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Bright Journey	How much has happened since the last time Silk Moon Lotus and Bright Journey actually just...sat down and had a chance to talk? It's been ages, really. With their differing schedules and social circles, it's been at least a month or two. They've barely had a chance to see each other outside passing each other in the mansion hallway, with one going to bed and the other going out depending on whether it's dawn or dusk. Other than that, the mansion is more than big enough for the pair of them to not see each other that much at all. The last time they did anything together involved a gaggle of anuhle and a portal to Malfeas. Now, the pair of them are seated at a frankly excellent teahouse at the edge of the Temple District, one of those places that doesn't look like much from the outside, but has good decor, better service, and amazing food once you're inside. The kind of place the locals dine at. Bright and Silk are seated at a table near the back of the place...not in secret or anything, but still, out of the main bustle of the servers and guests. Bright is dangling a perforated, wire mesh ball filled with a rich, spicy loose leaf tea into her cup of hot water. She jostles it a bit and watches the tea swirl and darken, thinking to herself, while Silk is getting her own tea served from the waitress. Once the young lady wanders off, Bright offers her compatriot a warm smile. "Been a while, hasn't it? I know this was a bit sudden, and I apologize for that, but..." She pauses a moment, thinking on her words. "...well, we need to talk, I think. It's nothing bad," she hastens to add. "But, well, I think you'll understand once I have a chance to explain. Besides, the food here is excellent, and I couldn't -not- share."
Silk Moon Lotus	Silk takes her first sip of the excellent tea and a smile spreads across her face. "I am very glad that you have found this wonderful shop. The tea is very good and I cannot resist when you invite me out to experience something new." Silk looks around the room quickly taking in the patrons and the staff once more. "Yes, we should take, it has been some time and I do miss our chats. Tell me dear Bright, what's on your mind?"
Bright Journey	Bright leans back, the teacup in her hand, as she sits a moment to think. "Things have...well, they've taken a turn for the strange in my life." She chuckles a bit. "Not in a bad way. Quite the opposite, I think, but in a way that demands action. First off, did I ever tell you what my name means? Why I chose it? I'm sure it's struck you as a little odd that I'm named after travel when I've been here in Great Forks for so long." Bright sips her tea and leans forward, looking at Silk curiously.
Silk Moon Lotus	"I always thought it had something to do with you being a diplomat and that you would take the high road when presented with a choice." Silk takes another sip of her tea thinking. "You know I have your back, are we taking a trip? Hopefully this time it doesn't involve demons, spiders, or demon spiders." Silk shivers at the memories of that battle. "I've learned a lot of interesting things in the library. Another few months and those spiders would have been easierr to deal with."
Bright Journey	Bright grins at Silk's reply and takes another sip of tea, leaning forward again. "So I didn't really say. Not to say that you're wrong! Far from it, though, eh, I can't really call myself an official diplomat when I don't officially represent anyone. At least..." She pauses, eyeing her tea thoughtfully. "...according to the laws of Creation, perhaps. "You see, I'm named this way because of a literal journey, not a figurative one. There was a time when I thought I had to rush out the door...and not too long after, when I first got to Great Forks, that I realized I just wasn't ready yet. So I thought I had made a mistake and the journey was more figurative. But you have to understand...when I first took the..." She pauses, glances around, and leans in to whisper. "...when I first took the Second Breath," She goes back to being less furtive. "...I was, well, looking for a purpose in life. And no one spoke to me, like I read some others get, but I -did- feel an intense pull. A powerful -need- to bring others together, to stand them shoulder to shoulder to face some kind of...darkness. I don't know what, but nowadays we can sure guess!" Bright laughs quietly and drains her teacup, and takes a moment to breathe. "All that said, I feel like I've turned a corner. Like...I'm -ready- to do what I need to do. I'm not going to leave tomorrow or anything, and it's by no means permanent, or even especially long lasting, with the plan I now have. Your library has opened a door I didn't even know existed, and I have finally worked out what might be a plan for opening it."
