Lighthouse

[17:36] {NARRATION} A flash of gold-emerald light.

After being gathered together by Ethric Athelier, the old man was unhelpfully quiet, as he set up a more broad ritual circle than merely his book, though it was certainly a business of just adjustment of two, three minutes of concerted silence in the Academy's basement.

The world flushes around the individuals present, each accustomed to the sensation of running along the leylines of the world. Usually, it is over in a heartbeat.

This time-

It feels like several seconds are passing, amidst a blur of green. It feels like a soft heartbeat, a thousand small images. Of summer rain, of crisp autumn nights, of the sensation of being sprawled out along the snow, the occasional stinging, sharp pain of rent hearts-

All of them flow, a cavalcade in every moment as the meaning behind each second circulates along the lifestream.

Soon- They are on solid.

... Ground?

Stonework, at least.

Alice, of all people, can feel how far they've gone.

The lighthouse floats softly along clouds, with waves of endless ocean lapping below-

And an entrance door to the marble spiralling above into the astral observatory lingers. It is a staid arc, to enter into the first floor of, but it seems to be unlocked.
[17:39] {NARRATION} A flash of gold-emerald light.

After being gathered together by Ethric Athelier, the old man was unhelpfully quiet, as he set up a more broad ritual circle than merely his book, though it was certainly a business of just adjustment of two, three minutes of concerted silence in the Academy's basement.

The world flushes around the individuals present, each accustomed to the sensation of running along the leylines of the world. Usually, it is over in a heartbeat.

This time-

It feels like several seconds are passing, amidst a blur of green. It feels like a soft heartbeat, a thousand small images. Of summer rain, of crisp autumn nights, of the sensation of being sprawled out along the snow, the occasional stinging, sharp pain of rent hearts-

All of them flow, a cavalcade in every moment as the meaning behind each second circulates along the lifestream.

Soon- They are on solid.

... Ground?

Stonework, at least.

Alice, of all people, can feel how far they've gone.

The lighthouse floats softly along clouds, with waves of endless ocean lapping below-

And an entrance door to the marble spiralling above into the astral observatory lingers. It is a staid arc, to enter into the first floor of, but it seems to be unlocked.
(repost.)
[17:42] Zhrani, while accustomed to the experience of travelling through the lifestream by now, never fails to be fascinated by the process. She gets to experience this more fully this time; considering the journey takes longer than usual. Which does make the Feline wonder as to just where exactly they were, in relation to... Esshar.

As they reach the ground, with a gentle does she step forth to study the door... which is, thankfully, unlocked. At least their journey wouldn't end here and and then.

"Only took us... five years to get around to this? I'm glad we've finally... done it." She states, looking back at the rest of the group. She smiles at them, obviously glad to see them all; familiar faces or new. In the end, they were all trustworthy individuals.
(Zhrani Gardios)
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[17:42] Tah's arms may or may not have been outstretched. Anything akin to wayfinding, and being teleported, was enjoyed with an almost child-like enthusiasm! Her body swaying with the rings and chimes of her bracelets and bangles! Unbothered by the unhelpful quietness of old Ethric Athelier.

For whatever reason, in some way shape or form, the Headmaster of the Academy had garnished and insurmountable amount of faith in a short period of time from the young woman!

But then came a sense of familiarity!-

And the flow of the lifestream was something that caused her to inhale. She could see the greens, feel the soft heartbeat. Summer rain, crisp autumn nights.. It was like;

Like travelling through a forest that was in constant sway and switching. Her golden eyes widening, and the coldness that had begun adorning them becoming much more light and mirthful. It was like how she felt when she taught those children dancing..

Momentous joy!

It ended of course, with the sudden arrival- Tah had a habit when it came to wayfinding! Every single time she was wayfinded? It ended in one way...

Her stumbling forward and landing face flat on the floor with a soft THWUMP.

She didn't lay there for young, the War-Chief hastily sliding and hopping to her feet. Fingers brushing at her frame with a hum and-

And she was just realizing how high up they were. The waters far below stared and the wind rushing along her cheeks. The breeze felt cool, yet not too cool for.. Some reason or another.

"This... Saint. What is a Saint- Exactly..."
(T'ahrah Tahl)
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[17:44] She could note by the sheer preparation alone, they were going quite the distance. Even if her own brand of Wayfinding required less-to-none in terms of runes, it was something she had mastered regardless. "This is exciting." The Teraphim stated moments before they all were sent down the leylines of the world.

It was strange to linger so long like this, seemingly countless miles crossed in such a short span.. Though soon enough they reformed, standing atop stone. "I've never travelled so far through Wayfinding, or.. ever.. really.." She could only wonder just where in the world they actually were.

Glancing down, the clouds surrounding the structure.. They were truly standing upon the floating structure. The path ahead was obviously clear, garnet orbs taking in the sights a moment longer. "..What a truly beautiful place.."

"Even if this is the home of a Saint, I would advise none of us allow our guardsto drop. Just to be safe." She had seen enemies come even in most unlikely places, it was just a precaution.
(Alice Brasti)
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[17:44] Zhrani Gardios says, "Ah-..."
[17:45] T'ahrah Tahl says, "... A history lesson can come later. I'm sure- my curiosity will be answered shortly. "
[17:45] Zhrani Gardios says, "A saint is someone who was canonized by the Church for living a virtuous life-..."
[17:45] Zhrani Gardios exclaims, "Okay, if you say so..!"
[17:45] Seifer may have never seen Ethric seeming more serious than in that moment. A ritual, concentration and a certain quiet that almost felt concerning from a man who normally could not stop a conversation for more than thirty seconds indicated to the young man just how intense what they were about to face was going to be.

The length of time spent traveling along the Lifestream further made it all obvious, this was far from instant despite what Wayfinding would suggest. Just how far had they traveled? And considering the small ritual the real question was more directed at how hidden this place must be.

A deep breath was drawn, sudden and alarming by the young Warden as they finally hit solid ground, arriving to their destination after what felt like an eternity crossing many seasons.

The man... looked around himself, around the world that stood, the waves that crashed upon water below.

.. Below?

"... This... How-

How high are we? Is this a Lighthouse? How is it flying? Oh my Kraus this is a lot all at once Ethric why didn't you tell us about all of this?"

He looked around for a moment.

"... Ethric...?"

.... Oh boy.
(Seifer Gardios)
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[17:45] T'ahrah nods respectfully at Zhranri. At least she knew enough.
(T'ahrah Tahl)
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[17:46] Zhrani Gardios says, "... No mister Athelier for us, t'would seem."
[17:46] Alice Brasti says, "We're high enough you don't want to look down if you're worried about it."
[17:46] Zhrani Gardios exclaims, "..!"
[17:46] Zhrani Gardios says, "Okay, not looking down."
[17:46] T'ahrah Tahl says, "I'm sure we could survive the fall. Possibly."
[17:46] Zhrani Gardios says, "... let's not test."
[17:46] Zhrani Gardios says, "That theory."
[17:47] Seifer Gardios says, "I doubt it."
[17:47] Seifer Gardios says, "We're pretty high."
[17:47] T'ahrah Tahl says, "It would be more of the... Swimming back to any landmass that'd be impossible."
[17:47] Seifer Gardios says, "I don't see any landmass."
[17:47] Seifer Gardios says, "Anywhere."
[17:47] T'ahrah Tahl says, "Exactly."
[17:47] Seifer Gardios says, "..."
[17:47] Zhrani Gardios says, "Hmmm."
[17:47] Seifer Gardios says, "And Wayfinding is usually -instant-."
[17:47] Seifer Gardios says, "I don't know where we are, but-"
[17:47] Seifer Gardios says, "This is far."
[17:47] T'ahrah Tahl says, "Away from Esshar...."
[17:47] Seifer Gardios says, "Far from Esshar. Far from Aegis."
[17:47] Zhrani Gardios says, "... For sure."
[17:47] T'ahrah Tahl asks, "A strange feeling- ah.. Should we proceed?"
[17:47] Alice Brasti says, "Yes... but thankfully I'm sure I can get us home, when or if it's necessary."
[17:47] Seifer Gardios says, "..."
[17:47] Seifer Gardios says, ".. Well. I am eager, too."
[17:47] Seifer Gardios says, "But..."
[17:47] Seifer Gardios says, "..."
[17:47] Zhrani Gardios asks, "What?"
[17:47] Zhrani Gardios asks, "What's wrong?"
[17:47] Seifer Gardios says, "I'd like to take a moment to soak in the view."
[17:47] Zhrani Gardios says, "... hm."
[17:47] T'ahrah Tahl says, "It is majestic.."
[17:48] {NARRATION} ...?
He's not there.

Seifer is COMPLETELY correct.

This excursion seems suspiciously Ethric free- Which, Alice, the experienced wayfinder, would know would be a little silly. He was included in the convocation.

Hm...

The stone steps up what was once a hill bear T'ahrah's weight easily as they come down, although they're certainly not particularly soft. The smooth, weathered marble feels so perfectly worn down, though immaculately cared for; Zhrani might notice how age has slimmed the building almost as much as the Osronan chruch.

The doorway was open. Though, if they had any last minute talks or preparations before entering the holy domain, now was the time.

They could, after all, just step in-

The breeze is nice, though. Clouds float by, almost in touchable range, as the waters ripple underneath. There's a cool breeze, to contrast the sun's warmth, thick with the sea's richness.
[17:51] Seifer flashed a smile towards Zhrani before he properly turned around. A deep, deep breath is taken. All panic and shock finds itself washed away from his person as he takes the moment at hand in order to merely admire. Appreciate. Enjoy the fact they were where they were.

The scent of the sea as it danced below them all carried by a soft, cool breeze that allows for the sun to shine brightly, warmly, yet not overwhelmingly. It was a memory worth remembering, now and forever.

A bite of the maki roll the Warden had been snacking upon during the ritual was taken and an audible sigh of satisfaction was given.

"It's true what they say: Fish is much better when you're looking at the sea."

He turned around, facing the majestic, aged lighthouse.

".. Alright. Is everyone ready?"
(Seifer Gardios)
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[17:53] There was a blink of her gaze as that did seem to settle upon her. "..Yeah, you're right." Garnet orbs looking around for the Headmaster with some measure of concern. "..He couldn't have slipped out by accident anywhere, I have too much faith in his ability to believe that."

Yet he wasn't there? Had he stepped out just as they had all been sent..? Questions that would seemingly find no answers for the moment, she looks out over the edge to take in the sights...

She was probably further across the world than any Teraphim had ever gone before, a strange thought. "..I wonder if any of my people have ever been this far away." Her thought voiced, there was a brief musing hum.

"I am ready." A nod of her head, a glance to the rest.
(Alice Brasti)
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[17:53] Tah does... Exactly what Seifer said he was going to do. She was used to falling face flat after any wayfinding adventures. Though considering the distance...

There was a distinct feeling that getting back was easier said than done. Mayhap that was just her inner pessimist-

It didn't last for long! The lithe dancer taking a sip from a flask and sliding to the marble pathway, sitting and enjoying the view. Her golden eyes still holding that mirth from before. She felt young again-

Barring, she shouldn't feel old at nineteen but war does things to a young woman!

It wasn't until Seifer spoke of being ready, that she'd slowly slide back to her feet. With a heavy hint of reluctance! The staff raised, and tapped quietly. The venomous bulbs normally aglow with poison dimmed down by an ethereal, spiritual presence and touch.

"Yes, yes. I'm as ready as I can be... For someone standing on a floating light-house in the sky. I've never heard of something like this before..." It seemed surreal. A part of her wondered if the ritual was a spiritual, out of body one, that this was all some joint dream...

It didn't matter to her in the end, the view was nice.
(T'ahrah Tahl)
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[17:54] Zhrani's ears flick, the feline eyes scrupulously studying the architecture... quietly humming to herself.

Momnetarily, her attention turns to Seifer, to whom she reciprocates the smile. After five years, they had finally gotten here. And hopefully, they would get the answers they sought.

"As ready as can be." She says firmly, nod-nod-nodding.
(Zhrani Gardios)
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[17:55] Seifer offered a nod before he took the first steps towards the door...

.. And into the Lighthouse.
(Seifer Gardios)
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[18:03] The Pelleaux had been rather silent thus far, just walking alongside the group. She had examined the building, followed them inside...It was curious, but she'd remain silent for now.
(Valeria ven Pelleaux)
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[18:06] {NARRATION} The first floor is a relatively pleasant area!

To the immediate left is a small, nice study area, replete with velveteen seats and bookshelves isolated slightly from the equipment, the upper left a more comprehensive meeting area divided by maple screening, for discussion with visitors. The right half of the room, dominated by spare equipment, lenses, workshops for adjustment...

Most seems a tad dusty, but not overmuch- It is clear far less people come through here than they once did, but a housekeeper still remains.

However, there is a small, deep basin of water with... No visible bottom, like a small well recently established near the staircase! It's corded off, and a sign dangles neatly from the center of it.


Please place your weapons in the well, before proceeding upstairs.
Thank you!


There might be a certain familiarity to the handwriting, for a few.

However, it's... Just a length of velveteen cord. At any point, there is no palpable enchantment barring them from visible advancement, up through the lighthouse.
[18:11] The well that stood with its endless depths had the man give a look towards Valeria. Perhaps her thoughts for Osrona and the way the Lighthouse was built crossing paths was a good thing. The sign that awaited them was something that Seifer wouldn't turn down. After all they were visitors in a place which Ethric had taken a long, long time to get them to. It was significant enough - commanding respect.

The blade forged in Eos' dream was reached for, vibrating as it always did and refusing to quite remain in the physical world due to its nature. A long, deep breath was drawn before the Warden stepped up closer to the basin.

"In Sheng they have people remove their shoes. This must be no different." He concluded. It felt like some sort of custom, no? Seifer brought his weapon gently atop the waters, letting it sink should it refuse to float.

He would wait for everyone to be ready. Manners came first when visiting an old location, one seemingly kept clean for visitors of all kinds.
(Seifer Gardios)
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[18:12] {Item} You drop Eos-forged Sword.
[18:13] A Saint was someone Revered, though now she felt as if she should have asked Ethric more about the foresable journey- there had been much on her mind!...

But even so, be it sheer ignorance, stupidity, or blind faith in the man that'd teleported the group here? Tah stepped slowly towards the basin of water. She peers into it at first, inspecting it with a short and slow exhales...

Yes, it was blind faith. For certain...

The staff is drawn from the vines growing from her bark-covered skin, and she holds it up briefly, staring at the luminousent bulbs of venom with a deeper, more nervous inhale! And a softer, slower exhale.

A part of her didn't think she'd be getting it back. The part of her that had been tempered by traitors, by anger, by hatred...

"Mmm.."

She slips Veno-Dash, her work of art! Her magnum opus. A thing she was seeking to improve and improve- a piece of her! Into the well. Her eyes shutting tightly and...

Her hand releases!

She steps away afterwards, flexing her bare fingertips. As a War-Chief? She felt disturbingly empty and lost without a weapon...

She does spare a glance towards the other sides of the room, the lenses and spare equipment. The workshop! But never approaches- This wasn't her home. This wasn't her property. Thus? She does not take anything from it.

"So just.. A custom. Nothing more, nothing less.."

She didn't watch to see if her weapon would float or sink. It was more challenging for her to leave it behind than she would ever let on.
(T'ahrah Tahl)
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[18:13] It was certainly a well-kept place, and for something that floated above the sea? Incredibly so. Nothing seemed worn harshly by the salty air, but perhaps they were too high for that.. The worst being just a touch of dust, but even that was minimal.

Her eyes peering towards the well.. "Our weapons?" That alone was enough to almost make a chill descend down her spine. She had carried a blade ever since she had left her home, it wasn't going to be comfortable without it.

Though perhaps it was best that way.

It was the home of a Saint, after all. Her blade humming as it was drawn from the sheathe, she follows suit. Hopefully there wouldn't be regrets for doing so.
(Alice Brasti)
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[18:16] Valeria would take her time in observing the room around them. She'd walk over to the study area, curiously. If there were papers, they'd be examined. The Stellus took her time observing, searching, with a sense of curiosity. There was no shame in her curiousness.

Though eventually if nothing of significance was found, she'd scurry along behind the rest of the group toward the well by the staircase.

They were to give up their weapons?...

There is an exhale, but as the others, she too would remove her bow from her back and place it with a gentleness into the well. What could go wrong without a weapon....Right?....RIGHT?..

She stands beside the group, wondering if they were going up the stairs now?
(Valeria ven Pelleaux)
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[18:16] T'ahrah Tahl says, "... Wait, is a watering can considered a weapon? I mean I can hit someone with it."
[18:16] The feline eyes take in the new environment, studying the possible directions to go in...

Though, one thing certainly stands out the most; the well, and the sign. A well. How interesting. She looks back at the others, to see their faces; read what they are thinking. After taking some seconds to do so, however, she begins to slowly approach the well.

