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Realms: Hunter Logs

Part Thirteen: Calm Before The Storm

Raj dogs the hatch behind him as he enters the ship, finding the group making ready to leave for the "meet and greet" with Five Dragons. He pauses a moment, glancing around the room, and says, "No trouble there or back, and no one on my tail... so far as I can tell. If I didn't know better, I'd say this is easier than real commerce." Crossing to the Captain, he presents a small box of what appears to be some children's toys, marked Kids Love Zogbots! in lurid colors. "Where exactly do we want to put this?"

Solbiort laughs! "Love the packaging." She grins, nodding towards the smuggler's bolt hole, "There vill be fine."

Elgyn hmms. "Should we..." He pauses, looking at the Captain thoughtfully, "Wouldn't hiding it negate this... er, clever disguise?" His tone implies he's not sure it is a clever disguise.

Solbiort says, "No. Clever disguise is if for found. If not found at all, doesn't matter."

Elgyn nods. "As you say, Captain."


After the crew gathers up the rubies, they make their way through a roundabout route to the north of the city, where they are met by one of Five Dragons' people. After another hour of travel (in a way meant to cast off any shadowers), they eventually arrive at a different cave from the first, where Five Dragons has established herself -- at least for this week.

The cavern is a bit of a squeeze in places, and is, of course, not the most secure of locations. But that can't be helped, and Five Dragons' people note they move their encampment by at least twenty miles every week or so. The problem is they do not know how much scrutiny they are getting from the people who attacked the compound, and are reluctant to put themselves up as targets so soon after the incident.

After a little while of walking, the group comes into a small open area within the cavern. Within, they find Five Dragons deep in conversation with two lieutenants, one of whom is carrying field surveillance gear. Solbiort smiles, relieved to see Five Dragons is on her feet again. She studies the older woman thoughtfully while she has a moment, curious as to how the Dragon Lady is. Elgyn had been looking around for Liu; he wanted to see if he might possibly apologize for his behavior... though it seems a lifetime ago, now. But then he remembers Ranaka took Liu some place safe, and gives up on the idea.

Five Dragons appears to be in better health than when they last saw her, though she still looks a bit the worse for wear. Still, she's lost none of the poise and deliberate grace she had when they first met. She's also somewhat less formally dressed, in loose long-sleeved shirt rather than gentry suit; the riot of color of her body art is visible in the open collar of the shirt and at her bare hands. She shortly notices the crew's arrival, and smiles to them before turning to the man with the surveillance gear and murmuring a few orders. The bear of a man nods, hefting up a rucksack before ambling out of the cavern. Five Dragons turns to the crew, smiling. "Well, now. I'm very glad to see you all again. I hope all's been going well since we last met?"

Solbiort bows politely, "Is great pleasure to meet you again, Lady." She straightens, considering, then says slowly, "Has been... interesting. For Buddhist version of vord." Elgyn fights a humorless smile: he doesn't know how the stately sonia would take it.

Raj says, "As well as could be expected, I suppose." Glancing around, he continues, "Your situation seems to have improved." Elgyn groans at Raj's words. As well as could be expected? Sure, if you're a pessimist... still, can't argue. Crew's still alive, and we're still flying.

Five Dragons says wryly, "I can only imagine. As you can see, we're still up here. Though we haven't spotted any suspicious persons in Oblivion Falls I'd rather not yet take any chances."

Solbiort nods thoughtfully, "Have you learned anything about them? Vas thinking perhaps ve have common enemy; might benefit from comparing notes?"

The Dragon Lady nods to Raj. "We're in somewhat better straits now, but as you surely know it's mostly by learning to live off the land more than we used to, and becoming used to it. However, hopefully soon we'll see what we can do about acquiring better accommodations." Then she nods to Solbiort. "We've not learned much, but what few Syndicate contacts I have tell me there's another player afoot in the 'verse. They aren't large, and don't have unlimited resources, but they have enough advantages in information and technology to make things... as you said... 'interesting.' I do not have specifics but my contacts are still compiling hard data. From what I understand, the picture it paints is worrying."

Solbiort nods thoughtfully, then asks, "Red half-moon insignia on the shoulder?" Elgyn ponders if Five Dragons' people might need any further assistance from someone from a culture that grew up in temperate forests. He makes a point of remembering to ask after the audience is done.

Five Dragons saays, "No, but then that could just be something they haven't picked up on yet. They have noted, though, Alliance activity has increased -- it's subtle, but more gunships and high-endurance law compliance craft have been running around the Border Moons than is typical, as if the Central Planets were a wasp hive and the Alliance space forces were riled by something." She pauses. "I have also been informed the Browncoat factions are similarly confused and agitated. Apparently the Alliance is attempting to reach out to the remains of the Browncoats to exchange information on this."

Elgyn blinks. "Now there's a surprise. They actually found something to work together about," he comments quietly to Raj.

Raj snorts and mumbles back, "Nice to know we can help bring folks together."

Solbiort says to Five Dragons, "Hokay. Vhat you have on it? Anything else? Think ve have some useful info for you, also."

Five Dragons replies, "Nothing much, I'm afraid. One thing I was able to discover, however. One of the Syndicate contacts was able to get hold of a phrase -- either an operational code or identifier. 'Far Thunder.'" Elgyn's lips knit into a thin line... though he knows he shouldn't take umbrage, he does. In Ulundi the name of his clan, Musere, translates to 'Children of the Thunder.' It's as if someone just spat on the banner of his old Soniakan.

