Dawn of the Third Age/IC Logs/Session 39

• • • Bushranger has joined #celestialdeliberative
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    • faustus21 has joined #celestialdeliberative
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    • dakkareth is now known as Nomoe_Hideaki

<~Anshu> The Deliberative Hall is an impressive place, built almost ten years ago. It's laid out much like a stadium, but instead of being ringed with simple benches, a few more than 700 platforms are attached to the walls. At the center sits another platform, similar in design but larger.

<~Anshu> While in theory, each of the platforms on the walls is for a single Celestial Exalt and retinue, many stand empty, as mates, friends, and advisors share platforms and speak with each other, or are occupied by Terrestrial and even mortal spectators.

<~Anshu> The central platform bears the Grand Circle, who watch as the other members of the Deliberative and honored guests enter the chamber through the large double doors.

<~Anshu> A mortal aide guides Brazen to an unoccupied platform and informs him that sitting is acceptable.

<Brazen_Sand> Brazen sat down, idly hanging his legs over the edge of the platform

• Nomoe_Hideaki enters the hall attended by a large retinue of aides and bannermen, as usual, and makes his way to the platform marked with his personal banner.

• • • Bushranger is now known as Shrike

<Nomoe_Hideaki> His robes are rich enough to beggar even all but Yu-Shan's wealthiest gods and the subtle power of his Charms surrounds him like a mantle of glory.

<Brazen_Sand> Brazen personally thinks that Nomoe is trying too hard, but then, the Devil-Tiger was a constant multicoloured supernova in moderately humanoid form.

<~Anshu> Nomoe's Charms glow all the more brightly as the power woven through the architecture of the hall picks out and makes visible the ones that bend the mind of those who look upon him.

• • • faustus21 is now known as Wandering

<Nomoe_Hideaki> Which is none - Nomoe's Charms merely allow him to express his natural abilities and gifts to their greatest possible extent.

<Nomoe_Hideaki> For now, that is.

<Wandering> Wandering takes another platform next to Brazens it might have been nice to share but Brazen did fill his platform well, she listened to the buzz of conversation around her and observed the movements of other exalts as they talked among themselves. She wears a far simpler dress than she did at the party seeming a newer version of the traveling clothes she prefered to wear.

<Shrike> Among those already present in the chamber is a svelte, yet curvaceous redheaded woman, a dress of black silk somehow both modestly and provocatively wrapped around her figure. She looks over at Brazen's brazen display of casualness, arching one eyebrow in mild curiosity.

<Brazen_Sand> Brazen caught her glance and winked with a smirk.

<Shrike> She chuckles softly, smirking before looking over at the others entering.

<~Anshu> At last everyone who is supposed to be there, is there. Ziyad stands on the central platform to address the assembled Exalted and spectators. His voice, though pitched at a normal, conversational level, carries easily throughout the hall, and an oversized image of himself appears above and around him, the better to be seen.

<Brazen_Sand> Brazen's entire body was suddenly covered in Old Realm script that described the proper ettiquette of the chamber they were all in.

<Brazen_Sand> Flowing as holographically as Ziyad's image of himself.

<~Anshu> "Fellow Deliberators and honored guests, welcome. This session of the Celestial Deliberative will now begin. Much extraordinary news has come to us, these past few weeks. News that the Silver Prince's fleet is sailing Earthward, replacing the Wyld-tainted waters with choked and brackish shadowland seas;

<~Anshu> "News that a Directional Titan discovered and recovered, snatched from the hands of Infernal Exalted plotting to wreak havoc on Creation in service to the Yozis;

• Nomoe_Hideaki frowns at the news. He'd hoped the conflict in the West would take longer to ripen into war - now his crusade will have to compete with a threat like this for resources.

<~Anshu> "And news that Kaida Vanida, the Scarlet Empress, has been captured alive, and is apparently not an akuma, as was mistakenly revealed in a previous, closed session of this body."

<Shrike> The redhead, listening quietly, looks up in surprise at this particular revelation.

<Brazen_Sand> Brazen just sat back and put his claws behind his head, ready for the praise to start flowing in.

<~Anshu> "For the first, we have already dispatched the sea and sky fleets to meet the Deathlord's navy. The second and third are among the things we are gathered to discuss, though we are still awaiting results from a more in-depth examination of the Empress's essence."

