un: azure stream || voice

[jeoha]

[[ ooc: during the two days barricaded into the tower by the dragon. ]]

Do not approach the undead if you do not know how to fight them - these are more dangerous than the ones we have met before.

We need two groups. With me, trained fighters who are confident in decapitation.

With others, those that are trained enough that they can protect and move those of you who are not.

Do not take the undead lightly. Do not risk yourself needlessly. We have healers among us - seek them if you are wounded.

Who will come to hunt?

Comments

[downswing]

Recall what we face. A creature of myth.

[jeoha]

[ There is a long pause. ]

I believed it a creature only of myth. Of symbolism. Embroidered onto the chest to denote power and royalty. Benevolence. Wisdom.

Do you see any signs of that in the creature now?

[downswing]

I see an animal scorned. Our turmoil, its injuries.

[jeoha]

And when a wounded man murders, do we excuse him?

I take no claim in knowing how to handle the dragon, Master Lan. If you believe it can be subdued without harm, I weigh your judgement on this subject far greater than my own.

But even dragons with five claws can become monsters.

[downswing]

My people once hastened to kill what they did not understand.

[jeoha]

And mine to use the monsters they found against their own people.

How would you gain a better understanding of it?

[downswing]

First, we soothe its anger.

[jeoha]

If it is possible, I will help to achieve it.

But how?

[downswing]

Apologies. I misled you to misinterpret my wisdom.

[jeoha]

[ A note of amusement is in his voice when he replies. ]

No apologies necessary, Master Lan, I am aware there are no easy answers.

I know how to handle the undead. I can focus there, and hopefully win you and the others enough time to discover a way to soothe the dragon.

But in the end, if it is endangering those who cannot protect themselves, we know where our duty lies.

[downswing]

How will you slay a beast you cannot even soothe?

[jeoha]

It is a beast of magic and ice, is it not? It will answer to the same things all monsters do.

Fire and steel.

[bearshermark]

..Not to interrupt, but ah, having fought dragons, I don't believe that would be a good idea. At least not for this one, I don't think.

[downswing]

We do not put all innocents to fire and iron.

[bearshermark]

No, I know it's a noble creature. ..I might have an idea of how to subdue it, but I'm not certain it'll work.

[If it doesn't..]

We have the undead to worry about now.

[downswing]

It is no decision of nobility.

[bearshermark]

I understand wanting to avoid killing it if we can.

[downswing]

( Good. )

They hasten to its demise.

[jeoha]

I’m listening.

[bearshermark]

..This dragon strongly reminds me of the boreal serpents in my world. Similar in shape, and with the same affinity and intelligence. Though it's larger and more scaled.

You'd think fire would be effective, but the flame has to ward off the chill and is likely to weaken in strength before it even makes contact. ..A sustained flame, maybe.

Steel will meet resistance in the scales. A rather hefty edge and great strength would be needed to have a chance.

It's possible I may be able to subdue it with magic.

[downswing]

Lee Chang.

[jeoha]

Master Lan.

Let me make myself clear. I do not wish to kill the creature, or relish its demise. But I do not value its life above every other innocent life in this tower.

I will kill the undead, and buy you and the others all the time I can. I will cede it’s fate into your hands. But there is a line after which we have no choice, and I have no intention of making sacrifices of lives to the beast.

If Eleven has another way, I will do all I can to let him try.

Am I clear?

[downswing]

As fresh ice.

[jeoha]

Then we have an understanding.

Good luck.

[downswing]

How much time do you give?