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Misa	A quiet evening in the coldest month of the year is typically a fairly peaceful time in Great Forks. A welcoming enough place that most are within their homes or some public shelter by this moment, keeping out of the chill and close to loved ones, if possible. It's certainly not the time of year one expects to be finding still-warm bodies tucked between two buildings, criss-crossed with multiple clean, deadly slashes apiece. While their garb may be familiar, their state is far from it- the cold night air leaching wisps of condensation from the spilled blood. While there is little sign of blood dripping in a clear path away from the fallen, neither has whomever did this paid much mind to covering their tracks- especially amid the dusting of snow that accompanies the bitter winds. There are some difficult moments, certainly, when the trail passes through more crowded areas, but the measured, almost mechanical steps of this person are distinctive enough to get by. In unrelated news, one Hanase Misa sits in a mid-sized teahouse, reputed somewhat for being a quiet and relaxed place to while away one's time or conduct business on neutral ground. Certainly, as with any place with alcohol available, there is a scuffle now and then, but they prove quite rare for the most part. The sign at the door bears no words, simply a painted image of two stylized branches crossing one another- a ginkgo and a cherry blossom, to be precise. Misa sits at a low table on a thin cushion, her two swords laid upon the floor on her right, her flute on her left. She eats, slowly, from a mid-sized bowl of some form of dumpling soup, and drinks from a small pot and cup of loose-leafed tea.
Bright Journey	In a quaint, moderately sized but lovingly maintained teahouse, Misa sits...but she's not the only one here. It's not too busy, actually, but there's several other patrons in various spots, enjoying a semblance of warmth and coziness that certainly can't be had on the streets right now. Especially with all the terrible goings-on one hears about in quieter, more intense gossip. Things like unsolved murders and kidnappings. At another one of the tables, seated comfortably and enjoying her own piping hot tea is a pink-haired figure wrapped in a pitch black cloak. A small tray of assorted sweetmeats rests alongside the teacup, but the figure is spending more time looking into the bottom of the cup than anything else. The cloak doesn't completely conceal the armor underneath, but it's probably difficult to get exact details. What is certain, though, is the worry lines creasing her expression aren't in keeping with her youthful, healthful look. No doubt each young woman would have much to learn from the other, but there's no reason yet for each to recognize the other, one would think. Perhaps there won't ever be, were it not for someone else to bridge that gap...
Rishi	A woman in a leather cape sighs as she looks down at the bodies. "Am I always to be finding bodies on my rounds, now?" It flares out sightly as she kneels down to investigate, revealing thin silken clothing barely covering exquisite curves. She tilts her head, the waterfall of dark silken hair cascading over her shoulder as she proceeds to go through the clothing of the victims. Her eyes go wide in surprise as she locates a worryingly familiar symbol concealed in one of the outfits. Standing, she looks around, sniffs the air, and starts off to follow the tracks. Soon the woman steps into a familiar teahouse, sniffs the air as she does, then locks her eyes on the first woman before going over to her table. "Are you being alright?" she asks in a voice that sounds like warm smokey honey being poured into your ear. Her thick flametongue accent marks her as being from the Dreaming Sea somewhere, as does her russet skin tone.
Misa	Perhaps lost in thought herself, Misa swirls her tea about absently between sips, the drink almost certainly cooling by now. She's aware of the room all the same- and perhaps thrown for a longish moment by the unusual hair colour a couple of tables over. Her eyes go to the armour for a time, her left hand resting in her lap as she does rather than tending to her meal. Eventually she settles, shaking her head. She looks up as the other woman approaches, head tilting a little. The sound is... semi-unfamiliar, it seems. Likely largely due to the unusual property. When she speaks, it's quiet- almost too quiet for the populated teahouse. Her face may seem lookshyan, but her accent is almost certainly Prasadan. "Well enough- is there some way I can... help you?"
