chaos 15 - new alliance

Iosefka Coza says, "Oh, hey Adjudicator."


Arthur Rowan says, "Hello."

Iosefka Coza asks, "Long time no see. What brings you?"

Arthur Rowan says, "The meeting with someone."

Iosefka Coza asks, "Oh, a meeting?"

Arthur Rowan says, "Yes."

Iosefka Coza asks, "... Here?"

Arthur Rowan says, "Yes."

Bei Rowan asks, "Did Yue not tell you..?"

Iosefka Coza says, "Nope."

Iosefka Coza exclaims, "Am I part of the meeting?!"

Arthur Rowan says, "Not quite."

Bei Rowan says, "No, it doesn't really concern Crafthold."

Iosefka Coza says, "Aww..."

Iosefka Coza says, "Well, OK. Have fun. Clinic's free."

Iosefka Coza says, "No killing each other."
Bei salutes.
(Bei Rowan)


Iosefka Coza exclaims, "Hi Leland!"

Xiuhcoatl Lelhua says, "One..two, three, four. Did I bring enough tea? Oh, if mother joins us, then I did not."

Xiuhcoatl Lelhua says, "Darn."

Iosefka Coza says, "No, apparently this meeting doesn't concern me."

Xiuhcoatl Lelhua says, "Oh, okay. Phew."
You're too far away. Get closer.

Iosefka waves dismissively. "It's a living."
(Iosefka Coza)


Xiuhcoatl Lelhua says, "And we can catch up later! Been busy."

Iosefka Coza says, "Yes, yes, I've been INSANELY curious as to what you've been doing."
Iosefka furrows her brow upon saying it. But she keeps mostly quiet.
(Iosefka Coza)

"After what I've learned of some angels, the destruction of one isn't as terrifying as I've believed," she'd speak. Of course, her favor was with the Divine, not any angel in particular. She takes note of the Lelhua's capability of slaying the angelic presence, however, and decides that he is strong enough to do this.

And the bastion of depravity is rend. With her own countenance swept drastically across from the mana, she is tightly held onto his entire arm and pressed - deciding it was better to close her eyes and endure the journey without a peep.

To come out on the other side, she is sick only through motion control. Any horrendous screeching within, any indicator that the depraved magic was going to unravel her mid-step is null. Coming forth in one piece, she breathes and allow her eyes to finally open.

"...I'm alright. I feel nothing."
(Tiamat)


Iosefka Coza says, "... No killing each other, Leland."
"All things considered, I'll probably travel the boring way from now on, with you in my company." Eyes closed, an annoyed shake of the head soon follows. Ephemeral, the amount of time his visage remains strained is minimal. "Yes, yes, you'll be alright, and-" To the neries, his attention shifts, a small flash of red lingers within his gaze. From crimson, to fulvous, the natural hue returns, and beneath those changing eyes is...

A smile.

"I've been working on many things. My apprentice became a bat person, recently! Turns out, I can give people wings! Ah, a conversation for later." Rolling his eyes to her commentary, he responds with a hint of annoyance in his tone. "If I intended to fight either of them, we wouldn't be here. Besides, at least half my reasons for attacking have already relocated."

With that, he turns, slowly guiding Tiamat to Helm of Dawn, and it's and Commander.

"Let's do this in...mmm. The clinic. Nice, peaceful, and quiet in there."
(Xiuhcoatl Lelhua)

Almost the whole time Leland appeared, he remains eerily silent.

It's hard to say what exactly goes on in Arthur's mind, but the crimson stare of Necromancer just never ceases to go. Instead, it lingers upon the Snake, and even as he speaks to other people, he hardly takes the presence of anyone else in account- except, noting the presence of Tiamat, if only briefly.

For all of the time, he stays in the same place, awaiting until he's finished with the beginning speeches and his brief exchange of words with Iosefka. Only when Leland actually affirms that they should be going to clinic for this conversation, he speaks at last.

"Let's go."

