Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library07/08/2018
Wandering around after getting back, she noticed that the palace servants were avoiding one part of the castle in particular. Asking around, she hears that Morigan's study had been broken into, probably looted during the coronation assault.

She headed over that way to see if she could be of some help. Along the way, she noticed Laven seemed to be going the same direction as she.

"Hello there, I take it you heard what happened?"
Novikov_Principle07/08/2018
"Oh, Miss Beth? Where did you come from?"

Not waiting for an answer to the question, Laven responded, "Yes, something does seem amiss about this."
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library07/08/2018
"I overheard something happened during the raid... Perhaps they left clues? I do not know if they left any thing of note however..." She looked around as they walked, looking at the building they walked up to(edited)
July 9, 2018
Novikov_Principle07/09/2018
"Well, I suppose the best place to start is to find out what was lost and who would want to steal it, then," said Laven, as they walked in the direction of the tower.
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library07/09/2018
"Alright, sounds fair. Hopefully Lady Morigan is in a sharing mood..." Beth continued the rest of the way mostly through directions, she had never need to head to this way herself.

Approaching the tower, she looked around, unsure of what she might find when they got there
Novikov_Principle07/09/2018
(cue @#AlmostHeaven )
#AlmostHeaven07/09/2018
no u
July 16, 2018
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library07/16/2018
@#AlmostHeaven we're literally waiting for you here
July 18, 2018
#AlmostHeaven07/18/2018
They found guards posted at the door, standing up straight from their slouches when they saw someone approach.
July 19, 2018
Novikov_Principle07/19/2018
Laven salutes the guards at the door, and inquires if Morrigan is on-site.
July 20, 2018
#AlmostHeaven07/20/2018
"The Lady Steward is here, yeah," One nods, "She's not taking audience right now though."
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library07/20/2018
Beth nodded politely to the guard. "We are members of the Kingsguard, would you send word and inquire if she would like assistance in investigating what happened?"
July 22, 2018
#AlmostHeaven07/22/2018
"I don't wanna go in there," One mumbled to the other.
"Well we can't just let them in," the other replied.
"We could, and then we could start running," The first suggests.
"Well, what can you two add to the investigation? You got any information?"
Novikov_Principle07/22/2018
"Thieves broke into the palace during the battle. I'm fairly certain we dispatched them, though. The problem was assassins broke into the palace during the night, and we had a hard enough time dealing with them in the dark corridors before regrouping in the courtyard. It's more likely that the theft happened during that time."
July 23, 2018
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library07/23/2018
Beth looked around the grounds, looking for a broken door or other entryway. "Perhaps the assassins were actually thieves, and the attack on the wounded was merely a cover up for their true goal of the tower here. We have no way to know unless we investigate."
#AlmostHeaven07/23/2018
"Well shit, you sound like you know what you're doing too," the guy scratched his head, "Guess that didn't work."
"Head on in then, I guess," the first one shrugged.
Novikov_Principle07/23/2018
"... But seriously,  how many heads have rolled before our arrival? "

Laven asks the guards under his breath,  just before he enters the tower.
#AlmostHeaven07/23/2018
The guard isn't sure how to respond as he opens the door.
Novikov_Principle07/23/2018
Laven walks in together with Beth.
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library07/23/2018
Following at a slower, half step behind Laven, Beth mentally reviewed what she knew about Morigan.

It wasn't much.

She knew the woman had the confidence of the King, though she wasn't sure exactly the connection there. She was some sort of powerful mage or something, but the extent of which she didn't really know much either. She didn't even really know what the woman looked like! She was always shrouded in that deep hood of hers. Truly a mystery wrapped in an enigma.(edited)
July 24, 2018
#AlmostHeaven07/24/2018
They'd be greeted by an empty atrium that sat silent. Despite having supposedly been broken into recently, it was pristinely tidy.

July 25, 2018
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library07/25/2018
Beth walked in slowly, careful not to touch anything. She looked at one shelf carefully, then walked over to the large window, checking the view and seeing if any of the windows were cracked.