Solbiort nods thoughtfully. Curious... she has no knowledge of any military operation, signal, or identifier -- or anything for that matter -- called 'Far Thunder.' "All right. No idea vhat it vas for?" She makes a note to check that phrase with Molly, to see if it's connected at all with Wintarsen's rescue. She also settles cross-legged and considers what would be useful to Five Dragons' people, then says, "Don't have specifics on vhere the red half-moons go next, but do know they've used a nuke in ambush on Fleur. Also, seem to be quite ruthless and villing to kill innocent bystanders in order to make their hit."

Five Dragons shakes her head, sitting on the edge of the table. "No idea whatsoever. My people haven't been able to find any hint as to what it could mean. All we know is that it is in some way associated with the people who attacked our compound, and who are apparently causing quite a bit of trouble elsewhere in the 'Verse."

Solbiort says, "Ah. Also think you might find this interesting -- ve have discovered book called 'The Third Vay' does not actually exist -- vas never actually written. Seems red half-moons are villing to kill to keep this secret, also -- they vere the snipers on Ashtoreth few days ago. Any idea vhy this so important to keep secret?" Elgyn looks askance at Solbiort, wondering how much she'll reveal about how they know this.

Five Dragons takes the news of the ruthlessness of the adversaries grimly. She nods. "It seems we're right in hiding out for the time being, then. If they have access to nukes, we'll stay hidden. Mmm?" She arches a brow, "Never written? Are you sure? The people at Einsort... they appeared taken with the whole concept. They based their entire operation on the idea of the Third Way. And the book was never actually written?"

Solbiort nods, "Am qvite sure, Lady. Source vas qvite... authoritative. Unless memory has been tampered vith, book vas never written." A touch grimly she adds, "Vhich... truly makes me vonder about Einsort. Qvite cheerful, friendly folk. Saw no red half-moons, though, und Einsort didn't seem to have tech advantage red half-moons does. So... who are they? Could they be Orinel's new home colony?" She curiously adds, "How you know they are truly Third Vay?"

Five Dragons cups her chin in her hand. "Before this started, I merely thought Einsort was just a group who wanted to make a colony free from Alliance interference. Could Orinel have gone to them? I do not know -- but then again, I did not meet all of the Einsort colonists."

Solbiort says, "Vell, from vhat I hear Orinel's last thoughts on third vay vas that there shouldn't be one -- should be a vay for everyvon, not just von vay for all. So... maybe she is there?" She ponders, then curiously asks, "Did any of the colonists come from Newhall?"

Five Dragons shakes her head. "I did not ask, and they did not offer."

Solbiort sighs. "Ah, vell." She considers, then adds quietly, "Vish I had more useful to offer, Lady; my apologies." She thinks a bit more, then grins faintly, "Actually, have a few qvestions, but perhaps better to save them for private?"

Five Dragons arches a brow. "You can feel free to ask if you wish, Captain. It relates to these attacks?"

Solbiort rises and smiles, drawing something from her hair, "Very vell. First, brought you replacement." She rises and takes Five Dragons' hand, gracefully bowing as she offers a light kiss over it... then gently turning the lady's hand over to lay in it a diamond-tipped, golden hairpin with one scarlet strand of hair wound about it. "Red hair is good luck to my people."

Elgyn is once again glad blushing does not show up well on his dark bronze skin... as he wonders if Solbiort is flirting with Five Dragons. Solbiort settles calmly back in her previous seat, "Second, my qvestions are not related to attacks, to my knowledge -- are personal. If you vish, though, vill go ahead and ask."

Five Dragons looks surprised at the gesture, but grins easily and bows to Solbiort. "Thank you, Captain. I very much hope your luck will be with us all, and that more such luck may be in our future." She considers for a moment. "Perhaps best to wait for privacy, then, if they are personal questions."

Solbiort nods, "Very vell. May I ask for privacy, then? Have von message for you vhich I know is private also." She holds up one hand, "Von last 'public' qvestion, actually -- do you know if any further deaths occurred on Ashtoreth vhere snipers vere, or if any buildings bombed?"

Five Dragons shakes her head. "There's been a media blackout over Ashtoreth." She grins merrily. "Admittedly, what you and your crew did there is overshadowing any sort of more mundane news out of Ashtoreth, but the local newswave for Ashtoreth has been quiet on any other incidents. There hasn't been anything about any buildings bombed, or other such evidence of these enemies we now have. I take it that the snipers and these 'red half-moons' are linked?"

Solbiort nods, tersely replying, "Same folks." She sighs a bit worriedly, but then politely adds, "Sheh-sheh, lady. Should you hear of any such, vould appreciate knowing."

Five Dragons nods, "I will, Captain. As soon as I hear anything I will let you know." Solbiort bows politely. Five Dragons looks around a bit; Elgyn is discussing arboreal tactics and evasion with one of her lieutenants, while Nigel is in conversation with the physician, regarding what supplies they have on hand. Her gaze falls to Raj, who is comparing notes on concealment tricks for surveillance gear with another lieutenant. Five Dragons looks to Solbiort. "All right. We'll the two of us to the back room." Solbiort smiles slowly and courteously bows again.

Five Dragons leads Solbiort deeper into the caverns, through a few twisting passages into what could be called a back room, in a dead-end space which has been equipped with a curtain for privacy. Within are a simple cot and a desk, with two small crates for seats. The table has a few flimsies and a terminal on it, as well as a suoshi autorevolver in a holster on the cot.

Five Dragons is a middle-aged woman of Chinese ancestry who stands about a hundred and sixty centimeters. Her hair is fine and straight, cut neatly in a bob which reaches her neck but does not quite touch her shoulders, framing a round, open face. Her dark cerulean eyes are alert and seem capable of the entire range of emotion by themselves, from warmth to cold diamond. The hue of her skin belies one who is not unused to travel in the sun, but is still cared for and healthful, quite belying her age. A soft opaque blouse of white linen is draped over her torso, leaving only her hands and throat bare; the blouse is tucked into dark brown breeches not unlike those worn by certain Browncoat scouts from Ashtoreth during the War, tucked into high but functional boots of firm, synthetic leather. Elaborate, highly colorful body art is visible at her neck and wrists; very little can be made of it except that it is extremely ornate, with the shimmering iridescent coils of a snake or dragon visible about her throat, and similar (if more modestly-hued) dragon heads and vines visible at her wrists.

