931 replies to this topic

[-Cynthia-]

"The group was not aware of Miranda's status as a demon- they have been informed that she is not to be harmed as long as she continues to remain cooperative. I did recommend caution in any dealings with her however, she is a demon and her loyalties are unknown," Morgan said.

[Script]

Luc Altair

"I intend to," Luc answered Isotov's acquisition of enemies. "I intend to learn a lot of names once this is all over." Images of all those he had killed for the group flashed through Luc's mind. All those that he had killed before meeting the group. Those who died in Directus' service. Those who died in the war. They would not be forgotten if he could help it. "No one would? Perhaps. But even disregarding her status as demon plenty of humans have proven themselves enemies." Luc shook his head. "I ask for understanding, for clarification. What do I get? Accusations, insults. This is not a matter easily settled and if I can't have your thoughts how am I supposed to formulate a reasonable conclusion?" Luc shook his head again. "I suppose it will simply be easier to ask her myself. You are already too settled into your prejudice. Merit indeed."

Luc turned to Ixion next. Morgan had answered his question, so now he would answer Luc's "Convenient? Then tell us, what is available that is not convenient? No, no, the way you phrased that. It makes me suspicious, yes, you imply that you can offer the same as she. Now," Luc moved his head down a bit. "Is that 'convenience' for you, or others?"

[Snike]

Alex
Well she tied the vote, if only momentarily. General Conrad supported Morgan's case, and after a brief exchange, officially voted for her, much to the dismay of his pegasus knight subordinate. With that, unfortunately, the druid was elected as leader. After a 'victory speech' that bordered on insulting the intelligence of the dissidents, the Crimson wielder restated the group's purpose, as if it was not obvious to begin with. Then, Princess Charlotte announced the identity of the other leader, the Comet's brother named Henry but also known as Eric. This was a golden opportunity for Morgan to jump in and demonstrate her arrogance and paranoia, as she denounced Father as a lunatic or a fool, as Eric was the demon that had ambushed them outside of Burgosas. That was nonsense, as Eric was former Templar. There's no way he couldn't have been detected by the whole clergy.

Wait,Eric? As in, the princess's former guard and Derek's best friend? He couldn't be her brother. Sure, they had the same hair color, and, now that the spear fighter stopped to think about it, the same eye color. But it was just ridiculous to think that the two of them would grow up a dukedom apart, and no one would know. Though, stranger things had happened.

Alex zoned back into the discussion just in time to hear the continuation of an argument between Count Altair and Prince Isotov of Zaftra, the Crimson Fire tome wielder, over... names...? Altair was also questioning a dark druid who had somehow entered the room while she was musing, who was also talking to Morgan. Who was also arguing with Isotov. It was quite confusing, to say the least.

"I'm not sure if it's been already mentioned, but my brother is apparently in service of the Goddess," Alex said cryptically. "So I highly doubt he is a demon, despite what others say."

[Phoenix]

Meeting

All of the initial responses sort of came in at once ...

Iso: You've got no business asking me anything about it because you've got no business deciding whether Miranda should live or die. You're just nosy and Morgan's paranoid. All you really need to know is that if Morgan or any of her lackeys go after Miranda, it's war.

Ixion: I worry more about humans than demons. The former are too variable to reliably predict, after all. You 'recommended caution'? (Iso isn't so daft as to become enraged over a simple recommendation, not unless something explicit was said. Ah, yes. It's come up several times, now. Deliberation about whether or not to destroy Miranda. No one seems to be correcting Iso's interpretation, so it must have been stated plainly.) Fair enough, but I recommend you focus your attention on more malicious demons. Her loyalties are to herself ... obviously. Killing you or anyone else in your group affords her little more than whatever amusement she might find in it ... and the unrestrained fury of the survivors.

Viveka: (So one of the templars we fought ... him?! Ugh. Well I guess it's better he's human than a demon. Otherwise the entire council just got played by them, a duumvirate was just established between a disposed princess and a demon, and the entire war effort is in jeopardy. That would make these little arguments here seem almost like nothing.)

