Threads Of Destiny(Eastern Fantasy, Sequel to Forge of Destiny)
- Thread starter yrsillar
- Start date
- Original Users' Choice!
Voted best in category in the Users' Choice awards.
- Location
- Chicago
- Pronouns
- She/They
Disagree? She is the primary impetus for the whole 'contact with foreigners' thing, so if she tries to stay unbiased then there is no one on our side actually pushing for this to happen. Unless you think that person is RenRen, and we should triangulate against her.
FluffyCloudSheep
Soft and Comfy
- Location
- Up in the Air
Where's that in RR? Do you remember the chapter number or name? 😊
- Pronouns
- He/Him
- Location
- South Africa
Is the MOI interested in this primarily as leverage. Quite possibly yes. However I haven't seen anyone claim that we agree with the MOI just because he is MOI, rather because we have come to the same conclusion as he did INDEPENDENTLY.
The major difference is that we do not dismiss our conclusion because someone we dislike shares it, and there is the acknowledgement that this appears to be an easy win for MOI favour because of the already existing common occurrence.
And yes because we are the impetus for this thing we must stay unbiased, or else the Empire will leave correctly perceiving this event as us trying to seek to advantage the White Sky over the Empire.
I really struggle to see why you are insisting that the Empire must be the villain and don't seem to comprehend that the Empire might genuinely be the innocent party (Please note I am not saying that the Empire is definitely a wholly innocent party, but it is a possibility and mustn't actively be avoided)
Edit. The above paragraph is referring to the incident in question only.
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Oliver_Twister
Idea-Man, He Who Shits Ideas
- Location
- West Africa
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Until we get more information on the incident, I don't really see the point of arguing. What I'm taking from this is we should be more considerate of the consequences of our actions on others, like artisans and crafters.
Even though the vote for a shared location helps the summit, it added more stress and tension that led directly to this incident.
We're supposed to be one half of the voice of the people. We should consider them more for stuff like this.
Even though the vote for a shared location helps the summit, it added more stress and tension that led directly to this incident.
We're supposed to be one half of the voice of the people. We should consider them more for stuff like this.
- Location
- the internet
I agree that there's no point in arguing about this specific incident until we have all the facts... my post about the MOI b4 was more on our general approach and a disagreement to what others have been saying and doing.
TimEd
Meteor maker
All the MOI choices so far have had differing costs of opportunity. Throwing them a bone is all fine amd good, but don't dismiss the cost it would have taken to do so when we are strapped for available actions. And we have actually done things that'd be approved of by thr MOI, it's just that we've quite obviously prioritized other matters (clarifying intent of this whole endeavor, avoiding physical disasters, and courting more cost effective support from our already allies) over smoothing their ruffled feathers at this stage in the game.
I agree that picking a moi option is needed soon, but don't overblow the moi's importance when we are juggling multiple sources of disaster here.
I agree that picking a moi option is needed soon, but don't overblow the moi's importance when we are juggling multiple sources of disaster here.
Oliver_Twister
Idea-Man, He Who Shits Ideas
- Location
- West Africa
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Ah okay. After rereading it, I disagree with that approach too, mainly because our aims are fundamentally opposed to the MoI's.
We can agree when our interests align, such as if this case is as black and white as it appears to be. If not, we can stand out ground here because at the end of the day, they're just observers here for a provincial matter.
I think there's too much paranoia around it. A lot of our choices have been neutral to them or only mildly disapproving, and those are for things that would further our interests because, well, we won't vote on inconsequential stuff.
I think people are using two different standards for what "unbiased/neutrality" is. Which makes sense, because there are more than one issue in play.
In terms of Emerald Seas/Celestial Empire vs White Sky/Polar Nations, yes, we need to strike a balance or we lose any legitimacy.
In terms of foreign diplomacy vs political/cultural isolationism, we are the former camp, so we fundamentally can't shrink back from that position. This, I believe was Glau's position. It's also the advice Xin gave us for dealing with the MoI, for what it's worth.
Now, forces like the MoI are likely to conflate imperial interests with their preferred stance on foreign relations. This is a solid rhetorical move. Which is probably why we're doing the exact same thing. We don't need to buy into their framing, and it's okay to frame back at them just as hard.
And yeah, in terms of the "anti-MoI" choices we've made, it has been prioritizing political opportunities we were faced with, during an important political effort. Which is expected behaviour from us. We've also scaled down our ambitions and made some concessions, this has just been balanced against the stuff we want to do and maintaining outreach to the White Sky and their sensibilities.
