Ascalon to Accept the Black?

[21:37] Tahldrig says, "Speak of..."
[21:45] Tahldrig whispers something.
[21:48] Aidan idly tilted his head to Servaso as he glanced in his direction. A small hand moved to push up his glasses as he offered a faintly awkward dip of his head.
(Aidan Invidia)
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[21:49] Servaso would wave at Aidan, currently paying more attention to what calael was saying
(Servaso)
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[21:50] Amaryllis whispers something.
[21:52] A rolling flow of mist enters far more subtly.

The sound of something heavy and sleek sliding along the cobblestone comes only to those keen of hearing, though Arlei would doubtlessly feel a weight to the air from humidity ebbing from her left, amidst the potent, emotional exchange.
(Quicksilver)
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[21:53] Mertaisyl remained coiled up on the statue of the snek archon's tail, though it was glaring at Calael from that position.
(Mertaisyl)
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[21:53] The cigarette usually held between Arleis lips fell, almost in slow motion, as Calaels first words echoed through her brain.

Soft patters of crystal clear tears crashed into the concrete.

Arleis breathing got heavier.

The flames that covered her hair burnt out, revealing her black locks, laced with heavy dashes of grey.

Involuntarily, her half-shift faded, her wings receding into her back, her talon-clad hands normalising and her scales pulling back under her skin.

The words were Arleis worst nightmare. Bar none. Not even the threat Ashalle gave to her had anything on this.

A guttural noise ran from the deepest pits of her throat as the panic attack hit like a truck. Her fingers curled up in her hands, nails digging into her palms. Muscle control was gone.

Her eyes began to shake in her skull, crippling her vision.

Her legs shook, eventually giving out from under her. The councillor collapsed into a heap on the ground, curling up into the foetal position.

She couldn't even reply. All she could stammer out were strange noises, almost as if she couldn't properly control her tongue anymore. The tears were flowing heavily still, her eyes locked wide open.

Godfreys fate. Death. Her Ascalon. . The boy she'd first met when he was twelve, beating him up on the sparring fields. The boy who had made Inari, and by extension Arlei, retainers of the crumbling Zanders household. The boy she'd nudged in the right direction through his youth, giving him a shoulder to cry on. The boy she'd placed many games with, and enjoyed a great time with.

The man who'd drunkenly kissed her in the snow above Dawns mountains as she delivered a message to Artaghh, as was her job in the legion. The man she'd seen crumble, rise again, and crumble once more. The only man she'd truly ever fallen head over heels for.

And his sentence was. . well, death.

And therewas nothing she could do about it. Ascalon wasn't going to blackline. It was too much a part of him now. He. . he was going to have to leave. Nowhere else would take him. Nowhere except maybe Baukdengrad, but that. . that was a fate worse than death.

Her beloved was going to have to leave everything behind. He was going to have to run. Run far, far away. Not tell anyone where he was. They'd hunt him endlessly; if he told Arlei, and they truth potioned her, she'd end up killing him indirectly.

No. . her husband would never see her again. Her, or her children. And. . he'd perish.

All she could do was lay there, crumpled into a ball, unable to speak. Unable to focus. Unable to see. The despair she felt right now could be felt throughout the entire square. It was Hel.

Levengard was Hel. Sors and Artaghh were right. This place was more corrupt than Dusk.

They'd lured them in with promises of safety, of change. Of life. And they'd done it purely to pick them off, one by one. Mentally or physically. There was nothing that could be done.

Those six words had killed Arlei. Whatever rose up from this cobblestone after them, wouldn't truly be the woman that had fallen onto it.
(Arlei Zanders)
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[21:53] Aidan Invidia whispers something.
[21:55] Cordelia I. Avitus whispers something.
[21:59] Calael E. Kang whispers something.
[21:59] Calael E. Kang whispers something.
[22:03] Godfrey's fate..? Who the Spirits was Godfrey..? They quickly grasped the context regardless, their father must blackline or die..

He would never blackline... they themself had blacklined as a young child.. but their father..? Would never. It was only a grim confirmation as their mother reacted so... those fiery red locks fading.. those Ryujin blessed wings and horns fading..

As their mother fell they would go down with him to make sure they were okay.. completely involuntarily tears began to streak from their own eyes to stain the stones.

The illusion that hid black lines faded, those inky tracks now visible to all...

Were they really going to lose their dad..?

Small arms wrapped about their mother, piercing eyes of jade looking across to the one who had brought the news.. though he would never see them, they were filled with hate.

Though all anyone looking would see, were they sad eyes of a child told they were losing a parent... though even if the eyes were an illusion. The tears were all too real.
(Lirien Zanders)
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[22:04] Cordelia I. Avitus whispers something.
[22:04] Calael E. Kang whispers something.
[22:04] Calael E. Kang whispers something.
[22:04] Ulysses Visayan whispers something.
[22:05] Cordelia I. Avitus whispers something.
[22:10] The Zanders didn't know what was happening or what had been said. Truthfully, they'd made themselves scarce in the city since Ilui had threatened their life. It was easier that way, out of sight, out of mind.

'Speak of the....'

She didn't have long to wonder what that meant before Arlei's collapse. By then it was clicking into place what was happening here.

Her feet where like the winds as she cleared the gap between them. Kneeling down next to the love of their life. It was someone they'd met by chance as a child. Simply another adult within Dawn who'd no care for the youth.

She'd never thought about it really. Bringing in Arlei as a bonus into the Zanders household. They'd not really known them at first. Though, years of their presence had gradually formed a connection.

It wasn't a love that blossomed at first sight nor even one that came from courtship. It was one of chance, as all the best things in life was.

A knee hit the stones as she reached down the lay hands upon the woman. Checking her pulse, making sure she was stable. Old habits of being a medic upon the fields of war. Though that'd been years ago.

"It'll be alright Love, I am here."

Emerald hues shifted to Lirien, one of his daughters he'd raised. The first born, named after a dear friend who'd died in this very city. Possibly, within this very square. A thought coursed through his mind. Would his children grow old without a father as he had done?

"Lirien, listen to me." Words spoken calmly, sternly even. They where not asking for the young girls attention. They where demanding it. "Take your mother home, find Tilia and Prodotis. Wait for me there, do you understand?"

As she spoke a digit can to easily tap upon Arlei's back. Gravity was manipulated as the woman's weight became so little. Easily moved, easily carried.

The Oscuri shifted at that point, standing and looking across towards Calael Kang. There was no one else who could deliver the news that'd break down her love like this.

"I take it the hypocrites who welcomed Azraelites, Necromancers, Vampires, and all the manner of creatures you're Alliance hates... Finally caught wind of the fact I breathed?"

It was the simple fact of the matter. Their was the mighty Nyphadora, the Reaper, both serving within Huangzhou. He knew many Azraelites though Human and Neries, had flead to Gehenna. Yet, they'd finally turned their focus to the Oscuri. What few left of them their was at-least.

(Ascalon Zanders)
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[22:11] Satsuki Shimasu whispers something.
[22:11] Percival Kang whispers something.
[22:11] Percival Kang whispers something.
[22:11] "Humans."

A soft exhalation, breathed out in a hypnotic, cold, empty baritone echoes out, from uncomfortably near Arlei's side. It's not quite within her personal space, as he slides back into view- An oversized, hand-adjusted, glossy white 'cloak' that looks more like an excessive amount of bedsheeting, or a tentcloak.

He stares down at her, dispassionate. A gleam on gold-green, slitted, animalistic eyes on a noseless face devoid of compassion is more clearly visible from the ground up, given the angling of his hood.

A thrum echoes through his body, head tilting like he were looking down upon her.

"I still cannot perfectly comprehend the priority of so many of you," A droning, even tone. "After a hundred years of immersion and observation."

"No matter." His eyes close, gently. "This is an irrational outcome, provoked by irrational desires. To accept the worst to unfold is a survival reflex your kind possesses. Arlei Zanders, I would appreciate it if you stood."

"I do not see the requirement for it, so soon."

The 'concealed' 'man', airquotes in necessity, turns that dispassionate gaze towards Ascalon. "May I request an end unto the melodrama, and a private conversation? Once all have said their piece."

"I believe that is the next recourse."
(Quicksilver)
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[22:14] Satsuki Shimasu whispers something.
[22:18] She stepped out from behind Calael. She was a bit smaller than him, so for all intents and purposes, it almost appeared as if the Dhampir had been hiding in Calael's shadow.

Probably because she was. Sticking to shadows was what she was good at, in both life and death - and.... Double death and life. She didn't didn't know what to call it. Regardless, she clapped her hands loudly, perhaps being a bit annoying.

"OKAY!" She called out, pointing towards Ascalon, "Stop believing in Azrael! BAM! Done. You're good. You don't have to die - very exciting!" She said, waving her hands a bit before she finally grew serious, pocketing her hands,

"Listen. You would have had to denounce Azrael to begin with - because it's banned. Azraelism by itself is banned, and even if they had succeeded inwhatever jerry rigging they want to do, you'd still have to move away from that. Not just for yourself, but for your family too," She said, indicating the fallen and helped Arlei, before she shrugged, "Consider this a quicker path, a quicker. What else did you expect, really? Did you expect to have your pretty green lines changed to like - blue, like a Qilin's, and then everyone be okay with your worship of a genocidal Angel?" She asked, head tilted as she leaned forward a little.

