after the fact

RONIN

THE WHITE KNIGHT

Night has fallen by the time Ronin enters The Hanged Man, having reserved a large table in the corner of the bar for their meeting. All things considered, the tavern feels quiet tonight, but that's unsurprising given the chaos of the day and the ensuing crowds in Haulani. He imagines most people have taken themselves to the safety of their homes or inns, wishing to pass the evening in peace; peace that hadn't been granted during their waking hours.

Ordering a round of liquor and beer to the table, as well as an array of snacks, the Knight ensures that food and drinks will be plentiful if nothing else. What he has to say isn't exactly bad news, after all, but he also doubts it will go down like the ray of hope it might otherwise feel like, given today's efforts. With a sigh, Ronin plops into his seat and reaches for a mug of beer to nurse while he waits for everyone to arrive. 

He'd changed out of his red swimming shorts, at least, dressed in an off-white linen shirt and a pair of tan pants, his dark hair mussed and damp from a shower, his fingers drumming lightly against his glass.

now don’t you lose hope

I swear I never dream that we’re alone

I swear I still believe but I don’t know

relive who i've been at my worst,
every single night, looking for a distraction

He’d tried to heal what he could, but exhaustion and pained and pissed is how the Flood arrives to the Hanged Man. He hasn’t changed - there’s no clothes to change into that he’s brought. So it’s with the bruising splotches of red and purple discoloration on his skin, both against his neck spreading up to his cheek and hidden under his shirt, does Sunjata arrive.

Hands in his pocket, his face is red from where he’d tried to wash the blood off and scrubbed at it, but his breaths feel short and painful - not quite enough for each breath he wants to take. He first takes in Ronin, before moving onto the bar, snagging a glass of whiskey poured heavily to figuratively nurse his wounds. “Hey.” He says hoarsely to Ronin, sidling in beside him with his glass, shoulders hunched.

the flood

waiting for the sun to rise
pretty sight for some hollow eyes

totally sniped from odd ilu

the bastion

Remi’s glass is already half-empty by the time Sunjata walks in. The Bastion sits beside Ronin, posture loose but worn thin, the faint scent of his soap still clinging to the collar of his soft grey shirt. His curls are damp, fluffed and chaotic, and one of his legs bounces faintly under the table, betraying nerves the rest of him tries to keep still. He swirls his gin, elbow resting on the table’s edge, gaze half-lowered until he hears the familiar rasp of the Flood’s voice.

"Hey," he murmurs back, glancing up. His eyes flick over Sunjata’s bruises with the kind of look that aches more than it judges—something tired and apologetic in the way it lingers.

Lifting his free hand, he runs it back through his curls—half comfort, half habit—and leaves them in a worse mess than before. There’s nothing else said yet, not before everyone else arrives, just a steady quiet as he shifts slightly closer to Ronin, waiting.

I got a feeling inside that I can't domesticate
It doesn't wanna live in a cage,
A feeling that I can't housebreak

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

I never stopped to think of you
I'm always wrapped up in things I cannot win

The Court of Stars shimmered into view as Noah landed, breath ragged from the beachside chaos. He didn’t pause—just made for the healing fountain, the cool water slick beneath his fingers as he knelt and cupped water to his face. The magic soaked into him like breath, like balm. Cuts sealed. He thanked Safrin and pulled the small water skin from his belt, filling it, before heading into the main part of the city where many came from the beach.

As he traveled he healed any that needed it(injuries mostly minor, sustained in the panic of fleeing) along the way using his magic and sips of the water. He was headed in the direction of the Hanged Man, and stars littered the sky by the time he got there.

Ronin was, with Remi and Sunjata, already there—waiting, planning, with a spread on the table to keep them busy and fill their bellies. Noah came to the table silently, skin itching with the happenings of today he hadn’t shaken off yet and the anticipation for what the Knight had to say. He sank into a chair before greeting them each. Sunjata looked terrible and Noah handed him the water skin with what was left of the fountain waters. ”Here.” he said softly.

the forsaken

You are the antidote that gets me by
Somethin' strong, like a drug, that gets me high

The Court of Stars had been busy, though more with people seeking reassurance than with much in the way of actual injuries. The majority of those who had attended - and subsequently fled - the 'pool party' had not engaged with either side of the conflict, and had been left alone by both. Sunjata, of course, not withstanding, and Noah having taken a few slices in the melee as well. And he had taken a short walk out to Kaiholo Port before coming to the evening gathering, seeking a certain small skyboat to lean against and talk to quietly, whether or not it spoke back, about what had transpired before he had left the scene of the... well. The scene.

