• Event • A Matter of Foresight

[Banshee]

80th Zi'da 718

.

Three envelopes perfumed with floral scents had left her hands, borne to her specially chosen recipients, great care having gone into the selection of each one to which she'd written. The words were simple ones, strangely anonymous, giving very little away and yet promising much:
.

You are required. If you will meet me in the Temple of Worship at noon on the 80th then you will be richly rewarded and will discover much.

Much depends on you.

May you find Beauty

/
With the sort of individuals she was hoping to attract to her side, she thought that it would hold sufficient interest for them. Zana and Theo were motivated by wealth, the promise of riches certain to bring them running, even though they had access to new money and a great deal of it. Of course, there were ways to enrich a person beyond coin but those two could only see nel and it seemed a given that they would always want more, especially Zana - she was Delroth's daughter after all. As for Doran... well, the promise of knowledge should be sufficient hook for him from what she'd seen. If they didn't turn up then she would be more than disappointed; the Immortal would be distraught.

Before noon came, the Immortal of Beauty could be found seated upon the topmost yew pew, furthest from the doors. The two silent guards that flanked the entrance were ignored by the woman and they ignored her in return, presumably not wanting to interrupt her in what they thought was her private worship. In her hand, she held an ornate card, hand-painted with a representation of herself in her most common guise, adorned with flowers and billowing fabric. The flowers were everywhere, crowning her representation, wrapped in garlands around her wrists and populating the background. Somehow in spite of the clutter, it wasn't garish but quite pretty and the woman found her attention focused on it, pining for the colour that was contained in the image.

However, Edasha was doing her utmost not to draw attention to herself and so was hardly comparable to the figure illustrated before her. The form she held to-trial was human and female, the Immortal unable to stop herself from embodying some ideal of beauty even though she was meant to be incognito. Still, she had taken most of the colour out of herself. Her hair was blonde but so bright and light in shade that it was almost white, her skin a paler hue still so that if she stood outside Viden's icy walls, she might well be indistinguishable from the snow that coated the land hereabouts. Still, she wasn't one of those sickly, wan creatures, a picture of radiant health, vibrancy glowing from her skin, even if she seemed to lack colour. Her irises had been similarly stripped, a shockingly pale shade of silver-blue, brightness seeming to emanate from them. It made her appearance ethereal, unreal, closer to some of the ghosts that came out of the Beneath and yet she was stunning. Yvithia might be queen in these parts - even if she didn't call herself such - but she didn't look the part but Edasha did.

She was the Ice Queen.

Ice Queen or not, the Immortal was not revelling in her majesty, a powerful desire to avoid conflict and confrontation leaving her unwilling to come to Yvithia's attention. If she knew that she was here, she would likely suspect that she was planning something, carrying out some agenda that would benefit Faldrun or Audrae. They didn't know that she was here, of course - no one did.

By the time the first of her invitees had arrived, the icy blonde had left the pew, kneeling on the stone floor instead, the card on the ground before her and a candle lit beside it. Her face was largely hidden, a scarf covering her mouth and her figure swathed in furs. Her guests would likely see that she was the only one present aside from themselves, perhaps choosing to talk to one another before they approached her to see if she was their mysterious contact. Whenever and whatever way they chose to approach her, they would discover the same scent of perfume clinging to her, subtle at first and yet growing in intensity and familiarity if they focused on it, alluring and intoxicating. As soon as someone stood or knelt before her, her eyes would rise from the card and candle that she gazed at so intently, silvery-blue eyes fixing on her target for long, silent moments before she tugged the scarf down to reveal dusky pink lips, the most colourful aspect in her pallor.

"Do you seek beauty?" she asked softly. Each would be looked at, each would have the question posed to them and while they could say what they liked and question, each would receive no response - not until they answered that one question.

OOC Information

This thread is part of the Immortal Focus Event and is at maximum capacity. As such, it is only open to the following:

• Zana
• Theo Nji'Ryn
• Doran

Know that this thread is one that can carry medium risk, which might result in serious injury, cursing, etc. but if you don't do anything too silly you should be all right. Do remember to have fun!

[Doran]

The Mortalborn had already been told that much depended on him once. Those words had led to him travelling across half the known world to the frozen plains of Oscillus only to find out that the adventurers that had joined him had little to no combat experience for the most part, that they were in fact like lambs that were being led to the slaughter and that the hope that Xiur had talked about was largely non-existent. Had it not been for the mention of beauty and the fact that the envelope smelled so sweet, he might have ignored the anonymous message, thinking that it was another attempt to get him to join a suicide mission, but as it was, he was intrigued and longed to find out more.

