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[[Saidenn follows Elene down from the research laboratories to where the pillar is.]]

The northern wing of the Archivium repository.
A diagrammatic pillar stands at the center of the hallway, casting its light across the floor.

You see exits leading north, south, and up.

Akaryuterra flips open the pages of his codex, his lips pressed to a thin, concerned line.

You have emoted: There is grimness in Elene's features, as she arrives at the wing of the Archivium repository with Saidenn in tow. A hand is wrapped firmly about the wrist holding the gleaming silver knife, and she pauses a distance away, wary of any change.

You say, "Everyone, please follow Akaryuterra. Akaryuterra, please bring us all into the Archive, when all of us are with you."

Conductor Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "Of course."

Maira's eyes slowly drift to you, looking at you attentively, only so often casting a concerned gaze towards to Saidenn.

You say to Saidenn, "Except for you."

Akaryuterra patiently awaits the movements of the others in the hall.

You say to Saidenn, "You stay behind me, the last to enter."

You move about quickly and lose Saidenn Tetzauh.

You cease to follow Conductor Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart.

You begin to follow Saidenn.

Saidenn rumbles under his breath. He huffs out a breath toward you, his grip tightening upon a gleaming silver knife. "I am still lucid," he counters, his ears folding back and his pupils thin slits. "The thing has gone very quiet."

Conductor Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "Merek?"

Akaryuterra looks over to the blade in Saidenn's hand, "So what, it got control've the muscles? Can't let go?"

You have emoted: Her voice a silken caress Elene, murmurs, "I am merely being careful, if anything." The woman's gaze narrows, observing Saidenn sharply. "The knife and he are bonded together by a curse. As long as he is taken possession of, the blade will always find its home back in his grasp."

Legyn eyes the dagger curiously. "To be more accurate, Architect, you believe yourself to be lucid. Admittedly, I said much the same thing during the matter with the Revenants."

Akaryuterra nods his head emphatically.

Saidenn growls softly toward Akaryuterra, but he does not answer. "I believe it can leave my paw, but I am not sure if it can leave my possession," he shares. "I..I can let it go." He then stares daggers toward Legyn. "I am /fine/."

The pillar becomes momentarily transparent, and Akaryuterra steps through, descending down the spiral staircase beyond.

(Tells): Your voice echoing with haunting distortions, you speak to Cassomyr, "This is not normal."

You say to Saidenn, "After you, kef."

Saidenn wrinkles his nose and sniffs.

The pillar becomes momentarily transparent, and Saidenn steps through, descending down the spiral staircase beyond.
You follow Saidenn to the ether.

The Archive.
Cognoscente Legyn, Sophist of Ef'tig is here. He wields a small codex in his left hand and a buckler in his right. Taye is here. She wields a small codex in her left hand. Conductor Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart is here. He wields a small codex in his right hand. Cassomyr Ash'aji is here. He wields an eye sigil in his left hand and a chipped bone dagger in his right. Miss Maira Sor'Tirivan is here, shrouded. She wields a buckler in her left hand.
You see a single exit leading up.

(Tells): Your voice echoing with haunting distortions, you speak to Cassomyr, "This is not normal for Saidenn."

Moving carefully to Akaryuterra's side, Maira's posture shifts to a more tense hover at Saidenn's expression towards Legyn. "Mm." she softly hums.

Akaryuterra flips through a small codex and opens it before him.
Akaryuterra uses Geometrics Lens.
Akaryuterra lifts a hand as a black marble sphere with gold inlays pops out of nowhere and into his open palm.

(Tells): Cassomyr Ash'aji tells you, "No... I agree. He's usually very, very careful."

Once the collection of Archivists has descended and stands in the Archive proper, Akaryuterra steps to your side. "You said it is quiet?" he asks Saidenn, "It has some manner of telepathic capability?"

You have emoted: Following after Saidenn, Elene pauses at the exit as Saidenn descends down the steps to the Archive. Turning upon her bare feet, she draws upon the bonds to the Spheres, fingertips twitching and curling to pluck at strings, as if drawing a veil down upon the egress. When she is done and suitably satisfied, she returns her gaze back to Saidenn and descends down the stairs as well, joining the rest of the Collective and Akaryuterra.

Saidenn nods, tapping the blade of a gleaming silver knife against his thigh. "It grows warm. It speaks. It coos, it offers. It spoke of power, it wanted me to kill." He shares. "It went silent when I pressed for answers, for more information, for more.../something/ than a pitted demand to kill." He then glares at a gleaming silver knife. "Is that not right, you damnable thing?" His voice rises, "Quiet now? No voice to rattle into my head? Did I shut you up?!"

