GM: Kevan Forbes
System: Exalted, 2nd Edition
Hand’s Account
As Timeless Wandering Wind absorbed the contents of the small library, she began to explore the labyrinth of chutes, tunnels and hidden passages throughout the Adamant Manse. Knowing that certainly no collection of “Sands of Fire” would be complete without the commentary, she searched these often winding passages to find the displaced portions of the epic. Having to chimney her way through a near vertical chute, little Wind found a small leather bound tomb. Certainly not the lore she had hoped for, the young solar was nevertheless intrigued by the text. Peeling back the cover, she found the inexpert calligraphy of Hands of Velvet. The text began with an apparent invitation to read its contents.
Should I one day learn the craft of air, I hope to continue my predecessors tradition and transcribe these tales onto the winding passages of my new home. For now, however, this musty tome will have to do:
This is the story of how our circle formed (part 3 of 3)
…continued from last entry
My memories of our meeting were interrupted when Urasue returned. The child had been returned to his mother who was grateful for his return. The patrician’s staff, however, had other bits of news we all found interesting. First, an entourage of realm travelers had taken up lodging in the foreigners quarters and second, the famous dog races of Gem were being held tomorrow. Of course Urasue, her husband Omar and ten of their guests would be invited. Presumably this would have left plenty of room for her circle to come with her, but after the gross destruction we had just caused, the noble lady was understandably skeptical of Shining Thunder casting a black mark on her husband’s name should a fight break out. To ease the tension I could feel bubbling under the surface I assured Thunder than I would bring him with me and this way we could all enjoy the event. Of course I didn’t tell him at the time, how I was going to get us invited. As for the Dragon-Blooded inside Gem, we would have to look into their presence another day.
The next morning, on the fist day of Ascending Earth, Thunder and I set out early to find him proper merchant attire. Thankfully even during the busiest of days there is some merchant hawking his wares in the Sunken Bazaar. Garbed suitably for the races Thunder walked in step beside me. As he did I channeled the essence of creation around me. Winds swept past me and covered my head with a tightly wrapped turban, cloaked my shoulders in merchants robes, drew lines on my face to show my advanced age and padded my feet with sandals. As the minutes passed I changed from Hands of Velvet to a rather unassuming merchant of a smaller family. Surely no-one who you would remember.
When my brother noticed the transformation he was first startled, but quickly amused by the ruse. I asked him to come with me as we greeted another merchant couple and to “accidentally” bump into the merchant from behind while I was discussing matters with him.
I like to believe that the Unconquered Sun only allows such grace and subtlety from his chosen because he knows our actions ultimately serve a greater good. When Thunder nudged the merchant forward my fingers danced through his possessions like a wind upon the water, hardly breaking the surface. We excused ourselves and Shining Thunder was soon equipped with the merchants house insignia and his invitation. I kept his money pouch for myself just in case I had the inclination to wager a bet on the dogs.
Inside the arena hundreds, if not thousands of merchants, nobles and their servants milled about. Shining Thunder and I found seats close to the field and soon he was sizing up the odds. I had other game in mind, however. Soon, I found my mark, the merchant Melani; we still had some unfinished business.
Seeing that Thunder was in his element (and certainly in no danger) I dropped the guise of a merchant and wove through the crowd to sit beside the drug merchant Melani Sahlak. “Wyldfire selling well on the street?” I whispered into his ear as I sat down. He looked a bit started but quickly gained his composure. The weasel was quick to employ all of his usual charms. He was only here for the show, he had know knowledge of me, and possibly based on my risque attire I would find more compatible company in one of his dream parlors. Amongst his peers his conniving probably would have worked if not for the noble woman, my circle mate, Hakori Urasue coming to greet us and showering me with praise. Suddenly Melani was much less sure of himself and would have politely excused himself if not for my subtle mention of the Fair Folk. He knew then what a danger I could be to him and consented at last to a private meeting. My mission was successful.
Urasue mentioned something of a blue skinned Dragon Exalt in the crowd, but I’m sure its nothing of concern.
