"We would like to know more about other people in Chiaroscuro that are... special. It's much easier to avoid unnecessary conflict when you at least know who else there is that may accidentally--or otherwise--conflict with you.
"Also, I'm not bored but if I'm totally honest I was hoping against the odds that I was going on a hot date with a beautiful and powerful woman this evening. I'll try to calm my disappointment that neither you nor Sienna seems interested, and enjoy these subtler pleasures instead."

>>670613
I would think the first thing we would want to inquire about is what brings such a diverse group together for a common purpose. I suppose it's not uncommon for chosen of the sun and moon to work together, but this would be the first time I've seen one under the tutelage of a Deathknight.

We want to see how much we can get them talking about their own situation, and what basic knowledge of about Green Sun princes we can sell in exchange as information about ourself. (Before they start pushing for specifics like what we're actually up to).

That, and if we want to try recruiting them to the reclamation later, we need to lay a basic groundwork of information. (Mentioning something that could play on greed or emotions over time in passing might help, like if we get greedy Seinna thinking about the material artifact wealth hell might offer, or learned Myria thinking about the secrets or history being kept our of her reach). We want them thinking about what we have that's good before pitching it.

>>670614
I think the biggest problem of just up and asking their goals is we don't want to reciprocate and be honest about ours. Amaranth certainly won't want to reveal what she's trying to do (or give them information that could tie cousin Courage to the identity she's been running her shop under), and we don't want to discuss the exquisite bride obsession.

The obsessions / urges make us too easy to identify in other identities, and they're a real weakness when exposed. It makes us predictable, and worse, gives them a point of leverage.

...the only advantage I see to coming clean would be the look on Sienna's face when she realizes we were honest about what we wanted when she first asked us, and that our perceived teasing asking her out was fully serious.

I suppose if we wanted to be say something on the subject (without Myria catching us in an outright lie): we're searching for someone. Exactly who remains to be seen. Courage is currently aiding us in our efforts. (Which is true, even if she has her own goals).

>>670623
Personally, I would leave out the crack about the date right now. I think now that we understand where Sienna is coming from (I think more of her hostility comes from her situation, her uncertainty, and becoming something she was taught to hate and fear), we might actually be able to exploit that understanding and make a better effort pursuing her, if we really wanted to.

And we might actually have a shot with Myria, too. She's certainly interested in learning more about us, and I think she was impressed with the detail wrangling we matched her with. Though that would come to how we leverage that.

In either case, I don't think we can really do too much in front of the bigger audience. The whole group being here restricts our options.

Exquisite Bride Obsession Meyichi 2015/09/19(Sat)18:37 No. 670696 ID: 5a02f7
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>>670626

”What brings such a diverse group together?”

Crimson barked a harsh cry, somewhere between a laugh and the call of a sea bird.

”Well, like I said, I was Chosen pretty recently,” Sienna explained, ”I was wandering around without much of a clue, and I sort of – ran into Crimson, I guess is the best way to put it.”

“Politely.”

Sienna shot the bird a harsh look, ”Anyway, we stuck together because what else were we supposed to do? Then there was this thing-“

“I’d prefer we not get into details about that,” Myria interrupted.

Sienna shrugged, ”Fair enough – it’s your story to tell. Anyway, we met Myria, and we adopted her.”

“More the opposite, I feel,” the Abyssal murmured, ”There is a fourth party of our circle, but it is ill luck to speak of others when they are not present.”

Sienna gestured, ”So, how about you two? It’s unusual to see a Djala in these parts.”

“You mean one that isn’t in chains,” Amaranth corrected.

”You said it, not me.”

>>670614

“I came to Chiaroscuro searching for someone. I don’t know who they are, yet, though, so that makes things a little difficult. I contacted Courage when I got into the city, and he’s been assisting me since.”

Amaranth crossed his arms, ”I’m doing my own thing in addition to that – it’s too complicated to get into here.”

Sienna looked unhappy with that, but she let it pass, ”I guess I’m just – looking for a place of my own, you know? I’ve got this power, and now I’m trying to figure out what to do with it.”

“I’m looking for someone as well,” Crimson spoke, ”My sister.”

I looked to Myria expectantly, and a long beat passed. I was sure she wasn’t going to answer before she finally did, ”I’m simply trying to survive and stay free.”

“Not as easy as you would think, huh?” Amaranth commented sourly.

>>670623

”We would like to know more about other people in Chiaroscuro that are… special. It’s much easier to avoid unnecessary conflict when you at least know who else there is that may accidentally – or otherwise – conflict with you.”

“We haven’t run into any other essence-users,” Myria answered, ”Our circlemate is the only one I know of in city that is not present here.”

“There are some dynasts in town, and they’re starting to stay suspiciously long,” Amaranth added, ”I don’t know what they’re looking for, but it can’t be good for any of us.”

Myria dipped her head graciously, ”Thank you for that information. We will work to be careful,” she shot a not-so-subtle look in Sienna’s direction, but the Solar pointedly ignored it.

This was my last chance to give or request any information that would be under the oath of secrecy. Once we were done here, there was also the question of what to do next; I could depart with any of the people here, or I could go back on my own to my inn.