When Luc inquired once again, Ixion turned his attention back toward the count. His question was mostly answered, but he still found it annoying. Probably Luc's investigative tone. The man wasn't looking for solutions at the moment.

Ixion: Dealing with you people is never convenient for me, that is for certain. Obviously I'm referring to the crimson brigade's convenience. You are the ones often falling victim to demon attacks without proper warning. How much time can you afford before the next attack?

[Script]

Luc Altair

Alex returned to the conversation for a short piece. Some of the more observant members of the group might recall the Reformist attack and make a connection there. But the next stage of the circle that Isotov was arguing in stepped up. He truly was a spectacular hypocrite.

"So you are the one who is fit to decide who lives, who dies? Or just Miranda and Morgan specifically? Because that is exactly what you are doing. On one hand you ask, no, not ask, you are outraged others do not have blind faith in Miranda and on the other complain of blindly following Morgan." Luc uncrossed his arms to keep himself busy before he asked his next question. "And again, this is not a situation easily dealt with. Or even one to my recollection that has been attempted in history. It is natural to ask why. 'Nosiness' and paranoia are valid concerns even without Miranda, or else the whole subject of her wouldn't have come up in the first place."

Luc turned to Miranda, almost sick of looking at the self-destructive incoherent mess that was Isotov. "You are Miranda correct? Do you have anything to say? Or do you intend to watch this without further comment?"

"And you, Ixion, we can prepare all the time in the world, better safe than sorry I would say all here agree." Luc retorted against Ixion. "And it is not simply only for the Crimsons. If you posses this technique, then all the world leaders gathered this day need to be informed of it. They need to learn as well, if possible."

[eclipse]

Midori wondered if this yelling match was getting anywhere. She bit her lip when she heard a rather snide remark come from one of Luc's men.

"At least you know your own name," she grumbled to herself.

[Phoenix]

Stuff In Meeting

Luc may have turned away, but Iso didn't leave annoying questions unanswered.

Iso: If you're too dense to get what I'm saying, then just stop talking. I'm not 'deciding' whether Miranda lives or dies, I'm doing everything in my power to prevent it. I didn't care what you people thought of Miranda as long as you left her alone. I just want Morgan to drop it ... to never bring that up again, because just hearing that makes the line between friend and foe ... really ... blurry from where I'm standing. I don't want to have to pick a side just because Morgan's too paranoid to leave well enough alone, and I will side with Miranda if it ever comes to blows. My usual issues with Morgan aside, that's what I'm really on about, right now.

And Miranda found that it was her turn to give some kind of input. The disinterest was clear on her face.

Miranda: What do you want me to say, exactly? I'm not here to vindicate myself, and Morgan seems content enough to keep her dark magic to herself. Unless you want me to say something to Iso, I think the issue's settled. Not sure you'd like what I'd tell him, anyway.

Ixion: Only magic adepts will benefit from anything I can come up with before this demonic incursion gets completely out of hand ... and this is an issue for the council which has adjourned for the evening. They'll know plenty on the morrow if they can remain civil long enough to listen. I doubt it will get that far but we'll see. I'm only here to answer any relevant questions about Miranda, gather up the royals, and then depart.

[-Cynthia-]

Charlotte nodded affirmatively at Alex's statement- no one seemed to argue, so the matter of Eric being a demon had been settled. Or perhaps just forgotten amidst the other arguments, but at least no one seemed inclined to kill Eric at this time.

"Do we truly need the council's permission for you to teach us a technique which could save our lives and the Crimson Weapons? It seems odd to me that you would choose to shackle yourself to the council's decisions when it is unnecessary," Morgan pointed out to Ixion, arms crossed.

"Using dark magic without the council's permission isn't going to make them very pleased with us- they already think this group is a bunch of renegades," Tristan decided to speak up.

