The Manuscript

[19:45] Alexios says, "Missing two..."
[19:45] Aerilon Tsuchai says, "They do, at the very least, often come as a pair"
[19:45] Myrin asks, "Uh?"
[19:46] Aerilon Tsuchai says, "Finley and Amalia."
[19:48] Myrin says, "Oh."
[19:51] Alexios asks, "No Finn?"
[19:52] Amalia Ghede says, "Hello.. He'll be joining us later, probably."
[19:52] Amalia Ghede says, "He doesn't like showing up around Nyseans."
[19:52] Amalia Ghede says, "We should go inside."
[19:52] Aerilon Tsuchai says, "Hm, a fair prerogative"
[19:52] Myrin says, "Hm. Certainly."
[19:53] Aerilon Tsuchai says, "Hm, far less chairs than last I was here"
[20:05] Finn Ghede whispers something.
[20:06] Finn Ghede whispers something.
[20:07] Finn Ghede whispers something.
[20:16] Amalia followed the group in and then takes out a long, yet small cylinder container that is covered in many small runes. "I've kept this for a very long time now, hoping to one day find someone capable of using it for good." She began solemnly, the gemstone implanted within her forehead gleaming steadily with a noticeably baleful aura to it.

"Unfortunately, I was never able to. Romani disappeared, and Sethon- well, I'm not really sure what happened with him. Needless to say, it simply didn't happen, so I believe it's time to pass it on."

The rune covered cylinder is opened, and the taint of the occult escapes outwards immediately from the rune-sealed container. Whatever is within the container is rife with it's corruption, and with a slight shift of her hands, she dumps a tattered booklet into her waiting hand.

"When I was younger, I went to obtain enough arcanium to provide a necklace of it to every single one of our Mistseers. In the mine just to the west of here, there is an underground construction that is obviously man-made. It caught my attention, so I led an expedition down to explore it."

"You can imagine my surprise when I found a temple, built and dedicated to the first and original Witch, Amalia Edelaide. And this manuscript, was written by her first coven." She explains to those present- mostly to Myrin, Yoshiko and Alexios.

"I am going to entrust it to Renly, in order for him to come up with a way to use it. I've long since believed that the reason I found this so long ago is because it is meant to help us in some way, and I think it should be used to find a better method of testing for Witchcraft."

Because burning people alive to expose a mark they may or may not have is a little too extreme.
(Amalia Ghede)
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[20:25] Rarely seen within the city's public domain these days, the Old High Lord made his way into the tower for this very meeting as bid forward by Amy's suggestions concerning the manuscript. It was a relic of a time long ago where they had discussed its subjects with Asta herself, and while they had long kept it secure and out of improper hands, perhaps now that Myllenoris stood as some bastion of exorcism to the rest of the world, it was time to put such a thing to use.

He stood off to the side watching with his arms crossed over his front, quietly allowing his bonded to explain the thing to Alexios and Yoshiko.

"It's not something to be taken lightly. And I would recommend that under no circumstances if all into occultic hands." Even Tieru, the first occultist of the Valeborne, had not been allowed to properly handle the artifact.

"Once the insight discovered from it has been revealed and the work completed, it should be properly disposed of. Destroyed. If possible." Finn advised further.

He quieted and waited to hear the thoughts of the others concerning the manuscript itself, for such a thing held great risk to even let take out of storage and locked chambers.
(Finn Ghede)
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[20:26] The moment the cylinder is produced, Aerilon's eye narrows with immediate intensity. His body tenses slightly, both in preparation for the unsettling miasma of occult that he was well aware the unbottling of the scroll would unleash, and in the barest hint of anticipation for the twist of energy he'd receive as it washed over him, seeped into the pores.

His nails idly tap on the tabletop, attention solely focused on the manuscript now laying bare.

"I had.. not realized that we kept this script here, even now. We-"

Almost as If he'd forgotten something, his eye darts from the manuscript to Alexios, then upwards to the crown upon his head. His gaze settles there, instead.

"-A relic collected during the time of The High Lady. We had feared such concentrations of Helheim's energies may.. interact with the crown, with its wieldier, in a way that is unsavory."

His head twists back to Amalia, the corners of his mouth tugged downwards.

"Are we- Renly is strong, ever more so after his rite- but can it be certain that he will not fall to such an artefact? It is an old thing, it has stewed in darkness for longer than most history records."
(Aerilon Tsuchai)
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[20:27] Something important... To be shown to them, and kept secret. As such an item could be hunted for if ever exposed to the world. And such power it held, enough to even make the crown on his head rumble. It was swirling, as whispers say for him to claim it, and take it... And another, whispers to look away.

