BZPRPG - Ko-Wahi

[NorikSigma]

IC: 'Dervish'

The Toa knew her job. She walked ahead of the group to the nearest guard.

"May I know where the exit is?" She asked.

[Aurora the cat]

IC: Ferum

 

The matoran sighed, as if to say, ''I knew someone would ask this question.'' He pulled out a map, that looked much different from the one in the hallway, but it was undoubtedly of the facility.

 

"Which exit would you like to take?"

[sunflower]

IC: Tehlin

 

I merely grinned once more in the direction of the Toa that I held. The air was much colder up here, if that was possible for Ko-Wahi, without the stoic glaciers below to ward off the biting winds. I let out a breath that I had held for moment, the air crystalizing into a puff of vapor. It was rather nice up here, quite calm despite the cold. I suppose I could mention something about leaving mortal needs behind and all, but that's all too poetic for me.

 

Besides, no matter what color my armor was, I wasn't a Toa of Ice, and it really was cold up here.

 

With a thought, I sent us towards the ground. Not plummeting, thankfully. No, I'd done that enough when I first got this Kanohi. I set us down a few paces from the home I stayed in here, though kept my arm around Savina anyway.

 

"Well that's certainly a better way to get around versu-"

I stopped mid sentence as my eyes focused on an aspect of the world around that my brain registered as bad before I had time to think about what exactly was going on. The door was open. And I'm really sure I'd locked it beforehand. Not to mention the neat line of tracks in the snow leading towards the entrance.

 

Ko-Koroans weren't the type to be thieves, though there was a foreign population living in the Koro.

 

I unwrapped my arm from around my fellow Toa of Plantlife, and held a finger to my lips to indicate silence. "Stay here," I whispered quietly, reaching around for my spear.

[Snelly]

IC: Savina

 

Savina was breathless, she was feeling both cold and exhilarated from the unexpected flight, so she almost didn't hear Tehlin when he told her to stay where she was. But once she saw the door and Tehlin's finger reach his lips she became as quiet as a mouse, her old instincts from her jungle life kicking in.

[NorikSigma]

IC: 'Dervish'

"Where do the different exits lead to?" She asked.

[They]

IC: Ishi Polzin, "The Hapaka"

 

"I followed the smell," Ishi replied to Ilofarn, a finger playing with the groove in the table as he looked away from the toa of earth, "like any good hapaka would."

 

~

 

Ishi felt the weight of the pouch as he stepped into glittering snow of late afternoon. He slipped the collection of precious gems into his shoulder pack and opened the red umbrella, feeling the bamboo grip cold from the mountain weather. Outside, the group of allied mercenaries went their separate ways, each cog heading to their place in the devious machine of Alloy's scheme.

 

"Second thoughts, eh?" Ishi muttered under his breath, and with a sigh struck out across the snowy path toward Ko-Koro, a song softly floating off his lips.

 

Oh the summer time has come,

​And the trees are sweetly blooming,

And the wild mountain thyme grows around the blooming heather...

 

A doctor's note later Ishi found himself through the gates. He walked through streets and ascended stairs, enjoying the tension of his current position. Caerus was right: in this game Ishi would live or die.

 

"Exhilarating," Ishi announced to himself as he finished a flight of stairs at the edge of the wide Sanctum plaza. Across the flat expanse of snow rose the crystal spires of the Citadel, a towering sanctum of prophecy and government. Pushing through the small crowds of market vendors and beleaguered citizens Ishi climbed the front steps to the main door.

 

"I'm here with the coroner's reports on behalf of Doctor Gabel," Ishi said while producing the same note he'd used at the front gate, confirming the truth of his words to the Guard. "I'll need to see both Captain Korzaa and Vizier Ambages to deliver each copy."

 

OOC: Interaction request for either Visaru or EW, whoever acts first. I realize there's a few rogue descriptions in Ishi's profile (description of appearance mainly), I need to fix so I'll do those right now. (Basically his eye scar, etc. that were removed two or three posts ago...)