In terms of Emerald Seas/Celestial Empire vs White Sky/Polar Nations, yes, we need to strike a balance or we lose any legitimacy.
In terms of foreign diplomacy vs political/cultural isolationism, we are the former camp, so we fundamentally can't shrink back from that position. This, I believe was Glau's position. It's also the advice Xin gave us for dealing with the MoI, for what it's worth.
Now, forces like the MoI are likely to conflate imperial interests with their preferred stance on foreign relations. This is a solid rhetorical move. Which is probably why we're doing the exact same thing. We don't need to buy into their framing, and it's okay to frame back at them just as hard.
And yeah, in terms of the "anti-MoI" choices we've made, it has been prioritizing political opportunities we were faced with, during an important political effort. Which is expected behaviour from us. We've also scaled down our ambitions and made some concessions, this has just been balanced against the stuff we want to do and maintaining outreach to the White Sky and their sensibilities.
Yeah, fundamentally we're counter to their policies, so throwing them the odd benefit will neither advance our cause, nor endear us to them, it just leaves us where we started. We cannot win true approval from them, because every time we progress towards the summit goals they dislike it even more.
Our goals with regards to the MoI is to avoid causing sufficient offense that they feel they are willing to take risks to screw us, but this is distinct from doing things offensive to them(which the entire project is).
To whit, we must never actually compromise imperial defense or commit to arrangements which are not at worst, net-neutral.
This is easier than it seems because:
-Xia Ren shares the first red line. Its no onerous imposition, as its already been demanded of us
-Differing cultural values means that we'd hopefully be able to turn most arrangements into seeming more favorable for us than they really are. It'd probably get harder as we go on and both sides beyond the Emissaries get a grasp of relative cost.
Our goals with regards to the MoI is to avoid causing sufficient offense that they feel they are willing to take risks to screw us, but this is distinct from doing things offensive to them(which the entire project is).
To whit, we must never actually compromise imperial defense or commit to arrangements which are not at worst, net-neutral.
This is easier than it seems because:
-Xia Ren shares the first red line. Its no onerous imposition, as its already been demanded of us
-Differing cultural values means that we'd hopefully be able to turn most arrangements into seeming more favorable for us than they really are. It'd probably get harder as we go on and both sides beyond the Emissaries get a grasp of relative cost.
Oliver_Twister
Idea-Man, He Who Shits Ideas
- Location
- West Africa
- Pronouns
- He/Him
That's one shared interest we can build on. Obviously, we're also going to follow the Xuan and lie to the MoI about the extent of our foreign relations, but they don't need to know that 
.
.
Turn 18: Arc 4-2
"Will you agree that we should at least here the matter from the other side?" Ling Qi said, leaving the medical tent behind. Her longer stride carried her a bit faster than Jin Tae, who had to hurry a little to keep up.
"For the sake of thoroughness, of course," Jin Tae replied. "Though I am curious what is it you think could change our course?"
"While I agree striking her was an escalation, she should not have laid hands on the other worker, no?"
"Overly permissive. I will grant, but I would expect one worker to stop another if the other were doing something dangerous, especially if a verbal warning were ignored," Jin Tae replied.
"Misunderstood," Ling Qi corrected. "It was my mistake not considering that there would be so much trouble in communication."
It was easy to forget that not everyone was like her, learning new languages was a significantly more difficult consideration for lower realms.
"As you like," Jin Tae said dubiously, following her down, off the dirt path and onto the paved road. "But though I am curious what the foreigners will concoct to explain this, it does not change the result."
"What would?" Ling Qi asked, tilting her head to look at him. "Would anything?"
He considered her question as they walked, moving south, toward the checkpoint where the Imperial and White Sky camps met.
"A severe enough geomantic malfunction, I suppose. Something which produced mind altering malice. I would think the many experts available would have noticed something so severe though," Jin Tae spoke after a long moment. "And if it was so subtle… that would raise the question of how, and put the fault somewhere else entirely."
Ling Qi dipped her head. In that case her and her ladies fault for greenlighting this project without sufficient study that it could cause such problems. "Well thank you for acknowledging such a possibility at least."
"Geomancy may only amplify and soothe, it channels energies, it does not create them," Jin Tae replied. "Frankly, Lady Ling I do not think workers placed under such pressure and conditions need a spiritual explanation for reaching a breaking point and acting foolishly."
