Sky followed having fallen quiet. She was however watching Tsukino a bit more closely after the recent 'interactions'. Ethereal violets kept a close eye on the strange looking man, studying the mechanics that made up his body with some intrigue.
Had she not been born in Ionia, she would have fit in perfectly in Piltover. Technology was intriguing to her, though she only knew enough to keep her ship semi-repaired regularly. Her arms folded, taking a spot to the side and slightly behind Zed. Not a word spoken for now.
May as well take advantage of the chance to listen in. She wasn't chased off, which surprised her given how obnoxious she could be. The fact Zed seemed to allow her to remain allowed her to linger and learn a bit. Quietly she played with an origami shadow crane behind her back, letting it peck at her palm lightly and almost play with a paper crane that sat in her other palm. Both out of sight of the 'guests'. Her head remained slightly bowed, casting a deeper shadow across part of her visage. Eyes emptied of emotion except for the occasional spark of mirth that all too commonly found its place within her gaze.
Post by The Master Tactician on Apr 1, 2013 5:52:16 GMT -5
A Raedsel guard strode forth to pull out a chair for his master, into which the Grand General lowered himself slowly, joints creaking as he sat. He leaned his cane against the table. The eight Raedsel positioned themselves strategically around the room, careful not to block the camera, silent sentinels in case of an upstart. But Zed's hospitality served to dampen the tension of the room. The slightest of bemused smirks crept over Swain's face at the Shadowmaster's exchange with the High Commander, at his offer of refreshments.
"No, thank you, Zed. Let us proceed with the matters at hand." He folded his gnarled hands on the table before him. "High Command understands they are quite dire--and we have come to hear your case." But for the flare of machination in his eyes, The Master Tactician's countenance was a mask of polished poise. Despite the frailty of his failing form, he displayed the aura of an even leader, a worthy ally, certainly, backed by enough firepower and cunning to lend weight to his words.
Those present in the Noxian party served to demonstrate the many breeds of Noxian might. Darius' imposing bulk illustrated strength of body. Maria's augmented form and fierce devotion to her country showed strength of will. The Grand General's tactical mind served as a representation of strength through intellect. And the blazing metallic monster that loomed behind the table was a bold statement of Noxus' firepower. If Zed were choosing allies, it would seem that he could not have sought better.
Post by Master of Shadows on Apr 1, 2013 13:16:27 GMT -5
"But of course my good man, I'll have someone bring you some water." Zed told the reporter, he wanted to seem proper, lower tensions, keep the public eye happy. Zed whispered under his mask and a few seconds later a very petite woman entered. In her hands she held a tray with a single glass of water, she walked up to the reporter carefully and offered him the drink.
"Minoryu, come, have a seat with us." Zed ordered in a calm tone, it was not harsh or dark but still held a certain authority. His eyes finally turned to those at the table, it was time to get to business, "As you may or may not be aware of, my order has recently come under fire. In a recent raid we sadly lost a fair portion of our people. I am unsure as to why we have been assaulted and I would like to avoid further casualties." Zed spoke clearly, switching his eyes around the table to make sure everyone knew they were involved and could speak, "As such I have contacted the Noxian High Command asking for aid. I fear that the villages will continue their assaults, trying to bring us down now that they have made a chink in our armor. I would like to request a few Noxian troops be stationed at the Order's temple so that we can better defend against attacks. Your nation having the strongest military force I have ever seen, I figured it would be logical to contact you. In return for these troops I offer you our support, the Order of Shadows will come to your aid should you need it. I would greatly appreciate your help Grand General, and I would be in your debt."
Zed smiled knowingly behind his mask, the plans were already laid out. The Order of Shadows would have Noxian backing and the Noxians would have their support. Together they would increase their already formidable strengths. With the combined force of the Order of Shadows and Noxus, they would be almost unstoppable. Perfect assassins, raw military strength and numbers, the brilliant mind of Swain guiding them, and the cunning of Zed himself. Nothing could stand in their way.
Shadow people follow him everywhere he goes. Looking over his shoulder, the paranoia flows.
Minoryu stepped from the corner as was told. He disliked being in the open...and he was not amused to see the insubordinate child play with her cranes behind her back.
