A Single Question - Campfire

General Summary

As the tribunal steps out of the room followed by a contingent of the Prismic Index to deliberate on the information they have been given. The Wardens and others are left with the a brief window of as much privacy as they would expect in this moment do do some deliberation of their own as the promise of one true question has been given regardless of their fate.
Myra turns to Raijun, looking him over like he may have grown two heads, "Raijun that was... Honestly impressive."
"If you remember, I used to spy on nobles & council members quite a bit, I am quite familiar with the argument styles they care about...its not about being right, but winning the hearts of the general audience to the point it would be folly to go against the crowd," Raijun looks rather relaxed and comfortable despite the situation.
Myra looks upset, "But shouldn't the truth matter?" She sighs, "I see your point though. They all seemed to have ulterior motives. Four of the five had clear conflicts of interest."
"They always do, even if it isn't clear at the onset. A lot of it is just doublespeak, what they say, and what the intention of the words are, often two different things. And the truth matters if you don't have power, but if you do, do you need to adhere to fairness or do you do whatever keeps you in control?
Iroh once said to me, the powerful are not completely unaware of the absurdity of their replies. They know that their remarks are frivolous, open to challenge. But they are amusing themselves, for it is their adversary who is obliged to use words responsibly, since he believes in words. The politicians have the right to play. They even like to play with discourse for, by giving ridiculous reasons, they discredit the seriousness of their interlocutors. They delight in acting in bad faith, since they seek not to persuade by sound argument but to intimidate and disconcert. If you press them too closely, they will abruptly fall silent, loftily indicating by some phrase that the time for argument is past."
"I hated court for this reason too." She sighs and looks toward the bigger group, "Does anyone have a specific question for the Hoard Watcher? I mean my head is filled with many questions," her eyes dart to other people remaining in the room, "but I'm not sure how many I want to ask publicly or in such a... forum."
"Feel like they owe us an explanation on this proverbial elephant in the room they all keep avoiding."
"The loss of the scrolls or the previous abuse of the scrolls? For people who want to accuse of us abuse and mismanagement they seem to have a rather fraught background."
"In line with what I said before, how might the public opinion change if we shed light on that exact point by having them explain themselves?"
"If anything they should be asking us to maintain them as, unless I'm mistaken in my math, my family has the best track record of the retention of the scroll. In fact only losing possession of it briefly when it was lent out at another's behest."
"Sure, if you look at it from the lens of objectivity, but their goggles have a different lens, don't they, so how can we shift the public opinion to force the lens of objectivity?"
"I mean," Myra gestures to the mostly empty room, "there's a reason this is in private. We are not being judged in a court of public opinion. If they choose to condemn us I assume the goal would be to not allow us to leave without first..... Correcting our memory so as not to bring it to the public. At least that's how I would do it. If I wanted to be assured that the people capable enough to battle an anchor of magic thrice and win would not be returning for them. I would make very sure they had no reason or capability of returning.
I know that you have every reason and more to mistrust systems Raijun. But there is potential aide we could get by working with them and those I trust have indicated their support. I have to believe that this was more than formality. After all if it had been Iroh, Alsume, and Surat before the council I would have liked the same questions to be asked. And I would hope that the decision would be made, in that case, to remove the scrolls."
"Well you took a roundabout way to get to my point but I agree, they have exposed some of our faults, we have exposed some of there's, surely a compromise of teamwork could bridge the gap and help us all."
Myra laughs "I apologize I misunderstood your point then."
"But to do that I think we need to get them to tell us what happened, so we can make a point on how us working in unison can mend the gaps we both have"
"So what is more important? The damage done to the weave and how that could be prevented or the mistakes of their security and the potential lessons there? I mean obviously ideally both."
"Think we could discuss the damage in a strategic session with the architect of the boundless or whatever, asking what they learned from their first breach would lead to discovery on how we can slot ourselves in valuably" Raijun turns to the rest of the group, "What you think?"
Sarya speaks up first, "I'm curious about this previous incident- they seem very cagey about it and I'd like to know what we are getting ourselves into. But there may be better, wider questions that would be more helpful."
"Like what in your opinion?"
Sarya glances at Myra, "I'm not sure, I just don't want to exclude any options."
Hagren goes next, "As much I don't want to get myself involved in politics, with religious group they become more power through influence. I don't want them to solely hang on to the scroll. They themselves would get access to the scrolls and there's a high chance that it could get stolen. Remember the community center where we thought it would be the most secure location but ended up becoming a war zone? I just don't want one person to solely handle the item until proven to be the best solution for all factions."