Shortly before noon, he left the quarters that had been given to him and made his way through the streets of Viden that were covered with snow, towards the Temple of Worship, dressed in an elegant suit of coal and crimson and a cloak made of fine wool that was trimmed with silver fur. He had already been there before, several times in fact, sometimes meditating and sometimes simply wondering what it would be like to be worshipped like his Immortal kin and possess such tremendous power, although such musings were a largely pointless endeavor for he would never be able to get rid of his weak human blood.

His gaze was almost instantly drawn to the lone woman that knelt on the cold stone floor, as if she were deep in prayer. As he approached her he noticed the scent of perfume clinging to her, subtle at first, but growing in intensity, alluring and intoxicating as if she had been touched by the same Immortal that he had. As she looked up at him and revealed her face, he bowed to her. Despite his actions during the battle at Treid’s Tomb the Mortalborn was not a mindless zealot that spouted hateful propaganda wherever he went, condemned others on a whim and showed no respect. He considered such behaviour to be rude, distasteful and largely counter-productive.

He didn’t know who exactly she was, not yet, but he could tell that she was no commoner, but of high birth. There was something about her, a kind of ethereal and otherworldly beauty that few of those that were of mortal blood possessed and that he didn’t find himself entirely unaffected by. As she asked him if he sought beauty, he looked at her for a moment before he simply replied, “I do, my lady, for the world would be unbearable without it.” He was not like his former associate Noth, the one-winged Avriel, who lived in a cave, as if he were a mere animal, and seemed to make himself intentionally hideous. He enjoyed beautiful things, the way the sky glowed red when the sun rose, the bright white of the snow, the brilliant shimmer of a rare gem that he used for one of his potions, the grace of an exotic animal, the face of a man or woman lying next to him.

He said nothing more. He saw no point in questioning her. She would reveal what she wanted from him in due time - it was obvious that she had written that message, he still couldn't see anybody else - and until then he would wait patiently for he had all the time in the world.

[Zana]

Things depending on her sounded far too much like responsibility for Zana. However, she had to admit that her curiosity was piqued and there was an element of her being slightly out of sorts because she hadn't seen Theo for a few trials. It was understandable, really, he had just got married and all the rest of it, but she missed him. However, since he was posing as her brother, and she herself had only wed Wyllum thirty trials before, they'd had to rather retreat to their separate marital homes. "Look at this, darling," she said, sliding the letter across the breakfast table to her husband. She'd considered not telling him, but then she'd wondered whether maybe this was a test of some kind by him, to see what she'd do. Just in case, Zana decided, honesty was the best policy -the more she could get him to trust her, the better. Wyllum looked down at it and frowned slightly. "What is it?" He asked and then smiled at her, leaning over to kiss her. "I mean, it's a letter. But who from?"

Zana smiled at her husband rather coyly, returned his kiss and swiped a piece of his toast as she did. He rolled his eyes at what seemed to be becoming a morning ritual between them. "I hope you're not thinking of going?" Zana looked at him and smiled softly. "Of course I am, It's intriguing." Wyllum shook his head, "Zana, that might not be safe. It isn't right, I'm afraid, no." Zana looked at him and she bit down the urge to bite his head off, but instead she looked down at the paper and looked sadly at him. Her eyes were large and she sighed. "I'll do whatever you say, of course," like hell she would. "but I've worked it all out so that I'll be safe and everything. I was going to impress you with how well I've planned." Putting down the toast, her appetite quite disappeared by all accounts, Zana knew that the thing to do was not to disagree with Wyllum as to whether she should go or not, but to put him on the back foot in terms of feeling like she'd planned something and he'd trampled over it.

"Oh, my sweet wife," Immortals, she hated it when he called her that. Zana smiled, bravely, seeming to hide her disappointment and not make a fuss. "Tell me then, my dove."

And so, she did. Excited and breathless with impressing her new husband, Zana told him how she was going into town to-trial anyway as she wanted to pick out some new pieces for the dinner they were hosting in a few weeks. What they had simply wasn't quite good enough. She talked, she prattled, she explained how she was going to be there anyhow and since the temple was a safe place, so very safe, she could easily just pop in. She usually did, she told him, just to say a quick prayer and give thanks for her life. As she said that, she took his hand and smiled. "And I'd like to be able to go and do that again to-trial, if I might?" Zana asked, lifting his hand to her mouth and kissing his knuckles. "I love your hands. So strong and assured." Her expression changed and he put down his remaining piece of toast and made a playful grab at her, then lifted her into his arms and carried her upstairs.

By the time they came back down and she pecked him on the cheek as she left and he, for his part, was quite content.