"They weren't going to be. Ever. So now you're confronted with the harsh reality of the world we live in, where people can dictate what religion you follow, what your skin looks like, what your eyes look like - oohhh mine are a spooky red! - and whether or not you like to drink blood or booze. People deal in black and whites, but at least he's," She said, jutting her thumb towards Calael, "Is willing to try and make sure something comes of it, so your people don't have to keep having to make this choice.

"So make the right choice so this doesn't have to turn into a damn tragedy. There's been enough of that."
(Cordelia I. Avitus)
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[22:19] Calael E. Kang says, "Eiphraem, if you wish to speak with Arlei, I will discuss with Ascalon more..."
[22:20] Quicksilver says, "Well."
[22:20] Satsuki Shimasu says, "Calael Kang, if that is what you are going to do, I need to pull you aside for roughly ten seconds."
[22:20] Quicksilver says, "I presume I would be best equipped to speak unto Ascalon, but I will assist in any fashion."
[22:20] Quicksilver says, "I am not intending to let this end poorly."
[22:20] Quicksilver says, "... I appreciate this individual."
[22:20] Quicksilver says, "Religion is quite problematic."
[22:20] Quicksilver points at Cordelia!
(Quicksilver)
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[22:20] Calael E. Kang says, "Either way. I'd rather this didn't end in tragedy."
[22:20] Calael E. Kang says, "Or fleeing or whatever else."
[22:20] Calael turns to Satsuki.
(Calael E. Kang)
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[22:20] Calael E. Kang says, "Ten seconds."
[22:21] Arlei slowly looked up at Eiphraem, understanding and recognition blossoming in her unfocused, shaking eyes. .
(Arlei Zanders)
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[22:21] Ulysses Visayan whispers something.
[22:22] Satsuki Shimasu whispers something.
[22:22] Satsuki Shimasu whispers something.
[22:22] Calael E. Kang whispers something.
[22:22] Satsuki Shimasu whispers something.
[22:22] Calael E. Kang whispers something.
[22:22] Calael E. Kang whispers something.
[22:22] Jun whispers something.
[22:22] Satsuki Shimasu whispers something.
[22:23] Calael E. Kang whispers something.
[22:23] Calael E. Kang whispers something.
[22:23] Satsuki Shimasu whispers something.
[22:23] Satsuki Shimasu whispers something.
[22:24] Satsuki Shimasu whispers something.
[22:24] Calael E. Kang whispers something.
[22:24] Ulysses Visayan whispers something.
[22:24] Satsuki Shimasu whispers something.
[22:24] Calael E. Kang whispers something.
[22:24] Calael E. Kang whispers something.
[22:24] Satsuki Shimasu whispers something.
[22:25] Calael E. Kang whispers something.
[22:25] Calael nods to Satsuki and turns back to the matter at hand.
(Calael E. Kang)
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[22:25] Satsuki Shimasu whispers something.
[22:26] Satsuki Shimasu whispers something.
[22:26] Calael E. Kang whispers something.
[22:27] Jun whispers something.
[22:39] The Oscuri's focus shifted from Calael at first, turning to the stranger in white robes. Who even was this being? Not someone the Zanders had ever really known of. Their was the pulse of reika in their veins.

Oddly enough aside from the residual anger an Oscuri always felt the Oscuri was oddly calm. No doubt they'd spent years training their mind to remain such. Though perhaps it was due to the connection to the spirit realm he possessed.

Whatever the cause it allowed in this moment of chaos. The veteran Paladin of answered, their voice only slightly raw. "I'm not fighting out of a city, I can speak. If you wish."

Though their attention shifted to Cordelia as they spoke. Now whereas the ominous feeling of death had hung in the air since they'd arrived. It was a familiar feeling, almost peaceful. Perhaps that's why they'd give the Dhampire an mostly even reply.

Then after a short pause they'd speak upon their faith. "I no longer believe in Azrael." The words spoken, echoed softly about the square. Yet, there was no dramatic blackening of the lines. No green hand coming to smite him. She just stood there as normal. "Azrael's promised a world that is perfect, free of the sufferings of death. Free of the cruelties of this failed design forged by an angel of lies.

This is the harsh reality as you say. Yet, my god has struggled to change that. Answer why I would abandon him for that?" The world was monstrous as the Dhampire said. What more reason to rebel against it?

"You do look like the type to just give up your faith so easily. Though, I am not you Cordelia." As she spoke she'd float slighty away from her family. "What did I expect?" As the Oscuri spoke they'd wave a hand to the few civilians who'd evacuated Aurum.

"I expected that with Aurum's merging into Levengard they would have more protectors in this world than me." That brought a slight smile to the Oscuri's lips. "I think they do now. Stronger one's at that."

As she spoke the Oscuri's arms crossed. Revisiting something earlier int he conversation. "I came to this city for my people, I pushed for the abandonment of Aurum because I wasn't enough to keep them safe. My family included, I was thinking of them when I walked into this city." Their gaze shifted towards Calael for a moment. They where trying to fix some of it. A few years ago the Oscuri would have offered but a sneer. Now? He didn't believe the Dhampire to be lying. Those Emerald hues shifted back to the Dhampire, with a grin they'd say one last thing.

"You know, I fancied purple lines. Green's always been an annoying color."

The words hung as they stopped speaking. Awaiting an attack, some greater ultimatum, or whatever happened next.


(Ascalon Zanders)
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[22:41] Quicksilver whispers something.
[22:41] Quicksilver whispers something.
[22:42] Quicksilver whispers something.
[22:43] Arlei Zanders whispers something.
[22:44] Arlei Zanders whispers something.
[22:44] Lirien would still have their arms wrapped about their mum.
(Lirien Zanders)
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[22:44] She was quiet, watching Ascalon move away from their family, as she brought a finger up to her lips.

"Okay but - clearly you still believe in Azrael. I've known enough Oscuri and black-lined Oscuri to know when you people are lying about this thing," She said, gesturing to.... Well, all over. Indicating the lines. "So what? Are you willing to blackline in order to continue to protect your family - and even Levengard, given we were kind enough to allow you all to come in?" She asked, her head tilting.

"Or are you going to die for your pride? I watched Yerfdog Rakhsiv - who had so much promise, die for his pride. Do not follow in his footsteps, mm?" She paused, realizing that perhaps he probably didn't understand who she meant and she exhaled heavily. Her eyes averted for afraction of a second, off to the side, as if she saw something.

Not a something, a who. Or perhaps it was a something, since it was simply a spirit - but it was only in passing. She blinked rapidly before turning back to Ascalon now.
(Cordelia I. Avitus)
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[22:45] Quicksilver murmurs softly- His voice thrums, and his cold appearance and tone doesn't change. But once massive, oversized hand extends down towards the man collapsed out of his shift, palm up as the serpentine lower body bends to offer support to stand once more.
(Quicksilver)
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[22:47] Nochtli Sugar whispers something.
[22:47] Sima Kang whispers something.
[22:48] Nochtli Sugar whispers something.
[22:48] Sima Kang whispers something.
[22:49] Nochtli Sugar whispers something.
[22:50] Sima Kang whispers something.
[22:50] Sima Kang whispers something.
[22:53] Calael blinked.

He wasn't expecting such a reaction.

The Oracle hummed some, and his expression brightened, though not to an entirely happy extent. Would he dare hope? Those white wings fluttered lightly on his back and he gave Ascalon a small nod.

"You... no longer believe in Azrael. This is good news. The leaders of the Alliance came together to discuss what to do, and the verdict was... well, blacklining, with an allowance for Lea and Eiphraem to work on those empty Rieka lines in the future. If purple lines are what you are after, then we can certainly try?"

He glanced to Quicksilver.