Bright Journey	It's anyone's guess why the newcomer decided to make the proverbial beeline to Misa's table, but from what she's saying it's not really obvious why or how they know each other. What is obvious, already, is that the black-haired woman at the table wasn't expecting company. At the standing woman's voice, though, the pink-haired young lady at the next table over blinks comically, perking up a bit from her somewhat melancholy expression and closed-off personal thoughts. She sets the empty teacup down and leans to one side in her chair, a look of complete bemusement creeping over her features, as she leans away from the other two women, one elbow firmly on her table, chin in that hand. The slow smile gets ever so slowly brighter as she listens to the standing woman start her commentary, back to the pink-haired girl's table. She doesn't interfere. Not yet, at any rate, but she makes not the slightest pretense of indifference, clearly and obviously listening in and ketting a bit of a kick out of it, unless she's dissembling.
Rishi	The cloaked woman's face is showing a fair amount of concern, though her eyes narrow a moment at the Prasadi accent, as she visibly looks over the seated woman for a moment before saying, in Firetongue, "I'm a healer and I saw that you had a run in with those cultists. I know they use poison, so I just wanted to make sure you weren't seriously injured or going to die shortly. Are you feeling well?"
Misa	Subtle or not, the lookshyan-looking, prasadan-sounding quiet woman is altogether aware of Bright's interest in the conversation- and not terribly subtle about it herself. Her eyes flick over periodically, moreso than the rest of the room, despite her keeping tabs on just about all of it. "I, ah... ah. I see what you mean to say now, my aplogies for not understanding." She does, genuinely, seem somewhat contrite at that. Then again, she's not exactly leaning forward into the conversation at the best of times. "I am perfectly well. Whomever they were, I heard their coming, and was not struck. Perhaps to my discredit, but my life of late has led me to cut first."
Bright Journey	The pink-haired girl one table over is still looking bemused at the entire exchange, though she gives Rishi a wry look as she switches languages. She clearly doesn't understand Flametongue, though, because as soon as Misa replies in Riverspeak, she looks a bit concerned, though not so much as to abandon that whole bemusement thing. It is at least enough, though, to spur the girl to a less passive pursuit. She drains the last sip of tea, sets the cup down again, then stands up to stand only a foot or two behind Rishi, grinning like a loon at this point and savoring the moment. "Hey, Rishi. Does your lovergirl know you're hitting on beautiful women behind her back? Just checking for a friend." She can't keep herself from giggling at this point, though she's decorous enough to hold her hand to her mouth, at least!
Rishi	Rishi starts, then looks around. "Ah, Bright! No, I was just checking that this woman was being uninjured. There were being ...signs of fighting and I found cultist symbols so I was checking to make sure their victim was being uninjured and not going to be paralyzed by their poisons." She bows to the other woman. "If you are being fine, then I am being sorry for interrupting you."
Ignis	"Well that's a sound I haven't heard in awhile." The new voice cuts in shortly after Bright Journey's restrained giggling finishes lilting through the air. The voice would be familiar to Bright Journey and soon enough, Ignis steps forward with solid confident steps and a friendly if not mildly bemused look on his face. "It's been awhile, Bright Journey. A season or two perhaps?" he nods towards Rishi and Misa, presuming the trio to be together. "My apologies for interrupting but I couldn't help myself when I thought I heard a familiar voice.. I've found that such 'chance meetings' are typically worth indulging in..You never know what excitement could be waiting to happen..."
Misa	Misa almost shrinks physically at the approach of Bright, leaning back upon her small cushion- and then further as another newcomer appears. Still, she speaks, even if her voice remains quiet. "Ah... to answer the direct question, yes, I am fine." She pauses, watching the interactions before her. A moment after, she ventures further; "I must ask your pardon, but... something about a cult? I know Great Forks to be a city of many faiths, but... I knew not of any prone to... poison, you said? And assaults in the dead of night."
Bright Journey	At this byplay, Bright actually manages to look a bit chagrined. "Dear. I was hoping to get at least a -bit- of a laugh from you two. But please, give me one moment, because if that 'cult symbol' is what I think it is, the three of us -really- need to talk. Now, pardon me a moment." She turns to Ignis and offers him a polite smile and nod. "I -do- remember you, as a matter of fact. From the Arena, right? That HAS been quite a while." Bright takes a step back, to allow everyone to see each other at least, as opposed to her somehow trying in vain to hold two entirely separate conversations. She flashes Rishi a warning look--firm but not unfriendly, with a clear vibe of 'be careful what you say'. Finally, she looks at everyone, and then at Misa in particular. "I apologize for any intrusion into your quiet time." She smiles a bit. "I -do- like to chat and I have a lot of acquaintances, but as it happens, what I need to talk to you about is something we may wish to get the word out on anyway. The ones who apparently struck at you...should not be active in the city right now, after the walloping Rishi and I--and several others--laid on them a season or so ago. "Rishi, are you comfortable with us sharing with both Ignis and your friend here what we know of these cultists? If she beat two of them, she's capable in a fight, and I know Ignis is. I'm not saying invite them home or anything, but the more capable people that know, the better."