>I sort of – ran into Crimson, I guess is the best way to put it.
Like she ran into you?

Interestingly, that arrangement makes it sound more like Crimson is the one in charge, when I was expecting it to be Myria.

>Djala usually enslaved
If that's Amaranth's natural form, that's an interesting wrinkle with her patron directing her to subvert the abolitionist movement here. Wonder how happy she is with that.

>There is a fourth party of our circle, but it is ill luck to speak of others when they are not present
I'm sure their attempts to reassure their companion as to that which they learned but cannot speak of will be equally illuminating.

...I really want it not to be Justice. But knowing our luck, it probably will end up being, so if we try to Akuma him, they'll intervene. (Then again, if it was, Sienna probably would have tried to warn him if she stucj around long enough to hear Abel pitch that job to us. Not sure if she'd left by then).

>motives
Sienna and Myria's stated goals are actually pretty good for us if we want to try and charm them to our banner. Sienna is looking for a cause and a purpose, and one could be offered to her, if we prime her correctly. Myria is looking for security and safety, which we might offer if we can first figure out what it is that drove her way from her previous masters (otherwise, we risk offending her the same way).

Crimson is straightforward, at least. Pretty sure we'd get something if we gave him who he wants. The question would be how we could beat him to her. (Does either of our castes have a means of finding someone? By connected fates, or blood or something?). I'm half expecting she'll be enslaved here somewhere, putting Amaranth's efforts directly opposed to his.

>This was my last chance to give or request any information that would be under the oath of secrecy.
I kind of want an excuse to allude to some of the benefits Kamai mentioned the Yozi provide their allies (start priming them, thinking about what we have, even if we haven't extended an offer yet), but I feel like we need to ask another question of them or raise a topic that lets us do so. Just proffering information without asking for any is too transparent. Anyone got any ideas, there?

>I could depart with any of the people here, or I could go back on my own to my inn.
Well, you could depart with anyone who will have your company.

Pretty sure we're absolutely going to talk with Amaranth after this, but we could rendezvous with her after, if we want to take the chance to talk to someone else as we leave.

The obvious choices seem like they would be Sienna (so what do you think of me now?) or Myria (if we wanted to start teasing details and arrange a time later to discuss (or trade for) infernal minutia and try and woo and/or recruit her).

Well, we may need to know who this fourth circle mate is. If it's someone else we've met I'll laugh.

"At the moment we've bound this pact of truce between us, but we're... probably not aware of your stated fourth circle mate. It's a bit difficult for us to avoid misunderstandings with them if we don't know who they are or what they're up to. Your thoughts on how to handle that issue?"

>I kind of want an excuse to allude to some of the benefits Kamai mentioned the Yozi provide their allies
"Thinking on your stated goals, I may have some useful advice. Sienna, others may offer vastly different answers for what to do, but I've found that serving a cause greater than myself helps grant direction. Another answer is to pick someone whose life or achievements you respect, and adopt part of what they do--or did--as goals. A third answer is to seek needs and try to aid with them--for example finding Warden's sister. Whatever you choose, I would also suggest you make sure to have a personal life too. Serving causes, ambitions or needs too fiercely can kill people before they've truly lived.
"If any of you find that you have difficulty achieving your aims, well... there is an entire other world of knowledge, powers, beings and resources which may be brought to bear at the Yozis' will. One of my missions is to try to make friends on their behalf, although I would also caution that everything in life has a cost."

Exquisite Bride Obsession Meyichi 2015/09/20(Sun)19:34 No. 671157 ID: 5a02f7
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>>670724

”At the moment, we’ve bound this pact of truce between us, but we’re… probably not aware of your stated fourth circlemate. It’s a bit difficult for us to avoid misunderstandings with them if we don’t know who they are or what they’re up to. Your thoughts on how to handle that issue?”

“She should be available for meeting you tomorrow,” Myria replied, ”After all, since we won’t be able to talk about what we learned here, she’ll undoubtedly be intensely curious about it.”

“I can take you to the place,” Sienna said, ”Meet me at my stall at the end of Ascending Fire, and we’ll go there.”

“I have my own business to take care of tomorrow,” Amaranth corrected, ”So I probably won’t come along.”

Sienna shrugged, ”Suit yourself.”

>>670766

”Thinking on your stated goals, I may have some useful advice.

“Sienna, others may offer vastly different answers for what to do, but I've found that serving a cause greater than myself helps grant direction. Another answer is to pick someone whose life or achievements you respect, and adopt part of what they do – or did – as goals. A third answer is to seek needs and try to aid with them – for example finding Warden's sister. Whatever you choose, I would also suggest you make sure to have a personal life too. Serving causes, ambitions or needs too fiercely can kill people before they've truly lived.”

Sienna looked genuinely touched by my words, ”Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“If any of you find that you have difficulty achieving your aims, well... There is an entire other world of knowledge, powers, beings and resources which may be brought to bear at the Yozis' will. One of my missions is to try to make friends on their behalf, although I would also caution that everything in life has a cost.”

And the expression dropped off her face immediately, ”No thanks. I’m just getting used to the idea of not being a demonic puppet.”

Myria only frowned, saying nothing.

Amaranth coughed, ”Well, I suppose that’s everything, then. We’ll go our separate ways from here?”

