[EVENT; CHIHUELANS] Domestic Disturbances

[cherrywood]

Characters: Chihuelans + OPEN
Date: Starting Sept 8, ongoing through the month
Location: All over Keeliai
Situation: The Chihuelan contingent has arrived in Keeliai as previously announced, to begin their task of routing out the deserter Chihuelans on the turtle, and the Grand Justicar is not a patient woman.
Warnings/Rating: Non-descriptive mentions of execution.

OOC NOTE: Additional starters will be added to this post as the month progresses, based on what happens within the threads. Characters do not need to interact directly with the NPCs for every thread, the starters are just so there's an idea of what is happening with them at a given time and for general timekeeping. Please feel free to thread amongst yourselves anywhere on this post as well! Replies by Chihuelan NPCs will come from the cherrywood journal, just for Li's sanity of not needing a new journal.

Please direct any questions to the Itinerary questions comment, thank you!

---

A. ARRIVAL - SEPT 8th;

The Chihuelans arrive shortly after daybreak, on a small ship approximately the size and shape of a mid-length Coast Guard cutter. It bears only minimal armor, and some weaponry, but the configuration suggests defensive capability rather than offensive. Certainly, it's nothing with the ability to attack land-based targets, as if the Grand Justicar is very aware of the image they are presenting. They do not seem surprised to be met by the Woodsmen as they land, but they do not rush as they make berth with the ship, securing it to the beach, and approximately a dozen armed sailors take up guard positions around it. Any move by the kedan or Foreigners toward the ship will result in defensive fire.

The Grand Justicar herself is a tall woman, a touch over six feet, with inhumanly sharp features and a calculating gaze. She wears the same formal dress uniform in red and black, as she did in the console broadcast. It has little ornamentation, straight-cut lines, and those who visited Atamsichar will find it (and the rest of the outfits) in keeping with the militaristic, minimalist style of that city. Chosheni also wears a white and red sash across one shoulder, which seems to denote authority, and is armed with two blades, one long and one short. Her second in command, Eakoven, is a stocky, shorter man who wears a similar outfit in yellow and black, but no sash. There are two dozen soldiers who stand in rigid formation, and their outfits are simpler versions of the two commanders, in black with either red or yellow accents. Each is armed with a blade and a firearm, although what type is difficult to tell, as they all remain firmly sheathed and holstered respectively, at the barked command of Eakoven.

The soldiers will not speak to anyone even if addressed during the trek back to Keeliai, and Eakoven will inquire about the state of lodgings, but seem satisfied when the Woodsmen inform them of the area set aside on the College campus grounds.

B. INTERVIEWS - SEPT 10th-13th;

Once the Chihuelans have settled in, Chosheni will make a console announcement to the general populace (although she does, at least, get permission before making this one) regarding taking interviews from kedan and Foreigners who might be able to provide information on the missing Chihuelans. She will receive people one at a time in a sparsely furnished office, with two soldiers outside the doors, and another two stationed at the main entrance.

Even though the space is functionally an office, the Justicar's stern presence makes it seem more like an interrogation room, albeit one with much nicer furniture. Still, she will neutrally offer to have anything fetched that they might require to feel comfortable.

"Please have a seat," she says crisply. "What information are you offering?"

C. SEARCH TEAMS - SEPT 10th-17th;

Beginning in the days after their arrival, the Chihuelans separate into different groups to begin their search for the deserters. Sixteen of their number, accompanied by Eakoven rotating through the teams for the first few days, then both he and Chosheni once she's concluded taking interviews. The soldiers divide into groups of four, two groups taking the outskirts of the city and out to the Shell's wilds, and two groups remaining inside the city.

Sixteen Chihuelans in the search teams, and four guarding the College campus, however, does not equal the twenty-four who came to the city. Somewhere along the line, four of them have completely vanished. Inquiries as to their whereabouts will be met with practiced deferrals to speak with the Grand Justicar.

The city search teams will move through the various Sectors with a confidence that suggests the layout is not entirely unfamiliar with them, stopping people on the streets and asking questions. Although their methods are brusque, they're very careful not to use violence-- although they will defend themselves if attacked first.

