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Silk Moon Lotus	The ballrom of Silk's masion has cleaned up nicely after the extended trip to Elderloch. Silk's servants has done up one table with seating for six even though Silk told them 4. The table has been set with fresh fruits, cheeses, and tantalizing meats of verious types. The sideboard has been setup with a veriety of drinks both chilled and room temperature depending on the proper service. Silk is seated in the middle of the table facing towards the entrance. Her plate has a smile pile of different meats, cheeses, and fruit. She has a couple of buns sitting on a plate next to the main one. Her glass has some kind of wine in it, a red by the color. Silk herself is wearing a light shirt with the buttons opened revealing a silken undershirt. She is wearing a pair a dark trousers that match the undershirt perfectly. She is at ease and has a smile upon her face.
Bright Journey	Sometimes it doesn't matter how nice your hosts were or how comfortable their guest arrangements. The people of Elderloch were as accommodating as they could be, but let's face it: The place itself, the culture, and especially the salt water all combine to make one long for home. Clearly Bright Journey is taking full advantage of being back in Great Forks. Her hair, usually loose, is pinned up in a loose-bun-with-chopsticks arrangement. Instead of her usual short, white dress, she has on a forest green knee-length tea dress, neither demure nor daring. She is all smiles as well as she's walking down the row of goodies and taking her pick of the delicious choices on offer. Aside from having white wine, her selection is much the same as Silk's. "Well!" She exhales deeply as she sits down. "I daresay we've been waiting for this moment for months now. Rishi -might- be by, by the way. Not sure, but Amethyst is much too busy now with her new project. I told her to take a week off, but the poor dear has more ideas now than when she started!"
Black Pearl	It has been a long time since Salara has been in Great Forks, though at least she has been at home i the water. Still, there are changes, and the most important ones cannot be seen. So after dealing with bureucratic affairs at the Chateau, Cynis Salara has taken an evening off to be away and with friends. The Water exalt comes in, damp as always, but with fresh water rather than salt.There is a warm enough smile as she looks to the pair of Lawgivers. "Good evening, Silk Moon Lotus and Bright Journey. Thank you for hosting tonight. It is rather relaxing to be out with others."
Silk Moon Lotus	Silk nods her head in agreement. "I agree, there is nothing like sleeping in your own bed again." She smiles a little broader at Black Pearl "I'm glad you could get away for an evening with friends. I don't plan to have any deep discussions tonight. That doesn't mean we cannot if one of you wishes to discuss important things." Silk takes a drink and savors it for a moment.
Bright Journey	Bright looks at Black Pearl and offers a winning smile. "Come on in, sit down. I won't deny there was a time in the past where I wasn't sure of you, but I'd say the events in Elderloch have changed things quite a bit, have they not?" She takes a sip of wine and continues, thoughtful. "Still, you've been through a lot. Please don't feel as though you have to say anything at all, just enjoy our company if you like. Or, if you feel the need to ask anything, that's fine too. If it's just Silk and I, I can assure you we won't let anything get back to Amethyst if you don't want it to. I can't make the same promise for Rishi, though. "Still, my dear, the one thing I insist is that you relax and have some food. There is no way Silk and I are going to get through all of this ourselves!" Bright grins at Silk, too, and raises her glass from across the table. "To sleeping in our own beds! That and getting the salt water out of my hair. Three rinses, is all I can say. Three."
Black Pearl	"I have...an advantage in cleansing with water," Pearl says, with a chuckle, "But I am glad to be back and..." She shakes her head. "I have come to terms with most of what happened to me. I suppose, for good or ill, such things are part of me now. I am glad that we prevailed...I just wish the cost had perhaps been less."
Silk Moon Lotus	Silk smirks at her friends. "I believe that we should enjoy the food and drink for sure. We all had some trials down there that I'm sure we all need to process in our own way. I for instance have taken it upon myself to learn how to fight with a weapon. I've begun learning from Raullaur on how to use Glorious's Grand Daiklaive. I may have located it in the archive. I think it's name is Heart of the Phoenix. The combination of White Jade and Orichalum is pretty unique."
Black Pearl	"Interesting. All I have is Vain's sigil he gifted me when I assassinated him. As for weapons...I suppose one day I shall have to learn to /openly/ fight. I still want to master what I can do first. And then...?" She smiles slightly and shakes her head. "I had an interesting talk regarding politics with Rishi and I might have to...try to influence things back home."
