Quest Shattered Cycle

[Elysium]

1st of Spring, 513 AV The day was uncomfortably hot – more so than the average mountain-dweller was accustomed to. It was as if the sun shone more brightly for loss of the night, as the denizens of Lhavit were herded into the Zintia. It’d been clear enough that something bad had happened. Every face of prominence had it all but etched into the lines on their skin. Everyone remained tight-lipped and flushed with worry as they filed into Surya Plaza, where Talora stood expectantly. The woman was glorious. Her crown of horns faded into a rosy blush with the turning of the season while her hair remained a cornsilk halo, turned seemingly ablaze by the kiss of the sun. She stood slightly above the heads of the crowd by way of elevation, flanked by a pair of sour-faced Shinya. Whatever transpired had to be truly serious for the population to be summoned in such a way. The smile she wore was weathered and did not reach her eyes. Each citizen mopped their forehead from the proximity of others and the unseasonably warm weather, squinting up at half the city’s leadership. ”Welcome,” she said curtly, in a manner more often attributed to her counterpart. ”I am here to broach a delicate matter. You all should be made aware that there was yet another death.” Her gaze was vacuous, devoid of feeling. The emotion was there, just neatly hidden beneath the surface of those otherwise guileless eyes. ”An Ethaefal has yet again, committed suicide.” Murmurs ran like wildfire through the crowd. Why? How? What could be happening that the Shinya could not contain? Panic coursed along the tides of heated whispering. ”Silence, please.” Her reprimand cut through the chatter like a knife. ”I am here to advise those of you that are either transcendent or relative to one. Look out for your neighbors. Act with caution. If you see anything that is suspicious please report it to either Aysel or I, immediately.” Now that was odd. The Shinya shifted uncomfortably, breaking the eerie stillness. Why not report it to them? Talora pressed on. ”We suspect there is more to this than meets the eye. As citizens, you have the right to know.” Her eyes fell on those gifted with telltale horns and meaningful glances were exchanged. Every Ethaefal felt a profound connection to the other, and there were so few to begin. ”That will be all for today. Remain indoors when you can. Feel free to go about your way, now.” Talora descended the platform, forehead creased with worry. The Shinya escorted her from the perimeter immediately and made way for those wishing to depart. Those caught in the crowd (and it just so happened that our heroes were standing nearby) would overhear the reactions. Talk burst forth like a surging river, engulfing the previous silence. Two men stood razzing under their breath. ”I heard she was called Lena –“ and ”A Lethaefal, as sure as Zintila shines. A fine sight too, when she was still breathing.” ”They all are,” the other spat back. ”They all are.” Fingers massaged circles into his temples. "Talora didn't seem herself - Aysel is the terse one, by rights." The other merely shook his head. "We've all got cause to be terse, news like this. First day, then night." He spat into the thinning crowd. OOCHey all! Here's the posting order: Elysium, Alses, Ayda, Lu Gavima, and Seeker. If you have any question, PM me!

[Alses]

