Editing Once more with feeling/Logs/Small Group/In Denandsor/Anshu, De`aneir`a, Lilijana, Solitary Talon's Faction, and Ziyad (Ministry of Defence & Logistics Arrangements)

<b>This log has been retconned out. A different version will be taking it's place when the scene is replayed.</b>

<font size="1">(24/10/09 08:53:44)</font> Solitary Talon: <font color=purple>"Great. More humiliation, I take it?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 08:54:59)</font> Anshu: <font color=navy>"No, I believe Ziyad wants to discuss the military situation."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 08:58:19)</font> Solitary Talon: <font color=purple>"...Fine."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 08:59:19)</font> De`aneir`a is silent with a look of concern at the young woman.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 09:07:22)</font> Ziyad: <font color=>"I want to discuss reorganising Denandsor's military. Preferably away from just personal forces if that is agreeable"</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 09:07:46)</font> Ziyad: <font color=>"As the one providing most of the City's troops at the moment though the decision mostly rest with Solitary Talon"</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 09:08:33)</font> Solitary Talon looks sullen. <font color=purple>"I don't see how that's a good idea. I obviously need my own troops to protect myself from idiots like Crow."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 09:08:45)</font> Ziyad: <font color=>"I would have your forces and Anshu forces form the army of Denandsor and continue to recruit. While myself and De'aneir'a form the navy as we both have some knowledge of ships."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 09:10:34)</font> Ziyad: <font color=>"Anshu may well have to also be part of the Navy as he does own part of the Skyreme he and I found."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 09:10:57)</font> Anshu: <font color=navy>"I have no objection to giving up personal command of my troops, such as they are, although they will be less effective without me - or a Solar with the same ability - leading them."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 09:11:36)</font> Ziyad: <font color=>"In war personal command is still an option. I would prefer to design a joint armed forces with ourselves at the top."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 09:12:41)</font> De`aneir`a: <font style="palatino linotype" color=darkred>"Miss Solitary Talon, I want to assure you that if you are threatened by others wrongly then we, those of us of in this City, should very work to ensure that you are not threatened."</font> She though nods to the others. <font color=>"A joint unification of the forces could lend an easier control of forces in an emergency."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 09:13:18)</font> Anshu: <font color=navy>"Not to mention that will help reduce feuds all around if none of us have to worry about the others leading their personal troops in a rebellion or coup."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 09:13:33)</font> De`aneir`a nods.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 09:13:37)</font> Ziyad: <font color=>"That was in fact my worry"</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 09:13:57)</font> Solitary Talon snorts. <font color=purple>"Pretty words are meaningless when I haven't seen you defending me against the constant persecution."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 09:14:40)</font> Ziyad: <font color=>"Ms. Talon, Crow is the sort you do not need an army to defend yourself from. After all he is a Night Caste. They defend you as well as a fortifications of paper. He is the sort to come for you personally"</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 09:15:04)</font> Ziyad's demeanor softens. "And besides as long as I am in charge there will be no violence between members of the council. Of that I give you my word."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 09:16:29)</font> De`aneir`a nods with a smile.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 09:16:50)</font> De`aneir`a: <font style="palatino linotype" color=darkred>"So please trust at least us."</font> Even if she knows not the reason behind most of the anquish in this circle.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 09:17:52)</font> Anshu: <font color=navynavy>"And though I may act harshly toward you, I do not wish you any harm."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 09:18:13)</font> De`aneir`a: <font style="palatino linotype" color=darkred>"I believe though your protection lies already in the care of the Lunars you have gained with Loyalty and ... L, Love."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 09:19:24)</font> Ziyad gives De'aneir'a a quickly puzzled look and then returns to matters at hand<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 09:20:19)</font> De`aneir`a clears her throat nervously.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 09:20:56)</font> Solitary Talon seems rather bitter. <font color=purple>"No, you just keep attacking me."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 09:23:58)</font> De`aneir`a sighs a little sadly.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 09:26:30)</font> Anshu shrugs. <font color=navy>"I attack you with words because I see much that you could be, that you are not. I do not want you to be harmed, rather I wish to see you grow."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 09:34:50)</font> Solitary Talon snickers. <font color=purple>"Right. That's why you keep allowing Dhiren to threaten to kill me. You want me to grow. Sol, how could I have been so wrong."</font> The sixteen year old says sarcastically.