Dawn of the Third Age/IC Logs/Session 41

[13:59] <~Anshu> Her fate decided, the Empress is led away, back to wherever she was being held, and with her departure, the doors open again, to allow Terrestrial delegates back into the hall.

[14:01] <~Anshu> There's another flare up of quiet discussion as they return to their places and are caught up on what happened.

[14:06] * Brazen_Sand just sat impatiently and played aruond with the essence-monitor thing at his seat.

[14:06] * Bright_Snow watches imperiously, her eyes scanning through the crowd, nodding to the few people she recognises of old

[14:06] * Shrike Shrike paitently discusses things with the Deliberators close to where her seat is, helping them get caught up on the trial of the Evil Empress™.

[14:08] * Nomoe_Hideaki thrones on his platform, showing none of his impatience.

[14:12] <Nomoe_Hideaki> It's skill he had perfected long before he Exalted of course, since politics almost always means waiting and tediously long agendas

[14:13] <Wandering> Wandering is sitting on her seat looking apprehensivly at Brazen sensing something is wrong but not sure what

[14:13] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen wished that Wandering would stop looking at him. It just made him feel even worse, and he knew she could read him like a book.

[14:24] <~Anshu> Things soon settle back down, and Ziyad stands again on the central platform to address the Deliberative. "There is one other matter to be dealt with today. The office of the Directional Emissary for the East is now vacant, as the former holder wished to have more time to devote to magical research."

[14:24] <~Anshu> "I am aware that a few names have been put forward as candidates, does anyone else wish to seek this position?"

[14:25] * Nomoe_Hideaki sits back in silence, certain that one of his allies will nominate him as he arranged

[14:25] * Shrike turns her attention to Ziyad as the East is mentioned

[14:48] <~Anshu> Nuwa stands, turning to face Ziyad. "I wish to nominate Enuma Kedma as Emissary of the East. She cares greatly for people, and possesses a great knowledge of the East and its natural resources. I believe she would serve Creation well in overseeing and governing the region."

[14:51] <~Anshu> Ziyad nods solemnly as Nuwa sits back down, and looks up as Mnemon Vartaria rises to her feet as well.

[14:56] * Shrike listens intently

[14:56] <~Anshu> "I nominate Nomoe Hideaki as Emissary of the East. He has a proven record of capable leadership and accomplishment in the region. With all respect for Enuma Kedma, in these troubled times and for this post, we need a known leader, not a scholar - however accomplished their scholarship may be."

[14:57] * Nomoe_Hideaki inclines his head slightly toward Ziyad in indicate he would answer the nomination if he may speak

[14:59] <~Anshu> Ziyad recognizes Nomoe.

[15:00] * Nomoe_Hideaki rises and bows slightly. "My thanks, Deliberator Vartaria for your kind and considered words." He adjusts his posture to address the whole Deliberative. "My friends and allies, my peers under the Most High. I am honored to be nominated a candidate for this position of responsibility and service to the Deliberative."

[15:01] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "If you set this burden upon my shoulders, I assure you, I will fulfill my duty with the same diligence, thoroughness and effectiveness with which I have served the Celestial Deliberative in the past. You know me, you know my accomplishments and my politics, and you know I always keep my word. Appoint me to this office and you will not be disappointed in your Emissary of the East."

[15:01] *** Bright_Snow has quit IRC: Ping timeout

[15:01] <Nomoe_Hideaki> After a moment's pause for applause he bows again. "Thank you." And he sits.

[15:03] * Shrike applauds politely, clearly accepting the proposed appointment

[15:03] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen nodded.

[15:05] <Wandering> Wandering was tempoary distracted and looked to Nomoe and applauded happy to see her friend succeding

[15:06] <~Anshu> Now his opponent stands to address the Deliberative. Enuma Kedma is a Twilight of Terrestrial stock, predominantly Water-aspected. Though technically a member of the restored House Iselsi, she has remained apart from it.

[15:13] *** Bright_Snow has joined #CelestialDeliberative

[15:15] <~Anshu> "Deliberator Nuwa, thank you. Honored peers, it is true that Nomoe Hideaki is experienced as a leader of men. But it is also true that to manage and oversee a territory effectively, one must know it - its peoples, its land, its gods and spirits."

[15:17] <~Anshu> "I am sure that Deliberator Hideaki knows his own land and his own people intimately, and the lands and peoples immediately surrounding his. But there are few if any who are more knowledgable about the East as a whole than I, and I do not speak only of the dry knowledge of a book from a library. I have traveled throughout the East, learning and studying with my own senses."

