Elias befriends Eiphraem

[22:56] Taetl'tel says, "Holy"
[22:56] Taetl'tel says, "Yo"
[22:56] Elias Tanne asks, " Aye?"
[22:56] Taetl'tel says, "You're from Deseti..."
[22:56] Elias Tanne says, " Ah, not any more I'm not."
[22:56] Taetl'tel asks, "Oh?"
[22:56] Taetl'tel asks, "Mind explaining?"
[22:56] Elias Tanne says, " I called the Sultan and the Commander, ah, blood-drenched cowards for killed an alleged spy."
[22:57] Elias Tanne says, " I do not anticipate being welcome there much longer."
[22:57] Tepesh looks away
(Tepesh Volikhar)
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[22:57] Taetl'tel asks, "Alleged spy?"
[22:57] Taetl'tel asks, "Who?"
[22:57] Elias Tanne says, " The name escapes me. The Lady Maria's daughter."
[22:58] Taetl'tel says, "...Lady Maria's daughter... "
[22:58] Taetl'tel asks, "What'd they look like?"
[22:58] The ghostly siren forms into shape beside Tael, leering at the girl with his glowing yellow eyes.

"Well, hey- if she's a spy... Kaheheh."

He doesn't finish. His meaning is probably implied.
(Daganon)
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[22:58] Taetl'tel says, "Wait-"
[22:58] Taetl'tel asks, "Canna- Canna's dead?"
[22:58] Elias Tanne says, " ...I didn't see her. Just heard-- aye, that was her name."
[22:59] Elias narrows her one remaining eye at Daganon. "Ah, the bastard who took my leg. You've aged rather poorly, sorry to say."
(Elias Tanne)
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[23:00] Daganon exclaims, "Oh! 'Sat you? Kahahah- didn't recognize ye!!"
[23:00] Daganon exclaims, "Hiya!"
[23:00] Tael looked to Dan as he heard the news, his face turning into a bitter sadness and anger thrown at the ground when Perseus stated her fate. Some occultic, red hellstorm arced down his arm as he tried to keep most of the anger within.

He may have done a better job of it had Elias not called his newly risen ghost friend a bastard.

The gun was raised, its barrel glowing with the red hellstorm and lightning that might be fired from it.

"Gimme a reason. One reason. Why we shouldn't lock you up right now."
(Taetl'tel)
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[23:01] His newly risen ghost friend was, admittedly, a bastard of the highest degree.
(Daganon)
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[23:03] Perseus's attention.

Sliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiides. Right away from Lisa'belle to Daganon, Taetl'tel, and Elias.

At the courier's anger comes an answer from Perseus, rather than Elias. "Many in Deseti are dissatisfied with the war. With the execution. I would not blame them all for what has transpired. For what will transpire.

With any luck, those with sense will abandon those without."

Calm.

Even.

Perhaps, even, a bit detached.
(Perseus Kang)
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[23:06] Elias raises her hands above her head in a gesture of goodwill. "Because I'm interested in making an agreement with your leaders, all truth be told. Because I come here in peace and fraternity, with coin to spend. Because this is a tremendous opportunity for you to demonstrate your own good judgement, in contrast to Sultan Yin's tremendous stupidity."

She keeps a calm mask on her face, but she's begun to worry, sweat beading on her brow."I am not your enemy."
(Elias Tanne)
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[23:06] Daganon says, "Eheheh. Hey- no input on the whole politics thing, but that first leg was great, yea? So just- keep me in mind."
[23:09] The courier's rifle stayed up for a moment, still crackling with sparks as he listened to what both Perseus and Elias had to say. The Peacekeeper's words seemed to have a much greater effect on him than any that came from the woman before him. Though-

He heard the last line clearly, echoing through the overwhelming emotion that may have filled his mind.

The messenger let out a sigh as he lowered his firearm.

"Right. Then I guess you've come to the right place."