"Elder magic is the oldest and most powerful of magics- if the council does not recognize its ability to detect demons then they are fools. The Templars claim to be able to detect demons using light magic- but we all know from experience how moronic the Templars truly are," Morgan retorted.

[Script]

Luc Altair

Luc barely kept himself from laughing as Isotov called him dense. Here was a man so ardently defending the principle of who lives and dies, while doing so. Did he truly expect that protecting her wasn't saying he wanted her to live? That attempting to kill Morgan if she goes after Miranda was deciding she would die? It was like his density wrapped all logical thought around backwards. He turned back to the Fire Sage. "Dense? I would laugh at that were this a less-tense location. Listen, you may not like it, but you wanting to protect someone means you want them to live. To decide to put their lives over someone elses. That is exactly what you are doing when you threaten Morgan with your war. You decide Miranda lives because you fancy her, you decide Morgan dies because she violates these rights." Luc let out his breath, shaking his head a bit as he did so. "Drop it? Sorry, but no. This is not the simple world of children, where who hits hardest or cries loudest gets what they want. This is the world of adults, where you need to reasonably discuss your opinions until a consensus is reached. Dropping it here and now just lets it fester, and linger, until the next build-up and explosion. The one that you are so rather passionately trying to prevent by 'dropping' it." Another breath of air. It was tiring arguing with him. His opinions were already set and he wouldn't listen. The man was literally more difficult to deal with than Reika. "You're already on your side, and Miranda's side. Just as you've said everyone here already is. What you don't want is conflict. And you could have avoided that effortlessly if you had just answered my questions."

Luc took a few steps towards the Fire Sage. "So let me ask you this, is this moral of your worth protecting if it costs lives? When compromise would settle things immediately and peacefully? I am more inclined to your position than not. But if I do not have a clear picture I will abstain from interference." Luc stepped back. He didn't expect Isotov to do anything other than bitch and moan some more after that.

So Count Luc Altair turned towards Miranda. Her answer wasn't helpful, but he didn't really expect much from his own useless question. "I'd like your perspective on all of this, and if he does not tell me what I want, I please ask you to do so," Luc said. "And what you would tell Isotov. What I like is not the issue here. Please, please go ahead." Luc nodded.

He turned and faced Ixion next. "There are plenty enough 'magic adepts'. Unless you mean that they would somehow be able to not warn others when they sense demons. Or are somehow that you are the only teacher of this matter, that they can never pass this technique on." Luc took a breath to pace himself. "The Council will certainly learn of this matter, at the very least I will bring it to case."

Luc's attention was so focused on these matters that he paid little heed to what the royals and Morgan talked about. A depressing sign of how he was too deeply involved.

Edited by Script, 01 May 2012 - 04:31 AM.

[Phoenix]

More Meeting

Iso: I'm not in this group to reach a consensus with anyone; I'm here 'under duress' as you politicians might put it, always have been. I also don't like to waste time on fancy speeches, clever wording, empty platitudes, or these goddess damned semantics you keep pushing on me, but apparently I have to or you won't get a word I say.

He took a moment to crack his knuckles and even cocked his head to the side to loosen up his neck as well. After that, his eyes were on Luc's, and that same contemptuous look was ever present.

