The Luminous Lounge

[Krivolacarticus]

As you step into The Luminous Lounge, the air shifts to a soft, welcoming warmth, like the embrace of a long-lost friend. The room glows faintly with golden light, cast by floating orbs that drift lazily above, mimicking a starry sky. Polished jade and ivory tables are arranged throughout the room, each adorned with intricate celestial patterns that seem to shift and twinkle as you pass by.

Soft music hums in the background, its melody unfamiliar yet comforting, as divine patrons quietly converse at their tables, their laughter like the soft chime of distant bells. The walls are lined with ethereal tapestries depicting constellations, and at the far end, a grand bar shimmers with endless varieties of heavenly elixirs. The faint scent of spices and sweet fruit wafts through the air, drawing your attention to the graceful celestial waitstaff gliding between tables, carrying dishes that seem to glow with otherworldly light. It’s a place where the extraordinary feels almost casual—yet you sense that even the smallest conversations here could alter the course of fate itself.

Mission Options

As a secret member of Divine Threads, you can request a menu of daily specials. To anyone else, this looks like an exotic menu. But to you, the menu reveals missions that you can choose to partake in. Completing missions is how you gain XP in this game.

Missions are accepted by individuals, but you can choose to join other players in order to complete them as a group. PCs may not work on more than 1 mission at a time.

Here is a list of current mission options. Click on the title for more details.

• Misplaced MerchantObjective: A traveling merchant is unknowingly carrying an important item. You must divert the merchant's route to Nexus. He may need protection along this new route.
  
  Key NPC:
  Meret, the Silver Tongue: A charming merchant with a knack for securing rare items. He’s ambitious but has no idea of the item's true importance.
  
  Location: The merchant is currently traveling through the Hundred Kingdoms. You must divert him to Nexus, where his presence will influence an upcoming trade summit. He will reward you with mortal gifts for your assistance.
• Rewriting a Family’s FateObjective: A minor noble family in the city of Lookshy must rise in prominence or fall from grace, as determined by the mission’s secret goal.
  
  Key NPC:
  Ranya Mnemon: A young scion of House Mnemon, intelligent and shrewd. Her fortunes must be manipulated so that she becomes the next prominent voice in Lookshy politics.
  
  Location: Lookshy, a militarized city-state in the River Province. The political stage is volatile, and shifting Ranya’s fortunes will involve small but precise alterations in her alliances.
• Vanishing MemoObjective: A crucial memo needs to disappear before it reaches the hands of the Ragara Dynasty in the Blessed Isle.
  
  Key NPC:
  Mnemon Naeva: A bureaucrat who unknowingly holds a memo that will tip the scales in a major dynastic conflict. The Exalted must ensure it never reaches her superiors.
  
  Location: The Palace of the Golden Blossom in the Blessed Isle, where many key documents are processed. The memo is on its way to an influential satrapy. Exalted are welcome to help themselves to any other treasures they find along the way.

Accepting Missions

Missions are accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis. You MUST choose a mission in your post. No posting a placeholder and then picking a mission. That will be considered cheating.

Once you accept a mission, the waitress will provide you with a beverage list. These are perks that can select from in order to receive some aid on your journey. Choosing/refusing perks do not affect the rewards of the mission unless otherwise noted.

Even if you are accepting a mission as a group, only 1 person posts to accept the quest. That person is the group leader, and they are the only ones that can post to accept perks for their quest. Managing who else (if anyone) is on the group quest is a responsibility of the group leader. Feel free to work out any issues on the OOC thread as you see fit.

After perks have been chosen, you will be advised of a location thread that you can travel to from the Mortal Gate location thread. A quest thread will also be posted in the Active Quests topic folder for easy quest tracking. That thread will also be where you post when the mission has been completed and you are ready to receive your quest rewards.

Once everything is ready, you will be advised that you are free to travel to a new location. Your quest will be reserved, but it will not officially start until after you post on the Mortal Gate thread that you are ready to begin.