So, Zana arrived at the Temple of Worship at a few moments to noon. She was well wrapped up and she dropped her hood only once she got into the Temple itself. There, of all people was Doran. Her professor at the university last season. And a woman. Zana knew beauty when she saw it and there was something very special, very specific about the beauty of this woman. Ice blue eyes met ice blue eyes and Zana answered. "In everything I do, every bit of every trial and I am fortunate enough to often find it." Beauty was important to her in ways that Zana would find difficult to describe. Her attention was on the woman who had asked the question and who she answered but when it was appropriate to the conversation to do so, she nodded ehr ehad to Doran. "Professor." she said, softly.

You've got the brains, I've got the looks.
Lets make lots of money.

[Theo Nji'Ryn]

Theo and Ses'ka had been sharing breakfast together on the balcony of their private apartment, when the sweetly scented letter showed up at the door. It had then been brought to him by a slave and placed on a small silver tray alongside his plate. Fat chance of keeping it's arrival a secret from his new bride of just a few trials. She was seated right across from him. Moreover, an early morning breeze picked up the pleasing aroma and carried it straight to her, and Ses'ka lifted a finely arched eyebrow. "Carrying on with some tart already my love?" his bride teased as she sipped her champagne and looked pointedly at the letter. Laughing, she added, 'Though her attempt at secrecy does leave something to be desired."

He could hardly pick the letter up and pocket it right there in front of her. And Ses'ka hadn't been joking either, in spite of tone and appearance. Failing to open it there in front of her would have led to questions, and the potential of needing to craft an unnecessary lie. There were enough necessary ones already without complicating things for himself. And so he stated the obvious. "We've barely left our apartment since the night of our wedding...If I'd had the time or the will, my dear, I'd certainly lack the energy to carry on." The slave had brought a letter opener, and picking it up Theo sliced the thing open in one smooth gesture. He was required? Temple of worship, richly rewarded...

Theo knew it wasn't Zana who'd sent it. The timing of its arrival, well, it would have been foolish all things considered, and she'd have known it. Besides, it wasn't Zana's scent and even if Wyllum had gotten it for her, she wouldn't have laced a letter to him with it. Still, he noted, it was very nice. Would he go? Of course he would. His curiosity would get the better of him. Ses'ka didn't ask. She wouldn't. But Theo knew that there was a critical balance between what he allowed his new wife to know, and what he did not. Just the right balance meant that she'd never have reason to doubt or question him. And so he smiled and slid the letter across the table to her.

After reading it, chewing her bottom lip curiously, Ses'ka frowned and put the letter down. "It's quite forward isn't it?" she said, and Theo nodded. He had every intention of going, of course. But it was delicate this thing, and he was determined that for the most part, it would be her idea. "It is, and naturally I won't be going. Throw the thing in the trash," he said to the slave and as soon as the male stepped forward, Ses'ka shook her head with a ,"No, wait," and waved him off. "How could you not consider it? Aren't you the least bit curious?" she asked, and Theo in turn quirked a brow as if he was surprised by her question. He wasn't. He'd gotten to know her quite well just recently. Perhaps it was because she was one daughter among several brothers. But Ses'ka to a great extent subscribed to the wisdom of letting boys be boys. Within reason where her husband was concerned.

"I am," he conceded after the smallest hesitation. "Why don't you come along?" he suggested, reaching across the table to take her hand, lift it to his lips and brush them across her curled fingers. "Don't be silly. Clearly the invitation does not include me. And besides, you know that I have another engagement to attend to this afternoon."[/b] Theo feigned ignorance and genuine disappointment, as if he'd completely forgotten after all. He hadn't. Ses'ka was to join her father and eldest brother in a meeting with one of their suppliers. "You should go Theo," Ses'ka had insisted. "I'm so curious that I won't be able to stand it. Go, and tell me all about it after you've come home."

Fish in a barrel, Theo had thought as he'd expressed his unending affection and admiration, and terrible good luck at having won the hand of a woman like her. He didn't not deserve her. Not even a little. And just before noon, they'd shared a kiss and gone their different ways. Of course the last thing he'd expected when he arrived at the temple was to find Zana there. The woman kneeling at the altar her back to the entry? Perhaps. But not Zana and not the man standing there with them. Theo wasn't the praying or worshiping type, but before approaching the altar he at least, respectfully, pulled off the hat he'd thrown on before heading out into the cold.

He knew in an instant, when he saw her, who it was that had sent the letter. It seemed logical of course all things considered but it was more than that. He simply sensed and felt it. She was beyond beautiful. There weren't exactly words that existed that described the extent of it. Eternal beauty...Immortal beauty? Not a man of prayer, not one to pick and choose and worship, but nonetheless when in the presence of, behave accordingly. "My lady," Theo said quietly and dipped his head in deep respect. "I do. Always," he admitted, so far as seeking beauty. And if this was Edasha as it seemed she might be, then he appeared to have found it. And if she wasn't Edasha, he thought, she probably ought to be. "What a dreary and gray place this would be without it."

