"Sister, you will not wait?" Ya'shenn speaks very politely, and tries hard not to look even a little aggrieved.
"Your vagueness is not helping, so either spit it out, sister Ya'shenn, or I will go and start training my pupils, and I am presuming you know my stance on the subjects anyway...", whilst saying this Ii'Jyka looks simply with a bored kind of expression...nothing agressive ontowards Ya'shenn in any way...
[I hope Ya'shenn won't regret spilling this info -- but we'll see.]
Ya'shenn bows her head -- much as she had in acknowledgement of Pale's wishes, not all that long ago. "Forgive me, sister; I intend no disrespect. That vagueness is a habit both of my upbringing and of my training."
"In any case, I am not actually certain of your stance on this subject." Still, Mist-of-the-Mind is eager to cultivate Ii'Jyka'Vaar as an ally.
"Let us assume an entirely hypothetical scenario for a moment. Imagine that a warlock among your brothers had successfully tricked and, literally, enslaved another of your siblings, using magical means to accomplish this end. Assume, further, that this warlock intends to fully... absorb the entire being of this other githyanki. This act would grant the warlock access to the other's intellect and capabilities, but would result in the utter annihilation of the other as an individual. Furthermore -- that this would occur at some point in the future, but soon. Where, in such a circumstance, would your obligations lie?"
[Ya'shenn is careful to be specific about the male gender of the warlock in question, especially since his behavior sounds a little bit like what the Revered Queen gets up to... Yeah, she's still being kind of vague, but I think Ii can figure out which male mage she's referring to.]
"Let us assume an entirely hypothetical scenario for a moment. Imagine that a warlock among your brothers had successfully tricked and, literally, enslaved another of your siblings, using magical means to accomplish this end. Assume, further, that this warlock intends to fully... absorb the entire being of this other githyanki. This act would grant the warlock access to the other's intellect and capabilities, but would result in the utter annihilation of the other as an individual. Furthermore -- that this would occur at some point in the future, but soon. Where, in such a circumstance, would your obligations lie?"
K'tch's eyes open wide, "Oh .... Gith's nipples!* That's what Mist was trying to tell me! I remember now! She showed me one of Pale's memories. He has the ability to command undead, even undead he himself didn't create. He trapped Mist-of-the-Mind ... but ... something went screwy. She can leave his body for a time, but she's bound to him and is compelled to return."
[ *someone slap him]
(OOC: Oh this is too good to miss......your post had me choking on my tea!)
Azthri'Zhan'kel is a blur of motion as she strikes the bard with a backhanded fist. She then deftly exposes a broken dagger, subtly removed from a hidden slit in her brocade vest.
"Spit another quip about Gith again and I'll be certain you will know it's name**."
She slips it out of sight again, peering at K'tch over her spectacles in a decidedly menacing manner, nodding her head in his direction curtly.
"By all means, do continue."
{{I am not certain whether to scold or praise you for that one yet, Azthri.}} muses Derog.
(OOC: **this dagger has the distinction of being the only named weapon Azthri carries. Why keep a broken blade? Time will tell.....)
Ii'Jyka'Vaar made the motion of getting into action with the intention to knock K'tch silly.. but then the new addition got there slightly faster, and she backs down..
"*Now, K'tch, mind your words or there will be more "slaps"... and the next time they wont be just backhanders..thats a promise." Ii'Jyka says with a severity that contradicts the boringness that she previously expressed...
(*Don't want to roll intimidate, hope this suffices)
In contrast to the knight and the newcomer, Ya'shenn only smirks. She soon returns to her usual seriousness, though.
"What the bard has to say concerning Mist-of-the-Mind is true, unfortunately. Not only is she magically compelled to serve Master Pale..." The psion pauses significantly. "The necromancer does not only desire lichdom; I believe he is close to actually achieving it. He is going to the Negative Energy Plane for a specific reason: if his transformation occurs there, he will become extremely powerful even by the standards of liches. If this takes place, Mist-of-the-Mind's... essence... will be completely absorbed into his own. It would be a particularly cruel and ironic fate for a mind-dominator like herself.
"As ludicrous as it may seem, under the circumstances... I feel a certain obligation to free Mist-of-the-Mind from her current state of servitude, if I am able. Still, sarth'gar... I would like to hear your own opinion, as well."
Upon hearing the revelation about the relationship between Pale and Mist-of-the-Mind the warlock is stunned for a few moments. Then without thinking he blurts out even though he wasn't asked his opinion. "Anything we can do to weaken this would-be tyrant is the right thing to do. The way he compels the People to serve is the way of the mindflayer and not one of the People!"
