Editing Once more with feeling/Logs/Small Group/Near Denandsor/Mnemon Ai, Silveria Arc, and Solitary Talon (Re-introduction)

[[Once_more_with_feeling|Once more, with feeling!]]

<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:19:52)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> runs up to her brother and gives him a great big hug.<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:20:35)</font> <b>***Mnemon Ai</b> takes a step back, not having time to reach his hilt. "Who... what?"<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:21:10)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> pouts. <font color=purple>"You don't recognise your littlest sister?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:21:46)</font> <b>***Mnemon Ai</b> blinks. Looking at the young woman in front of him. "O... Opile?"<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:21:58)</font> <b>***Silveria</b> stands distantly away with a slight frown and arms crossed.<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:22:12)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"Who else would it be?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:22:35)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "But... you're... dead?"<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:22:44)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"...I am?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:23:24)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> pinches herself. <font color=purple>"I don't *feel* dead, older brother."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:23:32)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "Well... we assumed that after you disappeared... I barely got the message before..."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:23:44)</font> <b>***Mnemon Ai</b>'s face turns pale. "You know mother is dead?"<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:24:08)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> gasps in shock. <font color=purple>"What? When?!"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:24:46)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> Nexus... at least we assume so. We doubt that the deathlords would keep her alive... not that she would want to stay such either<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:25:30)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> nods, looking grim. <font color=purple>"No, she wouldn't, would she?"<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:25:47)</font> <b>***Mnemon Ai</b> shakes his head<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:26:11)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "But still... how did you survive... and... are you the commander here?"<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:26:54)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> nods hesitantly. <font color=purple>"Um. There's something I need to tell you. Could you come with me, please?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:27:38)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> leads Ai past Silveria, taking her by the hand, as she walks towards her personal tent.<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:27:41)</font> <b>***Mnemon Ai</b> looks back at the column of heavy cavalry and Dragon-blooded commanders behind him, waving them away.<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:28:30)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "Sister... what is this?"<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:29:06)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"All in good time, dear brother."</font> The younger Mnemon seems rather worried about something.<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:29:42)</font> <b>***Mnemon Ai</b> allows himself to be led, but keeps a watchful eye around himself<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:31:31)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> picks up on it. <font color=purple>"There's nothing you need to worry about. I'm not about to have you killed or anything. You're my brother. I idolised you as a child, remember?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:32:24)</font> <b>***Mnemon Ai</b> smiles. "Yes, I remember, it was hard to keep you off my knee whenever I was back... I barely had time for my own children thanks to you."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:34:24)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> nods, smiling fondly. <font color=purple>"If only everything could have remained that simple."</font> She kisses Silveria on the cheek. <font color=purple>"Oh, by the way, apparently cousin Mina didn't die in that fire ten years ago."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:35:40)</font> <b>***Silveria</b> still is silent though she does blush slightly from the kiss.  She watches Ai closely.<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:36:08)</font> <b>***Mnemon Ai</b> chuckles. "Who, oh, right her... Think I met her only once or so." He looks down at his sister inquisitively. "And how do you know that."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:37:15)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> blushes a little. <font color=purple>"Well, you could say I've gotten to know her rather intimately over the last few months."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:38:51)</font> <b>***Mnemon Ai</b>'s face drops all the humor, turning to a stern look practiced by more than a century of commanding. "Sister... I again want to know what is going on..."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:41:14)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> sighs. <font color=purple>"I was afraid it would come to this."</font> She shows her brother to a low sofa, before sitting down next to him, making sure his daiklave isn't to hand. <font color=purple>"I think I might have become Anathema."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:41:56)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> looks up at Ai sadly. <font color=purple>"Please don't hate me, brother?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:41:57)</font> <b>***Silveria</b> chuckles and tries to hide it as she steps aside to go pester some fruit.<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:44:51)</font> <b>***Mnemon Ai</b>'s faces show an incredible register of emotions before settling on disdain. Getting up he chuckles. "You know, it makes sense now, dig around in my memories. Look for something I want to hear, then take some obscure fact so I won't disbelieve you... you're good..."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:45:02)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "I still wonder though... why reveal it?"<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:45:49)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"Because I love you, brother."</font> Solitary Talon says softly.<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:46:17)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "Don't call me that. You're not my sister, she is dead."