the end of the Elvaana arc

[12:22:30 ][@Kain] In the wake of the battle last night, you all got some well deserved rest later that night - The Glutton, or what's left of him, has been secured away in the most secure cell in all of Elvaana, with Seal shackles keeping him firmly in place. You were all offered the swankiest suites in the royal palace and basically anything you wanted - food, alcohol, other comforts - and this extended to
[12:22:30 ][@Kain] the mage girls as well. In any case, you got to sleep in as late as you wanted and get all the rest you needed. The next afternoon,  Zephyr calls Theta, Ammy, Lenore, the mage girls, Prickles, Noah, Elizabeth, and the previous war's heroes forth to attend a ceremony in the capital.
[12:25:15 ]* Lenore slept in preeeettty late, but of course made sure that she was dressed up the best she could. In fact, since there was a CEREMONY going on, Lenore made sure to wear her formal black mage-esque dress and to get all fancy'd up~
[12:26:13 ]* Amaryllis requested raw ingredients rather than food and wakes up in time to prepare a proper meal - something she hadn't been able to do in a while now with all this Glutton business going on. With meat from the rhinos of the continent and the juicy tomatoes the elves farm, she prepares a warm goulash, bright red from the tomatoes and the spices used for it.
[12:26:54 ][Theta] OTHER COMFORTS, HUH? Theta does just that.  By requesting a smaller scale party for the girls with music and food and drink and the works.  He himself just wants some wine and a steak.
[12:27:39 ][Amaryllis] To go with it, she makes patties of potato and local spices and tops it off with herbs from the forest if she could get an elf to go harvest some for her.
[12:27:53 ][Theta] He didn't make much effort to dress up for the more formal celebration, simply cleaning off his winged cloak and maybe getting Crystal to make a new hat for him?
[12:28:30 ][@Kain] Crystal's glad to make the hat! The other mage girls are also rather thankful the ceremony is in the afternoon because a lot of them woke up with hangovers. But they enjoyed the fuck out of that party.
[12:29:04 ][Theta] Good.  Theta finally dons his sexy wizard hat. 8[
[12:29:30 ][@Kain] Ammy totally gets her breakfast blog.
[12:29:57 ][Amaryllis] Lots of elven wine to share with Noah too over this meal. For the ceremony, Ammy wears her formal dress from Lindblum, though she's careful to make sure even this can hide her tail.
[12:32:35 ][Lenore] Lenore asked for some kind of sweet elven food for breakfast, like pancakes with syrup or cinnamon rolls or whatever their equivalent is.
[12:33:50 ][@Kain] You got something not ENTIRELY exotic, but still perhaps a bit unusual, freshly baked banana bread french toast with syrup~
[12:34:31 ][Amaryllis] (>not funnelcake)
[12:34:37 ][@Kain] After wining and dining the previous night and maybe some of that morning, you all end up gathered in what you suppose is the 'underside' of the palace - goddamn this elven gravity bullshit is confusing - where there's a large stage area that the king uses to address the people of the city - the entire hemisphere of the city in front of/beneath you is filled with with a few thousand elves.
[12:34:37 ][@Kain] Adenine is in her best suit, most of the other mage girls are just dressed as normal. Elizabeth is pointedly in her normal clothes, as is Zidane, who doesn't really seem to care for being up in front of everyone like this. In fact, of the heroes of the previous war, only Steiner has donned formal wear - reusing his tuxedo from the ball. Zephyr has donned more kingly garb, a flowing green robe
[12:34:38 ][@Kain] with a circlet on his head.
[12:35:22 ]* Theta is amazed he put a shirt on, to be honest.
[12:35:59 ]* Kain is now known as King_Zephyr
[12:39:29 ]* Amaryllis made sure Noah dressed up fancy for this too. >:V
[12:40:38 ][@King_Zephyr] Noah is indeed dressed fancy.
[12:40:54 ][Lenore] (>banana bread)
[12:40:56 ][Lenore] (<3)
[12:41:04 ]* Amaryllis straightens his tie and stuff. He better be wearing a tie.
[12:41:21 ][@King_Zephyr] He squirms under your fiddling.
[12:41:32 ][@King_Zephyr] "People of Elvaana, far and wide, we stand here today having recovered from a perilous event that has swept out kingdom. Due to things that we could not forsee, eons of this planet's life passed us by in an instant, and we awoke in an era where immediately someone of ill intent planned to capitalize on our misfortunes and exploit us. This person, no, this creature that calls itself the
[12:41:32 ][@King_Zephyr] Glutton is soundly defeated and our lands, our people, and our very free will saved by a group of heroes from this new world we now live in."
[12:52:16 ]* Amaryllis listens respectfully and attentively, though she's a bit disappointed that so few people actually dressed up for this.
[12:52:51 ][Amaryllis] She tries to catch Steiner's gaze to give a nod of approval at being one of the few to do so.
[12:53:06 ][@King_Zephyr] (All dis typing)
[12:53:08 ][@King_Zephyr] (Sorry for slow)
[12:53:09 ]* Lenore stands by, smiling, also a little disappointed that not many people dressed up, but OH WELL
[12:53:25 ][@King_Zephyr] There's a chorus of cheering from the elves as Zephyr mentions you. "We still have many trials ahead of us, adapting to how the world has moved on without us, coping with the sorrow and confusion of those outside our nation no longer being here with us... and finding our place in the new society. And it is because of this that we sadly cannot empty our treasury to give these heroes the true
[12:53:25 ][@King_Zephyr] rewards they deserve. But elves have long memories, and we will never forget what they have done for us. I am sure that our gratitude will reach them." he smiles and turns to you all. "Could a few of you step forward, please?" he starts to announce you. "Lenore, the Lady of Lightning - daughter of Archmagister Gabriel and very talented mage. Amaryllis, the Shrouded Storyteller whose knife
[12:53:25 ][@King_Zephyr] may never grow dull... Theta, the Thunder Tamer who has changed the very nature of warfare itself... Mr. Prickles, the Bastion of Barbs - a true man among plants...." he pauses for breath before continuing.
[12:53:34 ][Amaryllis] Lenore also gets a nod of approval!
[12:54:25 ][Lenore] (>Bastion of Barbs)
[12:54:30 ][Lenore] (>Barbs)
[12:54:34 ][Amaryllis] (shouldn't that be Cait?)
[12:54:45 ]* Theta steps forward, bit surprised by the title, and gives a polite bow to the crowd.
[12:54:54 ][@King_Zephyr] (Hey you try being allliterive)
[12:55:05 ][Lenore] (Cait was a red herring, she was banging Prickles this whole time!)
[12:55:30 ][Theta] (I'd believe it. slut.)
[12:56:31 ][Lenore] (mfw http://1-media-cdn.foolz.us/ffuuka/board/a/image/1339/09/1339097451741.gif )
[12:56:44 ]* Amaryllis steps forward and gives a deep theatrical bow with her lantern held to the side.
[12:57:37 ]* Lenore gives a wave to the crowd when her name's called, as well as a ☆wink☆
[12:58:10 ][@King_Zephyr] "As well as Adenine, the Magnate of Magic and Elizabeth, the Mender of the Masses, whose masteries of magic and power over space and time itself led to our swift victory against the Glutton."
[12:59:19 ][@King_Zephyr] "These are simply the most prominent of those who have helped us, and indeed we owe a great many thanks to all who stand in front of you this day! Shall we hear it for them?"
[12:59:38 ][Amaryllis] (>no Noah)
[12:59:40 ][Amaryllis] (D:)
[12:59:51 ][@King_Zephyr] (Oh, good point.)