Iso: I'm not sure if I can make my stance any clearer than this, but here's one last try since you won't just piss off. If Miranda wanted us dead, you could be damn sure I wouldn't be arguing with Morgan about fighting back. The problem is you people are so caught up in the fear of unknowns like Miranda's real motives and such, that nothing she does will ever exonerate her. She saved my life more times than I can count, and she even saved me as a demon, but none of that counts towards Morgan's decision, because she's a demon and we don't know what she's really after. You should have just asked her from the beginning instead of trying to pry into my personal life for clues. You never cared to ask about it before you needed information for your pointless argument. I honestly don't mind sharing with people I actually like, or people at least interested in me as a person, but you're neither, so just back off and don't ask me about that ever again.
... back to my point ... I guess. It's not about me deciding who lives and dies versus Morgan deciding who lives and dies, it's about Morgan justifying something on principle alone. 'She's a demon' and 'we don't know what she's after' aren't going to cut it for me when demon or not, that's Miranda running around in that body. If we're going to kill Miranda on principle, why not go after Ixion too since he's the one that brought her back in the first damn place? Is it because he's got a human body? Or is it because he's powerful and we might lose people in the process? What makes Miranda someone we should consider killing over the person who created her? Why aren't we just killing off the demons instead of the demon king if that's how we handle things? Don't answer any of those, my point is that there aren't any good reasons to kill Miranda, so it shouldn't be an option right now. Killing her after everything she's done would have been no better than killing off you and your unit with our own hands just because you all had shiny weapons and could easily hurt us. There, I said it; my piece. If even that's something you can't resist trying to twist into some wild lecture and stupid semantics, then I've got nothing more to say to you.

Miranda: Huh. I'll be honest, you two are a little frustrating to watch. I get that each hate the way the other thinks, but Morgan already said I'm not to be harmed as long as I cooperate. I'm cooperating for the moment. Problem's been solved for awhile now ... you know ... unless you really want to try to reach a consensus after several months of probably never saying a word to each other. I think you could have at least passed for allies when you weren't talking to each other, no? And are you absolutely sure you want me to get into something like that, right now? I'm not an advocate of peace and harmony, and you're bickering with one of my students. Might just make things worse~

Meanwhile, about six feet away ...

Ixion: Allow me to clarify. What the world leaders learn is an issue for the council. What the crimson brigade learns is not. Two separate matters. As I said, though, the council may not be inclined to hear anything I have to say on the morrow depending on ... presentation. You see, I will not be able to prove that any of these demon detection methods work without an ... actual demon present. Inevitably, they will learn what Miranda is, and any attempt to share my knowledge with them could well be lost in the ensuing argument. In the end, I believe only those committed to winning the war will actually listen, and not during the summit itself. I suspect backroom exchanges during breaks, post-meetings, and so on. I also suspect the templars will complicate things, as well. Even if they don't attempt to destroy Miranda at the earliest opportunity, they will be approached for their 'light detection' methods as Morgan pointed out. Sooner or later, it becomes an unwitting competition for the most expedient method.

Edited by Phoenix, 01 May 2012 - 05:11 PM.

[Script]

Luc Altair maybe others

Luc replied to Isotov's initial statement, before the Fire Sage went into a rather large explanation. "You may not be here to reach consensus with anyone, or are here under duress. But you have already shown you will not take certain principles lying down harshly. So perhaps I am more curious when you had the chance to prevent all of this you let it run rampant."

Thus came the reply to the explanation. It was quite, longwinded. To be expected, naturally. "Yes, you have finally made it clear. Thank you. But the fear of unknowns is valid. From the machinations of humans to the paranoia of shape-shifters to wondering if the knights on a hill are thinking of attacking. Which is why I attempted to, pry. I'm sorry if you see that as rude, unfair. It is. But if things I know are personal information I possessed was relevant to security I would share if asked. It is uneven, to ask the same of you for that. I know that now." Luc took a break to shift his wording unto the Miranda arrival problem. "I could not have asked her until she arrived, which I did not even know she about until she did, I did not know of her circumstances until this very meeting. If this whole argument had not come up I would have simply lumped her in with the rest of the demons like you're so adamantly trying to stop."

If Luc wanted this argument to end before the next session of the Council he'd have to relent a little more. "Hmmmm, yes, I see. You have, in a way, enlightened me as well. But, despite your insistence, I will answer at least one of those questions. We will kill off the demon king and the demons. Simply growing complacent because the king was sealed away was what set the forces in motion that led to all of this." He ignored Isotov's... mention, of the 12th. Luc was the one who brought them up. It was only fair. It did not mean he liked it though.