Five Dragons indicates the crates. "Please, have a seat, Captain," she says pleasantly. "Would you care for some tea? I'm afraid it's not much different from dehydrated field ration tea."

Solbiort nods politely, "Vould love to share tea vith so gracious a lady. May I assist?" She sets the crates near the cot, arranging them so Five Dragons can sit on the more comfortable cot and still have a crate to use as a table. She does not know how the Dragon Lady feels about her weaponry, but at least this way Solbiort is also not near the autorevolver on the cot.

Five Dragons smiles. "Thank you, Captain." She retrieves two cups of tea -- of an aroma well familiar to Solbiort, having partaken of field-rations tea too many times in the war -- and returns to the cot, sitting neatly on the edge of it while she sets the cups on the second crate. Solbiort settles comfortably on the remaining crate, casually flipping her long scarlet braid out of the way, then takes the teacup and holds it up, smiling appreciatively over it at Five Dragons. Almost without meaning to, her eyes travel slowly over the graceful woman's form, admiring the little of the gorgeous tattooing which she can see.

Five Dragons is not unaware of the glance, though she does not call obvious attention to her noticing just yet. "So, what may I answer for you, Captain?" she asks, taking up her own teacup.

Solbiort has a quiet sip, considering, then speaks slowly and thoughtfully, "Sheh-sheh for your kindness to us, Lady. It is my hope ve can be of assistance to you, both now and in the future, and I also hope ve may grow closer in that time. To that end, I vould ask your indulgence of my... curiosity, and your patience vith, ah... my past, vhich I hope vill be of benefit to you." She pauses then, waiting to see if the Dragon Lady has aught to say.

Five Dragons' lips quirk in a grin. "I too look forward to potentially working more with you... and yours, and to grow closer in that time. Curiosity is not a vice, and I am more than happy to indulge it, if you would indulge the occasional reluctance I might show in certain areas."

Solbiort nods, internally quite pleased at how calmly Five Dragons seems to be taking this. "It is common courtesy on my home vorld, vhen asking great favor of a noble hearth voman, to first offer something of at least equal vorth. I vould therefore offer you a small secret regarding myself, and ask you to please hold this information in closest confidence." She has another sip of tea, giving the other woman a chance to politely refuse if she wishes.

Five Dragons' brows both arch. "I would be surprised if the Chang Fei had any secrets left at all, after your unequaled career," she says cheerfully. "It is less courtesy and more de rigeur of the world I travel within -- that of the underworld -- to never accept a gift in return for a favor, without knowing what that favor is to be -- else one can find oneself in rather dire predicaments. I would not, however, deny you your courtesy, for from Ranaka I have learned some of the great value your world places in honor, courtesy, and honesty. I accept it gratefully and heartfelt, and swear that what you tell me will not go beyond this room."

Solbiort smiles, her emerald gaze warming, and says quietly, "Sheh-sheh, lady." She considers a moment, then says carefully, "I... spent several years in the Alliance military forces during the var. I have maintained several old contacts, and made some new ones, during that time. One of them is Colonel Lu Yuan, commandant of Security for Adarra." She frowns slightly, adding, "I am... rather concerned for his continued good health, in fact, due to the closeness of the recent attacks by the red half-moons."

Solbiort says, "However, that is not currently our topic of discussion. Vhat I vished to relay to you vas a recent conversation ve two had, concerning the effectiveness of the red half-moons, and our... shared vish to see their enemies prosper. To that end I spoke to him of yourself and your, ah, forces, and he told me the following..."

Five Dragons sets down her teacup carefully. "A colonel of Alliance Security," she says slowly, "is... quite a personage to have as a contact. Lu Yuan is known to me, and is arguably amongst the most competent of the Alliance's counterintelligence and criminal investigation officers..."

Solbiort pulls up a file on her terminal, then plays it for Five Dragons. The Colonel is speaking: "She is an avowed criminal, placing herself outside the law of the Alliance." The man sighs, shaking his head, then continues, "But at that, she's at least better than those such as Boss Higgins. For the duration of this... crisis, I will see to it that law compliance forces do not attempt to arrest her, and that so long as she does nothing in excess in the future, said law compliance forces will... look the other way. Though Parliament is used to such-" Solbiort clicks off the terminal in mid-sentence there, then looks up at Five Dragons. "I hope this is of use to you, Lady."

Five Dragons goes quite still as she listens to the recording. "You... continue to amaze me, Chang Fei," she says a little distantly. "It is quite audacious to record the commandant of Security for Adarra without his knowledge, as I am certain he would not have allowed himself to be. Certainly audacity worthy of 'Mad Red.'" She looks a little divided, carefully considering what to say and how to react.

Solbiort tucks her terminal away and picks up her teacup again. She's quietly pleased she had at least one secret from the redoubtable Dragon Lady. It makes her gift that much more worth while, she hopes -- and equally hopefully, will establish her in good favor with the lady. She grins quietly at Five Dragons' comment, giving one polite nod -- and internally cheering happily that Five Dragons seems impressed! She'd very much like to continue impressing such an inspiring lady -- what a valdojer the Dragon Lady would be! Then she mentally reproves herself -- focus! She sips her tea and waits.