He didn't recognize the man exactly though he nodded his head in acknowledgment. Something about the stranger though made it seem as if Theo should at least know who he was. Maybe it was the eyebrows, he realized suddenly, thinking of something that Zana had said. And speak of the devil, his sister was also there. Immortals, he'd missed her lately, though not in the way one might think...considering that even here, now, they'd be brother and sister turning up at the same place. He nodded to little sister and smiled fondly, effortlessly embracing his role, and expecting that she'd do the same in return. "It's good to see you looking well."

[Banshee]

She heard the door open, the sound of footsteps drawing near but Edasha did not turn. Instead, she remained quite still, remaining in place until Doran grew close. Then she raised her gaze, the covering from her face removed so he could see her. When he bowed, a faint smile touched her lips, a minute nod given in acknowledgement of his display of respect. Here was perhaps the most important person that she'd invited here to-trial, the fact that he was Ziell's son a definite advantage for what she wanted to achieve. He had also been the one that she'd had the greatest doubts about actually showing up; she was glad that things had worked out.

When he put her question to him, his answer brought a wider smile to her lips, a slight show of white between the pink. It wasn't just the words that she appreciated but his attitude as he said them, his reverence and awe greatly appreciated. This was what she craved, even now when she was meant to be laying low. He probably didn't know who she was, not really, but he understood excellence when he saw it.

"If beauty did not make the world bearable, it would hardly be worth living in," she responded softly before lapsing into silence. Not another word would cross her lips until Zana's arrival, her gaze returning to its previous place as if Doran wasn't there at all.

When Zana appeared, the Immortal tensed inwardly. She'd been sure that she'd come but it made Edasha extremely uncomfortable that she was here. Her father had always threatened her in some way, his stunningly effortless good looks leaving her confidence in her own beauty shaken while she was in his presence. She was no Delroth but in many ways, Zana was worse. In a human female form, it was easier to draw comparisons between the two and her particular aesthetic choices this trial... they were quite similar and it left the Immortal of Jealousy feeling very insecure. She was her niece but oh, she loathed her on some level, a small fraction of the loathing that she felt for Delroth himself. She loved her brother though so the loathing was buried but she hadn't learned to love her niece.

There was nothing unacceptable about the woman's words, nothing offensive and yet Edasha felt irritation hum over her skin, her expression largely neutral aside from a slight downturn to the corners of her mouth. Doran's words had pleased her because she had sensed that he was including her in the beauty of the world, marking her out as one of those things that helped make life bearable. Zana didn't make her feel that way. Instead, she felt that the female Mortalborn meant that she often found beauty in her own reflection.

"Fortunes change and it only takes a trill for beauty to be lost," she retorted in a precise, clipped voice, her eyes returning to the candle and card of her own depiction, a tic in her cheek highlighting her true emotion, even though she tried to school herself. Oh such vanity! She was a true daughter of Delroth, wasn't she? But oh, it wasn't empty vanity for Zana was stunning! Doran was also marvellous to look at, a master's sculpture but it didn't make him vain; he had a quiet, calm authority and confidence that meant that Edasha could admire him but feel unthreatened.

She left them to converse with each other, silently wondering how she would be able to stand this situation. It was worse than any Nightmare in Emea; she feared that she might be usurped.

When Theo appeared, she sighed inwardly, glad that she would soon be able to talk to them altogether, set them on their task so that she hopefully wouldn't have a chance to dwell on her niece.

The smile returned to her face once more at the man's reverence, feeling that she was once more receiving what was due to her. Men... good and reliable judges of true beauty and for the most part, did not leave her feeling threatened. If she could have had only the two men - the quiet Mortalborn and the clever human - then she would have done so but alas, the three together increased her chances of success.

"Beauty is life's colour and joy but also it's worth," she responded, leaning forward to blow out her candle in a quick gust. The card with her image was caught and lifted between finger and thumb before the Immortal unfolded herself and rose gracefully. She fanned herself with it, blonde hair stirring slightly in the minute breeze.

"You all received my letter but there was no reason for you to answer its call. You did not know me, you did not know what I wanted but I am grateful that you are all here," Edasha remarked, looking between them, staring for moments into the faces of each. "You still have the chance to leave, you don't have to aid me but if you do then you will be justly rewarded. I am someone who can provide the stuff of dreams, both what money can buy and more, so much more."