"Great points Hagren, hard for them to deny what you said," Raijun agrees. "What about you Adama, any other thoughts?"
Adama starts listing questions off on his fingers, "What are you not telling us about the phrase 'endeavor through possibilities’, what could happen if an entity acquired all the scrolls, worst case?, In the previous incident 10 years ago, what are all the details?, How can we be sure that your intentions with the scrolls are best, you offer lofty goals and desires but from our position, how do we know you as an entity or individual members can be trusted?, if we refuse to had over the scrolls are you going to use violence to try and take them?, What are these coins for?"
"Well I'd rather not ask about the 'endeavor' in this current forum. I feel they might be more forthcoming in a smaller audience. Besides," Myra side eyes a number of the people in the room including Klara, Nari, and Yamil, "there are others from which we can inquire about that information."
“Myra, remember those coins we got ages ago in Lions Crest and right before? We accidentally locked one of them in a box, I think Hagren has it?”
Myra looks ashamed, "We no longer have those..."
"They weren’t in the bag?"
"They were... relieved during my captivity."
Adama shrugs, “It makes sense about endeavor through possibilities, they had 2 opportunities to answer the question and remained quiet.”
"The Grand curator might be able to put us in touch with a specialist for that more specifically. I believe there are those archivists who specialize in tangible objects."
The group looks over their shoulders to see the Grand Curator just a few rows back smiling looking at the group with a sense of admiration.
“What open questions do we have as a team, are we trying to track anyone or learn anything? Does anyone have any reason to need to look for a piece of information? We have 5 priests that have actual contact with their gods and religion. That’s a wonderful way to figure out anything. What do we want to know? Myra we have any more odd items in the bag of holding? Hmm… do you have an extra-dimensional space other than the bag of holding? We have the anti-bag of holding, the monster.”
"Not on me." Myra replies, "I mean I did have to get a new bag after... Raijun has the 'anti-bag' as you call it."
“Raijin do you want to know who your parents were and what happened?”
"I'm not sure that we need to consider every possible question. I don't think they'll throw us out... unless you're planning on doing something I'm unaware of. and I'm not sure the Hoard Watcher would have insight into many of these. they didn't promise us aid as much as an answer of their knowledge to one question. I mean hell there's lots to know about Slekul if it was the death breaker instead. I would like to know why more governments haven't been after the scrolls or the answer to my question earlier about why we were the ones to acquire them when they clearly know where they are currently."
Adama shrugs, “Powerful people have options, and asking a question that is open and will be answered is a powerful opportunity, we have some of the foremost representatives of each of the various religions, they can literally communicate with their God, if they said they would answer one question, it is not too mischievous. I don’t think they have the force capable. They may be many churches but I didn’t see an Army which is what would be needed in some circumstances to acquire them. I am curious about how many governments know about them. I think we happened upon something and therefore we know of it, but the possibilities are unless your government is actively looking for relics less likely to know. Ergo why Slekul does know, they are looking for “artifacts of religious significance” ie… powerful magic items"
"As you have mentioned they are powerful enough to literally talk to gods. And," Her eyes move around the room to the members of the Prismatic Index remaining, "they clearly have some force. Even it they didn't have people to send themselves they clearly curry respect. Would it really be so hard for them to even hire a group of people to aid them? Also they mentioned that Slekul has illusion so I would imagine they understand quite well. I would love to know what the scales everyone is fighting over in Timeston is though and how there's a negotiated treaty for Slekul to get it from Lion's Crest."
“I don’t think the King and Queen of Lionscrest truly understand the power of the scrolls, they knew we had them and cared not.”
Myra shrugs, "They were advised by Klara who literally explained the scrolls to us. Either she was extremely negligent in her duties or there's something we are unaware of. And given that I don't believe in her incompetence or malice I believe it to be the latter. The Grand Curator did mention that some had been dispatched to handle some of the scroll incidents. I would like to know who was sent. As, in your own theory Adama who ever contracted with the immortal must have had a large purse..."
“Hmm… I wonder about the moral relevancy of ‘for the greater good’ when you’re sending murderers and assassins after an item.”
Myra holds up her hands in a placating motion, "We don't know anything. I'm merely saying that if you are looking for motive and means... I hope they have nothing to do with them." She rubs her neck idlily, "But I would like information on the larger game we seem to be unknowingly involved in."