[13:00:28 ][@King_Zephyr] *Also Noah, the Sailor of the Skies
[13:00:50 ][@King_Zephyr] Noah feels a slight bit of indignation that that's what Zephyr focused on, but he's happy he got a mention.
[13:01:35 ][@King_Zephyr] Mr. Prickles gives a wave to the crowd. Adenine bows much like Theta, and Liz just nods. Noah is a bit more enthusiastic in bowing alongside Ammy.
[13:02:20 ][@King_Zephyr] Zephyr turns to the lot of you as the crowd's cheers become almost deafening. Amarant snorts somewhere in the background.
[13:02:57 ][@King_Zephyr] The rest of the group starts waving at the crowd as well, apart from the jerks like Amarant
[13:03:19 ][@King_Zephyr] "Now then... did any of you have anything you'd like to say?"
[13:05:54 ][Theta] "Honestly? This war was probably the easy part.  Your kingdom's in a rough spot after eons of slumber, and there's going to be challenges integrating with the modern world.  That said, your race is hardly the only one experiencing this, and from what I've seen of your kind, you will learn and adapt in no time."
[13:07:31 ][@King_Zephyr] It should be mentioned that everything you say here seems to be amplified out to the people.
[13:08:36 ][@King_Zephyr] Zephyr nods. "Yeah, it's going to be difficult to find a start. But we are glad and eager to extend our hands in friendship to the other races and try to overcome our hardships together."
[13:09:56 ][@King_Zephyr] As far as formal wear goes, by the way, Ammy, Freya, Sir Fratley, and Beatrix's outfits pretty much count already, as fancy as their armor is.
[13:10:05 ][Lenore] "I think you guys are all great☆!  I'll do anything I can to help you all get a foothold in the world, not like you all need much help, with how well you all adapted to all of this!"  She smiles and waves~
[13:10:07 ]* Amaryllis steps forward with a twirl, shining her lantern brighter. She pauses for a moment before speaking loudly and clearly to the crowd.
[13:10:09 ][Amaryllis] "Food and drink may give us sustenance, but stories are what give us life. Remember this as you move into the brave new world. It is true that you have lost much in this calamity of worlds, but even all that remains with you now, as stories that will help you build your new place in this world. I am sure the world will find itself a richer place with your return, and I hope you find the rest of the world's cultures and stories as
[13:10:09 ][Amaryllis] awe-inspiring as we find your own. May the tales we share today be the bonds that hold us together tomorrow."
[13:14:03 ][@King_Zephyr] You all get a round of applause! Adenine and Liz decline to speak and Prickles seems to be thinking on it... but ultimately passes.
[13:19:52 ][@King_Zephyr] "And if there's anything -we- can do to help -you-, just let us know." Zephyr says in response to Lenore's statement with a smile. "And quite the wordsmith here!" he says to Ammy. "Some heroes we have, huh?" he addresses the crowd. "We really are fortunate for them to have come to us in our hour of need... well then! Here's to the heroes of Elvaana, and to a prosperous new start for our people
[13:19:52 ][@King_Zephyr] in Gaia!"
[13:24:10 ][@King_Zephyr] There's more cheering and clapping, and the ceremony goes on for a bit as Zephyr begins bestowing various titles and honors to the lot of you in light of your deeds and actions - most of it is various symbolic 'key to the city' type stuff but there are some more tangible benefits with some of them - Zephyr has permitted you to claim and own land in the borders of his country, for instance.
[13:26:09 ][@King_Zephyr] Like he said, they really can't give you any monetary rewards, but you're also welcome to stay at the palace anytime, they'll reserve the guest rooms for your use.
[13:28:12 ][@King_Zephyr] After the ceremony concludes, you all shuffle back out into the palace itself. Zephyr stretches as the guards shut the door behind him. "Welll, looks like that's it! The day is saved, everyone loves you, and we're free to try and pursue a new life... What will you all do now?"
[13:29:36 ][Amaryllis] "The Glutton's machinations struck at a time when we were all busy with other engagements. Now, I suppose we shall have time to return to them."
[13:29:48 ][Theta] "Yes, yes it certainly did."
[13:30:15 ][Lenore] The Lady of Lightning thinks a bit, and suddenly a spark of lightning above her head similar to a lightbulb appears.  "I should get an atelier!"
[13:30:53 ][@King_Zephyr] Prickles: "An atelier, you say?"
[13:31:55 ][Theta] "I do have a request though, your grace.  It's a long story, but the short of it is I'm building a university.  I was thinking your nation might benefit, as well as us to learn some about your ways, if some of the instructors were Elven?"
[13:32:30 ][Theta] "I spoke with Medly about this, but given her role here..."
[13:34:03 ][Amaryllis] "The Glutton stole the memories and knowledge of many, your people included. I shall be spending some time extracting those memories and recording them so they are not lost."
[13:34:11 ][@King_Zephyr] "Hahaha, I see..." Zephyr looks thoughtful on this. "I'll definitely allow Medly or any other shaman who wishes to temporary or permanently relinquish their role if they desire to come help you.  We're still feeling the loss of six of our shamans that were in Tir na Bind, but... I guess at the very least this is an opportunity to teach the craft to more." he frowns.
[13:34:42 ][@King_Zephyr] "...extract...?"
[13:34:57 ][@King_Zephyr] He scratches his head, that kind of goes over him.
[13:35:22 ][Lenore] (ohgodpleaseGluttonaetherrealmbasedkain)
[13:35:30 ][Amaryllis] "I can read minds. It will be a slow and laborious process, but eventually I can recover all that the Glutton has stolen."
[13:35:42 ][@King_Zephyr] Zidane: "Personally, I need to return to Treno and check up on Garnet. Defeating the Glutton seems to have subdued Carbuncle, at least... I need to make sure she's okay, too. ...though... Theta! You and me, let's catch up sometime. Maybe even before we go."
[13:36:28 ]* Theta nods. "Thank you.  I imagine this will be great in the long run for everyone."
[13:36:53 ][Theta] He looks over to Zidane.  "Oh you don't even know.   Or do you.  I have no idea what Mikoto's informed you of."
[13:39:03 ][@King_Zephyr] Zidane: "I know there's a lot going on." he gestures at the mage girls. "Mikoto wouldn't say too much, she felt like you should be the one to talk to me about it. Given the run-around by my own sister, sheesh... " he puts his hands behind his head. "And there's some girl named Ayane wrapped up in this too? Let's find a good time to talk about this."
[13:40:58 ][Theta] "You're gonna need wine.  Lots of it."
[13:41:17 ][@King_Zephyr] Zidane: "More of a hard liquor fan, myself. Noted."
[13:42:27 ][@King_Zephyr] "Well, alright. I don't really know how that works but I guess you got it covered." Zephyr says to Ammy.
[13:43:23 ][@King_Zephyr] Adenine: "Finally I can get back to my other projects for a bit.." she pops her neck.
[13:43:46 ][@King_Zephyr] Prickles' curiosity was not answered by Lenore. D:
[13:43:46 ][Lenore] "I'm going to build a place somewhere around here and set up an atelier for me to work on alchemy~!  I think!  Probably going to need to gather a lot of things for ingredients to start with..."  She starts ruminating over the possibilities in her head.
[13:43:52 ][@King_Zephyr] Or there it is
[13:43:58 ][Lenore] (GREAT MINDS THINK ALIKE)
[13:44:35 ][@King_Zephyr] Elizabeth ponders on this, wondering how she should split her time between Lenore and Theta here.