 

Oh, and for those who might be wondering, I did not write those lyrics. They are from the classic song known by many names, one version is for your listening pleasure here:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AOYaEPCi9o

Edited January 25, 2014 by Kughii

[NorikSigma]

IC: 'Dervish'

The Toa slowly made her way to a cave near the entrance of the Koro. There, she placed a watch and waited for thebmoment to come.

[Makuta of Time]

IC: The Twin Vortixxes

 

After the death of Matoro, they've been inside the walls of Ko-Koro for days. Hoping to get some answers in all of this, they headed to the Akiri's office to investigate.

[Mr. House]

IC: (Sukot urn Voyuk/The Sanctum)

 

Sukot had gotten guard duty in the Sanctum, nothing to complain about, at first. It was relatively warm, it was shielded from the bitter winds, and a mug of coffee was but a room away. But he also had the duty, while patrolling the halls, to root out anyone not a guard or bureaucrat. He was surprised at how many came. Sleuths, so-called private detectives, those wishing for a job from the Architect. All believed they had a right to stroll past the waiting area.

 

That surprise had quickly went to annoyance, as it was his job, and that of the other guards, to escort them out. Ko-Koro didn't need another assassination, he felt his employers reasoned. Paranoia was rife, he knew, his more jumpy colleagues were seeing assassins in every shadow. Might as well play along, he was being paid to guard the offices. Not one widget was given to him to solve the mysterious death of the Akiri by a nut with a chisel.

 

So when two Vortixx came into the offices, he did the same thing he did to every other gumshoe. Namely, raising his Patero launcher, cocking it loudly, and putting up a suspicious look. He was surprised they got past the others.

 

"This is Contractor-Specialist Sukot urn Voyuk speaking," he said in a loud, commanding voice. "Go back to the waiting area or I will escort you outside. Got it!"

[Falcon Lord]

IC:

 

Illofarn stood up from where he was standing,

 

"I am requesting permission to leave."

[Aurora the cat]

IC: Ferum

 

The matoran motioned the toa away. There was no more to be discused, and it was best if he began on his portion of the upcoming events.

[Makuta of Time]

IC: The Twin Vortixxes

"Whoa now, we ain't looking for trouble." Said Roso.

 

"Besides,"

 

The twins then show their guns.

 

"We're also armed." Said Kasar.

"We just want to aid the one in charge of investigation to avenge the Akiri. That's all. We don't need anymore deaths now do we?" Reso asked with a slight grin.

 

The twins weren't really the best when it comes to this, but they'll have to do something for money.

 

"So what do you know so far about the Akiri's death?" Asked Kasar.

[Mr. House]

IC: (Sukot urn Voyuk/Sanctum)

 

They pulled out guns on him. Seriously? One Patero grenade and these bloody gumshoes would be bits. He kept the launcher pointed at them, and a scowl upon his face. These people weren't just going to barge in and storm a dead man's office. Sukot had an ounce of honor, to tell the truth. Some respect for the dead, and their possessions, was part of it. And plus, his superiors could fire him for allowing these Vortixx to tamper with evidence, or something in that regard.

 

"First off, put those pea-shooters away. Second off, I'm an paid employee of the Ko-Koro Sanctum Guard, and an enforcer of its laws. So don't threaten me, tacitly or directly. And thirdly, the Akiri was stabbed to death by someone. It's common knowledge. From what I've heard from around the barracks, the scribe may or may not have done it. Now, you are not getting into this office. Unless the Hand himself is with you, I won't leave this spot."

[Klanadack]

IC: Enax

 

"Interesting..." I muttered to myself from my hiding place. Two Vortixx with guns, questioning a lone guard. It seems the akiri is dead? Sheesh. I wish I read the newspaper.

"Perhaps i could get something out of this... I guess I'll wait to see if they decide to attack."