[15:27] <~Anshu> "It is true that these are troubled times, and it is true that Deliberator Hideaki has shown himself a capable leader. But Solars are created to lead; it is in our nature, both his and mine. Therefore, it is better to appoint someone who knows their area of responsibility than someone who will have to learn it."

[15:30] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen tapped in a vote for Nomoe Hideaki and then excused himself from the Chamber.

[15:32] <Brazen_Sand> He didn't really have anything else to do there, and being crammed into that one space was starting to make his muscles sore.

[15:43] * Nomoe_Hideaki rises in turn to answer. "Deliberator Enuma Kedma speaks true and wisely, any leader, any ruler of a region should possess deep knowledge of that region and its peoples. But are we talking about a position of rulership here? No! We are not."

[15:43] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "This is a position of political and diplomatic responsibility at the highest level. Naturally the Emissary would have to mediate with his or her peers and other entities in positions of rulership across the East - something, which I should not need to remind anyone is my particular area of expertise, one in which I have life-long training and experience in."

[15:43] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "I may or may not quite be a scholar of my esteemed peer's caliber, but this? This kind of work is what I was born for, this is what I was Exalted for." The mark of the Eclipse glimmers slightly on his brow as he finishes, a reminder of the responsibilities of his caste.

[15:53] <~Anshu> There's a bit more back and forth, but soon the vote is called, and Nomoe carries the day with approximately two thirds of the vote (not counting abstentions).

[15:54] * Bright_Snow is among the abstainers

[15:54] <~Anshu> With that, business is concluded and the session is adjourned; people begin filtering out.

[15:55] * Bright_Snow remains seated, watching others filter out. */ Now lets see if there is trouble today. /*

[15:56] <Nomoe_Hideaki> *triumph /Another step on the path to my crusade. And just in time - even if there is trouble now, reversing a decision is not as easy as making it./* Nomoe of course thanks his fellow Deliberators warmly for the trust implicit in the appointment and once more promises that they will not regret it.

[15:56] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen met the others in the hall.

[15:58] * Nomoe_Hideaki remains close to his platform, receiving gratulations and speaking to various allies and supporters while surreptitiously keeping an eyes on whatever may transpire around Bright Snow. */Yes, let's see how hasty they are .../*

[15:58] <Wandering> Wandering congratulated Nomoe-san. and glanced at Brazen opening her mouth to ask him whats the matter but no words came out

[15:59] * Shrike remains until most of the Deliberators have exited before leaving her platform, not wanting to fight the crowds.

[15:59] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen went to Wandering and asked her to come with him so he could tell her something.

[16:04] <~Anshu> Li looks up at Snow, then turns his back on her and leaves the chamber; Solitary, on the other hand, walks up to speak with her.

[16:06] * Bright_Snow arches an eyebrow from her chair, as Solitary crosses the hall. Her eyes sliding to Li once as he leaves the chamber and then returns her eyes to her old foe.

[16:07] <~Anshu> "Welcome back, Bright Snow," she says with what is probably a false smile. "It's good to see you return after so long, and your entrance was quite dramatic."

[16:07] * Shrike watches quietly. This is another reason she stuck around, after all.

[16:09] <Bright_Snow> "Thank you Deliberator Talon, it is a pleasure to be back, especially whole and in one piece two." She returns an equally false smile. */ No knifes now I think /*

[16:09] <Nomoe_Hideaki> */Into the back is more her style, I believe/*

[16:14] <~Anshu> Solitary nods. "Yes... with you having disappeared for so long, we were beginning to wonder if you might have met some unfortunate end - but since there was no sign of your Exaltation finding a new host, we knew you must be alive somewhere."

[16:15] <~Anshu> "I hope we can all keep a better hold on our tempers, and avoid a repetition of that incident."

[16:18] <Bright_Snow> "I'm certain we can. After all I doubt we would want to be censured by the Deliberative now, my how it's grown." Her voice holds a level tone, almost jovial. "I also hope to avoid having to attend the funerals of anymore of your kinsmen. After all that incident with your cousins out in Harborhead four years ago was a tragedy."

[16:19] * Bright_Snow laughs, making light of the botched assassination attempt. Her eyes however do not smile. "Your poor cousin seemed so distressed at the untimely death of his brothers."

[16:21] <Brazen_Sand> Suddenly a messenger appeared at Nomoe's side, asking him to come to a certain forested area quickly.

[16:21] <~Anshu> Solitary's smile does not falter in the least. "Yes... that would be most distressing. Tell me, Snow, you are still a practicer of the Bulb of the Lotus, yes?"