Gy-Nath looks troubled, "And yet can we at least consider that this may be exactly how Mist might want us to react? I have no real desire to ally with the necromancer at this point, but neither do I favor rash action. Let us tread carefully"
"This too is possible," Ya'shenn agrees readily enough. "Mist-of-the-Mind has a fearsome reputation, and someone," she looks meaningfully toward the bard, "has provided her with a great deal of insight into my own mind. Enough to know how I can be manipulated, I am sure. I do want to believe that what I found in K'tch's thoughts is true; perhaps that is the problem."
A cold sensation settles in Azthri'Zhan'kel's chest as she ponders over the highly disturbing topics unfolding in the conversation. Her thoughts instantly turn to Derog. If a necromancer could potentially absorb someone as powerful as this Mist-of-the-Mind, would not the reverse also be possible? The idea makes her nauseous.
"I am of the same mind as Kiirath, though your assessments are equally valid." the Plague-healer replies, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "Though I am no varsh-trained warrior, I would insist -no offence meant to our honoured knight or yourself- that we play both sides while keeping our own loyalties and intentions veiled. Some of us can proclaim loyalty to Pale, others can vouch for Mist.....we gather the intelligence this way via coded messages. I could write it in the manner of the githzerai, though arrange the letters backwards to further confuse them....." Her momentary exuberance fades as the futility of the plan dawns on her, the last option looming before her like a noose. "....if no one wants to attempt that one......there is another way."
She fidgets and reaches for her spectacles. The shaking fingers brush the metal frames and the young doctor loses her nerve at the last moment.
"They don't know me.....I......I could go in there......easy prey. I've always had an interest in the arcane arts myself."
What Azthri'Zhan'kel does not reveal is her intent to exploit Derog's own strategies. Two could play this little game.
(OOC: Edited by reason of faulty logic. Zimmy, you get e-cookies. Azthri is admittedly not always the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes to planning, and had she not lost her nerve.....well, Zimmy reminded me the consequences of it....heh. i would prefer to not have her die so early.)
Gy-Nath looks to Ii'jyka'vaar, "Githees, Pale favors you, and I think I know why. Some gith from the fleets told me the knights went to Daerlun. Every Order, every knight. His own knights must have abandoned him.
...
Ii´Jyka´Vaar simply shrugs her shoulders and replies: "I was already aware of this news..there is nothing new for me in that, but I welcome the news as an affirmation nonetheless..no thoughts though why all the knights were, lets put it, "recalled"?..and then to wonder what my presence would accomplish for him at all, I am not yet in any power position that would tip any scales in my opinion.."
Not wishing to be percieved as overstepping her boundaries Azthri'Zhan'kel settles herself near Ha'kan'a, Sark'ja and Kitiir, though she quietly continues to observe the exchange between Ii'Jyka'Vaar, Gy-Nath and the other members of her new 'warband'. Sensing a need to kindle comraderie with the trio, she softly intones one of the few songs she has committed to memory. It is a rough translation version of the original, far more elegant githyanki tune. While Azthri'Zhan'kel is by no means as skilled as a bard, she manages to convey the spirit of the piece.
(OOC: I leave it to the audience to envison a grand ballad filled with squid-hunting and gutting of enemies since my inner lyric-master decided to take a holiday. XD)
"I too wish to return to Git'riban. Still, I cannot -- at least, not yet. The necromancer has chosen to hold the city under siege, and will surely act to prevent us from leaving Starmantle. There is also the welfare of the Apocalytes here and that of Kirath's allies to consider." Ya'shenn also wonders, given the nature of the Negative Energy Plane, what Master Pale has planned for his living troops and conscripts. The thought actually makes her feel relieved to be in Starmantle instead, even given the circumstances.
"Gy-Nath... I would not ask you to stand against Pale, if you will not. Still, I very much hope that you choose to remain among our number, at least for now. Much can transpire between the current moment and the deadline Pale has set."
"In fact, I was about to seek out one of the captains here." She looks toward the knight and the short warlock. "Ii'Jyka'Vaar, Kirath...?"
"By all means, lead the way..." Ii'Jyka nods and waves a hand in the direction they should travel...
Upon hearing Ya'shenn's intent to oppose the necromancer a genuine smile spreads across the tiny gith's face. "Yes let's court these captain's support against the would be lich. Perhaps if they don't support us we can fight the lich from within his forces and foil his plans.
"I agree, we need to make sure the captains are united. If not, Pale may be even further emboldened. The absolute LAST think I want to see happen is githyanki slaying each other ... I ... don't know if I could take that ... ..." Gy-Nath trails off.
"Then let's find these commanders. Onward!" K'tch tries to break the somber mood.
The githyanki break 'camp' and move out. Out on the steps of the Customs House, they catch sight of Ib'm and her gang of bodyguards. They are down on the docks. As the Git'ribani draw close they see she is speaking with Captain D'aynn and a mixed group of githyanki and graith pirates. At the end of their warf is a ship with patches on its damaged hull being stripped down.
