Miaka's thread

[kpjam]

"That's okay."  Martin smiled gently.  "Zaphiel's one hope, is that the majority of the ancients aren't on this continent.  Where they are? I don't know.  Where are the devices?  Underground, or the rather the roots of them are.  The transmitters are above ground for the most part."

[Corwin]

"In that case, Zaphiel must be planning to attack very soon," Miaka said with a frown. "Arkanel had sent word to his superiors about this uprising, and they would send reinforcements to crush the rebellion and take Camelot. You would probably know about this from the little side-stabbing bitch, Lafiel," Miaka scowled at the name, "so Zaphiel would know that he can't afford to wait."

Stretching out with her arms behind her back, Miaka muttered, "Too bad I didn't ask more specific questions about Zaphiel's plan. Do you know the details, Martin, or should I ask Zaphiel himself about them?"

[kpjam]

"It would be best if you ask Zaphiel if you had any specific inquiries,"  Martin responded, a scowl on his face.

[Corwin]

"Can we go and see him, then?" Miaka asked, oblivious to Martin's scowl.

[kpjam]

Martin nodded, and turned towards the keep.  He then proceeded to lead Miaka back into the castle.  He walked into the center of the main hall and then paused for a second.  A serving girl was passing in front of them and he called to her. "Leslie!"

The girl stopped and walked up to him.

"Will you tell Master Zaphiel that his guest," he indicated Miaka with a wave of his hand," wishes to speak to him."

The young woman nodded and left, walking to a door on the left.

[kpjam]

After the woman left, Miaka stood doing nothing.  Deciding to try and do another magic search, she extended her sense and felt the copious amounts of magic in the area.  She noted one difference from eariler.  There seemed to be a pin prick of magic from a couple feet behind her.  Like almost all the other magic, it seemed to be neutral in character.

As she considered this for a moment, a soldier entered from the door on the left.  He walked up to the two and spoke.  "Zaphiel will meet you both in the conference room."

Martin nodded and turned towards Miaka.  "Shall we?" he asked.  He turned and walked forward.

[Corwin]

"Sure," Miaka agreed. As she followed Martin, she continued to monitor that unexplained pinprick anomality she sensed.

[kpjam]

Martin led Miaka down the main hall until they came close to the two soldiers guarding the throne room.  Turning right he walked up to a small door opening it.  He held it open for a moment as Miaka started to walk through it.  

Miaka, had been more focused on the presence of magic that seemed to follow her, it seemed to move closer as she approached the door and then rapidly moved into the hallway behind her as she stepped through.

[kpjam]

Martin closed the door behind him and moved to the first door on the left.  Opening it, he made way for Miaka to follow him.

She entered a large room with a large table in the middle of it.  Martin indicated for her take a seat at the table while Miaka felt the magic continue to follow her, although she had trouble distinguishing it when it moved close to the walls.

[Corwin]

Miaka took the proffered seat, awaiting Zaphiel's arrival. She marked the spot of the magic she had been following, and decided to stop monitoring it for the time being.

[kpjam]

The door Miaka had entered through opened, and she turned as Zaphiel walked through.  He was trailed by Areal and two guards.

[kpjam]

Areal had beed brought to talk with Miaka and Zaphiel.  The leader of the castle told both woman, and the eavesdropping Devon, that the people of the valley, and supposedlyt hose in the plains, were all cattle.  No one lived over the age of 40, and they were all taken away to be used as experiments and such.

Lafiel was leading a small group into enemy territory in the morning, and both woman had agreed to help.  Miaka's returned to her room, thinking of the weird goings on.  Areal, a bit less sure of things followed to her own room to digest the information as well.

Devon followed the Miaka, entering her room and revealing himself.  Areal came to speak as well and the three decided to give their support to the castle Camelot.

Zaphiel was summoned and another conversation took place.

Devonh had listened to Zaphiel and told him he would help, and try to convince the other party memebers to help.  But he needed incentive to help the others switch.

Zaphiel said, "I do have some small wealth stored. Are you in a position to talk for your comrades?"

"I wouldn't presume to negotiate for them," Devon said with a grin. "But the possibility of payment along with a promise of more than just minor logistical support may be enough to sway them to your side."

Miaka coughs

Zaphiel looks at Miaka

Miaka waved her hand. "Sorry," she apologized. "Must be dust."

Zaphiel smiles tolerantly and returns his attention to Devon. "Since you can only speak for yourself? What would be your price?"

"I'm not too sure what you can offer, so I'll have to think about it for a bit," Devon shrugged. "Whatever it is, I can promise it will be reasonable."

"What type of skills do you possess? I'm already impressed with your ability to enter the castle," Zaphiel said.

"Well, I'm something of a woodsman, and I also posses some skill with a blade," Devon smirked. "The woods where I come from can be rather dangerous."

