Outside the Bear's Cave - Revision history

Rivers Between Us at 18:35, 12 April 2007

2007-04-12T18:35:11Z

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 “I am.”  Tepet Ejava whirled to see that a third had joined them on the balcony.  The young man was dressed in shredded black cloth that floated about him in tatters, feathered by the breeze.  His figure was slim, his face cold but with high spots of bright color on his cheeks and a shock of crested black hair on his head.  He gave the general a deep bow and whispered, "Good morning, young wood dragon.  I understand you wish to know more about the Solar Exalted that shepherd the Marukan?"
 ----
 [[Heaven's Mandate]]

Rivers Between Us at 15:52, 24 March 2007

2007-03-24T15:52:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:52, 24 March 2007
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	“I know how that tree feels.”		“I know how that tree feels.”

	High on a seaward walkway of the Celeren Manse, Tepet Ejava was now free to note the plight of a juniper clinging to a rugged promontory north of the city. Blasted by the wind and waves, with barely a fingerhold of purchase for the roots, the ~~ancient~~ tree seemed destined to be destroyed at any moment.		High on a seaward walkway of the Celeren Manse, Tepet Ejava was now free to note the plight of a juniper clinging to a rugged promontory north of the city. Blasted by the wind and waves, with barely a fingerhold of purchase for the roots, the withered tree seemed destined to be destroyed at any moment.

	“Excuse me, general?” She had not noticed the arrival of her overeager lieutenant, so intently her attention had been diverted.		“Excuse me, general?” She had not noticed the arrival of her overeager lieutenant, so intently her attention had been diverted.
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	“Two things. Mayhiros Lyra has requested the particulars regarding the duration of your...”		“Two things. Mayhiros Lyra has requested the particulars regarding the duration of your...”

	The general interrupted. “You tell her that as soon as we have the supplies we’ve requested, we’ll be on our way. She claims to be nothing more than a merchant; I assume she’ll the benefits of having the Red Piss Legion move on.”		The general interrupted. “You tell her that as soon as we have the supplies we’ve requested, we’ll be on our way. She claims to be nothing more than a merchant; I assume she’ll see the benefits of having the Red Piss Legion move on.”

	Amalia blinked her flame golden eyes. “We’ll be leaving soon?”		Amalia blinked her flame golden eyes. “We’ll be leaving soon?”
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	“Your instructions were that if and when we were forced to make landfall in Marukan Lands, you should have a report prepared on the situation here. That time has come, in spite of our best efforts.”		“Your instructions were that if and when we were forced to make landfall in Marukan Lands, you should have a report prepared on the situation here. That time has come, in spite of our best efforts.”

	“I understand. I have achieved mixed results.”		“I understand. I have achieved... mixed results.”

	Tepet Arada let her head fall forward. “I could use good... Sherem, you smell of rot and brine.”		Tepet Arada let her head fall forward. “I could use good... Sherem, you smell of rot and brine.”
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	“I fail to see how these results can be mixed, since it sounds like you have no information for me whatsoever.”		“I fail to see how these results can be mixed, since it sounds like you have no information for me whatsoever.”

	“I have better than second hand information ~~to offer you~~. Two things I offer you. In three days time the exiled owner of this manse will be arriving. I guarantee he will be useful if you should ever need... native support.”		“I have better than second hand information. Two things I offer you. In three days time the exiled owner of this manse will be arriving. I guarantee he will be useful if you should ever need... native support.”

	“His name?”		“His name?”
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	“...I could never come within a thousand miles of the Blessed Isle again. They’re just looking for a reason to execute me as is. I see now why Lookshy cared nothing for offering this wretched bargain, or why the anathema were so cavalier about warning us of the Mask’s forces. We’re damned no matter where we turn.”		“...I could never come within a thousand miles of the Blessed Isle again. They’re just looking for a reason to execute me as is. I see now why Lookshy cared nothing for offering this wretched bargain, or why the anathema were so cavalier about warning us of the Mask’s forces. We’re damned no matter where we turn.”