That was a talk for later.
"As you will it, so it will be, Sensei." He murmured in a quietly humble voice. He sat straight and did not fidget. He did not take any drinks. He did not move.
Post by The Master Tactician on Apr 1, 2013 17:02:20 GMT -5
The slightest of smiles lifted the Grand General's sunken cheeks at Zed's reference to Noxus' military prowess. He offered a polite nod of his head in acknowledgement of the request. "High Command is in agreement that such an allegiance would be mutually beneficial." His eyes flashed again, as bright as the candles on the table cutting through the gloom. At his shoulder, his hellish raven twittered, preening her feathers as though grooming herself for her viewscreen debut. Her master rested his chin upon his knuckles, locking eyes with his co-conspirator.
"Have you drafted a treaty, Shadowmaster? Or shall we negotiate our terms now?" Swain's purposeful gaze swept the table, from General Blackwind to The Hand of Noxus and back to Zed.
Post by Master of Shadows on Apr 2, 2013 13:58:31 GMT -5
"I'm afraid I do not Grand General, I wanted you here so that we could discuss such a document." Zed said calmly. As if on queue another ninja walked in, a man, tall and slender. In his hand he held a parchment and a writing utensil. Another ninja followed him, setting up a small table close to the main one before leaving. The writer took a seat at this table, spreading his tools out on it. He made a quick nod to Zed then held still and remained quiet.
Zed glanced at each person at the table, his crimson eyes shining under his mask, "This man will record the terms of our treaty, he already understand the procedure." Zed indicated the man at the other table by nodding his head at him. Zed now stared directly at Swain, "If you would be so kind as to start Swain."
Shadow people follow him everywhere he goes. Looking over his shoulder, the paranoia flows.
Post by The Master Tactician on Apr 2, 2013 16:32:16 GMT -5
"Ah, excellent." The smile deepened, twisting the Grand General's grim features. "Today, March the seventh, twenty three CLE marks the binding of the Order of Shadows with the great state of Noxus." He dictated clearly, imperiously, to the scribe, unperturbed by the presence of VNN cameras, completely poised as he presented his terms. "Defensive forces will be granted to The Order from the battalions of High Command General Maria Blackwind, who will oversee our efforts in Ionia henceforth."
Crimson eyes tore from Zed, lingered over the forms of Minoryu, Maria and Darius in turn. "Should the shadowlands, territories claimed and occupied by The Order, come under attack, Noxus will act in her defense. The Order's threats will be our threats. And for this protection." A pause came in his practiced oration as he scanned the room again, withered hands folded on the table before him. "Noxus will receive the unwavering loyalty of The Order of Shadows, and the privilege to direct affiliated forces where and when she has need."
Beatrice inched closer to her master, her talons clink-clink-clinking on the metal perch affixed to his spaulder. "Noxus' peaceful occupation of the shadowlands will begin on March eighteenth, twenty three CLE." The air of The Master Tactician's pointed dictation shifted. He addressed General Blackwind directly, bushy brows raised as he issued his command, "Your people will be ready to offer The Order whatever aid they require by that time."
The Master Tactician's attention turned to his shadowy accomplice. "Zed. An addendum? How many units will you require initially."
Post by Maria Blackwind on Apr 2, 2013 18:24:52 GMT -5
Maria nodded at her commanding officer, clearing her throat and opening her mouth to speak.
If you wish, Grand General, we can have a company of Noxian soldiers here within a week's time.
Until then, we will have to rely on the troops we've brought with us, along with the order's own forces; as far as strongholds go, this is rather easily defended, despite the agility of our enemies.
The sooner we can post gunmen along the walls, the better. Your order is familiar with firearms, is it not?
Maria paused, letting the information stagnate in the air for a moment.
If all else fails, including my personal guard, I will enter combat personally. Fortunately, I doubt it will come to that.
Zed; from you I require quarter for my soldiers. If none can be provided, they will build it themselves using raw materials from the surrounding forested area. As for myself, I will be living with my troops.