Myria nodded, ”Aye. It would be better to not leave in such a large group.”

Crimson took flight at that, quickly climbing on the thermals that the heated plain provided. I could walk back with Sienna, Myria, or Amaranth.

>she
So, probably not Justice then. Really going to get messy if it's Graceful Blossom.

...the fates totally hate us that much, don't they.

>not being a demonic puppet
Haha, too hard a sell. She's touchy there.

>I could walk back with Sienna, Myria, or Amaranth.
Hmm. We just offended Sienna, and honestly, I feel it might be best to let her think before we push any harder. Plus, we have the meeting tomorrow. We can always follow up chat with her a little before meeting their fourth member.

That leaves Myria and Amaranth. We need to discuss what happened here and what our next moves are with her, but we can do that after we rendezvous at her place (can we signal that to her?). I'd think we'd give Myria a chance for her curiosity to start working. See if she opens up at all.

>also
Both you and Amaranth need to take great pains not to be followed and to change identities in a way that makes sure you aren't being trailed by an eye in the sky when you go your own way. The fact that Crimson can fly makes assuring that you are not being watched much more difficult.

>>671246
Odds seem more likely they're Sidereals.

As for not being seen by Crimson, get under a roof and away from windows. Preferably in a place with multiple exits.

>>671246 >>671252
>So, probably not Justice then. >Odds seem more likely they're Sidereals.
We don't know. If Justice is a lunar who ate some dude's heart and has a way of projecting cold that might do it. On the other hand, I think the odds of Graceful Blossom being a solar or lunar are higher than being a sidereal just on the numbers alone. Lunar was one of the higher ranked possibilities, and Rook could be another face Crimson wears.
Could be we're actually going to meet someone new as well.

After overselling the notion that we have infernal connections the question is whether Myria is interested in trading information about the abyssals and the neverborn for information about the green sun princes and the yozis, or if Sienna wants to have an actual date. I'm at a loss of words for how to handle either of those offers well at the moment, and I'd leave it up to Mirth whether she thinks she can and wants to in either case. Failing that, we do need to confer with Amaranth.

Oh, and if we need a parting shot... "Alright, I guess I'm supposed to go get my strings re-tied or something, good evening."

Exquisite Bride Obsession Meyichi 2015/09/22(Tue)20:48 No. 671845 ID: 5a02f7
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>>671577

”Alright, I guess I’m supposed to go get my strings re-tied or something. Good evening,” I smirked at Sienna, getting an eye roll in response.

>>671246

”If you’ll allow me, Myria, I’ll walk with you until the end of the plain.”

Myria cast a glance at Sienna, who shrugged, ”Yes, that would be acceptable.”

“I’ll see you back at home, then,” Sienna said. With a wave, she began walking to the east.

I turned to Amaranth, ”I’ll meet you back at your place.”

“You’d better,” he hissed. With a glance at Myria, he turned and walked to the south.

Without a word, Myria headed southeast.

The pace was comfortable, leisurely, even. The moon was waxing towards half-full, shedding light enough for us to find our way across the featureless plain.

”Do you speak Old Realm?” Myria asked suddenly.

I quirked a brow, ”I do. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised you do as well.”

She gave a subtle roll of one shoulder, ”The Deathlords gave little information to their minions, but I suspected they received assistance in taking the Exaltations from – wherever it was that they were stored. The Yozis make logical sense, although the mechanics of it still baffle me. You are not an Akuma, are you?”

I blinked, ”You’re well-read to know such a word, but, no, I’m not.”

She nodded, ”A free-willed tool… yes, that would be a dangerous thing for demons to have. Pardon my frankness, but if yourself relationship with your masters is anything like mine was, then “tool” is a proper word to describe you.”

I chuckled a little at the tactless remark, thinking of the Ebon Dragon’s ire, ”It’s not too far from the truth.”

Myria watched the horizon, ”… Curiosity is what got me this far, is likely what earned me the Black Exaltation, and it burns in me still. You speak vaguely, and I do not fault you for that, since we all have our secrets. I will say this: I would be very interested in learning more about you and the type of being you are. I acknowledge that nothing comes for free – what price would you charge for your secrets?”

Duuuuuh... maybe we should get edumacated about them Neverborn, what they're up to, and what they've got for personnel? We aren't going to get very far with Myria romantically or otherwise until she has respect for our mind, so that's really a precondition to any kind of more significant involvement with her.
If we go with that:
"Equal secrets seems like the natural starting offer for such a trade unless you have something else in mind. To be honest, I need to know more about the other half and what they've done. I expect this would require a separate confidentiality agreement since we're already passing out of the bounds of the first."

>“You’d better,” he hissed.
Yeah, haha, they're pissed. Making the case that she's actually in a better position now than she was before, and figuring out what our next play is / how we can collaborate to use what we learned will be very interesting.

>I would be very interested in learning more about you and the type of being you are. I acknowledge that nothing comes for free – what price would you charge for your secrets?
Bam. We played that exactly right. We've have something she wants. Question is now how we use this.

We're not far enough along that we could make her a bride, nor are we going to be able to recruit her to the Yozi's banner so soon after fleeing the Neverborn. I think, at this point, our best bet is to try and turn her into an asset we can use. Resources are what we need more than anything as we try to juggle the situation here.

