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Fudou the Mountain	Massive towering trees, large rocky outcroppings and boulders. Remnants of some long forgotten fortress of some vanished kingdom or anothe.. Far enough away from Great Forks and enough off the beaten path to be usually ignored and emptied yet close enough to not be too much of a hike or irritant for those who are looking for a place to journey to and seek some quiet away from the noise and fanfare of the distant city. Perhaps, once upon a time, it was home to bandits or some other group of vagabonds seeking a place of shelter and to be able to store their goods and waylay travellers on the roads just over the horizon. If so, they've been long routed..perhaps by the very individual who currently lounges in the shadow of half broken watch tower, resting against lump of grass of dirt and grass and his feet propped up on a boulder nearby. It's not the most elegant way of 'roughing it outdoors' or 'sunning' so to speak, but it seems as good a place to rest and wait as any for one Fudou the Mountain. And so wait he does for the results of the messages he'd sent to bear fruit and for those summoned to join him.
Bright Journey	In the distance, one can hear the great whooshing sound of an incoming whirlwind, slowly building...but suddenly stopping before really reaching a crescendo...or reaching the ruins. Perhaps ten minutes afterwards, Bright Journey steps out from a curve in the path, bedecked in her orichalcum armor as she makes her way down the almost completely overgrown path to the ruins. It's almost unfair that there's nary a speck of road dust nor a hair out of place. Once she's in speaking range, she offers Fudou a warm smile and speaks quietly. It's not clear why; not as if there's many others to overhear around here. "Hm," she says, looking curiously around. "A bit off the beaten path, to be sure, but I kind of like it. I'm pretty sure I've never heard of this place, and that's as good a reason as any to meet here. How are you doing, Fudou?"
Tiziri	A falcon circles above long enough to seem to be hunting. Over and over, just circling. Before suddenly something catches its attention and the avian stoops to dive down at whatever! All too quickly it is behind the horizon of the treeline and disappeared. That's when more time goes by. And walking out with a careless saunter is Tiziri, her spear draped across her shoulders like a yolk and her steps careless, like being out in the middle of nowhere, the sort of place Bandits might ambush, is no concern at all for her. Truly, she seems a far too lackadiasial bum all things considered. Though looking towards Bright Journey she says, "Off the beaten path? You might not understand our kind much." She giggles almost musically.
Fudou the Mountain	"Oh..don't underestimate this one." answers Fudou to Tiziri's giggling tease. Bright Journey has surrounded herself with eccentric lunars and shifty shapeshifters and trickster giants. She understands us well!" He grins as he speaks, looking amused as his massive hands gestures from Tiziri to Bright and back again. " ...Including that ones understanding of us must be quick to change just as we are quick to change!" The giant rolls forward and then sits up , bringing his huge leg down and leaning forward to drape a gigantic heavy arm across it. "I don't know much of this place. I just found it one day and thought it'd be a good place to figut our new friend as she so insists.." He gestures absently to indicate the various fallen pieces of stone, collapsed structures. Ammo. "She seems rather insistent on it so who am I to deny her."
Bright Journey	"In all fairness," Bright replies, "I may not be the master of the wild places that you all are, but it's hardly my first trek through the woods." She chuckles. "I'm a bit less likely to have to -run- from bandits and bears, though, I admit. And that's a nice one, Fudou! Sounds like your wordplay has enjoyed a quick change, too, has it not?" She turns to Tiziri as she arrives, and Bright looks around for a nice, not too dirty stone to have a seat on. "Well, if you're looking to get into a knock down, drag out fight with her, this looks like an amusing place, I agree. The dojo is flat and featureless...and to be fair, with your size, I remember you having trouble really letting loose. This doesn't have anything that you want to keep, assuming you're good with everything hurting full force out here." "So. Let me get the big obvious question out of the way first, and the curiosity has been burning a hole in my noggin for days now." She grins for a second, but turns sober again as she asks, "Is she a demon?"
