Green Flame Rising (Exalted vs Dresden Files)

4th of January 2007 A.D.

"If there is any hope of saving the girl we should try," that much you know for certain, but as the last word passes your lips knowledge you had not known you had, maybe that you hadn't wanted to know unfolds by demon-kindred's voice: "In form of dreams and nightmares wrought, a memory to smother, curse rooted deep and stretching far."

It all comes right back 'round doesn't it? Usum can feel the anxiety trembling at the root of your mind, but unlike his usual custom he offers no apology. This is his purpose and his nature, to advise, allowing you to come into the fullness of your power... wherever that may lie. Cold, mechanical insights, so elegantly do they present the nature of the world, so poorly does it speak to the tumult of the human heart. And yet if you don't do this, if you don't speak up another life will end with a flash and and a bullet outrunning the sound of its passage. Kincaid's eyes do not lie, no matter what Lash may say about his 'soldier for fortune act'. Dad isn't winning this argument either, not on his own, he's not arguing with a nine year old girl, he isn't even arguing with her and all her ancestors down to the first to take the up the mantle, he's pitted himself against a tool, a weapon of ancient make, the control system of an artificial immune system meant to guard reality against the bedlam of unreality.

Lost 1 Essence -> Now at 7/15 (Subterfuge Excellency)

"[A construct-spell I can will do be, one to deny not just the memory of Formless and all the emanations, self-willed and not, but even the ability to set their attention upon them,]" you manage to get out, perfectly composed in the face of all scrutiny. Turning to the Archive you add: "I think it would be best for you do have control of the... Splendor—" that feels like the best name for the thing and no one challenges it, not Tiffany looking thoughtful, not Harry who swallows all too drily for Mac's excellent fare and not your father suddenly studying you intently, not the Archive whom you are addressing.

Deep breath Molly... "I could help Katherine adjust if she needs it. " You do not go quite so far as to say 'well she could worship me instead of the Old Ones', but no one misses the implication.

"[Suggestion unworkable/Aid would be withdrawn.]," the Archive snaps, then she presses her hand over her mouth, embarrassed. "[It would constitute a violation of standing-neutrality for me to aid in such empowering of an outside power as a consequence of the Prime Function.]"

"Thought so," Lash says, clearly commiserating. "I wasn't sure if the neutrality was internally enforced or not, but as is... we cannot do anything with the girl if we let her live right? I can't take her and she can't take her even..." she looks towards Dad.

The girl thinks for a bit in silence sets her hand on the table and recites, carefully. She'd look like a kid who studied late for the school play if it weren't for the way her words roll like boulders sparking and crackling down the mountain: "[Removing the power of the Formeless from the Creation-Bounds is the Prime-Function. All of self-beyond-self may be used in this. Empowering allies is Tertiary Function, limitation-severing severe. As years-upon-years-flowing I would be permitted to operate under Tertiary Function limitation-severing. Contrary/unfortunate circumstance: Probability of termination/oblivion of self by the Enemy would be above that which be taken on at personal discresion. Function-Override.]" She settles into a look that is half-apologetic-half-sour.

"That's just how the shit breaks ain't it?" the bodyguard to her right offers. "If this were a regular bar I'd offer to get you a drink to choke that one down, but you know..." He trails off with a wave in Mac's direction.

That is how you find out two things, firstly that the sharp edged blessing of language had passed and secondly that the Archive is a champ at the eye-roll game, much better than you were at her age.

"When you say ally...?" you ask her after a moment, making no attempt to hide your intention. All rules have loopholes.

"The Powers of Earth, the Pillars of Heaven, the Principalities of Hell, anyone who could be a meaningful ally," she sighs, stirring her cooling coca with a spoon. "At least I can explain this one, basically the logic is if I start empire building by strengthening my allies though the full use of all my insights it would quickly draw a coalition to silence or subvert me. So I can play the game but not fully. The things I know could push a great many systems out of balance."

"Well whoever came up with that rule was an ass—" Harry trails off, looks between the girl and Dad before finishing lamely. "You know like a donkey."

"Harry, you do realize I know all the swear words ever written, their meaning and their context, right?" Despite her words the Archive seems a little cheered by the change of subject.

Before Harry can answer you cut in:"Generally speaking, what do you think of a a minor talent self-help group?"

Lost 1 Willpower -> Now at 8/9 (+1 Success to the Wits+Politics roll)

"It sounds like a wise idea, the world is only getting more dangerous," she replies, choosing her words with utmost care. "Of course those with specific needs might gravitate away, seeking other specialized groups."

Having settled the goals of common action it is now time to put it into practice. The Archive will travel the ways into the Heart of Summer to warn Titania of the rot among the Court's ranks while Harry your father and Lash will travel to NYC to stake out Katherine, As for you, there is an argument to be made for either. On the one hand an introduction from the Archive would provide one of the better chances to make a good impression on the Summer Court. On the other your insights would be invaluable to the investigation.

"I don't think it would be wise for me to show my face among the fey courts, not when things are volatile," Lydia shuffles a little in place, either from paternal arguments or just being unsure, it's hard to tell. "I can do a stake out, the dead might be a great help depending on what she, what they have been doing. For some there is little to do but watch the living and pine and magic makes things... brighter."

[] Travel to Avalon with the Archive and Kincaid to speak with Titania

[] Travel to NYC with Dad, Harry and Tiffany and Lydia to stake out Katherine

[] Write in

OOC: Enjoy.