Terminus: Tributary Soulsearching

The hustle and bustle of the isle had slowed down as of late...
Things had changed over the last few election cycles -- No magi took prominence amongst the upper echelons as much as they used to.

The much more aggressive days with Laurentius or Harbinger as previous Antefinemite Presidents were behind the isle, leaving word of some sort of...
President Nigel Thalamor?
Surely, they were of nonmagus origin...

Things seemed to carry on as they usually did, with a strange uptick in the local clergy populace. There was word that their Patron was more active as of late as well...

Perhaps, that was why the air felt the familiar sting of the Occult wafting subtly in the air across the isle.
A duo of Antefinemite Guardsmen approached the dock to greet new visitors, with a robed man in tow -- One of the clergy: The Acentitus Mundus, in particular: A Magister.

''Ah, yes... These must be the visitors word sent of.''
Parchment within their hands insinuated that it was them that received the letter. Assuming any of the arriving party would intercept this waiting one? They'd find their answer as to the lack of reply.

''My sincerest apologies. It is not often that one attempts to pen a letter directly to our Lord. It is -my- job to be His courier. That said, I am pleased to have made your acquaintance, travelers. I am Magister Urgot, and I will be His eyes, ears and tongue.''
How odd... Did this 'Terminus' simply not bother to show up?
(Etheric Presence)
And indeed, nearby there seemed to be another of the guardsmen. Seemingly on break, if the pipe was any indication. Or, perhaps, she was a magi, and thus allowed some quirks. She hadn't shown any indication of magic use as of yet, but such things could be deceiving. Regardless, she makes no real move to interject or approach the visitors... Instead, she watches with a curious tilt of her head, the faint shifting of her armor audible as she adjusts.
(Morgana of Terminus)
Etheric Presence's voice (to Jase Valkynia): *You can't quite describe it immediately, but a tingling buzzes at the head of your head. It is as though, you are no longer alone, yet there doesn't seem to be anything beyond the obvious. Its almost as though you're being watched, yet it is not your physicality that draws attention. Rather, the loose guarding of one's thoughts. Did it get slightly darker? Slightly colder? Did a person in the crowd give them a slightly prolonged stare? Or rather, was it all in their head. *
It was not the docking of boats, or the soft murmurs to precursor a meeting which announced their arrival. No, those had been covered by crashing waves. Instead, a singular set of heels could be heard, a gradual crescendo of their taps upon cobble which alerted to Aurelia's presence.

A group of three older women followed her confident stride towards the small group awaiting their arrival. Odile ascended the steps, her gaze of gold and sea flicking toward all present. She dipped her head politely in greeting. A hand small, clad in black leather, rested upon her hip thereafter. "Well-met, Magister Urgot and company," she began, her voice well-projected for one so small. "My name is Odile Emeraldi. The young ladies behind me are my servants Roza and Elswith Rosenhain.

I've contacted your Lord with the intent of reestablishing the connection between our idling nations. As he is likely aware, the King Vandal of Fortune has been most passive, allowing Nilhirra to fall into strangers' possession. I doubt not the might of Terminus, but the mainland's humility. With sizeable coffers and a steadfast growing list of connections, I personally offer the nation of Antefinem support and protection." It seemed she was getting right to the chase. Though perhaps it was surprising, the girl was speaking not on behalf of Sapphire Bay. A motion was then made for the servants to take her side. "I also offer your Lord a few motes of mana, should he be willing and capable to accept, as I've ascertained that is a gift he should like through my conversation with Talguth." They, and she, would be the willing providers of such energy. Was that it, then? She'd come bearing offerings and assistance alone? "In return," the Emeraldi continued on to say. Of course, there was more. "I ask to be endorsed as Kingdom's next leader, and for the vassalization agreement tobe reinstated under the condition I am Queen. His Majesty has refused to consider me as a candidate thus-far, preferring to install one of his children instead- ambitionless as they are. I hope to stoke the stubborn man into realizing I am what's best for our home's sake.

Let us collaborate, and ensure a future of prosperity as a singular front once more."
(Aurelia O. Emeraldi)
That draws the attention of the guard. She quickly leans forwards, the pipe sliding from between the slits of her helmet as she watches. A glimmer of emerald energy flicks across the pipe, freezing its burn... No need to waste good tobacco to just burn idly.