D'aynn greets Ya'shenn and Ii when they draw close, "Githees Ii'jyka'vaar, Psion Ya'shenn. And company, I see. Congratulations on escaping the necromancer's clutches, siblings. I would have hated it if I had shot down the ship you were on. Of course, I would have done so anyway, but it puts me more at ease knowing it will only be Pale's undead who crash flaming to the ground." The other Apocalytes with D'aynn chuckle, as do his graith, but Ib'm has a slightly pained look, and Gy-Nath again looks depressed at D'aynn's words.
To D'aaynn's remark a quick smile graces Kirath's face. He then proceeds to introduce himself to the Captains.
"Greetings Captain Ibm and Captain D'ayann I am Kirath of the Copper Ring. "I serve with those now being forced to to run with this would-be lich Pale. I humbly ask for your and the rest of the captains support against this mad man. He would compel us all to serve him like he was a ghaik and we nothing but thralls if we don't stand against him now!"
"He threatens to take our free will away from us and turn us into undead under his command. Now I don't know about all of you but I still enjoy breathing and have no desire to be a walking corpse. What say you?"
"Captain D'aynn. It is an honor." Ya'shenn even smiles, not least because she thinks that this D'aynn might prove to be a rather... entertaining individual, even under the current circumstances. His disposition seems to be very much the opposite of her own, in certain ways.
Still, he is likely a fanatical Githite of the Closed Circle. Have some caution.
"I am pleased that the necromancer was unable to force the confrontation he desired... despite his best efforts and those of his followers." The thought of being ordered -- by a deranged madman, at that -- to do battle against someone like D'aynn, or Ib'm or the others here, is something that Ya'shenn doesn't care to contemplate. "Unfortunately, he seeks further confrontation..."
Gith's blood, does every barbarian on this world speak our tongue?! Ya'shenn wonders if this might not be inevitable, if the Githyanki are determined to build a strong empire on the Prime... but she is still not very happy about it. "Perhaps we could continue this conversation inside..." she suggests.
Azthri'Zhan'kel is finally forced to admit to herself that she is entirely out of her element as Kirath, Ii'jyka'vaar, Gy-Nath and Ya'shenn discuss Pale. However, the more adventurous part of her personality thrills at being in the presence of githyanki pirates, especially ones of such high rank in their established pecking order. She is almost tempted to request joining one of the crews, though her logic prevails and she continues to remain silent with her head slightly bowed as a precautionary measure should a person of her low rank be deemed impolite for looking directly at any of the captains present. It is clear she is practically in awe of those around her and impatient for excitement, shifting from one boot to the other in a most graith-like manner.
{{Stop that! You are not six years old!}}
{{What in the Nine Hells am I doing here?! Conclaves, pirates, aspiring liches, knights and a whole slew of other things that are beyond anything I've had thrown at me before....I'm little more than a pawn in a chess match!}}
{{If Gith and Zerthimon could rise from slavery to freedom, I am certain a Hiver could rise to something worthy of a githyanki.}}
{{You.....mean it? No sarcasm?}}
{{If I thought you were worthless I would never have encouraged you in your endeavours or supported your decision to join an Incursion force. I know you are capable of achieving greatness, even in a smaller measure. What remains is for you to heed me when I offer my expertise and wisdom.}}
{{.....and keep my mouth shut, I suppose?}}
{{Correct.}}
{{But of course.}}
When arriving at D'aynn's company she replies:
"And greetings to you, D'aynn, I hope the days here are good to you.."
With Ya'shenn doing most of the talking, she simply listens, and keeps to attention of heir surroundings.., maybe even looking a little paranoid..twitching her fingers around the hilt of her weapon..(her Nagamaki)
Then, at the end of the conversation she replies:
"By all means, lead us the way, I have a mount to see to, and we all need more conversation with the captains as a group, thus to make a decision, we need to come to some agreement with all the leaders present.. " Ii'Jyka says gravely, and heads after D'aynn
(I forgot his/ her title and gender, sorry)
D'aynn nods to all githyanki present, including Azthri. "I must return to my flagship, but you are welcome to accompany me. I must admit that I am proud of her armaments ... {Bring those barrels on board and pull the bung, boyz!"} He suddenly shouts in goblin to a trio of bugbears laden with nets containing huge barrels marked "Oil".
D'aynn gestures to a waiting oarboat tied to a pier, but before anyone can board [or not, depending on PC intent], there is the sound of a shrill whistle from the Swallow, furthest out in the bay. All look up and out to the horizon. Within a couple of minutes objects start coming into view, emerging out of the mid-morning clouds. They can be nothing else except githyanki flying ships. D'aynn snaps his fingers and a nearby kobold (whose only job seemed to be holding its case) hands him an over-sized telescope.
"Hmm ... mostly astral brigs but I see some planar raiders ... Red markings, could it be? Oooo, ha ha ha!" Within a couple of more minutes those assembled realize they are looking at an approaching force three times the size of Pale's. D'aynn lowers the telescope and offers it to the next githyanki [whomever that may be].
