<div></div><br> <br>Gathered at the castle at Mione's request, they find Mione already present, wielding what looks sort of like a musket, but clearly not, festooned with plentiful math and constructed of Creator Steel. A priceless artifact.<br> <br>Zevran approaches the castle from the direction of Solacious Manor with Wulf in tow. He is decked out in his spiked black armor and carries his large greatsword on his back. A pack with some supplies is slung over his shoulder. He smiles at Mione in greeting, his attention drawn to the artifact in the scholar's hands. "So, what is it we are looking for?" He asks as he gets within speaking distance.<br> <br>Wulf approaches the weapon quickly, admiration in her eyes "Oh.... pretty! how does it work? Does it have more than one round? Does... oh sorry sir..." she backs away from her looming position over the peice and moves back to stand next to Zevran, still eyeing the object with admiring eyes.<br> <br>He swings the weapon towards them, "Have faith," he says, depressing the trigger. Bright light leaps from the bell at the end, striking Zevran like a medicine ball slapping up against him in energy form, staggering before energy begins to flow powerfully, filling limbs with strange new power. "How do you feel?" asks Mione.<br> <br>Zevran lets out a grunt as the energy ball slams into him. However, he is pleasantly surprised when he is filled with energy instead of pain. He flexes his fingers as he looks at Mione. "I feel...powerful. Like the Creators themselves have given me strength." He smiles.<br> <br>Wulf covers her eyes as the flash of light goes by and stops. "Wow... bright light, I'm seeing spots... Where'd you get that thing from sir?"<br> <br>The aristotic rodent nods towards Zevran, "Quite. Now imagine we could give this gift to all of our gifted citizens? You felt that resistance, did you not? If we were to fire it indiscriminatly, it would overwhelm as many gifted as it would benefit." he explains, "This," He gestures at the weapon in his hands, "Is the unfinished fruit of our efforts. The gifted, we have found are sitting at the edge of their potential. You may have reached the 'end' of one or more of your soul gems, and felt you have learned all there is to learn, but it is a fallacy." He slings the gun over his back, secured in place.<br> <br>Zevran listens intently to Mione's explanations. "Are you saying we have more power than just that granted by our soul gems? Some sort of power inherent in our being gifted?" He asks the scholar, still getting used to his newfound power.<br> <br>Wulf prefers to stay quiet now, listening to the rodents every word with attentiveness.<br> <br>He shakes his head, "Yes, and no. Your talent..." He pauses, seeming to consider this, "You can't hear all that the soul gem is saying. It's like reading an instructional manual, perhaps. With greater grasp of the language, you can draw more from it. You have all done so very well, but we are certain, the King and I, that you can transcend it, and get deeper into the knowledge waiting to be grasped, the power and understanding." He places fingertips together, cradled, "The potential is boggling."<br> <br>Zevran nods his head in acceptance of Mione's explanation, understanding the basics of what the scholar is explaining. "Well, I look foward to unlocking the potential one day." He states. "Although I'm sure we have time for that later. What was it that you called us here to find?" He asks.<br> <br>Wulf nods 'I assume its something that will help to complete that thing, yeah?"<br> <br>A finger is raised by Mione, "One and the same. We have had the gifted gathering parts we need, to bring about that next level, to any gifted that is ready to receive it. The next part is close at hand, but, I admit, I have deceived you. I wanted to see the effect of the device on a gifted. You are a stalwart and hearty being. You still feel well?" The rush is fading, but no hurting or pain replaces it, just a return to normalcy.<br> <br>Zevran nods to Mione, although he seems disappointed as the energy starts to fade. "I feel normal, I suppose. Although compared to how I felt before, my current state doesn't seem as adequate. I suppose that one of your goals is to make the device's effects permanent, yes?" He replies to Mione.<br> <br>The mouse nods, "Quite, yes. We surmise that reaching this next plateau of development will be personal, in some ways. Your gift gives you greater empathy with the universe as a whole," A soft wide gesture is made, "Understanding your part in it must come, if you are to claim mastery of it. While the other nations squabble and cry out in superstitous fear, we want to grasp this secret directly." He taps a foot, looking between the two, "We do not suppose to be as clever as the Creators, but they have to have set in motion this gift for a reason. If they did not intend for us to open this box, why put it inside of us, waiting to be found?"<br> <br>Zevran nods slowly. "I suppose you are right. The Creators would never have granted us such a gift without a reason." He replies. The statement about finding a place in the universe leaves him to rub his chin thoughtfully, wondering what his own place might be.