"Lady Morigan? Are you... In?"
July 26, 2018
Novikov_Principle07/26/2018
Laven followed in after Beth,  knocking on the door absentmindedly,  despite having already entered the room.
July 30, 2018
#AlmostHeaven07/30/2018
There was no answer, but there was a mystical presence above them. Perhaps she was somewhere on the upper floor of the study.
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library07/30/2018
"Upstairs, huh? Well alright, I suppose we shall see what she is up to..."

Nodding to Laven, Beth turned and took the stairs slowly, making sure she was not too quiet. She called up the stairs on her approach of the next floor.

"Lady Morigan?"
#AlmostHeaven07/30/2018
The spymaster didn't respond. Whatever the glow and arcana was, it was visible coming from the internal balcony but not from up the stairs.
August 1, 2018
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library08/01/2018
Beth looked around and headed over to where she saw the glow. The quiet seemed... Odd, even for someone as secretive as Morigan.
August 3, 2018
Novikov_Principle08/03/2018
( Is there an Investigate roll or something? Because that's what Laven tries to do on the entry way, floor, and windows )
August 17, 2018
#AlmostHeaven08/17/2018
( there's a bread roll. Its on the desk, but it looks like its stale. Probably been out all day. )
Heading up the stairs, the steps curled around their supporting pillar until reaching the next floor. Through a doorframe there, the glow shown again. But just as soon as Beth saw it again, the glow waned and cracked, rapidly collapsing into a weak wave of force the permeated from the room. It was nothing overpowering, but if you were off balance it'd still knock you on your ass.
Novikov_Principle08/17/2018
Hearing a ruckus, Laven calls up,

"Is everything alright up there,  Miss Beth? "
August 22, 2018
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library08/22/2018
"Wha-? Waa!" Creeping up slowly, Beth peeked into the room, before the sudden wave of magic rocked her on her feet. She grabbed the edge of the door to steady herself. Bracing herself as the energy passed over her, she frowned, looking around the room.

"There... well, frankly, I am not sure what it was, but there was some sort of enchantment up here. I seem to have set it off..." Beth called back over the rail, looking around the room to see if everything looked where it was suppose to be, or if the room looked ransacked, or what.

The lack of a certain Morigan was starting to concern her.
August 24, 2018
Novikov_Principle08/24/2018
"Oh dear..."
Laven starts walking up the stairs.
"An enchantment? Are you alright?"
#AlmostHeaven08/24/2018
In the room, before a dais, was indeed Morigan. She was fussedly adjusting her cowl when Beth saw her finally.
"It was no enchantment, but my attempt at divination. I'd like to know who broke into my study, just as I'd like to know why you're here now, distracting my concentration. I'll have those buffoons transferred to a post in the slums."
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library08/24/2018
Beth sighed, holding her hands up in a peace offering. "I apologize, Lady Morigan. We were a little worried about the break-in, and came to offer our aide to help find out what happened. It seems the opposite, however..."
#AlmostHeaven08/24/2018
"Unless you were there, or are a superior diviner, then I don't think it is that likely," Morigan sighed, "Only one of those seems likely to me. So, well then?"
August 25, 2018
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library08/25/2018
"Well, first, can you tell if they were after something specific? Are you missing items of real note? This tower seems off the main route into the castle, so they must have known something was here in it."
#AlmostHeaven08/25/2018
"An old artifact. It is not of any great value, but it is certainly quite unique. A gift from my husband, before his passing," Morigan explained, "Glenn is procuring a functional replacement, as I did use it in my work, but I would much prefer the item itself."
August 28, 2018
Novikov_Principle08/28/2018
"We do actually have a lead. You probably already know that intruders assailed this castle and attempted to assassinate Lady Damia and her entourage, although it seems their deaths were a secondary priority. Finding her seemed to be a delightful surprise to their leader, grim as it may sound. They seemed to be after something else in the castle. They called themselves The Family, and associated with The Friends. They were clearly from another land, a different continent, even. Could your late husband have run afoul of this association during his travels?"
September 4, 2018
#AlmostHeaven09/04/2018
"Another land indeed. I've never heard of them," Morigan confirmed, "You mean to suggest that they were sent here to steal the missing item, then. My husband never left Zaldos, and neither have I."
"Why would they openly blabber about who and what they are? And to even reveal their constituents. Its a wonder they remain as secret as you seem to think they are. Perhaps they are akin to normal mercenaries in their homeland."
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library09/04/2018
"Valid points, though I wonder... Was this artifact truly a personal momento? Or did it have some other purpose or design? Perhaps as a component to some other device? If all there was to it was a keepsake between family, I struggle with a reason why someone would come all the way in here for it. "
She looked around the shelf next to her, though without knowing what was supposed to be there, she had no idea what might be missing.