"Hoh, your dangerously close to the conclusion that everyone involved was in similar pressure."
"I have never thought otherwise. You may think me merely hidebound, but the truth is, I understand which side I am on, and who is owed my loyalty and protection."
Ling Qi frowned at him, reading what was unsaid. The ministry was concerned that she was less than clear in her appearances on that.
They soon reached the checkpoint, passing through their own side of things and Ling Qi stopped before the White Sky guards standing on their side of the gate. It was a symbolic thing this checkpoint when both sides could bypass it trivially, but symbols were important.
"Emissary Ling presenting herself. I would like to speak with those involved in todays altercation, I will speak with any of your authority's involved as well," Ling Qi said diplomatically.
One of the burly women there stepped forward, raising her fist to her chest, speaking thickly accented imperial. "Emissary Lingche. This one will send a message. Please wait here."
Being made to wait was fine with her, though to her own side it might seem a little rude. It was not as if they could not know she had already arrived and begun investigating. One was expected to pre-empt such requests like this with superior senses. It was a little rude to prevent yourself from being notice and a little rude to not 'notice'.
Ling Qi chose to be silent on the matter. She did not think the White Sky thought that way.
And it wasn't too long, a matter of some ten minutes, before a guard came back and asked them to follow. Jin Tae, to his credit did not speak up while they were waiting, having slid his mask down at their end of the checkpoint. He remained a shadow in her steps as they were led off to a collection of circular hide structures, like Inzha and Rostam's home but much less intricate. The medical tent was not too different than the one on their side. Save for the strings of herbs and dried reagents hanging from the ceiling giving it an earthy sort of smell rather than the sharper alchemic tang of the imperial medical tent.
There the guard with them spoke to a man-the physician in charge she assumed- who wore a mantle made of fresh leaves and a rough spun brown robe, belted with a wide leather band with a huge iron buckle depicting a beast she didn't recognize. His bushy beard, wild hair and protruding eyebrows left little of his face visible. He looked the two of them over with suspicion.
"We cannot allow you close to the initiate, his purity is already damaged and restoring his balance will take time," the bushy mass of hair said.
Ling Qi frowned she understood the words, but translated directly it sounded odd. No if she took apart his intent… purity was referring to something like cultivation. A method which required the user to remain out of physical contact? There were stranger things. Restoring the balance was then referring to repairing some deviation in his qi.
"May we speak with the warrior?" Ling Qi asked calmly.
"She is here, but only to cool her head. You may speak with her. Do not pass the white curtain," the white sky doctor grumbled, turning and stalking back among the hanging herbs.
"I apologize. His mantle is not one suited for speaking," their guard said diplomatically. "But it is the most suited for overseeing a place of healing."
"I understand," Ling Qi said. "Please show me to your fellow warrior."
She glanced back at Jin Tae, and though his mask performed its role, she could feel his disapproval. But that was only because of her cultivation, he was making a significant effort to merely be a shadow here.
They found the woman in question not in a bed, but sitting on a bench against the wall of the pavilion, arms crossed, and one leg over the other while she tapped her foot. She looked agitated and impatient. Without the bulky armor and furs, the woman was only a bit shorter than Ling Qi and perhaps half again as wide. Her head swiftly turned at their approach.
"The Emissary of the north will speak with you now," said their guide. "Speak with wisdom."
Ling Qi gave the woman credit for making the silent 'please' attached to those words so clear without saying them.
"I only wish to ascertain the full picture of the event," Ling Qi said calmly, stepping out from behind the other guard, switching fluidly to the White Sky language herself. "First, may I ask why you are here in this place? Did you sustain injuries as well?"
"I did not," the woman said tightly, meeting her gaze without flinching. Like Ling Qi had gleaned she read as freshly into the third realm. "It was decided by my captain that I need to immerse myself in Koliada's calm."
"I think you disagree," Ling Qi said mildly.
"I was not wrong! We have endured your condescension since the beginning, I have watched my charges' words be dismissed and sneered at, and then one of your women would lay hands upon my brother, as if she claimed him, disrupting his purity and ruining his ability to commune with the earth?" The woman said, looking like she wanted to stand and loom, but thinking better of it.
"I was informed that the young man was making a dangerous error," Ling Qi said, not engaging with the rest yet. "That could have done much harm."
The White Sky woman scowled. "I have spoken to my brother. Stopping mid construction as he was made to do degrades and destroys the value of the materials, and curdles the water sleeping in the tile to poison the air. I do not know this, but I trust his judgment."