She doesn't speak, but it is immediately obvious she is very interested.
(Morgana of Terminus)
Laurentius has arrived- freedom's finest reporting in. It had been some time since Emmeline had last seen him, but he doesn't appear to have changed much if at all. Same gear, same fit, same impeccably neat appearance and perfect posture- though it does seem he's dialed back the cologne to an acceptable level.

As he listens to the younger Emeraldi speak, he rests his arms behind his back in a textbook parade-rest. He listens, carefully, but in the professional silence some had come to expect.

The fact he technically outranks the magister in question comes to mind, but he awaits a signal before interrupting ongoing proceedings.
(Laurentius of Terminus)
The older woman with twin tails was floating behind her young master - and probably with the vessel her lady used.

She was a curious sort - everyone - even the ether presence felt her gaze. The girl took a good look at the armor they were wearing - speculating in her head. Her lips, however, were bent into a small, polite smile. When she was introduced, Eslwith placed her hand on her collarbone and bowed her head in greetings.
(Elswith Rosenhain)
After stepping off their boat, Roza takes a moment to shake off the distaste of her travels. The feeling of water of all things left here in a considerably less-than happy mood.

Nontheless, her face ends up as blank as it had ever been. A stoic mask, showing no emotion, as she floats up the steps with Aurelia.

When Aurelia offers a bow, so too does Roza in the same fluid motion. After this, she closes her eyes, her hands clasped before her.

She listens attentively, keeping close attention to her surroundings, the atmosphere of the area, and those present.
(Roza)
The man lazily sits on a bench while working on a plushie, his only attention is on the needle used to sew and repair a plushie that has the form of a hamster.

"Apologies for showing up unannounced, Magister. I was hoping to meet with the Thunderbird to discuss something, and then you."


He comments and finally stops messing with the plushie, his luck never disappoints, it seems. What were the odds of more people showing up on the same day as him? They either run his plans or he get something good out of it.

Now if that would turn into something that he could exploit or not that would still be seen, he was hoping to talk to Thunderbird or their leader alone but it seems that he would not have that kind of a chance today.

"I'm Jase Valkyria, a representative of a certain small organization. I was hoping to discuss business with your leaders, and did not expect the Emeraldis to be here...what a coincidence."

He lazily bows to Aurelia and the others with her.
(Jase Valkynia)
Elswith Rosenhain smiles at jase, nodding back at him.
(Elswith Rosenhain)
Aurelia O. Emeraldi acknowledges the bow with a curt nod, for its lack of effort.
(Aurelia O. Emeraldi)
A political matter? The Magister smiles, passing a fleeting glance to their left... their right, and eventually catching sight of a few familiar statures. They proceeded with an attempt to answer the question nonetheless --

''The Emeraldi's. I am familiar with your lineage, and your collective mercies to us in the past. Your support would be greatly appreciated going into the future for the common peoples of our isle. Though, the agreements of prior have always assured our sovereignty and autonomy. Surely, this wouldn't be of much issue for you, yes?''


It wouldn't be too long now. This was not a political leader of any sort...
But the actual president of the island-nation would've heard of ships landing at their docks by now. Who knew how long it'd be before they managed their way out of the tower... Or would it havebeen the seemingly permanently renovated Commercial Centre?

Who was to tell -- The island had been slowing its development to a crawl with countless empty campaign promises by now.
There was a gaggle of guardsmen emerging from the tower now, perhaps -that- was the current President? A nonmagi needed their protection after all, when they held a high status in a world full of superpowered entities.

''Nilhirra has felt more distant as of late. The occasional visit, with far less motive to intertwine our cultures with theirs. Perhaps, it was so, that time eroded our relationship. Though, who is to say... After all? That, is not -my- realm of expertise...''

They seemed to sidestep, as to redirect attention to the encroaching gaggle, that sought to envelope Laurentius in their midst to allow President Nigel to mutter something in Laurentius' ear.

''At my side, please...''

A simple command, but from one quite paranoid of magus encounters. Perhaps, they had simply never had to interface with one directly before.