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 09:46:59)</font> De`aneir`a looks between Anshu and Solitary.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 09:49:15)</font> De`aneir`a: <font style="palatino linotype" color=darkred>"I'd ask about this but I am not a part of the Justice Ministry. Truly though why is the harshness of threat directed at one another? Though I admit a lack of information in this. Dhiren is not Anshu's to influence is he?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 09:50:13)</font> Anshu: <font color=navy>"He hasn't threatened you since we were on the barge flying to Great Forks,"</font> Anshu says.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 09:50:37)</font> Anshu: <font color=navy>"There have been disagreements since then, certainly, but I can't recall him threatening you the way he did then."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 09:54:06)</font> Solitary Talon: <font color=purple>"Oh, I think he has."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 09:55:03)</font> Anshu: <font color=navy>"Dhiren comes from a village I took under my protection. For a time I was responsible for him, and he looks up to me,"</font> Anshu explains to De'aneir'a.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 09:55:05)</font> De`aneir`a frowns.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 09:55:14)</font> Anshu: <font color=navy>"When?"</font> Anshu asks Solitary.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 09:55:19)</font> De`aneir`a: <font style="palatino linotype" color=darkred>"I see."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 09:55:28)</font> Solitary Talon: <font color=purple>"Several times."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 09:57:23)</font> Ziyad: <font color=>"Are you sure? I know that both of you have let this emnity between you grow, but I recall neither of you pushing the issue since we arrived here. Certainly I would have stepped in, had I known about them."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 09:57:38)</font> Ziyad looks thoughtful.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 10:00:40)</font> Solitary Talon snorts. <font color=purple>"Yeah, like you stepped in when he was throwing accusations at me during the council?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 10:02:09)</font> Ziyad: <font color=>"The council is different. Accusations abounded on all sides and unproven they are only words. Had they been more so I would have taken steps."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 10:02:34)</font> De`aneir`a: <font style="palatino linotype" color=darkred>"Its hard isn't it? To keep the order as it is? How to be impartial at the same time protective. Even I cannot see the head or the tail of the annimosity between you and others."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 10:03:31)</font> Anshu: <font color=navy>"Well, I will speak to him anyway. Even if he has not, the reminder should not do him any harm."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 10:03:33)</font> Ziyad sighs. "It is incredibly difficult. One most toe the line so very much. Especially with this circle."<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 10:04:05)</font> Solitary Talon: <font color=purple>"...Fine."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 10:23:14)</font> Ziyad: <font color=>"Anyway if that is dealt with or at least settled for the moment. This way the city should be more secure and allows each of us to expand the city's armed forces."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 10:23:46)</font> Solitary Talon: <font color=purple>"...Fine."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 10:24:50)</font> Ziyad: <font color=navy>"Any ideas you wish to present? After all this ministry is jointly ours."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 10:25:36)</font> De`aneir`a glances to Solitary.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 10:26:05)</font> Solitary Talon: <font color=purple>"Well, I think I should have total control over the Army side, as I'm contributing all of the useful troops."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 10:28:13)</font> Ziyad: <font color=>"At the end though you only have 1 Legion. That will not be sufficient in the long run. At the moment Anshu is more capable than you of training more troops of that caliber."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 10:31:54)</font> De`aneir`a thinks about this a moment.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 10:33:02)</font> Anshu: <font color=navy>"Giving you total control over the army defeats the purpose of preventing others from worrying about what you might do with it."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 10:34:12)</font> Solitary Talon: <font color=purple>"And? I'm still contributing all of the useful troops."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 10:34:35)</font> De`aneir`a: <font style="palatino linotype" color=darkred>"Perhaps a louder voice in how to deploy those forces when required. In a joint outfit, if harm does befall you,"</font> she quickly adds, <font style="palatino linotype" color=darkred>"not that any of us here wish that, but if it were to happen by an enemy having more than one commander at any time will grant the ground forces a greater amount of ability."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 10:35:26)</font> De`aneir`a: <font color=>"Uh.. more leeway ... I know there is a term there for what I'm trying to get... but it would give it more power, I would think."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 10:35:40)</font> Anshu: <font color=navy>"More flexibility."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 10:35:50)</font> Solitary Talon shakes her head. <font color=purple>"Not needed. The line of command if I die is quite clear."