Ling Qi nodded, letting nothing show on her face, two different interpretations of an actions result, both feeling that their actions were urgent and with no quick way to verbally resolve the problem. A stressful environment, with both sides feeling growing grievances against each other.
"I see, will you explain more, how your charge-brother?- was harmed by our craftswomans action. I do not know your method."
The woman looked at her suspiciously. "Geomancers, the ones who read and shape the earth, give their devotion to the Hooded God, the Changer, Master of the vaults of the dead. In standing apart from the living they may see the ways in which men may rightly shape the world. How do you not know this? Your people there hold each other at such distance."
Because touching other people publicly was just rude in general, Ling Qi thought but did not say. Especially in a professional environment. She had seen that the White Sky was much more inclined to physical interactions, at least between people of the same gender.
"And that is leaving aside that my brother is only a young man. Would you allow your brothers to be handled so crassly by a stranger, Emissary?"
And then there was that. The guard who had brought her here glanced her way nervously, as if checking to see if she was taking offense. So at the least she did perceive her compatriots as acting rudely.
"It is unfortunate that our craftswoman acted with such rude rashness," Ling Qi said. "But neither can I condone you striking one of ours like that."
She looked like she was going to retort, but a raised hand from the other guard made her lapse into silence. "Emissary, do you require anything else here."
"Do you believe there is anything else relevant to be said of the situation?" Ling Qi asked.
The woman grumbled and shook her head.
"Then we will take our leave," Ling Qi said. "One last question. Where was Emissary Khadne during this?"
"Overseeing some matters aboard the skysledge," Their guide said shortly. She read the implication that these were not matters which could be discussed loud and clear. However, as they left the tent, the guide coughed into her hand. "Emissary, though they are only my words, I apologize. Though I understand her upset, Agata's action was too much. Emissary Khadne is also upset by this and not only for our Geomancers' disrupted spirit, which if I understand is not more severe than your woman's injury."
Ling Qi raised her brows at the admission, noted the differences in this woman's armor now, the faint sheen of silver on her helm, the more intricate knotwork on her breastplate, and finer quality of furs. "I see, I would very much like to meet with her, and discuss how we may both make things right."
"The woman thumped her fist against her chestplate. "I will convey these words."
Ling Qi nodded and resumed her path, glancing toward Jin Tae.
"Well, it seems you have your context now," Jin tae said.
"I do, and I will not blame the woman who was struck. I will blame our failure to run down basic matters of propriety between our people before the project began," Ling Qi said. "That goes for myself and my equivalents."
"An oversight for certain. However the escalation shows more on one end."
"Cultivation based disagreements are hardly uncommon."
"And were strongly discouraged long ago, else the Empire could not be," Jin Tae replied.
"And yet, though I have little access to histories that old, I am very certain that our ancestors did far worse than throw a few punches before they were made to settle down," Ling Qi said wryly.
"That is not wrong," Jin Tae said. "But is beside the point. That woman already conveyed that they would take fault."
"And if I took it at that I would be the rude and overbearing one," Ling Qi replied. "Perhaps you saw capitulation there. I saw rapprochement."
"Why you would take the latter, when the former is available, is beyond me."
"As you like," Ling Qi said. "We stop at the meeting hall next. Sir Xuan should have examined it. This will make this less complex if one side or the other is correct about the engineering."
"It will make the argument of the correct side stronger for certain," Jin Tae said unhappily.
"Do you truly think the actual truth of the matter is so unimportant?"
He frowned at her. Ahead the partly constructed meeting hall loomed, the frame was mostly up, a large long hall with spacious windows and a triangular roof, worked with tiles carved with alternating cultural symbols.
"It is, like your context, good to know but beside the point. Though swords have not yet been drawn this is a conflict. I admit, I find you strange, Lady Ling. If you wish to avoid conflict so, why are you so determined to present a yielding face to the world, guaranteeing that it comes sooner?"
He sounded honestly perplexed. Was it because when she spoke her words, he could know she was being sincere in her intentions? "I do not believe I am being yielding, only fair and just. Evenhanded impartiality is my Lady's way. A stable and predictable face is better than either cringing or high handed aggression."
"How you are perceived matters more than your intent."
"We will see," Ling Qi said. The interior of the hall was empty, still filled with tools and the signs of work being done, interior walls erected, windows being placed a hundred other little things. Inside, she saw two familiar figures.