"I can think of two prices you might pay that might be of interest to me. The first: a secret for a secret. If you would ask for knowledge of my masters, I would ask what it was that drove you from yours. And the second: words for actions. I would not expect one so new to freedom to relinquish it, but I would trade information for the execution of specific favors and tasks."

I'm thinking arrange some kind of session / lesson payment plan. Each one earns us payment in the form of another favor / task we can call in, or her story. Once we know what drove her away, that puts us on better footing to make an actual recruitment effort, and as long as she's in our debt, we'll have an abyssal asset we can use when we need her. (There should be enough be more than enough demonic / Yozi / Green Sun Lore that we can wrack up a few).

Then it's just a matter of being enough of a magnificent bastard to use the favors cleverly.

(She might ask to think about it, or try for a counter offer).

We will offer a first lesson free of charge though: oath bonds or not, your masters would not be pleased if such secrets were to reach... general circulation.

>We will offer a first lesson free of charge though: oath bonds or not, your masters would not be pleased if such secrets were to reach... general circulation.
I don't get this. The secrets are precious so we're giving some for free? Also, giving information in advance is a terrible bargaining position: The standard of bargaining positions in non-refundables is that the perceived value goes down after delivery, so giving information in advance gets us less than giving it later. We're better off with straight up trading in information and increasing Myria's respect for our knowledge and intelligence as a side-benefit instead of talking about unspecified 'favours' that she would be naturally suspicious of.

Exquisite Bride Obsession Meyichi 2015/09/23(Wed)13:45 No. 671981 ID: 5a02f7
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>>6718858

”Equal secrets seems like the natural starting offer for such a trade, unless you have something else in mind. To be honest, I need to know more about the other half and what they’ve done. I expect this would require a separate confidentiality agreement, since we’re already passing out of the bounds of the first.”

Myria tossed her hair back, ”I have no such needs for confidentiality – tell whomever you wish what I tell you, just know that my former masters are jealous of their knowledge, and they will not take kindly to one speaking what should not be spoken.”

“I could say the same – oath bonds or not, my masters would not be pleased if such secrets were to reach… general circulation.”

She gave a rare, fleeting smile, ”I believe there is a saying in the West – “dead men tell no tales?””

>>671870

“I can think of two prices you might pay that might be of interest to me. The first: a secret for a secret. If you would ask for knowledge of my masters, I would ask what it was that drove you from yours. And the second: words for actions. I would not expect one so new to freedom to relinquish it, but I would trade information for the execution of specific favors and tasks.”

Myria studied me, her one eye narrowing, ”That is fine enough. Each bit of knowledge will have its own price, to be negotiated separately in exchange for secrets or favors, decided at the time of bargaining. So long as I might ask the same of you, that is agreeable.

“For my story, I ask the same of you. In order to understand what led me away from my masters, you must know what first drove me to them.”

She paused a beat, gathering her thoughts.

”As a mortal, I was a scholar and a thaumaturge. The land I lived in was remote enough that such rituals were magic to the people who beheld them. The area was ruled by a powerful god of storms, and he became jealous of the praise my powers brought me. It was a simple decision, really – one shaman or the lives of all of our village and those beyond. They set me atop a pyre and burned me to appease the god.

“At that time, I was offered a choice – live, or die. I chose to live.

“My master was a Deathlord known as the Bishop of the Chalcedony Thurible. He demanded worship of Oblivion, but I would worship nothing again after seeing what terrible things greater beings asked of their followers.

“So, I left. I wandered with little purpose until Sienna and Crimson found me. Since then, I have followed them.”

Her eye fixed on me, ”Under what circumstances did you take your Second Breath? How does such a thing work for your kind? And, most importantly, I suppose, why do you continue to serve your masters?”

"I failed. From what I understand, each and every one of us Infernals could have done a deed worthy of a Solar Exaltation if we had made one choice a little bit differently. No guarantee we would have been Exalted, but there would have been the chance. So the Yozis send a demon to tell us this, and offer... a way to redo that, I suppose. The Exaltation. The Chrysalis Grotesque. The demon's flesh becomes a cocoon while the Exaltation and the demon's mind fuse with your soul. The Exaltation for power, the demon's mind because the Yozis hoped for more control over us after the Usurpation. I wasn't told the demon would be part of me, but there Bulitar is nevertheless. I understand the Neverborn force you to abandon your past identity under pain of Resonance? I have an urge to act in a way pleasing to my master. It is not binding, but if I go against it strongly for a long time I suffer a flareup similar in nature to your own."

Also should tell her what the failure was.

>Under what circumstances did you take your Second Breath? How does such a thing work for your kind?
Exaltation finds the lunars in a defining moment of survival. It found you in the moment of death, an echo of what the Neverborn once faced. For my kind as well the exaltation echos the power behind it: the chosen of the Yozi find their exaltation in a moment of profound failure.

(Then let's rip off some of this >>/questdis/92430 , censored slightly):

You were born in a small fishing village. For a time it seemed you were fated to would be a fisherman, just as your father and father's father, but events took place that were not written into the Loom of Destiny.