Five Dragons rouses herself a little, and looks to Solbiort. "As I said," she says, still sounding a little... distant? distracted? "None outside the room will hear of this from me. You honor me with this knowledge, and of your gift in arranging for Lu Yuan's assent to... leaving me and my organization be, for the time being." She adds with a faint smile, "You may not fully realize how extraordinary an accomplishment that is." Her smile freezes for a moment, then turns into a serious frown. "In that, then... the situation really is quite grave, at that, isn't it?"

Solbiort's quietly gleeful smile slips away and she nods once, gravely, "I vill not lie to you, lady -- I believe until ve stop these red half-moons they vill continue trying to kill us. All of us." She sips her tea, then dryly adds, "Ai ya, wo mun wan luh [we're in big trouble]."

Five Dragons nods a little. "No jest," she murmurs, and takes another sip of tea. "Very well, then, Captain. If I may help in any way, I shall."

Solbiort brightens a bit, her eyes sparkling, and politely returns with a compliment, "Truly, lady, you are bo le shi ma [one who recognizes true worth]. May I trouble you vith my inconsequential qvestions now?"

Five Dragons smiles. "I doubt they are at all inconsequential," she murmurs. "Please, feel free."

Solbiort considers, then politely asks, "If I may, I vould learn how extraordinary an accomplishment I have just performed. Is there bad blood between the Colonel and your own?"

Five Dragons' smile fades, but only a little bit, losing some of its banter. "That is one way of putting it," she says. "He and I have... a history. Too long a history, dating back to when we knew each other under much different names. As the twin pearls of Fate and Chance conspired, we eventually encountered each other again, this time on opposite sides of Alliance law. It did not make him pleased, of course, and despite our history he could not allow himself to be lenient. And so he -- I suspect -- hardened his heart even more towards me."

Solbiort murmurs softly, "Shuh-muh so very much, lady. If this is painful to speak of, I retract my qvestion."

Five Dragons shakes her head. "It is fine, Captain. There is naught else to really say. He is bitter and angry and upset. But despite this, I would myself like to know that he is well and is not another victim of these attacks."

Solbiort nods again, "I am relieved to hear so; I too am concerned for his... continued health, despite efforts of red half-moons. If you should hear of his death, may I ask please to notify me at vonce? He has charged me vith... a posthumous duty, should he die in this conflict -- and I shall not disappoint."

Five Dragons nods. "I will do so, Captain. Though what we shared is long in the past, I do not think he would begrudge me what little assistance I can now lend both you and him."

Solbiort sips her tea once more, pondering, then smiles a bit shyly -- not a common expression on her face! "Handsome lady, vould ask your indulgence again, this time about yourself. Vhyfor you so hate the Tong, and vhat do the beautiful five dragon tattoos signify to you? And..." she hesitates, then says carefully, "and... vould it ever be possible for an admirer to -- to see them?" She carefully sets her teacup down, not sure if she's going to get her face (perhaps deservedly) smacked for that last request!

Five Dragons blinks in surprise, then breaks into a quietly merry grin. "Alas that such a request and the answer won't be known to the 'Verse in the canon of Mad Red's accomplishments. Not that I could compare myself to even the least of the personages whom you have swept off their feet. But perhaps best to begin with the first, then, if you have the time for the story."

Solbiort blinks, a bit startled to hear she's known as a rake -- then, surprisingly, she blushes. With an embarrassed grin, she murmurs, "For you, jing-tsai lady, all the time you vant."

Five Dragons smiles quietly, folding her arms thoughtfully. "A long time ago," she says, "there was a woman on Osiris. She had a pair of loving husbands and several children -- a boy, a girl, and a set of twins: another boy and a girl. She was the magnate of a small shipping company, her first husband was a high official in the Alliance government, and her second husband was a writer who remained at home to take care of the four children.

"One day, many years before the War set brother against brother, some very polite men and women came to pay the woman a visit. They expressed their interest in working with the woman towards a number of goals, very few of which were legitimate in the eyes of the Alliance. While the woman was pragmatic, this was not business she wanted to get involved with, least of all because her first husband was so involved in the government. The men did not like this answer too much, and urged her to reconsider. But she would not.

"Over the course of the next two years, her second husband and both her non-twin children experienced... accidents. Fatal accidents. The twins were very distraught and did not really know what was going on. Fortunately the men underestimated her resolve, and the willingness of the Alliance to protect her and her family. Despite this, 'bad fortune' continued to plague the family. In her tenth year, the girl of the twins was sent to live with relatives, and the boy to another set of relatives. While they were away, another 'accident' claimed the woman and her first husband."

Solbiort blinks, looking faintly horrified as Five Dragons continues, "By will, the twins inherited the bulk of their parents' estates, but much of it was tied up in taxes, probates, and other bureaucratic nonsense. A good deal of it was put in trust for the twins. Because of corporate plundering, a hostile takeover by Blue Sun, and some unethical relatives, a fraction remained for the twins when they reached their majority. But it was enough.

"The girl had enough to start her own small transshipment firm on Beaumonde, making a reasonable profit in seeing that needed supplies and desired luxuries followed the stream of settlers heading out to the Fringe. The Tongs generally left her alone. In her twenty-second year she sold off her holdings in the now modestly large firm, and took her most trusted people with her to the outer Border Moons." She smiles cheerfully. "It was in that year she shucked off her first name, and found one on Hera perhaps crazy enough to be talked into the long task of what he would often bemoan as his greatest work of body art which few would ever see."

Solbiort blinks again, then mentally lays a visual of the Colonel next to Five Dragons, in her head. Could they be related?! And the five dragons... her deceased family, perhaps? Then she mentally shakes her head... she doesn't think the Colonel and Five Dragons are related. There's something, though... she can't quite put her finger on it... until it hits her -- the son, Yuan-Shao Liu, that she drank under the table! Solbiort blinks a bit startledly -- the Dragon Lady and the Colonel were once lovers?! She covers a small grin, her opinion of the Colonel going up a bit. Remarkably good taste in women he seems to have!