Just two words, and he says nothing else. His feet shift from the place, moving towards his destination, the heavy cloak dragging behind him as he walks.
(Arthur Rowan)

Bei says nothing! She simply follows with a single nod.
(Bei Rowan)

You have left a Guardian Ritual: 25% flee roll penalty removed!




Olander's Clinic

A meeting house for visitors who may be not permitted past the tower of Barad-Dur. It doubles as a clinic of sorts, with medical supplies and cabinets used to file medical information. There's a sterile, natural odor that permeates the air, and the tables and workspaces are regularly cleaned.

It is warm and inviting, and that's all it really has to be.

People call it "Olander's" but it's mostly where Tezoxochel drags people to attach prosthetics.


Xiuhcoatl Lelhua has entered Olander's Clinic.

Xiuhcoatl Lelhua has entered Olander's Clinic.

Before they begin, almost immediately after the parties sat down, the stare of the Necromancer turned back towards Leland- it's easy to tell he's not amused at all by such circumstance, but at least he bears no apparent hostility.

It's more of necessity as to why he's here, if anything.

But he knows of all demands, of all claims, of all words that were spoken and done so far. None of them help the case they have before them, and yet, he breaks the silence with two questions.

"What were your reasons of attacking Dawn?"

"And who's your companion?"
(Arthur Rowan)


 "Priorities, Arthur."

 She would lean back within her chair, one leg carefully crossing over the other as she rests her blade upon the side of her chair. For the most part, she didn't seem rather interested within starting a battle- however, there was always a passive amount of cautiousness. Perhaps, it was from the repetition within Iosefka's words that causes the drakanite to suddenly feel some type of way. Or maybe, it was the discolor within his gaze when he had addressed the issue. Nevertheless, the fine slits within her own hues would widen if only briefly as she peruses the room.

 "His reasons have been stated time and time again, my love. I believe it's mainly because of the attacks that Lusamina and Gideon have been doing upon his people, along with you providing a safe haven for those like Katrin Weiner, Astaria Rosenkreuz, Igleta and Leona Mariposa." A hand would wave briefly. "I understand your intentions but...These things are also rather clear. He doesn't need to repeat them, as it only makes this more tense than what it already needs to be. So...Let's move forward, yes?" She states, nodding briefly. Dabbling within the past does little for each faction, especially when they can work over those details.

 "Let us work towards bettering the relations that we possess." In a way, she 'finagles' what he says to be rather...Nicer. "Since we've gathered here, it'd be best to reach a lovely middle ground between the two of us. What would be the best way to do that, hm?"
(Bei Rowan)

Of course, one couldn't very well sit in an important meeting to this without introducing one's self.

The desert-toned witch settles to the table, quite stunned - truly - that she doesn't read the Rowan couple before her out of instinct. There is silence within, and an inability to gauge their reactions or mood in this moment. It had been years since such silence took place within her mind.

"My name is Tiamat Hajara," she'd answer Arthur's inquiry immediately. "I am a former member of Huangzhou's Qilin Tribunal, and I've relocated to Cruaxti to assist with this war. There has been, however, quite some drastic changes that has led me to believe there are greater threats in store - both from what I've witnessed with my own eyes and from what I hear has taken place within your own nation."

She places her hands onto her lap, curving them upon her knees. "I pray my presence doesn't make you uncomfortable."
(Tiamat)

Arthur Rowan whispers: ...And he brought ex-Huangzhou Qilin servant here because? It's not safe to discuss anything in her presence. She'll spill out the information.

Bei Rowan whispers: There's no need to question those things as of now, hold your doubts.

Bei Rowan whispers: We need to move forward, we'll find out more about her later.

Iosefka Coza has entered Olander's Clinic.


Iosefka Coza says, "I'm mediating this meeting."
Ludovic Grauhimmel has entered Olander's Clinic.


Iosefka Coza says, "I--"

Tiamat says, "Welcome."