"Maybe... Could... Could this be a ruse? Is there anything new that they might have left behind? Perhaps planting something to breech your defenses later?"
#AlmostHeaven09/04/2018
"As a sort of surveillance?" Morigan added to the thought, "And they took something that appeared significant to cover their crime. Plausible, but my office wards surely would've detected something of that nature."
Novikov_Principle09/04/2018
"One of their members was proficient enough in some sort of resurrection art that bordered on immortality, I wouldn't put it past them to have some strange adept in the arts of stealth, as well."
Laven examines the room in a sweeping glance as he crosses the doorway.
September 5, 2018
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library09/05/2018
Beth sighed, as she realized where this was going.

"There is that girl... Hichi... She has a connection to the group. I am unclear on it, my sister knows more, but she apparently is on the run from them? I doubt she would know of any current plot, but she may know of their techniques, or if they have any special spells that would be used for or planted after a heist."
#AlmostHeaven09/05/2018
"On the run and conveniently in the same castle they soon after assailed. It is suspicious to me, at least," Morigan shook her head, "Find her if you'd like. I'd have to cross examine the half beast soon enough regardless."
September 23, 2018
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library09/23/2018
Beth frowned. "I... suppose we can get her... My sister will not be happy if she knows more then I think she does, however."

She sighed, and looked towards Laven. "Should we get her now?"
Novikov_Principle09/23/2018
"I don't see how we can't just ask her the question ourselves when we find her, though," said Laven, shrugging.

" 'Do you know a Family member who can turn perfectly invisible? ' "
September 24, 2018
#AlmostHeaven09/24/2018
"Bring her here. Lest you return with an answer that begs another question."
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library09/24/2018
Beth nods. "I will find her, and bring her back."

Turning to go, she waved to Laven, leaving it up to him if he wanted to follow or stay with Morigan.
#AlmostHeaven09/24/2018
Morigan also looked to him, from behind her cold and unfriendly cowl
October 1, 2018
#AlmostHeaven10/01/2018
"Well, were you going to go as well?" Morigan asked.
October 2, 2018
Novikov_Principle10/02/2018
"Before I go, I may as well ask the specifics of the item in question. That is, if that isn't too private. If her former clan truly was after it, then that increases its significance."
#AlmostHeaven10/02/2018
( I'm 99% sure that's been answered at least once maybe twice )
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library10/02/2018
Beth shrugged, turning to leave. "We shall see when we bring her back."

Heading down the stairs, she walked back to the castle, trying to remember where she might find the girl. She knew Bella had gotten involved with her, somehow, but though she loved her sister dearly, those didn't tend to last long from what she'd observed in the past. Perhaps she'd be by their rooms, or perhaps not.

Still, it shouldn't be too hard to find Hichi if she looked around the castle a little.(edited)
October 4, 2018
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library10/04/2018
"Yah well, I'm just sayin', I don't.. Mind sharin' wit ya, it'd be nice. But... Uh.. Just a sec..."

Getting to the room in question, Bella threw open the door and rushed in. Through the doorway Hichi could see she was clearing off part of what looked like the messy half of the room, shoving stuff into a nearby closet. Notably, she wavered for a few moments over some greenish blue stuffed animal fox creature that was laying near her bed pillow, before sighing and tossing it onto the pile and shutting the door.

While this was happening, Beth approached down the hall at a even pace, watching with a raised eyebrow.