Edited January 27, 2014 by PyroLizard Prime

[Rorschach the Absolute]

IC Veneras, Sanctum

Smoke ring after smoke ring Veneras waited. It was less now about speaking to the captain as it was about enjoying the morning. The Koro was quiet; being on lockdown wasn't great for the tourist business, so it was a good thing the Ko Koronans hated tourists.

Veneras had been sitting outside the sanctum for about an hour now and he could tell a bit of trouble was stirring. He kept his hood over his head, only his pipe visible. He listened intently as the twin Vortixx threatened the Toa of Iron. He was but a mercenary on the guard's payroll, but it's still a city offense to threaten a member of the Sanctum Guard. Especially under martial law.

Veneras was quite sure this Soldier of Fortune could handle himself against these Vortixx. All the same he stood up from where he sat and stood just behind the Fe Toa. His blue eyes glowing from the cover of his hood. A smoke ring emerged towards the face of the first Vortixx as he spoke

"If you intend to enter The Sanctum, you must leave those weapons here."
He knew the ceremonial traditions and laws of the city would mean nothing to these Vortixx. But The Sanctum was not a place of firepower and foreign weapons. It was a place of tranquility and meditation.

He brought his pipe up to his hood once more. The embers lit illuminated the more rigid details of his Kanohi Hau. Solemnly his voice rose with the smoke
"Your guns mean nothing here."

Edited January 27, 2014 by Veneras

[Mr. House]

IC: (Sukot urn Voyuk)

 

Sukot had known Veneras had been around. He didn't know the Toa by name, but he'd seen him while reporting for duty. Wasn't the Toa in the waiting area, last he saw? Anyways, Sukot kept the launcher pointed at the Vortixx. Like it or not, he'd keep his firepower. It leveled the playing field, so to speak. This Toa seemed rather helpful, so Sukot wouldn't ask him to leave. Not yet. If the fighting got hot, a extra blade could matter.

 

"That may be the law. But as these snoops have shown, the law wouldn't have been enforced anyway. If you two put down your arms, I will let you go. If you don't, I'll have to use force."

[Makuta of Time]

IC: Kasar and Reso

Kasar gets in between Keso and Sukot. "Now look, we're just here to help you guys. We don't need violence to erupt again now do we?" He takes his gun from his holster, while putting a hand in front of Sukot's launcher. He opens the revolver, and takes out the rounds from the fire arm.

 

"See. No harm needed. Let's just help each other out, not harm each other, right."

 

Reso then takes his firearms and takes out the bullets from them.

"Give me your gun brother."

Kasar hands his gun to him, and Reso holds them out to Veneras.

"You say this is sacred, so here. Our guns. But, if you want to attack us, let us do so outside."

"Lets us just help you. You can't do it all alone now can't you?"

[Klanadack]

IC: Enax

 

"Hmm... They don't seem to be attacking. How disappointing."

 

Now, the two Vortixx seem to be surrendering their weapons to the toa. Shame. Although, the being known as "Hand" that they speak of sounds interesting. Maybe after this is all over, I'll investigate...

[Mr. House]

IC: (Sukot urn Voyuk)

 

"If you want to help, talk to the Hand, not me."

[Rorschach the Absolute]

IC Veneras

Veneras took the guns, freezing them before returning them to the twins, "Take" he said, more a command than an offer. The cold temperatures of the sanctum would keep the guns frozen while inside. "Live by the sword, die by the sword. If that is your way, by that way you may go. But in this Sanctum you will respect the way of wisdom." Reaching his hands us lightly gripped the edges of his hood and pulled it back revealing his pure white Kanohi Hau, laced with ancient blue runes. "I am Veneras"

[Makuta of Time]

IC: Kasar and Reso

"That's some Hau. Never seen anything like it." said Reso observing the Hau.

He takes the guns and holsters his and gives Kasar his. Kasar then looks at his hand bewildered and points to it.

"The Hand? Like this type of hand?"

