EMPIRE! The Grand Ball of 381!

[QuintonBeck]

The Second Grand Ball of Telluris
-Spring, 381, Triumvirate Capital-
3rd Decennial Nyrothian Great Weave

The new Triumvirate capital, still under construction by the three nations responsible for it's foundation is a shining beacon of progress and unity between the nations of the Triumvirate. Standing largest and most eye catching within the city is the recently completed Senate and Capitol building, a great smooth dome of Sanctuary stone lit up from the outside even in the growing dusk by Nyrothian crystals, charged from their time under the sun, their soft orange glow sending out a warm light that the ground around it basks in and invites foreign diplomats closer. Outside the entrance to the building, great hardwood doors crafted by Woodwind's finest woodworkers, stands a retinue of Triumvirate guards hailing from all the provinces that claim allegiance to the Triumvirate lining either side of the pathway into the great Senatorial dome. Behind them anxious workers, given the day off from their work constructing the city, and their families watch with awe as the diplomats from far flung lands arrive in their various exotic styles. These diplomats are guided in by eager Senators who had won bets or made deals to be allowed to meet and speak with these diplomats during their introductory arrival.

As the guests are led inside they finally see for themselves the interior of the Senate building. It is massive, even more so than it seemed to be from the outside, polished and waxed flooring, recognized by those familiar with it's usage to have been treated with the kelp oil of the Jeweled Cities, shines with the reflection of the Nyroth crystals, which appear to not simple be external but equally internal as well, being in thickness equal to the wall of the dome and thus serving as lighting and crystalline windows both. The main floor is completely clear in the center, clearly the designated area for dancing, and around the edge of the circular room a great table laden with many delicacies and drink, chief among them a vintage Raaneki Heartwine that had been kept stored away in preparation for this Ball nearly ten years ago. The table's circular enclosure does not continue unbroken around the room however, interrupted to the left and right by doors to separate wings of the building and directly across the dance floor where it again breaks the circle to give access to a small stage sitting within a recess on this far side of the building. This dais sits only a step above the dance floor and upon it sits a table separate from the circular tables that surround the rest of the room. Sitting in their center chair is the young and radiant Syana Ignato of Woodwind, only just past her 30th spring. To her right sits Loki Ethmorl of Hrathan-Tuor, and to her left King Tendaji II of Genivana along with their closest consulates and family.

Senators and senator's families already move about the dance floor, dressed in fine Nyrothian silk garments and chatting mildly as they await the much anticipated foreign diplomats. A soft music carries through the building and it's origin can be identified as a band set up near the edge of the table and the pathway to the door on the left. Their instruments are largely percussion and a mellow beat reverberates through the acoustically designed building. There are a few stringed instruments as well, which those familiar with the Sympol might recognize as originating from their land but by and large it is the soft but steady beat of the drums that leads the musical ensemble. Music (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_e8bUyC55cc)

As the guests begin to file in their senatorial guides begin to be drawn away by older senators, apologizing for their younger equal's eagerness and attempting to capitalize on saving them from their chatter to allow themselves to make their own ideas on trade deals and pacts known to the guests. Before they are completely removed however the original senators who guided the diplomats in hands to the guest a letter sealed with an amber seal.

It is within this letter we of the Triumvirate hope to transcribe all the events of this ball that you, honored guest, might be able to be present for that which most interests you and your time.

5:00 The Grand Ball full of Dancing and Merriment Begins
7:00 The Grand Feast shall be served
8:30 The Announcement of the new Mistress of the Weave shall be held as finale to the Feast.
9:00 The Hall of the Empress shall be opened to the Union of the North that they might speak privately and the Hall of the High Speaker shall be opened to the Ignato Empire and the Hurosha Empire and then to the members of the Grand Coalition that they might speak privately
11:00 The Hall of the Empress shall be opened to all those with direct concerns regarding the Heartwaste and Sanctuary that they might speak privately
12:00 The Honorable King Tendaji II of Genivana shall make an announcement on the Blazing Avatar that all who wish to hear and witness are invited to attend to in the main hall.

Further, the members of the Triumvirate shall be as ready and receptive as possible and we ask that you feel free to approach us to discuss with us any matter you wish though there may be times when private matters call us away from the main floor rest assured we shall return and you need only inform an aid or senator of your desire to speak with us and we shall make time to do so.

Side-RP Threads
A Meeting of Empires PRIVATE: WaylanderX & QuintonBeck (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?341849-EMPIRE!-A-Meeting-of-Empires&p=17300413#post17300413)
Union of the North Re-Up PRIVATE: Elemental, Lord_Burch, SilverBit (When sent for by the other 2) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?341850-EMPIRE!-Union-of-the-North-Re-Up&p=17300451#post17300451)
Grand Coalition Thread for Discussing Grand Coalition Changes PRIVATE: Grand Coalition Members (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?329010-EMPIRE!-Grand-Coalition-Message-Thread&p=17276913#post17276913)
Heartwaste Pact of 381 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?342542-EMPIRE!-The-Heartwaste-Pact&p=17322399&posted=1#post17322399)

[Morph Bark]

[5:00]
His hands moved rhythmically against the goatskin between his legs and evoked the tunes like nigh a master would. He was seated in the midst of the drummers, his hair having grown long over the years, but the faded lightningbolt lines and colourful thick dots were still evident in his neck. His moustache had been grown out by request of Shvedrishti, who had braided it with beads after he had oiled it smooth. He felt like he looked positively ridiculous, but the girl beside him drum along happily, if even almost as skillfully as he did. "You have the smack of a master, sir," the man who sat on his other side noted as he leaned forward to look at her handiwork. "Keep your mouth to yourself and commit to the drums, Tío," Paco returned the banter. "Right," the man's head whipped back and he drummed along, wondering how he had ended up here. After delivering the invitation to Paco--itself a journey not undertaken lightly primarily because the man was harder to find than an adamantine needle in a volcano--he had been shanghaied into their venture and was invited along, eventually ending up in the midst of the drumming band at the Grand Ball itself, a place where he hadn't ever thought himself to be in the first place other than as maybe a servant.

Paco was just hoping Greta hadn't found any taiko drums.

"OH YEEEAAAAHHHH!!"

Oh Lord.

[Silverbit]

[5:00]

The Razdissi party entered the ball, clad in glittering finery.

Mormaer Razkai II, lord of Eyrecradia and Elbaraz and Sulvan Primarch, was dressed in an ornamental Mithril mail coat, and wearing his steel crown. It was banded with platinum, studded with amber and plated in Mithril. Two fine Razdissi thrusting swords were crossed on his back, above his cloak of mammoth fur and rhino hide.

Beside him stood Prince Ali; the moustachioed Razdissi wore a Mithril mail coat that was plain only by contrast with Razkai's, and a steel circlet set with amber. His cloak was also mammoth fur and rhino hide, and an ornamental Mithril Sulvan battle axe was attached to his back.

Their party stood a few paces back, bearing Clan banners and gifts forged of bronze, steel and Mithril, all set with Wenyavuk amber; swords and spears, whose masterful ornamentation stopped just short of the incredibly sharp edge; cups, grails and goblets decorated with geometric Razdissi patterns; and light mail of Mithril, intended only for the most noble of recipients.

Mormaer Razkai stumps up to the Triumvirate representatives, handing each a shirt forged of Mithril. He manfully ignores the sudden increase in drumming tempo heralded by Greta's shout.

[Lord_Burch]

As Lord Cedrik's party enters the room, they receive strange looks- not directed at him, but rather at his guests- people who appear, at first glance, as human, but upon a second look, have subtle differences. One of them- a woman dressed in Bordeusi finery- is introduced as Dutchess Gabrielle, but where she is from or what indeed she is the dutchess of. Two of the guards, of the four accompanying him, wear masks depicting snarling tigers. All three of them have pointed ears, and almost seem to radiate a cold, calculating feeling. The Dutchess has sharp, angular features that seem to make her very appearance cruel by nature.

OOC:
For any wondering, these people are my take on high elves- I'll explain more in the region post, when I get it up.

[QuintonBeck]

"Elder Master Dwarf, Mormaer and Primarch both, you honor us with these gifts," Syana inclined her head with a smile as she looked upon the well wrought mithril mail. The sudden cry of excitement and pounding of drums drew Syana's eyes over to the band and her polite smile gave way to a broad grin and then laughter.

"You'll excuse my laughter Mormaer, the Avatar seems to have found another activity to draw attention for herself," her dark eyes returned to look at the Dwarf lord, "I hope your travel to the west went well? How fairs fine Razdis? It is my understanding your great walls stand complete? Many of my architects responsible for building this Senate House have been requesting a chance to go and look upon your works. Chief among them my lead architect," Syana leaned down the table and caught site of a middle aged and eager Aloren man and she smiled at him, prompting him to stand and come to join the Mormaer in front of her, bowing towards the Dwarf as he did so, "Mormaer, allow me to introduce Kalis Crajus, my lead architect and the man behind the design of this building."

"It is an honor to meet the leader of the finest stone craftsmen Mormaer," Kalis said reverently, "If it would be no trouble, might I offer you a drink in exchange for answering some of my questions regarding your methods?"

As the architect spoke to the Mormaer Syana looked up to see the arrival of new guests, the Bordeusi representatives, but accompanied by strangers who did not fit the looks of the Bordeux aristocracy? Syana's face wrinkled in confusion but she quickly replaced it with a neutral face of invitation.

[Aedilred]

Despite the relatively light tread of the Jarr delegation, somehow their entrance still evokes loudness, perhaps due to the riot of colour infusing their clothing. It rather looks as though elements of the party have adapted their clothing based on local fashions of Lyradis that they have encountered en route, and then coloured the whole thing with their traditional red and purple. King Athelmark, a tall, trim man with long, iron-grey hair and a close-cropped beard, is at the head of his group, wearing a relatively tasteful ensemble of black edged with gold and purple which appears to have been designed to give a greater impression of width. Behind him are a young man and woman who the informed will know to be his children Athelmere and Eirwynn, and behind them a further man in his mid-thirties: Marrik Sunder, Athelmark's nephew by marriage.

Having made his entrance, Athelmark looks around for the Empress, and strides in her direction. He momentarily gives the impression that he's about to hug her, then seems to think better of it.

"Wotcher, milady. Splendid party you have here, so kind of you to invite us. We've brought you some tokens of our appreciation."

Athelmere and Eirwynn step forward to present Syana with their gifts: Athelmere carries a splendid longbow of Jarrland yew, further supplemented by a quiver with arrows. Eirwynn presents a carved wooden boat representing a Horwik fishing vessel. The carving is simple, but characterful, and Eirwynn demonstrates that the deck and masting can be removed to reveal a hold packed with pouches of purple and cochineal. Marrik carries over his shoulder a mighty basket-hilted greatsword of black metal, which he does not present; it seems this weapon is Athelmark's ceremonial sword.

[Silverbit]

"Elder Master Dwarf, Mormaer and Primarch both, you honor us with these gifts," Syana inclined her head with a smile as she looked upon the well wrought mithril mail. The sudden cry of excitement and pounding of drums drew Syana's eyes over to the band and her polite smile gave way to a broad grin and then laughter.

"You'll excuse my laughter Mormaer, the Avatar seems to have found another activity to draw attention for herself," her dark eyes returned to look at the Dwarf lord, "I hope your travel to the west went well? How fairs fine Razdis? It is my understanding your great walls stand complete? Many of my architects responsible for building this Senate House have been requesting a chance to go and look upon your works. Chief among them my lead architect," Syana leaned down the table and caught site of a middle aged and eager Aloren man and she smiled at him, prompting him to stand and come to join the Mormaer in front of her, bowing towards the Dwarf as he did so, "Mormaer, allow me to introduce Kalis Crajus, my lead architect and the man behind the design of this building."

"It is an honor to meet the leader of the finest stone craftsmen Mormaer," Kalis said reverently, "If it would be no trouble, might I offer you a drink in exchange for answering some of my questions regarding your methods?"


Razkai bows low as Syana speaks.
"I am honoured by your very presence, my lady Syana. No gift could compete with that.

She is the Blazing Avatar? Noble sediment. My son Ali might find her interesting.

Ah, Razdis prospers. We forge new works every passing day, and our mines seem limitless. The walls of Kalpraz stand tall and strong; it is not only my people you should speak highly of, but also the Lyradisians. They aided us in the construction.

Kalis, it is an honour to meet such a man. This building is beyond compare. Ah, a drink. You tempt me sir. What do you wish to know?"

[QuintonBeck]

*Snip*

Syana smiled at the new guests, true foreigners in a way that few others were in these halls. Yet despite their odd dress and varying culture they looked in face and skin no different than a thousand other Woodwind or Aloren natives. It was strange indeed to see one so foreign and yet so familiar faces, but she did not dwell long on the thought.

"King Athelmark of the Jarrs I presume," she asked as she accepted the gifts and gave them an appreciative once over, "Thank you for your gifts. You are perhaps one of our guests furthest from home here in these lands, I hope we may provide a comfort you may find adequate. If there is anything you or your family needs, do not hesitate to ask."

"That is a fine sword," she adds, looking at the large blade on his back, "It reminds me of one carried by my blooded great uncle. I must introduce you to the Empress of Hurosha when she arrives, she is as an aunt to me and I'm certain she would appreciate your taste in blades as well."

"But please, let me not talk of that which is unknown to you for now. Dyamusan," she said, turning to address a young man about the age of the Jarr King's daughter, "Take the Jarr Prince and Princess and show them of Ignato hospitality."

"Yes sister," a young man sitting at the table held by the Triumvirate representatives, bearing a marked resemblance to Syana except for his green to her brown eyes stood up from the table, restraining excitement at getting leave the table.

He made his way over to the other young heirs and began to speak and Syana returned her attention to the Jarr king,

"Please, enjoy what foods and drinks we have to offer friend of the south," her voice grew heavier as she next spoke, "and as to the issue you wished to discuss in your letter I hope to speak to you about it later with the others involved."


*Snip*

"It is my belief she is the new Avatar," Syana nodded, "I believe I shall be proven right in that belief tonight," she added, careful to craft an air of nonchalance around her statement but smiling knowingly.

Before another question could be asked Kalis spoke again,

"Whatever you might share!" he said excitedly, "Come, there is a vintage Heartwine I know to lie around here somewhere..." he trailed off as he led the Dwarf lord towards the outer ring of tabling.

((Feel free to mingle and break away from Kalis))

[Aedilred]

"King Athelmark of the Jarrs I presume," she asked as she accepted the gifts and gave them an appreciative once over, "Thank you for your gifts. You are perhaps one of our guests furthest from home here in these lands, I hope we may provide a comfort you may find adequate. If there is anything you or your family needs, do not hesitate to ask."
Athelmark laughs. "Milady, if your accommodation includes much more than a log cabin with a rush floor and a few old furs thrown down for warmth around the hearthfire, the comforts here will far exceed what I'm used to at home." There is a twinkle in his eye, which could suggest exaggerated self-deprecation, or merely acknowledgement of his people's relative backwardness in civilisation. "I must say, I am most impressed with this building. If my people ever learn to build palaces as fine as this, I will count my kingdom a success."


"That is a fine sword," she adds, looking at the large blade on his back, "It reminds me of one carried by my blooded great uncle. I must introduce you to the Empress of Hurosha when she arrives, she is as an aunt to me and I'm certain she would appreciate your taste in blades as well."
The king purses his lips slightly, as if about to go into further detail about the sword, then nods and smiles. "I look forward to speaking with the Empress when she arrives, if you would be so kind as to introduce me."


"But please, let me not talk of that which is unknown to you for now. Dyamusan," she said, turning to address a young man about the age of the Jarr King's daughter, "Take the Jarr Prince and Princess and show them of Ignato hospitality."

"Yes sister," a young man sitting at the table held by the Triumvirate representatives, bearing a marked resemblance to Syana except for his green to her brown eyes stood up from the table, restraining excitement at getting leave the table.
Athelmark sends his children on their way with a wave of his hand. Their official duties apparently complete for now, they are all too happy to comply, although as soon as it becomes apparent that further conversation will be required, Athelmere appears to grow slightly nervous, in the manner of so many young people left alone with peers previously unknown to them.
"So," he ventures, "what is there to do so far north? Do you have hunting here?"
"Don't be foolish, 'Mere," Eirwynn says, "Of course they'll have hunting here. Unless-" she seems to worry she herself has now made a foolish remark, and blushes slightly as he turns to Dyamusan - "you've moved beyond that. Do you consider hunting to be primitive and barbarous? We are a simple people and don't know how things in the north are done."


"Please, enjoy what foods and drinks we have to offer friend of the south," her voice grew heavier as she next spoke, "and as to the issue you wished to discuss in your letter I hope to speak to you about it later with the others involved."
"Indeed, milady," he says, with slightly more sobriety, "and thank you again for your hospitality."

***

With the audience terminated for now, Athelmark dispatches his equerry to fetch drinks for himself and Marrik, and they make their way over to the Bordeux delegation. Identifying a man of similar age in the group, Athelmark thrusts out a hand to him. "Lord Cedrik, I presume? A pleasure to meet you in person finally. And -" he glances in the direction of the Duchess - "might I enquire after your charming companion?"

[ImperatorV]

Loki Ethmorl sits serenely, nodding and watching the proceedings. After a while he turns to his sons.

I met your mother at the last grand ball, you know.

Yes. You've told us before. Nathanias comments dryly.

Ivar glares at him, but the elderly High Guildmaster just laughs.

Yes, yes I have. But I have a point this time. This is an excellent opportunity to meet future brides. You two should be out about the dance floor looking for some pretty ladies. Now go on. Shoo.

He waves at them spastically until the pair leaves.

Hmpf. You'd think they'd be more enthusiastic about this. I know I was.

He stop talking to himself when the Razdissi present their gift.

Ah, very impressive. You certainly know how to make a good impression, my friend! But I won't keep you from our esteemed architect.

Any unmarried girls in the audience? The Ethmorl boys are open for business. Anyone who want to talk politics can come to Loki or Nathanias.

[Aedilred]

Any unmarried girls in the audience? The Ethmorl boys are open for business. Anyone who want to talk politics can come to Loki or Nathanias.
Eirwynn is unmarried (as are Athelmere and Marrik, but they're not girls).

[QuintonBeck]

Athelmark sends his children on their way with a wave of his hand. Their official duties apparently complete for now, they are all too happy to comply, although as soon as it becomes apparent that further conversation will be required, Athelmere appears to grow slightly nervous, in the manner of so many young people left alone with peers previously unknown to them.
"So," he ventures, "what is there to do so far north? Do you have hunting here?"
"Don't be foolish, 'Mere," Eirwynn says, "Of course they'll have hunting here. Unless-" she seems to worry she herself has now made a foolish remark, and blushes slightly as he turns to Dyamusan - "you've moved beyond that. Do you consider hunting to be primitive and barbarous? We are a simple people and don't know how things in the north are done."


"Yes, we hunt," Dyamusan laughed, "In fact, it was only two years ago I completed my first boar hunt. It's a ritual in Woodwind for boys to go through to become men. You should have seen this thing, as broad at the shoulders as three men, easy! I take it you all hunt?" he asked as he walked the two guests over to a bar and poured three cups of Heartwine, "I'm afraid I don't know much about things in the south myself. Until a few years ago we all thought it was all Salterri, which, I guess you kinda are...anyway..." he took a swig from his cup to stop him from spewing further nonsense, "I guess back to the point, what do you hunt down there?"


*Snip*

Syana smiled as her old friend, a man who had known her grandfather, father, and now her and been one of the most loyal and fast allies of the Empire waved wildly at his progeny to get them to go and interact.

"Sometimes they need a push," she said smiling and looking off where Dyamusan was speaking with the southern children. He would need to be introduced to Alice Bordeux properly soon, but that could wait until the Bordeusi envoy came to talk.

"Tell me Loki, what news is there from the land south of your own? Order has been restored and Grizzland now falls under Guild and Triumvirate protection, no? Is there news in regards to the pusdeath?"

[Lord_Burch]

Athelmark laughs. "

With the audience terminated for now, Athelmark dispatches his equerry to fetch drinks for himself and Marrik, and they make their way over to the Bordeux delegation. Identifying a man of similar age in the group, Athelmark thrusts out a hand to him. "[COLOR="#800080"]Lord Cedrik, I presume? A pleasure to meet you in person finally. And -" he glances in the direction of the Duchess - "might I enquire after your charming companion?"

Indeed I am. And you are, I presume... King Athelmark? Of the Jarrs, yes? A pleasure as well. And this is...

I am Duchess Gabrielle, of the city Eyöm. Although- what is the word in your barbaric tongue? Charming?- I am not. She speaks with a heavy accent, and has a slight hesitation at some words, as if she is new to our language. She offers a hand, slightly clawed at the tips of her fingers.

In an undertone, Cedrik remarks to Athelmark, Watch out for her. Don't ever be alone with her or her guards.

Appearing disinterested, Gabrielle remarks, with a small sigh, Cedrik, dear, you know full well I can hear you.

Of course you can. I said that for your benefit just as much as his.

[Aedilred]

"Yes, we hunt," Dyamusan laughed, "In fact, it was only two years ago I completed my first boar hunt. It's a ritual in Woodwind for boys to go through to become men. You should have seen this thing, as broad at the shoulders as three men, easy! I take it you all hunt?" he asked as he walked the two guests over to a bar and poured three cups of Heartwine, "I'm afraid I don't know much about things in the south myself. Until a few years ago we all thought it was all Salterri, which, I guess you kinda are...anyway..." he took a swig from his cup to stop him from spewing further nonsense, "I guess back to the point, what do you hunt down there?"

"Northerners," Athelmere says. "We buy them from the Salterri, then let them loose and see how far they make it."

"'Mere!" Eirwynn exclaims, horrified.

Athelmere laughs. "Sorry, just pulling your leg. Mostly deer and moose, some bison. Occasionally bears and lions, but we mostly leave them alone and only go after them when they start coming too near to villages. On the coast I hear they hunt marlin and sharks, although I've never been on one of those hunts. I'm better with a traditional spear than with bow or trident, in any case, so I've never brought down anything impressive." He nods towards where his father is standing with his swordbearer. "My cousin - well, sort-of-cousin - Marrik is reckoned the best archer in the kingdom."

"I'm a better archer than 'Mere," Eirwynn says, to her brother's apparent annoyance, "but I haven't been taken on a proper hunt yet, just shooting squirrels at my father's hall."

***


*snip*

Athelmark seems slightly taken aback, and nods cautiously to Cedrik to indicate he has understood the warning before bending to kiss the Duchess's hand. "A harmless compliment, milady, I meant no offence. I and my people have elven ancestry and you would be considered a great beauty in my kingdom. Might I ask, is Eyöm a city within Bordeux, or are you from yet further afield? I confess that northern geography is largely a mystery to me."

[ImperatorV]

Syana smiled as her old friend, a man who had known her grandfather, father, and now her and been one of the most loyal and fast allies of the Empire waved wildly at his progeny to get them to go and interact.

"Sometimes they need a push," she said smiling and looking off where Dyamusan was speaking with the southern children. He would need to be introduced to Alice Bordeux properly soon, but that could wait until the Bordeusi envoy came to talk.

"Tell me Loki, what news is there from the land south of your own? Order has been restored and Grizzland now falls under Guild and Triumvirate protection, no? Is there news in regards to the pusdeath?"

Grizzland is almost fully under our protection, but I lost a rather large portion of my army to that disease in the process. Strangely, troops both home and abroad die in droves, but the civilian population is mostly unaffected. More evidence the Salterri brought it north. I find it easier and easier to sympathize with Nathanias's opinions about them.

The old Guildmaster coughs gently, and drains his glass of wine before continuing.

He reminds me of your grandfather. Not the most reasonable person, but always looking out for his people and his allies.

He smiles in a musing, absent-minded manner.

Don't expect he'd ever wear a dress though.

[Lord_Burch]

Athelmark seems slightly taken aback, and nods cautiously to Cedrik to indicate he has understood the warning before bending to kiss the Duchess's hand. "A harmless compliment, milady, I meant no offence. I and my people have elven ancestry and you would be considered a great beauty in my kingdom. Might I ask, is Eyöm a city within Bordeux, or are you from yet further afield? I confess that northern geography is largely a mystery to me."

My dear, the first thing you must learn: no comment is ever harmless. Politics is chess; whether you are a pawn or a player, remains to be seen.

Yes... Well, I do apologize for her. She would not have been my first choice for a companion, but their council insisted. At any rate, Eyöm is due west of your lands, actually. In a recent addition to the Concordant, an area known as Valterre. It is difficult to explain, exactly, where it is; I will send you a map later, perhaps.

[HisHolyAngel]

High Priestess Fabula arrived at the Ball, without the usual attendance of Priests and Head Priests, in her right hand was the Rod of Yphine, and in her left was the hand of Glamora, growing into quite the pretty young girl.

Surprisingly, she wasn't wearing her usual garb, but instead was dressed in a beautifully elegant and elaborate gown of pure white. Her white hair was interspersed with the most brilliant of sapphires.

[Aedilred]

My dear, the first thing you must learn: no comment is ever harmless. Politics is chess; whether you are a pawn or a player, remains to be seen.
Athelmark raises his eyebrows."A pawn, milady? I may be inexperienced at chess, but I am a king all the same."


Yes... Well, I do apologize for her. She would not have been my first choice for a companion, but their council insisted. At any rate, Eyöm is due west of your lands, actually. In a recent addition to the Concordant, an area known as Valterre. It is difficult to explain, exactly, where it is; I will send you a map later, perhaps.
"No apology necessary, old chap, entirely my fault. Say, this map wouldn't be printed by any chance, would it? I know you're reluctant to trade the presses, but I would appreciate your advice about them. I'm trying to raise my people to a standard of literacy - seems to me it's an important part of being civilised to be able to read - but then there are those, like my nephew here, who reckon it's just going to cause problems. Give folk ideas above their station and that sort of thing. Have you had any issues like that?"

[Lord_Burch]

Athelmark raises his eyebrows."A pawn, milady? I may be inexperienced at chess, but I am a king all the same."
A king is still a piece; one that the others rally behind, yes, but one that is played all the same. Well, I must be off. Something intriguing has entered the room.


"No apology necessary, old chap, entirely my fault. Say, this map wouldn't be printed by any chance, would it? I know you're reluctant to trade the presses, but I would appreciate your advice about them. I'm trying to raise my people to a standard of literacy - seems to me it's an important part of being civilised to be able to read - but then there are those, like my nephew here, who reckon it's just going to cause problems. Give folk ideas above their station and that sort of thing. Have you had any issues like that?"

Knowledge is power. The key is to control that power. Once given, however, power cannot easily be taken back. The lesson is to nurture it, grow it, but never to restrict in all but the most subtle of ways. My people fear me. They know what my justice is, and they know not to cross it. To be loved is to put your power in the hands of others, to be feared is to take that power into your own hands.

[Aedilred]

A king is still a piece; one that the others rally behind, yes, but one that is played all the same. Well, I must be off. Something intriguing has entered the room.
"A pity, milady, I was so enjoying our conversation. I hope to speak with you again later."


Knowledge is power. The key is to control that power. Once given, however, power cannot easily be taken back. The lesson is to nurture it, grow it, but never to restrict in all but the most subtle of ways. My people fear me. They know what my justice is, and they know not to cross it. To be loved is to put your power in the hands of others, to be feared is to take that power into your own hands.
"So," Marrik says, "the trick may not be so much as to prevent the people from learning to read, as controlling what they read once they can. Of course, that would be easier were they unable to read in the first place."

"Alas!" Athelmark exclaims theatrically, "I fear you have confirmed him in his preconceptions. However, milord, you speak of love and fear as if they are opposites. Is it not possible to be both loved and feared, as I both love and fear my wife? Fear without love seems a poor trade-off with no more guarantee of security. Take my... ah, friend, Qzare Xiu Wandao, for instance. He was feared by many, and loved by none. Now he is your prisoner and power over him is in your hands regardless."

[QuintonBeck]

*Snip*

Dyamus reeled back for an instant, disbelief and horror mixed on his face before the young man's sister intervened and relief followed by a laugh took it's place,

"I'm a spear hunter too, most Woodwind men are. It's what we're trained in longest. I can shoot a bow and I know a little Ashenian swordplay my uncle taught me, but nothing compared to a real swordsman. Are swords very common in the south?"

Dyamus kept most of his attention on the southern visitors but couldn't help but look towards the Bordeusi delegation, he was to be betrothed to Lord Cedrik's daughter Alice but he hadn't ever seen the girl and they'd only written a few times. His sister had told him of her and Korath's love letters and tried to help him compose ones for the Bordeux girl but they never seemed to get off the ground. He was hoping there might be more passion in person. Still, he couldn't see her with all the people moving about. He supposed he'd be sent for when he was to meet her, but he couldn't help but want to see early.


*snip*

"I wouldn't knock it until you've tried it," Syana said, looking down at her own dress and flashing the old Guildmaster a grin.

She had always felt relaxed and open around the Guildmaster, likely due to having known the man all her life. He was right about his son, he was definitely more aggressive than his father. If all the stories were true about her grandfather though the young man had a ways to go before he equaled the man known as Doomkhan. In any case she wasn't worried about his more hardlined inclination, with the official forming of the Triumvirate the three nations would be able to check one another and though the initial proposal may have been intended to check her grandfather it served just as well for any of the three members.

"This disease is proving to be quite a problem. I wish there was something we could do to remove it from the world," Syana said before waiting a moment and changing the subject, "Do you have any particular hopes for him finding someone? I imagine we could use some family to the south or east."


*snip*

Syana noted the arrival of the high priestess with a smile, she had not yet met the High Priestess, though King Tendaji had praised her and she had heard more tales than she could have ever wanted from Paco during his visits to Triumvirate lands.

"Is that another Avatar for the club?" Korath asked, having come up silently behind her.

She jumped slightly then turned and smiled at her husband, "I believe she is to be the next High Priestess in Sycia, so she should be out of running for Avatar-ship. Besides, you said you agreed with me that it's Greta."

"I never said I agreed with you."

Syana turned and glared at her husband mockingly but he only smiled.

"I came to tell you your uncle wishes to go speak with her and I don't think I'm needed here so I plan to join him."

"Of course," Syana nodded, "Take Kilwen and let him speak religion with her, though you may regret your decision to accompany him."

Korath said nothing, only nodding his head slightly and going to gather Kilwen and Avie from the other end of the table. A short time later she saw them approaching the High Priestess.

=================

The three men approach High Priestess Fabula, the two oldest are dressed as members of the Radurjic Chuo wa Mashahidi and the third stands apart with his fair Ashenite features and fine, but clearly secular Ashenite dress.

"Blessings of the Great Ancestor upon you High Priestess," one of the older men, the slightly darker of the two said, bowing his head along with the other Radurjic priest, the Ashenite nodding politely.

"I am Shahidi Kilwen Ignato," he bowed.

"And I am Shahidi Avie Barasa," the other man spoke.

"I am Prince Korath Toranath Ignato, husband to the Empress Ignato," the Ashenite said, "You honor our Ball with your presence. I hope your journey went well?" he asked in an attempt to delay his uncle in law from launching into religious speak and leaving him in the dark.

[Zap Dynamic]

4:00
Two columns of elephants lead Raaneka to the Grand Ball, the foremost two with sumptuous palanquins upon their backs. Lomadi and Ujval Devdano, newly crowned Queen and King of the Royal Council of Raaneka, rode within one palanquin, while the second carried Princess Anguri, Prince Krama, and their consort, Seri. Chests full of jewelry adorned many other elephants, and barrels of Raaneki food on the others.

5:00
Queen Lomadi and King Ujval approached Empress Syana, dressed exquisitely in Nyrothian silk. Princess Anguri and Prince Krama followed with Seri, but most intriguing was the young woman accompanying the Queen and King. Her skin had browned from long summers in the sun, but she was unmistakeably a woman of the arctic north. She wore a bold dress of sheer silk the color of a clear sky. Over this, she wore a jerkin of ornate brocade, adorned with patterns and images of her people. The neckline of the jerkin plunged nearly to her navel, though the sheer dress beneath preserved just enough of her modesty for such an international event. She chatted with the Queen as the party made their way to Syana.

"Empress!" exclaimed King Ujval, offering his hand to the woman. "Thank you so dearly for your invitation. We have come with food for your guests, but please," he said as a painted servant approached with a small chest. "accept this humble gift." The servant opened the chest to reveal a necklace of dark gold starbursts, each set with an emerald and surrounded by rubies. "Gold, to match your radiance. Emerald, to match the beauty of Woodwind's forests."

[SamBurke]

Paco was just hoping Greta hadn't found any taiko drums.

"OH YEEEAAAAHHHH!!"

Oh Lord.
Humperdink laughs. "I've just started to see a few of my children grow into their middle years... quite an experience, wouldn't you agree?" He laughs, watching a few of those mentioned young ones "dance" in the center of the floor. As they continue --getting worse and worse with every moment, in danger now of international dancing incident-- Humperdink turns to fully face Paco.

"So... any tips on how to grow a mustache?"



Any unmarried girls in the audience? The Ethmorl boys are open for business. Anyone who want to talk politics can come to Loki or Nathanias.

Heck yeah. Several teen kids of Humperdink from one of his earlier marriages.


"Ah, Loki! I hear many fine things of your Triumverate to the south, and I watch with eager eyes. A toast to your efforts at peace, perhaps?" Humperdink arrives, carrying with him what is now a characteristic bottle of miracle Heartwine, mixed with a bit of fine Guilderene hops.


High Priestess Fabula arrived at the Ball, without the usual attendance of Priests and Head Priests, in her right hand was the Rod of Yphine, and in her left was the hand of Glamora, growing into quite the pretty young girl.

Surprisingly, she wasn't wearing her usual garb, but instead was dressed in a beautifully elegant and elaborate gown of pure white. Her white hair was interspersed with the most brilliant of sapphires. It is not Humperdink, but his son Inigo who greats Fabula. "Dear Priestess, I apologize that my father is busy." He bows low to the ground as only young dancers can, and kisses her hand. "But I relieve myself with the hope that I may prove to be at least as interesting as he. My training for future Doge has begun, though I am but a boy, and I come with great purpose..." His eyes range to the hand of Glamora, and lingers long on her beautiful face and form.

"Glad I am that he chose this mission for me. Perhaps there is a greater movement of the higher powers at work? I hope it was destiny that brought us together." He bows and winks at the young girl before returning his attention to the priestess. "My father wished me to speak to you about the matter." Another wink and a wide, mischevious, grin.


[OOC: I'm thinking Grain/Pegasi for protection... and I do note that Inigo has need of a religious teacher, as well. :smallwink:]




"[COLOR="#800080"]Alas!" Athelmark exclaims theatrically, "I fear you have confirmed him in his preconceptions. However, milord, you speak of love and fear as if they are opposites. Is it not possible to be both loved and feared, as I both love and fear my wife? Fear without love seems a poor trade-off with no more guarantee of security. Take my... ah, friend, Qzare Xiu Wandao, for instance. He was feared by many, and loved by none. Now he is your prisoner and power over him is in your hands regardless."
A small, quiet man sidles up behind Athelmark, making little splash for his movement. Still, he is watching with measured, wise eye. Every action of the most interesting man is taken note of, and the small fellow looks equally as interested beneath his glasses.

[QuintonBeck]

*Snip*

Syana placed her hand in the Raaneki King's own and gave him a warm smile as his servants opened the chest.

"It is absolutely gorgeous!" she said, lifting it gingerly from it's padded place,

"You brighten the entire country with your arrival neighbors of the dawn," she smiled brightly as she lifted the necklace to her neck, turning her head and so that a servant could reach and fasten it around her.

She looked down at it and smiled once again at its beauty, "Please, bring forth what you will," she turned to address the servant who had just fastened her necklace, "Would you have the empty plates cleared and room made for the Raaneki foods."

"It shall be done Empress," the man disappeared down stairs behind the low dais and began to direct other servants to begin clearing room on the table for the fine Raaneki fair.

"Now please, enjoy our-" the Empress was interrupted as two young girls, bearing an almost sister-like resemblance to one another if not for their highly contrasted complexion, both dressed in Woodwind finery tugged on the Empress's dress and stood on their tip toes to whisper in her ear.

Syana smiled slowly and apologetically at the Raaneki, "Forgive me friends, but it seems my daughter and my niece would very much like to go and see your elephants if that might be possible?"

Syana smiled apologizing with her eyes for their interruption as the two girls stood beside her, silent but their eyes filled with hope and excitement.


*Snip*

Syana smiled at Humperdink's speech with Loki. Nodding politely and when appropriate and waiting for an opportunity to inquire on her cousin and her husband the brave adventurer Columbo.

[BladeofObliviom]

Not far behind the High Priestess Fabula came another retinue of nobles and their guard, though perhaps ones slightly different than the kind that usually arrive.

First is a squad of six men and women, unidentifiable in their coats of mail and full helmets, bearing shields marked with a single snowflake: Knights of Hoarfrost. They're a ceremonial guard, armed only with their heater shields and (sheathed) war knives rather than full regalia, but they march nonetheless with all the vigilance required of their Holy Order. Next come four Frosten, more lightly armored in silk, but still carrying war knives.

After these, an eleventh figure strode in, standing straight with both hands behind his back. He was the quintessential figure of a Frosten Man, with bright blue skin with prominent but not too prominent white striations along his arteries, a hairless face with slightly cleft chin, and long white locks of immaculate hair atop his head. His build is lean but muscular, and he stands two Pryonian centimeters above even the tallest of his own retainers. His armor is ceremonial and quite ancient in design, forged from braided Bronze with a cured leather weave, but well-kept and impressive-looking nevertheless. A luxurious red silk cape flows behind his shoulders, solidifying his already imposing figure. At his hip, he carries a sheathed seax much like the ones carried by his retainers, though clearly finer and more expensive. Finally, as if this were all not quite enough to push the point home, the polished bronze crown inlaid with Tears of Yphine atop his head certainly is: This is King Hroar the Hyperborean, Lord of the Glazfell.

Two more followed him in closely, a boy and a girl, both sharing some family resemblance but without the same fanfare and sheer impact: The first is Prince-heir Unfurc, a sullen lad of age sixteen, while the latter is Princess Ancir, a still-cheery young girl of age fourteen. Princess Encir did not come; she is currently betrothed to Emperor Kuramkesh of Sanctuary, and it would be a breach of etiquette to appear alone in public prior to the finalization of their marriage. Both are clad in silk garments appropriate to their station, and wear simple circlets inlaid with a single tear.

Finally two members of the rearguard (arrayed the same as the other four retainers) end the procession along with a well-dressed Frosten carrying the flag of Hroar's line and a trumpet.

"Announcing the arrival of his majesty King Hroar, Lord of the Glazfell, along with Prince Unfurc and Princess Ancir!"

And a few speedy notes on the trumpet finished the announcement.


The Knights of Hoarfrost soon abandoned the Glazfell procession in favor of their assigned role of safeguarding the Sycian procession, which in turn left the remaining ten members to stand around. Soon enough the party split fully, however: Three guards shadowed Prince-heir Unfurc as he searched for a taste of fine liquor to pass him through the night, whereas the other three were concerned with keeping an eye on Princess Ancir to ensure that she be kept safely out of trouble. King Hroar himself seemed content with the company of his herald alone, at the very least, though he watched with a stony gaze at the proceedings around him.

"It has been too long indeed."

[Aedilred]

"I'm a spear hunter too, most Woodwind men are. It's what we're trained in longest. I can shoot a bow and I know a little Ashenian swordplay my uncle taught me, but nothing compared to a real swordsman. Are swords very common in the south?"
Athelmere shakes his head. "Not in our kingdom, at least. The Salterri use them, of course, but iron is not so plentiful in Jarrland that we can manufacture swords in large quantities, nor for that matter do we have many blacksmiths capable of making good swords, so our soldiers tend to carry spears. Only among the hill clans are swords remotely commonplace among soldiers. We certainly would not be able to create anything as fine as the Salterri sword Marrik is bearing for my father. Most nobles are trained with the sword, though, and my father is reckoned a good swordsman, at least by the standards of our people. For my part, I am still learning."

Eirwynn seems to have noticed Dyamus glancing towards the Bordeusi. "Do you know Lord Cedrik well, Prince Dyamus? I know my father was keen to speak to him about his literacy project. He's intent on introducing printing to our kingdom, though barely anybody can read... And were those people with him really elves? Our people descend from ancient elven colonists, but I have never seen a true elf in person."

[Elemental]

A herald entered the great rotunda of the Senate Building, his long robe a deep scarlet, to announce the guests who arrived after the King of Glazfell. He unfurled a large vellum scroll before reading it aloud to the room at large.
"It is my duty and honour to announce the arrival of the Sovereign of Ashenia, His Serene Majesty Hazael Toranath III and members of his esteemed family into the presence of the Empress of the Ignato Empire, the High Guildmaster of Hrathan and Tuor and the King of Genivana! Blessings upon them and may the spirits smile upon their deeds!"
The herald bent down on one knee as those announced, a dozen guards and five servants bearing cedar chests and a large rug entered in procession. The guards wore scarlet capes over the finest mithril armour, their shields on their arms and their swords sheathed at their sides, and the servants were attired in robes of pale grey.
The King, his eyes not accustomed to bright lights and his ears not accustomed to loud music, looked a bit furtive and unsure of himself. Still, he managed to appear somewhat regal in his long white robe, saffron stole and long black cape, embroidered with an image of an eagle and the moon in gold. His silver-white hair was braided with black ribbons, and on top, he wore what was to some, the fabled state crown of Ashenia that contained a priceless collection of sapphires and diamonds. At it's centre was what some said was the largest sapphire in the world. They are wrong of course, it's a blue diamond.
The Princess Regent on the other hand was dressed much more simply. Her gown was of plain black silk and the crown she wore was of unadorned iron. Her sons were dressed in formal military attire, scarlet robes embroidered in black with images of galloping horses worn over intricate mithril mail. Amalia Cordelia Noth wore a traditional Celerese gown, much to the annoyance of her dressmaker, with but one major concession to Ashenite dress in the form of a circlet of silver filligree.
They paused for a moment after entering the room before walking at a processional pace towards the dais where the leaders of the Triumvirate were seated. Their party, save for the King and Princess Regent knelt before the Empress and her associates. Hazael III spoke up, his voice faltering slightly:
"Greetings to you. We- We are honoured that you have invited us to be present at this most- This most auspicious of occasions."
Despite his words, he looked more nervous than honoured. He nodded to his sister who began to speak for him.
"My brother and I feel that it would be remiss for us to not honour you in turn. As such, we have decided to contribute to the splendour of this magnificent structure."
The five servants stood and moved forwards at this. The two carrying the rug knelt before the King and Regent and unrolled it, revealing a woven image of a herd of galloping horses that was almost lifelike in the colours the weavers had painstakingly selected. Silver highlights glinted in the pattern and around the edge was a border of deep red and black in a soft geometric pattern. The other three knelt and opened the chests they carried. Two contained silver dishes and the third was packed with books, their leather covers accented with golden decorations and clasps.
"It is our hope that these gifts will serve you well."

See? The King lives. Idrisa did not have her own brother murdered.

[WaylanderX]

Before the Grand Ball, near the Kasumor-Woodwind border

"So, that's it, miss. We've resupplied all them supplies we need."
Eleljak said, carrying a final box of dried squid into the hovercraft the group used to travel.
"Good good, then I think we can leave."
Nyllana looked around to see everyone was there.
"Oké, so we've got Irion, Eleljak and Paryna, Wayve, Helga and Yarick and Riphal and Kokuei."
Nyllana sighed. "So, did anyone spot that giant, blue, cheerfull monolith by the way?"
Wayve chuckled, "Yes mother, he is right ther..........."
His face distorted into a expression of total disbelief.
Eleljak snorted and asked while following his gaze: "What's the matter, this is not the first time you've seen Gr..........."
And his face distorted as wel.
Following their gazes, Nyllana's mouth dropped open.
Grïend was coming their way alright. However, not in his....usual manner.
He had shaped himself like a giant ball of crystal, round and smooth. Behind him, a bunch of laughing children pushed him forwards like he was a toy.
He rolled past, exclaiming a semi-sarcastic, semi cheerfull and monotonous "WWEEEEEEE" along the way.
"T-T-T-That's....not something you see every day.", Irion remarked, trying to stand upright against waves and waves of uncontrolable laughter.
Every member of the group was now holding on to eachother, trying to stay upright, although Wayve, Helga and Kokuei failed to do so.
"G-G-Grïend, playtime is o-o-over, time to leave!" Nyllana managed to shout to him.
"VERY WELL.....EMPRESS...." Grïend said, unrolling himself and saying his goodbyes to the children.
Once they were all settled and ready to go, although some of the group still snorted as they looked at Grïend, they set off to the Grand Ball once more.
"Maybe this wouldn't be such a bad day after all...."
Nyllana thought, a smile adorning her face.


At the Grand Ball

A wizzing sound could be heard from outside, after which the Hurosha Empire's delegation stepped inside. First came Irion and Eleljak, two Ambassadors of the provinces of the Hurosha Empire. Irion was clad in black-red cotton robes, accentuated by dire bear and wolf fur. Despite his age, he walked straight and with pride, although with the help of a shintioute tipped walking stick. Eleljak on the other hand, was clad in full adamantine mail, his trusty crossbow hanging at his side. They both strided inside with pride and dignity, eyes scanning for any sign of hostility, as if they espected some.

After them, Helga and Yarick and Riphal and Kokuei entered, each husband taking his wife by the arm. All were clad in flowing clothing made of cotton and inlaid with amber and quartz, with hoods made of fur.

When the way was clear, Nyllana and her two children, Wayve and Paryna entered the ballroom. Wayve was dressed in light Kasumori wargear, his adamantine chain bearing the stylized Cloudiz symbol of the Hurosha Empire. He wore a giant battleaxe with a black-red blade and a heavy ornate handle. Paryna was dressed in a black with white gown, a light chain vest visible under her gown and a rapier at her side.

Nyllana was dressed in an ornate plate armor, covering most of her upper body and with plates protecting the upper region of her tail, giving her the appearance of a warrior goddess of old. She wore a beautiful helmet adorned with Tânedhan featheres and inlaid amber (OOC: She looks like a Cloudiz clad in valkyrie armor, visually).
http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130518194311/valkyrieprofile/images/1/1d/Valkyrie_profile_2_-_silmeria_ps2_.jpg
The look in her eyes was ice cold when she scanned the room, appearently looking for someone.