Bright Journey	Bright does not try to mask her worried look as Pearl speaks about the thing with Amethyst, but she reluctantly doesn't press. Perhaps this isn't the time or place. Instead, she slowly nods at Silk's wisdom. "I think you're right. We -do- all need to process. I have come to a bit of a realization myself--I think I have a much better grasp of how Amethyst was able to open that portal." Bright gives Silk a curious look. "A...Silk, are you sure? Good heavens, I'm not sure I could even lift it. But you certainly seem to be branching out! Not sure why a name so linked to fire would be made with -white- jade, not red, but who am I to say?" Bright takes a pretty good swig of wine as she listens carefully to Pearl. "I admit I don't know much about how you fight, but given what happened to Vain...I am assuming I wasn't meant to." She chuckles quietly. "As for Realm politics...well, I have no connections there, but I know people, and I certainly have what one might call interests there. I don't think they would agree yet."
Silk Moon Lotus	Silk nods her head to Pearl. "I did promise you help you place your family on the throne if that is still your desire." She thinks for a moment "If you would like, I can teach you Ebon Shadow style. It will work very well with your stealth skills." She looks over at Bright. "Pearl knows a fighting style that if you notice her using it, she has made a mistake. It isn't well suited to fighting in a stand up fight like we had." She nods to her self a little. "I didn't like that I couldn't do much to Precious in the fight, so I thought learning to use a sword might help. If you atune to the weapon, it really isn't that heavy. I can swing it without any difficulties. I'm trying to figure out the weapon vanishing trick. I've almost go the sword summoning one down, I think a couple more weeks and I will have it." The sword's name isn't about the fire aspect as much as the cleansing and purifying of creatures of darkness. It would appear the maker was a Lunar who made it for their Solar mate so they could battle against a deathlord side by side. The lunar was an initiate of Golden Janissary style."
Black Pearl	Black Pearl nods. "This is true. And Maana was better at it than I am." She smiles slightly, "I have been teaching Silk, and at this point, either of us could kill with a touch. Just that the victim won't know it for days afterwards...and the style is meant to be practiced in a social setting. Just as an adept assassin may poison a single person in a banquet for 100 and the rest all be completely safe." Pearl nods to Silk, "It might come to that. It seems another in my family is also working with the Moonborn in particular to gain power. I will have to consult with family elders but..." She stiffens slightly, "Rishi had said that they wish to see the Realm destroyed. If that is what they wish, I can tell them who to back and assist and the Realm will die, soon. But that leaves a power vacuum. And so...if someone...acceptable can be on the throne, we might retain stability and change things. What I want to discuss with the elders is...is having the throne worth the price?"
Bright Journey	Bright listens to both Silk and Pearl and slowly nods. "I have already seen some of what Silk can do, of course, but that was in combat. And Silk...I know we didn't actually talk about this before, but I need you to understand you did a LOT against Glorious. You had him bleeding hard before the fight even really started! The problem was not then so much as afterwards with how strong his defenses were. And they were--you know I got around them only with difficulty. The same way I finally figured out how to get around Fudou's defenses. I'm pretty sure that with, say, someone to take his attention away from you, like I did, you'd be able to strike him again." Bright frowns and thinks. "That said, I think we're starting to see that some of what we can do just are too strong for the dojo. Its magic is impressive, but nothing is perfect. I still want to spar there regularly with you all, but we might also consider spending more time...I don't know. Seeking lost tombs and whatnot, like we did last spring. And I want to check on the Malfean Gate again, just as a matter of being careful." Bright listens to this talk of the throne with deepening concern. "That...seems ambitious. -Very- ambitious. I have a great deal of interest myself in keeping people together, and I have a -great- interest in making sure all of us who love Creation don't weaken ourselves in the face of fae, demons, undead..."