Tiziri	"If there's one thing I don't do? It's underestimate." Tiziri says. "Too dangerous. Anyone can turn out to be far more than appeared." She shrugs. "Or far less." She giggles. "So yes, that's it. Never underestimate. Better to expect more and be wrong than to underestimate and die." She shrugs all too nonchalantly. Looking around Tiziri says, "It really is a shame to destroy a place like this. I love ruins. The wonderful feeling age to it, the gravitas! It's amazing." She looks between Bright Journey and Fudou then before finally saying, "Honestly I'd have gone with the open, flat plains. Unless you're worrie that could disadvantage you. But yeah."
Fudou the Mountain	"Oooh..I've always been charmin', luv. I'm still your back alley, bruiser, brawler.. But I have to confess that being around some of you has rubbed off on me...at least a little." notes Fudou. He blinks a little in thought as he hears Tiziri but seems to table any response to her suggestion on a battlefield to turn to look at Bright. There is a moment of contemplation and then he shakes his head. "No." This is accompanied by a frown as he sobers up as well. "She is not. She spoke of multiple demon lords being connected to her.. I suppose in a way like we are to Luna and Sol but..she said she does not serve them. She's masterless." Fudou rubs his jaw and then rumbles, "Raullaur mentioned there was another he knew who said something similar as well. They have the powers of hell but I think they are of Creation." There's a pause as he scratches at his light beard and then he asks TIziri, as if doing so before he forgets, "Why an open flat plain?"
Bright Journey	Bright Journey looks thoughtful for a moment, but the consternated look she adopts makes it clear she's drawing a blank. "A...huh. A 'demon Exalted'? Chosen of Demon Lords?' Not sure I see it, to be honest, and I kinow I've never heard of anything like that before. But, well, it's a big Creation." She pauses, looking off into the middle distance. "And a bigger -not- Creation, come to think of it." She looks at Fudou and Tiziri and grins again. "See, Tiziri can get away with asking that, 'cause she doesn't know how I fight. But Fudou, we've squared off before. You know I'm -much- better off on an open, flat plain than in this place. The further the better."
Tepet Makara	Makara arrives although with a new set of "jade" armor for those who haven't seen it before, but those with him from the shadowland know what it really is. "Hello there and who are you talking about?" He inquires curiously. "oh about the demon exalted again? they are still an enigma for me that I have to be wary of like the ones that supposedly manipulate fate"
Tiziri	"The most important part is never being caught flat footed. To be capable in the open or the closed." Tiziri says. And indeed, the short girl with the blue hair and the spear seems all too confident about this little fact, right down to the impish little grin on her face. A deep breath follows it and a more sober expression takes over, even as she reaches down to her hip to unsling a jar from it and uncorking it, take a swing. "That being said? I believe Fudou. There's some problems. Concerns. Some I know think it is worth investigating. And far too many have seen it." She says as well. Tiziri looks over as Makara arrives, looking quite straight at him, curious, but staying silent all the same. Another swig is taken from her jar of wine then. "So, annnnyways. I do think it is important. Far too many coincidences, chance encounters, others who have seen it for it to be rumor. No, I sense crisis."
Fudou the Mountain	"Hmm." Fudou considers their words and then concedes, "Well indeed it is ideal to be capable in both scenarios but some specialization exists. Few are those who have all of it mastered but.." He then blinks, any additional comment on that front dying on his lips as Makara arrives and he actually..does not look especially pleased at the intrusion. "Perhaps next time a more secret location is necessary. Or maybe I was too obvious when I left Great Forks. This was dinner for three.." That said, he doesn't seem inclined to try and run the other lunar off. though he does straighten up slightly and frowns, not knowing how Bright may react.