	Sherem shifted noiselessly. “Long have I watched over your career, ~~in memory of~~ your grandfather, so heed my advice. I have heard tell of the strength of these anathema. An alliance with them or a stronger pact with Lookshy might turn the tide against the Mask... and the realm.”		Sherem shifted noiselessly. “Long have I watched over your career, as I served your grandfather before you, so heed my advice as he once did. I have heard tell of the strength of these anathema. An alliance with them or a stronger pact with Lookshy might turn the tide against the Mask... and the realm.”

	“Hmm. How could I reconcile myself to such a treaty? The Mask conquers Thorns, and the anathema conquer the Marukan. ~~What~~ is to say that one is a lesser evil than the other?”		“Hmm. How could I reconcile myself to such a treaty? The Mask conquers Thorns, and the anathema conquer the Marukan. Who is to say that one is a lesser evil than the other?”

	“I am.” Tepet Ejava whirled to see that a third had joined them on the balcony. The young man was dressed in shredded black cloth that floated about him in tatters, feathered by the breeze. His figure was slim, his face cold but with high spots of bright color on his cheeks and a shock of crested black hair on his head. He gave the general a deep bow and whispered, "Good morning, young wood dragon. I understand you wish to know more about the Solar Exalted that shepherd the Marukan?"		“I am.” Tepet Ejava whirled to see that a third had joined them on the balcony. The young man was dressed in shredded black cloth that floated about him in tatters, feathered by the breeze. His figure was slim, his face cold but with high spots of bright color on his cheeks and a shock of crested black hair on his head. He gave the general a deep bow and whispered, "Good morning, young wood dragon. I understand you wish to know more about the Solar Exalted that shepherd the Marukan?"

Rivers Between Us: /* Part 1: Celeren */

2007-03-24T15:43:01Z

Part 1: Celeren

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:43, 24 March 2007
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	==Part 1: Celeren==		==Part 1: Celeren==

	Suequmann the Sunrise Destroying Hammer stepped onto the beach. His head lolled to one side, resting almost lovingly on the fist-thick links of the iron chain draped over his shoulder. The seas foamed and howled behind him, still raging at the memory of his presence, unwilling to be reminded of its ~~ancient~~ ally. With each step the ancient demon heaved on the chain, which behind him branched into dozens of chains. Suequmann’s neck had bent at that angle ever since it had been shattered by Appointed Blasphemy, swung by Eottra Dyclasm in the Paling Wars at the edge of Dazraban. Behind his grizzled visage, his long white tail twisted in undulous arcs through the many chains that ~~branched from the single arc of links that wrapped over his shoulder~~. Each step he took tore great gouges in the sand of the seashore, bringing him only a few inches farther inland, but with each step he took, three dozen mastless were drawn a few inches closer to shore.		Suequmann the Sunrise Destroying Hammer stepped onto the beach. His head lolled to one side, resting almost lovingly on the fist-thick links of the iron chain draped over his shoulder. The seas foamed and howled behind him, still raging at the memory of his presence, unwilling to be reminded of its eons-forsaken ally. With each step the ancient demon heaved on the chain, which behind him branched into dozens of chains. Suequmann’s neck had bent at that angle ever since it had been shattered by Appointed Blasphemy, swung by Eottra Dyclasm in the Paling Wars at the edge of Dazraban. Behind his grizzled visage, his long white tail twisted in undulous arcs through the many chains that trailed back to a smouldering fleet. Each step he took tore great gouges in the sand of the seashore, bringing him only a few inches farther inland, but with each step he took, three dozen mastless ships were drawn a few inches closer to shore.

	At the side of his general, Ledaal Kebok Omeger watched approvingly, confident that his bargain had been well made. The Vermilion Legion had arrived in the Marukan.		At the side of his general, Ledaal Kebok Omeger watched approvingly, confident that his bargain had been well made. The Vermilion Legion had arrived in the Marukan.

Rivers Between Us at 05:42, 24 March 2007

2007-03-24T05:42:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:42, 24 March 2007
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	“That is all, lieutenant.” As she withdrew, the Roseblack reminded herself once again it was the Vermilion Legion, and that she couldn’t expect as much from ex-convicts and found eggs as the shattered legions in which she had served most of her career. She did not have time to muse further on the subject.		“That is all, lieutenant.” As she withdrew, the Roseblack reminded herself once again it was the Vermilion Legion, and that she couldn’t expect as much from ex-convicts and found eggs as the shattered legions in which she had served most of her career. She did not have time to muse further on the subject.