[Mr. House]

IC: (Sukot urn Voyuk)

 

"The Hand of The Akiri, the most noble Ambages," Sukot said. "He was Matoro's second in command, and is the regent of Ko-Koro."

Edited January 28, 2014 by Rhaegar Targaryen

[Falcon Lord]

IC:

 

Illofarn left, he headed out through the drifts towards the cable-car station, his part would soon commence.

[Rorschach the Absolute]

IC Veneras

"Ambages?"

he thought,

"the architect?"

 

Veneras had been in solitary meditation since the death of Nuju, only having returned yesterday this was all news to him.

 

"If you'll point me in the right direction," the Toa of ice suggested "I can escort them to His Nobility the Hand."

[Takanuvainika]

IC: Sanka, Hahnabi

 

The silence of Ko-Wahi was broken by two snowboards speeding down the slopes of Mt. Ihu, the two snowboarders hit a drift and flew into the air, the sun glinting off their crystal boards as they executing a 360 in perfect harmony before landing back on the slope at the same time. Sanka glanced at his toa sister knowing they were thinking the same thing, ‘Perfect.’ They finally slid to a stop when the ground levelled out to much for it to be viable to continue snowboarding. Hahnabi handed her board to Sanka who reabsorbed it as well as his own. “Now we just need to figure out how to make electrically powered crystal snowboards, then we could ride them all the way to Ko-Koro.” Hahnabi said. “Hmm, how would I make a motor?” Sanka said as he started thinking about the possible designs for a crystal motor. “I would have to make a crystal tread and two crystal gears attached to a drive shaft that was surrounded by a crystal tube that when you run electricity though it, it would magnetise and spin the drive shaft...” They started walking while Sanka continued to work out how to make electrically powered snowboards. “It would be tricky, but I think I could do it, the real problem is how to send electricity from your snowboard to mine.” Sanka finally decided, Hahnabi was scouting ahead with her mask. “Good.” She said “but not right now, I want to hurry up and get to Ko-Koro.” The two toa continued on their way to Ko-Koro.

 

OOC: Open for interaction in the drifts.

[Mr. House]

IC: (Sukot urn Voyuk)

 

"Likely at his offices. Two floors above, I believe. Though The Hand is a busy man, he might be anywhere around here," Sukot said. "I'll also escort them. Come now, keep a brisk pace."

[Rorschach the Absolute]

IC Veneras

Veneras nodded. He would also benefit from an audience with the hand. He had never personally met Ambages, but he was certainly familiar with his name. One of the wealthiest and most successful architects on the island, Ambages had always walked with confidence and power. It was no wonder Matoro had chosen him.

 

However, he had more important queries to answer.

"If you have no further need of me, I'm afraid I must be on my way." Veneras bowed his head in respect before drawing the hood over his sleek mask once more.

 

Edited January 29, 2014 by Veneras

[Aurora the cat]

OOC: sorry for the late post.

 

IC: Ferum

 

As the rest of people left the room, Ferum eased. Guests, especially those who had never worked with them, were not the Company's forte. People in general where not Ferum's forte either. The fe-matoran sighed, he had had enough of this for today. He turned and quietly walked out of the room. Ferum trotted along the edge of the hallway, watching as Airos and Atakta played a card game he did not recognize.

 

He turned a corner and faced a door similar to the one that guarded the outside. Unlike the other though, the conglomeration of crystal, metal, and stone was visible. He reached into the long hole next to it, and slowly pulled on the metal handle inside. The gear like door clanked open. The matoran proceeded to the other side, preforming the opposite task on a similar hole inside the new area.

 

Ferum stepped into the area. A dome shaped room came into view, with doors coming off it like spokes on a wheel. He knew where he was. A hub, or control center, or safe haven. Everything in this base depended on this room. The fe-matoran walked down a nearby set of stairs, going into what looked like a workroom.