Fudou the Mountain	"Get around my defenses eh? I thought my ears were burning!" Fudou's entrance is as bombastic as one would typically associate with the gigantic lunar. A rumbling earth shaking tread, a rustle of his loose garments and a grin on his features in contrast to the menacing immensity of his physique. He rests both hands on his waist as he reaches up and taps his forhead, "The dojo is nice but it's not -reaaalllly- a good gauge. You are all still very playful when in it. It's not true life and death and I"m somewhat restrained and restricted in there you know. I can't exactly turn into a Siaka and have some tastey treats!" He looks over the area but seems disinclined to take a seat, and instead treads forward and lumbers around as if doing a site survey. "I am glad to see you all. Thrones and combat and death and rulership. It seems the trip has awakened some ambitions in you all. Ambitious indeed.." He cuts his gaze over the group and then finally says with a grin as his gaze settles on Bright, "Ah yes..but I did need you..."
Silk Moon Lotus	Silk smiles at Fudou's entrance to the room. "Cannot resist to make a fancy entrance I see. Do help yourself to whatever you like." She turns to Pearl "Please let me know what you need me to do so I can be involved in the best way. I will be happy to help you with learning Ebon Shadow. It will definitly help you in a fight where you cannot use your other style." Silk look over at Bright "I'm very happy to do tomb diving and possibly traveling into the shadowlands and taking on some of the deathknights I have heard about. I agree tha we should check on the portal as well. I fear it may have been repaired since we disabled it."
Black Pearl	"Fudou! It is wonderful to see you again. I am glad you dealt with Gale, and, well...it made things easier for me to demoralize the rest of the army." She beams, and then nods to Silk, "For you? I need to discuss a couple of things with family. Just...the reasons I am out here are complicated is all, and so I am not sure how well they will react to...a radical suggestion from a junior member, even if precocious and with puissant allies." She tilts her head, "I would be interested in going throgh this portal, but even after learning Ebon Shadow...I am not sure I would stand up well to a fight." She shakes her head, "A failing, I am sure, and one I will correct...some time."
Bright Journey	Bright looks up in surprise at Fudou's entrance, then chuckles self-deprecatingly and shakes her head a bit as he wanders around the room. She sighs a bit theatrically and raises her half-empty glass to him. "Fudou, my dear, I figured this would happen. You always say you don't like this place yet keep showing up anyway. Have you considered responding and letting us know you received the invitation? It does help." She grins and finishes off her wine. "That said, If you need me, it must be important. Do tell. And do have dinner. Rest assured that absolutely nothing we are serving today was pickled in salt water." She winces slightly. Bright turns to Silk and Pearl. "I am no sifu, but I sort of thought your style was about sneaking in, doing a devastating strike like you did against Glorious, then getting out again. I wouldn't -expect- you to stand and take hits like Fudou or Raullaur seem to enjoy. As for the other subject..." Bright's expression darkens somewhat, and her voice, while still mild, is very serious. "I...think after hearing some of this conversation tonight, I need to make something clear. I don't have to be a master of politics to know a war is going to happen to take over the Realm throne, unless the Scarlet Empress comes back, and I pray she doesn't, frankly. But my interests are more towards making sure we, as the peoples of Creation, can protect ourselves from the evils coming from outside. The fae like Glorious, the Deathlords, you name it. I know there's nothing I can do, as powerful as I am, that could stabilize the Realm before war breaks out. t "I can't help but feel we will be needed elsewhere when that war happens, that the enemies of Creation will strike when the Legions' backs are turned. I understand why you feel strongly about the Realm succession, but I can't promise I will be there if you join that fight."
Fudou the Mountain	"Don't forget you don't operate in a vacuum.." notes Fudou as he listens and waits for Bright to finish before plucking a melon up from a nearby dish and examinig it as he practically pinches it with his massive fingers. "The Silver Pact has long had designs on The Realm and seeks its destruction. Other Solars walk Creation. Some, perhaps, having conversations much like this one and many who don't have the same motives as yourselves. Perhaps you should consider seeking out your fellows and peers. The East, The South, North and West..who can say what wonders or horrors are already happening!" He tosses the melon up and gives the rest a grin, "As to responding to invitations..well..then how can I continue to keep you on your toes!" He gives Silk and Pearl a brin and then adds to Pearl, "Oh, by the way, I did deliver your 'message' to Amethyst.." His grin becomes more impish briefly before hesnaps his attention back to Bright. "Yes. Gale. Do you know the tale yet? Did Pearl tell you? I went with her to that blasted fortress and there I had a 'talk' with General Gale. I sensed a kindred spirit so I knew I Could appeal to his..ego.." His grin becomes more rueful before he continues, "He was afraid of the Dreamsouled. You probably already knew this but so much of that war was about fear. He was afraid of what they could do to him. Even turning him mortal. So I wagered with him. That if I could beat him in a contest of his own choosing that he would withdraw his allegiance to Glorious and instead give it to me but I had to promise that the citizens of Elderloch would not attack him or use their magick on him. He agreed..and made an oathchild." He grimaces but then adds hastily, "I won of course. That is why Gale was not there, destroying the city and burying its citizens and yes..it made it easier for Pearl to do her work..."