His eyes narrowed briefly, recalling when maybe Elias had seen him in a similar state years ago near Ezmara. The memory calmed him more and he stood aside.
(Taetl'tel)
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[23:09] Elias Tanne says, " You do me a great mercy, Royal Messenger."
[23:10] Dan Karadin says, "I would've killed him if he tried.."
[23:10] Daganon says, "Eheh..."
[23:10] Taetl'tel says, "He woulda"
[23:10] Perseus Kang asks, "Stranger. Your name?"
[23:10] Elias Tanne says, " Elias Tanne, formerly of Deseti."
[23:10] Perseus Kang says, "Great."
[23:10] The whispy form of the siren retreats for now, slinking back towards the other two and crouching on the bench. He just... eyes the girl. For now.
(Daganon)
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[23:10] Taetl'tel whispers something.
[23:10] Perseus Kang says, "Eiphraem will be sleeping soon."
[23:11] Elias Tanne says, " Though I suppose I've made that part clear."
[23:12] Perseus Kang asks, "So, your intentions are...?"
[23:12] Elias Tanne says, " Eiphraem? Well, do tell him I've a mind to have an audience."
[23:12] Perseus Kang says, "Subsistence, coexistence, subservience. What? I am a little curious."
[23:12] Elias Tanne says, " Co-existance."
[23:12] Elias Tanne says, " ...And the possibility of tribute."
[23:12] Perseus Kang says, "If all you wish is to exist as your own, away from others, you'll likely be fine."
[23:13] Elias Tanne says, " Ah, a courtesy I wish Gehenna could show her neighbors."
[23:13] Perseus Kang says, "I would ask, however, that if there are any you know from Deseti who would like to actively work against the war - any attempt to contact and work with them would be much appreciated."
[23:14] Elias Tanne says, " Aye. 'Tis already my intention."
[23:14] Perseus Kang says, "Wonderful."
[23:14] Perseus Kang says, "I'm meeting so many new people from that place that I can't go because undead are banned."
[23:14] Perseus Kang says, "Maybe this will end up being a good thing."
[23:15] Elias Tanne says, " Aye. I tried to get that restriction repealed, during the Interregnum."
[23:15] Perseus Kang says, "I do lament that it will likely come to war regardless, however."
[23:16] Perseus Kang says, "If it is any consolation, I likely wouldn't have come for fear of the inevitable anyhow."
[23:16] Perseus Kang says, "It IS quite annoying that so many think that my killing would be a rescue."
[23:16] Elias Tanne says, " Ah, but I had hope it wouldn't be inevitable."
[23:17] Perseus Kang says, "Ah."
[23:17] Elias Tanne asks, " ...Are you the one I've heard stories about? The undead with a soul?"
[23:17] Perseus Kang says, "I've realized we're not. Properly acquainted, yes."
[23:17] Perseus Kang says, "Hello, I am Perseus Kang. And as for undead -"
[23:17] Perseus Kang says, "All of them have souls."
[23:17] Perseus Kang says, "I am merely more human than most."
[23:17] Elias Tanne asks, " Aye? Even the mindless slaves?"
[23:17] Perseus Kang says, "If they lacked souls, creating them would not be so distasteful."
[23:17] Perseus Kang asks, "They're not slaves if they aren't people, are they?"
[23:18] Perseus Kang says, "... but they are people."
[23:18] Perseus Kang says, "And yes, I find it detestable."
[23:18] Elias Tanne says, " ...You've a keen tongue. I hope to have the leisure to contemplate such things without fear of my house being burned down and my friends executed."
[23:19] Perseus Kang exclaims, "Ah!"
[23:19] Perseus Kang says, "No worries, stranger."