Place the weapon in there..? She hesitates, briefly. Could it really be a trick? She shakes her head at this thought. She should have more faith, especially when in the house of a Saint, no less. And so, her staff goes into the well, as well.
(Zhrani Gardios)
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[18:16] Zhrani Gardios says, "Good question."
[18:16] T'ahrah does.. Out of safety... Also add in the watering can. Because she wasn't taking any risks.
(T'ahrah Tahl)
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[18:17] T'ahrah Tahl says, "Better safe than sorry.."
[18:17] Zhrani Gardios exclaims, "Same..!"
[18:20] {NARRATION} There's a splash!

When the swords and staves go down in, water ripples- And each sinks and flickers out of visible sight- They go down, immediately. Not even the wood floats! Alas!

The watering cans, too.

When both of the tin cans go down, there's a distant noise, too faint to make out, from the upper floors. It sounds like a human voice!

But, whatever it says, it's so far away that only the echoes of the stone space even allow it to be vaguely audible. For better or worse- Their weapons were definitely GONE. Rethinking would not be possible after mere seconds-

The well looks as full of pristine, empty water as it did when they entered. The velvet line does seem to be completely unenchanted- But, if they walk over it, they can do so with a squeaky clean conscience of having followed the sign-

A suble flicker of a light in the corner goes out, however, as the last can is dropped in. A crystal deactivating?

Perhaps a trap, ended.
[18:24] The sight of all of their weapons sinking to the bottom was terrifying in its own rights, yet Seifer had doubts that they would be stuck without any means to defend themselves for too long. After all so long as one followed the indications and instructions left by the homeowners there was not a single way anything could go horribly.

The man led the way forward, the subtle click being noted as a crystal deactivated itself. A test of kindness? Of etiquette? Who knows. Regardless of such, the Warden seemed all too eager to move forward.

A bit like a child on a great adventure.

"I'm sure we'll get our weapons back when we leave. That's how it is with shoes, after all."
(Seifer Gardios)
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[18:24] With a quiet sigh of relief does she watch all the dropped items get flushed.

With a brief shrug of her shoulders, she looks back on the group... praying in the back of her head that their weapons will be returned. That staff has had a long history, after all… A history she tried her best to honour.

"Shall we go up, then?" She asks, her head tilted in the direction of the stairs- no point in lingering for too long... except for admiring the whole place, of course. Which is nothing less than impressive, for certain. "Perhaps we are... expected." Her ears flick at the sound of the human voice from above.
(Zhrani Gardios)
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[18:25] Welp, the weapons were gone - but it looked like something had deactivated. So at least perhaps they were considered non hostile visitors. Which was good, right? Hopefully.

"Perhaps we should go up the stairs, then." The Pelleaux states plainly, as her dual toned gaze averts to look at the stairs.

She'd move toward the stairs, with out without the groups approval. She was moving forward.
(Valeria ven Pelleaux)
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[18:25] There it went. Don't look! Don't look!

Her head tilted high and her teeth set together in a firm, pained expression. The sound of a human voice calling out echoing from one ear to the other. A part of her wanted to cry! And it showed...

Tah cherished everything she made, after all- and now? It was gone! Just like that..

She clenches her fingertips and opens and closes her hand into a fist. Knuckles cracking and joints popping before, after a bit of just... Idle stretching, breathing exercises, and a soft sway in place.

She finally calmed down. Her lazed expression looking towards the ceiling. "You're truly an optimist, Seifer. If I didn't know better, that just dropped them into the waters below." The pessimist to this optimism. "Regardless! I can.. I can always.. Make another.." Her voice cracked and she hastily looked away..

Dragging her fingers across her eyes in a swift gesture! Before clearing her throat. "Yes, lets...!"
(T'ahrah Tahl)
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[18:26] It pained her to see the blade she had received within Eos' temple disappear, but she simply had to have faith. Faith would carry them through the house of a Saint more than anything else, right?

"I believe and hope so." She would proceed forward when the others were ready, her gaze watchful. "Though now we should be even more careful."

She and Seifer were swordsmen, they were put at the greatest disadvantage of all.
(Alice Brasti)
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[18:26] Zhrani Gardios exclaims, "It's gonna be fine..! I'm sure..!"
[18:46] {NARRATION} Approaching up the stairway gives rise to a faint, quiet flicker-

But, nothing happens to any of the individuals passing through as they make their way up the stairwell.

Proceeding up past several doors- One of which clearly leads to a restroom, another to a supply closet full of simple housekeeping, another for even MORE backup lenses and parts for the orrery, they end up coming to a fairly broad room with a display case!

The air is clean. and holds that same scent of having been semi-recently cleaned up. Some spots were missed, but a lemon scent clings to the banister as they rise up along the layers of the lighthouse, at least four floors up before they plateau still below the orrery-

It seems to be a display area!

Another improvised sign, and a rope of velvet lies-


Please make use of a weapon provided to properly enablet you for the trial above.


Most what's in this room, however, isn't weapons!

There's pictures, portraits, of about five children, with downy, small ducklike wings on their back! Three blonde to white haired, two with darker, more blue-hued hair colors; Two girls, three boys. It looks old, from subtle wrinklings, but it's been restored. A few other portaits line the walls, if they are interested in tarrying for old memories. Most of it holds a few things like a corsage, and a few tokens that don't seem particularly... Weapon-like.

Fortunately, a pair of gauntlets with a focus gem each on them, for five individuals, lays on the far table...

And across from it...

Hm.

Well.

They can have a look at the other weapon in the room.
[18:51] Zhrani eyes the portraits... and then the gauntlets... and then the SWORD. Goodness, that SWORD. Though, frankly, Zhrani does not seem particularly interested in it. However, she does furrow her eyebrows as she ponders.

"Whatever are we going to use weapons for? Will there be... trials?" She quirks an eyebrow, as she looks at the rest. However, she doesn't wait too long to make her way towards the gauntlets to... examine them. And the design certainly is interesting enough! Though it does make her furrow her eyebrows even further as she wonders upon the purpose of it.

"Huh. Do we... take these, then?"
(Zhrani Gardios)
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[18:51] Tah was no swordswoman! Not at all, she couldn't swing a blade for the life of her. A staff? Simple. Her fists? Well, not so simple! But! She understood them more than she did a holy, cosmic infused blade... It was however, pretty to look at. Admire.. From a distance.

Her hands upon her hips and, well! She does what any Artificer would do! She draws closer towards the nearby pedestal housing Elohim. However, the young tribal doesn't take the weapon. Instead...?

She begins looking it over, intensely! With the scrutiny of a crafter who could easily lose oneself in their own work!

"I assume this is a blade from... One of your Osronan books?" She'd comment with a raise of her finger. She does not enter its vicinity, but makes a tapping motion in its direction!

Again! Not entering its vicinity.

"I wonder who made it. How did they make it... Was it just, forged by the stars? I'm not a swordswoman! I'd be awful with it but it's- practically divine!"

No Tah, it was exactly divine. "I mean, five of those, one sword. I'd assume that's the way to go... I wouldn't be able to swing this thing, by any means."

A glance given towards Alice and Seifer, to see their hot-take on the weapon. Which... Was perceived as useless in her hands! For obvious reasons.
(T'ahrah Tahl)
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[18:54] As they ventured further and further it grew obvious that this was no mere Lighthouse but moreso a place where someone lived. A family perhaps at one point. The clean air, the tended features and facets of the interior even went as far as having a portrait hung for them all to see. Winged beings. Children. All of whom Seifer could tell nothing about. Who they were remained a mystery but the fact of the matter remained: Someone definitely lived here.

Who tended to the Saint's remains and memory the Warden wondered.

As the next sign presented before themselves the trial ahead became clear. Could they cast away their own weapon in order to face the challenges waiting for them? The gloves in the corner were reminiscing of manaball attire— made purposefully to inhibit a magi's ability to cast.

... And across from it?

It's almost as if the man was drawn to it. His curiosity and the golden glow of the blade was something that he could hardly resist. Being curious about its design, its making, its perfect harmony with the stars themselves seemed... Incredible.

Surely anyone with a sword of this caliber could take on the world, change all of Esshar forever and ensure their will was put above all. And yet-

"It's... on a pedestal. Much like the rest of the room it may be decoration. Taking the weapons provided for us is what the sign says, but I wonder if this would be akin to taking a family portrait and using it as a weapon." He shared, stepping a bit closer to better take a look at Elohim.

"... Even from here I can tell it's something else."
(Seifer Gardios)
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[18:55] Thankfully, nothing so far would hinder their progress. Ascending up past multiple doorways until they reach some form of display room. Her gaze quickly passes over the sign. "Oh.." That was going to be an experience, certainly.

Yet the same issue presented itself, she was a swordswoman with no sword.

'a weapon provided'

Garnet orbs look to the right, to the gauntlets.. and then to the left. Even when compared to the one she had retrieved in the temple, it was a masterpiece.. A weapon unlike any other she had ever beheld with her own eyes.

It's Holy light pulsing out, as if tempting her own to join with it.

There was something Divine about that blade, and she was but a Teraphim. "I don't think I've earned the right to touch the handle of that weapon.. let alone wield it." It was sincere, even with all of the good she had done and planned to do.. She didn't think she had earned the right to hold a weapon forged by pure divinity. Even if it had been intended for them to take at all.

"I apologize." Yet her answer wouldn't change, the Teraphim turning to look at the others. She could only hope what she could do with those would prove sufficient enough.
(Alice Brasti)
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[18:57] Everything they passed on the way up the staircase was observed by a curious set of dual toned eyes. The older Valeria got, the more she took notice to the smaller things. The various supplies, bathroom, and extra parts? It was clear someone lived here. Everything was so clean, and the scent of lemon happened to be one of the Stellus's favorites...


Hm, a display area..

"Oh, would you look at that.." She says, her voice soft and wonderous. She was enjoying the journey just as much as those alongside her were. Her nature was a bit young compared to others. She was easily excited about things. "Oh, we are to fight in a trial? Jeeze!...How interesting."

Valeria takes note of the portraits, and of course she would move to observe them first. If there are any plaques to name the children in the pictures, she'd read them.

Then her attention drifts to the gauntlets, and the sword. Her face scrunches up at the sword, she most certainly did not know how to wield that. So instead, she'd turn toward the gauntlets and examine them, before lifting up a pair to put on.
(Valeria ven Pelleaux)
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[19:06] "It's-... It's made out of raw energy. Of some kind! Ooh!" She takes another step closer, shuffling about the pedestal now like a little girl at a candy shop. "Maybe the Orichalcum hilt works as a.. Catalyst, but then- What's causing that coloration... What's even- maybe a focus crystal, of some kind?"

She stops before taking a few steps back, hands on her hips! Trying to subdue that brief bout of excitement at something completely, and utterly mysterious.

"The hilt is metal, the blade is not. Orichalcum hilt- no.. No that's something else. Maybe? It's.. Ah!" She didn't know much about the cosmos to actually recognize a condensed, heightened band of white starlight.

"No no, orichalcum... What is this made of!- Oh, oh right. We're ah, we're here for something." She looks towards the four people she BELIEVES originated from Osrona. "Anything in your myths, legends, things like that which talk of a blade made of.. Some sort of raw energy? Cosmic, maybe. I'll go off of your customs here. I know nothing of sainthood or saints."

She'd gesture towards the blade, and then back towards the gloves on the other side of the room. "Are we allowed to use the weapon, or should we leave it to rest?" She'd ask the group.

She was a Tribal. Thus, she believed she'd ask those whom knew about Osronan etiquette and culture best on the approach.
(T'ahrah Tahl)
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[19:11] {NARRATION} A small placard reads;


Noel Elisheva
Sera Elisheva
Calael Elisheva,
Magdalen Elisheva,
Mykaela Elisheva,


Valeria's inspection yields fruit.

Pictures line the walls of these individuals, but the amount gets smaller, and smaller, as 'time' passes. One of the girls is first to vanish, leaving the blue haired boys, and the white haired boy and blonde girl. The white haired young man vanishes in later portraits- And one of the other blue young man vanish. They are replaced, however, with different companions. New children. Smaller, quieter. In some, a black haired man with scarlet eyes lounges next to the white haired demi-angel, a misty woman next to Calael, similar companions with their respective spouses.

Some of easier times. Good times.

However, at the last-

There is only one portrait of azure haired Calael Kang, and one of the blonde haired Magdalen Elisheva-Hawke in their middle age, from those initial five.

The march of time is sobering, perhaps.

The Stellus can see so many new, smaller names- But, it seems like most of the generation beyond a Percival Kang and a Sima Kang go relatively unrecorded by a few portraits within here.

No legends exist of the weapon those present stare upon- It matches no historical records known or available to the Warden, at the least, on examination.
[19:16] Zhrani's ears flick. She turns to look at T'ahrah as the questions are posed. She hums for a while...

"Well-... there are tales of legendary weapons, of course, but nothing comes to my mind that reminds me of this particular one." She scratches head a bit, pondering further!

"I don't know if we're allowed to. But, there -are- five pairs of gauntlets. Enough for us all."
(Zhrani Gardios)
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[19:17] "I can't say I have, love.." She says in the direction of T'ahrah, she had never heard of a weapon like that. Then again..? She was only raised on the stories of her own people for the most part, at least until she came to Osrona at sixteen years old.

"I'm not certain what should be done with it, but.." But what? "..We do need to do something." Her gaze drifting over portraits briefly, the Teraphim could only wonder if any of these people save the Saint were perhaps still alive.
(Alice Brasti)
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[19:17] Seifer couldn't help his interest in the blade grow as T'ahrah made such an analysis of it and its mysteries. His eyes looked upon the weapon itself, the design, the blade that felt completely out of this world - radiating with energies that filled him up with a certain warmth. A crossguard ornate, yellow from some precious stones and-

... Ah. The hilt. Despite the blade's great potential it almost felt like it was of poor quality. Of course it was made with the same metal - the same orichalcum as the rest of the weapon but his instinct, his thoughts as a swordsman were spoken aloud.

"It... looks like it's a ceremonial blade. Even if its potential is great - and oh my Kraus is it above anything I've ever seen - look at the pommel. It definitely isn't made for anyone to swing around.

.. But man is it a pretty sword."

It was on a pedestal for a reason after all. A soft sigh was given and from beneath his glasses did Seifer speak.

"Maybe another day... You'll have to wait."

Was he speaking to the sword? Very likely. The man turned around with a definitive flourish of his cape and a decided step. He couldn't let himself linger any longer he may have made a mistake.

"Let's.. Hm. Let's go and get those gauntlets."
(Seifer Gardios)
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[19:20] Elisheva

The last name of a known angel, and the demi angels thereafter. Her mouth would have fallen open at this revelation, though there was a bit of excitement that panged away in her chest. What exactly were they going to get themselves into here..

She'd watch as they'd begin to vanish, the people...Only to be replaced with others. A story. Valeria was being shown a story of time, with only Calael and Magdalen left in the end....

The generation record stops after Percival and Sima Kang, which is peculiar. Why were there no records of that?..How mysterious..

Turning her attention back to the gauntlets, she'd put them on her. She could feel the hinderance they left on her, and she'd frown.

"Well these aren't very comfortable. I wonder how this could possibly benefit us in a trial?" She'd question, staring at the gauntlets that were now on her hands.
(Valeria ven Pelleaux)
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[19:24] "Hmm... I'm a caster. Not a close-combatant..." She'd drawl towards the comment about swinging it around. She turns to face the blade upon its pedestal once more. But this time? Her eyes were slowly looking over the pedestal itself. The weapon was propped up upon one.

So, she seeks for anything to either validate it as something usuable for the trial and trial alone. Or if it truly was merely a decoration.

"Regardless. Give me a hard 'No, Tah. Don't use this weapon for the trial to come', or I see no reason why I wouldn't. It's a weapon. It would properly enablet me for a trial- Moreso than even my staff." She admits begrudgingly after inspecting the weapon.

Still! She opts to seek out any reading while awaiting for one of them to give her a hard no.

Maybes, Ifs, Possiblys, and Shouldn't was not a strong enough case for a relatively assertive War-Chief. But she was blunt with what she needed to hear, to let the weapon go.
(T'ahrah Tahl)
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[19:25] Zhrani turns to observe Valeria, for a while. The feline eyes scan the portraits, catching only a glimpse of the story they were telling. The Feline leaves the matter unspoken- for now.

"Perhaps there is a purpose to it. We'll just have to see..!" She nod-nods in response to Valeria, smiling. She turns back to face the others. "Let's not linger here for too long-...

No, Tah. Don't use this weapon. Come take the gauntlets." She says, as requested. If it was that simple, why not say it? The words are followed up with a shrug.
(Zhrani Gardios)
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[19:26] Seifer Gardios says, "It's a trial."
[19:26] Seifer Gardios says, "Those usually aren't comfortable or..."
[19:26] Seifer Gardios says, "Easy."
[19:27] Seifer gave a nod to his wife as he moved past, aiming to go collect his pair of gauntlets which may just backfire against him.

