Isameri - Discussing the Source

Batachikhan Dalamiq was seated at the table, two books resting in front of her as she waited for everyone to wander in. She would give them all a slight nod before focusing back on the books. "Good evening, it is nice to see everyone again." She smiled slightly. "Id like to go over our venture into Gubal, and what was found." She gives Isa and Terres a brief... very knowing look. "I'd rather hear it from yourselves rather than what I read."
Terres Regalius blinks and suddenly feels Fear.
Isaudorel Vairemont: "The library was poorly laid out, much to our dismay. In addition, titles were misleading at best and we had little time to actually go over our findings before being chased off by horribly unpleasant creatures. However, not all of what we found was absolutely useless."
Terres Regalius glances to Isa and gives a nod, before returning his gaze to Bata. "Aye, we— did manage t' find something worthwhile, by a stoke o' luck."
Terres Regalius: stroke*))
Meria Boucher stares at Isaudorel for a long moment as he disses the library of her /old school/. When she chimes in though, it's with her typical resounding neutrality. "We collected volumes on a wide variety of topics as we searched for ones more specifically related to aetheryte travel. Permanent glamours, treatises on Nym and the technology of the Allagan empire, some tomes that piqued my own interest related to cosmological metaphysics that I thought would do well in our library... among some, hm. -
Alexois Valeriant: "I wasn't at the library but I do know that Aure has been holed up in her room ever since you got back. She copied the relevant information from the books and the notes are plastered all over her walls. She worries me..." Alex sighed, not his usual eye rolling disinterested self. He was concerned.
Meria Boucher - There's a pause as she squints at Isaudorel and Terres. She remembers the eldritch smut. "- Other miscellanious texts. But one in particular, which Mister Terres found, seemed to be exactly on the nose regarding the object of our query. Is that the one you have there, Miss Batachikhan?"
Meria Boucher glances at Alexois. "...Has she invested in red string?"
Alexois Valeriant looked at Meria quizzically. "How did you know...?"
Momi Hajinne is silent, sort of zoning off and trapped in his own thoughts as the others speak, "..."
Meria Boucher: An educated guess. Oh dear. That bodes ill. Her condition has advanced to the stage where she's constructing scholastic obsession walls.
Batachikhan Dalamiq had turned her attention to Meria as she spoke. "The tomes we found was also one on aetheryte travel as well as further information on these splintered versions of the "Source" called "Shards". Much of it seems to be speculation, however. So reading it I refrained from believeing every word." She glanced briefly to the tomes once more. "We met a quite friendly Poroggo who helped us in terms of finding what we searched for, as well as some additional knowledge on how to deal with Rajin."
Momi Hajinne: "W-we will ha-have to exhaust h-his aether...a-and it will b-be risky...a-all I c-can think o-of is fighting b-but...I-I would like a different way..." Momi adds, looking exhausted saying that.
Terres Regalius takes a moment and realizes that he still has their book. He reaches back to his pack and pulls out the tome he had managed to find, labeled "Aetheryte Networks and You! How to Identify Fragments in a Wider Resonance Network", before setting it upon the table, before glancing to Momi. "Exhausting his aether...? That sounds... exhausting for us, as well."
Ethan Lebeau stood, his eyes locked on the books. He was content enough with knowing they had what they needed. The 'how' didn't really matter to him at the moment.
Momi Hajinne glances aside, "Indeed...a-and risky f-for Shadi's s-survival as well..."
Isaudorel Vairemont: "This 'Rajin' is some sort of aetheric being, correct?"
Terres Regalius: "From what I understand, he's some manner o' diety."
Momi Hajinne: "A-akin t-to what w-we would consider a-a primal."
Momi Hajinne: "S-so yes. I-I believe h-he is composed m-mainly o-of aether...a-and currently th-that aether i-is puppeting Sh-shadi."
Isaudorel Vairemont mutters to himself. "A deity or primal. The implications of draining its aether, if such a feat is possible, would be utterly fascinating..."
Batachikhan Dalamiq: "My concerns are many with how we will go about this, and I have many theories as to Rajin's plans with not only Shadi and Camilla, but our previous friends in terms of Sileas and Aibertain." She placed a finger to her chin. "Unfortunately, since the piece of crystal he gave us we have no choice but to follow the path he's laid out for us. And if that is the case, it is very likely he already knows what we will do. Which means everyone will be in danger if we proceed further."