"Pale's in trouble now, The Firebringer is here."
"Care to elaborate who He/ She is, D'aynn?, this "Firebringer", sounds interesting and useful to have us know who we are to have an unexpected meeting with..." With that Ii'jyka'Vaar nods towards the fleet "arriving"...
"Heh heh, of course sister. Firebringer Lahar, The Burning Mind, The Will Aflame, is the Uber-commander of the Apocalyte forces. Each of us captains has a small fleet, but as you see, the Firebringer retains a three-fold strike-force, three thousand elite githyanki and duthka'gith in astral ships. He is also one of the most powerful psions I have ever met. Pale can forget any notion of victory. Too bad, I was looking forward to a scrap, even if it was to be with another child of Gith. Still, if we're lucky Pale will still try some hubris and we'll see a battle anyway.
Ib'm, however, does not share Captain D'aynn's outlook on the situation. She visibly blanches as she watches the approaching fleet. Ya'shenn can feel a mixture of anxiety and depression coming from the Port Master. Those nearby hear Ib'm mutter under her breath, "Gith's blood, there goes my command. The port will be a smoldering ruin by nightfall ... "
She nods in acquaintance to the explanation she is given about this Firebringer...
Ii'Jyka then proceeds to reply to Ib'm: "We will see how it goes, and I will do my best that if there is to be a war here, the damage to the port itself is to be minized as much as possible..", she nods a slight bow towards Ib'm when she says such...
Ar'dru keeps his own counsel but frowns somewhat at D'aynn's eagerness. While he understands relishing confrontation with a worthy enemy it saddens him that any of the people need to be labelled such.
He looks to the sky and hopes that this new arrival will bring some sanity back to this situation but has little confidence that they will.
"Pale's in trouble now, The Firebringer is here."
Ya'shenn smirks when Lahar is mentioned, and is happy to borrow the telescope, should it be offered. She takes the opportunity to examine Lahar's forces in as much detail as the looking-glass allows. The psion is not thrilled that the commander of the Apocalyte forces is a duthka'gith, but between Lahar and Pale... it's not exactly a difficult choice to make. Oh, are you so sure of that? Your acquaintance with the Firebringer is only brief -- and his warband has a very fierce reputation.
She explains to the githees: "It is as Captain D'aynn says, sister. The Firebringer Lahar is a pyrokineticist of considerable ability. His warband is that of Bloodstone, I believe."
She lowers the telescope. "I am not certain that razing Starmantle would really be in the best interest of any of the parties involved." She looks to D'aynn. "Perhaps the Firebringer and Master Pale have a strong personal enmity between them? Or is it simply that he would be displeased at the forcible conscription of other Apocalytes?"
To Ib'm: "Portmaster, I am actually acquainted with the Firebringer, though that acquaintance was brief. While you know my opinion of the necromancer, and I cannot claim to be anyone of great pith and moment... if I might be able to dissuade Firebringer Lahar from utterly destroying the city in the course of dealing with Pale's forces, I will be happy to assist."
"Thank you for the offer, Captain..." Oh, please, out of every last Son of Gith in Starmantle, must I feel attraction for the one with the most and biggest cannons in the entire fleet?! Ya'shenn tries hard to be the 'reserved and distant Tu'narathi,' even more so than usual. You have much more important priorities, in any case. Is the city not under siege?
"...But I had been meaning to seek out Captain Styrrn. I had been hoping to speak with him concerning the likely confrontation with Pale, as well as ask him for anything he might know about the necromancer's weaknesses." She makes the prospect of this conversation with Styrrn sound more like a matter of duty than real enthusiasm, though.
Ya'shenn is still holding the telescope: she raises it again, looking for Styrrn's flagship, the Pride. "...If I can find him, in any case."
[Speaking of warbands, are any of the captains wearing anything indicating what their warbands are?]
[Also, does Sark'ja have any reaction to the mention of Lahar?]
Azthri'Zhan'kel's eyes widen in astonishment at the sight of the famed ships of her kindred and gives an audible gasp.
"If Pale's barmy enough to think he can win while going up against that, he's doomed."
Something akin to pride swells her heart and gives a slight revival to her zeal in being one of the daughters of Gith.
"I say if the port does get razed, well.....this is war. Our brothers and sister will fall, yes. Such are the times we live in. I don't like it any more than the next githyanki, but Gith's rebellion didn't come without a cost paid in blood either."
The doctor pauses.
"I'm no varsh-raised warrior-patriot. I'm a Hiver and I'd rather be back in Sigil plying my trade sooner rather than later. If it comes to crossing swords to get there, you've got the last of the Carnelians at your back, Captain D'aynn."