Edited Friday at 05:59 PM by Krivolacarticus
Updated Information (see edit history)

[PrincessAmy]

Ethniu seems to burst into the lounge.  Not that she is putting any special effort or violence into her entrance, she is just the sort of person for whom walking calmly through a doorway becomes An Entrance.  A metaphorical alarm bell into the soft chimes of divine conversation.  Though the finely tuned social skills of the residents of Yu-Shan prevent open staring or more than the barest pause of conversation only the most oblivious would fail to notice the attention being subtly directed toward the large ship-wrecked looking woman.

Dressed only in battle scarred canvas trousers and a thin linen tunic with several distinct slashes and punctures (made extra evident by blood stains surrounding the damage), no jacket nor boots, she nevertheless seems entirely confident and at ease.  The courage of someone used to being too frightening to ask to leave.  As she surveys the room her wary eyes give way to a welcome grinactivating Perfect Symmetry to give her an effective Appearance of 6 and the ability to use Glance-Oration Technique for 0 motes for the scene. as she makes eye contact with one of the staff, her slightly raised eyebrow somehow perfectly conveying that she'd like to see the specials without having to say a wordglance-oration technique to communicate wordlessly.  

Black Fathoms, she thinks, is this normal up here or did I get recruited by the fanciest freak-show in heaven?  Pretty sure I'm outta yer reach here Great Mother but if you can slip a tendril this far I sure would appreciate runnin' into somebody with more of a clue than me about what's going on with all this...

The massive woman slides into a seat at a table with a good view on the room where she can put her back to a wall.  Then takes a moment to look over the other patrons of the lounge, hoping to identify any others that might be examining the specials menu with extra interest.  Or anyone with a grudge against the Lintha.  Eth isn't much of a scholar but she is pretty sure they aren't popular in heaven, and she is an old hand at getting jumped in the bars.  No sense in letting her guard down just because the place is fancier than her usual.  Ethniu sits casually, slouched low with her legs extended beneath the table, managing to clearly state without a wordglance-oration technique again that she would welcome some company from anyone not embarrassed to be seen socializing with a pirate.

[Inquisitor D]

It takes a minute or two, but another patron of the Lounge does eventually approach Ethniu. This one is... a strange womanFor ease of operating in Heaven, Komari is currently wearing a resplendent destiny fashioned under the sign of the Sorcerer. That identity is 'One Of The Sidereal Exalted'. That doesn't mean people unfamiliar with the Fellowship will understand what she is, but regular inhabitants of heaven should get it., though incongruous may be a better term. Her simple robe of red cloth and crisp black cassock would fit in perfectly were this Port Calin or even Wu Jian. She'd just be one more minor official in the crowd: pasty skin, not much muscle or height, a face that was somewhere between plain and harsh. But amidst the bright vibrant tones of jade and silver, the lack of ornamentation stands out. It hasn't affected her poise either - she walks with as much confidence as any of the Lounge's divine patrons. And unlike most here, she openly carries a blade - an unassuming black scabbard rests over her shoulder.

The stranger takes a seat across from Ethiru. There's a little look of awe for just a second as she studies the muscular pirate more closely, almost star struck by her new companion before she turns away, cleaning her glasses. In trying not to make her faux pas so obvious, she unfortunately drew attention to it.

"Specials, please." The request to the waitress is in flawless, fluid Old Realm. But when her gaze turns back to Ethniu, the stranger changes her tone. "Going off your dress... sailor?" She can speak Seatongue? It's a little clipped, and carries a touch of Coralite drawl, but it's unmistakable all the same. The strange woman smiles, a razor thin little grin of vindication. "You look like you just won a fight with SiakalWestern Goddess of war, mass death and bloodshed in the oceans. Often appears as a gigantic shark.. Glad you were able to walk away from... " She waves a hand, unwilling to speculate. The point stands, whatever the specifics of what came before.

She offers a hand to shake, "Nefvarian Komari. Division of Serenity."

Once the special menu reaches them, Komari scans it with a frown. She does not look happy about anything on there. The last entry in particular elicits a half sigh, and she puts the document down for a second, recovering herself. She rests her hand on the menu, and as she sits like that a faint twinkle of blue lightAuspicious Prospect for Serenity to check the Divine Waitress mission. Looking to see how starting a relationship between Mnemon Ceil and the Luminous Lounge's staff would align with Destiny as things stand. Since that would necessitate removing her from The Realm, if this has knock on effects hopefully Komari can pick up on it. is barely perceptible from her closed eyes.

