2017-05-31: Tide of Hatred

• Log: Tide of Hatred
• Cast: Riesenlied, Noeline, Hiro, Maya Schrodinger
• Where: Adelyn Ranchlands
• Date: 31st May 2017
• Summary: Riesenlied and Noeline catch up with Hiro, and the Tainted commander speaks about the thousand-year old tide of hatred that binds the demons... and cuccos.

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<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.

It's been a very busy couple of days for Riesenlied. In the aftermath of Operation: Gungnir, the commander of the Ebony Wings has quite a lot on her plate -- the managerial side of handling the aftermath of an army's siege on a city, dealing with some of the expected shock and trauma that she expected a lot of the rookies that have not seen real combat outside of what glory the Photosphere has promised them... then there's doing all she can, in her own covert ways, to ensure the encampments are receiving the supplies they need using what strings she can pull, and speaking to some of the Drifters she's come to know.

It's really more than one person should handle at once.

But Riesenlied wouldn't be Riesenlied if she wasn't always working herself half to death, wouldn't she?

Hiro gets a slip of paper passed in from the winds, at some point when the camp is about winding down -- it simply reads, 'I wish to catch up. Riverbank down the hill. -Riese', which is a rather... direct way of doing it, but deceit isn't really Riese's strong suit.

The winged commander is seated at a log by the riverbank as promised, watching the trail of water stream gently in the peaceful night reflecting the light of Lunar from above. She's still, despite the deception all being revealed, dressed in one of her Ellurian cloaks -- why does she? The way she leans to one side suggests injury, how her arm doesn't move, and the bandages only support that.

<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.

Riesenlied... is actually not alone, but it takes a moment to spot the other girl with her. In the evening light, Noeline's crimson and black dress kind of melds into the warm colours of the horizon, the Crimson Noble leant up against a tree nearby with her hands behind her head as she sticks nearby her de-facto commanding officer. As Hiro approaches, she almost lazily waves a hand, her expression wearing a faintly amused grin.

<Pose Tracker> Hiro has posed.

A gust of wind causes a slip of paper to fly by. It's lands on the edge of the camp. Then it flutters away- like it's going to fly onward.

Then the wind shifts abruptly. Bringing the slip of paper to float towards his hand. And slap into Ruby's face, pinned there by the press of the breeze. "Hi-ro!" The flailing of her paws indicates get it off get it off! He snatches it with this rueful look, "Sorry Ruby, not that great on fine control yet."

And then he reads it. Then again, closes his eyes and exhales. He then looks back to the camp. "Hey Ruby let's go on a walk." He shows her the slip of paper. Ruby's face sort of freezes. "How does everyone find us like this!?" "You want to see her don't you?"

Ruby gives Hiro the longest look then, "Yeah... let's see her together. Don't think for one moment this means I'm not mad at her. Just... I want to make sure she's taking good care of Odjn!" Stroking a finger up her forehead. Walking up to another girl in camp, in her olive clothing and spectacles, Hiro sort of lightly taps her on the shoulder. Then puts a finger to his lips. And shows her the paper. He then quietly asks, "Wanna come? If you don't- then don't blame you. But I figure... after what probably happened, you should get the chance." He gives Maya this long look, "Promise I'll have your back, no matter what happens."

After he gets her answer he gives a look towards a certain horse cart and- "Be back soon Lucia. Promise."

-=-=-

The slip of paper is burnt somewhere between here and there by Dragonfire. Hiro walks alongside Maya, trying to match her gait. Trying not to make her fall behind. He does stop in his walk from a distance to take a look at Riese. Perhaps it's equal parts admiration and sadness. Sighing, he walks closer, offering a wave at Noeline, "Yo. Riese. Noeline." Despite the fact that Riese's lean indicates she's injured, he still asks, "How are you both holding up?"

Hiro's not looking all that hot himself. His tunic is scoured away to reveal the mail beneath which looks half melted and discolored. There's a bandage on his shoulder and his palm. A bruise on his cheek and a goosegg on his forehead. Still he's moving with an even gait, not limping. "Zed told me that you're a Hyadean. And what that means. We talked- quite a bit. And Maya-"

His eyes shift sidelong to Maya, "-well she came to our camp with wounds I suspect you gave her. But I'd still like to hear you out. What you have to say."

Ruby by now has tried to take a perch on Maya's shoulder unless Maya won't let her, "Don't suppose Odjn is around...?" She mumbles.

<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.

There's a faint wince from Riesenlied as she turns around and nods to Hiro. Ruby's question kind of makes her expression sink, though -- there's definitely a note of internal panic, however subtle, at the presence of one missing dragon. "... Noeline has given me the lecture on how I should be resting a dozen times now ..."

A pause, as she bows to Maya, looking a bit contrite. But first she answers Ruby. "No... and I was genuinely hoping she would be with you. I believe she went to the Exhibition beforehand with Noeline, but she eluded her at some point during the commotion."

The concern is genuine, like a mother trying to find her child. But it isn't the only concern in her mind. "Zed... came back to our camp. He was... drunk." A pause and a hard swallow. "I figured he might have had a hard talk with you. I'm-- trying to sort him out, but he needs some time."