''Hello, and sincerest apologies once more for my tardiness. I hadn't realized how much time had passed. I am pleased to finally make your acquaintance.''


This man, by contrast to the others prior, did -not- have any attire that would warrant them, by a cursory glance, any better than a relatively successful vendor. They did not dress akin to nobility, nor appear battle-hardened... Just an ordinary guy, with a grand title. The Magister piped up once more:
''Ms. Odile Emeraldi... Meet: President Thalamor.''


Despite the lack of magus presence, they seemed quite confident, as though the world would rest assured that he would carry-on with his every step, his every word, until he saw it through to completion. Then again, perhaps there was solid reason to do so... While -he- himself didn't carry a presence... A weight draped over the general scape with their arrival.

It had nothing to do with them, yet it was as though... Something... Was watching over them... Akin to a Guardian Angel of sorts.
''His Word speaks to me, through the very air through the very walls of our spire... It is for that reason, that I need no re-explanation.

Rest assured, so long as it shall satisfy my Lord, and promote the prosperty of my people... Of Our people... Then, you shall have the support of Antefinem, and her Industry.''

There was a pause from the President, shifting his head for a sideglance over to Laurentius, as though expecting a brief input, a suggestion, a warning... Before passing his cursory glance over the group -- likely assessing something for themselves.



(Etheric Presence)
The girl peered up to the looming voice's origin, listening to its most immediate concern. "That's no issue at all," she assured. "I'd love nothing more than to work alongside someone with ambition, elected to best represent your people." Some may have worried about an Antifinem leader down the line wishing to cut ties in that position, but she was not. It was the confidence of one certain she could remain to their benefit that allowed the stipulation to not only be permitted, but embraced.

She nodded along as Magister Urgot spoke, her bobbed hair stirring in a strong breeze. It was a choice both stylish and practical, in her mind. No amount of wind would form knots, and she was quite fond of sailing.

Perhaps magi were intimidating, though while Odile had a most bold demeanor, she was still but a child. "The pleasure is mine, President Thalamor," she greeted the man. He seemed a touch scatter-brained on account of a late arrival and plain appearance, though any leader had a lot on their plate. She respected him greatly, regardless of presentation. As such, a bow was offered to the non-magi as well.

"Allow me to offer the same assurance that I would not allow our sister-nation to stagnate. I believe we will heed one another, and accomplish many great things as a collective." It was then that she quieted, anticipating the input of Laurentius.
(Aurelia O. Emeraldi)
At the arrival, Laurentius had snapped a salute- and at the murmured request, democracy's defender moved himself within the entourage present. The president had little to fear so long as he was here, in contrast to the other he had a certain way of carrying himself.

Even if that sword on his back was more burdensome than helpful, truth be told.

A slight nudge brings him to speak up, strident and true- but there's a faint rasp to his voice, a low growl suggesting some ailment or injury.

"Antefinem has stood with the Kingdom of Fortune for a very long time. One of His wishes was for more magi activity around our home, as we are often forgotten about.

That has its advantages in the peace it brings to our people, but it also means that we lay empty and lifeless towards the next great crisis to strike Meranthe- or the next evil to turn its gaze our way as the insurrectionists and the Nameless once did."

There is the small sound of him clearing his throat as his voice grows hoarse near the end.
(Laurentius of Terminus)
The scientists silently observes with folded arms, it seems that at least for now he was more interested in watching than doing anything. That said, telepaths would hear something interesting coming from him.
(Jase Valkynia)
Jase Valkynia thinks, "Telepathic interference, how odd."
Odile's gaze lowered, an expression more grave befalling her youthful features. "Even the King's son had neglected extending an invitation for the gala being hosted at Sapphire bay to you all, opting instead to honor a known thief and declare I am not welcome to it either," she admitted, sharing in the ostracization- intentional or not- by the current royal family. The prince had named every nation but that of Antefinem. It was shameful. Internally, she resolved to ensure he'd apologize to them as well. "Regardless, I will be attending, and I hope to see those of you who are able or willing there as well.

One of my priorities is installing waygates from the mainland to Sapphire Bay, and here as well, making visitation far more accessible." She knew they lay devoid of travelers, for their disinterest, or simply not knowing of its existence. "Thank you for speaking. I too, fear a repeat of Nilhirra's tragedy. It is why I've decided to be proactive about this. I will bring us to the mainland's attention once more, and prepare for every storm which may accompany the spotlight.