Spring had broken inexolerably over the celestial city – at least, by the reckoning of the Watchtowers that had flared emerald all over Kalea, and indeed all over Mizahar as a whole, turning the midnight sky a brilliant viridian green for miles around. Roaring pillars of actnic light had stabbed skywards, blotting out the stars with their radiance and reflecting off the clouds until it was almost as bright as day, a fantastical lightshow without equal, without compare, in all of Mizahar. The seasonal flare of the Watchtowers was one of the only events Alses ever felt was worth suffering the indignity of a mortal chain to experience, and as usual she'd witnessed it from her bed, swaddled in the blankets and with the sullen red glow of the banked fire at her back, enjoying the fantastic spectacle in warmth and comfort and – most crucially for her pallid little mortal chain – privacy. It meant that, when first light came, the lemon-yellow rays that heralded a mountain dawn in the celestial city, she was already awake, one of the first to notice the Shinya spreading through the city in force, to hear the word that the Lady Talora had called an Exigent Gathering of the entire Lhavitian population, some nine thousand people in all, all of them slowly converging on the grand procession of squares and plazas that was the ceremonial heart of the city. Shortly after she'd seen the Shinya progressing from the Zintia peak and fanning out to the others which made up the celestial city, the air had been shattered by the sound of the massed carillon of the city bells, ringing ominous triples in unusual unison, an old and rarely-used summons that had nonetheless impressed itself into the gestalt psyche of Lhavit down the generations. Something major had to have happened for the city's leadership to shatter the vaunted serenity of the city of stars; Alses washed and dressed quickly, suddenly fumble-fingered, aiming to beat the rush into the Plaza and so have a chance to actually hear what Talora had to say. A Unlike most of the rest of Lhavit's population, sweating and growing ruddily uncomfortable in the normally-spacious plaza, Alses delighted, revelled, positively exulted in the unseasonal weather. Her fire-opal skin leapt to joyful flame under the abundant caress of Syna's light and her elaborate crown-of-horns glimmered brightly; she'd functioned perfectly in the burning deserts of Eyktol, and a mere unseasonably hot mountain day didn't faze her in the least, even with crowds of Lhavit's citizens pressing near her on all sides. All eyes in the packed and whispering square were on a small, raised podium set up on the steps of Koten Temple as one half of the dual city's rulership stepped out with divine grace, flanked by two burly, sour-faced Shinya guards, bulking in shimmering skyglass plate rather than the more usual robes. To most, she would be too far away to be more than a gold-and-cream blob of vaguely humanoid shape, crowned with light, but Alses was fortunate – if that was truly the word – to be close enough to the makeshift dais to be able to properly see the Day Lady – and, for once, it wasn't inspiring or reassuring. She looked – well, the best expression was possibly careworn, with worried lines graven into her shining skin. Discomfited, too, another word that fit well, although that at least could have been put down to the seasonal Change and the new appearance that Spring had brought. Then again, Talora had been on Mizahar for a long, long time – surely those Changes, four times a year, every year, were familiar to her now? No time for idle speculation, though – the undisputed monarch of the day was making her address; terse, brief and to the point, a far cry from the laughing and carefree figure Alses had spoken to – albeit briefly – last Midsummer. The news sent her reeling, almost physically pushing her backwards as Talora's leaden words dropped onto the waiting crowd like pebbles in a pond, sending out ripples of consternation and fear in ever-widening circles until the whole of Surya Plaza echoed to the worried susurrus. 'Another Ethaefal?' ran Alses' squirrelcaging thoughts; she didn't realise she was speaking aloud as well, in a slow, shocked monotone. “Another suicide? Radiant Lady have mercy on their soul.” Several citizens nearby cast prayerful glances skywards as she finished her reflex prayer, and all around her, the doughty citizens of Lhavit were turning to one another – and to the Ethaefal in their midst - offering such reassurance and comfort as they could. It sounded, to the paranoid ear, almost as if the city was preparing for martial law, voluntary precursors to get the population used to the idea before the old laws were dusted off and brought, blinking, back into force. Alses shivered convulsively as Talora's gaze locked, for several impossibly long moments, with hers. Every Ethaefal had a connection to every other, the Day Lady was right about that, but what it led to mostly was pain, the old agony of what once-was and would never be again. Facing Talora's gaze was hard, especially since she was asking the Ethaefal, normally a widely distributed, disparate group, to come together and forge stronger bonds with one another. In the interests of their own safety, yes, but still...Safe away from the burning lash of the Day Lady's regard, Alses pulled a face; she wasn't at all sure how well she'd handle prolonged contact with another Ethaefal. The ones already here, near her, grated by their very presence. Conversation with them, should it come to that, would be...interesting, to say the least. “That will be all for today. Remain indoors when you can. Feel free to go about your way, now.” Talora's final words as she turned from the podium, brought Alses crashing back into the present with a hugely unwelcome jolt of realisation, made all the worse by the conversation nearby; colour fled from her fire-opal skin, dulling the gem-like shine as the words filtered into her shocked brain. Lena – and it always hurt more with a name - once a glorious Lethaefal, delighting in the moon and its silver glow, was now a mangled and broken corpse somewhere in the Misty Peaks, an unsettling echo of Winter's events with Arture. Which she'd been investigating. Asking questions. Poking her nose where, perhaps, it wasn't wanted. Alses followed that train of thought to a darkly logical conclusion, and took a step back. “Syna defend us, I'm in this up to my neck,” she gulped, rather louder than she'd perhaps intended, eyes darting quickly, for reassurance, to the nearest Shinya, more-or-less subconsciously backing towards his steadying presence and relying on the draining crowds to move out of her way. First day, then night, as those two near her had said. An ominous pattern; day, night, day again, perhaps? Someone seemed to be sending a message, but what exactly that message was and who it was aimed at...that was an unwelcome mystery like so much else. There were two choices, as she saw it; one, sit at home with a loaded crossbow pointed at the door and the window boarded up to the best of her ability until either the mysteries were solved or everyone of the current generation died of old age, or two, put herself on the map of the city's great and good as someone already involved, however peripherally, and therefore someone who might perhaps be put to good use. Better to be a valuable piece, if one had to play, than an unregarded pawn.