God, there's a million things to talk about. "I'm sorry about Lucia as well. It's cold comfort... but I am deeply sorry. But I am relieved that you all made it out... alive. I do not know if you know yet, but I encountered the White Knight, Leo. You'd best not linger here too long..."

<Pose Tracker> Maya Schrodinger has posed.

If Hiro's wondering how everyone keeps finding the camp, well, one possibility is that there are just too darn many ninjas in the world. They're the ones that keep slipping notes into trees and other places. At least one of them, even if it's the hardest one to take seriously, is keeping watch over the place. Even if nobody notices.

Especially if nobody notices.

By now, at least, Maya Schrodinger's incoherent state of panic has passed. Passed into sleep, mostly, but passed. She seems reticent, especially compared to usual, but not unpleasant. Fitting demeanour for one injured, you might say. She looks tremendously uneasy at the concept of accompanying Hiro to this meeting, but there's a pause and a timid nod before a soft-spoken "Yes." to his question.

                                     -=-

Physically, Ms. Schrodinger is ... okay. She doesn't look battered or bruised, and perhaps a telltale sign of her mental recovery is that the hairline cracks in her spectacles have healed. Yes, that counts. Don't ask yet. Compared to Hiro, at least, her wounds are lesser.

This infinitely more timid version of the Gunslinging Heroine(...?) doesn't meet Riesenlied or Noeline's eyes, and remains wholly silent through the opening exchange.

Wordlessly, the scholarly-looking blonde pets Ruby. Kind of the same way someone might listlessly play with a lock of hair, or any other tic that occupies the mind. Her shoulder is clearly open for business.

<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.

"Same old, same old, I suppose," jokes the Crimson Noble lightly - her eyebrows go up a little when the term Hyadean is mentioned. "I've been spending a bit of time fixing up Adlehyde - but when Riese here let me know she wanted to talk to you, I thought I might come along to provide a little support for all involved," she hums, the possible vampire as flippant as she ever is. "... not to mention, Riese here does have a distinct tendency to work too hard. It's not as if I can stop her, of course, but I do at least prefer to keep tabs on how she's doing.

She does sigh, as Odjn's name is mentioned. "I believe Odjn is with Sorey - fortunately, I am more than aware of how kind he can be, so I believe she is quite safe. And probably well fed," she snorts softly. "I have sent her a message - so she should at least be back around in good time."

"I hope Zed did nothing /too/ stupid? --he is grappling with a situation he has never had to before, and-- probably extremely confused, right at this moment," Noeline huffs out a significant breath, shaking her head. "I don't know what he might have told you, but I suspect it is a somewhat bitter account, given how he was acting when I met him last."

She seems like she could say more about the attack - but also seems to hesitate, deciding to leave the opening gambit on that front to Riese herself. Instead, she glances at Maya, tilting her head gently in recognition. "At the very least, I'm also glad to see you all save, hm?"

<Pose Tracker> Hiro has posed.

"It's not easy when you're in a position like yours to take a break, is it? No rest for the wicked or the responsible."

Ruby's face falls when she hears that Odjn hasn't been seen, "Odjn..." She sounds obviously worried. "...please be safe..."

She appreciates Maya's comforting pets, sidling up to her hand. But then Noeline, "Wait what!? We didn't see her with Sorey on our way out!" Hiro and her look each other's way for a moment, "Maybe she was wandering at the time?" "Maybe... or maybe they linked up after..."

Zed wandering in drunk, "Yeah he did. And Jean- and Lemina. Neither of them would be glad to see you right now." Hiro says bluntly, but not coldly, "They've had a bad few days. And after Zed..."

He rubs the back of his neck, "...drunk huh? Guess that's a universal way for someone to deal with their sorrows."

Riese mentions Lucia though and... Leo, "Nah it means something to me that you're asking." There's a faint smile after Riese apologizes, and he says anyhow despite her already knowing, "Siegfried did a real number on her. We don't know if she's gonna come out of it. We don't even know if she eats- drinks..."

Other things too, but he's not talking about that. "... if she's going to get worse or better over time. We're looking for some source of healing to bring her out of it. Moving on as soon as we get a lead. As for Leo... well it figures he's around. We'll be careful."

He shakes his head at Noeline, crossing his arms. "Nothing stupid at all really. Maybe he was expecting Jean and Lemina to take it better but..." He closes his eyes, "...it's the most serious I've ever seen him actually."

After taking a breath, "Mostly just why he does what he does. We all had our own thoughts on that."

But then he looks back and forth between the two of them, "Right now I'm mostly interested on what you two think- already know much of what Riese does but..." Her eyes fall upon her, "...Riese you're working with people who think of us as pests... a plague... people who think strength gives them every right to do anything they want. I know /you/ mean well. But the people in charge..." He puts his fingers to his forehead, "... they sure don't. Do you really think you're going to be able to change the world for the better working with them?"

His eyes drift over to Noeline, "What about you Noeline? Do you share her ideals?"

But after the longest pause he finally snaps his fingers and points to Maya, "Also what exactly did you do to Maya? She was dropped off at our camp all... scrambled. There's not gonna be any other side effects right? She's going to be okay?"

<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.