Rishi	Right tilts her head, then nods. "It is being better that people should be knowing about this danger, yes." Rishi holds up one of the symbols that she found, cut off of other clothing with very neat and delicate slices. "This cult is being using a complex poison to render those with supernatural power insensate. They are then being taken away. We are not knowing what they are wishing to do with these people. As Bright said, we stopped one group of them, but it seems there are being more of them."
Ignis	"A little more then the arena..but I suppose dealing with the dead, naked brutish shapeshifters and cults of demon worshippers is ancient history now." remarks Ignis, still sounding amused.. That amusement fades as it sounds like..perhaps it's not so ancient after all. "Really? This is still a problem? Or is it another cell or something similar to the original problem but a different group?" Ignis looks at Rishi and Bright Journey and then finally over to Misa curiously, "..Were you attacked?"
Misa	"Well then why me?" Misa muses aloud, even quieter than before, at the mention of supernatural people. She shrugs a little, head shaking- a moderate ruse, at best. She pushes herself up to stand at last, looking over the trio before her for a long moment. "Well, attacked may be a... strong word for what happened. But there was an attempt. I presumed some form of search for funds or... something else, I suppose. But if this may be another matter entirely... perhaps I can assist? I have been known to find a person or place or two in my time."
Bright Journey	Bright Journey looks a little chagrined at Ignis' description of their previous adventures, teeth gritted just a bit. "Er...yes, that too," she admits, slowly nodding. As for what group, that's part of what I'm hoping to find out. In fact, I'm glad you asked, Ignis, because it sort of leads in to what questions I have in mind..." She turns and looks at Misa, considering her carefully. "Again, I'm sorry for all this bother. Do you mind if we have a seat and chat? Maybe some tea? Perhaps the subject isn't civilized, but there's no reason we can't be." Bright looks at Rishi and gives her a fond grin. "Perhaps we should sit and relax before talking about poison and kidnapping and what all else. We did sort of...invade...and I'm hoping we can keep things calm and relaxed. Nothing's going to happen to us here and..." She turns to look at Misa. "..I'm rather hoping I can learn more from you about what happened today. First off, as Rishi said, you can call me Bright. I am Bright Journey, and you've already heard Rishi and Ignis' names. What would you prefer we call you?"
Rishi	Rishi raises an eyebrow at the comment of 'naked brutish shapeshifters' but resolves to ask Bright about it later, stepping back and letting her take over the conversation while she watches.
Ignis	Ignis notices the chagrined look but only smiles lightly and doesn't say anything else, allowing all of that to pass. Ancient history indeed. Some of it. He takes a seat and leans back, looking relaxed despite the grim subject matter as his mind wanders to the very first encounter he can recall with these cultists. He then looks to Misa, "As to the why you? Perhaps they wanted you for some ritual purpose? Seasons back when first encountering these cultists..or at least a similar cell..it was to attend to a kidnapping that had taken place. I wasn't involved in the direct follow up but I can only assume they had motives linked to some form of human sacrifice or otherwise needed warm bodies to be involved in their antics. It's anyone's guess to be honest..but I wouldn't put anything past them. If they're serving the whims of demons or some other fickle supernatural force..it's impossible to be certain without catching them."
Misa	"... Misa," she answers after a slight pause, before nodding down to the table and returning to her cushioned place on the floor. Far from the most luxurious table in the place, but plenty for her. "Truth be told I can tell you little. They had weapons- knives and needles. They attempted to come up behind me while the snow was still thin but the sky had turned dark. I heard their footfalls and saw their shadows all the same- just enough torchlight, and all. I turned to confirm the threat, they lunged, I struck. Several times, really. And then cleaned my swords and moved on- I find it prudent, largely, to not remain where there might be more. If I might be so bold, what sorts of things were you expecting to hear?"