“If we decide to work with them, they most certainly have to tell us the greater game. For us to be able to find and retain the remainder of the scrolls for them, which it seems like they are advocating we would need to know what’s going on, who are the players, where are the scrolls, and definitely dangers. It’s possible a lot of our questions can be answered after we agree to work with them.” Adama looks Myra in the eye and raises and lowers his eyebrows.
"I mean where the scrolls are and who are they with is part of the answers we should get from the ritual Nari and the Architect hope to run. Similarly I hope to divine a better understanding of the weave through that ritual if possible. I would deeply love to know if there is more information on control of the scrolls and the ability to reign in their potential damage to the Weave. If their use at all incites damage, I would rather ensure them safely restricted - even from us. though as Hagren correctly notes I think a single honey pot would be a bad strategy especially as we know who has some of the others.
I think Raijun's suggestion to focus on what they learned during the 'incident' as they like to call it is a strong one. There may also be an opportunity to answer some of our questions before they return as they so kindly left us with many of our friends." she looks to a number of people left with them in the room
Raijun who's been pondering Adama's question about his parents speaks up, "I uh...don't really think anyone here has the answer. Frankly outside of the Immortals, I've never met anyone from v'roth since our journey started, so I don't know if they have the answers I'm looking for."
Myra looks surprised at Raijun, "did you not know Nari is from Vratoth? I'm surprised she didn't mention it." Myra looks over at Nari who seems to be have just finished a staring contest with the architect of the infinite. She thinks back to Raijun's comments, "Scratch that I'm not at all surprised. But she is I believe."
Nari gets up and does a “one second gesture” to the group and walks over to the Grand Curator and begins talking.
As Raijun being staring intently at Nari Myra sighs, "Yes well that look is why I'm not surprised she may have neglected to mention it."
Myra turns to Yamil, "I'm glad you're okay... for suitable definitions of that word. I have a number of questions but this is probably not the time or location for those. One thing that I would like to know that is very related though. It seems that you have been kept here, against your will obviously, but perhaps in the hope for them to require the scroll bound to you? The Architect," glancing over at her, "assured that if cooperation was provided the removal could be painless and you seem eager to cooperate in the removal. If that is the case may I ask how it is you find the scroll still bound to you?"
Yamil turns to Myra and with clear whirlwind of emotion fading from his face as his normally charming smile appears. He lays a comforting hand on Myra's shoulder "I am so glad to see you all here safe, I was not sure that that little note you sent was not a dream. You did not tell me your home was so beautiful."
Myra's face flies through several emotions as she's knocked out of her 'I'm trying to solve a puzzle' face, "I was concerned. After the first note came back... in pieces. And then your brother said..." Her eyes seem to catalog his unhealed wounds, "I'm glad you are also safe." She smiles softly, "Yes my home is much greener than yours if I remember correctly. And Ambercrown is my favorite, especially if you get to see the leaves turn."
"Well my brother has always had his faults," there is a second of pause and a moment of pain flash across his face, "but I always knew how to outwit him. And yes I still need some time to heal but all and all they have been taking care of me here -it has I that have been a source of trouble. But what can a say," with a smile, "I like to cause a little trouble now and again"
Sarya appears to be torn between relief that their friend is ok and annoyed that he's flirting with Myra, " You certainly caused Myra trouble - she was very concerned when Alsume said that he'd killed you. There was just so much blood"
"Have you been here since...?" She frowns, gesturing to the manacles, "It seems as though your journey from Kolis-tane may have been less... comfortable?"
Yamil give Sarya a warm smile and a 'good to see you' upper arm squeeze, "Truthfully I do not remember much of it, but from what I have since been told I had collapsed wondering along one of the northern roads just outside of the city and was found by a group of missionaries traveling north. Really lucky from what they tell me I had collapsed in the right place at just the right time."
"Seems like it - you tend to be a very lucky guy. Not lucky enough to have extricated yourself from your scroll though" Sarya adds pointedly.
Yamil's smile twists and strains ever so slightly that if it wasn't for the two most perceptive people in the group intently staring at him no one would have noticed, "Ah yes well it was not until recently I knew it could be put somewhere safety, unlike you all I don't have much in the way of back up or companions to ensure this arcane catastrophe waiting to happen does not fall back into the wrong hands. Knowing it can be removed and stored back into the cage it should forever be locked behind is a huge relief."
"I'm sorry that you haven't had that kind of support," Myra glances back over the group, her smile faltering at Sarya's expression before she reapplies it. "I don't know what I would have done without them. I certainly can't imagine doing it alone." "Your control seems impressive though. When I was attempting to review the damage to the weave Enchantment seemed to be the most controlled. If we have a moment later I would love to discuss how you managed it."