Could he have picked up the blade?
Would it break over a single fight?

He didn't want to test it, even if the idea seemed insanely exciting.
(Seifer Gardios)
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[19:27] {Item} You picked up Holy Gauntlets..
[19:31] {NARRATION} Unlike most other things-

There's no placard underneath the silverlight blade, no annotations, no history- It seems to be just beyond the braziers and barrier- Forcing T'ahrah to clamber over and into them if she wants to grasp for it, before being able to get a good look at the runework ebbing around the pedestal holding it.

It is a rather... Blatantly dangeorus affair.
[19:32] Zhrani puts on the gauntlets and comes back to the rest of the group.

"I do wonder what comes next, though. I do hope we don't have to fight each other?.. Or, well, anyone else, for that matter."
(Zhrani Gardios)
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[19:33] If Zhanri hadn't given that hard no?

Tah would have went for it. Instead she stood upright, brushing her hands together before turning upon her heels to head towards the other side of the room. A closed fist rose, and thwumping against her chest.

"I'm only here to hopefully find a cure for vampirism. If you're to tell me no, then I see no reason not to adhere to your requests." She was bought on, at the last minute...

And if Tah was anything? It was respectful towards those giving her a chance to be. Thus, she heads for those terrible, terrible, evil gloves. Already grimacing visibly from looking them over and finding the more nuanced workings which would inhibit her casting even further.
(T'ahrah Tahl)
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[19:34] Seifer Gardios says, "I don't think it'd be a problem if it wasn't so..."
[19:34] Seifer Gardios says, "... It looks like the handle could break-"
[19:34] Seifer Gardios exclaims, "That'd be bad!"
[19:34] T'ahrah Tahl exclaims, "It would be!"
[19:34] Seifer Gardios says, "Plus, it's on display for a reason."
[19:34] Zhrani Gardios exclaims, "We do want to cure vampirism, too..!"
[19:34] Seifer Gardios says, "You have to see both sides of this."
[19:35] T'ahrah Tahl says, "Yes! I know. That's why you invited me! But I'm sure you two planned this journey well before they became a nuisance."
[19:35] Seifer Gardios says, "If we pick it up and break it? That's bad..."
[19:35] Zhrani Gardios says, "Uh..."
[19:35] Zhrani Gardios says, "Well."
[19:35] Seifer Gardios asks, "But if we don't pick it up and we could've?"
[19:35] Zhrani Gardios says, "They've been a nuisance for years now."
[19:35] Seifer Gardios says, "Then we're just fools."
[19:35] Seifer Gardios says, "But I'd rather be a fool than be impolite."
[19:36] T'ahrah Tahl says, "I remember just five years ago... Thinking vampires weren't real.."
[19:36] T'ahrah Tahl says, "No wait, six."
[19:36] T'ahrah Tahl says, "But I suppose you're right."
[19:37] Zhrani Gardios exclaims, "Five years ago we planned this thing..!"
[19:37] T'ahrah Tahl says, "Yes. So, I won't... Act on impulse. That would be rude to both you and Seifer's generosity."
[19:37] T'ahrah nods sagely and gives a thumbs up. With her newly aquainted horrible gauntlets. Of pain.
(T'ahrah Tahl)
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[19:37] Zhrani Gardios exclaims, "It's okay, T'ahrah. But- it is appreciated. You're very polite..!"
[19:38] Zhrani Gardios says, "I do wonder why we hardly spoke before."
[19:38] T'ahrah Tahl says, "Probably because I was usually in Moxtli... Busy, busy busy.."
[19:38] T'ahrah makes a pensive face.
(T'ahrah Tahl)
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[19:38] Zhrani Gardios says, "Hm. And I'm in Osrona..."
[19:38] Zhrani Gardios says, "Busy, busy, busy."
[19:40] Zhrani Gardios asks, "Let's keep going, shall we?"
[19:42] T'ahrah Tahl exclaims, "Onwards!"
[19:43] {NARRATION} Ascending further is a simple ordeal-

However, the doors onto the floor with the Orrery proper- As denoted by massive, resonant lettering over the arch, are welded shut- The metal has sealed together. Powerful invocations and seals to the massive, oaken doors and their gilted resonances are present.

There is a small sign, once more-


Your trial is on the next floor up. Please proceed. Do not worry, it should be a very simple test.

Do they stop and attempt to breach the doors?
[19:43] Zhrani Gardios says, "Simple, they say..."
[19:43] Seifer Gardios says, "..."
[19:45] Sometimes Tah wishes she were a greedier, more selfish and curious individual! A casual glance given towards the shut door, an itch... That kind of one at the back of the brain that is going...

DO IT COWARD

But she inhales sharply and snuffs it out, oh so begrudgingly. Instead she just.. Continues up the stairway... Sometimes being the rule-follower was dreadful!
(T'ahrah Tahl)
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[19:47] Seifer couldn't help but look at the doors they were passing by on the way up. Welded shut and ensured that they wouldn't be crossed through the use of powerful invocations ontop of it all. A long glance is given to it, and to the sign.

A small nod.

"Whoever lives there best have us visit the place properly when we're done. I... definitely want to see it all."

Despite his curious nature he doesn't breach trust or doors alike, instead moving on to ascend.

But man, did he want to go on the other side.
(Seifer Gardios)
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[19:48] T'ahrah is glad she isn't the only one feeling it.
(T'ahrah Tahl)
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[19:49] They step further and further up the legendary lighthouse, things appearing rather simple so far.. at least until those doors along the way were reached.

Alice was forced to wonder if these doors would take them through a different route to the top, her expression contemplative. "...I can only wonder if this is a sealed door that happens to be here, or perhaps it in and of itself is the trial."

Before proceeding, the Teraphim looks over the runes. Were any familiar to the Wayfinder in any way? Not that she had plans to break the door open, just an idle curiosity that may shed light on what sealed them shut.

Though if nothing interesting was to be found? She would proceed.
(Alice Brasti)
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[19:49] Valeria takes note of the door, the way it's sealed. There is a brow that lifts, and her head would cant. Though ultimately, "I think the doors are sealed for a reason. I feel it's best to keep going upward, what do you think?" She asked the group, as her gaze drifted toward the staircase that would lead them up to this 'trial'.

After all, usually when doors are sealed shut...It's for good reason. Perhaps a monster, some sort of beast was on the other side. There was no real way of knowing, but Valeria wasn't here to gamble.
(Valeria ven Pelleaux)
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[19:50] {NARRATION} A few are familiar to Alice, actually!

She is fairly certain most of them determine direction and mana flow- It is rather possible that most enchantments directed at the door, or arcane assaults, might flow back at the user...

Unless it was undone from the other side.

No runes seem to inhibit the flow of the lifestream. Theoretically, if she had time to cast, it IS possible she might be able to warp her way onto the other side.
[19:50] Zhrani nods in response to Seifer's words. She is clearly curious, too- but the purpose of their visit remains at the forefront of her mind.

"Let's hope this is not our last time here, but, for now-... let us keep going. The trial awaits, yeah? And they say it's a simple one... haha... let's hope that's true!"
(Zhrani Gardios)
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[19:56] She was of course even more curious now, her moment of inspecting prompting her to say something to get the attention of the others. "As much as I'm sure it's a terrible idea, I could in theory just.. put us on the other side of it without breaking it."

She thought at least. "Though that doesn't mean it's the best idea, but I thought I would at least mention it as a potential option." Not that she would do it on a whim, the group came here together.. they needed to decide and act together.

"However, if we simply wish to push forward? No protests." As long as every route was considered.
(Alice Brasti)
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[19:56] Zhrani Gardios says, ".... Hmmm."
[19:56] Zhrani Gardios says, "Very tempting."
[19:56] Zhrani Gardios says, "But- we are guests."
[19:57] Zhrani Gardios says, "... Let's not commit breaking and entering."
[19:57] Alice Brasti says, "Or in this case, just entering."
[19:57] Zhrani Gardios exclaims, "... true. But still..!"
[19:57] Seifer Gardios says, "..."
[19:58] Seifer Gardios says, "I am curious too..."
[19:58] Seifer Gardios says, "But-"
[19:58] Seifer Gardios says, "..."
[19:58] Seifer Gardios exclaims, "Ahhh..!"
[19:58] Seifer Gardios exclaims, "We'll just ask when we find out who lives here!"
[19:58] Zhrani Gardios exclaims, "Yeah..!"
[19:58] Seifer turns to Alice, clearly in some sort of internal debate over something.

"And we'll ask them about the sword, too. I'm sure it has a history!"
(Seifer Gardios)
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[19:59] Valeria has already given her opinion and is already going up the stairs.
(Valeria ven Pelleaux)
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[19:59] Zhrani Gardios says, "Let us go, now-... ah, Valeria's ahead of us!!! Let's catch up."
[20:12] {NARRATION} The journey up is a tad monotonous, at worst!

A few things to see, a few pieces to regard, as they ascended.

No more, no less- For the virtuous might be a tad boring, but-

Perhaps the rewards at the end would be worthwhile?

Likely not in the short term. As it goes, as they politely obey the signs and the law, as they conduct themselves through the Lighthouse with general discretion. It's a solid twenty stories up! Most of their time is walking, talking with one another, getting the opportunity to appreciate the ways-

But, the final set of stairs will be taking them to the top-

And, before them, lies a flickering apparition of light, bound in a set of chalky runes along the stonework. A few voices echo from above- Conversation? One of them, a resonant, echoing baritone with a countertenor resonance, the other an older, clipped tones of a woman.

However, as they cross-

A bell rings!

It tinkles, softly.

The chalk dissipates away into ash, the powdery substance igniting into golden fire, slipping away without smoke or cloying scents hitting the air besides a soft scent of yarrow and lavender.

A sign is helpfully affixed to a pillar-


Do not worry. As long as you are properly girded, no attacks from this summoned spirit should truly harm you.

However, failure to overcome this spirit may ask that you remain down here, as the energies at the top may prove somewhat dangerous to your physique.


There isn't TOO much time to talk as the light flares brighter, and brighter, threatening to envelop the room. It's getting a bit warm in here...!
[20:13] Zhrani reads the sign. Blink. Blink. Blink. Flicks ear as the bell rings. She looks at the spirit, then the group.

"I-... well, I guess it isn't the worst trial. I hope we are ready, then?.." Not much else to say, really.
(Zhrani Gardios)
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[20:15] It certainly was bright, breaking the dull conversations they had ascending the Lighthouse as it were. With no sword in hand and no way to genuinely put up a fight Seifer found himself casting... spells.

Yes, he was a magi after all. His ability to cast spells and not use a weapon was still significant enough that he would do his best to ensure those around him wouldn't fall.

"We'll need to try harder than ever."
(Seifer Gardios)
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[20:16] The walk up all of those stairs. Jeeze, Valeria needed to work out more! Or maybe she was just bored, twenty stories? Who made a lighthouse this tall!...Though it was probably all normal, really. Valeria wouldn't know. The construction of lighthouses weren't here forte.

"Oh no..." These gauntlets were so heavy, too..."Yes, this will be a test of durability, surely!" She hoped they would succeed...
(Valeria ven Pelleaux)
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[20:17] Being without a blade in this scenario was truly unfortunate, but she would only hope she wouldn't prove too inept in combat. She was more than a sword after all, even if she would have preferred one.

"Everyone stay sharp." Her hands poised with those gauntlets from before, she would do her best against what was to come.
(Alice Brasti)
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[20:18] "Good call on the gloves, then."

Tah'd comment with a flex of her fingertips. Truly, it was a good thing Zhanri and Seifer had managed to talk the young woman down from going after the blade. Her fingertips twitch and curl ever so softly afterwards! And her eyes slowly shut.

No venodash. No weapon..

"It's just like when I was young, and fought an ogre. Nothing more.. Nothing less." That was perhaps much, much too wishful thinking on her behalf!
(T'ahrah Tahl)
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[20:27] {Won Dangerous RPB against Radiance Elemental}
[20:29] Seifer Gardios says, "..."
[20:32] {Item} You drop Holy Gauntlets.
[20:35] What a trial this was, indeed. Fighting without her beloved bow was a task in itself. She was used to withdrawing it, taking aim and watching the white magic fly...But without a weapon? There was no access to the benefits of her white magic, as if this fight was meant to be done organically. So, she'd take the weight of the gauntlets she wore, and her fighting would take a designated primal tone.

Fire. Cosmic flames bursting from the floor.

It was chaos, complete chaos. There was little to determine her foes attacks from her allies, so she had to focus. She'd not want to accidentally harm one of her allies, after all. The priestess stepped forward toward the being, forcefully. Arms thrusted forward, as flames of holy light would push forward in an attack.

Though she'd side glance her allies. All of them had fallen, not one was left standing. It was just her and this mysterious trial manifested beast. "No!!..Ahh!" She yelled in frustration, as sweat formed at her brow.

Her flames burned brighter, her cosmic magic shimmered with more intensity. The being was thrown backward, into the wall. Ultimately, it was defeated - and Valeria? She was left panting, collapsed on the floor.

"I-...This is why...I don't-..."

Had it been enough?
(Valeria ven Pelleaux)
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[20:36] {NARRATION} The flush of radiance might threaten to burn them-

But, following all the rules, their opponent was relatively weak! Despite the inhibitors on themselves, the being's soft eminence flushes over them, rendering them a bit hot, a bit dizzy, and more than a tad exhausted as astral energy and flushing whiteouts. The danger was in passing out as everything erupted into blinding, bright light-

And sudden return bursts. T'ahrah's poisons, Zhrani and Valeria's astral energies, rippling essence and holy light from the sad sword wielders breathing heavily in the corner find themselves distressingly unleashed back onto them, a tad dangerously as it all ripples out-

But in a final flash from Valeria-

The room becomes visible.

Shadows return.

The way up-

Is clear.
[20:37] {Item} You picked up Holy Gauntlets. Dropped by Seifer Gardios..
[20:40] With a quiet sigh, does she look up at the scene; no longer filled with blinding light. A nod to the valiant Valeria is given! She then looks at the rest of the group.

"Well. That was close. I wonder how bad it gets the more we go on...

Let's find out."
(Zhrani Gardios)
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[20:41] It was torture. It was pain. It was horrible treatment put up as a trial for them to go through. The task was neither easy nor comfortable as Seifer as stated it would be. A firm reminder of his lack of magical talents came to be when he found himself quite unable to... fight. Properly. Or even put up his rightful stance; he seemed like a novice above all and yet?

Somehow the rest of the party pushed through and carried him along.

"Good job." He said, knowing all too well he was practically useless.
(Seifer Gardios)
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[20:41] It was intense, but thankfully the gauntlets did their job..! It made her wonder what may have happened if someone had grabbed the sword after all. The Teraphim clearly almost on the verge of a mental breakdown in the corner, her lack of sword swinging was clearly taking it's toll.

Or perhaps it was just the heat..?

"Thank goodness.." She spoke relived, looking over the room for anything worth noting besides the Spirit before preparing to proceed further.
(Alice Brasti)
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[20:41] Zhrani Gardios exclaims, "You did great, honey..!"
[20:41] Seifer Gardios says, "..."
[20:41] Seifer Gardios says, "No, no.."
[20:41] Seifer Gardios says, "I did not."
[20:41] Zhrani Gardios says, "... just trying to-..."
[20:41] Zhrani Gardios says, "okay."
[20:41] Seifer Gardios says, "I'm not very good without a sword.."
[20:42] Tah inhales! And exhales. Her body held aches- though it was weak! It was the first time she'd ever been on an... Adventure, so to speak. Fighting something undeniably much, much larger than life- at least the life she was used to. It made the soldiers of Achyon feel like little pitter patters of raindrops on a tin roof! Or soft hands giving a bad massage at a parlor!

With the thing soon disappating? She'd- well, she was going to replace her bangles and bracelets once more. But for some reason or another she wasn't sure if it was over yet. The gloves would remain on... For the time being.

"Interesting trial. Is this common for your... Saints?" She'd ask, looking between Alice, Seifer, Zhrani and Valeria. "Right.. Moving on."
(T'ahrah Tahl)
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[20:44] Zhrani hums at the question. "To be honest... not really? Ah, they don't often-... make people go through trials. And I don't think it's often about combat prowess."
(Zhrani Gardios)
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[20:44] Valeria slowly is able to collect herself, lifting herself to her feet.

"Alright. It seems we've passed this trial, onward to the next, if any!" She said, pointing forward, toward the stairs.