 

Now quite at ease, Ferum sat down in a nearby chair. A thought from a certain creature latched on his back seeped into his mind. He shut it out, walking over to some of his creations as to clear his mind. He looked at something he was currently working on, and an idea occurred to him. Grabbing some tools, the fe-matoran rushed over to a disk like object. He tinkered for some time trying to fit a small piece of something over a wooden spring.

 

Though it had taken longer than he had expected it, Ferum finished the task. He fitted a top to this disk like mechanism, and loaded into a standard launcher. Though it weighted much more than he liked, he thought that it just might work. A quick rush later, the disk had been launched at the wall with some force. It hit, and what happened pleased him. Just as he had wanted, spikes from the disk jutted out, the seal from the inside had been broken. He began to apply this to the rest of the prototypes, hoping that by the time his part of the mission was to be launched, these would be ready to use at his disposal.

 

IC: Kiara

 

She sputtered out the words, "To take this Koro. In tact may I add."

Edited January 28, 2014 by Aurora the cat

[Makuta of Time]

IC: Kasar and Reso (going to meet the 'Hand')

"I don't see why lieutenant couldn't have been more appropriate for him."

"The 'Hand' seems...what's the word? Weird." Stated Reso.

After hearing about Ambages the 'Hand' of the Akiri, they wonder why not just say Matoro's right hand man? It seems more appropriate than just hand.

[Rorschach the Absolute]

IC Veneras, Ko Koro

 

Veneras walked down the great halls of the sanctum. The walls before him were filled with ancient wisdom. Even with all the secrets they held, they could not offer the answers he sought. He had so many questions. He had spent his whole life studying, and yet he knew nothing.

He wondered about the two Vortixx. There was something particularly unusual about the white one.

"What were they doing here? Why were they running? And why did they take the Lesterin?"

Suddenly he felt a pit lodge itself in his heart. The Lesterin. What would become of him?

"It was my fault he was taken. If I hadn't failed..."

The Lesterin was gone. He could only hope that he would find him again. He had to find answers. He had to. He couldn't let the Lesterin suffer the consequences of his own failure.

 

Veneras looked back at the great walls prophecy. He looked forward to the day he would return to study the walls once more. He thought fondly of all they had taught, all the truths they held. As he looked in solace at the walls, he approached them, tracing his finger along its ancient wisdom. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed the soft blue hue surrounding his staff. The glowing runes were etched across its entire surface, tracing from blade to blade. The same archaic language covered the Philosopher Toa from head to foot. His eyes fell to his hands as he admired the symbols outlining his arms. His duty was not the wall that he loved. His duty was to these truths. Once engraved on an ancient tablet, his armor now bore their heavy secrets.

Written in a language far older than any living Matoran, it had taken Veneras years to decipher but a fraction of their secrets. But the little he had found was far more than he'd imagined. Some of it was history, some law, even poetry. He was the sole guardian of these truths. Reflecting on the laws he remembered his duty as a Toa.

"Do justice. Love mercy. Walk humbly"

 

As he exited the great citadel he admired the city before him. Ko Koro was a beautiful gem atop the Ihu mountain, the crown of Mata Nui. Such serenity; such peace. Veneras admired the glorious architecture of the citadel; by far one of the most glorious building on the mountain.

 

He needed answers. But it was clear the higher-ups were too busy for a simple Toa. So he walked the city streets. Surely someone would have noticed a white and blue vortixx walking around. Maybe he would find the answers he sought after all. He headed toward the epicenter of any city's culture: the local tavern.

 

As he approached the tavern he pushed open the heavy wooden door. The entryway was damp from melting snow tracked in relentlessly by patrons and travelers. He felt a sudden wave of warmth about the room. Slowly he turned his hooded head to familiarize himself with his surroundings. There were two disgruntled Matoran --one with a black komau, the other an ice-blue huna-- playing some form of cards in the corner, the bartender cleaned steins as a few Matoran sat at the bar drowning their sorrows. The warmth emanated from a stone fireplace on the lefter-most wall, crowned with the horns of a hunted Kane-Ra.