Raullaur	There have been rumors of a tribe of beastmen coming from the south, of a troop of lion-men willing to hire as mercenaries. And then one walks in to the teahouse itself. Tall, and carrying a blade large enough that he must be attuned to it, he makes his way into the establishment. Still, the staff at least take things in stride. "Good day, sir? A table for one?" "Yes, plllease." His voice is a baritone-bass rumble, almost a resonant growl, rolling the Ls. "This way, please, and we humbly request that you do not fight inside." The waiter brings Raullaur to an empty table, closer to the back than the front, and asks, "What will you have?" "Something warrrm to eat and coolll to drrrink."
Silk Moon Lotus	Silk sets her tea cup down carefully on the table and takes a deep breath. "Do you feel that you must make this journey alone or will you be taking friends with you?" Silk smiles buy her eyes cannot conceal her sadness. Silk's gaze quickly goes from Bright to Raullaur. "So, any bets as to who bestowed him with the second breath?" Silk picks up her tea cup again and drains it very quickly. She then rolls her shoulders and her neck to loosen up her muscles. "I hope he's friendly"
Bright Journey	Bright Journey happens to be facing the other way from where the newest diner happens to be seated, but the two tables are not that far apart. She can't really turn far enough to get a good look without being obvious, but she can glance, and that's all it takes to take in Raullaur's distinctive appearance, particularly the dead giveaway as to his status: the sword. No hiding that beast! Bright looks back, and carefully waits to smile back at Silk until she's fully facing her friend at their table. "No bets, I think," she replies, chuckling all the while. "Most places, that would be an invitation for the Wyld Hunt. I thought wearing my armor was being a bit cheeky. But on the other hand, I'm not sure the Wyld Hunt could move in the city in numbers enough to take a big boy like him down. It's a delicate game." Bright pauses for a moment, thinking some more as she pours more hot water and starts steeping. "As for my journey...well, I didn't even say where I'm going yet or really, why. But to answer your question, I was thinking I would leave alone and return alone..." She gets a tiny, wicked little grin. "But that doesn't mean I'd be gone forever, or even for years. See, that's where your library comes in. I convinced that scholar to teach me Old Realm some time ago--did you ever meet him?--but the books you have are -so- much more interesting. Mind you, I'm not turning into a shut-in. I'd wither and die. But I was reading about a few interesting spells that could make my journey so much quicker, and you know we have...certain friends...who know a lot about sorcery as well. I'm certain I could learn it. In fact, I'm certain I know -more- than I would need to start down that path." "But that first step...it's unique, from everything I read. Everyone has to start it themselves, and I think I know how." "And, Silk, my dear, if I'm right about this, I'm just starting that first step this very minute."
Raullaur	The beast seems civilized, or at least not taking offense and being boistrous and violent, which is a relief to the staff, at least. A warm soup and cold tea are soon brought and Raullaur partakes. Ears twitch a bit as he listens to the conversations around him...and about him. And with a deep chuckle, he responds, leaning towards the pair of ladies speaking, "Had a Wyld Hunt come afterrr us. Once. They'lll come back, sometime...and we'lll fight, and win, again." Ears twitch forward, and he gives a nod. "Coulllld join you if you wanted to talk, orrrr can llleave things to you and yourrr frrriend."
Silk Moon Lotus	"With the way the Dynasts walk around in their armor, it's actually a good disguise. No one would think anyone but one of princes of the earth would wear armor like that. I enjoy my kimono a bit more for being less flashy." Silk smiles wickedly at the beastman's statement "Anyone that has that opinion of the Wyld Hunt is a friend of mine. I trust that you are finding Great Forks at least interesting? Please allow me to introduce myself, I'm known as Silk Moon Lotus." She looks Bright in the eye and says "Would you allow this find gentleman to join us?"
