallen One."
1163[23:23] Alvi Slade asks, "Why exactly are they a fallen angel, might I inquire?"
1164[23:23] Alvi Slade asks, "Are they one of Azrael's, or did they have their own designs?"
1165[23:23] Esso Naam says, "You can trust me to be a courier if I need to be."
1166[23:23] Esso Naam says, "I'm more than happy to do courier work for Crafthold."
1167[23:36] The boy had snatched up his book in a hurry, the pencil still inside along the notes on Perseus Kang: Spire Shard Undead, causing the outside to bend around the object that wouldn't allow it to close all the way. He had it tightly tucked beneath his arm as they made their way out into a clearing, and despite his attempts at dismissing her, Kirsi had come along, with Noel to boot.
1168
1169"That was unproductive." He said with a sigh. "The Commander's heart is in the right place but I think she's too set in the ways of Agartha to change." Orange eyes moved from one face to the next. "And I'd hope that you understand her views, while similar to mine, are not the all in line.
1170
1171I didn't get to finish everything I wanted to say..." He focused on the muttering undeadbut then back to Eiphraem. "I think it's important to note that Perseus stated he'd be willing to die someday, in a world where he's no longer needed to protect you and your people. It's admirable, which is not something I'd readily say about the undead.
1172
1173But it brings me to another point you made, Lord Eiphraem; one about compromise, about sacrifice." The boy, though only thirteen, tried to straighten up as tall as he could, if only to seem more official. "We want the same thing, sort of. My siblings and I want to change this place for the better. We, or at least I, want to do that with as little fighting as possible. Because I don't believe war is 'Step 1'.
1174
1175To begin we have to understand one another, and... set down goals or something. Tangible things that we can both agree to work towards. Now everything I said about undead are things I can't and won't take back. Working alongside your Peacekeeper will be difficult as well but... without condoning it all, I understand the necessity to keep him, to seek that world in which he could pass on."
1176
1177The boy looked to his brother and then up into the night sky. His irises had the cosmic twinkle of the distant stars in them, marking him as a magi similar to Perseus, though far less powerful.
1178
1179"I want to work with you. Huangzhou may be where we are but I am not a member of their Fourfold, I don't intend on joining their Illuminated. Their culture is not mine. And I have arrived on Agartha not to purge, but to change, and build. And that has to start somewhere new, because war is old here, and it holds no answers."
1180
1181Calael returned his gaze to Eiphraem, fire burning within their ember-like light. "I can't speak for the others but I will work with you. I want to begin with the medicines that can make the pain easier on the thralls. From there we can... work on other things. I can work on shaping Huangzhou into something more... diplomatic. And you can do the same with those you deem kind and... well, not 'misguided'.
1182
1183I will help you as much as I can, but the compromise is that if we aim for that world where Perseus can pass on, where undead aren't striving for immortality or running from the stars' light, where vampires are no longer preying on the innocent, then you must allow that world to thrive.
1184
1185You'll have to let him go." Calael didn't say the final line easily. He knew the weight it carries with it based on the mannerisms of the archon and the undead within the meeting, and even now. "I'm asking you a lot.
1186
1187But compromise is a sacrifice. And we have to start somewhere."
1188(Calael Elisheva)
1189--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1190
1191[23:39] Eiphraem Kang says, "... Child. I will let him go when it is his time. When what I do for him no longer functions. If you have a way to truly help him, rather than to slit his throat? I will work with that. I have seen my humans killed. My kind ousted from their lands."
1192[23:40] Eiphraem Kang says, "In all of their years, the only 'compromise' the Jianghese have ceded to is to talk to me."
1193[23:40] Eiphraem Kang says, "Any time it has required actions, they have refused."
1194[23:40] Eiphraem Kang says, "Do not ask me for compromise, when I have freed countless humans."
1195[23:40] Eiphraem Kang says, "Healed them."
1196[23:40] Eiphraem Kang says, "Assisted them."
1197[23:41] Eiphraem Kang says, "Such as, Regent Ming."
1198[23:41] Eiphraem Kang says, "Such as, Suha Nylla of the Illuminated."
1199[23:41] Eiphraem Kang says, "Such as, Amane Faoleng."
1200[23:41] Calael Elisheva says, "I am not Jianghese. I wasn't here for your wars and your past. But I'm here for our future. You can't expect me to accept compromise with things you paid to others."
1201[23:43] Eiphraem Kang says, "Do not hold my companion at ransom for the 'gift' of your help, then. It is disingenuous. What you want to do is execute a man."
1202[23:43] Eiphraem Kang says, "Who has done nothing wrong, besides live."
1203[23:43] "I'm glad we agree on that. If war was indeed 'Step 1' like so many think, we've been stuck on step 1 for many, many generations.
1204
1205That being said, while I know you may be opposed to this, I offer a suggestion if it's something within your power. Spend time in Crafthold. Stay in it for a time if you feel you can. Learn about what we've built first-hand, and decide its flaws after spending time experiencing it. From there, we can work out something better. Something that we can apply to all of Agartha.
1206
1207Lord Eiphraem already seeks ways to make Agartha better, cures and tonics that might solve problems that plague it. You might benefit by putting your minds together metaphorically speaking. A new perspective is often the spark for innovation."
1208(Esso Naam)
1209--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1210
1211[23:44] Eiphraem Kang says, "I do not care 'about the lifestream'. I do care about the haleness of Agartha. I do care about the functionality of the lifestream. But if you pretend my Peacekeeper possesses an existential crime for living-"
1212[23:44] Eiphraem Kang says, "Then be aware. You request blood. Not some 'peaceful repose'."
1213[23:44] Calael crosses his arms. "I was using his words, not mine. He spoke of the day he'd be willing to accept that peace."
1214(Calael Elisheva)
1215--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1216
1217[23:44] Eiphraem Kang says, "..."
1218[23:44] Eiphraem Kang says, "I-"
1219[23:44] Calael Elisheva says, "I am willing to help him reach it."
1220[23:44] Calael Elisheva says, "And you as well."
1221[23:44] Calael Elisheva says, "I am doing more than the Jianghese of the past you've spoken of."
1222[23:44] Esso Naam asks, "If the terms here are when Perseus is ready to pass on, is that fine Lord Eiphraem?"
1223[23:44] Est asks, "...This is just more fatalism, isn't it?"