 

[PrincessAmy]

Ethniu looks up from perusing the specials menu as the unusually plain but somehow still obviously supernatural woman sits down across from her.  Restraint amidst opulence, she thinks, gotta mean something but fathoms know what.  She shifts a little under Komari's gaze, consciously flexing a little for her new companions benefit, her standard tactic for identifying interest versus Interest. Where exactly the eyes linger can say a lot.

"That obvious I'm not a local, huh? I can manage the local round these parts, though I think my family uses a slightly different dialect," she says laughing.  Her Old Realm is clear and confident but definitely of a more malfean origin.  A quick glance at her own menu seems to sayglance-oration technique again - which may be my new favorite charm that she too is here to take up a secret mission, and a momentary half frown conveys that she doesn't really know or trust the whoever is behind it all.  "And nothing so grand as a war goddess, just an angry dynast.  I am a little pissed that she took my coat with her to her watery grave though," she speaks lightly, laughing a bit, trying to give the impression she is unbothered but as she is still learning to fully control her powers instead the tightness in her shoulders communicates that she lost quite a lot more but isn't ready to talk about it yet.

"Ain't gotta clue what a Division of Serenity is, but if you can recommend a good drink for temporarily landlocked captain you'll have made a good friend today," she says with a wave of her menu, clearly and intentionally saying by so doing that she has no idea which mission to choose.  "Captain Lintha Ixora Mother Ethniu, but my crew just calls me Cap and my friends just call me Eth.  Goodtameetcha," she says inclining her head lazily in a gesture that seems casual to mundane observation but distinctly indicates genuine thanks for joining her at the table to Komari.

[Inquisitor D]

Komari notes the flex, and it makes her outright blush. Still, she's intentionally trying not to look now. Not the type to make easy moves or seek out a good time. Too guarded for that. Too insecure? Too focused?

The conversation, both open and unspoken, goes some way to putting the functionary at ease. There's a little glint of recognition in Komari's eyes as Eth speaks in Old Realm. Just enough to confirm her heritage - one of the Lintha. Komari knew of the clan through tales and old records, but had never thought she'd meet one in person. As to the question of accent though, the Sidereal shakes her head. "It was more the dress. And location. If you were closer to the Awe, or in the right clerks taproom, you'd blend in fine. The Luminous Lounge is more..." She struggles for a second with a pair of impolite truths. 'High Class' would insult her guest. 'Full of stuffy bureaucrats' would insult the Lounge. "... more a place only locals would usually go?" She offers. Not untrue; a fair compromise surely.

The talk continuing actually gets a little smile from Komari at the fellowship. She's certainly not offended that Ethniu doesn't trust their shared patron. Her story on the other hand makes the other woman tense. Just a little - more in surprise than fear. Komari straightens her glasses, chuckling half under her breath. "Probably best not to boast too much about slaying Dynasts. This might not be the Isle, but the Bronze doesn't take kindly..."

And only once it's out of her mouth does she realize that Ethniu probably has no idea what the Bronze Faction even is. Which just makes this whole thing more curious. She's not someone who trusts Divine Threads, so she knows enough to be wary. But she legitimately has no idea about Heaven, how out of place she is, what the Bureau of Destiny is... and Komari probably has to explain it. While not letting on that they're both part of a secret society. And who is Ethinu anyway? She's familiar with stories of the Lintha, but a Lintha warrior able to kill a Dragon Blood is... well, she's not sure what that means.

Covertness briefly discarded, Komari mutters into her menu - more to herself than Ethniu, but the captain's close enough to catch it.

"Jupiter's name, did they just throw you through the gates with nothing?"

She takes a breath, relishing the complaint. But then she sits back up. It falls to her to fix this, and she'll do so with a smile. "Well, it's an honour to meet a Captain of such calibre. Especially one who isn't afraid to fight the Realm." Hopefully, while non-explicit, that should clarify her earlier remark. The Bronze aren't everywhere, and they're not going to start a fight in Heaven over something that's already happened. Best not to dwell on it or share too many details, that's just screaming 'pay attention to me, Bronze Faction Loyalists' but a little talk in the right company should be okay.