Hood still donned, Veneras slowly walked towards the bar. Specifically choosing a seat one away from the nearest neighbor he sat and leaned over the bar resting on his forearms

 

"Anything?" the bartender asked. It was Ko-Koronan fashion to be cold saying as little as possible; although Veneras never cared for the practice.

 

"I'll have a hot tea"

If the bartender were anything but a Ko Koronan he would laugh and remind the Toa this was a bar for adults.

But this was Ko Koro, these words would be conveyed silently. The condescension of his face was amplified by his Pikari as the bartender stared to ask if the Toa was sure he wanted tea. Even silently one could tell that the word tea was said with disaproval. Veneras was familiar with the routine and nodded accordingly before the bartender resigned himself to put a kettle on.

 

Veneras sat and examined the room. He hoped there was someone here with the answers he sought. But more than that, he hoped they would talk to him.

 

OOC: Veneras is open for interaction

Edited January 29, 2014 by Veneras

[Relapse]

IC: Kasar and Reso (going to meet the 'Hand')

"I don't see why lieutenant couldn't have been more appropriate for him."

"The 'Hand' seems...what's the word? Weird." Stated Reso.

After hearing about Ambages the 'Hand' of the Akiri, they wonder why not just say Matoro's right hand man? It seems more appropriate than just hand.

IC(Icha - Sanctum)

 

As chance would have it, an actual lieutenant was in their midst. Such men were rare- the Ko-Koro guard was largely made up of footsoldiers. A superior was often hard to locate, but fate had caused him to intercept the two Vortixx. He had overheard the latter part of the conversation between them and their hired soldier Sukot, and realized he had to step in. The guard had plans of leading them to Ambages himself- something not likely to be allowed at such a random time, by such random people. He approached the three, arms crossed. It had been a cold day, even for Ko-Koro. Even to a Toa of ice. Since Matoro had died, he hadn't been in the greatest of moods- one beloved leader had been enough. Two had been beyond extraneous. It was astronomically injust.

 

"I'm sorry, but you can't be serious. Two foriegners from off the streets, no background check, holding weapons, want to just walk up and chat with the last pinnacle of leadership we have?"

 

He shook his head in disdain.

 

"Yeah, no. You'll need permission from the captain of the guard, who will then go to Ambages, who will then decide if he has time in his busy schedule to talk to two Vortixx who feel entitled to more information and authority than everyone else."

[Makuta of Time]

IC: Reso and Kasar

"Hey! Who said we were looking for authority?!"

"Cool it Reso. Let's go and find a place to have a drink. This is not the time for fights."

 

The two left the Sanctum and went to find the nearest bar. Why they didn't leave Ko-koro before all this happened is a mystery.

Edited January 30, 2014 by Punished Snake

[Rorschach the Absolute]

OOC I hope you don't mind I position us in the same bar?

 

IC Veneras

As the heavy wooden door creak open, the wind rushed towards it, pushing its way into the warm tavern with all tenacity and strength bringing a new chill into the bar. Veneras turned his head to see two Vortixx walking in. The same twins he had disarmed not one hour ago.

 

"Well well well," Veneras motioned them to his table. It was a dark quiet table in the shadows where he could wan tech the on goings

"How was your meeting with the Hand?"

[Makuta of Time]

OOC: I don't mind

 

IC: Reso and Kasar

"Apparently we have to see the Captain of the Guard to see he can help us. He then asks the almighty Hand for permission to let us speak to him and if he does, he go and talk to him." Reso marked with some harshness.

 

"He's just mad cause we're stuck here like in a cage."

 

Kasar them called the bartender and asked for three shots of vodka.

[Mr. House]

IC: (Sukot urn Voyuk)

 

This was awkward, to say the least. He didn't want to lose his job, no, not now. The Guard was stable and cushy, it helped to relieve his boredom and keep his bank account (And estate in Le-Wahi) stable. He wasn't going back to the days of selling himself to ruffians, wannabe assassins and Makuta servants. No, it wasn't going to work that way, not at all. Sukot could save his hind from this. As heck, in the eyes of him and most other leaders, he was a grunt, albeit a less honorable hired one. And he didn't offer to escort them out of his kind heart...