Despite resistance, at least some of the searches and at least a few interviews have produced results. By the end of the week, 11 Chihuelans -- seven from within the city, and four from the outlying areas -- have been caught, dragged back to the College campus, and summarily executed. At least the Justicar had the consideration not to do it on the front lawn.

---

UPDATES
Several interesting developments have happened as a result of the Foreigners' interactions with the Chihuelans!

First of all, Klaus negotiated with the Justicar in regards to the executed deserters, to see that their bodies were properly disposed of, which did however come with a cost: the news of forfeited technology, which was intended to be delivered at the conclusion of their stay.

Secondly, an arrest warrant has been issued in response to Lapis' attack on a search team around mid-month. They have her name, courtesy of Deon shouting it -- but the warrant remains for her specifically, not for a group at large.

---

D. SEARCH TEAMS - SEPT 17th-24th;

The search for the next few days runs slow. Despite the thoroughness of the searchers, the Chihuelans from the turtle seem to have grown savvy and are more difficult to find. For all that, the search patterns have grown more directed; still led by Eakoven, the places searched are no longer on a systematic layout, but appear to be cherry-picked.

After the brusque treatment previously, many kedan eye the searchers with belligerence and most outright refuse to help -- in some cases, borderline obstructing the search. Though in public the Chihuelans are still careful not to use violence, there are some instances of breaking and entering, and unsolicited searches, which occur only when the residents are absent.

Exactly where those four Chihuelans are gone is still unknown, but in spite of their apparently diminished numbers five more Chihuelans have been captured and executed. Though this still isn’t done publicly, and the bodies are at least properly disposed of, there is a growing crowd of kedan present near that area of the College campus, and they never look happy.

E. OBSTRUCTION OF ‘JUSTICE’ - SEPT 20th;

On the morning of the 20th a kedanese family refuses to let a group of Chihuelan searchers into their home, despite the fact that the Chihuelans claim they have good reason to believe clues can be located inside. The kedan object on the basis of Keeliai not being part of their empire, and therefore having no right to force their way into private dwellings, regardless of suspicion.

Another search-party will eventually arrive to back up the Chihuelan searchers, but kedanese supporters are generally either uninvolved or on the side of the kedanese family. Still, something dramatic is unlikely to happen without an instigation.

F. NEW ORDERS - SEPT 27;

On the 27th, two of the sailors which had been minding the Chihuelan ship come into the city, seeking the Justicar. It seems that they've received a transmission from Vesquesam. Those who are in the vicinity of the College to see the exchange will see Chosheni reacting with genuine frustration and anger at whatever the message contains.

Despite this, runners are shortly thereafter dispatched to the search teams, and they're recalled to the College campus. By the top of the hour, the campus is abuzz with Chihuelans who are readying things to depart. The word, should anyone ask the Chihuelan soldiers (the Justicar herself is a thundercloud, and therefore it is probably not wise to inquire with her directly) is that they're being recalled from Tu Vishan's shores.

G. DEPARTURE - SEPT 29;

Early on the morning of the 29th, the Chihuelans and their commander re-board their ship, and it casts off from Tu Vishan's shoreline.

---


OOC: Players are welcome to NPC the interrogated kedan and have them react in any way they choose (some will be quietly resentful, some actively belligerent, some intimidated into talking, etc) as well as their characters' reactions to these incidents.

Please keep in mind that ICA=ICC!

Comments

[stubbornlittleshit]

"I can certainly see why." Arno agrees. "Less possibility of tracking though it makes their safety a bit harder to have an eye to. Maybe something else could be worked out, though." Drunk and stupid posting or not, things have...not exactly changed, but he's been given a job, a purpose, for the short term anyway. That alone's worked wonders along with a few realizations that have come to mind.

Caution. Arno's version of Caution is usually a bit less discreet than people would like, but, in this case,if more is needed, then he IS capable of taking that action and seeing it through.

"As for locations..." he considers. "The Hotel would be my first suggestion, yes. If that's out...Hmm. I can keep an eye out. I do know someone, one other person who may be able to help as well, and would trust with my...with my life."

He doesn't hesitate speaking of Shay in those terms. Not now. Shay's just saved him from his own worst enemy, after all, and China's job is helping him to keep that enemy at bay. Still.