I realize I'm young, and there is still so much to learn before I can lead at the standard I know I can, but no one is as willing to take charge as I am." Not the king, his offspring, or even her own brothers. Desperation had pushed the girl to action, for the sake of so many people gone forsaken, left to idle and wither away. "With your support, I believe King Vandal will have no choice but to accept me as the next candidate, and for such an opportunity I am immensely grateful," Odile stated, punctuating her declaration with a bow to emphasize her appreciation. "To all of you."
(Aurelia O. Emeraldi)
The nearby guard finally stands, moving over to stand at the side of Laurentius. As the two stand side by side, Morgana's own position becomes more clear. The same type of armor, somewhat different from the normal guards. Though she herself did not yet carry a weapon, and her armor was of slightly lesser quality... An apprentice? A deputy? Regardless, the side by side comparison makes it more obvious that she is likely in the same 'department' as Laurentius... Linked to him in some way, judging from the way she subtly angles herself towards him, as if waitingo n his lead.
(Morgana of Terminus)
The smile on girls face disappeared. It was rather a polite, neutral expression as she listened closely to what was going on. Understanding was making her expression change - eyes shifting down in a quiet pondering.
(Elswith Rosenhain)
At the arrival of Morgana, Laurentius turns stiffly on his heel and pulls free something from his back. A long object wrapped in cloth is unveiled in precise motions, before being handed forward.

Wow! It's what ever guardswoman wants for her birthday! A gun!
Look at that subtle oil-sheen on the mechanism. The tasteful high caliber. Oh my god, it even has a bayonet.
(Laurentius of Terminus)
Laurentius of Terminus drops M1 'Ballot Puncher'.
Morgana of Terminus picks up M1 'Ballot Puncher'.
Roza doesn't change in expression or position. She remains with her eyes closed, still being rapt attention to every detail.
(Roza)
Morgana -happily- takes the gun, and turns away from the group to sight the rifle, checking it over. Another flicker of emerald energy cascades down it, as she tests the runes and the way it works with her circuit. Satisfied, she takes the strap and slings the whole thing over her shoulder, relaxing.
(Morgana of Terminus)
The President's gaze held with a sweep across the numbers. It was slow... Pondering? Nay, mulling something over.

''He speaks to me... Through me...''

Their eyes close, as though falling to a blissful epiphany in these fleeting moments.

''Yes... He is coming...''

It crawled from the ground -- A blackened ichor that spewed with wispy quality, for the air, igniting at their feet before crawling over them. It was akin to a living shadow, claiming one's silhouette and radiating off of it. It harbored a resonance of the Occult, nay... Of something far more evolved...
...Of Death...


Blackened leylines bled across the veins beneath the skin, and with the opening of their eyes? A lavender gleam, pupils, illuminated by a foreign magic.

"Yes... Tribute..."
''Yes... Tribute...''

Two voices spoke as one....
One of Man...
One of... Something else...

It rattled the very cobblestone with bass.

Terminus was clearly not of Humanity...
Such was proving quite clear in these very moments.
It was ancient... Something that had been around for quite the amount of time.
It was for a solid reason, that Talguth carried knowledge of Him.

The man's movements were somewhat of his own, working in tangent with powers that were beyond them, puppeteering his physique to some degree. It was a form of symbiosis... Betwixt a man that prayed to a deified entity, and one whom had transcended conventional means - opting not to take a physical form.

"Talguth informed you well..."
''Talguth informed you well...''


They held their arms out, as though to embrace the lot of them in their breadth. The energies that swadled one carried them a brief height, allowing the weight of the world to shift off of them, if only for the brief moment.

"When you are ready, you may extend you arms out unto this vessel... Such tribute shall be small... But enough."
''When you are ready, you may extend you arms out unto this vessel... Such tribute shall be small... But enough.''


There was a brief delay, before the possessed President turned their head, capturing the other unaligned party in their midst.