The blonde allowed her words to sink in, watching for the light of desire in their gazes, searching for a sign that she had hooked him. "I require you to find something - a place - hidden within Viden, within Yvithia's domain. I... I have power and abilities but I cannot have her know that I'm here. If she realises that I'm searching, that anyone's searching, then it may bring her displeasure down on us. I'm certainly not frightened of her but she is not someone you want as an enemy. Believe me, I know from experience and I don't need to anger her further."

She stopped waving the card, holding it against her lips as she considered, the illustration of herself facing out towards them. After a bit, she lowered it. "I don't intend for her to find out anything but if you fear pissing her off then feel free to leave now. You won't earn my anger by doing so." But you will earn my displeasure, she added silently. "Each of you has skills that I suspect will aid my search. Each of you is valuable to me and because of the rewards I offer, I'm valuable to you as well."

She tucked the card away into the front of her furs, hugging herself lightly as she eyed the unique trio. "You might discover things about Idalos, the Immortals, yourselves... things you'd rather were left in the shadows but there are ways of consigning such things to the dark again. Will you help me? If not, step out now and don't expect to see my face again. If you will... then what do you make of the idea that Viden is the source of winter? Better yet, what have you heard about such a thing?"

[Doran]

“Zana“, the Mortalborn replied before he nodded politely at the man that had come with her, the man that she had insisted was her brother. It seemed strange to him that the pale lady had asked the two of them to come here. Zana was quite appealing to look at, and she had potential, there was no doubt about it, but it was still raw and unrefined, and the only thing that made Theo stand out was the fact that he had married well. He was, as far as he knew, neither an accomplished academic nor a warrior, at least not to the extent that he was, and what more, there seemed to be something going on between the two women. It seemed almost as if the pale lady disapproved of something Zana was or had done.

The son of Ziell raised an eyebrow fractionally, but he decided not to say anything. Whatever was happening here, it was ultimately none of his business, and for that reason he would not pry. Instead, he simply turned to face the pale lady again, considering her. As she admitted to having powers and abilities and spoke of Yvithia’s displeasure, he inclined his head “Of course”, he remarked. She was an Immortal, or at least the daughter of one. He was somewhat reluctant to draw Yvithia’s displeasure upon him as well, at least at the moment, but he decided that he would hear her out nevertheless. She was being honest, as honest as one of her kind could be, and that was a trait that he appreciated.

“Which place do you require us to find?” he wanted to know. His voice was calm and cool. She would neither detect approval nor disapproval of her plan, just a vague kind of curiosity. He was as polite and respectful as ever. “I assume that you are aware of what I am – and of what she is?” he asked and nodded at Zana. His assistant had insisted that she wasn’t a Mortalborn, but just a Blessed of Delroth, but a small amount of doubt had remained as some parts of her story left a bit to be desired in his opinion. “Yvithia may have us watched”, he pointed out. “Of course, such a thing won’t make finding that place impossible, it will just make it somewhat harder”, he spoke. He had some experience evading the Immortals, and he never shied away from a challenge.

“I see”, he remarked and stroke his chin thoughtfully as the pale lady spoke of rewards and consigning things to the dark. He had to admit, what she was talking about – finding out more about Idalos as well as the Immortals – tempted him as there were aspects of his heritage that still eluded him, even after all those centuries. In fact, it was one of the few things that could tempt him to work with somebody of Immortal blood again after what had happened at Treid’s Tomb. Was she aware of the fact that the darkness was his domain though and that he could steal all the lights in the room if he wanted to so that none of them would be able to see? And was she aware of the fact that he was the Hero of Oscillus?

“It is very likely true, my lady”, he replied as she asked them what they made of the idea that Viden was the source of winter. “Ziell has a large following in Viden. There’s a statue of him in the Prime Atheneum, even though Intelligence is one of Yvithia’s domains, and he comes here every spring, when his work in Idalos is done”, he continued which would make things interesting in the future, but which was not something that he needed to be concerned about at the moment. “I’m quite familiar with the Immortal of Winter, even though we are not as close as we once were”, he added.

“I will help you”, he decided.

[Zana]

Observing her aunt, the downturn of her mouth when she spoke to her, Zana smiled softly at the words the Immortal spoke. Beauty could be lost in a trill? That was true, there was no doubt. "Yet while you reign over it, my Lady, it will never be gone from the world," Ice blue eyes, so like her father's, gazed at the Immortal and Zana spoke honestly. It would not do to speak any other way before the Immortal of Sight who would see deceit without pause. "It is an honour to finally meet you. I have dreamed of doing so all my life." She had, indeed, and the Immortal did not disappoint in terms of that. Her presence and beauty was beyond anything Zana had ever imagined, "I aspire to be worthy of your presence." There was no doubt in Zana's mind. Just as mortals should be reverent of her as Delroth's daughter, so too did her aunt deserve and command her reverence.