Ludovic Grauhimmel says, "Hiya."
Ludovic Grauhimmel whispers: While I didn't intend to actually step inside, Iosefka did and I felt left out. Also, there's a dryad cutting off another kid's arm in some sort of honor battle in Valmasia. Well, potentially.


(From behind the door:)

Kestrel fidgets uneasily before the door, glancing back at Mona, and then at the door, and then Mona, and then she just.... breathes in sharply and enters the clinic.
(Kestrel)

Kestrel has entered Olander's Clinic.

Bei Rowan whispers: It's an honor battle. If the person accepted, there's nothing wrong with the consequences.

Ludovic Grauhimmel whispers: Fair enough.

Despite the cold stare, only a smile remains embedded into his visage. So practiced, it hardly feels forced these days. Slicing a claw through the lifestream, his hand reaches into the tear, removing a small plate of steaming tea. He places it onto the table before them, spinning the tray, before answering the first inquiry.

"We had two, real reasons to attack, the rest, admittedly, were just sprinkles on the shit snowflake: excuses." There comes an uncomfortable shift of the shoulders. "The first, being the lesbian cult that Dawn once...mmm. I don't want to say 'harbored', but they hid within your nation. The second, I'd been informed of your plans to station soldiers within the Hold.

Where, a few claimed, you had intents to do some sort of a takeover. I'm told it was to kill Tragedy-- a commendable goal!"

Grinding his teeth, he pauses for a moment, as Tiamat speaks. Nodding a few times. "...I'm a businessman, first and foremost, so you must understand, that I cannot sully the names of my sources. Even if, at times, they're rather...hmm. Misleading, but the man who lead me to assume that your nation craved the Hold's land..

Is dead."

His fangs peer through his maw, as his lips snarl, forming a curl, fighting some sort of silent battle as he forces himself to continue. "I won't apologize for what I've done. But, I will apologize for being wrong. I. Am sorry." Claws upon his own knees, the flesh beneath them rends, finding it painfully difficult to offer something some may consider trivial.

"The issues with Gideon and Lusamine have been handled, and, yes." Gaze shifting to Bei, he offers a knowing nod. "As Tiamat says, we all have bigger, more pressing threats to deal with. A false justice that murders mindlessly in the name of--!"

As the room fills with an abundance of souls, he slaps his hands upon the table!

"..and if you crave privacy for this meeting, hold on tight."
(Xiuhcoatl Lelhua)

Tiamat whispers something.

Tiamat whispers something.

Xiuhcoatl Lelhua whispers something.

Iosefka raises a hand, first and foremost, as the Chieftain slaps the table. "You're holding a meeting in my city, in my clinic, and are two neighboring nations whom our safety and wealth hinges on. I would rather not leave if it's a matter of privacy."
(Iosefka Coza)

Tiamat whispers something.

Tiamat whispers something.


Xiuhcoatl Lelhua says, "Mom. There are eight people in here. I have social anxiety. Either, the number gets cut down, or we finish in my summer home- Helheim."
Xiuhcoatl looks up, as a crack within reality forms above the table. The spiritual realm groans, as thick tendrils of light descend from realities tear!
(Xiuhcoatl Lelhua)


Ludovic Grauhimmel says, "No worries, I can wait outside. This isn't robust, so my presence isn't needed."
Kestrel timidly raises a hand.
(Kestrel)


Kestrel says, "I'm Yue's representative."
Ludovic would also, rather not travel in such a peculiar fashion. Despite being familiar with the sensation.
(Ludovic Grauhimmel)


Iosefka Coza says, "My husband goes where I go. But if there are numbers to be cut..."

Iosefka Coza asks, "... Sorry, Kestrel. Will you be able to wait outside the door with Ludovic?"
Kestrel sighs.
(Kestrel)


Kestrel says, "You told me to come in here in the first place, you know...."

Iosefka Coza exclaims, "I did!"

Iosefka Coza says, "I didn't realize it would be an issue. My bad."
It stirs Arthur every time he hears about Astaria, Gideon and all the other rats of his city.