[13:44:46 ][Amaryllis] "I've also spoken to some of the merchants from around here, your grace. If it's alright with you, I would like to help lead the economic reintegration of your people with the rest of the world."
[13:45:26 ][@King_Zephyr] "That's more than fine with me."
[13:45:47 ][@King_Zephyr] Adenine: "I haven't given up trying to help with that myself."
[13:46:11 ][@King_Zephyr] Liz: "Hey, Lenore, if you need any help with that, lemme know, okay?"
[13:46:28 ][@King_Zephyr] Oh and notably, Lenore
[13:46:29 ]* Amaryllis nods. "Perhaps we should figure out a plan together sometime."
[13:46:34 ][@King_Zephyr] Renegade was not present at the ceremony.
[13:46:57 ][@King_Zephyr] Last you saw, dad was still examining the beacon on top of the city.
[13:48:54 ][Lenore] "Gotcha!  I probably won't need as much help as Theta! Anyway, I'm off for now!"  She starts heading up to the beacon to see if Dad's there~
[13:49:59 ][@King_Zephyr] Liz waves and sticks around with the rest of you.
[13:50:50 ][@King_Zephyr] Steiner: "It felt good to finally do some good in the field again..." he comments.
[13:52:22 ][@King_Zephyr] Amarant: "Speak for yourself. This was a disappointingly easy fight that just lead to a bunch of useless grandstanding afterwards. We probably weren't even needed."
[13:53:15 ]* Theta seems to be mentally prepping himself with a sales pitch for potential instructors and where to even begin with talking with Zidane.
[13:53:29 ][@King_Zephyr] Freya: "It isn't about if we were needed or not. Every drop of blood we shed saved lives on the battlefield. That is enough for me."
[13:55:03 ][@King_Zephyr] Lani: "Don't let him kid you, he enjoyed himself. You saw the look on his face when his claws dug into that Adamantoise right?"
[13:55:16 ][@King_Zephyr] Noah: "Hmm... everything seems to be winding down." he mentions to Ammy.
[13:55:31 ]* Amaryllis takes out her journal and starts scribbling notes for her agenda. In addition to her plans for mind-reading the Glutton and talking to merchants, she has made plans for researching the Epitaph busines and reversing Nat's condition, talking with Jasper and taking control of his territory, and a few other items.
[13:55:53 ]* Amaryllis sighs. "All that means for me is I shall be free to busy myself with all I need to do." She flashes the journal page at him.
[13:56:04 ][@King_Zephyr] Lenore - you head up and find Renegade at the beacon. He's floating nearby and has a panel on the side of the sphere popped open, with his head stuck in.
[13:56:55 ][Lenore] "Hey Dad!"  She's not sure how to get up to him since he's FLOATING so she decides to just hail him from the ground!
[13:57:10 ][@King_Zephyr] Noah: "Well, this is a tall order indeed..."
[13:57:26 ][@King_Zephyr] Adenine, Liz and Zidane let Theta alone for a bit as he thinks.
[13:58:17 ][@King_Zephyr] Renegade: "Hm?" he pulls out and looks down. "Oh, Lena." he closes the panel and floats down, dropping onto the ground. "What is it?"
[13:58:23 ][Theta] (I figured you'd wanna handle this one thing at a time is all so yeah that works)
[13:59:43 ][Lenore] "Oh, I just wanted to check on how you were doing!  How's the beacon been?"
[14:01:12 ][@King_Zephyr] Renegade: "I have very little idea how it works." he says with some odd fascination. "So I've been dismantling it. I'll put it back together once I figure it out - the elves will live without use of their precious superweapon for as long as it'll take me."
[14:02:23 ][Lenore] "Considering the war is over, I don't think it'll be a big deal!  And there are teleporters and scryers anyway, so~!"
[14:02:37 ][@King_Zephyr] Renegade: "Some things... do seem oddly familiar." he says, a bit unsure.
[14:04:46 ]* King_Zephyr is now known as Renegade
[14:05:06 ][Lenore] "Oh?  Maybe that means you'll remember things!  Whatever the case, Zephyr said that me and the others can own some land in this country, so I was thinking of building a house like yours and setting up an atelier!"
[14:05:39 ][@Renegade] "Your very own atelier, hm? She was right, you two really -have- grown up so fast..."
[14:07:36 ][@Renegade] "It's... strange."
[14:08:17 ][@Renegade] "When you were younger, I was very much impatient with your rate of learning. As a child you simply could not absorb information as fast as I wanted you to."
[14:08:20 ][@Renegade] "But now..."
[14:08:45 ][@Renegade] "You and Blade, your lives are moving at a pace that makes me seem almost frozen in time."
[14:10:08 ][Lenore] "Yeah, a lot has happened lately..."
[14:13:23 ][@Renegade] "...I regret not being more patient with you back then. I wish I would have listened to Elena and played with you both more. At this rate... in a blink of my eye you and he will grow old and die and I'll be none the better for it." he says quietly. "You've done in so little a time what I couldn't in so many years and I... have been a bad father to you two, haven't I?"
[14:15:25 ][Lenore] "Well...you definitely could've done better...but I don't hold it against you at all!"  She pumps her fists up.  "Uh...Blade might, though..."
[14:16:16 ][@Renegade] "Mm." he sighs.
[14:16:26 ][@Renegade] "I think I'm finally starting to feel the weight of all of my years."
[14:17:20 ][@Renegade] "In any case, Lena."
[14:17:28 ][Lenore] "Yes?"  She perks up.
[14:19:26 ][@Renegade] "Your very own atelier... I wish you the best of luck with it. I am certain you will make a fine witch. Already, the difference between you and I in sheer power is not so distant. And with your mother's talent in alchemy..." he gives a laugh. "You may even surpass me. I look forward to seeing how you grow. Make me proud, Lena."
[14:19:59 ][Lenore] She gives a salute, her eyes getting a bit shiny.  "S-sure thing dad!  I'll make sure to!"
[14:21:10 ][@Renegade] He gives a rare smile. "Was there anything else?"
[14:22:37 ][Lenore] "Not really!  I've started learning Blue Magic somehow, but I don't know how!  I think it's related to that Shenanigans draught I tried from the Magus Sisters, by head's been getting filled with random information since then!"
[14:24:10 ][@Renegade] "That's almost envious. Blue magic is a bit more of an intuitive art... just take care not to get overwhelmed."
[14:26:42 ][Lenore] "I'll be sure to!  A-anyway!  I'll see you later, Dad!" She starts turning around to leave
[14:27:58 ][@Renegade] He watches her go, curious about that stuttering for a second... He looks up at the beacon again and shakes his head, having a seat for now instead of resuming work on it.
[14:28:11 ][@Renegade] And off you go!
[14:28:12 ][@Renegade] Who next?
[14:28:42 ][Amaryllis] (go ahead and handle Theta)
[14:28:58 ][Amaryllis] (I'm not quite sure where to start with Ammy's agenda really, unless you had an idea of where to begin with that)
[14:29:40 ][Lenore] (If it's okay with Kainy, I think I'll denick and renick for the WWB continuation from yesterday, unless you have something else for me!)
[14:30:02 ][@Renegade] (Go for it, Aori, anything I think of, we can cover later)
[14:30:15 ][Lenore] (okay~)
[14:30:19 ][@Renegade] So HOW PREPPED is Theta?
[14:30:37 ]* Lenore is now known as Aori_Radidjiu
[14:30:38 ][Theta] Eh he's about as ready as he'll ever be to explain this hot mess
[14:31:39 ]* Renegade is now known as Zidane
[14:34:01 ][Theta] Where did Zidane wanna meet for this talk anyway?
