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Bright`Mane can be found, by one who cares to look, not that far into the reconstructed portion of the City ruins that are currently known as Caer Dharrow. In particular, the large ediface that he had entered seemed to be a temple of some sort, very carefully constructed according with loving attention to detail and no small amount of pride.
Bright`Mane ::Most of the interior of the Temple was open, free of anything except a smooth stone floor. The very central area was a large circular area, open to the night sky, ringed by large pillars.::
Bright`Mane stands in that central area, before a large white stone alter, meditating silently in the moonlight.
Misati finally found time to clean up, and was back to wearing the dresses that she was much more comfortable, and was wearing her hair loose. She walked towards the center, with slow deliberate steps, making sure she was heard. She didn't want him to think she was sneaking up on him.
Bright`Mane heard you, fairly quickly, maybe a moment or so before you intended to be heard...
Bright`Mane glanced back in your direction, first with a bit of distaste, then with measured neutrality..
Bright`Mane "I take it this is about my words earlier?"
Misati actually looks a little surprised and shy at the same time. "uhm...no, I thought you deserved a better apology."
Bright`Mane looks somewhat surprised, and gives you a slight nod. He seems to appreciate the gesture.
Misati rubs her hands together nervously and hides behind a curtain of dark hair. "I shouldn't have done that. I'd like to tell you what I was thinking to make me behave that way....but truth is there really wasn't much coherent thought involved"
Bright`Mane "As long as you understand why I objected the way I did," he notes, "You have no need to explain. Though if you wish to do so, I will listen."
Bright`Mane turns his head up through the open section of the ceiling, toward Luna above...
Misati "Oh I think you were completly justified in you actions. It's just..." She took a breath, "I found the...recordings Coranth left earlier today and at the moment I know more about his life then my own, and all of a sudden you were standing there..." she trails off into an embaressed silence.
Bright`Mane "Ah," he notes... It makes perfect sense to him, until he comprehends everything that you said, and turns back to you somewhat confused? "What do you mean, you know more about his life than your own?"
Misati "About a year ago, I woke up naked in the woods around Nulam. I remember nothing before that."
Bright`Mane "That is...unususal. You must have powerful enemies," he notes, lightly, inwardly thinking 'or you're lying'... Though he doesn't necessarily believe that.
Bright`Mane "But yes, that does explain why you behaved as you did..."
Bright`Mane "The recordings you speak of," he notes, "releate to the Opal you had given to me?"
Bright`Mane ((relate))
Misati blushes a bright red, "yes, it didn't feel right to keep it... knowing that his wife was something less the a happy and willing participant"
Bright`Mane just looks vaguely confused at that, having no real idea what your talking about, but lets it go.
Bright`Mane "In the end, it doesn't matter. I am not White Lily; you are not Coranth. This is obvious."
Misati nods "I know that, really. It's just that..." she pauses a moment looking for the right words "There's this vacuum that used to be my life, and in looking for I found another...and he's total ass. And I'm at a loss. Then there's you, a connection to the only thing I know and all I want to do apoligize for actions that aren't even mine" She whispers, almost on the verge of tears.
Bright`Mane turns, fully, and regards you.
Misati stares down at the floor, hiding behind her hair.
Bright`Mane "Let me make one thing clear; I did not react to what you did because of who you are or were. I reacted that way because you did not know me, and I did not know you, and you had no right to kiss me. And, admittedly, because the fact that you did so regardless awakened old buried memories of a long dead woman."
Bright`Mane "But do not concern yourself with that. You are stronger than you give yourself credit for."
Bright`Mane "Do not focus your life around Coranth - he is dead, gone, forgotten by the world. You are not dead; somewhere out there, the threads of your identity linger, along with the person that took them from you."
Bright`Mane "Find that person, and end them."
Bright`Mane "Only that will bring you peace. Not the memories of a dead man."
Bright`Mane picks up your face by your chin, so that he's looking you in the eyes, as he says that.
Misati looks up at him and vainly tries to blink away tears. "It doesn't help that you absolutly gorgeos either" she sniffles trying regain some semblance of composure
Bright`Mane laughs, and smiles just a bit, releasing you once you've made a joke.
Bright`Mane "That may be so," he notes, still amused. "But do not let yourself get distracted -- by your memories of Coranth, by me, by anything that might lead you away. Your identity has been stolen from you, taken from you by someone. You have the strength to get it back, if you use it."
Bright`Mane "The one mistake your enemy made was letting you escape."
Bright`Mane "And that mistake will be his undoing. If you keep true."