Bright Journey	Bright can only shrug helplessly and smile. "Well, I certainly am not in a position to complain about anyone else over-specializing. I have my talents, but I'm not really focused on more than one style of combat. It's served me well, as Fudou can attest." As Makara arrives, practically from nowhere, Bright raises one fine pink eyebrow in his direction. Not hostile, but pointedly curious, until Fudou's reaction shows the truth of the situation. "Huh. Speaking of people who can attest to my skill. Makara, what brought you out all this way? How did you know...?" She sighs. "Never mind. I -did- use a pretty obvious spell when I was leaving, just one I didn't expect anyone to be fast enough to follow. Still, we shouldn't be distracted from the matter at hand. And if you've heard about these demon Exalted before too, then I'm all ears." Bright pauses, looking meaningfully at everyone in turn, ending at Tiziri. "Tiziri, I can't help but agree. I'm not saying your friend has anything to do with it herself, necessarily, but just going from nothing to a bunch of sightings goes far beyond coincidence. I'm inclined to look into this on my own. Fudou, were you there when we dealt with the Anuhle infestation a year or so ago? I can't remember."
Tepet Makara	"Ah sorry for intrusion, just a bit curious on the topic of those strange exalted. I haven't meet one myself yet although I once heard this "Mantra" champion having been in Pearl's chateau once. Speaking of Mantra, did you have chances to interact her? Was wondering if she gave any more info about other exalted like her"
Tiziri	"Exactly. If they truly are of Hell? Then that's a problem. A very big problem." Tiziri says gravely, no attempt to hide her thoughts on it. "If they aren't? Well, they're still a problem. Because they're overt enough to attract attention." The word attention has a special emphasis placed upon it. Tiziri ends up looking towards Makara then, pursing her lips thoughtfully. "I just know I'm of the opinion we should be savage about it. They're too bold, whatever their origin. They are too likely to make certain powers call in their full forces despite the city's guardians. That's bad for all of us."
Fudou the Mountain	The massive lunar just sort of eyes Makara with mild frown but then as Bright speaks..he antics and turns, looking on in surprise at realizing that the two actually know each other. Fudou's demeanor changes just like that. He's all for it, it seems. "No." he answers Makara, "Not more then what I'd already told you. We've yet to have our little match although she's still eager for it." He chin taps and then says to answer Bright, "As to that incident? Yes. I was going to bring that up." Fudou leans forward again, resting his great figure very heavily upon a bent knee , "Yes.." he says in agreement with Tiziri, "I think the same. At least...learning of their limits and what impact their magicks and sorcery and martial arts may have upon us and the world. Ignoring this could get things out of hand.. What if more show up?" He waves his hand as if to shove that all aside, "However..that wasn't entirely why I wanted you two..to come out here with me." he indicates TIziri and Bright Journey, "I know there's much gossip to have but lest too much time pass I want to discuss something." he pauses and then says, "..About Raksi?" He glances to TIziri as he name drops the Queen of Fangs.
Bright Journey	Bright is listening carefully, of course, but she slowly nods in appreciation as Fudou talks about testing the demon Exalted's powers. "I'm glad to hear you say that, Fudou," she replies. "I mean, don't get me wrong. I've been known to spar just for fun, too, you know! But this sounds like an amazing chance to actually get an idea of what they're capable of, up close, personal, and informative. You, or possibly Raullaur, are the perfect choices for them to fight, too. You're both tough. "That goes hand in hand with the Anuhle infestation. For those who don't know, Anuhle are large, dangerous demon spiders. Fudou and I were part of a group that tracked down a series of murders to a den full of them...and an ancient portal to Malfeas itself. We disabled the portal, but I'm anxious to check and make sure it's -stayed- disabled, given what we know now. And while I'm -much- more capable now than I was then, going alone is still probably not a great idea." Bright pauses in deep thought at the mention of the name. "Raksi. I know nothing -about- Raksi...but I've heard the name. I know it. Someone mentioned it to me and then shut up. But I can't remember who."
