[22:26] Kohei A voice calls out from the trees to the west. "Where is he?"
(Kohei Owari)
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[22:27] Eirel Dreki says, "He's down here. By the tower."
[22:27] Eirel Dreki says, "With two friends."
[22:27] Kohei Silence. And then, "Send him here. I am alone."
(Kohei Owari)
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[22:28] Kohei "Just him." the voice says."
(Kohei Owari)
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[22:28] Eirel Dreki says, "He's not going to accept that."
[22:28] Eirel Dreki says, "They've been pretty explicit."
[22:28] Kohei "Then all of them. It's just me..." the voice says.
(Kohei Owari)
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[22:31] Eirel Dreki says, "...Alright."
[22:32] Kohei A voice calls out from the trees to the west, "I've come alone, because I feel it is important we meet. I ask that you send your accompanyment away or else I will be forced to leave the area for my own safety. I understand you're caution, but I have to practice my own. Please, it is important... and I fear this is the only chance I'll ever have to speak with you, Ovan."
(Kohei Owari)
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[22:34] Ovan takes a few more steps and lets out a sigh, hands remaining in his pockets beneath his cloak. All of this, and the person still wouldn't come out to speak to him directly? The Huitzilopochtli's annoyance is palpable.

"You've got five minutes of my time. This entire scenario has been one giant ball of sketch, and I am not a fan. Speak quickly."
(Ovan Huitzilopochtli)
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[22:35] Eirel stands to the side, still looking on edge- but at least her part has been done.
(Eirel Dreki)
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[22:36] Kohei floats out from the trees to the east, alone. His form is transparent and despite being difficult to view, he bears a frown. "I am alone. I would ask that we speak just the two of us."
(Kohei Owari)
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[22:36] Ovan Huitzilopochtli asks, "This is the best you'll get. What do you want?"
[22:37] Kohei shakes his head. "I cannot allow that. I want to speak with you about peace, about the future. I want to speak with you about the announcement you made yesterday and the star over that city. But I can't, and I won't, unless it is only the two of us. I pose no threat to you, sir, for if we were to fight, you would most assuredly best me."
(Kohei Owari)
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[22:43] "It isn't about fighting. You either accept my conditions and speak on whatever is on your mind, or we kick rocks. You are the fourth person to try this tactic for a one on one conversation in private. Whatever you have to say to me can be said to my council as well, Kohei Owari."

He stands about for a few moments, waiting for a reply. His schedule was backed up as it was.
(Ovan Huitzilopochtli)
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[22:45] Laphicet says, "I'm tired of waiting."
[22:45] Laphicet says, "It better be good."
[22:45] Kohei sighs. He hangs in the air and shakes his head. "Then I am sorry for wasting your time. This isn't a stunt, this is what I consider- my last chance to do something right. I've lost friends to that star, I've seen horrible things and I want to solve it, but you have to understand: I can't speak with you in the company of others. For my own safety, it was a risk coming to meet you, and I ask you to take the risk in trusting me, just once. If there was a way to present something to you to symoblize that trust, I would show it. But I can't. If this is where we part ways, then, I pray the future guides us all to better places. But I know the paths will be filled with fire and smoke before we get there."
(Kohei Owari)
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[22:46] Laphicet eyes adjust to the darknes to scan the other mans appearance only for it to be Kohei...a large sigh escapes his lips...he assumed as much.
(Laphicet)
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[22:47] Kohei Owari says, "speaks again, "This is my last hope. I'm begging you to listen to me."*"
[22:48] Laphicet whispers something.
[22:48] Laphicet says, "If that were true you would have no inhibitions."
[22:49] Kohei shakes his head, "It's because of the nature of the situation we are in that I have to take these precautions, but they are not inhibitions, sir."
(Kohei Owari)
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[22:49] Laphicet says, "Understand we also have take precautions and you have given us no reason to trust you."
[22:50] Laphicet says, "Your methods make it even less of a fact."
[22:50] Kohei gestures around him, "I understand. I understand your trust is not something I should believe in having at this moment, I am simply asking you for a moment of faith. Faith that together-... Together we could do something right, really right."
(Kohei Owari)
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[22:56] Laphicet whispers something.
[22:59] Ovan shakes his head from one side to the other, then turns on a heel, preparing to walk off.