"I understand a need for caution, naturally. I don't want them jeopardized any more than you do and I swear I will not say a word if you think that'd be unwise. It just occurs to me that...do you know Shay Cormac? He might be valuable as well, here. We...share a set of training."

And a stranger bit of background still, but he's not saying that now.

[inkulcation]

"It's too central," she says, of the Hotel. "While Shudder is certainly... conscientious, he is only one man. And the Hotel is well-known."

At Arno's declaration, China looks somewhat more thoughtful. Arno is not a person who would say such things lightly. He knows war, and while his ideas about honor are, occasionally, adorable, she rather thinks he has a practicality about him. But... Shay?

"I'm familiar with Master Cormac," she says, dryly. "Most strikingly, when he fell from the sky lacking most of his clothes." She is considering it, though, as evidenced by the fact she hasn't dismissed it any more strenuously.

China doesn't trust people, really. Arno is the best option she has available of a bad lot. Does she trust him this far, though?

"Convince me," she says after a moment. "I have not been particularly impressed with Master Cormac, but he does have a certain gift for blending into a crowd." She gestures toward the door. "I will need to make this known eventually -- they do not wish to provide anything useful until they have enough evident agreement among Foreigners that they'll be protected -- but that should wait until I am sure they're safe enough for now. Shall we?"

[stubbornlittleshit]

"Its best feature for a lot of us DOES become a problem in those terms." Arno saw the point there. "AND the neutrality issue could very well become contested, seeing the other things they haven't exactly had a problem...dispensing with." The last was a bit more of a mutter. "Not trouble that the hotel needs to possibly face, not to mention your contacts."

If he had a steady place to stay, it MIGHT have been a safer option, eliminating the idea of neighbors and all of that. Still, the best locations could be places no one would look because they were obvious. It was the sort of thing that would have him glancing around.

"Ah, the soul gem debacle." Arno noted, sounding almost fond now. That seemed so LONG ago too, as if it had been at least a decade by now. "I can see where that might not inspire confidence.

"The man's kept a lot of secrets, some of which he'd have been better to divulge when he got here, realized what it is I do at home." he said slowly. He knew it didn't matter so much here, anymore, but that was standing out to him.

"I have a few advantages that more than a few people here should probably know about. Shay knows because he was actually one of us once. He sees the same things I do, can tell when someone's lying or up to anything else, when they can't be trusted either. And then...he saw the ways it can be dangerous, as a career, and destructive for more people than himself, and got out. Works against people like me at home. There's...not a lot of love lost, faction wise, and wouldn't have been personally if we'd run into each other in real life."

It was the easiest way to put it, without a lot of details, or talking about timeline and the sort of thing he wasn't ready to really wrap his head around.


"But here? A lot that could have made my life difficult hasn't happened, and he had no reason to think I wasn't the dangerous maniac variety of Brotherhood Agent either. Treated it a lot calmer than I did, really. I saw someone running at me screaming about things like that, I don't think I'd have been so calm... So. There's mostly my piece on it. It's not concrete, I know, but I also know he's got an eye on other people and things here, notices enough details, passes them down to me even when he can't get involved himself for whatever reasons."

It'd happened once, just this month, but still. Worth thinking about, maybe?

[inkulcation]

He was more talkative than she'd anticipated, but all of it useful.

"Real life," China repeated, amused, and there was the faintest hint of a laugh. "Yes, it does seem a dream would be more believable some days, doesn't it...?"

It's worthwhile. She considers at length -- Arno has told her a surprising amount she didn't know, and her perception of his use has only increased -- and finally, slowly, nods an assent. She does not so much trust Shay as she believes Arno's assessment of him to be more thorough, and the fact Arno would voluntarily work with him does say something. "Shall we retrieve Master Cormac first, then?"

Perhaps if she simply makes sure neither of them has access to alcohol for the duration... no, that sort of micromanagement will only hinder. She'll have to give them the lead, as much as she dislikes being put in a position where she has to trust someone. "And you can clarify the extent of your abilities while we do," she concludes, and smiles, now that things are more or less in an order.