Xuan Shi in his broad hat, standing by a cracked span of paneling and beside him Xia Lin, with her helm off and her hand on her hip, looking very vexed.
"Baroness," Xia Lin greeted, looking over Xuan Shi's head. The word dripped with deep frustration. Ling Qi felt repentant, making the girl, her friend?, deal with all of this nonsense. Ling Qi was weary of it after just an hour or two.
What had been her favorite when they went out to dinner together at Xiangmen? Ling Qi wished Sixiang could remind her.
"Lady Ling. Sir Jin," Xuan Shi said. His expression was stony as it swept over Jin Tae. "This one is pleased to offer service."
"Thank you for coming on such short notice," Ling Qi said.
"Indeed, the humbleness of the Xuan clan has never been in doubt," Jin Tae said lightly. "What are your findings?"
Xuan Shi narrowed his eyes a little, and blew out a sharp breath from his nose, turning his eyes to Ling Qi.
"Terrible snarl, two energies to nurture, two whorls of compassion, clashing and brewing a storm. A blast, if completed, smoking malevolence, if left to simmer. This one has taken the opportunity to remove the offending panels."
…Of course. Both sets of craftsmen were right. Wonderful. Perfect. "In your judgment, did the error in the fusion produce enough malevolence to affect minds?"
Xuan Shi considered, turning back to the wall to gently pull down the cracked and corroded wood, setting it on the ground. He considered her clearly wondering if she had a preferred answer.
Ling Qi lowered her head.
"Enough to fray tempers, and stoke spite, but only a small amount…. This one does not see malice. Only two styles fusing incorrectly. It is only outside both, looking in, that it is noticed."
"Well, it seems we have our expert opinion, what now then, Lady Ling?" Jin Tae asked.
Ling Qi pursed her lips.
Presence of Xuan Shi eliminates the uncertainty of fault. Personal actions and traits prevent misunderstanding or distortion of events between telling.
[ ] Seek a mutual apology. And a return to the plan of alternating meeting places, this project was too ambitious. (No further benefits from project, loss of face for yourself and Renxiang, no further chances of negative events)
[ ] Seek a mutual apology. And better work practices, even if it delays construction and makes the hall a bit less grand. (Improves Mutual opinion between civilians. 20% Chance that project will come short of goals, reducing benefits. Loss of face if incomplete)
[ ] Seek a mutual apology. Pull additional translators and workers for better rotation of shifts and hopefully keep the stress down. (20% chance of additional negative event during summit. Project definitely completes on time.)
"For the sake of thoroughness, of course," Jin Tae replied. "Though I am curious what is it you think could change our course?"
"While I agree striking her was an escalation, she should not have laid hands on the other worker, no?"
"Overly permissive. I will grant, but I would expect one worker to stop another if the other were doing something dangerous, especially if a verbal warning were ignored," Jin Tae replied.
"Misunderstood," Ling Qi corrected. "It was my mistake not considering that there would be so much trouble in communication."
It was easy to forget that not everyone was like her, learning new languages was a significantly more difficult consideration for lower realms.
"As you like," Jin Tae said dubiously, following her down, off the dirt path and onto the paved road. "But though I am curious what the foreigners will concoct to explain this, it does not change the result."
"What would?" Ling Qi asked, tilting her head to look at him. "Would anything?"
He considered her question as they walked, moving south, toward the checkpoint where the Imperial and White Sky camps met.
"A severe enough geomantic malfunction, I suppose. Something which produced mind altering malice. I would think the many experts available would have noticed something so severe though," Jin Tae spoke after a long moment. "And if it was so subtle… that would raise the question of how, and put the fault somewhere else entirely."
Ling Qi dipped her head. In that case her and her ladies fault for greenlighting this project without sufficient study that it could cause such problems. "Well thank you for acknowledging such a possibility at least."
"Geomancy may only amplify and soothe, it channels energies, it does not create them," Jin Tae replied. "Frankly, Lady Ling I do not think workers placed under such pressure and conditions need a spiritual explanation for reaching a breaking point and acting foolishly."
"Hoh, your dangerously close to the conclusion that everyone involved was in similar pressure."
"I have never thought otherwise. You may think me merely hidebound, but the truth is, I understand which side I am on, and who is owed my loyalty and protection."
Ling Qi frowned at him, reading what was unsaid. The ministry was concerned that she was less than clear in her appearances on that.
