Terrible Works of Art (Open)

[Sosicly Magnolia]

69th of Autumn, 513AV

To say the houses of the Magnolia Web were displeased would be like saying the sky was green. It was not only idiotic it was preposterous. Currently their houses were spattered will a healthy dose of dye, making grotesque shapes that could be mistaken for bodies. The words were smudges of sickly green that looked more like crudely drawn squiggles.

They were not the first house to be vandalized, and Sosicly doubted they were the last. But trickling along the back bone of anger was a sense of relief she denied fruitlessly. Was it better to be marked than unmarked? There was talk of who the culprit could be. There was talk of who was a victim and who was not. But none of it was surprising.

"Bittaly, you will go report the incident..." she waited, "seeing as you are incapable of actual work."

Sosicly gave him an unimpressed looked and shouldered her knapsack. With more force than needed she yank the road from his hand, and fell away.

--

The Sac was always busy with something or other but rarely had it this many people since that previous Spring. There were only a few other Webs present, some complaining quite vocally about how the Ochya had yet to catch the culprit. There seemed to be little order to the group. Just people rattling out irritably the damage and demanding compensation or someone to blame.

Sosicly stood at the back and waited, writing out her response and curious as to how Vass was dealing with it. The older Sym as pinched as ever, but there was a tiredness around it as well.

"Why even bother with this farce? Just round up the Esterians since their houses seem to be so clean!"

"What happens when it gets worse? You have no suspects!"

The voices crowded one over the other in a defining chorus of growing agitation. Sosicly found herself stepping backward towards the wall, using the not quite smooth surface she hoisted herself up a bit to see precisely everything going on.

She couldn't place the Webs of everyone but it was obvious everyone new who was not present. Now she better understood why her brother was not present. His house was distinctly missing any damage. She groaned silently at the implications, and wondered how much longer before the Ochya decided to simply tell everyone to get out.

Skidding down the wall, she strode up the front and slapped her book on the table in front of Vass. He looked at her, then the paper, then back again with a short nod.

"They even attack the Moth Queens Web. Next they will be breaking into the ruling couples Web!" A hand supportively squeezed her shoulder though she didn't recognize the speaker, and shifted away with a minute smile to write. Flashing it to the nearest people.

Perhaps we should start a clean up? The Ochya will catch them or they will slip up.

"Before or after someone is hurt?" Another voice chimed, though it seemed less panicky now and more angry. Sosicly wasn't sure what was worse.

[Vetari Violet]

Vetari had been sitting along the edge of the commotion, listening to people’s cries of distress as they slowly shifted from panic to fury. His heart was racing, adrenaline pulsing through his veins, but more in concern for his people rather than the rage they seemed to share. His home had been similarly violated, spattered with ink in a way that resembled a great red wave overtaking a mountain. He had come here to report the happening, and it seemed that several other webs had done the same, but things had devolved since then. He could feel their outrage, as it had matched his own, but he decided to mask it behind a cool persona rather than shout and jeer. It was important to keep a straight head about these matters, lest someone get hurt. However, as things fell apart here, he could see that things could go very wrong if he didn’t step in. As the people shouted at their Moth Queen, Vetari stepped between them and raised his hand for silence. He cleared his throat, urging himself to speak. “Please! Everyone! Take a moment to calm yourselves. I can understand your fear, your confusion, your outrage, but shouting accusations will get us nowhere! I’m as incensed as the rest of you, and I feel your pain. It is against our tenants to abuse the property of others! It’s etched straight into our Column of Law! But if we don’t organize and help the Ochya find out who did this we do nothing but get in their way.” The attention was dizzying. He wasn’t used to speaking to a crowd of more than five at any given time, and his nerves were shrieking with uncertainty. “I need you all to come together and help the Ochya find out who did this. We can get this settled quickly and the trial can begin if we all work together to discover the culprit.”