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 10:36:57)</font> Ziyad: "For the moment we are not taking away your troops. Just making sure when the army is not just your troops others amongst us have the ability to command them but it is also not possible for you to be in all places at once. Say perhaps when we have 10 Legions, you cannot be in charge of all of them at once."<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 10:37:15)</font> Ziyad: "For curiousities sake what is that Line of Command?"<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 10:38:15)</font> Solitary Talon: <font color=purple>"In order? Li, Silveria, Sakura, Aesin, then down to my Dragonlords. I can enumerate it in full, but that would take longer than we really have time for."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 10:43:27)</font> Solitary Talon: <font color=purple>"And you want to take away my sole control. Tell me, how exactly are you *not* taking my troops away?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 10:47:27)</font> Ziyad: "Then let us say that for the moment you will keep control of your troops. But you will be required to work with Anshu to train further legions of that standard and of those you will share command. And perhaps in time you can share command of all the legions. Can you agree to that?"<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 10:48:11)</font> Ziyad slides a look to his mates and with a flourish pulls a rose from nowhere and presents it to Solitary with a flourish<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 10:48:54)</font> Solitary Talon: <font color=purple>"Why should I work with him? I can train my troops just as well as he can, if not better."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 10:51:41)</font> Ziyad: "Because if you can do it better then teach him to do so. If he can teach better than you then he can teach you to. Two after all of enormous skill are better than one. And you will not be teaching your troops, you will be teaching our troops. Your troops are already a model example."<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 10:52:26)</font> Anshu: <font color=navy>"Any new troops would have to be loyal to Denandsor first, of course."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 10:52:59)</font> Lilijana sidles over to Solitary and whispers to her <font color=seagreen>"It is a good offer mistress, you sacrifice nothing and gain much"</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 10:55:22)</font> Solitary Talon: <font color=purple>"No. Any new legions should first be loyal to their commander, and only then to Denandsor."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 10:56:23)</font> Anshu: <font color=navy>"Again defeating the purpose of alleviating worries of coup or rebellion."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 10:56:32)</font> Ziyad: "I disagree they should be loyal to the government first and then the commander. It stops such troops following their commander should he or she decide to turn against us. Unless of course you are considering such a thing?"<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 10:56:55)</font> Ziyad: "Haven't the Realm had problems with that in the past. Saloy Him or whatever his name was?"<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 10:59:40)</font> Ziyad: "Do you really want to lose armies to those more loyal to commanders under you if they suddenly take umbrage to you? Why they would do such a thing is purely fantasy of course."<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:00:26)</font> Ziyad's voice is perfectly calm. There is not a hint of sarcasm.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:04:56)</font> Solitary Talon: <font color=purple>"Say rather that I fear others turning on me."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:06:23)</font> Ziyad: "Others such as whom?"<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:07:01)</font> Solitary Talon pointedly does not look at Anshu.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:08:48)</font> Ziyad sighs and in a kindly voice says "Have I not already said I will do everything in my power to prevent this circle from turning on one another."<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:10:06)</font> Ziyad: "Especially when they are using the resources of the city on one another. This is why they should be loyal to the city not their commander. As Anshu will have his own troops loyal to him in the end. If they are loyal to the city such stupidity shouldn't happen."<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:10:41)</font> Ziyad: "The troops will refuse to fight against their own fellows and thus defeat your worries."<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:10:47)</font> Anshu: <font color=navy>"Exactly. If we each have troops loyal to ourselves first, then we will constantly be suspcious of each other."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:12:21)</font> Lilijana: <font color=seagreen>"Yet even if they are loyal to the city, their commanders are exalted and can easily sway mortals. Will you Oathbound the soldiers to the city?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:12:21)</font> Silveria nods as she nears Solitary resting her slender hands on the younger woman. <font color=>"Fear not those of city, it is good to focus energy on a foe and not a possible ally, no?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:13:16)</font> Ziyad: "I would prefer it that our troops are competent at every level and dedicated instead to the ideals of the city and hopefully OUR future Empire. That way even at the smallest of units they will be capable of preventing stupid or poorly thought out decisions."