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:48:17)</font> <b>Silveria:</b> "Why is it, always like that,"</font> she grumbles shoot a glare to Ai.<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:48:23)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"No, brother of mine. I'm not dead. Please, you have to believe me."</font> She looks him in the eye. <font color=purple>"I love you. I always have."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:50:52)</font> <b>***Mnemon Ai</b> scoffs. "You just don't learn do you? I've killed your kin thrice and I will gladly do it again for Her." He turns his eyes somewhere onto the tent. Infusing his words with essence he doesn't even care about saying the words quietly. "Achiaias, get ready for combat, relay orders to enact Manouver 3."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:52:15)</font> <b>Silveria:</b> <font color=blue>"You are a fool, and you will destroy the last vestiges of something worthy.  Perhaps you are not worthy to be her brother, -Cousin-."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:52:55)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> chuckles sadly. <font color=purple>"Not exactly how I had hoped this reunion would go, is it, Mina?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:53:14)</font> <b>Silveria:</b> <font color=blue>"It never is,"</font> she growls.<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:54:13)</font> <b>***Mnemon Ai</b> looks at the two. "Oh, quit the act, you already got me here in your trap. Take me now before my army comes."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:54:32)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> blinks. <font color=purple>"Trap? What are you talking about?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:55:37)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "This all, luring me in here for whatever Anathematic things you want to do with me, just as you did to Jemala." His eyes narrow. "Remember her from my memories?"<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:56:59)</font> <b>***Silveria</b> rolls her eyes at Ai.<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 14:57:26)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> looks confused. <font color=purple>"What? I don't want to do anything to you. You're my brother, Ai."</font> She pauses. <font color=purple>"And what am I supposed to have done to cousin Jemala?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:00:25)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "You... don't know about Jemala?"<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:00:35)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"Know what?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:02:15)</font> <b>***Mnemon Ai</b> mumbles to himself. "Of course, grandmother would hardly have told her... and it should have stayed secret if she wanted to." He turns back to Opile. "You might not remember, but ten years ago I was fighting an Anathema named Sole Claw."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:03:15)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> nods, looking sad. <font color=purple>"I remember. I was so proud of my brother, the heroic killer of Anathema."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:04:44)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "You might remember cousin Jemala returning early during the campaign, staying locked up attended by grandmother?"<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:05:42)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> frowns, thinking back. <font color=purple>"A little. I was only six, remember?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:06:20)</font> <b>***Mnemon Ai</b> ignores Solitary's comment of her age, engrossed in his memories. "Well, what happend was that during the campaign I had my officers out looking for the Anathema. One day she infilitrated Jemala's camp and... converted her. I... to protect her... I killed all witnesses and sent her back to the Isle."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:06:45)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"Converted? What do you mean?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:08:27)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "I do not know the charms of Anathema. She was... enthralled. Charmed... The Immaculates would have her... 'purified'... and killed."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:09:36)</font> <b>***Mnemon Ai</b> sits down, turning away. "I killed a chaplain, blaming him as a conspirator with the Anathema. Jemala was too important for the House."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:10:03)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> moves to hug him. <font color=purple>"I see."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:11:15)</font> <b>***Mnemon Ai</b> looks up at his sister, shaking his head to clear his mind. "But you... you still said you were Anathema."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:12:36)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"And I don't really want to be. Five Maidens, I'd study thaumaturgy like Grandmother wanted if it meant I'd stop being Anathema."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:13:02)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "And what did you say about Mina?"<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:13:55)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"Ah. I should really have done introductions first. Ai, Mina."</font> She indicates Silveria. <font color=purple>"Mina, Ai."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:15:35)</font> <b>***Mnemon Ai</b> looks at Silveria, scrutinizing her face. "Yes... that odd colour, I remember it. And there are signs of your mother in your face."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:17:31)</font> <b>***Silveria</b> nods.<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:17:49)</font> <b>Silveria:</b> <font color=blue>"Don't suppose you know who attacked and burned down my family, no?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:20:31)</font> <b>***Mnemon Ai</b> shakes his head. "I never found out if the assassins were really found. Some blamed young Cathaks wanting to seed enmity between the Houses, some blamed pretty much all the other houses, some blamed slaves."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:21:07)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"Didn't you say something about being found by one of the Ledaals, light of my life?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:21:54)</font> <b>Silveria:</b> <font color=blue>"Yes,"</font> she nods. <font color=blue>"I hardly recall their faces and names now."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:22:32)</font> <b>***Silveria</b> sighs and folds her hands behind her back and smiles.  <font color=blue>"I determined that they were not to blame for my situation anyway."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:22:46)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"Oh?