Blade trade

[12:14] There's a softer shift as the Hirai lowers himself onto one of the seats present, no words escape at first-- at least not until the rest of them are settled down, as well, and only then those lips are allowed to part, words directed towards Rindou all the while.

"Do you know of the circumstances behind your release? With clarity, that is. Since there's some heavy speculation, but nothing negative, don't worry. If what I'm reported is true, after all, then it's probably something that should be made known-- specially to you, Rindou."

A bit of pause, then.

"...but if I'm wrong, then I'd like to know what happened, actually. Think you can elaborate? If that's okay?"
(Elyon Hirai)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[12:15] While the Chieftain speaks, the shaman remains so ever quiet; his studies of presence for various essences and different kinds of magics were put to use, and there's an evident flicker of blue in his eyes- the sclera paints itself azure while he stares at Rindou.

But he says nothing. In particular, he looks for something, anything unusual. Just in case the initial inspection missed something.

"Mmh.."
(Keitaro)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[12:18] Tahldrig had made her way in and quietly sat down. She remains quiet, every interaction she'd had with people who had /escaped/ Sors had been... well they'd been damaged. She'd seen some of the afflictions Sors has dealt out.. tried mending some of them with limited success. But so far she hasn't been able to see anything wrong with Rindou.
(Tahldrig)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[12:24] She had wanted to speak about something completely different but the chance to do so was taken away by Elyon's questions. She faced up to the ceiling, that way she wouldn't offend anyone.

"He doesn't know I have left yet. For a while he wasn't there - I was left alone in the dark. I met some of his allies, they told me I was going to fail. I heard the rattle of his chains but they never bound me. I watched innocents die at the shrine. I watched their souls being claimed by Sors.

I met Malentine Invidia."
I'm never going to fail.

She shook her head a bit, thinking that last line almost loudly enough for all to hear.

"I escaped the moment he thought he could take me back to Agartha and have me stick around without anyone watching. I managed to make my way back."
(Rindou Sakamoto)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[12:25] Calista Shimasu says, "I still want Aunt Magdalen to have a look at you... just to be safe."
[12:25] Elyon Hirai asks, "No restrains on you? He didn't even bother with a collar?"
[12:26] Rindou Sakamoto says, "He never managed to force one on me."
[12:26] The Kitsune was quiet, folding her hands on her lap patiently as she overheard Rindou's story. The tale brought a look of pain to her, and she stared at the table for quite some time, remaining silent.
(Reito Shimasu)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[12:29] Keitaro says, "..."
[12:29] Keitaro says, "Leave please."
[12:34] Where the shaman doesn't see anything 'off' in particular, the eyes flicker back, and all that is left would be drakanite's slits. Still, when she speaks about the rest of her story, he can't help but ponder - just how many are involved in all of this? He already knew about Malentine Invidia, but..

"Rindou."

"We've had people become revealed as servants of Sors Ultovex, and apparently infiltrate different places all across Agartha. It's important for us to know who might be who."

"Which allies of Sors did you see in there? Who are they?"

It's certain that such things could become vital. Without knowing just who could be spying for Sors, there's no telling how many allies he had - some of the most unexpected, innocent looking people were revealed to be siding with Void madman.

And there's no telling how many served him.

"Knowing just how many people are with him can go a long way to help us." Provided, she actually knew any..
(Keitaro)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[12:37] Rindou Sakamoto says, "Melody is the only one I spoke to."
[12:37] Calista Shimasu says, "She said she'd kill me one day.."
[12:37] Rindou Sakamoto says, ".. I came across a beast, too. It had a tail - scaley and leathery."
[12:37] Rindou Sakamoto says, "But I can't tell you how it looked."
[12:37] Keitaro says, "Hm."
[12:38] Tahldrig says, "Tch, Melody ran back to Sors.. I suppose I should be more surprised than I am."
[12:38] Calista Shimasu says, "Another void Dragon."
[12:38] Calista Shimasu says, "I'd heard he had one."
[12:40] Keitaro asks, "I assume there was no one else you saw?"
[12:43] There's a bit of slow pause at that, and then a quieter nod all the while. He didn't really offer any immediate response afterward, but he sat there for a couple more, longer moments.

"It might... or might not be related, however--"

Coming to a brief, little halt, a single finger is lifted upward, pointed in the direction of a certain blade which sits upon the Sakamoto's back.

"The weapon upon your back, sieged from Ignis, isn't just for combat, or so. Perhaps you know that already, but I'm unsure since there was no mention of such in report-- regardless; it's supposed to be a key.

During the initial expedition, the unit Calael and myself were in ended up before a wall embraced within runes-- we had Lady Satsuki, as well as Ark decipher them. According to the writings, as I recently reviewed from the reports, it claimed, I quote--

The crystal must remain unscathed, as it allows us to entry into-- this portion wasn't readable-- Should both keys be found, the council will awaken. History will repeat, and all will be doomed."

He'd let them process as much, before continuing.