As Theo nodded to her, Zana returned the gesture with a smile. "Theo. Married life suits you, you look well." She met his gaze and his younger sister's gaze was fond, pleased for him. She missed him, there was no doubting it, but she could not focus on that now, for Edasha had a task for them. When Edasha spoke, she looked at each of them. Zana returned her aunt's gaze, a soft smile on her face as she listened attentively.

When Doran spoke, and said that he assumed that Edasha was aware of what he, and she, were, Zana frowned and glanced at him. Of course she was. He was an arrogant man and, although she liked him well enough, he had a tendency to feel the need to illustrate his knowledge like some smug little man. It was a very unattractive aspect of his personality - nearly as ugly as the bushy uni-brow which overhung his eyes. Then he went on to say that Yvithia might hide things. Imagine that, she thought irritably, very aware that he was speaking the obvious. Zana was irritated and she realised why, suddenly. She was disappointed in Doran. His arrogance was a weakness and she knew that, but she had expected better from him.

Ah well, she thought. Too bad, so sad. He spoke, he shamed himself and he gave away more than he needed to. When he spoke about the statue of Ziell, as though it would be news, she decided there and then that, from this point onward, he was dubbed the unibrow tour guide. She turned her gaze briefly to Theo and she smiled to him. He knew her in ways which no one else did and her Immortal heritage was incredibly important to Zana. She had spent her life seeking to please her father and here, his sister stood before her.

Zana turned, therefore, and met Edasha's gaze. "It would be my honour to assist you in any way, my Lady." Her voice was low and reverent. Quite unlike Zana though it was, there was a simple truth to the complex woman. "Family is everything, after all." No passionate speeches, no statement of the obvious, no arrogant questions. Her aunt had asked, and thus, she answered. Once she had made her statement, she glanced at the only mortal alive who held a place in that group of 'family', not that she'd ever tell him and she waited to see what Theo would do.

You've got the brains, I've got the looks.
Lets make lots of money.

[Theo Nji'Ryn]

Before Edash or Zana uttered even a single syllable, Theo could sense the tension between the two women. Or at least it flowed in one direction if not both. Hard to say, but the woman who was clearly an Immortal and would soon confirm it, possessed an ethereal, otherworldly beauty. So did Zana, as a mortalborn and appearance wise they seemed more alike than not. Maybe it was more than just appearance. In Theo's experience with women, which was pretty substantial after all, even among those who were related, beautiful women tended not to like each other very much. Interesting. Watching the interaction play out, that alone would have been worth turning up for.

As for the identity of the other man in the room, Theo could only assume he knew who he was and what he was capable of, based on Zana's apparent familiarity with him, and what she'd told him previously. Beauty is life's colour and joy but also it's worth, Edasha said to him, and Theo smiled bent himself at the waist in a bow of sorts, and dipped his head. "Touché, my lady. No truer words ever spoken." He'd have argued that there'd been every reason in the world for him to have answered the call. The very nature of the note had compelled him after all. But Theo suspected that at the Immortal already knew that. And surely she realized that none of them would choose to turn and leave. There were too many reasons to stay and he would have, even without the promise of a reward.

Not that Theo wanted to piss off another Immortal, which was bound to happen if Yvithia caught on to what they were up to, and on whose behalf they were doing it. But the possibility wasn't enough to dissuade him. Nothing worth doing ever came easy. Coming out of Rharne's dust quarter had taught him that. So. Doran, for that was who this seemed to be after all, was a mortalborn just as Zana was. His words made it obvious enough and it made Theo wonder, if the other two were mortalborns, then what was it that Edash wanted from him in particular? He guessed he'd find out sooner or later.

As for Viden and winter, it wasn't Theo's area of expertise and he was content to learn from others and what they had to say. In the process, if he listened, he learned more about them as well. As for him and Zana, he smiled...as brotherly a smile as ever was, when she said that married life suited him. It did. To the extent that married life, and what it could gain them each and together, suited them both. "And you Zana." He'd have said more. Teased, talked about the appealing glow that must have come from a new life of domesticity, but this was neither the place or the time. Or the audience.

The question at hand however was whether or not the three would agree, or no, to do as Edasha asked. Zana had given her answer already, as had Doran, and not one to turn down a challenge or a request from a beautiful woman, Theo said, "It would please me to be whatever help that I can be, my lady," he said.

[Banshee]

Zana's response... surprised her. She seemed to know who she was but how? She pondered it with wonderment, even though if she'd had a mirror then she would have seen that the otherworldly beauty, the eyes that betrayed the true weight of her arcs and her bearing clearly marked her as other. Still, it never occurred to her that she might not pass as mortal but at the same time, she never wanted to do so. To be mortal was to be mundane in her eyes. Sure, there was beauty there and sometimes she resented them but most of the time, it wasn't a threat. Sometimes, they seemed to have been crafted by divinity but Zana had been. She bore Immortal blood and Immortal features and it rattled the Immortal of Beauty. Zana was closer to understanding her than any ordinary mortal so perhaps that was how she'd succeeded in spotting her, recognising her. It was the only thing that made sense to the Immortal.

