Synopsis: Vicis is approached by a number of Solars who seek things from him. Or is that "Solars"?

Location: Tower of Eden

Recorded: Tuesday, June 09, 2009

Cast: Vicis, Scipeo, Green Brass Poet (as Ayden of the Cross), and Forbidden Blossom (as Anemone)

 

        A couple on horseback has made its way to the tower separate from Scipeo, careful to stay behind him enough to avoid notice as they travelled. The man is tall, pale and dark-haired, carefully prepared to put his finest foot forward. His is the sort of hard beauty that, while undeniable, appeals to a certain type; his jaw is broad, his lips thin and often set in a hard line, and a silver-streaked black goatee wraps around his chin. He's done up in exquisite velvets and black leather, a fine cape thrown behind him. He has the body of an athlete, the muscles toned and sleek beneath his armor, and moves with a predator's grace.

 

        But none of that's terribly important! What is important is that, as Scipeo is knocking, the man slows his mount, gazing forward with steely grey eyes and remaining silent, waiting.

 

        On a dappled mount, perhaps of Marukan stock, is a delicate young woman alongside. Clad in a blue kimono top and with deep back hair, pinned with flower stems, the pink and red flowers adorning her hair. Though she has an almost noble look about her, her hands and a slight tan betray something of a harder existence, perhaps recent. She looks more furitive, as if wary of the area around her as she follows after.

        But then her attention focuses on the Scipeo, and she halts as well, looking more curious and expectant than wary now.

 

        The doors to the tower swing open, and the beautiful, green-haired, green-eyed man in his flowing kimono looks around at the group with a smile on his face. "My, my," he purrs quietly, "So very many visitors."

 

        Scipeo looks at the two new arrivals but is interupted before he says anything by the opening door. Scipeo bows low and smiles "Lord of this Vale, I ask permision to enter and have council. I believe we have much in common and much to discuss. /I/ am the Anathema King or simply Scipeo if that suits you better." he says with a thin smile. He steps aside and nods his heads to the other two arrivals, waiting for them to introduce themselves.

 

        The pale man's horse is of similar stock, though noticeably larger and darker. Black is his aesthetic, after all. He swiftly dismounts and makes his way to the woman's horse, silently lending a hand. When that is done he still does not speak, turning about and slowly walking toward the tower's entryway. Step, step, step. He's almost in their faces now, only a few feet away, before he finally pauses. "I am Ayden of the Cross," the grim man says and then falls silent again, waiting for his companion to introduce herself. Once she has, he looks toward Scipeo. "...Anathema King. You wear the dragon-blooded's curse as a badge of honor, then? Hm...master of this Vale, we, too, seek entrance. I have heard rumors of you, of your nature. I would like to confirm them with my own eyes, and see where it leads us."

        Anemone bows from her hourse before sliding off of it. She gives the 'Anathema King', saying, "Scipeo will do, then." She bows again, and thena adds, "Anemone... and we should be glad for your hospitality." She rises quickly, smiling warmly. "If we would be so honored, master of this tower. It has been quite the journey to come here, and we know not this vale."

 

        Vicis raises a slender eyebrow at that, full, artful lips pursing in a calculated measure designed for the maximum impact. "All are welcome in the Tower of Eden," he offers politely, standing aside to let them into the antechamber; flowers hang from the ceilings, walls, and floors, and it becomes apparent after moments that these are not decorations, but living, growing plants. "I am Vicis. It is a pleasure to make each and every one of your acquaintances." 

 

        "I was just about to sit for lunch," he purrs, "Would you care to join me?"

 

        Scipeo nods his head with a bright smile. "That sounds delightfull." He follows Vicis with long purposefull steps. "This tower is very beautifull, an artpiece in and of itself. Did you create it yourself? In any case I am a priest of Sol and would welcome a brother under His golden rays." Scipeo says with smooth elegance.

