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 Posted: Fri Nov 18, 2011 7:07 pm
 Li's words washed over him, but Cais remained still as his body moved rigid. Of most mannerisms Cais had, he was not one to hide his feelings and even now, despite his best efforts, the heat coming off of him fell off in waves of undeserved hatred. Staring back at her long look with a hard look of his own he held any word he would say, merely looking away quickly. There was nothing for it and nothing to hide or take back, but it was true that his concentration was probably better spent elsewhere. "Right." he murmured.
A lot of take passed between them, and he was itching to take any sort of action. He felt the hand on the other side of Shin clench tightly as impatience surged. Turning a blind eye back to Li and Huang he looked at Shin with a determined expression. "Though I'd rather them pass, if they didn't it could be useful." He said, thankful in every sense of the word towards her. Cais was about to respond further when he heard a voice from somewhere behind him.
It was boisterous, it was strong and as Cais looked him over he could sense battle hanging over his shoulders. Something about this Lunarian both put him on edge and seemed to inspire all the same. He wasn't sure which instinct to trust, but the words were enough to make him react. "I am." he said loudly with his bright gaze turned towards him.
Though he wouldn't admit it to Shin, for he was sure she was aware, he was generally more suited towards the action of battle and vengeance and not that of dealing gingerly with the dead. The anger that swelled within him again broke through and he was willing to act on that, to act on avenging his alliance brothers. Standing tall he took a tentative step towards the figure, though remained with Shin in tow.
He was going to see this through.
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Posted: Fri Nov 18, 2011 9:44 pm
Ling-Gui nodded sagely to Cais, his voice rugged with contained fury. He furrowed his brows and squinted onwards at the unfortunate event. He was reminded of the instance in which Ling Shi-Liu and himself would sit idly by the Chimera of Ling, a magnificent stone statue that overlooked the Ling family's garden. While the younger of the brothers would sit between the paws, the elder lazed upon its back. It was almost a symbolic gesture, the sleeping chimera of marble skin. Yet, the feeling the younger Ling experienced then was identical to the one present. Inability. Incompetence. Hopelessness. Boredom.
He was beginning to grow weary from having nothing to do while watching the other Lunarians take part. In the beginning of the affair, he felt slight remorse for the fallen, and he spoke to shed advice. His society was useless, mundane. They, the other Lunarians, seemed to be acquaintances (some of them, at least), and it wasn't in his place to partake in that. If it were, he wouldn't feel like an anachronistic relic, more dead than usual, or a whisper in the wind. He didn't deny that the other Lunarians (Cais and SiMa-Li, specifically) were attempting their best effort to be made useful, but again, nothing was truly coming of it. If deeds could not be translated into actions, they were but a fool's deed.
Fools they were.
While Ling-Gui would've preferred a more roundabout approach to the new arrivals, Cais appeared to have an alternative. The zero ghost watched gazed inquisitively, parting his lips lightly as if the "o" shape indicated his understanding of what would happen next. He didn't though.
He would speak later, when he could be of proper use.
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Posted: Sat Nov 19, 2011 11:02 am
A'Meiya was the last to know.
She was always the last to know.
And it wasn't because people didn't tell her what was happening. Its was because she didn't listen...or had tried to and then got distracted. And that what was happening right now, not even the yelps of horror and the cries of anguish from the house maids did nothing to pull her from the training she perused in her Dojo. She was one with her blades that evening and that was all that mattered. Her heart still hurt from the betrayal she had received from her friends, the wounds still raw and burning. She was hardly A'Meiya any more, the young girl would played and laugh and did stupid things...well she still did all that. But now, now she was a little bit more poised, more eager to please others than herself and calmer to greet those with manners and etiquette expected from once such as herself. A thankless task taken on by Shin-Mu which A'Meiya could never repay her for.