[Ayda]

Ayda had just underwent the daily change that occurs with the rising of the sun, when an unexpected tapping at his door startled him. Ayda was certain it wasn't a work day so he couldn't understand why he was getting a knock on his door. The answer to Ayda's confusion came before he could ask in the form of a muddled female voice from the other side of the door. "Ayda..... wake up we're supposed to meet at the Surya Plaza...Talora has called a meeting" said the Handler. The voice from Ayda's fellow employee had an odd tone to it that he couldn't place but he knew it was not a pleasant one. "I will be ready in a moment" Ayda replied Ayda noticed the hair that hung down past his shoulders was now much lighter in colour, It was brown only yesterday but had suddenly become blonde. Ayda had only been on Ethaefal for a season so today was the first day he had ever experienced the other form of change Ethefals experience. Ayda Quickly stumbled towards the small grubby looking mirror on his wall and saw that his horns had also changed from forest green to lilac. This change was a much more pleasant change then reverting to his unstable mortal form and Ayda was going to make the best of it. Not wanting to spend to much time looking at himself in the mirror, He walked to his almost empty closet and grabbed the pastel green linen robe he had been saving for the start of spring. In record time he was out of his grubby work clothes and into the new robe. Ayda hurried down the stairs eager to find out the purpose of this meeting he would have to attend. Having only arrived in this Lhavit in the middle of winter and having little social interaction with the residents; Ayda was fairly oblivious to the goings on of the city. Ayda was however interested in meeting one of the Ethaefals that governed Lhavit especially Talora who was of Syna like him. Ayda went down stairs to find a small gathering of Okomo handlers at the entrance and joined them. None of them greeted Ayda as he arrived, they just stood in awkward silence until Khana arrived with instructions on how to proceed. Everyone of them seemed to be overcome with melancholy, and Ayda had no idea as to why. As the group of handlers left the villa Ayda caught a few people directing sympathetic glances at him as he walked with his group of handlers to their destination. He wanted desperately to know what was going on by he didn't have the courage to ask and no one had to courage to tell. Ayda and his group of employees entered the Surya Plaza where a dignified Ethaefal women waited patiently at an elevated podium for everyone to arrive. Ayda was curtain this Ethaefal women was Talora and was eager to hear her explain why everyone was summoned. When the plaza was at full capacity the women spoke but Ayda was not prepared for what he heard. She said that there had been another death and that the unfortunate soul was not only an Ethaefal but an Ethaefal that ended their own life. Ayda couldn't process the horrible thing he had just heard and he felt as if he were going to be uncontrollably ill. It wasn't long before a seemingly endless stream of tears were leaking from his eyes. Ayda was not the only one having a hard time with his announcement, an uproar of panic and sadness filled the plaza. Ayda could hear the Ethaefal women next to him slowly mumbling, her face was full of shock and worry. Talora urged everyone to calm down and then continued to say that she suspected there was more to this tragic incident than they knew. Until more was known everyone (Ethaefals especially) were urged to come together and watch out for one another. She ended by telling the crowd to stay inside when they could before dismissing them. Ayda found it hard enough to handle being with groups of people in general, interacting with an Ethaefal would be even more challenging. Ethaefals don't usually enjoy talking to each other, it would be unbearable after something like this. Regardless Ayda was willing to band with others to help anyway he could until this mystery was solved. The conversation of the men Ayda was standing behind made Ayda feel the need to cry again. They spoke of the deceased, her name was Lena and she was an Ethaefal of Leth. Apparently the first Ethaefal death occurred during the day. If there was indeed a murderer and they had a pattern, Ayda could be the next target. The nearby Ethaefal women made a prayer to Syna, considering the unnatural heat wave Ayda was sure that Syna was watching out for them. Ayda wanted to reach out to His fellow fallen one but was having trouble gathering the courage, all he could muster was a sympathetic glace in her direction.