It was still a quiet King who made his way from the Port to the Hanged Man via the water, using the swim to clear his mind and cleanse his body. He surfaced at the ocean end but made his way around to the dry side a few minutes later, tucking his wet hair into a loose braid. Ronin and Remi were easy to spot and the Tidebreaker nodded to them and those already gathered as he settled in a nearby chair.

Next to Sunjata, to whom he silently passed a flask. Not filled with alcohol, however, but healing water from the Court's Fountain.

DEIMOS

the resurrected sword

The Sword’s route had been different from the others – having stopped by his inn to change, then Flora’s boat to transfer items and Pierce’s blood – his angles had been in swift strides, listening to the gossip on the streets as he hastened by. It wasn’t a surprise to hear multitudes passed from one individual to the next, and he offered a long, slow sigh in passing, before making his way to the Hanged Man and its already gathered constituents.

His eyes went to the corner, noting most looking a little worse for wear and the mood dour, so he nodded to each in turn, before snagging his own seat, and a large tankard of beer to consume. The silence was something overbearing, surprising given his own predilections towards that default quiet, his brow arching, glancing at everyone – content that Sunjata had managed to get his way out. “Evening.”

under the bludgeonings of chance
my head is bloody, but unbowed

RONIN

THE WHITE KNIGHT

Resting a hand atop Remi's thigh beneath the table, Ronin shifts unconsciously as well towards his husband, eyes lifting as Sunjata walks in. He smiles, glad to see the Flood even if apologetic for the state of him, and he doesn't blame him one bit for his choice of hard liquor as he sidles into the free space at his other side. Noah and Hadama are next, earning twin nods of acknowledgement, and they are all of them quietly settled by the time Deimos arrives, the last of them to appear. 

Loosing a breath of relief, he inclines his head to the Sword. "Are you alright?" he asks. "What happened back there? You disappeared."

He glances quickly towards the door in case Sah steps in but, when there's no sign of the Wild Thunder, Ronin glances to the remainder of the group. "If any of you get a chance to catch up with Sah, feel free to pass on everything that's said here," he says. "Oh - before I forget."

Reaching into his pocket, he withdraws a small, capped jar, swirling with dark crimson. "Here - for you and King's End. I got it from the axe," he tells Sunjata, sliding it across the table to him. "I could see you were trying to grab for the dagger and the arrow. Hope this helps."

With all that taken care of, Ronin lifts his eyes to the rest of them, switching to the Attuned bond for this part of proceedings.. Thanks for coming, all of you. I'll not waste time, especially after what happened this afternoon. Long story short - I met with Safrin recently, and she... pointed out something I fear we've all overlooked when it comes to the roses and the lilies. They don't just cleanse the land or cure those infected with the void. They can cure members of The Family themselves.

now don’t you lose hope

I swear I never dream that we’re alone

I swear I still believe but I don’t know

the bastion

Remi acknowledges each arrival with a tired but sincere nod—first to Noah then to Hadama with the faintest raise of his glass, and lastly to Deimos, his expression unreadable for a moment before settling into something faintly wry. The soft weight of Ronin’s hand on his thigh helps tether him; his fingers press lightly overtop in response, a steady point amid the ragged quiet around the table.

When Ronin slides the little jar across to Sunjata, Remi’s mouth curves into the briefest of smiles. You’re always so thoughtful, he murmurs into the bond, not quite teasing, more reverent than anything, even in the midst of a crisis.

But the smile fades as his eyes settle on the bruises still visible across Sunjata’s face. He exhales and straightens a little, rolling his glass slowly between his palms. "I should’ve soaked more of it," he says aloud, voice low and rough. "I slipped. Fell back into old patterns—fighting instead of shielding." His gaze drops to the table as he swirls the gin, the ice clinking softly. "You took more than you needed to because of it. I won’t happen again."

But then Ronin straightens. Remi already knows what’s coming, but hearing it aloud, spoken into the bond with so many minds entwined, brings a different kind of weight. He lifts his head, the movement slow, deliberate. Obviously the flowers are rare, and we’ll still need some for Starfall, he says, gaze sweeping the table. But if they can be used to take out the Family directly… His eyes narrow faintly. ]That might turn the tide and give us some more breathing room.