So when she entered her house it wasn't surprising to have the hairs on the back of neck raise in response to the eerie silent home. Even her brothers and mother has disappeared, The open door and shouts and screams from the streets drew her attention and seeing the shoes having been taken as well knew they at least were in no danger for now. But there was something not right. It was hard not to let the tempting squeal of nerves threatened to overwhelm her. "No, no, ladies dont squeal." But they did find out what was happening...at least she told herself that much. Without a second hesitation she ran though the doors, her shoes clipping on the ground as she followed others to the hill, the hill where a cherry tree should have adored it like a jewel. It wasn't there, nothing was there except black billowing smoke. And the smell of death.
"Shin-Mu!! Shine-Mu! What is....what is going on here!" The young girl pushed her way through the throng of people until she spotted her friend, the fresh tears still apparent on her face as she ran up to her, her hands quickly grabbing hold of an arm as she breathed out heavy and frightened.
"Please Shin-Mu, there is talk of murder! Of a hanging! I don't understand!"
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Posted: Sat Nov 19, 2011 11:44 am
Shin's opinions on the dearly departed were a little odd compared to most. She mourned the lose of life and the passage into death, but to her and others with a similar gift, death didn't have to mean the end of contact or connection. Ghosts were real, she had been aware of this fact since her earliest memories, they had been fallowing her around and offering kindness and council since before she could talk back to them. She nodded to Cais at his opinion, but she didn't entirely agree with it. What lay beyond the passage of the soul was a mystery, but what was left here on earth was not. Who really knew what they went on to when they found peace and acceptance.
A disagreement between two figures in the crowd seemed to be gaining volume, and the dark skinned noble turned a curious glance in that direction before the one of them turned to address them. It had glossed lips pursing thoughtfully, brows arching at the question he asked of them all.
Cais stepping forward wasn't a surprise, he had always seemed a man of action. Of course Shin-Mu moved with him. She was unwilling to let him go, but more then that she was volunteering. If there was a way they could aid in setting things right, then she wanted to be a part of that. "I am as well."
Ling was offered an expectant sort of glance, curious if he was going to step up as well, but her attention was rather forcefully claimed by the arrival of an obviously upset A'Meiya. The lady had seconds to brace for the impact she knew was coming, and her grip on Cais tightened as a result. The poor young man now had two women to worry over. "Dear A'Meiya, composure." The reminder was automatic and familiar, but her tone was faint, as though her heart wasn't quite into scolding the girl, and who could blame her?
On hand left the security of of the young fighter's arm so she could grip the other girl's hand, squeezing tightly as she drew her into her side. "Tragedy has struck, and not just at our sacred tree. There have been attacks at multiple points in the." She didn't know any details of the other locations, only that the hill wasn't the only target, and the tree victims here weren't the last. "I do not know why this has happened, I'm sorry I can't give you those answers, but this man has asked if we are willing to wrong these rights, and Cais and I have stepped forward. Will you as well?" A small jerk of her chin indicated the stranger that had addressed him, but her eyes were all for Mei's.
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Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2011 2:16 pm
"I do not know why this has happened, I'm sorry I can't give you those answers, but this man has asked if we are willing to wrong these rights, and Cais and I have stepped forward. Will you as well?"
When Shin-Mu announced her affirmation, an odd stirring of admiration brewed within the zero ghost. Her voice was a pleasant one, calming the anxious, female Lunarian beside her. Ling-Gui always marveled at how other Lunarians were capable of sooth-speaking; the Lings were never adept at the "craft." Traditionally, his family relied on constructive criticism and rugged love. He inquired on how his brother would react in such a situation, if Ling Shi-Liu would have offered himself. The answer itself was a clear and obvious one, why wouldn't he? Ling Shi-Liu was the seeker of moral duty, which was the hypothetical reason of his own "self-atonement." To sacrifice what he enjoyed for what was morally endearing, and Ling-Gui suddenly felt shameful that he was not doing the same. His brother would have been the first to announce the situation, his voice soft like silk, but effective like the best-laid strategy. The difference was that Ling Shi-Liu never mocked his brother's ghosthood, or argued that acting on the sidelines was an unacceptable action. He respected his younger sibling's ability to do differently and never objected to it. This made it all the more difficult for Ling-Gui to act on a better accord because the better example was lacking in such aspect.
