Log View

Source	Contents
Bright Journey	Alas, the day is a good deal less sunny than yesterday, overcast but not yet drizzly. At least it's cool! And the streets are not jam-packed with people, now that it's the afternoon. It's not quite quitting time for the working folk, and the Arena action is surely drawing some of the crowds away in the otherwise popular Temple District. Perhaps it's just as well, then, that Bright has chosen a nice open-air spot for their meeting. A public garden area just off the busiest streets, quite nicely maintained if not quite to the impeccable standards Bright has for herself. She's sitting, legs crossed, on a park bench. Her multicolored eyes are looking this way and that, belying the attempt at calm poise as she's actively looking at every pedestrian coming into view.
Wandering Tree	Wandering Tree comes into view, easily spotted towering over the crowds around him. He smiles as he spots Bright Journey and turns his feet in her direction, this time much more careful about the people in his path. He is dressed as simply as usual in a tunic and short breeches, bearing no weapons but carrying himself with an easy confidence of someone that doesn't need any. He stops a few paces from Bright's bench, and gives her a small bow of greeting. His eyes play over the bench, judging its ability to bear his weight out of long habit. "Hey, you with the bow. It's very nice to see you again."
Raullaur	The tall lionman enters the park as well. Not as tall as the Tree, but still taller than most. Still casual today, the linen shirt and pants he wears are unbleached. No visible weaponry or armor, but with the similar ease and confidence of one not needing it at all. When he sees the other two, he starts to walk over, and gives a courteous warm nod. "Hello, and greetings to you both!" Eyes gleam and his lips curl back in a slight grin.
Bright Journey	Bright's not actually a short girl at 5'8, but as she stands up and offers both Tree and Raul greetings, she still manages to look dainty next to them. Her smile is as dazzling today as it was hesitant a couple days ago, though, and she gestures to the benches sitting around. They're stone and more than capable of handling significant weight. "Please, sit down, both of you. Thanks for coming! I realize a restaurant might have been a more convenient place, and we can go get food later if you two like. But aside from being a much more attractive place here, I wanted to avoid some of the more...well, -nosy- people. We do have a few significant things to talk about, after all." She pauses, a bit of a blush creeping over the bridge of her nose. "Mmmm...well, I haven't actually shown you my bow yet, have I, Tree? You might recognize it..." She pauses, a fond faraway smile appearing for a moment. "You once gave it to me, after all. Long, long ago. Mind you, I think I might have been more of a healer then than I am now, but still...Nightbane has served me very, very well. Raul can attest to that."
Wandering Tree	Wandering Tree settles himself onto the bench carefully, choosing to sit over the legs just to be on the safe side. He rests his hands onto his knees, after a brief awkward moment of not being sure what to do with them and thinking about it much too hard. His own smile does brighten several degrees as Bright's lights up the area. "Ah, no, I have not seen it yet. Although I feel that I would recognize it if I did lay eyes on it. I was just remembering your rules about how to address you, and attempting a spot of humor. Then he looks up to Raul and gives a welcoming nod. "And hello again to you. I suppose if this Nightbane has impressed you in the past, then it must be a worthy weapon indeed."
Raullaur	Raul takes a seat himslf, moving easily and relaxing in a poised, calm position. The interplay makes his brows furrow in thought a moment, and then his eyes widen and ears stick straight up. "Does that mean--" He breaks off a moment, and then laughs. Loud, delighted laughs that last a bit before he calms down. "Oh, the bow is terrifying in the right hands--but it is the rare foe who would ever know for long. Most of them are cut down like grass. It is amazing to see." A last chuckle and then, more soberly he says, "Congratulations to the pair of you."