They soon reached the checkpoint, passing through their own side of things and Ling Qi stopped before the White Sky guards standing on their side of the gate. It was a symbolic thing this checkpoint when both sides could bypass it trivially, but symbols were important.
"Emissary Ling presenting herself. I would like to speak with those involved in todays altercation, I will speak with any of your authority's involved as well," Ling Qi said diplomatically.
One of the burly women there stepped forward, raising her fist to her chest, speaking thickly accented imperial. "Emissary Lingche. This one will send a message. Please wait here."
Being made to wait was fine with her, though to her own side it might seem a little rude. It was not as if they could not know she had already arrived and begun investigating. One was expected to pre-empt such requests like this with superior senses. It was a little rude to prevent yourself from being notice and a little rude to not 'notice'.
Ling Qi chose to be silent on the matter. She did not think the White Sky thought that way.
And it wasn't too long, a matter of some ten minutes, before a guard came back and asked them to follow. Jin Tae, to his credit did not speak up while they were waiting, having slid his mask down at their end of the checkpoint. He remained a shadow in her steps as they were led off to a collection of circular hide structures, like Inzha and Rostam's home but much less intricate. The medical tent was not too different than the one on their side. Save for the strings of herbs and dried reagents hanging from the ceiling giving it an earthy sort of smell rather than the sharper alchemic tang of the imperial medical tent.
There the guard with them spoke to a man-the physician in charge she assumed- who wore a mantle made of fresh leaves and a rough spun brown robe, belted with a wide leather band with a huge iron buckle depicting a beast she didn't recognize. His bushy beard, wild hair and protruding eyebrows left little of his face visible. He looked the two of them over with suspicion.
"We cannot allow you close to the initiate, his purity is already damaged and restoring his balance will take time," the bushy mass of hair said.
Ling Qi frowned she understood the words, but translated directly it sounded odd. No if she took apart his intent… purity was referring to something like cultivation. A method which required the user to remain out of physical contact? There were stranger things. Restoring the balance was then referring to repairing some deviation in his qi.
"May we speak with the warrior?" Ling Qi asked calmly.
"She is here, but only to cool her head. You may speak with her. Do not pass the white curtain," the white sky doctor grumbled, turning and stalking back among the hanging herbs.
"I apologize. His mantle is not one suited for speaking," their guard said diplomatically. "But it is the most suited for overseeing a place of healing."
"I understand," Ling Qi said. "Please show me to your fellow warrior."
She glanced back at Jin Tae, and though his mask performed its role, she could feel his disapproval. But that was only because of her cultivation, he was making a significant effort to merely be a shadow here.
They found the woman in question not in a bed, but sitting on a bench against the wall of the pavilion, arms crossed, and one leg over the other while she tapped her foot. She looked agitated and impatient. Without the bulky armor and furs, the woman was only a bit shorter than Ling Qi and perhaps half again as wide. Her head swiftly turned at their approach.
"The Emissary of the north will speak with you now," said their guide. "Speak with wisdom."
Ling Qi gave the woman credit for making the silent 'please' attached to those words so clear without saying them.
"I only wish to ascertain the full picture of the event," Ling Qi said calmly, stepping out from behind the other guard, switching fluidly to the White Sky language herself. "First, may I ask why you are here in this place? Did you sustain injuries as well?"
"I did not," the woman said tightly, meeting her gaze without flinching. Like Ling Qi had gleaned she read as freshly into the third realm. "It was decided by my captain that I need to immerse myself in Koliada's calm."
"I think you disagree," Ling Qi said mildly.
"I was not wrong! We have endured your condescension since the beginning, I have watched my charges' words be dismissed and sneered at, and then one of your women would lay hands upon my brother, as if she claimed him, disrupting his purity and ruining his ability to commune with the earth?" The woman said, looking like she wanted to stand and loom, but thinking better of it.
"I was informed that the young man was making a dangerous error," Ling Qi said, not engaging with the rest yet. "That could have done much harm."
The White Sky woman scowled. "I have spoken to my brother. Stopping mid construction as he was made to do degrades and destroys the value of the materials, and curdles the water sleeping in the tile to poison the air. I do not know this, but I trust his judgment."
Ling Qi nodded, letting nothing show on her face, two different interpretations of an actions result, both feeling that their actions were urgent and with no quick way to verbally resolve the problem. A stressful environment, with both sides feeling growing grievances against each other.
"I see, will you explain more, how your charge-brother?- was harmed by our craftswomans action. I do not know your method."