"I... must break the news to Loretta as well. If this is resolving nicely, would you all mind if I went to meet with her?"
(Calael E. Kang)
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[22:57] Arlei Zanders asks, "calael are you tabbed into ic?"
[22:58] Ichtaca says, "Well here we are Miss Miyo. There seems to be a big commotion, but I'm certain we can find a healer soon enough."
[22:58] Servaso says, "I'm a healer, but can you wait."
[22:58] Quicksilver says, "... Cal. You are stressed, but please note his color. It is the purpose of expressing difficulty."
[22:59] Quicksilver says, "You are exhausted. You have worked hard upon this."
[22:59] Quicksilver says, "I will do my share."
[22:59] Ichtaca says, "Ah, yes of course! Thank you."
[22:59] Calael E. Kang says, "I."
[23:01] Ulysses Visayan whispers something.
[23:02] Quicksilver says, "You have been forced to 'account' before all of Agartha."
[23:02] Quicksilver says, "Your job is not enviable. You do not enjoy making humans feel this way."
[23:02] Quicksilver says, "... You did nothing wrong."
[23:02] Calael E. Kang says, "I thought it was genuine."
[23:03] Calael E. Kang says, "I."
[23:03] Quicksilver says, "Ceasing to believe in something is not so easy."
[23:03] Quicksilver says, "... Well."
[23:03] Quicksilver says, "It is for those whose faith is made only in conditioning."
[23:03] Quicksilver says, "Cal."
[23:03] Quicksilver says, "Go see your son behind you."
[23:03] Quicksilver says, "Sit with him."
[23:03] Jun whispers something.
[23:03] Quicksilver says, "Take a breather."
[23:03] Sima pats the empty spot on the bench.
(Sima Kang)
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[23:03] Quicksilver says, "We can work on the lighthouse once you've had the opportunity for a break."
[23:03] Calael E. Kang says, "I need to speak with Loretta."
[23:03] Quicksilver asks, "How long have you been awake?"
[23:03] Calael E. Kang says, "Long."
[23:04] Sima Kang says, "Dad."
[23:04] Calael E. Kang says, "Long time."
[23:04] Quicksilver asks, "Quite. Do you know where she is?"
[23:04] Calael E. Kang says, "A house."
[23:04] Sima Kang says, "... Take a moment or two."
[23:04] Sima Kang says, "Please."
[23:04] Calael E. Kang says, "I will find the house."
[23:04] Calael E. Kang says, "yes."
[23:04] Quicksilver says, "I will speak with her."
[23:04] Arlei was stuck in her own mind for the most part. Memories, visions and thoughts came to her eyes. It was as if she herself were dying; her memories, her life, all of it was passing through her, reliving it in what felt to her like her final moments.

Meeting Ascalon, helping him carry on, kissing him, falling for him, holding her children, raising them, teaching them about the spirit world and the values her own religion held, watching them grow up into happy, chirpy kids without their lines. A smile crept onto her face, likely the last one to be seen for a long time.

Her viridian eyes, slowly focusing, came to look at Ascalon. Her ears tuning to his words. What. . what was he doing? What he just said was flat-out suicide. He'd managed to condemn himself in only a few short sentences.

As always. . her beloved was brash.

Slowly, she unfurled from her ball, her eyes still leaking tears onto the concrete. With cracking bones and painful, locked muscles, her hands unfolded, allowing her to finally get a grip on reality. Immediately, as she regained her senses, she began running through her routine, muttering to herself. Eiphraems hand, the ground, her blade, her pants, Liriens head. Her touch ran over each of them as she muttered the names of the objects, slowly bringing her mind back down to reality.

Anyone with a touch of mental health knowledge would know that she was grounding herself and, by the looks of it, she had become quite experienced in it. .

The drakanites arm wrapped around her child, holding them close to her as Eiphraem assisted her in shakily climbing to her feet. With a pained 'smile' towards the Archon, she turned back to her beloved, her mouth shakily opening, her tone. . different. Ascalon would probably recognise it as the despaired voice from her time after Arthurs depraved ritual.

"Sweetheart. . please, don't m--make this worse. T--this can be fixed, s--see? There's g-got to be something that can b-be done. . even h-house arrest? Please, love. . d-don't do it. ."

"don't leave me." she choked out, her voice dropping to a whisper as her saltwater-filled, viridian eyes stared at the person who had kept her going for the last decade and a half. Her reason for living. The person she'd woken up next to for so, so many years. Her other half, no, her other three quarters. She needed him. She. . couldn't live without him.

As she finished speaking, her tone dropped to hushed whispers, holding Lirien tight to her body as she conversed softly with Eiphraem Kang.
(Arlei Zanders)
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[23:05] Cordelia I. Avitus says, "....."
[23:05] Cordelia I. Avitus says, "I should help.... Lac...."
[23:05] Cordelia I. Avitus says, "One second."
[23:05] Calael E. Kang says, "I will find her."
[23:05] Quicksilver says, "Thank you."
[23:06] The Dhampir placed both of her hands upon his shoulders, after tugging lightly on one of his wings,

"Deep breaths!" She declared, "... Woosah�.."
(Cordelia I. Avitus)
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[23:06] Arlei Zanders whispers something.
[23:07] Calael wanders down the road toward the housing district.
(Calael E. Kang)
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[23:09] Sima Kang whispers something.
[23:09] Cordelia I. Avitus says, "WoW"
[23:09] Nochtli Sugar whispers something.
[23:13] It is difficult to read the creature's face.

He doesn't flinch away, move, nor twitch while Arlei's hand grazes over textures and objects, including his hand. It remains upturned, patient- Though he speaks aside to Cal, his gaze remains upon her. His sibyllant, flowing voice continues in it's unshifting, emotionless-seeming tone.

It lowers, unbreaking and perhaps making it difficult to tell who he is addressing at any given moment, save for volume and context.

His muscular frame underneath the pitifully non-concealatory 'cloak' easily assists in helping her up without her grip on her child failing, male body or not. He hums, softly.

Only once she is on her feet, does his gaze goes to Ascalon.

"I comprehend what you say. However, I would ask that you take the time, with your wife either in presence, or in trusted care, to speak with you and attempt to express something I believe you may find acceptable."

"You are correct. You cannot simply 'change' what you believe on your own. However, I would like the opportunity to lay out the options, and thoughts, upon moving forwards."

"I would ideally like to speak to Loretta on the same. Would you feel more comfortable having discussion individually, or together?"

No tonal shift. It is hard to tell save for by individual opinion if it seems all too casual, or all so sober.
(Quicksilver)
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[23:13] Ichtaca says, "Hmm? Max? You sure travel a lot."
[23:13] Ulysses watched the pair as their time of reckoning had come, a horrible fill of dread filling him as the situation was becoming more and more clear to him. He could end up losing the only group of people he considered family.

His eyes would slowly begin to fill with tears as he's forced to remove his glasses due to the shift in temperature causing them to fog. Why did this have to happen was the only thoughts that rushed through his mind as the young man could only continue to stand aside and wait for the fate they would be given.

Turning over to Jun he would only stare once again, how were they taking this? Was their children going to be left without their father? The more and more he thought caused more tears to fill his face, only once has he felt so helpless.

(Ulysses Visayan)
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[23:13] Maxine Primrose says, "Mhm."
[23:14] Quicksilver whispers something.
[23:14] Quicksilver whispers something.
[23:14] All of this, wasn't fun to see. To see Ascalon having to make a choice, to see Arlei groveling and weeping on the ground towards Ascalon. He really wished none of this was happening. He wished for everyone to just be able to do what they wished, what they wanted.

As long as they weren't actively harming others or doing anything bad.

Though it seemed not all of those about had the same beliefs. Which didn't really surprise him. He knew that they weren't accepting here. To Ascalon and Loretta's kind. They were not open minded when it came to that. Could he say that it was a flaw of theirs, that it was something they should fault themselves for thinking?

Frankly he didn't know and if he did have an answer to that, he'd be just as imposing of his will as they were.

Though for now he'd simply just walk over, not really saying much of anything. He'd simply just give Arlei a hug, a hug from a friend who cared. A hug for a friend that he cared about. He didn't want to see her sad, he didn't want to see Ascalon /have/ to make a decision.

He didn't want any of this. But it wasn't his decision. It wasn't his place, or his city. Those here weren't his people. Even if in the past he had dreamed of having people to call his own, people that followed him. In the ruins of Dawn or wherever that may be.

But that was a pipe dream. For now he'd just focus on comforting Arlei, his friend, perhaps even family at this point? He wasn't sure on that, but it didn't change how much or how little he cared.
(Jun)
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[23:14] Nochtli Sugar whispers something.
[23:14] Nochtli Sugar whispers something.
[23:14] Sima Kang whispers something.
[23:14] Nochtli Sugar whispers something.
[23:15] It was hard to watch in total, arlei breaking down, ascalon having to blackline to stay, Loretta having to be a victim to the lighthouse.

Servaso would watch in silence, a sad look on his face as just like he and oskar had predicted, levangard was going to change it's standards of "generosity" as fast as possible, they were liars.

He'd flick some hair out of his eyes and unusually not have any sort of smile, he'd think back again, just when the deal was announced, he was right in what he thought then too, this just exemplified it

He wouldn't say anything, not having anything of any real value to add at the moment, it was unrealistic but he hoped that somehow this could have some semblance of a happy ending.

Fuck levangard.


(Servaso)
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[23:25] Servaso says, "occ: test"
[23:26] This was all new to him. Ichtaca had grown so accustomed to the relative calm by which Huangzhou was governed, that witnessing this spectacle in Levangard- so full of emotion and almost seemingly palpable, it gave the young Gehennan quite a surprise.

Luckily, they had found their Medic, Servaso. And all Ichtaca had to do was wait for the conclusion of this scene.

Silently, Ichtaca cursed his lack of ability however. If only he were capable of healing like the others, then they wouldn't be out here...desperate for assistance.

But he couldn't let her find out about that thought gnawing at him! So instead, he places his hand upon Miyo's head, and smiled at her.

"Just be a little patient Miss Miyo, we'll get that shoulder fixed once the healer there becomes available." And that was it. They'd wait. Little else can be done by that point.
(Ichtaca)
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[23:29] Ascalon really was at a loss at this point. They'd attempted to make a showing that they weren't some spineless in-vertebrae who'd give up the only god who spoke of change? No, they weren't the average Oscuri who walked into enemy settlements to give up their face. No, he was much more than that. He was the transcuri of legend.