"This vessel shall be available to you in due time, mortal. Consider your thoughts to be his new ground of communion until my tribute is recieved..."
''This vessel shall be available to you in due time, mortal. Consider your thoughts to be his new ground of communion until my tribute is recieved...''


A wave of psionic energies sought to enrapture one's mind, though it was not as though it sought to dominate... Rather, to implant... To summon one mind, to forge an astral projection, and inject it within that of another -- To manifest the very image of the President within a mental scape of the Patron's design, and introduce Jase to it all.

It was sudden, but less so a pry, nor forced incantation... In fact, it was as though, one were simply introduced to a door that seemingly appeared before them. Right here, in such a public place, yet not another soul could rest their eyes upon it... Their very bodies seemed to phase right through it -- Yet, to Jase? He could touch it...
Open it...
Step through it...

=============================
|| Into The Mindscape ||
=============================

A single step would draw one into freefall amongst a chasm of darkness, should they choose to make such a dredge... One, where the very President himself would already find themselves. Yet, he was not falling... Rather, he stood, as though there was no fall. As though there were a floor. Could they... Do the same? Yes...
They could.

What was this exactly? A pocket dimension? A Domain? A step into an ancient's mind? It was surely anyone's guess... Or... In this case? It was up to Valkynia to decide.

From the perspective of everyone else? The sensation of magics wafting through the air could be -felt-, but nothing visually seemed to play out. If the scientist had opted to allow such magics to invite him in, perhaps he may've taken a more 'dazed' appearance.

All the same, the Terminus-possessed President's attention remained on the new arrivals... Waiting.
(Etheric Presence)
The girl straightened up, awaiting what was declared to be the arrival of Terminus himself. Her gaze flicked to a creeping ichor, then to the air with its increasing weight, bearing the pressure of something powerful's presence. Goosebumps raised along her lithe arms, a hand moving from hip to front, digits interlocked and squeezing.

Quickly, however, her hands parted, one motioning for her servants to follow suit before extending both arms. Odile continued to smile politely, staving off what was likely to be discomfort with the unnatural force. "Of course. I'm happy it will suffice." She grew quiet then, with little else to add.
(Aurelia O. Emeraldi)
Roza (Wisdom - 4) has performed a Wisdom Saving Throw with a difficulty of 7.
...Roza rolls a 6 and succeeded! (10)
It was subtle at first, before a pulling sensation seemed to swaddle at the hands that extended forth. It was as though something as sweeping over them... Because something was...
Etheric in nature, pulsating through flesh with mana akin to sonar. It lit up the muscularity, the sinew, the vascular systems, and finally? The magus circuitry system:
Every pressure point...
Every magus nexus...
Every individual collaborative circuit -- Until offered hands would illuminate.

It was a auditory boom that blasted for the ears, transcending down the auditory spectrum with a bass that'd tremor through the bones. It was an energy pulse that'd surge mana back into their bodies, as though to invade all that would open the metaphorical door. It did not breach on its own, rather- It required one to lower their guard. They needed to enable it, so that it could be let in without force. The initial incursion however, was not to feed the magus contributors despite flooding their exposed appendages with one's mana... But rather, to grab a proper hold -- To better investigate the boundaries of mortality.

For the flesh was but a medium... The spirit a construct of one's congregate essence... And the soul? Such was beyond it all, yet it was the source of all mana. It was wound to one's very vessel, and dictated all that it was, all of its nature -- protected by a divine barrier. One such barrier that saw its self challenged, not merely upon one, two, but all that'd lend an offering.

To hunger for mana was one thing...
But to hunger for its source? It was...
Not meant to be possible...

The resistance of divine aegis would deny such purchase, instead laying claim to mana offered forth -- but a better understanding was provided on this day, under the guise of merely feeding one's self.

'How... Interesting... So malleable, Attainable... Yet... Just, out of... Reach...'

The thoughts were of their own. Those that would never leave the confines of its mind, save for upon those of a telepathic proclivity -- for once, it slipped from its stoic aegis, showcasing a subtle amount of curiosity. A shame for any that simply could not read its sole unguarded thought.

He could never quite 'pry' it from a vessel, even if offered... No. It would appear that mortal ilk had that one power at their behest. However, there was certainly a means of circumvention to claim such a forbidden fruit. The cogs of the ancient's mind toiled at such, ticking forth for a more solidified concept -- A plot to better understand... To better investigate, and one day... Do as none other before Him had to-date.