"Ah, Hichi, just the person who I was looking for."(edited)
#AlmostHeaven10/04/2018
"Oh. Okay. You too?" Hichi blinked.
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library10/04/2018
Beth looked into the room, shaking her head. "... Yes. I am here to bring you to Lady Morigan, she has questions for you."

Bella popped into the hall, cocking her head at Beth. "It's ready now- what's up sis?"

Beth sighed. "I just said..."
#AlmostHeaven10/04/2018
"And she didn't hear you," Hichi gave a confused look.
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library10/04/2018
Beth rallied, squaring her shoulders. "Yes well, now that you are both here, I need to take Hichi to Lady Morigan's tower."

"Oh... Huh."Bella frowned, thinking about last time she met Morigan, at Rel's place.
#AlmostHeaven10/04/2018
"Why?" Hichi asked
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library10/04/2018
"Yah, what if she don't wanna go!" Bella slid over, standing next to Hichi and folding her arms.

Beth ignored her and looked towards Hichi. "Lady Morigan would like to know more about the, ah, Family? Seems her study was broken into during the previous assault, and an item of personal importance was taken. Word says you are the local expert."

She glared at Bella for a moment, continuing on. "... You are not a suspect yourself, yet, so I would ask you to cooperate. Please."(edited)
#AlmostHeaven10/04/2018
"So that is why they came in the first place."
"Okay. Which way is the steward?"
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library10/04/2018
Beth's eyes widened slightly. "So you- Ah, ok, let us go, it is this way." She turned a gestured, heading the way she came.

As they headed down the stairs, Beth took the rear, partially to make sure Hichi didn't slip away, but also to lean close to Bella and ask in what she thought was a low tone, not knowing about Hichi's ears.

"So.. what was that about?"

Bella replied in the same lowered tone. "Ah, well... Hichi's my girlfriend now, I guess? And... uh... she'll be living wit' us now."

"Wait, what? Why?! Just because-" Beth realized she was raising her voice a little, and cut herself short.

Bella shrugged. "Well... ya see... Felix is like her boss I guess? I dunno. But he's, like, payin' ta have her stick around and follow 'em around. And... she also sleeps in his bed sometime, or somethin'...?"

"What?!"

"Ya."

"...ok fine, she can stay with us. But... you... two better keep it quiet over there..." Beth sighed.(edited)
#AlmostHeaven10/04/2018
Hichi stopped at a turn in the halls, "I question why the one who doesn't know the path was made to lead."
October 8, 2018
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library10/08/2018
Beth stepped up, nodding to her. "Yes, well, we are close, just out that door. Follow me."

Stepping out, she headed across to the tower, thoughts churning. Ugh, of course you would find a kitten to follow you home sis...

Nodding to the guards, she ushered Hichi in, then paused when Bella made to follow.

"Uh... Sis, I think you should stay here. Just... Hang out with the guards or something."

Bella's eyes widened, then she folded her arms. "Ugh... I guess. Dat Morigan lady is pretty creepy for da head maid."

"She... Is not the head maid. We talked about this. But... Ok, just stay here, be good, this should not be long, and there is only one way out, so we should see you soon."

She turned and entered, waving Hichi up the steps.(edited)
#AlmostHeaven10/08/2018
"But why would anyone else dress up like a maid. It must be so," Hichi blinked, then looked to Bell with eyes that asked approval.
"Was that good?" She whispered.
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library10/08/2018
"Ya, see sis? I'm not da only one!" Bella cheered up a little, winking at Hichi. "Ya gonna do fine, go in, tell em what dey want, and we'll find food or somethin later."

Beth just sighed. Great there's two of them now.(edited)
#AlmostHeaven10/08/2018
Hichi followed Beth in, "Its so cold in here."
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library10/08/2018
Beth nodded. "It is, now that you mention it. Lady Morigan must like it more chilly then usual... Perhaps some air... Conditioning spell?"

The headed up the steps, and entered the sanctum. She called up as they entered.

"We are back."
#AlmostHeaven10/08/2018
"Come on up then," Morigan replied.
"It she puts my hair on edge," Hichi said quietly as they walked up and around.
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library10/08/2018
Beth didn't say anything now that they were in earshot of Morigan, but she did shoot Hichi a rueful grin, agreeing with her on that point. She headed up the inner steps to where they had met before.

