[Intro, closed] I think, therefore I kill

[Dranquay]

Javen’s misunderstanding regarding the nature of the Akvatari and of Dranquay in particular would have satisfied something small and slightly prideful in the child of sea and sky, had he known it. Instead he was left with an uneasy set of facts that revealed something interesting about each of the group, including himself and his sister.

Thus his sister’s comment brought that ghostly, slightly cynical Akvatari smile to Dranquay’s lips, eyes flittering to his sister’s with equal dryness as he responded to her. “On the contrary dear sister, I find the idea that we are somehow able to transcend life itself somewhat intriguing in its implications for our history.” He murmured almost mischievously, almost conspiratorially as his eyes then sought out Akuaysun. Of all of the revelations given by the Aura reading golem – including the fact that it was capable of using the Djed to read Auras, a worth fact unto itself – it was the knowledge that the Myrian was in fact a shape shifter and, as he spoke of his own history, revealed he was what his old tutor had called a Ethaefal, a being of rumour and myth even among Djed scholars, that made him frown…something that had once dwelt with Gods, but yet what were Gods?

What did that truly mean? As the Ethaefal continued there was little doubt of its impression of itself as above the rest of the group, a position that tingled the back of Dranquay’s spine as dangerous for himself and his sister…although he cared little for Javen except as a perversely sickly unknown and thought that the Isur could most likely deal with her own problems.

So standing in the courtyard and filing away snippets of information from everything had been said, including the knowledge that the Isur and the Nuit had once been enemies…and that this Isur either did not know of it or did not remember…or choose to pretend that she did not Dranquay was again struck by the danger of making assumptions about anyone or anything in this place. The others in the group had their own agendas, even as he had his own, mistakenly giving into curiosity which had now unwoven into a tapestry of intrigue; and that did not even begin to unravel the beliefs and hidden truths of their hosts: Dranquay was in no hurry to make assumptions that these Nuit had lessened by not taking care of the statues, since in order to understand what the state of the courtyard said about them he figured he rationally needed far more information about how long this citadel had been here and what it meant to the Nuit.

Was it a fragment of something long past? Did it no longer hold relevance? Or had their very concept of relevance gone on to something else? Certainly the golem had a being, a self…a sense of growth and did not appear too disturbed by the state of the things that surrounded it: But Dranquay’s own previous experience with golems suggested their ideas of importance were, as Drainira said, defined by their creators so he did not find this lack of disturbance too surprising.

Once Akuaysun had finished his grand speech the taciturn Akvatari opened with a quiet, understated interjection in that rollingly flat tone of his, eyes on Akuaysun and not smiling…but somehow there should have been a smile there; if Dranquay had not been Akvatari and possessed more of a sense of smug humour.

“Careful now or they might find you more interesting and worth studying than Ms Pythone and I would miss the chance to ask you of Pre-Velterrian life.”

As you would discover if you are anything more than a tool to your God. He did not add…but this had ever been the fundamental disagreement Dranquay had avoided with Chael, the idea that by dint of Godly lack of interest the Akvatari were in fact blessed. He wanted to know where he came from, of course, it drove him incessantly; but only to place his people in the world and never to claim it. Guidance from a being that bore massive power and its own agendas scared Dranquay and he found it somewhat odd that anyone could be proud of serving a being which either defied comprehension or deigned not to provide enough information to be comprehended.

Such things spoke of selfish arrogance and self centeredness. Although he was ever careful that he did not extend that argument to imply Gods or their servants were not dangerous…from what he knew of the Velterrian they were deadly so: Which was why he kept so silent and spared only enough comment to sew questions among the Nuit and this shapeshifter that he, in turn, may not be letting be known everything there was to know about himself… and unlike Akuaysun felt no need to hold up banners to get picked above the rest of the group.

[Tarot]

Snide remark aside, Qiao had been unimpressed with Drainira's report. Apparently he had been looking for something else, something that may compromise their guests' visit, but no such thing had been found. Everything else was of very limited importance, even the prospect of learning about post-Valterrian life did not seem to entice the shell of a man as much as one might have expected. Such petty things as fake names, relations, or magic cast on arms were of no consequence to him, though they may be to Drainira. It could certainly leave one wondering what exactly made these undead tick, what drove them on... day after day.

"Akvatari," Drainira repeated the name and committed it to memory. "Thank you for sharing that, Ms. Chaelnomyl." There was a noticeable shift in her tone as soon as she started addressing the Akvatari; Qiao demanded that he be talked to like a machine, but there was no need to hold back with the mainlanders. Ialari's silent rage was either undetected or did not elicit any reaction in the Nuit or Supervisor. Of course, the difference between 'not knowing' and 'not caring' was always subtle in this place. Qiao had proven time and again that he did not care for the emotions of the living, and the golem seemed polite enough to avoid disturbing her private ruminations.