She'd march on.
(Valeria ven Pelleaux)
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[20:44] Satsuki Shimasu says, "--Ah."
[20:45] Calael E. Kang says, "Oh they made it."
[20:45] Valeria ven Pelleaux says, ". . ."
[20:45] Zhrani Gardios asks, "... Huh???"
[20:45] Valeria ven Pelleaux says, "I-...."
[20:45] T'ahrah Tahl exclaims, "Y-You didn't.. Say the saint was an angel...!"
[20:45] Zhrani Gardios says, "But-"
[20:45] Valeria is fangirling.
(Valeria ven Pelleaux)
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[20:46] Ears flick, eyes widen.
(Zhrani Gardios)
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[20:46] {NARRATION} And with that-

They make it up unto the top of the lighthouse.

Cresting from below, more or less their status is disarmed, and perhaps a tad seeing spots, as they come up to the passive radiance at the top of the lighthouse. A foci below jutting out to stare out into the cosmos and focus the energies, the radiance at the top returns in full force-

Perhaps begetting the aclimation of their eyes below.

There seems to be a bit of conversation ongoing, as seats tthat do not ordinarily occupy seem to have been dragged out, given some skidmarks.
[20:50] Though she is more than surprised to see the three figures sitting and conversing...

Her gaze lingers on Ethric for sometime. Did he just make them go through all of the lighthouse, while he himself went to the top immediately?

A deep sigh...

With that out of the way, her gaze settles on none other than the demiangel. Ears flick once more, as she begins to think of just what to say...

But she waits to see if others wanted to say something, first.
(Zhrani Gardios)
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[20:54] Saint, she expected an old man? Perhaps. Certainly not company while her eyes squinted through the light. Until they'd begun to grow accustomed to it. The spirit dancer swaying her gaze at those seated. One familiar...

The other two less so.

Although Ethric denied divinity, this wasn't helping his case! Not in the Tribal's eyes at least. The slow methodical sway back, and fourth. From aged kitsune, elder headmaster, and finally the winged angel. All sitting upon chairs which hadn't been there.

A hand raises, her fingers unfold and.. She...

Waves slowly. Much alike a small child greeting a distant relative they hadn't seen or known in a passing millenia.

"Ah. Hello..." Her hands slowly fall back to her sides, and she gently begins to undo the gloves strapped to her wrists. Hooking them to one of the bear clasps that held her tribal, Moxtli War-Dancer attire together! Before replacing it with the gentle ringof her bracelets and bangles.

"I am T'ahrah Tahl. War-Chief of the Moxtli…" Her voice was stoic. Though she looked, and felt... Speechless as she stood there. Before her hands fell back to her hips.

It was just a casual introduction, no questions asked as of yet.
(T'ahrah Tahl)
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[20:57] Finally, the Pelleaux could see where the staircase would end. Endless light filtering downward, greeting her as she ascended from the staircase. Her blue hair would be the first bits seen, before her dual toned gaze ultimately fell upon the three figures sitting on the bench. This was of course, after she'd blinked a few times.

Valeria was familiar with Ethric's face, but the other two present? They looked familiar...It took her a few longer moments to process, before those same dual toned eyes widened and her mouth fell entirely open.

She remembered the portraits..

"C-Calael KANG?.." Was all she said, unable to say more. Not only was she looking at a Saint, but she was looking at the founder of White Magic.

The magic she currently possessed.

She was speechless, before ultimately she rushes over in a squabble and promptly offers him one of her hands. The Stellus was a bit.....Ober excited, like a child meeting one of her favorite cartoon characters.

"Hello, goodness me!...Hello!" She said in greeting, shaking his hand vigorously if he accepted. He was a saint, was this even legal?..

"My name is Valeria ven Pelleaux! So good to meet you, Saint Kang!" She beamed with kindness, a warm smile overtaking her face. Her cheeks were rosey!
(Valeria ven Pelleaux)
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[20:58] Finally, they seemed to make it. The Teraphim taking a deep breath of fresh air, even if it was perhaps thinner this high up. "Finally.."

Clearing her throat, she inspects the faces present. Two of them familiar, one not. If only one of those because of the portrait below. A nod to Ethric, he knew her of course.. Though the others did not, or did they? What had they seen or not seen this entire time?

"Greetings, I am Alice Brasti.. One of Aschea's children." She knew they were far from Esshar, did either the Kitsune or the Saint know what Teraphim were? Her pointed ears and skin certainly marked her as something separate from Humanity.

"We've come.. further from home than I ever thought I would go to arrive here." Yet.. what did one say to people of legends and 'myth' after a simple introduction? "I hope you won't mind a few questions..?"
(Alice Brasti)
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[20:59] Another set of blinks ensues at Valeria's reaction! The much more contained Zhrani scooted over to the Stellus' side, sheepishly smiling at the Saint- and others present, as her hand reaches for Valeria's shoulder to try and... make her aware of reality? Zhrani isn't sure what she's trying to achieve with this gesture.
(Zhrani Gardios)
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[21:02] There it was. The sun. The heavens above as they darkened and the night slowly came in. All the stars in the skies were light and yet there seemed to be nothing more radiant than the trio who awaited them. Seated. Happy, perhaps?

One of them was old, very, very old. Impossibly old. Who was over three-hundred years old and still looked this good? White feathers that spread far and wide ruffled the air much like they ruffled Seifer's heart. He couldn't help but bring out his greatest smile. Tears? No, no way. Why would tears be coming? It must have been due to the seasalt picked up in the wind that the Warden's eyes were watering up.

After all they hadn't accomplished anything too impressive, had they? They merely followed direction and ensured they wouldn't fall to a ball of radiant light greater than them all. Manners passed down from his mother brought a bow from him, Shengese tradition demanded it while Magnolian teachings from his father had him believe that these... people were good. Great, even.

A deep, deep breath was drawn in. And so would the world flow through his person. Each footstep feeling lighter than when he'd entered the Lighthouse, each thought that crossed his mind becoming more important than the previous one, yet ultimately Seifer picked the ones he believed were best to introduce himself.

"I am Seifer Gardios. Warden of Starfall, watcher of the Irradiated shrine after Haruki Taiyang."

And while each and every single one of them could recognize Calael Kang from the pictures they saw downstairs there was a pause, a moment of thought and realization when he saw the Kitsune.

"And... you look like someone I've seen in my mother's books on the Illuminated. Chancellor of the Illuminated from 1497 to 1532... Correct?"
(Seifer Gardios)
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[21:03] Zhrani Gardios says, "Ah-... goodness."
[21:03] Seifer Gardios exclaims, "I told you it'd pay off, Zhrani..!"
[21:03] Zhrani Gardios says, "Where are -my- manners? Zhrani Gardios, High Priestess of the Osronan Celestialist Church."
[21:03] Zhrani Gardios says, "... I guess it did."
[21:06] Ethric leans back in the chair.

When the group arrives, for a moment they might catch the expression of the man as being vaguely nonplussed in the kitsune's direction- But, his shoulders are completely at ease. It is the visage of an old man bullied horrendously.

Please save him.

He reclines back in the chair, easing as he heaves out a sigh- But, he seems fairly at ease, allowing the others around him to speak inside. His slitted eyes close.

He seems comfortable just getting to sit between the two.

Cozy, tired old man.

He doesn't flinch or make to stop anyone rushing over to them, though, he does speak up at Seifer's words-
(Ethric Athelier)
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[21:06] Ethric Athelier says, "Correct."
[21:08] Zhrani Gardios says, "... Nice to see you, sir."
[21:10] Ethric Athelier says, "Hello, Miss Amunet."
[21:10] Zhrani Gardios says, "Hhh."
[21:10] Ethric Athelier says, "Apologies. Stairs are difficult at this age, you must understand."
[21:10] Zhrani Gardios says, "Hmgh. Fine."
[21:13] Indeed, when the party arrived, all three of the seated elders were engaged in a conversation of... some kind. It was easy to assume that old, important people talked about important things, but before they straightened up it seemed as though the Kitsune was in the middle of... teasing Ethric?

A mystery that will remain unsolved, because it would seem he has been saved by the group's arrival. Nevertheless, she quickly turned her attention to the others - as was polite. "Forgive us," she said, offering the tiniest grin in Zhrani's direction. "It was a test of character - it would have defeated the purpose, to... have you all simply arrive here." Either the old woman was able to glean that much, that accurately, from a mere sigh - or she was able to see exactly what the Gardios was thinking.

As if to confirm which theory was the correct one, she continued on: "...Divinity? Is that what they think? Never mind what I said earlier - I do envy you," she muttered in Ethric's direction, though after that she seemed to reach her grin quota for the time being and shifted back into a more neutral expression as she leaned back in her chair, hands clasping formally in her lap as her odd, half-mechanical gaze locked squarely on T'ahrah for a moment. "I always have to commend the newer generations for doing the things I would not have done. I would have executed the defector on the spot, personally." She gave a small shake of her head, "But I do not think that would have been the right move."

For Valeria, she merely let her have her moment; flexing any mindreading abilities here would not only be rude but also redundant. The Stellus wore it all on her sleeve.

One of the Kitsune's long fingers rose to point at Alice - either pointing wasn't rude where she came from, or she didn't care (a fair assumption for many reasons. "...Fill me in on what a Teraphim is sometime," she said. "The last time I paid attention to Esshar was a century ago. I know your kind brought an end to Moonfall, but... I am not sure how, just yet. But more importantly," she said, hand lowering as her smile returned, "Welcome."

Her discerning gaze shifted to Seifer then, and she opened her mouth to say something before closing it - and letting out a small "...hrm" instead. She leaned forward and gave a small tilt of her head. "You know your history," she noted with a small nod of acknowledgement, followed by a bow of her own - albeit seated.

"Though I do not quite remember the years anymore. You would be surprised how much the details get fudged over the course of three hundred odd years or so," she told him.

"Ah- but where are my manners? My name is Satsuki Shimasu - Surya, in some parts of the world, but..." She gave a tilt of her head. Never mind that. "And over there is the man you came to see, I believe," she said, gesturing to the old man Valeria was fawning over.

She blinked, gaze shifting to Ethric for a moment.

"Wait. Are there pictures of me? Send me those books sometime. I am vain too, once in awhile."
(Satsuki Shimasu)
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[21:14] Ethric Athelier whispers something.
[21:15] Satsuki Shimasu whispers something.
[21:15] Ethric Athelier whispers something.
[21:15] Ethric Athelier whispers something.
[21:15] Ethric Athelier whispers something.
[21:15] Zhrani steps closer...
(Zhrani Gardios)
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[21:22] "A Kitsune, that's over four hundred years old- Seifer are..." It was clear there was disbelief from the grounded tribal held some form of disbelief. Or, well it was briefly lived disbelief when Satsuki spoke of divnity in reference towards the Academy Headmaster. A widening of her cold, golden eyes. A rapid series of surprised blinking. A worried look at first, a brief thought involving the possibility of undeath and her shoulders did so tighten in preparation-

That too. Faded...

There was a literal angel in the midst, her face scrunched up. How could she have possibly even considered that of the Kitsune. Yet her thoughts are kept to herself-

Or... Or maybe not so much to herself. A dawning realization that made the corners of her lips twitch slightly. A smile. Yes, she smiled for some reason before raising her shoulders in an apologetic shrug. "Sorry." Aimed towards the Kitsune, of course.

"So you already know why I'm here, then." A cure for vampirism, an option- though she held vast heavy extreme doubts that any of Cain's Cursed would actually willingly accept the offer with an open grip.

"At least I'm not the only one whose vain from time to time..." A breathy sigh of relief. If someone immortalized without that unnatural taint of undeath was sitting around an angel, and a being Tah believed to be divine.. Called herself sometimes vain, why? It was something that made her relax all things considered. Her tongue bitten shortly afterwards.

To let the Saint speak proper.
(T'ahrah Tahl)
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[21:32] Calael paused midsentence, an expression of mild confusion on his face as he was in the middle of some conversation with Ethric that was soon to be paused at the arrival of the Lighthouse's guests. Slowly he turned away just as they crested the top of the stairs, for it felt about time for them to arrive, and so they did.

Warmth filled the air within the vicinity of the demiangel, one that all who approached would become immediately aware of. It felt like someone had lit a campfire nearby, one that had the perfect amount of kindling and logs to it, yet it never dwindled or faded or needed extra fuel, it persisted in providing both comfort and calmness to all.

Great white wings that lacked the significant glow of a true angel's framed the Saint's torso against the red upholstery of the chair he was seated in, and before he could stand, Valeria was reaching her hand out to greet him. He couldn't help but smile as he rose to stand and meet her shake in the same motion, his grip firm but not overly so.

"Valeria ven Pelleaux…" he repeated the name, "That's... Essharan nobility, if I'm not mistaken, yes?" He let his hand fall back to his side and didn't feel the need to formally introduce himself just yet, given she had spoken his name aloud.

He turned to T'ahrah next and followed in similar fashion by committing the way she introduced herself to memory. "War-Chief," he said the title aloud and instead of offering some handshake or a bow, he gave a double-beat to his chest with a closed fist. Times may have changed and Gehennans may have traveled to a new location, but he believed she may recognize and appreciate a traditional, if not aged, greeting of her own people.

The Teraphim was regarded next, first with a slight and curious tilt of the Saint's head before he spoke her name out, "Alice Brasti… I had read some writings on Aschea and her children, but I believe this is the first opportunity I've had to actually meet one of you in person. Please... feel free to ask your questions, you've certainly earned the chance."

Zhrani was given a nod in her silence for now, and finally Calael looked to Seifer, his fellow azure-haired guest. "Warden of Starfall…" the demiangel's eyebrow rose before he gave Ethric a quick glance only for his attention to shift to the ever ancient Satsuki once a smile crinkled the corners of his mouth underneath the bristles of his mustache. "Taiyangs really are spreading all over the world. This must be the fourth nation I've heard the surname in."

Once he faced Seifer again, Calael stepped forward to extend his hand as he had done to Valeria, and in the same way, the Warden would find the grip one bearing the strength of a fifty year old man rather than the supposed three centuries the Saint must claim as an age. He finally introduced himself properly once he pulled back, "I am Calael Kang.. though you may all just call me Cal up here."

"You've all come a long way, and you've done so without falling for any of our 'tricks'." Apparently Calael had been watching at least some of their trials down below. "Ethric tells me you wanted to meet, and though we don't travel over Esshar often, I've heard great things from your home... feel free to ask what you'd like. For this evening, I'll try to answer all I can."
(Calael E. Kang)
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[21:34] Ethric Athelier says, "Hahn... These are some of the brighter minds I have known. It is a shame I could not drag the Archmagi here as well."
[21:34] Zhrani Gardios says, "A-ah... you flatter us, mister Athelier."
[21:40] "It's-..." She trails off for a bit, processing once again what they are seeing. It truly is Calael Kang, isn't it?

"It's an honour to meet you, C-... Cal!" she nod-nod-nods, smiling happily. "I'm sure all of us have many questions we wish to ask, but there is one that stands above all others; the reason we've sought to come here, in the first place.

We seek a way to cure vampirism," She declares, a brief look at others, "and that is why we've come here, and nowhere else. What could you possibly tell us on the matter? How does it work? What is needed to make it work?..

We need to know all about it. The curse is spreading like a plague upon Esshar, and it brings suffering. Suffering to those unfortunate enough to fall prey to the cursed ones, suffering to our friends who we have to nurse after such encounters, and...

The cursed ones themselves. They need saving, too." A firm nod is given. "Could you help us in this matter?"
(Zhrani Gardios)
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[21:40] Tah's hand raised, and her fist clenched! She returns the gesture Calael made to her. Before sliding her hand back towards her hip.

"Not entirely true. I fell for one of your tricks. If Zhanri and Seifer had not told me no. I would have taken the blade for the trial instead of the gauntlets."

There was... No dishonesty in her tone. Tah wasn't one to lie, or beat around the bush in that regard. Her body swaying ever so slightly with the breeze far above! The ringing of her bracelets and bangles colliding in delicate, light little chimes with each movement.

It had only been respect for those that'd bought her here with them, that she hadn't done as such.

"I'm surprised a Saint would recognize my heritage... Ahm- Mmm... I seek a cure to vampirism. Although I don't believe they would ever accept the offer, I think a second chance should at least be applicable to Cain's cursed children."

A simple statement and-

"That sword!" Right! "What metal formed the blade? Who made it? It's... A real nice piece of work, yes- better than my own. Every weapon has a story, I guess I'm curious to know about that ones."
(T'ahrah Tahl)
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[21:40] Satsuki slumps further in her chair, hands rising to steeple in front of her face in contemplation of whatever Ethric just told her.
(Satsuki Shimasu)
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[21:42] The hand that was offered to him was shaken. To think it came all the way to his person to be offered; the Saint truly lived up to his title. The grip that was met was not one too rough, perhaps Seifer was even too kind towards the man who was supposedly three centuries old.

Satsuki's recognized appreciation of her picture existing somewhere brought a response from the young man, alongside a nod.

"I will ensure that Ethric takes a copy of the old Illuminated book my mother taught me with. I'm certain I can find one in the Shrine somewhere. They were quite useful for her to transition to Celestialism without losing faith in Jiuweihu.