Komari leans back in her seat a little, taking the chance to reminisce. "I never took a voyage of my own, but Gens Nefvarian are proud sailors and shipwrights. Our ancestors may have crossed paths." That thin little grin returns. "Though most of our history was spent spitting at Dynasts too. Nefvarian Gilshalos challenged the Empress to single combat after the Realm was founded, rather than bow to her."

As they turn to talking about the menu, Komari nods, "I'm weighing my options as well. Perhaps we should share a course?" The implication being that they might do better taking a mission on together. No sense in pushing that, but she'd been told it was an option, and... well, a few of these missions would be substantially easier with a second person assisting her. "The Division of Serenity's supposed to be welcoming and friendly. We're Venus' little Joybringers, putting everyone at ease and making things run smoothly. It'd be wrong of me to abandon a new arrival and let her eat alone" There's some bite to that title, Joybringers, a touch of sardonic resignation. This woman does not seem like a beacon of joy. Komari glances across the Lounge briefly before turning back to her new friend. "So yes, I can keep you company for a while. And you could use a change of clothes once we're done here. I doubt you're too interested in Yu Shan's idea of fashion, but I've got a wardrobe and workshop at my place. I can find something closer to your size, make some quick alterations... it won't be perfect, but should be a step up at least."

And a conversation at her manse would allow them to talk privately. She can answer questions much more openly that way.

Edited September 30 by Inquisitor D (see edit history)

[Krivolacarticus]

The Luminous Lounge appears to be understaffed, especially when compared to a size and style that would be similarly found in Creation. But Yu-Shan is not fast-paced. The gods are immortal and used to taking their time with tasks. The bureaucracy of heaven also encourages a slow pace, both physically and mentally. So none of the few guests seem upset by the lack of attention the servers give them.

Marael sits at a table near the edge of the room, watching the other patrons with a look of fond nostalgia, as if savoring the joy of small, pleasant gatherings. A plate of grilled moon peaches glazed with honey and star anise sits at his table, paired with a cup of spiced twilight wine. He seems to enjoy that the dish evoke the flavors of evening—sweet with a hint of spice, comforting yet subtly invigorating.

At another table is Yarimara, a serene and ethereal goddess with flowing hair that shifts in hues of silver and lavender, like the twilight sky. She seats herself in a cozy table, a delicate smile on her lips, as she watches tendrils of dream-like mist swirl in her palm. She waits for someone to come and take her order with no sense of rush, entranced by the mist swirl she is currently observing. The only distraction that has pulled her eyes away from it, briefly, was the initial arrival of Ethniu.

Eventually a server leaves a table where 2 minor rock gods, elderly deities that appear to be on some sort of honeymoon tour of Yu-Shan, and brings the Specials menu to Ethniu's and Komari's table. The server also leaves 2 bowls of ethereal fruit salad, made from slices of moon-kissed pears, starberries, and candied dream lilies, accompanied by a kettle of warm, soothing tea infused with lavender and honey. Tiny tea cups, barely able to hold enough liquid for more than a single sip of drink, already sit at the table ready to use.

Komari's eyes flicker behind her eyelids as she considers the Fate of one of the individuals listed on the menu of Special. As far as she can tell, Mnemon Ceil is meant for great things within the Realm: a powerful political position cemented by marriage to a dragon-blooded of fire nature, and a fearsome reputation that results from the fallout when she catches her husband cheating on her. But a relationship with the people here at the Luminous Lounge would drastically alter that Destiny, consuming her thread in such a way that she would not be able to fulfil her fate. Such an absence of her presence would not fall in with Destiny, and it would take intentional interference (and an angry yeddim) to minimize the damage her absence would do to Destiny.

---

You are free to continue roleplaying as much as you wish here. Please note that you will have to accept a mission or agree to work together on one before you will be allowed to leave.

@Inquisitor D you are welcome to make a thread to represent Komari's Manse as a location here in Yu-Shan if you wish, or I can make it if you prefer.

[PrincessAmy]

Ethniu gives a satisfied smirk at the blushing, but then quickly ratchets down her intensity when she notices the discomfort that comes along with it.  She's not in any hurry.