[16:24] * Nomoe_Hideaki waves the messenger away, annoyedly. Brazen, always with the demands. *a smile he can't show outwardly, approval /Nicely put./*

[16:25] <Bright_Snow> Her tone switches quickly from fakse sympathy to curiousity, "Yes, I am" She says, "Why?" She asks poltiely.

[16:25] <~Anshu> "Well, I know Li is thinking of entering the Heaven-and-Earth Invitational - you have heard it's being held in the coming year? - and he has been hoping you would enter as well. He has a great respect for your skills in that area."

[16:26] <Bright_Snow> */ I am making her aware of my position. She seems unintersted in making me aware of her's, ashame I was hoping to get something useful in return/ Displeasure/*

[16:27] * Bright_Snow purses her lips before responding. "He should do, he was after all my original Sifu." She continues to look thoughtful. */Hideaki can feel that she is not nearly as calm underneath/*

[16:29] <Bright_Snow> After a moments pause she answers, just as it looks as if Solitary will say something. "I shalln't disappoint him then." */And if he hopes to kill me in the ring, well I am not the pupil I was when I left./*

[16:31] * Bright_Snow hand subconciously goes to the feather in her hair, given to her in the heart of the Shogun of Genocide. */And there other masters I can seek out/*

[16:32] <Nomoe_Hideaki> */Even in the short time I've known you your mastery has increased, how could he guess your strength now?/ confidence /If that is his hope he will find an unpleasant surprise waiting for him, I'd wager./*

[16:35] <~Anshu> "Good, I'll tell him. I'm sure he'll be quite pleased. Oh, and you needn't worry yourself about my family. I've been arranging to have everyone moved here onto the Isle, where fatal accidents are so much rarer, and more easily dealt with."

[16:37] <Nomoe_Hideaki> And though he himself does not hold any rank in the martial arts world Nomoe is certain that Li would not like facing him either - as he would, should an 'accident' happen, Nomoe thinks to himself privately.

[16:37] <~Anshu> Solitary turns away the, nodding a polite fairwell to Snow and then to Shrike in turn before heading out of the chamber.

[16:38] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen landed back in the massive Deliberative courtyard, sparing a short look at Shrike.

[16:39] * Shrike nods back to Solitary politely, before gathering her things in preparation for exiting the hall.

[16:40] <Brazen_Sand> He politely congratulated Nomoe and Snow, and then also implied that they might want to leave soon.

[16:42] <Wandering> Wandering appeared just behind Brazen and looked around "I don't suppose any of you happen to know a Deliberator Shrike do you?" she asked calmly

[16:42] <Brazen_Sand> "Things are going to get...awkward soon." He said.

[16:42] * Bright_Snow nods a polite farewill to Solitary and then watches her leave. When Solitary is clearly out of the room, she lets out a relieved sigh.

[16:42] <Nomoe_Hideaki> */Shall I join you, Deliberator Snow?/ an informal tone despite the slightly formal address /Or do we make use of appearing unconnected for a while longer?/*

[16:43] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen showed all of his teeth in a very awkward rictus of desperation.

[16:43] <Brazen_Sand> He tried to shake his head to them, as if to say "No you don't know anything."

[16:43] <Bright_Snow> */As long as we can... with Brazen around I doubt that will be too much longer / Amusement / I will see you later/*

[16:44] * Nomoe_Hideaki takes his leave of the Deliberators standing with him, and gestures to his aides preparing to leave.

[16:44] <Bright_Snow> She rises, looks around at the few reamining Deliberators and leaves shortly after Hideaki Nomoe.

[16:45] <Nomoe_Hideaki> */As you wish./ amused imagination /I expect she voted for me today, how I would like to see her face then .../*

[16:45] <Shrike> Meanwhile, a certain redheaded Deliberator departs the chamber, quite possibly passing near where Wandering and the others are...

[16:45] <Nomoe_Hideaki> */As for Brazen ... he is oath-bound not to reveal anything he knows of you, as is Deliberator Shrike. It is up to you to release them from this oath./*

[16:46] <Nomoe_Hideaki> At Wandering's inquiry Nomoe inclines his head slightly in an apologetic gesture. "I'm afraid I can't help you, Deliberator." He leaves quickly after that.

[16:47] * Bright_Snow glancing around shakes ehr head, shifting when she is aware no one is watching back into the aide. "No I do not."

[16:48] <Wandering> "Excuse me deliberator" Wandering asked the redhead "Would you know a deliberator Shrike perchance?"

[16:48] <Shrike> Said redhead looks up in surprise as she's addresed, then arches an eyebrow curiously, nodding.

[16:49] <Shrike> "I'd like to think that I do, seeing as I happen to be her, myself. Can I help you with something?"