"Here she is, as requested. Hichi, this is the Lady Morigan."

She gave a half nod and stepped back out of the way.
October 9, 2018
#AlmostHeaven10/09/2018
(do you wanna lead the questioning? I don't think it'll be very interactive if its just me talking to myself)
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library10/09/2018
(sure? I don't really know what Morigan would be looking for, so if you slip some ooc hints along the way I can steer into those topics)
Taking a moment to review what they knew, Beth realized... It wasn't much. Why they'd be here after some random momento, why they'd be here at all, just... Mysteries.

Still, supposed she had better start with the start.

"Ok, so... What is the Family, exactly? I gather they are not normally a band of thieves and assassins, so... What more should we know about them then that?"(edited)
#AlmostHeaven10/09/2018
(This was only ever really meant as exposition about the family)
(so whatever really)
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library10/09/2018
(i mean we have a lot of info about them through Bella and Felix rps, so feel free to fill in gaps from things that you haven't said twice already. Maybe a summery of what we already know)
#AlmostHeaven10/09/2018
"Killers yes. Thieves in desperate times," Hichi explained, "They're a, ah, cult. They venerate their leaders, the mothers and fathers of the family."
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library10/09/2018
"Hmm. So this is certainly within their skill set, then... But... You are not from here, yes? Why would they come all the way to Zaldos? Are there not enough people to kill and thieve from where you are from?"
#AlmostHeaven10/09/2018
"They came for me. My leaving was poorly planned. Its no wonder that they were able to follow," Hichi explained.
October 10, 2018
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library10/10/2018
"Hm... well, I do not really wish to intrude on your personal life, but if we have a roving band of killers wandering around looking for you, I feel I must." Beth cleared her throat.

"Why did you leave? And why would they want you back so badly?"
#AlmostHeaven10/10/2018
"After Shinji died, or as I know now simply left, I began to question the how and why," She explained, "They want me back because I left. We were raised being told the ones who betray their Mother or Father are the worst sort of scum."
October 14, 2018
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library10/14/2018
"Hmm... this Shinji... were you close... no, not relevant. Was he here, too? Was he part of the reason they attacked the castle, looking for both of you? Will they be back to attack the us if you are still with us?" Beth folded her arms and paced slowly back and forth, thinking.(edited)
#AlmostHeaven10/14/2018
"No. Before I left, everyone thought Shinji was dead. Unless they found out some other way, which is... possible, then they wouldn't know."
"They will be back, assuredly. Whether with force or with discretion, I cannot say."
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library10/14/2018
"Well... Do you know why they might have wanted an item from this study? It is not as if they ransacked the place, whatever they took was deliberate."
#AlmostHeaven10/14/2018
"A job, most likely. Or any other reason, if Myuuki is with them. Shinji seemed to think that was so, when I told him Jazargo attacked the throne room."
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library10/14/2018
"Ahh, that... does not help much..." Beth sighed, getting lost.

"Ok, who are all these people, and what do we need to know about them if they come back?
#AlmostHeaven10/14/2018
"They pose as craftsmen and artisans in polite company," Hichi explains.
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library10/14/2018
"No, no... though I guess that helps? The castle may need repairs, guess we will have to scan the laborers better... No I meant this Jazargo, Shinji, Myuuki... Are they important? What can you tell us about each of them?"