Silk Moon Lotus	Silk shakes her head. "I think the Fae are almost as bad as teh deamons. Making children without permission, it's madness I tell you. Madness." She turns her head to Pearl. "I understand, I promised to help you, not your family. If they chose a path other than what you desire for the Realm, I will help you. I am not a worrior like Raullaur or Fudou here, I am an assassin, I strike from the shadows." She turned to Bright "I understand your place, as a Solar, there are many stories about what we can and cannot do. What we should and should not do. I requires two parties to negotiate. I fear the war that will come soon from the Realm tearing itself apart. We, those outside the fighting, may have to be the line between the deathlords, the Fae, and whatever else comes to protect creation. To that goal, I'm learning to fight with a blade so that I can be seen as an example." She turns to Fudou. "I've heard that term Silver Pact in the past. I was told a lie I'm sure in the past about who they are. Will you tell us?"
Black Pearl	"I cannot compel you to come, nor would I ask, unless you can give such support wholeheartedly. And yes, there must still be guard on Creation so that it will still stand at the end. I believe that a fast end to the fighting, one that the people can accept and that will--accommodate--the Chosen of Sun and Moon both will end up being strongest overal for Creation" Pearl says to Journey. Fudou's words cause her to nod. "This is something Rishi is offered to have me talk with others in the Pact about. After all, if things can be made so that the new Empress will change things to be more favorable, while keeping the core of the realm intact...but I still need to contact my own House as well, to see if they will settle for the Pact's original goal...or if they will look for something more than simply destruction." "And Gale, yes. It was amazing. With all the disruption of the army, and with Vain's authority, I was able to take his power and use it for my benefit in the army. But...I could have chosen differently. I could have deliberately made everything grind to a halt, caused illness to run rampant throughout the army. Starvation and disease. Instead, I cared for them as best I could, and weakened their resolve to fight, binding them to me instead of Glorious. Should I have done so? Should I have weakened them instead as best I could?" Pearl nods to Silk, "And well I know. You and I share the same role. Silent, unnoticed death. THe dealing of information, bureaucracy, altering things behind the scenes, wearing false faces even to our friends, until only those utterly closest to us konw the truth...."
Bright Journey	Bright leans back, still thinking. Her expression is serious still, but not quite as dark as it was. "Now...that, at least, is something I can work with you on, Pearl. While I'm capable in combat, the truth is my calling is more about bringing people together, not tearing them apart. That's why I haven't seriously done anything yet with anyone from the Realm--the Wyld Hunt gets in the way of all of that. It will be -very- nice if we could convince even a few of them that we're not baby-killing monsters." She rolls her eyes and groans. "Actually, Fudou, it's funny we should mention the Silver Pact now. You see...there was a time when I was asking to meet with one of your elders and you were unable to do it. Now that we have actually ended a real threat to another place, perhaps they will be more willing to see the benefits of cooperation. You would know better than I who would be more willing to listen. The term Silver Pact did come up later, but...the word 'pact' means an agreement among the Lunar Exalted, correct? The name is somewhat on the nose."
Fudou the Mountain	Oops. It seems that Fudou has gotten more comfortable with those present then he first allowed himself to beleive. A few seasons ago he would have been so loose lipped but now. "Hrm. I suppose I had assumed Rishi or Hoarfrost would have already said more but I guess it doesn't matter. Think of it like this.. where Solars and Outcast Dragonblood must often walk alone until they find companions, and The Realm possesses a strict formation and level of hierarchy.. The Silver Pact is in the middle. It's a loosely formed society scattered throughout Creation. There is a community and a purpose which is to to drown the Realm in silver light and its own blood..but..individually Lunars work as they see fit.." He pauses as he listens to Bright and then mmms and nods somewhat, "..Well..in truth there are leaders, philosphers, luminaries...those who have risen to high heights or are ancients from the elder days. Mentors and teachers who we call Shahan-Ya who are adherents learn from and follow their ways. Yes, you have clout now true enough but it depends on what you ultimately want. What Raksi the Witch Queen will entertain is different from what Ma Ha Suchi may desire. It's not impossible but I would have to pass the word on. I don't have a Shahan-Ya that I specifically follow but my exploits aren't unknown. Still, there must be a purpose to such a meeting and it might require much travel."