[Sosicly Magnolia]

Sosicly regretted coming forward the moment after she did. The vandalism was...problematic at best and a threat at worse, and now she was in the middle of a would-be mob. She was surprised when someone else cam forward with yet another idea, she thought she recognized him from the temple, she believed it to be a web that started with a V. Go after the culprit? She wondered how many people had already tried, sitting up around their houses with guards to avoid having their house targeted. Turning back towards her book, she leaned over Vass' desk and scribbled out a few words, tugging on the speakers clothes to get his attention. We could have groups do a stalk-out while the rest work on helping clean and repaired the vandalized homes. The Ochya can do the real searching. As if in an after-thought she turned to Vass and held out the book to him next, raising a questioning eyebrow. The Ochya wouldn't want people under foot but hopefully the speaker and her could do something. Mostly she was curious now. If it was the Esterians making a move, what was their gain? Viratas would not be pleased at a betrayal that would result in conflict. "We've waited long enough for the Ochya. We should just round up the Esterians. We know it was them. They've been at it since the beginning of the season!" "And then what? Put half our people in jail?" Sosicly sighed, and eyed the door.

[Vetari Violet]

Sosicly, the Moth Queen, tugged at his robes as he ended his interruption, holding out a notebook with writing in it. He read it quickly before nodding and smiling at her. It was a good idea, dividing those with the skill to repair homes and those more skilled in the investigative arts to either assist in cleanup or the investigation itself. No doubt the people were biased, but they were also passionate. If he could turn that passion into nonviolent, productive action, Viratas would be more than pleased. ”We cannot jump to any conclusions here. Perhaps someone looking to frame the Esterians did this, in hopes we would do just that! Would you aid them based on assumption alone? I would hope not.” He continued “What Sosicly says is right, we must take action, but let it be organized. Are any of you skilled weavers or know about how to repair our homes? We need to organize a cleanup crew so the Ochya need only attend to their duty of protecting us and assuring our further safety. If you wish to help them in the investigation, I urge you to speak with Vass, as he is going to be leading the Ochya in dealing with this disturbance.” He looked over to Vass for confirmation and to show the others that he was, indeed, in the room with them. ”So, I ask again, are any of you capable and willing to be assigned to cleanup crew? If not, speak to Vass, as he may be able to give you other work that can help this get wrapped up quickly.”

[Sosicly Magnolia]

Vass, who had been sitting quietly for the most part, knew it was almost time to step in. Sosicly assumed he had bee trying to ignore the whole thing until everyone left but he was just trying to let the people blow off some steam. When things got tense it was better to let it out then to let it fester. “We wouldn’t need to clean up if the culprit was caught!” Someone else said but it sounded slightly petulant. Sosicly was amazed by how quickly things could fluctuate between angry, panicked, back to just frustrated. It was then she realized things like this didn’t happen in Kalinor. They didn’t have these problems because the people of Kalinor looked out for their own. They did not do inter-web fighting, at least never like this. It was more…less concealed disdain. “If the Ochya haven’t caught him yet, how are we supposed to volunteer? And do what? We aren’t trained.” Deciding she needed to get this how clean up business underway Sosicly stepped forwards and waved her arms excitedly, though her face showed none of it. She continued to flail her arms around until everyone finally stopped talking. It was then that Vass made his move, much to her chagrin. “We are working to find out who is doing this. And Viratas willing we will have them soon, but you are giving them what they want. A reaction. Something to stir us up. They have even hit members of the Ochya but like the boy said, we can’t just accuse someone without having something to back it up. So unless you have something, clean it up or sign up but we will end this.” His words were stern, and a few people flushed and looked away while others just muttered agitatedly. Sosicly decided to waved her arms once more then picked up her shirt and made a sewing gesture then pointed to herself, and scanned the crowd, but it seemed not everyone was done. “Or we could catch the culprit ourselves.” Sosicly shook her head, her ams stopped waving because no one was looking. They were too busy discussing what to do amongst themselves again.