The woman looked at her suspiciously. "Geomancers, the ones who read and shape the earth, give their devotion to the Hooded God, the Changer, Master of the vaults of the dead. In standing apart from the living they may see the ways in which men may rightly shape the world. How do you not know this? Your people there hold each other at such distance."
Because touching other people publicly was just rude in general, Ling Qi thought but did not say. Especially in a professional environment. She had seen that the White Sky was much more inclined to physical interactions, at least between people of the same gender.
"And that is leaving aside that my brother is only a young man. Would you allow your brothers to be handled so crassly by a stranger, Emissary?"
And then there was that. The guard who had brought her here glanced her way nervously, as if checking to see if she was taking offense. So at the least she did perceive her compatriots as acting rudely.
"It is unfortunate that our craftswoman acted with such rude rashness," Ling Qi said. "But neither can I condone you striking one of ours like that."
She looked like she was going to retort, but a raised hand from the other guard made her lapse into silence. "Emissary, do you require anything else here."
"Do you believe there is anything else relevant to be said of the situation?" Ling Qi asked.
The woman grumbled and shook her head.
"Then we will take our leave," Ling Qi said. "One last question. Where was Emissary Khadne during this?"
"Overseeing some matters aboard the skysledge," Their guide said shortly. She read the implication that these were not matters which could be discussed loud and clear. However, as they left the tent, the guide coughed into her hand. "Emissary, though they are only my words, I apologize. Though I understand her upset, Agata's action was too much. Emissary Khadne is also upset by this and not only for our Geomancers' disrupted spirit, which if I understand is not more severe than your woman's injury."
Ling Qi raised her brows at the admission, noted the differences in this woman's armor now, the faint sheen of silver on her helm, the more intricate knotwork on her breastplate, and finer quality of furs. "I see, I would very much like to meet with her, and discuss how we may both make things right."
"The woman thumped her fist against her chestplate. "I will convey these words."
Ling Qi nodded and resumed her path, glancing toward Jin Tae.
"Well, it seems you have your context now," Jin tae said.
"I do, and I will not blame the woman who was struck. I will blame our failure to run down basic matters of propriety between our people before the project began," Ling Qi said. "That goes for myself and my equivalents."
"An oversight for certain. However the escalation shows more on one end."
"Cultivation based disagreements are hardly uncommon."
"And were strongly discouraged long ago, else the Empire could not be," Jin Tae replied.
"And yet, though I have little access to histories that old, I am very certain that our ancestors did far worse than throw a few punches before they were made to settle down," Ling Qi said wryly.
"That is not wrong," Jin Tae said. "But is beside the point. That woman already conveyed that they would take fault."
"And if I took it at that I would be the rude and overbearing one," Ling Qi replied. "Perhaps you saw capitulation there. I saw rapprochement."
"Why you would take the latter, when the former is available, is beyond me."
"As you like," Ling Qi said. "We stop at the meeting hall next. Sir Xuan should have examined it. This will make this less complex if one side or the other is correct about the engineering."
"It will make the argument of the correct side stronger for certain," Jin Tae said unhappily.
"Do you truly think the actual truth of the matter is so unimportant?"
He frowned at her. Ahead the partly constructed meeting hall loomed, the frame was mostly up, a large long hall with spacious windows and a triangular roof, worked with tiles carved with alternating cultural symbols.
"It is, like your context, good to know but beside the point. Though swords have not yet been drawn this is a conflict. I admit, I find you strange, Lady Ling. If you wish to avoid conflict so, why are you so determined to present a yielding face to the world, guaranteeing that it comes sooner?"
He sounded honestly perplexed. Was it because when she spoke her words, he could know she was being sincere in her intentions? "I do not believe I am being yielding, only fair and just. Evenhanded impartiality is my Lady's way. A stable and predictable face is better than either cringing or high handed aggression."
"How you are perceived matters more than your intent."
"We will see," Ling Qi said. The interior of the hall was empty, still filled with tools and the signs of work being done, interior walls erected, windows being placed a hundred other little things. Inside, she saw two familiar figures.
Xuan Shi in his broad hat, standing by a cracked span of paneling and beside him Xia Lin, with her helm off and her hand on her hip, looking very vexed.
"Baroness," Xia Lin greeted, looking over Xuan Shi's head. The word dripped with deep frustration. Ling Qi felt repentant, making the girl, her friend?, deal with all of this nonsense. Ling Qi was weary of it after just an hour or two.