Silk Moon Lotus	Silk appears to be mullified with the direction of the conversation. "I agree with Bright, we will have to keep our true selves hidden until such a time as we can talk to people who will actually listen to us instead of trying to kill us outright. The Wyld hunt will definitely be a challenge for us to get past. Perhaps if we can befriend more of the Children of the Dragons we may be able to get an audience with a house leader. "So the Silver Pact is just a group of Lunars that help each other out for different reasons. That makes a lot of sense." Silk take a drink from her forgotten glass and grabs more of what she has been eating. "I'll get my sources looking for tombs and such nearby in case we want to go tomb delving."
Black Pearl	"I have to write to my own House Leader about what is happening here, with me, my friends, and others of our House in the area. But if that goes well, and if I can go with Rishi--or Fudou?--to meet some in the Pact...well, tehre are possibilities. The only question is whether it will be credbile power, credible enough that the Leader will listen to me."
Bright Journey	Bright stands up as people are still talking, and pours herself another glass of white wine from the carafe. "Pearl," she replies, "please understand that we're putting a lot of trust in you here. I recognize that you put yourself in a -lot- of danger with Glorious' army, and I know you and Amethyst had some sort of supernatural sisterly moment there..." She smiles faintly, a sure sign she knows more but is not saying everything. "...but still, I ask that you err on the side of caution. I'm sure it's no shock to the Realm that there are Exalted in Great Forks, but if they knew how many of us are here and working together..." She shrugs, though the nonchalance doesn't extend to her eyes. "Let's just say we could not only cause trouble for ourselves, but they might do something that would attract the attention of the Powers That Be here in the city. We have so far gone to great lengths to not upset them or get in their way." She sighs a bit and swirls her wine idly.
Silk Moon Lotus	Silk follows Bright's example and heads to the sideboard to refresh her drink as well. "We have been very quiet in the city for the most part, haven't we?" She smiles at Bright. She turns to Black Pearl as she walks back to her seat. "How soon will you be sending a message back to your house? This message you are sending is a report of activity in the area then? I'm sure the Lunars will be cautious in dealing with any member of a Dynastic family no matter how trustworthy. I would expect any type of agreement to take months if not longer."
Fudou the Mountain	With talk of the SIlver Pact seemingly moving on, Fudou simply shrugs. He seems disinterested in the concerns for caution regarding The Realm..at least outwardly. He is a Lunar after all and they have their ways and tactics. "So then." he looks to Bright, "I need a favor from you..concerning the ones we so eagerly put our lives and well being on the line for in the name of friendship with Amethyst.." He inclines his head and then adds, "As to the Silver Pact..if you wish I can make an effort but you'll have to tell me more about exactly what you want to do so I don't send you into an audience with someone who enjoys mortal flesh seasoned just right as part of their diet."
Black Pearl	Black Pearl smiles slightly. "Of course the Realm knows some of what's going on here, and not all of it, and I should know." She takes in a deep breath, "As far as the message goes, it would mention that I have powerful allies who might be able to use influence with others on the House's behalf...but only towards a particular goal. Not just the House gaiing power, but towards certain ends. And I am not sure if they will agree or not," Black Pearl says. "And it will be a report--a selectively edited one. Fortunately, I am one to be believed in both my personal and professional capacity." She takes in a deep breath, "I have discussed this with Ametis before, and more recently with Rishi, but you have put trust in me. And this is information worth at least my life..." She tkaes in a deep breath, "You all know me as Cynis Salara, and assume that I am sending information back to the Realm. THis is...not inaccurate, but...incomplete." The Water exalt looks from one to the other, and then says softly, "Less important, I am the head of the All-Seeing Eye in and around Great Forks. More important...I am not truly a Cynis. I am truly Iselsi Salara." She loks at the others, "I do not know how much you know about the Houses, but if you wish, I will be gald to make everything...clearer...another time.