Solbiort considers. She knows there are a lot of ways to put names together in the 'Verse. The Colonel chose the traditional path of clan-name followed by personal name -- thus, literally: Yuan of the clan or family Lu. Based on the two syllables of Liu's name, 'Liu' would be his clan-name and 'yuan-shao' his given name. 'Liu' is such a very common clan name, though (rather like the eponymous 'Smith'), that it might be an alias, especially since there are only about a hundred or so major clans as it is. Thus Yuan-Shao would be his given name, which now makes total sense: Five Dragons named Liu after Lu Yuan. Solbiort thinks that's rather sweet of the Dragon Lady.

Five Dragons pauses to take a sip of tea. "After two years, the Tong members who had killed the rest of her family were themselves dead, and the girl again changed her name and identity. Based on the design that the artist had made -- the artist who was caught in the crossfire between the girl and her friends, and the Tong -- she became known as... Five Dragons."

Solbiort nods, unsurprised somehow to hear the (current) end of this story. Quietly she asks, "And the male twin? Did he live?"

Five Dragons nods. "Yes, he lived, and lives still. He prefers to keep his privacy, since he manages a great number of holdings. His sister transferred many of her inherited shares into his name, and he spends most of his time on Bellerophon, managing his family's holdings. More than this, I'm afraid it is not for me to say."

Solbiort murmurs thoughtfully, "Bellerophon..." Abruptly remembering her recent 'performance' on Bellerophon with the Fergussen family, she grins sheepishly, "Ah... right. Bellerophon."

Five Dragons grins. "He did mention that... incident... in his last message, saying he was vastly amused. He did not mention meeting you, however, so I do not think he was in attendance that evening."

Solbiort blushes again, her pale skin going rather brilliantly crimson, "Umm... ya. So, ah..." she runs a finger lightly around the delicate rim of her teacup, then glances sideways at the older woman, "the... beautiful dragons, they signify the lost family? And, ah... might you answer last qvestion too, maybe?"

Five Dragons shakes her head. "No, they don't, though I have sometimes wondered if they might. But then I do not believe that any of my family would have entirely approved! Central culture can be quite appreciative of such art at times, but not quite in one's own family. The five dragons were something I had imagined as a child, with my relatives on Londinium. Mother told me once of the five directions which led outward from one's self -- north, east, west, south, and the black -- and the sixth direction which grounded one's self: the world. For what I was embarking on at the time, I felt the need to sever or at least weaken my ties to the world, to my past, and to go outward and upward to meet what tasks I needed to do. And the art which was done was meant to represent that."

Solbiort nods, listening interestedly... and not willing to interrupt considering her last query. Then Five Dragons tilts her head to the side, and grins slowly. "Remind me again what your last question was, please?"

Solbiort draws her breath in, her eyes bright with worry for a fraction of a second -- and then an embarrassed grin crosses her face, as she realizes the Dragon Lady remembers quite well! and is teasing her. Her emerald gaze gets a bit mischievous in return, and she says (albeit still with very careful courtesy!), "May I see your dragons, handsome lady?"

Five Dragons gives a soft laugh, and stands. Without moving away, she deftly (yet without hurry) unfastens the blouse. "A bit less than half of one dragon, and two of the others, won't be visible," she says easily. "But I hope this assuages your curiosity, at least for the time being."

Solbiort's eyes widen a bit as her gaze follows the rising lady, and she smiles, "Gladly, Lady."

Two of Five Dragons' namesakes are entwined about her arms: a fiery red one with its head near her wrist, the other's blue head coiled about her shoulder. Both are wrapped about her arms, interspaced with vines and small blossoms of indeterminate type. The tail of one of the other dragons is visible as a short arc of scaled green length. The other is more obvious, its copper head sinuously curled around a lotus blossom several centimeters below her navel and thus mostly concealed by the waist of her breeches.

The fifth dragon, however, is entwined in various ways amongst the coils of the others, joining them all together. In rich iridescent ebony, with traces of the other four colors in its belly scales, the fifth dragon is by far the largest and also the most dramatic. The head of the dragon is nestled high upon her chest, the coils reaching back and around her neck and further wrapping themselves in sinuous curves around her. The large talons of the dragon that are visible above the breeches appear to hold aloft or embrace her bosom, though much of that is concealed beneath a simple, plain brassiere.

Solbiort's emerald eyes widen again, and she sighs softly as she almost reverently takes in the incredibly beautiful, detailed body art. Softly she murmurs, "Jing-tsai, oh, ya..." then rises, slowly enough to not loom or be alarming, and reaches carefully for one of Five Dragons' hands.

Five Dragons does have the faintest hint of a blush, but as Solbiort stands she only raises a brow, smiling as she lets Solbiort take her hand. "I take it you approve then, Captain. I think you understand this isn't quite the sort of thing I'd be showing my family! As I recall, my brother was himself a touch scandalized."

Solbiort smiles a bit as she lays the smaller woman's slender hand across her larger palm, as carefully as if she were handling porcelain. She steps forward once so the two women are literally front to front, Solbiort looking directly down into Five Dragons' upturned, brilliant blue eyes. Her own gaze practically smolders as she softly murmurs, "May I?" Without looking away, still intently holding the other woman's gaze, the fingers of Solbiort's free hand lightly trail along Five Dragons' slender, tattooed wrist. It's a warm, gentle, almost teasing touch...

Five Dragons' lips quirk. "You may, Captain, certainly. But whatever might your crew think?"