1224[23:45] Calael Elisheva says, "If you mean the idea that we all must die, then yes. But it seems that isn't something Perseus and I disagree on."
1225[23:45] Okay, it will take him some time to become coherent.
1226
1227Perseus is most definitely listening to Calael to some extent, but he has absolutely distanced himself from the conversation, for good reason.
1228
1229Of course, what that entails is... silence, beyond the mutters of -
1230
1231"... judgment without reflection, and -
1232
1233shards of, broken, mirror..."
1234
1235A light wheeze whirrs through his airways as words fail. It takes him a little while to recover.
1236
1237Eventually, Perseus has pushed himself up against one of the trees, allowing the moonlight to hold his legs together. It pulls itself into strands, solidifying as knees try to buckle.
1238
1239His eyes, solid as they are, struggle to focus, but finally...
1240
1241boom! Right on Calael.
1242
1243"It is, difficult, to prevent. Vigorous responses to stubborn individuals."
1244(Perseus Kang)
1245--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1246
1247[23:45] Eiphraem Kang says, "... He said such a thing himself. Do not play word games with this. If you are asking me to execute him, for no reason, before his time is over-"
1248[23:45] Eiphraem Kang says, "I will refuse that."
1249[23:45] Eiphraem Kang says, "... When it is, I will doubtless follow him."
1250[23:46] Perseus Kang says, "Okay, so -"
1251[23:46] Perseus Kang says, "What, exactly, are."
1252[23:46] Calael Elisheva says, "I don't ask for anything to end before his time is over. I ask that when that day does arrive, you accept it."
1253[23:46] Perseus looks around, a bit curiously.
1254(Perseus Kang)
1255--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1256
1257[23:46] Esso interjects, hopefully with the intent of clarifying the situation.
1258
1259"Calael, for clarification, when you refer to Perseus passing on, you refer to when he said he's ready to pass on when his work is done, yes?"
1260(Esso Naam)
1261--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1262
1263[23:47] Perseus Kang says, "We are near the site of the Church of Order."
1264[23:47] Eiphraem Kang says, "... Hahn. I remember that."
1265[23:47] Eiphraem Kang says, "..."
1266[23:47] Eiphraem Kang asks, "I do not know if I will accept it. But I will be forced to, will I not?"
1267[23:47] Esso Naam says, "That or it might be the other way around."
1268[23:47] Perseus Kang says, "So, to clarify, a few things."
1269[23:48] Calael Elisheva asks, "Just as I will be forced to undo some rooted cultures here in Agartha, yes?"
1270[23:48] Noel Elisheva says, "Most."
1271[23:48] Calael Elisheva says, "Shenghese and Apropriyan alike."
1272[23:48] Noel Elisheva says, "Most of them must be uprooted."
1273[23:48] Esso Naam says, "While I hate to consider it, when your lifetime reaches its end, I imagine Perseus will want to follow you if he's still around then."
1274[23:48] Perseus Kang says, "I *do* enjoy to be alive. Death is not, preferable, for me. And my preference of, cooperation, is to start with any attempts to mitigate."
1275[23:49] Perseus Kang says, "The damage that you say my existence causes."
1276[23:49] Calael Elisheva says, "And we may work on that. I'm not stubborn."
1277[23:49] Calael Elisheva says, "I want to find a way that this works."
1278[23:49] Perseus Kang says, "Wonderful."
1279[23:49] Esso Naam says, "I don't fully understand the disruption that undead cause to the lifestream. That's something I'd like to learn more about from your perspective."
1280[23:49] Eiphraem Kang says, "... As long as you are not demanding that I execute my heart, I am at ease."
1281[23:49] Perseus Kang says, "Please take this in the kindest of ways."
1282[23:49] Eiphraem Kang says, "... In truth, it is more minor than most would care to admit."
1283[23:49] Esso Naam asks, "Does it have any notable effect on how life functions?"
1284[23:49] Alvi thought back to the very brief mention on leaving a lasting legacy after death. While they dismissed the notion of a legacy as unimportant when compared to living longer, in truth that's all the witch ever truly wanted. Personally, at least. Lasting peace, however, was a much more important goal to work for, and so they couldn't just lay down and die. Not yet.
1285
1286"If lasting peace could be obtained, and not just on Agartha but the whole world itself, then I would gladly pass on. However... Until that day comes, people like Perseus and myself are ultimately necessary for the simple fact that we'll do what we must. 
1287
1288You forget that we didn't die of natural causes. We were murdered with unfinished business. We accepted undeath as a choice, not a curse. We don't care for your lifestream, as it's done nothing to benefit anyone other than be some excuse for the Jianghese to rattle on and continue their genocide.
1289
1290We don't ask you to accept us. Simply work with us for a better future."
1291(Alvi Slade)
1292--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1293
1294[23:50] Perseus Kang says, "I..."
1295[23:50] Eiphraem Kang says, "Primarily? To be fair, allow me to express what happens."
1296[23:50] Eiphraem Kang says, "Undead pull in power from their surrounds, and accelerate decay."
1297[23:50] Eiphraem Kang says, "Their decomposition is unnatural. Perseus' body- Is technically alive."
1298[23:50] Eiphraem Kang says, "What you see occuring to him is the entropy of his soul registering that it is 'dead'."
1299[23:51] Eiphraem Kang says, "Failing to be dead."
1300[23:51] Eiphraem Kang says, "And applying it to all around him, while drawing upon the mana."
1301[23:51] Eiphraem Kang says, "... On weaker things without a soul, you can see the effects on plantlife."
1302[23:52] Eiphraem Kang says, "When enough undead gather in a region, they have deleterious effects."
1303[23:52] Perseus Kang says, "I think I am better, at another time, than right now."
1304[23:52] Perseus Kang says, "I am sorry. I am just - recovering. Adjusting to being."
1305[23:52] Perseus Kang says, "My limbs are like rubber."
1306[23:52] Eiphraem Kang says, "Yes. Yes, they are."
1307[23:53] Eiphraem Kang says, "I told you, I should have gone alone. You should have stayed in the tower, and rested..."
1308[23:55] Esso Naam says, "I'm certain that this meeting went better because you had people with you Lord Eiphraem."
1309[23:55] Esso Naam says, "I don't doubt that you'd have handled yourself fine alone, but it means something that Crafthold clearly backs your decisions."