Misati nods "You wrong about on thing though, I don't want to rule of subjagate anyone. The solars are, or least ought to be, the servants, not the rulers"
Bright`Mane "It is the purpose of the Exalted to do what is best for the people," he notes, "It is important to not confuse what is best for the people with what is best for us."
Bright`Mane "But regardless, it is good to hear that you lack in the vainglory of so many of your kind. I will admit; I have been most impressed with the composure of your Circle. You are different than I would have imagined."
Bright`Mane "Despite it, however, I fear the return of your power to the world will have consequences."
Bright`Mane glances back at the Altar and the Moon-Shrine...
Bright`Mane "I would be alone with my worship," he notes, politely. "I thank you for your apology, however, and am sure we shall meet again in better circumstances. Remember what I told you, though, of your foremost goal."
Bright`Mane "Servant or master, you must reclaim yourself before you can truly decide upon anything else."
Misati nods. "Of course. Good night." She says and quietly walks away.
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MERAYEN PRELUDE 3
Rada ::You and the Talon had been back in Lookshy for three days now; you'd been busy drilling new troops and in various organizational tasks, but eventually, even the Officers get a bit of time off as well. It'd taken you a bit of time to track down Rada, but not all that much, and you were looking forward to the chance to see how he was doing...::
Rada ::It turned out that he currently lived in one of the nicer parts of the town, holding down a position as a Citizen and owning his own small teahouse in the Trade District -- favored by officers, affluent citizens, and the occasional higher taste Soldier with money to spend.::
Rada ::In addition to offering refreshments, a meager selection of light intoxicants and the occasional pretty face the place had a number of rooms available for rent and a nice enough ambiance.::
Finnre`Merayen stepped into the teahouse, enjoying it's atmosphere. She walked around looking for her old friend, finally sitting down to wait for assistance to ask.
Rada ::Before long, one of the young women came to see you -- you inquired about the owner, noting that you were an old friend from the Legions, prompting a bit of casual conversation and the promise that she would note your presence to 'Master Ninnan'.::
Finnre`Merayen chuckles softly to herself about 'Master Ninnan'.
Rada ::While waiting, you had the chance to look around the place a bit more... It seemed to be an attractive enough Teahouse, carefully managed with a certain level of discipline that Rada only showed in the Legions when he was out scouting far away from the ranks. There were a few signs of his former loyalities; his old bow hung on the wall, the banner for his former Talon hanging from the balcony in the middle of the establishme
Rada eventually arrives, coming down from upstairs! He's still been keeping in shape (as required in the reserves), it seems, but has none the less gained perhaps a little weight since his retirement. Not surprising, since it was hard to keep in as good shape in civilian life as you did as a member of an Elite Talon...
Rada smiles brightly as he sees you!
Rada "Merayen! It is ever so good to see you; it has been far too long."
Finnre`Merayen smiles back and gets up with open arms. "Rada!"
Rada gives her a strong hug!
Rada "Ninya, dear! Fetch my old friend Merayen some of our Green Leaf Tea!"
Rada claps his hands, once the hug ends.
Finnre`Merayen "I know, they keep me busy night and days since I became Sochei. That and training... well, breaking in new recruits to our talon."
Rada "Yes; I heard about Rainnes death," he notes, frowning a bit and sitting down across from you. "Tell me, what happened?" He was, of course, nearly as close to her as you.
Rada has heard most of what he can arrange to hear, but he needs to hear it from someone who was there, if he can.
Finnre`Merayen frowns and looks down. "It was... just a stupid accident. A bandit threw a knife and it happened to slide between his armor. There was really nothing any of us could do. I tried to staunch the neck wound, but it was too late the moment the blade left her hand."
Rada just nods, and there's a long moment of sadness.
Finnre`Merayen "It's been hard since then. I miss him quite a bit. Topeka does as well."
Rada ((Note; Rainnes was a woman. Adjust for log.))
Rada "Yes, she was that kind of person. I was looking forward to the end of her term - she'd have gotten out a few months ago, you know?"
Rada "Though knowing her, she'd probably have re-enlisted again,"
Rada grins a bit.
Finnre`Merayen "Yes, I just had thought the same thing."
Finnre`Merayen smiles back.
Rada "What about you? Given any consideration to life in the Reserves?"
Finnre`Merayen "I... I've considered it, but I feel the call back to the active life. There is more I can give for Lookshy, and I'm willing to do it."
Finnre`Merayen "Anyway," she says with a wink, "Who's going to watch the young pups and make sure they don't get into too much trouble?"