Beth frowned, pausing to look at the other girl. "You have to give us something to work with Hichi. Give me a reason to not advise Lady Morigan here to just sending you on your way just to get this issue out of my hair. My sister will hate that I am sure, but if you have a group of thieving assassins on your trail, that... is not something we need following the King."(edited)
#AlmostHeaven10/14/2018
"Myuuki is a Mother. She's a Master of nine, in the Way of the Dreamer," Hichi explained, "Her dreams are akin to augury."
"Shinji was a Father, before he left. He's a Master of eight, in the Way of the Lover. He left when Myuuki was still of eight as well. The mission that we were told he died on was what gave Myuuki her ninth tail. Since finding Shinji alive, I have come to question what happened on that mission."
"Jazargo is an Elder Brother, and a Master of three, four now, in the Way of the Reaper."
"There are some others that may be alongside Myuuki as well."
"In the family, you're as important as how many tails you have. Myuuki, with nine, is the Mother all the other Mothers and Fathers answer too. She is terrifying. She's only the second to Master the Dreamer's Way, and as I say, when she closes her eyes, she wakes with prophecy on her breath. The first Dreamer went insane, Myuuki has not."
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library10/14/2018
Beth looked towards Morigan, surprised at the flow of information presented. "So... there... is some sort of prophet and a master killer both after you. And they came here, yet did not find you. Is this why they want you? Since you know too much, and could share secrets not to be revealed to outsiders?"
October 15, 2018
#AlmostHeaven10/15/2018
"Perhaps. But traitors to the Family are the worst kind of scum, we were raised to believe. They mean to welcome me back in, by force, or kill me, if I refuse."
"You mentioned others besides those named," Morigan interrupted.
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library10/15/2018
Beth nodded. "Indeed, how many did or would they have brought with them, would you say? Just a few? Or are there many more then that?"
#AlmostHeaven10/15/2018
"Jazargo seemed to have some number of one-tails and humans with him, so there's likely quite a few," Hichi explained.
"How I said about that night where Shinji left and Myuuki gained her ninth. I believe that means Myuuki knows Shinji is alive still. When a Master dies, they come back with another tail. I think Shinji killed her then ran. That's why she has the ninth, but Shinji still only had eight when I saw him."
"If that's right, then Myuuki may have brought along Shinji's wife and son," Hichi explained.
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library10/15/2018
"... They get stronger when you kill them...? Great, we're back to nearly godly foes again..." Beth muttered, clearly not happy with this revelation.

"Why, would she be angry for him killing her? Would that not just make her more powerful? Why bring his family then? Hostages?"
#AlmostHeaven10/15/2018
"They return to their Mother or Father. If Myuuki dies, since she is on her last, not only won't she return, but all the other masters that die will return all to way to Hoshido, if at all. I admit, I don't know what happens when a Master of Nine dies."
"She would want him for the same reason she wants me back. Those who betray are scum."
"To play on his emotion. They both, Reiji especially, hate him for leaving."
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library10/15/2018
Nodding, Beth understood that feeling towards family.

"So, take out the top and the rest fall like dominos after. Did you... Plan to tell us all this before? I do not know what you want to do with this situation; did you intend to lead them here?"(edited)
#AlmostHeaven10/15/2018
"I wanted to run, pray on that chance they might not find me," Hichi sighed, "I'd have told you at any time if you'd asked."
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library10/15/2018
"Well.. I suppose that your could still go. There are a lot of people moving in and out of the city everyday, just slip in with the crowd. We are not exactly a mobile, sneaky force here... And obviously our focus is on the King, as I am sure you have gathered by now. "

Beth held out her hands, unsure of what to do.
"I suppose you can could stay and help too. You have been helpful in the past thus far." She looked towards Morigan, unsure if she was out of line offering a opening in the kingsguard that might not exist.
#AlmostHeaven10/15/2018
Hichi held her hands out too, over Beth's
"She is our only tie to those halfmen. If we expel her, my old keepsake is surely lost."
"Is this Reiji a 'master' as well? And the wife?" Morigan pressed, "Where is this Shinji now?"
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library10/15/2018
"Ah yes, did you meet with this Shinji fellow? Sounds like he has kept his head down better then you, perhaps he could share how he lost his their trail? Or would he know their current movements?"
Beth frowned in thought. "And none of this explains why they would sneak into the tower here and steal off with a curio..."
#AlmostHeaven10/15/2018
"In the eastern mountains," Hichi explained, "As a master of eight, that's likely something to do with it."
"Reiji and Azula are both Masters, yes. Reiji is a master of two in the Way of the Shadow. Azula is a Master of Six, in the Way of the Painter," Hichi explained.
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library10/15/2018
"...Shadow? Painter?" Beth sighed. "I understand you are not trying to be circumspect, but recall we are in the dark for what these terms mean. Shadow is... sneaking? Stealth? Some sort of master cat burglar? But what about Painter? That sounds more benign then I would guess it actually is."
#AlmostHeaven10/15/2018
"Azula's portraits are so stunning and lifelike that they come off the canvas," Hichi explained, "Master in Shadow can hide in the darkness and use it to their advantage. Reiji is only a Master of two though, so he is not very powerful yet."
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library10/15/2018
"Hmm... that sounds... very powerful. It seems you have a completely different form of magic in Hoshido, I have never even heard of most of these forms..."