Bright Journey	"Now that is a segue if ever I heard one," Bright replies with a grin on her face. She turns her chair halfway to Raullaur. "If Silk is good with it, who am I to refuse? Please, call me Bright Journey, and welcome." She gives Silk a sidelong grin and holds up two fingers for a moment. "Second step on that path I mentioned. Mayhap. I have -no- idea if any of this is even going to work, but it definitely won't if I don't try! And the gods only know I talk to everybody anyway." Turning back to Raullaur, Bright gestures to an empty spot at the table. "Hard to argue with anyone who's whomped a Wyld Hunt. And know that I hardly -ever- get the chance to say that out loud, so thank you already! So tell me, what brings you to our fair city?"
Raullaur	Raullaur stands and makes his way to their table and settles down, settling the sword to the side. "Silllk Moon Lllotus, Brrright Jourrney, I am Rrraullllaurrr," he returns the greeting. "As forrr herrre, my band searrrches to fight forrr pay so that we can gain rrresourrrces to have a homeland. Not just to hunt, but to grrrow, to build. You willl not find a better grrroup than mine at this size." Eyes are warm, and the pride--or boasting--in his voice is completely obvious. "What of the two of you...arrre you frrrom herrre?"
Silk Moon Lotus	"Well, I do live here, but I did not grow up here. I'm an independantly wealthy gambler. I make my money off of other people not knowing how to play cards and other games of chance." Silk gestures for the staff to bring another round of drinks. "We had a recent run in with some spider demons under the city, that was very exciting and exhausting." She glances at Bright "I think I've masters handling more of my talents recently, I feel as though more of my memories return. For Weal or Woe, I do not know yet."
Bright Journey	"And I make my money sponging off of Silk!" Bright laughs. "Not really, but I freely admit I'm not quite so independently wealthy. I used to hunt and trade, but in truth, I spend more time making friends. My contribution to the finances has more to do with getting cheap deals on things than actually putting my hands on mountains of jade. But between us it works quite well. Sounds like you're doing fairly well yourself, Raullar." At the mention of spider demons, Bright gets a rueful, knowing look. "Tell me about it. Amazing how fast they move. But it taught me a few things." She laughs. "Mainly when Silk here...well, it was like this:" She mimes punching herself in the arm with every syllable. "Learn. To. Dodge!" Bright takes another sip of tea and chuckles again. "There may have been more punches along with an unrepeatable word or two."
Raullaur	"Dodging is good. Tough enough to not care is better. You can learn to dodge, though." Raullaur nods, then. "And...spider demons? Any demons can be unpleasant. Rather get rid of them all," he growls, tail lashing a bit behind him. "What is this talk of 'memories returning'? And earlier...'second breath'?" Perhaps short, but curious, and he leans forward.
Silk Moon Lotus	Silk snickers at the mention of Bright and the spiders. "Yes, dodging is good for you. Bright is actually very tough when she digs her heels in." Silk lowers her voice just a little. "You don't know what the second breath is but you carry a diaklaive like its a paperweight? The second breath is the moment you exalted, the second time you took your first breath as a new man, an exalt. Probably a lot of bright light?"
Bright Journey	Bright looks a little troubled as well at the question, biting her lower lip for a moment. She pitches her voice lower as well, looking at Raullaur with intensity and concern. "Listen...I know you must be strong, and I'm very glad you managed to defeat a Wyld Hunt? But please, be very, very careful. We generally try to keep a low profile for a reason." She chuckles a bit and glances meaningfully at Silk. "Some of us more than others." Looking back at Raullaur, she adds, "But carrying that daiklave openly is a challenge that some people might not ignore. And make no mistake, the Wyld Hunt will remember and they will be back someday. They're dangerous for a lot of reasons, but the biggest is they really believe they're doing the right thing. And if you've never heard the term 'second breath', I'm a little worried. I know none of this comes with a manual, but there's a lot to know."
Raullaur	"If there's a lot to know, I need to learn. If not here and now, elsewhere and elsewhen. As for the Hunt, first I learned about them, they Hunted me and mine. What sort of warrior woould not protect his people?" He looks at the sword, "I understand...people see only the weapon. Take it as a challenge, not a warning. Could have worn the armor as well, but that would have been unfriendly." Looking back at the two of them, "For now, though..." He shrugs, "It is a good day, and a pair of charming ladies to eat with. I would rather simply enjoy things."