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:23:19)</font> <b>***Silveria</b> nods.<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:23:41)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "Hmm... a Ledaal... I worked with a couple of them... Were... still are, some of my best friends."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:24:10)</font> <b>Silveria:</b> <font color=blue>"Little reason anyway.  For had they been the ones perhaps I would not have been alive rather than a mere, would be house slave."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:24:33)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> stares. <font color=purple>"You never mentioned that they tried to enslave you."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:24:55)</font> <b>***Silveria</b> shrugs <font color=blue>"Not something I dwell on, no?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:25:10)</font> <b>***Mnemon Ai</b> 's eyes narrows. "Slave?"<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:25:44)</font> <b>Silveria:</b> <font color=blue>"Silly thing to consider when I managed with all my young life to escape both Ledaal and Realm."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:25:48)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "You did not inform them of who you were?"<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:26:48)</font> <b>Silveria:</b> <font color=blue>"Yes, my first day was one of raw throat and sorrow.  The only reason I did nothing at first was being in repayment for my life."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:27:05)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> seems upset and somewhat angry. <font color=purple>"How dare they?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:27:16)</font> <b>Silveria:</b> <font color=blue>"They didn't seem concerned who I was.  As long as I never left the house."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:27:49)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "If only I had known... you would have been out in no time... An ex-Magistrate by the name of Endar or an author by the name of Cordelia wasn't among your masters, I hope?"<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:30:43)</font> <b>Silveria:</b> <font color=blue>"I do not recall, the name is not familiar overly much."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:31:00)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"What about anyone named Aedeneys, Camralthil, or Norsinair?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:32:14)</font> <b>Silveria:</b> Silveria thinks a slender finger going to her lips.  <font color=blue>"No,"</font> she shakes her head.<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:33:11)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> seems somewhat mollified. <font color=purple>"Well, that's marginally better. Not much, but still marginally."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:33:38)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "Good." Ai smiles, "I'd hate to blame my friends for your position..."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:34:08)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"Not that I'm exactly going to be marrying Camralthil any time soon."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:34:21)</font> <b>***Silveria</b> shrugs and smiles warmly.<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:34:35)</font> <b>***Mnemon Ai</b> looks up. "Ah. I forgot." Again he infuses his words with essence, this time simply mouthing them.<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:35:11)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> sighs. <font color=purple>"Do you have to, brother of mine? We were getting on so well, too."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:35:28)</font> <b>***Mnemon Ai</b> turns back to Opile. "No... Besides, last I heard he was drafted to fight in the west."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:36:11)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"Oh?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:36:19)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "Yes sister, I must communicate with my officers unless you prefer four legions bearing down to this little camp of yours."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:36:41)</font> <b>Silveria:</b> <font color=blue>"It certainly would be inconvenient, no?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:37:10)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> looks sheepish. <font color=purple>"Oh. Mea culpa. I assumed you were sending for people to kill me, and I don't really want to die."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:38:04)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "That order I already sent, you even heard it. I just canceled it. Although I assume Achiaias and Adamant Scion will want to talk to me after this."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:38:51)</font> <b>***Silveria</b> nods. <font color=blue>"Likely, it is the way of those things, no?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:39:15)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> nods. <font color=purple>"Achaias and Fallup are here with you? Is Liusa here as well?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:40:11)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "Yes, I don't go anywhere without my legion, you know. And Liusa is here, although in the Sesus 5th, which has been put under my command. And yes, the Wyld is almost at the shores of the Isle by now. Nearly all dynasts, exalted or no, are sent to the western shores to defend it if they are of age." His face turns dark. "My children are there fighting."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:40:42)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> looks shocked. <font color=purple>"It is?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:41:44)</font> <b>***Silveria</b> frowns.<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:42:06)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "Yes, it is coming from the East as well, and the North and South. I've been fleeing from it and the deathlords for almost three months now."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:42:21)</font> <b>Silveria:</b> <font color=blue>"With the Deathlords acting, it seems hardly fair for the Raksha to impose themselves upon us, no?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:43:28)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "Actually, they are one of the few things that are keeping the Fae at bay. I'd just prefer not getting caught in between."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:43:57)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> nods. <font color=purple>"This might be a bit of a personal question, brother of mine, but are you still in love with Liusa?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:45:12)</font> <b>***Mnemon Ai</b> turns silent, looking down. "You are one of the few that will hear this... but yes."