Great mother, she thinks in irritation looking down at the minuscule teacup, how is it that even the gods go in for this fancy nonsense?  And they'd probably be more offended if I asked for a bigger cup than if robbed the place...  Despite her irritation she sips delicately and clearly understands the right utensils to use with the strange fruit salad.  She chuckles slightly as Komari hesitates slightly before describing it as a place only locals would go, and gives a half grin that whispers her understanding of how much she currently stands out.

"Oh it wasn't a killing, just a indulging a stranger's grudge til it ended the way those things usually do," she says, clearly picking up at least some of what is being put down as she deflects somewhat and doesn't bring up any names.  "And I don't mean to imply I was at war with nobody or nothing.  I was in the business of making money, before it all sank to the black fathoms."  Her shrug at that holds no supernatural meaning, but it doesn't a mind reader to detect some real upset behind her cavalier remarks.

In response to the quiet mutter Ethniu gives a crack of her knuckles and straightening of her damaged clothing that says she was indeed sent through with nothing but her life.  Quick glances at her recently healed wounds go on to indicate that being alive at all was uncertain so she isn't too upset by the arrangement.

"Heh! I like the sound of that ancestor of yours," she replies to the further comment, "never been much for bowing to anyone myself.  Hope you aren't offended if I don't recognize the names.  From somewhere out east right?  Mostly kept to western seas myself, never much applied myself to lessons about things east and inland." She seems genuinely interested, leaning in and paying attention while Komari speaks of her family.  

"Could use some slightly more intact clothing before heading back into the world to be sure.  Very kind of you to offer.  And I'd be happy to share a meal.  This ain't my usual sort of establishment," she says with another artful shrug, which would fairly clearly state that she doesn't really know what she is doing and is happy to go along with someone with more experience in this sort of thing even without essence behind it.

[Inquisitor D]

There's a glint of recognition in Komari's eyes at those last few words about the fathoms, that crack of the knuckles. She's starting to put together Ethniu's situation - and it's not one that makes the Divine Threads look great. They can't talk more openly just yet, but she puts a hand to the Captain's, and for the first time there's some honest concern on her face. Eth doesn't look like a woman who'd appreciate pity, and Komari drops her hand in short order, but the gaze remains for an extra second. She can commiserate at least, even if for now it's in silence

When the opening comes up, she doesn't miss it. For the first time, the clerk seems downright enthusiastic, nodding at the description of her family's history. "Can't fault you for not knowing us. We're on the other side of the world, and I couldn't name any of your kin either. But yes, Gilshalos made his name captaining skyships. He held out at Deheleshen against the last portion of the great fae invasion. He wasn't going to bow to an upstart empress after that." Komari stops her hand just an inch short of pounding the table, and upsetting the delicately served side dishes. She coughs, a little of that fire still evident in her eyes. "We still command the sky fleet, though the years haven't been kind. It's more a historical footnote now, a handful of old scarred behemoths with too much spirit to die. Only the best of my blood still serve the Sky Guard and... well, that wasn't me."

Silence. That was... certainly more personal than Komari was expecting to get in this conversation. Especially with Ethniu, who she'd already... Her cheeks redden again at that memory, before she finds a distraction - taking a thoroughly undignified swig of tea. She actually glances down at the pot, half tempted to chug it straight. She should change the topic, now!

"Menu! Let's go over the menu! You asked me for my opinion, I have to offer it right?"

She sounds like she's babbling. Komari swiftly pours another miniscule of tea, this time taking an actual sip and savouring the taste. The Lounge knows its teas - she starts to calm a little as she turns to their little document. First it's an entrée of Misplaced Merchant. "A pretty fair option. I think a little more to your taste than mine, but I've no objection to splitting the bill there. Simple, palatable, but with enough taste to enjoy rather than just bland rations." A clear job, doesn't make things worse for anyone, and comes with additional pay. Easy and clean. She's more than happy with that.

Next, it's fresh Echo of a Whisper. This one gets a snort from Komari. She shakes her head, "I doubt this one's going to be great for either of us. All light sweetness and artful decoration. We need something warm. Something with a bit more substance." Neither of them are going to perform well in the luxurious court of Great Forks. She could find a way if she was ordered to, but with a choice... better to choose something else.

Third on the list it's piping hot Rewriting A Family's Fate. Komari... passes over this one without comment. She gives Ethniu an apologetic look, but it's clear she does not consider this valid and does not want to give her reasoning.