There's a measure of silence, and pain from Riese at the same time. She kinda casts her glance at Noeline for a moment and maybe gives her a look to maybe play it down a little, don't lay it on too thick. But then she's first looking towards Maya. "... the weapon I used..." she takes a deep breath. "It isn't a lethal weapon by any means... I create a weapon from within me that whelms the senses to render those that I fight unconscious for a time." A pause. "It is an extraordinary reaction, I must admit...."

She places her hand to her cheek. "... I've heard that term from Lord Siegfried myself." She lowers her head. "... it's not as simple as I'd like it to be, honestly."

Her lips thin. "First, I must speak of the context. A thousand years ago, during the Metal Demon Wars, our Holy Mother was struck down by the humans. I don't know what happened back then. I don't know whether we were in the wrong, or if there was a tragic misunderstanding... and it is an unknown tragedy that has inspired a hatred that remains a toxin to how our people think today. It's frightening. It is a thousand-year old hatred that lives on to this day."

"... that 'plague' he mentioned stems from that hatred. It is something I personally term a... tide of hatred. Because it is a cultural poison, a poison that disseminates itself, and grows stronger. It is something that has influenced the stagnation of our culture within the last thousand years. As a result of that war that our eldest fought and lost..." She places a hand on her forehead.

"It isn't hard to see how it spreads. That hatred of humanity, that hatred of Filgaia, spreads down from the top, from the eldest, reinforcing itself from role model to role model. Couple that with long lifespans... and you have the jadest, most bitter elders in power enforcing how the young and the inexperienced should think and live their lives -- in the service of revenge. You would scarce believe it if I told you how many of our younger demons have never actually experienced a live battle before, but that's all they've been raised to do."

There's a despondent little sigh. "As you can probably guess, as much as I want to inspire and influence my brethren, my clout is limited. ... but even after this battle, I've had a significant number of people ask me questions I never would've heard from them. They're dealing with emotions such as fear, grief and uncertainty like they never have before... ...it is my only way to slowly stem this tide. And one day, turn it."

That was a -lot- of words, and it is obviously not an easy topic, so she sighs and takes a moment for questions, as her wings lift a little tiredly.

<Pose Tracker> Maya Schrodinger has posed.

A gentle flinch at the mention of Lucia's name, and Maya interjects quietly. It's like she's trying to whisper too loudly, while still gently petting Ruby between the ears. "We should... move her somewhere more comfortable." without glancing back at the cart--even as full of cushions as it hopefully is. Despite her mind still reeling from whatever defragmentation process it appears to have going on, Lucia remains prominent in her thoughts.

Curiously, there is no such reaction from her own name, and mention of her shameful and weak state. Doubtless, Hiro didn't mean it in that light, but that's how she thinks of herself. This powered-down form of Maya's with half-lidded eyes that stare straight ahead is definitely... docile. Scrambled, indeed. "Yes... safe." she repeats after Noeline, as well, as if the word tastes foreign on her tongue. It's hard to tell if she agrees or disagrees, preoccupied with Ruby as she is. Perhaps she was a pet-haver as a child, for the impulse seems to come naturally. "Helpless, too..."

The revelation about the dread force Riesenlied unleashed doesn't appear to shock Maya. She nods almost vacantly in response. "The senses..." she murmurs, frowning. "It... something in my head--burned--strange memories." tap, tap. Two fingers on her forehead. A frown. Thinking looks like it's becoming hard again for the concussed Drifter(???), so she quietens. Besides, Riese has a bundle to say, and it'll take all her power to comprehend it.

Yet--even damaged, even beleaguered, all spectacles and concussions, the true face of Maya Schrodinger is an avid reader, historian, intellectual, you name it. This is a lost history, a truth of1 the world never printed in any book.

Dull as it may be, bitter as it may be to see them again so soon, how could she not listen...?

<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.

The Crimson Noble lets out a long and quiet sigh as her gaze drifts towards the setting sun. For once, she doesn't really offer any teasing interjections, listening solemnly first to Hiro's questions and then to Riesenlied's answer - only then does she dare to move, lifting her arms above her head and letting out a long, deep sigh. "I cannot say that I share Riese's ideals /exactly/," she decides after a long moment, chipping in to the conversation and glancing to the blonde with a light frown - before her expression firms up into a rueful little grin sent in Hiro's direction.

"That is the absolute and honest truth... but I only say that because she is far more caring and optimistic than I could ever be. The future she sees is grander than I can imagine - the steps she will take to work towards it are more giving than I could manage." Despite the rather flowery words and the helpless shrug that accompanies them, her voice does at least remain steady and sure.

"I am not so fine a person - but I can at least ensure that I work to protect the things I care about, whether they be human or demon. I will protect Riesenlied and her hopes - and at the same time, I knew beyond a doubt that she would guarantee civilian lives, even in the midst of her attack. If she were not the sort of person to do that, I would not be here today."

Her frown turns on Maya - and there's a soft little sensation of a Guardian's power, for those that might sense it, as she tries ever so slightly to feel out what might be the problem through her distinctly limited and borrowed abilities. "... I have never seen anything of the sort... although, I expect I may owe you an apology," she adds quietly in the bookworm's direction.

<Pose Tracker> Hiro has posed.

