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Silk Moon Lotus	The afternoon sun reflected off the stone of the manor. A driveway wide enough for a large carriage lazily makes it's way up to the manor. The double doors stand ten feet tall with brass banding. The doors stand open leading the way into the entry with a silver chandelier and slate tile on the floor. r % The ball room has been opened up for Silk and Bright's guests. The high ceiling making plenty of space for her guest in case he wants to relax. A side table is setup with an array of fruits, meats, and cheeses. Several bottles and carafes with different drinks array a separate side table with glasses ready to use. Silk sits at table with a small plate containing a plate with some of the food already claimed along with a drink in her hand.
Bright Journey	"You know, Silk, I know this place feels a little empty with just us two, but are you sure this isn't a bit of overcompensation?" Bright chuckles as she pours herself a glass of wine from the provided carafe. "On the other hand, there's times when it's really nice to not have lots of people around. I think we're a bit spoiled by being surrounded by people who are...shall we say, 'in the know'. When we were with Misa I had to double-take to keep from spilling too much." She grins and takes a sip. "Not smart of me to get out of that habit, I know. Fortunately, our guest today doesn't have that problem."
Fudou the Mountain	He still somehow manages to fill the front entry up, ducking low and squeezing his monstrous frame forward and into the elegant room with movement that has this bizarre look of the most monstrou sof all bulls delicately weaving its bulk through the narrow aisles of a shop of delicate antiques. It could almost be unsettling in its impressiveness but Fudou usually makes a deliberate habit of trying to be as unsettling as he is impressive. Regardless, he has arrived and once through the doors and shown in, he straightens up to his full height and widens his bulk, relaxing his immensity into the open space with a look of surprise and mild relief behind the glasses resting on the brim of his broad almost oxen like nose. "Hmm...impressive!" He muses with true sincerity as he trundles forward with rumbling glassware rattling steps. "I should have worn my 'evenin' wear. I feel all undressed. Exposed even." His vagabond-esque outer wear, exposed torso and threads with color faded from repeated wear and outdoor exposure are hardly a match for this place but one look at his broad grin would reveal that embaressement is far from the front of his mind. He then begins approaching the table with steady sure and confident steps. If he had any thought that this is some sort of trap or some other means of danger for him, he's certainly not acting like it. "A little birdy and a few squirrels told me that you were looking to invite me here. I must confess, whatever's on the menu I probably can't afford."
Silk Moon Lotus	"I wouldn't worry about what's on the menu my friend. I figured if I got enough food for twenty, that should be just about right. Bright likes to tease me that spend to much on parties." Silk smiles from her seat and gestures to an oversized sofa that she had brought in just for such occasions. She takes a drink from her glass and a quick bite of food from her plate. Silk looks to Bright "I do agree, it is always wise to be careful what one discusses on the streets. I don't think that Fudou here is going to tell the Immaculates where to find us." Silk looks back to Furou "I would be lying if I didn't say that we both has questions and thought you might give us less odd answers than Frosty or Rishi."
Bright Journey	"...Not that we're here solely for business, you understand," Bright continues off of what Silk said. She grins and leans back, sipping her wine a bit more. "Not that I'm not looking forward to asking you questions. I'm sure you realized this isn't one hundred percent a social call! But please, relax and eat. You're among friends here and that's precisely how I hope things will remain." Bright follows deeds to words by starting to load her plate with goodies. As she's ladling hot cherry sauce over her ham, she gives Fudou an impudent grin. "Silk said it herself. I think she invited you just so she had a reason to spend a lot on a party! Now all we need is some kind of sorcery to conjure a spirit to dust this place." She chuckles and sits down again. "Not the simplest task."