(Tells): Your voice echoing with haunting distortions, you speak to Cassomyr, "He refused to see the sense in sticking to the Archivium halls with the knife in hand. He wanted to leave for the city proper, to deal with the sightings of the figures roaming Spinesreach." There is a pause. "I only convinced him to stay because I said if there was danger, then the Archivium will have to figure that out before he is allowed to leave."

"Right the lot've ya c'n find yer way out," Ryotega addresses the group, pointing upward. "It's that way when ya need it. Don't be taggin' after us though, just in case somethin' goes wrong. Keep sharp." Nodding shortly in the moment after, Akaryuterra demonstrates his agreement with the sentiment.

Akaryuterra uses Racial Scent.
Akaryuterra tilts his head back, inhaling sharply several times.

Tilting his head curiously, Legyn asks, "Have you killed anyone for? I can volunteer, to see what happens."

You have emoted: "None will leave," Elene states, shaking her head as she glances up at the sealed entrance. "I blocked it for now, anyway. Let us hear the Architect out."

Conductor Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "Seen things explode, fill a room with fire, all kinds've fun shit."

Akaryuterra's attention turns back to the Architect. "Offer. So it knows language of some manner or another."

Cassomyr's ear twitches, and he frowns quietly towards Saidenn.

Akaryuterra uses Numerology Spheres.
Akaryuterra begins to glow with an inner light, his eyes glazed and luminous.

Merek frowns a bit, flicking his ears, "You seem unusually aggressive."

Very measuredly, Cassomyr Ash'aji says, "You seem deeply exasperated."

Akaryuterra emote taps his temple knowingly, "Gets pretty aggravatin' when ya got someone'r somethin' in yer head ya don't really want there."

In a soft exhale, you say, "And very sure of yourself."

A frown wrinkles Maira's brow as she articulates a "Hrm...."

"Perhaps I should take you into the box with me, eh?" It would be clear Saidenn is distracted into whatever he is doing, but he does pull himself free from you with a sharp tug, rifling within a draped jacket of the Mejevsavelnel to pull out a weathered black music box. "Or I could stab you the box with you." He realizes, then, with a twitch, that others are talking about him. "You would be pitted exasperated, too, if words such as 'compromised' and 'yet' and the like were thrown around about your person." His paw holding a gleaming silver knife twitches as he looks at the collected persons, settling then on Legyn, "Cognoscente, you are volunteering to feed her?" He then asks.

His eyebrows raising, Cassomyr leans forward slightly. "It's a Her, then?"

Legyn nods eagerly, barely containing his excitement. "Oh, yes. Assuming we decide to see what happens, I absolutely volunteer."

The body of Taye appears in a flash and her soul descends to fill it, causing the previously expressionless face to fill with emotion.

Akaryuterra steps closer to Saidenn, watching for any movement as he kneels down. "Well, Ryotega and I have intimate experience with such a thing. Simply extending the reasoning from. Pardon the...lack of tact in regards to discussing your person while you stand among us, Architect." He doesn't get much closer, but his gaze is on the blade, looking closely at the surface of the object.""

Maira crosses her arms and watches Saidenn carefully, only realizing she's gritting her teeth once she shifts posture. Her violet gaze carefully watches the exchange between her comrades.

Taye just thought:
So many faces. [Her observations are placid enough to almost rankle:] I wonder what Legyn's said.

You have emoted: "Do not," Elene warns, reaching forward after a few swift steps to slap Saidenn's nearest paw, the one carrying the music box. The woman's shoulders rise and fall as she observes Saidenn's reactions and speech, before glancing down at Akaryuterra, watching him kneel to stare at the gleaming blade shifting against Saidenn's thigh. "I would volunteer too, to see if it would be stirred to further speech. An offering of blood, to awaken more of what it would say to us?" she hypothesizes. The woman shakes her head lightly, silken tresses bobbing across her shoulders.

Archivist Merek Nefket says, "Wait, could it be related to the potato?"

Louder, to the rest of the Archivists, you say, "It is related to the cult of Kaarn."

"Far as feedin' things with appetites fer blood'n shit, ain't the first'r the last of the sorts what call these halls home." Akaryuterra says, black eyes narrowed as he peers at the surface detail. "Explains the K." Ryotega reasons.

Merek nods a bit, listening, though he's clearly thinking about, potatoes, possibly. Who knows with him, he seems to always be somewhere else.

Taye flips to an open page of her codex, passing a few pages with scribbles already laid upon them. Her free hand scratches away with its stick of charcoal, and hovers, waiting for more.

In soft explanation, you say, "Be wary, when dealing with things of such kinds. Kaarn is an entity beyond mortal measure and ken. It required the strength of two Divine to seal him behind a barrier, but the ministrations of his High Priest, Jalak, cracked the barrier."

You say, "This is likely another effort to gather essence, enough, once more, to splinter the barrier and once more release Kaarn unto the world."

After a pause, you say, "It would explain why it was first given to the hands of a young Shaman."