So soft, such a voice rings into his mind to gaze away, causing him to do just that. Silver hues shift away uncomfortably, looking towards the carpet instead.

"An item... Like that? Shouldn't it have been cleansed of its influential pressure, and used for something with more purpose? It's unhealthy, but if you're going to give it to anyone... I do agree with it being Renly since he has the power to do such a thing. I trust in him to do what is right."

Still, he wasn't sure how to feel. This kind of thing shouldn't have been shown, especially while he wore the crown. Which he moves to take off his head, and clip to his belt instead. That soft silver in his eyes turns to those bright emeralds again.
(Alexios)
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[20:38] The scroll was unbottled before his eyes. The script written over this one proved to be of a rather unique form of runic language. It was with a blink of his eyes in surprise that he glared the scroll, lowering his head lightly, closing his eyes.

It is when his eyes flourished anew that it blemished blueish, attempting to seek what lies beyond those writings, if the sight is deferent from the other way around. That blue tainting his eyes however faded rather quickly to show that natural pink one again.

He could only feel what emenates the manuscript, even... Beyond the bandages covering his left arm, within the heart of his heart grew a dark stain, whatever it was. It proved that it is not something to mess with. His right hand grasped his left arm, to hide it between his crossed legs.

And as Aerilon said... This relic can only interact with the crown in a rather unhealthy way. As a teraphim, he cannot allow such a thing to happen, however... Alexios is safe with them around.

"Hm... That script... Have you ever read it? Lady Amalia?", he asked in absolute curiosity, acknowledging her talents when it comes to runes. "However, I do also believe it is in good hand within Renly's. After his rebirth, he grew into a much brighter flame.", such a phoenix. "It shall never get in the wrong hands. Cleansing it would be much better, if that is possible. Otherwise, there must be another way..."
(Myrin)
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[20:49] "I agree.."

Yoshiko rests a glimpse of her azure pupils on the manuscript that Amalia had laid out prior. The way it was gotten was explained as well and the fox was taking it all in. She could tell she was being talked to and knew exactly why. Occultism was the very opposite of what she supported and if this manuscript was used to their advantage it will benefit Myllenoris is what Yoshiko thought.

"Renly is a perfect choice. He's shown great promise and I was most likely going to see if he would be able to cleanse Izurza and still be here on Esshar. Sadly, I was not able to.

But yes, this manuscript shouldn't be taken lightly and I am very positive Renly will use it professionally," she adds.
(Yoshiko Taiyang)
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[21:01] In truth, her presence of mind had been fading over the years. The amount of times that she has had an agent of Hel'heim messing with her, it's no small wonder that she has grown forgetful and distant.

Now more than ever, the gem within her forehead flickers with it's malefic light and her words come out a bit more flatly that she intends. "Renly's light is strong, I do not believe he will falter in the face of this. However, given his recent behavior.. I believe some precautions may make sense."

"Which is why Myrin and perhaps a Nysean should take joint responsibility for this duty." She would say with a growing distaste to her voice that she doesn't seem herself fully aware of.

"Because it is a duty, one that should not be squandered. As Aschea's children, we all should do whatever we can to find and weed out the Witches who may try to hide amongst us." She says before she blinks and frowns as herattention drifts briefly over towards Finn. Soon afterwards, she moves to return the cursed and tainted manuscript back into it's sealed container.

Then looks towards Myrin to shake her head slowly. "No, I've never read it myself. The Occult has never been something that I've truly understood. I can seal it, prevent it from spreading, but little else." She admits towards Myrin with a normalized tone and inflection of speech.

It's then that she looks towards Alexios and Yoshiko. "Would you agree to the suggestion for joint oversight, and if so, is there one from Nysean who is particularly capable of assisting in something like this? Preferably one who is not prone to veering off the path."
(Amalia Ghede)
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[21:01] Alexios whispers to Yoshiko Taiyang: Yoshiko... Who do you think could be good for this? I know you could be the perfect choice, as I trust... And your light is strong, so you could vlounteer if you like?
[21:02] Yoshiko Taiyang whispers to Alexios: Um.. Let me think for a second.
[21:03] Alexios says, "Give us a moment... Yoshiko is just thinking."
[21:03] Yoshiko Taiyang whispers to Alexios: Ah, I think it would be best.
[21:03] Alexios says, "But I can say, I do agree with this decision. One from each city, to help Renly in the process."
[21:04] Yoshiko Taiyang whispers to Alexios: Anastasia is not in a capable state at the moment.
[21:04] Yoshiko Taiyang whispers to Alexios: And no one possesses light like I do.
[21:04] Alexios whispers to Yoshiko Taiyang: She is not... I think it should be you, unless you know another from Nysea?
[21:04] Alexios whispers to Yoshiko Taiyang: Your light is the brightest, that is why you're my sun.
[21:04] Yoshiko Taiyang whispers to Alexios: Mm.. I'll accept it, then.
[21:05] Aerilon Tsuchai says, "Mmm... I can scarcely say I am entierly convinced, but so long as the Nysean can be trusted, it is the best we can hope for."
[21:07] Nodding to Yoshiko, he turns to Amalia with a smile.