She didn't feel guilty per se but perhaps a little uncertain, just a tad.

"You know me," she stated in a murmur, gaze flicking to Doran and Theo as she wondered if they knew as well. Doran was another Mortalborn, someone else with a touch of the wildly incomprehensible identity that made up an Immortal. He had more of an insight into what she was than Theo would as a mere human. Would either of them guess? She didn't know. She'd dealt with mortals since they'd appeared on Idalos and yet after all this time, they weren't entirely predictable. There were patterns, sure, but they didn't always work to plan. They were forever taking her by surprise. She could understand why Faldrun despised them but... she didn't share his opinion, not exactly.

It was the unpredictability that made her hesitate when Doran asked what she wanted them to find. She knew some things about Doran, had garnered that he had a disapproval or even a disdain for a number of Immortals and so she couldn't guess how he'd react if she dropped a particular name. Zana would likely do whatever she liked and Theo did look as if he was willing to follow her to the ends of the world. Doran was the unknown. If she said the wrong thing, would he run? If she left him in the dark, would it have the same effect? It could wait for the time being, she decided. See if he'd agree blindly.

However, his rather arrogant reveal of Zana as something other than merely human made her respect for him drop. If she didn't need him, she'd be quite glad to send him packing with her wrath in tow. Unfortunately, she did need him but she didn't think he knew who she was or he might temper his arrogance. Did he know whose child Zana was? Would he point to her so casually if he knew of their relation? He was frankly too big for his very, very mortal boots.

"I know who and what you are, yes," she told Doran. "I'm sure that Yvithia knows all about you as well. She has spies everywhere. Viden is her stronghold though so it's more difficult to make a move here without her knowing about it. An inconvenience," she explained in clipped tones.

The man continued to ooze arrogance but also chose to talk to her as if she knew nothing. Just because Yvithia was her enemy didn't mean that she knew nothing about her fortress; she'd been here before from time to time. Still, his consent was given and that was important, as was the consent of the other two although Theo was quite quiet.

Edasha scrutinised the mixed blood for a few moments, blue eyes narrowing slightly as they flicked from him to Zana and back again. Did he know what Zana was? What Doran was? Could he tell that of this rather superior bunch, he was the odd one out, the lesser being? Yes, she think that he sensed it. She could see the doubt in his eyes, the question: why me?

"I am certain that you will do anything and everything that I might require, dear heart," the Immortal purred, reaching out to stroke her cheek before she threw a glance towards the guards by the door. They shouldn't be seeing what was really going on, she'd made sure of that, and it was highly unlikely that her control would slip and they'd see what was actually before them. They were blind to the truth and they didn't even know it. It was their ears that she was worried about though.

"Be mindful that we aren't overheard," she pointed out, nodding at those by the doorway before she divulged information that might make them unnecessarily loud. "Either you strongly suspect that you know who I am or you know that I'm not some common woman but secrets will do us no favours to-trial, not from one another. So know that I am Edasha and that I have seen all I would have you, all that matters. Each of you has been carefully chosen and I make no mistakes. I may not be seen as being as Intellectual as Yvithia or as scheming and manipulative as Syroa but I'm more than just a pretty face," the Immortal assured them, steel in her voice, an undeniable confidence and authority.

"You are a former pimp, someone who traded in desires, fantasies and wishes. You are an excellent liar so good in fact, I think you sometimes believe yourself and sharp in mind. I suspect that Syroa would be interested in your talents if you contained the lack that she truly seeks. I can appreciate that you are no hollow man," Edasha told Theo, blue eyes fixed on him with great intensity. Her bright and pointed gaze next fell on Doran.

"You are the mortal son of Ziell. I can see some of your father in you but you aren't as tranquil as surface appearances would suggest. Syroa has taken an interest in you, which says... much," she commented coldly. Given her previous comments about lack and hollowness, she could hardly be said to approve. "Your domains are likely to be quite useful in this endeavour and the connection to your father even more so. Remember, you've already given your word to help. I may not be Vhalar but I hold you to your word."

Her gaze moved to her niece, the hardness that had been there softening a tad. She reached out to cradle the girl's cheek. "So like your father," she whispered, her voice tinged with longing and the bitterness of envy. "The mortal daughter of Delroth and bearing sight that could rival my own because you knew me with certainty before I told you. Favoured by your father, which is certainly valuable to me and with domains of your own. And of course, I can never resist bringing beauty with me," she finished with a musical laugh, finger tapping lightly under Zana's chin and then Theo's.