It's not the silent anger that's directed at anyone who's present here- it's unamused, cold stare that is pointed absolutely nowhere, perhaps even at the wall nearby; being enemies with someone was one thing, but being betrayed so many times all along? It causes... a dark wish, only fuelled further by what he happens to be.

To rip their guts out.

"That... lesbian cult never truly represented Dawn's interests. Neither did Gideon, or the whole Ruger schtick. In fact, Astaria has betrayed us after keeping most of her deeds hidden - she, in fact, is the torturer of Dawn's prisoners. She's the one who's done many wrong deeds, and now, she sits in Huangzhou, lying in their faces about how saint she is."

"The Rugers? Parasites. All they've donewas leech off from us and keep on screwing up everything we do."

"Though... it goes without saying that I believe you should communicate such matters with actual leaders of Dawn, instead of letting some pests influence your view. It's same as if I viewed Gehenna as a whole because of actions of a single man."

"It's just not right."

He doesn't say much about the matters of privacy. If anything, he believes that this would go a long way to expose even more rats, if there are any- a leak of information from this meeting would mean that someone currently present is guilty.

And wouldn't that be just nice to know?

"If you're confident that you can trust the information spoken here does not spread anywhere else, then we can remain. Otherwise--"

"I believe you're already aware of what's coming for you, Leland. Were you aware of everything that Huangzhou does?"

"Of the plans that are coming to reality?"
(Arthur Rowan)

"Right. Astaria, and the others were plotting to kill Verdict. Gideon? Quite the thorn in my side. Again, a mistake on my behalf. And yes, yes. I understand. Something I had to learn through personal experience, but..I understand. There are many within my realm that I wouldn't want representing me.

And expecting a leader to micromanage is absolutely absurd." Thus, his eyes fall into the void. The literal void above his head, that comes to an abrupt shut.

"...ah, ah. I'm not confident in that at all. I could go on some tangent about how I've been betrayed by everything I've ever loved, but really, it's just business." Thus, his head shakes.

"..and no, no. I'm afraid, despite our bullshit allegiance, I'm not quite aware of many things, they do. However! I am aware that they're a problem. Yes, yes, for the nations as a whole. Once they're done with the vampires, either my village, or your nation, is next.

Even if you hate me, which, I won't blame if you do, it's simply wise to refrain from swinging at each other...

When, we've a much large enemy to eliminate."


(Xiuhcoatl Lelhua)


Xiuhcoatl Lelhua asks, "Oh, gosh golly darn it, does this mean I'm betraying Huangzhou?"
Iosefka raises a finger.
(Iosefka Coza)


Iosefka Coza exclaims, "I haven't betrayed you!"

Iosefka Coza says, "... Though that's neither here nor there."

Xiuhcoatl Lelhua asks, "Where is my fancy shirt?"

Iosefka Coza says, "It takes years to make stuff like that..."

Xiuhcoatl Lelhua says, "Betrayed."
Iosefka coughs into her fist. While she does crack a smile, there is an underlying hint of nervousness that gives way to a more professional air as her hands clasp together on the table.
(Iosefka Coza)

"I came to believe that Astaria may have been the agent of Huangzhou all along. She wished for me to continue battling Vampires, even when Dawn was weakened after constant wars, despite me explaining as to why we could not continue at the time."

"Besides, Vampires have surrendered to Dawn. And yet... she still insisted we'd fight, while never contributing in the fight herself. At most, she's participated in a single raid out of many."

"I suppose I put too much trust in Neries and Oscuri myself. Just because they come from people that are usually allied with Valmasia, it does not mean they're actually my allies."

A revelation too late, really. If he had seen it coming, if he actually paid more attention to the whole thing, perhaps he'd be able to anticipate it - but now, the only thing he can do is look into the future and figure out what else could be done.

"...And as you saidit yourself, you're next."

"Even if they attack me first, even if they're successful- or instead, unsuccessful- in taking me down, you're their next target. They're imperialists, and they view all beneath them. If you know their history, they tried to take over Agartha a couple of times."