Akaryuterra looks up to Saidenn, inquiring of the Architect, "Have you tried simply...laying blood on the blade - without directly stabbing anything?" At the mention of the name, he leans back onto his haunches and thinks further. "Kaarn...Kaarn. Is that one of the Albedi pantheon?"

The baleful bellow of a hunting horn resounds across the heavens as the Hunter bestows His blessing upon the Duiran Council.

Saidenn lets out a growl toward you at the slap, his lips peeling back to reveal his rows of sharpened teeth. Ears fold back as the growl lifts into an agitated hiss, looking much like the tigers of which are his heritage's cousins. He listens to the offerings, mumbling briefly to himself as he - seemingly reluctantly - deposits a weathered black music box into a tridecagonal containment chest, closing the lid and locking it again. "Legyn," he says, "You can go first if you wish," He declares then, a bit of eagerness creeping into his purr. He then tilts his eyes toward Akaryuterra, "I acquired it via it piercing through my paw - so yes, that has been tried."

Suddenly turning his attention to the chest, Saidenn Tetzauh says, "I didn't close you. Did I close you? I don't think I closed you."

This imposing mass of metal stands three feet tall and approximately five feet wide. The welds that bind the edges of the chest's solid steel plates are perfectly smooth, leaving no flaws aside from the paper-thin gap between the top of the chest and its sides, and the craftsmanship's symmetry is exact. Each segment of each face is three inches long and the top of the chest could be divided into eleven identical equilateral triangles. To further enhance its mundane form, the chest's base design, a hendecagonal prism, is bolstered by the numerological symbolism of the Archivium's esoteric arithmetic. Together, the thirteen sides beckon the influence of Lgkat, the number of uncertainty, to disrupt attempts to open the chest through illicit means. The prism's eleven sides form Jhako, the number of balance, to disperse physical forces that might break through the steel walls from within or without. The top and bottom parts of the chest represent Ef'tig, the number two, and the duality of inescapable confinement and open freedom. Gold plaques bearing kagamine inscriptions of Kalsu words have been welded to the chest's faces: "vusba," "zaya," "abi du," "reri," "oka," "ligfe," "omervu," "geri," "buvri," "abi ebse," "zaya du" on the eleven sides, "ukeba" on the top plate, and "ukeba du" on the bottom. The chest opens with a sturdy steel pull handle which must first be turned to operate its mechanism and release its internal latches. There is space to add more locks to the apparatus if necessary.
It has 146 weeks of usefulness left.
It weighs about 9 kilo(s).
It bears the distinctive mark of Saidenn Tetzauh.
There is a shock sigil firmly attached.
It is closed and you can not see inside of it.

Saidenn opens a tridecagonal containment chest.

You close a tridecagonal containment chest.

Taye appears fleetingly disappointed.

Saidenn opens a tridecagonal containment chest.

You close a tridecagonal containment chest.

You say, "You closed it."

Saidenn Tetzauh says to you, "Gods woman let me put the damnable box AWAY BEFORE WE CONTINUE."

Saidenn opens a tridecagonal containment chest.

Saidenn puts a weathered black music box into a tridecagonal containment chest.

Saidenn closes a tridecagonal containment chest.

Eventually moving away, you say, "You'll have to excuse me. I am on edge here."

Saidenn locks a tridecagonal containment chest.

Saidenn growls again in your direction, a chuff escaping him as his tail sweeps rapidly with chimes as he turns back toward Legyn.

Akaryuterra glances between the two as the exchange transpires. "What I meant, Architect, was shedding blood on the blade SINCE then. Apologies for the lack of clarity. As in: have you or any others shed blood to apply to the blade."

Taye just thought:
Empty? I hoped... well. At least I got to have a vague look inside.

Akaryuterra just thought:
"What, think it'll wake it up'r somethin'."

Legyn holds his arm out to Saidenn, pulling back his sleeves to expose his flesh and blood vessels. "Go ahead, Architect. Perhaps follow Akaryuterra's suggestion and start with a cut to see what happens?"

Merek's breath catches in a gasp of surprise.

You have emoted: With a subtle gesture, Elene indicates to the rest of the Archivists to draw a circle around Saidenn. She spins upon her feet, close enough to him, but not too far. She exchanges glances with Cassomyr.

Merek looks at the baby bat flying around and wanders that way, his eyes watery a bit all of the sudden.

Akaryuterra just thought:
"Honestly, if blood is the bond it seeks, perhaps that will...rouse it in some fashion."

Merek just thought:
"It's so beautiful."

Cassomyr's ears twitch once more, and he hums softly, once. "... Before we go cutting anyone open. Can I ask, Architect - what line of inquiry were you pursuing when it went silent?"

Beads hanging loose from her forearm, Taye pads forward to take her place among the circle with a last glance at a tridecagonal containment chest.