Beth went back to pacing, mulling over her thoughts. "Lady Morigan, are you sure your keepsake had no mystical abilities that might have lured such people? It sounds like  if you wish it back, we will have to go into the belly of the beast, as it were."
#AlmostHeaven10/15/2018
"Nothing that I am aware of," She insisted.
October 17, 2018
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library10/17/2018
"Well... In that case... I am unsure what else to do as for now. Even if we were to find the Family, it does not appear that we could take the item back by stealth or force easily. And if we simply asked, they would surely attempt to negotiate for a return of Hichi to their... Loving care."

She looked at Morigan."I assume we have some policy against negotiating hostage trades for goods like that, yes?"
#AlmostHeaven10/17/2018
Morigan simply turned her hands palm and tipped her head a bit, "Ransom is not out of the question"
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library10/17/2018
Beth's expression turned flat as she stared at Morigan for a moment, then turned back to Hichi. "Well, hopefully we can avoid selling you back to your Family for the item. They do not seem like they would welcome you back with open arms."
#AlmostHeaven10/17/2018
"If it were I would need to relearn everything about the Family," She explained.
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library10/17/2018
"Relearn? What do you mean? You... just told us a lot about them, are you going to forget all of it, or something?" Beth gave Hichi a confused look.
#AlmostHeaven10/17/2018
"I don't think you understand, Miss Gabbiani. If she means what I think she does, this process of reeducation is all but brainwashing," Morigan explained.
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library10/17/2018
"...Oh. Well, that is... minorly better then I would have guessed, I assumed execution. Not much better, however. Let us not allow that, please."

 Beth paused, then looked at Hichi. "So what is it that you do, exactly? My sister mentioned you were some sort of guide, but do you have... well... any additional powers of note? Tis starting to sound like everyone else you knew does..."(edited)
#AlmostHeaven10/17/2018
"I am no master. Few know their way, and fewer are able to master it. My sort help others find their way. I helped shape Reiji, for example. Because of that, I know more about him than most others. Potentially even more than Azula, his mother, even."
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library10/17/2018
"Well, we have had a run in with Jazargo, and this Shinji sounds like he is not a concern for now, while Miyuuki would hopefully not join the field herself." Beth brought a finger up, thinking.

"In such case, what more can you tell us about Reiji or Azula, ability wise, then? If we were to have run ins with them in the field."
October 23, 2018
#AlmostHeaven10/23/2018
"Reiji is only of two, so he is not very powerful compared to other masters, or even simply powerful warriors and mages. He can hide in shadows, primarily. More powerful masters of the same way can travel between shadows, but as I said, he's not so powerful yet."
"Azula is the highest Master of Myuuki's group, besides the Mother herself. Her paintings are so stunningly life like that they, ah, come life. They're not truly alive, but I trust you understand my meaning. Her paintings of real people and creatures are especially potent, because she captures a bit of the subject's spirit within her canvas. And she can keep taking. One of her infamous kills was of a vain daimyo who commissioned her for a series of portraits. She painted him so many times that his spirit was consumed entirely."
October 27, 2018
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library10/27/2018
"A shadow user, and someone who can kill you from afar... Neither of those are ones you would want to face, but... I suppose we will have to find a way, I imagine."