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:46:50)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> hugs her brother gently. <font color=purple>"And, um, do you still want to marry her? I'm a priestess of Venus, I'm allowed to marry the two of you. If that's what you want, of course."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:48:39)</font> <b>***Mnemon Ai</b> looks at his sister with wide eyes. "I... I don't know... we have barely spoken... I will have to ask her..."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:49:45)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> smacks Ai on the shoulder gently. <font color=purple>"She's under your command and you've barely spoken to her? Summon her right now."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:50:37)</font> <b>Silveria:</b> <font color=blue>"Do you think that prudent?  They are... military style, no?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:50:58)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "There is... some tension between me and the Sesus commander... besides the whole legion is on rear-guard duty, they won't be here until tomorrow anyway."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:51:54)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"I don't care, light of my life. People in love shouldn't have to be separated by silly things like military rules."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:52:37)</font> <b>***Silveria</b> raises a finger.<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:52:52)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"Yes?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:53:26)</font> <b>***Mnemon Ai</b> smiles. "I've gone around more rules than you know of, little Sister. It is not rules keeping me."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:53:32)</font> <b>Silveria:</b> <font color=blue>"The best thing to do is not add more tension.  Wait until an Opportunity opens itself then strike."</font>  She chuckles.  <font color=blue>"Its at Opportunity that I usually have to do other things."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:54:01)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"Then what is keeping you, brother of mine?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:54:40)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "Politics." The word is spat out with contempt.<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:54:48)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "And her Sister, or so I guess."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:55:30)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> looks lost. <font color=purple>"Her sister?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:55:57)</font> <b>Silveria:</b> <font color=blue>"Sounds complicated,"</font> Silveria says with a sigh.<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:56:29)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "Sikandi, you must have heard of her. Adventurer, Warstrider Pilot, Vanquisher of All Those Things I Don't Remember. She was quite a fame a couple of years ago. Anyway, we've worked together the last couple of years. She did not take well to my relationship with Liusa... and she is not a woman you want at your throat."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 15:58:41)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> shrugs. <font color=purple>"Bah. If need be, I'll just make her have a convenient accident that requires handing command over to Liusa."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:00:12)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "She is not the commanding officer. And besides, even then there are two or three in succession before Liusa." Ai smiles at his sister. "A couple of years in the House of Bells would do you good."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:00:48)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> snickers. <font color=purple>"I rather doubt I'd be accepted."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:01:22)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "Not now, but you got one of its top ever students who might teach you..."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:01:46)</font> <b>***Silveria</b> frowns just slightly before tossing back strands of hair with a flick of her slender wrist.<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:02:32)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> smiles up at Ai fondly. <font color=purple>"I do, don't I?"</font> The sixteen year-old glances at Silveria. <font color=purple>"Is there something the matter, light of my life?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:03:41)</font> <b>Silveria:</b> <font color=blue>"Nope, nothing at all."</font> She says softly, <font color=blue>"Just, thoughtful."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:04:33)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "Considering that... what is the matter with all the soldiers out there?"<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:05:48)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"You mean the ones under my command?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:07:00)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "How... many is it?<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:07:49)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"Ten thousand. Plus support troops. So about twenty thousand, all told."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:11:33)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "You're telling me that you command twice the size of my first Legion when I was five times your age and had gone through the House?"<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:12:00)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"...Yes?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:13:59)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "Well, do you think I became a General through luck and the Dragons willing it?"<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:14:33)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"...Yes?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:17:01)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "No. It was work and hard earned experience."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:18:08)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> stares. <font color=purple>"But... that's *boring*."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:19:02)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "Yes, it is boring. A lot in life is. As you will find out about commanding too."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:20:01)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"But... But... I don't *wanna* do boring stuff!"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:21:17)</font> <b>Silveria:</b> <font color=blue>"Some of us make boring stuff fun, some of us find that even doing that doesn't work, yes?"