1310[23:55] Esso Naam says, "If I didn't believe in what you want for Agartha, I wouldn't follow you, but I do, so I will follow those ambitions as long as my life lets me."
1311[23:55] Esso Naam says, "Loyalty like that is important."
1312[23:56] Esso Naam says, "A cause unites us, and that cause can unite others."
1313[23:56] Perseus Kang says, "... if you had gotten hurt out here, I would have been helpless."
1314[23:57] Noel lightly slaps a hand to his cheek, admiring the back and forths between Perseus and Eiphraem. If he has anything to say on the matter, he is refraining from doing so for the time being.
1315(Noel Elisheva)
1316--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1317
1318[23:58] Calael didn't like Alvi's answers, and most of the words made him uncomfortable, accenting his anxious demeanor of already spending so much time talking with an archon and at least two undead.
1319
1320"To die and come back is in itself something that works against the Lifestream, whether you wanted it or not. And while I've heard you all say you don't care for it, you must understand that I could never feel the same. It must be defended, guarded, aided, or else we'd be facing consequences that... I'd rather not think about."
1321
1322Calael hugged himself a little tighter. "We spent so much time in there debating what we think and believe that I don't think we really said anything about an actual plan, about what comes after agreeing to work with one another.
1323
1324My compromise is asking that the undead, all undead under your jurisdiction, accept death when it comes. That they aren't executed mercilessly, but that they are taught to understand the damage they cause, that they are shown that passing on is not something to be feared or fought against. Just as you said you have intentions of... creating... vampires that don't harm people, we'd have to think creatively to figure out these problems as well.
1325
1326I won't ask you to execute him. I ask that there will come a day where it ends. And in return, you may ask of me what you'd like to see done. You may ask me to sit at the table with my siblings in your stead, to steer the future of Huangzhou toward one that leads to peace instead of war. Or whatever else you actually want to do.
1327
1328But I don't want to keep talking. If you've been to so many of these meetings, and so many of those of the past have turned you away, I'm the one who is standing here to stay at the table.
1329
1330And I want to see something done. I want to hear a plan. Not philosophical debates."
1331(Calael Elisheva)
1332--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1333
1334[23:58] Eiphraem Kang says, "That? Ah."
1335[23:58] Eiphraem Kang says, "That, is perfectly fine."
1336[23:59] Eiphraem Kang says, "... I want to see something superior to undeath be put into place. The tinctures I used upon Lord Illaron, and upon Zoldak Lelhua-"
1337[23:59] Eiphraem Kang says, "They're better steps."
1338[23:59] Perseus Kang says, "I."
1339[23:59] Perseus Kang says, "Allow me just a moment to express -"
1340[23:59] Eiphraem Kang says, "... The people who enslave souls to have puppets to do their bidding ARE terrible people, rather than those seeking to heal death."
1341[23:59] Eiphraem Kang says, "I think we can all agree."
1342[23:59] Calael Elisheva asks, "And that is Dawn, right?"
1343[00:00] Perseus Kang says, "I do hate what death did to me, and I do hate that necromancy was the method which returned me to any form of life."
1344[00:00] Eiphraem Kang says, "... It is more complicated than 'Dawn'."
1345[00:00] Eiphraem Kang asks, "... But, what has become standard policy within it?"
1346[00:00] Eiphraem Kang says, "Yes."
1347[00:00] Perseus Kang says, "I believe wholeheartedly that necromancy as it is in inherently flawed."
1348[00:01] Perseus Kang says, "... but in many cases, the alternative is accepting that others are going to change the world to your negative, and that is ultimately what I have issue with."
1349[00:01] Est says, "...How easily you put an entire population under one umbrella like that. 'Dawn.'"
1350[00:01] Perseus Kang says, "I am not willing to pass on until I have faith that the world will be a better place with or without me, and -"
1351[00:01] Calael Elisheva says, "Dawn is all I know it as. I know it as the place under a Lich's rule."
1352[00:01] Perseus Kang says, "Every single piece, of evidence, I have."
1353[00:01] Perseus Kang says, "Has shown me that Agartha will degenerate or stay as it is."
1354[00:01] Perseus Kang says, "... no matter what banner the war is declared upon."
1355[00:01] Alvi Slade says, "Dawn, as it stands, has no policy to regulate reckless abuse of necromancy. If anything, it encourages it."
1356[00:01] Perseus Kang says, "Fuck Dawn."
1357[00:01] Noel Elisheva says, "Then where would those wishing to chang--"
1358[00:01] Calael blinks.
1359(Calael Elisheva)
1360--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1361
1362[00:01] Perseus Kang says, "..."
1363[00:01] Alvi Slade says, "Rowan's army of mindless undead are currently rampaging westwards, killing anyone they come across to bolster their numbers."
1364[00:01] Eiphraem Kang says, "... I do care about Lady Cho. She has-"
1365[00:01] Noel steps forward and holds a hand out to Perseus Kang.
1366(Noel Elisheva)
1367--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1368
1369[00:01] Eiphraem Kang says, "Helped many people."
1370[00:01] Eiphraem Kang says, "Arthur's-"
1371[00:02] Noel Elisheva says, "We do not swear."
1372[00:02] Eiphraem Kang says, "What Arthur did to the Valmasians-"
1373[00:02] Calael Elisheva says, "A compromise."
1374[00:02] Calael Elisheva says, "No swearing in our meetings."
1375[00:02] Eiphraem snrks. He doesn't intend to, but as he goes to finish, he snrks.
1376(Eiphraem Kang)
1377--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1378
1379[00:02] Perseus is among children. He forgot. But when Noel steps forward and holds a hand out to him -
1380(Perseus Kang)
1381--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1382
1383[00:02] Noel Elisheva says, "You can avoid the fee this time."
1384[00:02] Calael grins. But is also serious.
1385(Calael Elisheva)
1386--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1387
1388[00:02] Alvi Slade says, "Going forward, if we're to achieve peace, then we need to take Rowan out of the picture somehow."
1389[00:03] Perseus just fucking can't help it. He cracks a smile. Fuck. This is too good.
1390(Perseus Kang)
1391--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1392
1393[00:03] Est says, "Couldn't agree more."
1394[00:03] Alvi Slade says, "He'll be even less reasonable than Huangzhou's leadership, if that's possible."
1395[00:03] Calael Elisheva asks, "Then is that square one, Lord Eiphraem?"
1396[00:03] Perseus Kang says, "... okay, so, wait, one second."