The sun is a star, after all."

His attention shifted back to Calael when the offer was made, and with it Seifer knew of his first question already.

"Can we have them answered while we sit near the edge? The view is amazing up here..!" He declared so boldly, turning, shifting, and walking under the large beacon in order to sit right where he said he would. He didn't await for permission; judging by the man wanting to be called simply Cal it was clear that it'd be fine.

"We sought you out for two things, at first, though I think Valeria's subject should be spoken of first; mine and T'ahrah's is a bit more dreadful."

A small box was retrieved from his person, opened up and revealing the last of the three maki rolls he'd prepared for the adventure. It was reached out - offered to Satsuki of all people.

Kitsunes love maki rolls, after all.

"I think calling it a cure isn't as... nice as it could be." He stated following his wife's urgent request, and the Warchief's too. "I want to help those who have lost their bond with the world find it again; for their life to no longer be unnatural so that they may... well...

... Live without harming others with their existence alone."

A nod soon followed.

"And- Yeah. That sword was insane. Very cool. It's a ceremonial blade, right? I didn't want to risk breaking it."
(Seifer Gardios)
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[21:44] As the others speak and focus on Calael and their mission, the old man's chartreuse eyes do warmly regard the angelic figure, cutting a broad path as his soft voice welcomes the visitor. It seems, that with Satsuki's pool of smiling depleted... It momentarily becomes Ethric's turn to have a faint, consistent hint of a smile on his otherwise alien and deadpan features.

He doesn't interrupt or steal the show, seeming content to murmur with the wizened old woman in her seat, occasional gesticulations from his callused, martial hands as slitted pupils flit between those speaking, Calael, and his conversation with the aged Illuminant.

The broad-shouldered figure leans over in his seat, slightly.
(Ethric Athelier)
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[21:45] She didn't seem to mind the pointing, as a Teraphim..? She was actually quite used to it. Though she would offer some small answer. "..After our Mother fell, we were created with her final breath. It was her Children who took up the fight and purged the Witches from Moonfall where she no longer could." A small smile, and a returned nod.

"It is my pleasure to meet both of you." She said in response to Satsuki and Calael, the Teraphim getting visibly excited at the thought of just being able to ask questions.

"Some years ago I asked Lady Eos.. what more could I do to fight against the darkness plaguing my homeland, and she gave me a fair and correct answer." She clears her throat, finishing. "..First I would like to hear your thoughts on the subject..? Vampires, corrupted Humans, a soulless Empire with a desire to do nothing but destroy and conquer in the name of 'progress'."

"Is there anythingany of you could offer in the way of advice..? I just.. want to save as many people as possible, from those things. To restore the balance they so vehemently seek to destroy."

"What more could I do?"
(Alice Brasti)
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[21:54] "No, no," Satsuki said wish a small shake of her head in response to T'ahrah. "There is nothing to apologize for - someone like me should not be alive, conventionally, so your speculations do not offend. And- making different decisions than I make is something commendable, not something to apologize for." She noted, a bit more quietly: "I have never been the best person, T'ahrah Tahl. Vices are what make us human. There is no shame in harboring some - within reason, of course."

As if exhibiting proof that even a centuries-old Kitsune still suffers from the occasional vice, she responded quickly to Seifer: "Yes, if you would be so kind. Literature concerning my past will make for acceptable company while I decompress from the... noise," she said, choosing the word slowly and carefully.

The mind-reading, it would seem, was not something she could turn off, and - frankly - as far as superpowers go it was one of the most miserable ones, all things considered.

"Ah. Thank you." The maki roll was accepted, but not consumed; she didn't seem particularly keen on eating in front of other people. It did dawn on her briefly that this did not dissuade any fears that she was undead, but the wild speculation seemed to amuse her at least a little.

"It is a lovely view," she agreed. "...Just do not stare directly at it," she cautioned Seifer as he moved to the edge.

She looked to Alice then, giving her words some consideration but, like Eiphraem, not moving to steal the show. She only gave a small, knowing smile - and while she'd certainly be open to adding her own thoughts, this was Calael's moment.
(Satsuki Shimasu)
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[21:56] T'ahrah seems the slightest bit relieved that offense wasn't taken!
(T'ahrah Tahl)
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[21:57] Yes, yes, yes! Valeria's hand was actually taken by a saints. Truly, that alone would be a memory that would burn in her mind for the rest of her days! Her smile never faded, and her happy jitters only dulled enough so that she'd not seem like some sort of grazed teenager meeting her favorite celebrity. She was after all, still a Stellus of the Osronian Church of Celestialism. She needed to set an example, right?

But this was so exciting...If only her mother Gezetelle could see her now. If only Ariadne, or Orain - her family, could see this moment that really made her feel...Happy.

"Yes, I come from nobility. I am the Stellus of the Osronian Church of Celestialism." She states, allowing her hand to release his, albeit she reluctantly does so! "It's really good to meet you, Saint Kang. It is a blessing, an honor." She said, bowing her head for a moment out of respect. Now that the jitters and the excitement had dulled a bit, so she could act properly.

Perhaps Zhrani was right, she'd lost her mind there for a moment...But this was a SAINT! Her idol...The influencer of the construction of her Holy Well!

Her dual toned gaze remained steady on Cal, a happy warm smile as everyone in the group became acquainted with one another. Zhrani, her High Priestess speaks, and Valeria nods along in agreement. "Yes, yes...There has been an influx of vampirism in Esshar." There is a small frown that adorns the blue haired Pelleaux's face. It was sad to think some of these vampires wished to be cured, but were stuck in such a...Vile, tormented state.

"Ah, yes - thank you Seifer." She said to the man, as she too plopped down somewhere appropriate to enjoy the view. Though she avoided looking at that bright...Thing.

She clearedher throat, giving Cal her attention once more.

"Yes, there are quite a few things that I seek - if you wouldn't mind." She said, offering him a sweet smile. "I have the power of white magic, but I am yet unaware of it's true capabilities. I have healed, I have empowered others. All of which has taken a toll on my own form. I wish to protect my people through more supportive circumstances, which is why I have decided to construct a well within my church." She explained further, sounding more thoughtful and casual now. It was an attempt to thoughtfully express herself through her words, afraid she'd miss some key points. "It is my hope that I can open the door to divine magic, unlock it with a skeleton key that I possess. A key that is capable of opening any door of my choosing, and it is in this that I hope it will be capable of opening a..Well, more so a spiritual door than physical...Though I plan to manifest it nonetheless. To open a channel to the divine magics." She said, taking a breath. It was still unclear weather she would be successful in her endeavors, but that didn't stop her from trying.

"I'm not sure if it will work, or if I will even be able to do it. I know it is risky, but I would like your take on it. How can I improve my chances of success? The purpose of this well is to strengthen our knights and clergy, to give us an upper hand when it comes to defending our city. Which as you can tell with the speaking of vampires, we can use the aid. Yes, strength is what we need. I've provided hope for our people, but it can only go so far in these dire circumstances." Though it wasn't just vampires, it was Achyon, too. So much death, carnage...

Osronian people needing a guiding light, a beacon of strength and faith. The well would do as much, hopefully.

"If you have any information on the origins of my magic and its capabilities, please - I want to do nothing but protect my people."


(Valeria ven Pelleaux)
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[22:08] Zhrani spoke up this time around, and she drew Cal's attention her way first. She was the first to mention the 'true' reason they had come up here, one of his other notable accomplishments. "Vampires... I see." He had known, of course, that this was what they had come to hear, but after so many years filled with countless conversations, he knew better than to show too much of his insight off. It was off-putting to some and accidentally condescending to others, and speaking naturally reminded him of the normalcy in things.

"I succeeded in the act by constructing this-" he gestured around them, white gloves marked with faded runes on their back covering his hands. "...my Lighthouse. It was my answer to the wars of Agartha, the crusades that were waged in order to purge the undead of the land, vampires and ghouls and skeletons alike." He explained, rambling only slightly. "I can explain the processes of how it works but I'm afraid that what powers it isn't exactly a readily available resource..." he trailed off, leaving it to Zhrani or one of the others to ask after the greater explanation of the process if they truly wished to hear it.

T'ahrah spoke up next, and Cal gave her a nod as well. "I did see that you almost took up the blade. But not doing so because of the advice of your friends is just the same as not doing it to begin with... you succeeded, thanks to them, and that's what matters, right?" He would let her answer the question to herself. He took solace in hearing two of them wish not for a means to slay the vampires per se, but for a chance at lending them help or 'second chances', even if there were doubts that they would take it.

Cal actually laughed when the War-Chief asked after the sword and its tale, and he sheepishly informed her, "...it wasn't real, T'ahraah. Apologies if that is disappointing, but it wasn't meant to be the choice. Had you taken it into the following chamber, let's say things wouldn't have gone quite as well for you there."

He gave Seifer a nod too and said, "Feel free to look out across the land. It's... not often you're offered something like this, even if it's become common place to me." The Saint laughed again, though it faded off as Seifer turned the topic back to vampires. A little more of a contemplative expression crossed Cal's face and he said, "...it's hard to save those who do not wish to be saved. We would know." The past was looked on fondly at times, and it was regarded with pain at times, and Calael knew all too well that no matter what aid you may be able to offer someone, there are those who will choose to fight it anyway.

"But my answer to vampires provided a way for them to live semi-peacefully in the world. They lost their undeath, as all undead that have gone through the Lighthouse do, and in doing so they lose much of those... violent tendencies the disease pushes them toward." Seifer could ask more if he'd like, along with T'ahrah and Zhrani's inquiries for that more detailed explanation of how.

The brief history lesson from Alice was regarded with the same interest as before, but she posed newer questions, some that the demiangel empathized with. "...You'll find that... there are dark forces at work no matter where we turn. The opposition to the light exists to a significant level across Eternia, and often it feels as if the fight is exhausting or useless..." He had heard of Barsburg in his travels and truly it reminded him terribly of a more machinated version of a particular Valmasian aligned place he himself had once took up arms against.

"But... what I would say, if you feel as though you aren't doing as much as you are able to do... is to keep in mind that your enemies are endless. If you choose to fight every day for the rest of your life, you will do so, there's no doubt about it. You may defeat one, but in time, another will take its place, and another... what I will advise all of you to do is to keep in mind that..."

"...friends, family, these things are limited. Those close to you are much more finite, and it's very easy to forget that. So cherish them. Provide for them. A life you save will always be more valuable than one you've taken." Hopefully that advice would do.

Calael didn't seem to be put off by Valeria's excitement, even if she was supposed to be a proper Stellus. He was a Saint and he asked them to call him by a simpler name, so clearly that was some comfortable informality allowed here.

Valeria asked after origins of White Magicand some processes of divine magic that she was attempting to reach, and while she asked for his thoughts and help and explained this defensive creation of hers, he slowly held up a hand. "You've made it as a means to fight your war, which... isn't wrong. It's noble to want to create something meant to protect those who need protecting. But this is the mindset of most exorcists," he said, spea
(Calael E. Kang)
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[22:12] -speaking as one himself.

"True White Magic comes from the desire to help, to mend, to heal. It doesn't come from raising a sword or a shield, but from the simple act of caring for another and sharing in their burdens. It's a hard thing to completely understand, but you mentioned you've already managed some of that power?" he offered the Pelleaux a supportive smile, "This means you're already on the right track. You will feel the need to build walls and to prepare your armies, and that is a necessity given everything I've heard and what you've told me of your opponents."

"But to find what you're truly after, you will have to look beyond that. Look among your people and find what you can do for them specifically. Our magic is founded upon a single principle, Valeria. And that principle is that we are willing to give up everything for the sake of another."
(Calael E. Kang)
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[22:17] A brief nod is given twice- one at the answer in regards to vampirism, and the other as Calael speaks to Valeria. Though, what Alice has sought concerned Zhrani, as well- but it felt... to be a distant concern, what with Alice and the Feline never having actually spoken to each other properly before! Goodness.

She looks between Calael and Valeria at the explanation behind White magic; and Zhrani takes in the information, listening intently. This is something she seeks, as well, after all. And although she listens, more questions in regards to the Cain's curse linger in her mind.

"So-... one could make them mortal again, is that what you're saying? Losing their undeath, I mean... Forgive me if I seem ignorant. We truly seek a method to prevent the curse from spreading further, from poisoning more lives... Is there anything we can do at all?"
(Zhrani Gardios)
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[22:21] Seifer handed over the food to Satsuki, the Undying One, before his attention returned to the vast horizon before himself. The happiness and warmth he felt in his heart almost made the trip worth it despite having no clear answer as to how they want to proceed just yet. To Calael's remark he could only reply a single thing.

"Just because they've given up on themselves doesn't mean I have to give up on them."

A certain beauty, hope, and belief that each and every living being was capable of being good, whether they themselves saw it or not. Of course he wasn't dellusional to the point where he would risk his life or worse for the sake of a person quite obviously horrible, but Seifer, as it stood, was ready to protect those who wanted to be protected, to save those who needed saving.

Kindness shouldn't just stop at your comrade's door.

"For the unnatural to be in harmony with the world they have to no longer be undead. That much almost seems too obvious, but..."

He rose up from his seat, turning to finally look directly towards Calael as he addressed him, picking up on his wishes due to them being, well, his wishes.

".. How did you do it, Cal?

How did you save people? I want to know so that I may save people, too.

... And even try to save those who probably don't deserve it."
(Seifer Gardios)
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[22:23] "Ah.. And here I thought I'd bore witness to some crazy star-aligned artificing." Slightly disappointed! Only slightly. By that revelation- its quick to fade though, the young woman's hand resting upon her hip. A light tap tap tap! But her mind was without a doubt. Elsewhere...

"A lead." She says finally! Raising her head to look towards Zhrani. "Even if the power source isn't readily available..."

Her voice trailed off while she looked down at the lighthouse beneath her bare feet. Shifting from one- hopping to the other. "Enough coin, enough soldiers. An expedition isn't impossible."

But was she willing to commit a hefty portion of Moxtli's resources into something that would give her and her peoples enemies a second chance... The young woman's gaze was off towards the sea, and the starry night sky.

"I guess it's all about how much effort we're willing to put into it..." A sway of her eyes before she chuckles lightly. "Yes, yes. That they stopped me, is all that matters."

And with that, she'd leave the talks to Calael between the others. She had a lot of mulling over to do. But she does look towards the Kitsune once again, offering a meek smile and a slight raise of her shoulders.

"I can't say I've been the best person. But I'm... Trying. Just to be the best that I can be... What would you do, then. If you had access to the resources, the capabilities. Would you risk yourself and your people, to help those that might not even want it?" Why did she ask Satsuki, and not Calael or Ethric..?

To her knowledge, the aged Kitsune was the closest, most relatable she could get from them. Capable of vanity and misgivings... Why not seek her advice.
(T'ahrah Tahl)
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[22:25] There was a strange expression upon her face at his answer, just like with Lady Eos.. He was indeed very right, but there was that ever present drive. That fire that had been ignite when her own home had been destroyed by the Empire.

"I understand what you mean, Calael.. I do.. but I feel every failure. I hurt when I see others hurt, and I weep every time I hear the world scream as Fleshcrafting or Riftmancy tears a hole in the lifestream." Her words were spoken with the utmost sincerity, her own personal 'plight' made evident.

"I know there will always be something else, but.. I still have to do what I feel I must." Had she gotten the answer she wanted..? Perhaps not, but it was perhaps something she needed to hear regardless.

"So if you will humor me, what could I do as that person who will never stop fighting these things? Defending those people..? How can I do that better..?" She's mastered Wayfinding to heal the lifestream, medicine to heal people, and her blade to better defend others or destroy the truly corrupt.

What more could she possibly do?

T'ahrah knew she loved her, but Alice would always be Alice when it came to helping others.
(Alice Brasti)
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[22:25] "The well is entirely for them. Everything I do - I do it for the people of the Shimmering City." Valeria states lightly, her dual toned gaze drifting to Calael Kang with a softness that only Valeria could possess. Perhaps the years of war had made her tougher, but ultimately, her concern always lied with the people of the city. Never herself. Always them.

"I've made it to heal injuries, Cal. It isn't about fighting a war, it's about aiding the ones who need the strength to keep going. Think of it like this - you know how we as white mages can perform a blessing on another? To rejuvenate them, giving them the energy and health to move on for a time? It would be like that, only with more capability. I wouldn't need to be around for it, and ultimately the energies used would be taken from the open line of divine magic. The door I am going to open." A further explanation. Again and again, she'd had people express their doubts for what she'd had planned. Yet she'd press on, even if that meant a Saint did not agree with her...Or didn't like her ideas.

"I'd give my life doing this for them, if it came down to that." She said this simply. This well was her life's work, something she'd planned for the better part of...Fifteen years? Something like that.