 

        Silent again now that the introductions and statements of purpose are out of the way, Ayden glides into the antechamber, lighter on his feet than one would expect given his build and outfit. The abundant plant life earns an appreciative glance but no words of compliment. What he thinks about them is impossible to read; his expression remains guardedly neutral at all times. He does, however, pay careful attention to the mannerisms of the others, how they interact, how they speak, the subtle changes in inflection and pace. He is nothing if not observant, the man. He is also possibly hungry as he didn't refuse the invitation.

 

        "That would be delightful, indeed.", Anemone says with an eager sort of energy, though her attention looks to Ayden for a moment as if to double-check. Apparently satisfied after a moment, she looks about, and adds, "This looks to be First Age, actually. See the wear?" Reaching out for the wall, she touches a very subtle pitting. "But if it were more recent, the wear would be much worse in this heat and weather. That's right, isn't it?", she says to Vicis, confirming politely with him.

 

        "Quite an eye," Vicis murmurs as he leads them into the tower, where it becomes apparent that the trees and vines are not growing into it - they are growing OUT of it, horizontal to grasp the ground below, in most unnatural shapes and poses twisted by the essence flow of the valley. Vicis opens a pair of double-doors, sitting down at the head of a very long table full of foods - many of which are unidentifiable. "Make yourselves at home," he offers politely, bowing his head. "What is on this table is yours as well as mine."

 

        Ayden is kind of a party pooper. He is aware of his nature, however, and does not inject himself between the others, allowing them to make small talk and get cozy. Still, he's not a mute, as the introduction showed, and when it is appropriate he pipes up. "Thank you for your hospitality," he says to Vicis, pulling out a seat for Anemone and then easing himself down adjacent to her. "As you have not recoiled from Scipeo in disgust or fear, I must assume you, too, are a Chosen of the Sun. Anemone and I are likewise--Quicksilver Falcons. We have come far over Creation to find the east's relative safety and require allies. There is strength in numbers." He falls silent, looking over the alien food. "Bluntly, I wish for you to ally with us. Both of you would be ideal."

 

        Anemone looks across the table, blinking in surprise, and then reaches for a pecular yellow, fleshy fruit on the table with an instant sort of curiosity, taking a bite and chewing as she looks to Vicis. Taking the fruit with both hands, she sets down, looking to Ayden as he talks. She looks with the fruit with an intense curiosity, but is obviously too polite to interrupt her partner with nosy questions.

 

        Scipeo nods and takes a seat at Vicis' right hand. "Thank you, if you find yourself in Nexus I would gladly give you the same hospitality. I like this Valley, its very beautifull." He then looks at Ayden, "Oh? I have not had the pleasure of meeting you. I would welcome any chosen of Sol Invictus should you find yourself in Nexus."

 

        "Allies?" Vicis purrs, rolling the word about on his lips thoughtfully as he catches Anemone's look. "Perhaps. But I am not a man who has interest in alliances without benefit," he notes, a scalpel sliding forth from his sleeve and falling into his palm; with surgical efficiency, he cuts into the food on his plate, eating it in tiny portions with manners impeccable and tasteful. "I appreciate your words, but the valley is not mine - I simply moved in."

 

        "It is a large world and we are scattered throughout it," Ayden replies crisply to Scipeo. "That we have not met is no surprise." He is not one built for pleasantries, it seems. What a terrible Quicksilver Falcon! Though, presumably, he would not have been Chosen as such if there was not something to him that resonated; perhaps his blunt and bare demeanor has its uses. He reaches one hand forward and takes out a fruit similar to Anemone's, biting into it. It is quite nice, but he does not say that.

 

        "Of course we would not offer a one-sided relationship," he states firmly. "The both of us are able diplomats and writers, and I have some small skill in the martial arts, in addition to business acumen. Such skills would no doubt be of use to you if you wished to...expand from this valley."