Meria Boucher: ...My, we encountered nothing so convenient. Hm. Well, if finding another, alternate path is impossible, then it is simple logic to go in as prepared as possible.
Momi Hajinne: "I-I will do whatever i-it takes t-to return Sh-shadi a-and Camilla safely..." Momi says, deeply determined, "I-I...I-I can't l-let f-fear of th-the unknown k-keep me from t-trying..."
Ethan Lebeau nodded toward Momi. "Exactly. Whether he is anticipating our arrival or no, it doesn't change what needs to be done."
Alexois Valeriant:  "If this primal ??????? is the one dictating our movements, how are we going to ever one up him?" Alex looked at Bata. "This entire thing is a trap. I don't see how we can move forward without some sort of plan to throw a wrench into his own plans for us."
Batachikhan Dalamiq nodded as reached for the book that Meria's group had found and flipping through it. "I found a very interesting diagram to aid in the transference of our aether through... interdiminsional means." She frowns a moment. "It's not exactly going to be pleasant and it is... possible you do not end up the same when you arrive. Or alive. But it seems we really do have no other choice." She shakes her head. "I will be unable to travel with you, considering my role and my hands still tied with >
Batachikhan Dalamiq: "this Scorpion business." There's a slight tension in her hands as she says the words. "Of course with so much unknown, it would make sense to have a plan of sorts. So I am open to suggestions." She pauses a moment before adding. "I may have already begun work on something that will help in combating Raijin, it should be complete in time."
Meria Boucher: Miss Batachikhan,  you mentioned having theories on what our quarry is planning. Would you mind sharing some of them? Knowing what someone wants is the first step towards predicting their actions.
Terres Regalius runs a hand through his hair. Gods, this was all a topic he had no knowledge on in the slightest. It sort of made him wish he really had paid attention better during school back home.
Artani Dazkar twirled and un-twirled a lock of hair in thought. She looked up at Bata curiously. "I'm guessing the method you have in mind is able to let us engage Raijin without harming the others he's....taken."
Terres Regalius thinks Really Hard and has a potentially Intelligent Thought. "Isn't there... some way t' like— suck out th' aether o' something and contain it? Is that a thing?"
Batachikhan Dalamiq turned to gaze at Meria, nodding. "Based on my observations during your encounter, he appears to be a Kami with only a desire for revenge in the coldest form." She sighs, letting a brief silence follow before continuing. "Considering his original constraints, being trapped again was not his ideal situation. But to live on it appears that his aether was split and he possessed those trapped within the explosion in the sewers... explaining Shadi seemingly returning to life."  >
Batachikhan Dalamiq waved a hand. "
Momi Hajinne starts to bounce his knee when the sewer incident is mentioned. Leaning forward a bit and placing his cheek into a palm. Not enjoying the memoryu clearly, "..."
Batachikhan Dalamiq waved a hand. "And thus, pent up aggression. He wishes to enact moons of suffering on those who he feels is at fault. And it seems he feels it is Shadi and all those connected to him, which by extend is Sileas and Aibertain." She glances back down to the book in her lap. "Why those two are possibly in the First to begin with... well, I could not tell you. It appears their reasoning was left only between the two of them. I could not get in contact with Sileas family, and it >
Batachikhan Dalamiq: "appears that Aibertain has no documentation of even existing outside of this company, which is quite odd. But he was very skilled at hiding things, it does no surprise me."
Terres Regalius: "... Do y' think he might have come from th' First t' begin with?"
Batachikhan Dalamiq: "I could not tell you, perhaps it's possible but I don't believe it's likely... but I could be wrong." She then glances between Terres and Artani. "And in terms of the device, yes the idea is that it would pull the required aether from him... or at least a decent bit to weaken him without causing harm to Shadi's body."
Alexois Valeriant: "Don't mages pull aether from their surrounding all the time? Is there a way to mimic that but on a person? Or whatever the hells he is," Alex asked, knowing literally nothing about how aether worked.