Kirath looks to the sky and with a sheepish grin says mostly to himself but loud enough for the others to hear "Hopefully he doesn't roast me from the inside out for "leading" some of his troops on the raid on Hlondeth" He then clears his throat and says "Maybe we should make ourselves available to Firebringer Lahar's forces so they can hear our part of the conversation don't you?"
After considering for a moment, Ya'shenn offers the spyglass to Azthri'zhankel. How many years had it been since she had possessed anything resembling such un-cynical enthusiasm? The Hive-raised githyanki has a way of making the psion feel rather... well, old.
The psion raises an eyebrow... then raises it even more. K'tch's remarks about Kirath make much more sense in this context. Ya'shenn also makes certain reassessments concerning what she knows of the short warlock's personality: it requires a particular kind of bravery/recklessness to lead troops either against the express wishes of one's own commander or without said commander's blessing. Defying Pale had not been much of a surprise; Kirath and the necromancer were quite definitely enemies.
"Certainly, brother. I would be willing to speak with the Firebringer on your behalf, should such be needed." Would Lahar be appeased by Kirath's initiative, or would the duthka'gith punish him (perhaps in the form of a barbecue...) for such disobedience, and for possibly interfering with some more long-term strategy of the Firebringer's?
While Ya'shenn does not mention it, the psion is at least somewhat concerned herself. Yes, she knows Lahar, but not all that well. He is a psion. A very powerful psion, though he is not primarily a telepath, as she is. Surely the Firebringer would notice the presence of... Pale's psion... if he were to actually speak with the necromancer? What would his reaction be?
The psion eyes D'aynn's designated telescope-holding kobold for a few moments. He would be a good candidate for mind control, considering...
[Sense Motive, Knowledge: Psionics, Detect Psionics, or whatever applicable skill -- Ya'shenn is just wondering if he's a mentally dominated creature of Mist-of-the-Mind or some other psion.]
Pale's fleet moves into a formation protecting the capital ships as the Apocalyte fleet slowly approaches. Lahar has three times as many astral ships, with nine capital ships, two dozen brigs, and a hundred skiffs. Pale's skiffs zip about, as patrols are called back and a perimeter is set up around the castle. In contrast, Lahar's ships are in a wide formation that spreads his fleet along the entire width of the city. All slide forward slowly at the same speed. They come to a near-halt over the bay, halfway between Ra-Shiis' and Zjaa's Swallow and D'aynn's Fire Dragon. Only a dozen ships continue forward, including a capital ship that must be Lahar's flagship.
I am the Queen's Necromancer, Master Pale. Every loyal githyanki accompany me to the aid of our brothers and sisters. But I will not tolerate traitors, renegades, base pirates, or cowards who would flee or hide from battle against the foes of The People. I have the power to redeem such honorless dogs trough death and rebirth. Pale's voice rings out, magically amplified. He stands on the prow of his flagship.
There is no reply at first. Lahar's flagship continues to slide forward through the air. It's entourage of smaller vessels slows to a near- halt one by one.
"The Red Flames." D'aynn names the planar raider for any who were curious. The front of the great steel vessel is shaped like the jaws of a dragon, open slightly as if to at any moment breathe fire. "I served aboard her, one of only a few pure-blood githyanki, as her squads were mostly duthka'gith. I helped maintain one of her flame bellows, and back it up with my spells in battle.
The Red Flames stops a few hundred before it reaches the docks. A figure appears on the platform, but does not make any announcement. Instead he continues to walk forward. When he steps into the open air in front of the planar raider, light shines from the bottom of his feet, like a glimpse of sunlight. Black puffs in the air mark his footprints, before they waft away in the sea breezes. He calmly walks forward, until he is halfway into the city. He stops a few hundred yards from Pale's ships, he seems to hover for a few moments. His flagship then comes to life again, flying forward to pick him up. A few moments after he is again on board it flies back to its fleet. Lahar's forces continue to hover in a long line over the harbor, and his flagship and entourage rejoin them in the formation.
D'aynn suddenly straightens up like a new recruit when a kith'rak walks by. "Lahar just contacted me. There will be a Captains' council, Pale included, to 'discuss strategy'. It will occur in the Customs House later tonight."
A few minutes later one of the brigs from Lahar's fleet breaks formation and flies over to the Customs House. It hovers several hundred feet in the air, but nothing else seems to happen and no one emerges (for now).
"Then by all means, let us prepare, I have need to see to my mount-companion, and do some focusing..." and with that, Ii'Jyka moves towards the docks to get to where she knows Dhar'Gi'Ghaaz will be..
While she is walking through the streets of the city, her follower addresses her, whilst keeping her voice to a whisper, she looks around skittishly and says: "Githees? Is it wise to disagree with Master Pale?"
"No it is not, Lehr'Asj'Tor, but then again, politics was never a safe occupation within the Gith race, not even under our "benign Queen"... and that last bit she says with a bit of sarcasm, but her face remains serious.