 

        "Allies are useful... or they're not allies. Isn't that so?", Anemone says rhetorically. "Not all benefits are always so obvious, anyway. As he said, but I... know lots of things, too. Lost things. Even if this fruit is a mystery to me.", she adds, peering at it. "But it's quite delicious!", she says with a genuine energy that contrasts her more tactiturn partner. "So, what are you looking for, Vicis?"

 

         Scipeo eats some fruit and watches Ayden with curiosity. Saying little he politely chews his fruit and listens. "Even so you must have come to this region recently, the power of Sol is not easily hidden." Scipeo shrugs. "In any case I would gladly lend my assistance to any chosen of Sol."

 

         Vicis blinks at something not quite fully seen, sweeping some of his green hair out of his face and shaking his head. "Ah...yes. Yes. I only recently arrived..." He seems a bit distracted as he picks up another bite. "Ah...thank you. It is a Maryuku Fruit - a little specimen left by the tower's creators that I decided to plant and cultivate. It grows quite wild in the jungle, as well, but that one is from my garden in the basement." 

         Vicis shakes his head again. "I..." He murmurs, trying to shake himself out of some confusion or another. "...ahem. I must explain myself, I think. I am one whose talents are for sale. Alliances...are arrangements, but the word -allies- lends a certain permanence than I cannot always guarantee."

 

         "The nature of partnerships are to be transient, maintained so long as they remain beneficial," Ayden replies, finishing off the fruit. Luckily for him the core is edible, too, he has nothing to throw away. "There would be no hard feelings if you were to spurn us when we no longer had use. If the word is unpleasant to you, allow me to substite contracts in its place." He looks around briefly and then finds a napkin, dabbing at his mouth and wiping the juice off his fingers. "This place is truly beautiful. It would be an honor to see Eden spread across the world--and I get the feeling you'd like to see that, too. We can assist you, if you will assist us. When convenient, of course."

 

         Looking to Scipeo, Anemone says, "Not easily, no, but... it can be, if you are careful." She smiles, and shrugs a little. "And we too, we know we must stand together if we are to shine brightly. To so alone is pretty careless, right?", a somewhat actual tone to more serious subjects.

 

         Scipeo nods "Indeed it is prudent to seek allies of similar motivation. In any case I would welcome all three of you under the loving rays of Sol." Scipeo polity finishes his fruit.

 

         Vicis listens, a troubled look on his face. "A contract is...certainly a better word," he agrees. "Than allies. Allies implies...no, no." He shakes his head. "I already said that," he murmurs. 

 

         "Ah. Yes. I would very much like to see all of Creation one day look as this, but I do not know that such a thing is possible. I am at the moment content to play in my garden, until such time as..."

         "...as..."

         He stops, shaking his head once again. 

        Ayden's pressed lips thin ever so slightly more as he listens to Vicis' doubts and goals. "You stand in a tower of ancient wonder," the man intones, "and doubt what can be done?" Ayden pushes his chair back slowly, deliberately, and rises to his feet. "I did not come to ease your doubts or convince you of your own potential. I have no need of a contract with a man who doubts himself. Pardon my intrusion." The man begins to walk back to the antechamber, where he will no doubt grimly see himself out.

 

        Anemone finishes her fruit, taking a moment to quickly lick a drop of juice off a finger, speaking to Scipeo. "We are all four blessed by the Sun, aren't we? Though some of us have only given word, I suppose... but we, as always, would be thankful for your prayers and words to the Unconquered. It is good to know he listens so.", she says, scooting over in her seat as if to get closer to Ayden, but looks surprised as she stands. "Ayden...!", she says as she rises quickly, starting to move after. "Oh, excuse him, he's always like..", she says before reaching out for him.

 

        Scipeo laughs a little "So have you come to insult someone in there own home? Please. You question a man and say nothing of yourself and your own skills Ayden? You even get upset if he cannot answer a question they way you deem the only way worth answering. If you come to Nexus, please bring some maners." Scipeo says with a dark look to Ayden. "I am a man of compassion but I expect others to at least show a little."