<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:13:29)</font> Solitary Talon: <font color=purple>"And if you do, are not they then bound to the Binder, and not the city?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:13:48)</font> Anshu: <font color=navy>"Not if the oath is worded properly."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:13:52)</font> Ziyad: "Unfortunately it would be more efficient to get the Commander's to not force the will of their soldiers anyway."<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:14:01)</font> Anshu: <font color=navy>"That too."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:14:12)</font> De`aneir`a nods.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:15:17)</font> Ziyad: "I wish to see an armed forces that is as capable of making good decisions at the lowest levels as well as the highest. An army that needs a minimum of supervision as they know as well as you what should be done. An army unlike Creation has ever seen. Where competence is the word and the deed."<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:15:35)</font> Solitary Talon: <font color=purple>"...So one like mine, then?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:15:59)</font> Ziyad: And for some reason after the last words, Ziyad shudders slightly his face going completely blank<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:16:33)</font> De`aneir`a looks to those that have known each other more with a concerned look.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:19:04)</font> Lilijana: <font color=seagreen>"Such a force would be something to be reckoned with. To many rely on supposedly copetent officers, but surely such a force would take much time and cost to train and equip"</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:20:33)</font> Silveria: <font color=>"Assuredly quite a bit of time and resources. But it would be worthwhile, no?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:20:41)</font> Ziyad: <font color=>"We are Exalted such a force could be created in mere Seasons. But for the moment we must rely on what we have."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:22:40)</font> Anshu: <font color=>"We must rely on what we have, and reliance means that we must trust what we have."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:23:17)</font> Solitary Talon: <font color=purple>"So why are you trying to take away control of the completely reliable army I already have?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:23:23)</font> Anshu: <font color=navy>"And for that to happen we must unify our forces and ensure that they are not loyal to any particular faction in the city, but to the city itself."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:24:09)</font> Lilijana: <font color=seagreen>"Yet you ask much of Mistress Solitary and seem to offer little in return perhaps a gesture of good faith on your parts is needed?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:24:39)</font> Anshu: <font color=navy>"You can rely on it, yes. But your army is currently loyal to you, and you alone."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:24:53)</font> Anshu: <font color=navy>"And I have made such a gesture."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:25:05)</font> Solitary Talon: <font color=purple>"And that is why I can rely on it."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:26:06)</font> Anshu: <font color=navy>"I have already said that I am willing to give up personal command of my Auxiliaries."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:26:20)</font> Ziyad: "Are you saying you are afraid to rely on an army that is loyal to you AND the city?"<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:26:58)</font> Solitary Talon: <font color=purple>"Yes. If they are also loyal to the city, then they can be turned against me and mine."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:28:12)</font> Anshu: <font color=navy>"And if they are loyal only to you, then they can be turned against us and ours."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:28:30)</font> Ziyad: "Which is what some of the others are afraid of."<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:28:50)</font> Anshu thinks <i><font color=navy>This is a waste of time. This brat obviously has no intention of negotiating in good faith.</font></i><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:29:20)</font> Ziyad: "The fact that both of you seem to forget is armies would not save any of us against one another. They are only useful in protecting the mortals in our care."<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:29:45)</font> Lilijana: <font color=seagreen>"And we have come full circle. Perhaps a recess is required to allow people time to consider there postions"</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:30:34)</font> Ziyad: "More so while I AM willing to permit a personal guard that is loyal to the commander above the city but I am not happy with the current situation of that guard being the majority of the army."<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:30:55)</font> Ziyad: "Not because I fear it but because of the unease it creates with our fellows."<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:31:26)</font> Solitary Talon: <font color=purple>"Name one."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:37:23)</font> Ziyad: "Shining, though he has an Army of Demon's to oppose you if such should things should come to a head."<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:37:50)</font> Solitary Talon: <font color=purple>"And Shining is opposed to me because of his bondmate's actions."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:38:19)</font> Ziyad: "Strange then that he voiced this opinion before this erstwhile deal with his bond mate."