"Ultimately, it's main purpose is healing and rejuvenation. Perhaps in some lights it can be seen as a means to fight war, but I am thinking it's more of a...Backbone to the people. To keep them healthy and sage amongst these hardest of times." She further explained, hoping he'd give her a more positive reaction.

Or was her life's work, pointless all along?
(Valeria ven Pelleaux)
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[22:43] There was another bond between the Warchief and the Kitsune that Tah had no way of knowing - that Satsuki, while not Gehennan herself, got along with them well and was quite fond of most of its history, at least its history while on Agartha. She always felt she had the temperament of a warchief herself, in her younger years - even as she got older, her moral code never exactly lined up with Sheng's.

So perhaps it was altogether fitting that a Warchief of Moxtli asked her for advice, specifically - regardless of T'ahrah's reasoning.

So as to avoid talking from across the roof, the fox rose to a stand, bones cracking with each movement. Her hands clasped behind her back and she slowly crossed the length of the lighthouse, coming to a stop beside T'ahrah.

"...No," she said, after another few moments of thought. She was silent for awhile, then, as if trying to figureout how to construct her thoughts in a way that wouldn't be a complete contradiction of what her companions might say. "Salvation is... an odd thing. I do not believe everyone deserves it," she said, "But I believe everyone deserves a chance at it."

She inhaled and exhaled slowly. "I would be a hypocrite if not. But speaking from experience - chances can be given, but salvation, redemption, being saved - it can only come from within. Things can nudge it along, but..." She let out a single, small chuckle. "...No - you can offer the chance, but to throw yourself, or throw your people onto the sword over it? No. You and yours come first. Calling yourself the solution is... a dangerous thing. It is... one step away from believing them the virus, and yourself the cure."

She glanced toward the Warchief and flashed a nearly undetectable grin. "And trying to be the savior of theworld is a lonely and very miserable road to walk," she said. "Your resources are better spent on increasing the quality of life in your own demesne, to lead by example and to encourage a better future."

She paused then as she gave a small tilt of her head. "But I would always throw myself - and myself alone - into the fire, personally, in an effort to make the world a better place - it was always a thrill to me, and I enjoyed it. Perhaps you would do the same. And you would stumble. You would fail, many times. You would destroy yourself. You would stand on the precipice of falling into despair, or giving in to the urges, the vices, the temptation - but... you will not. Because to make that decision to devote your life to a suicidally noble cause in the first place means you will keep trying, because you never would have began if you did not have it in you. Does that make sense?"
(Satsuki Shimasu)
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[22:45] "More or less." Calael said to Zhrani. "It wasn't... any kind of 'true' revival for them. The Lighthouse's design reconnects their soul with the flow of the Lifestream, you see. If they are like a stone in the riverbed that isn't moving, a piece of debris that halts the water's flow, what the Lighthouse itself does is redirect them into the stream. Undead begin to with away, but at a slowed rate so that they may come to terms with it, and vampires... given they're status as 'near perfect', if such a thing can be tacked onto the curse... they manage a semi-living state, or at least one closer to what we're after. Dhampirs is what we called them once the process was finished, but such a thing required the power of no less than to spire shards of Agartha, divine magic in physical form, along with the blessings of my mother Elisheva herself and a specialized telescope that I built with the help of many other skilled people. All of that in addition to a strong connection to my star and... well it all functions as it should, but I've yet to see it repeated." He didn't say the last part hopelessly or as if it was impossible, but his tone did say that following in his footsteps would be hard.

Seifer was answered next. "I didn't save everyone that I wanted to. And that was possibly the harder part of it all... but you have to at least try. Chances were given at forgiveness or redemption, and if they were spurned then I learned there was little else to do at that point, but even there I had to remind myself that it counted as... an unwanted outcome. One shouldn't take pride or joy in harming another thing, much less taking a life."

"Those I did save I did so by not giving up. By being persistent, as much of a copout as that answer may be... Devoting your life to something difficult at least means you are likely to succeed some of the time."

Though he listened to T'ahrah's replies, he recognized that the following questions were for Satsuki to answer, and he knew he had others to get to, so the Chancellor was given what was now her moment to teach.

Alice followed up, and while he listened, Cal couldn't help but offer her a smile filled with some melancholy. "You remind me of one of my brothers, you know, one who would offer you better advice than I ever could. He had the same mentality... he wanted to rid Agartha, and maybe the rest of the world if given the chance, of undead and vampires, of riftmancers and whatever other abominations harmed the natural way of things. He died fighting that fight, and though we disagreed on a great many things, I do what I can to keep his memory alive."

"With that in mind... I think he would say to persevere. Face it all with unwavering devotion, and know that you fight for a better future. Know that should the day come that you meet a defeat, you can at least say that you didn't hold anything back." Calael, though a soldier in practice more times than he cared to remember, was not one at heart.

He looked to Valeria last and shook his head once after catching onto her rising doubts or fears that he might disagree with the project or work outright. "It sounds like it will do a lot for your people, and the blessings that we can provide really are only the start. I don't mean to say you're doing it incorrectly, but rather if you feel as though something is lacking, then the questions to ask are related to what I said before. White Magic comes from selflessness, and only in giving up something for others will we manage to attain greater gifts from it. And after all these years, even I could continue to work on it." The Saint admitted his imperfection, as he did often to visitors of the Lighthouse and as he had done throughout his youth long ago. Many saw brilliant white wings and a kind heart, and while both were true and real, he held flaws like any other.

"Let me ask, Valeria, what source does the well draw from? The Lighthouse brings down the pure light of my star Io, for instance. How strong is your connection to your magic? What ignites it within you?"
(Calael E. Kang)
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[22:49] It was confirmed now, really.. The Saint offering what had essentially been the same answer was Eos.

Be unwavering.

Or at least a major part of both of their answers were the same. "As morose as it may sound, I would rather die fighting that fight than live knowing I didn't." Her smile widens so slightly at that, as if there were a joke there somewhere.

"Thank you, Calael."
(Alice Brasti)
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[22:49] A slow nod follows... a frown sets in. What could they possibly do that may act as the Lighthouse did?

Perhaps..?

She turns to look at Valeria, waiting for her to answer the question posed by the Saint.
(Zhrani Gardios)
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[22:50] "...The end is not the end as long as you are still alive. Your death would avail nothing," she muttered quietly - in clear response to Alice, however unwarranted her input may have been.
(Satsuki Shimasu)
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[22:56] The solution to curing vampirism and allowing them to live a life that was in harmony with the world was something far, far beyond what they were capable of at this point. It required power. A lot of power. An incredible amount of power, truth be told.

Not only that, but the ability to pull the soul away from its stagnant, sunken status. It was as he'd figured out for himself: The lives of Vampires were unnatural to the world as a whole. Immortality and agelessness were not tied to it completely, as much as some may believe so. After all there were few chances beings like these three were living against the will of the world itself when someone like Ethric traveled along the Lifestream so often. Or at least that's what Seifer assumed.

A few nods were given as he decomposed the man's achievement into pieces that were easier to understand, to manipulate, to handle.

"A source of immense power. Divine magic to manipulate the souls of the undead.A way to reach out to a star that is already bound to someone, and a blessing from the divine to pave the path for those souls to be tethered to that star - or... Well, anything that is connected to the Lifestream and that will remain as such I assume would work..."

The man actually seemed to be in thought, attempting to grasp the secrets behind that metaphor of his before he remembered something Ethric had told him.

".. And their willing participation.

If we have all of that, then we can help them?" He asked, saving his next load of questions for later.
(Seifer Gardios)
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[23:01] "As Eztli has done." Tah said with a gentle sway of her hand, her fingers grasping against naught but air. As if she were used to having something to hold unto to give her comfort or weight in her movements. "I try to remember, is all. That these are people too, regardless of what they are now..." A soft sniffling noise of sorts, her eyes looking down towards the waters below. Always trying to raise her Tribe up.

Potions and Enchants. Not a coin wished for, not a coin asked for...

A blink of her eyes a few times, listening on without interruption. A subtle raise of her head, a cant towards the immortalized Kitsune. "Too busy saving everyone else, that you can't save yourself. Oh well- that's just a story to tell..."

It was somewhat sang, a hint of a rhythm of a song she'd heard from time to time in her childhood. Still young- and yet she felt so old... "I've faced traitors and beasts. My hand was stilled once, merely by an input from Ethric. Reminding me of who I am, who I seek to be."

Her hand raises, and it falls. Wood having formed between her fingertips. A makeshift hunk- an extension of her own body which she held like a staff. To let the bottom rattle against the top of the lighthouse. Comforted in the motion and habit she'd formed throughout the years.

"I seek to wage a war which may hold no end. To break down the walls of Achyon, and disperse its people. Send them back towards Barsburg- anywhere. As long as it isn't Esshar… Where they can do no harm to my people. I've seen grown men throw morality to the wind, I've seen people say they would wear and march to the sounds of a machine lacking morality. As long as it meant they would survive."

A slow inhale, followed by a softer exhale! Her fingertips pinched at the bridge of her nose when she nodded her head. Her own resources. Her own life, none others.... Not her people, no-

"I enjoy it too." She finally said, feeling the corners of her lips tug into a slight smile. No matter how exhausting it was. Toiling over this or that, making sure her people were fine. Coming here, to seek a cure for those that she truly believed wouldn't give a damn about it...

Almost had she fallen. Time and time again. To that swelling rage and bitterness... Herself, and herself only. There was a certain appeal to it- maybe a sliver of pride. To one-handedly try and stem the flow. An impossible feat, but one she was starting to remember she sought as a child.

"Chancellor, I assume you've had to lead before. What was the hardest decision you had to make in your lifetime as a leader?"
(T'ahrah Tahl)
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[23:04] Valeria listened to the Saint with a curious gaze. This response seemed to calm her, rather than make her doubt herself more so. She was lucky to even be here with a saint to begin with. Such insight would be weighed heavily in the construction of hers, nonetheless.

Though he was right. She knew white magic was based off of selflessness. She knew that kindness, and maintaining the health of the people was the main reason she'd managed to wield such a magic in the first place. However, it was never a struggle for her. Her selflessness was organic.

"The well will draw from the door that I open, or am going to attempt to open. Since white magic is a form of divine magic, the energy withdrawn from this door will what I hope, be of the divines." Though this was all theory, based purely off of an idea and observation of her own mothers miracles.

Sacrifice, Valeria would sacrifice anything...For them. For all of them.

"I have beacons that will be attached to my well, on all four sides. They will work to siphon the source, in a continuous wavelength. These items are celestial relics, mostly." She explained. Though she wouldn't list all of the materials she intended to use. There were a good seven or eight powerful ones...They'd be here all day.

"My magic is ignited by personal history. I've always cared for people. My entire life I was never the strongest. I was weak, feeble. Bullied by other children, told I would never succeed. My friends were far and in between, and I was often belittled....but, above all of that.." She paused, thoughtfully. She was smiling fondly. "I still loved them. All of them. Made sure the bellies of even my enemies were filled, and their wounds tended to. I was never able to watch even the worst of them suffer. Even now.." Her thoughts drifted to her distant cousins, if but a moment. Lives she'd saved...

"My family isn't known for kindness, aside from my own mother who was also a white mage. Everyone else with my blood is known for harshness, severity. This was assumed even of me, before people would meet me. That I would be like them.." Her gaze drifts from the sights around her and settled on Calael's face once more.

"-but I am nothing like any of them. I want to save the good in the world, cherish it - and be a beacon of hope and goodness for my people. For everyone. I want to save anyone I can."
(Valeria ven Pelleaux)
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[23:15] Calael gave Alice a final look of understanding. He hadn't exactly enjoyed the advice he gave her, but he knew it was what Sera would have said, and to him that was enough.

He looked back toward Seifer near the glimmering illumination of the Lighthouse and let out a light laugh again. "Well... when you put it that way it does sound improbable, but these things require effort and time. All of that is just what I used... I'm certain any sort of ingenuity and a will to see it through could create something similar out of other 'pieces' and processes."

"But if you manage it, if you want to truly save and help the unsaveable, then you'll find a way."

Ethric was given a glance before Calael turned to hear Valeria through once again. He listened intently and then asked, "So this skeleton key, this door... what are they exactly? How do they work?" he wondered and asked. Now it was his turn to ask some questions in order to better understand where the noblewoman was drawing from, for if her selflessness was there, then it would be necessary to assess the outside influence on the well to give a proper opinion on its workings.
(Calael E. Kang)
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[23:19] Different pieces, of course, though the principle - the idea and the better understanding of how things worked through a metaphor would be plenty for Seifer to go off of. After all despite not being the smartest man around he had a knack for finding useful artifacts, for planning just the right trips.

Turning around to look upon the horizon once more the young man moved on with his next question - chiming in before Valeria could go on a long explanation.

"How did you meet the Headmaster, anyway? And... Calael Kang. Where does the Kang come from? On those portraits down there you're listed as Calael Elisheva.

What changed?"
(Seifer Gardios)
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[23:21] The saints question was simple, and Valeria smiles softly. Questions, she liked those. To help him get a more clear understanding of what she had planned.

A small hand reaches into her cloak pock. Slowly a small key is withdrawn. "Now here me out, this is all just...Chance, really. I don't know if it will be successful, given something like it hasn't been tried as far as I am aware." She said, offering the Skeleton Key over to the Saint.

"I am going to use my mana, the essence of my white magic. I'm assuming it will take power close to that of resurrections, even. Though I am not sure. I will be manifesting my own door from my magic, a door to it's essence. Where my magic is drawn from - the divines." It was a long shot, surely. Though the hope in Valeria's eyes would make anyone believe it to be entirely possible.

She waited for a response.
(Valeria ven Pelleaux)
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[23:24] Said headmaster seems perfectly content in one of the ancient chairs of the lighthouse, eyes closed.

The slow rise and fall of his chest might make it seem like he was prone to simply fall quietly into sleep amidst it all.

Still, one eye momentarily, blearily opens.

A subtle, tinnitic buzz in the air,

And it closes once more.
(Ethric Athelier)
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[23:24] As others speak, Zhrani remains silent; taking in the information, and dwelling on something else. Something that, perhaps, she feels she should ask...

A hand moves to clutch the locket on her neck as her head turns upwards so as to look at the sky. It has been long enough for night to come around; but it is all the better for Zhrani. The stars are now visible, after all.

Although, whatever flow of thought she may have is interrupted by Valeria's response. Which... makes Zhrani become immediately concerned. Does she truly wish to have the same fate as her mother?
(Zhrani Gardios)
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[23:27] "I am... not a person to seek advice from - like I told you when you first arrived, when I was an ordinary person, in your position, I would have killed... Toratori, was it?" she gleaned. "Without a second thought." Her grin expanded only slightly then as she went on: "I have always been... fairly violent - more than any of my companions. You sparing him was the correct decision - whether it was influenced by the Headmaster or not."

Her gaze turned back out to the water as T'ahrah spoke of war, the Kitsune realizing that no matter how many decades and centuries passed, there were still people who thought exactly the way she did. Satsuki, these days, considered herself fairly removed from matters such as this; she was always careful to clarify the difference between her thoughts and the 'correct' thoughts, and also careful to note the distinction betweenthe mortal Satsuki and the... well, however-she-attained-such-a-lifespan Satsuki.

"But all the good you bring to the world means nothing if you are lost in the process of trying to create that good. Remember that. I... understand it is difficult. We are both thrill-seeking warriors by nature. But setting that aside-"

The responsible thing would be to speak of the war, yes? At T'ahrah's age, Satsuki would have thrown herself right into it with no hesitation, and reveled in it too. Now...?

"I cannot fault Achyon for their pursuit of progress. There is, at its core, nothing wrong with it - but morals and harmony can never be discarded for it. That is where they have gone wrong. Being able to show them that would be the best outcome - but we both know that is... impossible, frankly." A pause. "For the current generation, anyway. Molding them over the course of a few decades," she said, briefly glancing to Ethric, "is the ideal. It's how you enact permanent change. But - in my opinion - do not let them trample on Moxtli or take what is yours and your people's."

She went quiet then, though - while mindreading typically offered her enough time to prepare responses without much delay, T'ahrah's final question had thrown her for enough of a loop that even after several seconds passed, she still didn't have a response.

"...Many of my decisions were easy, even the ones that should have been difficult," she told T'ahrah, "Because I was proud enough to believe I was Jiuweihu's chosen avatar, and that I could do no wrong. Ordering the execution of a child servant of the vampires, for instance - it was... alarmingly easy." She blinked for the first time since the Lighthouse visitors arrived as she went on: "But I am not the right person to ask about mistakes in leadership. Had I been given full control of my city, I would have ruined everything. The only thing that kept me from burning it all down for my own glory was that others kept me in check, others who saw my value but recognized the danger my hubris caused as well - others I considered removing many times. That is, to say... I am not the right person to ask."

But to not answer the question would be a disservice, and so she at least tried to offer something. "...But never compromise your morals, and never betray your instincts. Surround yourself with people who both keep you in check and raise you to new heights. Never grow complacent. Inaction is still making a choice - and... it is not something I can encourage."