[14:34:54 ][@Zidane] You and Zidane find a nice spot to have a seat, likely in one of the guest rooms or a dining area or something - alone unless you invite someone over with you. Zidane produces a bottle of whisky once he gets there.
[14:35:40 ][@Zidane] You can choose, either one.
[14:36:24 ][Theta] No alone is fine.  "Alright, so."
[14:37:14 ][@Zidane] "Sooo..."
[14:37:39 ][Theta] "As you know, there has been a group of us trying to find out why those of our race produced on this planet have short life spans.  Since, no matter what, there isn't enough of us left to not die out without anything like that."
[14:37:42 ][@Zidane] He kicks back, throwing his feet into another seat and resting his arm on the back of his chair.
[14:39:12 ][@Zidane] "Yeah, genomes, black mages... I always figured Kuja dicked around with the 'recipe' in a way he couldn't reverse."
[14:39:41 ][Theta] "So, I was assisting on that project, and presented what seemed like a good idea at the time.  This was...what, 6 weeks ago? That census data shows that females tend to live a bit longer than humans, so maybe trying to start from there would be a better idea.  I presented a mockup...design, I guess, based off a character in a play.  The character was a harlot - which I didn't know, so Mikoto teleported me halfway across the world."
[14:40:11 ][Theta] "Annnnd during that time Ayane stole my work and mass produced a thousand of them.  I'm pretty sure she used all the mist that was left out there."
[14:40:34 ]* Theta pauses there to let that sink in.
[14:40:43 ][Theta] "Did I mention she's obessed with Kuja yet?"
[14:40:47 ][@Zidane] "...That's rough, buddy." he says, not really sure how else to respond to that at the moment.
[14:41:06 ][@Zidane] He actually seems a little horrified at this thought.
[14:42:23 ][@Zidane] "So... a Kuja fangirl severely screwed up and perverted your work and you're left dealing with the fallout."
[14:42:30 ][Theta] "A few weeks later, I'm in Lindblum, and all these girls show up at a function.  This is when I learned about all this myself, and that she's been trying to finish what Kuja started - recreating the world in her image.  I...well, managed to screw her plans up a bit, and a convinced a few of them to back away from her already."
[14:42:36 ][Theta] "Oh, no, it gets better."
[14:43:00 ][@Zidane] Zidane starts pouring the whisky.
[14:43:03 ][Theta] "I have a mole on the inside of her operation, Abigail."
[14:44:15 ][Theta] "She's got maybe...950ish of those girls there at any moment, I guess?  And with the assitance of those Gemeni clown girls has forced Alexander to bless a few of them.  Not entirely unlike those adamantite elves."
[14:44:36 ][Theta] "There's also another Terran there.  I think this bitch went to the ruins of Terra, to make a body double of herself."
[14:45:41 ][@Zidane] "What."
[14:46:20 ][Theta] "I shit you not.  We snuck in and saw it ourselves.  And no one's missing from the village, so she had to come from -somewhere-."
[14:46:29 ][@Zidane] "Are you -serious-? Okay, we have to do something about this."
[14:46:42 ][Theta] "There was a period when my companions had kidnapped Ayane.  She got out during this whole mess, but during that time they had this body double sit in for her."
[14:47:08 ][@Zidane] "To make it look like nothing happened."
[14:47:18 ][Theta] "Right."
[14:48:12 ][@Zidane] He takes a shot of the booze and then starts rubbing his forehead. "Kuja and black mages and Geminis... I thought all of this ended ten years ago."
[14:48:12 ][Theta] "So...in review here.  Short term, I'm trying to find a home and get these girls situated in Treno, along side trying to make sure they aren't all dead within the next few months, and we got this Kuja impersonator locked down in her little fortress with who knows what in store."
[14:50:00 ][Theta] "Long term, between her and the glutton, -no one-'s going to like the idea of using those machines to fix the little population issue she just made, so she's severely hampered us there as well."
[14:50:36 ][Theta] "So yeah that's what's up with all the blond girls.  I don't suppose you've met Walt as well?"
[14:50:45 ][@Zidane] "Walt...?"
[14:51:58 ][Theta] "I guess the good news here is we stole her old secret weapon - a magical pair of panties that let her tap into the souls of heroes past.  She was literally channeling Kuja's power through her undies."
[14:52:06 ][Theta] "That and we have Kuja in a rock somewhere.  Dunno where we put that..."
[14:52:26 ][@Zidane] "I.... okay look I'm not sure I have enough booze for this."
[14:52:31 ][Theta] "Walt.  Monster salesman who did business near where The Glutton was."
[14:52:37 ][Theta] "He's Black Waltz 1."
[14:52:40 ][@Zidane] "And if I did I'm pretty sure I'd die from i-"
[14:52:51 ][@Zidane] He slams his shot glass down. "What."
[14:52:59 ][@Zidane] "That bastard's still alive?!"
[14:53:41 ][Theta] "Uh huh.  And he's the closest clue we got as to what an actual cure to this thing is."
[14:53:55 ][Theta] "Since, well, given who you are married to, I'd assume you're aware of what keeps Vivi's children alive."
[14:54:24 ][@Zidane] "The Black Waltzes were Brahne's elite mages given to her by Kuja. They were basically assigned to recover Garnet at whatever cost."
[14:54:44 ][@Zidane] "Yeah."
[14:54:55 ][@Zidane] "Still, him?"
[14:55:15 ][@Zidane] "I had to fight that bastard and his sea lion by myself when he was trying to kill us all in a blizzard."
[14:55:57 ][@Zidane] "...the Black Waltzes all seemed to be aware to begin with, unlike the other Black Mages, but still stuck to their 'programming'. It was kind of twisted, really."
[14:56:34 ][Theta] "Well."
[14:56:44 ][@Zidane] "I guess if he's no longer bound by that..."
[14:57:01 ][@Zidane] Zidane sits back down.
[14:57:16 ][Theta] "I guess you didn't really try talking with some of the girls.  Their 'programming' was Ayane tossing a manuscript of the play they were based on into the mix."
[14:57:42 ][@Zidane] (He was talking about the black waltz)
[14:57:48 ][Theta] "They were born with personality as well...which...I think is why she copied off of that work."
[14:57:54 ][Theta] (I know)
[14:58:10 ][@Zidane] "...huh." He considers that for a moment.
[14:58:27 ][Theta] "Anyway, uh.  I'm not really sure what you can do to help here given you're probably pretty busy, but figured you should be aware of the situation."
[14:58:40 ][@Zidane] "I know which play you're talking about too, Ruby refused to perform it."
[14:58:52 ][@Zidane] "Actually..."
[14:59:25 ][@Zidane] "With Alexandria safe, all I really need to do is check and see how her little 'affliction' is doing. I think I might can help you infiltrate Ayane's base."
[15:01:19 ][@Zidane] "I don't really like how all of this is adding up. Mikoto seemed to be pretty confident you have this under control, but honestly I think that's a bit optimistic considering how much you're having to shoulder here."
[15:01:25 ][@Zidane] "Let me help with this."
[15:01:50 ][@Zidane] "I can't just sit by and let this play out again."
[15:02:14 ][@Zidane] "I already lost one friend to inaction..."
[15:02:25 ][Theta] "Well, the last time we snuck in was fairly...simple.  We just disguised ourselves as girls we knew wouldn't be there and walked in."
[15:03:11 ][Theta] "Honestly my next trip was gonna be a bit more brazen, but with The Glutton out of the picture it makes a it a bit harder to hoodwink an identity here, hrm."