[Lu Gavima]

It was indeed hot. One could call it unseasonable, but with the atmosphere of Talora's presence, it wasn't so strange at all. Although Lu had become a Protector, he was still in an unofficial capacity of probation. He longed for the action of night and its pay, but it would more than likely be another year before he did more than chores. Rarely did the peace of Lhavit become disrupted, which was a welcome thing. It gave him time to train. Looking up at the Shinya flanking the Lady of Day, he suspected that they felt the same as he.

It was Talora and her mate that saved Lhavit and Lu was grateful of it. However, he grew up in their absence, their return appreciated and yet at the same time troubling. Of course, he was only one of many, but he also had his own opinion. He would serve them as was his duty. Seeing her speak to the citizens in such a manner brought concern to Lu's sweaty brow. While the senior Shinya stood guard, junior Protectors were scattered among the crowd. All of the citizens were gathered and with this dire news and stifling heat, peacekeeping and crowd control were deemed necessary. He stood at ease, listening to the news. Another Ethaefal suicide. An act which made no sense to Lu, as it seemed an odd way to attempt reunion. His eyes shifted directly to the glare of the Sun Ethaefal as she silenced the crowd.

Her demands to be reported to were unsettling. Why would the Shinya not be the ones reported to? They were numerous and knew the citizens and its people well. It was apparent that the others believed so as well. She certainly did not demand theirsilence. With dismissal granted, the murmuring ocean of the plaza came to life. He felt sympathy for them, fallen from what must have been complete bliss, but he also knew of the hundreds of Shinya who lost their lives over the past year. No demands for them.

[Quiarinox]

Quiarinox's face was one among many. She stood out for the vividness of her red hair, but not much else. There was no ethereal quality that separated her from the Humans she stood among. There was no whisper of some Ethaefal nature about her, but that the sight of one still made her cringe, and the thought of talking to one, especially a Sunborn one, did not appeal to her. Like the rest, she was reluctant to share time with another unmoored from their previous divine life. She did not yearn for their companionship. Even in this, a time of need when people like her should bond together, she did not wish to participate. She had heard of the death of the Moonborn. So sad, she had thought at the time, that a child of Leth would seek an end to her life, but she did not idle her thoughts on why, or how, this could have happened. She did not have sympathy for her fallen kin. It was troubling that somebody would be attacking Ethaefal, for that seemed the implication. That was what had concerned her most. This person could choose any one of them, the Ethaefal, as a new target. Already she could hear the murmurs of doubt from the horned children of Syna that one of them might be next. That was a relief. If it followed a pattern, she would need to worry only after another Sunborn fell. Her green eyes slanted off the figures of the resplendent Sunborn around her. Did they recognise a fallen child in their wake? She hadn't been approached by one with any familiarity before. As Talora stepped back, Quiarinox glared in her wake. The Shinya didn't seem to pleased with her either, the set of their faces stern and uncompromising. She wondered if they were upset Talora would so callously ignore their needs in this time. Maybe they were angry she wouldn't let the people come to them instead. The chaos of the woman's announcement and words was stirring, to say the least. Quiarinox found amusement in the fear writ upon faces and spoken in voices. Rhysol could grow strong here, if the seeds were sewn properly. "Are you worried now who might be next?" She said to the nearest Sunborn, a woman. A gold powder to her skin made her shimmer in Syna's overwhelmingly intense light. Just talking to the woman left an acrid taste in Quiarinox's mouth, but she said it with her best attempt at a reassuring smile to show she did sympathise. "I hope the deaths stop soon and that nobody else falls. It could be a Sunborn like you next. That would be horrible!"