[stubbornlittleshit]

Talking things out had seemed the best idea at the moment, measuring them so that she could understand clearly and all. Arno had, after all, just come out of a situation where what he'd said had been something stupid and ill thought out, and, while he didn't consciously feel the need to ...atone for that, or anything, it seemed like a better idea, at the moment, to be thorough, and to share what he was thinking at the same time. Better they were on the same page in all of this, yes?

"They DO say a lot about Dreaming here." Arno hid his own smile, barely, when he realized how he'd phrased that. "And those who've come back, say they wake up in their worlds with no memory of this place until they return..." Actually, in part, that made the whole thing seem like the other world had become a dream for some. And that was too academic for the moment. "And this just got too complicated." He wrinkled his nose instead there, for a moment.

"O brave new world that has such people in't." Arno settled on the quote instead, because when, if ever, was it going to be more appropriate than on an island where that was very much the case. Drunk sailor stumbling around Prospero's domain as he was, he'd still come face to face with the idea of it more than once.

"And such a person is our Master Cormac. I am quite agreed."

Coming to on the deck of the Morrigan, covered in cold water is one of those experiences that makes Arno less likely to want to get himself into such a state again in the near future, at least, if that helps to ease her worries any. In the further future, well, it's perhaps a possibility, but not until this task is finished. In a way, he can make up for the things that he implied without meaning to when he addressed the network. Wine and local strong spirits can't help Arno with that, so turning to them seems a definite forbidden thing.

He smiles too, nodding his agreement. "Of course. Some of it may sound a little strange, but I can start with the most useful..."

[inkulcation]

China, for her part, rather dislikes the nebulous nature of the Dreaming herself, though as far as she's concerned 'too complicated' is a phrase that should never escape the lips of anyone with a sufficiently inquisitive mind.

The Shakespeare earns Arno an arched eyebrow. China briefly considers the merit of setting him on Skulduggery for sheer annoyance purposes, but the current matter must be handled before frivolous ones can be. Such a pity.

"You speak of being able to discern the truth," China begins, leading. "I believe I'd have recalled you mentioning that, before. Where, in your estimation, are we most likely to find our Master Cormac?"

[stubbornlittleshit]

For his part. Arno hasn't exactly experienced much of the Dreaming beyond what holds him here, and he'd admit to being curious about what lays ahead of it. 'Too complicated' is for this conversation, actually, not the Dreaming itself, or what it might show them or do. That's something that he hasn't quite found the courage to mess around in, yet, or, maybe it's not cowardice holding him back but a sense of preservation he can't exactly recognize just now.

He shrugs at the eyebrow, grinning a a little. "Seemed the best island to work with. I don't think we're much in the way of Ilyria just now, beautiful skilled swordswomen in trousers surplus we have going on or not."

And, then, Arno grew serious. When it came to his abilities, and things related to the Creed, he COULD take those things seriously. He wanted to take them seriously, even away from them, in spite of, maybe more because of what he knew had happened to his city now. He couldn't let frivolity rule when it came to things of that nature, not now. He nodded, as she brought that up.

"I can indeed. If I look at someone, in a particular way, using my...other sense, I can see if they have secrets, if they're hiding something, if an object is of interest too. I can't compel the truth from anyone, but I certainly have ways of...encouraging speech if that's necessary. NOT always as brutal as that sounds." He felt the explanation, since he hadn't given it before, was needed now.

As for Shay, that depends on the time of day. I'd guess he's checking things over on his Morrigan, if you'd not mind a quick trip to where she's docked. I have a shortcut."

The fact that Arno has a shortcut is probably worrying, if you're Shay, but in this case, it could be a good thing. "Interested in a bit of climbing?"

[inkulcation]

China will take the compliment, such as it is, and she smiles back at Arno briefly before he launches into his explication.

His other sense is, frankly, fascinating. "'Of interest' seems a broad category," she notes, inviting elaboration without outright asking. And 'encouraging speech' could mean anything from torture to blackmail to her own charming abilities. But he clarified that it was not always brutal; how curious, that he should insist on making that clear. "Encouraging speech, you say. Do tell."

She stops when he offers a shortcut, considers. Ordinarily... ordinarily, she would flat-out refuse. China does not do undignified; climbing, even if she is physically capable, is best reserved for emergencies.