Bright Journey	Bright nods in thought as she listens to Misa's tale, short and sweet though it is. She sits down at the table, and from this angle the cloak can't conceal the armor she's wearing. At least it lends a bit of credence to the lot of them 'dealing' with cultists, though demons are of another stripe and, if Ignis' comment rings true, says a lot more about their skill. Bright doesn't bring any of that up, though. Instead, she focuses on the story, and she nods again in reply as the story ends. "That's all right, I understand. I'm just pleased your skills were up to the task! The needles in particular tell me much about the situation--they wanted to capture you alive. And as Rishi said earlier, they have a -very- effective poison available to them to do just that. Rishi here, plus a skilled alchemist of our acquaintance," She pauses and gives Rishi an impish grin. "were able to figure it out and develop an antidote, but if you had failed to defend yourself we may never have known. They have a particular need for young women, we believe, and I think that's why they picked you. They kidnap a lot more than just them though. And this is separate from some other murders we dealt with not too far from here...but that's a tale for another time." Bright pauses for a moment and gives Rishi a look. "Did you say you saw the sign they carried? Should be a medallion, or maybe a cloak clasp? The ones with the rings are more dangerous--the one we ran into was a sorcerer. But they're all nuts. Anyway, can we see that medallion please?"
Rishi	Rishi sits at the table, her cloak moving slightly oddly, but opening enough for everyone here to see just how thin and skimpy Rishi's outfit is, yet the weather appears not to have touched her at all. In fact, she looks entirely clean. Rishi pulls out the medallion, holding it carefully with her long fingernails and places it upon the table. "It is being just like the ones I saw before. The cult is definitely still being here."
Ignis	"That's unfortunate.." muses Ignis as he looks the medallion over by leaning forward and peering at it once Rishi sets it down. "Here...and it sounds like getting active again after a period of being dormant.. Which also begs the question of what are they after since they went quiet and were obviously dealt with previously..but have seen fit to regain their strength and attempt to menace others once again.." He pauses and nods to Misa, "I'm glad you were able to swiftly deal with them. I assume the bodies are at or near the place you were attacked?"
Misa	A slow nod at the various pieces of information being put forth her way, and Misa's brow turns somewhat pensive. She takes a sip from her cup for a longish moment, swirling again before setting it back down. "So far as I know, yes. I did not move the bodies- though it is entirely possible someone has, by now. You could certainly check- it was but down the road to the left, through an alley between a home and a smithery, and across that road into the alley opposite." She considers again for a moment, then looks to Rishi; "If you created an antidote, presumably you know something of the ingredients to create the original poison. You all say you assailed a stronghold, but that may offer a lead towards their source of supply."
Bright Journey	Bright is drumming her fingers on the table, deep in thought herself as everyone looks at the medallion. She's paying attention to the discussion, certainly, but the bodies apparently don't hold much interest for her. Instead... "Hey...Rishi? Ignis? Something is bothering me about this medallion. I know none of us have seen the old medallions in months, but I can't shake the feeling I'm missing...hrm." She frowns and drums her fingers against the table again, trying to recall. "Something's different. I'm not sure this is exactly the same symbol."
Ignis	"I'm not sure.." confirms Ignis, now once again leaning in to closely and critically eye the medallion "..But I think you're right. There is a subtle difference.. Enough to suggest that this is another cell but..still somehow connected to the original or another new one that sprang up in the place of the old?"
Rishi	Rishi nods. "Most of the elements are being common, but they are needing something from the Wyld. I am not knowing their source for that, unfortunately." Rishi studies the medallion closely, even sniffing it, before nodding. "Yes this emblem is being most different, yet quite similar. They are definitly joined together, but mayhaps these worship a different being?"
Misa	A full on frown from Misa, at that comment regarding the wyld. "Well, if this is some somewhat separate organizations, it may perhaps be all the more important to find that source- and trace that as a link between the two and any others there might be." She sizes up Rishi another moment, then. "You sound as one from the southeast, if I may be so bold. I have spent some time there myself. I can think of few more direct paths to the influences of the wyld than travelling along the rivers to the Dreaming Sea. And such occultism is perhaps nowhere better known than in Ysyr. A thought occurs, perhaps, that it may behoove one to watch the roads farther out from the city, for caravans and other traders of the... particular appearances of Ysyr's worker classes."