1397[00:03] Calael Elisheva asks, "We work together first to remove the Lich from power?"
1398[00:03] Eiphraem Kang says, "... Hmn."
1399[00:03] Eiphraem Kang says, "Well."
1400[00:03] Eiphraem Kang says, "No, actually."
1401[00:03] Perseus Kang says, "The undead."
1402[00:03] Eiphraem Kang says, "Please, bear with me."
1403[00:03] Eiphraem Kang says, "... Gehenna."
1404[00:03] Calael Elisheva says, "I'm all ears."
1405[00:03] Eiphraem Kang says, "And the contest over it."
1406[00:04] Perseus Kang says, "I'm -"
1407[00:04] Kirsi Ó Cnáimhín whispers: Why's everyone talkin' so fast.
1408[00:04] Eiphraem Kang says, "Currently, my kin is, working with the vampires, contesting the leadership of Gehenna."
1409[00:04] Perseus Kang says, "At a later date, I will compile my thoughts on necromancy and deliver them to you, Calael."
1410[00:04] Calael Elisheva says, "I'd appreciate that."
1411[00:04] Perseus Kang says, "You may peruse, publish, or do whatever with them you wish."
1412[00:04] Eiphraem Kang says, "... While perfectly friendly, and quite charming, the current tribe leaders of Gehenna are-"
1413[00:04] Perseus Kang says, "For now - I listen."
1414[00:04] Eiphraem Kang says, "Dangerous."
1415[00:04] Perseus plops down. Allows Eiphraem to speak.
1416(Perseus Kang)
1417--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1418
1419[00:04] Calael Elisheva says, "I've been told Gehenna is full of Chaos Magi at the moment."
1420[00:05] Eiphraem Kang says, "In the sense that they are complete primitivist chaos magi."
1421[00:05] Calael Elisheva says, "Mm.."
1422[00:05] Eiphraem Kang says, "They want everything in Gehenna to be as it was on the mainland."
1423[00:05] Eiphraem Kang says, "Their mainland is a terrible place."
1424[00:05] Eiphraem Kang asks, "... Ohtli. Have you met her?"
1425[00:05] Calael shakes his head.
1426(Calael Elisheva)
1427--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1428
1429[00:05] Eiphraem Kang says, "She is a wonderful woman. She has been forced to stand aside as her people have retread routes she bled to cleanse them of."
1430[00:06] Noel Elisheva asks, "Oh. They still do.. blood rituals?"
1431[00:06] Eiphraem Kang says, "Yes.l"
1432[00:06] Calael Elisheva says, "So your square one... your start. You want Huangzhou to help Gehenna--"
1433[00:06] Calael Elisheva says, "From what I heard, a deal was struck already."
1434[00:06] Eiphraem Kang says, "Hold on."
1435[00:06] Calael Elisheva says, "Oh--"
1436[00:06] Eiphraem Kang says, "A deal was struck..."
1437[00:06] Eiphraem Kang says, "For the most foul of political maneuvers."
1438[00:07] Eiphraem Kang says, "In essence."
1439[00:07] Calael Elisheva says, "...Go on."
1440[00:07] Eiphraem Kang says, "Huangzhou has decided that they will back the chaos magi in their hold over Gehenna, in spite of rebellion from their lowers in favor of Ohtli taking power."
1441[00:07] Eiphraem Kang says, "The terms of this deal are, essentially, to tell the Chaos Magi not to be mean... In exchange for agreeing to exile my kin."
1442[00:07] Eiphraem Kang says, "All of them."
1443[00:07] Calael Elisheva says, "Right..."
1444[00:07] Eiphraem Kang says, "You may see how absolutely terrible this is."
1445[00:07] Est says, "Naturally."
1446[00:07] Eiphraem Kang says, "... My kind are not a plague on this world. They are often raised to believe that is their only option."
1447[00:07] Calael Elisheva says, "I do. Though I've heard you're something of an outlier among your kind."
1448[00:07] Eiphraem Kang says, "... I do not deny this."
1449[00:08] Eiphraem Kang says, "But I have known many of them well."
1450[00:08] Perseus Kang says, "A single interjection -"
1451[00:08] Perseus Kang says, "Don't worry, me too."
1452[00:08] Perseus Kang says, "... in regards to, demons."
1453[00:08] Noel Elisheva asks, "Then why would we help those who are not outliers?"
1454[00:08] Perseus Kang says, "They sometimes take extra work."
1455[00:09] Noel Elisheva asks, "Wouldn't a mass of vampires be just as bad in the long run?"
1456[00:09] Eiphraem Kang asks, "You are making a presumption. You are thinking- Monsters, correct?"
1457[00:09] Noel Elisheva says, "No-no. I mean."
1458[00:09] Noel Elisheva says, "I heard that they were waging war not long ago. It's all Lady Rikona has been talking about."
1459[00:09] Eiphraem Kang says, "My kind are the natives of this realm. We are sapient, thinking beings. We are few in number- And almost always will be."
1460[00:09] Eiphraem Kang says, "Ah."
1461[00:09] Eiphraem Kang says, "Ipos is working with them."
1462[00:09] Eiphraem Kang says, "Not my kin as a whole."
1463[00:09] Eiphraem Kang says, "Apologies- It is-"
1464[00:09] Eiphraem Kang says, "Tenses."
1465[00:10] Noel Elisheva says, "My mistake, then."
1466[00:10] Eiphraem Kang says, "Allow me to be more specific."
1467[00:10] Eiphraem Kang says, "Demonkind is not united."
1468[00:10] Eiphraem Kang says, "It would be akin to- Demanding Jianghu exile all kitsune, because the Invidia clan is comprised of kitsune."
1469[00:11] Esso Naam says, "Many mortal races are not united."
1470[00:11] Eiphraem Kang asks, "You would find that absolutely illogical, wouldn't you?"
1471[00:11] Esso Naam says, "Humans are a fantastic example as well."
1472[00:11] Esso Naam says, "Best to never assume someone's refering to all of one kind."
1473[00:11] Calael Elisheva says, "Mhm..."
1474[00:12] Calael Elisheva says, "Well..."
1475[00:12] Eiphraem Kang says, "Ipos, himself, has not demonstrated himself to be without forethought either."
1476[00:12] Eiphraem Kang says, "... I offer you this. If Ipos wins, I will attempt to instate Ohtli as the Gehennan leader."