[15:03:50 ][@Zidane] "You had to bother picking actual mages for you disguises? Rusty didn't even have a fraction of that awareness when two more Knights of Pluto ended up in his ranks..." he thinks back.
[15:04:27 ][Theta] "She knows all 1000 of them on sight."
[15:04:37 ][Theta] "As did the twins, I think."
[15:04:39 ][@Zidane] "Bullshit." he stares.
[15:06:12 ][Theta] "I dunno how she does that either, but..."
[15:07:35 ][@Zidane] "Are the Geminis still with her?"
[15:07:47 ][Theta] "I was sort of just going to charge in disguised as one of the Black Waltzes and wreck havok - namely 'kidnapping' this body double and some of the girls at risk of being there much longer.  Seemed fitting enough given her own impersonations.  Not really sure how much I can afford to kick the hornet's nest while trying to find a solution to all of this, though."
[15:08:12 ][Theta] "Oh, no.  They showed up in front of us just hours ago and tried giving us just enough information to use us as pawns."
[15:08:20 ][Theta] "Rooted those suckers in place and we hauled them off."
[15:09:03 ][@Zidane] "Good work. I wouldn't trust them, exactly. Kuja had a pair that followed his orders, too. Zorn and Thorn. They started off as Brahne's court jesters but the moment she fell out of power they scooted off to Kuja to suck up."
[15:09:37 ]* Kraken is now known as Loewin
[15:10:04 ]* Aori_Radidjiu is now known as Lily
[15:10:25 ][@Zidane] "They're only -really- dangerous when they merge, at least."
[15:10:46 ][@Zidane] "So... let's storm this place. I'm on board."
[15:11:48 ][Theta] "I don't know how willing they'll be to fight anyway at the moment - they are pregnant.  However that works."
[15:12:38 ][@Zidane] "Maybe I should go in my Kuja costume to fuck with her head..."
[15:12:54 ][@Zidane] He considers it for a moment.
[15:13:25 ][@Zidane] "You said... you 'have him in a rock'?"
[15:13:35 ][Theta] "At this point I think I'm getting more worried about the political parts here.  I mean, given the scare we had on people a decade ago and the fact she's very close with a sky pirate with a small fleet..."
[15:13:53 ][Theta] "Yeah we have a chunk of the crystal that has his soul in it."
[15:14:04 ][@Zidane] "I think the only thing you have to worry about politically is Burmecia."
[15:14:23 ][@Zidane] "Yeah, that makes sense..."
[15:14:51 ][@Zidane] "You guys are still cleaning up after us..."
[15:14:59 ][@Zidane] He looks a bit guilty for a moment.
[15:15:33 ][Theta] "I know Cid already is calm about it, given she already failed to attack his city, but dunno how much that'd extend to the locals if she went on a little publicity tour with her army."
[15:15:52 ][@Zidane] "That's not gonna happen. We won't let it."
[15:16:28 ][Theta] "This happening twice in ten years isn't gonna go over well."
[15:17:41 ][@Zidane] He helps himself to more whisky and thinks on it.
[15:18:48 ][Theta] "Specially when the planet itself rejects 95% of our race."
[15:19:10 ][Theta] "So stopping her operation and finding a cure will be great and all, but that's not gonna be the end of matters."
[15:20:22 ][@Zidane] "I can't say I got an instant solution to this either, Theta, but I want you to know I'm in on this all the way. You're not alone."
[15:22:40 ][@Zidane] "What was that you were saying about the planet rejecting us, though?"
[15:23:06 ][Theta] "It's a theory I had that sorta got confirmed here."
[15:23:28 ][Theta] "You know the thing about all living beings return to the crystal, and how we were made to slip into that somehow?"
[15:23:41 ][Theta] He points to Zidane and then himself.
[15:24:37 ][Theta] "Kuja wasn't made that way.  Garland specifically made him with a limited warrenty.  So when Kuja first made members of our race here...he did what he believed was what produced him.  It wasn't his doing.  It just wasn't meant to be."
[15:25:13 ][@Zidane] "...it all comes back to me, huh."
[15:25:21 ][Theta] "Remember how I said Walt was our big clue?  When you thought you killed Walt, he heard a voice and a light that welcomed him, and then he woke up.  He's been living fine ever since."
[15:25:32 ][Theta] "The planet accepted him for some reason."
[15:25:50 ][Theta] "Did you see any of the elves in stasis here?"
[15:25:53 ][@Zidane] He looks a bit sour at that. "Walt, but not Vivi."
[15:26:17 ][@Zidane] He shakes his head. "We arrived a bit late for that and went pretty much straight into the battles."
[15:26:56 ][Theta] "I didn't make the rules.  Maybe the Eidolons do or something?  Not really gonna change things," He sighs and shrugs.  "Basically, when you touched them, there was a little static shock and they'd suddenly not be frozen anymore."
[15:27:01 ][Theta] "It didn't work when the girls tried it."
[15:27:31 ][Theta] "Elizabeth reckons it's because we're sharing a bit of our connection to the crystal, which they were seperated from, and hence stuck.  The girls don't have that."
[15:27:48 ][Theta] "They're slowly dieing cause the planet won't supply them with the energy they need to exist here."
[15:28:06 ][Theta] "Which I guess is sorta weird considering Kuja's stuck in a crystal."
[15:29:32 ][@Zidane] "That -is- weird. ...I'd like to talk with him sometime if you guys don't mind passing it over."
[15:29:54 ]* Theta nods.  He just honestly isn't sure where it is at the moment!
[15:30:05 ][@Zidane] "...do you know why Garland limited Kuja's lifespan?"
[15:30:38 ][Theta] "Not really, no.  There's a lot about Garland I wish I knew."
[15:30:59 ][@Zidane] "It was because he created me to be Kuja's replacement as Gaia's 'angel of death'."
[15:32:19 ][@Zidane] "This entire mess might not have happened if I wasn't his damn 'special snowflake'."
[15:33:19 ][@Zidane] "Basically, Kuja was supposed to instigate as much war and chaos on Gaia as possible, to get the flow of souls through the Iifa Tree, but he created me with intent to replace Kuja. Kuja got jealous... and dumped me somewhere on Gaia, where I was found and raised by Tantalus."
[15:34:09 ][@Zidane] "All I ever really remembered was a blue light... until that whole thing ten years ago brought us to Terra and I learned the truth."
[15:34:58 ][@Zidane] "That's about when Kuja killed Garland and wrecked the place, and we got you guys out of there."
[15:35:18 ][@Zidane] "...wasn't the last we heard from Garland, though. He kept speaking to me later, in Memoria - the realm of memory."
[15:35:48 ][Theta] "Can't say we've found Garland in a rock, yet.  That'd be pretty handy given he's the one who has all the answers here huh?"
[15:36:27 ][@Zidane] "I'm not sure if he made it to the Crystal, myself."
[15:36:31 ][@Zidane] Zidane shrugs.
[15:36:36 ][@Zidane] "But if Kuja did, who can tell?"
[15:37:18 ][Theta] "Speaking of which...I sort of discovered another artificial race, which was also of alien origin, here on Gaia."
[15:37:30 ][@Zidane] "Huh?" he looks over, curiously.
[15:37:33 ][Theta] "Well, sort of.  Their version of The Ark is floating above New Cleyra."
[15:38:23 ][Theta] "Did you see the silver haired girl with a broom? She's one of them.  Unlike us, they are fully mechanical.  But given the direction things are going for us they'll probably need some assistance at some point as well."