But. Speed may be of the essence, and China will not be entirely settled until she knows her potential sources are guarded. "All right," she says with a nod. "Show me."

[stubbornlittleshit]

"So it is." Arno agrees there, already setting into motion so that they can slip along a lesser used alley that allows for them to slip through it fairly quickly, while avoiding much in the way of detection.

"There are times I'm asked to track things down, tasked with a person to keep an eye on who is not an out and out enemy or target, or when something is hidden just behind another wall...things like that," He elaborates, also giving way to another thing that he can do there, but at least it is one of the more useful talents he's brought up here. Other sorts would probably just have her rolling her eyes somewhat.

"I HAVE been told I have a certain amount of charm and a surprisingly good ability to listen to rambles, along with producing the means by which those happen." He allows, spotting a lower roof that can be accessed via climbing up a window, and sprints a little, for something of a boost. "I thought we'd pull ourselves up there?" And then, Arno is shrugging again.

"Strongarming too, when I absolutely have to do it." Okay, so strongarming happens more times than Arno might LIKE; it's much more valuable to build a relationship with an informant and keep coming back instead. Finding new witnesses to events can be such a hassle. "It just feels like much more of a waste that way." He adds, now tugging himself up a bit. She certainly seems capable, but he's pausing anyway, in case help's needed, now that he's scrambling up the wall itself, looking for something like a foothold.

"It shouldn't be too far from here. A few roof changes, but..."

[inkulcation]

China watches his path, and there's the tiniest hint of a frown, showing in the crease between her eyebrows, the slight curve of her lips. This is going to require some actual effort.

How fortunate she's wearing trousers. China taps the knuckles on each hand in turn, and little symbols flare red there, briefly. Usually she uses this to punch people. Today she's just going to ensure she has a strong enough grip for what Arno has in mind. (There is, however, an absent thought about how this is likely going to ruin her nails. What a pity.)

Then she follows, matching his little sprint for the boost of the momentum, catching the top of the windowframe and holding, then up, farther, still watching and following Arno's path. This is not in her usual skillset, and that does show, but she's coordinated and graceful and, magically, has the strength required, so while her form may not be amazing it does the job.

She hasn't done anything like this in centuries. She always did prefer horses.

"It is something of a waste," China agrees, when they're atop the lower roof. "A contact who must be strongarmed or worse will likely not forget it the next time." Which means it's best saved for emergencies, when one doesn't mind burning the contact. She slants Arno a look that's somewhat approving; the man is practical in this regard, at least. And his vision abilities are fascinating.

"Lead on."

[stubbornlittleshit]

It had SEEMED that she would be able to do it, so Arno hadn't hesitated to get started, He does pause, watching as she taps those knuckles, getting an idea of the source of her power, though the full extent is obviously beyond him. It's interesting though, something Arno files away to pay attention to later on, to take out and examine when there's time for it.

For now, he's smiling, encouraging, as she joins him, and, for some reason, despite the last few days and the hell that he's been living through, Arno's able to breathe freer, feeling something of the pressure on his chest relaxing as he lets out a few breaths before he's sprinting, choosing a path that's straightforward enough and not TOO terribly daring.

Horses are fantastic, sometimes. Arno hasn't ridden much, but he's driven a good deal, groomed them more, and he WOULD prefer that they be here instead of the local equivalent of pack and transportation animal. Still...

"Exactly, that." He makes a little face at that. "And usually they have friends who could be valuable too, you risk eliminating whole networks at times. I do try to be careful, there."

Maybe not always in other places, but while he's working? Practicality does tend to overtake his need for risk, or at least to balance it out easily enough. For all that Bellec was a bit rough around the edges, and put too much stock in his own vision of the brotherhood, he taught Arno the basics well enough, and didn't let him waste time showing off if he couldn't hack it. It's helping now as Arno leads the way, across the rooftops, toward the harbor, where he spots the Morrigan just ahead.

"Ah, there she is. Let us hope our Captain is about just now!"

Shay y/n?

[inkulcation]

China favors following Arno precisely rather than conversation -- regrettably too much of a distraction right now -- and instead keeps pace with him, placing her steps carefully. In keeping with the choice of trousers, she had the foresight, at least, not to wear heels. She would have had to abandon them, and then where would she have been?