Beth frowned. "Do they have any weaknesses of note?"
#AlmostHeaven10/27/2018
"Master keeps their souls in their masks, as part of the Family's magic. When they die, the masks fall and shatter. If you can stop it from reaching the ground and breaking, they are trapped."
October 28, 2018
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library10/28/2018
"Well... that seems like an interesting failsafe trick. Just catch the mask and put it somewhere soft and safe. They wear these masks in combat? What if you were to, say, hit them in the face, break the mask before they are killed by other means?"
#AlmostHeaven10/28/2018
"If you could somehow break them, it would move them to their next life," Hichi explained, "But they're very difficult to break prematurely. They are much less fragile than they appear, thanks to the spirit bound in them.
October 29, 2018
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library10/29/2018
"Hmm... So the best way is to kill them then stop the mask, in the end. I suppose capturing them is... Unlikely to stick? Diving into shadows makes escape simple, and being able to simply sketch a doorway out makes walled containment worthless, to. Same with prophecy, for that matter..."
#AlmostHeaven10/29/2018
"I don't think Reiji could very easily escape a locked cell, if no one ever came to him. His abilities aren't that powerful yet, he'd be relying mainly on tricking his captors into thinking he escaped."
"Azula... yes. There are things she cannot do, limits to her power. She is only of six, after all. If she were of nine, for example, her limit would be but her artistic imagination."
"Catching their mask may not be so easy sometimes.To tap their full potential, they need to wear their mask, but they still have some access to their ability even without it. As illustration, Myuuki can dream with or without her mask, but without her mask it might be much more like a sense of, ah.... deja vu, as opposed to true prophecy."
October 30, 2018
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library10/30/2018
"So as you say, this Myuuki is the key. She is a nine... Do you literally mean they have nine tails? Huh... That seems a strange method of natural growth... But anyway, if she were to die, she has no more tails to gain, yes? Amd she holds the reins of the others. So if she were to fall, that would be that. "

Beth looked into the distance, thinking.(edited)
October 31, 2018
#AlmostHeaven10/31/2018
"She is a true kitsune, a nine tailed fox, yes," Hichi nodded, "Each tail represents a life she's lived, and when was reborn each time she returned with a new tail to represent her new life. A dead mother or father returns to the kitsunes' ancestral home, to the First Mother's shrine. But as you say she lives her last life as we speak. Killing Myuuki robs her branch of the Family of their mother. They return to the First Mother's statue, because she is everyone's mother."
"So even if Myuuki should die, her branch's masters will still return. But it would deal with them for some time because the shrine is in the mountains near Hoshido, which is... very far away."
November 2, 2018
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library11/02/2018
"Well, hopefully none of this information will become necessary or particularly. While I do not wish harm to befell you, Hichi, you must realize we have other duties here we have to attend to, first. Is there any chance this Shinji fellow could come back, and pose a... problem? Threat?"

Beth wasn't sure were to go from here. It was beginning to seem as if Lady Morigan's item was truly lost. Even if they did want to engage in aggression against these people, there is no telling where they could be hiding or camped out.
#AlmostHeaven11/02/2018
"I don't think Shinji would try to hurt me. I was under his Family before he left. As I had said, we all had thought he was effectively dead; that his mask had been taken and was beyond reclamation. Not that he was on an extended mission incognito. When we met, he was assuredly also trying to evade them, and succeeding it seems. It makes sense that a Master of Eight has met more success than a simple shaper."
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library11/02/2018
"Then... forgive me for prying more, but... why... come back here? If he was doing a good job hiding, and you to are still on good terms, why not just... stay with him? Hide alongside him, now that you know he can escape their notice?"
November 3, 2018
#AlmostHeaven11/03/2018
"Part of your group fought of Jazargo's band when he found me. I am in their debt," Hichi explained.
"And I think part of why they can't bring him back is because he was a Father. They'd need to send other elders, alone, because if others found out Shinji survived leaving, it would ah... how to say, cause a divergence. There'd be another lifestyle, a different method to follow the Way. Everyone from Shinji's sect at least would surely leave to follow him again."
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library11/03/2018
"Sure sounds like a cult... brainwashing and everything..." she mused, then turned to Morigan.

"I cannot think of anything else to discuss, do you have any matters that still need expanded upon? Anything I might have missed, that you can think of that need shared?"

ie if there's something important about this or the Family you haven't covered that still needs to be
November 13, 2018
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library11/13/2018
== End, I... assume?===