Her demeanour grew more serious as she stepped back. "Now we know who we all are and you know why you've been invited but why you're here... well, Ziell is greatly loved in Viden and he does visit here in the spring. However, I have it on very, very good authority that he comes here before winter's end as well. There's something about a city built of winter perhaps because it's always winter here and he is Yvithia's ally so if he wishes to be here, who is she to deny him a place of peace and solitude? But he's my ally too and Yvithia doesn't like me. She knows exactly where he is. I have a vague idea where he is but I must search under her nose. I must see Ziell and it cannot wait but he is hidden from me. Who better to find him than myself, his son, a clever and powerful daughter of Delroth who will not allow obstacles to keep her from what she wants, and a beautiful man with a mind befitting a conman?"

There was time for her words to sink in as she looked between them all, allowing them to consider the implications and the possibilities.

"Step inside the mind of an Immortal. If you were Ziell, where would you hide undisturbed in a place like this? And don't say underground. There are some things that would make that an impossibility. He will want to remain unseen, unknown, undisturbed. Perhaps Yvithia does not even know that he's here. If you were him, where could you possibly be?"

She beckoned for them to follow her out, placing her finger to her lips as they were passing between the guards as a warning reminder that their plans should not be heard. She walked a short distance through the covered streets before she turned her attention back to them.

"What do you know? Think! You need somewhere quiet, relaxing, somewhere that allows you to see the snow because Ziell will want to see the snow unless it really cannot be done. Outside or close to it and there are only so many areas in this city that are open to the elements. The Academy, the Memorial Gardens and areas around it. Although if he has some sort of window-"

The blonde Immortal pressed her fingers to her temples, eyes closed as she tried to calm herself. Her voice had been rising, the frustration of the situation getting to her. A place of learning, some food storage areas, a place to remember the dead, none of it seemed like much at all. The choices seemed depressingly few.

[Doran]

As the pale lady confirmed that she knew who and what he was and subsequently revealed herself to be the Edasha, the Immortal of Beauty, the son of Ziell bowed his head in a gesture of respect. She was confident, and she know exactly what she wanted and was determined to get it which were traits that he greatly appreciated, in mortals as well as Immortals. He realized that he had underestimated her – a result of his less than satisfying previous encounters with his father’s kind – and that he needed to be more careful from now on. He didn’t look at the guards – they might grow suspicious if they realized that he was looking at them – but he did take note of the Immortal’s warning.

He didn’t say anything as she revealed Zana’s supposed brother to be a former pimp, although he did find that new piece of information curious as well as highly unexpected. For a moment he wondered if Theo had been Zana’s pimp, and if the daughter of Delroth had been a prostitute before she had come to Viden to study alchemy and find a husband, but then he came to the conclusion that it didn’t really matter. Unlike most of the people in Idalos, he had no problem with someone sleeping with people for money – in fact, he recognized that there were certain advantages to such a career path.

What was just as unexpected was the fact that Edasha was aware of his connection to Syroa, but then again, one of her domains was Sight. Of course, she knew more than most. He did also take note of how cold the tone of her voice had become, a sign that she disapproved of either his being Syroa’s or the reason for her taking an interest in him. He chose not to comment on that – he didn’t have any interest in justifying his actions, there was no point in it - but simply informed her, “I gave you my word, my lady, and I won’t break it, no matter what.” He had been labelled a traitor because of what he had done on the frozen plains of Oscillus, but contrary to popular belief, he had never broken a promise, and he hardly ever lied.

When she revealed what exactly she wanted from them, he raised an eyebrow before he inclined his head. He was somewhat ambivalent as far as meeting his sire was concerned, but he had vowed that he would keep his word, and he would not back down now, and thus he followed her outside, quickly and quietly, so as to not arouse the suspicion of the guards who would without a doubt report to the Intelligence Authority should they overhear anything. He couldn’t help but wonder why she wanted to find Ziell but decided not to ask her. Her reasons were none of his business. Instead, he thought about where his father could possibly be hiding.

“The Memorial Gardens, Lady Edasha”, he finally replied in a polite tone. “People are unlikely to disturb you there or pry too deeply into your affairs. It is quiet, and you can see the snow from nearly every part of the gardens. My father will likely be in a somber mood and want to be alone right now”, he explained. “He named this season Zi’da because of Daia whom he loved and lost.” He had said the last sentence more for Zana’s and Theo’s sake than for the Immortal’s. Edasha might be aware of his father’s past - she had proven herself to be exceptionally knowledgeable thus far - but the daughter of Delroth and her mortal … companion might not.