Bright Journey	Bright Journey gives Silk a quick and knowing grin before glancing sidelong at Fudou for a long moment. She takes another sip of wine, thinking carefully. "Fudou...I'm happy to listen, but I am not going to agree to anything before knowing what you need from me. I assume this has something to do with this 'oathchild', right? I fear I don't know enough about Fae magics to really be sure of the implications." Bright listens carefully to Pearl's every word. Obviously, Pearl considers everything she's saying a major revelation, though Bright tries to keep an even keel reaction-wise, hopefully guarding her opinions on the matter close to the vest. She listens to everything Pearl says, then chooses her words carefully. "Pearl...please rest assured I will keep your secrets as long as you keep ours. We all have something to lose. Let me ask this, though: Do they have any reason to suspect? If not, let us at least keep them as in the dark as we are." She chuckles quietly.
Silk Moon Lotus	Silk smiles broadly at the information that Pearl has been misleading everyone with pretending to be from a different house. "I do love a good disguise. A plausible lie is always better than an outlandish one. To top it off, you have a better spy network than I do. I am very pleased." Silk sits back down in her chair and takes a couple of bites. "Station master of the All Seeing Eye is impressive. That would explain part of why no one has come looking for us."
Fudou the Mountain	This draws a mixed sort of bemused..growl? Fudou seems displeased with Bright yet can't fault her caution it seems. Either way he's not entirely happy as he retorts: "So you would have me risk my reputation and trust to arrange a meeting with a Shahan Ya of your choosing but meanwhile as I ask a favor related to a situation I put my own life and well being on the line for to help a cause we were all jointly linked to...I get a speech about caution and uncertainity? A simple 'I'll do what I can if I can' would have been more friendly sounding..Bright Journey." Arms folded now, mode slightly more cross he nods his head a few times as if calculating matters before saying, "I want to be sure that Elderloch does not violate the terms of the argeement I made to save -their- lives. I don't care about the Oathchild. I have no intention of going back on my word and General Gale is a powerful ally who will help -us- if I say for him to. But an errant spear shot from some ambitious denizen of Elderloch could ruin that and I"d rather not resort to having to threaten them to leave him alone. I was hoping your skills could be used."
Black Pearl	"There is an Iselsi Elder over in Greyfalls, though he is not the Eldest of the family, who is already working with others chosen of Sun or Moon. What /he/ has written to the family head, I don't know. The thing is..." She looks between Bright and Fudou, "I have heard that the Pact wishes the Realm destroyed. Well and good. Because our House has been betrayed and shattered, we wish the other Houses destroyed if possible." She pauses a moment. "But." "What if...a candidate for the throne would seek to break--or at least change--the Immaculates? What if she would work towards reconciliation with others? What if...the price for the throne would be working for the Sun and the Moon, being the face of others behind the throne?" She shrugs, "If both the House and the Pact do not agree to it, well, the best way to utterly destroy the realm is still to back our House so that the Vendetta is complete. In such a case, I stay out as far away from the Realm as possible and try to do my best with the friends I have. But otherwise...we can try for something so much greater..."
Bright Journey	Bright frowns deeply, swirling the wine in her glass. Clearly she's not happy, but still, the wheels are turning. She takes another sip and turns, first to Fudou. "Asking to hear what someone wants before agreeing to it is hardly asking too much, Fudou. I told you what I wanted and I don't think it unreasonable to expect the same courtesy in return. That said, I think we can work something out." She smiles briefly. "Even if I'm not thrilled about getting salt water in my hair again. In all seriousness, though, it sounds like the most important thing is making sure -they- understand how important it is to keep the peace, and the consequences of failure. If there's one thing I'm good at, it's showing someone else my point of view." She nibbles on a hors d'oeuvre and looks Fudou square in the eye. "As for what I need, I did -not- ask for a particular shahan-ya because I don't know who any of them are. All I wanted was the one most likely to listen, and I think we can both agree that's in all our best interests, ne? You mentioned a couple names, but just the names are essentially meaningless without context." At this point, Bright turns and listens to Pearl...very carefully. "If the Silver Pact wants the Realm destroyed..." She sighs. "I don't know if that's the best or second best outcome. Certainly, it cannot stay the same if we are to have a hope of survival. But whether it would be better to wipe out the Realm like they did the Shogunate, or rebuild it with a more Sun-and-Moon friendly outlook? I'm not sure I know enough about Realm politics to be able to answer that question. In fact, scratch that--I know I don't. What I do know is -going for the throne yourself- is insanely ambitious, almost absurdly so. Doesn't everyone else vying for it have legions at their back?"