Maya gets a smile over her concern for Lucia, "I agree. As soon as we can Maya. A horse cart is... well I'd prefer she be resting her head someplace more comfortable."

Hiro let's Riese speak. He doesn't interrupt, though he does look Maya's way when she talks about the weapon. He's still not quite sure what was going on- he was hoping it would explain everything on why the vivacious and ferocious gunslinger Maya Schrodinger became so terrified. But it doesn't. He makes a promise to himself to talk to Maya later about it- as he's not sure she'd like him asking in front of these two right here and right now.

Whatever the case may be though, it doesn't change his opinion of her. Ruby asks her softly, "Strange memories?" She puts a paw to the side of Maya's hair, stroking it almost soothingly in return.

But his eyes return to Riese when she says Siegfried. His gaze seems sharper somehow. But what she says- "So that's what he meant about being orphaned..." He muses to himself, though there's this air of sorrow to it. For a while he's staring past Riese, at the light sparkling off the river.

It's a lot to take in, it's like taking all these puzzle pieces in this mixed up box of people he's met, and sifting it around, and then putting it together to take in the whole picture. But after a certain point, even if you don't have all the pieces, you get enough of an idea of what it looks like.

And once she's done, he offers this faint smile. He slowly walks towards Riese, then sits down on the log beside her. He settles in then slowly offers,

"What was it you said? About not being one of Filgaia's beloved children?"

There's this soft huff of breath and, "Doesn't seem right at all to me. Or kind that the Guardians treat y'all this way. That was a long time ago. People shouldn't have to suffer for the sins of their ancestors."

He stares off into the middle distance, "Not hard to see how it spreads. If you go back to our world you'd probably hear 'Vile Tribe' whispered the same way as 'Metal Demon'. Same kind of myth to the people of our world. They live outside of Althena's loving protection. Or did... we don't know if they're still around anymore. They tried to take over with the Magic Emperor so long ago."

He folds his hands together, "Tide of hatred that just spreads into a desire for vengeance. And you're trying to stem it. But the people you're with... they're not trying to stem it. They're trying to uproot it. Eliminate it. Stamp it out. And if they don't exterminate us- then the hatred is just going to grow deeper."

He sighs, looks down, "Wish there was an easy answer. There's not though. Trying to change things from the inside when people like those Quarter Knights are around is hard enough. If I asked you to go up against everything you've ever known- your own people, that's even harder. And if you betrayed them, what would you get? The only thing that'd be waiting for you is a humanity that hates you. Guardians that despise you." He shrugs, managing a little smile, "You'd get a few friends who'd stick up for you, even to the Guardians. But I'm not going to present that like it's an even trade."

He pats his hands together back and forth, "But you told me that you want to feel Malevolence that you had some desire for that connection to the spiritual. The very fact that want to- means you must know there's a contradiction in your heart. Even if there's no scary spiritual force to tell you without a doubt that it's there- you must already know. Everything you've said, tells me you must know you're not entirely certain this is the correct course. And it's going to grow stronger, and stronger with time."

He shakes his head, "I hope you'll be able to change minds Riese. Channel all that fear, grief, and uncertainty into something else. I hope you'll be able to change the world. I really hope so." He wishes he could say he thinks so, "But if it ever gets to be too much... well, my offer still stands. No matter what. It still stands." He offers this small smile her way, "And I'll remember my promise- if I feel you've strayed... well I won't forget what I promised you."

Looking over his shoulder at Noeline, "Heh. That right?" His eyes flit to Riese and back, "Well I appreciate you let the bystanders go. We had a hard time getting... a few out. Some of your people aren't..." He swallows, "...that kind." But eventually he ends up back at Noeline, "Your loyalty to her does you credit though. Maybe more than loyalty?" Though he's not actually implying he figures they're romantically involved, just good friends.

"If there was anyone of your people I've met to be loyal to. Riese would be the one I'd want to follow." Zed makes an amazing friend to be loyal to, but Riese makes a wonderful commander to be loyal to.

He doesn't try to give Noeline the same talk though, as he feels after that show, it'd be an insult to her loyalty.

<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.

Riese closes her eyes and has a deep, contemplative expression on her face as Hiro sits down next to her. The wounds on her are starting to pulsate more as she speaks.

"I already know... that it isn't the correct course," Riesenlied admits. "But perhaps it is because there is no correct course. It isn't just the Hyadeans whose minds I wish to change, the fighters and soldiers you saw during the invasion. There are also... the Tainted."

"I spoke about it... didn't I? I am one, but there are others. Tens of thousands of others. We are a minority, are looked down upon by the others. We are largely the 'unfit' for service -- those with physical disabilities, mental disabilities, defects, injuries... all thrown to the Gutter. ... If I truly do draw the line in the sand and take a stand... I need to be sure that I can care for all the brethren that we, from the Ebony Wings, look after."

She purses her lips. "It is unfortunately not as easy as running in the midst of the night... I couldn't do that to them. I can't just migrate all of them silently. We'd need a home, supplies, food... and like you said... all that awaits us out there is a humanity that poorly understands, is prejudiced to hate us. Guardians that think of us as anathema."