"A blade will be most usefull. How is your proficiency with magic. Also, your ability to resist magic.  The foe is very clever and verse in its use of the magic arts."

"I've not much skill the magic but I'm rather adept at avoiding it when need be," Devon shrugged. "I've also some small skill piercing illusions and invisibility."

"Hmm... I should be able to provide you with some items to augment your abilities. I think it will help augment the cost of your services? A ring to help augment your evasiveness, and resistences. If you had an area or two you most needed help with, they would be?"

"Hmm, I've found that spells that prey upon the mind and will can be a bit tricky to deal with. It's simple enough to avoid something like a fireball, but more insidious spells are a bit harder to avoid."

"Those are the hardest. I have an amulet, which will increase greatly your resistence to mind altering spells. They were the most important piece of wizardry created when my ancestors conquered this continent. Your choice is wise, and I'll have one brought to later."

"Very well."

"Do you have more of them?" Miaka asked suddenly, interrupting the two. "I bet all of us could benefit from this."

"I have but a few. Enough that I can part with one for each of you three. Although, they aren't identical, they serve the same overall purpose."

"Great!" Miaka chirped

"In what other way may I be of assistence to you three?" Zaphiel asked.

"I think that's about it for the moment," Devon said.

"Well, you could always tell us about the other rings and amulets you have," Miaka said thoughtfully. "You can never be too prepared!" she lectured, waving her finger in front of her face.

Devon gives Miaka a speculative look, "Good idea."

"Isn't it?" she agreed, smiling

Zaphile looked away. "Hmm... A complete inventory would be difficult. Items depend on the proficiency and ability of the user.  Simple protection rings work with all. Some of the items that we have catalouged would take much training in their safe use. Swords and polearms are also generic, being lighter and improving the aim of the user. But they are the only ones I'd allow you have without first testing. If you wish to test, the simpler items, fireballs and illusions are practiced in the yard."

"Well, for starters, is there a limit to the number of rings a person can use?" Miaka asked. "And are there any rings that conflict with each other, like protection from fire and ice?"

"My understanding is that those two specific protections won't conflict with each other if they're passive spells -- reacting only when the wearer initiallizes them. but active spells could be troublesome. I haven't gotten that far in my studies, but I'd be wary of them."

Miaka nodded thoughtfully. "You mentioned fire and illusion. Which other types of magic do you have equipment for?"

Zaphiel smirked, "there are as many as you can imagine. The study of my ancestors was quite extensive, and this was their citadel." His face turned somber. "I can only imagine what was left here was too simple or weak for them to bother moving."

"Anything that  augments holy magic, then?" she asked, looking hopeful

Zaphiel forwned. "Holy magic, as I understand it comes from the beings that you worship. I wouldn't trust anything to help in terms of that. Although, your diety might be able to help you use certain items. Or other items could be used to fortify yourself, even your magic spirit which could increase your ability to use some of your spells. It would be something to study had we more time."

Miaka looked downcast for a moment. "Then could you tell me about any items used for protection or healing, Zaphiel? And more information on illusions would be nice, too."

"Illusions are magics created directly in the mind of the target. A powerful illusionist can make the person think they are burning to death, with such realism the person's heart eventually stops. They could also create something as mundane as a solid floor when in reality one is about to step into a pit of cobras."

"Do you think I could be able to do this?" Miaka asked with interest

"Have you been trained in the arts of an illusionist? If not, I couldn't say unless you were subjected to the basic training, and then your aptitude and ability may prevent you from using all but the simplest illusions."

"I see," Miaka drawled out. "I guess there aren't any free lunches." Pouting at the uncomfortable thought, she wondered out loud, "What about items amplifying other magical items? Like the ones I have?"

"What items do you have? I don't have many, if any that amplify. Although, I might have an item that will will compliment something, or recharge."

"Well, for example, my armbands--" she showed them to everyone present "--can protect me from any weapon, both normal or magical, including ranged attacks. They can also boost my strength." Frowning, Miaka added, "Of course, there's a time limit to their use. It would be nice if you had anything to compliment them, of course."

"The few items I have that have similar uses aren't as complete in their protection as what you said. Altough, I could offer them anyway."

"Neat!"

Zaphiel smiled benevelantly.

Gathering her thoughts, Miaka said, "I suppose the best I can do for now is load up on whatever protective amulets you have and believe in Suzaku!" Turning towards Devon, the red-head asked, "Do you want me to come with you to convince everyone to join our righteous quest?"

Devon nodded. "It might help."

Miaka grinned. "It's settled, then! Let's bring them cookies as a treat!"

Devon nodded.

Zaphiel turns to one of the soldiers. "Pack a sack of 'cookies.'" He then turns to Lafiel "Bring them the three amulets, so they can use them when they leave here. They should prove enlightening to the young ladies."