Last entering the room was Grïend, leader of the Menhîrin. Standing an impressive 5 meters tall, he wore a pair of expertly crafted adamentine bracers, inlaid with the finest quartz and amber. He invoked a sense of pride and steadfastness in the way he moved, slow, steady and with purpose.

They walked towards the middle, searching for their hosts.
"Let's get this over with...."

[Lord_Burch]

"So," Marrik says, "the trick may not be so much as to prevent the people from learning to read, as controlling what they read once they can. Of course, that would be easier were they unable to read in the first place."

"Alas!" Athelmark exclaims theatrically, "I fear you have confirmed him in his preconceptions. However, milord, you speak of love and fear as if they are opposites. Is it not possible to be both loved and feared, as I both love and fear my wife? Fear without love seems a poor trade-off with no more guarantee of security. Take my... ah, friend, Qzare Xiu Wandao, for instance. He was feared by many, and loved by none. Now he is your prisoner and power over him is in your hands regardless."

Looking towards Marrik, Of course, if they cannot read, they cannot advance. It is better for all your people to have the ability to read so that they can learn then none be able to. If none can, then you will stagnate where you are, for innovation and creativity is stifled in all but a select few.
To Athelmark he replies, It is a good thing to be both feared and loved by your people, as my father was. But it is also better to be feared because your people will follow you into any hardship; they will fear you more then any hardships they face.

***

Gabrielle had smelled something interesting on the air; something rarely seen, something that scratched at the back of her mind. She felt as though she recognized this scent, but she couldn't place who or what would produce it. She sees who she is looking for in apparent conversation with three men; she knows it would be polite to wait till they are done speaking. But then, why should I care about their barbaric ways? Gabrielle approaches High Priestess Fabula from behind the men, and to the left of them, gold hair and ruby eyes flashing.

[ImperatorV]

"I wouldn't knock it until you've tried it," Syana said, looking down at her own dress and flashing the old Guildmaster a grin.

She had always felt relaxed and open around the Guildmaster, likely due to having known the man all her life. He was right about his son, he was definitely more aggressive than his father. If all the stories were true about her grandfather though the young man had a ways to go before he equaled the man known as Doomkhan. In any case she wasn't worried about his more hardlined inclination, with the official forming of the Triumvirate the three nations would be able to check one another and though the initial proposal may have been intended to check her grandfather it served just as well for any of the three members.

"This disease is proving to be quite a problem. I wish there was something we could do to remove it from the world," Syana said before waiting a moment and changing the subject, "Do you have any particular hopes for him finding someone? I imagine we could use some family to the south or east."

I prefer to let them figure it out for themselves. Better for their moral, you know. But Nathanias is always thinking in terms of politics, he at least will pick someone we can use an alliance with.




Heck yeah. Several teen kids of Humperdink from one of his earlier marriages.


"Ah, Loki! I hear many fine things of your Triumverate to the south, and I watch with eager eyes. A toast to your efforts at peace, perhaps?" Humperdink arrives, carrying with him what is now a characteristic bottle of miracle Heartwine, mixed with a bit of fine Guilderene hops.

Loki smiles wryly.

Peace is good for the economy. No matter how many times Syana tells me I'm going to be lord of the Senate, I still think like a Guildmaster.

He holds out his now empty glass for Humperdink's special drink.

If you want to arrange for some of those daughters to run into Nathanias and/or Ivar, be my guest. FYI, Nathanias is in his early 30s and is a bit of a grouse, while Ivar is in his 20s and is much more approachable.

[Silverbit]

"It is my belief she is the new Avatar," Syana nodded, "I believe I shall be proven right in that belief tonight," she added, careful to craft an air of nonchalance around her statement but smiling knowingly.

Before another question could be asked Kalis spoke again,

"Whatever you might share!" he said excitedly, "Come, there is a vintage Heartwine I know to lie around here somewhere..." he trailed off as he led the Dwarf lord towards the outer ring of tabling.

((Feel free to mingle and break away from Kalis))

"Hmmph. The world gets stranger every day."

Razkai answers what he can of Kalis' questions, then breaks away.

Hold on; elves? Not from Eyrecradia? This must be investigated.

As Gabrielle approaches the High Priestess, Razkai moves behind her and tries to attract her attention.
"My lady? Do I have the honour of addressing an elf?"

[QuintonBeck]

*snip*

"Hmm, oh sorry," Dyamus said, embarrassed to have been caught distracted, "No, I don't know Lord Cedrik very well unfortunately, though I am to be betrothed to one of his daughters. As for introducing printing I should think your father may find it easier to get it from the nations of the Dawn League who have recently acquired it, the Union is none too keen to share the wondrous technology," the young man paused as he looked at the delegation again, trying to identify who these foreigners were that traveled with the Bordeusi, "I don't know. I've not seen an elf before, and I knew of none in Concordat lands. Whoever they are they are as unknown to me as you first were when you arrived, perhaps then the resolution is the same, shall we go and speak with them?"


*Snip*

"These gifts are magnificent, we are indebted King Hazael, Princess Regent Idrisa," Syana bowed her head towards the Ashenite royalty, "Please, enjoy the wine and dancing. I believe your son, my husband, is out there on the floor Princess Idrisa, I am certain he would wish to talk with you as it has been too long," Syana smiled tightly.


*Snip*

Syana spotted the colorful and exotic Hurosha envoy and swallowed hard, she knew her blooded aunt, the Einguard of Kasumor was none too happy regarding Syana's choice of support in Sanctuary and the Heartwaste. She hoped however that the discussion she had planned for later this evening might see a resolution to their issues however, but until then she anticipated a chilly reception. Here was to hoping she was wrong.


*Snip*

Syana nodded and smiled, Nathanias was smart, perhaps not as wise as his father, but he had not had the life experiences his father had yet either. She hoped he might find a valuable wife amongst the delegates.

Syana chuckled at the Guildmaster as he spoke with the Doge,

"Don't go spilling beans before they're to be spilt," she teased the High Guildmaster, "Greetings Doge of Guilder, it is a great pleasure to see you here. Now, I must ask, where have you sent my cousin Yelfis and her husband the explorer Columbo? I have heard in letters that they traveled to Domhan Abule to seek out the shaman said to be capable of magic, is this true?"

[Morph Bark]

Humperdink laughs. "I've just started to see a few of my children grow into their middle years... quite an experience, wouldn't you agree?" He laughs, watching a few of those mentioned young ones "dance" in the center of the floor. As they continue --getting worse and worse with every moment, in danger now of international dancing incident-- Humperdink turns to fully face Paco.

"So... any tips on how to grow a mustache?"

Paco stared at the jovial Doge of Guilder from the midst of the drummers. "Shear willpower," he noted in deadpan fashion, carefully ignoring Humperdink's first notion.

"Is that a pun?" Tío asked.

"It's wordplay," Shvedrishti corrected, faking being indignant. Her hands sped up rapidly and then slammed down on the bongo and the music came to a halt. "I'll go say hi to Pita Tendaji, okay?" She stepped out from the drummer group and walked away, soon replaced by someone else at the bongo. Paco sighed and got up as well. Tío, uncertain of what to do, moved to get up as well, but the bulky man who replaced Paco pushed him back to sit and get back to awkwardly drumming away.


The Main Table
Popping up at the table where the Empress, King and High Guildmaster were standing, Greta took the place of Mormaer-Primarch Razkai II as she squeezed between the delegations from Ashenia and Raaneka. "Syana, this is the best thing ever! Hey Loki, killer party, should've expected that from you, old man. Tendaj! Looking good, if a bit hairy." She wore a garb that was form-fitting, but loose in the upper arms and legs for optimal movement, reminiscent of some of the assassin uniforms of Hrathan-Tuor, but in patterns and colours befitting the Fiery Faith and made from silk that was sheer in places, making clear to a careful observer aware that her chest was bound in bandages, as if she'd put it on right after martial training. Probably wise that she at least wore something underneath--she had had Islander teachers for years, but no Raaneki, perhaps luckily so in this particular case.


- Zabbarot taking over Shvedrishti once he gets into this thread, if he does.
- Raaneka and Ashenia being at the table at roughly the same time, judged from post replies.
- Assassins having off-duty uniforms. (Thought they might have clothes for non-assassinating jobs, if they also function as bodyguards.

[QuintonBeck]

*Snip*

Syana smiled at the excited young girl who had squeezed her way up to the table. Greta was always a pleasure to have around, she might not recognize the common laws of deference and courtesy but she certainly knew how to bring a good time and it was clear to any she meant no offense by it.

"Thank you young dear, though I might wager such an exclamation might be better rewarded to your drum playing. I had no idea you had such talent for music."

Syana looked up, eyes searching for two specific individuals... and there they were, Shvedrishti and Paco were making there way over as well. Syana smiled at them warmly and wondered whether First Brother Adam and his fellow Temple monks would deign to show up. She certainly hoped they did, though just as well she wished they didn't as she was certain even despite her rules they would choose to make some amount of trouble for Paco.

[ImperatorV]

The Main Table
Popping up at the table where the Empress, King and High Guildmaster were standing, Greta took the place of Mormaer-Primarch Razkai II as she squeezed between the delegations from Ashenia and Raaneka. "Syana, this is the best thing ever! Hey Loki, killer party, should've expected that from you, old man. Tendaj! Looking good, if a bit hairy." She wore a garb that was form-fitting, but loose in the upper arms and legs for optimal movement, reminiscent of some of the assassin uniforms of Hrathan-Tuor, but in patterns and colours befitting the Fiery Faith and made from silk that was sheer in places, making clear to a careful observer aware that her chest was bound in bandages, as if she'd put it on right after martial training. Probably wise that she at least wore something underneath--she had had Islander teachers for years, but no Raaneki, perhaps luckily so in this particular case.


- Zabbarot taking over Shvedrishti once he gets into this thread, if he does.
- Raaneka and Ashenia being at the table at roughly the same time, judged from post replies.
- Assassins having off-duty uniforms. (Thought they might have clothes for non-assassinating jobs, if they also function as bodyguards.

Assassins don't have on-duty uniforms. They're infiltrators. They could have something similar to what you describe, for when they actually want to be seen.

Loki laughs at Greta's compliments.

You're right, I am an old man. And I have to agree with the Empress, your unorthodox drumming is fascinating.

[WaylanderX]

Nyllana


Syana spotted the colorful and exotic Hurosha envoy and swallowed hard, she knew her blooded aunt, the Einguard of Kasumor was none too happy regarding Syana's choice of support in Sanctuary and the Heartwaste. She hoped however that the discussion she had planned for later this evening might see a resolution to their issues however, but until then she anticipated a chilly reception. Here was to hoping she was wrong.


Nyllana nodded to the other members of the delegation, signaling that they could spread out. As they mingled with the crowd (although it wasn't exactly mingling in Grïend's case), she spotted Syana. Immediately her expression grew dark and cold. She approached her blood-niece and made a minute courtsy, which was more like a nod than anything else.
"Good day, Empress Syana, I would like to convey my regards of my gratitute towards your...hospitality." Her voice was cold as ice and her eyes did not conceal barely contained anger and sadness.
"I trust I can have some of your precious time this day?"
She asked, emphasizing the "precious' part of the sentence.
"It would be a shame if my trust was in vain."

Nyllana regretted having to confront her niece like this. However, the breach in trust was too great to just forgive. She hoped that she could persuade her to put her trust in Hurosha again, instead in a stranger from the Heartwaste. Otherwise, she was afraid that more...sad measures had to be taken.

Grïend

Weaving his way through the audience, Grïend searched for anyone he recognised from his own memories or the descriptions provided to him. His gaze fell upon the High Priestess Fabula and he moved towards her, moving carefully to prevent any unnecessairy....crushings. He waited until the High Priestess finished her current talk, a monolith with endless patience but clear purpose.

*OOC: If anyone wants a word with Grïend, now's your chance*

Irion and Eleljak

Staying together, Irion and Eleljak looked to see if anything interesting was happening around them. Running out of options after a while (its a ball after all, bit boring sometimes), they saw Humperdink and went to him.
"My lord, it has been a while." Eleljak said to him, making a graceful bow.
"My lord Humperdink, I believe we haven't met yet. Forgive me for not making a bow. At my age, you prefer not to. My name is Irion the Old, Ambassador of Chikurai, Advisor to Empress Nyllana Earthguard of Hurosha, may Ashmar's blessing be with her forever."
"We come with a proposal of cooperation in gathering more information about the world beyond, would you be interested in hearing us out?" Eleljak said with a diplomatic smile smeared across his face.


OOC: If anyone wants to talk with anyone of the deligation, just include them in your post or send me a PM. And btw, Wayve is still single. :smallwink:

[aspi]

[5:10] Despite trying their best, the delegation from Wenyavuk arrived a few minutes late. They were led by Näiyop, who was the only of the three diplomatic members still wearing the traditional Na'nuk feather tunic. In his hand, he carried a small, leather bound tome. To his right walked Ania, who wore a gown of finest, midnight-blue Nyrothan silk that she had had made for just this occasion. Despite the numerous trips she'd taken to the south over the last decade, her eyes still sparkled with curiosity as she marvelled at the assembled nobles from the farthest corners of Telluris. She spotted Bekya, who had already arrived with the Raaneki and was still chatting them them. She'd talk to her niece later. To the left of the chieftain, Inaun the mystic kept pace. He was clothed in a crimson robe, in his right a cane that was made from ivory and topped with a smooth chunk of ember that encased a single spiked conch. Wether or not he actually needed it was not apparent from his gait.

Behind them followed the reason for their delay. Two servants in simple yet elegant cotton clothing carried an enormous mammoth tusk. It was shaped in an almost perfect semi-circle that had a diameter of just over 6 feet. It's surface was richly adorned with gilded carvings, it's inside had been hollowed out completely in what must have been a painstaking effort. The thin end was fitted with a chased mouthpiece, turning the entire tusk into a gigantic horn. The servants sighed silently as it dawned on them that they would have to navigate across the circular room that teemed with high ranking dignitaries. Näiyop turned around to them with a slight smirk and shrugged apologetically.

I'd like to point out the chieftains daughter Bekya, the young lady that arrived with the Raaneki delegation who is very much unmarried. She's 23 at the time of the ball and - since she just spent 4 years in Raaneka - probably not a virgin :smallwink: Fair warning: whoever successfully courts her will likely have to move to Wenyavuk, as she'll be the commander of the imaginary army that I like to pretend I have at my disposal. Interested parties should talk to her directly, as I am pretty sure that her father is not brave / foolish enough to try and set her up.

[QuintonBeck]

*Snip*

Syana clenched her teeth at her blooded aunt's words but forced a tight smile onto her face,

"Blooded aunt Nyllana, it is a pleasure to see you well. It is my desire that I should give you all the time I have should you require it all. While I regret I cannot join you immediately for sake of pursuing the duties of a host, I vow we shall speak plainly and fully once the feast this evening concludes. There is much I must say to you and explain myself for."

((OOC: If you want to hop over here (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?341849-EMPIRE!-A-Meeting-of-Empires&p=17300413#post17300413) we can have that discussion in a time bubble Way))


*Snip*

Syana watched bemusedly as the Wenyaveuk servants sought to maneuver the massive mammoth tusk, she motioned to the servant who had helped her with her necklace and returned from clearing plates to go and help the far northerners cross the floor safely and he departed, gathering a retinue of other servants as he went who began to clear a path for the Wenyaveuk procession.

[zabbarot]

Tendaji sat at the main table near Empress Syana and High Guildmaster Loki idly drumming his fingers on the table to the beat of the music. His eyes had been closed up until the usual boisterous greeting from Greta. He blinked through his thick glasses. "I do pride myself on being hairy." He stroked his long beard which grew down to his now overlarge belly. His long dreadlocks were coiled like snakes on top of his head. Though he was actually pretty hairless overall for a genimawa. Tendaji even had human feet.

With an overly dramatic stretch King Tendaji rose from his chair to properly greet everyone, including impromptu hugs for Paco and Shvedrishti, who he'd come to think of as family. Well... Shvedrishti was family kind of... It was a bit confusing. "I hope you're having fun. I heard you bought an Ashenian dress, Honored Monk. I must say I am disappointed you didn't wear it. I'm sure it would have been very flattering." Shvedrishti did her best not to laugh outwardly. "And how are you father? You never used to be such an impressive drummer."

"I've been practicing, son. Never too old to learn a new trick." As Shvedrishti recalled more and more memories of Mosi's life this had become a running joke between the two of them. Tendaji would earnestly call her father, and she would respond with her best imitation of Mosi's voice, which was quite miserable but that only made it more fun for them.



Yes I'll take over her now : P I really wasn't sure how to play a little kid, but I think I can manage teenager.

Also, what is Pita? Never heard that as a title. Maybe weird auto correct?

[lt_murgen]

[The day before the Grand ball:]A trio of Jeweled City ships arrive off shore. They are the latest ship designs from their Academy, made of the finest hardwood and the strongest silk sails. Their captains make arrangements for exotic fruit and specialy meats to be provided for banquet, as promised.

[Just after 5:00, Grand Ball]
The small entourage of Islander and Quill make their way into the hall. The herald announces their arrival,

”Amber Grant, Regina of the Jeweled Cities and Sagamore of Tar and her family, Iaz Teron, Tempest and Jonas. Her sister Evelyn Grant, Captain Administrator of the Emerald City and her family Pinna Tremblor and their children. Sola Dawn, and Glean Shoals, members of the Senior Council of Tar. Whisper and Raker, representatives of the Shamans of the Wild.
They were dressed tastefully and conservatively, belying their reputation. Each wore elegant breeches and shirt of silk, sheer yet cleverly patterned for modesty. Over the shirts, both sexes were wore open vests of velvet. The men wore thick belts similar to the vests, while the women wore lace half-skirts flowing across lefts from on hip to other knee. Tiny bells tinkled from the dangling edges of the skirt. The vests and belts were embedded with crystals and gems, woven with platinum and gold thread. Both sexes wore their hair long and braided with beads of shell and feathers.

After thanking the three regents for their invitation and praising their beautiful new city, Amber gestured for an attendant to bring something forward. Three gold and jeweled bird cages were brought forward. In each were a trio of brightly colored birds.

“Please accept these simple gifts, singing parrots from our Islands. They have been selected for both their beautiful plumage and their vocal talents.”

With that Tempest produced a small silver flute, and began playing. It was a simple children’s song of Woodwind, known far and wide. But within moments the birds began chirping and trilling along, turning it into something beautiful. Not only did the birds carry the entire song, but they did so in harmony and counterpoint to one another.
Amber beamed “May they sing the songs of your people for decades to come.”

[WaylanderX]

Syana clenched her teeth at her blooded aunt's words but forced a tight smile onto her face,

"Blooded aunt Nyllana, it is a pleasure to see you well. It is my desire that I should give you all the time I have should you require it all. While I regret I cannot join you immediately for sake of pursuing the duties of a host, I vow we shall speak plainly and fully once the feast this evening concludes. There is much I must say to you and explain myself for."

((OOC: If you want to hop over here (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?341849-EMPIRE!-A-Meeting-of-Empires&p=17300413#post17300413) we can have that discussion in a time bubble Way))


OOC: Posted!

[QuintonBeck]

*Snip*

Syana smiled at her other old friend, the King of Genivana and his usual friendly banter with his young father and Paco. Shvedrishti had grown into a fine young woman and Tendaji as well as her uncles had informed her a few times over that she would be taking up a more permanent residence in Genivana in the coming years, her time traveling abroad with Paco now being more or less complete. Once she did she would become the new leader of the Radurjic faith and the official representative of Genivana and Radurja in the Triumvirate. Syana hoped the young woman's return to Genivana would allow her to better acquaint herself with the young woman, for though they knew one another Shvedrishti's time abroad had left little chance for Syana to talk with her outside group meetings during her returns which were most often filled with attendants of the Faith who often sought to speak for the young girl.


*Snip*

Syana applauded the flute playing and the birds after their performance was completed,

"Absolutely marvelous creatures! Thank you for them Regina Grant. The Jeweled Cities are fast and generous friends to myself and my people, it is a pleasure indeed to have you in attendance."

[lt_murgen]

[QUOTE=QuintonBeck;17304607
*snip*
[/qUOTE]

Amber smiled and then took her leave, as the Huroshi delegation had just arrived. "If you please, we shall take our leave to mingle and allow you to greet your other guests." With that, she signalled for her delgation to depart. Her teen-aged twins headed for the dance floor, scouting for prospective partners. The advisors went to mingle with the various functionaries. The sisters and their men, however, moved aside, awaiting their chance to talk to Griend.

"I must introduce you all to him! He was amazing at the Raaneki Games"

Waiting until the Huroshi delegation broke up, she made her way over to the massive crystal man and re-introuced herself and her family.

"Your prowess at the games has travelled the length of the world! It is an honor to speak to you."

[Lord_Burch]

"Hmmph. The world gets stranger every day."

Razkai answers what he can of Kalis' questions, then breaks away.

Hold on; elves? Not from Eyrecradia? This must be investigated.

As Gabrielle approaches the High Priestess, Razkai moves behind her and tries to attract her attention.
"My lady? Do I have the honour of addressing an elf?"

What? Wait. She sniffs the air twice, a distant look. She suddenly snaps back into focus on his face. Ah. You must be one of the... Dwarves, I suppose? You smell of the depths. Yes, to answer your question, you would refer to me as an elf. Do you intend to waste more of my time?

[aspi]

Syana watched bemusedly as the Wenyaveuk servants sought to maneuver the massive mammoth tusk, she motioned to the servant who had helped her with her necklace and returned from clearing plates to go and help the far northerners cross the floor safely and he departed, gathering a retinue of other servants as he went who began to clear a path for the Wenyaveuk procession.
Slowly, the delegation made their way towards the dais, an undertaking that was greatly helped by the royal servants that cleared a path for them. However, it was not at all helped by Näiyop who, walking in front of the servants that carried the tusk, stopped every few steps to greet one of those leader and dignitaries which he had previously met. As the delegation finally arrived at the table where the Empress, the High Guildmaster and the King were welcoming their guests, their hosts had had ample time to greet all previous (and some subsequent) arrivals. The chieftain bowed deeply and said "Empress Syana, it is a pleasure to meet you again, I thank you for your invitation." Turning toward the two men and bowing again he added "I do not believe we have met before. I am chieftain Näiyop an Kal of Wenyavuk, and these are my advisors Inaun an Vekal and Ania an Pajen. I extend my gratitude to you as well."

The chieftain signaled the two servants to put down the tusk next to the table. "Please accept this small gift from our people for your senate building. It is called a mammoth trumpet and it's sound carries farther than a man can walk across the ice plains in a week. I have found it to be of great use when I have to call my advisors into session whenever they are busy elsewhere instead of advising me." The glance that Inaun and Ania exchanged made it perfectly clear that this reason for the installation of a similar mammoth trumpet in the palace was news to them. "I hope it will help you to keep your senators busy."

[ImperatorV]

Tendaji sat at the main table near Empress Syana and High Guildmaster Loki idly drumming his fingers on the table to the beat of the music. His eyes had been closed up until the usual boisterous greeting from Greta. He blinked through his thick glasses. "I do pride myself on being hairy." He stroked his long beard which grew down to his now overlarge belly. His long dreadlocks were coiled like snakes on top of his head. Though he was actually pretty hairless overall for a genimawa. Tendaji even had human feet.

With an overly dramatic stretch King Tendaji rose from his chair to properly greet everyone, including impromptu hugs for Paco and Shvedrishti, who he'd come to think of as family. Well... Shvedrishti was family kind of... It was a bit confusing. "I hope you're having fun. I heard you bought an Ashenian dress, Honored Monk. I must say I am disappointed you didn't wear it. I'm sure it would have been very flattering." Shvedrishti did her best not to laugh outwardly. "And how are you father? You never used to be such an impressive drummer."

"I've been practicing, son. Never too old to learn a new trick." As Shvedrishti recalled more and more memories of Mosi's life this had become a running joke between the two of them. Tendaji would earnestly call her father, and she would respond with her best imitation of Mosi's voice, which was quite miserable but that only made it more fun for them.



Yes I'll take over her now : P I really wasn't sure how to play a little kid, but I think I can manage teenager.

Also, what is Pita? Never heard that as a title. Maybe weird auto correct?

Ah, Sves-Shidri- old friend, it's good to see you again. Now we have two of the founding Triumvirate members here. Now all we need is for the Doomkhan to show up and reveal he's actually been alive all this time and Was merely waiting for a dramatically appropriate moment to reveal himself.

One of us needs to change speech color...

[QuintonBeck]

*Snip*

Syana bowed her head toward the Na'Nuk chieftan,

"A 'small' gift? I had heard men and beast grow larger in Wenyaveuk but I see that gifts do as well," Syana said with a sly smile, "I am certain the High Guildmaster shall certainly find it's trumpeting useful in his new position. But please, do not let formalities keep you tied here, you have traveled far and are no doubt in need of refreshment, please, taste the offerings from across Telluris and enjoy yourselves. I would speak with you later, after the meeting in regards to the Heartwaste and Sanctuary is concluded, there will be time enough then for talk."


[*Snip*

Syana smiled politely at the Guildmaster. She had not known her grandfather, only the stories told of him. If any of them were remotely true his presence here would be a hindrance to any diplomatic advancements and she had no doubt he would have more than a few words in regards to her choice in husband. Still, his skill in battle was legendary and he was a decisive and he was regarded as the leader that truly formed the nation of Woodwind and forged it into the Ignato Empire, perhaps if he might offer her some advice she would feel more fitting amongst the other elder members of the Triumvirate. Even Shvedrishti was in truth much older than Syana and the Guildmaster combined despite her apparent youth. Nonetheless Syana did not let herself get absorbed with self pity or inner concerns, she was Empress and member of the Triumvirate and she would not falter in her pursuit for the best course of action for all the realm.

[Silverbit]

What? Wait. She sniffs the air twice, a distant look. She suddenly snaps back into focus on his face. Ah. You must be one of the... Dwarves, I suppose? You smell of the depths. Yes, to answer your question, you would refer to me as an elf. Do you intend to waste more of my time?

"Ah, merely wondering if you are acquainted with the Eyrecradian elves; distantly my ancestors. I am curious of your origins."

[Aedilred]

"Hmm, oh sorry," Dyamus said, embarrassed to have been caught distracted, "No, I don't know Lord Cedrik very well unfortunately, though I am to be betrothed to one of his daughters. As for introducing printing I should think your father may find it easier to get it from the nations of the Dawn League who have recently acquired it, the Union is none too keen to share the wondrous technology," the young man paused as he looked at the delegation again, trying to identify who these foreigners were that traveled with the Bordeusi, "I don't know. I've not seen an elf before, and I knew of none in Concordat lands. Whoever they are they are as unknown to me as you first were when you arrived, perhaps then the resolution is the same, shall we go and speak with them?"
"Of course, Dyamus", Eirwynn says. "After all, we are but guests here, and I would not have you neglect your responsibilites as host on our account. Besides, you must be anxious to hear news of your betrothed."


Looking towards Marrik, Of course, if they cannot read, they cannot advance. It is better for all your people to have the ability to read so that they can learn then none be able to. If none can, then you will stagnate where you are, for innovation and creativity is stifled in all but a select few.
Marrik nods. "That I acknowledge, although I would question whether so long as the right select few have the ability to innovate and create whether anything is lost by not making that ability universal. In any case, it would seem to me to be best to manage advancement, to help keep the people under control and not allow their reach to exceed their grasp. Simply opening the floodgates to new ideas and proposals seems as if it would be dangerous to any sovereign."

"Listen to him!" Athelmark exclaims, clapping him on the shoulder. "A mere ten years a king and he would have me a despot already. But I thank you for your counsel, Lord Cedrik, it has been most illuminating. And it would seem-" he turns to acknowledge the approaching group - "that Prince Dyamus also wishes to speak with you, or perhaps merely to make introductions." He indicates his children. "My elder son, Athelmere, my daughter, Eirwynn."

[zabbarot]

Ah, Sves-Shidri- old friend, it's good to see you again. Now we have two of the founding Triumvirate members here. Now all we need is for the Doomkhan to show up and reveal he's actually been alive all this time and Was merely waiting for a dramatically appropriate moment to reveal himself.

One of us needs to change speech color...

"Shve-drish-ti, and don't overestimate my connection to Mosi. It is very much like the Avatar said 'I do not remember the time between lives, and the time within them is only as a half-forgotten dream that you're not sure belonged to you.' Mosi's memories are almost like a subconscious guide for me. Often when I see something new memories will bubble up before I need ask questions. As for the Doomkhan I'm sure he's out there somewhere. Where did he die?"

I'll switch. I always did prefer orange anyways.

[Zap Dynamic]

*snip*

Princess Anguri--wearing little more than a racy skirt and vest of red silk and a mithral dagger--turned with a look of mock authority at the children. "The trouble with elephants," she said, eyes full of mischief "is they're so tricky to climb! Come, let us test ourselves." She and Krama bounded off with the children, eagerly analyzing its craggy flesh and theorizing possible routes of ascent.

"It has always been a wonder," King Ujval said, watching his sister and brother. "For all their warlike passion, they have always come to pieces in the presence of children."

"Quite appropriate for such a festive atmosphere, though." returned Queen Lomadi. "Wouldn't you agree, my love?"

King Ujval laughed and shook his head. "Too true! At any rate, Empress, I understand you've taken a liking to our elephants yourself?"

How does this work? The Queen and King are wearing Raaneka's submission for the competition, and I'm looking for a moment to describe them. Also: should we roll something for the contest, or is it fluff-only?


*snip*

The Main Table
Princess Anguri was the first of the Raaneki to notice the young Avatar sitting down nearby. She raised a goblet in salute, but otherwise remained quietly eating her meal.

Queen Lomadi also noticed Greta's arrival. She had inadvertently stepped right between the Queen's conversation with the Ashenite attendees.

"As I was saying," Lomadi chuckled after Greta had said her fill. "We have heard many tales of your silver trade. We have dreams of awarding medals for the Raaneki Games, and have already collected gold from Scla'ca and Bronze from Guilder. Your silver would make the perfect reward for second place."


*snip*

5:30
Raaneka was a land with many dances, but not for solitary couples. There were one or two, of course, but when the Raaneki began to revel, they all did it together. The Queen and King found themselves on the floor throughout the evening, but drifted between many dance partners. In time, the King came together with Ania. Her dark blue gown was like a deep pool beside the King's own brown and green raiment. "Ania, my dear!" he said as they twirled. "You are a vision of northern beauty, as always." Ujval was no longer a young man--as his gut betrayed--but he had never lost the childlike charm of his people. "Have you seen Bekya this evening? She was beside herself to see you and Näiyop again."


*snip*

"Shvedrishti!" Queen Lomadi called when she came near enough to the young woman. "Time has aged you like the finest wine. It has been too long, my dear!" The Queen, now grown into maturity and perhaps past her prime, was evidence enough of the years that lay between them.


*snip*

Princess Anguri gave fierce applause when the parrots finished their song. "Hear hear!" she shouted, moving toward Amber. Though her style was decidedly Raaneki, there were also elements of the islands in her skirt and vest. Amber outdid the Princess in modesty, however, for Anguri's outfit had forsaken all sheer fabric. For the briefest of moments, at just the right angle, Anguri's dress was outright scandalous. "I see I guessed your fashion well enough, Cousin!" She threw her arms around the regent. "Though it looks like the years have made you modest!"

[QuintonBeck]

*Snip*

Dyamus nodded his appreciation to the young Jarrs and began to lead the three of them over to the Lord Cedrik who still conversed with their father and uncle-of-sorts. Stopping near the rulers Dyamus bowed at the Jarr King's words.

"Greetings King Athelmark, Lord Cedrik," he said in turn, "Excuse me Lord Cedrik, but might I ask where the Lady Alice might be found? I would very much like to meet her considering the event to happen tonight betwixt us," the young Woodwind boy smiled politely at the elder Bordeusi.


*Snip*

"We don't know," Syana chipped in at the discussion of her grandfather, "He told no one where he was heading other than south when he joined Marius Earthguard and the other Coalition leaders at the end of his reign. I imagine if we wished to we could yet find out, there are fromer sailors from the Coalition ship, The Second Crack that likely saw him at a later date than my father did and could perhaps direct us as to a precise location, but I find it better be left a mystery. In some cases it is better to disappear in mystery than be exposed by the harshness of reality." As my father was.

She thought this last part to herself. No one but her and her mother had seen Olwyt's body after it's return, and that was likely for the best. It seemed a better end to disappear than to remain and become a grotesque imitation of what one was in life. Perhaps Syana would follow in her grandfather's footsteps, or imitate the Guilderene Doge...

Such morbid thoughts were quickly dissipated as she returned her mind to the present and lively moment of the Ball.

"So tell me Shvedrishti, do you plan to take a partner in your role as Shahidi Mkuu?" it was a question that had nagged Syana's mind for a while and now, in proper atmosphere and with the strong flow of Raaneki Heartwine and absence of Radurjic caretakers she felt she could finally ask.


*Snip*

With the young Woodwind girls chasing excitedly after the Raaneki couple Syana returned her happy eyes to the King and Queen of Raaneka.

"You understand correctly, and with the apparent gusto my daughters have for them I feel I must surely find some way to acquire them," Syana smiled broadly, unaware of having failed to catch herself referring to Sharas as her daughter.

"We have much in the way of Goats and Fish, new foods to delight the refined Raaneki palate? While I would not normally offer two goods for one, I feel these elephants of yours are more than worth it should such interest you?"

It's just fluff, but since you're the only foreign competitor so far you've got a good chance to win a fluff prize ;D One note, is it the King and Queen who wove them? If not, are the people who did weave them here?"

[Lord_Burch]

Dyamus nodded his appreciation to the young Jarrs and began to lead the three of them over to the Lord Cedrik who still conversed with their father and uncle-of-sorts. Stopping near the rulers Dyamus bowed at the Jarr King's words.

"Greetings King Athelmark, Lord Cedrik," he said in turn, "Excuse me Lord Cedrik, but might I ask where the Lady Alice might be found? I would very much like to meet her considering the event to happen tonight betwixt us," the young Woodwind boy smiled politely at the elder Bordeusi.

Of course, Athelmark. A pleasure, as always, I am sure. Turning towards Dyamus, Last I saw her, Aris was escorting her on a tour. If you do not mind waiting, I will send Alexei to find them. He glances at one of his tiger-masked guards, and the guard immediately fades into the crowd, seeming to know exactly where to find them.

[WaylanderX]

Amber smiled and then took her leave, as the Huroshi delegation had just arrived. "If you please, we shall take our leave to mingle and allow you to greet your other guests." With that, she signalled for her delgation to depart. Her teen-aged twins headed for the dance floor, scouting for prospective partners. The advisors went to mingle with the various functionaries. The sisters and their men, however, moved aside, awaiting their chance to talk to Griend.

"I must introduce you all to him! He was amazing at the Raaneki Games"

Waiting until the Huroshi delegation broke up, she made her way over to the massive crystal man and re-introuced herself and her family.

"Your prowess at the games has travelled the length of the world! It is an honor to speak to you."

Grïend rumbled, pleased that the Raaneki held him in such high regard.
"AAAHHH....GOOD PEOPLE.....OF THE JEWELED CITIES.......I AM PLEASED.....TO MEET YOU........I AM HONORED....YOU HEARD....OF ME......"
Grïend shifted his mass slightly to get a better view. However, shifting as much mass as him caused a tremble in the ground, so great was his mass.
"SO....DEAR FRIENDS.....WHAT BRINGS YOU.....HERE.....AT THE GRAND BALL?..."

Nyllana:

"I understand, I will speak to you when you have time."
She then walked about, quickly weaving into the crowd. She wanted to postpone this as much as possible, lets her emotions got the better of her here.

All of a sudden, a familiar sight attracted her attention. A man with what appeared to be a Kasumori Basket-greatsword was among the guests. She walked towards him, trying to figure out the meaning of this. This shouldn't be possible. An old Kasumori soldier perhaps? At the least, this was a welcome distraction to the other thoughts racing through her head. Fluttering a meter above the ground to gain a good view of the group, she took another good look. After some inner delibaration, she flew towards the strangers (Jarr). She landed at the group, Aonami clinking on her back, speaking to who seemed to be in charge of the group (Athelmark).

"May your fight be full of Prowess, friends. I believe we haven't met before."
She nodded towards all members of the group.
"I am Nyllana Earthguard, Empress of the Hurosha Empire, Eienguard of Kasumor. With who do I have the honor of speaking?"

OOC: I have lots of lead, quartz, furs and squid to trade. So if youre interested, please go to Eleljak, Irion or Wayve!

[Logic]

The Queen of Celero had made sure the Noth family reputation for not being punctual was maintained. She had been ready for the ball for the past two hours, but she was nervous to see her eldest daughter for the first time in 7 years.

There were rumors of a grandson, and letters back and forth on the subject had implied the possibility, but the Queen Regent was not about to force another divide with the heir to the crown; especially since that heir had married into the royal family of what was once a mild enemy of Celero.

Yasira had enjoyed her fortnight in Woodwind with the younger Empress Syana, though the Empress was likely unaware that she was merely a surrogate daughter for the Queen these past few weeks.

That mattered little when Yasira entered the ballroom, wearing a modest and unrevealing dress made specifically to compliment the dressing and decorations of the room. She scanned for her daughter, or, failing that, the Ashenian royal party. Surely Amalia would not be far from them.

[Morph Bark]

[5:10, the Main Table]
Greta shot a glare at Anguri, but flashed a grin right after. She'd settle the score with her yet. She happened to overheard Queen Lomadi's conversation with King Hazael III and the excitement of the Raaneki Games three years prior rose up again and got the better of her. "Ooh! You should totally get some Tekorvan brass too for fourth place! Hmm, ooh, ooh! You could then also use the copper, and the tin and zinc, and have fifth, sixth and seventh place medals." A silent pause fell. "I'm kidding." Greta said, a little awkwardly. "Sorry to interrupt, I'll be off again. Digging the wine, by the way." She slipped away, passed by Anguri and gave her a quick hug from behind as the woman was still seated. "Next time, your ass will burn in the arena." She said into her ear. She released the princess and walked off, halting a moment when she saw Grïend in the distance and had to stifle a chuckle. "And so will his."



(Not up to keeping up Greta's accent if she talks so much! Haha, either way, tons of fun to play as her.)

[QuintonBeck]

*Snip*

"Not at all Lord Cedrik, I shall gladly wait," Dyamus said as the elder leader dispatched the masked guard, "Tell me Lord Cedrik, who are these strange guards and their leader, the elven woman? I have not heard of such people within the Concordat?"


*Snip*

Syana nodded as the Einguard disappeared into the crowd. She was not eager for their talk, but equally she wanted it to be finished and her gut was twisting in a quite uncomfortable fashion the more she thought about it, prompting her to take another sip of her Heartwine.

Dyamus watched the arrival of Nyllana and smiled at her, she was his blooded-aunt and practically fully family. His father had spoken often of her when he'd been alive and with such reverence that the young boy could not help but have picked it up as well. Dyamusan had been kept unaware of the tension between the Einguard and his sister and was thus quite happy to have someone he considered a friend joining his conversation with the Lord Cedrik and King of the Jarrs while he awaited the arrival of his Bordeusi bride to be.


*Snip*

Syana spotted the Queen Regent of Celero amongst the guests and smiled, their pleasantries and exchanges had been carried out a week ago and the two women had proceeded to spend much of each day in one another's company enjoying the relaxed talk prolific amongst equals in status. The Queen and her had talked much of Yasira's daughter and Syana was sure finding her was now priority for the Queen, she hoped she might find her. Yasira was such a kind and caring woman, she was jealous in spite of herself of the Queen's daughter, having lost her own mother shortly after her father and on the heels of her brothers, it was good to have family and terrible to lose it, she pondered thinking again on the coming talk with Nyllana. She hoped it would not end in the way she feared most.

[zabbarot]

"Shvedrishti!" Queen Lomadi called when she came near enough to the young woman. "Time has aged you like the finest wine. It has been too long, my dear!" The Queen, now grown into maturity and perhaps past her prime, was evidence enough of the years that lay between them.

Shvedrishti curtsied low. "Let's hope I stay on track and don't turn to vinegar then."


"We don't know," Syana chipped in at the discussion of her grandfather, "He told no one where he was heading other than south when he joined Marius Earthguard and the other Coalition leaders at the end of his reign. I imagine if we wished to we could yet find out, there are fromer sailors from the Coalition ship, The Second Crack that likely saw him at a later date than my father did and could perhaps direct us as to a precise location, but I find it better be left a mystery. In some cases it is better to disappear in mystery than be exposed by the harshness of reality." As my father was.

She thought this last part to herself. No one but her and her mother had seen Olwyt's body after it's return, and that was likely for the best. It seemed a better end to disappear than to remain and become a grotesque imitation of what one was in life. Perhaps Syana would follow in her grandfather's footsteps, or imitate the Guilderene Doge...

Such morbid thoughts were quickly dissipated as she returned her mind to the present and lively moment of the Ball.

"Hmm, it is likely that he is still in the south then, well... his spirit. It is hard to say. Perhaps he has been reborn fully, or perhaps he strengthened the spirits where he fell..." Shvedrishti trailed off into thought.


"So tell me Shvedrishti, do you plan to take a partner in your role as Shahidi Mkuu?" it was a question that had nagged Syana's mind for a while and now, in proper atmosphere and with the strong flow of Raaneki Heartwine and absence of Radurjic caretakers she felt she could finally ask.

And immediately snapped back to the present. "What? Why would I need a partner? There can't be two Shahidi Mkuu... well... maybe their could, but they'd need to commune with the great ancestor. I can't just... pick one."

[Morph Bark]

I'll switch. I always did prefer orange anyways.

It's the colour of Avatars.


[5:20, The Main Table]
Paco hugged Tendaji back, a little awkwardly ever, but with more conviction and warmth than one would someone they considered a half-stranger. Tendaji was somewhat like family, and he'd heard jokes that if Shvedrishti was Tendaji's father still, he must be his grandfather.


"So tell me Shvedrishti, do you plan to take a partner in your role as Shahidi Mkuu?" it was a question that had nagged Syana's mind for a while and now, in proper atmosphere and with the strong flow of Raaneki Heartwine and absence of Radurjic caretakers she felt she could finally ask.

Paco choked on some Heartwine he was drinking and the goblet fell to the ground, spilling the lifejuice over his robes and the floor. He coughed loudly and dramatically, his breath coming in wheezing strokes as he clasped for his heart. "Dammit Empress," He muttered, "don't scare me like that."


And immediately snapped back to the present. "What? Why would I need a partner? Their can't be two Shahidi Mkuu... well... maybe their could, but they'd need to commune with the great ancestor. I can't just... pick one."

The monk dabbed his mouth with a cloth. "Of course there couldn't be. Just like there can't be two Blazing Avatars, you'd have to split up the Blazing Incarnation and to do so would taint its existence. You'd have to bring the two together again in one body a--" Paco suddenly stopped talking, his mind running with imagery he was not willing to share nor even have in his head.

[Lord_Burch]

"Ah, merely wondering if you are acquainted with the Eyrecradian elves; distantly my ancestors. I am curious of your origins."

I know of no "Eyrecradia"; I am from the city of Eyöm on the coast of Valserre; a region to the far west of here. I doubt you have heard of it; we did not know there was any civilization beyond the giants of Errelosse.


"Not at all Lord Cedrik, I shall gladly wait," Dyamus said as the elder leader dispatched the masked guard, "Tell me Lord Cedrik, who are these strange guards and their leader, the elven woman? I have not heard of such people within the Concordat?"

They are a recent addition to our treaty; from Valterre, to the far west of here. There is another representative from the other addition here, although he elected to stay with the rest of my men at our camp. I can bring you to him, if you'd like; he is not well-suited for a ball such as this.

[Aedilred]

All of a sudden, a familiar sight attracted her attention. A man with what appeared to be a Kasumori Basket-greatsword was among the guests. She walked towards him, trying to figure out the meaning of this. This shouldn't be possible. An old Kasumori soldier perhaps? At the least, this was a welcome distraction to the other thoughts racing through her head. Fluttering a meter above the ground to gain a good view of the group, she took another good look. After some inner delibaration, she flew towards the strangers (Jarr). She landed at the group, Aonami clinking on her back, speaking to who seemed to be in charge of the group (Athelmark).

"May your fight be full of Prowess, friends. I believe we haven't met before."
She nodded towards all members of the group.
"I am Nyllana Earthguard, Empress of the Hurosha Empire, Eienguard of Kasumor. With who do I have the honor of speaking?"
"Wotcher, milady Empress," Athelmark replies, and extends a hand. "I am Athelmark, King of the Jarrs, my companions here in conversation are our hostess's son Prince Dyamus, Lord Cedrik of Bordeux and his retinue, my elder son Athelmere and daughter Eirwynn, my nephew Marrik, son of Lord Sunder, and-" he catches sight of the small [Guilder] man observing them - "this chap, with whom I've not had the pleasure. We were also speaking with Duchess Gabrielle, but she seems to have got bored of me and wandered off."

[QuintonBeck]

*Snip*


*Snip*

The Empress stifled a laugh at the responses of Shvedrishti and Paco,

"I was only curious if such vows of chastity accompanied your station as Shahidi Mkuu as they did the Avatar. I am not as well versed in Radurjic law as I likely ought to be, but that is why my Uncles guide me in these matters."

Privately she wondered on the concept of a reincarnation of the Avatar and of Mosi inhabiting the same body and then on whether the ritual the Avatar had had Greta's parents perform had been to prevent just that from happening. She voiced none of these questions, not wishing to offend or show ignorance where it was not necessary to do so.


*Snip*

"A kind offer, my Lord, but one I must decline so as to not miss your daughter's presence again Lord Cedrik," the young Woodwind man smiled.


*Snip*

"Hello aunt!" Dyamus said cheerfully as the Jarrs king introduced them.

[Aedilred]

"Hello aunt!" Dyamus said cheerfully as the Jarrs king introduced them.
"Ha! I suppose I should have known the two of you were related. I admit I was given a whole sheaf of papers explaining who everyone here was and how they related to each other, and I did try to read it, but it's all rather hard to remember, isn't it, especially when you've got no idea what anyone looks like in person."

[QuintonBeck]

"Ha! I suppose I should have known the two of you were related. I admit I was given a whole sheaf of papers explaining who everyone here was and how they related to each other, and I did try to read it, but it's all rather hard to remember, isn't it, especially when you've got no idea what anyone looks like in person."