[Seeker]

Seeker
Seeker eyed the filling plaza with suspicion. He had been out, practicing his camouflage and molding techniques, when Surya initially started filling and now he was supremely curious as to what was going on. At first, he thought the general populace was being informed of an impromptu festival- but the dour air that surrounded the individuals of prominence now swayed him to another notion altogether. Something horrid had to have occurred for them all to have been gathered in the square the square like this.

After being nudged by shuffling feet, Seeker decided it was time to get higher. Several moments later Seeker found himself atop an awning; one that provided shade for a local fruit vendor. Once he gained stable footing, Seeker scanned the crowd for familiar faces. However, it didn’t take him long to spot Ayda as he made his way into the square- surrounded by the other Okomo handlers. He had just made the decision to try and maneuver his way over to the young Ethaefal when Talora began speaking from her place on the raised platform.

As she bid the crowd welcome Seeker bowed politely in response- the fact that he was not tall enough or important enough to be noticed not phasing him one bit. And by the time Talora spoke the words- delicate matter and death- Seeker knew that his change of notion was aligned with the right path. In the noise that burst forth, Seeker almost missed the announcement of another Ethaefal suicide, but as soon as he deciphered the message from the garble of voices Seeker looked over to check on Ayda.

He noticed the other man’s change from stoically listening to the news to violent tears. It did not surprise him, but it did not put him at ease either. He considered himself a friend to the Ethaefal and now wondered what he could do to try and make him feel better. Talora’s demand for silence brought his attention back to her and away from his distressed friend.

For a moment Seeker thought it odd that she mentioned watching out for one another and acting with caution; however that oddness did not last long for she soon clarified her previous statements. “We suspect that there is more to this than meets the eye.”

Several beats passed before Seeker realized the full impact of her words. They think someone is murdering Ethaefal. The thought left a horrible taste in his mouth and fear for his friend in his heart. I must try and do something; I will not let my friend be endangered. He thought as he observed the slightly panicked crowd. But the question now is, what do I do to protect him?

[Elysium]

One of the men took notice of the Ethaefal nearby, noticing they were both of the sun. He made a slight choking noise, realizing his blunder. It was incredibly rude to speak of people when they were standing nearby. It required everything he had to bow, still spluttering. The other merely shook his head. ”Excuse Elzai here,” he offered innocently. ”He did a good deal of drinking at the Star’s Shadow last night and woke up without his pants. He must have lost his manners too, or so it seems.” He glanced around the odd assortment of folk that now stared him down. ”I’m Alaja. We work at the Opera House,” he cast a dubious stare in that direction. ”I recognize you,” he said with a start, really seeing Alses for the first time. ”You’re a courier for the Dusk Tower, aren’t you?” ”Of course she is,” Elzai spat, recovering. ”And you’re pretty ill-mannered yourself.” The retort was far too late to have any real impact, but Elzai pressed on. ”I’d be staying away from Sartu, as a word of advice.” He glanced nervously at the Shinya standing slightly to the rear. ”The poor girl hauled herself from the ledge at the top, right near where she’d been staying. Who does that sort of thing?” He grumbled. ”It’s unnatural. Most like why Talora seemed out of sorts.” ”Of course it is, you jackass.” Alaja fixed him with a steely glare. ”Talora isn’t used to so many dead people, with the Shinya about. Seems like they’re having trouble getting a handle on it.” Again, they nervously peered over at Lu. ”Anyway, we’d be going to check it out but we’re no detectives.” Elzai nodded along, finding this statement agreeable. ”I think after this, my hangover is all but gone. It’d be better for us to keep our noses out of it. But you might just have a special interest.” He gave Ayda and Alses an appraising look. ”Both of you might have some friends that feel the same. You’ll know the spot she jumped from all the Shinya, but what you won’t is that she lived in the next house over.” Alaja shot him an alarmed glance. ”Extinguish your britches,” Elzai said hotly. ”This is Ethaefal business and it should be Ethaefal that know. You and I haven’t the slightest on what to do, even if we did figure out why.” He shook his head. ”Fine,” Alaja replied. ”But we’re out of here, before you start on something else. I’ve had about as much of your voice as I can take.” The two continued slinging insults as they walked off, disappearing around a corner.