Lafiel, looking bored, nodded and padded out of the room.

"Ah, yes," Miaka spoke suddenly. "Arael mentioned getting a ring from you that allows her to do magic everywhere. It was kinda cute. Could I get one, too? And anything against psionics and the elements, if you have them?"

"The Amulet I spoke of will do that as well, it protects from more than that single spell though. Which is why I offered it instead."

Zaphiel blinked. "Ah. I think I miunderstood. The amulet will protect you against the spell which inhibits your use of magic outside this castle. The other items I can auire for you."

Miaka smiles. "Thanks!"

"Could I get a few items to take back to the others, as a guesture of good will?" Devon asked.

"That would depend on the items. I had promised the three amulets, and those are given. I wasn't planning on giving you the others, util the morning. I could give one or two more items as a token of goodwill, but that would be it."

Devon nods, "Perhaps an item to allow one to see in the dark. A simple magical item would probably be thequickest way to establish your sincerity to the others."

"I could easily part with one of those. I'll send Lafiel to fetch it when she returns," he said quietly.

"Umm." Miaka shuffled her feet. "Could I talk to Lafiel once she gets back? Alone?"

"If she allows it. I can send another for the item, then."

Miaka nodded, blushing

They stood quietly, Areal adding nothing as for now the simple amulet was enough.  Lafiel returned, and handed out the three amulets.  Zaphile left, after sending another soldier to fetch something.  Areal and Devon were led to Areal's room while Miaka and Lafiel were left in the room alone.

[kpjam]

Miaka shuffles her feet, sending nervous glances at Lafiel.

Lafiel looks at the other girl critically. "You're upset with me."

"Well, kinda. I mean, I was," Miaka blurts out. "But it's wrong to be angry with people for long, right?"

Lafiel starts to speaks but stops. She purses her lips and sighs. "Anger is a fine emotion. There's nothing wrong with being angry. But their must be a constant reason for such anger. Staying angry when the catalyst for such anger is gone is useless. Unless you mean to take revenge, or be mean for something that was done in the past."

Miaka nods eagerly. "I think so too! I wish Yui-chan understood this...."

"Yui-chan? Does he stay angry often?" Lafiel asked.

"It's a she," Miaka corrects her. "And, well... something bad happened to her, which was kinda my fault, and now she won't listen to me."

Miaka pulls out a picture of the two of them, and shows it to Lafiel.  "We were so happy back then...."

Lafiel looks at the picture. "You two look happy together. It's a shame a rift has grown."

Miaka nods sadly. "But, you know, I bet I can change her mind! She'll come around, if only she gives me a chance!"

Lafiel smiles at the infectious cheer of the priestess. "If anyone can, I'm sure you can."

"Thanks! And that's why I think we should be friends again!" She shrugs, and smiles back at Lafiel. "If I can't forgive a friend for doing something to me, how can I ask for forgiveness from another friend?"

Remorse flashes across the young girl's face. An emotion that is quickly replaced by defiance as she looks solemnly at the other woman. Finally a grin spreads on her face. "Friends sounds nice."  Lafiel extends her hand to the other girl.

Miaka grabs the hand and shakes it enthusiastically.

"Oh. Were you going to meet the others with your two friends?" Lafiel asked.

"Friends?" Miaka thinks for a moment. "Oh, them. Yeah, I'm going to meet the others and ask them to help!"

"Maybe I should take you to them. It's not that dangerous at night, but you should be indoors before nightfall."

"Okay," Miaka readily agrees. "Lead the way, then, Lafiel-chan!"

Lafiel giggles and leads Miaka out into the hallway and down to Areal's room. Where she opens the door and says, "My father asked me to pick up a few items for you. If you ask the guard, he'll lead you to the courtyard where I'll meet you."

"Okay, I'll do that," Miaka assures her.

Lafiel nods and walks off.

[kpjam]

One of the guards comes up to the group and escorts them through the castle towards the entrance just outside.

They wait for a few moments before Lafiel appears.  She greets the three and holds out her hand.  Three rings are present there.

Indicating each ring as she speaks, she says, "The Azure one here circumvents the power of gravity.  The wearer will float off the ground when walking, allowing for large descents to be made without injury.  This golden one will increase the amount of light you eyes process.  I must caution you, it's indiscriminate in its application.  Put it on and look upon the sun is a sure way to cause blindness.  This green one is a true treasure.  I will speed the bodies regeneration process.  It won't cure injuries instantaniously, and it won't cure anything the body couldn't fix with time, but it can and has sped the recovery of soldiers during war."


"Decide which each of you would like."  She waits patiently for the party to react.

[Corwin]

"Floating will be fun!" Miaka chirps. "Can I have that one?"