[EMPIRES!] Frost Moon Festival II, Year 459

[Lord_Burch]

The city of Arissyeux, having grown outside of its former walls, sprawls along both sides of the river that now bisects it, with the black moon surrounded by a light blue corona. The walls themselves remain in good repair, though starting to deteriorate in some of the seedier areas of the city. Three thousand soldiers garrison the city- double the normal garrison, no doubt because of the security concerns other international events have had in the past. As representatives and rulers enter the city, local city guards restrict personal, armed guards to four due to security concerns. Similarly, foreigners are requested to stay within certain parts of the city- the Rue de Commercent and the Lord's square, as well as a couple of smaller, aristocratic streets and alleys branching off. The beauty pageant, for which the festival is perhaps best known, is open to foreigners; however, they will not be allowed to observe or participate in the religious observances that accompany the festival. Most of the Silver Moon nobles congregate in the Lord's Square, while merchants and shops are along the Commercent.

Miranda Bordeux- Lady of Bordeux
Aaron Nu- Minister of Trade (Malkavan native)
Tessa Bordeux- 20 year old daughter of Miranda
Fiona Brockton- Widow of Zuida Rongyao

[Morph Bark]

Forty years ago, his father had attended the Frost Moon Festival of Bordeux, flying in by griffin from Celero with the woman who would ultimately become his wife. Gun Huang did not have that relationship with Celero himself, but he had no need for griffins. In the dark of the night under the starry sky, he flew for Arissyeux in the company of eleven others, all trained in huma riding and capable enough fliers that he trusted them to make the trip with him this far up north. He had heard Bordeux had capable fliers as well, using the kingbirds that were native to one of their southern lands. He was quite curious about that, but far less so than he was about the beauty contest that they organized during the festival. Of course, he wasn't here merely for pleasure. His was a diplomatic mission for the Imperium, and he'd have to carry it out first.

They came in flying from the southeast and landed near the gates. He hadn't been to Arissyeux before, but from above it looked great as it prepared for the festivities. Gun Huang drew back his hood and pushed the flier goggles from his eyes up into his hair. He saluted the gatesmen and got off the large bird. "Annyeonghaseyo." He greeted them in formal Salterri fashion--a greeting often used by military men meeting foreign colleagues.


Imperial Prince Li Gun Huang Jarrow, 22 -- Games Champion, only currently living male Li family member, single
Zuei Markus Shuyan, 47 -- participant in the First Tellurian Games, athlete mentor, member of the Zuei noble family
Lann Mïng, 30 -- nobleman of the Lann family based in Salteire, bureaucrat
Officer Xin Rufus Liao, 29 -- nobleman of the Xin family, redhead, flight captain, single
Jin Yuan, 19 -- nobleman of the Jin family, personal attendant of Imperial Prince Li Gun Huang Jarrow, single
Lord Wiman Markus Gougeo, 31 -- Southern Salterri noble of the Wiman family, noted gambler
Yeongna Pakkim, 21 -- member of the Yeongna lesser noble family, personal guard and servant of Lord Wiman Markus Gougeo
Yeongna Sokkim, 21 -- member of the Yeongna lesser noble family, personal guard and servant of Lord Wiman Markus Gougeo
Officer Wang Augustus Hubohaijo, 32 -- nobleman of the Wang family, flight major, single
Lord Hong Bang, 33 -- Eastern Salterri nobleman of the Hong family, noted musician
Heike, 17 -- personal guard and servant of Lord Hong Bang, crushes on Lord Wiman Markus Gougeo
Genji, 18 -- personal guard and servant of Lord Hong Bang
Dadu Lelian, 26 -- wealthy Komola woman
Imma presume this is 457, especially since the Frost Moon Festival seems sort of like a Bordeusi Christmas and thus close to an end-of-year celebration, so this'd take place after the Hundred Seas Conference.

[Lord_Burch]

The captain of the guard glances up as the Salterri arrive, a hint of distaste in his eyes, Salterri, I guess? Weapons here, gesturing to a table to his left. Next to it stand two younger guards, probably new recruits or levies to compensate of the massive influx of population the city goes through during the festival. Royals keep their weapons, you'll be well-guarded in the city, etc., etc. The Lady wishes to speak with one of you- though I don't see anyone who would resemble the Qzaress she wanted to see. If anyone else wants a guide, I can assign a guard. See any trouble, find a silver cloak. I'd avoid the seedier arts of the city, if I were you. None of you are exactly well-loved here, not withstanding the general criminals who congregate during any gathering like this. Thieves, pickpockets, the like. Not many would mind, either, if it were you all- not the ones who aren't paid to, anyway.

[MintyNinja]

A small, single mast boat rowed its way up the river. The hull was carved in the likeness of thousands of scales and the sail was a familiar dark red leather. It flew no flag, but it didn't try to approach the city directly. About a hundred yards downriver the skiff dropped anchor and a pair of figures disembarked onto the shores. One an older man a bald head, grey beard, and a bent back, the other a beautiful woman at least half his age. They both wore long pants and full-sleeved tunics of deep blue. She wore a thin crown about her hairline, and he a sword at his belt. They walked the rest of the way to the city gates, alone and in relative quiet.

Finding a guard at the gate, the older man declared, "This is Queen Ellyn Caine, of Novrania. Here at the behest of the Lady of Bordeux for the Frost Moon Festival. We're not too late, are we?"

Queen Ellyn Caine, (34) - A notable Captain of Novrania in her own right, she rules alongside King Corvus and speaks for Novrania when he is not present.
Captain Zalkus Ausan, (64) - The Queen's father and personal adviser to the King and Queen of Novrania. He was present during the Hundred Seas Conference, but chose not to speak.