“Oh not to say going alone doesn’t have its perks," Yamil smiles, "but it has been a long while since I have wanted to work with a group. I have worked very hard to keep it that way in the wrong hands the power of persuasion could be very bad. Not sure what I could teach someone as brilliant as you but would love some one on one time.”
Myra blushes at the compliment, "Great well you still owe me coffee, though I think you would find it sorely lacking here so perhaps we should get cider instead." she laughs nervously, "You know provided they let us out of here. "
Raijun looks at the scene unfolding and then at Sarya.
Yamil smiles, "Ah but one of the markets has Coffee straight from the Hidden Spice district a true taste of home. Ah I can see how you would think they would not let us leave - but think of the optics. You really think they would risk removing the regions best chance of solving the problems the inattention of this group started? Nah we will be out by the end of the day I can show you all the fun merchants I have found"
"That sounds lovely," Myra smiles. "We were... escorted here rather quickly, it would be interesting to walk around I haven't been back in years. And 'regions best chance' does that mean that you would entrust the scrolls with us?"
"Or perhaps even join forces?" Sarya offers.
"While I have a high opinion of you all, I would rather all of this be locked away in same box the Author of the Arcane gifted it in well below our feet right now. Always happy to hang out and go on an adventure or two but considering what happened last time we all spent time together and the hopeful finality of the work here I am looking to put all this business behind me and take care of some other lingering things."
"What's next on the docket for Yamil then," Raijun asks, "should we be able to finalize some of this work as you say? And nice to see you in good spirits old friend."
Yamil claps Raijun on the back with a smile, “Well I have certainly burned the bridge working for Thompson at this point as I would be very late to work. But it would be nice to find some of old friends and see what trouble we can get into. “
"Well if it ever intrigues you as you bemuse your next move, young Myrantha has her own company named Stagwood Ventures now, with a few familiar faces, and I could always use another role model to inspire the orphans and refugees across the world I've been taking care of." as Raijun gives Yamil a friendly arm pat himself and smiles.
There a genuine smile that those surrounding Yamil can feel in their soul, ”I had forgotten that we are brother in that respect- I had sought to return to Nightwell at some point to see the children there, I would be more than happy to help in any ways I can with regard to them”
"Well then you'd be happy to hear the progress being made since we last spoke. We've gotten an internship and job placement program going, the centers have been well funded, new beds and the like, and I'm starting to feel like their hope is building and they are optimistic about the future, I'm sure they will be excited to see you too, some of them asked about you but I wasn't sure what to say, but I'm glad we may be able to report back together, we just need to find them some treats to bring along!"
”Oh there was a wonderful pastry shop in Kolis Tane that my friend helped start, who also is an orphan of sorts that I am sure she would want to help feed all the little ones. Although giving children only sweets is not the best long term Sadness splashes across his face I am so happy to hear there is some real good being done in the world. Thank you for sharing I would be happy to help”
Myra smiles as Raijun's infectious excitement, "You were the one who connected Raijun to the temple in the first place in Lion's Crest right?" Turning to Raijun, "We should ensure that we also catch up with my father on the Nightwell plans after he's had a moment to look around. I do worry about the Timeston conflict spilling over though."
Yamil with a smile, "They asked me about that, I have not been there in some time. Good people in the town I just hope that the Duskstone family has been keeping safe. They have already been through a lot, good people shouldn't have to suffer because of all this"
Myra frowns, "I'm sorry I believe their manor is where the reports of the creatures are originating." She pauses, "Did they have children?"
Rage like a fire burns across Yamil's face and in your hearts and in a moment you get a glimpse to the kind of Rage people live with in their heart. And as it hits its peak it is all but forgotten in an instant "Panha...., they have a daughter. What do you know about what is going on there?" Yamil franticly whispers
"I have theories..." Myra trails off unsure of herself given the rest of the events in the day. "I mean most of what we've heard is second or third hand."
"Please I need to know what you know, there are people I care about there"
Myra pulls out a notebook and quickly flips to a section, those standing beside her who read old elvish will see it is clearly labeled Timeston. "Okay. But remember conjecture."
Yamil stairs at Myra and place his hand on Myra's arm, "Please"
"We heard about events a few months ago, where there was a problem in the Mines. We never got there to investigate as we were waylaid in Nightwell. But we do know that the Timeston mines connect to older archeological digs for before the ruination. Around the same time we know that something we've only referred to as 'the scales' was found in or around the mines. We know the scales was some kind of artifact that the contingent from Skull Hill keep want. There was some existing arrangement that allowed a delegation of theirs to come into Vloyuth to retrieve the item." Myra takes a breath.
