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Seira It's easy for someone beloved by high society to call in the occasional favor. There is a garden attached to one of the larger temple complexes in the Forks; theoretically it is the sacred grounds of... hm, Seira forgets the god. In practice, it's the private garden of the high priest, who has not let a life of religious devotion stop him from becoming fairly wealthy. And luckily for her, the priest has an eye for tall women, and they don't come much taller than *her*.

She awaits a circuit-messenger from the Pact she's been told about; she doesn't know who, but it's not uncommon for those of Luna's chosen who like to wander to take on the role of passing messages and news to those who tend to be based in a single location. Granted, the messenger hasn't been given permission to enter the private gardens, but if THAT stops a shapeshifting demigod of the Moon, they aren't very good at their function, now, are they?

Seira herself is lounging by a pool, legs in the water, waiting to see if anyone shows to the appointment. And if not, well, it's a nice day, she's enjoying it!

Winds and Dreams Speaking of which- it does make it something of a trick to determine what approaching animal might be one's intended meeting, and which might be just another creature. Then again, when a great black wolf makes her way over a relatively low wall one way or another to land on the edge of the garden... that might be one.

Of course, expectations can subvert at any time, and instead a mottled brown owl touches down on the ground and begins twisting and growing into the shape of a tall, slightly frowning woman. Not at anything in particular, mind- just... her expression.

She clears her throat, rolling her shoulders lightly. "So, pardon my assumptions but I'm wagering I don't have the wrong songstress today."

Seira Seira answers by shifting her form; her legs fuse together and slits open along her throat. While there's some more subtle changes about her face giving her a slight Innsmouth Look, for the most part Seira's assumed the classic form of a mermaid, playfully splashing at the water with her tail. "I hope so, if there's *another* giant woman of great beauty and voice around here, I'd have to kill her for stealing my niche!" Seira's forehead shines briefly, the mark of a Changing Moon.
Winds and Dreams Dreams nods a little, resting a hand on her hip absently as she strolls over to a nearer rock, setting herself down and settling that hand on the head of the following wolf- a bit of a tick, given the size of the animals.

"So I assume you've heard a thing or two- but truth be told, I don't come bearing much in the way of news. I'm relatively... fresh, we'll say. And most of my days thus far have been tied up in a minor war a ways south and east. So perhaps look at this more like a news-gathering visit," she explains, shaking her head slightly at herself "So apologies if this isn't the most exciting pass-by."

Flaxen Warrior of the Mountain There is a sudden sound much like a thunk as the doors to the temple are banged open. And out walks a blonde haired man looking around. The fact that the young man isn't accompanied by the high priest of the temple is possibly telling, but the other is that... well... he's unarmed, not wearing armor, and in clothes that probably scream Northerner more than anything else.

Even his skin tone is a bit lighter than the usual Eastern man. Definitely a bit of a strange guy to find in the temple, "Hello!?" Oh, and he appears to be looking for someone. "Aw, dang it... I wanted to find this god person here...." He wanders further into the garden, the doors closing behind him automatically. And he scratches the top of his head as he looks around, peering a bit. "... c'mon, I won't hurt you! I just wanted to know why your scriptures say some things, like why the hell you can only eat meat once a week or not to drink wine more than once a day!"

Then the blonde, well muscled man does the unthinkable as he lifts up what looks like some sort of altar thing off to one side with both hands and looks under it before setting it back down. "C'mon! Seriously, why are you gods always so full of yourselves out here!? I knew I should've stayed in my cave!"

Seira Seira responds to Dreams, "Oh, that's fine, it's good to know who to expect, after all, and I'm most comfortable in my own face anyway, and..." She trails off as she hears the intruder. Then she calls out - her voice carries, as you might expect from a singer who has to work without amplification - "You *do* realize this is just the gardens attached to the temple, not the home of the god, right?" The big woman is visible enough, although from a distance the fact she has a fish tail might be missed. Not that she's about to change back. This is GREAT FORKS. She personally knows at least three people who could manage this trick through different means, be it blood, divine blessing, or sorcerous knowledge.
Winds and Dreams "... Well, so much for no news. This should be interesting," muses Dreams, tilting her head and rising to her feet again- her hand makes a subtle gesture to stay calm to her lupine companion.

"This common, around Great Forks? Can't imagine, but never had occasion to visit before." One hand, absently, drifts vaguely to the sword at her hip that- was above her shoulder a moment ago...