[15:38:34 ][@Zidane] (I thought you left Ambrosia in treno)
[15:39:45 ][Theta] (No she wanted to come, she's been along the whole time.)
[15:40:06 ][@Zidane] (Oh, my bad)
[15:40:30 ][@Zidane] "I see..." he ponders. "So they might as well be like our cousins, huh."
[15:41:30 ][Theta] "I don't think things will bode well for them if Ayane acts up much.  We -sort of- destroyed their means of self defense, and the citizens there know how to get onto the ship.  Would only take a mob of zealots to...well."
[15:43:37 ][@Zidane] "We'll do what we can for them."
[15:44:01 ][Theta] "I guess what I'm getting at is when we mess with her, we gotta do it in a way she can't easily point a finger at any one government or city or nation."
[15:44:17 ][@Zidane] "Seems like the priority right now is bitch-slapping Kuja's fangirl."
[15:46:42 ]* Theta thinks a bit as he pours himself some wine. "Have you been to Terra, since the portal opened again?"
[15:49:02 ][@Zidane] He shakes his head. "I dived down with Choco to check out what was left of the Path of Souls, years ago, but not recently. Honestly... I'm sort of nervous about it."
[15:51:17 ]* Theta hrms. "I can't help but wonder what's left.  And where that double of herself came from.  There's gotta be something there she needed or wanted."
[15:53:18 ][@Zidane] "Garland probably had everything about the Genomes on file somewhere..."
[15:54:53 ][Theta] "I'd imagine, yes, but she'd need Terran elemental spirits for that - not Gaian, right?  But for now...honestly not that worried about diving to see just how craven she's gotten while The Glutton's been at large after we get some disguises or something."
[15:56:04 ][@Zidane] "Just let me know when you're ready to stage that. I'll bring a few classics to help us along."
[15:57:25 ][Theta] "And in case we need something extra to sneak in, well..." he puts a bottle on the table, from his bag.
[15:57:38 ][@Zidane] "And that's... what?"
[15:58:04 ][Theta] "It's an endless potion brewed by The Magus Sisters, I think."
[15:58:51 ][Theta] The Oh lala label is clearly visible. "It's effects are pretty hilariously handy for this sort of thing."
[15:59:47 ][@Zidane] "After accidentally turning Regent Cid into a frog I'm kind of wary about magic potions... What does it -do-?"
[16:01:14 ][Theta] "No offence to them, but if you were referring to your friends in Tantalus, their looks are quite recognizable.  And you being who you are..."
[16:01:45 ][Theta] "Well, a single sip will turn you into a woman for three days.  Dilluting it can lessen it."
[16:02:01 ][@Zidane] "..."
[16:02:13 ][@Zidane] "Theta."
[16:02:26 ][@Zidane] "This is both genius and incredibly disturbing."
[16:03:22 ][@Zidane] "...I need a drink." he says a bit weakly and just takes a drag from the bottle this time.
[16:04:09 ][Theta] "Not gonna deny that.  I had a bit of a heart attack when I accidently found out what it did."
[16:04:24 ][@Zidane] The bottle of whisky, mind.
[16:04:33 ][Theta] He puts the Oh Lala away.
[16:05:14 ][@Zidane] "I don't know what's scarier: What that stuff does or my rampant curiosity about it now."
[16:06:43 ][@Zidane] "...what were we talking about?"
[16:07:55 ][Theta] "Basically, I'll do what I can to help prepare for this as well.  The girls with me are -sick- of Ayane's work as well, so we should have a good sized group for when we do this..."
[16:08:37 ][Theta] "Honestly I think extracting her little clone is the top priority at the moment.  And test the waters."
[16:09:45 ][Theta] "But you guys are going to need hellishly good costumes to not be noticed - this girl is a theater enthusiast and self proclaimed actor, mind you.  She'd know all of you on sight, I'd bet."
[16:10:02 ][@Zidane] Zidane nods. "Got it."
[16:11:09 ][Theta] "And...I guess that's it at the moment.  Later on when I get things situated in Treno, there's going to need to be talks about how the hell our race is going to persist after all this, but that can wait."
[16:13:01 ][@Zidane] Zidane unsheathes his thief sword, twirling it about a bit. It's got dark blue blades with an orange handle, and wheel-like spokes at the base of each blade. "We'll think of something, I'm sure of it. I just... wish I could have done more, you know?"
[16:13:45 ][Theta] "Well, this -did- sorta just all happen at once a few weeks ago."
[16:14:48 ][@Zidane] "Yeah... just wondering if there was anything I could have done back ten years ago..."
[16:15:09 ][@Zidane] "Anyway, I should probably head out and check on Dagger. I'll catch up with you later, alright?"
[16:15:39 ][@Zidane] "Mikoto says you're like a little brother to her. Guess that makes you my little bro, too." he grins. "Don't be a stranger."
[16:16:31 ][@Zidane] He puts away the weapon and starts to get up.
[16:17:30 ][Theta] Huh.  She's never really said that to him so he's not really sure what to say at the moment without getting a bit mushy.  "I try not to be.  But, well, shit happens." He swings back a cup of wine.
[16:19:44 ][@Zidane] Zidane lurches a bit as he goes, probably had a biiit too much there. He shakes his head though and manages to make his way out.
[16:20:19 ][@Zidane] "It definitely does..." he murmers as he exits.
[16:20:33 ][@Zidane] and that's it for Theta at the moment...
[16:34:29 ]* Zidane is now known as Mary
[16:34:31 ][@Mary] NOW THEN
[16:36:13 ][@Mary] Ammy, you proceed to where you have Mary subdued. It's actually... on the Stray, in Nat's old room, which Noah has prepared and warded appropriately. Mary has been cuffed with Seal shackles and is just sitting in silence on Nat's bed.
[16:37:26 ][Amaryllis] (oh I was sort of figuring Ammy would do some reading on Epitaphs first and figuring out just what would make Mary different from others, which is why I was worried it'd take more prep time for info)
[16:40:22 ][@Mary] Oh
[16:40:38 ][@Mary] IN THAT CASE
[16:40:45 ][@Mary] Where are you looking for this information?
[16:41:57 ][Amaryllis] Noah's library to start, then the Glutton's notes.
[16:42:23 ][@Mary] Okay, roll me some Lore: Magic and History for this.
[16:43:01 ][Amaryllis] Words of Power. I'll sub Perform for both and use my phantom destiny for an Opus boost on Perform too.
[16:43:10 ][Amaryllis] 2#2d6+19
[16:43:11 ][DiceMaid-9001] Amaryllis, 2#2d6+19: 24 [2d6=1,4], 26 [2d6=4,3]
[16:44:42 ][@Mary] [jackie channing intensifies]
[16:44:48 ][@Mary] Okay then!
[16:49:44 ][@Mary] From Noah's notes and books you scrounge up the fact that Epitaphs generally pick a target and clone them by creating a stone golem within their chambers and imprinting it with memory data of the target. This creates a near perfect clone that thinks it's the real deal, only under the full control of the epitaph. If the spawn of an epitaph defeats its original in a one on one duel, the spawn
[16:49:44 ][@Mary] might absorb the original fully and take their place in society. This is a horrifyingly simple feat because these creatures can use their connection to the target they're copying to instantly defeat them - making fighting epitaphs in groups a necessity. Luckily they're not seen outside of Oeilvert and getting there is a difficult feat for anyone... at least until the spread of mistless
[16:49:45 ][@Mary] airships. However... apart from that, these clones don't typically last for more than a few minutes.
