< What Is Yu Shan | Logs | Sid PLEASE >
Serpent waits for Ali in his Manse - a delicate vaulted frame of white stone, pointed arches making gates and tangled halls, all draped with star-spangled silk where there should be walls. Through these heavy curtains, there are many muffled sounds - whispers, footsteps, shadows half-seen through the woven haze.
Thirteen A nearly silent knock on the door resounds throughout Serpent's Manse.
Serpent heads to the door, calling out, "Are you living or are you dead?"
Thirteen "I am that I am, Serpent Ebb." Ali's hollow voice resounds in reply.
Serpent "Good enough. The door is unlocked, you may come in today."
Serpent "Follow the yellow horses to my parlour and I will meet you there."
Serpent heads to the same place, where a light well brings multicoloured winds down into a comfortable chamber littered with chairs and books.
Thirteen The mountainous form of Ali of the Last Whisper soon approaches, settling himself in a chair, and raising one eyebrow at Serpent.
Serpent "Would you care for a biscuit?" He pushes forward a tray.
Thirteen "Thank you, no. Among my people we have a story, of a raksha who entered the depths of Yu-Shan, and partook of their food, and discovered that in doing so he was bound for all eternity to remain in its depths. It behooves one to be cautious."
Thirteen "I will have a little tea, though. With lemon, please."
Serpent "Of course." Serpent taps the little teapot god on the lid to wake him up and informs him of Ali's request.
Serpent "So, how have things been? Is your family in good health?"
Thirteen "They remain dead, as they have been for several thousands of years. And yours?"
Serpent "Probably somewhat the same, I suspect."
Thirteen "So. It has been six months since last I saw you. Have you been practicing your forms and maneuvers? I must see your progress before I will show you more of the art of the Scorpion."
Serpent "Here and there."
Serpent casually performs the motion of one of the advanced techniques.
Thirteen "No. That is not correct."
Serpent looks unsurprised.
Thirteen "Do it again."
Serpent does it again.
Ali sets his teacup down with a quiet click, and is silent.
Serpent "So, what's the right way to do it?"
Ali "With attention, dedication, and poise."
Serpent does the form again, with attention this time.
Ali "It is, as always, good to see you, Serpent Ebb." Ali begins to rise from his chair.
Serpent "I wonder how the invasion is going?"
Ali "The preparations are taking some time. When our plans are complete, you will be informed."
Serpent "Very well."
Ali "Good evening."
Serpent "Allow me to see you out."
Serpent shows Ali a slightly shorter path to the gate.
< What Is Yu Shan | Logs | Sid PLEASE >
Stryck Wiki