 

        Vicis frowns in confusion, nodding after Anemone. "It's quite alright," he replies politely, wrapping his head back around control of the situation and taking a deep breath. "What an odd man," he murmurs in Scipeo's direction, a smile growing back across his face. "Did you come all the way here simply to speak with me about my allegiance?" The doctor inquires.

 

        Ayden does not reply to Scipeo. Oh, he certainly hears him, but he is dark and surly and stoic, and those kinds of people simply do not engage in contests of verbal headbutting. They wouldn't be dark, surly, and stoic otherwise! However, all dark, surly, and stoic men have a soft spot, and for Ayden it is Anemone. He deliberately slows himself so that she may catch up, and he briefly turns his head around. "Should you realize you are not limited, my offer stands. I will return in a week to hear your final decision. I am not looking for friends but those who can be of some use to me, as I believe you are, as well. Let the Anathema King shower you with all the empty pleasantries I will not." He bows his head and then departs.

 

        "Ayden.", says Anemone more seriously, and says to Vicis. "No, it is not all right, but I..." She looks to Vicis as he starts to walk off. "Ay-den!", she says more firmly, starting to walk after, clearly a little annoyed before saying a more softly-speaken, "Excuse me", to those behind her as she exits after him hurriedly.

 

        Scipeo shakes his head. "I offer no allegiance or advice. I do not ask for favors nor do I expect any. I have simply come to meet a fellow Chosen of Sol, I hope we can work together in the future when we can find common cause. I seek to better creation and would welcome any help and only help as you see fit to give if any. Likewise I would gladly help fellow chosen in similar goals. I also know several other Exalts who would welcome you in a similar manor. " Scipeo says with a smile.

 

        Ayden is now far enough away from Scipeo and Visis to avoid being heard by anything other than supernaturally keen senses. However, he has not discounted the possibility they have them. Which is why, when Anemone stalks after him, he grumbles irritably. "I should not have been chosen as an Eclipse," he says to her, hands clenched. "I have no patience for words. A Dawn would have been much better. Did you even hear his doubts? He doubts his own misgivings--he's doubly indecisive, and that 'Anathema King', pompous, flamboyant tart, just keeps repeating that we're all together under the Sun and we're welcome to his hospitality over and over and over as though it was more important the third time than the first."

        Ayden grumbles massively. Perhaps he is not truly so quiet as he appeared.

 

        Vicis stands and shakes his head. "Perhaps I should leave this tower once in a while." He admits, "But I do not believe I could rally under the banner of Sol. Thank you for your offer - however, I will remain a free agent until such time as I receive a better one. I have a friend in whom I already trust."

 

        Scipeo nods "Excellent. Thank you for having me then, I hope we an speak in the future, fell free to look me up, I dont get as much company in Nexus as I like as work keeps me busy." Scipeo smiles broadly before getting up and with a short bow he walks out.

 

        Catching up, Anemone reaches out to put her hand on Ayden's shoulder. "I don't think you were chosen without a reason... but this isn't going to happen easily. It's not like either of us knew what to expect, but doubts can be dealt with, right? And Scipeo... well, kind but not polite, yes? That was just happenstance, anyway. Look-" She steps back, looking up at Ayden with her chin down. "- could you wait just a bit? I'd like to speak with him a bit further. But it's okay if you want to move on."

 

        Ayden is again quiet. He makes an irritated noise, but does not continue moving on, choosing instead to simply stand still by one of the walls. "Fine."

 

        Leaning up to kiss Ayden on the cheek, Anemone smiles, "Don't worry." And more softly, she whispers, "And try not to strangle the priest as when he makes his way out, okay?" She rolls her eyes as if amused, walking in just as Scipeo makes his exit and nods to him. "Good day, Zenith.", she says with smile, before saying to Vicis. "Ah, there you are, I'm sorry for all that."