Akaryuterra takes up a position in the circle around Saidenn, standing up and opening his codex as he gives space to the Architect and others to create a formation.

(Tells): Cassomyr Ash'aji tells you, "... Very, very unusual indeed."

Stifling a sigh, Legyn moves to take position in the circle, though his sleeves are still pulled back.

Merek looks to the circle position and also frowns. Well, he walks that way to take part in circling about Saidenn. He still watches the bat.

Saidenn looks at you, then Cassomyr, then back to you, his eyes crinkling at the corners. But then the experimentation at hand get his attention. "We can try, but I do not think it will work," he says. He does approach Legyn, however, "Arm out," he demands then, almost eagerly, his grip once more twitching upon a gleaming silver knife.

(Tells): Akaryuterra's voice reaches your mind: "Have you held the knife, or is he...quite unwilling to hand the object over to any others?"

Taye just thought:
[She sounds smaller.] I have a feeling something bad might happen.

(Tells): Your voice echoing with haunting distortions, you speak to Akaryuterra, "I have not held the knife. He has not given it to me, but he seemed possessive of it."

"Here." Legyn stretches out his arm. "Remember to preserve the corpse afterwards."

Cassomyr cannot quite help his soft, faintly resigned sigh.

(Tells): Your voice echoing with haunting distortions, you speak to Cassomyr, "The line of inquiry before he went silent - he wanted to know if he struck at his allies, would they appreciate him? Would he be surrounded by corpses that worship at his feet? He wanted to know more."

(Tells): Your voice echoing with haunting distortions, you speak to Cassomyr, "About the power it would offer."

Cassomyr's attention shifts, silently, towards you.

Saidenn looks down to the arm exposed, clutching a gleaming silver knife tighter. He shakes his head, "No, that will not work, no. No. Not that. No. More." His words are so fast they almost melt into frenetic purrs as he steps back. "It need be directed, not simply a cut like a regular blade. No. The arrow..."

(Tells): Cassomyr Ash'aji tells you, "I wonder how specific it was - did it name targets? Did it demand specific deaths? Did it state who needed to appreciate him?"

Cognoscente Legyn, Sophist of Ef'tig says, "A literal arrow or a metaphorical arrow?"

You have emoted: Silence reigns in the archive as Elene watches without comment. She shifts in position, unable to stay so utterly still. Her neutral expression she often wears upon her features crack a little, revealing worry that slithers like a snake into the depths of her gaze. A shift of her attention to Legyn, and then to the gleaming silver blade, before an exhalation of breath rushes out of her. "Get on with it, Saidenn," comes the cruel cut of her voice. The woman is struggling not to break formation.

Conductor Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "Literal, I suspect."

Akaryuterra gestures to the knife, "Etched on the blade."

Maira looks between everyone with a hand outstretched, emitting a soft chirp to a baby bat to guide the creature back to her. Drawing her arm towards herself, her wings tilt back with uncertainty.

(Tells): Your voice echoing with haunting distortions, you speak to Cassomyr, "It did not name targets. It seemed to indicate only to turn the blade upon those around him." A pause. "His allies."

Maira carefully gathers a baby bat into her arms.

Legyn nods his head at Akaryuterra.

Saidenn shakes his head again, muttering to himself for a moment. He exhales again, his tail lashing behind him. He hisses again toward you before he turns toward Legyn, raising a gleaming silver knife and pointing it toward him directly, fiercely, with determination.

As Saidenn levels a gleaming silver knife towards Legyn it begins to tremble within his grasp. It appears to slip, evading his grip just before it roars forward, soaring through the air to messily pierce straight through the center of Legyn's palm. Fresh droplets of blood drip from the blade's sharpened tip, its flared hilt the only thing that appears to have stopped it from traveling clean through.

Legyn smiles near-manic glee at the dagger, and the silver inscriptions on his wings glow.

Akaryuterra's focus is on the blade and his brow ridges pop up in surprise as the sudden flash of motion as the silver flies. He jerks back, but restrains himself, maintaining his position in the ring.

Cognoscente Legyn, Sophist of Ef'tig says, "Ah, that's what that does. Architect, can you unlock the containment chest?"

Conductor Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "Didn't we just lock it fer a reason?"

Saidenn blinks. Then blinks again. His ears fold back and he looks confused. "...What?"

Cognoscente Legyn, Sophist of Ef'tig says, "You'll find my ethical and safety standards exceedingly low as it doesn't cause significant damage to the Archivium or Spinesreach. But I'm still putting you in the chest."

You have emoted: Elene sways in position, watching as the gleaming silver knife is pointed first at Legyn, before it roars forward in a swift flick, directed by intent to rest, seated in the center of Legyn's palm. A frown creases her forehead, deepening as her gaze gleams. "The possession spreads."