There was a nearby Shadowland, a small but powerful conduit of the Underworld surrounding some ruins from the Shogunate period. One of your peers of the village got got the idea that there would likely be treasure left abandoned in such a place, just waiting to be taken. It was easy to round up a small group of young discontents and inspire them with tales of the better life that awaited them.

...and then tell her how you failed.

>And, most importantly, I suppose, why do you continue to serve your masters?
Perhaps I have more freedom than you once did. There are things asked of me, as well as rites and actions which are pleasing to my masters. There are consequences for allowing their favor to wane, but I have some discretion in how I choose to earn it. As a hypothetical, being required to commit acts of violence becomes far more palatable when you may chose your target.

(Aka: the Yozi make you a Bond villain, but no one said you have to Bond villain the good guys, and you can game the system).

In a sense, we need only be as truly terrible as we allow ourselves to be. And managing the competing obligations and objectives and intrigue and demonic politics holds a certain fascination all in it's own, and ample rewards for the clever. To say nothing of the fact that your patron, the Ebon Dragon, is the embodiment of cheating and subverting complex systems for new purposes, even his own.

You might also notice a certain lack of direct attacks on creation on the part of my masters. An objective other than invasion or oblivion and far subtler methods probably contribute.

That would be the short answer. Explaining the nature of the Yozi in detail, and how you can play the contradictions seems like a whole 'nother lesson, at least. (We don't need to cover compulsions or torment in further detail yet either, I think).

>>671983
Whoa, hold on, she didn't tell us half that much yet. I know it's tempting to try to lead the discussion by giving more information than Myria has, but that just makes us look like a jackass that doesn't know the value of what we know. The chrysalis grotesque and the fact that we are literally bonded to a demon are things we should make Myria pay for, dearly, and specifically. That's information that's broadly useful against all green sun princes/princesses and she's shared nothing similar about death knights yet.

>>672004
Much closer, thank you. I would agree with explaining vaguely about where, and the details of how and when our exaltation came. Add that our patron is The Ebon Dragon and that our relationship has its ups and downs. And there are plenty of reasons why we're interested in following The Ebon Dragon: A life not wasted as a peasant stuck in nowhere, a new family, and maybe we'll get a part in saving Creation from its imminent collapse.

Exquisite Bride Obsession Meyichi 2015/09/25(Fri)18:56 No. 672722 ID: 5a02f7
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>>671983

”I failed. From what I understand, each and every one of us Infernals could have done a deed worthy of a Solar Exaltation if we had made one choice a little bit differently.

>>672004

“I was born in a small fishing village. I thought I would live and die there, just as all my ancestors before me, but I wanted something more. There was a nearby Shadowland, some ruin left over from the Shogunate. I thought there would be treasure, or adventure in the very least. So I gathered some of my peers to go investigate.”

And then I told her how I failed.

-------------------------

”Wait, wait – let me get this straight – you told a near-stranger your greatest failure, but you won’t tell us?” Kamai seemed incredulous.

”A stranger that had the power to tell if I was lying or not, and one that I could very well spend the rest of my life with,” I corrected.

”Let him keep his damned secrets if he wants to, Kamai,” Lintha growled, ”I’m still in’erested how yer gonna get outta this one. Keep on tellin’.”

-------------------------

”I serve the Ebon Dragon, yes, but I think I have more freedom than you did. There are things asked of me, as well as rites and actions which are pleasing to my masters. There are consequences for allowing their favor to wane, but I have some discretion in how I choose to earn it. As a hypothetical, being required to commit acts of violence becomes far more palatable when you may choose your target.

“In a sense, we need only be as truly terrible as we allow ourselves to be. And managing the competing obligations and objectives and intrigue and demonic politics holds a certain fascination all in its own, and ample rewards for the clever. This is to say nothing of the fact that my patron is the embodiment of cheating and subverting complex systems for new purposes, even his own.

“Perhaps, in the end, I serve because it earns me a life not wasted as a peasant stuck in nowhere. I have a new family, and the power to perhaps make Creation a better place.”

I finally fell silent. Myria had listened through all of my speech, looking contemplative. It was a long moment before she spoke, ”You and I are very similar, Mirth. It is… good to find one who turns ill power towards noble ends,” a genuine smile crept across her face, ”It is good not to be entirely alone.”

> Intimacy gained towards Myria Ashborn

”I would like to speak with you more, but it appears our time has come to an end,” indeed, the golden plain stretched only a handful of meters beyond where we stood. Myria turned to me, bowing, ”It was a pleasure. If you wish to speak with me again, ask Sienna to guide you to my booth – I own a stall in the Undermarket where I provide scribing services.”

I returned the gesture, ”You’ll likely see me soon. Take care, Myria.”

“And you as well,” with a silent stride, she turned and headed off into the night.

-------------------------

I took great precaution in returning to Amaranth’s shop, making it a point to not change my appearance until I was safely within the Undermarket. Once I was back to wearing my original face, I headed towards Amaranth’s place, entering through the back entrance.

He stood in the midst of the main room, still wearing his natural appearance. The pipe that he held in one hand contrasted heavily with the image he projected, but the attitude matched it perfectly.

”What the fuck was that, Edge? What have you gotten me into?”