There was no reason for him to be hesitant, ghosthood did not reject obligation, but he could not see any obligation from himself towards the dead. He did not know the trio, nor did he harbor intent to discover more. However, other Lunarians were speculating, and he already announced his family's title, in which they could apply him to, and the shame with him. He licked his lips, knowing the words he would say would not damn him. Before, he offered his aid, but minimal aid as far as he implied it.
"I will also step forward. You all have my full cooperation," Ling-Gui said, his concealed features deadpanned but his voice heavily sincere.
It was the Ling thing to do, the Ling Shi-Liu thing to do, at least, but in public, his family's title applied to whatever is was he did. The younger Ling was careful to be meticulous.
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Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2011 1:32 am
Cais stood with an expectant glance towards the figure but felt his concentration falter at the sight - and sound - of a new face rushing towards them. Bracing himself, he felt Shin move as an arm was grabbed with a forceful yet endearing tug. Breaking away from his stare he glanced back to the new face with a curious look.
Awkwardly he remained silent in her presence, allowing Shin to delicately and tactfully explain the situation - or rather what they were aware of. Nodding towards the new face he was happy for Shin's words. Often he found himself running into things, and this was no different. He was thankful for her willingness and admired the action.
Before words could be found for either of them he heard a voice from nearby. Twisting his head in the direction of Ling-Gui he gave a single nod. Though the Lunarian seemed to possess a rather strange quality to him, of which Cais had yet to place precisely, he appeared to have good intentions and that was good enough for the young fighter. After a long, accepting stare in his direction Cais finally returned the hardened, determined gaze back towards the figure of the outspoken Lunarian.
"And how would you suggest we go about righting that wrong?"
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Legend of Lunaria Captain
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Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2011 10:25 am
There was a small snorting noise, as though the man was dismissing them all. He gestured with a sweeping arm towards the dessicated tree, at the bodies that had once hung from its branches.
"You see before you the remains of what was clearly an act of revulsion against the city. Lunaria is at war, despite the idea that many of you - "
His eyes landed on a few among the crowd, clearly accusing. " - believe otherwise."
There was a small pause. His features seemed to relax a little, folding his hands together in his sleeves as he calmly regarded them all. His expression had shifted to one of utter relaxation, though there was clearly something else behind the silent gaze - something unreadable.
"I am in search of an answer to the questions that all of you have. And to do that, I must find the person I am looking for. Which one of you is willing to step up and help me in this venture?"
[ OOC: You are free to say either yes or no, but be aware that your choice may affect where you end up. ]
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Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2011 3:44 pm
There was wonder in his eyes as he watched the Lunarian finally regard the now sizable crowd around him. A flutter of emotions ran through him as the fighter stared through him, watching his mannerisms carefully. He frowned. Of course we're at war, how could anyone think differently? He thought gravely, his eyebrows coming together at the middle in a thoughtful, rigid stare.
Cais felt it again, that need to act. A small glance towards Shin said it all with that stare, and he hoped that she could see it in him, perhaps even join him. Spending night after night patrolling the streets had ended in a few brawls, breaking up several fights, nearly getting killed and all for serving some purpose he felt he must abide by. It did get him somewhere, at least as he thought. Those actions helped affirm his beliefs, affirm his trust in something greater than himself - this felt like it was going to be something more, something larger than himself and something with purpose he could agree with.
Yet why was there that uncertainty at the last moment? Cais took in a deep breath and glanced back to the older Lunarian. His gaze gave nothing away, only his words were speaking for him now. Something seemed off, but to what that was he couldn't tell. He could feel the heat rise inside of him as he thought back to that first look to the sacred tree, the three bodies of his Noble brethren hanging there while somewhere else in the Imperial City the people who had done it were running free.
A frustrated growl escaped his lips as his eyes seemed to ignite at that thought. Standing firm, those ignited eyes met the calm of the other Lunarian.
"If it assists to finding the culprits, I'll do it. This horrendous act can't go unpunished."