Bright Journey	Bright grins at Tree, but glances around a bit--there's not that many people around, but it's a far cry from 'no one'--so she subsides. "Eh, not here," she says. "I promise you'll get a chance to see my weapon and armor soon enough. I rather hope you will remember it, but if you don't it's not a reflection on you. I think we've both been surprised by how much doesn't change..." She chuckles at Raul's reaction. "Oh, dear, I didn't mean to be so cavalier about the reveal, but yes. I hope you'll forgive my rudeness. For the record, neither of us are really sure what it means to us..." She looks a bit diffident here. "...but there's naught but to talk and get to know each other. Right now we only just met, and this is the second time we have ever seen each other, so I don't want to make it sound like we have a relationship that's...not there. Or not yet there." She shrugs elaborately. "We'll figure it out in time. For now, though, I'm glad for the opportunity to introduce you two." "Tree, this is by way of me showing you some of my friends and acquaintances. We're honestly a whole pack of crazy," She laughs here. "...but I hope you'll agree we're good people anyway. It's just as well, though, since I know several of your brethren, and you should meet them sooner rather than later. I'm sure there's things they can help you with that I can't. For the record, though, Raullaur here is one of my brethren, a stalwart warrior, protector, and leader of a tribe that helps to defend Great Forks. Raullaur, this is Wandering Tree..." Oh, that blush is creeping up again! "...my Lunar mate."
Wandering Tree	Wandering Tree's own cheeks get some color in them as Bright speaks, but shifts his focus back to Raul at the introduction. "Yes, we spoke the other day a bit, but it's nice to know that the two of you are also friends. And as she said, no rudeness is intended. Our history, and the present... Well, it's something we're having to figure out. While I am here though it wouldn't be proper for me to stay idle, if assistance is needed in the defense of the city. I am rather fond of it, after all, as well as..." Tree's eyes dart quickly in Bright's direction before he presses on. "The people here. So! You had mentioned hunters coming here, so let me know if I can be of assistance."
Raullaur	"I know you have been searching--maybe longer than I have. And that you have found each other gives me great hope that I shall succeed to, some day." The lion grins, and leans forward slightly, arms just a bit more open than most. "Well, we know the people running the tournament are collecting information on inhabitants of the city, and the tournament. And going to send reports. We aren't sure who's going to send it, or where. If they do, well, then we'd have a Hunt drawn somewhere to come here. So right now, it's definite murk. The kind where we know what we don't know, and are trying to figure out so that we know it. That's...handled by people more suited than I. I'd lead troops in battle--but if they're smart there won't /be/ a battle, will there?"
Bright Journey	"Well, I'm rather hoping there won't," Bright responds. "Make no mistake, though, I'm trying my best, and there's plans in the works. I know Silk intends to deceive him as an Immaculate monk, hopefully giving his information to us rather than the actual Realm. Fudou wants to intercept and destroy the Wyld Hunt if they appear. I was rather hoping we could deceive them, but you know how it is..." She sighs. "The Dreaming Sea all over again. Sometimes if you intend to protect the innocent fighting is the only way. And I've done my share, as Raullaur can also attest." She turns back to Tree, more serious now. "That all said, I want to make it clear that I consider myself more of a diplomat than a fighter. My goal is to bring people together--especially the various Exalted who want to see Creation live--not tear them apart. I'm making some progress, finally, but currently we're dealing with someone who basically knows something about us and wants to sell that information to the Wyld Hunt. So we're trying to track him down and stop him. We don't know who he is yet or whether he's already told them anything, but we'll figure it out. One of our best strengths is they don't really know how many of us there are, or how strong we are now." Bright gives Tree a big smile now, turning to him. "So! That brings you up to speed, and you just offered to help if you could. That would be lovely, but I'm honestly not sure what to ask you to do. You certainly look like a powerful warrior, but do you have any other talents? How strong would you say you are? Would you feel confident going up against a scale of soldiers and a few Dragon-Blooded leaders?"