1477[00:13] Eiphraem Kang says, "... If the tribes win, Ohtli must be instated as Gehennan leader."
1478[00:13] Calael Elisheva says, "And how would you do that exactly? The first one."
1479[00:13] Calael Elisheva asks, "Why would he accept that?"
1480[00:13] Eiphraem Kang says, "Simple."
1481[00:13] Eiphraem Kang says, "We are logical beings."
1482[00:13] Eiphraem Kang says, "I have already spoken to him regarding the outcome."
1483[00:13] Eiphraem Kang says, "He is out for the same goal."
1484[00:13] Eiphraem Kang says, "He wishes to unite Agartha... Through conquering it."
1485[00:13] Eiphraem Kang says, "I have told him this will not work very well."
1486[00:13] Calael Elisheva says, "Right..."
1487[00:13] Eiphraem Kang says, "But he is a brave, youthful archon who is very eager to show me he can succeed this time."
1488[00:13] Eiphraem Kang says, "Unlike everyone else."
1489[00:13] Eiphraem Kang says, "However..."
1490[00:13] Eiphraem Kang says, "He has proven willing to listen."
1491[00:14] Eiphraem Kang says, "The logical outcome is one where he can establish himself as a power in Gehenna- But have a leader to whom the Gehennans actually listen to, and that he must treat with."
1492[00:14] Eiphraem Kang says, "I cannot promise I will be successful- But nor could you."
1493[00:14] Eiphraem Kang asks, "Correct?"
1494[00:14] Eiphraem Kang says, "But this would be step one."
1495[00:14] Noel Elisheva says, "I.. we.."
1496[00:14] Calael Elisheva asks, "And where does that leave us?"
1497[00:14] Eiphraem Kang says, "If change can be enacted upon Agartha."
1498[00:15] Calael Elisheva says, "No part in that really... gives us something to help with."
1499[00:15] Noel Elisheva says, "That's a terrible first step, if the vampires don't agree to stop their ways."
1500[00:15] Eiphraem Kang says, "Ohtli must be a reasonable, diplomatic power."
1501[00:15] Noel Elisheva says, "None of this matters if they can't do that much."
1502[00:15] Eiphraem Kang says, "Incorrect."
1503[00:15] Eiphraem Kang says, "I need Huangzhou to know Ohtli, and want to replace the Chaos Chieftains with her."
1504[00:15] Eiphraem Kang says, "One step at a time."
1505[00:16] Eiphraem Kang says, "In essence-"
1506[00:16] Calael Elisheva says, "Knowing her is easy."
1507[00:16] Eiphraem Kang says, "What I ask of you is to meet her."
1508[00:16] Eiphraem Kang says, "And for you to come to your conclusion."
1509[00:16] Calael nods. "Another doable thing."
1510(Calael Elisheva)
1511--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1512
1513[00:16] Eiphraem Kang says, "I will say most Gehennans desire her as a leader."
1514[00:16] Perseus actually curls up into his own little makeshift nest on the ground and closes his eyes.
1515(Perseus Kang)
1516--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1517
1518[00:16] Eiphraem Kang says, "But, she is not the strongest."
1519[00:16] Eiphraem Kang says, "Merely the wisest."
1520[00:17] Eiphraem plucks him RIGHT up into his arms once more.
1521(Eiphraem Kang)
1522--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1523
1524[00:17] Calael Elisheva says, "I won't say no to meeting someone like that. And if that's step one I can support it."
1525[00:18] Eiphraem Kang says, "Excellent."
1526[00:18] Calael Elisheva says, "And I guess after that... we can keep talking."
1527[00:18] Eiphraem Kang says, "I will not ask you to do anything I cannot explain, and that you would not have full knowledge of."
1528[00:18] Eiphraem Kang says, "You are young."
1529[00:18] Calael Elisheva says, "And we'll be open with you too."
1530[00:18] Eiphraem Kang says, "It is good- That you care so much."
1531[00:18] Calael Elisheva says, "I watched Rikona Heifang try to slam a door in a hallway of closed ones."
1532[00:18] Calael Elisheva says, "I'd like to start opening them."
1533[00:18] Esso Naam says, "That care is the catalyst to hopefully change Agartha for the better."
1534[00:18] Eiphraem Kang says, "... She was upset that I could not give her the answer she wanted."
1535[00:18] Eiphraem Kang says, "It was grief that motivated her."
1536[00:18] Est says, "I'm amazed that someone like this exists here after hearing /that/ woman."
1537[00:19] Noel Elisheva says, "We aren't them."
1538[00:19] Noel Elisheva says, "We just.. happen.. to live by them for now."
1539[00:19] Eiphraem Kang says, "She wanted to believe that Perseus was perfect, and she would not need to break her religious tenets to save her husband."
1540[00:19] Calael Elisheva says, "She is set in her ways because of the losses and pains she's suffered, as well as the culture she was raised in."
1541[00:19] Eiphraem Kang says, "She found that was not the case."
1542[00:19] Calael Elisheva says, "But she is a good woman."
1543[00:19] Eiphraem Kang says, "I do not appreciate her... Manipulations."
1544[00:19] Est expresses sincere doubt.
1545(Est)
1546--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1547
1548[00:19] Eiphraem Kang says, "But-"
1549[00:19] Eiphraem Kang says, "I can understand the emotional context."
1550[00:20] Calael Elisheva says, "Mhm... I won't ask that you talk with her again unless necessary."
1551[00:20] Calael Elisheva says, "Another thing."
1552[00:20] Eiphraem Kang says, "If Perseus' condition could not save her husband, then she had to despise it so she could feel confident in rejecting it."
1553[00:20] Eiphraem Kang says, "Go on."
1554[00:20] Calael Elisheva says, "You mentioned pills or something that would help the thralls in Huangzhou's custody."
1555[00:20] Eiphraem Kang exclaims, "Ah!"
1556[00:20] Eiphraem Kang says, "Yes."
1557[00:20] Eiphraem Kang says, "Shizuko and Salvas have been helping me with them."
1558[00:21] Calael Elisheva says, "I told Rikona that I am very much interested in turning the jails here into... areas for rehabilitation instead."
1559[00:21] Eiphraem Kang says, "I have vampire and ghoul alike to run tests with."
1560[00:21] Eiphraem Kang says, "It assists immensely."
1561[00:21] Eiphraem Kang says, "Shizuko has been very patient and assistive with the process."