"Don't tell me the master manipulator is suddenly out of his depth with a novice Solar, an idealist Abyssal, and a Lunar.

And you were already in it, O fellow servant of the Yozis. We both were. Now the difference is we know more of what we're in. Didn't you say you were being countered by an unseen, unknown opponent? Didn't you say you wanted to know more about the local Essence-users? How did you expect to learn?"

>>672726
Seconded. Frankly, this should be a bonanza of information that Amaranth knows and can use as long as she can keep the others from catching on that she's 'Courage.' Ask her if she needs help managing the complexities, and whether we should slot something other than meeting the the other member of their group second thing in the morning (after breakfast with Graceful Blossom). It probably should be meeting them in case that is 'Embattled Justice' or someone else we already know, but we are obligated to help Amaranth with investigating (and if favourable) acquiring the prospective akuma according to an agreed plan.
Add that some backup against the dynasts would be lovely, and now we've got some....

>What the fuck was that, Edge? What have you gotten me into?
I got you into exactly what I planned to get myself into. Provided she didn't lead me into a trap, using the oath to protect my identity while learning who and what we were dealing with was the plan all along.

Granted, I did not plan on my backup being spotted and dragged along, but once you had been made bringing you with me was the only real option. A third cousin would go beyond the plausible after rebuking two, a covert tail was not feasible with an eye in the sky, and leaving you behind could have meant walking into a trap alone.

Your presence did serve to reveal Crimson; I'm not sure he would have descended, much less spoken, had you not been there. And the two of us together presented a much stronger face- rather than my appearing as a lone representative of a strange and distant power, we appeared as agents of an organization at work.

And as for yourself, I gave you exactly what you wanted. You now know who and what the other essence users you must work around are, while they remain ignorant of your face or name in this place, and are oath bound not to work against you. I've effectively taken several powerful pieces of the board for you.

>what else
Once we've calmed her down, we should ask if she had the chance to sneak an Essence-dissecting Stare (maybe learn the constraints on that truth charm?). Or if she has any insight into what Myria or Crimson said or said, since she knew both of them longer than you, and in their 'civilian' identities.

We should also probably share that Myria took the bait of curiosity. Depending on how that goes, we might be able to use her as an asset (the favors), make her a bride, or perhaps tempt her into enlisting.

Also feel like we should discuss Crimson's sister. If she's here and he knows not where, there's a not unreasonable chance she's wrapped up in the slave trade. Something to keep an eye out for, lest Amaranth's efforts lead her to work against Crimson. That, and I'm sure if either of you locates her before he does, we'll be able to use that to our advantage. (I don't suppose either of you knows essence tricks for locating people?).

>>672738
The easiest way to rescue a slave without disrupting the slave trade is to buy them. Not disrupting the slave trade isn't Amaranth's mission though, subverting the abolitionists is.

Exquisite Bride Obsession Meyichi 2015/09/26(Sat)17:19 No. 672985 ID: 5a02f7
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>>672726

”Don’t tell me the master manipulator is suddenly out of his depth with a novice Solar, an idealist Abyssal, and a Lunar,” I said wryly.

Amaranth took a long draw from his pipe, breathing it out in a sigh, ”I didn’t say anything about being out of my depth, I asked what the fuck you got me into.”

>>672738

“I got you into exactly what I planned to get myself into. Provided she didn’t lead me into a trap, using the oath to protect my identity while learning who and what we were dealing with was the plan all along. Didn’t you say you wanted to learn more about the local Essence-users? How did you expect to learn?”

“By not revealing the biggest secret that we’ve been entrusted with,” he growled.

”Saying our existence is our biggest secret is terribly unimaginative, Amaranth.”

He ran a hand over his face, frowning at the feeling as though his skin didn’t fit properly, ”Just – next time you’re going to make such a big move, let me know ahead of time so I don’t nearly bite off my own tongue when you lead with the truth, okay?”

I smirked, ”I’ll try to warn you, but I make no guarantees. It was a net-gain in the end – you now know who and what the other Essence-users you must work around are, while they remain ignorant of your face or name in this place, and are oath-bound not to work against you. I’ve effectively taken several powerful pieces off the board for you.”

He finally sat among the pillows of his usual spot, his movements less agitated than before, ”I just wasn’t expecting such a big opening move – by the Principle, you’re good enough that sometimes I forget how good you are,” he pointed the pipe at me, ”That’s not a compliment.”

I chuckled but said no more on the subject, ”Did you have a chance to analyze the charms they used?”

Amaranth nodded, ”Whatever charm Myria had was already up when I got there, so I couldn’t learn more about it. Crimson used a charm to talk, which did exactly that. That was all I saw.”

I hummed as I digested that information, ”Do you have any insight into what Myria or Crimson said? You’ve known them both longer than I have.”

He leaned back, ”Myria’s always been a mystery, and finding out that she’s an Abyssal Exalted of strong Essence makes me only more confused at why she’s doing what she’s doing. Maybe she just wants a normal life – that seems like a pretty dumb reason to accept an Exaltation, but that’s the only thing she’s been seeming to pursue while I’ve known her. About Crimson’s sister, this is the first I’ve heard of it.”