Fudou the Mountain	"Hmmm.." muses Fudou thoughtfully, eyes bemused and openly intrigued as he listens to the two. He then laughs and steps towards the sofa while gesturing dismissively, "No, no, no immaculate contacts here. Although.." He pauses in thought and holds a finger up, "I did just meet a Dynast of some curiousness not to long ago. I was curious about her new business venture here in the city and decided to take a look and she offered me a job in exchange for occasional favors. She's no idea what I am, of course, but handsome muscle like this is always a worthy investment." The behemoth grins at that and makes a deliberate play of rolling his gigantic pectorals up and down a few times. His demeanor remains boistrous and gregarious but there's also a hint of coyness in his gaze as he adds, "And if Rishi and ah..Frosty..speak to you in riddles and misdirection what makes you think I won't? Perhaps that is 'our' way? We can't very well have the sun shining when the moon should be waxing full, can we?" He takes slowly leans back and claims the indicated sofa. "Ah..ask your questions then. Social decorum is fine and all but it's not often you have a Lunar Strongman in your presence. Ask your questions, then." He grabs a small melon up between two huge fingers and then pops it skywards and towards his mouth.
Silk Moon Lotus	Silk chuckles "I prefer to do my work by the light of the moon anyways." She takes a bit of a long sip from her glass. "Frosty and Rishi don't speak in riddles and misdirection, they just will not speak about lunar society at all. It makes me wonder if they are outcasts or exiles."
Bright Journey	Bright gets a rather wry look on her face as she sips her wine again. She looks away for a moment, thoughtful, but has a smile on her face when looking back at Fudou. "I know of one of the Dragon-Blooded who has a business, but I'm not so sure about a Dynast specifically. Definitely be careful, though. If they're loyal to the Realm surely they've been toldf something about how to recognize our kind -or- yours." She grins as Fudou shows off, not put out by it at all. "Rishi and Frosty are..." She sighs a bit. "Really, I need to know a few critical things, but Frosty is not terribly approachable and Rishi is friendly enough, but..." She waves a hand, searching for words. "Well, you know how she is. Perfectly friendly but nigh on impenetrable at times. I'm not convinced she doesn't act that way for fun. You, though," she looks at Fudou, "seem a bit more straightforward. If I pry too hard I'd expect you to tell me no, not wax poetic about flowers. And that's closer to what I personally need because matters are coming to a head for me." She grins. "And speaking to the Chosen of Luna in general...well, I have a couple purposes in that. There's something...different...in how people like Rishi speak, and more importantly, in how I hear them. Part of today is just me...comparing her to others to help me understand."
Fudou the Mountain	"Truly?" remarks Fudou after munching on the melon for a few seconds and listening to both ladies once again. He purses his lips in thought now while rubbing at the thick tuft of hair on his jaw. "Well then....I wonder. They know of your natures..clearly..and they know you..and will speak with you. You know them and what they are.. but they won't share anything with you. I wnoder if it's less an issue of being exiled..and more an issue of trust." His smirk is mildly lopsided now, "There is, after all, an issue that cannot simply be swept under the rug. The past may be the past but memories are long and there is a difference between those newly returned to the world and those who have struggled within it and shared testimony of fallen halcyon days.." He shrugs though, rolling his monstrous shoulders almost uncaringly and relaxes them, slumping them and his massive arms forward like looming trees. "...There could be other reasons though. An oath sworn or perhaps even protecting you. Knowledge is dangerous after all. What, exactly, have you asked them? Oh, and as far as the Dragonblooded goes..we probably speak of the same woman. I say Dynast but she said she was exiled. Maybe you're right though."
Silk Moon Lotus	"Bright is very good at speaking politely, I don't have her skill with words." Silk gets up and grabs some more food and refills her glass. "I remember one time someone said something about a silver pact or silver pack. Then they all looked at each other like someone told us where to find a war strider and shut up." She watches Fudou for a moment to see if he reacts the same way, then sighs. She walks back to the table and sits back down in her chair. "If you tell me that is not a topic that is open for discussion, I will respect that. I would think Bright and I have earned a level of trust with the local lunars. Prehaps we have been too polite and we assumed they would share when they were ready. I know Bright is planning things and no longer has the luxury of time the way she did before."
Bright Journey	Bright is still smiling as she shakes her head. "No, to be fair, I haven't really asked any of the possibly sensitive questions yet. You're the first person I've really sat down with to do so, after all--most of the time we're working with Lunars, something else is going on. And you're the first I've really spoken to outside of a mixed setting, after sitting down and deciding I need to do this. You're the first, but will not be the last, I'm sure, and the reason for that will be pretty obvious soon enough." Her smile grows fond and a bit faraway. "At least one reason is more personal to me than to anyone else...well, all but one." She smiles. The smile fades a bit as Silk asks her question, and Bright looks a touch worried for a moment, but there's nothing for it now. She pays close attention to Fudou to gauge his reaction.