"Yoshiko is from Nysea, and her light is as strong-- If not stronger than Renly's own. Guided by Jiuweihu, Aschea would accept such a religion since it doesn't affect the balance in the world."

A hand falls to her shoulder, giving it a soft squeeze. "So I believe herself, and Renly... Should be the ones to look over such an item, with it being in Renly's hands. Yoshiko will help guide, and even cleanse such an item if needed. Both of them are perfect choices, and I trust them both."

Surely Amalia would agree? After Yoshiko had performed so well in the war, and even before that. Her time in Osrona was due to Anastasia, but a mistake that wouldn't be made twice. Izurza was beaten by her too for Cassius, and he couldn't think of any who had as many accomplishments under their belt.

"Nysea can be trusted, they are united with us now... Aerilion. Put more faith into them, so that they may return such faith to us."
(Alexios)
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[21:17] Even though Yoshiko had originally lived in Myllenoris, she had been a loyalists of Nysea. Even at the fall of the late King.

"I have always followed the rays that Jiuweihu has lead me with. Not all may get the blessings that I have achieved and would need to be a full-hearted devotee of her light. And that is what I have done. Gotten her to accept who I am and vice versa. Aschea would definitely accept..

Yoshiko moves her hand to rest on Alexios' hand. "I have been a guide for many others. Even currently, Waylan is my apprentice who intend to guide so that he may reach his goal of being angelic like his mother. I can certainly do the same for Renly.. It'll be a perfect experience for the both of us."

Yoshiko knew that no one else has really come this far like the Illuminated has. Anastasia might've been close but her mental state was not on the right path but Yoshiko could accept it. But it didn't matter much. Yoshiko has known Amalia since she was young and has even protected them when one wanted to drain her mana. As it was her duty and goal to do.

"And I will make sure that faith is returned in full.."
(Yoshiko Taiyang)
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[21:17] Even though Yoshiko had originally lived in Myllenoris, she had been a loyalists of Nysea. Even at the fall of the late King.

"I have always followed the rays that Jiuweihu has lead me with. Not all may get the blessings that I have achieved and would need to be a full-hearted devotee of her light. And that is what I have done. Gotten her to accept who I am and vice versa. Aschea would definitely accept.."

Yoshiko moves her hand to rest on Alexios' hand. "I have been a guide for many others. Even currently, Waylan is my apprentice who intend to guide so that he may reach his goal of being angelic like his mother. I can certainly do the same for Renly.. It'll be a perfect experience for the both of us."

Yoshiko knew that no one else has really come this far like the Illuminated has. Anastasia might've been close but her mental state was not on the right path but Yoshiko could accept it. But it didn't matter much. Yoshiko has known Amalia since she was young and has even protected them when one wanted to drain her mana. As it was her duty and goal to do.

"And I will make sure that faith is returned in full.."
(Yoshiko Taiyang)
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[21:22] Aerilon Tsuchai says, "Hmm.."
[21:28] His arms soon crossed upon her response. It seems that he would have been tasked with something else after all. Again, he can only be glad to help with this. With a light affirmative nod of his head, he expressed that he is more then ready to aid with this.

"Certainly. I could oversee it. I am not certain I can cleanse it, yet... If a manifestation happens. I could very much attempt to do something about it."

As he spoke, flowers begun to bloom between the cracks of the stone ground. The grass coming to ornate it. To one attuned with the sight of which lies within the other way around, those are the artists of this world, the spirits of the world. Whilst for another, those are mere flowers. Flourished to greet the 'leader' of the black cloaks.

"I can tell it could be a rather unique experience. Something I would be glad to oversee despite the risks."

Then regarding Yoshiko... He could only know very little regarding her,nothing further then seeking that little spark of light within the darkest abyss. To find hope in the hopeless. They funnily enough follow rather similar philosophies, yet so different in another sense.

Both following a path of wisdom, yet worshipping different gods.