Legyn pats a gleaming silver knife in a friendly manner.

Cognoscente Legyn, Sophist of Ef'tig says, "Transfers, more accurately."

You have emoted: "Transfers," Elene corrects herself. Her gaze flits over to Legyn, and, seeming to risk it, breaks formation. She slithers across the floor of the Archive, headed towards Legyn. First does she draw close to Saidenn, tilting her head to examine his features, noting the confusion inherent upon him. She does not speak, but continue onwards, to Legyn.

Legyn eyes Saidenn, giving him the once over.

A swirling portal of chaos opens, spits out Elene, then vanishes.

Cognoscente Legyn, Sophist of Ef'tig says to Saidenn, "As much as I hate to ask this, did you... flirt with the dagger? Its tone is odd."

Slightly more quietly, Cassomyr Ash'aji says, "And it is an opportunist... not made for one specific person. Which is almost... comforting, as much as it worries me."

Taye just thought:
What?

Maira's eyes squint as she wrinkles her nose, and memories of a familiar smell make her glance about cautiously.

Cognoscente Legyn, Sophist of Ef'tig says, "And do what with it?"

You have emoted: Drawing her doppleganger close to her as Saidenn's repetition of the word, 'what', Elene draws her attention. She turns upon her heel, and the woman stops short, coming to a rest next to a tridecagonal containment chest. "The key for the chest, Saidenn," she speaks slowly, with emphasis.

Finally catching up with the very first request, Saidenn turns toward a tridecagonal containment chest and unlocks it, opening it and gazing inward. "How did you get back in here?" He asks. "Oh. I think. Yes."

You nod your head affirmatively.

Saidenn unlocks a tridecagonal containment chest.

Saidenn opens a tridecagonal containment chest.

Akaryuterra's lips curl as he watches the exchange, carefully aware of the obvious disruption to thought and Saidenn's grasp on his bearings. "Okay, so that answers that question."

Cassomyr shifts, quietly, a step or two in Saidenn's direction, until he can pat him once on the shoulder. "... You all right, Architect?"

Slowly, you say to Legyn, "Is the knife talking to you?"

Cognoscente Legyn, Sophist of Ef'tig says, "Hmm... I'm unable to put the knife away. Someone remind me to design a bigger chest nnext time."

Cognoscente Legyn, Sophist of Ef'tig says to you, "It wants me to kill and cut off flesh."

Legyn starts to wield a gleaming silver knife in his right hand.

Conductor Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "The flesh of the kill?"

Saidenn's ears twitch as his eyes settle upon Legyn, "No no. It is bound. It and I were bound. It... you can't simply..."

More firmly, Cassomyr Ash'aji says, "Saidenn."

You have emoted: A soft exhalation is heard from Elene, as the woman shakes her head. Again, for the second time, does her hand rises upwards, the woman pattering forward to Legyn. "And do you feel tempted to do that, Cognoscente?"

Saidenn almost jumps, startled by the pat against his shoulder, before his eyes turn toward Cassomyr. "I'm.. think. I remember. Mostly. But. The more I focused.."

Taye just thought:
Strike the head and the rest will have to fall. [The Kelki's eyes slide slowly from Saidenn to Legyn, and her mind faintly constricts.] That knife has too much power on it.

Cassomyr Ash'aji says to Saidenn, "It seems to be a psychic parasite, Architect."

Cognoscente Legyn, Sophist of Ef'tig says, "Actually, it's not very specific. Knife, do you want me to carve the flesh off the dead or off the living?"

Saidenn just thought:
I wanted more. Knowledge. More.

Cognoscente Legyn, Sophist of Ef'tig says to you, "No more than usual, at least not yet. My current research doesn't require flesh."

With a sudden, albeit weak, complaint, Saidenn Tetzauh says to Legyn, "I /did not/ flirt with it. It... I was trying to get information."

Legyn gives a pained sigh.

Deep in thought, Maira leans her cheek in her hand.

Cognoscente Legyn, Sophist of Ef'tig says, "This thing is too stupid. I don't care about the Architect or Elene's positions. You're in my mind. Offer me something I'd actually want."

Cassomyr squeezes Saidenn's shoulder, lightly, before dropping his hand. "Focus, Architect."

Akaryuterra's expression scrunches, "Is that it'r you talkin' about research?"

Cognoscente Legyn, Sophist of Ef'tig says to Akaryuterra, "I think it wants me to kill the Architect and Elene to take their place."

Cognoscente Legyn, Sophist of Ef'tig says, "Specifically, it wants me to remove those unworthy of my presence."

(Tells): Cassomyr Ash'aji tells you, "... Interesting and worrying. I do assume, though, that this isnt the first time we've had an object that is a fatal danger to everyone involved."

(Tells): Your voice echoing with haunting distortions, you speak to Cassomyr, "No. The Bloom is one of those fatal dangers. This one is.. I don't know what to make of it."