Luc next turned his attention to Miranda's answering. "Hate? There is very little I hate, but none of those have to do with Isotov's line of thinking. Just because this is the longest, and indeed, I believe this only the very second conversation that he and I have ever had does not mean that I do not want his opinion. Even the only other time we talked was when I inquired him to where we should go after events in Burgosas and what instigated this whole series of arguments." Luc relaxed a bit. "I intend to be an ally regardless of whether this conversation affects anything or not." He took a deep breath. "Oh, I suppose since Isotov has answered my questions clearly enough that it is now up to you if you want your opinion heard or not."

Luc faced the final member of his largely growing argument pool. "The Council has already made clear its intentions to meddle in the affairs of the Crimsons. Not even counting the military presence already instilled and putting forth a vote." Luc frowned at the mention of having no actual test subject for a demonstration. "You are correct, without a acceptable test subject any method would be... disastrous." He did not want to admit that. "Petty nobles like that obnoxious one have never been any more than seat-fillers. Yes, you are correct. Jace and the others. The Grand Marshall. It will all be done away from the gaze of the ignorant." Luc shook his head at the memory of the obnoxious one. "The Templars are not even present at this Council. That will push their reputation into the ground from the start." Did real-Eric have these light-based detection powers? It could be an alternative, but was just as dangerous. "So, capturing another demon to prove either method. Whichever side gets their goal first will get the trust. And I take it there are no other demons at the summit or you wouldn't be bringing this whole angle up."

[Phoenix]

Meeting

Oddly enough, his final attempt to convey his feelings didn't stoke the flames of the argument any further. For once he didn't regret holding all of the insults that he had. Not that he was feeling any better, but with Luc no longer coming at him strong enough to warrant it, Iso's rage began to slowly subside. Within a few seconds, Proxmia went completely dark again, and his eyes returned to their normal brown color. He couldn't help but close his eyes and cross his arms, his own way of taking a break. Closed eyes meant there was no one to see and he'd only need to focus on words spoken for the moment.

Iso: Yeah, I know. Miranda's a demon, now. I had to get past that, and I did. I don't expect anyone else to do that or take my word for it, so I ... just ... do what I think is right. I just don't see much point in trying to convince you of anything when Morgan's going to do whatever the hell she wants no matter who tries to say otherwise. It's easier just to be her shield and leave it at that. (Hell, being able to do that is the only real benefit of being a crimson weapon wielder.)

Miranda: D'awww~

Iso: I'm still doubtful that a group like ours could even get close enough to throw a rock at the demon king, forget destroying him. The fact that this group is held together by a few loose alliances and one gigantic hunch doesn't help, much.

Miranda: Well, with what Iso just said, I guess I could give my input now but ... don't say I didn't warn you.

She grabbed Iso by the shoulders, causing him to open his eyes, and next she turned him to face her while she stepped toward his front, meeting him about half way. She put on her serious face and quietly cleared her throat.

Miranda: Honestly, Iso, why are you doing this?

Iso: Doing what?

Miranda: Helping Morgan and the others. You hate what you're going through and you certainly hate being 'used like a weapon'. So why are you helping them?

Iso put his head down. There was no way he could list off his reasons for staying and face Miranda at the same time. The longer his explanation carried on, the sadder his voice sounded.

Iso: 'Under duress'. Besides, the crimson weapons can destroy the demon king. I'm bound to one of them and I'm no leader so ... I don't really have much of a choice. To make matters worse, my sister actually believes in all of this and wants to protect me. I'm trying my hardest to protect her. And ... it's not exactly worth it to turn on Morgan when there are other people who'll suffer for it. Not everyone in this group treats me like a necessary burden to bear.

A sigh escaped Miranda's lips and she grinned a little bit.