Solbiort's eyes light up with internal laughter as she murmurs, "They vould doubtless envy me greatly, beautiful von -- but they are not here, und I haf nefer been von to kiss und tell." She grins, finally pulling her gaze reluctantly from Five Dragons' shining blue eyes -- but only so far as to follow the slow, appreciative trail her warm fingers are slowly tracing up along the shimmering coils of the dragon entwined about Five Dragons' arm. Solbiort's humor slips away into an absorbed, almost passionate demeanor, her intense gaze almost devouring the luxuriantly beautiful artwork which her strong, slender fingers are reverently, sensuously tracing, lingering on sensitive spots and slowly caressing along the smaller woman's out-held arm...

Five Dragons observes with a not-at-all-detached air. "Envious they might be," she says, eyes bright, "but I would say more of myself than of you, surely. You've a lovely gentle touch, Captain." Beneath her fingertips, Solbiort feels the faintest of goose bumps on Five Dragons' skin. "I admit that it's been... a very long time since I've let someone be... quite this close."

Solbiort smiles, ducking her head slightly so the scarlet wings of her hair fall forward to hide her face a bit. Her voice is shyly pleased as she murmurs, "Ah, neh... you force me to confess you in error, lovely von. Everyvon knows a vise voman such as yourself alvays outshines a simple valkyrie, chust as a star outshines its enthralled moon."

Solbiort steps to one side, carefully shifting Five Dragons' small hand to rest in her other palm, so she can stand behind the smaller woman and admire the beautiful artwork curling and writhing about Five Dragon's back. There's a moment of silent regard... and then Five Dragons can feel Solbiort's warm breath like a soft caress on the back of her neck, as she bends to whisper, "I... am not unavare of the honor you grant me, lady..."

Very lightly Solbiort's other hand slides around Five Dragons' waist, and she cautiously clasps her strong arms warmly around the smaller woman in a gentle, careful hug from behind. The warmth of her body presses against Five Dragons, and for just a moment there's the even warmer, soft pressure of a kiss on the tender skin where shoulder meets neck... then Solbiort draws in her breath slowly, going quite still, her heart thundering in her chest as she just stands for a moment. Has she gone too far?

Solbiort can feel Five Dragons let out a soft, pleasurable sigh, her smile almost audible in that quiet sound. As Solbiort hesitates, Five Dragons herself stands thoughtfully still as well, seeming unlikely to haul back or take affront. Solbiort sighs softly again, then smiles in mixed relief and regret -- she should stop while she's ahead. Quietly she murmurs, "Forgif me, please, lady. I vas... impetuous. Need you any assistance vith replacing shirt?" She moves again, shifting to step back and around in front of the smaller woman, her hands trailing slowly, reluctantly away from Five Dragons' slender body. Her gaze is still passionately attracted, but she's working hard to remain polite to her host. A little wistfully she adds, "Vith your permission, I vould court you vhen possible, handsome lady. May I?"

Five Dragons laughs softly, turning her hand so that her own fingertips brush against Solbiort's arm as the captain withdraws. "Most who would do so don't even ask permission first. How could I refuse? I would be honored, Captain."

Solbiort flushes with a mix of pleasure and embarrassment, bowing politely to give herself time to recover. When she straightens, and Five Dragons is re-dressed, Solbiort smiles and offers her arm to the smaller lady, her emerald gaze bright with happiness. Five Dragons, her blouse now concealing the artwork, is still smiling and with a bit of a blush to her cheeks. She slips her hand into the offered arm. "You are positively glowing, captain," she observes, partly teasingly.

Solbiort grins sheepishly down at Five Dragons, running the back of her free hand across one flaming cheek, "Er... shuh-muh, lady -- nefer felt like this vith anyvon else, though." She straightens, taking a deep breath to help compose herself as she paces slowly back toward the others. "Von last thing you might like to know? Carmen Etheridge still is loyal to you -- she hire us to take some rubies to Demeter." She flushes suddenly again, wondering if Five Dragons realized what she just said about feelings... she grins, suddenly ebullient. What if she does realize Soli's in love? It's only the truth, after all!

Five Dragons blinks, then smiles a little knowingly at the comment about feelings. "Nobody else at all, captain? Truly?" Then she is a bit more businesslike again, her brow arching, "Carmen? Interesting. I wonder what she hopes to accomplish with this."

Solbiort whews softly as Five Dragons is distracted by the news, and simply murmurs, "Think she vants to keep avenues open for you, she say? Or for your heirs. She is not sure if anyvon still lives."

Five Dragons nods thoughtfully. "Mmm, I see. I have no reason to doubt her intentions, Captain; it is just surprising. Yes... I know it disrupted my organization to remain 'dead,' but until the attacks are curtailed...."

Solbiort nods silently... and then honesty nudges her and she looks down at the beautiful small woman walking next to her for a moment. Then she smiles and murmurs quietly, "Truly."

Five Dragons glances up to Solbiort at that, and smiles back. "Uncharted waters, Captain?" she teases gently.

Solbiort says, "Er... well, ya." She grins cockily then, her head tilting, "Vhy you ask, Lady? Vish to show me correct path? Have been told I am apt pupil, if so!"

Five Dragons laughs, smiling back. "To be honest, Captain, we might very well be able to teach each other things."


Scarlet Chimera
En route to Demeter, moon of Hera, Mishka Quadrant

Today's workout was a good one... Solbiort was in high spirits as she darted and dodged like water, and struck like ice. Elgyn's admiring eyes gently amused her, though he insisted it was only on her form. But more than that, he can't help but notice the joyful change in her demeanor since Skamandrios. After the two have showered and Elgyn is toweling off, he walks into their shared room to find Solbiort already done, and humming as she appears to be pondering a terminal with a stylus. Elgyn notes wryly she's still got that melody from the lullaby he sang to her what seems a lifetime ago now. "What are you doing, Captain?