"From our most recent expedition, we acquired a blade much similar to the one you hold-- except, azure in color. Taken from a creature called Aciona... it dubbed the object as their 'key', all while claiming that we already took that of Ignis. It's safe to assume... that the sword you hold is more than just critical, if not a necessary should we want to take over these isles. Figured as much, and mentioned it to the unit, and a certain Voidling Dragon-- one you might just be familiar with, claimed that it'd do whatever in its power to retrieve the key-- take it from Sors, and get you away. Didn't think much of it at the time, but..."

Voice is allowed to drift off for just a moment there, yet-

"Later on, Mertaisyl approached Sors and offered whatever belongings they had for your life, got refused-- meanwhile Ardith and Eshmun were working on a means to keep him alive, without having him harm the stream about him. It was with the utilization of a shard, as well as an artificial heart or so, I don't know the details-- the work was in process for four years, now... and Mert barely had months before it'd be gone for good.

It returned, took the shard, as well as any other material related to the objective, and research, before taking off yet once again. Claimed that they'd get you back at all cost, even if it meant death-- because they wanted their life to end in a meaningful manner. An end that contributes towards something. A day later; you arrive in Gehenna."

With that, he finally comes to a halt, allowing it to sink in.

"Not sure if it was related, or not, but I believe it deserves a mention... or so Eshmun insisted-- that you should. With that said, on another, related note; think it'd be better if Huangzhou keeps Ignis' sword secured until the next expedition... but I'll leave that up-to you all. I trust the faction as much."
(Elyon Hirai)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[12:49] She was obviously being protective, even the way she sat conveyed this.

She'd been told that the blades were keys, it was what she had been planning to use to leverage her father into using the Fourfold to rescue Rindou before she managed to do so herself.

Though now.. she was free.. she still had the key.

She wasn't getting captured again.

"As far as I am concerned the blade can remain in her hands, and I will keep her beneath my own protection. The shrine is important but not as much as the isle.

We can always recover or build another."

With the mention of the shrine a glance to Rindou was spared before it returned to the group at large, possibly conveying a unspoken message.

One small wing spanning as far as it could across the woman's back, the closest thing she could come to embracing one with a wing in their smaller state.
(Calista Shimasu)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[12:50] She finally looked up, away from the table, but still looking quite as miserable as before. To say she felt guilty was an understatement, and for a while longer, she was silent. It was only towards the end, did she choose to speak up,

"Keeping Rindou safe is paramount," She said softly, before nodding, "I trust Calista to watch over her during this time. Do you have any names for those who may be working with or for Sors, so we can cooperate and get a running, complete list? They may not frequent Gehenna if you all know, but if they believe Huangzhou does not know, they may find it easier to come into our city instead..."
(Reito Shimasu)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[12:53] The thought that first brought her to Elyon finally manifested itself once more. Her lips parted as the second key was mentionned - something she had been made aware of quite a lot ever since hers was believed to be stolen. She couldn't see but beneath that blindfold it felt as if she was giving the Chieftain and judgemental look before she spoke.

"Can I se— feel the other?"

She couldn't help but wonder what kind of blade the other group might've stumbled upon, after all. She gave up a lot to obtain this one.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[13:00] Tahldrig had remained listening, eyes peering around to each who spoke. Yet something doesn't truly sit right with her. Someone recently escaping Sors.. still being able to hold onto the key, without anyone knowing in truth the exact conditions of Rindou. Certain steps seemed to be glanced over, likely out of concern for Rindou's safety as well as other things like the alliance standings.

A brief glance is given to Calista, and then to Elyon.

"As long as Rindou is absolutely safe and well, then I don't see a reason for the blade not to remain with her for now. Each of the nations should have a piece due to how much we've all risked and lost each time."

It was curious to her though that Rindou wanted to feel the other, perhaps there are differences within the keys themselves that she's unaware of. She's not gotten a chance to really take a look at either of them.
(Tahldrig)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[13:01] The Hirai shifts about ever so slightly, before he'd slowly unstrap a blade off of his back-- which remained there until now, alongside Requiem. Sapphire edges glimmer about in temple's light, producing a ghastly gleam all the while as it's head up. Illyothian runes embracing the hilt which is offered to Rindou, amidst the way mana-filled wires spiral its length.

"You can feel it, yeah."

With that said, he'd let her fiddle about with it, or so.
(Elyon Hirai)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[13:04] Amidst the discussions regarding Shrine, the keys, and other things, the Voice decides to pitch in - if only briefly.

"It's probably for the best to increase security around your Shrine. After betrayal of Nyx, I figure he's going to start Belial activity in the north - and you're awfully close to it all."

"Considering the attacks Sors was having, I'm sure he'll return time and time again, perhaps with allies this time."

"...Or put sword in the vault, if security is not possible."