Miranda: Yeah ... I thought so. Well I guess there's no need for my advice, then. You could blast your way out of this situation and never look back ... and normally you would, but you're thinking about the people you care about and what they'd have to go through if you did. Sucks to be you, but as long as you're doing what you want ... I suppose that's good enough for me. I was ... a little worried that you wouldn't be able to justify what you're doing right now. If defeating the Lord really mattered to you ... if you really perceived him as a threat to your very existence and to your sister's existence, you'd be leading the charge, not tugging at whatever leash Morgan's got on you. None of this is real to you, or you wouldn't care about being used, now would you?

Iso: ... I guess so.

Miranda: Of course. The only enemies that are real in your mind are Shanice and the other demons. You're not fighting for a cause you actually believe in. Normally I'd punch you and then tell you to find a reason to be here or leave--and damn the consequences-- ... but you have a reason. It's not a stellar one but it helps you get by ... for now.

Iso: Then why do I feel so horrible ...?

Miranda: While you did find a reason to remain loyal to the group, you did not find a reason to put up with everything that comes with it. The stress is eating away at you.

Iso: Do I need to get along with her or anyone else to do my job? Really?

Miranda: Well if you could just stop caring one bit about anything anyone says, ever, that would also fix the problem ... ... I mean Morgan said one thing about me and before you know it, Proxima's burning inside of you. It looks cool when your eyes get all shiny and what have you, but that means Proxima is probably attuned to your mental state. What do you think happens when magic starts mimicking negative emotions? The results will always be negative. I can't tell what the damage is at a glance but I can tell that the severing certainly didn't help matters, since now Proxima's energy is strangling your mana network like a child desperately clinging to a parent. What intense stress does for a normal person might actually kill you, eventually.

Iso: ... great, more bad news. (So my negative emotions might be killing me? Hmm. It's strange, I almost don't care. Kind of hard to when I won't have much going for me after this demon king business is over and done with, anyway. Die fighting the demons or waste away as a royal pawn in Zaftra ... tough call. Maybe it's just my mood, right now.)

And Ixion continued ignoring the other exchange for the moment.

Ixion: There aren't any unless they can remain hidden from Miranda. The templars don't seem like the kind to capture demons ... they won't even take the crimson wielders alive, despite their humanity. They will most likely prove their detection methods after the summit, further down the line ... and in battle. I'm content to let politics run its course, though. Those willing to work with me will come forward in the end, yes.

[Script]

Luc Altair

The latest counter from Luc and Miranda's words managed to get through to Isotov, as the burning anger swelling up in him seemed to fade away. Mainly because his eyes stopped glowing. That was kinda weird. Miranda stated it was because of the Crimson Fire Tome Proxima. Certainly more valid a theory than anything Luc had.

Now, should he intrude back into this? Or simply answer Ixion?

Luc decided on the former choice. "Well, for this I will take your word." Luc agreed. "But please, remember that different people have different meanings of right. Some by your definition, some by ends justify the means, others by rule of might. Though the last one is just bully-based nonsense, but I digress." Luc said the last part unerringly quick. "You may not see much point in having convinced me, but I do."

Moving on. "The Six are not exactly the most inspiring lot either. Now or then," Luc offered. "And I suppose another point of the leadership vote was to secure a majority opinion, turn a few loose alliances into a larger one."

Luc kept silent at mention of family. Anything he said on that subject would just set things ablaze again he felt. Now should anything else be commented on. Miranda though gave a splendid explanation of Isotov's driving motions. He didn't perceive the king as a threat. For Luc, who had grown up on stories of the war, demons and their king were always a threat. But yes, he could see now why others wouldn't. This whole debate had become quite illuminating. Even the mention of Isotov not putting up with the... situations he hated. That was something Luc did, was trained to handle. It seemed the Captain would learn more about himself from this whole argument than about Isotov and Miranda.

Hearing about how such a burden of stress could kill the Fire Sage though, was not something he--or anyone else--wanted to hear though. "Well, you don't have to get along with everyone or anyone, naturally. But not having people to trust when battle once again makes its way towards us is... bad." Luc went back in and made simple his end statement. He turned towards Miranda. "I'd say I'm more the one who got him so, riled actually."