[Vetari Violet]

It seemed Sosicly had something to say, waving her arms about while Vass made his speech. He leaned over, whispering to her. “What is it, Sibea?” he asked, slipping in a complementing title. She was beautiful, after all, and as she was a Moth Queen it was the most polite thing he could think to say. Now that the people were less violent and the commotion was dying down, Vetari felt comfortable turning more of his attention to her. Vass now had the crowd handled, making sure they weren’t ngoing to start any riots and Vetari felt that Sosicly and he could easily organize them if they took the initiative. He held a place of power, if only by the name of his web. His father, if not in blood but in spirit, was Daratur Violet, high priest of viratas and one of the most powerful men in the city. If they listened to him they might listen to his son. And who wouldn’t follow their own Moth Queen! All he had to do was get their attention again after coming up with a plan.

[Sosicly Magnolia]

Sosicly smiled at the young man, recognition becoming stronger as she stared for a moment before pulling her book to write. If she was not mistaken he frequented the Temple or was it that he worked there? If we volunteer ourselves, maybe the others will follow? Anyone can stay and speak with Vass if they still have a problem. I can weave new walls, the Weft and Warp may donate. After a moment she held out the book, then unsteadily climbed onto Vass’ desk with her hand held up for everyone to be silent. Next she pointed to herself, mimed sewing and raised and question eyebrow around the room in turn. “You will help with the cleanup?” One asked, Sosicly nodded but before she could try to insinuate that others should help, another voice cut her off. It was a young woman, probably around her own age with short white hair and bright gold eyes. “Cleaning up is a nice sentiment but what if they repeat? What if fixing it makes it worse? Shouldn’t we wait until the vandal is caught?” “So we live in squalor while they gloat?” And they seemed to be back at square one. Sighing Sosicly stumbled off the desk, and looked over at Vetari then gestured to the crowd, that had actually seemed to grow rather than shrink, as if to say all yours.

OOCI don't know if you want to have them start splitting into groups to try and get them ready for some actual clean-up or whatever is fine

[Ensnare]

The last to pipe up for all to hear seemed to send a signal through the growing crowd. It was a 'Symenestra' with coal black hair that seemed to shutter in short wispy locks in front of his face, and shockingly vibrant violet irises that watched the crowd's growing unease. His own house had been targetted as well, with perhaps the crudest of pictures slathered on its rocky outer surface, and indigo colored silks wrapped around it now lay in wispy tatters. Even the inside had been broken into, and the interior-walls bore the signs of vandalism. The damage to just the home was fixable but most of his belongings had not been so fortunate, and that was unforgiveable.

No one paid him much mind directly, or seemed to think the statement was his merely because those who listened to the rumors would know him as a Dra, a half-symenestra. The violet orbs followed the Moth Queen whom moved from the platform down to the level flooring. Then they switched to the red shrouded figure.
Circling around towards the woman, the black garbed figure stood just to the side of her before directing his voice towards her. "Excuse me, Endaly, Kalinor's Moth Queen.." The young looking 'Symenestra' made a curt nodding motion in both his body and chin as he made eye contact with Sosicly. One hand was gripped into a fist and rested upon his chest. Perhaps a foreign gesture learned from other lands.

Sosicly would not know that he was of Dra blood unless she took to taking a closer inspection of his person, and even then, it would be difficult to pinpoint the exactness of his blood unless she could observe him, and a full-blooded Symenestra, climbing side by side. His voice was soft, and low, polite, but engaging.
"They won't listen to you, their hearts are too full of fear of the inviteable.." he glanced towards the stage where leaders spoke words of encouragement and then to the crowds who still mumbled, and uttered words amongst themselves. "What they need is a leader, someone with a voice that can lead, no offence to you, certainly, but until you can find some such person.. They won't take action."

