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As Gorgowzowa walks with Iko, he ponders to himself this strange procession. "Amara has gone through great trouble to ensure this summit is a success. The secrecy, the formality, the security, all for one man who comes alone as if there is no chance of failure. As if there is no danger of double crossing and interventions. Were it not for his formal kit, he would seem like he was simply walking through his garden behind his gate at his manor protected by the full force of his resources. Does he not have full measure of the risk... or does he simply not care? Or is it deeper than that? Does he not have fear because he does not put so much thought into the future? He must have plans and desires, otherwise he would be a monk in a monastery some place, not making alliances. He must think of the future, but does he not worry about the outcome? Could he really be acting now without worry because he does not fear because he does not have attachment? Surely a man who dresses as such has pride. Or not? Is it for affect only? I despise myself for the amount of worry I put into this when the envoy himself seems to have none. What a waste of time and energy. He could at least seem appreciative that we arrived first and made sure the meeting place as secure. His arrogance is astounding! I only can hope the rest of the Way aren't such ancient and pompous aristocrats. I wonder if his blade has ever tasted blood, or if it's all left to his minions? Peasants made to be slaves to fight for them while they sit back and reap the reward. STOP! STOP!!! Stop... Control your mind, PIG! Return to me. I know nothing. I am a fool." Gorgowzowa slowly releases the breath he realized he was holding and relaxes his gait. He listens to his breathing and tries to think of only the next step he will take on the path to the manor. He has acted quite foolish since they arrived here. There is still much work to be done. What does he have to show for it? "Right now, little piggie, you must rely on your honor. As long as you are a member of the Lantern Lodge, you will not stray far if you keep your honor. Perhaps honor is all you have... but with whom... only those that don't know what you are. What you were. Death."
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As Tsuneo and Gorgowzowa get closer to the manor, Amara Li can be seen in the distance dressed in formal robes of azure and dove-gray silk, awaiting Tsuneo's arrival.
Iko turns to Gorgowzowa and bows, speaking with a voice that matches his age. "It has been my honor to walk with you and to share this path and its majestic qualities this evening." He bows again, prompting Gorgowzowa to do the same, though this time it is lower and closer. "I would hope that you would honor us with your presence this afternoon." Iko pauses, and then, after a calculated thought, continues in Tien: "私はパスファインダーのこの社会とあなたの経験に向けて多くの好奇心を持っている"
After completing this bow, Tsuneo continues forward and is greeted by Amara Li. After exchanging cultural formalities, she suggests everyone retire to the great hall for tea.
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Venture-Captain Amara Li leads the ceremony the rest of the hosting party into the Great Hall. She stops briefly to instruct the group of the order of rank in the ceremony. Dae-Lhach is to follow her in rank, as a man of faith is more greatly honored. Gorgowzowa places himself in a low social status, and Amara recognizes this, placing him in the lowest rank. This will leave Riken in the middle rank.
As Iko Tsuneo is shown to his seat, the seat of honor, all parties stand respectfully waiting. Tsuneo bows, thanking Amara as the gracious host, and is seated. Amara sits, and the rest sit respectfully following the Venture-Captain's lead. Dae-Lhach sits next to Tsuneo, on his right followed by Riken and Gorgowzowa on the other side, Riken to Tsuneo's left. Amara Li sits between Dae-Lhach and Gorgowzowa. Thus, a circle proceeding clockwise from Iko Tsuneo follows Riken, Gorgowzowa, Amara Li, Dae-Lhach, back to Iko Tsuneo. The servants are standing at attention, awaiting direction to serve.
Amara begins the ceremony by thanking Tsuneo. "Thank you, honored Iko Tsuneo, for joining us this day, as well as suggesting this place as meeting ground."
Tsuneo, in turn, replies. "It is my honor to meet with you as representative of the noble Pathfinder Society. Your words honor me and I offer my thanks."
Amara signals for tea, and awaits her 'servants' to promptly serve.