 

"Hello, Lieutenant," Sukot said in a cordial tone. "An acolyte disarmed the two, and I felt them honest enough to join the other petitioners. It won't happen again."

[Relapse]

IC(Icha - Sanctum)

 

Icha placed a hand on the guard's shoulder. "I realize you meant no harm. But, in this time, we must be more careful than ever. Ambages is all we have left. If he dies, Ko-Koro might well fall into shambles." He stepped back, preparing to return to duty. "I do hope you choose to stay amongst our ranks for awhile. We can always use competent soldiers."

[Rorschach the Absolute]

IC Veneras

Veneras took a sip of his tea, letting the twins ramble on.

"Yes well you can understand their suspicions." Veneras spoke slowly and deliberately. His voice was quiet, but far from soft. "The Akiri was murdered. Recently, in fact. The whole city is under lockdown"

All this he said without raising his head, his eyes concealed by his hood.

"A lot of good it'll do them. I personally witnessed one of your kind escaping the city. She was particular, this one. Pure white, cyan detailing. But she was up to something to be on her way out in such a hurry." He brought his cup once more to his lips, the hot steam filled his senses.

Edited January 30, 2014 by Veneras

[Mr. House]

IC: (Sukot urn Voyuk)

 

"It's a stable job, moreso than freelance work," Sukot said. In reality, he'd joined due to the possibility to sack village during Inter-Koro war. After that possibility washed over, well, he remained on the force for the badge, the barracks, and a paycheck. "I'll stay on this force as long as I'm needed."

[They]

IC: Ishi Polzin, The Hapaka (Citadel, Ko-Koro)

 

A single guard accompanied him to the Akiri's office. Ishi trotted along behind, taking in the cold splendor of the citadel as they passed floor after floor of glittering, icy hallways, silent save for the echo of their two-toed footsteps. He kept the burning desire to wander off and explore the building further under control by continually tapping a finger to the palm of his hand. If anything, it made him look more nervous messenger than lethal informant. The guard stopped long enough to confer with a fellow at the door, and then with a nod left the way he had come with the constipated march of a soldier.

 

"I take it that's a good sign?" Ishi asked.

 

"Vizier Ambages, Hand of the Akiri, is at leisure to see you now," replied one of the door guards. He held a short spear in his hand, advantageous in a corridor fight where enemies would have little chance of dancing to the side of a well placed thrust. Ishi nodded and walked through the door into a small but immensely tall room. Ishi stood at the threshold as the door closed, touching his back, and looked up. Staring at the crowning buttresses and the celestial ceiling he had an almost religious feeling swell inside the blinking heart-light in his chest. Slowly, as if returning to the land of the mortals after staring at the gates of paradise, Ishi's gaze fell on the enormous desk, and, behind its paper-laden surface, Ambages.

 

The man of mystery and plot sat naturally in his chair as Ishi took a moment's glance before approaching. Uncharacteristically pink eyes, soft yet perceptive, peered from the light-senstive lenses of a kanohi ruru, grey armor softly countering the black body beneath. The Architect was dashing, the weariness of his job yet to show in the jaw or shoulders. Taking a tentative step forward Ishi gave an awkward bow.

 

"I'm sorry to say, but I never learned proper etiquette for leaders of Koros," Ishi said while wavering in his position. "My name is Rōhi, and Doctor Gabel sent me as a courier for some papers she said needed to be delivered to you."

[Takanuvainika]

IC: Sanka, Hahnabi

 

As the two toa approached the Koro Hahnabi said. “Sanka, there is something wrong; there is guards all over the place.” She had been using her mask to scout ahead. The two toa quickened their pace, arriving shortly at the gates. “What’s going on?” Sanka asked the gate guards.