[16:52:28 ][Amaryllis] Is there anything on this more permanent variety of Epitaph?
[16:52:37 ][@Mary] From the GLUTTON'S notes, you find more detailed information. The epitaph he kept in his mansion was a very special one that he modified to produce permanent copies with no particular loyalty to the epitaph. In this light it was both very useful and very dangerous. He almost lost the thing in a covert testing operation where he tried to duplicate some residents of Lesetira - and dragon knights
[16:52:37 ][@Mary] intervened, including Freya. He barely managed to recover the creature and keep his involvement in the experiment a secret.
[16:54:05 ][@Mary] From that point on he kept the thing in a room in his mansion and would occasionally use it to duplicate the more witless of his Qu employees to have more bodies on hand.
[16:55:22 ][@Mary] Its location now...
[16:55:47 ][@Mary] Well, it doesn't seem he brought it with himself to Elvaana.
[16:55:57 ][@Mary] It may have well been left in the manor and have been lost.
[16:56:50 ][Amaryllis] Any notes on how to reverse the process?
[16:57:03 ][Amaryllis] Or anything she might figure out is relevant to that from the gemini notes from earlier?
[16:57:14 ][@Mary] Which process, exactly?
[16:57:23 ][Amaryllis] The merging
[16:57:36 ][Amaryllis] /replacement
[16:57:39 ][@Mary] Absolutely none - reversing that was never really in his interests.
[16:58:11 ][Amaryllis] Never even worried about having a contingency plan for himself if he got caught in an accident with that thing, huh?
[16:58:48 ][@Mary] As far as he ever considered, a copy of himself with no loyalty to the epitaph that ended up absorbing himself? Might as well just be him.
[17:00:24 ][@Mary] What kind of connection are you looking for with the gemini notes?
[17:01:20 ][Amaryllis] They're good at playing with connections between living beings and in particular bonds between creatures that are the same or one entity. Sorta figured that would have some ability to affect Epitaphs if it could be applied to Eidolons/Summoner bonds too.
[17:05:38 ][@Mary] There are things you think could apply, yes, though it would necessitate entering their aether realm, like Chell and Belle suggested.
[17:07:08 ][Amaryllis] What do the notes in Noah's library say on the topic? Is there a usual protocol or recommendation when someone gets replaced by an Epitaph? If it's clearly happened before in history, then people had to cope with it in some way.
[17:11:01 ][@Mary] It's less of a historically documented thing and more of a legend that Noah's made note of. The Lore: Magic was for Noah's and the History for the Glutton's, for lack of better skills.
[17:12:50 ][@Mary] Noah has made several notes linking Epitaphs to stories about Changlings or Dopplegangers, though you find disappointingly little on reversing the process or any sort of famous case of it
[17:13:10 ][Amaryllis] Is there any way I can pay a visit to Ralul?
[17:13:54 ][@Mary] You'd either have to take the Stray or have someone watch it since if noah's teleporting you no one will be there to watch Mary.
[17:14:19 ][Amaryllis] Can I...talk through Kalissa's body instead?
[17:15:24 ][@Mary] Sure, go for it.
[17:16:26 ]* Amaryllis tap taps at Tonberry's mental 'door' in her head and asks if she'd like to come out for a bit as she goes to chat with Ralul. :D
[17:18:26 ][@Mary] Your inner self emerges and begins wandering around a bit in the Stray as you wake up in Kalissa's body in Madain Sari. Ralul is not present at first, but after a few moments he teleports into the vicinity, apparently her awakening triggering something.
[17:19:37 ][Amaryllis] "It's Amaryllis again, Ralul. We have a lot to talk about, but there is one matter for which I require your expertise in particular right now." Ammy sits up straight and speaks quietly with her hands folded, not quite used to being in Kalissa's body.
[17:20:57 ][@Mary] There's a bit of awkwardness as you realize Kalissa has partially transmogrified into a Tonberry, too, featuring smooth, green skin.
[17:21:16 ]* Mary is now known as Ralul
[17:21:32 ][@Ralul] "By all means, if I can help you, Inquisitor."
[17:21:54 ][Amaryllis] "...Bloody hell, why would this be happening? She has done nothing but stay here asleep in a cell. Ralul, when did Kalissa begin to change?"
[17:22:38 ][@Ralul] "Not very long after we last spoke like this."
[17:23:11 ][Amaryllis] "That would be about the same time I suddenly grew a tail then." Ammy mutters with a sigh.
[17:23:46 ][@Ralul] "I wouldn't be too worried if that's the case, a simultaneous change actually sounds fairly appropriate for the situation."
[17:24:30 ][@Ralul] "In any case, I think you were about to ask me something?"
[17:25:16 ]* Amaryllis furrows her brow. "Then what does it even mean for one of us to 'win' over the other? But nevermind that. The Epitaph Carbuncle has...absorbed the original. Supposedly there is some way of reversing this process by entering their Aether Realm. Do you think you could offer your expertise here?"
[17:30:30 ][Amaryllis] (did it cut off or something, or are you just typing?)
[17:30:38 ][@Ralul] "This is troubling... if there is any chance of recovering her, her aether realm is likely a good place to start. I'd actually look for Natalie to begin with. If her epitaph has absorbed her, then perhaps she is still in there, somewhere. Check her crystal castle, make sure she's stable mentally... and then bring her to the other carbuncle inside that realm. It could be another test of
[17:30:38 ][@Ralul] dominance that's required... or help from yourself, but I imagine whatever process is undergone, you will need to start there."
[17:32:36 ][Amaryllis] "Are there any techniques you can teach me that might be helpful here?"
[17:32:45 ][@Ralul] "Be especially careful of the nightmares. If Mary is in control there, she may have allowed the darkness to overtake her."
[17:32:53 ][@Ralul] He thinks.
[17:33:12 ][Amaryllis] "A means to find someone in an aether realm, or ways to fight more effectively within one?"
[17:35:47 ][@Ralul] "As the Architect... perhaps I can construct something for you."
[17:36:29 ][Amaryllis] "I would be most grateful for that."
[17:36:47 ][@Ralul] He turns his back for a moment and begins rummaging through a knapsack for some things.
[17:37:29 ][Amaryllis] "Do you think I shall have to...destroy Mary to recover Nat?"
[17:38:04 ][@Ralul] "Honestly, I am unsure."
[17:38:16 ][@Ralul] "It is possible. Are you concerned for her?"
[17:39:05 ][Amaryllis] "Not particularly. She made her choices and will reap whatever karma lies at the end of the path she chose. My concern is saving Nat."
[17:39:46 ][@Ralul] "Why the hesitation then?"
[17:40:01 ][@Ralul] He gets out a sketchbook and a pen and sits, beginning to draw something.
[17:40:22 ][Amaryllis] "Nat was fond of her mirror self. I wonder how she would feel."
[17:40:34 ][Amaryllis] "She considered Mary to be a 'little sister'."
[17:41:20 ][@Ralul] "There are many things in this world we are fond of that we are destined to eventually lose." he says, a little sadly.
[17:41:41 ][Amaryllis] "If it comes to that, then I hope Nat can forgive me."
[17:42:04 ][Amaryllis] "What are you creating?" Ammy leans over to take a closer look.
[17:42:23 ][@Ralul] He flips the sketchbook so you can see. It seems he's drawing some kind of lantern cover.
[17:43:39 ]* Amaryllis doesn't really have enough here to know what that might be in terms of aether realm stuff, so she just nods and lets him get back to work on it.
[17:44:21 ][Amaryllis] "And if Mary has embraced the path of the Dark Eidolon? What advice can you give me in that case? Aside from being wary of the Nightmares."