</font> She chuckles lightly leaning back.<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:22:14)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "I've always been blessed by finding a number of boring stuff fun. But considering your rashness, little sister, I do not know if commanding is your forte."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:23:58)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> sighs. <font color=purple>"Fineee... I'll put up with it. But there had better be fun stuff to do afterwards!"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:24:38)</font> <b>***Silveria</b> chuckles lightly her azure blue eyes lighting with mirth.<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:26:05)</font> <b>***Mnemon Ai</b> shakes his head. "Very well. Anyway, I and my army were headed towards the Empty City, considering I find you here, do you know anything of it?"<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:26:57)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"Yes, actually. We've taken it over, and are starting to turn it into a new capital city."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:27:11)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "A... capital?"<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:27:41)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"Well, we need somewhere to rule from, don't we?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:27:51)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "You and Mina?"<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:29:00)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"And my troops, yeah."</font> Solitary conveniently leaves out the other people who are also taking part. <br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:30:11)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "You two... ruling a first age city... by yourselves?"<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:30:39)</font> <b>Silveria:</b> <font color=blue>"Uh well... There are more than just the two of us,"</font> she nods.<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:31:05)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"He wasn't meant to know that, Mina."</font> Solitary says in a stage whisper.<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:31:13)</font> <b>***Mnemon Ai</b> raises an eyebrow. "More?"<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:31:30)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"Well, we do have bondmates."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:31:48)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "Bondmates?"<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:32:42)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"Ah. Other Anathema, with some kind of mystical connection. I don't pretend to understand how it works."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:33:24)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "There are more Anathema here?"<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:33:35)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"A few."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:34:02)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "How many?"<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:34:19)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"Not many?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:34:56)</font> <b>***Silveria</b> nods.<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:35:35)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "Give me a number, sister."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:37:12)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"...About 20?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:37:54)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "20 Anathema?!"<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:39:13)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"...More or less?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:42:13)</font> <b>***Mnemon Ai</b> sighs and buries his face in his hands. "Dragons... the world is really coming to an end isn't it?"<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:42:52)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"Quite possibly. But at least we can fix it!"<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:44:06)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "I've been trying to fix it from people like you for almost a century, I don't know about that..."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:45:43)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> sighs. <font color=purple>"Think about it this way, Ai: At least Mina and I don't want to throw all Creation into the Void, or give the Yozis back control. We just want to rule it ourselves. Is that truly so bad?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:47:10)</font> <b>Silveria:</b> <font color=blue>"I assure you, that most of us, if not all of us have one thing in common.  Trying to save it from the enemies of Creation.  No Yozi, no Fair Folk, no undead fiends will be ignored."</font>  She sighs, <font color=blue>"Granted a bit more power would be nice in that."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:47:20)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "Now she's admitting to it! Dragons, what will come at me next? That the Yozi can escape their bindings?"<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:48:06)</font> <b>Silveria:</b> <font color=blue>"I hope not,"</font> Silveria shivers slightly.<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:48:24)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> nods, hugging Silveria tightly.<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:48:25)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "I do guess that it is better than destroying creation however... I think I will have to speak with whomever is *actually* in charge here..."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:48:34)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> "You are."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:49:22)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "What?"<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:50:09)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> looks surprised. <font color=purple>"You didn't think we'd let anyone give us orders, did you? I'm not some unExalted teenager rebelling against Grandmother anymore, Ai."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:51:35)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "I can see that, but what do you mean?"<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:53:13)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"What do you mean, what do I mean?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:56:35)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "Am I to understand it that you are giving command to me? Now my sister is not only Anathema, but my subordinate?"