Flaxen Warrior of the Mountain The blonde haired man looks over, owlishly blinking for a few moments. "Huh? Oh! Sorry, kinda just wanted... wait, is that a bath in this place? Seriously, who the hell builds temples like this!?"

Said blonde haired man makes his way over, shaking his head, "Oh, sorry, ladies. Have you seen whatever god is around here? That guy who said he's the high priest didn't have any answers at all other than 'he demands it' so I decided to go ask?"

Fudou the Mountain "Well, well, well!" rumbles a -new- voice..this one a rumbling deep chested one that vibrates through the area and into the pits of the stomaches of those who are listening. "Perhaps, my good songstress, y'shoulda taken me up on my suggestion to be an ever present bodyguard that way to prevent such accidental snooping arounds by our bumbling friend here onto meetings of like minds?"

The speaker is familiar to at least one person present - a gargantuan man of improbable muscular proportions and density, perched atop one of the walls framing the garden in a sort of lazy lounging sort of way. He certainly -wasn't- there before but given the trickery and mischief of lunars it's probably not hard to guess that he could have been..well..any number of things that were listening in before opting to make such a dramatic entry with a bemused look on his face.

He doesn't remain perched for long though and instead soon swings his massive legs around and drops down into the garden with an impact that rocks and shudders the area with all the force of a small tower tipping over. As the dust around his feet clears, he begins striding forward..approaching the trio while his brow begins to shine with the silvery glow of the Full Moon upon it.

"So...what are we going to do about -you-.." he rumbles, still grinning full toothed as he eyes Flaxen.

Seira Seira touches a hand to forehead as if she's getting a headache. "So much for a *private* meeting, hm? Although the man of almost-adequate size is known to me, at least." She shifts back to full-human and rises to her full height. "These are simply the gardens attached to the temple. If I'm not mistaken, the god of the temple is... was it some regional agricultural deity? Something to do with orchards? I really couldn't be bothered to recall. The high priest, though, he's a nice enough man. He even at least tries to pretend he's looking up into my eyes as opposed to a foot lower down when he's gazing up at me. But you'll find no god here; they prefer their private sanctum. This is just to look nice for the crowds. Show the prestige of the place."

Of course, Seira's got her ego, after all. "Now, if you're looking for something to give worshipful devotion to, *I'm* available, but I really do need to finish this, so you might need to wait a few minutes."

Winds and Dreams At this point Dreams has largely fallen silent- the new arrival hasn't exactly eased her mind, even if he is akin to her in a way. The wolf turns, watching him, while she keeps her eyes on the smaller intruder.

Finally, she notes; "You know, I had been expecting these to be quiet affairs," she muses- fairly quietly, halfway amused.

Fudou the Mountain "A-a-almost adequate??" blusters and flusters the immense newcomer while pressing an immense hand against the roadway like width of his pectoral masses. He looks aghast, as if Seira couldn't have done more damage to him had she impaled him with a Grand Daiklaive.

"....I'm hurt 'Little Sister' ..and almost motivated to change your mind right now! But Great Forks has to many busy bodies in it. Anyway I -thought- you were interested in some news. Some gossip. Did I think wrong?" He flickers his gaze to Wind and Dreams at her musing and just arcs an eyebrow with a lopsided mischief filled smirk on his expressive features, "Quiet in Great Forks? Hmm..not easily found, I fear.."

Seira "You are not wrong, Fudou. And I'm sure you are, but if we did that, we'd be crowding all these other nice people out of the garden, wouldn't we?" Seira's words imply she knows what he'd try, and that she's capable of matching that. "Maybe if you catch me near the river. So, you have something to share? Feel free."
Flaxen Warrior of the Mountain Raising an eyebrow, then whistling as he sees the overgrown Fudou come along, the blonde haired man hums as he looks over the large man, then the other two. The flashing on the brow is obviously not missed to him. "Huh... to think I would encounter one out here."

The blonde shrugs, "As for what to do with me, you might ask your cousin in the North. I am technically recruiting for him a bit."

Thinking for a moment, the blonde shrugs, "Perhaps elder might be better there?" Then his brow shines. A golden sun appearing, the blazing dawn on his brow before it fades away.

"So that god or whoever is in charge isn't here?" He asks.

Winds and Dreams By reflexive, ingrained habit she's yet to break, Dreams' hand reflexively clenches on the hilt of her sword- but a moment later she relaxes it, breathing deeply.

"That's a rather brazen display, I must say. Even in... curious company."