[Alses]

OOCBased on the skin comment, Quiarinox, I'm assuming you were speaking to Ayda (or anotherr Ethaefal). If I'm wrong on that, do accept my apologies .

A voice from nearby caused Alses to turn in startlement; the two gentlemen from earlier seemed to have noticed her presence, a blush draining from their cheeks as they bowed.

Alses waved them up with an airy hand and a demurring murmur of “No matter, no matter,” forgiving them their inadvertent discourtesy. They'd evidently assumed, what with the press of the crowd all around, that there were no Ethaefal within earshot. A reasonable assumption: fifty – or rather, forty-eight, now - in nine thousand was a tiny drop in a large ocean, but their assumption was nonetheless a flawed one, in this case.

Elzai's companion continued from his apology quickly, obviously seeking comfort in the familiar, poking fun at his friend – or possibly enemy; Alses wasn't well-versed in the intricacies of discourse, preferring magic and mastery in relative solitude. She cast an appraising glance up and down Elzai's form for a brief instant, noting thankfully the presence of pants, and then a mildly wicked smile curved her Cupid-bow lips.

“We see he managed to find some pants in time for this gathering nonetheless. Syna be praised for the small mercies, no?”

Alaja returned her smile with a mischievous grin of his own and then did an almost comical double-take, drinking in the full glory of her appearance for the first time, his expression full of the usual awe and tinged with just a hint of...recognition?

Recognition was right, and her expression-reading skills were vindicated in short order; he and his friend - or at least cordial adversary - were apparently workers at the Ethereal Opera, employed in some capacity to keep the stately old dame on an even keel, and he recognized her from what must have been one of her trips there.

'Don't be so surprised, Alse,', she reminded herself, struggling to keep an urbane mask. 'We've been in Lhavit a fair few years now, and the city does favour the Ethaefal. Small wonder we've attracted notice on our trips for the Dusk Tower. Most especially at the Ethereal Opera, given our reaction to the darker histories that poison its stones.' Alses shivered at that darker thought – her reaction to the unwanted revelation, a result of her greater skill with auristics, had probably gone around the Opera House staff like wildfire, even if the actual reason behind it was still a secret between her and the callously radiant Director.

“Amongst other things, yes,” Alses replied to Alaja's question, since in truth the couriering was just to support herself in her apprenticeship to the Dusk Tower, but Alaja and Elzai were off in a world of their own devising and steamrollered right over her words, continuing without pause or break in the flow.

Alses listened, restively, to their chatter, wanting to cut through the perpetual game of one-upmanship to the heart of the matter. Fortunately, Alaja – even after a large evening at the Star's Shadow – seemed to have his head screwed on slightly tighter than his friend, and picked up all the little tells of mild – but mounting – irritation and moved towards the meat of the matter.

“Special interest?” Alses asked absently, even as her mind questioned the previous statement.