Post by Master of Shadows on Apr 2, 2013 22:04:44 GMT -5
Zed listened intently to both Swain, then Maria, his crimson gaze locked on them. He smirked slightly at the thought of firearms, "My Order is aware of firearms, we don't use them ourselves but we know what they are capable of." He replied. The Order had marksmen, only they used Yumi and other bows with deadly accuracy rather than rifles and such.
"I'm afraid I cannot offer you housing as of this moment, you will need to make your own from our resources. However I can offer you men to help speed up the process should you so desire." Zed offered. He needed to stay on this woman's good side if he was going to work with in her the future, "Your group should do fine for the initial amount, we were caught by surprise last time and that will not happen again. With Noxian aid we will again grow strong, I thank you Grand General and associates. You came to use in our time of need and we will not forget that, the Order of Shadows will serve with you without question." Zed was a man of his word, despite his seemingly chaotic way of dealing with things. Inadvertently Zed found himself looking at the veins on Maria's face, more out of curiosity than anything else. She was augmented no doubt, her troops too, useful allies.
Shadow people follow him everywhere he goes. Looking over his shoulder, the paranoia flows.
Post by The Master Tactician on Apr 3, 2013 1:13:24 GMT -5
"March fourteenth, then. Very good." The Grand General indicated to the scribe that the date should be changed with a two-fingered sweep of his hand. "We will send craftsmen along with General Blackwind's troops for the barracks' swift construction." Luminous eyes lingered over the attending ninjas momentarily before he continued.
"You may wish us to construct watchtowers on the outskirts of your territories, Shadowmaster." He raised his brows in punctuation of his statement, less a suggestion than a command veiled in civility. "We will see to this as well."
To the party at large, The Master Tactician now issued the preparatory words for the round of signatures and the conclusion of their meeting. "Shadowmaster, General Blackwind, General Darius. Have you anything to add?"
Post by Master of Shadows on Apr 3, 2013 13:36:37 GMT -5
Zed simply nodded to the General's hidden order, "I have nothing further to add." He said simply. Everything was going according to plan, soon the Kinkou would fall permanently, then it was only a matter of time before Ionia would be "converted" to the shadows. With Noxian might at his back there were few true obstacles left, only a few political and media ones. Zed trusted Swain to find ways around these ones, to aid him and in return, Zed would due as the Grand General ordered.
A dark pact had been formed, neither of the parties could withdraw without serious consequences.
Shadow people follow him everywhere he goes. Looking over his shoulder, the paranoia flows.
Post by The Hand of Noxus on Apr 3, 2013 17:17:07 GMT -5
“I have nothing to add, Grand General.” What had been said would be said, Darius never had much to add at these meetings and rarely needed to step in. He didn’t need to throw his two cents into everything as his brother might have.
Minoryu pondered for a moment and, rising from his seat, addressed Maria.
"I am Minoryu," He stated with a short bow, "and I would think you and I will work closely. Should you need anything ask me and I shall do what I can."
Minoryu sized up the General. She was clearly augmented (a cheap shortcut), which meant, while being physically powerful, she likely lacked physical discipline, but she was addressed as General, which meant she was no idiot. In Noxus, the dumb do not live long and do not become generals. A worthy foe at some point, but for now...he would see if she was worthy of any respect.
"When you have a free moment, I would like to talk to you about troop placement."
He did not sign the document. That was for the Sensei, and the Sensei alone to do.
Sky remained quiet. Any disapproval hidden by the hood that shadowed her features. Nope, she doesn't like it. Not much she likes having to do with Noxus anyway, especially Swain. Her lip curled with a light scowl, letting the shadow crane disappear in her hand and the paper crane disappear up her sleeve.
Then Minoryu spoke. The man had a permanent stick up his butt, Sky figures. So straight edged and obedient. Perfect little servant boy. She wondered why he was so faithful to Zed, but quickly shook off the thoughts deciding not to invest much energy into considering it.
It could result in disturbing ideas anyway.
Sky let her eyes fall on Swain, filled with scrutiny for his words. Cynical to his purpose here. She knew the fear she saw in the eyes of those villagers. She knew something was fishy about this whole thing. She couldn't do anything right now, though. At the very least, she was learning patience. Something she severely lacked before Zed started training her.
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