"Later we heard about more fantastical beasts that had started arriving even seeing some ourselves in Lion's Crest. At the same time we heard that those monsters seemed to be thickest around the Duskwell manor. A general of the Manten Liche forces with the ability to detect magic also said that he saw a strong magic essence emanating from the same manor.
In conjunction with all of that I've been looking into the effects of the scrolls on the weave. Trying to determine the potential impact of ours and others use of the scrolls. I don't particularly want to break all of magic." She smiles like she's trying to joke but failing. "In my research conjuration has been... well have you ever had an article of clothing where one thread get's pulled out so far that it looks like it's creating it's own waves?"
"I think - my theory is, Duskwell's were in possession of the conjuration scroll or that someone found it and brought it to them as an influential family in the town." Myra's brow creases, "I think... From what I've seen.... That a child, perhaps their daughter, got her hands on it and has been scared by the other events in town... I would be scared if the Manten Lich showed up. And a frightened child attuned strongly with the conjuration scroll would make sense from what I felt in the weave."
She looks over at the architect and Klara, "I was hoping to learn more about not only control but also the process of un-attuning here. If my theory is right..." she looks very solemnly at Yamil, "I won't let what happened to Viridus, or Vausk, or voice, happen to a child. But I need more information so it won't come to that."
Sarya is no longer jealous but instead now intently focused on Myra’s words.
Yamil takes a moment to process what he has been told an emotion of pure focus on his face. Unblinking he peers deep into Myra’s soul “What would you give to ensure that doesn’t happen? What would you do to insure that she is saved?”
Angrily Myra replies, "I. Don't. Kill. Children. What else do you want me to say? What could I possibly offer to prove it? If you don't believe me now," gesturing around, looking slightly hurt, "I don't know why you would believe anything else I would say."
Yamil shifts now blocking the Curator, Clara, and the architect from view, ”Would you give me the scroll, the one that was held by your family- they have not taken it from you yes?”
"What are you talking about? None of our scrolls are the counter anchor to Conjuration. How would any of the scrolls we have aid her from here?"
Sarya steps forward, slightly coming between Myra and Yamil “I also refuse to kill children” her stare is cold.
In a hushed tone, “I could get to her, save her but I can’t do that with only what powers I have or at least not well. But once I get in I don’t have what I would need without that item to help her once I get there. She is a strong girl but she was not always that way she was very sick when I first met her, I NEED to make sure she is safe”
Myra steps to the right so her Yamil and Sarya are in a triangle. She takes Yamil's hands and looks him in the eyes, "Let us help. If what the Architect said is true then there should be a safe way to remove the scroll. Especially if she was sick before, we should know how to do it. We were here to request a ceremony that would let us learn more about where the scrolls are and who they are with. We can use that to verify my theory. I don't want to send you in there with nothing but speculation. What if I was wrong? I'm not asking you to wait days, the ceremony was supposed to be later. We can go immediately after that if you need."
Yamil takes a moment to evaluate the persuasive statements Myra is making as she squeezes his hands, "I'm not asking you not to go. I'm not. I just asking you not to go alone."
“Our chances will be better together. The last thing I want is her to be swallowed up by the scroll,” Sarya shivers.
Yamil looks at the group and around the chamber, the people, the wardens ,the guards. Eyes steely, cold and serious return back to the Wardens, "I cant let you do the ritual."
Myra goes to withdraw her hands, her face drawn with concern, "What? Why?"
Yamil looks around and pulls Myra in close to whisper in her ear, "If you are going to help me, we cant give them a chance to interfere." Yamil looks around watching the room. He looks at the surrounding Wardens in with a brief glance of sharing something that bares no repeating.
Myra pulls back and rubs her neck absently, a concerned look on her face. She squeezes his hand and then starts to pull away breaking off toward some of the others in the room, "I'll be right back. I need to ask Nari a quick question. But I promise," and she touches her nose as she steps away.
“What do you mean ‘interfere’? Is this why you’re still bound to your scroll and in chains? Myra wants to help you- despite you lying to us in Lion’s Crest about your destination- despite ignoring her latest letters- despite flirting instead of answering her questions. She cares. Do you?”