As Javen explained himself and his reasons for giving a fake name, Qiao waved his hand dismissively. The matter was apparently not even worth spending a word about. It was not like Qiao had even bothered learning most of their names, after all. To him, Javen was still 'half dead' and would likely remain such till the end of this ordeal. Drainira had a good word even for him, though. "Names are not all that important here, Mr. Javen. You will not be judged for that, not by us Sahovans, at any rate." She could not speak for his own party members, though.

Akuaysun spoke a lot, which Qiao assumed was his standard behavior. His speech actually managed to attract the undead's attention to the point that he uttered a reply. It was far from a satisfying one, though. "Bring that up with the Archwizard after you return from this quest." As was becoming the norm, Drainira had a more sympathetic reply. "Your story does indeed sound peculiar, and would explain why you have been selected. If it is really a Journeyman, though, I would suggest you settle your unfinished business with haste. They are Fragments of a long dead god. Their purpose is understanding, however they hold that you can only understand something by undoing it. Anything they learn, they destroy in the process. No... it's more than that. They dissect it, physically and philosophically, until there is nothing left - not even a memory - and then move on. You should be very careful in the future."

Unlike Qiao, the Supervisor even had a word for Dranquay. "Fascinating... your irony has so many implied layers to it, Mr. Dranquay. Careful now or we might find you more interesting than both Ms. Pythone and Mr. Akuaysun! ... I kid."

That was when the wagon ground to a halt in front of two double doors that slowly swung open. Up until now, they had journeyed through a cavern-like environment illuminated by the daylight filtering from the entrance, but from this point onwards the passage was turning into a corridor not intended for a vehicle. Qiao climbed down and entered without looking back, not even bothering to tell the party that they were supposed to do the same, though there really wasn't anything else to do.

"You are almost there," Drainira said helpfully. "The Archwizard is awaiting you in Laboratory 3B together with the object of your mission." The corridor was lit not by torches, but by two continuous strips of crystals embedded in the rock behind glass panes. They gave off a cool blue light that took some time adjusting to. The citadel was somewhat labyrinthine, with several corridors branching off the main one, as well as flights of stairs leading up and down. Thankfully, all intersections were clearly marked with signs and even miniature maps drawn on (probably magical) blackboards hanging on the walls. Color-coded arrows on the floor also indicated the way to overly important facilities. There were no windows on this floor, obviously, and the air was stale - then again, the place had not been designed around the needs of air-breathers.

It took a few turns and stairs to reach Lab 3B. The door swung open by itself as soon as Qiao approached it and manifested the intention to cross the threshold. It opened into a large underground room, probably an Animation laboratory. This much could be inferred by the presence of many unfinished golems piled up against the walls or on top of each other. This place seemed to accomplish the dual function of building the things and providing them with intelligence. More menial tools ranging from saws and hammers to more complex machinery were a sign of the former, whereas the many glyphs scattered all over the floor hinted at the latter.

There was a man standing in the middle of the room, in front of... well, something that had the shape of a standing humanoid and was covered under a white sheet. The man wore elegant red wizard's robes and a white scarf. Interestingly, his clothing and scarf seemed to billow ever so slightly even in the total absence of any breeze. He was holding a leather scroll tube in his gloved hand.

He turned to face the new arrivals, and nodded slowly. Even those who had never heard of Zarik Mashaen would have no doubt that this was what he had looked like in life. His features were way too chiseled, sculpted - or in this case, Morphed - into something too specific for this to be just another borrowed body. Maintaining one's original semblance was not for everyone (nor something every Nuit may even want); it was a privilege of rank, a perk of being the Archwizard. He might have fooled most people into thinking he was alive, a 30-something man... at least at a first glance. Then, one would have noticed the lack of unnecessary movements, the lack of shine to his grey eyes, and the darker rings framing them.

"Greetings," he said. His voice lacked Qiao's raspy quality and the arrogant attitude, but it was possibly even more distant and aloof. This was a man who lived in a world of golems. One who had lost interest in the living... and even in the Nuit themselves, for the most part. One who had lost interest even in himself. "My name is Zarik Mashaen, Archwizard of Sahova."

He then asked a peculiar question out of the blue. "Who among you ladies and gentlemen is the leader of this expedition?" Somehow it was clear he did not mean the Captain of the ship that had brought them here.