She pulls her head back gently to look towards the skies. "... but even after all of that, you are not wrong. I love Filgaia, though it does not love me in turn. I consider myself a child of both Filgaia and Hyades. I can't let this slide forever." Her eyes close. "... it sounds strange, even baffling, but Lord Siegfried is still my friend, even after all of this. Much like how I've selfishly requested you to check me, if I ever go astray..." She narrows her eyes. "I may have to do the same for him, one day. ... it does not sound comforting, after all I've let him get away with."

She looks at Noeline and kind of -- gestures her to come closer. For support, perhaps, as she starts to look like she's ailing further. Then looks to Maya. "If it's all right, I would like to spend some time speaking with Miss Schrodinger too. I feel horrible, but... I feel that it may not have been Laevateinn that did this -- I have a suspicion it may have brought something pre-existing to the fore...?"

<Pose Tracker> Maya Schrodinger has posed.

I'm not sure what the limit of Noeline's heretical Metal Demon x Guardian power is, or even what the domain of her Guardian is, but suffice to say (with no offense) that it likely cannot discern the true nature of what is wrong in the mind of Maya Schrodinger, if that's even her real name...! "... Zed already said... things like that." she speaks quietly to the capricious noble's comments about ideals, optimism, and the future. "I don't know. I don't... hate. You aren't the same as them... the beasts..."

That memory, at least, is strong enough to slice clean through her addled mind. Whoever made that call at Demon HQ has a lot to answer for, it seems. "Grand future..." Maya mumbles, pushes those glasses back up onto the bridge of her nose. Strange black-and-white images reflect in the lens of her glasses, briefly, like the screen of a television in the distance. None of the humans here have ever heard of a television. For whatever reason, the allusion to Riese's grandeur troubles her, and she silently cants her head in Ruby's direction. Pawing is ... soothing. Very soothing.

At least Maya sounds more sedated than she does panicked. She's taken to sitting, almost a bystander witnessing their world grow infinitely in size and scope. "Those who torched it all..." it's almost a dreamy tone, which is at once more lucid and yet further away than her earlier stutters and mumbles. "The hero... always defeats them, so I just have to... become the hero again..."

That disturbing tidbit having been made, it's time for Maya to be quiet and listen again, while Riese talks. It helps her to focus. The conversation even swings her way again! "Y--yes? Me? If you wish to... yes, sure." she agrees to have a conversation later, sort of. It's a little surprised, and uncertain-sounding.

<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.

"'My people'?" hums Noeline in reply to Hiro, putting on an amused little smile as she suddenly turns coy with a couple of fingers playing at her lips. "Why, I don't know /what/ you mean. I'm just a Crimson Noble who happens to be terribly fond of a certain foolish Metal Demon. After all, it would be a terribly strange Metal Demon who could feel Malevolence, and harness a little of the Guardian's power should she need it," she sing-songs.

It isn't, uh, the most convincing statement ever, especially with the way she delivers it - but it does pose a couple of very good questions out of nowhere, if she's telling the truth about her abilities when compared to Riesenlied.

She sobers afterwards, though, letting out a breath. "... I did what I could to lead civilians out, while the attack was ongoing. That was the very least I felt I could do - and I am proud to say that I fought and bled for their sake, to get them to safety. I am proud to have spent the day helping crews clear the streets of Adlehyde, as part of their recovery - and at the same time, I am proud to stand by Riese on her path."

She watches Maya for a long moment - and then decides that apologies can wait for when the girl is a little more lucid. Her ability to use the Hades Guardian is, at best, incredibly sketchy - not to mention anathema to Riese - and as such the vampire lets it go for the time being, pencilling even that lack of information down in her head.

Instead - in line with her words - she paces to Riese's side, offering her a shoulder and an arm around her waist both

<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.

Instead - in line with her words - she paces to Riese's side, offering her a shoulder and an arm around her waist both - her touch is light and careful, visibly tender. "I suppose you could say, in the end, that my loyalty is ultimately to myself. I am not quite human, and I am not quite demon - so instead, my aim is to always be as Noeline Carver as I possibly can be."

<Pose Tracker> Hiro has posed.

Hiro nods his head when Riese says she knows it isn't the correct course. He kind of figured she knew. No correct course sounds accurate. When he was a kid playing around in his Alex attire, in clothes that didn't fit, a bucket on his head, waving a stick around- right and wrong seemed so clear cut, so black and white.

He never thought he'd be going up against Althena one day. Saying 'Althena is wrong.' to one of her Champions. Telling the Shepherd 'You're wrong.' Telling the whole world they're wrong. "I think if I hadn't met Lucia I'd be one of the people angry at you. Condemning you. Telling you you're wrong and you need to do the right thing. Not that I don't condemn what the other Hyadeans did in Adlehyde. Just- I guess I just understand now that right and wrong aren't always so simple."

He looks Riese's way then shakes his head, "You didn't tell us- in quite that way. I just thought you were Beastmen looked down upon by people of the Blue Star. Maybe I didn't quite get it at the time. On the Silver Star- it's not quite the same way for Beastmen. They're not really seen any differently than humans anymore. I was raised by one in fact. That sure... complicates things a whole lot." He pats his hands together, "If I were in your situation- I wouldn't want to leave anyone behind either. I'd probably be making plans for some grand exodus. But easy for me to say without knowing all the logistics of it."