"Well," Dyamusan said uncertainly, "She's my blooded-aunt, not my aunt by lineage or marriage. Our forefathers swore a blood oath binding them as brothers and thus our families as well," the Woodwind boy explained smiling to try and hide any sense of awkwardness he felt sharing this with someone who might not understand.

[zabbarot]

The Empress stifled a laugh at the responses of Shvedrishti and Paco,

"I was only curious if such vows of chastity accompanied your station as Shahidi Mkuu as they did the Avatar. I am not as well versed in Radurjic law as I likely ought to be, but that is why my Uncles guide me in these matters."

Privately she wondered on the concept of a reincarnation of the Avatar and of Mosi inhabiting the same body and then on whether the ritual the Avatar had had Greta's parents perform had been to prevent just that from happening. She voiced none of these questions, not wishing to offend or show ignorance where it was not necessary to do so.


"Ch... chastity? They... um... ah..."
o////////o
Poor Shvedrishti really wasn't prepared to answer this sort of question. Thanks to her basically monastic upbringing and Paco's own awkwardness on the subject she hadn't ever really had 'the talk'.

Thankfully Tendaji was quick to step in. "Shvedrishti is of course free to fall in love should she ever meet the right person. She'll just be a bit busy for a while. All things in due time."

[SamBurke]

I prefer to let them figure it out for themselves. Better for their moral, you know. But Nathanias is always thinking in terms of politics, he at least will pick someone we can use an alliance with.

Loki smiles wryly.

Peace is good for the economy. No matter how many times Syana tells me I'm going to be lord of the Senate, I still think like a Guildmaster.

He holds out his now empty glass for Humperdink's special drink.

If you want to arrange for some of those daughters to run into Nathanias and/or Ivar, be my guest. FYI, Nathanias is in his early 30s and is a bit of a grouse, while Ivar is in his 20s and is much more approachable.
Humperdink grins, pouring from the flask into both of their goblets. "I can appreciate that more than you know... There's no way to be Doge in Guilder without running one or two guilds in your time." He grins, pointing to one of the rings on his fingers. "I know Ivar's a little old, but, my daughter Yvinia..." He pauses, watching Yvinia. Apparently, the girl's impulsive streak was worse than he realized; she'd already asked for Ivar's hand to dance. "I hope she's practiced..."

"Hiiiiiiii!" She bounces, laughing and bowing a few different ways. "I wanna make sure I bow right for you, so, lemme do a few more, alright?" After another string of strange pre-dance dances, Yvinia's done. "You're Ivar, right?"




Syana chuckled at the Guildmaster as he spoke with the Doge,

"Don't go spilling beans before they're to be spilt," she teased the High Guildmaster, "Greetings Doge of Guilder, it is a great pleasure to see you here. Now, I must ask, where have you sent my cousin Yelfis and her husband the explorer Columbo? I have heard in letters that they traveled to Domhan Abule to seek out the shaman said to be capable of magic, is this true?"
The Doge bows, mind growing serious. "I will say this: It is a good thing my father married Yelfis to Columbo... sometimes, the mess of his letters is barely intelligible, save for her appended translations. His mind is great, but perhaps too great. It rarely comes down to the level of the ordinary, and I have yet to grasp the principles he is outlining. Perhaps in the future... as it is, he'll be staying there for a while... after tonight." Humperdink watches the awkward man and the impossibly graceful woman on his arm stumbling across the floor.

"The Domhan is a far land, and a mystery to me."


Paco stared at the jovial Doge of Guilder from the midst of the drummers. "Shear willpower," he noted in deadpan fashion, carefully ignoring Humperdink's first notion.

"Is that a pun?" Tío asked.

"It's wordplay," Shvedrishti corrected, faking being indignant. Her hands sped up rapidly and then slammed down on the bongo and the music came to a halt. "I'll go say hi to Pita Tendaji, okay?" She stepped out from the drummer group and walked away, soon replaced by someone else at the bongo. Paco sighed and got up as well. Tío, uncertain of what to do, moved to get up as well, but the bulky man who replaced Paco pushed him back to sit and get back to awkwardly drumming away. Humperdink made a movement to follow her, then turns, thinking better of it. "Paco, not to discount your wordplay or the lightheartedness of the night, I wish to speak on a more serious matter. I hope you understand the reasons behind the Guilderene proclamation that was issued against you recently? Well, regardless, I'm redacting that. When someone sees the truth, they have to act accordingly, no?" He sighs.

"All this to say... How are they? The two, erm, teachers? Just interested generally, I mean." His demeanor cracked awfully fast, losing the polish characteristic of Guilder's negotiators.


[5:10] Despite trying their best, the delegation from Wenyavuk arrived a few minutes late. They were led by Näiyop, who was the only of the three diplomatic members still wearing the traditional Na'nuk feather tunic. In his hand, he carried a small, leather bound tome. To his right walked Ania, who wore a gown of finest, midnight-blue Nyrothan silk that she had had made for just this occasion. Despite the numerous trips she'd taken to the south over the last decade, her eyes still sparkled with curiosity as she marvelled at the assembled nobles from the farthest corners of Telluris. She spotted Bekya, who had already arrived with the Raaneki and was still chatting them them. She'd talk to her niece later. To the left of the chieftain, Inaun the mystic kept pace. He was clothed in a crimson robe, in his right a cane that was made from ivory and topped with a smooth chunk of ember that encased a single spiked conch. Wether or not he actually needed it was not apparent from his gait.

Behind them followed the reason for their delay. Two servants in simple yet elegant cotton clothing carried an enormous mammoth tusk. It was shaped in an almost perfect semi-circle that had a diameter of just over 6 feet. It's surface was richly adorned with gilded carvings, it's inside had been hollowed out completely in what must have been a painstaking effort. The thin end was fitted with a chased mouthpiece, turning the entire tusk into a gigantic horn. The servants sighed silently as it dawned on them that they would have to navigate across the circular room that teemed with high ranking dignitaries. Näiyop turned around to them with a slight smirk and shrugged apologetically.

I'd like to point out the chieftains daughter Bekya, the young lady that arrived with the Raaneki delegation who is very much unmarried. She's 23 at the time of the ball and - since she just spent 4 years in Raaneka - probably not a virgin :smallwink: Fair warning: whoever successfully courts her will likely have to move to Wenyavuk, as she'll be the commander of the imaginary army that I like to pretend I have at my disposal. Interested parties should talk to her directly, as I am pretty sure that her father is not brave / foolish enough to try and set her up.
"Ah, Fair Bekya... Single, but from Raneeka... So many stories to tell! No?" Humperdink walks up with a grin and a wink. "How would you feel about a marriage, dear miss? Or too lively to settle down?" Humperdink has his father's lopsided grin.


"Wotcher, milady Empress," Athelmark replies, and extends a hand. "I am Athelmark, King of the Jarrs, my companions here in conversation are our hostess's son Prince Dyamus, Lord Cedrik of Bordeux and his retinue, my elder son Athelmere and daughter Eirwynn, my nephew Marrik, son of Lord Sunder, and-" he catches sight of the small [Guilder] man observing them - "this chap, with whom I've not had the pleasure. We were also speaking with Duchess Gabrielle, but she seems to have got bored of me and wandered off."[*SUMMONS QUINTON BECK*]
The man steps forward to introduce himself, and the beautiful lady on his arm. "I ah, erm... I'm Columbo. How are you? Oh! Oh! And this, this is Yelfis." He grins, and points to his wife.

[Morph Bark]

The Empress stifled a laugh at the responses of Shvedrishti and Paco,

"I was only curious if such vows of chastity accompanied your station as Shahidi Mkuu as they did the Avatar. I am not as well versed in Radurjic law as I likely ought to be, but that is why my Uncles guide me in these matters."

Privately she wondered on the concept of a reincarnation of the Avatar and of Mosi inhabiting the same body and then on whether the ritual the Avatar had had Greta's parents perform had been to prevent just that from happening. She voiced none of these questions, not wishing to offend or show ignorance where it was not necessary to do so.


"Ch... chastity? They... um... ah..."
o////////o
Poor Shvedrishti really wasn't prepared to answer this sort of question. Thanks to her basically monastic upbringing and Paco's own awkwardness on the subject she hadn't ever really had 'the talk'.

Thankfully Tendaji was quick to step in. "Shvedrishti is of course free to fall in love should she ever meet the right person. She'll just be a bit busy for a while. All things in due time."

Paco nodded along with Tendaji. "All in due time, indeed." He seemed to have gathered his wits again and put a hand on Shvedrishti's shoulder to reassure her. At least the Islanders who had sailed their ship all these years had been clothed to not arouse some latent Raaneki überlust in the young girl. It had taken him some convincing to get Greta to not try and explain things to her ahead of her age. She was close to her 15th birthday though, so perhaps more explaining was in order.

"I have to correct you though, Empress. The Blazing Avatar is not required to take vows of chastity, though some have in the past."

[aspi]

[Some time before 7:00] For the delegation from Bordeux:
The chieftain approaches the delegation and glances curiously at the elves as he draws closer, but bows before Lord Cedrik "Lord Cedrik I presume? I don't believe I have had the pleasure yet, so please allow me to introduce myself to a man of such esteemed wealth and taste as yourself. I am Näiyop an Kal, chieftain of Wenyavuk." He pauses, giving the Lord time to answer, then looks around pointedly and asks "I believe we have a common acquaintance, the Princess Valineth. Have you seen her yet?" He waves his hand, immediately dismissing the thought "I recently had a conversation with the Princess, a rather interesting one I must say. During the course of said conversation I learned about a most horrendous grievance that appears to be plaguing your realm. I consulted with my advisors and I believe I may have found a solution to your problem. I took the liberty of highlighting the relevant parts." He offers the book he's been holding since he arrived to Lord Cedrik and smiles politely.

The book is a small, leather bound tome of about 80 pages titled Etiquette Of Diplomatic Communication, that can easily be found in most royal libraries of Telluris. When opened at the bookmarker, it reveals a page titled On The Confidentiality Of Diplomatic Mail.


Syana bowed her head toward the Na'Nuk chieftan, "A 'small' gift? I had heard men and beast grow larger in Wenyaveuk but I see that gifts do as well," Syana said with a sly smile, "I am certain the High Guildmaster shall certainly find it's trumpeting useful in his new position. But please, do not let formalities keep you tied here, you have traveled far and are no doubt in need of refreshment, please, taste the offerings from across Telluris and enjoy yourselves. I would speak with you later, after the meeting in regards to the Heartwaste and Sanctuary is concluded, there will be time enough then for talk."

Näiyop nods "Thank you. Both I and my advisors are at your disposal, should you need us." They head toward the Raaneki delegation, hoping for some counsel on which wine to pick for this occasion and to welcome Bekya.

[QuintonBeck]

*Snip*


*Snip*

Syana nodded, "I apologize my girl, I simply remember being your age not too terribly long ago, and though I imagine our minds are somewhat different all people are the same at a certain point," she smiled mischievously at the young woman, "Perhaps we might talk, when the time does allow," she offered, inclining her head towards the Shahidi Mkuu.

Syana tried to prevent her mind from contemplating exactly who she had just offered to talk men with, an action which required another drink of Heartwine.

"I see I expose my ignorance Paco, with the passing of the last Avatar before my time, your travel, and the chilly reception the Blazing Temple has given to those of us in the Triumvirate I fear my knowledge of the Blazing Avatar is much more limited than I wish it were."



The Doge bows, mind growing serious. "I will say this: It is a good thing my father married Yelfis to Columbo... sometimes, the mess of his letters is barely intelligible, save for her appended translations. His mind is great, but perhaps too great. It rarely comes down to the level of the ordinary, and I have yet to grasp the principles he is outlining. Perhaps in the future... as it is, he'll be staying there for a while... after tonight." Humperdink watches the awkward man and the impossibly graceful woman on his arm stumbling across the floor.

"The Domhan is a far land, and a mystery to me."

Syana looked where the Doge had indicated and saw her cousin and her husband and a smile brightened her face, she almost asked the Doge if he had heard from her that she thought herself with child but decided it might be something she wished to keep quiet a little while longer and so she said nothing of it but nodded her head politely,

"She says he is a very intelligent man, and she says that means he gets into all sorts of trouble she has to then get him out of," she laughed.



[*SUMMONS QUINTON BECK*]
The man steps forward to introduce himself, and the beautiful lady on his arm. "I ah, erm... I'm Columbo. How are you? Oh! Oh! And this, this is Yelfis." He grins, and points to his wife.

[Not enough Mana to Summon anyone else]
Yelfis bowed her head towards the group,

"Ambassadors, cousin," she said, nodding at her relative.

"Cousin Yelfis!" Dyamusan said, excitedly, "I got your Domhan carving you sent last month!"

"Yes, I thought you might like it," she agreed plainly, not much of one for emotions "Columbo bartered for it with a shaman of Domhan in our search for the shaman rumored to have discovered magic."

"Wow, that's cool!"

A slight smile creased Yelfis' face but she said nothing more, looking instead at her husband, as if prompting him to speak.

[WaylanderX]

"Ha! I suppose I should have known the two of you were related. I admit I was given a whole sheaf of papers explaining who everyone here was and how they related to each other, and I did try to read it, but it's all rather hard to remember, isn't it, especially when you've got no idea what anyone looks like in person."


"Well," Dyamusan said uncertainly, "She's my blooded-aunt, not my aunt by lineage or marriage. Our forefathers swore a blood oath binding them as brothers and thus our families as well," the Woodwind boy explained smiling to try and hide any sense of awkwardness he felt sharing this with someone who might not understand.


"It is as Dyamusan says, our families are not related by blood. However, our forefathers were bloodbrothers, bound by brotherhood and blood."

Nyllana pointed at the Kasumori Basket Greatsword.

"We Kasumori take great pride in our Prowess with the blade and that weapon attracted my attention. Could you tell me more about it, about its origins and usage? My people have a type of weapon that looks exactly like it. My father was a master in its style you see."

[Logic]

After spending a few moments looking for her daughter and the company she now kept, Yasira decided to seek out her host.

"Hello Empress Syana." Yasira curtsied before the Regent of the Ignato Empire; a large smile spread on her wrinkled face. It looks to be a glorious ball. I'm glad I arrived when I did; I'm afraid that event coordinator of yours would have been unable to make a bowel movement without your permission of the color and consistency if I hadn't told him to not bother you with every minute detail. It seems he has appropriate taste as well.

"Perchance, have you seen any from the Ashenian delegation? I was hoping to see my daughter, and perhaps meet this royal husband of hers she skirted off with."

[Tychris1]

Duke Ironfang swiveled his prosthetic arm, rotating it forward and backward before allowing it to rest in place. His Iron Vermin suit had been polished, specially prepared for this occasion, though unlike his last public visit, he did come dressed in some form of royal regalia. Nothing fancy, a mere fur cape attached to the back of his armor, and the occasional piece of white metal interlocked into his full plate for aesthetic purposes. He folded his hands together, holding them behind his back as he slowly walked into the Grand Ball. His eyes scanned the surrounding area, emitting an overpowering sense of melancholy as he seemingly disregarded everything around him. Scuttling off to the side lines, Ironfang casually observed the social gathering from a safe distance, hoping against all hope to go unnoticed.

[lt_murgen]

snip


"As a favor to the regents, of course." She replied with a smile. "Our Emerald City is a remarkable success, but several Woodwind nobles have expressed concern about our 'corrupting' ways." She laughed. "So we promised to be on our best behaviour."

Without warning, Anguri felt arms wrap around her. Another female voice squealed "COUSIN!" Evelyn and her family had joined them.




Grïend rumbled, pleased that the Raaneki held him in such high regard.
"AAAHHH....GOOD PEOPLE.....OF THE JEWELED CITIES.......I AM PLEASED.....TO MEET YOU........I AM HONORED....YOU HEARD....OF ME......"
Grïend shifted his mass slightly to get a better view. However, shifting as much mass as him caused a tremble in the ground, so great was his mass.
"SO....DEAR FRIENDS.....WHAT BRINGS YOU.....HERE.....AT THE GRAND BALL?..."


"We come to honor those who host the event, of course. They honor us with their considerate invitation. And you? What do you hope to gain from attending here?"


At some point, one of the Council members from Tar will make contact with Irion and see if tropical fruit, wood, or meat might be traded for quartz.

ON THE DANCE FLOOR
Amber's children, both 15 and full of life, danced their heart's out. laughing and carrying on. Occasionally, when a Raaneki delegate joined in, it threatened to turn scandalous. Luckily, the Earth Shaman Raker was there to keep them contained. A truly huge man, approaching seven foot tall and half that across, he spoke with the calm demeanor more befitting a nanny in a nursery.
OOC: looking for dance partners, and maybe more?

[Aedilred]

The man steps forward to introduce himself, and the beautiful lady on his arm. "I ah, erm... I'm Columbo. How are you? Oh! Oh! And this, this is Yelfis." He grins, and points to his wife."Well, pleased to meet you, Columbo, and the lovely Lady Yelfis too. I gather you're also related, then?"

He turns back to his children for a moment. "Aren't you two supposed to be finding people to dance with?" He shoos them away.

Turning back to Columbo and the gathering throng around him, he catches sight of something beyond and performs a somewhat theatrical double-take. "Pardon me for mentioning it, milords and ladies, but there appears to be some sort of gigantic rat standing over there in a metal suit."



Nyllana pointed at the Kasumori Basket Greatsword.

"We Kasumori take great pride in our Prowess with the blade and that weapon attracted my attention. Could you tell me more about it, about its origins and usage? My people have a type of weapon that looks exactly like it. My father was a master in its style you see."
Athelmark looks slightly embarrassed at this information. "The sword was a gift - of sorts, for I believe I am expected to return it - from the acting Qzare of the Salterri Imperium, requested that I carry it here as a token of luck and favour. It is a very fine weapon, though, having only acquired it recently, I have not borne it in battle and frankly hope never to do so. I apologise if this has caused any offence; now I can't help but think the sword was taken from your people by force and I have committed some grave insult in bringing it here."

***

Athelmere, having been dismissed by his father, hesitates for a moment, then strides straight up to Tempest Grant.

"Athelmere of Clan Jarrow, milady," he says, bowing. "I could not help but overhear your delightful flute playing just now. Might I have the honour of a dance?"

[QuintonBeck]

*Snip*

"Queen Regent Yasira, a pleasure to see you again," Syana smiled and bowed her head towards the Celerese woman, "Yes, it seems he was not as incapable as he feared. They arrived at the beginning of the ball with gifts, I have not seen them in almost an hour after their dispersal however, though I have been preoccupied with meeting and greeting so it could be they walked right by and I failed to notice," she laughed, "It's as I told you, those Ashenian men are simply too attractively brooding for their own good."

She smiled looking over where she could see her husband had escaped her uncles only to be trapped by the bar by Senator Shaeldtae, no doubt trying to convince him to convince her that he ought to be appointed Vice Speaker of the Senate, a nonexistent position the former king desired entirely for the prestige and felt entirely qualified for due to his control of the new Triumvirate minting system.


*Snip*

"He is my husband," Yelfis answered plainly.

"That is Duke Ironfang, he leads the Sympol people of the northeast," Yelfis said, drily.

"They say he got the suit after getting thrown out of a window by his father and falling into liquid metal," Dyamusan offered, "But that might not be entirely true."

[Rizban]

A Representative Arrives from Salteire

Arriving a bit late, a woman in her 30s enters the grand ball looking distinctly uncomfortable. Dressed in dark green (http://www.mornproductions.com/gitp/empire/priestess.jpg) and bearing the holy symbols of Ascension, she shifts nervously as she pauses by the entryway to take stock of the room.

[Silverbit]

Duke Ironfang swiveled his prosthetic arm, rotating it forward and backward before allowing it to rest in place. His Iron Vermin suit had been polished, specially prepared for this occasion, though unlike his last public visit, he did come dressed in some form of royal regalia. Nothing fancy, a mere fur cape attached to the back of his armor, and the occasional piece of white metal interlocked into his full plate for aesthetic purposes. He folded his hands together, holding them behind his back as he slowly walked into the Grand Ball. His eyes scanned the surrounding area, emitting an overpowering sense of melancholy as he seemingly disregarded everything around him. Scuttling off to the side lines, Ironfang casually observed the social gathering from a safe distance, hoping against all hope to go unnoticed.

Ali son of Razkai looked up from his drink, noticing the Sympol in the shadows.

"Ah, Ironfang, isn't it? I am Ali, son of Razkai; we haven't met yet. I have heard many things about your great deeds at the last Raaneki games; how are the Sympol doing these days?"

[SamBurke]

"I see I expose my ignorance Paco, with the passing of the last Avatar before my time, your travel, and the chilly reception the Blazing Temple has given to those of us in the Triumvirate I fear my knowledge of the Blazing Avatar is much more limited than I wish it were."

Syana looked where the Doge had indicated and saw her cousin and her husband and a smile brightened her face, she almost asked the Doge if he had heard from her that she thought herself with child but decided it might be something she wished to keep quiet a little while longer and so she said nothing of it but nodded her head politely,

"She says he is a very intelligent man, and she says that means he gets into all sorts of trouble she has to then get him out of," she laughed. The Doge laughs too. "Recognize which of your friends finds girls, and which need girls found. Ancient Guilderene sailor's proverb. One of the best! Oddly, I find that they're all that raunchy, but somehow usable." He pulls out a hip bottle of Heartwine, and goes to pour more into the groups' glasses. Nothing comes out. "I wonder how drunk I am... Well, drunk enough to use sailor's proverbs, so fairly, right? You haven't really seen drunk until you've seen Columbo, though... really unleashes his stopper, it does. Which is usually when Yelfis steps in. Admirable woman, that. My father knew old Columbo was the second sort of friend, and he found Columbo the right sort of girl, too. Wisdom."

Humperdink manages to find another bottle of drink, this time a hip flask offered by one of his guards, full of something metallic and strong. "Rannaran brew! Toughest in the world, because of this..." He flicks the outside of the container with a dagger... which sticks to the side. "They call it 'hematite.' It pulls metals together, is a prettier type of iron, and makes any alchohol strong enough to down a Render!"


[Not enough Mana to Summon anyone else]
Yelfis bowed her head towards the group,

"Ambassadors, cousin," she said, nodding at her relative.

"Cousin Yelfis!" Dyamusan said, excitedly, "I got your Domhan carving you sent last month!"

"Yes, I thought you might like it," she agreed plainly, not much of one for emotions "Columbo bartered for it with a shaman of Domhan in our search for the shaman rumored to have discovered magic."

"Wow, that's cool!"

A slight smile creased Yelfis' face but she said nothing more, looking instead at her husband, as if prompting him to speak. He nods, pulling out a hip flask. "Time to talk, I guess..." He downs the entire flask in one go, handing it back to one of the guards, who replenishes it with Heartwine... and secretly, a healthy mix of water.

"Ah yes! It is a most fascinating study! I've been following the fellow around for a few years now, watching his things... the problem is, how do you prove anything? Ah! Ah! How!" His eyes go wild, an effect only compounded by the strange chunks of glass perched precariously on his nose. "How do you prove magic, instead of a ruse? Well, my friends, I've developed something. I've developed a method...

"FOR SCIENCE."



"Well, pleased to meet you, Columbo, and the lovely Lady Yelfis too. I gather you're also related, then?"

He turns back to his children for a moment. "Aren't you two supposed to be finding people to dance with?" He shoos them away.

Turning back to Columbo and the gathering throng around him, he catches sight of something beyond and performs a somewhat theatrical double-take. "Pardon me for mentioning it, milords and ladies, but there appears to be some sort of gigantic rat standing over there in a metal suit."
Columbo sighs with equal drama. "That darn rat... so theatrical. It's a Sympol, of course, a queer fellow to say the least. And I'm an expert on the unusual, let me tell ya! Still, got to respect the science behind it! Took years and years, and it's still being developed. The white's a nice touch, isn't it, honey?" He leans in for a beliquored kiss.


A Representative Arrives from Salteire

Arriving a bit late, a woman in her 30s enters the grand ball looking distinctly uncomfortable. Dressed in dark green (http://www.mornproductions.com/gitp/empire/priestess.jpg) and bearing the holy symbols of Ascension, she shifts nervously as she pauses by the entryway to take stock of the room.
Humperdink, the Doge, sees her first, excusing himself from a minor conversation and striding forward with open arms. "Ah, milady! I welcome you as one of the first emissaries of the North to the South. For far too long have our lands been kept apart by the mystery of maps, and now... together! At last. I do hope for peace, for mutual advancement." He stops, taking note of his own grandiose entrance, and toning it back a little.

"Before we go any further, I, ah, have one thing I wanted to talk to you about. In my letter to your Patriarch, I believe that I made certain statements that were less true than I believed them to be. It is for these that I apologize. Convey a sincere apology on behalf of me to your rulers, for my statements against the Salterri Imperium. May the future bring peace instead of war." Humperdink bows, and as he stands up, the seriousness washes away.

"But now! I have not been to a festivity so grand in many years... since my youth. It is more fitting that we speak of trade --perhaps your lands require grain-- or faith. For example, I understand your Ascendance has taken hold in several of the great Princes' houses in my home country. Let us speak of that."

[Rizban]

Humperdink, the Doge, sees her first, excusing himself from a minor conversation and striding forward with open arms.

Seeing the man approach, she clasps her hands together and give a very slight bow, more of a nod really.

"Greetings, sir. I am Simmony of the Church of Ascension."

[Aedilred]

"He is my husband," Yelfis answered plainly.
"Ah, I was referring to you and young Dyamusan, rather than you and your husband. I wouldn't mean to suggest anything like that! Though I have been told that in parts of the north it is perfectly normal for brothers, sisters, even parents and children to marry. Can't make sense of that, to be honest, though I suppose you might think the same of us and our clan marriages. Perhaps it's just tall tales from travellers, a large lie built on a small truth."



Columbo sighs with equal drama. "That darn rat... so theatrical. It's a Sympol, of course, a queer fellow to say the least. And I'm an expert on the unusual, let me tell ya! Still, got to respect the science behind it! Took years and years, and it's still being developed. The white's a nice touch, isn't it, honey?" He leans in for a beliquored kiss.
"An expert on the unusual, you say? Now that sounds like an invitation to enquire further if ever I heard one! What is your role at the Guilder court?"

[Tychris1]

Ali son of Razkai looked up from his drink, noticing the Sympol in the shadows.

"Ah, Ironfang, isn't it? I am Ali, son of Razkai; we haven't met yet. I have heard many things about your great deeds at the last Raaneki games; how are the Sympol doing these days?"

Beneath Ironfang's helm, he was practically rolling his eyeballs through his skull. Sighing slightly, he addressed the dwarf.

"They're doing fine, if they were doing otherwise I highly doubt they would send their military leader and sole ruler out to some frivolous gathering."

Leaning against the wall behind him, Ironfang crossed his arms and stared into the Dwarf, slowly assessing and deconstructing him inch by inch.

[QuintonBeck]

*Doge Snip

Syana nodded and smiled, leaning back a bit as the Doge grew increasingly inebriated.

"A fine material to be sure," she commented, "Please Doge, I know you are a man of business and I regret I have none to offer you, please, enjoy the festivities and partake in our foods and wines, it is a ball after all."

As the Doge departed she watched him approach a new arrival and she strained her eyes to figure out who the stranger was. She did not recognize the style of dress or the colors they were woven in and wondered whether her diplomatic training was failing her or whether this woman was truly unknown to her.


*Columbo snip*


*Snip*

Yelfis returned her husband's kiss dryly, she was not much of one for public displays, though Columbo knew from experience she was not a prude by any means.

"Ah, yes. Apologies for my misunderstanding. He is my cousin, as the Empress is."

"I've never heard of that," Dyamusan said, wrinkling his face up and wondering again where the elusive Alice Bordeux might have been.

[SamBurke]

Syana nodded and smiled, leaning back a bit as the Doge grew increasingly inebriated.

"A fine material to be sure," she commented, "Please Doge, I know you are a man of business and I regret I have none to offer you, please, enjoy the festivities and partake in our foods and wines, it is a ball after all."

As the Doge departed she watched him approach a new arrival and she strained her eyes to figure out who the stranger was. She did not recognize the style of dress or the colors they were woven in and wondered whether her diplomatic training was failing her or whether this woman was truly unknown to her.
The Doge notes her lean, and imitates. "No worries, miss. The Guilderenes may have easy livers, but we do know what to do with drink after it slaps us around. There's never a mean man of Guilder when drunk, only a fool! A good laugh, I suppose, never caused an international incident. Anyway, evening to you! And many thanks for this grand occasion."


Seeing the man approach, she clasps her hands together and give a very slight bow, more of a nod really.

"Greetings, sir. I am Simmony of the Church of Ascension." "Ah, good, good. Well, I'm glad you're here, Simmony... Is that how to say it? Alright. Are you empowered to make trade deals by any chance?"


Yelfis returned her husband's kiss dryly, she was not much of one for public displays, though Columbo knew from experience she was not a prude by any means.

"Ah, yes. Apologies for my misunderstanding. He is my cousin, as the Empress is."

"I've never heard of that," Dyamusan said, wrinkling his face up and wondering again where the elusive Alice Bordeux might have been.
Columbo takes the hint, and straightens up a little. His next words will be flashy, not foolish... Speaking of which...


"Ah, I was referring to you and young Dyamusan, rather than you and your husband. I wouldn't mean to suggest anything like that! Though I have been told that in parts of the north it is perfectly normal for brothers, sisters, even parents and children to marry. Can't make sense of that, to be honest, though I suppose you might think the same of us and our clan marriages. Perhaps it's just tall tales from travellers, a large lie built on a small truth."

"An expert on the unusual, you say? Now that sounds like an invitation to enquire further if ever I heard one! What is your role at the Guilder court?"
"Ah, well. Anyone could make the mistake, since we're SO alike." He points to Yelfis' beautiful form, then to his own crook-back, squint-eye, high-forehead, very unnattractive self. "Easy mistake. Anyone'd make it. Anyone at all. As to my job, it's two fold: one, to be more curious than even you... and two, to be more successful at curiosity than you." He grins.

[Logic]

"Greetings Doge! Your brother Ruffino sends his regards, and your niece and nephew wonder if you shall ever visit." Yasira noted how different her husband and his brother the Doge of Guilder looked. Though both had Tumberdink's features, it seemed the that neither son had inherited the same ones. Ruffino had his father's eyes, ears and chin, while Humperdink had his father's brow, nose, and cheekbones. She lingered her gaze on her brother-in-law, noting how handsome he was, though it made her long for her husband.

"I had hoped to make some personal discussions with you, after the ball. You may need to remind me. My memory is not all it once was."

[Rizban]

"Ah, good, good. Well, I'm glad you're here, Simmony... Is that how to say it? Alright. Are you empowered to make trade deals by any chance?"

"That is... yes, that's correct, though I am not quite used to the accent. I am assuming that you must be the Doge Humperdink. I am grateful for your invitation, and, yes, I have been empowered to negotiate trades, though all agreements will need to be finalized by the Quorum upon my return before going into effect."

Simmony starts to take a step forward then hesitates, unsure of the customs of the northern tribes. Were she back home, things would be so much easier.

[Aedilred]

"Ah, well. Anyone could make the mistake, since we're SO alike." He points to Yelfis' beautiful form, then to his own crook-back, squint-eye, high-forehead, very unnattractive self. "Easy mistake. Anyone'd make it. Anyone at all. As to my job, it's two fold: one, to be more curious than even you... and two, to be more successful at curiosity than you." He grins.
Athelmark laughs. "A politician's answer, I fear, technically accurate yet providing no information whatsoever. My own kingdom is woefully deficient in that noble art. Though... I wonder, is curiosity a finite resource? As one becomes wiser and more knowledgeable, does one become less curious, or more? Is curiosity a constant or does it wax and wane across one's life? Surely there must at least in theory come a point where one knows everything there is to be known, even if that in practice impossible, at which point one's curiosity must be entirely satiated? Or would one remain hopelessly and endlessly curious, like a man who eats his food stores at the start of winter and thereafter remains eternally hungry but unable to eat?

"One for the philosophers, I suppose. My point though, is that my own knowledge base is so paltry that it might seem I cannot help but be more curious than a member of an advanced people like yourselves, and satisfying that curiosity is correspondingly easier. Why, it is only relatively recently I have learned to read, and the whole world of literature is available for me to discover! So for you truly to outmatch me in these respects you must truly be an exceptional man."

[lt_murgen]

Athelmere, having been dismissed by his father, hesitates for a moment, then strides straight up to Tempest Grant.
*SNIP*


Tempest flashed the young man a charming smile while her eyes scanned up and down his frame. Athelmere had a brief impression of the look a person might give while appraising a racehorse.

Tempest extended a hand, just as the drumming beat picked up tempo once again. "I'd be honored." Sensing the man's hesitation, she does her best to guide him in the paces and steps, while allowing him to lead. Of course, that means that she had to occasionall touch... here, and perhaps pinch a bit.... there. All in good fun of course. By the end, she was blushing, flushed, and happy.

[Aedilred]

Tempest flashed the young man a charming smile while her eyes scanned up and down his frame. Athelmere had a brief impression of the look a person might give while appraising a racehorse.

Tempest extended a hand, just as the drumming beat picked up tempo once again. "I'd be honored." Sensing the man's hesitation, she does her best to guide him in the paces and steps, while allowing him to lead. Of course, that means that she had to occasionall touch... here, and perhaps pinch a bit.... there. All in good fun of course. By the end, she was blushing, flushed, and happy.
Athelmere is not a particularly good dancer - he has a degree of natural aptitude, his build being well-suited to dancing, but he is clearly inexperienced and slightly nervous. This is largely compensated by Tempest's efforts and enthusiasm; by the time the dance ends, he appears half-exhilarated, and half alarmed. His face is so flushed from his exertions it's hard to tell whether he's blushing, but it's clear he's almost pointedly avoiding looking in the direction of his sister.

"Well," he manages eventually, "thank you for the dance, milady. I must confess that dances in my land tend to be less, er, energetic. Perhaps you would care to join me for some refreshment while I recover my breath. And perhaps-" his expression makes it clear he's chancing his arm- "then we could... dance again?"

[Rizban]

Spotting a familiar face, Simmony feels a bit more at ease and approaches King Athelmark with a smile.

"Greetings to you, Lord Athelmark. Were you to have a moment soon, I'd like a word with you."

[Aedilred]

Spotting a familiar face, Simmony feels a bit more at ease and approaches King Athelmark with a smile.

"Greetings to you, Lord Athelmark. Were you to have a moment soon, I'd like a word with you."
Marrik Sunder frowns and almost begins to speak, but Athelmark silences him with a nudge and a slight shake of the head, and greets her warmly.

"Lady Simmony! I didn't think you were coming. Please allow me to introduce Columbo, of Guilder, and his wife Yelfis." With the large group having fractured into smaller conversations he refrains from introducing any of the other rulers or delegates nearby, but keeps a careful watch in case any of them show signs of wanting to speak to Simmony. The surprise arrival of the Saltierre representative has caught him off-guard - although he hopes at least given his warm reception the presence of a true Salterri, or near enough, in the room will not lead to a chilling of atmosphere.

Glancing over at the dance floor, he notes Athelmere's dance with the young girl from the Jewelled Cities with approval, although - young is definitely a key word there. Something to deal with later. He's disappointed to see that Eirwynn hasn't found a dancing partner yet and keeps an eye out for likely candidates. If young Dyamus weren't already betrothed, he'd be perfect.

[Rizban]

Marrik Sunder frowns and almost begins to speak, but Athelmark silences him with a nudge and a slight shake of the head, and greets her warmly.

"Lady Simmony! I didn't think you were coming. Please allow me to introduce Columbo, of Guilder, and his wife Yelfis." With the large group having fractured into smaller conversations he refrains from introducing any of the other rulers or delegates nearby, but keeps a careful watch in case any of them show signs of wanting to speak to Simmony. The surprise arrival of the Saltierre representative has caught him off-guard - although he hopes at least given his warm reception the presence of a true Salterri, or near enough, in the room will not lead to a chilling of atmosphere.

Glancing over at the dance floor, he notes Athelmere's dance with the young girl from the Jewelled Cities with approval, although - young is definitely a key word there. Something to deal with later. He's disappointed to see that Eirwynn hasn't found a dancing partner yet and keeps an eye out for likely candidates. If young Dyamus weren't already betrothed, he'd be perfect.

Simmony clasps her hands together and gives a slight bow to the couple.

"It is a pleasure. You are, I assume, related to Doge Humperdink?

Forgive my rudeness for... not addressing you. I am not, I must say, very accustomed these sorts of gatherings. In my lands, things are more... direct."

[SamBurke]

"Greetings Doge! Your brother Ruffino sends his regards, and your niece and nephew wonder if you shall ever visit." Yasira noted how different her husband and his brother the Doge of Guilder looked. Though both had Tumberdink's features, it seemed the that neither son had inherited the same ones. Ruffino had his father's eyes, ears and chin, while Humperdink had his father's brow, nose, and cheekbones. She lingered her gaze on her brother-in-law, noting how handsome he was, though it made her long for her husband.

"I had hoped to make some personal discussions with you, after the ball. You may need to remind me. My memory is not all it once was.""My father gifted me with a wonderful ability, you know... the ability to place conversations wherever and whenever. For example, note right now: we've moved away from everyone else... and we're in a side hall with just enough view of the floor to maintain sight to our children, but enough distance to speak."[/COLOR] He grins. "I think it only activates if we're buzzed." Cue another shot from his flask.




Athelmark laughs. "A politician's answer, I fear, technically accurate yet providing no information whatsoever. My own kingdom is woefully deficient in that noble art. Though... I wonder, is curiosity a finite resource? As one becomes wiser and more knowledgeable, does one become less curious, or more? Is curiosity a constant or does it wax and wane across one's life? Surely there must at least in theory come a point where one knows everything there is to be known, even if that in practice impossible, at which point one's curiosity must be entirely satiated? Or would one remain hopelessly and endlessly curious, like a man who eats his food stores at the start of winter and thereafter remains eternally hungry but unable to eat?

"One for the philosophers, I suppose. My point though, is that my own knowledge base is so paltry that it might seem I cannot help but be more curious than a member of an advanced people like yourselves, and satisfying that curiosity is correspondingly easier. Why, it is only relatively recently I have learned to read, and the whole world of literature is available for me to discover! So for you truly to outmatch me in these respects you must truly be an exceptional man." Columbo smiles. "If you truly wish the answer to these questions... I can offer you a little something. Come back with me, to the wild tribes of the Domhan. There, even in the wilderness, I can teach you all that Guilder knows. And, perhaps, everything it's finding out." There's a genuine, unliquored twinkle in his eyes. He's found a fellow soul, just like Yelfis.


"That is... yes, that's correct, though I am not quite used to the accent. I am assuming that you must be the Doge Humperdink. I am grateful for your invitation, and, yes, I have been empowered to negotiate trades, though all agreements will need to be finalized by the Quorum upon my return before going into effect."

Simmony starts to take a step forward then hesitates, unsure of the customs of the northern tribes. Were she back home, things would be so much easier.
"Good, good... Ah! And it seems we're to innundate you with more of the confusing Northern Culture, too." He nods to a group of people nearing.


Marrik Sunder frowns and almost begins to speak, but Athelmark silences him with a nudge and a slight shake of the head, and greets her warmly.

"Lady Simmony! I didn't think you were coming. Please allow me to introduce Columbo, of Guilder, and his wife Yelfis." With the large group having fractured into smaller conversations he refrains from introducing any of the other rulers or delegates nearby, but keeps a careful watch in case any of them show signs of wanting to speak to Simmony. The surprise arrival of the Saltierre representative has caught him off-guard - although he hopes at least given his warm reception the presence of a true Salterri, or near enough, in the room will not lead to a chilling of atmosphere.

Glancing over at the dance floor, he notes Athelmere's dance with the young girl from the Jewelled Cities with approval, although - young is definitely a key word there. Something to deal with later. He's disappointed to see that Eirwynn hasn't found a dancing partner yet and keeps an eye out for likely candidates. If young Dyamus weren't already betrothed, he'd be perfect.
Columbo bows, and Yelfis follows suit. She whispers something to Columbo, who makes a nod at a boy on the other side of the room.

Inigo, seeing the cue from his "uncle" leaps into motion. He runs across the room, sliding under the legs of slower couples, and spinning around the faster ones, in pursuit of this girl. Doesn't matter who she is --though she is rather fetching-- he's got a job! Crazy grin from grandfather! Check. Wildly rakish bow? Check. Hold out her hand to give her the dance of lifetime? In progress. "Ah, good miss. What is your name?"


Simmony clasps her hands together and gives a slight bow to the couple.

"It is a pleasure. You are, I assume, related to Doge Humperdink?

Forgive my rudeness for... not addressing you. I am not, I must say, very accustomed these sorts of gatherings. In my lands, things are more... direct."
"Direct? ****, that's the way I like things. Tell me more!" Columbo, the man with the odd reflective things on his nose and curvy back, steps forward with eyes eager. He grins and pulls out a small notepad. "Don't mind me, just talk!"

[Rizban]

"Columbo, was it? You are a scribe?"

[QuintonBeck]

"Columbo, was it? You are a scribe?"

Yelfis shakes her head for her husband, knowing he is too absorbed to answer himself at the moment,

"He is an explorer. A scholar and scribe at times. Mainly however, we explore. We are tasked by Guilder to discover the unknown and explain what is seen. What do you do woman of Salt?" Yelfis asked, her expression blank, neither hostile nor friendly.

Most said she was hard to read, an opinion Columbo did not share and an ability of his she appreciated. Perhaps this woman though, if she truly preferred directness would not try and read Yelfis at all that they might carry on a 'scientific conversation' as Columbo had taken to calling them.

[Elemental]

"These gifts are magnificent, we are indebted King Hazael, Princess Regent Idrisa," Syana bowed her head towards the Ashenite royalty, "Please, enjoy the wine and dancing. I believe your son, my husband, is out there on the floor Princess Idrisa, I am certain he would wish to talk with you as it has been too long," Syana smiled tightly.

Idrisa and her brother bowed their heads briefly.
"It has been too long. We intend to stay for a month if that is alright with you, I am certain there will be plenty of time for a proper reunion. And besides, I have three daughters-in-law. I've gotten to know two of them, I should get to know you as well."
She motioned to her servants who immediately headed out of the room. They would seek out servants of the Triumvirate to arrange the proper storing of the gifts they had borne before returning to the Ashenite camp.



Queen Lomadi also noticed Greta's arrival. She had inadvertently stepped right between the Queen's conversation with the Ashenite attendees.

"As I was saying," Lomadi chuckled after Greta had said her fill. "We have heard many tales of your silver trade. We have dreams of awarding medals for the Raaneki Games, and have already collected gold from Scla'ca and Bronze from Guilder. Your silver would make the perfect reward for second place."

King Hazael smiled as Greta pushed her way between their delegations. He seemed more relaxed now than he did earlier.
"Silver is the purer metal Lomadi and it shines as brilliantly as the full moon. It would be more fitting for first than for second."
"That said however, it is not up to us to dictate how you make use of it should we decide to sell it to you. What do you propose to offer us for it?"



As the King and Princess Regent conversed with the Raaneki Queen, the other members of their party stood and dispersed across the dance floor. Amalia and her husband took up a lively dance whereas Shenath went in search of a nice glass of Heartwine, maybe something stronger if he could find it.


Ashenia has available the following resources: Silver, Books, Horses, Dairy Products (cheese), Salt (four stacks), Wheat (four stacks). Everything else is one stack and I'm going to keep Somnorum and Voidbeasts to myself for the time being.

[Logic]

Idrisa and her brother bowed their heads briefly.
"It has been too long. We intend to stay for a month if that is alright with you, I am certain there will be plenty of time for a proper reunion. And besides, I have three daughters-in-law. I've gotten to know two of them, I should get to know you as well."
She motioned to her servants who immediately headed out of the room. They would seek out servants of the Triumvirate to arrange the proper storing of the gifts they had borne before returning to the Ashenite camp.




King Hazael smiled as Greta pushed her way between their delegations. He seemed more relaxed now than he did earlier.
"Silver is the purer metal Lomadi and it shines as brilliantly as the full moon. It would be more fitting for first than for second."
"That said however, it is not up to us to dictate how you make use of it should we decide to sell it to you. What do you propose to offer us for it?"



As the King and Princess Regent conversed with the Raaneki Queen, the other members of their party stood and dispersed across the dance floor. Amalia and her husband took up a lively dance whereas Shenath went in search of a nice glass of Heartwine, maybe something stronger if he could find it.


Ashenia has available the following resources: Silver, Books, Horses, Dairy Products (cheese), Salt (four stacks), Wheat (four stacks). Everything else is one stack and I'm going to keep Somnorum and Voidbeasts to myself for the time being.
Celero is definitely interested in Silver and Books. The other two may be useful.

Also, did I miss something, or is Prince Hazael IV not present at the ball? The husband of a certain Celerii princess is of great interest to the Queen of Celero.

[Elemental]

Celero is definitely interested in Silver and Books. The other two may be useful.

Also, did I miss something, or is Prince Hazael IV not present at the ball? The husband of a certain Celerii princess is of great interest to the Queen of Celero.

You're not the only one interested in silver, so you might be unlucky on that front. I should upgrade it to a great resource one of these days.

He's there. He's currently dancing with his wife. I've just completely forgotten to mention him by name. Whoops.

[Rizban]

Yelfis shakes her head for her husband, knowing he is too absorbed to answer himself at the moment,

"He is an explorer. A scholar and scribe at times. Mainly however, we explore. We are tasked by Guilder to discover the unknown and explain what is seen. What do you do woman of Salt?" Yelfis asked, her expression blank, neither hostile nor friendly.

Most said she was hard to read, an opinion Columbo did not share and an ability of his she appreciated. Perhaps this woman though, if she truly preferred directness would not try and read Yelfis at all that they might carry on a 'scientific conversation' as Columbo had taken to calling them.

Simmony nods in thought for a moment.

"I am chiefly concerned with spiritual matters. My focus is purity of mind and body. I care for the physical needs of the people that they might more clearly focus on their spirituality."

She turns back to the Doge.

"There are certain resources I need to acquire for the peoples of my lands. To that end, Lord Humperdink, I believe you requested information on trade. I am able to offer several units of salt, gold, and silver to any who might be interested and willing to trade."

I currently have 3 units each of salt, gold, and silver available for trade.