She scowled.

"It was my inaction that resulted in countless deaths at the hands of one of Agartha's greatest threats - and it was my inaction that resulted in the corruption and murder of my daughter, as well. I know that this is not an answer to your question, not as such - but it is the best I can offer."
(Satsuki Shimasu)
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[23:33] Newer questions came his way, questions that were more personal in nature. Cal's smile turned into a mild smirk and he said, "Ethric and I met in my travels... I like to think he had much to teach me, and he will certainly have much to teach all of you, even if you think he's run out of material. I promise you, he hasn't."

In discussing the Kang name, however, Calael's gaze turned outward and away from anyone in particular. "My childhood was filled with people who loved me for my surname and those who hated me for it. Elisheva meant I came from angels, when really I never felt very different from any other boy my age. As I grew, I befriended a family on Agartha, one that I became very close with."

"I didn't have any true guardians myself, given my parents were killed and Elisheva raised me until she felt I could be allowed out on my own... and on Agartha the Kangs quickly filled that role. I fell in love with their daughter, who became my wife, and I saw the opportunity to redefine who I was. If I became Kang, it was a name that I chose, a name that signified who I really wanted to be, and a name that set me apart from what people thought I was. If that makes sense." Cal explained it all before he gave Seifer a grateful look, one that the Warden may not have completely understood, but one that said he enjoyed answering it.

Cal turned in time to find Valeria handing him a key, one that he took care in taking into his palm before assessing it. A light glow fluttered just slightly off of his person as his eyes narrowed. The witchcraft was notable, but given it wasn't a truly corrupt thing, there wasn't a need to fully discuss his concern. Though he did note, "And this key... it's capable of opening a metaphorical door then? Or one that is currently metaphorical that you hope to make real?" As he understood it, the door she intended to open was one that literally housed her potential behind it, unless he was mistaken.
(Calael E. Kang)
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[23:38] "Ah... It is a nice thought." He said aloud, mulling it over for a few moments. With how much Ethric seemed to bother both him and his wife over their name and the certain... lack of significance behind it there was a tempting thought, an idea that seemed to linger on his mind for a few moments.

A name chosen. One that signified who someone really wants to be. Poetic. Perhaps a bit too dramatic in some ways. But Seifer was no different from the man in that regards.

Evidently so according to his words.

"What do you think of it, Zhrani?

The Kang name?"
(Seifer Gardios)
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[23:39] Ethric Athelier asks, "Hgk?"
[23:39] Satsuki glances sidelong at Seifer, and then toward Calael.
(Satsuki Shimasu)
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[23:40] Valeria smiles perhaps a bit mischievously toward the Saint when his question is asked. Slowly she'd take the key back , and slip it into her pocket.

"I guess we will find out, won't we?" A risk. What was life, or the capability of a greater good without risk?

"Metaphorical, entirely. It's more so spiritual, I suppose you could say. It might even turn physical? I dunno, we will have to see what happens!" It was a project, after all. Failure was always a possibility, no matter what you planned to do. She'd take her chances, and try again if need be.
(Valeria ven Pelleaux)
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[23:45] Zhrani's attentions breaks away from Valeria as she is addressed by Seifer. "Ah..?

Well... there's a nice, story behind it all. I understand the sentiment" She nods. But did she really understand? In the end, she took his name-... not for the same purpose. Though, it all brought about a brief smile on Zhrani's face all the same.

… Though, perhaps there was a reason behind it all. But she doesn't seem too keen on sharing outloud.
(Zhrani Gardios)
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[23:49] Seifer shook his head a bit. "No, no." He said, turning around to face his wife with a wide smile.

"What do you think about... taking it ourselves?" He proposed, stepping a bit closer to her despite the Saint being right there.

"Not in a way to run from what the world has labeled us as, but to embrace the opportunities we were granted; to welcome the mere fact we have a working solution we know of, that we can work upon ourselves - improve, modify, perfect in our own ways.

It would be like a... message to everyone else:

The difficult times are gone, we'll save you all.

.. Maybe a bit less... heroic and dramatic, but-"

He looked towards Calael for a moment, then back to Zhrani.

"What do you say we pick up where they've left off? We can't expect them to fight for all of their lives."
(Seifer Gardios)
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[23:49] * You have been awarded 1 Roleplay Points! *
[23:49] Tah listened! In silence.

Taking it all in, word for word, while she gently swayed from side to side against the cool nighttime breeze. Her eyelids raising to open, then falling to shut. Only to open again. It was enlightening to her, that even someone of Satsuki's caliber had blood on her hands.

Did Calael? Did Ethric?

The thoughts lingered for a moment. Tah seemed quick to forget that the woman besides her could seemingly reach into her head and pluck at those thoughts! "I think... That makes you the best person to seek advice from. Seeking advice from say, the pure and the infallible, from people without their own hates and angers..." A small twitch at the corners of her lips! The young woman just ends up shrugging.

"It's unreasonable advice, that I know I couldn't follow. That I likely couldn't even take seriously. After all, they wouldn't... Get it." She rolls her shoulders and once again! Shrugs. Her views of the Saint and the Headmaster was one tainted with idle reverence.

Maybe incorrectly so! But something she still clung unto. "They can give gentle guidance, which is nice. But advice... Yes." She ends it, abruptly! Without further explanation, nor thoughts on it. Whatever she was going to say was lost on her tongue and in her mind.

"Keep myself in check. A balance, between my own desires and the needs of my people, through the use of other people I can rely on." That's why Moxtli had the voice, and three War-Chiefs, was it not?

She truly hoped, that Eztli's talk with Thorn had gone well. That when the Voice reported to her? She would have no worries, and could focus more upon other things than being a leader. A hand presses against her face, it slides down along it while she raises that makeshift wooden staff and gently brings the butt of it to the ground with asoft thud once more!

"Inaction is why Toratori betrayed Moxtli. I was young- and yet I feel like that isn't an excuse. I feel like I should have gathered whom we had, and pushed us into marching." A soft click of her teeth, a subtle grinding sound. Bitter beyond belief. "Yes- I know you think that.. You're not the best for advice! I understand it, even. But... Everything you've told me..."

Her mind was mulling it all over. The countless of deaths, the murder and corruption of Satsuki's very own daughter. The quick and ruthless execution of a child whom served vampires. All were lessons, to understand, to learn from...

And more importantly. To hear. It allowed her to focus purely on the aspect of 'What if it happens to me?', situations she hadn't considered. All of which were very much situations she had never considered. But she sways from topic to topic.

"Ethric told me something that's stuck to me. Something that is similar to what my mother and father say! And yet, distinctly different. The people of Achyon are weapons... Whereas my parents said I should hate not the individual, but instead the.. Ideals! Which have made them who they are. I do not fault its people for the desire to grow either. It's natural... And everyone makes mistakes.. I guess, ah! My mind feels like it's all over the place."

She wriggles! Hops from one foot to the other before chuckling. "Does that ever change? No matter how old you are?"
(T'ahrah Tahl)
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[23:53] Calael allowed the key to be returned to its owner. Even if he had desired it the Lighthouse was already filled with dusted artifacts and relics that he didn't know what to do with anymore. He gave her a nod and said, "If it does that then I believe you'll find some success. Divine magic has much to do with the Lighthouse's power, so if you can find a way to fuel your well with it, then I don't see why your theories shouldn't work."

He looked to Seifer, mildly amused only to feel Satsuki's look. He soon saw what she did, and though he wouldn't say it aloud, he simply offered, "Blue hair runs in my own family. But the Kangs were notably for... adopting into the name."

As far as Calael knew, his children were some of the few that were actually born into it, whereas both he and most of the others took it upon themselves by marriage or by parental gifting. It wouldn't be the end of theworld if someone else took up the surname, especially if it was someone who wanted to do right with it.
(Calael E. Kang)
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[23:53] Zhrani's eyes widen at that proposition. "I-.. I mean, I would be honoured, but-..."

Her eyes dart. From Seifer, then to Calael, and then to Ethric. And so on, back and forth.

"But-... can we- can we do that?" She looks quizzically at the Saint, as if asking him for permission. Well- it would be rather weird to just take the name without the Saint's word of approval, wouldn't it?
(Zhrani Gardios)
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[23:54] Zhrani leans in closer to Ethric, to whisper something..!
(Zhrani Gardios)
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[23:55] Ethric is buzzing, one eye opened again.
(Ethric Athelier)
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[23:56] Seifer heard the man's words, the fact that many adopted themselves into the name almost seemed a bit too... perfect for the situation, no? A look was granted to the man, taking it as his blessing.

"Thanks, Cal." He said, looking back towards Zhrani soon after.

"If a Saint says it's okay, it must be."
(Seifer Gardios)
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[23:57] Zhrani frowns heavily at Ethric...
(Zhrani Gardios)
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[23:58] Seifer Gardios says, "... What's with the unhappy face."
[23:58] Seifer Gardios says, "?*"
[23:58] Zhrani Gardios says, "D-"
[23:58] Zhrani Gardios says, "Don't worry."
[23:59] Seifer Gardios says, "I do worry."
[23:59] Zhrani Gardios says, "Hmmmgh."
[23:59] Valeria beamed a smile. Her concept of the Holy Well, was officially Saint Kang approved! There might have been a happy squeal that escaped the Stellus, and a brief clap of her hands.

"Alrighty! Thank you for your insight, Cal. It really motivates me to do my best at this." She says, with a nod of her head.
(Valeria ven Pelleaux)
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[00:01] Not waiting an answer from Ethric any longer(an astute observer may have noticed that Ethric did not open his mouth at all during this exchange, making Zhrani look rather silyl!), the Feline looks back at Seifer, taking both of his hands in hers. The frown is soon gone; and a gentle smile adorns her features instead. He does tend to have that effect on her, after all.

"If you think we really... deserve to carry on that kind of legacy, I would only be happy to take on that name. With you."

(Zhrani Gardios)
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[00:02] Ethric gives a look towards Calael, brows knit with blatant suspicion.
(Ethric Athelier)
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[00:03] Calael looked back to Eiphraem and offered up the lightest of shrugs.
(Calael E. Kang)
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[00:04] Seifer grasps the hands that come for his, giving a small nod to her words before his thoughts are shared.

"I don't know if we deserve it, but if we don't we'll do our best to deserve it by the time we die.

.. I think that's what's right to do, no?" He said, finally turning towards the saint once more with a single hand holding the Felinae's own.

"We've spent so much time asking you questions, is there one you want to ask us? Well... Aside from- Teraphim stuff. And projects."

A pause. A thought, too.

"Ah- And... You came and shook my hand directly when we met, but you didn't do it for anyone else. What's up with that?"
(Seifer Gardios)
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[00:10] "Nobody who lives as long as we do can truly say that they are... perfect," Satsuki said slowly, "But the sorts that typically make it into my position do come from a different world than you or I. I... did not make it here by being virtuous, not as such," the Kitsune said. "I was strong. I was inventive. I was in the right place at the right time - and less bound to Shengese dogma than most of my people, which made me rather... worldly."

Another pause. "But I was never saintly. And I know that the advice of saints only apply to a very, very special class of people." A class that Satsuki did not belong to, certainly - one that the Warchief probably didn't belong to, either.

"...I always did like that about Gehennan society," she said in response to one of T'ahrah's surface level thoughts. "Balance is built into it by nature, and they always seemed betterat... action than my own people, for better or for worse. It was something I could always respect."

The old Kitsune looked to T'ahrah first, and then shifted her gaze to Ethric, blinking and then giving a small, sympathetic tilt of her head to communicate something.

"-Perhaps. But if you were not prepared when you were younger, then it is possible we would not have been here. As I said: the end is not the end while you are still alive." It was a very Shengese saying - not borrowed from a fortune cookie, but just as meaningless.

But that was where the meaning lies - any good Shengese philosopher would say that. It's all about how you read into it.

"...Do you think Toratori can be redeemed, T'ahrah Tahl? You spared his life. Is he doing much with the chance you gave him?" she asked. There was no clear judgment eitherway behind her words; it seemed to be a genuine question with no right answer. "It would be... nice - but we all know it does not always work out that way."

"But no. That never changes. Many things never change, actually. When you get older you only get more set in your ways - which, I think, is something to be avoided. Always be receptive to... new-age thinking, alternative options... so on and so forth. As generic as that sounds."
(Satsuki Shimasu)
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[00:11] "I'll put it this way..." Cal said to Seifer and Zhrani, "The name isn't mine to give, as it wasn't mine in the first place. But it means a lot to those who know of it. There may come a day where you'll know whether or not it's meant for you." It was a thought, one to leave with rather than decide on here.

"And you're welcome, Valeria. I hope that... some of my ramblings help all of you find your own solutions." He gave her a light bow of his head before he answered Seifer.

"There's much I want to ask and know, but if I posed every bit of my curiosity, I feel as though we'd be talking here for a week's time." He said before saying, "And no, no. I shook Valeria's hand first, and gave a proper Gehenna greeting to the War-Chief." He looked to the back of Alice and then to Zhrani.

"...did someone else want to shake my hand?"
(Calael E. Kang)
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[00:12] Seifer Gardios says, "Not shaking my wife's hand when she was so close..."
[00:12] She would do that at least, if there was a chance to do so. "I certainly won't refuse. The short Teraphim stepping forward to offer her hand for a brief handshake.
(Alice Brasti)
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[00:13] Seifer shook his head lightly.

"I never thought a Saint could be this mean."
(Seifer Gardios)
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[00:13] Satsuki Shimasu says, "Calael Kang only enjoys the touch of deceased women."
[00:13] Zhrani blinks a few times. "Wha-... it's, it's fine! I'm-"

She stares blankly at Satsuki.
(Zhrani Gardios)
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[00:13] Seifer Gardios asks, "Is this why he worked with the undead for years?"
[00:14] Calael is quick to make up for his sins by shaking Alice's hand.
(Calael E. Kang)
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[00:14] Satsuki omits nothing. She actually said that. Her smirk is only concealed by the fact that she's facing the ocean.
(Satsuki Shimasu)
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[00:14] Calael E. Kang says, "..."
[00:14] Zhrani Gardios says, "But, ah-..."
[00:14] Zhrani steps forth for her hand to be shaken, as well! Why pass up on the opportunity to shake a Saint's hand.
(Zhrani Gardios)
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[00:15] Calael ignores Satsuki. Calael E. Kang ignores Satsuki. Calael E. Kang ignores Satsuki.
(Calael E. Kang)
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[00:15] Valeria chokes.
(Valeria ven Pelleaux)
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[00:15] Ethric Athelier says, "Yes, well. Who wishes to be touched by the living, in any event."
[00:15] Ethric adds to this trainwreck.
(Ethric Athelier)
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[00:15] Zhrani Gardios says, "... Hm."
[00:15] Seifer Gardios says, "Ah."
[00:15] Alice Brasti says, "...."
[00:16] Seifer Gardios says, "That is one of the first things I learned about you, Headmaster."
[00:16] Seifer Gardios says, "That you once held an undead very dearly to your heart."
[00:16] Zhrani Gardios asks, "... ah?"
[00:16] Zhrani Gardios asks, "Really?"
[00:16] Zhrani Gardios asks, "And you never told me?"
[00:16] Ethric Athelier asks, "Mm?"
[00:16] Zhrani Gardios exclaims, "All those stories of your husband, but not that..!"
[00:16] Ethric Athelier says, "You did not ask."
[00:16] Seifer Gardios says, "He did not wish to speak on it back then."
[00:16] Valeria lifts herself from where she was sitting, and pats off her clothes. Even if its unusually clean here.
(Valeria ven Pelleaux)
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[00:17] Seifer Gardios says, "Instead he tricked me."
[00:17] Zhrani Gardios says, "I didn't ask about your husband either."
[00:17] Zhrani Gardios says, "You told me because-..."
[00:17] Seifer Gardios says, "Saying I could join the Academy 'in the meantime'."
[00:17] Calael shakes Zhrani's hand as well!
(Calael E. Kang)
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[00:17] Ethric Athelier says, "Quite."
[00:17] Zhrani Gardios says, "It was related to the subject."
[00:18] Zhrani beams as her hand is shaken! "It was nice to finally meet you-... but let me ask one final question.