He leans backwards, putting his palms on the log, his eyes her way, "If you ever figure something out- get closer to some idea for it. I'd do what I can to help. Our mission is important- but I'd still do what we could." He leans his head to the side, "Nah doesn't sound baffling about him being your friend- or that you might have to do the same for him some day. I don't like him. I'll say that up front. I don't like the way he thinks. I don't like the way he acts. I respect him- but I know that if I wasn't crossing swords with him he'd think of me as lower than the ground he walks on. Not worth his time. And after what he did to Lucia..." He takes a breath, tries to let the tension flood out, "...well I can't say I'm gonna forgive him for that."

But Riese and Noeline talk to each other and- "Laevateinn? Sounds like a weapon with a storied history or something." Hiro likes the idea of weapons with stories. His eyes flit over to Maya.

Ruby's pawing motion slows as Maya continues to ramble as if scrambled. She doesn't respond to most of it. There's a tiny glare at Riese and Noeline as if to ask 'What did you do to her!?' But she turns back to her, "What do you mean? Become the hero again? Maya? You're worrying me... you are? You're a hero."

Looking back at Riese and Noeline, her protective instincts kick in, "Just be nice to her. I won't forgive either of you if you push her too hard right now!"

Hiro gives Noeline the longest look and then he kind of breaks out in this sheepish grin as she says she's a Crimson Noble- "I have absolutely no idea what that is." But she still raises some good points, he scratches the back of his neck, "Uh- well does it really matter what you are? It only matters what you do."

But after she relates how she helped civilians get out, "I'm grateful- not that you need my gratitude. Lot of people died that day. Lots of people who shouldn't have. Every life you helped out- well that's something." But then he arches an eyebrow, "So uh- proud to stand by Riese, but loyal to yourself?"

He's not quite sure he buys that and it's fairly clear but- it's hard to say in which direction he doesn't buy it. "Heh. You're an interesting gal Noeline. Either way, she's lucky to have you at her side."

<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.

There's a little embarrassment from Riesenlied, lowering her head. "She certainly is... I would not have been able to learn half the things I know now, about humanity, without her by my side. As she says... she is near, and dear to me." O-oh dear, is that just a straight up confession? It's kinda close. She probably could be excuse, given how faded she sounds right now. "I would not be standing here right now if it was not for her."

She pulls her head up to Hiro. "I know. I don't blame you. And if I do ever find a way, some potential plan out of this... I'll let you know."

She looks towards Maya again, though, looking contrite at Ruby. Hiro seemed interested, and it provides some context, so...

"Laevateinn is... a Hyadean myth.
It is the story of a fabled sword said to be capable of slaying a menacing, round, giant rooster at the top of Mimameith.
Mimameith, a tree whose branches spread over every stretch of Hyades, unharmed by fire or metal.
Legends spoke of how warriors and knights searched high and low in search of it, to slake their thirst for glory.
But none found it in the end.

The giant rooster was in the end never slain, for it alone knew the truth: Laevateinn -- which means a 'damaged twig'...
Laevateinn was merely a little sproutling that dared to grow amidst the arid wastelands surrounding Mimameith.
A fragile little twig, upon which a little flower blossomed, a small sign of hope that those blind to glory cannot hope to see.
It is a story of courage, and a story of caution, to not be drawn into hubris..."

That... that sounds impressive and all, but... but... what's the part about the giant round rooster about? Was that creative editing? Is this woman's love for cuccos that boundless???

She dares to take the Schrodinger girl's hand gently, looking towards her softly. "Take it easy... we won't leave you until you feel a bit better. It's the least I can do for you, at this point in time. We'll sort through what you're seeing in your head, slowly..." Maya's dramatic transformation had seriously taken her by surprise as well, but she'd-- seen her differently now. That magician's outfit. The gunslinging heroine. And now this. Just what was at play here?

<Pose Tracker> Maya Schrodinger has posed.

Even addled, Maya Schrodinger is a good listener. She's just not a good /active/ listener right now, as she absorbs in relative silence the details of where Hiro was brought up... it almost sounds like another time to her. Some storybook forgotten age of peace the world she's lived in has never known. But! No more scrambled, lifestream-poisoning-esque tidbits escape her lips despite this. Her breathing settles into an even rise and fall, the rolling motion of someone who is unbelievably exhausted. "Ruby, I'll explain it sometime later, okay...?" and while Maya might be a quiet little mouse right now, that statement is marvelously coherent by comparison to how things have gone thus far.

Another blurry reflection in the girl's glasses at the telling of ancient, Alien myth. Her eyes track upwards to meet Riesenlied's. There is no look of revulsion there. "You're both strange... stranger than I am. But maybe that's why I can accept it right now." each syllable has to be carefully chosen, but it's a good start.

Maya's handshake is kinda limp, as she doesn't have the Calvinist businesswoman spark at the moment. "What's in my head--doesn't matter. Lucia needs to be... healed. Okay?"

That's not /rejection/...

<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.