Because nobody knows just when the next attack may happen.
(Keitaro)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[13:05] Calista Shimasu says, "My condolensces on the loss of Saba after his betrayal was revealed by the way."
[13:06] Keitaro says, "Mmh.."
[13:06] Elyon nods ever so slightly at that-- a slow, slow nod. Though no response, or so.
(Elyon Hirai)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[13:06] Tahldrig says, "Thank you Cali."
[13:06] Reito Shimasu says, ".... Yes, I'm sorry for your loss...."
[13:08] Keitaro says, "Ah, and-"
[13:08] Keitaro says, "Keep watch on anyone who wanders far north, especially younger folk. They seem to be captivated by what Sors does... for whatever reason."
[13:09] Keitaro says, "This Cassandra Invidia wanted to learn Necromancy, apparently, but was apprehended."
[13:09] Reito Shimasu says, "...."
[13:09] Keitaro says, "Yet, she seemed like innocent woman before."
[13:09] Reito Shimasu asks, "She - what?"
[13:09] Reito Shimasu says, "She wanted to join the Illuminated."
[13:09] Tahldrig says, "Yep.. her and her husband were learning necormancy.."
[13:09] Reito Shimasu asks, "Who is her husband?"
[13:09] Keitaro says, "As I said-"
[13:09] Keitaro says, "People are infiltrating places."
[13:09] Keitaro says, "Question newcomers twice."
[13:09] Calista Shimasu says, "Cassandra.... mmmh."
[13:10] Reito Shimasu asks, "Do you have a list of people?"
[13:10] Tahldrig says, "Holz Lendora."
[13:10] The woman's fingertips traced along the way of the weapon, allowing her to feel it - to take in both its design that was very similar to her own weapon and this... feeling. A breath was taken in as desires only grew. She could feel how sharp this one was, how it spoke of the greatest heights, of the greatest places.

Elyon's blade was not crimson, yet it was far more fit for Rindou than the one she had gotten for herself. This was the kind of power, of solid, robust, reliable weapon she thought she would've had with her own when she gave Reaper his blade back. Something that may have felt like it came out of nowhere was said.

"Let's trade." She said, pausing for a moment before she explained her train of thought - or at least one that would excuse her desire.

"Everyone in the world knows I have this sword. If they know it's a key, they'll come after me. Let's make an exchange; you take the weapon everyone knows of and spread news of having 'bought' in exchange for something I'll refuse to share with anyone. If they come for the key, they'll have to go through all of Gehenna.

I'll carry the other and ensure that even if that happens, they won't have both keys."

The question of the shrine wasn't one she wanted to answer to. After that masacre, that pain, that failure, she wanted nothing to do with it. A blind gaze was offered to the Chancellor.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[13:11] Keitaro says, "There was also this woman, Fera Fengar. I interrogated her personally and made her confess. Still-"
[13:11] Keitaro says, "All she spoke of was children coming north."
[13:11] Keitaro says, "Some blonde kitsune, and masked men."
[13:11] Calista Shimasu says, "Blonde Kitsune..."
[13:11] Calista Shimasu says, "Hm."
[13:12] Keitaro says, "Regardless, be vigilant. Unless you know someone personally, a stranger could always be secret spy."
[13:12] Calista Shimasu says, "Yes.. though once the expedition is over we should storm the mountain. End this once and for all."
[13:12] As Rindou's blindfolded sight laid upon her, her ears lowered just a tad.

"I'll be guarding the Shrine myself," She explained. "Once... My research comes to fruition, I'll be able to cleanse the area around it more easily."
(Reito Shimasu)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[13:14] Calista Shimasu says, "You won't be guarding it alone."
[13:19] A couple blinks follow suit at the proposal, but no words escape just yet. Instead, the Hirai offers just the quietest, little hum outward.

"There'd be mentions Aciona's key being retrieved within the expedition's reports-- so long as you don't mention it, or make it public that you'd be having it... I don't see an issue. Although I still insist it's... stored, until the next expedition takes place. The one Gehenna possesses is kept within guarded vault for most part-- recently taken out just to discuss it out, but ah..."

A bit of pause, and then he just nods.

"Suppose I'll trust Huangzhou with that much, anyhow. It's your responsibility now."

With that, his gaze drifts over, towards Reito, and then Calista.

"Still have Magdalen run a routine check, just in case."

(Elyon Hirai)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[13:19] {Item} You drop Halycon.
[13:19] {Item} You picked up Aciona's Respite. Dropped by Elyon Hirai. .
[13:20] Tahldrig says, "I myself think that the routine check should come before the swap of the keys to be slightly safer."
[13:20] Calista Shimasu says, "I plan to."
[13:24] Rindou placed her own blade onto the table, taking care of the other for the moment and making a mental note to have it checked for the proper runework when they'd be back in Huangzhou. Step by step she was getting what she wanted - what she needed.

Her return was going far better than what she thought.

"I do not feel he's reached my soul. He couldn't break through to two layers of light that protected it, but... If it'll make you feel better, I'll see her."

The young woman shifted closer to Calista, wrapping an arm around hers for both support and... well, the winged-one surely knew.

"I think it's time for me to depart. I still have a long day ahead of myself."
(Rindou Sakamoto)