Myra moves from the center of discussion and moves to where Nari is in the surrounding amphitheater seats. Nari is currently in a a discussion with a mage that was not there once the tribunal began. They sit there with a sallow almost gaunt face curly breads clutching a book in their arm while not looking at Nari certainly in a conversation with her. Myra goes and politely interrupts the conversation and pulls Nari away and as they take a stroll from one side of the room to another. Nari places a hand on Myra's shoulder and begins to squeeze... 1, 2, 3....9 ,10,11,12 times.
Yamil looks to Sarya and while the expression on his face goes more manic she can feel in her soul more of a empathetic, and "I feel like I have disappointed or slighted some kindness that was extended to me" feeling. Yamil grabs Sarya's hands and he moves them into a cupping/praying position. Moments later she feels something coarse and warm being poured into her cupped hands "I hear your" He turns to Rajiun just mouths the words "Sorry" and then sucker punches him HARD in the gut.
Raijun, still squinting at Nari, was not expecting this and keels over like "dudeee why, what did I do" wheeze.
Hearing the impact the guards attention is immediately brought to the sight of impact, and while those in armor move weapons drawn the more arcane inclined have hands in motion restrain Yamil with Dr Strange like Arcane tethers to each one of his body segments. Ionized energy and the smell of O-Zone, copper and singed fabric fill the air. Yamil cries out both in anger and in pain, "You fool, you let them have it you gave it to them all that they do is on your head mmmmm" As his mouth is then covered hatred and tears filling his eyes.
The more armored guards then approach and force him down to his knees, muffled sounds still coming from Yamil but you are unsure if it is out of pain or rage.
Sarya stands there stunned, still clasping her hands together. There is a shifting of the material enclosed and it begins to move up your hands to your (non dominant) wrist and it solidifies.
Myra turns in horror, as she does she slips something from her bag onto her wrist.
Raijun gets up and meets his gaze, ready to defend himself but not retaliating, and says, "your right, I failed you when we needed it the most, but it won't happen again, not if we all work together! You can hit me as much as you like, but it wont change the past. We've all failed at some point individually, we need to come together, and stop them!"
Sarya looks down at her wrist, examining what is now there, looking up, she cries “Please don’t hurt him!”
The guards pay no regard to the words being throw at them, as they now surround and continue to restrain the now prone Yamil on the ground. The more armored Prismic Index Guards now turn to flank at attention to prevent anyone else from approaching
"Stop! Please," She looks from the group surrounding Yamil and some of her compatriots to the Grand Curator open concern on her face. "We delivered upsetting news. Raijun's fine, right Raijun," not turning, "We're cooperating. He's been cooperating. Why is he in chains?"
No words from the guards as they continue to block off Yamil and continue to hold him in a restrained position. The Grand Curator floats forward, "Acts of violence of any kind will not be tolerated in this chamber, this is done for our protection. He will not be harmed but we can not allow someone with his abilities to endanger us or those outside with such uncontrolled outbursts."
Myra doesn't move in an effort to seem non hostile, "And may I inquire how he became a prisoner of the index in the first place?" she attempts a smile but allows it to fail as the concern still rules her face, "It must be quite a story."
Grand Curator, "My understanding is that is was due his uncooperative nature once he had awakened. You can understand that the powers of persuasion might be a danger to that which appose its view. No further harm will come if the former Commander can contain himself."
"That seems only fair," Myra nods. She turns back to the group, stepping over to Sarya pulling her aside. Softly, "What did Raijun do? I was only away for a second." To someone with Sarya's perception and insight Myra's tone seems off, guarded.
As discretely as possible, Sarya holds Myra’s right hand with her left, pressing the bracelet to her arm, louder and looking at Raijun “He seemed upset about the Immortals” Barely perceptible “diversion.”
Myra nods and runs her hand along Sarya's arm reassuringly, touching the bracelet several times in the process, "Are you okay? I'm sorry I had only meant to ask Nari about something she had seen at the Gala."
“Yeah, it just startled me”
Myra removes her hand from Sarya's, she absently scratches at her own arms, "I'm not sure if I should use this opportunity to chat with the architect or if that's inappropriate? I'm sure she's very busy." She can seen there alerted guards have moved closer but not blocking to her location.
“May be worth it if they’re still deliberating”
"Would you check on Raijun? Maybe if you help interpret what Yamil meant he'll feel less bad about it. You are always better at relaying those kinds of messages than me."
“Certainly, I’ll try to smooth it over” Sarya nods. Myra squeezes Sarya's hand once more before moving towards the architect.
Sarya gives a quick squeeze back before heading over to Nightblade, “Hey, you ok? Looks like he really got the drop on you”
Raijun looks as though his pride is the most injured, "Yeah well honestly at this point I'm just used to random projectiles and punches coming my way, I'm good, That was a bit...out of nowhere.."
