[Questing Country]

[mysunnydisposition]

So... I think we've all figured out by now that we're probably here to get this valence, right? Big powerful magic wish-granting whatsit... It's all anyone talks about around here. Can't blame them.

But I've been wondering, if one of us wins it... What do we even use it for? Like... I can think of a few things I want, but somehow I don't feel like 'there's no place like home' is going to work here.

Should we have a plan or something?

Comments

[willyousee]

There is some question as to whether or not the Valence ought to be our main concern; however, whether it is or not, it should not be ignored. It is an extremely potent power, and it can be no coincidence that we were brought here when it reappeared. The Trumps must want it for something, and it seems unlikely that they wish it destroyed, as this is a repetitive phenomenon.

In addition, there is the question of the death of the Champion of Twilight. If the Trumps had not wished us to have a hand in solving the mystery, they would have sent us to a different time with a different Valence. For whatever reason, we are to find out how Mina was killed.

...it may be worth considering that the Pillar of Mourning is one of those persons who appears from time to time, always infiltrating.

[shiroganeheir]

I have spoken to Zed-san, Alcuin, and I believe him. He has sent me to find the Champion of Void, which is my next priority.

I believe I spoke to the Pillar of Mourning at one point, but did not get anything useful.

[willyousee]

I am glad to hear it. I should like to hear what you find out from the Champion when you speak with him. If there is anything I might do to assist from afar, please do not hesitate to say so.

I intend to take some time and Sift the knowledge I gained from the Castle, the Lighthouse, and the Pillar and see if any new developments or hints show themselves and I shall surely share what I find.

[shiroganeheir]

Certainly. When I have more information and have put things together, I will absolutely share with everyone. I just did not think that the little I had was worth sharing just yet.

Excellent. If you wish an Assist or another Sift on that knowledge, please let me know. I would be more than happy to find you and help.

[willyousee]

Certainly. After you speak with the Champion, and I can track down the location where she died, another Sift or an Assist would be most welcome. Perhaps with all our fragments, by the time the Valence is found, we may have the key to this riddle too.

[Startled pause.] Ah, forgive me. My familiar seems fond of me using such language and it seems to be affecting me.

[shiroganeheir]

It is my goal to do so.

[There is a cheerful happy tone in his voice that hasn't seen the light of day much.]

You need not worry. Sukuna-Hikona has been overly cheerful at me this entire Jaunt. I could make a few puns myself about finding the Truth, but I will refrain.

[Is that a joke? Likely.]

[mysunnydisposition]

[ God, this is like trying to work with Batman and the Batboys all over again. Everyone seems to know something, and Steph's out of the loop. Not her favorite feeling in the world, so there's an edge of frustration in her voice when she responds, after a long pause: ]

Well, no one told me we had a murder investigation on our hands, so sorry if I'm playing catch up here.

[ Deep breath, Steph. They're trying to be helpful. ]

Maybe the two are connected. Maybe we're supposed to use the valence to fix whatever went wrong the last time. Or... I don't know. Do we know what the Champion of Twilight wished for? Did she even get to make a wish before she died?

...and who's the Pillar of Mourning?

[willyousee]

My apologies, my lady, I don't believe that it is well-known as of yet. I met Naoto-kun earlier and explained what I knew about the situation, but perhaps I ought to have offered it to the Travelers at large. The fault is mine. Information is proving difficult to tease out of what I have gathered, but if I may, let me relate what I have heard thus far?

The Champion of Twilight, called Mina, was the successful questor for the last Valence some four years ago or so, and achieved the honor within Kingfisher Castle. At the time, she was Bonded to the Champion of Void and the Champion of Midnight, and contested with the Adversary of Rebirth. She did successfully make her wish. The Valence vanished. All was well until earlier this year. Mina died under mysterious circumstances, while the Adversary of Rebirth was Dreamcatching elsewhere. Approximately at the same time that she died, his dreamcatcher filled with power. Many of the inhabitants of this country see that as reason enough to condemn him for her death. One other thing of especial note occurred as a result of Mina's death - The Champion of Midnight, Perry, became the Pillar of Mourning. Shortly thereafter, though not in the same day, the new Valence appeared.

I myself have made the acquaintance of both Zed, the Adversary, and Perry - should you so wish, I can show you images of them - but I have not met the Champion of Void. I believe that he simply goes by "Beyond". [There's a slight upward lilt to the sentence that almost makes it a question.]

Many of these events are ambiguously defined at best. I was fortunate enough to spend some time at the Castle Dreamcatching for information, though I have not managed to assemble it all as of yet. I should like to find the place of Mina's death and try to gather more information there, and I believe the lighthouse may be of some use as well, if the rumors about it are true. Does it truly show you anything you wish to see?

[mysunnydisposition]

Thank you. That helps a lot, actually. ...has anyone, you know, done anything to the Adversary of Rebirth since the last Valence Quest? Manhunts, forced to go into hiding, something? Four years is a long time for a suspected murderer to go free...

Lighthouse sounds like it might be worth a try, though. I was out there earlier, and I didn't see much useful... but I can try again now that I know what I might be looking for.

[willyousee]

Mina was killed only a few weeks before the appearance of the current Valence, but the Adversary of Rebirth has endured a number of attacks and has been shunned by much of the dreaming community. The Oracle of Arrows, Zoe, has been sheltering him in the meantime. He seems to be hoping that obtaining the Valence will allow him to prove his innocence.

I am en route to the Lighthouse now-- and it appears that they have reached it before me. If this works, we may not need the Valence after all, which again puts its use into question if one of the Travelers obtains it.