Do you know anything of the Leonaus Grimoire?"
(Zhrani Gardios)
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[00:20] Calael E. Kang asks, "I've heard of the Grimoire, but I haven't looked into it myself. They're sacred texts in Esshar, no?"
[00:21] Zhrani Gardios exclaims, "Yes..!"
[00:22] Zhrani Gardios says, "Well-"
[00:22] Zhrani Gardios says, "I don't think anybody knows where to find thme."
[00:22] Zhrani Gardios says, "Them, ahem."
[00:22] Zhrani Gardios says, "Or what's in them, anymore."
[00:22] Zhrani Gardios says, "... My people served as the protector of the tomes."
[00:23] "I would not know. I left him in more.. Capable, and pure hands. So to speak... His year within Moxtli came to an end recently, where he goes now- or if he stays is beyond my care. Unless it's to Achyon, but- he already knows that..." She'd roll her shoulders afterwards with an inhale and an exhale. "But boy, he did say some stupid things while he was in Moxtli. How does one spin 'I wanted to support the tribe regardless of my affiliations' while being Achyon in a good light? Or how he 'hadn't done anything to the tribes so it was fine'. And the amount of people who AGREED with him, who are APART of my tribe is- is!!!"

Baffling and infuriating! Tah shakes her head hastily from side to side. "No, and yes. Can he be redeemed in my eyes? No, I'll never trust him. Never again... No amount of work will ever change that. Can he redeem himself in the grand scheme of things? I think so." She'd raise her shoulders in a shrug afterwards. Blatant and to the point about it!

Now then, came the utterance of being open to new age thinking. Her breath was caught in her lungs! And then...?

Expelled slowly.

Stubborn, had the traditionalist been. Quite stubborn- barring the old acts of cannibalism. She was rigid, almost unrelenting in her ancestral obligations. But? She nods quietly. Taking it in.

"Thank you, Satsuki. I know it may not seem like much but- but.. I appreciate the words." There were things she had been irrevocably unrelenting about. But should those that sought to free the undead and vampires succeed...

Even her.

Than she felt her mind should, and could be open.
(T'ahrah Tahl)
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[00:24] Calael E. Kang says, "Mm... Satsuki -could- help locate one, if you asked nicely."
[00:24] Zhrani Gardios says, "... I see.."
[00:25] The feline eyes slo-o-o-owly shift to Satsuki. A subtle smile spreads on her face..! "Would you kindly?.."
(Zhrani Gardios)
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[00:28] Seifer Gardios says, "Ah--"
[00:28] Seifer Gardios says, "Right."
[00:29] Seifer turned to Calael.

"The sword we saw downstairs. What's its story? It seems... Magnificent. Well-crafted, all ornate and... somehow poor to use in actual battle. Like it was made for rituals and ceremonies."
(Seifer Gardios)
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[00:29] T'ahrah Tahl says, ".... Ah-"
[00:29] T'ahrah Tahl says, "Cal said it was fake, Seifer."
[00:29] Seifer Gardios says, "...."
[00:29] Seifer Gardios says, "....."
[00:29] Seifer Gardios says, "But it looked so cool."
[00:29] Seifer Gardios says, "And felt so powerful."
[00:29] T'ahrah Tahl says, "That it did! A very convincing creation."
[00:30] Calael E. Kang says, "...I did explain it was a temptation placed in your path."
[00:30] Seifer Gardios asks, "What inspired it, then?"
[00:30] T'ahrah Tahl says, "Well I mean.."
[00:30] T'ahrah Tahl asks, "How many holy mages and cosmic mages are among the group?"
[00:30] T'ahrah Tahl says, "I think the inspiration may have been... Personally tailored."
[00:30] Alice Brasti asks, "Three..?"
[00:30] Seifer Gardios says, "Not... it's temptation."
[00:30] Seifer Gardios says, "The ideas."
[00:31] Seifer Gardios says, "The... look."
[00:31] Seifer Gardios exclaims, "The feel!"
[00:31] Zhrani Gardios asks, "... Come on, Seifer... Is Eos' sword not good enough for you?"
[00:31] Seifer Gardios says, "It is..."
[00:31] Seifer Gardios says, "But when it's not with me I look around..."
[00:32] Valeria ven Pelleaux says, ". . ."
[00:32] Ethric Athelier says, "I made some suggestions."
[00:32] T'ahrah Tahl exclaims, "I knew it!"
[00:32] Alice Brasti says, "..."
[00:32] T'ahrah Tahl says, "But still, I was most tempted for different reasons."
[00:33] Zhrani Gardios asks, "Suggestions?"
[00:33] T'ahrah Tahl says, "I thought it was a... A different sort of test. A 'Utilize everything in your surroundings' sort of test. E-eheh.."
[00:33] T'ahrah smiles sheepishly!
(T'ahrah Tahl)
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[00:33] Alice Brasti says, "I just didn't think I was worthy to hold it, if it was real."
[00:36] Seifer clasps his hands together, moving on with more questions.

"What about the door? What was behind it?"
(Seifer Gardios)
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[00:36] Zhrani Gardios says, "... Hm."
[00:36] Calael E. Kang says, "Oh I don't know. We have a lot of doors."
[00:37] Ethric Athelier says, "Ah, it was the primary focus chamber and orrery. I blocked that off. I supposed you would not want people pawing at the actual functions of the lighthouse."
[00:38] Zhrani Gardios asks, "... Why not?"
[00:38] Seifer Gardios says, "Hm.."
[00:38] Seifer Gardios says, "Many doors, yes..."
[00:38] Seifer Gardios says, "..."
[00:38] Seifer Gardios says, "I'd like to visit that."
[00:38] Zhrani Gardios says, "Same."
[00:38] Calael E. Kang says, "Oh right."
[00:39] Calael E. Kang says, "Better that the chamber is kept sealed unless we are seeing to someone who needs it."
[00:39] Calael E. Kang says, "The cosmic light within is potent and... well once it may overload those unprepared for it."
[00:40] Calael E. Kang says, "once inside*"
[00:40] Seifer Gardios says, ".. Well, I hope it won't be us who takes someone there next."
[00:40] Zhrani Gardios says, "... Ah."
[00:40] Seifer Gardios says, "Since we'll figure out our own way."
[00:40] Seifer Gardios asks, "That reminds me, how difficult do you figure it is to send mail here, Ethric?"
[00:40] "Nevertheless, the chance has been given. Should he fail it, then do as you will - one chance is enough, I believe," she said. "I cannot exactly... see which timeline is the correct one, so I do not know how it will go." She gave a very small shrug at that. "But you are right not to trust him. He may prove you wrong - but consider it a pleasant surprise at best."

But having said her piece, she actually offered a smile to the Warchief. "We will only be here for a short while after the rest of you leave, but- I may very well check in someday. You remind me of myself in... many ways. This is both a good thing and a bad thing." Her smile faded and she glanced down at her bare feet for a moment before looking back to T'ahrah. "The path ahead will be a difficult one, but I believe in you more than I can put into words. Please do not disappoint."

But her attention turned to the other matter.

"The Grimoire? Is it not divided into twelve parts - with the expectation that it should sleep forever, never to be found again? But..." The Kitsune tapped a sharp fingernail against her golden eye and it whirred more loudly than usual for a moment. "If it..."

A pause.

"THAT door?" she said. "Percival's bedroom."

But back to the grimoire. "How appropriate that a piece of history would be hidden in a monument to Esshar's bloody past," she mused with a small tilt of her head. "A thing not meant to be found, hidden in a place best forgotten - how... fitting."

That was a complete and total non-answer.


(Satsuki Shimasu)
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[00:40] Alice Brasti says, "Well..."
[00:40] Alice Brasti says, "In theory I could now, since I've been here. Unless there's something here that would prevent me."
[00:41] Zhrani Gardios asks, "... Percival's bedroom..?"
[00:41] Calael E. Kang says, "One of my sons."
[00:41] Zhrani Gardios says, "I-"
[00:41] Zhrani Gardios says, "I see."
[00:41] Zhrani Gardios says, "Do not misunderstand. I do not seek these tomes for my own gain."
[00:42] Zhrani Gardios says, "... I merely wish to know they have not fallen into the wrong hands."
[00:42] T'ahrah Tahl exclaims, ".. I'll try not to!"
[00:43] Calael moves over toward the chairs to take a seat again. He's an old man, after all. An old man with a beard.
(Calael E. Kang)
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[00:43] Seifer Gardios says, "Well.. I suppose I'll start writing here."
[00:43] Calael E. Kang says, "Oh I'd enjoy that."
[00:43] Seifer Gardios says, "A pen pal is never bad."
[00:43] Satsuki Shimasu says, "Ah- they have not. There was an attempt once. I... do not see if they claimed it."
[00:44] Zhrani Gardios asks, "Wait- really?"
[00:44] Zhrani Gardios asks, "We can do that?"
[00:44] Calael E. Kang says, "That'll be my first penpal on Esshar. I write to some others but they're scattered about."
[00:44] Zhrani Gardios exclaims, "I'll-... write too!"
[00:44] Calael E. Kang exclaims, "Great!"
[00:44] T'ahrah Tahl says, "Pen Pals on a flying lighthouse..."
[00:44] Seifer Gardios says, "I'll have to get used to signing 'Seifer Kang', that's going to be difficult."
[00:45] Zhrani Gardios asks, "... So we are doing it, after all?"
[00:45] T'ahrah Tahl says, "If I live to like, eighty. Somehow. Can I move here."
[00:45] Seifer Gardios exclaims, "Of course!"
[00:45] Zhrani Gardios exclaims, "Hmgh... Alright..!"
[00:45] Ethric Athelier says, "Incredibly difficult to send mail."
[00:45] T'ahrah Tahl says, "I bet."
[00:45] Seifer Gardios says, "From now on, we'll be known as Mister and Miss Kang. That way Ethric can never mess with us again."
[00:46] Zhrani Gardios says, "Oh."
[00:46] Zhrani Gardios says, "Don't worry."
[00:46] Zhrani Gardios says, "He told me he'll still call us Amunets."
[00:46] Satsuki Shimasu says, "To live this long is a curse, not a gift - I feel."
[00:46] Seifer Gardios says, "That's fine."
[00:46] Calael E. Kang asks, "As is wisdom, right?"
[00:46] Zhrani Gardios says, "... Hm."
[00:46] Satsuki Shimasu says, "Yes."
[00:46] T'ahrah Tahl says, "Yes. I bet it would be a curse... But if I somehow live to eighty... I think I'd retire at that point."
[00:47] Calael E. Kang says, "Retiring... I should try that sometime."
[00:47] T'ahrah Tahl asks, "Oh. An odd question.. What are these gauntlets made out of?"
[00:48] Seifer Gardios says, ".. Anyhow."
[00:48] Calael E. Kang says, "Mm... I'd ask Ethric about the gaun--"
[00:48] Calael E. Kang says, "OH."
[00:48] Calael E. Kang says, "Right."
[00:49] Zhrani Gardios asks, "Ah?"
[00:51] From underneath his seat, Cal pulled a chest out. He unlatched it and inside the Essharans could all see...

Their weapons! that they had given up to enter.

"You're free to recollect them now that your trials are over. You proved yourselves more than just their might, which to some is a bit of a challenge in itself."
(Calael E. Kang)
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[00:51] Zhrani Gardios says, "Ah."
[00:51] Zhrani Gardios says, "my trusty can...."
[00:51] Satsuki Shimasu says, "...Watering cans. Really."
[00:52] {Item} You picked up Eos-forged Sword. Dropped by Calael E. Kang..
[00:52] Taking her blade and sheathing it, there is a soft sigh of relief.

"Thank you." Even if it was her weapon, it was important for more reasons than just protection. It was it's origins.
(Alice Brasti)
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[00:52] Seifer takes his weapon back..!

"That'll definitely be useful."
(Seifer Gardios)
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[00:53] Tah's hand rose, and vines sprouted from her forearm! Clasping at the nearby staff before drawing it back into her grip. She presses her cheek against the side of it and wraps her arms around the weapon.

"I thought you were gone...!"

But it fades and she's soon holding the weapon stoically, a light smile playing across her lips. "Thank you for not dumping them into the sea."
(T'ahrah Tahl)
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[00:54] Zhrani gratefully takes the staff back. There is much yet to be done with it....

It carries history, after all.
(Zhrani Gardios)
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[00:55] Ethric Athelier asks, "Hahn. And is that everyone's inquiries, answered?"
[00:55] T'ahrah Tahl says, "I believe so."
[00:56] T'ahrah Tahl says, "Oh- wait. What were the gauntlets made from Ethric. I've.. Never seen something like these before is all."
[00:56] Alice Brasti says, "I feel so."
[00:57] Ethric Athelier says, "Ah? It's a relatively simple amount of laced tyrium and a few topaz crystals to act as sinks for lumiescent mana."
[00:57] Ethric Athelier says, "It would only be combat usable in the event one was willing to cripple oneself offensively."
[00:57] Zhrani Gardios says, "Huh."
[00:57] Ethric Athelier says, "But, it made it a rather proper trial rather than something to tear you apart."
[00:57] Ethric Athelier says, "... Presuming you weren't so foolish as to not wear them."
[00:57] Zhrani Gardios says, "Uh-huh."
[00:57] T'ahrah taps at the gloves now hitched at her hip. Why was she keeping them? She didn't know.
(T'ahrah Tahl)
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[00:58] Seifer Gardios says, "It felt like mine were..."
[00:58] Seifer Gardios says, "... Very tyrium-based."
[00:58] Ethric slowly hoists himself up. A small, brief clap on Calael's shoulder momentarily follows, as he ambles forwards; Logbook pulled out.
(Ethric Athelier)
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[00:59] Seifer Gardios asks, "Was I sabotaged?"
[00:59] Ethric Athelier says, "This way, then. This will be exhausting."
[00:59] Zhrani Gardios says, "Ughhh."
[00:59] Alice Brasti asks, "Is there any way I could help?"
[00:59] T'ahrah Tahl says, "Take a nap when you get back... You've earned it."
[00:59] T'ahrah looks towards Satsuki and nods quietly.
(T'ahrah Tahl)
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[00:59] Calael E. Kang says, "Do take care everyone."
[00:59] Seifer Gardios exclaims, "I'll write you later, Cal!"
[00:59] Alice Brasti says, "Thank you all."
[01:00] Satsuki Shimasu says, "Farewell. Best of luck."
[01:00] Calael E. Kang says, "If you look for us again, just peer into the night sky."
[01:00] Zhrani Gardios exclaims, "I will write, too!"
[01:00] Calael E. Kang says, "Largest blue star you'll see."
[01:00] Zhrani Gardios says, "... Huh."
[01:00] Calael E. Kang says, "That's us."
[01:00] Zhrani Gardios asks, "Wait. Really?"
[01:00] Calael E. Kang says, "Whenever we pass over Esshar, yes."
[01:00] Seifer Gardios says, "If you're looking for me peer into Esshar."
[01:00] T'ahrah Tahl exclaims, "Neat!"
[01:00] Zhrani Gardios says, "... wow."
[01:00] Seifer Gardios says, "Bluest Warden you'll see."
[01:00] Calael E. Kang says, "Aha, I'll keep my eyes out."
[01:01] Seifer Gardios says, "And who knows, maybe we'll have tea."
[01:01] Calael gives everyone a two finger salute.
(Calael E. Kang)
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[01:01] Calael E. Kang says, "That'd be nice."
[01:01] Alice Brasti says, "Goodbye."
[01:01] Ethric Athelier says, "I will see you both anon. Thank you for your time- I apologize for taking you out of your work."
[01:01] Valeria ven Pelleaux exclaims, "Bye bye!"
[01:01] Valeria ven Pelleaux exclaims, "Thank you for your time!"
[01:01] Satsuki Shimasu says, "Ethric Athelier. Send me those books. And these... trading cards. I am intrigued."
[01:02] T'ahrah still thinks Ethric is a divine being.
(T'ahrah Tahl)
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[01:02] Calael E. Kang says, "It's half retirement, Ethric."
[01:02] Calael E. Kang exclaims, "You know I enjoy company!"
[01:02] Seifer Gardios asks, "Of dead women, yes?"
[01:02] Zhrani Gardios says, "...."
[01:02] Seifer smirks towards Satsuki.
(Seifer Gardios)
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[01:02] Alice Brasti asks, "..Can we stop talking about dead women, please..?"
[01:02] Satsuki Shimasu says in telepathy, Gottem.
[01:02] Calael rolls his eyes.
(Calael E. Kang)
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[01:02] Valeria ven Pelleaux says, "I-I'm sleepy.."
[01:02] Alice Brasti says, "Hi sleepy, I'm Alice."
[01:02] Zhrani Gardios says, "Yeah...."
[01:03] Zhrani Gardios says, "Hi Alice."
[01:05] A snap of the book out. "I will see if I cannot get you one of Lady Elisheva," Ethric intones with absolute seriousness, as the focal realm of cosmic mana rapidly alights in gold-emerald, coruscating light across the glimmerous, enchanted ink adoring a runic circle upon a page of the massive, leather-bound logbook.

"Half retirement will be kept in mind." A slow, quiet drawl. "I will owe Satsuki a few history books, a deck of cards- I will send you a proper legal guardian voucher for her enrollment into Starfall Academy, at such a rate."

The light begins to gather, and soon enough, with a dazzling flash-

The group is zipped away, along the leylines and veins of the world, back to where they belong.

Mostly.
(Ethric Athelier)