<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:38:45)</font> Solitary Talon: <font color=purple>"...Really."</font> Solitary Talon seems rather suspicious.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:38:50)</font> Lilijana freezes at the mention of her and Shining.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:39:16)</font> Ziyad: "Then of course there are those that do not trust you for the same reason you do not trust them."<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:39:37)</font> Lilijana: <font color=seagreen>"I have tried to moderate Shining's actions."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:45:28)</font> Solitary Talon: <font color=purple>"And yet you do not seem to be doing a very good job of it, toy."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:46:23)</font> Lilijana: <font color=seagreen>"I will agree there mistress."</font> Lilijana curses her self for drawing Solitarys attetion <font color=seagreen>"It will take time for him to accept the situation."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:49:04)</font> Ziyad: "You know he may never accept the situation and each misery you inflict upon her he will attempt to inflict upon you. The Lord strikes me as the vengeful sort. Better then not to anger him and have him as a friend rather than an enemy."<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:49:36)</font> Anshu: <font color=navy>"Speaking as one of the latter group Ziyad mentioned, I am trying to negotiate in good faith in order to prevent matters from 'coming to a head.' I have yet to see any evidence that you have any interest in this matter apart from holding onto the power you already have and trying to seize more."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:49:52)</font> Ziyad: "After all the more friends you have the more your enemies have to worry. Though it would be better still if you had no enemies amongst the circle, then the world would worry."<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:50:00)</font> Lilijana glances over at Ziyad and gives him a look that suggests he is not helping matters.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:51:29)</font> Solitary Talon: <font color=purple>"And why exactly would I want to lose any power?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:52:56)</font> Anshu: <font color=navy>"Because by doing so you may be able to preserve your future safety, Dynast. I would think that one descended from those who overthrew the Solars to begin with would understand that."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:53:02)</font> Anshu: Anshu turns to Ziyad. <font color=navy>"Prime Minister, may I recommend that the city begin stockpiling food in the event of a siege, which seems likely. The entire harvest of our farmers would be a good start. Naturally, Solitary Talon's troops, not being a responsibility of the city, will have to find some way to fend for themselves."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:55:27)</font> Ziyad: "That Anshu is rather foolish and does not help the situation."<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:55:38)</font> Anshu: <font color=navy>"She does not care!"</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:55:55)</font> Anshu: <font color=navy>"She would rather grab as much power as she possibly can and damn the consequences!"</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:56:15)</font> Anshu: <font color=navy>"She is exactly the reason the Dragon-blooded rose up and killed us in the first place."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:56:32)</font> Solitary Talon: <font color=purple>"And do you want me to cut off funding for anything you want to do? I have that power, after all."</font> Solitary Talon says coldly.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:56:36)</font> Anshu: <font color=navy>"Her attitude, rather."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:56:40)</font> Ziyad's eyes light up with a untold fury.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:56:57)</font> Lilijana: <font color=seagreen>"Mistress please do not rise to his bait."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:57:17)</font> Ziyad: "We deserved what we got Anshu. All of us, did you remember a tenth of the horror I do you would not doubt it."<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:58:26)</font> Ziyad: "Moreso some of us helped them do it. Some of us deserved our deaths that much. We had became a wasting disease on the land we had made great."<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:58:45)</font> Ziyad's voice contains a cold fury.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 11:59:38)</font> Anshu: <font color=navy>"I did not say we did not. I am saying that it is because we allowed ourselves to become arrogant. But my point is that we have been trying to negotiate with her so that we can prevent a civil war from breaking out between the factions in the Council. But SHE DOES NOT CARE that we are trying to keep her and her holdings as safe from us as we are trying to keep ours safe from her. She does not care for anything except her own power and ambition."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:00:04)</font> Anshu: <font color=navy>"She is as blinded by it as our past incarnations were when we were slaughtered by the Terrestrials."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:00:20)</font> Solitary Talon: <font color=purple>"And you have just removed any reason for me not to declare war on you and yours."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:00:35)</font> Cerise thinks <i>She is a frightened little girl holding tight to her security blanket. One you are trying to take away from her, to her eyes.