<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:57:28)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"Ah, no. I meant that you are speaking to the people who are in charge here. Although I'm quite willing to study under you."</font> Solitary says.<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:58:13)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "I see... Forgive me... It seems my wishful thinking got the better of me." And forgive me for not trusting you, sister, but I think I will send an envoy to the city in any way."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 16:59:33)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> hugs Ai. <font color=purple>"No forgiveness is necessary, Ai. You just get to be our trusted ally against the enemies of Creation, instead of our superior."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 17:00:21)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "I don't really know if I want that... on the other hand, I don't want to be your enemy either."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 17:03:19)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> frowns. <font color=purple>"Why wouldn't you want to be allied with me, brother of mine?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 17:04:36)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "A 16 year old little sister Anathema turned commander. No who wouldn't want to be your trusted ally." He says with a wry smile.<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 17:05:45)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> raises an eyebrow. <font color=purple>"Hey, at least if you're my trusted ally you're around to ride herd and stop me from screwing up too badly."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 17:06:59)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "Yes, because keeping check on my little sister was always what I wanted to do as one of the Empress's most trusted"<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 17:08:13)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"Your little sister also needs someone to give her proper training in how to command an army. Especially one made up of ten thousand highly potent Godblooded."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 17:11:15)</font> <b>***Mnemon Ai</b> falls silent<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 17:12:55)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "Mnemon Opile," he says with a stern face. "How did you come into command of this army?"<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 17:14:46)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"I found them in a Manse in Great Forks."</font> Solitary Talon replies. <font color=purple>"Apparently they were to be a gift to one of my Exaltation's previous incarnations."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 17:15:17)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "You... found... them?"<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 17:15:29)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"...Yes?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 17:16:55)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "Dragons... how will I survive this? Sister, please tell me you have something to drink."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 17:18:41)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"Um. Yes, but the only alcoholic ones are in one of my Manses in the city. Do you want to go there now?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 17:20:04)</font> <b>***Silveria</b> fiddles around in elsewhere and pulls out a bottle, she shakes it a bit.  <font color=blue>"Hmm hope its still good, been in there for at least a month."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 17:20:49)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "I... I think I'll return to my forces, my commanders are getting worried. We'll have to do it tomorrow."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 17:20:53)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> raises an eyebrow at Silveria. <font color=purple>"Why were you hiding a bottle of alcohol in Elsewhere, light of my life?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 17:21:28)</font> <b>Silveria:</b> <font color=blue>"Never know when we might not be where a bottle is."</font>  She pops the cap and sniff at it.<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 17:22:13)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "Mina, could I get some? I don't care if it is good or not, as long as it is better than the stuff Kojat Shark makes..."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 17:22:32)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"I take it he's one of the rotgut makers?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 17:23:28)</font> <b>***Silveria</b> smiles sweetly and innocently as she hands it over.<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 17:23:29)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "My bodyguard mainly, but he has a side business brewing some stuff from the South West that is appreciated by the soldiers."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 17:23:39)</font> <b>Silveria:</b> <font color=blue>"Here you may have it.  I'll pick up more inside."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 17:24:11)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"Ah, I see. Would you like me to send a runner to let your subordinates know where you are?</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 17:24:50)</font> <b>***Mnemon Ai</b> takes a swipe. His face exploding at the sudden taste of alcohol. "Better than Kojat's stuff for sure."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 17:25:18)</font> <b>Mnemon Ai:</b> "No need, I told them just now, just let them through."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 17:26:23)</font> <b>Solitary Talon:</b> <font color=purple>"Very well."</font> Solitary Talon leaves the tent briefly. Those still inside can hear her issuing orders to one of the guards, who then runs off.<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 17:26:47)</font> <b>***Solitary Talon</b> returns. <font color=purple>"They should be arriving shortly."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 17:26:49)</font> <b>Silveria:</b> <font color=blue>"I'm sure someone will be pleased to hear you liked it.  Regretfully I don't remember exactly where I did get the bottle."</font><br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 17:28:26)</font> <b>***Mnemon Ai</b> leans back. "I don't care about the bottle, wouldn't want to taste it again, even if She ordered me to." He sighs and take another swipe. "Y'know, sister, I think I will call on Liusa tonight."<br>
<font size="1">(22/10/09 17:34:01)</font> <b>***Mnemon Ai</b> gets up, not quite as steady as he always is. "Very well, I assume I will see you in the morning, sister, unless you decide to grace my camp with your presence, which I recommend against, Fallup and Achiaias will be hard to calm." Outside the sound of horses approach. "I bid you two farewell, my Anathematic relatives."<br>