Wandering Tree	Tree turns on the bench to face Bright more directly, nodding as he considers her goals and hopes. "I'm afraid I'd make a poor spy or investigator. If you wish to avoid a battle, I may be able make them think twice about starting one though. And it does occur to me that since I did not participate in the Arena, my presences may be unknown to them. But ultimately, yes. Realm sources have often found me to be a much larger problem than I first appeared to be. Much, much larger." Tree's grin widens, clearly amused by his own little joke. "But if you would prefer to avoid a battle, for the good of the city, I would be happy to follow your lead and seek a solution without one. If the Wyld Hunt does come though... They will have to pass through me to get to you."
Raullaur	"I haven't faught the Realm directly, but I would put my men against any unit of the same size--even royal guards--and expect to win, and win without much loss on my side. But I haven't faced units that have many of those who have drawn a second breath. It will be...interesting to see how that goes," Raullaur says.
Bright Journey	Bright grins alongside Tree, fully appreciating the humor. "Hah! Well, I'll take your word for it, Tree, and I look forward to seeing you in battle. Come to think of it, some of us used to spar on a regular basis. Thatr's fallen a bit by the wayside for a couple of reasons, but once the tournament is over I expect some of us will be interesting in starting up again. We should try that sometime...though be warned," She grins wickedly. "I may not be as -big-, but I can hold my own." As Tree professes his desire to protect Bright, she looks a bit more serious. She nods in acknowledgment. "And you know I appreciate that, Tree, and I will never abuse your protection to save my own skin. I will use it to support you and bring us both victory." Her voice is sober for a moment. "That said, Tree, I just thought of something. I was trying to not throw everything about me at you all at once, but since you mentioned protecting me, and I spoke of supporting you, it's only fair--and a good idea in a fight--for you to know what I'm capable of. Aside from being an archer and diplomat, I'm a sorceress of significant skill. Not the best that ever was," She smiles in self-deprecation. "But certainly better than many. That's why my eyes are all rainbow-like, by the way. Until I finally figured the trick out, my eyes had always been silver."
Wandering Tree	Tree's eyes widen noticeably at Bright's declaration, taking a deep breath. "That is rather impressive, I'd say. Even if you were Creation's worst sorceress, is there such a thing as an unimpressive sorcerer? I do not believe so. And I did not mean to imply that you were not capable. I admit that my gut instinct makes me want to volunteer for such, but it is clear that you are quite the potent hero yourself. But I would still be ashamed of myself if I did not offer and make the effort anyway." looks to Raullaur for a moment, giving him a somber nod. "I look forward to seeing your soldiers in battle someday, when their honor is needed on the field. Tree takes another breath, his face lighting a bit as he turns back to Bright. "Silver eyes, you said? That sounds like quite the sight as well, but I must say that your current appearance is very striking. I think the colors suit you well. Is the color of your hair also born of such matters?"
Raullaur	"And then you shall. Until then..." He thinks a moment, "You know, I could start scouting patrols throughout everywhere around, pick up rumors and possible early troop movement. I'll see what I can do to cut down on the number of men in garrison..." The pair get a smile, then. "If either of you need assistance, call. And as for your hair?" He frowns slightly, and then shrugs, "It is by no means the strangest color I've seen."