[16:52] <Nomoe_Hideaki> There'd be none who should be surprised at Nomoe regaining another aide. */So, you're going to compete in the Heaven and Earth Invitational? Doing well in such a prestigious tournament would certainly further secure your position, reputation being a powerful if undirected weapon. How would you rate your chances?/*

[16:53] <Wandering> "Yes, you can you can stay the Malfeas away from my mate, You coniving bitch" Wandering snarled her fistings tightening as she waved one under Shrikes nose

[16:53] <Nomoe_Hideaki> Normally Nomoe would try to make certain that Wandering and Shrike have some privacy, but choosing the most public place in all Creation ... it seems that privacy is not a concern for her.

[16:53] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen thought of trying to break it up, but knew it would only make it worse. He wasn't a smart...entity, but he wasn't that stupid

[16:55] * Bright_Snow about to answer Nomoe;s question turns at the sound of Wandering with her voice raised.

[16:56] <Shrike> Shrike actually flinches back at the unexpectedly sudden (near) assault at first, then collects herself, shaking her head.

[16:56] <Shrike> "Now, see here, if I'd -known- he had somebody, I wouldn't have done a thing. As it were I didn't find out until -afterwards-, by which point it was a little late to stay away, wouldn't you think?"

[16:56] <Bright_Snow> */ Better than Shrike, now Wandering has found her I imagine. What are they arguing over? / Confusion, some amusement/*

[16:58] <Wandering> "Oh I'm sure you just happened to try and seduce the newest member of the Delibertive ?" Wandering snarled ignoring Shrikes resonable words Punturing her words by Jabbing Shrike in the chest "Thought he was an easy mark did you?"

[16:59] <~Anshu> The confrontation between Shrike and Wandering is gathering more attention.

[16:59] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen started trying to block them off from view.

[16:59] <Brazen_Sand> "THEY'RE JUST DOING A FRIENDLY DUEL RIGHT NOW!" He said

[16:59] <~Anshu> A few people are moving nearer in case intervention becomes necessary.

[17:00] <Shrike> At Wandering's words, Shrike's reasonability fades a little, and she can't help but smirk. "'Thought'? Well, no, I didn't think that at all."

[17:00] <Nomoe_Hideaki> *even in the privacy of the bond the Hideaki is uncomfortable explaining /Brazen, he ... appears to have been ... let's say less than faithful to Wandering. Shrike was involved. That was while you were away./*

[17:02] <Shrike> "As it is, though, it happened, can't be undone, won't happen again. So the point of your poking me in my assets is...?"

[17:04] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen was already frustrated by the situation, why were these stupid idiots staring?! These were Exalts, they could take care of themselves! They knew that, they were all just watching for their own entertainment! Brazen looked around for anyone else trying to get a peek at the scene going on.

[17:04] <Wandering> Wanderings face contorted in a snarl "Don't push me" she snarled "You won't like the results, I know the idea of fidelity is actually foreign to you. Go near him again and you will regret it"

[17:07] <Shrike> Shrike's own expression hardens. "I just said that if I'd known he had anyone to be unfaithful -to- I'd have been the very model of a modern Celestial Prude," she drawls, not looking concerned in the least about Wandering's threat.

[17:07] <Shrike> "You might want to consult a Twilight, you must be suffering the early onset of hearing loss."

[17:09] <Brazen_Sand> "*Wandering, this is REALLY getting out of hand...*" Brazen noted in the Bond.

[17:13] <Wandering> "Oh my hearing is fine" Wandering snarled I just don't trust your words at all" her arm crocked back as she was about to strike out at Shrike "I think perhaps a lesson in what happens when you touch what isn't yours is in order"

[17:13] <Brazen_Sand> "*Wandering! You promised me!*" He snapped in her mind.

[17:14] <Nomoe_Hideaki> */Now Wandering is expressing her displeasure to Shrike ... and quite publicly, it seems./ Hideaki is happy to be away from that scene /Really, one would think that even *he* should know better. By the Most High, he has a *family*./ when it comes to moral choices Nomoe rarely had cause to be disappointed in Brazen Sand, but now he most certainly is*

[17:16] <Wandering> Wanderings fist was already arcing towards Shrikes head when it stopped short as Wandering glanced back at Brazen *I'm not going to hurt her, not really* she replied *Besides she asking for it*

[17:16] <Shrike> Shrike cocks her head, standing her ground with a hard expression, waiting for Wandering's fist to arrive.