</i><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:00:56)</font> Ziyad: "Solitary, if you do this there is no return. One or all of us will die and Creation will die with us."<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:01:23)</font> Lilijana: <font color=seagreen>"Mistress, many of your circle mates would not understand. You would turn the neutrals against you do not do this please."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:01:43)</font> Silveria: <font color=blue>"She is a young woman, Anshu, she is not blinded, she ... doesn't mean all that she says."</font> She says with a tone of desperation.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:02:18)</font> Ziyad: "Anshu you knew this already you fool and still you let your anger blind you. You ARE an adult so act like one!"<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:02:26)</font> Ziyad's teeth are gritted<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:02:55)</font> Li <font style=fixedsys>"A war would devastate Denandsor, thereby weakening everyone's position. The price is too high."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:03:44)</font> Sakura thinks: <font style=verdana><i>Caution, love. I know they are making you angry. But killing mortals won't solve that.</i></font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:05:21)</font> Harmony and Cadence smother and take into themselves Ziyad's anger, clearing his mind by bearing the burden for him. Calmness flows between the three. Along the bond, <font color=>"There must be a compromise that all accept. There must be."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:06:16)</font> Silveria: <font color=blue>"Please, Solitary, do not mean to do this. It would splinter and shatter this fragile union, no?"</font> She kneels down beside Solitary, the last thing the Lunar wants is internal strife on this level.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:08:36)</font> Lilijana: <font color=seagreen>"I would humbly suggest we all take a step back, I think somethings where said in the heat of the moment that where not ment to be said. A brief pause and then apolgies are in order."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:09:51)</font> Anshu: Anshu closes his eyes and takes several deep breaths. <font color=navy>"You are right, I have acted, spoken in anger."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:11:02)</font> Solitary Talon seems truly furious. <font color=purple>"I will withdraw my declaration of war if, and only if, Anshu agrees to surrender control of his troops to me and apologises for his words in public."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:12:57)</font> Ziyad: "Solitary Talon you are rather bringing the situation to the head. Did your mother teach you nothing of diplomacy: It is compromise not take."<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:13:36)</font> Ziyad: "He would rather see you dead than surrender his troops. And with his allies you will loose at least some of those dear to you, if not your life in the process. And that is assuming you win."<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:14:00)</font> Silveria: <font color=blue>"Solitary,"</font> she says with a slightly stern tone. <font color=blue>"Leave Anshu's forces be. Will you not forgive this, and let it be."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:14:09)</font> Anshu: Anshu shakes his head.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:15:24)</font> Silveria: <font color=blue>"He is quick to anger, it would show you are ... better for it by forgiving it, no?"</font> Silveria says softly and gently attempting to cool her down.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:15:25)</font> Li lets his breath out slowly, his eyes closed. <font style=fixedsys>"Then we go to war against those claimed as our allies. Should I strike first in this, love? Should I kill everyone in this room that doesn't belong with you? Shall I be first sacrificed on the alter of your fury and your fear?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:16:10)</font> Ziyad eyes turn to Li there is thanks in them<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:16:20)</font> De`aneir`a frowns at Li and tilts her head. <font style="palatino linotype" color=darkred><i>He is being extravagant... I hope.</i></font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:18:24)</font> Sakura thinks <font style=verdana><i>He will die for you. He means it. And he knows that I would die next; to protect you from their assaults. It is your choice. You are the Priestess of the Sun. You are the sun to our moons.</i></font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:19:52)</font> Lilijana: <font color=seagreen>"Mistress, please do not force this. The avalanche once started can not be stopped."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:20:11)</font> Li thinks <i><font style=fixedsys>It is your choice, beloved.</font></i><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:23:17)</font> Anshu: <font color=navy>"Will you listen to the council of your bondmates?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:23:28)</font> Anshu: <font color=navy>"They are wiser than either of us."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:23:53)</font> Solitary Talon closes her eyes, and breathes slowly. <font color=purple>"Very well. I shall accept a public apology. But make no mistake, try this again and it truly will be war."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:24:19)</font> Lilijana sighs in relief.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:24:50)</font> Li thinks along the bond: <font style=fixedsys><i>My offer stands. You simply must say the word and I will start killing.</i></font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:25:00)</font> Sakura thinks along the bond <font style=verdana><i>Thank you.