They'd shifted their attention from Cordelia, who they'd just give an odd stare at for a moment. Who where they trying to, Godfrey. It was the only Oscuri they'd known who'd died before their prime. Another failing of his no doubt, a lost promise to their master.

Then their attention settled wholly upon Quicksilver. They'd just stare at the being for a few moments. Finally, their words escaping lips that had been stretched with anxiety for the past few moments.

"I'm sorry, who and what are you? I've little faith in beings who hide their face." They really had no clue who the being was. Sure, they where smart that much was clear. "I'll speak to you, myself of course. I've never been one to turn away a second opinion." Perhaps the fact that his wife was a Ryuujinite and his children had lost their faith.

They'd settle a gaze upon Jun as they rushed to give Arlei a hug. That brought a smile to her lips, perhaps if she died her family wouldn't be left without friends. Perhaps the oath that saved the man's life could be honored in death?

"Arly, my love, would if you. No, Can you calm yourself?. I've not died... Yet and I'd wish for someone to gather my children so I can speak with them."

Their ear twitched ever so slightly, looking back across the crowd. Emerald hues locking upon Ichtaca, the Oscuri's gaze didn't waiver as they shifted to the young woman beside them. "Servaso, see what you can do for that young woman. Then, if you can gather up what Aurumites or who of my Deputies yet live. I'd speak with them after my family."

(Ascalon Zanders)
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[23:30] Servaso says, "Okie dokie sir, er ma'am "
[23:31] Nochtli Sugar whispers something.
[23:31] Nochtli Sugar whispers something.
[23:32] Sima Kang whispers something.
[23:32] Nochtli Sugar whispers something.
[23:32] Nochtli Sugar whispers something.
[23:32] Quicksilver asks, "My apologies. That is a semi-reasonable request. May I answer your question in an appropriate environment, wherein you have a seat, as do your companions?"
[23:32] Sima Kang whispers something.
[23:32] Nochtli Sugar whispers something.
[23:32] Nochtli Sugar whispers something.
[23:32] Ascalon Zanders says, "Add in some snacks and refreshments! And I think we just miiight be able to work something out."
[23:32] Arlei Zanders says, "--Sweetheart. . lets head home. Lets. . t-talk about this. . "
[23:32] Sima Kang whispers something.
[23:32] Quicksilver says, "That sounds more than reasonable."
[23:33] Sima Kang whispers something.
[23:33] Quicksilver says, "Sima."
[23:33] Sima Kang asks, "-- Hm?"
[23:33] Quicksilver says, "If Cal returns with Loretta, I will be speaking unto Ascalon, and Arlei."
[23:33] Ascalon chuckled, they'd walke over to Arlei, leaning to them to whisper a few words.
(Ascalon Zanders)
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[23:33] Quicksilver asks, "Could you please inform him?"
[23:33] Sima Kang says, "Yeah, I was going to go find him."
[23:33] Sima Kang says, "... Inform him of something."
[23:33] Quicksilver says, "Thank you, I appreciate the assistance."
[23:33] Ascalon Zanders whispers: I don't intend to die love... Go, speak to the kids and Ulysses.
[23:33] Cordelia I. Avitus asks, "Where are you gonna talk to them at?"
[23:33] Cordelia I. Avitus asks, "Lighthouse?"
[23:33] Arlei Zanders says, "--Sima. . I've something to ask of you if worst comes to worst. Please, come and speak to me later."
[23:34] Quicksilver says, "Likely their home they've claimed."
[23:34] Arlei Zanders says, "Y--yeah. . I just redesigned it last night. . "
[23:34] Nochtli Sugar whispers something.
[23:34] Quicksilver asks, "Would you like to observe?"
[23:34] Sima Kang says, "Right... I will."
[23:34] Sima Kang whispers something.
[23:34] Quicksilver says, "I do not think it would be problematic."
[23:34] Nochtli Sugar whispers something.
[23:34] Arlei Zanders says, "I could not raise a blade to a man who saved my life."
[23:34] Quicksilver says, "Merely... Not in the literal outdoors, before all of Levengard."
[23:34] Sima Kang whispers something.
[23:34] Nochtli Sugar whispers something.
[23:34] Nochtli Sugar whispers something.
[23:35] Sima Kang whispers something.
[23:35] Arlei closes her eyes, sighs and wraps her arms tight around both Lirien and Jun for a moment, before swapping from Jun to reach for Ascalons hand.
(Arlei Zanders)
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[23:35] Jun asks, "Do ya' care if I tag along to ya' home Arlei?"
[23:35] Arlei Zanders says, "Sure. ."
[23:36] Nochtli Sugar whispers something.
[23:36] Sima Kang whispers something.
[23:36] Nochtli Sugar whispers something.
[23:36] Ascalon took their hand, floating along calmly. They'd give a nod to their young retainer in training or maybe jsut their chief or nanny.
(Ascalon Zanders)
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[23:36] Sima Kang whispers something.
[23:37] Tilia Zanders exclaims, "Hi mom!"
[23:37] Arlei Zanders says, ". . . "
[23:37] Tilia Zanders asks, "Why are there so many people here?"
[23:37] Arlei Zanders says, "Business. . "
[23:37] Tilia raises an eyebrow.
(Tilia Zanders)
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[23:37] Arlei Zanders says, "I'd. . prefer if you went upstairs. . "
[23:37] Tilia Zanders says, "O-Oh."
[23:37] Arlei Zanders says, "Just. . for now."
[23:37] Ascalon Zanders asks, "Children, please go upstairs would you?"
[23:37] Tilia nods silently.
(Tilia Zanders)
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[23:37] Prodotis Zanders says, "..."
[23:37] Tilia Zanders says, "Yes, father."
[23:37] Ascalon saying please? What the hell?
(Ascalon Zanders)
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[23:37] Arlei Zanders says, "Lirry. .shh."
[23:38] Prodotis hugs Ascalon.
(Prodotis Zanders)
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[23:38] Prodotis Zanders whispers: I love you dad.
[23:38] Ascalon returned the hug, before karate chopping Prodotis neck Vegeta style reendering them unconcious.
(Ascalon Zanders)
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[23:38] Follows the other children.
(Ignavi)
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[23:38] Ascalon returned the hug.
(Ascalon Zanders)
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[23:39] Arlei Zanders says, "A--alright. ."
[23:39] Ascalon Zanders says, "Lirien can stay, she's old enough."
[23:39] Arlei Zanders says, "They've. . seen enough of this situation too."
[23:42] The oversized, disproportionate hands, of sea foam colored skin with twisted fingers, capped in dull, blackened claws grip the sides of his hood.

The alien, unpleasant visage of the serpent is barred- Slits for nostrils, animalistic eyes. The flow of the cloth seems to have choked his gills slightly, and they flare at the sides of his neck with a faint mucous sheen. BLack hair, looking wet, hangs in heavy, mussy, straight and lanky locks about his face.

He dips his head, coiling his lower body as he speaks- Removing that outer cloak as he does so, and folding it into his arms.
(Eiphraem Kang)
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[23:43] Eiphraem Kang says, "Good evening, Ascalon Zanders. I am Eiphraem Kang- Vassal unto my Lady Tragedy."
[23:43] Eiphraem Kang says, "My apologies for obfuscation. it is polite, in public."
[23:43] Eiphraem Kang says, "I do not intend to cause distress unto you or your family."
[23:43] Lirien Zanders says, "--"
[23:43] Eiphraem Kang says, "I will admit- Your presence here is the result of my work. My apologies. I take all responsibility, and burden thereof."
[23:44] Eiphraem Kang says, "This has been in an effort to avoid your deaths."
[23:44] Eiphraem Kang says, "Not invite them."
[23:44] Arlei Zanders says, "I--I spoke with Perseus, up at Aurum. . I had a feeling you were back, too. . "
[23:44] Lirien Zanders asks, "Y..you can save my dad..?"
[23:44] Eiphraem Kang says, "Ah. I had heard he had a pleasant time."
[23:44] Eiphraem Kang says, "I am doing my utmost, yes. I do not this at all necessitates an end in blood and death."
[23:45] Ulysses' eyes would shoot open as he looked towards Eiphraem as he appeared like a ghost in Ulysses' vision.

"Y-You're...Real...My father didn't lie..." the bright glow in his eyes only continued as he stared and listened to whatever it was that Eiphraem had to say in the moment.

Seeing Perseus might of been one sign that his father perhaps truly was right about his past and wasn't lying the whole time, this now proved that fact to him.
(Ulysses Visayan)
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[23:45] Jun says, "Ah, you're the Eiphraem i've heard spoken of here and there."
[23:46] Arlei Zanders says, "--Crafthold was the first place I was ever able to call home. Sold to slavery, then living in the wilds, then Crafthold. Thank you for having such a hand in the place that saved my life, Lord Eiphraem."
[23:49] Leaned upon the wall, looking across at the great serpent. They'd seen quite a few demons in their life. Fought a lot of them as well. Yet, this wasn't quite anything they'd ever seen before.