Finally was Ixion. If Henry-Eric had the same powers as the other Templars and had not already sensed one, between he and Miranda that was a safety there were no other demons. But if there wasn't already a hunt for Miranda as it is. He would need to speak to Charlotte once this was all over. "No, there is still a way to see if the Templars can that doesn't involve handing any captured demon over." He probably shouldn't be sharing evn that vague information with Ixion but he had little choice. "But either way, battle will be the easiest way for either method to prove their point it seems. Were we unfortunate to have others. Bah."

[Phoenix]

Meeting

Iso: If people have different ideas about right and wrong, how are we ever supposed to reach a real consensus? The only things everyone seems to ever agree on are defeating the demon king and the demons and ... staying alive. Seems to me like we're just ignoring other things and hoping they never come up. I have enough people I trust to get through battle, but ... when I'm not fighting for my life, there's being herded around like a sheep.

Miranda: I was wondering why even with Morgan being quiet, this wasn't going anywhere, heheh.

Luc's mention of another way of finding proof that didn't involve capturing demons got Ixion's attention, though he kept the same stoic tone as always, seeming half present and half elsewhere.

Ixion: Hm? How so?

[Script]

Luc Altair

"Find base similarities, shared interests, and you work on things from there. Well, perhaps it's too late in this case, but that is what I learned," days on the raining field, nights drinking and breaking up brawls, mornings of a pounding headache and going into training the next day hung-over as all hell. A small smile flashed on Luc's lips.

"It is not the cleanest of methods, but capturing a demon and holding it in a location where Templars are to be invited. Once there, ask if they sense any demons. That will make it clear if their abilities are truth or fiction." Luc left out any mention of Eric. That was not his topic to bring up. "If their abilities ring true, then you simply warp the demon away so it is not handed over to them for quick slaughter instead of use as a research subject for other methods. If they cannot, then other methods would be the only one that work."

EDIT: its it's

Edited by Script, 04 May 2012 - 09:23 AM.

[-Cynthia-]

"If I did not herd you, you would have gotten yourself killed by now. You must have come to the conclusion that you cannot defeat Shanice alone- so you are in this group out of necessity, as all the Wielders are. If any one of us were to separate, we would be killed and stripped of our weapon. That is what ultimately binds us together- the will to survive. Even Reika can understand that," Morgan said.

"I wonder if Sir Eric still possesses his abilities from being part of the Templars...but that may not be much use since I don't think he's in Larien right now. Why wouldn't Jace have him sent here?" Charlotte pondered aloud, her mind already working on possibilities. He's working to keep us apart? He's keeping Eric hostage? I need to ask Sir Eric more questions tomorrow...

[Script]

Luc Altair

While waiting for a response--possibly the last response of the night--from those he had engaged in debate so heatedly with, Morgan returned to the conversation with her usual gruff manner. Charlotte too, spoke, revealing without any doubt that Eric was a Templar. That, might not go over well. But the Captain was more worried about giving over that information to Ixion over anything.

Luc opened his mouth--but shut in immediately. Separate? Killed? Eric? That was it! One of the many problems clawing at his mind! But it was such a large issue, should it be presented with outsiders present? But the Zaftrans were about to depart... But then again, the issue was now also completely resolved since Miranda and Ixion confirmed there were no demons. So if Eric was here he wasn't one. But if he was away like Charlotte wondered... "If he is here... Your... reaction when you first listened to the spirit doll Princess. It's possible that Eric himself wanted to wait until you could settle your thoughts on the matter first." There was little he could say.

[Phoenix]

Meeting

Iso: Yeah ... defeating the demon king and staying alive ... that seems to be about it. I guess I'm not a fan of Jace, either.

He shrugged at the last part. When Luc smiled, Iso was a little surprised. It was difficult to compare anyone capable of such a feat to Morgan, so that was a little annoying. Since the argument was over, however, it also didn't serve a purpose to hold onto any thoughts or perceptions that put him off about the man. Morgan was capable of stressing him into an early grave all on her own. And so she recommenced. Iso scowled, but kept his cool this time.