Noeline gives the game away, at least - halfway through Riese's recounting of the age-old tale she suddenly scoffs out loud, her eyebrows rocketing upwards in a dim sort of surprise. Still... she lets it go, not wishing to interrupt terribly much and instead carefully helping the winged woman forwards towards Maya, taking much of her weight on the way.

"... well, really," she grumbles towards Hiro in the meantime, letting out a breath. "Suffice it to say that Crimson Nobles are /very/ solitary and proud sorts. Long-lived, powerful, not to mention impeccably fashionable," she adds as she puffs up in completely borrowed pride that means nothing at all to Hiro whatsoever, flicking out her hair to complete the picture. At the very least, she is committed to playing a part...

"And... yes. Loyal to myself. If I felt that Riese was straying too far from her path, I would do my best stop her - if I felt all was truly lost, I might disappear off into the wilds of Filgaia, once more wander its wastes. I am right here because it is what I want to do, first and foremost."

"Really, it almost seems as if you are afflicted by the same disease as Riese," she finishes as she studies Maya, grumbling a little as she watches the Drifter's attention waver in and out. "A complete inability to remain horizontal and at rest."

<Pose Tracker> Hiro has posed.

Dear to her? There's a smile tugging at the corners of Hiro's lips as he watches Noeline and Riesenlied. He wishes he could say such things so easily. "You've got way more courage on your worst day Riese, than I've ever had on my best." He says, in the wonder of admiration as he swivels around on the log.

He's really attentive when there's a story in the mix. And Riese, doesn't disappoint, though he may open his mouth and raise a figner when she says giant rooster. Then suddenly the mouth is closed and the finger is lowered. And then it's raised again, and lowered. It's like there's a question on his lips- but he never asks it. Instead he just murmurs, "Warm... happy understanding with them..."

And when she's done he's smiling again, "The best stories always teach you something. That's a pretty amazing one when you think about it. All those warriors searching for some almighty sword- and it was just a fragile little twig with a flower. Guess that's how hope sometimes is.

This small thing, which only grows if you let it- and the smallest signs of it can just be overlooked." He wonders if he'd be one of those warriors that overlooked that tiny little blossom. But ultimately it doesn't matter how he would have been, but how what he can /be/ moving forward.

"Uh... so you really like... cuccos..." He finally works up the courage to mention. What was that about having less courage on his best day than Riese on her worst?

When Maya says she'll explain later, she just says gently, "'kay Maya."

Hiro picks himself up off the log, dusting off his rear, before giving Maya a long look, then nodding in agreement, "That's what's important right now Maya..." But then slight disagreement, "...but that doesn't mean what's in your head, your own problems aren't. Your problems matter too. We'll move on once we're done here and after we pick up camp. Gotta stay a few steps ahead of Leo while he's tied up in Adlehyde... find some way to bring her back to us."

Noeline describes herself, and Hiro nods along several times until- "All good words to describe yourself- other than the solitary part." He grins like the cat who ate the canary at that one, even chuckling, "But- I'm glad this is what you want to do. To be here, with her."

As Noeline says that, "She was resting before you two called us here!" She protests, "Well to be honest... that's kind of all of us. Unless you count Lemina putting up that hammock. Uh- I don't though, that was more like she got caught in a trap of her own making." He waves both palms dismissively, "Beside the point! Anyhow hard to rest when everything that happened weighs on you. If you're able to Noeline. I'd say you're really lucky."

<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.

Riesenlied's cheeks -- redden up rather significantly as Hiro points that out, and she lowers her head. "It-- it's-- just a coincidence. I--it is not as if I really like... um-- the rooster Vidopnir has no relation to the cuccos of Filgaia, I assure you!" W-why is she getting so tongue-tied?! "Hiro is right. And I can't heal Lucia. I don't have magic, or know how to concoct potions, nor can I even start to tell what ails her. But... I feel like I can make a difference here. So allow me to let you help yourself... okay?"

<Pose Tracker> Maya Schrodinger has posed.

Since her hands are doing nothing useful, Maya moves slowly and deliberately to scoop Ruby off of her shoulder and cradle history's mightiest dragon in her arms adorably. She frowns a little with the amount of concentration it takes to do that simple act, but deems it worth the effort. "I'll rest again, soon..." she confirms for Noeline, but also for everyone's sake, since they're damn insistant about it.

"This won't last... I'll get back on my feet." the blonde remarks a little more certainly. "No good hero gets knocked out halfway through the book."

<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.

With a scoff, the Crimson Demon leaves Maya to the empathic one and instead rounds on the little dragon - though her voice is hardly angry, not anything close to the sort. "--technically, Riese only called /Hiro/ here--" she huffs in return, and would obviously fold her arms were she not busy keeping Riese upright. Damn it, Riese.

If she has anything to say about Riesenlied's near-confession it's kept back for the moment, though perhaps there's a telltale and kind of bashful little grumble as Hiro confronts her on one subject. "... well. I at least know when I need to take care of myself. I didn't escape from Adlehyde unscathed, either."

Though she does chip in at the last - because if there is one thing she /does/ know, it's fiction. Often, very trashy fiction, but god damn it it still counts. "I should /hope/ not," she remarks to Maya's final comment. "Now is the climb up from the lowest point, don't you think?"

<Pose Tracker> Hiro has posed.