 

        Scipeo walks out past the two eclipse caste's giving a nod to Anemone "M'lady'" before continuing out, simply ignoring Ayden.

 

        Ayden does the same.

 

        Vicis shakes his head, running his fingers through his dark green hair. "It's quite alright," he replies, "I...it is always good to question your doubts, and it is rare that I am provided with an opportunity to do so." He sits back down in the chair, crossing his legs in that flowing kimono, "Besides, I am not the sort of man to hold grudges for any period of time. How may I help you, my dear?"

 

        "He was frustrated, I think we expected..." Anemone pauses. "... ah, more common ground?", she says, slightly embarassed as she walks closer to the table. "But help?" She smiles. "I thought you were all about benefit for that sort of thing.", she teases, and then sits down nearby.

 

        Vicis rubs his forehead and smiles. "I understand. I am not what many expect of me." He spears another Maryuku fruit on his scalpel, setting it on his place. "I must admit it is a tempting offer. To see my home spread forth and cover all creation in its beauty..." He looks out the window of the tower, into the green of the jungle. "It would be most excellent. If it really is possible, I should like to live to see it." He turns his smile back to Anemone.

 

        "With the Guild's failure, many people in the East are starving... or worse.", Anemone says, her demeanor dampening a bit. "I admit I don't know exactly what you are doing here, but if this sort of bounty could be spread across Creation." She looks up to Vicis, a bit of light in her eyes. "It would be a greater accomplishment than any empire."

 

        Vicis nods, though not at the words 'starving' or worse. "Life is a cycle," he replies airily, "Those who can provide for themselves survive, those who cannot die. It's nature." He cuts the fruit pensievly, as though deep in thought. "But you are correct. It would be a great accomplishment."

        "Would you like to -see- what I do here, my lady?" He offers after a moment.

 

        "And you think that's how it should be?", Anemone asks of his first comment, though quickly adds with a slight bow. "That aside, I would be honored to see your work, Vicis.", she says with a winsome smile.

 

        "I do," he replies, standing and arranging his kimono before offering her his arm. "Do follow me. I am honored to show off my art."

 

        Anemone is quiet at that, but nods, rising following after with a eager expression in her eyes.

 

        Vicis leads the woman on through the tower, down into the basement.

        Once within the basement, it becomes apparent that this man's 'art' is not something morally healthy beings deal with. Creatures line the floor, floating in makeshift tanks with grafts or missing pieces or otherwise unusual objects; plants of abnormal colors with odd-shaped fruits grow in soil with colors not quite limited to the norm; flowers hang from the ceiling, roots clinging to rails and pipes like bats. 

        "This is my art," He purrs.

 

        Anemone reaches out to a tank, touching it, and then swings around, looking about at the various tanks on display before looking up to the ceiling. "Art.... you..." She looks to Vicis. "What are you doing here?", she finally asks, taking quick steps to look at the contents of another thanks. "It's like a garden, but there are creatures..."

 

        "I make them," he replies softly, "These are mine. Each and every one of them is my creature, though most of them haven't reached gestation yet. Nor are many of them quite ready to breed." Vicis sighs. "The steps to building Eden," he adds wistfullly.

 

        Anemone looks back to Vicis. "Eden... what do you mean by that?" She looks a bit puzzled. "What do you seek from it?", she asks, walking back over towards him.

 

        Vicis's lips curl upwards in a smile, and he spreads his arms, the voluminous kimono rippling with the motion. "I would see all of Creation made beautiful," he says, dark green eyes sinking shut, "All of Creation as beautiful and deadly and wonderful as that which I make within my Tower."

 

        "Deadly?", echoes Anemone, stepping in closer to Vicis. "Like poison...?", she says, looking about the room again. "It is indeed beautiful..."