He lets that sit for a moment before asking, How many flowers do we have? His gaze flicks to each of them in turn—Noah, Deimos, Hadama, Sunjata.

I got a feeling inside that I can't domesticate
It doesn't wanna live in a cage,
A feeling that I can't housebreak

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

DEIMOS

the resurrected sword

Unaware Ronin had been worried about him – his eyes widened momentarily, before an apologetic and sheepish glance filtered through all the stoicism. “Apologies. I could not say much out there. I am fine.” Used Flora’s compass to teleport out. We both have enough blood to protect our regions, as according to their initial plan, though not without its own errors in the meantime.

He nodded at the inclusion of Sah, for whatever was about to unfurl, glancing back and forth between the ax and blood exchange, relieved that King’s End would be receiving some of the ichor after all the dramatics.

The news and information passed through was surprising; truthfully, the Sword hadn’t ever considered utilizing the flowers upon the Family members themselves. He’d never wanted to be close to them in the first place – not with all the danger they represented. Was there one in particular you were thinking of going after? Or more, he figured.

Remi’s notions followed, and Deimos took his cue about the other portions. I have two right now, and Amhran will have one in Leafchange. Which should be enough for the remaining Starfall levels. But, with these portions listed out, his jaw clenched. I would be willing to give one, and hopefully we can find another in the interim. Or someone else could quest instead of seeking – but the Warden knew he only had so much time in his days.

under the bludgeonings of chance
my head is bloody, but unbowed

relive who i've been at my worst,
every single night, looking for a distraction

A nod offered to Remi as well when he sits to nurse his own wounds with the fiery thrum of whiskey, Sunjata’s attention flits up when the rest of the group arrives. Noah, Hadama, and Deimos, each receive a quiet nod. But with the offer of multiple sources of healing water, Sunjata takes Noah’s first with a quiet “thanks” taking a sip to heal a decent amount of the bruising, feeling the way the soreness begins to dissipate. But it’s Hadama’s flask, also filled with fountain water, that soothes the rest of the worst of it. To him, a repeated gratitude is offered.

It doesn’t fix his pride, however. And the fact his fingers still feel slippery as fuck with the fact he couldn’t grab a single blade or arrow despite his three attempts. It’s a bruised pride that softens into a flicker of surprise he can’t hide, not with the way the surprise of it flickers across his face and lightning scarred hand as he takes the jar of Pierce’s blood when Ronin offers it, warmth flooding through the attuned bond toward the White Knight. “Thank you, Ronin.” He finally manages to get a crooked smile onto his face, one filled with relief.

To Remi, Sunjata shrugs, his mood already vastly improved and with the fact that Remi had taken one of the hits at least, he can’t fault the man for trying. Water of their previous issues with one another runs under the bridge as he inclines his head to him and pockets the jar. “It’s alright, really. It fuckin’ hurts, yeah, but I’m sure you felt that. I’ll live.” He couldn’t have died anyway, not unless they dragged his body into the water and drowned him, at least.

But onto the topic at hand, with the attuned bond continuing, Sunjata sips from the whiskey with a bit more life to him. The announcement of curing the Family members has his brows pinching, Really? He asks, surprise and curiosity lingering in his mind when the announcement of plans for the current possessed flowers are given. Dahlia might be a good place to start. If she rules Stormbreak, it might be enough to get them back out from the Family's influence. But the complication of his next statement has his brows furrowing again as he downs another hefty sip of his liquor. We’d just have to make sure whomever of the Family we do cleanse doesn’t get infected again or it’ll all be a rats race, won’t it? Could they cleanse them fast enough to get the upper hand? At the going rate of flowers right now, it seemed nearly impossible.

the flood

waiting for the sun to rise
pretty sight for some hollow eyes

totally sniped from odd ilu

Sah

Sah hated being late. Especially for what was likely a critical meeting. Slipping into the bar silently, he took a seat beside the others. His voice was blatantly apologetic and the sentiment echoed through the bond."Sorry, I'm late."

From their expressions and appearences, he had a sinking feeling about how the party had gone. He almost regretted not attending. But the Wild Thunder had been wary of the event. Not because it was likely a trap. But over the chance that it might have been a diversion. A public event from the Family would always draw attention. And with recent events, the chances of it being a decoy for another attack on Halo felt plausible enough that the hunter had stayed home, knowing that Deimos would attend. Just in case Halo needed him.

The Wild Thunder grimaced, catching on quickly that the discussion had already begun through the bond.