Tepet Makara	"There is a portal leading to Malfeas somewhere in Great Forks itself? Hope no one else knows about it since it may lead to it being exploited by those with unsavory intentions. We don't want to turn Great Forks into another Thorns but burns with the light of the Viridian Sun after all" Makara comments regarding what he heard. Although he is not affiliated with the pact, Makara recalls in some rumors from Far Eastern merchants and texts about a Lunar queen deep in Sextis Jylis's direction. "Ah her, I heard she's a great sorceress thanks to something she wields. I once heard of tales from those that visit Ixcoatli"
Tiziri	"A powerful sorceress." Tiziri says. "Possibly the most powerful. Certainly the most knowledgeable, and most skilled. Older than the Shogunate. One of those who fixed our Castes." She muses matter of factly. Then she smiles, a smile that seems almost a bit unhinged. "The Queen of Fangs. The ruler of the Thousand Fangs Control Zone. She will test you. Show you all you know is wrong." Tiziri actually shivers. "A worthy teacher, a horrible enemy, and a terrifying person." A pause and her head tilts almost in an avian way to the side. "Do you like baby? Because I hope you like it. She'll probably serve it." She giggles and sounds very unhinged, unnerved, even worried. Taking a deep breath and looking more sober... at least until she takes another long draught from her jar of wine, Tiziri looks towards Makara worriedly. Another draught follows, seemingly finished the jar as Tiziri throws it to the ground to shatter and no real excess liquid is spilled.
Fudou the Mountain	"There aer no. Safe. Shahan-Ya's.." says Fudou, deep voice rumbling with heavy bass and vibrating intensity on each word there.. Lifting a finger up and dropping it on each word given as he looks dead at Bright, seeking to make eye contact with her. "You asked me. I told you back then that you needed more power. More clout. You wanted to unify, to learn, to seek them out. You are powerful and have what you need. YOu are a sorceress. Raksi is the most powerful sorceress in Creation. She may have insight on Hell's Chosen as well but...there will be a price to visit her and to visit -any- of the old ones." He doesn't seem particularly unnerved by Tizxiri though he does glance at her and then back to Bright. "You can decide for yourself. If Tiziri is willing then I can help her try and arrange a visit if you dare the challenge. If not then...we'll have to try someone else.."
Bright Journey	For a long, sober moment, Bright stands still. She looks at Fudou, studying his face carefully as the wheels clearly turn in her mind. After that long, pregnant pause, she responds. Her voice is slow, but firm. Full of conviction. "You know my goal by now, right, Fudou? I don't volunteer it, usually, but most people I know figure it out soon enough. I want--no, I dream of unity. What I don't think I ever told anyone was why. Here, now, though...I think it's the only thing to say." When I was young, things....happened. Lost my mum, ran from home. I was lost. I..." She sighs. "I really shouldn't get into everything. It wasn't my finest hour. But I shouted out to the heavens to either make use of me or let me die. I shouted...and something whispered back. I had power....and meaning and purpose. "I have to bring the Exalted together--everyone who loves Creation, and stand them shoulder to shoulder against the darkness. I am only alive here today because I have an impossible task ahead of me. And what you just said, Fudou, makes it a little less impossible. Would I have preferred someone I could just...I don't know, sit with over a cup of tea and talk about the preservation of Creation? Sure. But I suppose they don't call us Exalted because we get the easy jobs." Bright gets a fond smile for a moment. "Meeting other Lunars is an ulterior motive, too, of course. That's a bit more personal, no offense."
Tepet Makara	"And I thought the Black Lion from the Caul was terrifying enough. But Fudou has a point since even the peaceful shahanyas can be dangerous like the one that guard Skandhar Bhal known as Varnamaithri. The one that tattooed me back in the North was an adherent of him and speaks of his combat prowess before he went to live a monastic life." Makara comments but then turns his attention to the others. "If you intend to visit this shahanya, I'll aid you when it comes to visiting her city....mostly to return to favor for the others here" He says with resolve and directed to those that helped him with his past in the shadowland.