"If you really had faith in the future, you would present your ideas to Vindicia's Council, wouldn't you? You would stop hiding in the shadows and step out to make a difference. I don't know you very well, Kohei, but I know that you've been reported to float in and out of Eidolon. As much as I would like you give you a shot here--"

He stops for a few moments, eyes glancing over to Laphicet as he speaks. Eventually, he looks back to the man and lets out a cold, icy sigh. The breath of sheer cold escapes his mouth, allowing those around him to get a glimpse of his internal temperature and pale form. The Council Head was not in good shape.

"Alright. Alright. We'll talk. But not here. It'll be in a location of my choosing not too far away. Laph', Keaka, would you mind waiting for me at the tower?"
(Ovan Huitzilopochtli)
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[23:00] Kohei nods quickly, "I can agree to this so long as it is, again, only the two of us, and in a place where we will not be found. By either my people, or yours."
(Kohei Owari)
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[23:00] Ovan Huitzilopochtli says, "Don't worry. I'll be alright."
[23:07] Laphicet squints at Kohei, and then turns his gaze to Ovan. He looks at him for a moment with an expression of giving up. He thought his purposed Idea was better than Ovan's compromise but he figured there was no talking him out of it.

He glared towards Kohei straight in the face, Yet there was no hostility in his actions nor in his movements."I absolutely do mind Ovan, You heard him clearly just now didn't you? His people It means he has been working for them all the while remaining in Vindicia. People like him hold nothing but deceit to their every actions. You truly believe his words will amount to anything useful when all he has done so far is like and deceive? I don't feel like I have to worry about you but still you should be more considerate tot he position your in. Not only as a council member but as a Chieftain. Don't do this again. and I'm telling you this as a friend not as anyone of rank." He'd step away still upset over everything but he made sure in his mind that if Ovan was hurt Kohei would be captured and sentenced.

(Laphicet)
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[23:08] Kohei frowns at Laphicet. "I do not with to remain in Vindicia. I use the term as a sign of honestly."
(Kohei Owari)
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[23:13] An icy-cold hand reaches out to pat Laphicet on the shoulder.

"I hear you guys. We won't wander too far. Trust me, it'll be fine."

A cough is let out soon after and a shiver runs up his spine.

Just as he had been warned, he could only feel the cold. That numb. It would be a long year indeed. Being out in this weather was doing him no favors.

He moves to the east and signals for the man to follow him.

"We'll make it quick, yeah? Perhaps you two could do a mining run in the cave while you wait."
(Ovan Huitzilopochtli)
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[23:14] Laphicet says, "Hmph."
[23:14] Kohei gestures to Eirel, "And this one as well."
(Kohei Owari)
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[23:15] Eirel Dreki says, "Right."
[23:16] Kohei politely gestures to whichever way they're going to go, "After you."
(Kohei Owari)
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[23:17] Kohei runs a hand through his illusory hair. "Now that that's over- as a sign of full trust-..."
(Kohei Owari)
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[23:17] Taetl'tel removes his helmet.
(Taetl'tel)
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[23:17] Taetl'tel says, "Thank you- for ah- meeting with me."
[23:17] Ovan Huitzilopochtli says, "Ah."
[23:17] Taetl'tel says, "Now- I know you probably- know who I am, if I'm not overreaching with my reputation."
[23:18] Ovan Huitzilopochtli says, "Sure. "
[23:18] Ovan Huitzilopochtli says, "What I don't know.. is what you want."
[23:18] Taetl'tel says, "What I want is a world at peace, I assure you."
[23:21] The once courier stretched his arm a bit as he looked around the building, as if to note the detail of the interior for some reason. His red gaze turned back to Ovan and he tried his best to look serious, and not as strange as an ookami messenger may seem.