[17:17] <Brazen_Sand> "*Tons of people ask for it all the time. I had to work with Fiends, Wandering. This isn't about what she did, it's about what I did. I told you it was my fault.*"

[17:17] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen looked into Wandering's eyes

[17:17] <Brazen_Sand> "*If you want to punch anyone, then punch me.*"

[17:18] <~Anshu> Anshu and Cerise hadn't quite left by the time Wandering and Shrike began their confrontation, and stayed to watch it develop. As Wandering pulled back her arm, Anshu started toward them.

[17:18] <Wandering> *It takes two to do it Brazen" Wandering replied she is just as guitly as you

[17:19] <Brazen_Sand> "*But then you'd break your word. Don't make it three, Wandering. Please.*"

[17:20] <Shrike> Shrike, seeing the two of them staring at each other, smirks bemusedly. "If you're going to teach me that lesson, go ahead. I'll tell you it never sticks, though."

[17:21] <Wandering> Wandering glares at Brazen then back at Shrike and slowly lowers her fist *Fine I won't hit her... this time* then she hears Shrikes words and grabs her by the front of the dress and lifts her up by it.

[17:24] <Bright_Snow> "Shall I go and summon the Blackhelms?" */ I think perhaps I could be more help here as myself for once. I shall return shortly/*

[17:24] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen started hurtling towards Wandering, and put a claw on her arm.

[17:24] <Brazen_Sand> Easily stepping OVER the gathered Terrestrial and Celestial Exalted

[17:24] <Shrike> Shrike allows Wandering to lift her, but the smirk never leaves her face.

[17:25] <~Anshu> "Deliberator Wandering, please put Deliberator Shrike down," Anshu says. "Entertaining as it may be for some," he gestures around at the reporters filming or scribbling notes, "this is not appropriate behavior for this chamber."

[17:25] <Brazen_Sand> Then Brazen noticed the other people scribbling notes and recording what was going on.

[17:25] * Nomoe_Hideaki makes a small, imperious gesture. */Certainly. I for one would rather not become involved. Although I will no doubt hear every detail later on, whether I want to or not, I'd spare them my presence./*

[17:25] * Bright_Snow siguised as the aide disappears sliping out towards the Imperial City. Shortly thereafter Snow herself steps out of one of the small rooms near the Deliberative hall.

[17:27] <Wandering> Wandering looks surprised but then looks around as if registering the presence of others for the first time. "Fine, I'll deal with this tramp another day" she says and then drops Shrike to the ground.

[17:27] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen chopped a claw through the air, sending a cloud of humming light at each recording instrument and notepad, each of them hitting their mark and vaporizing their targets.

[17:28] <Bright_Snow> As she is away she conrtinues the discussion. */ I am not saying what he did was right, I am merely trying to prevent the three of them getting themselves thrown out of the Deliberative, Brazen on his first day too./Snow is indifferent to the situaion concerned more with preventing escalation /*

[17:29] <Shrike> Shrike lands on her feet, and nearly stumbles before catching herself.

[17:29] <Shrike> She looks composed, still, but Anshu will probably be able to tell the composure is fraying.

[17:30] <~Anshu> Cries of protest arise from the reporters as their notes and recordings are destroyed.

[17:31] <Nomoe_Hideaki> */Do you think they would escalate that far? Brazen, sure, but Deliberators Wandering and Shrike? Surely they know better .../ a sigh /In any case they are lucky to have you looking out for them, I suppose./*

[17:32] <~Anshu> "Deliberators, may I suggest we all go on our ways? If you still have a quarrel, you can resolve it later, privately. As it is, more than enough people have seen and will remember what happened here already."

[17:33] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen stared angrily out at the mortal reporters and bared his teeth. "GO HOME!" he snapped

[17:34] <~Anshu> Grumbling, they pack up their remaining things and leave.

[17:35] <Wandering> Wandering looked away for a moment "Fine" she looked at Shrike "Don't think this is over you stumpet" and then turned to Brazen "Lets go"

[17:35] *** Nomoe_Hideaki has quit IRC: Ping timeout

[17:35] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen followed Wandering in a slightly subservient position, not wanting to piss her off at a time like this.

[17:36] <~Anshu> "Deliberator Shrike, please walk with me. Cerise and I would like to discuss the findings of your latest mission," Anshu invites.

[17:37] <Shrike> "Strumpet? Why, that's the greatest compliment I've had in some time," Shrike says, unable to resist a parting shot.

[17:37] <Shrike> She then takes a deep breath and nods respectfully to Anshu, turning to follow him.

[17:40] <Brazen_Sand> "It'll be a relief to go change some diapers after today. I'm not sure I'm cut out for all this political stuff." He said as he walked with his mate.

[17:41] * Bright_Snow sighs and makes her way out into the city.