"And they still want to do so. Even if you do not believe me... the sheer fact that you're a Riftmancer will be enough for them to just hang you."

"You can count on that word."

He does not disagree with the fact that they should refrain from swinging at each other. As much as there's still a bitter taste after recent conflict, the looming shadow of Huangzhou's threat is far too much to ignore.

"I'm aware of that too."

"We've already begun military operations long before anyone else did. They're looking to expand into forests right next to the swamp, Leland, and onto the plains at the cave exists."

"We've been destroying their watch towers, catching their people and warding off anyone who tries pass. But the question is..."

"What can you do?"
(Arthur Rowan)

"Oh, I'm aware. Most of the people I considered companions, from Huangzhou, wanted my head the moment they learned of my magic. A shame, truly a shame. But- what can I do, what can I do...is this a personal question, or a question for...my nation?

My hunters are always hungry, and Huangzhou has quite the feast! You, know of it don't you? My Gluttony sin? It's a terrible curse, but I can bring myself to tear it away from him. It's a part of who he is, and as of late? He's been absolutely starving. And- information?

Most of their nobles are corrupt. One murdered her unborn child, another pays me to execute those she dislikes, another claimed to have dabbled in rift magic. Resources? Just ask. While I hate charity, I love making investments.

..and yeah, sure, if a war comes I can assist, or whatever."
(Xiuhcoatl Lelhua)


Xiuhcoatl Lelhua says, "..as a matter of fact."
Xiuhcoatl slides a large pouch across the table.
(Xiuhcoatl Lelhua)


Xiuhcoatl Lelhua says, "That should pay for any damages."
Xiuhcoatl Lelhua whispers something.

Xiuhcoatl Lelhua whispers something.

Xiuhcoatl Lelhua whispers something.

Xiuhcoatl Lelhua whispers something.

Xiuhcoatl Lelhua whispers something.

Tiamat whispers something.

Tiamat whispers something.

Tiamat whispers something.

Tiamat whispers something.

...It's an oddity that he decides to just give money like that.

Yet, as much as the motive of such is questioned, and it's met with an arch of his brow, the Adjudicator simply collects it. Considering the fact that a lot of the things he's been looking to purchase as of late does cost money, it's only a good addition.

But as for other things? He had to be sure.

"No, Leland. I need your exact word that you are going to participate. I need your word that you are going to both fend off against this threat, and attack when needed."

"We're either together in this, or we're separate - and if you think that we can truly afford being separate at this point, then no amount of money or ties is going to save you the moment Huangzhou decides that they've had enough of your existence."

There's a pause within his words. It could be expected for a known Chaos mage to be this persistent, this... greedy when it comes to grasping something he wants, or rather, needs, but it becomes all too terribly apparent.

"I need your word that you're in, and that you're going to come along when it's time. All of Dawn's capable warriors already go out to hunt, to fight and to destroy everything Huangzhou builds. I need your people, and you as well, to do the same."

"It's only fair. Even I personally roam regularly to catch someone. This proposed alliance cannot function any other way."
(Arthur Rowan)

Tiamat whispers something.

Iosefka clears her throat amidst their deal brokering. Irrelevant though she may be to the politics at large between the East and the West, the small scale deals made between Cruxati and Dawn are far, far more valuable to her. She leans forward, a brow raised as the two make their pledge.

"... If it's all the same to you, Chieftain- Adjudicator-" She nods to each in turn, "Without this specific deal, it is as Arthur says. The whole East goes up in flames, and goes under the boot of Huangzhou. Crafthold's not seen a whole ton of activity as of late, and our fighters are all dead, hibernating, or retired..."

She shrugs.

"But arcanium still comes cheap through here, and we can offer some armor for any coming conflict. It's probably the most we can do. As well as offering Crafthold as a meeting area in case of future hostilities or miscommunications between Crux and Dawn."