The trip does, additionally, make her re-consider the viability of rooftop approaches, and resolve to ward her own rooftop a little more thoroughly than the cursory way she already has.

"I certainly hope this field trip won't have been completely pointless," China murmurs, acerbic in a way that probably has more to do with parkouring out of her comfort zone than with Arno himself.

Still. She will admit this has been a definite shortcut; the same trip would have taken much longer in the traditional ways, and she follows Arno toward the ship without further comment.

y

[irishthor]

The Templar sloop-of-war, known as the Morrigan, is docked just outside of Keelial, in a natural harbour a short while from the city. It's an impressive three-masted, snow-rigged ship, clearly built for fighting, although now she floats mostly empty in the shallows.

Mostly empty.

As China and Arno approach, they may notice the light in the back, where the captain's cabin rests.

Re: y

[stubbornlittleshit]

Mostly empty, but Arno's hoping that it's not the case, and, when he's turning into the sight, to get a better idea of things going on, before he ends up dragging China all the way over, he's glad to catch a glimpse of Shay while he's close enough to the ship's walls himself.

"Ah good. Shay seems to be here." And THEN Arno's noticing the light and slapping his forehead lightly. "Or I could have looked the normal way. But let's see, then, if he can help us, shall we?"

[inkulcation]

Of all the things China has expertise with, sailing ships are not precisely among them. Still, she knows enough to know it's well built and intended for fighting, and that's enough to be getting on with.

Arno gets himself a curious look, and an arched eyebrow. "You saw Master Cormac through the walls, then," she concludes from what he's said aloud. "How useful. Yes, let's not waste any more time." And she follows Arno down to the ship, with no less grace than she had before.

[irishthor]

Since Arno managed to see Shay through the walls, this means that Shay managed to catch sight of them, too.

Luckily for Arno, the red Aura surrounding the Assassin has been replaced by a nice minty-blue. One of the few on the Turtle. Everyone else showed up as gold, or just blended into the background. Arno was blue, his companion was a familiar gold.

So, as they head up onto deck, Shay's already out there, but hidden in the shadows.

"There a reason you're paying me a visit unannounced?" Shay calls out. "Or is our relationship such that you feel you can just walk onboard a man's ship."

[stubbornlittleshit]

"Part of my abilities." Arno nods to China. "Definitely a person of interest in the moment, after all."

And then, he's pausing, making deliberately sure to stick his hands into his pockets in Shay's presence.

"Why, Master Cormac," There's a bright note in Arno's voice there. "I meant to knock but you remember the last time I touched anything. I DO hope I am not interupting anything that cannot wait." And then, his expression is shifting. "Although, yes, the reason IS a good one." He's nodding toward China there.

"The lady has a rather important matter of some security to discuss, and you were the first to come to mind as someone trustworthy enough at least to hear the situation out."

[inkulcation]

It's strange, but the way they speak to each other, despite Arno's approving description of Shay as someone he'd trust with his life... it makes her think a little of the Dead Men.

"Try not to come to blows before we can get to business," China says dryly. She takes one step away from Arno, fixes her gaze on the point in the shadows Shay's voice is coming from. "Master Cormac. If we can set aside unannounced violations of your ship's sanctity for just a few minutes. I have a pair of vulnerable contacts that require subtle protection, and monsieur Dorian brought up your name." She leaves the glowing praise out for now. "Can you be persuaded to set your lady-love aside for a little while?"

[irishthor]

Shay steps forward, his gaze flicking between Arno and China, his expression sobering somewhat at the tone and sudden change in atmosphere.

This must be serious.

He bows his head. "Of course," He says, before indicating the stairs and doors leading down to the captain's cabin. "I assume this best be discussed somewhere warmer, and more private?" He asks.

[stubbornlittleshit]

There's a definite respect that Arno has for Shay, and it endures, but it's tinged with something else. The uneasy trappings of a new friendship, maybe, where you're not quite sure how much teasing is going too far, or how much invasion of their life is too much. That said, though, today, yes, better things in mind.