As Lahar's forces fly above the city, Ya'shenn reaches out with her telepathic senses and attempts to contact the mind of Lahar himself. She does not actually attempt to speak to him, at least not yet (not least because the psion is more than a little intimidated by this display of the forces at his command) -- but, should she be successful, she merely intends for him to be aware of her own mental signature. What the Firebringer will make of it -- or, indeed, whether he really even remembers the telepath he had met in Sigil not too long ago -- is anyone's guess.
[He's probably out of range, but she'll try.]
Ya'shenn imagines that the tour Lahar's fleet makes around Starmantle might have something to do with either Lahar, his psions, or his mages (or some combination of these) examining the situation here more fully. Particularly since at least two of his scouts had been conscripted by Pale, perhaps before either psion had been able to provide a full report.
Oh, that is definitely Pale speaking. The psion wonders where Mist-of-the-Mind is right now (if not with the necromancer), and precisely what the undead psion is doing.
Should she still be holding the spyglass, Ya'shenn attempts to discover whether the mysterious figure is indeed Lahar, or someone else.
"I do so hope that we will be invited as well." The psion says this dryly... and even a bit acidly, really, though that mild venom is not directed at D'aynn. Indeed, it would be a terrible sign if their party were not invited. Nor is Ya'shenn necessarily looking forward to this meeting with much eagerness. It could go badly in a dozen different ways. It would make sense, however, for Lahar to take just this step. Apparently the Firebringer would assess the situation with some care before making any further moves. And woe betide anyone who incurs his displeasure. Even if Lahar approves of the fact that Pale had been unsuccessful in poaching his Apocalytes, he might not approve of the fact that she had turned against another commander. And as for Kirath's situation...
"Captain, I am sure that you have many demands on your time... but I would be pleased to hear you speak more about your service to the Firebringer, if you so wish. Certainly he appears to hold you in high regard." D'aynn had, after all, gotten an assignment aboard an overwhelmingly duthka'gith vessel, and it had been D'aynn, rather than any other commander in Starmantle, whom Lahar had just contacted. Anything D'aynn might provide about the Firebringer might prove useful.
Ya'shenn wonders whether it is really a good idea for the githees to go alone, but... Something occurs to the psion, something that her mind had been contemplating ever since Tijdi's supernatural wounds had resisted healing with such determination. God-isles, to be specific. Exposure to godsblood, especially, had been known to result in very strange, often powerful, effects. To a lesser extent, even a mere visitation to a particularly active god-isle could have weird results.
Azthri'Zhan'kel, who still holds the spyglass, tweaks the lens to get a better look at the imposing figure standing at the bow of the newly-arrived ship. At the sound of the magically enhanced voice of the necromancer, she flinches and surpresses the urge to shout a retort. With a frown as she watches the formidable ship of Lahar arrive, the doctor gives a low snarl.
"So the barmy in mummy-wrapings over there is the bastard who wants to subjugate us like a ghaik and the berk making his way to the docks is your Firebringer......hopefully?"
She tilts the spyglass upwards to focus on the one called Pale.
"Captain D'aynn, what sort of retaliation should we expect? Does the necromancer have more than one type of undead in his fleet?"
Azthri'Zhan'kel begins to steel herself mentally in preperation for the possible battle, though she will not permit Derog to control her actions this time even if she must fight him tooth-and-nail, a noteworthy first for the Hiver. As an afterthought, she lowers the spyglass briefly and glances at Gy-Nath, Ya'shenn and the others.
"If.....we lose, I ask whoever is nearest to my position to kill me and divide my possesions or sell them as you see fit. I don't want to become Pale's thrall -"
Shame towards her own blatant fear causes her to stop mid-sentence and she resumes observing the action through the spyglass.
Ya'shenn nods in confirmation when the Hive-raised githyanki asks about the two commanders. "The first one you mention is indeed Master Pale; the red-haired one is the Firebringer." She smirks slightly again, though. "We'll all live longer if you'd kindly refrain from referring to the Mind Aflame as a 'berk,' though."
"Even Pale is not a totally indiscriminate butcher of his own kind, sister. Though the necromancer is certainly prejudiced against those who did not grow to maturity under the usual circumstances, even he would acknowledge that any involvement of your own in this matter is extremely recent. Provided that you do not go out of your way to offend either Pale or the Firebringer, you will be fine. You have many options here." She considers advising Azthri'Zhan'kel specifically against choosing to follow Pale, but the necromancer's undesirable qualities already speak loudly for themselves...
She sends a private missive to Kirath, though. ~Kirath of the Copper Ring, I must ask something of you. Ya'shenn's mind-voice is definitely grimmer than usual. ~Hopefully it will not be needed, but if I should face transformation into undeath at Pale's hands, and all hope is lost... You know fire. I would ask that you see to it that nothing is left for the necromancer to transform. I would spite that madman, even in death.
Ar'dru maintains his silence, bemusedly watches the theatrics going on above.