They'd just tilt their head at the words that came from the being. What where they talking about? Was this some sort of grand manipulation? Though, that wasn't exactly an issue. It didn't take much for the Oscuri to come to a choice. His people or him, it hadn't been hard at the time.

Now? It was getting tougher.

"Lady Tragedy? So, you're something not to be trusted." It was a statement, an easy truth to it. Yet, they couldn't connect the actions of the demon to others of their kind. "No, you can? I don't really... You're an Archon?"

The Oscuri really was a child of a sheltered generation. They'd only heard scraps of Crafthold from their wife and only seen Tragedy as yet another monstrous shadow lorde of Dawn.

(Ascalon Zanders)
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[23:49] Arlei hits Ascalon with a soft, yet deathly glare.
(Arlei Zanders)
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[23:49] Ascalon had come under worse stares in their life.
(Ascalon Zanders)
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[23:55] Eiphraem's head dips, faintly.

The unfeeling visage of the demon rests on Ascalon, but it is no different than anything else he has looked at so far.

However, his gaze briefly sweeps to the Visayan lad, and to Arlei. A hum resounds, resonant in vibrato. His baritone is faintly echoed through his gills in a countertenor, providing a counterpart that makes his voice disturbingly lulling, with the monotone drone in contrast that would put to sleep any class of young students.
(Eiphraem Kang)
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[23:55] Eiphraem Kang says, "I do not take offense. My Peacekeeper was pleased to see you- I am glad that my territory once gave you comfort and safety. Esso mentioned you, when we spoke."
[23:55] Eiphraem Kang says, "I am unsure of whom your father is- But I will answer any inquiries."
[23:55] Eiphraem Kang says, "Ascalon- You may judge me as you feel fit."
[23:55] Eiphraem Kang says, "I do not feel it prudent to provide anything more than my beliefs, or facts as best I can elucidate."
[23:55] Eiphraem Kang says, "You are welcome to ask those present what they have heard of me, however."
[23:55] Eiphraem Kang says, "But, yes."
[23:55] Eiphraem Kang says, "I am a demon considered to be of that caliber."
[23:55] Ascalon Zanders asks, "Love do you think he's a being to trust?"
[23:56] Jun asks, "Who's tragedy?"
[23:56] Eiphraem does not precisely... Look quite so typical to examples, given his eye color and the lack of horns, though he certainly looks unpleasant and beastly.
(Eiphraem Kang)
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[23:56] Eiphraem Kang says, "Ah. My Lady. Oft considered the apex of my kin."
[23:56] Arlei Zanders says, "Yes. He was the creator of Crafthold, hun. Whilst the city was a shady place of mercantile scummery in a way, it gave lives to so, so many people. It stabilised the markets of Agartha and gave everyone a place to relax."
[23:56] Ascalon Zanders says, "That's good enough for me."
[23:57] Ascalon Zanders says, "You've my trust, Lord Eiphraem."
[23:57] Eiphraem Kang says, "I will do my utmost to make it worthwhile."
[23:57] Arlei Zanders says, "Its what I tried to achieve with Aurum. "
[23:57] Eiphraem Kang says, "I must ask you a question-"
[23:57] Jun says, "Wonder why my father never mentioned em."
[23:57] Eiphraem Kang asks, "What do you believe in?"
[23:58] Eiphraem Kang says, "If that is someone you are expecting, please answer."
[23:58] Eiphraem Kang says, "I merely hide my identity in public to avoid a fuss, not out of true secrecy."
[23:58] Ulysses Visayan says, "Indeed...He did the Visayan family many great deeds...If what I was told growing up was true..Eiphraem very likely has good intentions master Ascalon."
[23:59] Eiphraem Kang asks, "... Visayan?"
[23:59] Eiphraem Kang asks, "Are you one of Laureline's?"
[00:00] Ulysses gave a gentle bow "I would be her grandson yes." he would explain in a calm tone.
(Ulysses Visayan)
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[00:00] Ascalon remained silent as Eiphraem and Ulysses spoke. It was a difficult question but one they believed they could answer. Which they'd do so, their words clear.
(Ascalon Zanders)
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[00:00] Eiphraem Kang says, "... Fascinating. It has been some time."
[00:01] Ascalon Zanders says, "I believe that the promised paradise can be brought to fruition in our lives. If we've the will to fight for it."
[00:01] Jun says, "I sometimes wonder what my father is doing aside from attacking people who wander out to far."
[00:01] Jun is just kind of thinking aloud
(Jun)
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[00:01] Ascalon Zanders whispers: Nothing good Jun, if I live I can hunt Sors and speak with him if you desire.
[00:01] Eiphraem Kang asks, "I see. Is that what you believe in, or why you believe?"
[00:01] Eiphraem Kang says, "Such a difference is important."
[00:01] Jun whispers: No, don't do that. I am curious but not curious enough to send you on a death trip.
[00:02] Jun whispers: Nor would I do that even if I was curious to that extent.
[00:02] Ascalon was stumped for a second, the Oscuri wasn't what you'd call particularly bright. At-least in the traditional sense. Finally they'd have to ask.
(Ascalon Zanders)
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[00:04] Ascalon Zanders says, "Why is the difference important? It's what I believe, mincing words won't change it."
[00:04] Eiphraem Kang says, "Well, determining what you believe, and why, is the heart of it."
[00:05] Eiphraem Kang says, "I have known oscuri perhaps more than most others alive."
[00:05] Eiphraem Kang says, "... I have even enacted the rite to create one."
[00:05] Eiphraem Kang says, "I will tell you an important part of this observation, over these years. Many of them had conflicting, completely irreconciliable views on what their faith was."
[00:06] Eiphraem Kang asks, "What do you make of that fact?"
[00:06] Ascalon Zanders says, "Most of the Oscuri I've ever known are brutish fools, so I'm unsurprised."
[00:07] Ascalon Zanders says, "It's why I believe what I do. If I had no hope for a better future I'd have followed my Adjudicator into the void to continue the war."
[00:08] Eiphraem Kang says, "Allow me to provide an important perspective."
[00:08] Eiphraem Kang says, "The critical key, between this power- Is simply 'faith' that Azrael is whatever you believe to be important."
[00:09] Eiphraem Kang says, "It does not matter between the one who believes to rip out a child's heart and use one of their shattered ribs to gut her mother is the will of their Lord on unbelievers-"
[00:09] Eiphraem Kang says, "And faith in him in his prior form, and the ideals he held of a perfect paradise."
[00:10] Eiphraem Kang says, "However, there is a fact that is incredibly dangerous unto this. I respect a belief in such a future."
[00:10] Eiphraem Kang says, "I find it admirable."
[00:10] Eiphraem Kang says, "..."
[00:10] Eiphraem Kang says, "But Azrael is dead."
[00:10] Ascalon Zanders says, "Angels cannot die."
[00:10] Eiphraem Kang says, "A soul cannot truly die, either."
[00:11] Eiphraem Kang says, "But, if you do not think Azrael is dead- I have seen the remnants and spoken unto avatars of the divine spirits."
[00:11] Eiphraem Kang says, "His memories are gone. His soul is stripped apart."
[00:11] Arlei Zanders says, "Hah. . Quetzalcoatl is wonderful."
[00:12] Eiphraem Kang says, "If you object to the concept of reincarnation being a fair continued existence of yourself-"
[00:12] Eiphraem Kang says, "He is dead."
[00:12] Eiphraem Kang says, "He has been dead, for over a thousand years."
[00:12] Eiphraem Kang says, "I do not ask that you set aside your love for the ideals he once preached."
[00:13] Eiphraem Kang says, "... But he is no god. He is an ancient, dead being. Who fought in a war, and fell."
[00:13] Eiphraem Kang says, "Perhaps he deserves your respect. Perhaps his teachings still hold weight."
[00:13] Eiphraem Kang says, "But-"
[00:13] Eiphraem Kang says, "He died."
[00:13] Eiphraem Kang says, "You care for what he originally set out to do, and what he promised."
[00:13] Eiphraem Kang says, "You have seen war."
[00:13] Eiphraem Kang says, "Death."
[00:13] Eiphraem Kang says, "Executions."
[00:13] Eiphraem Kang says, "Brutality."
[00:13] Eiphraem Kang says, "... And how it changes individuals."
[00:13] Arlei Zanders says, "The white-winged Azrael, Ascalon. The one who just wanted the best for humanity."
[00:13] Ascalon Zanders says, "His memories resound in the soul of every Oscuri. If Kraus has twisted his sould apart? Then we must follow in his memory, found his paradise, and then... Necromancy brings us of Humanity back. Surely we can use those memories, our gifts as Oscuri to develop a way to return him. Assuming what you say is the absolute truth."
[00:13] Arlei frowns for a moment, at the mention of Necromancy.
(Arlei Zanders)
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[00:14] Ascalon frowned, deeply. They'd not enjoyed this line of conversation in the least.
(Ascalon Zanders)
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[00:14] Eiphraem Kang says, "From all accounts-"
[00:14] Eiphraem Kang says, "Azrael acted when he believed that the world could be ended and remade, back when it was merely a two hundred years old."
[00:14] Eiphraem Kang says, "He weighed the damage of every life taken."
[00:15] Eiphraem Kang says, "And staked his existence, and the misery involved, on the future."
[00:15] Eiphraem Kang says, "It is not what unfolded."
[00:15] Eiphraem Kang asks, "Do you think, that for an angel who loved humanity- That he would want to see the slavish obedience lead to an eternal war, spanning ten times his own?"
[00:16] Eiphraem Kang asks, "That what was designed originally for willing pactees in a war, be resonantly forced upon all their descendants beyond as a measure to decisively overwhelm an opponent with force?"
[00:16] Eiphraem Kang says, "... The war was lost."
[00:17] Eiphraem Kang says, "It was over generations ago."
[00:17] Eiphraem Kang says, "Necromancy is an art from the past."
[00:17] Eiphraem Kang says, "And it was once humanity's only hope for curing death-"
[00:17] Eiphraem Kang says, "And it no longer is."
[00:18] Eiphraem Kang says, "It is an outdated art, like hacksaws and leeches, and just as horrifying in the effect it has in what it tries to cure. It is not that it is wrong."
[00:18] Eiphraem Kang says, "It is that we have moved so far past it, that it is no longer the hope of humanity, and the egregious side effects have been seen. I do not speak of 'the lifestream'."
[00:18] Eiphraem Kang says, "I speak of those who I have been close to, whom were resurrected by it."
[00:18] Ascalon Zanders says, "Humanity... Doesn't need Azrael to tear itself apart. We who fight for him? At-least fight to make the world better. Necromancy as we have it is twisted from time, we've just got to reclaim the true art of Azrael. Arthur Rowan was so close to achieing it. "
[00:18] Eiphraem Kang says, "Who were forced into rotted, cold bodies. Their minds fraying, on some level- And those who were essentially new lives, created inadvertantly, chaotically."
[00:18] Ascalon Zanders says, "..."
[00:18] Eiphraem Kang says, "My companion is one."
[00:18] Ascalon Zanders says, "As was mine. Once."
[00:19] Eiphraem Kang says, "I do not think that they deserve death. No sapient, ensoulled being does."
[00:19] Eiphraem Kang says, "But I have found it far crueller than reincarnation, far more ignorant and damaging to create a life through it."
[00:19] Eiphraem Kang says, "Humanity can do better. And-"
[00:20] Eiphraem Kang says, "Arthur Rowan was not close, despite what he showed. He kept sticking to an art that barely functioned, and raised armies of even his own dead citizens, enslaved, for every 'perfected' undead he tried to create."
[00:20] Eiphraem Kang says, "I knew him well. And personally."
[00:21] Eiphraem Kang says, "I spilled blood for Avalon. For claiming Ardent Cliff, where Dawn was founded."
[00:21] Eiphraem Kang says, "... But, look what necromancy was used for. Even by the faithful."
[00:21] Eiphraem Kang says, "Look at everything that unfurled in Dawn."
[00:22] Eiphraem Kang says, "I do not claim it was 'simply worse'."