Meria Boucher: I see. Well. Right now, his modus operandi has involved emotional destabalization and emotional torment, which fits a motive like revenge. Anyone embarking on this mission should be prepared to withstand mental attacks, and should practice techniques to self-calm during crisis situations and perform reality checks to fight any... visions we may encounter. Furthermore...
Meria Boucher: ...There's been examples in the past for binding and siphoning energy from primals and primal-like creatures, Mister Valeriant. It is one of the technologies of Allag. Are you investigating something similar for your device, Miss Batachikhan?
Momi Hajinne nods, "I-I assume w-we are not e-embarking this moment...i-it may b-be priudent t-to take a day or more t-to prepare outselves...I-I certainly w-would like t-to pack a-and write a-a letter t-to my sisters..."
Isaudorel Vairemont: "Allag had such capabilities? Perhaps scrounging about old Allagan ruins would be worth looking into?"
Alexois Valeriant fiddled with a strand of hair that had fallen into his eyes. He appeared rather unfazed at the idea of a potential suicide mission. "I sure as hell don't have anyone to write to, so I can go whenever. I don't want to put  Aure in harms way, even though I'm sure she's going to throw a fit."
Batachikhan Dalamiq nodded to Meria. "Yes, I have been working closely with our resident Allag expert. She has been invaluable in terms of guiding progress. It is possible she may accompany you when the times comes." She turns to Momi. "And yes, I do not plan on sending you right this moment. But..." She glances between everyone. "It is very possible you may not return, and thus I would contact any you wish to speak to."
Terres Regalius gives a small frown. It's just now hitting them that they're considering /teleporting/ to a completely different world. Would he even survive? he can barely stand teleporting between Vylbrand and Shirogane.....
Artani Dazkar wore no expression, just sat leaning forward with her hands clasped between her legs.
Meria Boucher looks up at Isaudorel. "We should talk about this after the meeting," she says softly.
Artani Dazkar: "Ought to make an extended visit to the Steppes tomorrow, then..."
Ethan Lebeau closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "While I am loath to admit it, leaving at this very moment would prove folly and most like end in our deaths. And a little extra may prove useful in finding ways to be rid of our quarry."
Isaudorel Vairemont nods to Meria before turning his attention back to Bata. "I'll have to have a word with Olsent at some point," he mutters.
Batachikhan Dalamiq: "I will do my best to ensure everything will be ready and make sure I have studied all three of these tomes indepth." She places the one in her lap ontop of the table. "I.." She pauses while glancing at Ethan. "Since Aurelle is not here, I hope that either you or Alex make a mention to this to her." She glances briefly to Alex as well. "It is believed that time travels very differently between the Source and Shards... it is very possible they may no longer live. I know it is difficult to >
Batachikhan Dalamiq: "think about, but it is best you ready yourself for something unpleasant."
Meria Boucher: Indeed. We should prepare tactically for the confrontation, too. There must be methods of fighting a primal-like entity. I... would not be surprised if there has been no shortage of Garlean study on the subject.
Alexois Valeriant looked at Bata with a hint of dismay. He never liked Aibert. Ever. But he cared about Sil very much, though he would never admit it. He did not enjoy thinking about the possibility of them already being dead. Or how he would tell Aure in the state she was in.
Momi Hajinne is lost in thought, recounting the last time they fought Raijin and then closing his eyes. Heaving out a heavy heavy sigh, "mn..."
Ethan Lebeau didn't o??? ??. His face was still blank but there was an obvious tension in his body. "If that is indeed the truth, then we would still have to dispose of this so call 'god'."
Batachikhan Dalamiq frowns. "Like i said before, I will make sure the device is finished before you are to depart. Incase Raijin is merely waiting for all of you on the other side, you will have something to defend yourself. But I cannot be certain what will happen, it's possible you may all end up somewhere far from one another. I could not say." She shakes her head. "For those of us that remain here, I will keep the way you left open... in hopes that you will easily be able to return. But again, I can't >
Batachikhan Dalamiq: be sure."
Momi Hajinne opens his eyes and nods, "I-I understand the r-risk...I-I just need some time is a-all..." he explains, "I-I think w-we all might..."
Batachikhan Dalamiq nodded to Momi. "It is urgent, but I cannot rush you when the stakes are so high." She looked around at everyone. "Are there any other questions about how we will proceed?"