"I don't recall her message /ever/ specifying Hiro and noone else!" Ruby harumphs, history's most adorable dragonet standing her ground against the Crimson Demon Noble. But when Maya cradles her- normally Ruby isn't a fan of people cuddling her out of nowhere, but right now, as she is, feeling protective over her while she's in this state, she accepts it and kind of cuddles up next to her. "That's the spirit Maya..." As she rubs her head next to her. Though she has no idea what Maya means by it. "Heh that'd be a weird story indeed- if Alex got knocked out halfway through..."

Hiro is all grins at at Noeline's bashful statement, though it softens when she says she didn't escape Adlehyde unscathed, "I do have one question though. Kinda important one that I forgot to ask because- I was more worried about why than... what... I guess." He swallows, "So if we were at the castle when Siegfried and Harken attacked- and Berserk was rampaging all over..."

He then looks at Noeline and Riese, "What... were y'all doing?" His eyes move over to Maya.

<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.

Riesenlied pulls her head kind of tiredly, then looks to Noeline. "... I don't know where Noeline was, but the Ebony Wings were securing the Fairgrounds to lift the Golems away from the exhibition, under the concordance of our beliefs in how they violate the Treaty of Iscariot." A pause. "Yes, it's stealing. It is rather a long story that possibly deserves its own explanation when I have more werewithal... suffice to say, there was resistance. Including what I mentioned earlier about Leo." She frowns. "... and ... the invaders from the skies, Gebler. Be extremely careful about them. I have reason to believe they have superior aerial capabilities than even we do -- I don't believe the business of the Lord of Calamity interests them at present, but if it ever does... it's hard to imagine where might be safe from their eyes."

She sighs. "Long story short, Gebler managed to secure one, and... I believe those sand pirates left with another. Leaving us with the one." A pause. "The situation has gotten rather messer, I am afraid... but I am not about to give up, not at this juncture."

There's a longer wince, before she looks kind of pleadingly to Noeline. "... sorry -- everything is rather starting to blur again. I'll need a break... before we can speak further..."

<Pose Tracker> Maya Schrodinger has posed.

Ain't that funny? Not only is Maya too tired to function on all cylinders, the one who did it to her is also here--and too tired to function! Well... no, wait, that's kind of sad.

Be that as it may, she has Ruby's company in her arms for comfort, the company of her closest friends nearby for support, and the company of the strangest, most neutral demons of living metal you could ask for. "It'll make sense..." she smiles a little cryptically, but damn, a smile is a good start right now.

Maya gently lifts a hand to her face, the other still holding Ruby (comfortably, I swear), and takes her glasses off so she can dramatically look up at the night sky. "... my family and I--were helping people flee the city. To that big ship. Then, you..." the unplugged Drifter glances in turn to Riesenlied. "Appeared."

Maya glances uncertainly at Noeline. Is that a concussion, did she forget, or did that disguise actually work?

<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.

Noeline meets Maya's gaze with something that might be sympathy - yes, she is occasionally capable of it - but again suspects that this might not be the time to have a particularly lucid conversation on the matter, especially with Riese about to tap out.

Instead, she just tilts her head in a light nod - and then sweeps Riesenlied up into her arms without more than a moment's preamble. "... ideally, I should take you back so that you can be properly treated," she huffs to the blonde - back where, Noeline? - but she relents a little, letting Riese make the final decision on those matters. Or, you know, just explode, since she might just do that given the Crimson Noble's actions.

Still, she looks over to Hiro before going anywhere, nodding her head. "As I mentioned, I am still active around Adlehyde. If you would like me to keep a close eye on what exactly that White Knight is up to, or you need me to send or retrieve any messages, then I certainly can. Simply let me know - I shall make myself known. Meanwhile, I am putting out some feelers as far as Gebler are concerned, and we shall see what pops up."

<Pose Tracker> Hiro has posed.

There's a lot he'd like to say upon hearing Riese's story, and ask and all that but the fact she needs to rest takes priority in his mind, "Thanks for coming out to talk to us face to face." Us rather than me, even if that was her intent, "Appreciate it more than you know."

He closes his eyes for a moment and- "Don't lose your way Risenlied. You're better than those Quarter Knights. I know you are."

Ruby stands up straight in Maya's hands, to get a good look at her smile when she does, putting her pink pawsies on her chin as Maya takes her glasses off, "A smile like that's definitely more like the you I know!"

Hiro's kind of wondering where the rest of Maya's family is, but /someone/ dropped her off. Told them to take care of her.

But Noeline gives an offer and he instantly says, "Please. Him and the Shepherd- though we're less worried about Sorey compared to Leo and Althena's Guard." As for messages- he gets this little grin, "Between you and our Super Courier friend I think we'll have our messages covered pretty well. If there's anything you need to get to us in a hurry, give it to Gwen. Though uh- don't tell people she's... a friend if you can help it."

He looks up at the sky then, "As for Gebler... let's just hope they never find interest. We're in enough hot water as is. Dang at this rate- it's going to be us against two worlds. Not one."

<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.

Riesenlied is just a very softly snoozing blob of cute on Noeline's shoulders at this point. ... really ...? /This/ is the commander of the Ebony Wings?