<br> <br>Wulf nods quietly, the thought flitting across her mind a jumbled mess as she tries thinking about too much in too short a time about the Mouse's words. "Well I think to understand that, one needs to understand themselves first yeah?" shaking her head she sighs "enough philosophy, let's get whatchya need for that thing, sooner we get it the sooner we can use it to our benefit, yeah?"<br> <br>Mione continues with a hand flip, "So, this is as much a matter of personal discovery, as it is pushing what we know, mathematically. The mathematics are almost complete, I am proud to announce, in no small part due to the bravery and responsiveness of the gifted of our kingdom."<br> <br>He then looks towards Wulf, "The second to last part is coming from across the sea. We sent a group to fetch it with negotiation. Shralesta is not fast in releasing its artifacts. They guard every Creator trinket as if it was the last, and even generous amounts of money barely moves them. I admire their dedication, though it is quite inconvenient."<br> <br>Zevran shrugs. "Money isn't everything. You could always take it by force. Although it may not be wise to make more enemies, especially during our current strife with the Cliffsiders." He notes, although the use of force is more of an observation than a serious suggestion.<br> <br>Wulf nods quietly "Indeed, besides, your take wars one enemy at a time if you can help it, though it's best to have none at all."<br> <br>Mione gives a soft sigh, "Besides. If you have not heard, Shralesta is being quite helpful in our conflict with Cliffside. We bear them no animosity, and have no desire to incite a conflict with them. Trade has been quite beneficial both ways between our people, and our shared past has been largely peaceful. So, we wait. We need that piece, however, before we can be certain that the last and final piece is the correct one." His tone of voice betrays that he is quite eager indeed to have that bit, to be working instead of waiting.<br> <br>Zevran shrugs again. "If we have to wait, then perhaps the time spent waiting can put towards something else beneficial." He says, although he has not the slightest idea how the time could be spent.<br> <br>Neither does Wulf. "So what are you proposing then? We go retrieve it from them orr something?"<br> <br>He shakes his head, "No no, put them out of your mind for now." He pauses a moment, considering, "But I can think of something you can do. Go to the arc. It should be safe, the shadow have left it a month ago and no sighting of them has occured. Meditate on your..." he wobbles a hand, "Your gifted nature. You may even want to take off your gem for a short time, no more than an hour, and try to hear what the gem drowns out."<br> <br>Zevran rubs his chin. "I'm willing to try it. It would be best to be ready for when the device is complete." He says, looking towards Wulf to see what she decides.<br> <br>Wulf shudders a moment and nods "I... Can do it, but we take turns all right, no sense in risking both of us at the same time all right?"<br> <br>Gloved hands come together in a sharp clap, "Excellent. I look forward to your reports then. Creators watch over you both."<br> <br>Zevran nods to Wulf. "Of course. Wouldn't want to take any chances." He replies to the husky. "We shall see what we discover. Creators watch over you as well. Best of luck with your research." He replies to Mione. He seems ready to set off for the Ark right now, but looks towards Wulf to see if she is ready.<br> <br>Wulf looks about as ready as she normally is, her eyes closed a bit as she offers a prayer. "Creators watch over us all... lead the way Zevran."<br> <br>Onwards and upwards, proceeding away from the city, to the northwest. A direct route is not possible, damn Cliffsiders, but going around doesn't turn up too much trouble, leaving them at the base of the mountain path that leads up to the Arc.<br> <br>Zevran glances upwards as they arrive at the path to the Arc. "Looks like we made it. And I don't see any shadows so far." He says, although he glances around to make sure that there are no shadows.<br> <br>Wulf looks around nods, looking quite nervous. "Yeah never been here before... and I've NEVER taken Gem out for more than a few second so I could switch it, honestly I am very, very worried."<br> <br>Proceeding up the cliffside, the trail is still tidy and well marked, making the climb itself not very difficult. Before the shadow occupied it for a time, it was a very popular destination for traveling worshippers.<br> <br>Zevran looks back at Wulf as they follow the trail. "Worried? We're Lightbringers. Fighting shadows is our business. Besides, you've got me here to protect you." He says to the husky, acting as though he was flexing his arms under his armor in an attempt to reassure her.<br> <br>Wulf nods quietly as she looks at the scenery of the trail, quickly picking up the pace to fall in line with Zevran. "Not the shadows that are scring me, but thanks for the reassurance Zevran."<br> <br>Barely a sound is created as figures emerge from the sides of the path to attack. It seems Cliffside wasn't entirely unaware of their presence.