Meria Boucher: ...Yes. There's some things I'd like to familiarize myself with on my own, and I believe my fiancee and I need to talk this over seriously.
Meria Boucher: I'm sure I'll have further questions later, but at the moment, I believe I'm satisfied.
Isaudorel Vairemont: "As am I."
Artani Dazkar "None from me."
Alexois Valeriant shook his head. "My only concern is a plan of attack, but it's impossible to make a decent plan when we have no devices made and no idea what is on the other side."
Terres Regalius purses his lips in thought. "I'll... have t' consider my options. As horribly as I respond t' simply traveling from place t' place here, teleporting to a completely different universe sounds... A bit too dangerous for me. I might... have t' sit this one out, as much as I don't want to."
Batachikhan Dalamiq turns to Terres to smile. "Of course, and if you do I will have something for you to do for me."
Meria Boucher: It is best to know your limits, for otherwise you would become a liability.
Terres Regalius half-smiles back. "Aye, I can do any solo work t' make up for my incompetences, heh."
Batachikhan Dalamiq stands, placing a hand on the book pile. "Then.. if there are no more questions.. I will return to prepairing and when everyone is ready, we shall proceed."
Meria Boucher nods, then bows after she stands. "Very well. If I may, I will endeavor to see if I can aid you with those preperations at a later date. For now... Isaudorel?"
Meria Boucher holds out her hand to him.
Isaudorel Vairemont nods. "Of course. Be well, all of you."

----

Meria Boucher: Where do you want to go to talk?
Isaudorel Vairemont: "I... Well, somewhere nearby, but secure. I'll defer to your judgment."
Meria Boucher: ...The usual place, perhaps?
Isaudorel Vairemont: "An excellent suggestion."
Meria Boucher nods and, hand in hand, begins to walk.
Meria Boucher gazes out over the water, watching the waves lap against the shore. "What are your thoughts?"
Isaudorel Vairemont takes a slow, steady breath. "Well, certainly not how I imagined my choice of employment turning out. I'll have to let Olsent know, of course." He pauses, thinking if there's anyone else. "I... believe that's all, yes?"
Meria Boucher: You want to go?
Isaudorel Vairemont: "Not particularly, if I'm being perfectly honest."
Meria Boucher: ...We don't have to if you don't want to.
Isaudorel Vairemont: "What is your opinion, my dearest and most cherished Meria?"
Meria Boucher looks away from him and lets out a long, tense breath. "Mister Momi is my friend," she says softly. "And I worry that the only ones going will have emotional attachments that blind them and cause them to falter. However, I am scared. I am scared in a way I have never been before. There is a possibility that I could lose you. There is a possibility that the danger will be so great that I cannot protect you. What would... a new world even look like...?"
Isaudorel Vairemont places a hand on her shoulder. "I assure you, my dearest Meria, you will not lose me." He pulls a familiar crystal from his coat. "I've been studying the Nymian tomes and while I am far from proficient, I feel that there is some power that could be tapped."
Isaudorel Vairemont: "As for what a new world could look like... Well, that I could not even fathom."
Meria Boucher: ...Be that as it may, you heard what Miss Batachikhan said to us. Going to this place may be dangerous on its own. What if we cannot return?... Are you - could you bear that idea?
Isaudorel Vairemont: "I..." He pauses. "Well, I don't believe I could. I've lost so much, but to simply throw it all away on a - let us be honest with ourselves - suicide mission to save those likely beyond saving..." He shakes his head. "I have no idea what our employer is thinking."
Meria Boucher: Then perhaps we shouldn't go. You - and a future, a family - with you mean more to me than anything else.
Isaudorel Vairemont: "And you, my dear Meria, mean far more to me than this job or, Fury forgive me, any of our accomplices here. I would not put you through such danger for anything or anyone else."
Meria Boucher nods slightly, still staring into the depths of the water. She's chewing on her bottom lip, and there's a blankness to her expression - like she's thinking about something very, very far away.
Isaudorel Vairemont glances down at her. "Speak your mind, my beloved Meria."
Meria Boucher: I--
Meria Boucher cuts herself off, looking up at him as she pauses. "We've... talked about the condition of my body before."