1562[00:21] Calael Elisheva says, "If you could send some I'd be very grateful."
1563[00:21] Eiphraem Kang says, "Yes, I will see about-"
1564[00:21] Eiphraem Kang says, "One thing."
1565[00:21] Eiphraem Kang says, "Ah, mm, I have noted that nausea is a side effect."
1566[00:22] Eiphraem Kang says, "Please, be careful and observe individuals taking them."
1567[00:22] Eiphraem Kang says, "Report any irregularities or poor reactions."
1568[00:22] Calael Elisheva says, "Of course."
1569[00:22] Calael Elisheva says, "I--"
1570[00:22] Eiphraem Kang says, "I will try to list the ingredients in them, when I send them to you. Have an older, more experienced individual assist you and read over it before you give it to them."
1571[00:22] Eiphraem Kang says, "It is formulated for a specific individual."
1572[00:24] "If we're to continue meeting or speaking like this, or sending simple deliveries like this medicine, is there someone you trust to come to Huangzhou safely? Or here where I can collect them." His eyes shift from Alvi to Perseus. "I don't think any of the three of you would really be safe returning here unless explicitly allowed. Even for my errands."
1573
1574Calael's orange eyes settle on Est. "I suppose she might be able to bring messages or packages?"
1575(Calael Elisheva)
1576--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1577
1578[00:24] Eiphraem Kang says, "Ah. Est..."
1579[00:24] Eiphraem Kang says, "Tell them what happened at the gates."
1580[00:24] Noel Elisheva asks, "Est..?"
1581[00:25] Esso Naam says, "If need be, I can be a courier if nobody else is fit for it."
1582[00:26] Esso Naam says, "Considering I'm an ordinary human, I don't offend the sensibilities of anyone in Huangzhao."
1583--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1584
1585[00:28] Esso Naam says, "You can speak to any of us or one of a few others."
1586[00:28] Eiphraem Kang says, "Ah, do not worry. That will not be necessary."
1587[00:29] Esso Naam says, "There's a number of people in Crafthold who I think could be trusted to deliver missives to."
1588[00:29] Esso Naam says, "Iosefka obviously."
1589[00:29] Esso Naam says, "Yue."
1590--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1591
1592[00:30] Est thought it over for a good, long while- then shook her head slowly. Seems she viewed that as a non-starter, and she had the recent experience to prove it. At Eiphraem's urging she cleared her throat, then spoke in a terribly quiet voice just barely higher than a whisper. "Just recently I tried to visit the Illuminated. They're supposed to be wise. They're supposed to know things," she said, "So I thought maybe I could speak to them. About... breaking this awful cycle. I'm... a victim of it- one that should be dead."
1593
1594Her eyes narrowed as she stared at Calael. That was the thing that provoked her to nearly snap her pencil earlier. "That was my 'time' to die, and yet I'm still alive, as disappointing as that must be to you." But she shook her head again, and finally got around to explaining the gate incident:
1595
1596"...I was stopped at the gates. One of the Fourfold told me I was 'lucky' that it was he who stopped me, and not one of the more 'bloodthirsty' people of Huangzhou. I am... unarmed. I'm one step above a non-magi. And even if Lord Ephraim healed me- I am still injured. And yet I was told the majority of the Fourfold would gleefully cut me down. For... what?"
1597(Est)
1598--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1599
1600[00:31] Calael Elisheva says, "Are--"
1601[00:31] Calael Elisheva asks, "Are you an undead?"
1602[00:31] Est asks, "...And why do you assume that I am?"
1603[00:31] Calael Elisheva says, "You seemed to say that you should have died."
1604[00:32] Est says, "We are so close. You can't feel corruption - because there is none. And you're still asking if I'm undead."
1605[00:32] Calael Elisheva says, "You implied I'd be disappointed in you living."
1606[00:32] Calael Elisheva says, "I... didn't mean any insult."
1607[00:32] Calael Elisheva says, "If someone from Huangzhou stopped you like that then I'm sorry."
1608[00:33] Calael Elisheva says, "Especially if they really didn't have a reason to do so."
1609
1610"Apologies about eavesdropping, but I heard Calael call you by a different name earlier. I won't force you to use that name if you'd prefer Kevin though. You are safe among present company though. I promise you that."
1611(Esso Naam)
1612--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1613
1614[00:34] Calael Elisheva says, "..."
1615[00:34] Noel Elisheva says, "That is a terrible thing. Sorry they put you through it, Est."
1616[00:34] Est says, "You said something about people having a 'time' to die, whether they want to or not. I was shot through the heart, Angel Boy."
1617[00:34] Noel Elisheva says, "Ah-"
1618[00:34] Est taps her chest to emphasize. Her finger shatters into mist, as expected at this point.
1619(Est)
1620--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1621
1622[00:34] Calael Elisheva says, "Anyway, whatever way of delivery works. I was only suggesting Est because then maybe we could compare note-- oh."
1623[00:34] Est says, "Valmasian tools of war."
1624[00:35] Noel Elisheva says, "Calael-"
1625[00:35] Esso Naam says, "We were sitting close at the table and I heard some of your responses to him."
1626[00:35] Esso Naam says, "As I said, apologies."
1627[00:35] Est asks, "...What is it, Lord Eiphraem? Elk? Deer? What did you replace it with?"
1628[00:35] Esso Naam says, "That's fair enough Kevin."
1629[00:35] Esso Naam says, "I suppose by that logic, I'm already doomed considering how many magi I've shared my name with."
1630[00:36] Esso Naam asks, "Are you not a magi then?"
1631[00:36] Calael Elisheva says, "Alive is alive. You're not someone I can condemn."
1632[00:36] Eiphraem Kang says, "... It was an elk, yes."
1633[00:36] Eiphraem Kang says, "I was sort of working with what I had freshly on hand."
1634[00:36] Est says, "But I've defied death all the same."
1635[00:36] Esso Naam says, "I truthfully didn't mean to, and I won't share your name if you're not comfortable with it."
1636[00:36] Calael Elisheva says, "Not exactly."
1637[00:36] Eiphraem Kang says, "For the record."
1638[00:36] Esso Naam says, "I promise that."
1639[00:36] Eiphraem Kang says, "I do potions, I am afraid, rather than hexes."
1640[00:36] Eiphraem Kang says, "So, you are safe."