<br> <br>With great efficiency, the Cliffsiders are dispatched, opening the way towards the peak for the traveling duo.<br> <br>Zevran takes a cloth from his pack, cleaning his blade before placing it back on his back. "Well, I guess we aren't as alone as I thought. I wonder if there's more of them around." He says to Wulf before continuing to follow the trail to the peak. He occasionally scans the sides of the path incase any more Cliffsiders are around.<br> <br>Wulf immediately begins reloading her rifle as the two go down to the ground. "Idjits." With that done she prances off behind Zevran. "Shouldn't we hide the bodies Zevran? Make sure no enemies find them?"<br> <br>Zevran stops as he hears Wulf''s question. "Well, we could. Although I don't know how we'll hide the blood on the ground." He replies. "Or we could take their heads and mount them on their own weapons as a warning." He chuckled. It seemed he was joking, evern if it was a bit dark. But was he? He watched Wulf to see her reaction and to see what she wanted to do.<br> <br>Wulf rolls her eyes, though a smirk crosses her face. "As fun as that'd be, I dont have spiked armor or weapons as big as yours..." she point onwards "Onwards and upwards."<br> <br>And so the group proceeds, finding the peak. The night has settled fully, leaving the city a majestic sight for the eyes, glowing as it is in the distance down below, with all the stars twinkling in the sky, and the belt that was once a moon streaked across the sky.<br> <br>Zevran stops as they reach the peak, surveying the view before him. "What a view, huh?' He remarks, although he draws his eyes away as he refocuses on the task at hand. "I suppose we should decide who'll go first. I'll volunteer if you want." He says to Wulf.<br> <br>Wulf stand next to Zevran and stares across the scene "Sweetwater sure is beautiful from up here..." turning to Zevran she nods "I can go first... though I'm not sure what to even be thinking about."<br> <br>The peak seems quiet and calm. The major points have been smoothed away during the shadow occupation, leaving the peak almost flat.<br> <br>Zevran shrugs. "If you want to. It might be better if I go first, just incase there are other Cliffsiders around. They probably don't know we're here yet, but if they show up later while I don't have my soul gem, it could be trouble." He reasons, although he doesn't seem to have an actual opinion on who should go first.<br> <br>Wulf nods and gestures for Zev to proceed. "I'll keep an eye out for you all right?"<br> <br>Each takes a turn, removing their gem and... waiting... There is no grand light show or moment of clarity, but there is a soft itchiness in the mind, a gentle scraping of sound that teases when listened for. There is definately something to be heard, something that is snuffed out the moment the gem is put back into place. Perhaps excited, perhaps dissapointed. In either event, there seems nothing more to find that night. At least, until far later, back at home, resting. When slumber finds them, the two are together again, but somewhere else. They stand in a Creator Ship. They do not know this intellectually, but instinctually. With dream logic, they proceed through the clean halls to a room, where two beings stand over an artifact, manipulating it with deft touches with grave expressions.<br> <br>Zevran looks around the room before focusing on the two beings standing over the artifact. "Is this some sort of dream? It's quite odd." He mutters to himself, unsure of exactly what is happening.<br> <br>Wulf remains quiet, trying to study and listen to the two beings rather than trying to disrupt the dream with her voice..<br> <br>One looks up towards Zevran, "Ah, good you could join us, Doctor. The freezers are working nominally, but the screeners are showing unexpected anomalies," speaks one being. Male, female, impossible to tell, inconsequential to the dream story. "We were hoping for your input on it."<br> <br>Zevran looks puzzled as the being addresses him. "Doctor?" He questions, a bit perplexed. "What sort of anomalies?" He asks the being who addressed him. He had no idea what they were talking about, but was trying to play along.<br> <br>Wulf looks a bit confused as Zevran is addressed and looks at him more closely, wondering if he looks any different in this dream.<br> <br>Hm. Zevran looks the same, and yet, not. he feels like a doctor, yes, a great doctor, of huge importance. The beings are hard to discern details about in much the same way. They also feel important. They wave the two closer and gesture. The artifact shows strange information, indeciferable, except the dreaming mind can already draw meaning. Some of those who are slumbering in chill are special, very special. Zevran knows this was meant to be, but it is a secret. One of the two beings is looking too closely to have found it.<br> <br>Zevran moves closer as his dream mind understands the information he needs. He rubs his chin, but looks to beings. "What were you doing that led you to discover these anomalies?" He asks. His dream mind tells him that nobody should have been looking that deeply in the first place.