[Logic]

"My father gifted me with a wonderful ability, you know... the ability to place conversations wherever and whenever. For example, note right now: we've moved away from everyone else... and we're in a side hall with just enough view of the floor to maintain sight to our children, but enough distance to speak."[/COLOR] He grins. "I think it only activates if we're buzzed." Cue another shot from his flask.
Well, it seems you have something that I want. Plate armor technology is a little hard to come by. I have little in the way of other technologies to provide in return, but I am developing one that would be most useful to you, if you are willing to wait for a promise of it.
Please PM me if you want the technology concept. It is currently a state secret still in research and development.

You're not the only one interested in silver, so you might be unlucky on that front. I should upgrade it to a great resource one of these days.

He's there. He's currently dancing with his wife. I've just completely forgotten to mention him by name. Whoops.

Please PM me with any resources of interest. I have two undefined resources to set for my newest island region.
Also, I am just now realizing that the heir to Celero is the sister-in-law to the Empress of Woodwind. How did I not know this?
Queen Yasira had finally spotted her daughter on the dance floor. She quickly looked around for an appropriate dance partner, but saw none, so she demanded a dance with one of the white-coated serving boys.

"Set your champagne tray down now, and escort me to the dance floor." She commanded.

The young man stammered a moment, before being interrupted by visiting Queen.

"Whatever your objection, it will be easily dismissed as not your fault, now take my hand and DANCE." she demanded.

Though the young man was not a terrible dancer, it was obvious to all but the most obtuse onlookers that it was really the Queen who was leading the pair. They shifted and shimmeyed between various couples on the dance floor, until they were next to the princess.

"Amalia..." the queen said, but the fear of rejection killed the remainder of her sentence.

[Elemental]

Please PM me with any resources of interest. I have two undefined resources to set for my newest island region.
Also, I am just now realizing that the heir to Celero is the sister-in-law to the Empress of Woodwind. How did I not know this?

I'd rather not say because I don't want to influence other people's resource selection for my benefit. Particularly as I'd be able to break off the trade in the future and you'd be left with a resource you might not have really wanted. That said, Bereginia has light crystals if I'm not mistaken... They should be a suitable trade for books.
And on the topic of who she's now related to by blood, she's also the sister-in-law of the next King of Ashenia, and cousin by marriage to the ruling houses of Hrathan-Tuor, The Heartwaste and Lyradis.

That said, who's going to RP her? I don't really know her character aside from her being impulsive, nor her relationship with her mother before her marrying without permission.

[Logic]

I'd rather not say because I don't want to influence other people's resource selection for my benefit. Particularly as I'd be able to break off the trade in the future and you'd be left with a resource you might not have really wanted. That said, Bereginia has light crystals if I'm not mistaken... They should be a suitable trade for books.
And on the topic of who she's now related to by blood, she's also the sister-in-law of the next King of Ashenia, and cousin by marriage to the ruling houses of Hrathan-Tuor, The Heartwaste and Lyradis.

That said, who's going to RP her? I don't really know her character aside from her being impulsive, nor her relationship with her mother before her marrying without permission.

Sounds like a fair trade to me.

And howsabout you roleplay her for the time being. It will be kinda interesting to eventually roleplay a leader that someone else has a developed a bit. Besides, I don't want to be talking to myself.

I'm sure anything you bring to the table would be fine. The only things I must note: She has (at least) one child with her husband, and she probably doesn't want to come back to Celero for the time being. You decide how far down that path she is.

[TheWombatOfDoom]

Lyra arrives with her 3 potential heirs, Benjamin II (50), Liam (40), and Errick (35). All three are eligable, but none of them have a wife. They need to have a wife before any can be passed the throne, so they're each looking for a wife, preferably one that could provide them with children. Lyra's sister in law, Ryella, is also there with Royce. She is Nyllana's Sister, and is actively seeking her sister out after her long absense in Borlmyn, treating with the merfolk. Brother Adam, Monk of the Lord of Fire, and Lyra's Daughter, Rebekka, are the last in the retinue to appear, both in deep conversation with one another.

---

Lyra arrives in a dress sporting her usual color - blue, with ornate silver trim, a gift from her relatives in Ashenia. She hoped she would see her husbands family while she was at the ball. It had been some time since their last visit. As Lyra entered the Ball, her name was proclaimed, followed by the normal smattering of titles. She smiled warmly at the other guests who turned to look as her name was announced, and she approached her host - Syana Ignato. "Thank you for inviting myself and my family to this wonderful event, and I am gladdened by the ways my father touches the world even after so many years. It's all lovely. You've done well here." She smiles at the Khan, for once, the tiredness around her eyes was absent.

[QuintonBeck]

Idrisa and her brother bowed their heads briefly.
"It has been too long. We intend to stay for a month if that is alright with you, I am certain there will be plenty of time for a proper reunion. And besides, I have three daughters-in-law. I've gotten to know two of them, I should get to know you as well."
She motioned to her servants who immediately headed out of the room. They would seek out servants of the Triumvirate to arrange the proper storing of the gifts they had borne before returning to the Ashenite camp.


"Of course, it would be my pleasure to host you," Syana said, "It will be a pleasure to speak with you, and your brother. Korath and I worried daily about his safety and prayed that he might be found. He seems safe and recovered which is a miracle indeed."


*Snip*

"You honor me and this ball Lady Lyra," Syana bowed her head, "Though I was not alive to have attended the First Grand Ball the stories I heard through my childhood of it demanded I seek to do it the justice it deserved with its sequel. I am deeply honored you believe it to be adequate in its scope. Tell me Lady Lyra, how fairs fine Lyradis these past years?"

[SamBurke]

Simmony nods in thought for a moment.

"I am chiefly concerned with spiritual matters. My focus is purity of mind and body. I care for the physical needs of the people that they might more clearly focus on their spirituality."

She turns back to the Doge.

"There are certain resources I need to acquire for the peoples of my lands. To that end, Lord Humperdink, I believe you requested information on trade. I am able to offer several units of salt, gold, and silver to any who might be interested and willing to trade."

I currently have 3 units each of salt, gold, and silver available for trade.
The Doge thinks for a moment. "We already have bronze, so why not silver, too? I understand your people need our grain?"


Yelfis shakes her head for her husband, knowing he is too absorbed to answer himself at the moment,

"He is an explorer. A scholar and scribe at times. Mainly however, we explore. We are tasked by Guilder to discover the unknown and explain what is seen. What do you do woman of Salt?" Yelfis asked, her expression blank, neither hostile nor friendly.

Most said she was hard to read, an opinion Columbo did not share and an ability of his she appreciated. Perhaps this woman though, if she truly preferred directness would not try and read Yelfis at all that they might carry on a 'scientific conversation' as Columbo had taken to calling them. Columbo switches back to the conversation. "As usual, she said it best. Listen to her!" And with that, he's off!

[lt_murgen]

*snip*


Tempest leaned into him, giving him a little hug. "OF course, silly. That''s what balls are for!" She tugged a bit on his arm, moving towards the food tables. "Let's get some Raanekan wine. The Raaneki and us are good friends. My mom and aunt took care of Princess Anguri for a few years when she was little, and now we foster little groups of each other's important kids every three years."They just bareley managed to grab a couple of wine flutes, when Tempest was off again, dragging the poor boy with her. "Look! They put out the fruit we donated. You got to try some of the pine-oranges. Half pineapple, half orange...."



Columbo bows, and Yelfis follows suit. She whispers something to Columbo, who makes a nod at a boy on the other side of the room.

Inigo, seeing the cue from his "uncle" leaps into motion. He runs across the room, sliding under the legs of slower couples, and spinning around the faster ones, in pursuit of this girl. Doesn't matter who she is --though she is rather fetching-- he's got a job! Crazy grin from grandfather! Check. Wildly rakish bow? Check. Hold out her hand to give her the dance of lifetime? In progress. "Ah, good miss. What is your name?"


OOC: I am assuming this is Athelmark's son and Tempest. If not please ignore.

At that moment, Inigo catches up with the pair. His bouncy, agressive nature startles Tempest for a moment, but she recovers.
"Tempest Grant. My mom's Amber." She pointed across the dance-floor where Amber was talking, evidently, to a large crystal pillar. "Who'r you?"

[Elemental]

Sounds like a fair trade to me.

And howsabout you roleplay her for the time being. It will be kinda interesting to eventually roleplay a leader that someone else has a developed a bit. Besides, I don't want to be talking to myself.

I'm sure anything you bring to the table would be fine. The only things I must note: She has (at least) one child with her husband, and she probably doesn't want to come back to Celero for the time being. You decide how far down that path she is.

Light crystals for books it is. Do you want to RP the agreement, or shall we assume that the Princess Regent and Queen Yasira managed to speak to each other while they're both in the same country?

In that case, make sure to glare at me sternly if I make a mistake.
As for the child, said child needs a name and gender. We can flip a coin for the latter and I suggest a Celerii choice for the former.

Amalia and Hazael the Younger stopped dancing to face Queen Yasira. Hazael showed some anxiety, but was able to suppress it quickly, whereas Amalia remained impassive.
"Hello Mother. My husband, Hazael. Dearest, well, you can probably guess."
Despite not letting it show in her voice or expression, Amalia was very tense.



"Of course, it would be my pleasure to host you," Syana said, "It will be a pleasure to speak with you, and your brother. Korath and I worried daily about his safety and prayed that he might be found. He seems safe and recovered which is a miracle indeed."

At the mention of King Hazael's recovery and indirectly of his imprisonment, his expression darkened.
"Is anyone truly safe in this world Syana? The things I witnessed in that forsaken tower would haunt the nightmares of even-"
Idrisa put her hand of her brother's arm momentarily as if to ground him before speaking.
"I hope you understand that my brother still bears the scars he accrued in that place. We do not speak of it."
She seems genuinely concerned for his health.

[TheWombatOfDoom]

[COLOR="#8B4513"]"You honor me and this ball Lady Lyra," Syana bowed her head, "Though I was not alive to have attended the First Grand Ball the stories I heard through my childhood of it demanded I seek to do it the justice it deserved with its sequel. I am deeply honored you believe it to be adequate in its scope. Tell me Lady Lyra, how fairs fine Lyradis these past years?"

I was at the first ball, though at the time I was young, and just married. It certainly was an event to be had. She smiled, remembering meeting the Ashenians for the first time. "Lyradis is busy, and not all on the fair side, I'm afraid. We've been expanding south, as you well know, and have finally found our lost homelands, which is wonderful. But it turns out to be close to the heart of the Salterri Empire, and with this plague and war ravaging the North..." She shook her as her voice trailed. "I suppose I should feel blessed, with the blessings the Lord of Fire has given, but I fear for others who suffer from this sickness, such as your nation, or that of Raaneka."

"Still, my people are flourishing, and we are graced with many cultures in our expanding Kingdom. I am proud to be a part of such a time." She smiled proudly. "How about the Ignato Empire? From our communications, you've had you hands as full as mine."

[Morph Bark]

[5:30, with Lyra]
First Brother Adam walked in shortly after Queen Lyra of Lyradis and walked with her to the main table, his hawk-like gaze moving over the crowd left and right. His sharp chin bore a thin beard and he had little in the way of a moustache. His robes were large and the red cloth was lined with gold thread and it all held together with bronze pins from Guilder. He had a hooked, aristocratic nose, making him stand out more of the crowd for his dress than his facial features did, which might well be familiar and common. Arriving at the main table, he let Lyra do the talking as he surveyed the people sitting at it, letting his gaze linger on Tendaji and Shvedrishti for two moments longer. His cold features betrayed little of what was thought beneath them in the depths of that vault-like mind.

Paco was gone from the table by the time they arrived. He'd spotted him from all the way across the hall and--choosing discretion as the better part of valour--chose to make his way elsewhere. Hiding underneath a snack table right next to the dancefloor counted as 'elsewhere'.


[5:30, Greta and Jonas Grant and one Raaneki man]
"You!" Greta proclaimed loudly as she grabbed Jonas by his shirt as he was dawdling by the side of the dance floor without a dance partner yet. Her other hand held a Raaneki man she had dragged along from their delegation--she wasn't even sure who he was, but knowing Raaneki culture their women prolly wouldn't care, plus he was the finest specimen she'd seen among them. "I demand you dance with me." She dragged him along onto the dance floor and directed the two to appropriate places. "Dance of Lovers and Rivals. If you know it not, I lead. If you know it..." She grinned, "I still might."

Inspiracíon (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMIXtD6-WSE)

[Logic]

Yasira dismissed the serving boy, and held her hand out to Hazael, hoping that her new son-in-law would know the proper display of greeting in response. "It is good to meet you, Hazael. I briefly met your grandfather, at the ill fated World's Fair."

The Queen did her best to present a commanding presence, but she was still afraid that Amalia was going to take offense and run off for another few years.

I mustn't be too forceful; Amalia may return to Ashenia with her husband, and I may never see this grandson I've heard rumors of.

[Rizban]

The Doge thinks for a moment. "We already have bronze, so why not silver, too? I understand your people need our grain?"Simmony looks a bit pensive at Humperdink's offer.

"That is... certainly an offer; however, silver is very valuable. The Quorum would never approve giving away silver for mere grain. I offer you gold or salt for the grain instead, or if you prefer the silver, I can accept the grain and perhaps something more.

Perhaps you can introduce me to the others in attendance here as we debate this? I just need a moment."

Turning back to King Athelmark, Simmony nods and says, "Do you have a moment to speak aside with me?"

[BladeofObliviom]

A small gift wrapped in a layer of silk has been mysteriously left by the center chair by one of the Frosten retainers, who did not speak as he did so and might well have been missed entirely. If it is opened, it contains a fine Javelin made from silver and ebony, too heavy and soft (and expensive) to use in war but wonderful for ceremony. A note is wrapped around it:


Regarded Khan,

In case separate business tonight causes our paths to not cross, I have taken the liberty of setting this aside for you to recieve at your leisure. I had this commissioned not long before I sent my reply to your invitation, and thought it a fitting gift for a fellow warrior.

Though this weapon is not one that a wise man would take into battle unless no other option presented itself, it is a symbol of strength, power, and a willingness to oppose enemies even when they are not within your arm's reach.

May the winters spare your crops,

King Hroar, Lord of the Glazfell





Meanwhile, at the other end of the room, a certain Frosten King wanders over toward the snack table. Lifting a pastry in one hand, he casually munches down on it, chewing and swallowing before so much as raising it to his mouth again. After two bites, though, he rather suddenly speaks, though casually, discreetly, and to nobody in particular.

"Wherefore do you hide beneath the table? Jealous Lover, perhaps?"

There's a hint of humor to the latter sentence, though many people would still interpret it as deadpan.

[aspi]

"Ah, Fair Bekya... Single, but from Raneeka... So many stories to tell! No?" Humperdink walks up with a grin and a wink. "How would you feel about a marriage, dear miss? Or too lively to settle down?" Humperdink has his father's lopsided grin.
Bekya looked at Humperdink and opened her mouth, only to close it again a few moments later without having said anything. Her face took on a rather puzzled look and she began to answer the question "I'm..." She stopped and looked at Humperdink again before she regained her composition "How about we start with your name and you invite me to a drink before we get to the marriage business? I've been told this is how introductions usually commence", she said with a perky smile.

The speed at which this thread is pacing along is rather impressive, so I am likely to miss a detail here and there. If anyone feels that I've ignored an interaction with my delegation and not answered, please give me a nudge, it certainly wasn't intentional.

[Aedilred]

Turning back to King Athelmark, Simmony nods and says, "Do you have a moment to speak aside with me?"
"Of course, milady." He turns back to Columbo and his wife. "Please excuse me. Columbo, I shall think on your offer to travel to the Domhan lands."



Inigo, seeing the cue from his "uncle" leaps into motion. He runs across the room, sliding under the legs of slower couples, and spinning around the faster ones, in pursuit of this girl. Doesn't matter who she is --though she is rather fetching-- he's got a job! Crazy grin from grandfather! Check. Wildly rakish bow? Check. Hold out her hand to give her the dance of lifetime? In progress. "Ah, good miss. What is your name?"
[Assuming this is Eirwynn]

Eirwynn's face lights up as someone finally approaches her. "Eirwynn of Clan Jarrow, sir. Are you with the Guilder party?"

[WaylanderX]

"We come to honor those who host the event, of course. They honor us with their considerate invitation. And you? What do you hope to gain from attending here?"


At some point, one of the Council members from Tar will make contact with Irion and see if tropical fruit, wood, or meat might be traded for quartz.

OOC: Irion will agree with a trade of quartz against tropical fruit. Do you want to RP it or just do it this way?


Grïend


“GAIN....ME?....HHHMMM....I HOPE....TO GET TO KNOW....MORE....OF THE PEOPLE....ABOVE....THE ROCK......PLUS.....I HEARD....ALOT OF....INTERESTING....PEOPLE...COME HERE.....INCLUDING YOURSELF............I WISH.....TO MAKE ALLIES....BOTH FOR THE EMPRESS....AND MYSELF....”

He caught sight of Humperdink, who appeared to have escaped the clutches of both Irion and Eleljak. Impressive.

Grïend bowed, the crystaline protrusions on his arms nearly scratching the floor.

“EXCUSE ME.....PEOPLE OF THE JEWEL..........I SEE SOMEONE....WHO I NEED TO SPEAK TO....”

He waded through the mass of guests towards Humperdink and made a small bow, necessary because he did not want to squash an important guest after all.

“MAY PROWESS BE....WITH YOU....LORD OF GUILDER.....I SEE YOU....ARE WELL....I AM GRÏEND.....LORD OF THE MENHÎRIN.....I COME.....BEARING A........PROPOSAL.....”


Nyllana


Athelmark looks slightly embarrassed at this information. "The sword was a gift - of sorts, for I believe I am expected to return it - from the acting Qzare of the Salterri Imperium, requested that I carry it here as a token of luck and favour. It is a very fine weapon, though, having only acquired it recently, I have not borne it in battle and frankly hope never to do so. I apologise if this has caused any offence; now I can't help but think the sword was taken from your people by force and I have committed some grave insult in bringing it here."

Nyllana smiled, but on the inside, she was torn. A Kasumori Greatsword given by the Qzare. That could not mean anything good. Fortunately it wasn't made of Adamantine, so it could not be her fathers blade.

“It did not, do not worry. If anything, it is a compliment. For if the ways of my people spread that far, our reputation with the blade must precede us.”

Nyllana looked at the group.

“Could you tell me some more about your people, sir Athelmark. I never met with your people before."


Wayve (in the beginning of the ball)

Seeing Eirwynn without a dance partner, Wayve stepped to her with the confidence of a seasoned warrior....except that he didn't have the confidence, despite being a seasoned warrior.
She certainly had a charm around her. Furthermore, she was looking kind of lonely aswell, standing all alone like that. He stepped towards her, bowing gracefully in front of her and extending his hand.

“May Prowess light your path, my lady. I'm Wayve Earthguard, of the Hurosha Empire. Would you accept my dance?”


Wayve (at the middle part of the ball)

After spending the time with political small-talk and shallow pleasantries, Wayve searched for a more interesting conversational partner. After aimlessly walking around, smiling at foreign nobles, he grew tired of the charade. He distanced himself from the crowd, looking for other things to do. Then he saw Ironfang (presumably) doing the same, keeping separate from all of the politics. “You know what, I'll try to talk with a Sympol, why not. It couldn't be any less interesting then most of the nobles here.” He thought to himself.

He walked up to the Sympol, leaning against a nearby column, looking at the crowd and said:

“Look at them, reveling in their diplomatic pleasantries. Enemies honeying their words again their enemies, concealing everything. This is not a good place for a militairy minded person to be.”

He looked at Ironfang.

“Don't you agree, lord Ironfang?”

[SamBurke]

Simmony looks a bit pensive at Humperdink's offer.

"That is... certainly an offer; however, silver is very valuable. The Quorum would never approve giving away silver for mere grain. I offer you gold or salt for the grain instead, or if you prefer the silver, I can accept the grain and perhaps something more.

Perhaps you can introduce me to the others in attendance here as we debate this? I just need a moment."

Turning back to King Athelmark, Simmony nods and says, "Do you have a moment to speak aside with me?"
"Ah yes! How rude of me... nations, nations... let's see. Nyllana of the Hurosha Empire, there's Celero over there, Razdis and the dwarves, some Raneekans... hope that didn't scandalize you, they're like that all the time, sorry... Guilder there (and there and there and there, too...)... AH! And the fine monks of the Blazing Temple! There goes Adam, he's the sour one, and here is the fine rebel, PACO!" The Doge leaps over to a table, whipping off the table-spread and exposing the hiding monk.



Meanwhile, at the other end of the room, a certain Frosten King wanders over toward the snack table. Lifting a pastry in one hand, he casually munches down on it, chewing and swallowing before so much as raising it to his mouth again. After two bites, though, he rather suddenly speaks, though casually, discreetly, and to nobody in particular.

"Wherefore do you hide beneath the table? Jealous Lover, perhaps?"

There's a hint of humor to the latter sentence, though many people would still interpret it as deadpan.

"Hopefully I wasn't interrupting anything too much. And if there's a jealous lover, I'd look to the north..." Humperdink leans in, eyes grinning evilly, almost wider than the smirk on his lips. Then, he purses them to whisper as quietly as he can. "Lady Fabula looks wonderful tonight, doesn't she?" This turns out to have been said much more loudly than intended, and most people in the vicinity turn.

"Oh tar."

[Rizban]

"Of course, milady." He turns back to Columbo and his wife. "Please excuse me. Columbo, I shall think on your offer to travel to the Domhan lands."

Taking a few steps away from the group, Simmony leans close to Athelmark, places a seemingly friendly hand on his shoulder, and speaks in just barely above a whisper.

"I know."

With that said, she simply smiles and returns to Humperdink.

"Thank you for waiting."

"Ah yes! How rude of me... nations, nations... let's see. Nyllana of the Hurosha Empire, there's Celero over there, Razdis and the dwarves, some Raneekans... hope that didn't scandalize you, they're like that all the time, sorry... Guilder there (and there and there and there, too...)... AH! And the fine monks of the Blazing Temple! There goes Adam, he's the sour one, and here is the fine rebel, PACO!" The Doge leaps over to a table, whipping off the table-spread and exposing the hiding monk.
"Interesting... Perhaps we could... nevermind."


"Hopefully I wasn't interrupting anything too much. And if there's a jealous lover, I'd look to the north..." Humperdink leans in, eyes grinning evilly, almost wider than the smirk on his lips. Then, he purses them to whisper as quietly as he can. "Lady Fabula looks wonderful tonight, doesn't she?" This turns out to have been said much more loudly than intended, and most people in the vicinity turn.

"Oh tar."

She sighs at the Doge's behavior and begins to wonder if she wouldn't be better off without him as her escort... No, for now, she'll just wait to see how this plays out.

[SamBurke]

"Of course, milady." He turns back to Columbo and his wife. "Please excuse me. Columbo, I shall think on your offer to travel to the Domhan lands." "Find me later, please do..." He takes another drink. "A fine man, indeed..."



Eirwynn's face lights up as someone finally approaches her. "Eirwynn of Clan Jarrow, sir. Are you with the Guilder party?" "Guilder yes, and party? Definitely." He waggled his eyebrows in the confident way only a young, single, semi-desperate man can. "Very, very nice to meet you. Perhaps you're of the slow dancing persuasion? Or perhaps you can be persuaded to be?" Another eyebrow waggle, though this one is more ridiculous than suave.




Grïend

He waded through the mass of guests towards Humperdink and made a small bow, necessary because he did not want to squash an important guest after all.

“MAY PROWESS BE....WITH YOU....LORD OF GUILDER.....I SEE YOU....ARE WELL....I AM GRÏEND.....LORD OF THE MENHÎRIN.....I COME.....BEARING A........PROPOSAL.....” "Ah, quite! You are a most welcome fellow, good... Griend, correct? I have not seen a man or creature as fascinating as you in ages. I hope you don't mind if I call over my man Columbo? He is always most interested in the mighty creatures of the Menhirin. But, while comes, perhaps we may talk of this proposal? My ears are keen."



“May Prowess light your path, my lady. I'm Wayve Earthguard, of the Hurosha Empire. Would you accept my dance?”


Wayve (at the middle part of the ball)
"If you think a gentleman will give up fair lady before he's had a chance for even a single dance, you are far out, sir! We had not yet begun, in fact. Save your cutting in for a bit later... or talk to the rat-folk. You are looking towards that delegation now, are you not?" Inigo tries a helpful tone of voice, but it's clear that he's very excited to dance with Eirwynn.



"Thank you for waiting."

"Interesting... Perhaps we could... nevermind."

She sighs at the Doge's behavior and begins to wonder if she wouldn't be better off without him as her escort... No, for now, she'll just wait to see how this plays out.
The Doge notices her pulling a face and steps back. "Etiquette prompts me to present another apology. You see, Guilder has a weakness for making light, enjoying things as they come. One of the reasons we're still around, you know... we came across the sea, you know! From south, from the east, far away. Always moving, always expanding, always surviving. Can you tell me more about your folk?" He pauses for a second, reading her face.

" 'not here', you say? Well, perhaps we can speak off to the side in a moment. I have minor unfinished business with the table-hider here."

[Lord_Burch]

I've missed a lot, and I may have skimmed over a lot of the thread. Bear with me if I miss something.

...and did you see the windows, Aris? They were marvelous! They caught the glow of the sun perfectly, and seemed to reflect it over the entire room. Imagine what Father's lens makers could do with them!

Of course, that would require Father to have an incentive to acquire them in the first place. While I do see your point, I do not think he would appreciate the aesthetic value of them as much. Actually, there he is now, if you'd like to take it up with him.

Father, have you seen the light crystals about the room? The architects even used them as a replacement for glass! Why, if Gilles got his hands on some of them...

Alice, before you start tripping over your own words, I would like you to meet someone. This is Dyamusen Ignato. I trust that you remember me speaking of him?

She blinks, seeing him for the first time. Oh! Yes, why, hello there, sorry. I'm Alice, very nice to meet you.

[Morph Bark]

[5:45]

Meanwhile, at the other end of the room, a certain Frosten King wanders over toward the snack table. Lifting a pastry in one hand, he casually munches down on it, chewing and swallowing before so much as raising it to his mouth again. After two bites, though, he rather suddenly speaks, though casually, discreetly, and to nobody in particular.

"Wherefore do you hide beneath the table? Jealous Lover, perhaps?"

There's a hint of humor to the latter sentence, though many people would still interpret it as deadpan.

"Shhh." A sound came from under the table. "Wish that it were but that."


"Ah yes! How rude of me... nations, nations... let's see. Nyllana of the Hurosha Empire, there's Celero over there, Razdis and the dwarves, some Raneekans... hope that didn't scandalize you, they're like that all the time, sorry... Guilder there (and there and there and there, too...)... AH! And the fine monks of the Blazing Temple! There goes Adam, he's the sour one, and here is the fine rebel, PACO!" The Doge leaps over to a table, whipping off the table-spread and exposing the hiding monk.

"Interesting... Perhaps we could... nevermind."

Paco turned pale as a winter moon when Humperdink shouted his name and pulled away the tablecloth, spilling snacks over the floor (and possibly King Hroar). He sat frozen on his knees, paralyzed from the suddenness of the moment, not sure what to do.


"Hopefully I wasn't interrupting anything too much. And if there's a jealous lover, I'd look to the north..." Humperdink leans in, eyes grinning evilly, almost wider than the smirk on his lips. Then, he purses them to whisper as quietly as he can. "Lady Fabula looks wonderful tonight, doesn't she?" This turns out to have been said much more loudly than intended, and most people in the vicinity turn.
"Oh tar."

[Simmony] sighs at the Doge's behavior and begins to wonder if she wouldn't be better off without him as her escort... No, for now, she'll just wait to see how this plays out.

Paco groaned as he covered his face in shame and tried to crawl out from underneath the table. What was Humperdink trying to do, set him up with every woman of the cloth within a mile? Worse yet, and making that pale in consequence next to it, his life might well have just been put into grave danger. "Humperdink, you dimwitted blast-knuckled bum-wracked senile lecherous old fool!" He cursed under his breath as he rose between King Hroar and Simmony.


[A NEW ARRIVAL]
In the meantime, unaware of the newly arisen commotion, Valineth Varinel had entered the large halls in which the event took place, accompanied by a ceremonial guard of four: a fae, a vampire, a werewolf and a Tekorvan giant. She bowed gracefully for all those who cared to look when the herald announced her presence and flowed into the flocks of people with guard following suit. She knew Syana would be all the way on the other end, but she hoped she would run into some good conversations on the way there.

[SamBurke]

[5:45]

Paco turned pale as a winter moon when Humperdink shouted his name and pulled away the tablecloth, spilling snacks over the floor (and possibly King Hroar). He sat frozen on his knees, paralyzed from the suddenness of the moment, not sure what to do.

Paco groaned as he covered his face in shame and tried to crawl out from underneath the table. What was Humperdink trying to do, set him up with every woman of the cloth within a mile? Worse yet, and making that pale in consequence next to it, his life might well have just been put into grave danger. "Humperdink, you dimwitted blast-knuckled bum-wracked senile lecherous old fool!" He cursed under his breath as he rose between King Hroar and Simmony."Even drunk, I have a plan. Give me 10 minutes, and get me a podium, and I'll make sure you don't have to run for your life. How's that?" Humperdink grins. "Though I'd like to know why Brother Adam hates you so much."

[QuintonBeck]

At the mention of King Hazael's recovery and indirectly of his imprisonment, his expression darkened.
"Is anyone truly safe in this world Syana? The things I witnessed in that forsaken tower would haunt the nightmares of even-"
Idrisa put her hand of her brother's arm momentarily as if to ground him before speaking.
"I hope you understand that my brother still bears the scars he accrued in that place. We do not speak of it."
She seems genuinely concerned for his health.

"Ah, but of course," Syana nodded, "I apologize for overstepping my bounds. I regret to speak further of sour news, but has there been any development with the pusdeath to the west? I regret it has run rightly rampant with no rhyme nor reason to its spread amongst Triumvirate lands, and it appears to have an affinity for the military for reasons I could not fathom."


I was at the first ball, though at the time I was young, and just married. It certainly was an event to be had. She smiled, remembering meeting the Ashenians for the first time. "Lyradis is busy, and not all on the fair side, I'm afraid. We've been expanding south, as you well know, and have finally found our lost homelands, which is wonderful. But it turns out to be close to the heart of the Salterri Empire, and with this plague and war ravaging the North..." She shook her as her voice trailed. "I suppose I should feel blessed, with the blessings the Lord of Fire has given, but I fear for others who suffer from this sickness, such as your nation, or that of Raaneka."

"Still, my people are flourishing, and we are graced with many cultures in our expanding Kingdom. I am proud to be a part of such a time." She smiled proudly. "How about the Ignato Empire? From our communications, you've had you hands as full as mine."

"You're quite right I have, with the Salterri conflict in Hrathan-Tuor and Cassia I have only just now seen my first years of peace, yet even they seem threatened by this horrible disease and while unification of the Triumvirate continues it will still be years before it operates as efficiently as desired, and of course who knows what the Salterri harbor down to the south, be it vengeance or peace on their minds seems impossible to tell."


[5:30, with Lyra]
First Brother Adam walked in shortly after Queen Lyra of Lyradis and walked with her to the main table, his hawk-like gaze moving over the crowd left and right. His sharp chin bore a thin beard and he had little in the way of a moustache. His robes were large and the red cloth was lined with gold thread and it all held together with bronze pins from Guilder. He had a hooked, aristocratic nose, making him stand out more of the crowd for his dress than his facial features did, which might well be familiar and common. Arriving at the main table, he let Lyra do the talking as he surveyed the people sitting at it, letting his gaze linger on Tendaji and Shvedrishti for two moments longer. His cold features betrayed little of what was thought beneath them in the depths of that vault-like mind.


((OOC: Sooo Adam has an evil goatee?))

Syana noted the presence of the First Brother and noted his arrival with Lyradis silently. She nudged Tendaji slightly and directed his attention as well. The Genivanana King and the Shahidi Muuku were the representatives of faith, perhaps they would desire to speak with the Temple leader.



...and did you see the windows, Aris? They were marvelous! They caught the glow of the sun perfectly, and seemed to reflect it over the entire room. Imagine what Father's lens makers could do with them!

Of course, that would require Father to have an incentive to acquire them in the first place. While I do see your point, I do not think he would appreciate the aesthetic value of them as much. Actually, there he is now, if you'd like to take it up with him.

Father, have you seen the light crystals about the room? The architects even used them as a replacement for glass! Why, if Gilles got his hands on some of them...

Alice, before you start tripping over your own words, I would like you to meet someone. This is Dyamusen Ignato. I trust that you remember me speaking of him?

She blinks, seeing him for the first time. Oh! Yes, why, hello there, sorry. I'm Alice, very nice to meet you.

"The pleasure is mine," Dyamusan bowed towards the young Bordeusi woman, three years his junior but with fine features that spoke of a finely developing womanhood,

"Might you do me the honor of a dance Lady Alice?"

[Silverbit]

[A NEW ARRIVAL]
In the meantime, unaware of the newly arisen commotion, Valineth Varinel had entered the large halls in which the event took place, accompanied by a ceremonial guard of four: a fae, a vampire, a werewolf and a Tekorvan giant. She bowed gracefully for all those who cared to look when the herald announced her presence and flowed into the flocks of people with guard following suit. She knew Syana would be all the way on the other end, but she hoped she would run into some good conversations on the way there.

Razkai disentangles himself from the mildly disturbing elf, and notices the young queen of the Heartwaste.

He walks over and bows low.

"Hail to thee, Queen Varinel. How has your realm faired, since your coronation? Razdis prospers yet."

Everyone else is free to talk to her, just greeting her.

[Zap Dynamic]

((Meanwhile, three pages later...))

6:30, just before the feast.
Queen Lomadi danced her way over to the Celerese delegation.

“Hail, Queen Yasira! I do not believe we have met. I am Lomadi Devdano, wife to Ujval and Queen of Raaneka at his side.” She produced a bottle of amber wine. “This is a fine vintage from the town of Dhara, in the northern mountains of Raaneka. It will warm the heart on the coldest of Celerese nights, but take care! The spirits of our ancestors are strongest in this wine. Please, consider is a gift from one Queen to another.” Lomadi wore the title like a sun bonnet; lightly, and without seriousness.


With the young Woodwind girls chasing excitedly after the Raaneki couple Syana returned her happy eyes to the King and Queen of Raaneka.

"You understand correctly, and with the apparent gusto my daughters have for them I feel I must surely find some way to acquire them," Syana smiled broadly, unaware of having failed to catch herself referring to Sharas as her daughter.

"We have much in the way of Goats and Fish, new foods to delight the refined Raaneki palate? While I would not normally offer two goods for one, I feel these elephants of yours are more than worth it should such interest you?"

It's just fluff, but since you're the only foreign competitor so far you've got a good chance to win a fluff prize ;D One note, is it the King and Queen who wove them? If not, are the people who did weave them here?"

Queen Lomadi smiled as she watched the children--young and old--scampering around and over the incredibly patient elephant. "It is an excellent bargain!" Lomadi said, firmly in control of Raaneka's trade dealings. "These noble beasts shall remain with you, and more will be coming soon. As for us, we will return on the horses and carriages we brought with us."

Lord Ujval turned to usher forward a small and ancient Raaneki woman with her blue godana lost in the folds of her wrinkles. "This is Bunani Deft Hands," he said as the woman took a bow. "A fine seamstress, and the craftswoman of our raiment."

Both Queen and King were replete with silk of many colors and weaves. The King wore knee-length trousers of sumptuous brown and an open vest the same purple-red of a summer sunset. Both were covered in swirling, vinelike patterns stitched in brown and gold. This pattern blended perfectly with the brown godana on the kings arms, which were dyed green to the elbow. Gems and jewels festooned the outfit, appearing as grapes and berries on the vine. A mantle of deep green silk upon his shoulders was stitched with leafy designs. It perfectly matched his crown, wrought of Sulvan mithral in the fashion of vines and decorated with emeralds from the Jeweled Cities.

He paled in comparison to the Queen. Her skirts were of sheer pastel silk in every color of the rainbow. Her dress--open in the front to reveal the skirts--fell to her ankles in brilliant gold silk patterned with feathery brocade. This pattern was layered into the fabric of her wide sleeves, which faded from gold to a deep crimson-purple. The dress' plunging neckline revealed her gray-dyed skin, and the fringe was lined with pure black. Gems and jewels of every color were stitched from her shoulders to her train. Her crown, a golden circlet, raised high above her head with a dozen spindles of delicate ruby.

"Together," Queen and King said, hands joined, "We are the bright glory of the Berundas and the wisdom of dark wine. May Raaneka never wane!"

Noted! Consider this my submission.


[5:10, the Main Table]
Greta shot a glare at Anguri, but flashed a grin right after. She'd settle the score with her yet. She happened to overheard Queen Lomadi's conversation with King Hazael III and the excitement of the Raaneki Games three years prior rose up again and got the better of her. "Ooh! You should totally get some Tekorvan brass too for fourth place! Hmm, ooh, ooh! You could then also use the copper, and the tin and zinc, and have fifth, sixth and seventh place medals." A silent pause fell. "I'm kidding." Greta said, a little awkwardly. "Sorry to interrupt, I'll be off again. Digging the wine, by the way." She slipped away, passed by Anguri and gave her a quick hug from behind as the woman was still seated. "Next time, your ass will burn in the arena." She said into her ear. She released the princess and walked off, halting a moment when she saw Grïend in the distance and had to stifle a chuckle. "And so will his."

Queen Lomadi smiled at Greta’s barrage of enthusiasm. “Your priests will have to work hard to keep up with you, dear!”

If not for her purple dye and white tattoos, Anguri’s cheeks would have turned as red as her hair as Greta walked away. To see her face--and her lingering eye--it seemed she hoped Greta’s threat was more of a promise.


"As a favor to the regents, of course." She replied with a smile. "Our Emerald City is a remarkable success, but several Woodwind nobles have expressed concern about our 'corrupting' ways." She laughed. "So we promised to be on our best behaviour."

Without warning, Anguri felt arms wrap around her. Another female voice squealed "COUSIN!" Evelyn and her family had joined them.

Anguri practically screamed when her old friend grabbed her from behind. She turned, and her jaw dropped. “CHILDREN?!” It looked as though the warrior woman’s smile were going to break off of her face and flutter away. "You never wrote of any CHILDREEEEEENNNN!!!!" She scooped them up into her arms and twirled them around, spanking them playfully and laughing like a banshee.

How many kids is it? Anguri could not be a bigger terror for adults, nor a bigger sucker for kids.


[Some time before 7:00] For the delegation from Bordeux:
The chieftain approaches the delegation and glances curiously at the elves as he draws closer, but bows before Lord Cedrik "Lord Cedrik I presume? I don't believe I have had the pleasure yet, so please allow me to introduce myself to a man of such esteemed wealth and taste as yourself. I am Näiyop an Kal, chieftain of Wenyavuk." He pauses, giving the Lord time to answer, then looks around pointedly and asks "I believe we have a common acquaintance, the Princess Valineth. Have you seen her yet?" He waves his hand, immediately dismissing the thought "I recently had a conversation with the Princess, a rather interesting one I must say. During the course of said conversation I learned about a most horrendous grievance that appears to be plaguing your realm. I consulted with my advisors and I believe I may have found a solution to your problem. I took the liberty of highlighting the relevant parts." He offers the book he's been holding since he arrived to Lord Cedrik and smiles politely.

The book is a small, leather bound tome of about 80 pages titled Etiquette Of Diplomatic Communication, that can easily be found in most royal libraries of Telluris. When opened at the bookmarker, it reveals a page titled On The Confidentiality Of Diplomatic Mail.

Näiyop nods "Thank you. Both I and my advisors are at your disposal, should you need us." They head toward the Raaneki delegation, hoping for some counsel on which wine to pick for this occasion and to welcome Bekya.

The Na’nuk found the Raaneki as garish and gaudy as ever. It was a small delegation--only four of the royal family, a few servants, and Beyka--but what they lacked in size they made up in revelry. Where others seemed content to let the festivities develop as they may, the Raaneki were focused on creating fellowship and joy. Where others might have had more tact around foreign customs, the Raaneki seemed to sweep everything up into their celebration, adding to the atmosphere and throwing it back with renewed vigor.

Queen and King hung back as Bekya and her kin came together. Among other things, the neckline of her dress revealed her first godana: a delicate necklace of painted feathers, the same kind of feathers found on the Na’Nuk gifts to Raaneka at the Summit at the Summit.

Her skin had browned from long summers in the sun, but she was unmistakably a woman of the arctic north. She wore a bold dress of sheer silk the color of a clear sky. Over this, she wore a jerkin of ornate brocade, adorned with patterns and images of her people. The neckline of the jerkin plunged nearly to her navel, though the sheer dress beneath preserved just enough of her modesty for such an international event.

Feel free to start up a conversation. I didn’t know how to introduce/hand off Bekya to you and start dialogue at the same time. The work day has fried my brain. :smalltongue:

[Lord_Burch]

Why, of course, Dyamusen. Outwardly, she was confident, but inwardly, Oh, bother, why'd I have to forget all my dance lessons now! I'm just going to look like such a fool! She smiles a t him, hesitantly.

[WaylanderX]

Grïend

"Ah, quite! You are a most welcome fellow, good... Griend, correct? I have not seen a man or creature as fascinating as you in ages. I hope you don't mind if I call over my man Columbo? He is always most interested in the mighty creatures of the Menhirin. But, while comes, perhaps we may talk of this proposal? My ears are keen."

"THE EMPRESS WANT.....COLLABORATE WITH GUILDER.....THE DETAILS ARE IN THIS....LETTER.......I'M NOT THAT GOOD....AT WHISPERING...."

Grïend hands Humperdink a sealed letter bearing the seal of Hurosha.


Dear Doge Humperdink,

I hope you are well and that your Prowess still flares bright. I am probably also among the guests here, but if you are reading this, that means Grïend found you first.
Hurosha holds Guilder's expertise in inventing and exploring in high regard. That's why I wanted to make the following proposal.
I've already sent a scouting army south through Fiassa's Hold to explore the south. It is in my understanding that you also set your eyes upon that area. As such, I propose a collaboration: Hurosha and Guilder will help eachother colonize these unknown lands and help eachother both in a diplomatic and militairy way. If you accept my proposal, please come and seek me out on this ball.

Prowess Eternal,

Empress Nyllana Earthguard, Eienguard of Kasumor


Wayve


"If you think a gentleman will give up fair lady before he's had a chance for even a single dance, you are far out, sir! We had not yet begun, in fact. Save your cutting in for a bit later... or talk to the rat-folk. You are looking towards that delegation now, are you not?" Inigo tries a helpful tone of voice, but it's clear that he's very excited to dance with Eirwynn.

OOC: there is quite some time between that btw, but Ill roll with it.

"Perhaps yes, and I would mind letting you take this striking young woman for a dance. However, only if the young lady would be so kind to give me her second dance."

Wayve looked at both Inigo and Eirwynn, awaiting the answer.

After he left the dancefloor, he looked around for other potential dancing partners, something his aunt Leona learned him to do quite well.
His eye fell on a woman with silver-white hair who appeared to be an elf (OOC: Yes, Valineth, but he has no idea). He stepped towards her and said:

"Good day, my lady. I am Wayve Earthguard, of the Hurosha Empire. Would you do me the honor of a dance?"


Irion and Eleljak

Meanwhile, Irion and Eleljak were drinking away their failures to successfully bring Humperdink the news. Even worse, Grïend seemed to have succeeded instead of them.

"By Ashmar, why is that lump of rock so interesting anyway?" Eleljak said, his head spinning a bit from the wine.

"I dunno, my dear goblin. No respect for the elderly nowadays." Irion grumbled.

"Well, at least Wayve is having a good ti........" Irion froze mid-sentence.

"What? Grïend has turn into a ball again?"

Eleljak laughed. He looked around, seeing Wayve asking a pretty elf to dance. A elf who justso happened to look exactly like the discriptions given to them about Valineth. The werepeople and fey guards looking at the elf only confirmed their suspicions.

"This...is not good, my Bucka friend." Irion stammered, grasping his staf, prepared for the worst.

"For once I totally agree with you, dear elf." Eleljak said, his face pale, his hand held upon his crossbow.

[Morph Bark]

Razkai disentangles himself from the mildly disturbing elf, and notices the young queen of the Heartwaste.

He walks over and bows low.

"Hail to thee, Queen Varinel. How has your realm faired, since your coronation? Razdis prospers yet."

Everyone else is free to talk to her, just greeting her.

Valineth smiled and bowed before Razkai in plié, lifting her red dress with one hand. "And to thee, Mormaer-Primarch. You look well." She greeted him and commented on his appearance. She herself was dressed rather modestly compared to some of the other noblewomen, but she wore a mithril circlet set with an amber, a platinum pendant with a larger amber, and a brooch on her chest of golden wings and silver thorns. "The realm is well, though I have yet to be officially crowned in the full splendour one usually expects to go with such an occasion. I hope you could join me for it."


After [Wayve] left the dancefloor, he looked around for other potential dancing partners, something his aunt Leona learned him to do quite well.
His eye fell on a woman with silver-white hair who appeared to be an elf (OOC: Yes, Valineth, but he has no idea). He stepped towards her and said:

"Good day, my lady. I am Wayve Earthguard, of the Hurosha Empire. Would you do me the honor of a dance?"

Valineth looks up from the dwarven lord and sees the imposing Kasumori man approaching. She averts her eyes momentarily, still not entirely used to dealing with men of striking noble looks, but smiles and nods appreciatively at the offer he brings. "Suddenly it is," she replies, "I certainly could entertain a dance for the moment. If my lord permits it." She gives a short bow to the Mormaer-Primarch before taking Wayve's hand to be led to the dancefloor.

[Aedilred]

Nyllana smiled, but on the inside, she was torn. A Kasumori Greatsword given by the Qzare. That could not mean anything good. Fortunately it wasn't made of Adamantine, so it could not be her fathers blade.

“It did not, do not worry. If anything, it is a compliment. For if the ways of my people spread that far, our reputation with the blade must precede us.”

Nyllana looked at the group.

“Could you tell me some more about your people, sir Athelmark. I never met with your people before."
"I am little surprised you have not met with us, milady, for it is only recently that we have attained any sort of international recognition. I am meeting near everyone here for the first time this evening. I am in fact the first crowned king of my people, and still a protectorate of the Imperium, though I have been grateful my relationship with them has not in the least impeded the hospitality here offered. Honestly, we are a simple folk, but eager to learn from those more advanced than ourselves. Well, at least, I am - I daresay not all my subjects share my enthusiasm.