Bright Journey	At this, Bright smiles even wider. "Ah, Tree, don't for a moment think that you're irrelevant or superfluous just because I have some skill. You have to ask yourself--what is it I have skill -in-? Archery, diplomacy, sorcery...all good things to have on your team, of course, but what did I -not- say? Toe-to-toe melee. Don't get me wrong--I am more than capable of defending myself if attacked, but having someone there to watch my back is sometimes very important. I can do my best work when someone else can make sure I've got enough time without enemies in my face. If you can keep the slavering hordes off me long enough to get some protection for us both in place--and trust me, I have a winner or two in my grimoire I think you'll appreciate--that will help us both in the long run. Raullaur has done that for me before, but now I think we might wish to change that up some." Bright gives Raullaur a big grin. "You're appreciated too, make no mistake, but perhaps it's best if you be ready to protect another. Maybe a young female Lunar will come along, hmm?" She chuckles. "It'll happen one day. As for scouting, as long as the powers that be in Great Forks accept it, I think that might be a good idea. No need to ruffle their feathers, though, if they don't like it." Bright pauses, settling down on a bench and looking thoughtfully at Tree. "Hum. You know what? I'm not actually sure I've told anyone in Great Forks about my hair or eyes, and most of them knew me long before I became a sorceress. That's relatively recent, to be honest. Anyway, the silver eyes and pink hair were a sort of gift from my father. I don't really talk about him because I never knew him. Mum was from Nexus, you know, and had an affair with a fairly high ranking god there. I'm not sure who, exactly--she hated talking about it. But that's the hair and eyes. Probably skin, too, mum was...I don't want to say 'dusky', but certainly more tanned than I am. I'm technically god-blooded. It never meant anything, had nothing to do with my Second Breath. But the fallout from my birth was what made Mum have to close her clinic and move to a backwater village out in the middle of nowhere."
Wandering Tree	Tree settles back comfortably into the bench with an easy smile. "Yes, toe-to-toe, toe-to-neck, these things I can do well. But when you say it never meant anything, I'm not sure I believe that. It's a part of you, isn't it? And that matters, doesn't it? A shame if people were unkind to your mother, but I see no shame for you in it. Honestly, I find the combination... quite beautiful. Tree then looks away from Bright purposefully avoiding staring at her while having to react to that by focusing his gaze on Rallaur. "Ah, is there someone else out there linked to you? Something you've felt, or dreamed as well?"
Raullaur	"That makes sense. If you need to go to Nexus and find out more, well, I'm sure we can," Raullaur says with an easy grin. At Tree's question, he focuses on him, and nods. "There is hope I have. Faith perhaps. One of the moon-called here made talismans for both Bright and me, to give an indication of...direction? Something. About where one meant for us is. Maybe I just don't know how to...make sense of what I get. All I know is...alive. Somewhere closer than the Realm is....I think."
Bright Journey	Bright's cheeks flush again at the compliment--damn pale skin!--but she has to know what effect her looks will have on some people. Heck, there's a charm or two involved, so it's no accident. "I...well, let me put it this way. Mum never really told me a lot, but the impression I got was after they had an affair--and she was single, he was married--he had to get rid of us because I looked pretty obviously like him. He got hostile and was highly placed, she had to close up her lucrative clinic and leave. I grew up helping mum in her clinic in a tiny little village called Easthaven. So I learned some medicine, some hunting, but really I just...made friends and put people at ease." Bright pauses, gathering her thoughts. "Anyway. Maybe someday I'll try to find my father? But the truth is, what would I do if I ever did? I don't have much more to say to him than, 'sod you'. Maybe I'd tell his wife about him. But the truth is, if I needed Nexus to unify against some great threat, I don't -want- to burn bridges. Even ones that don't really exist." "As for the talisman..." She smiles brilliantly and reaches under her golden-colored choker to pull out a necklace from under her dress. She tugs it out, a small talisman, warm to the touch. "A friend of ours, Rishi--you'll meet her soon, Tree--made these for us. It is very generalized, of course, but it tells us when our mates are in the same Direction. Now that I've found you, Tree? I still intend to wear it, to remind me you're here." She smiles fondly, with just a bit of goofy in it.
Wandering Tree	Tree nods seriously at Rallaur. "I wish you the best of luck then. It's... Sorry, I don't have the words, really. But it is better to know than to wonder." looks back down to Bright, smiling at the sight of the talisman. "It is very commendable of your diplomatic spirit to think of Nexus and such bridges. If I had been mistreated in such a dishonorable way myself, I would make sure that my displeasure was clearly understood by such a person. They would not enjoy the conversation, I think. But the talisman is very nice. And... Yes, I think it is good that you still find value in it, even now."