"I can trust Yoshiko. The rare times I have spoken with her, she had shown herself to be trustable. I can believe Aschea would agree it, unless in shatters the balance one day..."
(Myrin)
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[21:29] Amalia looked between Alexios and Yoshiko for a moment, gemstone glittering upon her brow as she watches the pair. Seconds pass before she faintly nods towards them.

"Fine with me then." She says, moving forwards to hold out the rune-sealed cylinder for Yoshiko to take.
(Amalia Ghede)
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[21:29] {ITEM} Traded item with Amalia Ghede: Tattered Manuscript
[21:32] Yoshiko snapped her fingers as her tome would stop being idle and float in front of her. Yoshiko reaches for the rune-sealed cylinder and inserts into the book. It appeared as if it was rift but it was merely an illusionary portal which she used to store things.

"Thank you.. I will do my best," she declares, giving Amalia a firm nod.
(Yoshiko Taiyang)
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[21:36] Aerilon follows the cannister with his eye as its trasnferred, but says nothing of it.
(Aerilon Tsuchai)
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[21:37] Amalia offers a small nod towards Yoshiko, then steps back to stand with Finn off to the side, falling silent.
(Amalia Ghede)
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[21:39] Alexios whispers to Yoshiko Taiyang: I'm happy... A lot more people will get to see you shine, and rely on you.
[21:39] Finn had given his advice and seemed to have said his piece. With Amalia also falling silent, he found it enough to entrust the cursed manuscript into the hands of those with the authority to do something now.
(Finn Ghede)
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[21:40] Alexios asks, "Mhm... I think this calls the meeting?"
[21:41] Finn smiles just a tad.
(Finn Ghede)
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[21:43] Amalia Ghede says, "I had nothingelse."
[21:44] Aerilon Tsuchai says, "Hm, I may."
[21:45] Myrin would be sitting, his legs crossed. Displaying that same usual expression of either disinterest or seriousness. His right leg lifted, his hand resting upon his knee, the mistseer soon lifted himself up to stand once again.

A glance was given to the dark stain passing through the bandages covering his hand, the hand soon hidden. His gaze drove between everyone, then he spoke in rather short words, silence everything had grow rather awkwardly silent.

"Well... Is there anything else to a-", then Amalia had responded before he could ask.

"Hm... Very well then."
(Myrin)
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[21:52] {Item} You drop Chocolate Pudding.
[21:52] {Item} You picked up Chocolate Pudding. Dropped by Yoshiko Taiyang..
[21:53] The Archdruid gestures outwards to the assembled council, pale hand vaguely shunted in their general direction.

"With such a meeting, it would perhaps be prudent to speak of my performance, in the Dreadwoods."

His manicured fingers shift slightly, pointed towards Finley and Amalia.

"I have not continued my infiltration since Finley absconded the crown, out of respect for the... delicate nature of it- such undertaking would be impolite to continue without the knowledge of the High Lord- but I had convinced a number of the Dreadwood's forces that I am at least aligned in interest towards them enough to meet with their elders."

His face remains blank and tone neutral as he speaks, almost casual.

"With the beasts on the backfoot now, driven back and ripped of their allies as the men of steel and smoke establish themselves- perhaps now would be a prudent time to continue the performance? I can scarcely imagine they would not salivate at the thought of such a high profile turncoat, as the tides shift against them."

His hand retracts, accompanied by a short shrug of indifference.

"That is, if there is anything to be gained by such a thing at this point. Certainly I do not entierly believe they have such agents within the civilized world anymore, after living in the light for so long."
(Aerilon Tsuchai)
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[22:02] Surprisingly, Myrin's expression had not shifted in the slightest upon Aerilon's words. There are more interests then anything else. There are a lot of risks to do such a thing, yet perhaps knowledge could be found out of this place? Who knows, it could be another weight in his baggage.

"Interesting... A performance? What kind of performance?"

It is a huge risks to take, yet it is with interest that he can only feel interested in aiding him.

"You are right... Their forces are weaker now. Yet they are still present. I know there would be risks, yet... Hm... It truly draws my interest."
(Myrin)
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[22:09] {Item} You drop Light Of The Moon.
[22:10] {Item} You picked up Light Of The Moon. Dropped by Myrin..
[22:14] Yoshiko wasn't aware the performance that Aerilon had mentioned but the topic on the demons did interest her.

"It is a great thing that they have been pushed back in all honesty. And the way that they have, they'd think twice before attempting for a second or third time. Especially if it is Tyranny."