Saidenn exhales a rumble and he leans toward Cassomyr. He inhales deeply, exhaling slowly. "The killing - that was not a bother. I just... I wanted to learn more."

Cognoscente Legyn, Sophist of Ef'tig says, "Since my current research on the magical significance of language and narratives requires the presence of others, this would counterproductive to my objectives."

(Tells): Cassomyr Ash'aji tells you, "It seems to depend on who's holding it at the moment. I am trying to help snap the Architect out of... whatever hold it had on him."

Taye fails to hold back something that looks suspiciously like a grin at that, somehow finding her own cheer from the situation.

Cassomyr's ears twitch, and he lifts his chin towards Legyn. "Ah, actually a bit similar to something I wanted to pursue, I will chase you up on your findings later, if I may?"

Cognoscente Legyn, Sophist of Ef'tig says to Cassomyr, "Contact me whenever."

Cognoscente Legyn, Sophist of Ef'tig says, "Alright. Work. I suppose we can find some sort of common ground there. What do you want to work on?"

You have emoted: Elene exhales slowly, watching Legyn and his hold upon the knife. She watches for any further changes to him, before she eventually draws close, one hand rising up to close a hand across Legyn's wrist, the one holding the blade. "I don't suppose, Cognoscente, you'd want to stay temporarily locked in the Archive? This knife is too close to let loose as you're off doing your work." She glances at Maira.

(Tells): Your voice echoing with haunting distortions, you speak to Cassomyr, "It looks like it worked."

"Ooh, one've those sorts." Ryotega says. His lips curl, obvious distaste at the transpiring one-sided conversation. "Okay, so it wants ta make a deal, some kinda 'bargain' with ya?" Now Akaryuterra looks to Saidenn, "Did it offer you much of immediate interest, or did you simply choose not to engage the entity?"

A bit softer, Cassomyr Ash'aji says to Saidenn, "I believe you, by the way."

Legyn snorts at the knife. "You say that as if I couldn't continue my research here for the foreseeable future." He then turns to you. "Yes, I can remain here for now, though I may need someone to deliver some materials."

Cognoscente Legyn, Sophist of Ef'tig says, "Knife, I'm certain studying you will keep me busy for a few years. I'm also certain my patience will outlast yours."

Maira frowns and looks about, unfolding her arms and quietly slipping out.

Maira leaves to the up.

Saidenn closes his eyes and turns more against Cassomyr. His entire weight leans against him, intent to wrap both arms about Cassomyr as his ears fold back.

You have emoted: Elene nods, her head of silvery tresses falling down her crown. "What materials do you require, Cognoscente, while you are in research, as well as studying the presence inlaid in the knife?" Tension seems to ease away from the woman, and she glances around her, looking at the containment circles.

(Tells): Alela whispers into your consciousness, "Whose party are you all having this time?"

Saidenn just thought:
What does this all mean. Is it simply a script? It is an offering without any intelligence? What about the box? What more? The knife into the box?

Cognoscente Legyn, Sophist of Ef'tig says, "Crafting materials. We need better containment devices. I think I have everything I'll need, but I might require something else."

(Tells): Your voice echoing with haunting distortions, you speak to Alela, "We are discussing an artifact."

(Tells): Alela whispers into your consciousness, "... how exciting."

You have emoted: "Let me know then," Elene murmurs. The enquiry is done, but she does level her gaze upon Akaryuterra. The man earns her a nod, as if an acknowledge of what further should be done, could be taken up by him. For now, the woman wanders over to Saidenn's side, joining him and Cassomyr as she draws to a pause beside Saidenn, one hand outraised to press lightly against the hip.

Cassomyr slips an arm around Saidenn in silent acceptance of this, and he gently rubs his back, lightly. "You did a good job silencing it, Architect, and in not giving in to its promises." He murmurs, nodding at you.

The circle is coming apart. Taye stands rooted at her spot, still curiously regarding the knife embedded in Legyn's palm. She, too, looks to Akaryuterra, codex still open and stick in hand.

Cognoscente Legyn, Sophist of Ef'tig says, "As for you, knife, tell me when you have a more worthwhile offer. I don't care about my position. I care about numbers, geometries, and enchantments."

Akaryuterra gives a small nod of ackowledgement to Taye. Then, he casts a look to you, and Saidenn, "Then...for the time being we are allowing the Cognoscente to engage in study. Others are free to be escorted, hm?"

(Tells): Cassomyr Ash'aji tells you, "I'm surprised I was able, if I'm honest...." he speaks in soft admission. "Pleased, yes, but surprised. Mm. Half of me is tempted to be the next host, should Legyn grow... strained. I can't kill people worth a damn, so I would be a rather riskless target."