[23:19] Perseus Kang says, "Every house is burned to ash in time. All that matters is picking up from the ashes all that you can."
[23:19] Perseus Kang asks, "Me?"
[23:20] Perseus Kang says, "I am little more than a smolder that never burned out."
[23:21] Perseus Kang says, "But, ah, in all seriousness. In regards to fear of loss - a more direct piece of advice is to save what you can, and savor what you do."
[23:22] Elias Tanne says, " Mm, wisdom of the Saints. Perhaps in a decade's time I'll be calling that a hadith."
[23:22] Perseus Kang says, "I really do need to write up a treatise on my beliefs."
[23:23] Elias Tanne asks, " May I have your assurance I can pass here without any overeager guardsmen pointing guns at me?"
[23:23] Elias Tanne says, " Ah, no offense to you, Royal Messenger."
[23:23] Eiphraem Kang says, "... Good evening."
[23:23] Perseus Kang says, "Of course."
[23:23] Eiphraem Kang asks, "Someone requires assurance of passage?"
[23:23] Taetl'tel says, "I won't- do it again.."
[23:23] Perseus Kang says, "Elias Tanne, formerly of Deseti."
[23:23] Perseus Kang says, "They're coming in droves at this point."
[23:23] Elias Tanne asks, " And you're the lord Eiphraem?"
[23:23] Iosefka Coza says, "THE Lord Eiphraem."
[23:23] Iosefka Coza says, "Heh."
[23:23] Perseus moonwalks back, next to Eiphraem.
(Perseus Kang)
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[23:23] Elias Tanne says, " I've wanted to meet you for a very long time, but circumstances were never quite right until now."
[23:24] Eiphraem Kang says, "Indeed."
[23:25] Eiphraem Kang says, "A pleasure, Elias. I apologize for any discomfort."
[23:25] Elias Tanne says, " Ah, 's nothing worse than I did during my stint as a guard."
[23:25] Eiphraem Kang says, "I am always free for discussion, but you are welcome to invoke my name. if you feel more comfortable with a writ, I can have one made."
[23:25] Elias Tanne says, " Ah, I have faith that won't be necessary, milord."
[23:26] Eiphraem Kang says, "Of course. I am curious- Though you have probably already spoken with my Peacekeeper- As to what brings you here."
[23:27] Taetl'tel whispers something.
[23:29] Elias Tanne says, " ...Plainly? I seek a promise of peace between yourself and myself, and any other peacful Deseti who might leave the city of Sultan Setzer and form our own community. I have your, Peacekeeper? I have his assurance that this sort of arrangement will be looked on favorably."
[23:29] Perseus Kang says, "At the very least, I see little reason that it would not be. I encourage grabbing as many of your friends and family as possible and leaving, yes."
[23:29] Eiphraem Kang says, "Yes."
[23:29] Eiphraem Kang says, "I have spoken to others involved."
[23:30] Eiphraem Kang says, "I have no interest in sustaining conflict on those who do not desire my territory's blood shed. Nor should I ever have cause."
[23:31] Elias Tanne says, " My good friend Uchu told me of your good intentions, though I'm glad to see it for myself."
[23:31] Eiphraem Kang asks, "... Ah. Uchu- Is. Does he do well?"
[23:31] Eiphraem Kang says, "He was a pleasant individual."
[23:31] Elias Tanne says, " Ah, you'll forgive me, but I-- we're rather hard-put by the new environment in Deseti."
[23:32] Elias Tanne says, " He knows better than most how poorly Yin and the La'Hebas honor the wishes of the late Saint Setzer, may he be born into a better world."
[23:37] The serpent's head cocks idly at those words.