Isaudorel Vairemont: "Ah, you've been thinking about that, as well." He nods. "I'll not lie, I had considered the concept of siphoning aether from a god-like entity or delving through Allagan ruins earlier in the evening..."
Meria Boucher: I've been speaking to aetherologists, but the current status of my body is.. deeply rooted in the work that my brother and I performed - work I can only half-remember. But I've been consulting the stars about it throughout the moons, and I'd interpreted some of the engimatic readings I'd done as... bidding me to search within the cosmic aether tapestry for answers. However... when I... performed a reading regarding how to help Mister Shadi...
Meria Boucher: I -- noticed some similarities in cards. In numbers. In - themes and energies. It sounds silly to even my own ears, but there is a part of me that is wondering if we are supposed to go to this other Shard. If there is something on it that can help us. But... is that my own curiousity? Is it the same inclination that put me in the situation I am now in the first place?
Meria Boucher: I do not know...
Isaudorel Vairemont places a hand on his head, gently ruffling her hair. "My dear Meria, if you feel the pull to this other world, then I will follow you. I would do anything, even forsake my own soul, to resolve your issues."
Meria Boucher leans against him, swallowing thickly. "That's what I'm afraid of. I am - so happy with you right now. Is it worth doing anything to risk that? Is it worth risking your safety, your happiness, your soul?"
Isaudorel Vairemont: "In my eyes? Certainly, although I'd be surprised if you didn't disagree." He closes one eye, the other twitching slightly. "Looking at this from a business standpoint, it would be both extremely high-risk and high-reward. In addition, my scientific mind screams to me: 'What if the aether of this other world balances the aether of our own? What if some plant can cure your illnesses?' A constant nagging voice in my head all night, really."
Meria Boucher: I wonder if I will be able to hear the roar of the cosmos in that place. I wonder what the sky will look like. I wonder about all of the metaphyysical ramifications of these suppositions, and I cannot lie, I am curious for reasons that stretch beyond my own health. Is it the same for you? Do you wonder about the alchemy of another world?
Isaudorel Vairemont closes his eyes and rubs the bridge of his nose. "In the most infurtiating way, yes; I've no idea what the properties of... Well, anything, could be like. I wonder if reagents or potions from this world will work as effectively or at all in this other Shard."
Isaudorel Vairemont: "Perhaps learning a few new tricks would be advisable," he mutters to himself.
Meria Boucher: If we decided not to take the mission... do you think you'd ever stop wondering about that?
Isaudorel Vairemont: "Only if I forgot about the existence of another world entirely, I imagine. You know my obsessive tendencies, my dear Meria." He pauses.
Isaudorel Vairemont: "And you with your musings of the cosmos and the sky?"
Meria Boucher: I think... it might be the same.
Isaudorel Vairemont: "Really? Do elaborate, if you would."
Meria Boucher: That I'll never be able to stop wondering about the answers to those questions, unless I forget about the other world entirely. I wonder if we'd regret not taking the opportunity to chase after our own curiousities together. We never really... got that chance. To have a - a proper adventure together.
Meria Boucher: But perhaps we're too old for things like that now.
Isaudorel Vairemont pats her head. "My dear Meria, Ser Terres *already* makes me feel old on a regular basis, you need not contribute to that," says the man not even a third of the way through his life. "However, I feel that... yes. A proper adventure, perhaps a new beginning if worst comes to worst, would be... Well, I'd dare say lovely."
Meria Boucher looks up at him, giving him just the slightest hint of a smile. "Pretty words. Well. I believe we should both think about it more before deciding on anything, and regardless, we do need to investigate that strange stone you found. In your readings... did you encounter anything about potential next steps towards unlocking its power?"
Isaudorel Vairemont returns the smile. "I agree. And yes, I did; if this stone is as old as I'm guessing it is," he pulls it from his coat, examining it once more. "Then the most difficult step for someone of my lack of aetheric training, that being creating and binding an aetheric construct - known as a 'faerie,' oddly enough - should have already been taken care of."

Isaudorel Vairemont: "Now all that's left is to 'unlock' the stone, form a new contract with the faerie, and... Well, I'm still researching exactly how one would go about doing that. It seems each stone belonged to a specific individual and I've yet to find anything about how they were passed down in the event of death or inability to use them."