Solbiort looks up absently, "Mm? Oh... nihao, di-di. Vas trying to find a rhyme for 'elegance.'" Ruefully she adds, "Writing poetry in foreign tongue is not easy, so ka now!" She absently flips a long damp strand of dark red hair out of her face, setting aside the terminal and adding, "May just go to Midgaardian. So, vhat you up to, di-di?"

Elgyn's brow knits. "You are writing... poetry?" he says in bemusement. "I had no idea you had an interest," he queries, keeping the focus on her as he crosses the room towards his things... removing a small bundle from them.

Solbiort grins a bit, "Ah, ya... alvays vas told hearth vomen love poetry. Vhat you think? Vhat do vomen of your people like vhen being courted?"

Elgyn coughs. "I... do not have as much experience with that, Captain. Our people had more romantic song than poetry, though... comes with being a more..." How did Kali put it? "-a culture with a stronger oral than written tradition." He ponders. "Mother always did like it when Father sang. He often did it while braiding her hair."

Solbiort laughs! "Bao bay, I'm not that good -- I can't compose poetry on the fly like that!" Then she grins in sudden mischief, "Really now... vhy you never sing for me vhen braiding, then?"

Elgyn could not possibly be more flustered now than he has ever been. "I... my voice is nothing special..." he replies, looking away.

Solbiort cajoles gently, "Ah, come on, di-di! Vhy you not even ever try? Vould like to hear... please?" She adds, "Got a song that's been in my head for a vhile, too, that I can't remember vords for. Maybe you know it?"

Elgyn is put in an awkward position. Because it is something he associates with the love his father had for his mother, to sing for Solbiort is... well, on the other hand she would seem to have an inkling now. Perhaps... "A song?" he queries stupidly.

Solbiort nods cheerfully, turning so Elgyn can sit on the bed behind her, "Ya! You brush, I hum, und if you know it you can sing, ya?"

Elgyn hesitates, still standing there dumbly with the wrapped bundle... and then he picks up the nearby hairbrush, putting the bundle aside on the bed as he sits behind her. "If you like," he murmurs softly.

Solbiort says, "Is a problem, di-di?"

She can hear the hint of a smile in his voice as the brush dips into her damp, tangled locks, smoothing them. "No, Solbiort, not at all," he replies.

Solbiort says, "Hokay!" She pauses a moment to collect her thoughts (and enjoy the lovely sensual feel of having her hair brushed), then starts slowly humming. It's the tune she unwittingly heard from Elgyn while she was unconscious. Elgyn lets her go once through the melody before his voice lifts in song. He sings in words she does not recognize... he had never before spoken any language before her but her native tongue or Lingua. His voice is deep and thrumming as he sings with all his heart, while losing himself to the pleasure of brushing her hair.

Solbiort lets her humming fade quietly away as she listens. A bit puzzledly she wonders why he never sings... she's no bard, but she rather likes his voice. She relaxes, her eyes half closing, enjoying the moment. Idly she wonders... is this how married valkyrior feel? -that sort of warm, secure sensation in her middle? If so, she rather likes it. Elgyn, on his own initiative, segues to another song... this one in Lingua:
"The minstrel bo-oy to the war is gone, in the ranks of de-ath you'll find him
his father's sword he hath girded on, and his wild harp slung behind him
Land of Song, said the warrior bard, though all the world betra-ay thee
one sword at least thy rights shall guard, one faithful harp sha-all praise thee.
"

Solbiort smiles, still quietly listening. She's not sure how she got that first song in her head -- maybe she unwittingly heard Elgyn singing at some point? -but she rather likes having her hair done like this. If he's still singing, hopefully he does also. Elgyn continues singing, and though that particular tune is on the grim side, none can fault the beauty of the melody. One hand finds her shoulder, massaging as he appears to begin another song, this one in an unrecognizable tongue again. Unwittingly he leans in to smell at Solbiort's hair, entranced by this added element to their regular ritual.

Solbiort sighs softly, wondering if poor Elgyn still holds fast to his ideas about Ulundi manhood and such. She'd rather not be the cause of someone's losing their idealism... but she's getting an increasingly strong feeling from things she's heard and read that the Ulundi Elgyn remembers is not the Ulundi of today -- that, in fact, it may have existed only in the mind of that sensitive 15 year old boy. She smiles faintly as she realizes Elgyn's quite swept up in his singing, then. Good... she's certainly given him enough travail recently, she thinks a touch sadly.

He eventually stops both the singing and the brushing, and a small, cloth-wrapped bundle is put in Solbiort's lap. "Open it," he says softly.

Solbiort is half mesmerized by this point, lost in a silent internal meditation of appreciating sound and sensation. She blinks once, looking down, "Mmm?" then gently pulls apart the cloth wrapping.

When Elgyn first gave Solbiort the stilettos, they were lovely in that way a blade can be -- shining, deadly. Now they have crossed the border into magnificent. Towards the top the haft has winding tails of gold inset into the steel, perfect for gripping. But it is what crowns each that is significant: a phoenix perched on the 'pommel,' wings outstretched joyfully as if taking flight.

Solbiort blinks silently at the lovely little weapons when they first come into view. Then, one at a time, she picks them up and examines them more closely, turning them over to see all sides, gently testing the tip and slight edging... a slow smile curls up the corners of her lips as she murmurs, "Di-di, these are simply gorgeous. Vhat lovely vork!" She grins, turning and raising an arm to catch him gently about the head in an on-the-shoulder hug, "Sheh-sheh so much!" She beams, her mood rising as she realizes how nice the hair sticks are -- nicely balanced, nicely welded for a tight grip on what could become a slippery surface, and nicely matched to her fiery hair. "I am so impressed! Vant to put them in, ve see how they vork?"