While the demon's own are reasonable, the inhuman visage presenting them is seemingly emotionless. His noseless face and slitted eyes lock onto Elias easily.

His voice is a gentle baritone, replicated in a countertenor echo from gills at his throat- But there is a hollow, mechanical quality to his words.

The serpent's lower body has copious feetlengths of silver coils- He is not inconvenienced in his positioning, when he idly wraps the end about Perseus' shins.

"... While I take the safety of my humans seriously, and Canna's- Death, is- An irreplaceable loss, as human death is. No. You do not have to fear that my reply is to follow suit." Eyes briefly close, a bit longer than a proper blink.

"I do not, and have not, ever believed in that. I am not them."

"Would you feel comfortable, if I asked you questions regarding the current Deseti leadership?" They fully open at last- His head tilting the other way. "I am unfortunately ignorant of them, to some degree. Ignorance can lead to crucial misjudgements."

"I want this to be over as bloodlessly as possible."

"I am equally willing to answer any and all questions you may possess, in turn."
(Eiphraem Kang)
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[23:46] Elias bows deeply, though fear still shakes her. "It would be my honor, Lord Eiphraem," she says in a low and careful tone, rolling the unfamiliar syllables of the demon's name around on her tongue. "I'll certainly take you up on your offer. I've begun to tire of only hearing one side of the story, such as it is. I only ask that these things be done in goodwill."
(Elias Tanne)
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[23:47] Eiphraem Kang says, "Thank you. Can you tell me of... This Yin, and the rise of the LaHeba? I admit. I know Yin was amongst them, but the rise of these- I am, for obvious reasons, not privy to further internal workings."
[00:07] Elias switches voices, easing herself into her practiced preacher's voice.

"Sultan Yin was the protégé and military commander of Saint Setzer Azahara, who I will assume you know of. When Setzer died, the throne was taken by the Atl warlord Kaltiv Tepetla, who himself died in the final battle against Eidolon. There was then a year-long interregnum. During this time, the La'Hebas-- the red-headed twins Shezmu and Ihros, and the younger brother Ra, appeared and joined the guard. When I say 'the La'Hebas', I principally mean the twins. Ra is much less bloody-minded. I don't know where they come from-- I suspect Yin sent for them from the Sarradian mainland."

She clears her throat and rubs the back of her neck, clearly entering a part of the story more unpleasant to relate. "During this interregnum, I wrote a constitution that would have restricted the powers of the Sultan and instituted full religious and racial equality. Some of the more pacifistic Deseti, including our mutual friend Uchu, were heavily in favor of it. Of the two main contenders for the throne, Prince Musaki and Yin, Musaki was wary of the constitution's restrictions on his power, while Yin claimed to be open to the constitution's main provisions.

"So it is my great shame that I supported Yin's bid for the Sultanate, and was ultimately the deciding vote. At which point he immediately refused to form a Diet, institute the freedoms, or reform the penal code. There's little we can do-- I'm a competent fighter, but nothing compared to Yin himself or the La'Hebas that materialized as his most trusted advisors. So I've been...."

She bends over and coughs heavily, face reddening with exertion. Drawing in a shaky breath, she returns with a small, apologetic smile. "I've been biding my time. Trying to institute reform best I can. The only real support I have is the Lady Maria, and you see how well that's working out for her. Yin's rather, Ihros seems to be the main power behind the throne. You may have heard he was the one who declared war on you alongside the sin-wrought Chief Pasis."
(Elias Tanne)
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[00:13] Perseus, as ignorant as he is to Deseti politics, takes the exposition dump from Elias with a hefty degree of interest. He has, of course, read quite heavily on the governments of Jianghu and Valmasia; hearing about the political machinations of a state that he has heard very little of, well -

it's certainly interesting.

"Power struggles seem to look the same no matter where anyone goes. Multiple people vie for it, and the masses are hopeful - and in the end, no matter who takes power, the result is very much the same.

Disappointing, more often than most."
(Perseus Kang)
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[00:17] Daganon floats back to lurk by the Kangs and his old friend, Elias.
(Daganon)
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[00:20] "..."

"I understand that it confused many that I would raise my blade against New Sarradia initially, particularly with my ordinary policies."

"... Ikkaku Ukitake's reach is long. This is the sort of entity I believed would occur, when I initially drew arms." Eyes close, for another brief pause. The demon's voice is slow, methodical, but not outwardly unpleasant compared to his appearance.