Rada smiles and chuckles.
Rada "10 years is a good term of service; I put in ten years myself. I'm not saying you shouldn't do what you think is right, but consider it. We're not blessed with the Dragon's Blood, after all,"
Rada "And especially with all this business in Thorns. That's bad business, there, mark my words."
Rada ::Rainnes, you note, had been intending to serve 15 years...::
Rada ::Some Mortals go for Career service, staying in 30 years or longer, but they tend to be the exceptions...::
Finnre`Merayen nods. "Yes, I know. But, if I'm called to service, I may just need to go again."
Finnre`Merayen "I feel a great deal of loyalty. And if I can make life safer for you and my friends here, I'll do it."
Rada ::The Waitress Girl comes with some of the Green Leaf Tea! She gives you a smile, a slight bow after she serves the tea, and then heads off...::
Rada "My sisters girl," he notes, as the Waitress walks off. "Very good girl."
Finnre`Merayen returns with closed hands to the girl. "Yes, she seems so."
Rada "My brother in law helped me acquire the place," he notes, idly, making small chat and changing the subject a bit to avoid any uncomfortableness -- as you try the tea, which is very very good -- "Though I've taken to the business very well. We do very good business."
Rada "We even service a few Chumyo," he notes. "Just last week, the Toriki Gens rented our upstairs rooms and some of our girls for a private event."
Rada "And it is, of course, quite popular among the Phoenix Talon when they are in the city."
Finnre`Merayen "Really? That is a definate good sign for your future business. Well, I will hope for your continued good favor in the future."
Finnre`Merayen laughs softly and nods.
Rada ::Your particular scale is seldom given leave, and so haven't been here any time recently, but the rest of the Talon occasionally makes its way back here with more free time.::
Rada "Ah, it's the least I could do. A relaxing atmosphere, a place for some of the officers to unwind and enjoy a few distractions during their leave. I've considered taking some of my earnings and opening a less formal place, as well, for the helots."
Rada "I know I'd never have been caught dead in a place like this when I was younger,"
Rada grins a bit.
Finnre`Merayen smiles, "Well, both of us know the sort of place that they might enjoy, don't we. You had to pull me out of more than a few in our time."
Rada just chuckles and nods.
Finnre`Merayen "So, what have you been doing other than this business?"
Finnre`Merayen "You must have alot of free time, even running a business such as this."
Rada "Ah, this business takes up more of my time than you'd guess -- it might not seem like much, but it can take a lot of effort. However, you are correct... I still keep frequent sessions with the rest of the reservists, and I have a private range where I practice with my bow. I've been doing a bit of dating as well."
Finnre`Merayen "Oh? Anyone I might know? And more importantly, is there anyone special you've been dating?"
Rada "Ah; nobody that you would no, I don't think, no. As for special? Who can tell with such things? Lately though, I have been spending a lot of time with the woman who supplies most of the cloth for this place. A fine seamstress, and an attractive enough woman,"
Rada "But who can tell?"
Finnre`Merayen nods, "Yes, women really are a mystery sometimes."
Rada "This one especially," he confesses. "She's so formal about everything. It took me months just to get her to accept a simple date, and even then..." *grins* "Heh; like I said. Who can tell?"
Finnre`Merayen "But, I will put my hopes into hearing that you have a family soon." She laughs, "Well, I'm sure that given some time, you'll find she'll tell you how it's going, from how you describe her."
Officer marches into the Teahouse, looking around carefully, and then coming over to your table. He's wearing the colors of the Phoenix Talon, Chumyo Maheka Lahdaris's personal office it looks like.::
Officer "Sochei Finnre," he notes, handing you a small sealed envelope.
Finnre`Merayen stands up and takes the envelope before saluting him.
Officer waits, lightly, while you open the Evenlope. Rada, sitting nearby, just looks confused - maybe a bit curious.
Officer ::The Envelope, once opened, contains orders -- you're to follow the Officer who presented you with these notes, as he escorts you to Lookshy Manse for a closed session with the leaders of the Talon...::
Finnre`Merayen slowly starts to read the missive in the envelope.
Finnre`Merayen nods to the officer. "I am sorry, Rada. I have to go. I'll come and see you as soon as I can again." She turns to the officer. "I'm ready to go."
Officer nods, and heads off, you following closely behind. Rada just watches, not protesting at all, but simply giving you a quiet understanding nod...
Officer ::Somewhere across town, a slightly intoxicating Ralles Danza recieves a similar summons...::
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