While his appearance is stoic, internally his mind races. will this meeting finally give him an opportunity to resume the crusade against the ghiak or will it, as he fears, serve only to pit the people against themselves once more.
He listens with amused sympathy to Azthri'Zhan'kel's fears. the poor child has the strength of Gith in her blood but not the wisdom to use it he realises. He resolves to school her if she remains in his company.
There is no reply, indeed Ya'shenn senses the periphery of Lahar's mind as an impregnable wall of flame. Once the initial theatrics are over, however, and the astral brig has settled into a holding hover above the Customs House, Ya'shenn receives a contact from within the ship. The message is wordless, but appears to her as an inviting campfire seen at a distance through a dark landscape. She *knows* that there she will find welcome, warmth, and succor.
It does beg a question, however. Lahar had entered his flagship, and now appears to be aboard a smaller brig. Ya'shenn did not see him board the smaller ship, so he must have teleported over. Why the deception, if that's what this was? Why would Lahar leave his flagship, unless it is a calculated tactical move?
"I know not. It is your new band whom you should ask, for they were among his forces. Indeed, I would know these things myself if confrontation is imminent."
"I served in the Firebringer's Forces during the great Incursion, one of many of the Band of Garnet to do so. He is ... brilliant, intense, and ruthless, but also far-seeing. He was largely responsible for the creation of the fleets as they exist today. As far as holding me in high regard? I can only hope that some of the respect there is mutual. I was assigned to the Fire Dragon because I knew the alchemy and technology involved in her bombards. I became Captain later, after the original commander was slain."
The psion feels relief when she receives the Firebringer's reply -- more than she likes, for such an emotion could easily be taken as a sign of weakness. It is pleasant to have an ally. Ya'shenn also makes a mental note of just how thoroughly Lahar is associated with fire, even within his own mind. She had observed that to some extent in fire-mages and in other pyrokineticists, but it is so unmistakable where the Firebringer is concerned...
Ya'shenn sends a polite telepathic inquiry: Does the Firebringer wish to be briefed beforehand? The psion indicates that this would likely necessitate either a mindlink or a meeting in person.
On the surface, at least, it seems like a sensible precaution that a commander might take. If Lahar had any concern about either an overwhelming attack against his flagship, or if he felt Pale might send a force to attempt to 'remove' the Firebringer... Such caution seems almost incongruous after Lahar had just made such a public display of fearless bravery, though. Ya'shenn wonders briefly if the telepathic missive was not, in fact, from Lahar... but decides to dismiss the idea, at least for the time being. If that was not Lahar's mind-signature it was certainly a close imitation.
While she had previously described what she knows of Pale's military capabilities, Ya'shenn does not mind doing so again. She describes the Pale Guard in somewhat greater than usual detail for Az'thri'Zhan'kel's benefit. She is careful to include what she knows -- which is still not very much -- about the huge necromantic monster that Pale is in the process of creating. She looks to D'aynn and Kirath. They are both mages, after all. "I wish that I knew more of the Arcane, in order to better understand its abilities."
She also describes what she knows of Pale's tactics and those of his forces, though she has not yet observed him using his powers to the utmost.
The mind-image of the flame wavers as if in a faint breeze, and a 'voice' comes crackling out of the embers.
~Ya'shenn of Amber, I would be greatly honored if you met me on my flight deck. Nay, not on my flagship, but this brig above the Customs House. My invitation includes any of your band you wish to accompany you.
Du'minh, standing beside Ya'shenn, whispers to her that Lahar has mentally contacted him and invited him aboard the brig, as well.
Kirath gets a much different message. The mind-fire burns hot, not raging or menacing, but a searing heat like a bonfire in the desert. The psionic message is terse, betraying little emotion other than command. ~Kirath of the Copper Ring. I wish to see you. IMMEDIATELY.
Ya'shenn bows to the Portmaster and to Captain D'aynn. "Commanders, I must respectfully take my leave; the Firebringer wishes to speak with me."
The psion looks to the other members of the very mixed band: those who had participated in the original rrakkma in Sigil; Kirath, who thankfully had joined them in the assault on the Palace; and Azthri'Zhan'kel, newly-come. "Siblings, any of you are welcome to join me, should you wish." Though Lahar's invitation had been voluntary, she wonders how many githyanki would really refuse such a request, when it was presented by one of such high rank.
She sends Kirath a meaningful look. Perhaps she wonders if the warlock will decide to follow Styrnn's example.
[Ya'shenn will also make some effort to find/telepathically contact Ii, should she wish to come as well.]
Ii'Jyka'Vaar reacts to the missive send by Yah'shenn with a frustrated tone, but one that is laden with the knowledge that this would come, and they all knew it, yes, she will attend..
and with that she begins instructing her cohorts..
And then leaves with haste to rendezvous with Ya'shenn..