Bright Journey	Bright nods thoughtfully again and sets the medallion on edge, then spins it rapidly. It's not going to last long--it's not struck to the precision of a Guild coin counter--but as it whirls in its little globe, she speaks. "The god of the place we dealt with that cult has an agreement with me, one I -strenuously- doubt he would break. I'm not saying he would come looking for us if the cult moved back in, but I think Ignis or Rishi, or both, are right. Different cell, mayhap a different god. But the cells have to work together on -something-. The worry is not just that they moved in, but they might not be after all the same things. I'm not sure where I would look, but Misa, you said you're good at finding people. Is there any way we could prevail on you to lend us your expertise? I won't lie--what we get into is dangerous. At times very dangerous." She chuckles. "But you kind of seem like our brand of crazy. If you want to back out, though, no one will think ill of you."
Ignis	Ignis nods his head in agreement with all he hears. He studies the spinning medallion and then voices his agreement aloud, "Yes. Another skilled person and critical thinker on this can only help. No pressure though. She's quite right...things do get crazy around the likes of us."
Rishi	Rishi headtilts again, considering, before shaking her head slightly. "I am being from Ysyr and I was not seeing anything in the tower reminicent of my homeland. As this potion is being most difficult to compound, the source is most probably being the Raksha of the East." Her brow furrows for a brief moment, before returning to it's smooth, unlined state. "I cannot be certain my homeland is not being involved though, as this cult most certainly has mighty sorcerers in its employ." She returns her gaze to Misa, a strange smile on her face. "But, were they involved, they would likely be sending one of their more ...normal looking subjects to handle the deals. Mayhaps someone from Palanquin. So, simply searching for one with many mutations likely will not be of much use. And the Sorcerer, if they are from Ysyr, will be having the great beauty, as I do. So, best to be watching for them"
Misa	"Perhaps it is my time among the Prasadi showing a bias, but I have infrequently known the Ysyrans to travel without servants in tow. But if this is as clandestine as you say, you may well have a point," muses Misa for a moment, before drinking the last of her tea down. She pushes the cup towards the middle of the table, and stows her flute into her sash again. Her finger runs along the corner made by the edge of the table slowly before reaching over to stow her sheathed swords as well. "But if you believe more northerly Raksha more likely given what you have seen... were I arranging this, I think I would hide such things amid the transport of dream-eaten. Most seem to find them unnerving enough to not look too closely at the 'shipments'." She stands again, smoothing out her robe absently. "However, I may need to put my mind to rest to think on it more freshly. I am staying upstairs, if you would like me to continue. I have few places to go in the coming days and should not be overly difficult to find."
Ignis	"Fair enough." says Ignis, "I think your counsel on this should be valued. You seem well traveled and informed on matters that connect to these sorts of affairs. We would be wise to not lean strictly on traditional expectations but to be ready for aything and to pool our resources." He nods his head and leans back abit more, not intending on leaving just yet even should the others. He's yet to really enjoy any tea. He does add: "I will be in town for the next space of time. I would be glad to lend assistance on rooting out these persistent foes. Let's continue to stay connected and share what we find."
Bright Journey	Bright Journey is nodding along as she listens to the practicalities of tracking people down. The truth is, unsurprisingly, that Bright isn't from Ysyr and has no idea what Rishi and Misa have in mind...but hey, they do and that's good enough. For her part, Bright grins and looks at Misa. "Thank you for all your help in this. I live here in town, so I'll be happy to stop by sometime. Maybe -just- for tea. Or a couple of those tarts, if we're feeling adventurous. We'd drive ourselves nuts--or at least I would drive myself nuts--talking about cult this and poison that every day. "In any event, thank you for joining us! I can at least promise it won't be dull." She chuckles again and stands up, looking at Rishi and Ignis. "Good to see you both again. Guess it's yet another hunt for us. Should be fun!"
Rishi	Rishi stands, inclining her head again. "I shall be around for a few days as well. I have much reading to do. Bright should have little trouble with the finding of my if you have news. For now, though, I should be returning to checking upon my patients. Thank you for your help with this!" And she starts off