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Shadowstorm, closest to the kitchen, bows and quietly moves to the kitchen to retrieve the tea.
He quickly retrieves the tea from the stove, places it on a platinum serving saucer, and proceeds back out.
He serves each member a cup and saucer, with the ceramics made of the finest that the Society could provide. Platinum spoons and saucers with ornate elven decoration are contrasted to Tien ceramic cups, masterfully matching the patterns. It would appear that Amara Li spared no expense in catering items to this meeting.
Shadowstorm serves each their tea quickly, making painstaking effort not to interrupt the ceremony. He takes each tea order discretely and withdraws after serving the group.
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Aside from a slight distracting closure of the kitchen door, the ceremony proceeds without interruption. Iko Tsuneo thanks the Venture-Captain for her graciousness, bows, and drinks of the tea, commenting on the unique western Inner Sea blend, of which he is honored to experience. The next ranking member, Dae-Lhach:
Dae-Lhach drinks the tea, and thanks Amara for the honor of her hosting and the flavor of the tea.
Amara signals Riken to proceed next,
Amara clears her throat and looks a Riken, who it takes a moment to recognize. He then takes a loud sip of tea, and replaces his cup with a loud clank, forgetting to thank Amara for it.
Gorgowzowa, painstakingly aware of the ceremony, knows that his turn is next, and drinks of the tea.
Gorgowzowa thanks Amara Li for the honor of such a low ranking individual being included in the ceremony, commenting that the delicacy is too much honor for one of his rank.
Amara then drinks as host after all others, thanks the group for their compliments and again thanks them for their presence and participation.
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After the first drink of tea, Iko Tsuneo once again thanks the host. "The honor of being present for this event humbles me. It is nearly more than this old soul can bear. Thank you," he pauses for a moment, as if trying to recall a word, "Venture-Captain, for inviting me into this place of honor."
Additional formalities are exchanged and the discussion proceeds into polite conversation. Tsuneo seems, however, to fast-track this into eager inquiries into those in his company. Compliments to his armor are exchanged with a brief thanks, and an earnest interest in the holy symbol of Sarenrae and her qualities. It is apparent that Tsuneo wishes to speak more personally than small, polite conversation.
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Tsuneo takes a particular interest in the deities that the group follow. With a cleric of Sarenrae present, Tsuneo asks about the faith of Sarenrae and contrasts it with gods worshiped locally in Tian Xia.
Tsuneo also politely poses questions to everyone present about their experiences with the Pathfinder Society. He asks questions such as what positive aspects are of serving the Society, what each member's present role in the group is, and inquires delicately for how they have been rewarded and for what actions.
Tsuneo also does not show any qualms against inquiring about the darker experiences, such as whether the Society has ever asked the members present to kill someone, or the lengths to which the Society will go to complete objectives. He asks about political struggles within the organization, as well as the stances and objectives of each one mentioned.
Iko Tsuneo also asks the members present about how the Society treats its allies that are non-members, the party's allegiances outside the Society and to highlight the differences between the Pathfinder Society and, say, the Aspis Consortium.
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Gorgowzowa expresses that he feels the pathdfinder society is honorable due to his dealings with them, Lantern Lodge especially so. He had chosen to serve, to learn, and to submit to that which he believes to be an honorable authority. He wants to one day spread the word of the path and philosophy he is learning, and eventually try to bring it to his more amiable brothers and sisters of his paternal race. He hopes to release them from the bondage of their way of life, the rage, the hate, the pettiness. But, for now, he tries only to be an example in a small way, as to the change that is positive in himself, and treat people with respect and care. In doing this he grows. He is currently very much a fool and has much to learn before he can return to his people or ever to openly teach the way of thinking he is learning. The Lantern Lodge has been a great help in this ambition.