Fudou the Mountain	"...Hmm.." Fudou leans back and looks thoughtful. His expression manages to remain...friendly if curious now. Though perhaps 'cautiously curious' might be another way to consider the way his face scrunches up and his nose wrinkles. "Interesting. Silver Pact.." he says, speaking the proper name for it and then he asks, "Before I say anything else..what exactly would you..do with this information and how..badly do you need it? Enough to 'force it' if one had to?"
Silk Moon Lotus	"We are not monsters and wouldn't ask you to betray a trust with your fellow lunars. Especially if it were to put them in some sort of danger. At least I would not. I know that I want to know more about the lunars and the war that has been waged against the dragon-blooded. I would offer my assistance if it would help. I have no love for the immaculate order and their lies." Silk's eyes harden for a moment. She takes a deep breath and relaxes again.
Bright Journey	Bright slowly nods as she watches Fudou's reaction. She's thoughtful and doesn't respond immediately, but when she does speak, she sets her wine aside and leans forward, elbows on knees, focused and sober. "I feel like we may have started with one of the tougher questions first...not so much from your reaction as from those who originally said it. But I feel as though if I want someone to tell me something important--if I want them to trust me--I should trust them first." Bright sighs again, looking to one side briefly, and looks directly at Fudou once more. "So, I have only really told Silk part of this before, especially since it's going to seem a bit daft. But to explain where I'm coming from and why this isn't really a matter of luxury to me anymore, I'll tell you why I'm asking about your people. I...hope you will not try to use this as a weapon against me." Bright Journey sits back again, taking her half-empty wineglass in hand, and swirls it absently, looking into her reflection. She then sits up again and looks at Fudou. "So. I don't know how much you've read about how the Chosen of the Sun take their Second Breath. It's different for everyone and usually intensely personal. It certainly was in my case." She suddenly gulps down the rest of her wine. "I was...in a bad place. I had just lost my mother, I was neither ready nor willing to take up her work as a chirurgeon. I felt...I don't know. Useless. Betrayed by Creation, by Fate, by anything I cared to blame. I was ready to give up, and screamed at the sky for meaning, for purpose. "In short, the Unconquered Sun gave me exactly that. I wasn't spoken to or anything. I read later only the priests get that. But since that day I have had a powerful urge to protect creation...not just by fighting, nor by healing, both of which I'm only decent at. What I've always been -good- at is getting people together, and that is my charge. My destiny, my holy quest if you prefer. To find those willing to stand up against the enemies of Creation and get them to work together, instead of against each other. The three of us could fight, but I can tell you right now who would win. You can find them in the Shadowlands, in the Wyld, in the Imperial Manse." Bright lets out a deep sigh and leans back again, eyeing her empty wineglass judiciously. "So you see, I want to find not just the Lunar Exalted here, but your leaders. Those who can make decisions. I can't shake the feeling that while we have some time, we don't have infinite time. Enough to perform my task, but not enough to dither here in Great Forks. "That is the biggest reason I'm preparing a journey." She gets that fond smile again. "Not the only one."
Fudou the Mountain	The giant considers this carefully. He eyes Bright and then back to Silk. "I see. No fear of me using this information as a weapon against you. My weapons aren't my words.." He shrugs a little and frowns, rubbing his jaw again in thought and then he nods his head. "What you are asking for is not easily obtained. Memories are long. Trust isn't easily given and there are those who may still bear the scars of days gone by. There are many stories and those who saw those days. These leaders are not the type to simply listen to one who has nothing to show save her ambitions.." He shrugs again and then laces his hands together, "Try and imagine..for a moment..if you will..that the world has changed. You have been betrayed by your lovers and your soldiers and your world. Your whole world has driven you away, into exile. You only have each other.. But even you, your own family, cannot agree on how best to proceed. Two, three, four, five different heads all moving different ways. One goal. To save the world. Five, ten, a thousand, ten thousand different ways on how to do it. This..'Silver Pact' is a loose alingment of those with shared soul experences. Bonded together in desires, but not methods..and sometimes not even desires. How, then, do you think they will view an outsider?"