Although, the last time Arno touched the Morrigan, really touched her as opposed to hanging out while he threw up over the side, he managed to unravel a rope by being near it, somehow, prompting his own rule of not touching anything because he has too much respect for Shay, his friend, and a healthy fear of Shay, The Captain to break anything accidentally. So that would be part of why.

"Private seems as if it would lend itself to the situation." Arno looks to China. "Yes?"

[inkulcation]

She nods an agreement. No matter that they're already on a ship, somewhat removed from the city proper; she would prefer to be as cautious as possible.

To that end, China will wait till they're closed in the captain's cabin before actually speaking again. "There are a pair of Chihuelan deserters in hiding whose location I've acquired," she says. It's matter-of-fact, lacking much of the sarcasm or lightness that would be in any average conversation with her. "They're willing to provide what information they have, but they require sanctuary, by a moderate consensus of Foreigners. This will require time to acquire subtly, and I have little faith that they will remain safe left to their own devices. Thus, monsieur Dorian has agreed to watch over them for a time. He suggested you would be capable of assisting with similar subtlety." She arches one eyebrow a little, as if to say she herself is skeptical about that. Which she is; it's Arno's recommendation that's gotten them here.

[irishthor]

Shay slowly makes his way around the pair, around the large table in the centre of the modestly decorated cabin, which has charts and maps scattered over it still. He leans on the wooden top, frowning slightly.

"So, some of our guests have escaped the Justicar's wrath." He remarks. "I can offer my services, of course. What the Chihuelan authorities did leaves a nasty taste in my mouth."

He looks between Arno and China.

"Are they secure?"

[stubbornlittleshit]

Caution is one of those things that Arno's not ALWAYS so approving of, all the time, but in this case, he applauds China's use of it now. After all, who knows what he could have led her into, right? They could be carrying her off to accost her. ...In a docked ship, yes.

...Arno spent too much of his childhood reading adventure stories that, thankfully, didn't go into detail on anything too disturbing, which is sort of what allows his mind to brush the idea that this might seem a little creepy aside.

"Everything I had to say of them at the time, life being terrible and ending in the way it did for them was the wine speaking, that's for sure." He feels the need to clarify THAT bit, here and now, nodding as Shay speaks. "It's true. It smacks of the worst abuses of human authority I've witnessed."

And he means that, human, because it's certainly not the subtle, longer game that they're both signed up to play for their opposing side, but the nature of an individual who seeks to control directly, without caring who knows they are oppressed, who would treat people like dirt beneath them and not even acknowledge that something is being taken from them. It's an insult and the Justicar behaved in such a way that he would consider unworthy of any leader of men in...

Oh. Ah.

"Perhaps not the best word choice there, 'human'." he admits, frowning. "Obviously, not simply human. When I was asked to give my aid, though, you struck me as someone who'd likely feel the same, Shay."

He's nodding toward China now. "You mentioned that they were safe enough for the moment, and would likely prefer to be consulted as to places they might wish to move, yes? I can provide the blade, but the location," He's holding up a hand quickly there, looking to Shay.

"NOT to volunteer you for anything, you likely know places along the coast by now as well that could be made safe, more than I would know, at least. That location is what seems to be the problem if I understand correctly? Unless I've missed something, of course."

[inkulcation]

Strangely, the thought they might plan to accost her, while it's one she's considered, is not one she's exceptionally worried about. She has a magical arsenal under her skin, after all.

"For now? As secure as they can be without guards, but I myself was led there by a kedan informant. What more than one person knows will travel, and I wouldn't care to leave them there long-term." Places along the coast are promising. The Chihuelans might prefer proper accommodations, but China's a little more concerned with their survival, for now.

"The difficulty is they won't consent to much until they have assurances of sanctuary, and they want this from significantly more than three of us," China says. "So I need the two of you to look after them until I can acquire those. They'll need another place to hide sooner, rather than later." She gives Shay a speculative look.

[irishthor]

"I only know of one place more secure than the Midnight Hotel." Shay says, ponderously. "Which, I assume, you have reasons for not relying on Master Shudder's hospitality." He can think of a few. He leans over the table a bit more, frowning.

"It's here. Onboard the Morrigan. It's secluded, and if things get out of hand, she can be moved. But..." And he raises a finger. "I am not offering this as a long-term solution."