Players: Cynis Chu, Mnemon Koal

The Temple of the Dragons is packed- as the siege has carried on, more people have found more reasons to make their way to the retreat. The monks are busy, tending, counseling, offering advise. Several readings are happening, with a monk and a scroll from the Texts open on their lap, while a crowd of people, sitting or standing, watch and listen. Some find their solace. Some don't.

     Cynis Chu is amongst the monks working the crowd. Quiet and unobtrusive, rarely speaking but often giving a smile, or a shoulder rub to the obviously worn immaculates. A serene figure. Calm.

     Koal has been in meditation and prayer throughout the entire day after returning from the Silent Peaks with Brother Hrath, resting in a peaceful repose next to the statue of Pasiap. The people surrounding him seem to take comfort in his presence, although not daring to disturb the thoughts of the mighty Dragonlord. It would have been noted that he spoke at length earlier in the day with Amasu, the city mother of Greyfalls.

     Cynis Chu stops besides Koal for a moment, watching the man meditate, and then reaching down to his shoulder. "Koal," he says. "When you have a moment, I'd like to speak to you, in private."

     Koal's eyes open even before Chu's hand is upon his arm, peaceful grey stones of intense clarity, like tumbled gemstones below the falls of the Imperial Mountain. "I sense as much from your footsteps Brother Chu. My heart is whole, by the grace of the Dragons. Lead on, as you have not intruded where you weren't welcome."

     Cynis Chu bobs his head, and starts to walk towards the back of the temple, the living quarters of the monks. Leading Koal into a smallish room, with a reed mat. On one wall is hung a complex mandala painting, of intertwining blue, blue, red, green and white. There's a chair and a small desk, with several pots of ink and brushes. "Please," he says, waving towards the chair. "Have a seat." He himself sits on the mat.

     Koal takes the offered chair, accepting Chu's hospitality as the gift it is, as the monks forsake so much for the faith, and the chance to be a gracious host otherwhere than the temple chamber is a luxury they do not allow themselves.

     "So." Chu says, giving the Earth aspect a considering look. "What is your opinion, of current events. Of the Folk."

     Koal takes a moment of thought before replying, "They are coming for this city. Each in their own way. Under the orders of someone they claim is the “Heir of Balor”. I must unite the Dragonlords in time to prevent disaster."

     Cynis Chu mms, nodding slightly. "Do you have any idea where this 'Heir of Balor' is? Holed up in some freehold? Surrounded by a gossamer host?"

     Koal continues "I do not know who this Fae is, but we have two courts nearby, neither of which has been visited for many years that I know of. What of the Order? Have you encountered any of the Folk yourselves?

     Cynis Chu nods slightly. "I rode out with Sesus Ormi. We confronted a small force of goblins, near one of the down airships. They broke easily enough. But, there were... huntsmen." He closes his eyes, a shadow of fear crossing his face. "They had thrown the spears that knocked a ship from the sky."

     "I see." Koal says. "They are ambushing in such force that we must prepare to return the favor. Have you organized more Brothers for hunting expeditions or are you concentrating on bolstering the faith of the city so that the tricks of the Folk do not tear their souls from them as happened in Stonefort?

     Cynis Chu shakes his head slightly. "We've been busy, tending the city. Trying to keep the peace. People are nervous, and not least of all because of the sense that no one is... in charge, no one is organizing. Things are just happening."

     "Fighting the Fae is unlike other opponents." Koal says "I watched good soldiers turn on us because we came unprepared. Organization is happening and preparations are being made, it just isn't happening in a public fashion."

"Although it certainly isn't a secret either." Koal adds

     Cynis Chu nods slightly at Koal, eyes half-closing. "I see," he says. Then, "What do you think are the city's chances?"

     Koal meets Chu's eyes without a flinch or waver, radiating a quite different strength than his muscle mass alone would imply. "We will weather the storm if we work together and have faith. These creatures thrive on a weak heart, like moths to a flame in the dark, don't let doubt consume you or those you minister. I may ask for the assistance of the Order to face the Fae that are ambushing our shipments. Can I count on you to join me in facing those who forced you to retreat before? Your experience of the situation will be invaluable.

     Cynis Chu nods once. "The Order is at the disposal of the city," he replies. "And I will do my best, to help in any way I can."

     "Good. Then you need not worry. It is a harsh place we live in, compared to the Isle, a perfect place for faith to be tested and reforged anew with wisdom and understanding, as you yourself know as much as I. I will gather the host, even if it is not me who leads them. Let the people know that they must prepare for the storm to come, but if they hold true, brighter days shall return.

     Cynis Chu mms, nodding again. He has a somewhat distant look, as if giving something in the distance a great consideration. "This 'heir of Balor'," he asks. "What do you know about him? Do we know /anything/?"

     "At the moment we don't even know if it is a he, she, or an it. It is possible that the guild offices in Nexus or the libraries of the conquered lands in the Vir Sidus empire have such knowledge." Koal replies.

"Of course, the Fae themselves also have the answer." Koal adds"

     Cynis Chu nods slightly, a grimace crossing his face. "But how could we trust any answers we got from them?" he asks rhetorically. Then shakes his head. "Well. Thank you."

     "Of course, Brother Chu." Koal says. "I shall return to the Garrison now as there is a time for contemplation and a time for action, and the former is turning into the latter."

     Cynis Chu nods slightly. Still seated on his bed. However, as Koal starts to leave, he asks, "Do you think they are only marching on the orders of this one organizer? Their heir?"

     "It is possible." Koal intones, his deep voice echoing behind him. "But I do not /understand/ the motivations of the Fae, and there is at least one deathknight involved. With so many unknown factors, it would be presumptuous of me to claim to have pieced together even the outline of the puzzle. All I know is that they are coming and that they shall fail."

     Cynis Chu nods at that, a troubled look crossing his face.