<~Anshu> Ziyad turns. "Master Anshu, as High Priest of the Sun, would you lead us in prayer for Heaven's blessing on our deliberations before we begin in earnest?"

<~Anshu> Anshu nods and stands himself as Ziyad sits back down. He raises his hands and turns his face to the sky. "Glory be to the Most High, our Lord the Sun, and those who sit as his peers: Luna, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn. May they bless us with virtue, wisdom, and foresight as we fulfill the Mandate of Heaven, to rule and safeguard this Creation."

• Nomoe_Hideaki brings his hands together and speaks the words to an old prayer of his own under his breath

• Shrike also whispers a prayer, matching Anshu's words with her own, her head bowed respectfully

<~Anshu> With the prayer said, Anshu sits again, and Ziyad rises once more to open the session. "Let the floor now be opened to debate on the disposition of the Directional Titan. Is there any who wishes to speak first?"

• Nomoe_Hideaki gives a small but unmistakable nod in Ziyad's direction, indicating that he wishes to speak

<~Anshu> Ziyad nods in kind. "Deliberator Nomoe Hideaki has the floor," he announces before resuming his seat to listen.

<Nomoe_Hideaki> Hideaki of House Nomoe rises and addresses the Deliberative: "My fellow Deliberators, friends and allies under the Most High. Fifteen days ago news reached me ..." And he proceeds to lay out the events that led to the capture of the titan (and the Scarlet Empress), subtly emphasizing his own role but praises Deliberator Wandering and Brazen Sand for their contributions.

<Wandering> Wandering listens carefully to Nomoes words and nods in agreement with them if she spots anyone looking her way

<Shrike> The redhead indeed looks to the others as they're mentioned, her eyebrow raised in interest as the story is told, but refrains from comment for the moment.

<Nomoe_Hideaki> "... and so it is with with great pleasure that I give this priceless wonder of the First Age into the responsible hands - the only worthy hands! - of the Celestial Deliberative." He pauses a beat to allow the applause to die down.

<Nomoe_Hideaki> "With the Scattered Petals of the Thousandfold Blossom to guard the Eastern direction, as it was meant to since that time, I'm sure that this new age will soon be one of peace and prosperity not seen in a thousand years - and to all those still assaulted by the tides of the Wyld, trapped with the hideous Raksha, I am sure this will be a ray of hope since their salvation is near."

<Shrike> "It's good to know that the defense of the East is in capable hands," the redhead finally speaks up, nodding in approval.

<Brazen_Sand> Brazen applauded as well, glad that Nomoe was doing the responsible thing

<Wandering> Wandering notes the exalt who spoke first making a note to check on who she was, it could be useful to know who ones allies are she adds her own words of approval and aplauds with the others

<~Anshu> "Should we not begin to move the Titan to a more central location as soon as it becomes operational, in case the Black Fleet slips past our forces?" asks the Lady of the Rooks, a Lunar admiral.

<Nomoe_Hideaki> �ACTION rises again to address that point. "I would not claim that this course of action would be strategically unfeasible, but we do have to take into consideration that the Scattered Petals cannot move as quickly as our fleets. In fact its speed limits its range of operations quite a bit - which is, I believe, why the old Deliberative created one for every direction. And the center direction is well

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<Nomoe_Hideaki> "Also can we say we absolute certainty that no problems will arise from moving the directional titan of the East away from its natural direction? As I understand it it draws its power from the geomancy of the land itself, so differences in motonic aspect may be a problem - not that I claim to be an expert on that."

<Nomoe_Hideaki> "Finally it is my belief that if it is to meet the threat of the Prince's forces it would be better to mobilize our fast and mobile fleets - which, with the titan to safeguard the East, we are more free to do that than ever before. After all, we have already heard of the speed with which the Prince's fleets move."

• Shrike nods, considering Nomoe's words to be logical.

<~Anshu> Sera Vestra speaks from the central platform. "Deliberator Nomoe is correct. If our main fleets are destroyed, or even just outsailed, we can sestroy the Black Fleet with the Sword of Creation before they reach our shores."

<~Anshu> "The reason we have not done so already is twofold; first, there are the consequences such a firing has here on the Blessed Isle, and second, while the Black Fleet is in the Wyld or a shadowland, it is much more difficult to accurately target."

• • • Anshu is now known as Ziyad

<Bright_Snow> Standing with the other servents, assistants and advisors of the Deliberators. Snow watches intently from up in the eves.