Fudou the Mountain This..causes abit of a change. For once, the boorish brute has a sense of priority and versus trying to verbally one up Seira he locks his attention onto Flaxen and actually takes a step backwards as his eyes widen at the display of the Dawns sigil.

"Wait, what? Who cares about that god..are you going to just gloss over what just happened?" His eyes hood slightly as he leans forward, "What 'cousin'? Recruiting for..what...?" He blinks a few times and then looks to Seira and Winds, "Hrn..whatever gossip I have may only be slightly as good as what we've just stumbled across here, no?" He seems to be in agreement with Dreams rising tension. It's visible on his body, being a landmark of hills, mountain ranges and valleys. Hard to hide when he tenses up.

Seira Seira looks intrigued, if cautious. "Yes, I suppose this is the sort of thing one should expect. It happens. In any case, no, they are not here. You've stumbled onto a meeting, Sun-chosen, and now the question is what to do with you. On the one hand, someone who goes around with a sunburst on their head is not someone to casually duel. On the other hand, doing so, even in the Forks, to a crowd of unknowns speaks of suicidal foolishness. Thankfully, we are *not* secret scions of the Realm who would be happy to tear you to pieces or sell you out to those who would. You may not much like what the truth is, admittedly..."
Flaxen Warrior of the Mountain The blonde Solar shrugs, "You're all something else. I know." He shakes his head, "I kinda guessed when I saw that one's overgrown sign." He thumbs up at Fudou.

"Besides, even if you were, you'd have to take me down first to do so. The Tehraihn can tell you that I'm pretty tough these days." The blonde shakes his head, turning to look up at Fudou, then looks at the other two. "First time since I left the Mountain that I've met others like him, however. Not that we're close, or anything."

The Solar shrugs, "Shoot, why he left me alive's anyone's guess."

Winds and Dreams Still fallen largely into a sort of quiet, Winds and Dreams starts stepping off to the side- not terribly obviously, but most certainly keeping angles open in case a fight -does- break out.
Seira Seira shakes her head. "There is no *need* to fight, if you accept you speak to peers. I much prefer other activities, although they *do* say I have a cutting tongue when roused!" A quick laugh at a private joke. "Hm. The big one is new and not too elegant with words, and my acquaintance here is passing through, so I suppose it falls on me to negotiate. Even if we are peaceful, well. It never hurts to know the plans of people like us, does it?"
Flaxen Warrior of the Mountain The blonde shrugs, "At times, it doesn't." He says in reply. He looks over towards the one circling for angles. "If I was hostile, I'd already be in full plate with a daiklaive in hand." He mentions.

Then he scratches the top of his head, "So what brings you three out here since we are obviously not going to fight... or at least I hope not? I was just passing through, but it seems as if there's a bit going on here that I might or might not be able to help with. Least I can do for barging in like I did looking for some petty stupid god who needs to check what his priests write."

Fudou the Mountain "Not to mention you're out numbered three to one if it came down to it.." rumbles the big one, finally folding his monstrous arms. Fudou has seemingly regained his wits about him and his old bravado is returning, "..But it seems that..you have the favor of one of ours. Maybe some Shayan-Ya...?"

Fudou frowns mildly at mention of the full plate and he rumbles, "If you were hostile then rest assured we would already have you pinned under foot! But..it seems that there is no need to fight no..."

Winds and Dreams Apparently this breaks Dreams' silence; "Ah yes- and I'm sure each of you would strike the other down in a moment," she says with a sardonic layer in her tone.

"All that aside- if we are all to be friendly let us put down the posturing for the moment. We had some discussions to go over, it seems- and while I'm certain I'd like to help if I could, I cannot point you to the sanctum of this particular spirit."

Seira "Yes, Fudou. I think he gets that two of the people here are very big and strong." Seira crosses her arms in mild irritation, and while she's certainly not 'has muscle where other people don't even have places for it' like Fudou is, her habit of sleeveless garments does show that for all she prides herself on looks and voice, she doesn't ignore physical training, either. "So let us proceed as we were about to. I doubt there is anything I can share today that would be particularly harmful if he found out, anyway." She demonstrates this by rattling off some of the gossip of the higher echelons of Great Forks society; being that this is supposed to be useful to the Silver Pact, she focuses on the handful of city inhabitants who are Immaculate-or-Realm friendly, as well as the movements of other powerful notables. Nothing too exciting in it, admittedly, but a few bits of lurid hearsay that at least provides entertainment in the telling.
Fudou the Mountain "You ladies are under cutting my concerns with your sarcasm." says Fudou sharply, "Or have you forgotten what little we do know about the Solars? But no, I'm not pushing for a fight, simply warning him that things are not always as easy as it may seem..."