"I confess that... meeting everyone this evening has been something of a strain, and I cannot for the life of me remember the family connections of all the representatives. That has already caused me some embarrassment! You mentioned your father possessed a sword rather like this; was he a great warrior?"


Taking a few steps away from the group, Simmony leans close to Athelmark, places a seemingly friendly hand on his shoulder, and speaks in just barely above a whisper.

"I know."

Athelmark looks momentarily perplexed, then shrugs and smiles as if she had just uttered some meaningless pleasantry.



OOC: there is quite some time between that btw, but Ill roll with it.

"Perhaps yes, and I would mind letting you take this striking young woman for a dance. However, only if the young lady would be so kind to give me her second dance."

Wayve looked at both Inigo and Eirwynn, awaiting the answer.
Eirwynn beams and claps her hands, looking thrilled that not one, but two gentlemen have finally taken notice of her. "Milord Wayve, I am most honoured by your proposal, but milord Inigo did ask me first, so I am honour-bound to accept his dance first. I would however be more than happy to give you my second."

"Not," she says to Inigo as he leads her to the floor, "that I accepted your offer of a dance out of any sort of duty or obligation. Unless, I suppose, you would consider that I have a duty to dance with whoever I like?"

***

As Simmony steps away from Athelmark, having made her cryptic comment, she feels a slight nudge at her elbow from the king's companion Marrik. "Milady," he says in a low voice and no particular inflection. "Did you happen to travel here by water?"

[Rizban]

As Simmony steps away from Athelmark, having made her cryptic comment, she feels a slight nudge at her elbow from the king's companion Marrik. "Milady," he says in a low voice and no particular inflection. "Did you happen to travel here by water?"
"Yes, as a guest upon a ship from Guilder. Why do you ask?"

[Aedilred]

"Yes, as a guest upon a ship from Guilder. Why do you ask?"
"A guest? A shame, I had hoped you had your own vessel here. We have no sea links to Aleron so came over land, but overland travel is so slow and unreliable. Never mind in that case, milady, I shall speak no more of it."

[WaylanderX]

Wayve


Valineth looks up from the dwarven lord and sees the imposing Kasumori man approaching. She averts her eyes momentarily, still not entirely used to dealing with men of striking noble looks, but smiles and nods appreciatively at the offer he brings. "Suddenly it is," she replies, "I certainly could entertain a dance for the moment. If my lord permits it." She gives a short bow to the Mormaer-Primarch before taking Wayve's hand to be led to the dancefloor.

While he was leading Valineth towards the dancefloor, he inquired:

"Do you know the dance Marius' Requiem? It's a Kasumori Waltz. If you do not know, I would be delighted to show you the ropes."

Wayve gently guided Valineth through all the steps of Marius' Requiem, careful not to go in a too high a tempo. When she slowely started to learn the steps, he asked:

"If I may be so bold to ask, milady, where do you hail from? A fine woman such as yourself must have had a harsh journey coming here."

He caught sight of Eleljak and Irion standing at the edge of the dancing floor, both as pale as flour.
When they spotted him looking at them, they began signaling frantically, even getting in the way of eachother, making the whole message rather unclear.

"Awell, it couldn't be anything serieus right? At least I'm dancing with a pretty woman." He thought to himself.


Nyllana


"I am little surprised you have not met with us, milady, for it is only recently that we have attained any sort of international recognition. I am meeting near everyone here for the first time this evening. I am in fact the first crowned king of my people, and still a protectorate of the Imperium, though I have been grateful my relationship with them has not in the least impeded the hospitality here offered. Honestly, we are a simple folk, but eager to learn from those more advanced than ourselves. Well, at least, I am - I daresay not all my subjects share my enthusiasm.

"I confess that... meeting everyone this evening has been something of a strain, and I cannot for the life of me remember the family connections of all the representatives. That has already caused me some embarrassment! You mentioned your father possessed a sword rather like this; was he a great warrior?"

Nyllana smiled, "My apologies, milord, for I wasn't aware of that."

She nodded at the statement of her father.

"He was, a warrior of great renown, his Prowess with a Basket Greatsword unmatched. He is the one who proposed the unity of our lands decades ago. Unfortunately he disappeared quite some years ago while on a mission in the south. We haven't heard of him since."


She was lost in thought for a second and then continued:

"You said your people were a protectorate of the Salterri correct? I have wondered for a long time how life is under their rule. Are they benign to their charges?"

[Rizban]

"A guest? A shame, I had hoped you had your own vessel here. We have no sea links to Aleron so came over land, but overland travel is so slow and unreliable. Never mind in that case, milady, I shall speak no more of it."

Simmony smiles genuinely.

"You are welcome to return with me by ship. I am certain that Doge Humperdink will allow you safe travel aboard my ship. The Priory is glad to cover any travel expenses for you should there be any. Once we are back home, it is but a short journey back to your kingdom through familiar lands."

[zabbarot]

Syana noted the presence of the First Brother and noted his arrival with Lyradis silently. She nudged Tendaji slightly and directed his attention as well. The Genivanana King and the Shahidi Muuku were the representatives of faith, perhaps they would desire to speak with the Temple leader.

King Tendaji sat surprisingly upright in his chair considering that he was snoring softly. At Syana's touch he stirred, blinking. "Eh? Hrrm hmm... Just meditating. Keeps the mind sharp." He looked around the room trying to find out what the Empress was trying to get him to look at. After a moment he saw the robes of the Lord of Fire headed his way. "Oh. Oh! He's here, that must be Brother Adam. Or maybe a representative on his behalf. Paco is hiding somewhere I hope?"

"I'm sure he'll be fine. I think I saw him duck under a table." Shvedrishti got up on her tippy toes trying to find him over the crowd. There were just so many tall people here. Tendaji rose to his feet to greet the monk as he reached the table.

"Would you be Brother Adam?"

[Logic]

((Meanwhile, three pages later...))
6:30, just before the feast.
Queen Lomadi danced her way over to the Celerese delegation.

“Hail, Queen Yasira! I do not believe we have met. I am Lomadi Devdano, wife to Ujval and Queen of Raaneka at his side.” She produced a bottle of amber wine. “This is a fine vintage from the town of Dhara, in the northern mountains of Raaneka. It will warm the heart on the coldest of Celerese nights, but take care! The spirits of our ancestors are strongest in this wine. Please, consider is a gift from one Queen to another.” Lomadi wore the title like a sun bonnet; lightly, and without seriousness.

6:30

"Why, hello Queen Lomadi. While I appreciate the gift, is it not the custom to provides gifts to your host, and not fellow atttendees?" said Yasira, with a puzzled look. "Nevertheless, I shall enjoy it at a later date, perhaps with my daugher, and possibly our gracious host the Empress. Thank you kindly for the thoughtful gift."

The Queen of Celero examined the fine dress of the Raneeki Queen-Consort. It was exquisite, far more than the modest one Yasira wore, and nearly as flattering as the attire the Empress herself wrapped herself in.

"Though I must ask, I was told that the people of Raneeki are not fond of most clothing; I expected to see you quite a bit more bare. From what my younger brother told me, nudity is as commonplace as sneezing in Raneeki, owing partially to the hot weather. Was he just telling a tall tale to his older sister, or do his words speak true?"

[Aedilred]

Athelmark



"You said your people were a protectorate of the Salterri correct? I have wondered for a long time how life is under their rule. Are they benign to their charges?"
"They have never been aught but generous to me at least. A little condescending at times, perhaps, but then what empire is not to its wards and vassals? In truth I believe we are not so different in the south to you, we just have a different way of doing things, and that the recent conflict between the Imperium and the north was one caused by misunderstanding and cultural differences more than anything else." He laughs. "I had not until this evening ever thought I should see a rat welcomed as a guest to a ball, nor that my elven cousins to the west were quite so bloody rude. We all have much to learn from one another, I think, and I more than most."


Marrik

Simmony smiles genuinely.

"You are welcome to return with me by ship. I am certain that Doge Humperdink will allow you safe travel aboard my ship. The Priory is glad to cover any travel expenses for you should there be any. Once we are back home, it is but a short journey back to your kingdom through familiar lands."

"Thank you for the offer, milady, although it was not strictly on my own account that I was asking. I have a mind to join the Sulvan expedition, with my king's approval, and if he was sincere, he may take the opportunity of being so far north to visit Domhan as Columbo suggested. I am sure Athelmere and Eirwynn would be grateful of transport back to the Imperium, though-" he looks over to the dance floor- "unless other arrangements are made, of course."


Athelmere


Tempest leaned into him, giving him a little hug. "OF course, silly. That''s what balls are for!" She tugged a bit on his arm, moving towards the food tables. "Let's get some Raanekan wine. The Raaneki and us are good friends. My mom and aunt took care of Princess Anguri for a few years when she was little, and now we foster little groups of each other's important kids every three years."They just bareley managed to grab a couple of wine flutes, when Tempest was off again, dragging the poor boy with her. "Look! They put out the fruit we donated. You got to try some of the pine-oranges. Half pineapple, half orange...."
Being broadly unfamiliar with pineapples, and to all intents and purposes orange as anything other than a colour, and more used to beer than the rich Raanekan wine, Mere is almost overwhelmed by the cavalcade of new flavours. But once he's tried some, he finds he rather likes the pine-orange, and he takes to the wine as easily as any young man would.

"These are... good!" he says, taking a couple more pieces - in fact, perhaps more than would strictly be considered polite were any other guests of a mind to judge, and offering his spoils to Tempest. "Are there any more of your people's fruits here, and are they all as good as this?"

He also thinks over what she said about the Raaneki. "So have you been fostered anywhere, or have you always lived in the Jewelled Cities?"

[Rizban]

Marrik

"Thank you for the offer, milady, although it was not strictly on my own account that I was asking. I have a mind to join the Sulvan expedition, with my king's approval, and if he was sincere, he may take the opportunity of being so far north to visit Domhan as Columbo suggested. I am sure Athelmere and Eirwynn would be grateful of transport back to the Imperium, though-" he looks over to the dance floor- "unless other arrangements are made, of course."

"Ah. I see... Well, sir, if you'll excuse me, I believe Humperdink was planning to show me around..."
Simmony follows Humperdink over to where he finds Paco, only to immediately regret that decision.

((I believe that should about end that particular time bubble.))

[HisHolyAngel]

The three men approach High Priestess Fabula, the two oldest are dressed as members of the Radurjic Chuo wa Mashahidi and the third stands apart with his fair Ashenite features and fine, but clearly secular Ashenite dress.

"Blessings of the Great Ancestor upon you High Priestess," one of the older men, the slightly darker of the two said, bowing his head along with the other Radurjic priest, the Ashenite nodding politely.

"I am Shahidi Kilwen Ignato," he bowed.

"And I am Shahidi Avie Barasa," the other man spoke.

"I am Prince Korath Toranath Ignato, husband to the Empress Ignato," the Ashenite said, "You honor our Ball with your presence. I hope your journey went well?" he asked in an attempt to delay his uncle in law from launching into religious speak and leaving him in the dark.

Fabula gives a respectful nod of the head.
"The honor is all mine, good prince. The journey was rather uneventful, though this one was entranced by the land the entire time.
She squeezed Glamora's hand and gave her a warm smile.


It is not Humperdink, but his son Inigo who greats Fabula. "Dear Priestess, I apologize that my father is busy." He bows low to the ground as only young dancers can, and kisses her hand. "But I relieve myself with the hope that I may prove to be at least as interesting as he. My training for future Doge has begun, though I am but a boy, and I come with great purpose..." His eyes range to the hand of Glamora, and lingers long on her beautiful face and form.

"Glad I am that he chose this mission for me. Perhaps there is a greater movement of the higher powers at work? I hope it was destiny that brought us together." He bows and winks at the young girl before returning his attention to the priestess. "My father wished me to speak to you about the matter." Another wink and a wide, mischevious, grin.


[OOC: I'm thinking Grain/Pegasi for protection... and I do note that Inigo has need of a religious teacher, as well. :smallwink:]


Fabula watches the way Inigo looks at Glamora carefully, though outwardly she shows no signs of noticing.
"And what matter is it that you would like to speak to me of?"
Glamora blushes slightly, averting her eyes from Inigo.

[Paco, Hroar, Humperdink]

Fabula glides over to the small group, Glamora no longer with her.
"Can I help you gentlemen?"
She says, her voice and eyes showing hints of motherly disapproval for all but Hroar.

[QuintonBeck]

Queen Lomadi smiled as she watched the children--young and old--scampering around and over the incredibly patient elephant. "It is an excellent bargain!" Lomadi said, firmly in control of Raaneka's trade dealings. "These noble beasts shall remain with you, and more will be coming soon. As for us, we will return on the horses and carriages we brought with us."

Lord Ujval turned to usher forward a small and ancient Raaneki woman with her blue godana lost in the folds of her wrinkles. "This is Bunani Deft Hands," he said as the woman took a bow. "A fine seamstress, and the craftswoman of our raiment."

Both Queen and King were replete with silk of many colors and weaves. The King wore knee-length trousers of sumptuous brown and an open vest the same purple-red of a summer sunset. Both were covered in swirling, vinelike patterns stitched in brown and gold. This pattern blended perfectly with the brown godana on the kings arms, which were dyed green to the elbow. Gems and jewels festooned the outfit, appearing as grapes and berries on the vine. A mantle of deep green silk upon his shoulders was stitched with leafy designs. It perfectly matched his crown, wrought of Sulvan mithral in the fashion of vines and decorated with emeralds from the Jeweled Cities.

He paled in comparison to the Queen. Her skirts were of sheer pastel silk in every color of the rainbow. Her dress--open in the front to reveal the skirts--fell to her ankles in brilliant gold silk patterned with feathery brocade. This pattern was layered into the fabric of her wide sleeves, which faded from gold to a deep crimson-purple. The dress' plunging neckline revealed her gray-dyed skin, and the fringe was lined with pure black. Gems and jewels of every color were stitched from her shoulders to her train. Her crown, a golden circlet, raised high above her head with a dozen spindles of delicate ruby.

"Together," Queen and King said, hands joined, "We are the bright glory of the Berundas and the wisdom of dark wine. May Raaneka never wane!"

Noted! Consider this my submission.

"You are too generous to leave us these very ones, I thank you Lady Lomadi," Syana smiled happily as she saw her children play, "A woman of the weave is an honored guest in Nyroth and all the Triumvirate, thank you for gracing our eyes with these fine garments Seamstress Bunani. I fear our own Mistress of the Weave Dras-Ta may find herself usurped by your fine craft."


Why, of course, Dyamusen. Outwardly, she was confident, but inwardly, Oh, bother, why'd I have to forget all my dance lessons now! I'm just going to look like such a fool! She smiles a t him, hesitantly.

"Tell me Alice, what is it that's done for fun by a noble girl in Bordeux?" He asked as he led the young girl to the dance floor.


Fabula gives a respectful nod of the head.
"The honor is all mine, good prince. The journey was rather uneventful, though this one was entranced by the land the entire time.
She squeezed Glamora's hand and gave her a warm smile.


"She is to be the next high priestess no?" Kilwen asked, looking down at the young girl, his old eyes slightly milky from his ritual Osuro consumption, "Tell me Priestess Fabula, how is it she is found? Are there signs as there are with our Shahidi Mkuu? An arrangement of union as is with the Avatar?"

"Certainly is an interesting land," Korath interrupted, trying to avoid an the intrusively inquisitive topic right out of the gate, "These lands further south put the snow out of mind for most of the year, very different from Ashenia and your own Sycia."

[ForzaFiori]

New Arrival

The ambassador from the dwarves of Mularuhm arrive dressed to the T in mythril and gold. His bodyguard and servants all wear similar fashion, though less of it. He goes immediately to the representative from the triumvirate, bowing low when he is free to talk. "Greetings from the King of Mularuhm to the lands of the north. We hope that the nations here are as fond of trade and peace as those in the south."

[Rizban]

[Paco, Hroar, Humperdink]

Fabula glides over to the small group, Glamora no longer with her.
"Can I help you gentlemen?"
She says, her voice and eyes showing hints of motherly disapproval for all but Hroar.
Simmony, who is also standing right there shakes her head and says, "These "gentlemen" are beyond help. Perhaps those of us of the fairer sex should converse elsewhere.

It is my pleasure to meet you. I am Simmony.

[Zap Dynamic]

[5:30, Greta and Jonas Grant and Prince Krama Adite]
"You!" Greta proclaimed loudly as she grabbed Jonas by his shirt as he was dawdling by the side of the dance floor without a dance partner yet. Her other hand held a Raaneki man she had dragged along from their delegation--she wasn't even sure who he was, but knowing Raaneki culture their women prolly wouldn't care, plus he was the finest specimen she'd seen among them. "I demand you dance with me." She dragged him along onto the dance floor and directed the two to appropriate places. "Dance of Lovers and Rivals. If you know it not, I lead. If you know it..." She grinned, "I still might."

Inspiracíon (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMIXtD6-WSE)

Krama didn't know the dance, but didn't look like he could care any less. He wore a short tunic of red silk that hung over one shoulder. Beyond this, he was nothing but pure white skin and hard red tattoos, all power and energy. He sized up the Islander, little more than child. If it was to be competition, it would be over quickly.


6:30

"Why, hello Queen Lomadi. While I appreciate the gift, is it not the custom to provides gifts to your host, and not fellow atttendees?" said Yasira, with a puzzled look. "Nevertheless, I shall enjoy it at a later date, perhaps with my daugher, and possibly our gracious host the Empress. Thank you kindly for the thoughtful gift."

The Queen of Celero examined the fine dress of the Raneeki Queen-Consort. It was exquisite, far more than the modest one Yasira wore, and nearly as flattering as the attire the Empress herself wrapped herself in.

"Though I must ask, I was told that the people of Raneeki are not fond of most clothing; I expected to see you quite a bit more bare. From what my younger brother told me, nudity is as commonplace as sneezing in Raneeki, owing partially to the hot weather. Was he just telling a tall tale to his older sister, or do his words speak true?"

"Ah!" Lomadi smiled, wondering that anyone in Telluris would have the grace to attribute Raaneki nudity to the warm weather, "the Raaneki are generous. We delight in fellowship, and are fond of giving gifts."

The Queen looked out to the dance floor, where Anguri was looking for a way into a dance with an Islander boy, her own husband, and the Blazing Avatar herself. "My dress is special for the occasion and I thank you, but I believe my sister might give you a better idea of our custom abroad." She wasn't wearing much. "You have heard rightly, though. We do walk unclad in our own lands. The Raaneki wear themselves under their sleeves," she said, revealing a gray arm tattooed with countless delicate red tick marks. "It is considered impolite to hide yourself from another person." Suddenly, her posture seemed to betray a discomfort with the idea, as if her clothing had been confining her all along.

"But tell me," she said, playfully friendly, "What of Celero? Does the cold keep your furs wrapped tightly about you, or do you huddle together to keep warm?"


"You are too generous to leave us these very ones, I thank you Lady Lomadi," Syana smiled happily as she saw her children play, "A woman of the weave is an honored guest in Nyroth and all the Triumvirate, thank you for gracing our eyes with these fine garments Seamstress Bunani. I fear our own Mistress of the Weave Dras-Ta may find herself usurped by your fine craft."

The ancient woman--who had been picking at her collar the whole time--staggered and spread out a toothy grin. She made to start stripping right then and there, but Princess Anguri stopped her with a look. Instead, Banani rattled away in Raaneki for a moment. "Well well!" King Ujval said, blushing, "She is most grateful for your praise. Needless to say, a seamstress does not see much recognition in Raaneka."

Trying to solve this character requirement error... is this more than 10 characters for ya, forum? IS IT?!

[QuintonBeck]

New Arrival

The ambassador from the dwarves of Mularuhm arrive dressed to the T in mythril and gold. His bodyguard and servants all wear similar fashion, though less of it. He goes immediately to the representative from the triumvirate, bowing low when he is free to talk. "Greetings from the King of Mularuhm to the lands of the north. We hope that the nations here are as fond of trade and peace as those in the south."

"Fonder some might say," Syana said, bemusedly, "It is a pleasure to host your in our halls Master Dwarf. I imagine this was a long and harrowed journey passing through Salterri lands when not swearing fealty to them on one's way to attend a Ball in the north, or am I preconceiving notions I ought not to?"



The ancient woman--who had been picking at her collar the whole time--staggered and spread out a toothy grin. She made to start stripping right then and there, but Princess Anguri stopped her with a look. Instead, Banani rattled away in Raaneki for a moment. "Well well!" King Ujval said, blushing, "She is most grateful for your praise. Needless to say, a seamstress does not see much recognition in Raaneka."


Syana nodded, and leaned back, her eyes widened slightly with amused fright, "No, I imagine not... Well please, do not let me keep you, I shall have trade officials write up our agreement that you might sign and retrieve your shipment when you leave, but for now I ask you do what Raaneki do best, and enjoy." She smiled at the Raaneki King and Queen happily.

[SamBurke]

Grïend
"THE EMPRESS WANT.....COLLABORATE WITH GUILDER.....THE DETAILS ARE IN THIS....LETTER.......I'M NOT THAT GOOD....AT WHISPERING...."

Grïend hands Humperdink a sealed letter bearing the seal of Hurosha.


Dear Doge Humperdink,

I hope you are well and that your Prowess still flares bright. I am probably also among the guests here, but if you are reading this, that means Grïend found you first.
Hurosha holds Guilder's expertise in inventing and exploring in high regard. That's why I wanted to make the following proposal.
I've already sent a scouting army south through Fiassa's Hold to explore the south. It is in my understanding that you also set your eyes upon that area. As such, I propose a collaboration: Hurosha and Guilder will help eachother colonize these unknown lands and help eachother both in a diplomatic and militairy way. If you accept my proposal, please come and seek me out on this ball.

Prowess Eternal,

Empress Nyllana Earthguard, Eienguard of Kasumor
OOC: there is quite some time between that btw, but Ill roll with it.
[Sorry. Take or avoid, as you desire.]

Humperdink rolls up the letter and nods. "You may tell them I accept. Guilder pledges its support as well in this matter... simply tell us where you wish to go, and we will back your claims. Now, pardon me while I seek to find Empress Nyllana."




Eirwynn beams and claps her hands, looking thrilled that not one, but two gentlemen have finally taken notice of her. "Milord Wayve, I am most honoured by your proposal, but milord Inigo did ask me first, so I am honour-bound to accept his dance first. I would however be more than happy to give you my second."

"Not," she says to Inigo as he leads her to the floor, "that I accepted your offer of a dance out of any sort of duty or obligation. Unless, I suppose, you would consider that I have a duty to dance with whoever I like?"
"No, no! Not at all... your only duty is to enjoy tonight. Which, I suppose, I shall help you do. If I can." Another grin, and Inigo spins Eirwynn under his arms, and into a dip. "Though I cannot promise I won't ask for that third dance, when he's through... you never know. But! Enough talk of dancing, you dance while talking of greater things. Tell me, do you travel to these grand dances often?"


Simmony smiles genuinely.

"You are welcome to return with me by ship. I am certain that Doge Humperdink will allow you safe travel aboard my ship. The Priory is glad to cover any travel expenses for you should there be any. Once we are back home, it is but a short journey back to your kingdom through familiar lands." [OOC Note: This is the case. Guilder will transport you back if you desire, on eastern or western fleets.]



Athelmark
Marrik

"Thank you for the offer, milady, although it was not strictly on my own account that I was asking. I have a mind to join the Sulvan expedition, with my king's approval, and if he was sincere, he may take the opportunity of being so far north to visit Domhan as Columbo suggested. I am sure Athelmere and Eirwynn would be grateful of transport back to the Imperium, though-" he looks over to the dance floor- "unless other arrangements are made, of course."
[Or this! This works too. Just remember to mention to me if you do decide before the end of the round, so I can edit it into my actions.]


Fabula watches the way Inigo looks at Glamora carefully, though outwardly she shows no signs of noticing.
"And what matter is it that you would like to speak to me of?"
Glamora blushes slightly, averting her eyes from Inigo.
"I, ah... uh..." Inigo's bravado and flirting disappears as he tries to comprehend too much at once. The clearly jealous mother, the ever-more lovely daughter, and then his actual mission? One or three would have to go! Three it was.

With that, his mind went blank, and he could only stand with a polite, courtly smile for a moment. "Yes! My mission, dear Priestess, is to come to you with a better offer than the ones that have been discussed before. My father was interested in securing grains and gems from you, and wondered if perhaps iron would be to your liking, instead of... the other arrangement." His voice trails off as a shady-looking character walks past.


[Paco, Hroar, Humperdink]

Fabula glides over to the small group, Glamora no longer with her.
"Can I help you gentlemen?"
She says, her voice and eyes showing hints of motherly disapproval for all but Hroar. Humperdink bows his head and leans in. "A good friend is not the one who looks wise, or the one who is wise, but the one who acts wisely. Could I request your help in something?"

Later: Humperdink Seeks Tendaji
The Doge stalks the dance floor, moving carefully and surefootedly to the side of his friend, head of the Rajurda. "Could I request your help in something?"

[Logic]

"Ah!" Lomadi smiled, wondering that anyone in Telluris would have the grace to attribute Raaneki nudity to the warm weather, "the Raaneki are generous. We delight in fellowship, and are fond of giving gifts."

The Queen looked out to the dance floor, where Anguri was looking for a way into a dance with an Islander boy, her own husband, and the Blazing Avatar herself. "My dress is special for the occasion and I thank you, but I believe my sister might give you a better idea of our custom abroad." She wasn't wearing much. "You have heard rightly, though. We do walk unclad in our own lands. The Raaneki wear themselves under their sleeves," she said, revealing a gray arm tattooed with countless delicate red tick marks. "It is considered impolite to hide yourself from another person." Suddenly, her posture seemed to betray a discomfort with the idea, as if her clothing had been confining her all along.

"But tell me," she said, playfully friendly, "What of Celero? Does the cold keep your furs wrapped tightly about you, or do you huddle together to keep warm?"
Yasira blushed, and made movements as if she were covering her exposed body.

"I fear I shall have to decline ever visiting your lands I'm afraid. I'm far too modest to not offend someone, and to be frank, only my husband has any desire to see this unclad Queen. Modesty aside, it would be far too warm for me. Many of my people that get to my age complain of the cold. I find it refreshing. As for our furs, we keep them for some time, but it is uncommon to huddle with many over a lifetime, though my father ever was the exception."

Yasira winked in reply.

[Rain Dragon]

His sleeveless orange-red robes flowed as Aseha strode arrogantly through the crowd. Tucking his long silver hair behind a slightly pointed ear he focusses his red eyes upon the dance floor to see... well he's not quite sure. Perhaps it is just as well that he had arrived after much of the dancing and merriment, though it meant he had less time to accomplish his task. Aseha begins his search for someone important looking to speak with.

[Morph Bark]

((OOC: Sooo Adam has an evil goatee?))

Syana noted the presence of the First Brother and noted his arrival with Lyradis silently. She nudged Tendaji slightly and directed his attention as well. The Genivanana King and the Shahidi Muuku were the representatives of faith, perhaps they would desire to speak with the Temple leader.

King Tendaji sat surprisingly upright in his chair considering that he was snoring softly. At Syana's touch he stirred, blinking. "Eh? Hrrm hmm... Just meditating. Keeps the mind sharp." He looked around the room trying to find out what the Empress was trying to get him to look at. After a moment he saw the robes of the Lord of Fire headed his way. "Oh. Oh! He's here, that must be Brother Adam. Or maybe a representative on his behalf. Paco is hiding somewhere I hope?"

"I'm sure he'll be fine. I think I saw him duck under a table." Shvedrishti got up on her tippy toes trying to find him over the crowd. There were just so many tall people here. Tendaji rose to his feet to greet the monk as he reached the table.

"Would you be Brother Adam?"

(OOC: More like a thin chinstrap.)

First Brother Adam looked coolly upon Tendaji. "I would hope that I would be, because I am, and if I would not would be, then I wouldn't be sometime in the future, and I certainly hope for me to remain me." He said in a wise, but somewhat lecturing tone. "I trust that you are well?" He asked politely, as he looked over the table and didn't see any representatives from Gunung, Pryonia or Calorum here either. It was as he feared--at least Queen Lyra was here to support him. He only hoped that the Doge still had his wits as well. One never knew with the Guilderene.

Some commotion and loud shouting made the monk turn around. "What is going on over there?" He asked, puzzled. He squeezed his eyes. "Is that the Doge on that table?"



Wayve

While he was leading Valineth towards the dancefloor, he inquired:

"Do you know the dance Marius' Requiem? It's a Kasumori Waltz. If you do not know, I would be delighted to show you the ropes."

Wayve gently guided Valineth through all the steps of Marius' Requiem, careful not to go in a too high a tempo. When she slowely started to learn the steps, he asked:

"If I may be so bold to ask, milady, where do you hail from? A fine woman such as yourself must have had a harsh journey coming here."

He caught sight of Eleljak and Irion standing at the edge of the dancing floor, both as pale as flour.
When they spotted him looking at them, they began signaling frantically, even getting in the way of eachother, making the whole message rather unclear.

"Awell, it couldn't be anything serieus right? At least I'm dancing with a pretty woman." He thought to himself.

Valineth could follow the dance well enough. She'd had lessons in other dances, though the Kasumori Waltzes were new to her. She supposed she might have to visit her family there again sometime soon and ask Haruka to teach her. She smiled a little shyly. "I was born in Yorukuni, but my family is from all over, as one might reckon many noble's families are. I have some Eyrecradian ancestry, so I visited the lands shortly before coming here, which is where I met with milord Mormaer-Primarch whom I was just speaking to. Delightful man, for his age."

She saw him looking puzzled over her shoulder, and when they turned she tried to see what was there to be seen, but could not discern what might have distracted hi... was that a giant shiny ball of gemstones?

"Since you were so bold, might I be as well? Why do you attend this ball fully armoured? You even dance with an axe on your back." She smiled a little mischievously. "Are you afraid I might bite?"


Krama didn't know the dance, but didn't look like he could care any less. He wore a short tunic of red silk that hung over one shoulder. Beyond this, he was nothing but pure white skin and hard red tattoos, all power and energy. He sized up the Islander, little more than child. If it was to be competition, it would be over quickly.

"No, no! Not at all... your only duty is to enjoy tonight. Which, I suppose, I shall help you do. If I can." Another grin, and Inigo spins Eirwynn under his arms, and into a dip. "Though I cannot promise I won't ask for that third dance, when he's through... you never know. But! Enough talk of dancing, you dance while talking of greater things. Tell me, do you travel to these grand dances often?"

The three danced a dance that heavily showed reckless abandon, a dance of passion and a lot of teasing. Greta almost felt sorry for dragging the young Jonas into it, and she playfully bit her tongue at him in the middle of the dance. The contrast between the strength and skill of Krama and the fumbling enthusiastic confusion of Jonas was great, but made the dance a touch amusing that pleased her greatly.

In their dance they swirled across nearly all corners of the dancefloor, and Greta noticed Fabula and Glamora standing talking with one of Humperdink's sons. She could not recall which, the Guilderene rulers were like bunnies in the amount of sons they conceived and she never bothered to learn their names. "Psst," she whispered quickly to Inigo as she passed them by, "she's eight, be gentle, cradle-robber." She winked at Glamora. Guilder men. What're you gonna do about them?

[WaylanderX]

Valineth could follow the dance well enough. She'd had lessons in other dances, though the Kasumori Waltzes were new to her. She supposed she might have to visit her family there again sometime soon and ask Haruka to teach her. She smiled a little shyly. "I was born in Yorukuni, but my family is from all over, as one might reckon many noble's families are. I have some Eyrecradian ancestry, so I visited the lands shortly before coming here, which is where I met with milord Mormaer-Primarch whom I was just speaking to. Delightful man, for his age."

She saw him looking puzzled over her shoulder, and when they turned she tried to see what was there to be seen, but could not discern what might have distracted hi... was that a giant shiny ball of gemstones?

"Since you were so bold, might I be as well? Why do you attend this ball fully armoured? You even dance with an axe on your back." She smiled a little mischievously. "Are you afraid I might bite?"

"Well, that depends on who you are and if you have bad intentions against the Hurosha Empire.",

Wayve said jokingly.

"We are a people proud of our...Prowess with the blade. Does that bother you, my lady? We prefer to be prepared for anything amiss."

Wayve swirled Valineth around in a pirouette and laughed.

"You are really a good dancer. Your Prowess in dancing reminds me of one of my aunts, Leona Flamestrike. She lives in Celero. Ever heard of her? She has the reputation of being a very talented and....spirited dancer."

[Morph Bark]

"Well, that depends on who you are and if you have bad intentions against the Hurosha Empire.",

Wayve said jokingly.

"We are a people proud of our...Prowess with the blade. Does that bother you, my lady? We prefer to be prepared for anything amiss."

Wayve swirled Valineth around in a pirouette and laughed.

"You are really a good dancer. Your Prowess in dancing reminds me of one of my aunts, Leona Flamestrike. She lives in Celero. Ever heard of her? She has the reputation of being a very talented and....spirited dancer."

Valineth shook her head. "I wouldn't ever have bad intentions to a country that's only been good to me in the few interactions I've had with them."

She giggled a little. "The only thing that might bother me is that a man of steel feels rather hard to be pressed against in a dance, especially when he has a big axe swinging around." She didn't fully realize what she was saying until too late and in embarrassment she turned her head away and pulled him a bit closer so he couldn't see. "I'm sorry, that was a bit uncalled for."

"Thank you." Valineth said politely, and swallowed. "I haven't heard of her. Has she done anything noteworthy that I might know of?"


[5:45]

"Even drunk, I have a plan. Give me 10 minutes, and get me a podium, and I'll make sure you don't have to run for your life. How's that?" Humperdink grins. "Though I'd like to know why Brother Adam hates you so much."

Paco sputtered a bit in attempt to stop the man from whatever crazy plan he might have, not really forming words, not sure what he even could say to assuade him.


[Paco, Hroar, Humperdink]

Fabula glides over to the small group, Glamora no longer with her.
"Can I help you gentlemen?"
She says, her voice and eyes showing hints of motherly disapproval for all but Hroar.

Simmony, who is also standing right there shakes her head and says, "These "gentlemen" are beyond help. Perhaps those of us of the fairer sex should converse elsewhere.

It is my pleasure to meet you. I am Simmony.

Humperdink bows his head and leans in. "A good friend is not the one who looks wise, or the one who is wise, but the one who acts wisely. Could I request your help in something?"

Paco drew a sharp breath when Fabula arrived. His heartbeat fastened--this was getting to be a little bit too much of a dramatic scene for his tastes! "Fabula." He muttered, managing to make a quick bow, a nervous courtesy. His eyes shot towards the main table and then back to Simmony and Humperdink. Simmony seeming to want to move away with Fabula was a good thing, but Humperdink seemed of a different mind. Never let a Guilderene form plans for you, Paco thought, his face getting flushed from all this. Ah well, it was better than being pale with fear.


"WHY IS THAT MURDERER HERE?!"

Adam's voice boomed from across the hall, almost making the dais he stood on shake with his wroth. His face had contorted ever so slightly, as if it had undergone a temperature change from just above freezing to a Heartwine-evaporating boil.

[ForzaFiori]

"Fonder some might say," Syana said, bemusedly, "It is a pleasure to host your in our halls Master Dwarf. I imagine this was a long and harrowed journey passing through Salterri lands when not swearing fealty to them on one's way to attend a Ball in the north, or am I preconceiving notions I ought not to?"


"The journey was long and hard, but not due to the Salterri. A collegue of mine is attending court in the hopes of dealing with them as we speak,so they likely dont want to annoy my greeat King. The true hardship is being away from my people and the life giving Mularuhm. The surface is.... to bright and too dry. Even the waters we sailed upon to get here are undrinkable."

[aspi]

Näiyop bows politely in salutation of Princess Valineth as she enters the great hall, but does not approach her. There will be time enough for conversation later. Shortly after returning to his conversation, he is startled by the First Brothers outcry. The Na'nuk delegation looks first at the man in the red robe, then to the staggered man he is seemingly trying to impale with his gaze.

[Aedilred]

Eirwynn



"No, no! Not at all... your only duty is to enjoy tonight. Which, I suppose, I shall help you do. If I can." Another grin, and Inigo spins Eirwynn under his arms, and into a dip. "Though I cannot promise I won't ask for that third dance, when he's through... you never know. But! Enough talk of dancing, you dance while talking of greater things. Tell me, do you travel to these grand dances often?"
"No, never! Well, I have attended dances in Jarrland, of course, but they were much smaller and less formal. Besides, our dancing is rather different to that in the north, I think. In fact this is the first time I have left the kingdom! For my parents - well, not my parents, of course, but people their age, most of them probably never left their clan lands, unless to go to war. Even the kingdom is new for them, and they could not imagine travelling further afield.

"But your people travel all over the world, do they not? What distant lands you must have seen!"



Athelmere



"WHY IS THAT MURDERER HERE?!"

Brother Adam's outburst momentarily silencing his conversation, he reacts instinctively at the word "murderer", his hand flashing to his hip (and, somewhat unfortunately, dropping pieces of pine-orange in the process) though, of course, he is unarmed. A moment later, he realises that in the same movement he had grabbed hold of Tempest and pushed her behind him.


Athelmark and Marrik

Marrik reacts similarly to Athelmere, although unlike his younger cousin, he does have a weapon to hand, specifically the Kasumori greatsword. Fortunately, before a diplomatic incident - or, rather, more of a diplomatic incident - ensues, Athelmark has the presence of mind to turn and hold a hand up to stay him.

[zabbarot]

(OOC: More like a thin chinstrap.)

First Brother Adam looked coolly upon Tendaji. "I would hope that I would be, because I am, and if I would not would be, then I wouldn't be sometime in the future, and I certainly hope for me to remain me." He said in a wise, but somewhat lecturing tone. "I trust that you are well?" He asked politely, as he looked over the table and didn't see any representatives from Gunung, Pryonia or Calorum here either. It was as he feared--at least Queen Lyra was here to support him. He only hoped that the Doge still had his wits as well. One never knew with the Guilderene.

Some commotion and loud shouting made the monk turn around. "What is going on over there?" He asked, puzzled. He squeezed his eyes. "Is that the Doge on that table?"

A rather unnecessarily convoluted answer. You'd think someone you'd never met in person could just be pleased you recognized him. Despite these thoughts King Tendaji bowed graciously.

"I am indeed. I hope your trip here was comfortable." Before he could receive an answer everyone was distracted by the commotion across the room. "Oh, I think it is."




Paco drew a sharp breath when Fabula arrived. His heartbeat fastened--this was getting to be a little bit too much of a dramatic scene for his tastes! "Fabula." He muttered, managing to make a quick bow, a nervous courtesy. His eyes shot towards the main table and then back to Simmony and Humperdink. Simmony seeming to want to move away with Fabula was a good thing, but Humperdink seemed of a different mind. Never let a Guilderene form plans for you, Paco thought, his face getting flushed from all this. Ah well, it was better than being pale with fear.


"WHY IS THAT MURDERER HERE?!"

Adam's voice boomed from across the hall, almost making the dais he stood on shake with his wroth. His face had contorted ever so slightly, as if it had undergone a temperature change from just above freezing to a Heartwine-evaporating boil.

Just as Adam's face had gone heated, Tendaji's grew cold. His usual warmth was absent as he stared hard at the First Brother.

"First Brother Adam. You are in my lands as a guest. If you wish to remain a guest for the rest of your stay I strongly suggest that you sit down so that we might have a long discussion. I will do my best to put your fears at rest, but you must work with me."

[TheWombatOfDoom]

For Quinten, Morph, Zabbarot, and Whoever Else is concerned in the Adam/Paco issue:

Lyra's conversation with the Khan was interupted by Brother Adam's outburst, and her heart sank and rose at the same time. She turned, saw Adam, and the direction he was looking. There was Paco, the one who had so many years ago sent her the false note from the Blazing Avatar. She turned to the Khan.

"Rather than have these events turn sour quickly, I suggest we move this confrontation to a room for discussion between Paco and Adam, with whoever might want to join. Perhaps we might be able to solve this disagreement once and for all..."

[WaylanderX]

Valineth shook her head. "I wouldn't ever have bad intentions to a country that's only been good to me in the few interactions I've had with them."

She giggled a little. "The only thing that might bother me is that a man of steel feels rather hard to be pressed against in a dance, especially when he has a big axe swinging around." She didn't fully realize what she was saying until too late and in embarrassment she turned her head away and pulled him a bit closer so he couldn't see. "I'm sorry, that was a bit uncalled for."

"Thank you." Valineth said politely, and swallowed. "I haven't heard of her. Has she done anything noteworthy that I might know of?"

Wayve's face got flushered from Valineth's daring comment. "She's got courage, very impressive." He thought to himself.

"If you are bothered by my armor, would you like to repeat this dance later on in the evening? I will get rid of the armor. It then isn't in the way of any....pressing." He asked with a wink, a grin on his face.

Leading her to the final part of the waltz, he said:

"Not really, other then almost causing a couple of international incidents. Rumor has it that she dragged the Blazing Avatar to the dancefloor and that he complied and even danced with her for a while, that's how spirited she was. Or is rather, I think she is living in Celero at the moment"



[5:45]

Paco drew a sharp breath when Fabula arrived. His heartbeat fastened--this was getting to be a little bit too much of a dramatic scene for his tastes! "Fabula." He muttered, managing to make a quick bow, a nervous courtesy. His eyes shot towards the main table and then back to Simmony and Humperdink. Simmony seeming to want to move away with Fabula was a good thing, but Humperdink seemed of a different mind. Never let a Guilderene form plans for you, Paco thought, his face getting flushed from all this. Ah well, it was better than being pale with fear.


"WHY IS THAT MURDERER HERE?!"

Adam's voice boomed from across the hall, almost making the dais he stood on shake with his wroth. His face had contorted ever so slightly, as if it had undergone a temperature change from just above freezing to a Heartwine-evaporating boil.

Eleljak and Irion both startled out of their current Wayve-Valineth predicament when they heard the shout.

"Oh great, what now? We cannot use this! This whole situation is gonna be the death of me!" Eleljak exclaimed.

"It seems that First Brother Adam has found Paco Guzman." Irion said, his head a bit cooler than Eleljak's. "I think we can leave Wayve alone for now. If this escalates, it will be an even bigger problem."

Eleljak sighed, throwing his hands in the air in frustration. Irion was right, a war between religions was among the worst things that could happen. Looking at Irion, Eleljak nodded and they started walking towards Adam and Tendaji. On the way there, Eleljak signalled Grïend to join. They would need his imposing physique.

Once arrived at the furious First Brother, they all three made a bow. However, they made sure to position themselves between Adam and Paco. They stood there, Irion and Eleljak beside eachother, Grïend looming above them, casting a shadow upon Adam and Tendaji. After bowing, Irion said:

"Greetings, First Brother Adam, Chosen of the guardian of Fire. It has been a while since we've met. I would like to go further with the pleasantries, however it seems that the situation will not allow for it. For the time being, I suggest you take lord Tendaji's advice. He can explain most of it, I am sure."

And they stood there, resolute like a wall of Shintouite. If there was going to be the threat of fighting, they would stop it before it could begin.

[lt_murgen]

Catching up...


*Snip*


Evelyn introduced her twins. Evidently, twins ran in the Grant family. Her husband was a lean, tall Quill man, dark of skin and covered in tribal markings. His eyes burned a deep red, the color of smoldering coals.

"I've been so busy with our port city, my writing has fallen o'er the rail. I was.."

"Big as a mammoth" Interjected Amber.

Evelyn shoved an elbow into her sister’s ribs “Very pregnant when your games happened. I did hear all about it afterwards. Keep it up, Angi. Girl Power!” She laughed, recalling the war cry from their youth.

“One thing, Angi. Would you be willing to take these two wild things back with you? Part of our fostering agreement?” Amber asked. “Seems like you brought a herd with you, you might note even notice a couple more.”


OOC: Irion will agree with a trade of quartz against tropical fruit. Do you want to RP it or just do it this way?
This is fine. It’s a mere detail.



Grïend
*SNIP*
Amber nodded. “Well, count us amongst your friends, Griend. “
*SNIP*
“Of course.”
Amber stepped aside to allow the large crystal to pass. As he lumbered past, Evelyn’s children began jabbering excitedly, a confusing jumble that made it hard to understand who was saying what. “Did you see that! It was amazing! A talking rock! So pretty!”
Evelyn motioned for her children to quiet down. She pointed Amber to the dance floor. “You’d better do something about that, sis.”

Looking over, she saw her Greta already had her son and what appeared to be a young Ranneki man. The band was beginning the opening strains of the Dance of the Jealous lovers, as they called it.
“Whale foam” She cursed. But it was too late. She could only pray her boy had enough sense not to bite the bait Greta was offering. But he was only 15, and like his grandpa in many, many ways. She watched the dance continue- clearly she was going to have to keep him away from Greta in the future.




Athelmere
*SNIP*

Tempest points out the various ítems that the Jeweled Cities contributed. Then, turning to her other question, she replied, “Islanders spend a lot of time on ships, so I’ve travelled a lot. Visited my cousins in Tar, my Aunt in the Emerald City. Went to the Raaneki games a few years ago. I helped foster the first group of ship-rats, “ she corrected herself, “noble’s kids recently. Lots of nice young men to play with.” She gave Athelmere a very intimiate squeeze.



Athelmere
*SNIP*

The outburst startled Tempest as well, but being pushed behind Athelmere even more so. She reached down and gave his left buttock a hard squeeze. “Move your fine ass, I wanna see this!”



At some point, the AQUA delegates will approach Ironfang and politely ask him to reconfirm the trade agreement of meat from Tar for vegetables from Sympol. It was negotiated at the Ranneki games, but not confirmed

[Lord_Burch]

"Tell me Alice, what is it that's done for fun by a noble girl in Bordeux?" He asked as he led the young girl to the dance floor.

Oh, well, at night, I like to stargaze at the top of one of the towers, with telescopes. Although, I don't really have the patience for it. Some of the scientists will spend the entire night looking at a single star, mapping it out. There are entire maps based off their observations- maps that track the movement of the stars. And, of course, I have all the educations of a lady. She makes a face. The only one of those I like is the dansant, really.


*snip*

Oh, this book. Written by a Guilderene, I believe? I have a few problems with his works. Mainly that he seems to believe that a leader must put the interests of other ahead of his own, and those of his nation. I much prefer The Prince myself.