Tyranny had defeated her wind in battle. She surely corrected that when she fought against him and won with ease. She wasn't doubting her ability in any way when she fought the self-proclaimed leader.

"I am also interested in this performance you speak of? Is it some sort of... showcase, maybe?"
(Yoshiko Taiyang)
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[22:16] "So you want to go into the enemy lines... And pretend you've betrayed us? That's not a bad idea... But it is up to you if you wish to do so. This means you can't directly return, without a disguise. Unless you sneak into the tower unseen, yes?"

He taps his chin, humming. "But... If you feel it can help? You have my blessing." Performance though? Alexios was quite sure he meant the performance of pretending to be an enemy, so he could blend in with them to gather information.
(Alexios)
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[22:18] Myrin says, "I will come with him. In case it turns wrong..."
[22:20] Alexios says, "Come with him? What do you mean... Myrin."
[22:20] Alexios asks, "Are you listening?"
[22:21] Myrin says, "I do not believe he wishes to infiltrate them."
[22:22] Alexios asks, "Isn't that what he just suggested?"
[22:22] Amalia Ghede says, "Hm."
[22:22] Amalia Ghede says, "It's best Myrin remains here."
[22:24] Myrin says, "Hm.."
[22:25] Amalia Ghede says, "You've participated in battle against the demons, Myrin."
[22:25] Amalia Ghede says, "You can't assist Aerilon in his goals."
[22:26] Myrin says, "Right."
[22:27] {Item} You drop Sinka x1.
[22:27] Alexios says, "o///o"
[22:28] "Hm.."

The elder Teraphim begins tapping his fingernails onto the tabletop, and idle rhythmic movement, as his eye moves between the speakers. He continues, even as he speaks, carrying a more involved presence In the words.

"A performance in the sense that I have assumed a role, part fiction, part reality. I have led those I spoke to, to believe that the affairs of the world have passed me, and that I seek now only novelty- a novelty that their usurpation of the status quo can provide. That, and-"

Aerilon's single eye glows a pale blue the moment his mouth closes, his presence reaching out to each of the council before him. One by one it presses against them, words creaking in as if a draft flowing through a window, opened by just a crack. A hushed tone followed by alien whispers, clearly not his own, but behind his voice, as if following it.

'-A Druid can play the role of Witch far better than most would imagine.'

There's the slightest tug at the corner of his mouth the words creep from each of their minds, a fraction of smugness at his own flair. His head nods towards Alexios, accompanied by a shrug.

"If the façade of open rebellion would suit our interests, certainly that is something I could take upon. They would believe disdain for Nyseans, greed for the crown in the vein of Old. Yet- so too would the cloak of a spy in the midst of our war rooms, one who would claim to feed them information. All roles are ones I could take, should it be necessary, or desired."
(Aerilon Tsuchai)
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[22:34] "You have my blessing, Aerilion…"

Even if he was worried, he was sure the older Teraphim would be fine. What could he suggest to help though? One idea does come to mind, one that could make sense in his current position.

"Maybe you should use... Not thinking I am worthy, as an excuse to betray us? I'm young and naïve, and all my decisions aren't perfect. Not stopping Aeliana from honoring a trade, tell them you're disgusted and tired of working with us... Or something like that? Then you may reveal more-- I don't know, go about it how you think is best."

Tyranny wasn't weak, but his sun was strong. To burn down against his corruption, and send him running back into the forest. Where he had failed and fallen, she picked him up again.

"I'll repeat it, be careful... If you do this, you won't be able to show your face unless you're a double agent. Spy for them, as you do forus-- Something like that? Hmm."
(Alexios)
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[22:35] Myrin asks, "No one's decisions are perfect. Old or not. However... I need rest for now. Unless... You need me for something else?"
[22:36] Alexios says, "Go ahead, and rest well."
[22:38] Aerilon Tsuchai says, "Hm.. there is much I can work with, yes. I will further consider it, and bring it before you once there is more progress made."
[22:38] Alexios says, "Mhm..."
[22:38] Alexios says, "Don't get caught."
[22:38] Alexios asks, "Understood?"
[22:38] Myrin says, "Good luck, Aerilon. I have faith in you."
[22:38] Alexios says, "If that's all... You're all dismissed for now."
[22:38] Aerilon Tsuchai says, "Ah, I am rather unfortunately difficult to kill"
[22:38] Alexios says, "Discussions are over."
[22:39] Myrin says, "Mhm. Take care of yourselves. Each one of you."
[22:39] Aerilon offers a short bow
(Aerilon Tsuchai)
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[22:40] Alexios bows his head in return.
(Alexios)
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