<~Ziyad> "If there are no more opinions to be given, then let us take a vote. I propose that the Titan remain in the East, to be employed in as the General of the East sees fit in campaign against the Wyld there."

• Bright_Snow furrows her brow and considers the issue, dedicating all her thoughts to the problem, the sounds and lights of the Deliberative floor below muted for her and she begins to wrap her fingers on the wooden seat.

<Shrike> "I also believe that keeping the Titan, in the East, would be the best course of action."

• • • Ziyad is now known as Anshu

<Brazen_Sand> Brazen started fidgeting visibly.

<Brazen_Sand> <Wandering, this is booooring>

• • • Anshu is now known as Ziyad

<Brazen_Sand> His scorpion tail whipped back and forth

<Wandering> <Its needed Beloved, besides if you are voted a deliberator this is what to expect> */Amusment/* <You could always say what you think should be done with the Titan>

<Brazen_Sand> <Then they'd get all pissy at me. Besides, Nomoe already gave it to them.>

<~Ziyad> "Then the motion is passed. The next order of business is the proposal that has been put forth to extend to Brazen Sand full membership in this body. I know that it has been widely discussed outside this chamber; before I call for a vote, is there anyone who would like to speak on the matter?"

• • • Ziyad is now known as Anshu

<Wandering> Wandering stands indicating she wants to speak on the subject "I have know Brazen Sand for enought time to know how he thinks and how he acts, more I am his Bond mate so I know his soul almost as well as he does. And it is a good one, he acts out of compassion for all" her voice is carefully balanced to carry without being confrontational "He showed himself to be a good king Gem, caring for the populace without upsetting th

<Brazen_Sand> Brazen sat back confidentally. With all the amazing accomplishments under his belt, gaining membership should be a breeze, if that Memnon lady doesn't end up screwing the whole thing up.

<Wandering> upsetting the local social structure on our other business he showed himself to willing to match the deeds of many of the members of this assembly in action if not always in word" she smiles slightly at the small jest "I feel he has earned his seat as much as any of us here have, why would we deny his chance?

<Wandering> and ours to see him grow? to be able to witness his deeds closely?

<Brazen_Sand> <Thanks, babe> Brazen sent

<Brazen_Sand> Smiling lovingly at his Mate.

<~Anshu> There is a rush of whispers and polite applause in response to Wandering's statement.

• Nomoe_Hideaki nods once and applauds.

• Bright_Snow in her disguise, head downcast, stiffles a smile at Brazen's speech.

<~Anshu> The applause dies down, and a few moments pass. The Mnemon Vartaria stands to speak.

<~Anshu> "As one of those most skeptical of allowing Brazen Sand to claim the title of Deliberator, many of you likely expect me to argue against the idea. Until earlier today, I planned to do so, but in conversation at Deliberator Solitary Talon's party earlier, I was persuaded. No matter what reservations I or others have, in the present moment, Brazen Sand is powerfully friend and ally to Creation and its defenders.

<~Anshu> "The Sun himself has recognized Brazen Sand's exaltation as his own work, a sibling to the spark which lights my own soul. That tells us his place in the order of things, and as he has forsworn any allegiance to our enemies, we have no good cause to deny him a seat here."

• Shrike looks a bit surprised at Vartaria's concurrance, but nods

<Brazen_Sand> Brazen is shocked at Mnemon speaking up for him, pleasantly surprised, but still

<Brazen_Sand> Noticing that all eyes were on him, Brazen decided that now was a good time to break his silence. He cleared his throat, mostly a reflex from his time as a human, but which felt good nonetheless, and stood up tall enough for his head to brush up against the bottom of the platform above him.

<Bright_Snow> */ I suspect the only way this could go against him now, is if I were to speak for him/ amusement / * Snow composes herself and looks slightly up as Brazen begins speaking.

<Brazen_Sand> His wings beat once, twice, three-times, and he gripped his podium with claws strong enough to crack granite. "Honoured Deliberative, Members of the Grand Circle, and all those others who are here today, I am Brazen Sand, and I was once an Infernal, a Green Sun Prince of the Yozis, the improved cousin of Akuma." He began, his voice powerful enough to cross the room without the voice-amplifying magic of the Deliberative.

<Brazen_Sand> "But no more! I have shed the weight of their so-called authority and allegiance like a coat made out of weighted iron scales. I am myself, I am like none other, not Solar or Infernal, yet I find myself more similar to you then to my former comrades."