[Aedilred]

The outburst startled Tempest as well, but being pushed behind Athelmere even more so. She reached down and gave his left buttock a hard squeeze. “Move your fine ass, I wanna see this!”

"So sorry, I was just... startled." He recovers some of his composure, and, finding his hand sticky from the pine-oranges, wipes it off on the tablecloth before manoeuvring Tempest around so that she's standing in front of him again, facing towards the commotion. He keeps his hand on her, ostensibly protectively so that if necessary he can whisk her out of harm's way again, although - given the precise position and manner of his grasp - perhaps not just for that reason.

[aspi]

Oh, this book. Written by a Guilderene, I believe? I have a few problems with his works. Mainly that he seems to believe that a leader must put the interests of other ahead of his own, and those of his nation. I much prefer The Prince myself.
The chieftain shrugged "I too have found it to be flawed and overly simplistic in many places." He made a mental note to find and read the book Lord Cedrik had mentioned, before he returned home to the North. His polite smile was replaced by a sincere expression as he added "I do however find that cooperation often carries us farther than dealing separately with what could be common endeavours. Speaking of such intentions, the Na'nuk are in the process of establishing an academic institution, the Arctic Institute, that will allow us to better understand our frozen lands. In addition to a well stocked library, I have considered adding an observatory to investigate the northern stars. To my knowledge, Bordeux has access to the technology of the printing press and the region of Solus produces first rate glass. With your capabilities of creating books and maybe even telescopes, I believe that the creation of our institute would be supported greatly by your help, if it could be acquired."

[SamBurke]

First Brother Adam looked coolly upon Tendaji. "I would hope that I would be, because I am, and if I would not would be, then I wouldn't be sometime in the future, and I certainly hope for me to remain me." He said in a wise, but somewhat lecturing tone. "I trust that you are well?" He asked politely, as he looked over the table and didn't see any representatives from Gunung, Pryonia or Calorum here either. It was as he feared--at least Queen Lyra was here to support him. He only hoped that the Doge still had his wits as well. One never knew with the Guilderene.

Some commotion and loud shouting made the monk turn around. "What is going on over there?" He asked, puzzled. He squeezed his eyes. "Is that the Doge on that table?"
The Doge was most certainly not ON the table, but he was on display, speaking with a more real, more large smile than ever before. Oddly, though, his hand stayed in his pocket most of the time, holding something from his father.



In their dance they swirled across nearly all corners of the dancefloor, and Greta noticed Fabula and Glamora standing talking with one of Humperdink's sons. She could not recall which, the Guilderene rulers were like bunnies in the amount of sons they conceived and she never bothered to learn their names. "Psst," she whispered quickly to Inigo as she passed them by, "she's eight, be gentle, cradle-robber." She winked at Glamora. Guilder men. What're you gonna do about them? Inigo grins, and whispers back, "I'm always gentle, but you should know... I think I'm sort of trapped now." He gives a crazy grin and winks as insincerely as possible.




Paco sputtered a bit in attempt to stop the man from whatever crazy plan he might have, not really forming words, not sure what he even could say to assuade him. "Do you trust me?" The Doge pauses. "Foolish question. You don't, and won't until at least eight o' clock tonight. Just remember that Guilder always makes parties interesting."




Paco drew a sharp breath when Fabula arrived. His heartbeat fastened--this was getting to be a little bit too much of a dramatic scene for his tastes! "Fabula." He muttered, managing to make a quick bow, a nervous courtesy. His eyes shot towards the main table and then back to Simmony and Humperdink. Simmony seeming to want to move away with Fabula was a good thing, but Humperdink seemed of a different mind. Never let a Guilderene form plans for you, Paco thought, his face getting flushed from all this. Ah well, it was better than being pale with fear.
Humperdink watches Paco like a hawk, noting the shaking hands, sweaty temples, the darting of the eyes and dilated pupils. His joke had had more of an effect than he thought... now for the next move. One hand tightly clutching a chess-master's bronze queen (the odd, singular, gift of his father), he stepped forward to bring Fabula and Paco together. "Ah! A momentous occasion. Fire and Ice meet at the same table, and, I do dearly hope, in peace."

He drops his voice and throws a whisper out of the side of his mouth. "So you DO like her, eh? Well, you've got good taste. She is an eyeful, isn't she?"



"WHY IS THAT MURDERER HERE?!"

Adam's voice boomed from across the hall, almost making the dais he stood on shake with his wroth. His face had contorted ever so slightly, as if it had undergone a temperature change from just above freezing to a Heartwine-evaporating boil. An awkward silence ensued, roughly the size of the Heartwaste and about as big an international danger. Men of every nation stepped this way and that, clearing the way or standing between them. So, the Doge did the only natural thing. He made a joke.

"YELLING DISRUPTS THE DANCE! AND I LOVE DANCING!"

Then, in true Guilderene form, he (elegantly, gracefully, and courteously) seized the nearest woman and set off to dance.

Grabbing the hand of Simmony, he has just enough time to gracefully place Fabula's hand in Paco's, and waltz off onto the floor. Tendaji. Where on earth was Tendaji. He needed the fellow, and he needed him soon. "My apologies, dear Simmony. I'm afraid that you see our North at its greatest tensions. Sometimes, one must do unfortunately foolish things to reach the wise conclusion. Feel free to change dance partners whenever you want... I needed to find one to make the joke work you know.

"This is a delicate situation. We have two men of faith, full of unknown mystical power, standing in the same room, and they've got half the world involved and ready to kill. I wonder... what would you do? And could I ask a favor?"




Eirwynn
"No, never! Well, I have attended dances in Jarrland, of course, but they were much smaller and less formal. Besides, our dancing is rather different to that in the north, I think. In fact this is the first time I have left the kingdom! For my parents - well, not my parents, of course, but people their age, most of them probably never left their clan lands, unless to go to war. Even the kingdom is new for them, and they could not imagine travelling further afield.

"But your people travel all over the world, do they not? What distant lands you must have seen!"
"Indeed! I've swooped above the trees of Maos, lept from the back of a scaled sky-soarer, swung through jungles, explored caves, trekked across love-forsaken plains where the only sight to see was fiercly bright jutting iron, and more. Guilder is one for excitement, you see... how are you on that topic?" Scarcely had he uttered those words before his father, the normally rather reserved Humperdink, bellowed out into the crowd his love of dancing.

A new song was begun on cue (it seems someone had paid off the musicians beforehand?), and Inigo extended his hand again. "I didn't have a chance to hear your answer, you see... Do me the honor of another dance? I have my father's weakness for the sport."


For Quinten, Morph, Zabbarot, and Whoever Else is concerned in the Adam/Paco issue:

Lyra's conversation with the Khan was interupted by Brother Adam's outburst, and her heart sank and rose at the same time. She turned, saw Adam, and the direction he was looking. There was Paco, the one who had so many years ago sent her the false note from the Blazing Avatar. She turned to the Khan.

"Rather than have these events turn sour quickly, I suggest we move this confrontation to a room for discussion between Paco and Adam, with whoever might want to join. Perhaps we might be able to solve this disagreement once and for all..." "Dear Lyra, how I love the ways of your country!" Humperdink says, whorling past with the Salterri delegate. "You should be the one to arrange it, methinks. Make the announcement when you can... and tell all the leaders of religion to come. This will be a night to remember."

[QuintonBeck]

For Quinten, Morph, Zabbarot, and Whoever Else is concerned in the Adam/Paco issue:

Lyra's conversation with the Khan was interupted by Brother Adam's outburst, and her heart sank and rose at the same time. She turned, saw Adam, and the direction he was looking. There was Paco, the one who had so many years ago sent her the false note from the Blazing Avatar. She turned to the Khan.

"Rather than have these events turn sour quickly, I suggest we move this confrontation to a room for discussion between Paco and Adam, with whoever might want to join. Perhaps we might be able to solve this disagreement once and for all..."

Syana looked up suddenly from her conversation with the Lady Lyra as First Brother Adam began to shout, her face contorting into a hard glare. She rose immediately from her seat, much more spry than her two fellow Triumvirate members and not afraid to get involved in an international inter-faith incident, she approached the First Brother quickly and with determination and grabbed his arm firmly,

"First Brother Adam! How dare you attempt and cause a scene at this Ball of peace! I informed you in my letter of invitation that Paco Guzman was to be here and instructed you to behave in a civil manner, if you cannot manage that I shall have you removed! I urge you to listen to the wise King Tendaji before you force my hand."

With most of the dancing bar the Doge had stopped at the explosion she looked out at the still crowd and easily spotted her husband, standing amongst them.

"Korath, dear, retrieve our honorable monk please?" Syana turned towards Tendaji, "My friend, I fear our plans may be accelerated as there is but one individual who might settle a fight between fires."

Korath stood stunned, but did as his wife bade, approaching the monk through the mess of people and putting an arm around him, guiding him away from Fabula and towards the central dais.

"I shall see no harm come to you Paco, I pledge my life to such."


Oh, well, at night, I like to stargaze at the top of one of the towers, with telescopes. Although, I don't really have the patience for it. Some of the scientists will spend the entire night looking at a single star, mapping it out. There are entire maps based off their observations- maps that track the movement of the stars. And, of course, I have all the educations of a lady. She makes a face. The only one of those I like is the dansant, really.


"So you can see a star closer with these telescopes? That is very interesting," Dyamusan said as he twirled and swayed with the girl, "A dansant? What's tha-" suddenly their dance and talk was interrupted by a booming voice quickly identified as belonging to First Brother Adam. The two young people stood still and Dyamusan watched with terrified awe as events began to unfold.

[TheWombatOfDoom]

Bekya looked at Humperdink and opened her mouth, only to close it again a few moments later without having said anything. Her face took on a rather puzzled look and she began to answer the question "I'm..." She stopped and looked at Humperdink again before she regained her composition "How about we start with your name and you invite me to a drink before we get to the marriage business? I've been told this is how introductions usually commence", she said with a perky smile.

The speed at which this thread is pacing along is rather impressive, so I am likely to miss a detail here and there. If anyone feels that I've ignored an interaction with my delegation and not answered, please give me a nudge, it certainly wasn't intentional.

Liam parted from the group to socialize after he was announced. It was his first major event, and he wanted to experience it. As his Aunt Lyra went to greet their host, he bowed to the Ignatos, and then soon blended into the crowds. As he weaved throught the tables and socialites, he noticed a woman dressed in a combination of Raaneki garb and warm furs. He began to approach, but turned suddenly at the sound of yells from the direction he had come. Brother Adam looked furious. He'd never seen him look this way. Liam turned to follow his gaze, and the way between Adam and Paco cleared. Suddenly, Humperdink to his right, made a shout of his own... A call to dance. He looked back to the woman...would it be presumptuous of me...oh screw it. Now or never, Liam. He reached up instinctually and smoothed his gills.

He stepped up to her, gave his best smile, and said warmly - "Would you honor me with this dance?" He gave a side look to Paco closeby, then looked back at her, "Or would you prefer to be caught up in this mess?"

[BladeofObliviom]

Pastries are flung in all directions as Guzman exits the under-table! Unfortunately, while most land on the floor and are merely ruined, a few splatter onto King Hroar's cape. The stains will never come out.

Nevertheless, rather than being angry, the Lord of the Glazfell simply stares in rapt confusion, his jaw slightly ajar, at the scene unfolding before him. Finally, he lifts one arm, and takes a third bite of the pastry in his hand.

*crunch*

He chews, turns around, and walks away. Not worth the trouble, and Fabula will be fine anyway. The Knights of Hoarfrost are watching.

"Hmph. Humans."

[Morph Bark]

[5:45, REPLY TO... well, just about everyone who's here for the drama]

Just as Adam's face had gone heated, Tendaji's grew cold. His usual warmth was absent as he stared hard at the First Brother.

"First Brother Adam. You are in my lands as a guest. If you wish to remain a guest for the rest of your stay I strongly suggest that you sit down so that we might have a long discussion. I will do my best to put your fears at rest, but you must work with me."

Lyra's conversation with the Khan was interupted by Brother Adam's outburst, and her heart sank and rose at the same time. She turned, saw Adam, and the direction he was looking. There was Paco, the one who had so many years ago sent her the false note from the Blazing Avatar. She turned to the Khan.

"Rather than have these events turn sour quickly, I suggest we move this confrontation to a room for discussion between Paco and Adam, with whoever might want to join. Perhaps we might be able to solve this disagreement once and for all..."

Once arrived at the furious First Brother, they all three made a bow. However, they made sure to position themselves between Adam and Paco. They stood there, Irion and Eleljak beside eachother, Grïend looming above them, casting a shadow upon Adam and Tendaji. After bowing, Irion said:

"Greetings, First Brother Adam, Chosen of the guardian of Fire. It has been a while since we've met. I would like to go further with the pleasantries, however it seems that the situation will not allow for it. For the time being, I suggest you take lord Tendaji's advice. He can explain most of it, I am sure."

And they stood there, resolute like a wall of Shintouite. If there was going to be the threat of fighting, they would stop it before it could begin.

An awkward silence ensued, roughly the size of the Heartwaste and about as big an international danger. Men of every nation stepped this way and that, clearing the way or standing between them. So, the Doge did the only natural thing. He made a joke.

"YELLING DISRUPTS THE DANCE! AND I LOVE DANCING!"

Then, in true Guilderene form, he (elegantly, gracefully, and courteously) seized the nearest woman and set off to dance.

Syana looked up suddenly from her conversation with the Lady Lyra as First Brother Adam began to shout, her face contorting into a hard glare. She rose immediately from her seat, much more spry than her two fellow Triumvirate members and not afraid to get involved in an international inter-faith incident, she approached the First Brother quickly and with determination and grabbed his arm firmly,

"First Brother Adam! How dare you attempt and cause a scene at this Ball of peace! I informed you in my letter of invitation that Paco Guzman was to be here and instructed you to behave in a civil manner, if you cannot manage that I shall have you removed! I urge you to listen to the wise King Tendaji before you force my hand."

Adam's face had turned into a red quite resembling the shade so symbolical of his faith, but he drew a large breath and seemed to attempt to calm down. He shot a look of rage at Tendaji before doing so, but seemed to mellow quickly to the old king. "Fine." He replied sternly, stepping close to Lyra. "My queen, if we are to gather for whatever it may be our host have planned for us, may I request you send one of your servants to collect monks honourable Tyramont and Gisela and their acolytes from their quarters to ensure appropriate representative numbers of the Temple."

To better hope to control himself, Adam purposefully moved himself to the other side of the table, clenching and unclenching his fingers a few times before he relaxed them and sat down.

[TheWombatOfDoom]

[5:45, REPLY TO... well, just about everyone who's here for the drama]

Adam's face had turned into a red quite resembling the shade so symbolical of his faith, but he drew a large breath and seemed to attempt to calm down. He shot a look of rage at Tendaji before doing so, but seemed to mellow quickly to the old king. "Fine." He replied sternly, stepping close to Lyra. "My queen, if we are to gather for whatever it may be our host have planned for us, may I request you send one of your servants to collect monks honourable Tyramont and Gisela and their acolytes from their quarters to ensure appropriate representative numbers of the Temple."

To better hope to control himself, Adam purposefully moved himself to the other side of the table, clenching and unclenching his fingers a few times before he relaxed them and sat down.

Lyra meets eyes with her daughter, Rebekka, and nods. Rebekka returns the nod to go get the other monks Adam had requested.

[aspi]

The Na’nuk found the Raaneki as garish and gaudy as ever. It was a small delegation--only four of the royal family, a few servants, and Beyka--but what they lacked in size they made up in revelry. Where others seemed content to let the festivities develop as they may, the Raaneki were focused on creating fellowship and joy. Where others might have had more tact around foreign customs, the Raaneki seemed to sweep everything up into their celebration, adding to the atmosphere and throwing it back with renewed vigor.

Queen and King hung back as Bekya and her kin came together. Among other things, the neckline of her dress revealed her first godana: a delicate necklace of painted feathers, the same kind of feathers found on the Na’Nuk gifts to Raaneka at the Summit at the Summit.

Her skin had browned from long summers in the sun, but she was unmistakably a woman of the arctic north. She wore a bold dress of sheer silk the color of a clear sky. Over this, she wore a jerkin of ornate brocade, adorned with patterns and images of her people. The neckline of the jerkin plunged nearly to her navel, though the sheer dress beneath preserved just enough of her modesty for such an international event.

Feel free to start up a conversation. I didn’t know how to introduce/hand off Bekya to you and start dialogue at the same time. The work day has fried my brain. :smalltongue:
The chieftains face lightened up and he smiled as they approached the Raaneki delegation. Carefully he snook up behind Bekya and embraced her without warning. The young woman was startled at first, then laughed and turned around to return the embrace "Father, I am glad you arrived." In turn, she hugged her aunt and Inaun the mystic, to whom she refered to as uncle, even if there were no family ties. Näiyop used the opportunity to address the royal couple "Thank you for taking such good care of her. Did she give you much trouble?" he asked jokingly, earning a pretended stern gaze from Bekya. He looked up and down at his daughter, taking in her new outfit and the godana. Inaun regarded her in a similar fashion, although his brows were furrowed in slight disapproval.

Noticing the mystics subtle frown, Ania took off her fur scarf and draped it around Bekya's neck. As the young woman looked at her in surprise, Ania winked with a slight nod in the direction of Inaun and Näiyop, who both nodded approvingly. Bekya sighed ostentatiously, then offered "Let me get you some refreshments, you must be thristy.", and headed to one of the tables where the servants had prepared pastries and wine. As she was out of earshot, she added silently "And clearly neither drunk nor relaxed enough yet."


Liam parted from the group to socialize after he was announced. It was his first major event, and he wanted to experience it. As his Aunt Lyra went to greet their host, he bowed to the Ignatos, and then soon blended into the crowds. As he weaved throught the tables and socialites, he noticed a woman dressed in a combination of Raaneki garb and warm furs. He began to approach, but turned suddenly at the sound of yells from the direction he had come. Brother Adam looked furious. He'd never seen him look this way. Liam turned to follow his gaze, and the way between Adam and Paco cleared. Suddenly, Humperdink to his right, made a shout of his own... A call to dance. He looked back to the woman...would it be presumptuous of me...oh screw it. Now or never, Liam. He reached up instinctually and smoothed his gills.

He stepped up to her, gave his best smile, and said warmly - "Would you honor me with this dance?" He gave a side look to Paco closeby, then looked back at her, "Or would you prefer to be caught up in this mess?"

Bekya, who had focussed on the commotion created by the First Brother, turned around in surprise at the question. She looked amused at the request and answered "This mess? Oh come now, it's not that bad", only to be proven a liar just moments later when a piece of pastry that had been stuck to the wall next to her fell down and barely missed her head. If she was being honest, she'd been to parties in Raaneka that had been less chaotic than this. Despite the rather peculiar features at his neck - or maybe because of them - the man looked rather handsome, she had to admit. Bekya smirked "But if you need someone to rescue you, look no further", and offered her hand, allowing Liam to lead her away. "I'm Bekya, by the way", she told the prince while taking off the fur scarf and placing it on a windowsill - it would only get in the way.

There, the cohesion of the timeline is restored :smallbiggrin:

[Lord_Burch]

The chieftain shrugged "I too have found it to be flawed and overly simplistic in many places." He made a mental note to find and read the book Lord Cedrik had mentioned, before he returned home to the North. His polite smile was replaced by a sincere expression as he added "I do however find that cooperation often carries us farther than dealing separately with what could be common endeavours. Speaking of such intentions, the Na'nuk are in the process of establishing an academic institution, the Arctic Institute, that will allow us to better understand our frozen lands. In addition to a well stocked library, I have considered adding an observatory to investigate the northern stars. To my knowledge, Bordeux has access to the technology of the printing press and the region of Solus produces first rate glass. With your capabilities of creating books and maybe even telescopes, I believe that the creation of our institute would be supported greatly by your help, if it could be acquired."

I can have my lens grinders make telescopes for your project. Although, I'll have to speak with the head of their guild. He may need to calibrate the lens to be that far north. If you can send me what you require printed, I will send it along with the lenses. Of course, I would require some compensation for that- I have a project of my own to work on, actually, which could you use some.. Outside experience, say, if you would be willing to assist me in that regard. I will send details later; it is still in early stages of development.

"So you can see a star closer with these telescopes? That is very interesting," Dyamusan said as he twirled and swayed with the girl, "A dansant? What's tha-" suddenly their dance and talk was interrupted by a booming voice quickly identified as belonging to First Brother Adam. The two young people stood still and Dyamusan watched with terrified awe as events began to unfold.

Oh dear, that does not sound pleasent. Who was that, I wonder?

[QuintonBeck]

Oh dear, that does not sound pleasent. Who was that, I wonder?

"First Brother Adam and Paco, two sides of the same coin, though they don't seem to want to admit to as much."

As Dyamusan heard his mother speak a slight smile crossed his face, "Well Alice, I think we're in for a show. King Tendaji's revelation is moving up on the itinerary and Radurjic miracles are said to be quite a spectacle to behold."

[Morph Bark]

Evelyn motioned for her children to quiet down. She pointed Amber to the dance floor. “You’d better do something about that, sis.”

Looking over, she saw her Greta already had her son and what appeared to be a young Ranneki man. The band was beginning the opening strains of the Dance of the Jealous lovers, as they called it.
“Whale foam” She cursed. But it was too late. She could only pray her boy had enough sense not to bite the bait Greta was offering. But he was only 15, and like his grandpa in many, many ways. She watched the dance continue- clearly she was going to have to keep him away from Greta in the future.

Inigo grins, and whispers back, "I'm always gentle, but you should know... I think I'm sort of trapped now." He gives a crazy grin and winks as insincerely as possible.

Greta had already moved on and heard Inigo's whisper barely with one ear. Nevertheless, she shook her head at him as she twirled Jonas around and then fell against Krama. "You know, you two would make a cute couple," she told the older man, biting her tongue at him with a smile.

They had neared the end of their dance and ended spectacularly enough for one inexperienced dancer and one who was more accustomed to dancing with a sword in her hand. Greta did a short bow before her two partners, but before Jonas could walk off she grabbed him by the wrist. "I've got some more stuff for you," she grinned at him and wiggled her eyebrows. Then she dragged him to the main table and stood before the genimawa king and his father. "Hey Shvedrishti, I found you the perfect boyfriend!" She smacked Jonas' behind. "Go git 'r, seatiger. Use those sweet moves."


[5:45]

Fabula glides over to the small group, Glamora no longer with her.
"Can I help you gentlemen?"
She says, her voice and eyes showing hints of motherly disapproval for all but Hroar.

"Do you trust me?" The Doge pauses. "Foolish question. You don't, and won't until at least eight o' clock tonight. Just remember that Guilder always makes parties interesting."


Humperdink watches Paco like a hawk, noting the shaking hands, sweaty temples, the darting of the eyes and dilated pupils. His joke had had more of an effect than he thought... now for the next move. One hand tightly clutching a chess-master's bronze queen (the odd, singular, gift of his father), he stepped forward to bring Fabula and Paco together. "Ah! A momentous occasion. Fire and Ice meet at the same table, and, I do dearly hope, in peace."

He drops his voice and throws a whisper out of the side of his mouth. "So you DO like her, eh? Well, you've got good taste. She is an eyeful, isn't she?"

Korath stood stunned, but did as his wife bade, approaching the monk through the mess of people and putting an arm around him, guiding him away from Fabula and towards the central dais.

"I shall see no harm come to you Paco, I pledge my life to such."
Presume you meant Paco rather than Adam.

Paco swallowed and grabbed hold of Fabula's hand with both his own. "I'm so, so sorry Fabula. I did not mean to cause such a scene... (well, Humperdink did, but still) and I hope you can forgive my terrible etiquette. I can explain everything later, and I will. I promise you."

He took a deep breath, cast a look at First Brother Adam, looked back and planted a kiss on Fabula's hand before Korath bid him to come along. He let go of her hand and walked with the man, shooting a puzzled look at Humperdink and holding a hand to his heart that was bumping like crazy for this reason and that.

[aspi]

I can have my lens grinders make telescopes for your project. Although, I'll have to speak with the head of their guild. He may need to calibrate the lens to be that far north. If you can send me what you require printed, I will send it along with the lenses. Of course, I would require some compensation for that- I have a project of my own to work on, actually, which could you use some.. Outside experience, say, if you would be willing to assist me in that regard. I will send details later; it is still in early stages of development.
Näiyop nods approvingly "That would be good. I will have my sister draw up a list of everything we need and send it to you before we depart." He strokes his beard reflectively "Without more detail, it is of course difficult for me to say how well we may be of service to you in return. But if you believe that to be sufficient, we will gladly agree to lend you our expertise in a similar project, as long as it does not violate the interests of Wenyavuk or the sovereignty of a third nation."

If you agree, I will put the following as a sub action in my IC action post for the ball:

Agreement to an exchange of support with Bordeux:
Bordeux: Delivery of books and telescope lenses from Bordeux to support the construction of the Arctic Institute in Wenyavuk (1 curiosity action in round 11)
Wenyavuk: Assistance in a peaceful project to be disclosed later (1 curiosity or diplomacy action in round 12)

[Rizban]

When the yelling starts, Simmony decides that she's had enough and turns to leave. Unfortunately, she's not quick enough.


[snip]Then, in true Guilderene form, he (elegantly, gracefully, and courteously) seized the nearest woman and set off to dance.

Grabbing the hand of Simmony, he has just enough time to gracefully place Fabula's hand in Paco's, and waltz off onto the floor. Tendaji. Where on earth was Tendaji. He needed the fellow, and he needed him soon. "My apologies, dear Simmony. I'm afraid that you see our North at its greatest tensions. Sometimes, one must do unfortunately foolish things to reach the wise conclusion. Feel free to change dance partners whenever you want... I needed to find one to make the joke work you know.

"This is a delicate situation. We have two men of faith, full of unknown mystical power, standing in the same room, and they've got half the world involved and ready to kill. I wonder... what would you do? And could I ask a favor?"

"Put. Me. Down." Simmony has gone quite cold toward Humperdink, becoming ever less appreciative of his character. Deliberately bringing their 'dance' to a halt, Simmony takes a step back from him.

"You will introduce me to our host this evening. He will best know to whom I need to address the reason for my coming. You promise to do that most quickly, and I will hear your request, though I do not promise I will grant it."

[Morph Bark]

[5:45]

Wayve's face got flushered from Valineth's daring comment. "She's got courage, very impressive." He thought to himself.

"If you are bothered by my armor, would you like to repeat this dance later on in the evening? I will get rid of the armor. It then isn't in the way of any....pressing." He asked with a wink, a grin on his face.

Leading her to the final part of the waltz, he said:

"Not really, other then almost causing a couple of international incidents. Rumor has it that she dragged the Blazing Avatar to the dancefloor and that he complied and even danced with her for a while, that's how spirited she was. Or is rather, I think she is living in Celero at the moment"

Valineth swallowed and still didn't look up. "No, it's fine, you can keep your pressing on--I mean your armor on."

She smiled a bit at the anecdote about Leona. She vaguely recalled having heard something of the sort. "The Blazing Avatar was some man, wasn't he?"

The commotion in the distance caused her to slow and momentarily cease her dance to look for what was going on, frowning at the disturbance.

[zabbarot]

[Shortly before the commotion]

Greta had already moved on and heard Inigo's whisper barely with one ear. Nevertheless, she shook her head at him as she twirled Jonas around and then fell against Krama. "You know, you two would make a cute couple," she told the older man, biting her tongue at him with a smile.

They had neared the end of their dance and ended spectacularly enough for one inexperienced dancer and one who was more accustomed to dancing with a sword in her hand. Greta did a short bow before her two partners, but before Jonas could walk off she grabbed him by the wrist. "I've got some more stuff for you," she grinned at him and wiggled her eyebrows. Then she dragged him to the main table and stood before the genimawa king and his father. "Hey Shvedrishti, I found you the perfect boyfriend!" She smacked Jonas' behind. "Go git 'r, seatiger. Use those sweet moves."

Shvedrishti has been watching the dance closely. At times she was almost envious of how outgoing Greta could be. When she wanted something she just took it. Shvedri was looking down at her feet in contemplation when Greta yelled her name. She managed to look up just in time to see Greta slap the boy on the bottom and push him towards her. Shetouchedhisbutt.Whywouldshe?He'scomingthisway.Oh no,ohno,ohno.WhatdoIdo?WhatdoIdo?Focusfocus. Breathe. Breathe. Deep breath.

And then Jonas crashed into her. Apparently between the slap and the push Jonas had lost his footing and Shvedri had been too flustered to even realize it. Luckily there were guards near the dais to catch them both, but the damage was already done. He'd grabbed her chest trying to catch himself.

She was flushed head to toe.


She was hyperventilating.



She was falling.

Jonas is your character. Feel free to join in whatever this mess is :smalltongue: Morph just sort of threw him at me.

[During the commotion]

Syana looked up suddenly from her conversation with the Lady Lyra as First Brother Adam began to shout, her face contorting into a hard glare. She rose immediately from her seat, much more spry than her two fellow Triumvirate members and not afraid to get involved in an international inter-faith incident, she approached the First Brother quickly and with determination and grabbed his arm firmly,

"First Brother Adam! How dare you attempt and cause a scene at this Ball of peace! I informed you in my letter of invitation that Paco Guzman was to be here and instructed you to behave in a civil manner, if you cannot manage that I shall have you removed! I urge you to listen to the wise King Tendaji before you force my hand."

With most of the dancing bar the Doge had stopped at the explosion she looked out at the still crowd and easily spotted her husband, standing amongst them.

"Korath, dear, retrieve our honorable monk please?" Syana turned towards Tendaji, "My friend, I fear our plans may be accelerated as there is but one individual who might settle a fight between fires."

Adam's face had turned into a red quite resembling the shade so symbolical of his faith, but he drew a large breath and seemed to attempt to calm down. He shot a look of rage at Tendaji before doing so, but seemed to mellow quickly to the old king. "Fine." He replied sternly, stepping close to Lyra. "My queen, if we are to gather for whatever it may be our host have planned for us, may I request you send one of your servants to collect monks honourable Tyramont and Gisela and their acolytes from their quarters to ensure appropriate representative numbers of the Temple."

To better hope to control himself, Adam purposefully moved himself to the other side of the table, clenching and unclenching his fingers a few times before he relaxed them and sat down.

At the advice of Syana Tendaji nodded to the Shahidi Zakai. "Change of plans. Prepare the ritual." Zakai bowed and went to gather the mashahidi. "Now Brother Adam, who are you accusing the honourable monk of murdering? These are grave claims. I dare say the kind that can start wars."

[WaylanderX]

[5:45]


Valineth swallowed and still didn't look up. "No, it's fine, you can keep your pressing on--I mean your armor on."

She smiled a bit at the anecdote about Leona. She vaguely recalled having heard something of the sort. "The Blazing Avatar was some man, wasn't he?"

The commotion in the distance caused her to slow and momentarily cease her dance to look for what was going on, frowning at the disturbance.

Noticing the commotion, his soldier instinct kicked in.

"Milady, please refrain from coming to close to the commotion. I'll go take a look, if you would be so kind to just keep a safe distance? Now, if you would excuse me?"

Wayve made a quick bow and guided her off the dancefloor, before walking with a fast pace towards the source of the uproar.

[QuintonBeck]

[During the commotion]

At the advice of Syana Tendaji nodded to the Shahidi Zakai. "Change of plans. Prepare the ritual." Zakai bowed and went to gather the mashahidi. "Now Brother Adam, who are you accusing the honourable monk of murdering? These are grave claims. I dare say the kind that can start wars."

Syana watched the Shahidi leave and saw in the crowd her uncles. She caught Avie's eye and motioned for them to come join the other Mashahidi before turning her eyes to the approaching Paco under Korath's watchful care, then the servants who had departed to recover the two other Temple monks, and then finally back to Adam as Tendaji finished his question. She was trying to get a read off of the Temple Brother, to determine what exactly he was thinking and why he was acting as he was.

[SamBurke]

[Shortly before the commotion]
[During the commotion]



At the advice of Syana Tendaji nodded to the Shahidi Zakai. "Change of plans. Prepare the ritual." Zakai bowed and went to gather the mashahidi. "Now Brother Adam, who are you accusing the honourable monk of murdering? These are grave claims. I dare say the kind that can start wars."
Humperdink slides over, the man he needed finally visible. "Tendaji, let's walk and talk. I've got a request, and I'm here to help you as well... I can tell you have a response prepared. No one else has that determined of a look on their face. Shall we talk... in private?"

[HisHolyAngel]

"She is to be the next high priestess no?" Kilwen asked, looking down at the young girl, his old eyes slightly milky from his ritual Osuro consumption, "Tell me Priestess Fabula, how is it she is found? Are there signs as there are with our Shahidi Mkuu? An arrangement of union as is with the Avatar?"

"Certainly is an interesting land," Korath interrupted, trying to avoid an the intrusively inquisitive topic right out of the gate, "These lands further south put the snow out of mind for most of the year, very different from Ashenia and your own Sycia."

Fabula nods at the question.
"It's a long process, and very religious, and of little sense to those who have not grown up on it, but put simply, the Head Priests await the signs that tell us of her birth, and then we must scour the land searching for her. The Head Priests are never sure who they are going to find, but they always do. Once long before myself, the search almost failed because the mother who had given birth to the High Priestess had moved out of the region with her husband some years prior to the birth. They were lucky to have found her in all honest."


"I, ah... uh..." Inigo's bravado and flirting disappears as he tries to comprehend too much at once. The clearly jealous mother, the ever-more lovely daughter, and then his actual mission? One or three would have to go! Three it was.

With that, his mind went blank, and he could only stand with a polite, courtly smile for a moment. "Yes! My mission, dear Priestess, is to come to you with a better offer than the ones that have been discussed before. My father was interested in securing grains and gems from you, and wondered if perhaps iron would be to your liking, instead of... the other arrangement." His voice trails off as a shady-looking character walks past.

Fabula nods.
"Such a deal certainly still has potential, though I find myself not in particular need of iron. And as for your lessons?"
She asks, curious as to the nature of that part of the bargain.


Simmony, who is also standing right there shakes her head and says, "These "gentlemen" are beyond help. Perhaps those of us of the fairer sex should converse elsewhere.

It is my pleasure to meet you. I am Simmony.


Pastries are flung in all directions as Guzman exits the under-table! Unfortunately, while most land on the floor and are merely ruined, a few splatter onto King Hroar's cape. The stains will never come out.

Nevertheless, rather than being angry, the Lord of the Glazfell simply stares in rapt confusion, his jaw slightly ajar, at the scene unfolding before him. Finally, he lifts one arm, and takes a third bite of the pastry in his hand.

*crunch*

He chews, turns around, and walks away. Not worth the trouble, and Fabula will be fine anyway. The Knights of Hoarfrost are watching.

"Hmph. Humans."


Greta had already moved on and heard Inigo's whisper barely with one ear. Nevertheless, she shook her head at him as she twirled Jonas around and then fell against Krama. "You know, you two would make a cute couple," she told the older man, biting her tongue at him with a smile.

They had neared the end of their dance and ended spectacularly enough for one inexperienced dancer and one who was more accustomed to dancing with a sword in her hand. Greta did a short bow before her two partners, but before Jonas could walk off she grabbed him by the wrist. "I've got some more stuff for you," she grinned at him and wiggled her eyebrows. Then she dragged him to the main table and stood before the genimawa king and his father. "Hey Shvedrishti, I found you the perfect boyfriend!" She smacked Jonas' behind. "[COLOR="#B22222"]Go git 'r, seatiger. Use those sweet moves."


[5:45]



Presume you meant Paco rather than Adam.

Paco swallowed and grabbed hold of Fabula's hand with both his own. "I'm so, so sorry Fabula. I did not mean to cause such a scene... (well, Humperdink did, but still) and I hope you can forgive my terrible etiquette. I can explain everything later, and I will. I promise you."

He took a deep breath, cast a look at First Brother Adam, looked back and planted a kiss on Fabula's hand before Korath bid him to come along. He let go of her hand and walked with the man, shooting a puzzled look at Humperdink and holding a hand to his heart that was bumping like crazy for this reason and that.

Fabula opens her mouth to reply to Simmony, when suddenly many things happen at once. Paco comes out from under the table, Simmony is dragged away, King Hroar leaves, then all hell breaks loose as Monk Adam begins to yell childishly.
"You certainly will explain everything later."
She replies to Paco in a chastising manner before he is led away. Her voice then gets softer as she continues.
"Don't forget, you promised me you wouldn't die."
Then he kisses her hand and walks off. Fabula lets out a breath of air she did not realize she had been holding in and looks with concern after the poor monk who held a special place in her heart.

Glamora, with Greta, sometime or other

Glamora, who has been given free reign for the moment seems to be watching Greta while at the same time, doing a very poor job of not being seen herself.

[Lord_Burch]

Näiyop nods approvingly "That would be good. I will have my sister draw up a list of everything we need and send it to you before we depart." He strokes his beard reflectively "Without more detail, it is of course difficult for me to say how well we may be of service to you in return. But if you believe that to be sufficient, we will gladly agree to lend you our expertise in a similar project, as long as it does not violate the interests of Wenyavuk or the sovereignty of a third nation."

If you agree, I will put the following as a sub action in my IC action post for the ball:

Agreement to an exchange of support with Bordeux:
Bordeux: Delivery of books and telescope lenses from Bordeux to support the construction of the Arctic Institute in Wenyavuk (1 curiosity action in round 11)
Wenyavuk: Assistance in a peaceful project to be disclosed later (1 curiosity or diplomacy action in round 12)
I will send you details at a later date, then.
That is fine.


"First Brother Adam and Paco, two sides of the same coin, though they don't seem to want to admit to as much."

As Dyamusan heard his mother speak a slight smile crossed his face, "Well Alice, I think we're in for a show. King Tendaji's revelation is moving up on the itinerary and Radurjic miracles are said to be quite a spectacle to behold."

Ooh, do you have idea what he'll do?

[QuintonBeck]

Ooh, do you have idea what he'll do?

"My sister only said the 'two fires shall once again unite in one'. I think Tendaji coached her on saying it that way just to add to the mystery and she refused to say anymore. I think it was supposed to be a slightly lighter and later event than this though. Hopefully it all still goes well," Dyamusan said as he realized for the first time that he was still holding Alice as if they were dancing despite them having been standing still.

"Oh, well, erm, sorry," he said as his eyes looked down at their closeness and he released the Bordeusi girl.

Even as he did so however he let his hand fall to hers and gave her a tentative smile. The girl seemed enjoyable in person, their lack of chemistry in letters appeared to have been confined to print. At least, he hoped that was the case and that she might be thinking similarly.

[SamBurke]

Fabula nods.
"Such a deal certainly still has potential, though I find myself not in particular need of iron. And as for your lessons?"
She asks, curious as to the nature of that part of the bargain.
Inigo nods. "My father wondered if you could send one of your Priests or Priestesses to Guilder. He did not wish my training in faith to be one of mere months or a year spent in other lands, but instead a honing of the mind. In this light, he asks for someone who is open of mind and bright of soul. His words, not mine." He rubs his neck sheepishly.

"Father has a way for the dramatic, though it's usually toned down from now. And speaking of drama, Lyradis is to be hosting a small session between the great leaders of faith. This palaver simply cannot begin without a representative of Yphine there, and I believe you would make the best candidate."


As to Iron, I figure it's useful for basic military, tools, building, etc, etc. One of the more fundamental resources. Still, I understand if you don't want to trade.




When the yelling starts, Simmony decides that she's had enough and turns to leave. Unfortunately, she's not quick enough.

"Put. Me. Down." Simmony has gone quite cold toward Humperdink, becoming ever less appreciative of his character. Deliberately bringing their 'dance' to a halt, Simmony takes a step back from him.

"You will introduce me to our host this evening. He will best know to whom I need to address the reason for my coming. You promise to do that most quickly, and I will hear your request, though I do not promise I will grant it."
Humperdink nods, abashed. He stops, face dead serious, and looks her in the eyes. "I'm sorry about all this. The yelling, the dancing, the foolishness. I wish to the heart of men that it were not necessary... To be honest, I am not at home with dances and balls. That was my father, Tumberink. Me, I like sitting down, quietly, listening to the sound of a new symphony or a new idea being presented for the first time. I enjoyed listening to the priests that your people sent. Their ideas have had me thinking in ways that I've never thought before. In fact, it was on account of those men, and a few others who came to me, that I resolved to do what I will tonight.

"But more on that later. For now, I think that you should speak with a very important queen... Lyra, here. She is one of the foremost for peace." Humperdink bows, walking away from Simmony and Lyra... but not very far.

[TheWombatOfDoom]

Humperdink nods, abashed. He stops, face dead serious, and looks her in the eyes. "I'm sorry about all this. The yelling, the dancing, the foolishness. I wish to the heart of men that it were not necessary... To be honest, I am not at home with dances and balls. That was my father, Tumberink. Me, I like sitting down, quietly, listening to the sound of a new symphony or a new idea being presented for the first time. I enjoyed listening to the priests that your people sent. Their ideas have had me thinking in ways that I've never thought before. In fact, it was on account of those men, and a few others who came to me, that I resolved to do what I will tonight.

"But more on that later. For now, I think that you should speak with a very important queen... Lyra, here. She is one of the foremost for peace." Humperdink bows, walking away from Simmony and Lyra... but not very far.

"I am Lyra, and you are?" Lyra eyed the woman curiously, bowing slightly. She'd never seen her before. Someone from the south? West? East? She glanced at Humperdink quickly before returning her gaze to the woman. No introduction? Where were the Guilderian's manners?

[Rizban]

"I am Lyra, and you are?" Lyra eyed the woman curiously, bowing slightly. She'd never seen her before. Someone from the south? West? East? She glanced at Humperdink quickly before returning her gaze to the woman. No introduction? Where were the Guilderian's manners?

The woman clasps her hands together before her and gives a very slight bow.

"It is my pleasure to meet you. I have heard your name, and indeed you, or one of your family, are among the people I had hoped to meet.

I am Simmony, also called Matriarch Parsimonia of the Church of Ascension."

[TheWombatOfDoom]

The woman clasps her hands together before her and gives a very slight bow.

"It is my pleasure to meet you. I have heard your name, and indeed you, or one of your family, are among the people I had hoped to meet.

I am Simmony, also called Matriarch Parsimonia of the Church of Ascension."

Lyra returned the bow with one of her own, scanning her mind for mentions of the Church of Ascension and coming up blank. And apparently she was looking for her directly. Lyra showed some surprise at this. "Good evening. I have not hear tell of the Church of Ascension. Where are you from?"

[Rizban]

Lyra returned the bow with one of her own, scanning her mind for mentions of the Church of Ascension and coming up blank. And apparently she was looking for her directly. Lyra showed some surprise at this. "Good evening. I have not hear tell of the Church of Ascension. Where are you from?"

"The Salterri Imperium. Perhaps you have heard of it."

She responds so casually that you aren't quite sure whether or not that was sarcasm, but the slight smirk tells it that it probably was.

[TheWombatOfDoom]

"The Salterri Imperium. Perhaps you have heard of it."

She responds so casually that you aren't quite sure whether or not that was sarcasm, but the slight smirk tells it that it probably was.

"I...have indeed," Lyra said, pausing to consider the implications. The blasted letter was still being prepared at home. She had no idea that the Salterri would make an appearance so soon after the attack on Hrthan-Tuor. Simmony had her full attention, now, and she glanced around in search of a private place to speak. "Shall we walk?"

[Rizban]

"I...have indeed," Lyra said, pausing to consider the implications. The blasted letter was still being prepared at home. She had no idea that the Salterri would make an appearance so soon after the attack on Hrthan-Tuor. Simmony had her full attention, now, and she glanced around in search of a private place to speak. "Shall we walk?"

"That would probably be for the best."

Simmony follows along, her hands clasped together at her waist. The two walk for a time, a short distance apart from the others speaking freely as they go.

"I have told it is your nation that now controls the Grmanhil Orcs. If this is correct, then, by law, it is you who have inherited responsibility their crimes against the citizens of the Imperium."

[TheWombatOfDoom]

"That would probably be for the best."

Simmony follows along, her hands clasped together at her waist. The two walk for a time, a short distance apart from the others speaking freely as they go.

"I have told it is your nation that now controls the Grmanhil Orcs. If this is correct, then, by law, it is you who have inherited responsibility their crimes against the citizens of the Imperium."

Those blasted Orcs, Lyra thought. It was good that she took over when she did, but in another way, the problems with ruling Grmanhil showed her why she was able to be allowed claim so easily. "In fact, we acquired them as punishment to the rulers. Their actions were both inexcusable and totally unacceptable. I relieved Chief Bangboom himself, and have him in custody. We are now working to ensure the sickness does not spread further.

I am no expert on your laws, but I do know mine, and Chief Bangboom's actions are crimes of the worst degree, spreading sickness to innocents is nothing I will ever get behind. I can turn him over to the Empire, if that is what is required. It is one of the topics I wished to communicate with the Emperor, and had been preparing for such. Are you an acting emissary of the empire?"

[SamBurke]

Humperdink trails behind, an appropriate distance. On an ordinary day he'd have qualms about such a dishonorable action... but these words. Lyra knew of where the Pusdeath began? The Salterri had been attacked with the vile infection, which recently struck Guilder? That could only mean... Hm. More thought. More listening.

[Rizban]

Those blasted Orcs, Lyra thought. It was good that she took over when she did, but in another way, the problems with ruling Grmanhil showed her why she was able to be allowed claim so easily. "In fact, we acquired them as punishment to the rulers. Their actions were both inexcusable and totally unacceptable. I relieved Chief Bangboom himself, and have him in custody. We are now working to ensure the sickness does not spread further.

I am no expert on your laws, but I do know mine, and Chief Bangboom's actions are crimes of the worst degree, spreading sickness to innocents is nothing I will ever get behind. I can turn him over to the Empire, if that is what is required. It is one of the topics I wished to communicate with the Emperor, and had been preparing for such. Are you an acting emissary of the empire?"Simmony nods at this as she speaks.

"Then you are cognizant of the situation. Good, that makes this much easier. I had expected to need to explain the situation to you, a prospect I did not foresee myself enjoying. As you understand then, when a crime is committed, restitution must be made. We are not barbarians seeking to punish wrongdoers for their crimes. However, as any civilized person can agree, he who commits the crime should work to set right what he made wrong.

In regards to the disease, yes, I am an emissary. I can also say that we do not care what happens to this chief. You may do with him and the other guilty orcs as you see fit."

She stops walking and stares Lyra directly in the eyes.