Instead, she forges ahead to Vanishing Memo. That gets a smile from her. "More my taste than yours. But don't write it off. The ginger gives it the sweetest kick you can imagine. A great way to start the day." They'd both have some fun getting to mess with Dynasts, she's pretty sure. Though this isn't the only item where that's being offered

Because finally they've reached Celestial Waitress. Komari gives a theatrical sigh, leaning in to whisper not-that-quietly to Ethniu. "A mess. This is the one I know the most about. Pure culinary chaos. You would not believe the things they put in the crust. At least one critic called it criminal." Komari glances across the lounge, looking for any sign of the proprietor. With no one to exact vengeance on, she turns back to Eth, finally letting her menu drop. "Still, sometimes that just makes the end result sweeter. I think if anyone's palate is up for it, it might be the two of us."

The idea of it was making her groan inwardly. The moment she'd felt the knot of destiny around this young heiress, Komari's heart had sunk. This was exactly what she was afraid of.

It's not too great a proof of anything just yet. Right now, destiny around the Dragon Blooded is being written and rewritten fairly quickly, the brewing Civil War leaves a lot of possibility open, and managing the actions of the Exalted was already difficult. For all she knows, Ceil's current fate was strong armed through committee, sat flimsily, may collapse at any time. But... the fact remains. They're against the Bureau now. Outright opposing an already formulated destiny was already going to be difficult. A 'subtle nudge' is unlikely to redirect Mnemon Ceil's path significantly if whoever wrote it knew what they were doing. And playing games like that in the imperial city, right in front of so many suspicious dynasts? No. No, no, no. She shouldn't entrust this to someone else. She wouldn't be doing it herself if it wasn't for Oversight's order to investigate Divine Threads!

But there is another option here. A better way to do the job, at least in theory. She's heard of the HeptagramRolling Int + Lore to introduce a fact! Specifically that the Heptagram is located on the Isle of Voices, away from the Imperial City, and is *supposed to be* considered neutral ground by the Great Houses.: by all accounts it's the second greatest academy of sorcerous knowledge in the world (after Valkhawsen Academy, of course). Nefvarian Kotos, who studied with the Dynasts as part of an exchange program, used to share stories of his time there - the island is covered in mist, wracked by storm, protected by sorcery and watched over by some of the most accomplished sages in the Realm along with a legion of bound demons. It's a place no one in their right mind would try and infiltrate, where even the grudges between Dynastic Houses are put on hold in the name of sorcerous study and simple survival.

And yet... it's an island. Where their target spends a lot of her time. And the Divine Threads have somehow secured an experienced ship captain to work with them. The Heptagram was long way away from the City, the Great Houses and, most importantly, the focus of the Bronze FactionKomari's making a logical leap here, and while I don't think there's ever been a firm canon 'this Sidereal NPC hangs out at the Heptagram', it's usually said the Bronze has someone in the building to make sure things don't go catastrophically wrong. . It might be punching above their weight class, but if they were going to do this subtly... that might be their opening. And if she's right...

Well, no sense in speculating more for now. Komari nibbles at a dream leaf, letting Ethniu make her decision. She's comfortable with the captain's pick; the closest thing she has to a 'favourite' is a mission she feels is probably a terrible idea.

[PrincessAmy]

Ethniu listens to Komari's recommendations, with appreciative chuckles and nods of understanding where appropriate.  She is very glad to have found someone with a little more grounding in this type of work, and apparently some kind of decent ties in heaven.  After a long moment of consideration she speaks.

"Might not be the best choice, but the idea of some culinary chaos sounds oddly appealing," she says, with a considered nod that seems to say she'd rather find out if she's gonna be able to pull these sorts of jobs off first time out. No sense in going for the easy ones only to get screwed later when there aren't any simple jobs left.  Eth looks over and catches the eye of the server then points down at Celestial Waitress when they make it back over to the table, "Can we get an order of this one to share?"

[Krivolacarticus]

The waitress approaches the table when Ethniu indicates she is ready to order, and looks a bit surprised by the choice. Her eyes flash the color of gold coins for a moment, and Kamori recognizes that the waitress is considering if either guest has an established tab that would allow them to order whatever she thinks they have pointed to. Kamori can't really blame the waitress for wanting to check, especially given Ethniu's appearance, though it does make Kamori wonder what it is that the waitress thinks they are ordering. Apparently the staff is not in on the nature of these secret menus.