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Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2011 9:37 am
The words were like a small whip on the back of Mei's spine and she instantly straightened up, the small tears forming in the corner of her eyes were quickly brushed away with a gloved hand (Which in itself was very unladylike!) and the sniffing of her nose put on mute while she listened intently to Shin-Mu's explanation. For the first time in a long while A'Meiya was lost for words.
"No...but...b-but" Her words stalled behind her teeth as she watched for the moment that Shin-Mu would shout "Surprise!" and pull out colourful banners and for music to start up and that smell was actually edible meat instead of human flesh...for some reason Mei decided to be a vegetarian from now on.
The indication to the gentleman pulled her thoughts away from eating people to the task at hand. Would she join them?? Of course! Noble blood pumped though her veins she couldnt let this horror go unpunished!
"Of course Shin-Mu, I will do anything to help! Its wrong to cook other lunarians for meat! Its just wrong!" Even if the young girl was filling in the blanks with herself it was plain to see she was on board to help with anything she could!
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Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2011 10:32 am
A'Meiya's straightened, brushed away her tears, and Shin pulled the other girl in to lay a fond kiss at the corner of her mouth. She forgot herself at times, fell back into old habits, but she had been listening to the teachings the elegant noble had been kindly offering, and even in the midst of tragedy her heart could sweel with pride at her dear friend's progress. "That's my girl," she murmured against peach skin, brushing away a clinging tear with the pad of her thumb.
Drawing back, she slide fingers to the delicate point of Mei's chin, lifting her head so she would stand tall and proud, even as her words failed her and that sweet voice trailed off. Shin could only shake her head. It wasn't a cruel joke, however much she wished it were, and she could offer no words to make this all better.
That did not mean they could not make things right, and she returned her attention to the man that had addressed then. Some of his words were meant to sting, but the dark skinned noble didn't so much as flinch. She was well aware of the war raging on the fringe of their society, she'd already been a victim, in a way. When he asked again who among them would offer their aid Shin set her shoulders, hands tightening on Cais's arm, and along the curve of Mei's cheek.
"What ever I can do to assist will be done, my honor on that." Her voice was strong and clear, but ever soft and refined. She sounded determined, and she was. The victims laying beneath the tree, so far as she knew, were not people she was familiar with, but that did nothing to quell the outrage she felt on their behalf. She would help in finding their murderer, and she would make sure they were brought to justice.
She was glad her friends were stepping up as well, and even Ling-Gui received an approving nod. She had heard of his family, but the details were lost to her. She watched him for a moment, pale eyes level and just a little appraising. She could appreciate his desire to help.
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Legend of Lunaria Captain
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Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2011 10:49 pm
There was no smile on the man's face, though there might have been the faintest hint of something else, something deeper than the inscrutable facade he was putting on.
"Good," came the curt reply. "I was rather hoping for that answer, seeing as how lately all of my assistants - " Here there was a rather irritated glare directed to the Lunarian with whom he stood. " - seem to have lost their senses momentarily."
A slight pause as the two men regarded each other, neither one speaking, but having what seemed to be an entire conversation within their sharp gazes.
"We make for the Great North, to the Shrine," he said. "You may call me Shen. I have heard tale that the person for whom I am searching for has taken refuge in that place, and I must ask those who are willing to accompany me. If you are unwilling..."
There was another pause.
"You may join the others in a place that is not yet touched by this sort of desecration."
[ OOC: You have a choice! Either you go with this "Shen" person to the North, or you are being sent to the Rice Paddies. If you choose the first, stay tuned - if not, head towards the other thread! ]
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Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2011 4:20 pm
"I need not repeat myself on where I stand on this issue. You have my chousan and calculation," Ling-Gui offered to Shen. He nodded airily, his own thoughts focused on what Shen intended for them to see upon reaching the Shrine. Ling-Gui frequented the area, but after witnessing the downfall of the three Lunarians, he wasn't sure on what to expect anymore. He made effort to keep his voice calm and steady, though he knew all the Lunarians present felt the same tumultuous feeling. His brother's will was his own will, and he doubted the elder Ling would feel any different had he been in such a situation.