Exactly what that meant, only time could tell.
(Etheric Presence)
The atmosphere changes. A creeping feeling, something in the air that was occultic- no, not occultic, but something far worse.

The teenager's eyes snap open, fixing on the ground where darkness seemed to spread upwards into the air. Her thoughts rattled somewhat, her brows knitting. Though she did not frown, it seemed she very well wanted to.

What in the everloving fuck was Aurelia getting them into?


She had been warned that her mana had been drained, but she hadn't be warned about whatever magics were at play here. It didn't feel savoury, it didn't feel right. Once more, she found herself asking the question; were they the bad guys?

Not that it changed anything, in truth. She was content with her lot, though she wasn't happy about potentially being drained by some eldritch horror beyond time and space.

She couldn't stop herself, her body ignites into a plume of blue fire. It was a defensive reaction, as if to ward off whatever the hel was happening.

Her jaw clenches, and she reels herself in, yanking backwards on her own magic as one might the leash of an unruly dog.

"Oh no, not this time, I won't let you ruin this." she mutters under breath, to no one in particular.

With a distasteful curl of her lips, she offers a hand forwards.

She sorely hoped her particularly fiery, inflammatory mana gave whatever was about to feed off of her indigestion.
(Roza)
Odile was expected to set a precedent of resolve, to be unshakeable as a future leader. That's what she was, before she was a girl. Inwardly, she contemplated canceling the planned slumber party, parting with any semblance of childhood without the final hoorah.

Both of the young woman followed her, hesitant in their own right but ultimately offering their hands in a display of complete and utter faith within the Emeraldi they ordained to be their master. Her small body shivered as she could feel it prodding, rather than absorbing. Nothing was taken, but evidently it was tinged with a most unnatural presence. She gritted her teeth, staring onward with her Will unyielding, desires unfettered even by such an invasion. It was necessary. Aurelia would endure.

With it eventually having slipped its influences away, the child let out a soft yet audible exhale, a bit of tension easing from her. "If that is all, then we will be on our way for now, though I intend to visit more as I'm able." Odile dipped her head a final time. "Thank you for your time, and support. It has been my pleasure to meet all of you."

If there was nothing else, she would turn to usher her subordinates back to their vessel for medical attention at the mainland, still vaguely trembling all-the-while.
(Aurelia O. Emeraldi)
Elswith used the every fiber of her being to resist recoiling - the hunger that that creature possesses was not held back by her flesh, and it was almost reaching her very soul - kept out by the divine workings of the structure of the reality and living beings.

She wasn't afraid to give her mana away - even if the ether might seem particularly unsavory to the being of occult - it capabilities of healing might be harmful to the dark workings of the being just how the nature of that shadow was harmful to her. Yet, she was bound in place by her will, and her will was bound by the strain of politics.

Even with all that mental recoil, the one who orchestrated it felt that perhaps, the holy girl didn't quite feel anything negative towards the source of hunger despite all of the visible emotion.

She tried to calm her state, to breathe and to find harmony, relaxing her eyebrows and willingly feeding the dark incarnate of death itself her mana. Perhaps...

Yes, she smiled. Why would a girl smile in that situation? An amused smile was painted on her face.

...

She imagined herself as a coconut and that thing as a straw.
(Elswith Rosenhain)
Aurelia O. Emeraldi has applied Mana Payment to their self.
[View the injury.]
Mana Payment [Temporary]
"An offering has been made to Terminus! With the revealing of one's casted mana, a sizable portion of mana has been seized! A sense of wooziness and overall exhaustion. Perhaps, it was a great deal more than what one might've expected. There seems not to be any physical scars to the flesh."
VIT: -21
Elswith Rosenhain has applied Mana Payment to their self.
[View the injury.]
The scientist is still working on his plushie while doing his best to still look stoic, Eridanus plushie next to him had almost the same expression. What fuck did he sit down to watch?

Yeah, he was definitely not paid for this. But at least for now, he remains waiting.
(Jase Valkynia)
Roza has applied Mana Payment to their self.
[View the injury.]