What had been her favorite when they went out to dinner together at Xiangmen? Ling Qi wished Sixiang could remind her.
"Lady Ling. Sir Jin," Xuan Shi said. His expression was stony as it swept over Jin Tae. "This one is pleased to offer service."
"Thank you for coming on such short notice," Ling Qi said.
"Indeed, the humbleness of the Xuan clan has never been in doubt," Jin Tae said lightly. "What are your findings?"
Xuan Shi narrowed his eyes a little, and blew out a sharp breath from his nose, turning his eyes to Ling Qi.
"Terrible snarl, two energies to nurture, two whorls of compassion, clashing and brewing a storm. A blast, if completed, smoking malevolence, if left to simmer. This one has taken the opportunity to remove the offending panels."
…Of course. Both sets of craftsmen were right. Wonderful. Perfect. "In your judgment, did the error in the fusion produce enough malevolence to affect minds?"
Xuan Shi considered, turning back to the wall to gently pull down the cracked and corroded wood, setting it on the ground. He considered her clearly wondering if she had a preferred answer.
Ling Qi lowered her head.
"Enough to fray tempers, and stoke spite, but only a small amount…. This one does not see malice. Only two styles fusing incorrectly. It is only outside both, looking in, that it is noticed."
"Well, it seems we have our expert opinion, what now then, Lady Ling?" Jin Tae asked.
Ling Qi pursed her lips.
Presence of Xuan Shi eliminates the uncertainty of fault. Personal actions and traits prevent misunderstanding or distortion of events between telling.
[ ] Seek a mutual apology. And a return to the plan of alternating meeting places, this project was too ambitious. (No further benefits from project, loss of face for yourself and Renxiang, no further chances of negative events)
[ ] Seek a mutual apology. And better work practices, even if it delays construction and makes the hall a bit less grand. (Improves Mutual opinion between civilians. 20% Chance that project will come short of goals, reducing benefits. Loss of face if incomplete)
[ ] Seek a mutual apology. Pull additional translators and workers for better rotation of shifts and hopefully keep the stress down. (20% chance of additional negative event during summit. Project definitely completes on time.)
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Golden Lark
The First Fiction User
Additional translators is never a bad thing. Knock-on positives abound.
"These savage northern wenches are after our delicate young men!"
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[ ] Seek a mutual apology. Pull additional translators and workers for better rotation of shifts and hopefully keep the stress down. (Small chance of additional negative event during summit. Project definitely completes on time.)
The Project was understaffed, people were overworked and made mistakes ... shit happens.
All in all, nothing too bad.
I'm taking the "small chance" of negative events to prove that the first "big" project between the WS and the ES was no mistake and is sufficiently "grand".
The Project was understaffed, people were overworked and made mistakes ... shit happens.
All in all, nothing too bad.
I'm taking the "small chance" of negative events to prove that the first "big" project between the WS and the ES was no mistake and is sufficiently "grand".
Cao Chun definitely needs a bit of a sternly worded letter about his apprentice's lack of objectivity. The muppet treating a investigative role as a battlefield to score points is unacceptable.
And pulling in inextra resources to make sure no other misunderstandings occur seems to be the way to go. This situation is a bit too high stakes for "loss of face."
And pulling in inextra resources to make sure no other misunderstandings occur seems to be the way to go. This situation is a bit too high stakes for "loss of face."
- Location
- FR
- Pronouns
- He/Him
I think this is the most critical aspect. Making any accord we reach more acceptable to the White Sky citizens matters when negotiating with a non-feudalistic society. Especially since there are odds the workers here might be some of the people who'll live in our proposed shared settlement.
Oliver_Twister
Idea-Man, He Who Shits Ideas
- Location
- West Africa
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Option 2. Improvement of relations matter more to me. This shouldn't happen again.
- Location
- the internet
Uhh Cao Chun isn't gonna care about this guy's lack of objectivity. They share the same views, thats why Jin Tae was picked.
I'm assuming 'incomplete' refers to the meeting hall...never being finished?
Not gonna lie, I wish we had a percentage of how 'small' is this small chance...what are we talking here? 3%? 18%?
But the master is professional enough to put his biases aside in an investigation till he gets the clearer picture, and is willing to change his opinions atleast slightly when offered compelling arguments like during our first meeting with him. His apprentice... isn't.
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Is that something that can be influenced by Omake stuff? I'm assuming not, considering that the risk is part of the actual vote disparity. Or if so, only with great inefficiency/to a limit.