Tiziri	Tiziri looks to Fudou, a strange look on her face, but she ends up just nodding to it. "He's right. I've met more than a few when they visited Raksi, or I accompanied her to other meets." She says. "Every one is someone old. Powerful. Who has seen more than any of us combined. Think to your dreams of the past, to the moments of you Zenith, and you are part way there." Tiziri takes another deep breath and says, "I'm not even kidding about the babies. I never asked if they were real." She says gravely. "Raksi likes to test her supplicants. her visitors. She KNOWS she is a Queen. She KNOWS she is amazing. And she's right." She giggles. then takes a deep breath and just looks sober again. "Meeting Raksi might not be the best way to unite. She is an Elder. This is not to say she is set in her ways, it is to say she is not someone who thinks like us. I think you need to prove first, then you may gain her backing. Going to her first? It won't work. You risk falling into her web. I say this as one of her students, one she reveals more to than most." Tiziri looks to Makara then. "I know of him. I've yet to meet. But I am curious." She pauses a moment, "Raksi has... feelings on him too. I'll say though? Raksi encourages me to have my own feelings. Make my own decisions. So there's that. I don't know what I feel, I've yet to meet him. I'm VERY curious about the Pilgrimage there. The Caul is sacred to our kind too, and I would love to be the first of us to complete it."
Fudou the Mountain	The huge lunar is silent for a moment, listening carefuly to Bright and then nodding his head thoughtfully as she finishes. He then glances to Tiziri and he nods his head once more but he frowns lightly and then says, lifting a hand up and pointing to Bright Journey as he addresses Tiziri, "I think she can do it. Gain Raksi's attention, that is. Impress her enough to begin to move in a certain way or to at least consider it. Bright Journey has something we do not.. She is part of a change in this era and I believe many Shahan-Ya's could be curious regarding that. She's a Solar Exalted. A sorceress at that.. I think we can prepare her to meet Raksi."
Bright Journey	Bright listens carefully, absorbing all the wisdom the collection of Lunars has to share concerning Raksi. She nods solemnly, then blows her long pink hair out of her eyes. "Listen...I appreciate this. All of you. This will not be a simple task. But I think it's a critical one. And I think we'll fare a lot better if instead of going to meet this Raksi, hats in hand, we go to her already having plenty of useful information about the threats here. Not only to show we're capable, but that we're serious about stopping them. We might think about striking out to win victories against the Fae, the shadowlands, the demons. Certainly we should have news and information to share. "I am used to being the person in the room everyone listens to, frankly. I don't -have- to be, after all, they whole reason I am who I am is I make friends and influence people, sometimes without even trying. But this will be different, and I have never dealt with someone that ancient and powerful. But make no mistake...for the Journey that is my name sake to be complete? She won't be the last ancient, powerful being I will have to convince." She gives Tiziri a tiny little grin. "Also, I'm actually Eclipse. That's kind of where the diplomatic journey thing comes in. What it really means is I love to talk, though, obviously!" She giggles a bit, hand covering her mouth.
Tepet Makara	Makara turns to Tiziri regarding the Caul. "If you plan to someday, you will have to be careful. There is a holy war between the Black Lion's forces and the Realm. I was originally assigned in Faxai but my mentor told me to change my post as it's risky. If there are other lunars like us interested, I may accompany you but it's a long journey since it's far in the West" Makara nods to Tiziri in case she plans to have a pilgrimage there. Even if Raksi is infamous, I hope she listens to reason once we talk to her. I'll do the best I can once you indeed plan to journey towards her city"
Tiziri	Tiziri looks to Fudou and looks extremely serious. "I'm not so sure. The return of our Mates is one thing." She says somberly. "But until they prove they are the shining examples they once were. I'm not sure. Raksi was young when they fell. But she remembers what they once were." She pauses for effect. "The good and the bad." She looks between them all then. "I can understand, I am the Ardent Vagabond after all, I do appreciate a journey." This said directly to Bright Journey. "Prove yourself. Help prove you're here to change for good. Build your legend. Keep bringing us in, change for the best. That's how you win Her support." Then she purses her lips a bit and goes on, "Honestly, I feel others may be easier wins. The Black Lion of the Caul - I would happily consider traveling there with you! Some of the others. Raksi is... Raksi. But yes, there are Shahan-ya who will be especially valuable. Just if you do go to Raksi, remember, it will be one of the hardest wins, perhaps the hardest of all." Finally Tiziri says, "Oh, eventually. But there's a lot of Creation to see. I'll be there when I'm there. And when I am? I'll help change things." She giggles. "I am a Sorceress and another Lunar after all. But that's in the future."