"When I said- my people.. I don't mean Eidolon. I heard of your speech, what you said atop the Hummingbird's Perch? 'To those that have a similar goal or stance, now is the time to let it be known.'" he quoted, struggling with some memory to do so.

His ears flicked towards the door, and then to Ovan, it was clear he was extremely anxious, and the threat of whatever could occur here weighed heavily on his mind.

"Consider this me- letting it be know. Whichever way the winds of war blow, I wished to speak with you. I've been scouring the caves for Ikkaku himself for monthsnow but- obviously... I've never succeeded."
(Taetl'tel)
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[23:31] His head tilts slightly at the reveal, though he doesn't make too many movements.

In fact, a sigh comes with it.

"Two minutes. That's how much of my time you will be given. I would cut the fat and get to what you want. Why do you seek Ikkaku? Do you think you will have another fruitful spy expedition like the one with Ashvale..?"
(Ovan Huitzilopochtli)
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[23:42] Tael doesn't look defensive at the accusations, and he leaves his hands at his side. Whatever Ovan had heard, the courier would ask at another, more appropriate time.

"Ikkaku and I have spoken on several occasions- they just seem to be moments when I'm not looking for him. When I speak to him it's not as a spy, but as someone wanting to understand."

The courier shakes his head, trying to dismiss the idea quickly, "But this meeting is not to arrange one with him. While I'd appreciate a talk- I did really intend to meet you. You see-" he walks back towards the wall and leans against it. "There's too much bad blood between the Angel Blessed and- well, my Queen. There's too much bad blood between Eidolon and Ezmara, too much between Eidolon and New Sarradia. No one talks- no one negotiates, no one compromises; it's always- war."

Tael crossed his arms, inhaling and exhaling slowly, knowing his words had to be picked precisely if he wished to get his point across. "But you and me? We're another generation, we're caught up in the flow of this, yes? On different sides, forced to call one another enemies, but is that really what we have to be?"

He shifts, allowing for his mythril arm to poke out of his cloak. "Your men- the exorcist out there and Zaruel, as well as a New Sarradian guard and a masked warrior assaulted me and my friends in the caves as we traveled to Bhadraithe. The couple I was with carried their newborn children with them, and your soldiers wouldn't stand down, wouldn't let us pass, so I was forced to fight." he says with some anger. Tael closes his eyes for a moment to call himself, clenching the visible, metal fist before relaxing again. There's a pause before he continues.

"But that's the price I've paid for the things I've done. I don't hold any ill will towards Zaruel for my arm- but I judge men who attacked a father in front of his infant sons and their mother."

His tail swished behind him a few times and he bit his lip. "I've not come to be a rebel- for I will always be loyal to Bhaldraithe. I haven't come to be a spy and tell my superiors your plans and infiltrate your home. I've come to ask that we find a way that we don't hurt innocent, good people on both sides- that soldiers fight in the necessary times, but that diplomats can speak to stop the killing and chaos. This world is too bad for all of us to continue- to continue hating one another for no reason other than because someone else told us to do so."

He tilted his head in Eidolon's direction, "I hope, in my heart, that you find a way to rid this world of that star- that wretched thing that holds the souls two of my friends captive- but once it's gone, I- I want to find a way to stop the fighting."
(Taetl'tel)
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[00:01] "It's funny you would say that."

The man starts, eyes focusing on the courier before him. After listening to everything that he had to say and bobbing his head along at certain points, he offers a reply that accurately depicts how he feels about the scenario.

"The only thing we want is the star. We want the flow of the zombies to stop so that our people -- OUR innocents are no longer in danger. Does that make sense? As terrible as it is that your people were attacked and injured.. we did not start this war. Eidolon declared it. We simply decided to stand up for the lifestream and the future of Agartha. And if you are being honest right now, and are not working at some scheme.."

He pauses for a moment, that icy aura still hovering about him. It was something that he could not shake for the time being.