[Akuaysun]

Further and further down the hole they went, the light from their entrance fading and only reinforcing his earlier recollection. Things were coming into focus, and while Aku could not remember all of the details of his past lives, these things that now surrounded him were some of the more familiar. War was a way of life for the Myrian’s, he had been a warrior, and as the old saying went, know thy enemy. Technically his people did not choose sides in the conflict, and most stayed far ways from the jungles of his homeland, but the Alahean had always been the larger threat. A soldier alone was no great thing, they needed their numbers and war machines… A mage alone however commanded great power and was not something to be taken lightly.

As Dranquay made his remark Aku could not help but smile. He said nothing, he had no need to retaliate to the statement, in fact there was nothing he wanted from the Akvatari that he could not obtain through his sister, one way or another. However, if the man had only known the implications of the statement he made, the words would not have been spoken so lightly. It had been why Akuaysun asked of Dira earlier, a test to see her presence on this island. The Nuit here, even Drainira knew what the gods could bring down over being scorned, sure the people of this age could see the effects, but you did not truly understand unless you lived the atrocities. Aku had played his cards carefully, asking Leth to watch over them on the ship before even disembarking. He was a chosen of Leth, brother of Dira, the crystal moon hanging about his neck signifying this. Sure Dira had no reason to reason to reap up the Nuit now, but should her brother ask, well that was a very large chance to take. Already in history it had been proven what could happen for harming the protected of a god. It was why he had chosen his words so carefully when explaining himself, all of it true, but very open to interpretation.

Qaio gave a response that solidified that if Aku intended to garner anything more from these people it would have to be after the quest; as such he would in fact be accompanying those that surrounded him. If not for this new revelation by the compound he would have likely gone about his was the minute they docked on the mainland. Letting out a soft sigh as Drainira concluded he nodded and spoke his appreciation to both at the same time. Thank you.

Offloading and moving down the halls he slid into a place near Qiao once more, keeping his buffer zone but not falling behind. The air, heavy and stale somewhat smelled of the rotting flesh that likely filled these halls, and while not something that would bother the Nuit, the combination did make Aku a bit ill. It had long been a time since he was accustomed to death’s material features. Moving deeper, the area they passed through was like a maze, a work of functional art no less but still a labyrinth of questions, spelled out for those that resided. One would think after the centuries spent here, those that lurked in the compound would know their way around. Perhaps they still welcomed newcomers into their folds, an interesting idea considering the era they hailed from.

At last they arrived at the room of destination. Inside a man stood who looked remarkably alive for whom he was. The tools themselves that filled the area meant little to Aku, it was a workshop of course, but of things well beyond his knowledge. The only magic he could remember practicing was the flux but that was more a physical form then that of the other personal magics, a Suvan tradition, and one these magi would likely not find truly respectable. Quickly enough, as the group had made their way in, the Archwizard made his introduction. In that moment, Aku felt his entire world pitch and roll the name Zarik Masheaen was one not to be taken lightly, whether the others knew it or not. This was most definitely not good for their bickering little party. With his greeting though came something more, a question that held incredible weight and one Aku would not let the others fight over. He spoke instantly, with stern definition to the ancient mage.

“Greetings Archwizard Masheaen, it is an honor to meet a Court Mage of the Alahean empire, especially someone as renowned as yourself. He paused, praying to Leth that the others would understand the implications of his statement. Up to this point, Aku had not offered this kind of respect to any on their little endeavor. “Our party leader is the Akvatari Dranquay, a mage and astute man in his own right.”

Akuaysun moved out of the way, allowing room for the male Akvatari to hover forward, or at least be seen. Of the group he was the only that had to some point earned a bit of respect from Lector Qiao, and had openly demonstrated arcane abilities on the ship. Aku knew to little of this world to be considered a respectable leader, Chaelnomyl was far too timid, and the other two, well they simply weren’t fit to lead in Akuaysun’s mind. One was a sniveling liar, and the other had too much emotion to handle the situations clearly. Dranquay, while Aku was not overly fond of, was a scholar by his sister’s mouth, and the only person that the Ethaefal trusted to speak with the Archwizard.

[Ialari Pythone]

So much it seemed was beginning to present itself in regard to the other members of the "mission". Refocusing her thoughts on that mission as well as listening more to what was being said by and about the rest of the group, helped contain the quiet, bubbling anger that simmered within Ialari. Informed minds were prepared minds; something her instructors worked so hard to impart upon her and her fellow students at the Tower. If not for that training, she may have allowed her anger to get the best of her.

Discovering why the human, known at least at one time as Javen, had tried to cover his identity, did little to inspire Ialari's trust in him. Something about the man did not sit well with her although she hadn't the faintest idea what it could be. He was human of course, and humans were generally not to be trusted but this was something else; woman's intuition perhaps.