<Brazen_Sand> "For we are all extremely different, but still united in our desire to grow and live, and defend Creation and with it all that we hold dear, while those of teh Reclamation wish for nothing more then to break it as a reminder of the power fo the Yozis, imprisoned though they are. I reject their spite, and throw my lot in with you, with Creation!"

<Brazen_Sand> "Thank you." He finished.

<Nomoe_Hideaki> */It's rare that there isn't any arguing ... with Wandering's help even he can can make a case for himself, I guess. And I couldn't well leave him out of my report on the whole business with the Empress./* As Brazen finishes his speech Nomoe claps politely.

<Nomoe_Hideaki> */You think your enemies would wield their influence against any associate of yours to strike at you?/ slight concern and calculation*

<~Anshu> More applause follows, and even those who are clapping more out of politeness may find themselves caught up in the enthusiasm of others.

• Shrike applauds with a smile, having found the massive ex-Infernal's speech to be heartfelt.

<Brazen_Sand> Brazen pumped his arm and grinned to himself. booyah.

<Brazen_Sand> <Nailed it!>

<Brazen_Sand> <Thanks for the help with the speech, Wandering.>

<Wandering> <Its what bond mates are for, besides its good to do nice things for those you love>

<Bright_Snow> */Yes, certainly it was the game we played before I... left. / Bitterness /*

<~Anshu> Ziyad smiles. "After that, it almost seems we may not need to count the votes. Nevertheless, please cast them now."

• Nomoe_Hideaki casts his vote, secretly of course

<~Anshu> The proposal passes by a comfortable but not overwhelming margin.

<Brazen_Sand> The newly minted Deliberator Brazen Sand and roared out triumphantly in celebration, then picked up Wandering and spun her around heedless of decorum

<Nomoe_Hideaki> As the results are announced Nomoe nods in Brazen's direction. "Deliberator Brazen Sand."

<Brazen_Sand> "WE DID IT, WANDERING!" He shouted to her out loud.

<Brazen_Sand> "Couldn't have done it without you, Hideaki-San!" he added, then saw Snow up above. "Or you, Snow."

<Nomoe_Hideaki> *sympathy /I can see why you don't want to play, then. I myself can't not play, but/ surprise, anger /Damn that Infernal bastard./*

<Brazen_Sand> "Is waht I would say if she were here!" He added

• Bright_Snow face remains a mask of frozen shock, a smile from the victory fading even as she reacts.

<Brazen_Sand> ..."shit."

<Nomoe_Hideaki> Nomoe's outward expression shows nothing, a faintly smiling mask.

<Wandering> "We did...." Wandering agreed "But I think that Nomoe wants your attention" she manges even as she wants to face palm at his last statement

<Nomoe_Hideaki> */If you leave now, quickly, perhaps ...?/*

<~Anshu> An Infallible Messenger flits into the chamber toward the Grand Circle to light on Shining Lord's shoulder and whisper in his ear.

• Shrike merely raises an eyebrow, although she looks distinctly...bemused.

• Bright_Snow eyes flicker to the left and the right, checking to see if anyone has noticed, calmly trying to assess the situation before to many heads turn.

<~Anshu> But Solitary and Li don't seem to notice, all their attention focused on Brazen one moment, and then beginning to look intently in the direction he looked.

<Brazen_Sand> Thinking quickly, Brazen activated his anima, seeming to do so in excitement, pulling all eyes to look at him

• Nomoe_Hideaki rises in answer to Brazen's words, his charisma drawing all eyes.

<Brazen_Sand> A blast of supernova splendor erupted from around Brazen to commemorate this amazing occassion!

<Nomoe_Hideaki> "Deliberator Brazen Sand, you thank me and I appreciate the sentiment. However ..."

<Bright_Snow> */I will leave.../irritation... some fear.../ and quickly but I suspect that doing so now would just draw attention to exactly whom he was addressing/*

<Bright_Snow> As the attention is being averted by her allies, Snow attempts to quietly slide away unnoticed along with several members of the Household staff, in preparation for the celebrations Nomoe is no doubt going to hold for his 'friend'

<Brazen_Sand> "Yes Hideaki-San?" Brazen responded loudly

<Nomoe_Hideaki> "... your achievements are entirely your own. Would you not be the first to affirm that?" He smiles. "So, congratulations. I'm sure the Deliberative has made a wise decision." A subtle note of doubt enters his voice with the last sentence.