Meria Boucher: That seems like a lead as good as any other. We can always make another return trip to a Nymian ruin in the hopes of locating more information, or query scholars of the subject. It may also be prudent to begin aetheric training and assess what you'll be working with. Ultimately, how you manipulate aether is more important than your own strength of spirit, but it certainly... helps.
Isaudorel Vairemont: "I've certainly considered it, but never had enough of a reason." He taps the stone with his index finger. "Well, I suppose now
Isaudorel Vairemont: "I've certainly considered it, but never had enough of a reason." He taps the stone with his index finger. "Well, I suppose now I do, don't I?"
Meria Boucher: Yes. ...And it would be good to have another aetheric practicioner at my side during expeditions so we don't have to rely on things like setting libraries on fire. I am still amazed Miss Batachikhan did not explicitely mention that.
Meria Boucher: I was preparing myself to hang my head in shame.
Isaudorel Vairemont clears his throat. "I feel as if she was more irritated at Terres and I bringing back, ah... What did you call it? 'Forbidden poetry,' if I'm not mistaken?"
Meria Boucher: Why did you even want that, anyway?
Meria Boucher does not confirm or deny her terminology.
Isaudorel Vairemont: "I'll admit, I didn't want it at first and was simply confused by your choice of - as of yet unconfirmed - terminology." He pauses. "And, well, simple, horrible morbid curiosity after I figured out what exactly you were referring to." Another pause. "I've read some of it and have come away equally impressed and deeply concerned."
Meria Boucher: Hm. I see.
Meria Boucher: I am certain it has nothing to do with any strange inclinations or fantasies you've exhibited up to this point.
Isaudorel Vairemont nearly drops the stone, completely caught off-guard by such an accusation. He slips it back into his coat before clearing his throat. "I *assure* you, my dearest Meria, this has nothing to do with any of my strange inclin-" He pauses. "I, I wouldn't even say that those inclinations are even at all that strange, if we're all being completely truthful here."
Meria Boucher stares at him. "Slime," is the single, damning word she utters.
Isaudorel Vairemont: "A perfectly normal..." He pauses, for once at a loss for words. "Perfectly normal, I assure you."
Meria Boucher: I see. So perfectly normal that you'd have no shame were any of your comrades to learn of it.
Isaudorel Vairemont takes a sharp breath. "I feel as if that, ah, that's most certainly not appropriate for a colleague to know." And at that, Isaudorel Vairemont was quickly spiralling into total embarrassment.
Isaudorel Vairemont: "B-business and pleasure being separate and all that, yes."
Meria Boucher: I see, I suppose that makes sense. Then, I suppose you would not be troubled by the idea of finding a way to enact such desires and inclinations, such as inquiring at various speciality shops or exploring the possibilities certain glamours may hold.
Isaudorel Vairemont remains silent for a moment before speaking. He simply stares out over the horizon, not at all looking at his fiancee. "I... certainly have considered that in only the most idle hours of the slowest of days."
Meria Boucher: If you truly believe that your inclinations are perfectly normal, then it seems silly not to explore them. Or are thoughts of me not exciting enough to capture you in anything but a state of utter boredom?
Isaudorel Vairemont immediately looks at her. "Ah, well, you know that's not what I meant! Of course my thoughts of you are perfectly exciting. Extremely exciting, in fact!"
Meria Boucher: Oh, so your ruminations on various other... perfectly normal topics don't include me in them?
Isaudorel Vairemont: "Ah... Well, they, um," he stammers before finally admitting that, yes, his thoughts on Perfectly Normal topics included Meria.
Meria Boucher: If they're so perfectly normal, then I'm certain you wouldn't mind sharing. Perhaps it is time to think about returning home for the evening?
Isaudorel Vairemont: "An excellent plan! Anything to prevent possibly being overheard..."
Meria Boucher: Very well. I expect a detailed report, Isaudorel. You can, perhaps, point out any intruiging passages from those books you've so dilligently read through as well. I am, and always shall be, sensitive to your needs."
Isaudorel Vairemont takes another breath. "Ah, of course. It is greatly appreciated, my dear..." He looks around before leaning in to whisper something.
Isaudorel Vairemont >> "My dear Mistress."
Meria Boucher reaches out to squeeze his hand, and - perhaps - lead him off like he had always been so partial to.