Silk Moon Lotus	"Thank you for the insight and the knowledge. Trust is difficult to earn and easy to lose." Silk looks to Bright "I helped arrange this for you. I should probably stop trying to assist you in talking to people." Silk bows her head to Fudou and Bright. "Let me know how I can assist in this."
Bright Journey	Bright offers Silk a smile as she shakes her head. "Not at all, Silk. You have questions too--important ones. You have every right to ask them, and please don't think I'm trying to take that away from you. I'm not saying we have a right to an answer--that's up to Fudou, of course--but don't feel like you're not a part of this conversation or that you don't have important insights to share." That said, Bright looks back at Fudou. "I wouldn't say I have nothing to show for it." She chuckles. "I at least have a bit of inroads onto some of the more skilled--and dare I say it, stunningly beautiful--Exalted all over Great Forks." She gets that impudent grin again. "Not an army, perhaps, but we all must start somewhere. If every faction demands I begin by showing success with other factions, I am not going to get very far. And as you know I--we, in fact--happen to have befriended a number of Lunars already, so they're the natural choice. Besides which, it's not like I plan on going to them, asking them to go to war for me sometime in the next decade or two, then -wandering off- like they just stamped my Friends of Bright Journey sticker book. The idea is to go to them, work with them, help them. Earn their trust, not just walk up and -ask- for it." Bright turns pensive for a moment. "I don't know enough of what happened then, to be honest. You said trust was broken. Do wither of you know what actually happened? What will never show up in an Immaculate library book?" Bright pauses again and glances at Silk. "Gods above don't let Amethyst know I said that."
Fudou the Mountain	"I am not necessarily a fountain of ancient history and the particulars of my past life are not clear. Lives, I suppose I should say.." Fudou gestures absently, looking unconcerned for a moment before pausing to visibly think before saying, "They say the old solar god kings went mad. Some at least. Others, perhaps, may not think so and may simply see it all the Dragonblood rising up against the Solars but that the Solars also failed to return to set the world right..leaving the Lunars to pick up the pieces. There is no..monolithic viewpoint though there is truth out there if one wants to uncover it.." He frowns lightly now, leaning forward, "My point is that you've said to me that you have a desire to meet with and treat with the luminaries among the Lunars. To want to unite against common threats. Well those who sit in leadership or with some clout are not all necessarily on the same page... There are some who would no doube welcome active Solars. Others might simply see you as bait to distract the Wyld Hunt. You could be..strong allies or possibly in the way of their own intentions. Do you think that they will simply hand Creation back over to returned kings of old? There is simply no consensus so if you expect to earn any sort of trust and gain influence you're going to have to be willing to be flexible and to risk much...and the particular needs and interests of some of the luminaries may be more then you're willing to stomach. So you should ask yourself how far you're willing to go. This little.." He gestures dismissively, indicating Great Forks, "..This is nothign but a distraction. Game playing. Personal pursuits. Mild shadow play compared to what really goes in in the deep Lunar Dominions... Are you ready to treat with the Queen of Fangs? If you want my advice then I would strive to learn where and how you may tread here.."
Silk Moon Lotus	"I remember enough of who I was before the Usurpation to know that I have a hard line with the Dynasts and some group called the Sidereals." Silk looks up to stare into Fudou's eyes. "I will not back down from a tyrant or a bully. I know you have seen the way I fight, I will not be someone's pawn. I have chosen to fight for those that cannot fight back." Silk stands up and says with steel in her voice "To be the light in the darkest night." &r&r She brushes off the crumbs from her kimono "Sorry about that, if I were tomeet with lunars leaders it would be as equals, I will show respect where needed but I will not beg or grovel."