Sarya fixes her gaze on Raijun "Yes, it certainly was out of nowhere. I even think that he's sorry." she says, with emphasis on the 'sorry' "You know what they say, 'everything happens for a reason'. Do you need a heal or anything?" She continues lightheartedly, " I'm not sure that they'll let me, but I can ask"
At these words one of the Guards come over and administers a light healing wave over the toned abs of Raijun, removing any other discomfort that is to be felt. Without saying a word they nod to the group and return back to their station. “Thank you!” Sarya calls back with a friendly smile
Myra approaches the architect and Klara, no opposition is met although there are guards still standing by all be it now a little close. The two woman stand there talking the Architect of the Infinite pauses the conversation and smiles at Myra as she approaches, "Wow he certainly lives up to his name since his dismissal. Are you alright?"
"I'm untouched thank you. I think the whole situation just has everyone a little on edge. May I ask what may be considered a uncouth question, architect?"
A playful smile come across her face as Klara's face remains almost devoid of emotion, "Of course, I hope I can answer it..."
"Why were you not included on the council of the tribunal?" Myra asks, "It seems the tribunal was comprised of perhaps some of the more... involved parties. Would it not make more sense to have a more impartial jury with experts such as yourself involved? I mean your testimony was invaluable but it seems odd to me that you were not asked to judge perhaps having the greatest idea of the potential impact."
The smile continues as the Architect responds "Not a problematic question at all, as you see I have already weighed in on my opinions on this matter and it was I who called for the Tribunal. My understanding of the artifacts in your," And there is a pause, " possession show what they can do but the rest of the leaders here would like an understanding of what will be done with them in your hands. I am curious though...." She cocks her head in a sense of puzzlement, "What makes you think I do not have a voice in the outcome..."
Myra raises an eyebrow, "You would think that if that was the point of the tribunal, more interest would have been paid to our request and future plans and the correspondence we have had with a number of the organizations, including your own, attempting to learn how to better secure and remediate the ongoing impact of the scrolls. I have seen what will happen if nothing is done architect. We came up here without any indication that the tribunal was even being convened in hope of finding aid in preventing that. As to your other question I was under the, clearly mistaken, impression that they had removed themselves to deliberate before sentencing."
The Architect of the Infinite, while looking to start one point then drawn to lure of another "Seen through the eyes of the false diviner?" Gesturing over to Nari with a scoff, "I figured you to be more inclined towards facts then lines of confused prophecy.
Your pointed words show your true hand." Her demeanor shifts from that of a more friendly face to more of a stern teacher, "What better way to understand if you all can be trust then to evaluate the deeds you have done to provide evidence of your character. What Fools we would be to provide aid and open our hollowed chambers if your intent was foul or just as corrupt as those who you killed to acquire them. If you truly seek to resolve the issues wreaking havoc on our world, and to prevent and protect those who live in peace simply turn over the scrolls and allow us to return them to the very chamber they were first scribed. Your intentions look to see this task through as a noble soul would want to do but the past study of these tools would deem us to be cautious.
You have done what you can to prove your case - they will return to deliver their verdict shortly but I believe a question is owed to you as your group has been corporative since your arrival and we must acknowledge that. If you have further intelligent question I would be happy to provide answers"
Myra's smile turns icy as the architect talks about about Nari dismissively, "To answer your question, architect, it was not Nari who showed me what would become in that future. It was part of a rather painful series of events that occurred to me." A wince flashes across her face before the smile is replaced, "But as no one deigned to ask about how the scrolls were being abused before we acquired them I suppose that would be hard to know. And I apologize that we returned a soul that should have passed on hundreds of years ago tethered to a chunk of metal to the afterlife. One who was prohibiting all souls from passing to their proper resting place, but truly I thought that one was for the better of the archipelago. As noted, the other individuals either had their own hand in their death directly or were petrified. Do you think that I wished the deaths of any involved?
As to your question of why not to turn them over you are aware that one of the scrolls was under the protection of one of the organizations running the tribunal when it was taken from the community center mentioned previously, correct? And as no one seems to wish to enlighten us with how the scrolls were lost as the first breaking of the chain how can we ensure that your chamber will not be a lovely honey pot from which the current holders of other scrolls could remove them? You're right we would be fools to aid you and trust you blindly."