			“General Tepet.” The rasping voice fell harshly on her ears. Instinctively she walked to the sculpted pink marble railing, looking away from the hideous jade mask. Iselsi Sherem knelt in a crouch three paces behind her and one pace to her left.

	[[Image:Shinobi.jpg\|Iselsi Sherem\|thumb\|210px\|left]]		[[Image:Shinobi.jpg\|Iselsi Sherem\|thumb\|210px\|left]]

	“General Tepet.” The rasping voice fell harshly on her ears. Instinctively she walked to the sculpted pink marble railing, looking away from the hideous jade mask. Iselsi Sherem knelt in a crouch three paces behind her and one pace to her left.

	“Your instructions were that if and when we were forced to make landfall in Marukan Lands, you should have a report prepared on the situation here. That time has come, in spite of our best efforts.”		“Your instructions were that if and when we were forced to make landfall in Marukan Lands, you should have a report prepared on the situation here. That time has come, in spite of our best efforts.”

Rivers Between Us at 05:42, 24 March 2007

2007-03-24T05:42:10Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:42, 24 March 2007
Line 33:		Line 33:
	“That is all, lieutenant.” As she withdrew, the Roseblack reminded herself once again it was the Vermilion Legion, and that she couldn’t expect as much from ex-convicts and found eggs as the shattered legions in which she had served most of her career. She did not have time to muse further on the subject.		“That is all, lieutenant.” As she withdrew, the Roseblack reminded herself once again it was the Vermilion Legion, and that she couldn’t expect as much from ex-convicts and found eggs as the shattered legions in which she had served most of her career. She did not have time to muse further on the subject.

	[[Image:Shinobi.jpg\|Iselsi Sherem\|thumb\|210px]]		[[Image:Shinobi.jpg\|Iselsi Sherem\|thumb\|210px\|left]]

	“General Tepet.” The rasping voice fell harshly on her ears. Instinctively she walked to the sculpted pink marble railing, looking away from the hideous jade mask. Iselsi Sherem knelt in a crouch three paces behind her and one pace to her left.		“General Tepet.” The rasping voice fell harshly on her ears. Instinctively she walked to the sculpted pink marble railing, looking away from the hideous jade mask. Iselsi Sherem knelt in a crouch three paces behind her and one pace to her left.

Rivers Between Us at 05:41, 24 March 2007

2007-03-24T05:41:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:41, 24 March 2007
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	==Part 1: Celeren==		==Part 1: Celeren==

	Suequmann the Sunrise Destroying Hammer stepped onto the beach. His head lolled to one side, resting almost lovingly on the fist-thick links of the iron chain draped over his shoulder. The seas foamed and howled behind him, still raging at the memory of his presence, unwilling to be reminded of its ancient ally. With each step the ancient demon heaved on the chain, which behind him branched into dozens of chains. Suequmann’s neck had bent at that angle ever since it had been shattered by Appointed Blasphemy, swung by Eottra Dyclasm in the Paling Wars at the edge of Dazraban. Behind his grizzled visage, his long white tail twisted in undulous arcs through the ~~dozes of~~ chains that branched from the single arc of links that wrapped over his shoulder. Each step he took tore great gouges in the sand of the seashore, bringing him only a few inches farther inland, but with each step he took, three dozen mastless were drawn a few inches closer to shore.		Suequmann the Sunrise Destroying Hammer stepped onto the beach. His head lolled to one side, resting almost lovingly on the fist-thick links of the iron chain draped over his shoulder. The seas foamed and howled behind him, still raging at the memory of his presence, unwilling to be reminded of its ancient ally. With each step the ancient demon heaved on the chain, which behind him branched into dozens of chains. Suequmann’s neck had bent at that angle ever since it had been shattered by Appointed Blasphemy, swung by Eottra Dyclasm in the Paling Wars at the edge of Dazraban. Behind his grizzled visage, his long white tail twisted in undulous arcs through the many chains that branched from the single arc of links that wrapped over his shoulder. Each step he took tore great gouges in the sand of the seashore, bringing him only a few inches farther inland, but with each step he took, three dozen mastless were drawn a few inches closer to shore.