To Vetari he gestured to the stage as well, the expression on his face turning grim. The Dra's throat cleared a little louder than intended, he was pressuring the fortune teller to going up on the stage.
"Ahhh.. I know you, you're Daratur's son.. adopted, right? Why don't you give it a try.. Everyone regards Dovnatur very highly, why should they not towards his son." It was not a question, and definitely not a suggestion in any form, the young looking male was imposing the task onto the Fortune Teller. Vetari might have remembered the male speaking to him once before, he would remember seeing him, greeting him briefly at the temple of Viratas for a few short visits to commune with the god of the Symenestra, but beyond that any knowledge on the man before both Vetari and Sosicly now was unknown.

In a sense, he was an untouchable.

[Vetari Violet]

Vetari blinked as the task of leading his people was thrust upon him. It was not an unpleasant task; he loved the Symenestra dearly and hated to see them all in such turmoil, but he had not expected to lead them himself. He had not prepared a speech, had not even so far as to dress appropriately for a position of leadership. He was in his common clothes, white wraps covered by his chitenous breastplate, all wrapped in his crimson cloak he always wore. It would get their attention to be sure. He wasn’t sure who this man was who had such insight into his people and the problem that lay before him, but his observations were undeniable. His father was Daratur, high priest of Viratas and beloved of the Symenestra. He may not have his blood, but he had the priest’s spirit. He nodded to the mysterious figure and bounded up onto the stage, grabbing the edge of his cloak and spinning in a grand motion to gather everyone’s attention. Once the crowd was left to simple murmurs of questions, Vetari began to speak. “People of Kalinor, we are under attack by an unseen force. It is not strong, resorting to petty pranks and rushed property damage, but it is very real. They protest our way of life and seek to scare us into rabid and irrational action. They aim to set us against each other. We cannot let this happen simply by allowing our tempers to rise and letting things get out of hand. You all have the passion to help your brothers and sisters against this assault on our wellbeing, but we cannot over extend that passion into violence. We are good people. Do not let them win by pushing you to do something stupid.” He licked his lips, nervous. All eyes were on him, and stage fright was beginning to set in. Only the will to help his people remained, and to do that he had to organize them. They needed him. They needed him here. “I call upon all of you with experience working stone, wood, or cloth in helping us repair the homes that have been assaulted. If we can discover the origin of the materials they used to paint our homes, we may be able to trace it back to the purchase of said materials, which would lead us to who did this. In order for this to happen we will need samples of the paint delivered to the Ochya as soon as possible. Now, raise your hand if you’re willing to take up these tasks in aiding the Ochya in catching these people!” He counted hands and directed them to begin their work. Once they cleared out, he spoke to those that remained. “But of course you wish to see this remedied as well, even if you have no skill with building. I understand, and have a task for you as well. Please, go into the Orchard Market, go into every gathering place in Kalinor…and talk. I want you all to go out there and speak to as many people as you possibly can. We need to find out who did this, and someone out there may know a thing or two they aren’t telling us. Chances are that one or two of you will run across who actually did this. Ask for rumors, I want a list of everyone who you hear could be involved in this scandal. Also, look for suspicious people. If someone seems like they’re lying, I want their name on that list. Please, go, and return at nightfall with your information.”

[Sosicly Magnolia]

Sosicly wasn’t surprised when they listened to someone who could speak but her eyes still narrowed in distaste before she looked at Daratur’s son appraisingly. Turning away she gazed at the previous speaker, she didn’t know him from anywhere she could place, and her expression clearly wondered why he couldn’t be the speaker himself. After a chime she grabbed her book, and flashed Vass an apologetic look for having stepped all over his desk. Then she wrote again, once more showing the book to red-cloaked Symenestra. We did not introduce properly. I am Sosicly, will you be helping repair then or will you be looking for information as well? And you too, Krova? She held out the book to him, then to the previous speaker. He had not left either which meant he would be likely be looking as well. She herself had just thought it would be more interesting than cleaning things especially when she had her own house to clean, not that it looked much different before and after. After a moment she looked at Vass as well, questions clear in her eyes. What information do you already have? Do either of you already know anything? The book was again held out, this time to include Vass before she closed it gently, and noted most people had left and there was only a handful of people within the Sac, the majority of those being the Ochya.