"Then you would work with us to destroy it. Stella cannot see the reality of it all -- that as long as it exists, no one but her empire will prosper. And even then, the undead only adhere to her. You understand that eventually.. everyone will be turned into one of those if she has her way, correct? That star is a power so mighty that we cannot hope to simply contain it or wait it out.

It has to be destroyed. But in the meantime..?"

He brings a hand up to cough into, golden eyes still focused on the courier's movements.

"In the meantime, you can help by finding a way to deal with that damn star. By getting Bhaldraithe out of this war so that Eidolon has to stand on its own two legs. That is how we, the next generation, make Agartha a better place. If you aren't willing to do that, then there is nothing we can do to help each other."
(Ovan Huitzilopochtli)
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[00:07] Tael grinned, his red eyes sparking to life at Ovan's words. The courier had taken a risk even coming here, he'd been nervous and clammy all day long, but to hear of a chance at success? It was all worth it, even if it was just a shot.

"I'll do what I can. You should understand I obviously cannot fight for you- but I will do my best to maneuver things on my end. I had a similar conversation with Ikkaku and well-.. things didn't go how I had hoped. But another time- another time..."

The messenger pushed off the wall and approached Ovan, extending his real, gloved hand to shake.

"My Queen wishes to defend Eidolon and its star- and while I'd never want to betray her, it seems that more and more of Bhaldraithe's citizens are also growing in discontent. Stella made it with the help of the cosmic mages from Bhaldraithe, andsince then one of them gave their life trying to destroy it while the rest have expressed a growing regret. Bhaldraithe hasn't been safe from the rogue undead either." With his metal arm he gestures to a faint scar across his right cheek, a jagged, faded injury that told the story of when he once had half of his face bitten off.

"Ikkaku and Laureline have their wars to wage- but you and I should focus on defending the things that they're willing to gamble away. Yes?"
(Taetl'tel)
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[00:18] A hand moves to accept Taetl'tel's own, his gloved digits securing the firm gesture for a moment or two.

"I am the leader of Vindicia -- that is where my focus lies. But as long as others are doing what they can to push back Eidolon and end them, I am obligated as a warrior of the Sun and of the Arcane Order to assist."

He pulls his hand back and moves towards the door, shaking his head.

"But Dan cannot be forgiven for what he did to Jin. Laureline is even more corrupt. The rest of Bhaldraithe I don't care to tackle them. Take care, messenger of the North. I hope to see big things from you in the future."

He rolls his shoulders and prepares to depart on that note, knowing that not everyone felt the same way about the war. There might be hope for Agartha yet.
(Ovan Huitzilopochtli)
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[00:24] Tael smiled when Ovan accepted the handshake, and returned with a firm grip himself. The leader had understood the courier's motives and wished for a similar goal, and that was all he needed.

He gave Ovan a stoic nod, understanding his mention of Dan and Laureline's crimes. Tael himself hadn't enjoyed hearing the news and would have offered some sort of condolence but felt something else- something more pressing to the courier had to be said instead.

As Ovan made his way to the door and said his farewell, Tael ran a hand through his hair again and said, "And- please keep Sigrun safe. Whatever she may think of me- what I did, I did for her safety- and mine. Two people were killed simply for speaking with rebels in Bhaldraithe and- I couldn't risk seeing her turned to a frozen statue. I know... that she'll likely never forgive me, and I accept that. But if you could just tell her I- I'm still out here, thinking- thinking- about-..." his voice cracked and he coughed to try to cover it up. The words felt strange coming out of his mouth.

"Just tell her I'm around. If she ever does want to talk again." he mumbled.

A silence hung between them and he said quickly, "And- obviously I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone this happened- or kept my name a secret. Just between the two of us, and I'll do the same. If we need to talk again, I'll try to do it in a less suspicious fashion."
(Taetl'tel)
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[00:26] Ovan Huitzilopochtli says, "Fair enough. Sigrun is a little sibling to me, so I'll make sure to keep her safe."