'Both of us?' Instinctively, she glanced to the side, and as her eyes fell on Ayda, she struggled – and failed - not to flinch; another glorious Synaborn shimmered in her sight and in the glorious rays of sunshine beaming down. Her skin was touched with more of a golden hue than Alses' own fire-opal hide, and her horns were simpler, yet seemingly carved – although from a distance Alses' vision couldn't quite make out the subject matter. Her mouth twisted; it was meant to be a smile, but probably came out instead as a mildly pained grimace even as she inclined her head ever so slightly, not quite trusting her voice yet. The only thing worse than meeting another Synaborn was seeing a Lethaefal in full splendour whilst she was chained to a pallid little mortal seeming.

Fortunately, Alses had little enough time to dwell on the intoxicating brilliance of a fellow Synaborn, nor on the memories it brought – Elzai spoke, and usefully at that, answering her question with titbits of information fed to her hungry, curious mind, information that sank into the confused mass of her brain and fired her synapses, sending her thoughts racing even as they moved away, still arguing with one another.

“Figured out why?” she echoed, mostly to herself. 'Figured out why what? Why she...Why she killed herself?' Alses' head snapped up and she looked to call loudly after them, to bring them back for greater scrutiny and interrogation, but the crowds had already swallowed the pair and inwardly she cursed herself for not being faster, for not following the conversation with greater care. Those two, she was sure, knew more than they were letting on, even if they had given her – and those around her, admittedly – a lead, the merest inkling of a clue. Or possibly a bit of tempting bait to lead a Synaborn into a trap, to turn her – or the other one nearby, she admitted grudgingly – into the next statistic, the next death to rock the celestial city.

Alses let her eyes drift over the people nearby, all of those with their eyes turned to follow the path the strange pair had taken. There was the other Synaborn, of course, closest to her and looking troubled and alarmed, insofar as it was possible to tell from brief glances and through the veneer of sadness most Ethaefal carried, then someone who all-but screamed 'Shinya', looking...well, perhaps 'pensive' was the best word...and a child, surely, with a tumbling mass of curling flame-red hair. She didn't notice the little clay figure atop an awning some little way away, more focused on the immediate surrounds.

“I don't know any of you,” she said after a brief pause, pitching her voice to carry well enough to the little group fortunate – or unfortunate – enough to hear Alaja and Elzai's revelation, “Contrary to what those two interesting characters may have thought...but you all heard that little dualogue, yes? The honoured Shinya-” she swept a short half-bow to Lu, in recognition of his status “-may or may not be at a loose end with this, as they were with the earlier death of an Ethaefal in Autumn, but I for one do not intend to cower away in my home until this is all resolved. Who knows how long that could take? After all, whilst we are an Ethaefal, and so time has little meaning, I do still have the capacity to be bored – and worse, frightened.” She smiled, slightly nervously it had to be said, but managed to keep from twisting her fingers or worrying at the fabric of her dress. “We – I - want to find out why Ethaefal are committing suicide – or seeming to, at any rate - after having apparently adapted to Mizahar and all its manifold disappointments. I daresay at least some of you are the same, for whatever reason, be it personal-” her eyes skipped lightly over Ayda “-or driven by duty-” her eyes lingered on Lu, as a Shinya, for a long moment “-or perhaps simple curiosity.” She shrugged.

“Either way, it might be easier to look into together, rather than apart. Less chance of falling over one another, for one thing.” Although unpractised at swaying people, even with the benefit of her auristics (which she didn't dare use to any real degree at the moment – the plaza might be emptying, but there were still plenty of people huddling together and discussing the latest oddity to befall the city in hushed voices, enough to make it difficult for her) even she knew better than to add: 'And besides, if we do find something truly nefarious going on, a group has a better chance of survival than a lone investigator.' That would not, she felt, endear her to the strangers close around.