Silk Moon Lotus	"Did you say Break the Immaculates?!?" Silk's eyes light up with almost a fever glow. "I would like nothing better than to see them all burn for the lies that have been propigating for the last seven hundred years or so." Silk thinks over what Bright just said. "So, the Realm as it stands will never accept a Lunar or Solar leader. The Immaculate order has taught the entire Realm that we are worse than demons and should be killed on site. The best we could hope for is a war, one in which we get at least one house or Lookshy to side with us and help them win. Then try for some kind of council that has members from different factions so as to maintain some kind of balance."
Fudou the Mountain	This seems to satisfy the behemoth of a lunar. Including Bright looking briefly unhappy. It's the small things in life. "Well then.." he rumbles, "That was all I needed to hear. And I am open to suggestions regarding Elderloch. If you don't -have- to get salt water in your hair again then perhaps a simple message is enough? You are the expert. I leave it to you. That's why I wanted to ask you for your help! I thought you'd at least be proud of me for settling the issue with Gale with words instead of violence though. I'm taking after you!" There is amused sarcasm there but it's true though it was perhaps more the use of wits over diplomatic savvy that enabled him to end up binding Gale to him by an oath. "His eyes flicker briefly over to the other conversation though as Silk speaks up and his ears perk slightly as he looks between the other two. "Hrm..there are many among the Pact that would well agree to a plan that dealt with the Immaculate Order. You would find many allies for that purpose if they felt you trustworthy which..brings me back to the other point. That is why I asked -what- you wanted Bright Journey." He looks back to her again, "If you tell me a message and an intention then I can offer you ideas. That'd be easier then me rolling off alist of Shahan-ya I know of. The names I gave you was an example to descirbe how they may wildly differ and have aims..that are not easily understood by those who aren't Lunars." He considers matters and then says, "You must understand that within Lunar domains their interests and goals may not necessarily align with what you consider civilized but that doesn't mean we can't find common ground. So what is it you want? To declare yourselves as guardians against threats from beyond Creation? To seek its rulership? To destroy the Realm? What?"
Black Pearl	"Of course it is, but even before our betrayal, Iselsi was the secret police. The all-seeying eye. Assassins and blackmailers," Pearl replies to Bright. "Afterwards, well...we are still all these things, but no-one thinks we exist anymore. We are spread throughout all the other Houses, under other names, but...loyal to each other. But just as I stole Glorious's army, other Iselsis could steal the ohter Houses' Legions. Decapitate House Leadership. Cause chaos. So yes, ambitious--but the current goal even of our House is to destroy the others that betraoyed us. If we can do more..." Silk gets a nod. "This is true. It will need one of the Dragons' chosen at least as a face on the throne, but a friendly face--one that will turn things to the truth instead of lies and power...it is worth a chance to try for." "Fudou, Rishi was thinking we sould travel to someone she knows. As for what I want...I want the Realm in order to break the hold of the Immaculates, and start reconciling to Solar and Lunar both. If they do not trust that, or will not agree, my House wants to dstroy all others, which would destroy the Realm, and so supporting us will hasten that goal if they will not think that the throne in the hands of a friend could work."
Bright Journey	Bright Journey quietly laughs behind her hand, but the smile is there too, and this time it reaches her eyes. "Offhand, I'd say if everyone we're talking about, plus ourselves took a vote it'd be overwhelmingly to turn the Imperial Mountain into a smoking crater. I think I'm the only one against! But...it sounds like the Realm has made more enemies than I thought, and I think we can work on that basis. I suggest we split up, since we seem to be discussing two separate but related things. Fudou, I can come with you back to Elderloch in the next couple days and have a chat with the leadership there. I'm sure they'll listen to me with or without Amethyst. Silk, maybe you and Pearl should talk? I admit your sneaky sneaky is a bit out of my league." She grins and has a swig of wine. "In any case, before we do anything, let's have a toast. As teeth-grindingly serious as this conversation has been, today is a day of celebration, and we shouldn't forget that fact. "To victory!"