Myra takes a breath composing herself, "As to my question I hoped to discuss the repair protocol for the weave if your organization had it documented." Her frustration suddenly bubbles out as she looks quite tired, "It seemed like the least we could do regardless of the outcome. I have a number theories, but as you have reminded me several times, little comprehensive training on magic at that scale. I just..." softer, "I just wanted to know if there was any way we could help..."
The Architect studies Myra for a moment, and a friendly smile returns to her face, "Fascinating, truly fascinating. It seems there would be much for us to discuss once this tribunal is over. You would be a fantastic study, I see you have learned much from your mother," with a smile of acknowledgement.
"As for the question I can answer right now, the scrolls It was not until those failures of individual organizations to contain the loss of the scrolls that a combined effort was determined to be the best option. To be clear it is not my chamber it is the chamber of the Author of the Arcane herself- while we would have wards to ensure others are kept from the chamber. This chamber is the place they were scribed and place they were once kept before others before any of us step food on this word sought to distribute them to the top intellectual minds to further advance all. It was not until ... pause recent memory that that trust was broken and abused and a more public display of that failure was noted that the scrolls then became in jeopardy. The intervention that caused the scrolls to be distributed into the world is not for speaking in a chamber like this - the result either way is the quest that you and your group has taken up. But it does seem that you have encountered some of their past endeavors in attempting to recover the items already however unlikely that possibility would seem to be." She lingers on those words hoping you catch their meaning.
The Architect continues, " As for the repairs that have damaged this world that will come in time. Some might be possible now but it is not possible to make meaningful change while the abuse of the scrolls still runs rampant. Steps can be made to bring certain factors into check but the outcome of the tribunals discussion will dictate how those next steps are taken."
Myra appears poised to relax before a shiver ripples through her form as she takes the smallest step back before she can help herself. Her back to the group makes it hard to tell what emotion if any showed on her face as by the time anyone moves to investigate it's plastered with the polite but plastic smile. Myra nods at what the architect is saying, "Certainly you know infinitely more on the care of and maintenance of the weave so I defer to your studied judgement. May I inquire - please cut me off if my questions become tedious I've been known to ramble - do the Author's teaching give any explanation why these gifts were let in tangible forms instead of the intangible state the tribunal indicated that they could be put into?"
"What good is a gift if it can not be held in some way. These gifts were what gave us the power to first study and master the arcane as a tool to grow, and fight back the original evils of this world. That could not happen if they were locked away"
Myra's eyebrow raises automatically before she can reign it in, "Would you be against making them intangible now then? After their return to the Author's chamber that is."
Stone Faced, "Information and study will be lost in the long term but it would be best sadly. The tools that were given seem to have landed in hands too easily corrupted. Maybe in the Author's divine wisdom they will unlock them for us when we are more deserving in the future."
"I apologize again for my ignorance, does the teachings of the author mention if the nether scrolls were penned only by the author herself or if other divine entities also had a hand in their creation?"
"Other gifts were given by other gods, these scrolls were written in the Author's hand alone. The Arcane is her gift while some aspects are inspired and influenced by the others along side the Author (meaning other Gods) a mortals capability to wield magic is what was written for us."
"Ah, I was unaware those stories were to be taken with a little more... gravity. Interesting. Architect was there some piece of information you were hoping to glean with the ritual?"
"As the Grand Curator can certainly tell you all things are stories no matter how true their origin might be. My hope is always to further understanding. While my interest align with yours in terms of determining the location of the other artifacts I also seek to understand how the prolonged effect has worked on you all considering your level of interaction. The study of innate magic has always been a hobby of mine and seeing it in its truest form would be a fascinating area of study. The ritual is not one that has been performed before so this will be a great chance to observe the experience"
"May I ask, do you have plans to pursue the other scrolls yourself then? Clearly you are uninterested in letting us aid in the continued acquisition and return of them. I'm also unclear on how the nature of the ritual would aid in your second desire? I may be able to answer more questions there for you myself as I believe I'm the member of the Wardens that has been studying them the longest."
The Architect twitches her face in a sudden expression of emotion at the first question, "I believe you already know the answer to that question Lady Stagwood," polite smile.
"This ritual pulls on the weave itself and centers it within the chamber as one might focus a lens to examine an object more closely- however part of that object is rarely the lens or one looking through it so that arrangement of observer and observe is unknown how it will affect the results. On a more forward level I am interested to see if it has any affect on those who bare an artifact as the lens shifts its focus across the schools....I guess we will see. Should the ritual resolve well I look forward to further discussion and hopefully working with you to help uncover those mysteries Lady Stagwood as we seem to be of ....like minded in the pursuit of these questions."

Report Date

29 Oct 2022