Too-large, unpleasantly disproportionate hands designed more for crushing skulls flex, tipped with raking, black claws.

"I admit, I find the reason I am declared upon quite- Pricklesome. There are many correct reasons to call to arms- But I have been glad to hear thusfar how many have been merely coerced by force into being a part of these acts."

"I only regret, perhaps, that I was not more proactive in communication, before it escalated to this level."

"I was somewhat... Baffled, by the rise of power of Ihros, and his ability to call for war." The coil about the cold, half-dead sarradian at his side squeezes- The serpent's large, broad shouldered bulk idly leaning into him.

"I would love to see your proposals, if you possess a copy of them. I am always curious. Have you been able to speak with Midia, this evening? I was able to speak with her during my Lady's debut."

"I understand my realm is not comfortable for all, in what it achieves, and what I permit, but I do intend not to stop individuals from forming their own realms- My issues previously were only due to-"

A pause, eyes closing. "The support of the failed ideas of Ardent that lead to them being an hypocritical, murderous force upon Agartha. I am obliged to combat those, where ever they may occur."
(Eiphraem Kang)
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[00:22] Daganon clearly zones out. Too many words.
(Daganon)
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[00:26] Elias looks up, marshalling her memory for something. "As the wise Saint Sophia tells us, 'so long as it harms none, may each people have a place and each place her people'. I've had my own share of run-ins with Ikkaku's people. Someone I considered a kinsman, the exorcist Laphicet, was taken in by him, turned, blinded to his own faults, and ultimately led to his own death. All the while, of course, poisoning the name of my faith and my god."

She crosses her arms over her chest and bows her head in remembrance. "I do so happen to have the codex I wrote originally, and a draft of a more perfect revision. It would be... rather foolish of me to have fled without them."

She doesn't quite answer about Midia, who she last saw learning of the death of her daughter. It's clearly not a very good memory.
(Elias Tanne)
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[00:27] Daganon leers at the floating boy beside him, then goes back to menacing Elias.
(Daganon)
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[00:32] An invisible tension leaves.

The serpent's shoulders ease. His clinging to Perseus ebbs, and pupils dilate. "Mh. I... Apologize for what occurred. I did not lie in my report upon his death, though I will not lie and say there is not the high likelihood with his complete..."

A faint twitch. "Inability to comprehend the value of other living beings outside of himself and the scripture, that he would not have been properly executed by command."

"It is what Ikkaku does to people. People like Jin. He takes them, he-" For a moment, the serpent's brows furrow, losing that preternatural calm. "He warps them, into zealotry and recidivism of their worst kinds."

Fangs dig into his lower lip. "He plays unto their pride, while convincing them they are humble by accepting faith; He uses them as bodies, meat shields, weapons. Now, he does not even pretend they are anything but."

A deep breath in- Air whistles through the gills along the side of his neck, and that perfect placidity is forcibly restored.

"... I know it is late. But, perhaps tomorrow evening- After I have rested, I would like to see it. Would you be capable of having a copy I could keep and review drafted? And perhaps given to Iosefi, if I am not available. I enjoy broadening perspective, and seeing it."

"You will not find yourself, nor your faith, problematic if those are your ideals."
(Eiphraem Kang)
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[00:33] Elias bows low, head nearly touching the floor. "Of course. I thank you for your hospitality, Lord Eiphraem."
(Elias Tanne)
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[00:33] Eiphraem Kang says, "Ah- No, thank you for being so willing to speak."
[00:34] Eiphraem draws that massive and across his chest- And gives a much smaller dip of his head.
(Eiphraem Kang)
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[00:34] Eiphraem Kang says, "It is always pleasant to encounter."
[00:34] Eiphraem Kang says, "For now-"
[00:34] Eiphraem Kang says, "Perseus, I believe it is time for your upkeep."
[00:34] Eiphraem Kang says, "Let us retire."