"As I said, we have no interest in punishing those responsible. Punishment is a concept reserved only for small children who do not fully understand what they do and are incapable of learning by other means. It is a concept we in the Imperium left behind long ago. As I said, we seek restitution, a righting of a wrong, not further suffering. We want those responsible to provide medicines and information in regards to a cure and, perhaps, to assist in caring for the sick until they recover."

[WaylanderX]

After things settled down, Grïend wandered around the hall a bit, unsure of what to do.

He looked at the dancefloor, very empty now that eveybody has distracted by Adam and Paco theatrics.
"Maybe I should try this dancing thing I saw the Kasumori do. I had come practice. Kokuei and Haruka were great teachers." He thought (OOC: No, he does not think slow, he only talks slow).

He walks toward the centre of the dancefloor and begins dancing...breakdancing.

While Grïend was breaking it DOWN, the whole ballroom shook as if a small earthquake was happening.

OOC: It looks similar to this plus some backspins thrown in for good measure https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0iZWukTJAA.

[TheWombatOfDoom]

Simmony nods at this as she speaks.

"Then you are cognizant of the situation. Good, that makes this much easier. I had expected to need to explain the situation to you, a prospect I did not foresee myself enjoying. As you understand then, when a crime is committed, restitution must be made. We are not barbarians seeking to punish wrongdoers for their crimes. However, as any civilized person can agree, he who commits the crime should work to set right what he made wrong.

In regards to the disease, yes, I am an emissary. I can also say that we do not care what happens to this chief. You may do with him and the other guilty orcs as you see fit."

She stops walking and stares Lyra directly in the eyes.

"As I said, we have no interest in punishing those responsible. Punishment is a concept reserved only for small children who do not fully understand what they do and are incapable of learning by other means. It is a concept we in the Imperium left behind long ago. As I said, we seek restitution, a righting of a wrong, not further suffering. We want those responsible to provide medicines and information in regards to a cure and, perhaps, to assist in caring for the sick until they recover."

"I see." Lyra said coolly, returning the gaze of the other. "It is my mission to destroy this sickness, and you can make certain that whatever cure there is, I will also use to cure any in your empire who have been afflicted by it, lest it spread further."

At this point, Lyra sighed heavily. "That is a promise many of the other rulers here might be less willing to make. Restitution. Now that is a concept I understand. Though I fear some of the actions of your empire to the regions here in the North have mistaken for punishment. It seems the rulers of Grmanhil thought it wise to punish innocents for the actions of the Empire. Not a choice I agree with."

[Rizban]

"I see." Lyra said coolly, returning the gaze of the other. "It is my mission to destroy this sickness, and you can make certain that whatever cure there is, I will also use to cure any in your empire who have been afflicted by it, lest it spread further."

At this point, Lyra sighed heavily. "That is a promise many of the other rulers here might be less willing to make. Restitution. Now that is a concept I understand. Though I fear some of the actions of your empire to the regions here in the North have mistaken for punishment. It seems the rulers of Grmanhil thought it wise to punish innocents for the actions of the Empire. Not a choice I agree with."Simmony nods agreement.

"The northern tribes banded together to protect the familiar against an unknown, unwilling or unable to see they were in the wrong. It's expected behavior, even if somewhat foolish. Still, the war was their fault. Our legions were sent north as a show of force to demand accountability for the assault upon us. We did not start the war. Those of you in the north did."

[TheWombatOfDoom]

Simmony nods agreement.

"The northern tribes banded together to protect the familiar against an unknown, unwilling or unable to see they were in the wrong. It's expected behavior, even if somewhat foolish. Still, the war was their fault. Our legions were sent north as a show of force to demand accountability for the assault upon us. We did not start the war. Those of you in the north did."

Confusion creased Lyra's brow. "Their fault? What assault was this? I would gladly know so as to find this truth. I attempted to send diplomats to meet the armies your empire had sent, to see if they could seek peace, at least long enough to find out what the cause of such an attack was. However," Lyra said with a touch of anger, "my diplomats were killed. I don't know who started this war, but it was certainly not me. I have no love of it, that is to be certain."

[Rizban]

Confusion creased Lyra's brow. "Their fault? What assault was this? I would gladly know so as to find this truth. I attempted to send diplomats to meet the armies your empire had sent, to see if they could seek peace, at least long enough to find out what the cause of such an attack was. However," Lyra said with a touch of anger, "my diplomats were killed. I don't know who started this war, but it was certainly not me. I have no love of it, that is to be certain."

Simmony balls her fists as she attempts to control her anger.

"What assault?! Invasion! Treachery! Murder! How is this not an assault against us?!"

Realizing she's far too loud, Simmony takes a deep breath and tries to regain her composure before continuing in a more normal voice.

"Some nation of whom we knew nothing at the time landed several centuries of heavily armed warriors in one of our port cities. When informed they were not welcome, they defied our laws against foreigners entering our lands without proper documentation and marched inland. A armed defensive force was sent, requesting that they return to their ships and make their intentions known. Instead of talking, the invaders attacked.

Our legionnaires overcame and imprisoned them while we sought out information on this attack. In accordance with our laws, the prisoners were put to work to earn their keep; for it is not right that one guilty of a crime live in comfort at the expense of the people. After it was determined who was responsible, the Qzare assigned the Governour of my home province, Governour Lann Qïng, as ambassador to resolve the situation.

The ambassador met with the leaders responsible for this invasion, telling them the truth of the situation. He heard their response and returned home to report to the Qzare. Upon his return, things turned from bad to worse. Though they had given us words of apology and cooperation, we were betrayed! Highly trained agents were sent secretly to infiltrate our lands. They discovered where their imprisoned soldiers were being housed and assaulted it. Slaughtering the guards, they freed and equipped the prisoners then led further attacks against our people. In the chaos, they managed to track down and murder Governour Lann Qïng, the very man who had sought to bring peace!"

Simmony pauses again to keep from becoming further overwhelmed by her own emotions. Though she tries to control it, her shoulders quake with the suppressed outrage that all true Salterri feel.

[Elemental]

Yasira dismissed the serving boy, and held her hand out to Hazael, hoping that her new son-in-law would know the proper display of greeting in response. "It is good to meet you, Hazael. I briefly met your grandfather, at the ill fated World's Fair."

The Queen did her best to present a commanding presence, but she was still afraid that Amalia was going to take offense and run off for another few years.

I mustn't be too forceful; Amalia may return to Ashenia with her husband, and I may never see this grandson I've heard rumors of.

Hazael took Queen Yasira's hand and kissed it. At least, he thought that was the Celerese custom. This done, he took a step back and bowed to the Celerese Queen.
"Your majesty. Dearest Amalia has told me much about you."
Amalia's hand tightened its grip slightly on Hazael's arm.



"Ah, but of course," Syana nodded, "I apologize for overstepping my bounds. I regret to speak further of sour news, but has there been any development with the pusdeath to the west? I regret it has run rightly rampant with no rhyme nor reason to its spread amongst Triumvirate lands, and it appears to have an affinity for the military for reasons I could not fathom."

Idrisa and Hazael bowed their heads in acknowledgement of Syana's apology. Idrisa briefly whispered to her brother who nodded.
"My sister understands this illness more than I. Please, allow her to inform you of what we know and I will attempt to enjoy the refreshments available."
He bowed his head before walking off followed by half the guards brought from Ashenia. Before Idrisa spoke, she moved forwards and spoke softly such that only the Empress could hear her above the noise of the Ball.
"Forgive my brother. He feels the need to insulate his mind from anything pertaining to the West." She coughed before continuing. "As near as our sages and physicians can determine, this illness, the Pusdeath as you call it, originated in the Far West beyond the borders of our kingdom. When the army of Ashenia put down the forces of Hartigan the Accursed, the illness spread from his troops to our own, and when those same troops were sent to the battlefield in Hrathan-Tuor, they unknowingly bore the plague there. That is why it seems to target our soldiers. Many were infected and when they returned to their garrisons, they infected their comrades."
She scanned the crowd to check the location of a certain Sympol before continuing.
"We have reason to believe that it may be spread by vermin, rats in particular."
She stepped back to a more respectable distance before finishing.
"If you wish it of me, I will announce these facts to the rulers and emissaries gathered here. But I fear reprisal against Ashenia by those who know no better. Your guarantee of assistance should those with radical views seek to enact 'retribution' against us would be most helpful."

[lt_murgen]

Just before the commotion...


*SNIP*

Jonas went reeling, and tried to catch himself. Instead, one hand landed squarely upon the young woman’s breast. Luckily, the guards were there to support them. The boy stood stunned for a minute, unsure what to do. “I’m so sorry! It was that Greta! She’s quite the little..” Jonas stopped. Shvedri was gasping, unable to catch her breath. Her face had gone pale. Proper training snapped into place. He was told that sailors often suffered the same when facing their first leviathan. He turned to the guards, and in an urgent whisper said “Find my mother, now! Amber Grant, Regina of the Jeweled Cities.”

Shrugging off the guard holding him, he knelt beside the woman. Taking her hand gently, he tried to recall her name. “Shev.. Shvedri, listen to me. Please. Listen to my voice. You need to take control again.” Looking up, he saw the panic in her eyes, but at least she was looking at him. “Good. Good. Close your eyes and pinch your nose. Really, it will help.”

[QuintonBeck]

Idrisa and Hazael bowed their heads in acknowledgement of Syana's apology. Idrisa briefly whispered to her brother who nodded.
"My sister understands this illness more than I. Please, allow her to inform you of what we know and I will attempt to enjoy the refreshments available."
He bowed his head before walking off followed by half the guards brought from Ashenia. Before Idrisa spoke, she moved forwards and spoke softly such that only the Empress could hear her above the noise of the Ball.
"Forgive my brother. He feels the need to insulate his mind from anything pertaining to the West." She coughed before continuing. "As near as our sages and physicians can determine, this illness, the Pusdeath as you call it, originated in the Far West beyond the borders of our kingdom. When the army of Ashenia put down the forces of Hartigan the Accursed, the illness spread from his troops to our own, and when those same troops were sent to the battlefield in Hrathan-Tuor, they unknowingly bore the plague there. That is why it seems to target our soldiers. Many were infected and when they returned to their garrisons, they infected their comrades."
She scanned the crowd to check the location of a certain Sympol before continuing.
"We have reason to believe that it may be spread by vermin, rats in particular."
She stepped back to a more respectable distance before finishing.
"If you wish it of me, I will announce these facts to the rulers and emissaries gathered here. But I fear reprisal against Ashenia by those who know no better. Your guarantee of assistance should those with radical views seek to enact 'retribution' against us would be most helpful."

"I do not believe an announcement should be necessary, though it may be prudent you spread this news among those other nations seeking a cure. I, of course, would pledge to keep the homeland of my husband safe from any radical ideas of crusading against the innocent who contracted the disease and carry it as an accidental misfortune. Tell me though, I have heard residents of your Kyraleth province have been purported to have some immunity to the disease, might one such of these be sent to the Enclave here in Aloren that my scholars might study such a phenomenon?"

[TheWombatOfDoom]

Simmony balls her fists as she attempts to control her anger.

"What assault?! Invasion! Treachery! Murder! How is this not an assault against us?!"

Realizing she's far too loud, Simmony takes a deep breath and tries to regain her composure before continuing in a more normal voice.

"Some nation of whom we knew nothing at the time landed several centuries of heavily armed warriors in one of our port cities. When informed they were not welcome, they defied our laws against foreigners entering our lands without proper documentation and marched inland. A armed defensive force was sent, requesting that they return to their ships and make their intentions known. Instead of talking, the invaders attacked.

Our legionnaires overcame and imprisoned them while we sought out information on this attack. In accordance with our laws, the prisoners were put to work to earn their keep; for it is not right that one guilty of a crime live in comfort at the expense of the people. After it was determined who was responsible, the Qzare assigned the Governour of my home province, Governour Lann Qïng, as ambassador to resolve the situation.

The ambassador met with the leaders responsible for this invasion, telling them the truth of the situation. He heard their response and returned home to report to the Qzare. Upon his return, things turned from bad to worse. Though they had given us words of apology and cooperation, we were betrayed! Highly trained agents were sent secretly to infiltrate our lands. They discovered where their imprisoned soldiers were being housed and assaulted it. Slaughtering the guards, they freed and equipped the prisoners then led further attacks against our people. In the chaos, they managed to track down and murder Governour Lann Qïng, the very man who had sought to bring peace!"

Simmony pauses again to keep from becoming further overwhelmed by her own emotions. Though she tries to control it, her shoulders quake with the suppressed outrage that all true Salterri feel.

Lyra stands in open horror as she listens to these descriptions, shock eventually turning to disgust.

"The only prisioners I have knowledge of that the Empire had were some Dwarven Ambassaders from Razdis, who were sent on a diplomatic mission to treat with your Government. Were they involved in this? But wait...I was told they were released and returned to Razdis with a message from the Salterri, that they had satisfied their sentence. Was this a lie?" Lyra began to sweat. Who could she trust? What was the truth? Two sides to a story...but with innocent lives paying the cost of believing each side...Part of her wanted to not trust the newcomer, having experienced the Salterri as hostile people...but was that bred from the hostility of Woodwind in the first place?

"As for the mass of warriors that landed in the Empire, it was circulated when I was a child that the ships of one of the western nations sailed south, and were destroyed. The remains found were gruesome. It was also circulated they were on a exploratory mission, not a militaristic one. Your truths and the truths I know are not the same. These details explain much about the actions of your Empire. This is the first I have heard of such events from this light."

[Elemental]

"I do not believe an announcement should be necessary, though it may be prudent you spread this news among those other nations seeking a cure. I, of course, would pledge to keep the homeland of my husband safe from any radical ideas of crusading against the innocent who contracted the disease and carry it as an accidental misfortune. Tell me though, I have heard residents of your Kyraleth province have been purported to have some immunity to the disease, might one such of these be sent to the Enclave here in Aloren that my scholars might study such a phenomenon?"

"There are so many nations present... I have enough servants to send a message to each one, but... That's no guarantee." She is clearly thinking the matter over before the mention of Kyaralath brings her mind back to the present. "Kyaralath? Yes, reports had come in that the illness was having less effect in that province despite its proximity to the infection's source. Azhen, their High Priest, wrote to me to tell me it's because their god protects them. I can't verify that, but our sages have noted that the Kyarans are affected by illness differently. I'll write to the Council of The Wise and ask them to send volunteers, just keep your scholars in line. No dissections, no dipping into their personal supplies of Somnorum and no feeding them Osura. Who knows what consequences will result from mixing that with a hallucinogen.
"Do you mind if I borrow your dais momentarily?"

[QuintonBeck]

"There are so many nations present... I have enough servants to send a message to each one, but... That's no guarantee." She is clearly thinking the matter over before the mention of Kyaralath brings her mind back to the present. "Kyaralath? Yes, reports had come in that the illness was having less effect in that province despite its proximity to the infection's source. Azhen, their High Priest, wrote to me to tell me it's because their god protects them. I can't verify that, but our sages have noted that the Kyarans are affected by illness differently. I'll write to the Council of The Wise and ask them to send volunteers, just keep your scholars in line. No dissections, no dipping into their personal supplies of Somnorum and no feeding them Osura. Who knows what consequences will result from mixing that with a hallucinogen.
"Do you mind if I borrow your dais momentarily?"

((OOC: *Vader voice* And no disintegrations))

"Very well, I shall ensure the scholars stay in line with their pursuits," Syana nodded, recognizing that the scholars of the Enclave could often get out of hand in their pursuit of knowledge, "I would be happy to if you might tell me why?"

[zabbarot]

[Just before the commotion...]


Jonas went reeling, and tried to catch himself. Instead, one hand landed squarely upon the young woman’s breast. Luckily, the guards were there to support them. The boy stood stunned for a minute, unsure what to do. “I’m so sorry! It was that Greta! She’s quite the little..” Jonas stopped. Shvedri was gasping, unable to catch her breath. Her face had gone pale. Proper training snapped into place. He was told that sailors often suffered the same when facing their first leviathan. He turned to the guards, and in an urgent whisper said “Find my mother, now! Amber Grant, Regina of the Jeweled Cities.”

Shrugging off the guard holding him, he knelt beside the woman. Taking her hand gently, he tried to recall her name. “Shev.. Shvedri, listen to me. Please. Listen to my voice. You need to take control again.” Looking up, he saw the panic in her eyes, but at least she was looking at him. “Good. Good. Close your eyes and pinch your nose. Really, it will help.”

Shvedristi slowly calmed down and just lied there dazed, looking up at Jonas. "You look just like your grandfather." It wasn't long before she realized she was still lying on the floor, and that there were people watching. Taking Jonas' hand she pulled herself to her feet. "Greta is always such a trouble maker. It'll be just my luck that she turns out to really be the Avatar, and I'm stuck dealing with her forever." She took a moment to dust herself off, which was completely unnecessary because there wasn't a speck of dust in the whole ballroom, and fix her hair, which was sadly entirely necessary because the fall had thrown the whole thing into a tizzy. She managed to wrap the braids into a rough semblance of where they had been before, but it wasn't quite the same.

Shvedri wasn't really sure what else to say, but in a stroke of luck the delegation from the Blazing Temple was arriving, giving her the best possible excuse to step away.

[6:00ish, The Commotion]
King Tendaji rose to his feet taking a central place on the dais.

"Ladies and gentlemen, as you have all hopefully heard by now there is an important event planned for the end of the night. There is simple too much tension to let it wait that long though. I do hope you will not be offended by the change of schedule, but this is an issue that must be put to rest. Twenty-three years ago the Blazing Avatar was slain at the First World's Fair, and with his death the Blazing Temple has been thrown into disarray. There are several children who have been believed to be the reincarnation of the Avatar. We have gathered them all here."

Roughly a hundred mashahidi filed into the room and took over the center of the ball room. With them they brought the sickly child from Hrathan-Tuor. They also approached Greta and Glamora, asking them to follow them to the middle of the room. The mashahidi set to work preparing the area. They scrawled a massive seal on the floor with brightly colored sticks of wax. They looked to Tendaji when they were ready.

"You all might have noticed that my age is catching up with me. It is my hope to do some good before I leave this world. Tonight we will invoke the Great Ancestor to awaken the Blazing Avatar. I have been told this could be quite dangerous. The Blazing Avatar is after all an aspect of the Lord of Fire. Please be aware that there could be a bright flash of light, possibly a flash of heat. I am frankly not sure exactly what to expect so please keep back." With that Tendaji stepped down and headed to take his place in the circle.

Mashahidi sat cross legged around the outside of the seal and began humming a single deep tone. Tendaji stood in the center of the seal holding a wooden pole upright with both hands and staying perfectly still. Greta, Glamora, Shvedrishti, and the sickly child sat in a circle at his feet. Shahidi Zakai, Shahidi Avie, and Shahidi Kilwen entered the main circle while chanting quietly. They slowly circled the children while the chanting grew louder. Soon it began to overtake the humming and there was a gust of wind through the hall. The light crystals all dimmed until the room was like morning before sunrise. The chanting grew louder. Small fires ignited within the seal. The chanting grew louder. The pole burst into flames brighter than any natural fire. The chanting grew louder. A circle of fire rose around the children within the seal, obscuring them from vision. The heat from the fires could be felt at the edges of the room. The chanting hit a fever pitch as the fires reached for the ceiling. There was a sound like thunder and the fires went out.

The room was dark except for the dim glow of the wooden pole, now a pillar of smoldering charcoal, in the center of the seal.


[Pssst Morph, your turn]

[Morph Bark]

Paco stood near Korath and his Empress, a safe distance away from First Brother Adam, who had shot him several nasty looks but hadn't spoken to him directly yet. Next to Adam stood a little over a dozen monks, half of which were dressed in shorter robes--more like tunics--wearing adamantine-reinforced leather armour and longswords sheathed at their sides. A goblin with a two-coloured sword with runes was dressed in similar tunic and stood before them like a leader, along with a human woman who wore face paint to make her resemble a fire berapi, wearing thick and heavy robes. Tyramont and Gisele, two of the monk initiates that had come along with First Brother Adam. One of the unarmed acolytes had her face and hair covered with a thin scarf and she looked with great anticipation at the circle. First Brother Adam did as well, they all did, but his eyes were the ones filled with fear and despair.

Greta walked into the circle with Shvedrishti and Glamora, taking their hands into hers as they walked, squeezing them softly as if in reassurance, but unsure whether it was for their sake or hers. She sat down on one end of their little line in front of Tendaji. Her outfit had gotten ripped and was now without sleeves and the pants had been ripped at the knees, turning the upper half into a skirt and the lower half still tightly wound around her calves. She was barefoot and nervous. What if it suddenly turns out that I'm not the Avatar? She couldn't imagine that happening. She had constantly been told by her parents that she was the Blazing Avatar, by everyone she'd ever met in Gunung, Pryonia, Calorum and most lands in-between. Paco was convinced she was the Blazing Avatar, as had been Jonas, many priests she had met and many she had beaten in a fight. If she wasn't the Blazing Avatar...

Paco was incredibly tense. This was, in a sense, the moment he had been waiting for for over twenty years. He had been a confidant to the Blazing Avatar, had headed the investigation into his murder, had left the Blazing Temple, had spent years educating and caring for Shvedrishti and Greta from their earliest years all the way up until now, all the while travelling the whole known world and places none of the others present had ever seen. He had half his life left to live, but he'd always remember this moment as the pinnacle, the moment when all he had worked for for years came together. He grabbed the hands of the two people standing next to him, to hold on to something real as this most unreal happening unfolded.

Marglum sat on one end of the line in front of Tendaji, doing as he had been instructed. He was still bald as the day he was born, his skin still having that slight purple touch to it, especially around his nails and lips. He looked at Tendaji with a fixed stare, wondering what the king had in mind. They were surrounded by hundreds of Witnesses, Mashahidi, so it was something big. He thought it best to just await further instructions, in the meantime thinking back to his trip here from Hrathan. He had been rather surprised that the High Guildmaster thought it necessary for him to be accompanied by a guard made up of assassins. He wasn't highly placed or important, at most he was a tool of Radurja, as some guildmasters had said about him. The fires suggested to him this might be related to Ignatumna. He didn't really like Ignatumna, but bore with it.

Valineth's breath came in short, halting gasps. What was all this?! The fires and the flames carried on into the heights upwards toward the ceiling, obscuring the king and the children from sight. She felt a hand grasping hers, squeezing it. She looked and saw a broad-shouldered monk next to her with long hair and a braided moustache. The hand was a good distraction in the face of the heat of the flames before her. She stared right into them, her eyes half-shut against the bright light.

Paco shouted into the roaring flames, calling out for Shvedrishti and Greta, hoping that they were alright. With such rituals as this one invoking the Lord of Fire directly, one could never be quite sure what it might bring but flame. He moustache got singed a little--perhaps he was a step too close. He heard shouting behind him and hands pulling his. Yelling told him to not step into the flames. What, step into the flames? Why would he do that? He didn't want to die. He didn't want anyone to die, least of all the children he had cared for for so many years. They were almost like...

Tendaji's old eyes gazed into the flames, the pole before him becoming like the slit of a cat's eye in a giant flaming orb that surrounded him and looked into him at once. It was like his spirit was burning, his skin being plucked at every pore and his eyes melting while yet he could still see it all. A rush of feeling like a jelly-like substance came over him and then he was plunged into something deeper, further, more essential and more dangerous. WHAT IS IT THAT YOU SEEK--YOUR EYES BEG TO WITNESS WHAT NONE LIVING HAVE YET WITNESSED--SPEAK

Within the column Greta kept reciting a prayer to the Lord of Fire she'd been taught from a young age, one of protection, strong will and survival. When the flames roared up, she practically shouted the words. "--MY SISTER!" She shouted as the flames suddenly had died out with a thunderous clap. A few feet away, Marglum's eyes were filled with fear and he looked at Tendaji's feet, rocking back and forth as tears welled up in his eyes.

[SamBurke]

Humperdink returns to the ballroom floor, whispering last minute directions to his son, Inigo. If they were to do it, it would have to be tasteful, perfectly spoken. Hopefully the boy was ready... but who knew? He had much experience in talking, but was that enough for the monumentous task of this, the reverse of Tumberink's Visitation? The birth of an Avatar is no small affair, and could change the world for many years to come.

He stood and waited.

[HisHolyAngel]

Inigo nods. "My father wondered if you could send one of your Priests or Priestesses to Guilder. He did not wish my training in faith to be one of mere months or a year spent in other lands, but instead a honing of the mind. In this light, he asks for someone who is open of mind and bright of soul. His words, not mine." He rubs his neck sheepishly.

"Father has a way for the dramatic, though it's usually toned down from now. And speaking of drama, Lyradis is to be hosting a small session between the great leaders of faith. This palaver simply cannot begin without a representative of Yphine there, and I believe you would make the best candidate."


As to Iron, I figure it's useful for basic military, tools, building, etc, etc. One of the more fundamental resources. Still, I understand if you don't want to trade.


Fabula nods.
"I would be delighted to follow through with that request. I think I have exactly the right person in mind as well."

It's just, I don't really need it. If you'd like something in response to my desire to convert your nation however, I am very happy and open on discussion in that direction.

Lord of Fire Miracle, Fabula, Paco

Fabula races desperately over to Paco, grabbing his arm and squeezing hard. Her eyes were wide, her hair disheveled, and the heat seemed to clearly be affecting her. It is the first time Paco has ever seen her lose her cool.
"What do they think they are doing to her?!"
Through all the talk of "the next High-Priestess" and raising her according to tradition, Fabula was a mother, and it could not be more evident than it was in that moment.

Lord of Fire Miracle, Glamora with other kids

Glamora looks around at the children around her in confused desperation. She had been given no warning before she was carried away to this extraordinarily unexpected situation. As she observed the other children, a booming voice asked a question, and those around her began to speak. She squeezes Greta's hand tight and opens her mouth to speak... but nothing comes out. She tries again. Nothing. Something was wrong and she had no idea what. The voice demanded her to respond, and it would never hear what she had to say. So, when all else fails, she thinks. She thinks hard, and she thinks loud. Little, 8-year-old Glamora thought and thought and hoped the voice would hear her.
I want my mother to be proud of me.

[WaylanderX]

Standing relatively close, Nyllana gathered her entourage. She signaled Grïend.

"You know what do to, Grïend. Let's find out who the Chosen of the One who guards Flame is. I for one am very interested."

She chanted a short prayer to Ashmar, that he would make the correct choice for the most able Chosen for the One who guards Flame. The rest of the deligation bowed their heads as well, joining in the chant.

"Prowess Eternal
Lord of Progress and Life
Keeper of Balance
We all trust in your eternal Judgement
For we all are in your care.

Prowess Eternal
For the sake of Balance
The One who guards Flame
Must be represented
To keep the souls of this world
Trustworthy and loyal to you
Until the end of time.

Prowess Eternal
Keeper of Skill
Protect these children
Let the One who guards have Mercy
To that their spirits
May bring the world
Peace and Balance.

Prowess Eternal
All hail Ashmar
Inochi, Hakobi and Gouyuu
All in balance
as it should be
forever
Hail Ashmar."

Grïend rumbled in agreement.

"VERY WELL...MY EMPRESS......TIME TO SEE....WHAT THE GUARDIAN.....OF LIFE AND PROGRESS....HAS IN STORE...."

Grïend moved in between the entourage and the location of the ritual.
Crossing his arms and seeming to concentrate for a moment, he seemed to hum.
Suddenly, he brought his arms down on the ground with a large and deep "CLUNK".

"DIAMOND....AEGIS!!..."

Grïends arms began to expand outward, crystalizing instantly, shielding the whole Hurosha delegation (OOC: Don't worry, its a fighting style "attack" unique for the Menhîrin, not magic.).

"BRACE YOURSELFS....FRIENDS.."

When the ritual began, they were not prepared for the heat-wave that came their way. Grumbling, Grïend struggled against the heat, even being force back a couple of inches before he could recover.
After the ritual was over, they waited, in awe of the displayed show of force. Grïend broke his defensive formation and leaned on one arm, appearing weakened for the moment. Ashmar has got have great plans for this to happen.

[QuintonBeck]

Syana stood next to the High Guildmaster to her left, Korath and Paco to her right as she watched the ritual begin to play out. It was a sight to behold to see the Faith work its wonders, frightening and awe inspiring, the heat waves prompted her to grab hold of Korath's arm and as they finally ended and dissipated she stood, in confused awe, looking towards the circle to try and determine what had just happened.

[Silverbit]

Razkai and Ali watch the strange events. When the heat washes over them, their Mithril garments protect from the brunt of the blast.

Razkai fingers a talisman of raw iron ore and limestone worn beneath his finery, muttering ancient charms of protection in Razdissi.
"Raud, kaitsta oma poega. Sete, valvama oma venda."

Ali just stands dumbfounded.

[zabbarot]

[Within the Fire]

Tendaji's old eyes gazed into the flames, the pole before him becoming like the slit of a cat's eye in a giant flaming orb that surrounded him and looked into him at once. It was like his spirit was burning, his skin being plucked at every pore and his eyes melting while yet he could still see it all. A rush of feeling like a jelly-like substance came over him and then he was plunged into something deeper, further, more essential and more dangerous. WHAT IS IT THAT YOU SEEK--YOUR EYES BEG TO WITNESS WHAT NONE LIVING HAVE YET WITNESSED--SPEAK

Tendaji's mind raced. He was terrified. He couldn't see his body in his peripheral vision anymore. Only his consciousness was left naked and bare before the eye of god. Tendaji didn't know what to say. He hadn't expected to actually speak with a god. This whole ritual was theoretical. He'd only even taken the central position because the mashahidi thought there was a chance the polebearer could be consumed, and Tendaji refused to let anyone else take the risk.

I-- I just want peace. I hoped the Avatar would burst forth, and keep your church from destroying itself. They can't destabilize. It would drive this whole continent to war. I'm sure Brother Adam believes he is doing the right thing, but he alienates too many doing it.

[Logic]

Hazael took Queen Yasira's hand and kissed it. At least, he thought that was the Celerese custom. This done, he took a step back and bowed to the Celerese Queen.
"Your majesty. Dearest Amalia has told me much about you."
Amalia's hand tightened its grip slightly on Hazael's arm.

"Either you are a scholar of Celerii traditions, or my daughter has been wise enough to show you the customs of our people." Yasira spoke almost coldly to the young prince.

Careful Lass. The way you said that was a tad harsh. I thought you said you weren't trying to push your daughter away.

Yasira dwelled a moment on the thought of her father's sage advice, and smiled a bit awkwardly before extending her hand to Hazael yet again.

"It would be rude to not ask your mother-in-law to a dance, young prince."

[ImperatorV]

As he watched the ritual, Loki Ethmorl found himself wondering about possible military and economic uses of the great flames. That was just the way he was - practical, and not easily shaken. The jarring ending, however, shocked him enough to drive off such thoughts. He stood, walking towards the children.

Is everyone alright? Any injuries? He called out.

Then he noticed Marglum crying. The sight makes his heart skip a beat; the poor boy had nothing to do with this dispute, if he'd been hurt... Hopefully he was just scared by the display. That would make sense.

[Logic]

A relatively short man of a sleight build approaches Lord Cedrick. He is well past his prime, with curls of grey giving way to the occasional bit of red.

"I understand the people of Cassia are blockaded by Southron ships" he whispers, in a nearly perfect Bordeusi accent. "There are those that wish to aid them, provided an understanding can be made."

[Rain Dragon]

He had been about to approach a Guilderene fellow who appeared to be doing nothing of note when it began.

The Blazing Avatar? I have awaited his Return for a very long time now.

Coming as close to the procedings as he dared, Aseha watched with mixed emotions as the ritual began. The Fire grew ever brighter, making it difficult to watch and yet Aseha could not look away. He felt something wet rolling down his cheeks as the Fire grew brighter than any natural fire ever could.

Could it be?

Suddenly, it was gone. All of it, seemingly banished by a tiny voice.

No... No! What could 'ister' even mean?

After calming down somewhat, Aseha suddenly realized he could no longer see. His entire body was filled with pain. Falling to his knees, he called out for help before remembering the curse of his people.

Regaining his composure somewhat, he decided to wait for the blindness and pain to pass.

EDIT - Derp

If anyone is bored and wants to chat to an NPC, I am still around.

[aspi]

Curiuos by nature, the delegation from Wenyavuk had positioned themselves a little too close to get a better look. The proceedings seemed strange to them, yet familiar at the same time. As the fire flared up and the intense wave of heat washed over them, both Näiyop and Ania instinctively took a few steps back to lessen the brunt of the heat, watching through the fingers of the hand they each held up to cover their faces. Inaun however, who neither flinched nor moved, faced the flames directly and seemed to revel in the blazing aura that singed his brows and face. As the flames died down, he was left standing with what resembled a severe sunburn and a faraway look in his eyes.

Bekya, who had kept close to Liam after they had been asked to clear the dancefloor in the center of the room for the ceremony, kept a watchful eye not only on the ceremony but also on the observers. She was focussed on the numerous groups of monks and religious delegations, ready to get her loved ones out of harms way should anyone take offense to the proceedings and foolishly act in anger. For the children she felt a kind of pity that was hard to describe even for her, and once more she was relieved to be a second child. Being a slave to destiny was a curse she wished on no one. When Marglum started to cry, she cringed almost unnoticably and moved a little closer to Liam.

[Elemental]

((OOC: *Vader voice* And no disintegrations))

"Very well, I shall ensure the scholars stay in line with their pursuits," Syana nodded, recognizing that the scholars of the Enclave could often get out of hand in their pursuit of knowledge, "I would be happy to if you might tell me why?"

"It is the most efficient way to spread the word of the plague's origin. Mr arthritis makes me cringe at the idea of signing two dozen messages for delivery by tomorrow morning."



"Either you are a scholar of Celerii traditions, or my daughter has been wise enough to show you the customs of our people." Yasira spoke almost coldly to the young prince.

Careful Lass. The way you said that was a tad harsh. I thought you said you weren't trying to push your daughter away.

Yasira dwelled a moment on the thought of her father's sage advice, and smiled a bit awkwardly before extending her hand to Hazael yet again.

"It would be rude to not ask your mother-in-law to a dance, young prince."

"Of course your majesty."
He took her hand and prepared to begin dancing, uncomfortable though it would be for him. But he stopped when Amalia spoke.
"Not so fast Mother. Hazael had already promised me another turn across the dance floor. He is simply too polite to raise such an objection." Her voice was had the same concealed coldness that Queen Yasira's had.



Some time after these conversations as Tendaji performs his conjuring trick:

As the ritual commenced, King Hazael, his sister Idrisa and her son Shenath were seated at one of the tables in the room, the religious squabbles of the eastern states of no concern to them. Yet they had chosen one close to the commotion as they could not suppress their curiosity at the entertainment that would be provided.
And when it happened, they were horrified. The King of Ashenia rose to his feet and raised his voice, the royal demeanour that had been broken by years of imprisonment returning:
"Enough! They are but children and you subject them to this? I had expected civilisation to prevail in this place, not the sort of barbarity where the young and helpless are forced into a situation of such violence and danger! Tendaji Nia-Rohana, second of that name, King of Genivana, cease this at once, or I will be forced to end it for you."
As he spoke the final words, the sound of mithril rang out as his guards drew their swords in perfect unison.

[zabbarot]

Some time after these conversations as Tendaji performs his conjuring trick:

As the ritual commenced, King Hazael, his sister Idrisa and her son Shenath were seated at one of the tables in the room, the religious squabbles of the eastern states of no concern to them. Yet they had chosen one close to the commotion as they could not suppress their curiosity at the entertainment that would be provided.
And when it happened, they were horrified. The King of Ashenia rose to his feet and raised his voice, the royal demeanour that had been broken by years of imprisonment returning:
"Enough! They are but children and you subject them to this? I had expected civilisation to prevail in this place, not the sort of barbarity where the young and helpless are forced into a situation of such violence and danger! Tendaji Nia-Rohana, second of that name, King of Genivana, cease this at once, or I will be forced to end it for you."
As he spoke the final words, the sound of mithril rang out as his guards drew their swords in perfect unison.

A line of watafiti formed between King Hazael and the ritual. "King Tendaji cannot end the ritual. He is not even running it. He is only there because the mashahidi feared that the Lord of Fire might consume the polebearer." They had tears in their eyes. "The ritual is set up in such a way that no one else could possibly get hurt. But fire must have a way out or it could explode. The pole bearer is the exit. King Tendaji bears the full brunt of the Lord of Fire's strength so that the children will be unharmed." It was clear from the looks on their faces that they would not move. If Tendaji was willing to risk his life they would lay down there own.

[Morph Bark]

Lord of Fire Miracle, Fabula, Paco

Fabula races desperately over to Paco, grabbing his arm and squeezing hard. Her eyes were wide, her hair disheveled, and the heat seemed to clearly be affecting her. It is the first time Paco has ever seen her lose her cool.
"What do they think they are doing to her?!"
Through all the talk of "the next High-Priestess" and raising her according to tradition, Fabula was a mother, and it could not be more evident than it was in that moment.

Paco let go of the people beside him when he saw Fabula rushing towards him. He put an arm around her in an attempt to comfort and calm her. "I..." He looked into the flames. "I don't know, Fabula. But Greta is with her and she would never allow the children to be harmed."


[Within the Fire]

Tendaji's mind raced. He was terrified. He couldn't see his body in his peripheral vision anymore. Only his consciousness was left naked and bare before the eye of god. Tendaji didn't know what to say. He hadn't expected to actually speak with a god. This whole ritual was theoretical. He'd only even taken the central position because the mashahidi thought there was a chance the polebearer could be consumed, and Tendaji refused to let anyone else take the risk.

I-- I just want peace. I hoped the Avatar would burst forth, and keep your church from destroying itself. They can't destabilize. It would drive this whole continent to war. I'm sure Brother Adam believes he is doing the right thing, but he alienates too many doing it.

It was quiet for a while--if you considered the roaring of flames and the sizzling of living beings' bodies to be quiet. Half the roaring came from Greta, who answered the flames in her own way, scared as she was and felt like she needed to protect the children with her, she couldn't control her voice and just roared.

Then the eye opened like a maw. HIS SOUL IS MENDED

The flames burst apart and went through Tendaji and around him and the children, touching and searing their souls. The flames dispersed with a thunderous clap and the circle glowed like the crystals had done before they dimmed, tiny flames dancing on the lines as if the circle were made up of candles.


As he watched the ritual, Loki Ethmorl found himself wondering about possible military and economic uses of the great flames. That was just the way he was - practical, and not easily shaken. The jarring ending, however, shocked him enough to drive off such thoughts. He stood, walking towards the children.

Is everyone alright? Any injuries? He called out.

Then he noticed Marglum crying. The sight makes his heart skip a beat; the poor boy had nothing to do with this dispute, if he'd been hurt... Hopefully he was just scared by the display. That would make sense.

Marglum had fallen forward onto his hands. He looked up at Loki. The whites of his eyes had turn black, making his red eyes more eerie, and his tears were like oil. "It is happening." He said to the High Guildmaster, speaking as if with a shouted whisper, a fear-filled voice. Sparks flew from his tongue as he spoke and a glow from the circle gathered below him as charcoal from the staff detached and flew towards the boy and entered his skin, drawing lines of runes. The glow below him burst and entered him and the boy glowed brightly, his mouth emitting a beam like an intense solar ray. His clothes smelled of burnt hair as he danced around the circle, jerked around by twitching, uncontrolled motions. Flames flew off of him and then suddenly he crashed into the ground faster than gravity could've pulled him. He rolled around, cries of words that couldn't be understood escaping his mouth.

And then it seemed it was over and he lay still.

Greta looked incredulous at the fallen boy, small burn marks on her cheeks where tears had turned to steam instantly, but she and the other girls were otherwise unharmed--physically at least. She held Glamora's hand still. She couldn't believe what had happened. The Lord of Fire had spoken to Tendaji, but she could barely hear it over her own roaring that answered the flames. "I--I'm not?" She muttered slowly, softly. More tears welled up, this time free from flames to assault them. "I'm not..."

She looked up at Tendaji, who stood as still as a statue with the staff still in his hand. His skin had been blackened to a crisp, cracked, with a glow underneath. It was as if the Lord of Fire had petrified him and filled his insides with flame, as if to turn him into a genimawa-shaped furnace.

Paco looked at the girls and sighed a sigh of relief. They looked okay--not so for the boy. He stared intensely at him and what happened to him. He couldn't quite put it, this was new even to him. He had never witnessed the birth of a Blazing Avatar, the old one had been found years before he was born. His mouth hung open in awe and--dare he say it--disbelief. Greta wasn't the Blazing Avatar. Shvedrishti wasn't the Blazing Avatar. Even Glamora wasn't the Blazing Avatar. No, it was the boy whom...


Some time after these conversations as Tendaji performs his conjuring trick:

As the ritual commenced, King Hazael, his sister Idrisa and her son Shenath were seated at one of the tables in the room, the religious squabbles of the eastern states of no concern to them. Yet they had chosen one close to the commotion as they could not suppress their curiosity at the entertainment that would be provided.
And when it happened, they were horrified. The King of Ashenia rose to his feet and raised his voice, the royal demeanour that had been broken by years of imprisonment returning:
"Enough! They are but children and you subject them to this? I had expected civilisation to prevail in this place, not the sort of barbarity where the young and helpless are forced into a situation of such violence and danger! Tendaji Nia-Rohana, second of that name, King of Genivana, cease this at once, or I will be forced to end it for you."
As he spoke the final words, the sound of mithril rang out as his guards drew their swords in perfect unison.

"He's killing them!" First Brother Adam had a look of frightful desperation and determined rage upon him. He cast a look at Tyramont, who nodded at him and rose a hand, at which point the armed monks drew their swords. "Protect the children, as soon as the fire is entirely gone. Gisele?" The woman in heavy robes held up a small kit of healer's supplies and a scroll to show she had come prepared.

[ImperatorV]

Oh ****

Loki sank to his knees.

We were... Wrong?

He stared, eyes glassed over, and slowly stood and walked the rest of the way, standing before Marglum and the blackened Tendaji.

Nathanias, however, was still in control of himself. He flashed a quick but complex gesture, and suddenly dozens of dark cloaked figures appeared in various small alcoves in the dome roof, crossbows trained on the First Brother. On the floor several people who had seemed to be guests and servants produced hidden blades and Hrathanesse crests. Guards began filling in from outside, spears at the ready.

Nathanias turned, facing the Blazing Temple delegation.

If you command an attack, you will be shot down in an instant. You may assist the children, but put your swords away please.

Then he turned to the Ashenians.

Cousins, we have things under control. I would rather not shed family blood in this hall, but if you attempt to hurt anyone I may have to. Please think before you do anything rash.

[aspi]

Näiyop and Ania lower their heads towards the burnt husk that still clings to the stake in silent appreciation of Tendaji's sacrifice, in the knowledge that this is not their place to interfere. Their arms are folded with each hand grasping the elbow of the other arm, the ancient gesture that signifies the perservation of Irfrin's warmth.

After Marglum collapses, Inaun takes the remaining steps forward that separate him from the circle, his gaze still seemingly fixed on something else far away. He steps towards Marglum and kneels down as if to help him but does not touch the boy. He too folds his arms over his charred, crimson robe and whispers in Na'nuki "Elen arey'ja vun'em, u neven an Irfrin"

Tell me what I may do to serve/help* you, Sovereign of Warmth
(* The word he chose has both meanings)

I don't actually expect him to do anything, but whatever does happen is ok in my book - including Inaun not surviving this.

[Silverbit]

Both dwarves present looked in awe upon the new Avatar, then were jerked out of their reverie by the aggressive monks.

Ali joins the Hrathan-Tuor guards, hefting his Sulvan axe.
"We came here to speak and bear witness to the Avatar, monks, not to fight amongst ourselves. Lay a finger on those children and it will be cut off."

[QuintonBeck]

Syana stood a moment in stunned awe, she looked upon the faintly glowing charcoal statue of Tendaji, a man she had known all her life and then at Marglum, glowing with the inner light her grandfather's records had described the Avatar as possessing. The world seemed to slow down around her, everything moving in slow motion as Ashenians and Adam's monks drew blades and the Assassins revealed themselves to counter them. She couldn't believe it, that Greta was not the Avatar, that Marglum was, that Tendaji was dead... It would have been enough to consume her if she hadn't felt a tug on her arm, her daughters, Mira and Sharas were looking up at her crying and scared. Syana didn't know when they had come back from playing on the elephants, or when they had gotten over to her but the fact remained that their presence broke her reverie.

"Put down your weapons!" she shouted to all who had drawn them, "We have just witnessed a death and a frightful miracle, it is fair that we all be frightened but violence shall resolve nothing!"

Syana walked out towards the ritual circle, flanked by her young girls, and stood within it,

"None but the man who accepted his fate have been harmed, let us maintain that and allow the new Blazing Avatar to speak!"

[WaylanderX]

"ENOUGH!!!...THE ONE...WHO GUARDS FIRE...HAS CHOSEN......DO NOT INTERFERE.."

Grïend stood up, moving between the new avatar and the monks. Parts of his crystal body was blackened, giving him a frightning, wicked look. A 5 meters tall mass of pure rage.

"THE CHOSEN...WILL SURVIVE......THE ONE...HAS CHOSEN HIM......YOU WILL NOT DISGRACE HIM....WITH FIGHTING AND KILLING..."

Nyllana shouted something against the other delegates of Hurosha and they moved in perfect unison, forming a line between the would-be attackers and the monks.
She moved in to Grïend, flying above to get a clear view of the battlefield, Aonami already in hand. The others also took her place, Irion, Wayve, Riphal, Helga and Yarick at the front lines and Kokuei drawing her bow and readying an arrow. Eleljak produced a weird looking hookshot from there and climbed on Grïend's shoulders, using him as a gun platform.

"If you really want to protect these children, lay down your weapons!" Nyllana shouted to the onlookers, fury in her eyes.
"What is done is done, and nobody except the one who gave his life willingly perished, what you are doing has no use in this circumstance!"

[HisHolyAngel]

Glamora, Greta

Glamora looks up at Greta, still holding her hand. She tries again to speak, to give words of comfort to the older girl who had helped her only minutes before when she needed comfort. Again, nothing came out. She has no idea why, but she simply squeezes Greta's hand all the tighter.

Fabula, Paco

As the fires die down, Fabula slumps against Paco. She looks like a hot mess.
"The men of the Lord of Fire are all insane..."
She mutters to Paco.