Akuaysun, the other who Ialari had thought was human, proved now to be something much different. She listened to him describe a bit about what he was and why he was there but was not impressed. She had heard myths about some creatures having been taken by the Gods during the Valterrian, supposedly chosen by the Gods to be saved from the devastation. Such myths were not looked upon highly by the Isur in general since every Isur knew that their own God chose to bless those of his children who survived the Valterrian with protection and prosperity in the form of their new home, Sultros. They were rewarded for their strength and patience in a time of great death and destruction; a cataclysm brought on by the folly of humans. Only a human God would be so cowardly as to remove someone from such an event only to return them as soon as it was all over. A prized gem? Most faithful? Ialari glanced at her black, silver-veined arm and smiled. Only the most faithful, chosen of their God is made in His image. Such a thought always brought peace and focus to her mind.

The two Akvatari, as they call themselves, were still so very odd. Compared to the others, they were still somewhat quiet aside from a few comments here and there. If Drainira was at all accurate in her "report" then the two strange looking individuals may have at some point in the grand scheme of existence, been lovers in addition to now being siblings. Just when Ialari thought that the group could not become any more diverse or outright weird, it happened. They still held some fascination for Ialari just as it seemed they did for Drainira albeit for different reasons.

It was then that the wagon came to a stop. Ialari's eyes, already adept at seeing the barely lit darkness, began to adjust to the new light sources on the other side of now opened double doors. Ialari was waiting when Drainira's voice prompted them to follow Qiao as he began walking down the corridor. The light source was quite the interesting element as Ialari brushed her metallic black fingers across the glass holding the lit crystals. As the group made their way into and through the almost maze-like series of hallways, Ialari took comfort not only in the marked intersections but also her keen sense of direction in such an environment. While nearly everything else thus far had been angering or frustrating, at least the structures themselves were somewhat comforting. She did note however the need for signs; something no Isur would ever require when navigating tunnels, miles beneath the surface. The stale air made her throat a little dry yet it gave her a feeling like that of entering a new underground cavern or tunnel never seen by living eyes.

When they finally arrived at their destination with the door opening and Qiao walking through, Ialari followed. An obvious laboratory, Ialari's mood lightened considerably as she was presented with a familiar atmosphere. Although she had little to any real experience with golems, a laboratory was a laboratory no matter what was worked on in it. Seeing the red-robed man standing next to the covered humanoid shape, Ialari was somewhat surprised by his physical appearance. He looked almost like an animated statue; much like one of his golems that populated the area. Upon his greeting and introduction, Ialari bowed her head in respect and said, "Well met, Master Mashaen." She decided this time to leave out any other pleasantries considering the attitude she had witnessed from Qiao. The dead it seemed, had little use for the living or their flattery thus Ialari would offer none.

His question however caught her a bit by surprise. She had not yet considered there being a leader of their group as they had been led up to this point by Master Qiao. When Akuaysun spoke up and on the spot nominated the male Akvatari, Dranquay, for the position, Ialari raised an eyebrow, cleared her throat and said, "Unfortunately, Master Mashaen, we have not yet had the opportunity to discuss who actually claims leadership over our group. Thus far, the only things we really know about each other are from the reports given by Drainira and our responses to those reports. Trust given solely based on silence, intended misinformation and ignorance is not exactly a wise move. Especially when confronted with an important task which we are to be involved in." Trust was too important of a thing to toss out mindlessly. Doing so spoke a lot about a person; none of it that good. At least that is what Ialari had always been taught.

Ialari held no trust for Javen or Akuaysun. She knew next to nothing of why they both were really there yet both were obviously hiding more important things than what they had already revealed. The Akvatari twins were too quiet and too odd to just hand over a leadership position to; especially considering the details of the upcoming mission were still unclear. She considered leading the group herself but who would follow her based on the little time they all have spent together? She waited a moment to see what the two Akvatari and the human would say in response to the question.

[Chaelnomyl]

Nothing more was said from Chaelnomyl, except a nod briefly – but that wasn’t something to be said, so to speak, just an acknowledgement, as Drainira thanked her for the name of their race. She took small note of the shift in tone as the Supervisor addressed her and could not help but smile inwardly. At least something respected the living around there still. However, Drainira’s response to Javen’s hasty explanation – something Chael had wanted to frown at and held instead to inwardly disapprove of, did make her a little confused. The Sahovans didn’t care for what lies of identity would tell? Well, she had dismissed him. He had associated himself with the care of the very being the Akvatari had deemed him to be – a rat – and that was his place in their company now. It was a location from which he could never redeem himself.