[Ayda]

Ayda A young women with fire red hair standing near Ayda asked if he was afraid of what would happen next and reminded him that it was very likely a Syna born that would be next. Ayda had no reason to believe that this girl had anything but the most altruistic intentions but he couldn't help feeling worse by her "comforting" words. "I...am afraid but I have hope that this will be sorted out before anything horrible happens" He whispered back to the girl. With his Melancholy expression, the tears in his eyes and the sadness present in his voice he couldn’t fool anyone with what he said. The two human men who spoke earlier noticed that they were speaking in the presence of two Syna born and tried their best to apologize to the both of them for their rudeness. The two men were Elzai and Alaja and they worked for the Ethaefal Opera house. The one man who addressed himself as Alaja recognized the other Ethaefal women as courier for the Dusk Tower. Not being in the mood to talk he let the other Ethaefal lead the conversation with the two men. The men warned the Ethaefals about going near Sartu, Apparently the victim jumped from the tallest tower in the area. They seemed to be nervously looking back at the Shinya in the area as if the men didn't want them to hear what they were telling the two Ethaefals. Ayda found this strange but none the less continued to listen to what the two humans had to say. After telling the two Ethaefals that they should stay away from the scene of the crime they seemed to also suggest that they investigate the scene due to some special interest. The other Ethaefal women seemed to just notice the presence of Ayda standing behind her and winced slightly at the sight of him. Ayda understood the Ethaefals reaction, it was hard to see others of their kind but could see her making at effort to be comfortable in his presence. The Ethaefal women gave Ayda a forced smile and Ayda did the same, both seemed unable to actually talk to each other. Ayda needed a friend and his first though went to Seeker the small pycon he had taken a liking too. Ayda wondered where his small clay friend could be, he would surely be somewhere in the Surya Plaza but Ayda was unable to locate him. The two men bid them good bye and left, leaving a more than just the two Ethaefal's watching their departure. The Etheafal turned to the small scattered group of individuals who were certain to have heard what the two men had made and inspiring speech. She seemed determined to find out why this travesty had happened and asked that they help her. Ayda felt inspired by the fellow Ethaefals courage and gained his own courage from her speech. At the very least Ayda wasn't going to let her go looking for danger alone. "I...I" Ayda stumbled on his own words for a bit "I will offer my assistance in anyway that I can" He said with sudden confidence before anyone else could speak up. OocI hope I covered everything. I would like to say that my character is actually a male but looks like a female in his Ethaefal form so those that don't know him will think he's a women. his voice is feminine sounding too but small hints to his true gender can be faintly heard in his voice. you can choose weather you want to notice or not. ether way you'll find out when night fall happens and I turn into a large hulking Akalak man.

[Lu Gavima]

Eyes of skyglass sat on the two Opera workers as they spat indignity about the place. Lu wondered if their beloved place of business was on fire, would they call out for the nearest Ethaefal? If someone refused to pay and threatened violence at their admission, would one of the statuesque beings sort it all out? Of course not. When trouble arose, it was the Shinya who arrived and resolved the issue. The Autumnal incident was handled by Shinya higher than Lu's rank, so he could not comment on the outcome, even if he knew something about it.

What he did know was that there was a general attitude about his brothers and sisters that he found unnerving. If there was no trouble, many seemed to feel better without the watchful presence of the Shinya. it was the constant vigilance, the unwavering eyes of the Protectors, however, that insured that trouble never gained a foothold in the first place. Lu was not so broken up to see such ingrates leave. Probably for more drinking.

Listening to the daughter of Syna present, the young Shinya believed that she may feel that those gathered closely, who were privy to such knowledge of the suicide's place of habitation, should possibly work together as a team. It would be necessary to have a Shinya present, but considering Talora's words and directives, Lu saw no reason to report this fact to his superiors or the Sun Lady. At least not until there was more evidence to present. He returned the half bow that he was given, appreciating the dignity of this particular Ethaefal.

"If you would like to work together to discover more, I am willing. Regardless of Talora's thoughts, Shinya should be present in this matter. I will join you in your efforts." His words were spoken clearly to the golden woman, though his eyes scanned those around him, especially for any hints of dissent.