[Elemental]

The King of Ashenia moved slightly to order his guards to dispense with the watafiti so the children could be pulled free, but he stopped when the Fiery One performed his final theatrics for the evening. Tendaji had been burnt to a blackened husk, but the children seemed unharmed. Save, perhaps, for the boy who would now bear the burden of being the avatar.



Then he turned to the Ashenians.

Cousins, we have things under control. I would rather not shed family blood in this hall, but if you attempt to hurt anyone I may have to. Please think before you do anything rash.

The King of Ashenia nodded and his guards sheathed their swords.
"Very well Brother, but see that no harm comes to these children."
With the intensity of the situation winding down to be replaced with tension, Hazael sunk back into his chair. He looked very worn and very tired.

[Morph Bark]

Nathanias turned, facing the Blazing Temple delegation.

If you command an attack, you will be shot down in an instant. You may assist the children, but put your swords away please.

Ali joins the Hrathan-Tuor guards, hefting his Sulvan axe.
"We came here to speak and bear witness to the Avatar, monks, not to fight amongst ourselves. Lay a finger on those children and it will be cut off."

"ENOUGH!!!...THE ONE...WHO GUARDS FIRE...HAS CHOSEN......DO NOT INTERFERE.."

Grïend stood up, moving between the new avatar and the monks. Parts of his crystal body was blackened, giving him a frightning, wicked look. A 5 meters tall mass of pure rage.

"THE CHOSEN...WILL SURVIVE......THE ONE...HAS CHOSEN HIM......YOU WILL NOT DISGRACE HIM....WITH FIGHTING AND KILLING..."

Nyllana shouted something against the other delegates of Hurosha and they moved in perfect unison, forming a line between the would-be attackers and the monks.
She moved in to Grïend, flying above to get a clear view of the battlefield, Aonami already in hand. The others also took her place, Irion, Wayve, Riphal, Helga and Yarick at the front lines and Kokuei drawing her bow and readying an arrow. Eleljak produced a weird looking hookshot from there and climbed on Grïend's shoulders, using him as a gun platform.

"If you really want to protect these children, lay down your weapons!" Nyllana shouted to the onlookers, fury in her eyes.
"What is done is done, and nobody except the one who gave his life willingly perished, what you are doing has no use in this circumstance!"

Glamora, Greta

Glamora looks up at Greta, still holding her hand. She tries again to speak, to give words of comfort to the older girl who had helped her only minutes before when she needed comfort. Again, nothing came out. She has no idea why, but she simply squeezes Greta's hand all the tighter.

Fabula, Paco

As the fires die down, Fabula slumps against Paco. She looks like a hot mess.
"The men of the Lord of Fire are all insane..."
She mutters to Paco.

First Brother Adam gestured at the monks to put their swords away and they followed his order. Tyramont's thumb caressed the pommel of his sword as he stared Ali in the eyes. "Speak no threat to those who threaten not the ones you say to protect, dwarf." But the blade remained sheathed.

Greta seemed to register her hand being squeezed and looked at Glamora with a distant gaze. She slowly seems to come out of it and nods at her, as if in thanks. What mattered was that they were okay, she told herself. She rose and walked past Loki to Marglum as one of the monks of the Blazing Temple rushed towards him, one wearing too heavy robes for this climate. She knelt by him and extended her hand to feel the pulse of his neck.

Paco swallowed. "That we are." He replied to Fabula, as he held onto her until the flames had died down. He looked at the other monks, who had not yet entered the circle. He frowned. "It's not safe yet." He muttered. His eyes shot to the children. What did Adam know that he did not?

And then the world exploded.


To be continued...


Post is unfinished, but as I have to be off for a little bit and afterwards will require use of a different computer, I best post what I yet have and continue on a little later this evening. Cheers!

[TheWombatOfDoom]

((This is in the bubble before Morph's current cliff hanger when people are reacting to the event itself:))


Curiuos by nature, the delegation from Wenyavuk had positioned themselves a little too close to get a better look. The proceedings seemed strange to them, yet familiar at the same time. As the fire flared up and the intense wave of heat washed over them, both Näiyop and Ania instinctively took a few steps back to lessen the brunt of the heat, watching through the fingers of the hand they each held up to cover their faces. Inaun however, who neither flinched nor moved, faced the flames directly and seemed to revel in the blazing aura that singed his brows and face. As the flames died down, he was left standing with what resembled a severe sunburn and a faraway look in his eyes.

Bekya, who had kept close to Liam after they had been asked to clear the dancefloor in the center of the room for the ceremony, kept a watchful eye not only on the ceremony but also on the observers. She was focussed on the numerous groups of monks and religious delegations, ready to get her loved ones out of harms way should anyone take offense to the proceedings and foolishly act in anger. For the children she felt a kind of pity that was hard to describe even for her, and once more she was relieved to be a second child. Being a slave to destiny was a curse she wished on no one. When Marglum started to cry, she cringed almost unnoticably and moved a little closer to Liam.

Liam was started by the power of the event, and instinctively took up a protective stance, and without thinking as Bekya drew closer, he snatched her hand into his. He continued to watch the events unfold, not even noticing the hand in his, too caught up in what was going on. It seemed, at his core, his instincts had spoken for himself.



"He's killing them!" First Brother Adam had a look of frightful desperation and determined rage upon him. He cast a look at Tyramont, who nodded at him and rose a hand, at which point the armed monks drew their swords. "Protect the children, as soon as the fire is entirely gone. Gisele?" The woman in heavy robes held up a small kit of healer's supplies and a scroll to show she had come prepared.

Lyra quickly stepped over to Adam, and put a calming hand on his shoulder. "Come. Let us meet the new avatar with empty hands and open minds. I am aware of this danger you fear, but should one attempt the first spark of danger, it should not be you. Friends!" she spoke to all. "A new Avatar is among us. Give your arms away and gain your joy, what once was put out has been made anew!"

[Rizban]

Sorry I didn't get this posted sooner. Been having some internet problems and had my focus on other threads.
Her rant interrupted by the proceedings, Simmony shies away from the events. No follower of the Lord of Fire, she has no desire to be anywhere near the burning flames and steps out of the room as the voice starts to speak from the heart of the fire. However, she remains not far away so that she may easily return when those matters are settled. The shouts of anger and screams coming from within the ballroom reaffirm her decision.

[Silverbit]

((This is in the bubble before Morph's current cliff hanger when people are reacting to the event itself:))

Lyra quickly stepped over to Adam, and put a calming hand on his shoulder. "Come. Let us meet the new avatar with empty hands and open minds. I am aware of this danger you fear, but should one attempt the first spark of danger, it should not be you. Friends!" she spoke to all. "A new Avatar is among us. Give your arms away and gain your joy, what once was put out has been made anew!"

((Pre-explosion time bubble))

As the monk puts away his sword, Prince Ali still looks up at Adam and maintains eye contact, but lowers his axe to a less threatening position.
"Aye. We should celebrate. It's just that it's hard to dance with joy when your partner has a drawn weapon. My apologies to the monks, but my 'threats' were merely in reaction to their actions. And I strive to protect all here with peaceful intent."
He puts his axe away entirely at his last words.

[ImperatorV]

While we wait for resolution... TIME BUBBLE!


Humperdink grins, pouring from the flask into both of their goblets. "I can appreciate that more than you know... There's no way to be Doge in Guilder without running one or two guilds in your time." He grins, pointing to one of the rings on his fingers. "I know Ivar's a little old, but, my daughter Yvinia..." He pauses, watching Yvinia. Apparently, the girl's impulsive streak was worse than he realized; she'd already asked for Ivar's hand to dance. "I hope she's practiced..."

"Hiiiiiiii!" She bounces, laughing and bowing a few different ways. "I wanna make sure I bow right for you, so, lemme do a few more, alright?" After another string of strange pre-dance dances, Yvinia's done. "You're Ivar, right?"

Ivar's smile widened visibly as Yvinia went about her antics. Then, in a single fluid motion he imitated every one of her strange moves, struggling and partially succeeding to appear dignified through all of it. In actuality he regretted the decision almost immediately, but felt the embarrassment would be greater if he didn't finish what he'd started. Would it be better to laugh about it, or rapidly change the subject? She'd seemed fine with her own antics, but would she also see a different person, especially an older man, trying the same thing in a different light? He decided to go with plan "Change the subject." You're correct, about my name that is. You came with the Guilder delegation I believe? What would your name be?

Loki followed the Dodge's gaze, and promptly snorted wine, spending the next minute coughing it out of his system before winking at Humperdink.

Now that was interesting. I personally have no idea what our progeny are up too, but I'd wager it ends the way you were going to ask me about.

[zabbarot]

It was quiet for a while--if you considered the roaring of flames and the sizzling of living beings' bodies to be quiet. Half the roaring came from Greta, who answered the flames in her own way, scared as she was and felt like she needed to protect the children with her, she couldn't control her voice and just roared.

Then the eye opened like a maw. HIS SOUL IS MENDED

The flames burst apart and went through Tendaji and around him and the children, touching and searing their souls. The flames dispersed with a thunderous clap and the circle glowed like the crystals had done before they dimmed, tiny flames dancing on the lines as if the circle were made up of candles.

As the fires died down Tendaji was finally visible. Though he was charred and smoking the mashahidi in their osuro induced haze saw a young man standing proud and regal. The fires had consumed the ravages of time. His eyes were clear and brown. His mane of long dreadlocks were as red and radiant as the fires at his feet. Shvedrishti stared at him with awe. She remembered this Tendaji from long ago. This was the Tendaji that she had... Mosi had spent summers sailing and fishing with. He looked at peace.

Shvedrishti looked up to see Marglum's transformation. Brother Adam was right? It probably shouldn't be so surprising. Something strange was happening though... The Lord of Fire had left but there were was still so much energy in the air. And it all seemed to be coalescing... Shvedrishti's eyes grew wide. There was too much energy in him. Fire always needs an exit.


Paco swallowed. "That we are." He replied to Fabula, as he held onto her until the flames had died down. He looked at the other monks, who had not yet entered the circle. He frowned. "It's not safe yet." He muttered. His eyes shot to the children. What did Adam know that he did not?

And then the world exploded hopefully doesn't explode.

"Get back!" Shvedrishti didn't really have a plan of action, but Mwalimu did. She embraced the Avatar and kissed him. The room was filled with a bright green light as vines exploded out of Shvedrishti's back in the form of massive wings. They stretched to the ceiling and from wall to wall. Shvedrishti's small frame was wracked with energy, but it was rapidly wicked away through the vines. The quickly began to burn up in the heat.

Mwalimu is an ancient Genivana forest goddess who bonded with Mosi a while back...

@Morph: So I rolled like you said... it was bad. Really bad... I don't wanna die again ; . ;

[QuintonBeck]

Syana heard the shout of the young Shvedrishti and looked in time to see her leap onto Marglum. Syana wrapped her children around in front of her with her arms, pulling them into her chest tightly and turning her back to the two young godlings, hoping her back would absorb whatever force might burst forth and that she might protect Sharas and Mira in some way from whatever might erupt. She heard the sound of pounding feet encased in metal running towards her from behind but she didn't have the time to see who was running to throw themselves between her and the two reborn faithful.

[SamBurke]

While we wait for resolution... TIME BUBBLE!



Ivar's smile widened visibly as Yvinia went about her antics. Then, in a single fluid motion he imitated every one of her strange moves, struggling and partially succeeding to appear dignified through all of it. In actuality he regretted the decision almost immediately, but felt the embarrassment would be greater if he didn't finish what he'd started. Would it be better to laugh about it, or rapidly change the subject? She'd seemed fine with her own antics, but would she also see a different person, especially an older man, trying the same thing in a different light? He decided to go with plan "Change the subject." You're correct, about my name that is. You came with the Guilder delegation I believe? What would your name be?

Loki followed the Dodge's gaze, and promptly snorted wine, spending the next minute coughing it out of his system before winking at Humperdink.

Now that was interesting. I personally have no idea what our progeny are up too, but I'd wager it ends the way you were going to ask me about.

"It certainly would! If it weren't Yvinia talking with your son... She's, erm... less than clear-headed."

"I'M YVINIA! Unless I'm not... I pretend I'm not sometimes, when Inigo is being all stuck up. I pretend that I'm the long lost Tumberink and I've come to reclaim the throne cause Tumberink never died --real Doges don't die, you know, there aren't any graves for any of them!-- and it annoys him. But you don't seem annoying. So I'm Yvinia." She nods her head authoritatively, clearly satisfied with that explanation. "Who are you again?"



BEFORE THE EXPLOSION:

Humperdink nods, motioning to his assorted fellow conspirators. They slid to the edges of the room, retrieving their packages and donning the costumes; one from each nation, though all with a bronze sword of Guilderene make. Then, quietly, they moved to the front of the room, ready for the next step.

[aspi]

When she heard Shvedrishti's scream, Bekyas first instinct was to look for her father and aunt. The two had reacted quicker than her and were headed for cover behind a pillar at the edge of the hall. She didn't know if they would reach it before whatever Shvedrishti was warning them about hit, but there was nothing she could do to aid them. Reflexively, she flipped over one of the food tables, sending the few cupcakes that had remained on it tumbling onto the marble floor. Putting all her weight into the motion, she dragged Liam and Lyra, who were standing beside her, down behind the table, heavily hitting the floor herself. It took her only a moment to regain her orientation and she looked out from behind the makeshift cover, her eyes searching the room for the fourth member of the Na'nuk delegation. That was when she saw the mystic, kneeling directly in front of the circle. "UNCLE INAUN!" she screamed at the top of her voice, hoping to jolt him from his trance.

[Morph Bark]

Just to note first, the voice of the Lord of Fire was meant to be heard only by those within the fire. I figured gods wouldn't let just everyone hear them even with a miracle going on.

I suppose the very Faithful might be able to make out some of it though, at least the LoF-worshippers.

Also, aspi's given me free reign over Inaun for this post, should that otherwise confuse anyone.

As the fires died down Tendaji was finally visible. Though he was charred and smoking the mashahidi in their osuro induced haze saw a young man standing proud and regal. The fires had consumed the ravages of time. His eyes were clear and brown. His mane of long dreadlocks were as red and radiant as the fires at his feet. Shvedrishti stared at him with awe. She remembered this Tendaji from long ago. This was the Tendaji that she had... Mosi had spent summers sailing and fishing with. He looked at peace.

Shvedrishti looked up to see Marglum's transformation. Brother Adam was right? It probably shouldn't be so surprising. Something strange was happening though... The Lord of Fire had left but there were was still so much energy in the air. And it all seemed to be coalescing... Shvedrishti's eyes grew wide. There was too much energy in him. Fire always needs an exit.


"Get back!" Shvedrishti didn't really have a plan of action, but Mwalimu did. She embraced the Avatar and kissed him. The room was filled with a bright green light as vines exploded out of Shvedrishti's back in the form of massive wings. They stretched to the ceiling and from wall to wall. Shvedrishti's small frame was wracked with energy, but it was rapidly wicked away through the vines. The quickly began to burn up in the heat.

Mwalimu is an ancient Genivana forest goddess who bonded with Mosi a while back...

@Morph: So I rolled like you said... it was bad. Really bad... I don't wanna die again ; . ;

And then the world exploded...

As soon as Greta's fingers touched Marglum's skin flames erupted from the spot, and the boy's skin seemed to come apart. She could barely make out Shvedrishti leap over them, lunging at Marglum to embrace and kiss him as he erupted into a fiery display of destructive power. She couldn't quite comprehend it when massive wings made out of vines of green light arupted from Shvedrishti's back and circled around them all, containing the energy within.

Marglum's eyes shot open when Shvedrishti's lips met his and his fingers clawed at the ground. His eyes turned into pools of liquid fire and his skin began to burn away, his limbs being torn apart from the force within as it all began to swirl out of him into a torrent of a fiery wind within the circle, held back by Mwalimu's vines. The power ripped almost everything apart, showing no mercy on mortal or matter. The floor came apart, remaining only intact where the wax lines had been drawn, adding burning debris to the contained hurricane.

Inaun wasn't the only one who had stepped into the circle, but as far as he knew he was the only one from Wenyavuk and the only priest of the fiery god whom Tendaji had called upon. He sat knelt next to Marglum, Shvedrishti and Greta, holding on to his ivory walking cane for dear life as he felt his skin turn to ash and his hair singe away. His mouth was so dry he could no longer speak, making what he tried to say to Greta all but inaudible. The amber stone in his cane filled with light and heat, and the last thing the priest of Irfrin saw with widened eyes was the flames coalescing around Greta and entering her as curvy lines of light were drawn on her skin.

From the outside all that could be heard was a high-pitched cry of desperation as the flames began to seemingly die down. The fiery light disappeared from within the glowing green viney tentacles. Marglum's lips had retreated from Shvedrishti's and all that remained of him was a fine dust and a spark of fire that danced within the edges of Shvedrishti's eyes. The fires that had danced on the wax lines had died out and the lines no longer glowed.

Greta stood up slowly and looked at herself--at her hands, her body, touching her face, all of herself. Her clothes looked burnt, but she was entirely unharmed, just like Shvedrishti and Glamora. Curvy lines of light were drawn across her tanned skin. Her brown hair had turned ashen grey, but perhaps that was from actual ash. She felt strong within, but immensely confused. Marglum had been the Blazing Avatar! And now... was she now the Blazing Avatar? Would she explode like him when someone else would touch her? She wasn't about to take any chances and distanced herself immediately from Shvedrishti and Glamora, and only then did she realize the full extent of what happened when she looked straight in the face of Loki Ethmorl. High Guildmaster. Triumvirate founder. The greatest Military genius of this century. Friend.

Dead.


The fire has been mostly contained by Mwalimu's vines, but all those within the circle who are not Greta, Shvedrishti or Glamora are dead/effectively dead (hi Tendaji). This includes Loki Ethmorl, Inaun, Gisele, very possibly the hundred Mashahidi, and any other mortal within the circle. It's kind of up in the air whether Grïend is in it, since the monks stood one step away from the circle and he's quite huge, but he survived at least.

However, due to Shvedrishti's inexperience with such raw magic power, four named player-controlled characters beyond those stated in this spoiler have also perished or will perish as result of wounds suffered. Feel free to describe them as being either within the circle or hit from a rogue spout of fire. It is up to the players to decide which named characters perish, but no more than two per player shall die (including Loki and Inaun). EDIT: Three mashahidi were named. One of these has survived. (The mashahidi were considered separately from the other characters due to actively partaking in the ritual.)

This concludes the miracle. Happy weekend!

http://furiousfanboys.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/grrm-funny.png (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3QW8PVyyNM)

[Silverbit]

Explosion:

As Ali lowers his axe, Marglum explodes. The dwarf was not within the circle of fiery death, but he was still too close to avoid consequences.

Ali jerks back from the sudden light, clutching his left eye. Smoke rises; it is clear to all observers that Ali is now (messily) lacking one eye. Only some sort of divine mercy or whim spared his other.

This isn't going to count as a death, but the Unbroken Line seem to have a lot of eye injuries, so I've added another. Random? Symbolic? A familial curse? You decide.

[Elemental]

A lash of flame had become separated from the main inferno and struck the King of Ashenia in the chest, missing his heart by mere centimetres. But that didn't matter, he was old, the burning flame had cut deep into his chest and coursed through his veins, searing his lungs and trachaea. He had already had one minor heart attack that night and his failing heart could take no more. Death was both painful and instantaneous.
Though he sat flanked by his sister and nephew, neither they nor his guards were immediately aware of this as they had all been forced to shield their eyes. But when they were finally able to look at what had happened, Idrisa leaned across to whisper to her brother and as she did so, noticed his wounds. She momentarily recoiled in horror before checking for his pulse and needless to say, she found none.
Trembling with anger, she slowly rose to her feet. When she spoke, she said but one thing, and though her voice was not raised, it nevertheless was filled with simmering rage.
"Explain."

[QuintonBeck]

Syana felt at first the cold touch of metal on her back and arms wrap around her own that encircled her children, and then a flash of heat so intense she smelt hair burning and her eyes began to water only to have the tears immediately disappear in the face of the heat. It was a horrendous moment of eternity and then it was over and the heat was gone, but the feeling of hot metal still bore itself against her back.

She unclenched her eyes, looking down at her daughters, who despite a few singed bits of hair and light coating of ash on their bodies where they had been uncovered looked fine, she twisted around to see what was behind her, fearing as she did so what she would find.

Korath.

His arms that had been wrapped around her cracked away from her like a horrendous burned out log as she turned around to face him. His fine Ashenite features were blackened darker than her own, his fine hair gone, and his Mithril armor where it had not been pressed against Syana was blackened with soot. A horrified gasp came up into Syana's throat and she reached towards her husband's petrified form, not even noticing the burns up her own arms that had consumed her sleeves of her clothing and scarred the flesh underneath.

She touched his face gently, feeling the cracked blackened skin peel away at her touch and she began to sob dryly. Her daughters looked up before she could stop them and saw their father, blackened and burnt. She grabbed them quickly, before they could look longer and turned them around, hiding their eyes with her soot covered hands. She knelt there, holding her daughters, her breathing heavy with sorrow and pain.

============================================

Across the room Avie Barasa, lay amongst his mashahidi brethren, burned thoroughly as they all were, but still breathing unlike most. Kilwen, his friend and partner for so many years lay next to him but no breath disturbed his chest. However, it was not sorrow or pain that Avie felt, lying there amidst the dead, but an intense feeling of relief. He could feel his own strength giving way, sapped away from him by the heat of the Lord of Fire but he knew it was not disappearing, simply moving into the space beyond. Joining with the spirits and the Great Ancestor in a place beyond understanding, and this thought gave him relief. He would stand with Kilwen yet again, each reborn in forms more fitting than any on Telluris might ever hope to be. He closed his eyes and a smile crept onto his face as he began to slip away.

[aspi]

Bekya was drawing a deep breath to launch into another shout at Inaun, when Greta touched Marglum and the world turned white in a flash of light. Bright lights dancing in front of her eyes, she dropped down behind the table, her back pressed against the Nyrothan oak and her hand still squeezing Liam's. Gusts of fire washed over the table, singeing her hair but fortunately not piercing the sturdy wood. Her view shifted back to her father and aunt, who had not reached the safety of the pillar before the firestorm broke out.

As a lance of fire lept past them, seemingly having a life of it's own, Ania turned her head to look back while running. Her mind refused to process the infernal hurricane that was barely contained within the vines which kept burning up in the intense heat, just to be replaced by new twines growing... out of the back... of the Genivanan... woman? For a moment she thought she'd seen Inaun in the circle, but wasn't certain. She paid for her lack in attention dearly, when a half molten slab of stone that had been ripped from the floor smashed into her shoulder, sending her tumbling to the ground.

After the flames had finally died down, hopefully for good this time, Näiyop had dragged his sister behind the pillar and kneeled over her. She was still breathing but her breath was shallow, her left shouldercrushed and burnt badly, the blue silk dress still smoldering. The smell of burnt flesh was suffocating. The chieftain saw to Ania as best he could, but knew that his talents lay elsewhere. With surprisingly steady voice he called "I NEED SOME HELP, PLEASE!". He didn't notice the tears that ran down his face, smearing the ash that covered it.

[Zap Dynamic]

Prince Krama cursed himself as he toppled a table near the back of the hall. He was from Dara. They had always told stories of the Fireblight, a crater left from the ascension of the last Blazing Avatar. The people of Dara heard the blast a hundred miles away. He saw the smoke still rising from its blackened maw when he was a boy, decades after it had happened. Krama had identified with that power. His red godana and ash-white dye were inspired by that crater.

Anguri was already behind the table with Lomadi. Krama turned to see Ujval hurrying over in his robes. Behind him, hundreds stood in even more ridiculous costume as the Genivanan King stood blackened in the center of the circle. Swords were drawn. Angry words filled the room. There was no time to save them. Krama might not even be able to save his family, he remembered so foolishly late.

"Brother!" He shouted to Ujval as they leapt over the table. "Brace yourselves!"

Moments passed. All the Raaneki, even old Banani, had made it safely behind the thick oak table. Krama could be glad of that much at least. But his Islander cousins. Bekya and the Na'nuk. His neighbors and dear friends in Lyradis and Razdis. He hoped his ancestors would forgive him should his negligence kill all these and many more besides.

He heard his name, and looked to see King Ujval climbing back over the table. "No!" he shouted, but the look in the King's eyes brooked no argument.

"Shvedrishti!" Ujval said, eyes wide with fear. "We are Raaneki!" The King turned back to the circle, and Krama saw nothing but light beyond the edge of the table. He shut his eyes but it did nothing.

When the flames died, Krama heard Lomadi scream. He looked, and King Ujval was slumped over the table. His face was red and ashy, but he groaned. He was alive. He and Anguri lifted their brother back over the table and laid him on the ground. His eyes were shut tight.

"Pure Eyes," he said after Lomadi had poured Heartwine into his mouth. "Such wisdom and glory as I have never seen. Hear me: she is the future of our spirit, even as the ancestors are our past."

Krama's tears flowed. His brother, King of Raaneka, whom he had sworn to protect, would never look upon his children or his wife or any other lover or friend again. Krama had seen these eyes, this face, on those unfortunate few who could not master the berundas they sought. Recovery was beyond hope.

[Aedilred]

Athelmere

"Is that... it?"

By the time the blast had reached them, it had lost much of its energy. That, and the reaction speed of the young people standing there, had saved them from any serious injury. It wasn't clear whether Mere's move to shield Tempest with his own body had actually accomplished anything, but it had looked impressive at least. He pushed himself to his feet.

"We should find your family," he said, after a moment. In truth he was more concerned about his own, but having assumed the role of gallant he felt responsible and obliged to see it through. He scanned the debris and shocked survivors; inevitably, his father, still a striking figure in his slightly scorched black and purple garb, caught his eye first, and a tide of relief rushed over him as he continued looking for Amber Grant.

Then he saw his father kneeling, and that relief curdled in an instant. He left Tempest and ran.


Athelmark

Athelmark had never been so happy not to have had a weapon to hand, nor that none of his party save Marrik were armed. Otherwise he might have been tempted to get involved, and that would probably have seen him dead. Marrik, who had taken the worst of the resulting scorching for him, was already standing, dusting himself off instinctively before he realised his king was still prone and offered a hand. Athelmark waved him away.

"I can still pick myself up off the ground without your help, you know." Marrik wasn't listening.

"Lord king," he said, pointing to a prone figure on the dancefloor. A few feet, not so far that you would have thought it would make a difference, but for whatever reason it had. He wasn't sure how he recognised his daughter; even her bright clothes had been charred, but nevertheless upon first seeing her he had no doubt.

He knelt next to her, and in saw in the corner of his eye Mere running across the room towards him, leaving the side of the island girl he'd been fondling all evening.

"She's alive," said Marrik, holding her hand, "thank the gods."

"Thank the gods?" Mere said, in a voice loud enough to attract momentary attention from those nearby, though all of them were too engrossed in their own personal calamities to pay much attention. "You say that as if this was an accident, something unavoidable, something the gods spared her from. We all know who did this to her!"

Athelmark's relief that his son didn't have a weapon returned momentarily returned. He stood.

"She's alive, and that's what matters," he said, his voice thick with barely-concealed emotion.

"This was wrong," Mere said, shaking his head. "Marrik, give me your sword."

"Don't be a fool."

"Mere!" the king snapped, putting as much authority into the syllable as he could muster. "Do not make the mistake of thinking you are the only one upset by this. But look around you and remember where you are. Remember who you are and who you represent. This is not the time for pointless anger. If you want to make yourself useful, go and find a physician."

They glared at each other.

"Father?" A weak voice broke the tension.

"Eirwynn, it's all right." Athelmark knelt again. "We're all alive." He looked up at Mere. "Physician. Now." This time, his son didn't hesitate.

"Father, are you there? I can't see you."

"I'm here," he said, taking her hand.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have stood so close. It was foolish of me."

He half-laughed at the absurdity of her apology. "You don't need to be sorry to me. I'm just glad you're alive."

Marrik met his eye and shook his head.

"Tell Mere I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have made fun of him with the island girl."

"You can tell him yourself," he said. "He'll be back soon with a physician." He couldn't remember seeing his children speak after Athelmere had started dancing with the girl, so it seemed her memory was distorted, which did not bode well. Or maybe his own memory was jumbled. "Just lie still."

"I saw the Lord of Fire," she said. "It was glorious." Her hand went limp.

Athelmark stood and hauled a tablecloth from the nearest buffet table with a tremendous crashing of crockery and glassware. It was a poor shroud for the meanest of his people, but it would serve for now. He walked back and laid it gently over his daughter's body.

"Find my son," he said to Marrik, "and contain him. I will not have it said that-" he broke off for a minute and shook his head. "I will not lose another child today." Marrik nodded and went to search for Athelmere.

Athelmark looked out across the carnage. So many were dead. A dwarf staggered nearby, clutching at the gory ruin of an eye, but he was at least upright. The Raaneki were clustered around the body of their king; it was impossible to see at this distance whether he was dead or alive. Someone was shouting.


"I NEED SOME HELP, PLEASE!"
He strode over to the pair, a man kneeling over a woman; he recognised neither.

"What can I do?" he asked.


It was only several hours later that he finally allowed himself to weep.

[BladeofObliviom]

Fire washed over the tables, over the guests, and over the floors.

The Frosten were harder-hit than most; their inability to efficiently disperse heat was a blessing in the chilling northlands they hailed from, but against the intense flames of the Lord of Fire himself they were woefully unable to protect themselves well enough. Of all of the Glazfellar present, only their King remained so much as conscious, through what must have been sheer force of will.

The crown, red-hot but quickly cooling due to the influence of those gems in it, still sat atop his head, the left half of his face singed black with soot and pain. One eye would likely never work again, and some flesh began to peel away at the edges of the wound. Still, his focus was elsewhere: Upon a completely dessicated body, one that had been standing far too close to the explosion, rendered unrecognizable but for the intact crown upon its head.

"No..."

The King's voice had changed slightly, growing scratchier and deeper. Still, he reached one hand out, to brush his son's face, and found it crumbled under his fingers. Not a single other word was uttered by King Hroar as he wordlessly carried his unconscious (but luckily uninjured) daughter and each survivor among his retainers back to the carriage they arrived in on, and set off in the night.

"Hmph. Humans."

[Lord_Burch]

Bekya was drawing a deep breath to launch into another shout at Inaun, when Greta touched Marglum and the world turned white in a flash of light. Bright lights dancing in front of her eyes, she dropped down behind the table, her back pressed against the Nyrothan oak and her hand still squeezing Liam's. Gusts of fire washed over the table, singeing her hair but fortunately not piercing the sturdy wood. Her view shifted back to her father and aunt, who had not reached the safety of the pillar before the firestorm broke out.

As a lance of fire lept past them, seemingly having a life of it's own, Ania turned her head to look back while running. Her mind refused to process the infernal hurricane that was barely contained within the vines which kept burning up in the intense heat, just to be replaced by new twines growing... out of the back... of the Genivanan... woman? For a moment she thought she'd seen Inaun in the circle, but wasn't certain. She paid for her lack in attention dearly, when a half molten slab of stone that had been ripped from the floor smashed into her shoulder, sending her tumbling to the ground.

After the flames had finally died down, hopefully for good this time, Näiyop had dragged his sister behind the pillar and kneeled over her. She was still breathing but her breath was shallow, her left shouldercrushed and burnt badly, the blue silk dress still smoldering. The smell of burnt flesh was suffocating. The chieftain saw to Ania as best he could, but knew that his talents lay elsewhere. With surprisingly steady voice he called "I NEED SOME HELP, PLEASE!". He didn't notice the tears that ran down his face, smearing the ash that covered it.

Without a word, a tall man kneels next Ania. He wears a silk robe, but he has a short sword strapped to his side and a fearsome mask and helmet. He starts to tear off parts of his robe and wrapping them around her shoulder. As he wraps with one hand, he pulls out a salve with another, gentle smearing it on top of the bindings.

[aspi]

He strode over to the pair, a man kneeling over a woman; he recognised neither.

"What can I do?" he asked.


Without a word, a tall man kneels next Ania. He wears a silk robe, but he has a short sword strapped to his side and a fearsome mask and helmet. He starts to tear off parts of his robe and wrapping them around her shoulder. As he wraps with one hand, he pulls out a salve with another, gentle smearing it on top of the bindings.

As Näiyop looked up to the grey haired man he had seen around earlier but not been introduced to, he seemed even less like a ruler than usual and more like a simple man that worried for his sisters life, neither trained nor experienced in war and loss. He began to answer but paused, shaking his head "I... am not sure." Blood was seeping from the lacerated burns on Ania's crushed shoulder, staining the cheftains hands. Her arm stuck out at an unnatural angle and even the slightest movement caused her to groan with pain, even though she was unconcious.

Näiyop breathed a sigh of relief as the elf kneeled next to his sister and began to bandage her. Even though the treatment caused her pain that he almost physically felt himself just from watching it, the man in the silk robe seemed to know what he was doing. As his hands applied the bandage, Ania finally calmed. With a sad smile the chieftain attempted to bow while he was still crouched, resulting in a mtotion that would have been comical in any other situation "Thank you kindly." He turned back to the king "Please help me bring her to safety. I must find my daugther... and Inaun."

[WaylanderX]

The first blast knocked everyone off their feet, save for the monolith and himself. Riphal steadied himself, using his adamantine tower shield as support, unsure of what was going on. He was dizzy of the heat and couldn't seem to think straight.

Suddenly, images flared before his eyes. He saw Grïend ablaze, being launched into the air on a stream of fire, his crystals burned black. Kokuei lying dead on the floor, every bone in her body broken, with the charred monolith lying motionless nearby.
Then, all of a sudden, his dizziness was over and his sight returned to the world of the now. All of the delegates were laying on the ground, with only Grïend still standing. Suddenly, he recognised the situation. It was as if the whole world was moving at the pace of a snail.

He shouted:

“Grïend, BLOCK!” At the Menhîrin, while he ran full speed towards his beloved.

Grïend, realizing that he was still in danger, just had time to avert his torso, protecting himself with his arm. However, it was not enough. A huge flare busted through the defensive vine network and hit Grïend square on his arm and torso. If Grïend had failed to block the flare, they would not stand there at all, they would’ve been burned to a crisp instantly. Although Grïend had blocked the flare, the sheer force of the impact was still enough to launch him into the air, roaring in pain, catapulting him like he was but a small pebble.

He ran. He ran with all his might, despair fuelling every muscle in his body, shouting Kokuei’s name from the top of his lungs. Reaching Kokuei a second before Grïend would hit her, he shoved her out of the way with a quick, powerful shove of his tower shield, turning towards Grïend to block him. He had just enough time to regain his balance and use his best defensive technique, which his father taught him so long ago. The resulting shockwave from the block was enough to extinguish nearby flames and for a moment it seemed that he could succeed. But it was to no avail. The sheer mass of the monolith was just too great. His adamantine tower shield eventually crumpled under the immense pressure and he was hit by the full weight of the Menhîrin. His world only existed of pain and despair, painted red by fear, every bone in his body being cracked and pulverised.

Kokuei saw Riphal running towards her, shouting her name. He shoved her aside, hard enough to send her reeling a couple of meters. She then saw him turning, blocking a crystalline mass barrelling towards him. With a shock, she saw his shield crumple, his body breaking and being thrown away because of the immense impact.

“NNNOOOO, RIPHAL!!” She cried out, fear and deep sorrow clouding her heart.

Grïend’s body missed her by a hair width, one of his crystal protrusions cutting an shallow gash on the right side of her face. She could not care less though. The crystal giant crashed down and grinded to a halt. Her movents filled with despair, Kokuei stood up and hurried towards her lover’s side.

Riphal was in a bad condition. Every limb in his body was broken, most of his ribs pulverized. He would not live long. He coughed up blood while Kokuei slumped down beside him, tears running in rivers on her face. Riphal managed to smile, despite his injuries. He weakly raised a hand, holding it to her cheek. Kokuei grabbed the hand, crying in it and hugging it with all her might.

“I See You, my *cough* love. My Prowess was great *cough* enough to change fate. I am so grateful *cough*that you are unharmed. I can’t say the same about *cough* me, unfortunately.”

He looked sideways at Grïend.

“Grïend *cough*, you really have a huge weight problem *cough*, you know. You should *cough* try dieting sometime.”

Another face entered his field of vision. His sister’s. Nyllana
.
“Hey sis, I guess I am *cough* the first to go.”

Nyllana couldn’t do anything but sob while she stroked Riphal’s hair. Riphal laughed, a small laugh, wrecked with coughs.
“Ashmar, protected *cough* you. I was chosen to carry *cough* out his protection. I gave *cough* my life willingly and I would choose the *cough* same path if I could.”

Everything began to blur and his pain began to fade. He was dying and fast. He summoned all his remaining strenght to speak for the last time.

“Live on you two. Make me proud, make father proud. Don't grieve me, but life with pride. Prowess………Eter…….nal………..”

Finally his eyes closed, his hand fell down beside his body. Kokuei cried out in anguish, Nyllana slumped into a pile, her face void of any emotions, her soul not yet fully comprehending what just transpired.
Grïend stood up, heavily charred but alive, and crashed back down again when he saw Riphal’s body, immediately understanding what happened. The rest of the delegation gathered around Riphal’s body, all sharing in eachothers grief. It was only because of him that any of them was still alive. He gave his life for them, out of love and out of honor. In that moment, there was no Prowess greater than his.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile, on the ocean, a cloaked figure was rowing inside a small boat, struggling to keep it on course. At the moment Riphal died, he stopped and looked to the north, silent tears flowing from his cheeks.

“You did well. You made the right choice. I am proud of you, Riphal, and I will always be. Rest in peace and eternal Prowess, my son.”

His two companions shouted at him to get back control of the boat, so he quickly grabbed an oar and starting rowing once again. He wasn’t done with this just yet, he would have to grieve once he saw this through.

[Lord_Burch]

As Näiyop looked up to the grey haired man he had seen around earlier but not been introduced to, he seemed even less like a ruler than usual and more like a simple man that worried for his sisters life, neither trained nor experienced in war and loss. He began to answer but paused, shaking his head "I... am not sure." Blood was seeping from the lacerated burns on Ania's crushed shoulder, staining the cheftains hands. Her arm stuck out at an unnatural angle and even the slightest movement caused her to groan with pain, even though she was unconcious.

Näiyop breathed a sigh of relief as the elf kneeled next to his sister and began to bandage her. Even though the treatment caused her pain that he almost physically felt himself just from watching it, the man in the silk robe seemed to know what he was doing. As his hands applied the bandage, Ania finally calmed. With a sad smile the chieftain attempted to bow while he was still crouched, resulting in a mtotion that would have been comical in any other situation "Thank you kindly." He turned back to the king "Please help me bring her to safety. I must find my daugther... and Inaun."

As Alexai stood, as he pointed at the where his bandages covered the worst of her burns, he gestures to his salve and draws a circle in the air, with what appears to be another circle and a crescent opposite another. Then, he pulls out a small dab- barely enough to cover the tip of his thumb- and holds up one finger with his other hand.

[zabbarot]

Shvedrishti could only watch as Marglum disintegrated in her arms. She slumped into a pile of ash and cried. Despite her best efforts almost all the mashahidi had been killed in the explosion. Past the edge of the seal it seemed like most were okay, but she could see the spirits of the mashahidi dispersing. They each approached her in turn whispering softly in her ear. "This was no one's fault." "You were magnificent." "We will see you again." "Be strong, Shahidi Mkuu." "Hakuna matata."

Meanwhile the watafiti were picking up the pieces, putting out fires, helping the wounded. They layed out the dead as they cleared the rubble in the center of the room. Ninety-two dead mashahidi plus King Tendaji who they left standing. His soul had not yet departed. Perhaps it refused. Shvedrishti looked into his charred face, still seeing his young face. "Tendaji, this... this was an act of hubris. The fire worshippers must solve their own problems. Just because they are our friends does not mean we can hold their hand through every crisis. They must choose their own course. Sweet, sweet Tendaji, if the whole world had your heart I know not if we'd be a race of fools or paragons. Rest now, but return to me swiftly. Let your sorrows end with this life. Come back an innocent."

With that she turned to Greta. "Less than an hour ago, I lamented the idea of you being the Avatar. I was troubled by your boisterous behavior, and your constant horse play. Now I only hope you haven't changed." Her face was covered in ashes and lined with the clean trails left by tears. "Please just say you're the same. Please." The tears were welling up again.

[Aedilred]

Näiyop breathed a sigh of relief as the elf kneeled next to his sister and began to bandage her. Even though the treatment caused her pain that he almost physically felt himself just from watching it, the man in the silk robe seemed to know what he was doing. As his hands applied the bandage, Ania finally calmed. With a sad smile the chieftain attempted to bow while he was still crouched, resulting in a mtotion that would have been comical in any other situation "Thank you kindly." He turned back to the king "Please help me bring her to safety. I must find my daugther... and Inaun."
At mention of the man's daughter, Athelmark feels a twist in his stomach, but fought it down. "Of course." He stoops and lifts Ania, gently but firmly, taking care to avoid her injured shoulder taking any of the weight. He nods to the elf. "Does she require further treatment immediately? I'll take her to an antechamber where she can have some peace, away from... all this."

"Go and find your daughter," he says to Näiyop. "We will take care of this lady."

[Lord_Burch]

At mention of the man's daughter, Athelmark feels a twist in his stomach, but fought it down. "Of course." He stoops and lifts Ania, gently but firmly, taking care to avoid her injured shoulder taking any of the weight. He nods to the elf. "Does she require further treatment immediately? I'll take her to an antechamber where she can have some peace, away from... all this."

"Go and find your daughter," he says to Näiyop. "We will take care of this lady."

He bobs his head side from side, considering, then nods his head decisively. He mimes breaking something, then points to her arm. Again, he points to his salve and repeats his previous motions.

[Aedilred]

He bobs his head side from side, considering, then nods his head decisively. He mimes breaking something, then points to her arm. Again, he points to his salve and repeats his previous motions.
Athelmark nods, and carries Ania towards the door, trying not to look at the scenes around him - partly so as not to give the impression of gawping at the injured or bereaved, but mostly because he fears his resolve would otherwise fail. He sees Empress Syana with her arms round her daughters, looking utterly distraught. How could this have been allowed to happen? Somewhere in the chaos he thinks for a moment he catches a glimpse of Simmony. He doesn't look again, not yet. He can't shake the feeling that if he met her eyes she'd be smirking.

He kicks open a damaged-looking door in the corridor outside, which obligingly falls off its hinges with hardly any resistance. The expense of replacing it is meaningless in the grand scheme of things, so he can't imagine Syana will mind. He glances back at the elf - "where shall I put her down?" He remembers vaguely, seemingly an age ago, Lord Cedrik's advice not to allow himself to be alone with the elves, and realises he no longer cares.

[Lord_Burch]

Athelmark nods, and carries Ania towards the door, trying not to look at the scenes around him - partly so as not to give the impression of gawping at the injured or bereaved, but mostly because he fears his resolve would otherwise fail. He sees Empress Syana with her arms round her daughters, looking utterly distraught. How could this have been allowed to happen? Somewhere in the chaos he thinks for a moment he catches a glimpse of Simmony. He doesn't look again, not yet. He can't shake the feeling that if he met her eyes she'd be smirking.

He kicks open a damaged-looking door in the corridor outside, which obligingly falls off its hinges with hardly any resistance. The expense of replacing it is meaningless in the grand scheme of things, so he can't imagine Syana will mind. He glances back at the elf - "where shall I put her down?" He remembers vaguely, seemingly an age ago, Lord Cedrik's advice not to allow himself to be alone with the elves, and realises he no longer cares.

Alexai points to nearby table, mostly clear except for a spilled ink bottle and parchment. His tunic in tatters, he holds one hand up and acts as if unspooling a long piece of fabric from it. He then points towards the door and makes a shooing motion. Pointing at her, he takes two fingers and places them on his wrist, then over his heart.

[Aedilred]

Alexai points to nearby table, mostly clear except for a spilled ink bottle and parchment. His tunic in tatters, he holds one hand up and acts as if unspooling a long piece of fabric from it. He then points towards the door and makes a shooing motion. Pointing at her, he takes two fingers and places them on his wrist, then over his heart.
Athelmark pauses - the elf clearly wants him to leave, but is it to fetch more cloth or simply to get out of the way? He is about to leave in search of cloth just in case, then stops and shakes his head as if exasperated at himself. He removes his woollen cloak - a little scorched and tattered but still with plenty of fabric - and holds it out to the elf. "Will this do?"

[lt_murgen]

[Just before the commotion...]
*snip

Jonas blushed at the mention of his grandfather. The man was a legend he never felt quite worthy of. "Nature has a way of working things, my mom says." He told her as she fixed her hair.


***During the event****
Everyone was so enthralled with the spectacle that no one noticed Tempest and the Jarrland boy slip away. They seemed quite taken with each other.

Jonas watched with great anxiety as the ritual went on. Something about Shvedstri captivated him. She wasn't like Islander girls at all.

As the fire washed over the girks, Jonas found himself trying to rush to theiraid. His mother restrained him, pulling him away from the circle. Which was a good thing, as they were too far away to be much affected. Still, the blast burned him badly, hurling him against the wall.

[QuintonBeck]

Life began to move normally again around Syana and she took a deep shuddering breath, and then another, more level. She rose slowly from the scorched floor, lifting her daughters up with her as well, holding their hands she walked out of the circle. The first face she saw was that of her brother, Dyamusan.

"Thank the Ancestor you're alive!" he shouted, rushing to his sister and embracing her.

Syana returned the embrace, thankful that her brother hadn't been harmed and seeing over his shoulder that the Lady Alice was alive and well too.

"I'm glad you are safe Dyamus."

"I wasn't anywhere near the blast, me or Lady Alice, but you, you were-. I'm glad you're okay sister."

"Take the girls, get them to the Hall of the Empress and make sure they're comfortable," she moved to kneel down in front of the girls,

"Go with Uncle Dyamus, okay girls? Mommy will be there shortly,"

The two girls nodded, their eyes welling with tears but each staying strong.

"Alice?" Dyamusan asked, looking at his betrothed as he took the girls' hands, one in each of his own and began to make his way towards the doors to the Hall of the Empress that had remained solidly in place, "Let's get the girls to safety, then we'll come back and find your father and brother."

Syana turned away from her brother and his Bordeusi fiance, making her way back towards the circle, eyes avoiding the sickening statue of her husband and the strangely serene one of Tendaji, she was instead focused on Greta, PAco, and the First Brother Adam, watching to see what the representatives of the Fire Lord would do now that their Lord had killed so many.