Hoarfrost	It was always disquieting how large an indoor space could be sometimes. The opulence of making a structure that cared not for function or efficiency, nor even fit the natural word around it. Simply a monolith of for, a statement of power. As regal or noble as paintings might make a unicorn look they none the less look out of place outside their forests. Compared to the pervious guest this new one does not fill the entry way, nor does it shake the fine china or even disturb a great painting. Soft delicate 'clip' of hoof against the floor echoing on down the hall. The sound of her steps vanishing entirely on the carpet. Pausing now and then to gaze up at some bit of object-de-art before continuing on, following the sound of voices. Head bowing low with a light toss of the mane as Hoarfrost enters the place the other's have gathered. Words without voice expressed in the movements "Forgive the intrusion." Bright red eyes catching each of the three curiously, not expecting the larger of the visitors. "I did not know you had visitors."
Bright Journey	Bright is sitting back and listening, but her focus is unwavering, her attention undivided. She's forgotten about her wineglass as she drinks in Fudou's words instead, but as Fudou speaks she's shaking her head a bit, in disagreement or disappointment perhaps. "I know...little about the Dynasts, really, and I think I've read the name Sidereals but nothing -about- them. But Silk is right. I'm looking to negotiate and hopefully work -with- them. No one ever said anything about -ruling- anything. I mean, could I -get- a crown? At this point, probably. But I'd make an abysmal ruler and frankly I am not even slightly interested. I'm called to more important pursuits, like the one I'm discussing with you now." "So the most important thing here is that there's not one Lunar Empire, but many smaller ones, and I must learn much more about them before I choose among the Eight Directions. That's fine. It makes some things more complicated, but simplifies others, do you not agree? Making allies among the Chosen of Luna is not quite so monumental a task if it can be done a piece at a time. "I...am not convinced, though, that your kin are the only people I must make allies of. I can't shake the feeling I will eventually have to look to others who wish to stand against the fire, instead of see Creation burn. So!" Bright slaps her knees with the palms of her hands and stands up to reach the wine carafe. "You want me to learn about the most powerful among your people, such as this Queen of Fangs? Who to approach, and who to avoid? By an odd coincidence, Silk and I are trying to learn exactly that kind of thing from a guest of ours at the moment..." She chuckles and pours herself another glass. As Bright does so, however, she happens to look at the doorway just as Hoarfrost approaches and speaks. She pauses, considering, and then murmurs in a softer, but still audible voice. "Well. We...seem to have more company."
Fudou the Mountain	"Do you honestly expect me to believe that you -truly- don't feel the call of rulership? Your very nature is exposing itself right now. Your desires are to save the world. How can you save without leading and how will you lead without being in front and making decisions even if others do not agree? Your very intent pushes you infront of mortals and your nature as Chosen of the Sun means that the you'll do no less then shine." remarks Fudou curtly, "You might as well own that. If you did come to the Lunars on bended knee they wouldn't receive you but neither will they yield to you without being made to believe that they must. You'll be a victim of those with greater knowlege, power and ambition then you currently have.." His heated and sharp words come before he even pauses long enough to realize that Hoarfrost is present and he suddenly draws up short as if becoming keenly aware of his own words and the sensitive nature of the subject matter. Almost as a switch has been hit, he leans back again and snatches up another melon, that previous light hearted bruiser grin of his returning as he adds, "Or not. The world is fickle, after all.."
Silk Moon Lotus	Silk reaches for a small bell sitting on the table next to her and rings it once. A few moments later one of the servants enters the room. Silk gestures towards Hoarfrost. The servant quickly disappears from where they came from. A few moments later they return with a large bowl with an assortment of fruits and vegetables. Two other servants follow the first one in and set another table next to the others. The servant with the bowl sets it down on the table. They all exit quickly and quietly. Silk looks over at Frosty while the servants are carrying out her very unspoken instructions. Silk stands up and gestures for Frosty to join them. "Please my friend, come join us, it has been far too long since we have seen each other. Is there anything else you would like for refreshment?" Silk smiles easily when speaking to Hoarfrost. She glances over at Bright "I believe you had some questions for our good friend?" Silk looks to Fudou "I believe that we have both allowed our passion to speak. That is not always a bad thing. I will take your sage advise to heart."