	At the side of his general, Ledaal Kebok Omeger watched approvingly, confident that his bargain had been well made. The Vermilion Legion had arrived in the Marukan.		At the side of his general, Ledaal Kebok Omeger watched approvingly, confident that his bargain had been well made. The Vermilion Legion had arrived in the Marukan.

Rivers Between Us at 05:40, 24 March 2007

2007-03-24T05:40:02Z

← Older revision	Revision as of 05:40, 24 March 2007
Line 1:	Line 1:
		==Part 1: Celeren==

		Suequmann the Sunrise Destroying Hammer stepped onto the beach. His head lolled to one side, resting almost lovingly on the fist-thick links of the iron chain draped over his shoulder. The seas foamed and howled behind him, still raging at the memory of his presence, unwilling to be reminded of its ancient ally. With each step the ancient demon heaved on the chain, which behind him branched into dozens of chains. Suequmann’s neck had bent at that angle ever since it had been shattered by Appointed Blasphemy, swung by Eottra Dyclasm in the Paling Wars at the edge of Dazraban. Behind his grizzled visage, his long white tail twisted in undulous arcs through the dozes of chains that branched from the single arc of links that wrapped over his shoulder. Each step he took tore great gouges in the sand of the seashore, bringing him only a few inches farther inland, but with each step he took, three dozen mastless were drawn a few inches closer to shore.

		At the side of his general, Ledaal Kebok Omeger watched approvingly, confident that his bargain had been well made. The Vermilion Legion had arrived in the Marukan.

		----

		[[Image:Ejava.gif\|Tepet Ejava, The Roseblack\|frame]]

		“I know how that tree feels.”

		High on a seaward walkway of the Celeren Manse, Tepet Ejava was now free to note the plight of a juniper clinging to a rugged promontory north of the city. Blasted by the wind and waves, with barely a fingerhold of purchase for the roots, the ancient tree seemed destined to be destroyed at any moment.

		“Excuse me, general?” She had not noticed the arrival of her overeager lieutenant, so intently her attention had been diverted.

		The Roseblack turned and twisted back a lock of her auburn hair, away from her eyes. “Ah. Lieutenant [[Virra Amalia]]. I assume you have important news?”

		“Two things. Mayhiros Lyra has requested the particulars regarding the duration of your...”

		The general interrupted. “You tell her that as soon as we have the supplies we’ve requested, we’ll be on our way. She claims to be nothing more than a merchant; I assume she’ll the benefits of having the Red Piss Legion move on.”

		Amalia blinked her flame golden eyes. “We’ll be leaving soon?”

		“I said nothing of the kind, but that’s what you will tell her. The second thing?” Tepet Ejava turned away from the young woman and rested her hand on Thorn. The strength of the jade was ever renewing.

		The young fire aspect shifted uneasily in her lamelar. “There’s a shinobi here to see you... she claims to be an Iselsi...”

		“Show her in and dismiss yourself.”

		“Sir, if you’re certain that it’s wise, I...”

		“That is all, lieutenant.” As she withdrew, the Roseblack reminded herself once again it was the Vermilion Legion, and that she couldn’t expect as much from ex-convicts and found eggs as the shattered legions in which she had served most of her career. She did not have time to muse further on the subject.

		[[Image:Shinobi.jpg\|Iselsi Sherem\|thumb\|210px]]

		“General Tepet.” The rasping voice fell harshly on her ears. Instinctively she walked to the sculpted pink marble railing, looking away from the hideous jade mask. Iselsi Sherem knelt in a crouch three paces behind her and one pace to her left.

		“Your instructions were that if and when we were forced to make landfall in Marukan Lands, you should have a report prepared on the situation here. That time has come, in spite of our best efforts.”

		“I understand. I have achieved mixed results.”

		Tepet Arada let her head fall forward. “I could use good... Sherem, you smell of rot and brine.”

		“That is understandable, as I have spent the last three weeks at the bottom of a salt marsh. I was discovered by one of the anathema’s agents, and they sent their warlord and a pair of heretic monks to root me out. Rather than compromise the mission... I hid.”