<Brazen_Sand> "Thank you, Hideaki-San! Your praise gives me great pleasure!"

<Nomoe_Hideaki> Several of Nomoe's attendants precede and follow Bright Snow out the door, prompted by a subtle signal from their lord.

<Nomoe_Hideaki> -Prepare for a celebration ... it's best to direct his destructiveness lest it go wild without direction-, a sharp-eyed observer would read his gesture.

<Nomoe_Hideaki> Nomoe's smile is 99% convincing as Brazen Sand misses the hidden barb in his words. He nods and sits down again.

<~Anshu> Li shades his eyes against the brilliance of Brazen's anima, then frowns sits back down at a whisper from Solitary.

<Nomoe_Hideaki> */So long as doubt remains they will not act. I hope./*

<Brazen_Sand> Brazen then turned back and made an announcement. "To celebrate this momentous occassion, I will be throwing a party myself! Yes! Right here on the Blessed Isle! It will be...quite awesome!" Brazen said.

<Brazen_Sand> <Wandering, we need to throw a party really really fast.>

• Nomoe_Hideaki sitting on his platform sighs, holds his head as if the thought gives him a headache and writes down more notes for his attendants to take away.

<Nomoe_Hideaki> Limiting the collateral damage from that impromptu party will be a hassle, his posture implies.

<~Anshu> Ziyad holds up a hand for silence. "We have just received a report from the team examining the Empress. They have confirmed that she is not an akuma. With that, we must decide what to do with her. We can have her brought here for a trial by the full Deliberative, turn her over to the Ministry of Justice for a more traditional trial, or something else altogether. The situation, or at least the person involved, is quite irregular. I open the floor to debate."

<Brazen_Sand> Brazen raised a claw to try to speak.

<~Anshu> "Yes, Deliberator Brazen?"

<Brazen_Sand> "I believe that she deserves a fair trial, but not for what she did while wearing the Ring. Which she clearly didn't do of her own free will."

• Shrike raises her hand and waits

<Brazen_Sand> "that's all. I'm not much of an expert on law." Brazen said, then sat down.

<Bright_Snow> */ Celebrations are underway. I on the otherhand... / Nomoe gets an impression of some height between her and the Deliberative / feel it may be time to bring in my old allies, and do my best to cultivate new ones before they work to much against me. /*

<Brazen_Sand> Quickly he added. "After all, I've seen the justice of Cecylene, and we should be above that."

<~Anshu> "Noted. Deliberator Shrike?"

• Shrike stands, nodding to Ziyad.

<Shrike> "I agree that while the question of how the Empress came under the control of this...ring? Should be fully examined, if it was in fact controlling or influencing her actions while wearing it, this chould be considered a mitigating factor at the very least."

<Nomoe_Hideaki> *resigned agreement /If it is against them, any ally we can find will be needed./ adamant certainty /Though I would rather have avoided the need, of course I stand with you./*

<Wandering> Wandering indicated that she wished to speak next

<~Anshu> And she in turn receives a nod, when Ziyad is satisfied that Shrike has finished.

<Wandering> "I feel that there is little need for a trial, we all know what she is guitly even before she decided to ally with the Yozi. We know how many of our breathen she killed. Let us interogatte her and then simply execute her for her crimes"

• Shrike returns to her seat, and listens to Wandering's statement impassively.

<Nomoe_Hideaki> Nomoe meanwhile seems to listen to the debate, nodding here and there, but his thoughts are concerned with rather different matters. It is likely only a matter of time until Brazen's careless words precipitate the conflict. As partner to Bright Snow he is involved per definition, of course. But even his considerable influence and power pales compared to that or the opposition.

<Brazen_Sand> "Has the Empress said anything since she was taken?"

<Bright_Snow> */ It is kind of you to do so / warm emotions fill the bond / after all we so rarely agree on politics./*

<~Anshu> "According to our examiners, she has been very cooperative. She has asked to meet with us before her fate is ultimately decided. We could have her brought here under guard, if it should please all of us."

<Nomoe_Hideaki> *a mental smile /We are partners after all/ affection, seriousness /And though I don't know what pain they have brought you in the past, I do know that I don't want to see you in pain again./*

<Nomoe_Hideaki> "I should point out that there might be value in a public trial for propaganda," Nomoe adds simply to the discussion when his turn comes up, mostly by reflex since his thoughts are elsewhere.