Silk Moon Lotus	"Well, if you are looking for a place to learn more about who and what you have become, I think I can help you with that. My home is within the district and room to spare." Silk smiles, "By the way, what should we call you?" "I agree that you do have every right to defend yourself from attacks. Your unique appearance is going to make it a bit easier for the hunt to find you. The Order doesn't have as strong a reach out here as they do closer to the blessed isle."
Bright Journey	Bright manages to look a bit surprised at Silk's invitation, pink eyebrows raising for a moment, but simply shrugs and smiles. "Well, my mum told me not to invite a boy over after just the first date, but maybe that's why I'm still unmarried." She laughs, clearly not being serious. "But one thing's for sure: You'll be around the weirdness if you stick with us. Don't expect things to stay normal long. Heck, some of our friends are the weirdest, though they're good people. Broaden your horizons for sure." "Also, no one is arguing you should protect yourself and defend your people. Believe me, both of us, and most everyone we associate with, have had to defend our lives many times. We're just saying there's people out there who will attack any of us, and some will even use the sword as an excuse. Not that they need it. Fortunately, Silk is right--they don't have as much reach out here, and they don't dare strike in the city, I bet." She grins wickedly. "Not least of which because they have no idea how many of us there are. Rest assured, we have a friend or three..."
Raullaur	"As I said before, Raullaur." It's a purring growl, really, the way he says it. "And I have a portion of my tribe outside the city proper in our own camp." He chuckles slightly. "Are you married?" he asks Silk. "As for normal...ever since I withstood the Death Door and claimed blade and armor, my life has not been normal. Rescuing slaves taken from my tribe, training and fighting, and more..." He laughs louder, "Or perhaps it is that the strangeness and battle is normal. ANd will be the rest of my life. Could be far worse....could be bored all the time." FInally, though he nods, "Will accept. Join you. Need to let the Pride know where to find me, though. ANd if they need me...I have to go to them. But finding out more...I would owe both of you a favor."
Silk Moon Lotus	"My apologizes, I thought you were purring or growling the first time. Bright is so much better at this stuff than I am." Silk blushes a little, "No, not married, I'm not sure who my mate will be in the end." "I do have one request, don't go into the basement without me. It's a long story and one I do not want to tell in public."
Bright Journey	At this, Bright nods and grins. "I...know I have a mate. Somewhere." She glances at Silk. "That, of course, is one of the reasons I need to go on that journey. The other is those same people are who I really need to talk to first about being ready to work together. I don't actually have a direction for them yet, but I know who to ask." She smiles warmly, and looks back to Raullaur. "Silk is right about the basement, I should add. This is not the place for details but the situation is...not bad, per se, but -delicate-. And we might not be able to fix it if it went wrong. It'll become obvious if she allows you down there."
Raullaur	"It is a rude guest who trespasses against his host," Raullaur says. "As for a mate myself...this sounds more serious than just having a lover, even a long-term one..." He ponders, "Definitely have more to learn, then. And I suppose there is one for me, somewhere, as well?"
Silk Moon Lotus	Silk glances over to Bright and smiles "According to everything I have read, almost all of the chosen of the sun have a mate that is a chosen of the moon. This doesn't mean you cannot have lovers or that you and your mate will get along at all if you meet them. I'm not sure that I have one, Bright is almost certain that she does. Perhaps we should go to the house so you can pick a room of your liking?" Silk takes her refilled cup of tea and finishes it off.
Bright Journey	It's Bright's turn to blush! She turns bright pink, just like her hair, as Silk mentions Bright's possible mate. "I...hehe. Yeah. I have no idea if my mate is even alive right now, or if she's come back as I have. But I have to look. I have...memories." She smiles fondly. "Please excuse me if I don't go into detail. But it's a risk to go looking, even though it's one I feel I have to take." Bright stands at this point, following suit. "I think that works out. We can talk more freely about a couple things, and I do want to finish discussing my journey with you, Silk. I think it's come to an...interesting start." Bright looks just a hair distracted, but still is smiling for both of the others, and gestures towards the door.