As Akuaysun had spoke on his reason for being so interesting, there was a knowing look in the eye of the winged and tailed woman. It was not all information she had not known, as they had spoke at length of Leth and his closeness to the man with the shimmering skin. They had also spoke of the Ukalas. And so there was no reason for Chael to pay attention – her eyes wandered yet again as the wagon pulled them ever onward. Even Dranquay’s response to her quip of hoping they would not have been lovers in a past life went without an answer… likely because she was fully aware he would not be offended by such a gesture; it was merely their way. Again, Drainira commented on her brother’s irony and she could not help but give him a knowing glance. It seemed that even machine could possess a sense of humor and were arguably more capable of showing it than the Akvatari themselves. What a depressing thought.

Eventually they arrived at their destination and miniature maps guided the group to where they needed to go – Lector had done nothing to inform them of any destination or what to expect, and that was because it was how he and his Nuit were. Chael was growing familiar with that, and it suited her just fine. She was above such petty necessities. Hovering along in the stale air, narrowed eyes followed around the halls and up the stairs, lingering again towards the rear of the group in a natural sense. She was not the bold type to lead the charge into the unknown. No. That would be for people like Akuaysun. That and it would be a good idea to keep an eye on that Javen character, in case he decided to randomly collapse and let his illness take him. She was still incredibly uneasy about the humanoid rat and the pet of his namesake.

However, her attention was briefly drawn as the door swung open for Qiao and the animation laboratory spilled out behind it. Half completed, not quite alive artwork in its own right lingered across the walls in unceremonious mannerisms – a shame, considering how prized the one they were to escort back to... wherever… was. She had imagined something quite tidier and organized, at least, for the creator of the masterpiece. Glyphs lingered everywhere and thought she had no knowledge of it herself, Chaelnomyl watched them curiously as she floated above them, almost apprehensive to touch them but realizing that none of the bipedals had been blown to bits for crossing them.

The Archwizard himself was standing there to greet him, and Chael peeked above the group carefully to peer at him. Zarik Mashaen was a name she did not know, could not have known – she’d never been too studious in the “names of famous wizards” category of areas to be knowledgeable in. That was more of her brother’s expertise. Perhaps he would recognize the man, perhaps he would not. A short sidelong glance was once more given to the only other non-foreign creature in the room (not that Akuaysun was foreign completely, though in his current form Chaelnomyl was still not quite sure what to make of his morphing mastery) with no sort of expression on her face whatsoever. It was merely an acknowledgement that this was… interesting, perhaps. Who was to say?

Zarik’s voice was something that almost warranted a reaction out of the Akvatari, though. He sounded nothing like his fellow Nuit, the right hand man Lector Qiao. He was not arrogant. He was not the epitome of death. He could have arguably been alive. After all, Javen had roughly the same sickly look to him and he was alive.

Akuaysun was the first to talk. Chael had expected as much, as he was not fearful of these Nuit in the least. In fact, his voice seemed almost eager. The mention of this Alahean Empire again… Court Mage. Despite her tendency to wander, the Akavatari would have none of it at that particular point. Apparently this man was famous in a time well before the times her race had known. She’d picked up on that much from listening to Akuaysun speak.

However, the Archwizard had asked for a leader… and the strange philosophical man masquerading as a barbarian indicated that her brother was to be their leader. As he stepped aside to allow Mashaen a view of Dranquay, Chaelnomyl fluttered ever so slightly off to the side and cast her brother yet another glance. One that was different from the rest, a slight worry and slight encouragement passing between her eyes and taught lips before she looked back at the Archwizard. Nothing left her tongue in reply to his greetings, merely an inclination of the head and a look that acknowledged his position, power and respect. If Akuasyun, who had not seen it fit to offer respect to much of anything in their little sojourn so far saw it fit to respect Zarik, then the Akvatari figured it was in her best interests to do the same. He was, after all, more knowledgeable about this Alahean thing than likely anyone amongst the living could have been. He’d lived it, after all.

It was then that Ialari had questioned Akuaysun’s nomination. Well, the Akvatari were not completely without their familial bonds and familial ties. While Dranquay would likely bow to Ialari’s whims out of disinterest in picking a fight – the Akvatari were such a peaceful race, after all, and violence was so far below them that it was little more than a speck in the sea – Chaelnomyl didn’t feel comfortable with that muscled woman in charge. Akuaysun or Dranquay would have been the acceptable choices.

When Ialari had finished, the female of the two oddities spoke up. ”To the contrary, Miss Pythone, there is much to be learned in silence and through the observations of others. One does not merely study through conversing. There is so much more. The way the words are spoken. The expressions, the movements of the body’s weight.” Perhaps it was the artist in her slipping out, but Chaelnomyl did pride herself on being very observant. ”If we do not know enough about one another thus far, perhaps we are merely not paying attention.” An ironic statement coming from the one who had been most distant and looked past the group at every opportunity that had presented itself thus far.