[00:22] Eiphraem Kang says, "... I claim that two ideals fought."
[00:22] Eiphraem Kang says, "One won."
[00:22] Eiphraem Kang asks, "But when the ultimate goal is peace- Does continuing to fight, physically, and cling to a dead man's teachings in reverence and worship truly advance a utopia?"
[00:23] Eiphraem Kang asks, "Could it?"
[00:23] Ascalon Zanders says, "I've yet to find a living man who can offer a better alternative."
[00:24] Ascalon Zanders says, "It's... I am not blind. I understand what you speak."
[00:24] Arlei closed his eyes as the talk of Arthur Rowan came up. The talk of raising armies of his citizens. The sight of the four hundred and thirty seven innocents slain in Dawns streets and the scent of blood around him as he was pressured into guiding it towards the Fallens feather. It was a sickening thought, one he had pushed to the back of his mind for years, but one that stuck with him.
(Arlei Zanders)
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[00:24] Eiphraem Kang says, "Peace. Acceptance. Consideration for the future."
[00:24] Eiphraem Kang says, "I do not ask you to abandon everything you believe in. You are correct. I consider you an individual far above that."
[00:24] Eiphraem Kang says, "But, I believe your convictions can accept a truth."
[00:24] Ascalon Zanders asks, "What truth is that?"
[00:24] Eiphraem Kang says, "The lighthouse you see out there is proof that mankind can grasp life again."
[00:25] Eiphraem Kang says, "It isn't finished. I have created droughts, with the power of the spire shards, that have brought the dead back to life."
[00:25] Eiphraem Kang says, "True life."
[00:25] Eiphraem Kang says, "Beating."
[00:25] Eiphraem Kang says, "Breathing."
[00:25] Eiphraem Kang says, "Life."
[00:25] Eiphraem Kang says, "... Azrael is dead for over a thousand years. And there are zealots, as you have seen, hated, feared, and despised everywhere in the world."
[00:26] Eiphraem Kang says, "You are right, humanity does not need religion to have something to fight and argue over-"
[00:26] Eiphraem Kang says, "But it can have one less. Not by 'abandoning' Azrael."
[00:26] Eiphraem Kang says, "... But accepting that he died. The facts he fought for- Were proven not to be the truth, in spite of every good intention."
[00:26] Eiphraem Kang says, "There are better alternatives."
[00:26] Eiphraem Kang says, "Good alternatives-"
[00:27] Eiphraem Kang says, "And this world is worth fighting for."
[00:27] Eiphraem Kang asks, "... Do you not believe in that, too?"
[00:27] Eiphraem Kang asks, "Can you not look to your right, and accept that as truth?"
[00:29] Ascalon Zanders says, "I know of the lighthouse, I know of the hope to perfect it. That's one of the reasons I came here, to Levengard. To help in that work."
[00:29] Ascalon Zanders says, "Though, we're together on our views upon the world."
[00:29] Ascalon Zanders says, "It's worth fighting for."
[00:30] Ascalon rested a hand upon Arlei's shoulder, squeezing it. The Oscuri could accept a lot fo what Eiphraem said. For a great deal of it was the truth. One didn't need to be a wizened msytic to realize that.
(Ascalon Zanders)
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[00:30] Eiphraem Kang says, "... I had heard as much. Good things, in truth."
[00:30] Eiphraem Kang says, "Aurum's existence was wholly understandable."
[00:30] Arlei Zanders says, "I wanted it to flourish, as Crafthold once did, but. . we did not have the strength to defend it from the Ultovexian Nightmare."
[00:30] Ascalon Zanders says, "It was a bundle of the hopes of the weak and downtrodden."
[00:30] Arlei Zanders says, "The soulstealer. . "
[00:31] Eiphraem Kang says, "... The continent must be united."
[00:31] Eiphraem Kang says, "Sors can be ended."
[00:31] Ascalon Zanders says, "Sors? It was not Sors that ended Aurum. I ended the city, the moment I realized I couldn't protect it."
[00:31] Eiphraem Kang says, "I understand."
[00:32] Eiphraem Kang says, "As noted- I also accept responsibility for that, in part. I sent Adrian to work at convincing you."
[00:32] Arlei Zanders says, "Technically, the executive decision lay with me. Artaghh was. . mostly useless during its time. "
[00:32] Jun says, "My father should still be ended, regardless of if he had a hand in Aurum or not."
[00:32] Arlei Zanders says, "Adrian didn't need to convince us."
[00:32] Eiphraem Kang says, "I am sorry."
[00:32] Arlei Zanders says, "We went to Adrian. And, no. I am sorry."
[00:32] Arlei Zanders says, "I am sorry I could not create a safe place for all within Agartha."
[00:32] Arlei Zanders says, "I am sorry I could not. . rally people to defend the city."
[00:33] Arlei Zanders says, "If it wasn't for that, we would have flourished. I would have stomped out the practice of necromancy within our walls."
[00:33] Ascalon Zanders says, "Paraoxical the only defender was an Oscuri, for that the world hated it, yet none came to take my place in it's protection."
[00:33] Arlei Zanders says, "The few remaining Oscuri had already left. Lupo had been dragged off to Malentine. Ascalon and our children were the only ones. . "
[00:33] Ascalon Zanders says, "Most are dead."
[00:33] Eiphraem Kang says, "I have always worked for the appreciation of the non-magi, of those who work to care for the people, for those who work more humble arts than that of war-"
[00:34] Eiphraem Kang says, "But soldiers and defenders, leaders and knights are a necessity, in turn."
[00:34] Eiphraem Kang says, "... Crafthold was once a part of Gaiar Aetherius."
[00:34] Eiphraem Kang says, "Not separate."
[00:34] Eiphraem Kang says, "And truthfully- It was good."
[00:34] Eiphraem Kang says, "Being severed and alone was never my intention."
[00:34] Eiphraem Kang says, "It lead to others preying on my humans, in ways I could not always defend."
[00:36] Eiphraem Kang says, "The centralization of Agartha will strengthen it, immensely."
[00:36] Eiphraem Kang says, "But it requires laws and unity to follow."
[00:36] Arlei Zanders says, "I attained peace treaties with all the three tribes in Gehenna, I was working on Huangzhou and I had a peace pact with Levengard too. . "
[00:36] Arlei Zanders says, "But. . none of those were alliances. Levengard offered us the buildup to a true alliance."
[00:36] Eiphraem Kang says, "... Ultimately, Levengard, Huangzhou, and Gehenna have won. And I will say there were... Obvious agents who wished to seize Aurum."
[00:36] Eiphraem Kang says, "To utilize it as a base to destabilize Agartha."
[00:36] Eiphraem Kang says, "Necromancy could not be ousted safely, and it is- Again, as noted, an outdated and indefensible art almost in this current dawning time."
[00:36] Ascalon Zanders says, "I know, I'm confident a great many of them would have died to my hands."
[00:36] Ascalon Zanders says, "Yet, in the end I'd have fallen and Aurum would have been taken."
[00:37] Ascalon Zanders says, "I'll accept the Necromancy of Valmasia isn't worth keeping."
[00:37] Eiphraem Kang says, "Quite."
[00:37] Ascalon Zanders says, "Clearly the power of the shards and Calaels work is a superior method. "
[00:37] Arlei blinked lightly, looking up at Ascalon. Wait, what?
(Arlei Zanders)
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[00:38] Eiphraem Kang says, "Thank you for understanding."
[00:38] Eiphraem Kang says, "There are forces here, even now, that want to see pointless death and bloodshed."
[00:38] Eiphraem Kang says, "Just as there was amongst Valmasia."
[00:38] Eiphraem Kang says, "But only through unity and understanding whom pulls what strings, can it be fought against."
[00:39] Eiphraem Kang says, "Calael does not hold the blade to your throat to betray you. It is because the chieftains of Gehenna and the regency of Huangzhou does not want to risk their war restarting."
[00:40] Eiphraem Kang says, "You are no more than a nameless entity on a list to cross off, unto them, and it is 'unreasonable' not to eliminate."
[00:40] Ascalon Zanders says, "Cowards and hypocrites unworhty of respect rule Huangzhou and Gehenna."
[00:40] Eiphraem Kang says, "Isaac Shimasu may be a hypocrite, but I would say he is worthy of respect. Do not underestimate him."
[00:41] Arlei Zanders says, "Hey now. . Saba isn't that bad. "
[00:41] Eiphraem Kang says, "He is fully, dangerously aware of his hypocrisy."
[00:41] Eiphraem Kang says, "And he will do anything to achieve his ends."
[00:41] Ascalon Zanders says, "Saba's a fool whose own faith is looked away from when he's staring upon something pretty or kin."
[00:41] Ascalon Zanders says, "Isaac... Yes, I know he's dangerous."
[00:42] Ascalon Zanders says, "There is a reason... I walked into Levengard."
[00:42] Ascalon Zanders says, "I could have offered my life to those in huang as a slave. Just as others this Concordant wishes dead have done."
[00:42] Eiphraem seems to be listening- His earfins are flitted forwards, offering respectful silence for him to talk in.
(Eiphraem Kang)
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[00:42] Arlei Zanders says, "Mm. . Karias."
[00:42] Ascalon Zanders says, "Karias? I don't know who that is."
[00:43] Arlei Zanders says, "Reaper."
[00:43] Ascalon Zanders says, "An old vampire whose shed as much death as Vedran no doubt."
[00:43] Eiphraem Kang says, "I am grateful for your decision."
[00:43] Eiphraem Kang says, "... I do not think I can magically make your rieka disappear. But I can ask that you take this night and meditate on the ideal that Azrael- Is a person. Not your god. No longer the purveyor of your dream- But you are. And your family can be. And the work you do may make him proud, but he is not the source of your strength."
[00:43] Eiphraem Kang says, "I have alternatives unto this."
[00:44] Eiphraem Kang says, "But, I must try to convince you of this, as I believe it to be the truth."
[00:44] Eiphraem Kang says, "I want to help you become something new."
[00:44] Eiphraem Kang says, "Capable of obtaining that dream."
[00:44] Eiphraem Kang says, "We have brought the qilin, and their divine chamber to study."
[00:44] Ascalon Zanders says, "I don't... Know what that is."
[00:45] Ascalon Zanders says, "Nor what a Qilin is..."
[00:45] Eiphraem Kang says, "The qilin bear several interesting similarities to the oscuri."
[00:45] Eiphraem Kang says, "They are the reincarnated, homunculi agents of the emperor."
[00:45] Eiphraem Kang says, "Lined in blue."
[00:45] Eiphraem Kang says, "The Emperor, being an angel in and of himself."
[00:45] Ascalon Zanders asks, "Homunculi? This Emperor practices some form of Necromancy then?"
[00:45] Eiphraem Kang says, "They are bound to him more inimically than you are unto Azrael- They will die, if they betray his worship."
[00:46] Ascalon Zanders says, "A life is wasting away, sickly and sterile. Isn't much of a life."
[00:46] Eiphraem Kang says, "I will say their lives are not cold."
[00:46] Eiphraem Kang says, "They enjoy all of it's pleasures, and find their youth abundant until the end of their days."
[00:46] Eiphraem Kang says, "Eternally in their prime."
[00:47] Tilia Zanders exclaims, "Mooom!"
[00:47] Eiphraem Kang says, "I would not call it cruel, but I am certain you can see the-"
[00:47] Eiphraem Kang says, "Ah."
[00:47] Arlei Zanders says, "Hey, hun. . "
[00:47] Arlei reaches out for a nice Tilia hug.
(Arlei Zanders)
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[00:47] Tilia Zanders says, "I will sleep now..."
[00:47] Arlei Zanders says, "I thought you were meant to be asleep, sweetheart."
[00:47] Arlei Zanders says, "--Sorry, Lord Eiphraem."
[00:47] Tilia hugs her mother tightly.
(Tilia Zanders)
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[00:47] Eiphraem Kang says, "Please, I am unbothered."
[00:47] Eiphraem Kang says, "If anything, I apologize for interrupting."
[00:47] Tilia Zanders whispers something.
[00:48] Jun asks, "Eiphraem I am curious, do you know what my father, er- Sors is up to?"
[00:48] Eiphraem Kang says, "In a manner of speaking."
[00:48] Arlei Zanders whispers: --Boyfriend?
[00:48] Eiphraem Kang says, "I do not know of his current, specific plan of action, but I understand his ultimate goals."
[00:48] Tilia Zanders whispers something.
[00:48] Arlei Zanders whispers: Its good he has friends.
[00:48] Looked upon the black-liens which streaked through their daughter. They'd pause for a few moments, before walking over to hug them and Arlei in one go.