The goliath then unfolds his massive arms, placing his hands on his hips and looking to the side. "Hrnn...this isn't information I'd share with all of present normally but..there may be sympathetic forces to.. 'us' .. here in the city. By that I mean willing to defy the Realm, smuggle newly Chosen out and away into more protected and ready to train hands. A certain tavern whose owners have their hands in many parts of the going ons here.."

Flaxen Warrior of the Mountain The blonde looks thoughtful, listening to the gossip as it were, then shrugs as he looks up at Fudou. "Hey, I understand this. Times change and all. Besides, I know I'm not a king or emperor or whatever you want to call me."

The blonde moves his hands behind his head, looking very thoughtful. "Hm... by Chosen, which do you mean? I could easily help out there if you will have me. Besides, I kinda want to cut off a few Realm scum's heads eventually. And some of what she said is making me want to target one or two in the city." He motions at Seira with an elbow, then considers.

"Ah, forgive me... I am called Flaxen Warrior of the Mountain." He shrugs, "I gave up my real name. Not a point to it out here."

Winds and Dreams "Pardon my saying, but you don't seem the sort to handle those kinds of executions with any kind of subtlety," says Dreams pointedly, with very much the air of one who knows what she's talking about.

"If you approached with the subtlety you've shown today half the city would be aflame by next morning. Those sorts of things need some care and consideration."

Seira "Quite. As for what we mean by Chosen... You shine with the Sun's light. We shine with the Moon's. The *big* gods, not the little things like the ones in this city," Seira clarifies. "Your sort vanished for a very long time. We have always been here, because even someone like Fudou here can be sneaky when he has to be. On the one hand, the things those elders say about your sort are not always flattering. On the other hand, you're people who live now, not those ancients. So..."

She finishes with a shrug. "... I will say that going around flashing your forehead at people is probably not the brightest idea that has ever entered your head. You got lucky."

Fudou the Mountain "They are correct..." says Fudou, allowing his more boorish side to finally rest and a more balanced, knowledgable individual to leak forth as he offers counsel, "Be wiser.. I was observing them before I showed myself and knew who they were and of this meeting. That's why I showed my caste mark, to let them know that they were in company that would be familiar to them. You were..an accidental intrusion. However it does say something we didn't know before. Solars are active and present here in Great Forks!"

Fudou inclines his head now, eyeing Flaxen curiously for a few seconds before rumbling, "Are you alone? Or are there others?"

Flaxen Warrior of the Mountain Flaxen looks up at Fudou, raising an eyebrow, "Far as I know, running alone here."

Then he looks to Seira, "Ah, that's the fun part of it. Besides, I only save that for whenever I really want to mess with the Realm lackeys unless I see something like, well, the whole moon sign or whatever you want to call it. Besides, I'm not exactly sneaky. Tried it for a bit."

He looks over towards the last one, the one who claims he's not subtle, "Well, sorry for not being a scout or able to do whatever it is the big guy can do to remain hidden. Most I do usually is go around killing stuff. And unfortunately my main way of fighting is far, far more flashy than I think we want to have here. The Immaculates would probably have a field day with it, let alone the Hunt." He makes a bit of a face.

"Much as it pains me to admit, I'm about as new as you say he is," He thumbs at Fudou, "probably a lot more. There's tricks, techniques, styles that if I did know them before, I kinda don't now. You could say I'll stick out more than him if we get into a scuffle. And I know none of us want that."

Fudou the Mountain "What...I am -not- new." protests Fudou, perhaps just catching on that it was possibly implied that he was, "It is as you say, we all have our 'methods' of making trouble. I just broke a tavern earlier. It happens. However their -point- is knowing when and how. I knew I could get away with it. Going after the Dynasts is liable to cause abit of an uproar unless you go at it with more subtlety. Now.." Fudou taps his chin and then shrugs, "...Now if that's what you -want- to do ..then that is something else all together. Maybe you can. Maybe you can and even get away with it. But I think you are not considering one thing..."
Winds and Dreams Nodding a little, despite the tone the answer does appear to put Dreams somewhat more at ease- her shoulder settle slightly and even her wolf companion takes this moment to take a seated position next to her. She in turn takes a seat on a rock again, opting to allow the more knowledgeable to lead the conversation.
Seira Seira catches Dreams' eye. "I suppose this is turning out to be more unusual than I thought. Ah, well. I still got a nice soak out of it.. although I really *must* head down to the rivers at some point. The downside of fame and being easy to spot in a crowd, I suppose. I suppose I could change my looks, but there's only so much I can do, in that case...."
Flaxen Warrior of the Mountain Flaxen shrugs, "Eh, not the problem of my doing it. More the problem of how many come chasing after me whenever I do it, I think."