		“I fail to see how these results can be mixed, since it sounds like you have no information for me whatsoever.”

		“I have better than second hand information to offer you. Two things I offer you. In three days time the exiled owner of this manse will be arriving. I guarantee he will be useful if you should ever need... native support.”

		“His name?”

		“[[Mayhiros Tesos]].”

		“He’s lost once, I’m not sure his support is entirely noteworthy.” The Roseblack gripped the hilt of her wavecleaver more tightly in her fist. “Curse it all, Sherem. What would you do? We lost a full dragon in a single day, more than the Lintha claimed in a year! I can’t believe I’m leading the last of our men into another Battle of Futile Blood. Grandfather was right. I should have ignored the orders and slain the messenger.”

		“If the situation is so dire, my lady, perhaps you are willing to consider unorthodox alliances?” Sherem’s head tilted up slightly, hidden as always behind black jade filigree.

		“Ha. If the immaculate ‘deposition’ that’s traveling with us heard that proposition... or even the overeager lieutenant that brought you here... I’d be dead by dawn. Even if they failed...”

		“...which they would...”

		“...I could never come within a thousand miles of the Blessed Isle again. They’re just looking for a reason to execute me as is. I see now why Lookshy cared nothing for offering this wretched bargain, or why the anathema were so cavalier about warning us of the Mask’s forces. We’re damned no matter where we turn.”

		Sherem shifted noiselessly. “Long have I watched over your career, in memory of your grandfather, so heed my advice. I have heard tell of the strength of these anathema. An alliance with them or a stronger pact with Lookshy might turn the tide against the Mask... and the realm.”

		“Hmm. How could I reconcile myself to such a treaty? The Mask conquers Thorns, and the anathema conquer the Marukan. What is to say that one is a lesser evil than the other?”

		“I am.” Tepet Ejava whirled to see that a third had joined them on the balcony. The young man was dressed in shredded black cloth that floated about him in tatters, feathered by the breeze. His figure was slim, his face cold but with high spots of bright color on his cheeks and a shock of crested black hair on his head. He gave the general a deep bow and whispered, "Good morning, young wood dragon. I understand you wish to know more about the Solar Exalted that shepherd the Marukan?"

		----

		[[Heaven's Mandate]]

Rivers Between Us at 03:37, 24 March 2007

2007-03-24T03:37:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:37, 24 March 2007
Line 1:		Line 1:
	~~== Part 1: Celeren ==~~

	[[Image:Ejava.gif\|Tepet Ejava, The Roseblack\|frame]]On rocky promontory north of Celeren, Tepet Ejava contemplated the winter sea. Her eyes misted as she watched the towering gray waves smash against the shore, over and over again. Farther south, the wooden docks of the city were filled with the battered fleet of the Vermilion Legion. Not a single ship was whole; all bore tattered sails, shattered prows, stove planks or splintered masts.

	~~"General Tepet..." the voice called from behind her. She did not turn. "You asked that I report to you if you were forced to land in the Marukan..."~~

	Iselsi Sherem approached at knelt, two paces behind her and one pace to the left. Ejava shook her head once, blinking her eyes, then gripped the hilt of Thorn and spoke. "Then report. What have you discovered about the anathema that have conquered this land?"

	"Little personally." Her voice rasped from behind the delicately carved jade mask, her head bowed slightly forward. "I was just making some headway when I got too close to one of their agents. Rather than compromise the mission..."

	~~"Yes?" The Roseblack's eyes narrowed.~~

	"...I was forced to spend three weeks under a salt marsh." Iselsi Kedem's voice was even and flat. "Their warlord came to the city with a pair of heretic monks, and I was forced to go into deep cover. Fortunately, while I was there, I found a pair of contacts to support my efforts."

	~~"Who are?"~~

	~~"The first is an exiled leader of the territory. He'll be meeting with you in a few days; he's apparently met their chief in combat. The second should be here shortly to report to you directly."~~

	~~[[Image:Shinobi.jpg\|Iselsi Sherem\|thumb\|210px]]~~

	Tepet Ejava's red locks, torn by the wind, blew across her eyes. "Iselsi, I lost a full dragon of some of my best men to the sea. Even the Family never managed that in a single day. It will be just like the Battle of Futile Blood all over again."