Hoarfrost	Observant eyes of bright red linger on Fudou and to Bright Journey, with just the slightest tilt of the head. Ears perking at names and titles she recognizes silently taking it all in while somehow looking completely disconnected from is all. If she is concerned with the secrets it isn't expressed beyond the cool gaze. The elegant creature pauses at the threshold of the room respectfully waiting admittance before entering at Silk's offer. Giving another bow of her head to thank her gracefully. Again in a voiceless gestures that carry meaning better than most words; "This is more than enough Silk thank you." Moving into the room to lay down near the Solar putting her own head roughly eye level with the rest. "It has been a while, I do hope I wasn't too slow in coming that you needed to call in another friend?" Eyes returning to Fudou as if to explain who she was referring.
Bright Journey	Bright definitely looks miffed, even a bit angry, at Fudou's accusations. She finishes pouring her wine and sits down again, but doesn't take a single sip as she stares at the huge man. She glances at Hoarfrost briefly, but starts by addressing Fudou. "I dislike being accused of lying, even to myself. I dislike being accused of being a budding tyrant even more. You say that I would approach your kin either as a conquering hero, or on bended knee. I say there is a third way, the way I've been trying to do this all along: As an equal. A diplomat, maybe even an ambassador, assuming I represent a group at some point. I feel as though trying it any other way would only bring us to blows. Like I said earlier, only the enemies of Creation would win that fight." She sighs deeply and takes another swig of wine. "But we are here to learn and to parlay, not debate our intent. I'm sorry for not being able to let my anger go quickly." She smiles a bit wanly, looking at Hoarfrost. "Particularly since I consider myself exceptionally lucky that you stopped by, Frost. I have many questions. And I...hrm. I think I remember you know something about sorcery? If so, I have many -more- questions."
Fudou the Mountain	The huge lunar seems unruffled by Bright's anger and not particularly moved by Silk's apology for that matter. Instead he holds the gaze of Hoarfrost for a second or two, lopsided smile on his face and growing larger as he looks at the newcomer and then cuts his gaze in a sidelong glance back towards Bright and Silk. The gleam of a troublemaker in his eyes behind his silver rimmed glasses. "What you dislike is utterly besides the point and inconsequential to me. I deal with facts..perhaps moreso then some of my so called 'brethren' who enjoy misdirection and subterfuge. I suppose that's why I've never been particularly 'great' at shifting forms over more blunt approaches to my problems.." He lifts both of his huge hands up, shoulders shrugging like rolling landslides. "The realities remain. I tell you what I know and what I think. I told you in the beginning that the memories of the luminaries and those under them is long and added to that are the actions of those Solars who remained while the rest of you slumbered. Well..now the world has changed. If you are to go to them they are going to carry their beliefs of what you were and what they surmise you to be now. To think that you will be able to treat with them as equals at fust is a mistake. These are beings with millennia of struggle and growth behind them and some are stuck in their ways. YOu will need to show what you can do for them and be ready with what they can do for you in return and in -time- their understanding of you -may- change. To do that, of course, you would need to know what they need, want, and who to even go to.." He leans forward, arms resting on his knees, "Do you want to know -why- I stayed in Great Forks instead of returning to Volivat or leveraging any influence in the Hundred Kingdoms?"
Silk Moon Lotus	Silk shakes her head after realizing that she has done exactly as Fudou wanted her to do. "I would say that the feast has paid for itself in the information that we have gained tonight. You have been a most generous guest Fudou. She turns to Frosty and smiles once more. "Always welcome in my home dear friend. I know it is not where you like to be, I thought a change of scenery would do you good." She relaxes into her seat and enjoys a slice or ham with some cheese.
Hoarfrost	"The reaction to the Mountain's claims are perhaps the most telling actions we have yet seen. Words have often proven cheap to our kind. Promises too often broken, it is not an accusation to your character Bright but of the world we inhabit." Looking to Bright with a soft look on her face. Forhooves crossing in front of her. "I have an understanding of sorcery. My absence has been due to such tutelage under the Queen of Fangs in order to achieve my more recent insight over the second circle so that I might be another hand in teaching it." The latter part said as much to Silk as the rest. A explanation to her long absence. "It is ... nice to be around friends again if nothing else."