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"I, myself, have never been asked to do something dishonorable, since aligning with the Pathfinders. As for role, I still try to figure that out. I try to adapt to the situation. Often, I'll be the one trying to take adversaries out of the equation with killing, or pulling fallen brothers to safety. My rewards have probably been great than what others have gained, because mine are also intangibles. I chose not to think about what I would be without them. The Aspis I have not had much experience with, but have heard of the Pathfinders crossing paths with them in recovering artifacts, etc. The Aspis are particularly difficult to be against, because they have more options available to them due to their differing morals and values."
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Gorgowzowa laughs. "I remember one particularly memorable sea journey I had with the Pathfinders. There was a quite unfriendly cook aboard. I tried my best to be of service to her and even bought her a quite nice set of cookware. I thought I was getting nowhere with her, except turns out, I was the only one she wasn't poisoning. When confronted about the poisoning, she tried to attack, but I quelled the situation, hoping there was a way to resolve it without violence. I wonder how that decision has worked out. Has she since had a change of heart, or had she been causing suffering ever since. I worry about that sometimes. I wonder if I did the wrong thing. I try to not think about it. The only way to be certain she would hurt no one else would have been to kill her. Killing is the easy way, but how would I know she wouldn't repent and become an example for someone else's change?"
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Clearing his throat, Riken leans forward and begins to answer some of Tsuneo's questions as best he can.
"There is a whole pantheon of gods and godesses that call who they wish to serve them. None of them have called me into their service. I do my best to live well and live close to the gods my life best aligns with. When I get to plan my days, it's the woods and the wilderness for me, which brings me close to Erastil. I feel the Stag God's presence in the woods and the trees. But a trapper needs cities to sell in so when I have to take to the roads I find myself walking the steps of Cayden Cailean."
Riken sips loudly from the tea.
"Getting to see new places and races. That's why I signed up with the Pathfinders. I wanted to experience the world and do a little good in it."
"I will say I've often wondered if it is wise for a single society to control so much knowledge as they do. My experience with the Society so far has shown them to be seekers of knowledge not power. What power they have has always been used for protection."
"It is often during these Pathfinder missions that I hear Cayden's call. I have encountered too many people trying to oppress and enslave others. The world should not work this way. Perhaps when this era of my life is over and I move on from the Pathfinders, I might join up with the Eagle Knights. Have you heard of them? Their namesake, the eagle, is a great bird, sometimes considered the king of the birds. It's a symbol of freedom. They fight to end all slavery of all peoples and creatures so that they may be as free as the eagle."
"I hear Cayden's call for freedom, so I could see my life led that way some day. For now I am a Pathfinder, and as a Pathfinder I seem to have plenty of opportunities to defend the weak."
Riken sits back, trying to give room for others in the conversation.
"May I ask you about the Kirin? Is this a mythological creature or one that still exists today? What does it symbolize? What qualities does it naturally possess that has led your order to it? Or is it the other way around? Did it draw you?"
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"Please pardon my fellow Pathfinder Dae-Lhach, Iko-sama. He is quite stressed about his duties to his lord. I fear he is lost in the future."
As Riken mentions Cayden, Gorgowzowa, almost imperceivably, seems to start to say something, but stops, briefly looks down, squeezes his eyes shut for a fraction of a second, then opens them with little expression then a slight smile.
"I am ignorant, and hope to learn more of Irori. I was given some scrolls long ago with portions of 'Unbinging the Fetters' which changed me profoundly once I was able to scratch the surface of understanding. I still do not understand much of what I have read, but I strive. One day I hope to be able to study it formally, but realize I am still too much of a fool."
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Iko Tsuneo takes in the feedback about Inner Sea deities with approval and conviction. Having educated himself on their theories and standing, he is pleased to know that his understanding of the deities is in line with those who have much more frequent exposure to them.
Tsuneo happily explains to Riken about the kirin, describing the physical qualities of the kirin, a very real chimera of dragon, lion, ox and fish. He continues that the kirin serves as a spiritual patron for the Way. "The kirin's good heart and will to defeat evil creatures is central to our philosophy. That will, though, is tempered by its caution about meddling directly in the everyday affairs of others. More than once has the Way opted to take no action rather than take rash action, even if it felt correct to act; sometimes action can do more harm than inaction." Tsuneo stares emptily as if haunted by some regret. He quickly recovers.