”Dranquay is our leader, Master Mashaen.” Chaelnomyl agreed, inclined her head again and went back to looking at the ground. Not out of fear of the Archwizard’s retaliation… but merely to study the intricate workings of the glyphs that made up the floor below.

[Javen Vyta]

Javen pondered the situation at length.

The idea of following of these creatures was somewhat revolting, but such measures may prove necessary.

Ialari's dissension was heartening, and in an odd way, his opinion of her elevated greatly. Javen bore no illusions about the obvious mistrust the others had for him - he saw it everywhere he went. Beware the sickly man. How many times had people tried to kill him in the past - hang him, burn him, or simply cut him down. These four were no different. They were just like everyone else.

No - Lector had shown him respect equal to the others. The Drainira had been courteous to him. This Archwizard was respectful, despite his obvious higher station

The Nuit seemed to bear no ill-will towards him, and that impressed him greatly. The idea of finding even a weak margin of acceptance - or perhaps just a lack of obvious suspicion and hatred - was a bit new to him.

He decided here and now that this duty, which he had feared and loathed from the start, may be more promising then expected. Maybe this would prove to be a second-chance - and if anyone could find a cure - perhaps this Archwizard could.

Javen set aside his fears for just a moment, and bowing his head respectfully to the wizard, spoke.

"Thank you for the audience, Archwizard. I, for one, do not care who leads. I am not qualified to do so, my ... ailment could make me an ineffective leader - but in the effort of seeking success in this endeavor will support this Dranquay's command. He attempted to suppress a cough unsuccessfully. "I believe a unified approach would prove most likely to accomplish our goals here."

With that, Javen exhaled momentarily - feeling as though he had overcome some insurmountable difficulty - and an obvious anxiety seeped into him, causing his hands to shake and sweat slightly. For the first time since this trip had begun, he was not plotting or searching for angles. He simply wanted to do well with what the wizards tasked him to do.

[Dranquay]

The Supervisor’s response sent a shiver down Dranquay’s back, the idea of humour, of irony in a soul that seemed to be transient within the Citadel itself raised far too many questions for the Akvatari, his wings fluttering uneasily as Drainira spoke again and guided the group through the citadel… to the Archwizard himself.

Dranquay had not known that the most senior Nuit would be present at the hand over of the golem, although now it was suggested it made a kind of sense, after all visitors were so rare that of course the Archwizard would desire to ensure that his work would be adequately transported to the mainland.

Of course upon entry to the lab therefore it was the red robed wizard that gained all of his attention. The man’s determination, his poise and precision, took Dranquay’s breath away as he hovered next to his sister, the sense of otherness presenting a dangerous reminder to the Akvatari of exactly how strange the occupants of Sahova were.

His question however? Well. The Akvatari hovered with his left hand still clasping his ever-present satchel as, firstly, Akuaysun responded to it. Something in the shapeshifter’s tone bringing his attention to the man before his own name was even mentioned. A warning there, something speaking of knowledge Dranquay himself did not possess of this man. As a mage he was aware of the other man’s discipline, his carefully studied precision of movement…but there was more to him than that.

Court Mage of the Alahaens? Before the Velterrian? Despite all of his careful exchanges with the shapeshifter something shifted within Dranquay himself at this point and his eyes widened slightly before he nodded to Akuaysun. It was a recognition of…something, although Dranquay himself was not quite sure what yet. The man had his reasons for putting Dranquay forward and suspected part of that was simply to hear what the Akvatari said when his turn came.

Ialari responded next however to dispute this claim, something deferent in her voice that niggled at Dranquay… although he had no real issue with her logic. Chael’s subsequent defense well meant, but drawing the briefest of movements from the elder oddity. Next to his sister Dranquay placed two fingertips on her wrist and glanced at her as Javen spoke. Acknowledgement of her support as the most enigmatically quiet of the group also supported him. As seemed to be par for course with this series of exchanges this altered Dranquay’s ever-changing opinion of Javen also, something in the man’s tone speaking of a difference in how he saw his situation now that he had met the Archwizard.

That left of course, only the centre of attention he now was. Butterfly-like wings fluttering the oddity that was Dranquay floated forward and brought up his left hand from his satchel which hung still from his shoulder, fingertips steeping before his chin as he bowed his head in respect to a fellow mage, an affection of respect from his former tutor and intended in kind rather than out of any foreknowledge of Nuit concepts for respect.

That the shapeshifter had identified him as a mage somewhere along their journey across was of course not exactly surprising, but it did drastically change his position in the conversation to have it openly mentioned as a reason for his candidacy…although the shapeshifter had of course never intended for there to be a question about the matter.