Iso: No, I'm in this group because you seem willing to do pretty much anything to keep the weapons all together in one place. Fact is, I survived ten years without your 'help', so I sure as hell don't need or want it now. If the demon king is really about to break loose then that's reason enough to band together, but not like this. Someone disagrees with what you're doing? Treat them like dirt while dangling your cause over their heads. Someone threatens to leave with their own property, a crimson weapon? Brainwash them. Someone brought back with a demonic body does nothing but help us despite the risks? Kill them once they're no longer of use. 'The ends justify the means' is just her excuse for lording over the group and not listening to anything contrary to her beliefs.

It only took Ixion a moment to mull over Luc's concept.

Ixion: It has a remote chance of causing an incident, but with the proper setup and safeguards, it would probably work. You don't escape suspicion if they can detect demons and one simply vanishes, but the brigade hasn't been on good terms with the templars from the beginning. I suppose it depends on 'who' the templars are meeting with. I'm also wondering how you would go about capturing a demon.

Then with the Eric templar connection made.

Miranda: That guy really gets around ...

Ixion: Hmm.

[Script]

Luc Altair

"Certainly a stronger base than most, at least." Jess and Gran had started their courtship by both being too stubborn to back down after a series of drunken challenges led them to have dinner together. That was certainly an awkward month. But uh, this wasn't something to be thinking about. Not now at least.

Luc's matter with Isotov seemed to have finally settled. Good. Now if only things would end with Morgan...

Or things would begin again as Isotov responded to Morgan's latest declaration. This was the eternal wheel of argument wasn't it? But at least in this case there was a slight implication into the answer as to what Isotov was running from for those ten years. Demons. Not that it was a difficult thing to guess, there were only a few options. But it was something. Something useless. Though it certainly was some form of ironic that Morgan would fit so well into the military despite not wanting to be controlled by them. Maybe he could use that? Should he? In a worst case scenario the unfair was still available. It would also be a form of irony at this point wouldn't it? He had never really grasped the full concept of the word.

He held himself back, for now. But Morgan's actions would dictate if things would progress in the worst manner.

Ixion's response to Luc's proposal was a more favorable turn of conversation. Even if the man was despicable he was being sensible. But the reaction to Eric, no specifically Miranda's reaction to Eric? What did she mean by that? Better to let Charlotte ask that question. Luc would answer the other Templar ones. "Who indeed? If they don't approach anyone then they'll most likely go for nobles who speak out against the Crimsons at this summit. We already have one case at least. And I doubt Percival is looking upon the situation with favor either." Luc paused for a second to dread the connection to the unfair before continuing. "If any attempt is made to ascertain the abilities of the Templars as truth is needed, cooperation with any possible targets will be required." Luc gave a grunt at the obnoxiousness of the situation. "Catching a demon would possibly be the easier task between it and dealing with hostile nobility. Unless a high-rank demon is needed, subduing a minor demon should not be too great a difficulty. The trouble comes from finding on, managing the battle while keeping it subdued and putting it into restraints and a cage would be the difficult task." If he told Councilman Richtor about this plan they could begin working on things nigh immediately. But would he go for it? General Mendozza wouldn't like resources being thrown around on that on more a personal whim than anything. He would have to convince them.

[-Cynthia-]

"Your idiocy never ceases to amaze me Isotov. Fine, if you believe you can defeat Shanice by yourself and are only in this group by force, then so be it. It is whether you remain that is important, not why," Morgan concluded.

"Isn't getting the Templars a difficult task itself as well? As soon as they see the Crimson Weapon wielders, they're probably going to attack again," Tristan said aloud.

"So Sir Eric might be here in Larien already...you think he would have come in person then. Though I suppose that would have been shocking to all of us," Charlotte mused.

Edited by -Cynthia-, 04 May 2012 - 07:01 PM.