"In memory of my former warband, I accept your request."
Azthri'Zhan'kel steps forward without hesitation, her head held high in a rare display of confidence. Derog is unusually silent, though she knows that as soon as she is alone, he will punish her severely. In fact, Azthri'Zhan'kel is slowly becoming inspired by the strong-willed githyanki around her to resist the temptation to allow Derog to speak and act on her behalf.
After the trauma of losing her warband, being forced to survive in Starmantle and the unexpected acceptance into the Git'ribani warband, she is finally starting to realize the extent of the damage she has unintentionally done to herself by allowing the githzerai spirit to hold such power over her. She briefly glances over her shoulder and up at Ar'dru, feeling even more shamed for her visible display of fear. She could no longer hide behind age or inexperience as she had done during the Incursions. She was far past the age of first rrakkma and trained just as thuroughly as any other githwarrior. Excuses were the refuge of the graith, not a daughter of Gith.
Azthri'Zhan'kel knows that there is a possibility Derog may be discovered, should her specatcles be removed by accident, force or request. True, she has no desire to die, though if death is the only means by which she is to be freed from Derog's clutches, she welcomes it.
(OOC: Azthri would be honoured beyond belief to be trained by Ar'dru at some point)
"Of course I will accompany you sister." Ar'Dru seems slightly taken aback at the thought that he would not attend a meeting with one of his kindred unless the situation were incredibly dire.
At the speed of thought, the githyanki fold the dimension and step through to stand on the flight deck of Lahar's brig. With their first look around, Gy-Nath, Azthri, Ya'shenn, Ar'dru, Du'minh, and the Git'ribani are struck by the unusual arrangements. Kirath, having met Lahar once before, is less surprised than the others. Normally, the interior of an astral brig is spartan to say the least; all darkened steel and weaponry. Here, however, both forward and rear ballista have been removed. Instead, there are several wooden chests, crates, and barrels stacked in their place. What is truly different, however, is the booty and luxuries. The githyanki had remarked on the opulence aboard the ships of the fleets, but had accepted it as graith influence and 'storage' of a sort of raided materials. To see such things as hanging silk tapestries, a couch appointed with pillows, and a table set with silver plates and goblets inside the otherwise familiar setting of a githyanki ship is odd and somewhat unsettling to githyanki sensibilities.
Lahar is there, at the control skull. He disengages and turns around when his guests arrive. He, too, is dressed more lavishly than typical among githyanki. Gone are the campaign-stained leathers he wore in Sigil. Instead he is dressed in scarlet and purple silks.
Kirath is visibly nervous. The short warlock knows it is quite unlikely that Lahar will go easy on him even though the others are there as well. Lahar himself betrays little emotion, indeed his voice is soft and flows like honey, as he first greets his guests then turns to the hellfire warlock.
"Welcome, children of Gith. Welcome aboard the Fury. To those I have not yet met, I am Firebringer Lahar of Bloodstone. Please, enjoy my hospitality, but I must first handle a matter of command."
"Kirath of the Copper Ring, your reputation as a slayer may have proceeded you, but you presume to capitalize on it far too much. Should a githwarrior choose to follow a commander on rrakkma, such is his or her right, but I did not give permission to lend out any of MY ships for your endeavor. Morover, though I see your reasoning in having dropped the illithids' heads over Hlondeth as a warning, you do not fully appreciate just how valuable of objects they are. True, each represents one less ghaik to plague the multiverse, and I cannot argue that this is their principal value, but they are also critical for our efforts to rebuild the fleets. Whatever command you may have retained after your rrakkma concluded, I hereby strip it. Now I must contend with Master Pale for my ships, a complication I do not relish."
A soft, barely-silenced chuckle escapes Azthri'Zhan'kel at the mental image of flaming illithid heads dropping from the sky on unsuspecting graith townsfolk. In embarrassment, the Hiver attempts to make herself less noticeable by discreetly moving towards the rear of the group, wincing in sympathy for Kirath despite knowing that Lahar is fully within his rights to reprimand the warlock.
Azthri'Zhan'kel nervously wonders if she has finaly lost face completely with the Git'ribani for the unintentional outburst of laughter. She quickly falls into her old habit of averting her gaze to the floor as a gesture of humility and recognition of her place in the hierarchy of her fellow githyanki, thankful that Derog continues to remain mercifully mute inside her thoughts.
While Azthri'Zhan'kel feels surprisingly at home in the astral brig, the rare emotion is overshadowed by the persistent fear that she has effectively walked into a death-trap. Admittedly, there is another reason the doctor deliberatly avoids raising her eyes to look at the Firebringer, though she would be far too embarrassed to dwell on the matter further, the only visible signs of her discomfort being a fleeting grimace and a faint blush.
"I could not have put it in better words myself, she purrs out,now if you will excuse me, I have some training to give..." and with that she makes her way to her pupils and starts training and debating with them..