Riken attempts to impress Iko with the spleandor of the eagle.
As the eagle is described to Iko Tsuneo by Riken, he pays close attention to the description of its ideals and its significance to Andoran.
As for the description of the Society, Iko nods understandingly at the praise to fitness of the Society as an ally. Quick to dig, however, Iko prods again: "Not all tasks are so elegant or mud-less to finish, else "Golarion" would be "Utopia." What questions have you had as to your actions or missions? What troubles have left your restless?" Iko nods as Gorgowzowa describes events that he has since questioned his actions and part in.
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The ceremony continues into the evening, where Venture Captain Amara Li and Iko Tsuneo finally get down to business about an alliance between the Way of the Kirin and the Pathfinder Society. Amara speaks of a Pathfinder Lodge soon to be opening within Tian Xia, and her intent to seek a mutually beneficial relationship between the Way and the Society; the Pathfinder Society has the ranks that the Way no longer has, and the Way of the Kirin has access to both wealth and, more importantly, the information and magic artifacts which the Society so pursues.
It is during these negotiations that Amara Li brings up documents of debt that she holds, the credit extended to the Way of Kirin in exchange for its agreement to provide naval and war materiel for the holder of the debt. As Iko takes the documents to review them, Amara Li assures Tsuneo that it is not her intent to collect on the specifics of the debt while the Way is unable to provide this support; she will not risk collapsing a group so small in numbers, but would prefer to collect on some of the interest owed to the holder, and therefore, the Society.
Amara pauses during her presentation, as if weighing whether or not to raise a particular point. "I must be honest, it was not until recently that the Society came into possession of this credit to the Way. As you can undoubtedly tell, this credit is ancient and has exchanged hands on more than one occasion. In fact, some of our group present helped me in securing this debt. As such, I consider them holders of the credit as much as I or the rest of the Society."
Tsuneo performs a review of the documents and is satisfied with its initial appearance as genuine. He returns the letter of credit to the Venture Captain. "You honor me with your honesty, and you honor those whom serve you as well. I will have to verify the authenticity of this debt with the Way, but if it is as genuine as it appears, the Way will be obligated to honor this debt."
As the discussion continues, it becomes apparent that the evening has continued into twilight.
"As for the matter of an alliance, I believe that it may be prudent to discuss with elders of the Way of the Kirin about the possibility once I have presented my assessment of your Society to them. You show me honor, though perhaps overplay your assets at times, but you seem to show genuine concern in your actions and your thirst for knowledge appears to be your prime motive. As for your methods, I remain unconvinced that they are as wholesome as you might suggest, though I sense no sinister motive behind your reluctance to elaborate. I will report to the Way and we will determine if an alliance is the proper maturation to the relationship between our two organizations."
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Torches lit while under the cover of the setting sun, and there appears to be a small army readying to approach the lighthouse and manor.
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"If I may, I would like to see what we are dealing with. I propose I use invisibility to augment my speed and stealth to reconnoiter what we are dealing with so we may take the upper hand early." Turning to Iko Tsuneo "Iko-sama, your man at the boat, should I bring him here? I have another potion to hide him, if need be. Is there anything at your boat that you wish me to retrieve?"
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Iko Tsuneo has a look of horror wash over his face. "You dishonorable wretches! You have set up an attack to take what cannot be given so readily! I should strike you all down were I but still in possession of my expended youth!" His hand pulls to his katana, apparently not as ceremonial as it originally appeared.
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"Iko-sama, if I could plead with you, if there was any treachery here, you must know it was not from me. I am too easy to read. My emotions are at the top. Please, let me see what has happened so that we may survive and, if you wish, bring those that have done this to justice. I swear my loyalty to you in this."