Saidenn starts to purr at the rub against his back, slowly coming to himself in short ways. He moves his free arm to reach out and curl about your closest arm once he and Cassomyr are joined. "We may have to consider a rotating duty," he then speaks up, "I was fine with the blade... for the first while."

Cognoscente Legyn, Sophist of Ef'tig says to Saidenn, "How long did it take for it to become too big of a problem?"

(Tells): Your voice echoing with haunting distortions, you speak to Cassomyr, "I am too logical for my own good, at times." A pause. "I believe the temptation is a very real thing, and I think.. while I offered, it would be wise to keep the blade away from me. You, perhaps, would indeed be a riskless target."

In regards to the matter of containment and materials, Akaryuterra offers, "I can work at creating an inlaid box to attempt to ward it's movement, but it will require some direct study of the blade and an assessment of its existing...occupant."

Quietly amused, Cassomyr Ash'aji says, "It is funny you should mention that, I was conflicted on whether to bring it up. If things grow.... strained. I would be a rather riskless wielder."

Quietly, Cassomyr Ash'aji says, "I'm perfectly inept at murder."

Taye just thought:
At least that would be some sort of a stopgap, even if the knife has a will.

Saidenn Tetzauh says to Legyn, "I... I think quarter of a day? I. I became a bit fixated so it is a bit fuzzy. It felt fine at first, but when I started to demand more of it it felt... different."

Akaryuterra's eyes fall upon Cassomyr. A smile tugs at one corner of his mouth, "And yet another example within these halls, of one willing to pay the cost of blood and self sacrifice."

Saidenn shakes his head. "I was fine and then I was not. I think."

Even quieter, Cassomyr Ash'aji says, "And I have eight younger siblings, I am well accustomed to having coersive arguments thrown my way."

Akaryuterra chuckles long and heartily.

Saidenn just thought:
Knowledge. Did you have knowledge? The box. Kaarn. More? Why? Me again, too. But why?

You have emoted: "You should.. keep the blade away from me," Elene vocalises honestly. The woman glances down at her hands, specifically the one whose arm is entwined about Saidenn's own. She uses that appendage like an anchor, drawing herself back to him before she untangles herself momentarily, curling her own arms around his waist in a bit of a back hug. "I am apt at murder, and while I originally volunteered, I think... in me, the knife might awaken something else." A pause. "Though if things came down to it, I would be fine with locking myself away in the Archive as well. I don't mind trying, though, if a rotating duty is necessary."

With mild amusement, Cassomyr Ash'aji says, "The things children will baselessly promise when they want your help to do something they oughtn't."

You say to Akaryuterra, "I think you would be best suited to assist Legn with creating an inlaid box for... whatever this knife is."

Cassomyr nods his head at you.

Taye speaks, quiet but steady. "Once the blade is gone from one's person, they are completely freed, yes? It would be dangerous for the Archivium's leaders to remain under its influence when you hold the greatest power."

Akaryuterra gives a nod, "Understood, Belletrist."

Cognoscente Legyn, Sophist of Ef'tig says to you, "That would be best. The knife claims to know about your history, though it's quite vague. I suspect it's making an educated guess."

"It took a few moments for the Architect to regain himself," Cassomyr says, quietly, as his attention shifts to Taye. "But... yes, it does not seem to be an eternal grip."

With an exhale, Saidenn Tetzauh says, "Elene, Legyn, work to create a roster of volunteers or those you think suited. One may hold onto it for a time, but they are to be kept within the Archivium until we know more. the Wards shall... work to keep the worst of the influence at bay."

Now gazing more at Saidenn, Cassomyr adds quietly, "Perhaps a bit draining. Are you all right...?"

Akaryuterra's attention briefly strays from the conversation as he shoots a look to his left and reaches up to brush his arm briskly.

Taye just thought:
[And beneath amber static, something far lighter rises.] If I have duty, I could stay and look at all the artifacts.

Cognoscente Legyn, Sophist of Ef'tig says to Saidenn, "Passing the knife around would be a good idea. This is rare opportunity for students and pupils to gain experience with a dangerous psychic item in a relatively controlled setting."

Mildly amused, Cassomyr Ash'aji says, "When you put it like that..."

Archivist Merek Nefket says, "I hate murder and killing."

Archivist Merek Nefket says, "And detest hunting!"

Taye just thought:
[And only brighter does the splash of aquamarine grow at Legyn's words:] Yes, please.

Conductor Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says to Legyn, "And do you feel it somehow...seeks out or is able to detect what you want? How it knows what to offer as leverage intrigues me."

Saidenn swaying slightly, shakes his head and curls a paw against your hands and leans more heavily into Cassomyr. "A third party will assess the individual holding the knife and decide if they need to be relieved." He then looks toward Cassomyr. "I..I will be fine." He tries to straighten himself and fails. "No one person will hold it for longer than a day, if possible, a week at the longest, but we will ensure it does not feed off any one person for too long." He nods toward Legyn, "And an opportunity to see if it remembers."