“If she’s here, there’s a not-unreasonable chance she’s been captured and put into slavery; something to keep an eye out for, at the least.”

Amaranth gestured, ”I can’t do anything off of “Eastern girl who might be a slave.” Get me some more information, and I’ll see what I can do. You’re right, though – if we can find her, that’d definitely gain his favor.”

I paused for a beat before switching topics, ”Myria took the bait of curiosity. She’s told me a bit in exchange for some basic information about herself. Depending on how that goes, we might be able to use her as an asset, make her a Bride, or perhaps even tempt her into enlisting in the Reclamation.”

He studied me, frowning, ”Be careful, Edge. If it gets out that you’re selling our secrets, you’ll get the worst for it.”

-------------------------

”Yeah, how did you manage that?” Kamai interrupted.

"I work for the Ebon Dragon. The literal embodiment of treachery. He doesn't expect or particularly approve of loyalty from me."

>next time you’re going to make such a big move, let me know ahead of time so I don’t nearly bite off my own tongue when you lead with the truth, okay?
I honestly thought we had. Guess we accidentally forgot to bring up that detail when we got sidetracked working out the terms of our alliance deal.

>Whatever charm Myria had was already up when I got there, so I couldn’t learn more about it
I'm reasonably certain it's a truth detecting ability. Checking our intent is the only way asking us to agree to make promises before the oath makes sense. It would be nice to know the limits or constraints, though.

(Might be worth arranging some scenario where Amaranth is in place to see her cast it).

>Myria's actions here don't make sense
>Maybe she just wants a normal life?
Or the life she's leading her is simply a safe cover, or provides her access to facilitate another goal. Her job means a lot of information passes through her hands- maybe there's something in particular she's looking for.

>what else do
Per keeping Amaranth in the loop, lay out what leads you're probably following tomorrow. (There's at least the meeting with Sienna and Myria). Also see if he has anything pertaining to his own plans to bring up we might need to be aware of, or provide assistance with.


>”Yeah, how did you manage that?” Kamai interrupted.
Selling secrets is only treasonous if you place them in the hands of the enemy, and allow your enemy to use those secrets. Provided I left her unwilling or unable to use those secrets against our cause, no treachery was committed. Secrets are safe so long as they are contained.

Of course, telling you how that was resoleved at this point in the story would be spoilers.

"Besides, I thought I wasn't giving away anything that was secret considering the company involved. Do you really think the Abyssal exalted did not already know about us? Where did the solar exaltations used to make us Green Sun Princes--and Princesses--come from?
"It is also the mission of the followers of The Ebon Dragon to lie, cheat and corrupt. I set my sights on the greatest corruption possible that would advance the Reclamation: Turning the exalted weapons of the gods used against the primordials non-hostile, and even friendly if I could manage it. If you have useful alternative ideas how to convince the weapons of the Gods to serve the Yozis willingly besides tricking them into becoming akuma, I await your wisdom."

>Do you really think the Abyssal exalted did not already know about us?
Uh, indications were she didn't. Unless you're taking the position she was faking the surprise she and interest she showed.

>>673018
I'm taking the position that the Neverborn knew, so the big secret of the existence of the Green Sun Princes was never fully secret to begin with, and trying to fudge those details. ;)

>>673108
That would just suggest Edge was horribly naive. The Neverborn and Deathlords don't tell their servants everything.

>>673004
Even moreso, another act of villainy: Infernal Genius Declaration. The Pyre Within Which Thoughts Are Burned has fire at her center, and fire wants to be seen.

>>673135
That's insane, there's another whole faction of solar exalts they know about--and have something resembling formal relations with--and they don't tell their people about it? I'd call bullshit, but this could be the plot-hole ass-pull nonsense the designers went through to retcon in a new faction of exalted so they could sell more supplements, this being a White Wolf product and all....

>>673108
I would not at all be surprised if the Yozi and the Neverborn were keeping significant secrets from each other. Logically, they should have common interests, but I could see both sides sort of looking at the other and thinking despite that, there's something fundamentally wrong with the other.

>>673205
Of course they've got secrets from each other. The Yozis can't keep secret from the Neverborn that the Neverborn gave them fifty solar exaltations from the jade prison, can they?

Exquisite Bride Obsession Meyichi 2015/09/27(Sun)19:08 No. 673258 ID: 5a02f7
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>>673004

”I work for the Ebon Dragon, the literal embodiment of treachery.

>>673014

“Of course, telling you how that was resolved at this point in the story would be spoilers.”

Kamai puffed out her cheeks in a pout, ”Man, I wish Kimbery was that okay with shit like that.”

“No, you don’t,” Lintha corrected, ”The All-Mother is perfect just as she is.”

Kamai rolled her eyes like she had already heard this a hundred times. She motioned for me to continue.

-------------------------

>>673139

”I thought you would approve of that; after all, the Pyre Within Which Thoughts Are Burned has fire at her center, and fire wants to be seen.”

Amaranth frowned, ”Fire wants to burn more than that, and to continue burning, it needs to not be put out by nosy little Abyssals with more curiosity than restraint,” he blew out a plume of smoke, gesturing with his pipe, ”But do whatever you want; it’s your neck on the line, not mine.”