It was a brief thing, but one they'd reveal in for the moment. After a kiss to each of their forehead they'd turn back to Eiphraem.

"You're blame... Fix, the unintended side-effects of Oscuri. Could it be used to repair the lines and lives of my children?"
(Ascalon Zanders)
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[00:48] Eiphraem Kang says, "I believe we can make something new of them, and grant them brighter lives."
[00:49] Eiphraem Kang says, "Yes."
[00:49] Eiphraem Kang says, "Free of visions. Empowered by mana."
[00:49] Ascalon Zanders asks, "Reika is stronger than mana. Why would that be an improvement?"
[00:50] Eiphraem Kang says, "I wish to free your people of visions of war, of being bound to faith in a dead creature that pulls you invariably into conflict and madness."
[00:50] Eiphraem Kang says, "I wish to remove the stratification, and the elimination of choice."
[00:50] Eiphraem Kang says, "I want your people to be able to believe in themselves."
[00:50] Eiphraem Kang says, "Not the dead."
[00:51] Eiphraem Kang says, "... I believe you deserve it, as well."
[00:51] Arlei Zanders says, "He's right, Ascie. "
[00:52] Arlei Zanders says, "You'll be able to be free of everything. To walk around the world with me, hand in hand."
[00:52] Arlei Zanders says, "You deserve that, after all you've been through."
[00:52] Hugging her mother was nice enough, but hugging both her mother AND her father was even better. She couldn't help herself but smile at this, having her family so close felt so good for the little child.