Bright Journey	At this exchange, Bright simply nods in some level of understanding. "I...well, perhaps this is a very good example of the challenges I will have to overcome to make allies among your people. Understand that these past events are things I don't remember...but I may have taken part in anyway, a long time ago. And if the more powerful among your people have been alive since then, that changes things a great deal indeed. "To answer your question, though, Fudou...it could only have been to avoid politics, is it not? Part of the reason I was excited to have you here is I was hoping you would speak your mind, after all." Bright looks at Hoarfrost, thoughtful. "Before you arrived I did already say my plan was to prove myself as an ally, not just ask for aid with empty hands. I will have to think on how I can accomplish that...perhaps by accomplishing a helpful task before even speaking to one of them." Bright's expression and demeanor change a bit now, and she nods in respect. "I'm pleased to hear of your success and honored to speak to you, then. I...have been studying some of the old books, trying to have a breakthrough of my own--I feel as though sorcery will be invaluable on my journey. I feel like I'm on the edge of understanding but can't quite find the door."
Fudou the Mountain	"Hm." Fudou considers Bright's words and Silks and then looks to Hoarfrost and nods in agreement and approval. He then looks at Bright and Silk again and his smile becomes more humored but with a touch of melancholy to his expression and words. "I stayed...because of -you-." he rumbles and then makes a gesture to indicate he means more then just Bright alone. "Because of all of you. Because I saw Solars of different stripes and potential appearing in Great Forks. Some bold and brazen. Others hiding their nature at first.. Others becoming bolder and more willing to stand out.. and I began to wonder. I had heard rumor of others that had been active in the world..through other Lunars of course..but this 'rebirth' that had happened.. I had not met so many in one place and in quick succession before. So...I wanted to know..if the past stories were true or not and what would you -do- now that you were here. What would that mean? Did you need to be dealt with..before more showed up. Before you got stronger." He shrugs again, resting his hands on his knees once more, "It so happened that I discovered there were other Lunars about as well so I decided to stay. To watch..take your measure..."
Silk Moon Lotus	"I always thought I was a little more subtle than that but I guess we have drawn a lot of attention just by our nature as Solars." Silk chuckles a bit. "Do do believe that we deserve watching and harsh judgement. Blind faith in anyone is dangerous. Blind faith in someone who has gone mad is worse. I want to earn trust, not be given it because I was touch by the sun. Just as I will not just give it to you as someone who has been touched by Luna."
Hoarfrost	Nodding to a servant as they place her refreshments in front of her. The tension in the room has changed. Relaxed into something not about to explode one way or the other. Turning to take a bit of food and drink from the small bowl of wine at last. Hardly making a sound as she does so despite the difficulty of doing so in the form. "Sorcery comes to us all in different ways. I could teach you if you like? I am no savant of the first age, but I'm sure we could come to an agreement?" a warm smile comes to her lips as she recalls her own early forays into magic. "I am actually surprised we have not crossed paths here sooner Fudou. It was the Solars presence that first drew me from my forest some distance westward." Turning to Bright with a smile. "I must say at the very least you have gotten our attention." With a soft nod to Silk "You have often proved you have earned it to me. I am better for having met you, and those you helped me meet by dragging me from my home."