That person that Shen mentioned.
Ling Gui wondered if they were still among the living. Frankly, there was not much to anticipate. He was comforted by the knowledge that he wouldn't be going with Shen alone, the others would be accompanying him as well. He smiled at A'Meiya's gesticulation of kindness towards the younger Lunarian girl. There was little either of them could have done before Shen made his proposition.He prayed that none of the new party members would regret joining Shen. He barely knew the man himself and already impending horror was creeping into the crevices of his mind, not that he faced them with anxiety. Verbally voicing his alliance wasn't difficult; he wondered why translating spoken word into deed was something his mind was suddenly hesitant about, when earlier, it was completely content. Unfamiliarity to the party members? He hoped so. Ling-Gui was no coward, but if anything occurred to spark doubt within him...action would be taken.
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Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 1:24 pm
 Bao had left Cherry Tree Hill to find her father. She needed to let him know what had happened. He needed to know that what they had heard had been the truth. They had seen the smoke from their home. He would be devastated and angry. Oh, his wrath would be great and his revenge mighty. There would be no Legionnaire left untouched after his event. Despite having sided with the nobles, she would have never done this to a fellow Lunarian, no matter the difference in opinion. What had happened on this day had been something beyond cruel. The culprits were nothing more than monsters that needed to be destroyed.
After breaking the bad news to her father, she had to go back. Father would contact the family and come later to inspect the other bodies. Maybe he would know who the other two were. Tears were streaming down her face as she made her way back up the hill. She had never seen father cry like that. Then came that awful sound of him screaming his anger out. She had fled, trying but failing to suppress her emotions.
Upon reaching the top, she heard talk of looking for someone, of doing something other than standing around mourning. Mourning would do no good anymore. Action was needed. Bao wiped at the tears still upon her cheeks. No more crying. She spoke up from behind the others still there, "I will help." She bowed her head to Ling Gui in greeting. Being able to help with something made her feel better. She didn't know who this Shen was. Surely with all those joining him, they would know if this Shen was not to be trusted. For now, he offered them an option.
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Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2011 3:29 am
The time had come. Action, not words. Cais could feel the warmth of his blood pound through his ears as he gave another decisive nod in the way of Shen. There was little he could say now that had not been already said. A loud exhale left his lungs as he glanced to their small band of Lunarians. Proudly the young fighter looked to each of them - they were here with him, for the same cause, the same purpose - even in the face of such terrible circumstances.
There would be no way to know what lie there, but Cais was immune to the idea of danger when his emotions got a hold of him. Clearly the small voice inside of him shouting to whatever logic he held near had lost the war and now the young Lunarian was running on first impulse. Adjusting his light grip on Shin he could feel a foot begin to tap impatiently against the soft earth beneath him.
North it is then.
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Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2011 5:04 am
It was now that A'Meiya finally took a chance to really study the others that were joining them in this task. She had never seen so many people together, well not since her invasion of Jianyu's and Yue's wedding. She had only been able to stay a moment and had not seen the amount of faces that had gathered but she knew it would be have been a huge event. And right now she wished what was happening was on the same lines. But it wasn't. This was just horrible. Yes she loved to train, to defeat someone in battle but to mercilessly kill someone. It was obvious there had been no honourable battle waged here. It was cold bloodied murder. It couldn't go unpunished. It couldn't.
Taking in Shin-Mu's composed voice she drew strength from her friend, knowing that even at this moment one should never show disgrace or fear. She loved her friend for that. Above all things she was a rock she could cling too, she would always be Shin-Mu, strong, confident and respected. It was all she wanted too.
"Uh...I-I too shall pass on any help to this indor...um...endeavourer! The Quan family would not stand for this and I shall represent them. My swords and mind...well, maybe not my mind, but my swords shall be yours!" Yes she may have stumbled but overall it didn't sound too bad, almost professional.
She turned her eye to the other hoping they could see what a good effort she had made, smiling at the golden lunarian (Bao) before viewing Ling-Gui. She had never seen such a formal looking man before....she wanted to wear his hat.
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