1641[00:36] Calael takes a curious step forward. "You're alive through science, I guess. Rather than forbidden and destructive magic."
1642(Calael Elisheva)
1643--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1644
1645[00:36] Calael Elisheva says, "It's interesting."
1646[00:36] Eiphraem bobbles his head, as though that made logical sense.
1647(Eiphraem Kang)
1648--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1649
1650[00:36] Alvi Slade says, "I, on the other hand, do curses."
1651[00:37] Eiphraem Kang says, "... It is true."
1652[00:37] Eiphraem Kang says, "He does."
1653[00:37] Esso Naam says, "Speaking of different methods to achieve the same results, I don't know much about Rift magic, but Wayfinding is quite incredible."
1654[00:37] Est regards Calael with what can best be described as a blank stare - like there are many things she'd like to say, but knows that as Eiphraem's student it would be unproductive.
1655(Est)
1656--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1657
1658[00:37] Eiphraem Kang says, "Well..."
1659[00:38] Eiphraem Kang says, "I... Could possibly make a potion to make someone's hair change colors, or fall out. That is very hex-like."
1660[00:38] Est says, "I would happily play courier - if not for that incident. I'm not sure why Huangzhou would so enthusiastically murder me, but I'd rather not find out."
1661[00:38] Eiphraem Kang says, "Or a poison to put them into a slumber..."
1662[00:38] Eiphraem Kang says, "Hm..."
1663[00:38] Calael Elisheva says, "Let me talk to them."
1664[00:38] Eiphraem Kang says, "But, I promise you, none of that needs a name."
1665[00:38] Calael Elisheva says, "I can get you clearance, or at least entrance to our tower, which is outside of the city."
1666[00:39] Eiphraem smiles, his mouth full of pearly teeth and two very vicious, if retracted, fangs.
1667(Eiphraem Kang)
1668--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1669
1670[00:39] Calael Elisheva says, "If nothing else, maybe you could show me your own notes? I'd like to learn more about people who are like you."
1671[00:39] Est says, "Astounding. I still can't fathom why I'd be barred from the city in the first place."
1672[00:39] Calael looks over his shoulder to Eiphraem. "Especially if they are the key to an answer."
1673(Calael Elisheva)
1674--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1675
1676[00:40] Esso Naam says, "I've had a look at Huangzhao's city laws."
1677[00:40] Est says, "There are a good many reasons why I'm not going to share my notes with you."
1678[00:40] Esso Naam says, "They're generally not fond of creatures they don't like or understand."
1679[00:40] Calael Elisheva says, "You were likely mistaken for a specter or a ghost. Not something that actual-- oh."
1680[00:40] Calael Elisheva asks, "Why not?"
1681[00:40] Est basically just wrote scathing one-star reviews of Rikona Heifang and very little else. Maybe a few doodles about meteors falling on Calael, or something like that.
1682(Est)
1683--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1684
1685[00:40] Est says, "...No reason."
1686[00:41] Est says, "They aren't notes on my condition."
1687[00:41] Noel shuffles over to her side, moving perpendicular to his brother. He stares intently, but has little to no idea how she actually functions. Regardless, a large smile appears on his face.
1688
1689"Don't worry about the courier thing - we can find someone else. But.. don't let Huangzhou's guard dogs deter you from coming to visit, you know? We all deserve to travel around and experience Agartha for what it is.. er, rather, what it will be. 
1690
1691I can't say I've felt your pain, but I can say that if you would ever like to come and visit us in Huangzhou, you are welcome to stay with us for as long as you'd like. Stories like yours are the reason why we're so adamant about changing Agartha for the better."
1692
1693He speaks in-between the back and forth of the two, eyes squinting from time to time as he tries to understand her better on a surface level.
1694(Noel Elisheva)
1695--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1696
1697[00:42] Calael clutches his book of riddles and mostly innane ramblings. "Oh well. Even so, if you stop by let me know. "
1698(Calael Elisheva)
1699--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1700
1701[00:42] Calael nods at what his brother says.
1702(Calael Elisheva)
1703--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1704
1705[00:42] With a single springing hop, Esso leaps past Eiphraem, landing in the grass next to Est. With an incredibly gentle hand, he pats her on the head, offering a few whispered words.
1706(Esso Naam)
1707--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1708
1709[00:42] Esso Naam whispers: I feel like you can trust him.
1710[00:43] The serpent does relent, that smile fading as he exales. Earfins cock forwards, those slitted eyes remaining focused-
1711
1712But he lowers on his coils, sinking down a foot in lieu of being able to kneel. Shifting Perseus' somewhat exhausted and sleeping form into one arm, he puts out his hand- Mostly a fist. From one of those massive, clawed digits, he sticks out one overly large index finger.
1713
1714Easier to shake.
1715
1716"Allow me to appropriately introduce myself, and give you my name as an appropriate safeguard. May you have Alvi hex me, should I lie." He states, solemnly as he can- He has at least a decent poker face, though his earfins flick when he says it.
1717
1718"I am Eiphraem Kang, warden of Crafthold, vassal unto my Lady."
1719(Eiphraem Kang)
1720--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1721
1722[00:51] The ghost-like girl assessed Noel for a moment, and then returned her attention to Calael. Trust was not something that could exist in her world, at least not outside of a very small circle of people. Given what was said in the meeting, too, she was even less likely to trust any of the angel-children. Still, as Esso slid in (or jumped in) beside her and whispered something, she began to rethink matters slightly.
1723
1724But just slightly.
1725
1726She exhaled, her breath visible as it poured from her mouth. This action, in turn, reduced her legs below the knees into little more than a thin mist, hard to even see if one wasn't paying attention. "...But how would they not deter me?" she asked. "The majority of them would butcher an unarmed girl. A ghost? It's...just water magic," she muttered. "Smoke- mist- that's all it is. What is wrong with those people?"
1727
1728She shook her head. "My goal is to break the cycle, when you get down to it. I'm... in a unique position. People like me don't survive. I defied Fate. It's proof, maybe, that things don't always have to be this bad. This world can change-"
1729
1730Her half-lidded eyes shifted their gaze downward. "...Even if Huangzhou does not want them to. To that end- perhaps we are on the same side."
1731(Est)
1732--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1733
1734[00:53] Esso smiles a bit when Est finishes speaking, keeping his hand on her head as a comforting gesture. He'd be here for her as long as she needed him.