"... Plus, I feel I have to make up for the bullshit Malentine's been pulling with Arthur."
(Iosefka Coza)

"Oh, of course. You asked what I could do. Not what I'm going to do. Silly, silly." His fingers tap across the table, considering the best way to convey his message. Not feeling particularly verbose, he finds that a few phrases should suffice. Genuine is simple, after all.

"We're going to slaughter them all. Each and every hypocrite. All who cower behind justice and self righteousness. My only complaint, is that I fear, there are few among their ranks that are capable of providing the same challenge that you, and your lover, have presented.

Ah, well."

At the mention of Malentine, Leland damn near flinches. "If he's been causing issues, I'd like to address that at a later date." Extending a hand across the table, his talon adorned appendage is shoved before Arthur.

"Let's make a bet. If I kill more Huangzhou soldiers, you owe me fifty-thousand. If you kill more than me,then I owe you the same."
(Xiuhcoatl Lelhua)

"Very well."

It's the talk of re-assurance, but between ex-enemies, it's obviously something that needs to be addressed. This is all necessary because the looming threat of Huangzhou becoming immensely large and powerful becomes something that cannot be ignored at all, and as result, they must ensure that their goals will align properly.

"In case of Huangzhou attacking Cruxati, I would spare my people for defence, but I expect Cruxati to do the same in case they attack Dawn - both fronts must be protected, because if their overwhelming numbers collapse on either of us, we'll get swarmed."

"And that's not something that could be allowed."

In truth, it's not about defending Cruxati only. It's a strategic move by Adjudicator, ensuring that barricades that stand between them and their defeat remain thick enough so that nothing can pierce them - besides, every raid is an opportunity to kill someone.

"As for challengers, you don't need to worry. I'm sure both me and Bei will take upon someone - and I don't think that Huangzhou has shortage of powerful magi at this point."

Though, he pauses once the mention of a bet rises. His expression is unamused- not because he didn't like the idea, but...

"...I do not have that much money."

"I'm a researcher and warrior, Leland. All of my life I focused on completing Wonders, on self perfection and on war. I've had a lot on my plate."

"Business was not one of my priorities, and the research I've been doing never had any investment done into it. Not that it stopped me, anyway."
(Arthur Rowan)

"Mmmm. Fair enough. I can personally supply a powerful squad of magi, in the event of an ill-timed attack. All I'll need is...ah, well. We'd need a transceiver for you, and I'd need a rift point in Dawn." Casually spoken, as if both would be easily obtained.

"See, that's what I fear. They've a powerful Qilin, and Hayashi. Outside of those two...well." There comes a shaking of the head. "The rest just don't quite compare." Shifting his gaze to Tiamat, he rakes his brain for a moment, before conceding with the bet.

"Ah, fair. But, truly, it takes coin to make coin. You could take what I gave you, and turn it into sixty-thousand. Then, into a hundred and twenty thousand. Making coin isn't about labor, it's an...art.

Ah, well. Speaking of art." Clasping his hands together, he smiles feeling that the meeting is nearly adjourned. "Seems I need to fund a new army, if you'llexcuse me-"
(Xiuhcoatl Lelhua)

He'd imagine that such things would lie upon them, for a simple fact that the Rowan never had the necessary funding to have transceivers, nor he had the time for such things- all of his life was focused on improving the Art of Necromancy, and while he's gotten very, <i>very</i> far--

-- it's not something that he can really fund.

"Mm... feel free to set up the spot in Dawn, then. As for transceivers, I'm afraid that's something you would need to supply me with."

"Otherwise, I do not have means to access such communication."

As for the challengers, Arthur ponders. Were their good fighters that limited, really? Now that he thought about it...

"I actually fought Hayashi."

"He's... okay, but I bested him quite easily the moment I simply realized how exactly he fights. That one is not a threat - and should he walk upon me on the battlefield, I would slay him easily."

"As for the Qilin, I've heard he's quite powerful. Something tells me that's exactly whom I'll be facing."

"Nonetheless, I assume that would be all, for now. Unless you had any other concerns to bring up?"
(Arthur Rowan)