Archivist Merek Nefket says, "... Am I permitted to touch it?"

Cassomyr Ash'aji says, "Not just yet, perhaps, Merek. It may be too soon to transfer again."

Merek nods his head emphatically.

Archivist Merek Nefket says, "I wonder if it tastes good."

Merek blinks vacantly, staring at nothing in particular.

Cassomyr Ash'aji says, "Best not to exhaust our number so quickly."

Archivist Merek Nefket says, "Oh!"

Cognoscente Legyn, Sophist of Ef'tig says to Akaryuterra, "Its offers so far have been unexciting. It promises that taking the Architect or Elene's position would somehow enhance my situation, which it wouldn't, and it offered to work with me, but wouldn't specify how. I believe it makes generic offers that most people would be tempted by and that align with its own specific interests."

Archivist Merek Nefket says, "What classification is it?"

Akaryuterra looks about himself, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

Archivist Merek Nefket says, "Important question."

Saidenn Tetzauh says, "Etonu at least, ligfe at worse with what we know."

Conductor Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "Nolkiru perhaps? Possibility of escalation."

Archivist Merek Nefket says, "Its offers sound boring."

Thoughtfully, Cassomyr Ash'aji says, "A lot of Etonu lately...."

Cognoscente Legyn, Sophist of Ef'tig says, "I must get going, so if anyone has anything more to add, now's the time. I'll remain in the Archive until the Council agrees to pass the knife to someone else. If I leave, assume I've been compromised."

Conductor Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "As of the moment we are not aware of its capability, it appears to be limited by the wielder, unable to enact violence or action on its own. Needs willing mind to...bargain with."

With a shake of his head, Saidenn Tetzauh says, "The cultists from which these items came have already infiltrated three city-states of late, and have done assassinations."

You have emoted: There is a pause as Elene feels Saidenn shaking his head. The shift is distinct as more weight is exerted upon Cassomyr, even while a paw is curled against her hands. That's signal enough, and it sends the woman in a deep exhalation of breath. "Legyn, will you write up the post for the Archivists on the knife? I will collate the volunteer list," she murmurs. "And if it seeks for you to kill me or Saidenn, then I wonder if it means you shouldn't stop at pointing the blade, but to actually see us dead."

Cognoscente Legyn, Sophist of Ef'tig says, "I can write a post about it when I return."

Saidenn Tetzauh says to Akaryuterra, "Further, they had the ability to speak upon Duiran's aether."

Merek leans in closer to the wreckage of a bulbous crystal resonator and inspect it carefully.

Cassomyr Ash'aji says, "... Uncomfortable, that."

Saidenn Tetzauh says, "And... honestly, I am more inclined to err on caution with the ongoing issues of the Pillars of Earth and without knowing the exact cause, yet."

Saidenn closes a tridecagonal containment chest.

Saidenn locks a tridecagonal containment chest.

Conductor Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "To be clear, I would classify two events as Ligfe or Viru. The escape of the Leviathan, and the Chaos War."

Saidenn Tetzauh says, "I do not believe we are at Ligfe yet, I agree. But not outside the realm of possibility yet."

Conductor Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "Not yet, no."

Conductor Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "Still some...unknowns."

Conductor Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "Why does it bargain? What does it gain that it otherwise cannot obtain."

Saidenn waves his paw, "You and Elene decide if Nolkiru or Etonu is best," he purrs wearily.

[[At this point, the discussion started to wind down. Elene left first, before the rest began to disperse, leaving only Legyn sleeping in the Archive, with the promise of having a volunteer list created.]]

Unfortunately didn’t get to make a log of the preamble from the other night but here’s Aisling’s summary!

Last week, a robed figure came by Duiran's bridge and shoved a blade into Listener Mati's possession. It apparently spoke into her head, demanding she take blood from her allies, harm those around her and so on. She did not give in, but any attempts to remove the blade from her possession were met with failure - she could not release it at all.

Mati was taken to the Shaman Guildhall and locked away, for the moment.

The blade given bore a mark depicting arrows, and the letter 'K'.

Note: Things in <> are things happening in Mati's head. I don't know how to do pretty colours so you get what you get. Sibatti gets her hands dirty in there too at one point, sorry if that's confusing.
--

The following week...

Edit: I switched it to a pastebin because, for some unknown reason, the forums hate me and kept not showing portions of the log in spite of it...being there when I would go to edit it. I don't even know. Here's a link.

Just wanted to give a shout-out to all involved, both on this side and Pools. It was a true blast and I am so very grateful to have been a part. A stand-out time in my Aetolian career for sure. Turns out, fun things come to those who idle in public places, just out there, apparently just waiting to be a target.