I think therefore I am,
But what if all I do is bleed?

I never stopped to think of you
I'm always wrapped up in things I cannot win

Noah froze at the words, the weight of them settling like stone in his gut. The roses and lilies—he had thought of them as tools, weapons of purity, means to mend land and body. But to curs the Family? To strip them of whatever darkness clung to them? That was something else entirely.

Deimos informed them of this stash, and Noah nodded carefully. He opened his mouth to speak as Sah stepped in, and waited for the once-wolf to settle.

He ran a hand through his hair, voice low through the bond. He wasn’t sure if Ronin was saying they could be redeemed as much as subdued. I can go to Vi for a rose. If we were able to use a flower against them, what would be our next step?

the forsaken

You are the antidote that gets me by
Somethin' strong, like a drug, that gets me high

He nodded at Deimos as the Warden arrived, and inclined his head in acceptance of Sunjata's gratitude as the Flood's injuries Healed beneath the dosing of two sets of healing waters. Ronin's voice drew his attention again, and steely brows twitched briefly upward at the handsome gift the White Knight bestowed upon the Archon, but the Tidebreaker breathed a little easier as it was accepted and tucked away, out of sight.

The voice that resonated through the Attuned Bond, however, would have shocked the King to silence if he was not already inclined to that state. Emerald eyes widened fractionally as the full weight of the information settled into the group's collective consciousness.

And he breathed deeply at the sudden bloom of hope at this new approach... though of course, it was as limited as their assaults on Starfall had been, and for the same reason. He nodded distractedly to Sah as the other man settled, with a murmured "Welcome,' before turning his machinations inwards as the others began their discussion and waiting for a moment of quiet in which to add his own thoughts.

I have no more flowers in my possession, he admitted. Curing the Reaper might free Stormbreak. Or it might open the way for one of the others to step in. He paused and then looked around the table, lifting a glass to take a slow drink. The ability that Pierce has to neutralize our magic... concerns me. Taking him from the equation may make it easier to face the rest. But Noah made an excellent point and Hadama tilted his head at his friend in acknowledgment. If they are fully of the Void they may not be grateful for being cut off from it. Until we are certain of their response they may need to be... contained. I will consult with Flora, but the Jailhouse in Haulani may be useful for holding them until we understand the consequences of this.

RONIN

THE WHITE KNIGHT

I try, Ronin says to Remi with a brief smirk and an affectionate roll of his eyes, before offering a warm nod towards Sunjata. Of course. We're all working in this together, he says. Sah's appearance earns a smile of welcome, though the Knight falls silent, naturally, to let his most recent news sink in and to allow all those around their table to have their say. He's quiet, too, for a couple of beats after the discussion ebbs, before he starts to reach into a small bag at his feet.

I want to organise a group to go after Dahlia, he says quietly, simply and without a sliver of doubt. After our actions this afternoon, Remi and I have compromised Flora's safety. Dahlia leads Stormbreak, she's the knot at the heart of the majority of the personal threats made against our family, and is by far the most unpredictable. Taking her out leaves room for someone in Stormbreak to fill the gap, if we're quick and we're lucky. And if I have to do it as an interim measure... it wouldn't be the first time. He wrinkles his nose. He doesn't want to do it, but if desperate times call for such measures, it's an option.

That would also let Remi and I step back into this fight. From there, we can keep hitting them hard - the island and The Family. And I was also going to recommend Haulani's jailhouse. It prevents the others being able to get her back, and is protected from void flora and fauna as well. Who knows, we might also be able to... 'persuade' Dahlia to give us more information once we capture her. Straightening up from his rummaging, Ronin places on the table, in plain view, two relics: the Seal of the Duke and Bright's Banner.

To get this done, though, we'll need every bit of help we can get, he continues. And I was going to recommend this a long time ago, but now seems more important than ever. I don't believe we ought to keep the relics we obtained to ourselves - we should keep them somewhere safe and centralised, for any of us to pick up if we're in need. If I still possessed Wilde's Rapier, it would be on this table as well - and will be, when we get it back. That goes for any flowers we collect, too.

Ronin glances up at Deimos now in particular. I know a lot of this has been on your shoulders for a long time, and it should never have fallen to one person, so for that I'm sorry. This is our opportunity to spread those responsibilities, to start working together again as a group.

now don’t you lose hope

I swear I never dream that we’re alone

I swear I still believe but I don’t know