</i></font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:25:33)</font> Silveria nearly deflates then and there bowing her head and sitting on the floor.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:27:53)</font> De`aneir`a: <font style="palatino linotype" color=darkred>"I gather this means the unification of forces is still at an impass?"</font> She looks to Ziyad with a thoughtful before looking away.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:28:58)</font> Ziyad: "I would have private words with both you De'aneir'a and you Anshu. But yes I guess this ends my dream of unifed efficient forces. To the inefficiency of personal protection."<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:29:05)</font> Ziyad shrugs.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:29:35)</font> De`aneir`a nods.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:29:47)</font> Anshu: <font color=navy>"For which of my words would you like an apology, Solitary Talon?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:29:53)</font> Ziyad: <font color=>"What will be will be. I may try to discuss this with you again Solitary."</font> He glances at Anshu with disgust, <font color=>"Though I shall not bring Anshu."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:29:59)</font> Sakura <font style=verdana>"Inefficiency is a good thing. Too efficient, and people die before anyone has a chance to interrupt the process."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:30:06)</font> Lilijana moves over to Silveria seeing that Solitary is distracted.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:30:22)</font> Lilijana: <font color=seagreen>"Mistress Silveria are you alright?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:31:10)</font> Ziyad: "You heard my reasoning as well as any other here Sakura, you know my way was right. But only if people were willing to put aside the past. Too many of us either dwell on it or imitate it."<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:31:43)</font> Ziyad: At nearly a whisper "Myself included."<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:32:12)</font> De`aneir`a: <font style="palatino linotype" color=darkred>"Not to belittle the use of an army but I have always found various style of automaton for personal protection, to be better than most other things."</font> She begins to think what kind of things she could create for the protection of another Celestial.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:32:51)</font> Silveria: <font color=blue>"Yes, I'm fine. A little drained perhaps. A little disappointed too,"</font> she looks to Lilijana and smiles. <font color=>"But it is over with, no?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:33:29)</font> Solitary Talon glances at Lilijana's place, then sees where she moved to and nods approvingly. <font color=purple>"Let's start with you apologising for the attempt to blackmail me into handing over control of my personal army and the constant insults you have directed towards me."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:33:34)</font> Li: <font style=fixedsys>"Find, hire and indoctrinate enough mercenaries so that your forces are larger than hers, than my mates, and so are able to cover all the needed positions. I'm certain you have the way, if not the will."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:34:14)</font> Lilijana: <font color=seagreen>"I hope so, things do seem calmer for now at least"</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:34:23)</font> Sakura: <font style=verdana><i>Li! Behave.</i></font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:35:06)</font> Solitary Talon: <font color=purple>"Not without access to funding he doesn't. And I control the funding."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:37:08)</font> Li: <font style=fixedsys>"Then to soothe his fear, allow him the funding."</font> Li shrugs, <font style=fixedsys>"The city can well afford it as a special project for the smooth running of the city itself."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:37:52)</font> Sakura: <font style=verdana>"And by smooth running, he means to avoid us Exalted arguing over it."</font> She smiles, even as she kicks Li in the shin.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:39:02)</font> Anshu: <font color=navy>"I apologize for attempting to blackmail you, and for insulting you in front of your bondmates and fellow councilors."</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:39:05)</font> Ziyad remains silent. Watching the exchange with interest.<br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:40:57)</font> Solitary Talon: <font color=purple>"Apology accepted." <i>Why should I, Li? If I control the funding, why should I not simply use it to acquire mercenaries for my own use?</i></font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:43:05)</font> Li <font style=fixedsys><i>Because if he fears you and your army, he will continue looking for ways to get to you and to get an army of his own. Giving him the army makes your position more sure, showing confidence and generosity.</i></font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:43:20)</font> Lilijana: <font color=seagreen>"Does that conclude your business here Mistress?"</font><br>
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:43:50)</font> Sakura: <font style=verdana><i>Fear isn't the way to make people into allies. Only into inferiors or enemies.</i></font><br> 
<font size="1">(24/10/09 12:47:37)</font> Solitary Talon: <font color=purple><i>But they *are* my inferiors, mine angel of the cherry blossoms.</i></font> <font color=purple>"Yes, toy, I believe it does."</font> Solitary Talon takes hold of Lilijana's leash, before walking out. <font color=purple>"Coming, light of my life?"</font><br>