“Greeting Archwizard. I admit I did not expect you to attend to such a matter personally. Miss Pythone is correct that leadership has not been discussed; I would ask what your reasons are for asking us such before accepting the majority decision.” He glanced at Chael. “My sister’s loyalty aside of course. As you have no doubt gathered we know little of each other except that each have had our reasons, many of which revolve around you and your people it seems, rather than the actual task that was offered.”

Again a note of irony to the Akvatari’s words. His people good at picking up the inconsistencies in reason and justification, after all Miss Pythone, the shapeshifter and the sickly man all appeared more interested in the Nuit than the golem and Dranquay could not help but wondered what the occupants of Sahova thought of becoming a mainland spectator sport.

Once a response had been given however, he turned also to the Isur, left hand resuming its grip over his satchel as his right fell to his side.

“I would also ask what you would wish to know of my motives for this expedition Miss Pythone to satisfy your suspicion. I am a scholar as stated, and do not wish to assume a position of responsibility where someone believes I am hiding something.” A sad smile crossed his features. “Odd as my self and my sister may appear we lack the history of your people or.” He turned to Aku. “Yourself. So we must make do with our souls, which to my knowledge are not much different from Miss Pythone's, although I could not say of yours.”

The most number of words spoken by the Akvatari during the entire expedition, yet he was at heart modest and not prone to rash decisions – such as accepting command for a task he did not yet fully understand the parameters of – or to overruling others who he could not win over…and the most basic understanding of philosophy gifted to him suggested that to attempt to command one that did not wish to be commanded could only lead to dissent.

Thus the logical conclusion was to eliminate the Isur’s suspicions of his silence and to clarify exactly what responsibility he would be expected to take on before accepting such, although he saw the logic of Akuaysun’s suggestion, even if he could not help but wonder if a little of it was a desire to push the quiet Akvatari forward so he could no longer stay so.

[Javen Vyta]

Javen pondered a moment on what was said a moment. He was reasonably certain that this Dranquay had, in a roundabout manner, tried to put off accepting leadership. This was interesting - if not entirely unexpected.

The Myrian-Shapeshifter-'God-Chosen' had surprised Javen when he nominated the winged ... being. Certainly, so. But seeing a relatively introverted personality gawk at the responsibility of leadership was not entirely surprising.

The reasons he had stated - valid as they may have been - seemed to color differently in this light. However, it mattered little. He was a wizard - and when dealing with wizards, its better to be quiet and let the common minds speak.

His challenging words did little to comfort Javen, but then again, it had been a long, long time since he had actually felt any comfort. His work here was shaping strangely.

Do not fear the strange. Fortunes are not common, and the avenues with which you can acquire them are even less so. The endless sagely advice of his father seemed appropriate to Javen now - even if out of context. It never ceased to be ironic how many roads greed shared with wisdom.

[Ialari Pythone]

So it came to be that the others had chosen the male Akvatari as their leader. They blindly put their trust in him; knowing nothing about him. Of course it was expected that his lover or sister or whatever she was, Ialari still was not yet certain on that part, would side with him. The more Ialari listened and the more she pondered it all, she didn't want anything to do with leading a group that would allow themselves to be guided so easily. Although such a thing could be useful to her under different circumstances, this was not the time or the place. Finally however, the male, Dranquay spoke up. For one having been so quiet and withdrawn up until that point, he spoke with at least some amount of intelligence and even a hint of eloquence. Surprising though it was, her doubt in him being a leader remained.

She then considered the words he had spoken to her directly. Interesting that he did not speak with a sense of superiority as most humans did; the tone that Akuaysun had used. Perhaps the "prized-gem" had at one point been human. As far as Ialari was concerned, it would explain the man's attitude.

Offering a slight smile, Ialari said to Dranquay, "We are all hiding something and I honestly don't care what any of you are here for; money, knowledge, treasure. It's not because I think you're hiding something that I don't trust you. I don't know any of you thus why should I trust any of you to lead me anywhere? Our esteemed host asks who leads our expedition and three people, without much obvious hesitation, choose you. To me, that sort of display of blind trust is unwise. In fact, it's blind trust that gets one killed. The fact that you have asked the details of our mission before accepting what everyone else has so freely chosen for you, tells me you have a brain and have some idea how to use it. I respect that even if I don't offer you my trust."

Ialari had no love for the Akvatari yet she did not particular hate either of them. At least one of them spoke with some semblance of wisdom which was refreshing. In truth, she would not dispute a final decision made for him to be leader. She hadn't any real desire especially not knowing any of the details. There was also something else about the whole thing that was beginning to bother her a bit. For beings that obviously hated or at best, cared nothing for the living, to allow five of them to enter the heart of their world and take charge of something supposedly very important and precious, was suspicious. No, best to let someone else take responsibility for all of this if something were to go wrong.