“Regarding Myria, it might be worth arranging you seeing her cast that charm so that you can analyze its limits or constraints.”

“I’ll see what I can do, but I don’t know how you’d swing that. Maybe invite me to an impromptu secret-sharing session? I don’t think she’d approve.”

I paused a moment in thought, ”Maybe the life she’s leading is simply a cover. Her job means a lot of information passes through her hands – maybe there’s something in particular that she’s looking for.”

He leaned back, ”That’s a solid line of reasoning; the question is what, though. Maybe you can figure it out, hmm? You certainly have a better chance than I do – after all, she likes you better than me.”

I blinked, ”Really? But she hardly knows Mirth.”

Amaranth grinned, ”Both of you. I’ve never heard her talk so much as when you’re around. I don’t know what it is about you, but it’s something that she wants.”

I shifted, a little uncomfortable with the direction the conversation was taking, ”Tomorrow, I’m planning on having breakfast with Graceful Blossom. I’ll meet with Sienna at midday to be taken to their fourth circlemate, and from there, I’ll ask her to show me to Myria’s stall as Mirth.”

“Sounds like a busy day wooing ladies,” he smirked.

I ignored that, ”Is there anything pertaining to your own plans that you’d like to bring up? Something I should be aware of or provide assistance with?”

He took another draw from his pipe, ”I have a feeling that there’s some trouble brewing between the gangs. I’d keep an eye out for it, lest you get caught in the middle of it,” he pointed the pipe at me to emphasize his words, ”Remember, you may have contacts with Akhar’s people, but I’m playing the other side, so watch out just how much you help them, all right?”

I nodded, ”Got it.”

Amaranth let out a long breath, ”Anything else you need, or can I finally get to bed?”

>I don’t know how you’d swing that. Maybe invite me to an impromptu secret-sharing session? I don’t think she’d approve.
No. It would have to be Amaranth in a non-threatening identity in a position to observe, at a time or place Myria wouldn't have the truth detector up, and then give her a reason to turn it on. (I assume it's not on all the time, and that there's essence cost to activate or maintain it, and/or that one casting only lasts so long).

>Both of you. I’ve never heard her talk so much as when you’re around. I don’t know what it is about you, but it’s something that she wants.
Huh. That's interesting. So it's not just the secrets we hold piquing her interest.

>Anything else you need, or can I finally get to bed?
No, not at all. I'll leave you to your beauty sleep.

"Mm, our plans for Embattled Justice probably hinge on who their fourth circle mate is and discovering more about him. You have more people in town than I do, might speed things up to do a bit of gentle digging if you've got people you would trust to handle something like that with adequate delicacy. If you don't have anyone you're confident in or don't want to that's your business though.
"Also, if we're both invested in different sides of a gang war we should at least consider managing that to our mutual advantage. It is late though."

Exquisite Bride Obsession Meyichi 2015/09/30(Wed)13:25 No. 673997 ID: 5a02f7
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>>673302

”If we’re both invested in different sides of a gang war, we should at least consider managing that to our mutual advantage.”

“I’ll think on it,” Amaranth replied.

”Our plans for Embattled Justice probably hinge on who their fourth circlemate is and discovering more about her. You have more people in town than I do, might speed things up to do a bit of gentle digging if you’ve got people you would trust to handle something like that with adequate delicacy.”

“You get me a name, and I’ll get you information,” he said.

>>673286

“For you to see the charm that Myria uses, you’d have to be in a non-threatening identity in a position to observe, at a time or place she wouldn’t have the charm up, and then give her a reason to turn it on.”

He took a draw from his pipe, ”That’s a good plan. Set me something up and let me know how it goes,” he blew out smoke as he rose, ”I take it that’s it?”

I nodded, ”I’ll leave you to your beauty sleep.”

Amaranth sighed, waving half-heartedly, ”Gods know I need it.”

-------------------------

The trek back to my inn was uneventful. A different clerk from the one I was used to seeing in the day was managing the counter. No messages had been left for me, but that didn’t surprise me, with how busy Graceful Blossom said she had been.

My pillow was welcoming, and sleep found me quickly.

>>673998
Engage self makeouts.

>>674001
Are those both us? Only one of them is wearing the scarf, which is probably more central to Edge's identity than any of the face's he's adopted. Just going by the hair poof, the scarf-less one could be Edge, Mirth, or Kamai.

...offer other silhouette your arm for a dreamtime dance.

I'm guessing this is his failure. The scarf used to be someone else's and it's a memento of someone who died in Edge's adventure at the Shadowland. Hair poof is Edge pre-Exaltation.

Exquisite Bride Obsession Meyichi 2015/09/30(Wed)15:47 No. 674033 ID: 5a02f7
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>>674012

>>674023
Seems the most likely explanation, for now.

>>674033
Silly! Your hands missed.

Oh hello... you're about to teach us something, aren't you? I guess we aren't allowed to make notes if it's being done this way.

Exquisite Bride Obsession Meyichi 2015/09/30(Wed)21:55 No. 674105 ID: 5a02f7
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>>674064

>>674106
Go to the window. Scarf must want you to see something.

Prepare to jump and/or be pushed from the window, but sure... let's follow the script and look out the window.