Elgyn embraces Solbiort in return about her midsection, seeming to sigh in obvious pleasure. "It was in my mind as well that this was the ideal time to give them to you. It had slipped my mind in the confusion. I am sorry I had not the skill myself, but I had the aid of one who could not have been better chosen: a jeweler from my home, who was on Ashtoreth."

Solbiort smiles, releasing Elgyn's head and passing the hair sticks back to him to tuck into her braid. Curiously she asks, "You found an Ulundian voman on Ashtoreth? Huh, interesting."

Elgyn takes the hairsticks from her hands, then is startled and laughs. "No, Solbiort... a fellow shieldbrother did this work. His name is Amanzi," he explains as he gingerly sets them in place into her braid, then looks around for a mirror...

Solbiort sounds startled, "An Ulundi varrior did this?"

Elgyn says, "We are not all only one thing, Solbiort. Perhaps all my skills are more angled towards battle, but men can be artists too among my people. One is not always at war, after all." He finds a mirror and puts it in her hand. "Take a look."

Solbiort tilts her head thoughtfully, considering that statement as she angles the mirror to see behind herself. She beams with pleasure at the sight of the hair sticks tucked neatly and attractively into her wavy mane of hair, turning her head and checking with one hand to see how easy they are to reach, "Oh, Elgyn, is vunderbahr! Now I nefer be stuck vit'out veapons again!" She grins at him happily, her eyes dancing, "So, vhat about you, di-di? Vhat you vant to have as your artistry?"

Elgyn blinks at the idea. "I had... not considered that. I had never had any talent for pottery, nor delicate enough hands for fine jewelry making. I eventually decided on the healing arts as my second skill, after trying many things, but..."

Solbiort nods, setting the mirror aside and stretching out comfortably on the bed, "Ya, that you are very good at. Vhy you are so... diffident about it, di-di? Almost like you not vant to do it... ?"

Elgyn looks rueful. "I would not say that, Solbiort..." he mildly protests. "Although there is some element of... well..." he trails off, trying to consider how to put it. "My teacher was a sorceress... she made her work seem like magic. She could do anything: sew wounds up to make it like they had never been, cure illness and poisons... I could have sat with her for half my life and not learned everything. I was still in training when the war came upon me... if I am deprecating about my capacity, it is only that I realize just how little I know. But I thank my ancestors that what I do know is very often enough." He smiles. "Perhaps it is not too late to learn something new, though..."

Solbiort considers, then nods, "Hokay, can understand that. Have felt that vay about martial arts, vhen I vatched my sensei in motion. You remember her, ya?" She adds curiously, "Vhat you vould vant to learn for new?"

Elgyn tilts his head. "I do not know. Perhaps I might try my hand at a few things; see if one comes naturally to me." He glances at her terminal. "Poetry is not likely to be it," he adds in wry amusement.

Solbiort grins cheerfully, waving a hand dismissively, "Ah, may not be mine either, di-di. So, you never say before! How do you court vomen on your vorld, mm?"

Elgyn is suddenly on the spot again, and feels flushed. "My answer has not changed, Solbiort. Learning how to court... was never something I learned before I left." A not entirely truthful answer... he knows a little, but he's not about to admit a man asking a woman to cut his hair often signals a desire to deepen a relationship... sometimes to the point of proposing marriage.

Solbiort hmms thoughtfully, her emerald eyes speculative... "Shuh-muh, di-di, didn't mean to put you on the spot. Guess I'll just have to research Osiris rituals myself." She grins ruefully, "Too bad that nice ant'ropology professor had to go -- could have tried asking him, ya?" Then she swings her legs around to sit up cross-legged, flipping her thick scarlet braid back over her shoulder, "Oh! That reminds me, di-di, vanted to ask you somezing. You say earlier vhen childrens do ritual of ascending, they seek out name inside them. You have searched yet? Know your new name yet?"

Elgyn feels a spike of disconcertedness at the idea she could find out what he's kept back from Kali, but pushes it aside. "To be honest, Captain, I had hoped I could find some way for him to be of use... I would not care to put him in harm's way, but I did like him, and he did so wish he could help other than cooking for the crew..." At her second query he blinks and looks thoughtful. "Actually, no... we have been so caught up, I had almost forgotten... perhaps I should finally meditate on the matter. There is a process, of course, to how one finds their true name."

Solbiort grins a bit wistfully, "Ya, me too -- think he vas helping poor Molly learn to concentrate better on cooking." She looks rather pleased as she adds, "So he vas nice to talk to about Ulundi? Good, good! Vas hoping he vould be, for you."

Elgyn's expression turns a tad grim. "Good with the bad, Captain. If it were not for this other nagging problem I would desire to burn homeward in some haste to find out what has become of my people. Some of what Kali told me was... troubling. That he could not tell me more was even more so."

Solbiort tilts her head thoughtfully, "Vhat he say, di-di? Am sorry if my actions brought you trouble... ?"

Elgyn shakes his head. "There is no trouble. But it would seem the blackout of news about Ulundi is more than it simply being off the main galactic map. They are restricting travel in the name of 'protecting' the natives."

Solbiort murmurs softly, "Ahhh... not a good sign, true." She's silent a moment, considering... then smiles, "Very vell then -- ve pick up a cargo for there or somezing, and go soon, ya?"

Elgyn smiles. "Soon enough, Captain... I would not care to bring the half-moons to my home," he replies, absently brushing aside a stray lock of red hair as he contemplates the perfection of Solbiort's face.

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