[17:45:07 ][@Ralul] "This is a cover designs to contain the light of a lantern and focus it into a beam, coming out of the front light port here." he explains. "The light will be stronger when you are heading in the right direction while looking for Natalie." For lack of a better, real life example it's something like http://www.planetkrypton.net/products/JLA%20TROPHY%20ROOM-%20GREEN%20LANTERN%20POWER%20BATTER
[17:45:07 ][@Ralul] Y%20in%20METAL.jpg
[17:46:03 ][Amaryllis] "Ah, fascinating."
[17:46:24 ][@Ralul] "If she has embraced that path, there may be little hope for her, and Natalie herself may be in danger."
[17:46:34 ][Amaryllis] "What do you do then, simply draw something in that sketchbook and you can make it into a tool for exploring aether realms?"
[17:46:42 ][@Ralul] "Correct."
[17:47:20 ][@Ralul] "As for something to help you fight better..." he looks a bit mischevious and quickly sketches something.
[17:47:47 ][@Ralul] then flips it to show http://shadowness.com/file/item/28182/image.jpg  He's not entirely serious about this one.
[17:48:01 ]* Amaryllis raises an eyebrow.
[17:48:30 ][Amaryllis] "Come now, I'm serious. I lost a bloody arm in there last time."
[17:48:41 ][@Ralul] "Fair enough, fair enough..."
[17:49:38 ][Amaryllis] "On another note, if you're keeping track..." Ammy sighs. "The Eidolon Tamer had been consumed by the Glutton years ago. Not quite what I had suspected, but similar enough."
[17:49:40 ][@Ralul] "Honestly I was thinking about some kind of armor or protection and this is the first thing that came to mind. It's at least a -little- funny don't you think? ...no? Hrm. Well...how about a vehicle of some kind for mobility?"
[17:50:07 ][Amaryllis] "I'll play along if you really think it will help."
[17:50:18 ][@Ralul] "Ah. That is disheartening to hear."
[17:50:49 ][@Ralul] "No, it's fine. A tool in the realm of the mind and spirit is not useful if you have reservations about it."
[17:50:51 ][Amaryllis] "The good news is the Glutton's in custody now."
[17:51:29 ][Amaryllis] "Which means once I'm finished with this matter with Nat, I'll be setting up a base in Durandal and taking direct control over the Griever Gate there."
[17:51:45 ][Amaryllis] "And then extracting everything I can from the Glutton's memories."
[17:51:48 ][@Ralul] "Not simply killed? You plan to put your training to good use then."
[17:52:37 ][@Ralul] He tears the page with the tonberry knight out. "I was serious about more mobility, however. If you can -avoid- a fight that may be even better."
[17:52:38 ][Amaryllis] "He deserves worse than death. Have you seen what punishments the Tonberries meted out for violation of their laws?"
[17:52:50 ][@Ralul] "I can only imagine."
[17:53:40 ][Amaryllis] "If anything, I imagine giving the Glutton his karmic reward for his sins shall propel me closer to my apotheosis."
[17:54:20 ][Amaryllis] "I would rather simply take Nat and get out, if possible, yes. But if there does need to be some contest of dominance with Mary to do so..." Ammy shrugs. "I shall see, I suppose."
[17:56:08 ][@Ralul] "It may not be possible to separate their bodies at this point." he cautions.
[17:56:23 ][Amaryllis] "Which means what exactly for my goals here?"
[17:56:58 ][@Ralul] "I'm saying it may not be as simple as taking her and 'getting out'."
[17:57:17 ][@Ralul] He offers his sketch of a flying vehicle - http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20121107225260/disney/images/thumb/d/de/Keyblade_Glider_(Terra)_KHBBS.png/500px-Keyblade_Glider_(Terra)_KHBBS.png
[17:58:13 ]* Amaryllis nods. "An unorthodox vehicle to be sure. But I suppose that matters less in an aether realm."
[18:02:38 ][@Ralul] "Ultimately, however, I am sure you will be able to bring Carbuncle back to her original state."
[18:03:04 ][Amaryllis] "Thank you for your confidence."
[18:05:01 ][Amaryllis] "I wish I could ask you to accompany me, but I suppose you have to remain here with Kalissa."
[18:05:39 ][@Ralul] "Technically, yes. I have to be prepared in case there are things in motion that set her awake on her own."
[18:06:15 ][@Ralul] "One must be prepared for many possible eventualities."
[18:06:16 ][Amaryllis] "It was the Glutton's plan as well to have her become Tonberry. I'll let you know if I find out more about what he had planned."
[18:06:39 ][@Ralul] He nods. "Good, please do, Inquisitor. You are doing a spot-on job."
[18:07:13 ][Amaryllis] "And yet we still have much work ahead of us. The rebuilding will be a long process." Ammy says tiredly.
[18:08:41 ][@Ralul] "It will be. Are you prepared to help us undertake that?"
[18:10:28 ][Amaryllis] "Of course." Ammy smiles devilishly. "We've lost our Meansmaker, but I'm sure if we take Jasper Jules criminal empire in Madain Sari, an economic foundation on the Revived Continent, and a central position in Durandal's recovery, then we shall be in a good position."
[18:11:01 ][Amaryllis] "Jasper threw in his lot with the Glutton, though he gave himself up. I shall pry all that he has from his hands as well when I'm done with Nat's dilemma."
[18:12:22 ][@Ralul] "Indeed? Very good, then. We may have to double up on certain occupations for the time being..."
[18:12:42 ][Amaryllis] "That was my plan already."
[18:13:10 ][@Ralul] He nods.
[18:13:35 ][@Ralul] "Good luck then, Amaryllis."
[18:13:45 ][@Ralul] "You'll find your tools waiting for you in the aether."
[18:13:47 ][Amaryllis] "Thank you. Ah, um, how am I to bring these tools with me?"
[18:13:51 ][Amaryllis] "Oh. Wonderful."
[18:15:42 ][Amaryllis] "May we pen tales of brighter days from now on then. I feel as if we have stepped out of a dark shadow with the Glutton's defeat. We'll speak again once I've accomplished my task, Ralul."
[18:15:49 ]* Amaryllis closes her eyes and reaches out to Tonberry again.
[18:16:39 ][@Ralul] Tonberry is sitting on your bed in the Stray, holding on to a certain stuffed animal that's had many holes torn into it and stitched up over time.
[18:17:41 ][Amaryllis] "You like it?" Ammy thinks toward her.
[18:18:20 ][@Ralul] 'It brings back memories...' is the response.
[18:19:18 ][@Ralul] She hugs it and thinks back. 'Done?'
[18:19:59 ][Amaryllis] "Indeed I am. I shall need to work together with you again once we go into the aether."
[18:20:33 ][@Ralul] You receive a sort of confirmationary feeling.
[18:20:45 ][@Ralul] And then you're back in your own body, Tonberry on the edge of your mind.
[18:21:37 ]* Amaryllis gives the stuffed animal a squeeze too, then stands up, setting it on her bed. She shuffles off to find where Noah's guarding Mary.
[18:22:37 ][@Ralul] and... we're probably gonna have to cut it here, cast.
[18:22:42 ][@Ralul] Crystals in thirty minutes
[18:22:44 ][Amaryllis] Yup, figured so.
[18:22:48 ][Amaryllis] Thanks~
[18:22:50 ][@Ralul] and that
[18:22:51 ][@Ralul] is
[18:22:51 ]* You are now known as castfromhp
[18:22:55 ][@Ralul] </session>