To the waitress's surprise, she seems to reach a favorable conclusion to the state of Ethniu's tab, and quickly bows before heading back to the kitchen. The two exalted likely exchange a look. This is the most pep either have seen in anyone's step at the Luminous Lounge before. None of the other guests seem to notice the oddity, however.

Soon a different waitress returns with a serene smile, carrying an elegant tray on which the bottle rests. The wine bottle itself is a sight to behold, its dark, translucent glass swirling with faint hues of gold and deep purple, as if containing the essence of a starry night within. Intricate golden filigree wraps around the neck, glinting under the lounge's soft lighting.

“Ah, I see you've chosen the Moonlit Ambrosia,” she says warmly as she sets the bottle down between you. “This is one of our finest selections. It's crafted from moon-kissed grapes grown in the high celestial vineyards of Yu-Shan. As you pour, you might notice a light mist escaping from the bottle—don’t worry, it’s simply the wine’s magic breathing in the air of the room. It has a flavor profile that's both sweet and subtly complex, with hints of starlight and a finish that lingers like a pleasant dream. A perfect choice for first-time guests looking to indulge in something... out of this world.”

She steps back gracefully, allowing you to take in the mystique of the wine before pouring your first taste. "Just please do not drink too much at once," she adds cautiously. "The strength of this wine can be very...overpowering to those not used to strong drink. Now then, which complimentary side will you be choosing for your wine?"

She hands Ethniu a short list.

---

OOC Notes:

Quest accepted, and 1st post updated. Your Quest Thread is up in the Active Quests.

You are welcome to continue roleplaying here, but you are also free to leave this location and travel to a different location thread in Yu-Shan whenever you wish.

Also, if anyone actually tries to drink the wine straight out of the bottle instead of in little doses, you would need to roll Stamina + Resistance Difficulty 3.

EDIT: Oops! Forgot your perk list options. Ethniu may choose 1 of the following, since she's the one that accepted the quest.

• Blessing of Tongues: Anyone that does not already know High Realm can speak and read it fluently for the duration of this mission.
• Open Position: A servant in the household will be dismissed, leaving room for an exalted in disguise to apply for the position.
• Sorcerous Apprentice: Forged documentation stating you have permission to take on a student at the Heptagram for temporary apprenticeship.
• Slumber's Embrace: A single dose of a powerful sleeping potion that lasts 8 hours (or 72 hours if used in the form of a poisoned apple).

Edited October 1 by Krivolacarticus
forgot perk list (see edit history)

[namo]

Ayato

Ayato, dressed in an embroidered silk kimono over a black tunic, makes his entrance accompanied by an elegant woman whose black hair goes down the waist, where black gives way to green at the tips. The woman whispers a few words in his ears then exits right away.

He has to repress a strong urge to gawk; he hasn't been around Heaven for long, and it's certainly different from back home, if only for the divine customers.

Calling out to a waitress with a hand upraised, he asks for the "Spezial menhu" in slightly broken Old Realm - in truth, he's repeating the sounds Silent Lightning had him memorize. Why she couldn't be more explicit, or give him the mission herself he doesn't understand, but likely she'd wave one hand mysteriously and mention Destiny, eluding the question.
But his finely-tuned social sense tells him he's not going to go by long with the 10 words he can say in old Realm, so he might as well let his body do the talking.

Taking a deep breath, he relaxes his shoulders first then his whole body - he is more tense than he realized, perhaps because of the little voice in the back of his head warning him that a Hunt can drop by any second, if it was all a game of betrayal. But then he has already taken note of the windows and exits.

Then he turns a shy yet roguish smile at the waitress, indicating: ["I am new here but I am looking for a good time."]
He motions for her to guide him to a good table, then follows.

As he passes the table of Yarimara, he stops, and bows shallowly, arms rigid at his sides - ["may you enjoy this lovely time / breeze"] in an interruption both rude and endearing.
I wonder what it feels like to seduce a goddess or a god.