[Tarot]

While Qiao witnessed the little discussion with detached distaste, Mashaen's gaze was entirely non-judgmental. He followed the exchange from a distance, his head turning ever so slightly as the five mainlanders spoke in turn. And his scarf definitely moved, crawling and coiling around his neck like a snake when it thought nobody was watching... but they could perceive hints of its restlessness through their peripheral vision. Of course, in the land of the dead, even clothes could be alive.

Akuaysun addressed him as Court Mage of Alahea, which escaped neither the Archwizard nor his right hand man, though they did not react openly, at least not until Mashaen gently stepped into the conversation. Dranquay had asked for explanations, and he was entirely comfortable with giving them. "Allow me to apologize for assuming you had an established leader among you," he said, his voice soft and cadenced; the same rhythm as Drainira's, actually, though Mashaen was the kind of man who would just as easily copy his own golem as the other way around. "It is the way things have always worked on Sahova. Sometimes I forget the external world is not a single entity. It more or less used to be, when I saw it for the last time."

Zarik took a single step towards the assembled party, and especially Dranquay who had questioned him. "You raise some excellent points, Master Dranquay," he gave an almost-smile. He looked at the Akvatari, though his gaze was actually directed at the unfinished golems lined up against the far wall. Even from that distance, he could spot several minor mistakes and design flaws made by his assistants.

Golems Were Everything To Him.

He refocused his attention on Dranquay. "We spread rumors around the city known as Zeltiva. Vague, but truthful rumors. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to deliver a very advanced golem to the mainland. This golem," he pointed one dead hand at the thing under the thick white sheet. "It is currently dormant, and we will partially awaken it once you are ready to leave. It will take orders from the one we designate as leader for the duration of the mission, but will do little but follow them around. Its full intelligence is only to awaken when the correct word is spoken. That word was selected by the man who commissioned the golem, and will mark him as the golem's master. We call this process, 'imprinting'."

The scroll tube in Mashaen's hand began to float as the Archwizard slowly Projected it towards Dranquay... using nothing more than a fingertip of his astral body to do so. The item was within the Akvatari's reach for him to take, though it would also signify his acceptance of leadership. "Here, a map with the coordinates you will need for the delivery. Allow me to give you a little background on this man, Horios Alkastir. He contacted us about two or three years ago. I never met him in person, but he obviously knows much about magic - what can be done with it, and how difficult that is. There is a 95% probability of Horios Alkastir being a wizard," he almost-smiled again, "or that is what Drainira says. He paid us well and not in coin, but with high-profile magical reagents... the kind you tend to run out of after five centuries of experiments. So I built his golem personally."

There was something vaguely reminding of life in his eyes as he mentioned building the golem. "I will admit, not since creating Drainira had I felt this kind of drive. Usually, we tend to craft lesser things that lift burdens and chop down trees. It was the first time in five hundred years that someone asked me for something worthy of my attention. Oh, the intelligence is not on par with Drainira - she was the pinnacle of my art back when I had an entire country's magic at my disposal - but the body was what made his commission worthwhile. He sent us a portrait of his dead daughter."

Another minor application of Projection and the white sheet rustled down, revealing the golem. Was it even a golem? Mashaen was obviously in some strange undead love with her. A fair skinned, raven haired girl stood where a golem ought to be, eyes closed as if sleeping. She had pink lips and long lashes, and could easily be considered a cold beauty, though probably a little too doll-like for a real person. She was wearing the same red robes as the Archwizard himself. "I was always better at making females for some reason," Mashaen explained, "but this one took me years. It is the product of highly advanced Morphing. Sculpted little by little from various tissues. I lead Sahova as my duty, but I am doing this for my own pleasure. I assure you, there are many in this very citadel who do not approve of my pet projects. They view it as sharing restricted knowledge with unknown strangers. They might be right; but I am no longer interested in being perfect, so I just remove those among them that become a threat."

"Incidentally," he added, "Qiao here is one of those who spoke against this. Just like he spoke against hiring mainlanders for the job. So why am I asking you? Part of the reason is that I cannot trust my fellow Sahovans with the delivery, as I said. Alkastir claims to be a bedridden old man who cannot travel to Sahova; I do not know if this is true, but it does not change things. He hired me as an artist, and he will have his piece of art."

"This leaves you, ladies and gentlemen. I have tested your kind several times before, checking for opportunities; last time was about eighty years ago, but it was too early, your world still too chaotic. I have no desire to upset its balance, which is why I have not asked the rulers of your cities. If anything, I have little to lose from asking you, as the golem will stick uselessly around you until you deliver it. You will not be able to collect your payment till that moment, in whatever form you might wish for it to be."