Bright Journey	Bright leans back and smiles, on a bit better ground now as well. She nods gravely as Fudou explains why he stayed, though, looking down at her wineglass for a moment. "Mmm. Perhaps you're right. The truth is, we have not seen a serious attempt at a Wyld Hunt here, and I can only imagine that it's because of this being Great Forks. Not so much that things are always a bit weird here, but because no one in charge here is sympathetic to the Empire, and there's so many Exalts here now who knows what they'd stumble into if they tried anything? On the road, though, things would be a great deal more complicated. I wonder, though, if it's destiny, or the gods' favor, that brought so many of us here?" She shrugs and smiles at Fudou, a bit wan but still spirited. "As for dealing with me, I'd just as soon we never find that out, hm? I don't want to be the kind of person you'd feel the need to 'deal with'. But if you're watching me--us--I wonder who else is? Might be worth looking into. Maybe they like us here because they know where to find us...whoever 'they' are." Turning to Hoarfrost, Bright again becomes more deferential, still paying close attention as she explains. "I..am not certain your way of learning sorcery would be my own. But I -am- interested in any insights you have on the process of learning. You, see, I have a theory..." She pauses, taking a sip of wine and studying Frost's animal face closely. "I read something about some sorcerors who learn their trade by...not just studying the natural world, but going beneath it, looking at the underlying facts of nature and the underpinnings of reality...very much like how the books describe dragon lines as a mystical underpinning of Creation itself. That didn't feel...like my own path, I guess you could say? But I think the principle is sound. And then that night I was thinking about how those natural, sorcerous underpinnings of reality has to apply to so many other things as well." Bright sits forward, finishing her wine almost without thinking about it, looking more animated and less judicious as she warms to her topic. "Other things like humanity. I don't know how Gaea might view things like love and hate and desire, but I think they're just as natural, just as...inherently a part of Creation as a mountain or a flower. And if they're just as natural, do they also have a sorcerous underpinning behind them in the same way? Can one understand, predict, even control emotions and communication the same way? You have to understand, I am -very- good at reading people. I have a good idea what someone wants almost before they speak. Maybe -that- is a way of looking at why."
Fudou the Mountain	"Hmm...there will be time enough for the 'why'.. The 'What' is what matters now and that 'what' is that there are Solars in Great Forks and the place is primed to allow them to move around more freely then usual and so were seen by those with some interest in them..." Fudou inclines his head though and nods to Hoarfrost, "Yes! Yes...Well like yourself I have been here and gone on occasion. Sometimes far away, to the edges of things but then always drawn back because things are so very interesting here!" He looks back to Silk and Bright, "Either way ..it seems that you have your resolve. I have warned you of the dangers and challenges and yet you still wish to cling to this hope and this tactic..so I don't see why that shouldn't be rewarded. If your goal is to attempt to gain an audience with a luminary then I see no reason why the attempt shouldn't be made..."
Silk Moon Lotus	Silk smiles at Fudou "I'm sure Bright will appreciate that very much." Silk turns towards Bright "I don't think I understand half of what you just said. Maybe I should look at those books to make sense of it all." Silk gets up from her chair again and moves over to hug Frosty. "I'm glad that you have returned. I'm sure Rishi and Ames will be happy to see you again." She walks back to her chair and sits back down.
Hoarfrost	"It would not be the first time I taught someone who takes a different approach to magic." She emotes through lidded eyes and a casual flick of her tufted tail. Through the description of the theory though she takes pause and considers. Testing her own emotions against the essence around her. Wondering how it might interact. "Those taught by the Fae often have a similar approach. They however use these emotions like you would pull at the loose thread of a shirt. Removing stitches till they have enough thread to weave something else with. In some ways it can be looked at as the other side of the coin to the method of Root Lore you described." It is hard even with charms allowing her to speak as she does to express as much as she wants as quickly as she wants. Able to wax poetic for hours about magic the ways she does. Momentarily surprised by the hug there is a moment of stiff muscles before leaning into the other with her neck the way horses hug back. Giving a little nuzzle before the embrace is severed. "I truly am glad to be back. As the mountain said it is hard to stay away for long. Especially because of my two inamorata call the area home."
Bright Journey	Bright gives Fudou a nod of understanding. "I appreciate your faith in me, Fudou, and I promise I won't do anything to make you regret it. As for who, exactly, we can chat about who is in the area and what they're all like. Mayhap I can choose a course of action fron there. I'm sure there's a lot of work ahead of me before I even set out, though." Looking at Hoarfrost, Bright smiles brightly. "If you're willing to teach me I would be honored to learn from you. I...have to admit I hope I'm not duplicating the soul-stealing ways of fae, though! I mean, I want to make people excited to help me, not make them...zombies." She winces. "Perhaps that -is- two sides of the same coin. Regardless, most power is in how you use it. I will have to be careful." Bright looks over the buffet table and looks at everyone curiously. "Perhaps we can talk more over dinner. Silk's gone to a lot of trouble to put up a gorgeous feast. It'd be sacrilegious to talk and not eat."