	~~Iselsi Sherem was silent.~~

	~~"The Mask will grind us into meal on land or sea. Grandfather was right."~~

	~~The spy's cloaked head dipped slightly lower. "If the situation is, in fact, so dire, then perhaps you might accept unorthodox solutions?"~~

	"You think I haven't considered it, that Ledaal Kebok Omeger isn't hounding me over it day and night? After this devil's bargain with Lookshy, and that message... but what choice do I have? If I ally with Lookshy... or even those devils... can I ever return to the realm? I can barely keep those tonsured hotheads under control as is..." She paused, then grunted a laugh. "You can keep that under your mask, Iselsi."

	~~"He's here."~~

	~~"What?"~~

	The Roseblack turned to see a second figure approaching along the promontory dressed shredded black cloth that floated about him in tatters, feathered by the breeze. His figure was slim, his face cold but with high spots of bright color on his cheeks, and shock of crested black hair on his head. He gave the general a deep bow and whispered, "Good morning, young wood dragon. I understand you wish to know more about the Solar Exalted that shepherd the Marukan?"

	~~----~~

	~~[[Heaven's Mandate]]~~

Rivers Between Us at 00:53, 24 March 2007

2007-03-24T00:53:23Z

New page

== Part 1: Celeren ==

[[Image:Ejava.gif|Tepet Ejava, The Roseblack|frame]]On rocky promontory north of Celeren, Tepet Ejava contemplated the winter sea. Her eyes misted as she watched the towering gray waves smash against the shore, over and over again. Farther south, the wooden docks of the city were filled with the battered fleet of the Vermilion Legion. Not a single ship was whole; all bore tattered sails, shattered prows, stove planks or splintered masts.

"General Tepet..." the voice called from behind her. She did not turn. "You asked that I report to you if you were forced to land in the Marukan..."

Iselsi Sherem approached at knelt, two paces behind her and one pace to the left. Ejava shook her head once, blinking her eyes, then gripped the hilt of Thorn and spoke. "Then report. What have you discovered about the anathema that have conquered this land?"

"Little personally." Her voice rasped from behind the delicately carved jade mask, her head bowed slightly forward. "I was just making some headway when I got too close to one of their agents. Rather than compromise the mission..."

"Yes?" The Roseblack's eyes narrowed.

"...I was forced to spend three weeks under a salt marsh." Iselsi Kedem's voice was even and flat. "Their warlord came to the city with a pair of heretic monks, and I was forced to go into deep cover. Fortunately, while I was there, I found a pair of contacts to support my efforts."

"Who are?"

"The first is an exiled leader of the territory. He'll be meeting with you in a few days; he's apparently met their chief in combat. The second should be here shortly to report to you directly."

[[Image:Shinobi.jpg|Iselsi Sherem|thumb|210px]]

Tepet Ejava's red locks, torn by the wind, blew across her eyes. "Iselsi, I lost a full dragon of some of my best men to the sea. Even the Family never managed that in a single day. It will be just like the Battle of Futile Blood all over again."

Iselsi Sherem was silent.

"The Mask will grind us into meal on land or sea. Grandfather was right."

The spy's cloaked head dipped slightly lower. "If the situation is, in fact, so dire, then perhaps you might accept unorthodox solutions?"

"You think I haven't considered it, that Ledaal Kebok Omeger isn't hounding me over it day and night? After this devil's bargain with Lookshy, and that message... but what choice do I have? If I ally with Lookshy... or even those devils... can I ever return to the realm? I can barely keep those tonsured hotheads under control as is..." She paused, then grunted a laugh. "You can keep that under your mask, Iselsi."

"He's here."

"What?"

The Roseblack turned to see a second figure approaching along the promontory dressed shredded black cloth that floated about him in tatters, feathered by the breeze. His figure was slim, his face cold but with high spots of bright color on his cheeks, and shock of crested black hair on his head. He gave the general a deep bow and whispered, "Good morning, young wood dragon. I understand you wish to know more about the Solar Exalted that shepherd the Marukan?"

----

[[Heaven's Mandate]]