Sealed with a goodnight kiss to both her and mother, "Goodnight!" she said, releasing from the hug and bowing her head lightly at the strange man that was in the room. Oh and also giving a wave to Jun. Won't forget him!
(Tilia Zanders)
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[00:52] Ascalon Zanders says, "I... This is well and good. I am willing to provide my aid... I'm quite skilled in manipulating mana-circ- I..."
[00:53] Arlei gives Tilia a final hug and a kiss before patting her on the back a little.
(Arlei Zanders)
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[00:53] Arlei Zanders says, "Goodnight, little one. Spirits protect, alright? I love you, and I always will."
[00:53] Ascalon shifting back into their family they'd return the hug powerfully. Before toussling their hair and sending them off to rest.
(Ascalon Zanders)
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[00:53] Arlei Zanders says, "Sweet dreams."
[00:53] Tilia Zanders says, "Thanks mom! I will~"
[00:53] Tilia Zanders whispers: I love you two~
[00:53] Eiphraem flits his earfins- He dips his head towards Tilla, when she head to trundle back upstairs!
(Eiphraem Kang)
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[00:55] Ascalon Zanders asks, "What does Levengard need of me?"
[00:56] Ascalon Zanders says, "I'll shed my blood upon the spire islands. I'll think of Azrael as just another man if I must. Yet, these don't matter if I am murdered by one of this cities blighted Elisheva."
[00:56] Eiphraem Kang says, "It needs you to have the faith in yourself, and your family, before Azrael not to die. It needs those who will rally and support the future you dream of, and not permit the hypocrisy that dominates elsewhere, and to reject murder and violence. It needs you to help research a future for your children."
[00:56] Eiphraem Kang says, "It needs all of this."
[00:56] Eiphraem Kang says, "It needs YOU."
[00:56] Eiphraem Kang says, "Ungrateful though much of it may be."
[00:57] Eiphraem Kang says, "... Forgive those foolish children of the angels who were born blessed and cannot comprehend how it feels to be hated, rejected, and downtrodden, and do not permit their bias to be reality."
[00:58] Arlei Zanders says, "The main problem would be Ilui, to be honest."
[00:58] Ascalon Zanders says, "It'll have me, if it needs me."
[00:58] Eiphraem Kang says, "You are correct."
[00:58] Eiphraem Kang says, "I cannot permit Ilui to act as he pleases."
[00:58] Arlei Zanders says, "No. He broke Sugarboys sons leg earlier."
[00:58] Ascalon Zanders says, "I should... Work on getting a bit stronger to kill that blight."
[00:58] Arlei Zanders says, "Because Laddie called him a clown."
[00:58] Arlei Zanders says, "I had to cover my childrens eyes."
[00:59] Eiphraem Kang says, "Do not worry. We can curb, stop, and end it."
[00:59] Eiphraem Kang says, "... But to do that- Requires the strength in numbers."
[00:59] Eiphraem Kang says, "Authority."
[00:59] Eiphraem Kang says, "Legitimacy."
[00:59] Eiphraem Kang says, "These are things we can bring, so long as we can follow the rules."
[00:59] Arlei Zanders says, "Ilui is. . honestly, the only problem I have now with the family."
[00:59] Eiphraem Kang says, "Do not worry."
[00:59] Ascalon Zanders says, "I've spent my life enforcing the Authority of others. I can do this."
[00:59] Eiphraem Kang says, "There are a couple of others that will bring bile to rise."
[00:59] Arlei Zanders says, "Sima is certainly my favourite, though."
[00:59] Arlei Zanders says, "Mm. . "
[00:59] Arlei Zanders says, "Thank you for the reassurance, Lord Eiphraem."
[00:59] Eiphraem Kang says, "Sima, Percival, and Lea- Cal, and others, are very well intentioned."
[00:59] Eiphraem Kang says, "It is no issue."
[00:59] Eiphraem Kang says, "Take time. Meditate."
[00:59] Jun says, "Illui is the only I have issue with as well. Ever since I met him in Dawn. when he was a child."
[00:59] Eiphraem Kang says, "I have a plan."
[00:59] Eiphraem Kang says, "... I will..."
[00:59] Eiphraem Kang says, "Speak to Seraph."
[00:59] Ascalon Zanders asks, "Who?"
[01:00] Eiphraem Kang says, "... The reflection of Sera Elisheva."
[01:00] Ascalon felt really ignorate during this conversation. This was an Oscuri who'd clearly lived a very sheltered and suffocating existence.
(Ascalon Zanders)
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[01:00] Arlei Zanders says, "If you require my assistance with it in any way, shape or form, do not hesitate to knock, Lord Eiphraem. I owe you for both Crafthold, and this. I'm a master alchemist, fire magi, swordsman and medic. If there is anything I can lend my talents to, I will."
[01:01] Ascalon Zanders says, "I... Forgive my ignorance on many of these matters. Dusk was not the most enlightened place to gorw up. A life slaved to endless war didn't help matters."
[01:02] Arlei reached out to take Ascalons hand in his, running his thumb over the back of her palm.
(Arlei Zanders)
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[01:02] Eiphraem Kang says, "Ignorance is no sin, nor do I find- My apologies. My tone can seem impatient."
[01:02] Eiphraem Kang says, "All questions are welcome."
[01:02] Eiphraem Kang says, "I do not mind."
[01:02] Eiphraem Kang says, "Please, my expression is not always perfect in conversation."
[01:03] Ascalon Zanders says, "I grew up among undead, occultists, and worse things. Luckily, it makes attempting to read expressions pointless."
[01:03] Jun says, "I can give whatever assistance as well, though I am more or less just good at fighting, or sometimes talking my way out of dangerous situations."
[01:03] Arlei Zanders says, "Lord Eiphraem, do not worry. Me and Ascalon have gotten pretty good at picking meanings out of words spoken in many different tongues and tones."
[01:03] Ascalon Zanders says, "..."
[01:04] Ascalon Zanders whispers: I have?
[01:04] Arlei Zanders whispers: We've dealt with Sors, Aldrah, Fera, Zethra, Freya. All of those speak in a variety of different ways, yet we also understand just what they mean.
[01:04] Eiphraem Kang says, "I always found conversing with Peacekeeper pleasant, due to his- Similar condition. Thank you."
[01:05] Arlei nodded towards his wife, his soft smile finally returning. Just a little. .
(Arlei Zanders)
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[01:05] Ascalon seemed unconvinced by Arlei. Though they'd relax visible, turning back to Eiphraem.
(Ascalon Zanders)
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[01:05] Eiphraem Kang says, "I believe it is getting late, and I should leave you all to meditate upon this, and speak with yourselves and- Tuck your offspring into bed."
[01:05] Eiphraem Kang says, "Such things are important."
[01:05] Ascalon Zanders says, "Very."
[01:05] Eiphraem Kang says, "However, I will try to be available. To show you the lighthouse."
[01:05] Eiphraem Kang says, "Thank you for your time."
[01:05] Arlei Zanders says, "Thank you, Lord Eiphraem. Severely, and intensely."
[01:05] Arlei Zanders says, "Your presence. . likely saved my wifes life, back in the square."
[01:05] Arlei Zanders says, "And for that, I owe you mine."
[01:05] Prodotis Zanders exclaims, "Awesome sword!"
[01:05] Eiphraem slowly starts flapping out the coat! Withouy him inside, it's more obvious how much it's totally stiched together from treated canvas.
(Eiphraem Kang)
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[01:06] Arlei Zanders says, "Ah, hello, Prodotis."
[01:06] Eiphraem Kang says, "Please, do not worry. Your assistance in this task, and preservering is more than enough repayment."
[01:06] Eiphraem Kang says, "It is a debt, if anything, that I owe."
[01:06] Ascalon Zanders says, "I thank you as well, you saved my life and probably several others who'd have tried to take it."
[01:06] Arlei Zanders says, "Not for everything you've given me. I will not allow you to owe me anything. And. . just as your husband did to me, back in Aurum. . "
[01:07] Ascalon Zanders says, "Though, I swore my life to someoen once and it was a mistake. As for Arlei, she's not the ability to swear herself to you either."
[01:07] Eiphraem Kang says, "I accept your thanks and effort in this. Do not worry. I hope we can regard one another as comrades. There is no need for lifeboons amongst such individuals."
[01:08] Eiphraem Kang says, "I do not hold my humans in thrall."
[01:08] Eiphraem Kang says, "My duty is unto you, not the other way around."
[01:08] Arlei stood up, releasing Ascalons hand for just a moment.

And for the second time in his life, since escaping the slave camps when he was but eight years old. .

He bowed. Sincerely. He held it for a solid ten seconds before returning to his standard posture, heading towards the door. With a CLACK the bolt on the door slipped back, allowing Eiphraem to leave when he so wished.

"Spirits protect, Lord Eiphraem. And. . once again, thank you."
(Arlei Zanders)
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[01:11] Ascalon looked to Alrei as they bowed. It wasn't that bowing was particularly bad but it wasn't something the Oscuri did often. No doubt a sense of pride being the main cause.

Though they would bring a fist to their breast, offering a salute to the snake-Archon. Militaristic to the core, they'd then await the serpents departure.
(Ascalon Zanders)
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[01:11] With a last flap out of his paper thin 'disguise', he dons the pale piece back on, letting it flap over him. His sleeves, large enough to barely hide those inhuman, grasping and crushing mitts, hang down far enough to be at a human's thighs by proportion, and he is already impressively large- Even excluding his tail.

He folds it against his chest, and takes a deep bow in return from his waist, before sliding on his scales. "Spirits protect," He returns, softly. "I pray your night goes well."

And with that-

The Zanders would have their home to themselves, once more- With Jun, perhaps!
(Quicksilver)
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[01:14] Arlei Zanders says, "--Well. . "
[01:14] Arlei Zanders says, "This. . "
[01:14] Arlei Zanders says, "Has been a rollercoaster."
[01:15] Ascalon Zanders says, "I expected worse."
[01:15] Jun says, "Welcome to Levengard Arlei."