He sits down on his own at a table and while waiting for his menu, looks around at the other patrons, smiling at anyone that will notice him and meet his eyes.

OOC

Here it comes! 5m for Perfect Symmetry and then Glance-Oration technique

 

[Krivolacarticus]

Yarimara smiles distractedly at Ayato's interrupting bow. She says nothing, but there is a glimmer of something in her eyes as they linger on the male exalted for a bit. Perhaps she is inspired to weave a dream with his likeness in it. Or perhaps the gleam is recognition, having recently already done so for a mortal that still dreams of Ayato.

The waitress seating Ayato does not seem distracted by his appearance, but the other waitress who was headed towards the old stone couple trips and falls. Something about the way she avoids faceplanting by landing on the side of her head so that her face can remained turned towards Ayato as her eyes follow him suggests that she finds his appearance demanding of her focus.

Eventually a menu of specials is brought to the Lunar, who can see 4 items available to choose from.

[Inquisitor D]

Ayato gets a curious look from Komari. There's something odd about him, his manner, where he's looking... but it's much harder to place than with Ethniu. His robe, his confidence, the flawless looks... it's much more what she'd expect from Heaven. A bit more tension? Or did she imagine that? The humbly dressed meets his gaze through her spectacles, her smile thin, before returning her attention to her own table. She's not sure if he's someone to worry about just yet, but they're almost done here. The remaining bits of this exchange shouldn't be suspicious.

After all, they are officially underway! Even if they can't openly celebrate what they're about, having a new companion and comrade is... a relief. She'd been nervous of working with the Divine Threads, and she's somehow lucked into a partner/team leader she can actually trust. Even if she can't quite communicate that, there's a look of relief as she shares a glance with Ethniu

"So, a toast, Captain?"

She grins, holding her glass at the ready.Komari doesn't have a stake in the bonus options, and since Ethniu is mission leader, kinda would prefer to give her freedom to make some choices. She'll offer her opinion if asked, but as far as I'm concerned, we're good to move on to the Orrery, a fixed up outfit, and some answers.

That said... as her player, I explicitly give you permission to get Komari drunk, Princess. ^^ Your call on that. She's not making a Stamina + Resistance roll, or turning down a challenge from someone she views as impressive (even if she REALLY SHOULD ^^). If you want her a little less tightly wound... well, we'll see how we go. She wouldn't hold it against Ethniu.

(Plus it would give Ayato more time to intervene if Namo wants in on this mission ^^)

[PrincessAmy]

"To new friends!" says Ethniu, raising her glass with a grin.  Having found at least an ostensible ally and an immediate goal drains a lot of the tension she was trying not to show from her broad shoulders.  Sipping her drink her eyebrows raise, "Great Mother, if I'd known there were drinks like this up here I'd have visited sooner!"  

Taking a quick glance at the menu of 'side dishes' she barely hesitates before selecting the Blessing of Tongues.  "Just that first one should be good."  

Though she notices the remarkably pretty young man also perusing the specials Ethniu only gives a nod of mutual recognition to indicate they are about similar tasks but does not invite him over.  She is not yet sure how open it is safe to be with other members of this strange organization and doesn't want to screw it up in front of multiple people at once.  Nor give her new patrons the impression she needs over much assistance.

Speaking to Komari again she says, "We should probably get going before too long though.  Maybe make our exit after the side dish arrives?  Not that I would object to coming back with a whole night to spare and seeing how many of these bottles we can get through."  Eth gives a little wink at that, deliberately neglecting to use her newfound abilities to add any extra meaning to her final comment.

[Inquisitor D]

Komari matches the toast, "To friends!" and downs the glass. She's a little flushed afterwards, taking a breath as she meets Eth's gaze. The Sidereal... is feeling a lot, lot lighter than she had just a few minutes ago. As a rule, she'd swear off a night spent drinking as a waste of time. But with what's ahead of them, and with Ethniu's company. She smiles, head falling just a little to her side as she leans back in her chair. For the first time, Ethniu gets a glimpse of Nefvarian Komari truly relaxed.

"Sounds... fun."Just confirming that this marks 'ready to leave the scene'. I'm not gonna post Komari leaving in case Princess wants to do something with Ethniu heading out, but I'm gonna set up that Manse thread ready.