 

        "Poison, toxins, hiveminds, sentience, claws, fangs, spikes..." Vicis's arms retreat into his kimono's sleeves. "Whatever strikes me as necessary for the creature at that particular time. Imagine all Creation bowing before its greatest law - the strong fighting and surviving, the weak ground forth from the breeding stock so that more, stronger, ever-improving might rise..."

 

        "And what of Creation's people? What of... Creation?", Anemone says, her attention focused on Vicis. "What of them in your Eden?", she says, sounding a bit alarmed.

 

        "What of them?" Vicis inquires idly, "They will fight and survive, or they will die. All of Creation follows this rule. Except that now, the strong and the weak are on equal footing, ground together beneath the common foot that is beauracracy. People struggle to live in situations where food should be plentiful because of artificials like wealth, like justice." 

 

         "The only justice is nature's. The only truth is nature's. Food spoils on shelves because of money, because of society's stranglehold over the process - when just outside the door, children starve. In another life, they might have a fighting chance. Or not." He shrugs. "It really doesn't matter to me."

 

        Anemone looks about. "But... why change it? If that is the way of nature, certainly it already does that." She looks back. "What does Eden change, save to be... yours?" She gets particularly close, adding, "You blame the artificial..." She gestures about. "But what is all this?"

 

        "Mine?" Vicis asks. "Who said it would be mine?"

 

        "It is your creation, your work... your art... and no one else's." Anemone steps away, looking aside. "You would be responsible. The creator."

 

        "I would also not likely survive," Vicis replies politely, "I am an ennabler. Not a ruler."

 

        "Insane, too.", replies Anemone, taking a close look at one of the flowers. "Do you remember the First Age?"

 

        "I don't," he replies with a smile, "All that I know of these arts is from the archive in this tower. Do you think I am mad?" Vicis asks, cocking his head to the side. "Do you truly believe that?"

 

        "Yes, I do.", replies Anemone as she looks back. "We all were, before. Maybe we all will be, again.", she replies in a steady, even tone.

 

        "How interesting. Do you intend to do anything about it?" Vicis tilts his head to stare at her, those dark green eyes locking onto hers. "If you really believe I am mad, then you should kill me now, before I do any harm, yes?"

        There's a clinical, detached sort of disquiet to his statement, as though he really couldn't care one way or another if she rammed a sword through his heart right now. It's rather disconcerting to hear someone act so callously. "I am defenseless, and moreover, I am not skilled in the martial or combat arts. Were you to strike me down now, I would die." He tilts his head to the other side. "My only weapon is a scalpel, and that is hardly enough to defend myself from someone determined to end me. Are you going to kill me?"

 

        Anemone steps towards him, tugging on the red string so a ribbon slides into her hand. She whips it out, and it whisks through the air before slicing a flower away as if it were a blade, and she catches it in her hand. "Everything you say is true.", she replies, and then whips it out in a crimson blur, aiming to catch his cheek with the supernaturally sharp end.

 

        Vicis does not tilt his head even a little; the flower slices across his flesh, drawing forth blood, and he reaches up to brush against it with his hand. Almost demurely, he licks the blood off his fingers. "Is that all?" he asks with that same clinical tone. "You don't plan to kill me, then. How disappointing."

 

        Anemone closes her eyes. "Right now, you aren't harming anyone." She opens her eyes. "And think the Sun exalted you for a reason, but..." The ribbon winds back to her hand, piled up. "... if you continue in your path, if I don't kill you myself, others certainly will." The ribbon whips out towards one of the tanks, a sharp, quick whistling sound as it curls out again.

 

        Vicis's eyes bug out as the ribbon whips towards one of the tanks - something with some horrible multi-legged monster full of chitin and blades. In a split second, he jumps towards the ribbon, leaping in the way of the attack; it strikes the dead center of his chest. 

        He coughs, wiping away the blood and smiling. "Please..." he murmurs, "Do not...touch...the..."

        Vicis sinks to his knees.

        "The..."

        Thunk.

        "...art...work..."