1735(Esso Naam)
1736--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1737
1738[00:55] Calael, the young angel who definitely heard what Esso said but was not going to act like he did, continued giving Est a supportive smile, one that was far more genuine than anything a human of his age could muster.
1739
1740"I'll tell them not to. There's enough people in this city that call me and Noel 'Lords' even when we correct them that I'm sure if you're seen with us you'll be fine. And if they want to say something they can talk to us about it first.
1741
1742If everything you've said is true, there's no reason Huangzhou should deny you. But like I said." He shrugged. "Our tower is outside of the city, right near the north gate. So really they don't get a say."
1743
1744"I don't exactly know about... breaking Fate but, if we're breaking the cycle of hate on Agartha then yeah, we're on the same side. And we can try to get the world to change."
1745(Calael Elisheva)
1746--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1747
1748[00:57] Noel nods at what his brother says.
1749(Noel Elisheva)
1750--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1751
1752[00:57] Noel Elisheva says, "Together."
1753[01:01] Est looked over to Eiphraem, perhaps for approval - but without waiting, her attention returned to Calael once more. She didn't smile, and she kept a healthy distance; she was still quite cross with him, and that wouldn't be likely to change for awhile. Still, there was a similar goal there. Sure, there may be some variances between their plans and ultimate objectives, but Est and the angels both truly did wish to free Agartha from this endless cycle.
1754
1755Otherwise it would continue to be Valmasians, Jianghurens, and Gehennans, fighting each other in every viable battlefield the continent had to offer for yet another century.
1756
1757Keeping that and Esso's absolutely stealthy whisper in mind, she responded - not negatively, but still in a noncommital fashion. 
1758
1759The tested, the true... "...I'll think about it."
1760(Est)
1761--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1762
1763[01:02] Calael Elisheva exclaims, "Great!"
1764[01:02] Calael Elisheva says, "I mean, great."
1765[01:02] Calael Elisheva says, "Cool."
1766[01:02] Calael stepped back and coughed.
1767(Calael Elisheva)
1768--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1769
1770[01:03] The demon's flesh is cold.
1771
1772It's not the unnatural, unmoving cold of the grave, however- It is merely cold and slightly damp. The blackened claw is long dulled from use, though it is incredibly hard, tough, and keratinous- Like a dog's.
1773
1774Staring into those cracked glasses, the chartreuse, slitted eyes gaze back. The serpent has the decency to blink, rather than use nictating membranes alone- Though when he does, unfortunately, Kirsi can likely see the filmy membrane moving sideways across his eyesocket.
1775
1776"It is good to meet you," The serpent hums, all noble coat and scales- Doubtless not cutting any less intimidating a figure with the revenant in the other arm, and armed as he was with swords. "You are doing excellently." His eyes briefly go to unclad feet below, the faint rustling of the grass having made those cupping, flexible earfins flit.
1777
1778He keeps his right ear slightly cocked towards their conversation.
1779
1780"I promise that being able to navigate into my territory is impressive enough. Most of them are not as fearsome as me." He pulls his finger back gently.
1781
1782The front of his pocket makes a small noise, lighting up.
1783
1784"You're very brave to do this for your friends. I promise you, I will not eat you for coming in." He nods somberly enough, like it was a possibility, as he straightens.
1785(Eiphraem Kang)
1786--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1787
1788[01:05] Esso's eyes follow Calael, and his smile persists, but he does break it for a moment to speak.
1789
1790"I meant what I told her. You've earned that. As long as you continue striving to help Agartha and its people, you'll continue to be worthy of that trust."
1791
1792Once he'd said his piece, he goes right back to smiling, his arm gently gripping Est's shoulder and tugging her slightly closer to him like an overprotective older brother.
1793(Esso Naam)
1794--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1795
1796[01:05] Calael Elisheva says, "Then I'll try not to let you down."
1797[01:05] Esso Naam says, "And I you."
1798[01:05] Noel looks down at his form to see if he also turned into mist at some point in time.
1799(Noel Elisheva)
1800--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1801
1802[01:06] Est unfortunately proves to be somewhat difficult to get a grip on, given her body's propensity to shift into mist on contact. She manages to stifle it long enough for Esso to grip slightly more than just smoke, at least.
1803(Est)
1804--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1805
1806[01:17] Noel pockets his hands and casts his glance off to the east after hearing the sound of a rustling bush. Perhaps he hadn't heard anything at all, and simply wanted to find a way to pass the time. Unlike his sibling, the sword-wearing demi-angel wasn't one for prolonged conversations or philosophical debates. 
1807
1808His strengths were plentiful in other categories - some of which he had yet to discover. But all of that would come in time, if they continued on their current path. 
1809
1810That being said.. 
1811
1812".. We probably shouldn't stay out and gone too much longer, Cal'. The others will worry." His words come from his mouth while he continues to look away from the group, seemingly unable to keep his attention span reeled in.
1813(Noel Elisheva)
1814--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1815
1816[01:17] Calael Elisheva says, "Oh yeah."
1817[01:17] Calael Elisheva says, "We probably should... get back."
1818[01:20] Eiphraem Kang says, "..."
1819[01:20] Eiphraem Kang says, "It is late, is it not."
1820[01:20] Eiphraem Kang says, "... You..."
1821[01:20] Esso Naam says, "That it is sir."
1822[01:20] Eiphraem Kang says, "Should all likely be in bed."
1823[01:21] Est says, "My bed is whatever field I tend to fall down in."
1824[01:21] Eiphraem Kang says, "... You are sleeping properly, Est."
1825--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1826
1827[01:21] Calael Elisheva says, "Alright well, I look forward to seeing you all again."
1828[01:22] Calael Elisheva says, "When the time comes."
1829[01:22] Calael Elisheva says, "And I'll make sure Est is allowed here."
1830[01:22] Est says, "Mm."
1831[01:22] Calael nods. "Goodbye."
1832(Calael Elisheva)
1833--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1834
1835[01:22] Noel Elisheva says, "We-"
1836[01:22] Noel Elisheva says, "We will make sure."
1837[01:22] Eiphraem straightens, internally reviewing how he has exposed children to cuss words, sneaking around adults, and breaking curfew. He warmly regards his fulfilled quota of evil, which is to say, he pinches at his forehead. "Good night. Please do not get in trouble."
1838(Eiphraem Kang)
1839--------------------------------------------------------------------------------