He looks up at Fudou, "Trust me, I won't be going after them on my own. Not 'til I can safely say I'm ready and won't be a beacon for them to come after just 'cause I got into a scuffle. I'm getting there, but that takes some time. In the mean time, since I stumbled on you three, feel free to ask for a hand if you need it? I'm not as subtle, but I'm sure I can at least put on a good distraction or two. That, and I don't really have roots here or anywhere but up North."

He looks to the other two, raising an eyebrow at Seira, "You're famous? What for?" He glances towards Winds, "And... eh... guess I'm not getting any names out of you all other than the big guy."

Fudou the Mountain "Well..I was just going to say that you're not considering the rulers of this city and the amount of spirits, godbloods and..perhaps something more that lurks. That is what I discovered in the inn I went into. I was looking for a challenge and got more then I anticipated. I still won. Of course..but it turned out in everyones favor." Fudou swells abit with some pride, his previous brutish nature rearing back up but he quells it to offer, "So if you go making trouble....well..the city exists with a careful power balance. The Wyld Hunt doesnt ride here because it of the power of its rulers and because it has no reason to want to insist. If we turn that on its head and give them a reason before we're ready..then..things will be made harder then need be. Right now, at least, we have some freedom here. Even to reveal ourselves if we want."
Seira Seira 's face clouds, just a bit. "*What* am I famous for? What is *Seira*, the great singer, famous for?" Petulantly, she launches into an aria from a recent opera she particpated in... but she mixes in, at the climax, a powerful kiai shout that causes one of the trees in the garden to drop a branch as if cut.

Then, all mock-sweetness, she asks rhetorically, "Does that help?"

Winds and Dreams There's more silence from the smaller of the women as the song goes forth- quite thoroughly distracted by the song. A long pause, then, before she looks back to the Solar of the makeshift group. "Winds and Dreams, according to my most recent associates," she introduces, still on the quiet side. "Apologies, as well, for that. This has been... quite a lot for one afternoon."
Flaxen Warrior of the Mountain Flaxen looks at the branch, then to Seira. "... nope." The song was at least a good distraction, one he was happy to listen to it seemed. He says simply. Oh, might have a death wish. Maybe!

Then he looks over to Winds and Dreams, "Well, nice to meet all of you."

Then he looks up at Fudou, "I see what you mean. The balance is something to maintain here, else we lose one of the few places we can hide out, right?"

Fudou the Mountain "He's..from far away, remember?" reminds Fudou to Seira as if expecting she might go into warform or something even more dire at that 'nope' response from Flaxen. Attempting to save Flaxen from a terrible fate.

"..And yes..exactly. We have some..flexbility here. I can even fight in this arena if I want. Few places grant such flexbility.." He also nods to Winds and Dreams, "Yes...much indeed."

Seira "So he's from far away. *I'm* from far away. Hmph!" No, Seira isn't going to warform over it, and even the irritation passes. After all, someone who hasn't heard of her is merely a potential *new* fan! "Well, now you know, and one hopes you enjoyed it. It's what I do. Among many other things, I'll allow."
Flaxen Warrior of the Mountain Flaxen glances over at Seira, "Oh? Many other things can mean a lot, I hope you realize."

Looking over at the edge of the garden, Flaxen sighs, "Well, I guess I'll go back on the hunt for this elusive whoever it is that made up all these rules... if not, I might just kick around the high priest guy... or go find another temple to crash at for a bit."

The Solar gives a shrug, "Thanks for giving your names at least, and if you need a hand, feel free to come find me? Don't know how long I'll be here. I just tend to go wherever my feet take me sometimes."

Winds and Dreams "SPeaking of which," Adds Dreams, standing up and tipping her head to the side a moment as a gesture to her companion. "I believe it is about our time as well. My appreciation for the information- I'm certain we'll cross paths again one way or another," she offers mildly, walking back towards the low wall her wolf crossed over- and leans forth a little to let the animal vault off her shoulder to make the leap- one she soon follows.